Unsteady

The Torqued Trilogy #1

by Shey Stahl

“There’s parts of her that were completely untouched until my dirty hands pulled her in, marking her in all the ways she needed.”

Desperate to find a new mechanic, the last thing Reddington expects is a woman to show up, let alone one with a sinful body, sharp tongue, and the inability to just do her job and not give him lip.
He can’t deny he’s hoping to catch a view of her bent over a hood, but there’s not a chance in hell that’s going to happen. As much as Red wants to take her for a test drive, he knows he needs to keep his priorities straight.

“Have you heard of Newton’s third law of motion? Every action has an equal and opposite reaction? It all goes back to one saying. You’re able to choose but you’re never free from the consequences of your actions. There’s no reset, there’s no takeback, there’s an action, and an outcome.”

After fleeing from an abusive ex, Lennon hopes the garage bays of Walker Automotive will keep her dark secrets hidden from her past. What she doesn’t expect is a sexy, brooding, tattooed boss with an attitude.
Neither of them can ignore their attraction as they struggle to make sense of their connection. And what happens next will no doubt be unsteady.

“I’m not going to let him hurt you anymore, Lenny. I won’t let him anywhere near you.”

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, New Adult, Contemporary, Abuse, Sports, Enemies To Lovers

450 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 31, 2016

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author, Shey Stahl is a lover of sunsets, dirt track racing, collecting antiques, and the south, where her soul wants to be. Writing is her passion, giving words meaning, and readers experiences they’ll never forget. Currently she’s living in the pacific northwest with her husband and daughter, she can usually be found near a dirt track with an iced coffee in hand.

Visit her website for additional information and keep up to date on new releases: www.sheystahl.com

You can also find her on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/sheystahlauthor

Follow on Instagram: http://bit.ly/2Bdh0t4

Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/2rfQ0cI

Reviews

[Natalie ~ The Biblioholic · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story had great potential. It really did. And as it's the first book I've read from this author, it was a good introduction to her work.

However...

1. The errors were absolutely atrocious. Whether it was spelling mistakes, wrong word usage, or missing the word completely, it made reading a tad bit difficult.

2. What was up with all of the similes and metaphors??? I'm all for an author flexing their writing chops. But... most of these were complete nonsense. They made NO SENSE to me. I read and re-read all of them and I still couldn't figure them out. Had me reading this damn book with a stupid look on my freaking face!!



Yeah, that kind of look. And I was in freaking public!

But I digress...

Aside from all of that, the story was actually quite good. There were many elements I did enjoy. I liked the development of Lenny and Red's relationship. I liked that the author made Red feel guilt for moving on from the death of his wife. It was a natural feeling and made his pain more real for me. Lenny's wacko husband on a rampage definitely added that dose of suspense the story needed. However, my favourite part of this tale was Red's 5yo daughter, Nova. This kid was such a delightful character. I can't tell you how many times she made me laugh throughout this book. She was adorable, sweet, curious, feisty, and scarily precocious. She made this story.

XO

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ Red Stars!

Hit all the right notes for me! Sweet romance, steamy slow burn, intriguing plot and characters, and a HAE without a cliffy ending. And all the feels... So many feels!

[Crystal B · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/24/2020)! 🎁

[Madia M]

DNF @ 31%

I’ve been having trouble reading recently and have stuck to rereads so maybe this book has fallen victim to my sump but I’m not into it and I’m going to stop now before I do more damage.

The book gives everything away from the start. We’re just told the backstory and it’s sad but I’m not invested in these characters enough to really be torn by it all. Like I said, we’re TOLD the back story, told the present story. Just told everything and there’s little show.

The characters are so full of themselves. Red thinks he’s the unattainable sex god and the poor soul is being chased by every woman in town. Lenny, she’s just so special off course, so unique and the only woman Nova will respect/happily interact with other than her grandma and aunt. Nova is supposed to be a sassy and adorable kid but all I see is a future bully and brat being encouraged by Red.

Overall it’s a no from me, at least right now.

[Ofelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book about realizing that you need to learn to love, respect and know yourself worth in order to be able to move on and find your happiness.

[Lissa Smith Reads'~A Bookaholics Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars:
Stahl out did herself here. I was engaged throughout the book. At time I was on an emotional roller coaster. I was appalled. I cheered. I sighed. I swooned. I was charmed by a 5 year-old. I cried. I fell in love.

My only complaint is that the next book in the series is not out yet and I'm stuck waiting. Now that sucks!

Among some of my favorites. Outstanding literary work. The characters are well developed, interesting. The liked characters are likable and the hated are unlikable. The writing is captivating enough to keep you interested until the end and leave you wanting more. It has a fairly original or uniquely well-developed plot. The pretense and romance was well balanced and done with properly distributed amounts of hints, behaviors and chemistry. Not so much predictable if at all. Overall, loved it, I recommend reading!!

[Chris Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so Loved This Book

OMG Just what I really needed, a ginger alpha who is so sexy and loves cars. I laughed so hard I cried, I had tears and had several conversation telling certain characters what they needed to do. As with Shey's books you really feel involved and you really feel every emotion. I can't wait for book two. This is a MUST-READ!!!!

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK so...... I am in love with Reddington, Lennon and Nova!!! Seriously this is one of the best books I have read all year!!!

From start to finish I was completely gripped and I couldn't put it down. I love how the story unfolds, its not rushed and everything is exactly how it should be!

Lennon is a baddass, she is a mechanic who has had to deal with a horrible past that she just wants to escape from, moving to Lebenon and working at Walker Automotives is her chance at a fresh start and the boss man isn't to bad on the eyes either (bonus). She running from an abusive relationship and for me she is so brave, she never complains about the hand she has been dealt and just gets on with it everyday! She has to be one of my favorite heroines to date.

Now ladies...... Reddington Walker, well what can I say brooding, hot, quick-tempered, hot, single daddy, hot, super dad, hot.... the list is endless. He, like Lenny has suffered with a terrible passed, you get to see straight away the hardship that has been the passed 2 years of his life. Left to raise a 5 year old, a sassy 5 year old at that, and you cant helped but instantly fall in love with him. Yes he is a grouch but you can defiantly understand why. He is a brilliant daddy and being that he lives in small town seems to very popular with the ladies. Red hasn't been interested in women since he lost his wife 2 years ago, until Lenny..... He originally thinks that he is hiring another male mechanic to help with the backlog of work at the shop, but to his surprise Lenny is a very attractive, very talented female mechanic. He immediately goes on the defensive acting rudely towards her, their banter is hilarious and something that throughout the book keeps you turning the page.

Nova, well what can I say I have a 4 year old and she is a little sassy madam at times and sometimes the things that she says has me in stitches. Nova was exactly that, her innocence and sass made for a beautiful little girl who loves her daddy very much, her relationship with all of the characters in this book was brilliant to read but the moments where it was just her and Red melted my heart.

This book is amazing and I am so glad I came across it. It is definitely a re-read for me and Red has 100% made it to my top BBF list. This book has something for everyone, comedy, angst, heartbreak, romance, cheeky little girls, strong female leads, family, and a hot as help protective alpha hero.

I haven't read a book by Shey Stahl before but I can definitely say that this will not be the last time I'll pick up one of her books. I am looking forward to seeing what happens with Tyler and Raven and to catch up with Red, Lenny and Nova. I am seriously gutted that their story is over and I can tell you that this book is one that will be sticking with me for a few days to come, I entered their world and got lost in their story and that exactly what a 5 star book does :D

[Aoibheann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Genre: Romance, New Adult
Recommend: No

Book 1 (Individual Story)
SPOILERS

Review originally posted on Aoibh Reads




Lenny is in an abusive marriage and one night she is pushed so far, that she packs her bag and leaves during the night. Contacting an old friend, she manages to get herself a job as a mechanic.
The garage is owned by Red. Red's wife was murdered a few years previous and since has not even glanced at another woman. Until he meets Lenny. The pair fight their attraction for a while, but all becomes unsettled when Lenny's husband follows her and brings trouble with him.


I don't know where to begin.

The writing was way too much tell and no show. At the beginning we are introduced to Red and his entire backstory just plonked on the pages in front of us. Then we meet Lenny and we get her backstory on a plate. There was no gradual finding out of information and read as if both characters were giving a speech on their lives.

Secondly, the sexual attraction between the pair did not feel genuine. Red was still mourning his wife and by the sounds of it saw a lot of hot ass in shorts - what was it about Lenny that got his attention? Yeah she was good with his daughter but he acknowledged she was the first female that his body reacted to and that's bull. We are meant to believe the thing between them is the real deal or whatever but we only get physical assessments about her ass, legs, boobs etc.

Now onto the automotive element. I have a degree in automotive engineering and work on my own car and with friends on theirs, so I know a thing or two about an engine. When I find a book remotely concerned with cars/racing, I want to read it! However, I end up being disappointed. The fact Lenny is a mechanic is fact enough. We do not need to be baby fed info about cars;

"Then she takes the shock in her hands and compresses it. Usually, a shock will take some effort to compress, and this one glides freely in an up and down motion"

Alright, so not everyone would know how a shock works, but this could've been written so much better. Like having a character comment on it rather than TELLING the reader a shit ton which breaks up the fantasy element of a reader spying on the characters.

"...flipping the page to the repair order where the customer is complaining about having an oil leak for the last three months. People are idiots when it comes to cars. There's just some things that should be common sense. Like oil leaks. If you have one, get the damn thing looked at before it destroys your engine."

What is the purpose of that other than informing the reader about oil leaks? I'm meant to be reading a romance, not a Haynes manual. It just offsets the pacing horrendously.

"Daniel's working under the hood of that car checking the oil by pulling out the dipstick."

We don't need to know what Daniel was doing on the car, and ending it at checking the oil would have sufficed.

"People and their goddamn rattles. They sometimes forget these are cars made of metal and plastic and when you're going down the road and all that plastic is flexing, it's going to fucking rattle."

Lol what?! Car manufacturers (designers and engineers) invest a shit ton of money into getting the NVH of all materials used in cars optimised to prevent rattles. The flexing of any material is assessed and hence so many polymers are now used, where plastics are reinforced with fibres to provide adequate strength but remain light weight to decrease "flexing". Secondly, manufacturers will also assess the joining compatabilties of any materials in contact, to minimise, but hopefully eradicate, any rattles. Now, older cars are more prone to rattles due to aging of materials and being produced before the recent material and testing developments. However, as an owner of car older than myself, which rattles, I can sympathise with the people Lenny hates on, as they are extraordinary undesirable. In most cases, these rattles are simply components having come partially lose, and if ignored can cause further damage to vital components and affect the road worthiness of a vehicle. Why would any mechanic turn down payment for simply the tightening of a few screws or nuts?

Apart from that, the story was ok. However, the writing needs work. I'm by no means faulting the knowledge on cars, I've read about the author and she says she grew up in a mechanic environment and fair play to her for incorporating her experience and knowledge into a novel, but when you go overboard in displaying this research forcefully in a novel, it becomes boring.

Overall:

I had such high expectations but honestly, I skipped so much of the dialogue and sped-read towards the end just to complete it. So, as a result, I wouldn't recommend this.

See more of my reviews here

[Lisa Baffi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars!!

I loved this story! The way Red and Lenny were able to give each other the ability to love one another. Also, the interactions between the family was so entertaining. Then, I have to acknowledge Nova, she was such a funny and spirited child. Lastly, the sex scenes were steamy.

[Christy Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book. To me it seemed kind of long reading this and it had some repetitive parts. At one point I thought maybe I was rereading a page I had already read but then it followed by something I hadn't read. Other than that this book had alot of emotions and a great story line. Red...wow he was just so amazing!

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweetness

This was a good book, Lenny has a rough past and finds love just when she thought she was going to focus on herself. Love has a way of healing all wounds and this book shows that. I expected Red to be a bit more alpha male but Iiked his character.

[Mindi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm

Don't get judged with me. While I had every intention of loving this book something happened toward the end & I'm not really sure as to what it was. I loved the single dad not wanting go forget his first wife type of conflict. Plus the whole hardened possibly jaded against every male out there woman, just makes when they fall that much better. But it was just the way that it ended that bothers me. She should have been shot. Now before you get mad at me let me explain myself. He felt guilty about not being able to save his wife so it just seems like the same situation should have occurred. With the exception of her dying, obviously. By like with him there able to save her, then maybe he could have let go of his guilt. I absolutely loved Nova! She was the prefect balance of sassy & innocent. So all this combined would have been enough for me to give 4 stars but there was just so many typos & I can't totally remember but there's one part in a chapter that was just like "where did this come from?" Made no sense with what was going on or what it was meant to mean. So I'm not sure I'd recommend but I would her FMX series.

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️’s - Ok, so I’ll start by saying that the plot/storyline is great. The characters are likable, well developed. My main complaint would be, and I usually try to stay away from commenting on stuff like that, the inconsistencies in the story. Random things that got to me because there were so many of them. Like, for example, the heroine talking to her friend/cousin Tyler, and he is being referred to as Ben. Or telling us how she had been married to Ben for years, which is actually one year. Or mentioning couple of times how she had met Ben in a bar, then it was at some race of sorts. Or how like the hero is standing with his arms crossed over his chest while his hands are in the pockets of his jeans. You get where I’m going? There were lots and lots of things like these, which is a bummer because the story itself is really good.

[Leticia Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

In an attempt to leave behind her abusive husband, Lennon seeks refuge in a "man's world". She's a female mechanic with the ability to work just as hard as her male co-workers, proving that she's more than just her good looks. Expecting a male new hire, she is the last thing Reddington is expecting to see walk into his shop. Red is a single dad with a lot on his shoulders and a haunted past. They can only deny their feelings for each other for so long before the tension finally explodes. What happens next will no doubt be "unsteady".

Shey Stahl is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors with her ability to write about certain forbidden topics. There are several scenes in this book that are hard to stomach but you can't help but flip the pages in order to find out what happens next. Red and Lenny are so guarded and you can literally feel the tension! The night of the July 4th cookout when their resolve starts to fade was probably my favorite part. However, when Red's daughter asks Lennon if she thinks her daddy is handsome was a close contender. The scene when Lenny's ex finally finds her was really well written. The emotion that was displayed was phenomenal.

This book deals with some pretty heavy stuff. Check **TW & **CW before diving in!

[iloveladyporn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lenny has had a rough life but she's not about to let someone beat her down. When she is given the chance to start over it's not going to be easy - she didn't pick a profession women are taken seriously in but she will prove herself. Red has been keeping to himself even know half the young girls in his town are constantly throwing themselves at him. When Lenny walks in his shop it's the first time in two years he's had a reaction to a woman. It's a sticky situation and Red tends to be a bit grumpy on most days. When these two actually hit the sheets it's a sexual explosion. Danger was lurking and they let their guard down. When the smoke clears hopefully they can keep building on what they started. Some hot steamy sec scenes. Fantastic ending.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted this book to be so much more. I thought with Red being a mechanic and all he had been through he would be this macho alpha male. Sadly that's not how I saw him. I loved his relationship with Nova but aside from that he didn't impress me. When he wasn't being an asshole he just seemed weak.
As for Lenny I didn't like her at all. I kept hoping that my feelings would change that she would grow on me, but the more I read this book the less I liked her.
I just had a hard time getting through this book. I usually finish a book within a day and this one took me forever to get through. It just couldn't hold my attention enough to stay focused on it.

[Harmeen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nova is the star of this book. Everything else was just meh!!
They were way too much horny for my liking plus a lot of inappropriate stuff that happened throughout the book. why was he ogling a teenager’s boobs, who might or might not have been 18? The whole thing with Daniel wasn’t funny, it was crass and creepy. Elle breastfeeding a 4-5 year old and that too in front of Red. Wtf. No mention of the sexual assault that Lenny faced that night afterwards. NOVA GETTING PRETTY BEATEN UP DURING THE BEN SCENE AND NO ONE JUMPING IN TO SAVE HER ?? NOT A SINGLE MENTION OF THERAPY FOR THAT POOR CHILD.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decided to try something different, and was happy to find this. The storyline was interesting and easy to follow. You can also work out what books are coming up by the background plots. The characters were down to with all the emotions from anger, love and humorous. Parts literally had me lol. I think my only problem with the storyline was that I prefer the slightly edgier plot and if more was made of stand off and everything leading to it that would have suited me. That is just my opinion but many others would disagree. Well worth the read.

[ivowuvowwevow · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought it was just ok. Yes it has a great plot, but I felt at times it was slow. Found myself putting the book down. Since I can't not finish a book I struggled through finishing it. I wish the ending had a epilogue. I know a lot of authors don't do them because they continue the series with the remaining characters, but I have seen other authors give epilogues without giving away what happens with other characters.

[Virna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although this is second chances romance. Their love story was a bit twisted and this was a okay story but I had a problem connecting with the main characters. I thought the chemistry between the two of them was a little off, I was most lust, there was a lot of emotions and steam, honestly didn't do anything for me, the littler girl act like a spoil brat and did not anything. This was not the best narration on this audiobook.

[Samantha Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this author but I was unsure of this book in the beginning. I loved the blurb but a soon as I started to read the book I just couldn’t get into it.

I’ve actually had the book sitting in a box out of the way for over a year... I know I’m ashamed.

Because I loved the authors other books I tried again. I’m so glad I didn’t give up on this book. It was great. I love the relationship between Lenny and Red and the drama.

One I got through the first few chapters, i couldn’t put it down.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unconvincing Romance

I was looking forward to reading this book but it just didn't quite gel with me. I thought Red was quite a good character but Lennon was too much 'out of the frying pan into the fire' for me. Red's daughter Nova seemed a bit too adult for her age, though she did hang about a garage a lot, so I suppose picked up some 'mechanics talk'' but she took to Lennon suspicious quickly. I might read Tyler and Raven's story though.

[Jackie Gonyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

unsteady

You don’t know where these two broken souls will finally meet and let the other in or do they? Do they finally stop running and give in or do just walk away. You also have people that work in this car shop that have no business working with heavy tools and equipment. Then there is a 5yr old is my favorite character who knows no filter and is absolutely hilarious and cute. Give this book and it’s other two a chance and read this trilogy.

[Fiona Fog · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure what I thought of this story. I couldn't get into it at the start. It was like there was no connection with the characters. I understand the story line it was tragic and to be confronted or to even experience something like this it would change your life forever.

All I know is I don't think I'll rush to finish the series.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This kept my attention. I liked Lenny from the beginning. She was strong and knew what she wanted. Although kinda insta love, it wasn’t over the top. The comedy was good. I literally laughed openly throughout some parts. Not sure if I’ll read Raven and Tyler. Commentary in reviews don’t look so good.

[Jo Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously brilliant

Wow great creative e writing evoking every feeling as a reader from smiles to laughter to actual real tears! This story comes alive from the pages bringing complicated characters but straightforward to interpret. There are different layers that you go through the further you read. Best I have read for a while

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Read!

This was my first read by Shey Stahl and it won't be my last. I enjoyed the story of Lenny and Red. Little Nova is a cute little firecracker. I can't wait to see what happens with more characters in this series.

[Ashly · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was everything. Some lines hit square in my heart. I related to so much in this book. I recommend this book if you have ever gone through loss or have had bad relationships.