Review: Shredded: An Extreme Risk Novel by Tracy Wolff

In this intense and exhilarating New Adult series debut, a hotshot snowboarder and a rebel with a cause try to let go of the past—and find a future with each other.
 
Twenty-one-year-old professional snowboarder Z Michaels is the bad boy of Park City, Utah. He’s always had his pick of any girl in town—and on the competition circuit. But underneath his cool exterior is a young man in turmoil, trying to take the edge off tragedy by overindulging in sex and shredding the slopes. In fact, Z’s rash behavior is a thinly veiled attempt to blunt his emotional suffering with physical pain.
 
Ophelia Richardson isn’t like any girl Z has ever met. Though she’s from New Orleans, she’s no Southern belle—and she’s not shy about being miserable in frozen, godforsaken Park City. But after nearly dying in the same drag-racing accident that killed her boyfriend, she needs a place to heal, both physically and emotionally. The last thing Ophelia wants right now is a boyfriend—especially one as rich and reckless as Z. But Ophelia soon discovers that he isn’t what he seems. If anything, Z may be even more damaged than she is.
 
Feeling alone in the world, Z and Ophelia find a connection unlike any they’ve ever known. But their tormented pasts pull them in every direction, forcing their relationship into a downhill slide before it even begins—unless they can find the strength in each other to trust, grow, and love again.

My Thoughts:
I wasn't sure how I was going to like this book when I first started reading it, but it quickly sucked me in and I flew through it. It's filled with a variety of interesting characters and the world of snowboarding is kind of fascinating to read about. I really liked all of the characters - which is kind of rare for me (there's usually at least one I can't stand) - and I can't wait to read more in this series. What can I say? Z is a real charmer, a to die for hero living on the edge, trying to reconcile with his past and decide if he even wants to have a future. He kind of takes his talent for granted at first and doesn't work it the way his friends and agent want him to. But then he meets Ophelia and everything changes. She really gives him a run for his money and suddenly, life starts making sense for him again. This ended up being a pretty quick read for me because I enjoyed it so much, but it does end on a cliff-hanger that sets up the next book in the series - and it's kind of a shocker. Much love to this story!