Sneak Peek Wednesday: Broken Shadows by Heather D’Agostino

Broken Shadows
(The Broken Series Second Generation, #2)
by Heather D’Agostino
Publisher: Self-published
Publication date: Aug. 3, 2021
Genre: Romance

He was the best; a champion; my father.

I’ve spent my entire life living in his shadow, and it’s slowly killing me.
I need to escape. To live in the light that I so rightly deserve. To show the world that I’m the best in my own right, a champion, and not just my father’s shadow.

Sometimes finding your own way and being the best comes at a cost. I wasn’t prepared to pay the price to live in the light, to be the best. Now I’m learning that being the best doesn’t always mean being the champ. Sometimes it means simply becoming a better man.

 

Excerpt

“Grab some gloves.” Chuck pointed to an equipment box near the sparring ring. I’d just come in for the day to get a short workout in. Tomorrow was it. “Tanner’s gonna spar with you,” he called. Tanner was twice my size. He was two weight classes above me. “Don’t break him,” Chuck called to Tanner, who was standing in the ring. “I want you to work on defensive moves today,” he barked as I climbed through the ropes. “You do a lot of swinging. I want to see you duck and get out of the way.”

“I’ve never needed to go on the defensive.” I rolled my eyes, and Tanner grinned.

“You will with me,” he mumbled around his mouth guard. He tapped his fists against mine and then bounced on his toes.

I backed up, hunched down, and gave him my signature ‘come here’ move. It was the one thing I did like my dad. Tanner chuckled as he stormed closer and took a swing. I ducked and side-stepped out of the way. “Like that?” I barked at Chuck, but just as the words left my mouth, Tanner connected with my shoulder. I stumbled to the side, caught off guard and shook my head.

“Focus!” Chuck yelled. “Do it again, Tan.”

“Yeah, Do it again.” I narrowed my eyes. I thought this was training. Apparently, it didn’t matter that I was fighting tomorrow. “Hit my face, and you’re a dead man,” I growled.

Tanner held his hands up, mocking me, then stepped closer and took another swing. I dodged it and swung back, connecting with his side. “E, we’re working on defense, not offense,” Chuck yelled.

“So, I’m not supposed to fight back?” I tossed my hands in the air.

“That’s exactly what you’re supposed to do. Tanner’s going to swing, and you’re going to get out of the way. The Sandman is undefeated here in Miami. He won’t think twice about laying you out. I wanna see that you can get out of the way of his fists.”

I grumbled as I got back into position, and Tanner just laughed. I nodded I was ready, and Tanner engaged once again. We went round and round with him trying to connect, and me stepping out of the way. It seemed to go all afternoon, but really was less than an hour. “Okay, hit the weights.” Chuck dismissed me, and I tossed my gloves in the general direction of the equipment box.

“Don’t take it personally. I used to be you. He’s just making sure that you listen to him.” Tanner chuckled as he packed away his gear.

“I came here because I was promised I could do things my way,” I grumbled.

“You can for the most part. Chuck is one of the most laid-back trainers I’ve ever worked with, but you have to respect him and the sport. He’s not going to waste his time on someone who doesn’t.” Tanner shrugged.

“I do respect the sport.” I shook my head.

“Coming in late to train, staying out all night, sleeping with anything that spreads its legs… that’s not respect, man. You and I aren’t that different, thing is… I grew up. I think you need to take a look in the mirror and ask yourself if you like who’s looking back.” He walked off just as I reached the weight room door.

I looked in the mirror all the time. I saw a champion. I saw a guy who was killing himself to be the best. What I didn’t see was my father, and that was what I was trying to achieve all along. As long as he wasn’t there, I was making it. What I didn’t understand at the time was, being in my dad’s shadow wasn’t as bad as I thought.

 

 

Meet Heather D’Agostino

Heather D’Agostino is an avid reader turned Bestselling Author of the Contemporary Romance Series The Broken Series, The Shattered Series, The Second Chances Series, The Cook Brothers Series, and Romantic Suspense series The Witness Series.

She attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where she received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Elementary Education with a minor in Mathematics.

She currently lives in Central New York with her husband, two children, two dogs, and three cats. When she’s not writing she can usually be found at the dance studio, soccer field, or one of the many other places that she plays ‘Supermom’.

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3 Thoughts on “Sneak Peek Wednesday: Broken Shadows by Heather D’Agostino

  1. A boxing story isn’t really my thing but I’m sure that others will like this.

  2. I love this author’s work, This looks good.

  3. ooh I love this sneak peak you are sharing with us here. I do have a blast with these type of authors that write MMA themes. And the blurb? I need this one in my life.

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