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Clipped Wings #1.5
Between the Cracks
Tattooist Chris Zelter doesn’t always make the best decisions when it comes to the people he cares about, or the women he gets involved with. Things have changed recently, though. Chris has lost interest in casual flings as he finds himself wrapped up in Sarah Adamson, a waitress at the local strip club he frequents. It takes months of persistent attention before she finally agrees to date him, and he's determined not to mess it up.
Just as things are finally going his way, Chris receives a troubled phone call in the middle of the night from Hayden Stryker, his best friend and business partner. Unexpected revelations and the sudden departure of his girlfriend, Tenley, has nearly sent Hayden over the edge. Add in a speeding ticket and an impounded car, and Hayden is balanced on the precipice of a total meltdown. Worried about his friend, Chris sets out on a rescue road trip, first to get Hayden, and then to bring back Tenley. The two men run into unforeseen roadblocks, proving even the best intentions don’t guarantee results.
Chris and Hayden return to Chicago empty handed, and Chris is left feeling as if he’s let down all the people who matter, especially Sarah. But Chris discovers that sometimes the best way to deal with failure is to find a way to forget about it. And losing himself in Sarah is the perfect way to do just that.
Just as things are finally going his way, Chris receives a troubled phone call in the middle of the night from Hayden Stryker, his best friend and business partner. Unexpected revelations and the sudden departure of his girlfriend, Tenley, has nearly sent Hayden over the edge. Add in a speeding ticket and an impounded car, and Hayden is balanced on the precipice of a total meltdown. Worried about his friend, Chris sets out on a rescue road trip, first to get Hayden, and then to bring back Tenley. The two men run into unforeseen roadblocks, proving even the best intentions don’t guarantee results.
Chris and Hayden return to Chicago empty handed, and Chris is left feeling as if he’s let down all the people who matter, especially Sarah. But Chris discovers that sometimes the best way to deal with failure is to find a way to forget about it. And losing himself in Sarah is the perfect way to do just that.
42 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 4, 2014
About the author
Helena Hunting
63 books24.1k followersHelena Hunting is the author of The USA Today and NYT bestselling PUCKED Series. She lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She writes everything from romantic sports comedy to new adult angst.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 274 reviews
May 22, 2014
3 shortie stars
Between the Cracks is told from Chris and Sarah’s POV, wanting to anything they can to help their two best friends, Hayden and Tenley. This little novella takes place right where Clipped Wings ended. It gives us a peak into the mind fuck we have coming our way and the darker sadder days ahead. I loved the difference in the POV because it just reinforces the fact that Hayden and Tenley have people who believe in what they have even if they are too broken to realize it themselves.
My favorite line in the book :)
Between the Cracks is told from Chris and Sarah’s POV, wanting to anything they can to help their two best friends, Hayden and Tenley. This little novella takes place right where Clipped Wings ended. It gives us a peak into the mind fuck we have coming our way and the darker sadder days ahead. I loved the difference in the POV because it just reinforces the fact that Hayden and Tenley have people who believe in what they have even if they are too broken to realize it themselves.
My favorite line in the book :)
Hayden was like Eeyore with a black cloud of doom hanging over his head…
January 13, 2019
Yeah, just a short continuation after the Clipped Wings ended. But this time, in Sarah and Chris POV's. Nothing new, nothing amazing. That's it.
September 26, 2016
A super short freebie giving Chris's insight of events at the end of Clipped Wings and before Inked Armour. I'm kind of all about Hayden and Tenley right now, bit I still really enjoyed this, not least because the chemistry between Chris and Sarah was delish.
Recommended as part of my wings binge.
Recommended as part of my wings binge.
December 16, 2019
This was an insight into what happened after Tenley left Chicago and how Hayden coped - or rather how he didn't cope.
June 12, 2014
3 - "Oh God." ... "You can just call him Dick." Stars.
Great little addition to the series, not overly angsty.... I quite like Sarah and Chris.
This may even inspire me to brave Book 2!
Great little addition to the series, not overly angsty.... I quite like Sarah and Chris.
This may even inspire me to brave Book 2!
February 28, 2015
This is a short little quickie that shows us the events immediately following the dramatic ending of Clipped Wings, from the POV of Chris.
It’s heartbreaking and emotional, but also sweet as we get to see a bit of a romantic storyline developing for Chris.
This novella seems to lead into the events that will take place in Inked Armour, and I can’t wait to get back to Tenley and Hayden’s story.
4 stars – simply because it’s too short to rate it any higher.
It’s heartbreaking and emotional, but also sweet as we get to see a bit of a romantic storyline developing for Chris.
This novella seems to lead into the events that will take place in Inked Armour, and I can’t wait to get back to Tenley and Hayden’s story.
4 stars – simply because it’s too short to rate it any higher.
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November 9, 2016review to come
December 18, 2021
4 Stars
I loved seeing more from Chris's perspective and really like him and Sarah so can't wait to read their book! Onto the next...! This series is addictive!
I loved seeing more from Chris's perspective and really like him and Sarah so can't wait to read their book! Onto the next...! This series is addictive!
October 26, 2015
Chris & Sarah's story begins with this first of two novella's that will lead into their full story. Between the Cracks takes place in the wake between the end of Clipped Wings and the start of Inked Armor. Just as Chris has gotten through to Sarah so that she see's him as more than just a guy that hangs out at the strip club she works at, all hell breaks loose in his best friend's life.
Chris and Sarah share only a small moment of this story, the majority of the story is Chris running off to rescue Hayden after Tenley flees and his attempts to help his friend not go off the deep end. Chris was one of those characters that I did not think was too deep during the time I spent with him in the first two books of this series. But there is something more to this guy, something that makes him a tad bit vulnerable and quite possibly broken.
When I found this series by browsing on Netgallery months ago I came across such a treasure. I love the way Helena Hunting writes and the story line of the tragic romance. None of these characters are perfect, each one is flawed and each one shines perfectly.
May 21, 2017
Between The Cracks es una de las novelas cortas que tiene la serie Clipped Wings de Helena Hunting.
Hace un par de dias inicie la lectura del tercer libro de esta saga y aunque no creo que sea necesario leer las novelas cortas, a mi me apetecia mucho leer como empezo la relacion de Chris y Sarah.
Esta lectura podia haber sido mejor si la autora no le hubiera robado protagonismo a Sarah y Chris con el drama de Tenley, drama que ademas ya habiamos leido en los libros que protagoniza, aun asi esta historia valio la pena solo por ellos dos, fueron muy lindos y tiernos, sobra decir que me gusta mucho mas esta pareja que la de Hayden y Tenley.
2.75 Estrellas!
June 11, 2017
This just makes me excited for Chris and Sarah's story!
April 27, 2023
I didn't enjoy this novella nearly as much as the main novels from this series. I'm sure I would have liked it a lot more if I'd listened to it in order with the main novels but it just wasn't there for me this time.
March 19, 2016
★★ ! Very good, but too short for a better rating.
I really liked this extremely short read which is written entirely from Chris' pov, that maybe I didn't love so much, but it was a nice change of pace, and it was so short anyway so it really didn't matter that much. What I loved the most about it was the roadtrip with Hayden, that went after Tenley. That really satisfied my fix. For every Chris and Sarah fan, this will also give a nice little insight in their relationship. Three stars to the story and one extra star because I love Hayden and his anal ways so much. Plus, he is covered in tattoos and piercings. Hot!!!!
*This short novella is currently free on amazon*
I really liked this extremely short read which is written entirely from Chris' pov, that maybe I didn't love so much, but it was a nice change of pace, and it was so short anyway so it really didn't matter that much. What I loved the most about it was the roadtrip with Hayden, that went after Tenley. That really satisfied my fix. For every Chris and Sarah fan, this will also give a nice little insight in their relationship. Three stars to the story and one extra star because I love Hayden and his anal ways so much. Plus, he is covered in tattoos and piercings. Hot!!!!
*This short novella is currently free on amazon*
May 19, 2016
This book takes place right after the ending of Clipped Wings and is told from Chris' POV. Although it is a short read, we get to see what occurred in terms of Hayden after Tenley's departure. We also get to delve a bit more into the relationship between Chris and Sarah. Overall, it was a good little in-between book.
October 28, 2016
A quick glimpse into what is sure to be some really tough times coming for Hayden. It gives us a peek into Chris and Sarah, and hints at things to come for them as well. It was nice to finally get a deeper idea of who Chris is, we've only ever seen him through Hayden and Tenley's eyes.
April 16, 2017
I cannot get behind a relationship between Chris and Sarah. Sarah spends over half of the book Clipped Wings saying how this weird dude Chris keeps stalking her, and even though she has told him repeatedly to leave her alone, he won't. He just keeps showing up at her work.
And then she gets into a relationship with him?
NO.
Stalking isn't sexy. And it's definitely NOT attractive when a guy (or anyone) keeps following someone around no matter how many times she tells him to get lost.
Do not want.
And then she gets into a relationship with him?
NO.
Stalking isn't sexy. And it's definitely NOT attractive when a guy (or anyone) keeps following someone around no matter how many times she tells him to get lost.
Do not want.
April 14, 2022
Audible Review
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Performance 5 out of 5 stars
Story 4 out of 5 stars
A quickie!
Jason Clark was a great choice to voice Chris! He's got that gruffness that fits my image of Chris, but also a sweetness to him as well.
I originally read this story 6 years ago and now I want to go back and redo the whole series! Here's my review from first read-
A quick glimpse into what is sure to be some really tough times coming for Hayden. It gives us a peek into Chris and Sarah, and hints at things to come for them as well. It was nice to finally get a deeper idea of who Chris is, we've only ever seen him through Hayden and Tenley's eyes.
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Performance 5 out of 5 stars
Story 4 out of 5 stars
A quickie!
Jason Clark was a great choice to voice Chris! He's got that gruffness that fits my image of Chris, but also a sweetness to him as well.
I originally read this story 6 years ago and now I want to go back and redo the whole series! Here's my review from first read-
A quick glimpse into what is sure to be some really tough times coming for Hayden. It gives us a peek into Chris and Sarah, and hints at things to come for them as well. It was nice to finally get a deeper idea of who Chris is, we've only ever seen him through Hayden and Tenley's eyes.
January 28, 2024
Chris and Sarah... Tanley runs away and Hayden is messed up over it.
Short. Audible plus listen 🎶
Short. Audible plus listen 🎶
May 23, 2014
Between the Cracks is a short story with an eye opening perspective.
Ever since I read clipped wings, I haven’t been able to get enough of it. I pretty much vowed to stalk Helena until I got more of these very broken but even more endearing characters. Especially after having Clipped Wings end in a cliffhanger.
This novella picks up right where Clipped Wings left off with a very determined Hayden on his way to get Tenley, and it mainly follows Hayden’s distress from Chris’ point of view.
While Between the Cracks nicely ties the first and second book together, giving us a heart wrenching and sad outlook on Hayden’s state of mind and future. It also clearly depicts Chris’ character.
It was difficult to get an accurate perception of Chris before. I mainly thought of him as one of the sexy tattooists that co-owned Inked Armor. Playful and man whoreish, and part of the close knit group of friends who also worked at the tattoo shop.
There is without a doubt much more to Chris than what we know. He’s a loyal, caring and supportive friend. He doesn’t hesitate in helping Hayden however he can.
Even though I’m torn for Hayden and Tenley’s sake, this short is no less enjoyable. It gives us enough of Chris’ personality to like him more and want to know further. And Helena also includes the fun, flirty side of him and Sarah in a prelude to their growing relationship.
4.5 cracked stars
Note: I strongly suggest this series be read in the correct order.
For more of my reviews or those of my best book buds visit our blog.
Ever since I read clipped wings, I haven’t been able to get enough of it. I pretty much vowed to stalk Helena until I got more of these very broken but even more endearing characters. Especially after having Clipped Wings end in a cliffhanger.
This novella picks up right where Clipped Wings left off with a very determined Hayden on his way to get Tenley, and it mainly follows Hayden’s distress from Chris’ point of view.
While Between the Cracks nicely ties the first and second book together, giving us a heart wrenching and sad outlook on Hayden’s state of mind and future. It also clearly depicts Chris’ character.
“As much as Tee might be struggling with her own shit, I was pissed at her for doing this to him.”
It was difficult to get an accurate perception of Chris before. I mainly thought of him as one of the sexy tattooists that co-owned Inked Armor. Playful and man whoreish, and part of the close knit group of friends who also worked at the tattoo shop.
There is without a doubt much more to Chris than what we know. He’s a loyal, caring and supportive friend. He doesn’t hesitate in helping Hayden however he can.
“I’m glad I met you. You’re a really good guy. Take care of Hayden.” ~ Sarah
Even though I’m torn for Hayden and Tenley’s sake, this short is no less enjoyable. It gives us enough of Chris’ personality to like him more and want to know further. And Helena also includes the fun, flirty side of him and Sarah in a prelude to their growing relationship.
4.5 cracked stars
Note: I strongly suggest this series be read in the correct order.
For more of my reviews or those of my best book buds visit our blog.
July 25, 2015
Loved reading about Chris & Sarah. Can't wait to get my hands on their novel! I wasn't a fan of Chris but i have to say that after reading from is POV and getting inside is head i got to say he have much more depth than i initially thought!
August 26, 2015
I liked this. I liked Sarah and Chris together and how we get to see the story told from an other perspective.
I understand why Hayden stopped trying but he should've tried more.
I want to strangle Trey. I have 0 nice words and an infinite of bad ones for him.
I understand why Hayden stopped trying but he should've tried more.
I want to strangle Trey. I have 0 nice words and an infinite of bad ones for him.
November 15, 2016
The angst continues. This is a transition piece that ties book one to book two. Seeing Hayden give up and fall into darkness from Chris' point of view was disheartening. I'm really getting into this one;).
January 21, 2015
super short! i didn't even realize i had finished the whole thing!
April 11, 2020
This was a perfect little novella post Clipped Wings with that damn cliff hanger. I really need the next book right now but I will fall asleep because it’s so late and I need 100% focus for my baby Hayden. So tomorrow is the day.
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September 6, 2020I can't rlly give ratings because it's too short but I prefer Hayden's POV lol!!!! Chris always felt like a failure but honestly he didn't do anything to feel like it so I just couldn't understand why he seemed so out of it
June 13, 2018
נובלה שנותנת הצצה להמשך הסדרה,
מחכה לקרוא בקוצר רוח את ההמשך של היידן וטנלי , אבל מחכה גם לסיפור המלא מאוחרי כריס ושרה !
זה הולך להיות מסע לא קל אך אני בטוחה שבסופו של דבר זה יהיה שווה את זה !
מחכה לקרוא בקוצר רוח את ההמשך של היידן וטנלי , אבל מחכה גם לסיפור המלא מאוחרי כריס ושרה !
זה הולך להיות מסע לא קל אך אני בטוחה שבסופו של דבר זה יהיה שווה את זה !
Read
June 18, 2019"A tattooed Eeyore"
December 25, 2019
This is a very short little novella that picks up right where clipped wings left off - it's told from Chris' POV as he is the one who comes to the rescue of everyone and tries to move the story along. At the same time setting up for his and Sarah's story - none of this was all that exciting.
October 5, 2021
Beautifully read audio book. I liked this short and slightly steamy romance novella, but I haven't read the other books, so now I guess I'll have to do that... 😀
May 4, 2022
This is a good intro for Sarah and Chris' story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 274 reviews