Cracks in the Armor

Clipped Wings, Book 2.5

By: Helena Hunting

Narrated by: Jason Clarke, Rose Dioro

Chris, a sexy tattoo artist, tries to win the heart of Sarah, a grad student with little interest in him, in this second short and follow-up to Helena Hunting’s gripping love story, Clipped Wings - “twisted, dark, incredibly erotic...a love story like no other” (USA Today best-selling author Alice Clayton).

Part owner of the Chicago tattoo shop Inked Armor, Chris Zelter is a talented artist who decorates skin with gorgeous designs. He might look the part of the typical jacked-up, inked-up bad boy, but underneath is a fiercely loyal, complicated man. Kicked out at 16, Chris has had to fend for himself for the last 12 years, making his Inked Armor crew as much family as they are business partners. For him, it’s enough - until he meets Sarah Adamson.

A grad student waitressing at the local strip club, Sarah is used to propositions and crude comments. The job is a means to an end - finish her MBA, pay off the tuition loans, and get a good job. Then she won’t have to rely on anyone to take care of her. So when brawny, tatted-up Chris begins hanging out at the club, she rebuffs his advances. At first. But Chris isn’t like her usual clientele: Despite his hard exterior, he’s almost...sweet.

Sometimes, the people with the roughest edges have the biggest hearts.

©2014 Helena Hunting (P)2021 Audible, Inc.

Short and Sweet

4 ⭐ 1 🌶️ 5 🎧

Bridge novellas are always my fave. Getting to see old couples happily ever after (well, with a hiccup...) and setting up the new couple is such a fun mix. I'm so dang excited for Chris and Sarah's story.

The audio was great. I loveeee Jason Clarke and Rose Dioro was fantastic as well. This was a great listen.

good

good story great performance. A difficult relationship leads me to believe it will be a bumpy ride.

Cracks in the armor

This audio book is a very short offering of romance between lovers who haven't made the ultimate commitment to each other.

Quick look into the beginning of Chris and Sarah.

Wow, it's been almost 6 years since I first read this novella, can't believe it's been that long! The Clipped Wings series is probably my favorite series from Helena, although it's pretty close to a tie with the Pucked series!

I think both Jason and Rose were great choices for these characters. Jason has the gruffness to his voice that worked well with how I picture Chris's character. And I really enjoyed Rose's performance of Sarah- she sounded age appropriate, which is I find isn't always the case with so many female narrators. My only "issue" with the narration- I didn't love her male voice, but that could just be me!

Here's my review from when I first read this story-

A quick, angsty look into the beginning of what I hope will be a happy relationship for Chris and Sarah. I loved seeing the vulnerability of Chris is this story- we didn't see that side of him in the previous books and novellas. But there was still the humor we'd expect from him as well.
Even though this was such a quick read I feel like we got a little deeper look into the friendship between Chris, Hayden, and Jamie- they are lucky to have each other.

And I really enjoyed the glimpse of Hayden and his quirks from a different point of view- it's nice to see him getting a handle on things, although part of what makes him so loveable are his quirks!

A nice prequel to set the scene.

Rose and Jason do a great job on this short story. I'm looking forward to reading more from this couple.