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Second Chance Sinners #1
Pieces of Us
A sexy, angsty, excruciating emotion MM friends to lovers rockstar romance by USA Today Bestselling Author Claudia Burgoa.
The Sinners of Seattle are the only family I knew.
Music brought us together. Tragedy bonded us forever.
That’s where I met Ethan.
Both of us had bad childhoods.
We knew all about unrequited love.
You know what they say, misery loves company.
We shared firsts.
We shared nights.
One of us fell in love. It wasn’t him.
After my world crumbled and the band broke up I spiraled out of control.
Ethan Killion (Kill) became the CEO of a communications conglomerate.
I...I’m trying to stay sober.
It’s so hard when I don’t have a future.
It’s harder when the guy who makes me want to be better is engaged.
He’s marrying someone who can’t understand him.
One call from him becomes a lot more.
He wants to remember what we once had.
I desperately desire him.
Unrequited love can destroy you. I know.
Things get dark between us. Now there’s no stopping it.
I don’t care if I am shattered into pieces.
I just need one last time.
The first book in the Second Chance Sinners duet will leave you with a cliffhanger that might make you lose your breath.
The Sinners of Seattle are the only family I knew.
Music brought us together. Tragedy bonded us forever.
That’s where I met Ethan.
Both of us had bad childhoods.
We knew all about unrequited love.
You know what they say, misery loves company.
We shared firsts.
We shared nights.
One of us fell in love. It wasn’t him.
After my world crumbled and the band broke up I spiraled out of control.
Ethan Killion (Kill) became the CEO of a communications conglomerate.
I...I’m trying to stay sober.
It’s so hard when I don’t have a future.
It’s harder when the guy who makes me want to be better is engaged.
He’s marrying someone who can’t understand him.
One call from him becomes a lot more.
He wants to remember what we once had.
I desperately desire him.
Unrequited love can destroy you. I know.
Things get dark between us. Now there’s no stopping it.
I don’t care if I am shattered into pieces.
I just need one last time.
The first book in the Second Chance Sinners duet will leave you with a cliffhanger that might make you lose your breath.
274 pages, Paperback
First published April 19, 2021
49 people are currently reading
2573 people want to read
About the author
Claudia Y. Burgoa
144 books6,414 followersClaudia is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author.
She writes alluring, thrilling stories about complicated women and the men who take their breath away.
She lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband and her youngest two children. She has a sweet Bichon, Macey, who thinks she's the ruler of the house. She's only partially right.
When Claudia is not writing, you can find her reading, knitting, or just hanging out with her family.
At night, she likes to binge watch shows with her equally geeky husband.
Instagram: http://bit.ly/ClaudiasIG
TikTok: https://bit.ly/CBstiktok
Bloggers/Influencers: https://geni.us/CBBloggers
Newsletter: https://geni.us/CBNewsletter
She writes alluring, thrilling stories about complicated women and the men who take their breath away.
She lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband and her youngest two children. She has a sweet Bichon, Macey, who thinks she's the ruler of the house. She's only partially right.
When Claudia is not writing, you can find her reading, knitting, or just hanging out with her family.
At night, she likes to binge watch shows with her equally geeky husband.
Instagram: http://bit.ly/ClaudiasIG
TikTok: https://bit.ly/CBstiktok
Bloggers/Influencers: https://geni.us/CBBloggers
Newsletter: https://geni.us/CBNewsletter
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April 16, 2021
Pieces of Us is book one in the Second Chance Sinners duet by Claudia Burgoa. This is Ethan and Zeke’s story and my, oh my, hold on to your hearts, everyone! You’re in for a bumpy ride!!!
The beginning takes us all the way back to when Ethan Killian and Zeke Hutchence first meet. They are sixteen years old. Both had terrible childhoods. Both are taken out of the system and put into a program that gives lost teens a direction. They educate them, house them and teach them skills like cooking and driving. They also try to find their talent, something they excel at that will give them a purpose. For both Zeke and Ethan, it was music, Zeke on the drums, Ethan on the bass. Ethan was already friends with Tucker and they all were introduced to Hannah and eventually Patrick. This is where the Sinners of Seattle, a world wide band famous beyond all expectations, was born. Which was both a dream, and a curse.
“What’s the point of being saved when I can’t ever be happy?
What’s the point of living when nothing ever changes?”
As teens, both boys knew they were bi-sexual. Zeke had no problem with admitting it but due to experiences before he came to the center, Ethan is not willing to ever admit to it. They are both attracted to each other and over time, they give in to it. Feelings grow, but are never discussed. Anything that happens between them is in the cover of darkness. No one ever knows. This is not something Ethan will ever give in to.
“If everything in life were as easy as music, the world would be a different place.”
Zeke feels so much. His heart is so big. And because he has trouble dealing with all his feelings, he finds ways to dull it, through alcohol and drugs. As the Sinners of Seattle’s fame rises as fast as lightening, so does the partying of the boys, especially Zeke.
“He’s the very best bad idea.”
“He made me care so much about him that I can’t love anyone else.”
Over time, Zeke is in and out of rehab. Tragedy strikes and the band implodes, the members moving on, except for Zeke. He’s still in love with Ethan, even though he knows he can never have him.
I knew going in to this that there was a cliff hanger. I KNEW THAT! But Oh Claudia Burgoa, did you have to make it such a BIG one?! My heart is split wide open right now! I need for the second book, Somehow Finding Us, to be ready like right now! Zeke and Ethan have my heart and soul, every last bit of it. And I need to see how this all turns out. Once again Claudia has managed to create characters that grab ahold and don’t let go. I hope she’s typing as fast as she can because I’ll be sitting right here waiting for the conclusion to Ethan and Zeke’s story.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
The beginning takes us all the way back to when Ethan Killian and Zeke Hutchence first meet. They are sixteen years old. Both had terrible childhoods. Both are taken out of the system and put into a program that gives lost teens a direction. They educate them, house them and teach them skills like cooking and driving. They also try to find their talent, something they excel at that will give them a purpose. For both Zeke and Ethan, it was music, Zeke on the drums, Ethan on the bass. Ethan was already friends with Tucker and they all were introduced to Hannah and eventually Patrick. This is where the Sinners of Seattle, a world wide band famous beyond all expectations, was born. Which was both a dream, and a curse.
“What’s the point of being saved when I can’t ever be happy?
What’s the point of living when nothing ever changes?”
As teens, both boys knew they were bi-sexual. Zeke had no problem with admitting it but due to experiences before he came to the center, Ethan is not willing to ever admit to it. They are both attracted to each other and over time, they give in to it. Feelings grow, but are never discussed. Anything that happens between them is in the cover of darkness. No one ever knows. This is not something Ethan will ever give in to.
“If everything in life were as easy as music, the world would be a different place.”
Zeke feels so much. His heart is so big. And because he has trouble dealing with all his feelings, he finds ways to dull it, through alcohol and drugs. As the Sinners of Seattle’s fame rises as fast as lightening, so does the partying of the boys, especially Zeke.
“He’s the very best bad idea.”
“He made me care so much about him that I can’t love anyone else.”
Over time, Zeke is in and out of rehab. Tragedy strikes and the band implodes, the members moving on, except for Zeke. He’s still in love with Ethan, even though he knows he can never have him.
I knew going in to this that there was a cliff hanger. I KNEW THAT! But Oh Claudia Burgoa, did you have to make it such a BIG one?! My heart is split wide open right now! I need for the second book, Somehow Finding Us, to be ready like right now! Zeke and Ethan have my heart and soul, every last bit of it. And I need to see how this all turns out. Once again Claudia has managed to create characters that grab ahold and don’t let go. I hope she’s typing as fast as she can because I’ll be sitting right here waiting for the conclusion to Ethan and Zeke’s story.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
August 6, 2021
Audio - 5 Stars!
Story - dnf @ chapter 37 I can't bring myself to push through the next 1hr and 25 minutes to finish.
This is another one of those WTF? I. Just. Can't.
There are waaaayyy too many characters, and they all seem to have their own drama going on. They all have some trauma in their past. This book doesn't even feel like it's about two guys because the presence of the secondary characters and their issues are way too present. This also means that there's a lack of depth and development in the characters and relationship.
Story - dnf @ chapter 37 I can't bring myself to push through the next 1hr and 25 minutes to finish.
This is another one of those WTF? I. Just. Can't.
There are waaaayyy too many characters, and they all seem to have their own drama going on. They all have some trauma in their past. This book doesn't even feel like it's about two guys because the presence of the secondary characters and their issues are way too present. This also means that there's a lack of depth and development in the characters and relationship.
April 27, 2021
5 "Us against the World" Stars⭐
"Pieces of Us" is a Heart-Breaking & Angsty MM Romance. A story spanning years & Changes, A mix of genres: Tragic Past, Friends-to-lovers, Secret, Rockstar, Sexy, Frenemies, Billionaires, Hurt-Comfort, Addiction, 2nd chance, some OW drama, & a cliffhanger that left me crying.
I loved Zeke & Ethan so much, I wanted hug them many times. But I'm angry of their choices, which left them...so broken. DEVOURED this book in 5hrs, Over 2 days As my heart needed some breaks.
Zeke+Ethan's story shows how Past frames who we are in present, the dark side of being famous & how misconceptions + unrequited love can tear one apart.
I hadn't known that there were a slew of books connected to this before, but I'm 100% gonna read Hannah's & Tucker's books, they're such good friends to our MCs!
This story goes back to them being 16yr olds, coming to The Coop–A place for kids with no homes to make their own future. Zeke & Ethan, oh their emotional traumas *tears*. After his mom's death, The system failed Zeke. He's a extrovert Sci-fi nerd, who hid all that pain with a fun exterior & In the Coop, finds that he's Actually very rich. While Ethan being Bisexual almost got him killed (by him mom?!) & his bestie Tucker almost raped, so they ran away. Ethan's a Orchestra geek, logical & introvert. All 3 meet with Hannah here (I love her parents!), Music bonded them.
Ethan's being Bi was the problem, right? So he wanted to start anew, To be "normal". But he was Roomed with Zeke who was finding His pansexual side. From Nothing to Everything...Their sparks were high, Nights were theirs. Zeke fell in love, but so did Ethan.
But Ethan's fear didn't let him express or Zeke, causing a rift. Secrecy & Rejection widened it. But they're addicted, can't stay away for long. Were they becoming toxic for eachother?
"If everything in life were as easy as music, the world would be a different place."
Zeke's been open about his Sexuality but Ethan created a web of Secrets & Lies due to Fears.
This book showed the Friendships that remained strong, Zeke+Ethan's years of Push & Pull, The Rise & Fall of the "Sinners of Seattle" Band, the darkness+Ironies of life...
~Bad childhoods, Good people & the Coop, Meeting friends, finding direction, loving music, Nightmares & Care, Band in making, Fascination, Kiss & secrets, Besties Banters, Fears, exploration & sexy times, Love, The gig, "Sinners of Seattle", Mom Troubles, Lies & Lullabies, Viral & Famous, Can't let go, Broken hearts, Tours & 3somes, The intervention, Moved on, The Accident, Band is over...
After the Tragedy; Ethan, Hannah & Tucker moved on with their lives, But Zeke & Rocco (their 5th band member who is Chaos) fell deeper into drugs & despair. As family They all helped these 2, but How long will this go on?
Ethan's loneliness led to the Blurb scene. His fiance's bitchy & didn't understand him, so they ended soon. Ethan & Zeke will always have eachother's backs, But Z's rightfully Angry for the past so it's better if Ethan stays away... Ethan did & hoped for his happiness.
~Emotional pain & Rehabs, Friendships intact, Schooling & charities, loneliness, Billionaire OW drama, Break up, Hurts & Fixing...
Then came the damning cliffhanger, Ethan got a call about Zeke that one should NEVER get about a loved one. *Sobbing*. What next? Will Ethan pull his head outta his ass? Will they take this as the wake up call it is? Will their love survive?
I just...God, I'm so happy to have gotten the ARC of Somehow finding Us just hours after I'd read PoU. Be Ready y'all!! It'll steal your heart❤.
**ARC Received for a Honest Review.**
FB Page | Instagram | Bookbub | FB group
"Pieces of Us" is a Heart-Breaking & Angsty MM Romance. A story spanning years & Changes, A mix of genres: Tragic Past, Friends-to-lovers, Secret, Rockstar, Sexy, Frenemies, Billionaires, Hurt-Comfort, Addiction, 2nd chance, some OW drama, & a cliffhanger that left me crying.
I loved Zeke & Ethan so much, I wanted hug them many times. But I'm angry of their choices, which left them...so broken. DEVOURED this book in 5hrs, Over 2 days As my heart needed some breaks.
Zeke+Ethan's story shows how Past frames who we are in present, the dark side of being famous & how misconceptions + unrequited love can tear one apart.
I hadn't known that there were a slew of books connected to this before, but I'm 100% gonna read Hannah's & Tucker's books, they're such good friends to our MCs!
This story goes back to them being 16yr olds, coming to The Coop–A place for kids with no homes to make their own future. Zeke & Ethan, oh their emotional traumas *tears*. After his mom's death, The system failed Zeke. He's a extrovert Sci-fi nerd, who hid all that pain with a fun exterior & In the Coop, finds that he's Actually very rich. While Ethan being Bisexual almost got him killed (by him mom?!) & his bestie Tucker almost raped, so they ran away. Ethan's a Orchestra geek, logical & introvert. All 3 meet with Hannah here (I love her parents!), Music bonded them.
Ethan's being Bi was the problem, right? So he wanted to start anew, To be "normal". But he was Roomed with Zeke who was finding His pansexual side. From Nothing to Everything...Their sparks were high, Nights were theirs. Zeke fell in love, but so did Ethan.
But Ethan's fear didn't let him express or Zeke, causing a rift. Secrecy & Rejection widened it. But they're addicted, can't stay away for long. Were they becoming toxic for eachother?
"If everything in life were as easy as music, the world would be a different place."
Zeke's been open about his Sexuality but Ethan created a web of Secrets & Lies due to Fears.
This book showed the Friendships that remained strong, Zeke+Ethan's years of Push & Pull, The Rise & Fall of the "Sinners of Seattle" Band, the darkness+Ironies of life...
~Bad childhoods, Good people & the Coop, Meeting friends, finding direction, loving music, Nightmares & Care, Band in making, Fascination, Kiss & secrets, Besties Banters, Fears, exploration & sexy times, Love, The gig, "Sinners of Seattle", Mom Troubles, Lies & Lullabies, Viral & Famous, Can't let go, Broken hearts, Tours & 3somes, The intervention, Moved on, The Accident, Band is over...
After the Tragedy; Ethan, Hannah & Tucker moved on with their lives, But Zeke & Rocco (their 5th band member who is Chaos) fell deeper into drugs & despair. As family They all helped these 2, but How long will this go on?
Ethan's loneliness led to the Blurb scene. His fiance's bitchy & didn't understand him, so they ended soon. Ethan & Zeke will always have eachother's backs, But Z's rightfully Angry for the past so it's better if Ethan stays away... Ethan did & hoped for his happiness.
~Emotional pain & Rehabs, Friendships intact, Schooling & charities, loneliness, Billionaire OW drama, Break up, Hurts & Fixing...
Then came the damning cliffhanger, Ethan got a call about Zeke that one should NEVER get about a loved one. *Sobbing*. What next? Will Ethan pull his head outta his ass? Will they take this as the wake up call it is? Will their love survive?
I just...God, I'm so happy to have gotten the ARC of Somehow finding Us just hours after I'd read PoU. Be Ready y'all!! It'll steal your heart❤.
**ARC Received for a Honest Review.**
FB Page | Instagram | Bookbub | FB group
April 21, 2021
OMG just Kill me with that ending!
I have read many, many books by Claudia Burgoa and she has never, EVER left us with such a WHOPPER of a cliffhanger. I was sooo beside myself I threw my kindle down and cursed a few choice words which is so unlike me but there was nothing else to do because now I have to wait a few more weeks for the next book, SOMEHOW FINDING US, to come out. ugghh
I have met both Ethan and Zeke in a couple of other books about their band mates, but it was nice to see where they started out and how it all began before they became famous Rockstars with Sinners of Seattle. Their story is one that will break your heart, they didn't have it easy as kids and honestly I wouldn't even try to say who had it worse because they were both pretty messed up. At the age of just about sixteen Zeke was given a chance to turn his life around and that is how he met Ethan. Their relationship was standoffish at first but it became clear to Zeke that Ethan needed someone to help him get through his dark times and that is when their friendship truly started.
I want to go into so much and tell you everything that went on but I never give spoilers so I am NOT going to do that. What I will tell you is that this story was a very emotional read that will have you wanting MORE, MORE, MORE of not only Ethan and Zeke but of each of the Sinners of Seattle. I may just have to go back and reread Hannah's story, ALMOST PERFECT, and Tucker's story, US AFTER YOU.
If you enjoy MM Romances, Friends to Lovers Romances, or are looking for a book that will leave you with a book hangover THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU!
I have read many, many books by Claudia Burgoa and she has never, EVER left us with such a WHOPPER of a cliffhanger. I was sooo beside myself I threw my kindle down and cursed a few choice words which is so unlike me but there was nothing else to do because now I have to wait a few more weeks for the next book, SOMEHOW FINDING US, to come out. ugghh
I have met both Ethan and Zeke in a couple of other books about their band mates, but it was nice to see where they started out and how it all began before they became famous Rockstars with Sinners of Seattle. Their story is one that will break your heart, they didn't have it easy as kids and honestly I wouldn't even try to say who had it worse because they were both pretty messed up. At the age of just about sixteen Zeke was given a chance to turn his life around and that is how he met Ethan. Their relationship was standoffish at first but it became clear to Zeke that Ethan needed someone to help him get through his dark times and that is when their friendship truly started.
I want to go into so much and tell you everything that went on but I never give spoilers so I am NOT going to do that. What I will tell you is that this story was a very emotional read that will have you wanting MORE, MORE, MORE of not only Ethan and Zeke but of each of the Sinners of Seattle. I may just have to go back and reread Hannah's story, ALMOST PERFECT, and Tucker's story, US AFTER YOU.
If you enjoy MM Romances, Friends to Lovers Romances, or are looking for a book that will leave you with a book hangover THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU!
Happy Reading!!!
Find out more here: http://bit.ly/NBReviewPoU
Watch my video review here: https://youtu.be/hG7KNj9E46A
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books** I also purchased a copy
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
August 26, 2025
I kept having to remind myself that age of consent laws are different in different parts of the world for this one and it put a big damper on things.
And not even about the MCs with each other at 16. What truly icked me out was Zeke being a temporary guardian for his addict bandmate's 16 year old sister and spending a lot of time with her but it also being known (by him and the other MC, Ethan) that Zeke has fallen in love with her and is 'waiting till she turns 18 to make a move'.
Sigh. Maybe I'm the problem. Because although nothing happened, I was bothered by the insinuation of the waiting.
But also, why is one MC falling in love with another person when the other MC is their endgame? I get that this book spans a decade give or take but ew. Your man is right there.
Yes, your man is a cowardly dick who cares a lot more about keeping up appearances with strangers than both of y'alls happiness but does this mean you go falling for the 16 year old girl whom you're stepping in to parent while her brother(whom you do drugs with, btw) is off for a stint at rehab?
These men are in their 20s by this point btw.
I thought Zeke was hard done by until this storyline.
Ethan.....simply isn't likeable. I get why he has issues with coming out. Your mother trying to kill you for being gay would fuck anyone up. Understood. I can see why he's willing to live in the closet.
An okay decision to make.
For yourself.
Problem was, Ethan wouldn't let Zeke be. It's not enough that he has that man thinking that he (Ethan) has been in love with their OTHER bandmate (- straight guy, also a dick for unrelated reasons) because it would be easier (for whom, you ask? Not Zeke, that's for sure) but he ALSO won't let Zeke move on.
Anytime Zeke is more focused on something else, Ethan reels him right back in.
Okay, I can't come out but we can let people think we're into sharing girls, then we can be together in some small way.
FOR GOD'S SAKE!
🤦
Honestly, I hate everyone involved by the end. These two need to just have at least 5 states between them at all times.
They're not good together and they're not good apart.
Where does that leave me, the reader?
Irritated AF.
And not even about the MCs with each other at 16. What truly icked me out was Zeke being a temporary guardian for his addict bandmate's 16 year old sister and spending a lot of time with her but it also being known (by him and the other MC, Ethan) that Zeke has fallen in love with her and is 'waiting till she turns 18 to make a move'.
Sigh. Maybe I'm the problem. Because although nothing happened, I was bothered by the insinuation of the waiting.
But also, why is one MC falling in love with another person when the other MC is their endgame? I get that this book spans a decade give or take but ew. Your man is right there.
Yes, your man is a cowardly dick who cares a lot more about keeping up appearances with strangers than both of y'alls happiness but does this mean you go falling for the 16 year old girl whom you're stepping in to parent while her brother(whom you do drugs with, btw) is off for a stint at rehab?
These men are in their 20s by this point btw.
I thought Zeke was hard done by until this storyline.
Ethan.....simply isn't likeable. I get why he has issues with coming out. Your mother trying to kill you for being gay would fuck anyone up. Understood. I can see why he's willing to live in the closet.
An okay decision to make.
For yourself.
Problem was, Ethan wouldn't let Zeke be. It's not enough that he has that man thinking that he (Ethan) has been in love with their OTHER bandmate (- straight guy, also a dick for unrelated reasons) because it would be easier (for whom, you ask? Not Zeke, that's for sure) but he ALSO won't let Zeke move on.
Anytime Zeke is more focused on something else, Ethan reels him right back in.
Okay, I can't come out but we can let people think we're into sharing girls, then we can be together in some small way.
FOR GOD'S SAKE!
🤦
Honestly, I hate everyone involved by the end. These two need to just have at least 5 states between them at all times.
They're not good together and they're not good apart.
Where does that leave me, the reader?
Irritated AF.
Read
May 6, 2021DNF 44%
It started really good and then something about the pace of the storyline didn’t really fit, also something about the writing didn’t work for me.
It started really good and then something about the pace of the storyline didn’t really fit, also something about the writing didn’t work for me.
June 22, 2022
Could have been better.
The romance was messy and chaotic and too much drama overall! The plot was very original though
The romance was messy and chaotic and too much drama overall! The plot was very original though
April 24, 2021
I so wanted to love this book, but it was a mess!
There were time jumps all over the place with no real way to distinguish where or when you were in the story. I think this book takes place over about 10 years? I'm not even sure.
I also felt like I was missing a ton just having started this book...there were several older characters referred to here (possibly from another series?) I felt like we were supposed to know them but I didn't.
There were also a ton of side characters, and they went by multiple names/nicknames and it was almost impossible to keep up with who was who.
The main characters were somewhat unlikable, especially Ethan! He drove me nuts. We were supposed to be invested in his and Zeke's story and yet he was the worst. Constantly trying to suppress himself and who he really was because he was worried he'd be killed for being bisexual...I mean I get his mom was messed up and tried to kill him because of it but really?!? He basically tried to use Zeke in private for years and admits that Zeke deserves better, yet the whole book he continues to mess with Zeke, even knowing how much it hurts Zeke. Zeke did deserve better and honestly I wanted him to get far away from Ethan.
I really wanted to like this one. I loved the start, with Hannah and Zeke's friendship and them becoming family, but by the end I hated how far things had gone. I wished that Hannah and Zeke still had the tight bond, instead of her basically only really being close to Ethan at that point. I never cared for Patrick or Rosco or whatever his name was. Tucker was meh, poor little rich boy who is pissed he was given up for adoption and wears it like a chip on his shoulder forever. And the whole Brooke storyline was just too much. She was so jealous of Hannah she wanted to be her so she set out to take it all...I just couldn't get behind it.
I'm sure I'll eventually read the next one to see what happens, or maybe just look for spoilers and reviews, but I would say don't waste your money here. Maybe this one just wasn't for me, but honestly the whole things just felt like a mess that should have been cleaned up way before being published.
There were time jumps all over the place with no real way to distinguish where or when you were in the story. I think this book takes place over about 10 years? I'm not even sure.
I also felt like I was missing a ton just having started this book...there were several older characters referred to here (possibly from another series?) I felt like we were supposed to know them but I didn't.
There were also a ton of side characters, and they went by multiple names/nicknames and it was almost impossible to keep up with who was who.
The main characters were somewhat unlikable, especially Ethan! He drove me nuts. We were supposed to be invested in his and Zeke's story and yet he was the worst. Constantly trying to suppress himself and who he really was because he was worried he'd be killed for being bisexual...I mean I get his mom was messed up and tried to kill him because of it but really?!? He basically tried to use Zeke in private for years and admits that Zeke deserves better, yet the whole book he continues to mess with Zeke, even knowing how much it hurts Zeke. Zeke did deserve better and honestly I wanted him to get far away from Ethan.
I really wanted to like this one. I loved the start, with Hannah and Zeke's friendship and them becoming family, but by the end I hated how far things had gone. I wished that Hannah and Zeke still had the tight bond, instead of her basically only really being close to Ethan at that point. I never cared for Patrick or Rosco or whatever his name was. Tucker was meh, poor little rich boy who is pissed he was given up for adoption and wears it like a chip on his shoulder forever. And the whole Brooke storyline was just too much. She was so jealous of Hannah she wanted to be her so she set out to take it all...I just couldn't get behind it.
I'm sure I'll eventually read the next one to see what happens, or maybe just look for spoilers and reviews, but I would say don't waste your money here. Maybe this one just wasn't for me, but honestly the whole things just felt like a mess that should have been cleaned up way before being published.
April 19, 2021
This book is going to ruin you in the best way possible! It is a cliffhanger so be warned! I do not take off for that because come on I LOVE the angst! It makes the ending so much sweeter when you finally get to see what comes next!
Getting to see the beginning of the Sinners of Seattle was so amazing! Their dynamic and dysfunctional love for each other is what makes this group a forever favorite! You also get an up close glimpse of the love brewing beneath the surface for two lost souls!
As one starts to find his way in the world and becomes confident in who he is. The other starts to shy away and fights to hide his truths! What we see is how love can tear a soul apart when it’s the one thing it’s always needed!
I never saw this story coming but the best love stories are the ones that take you by surprise! My heart is in my throat and I’m dying for book two. I know that the ending Burgoa will give us will be an ending you won’t soon forget, especially because the beginning is already seared into my fragile heart.
Getting to see the beginning of the Sinners of Seattle was so amazing! Their dynamic and dysfunctional love for each other is what makes this group a forever favorite! You also get an up close glimpse of the love brewing beneath the surface for two lost souls!
As one starts to find his way in the world and becomes confident in who he is. The other starts to shy away and fights to hide his truths! What we see is how love can tear a soul apart when it’s the one thing it’s always needed!
I never saw this story coming but the best love stories are the ones that take you by surprise! My heart is in my throat and I’m dying for book two. I know that the ending Burgoa will give us will be an ending you won’t soon forget, especially because the beginning is already seared into my fragile heart.
August 24, 2021
5 Star Review of Pieces of Us (Second Chance Sinners #1) by Claudia Burgoa
AUDIO REVIEW:
Oh my word what an emotional story Pieces of Us was. I was totally invested in Ethan Killian and Zeke Hutchence’s MM story from Claudia Burgoa from the first to the last paragraph.
This is a beautifully written, heartbreaking story; it’s a story of looking deep inside yourself and embarking on a journey of self discovery. It’s a story of pain, anguish, tragedy and also of a great deal of drama, which will have you on the edge of your seat whilst reading.
Both Ethan and Zeke had horrible childhoods and met when they were sixteen, bonding over their love of music. These guys have history coming together to form Sinners of Seattle with Tucker, Hannah and Patrick. They keep their relationship a secret and it is keeping that secret that almost destroys them, particularly Zeke.
The narrators JF Harding and Aaron Shedlock did an amazing job with their narration. They brought all the emotions, pain and intensity of the characters to life for me with their emotional performances.
For Ethan, he is finally making his way in the world and is successful, whereas Zeke is struggling, in and out of rehab and lost. There were times that my heart almost broke for him and I feared for his sanity. Loving Ethan and knowing he cannot have him is slowly killing him.
There is loss, betrayal, regret and both characters struggle throughout this story. You can feel the angst as you read this complicated love story as they both struggle with their feelings.
Be prepared this book ends in one heck of a cliff hanger and I cannot wait to see what Ms. Burgoa has in store in Somehow Finding Us, as this book left me with one heck of a book hangover.
AUDIO REVIEW:
Oh my word what an emotional story Pieces of Us was. I was totally invested in Ethan Killian and Zeke Hutchence’s MM story from Claudia Burgoa from the first to the last paragraph.
This is a beautifully written, heartbreaking story; it’s a story of looking deep inside yourself and embarking on a journey of self discovery. It’s a story of pain, anguish, tragedy and also of a great deal of drama, which will have you on the edge of your seat whilst reading.
Both Ethan and Zeke had horrible childhoods and met when they were sixteen, bonding over their love of music. These guys have history coming together to form Sinners of Seattle with Tucker, Hannah and Patrick. They keep their relationship a secret and it is keeping that secret that almost destroys them, particularly Zeke.
The narrators JF Harding and Aaron Shedlock did an amazing job with their narration. They brought all the emotions, pain and intensity of the characters to life for me with their emotional performances.
For Ethan, he is finally making his way in the world and is successful, whereas Zeke is struggling, in and out of rehab and lost. There were times that my heart almost broke for him and I feared for his sanity. Loving Ethan and knowing he cannot have him is slowly killing him.
There is loss, betrayal, regret and both characters struggle throughout this story. You can feel the angst as you read this complicated love story as they both struggle with their feelings.
Be prepared this book ends in one heck of a cliff hanger and I cannot wait to see what Ms. Burgoa has in store in Somehow Finding Us, as this book left me with one heck of a book hangover.
May 1, 2021
Dazed and Confused
In Pieces of Us, Claudia Burgoa introduces us to a handful of young people with very adult problems. We then navigate thier life for a few years, loving and losing right along side of them.
The book starts out with the characters in thier teens. They aren't dealing with the "normal" teen drama that most do. These kids are young and dealing with some very heavy stuff. They seem to find each other and try thier best to make things work with some adult guidance and rules. Thing is, none of these kids have a happy, stable home life and don't necessarily know how to handle the problems with life and love that start to surround them.
I'll have to say, from the first chapter I felt lost. I'm not sure if this is a spin off or what, but I didn't know who these adults were, some sort of former rock stars or celebrities, either way there wasn't a clear map of who they were and how the kids were related. We had incidents from the past brought up with no real detail, which made it very hard to go with the flow of this story. It seems we aren't just following two of the characters, but rather at least five, making it hard to focus on any of them really.
The book has a story in it, but it was hard for me to enjoy, as I was always going back to see who was talking in the chapter. It's very busy and moves along quickly through thier lives. I almost wish we could have saved some time in the teenage years and focused more on the adult years. As book one in series, Claudia Burgoa made sure you'll come back with the ending she wrote, however at this point I'm not sure where I stand with that.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
In Pieces of Us, Claudia Burgoa introduces us to a handful of young people with very adult problems. We then navigate thier life for a few years, loving and losing right along side of them.
The book starts out with the characters in thier teens. They aren't dealing with the "normal" teen drama that most do. These kids are young and dealing with some very heavy stuff. They seem to find each other and try thier best to make things work with some adult guidance and rules. Thing is, none of these kids have a happy, stable home life and don't necessarily know how to handle the problems with life and love that start to surround them.
I'll have to say, from the first chapter I felt lost. I'm not sure if this is a spin off or what, but I didn't know who these adults were, some sort of former rock stars or celebrities, either way there wasn't a clear map of who they were and how the kids were related. We had incidents from the past brought up with no real detail, which made it very hard to go with the flow of this story. It seems we aren't just following two of the characters, but rather at least five, making it hard to focus on any of them really.
The book has a story in it, but it was hard for me to enjoy, as I was always going back to see who was talking in the chapter. It's very busy and moves along quickly through thier lives. I almost wish we could have saved some time in the teenage years and focused more on the adult years. As book one in series, Claudia Burgoa made sure you'll come back with the ending she wrote, however at this point I'm not sure where I stand with that.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
April 21, 2021
I couldn't finish this book. There are so many characters i can't keep track of them. Characters are referred to by multiple names which made it even more difficult to keep track of everyone. You never really get to know any of the characters either. It feels very superficial - no depth to any of it. The timeline jumps forward by big leaps very frequently, even without warning mid-chapter. I cannot understand any of the other ratings one bit. 🤷♀️
April 11, 2021
OMG, This Book!
It hooks you in, takes your emotions through the wringer, and when it is finished with you leaves you hanging with a cliffhanger.
And I loved every second of it!
I don't want to write much about the storyline and the characters, as I don't want to spoil the book for you. Enough is said that we have tragic life stories, love not returned, and that all in a high-pressure setting while we follow the characters in their growing up.
The book is definitely one of my favorites of 2021, if not an all-time favorite. I cannot wait for the second part and wish it would already be out.
The writing of the book is phenomenal. I have never read anything from this author, but I will definitely change this. She managed to hook me in within the first few words in the prologue and never lost me once. It feels so real.
The story is even better. I am a sucker for high emotional and angsty books. After I read the blurb I had to read the book because it ticked every single box I am looking for in books. That sets high expectations but not in one sentence I got disappointed. The story kicks you in the gut, makes you cry, and wrecks you in a way that you still want more.
There are not enough words to describe how much I loved it.
Definitely a recommendation from my side!
Be aware that the book has a lot of triggers (drugs and substance abuse, mention emotional and physical abuse, homophobia, abandonment, death), so if this is a problem for you, you might want to skip this book.
*I received this book as an ARC. I chose to write an honest review.*
It hooks you in, takes your emotions through the wringer, and when it is finished with you leaves you hanging with a cliffhanger.
And I loved every second of it!
I don't want to write much about the storyline and the characters, as I don't want to spoil the book for you. Enough is said that we have tragic life stories, love not returned, and that all in a high-pressure setting while we follow the characters in their growing up.
The book is definitely one of my favorites of 2021, if not an all-time favorite. I cannot wait for the second part and wish it would already be out.
The writing of the book is phenomenal. I have never read anything from this author, but I will definitely change this. She managed to hook me in within the first few words in the prologue and never lost me once. It feels so real.
The story is even better. I am a sucker for high emotional and angsty books. After I read the blurb I had to read the book because it ticked every single box I am looking for in books. That sets high expectations but not in one sentence I got disappointed. The story kicks you in the gut, makes you cry, and wrecks you in a way that you still want more.
There are not enough words to describe how much I loved it.
Definitely a recommendation from my side!
Be aware that the book has a lot of triggers (drugs and substance abuse, mention emotional and physical abuse, homophobia, abandonment, death), so if this is a problem for you, you might want to skip this book.
*I received this book as an ARC. I chose to write an honest review.*
April 19, 2021
Claudia Burgoa delivers an angsty friends to lovers rock star romance.
We first meet Ethan Killian and Zeke Hutchence when they’re both sixteen years old and put into a youth program where they can learn among other things that they love music and excel at it. After being introduced to tucker, Hannah, and Patrick, they form Sinners of Seattle, which would quickly become a world famous rock band.
Since their teenage years both Zeke and Ethan know they’re bi-sexual and are attracted to each other. But unlike Zeke who has no problem admitting his sexuality, Ethan will never openly acknowledge it. Something that will bring them, especially Zeke a world of hurt.
Burgoa captured my attention right from the start with that foreboding prologue. Zeke and Ethan’s story took me on an emotional roller coaster, it is heartbreaking and compelling and left me wanting the next book ASAP.
Pieces of Us is book #1 of the Second Chance Sinners duet by Claudia Burgoa. It is told from both points of view with a cliffhanger ending. Genres: bisexual romance. Tropes: rockstar romace
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/3glNcCQ
★ I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via Valentine PR. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. ★
See all my book edits on Instagram ★ FaceBook ★
We first meet Ethan Killian and Zeke Hutchence when they’re both sixteen years old and put into a youth program where they can learn among other things that they love music and excel at it. After being introduced to tucker, Hannah, and Patrick, they form Sinners of Seattle, which would quickly become a world famous rock band.
Since their teenage years both Zeke and Ethan know they’re bi-sexual and are attracted to each other. But unlike Zeke who has no problem admitting his sexuality, Ethan will never openly acknowledge it. Something that will bring them, especially Zeke a world of hurt.
Burgoa captured my attention right from the start with that foreboding prologue. Zeke and Ethan’s story took me on an emotional roller coaster, it is heartbreaking and compelling and left me wanting the next book ASAP.
Pieces of Us is book #1 of the Second Chance Sinners duet by Claudia Burgoa. It is told from both points of view with a cliffhanger ending. Genres: bisexual romance. Tropes: rockstar romace
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/3glNcCQ
★ I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via Valentine PR. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. ★
See all my book edits on Instagram ★ FaceBook ★
April 19, 2021
Amazing! M/M romance is my soft spot. Give me angst and emotion and I am sold.
This book had it all. I really loved Zeke and my heart broke for him. He is tortured, loving someone he cannot have. I wanted to hug him.
Now, this is a book about growing up, about family, about wanting to belong. It's a story about love and the pain of it when it's untouchable.
The author did an amazing job unfolding the characters and the storyline. The book is fast paced and it's easy to get lost in it.
I knew I was in for a cliffy, but I am so eager to see what happens next. I loved it.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Stars
This book had it all. I really loved Zeke and my heart broke for him. He is tortured, loving someone he cannot have. I wanted to hug him.
Now, this is a book about growing up, about family, about wanting to belong. It's a story about love and the pain of it when it's untouchable.
The author did an amazing job unfolding the characters and the storyline. The book is fast paced and it's easy to get lost in it.
I knew I was in for a cliffy, but I am so eager to see what happens next. I loved it.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Stars
April 2, 2021
If this review could only be described with one sentence it would be this.
A beautifully intense story of first loves, first losses, true friends and broken trust.
Some may call this an MM story, but for me it was just a book about young self discovery. About finding real love wherever that might be and not being afraid to claim it as your own. And being ones authentic true self. Not for others but for ourselves. Because even the lies we tell our selves hurt the people we think we are protecting.
I am new to the Sinners of Seattle so I can honestly say you don't have to start with the previous books but I'll definitely be reading them. The characters from Zeke and Ethan who are so well written I felt like we were old friends. Hannah is absolutely the little sister figure and Carter was the perfect pawn between Ethan and Zeke. And those are just a few of the characters.
But with all the drama, trouble, pain and even tragedy this group of friends does their best to hold onto each other through it all. Even if it's not the healthiest thing for them.
I can not wait for the second book to arrive because yes this one ends by dropping you off a cliff right into a volcano 🌋.
I have voluntarily left this review.
A beautifully intense story of first loves, first losses, true friends and broken trust.
Some may call this an MM story, but for me it was just a book about young self discovery. About finding real love wherever that might be and not being afraid to claim it as your own. And being ones authentic true self. Not for others but for ourselves. Because even the lies we tell our selves hurt the people we think we are protecting.
I am new to the Sinners of Seattle so I can honestly say you don't have to start with the previous books but I'll definitely be reading them. The characters from Zeke and Ethan who are so well written I felt like we were old friends. Hannah is absolutely the little sister figure and Carter was the perfect pawn between Ethan and Zeke. And those are just a few of the characters.
But with all the drama, trouble, pain and even tragedy this group of friends does their best to hold onto each other through it all. Even if it's not the healthiest thing for them.
I can not wait for the second book to arrive because yes this one ends by dropping you off a cliff right into a volcano 🌋.
I have voluntarily left this review.
April 23, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
3 stars
There are a few general things I need to explain before I can tell you specifically about this book. Pieces of Us is labeled as a standalone and book one of the new Second Chance Sinners series. The author also has the Unexpected series that was first published in 2015 and this book connects back heavily to that series, with characters and plot lines that carry over. I have read only the first book in that series, Unlike Any Other, and I found way too much missing here to fully make the foundation of this book work for me, as I was constantly trying to figure things out that were connected to the other series.
The book itself is mostly a flashback. The prologue opens with Zeke at age 30, but then goes back 15 years and stays in Zeke and Ethan’s teenage years for about 70% of the book. From the blurb, I wasn’t expecting them to be so young for so much of the book, even though they all have lived a lot of life in those years. When I look at what this story is about overall, I do like it, but it was the style of writing and the execution of the book where I struggled.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
3 stars
There are a few general things I need to explain before I can tell you specifically about this book. Pieces of Us is labeled as a standalone and book one of the new Second Chance Sinners series. The author also has the Unexpected series that was first published in 2015 and this book connects back heavily to that series, with characters and plot lines that carry over. I have read only the first book in that series, Unlike Any Other, and I found way too much missing here to fully make the foundation of this book work for me, as I was constantly trying to figure things out that were connected to the other series.
The book itself is mostly a flashback. The prologue opens with Zeke at age 30, but then goes back 15 years and stays in Zeke and Ethan’s teenage years for about 70% of the book. From the blurb, I wasn’t expecting them to be so young for so much of the book, even though they all have lived a lot of life in those years. When I look at what this story is about overall, I do like it, but it was the style of writing and the execution of the book where I struggled.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
September 24, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 STARS
Oh... my heart! This book takes you on such an emotional ride. I can’t wait to read the next one! I've recently listened to the audiobook, I loved the narration by JF Harding and Aaron Shedlock. Pieces Of Us by Claudia Burgoa is an EPIC read that will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!
Oh... my heart! This book takes you on such an emotional ride. I can’t wait to read the next one! I've recently listened to the audiobook, I loved the narration by JF Harding and Aaron Shedlock. Pieces Of Us by Claudia Burgoa is an EPIC read that will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!
dnf
April 19, 2021So many side characters but where is the romance?? I like angst but also need the falling in love part. I just want romance. Disappointing.
April 11, 2021
*Potential spoiler warning? Honestly, I'm not sure…I just know I'm having a hard time with this review so I'm just going to say what's on my mind*
I love an MM rockstar romance, so when I had the opportunity to read an advance copy by a new to me author I was super excited. I've got to say, though, feel a bit cheated. Nowhere in the blurb did it indicate that this book would be for the most part about the characters' teenage years...and I mean at least 70% of the book. Coming of age/YA generally aren't my jam so had I known, I probably wouldn't have requested the ARC.
I powered through, though...and I have thoughts. Firstly, I'm not sure I would classify Pieces Of Us as a romance. To me, it reads more as a contemporary melodrama - a sort of soap opera with LGBTQ+ themes as, although Ethan and Zeke are the main characters (and the book is told from their dual POV), the plot really revolves around the relationships, origin stories and current events of the whole Sinners Of Seattle band because they are absolutely intertwined. On top of this, I feel the interactions between Zeke and Ethan that signal a budding romance are squashed under the weight of the negative emotions that create the unrelenting angst that leads to the big cliffhanger. In fact there's only one element at the beginning of their complex relationship that speaks to a positive bond without just being about (emotionally unhealthy) sex. So, while I don't necessarily need fluff in my romance, just a teeny glimmer of light would be nice. Even the found family trope is a little lost for me because the plot arc leaves the group or even requires them to be completely dysfunctional.
If I sound really negative so far it's because this is not the book I thought I'd be reading, but that's not to say I don't think it's well-written. Setting my reservations aside, I think the author has created a collection of excellent characters with great depth who are having to face issues rooted in some serious and scary real-life situations such as child/young adult welfare or endangerment, homelessness, addiction, sexuality, bereavement, etc. (even if it's a stretch to think they'd all happen in so confined a set of circumstances) and I especially like the role Hannah plays in the group's dynamic later on in the book and her journey of self-discovery.
Whilst I would have liked more balance between the young years and adulthood - there's lots of scope before the cliffhanger for expanding on the issues Ethan and Zeke have once Ethan is trying to manage his life whilst managing his business and whilst Zeke is spiralling - there's no denying the author's ability to engage the reader. In fact, if her intention was to craft a story to put the reader through the emotional wringer, then mission accomplished...with bells on! So I'd say that readers who are in it for the wall-to-wall angst and aren't that romantically motivated will get along just fine with Pieces Of Us. Me? I'm going to wait the (mercifully) short time for part two of this duet because I think that's going to be what I thought I was signing up for.
Maybe I'll circle back around after reading the next installment and have a different reading experience. For now, if I were to give my rating categorising the book as the rockstar romance promised in the blurb it would be very low but, objectively, I think this is a really good drama so I'm going to say 3*.
An advance copy was provided by GRR. This is my honest review.
I love an MM rockstar romance, so when I had the opportunity to read an advance copy by a new to me author I was super excited. I've got to say, though, feel a bit cheated. Nowhere in the blurb did it indicate that this book would be for the most part about the characters' teenage years...and I mean at least 70% of the book. Coming of age/YA generally aren't my jam so had I known, I probably wouldn't have requested the ARC.
I powered through, though...and I have thoughts. Firstly, I'm not sure I would classify Pieces Of Us as a romance. To me, it reads more as a contemporary melodrama - a sort of soap opera with LGBTQ+ themes as, although Ethan and Zeke are the main characters (and the book is told from their dual POV), the plot really revolves around the relationships, origin stories and current events of the whole Sinners Of Seattle band because they are absolutely intertwined. On top of this, I feel the interactions between Zeke and Ethan that signal a budding romance are squashed under the weight of the negative emotions that create the unrelenting angst that leads to the big cliffhanger. In fact there's only one element at the beginning of their complex relationship that speaks to a positive bond without just being about (emotionally unhealthy) sex. So, while I don't necessarily need fluff in my romance, just a teeny glimmer of light would be nice. Even the found family trope is a little lost for me because the plot arc leaves the group or even requires them to be completely dysfunctional.
If I sound really negative so far it's because this is not the book I thought I'd be reading, but that's not to say I don't think it's well-written. Setting my reservations aside, I think the author has created a collection of excellent characters with great depth who are having to face issues rooted in some serious and scary real-life situations such as child/young adult welfare or endangerment, homelessness, addiction, sexuality, bereavement, etc. (even if it's a stretch to think they'd all happen in so confined a set of circumstances) and I especially like the role Hannah plays in the group's dynamic later on in the book and her journey of self-discovery.
Whilst I would have liked more balance between the young years and adulthood - there's lots of scope before the cliffhanger for expanding on the issues Ethan and Zeke have once Ethan is trying to manage his life whilst managing his business and whilst Zeke is spiralling - there's no denying the author's ability to engage the reader. In fact, if her intention was to craft a story to put the reader through the emotional wringer, then mission accomplished...with bells on! So I'd say that readers who are in it for the wall-to-wall angst and aren't that romantically motivated will get along just fine with Pieces Of Us. Me? I'm going to wait the (mercifully) short time for part two of this duet because I think that's going to be what I thought I was signing up for.
Maybe I'll circle back around after reading the next installment and have a different reading experience. For now, if I were to give my rating categorising the book as the rockstar romance promised in the blurb it would be very low but, objectively, I think this is a really good drama so I'm going to say 3*.
An advance copy was provided by GRR. This is my honest review.
April 3, 2021
Talk about a major book hangover!! The storyline for Pieces Of Us (Second Chance Sinners #1) is beyond outstanding and I’m not only still reeling from this book, but the ending!! My goodness the cliffhanger made me want to smash my e reader. I’m still not over it. Zeke and Ethan have wrapped themselves around my heart and I can’t let them go.
Zeke and Ethan’s love story is beautiful, emotional, complicated, heart wrenching and a fantastic page turner. There were so many times that I wished that I could reach into this book and hug these two. Their journey isn’t easy and the dysfunction and turmoil within their relationship doesn’t help. And their addiction to each other is palpable as I’m just as addicted too. It’s been a while since Claudia Burgoa has written an M/M book and she certainly hasn’t lost her touch. I need Somehow Finding Us like I need my next breath and I’m hanging on by a thread with anticipation. Pieces Of Us is definitely one of my favorite books of 2021.
Zeke and Ethan’s love story is beautiful, emotional, complicated, heart wrenching and a fantastic page turner. There were so many times that I wished that I could reach into this book and hug these two. Their journey isn’t easy and the dysfunction and turmoil within their relationship doesn’t help. And their addiction to each other is palpable as I’m just as addicted too. It’s been a while since Claudia Burgoa has written an M/M book and she certainly hasn’t lost her touch. I need Somehow Finding Us like I need my next breath and I’m hanging on by a thread with anticipation. Pieces Of Us is definitely one of my favorite books of 2021.
October 3, 2022
This book was hard to read because the love between two people is unacknowledged by one person. The characters are from Sinners of Seattle. The name is fitting considering the circumstances of the now defunct group. They each struggle with loss, betrayal, finding love and letting that person get away. This story touches on the continued difficulties for bisexuality to be accepted in society, even from the LGBTQ community. The ending I did not see coming.
When I read the ebook I was affected by the angst, struggles and the emotions of the characters. Listening to Aaron Sherlock and J. F. Harding bring this story to life made the story more intense for me. The narrators do an excellent job of capturing the true essence of the characters.
When I read the ebook I was affected by the angst, struggles and the emotions of the characters. Listening to Aaron Sherlock and J. F. Harding bring this story to life made the story more intense for me. The narrators do an excellent job of capturing the true essence of the characters.
April 19, 2021
Pieces of Us by Claudia Burgoa will leave your heart in pieces. It was a soul deep and angsty friends to lovers MM romance with endless emotions. An emotional rollercoaster ride from heaven of sweet and all consuming love to hell of heartbreak.
Zeke and Ethan first came to know each other when they came to live in the Coop. The sanctuary for runaway and troubled and disadvantaged youth run by a group of friends and families who are famous. Zeke and Ethan were both messed up in head. But then they met their friends like Tucker, Hannah and Rocco. The story spans across years as they grow up, form the hottest band of the country knows as Sinners of Seattle and then they scramble to different directions. All through this journey, the author tells a story of unrequited love.
Ethan is the overthinker and Zeke is the reckless one. Ethan always put other people's perception above everything else and so he wasn't comfortable with coming out. And that left Zeke frustrated, angry and broken. My heart breaks for both of them. It was so painful to see Ethan suppressing his feelings and trying to hard to become someone else. It was also a torture to see Zeke self destructing and losing himself in darkness slowly. They had an undeniable connection and their love is intense but toxic. Raw. Passionate. Needy. But dying slow death. The friendship between all the Sinners is really precious as they navigate stardom and the added burdens together. The twists, the losses, the lies and the tragedies come but their true friendship stays intact somehow. At the end, the author delivered a powerful blow to my heart and I hope she plans to mend the wound in the next part of this story!
If you love angsty romance, you can pick Pieces of Us by Claudia Burgoa blindly. All the epic emotions guaranteed!
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Zeke and Ethan first came to know each other when they came to live in the Coop. The sanctuary for runaway and troubled and disadvantaged youth run by a group of friends and families who are famous. Zeke and Ethan were both messed up in head. But then they met their friends like Tucker, Hannah and Rocco. The story spans across years as they grow up, form the hottest band of the country knows as Sinners of Seattle and then they scramble to different directions. All through this journey, the author tells a story of unrequited love.
Ethan is the overthinker and Zeke is the reckless one. Ethan always put other people's perception above everything else and so he wasn't comfortable with coming out. And that left Zeke frustrated, angry and broken. My heart breaks for both of them. It was so painful to see Ethan suppressing his feelings and trying to hard to become someone else. It was also a torture to see Zeke self destructing and losing himself in darkness slowly. They had an undeniable connection and their love is intense but toxic. Raw. Passionate. Needy. But dying slow death. The friendship between all the Sinners is really precious as they navigate stardom and the added burdens together. The twists, the losses, the lies and the tragedies come but their true friendship stays intact somehow. At the end, the author delivered a powerful blow to my heart and I hope she plans to mend the wound in the next part of this story!
If you love angsty romance, you can pick Pieces of Us by Claudia Burgoa blindly. All the epic emotions guaranteed!
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
April 13, 2021
If you love books about complicated characters striving to overcome loss, this is the book for you. Also if you want plots with twists and turns. Bad choices and regrets. Friends who go above and beyond when one of their own loses their way and needs understanding. Especially if you love men who want so badly to love another, but are held back by their own desires, wants and needs.
There are parents who can only claim the title because of the DNA they provided. There are others who epitomize the concept of acceptance and model what a loving relationship looks like.
My only recommendation would be...if you can't live with cliff hangers...wait until book two is released before you read this! I'm dying here! I feel the pain the characters are experiencing and know there has to be a HEA ahead...I have too much invested for anything else to happen.
There are parents who can only claim the title because of the DNA they provided. There are others who epitomize the concept of acceptance and model what a loving relationship looks like.
My only recommendation would be...if you can't live with cliff hangers...wait until book two is released before you read this! I'm dying here! I feel the pain the characters are experiencing and know there has to be a HEA ahead...I have too much invested for anything else to happen.
April 19, 2021
Pieces of Us by Claudia Burgoa (Second Chance Sinners #1) stole a piece of my heart. This all-consuming and additive second-chance mm romance is equally tragic and angsty. I couldn’t put this book down if I tried. I hit the last page and felt like I got sucker-punched in the feels. I cannot wait to read Somehow Finding Us (Second Chance Sinners #2) when it releases on 5/4.
May 22, 2021
What a fucked up story was this ??
the first part of the book went pretty well I really like to where the story was heading with all the Foster care facilities and the friendship bonding.
I am feeling so bad because this story is so bad 😠😠
Ze and Eth relationship was totally messed up ,in the beginning where they wanted to explore each other but with time did relationship toxic that they could not even face each other which led Ze to drink and drink ...Eth what's the worst kind of man I have ever seen a mam who could not even stand for the person he loved and never said that he loved him and then Ze died..
He was a cowerd who couldn't stand up for the person he loved because he was too prioritizing people who don't even give a shit about him..
I couldn't specially experience the relationship because there was such a time jump and we did not see their moments
the whole band which I really liked in the beginning because of the distinctive personality was or shaken and collapsed and they started drinking smoking what not and it was just over.
I really don't like this type of book presentation..... The whole book was just leaping time and I really couldn't understand at the end what was the story actually about ?
the first part of the book went pretty well I really like to where the story was heading with all the Foster care facilities and the friendship bonding.
I am feeling so bad because this story is so bad 😠😠
Ze and Eth relationship was totally messed up ,in the beginning where they wanted to explore each other but with time did relationship toxic that they could not even face each other which led Ze to drink and drink ...Eth what's the worst kind of man I have ever seen a mam who could not even stand for the person he loved and never said that he loved him and then Ze died..
He was a cowerd who couldn't stand up for the person he loved because he was too prioritizing people who don't even give a shit about him..
I couldn't specially experience the relationship because there was such a time jump and we did not see their moments
the whole band which I really liked in the beginning because of the distinctive personality was or shaken and collapsed and they started drinking smoking what not and it was just over.
I really don't like this type of book presentation..... The whole book was just leaping time and I really couldn't understand at the end what was the story actually about ?
May 19, 2021
I was really looking forward to reading this but I was so disappointed. The whole thing was a mess! With too many characters it was so confusing and it kept jumping from one part to another...I couldn’t keep up with who was meant to be speaking! I thought it was going to be adult based, but the majority of the book focused on the two main characters in their youth. I’m sorry but I definitely will not be reading part two...a complete waste of my time and money.
April 27, 2021
Amazon / Apple Books / Nook / Kobo
Zeke and Ethan are young, teenagers, when they first meet and become bonded for life. They've both been in the system for years when a loving family takes them into their center and gives them their first taste of what a wonderful life can be. Their talent for music is nurtured and they develop strong feelings for each other after time. But though Zeke has no problem with his sexuality (bi), Ethan is deeply in the closet and will not be coming out for anyone or anything. So their relationship has to remain a secret. And that right there is the crux of the entire problem they have clear into their present as adults, famous rockstar adults in a broken up band. Sigh...
Whew, there's a lot going on in this first part of Zeke and Ethan's story. Almost too much at times, which was the reason for 4 rather than 5 stars. But really, I liked this angsty drama. It's not really a romance, but it is a coming of age story, one that I want to finish, especially after that crazy ass cliffhanger! Somehow Finding Us needs to land on my Kindle now because I'm dying after the cliffie. Zeke and Ethan got to me right in the heart and I want to know how, if, they end up together.
ARC via author for an honest review.
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August 16, 2021
Audio: 4 stars; Book: 1.5 stars
This book gave me some strong feelings, and not good ones...
MM rock star romances are my jam, so I was excited to snatch this up by a new-to-me author. Apparently, Burgoa is a mostly het romance writer, but that isn't the reason I didn't like this book.
First off, the dialogue tags are repetitive and over-used. "He states." "She states." "I state." over and over and over. If one more person stated something, I was going to throw my phone out the window.
Next, who the hell are all these secondary characters and why does it seem to be assumed that I know who they are? There are too many extra characters to keep straight in my head right from Chapter One that I gave up on figuring out who was who and how they were connected to the MCs.
Finally, there are too many other things happening apart from the main plot that bog down what I'd hope was a romance-focused read. I blame that on the plethora of secondary characters.
Oh, one other thing, there is SO MUCH indiscriminate sex happening off page. Ordinarily, I'm not one to cringe at characters enjoying themselves; in Pieces of Us, the sex is gratuitous and not super relevant to the main plot.
I'm going to continue to the second book solely due to the cliffhanger.
Honestly, if not for the excellent narrators, I would have given up early on this book.
This book gave me some strong feelings, and not good ones...
MM rock star romances are my jam, so I was excited to snatch this up by a new-to-me author. Apparently, Burgoa is a mostly het romance writer, but that isn't the reason I didn't like this book.
First off, the dialogue tags are repetitive and over-used. "He states." "She states." "I state." over and over and over. If one more person stated something, I was going to throw my phone out the window.
Next, who the hell are all these secondary characters and why does it seem to be assumed that I know who they are? There are too many extra characters to keep straight in my head right from Chapter One that I gave up on figuring out who was who and how they were connected to the MCs.
Finally, there are too many other things happening apart from the main plot that bog down what I'd hope was a romance-focused read. I blame that on the plethora of secondary characters.
Oh, one other thing, there is SO MUCH indiscriminate sex happening off page. Ordinarily, I'm not one to cringe at characters enjoying themselves; in Pieces of Us, the sex is gratuitous and not super relevant to the main plot.
I'm going to continue to the second book solely due to the cliffhanger.
Honestly, if not for the excellent narrators, I would have given up early on this book.
April 19, 2021
What a heart wrenching story! This coming of age story will captivate, mutilate, enviscerate, and renovate your heart. It will feel differently, the emotions wrested changing your views and thoughts, affording empathy for others who have such tough situations at such young ages. Growing up in a volatile and hostile lifestyle can do so much damage that in some cases may never be overcome.
Tucker, Ethan, Zeke, Hannah, and lastly Rocco are all brought together at the Coop. This was a new start for the boys, but unfortunately they didn't get the help they all needed. Zeke and Ethan's special friendship was so endearing and how Zeke helped him with his nightmares was just pure natural comfort and love. Their growth through music was forced as therapy and it did help to an extent, but the Center exploited them by having them sign contracts as youths and as their group became famous, they were completely controlled by the Deckers and Hades families. The drugs and alcohol flowed and the adults seemed to look the other way. It was like watching a ticking bomb getting ready to explode, except it was all these guys' lives. Zeke and Ethan's on and mostly off again relationship's deteriation was the saddest, as I felt they could be so happy if they could just work through their differences - by just TALKING! All this group goes through is unbelievably hard, but they are always there for each other, in whatever manner they can. They are family and I love them.💖
After reading Us After You and Almost Perfect, this filled in a lot of blanks that was left in those books. It feels like this book should be read before those, since it completes some of the holes about The Sinners of Seattle. I jumped back into those books after finishing this one to reread a lot of parts that collate with this book. My heart is still beating erratically from the cliffhanger and I am waiting anxiously for the 2nd book in this Duet. Claudia! What. Have. You. Done?!
Tucker, Ethan, Zeke, Hannah, and lastly Rocco are all brought together at the Coop. This was a new start for the boys, but unfortunately they didn't get the help they all needed. Zeke and Ethan's special friendship was so endearing and how Zeke helped him with his nightmares was just pure natural comfort and love. Their growth through music was forced as therapy and it did help to an extent, but the Center exploited them by having them sign contracts as youths and as their group became famous, they were completely controlled by the Deckers and Hades families. The drugs and alcohol flowed and the adults seemed to look the other way. It was like watching a ticking bomb getting ready to explode, except it was all these guys' lives. Zeke and Ethan's on and mostly off again relationship's deteriation was the saddest, as I felt they could be so happy if they could just work through their differences - by just TALKING! All this group goes through is unbelievably hard, but they are always there for each other, in whatever manner they can. They are family and I love them.💖
After reading Us After You and Almost Perfect, this filled in a lot of blanks that was left in those books. It feels like this book should be read before those, since it completes some of the holes about The Sinners of Seattle. I jumped back into those books after finishing this one to reread a lot of parts that collate with this book. My heart is still beating erratically from the cliffhanger and I am waiting anxiously for the 2nd book in this Duet. Claudia! What. Have. You. Done?!
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