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Shades of Gray
Nothing is black-and-white when dealing with love or murder. In “Shades of Gray,” an award-winning photojournalist finds herself on the wrong side of the lens when she is framed for murder. Samantha "Sam" Jennings has been hiding from the world since she was seventeen years old. At twenty-seven, living in isolation on a small private island off the coast of South Carolina, Sam guards her privacy. Her photographs are famous, but her face is anonymous. And she likes it that way. Caleb McCloud is a defense attorney who basks in the spotlight. His legal successes have him on a career path to become the youngest president in the United States. But an entanglement from his past may put a kink in that path. When front-page headlines "Photographer Shoots to Kill," Sam finds herself facing murder charges in the death of Ben Fuller. To stay out of jail and catch the true killer, she must turn to Caleb, the one man who has haunted her dreams since she was a teenage. She vows to trust him with her life but not her heart. But as the two begin a journey to find a killer, Caleb vows to win both. Is he too late? Find out in the action packed love story of Samantha and Caleb.
266 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2011
54 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
About the author
Kim Sanders
2 books18 followersKim Sanders was born and raised in the South and currently lives in South Carolina with her husband. Sanders received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of North Carolina and a doctor of law degree from Emory University. Over the years, she has worked as a journalist, a photographer, an editor, and an attorney. After winning sixth place in a Writer’s Digest short story contest, she decided to pursue yet another career as a fiction writer. Her debut novel SHADES OF GRAY became an Amazon bestseller. THE EX LOTTERY was released on May 19, 2014.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 14, 2012
Kim Sanders delivers an impressive writing debut in her romantic suspense novel “Shades of Gray.” It is masterfully threaded with suspense and desire. An exceptional strong cast of characters pours life into the story. I found it hard to put down and a joy to read from cover to cover.
When Caleb McCloud, a face from her past, shows up unexpectedly to defend famous photojournalist Samantha Jennings against murder charges, there’s plenty of thrilling action and a sizzling second chance at love to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Recommended without reservation.
When Caleb McCloud, a face from her past, shows up unexpectedly to defend famous photojournalist Samantha Jennings against murder charges, there’s plenty of thrilling action and a sizzling second chance at love to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Recommended without reservation.
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March 13, 2012This is literally my book so I don't think I should rate it, but I do hope you read it and rate it.
March 20, 2012
Loved it! Hope it becomes a movie - great location, characters and storyline!
March 22, 2012
I really liked it easy read.
March 25, 2012
This was a great "easy reader" if you like a little bit of suspense and a little bit more romance in your fluff reads. It was well written with a great story line and likeable characters.
May 8, 2012
So far, Loving it!
September 7, 2012
This is SHADES OF GRAY, not FIFTY SHADES OF GREY -- FYI. lol
A quick read and very enjoyable. Predictable, but that's ok. A good beach book.
A quick read and very enjoyable. Predictable, but that's ok. A good beach book.
June 9, 2015
4.5!! suspense and romance! Great story!
April 20, 2012
Took a little while to really get in to the book but it was pretty good.
August 1, 2012
This romantic suspense did keep my interest, so the writing was such the plot moved the story forward, and I wanted to know what happened at the end. The writer did a good job in describing the surroundings and setting of the book so I could picture everything. I didn't buy the book because of its cover. I am not sure what prompted me to get it, probably the story line. I definitely look at book covers and I think this one would be a lot better; this one does not, in my opinion, fit the story. I have to say the title of the book made me think it was going to be similar to another book with a similar title and I was surprised it was nothing like it, which is good, but I couldn't help but wonder with all the books out there with a similar title if they aren't all trying to capitalize on the other famous book.
I have a kindle fire so it is very easy to highlight words or whole sentences where I found problems with the story. I got totally confused between who John and Jim were. It appears to me that they are one in the same guy, because I couldn't figure out who came to check on Sam's place and met Maggie in the process and the guy Maggie fell in love with. And there was the guy Abby, Caleb's sister, kissed; was it John or Jim or was there really two different men with those names and I missed it (and if I did, I apologize)? Or did the author forget which name she used for this love interest of Maggie's, and which one Abby kissed, I had to ask myself? In an author's first book, they tend to use the same letter for the first name in the book and it makes it quite confusing. I know, I've done it too.
For a first book, I did enjoy the story line, and it was an enjoyable light read. I do have to say though the reason for the low star rating is because the book really needs another editor/proofreader/copy editor/beta reader, or what have you because of the grammar errors, though I have to say the editor in me didn't kick in until Chapter 8. There were words left out; commas missing; apostrophes missing showing possession by a person (Tad lower lip stuck out) and (Sally sobs were); over use of the words 'that', 'then', 'next' (the editor in me can't help catch these things); apostrophe used on the year (1800's -- should not be there per Chicago Manual Style and I see this miss-used a lot); towards the end a place where Caleb hands Sally a handkerchief to wipe her eyes and a few pages later he does it again, handing her a crisp white one from his pocket (its plausible he had two and handed them both to her, but I think the author just forgot he already did this); tenses mixed within the same sentence; a kissing scene where a sentence made no sense to me and I had to ask myself what did it mean; wrong word used in place of the correct one (example: "This is it," said Sam, sitting on Caleb's shoulders to looking through the one back window that had no curtains.) The 'looking' needs to be changed to 'look' and 'that had' could be changed to 'with'; and my biggest pet peeve is using the word 'two' with the word 'twins' - twins already implies two, so saying two twin beds implies there are two sets of twin beds (a total of four) in the room. There was a term used I have never seen before ('she saw a South-of-Broad type coming out of Sally's apartment'). What does that mean? I am all for learning new stuff, but this jarred me and I had to re-read the sentence to see what she was talking about and I still don't know. If there is a sentence like this, which takes the reader out of the book, the sentence should be taken out of the book instead.
All in all, I would recommend this book to readers of romantic suspense as it was a story keeping my interest until the very end. I would probably read another book by this author.
I have a kindle fire so it is very easy to highlight words or whole sentences where I found problems with the story. I got totally confused between who John and Jim were. It appears to me that they are one in the same guy, because I couldn't figure out who came to check on Sam's place and met Maggie in the process and the guy Maggie fell in love with. And there was the guy Abby, Caleb's sister, kissed; was it John or Jim or was there really two different men with those names and I missed it (and if I did, I apologize)? Or did the author forget which name she used for this love interest of Maggie's, and which one Abby kissed, I had to ask myself? In an author's first book, they tend to use the same letter for the first name in the book and it makes it quite confusing. I know, I've done it too.
For a first book, I did enjoy the story line, and it was an enjoyable light read. I do have to say though the reason for the low star rating is because the book really needs another editor/proofreader/copy editor/beta reader, or what have you because of the grammar errors, though I have to say the editor in me didn't kick in until Chapter 8. There were words left out; commas missing; apostrophes missing showing possession by a person (Tad lower lip stuck out) and (Sally sobs were); over use of the words 'that', 'then', 'next' (the editor in me can't help catch these things); apostrophe used on the year (1800's -- should not be there per Chicago Manual Style and I see this miss-used a lot); towards the end a place where Caleb hands Sally a handkerchief to wipe her eyes and a few pages later he does it again, handing her a crisp white one from his pocket (its plausible he had two and handed them both to her, but I think the author just forgot he already did this); tenses mixed within the same sentence; a kissing scene where a sentence made no sense to me and I had to ask myself what did it mean; wrong word used in place of the correct one (example: "This is it," said Sam, sitting on Caleb's shoulders to looking through the one back window that had no curtains.) The 'looking' needs to be changed to 'look' and 'that had' could be changed to 'with'; and my biggest pet peeve is using the word 'two' with the word 'twins' - twins already implies two, so saying two twin beds implies there are two sets of twin beds (a total of four) in the room. There was a term used I have never seen before ('she saw a South-of-Broad type coming out of Sally's apartment'). What does that mean? I am all for learning new stuff, but this jarred me and I had to re-read the sentence to see what she was talking about and I still don't know. If there is a sentence like this, which takes the reader out of the book, the sentence should be taken out of the book instead.
All in all, I would recommend this book to readers of romantic suspense as it was a story keeping my interest until the very end. I would probably read another book by this author.
May 28, 2015
My opening caveat must be a confession that I never read romantic novels. I did so this time because I became acquainted with the author on Linkedin.com, and she struck me as a very interesting person. So I ordered Shades of Gray. I did not regret it. Kim Sanders has a smooth writing style and an appropriate voice for this genre. The story moves swiftly, with a clever plot line that creates a proper amount of suspense. You keep turning pages to see what will happen next to her protagonist, Samantha Jennings, both to her personal safety as well as to her romance. The author crafts colorful and likable characters that ring true to the behavior/values of our current youthful generation. Back in my twenties and thirties, I can remember falling in love with lots of Samanthas, many times. And like Caleb, her love interest, I too ran like hell from marriage. I appreciated the author's attention to detail and description, and I had no problem imagining myself on that isolated South Carolina island where Samantha lives and shields herself from the intrusion of unwanted interaction. If you have an liking for romanticism clothed in suspense, you will like Shades of Gray.
June 16, 2012
I wanted to like this book. Kim Sanders can paint a picture so well you don't realize you're not actually there until the characters start talking. Of course that's when things go wrong. The setting and descriptions were beautiful and the plot was a good one too, but too many inconsistencies irritated me. First, women don't go running 'sans bra'. If you've ever ran anywhere in your life then you already know that. Second, how do two people survive in a unoccupied cabin for several days without stopping at the grocery store first. Yet--they're fortunate enough to come across apple pie to eat in bed??? Sorry that just doesn't add up.
Like I said, I wanted to like this book but I had to roll my eyes at the writing too often to give it more than 3 stars. Oh and third, dogs DO NOT jump through closed windows.
Like I said, I wanted to like this book but I had to roll my eyes at the writing too often to give it more than 3 stars. Oh and third, dogs DO NOT jump through closed windows.
April 9, 2012
Samantha, AKA Sam, has been living a very isolated life. She lives alone on an island, coming ashore only to take photographs. She has a very successful career, but really no life to speak of. And then she is charged with murder. Suddenly, Caleb once again enters her life. A summer fling from ten years previous that she has never gotten over. Caleb's a rock star in the legal world, with political ambitions. He jumps at the chance to see justice done and reacquaint himself with Sam, the one who got away.
This book was good enough to keep me wondering who was responsible for the frame up. I was pretty sure I knew who was guilty, but there were a few red herrings thrown in to keep me a little uncertain. It wasn't the most memorable book, but it was well written.
This book was good enough to keep me wondering who was responsible for the frame up. I was pretty sure I knew who was guilty, but there were a few red herrings thrown in to keep me a little uncertain. It wasn't the most memorable book, but it was well written.
March 31, 2012
Forgive me the cliche of judging a book by it's cover, but Shades of Gray's cover gave no indication of the Harlequin Romance, soft porn, cheesy content contained within the pages of the book. The story and character development was coming along just fine until I got to 17% read on my kindle, where the first "love" scene hideously occurred during an otherwise enjoyable storyline. Although I'm glad it was a free download, I'm disappointed I wasted my time reading the first quarter of the book.
June 21, 2013
I read this simply because I found myself without a book to read on a trip and I had this on my kindle already. My 14 yr old son was very concerned I was reading porn on a page however. He got this confused with that other book. :D Though, this book did have a few steamy scenes if I remember right, which I could do without. Having said that, I thought it was well written and the mystery part of it was well enough done.
February 15, 2014
Pretty good
The novel is about a successful photographer who is accused of murder. As she struggles to try to prove her innocence and find the real killer, her path crosses with a former flame.
The novel was well-written with very few grammatical errors. I found the main character to be a little arrogant.There are some fairly graphic sex scenes in this novel so I would not allow my teens to read it.
The novel is about a successful photographer who is accused of murder. As she struggles to try to prove her innocence and find the real killer, her path crosses with a former flame.
The novel was well-written with very few grammatical errors. I found the main character to be a little arrogant.There are some fairly graphic sex scenes in this novel so I would not allow my teens to read it.
July 23, 2012
This book was a good murder mystery, where Sam is accused of murdering her boyfriend, Ben. Caleb, an old boyfriend from long ago, comes to Sam's rescue. Love the characters and how they intertwine.
My only problem is why author's name female characters with boy names...for me, it's so hard to remember who the character is.
My only problem is why author's name female characters with boy names...for me, it's so hard to remember who the character is.
August 31, 2012
I borrowed this book thinking it was Between Shades of Grey. It wasn't. It was a fluffy murder mystery/romance. It was fine although I'm kind of sick of female characters that in order to prove how independent and strong they are have to make a point of not listening to good advice and stomping their feet petulantly. 'no one can tell them what to do damn it!'
December 14, 2012
a wonderful, suspense-filled love story. two people never got over their first young love. he became a powerful lawyer. she became photo-journalist. He showed up for her murderer trial.
the suspense is great as they discover the real murderer. and other victims along the way.
-- language. passion scenes.
the suspense is great as they discover the real murderer. and other victims along the way.
-- language. passion scenes.
April 14, 2012
Sam and Caleb = a love story that was rocky and steamy and heartbreaking. But what a story. I didn't figure out this who dunnit until the end although I knew Samantha wasn't guilty. Great book Great author. Well with the read.
May 2, 2012
Not a romance novel person, but the murder mystery plot kept me interested until the end. Was a very quick read. If you don't like romance novels, you may not enjoy this book. I found it on the corny side.
March 19, 2015
Great read
More about the characters than the setting. Having been to all the main locations I feel the atmosphere of all places is well represented. Loved that the plot flowed smoothly with a logical while not predictable
More about the characters than the setting. Having been to all the main locations I feel the atmosphere of all places is well represented. Loved that the plot flowed smoothly with a logical while not predictable
March 16, 2012
Picked this up tor free at amazon for the kindle, so I thought I'd give it a go. Not bad, but definitely not the genre I love.
April 2, 2012
This book is a mystery /romance. Easy to read. Short chapters.Kept my interest. I did have the mystery figured out. I would recommend.
December 13, 2012
Meh. 2.5 stars
May 8, 2012
Not recommended. Dialogue comparable to one tree hill episode written by chad michael murray
July 30, 2012
Chose this as June's free Kindle book thanks to Amazon Prime...
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August 11, 2012 Loved the storyline but had to put it down. Colorful love scenes are not my cup o' tea.
July 17, 2012
Decent quick read for the beach!
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August 23, 2012I loved this book. It was written very well and easy to follow. The author had you continually guessing which made for a suspenseful read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews