Shadows of You

Lost & Found #4

by Catherine Cowles, Maxine Mitchell (Reader), Zachary Webber (Reader)

Listening Length: 10 hours

It was supposed to be a fresh start. A small town where I could hide my little girl from the shadows that haunt us. A place where I could keep us safe.

The last thing I expected was him.

A surly, broody mountain of a man who helps me save an injured deer in a snowstorm.

Now, Roan Hartley keeps showing up with his glowers and grimaces. But they only make his rare smiles and the gentle way he talks to my daughter mean that much more.

When forces from my past find us, Roan is determined to keep us safe—even if that means sleeping on my ancient couch every night.

As days turn to weeks, his touch has my walls crashing down. But someone out there doesn’t want me to find happiness. He doesn’t want me left breathing at all…

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Small Town Romance, Suspense, Contemporary, Forced Proximity, Contemporary Romance

10 pages, Audible Audio

First published October 19, 2023

About the author

Writer of words. Drinker of Diet Cokes. Lover of all things cute and furry, especially her dog. Catherine has had her nose in a book since the time she could read and finally decided to write down some of her own stories. When she's not writing she can be found exploring her home state of Oregon, listening to true crime podcasts, or searching for her next book boyfriend.

Reviews

[Lilyya ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

” I like them. both of them. they make me feel…like I belong.”

the right book at the right time. i love when books achieve a perfect balance between their different plot lines. It's a Catherine Cowles book, therefore it had a fair amount of mystery and quite a lot of twists warped at the end, even a major plot twist hidden in the fist chapters. however, it also provided the perfect, cozy small town romance. the story was beautifully crafted to include found family, a single mom trope, and a huge grump who only cares about his quiet cabin.

”the little girl had no fear of me. It was a bizarre sensation, that innocent trust. So kind it almost hurt.”

I know that I've expressed my love for kids in romances numerous times, but it still remains true. I enjoy when children are crucial in the development of romance and relationships between the main characters. especially when the storyline provides a vivid depiction of the heartwarming bond they sew with their parent's love interest and the one they share with their parents. i simply love when they enhance the storytelling. Cady, the daughter, was one of the brightest parts of this book, which is why I loved her so much. the little ballerina and her sunshine-mother's softening of the big grump was precisely what I needed to read.

”I was in love with Aspen Barlow. her daughter, too. and if anything happened to either of them, I’d never survive.”

even thought i find that the transition between the protagonists, which morphed from being kind-of-friends to lovers halfway through the plot, required a little more subtlety and some time, i loved their relationship. the quietness and soothing feeling it brought while reading about them was truly precious. Aspen and Roan simply emphasized the too-bright-fmc and the too-grump-mmc dynamic brilliantly. broth of them were two broken souls who needed heeling and they found it in their blossoming relationship and charming family.

Cady burrowed deeper into Roan’s hold. “will you stay with me for a while?”
“always, Tiny Dancer. as long as you want.”

🥺🥺

and Lawson book is coming in FEBRUARY?? that’s way too far😭😭


———
it’s a single mom romance but hope it doesn’t disappoint tho😭

[✨⚡ Kelcey (felinebooktrovert) ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Roan 🔥🔥🔥🔥 🥵
That's all I have to say. Watching that man fall was a privilege.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

How does Catherine continue to write books even better than the last!?!? Shadows of You is officially tied with Echoes of You as my favorite in the series. I love a grumpy, quiet, and gruff hero and that is definitely Roan. I have been dying for his book since we met him because of his past, and his book did not disappoint. I loved when they first officially met and how Aspen and Cady immediately warmed up to him and slowly broke down his walls. They were exactly what each other needed at the time and were able to open up, trust again, and fall in love.

As usual with Catherine's books, I was obsessed with the suspense. We were always on the edge of our seats wondering about Aspen's past and wondering who was currently threatening Aspen. With the suspense, Roan became so protective and needing to be there for Aspen. Also, I was obsessed with Roan's relationship with Cady and how protective he was over her too. And the animals!? Loved. I literally could not put this book down and loved being back in Cedar Ridge and with the Hartley family! Roan has a lot to work through with his own family and I loved how that all came into play as well.

Catherine's books are the absolute perfect blend of a sweeping romance, intriguing suspense, and lovable characters you can't help but want to be real. I wish I could move to Cedar Ridge and join in on those Hartley family dinners! You grow to love these characters throughout the series and I liked seeing all of the couples from the previous three books! And now I can't wait for Lawson's book as the final book in the series!!

[Catherine Cowles]

SHADOWS OF YOU IS HERE!!!

💜 Grumpy x Sunshine
💜 Forced Proximity
💜 Single Mom
💜 Heroine in Hiding
💜 Broken Hero
💜 Small Town
💜 Suspense

Read on Amazon or with Kindle Unlimited ➝ https://geni.us/ShdwsofYouAmzn

[Phuong ✯ · Rating 4 out of 5]

– 3.75 stars

Catherine Cowles' books is what I would call palate cleanser, because they are always the same small town with a touch of suspense romance books especially within her own series. I've read all of this series now and the heroines and heroes are pretty much interchangeable with the heroine being abused in the past, some kind of mystery crime subplot and then the heroine getting kidnapped as a conflict at the end 😂 it's so predictable. If you've read one Catherine Cowles book, you've read them all, but I actually liked this book because of the single parent trope and the Cady is the cutest kid. I love her <3

So if I had to recommend one book out of this series it would be definitely this one and Ashes of You (#5) since this one is for the single mom trope lovers and AoY is for the single dad lovers out there 🙏

┍━━━━━━━━»•» «•«━┑
LOST & FOUND SERIES

#1 Whispers of You – 3.25 stars
#2 Echoes of You – 2.5 stars
#3 Glimmers of You – 2.5 stars
#4 Shadows of You – 3.75 stars
#5 Ashes of You – 3.5 stars
┕━»•» «•«━━━━━━━━┙

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadows of You is book four in the Lost & Found series by Catherine Cowles. Once again, Catherine has amazed me with her words. I don’t know anyone who can melt together heart squeezing romance and spine tingling suspense the way she can. I’ve been waiting for this book, for Roan’s story. I have a weakness for the big, burly, broody silent hero who keeps everyone at arms length until that “one” woman comes into his life and changes everything. Which is exactly what happened to our Roan.



We’ve gotten little glimpses of Roan Hartley in the previous books in the series. He is the silent brother of the Hartley siblings. He converses in grunts if at all and prefers to be alone up in his cabin on the mountain. He is a Fish and Wildlife game warden so spends most of his time alone out in the woods. He’s a huge man who wears a permanent scowl and who the people of Cedar Ridge avoid as much as possible. Until one particular woman and her little daughter came into his life.



Aspen Barlow has been in Cedar Ridge now for about five years along with her now six year old daughter, Cady. I can’t wait for you to meet Cady. This little girl will steal your heart right out of your chest. Aspen is the manager of The Brew, the coffee shop and cafe in town. She lives on a small farm along with a crazy menagerie of animals that were all in need in one way or another. Aspen keeps to herself except for her friendship with the women of the Hartley family. She’d heard them speak of the grumpy brother but had never met him. Until she and Cady come upon an injured deer and Roan is called in to help.



I loved the connection Roan already had to Aspen and Cady before they’d even met. And once he did meet them, there was no going back. He could fight it all he wanted but they were in his life now. Both Roan and Aspen are hiding things. Aspen’s past is something she didn’t want anyone to ever discover but when it catches up to her, she has no choice but to share her secret. Roan will do whatever possible to keep Aspen and Cady safe, which means sleeping on their couch. As the weeks blend together, their bond strengthens and it becomes impossible to imagine a life without them in it. But something dark has come to Cedar Ridge. And it seems to have it’s focus on Aspen. Now Roan just has to keep her safe long enough to see what the future might hold for them.



I loved this book so much. As always, Catherine keeps us guessing until the last minute. I couldn’t have ever imagined that outcome. And what a beautiful ending! I just knew Roan’s book was going to be amazing and it was! Book five in this series will be Ashes of You, Lawson Hartley’s book. I can’t wait for this one. Lawson carries the weight of everything on his shoulders. I so look forward to finally hearing his story and seeing him find some happiness.

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...

[Jenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve read almost all of Catherine Cowles’ books and all her books follow the same formula:
- H moves in with h because he wants to protect h / h’s house has been broken in so she moves in with H so he can protect her
- h and H have s*x at 50% mark
- they don’t use protection - h is on birth control and both have not slept with other people for a long time
- h gets kidnapped, H to the rescue
-either h or H gets stabbed/shot and ends up in the hospital but recovers from the injury eventually
- H proposes (though they have only been together for a short time)
- get married and live HEA

[RLbooks (in and out) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up

The strength of this story, I felt, lies in the execution. These aren't new tropes or themes (single mom, hiding from the past, grumpy/sunshine, only sweet to her, bringing someone back to life, suspense). Reading Shadows of You felt like more than the parts it's comprised of and that comes down to the excellent storytelling and well-drawn characters. Aspen (h) and Roan (H) were wounded souls who were trying to protect themselves and those they loved. Both sustained life-changing trauma as young adults and it's shaped their ability to open up to and trust others. Aspen also has her young daughter, Cady, to think of and protect (and kudos to a single mom story where the child deepens the relationships, main characters, and plot). Aspen's still warm and friendly, while keeping others at a certain distance, but Roan is remote and prickly. The way these two (and Cady) filled my heart up as I read them figure out how to lean on each other and fall in love was just perfect for the mood I was in.

The book opens with a prologue of Aspen having to start a new life after almost dying. She's on the run from that past with Cady with a mix of fear and hope. They settle in a small town in the Pacific Northwest with Aspen managing a coffeehouse and they find their people in the Hartley family, although Aspen doesn't speak of her past. And she rescues wounded and unwanted animals y'all, I'm a sucker for wounded and unwanted animals and those that care for them. It's through that calling that Aspen first meets Roan, who's a game warden, when Aspen tries to help an injured doe. Roan's intimidating and growly, but gentle with the doe and with Cady, and Aspen gets a glimpse of the gooey center inside. So when she also runs into him at the Hartley family dinner and then he becomes interested in and caring of her and Cady, she accepts that protectiveness. Roan is misunderstood by the town and beloved by his family, but he's not relaxed or open even with them. He's drawn to this little duo though, which is crucial because Aspen's past comes back in a terrifying way, which also triggers feelings for Roan from what he experienced. Written in first person, dual POV. No ow drama, not really even a blip of om drama but the local vet expresses interest in asking h out and H shuts.that.down. Neither are virgins and it's said that it's been a long time for each.

I was just swept into Aspen, Roan, and Cady and loved the ride. There's a low angst and easiness to the romance and them forming a unit, even as the outside forces and internal pain from the past press in. I personally thought the pacing was on point with the slow burn of the actual relationship (even if Roan's sleeping on their couch early on) and the development of the outside plot. I liked that there's a mystery of someone committing crimes (not spoiling) in addition to the reveal of Aspen's past and that subsequent danger. Although the Hartley family closes ranks and does everything that is supportive and wonderful for Aspen and Cady, some other members of their town are also warm and caring and others are decidedly not. Cady experiences mean girl drama (as does Aspen) and those scenes reminded me of my own daughter's struggles at times, but the way that Roan solved it was glorious.

This story does have a couple steamy scenes and references to others. They're not as explicit as some romances, but do have on page details and I was on board with how they played out. I loved the scene of the first time that Cady caught them sleeping in the same bed too. My heart just filled up throughout this story with how Roan and Aspen brought light to each other, esp with how Roan talked to and about Aspen and Cady. The nicknames he gives them melted me. His family also already loved and accepted Aspen and Cady but the joy that they showed over how Roan began to change literally made me teary. I cried a couple times throughout this read.

The danger that's lurking around town is two-fold, creating suspense from the criminal that law enforcement is trying to discover, as well as those that have come to town to hurt Aspen in her new life. I personally thought the layers involved in the suspense plot were well-crafted. A bit of disbelief needed to be suspended at times, but I was fine with it. The climax was appropriately scary and intense.

I did feel that the resolution following the climax was somewhat rushed. I wanted to see a bit more detail in that chapter, but then there's the sweetest moment and the last bit of opening up, so I forgive it. There's a small jump ahead of a few months with another heartwarmingly adorable scene and then the epilogue is TWELVE YEARS later and my epilogue-loving self was ecstatic with them in their HEA and how the epilogue also included a big moment for Cady. I loved these characters so much, I immediately downloaded the bonus scene and even though it was short, it was also a precious moment in their lives. I do recommend this whole-heartedly esp for single mom lovers and those who enjoy seeing broody, wounded men find their lights.

Thank you to Carrie's review for giving me the push to move this up my TBR too! https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Jen • jenteereads · Rating 2 out of 5]

why is it so hard for authors to come up with cute nicknames??

“Tender Heart” is not a cute nickname. It is awkward and weird.

I really enjoyed the mystery and the FMC’s backstory. The kid was cute. And I like the small town set in the PNW.

But there was so much lacking in this. Why did the MMC not know how to form a complete sentence? Why did he decide on day 2 of their love affair that “tender heart” was ok to call someone? It sounds like either a spy code name or a cooking term. Ick unlocked.

Basically this was a sweet romance with nothing to write home about.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Gosh I love this series so so much. And can we talk about Roan for a second because 👀👀👀 he’s perfect. LITERALLY THE PERFECT AMOUNT OF GRUMP 👌🏻

Catherine Cowles does romantic suspense SO WELL, I can’t get over it.

Also I love how sassy Aspen is. She is my spirit animal.

“Most beautiful sound I’ve ever heard - you laughing.” 🥺🥺

✨romantic suspense
✨grumpy sunshine
✨who did this to you?
✨single parent
🌶️.5

[m · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just love how I keep reading these books and acting gobsmacked at all the “shocking twists” as if I don’t know the plot by heart and I will always ALWAYS eat it up 😍🙏

[buket · Rating 5 out of 5]

i'll be sending my therapy bills to RLbooks and Carrie Dozier for recommending this book to me😔


rtc

[Emma Skapetis · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
This was beautiful. Roan was so sweet and loving to Aspen and Cady. RTC.

[jessicakaitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

No one does tortured and grumpy heroes like Catherine Cowles!! This was was SOOO good I’m obsessed!!

Aspen, Cady & Roan had me crying, laughing, swooning and smiling. I love the Hartley family and cedar ridge so much🤭🤭

Roan is so broody and grumpy but immediately after meeting aspen starts having feelings and thinking he might want to start living life again. Aspen completely changes his life (and he hers). I loved her resilience and the way she was so strong! Cady was so precious and I loved seeing Roan be so protective of her.

“Will you stay with me for a while?”

“Always, Tiny dancer. As long as you want”


Let me tell y’all, I guessed the criminal/ plot twist and I’ve never felt so proud of myself (shoutout to criminal minds for teaching me how to spot an unsub).

I just love this series so much and Catherine has never failed me!

I am claiming Roan as mine (sorry y’all) 🫣💜💜

Cant wait for Lawsons book👀

Thanks Catherine for the ARC🫶🏼🫶🏼

[Rachael*Caribbean*girl*bibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spoilers ahead




Even in the midst of the horrors in this book it still made me heart happy.


“Kind hearts are the best hearts.”

After being attacked and her sister murdered Aspen is forced to relocate, with the help of the police she uproots her life and changes her identity. Five years later she's managed to make a good life for herself and her daughter, unfortunately she's found again and the entire ugly situation is exposed. Aspen has kept her secrets from everyone she's come to love, but this time she has the Hartley's at her side and Roan in particular will let no one hurt his girls.

*******
If there's one thing that's guaranteed to bump both my rating and enjoyment of a book way up...... it's kids in my romances. Cady was the sweetest and we get a lot of time with her which I adored. She's a big part of why this book is rated 5 stars.
Romantic suspense is not my genre of choice, but this one was really good.
One thing about this author she'll give you a very up front bad guy, someone you're sure is the suspect......then the real suspect is revealed 😂. Second time I was convinced I knew who the bad guy is but nope.
Roan had his own demons to face but I loved the big grump. He communicated in grunts and was a loner before Aspen and Cady took him into their fold.
All in all, I absolutely adored this one and will backtrack through the series.



Side note I really thought I'd see Cady all grown up and married to her best friend 😭 but the epilogue was cute as heck


Another side note it's annoying when the h is in danger and she just buried her head in the sand! How can you receive a letter clearly indicating the guy who tried to kill you has found your location and you don't alert anyone? With a child to protect ? Stopppppp it


No cheating
Non manwhore H
h was a single parent
Murder of animals and people
h is attacked
HEA with a sweet epilogue

[kaz ruby &#x1065a; ‧₊˚ ⋅ · Rating 3 out of 5]

honestly kind of expected more from this book, but it still was a good time.

i honestly wish there was more of a build up for roan and aspen. more of a connection, it all felt kind of insta-lovey to me and made it hard to actually connect with their romance.

next up is lawson’s book, and then the series is over 😭

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review to come — Catherine has done it again!!! I am obsessed with this universe! 😫🩷

[monica • · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You were the light in the shadows. A glimmer of hope when I felt like all mine had been burned out.”

I loved this so so much! in my top 3 favorite catherine cowles books, i loved how strong aspen was, her relationship with cady and cady and roan melted my heart. their little found family made my heart swell. i love how roan was so protective and automatically became the best father figure. i also have to say, i didn't predict the killer this time. I was so shocked haha. this was excellent! can't wait for the next book.

[crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved every single one of catherine’s books and I have to say, this one is by far my most favorite😭🤍. roan, aspen, and cady were everything and more. they are so so special and i wish i could say more, but you guys are just gonna have to read the book because it’s amazing😭🤍.

[Christi (christireadsalot) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars! Shadows of You is book 4 in the Lost and Found series. I’ve been loving this entire series and this was another one I was excited to get to. This is a small town romance with grumpy/sunshine, single mom heroine, broken hero, heroine in hiding, forced proximity, and romantic suspense vibes.

“It’s you,” Roan uttered, his voice low. “You’re the light in the shadows. Always have been. Always will be.”

As always, the prologue pulls you right into the story and we find out that Aspen is on the run and in hiding. We catch up with Aspen and her daughter Cady 5 years later, they’ve been living and thriving in the small town of Cedar Ridge. When an injured deer ends up on their property, fish and wildlife is sent over and they meet Roan. He helps out with getting the deer untangled and makes an impression on both Aspen and Cady. His grumpy, grizzly bear-like ways even has Cady nicknaming him “Mr. Grizz”. Shortly after, Aspen is over at her friends, the Hartley’s house for dinner and realizes Roan is one of the siblings of that family too!

Roan is super protective and he ends up staying with Aspen and Cady, for reasons as the story unfolds. Aspen’s backstory is tragic and was so sad to hear. I loved all the Hartley family appearances, how Roan calls Cady “Tiny Dancer” and even comes to her dance class to protect her against some little bullies. I did see/figure out the mystery/criminal plot coming early on, but it didn’t take away from the story and the romance for me at all. There is just something about a heroine and her daughter pulling this broody hero out of his grumpy ways. While Echoes is still my fav in this series, every book since has been a solid addition as well! I think if you love the more romantic suspense elements of Catherine’s reads, then you’ll definitely enjoy this one because it’s more ramped up in this book. This one is narrated by Maxine Mitchell and Zachary Webber and I definitely recommend the audio, so well done! I’m realllllly excited for the next/last book in the series!

Thanks so much to the author for an audio ALC, all thoughts in this review are my own. Shadows of You is out October 19, 2023!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

10⭐️

This book was devastatingly beautiful and I loved it with my whole dang heart. I think it may have tied with my favorite book of Catherine Cowles (fractured sky) and that is A BIG EFFING DEAL!!!

There’s something so magical when a FMC brings the MMC, who’s quite & reserved, out of his shell & makes him feel loved & cherish 🫶 and when the MMC protects his woman & makes her feel safe like literally no one else has & gives her the love she deserves!!!!

I could not stop cheesing almost the entire time while reading (bc ya know there’s always murder)!!!! Cady & Roan’s relationship >>>> and his little nickname for her…Tiny Dancer, & her nickname for him…Mr. Grizz (& Aspen’s…my tender heart 🥺). Him and Aspen were quite literally soulmates & they were so freaking perfect. I knew Aspen’s story would hit hard, but I didn’t realize HOW MANY PLOT TWISTS THERE WOULD BE!! I should know by now that CC will drag us through all the theories before coming out of left field😭😂

ROAN WAS SO PROTECTIVE & LOVING & I AM STILL SWOONING OVER HIM & HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH SWEET LIL CADY!!!!

“I’d do anything for you.”

Also, The epilogue 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 I am still not over it.

Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Tropes:
Small town romance
Grumpy x Sunshine
Single mom
Found family
Romantic suspense
Protective hero

[TJ *Book Twins Reviews* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did I just finish another Catherine Cowles book in one sitting? Why, yes. I absolutely did! And it was fan-freaking-tastic!!

I swear this author's work has me in chokehold. Everything I love about the romance genre is seamlessly woven into her beautiful stories. If you're a fan of well written, emotionally charged romantic suspense books that have all the feels, this is for you!


Full RTC...

[Linda Etemi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tender heart was just a weird nickname… what is she a deer????
The book also felt unfinished…

[Lover of Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.5


First Impressions
Shadows of You is the fourth installment in the "Lost & Found" series. This is a series that I have enjoyed so deeply and this family especially just holds such a special place in my heart. I also think that this series is the strongest that this author has written and if you love a good supsense plot that balances out the romance, then this series needs to be for you. The setup of this book really intrigued me as I just adore a heroine in hiding and mix that in with our grumpy hero, you just know that you are in for a delectable ride. This also has some sweet poignant moments that really carry the story through so well. I just admired the way that this author developed this story especially with our grump of the family "Roan".

First Line
Rain pounded against the windshield in a steady drum that only seemed to accentuate the thumping rhythm in my chest.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Roan Hartley
Tortured by an event in his past, he hides himself away in the mountains and near the wildlife and works in a manner of law enforcement. He is a bit broody and likes his space.

The Heroine: Aspen Barlow
Aspen took in her sister's daughter, when she was murdered and they went on the run and are hiding away in the state of Washington. Aspen is protective, caring and has a light fun nature.

Summary
When her sister is murdered, Aspen and her sweet daughter make a fresh start in the state of Washington. And for five years they have lived here in peace, building a home of an animal sanctuary of misfits of sorts and have developed some friendships with the Hartley family. When she goes about to rescue an injured deer, she runs into Roan Hartley who has a chip on his shoulder but somehow becomes charmed by her sweet inquisitive daughter who is like a ray of sunshine. When Aspen's past comes back to haunt her, Roan is her rock of protection and loyalty. He is steady and realiable and thus begins a relationship neither of them expected but just as fierce and intense as those of the Hartley siblings. But can Roan let go of his past including his fears; and embrace the future with Aspen?

What I Loved
There was so much to adore about this one and Catherine Cowles knocked this one out of the park. I had no doubt, I have yet to pick up a book by this author that I didn't love and adore. I also found so many elements to this story endearing and the fierce emotion that is packed within this story was so heartfelt. I found the chemistry between Roan and Aspen to be a bit slow in building but once it gets to the climax its sweet perfection. The way that these two come together just has a feeling of right to it. And the little girl....my heart melted with her sweet bubbly nature with such a big heart. Especially the relationship that she builds with Roan was adorable in so many respects. We also get to see some fantastic family bantering that leaves you with a smile. I also felt like the spice in this book was a bit stronger than what I have seen from this author, but it felt just right for the story.

The plot of the story was really superb. Catherine Cowles has really stepped up to the plate in how she writes suspense. And seeing the reveals that occur within the story and the unique twists that you don't see coming was just right. There is such talent that this author has in how she combines suspense with the romance. Its so well balanced and neither aspect overtake the story but have such a harmonious vibe to it.

What I Struggled With
There wasn't really much I struggled with, some small parts of the story had some pacing issues, but other than that, everything was just right for this one here.

Overall View
Shadows of You is like a breath of fresh air, it delivers on the witty banter, a sultry spice connection and a fierce poignant gem of a read that I will hold dearly to my heart!

Favorite Quote(s)
“Everyone needs a place to belong. Somewhere they feel safe. I like being that for them.”

“Tender Heart.” The nickname was a gruff utterance. “I don’t give a damn what they say. I give a damn what you say. And it seems like you’d go down into the fiery pits for me.” I tipped my head back. “I’d follow you anywhere.”

“You were the light in the shadows. A glimmer of hope when I felt like all mine had been burned out.

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Character Types: Law Enforcement, Single Parent, Mountain Man, Tortured Hero
Themes: Small Town, Kids, MC on the Run, Winter Theme
Tropes: Opposites Attract, Grumpy Sunshine, Secret Identity

Book Perspective
DUO POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A mix of both

Song This Book Inspires
What Keeps You Up at Night by Dan+Shay

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes I recommend reading these in order if you can

Steam/Spice Explanations

Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved it! Roan was everything! Loved the heroine, and the whole family is just perfect. I don’t know why but I really loved seeing the whole crew in this one. They were some of my favorite moments!

I’m also loving this little pockets of steam Catherine keeps putting in.

And that ending…my emotions were all over the place.

AUDIO ARC

[Luce · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to stop downloading books because I saw one line on TikTok.

The dialogue was a little bit too cringey for me and the kids were hugely unrealistic (and annoying).

I liked the mystery to the book and I was not expecting the plot twist.

I probably won't pick up any other books from this series, or author.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roan 🥹 obsessed with this series!!

[sil ♡ the book voyagers · Rating 5 out of 5]

✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚ i just know that catherine cowles writes books just for me ✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚

i always love them i feel like there can never be a bad book from her like?? she delivers in the mystery department, in the romance, in the plot. EVERY TIME I'M SO ENTERTAINING AND SO INTO THE PLOT I WANT TO FINISH IT ALL. i can't stop reading, she always ends every chapter in a cliffy so i want to immediately read the next one and like that, you realize that you're nearly over and you'll soon enough say goodbye to these characters (not wanting to do it obvi).

i'm just a chaotic reader i don't read series in order so yeah, this is the only book i've read in the lost & found series but i loved it. i loved aspen, roan and cady SO MUUUUUCH. single mom? check. grumpy recluse? check. the romance is gonna hit hard every single time. and it did!!! catherine knows how to craft a story with the perfect amount of mystery and romance and i just want to inhale it all in one go. and this book was no different * ੈ✩‧₊˚

[Heroesinbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Roan and Aspen Stars

This series just gets better and better. I have been itching for Roan's story and it more than matches my expectations.

Roan (early 30's) is the second eldest of the Hartley siblings and he has been in every book but he has been in the background , quiet and reserved, so I never felt as though I knew him very well. Something happened in Roan's past that affected him and how others looked at him. In a way he is a social outcast despite belonging to the revered and liked Hartley family. Roan was always a little different. Fiercely loyal like his siblings but with a darkness around him as he watches the world from the shadowy peripheries.




Roan lives alone on the mountain and works as a Fish and Wildlife Officer.





Aspen (27) is the pretty redhead who lives a short distance away on the farm down the slope , with her 6 year old daughter , Cady.




Aspen works at The Brew , the coffee shop in town but it's not until she encounters an injured deer and calls the Fish and Wildlife department for help that the pair meet. The chemistry is absolutely crackling from the start.

I loved that Roan fell so hard for Aspen and also how Cady melted the rugged , big guy's heart. Child characters can be tricky to write - they can sometimes read as quite stilted or horrendously precocious but Catherine Cowle does this so well.

Cady is adorable and along with Roan's 6yr old nephew , Charlie, they steal every scene they are in. The animals on the farm are very cute too.









This is a romantic suspense so there is some violence. The character development is really good and although each book in the series follows a similar plot line , each couple is different and I have enjoyed every one. If you are a fan of grumpy / sunshine and /or single parent romances then I recommend this one. Of note , Cady is actually Aspen's niece but she has been her guardian since Cady was tiny.


Romance , passion, drama , humour and a storyline that had me hooked. I read this on KU and listened to it on audible. The narration by Maxine Mitchell and Zachary Webber was exemplary. Listening time 10 hours.

HEA? Yes.
Cheating? No.

[Büşra · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I like them. Both of them. They make me feel..like I belong."
🩷💜🩷💜🩷💜

Kalbim sevgiden patlamak üzere.
BA YIL DIMMMMMM 🥹🩷💜🩷💜🩷

Seride favori kitabım oldu. Roan için zaten başından beri heyecanlıydım ama bu kadar aşık olmayı beklemiyordum. Sadece ona da değil. Aspen & Cady ve tüm hayvanları kalbime taht kurdu.

Bu kadar grumpy bir adamın, Cady için okula gidip ona zorbalık yapan çocukları korkutması, onun tırnaklarını rengarenk boyamasına izin vermesini okurken havayı tekmeledim çünkü aşırı tatlıydı. Cady ile aralarında ki bağ beni resmen ağlattı. Çünkü Cady kötü hissettiğinde sürekli Roan'ın kucağına koştu. Cady, Roan sürekli grumpy olduğu için ona " Mr. Grizz" diyor ve Roan'da ona "Tiny Dancer" diye sesleniyor. 🫠🫠 Kasabanın gözünde korkunç olarak gözüken Roan'ın hem bu kadar tatlı hem de yaralı olması kalbim bu adamı kaldırmıyor. Kocaman sarılmak istiyorum ona.

Aspen ise korkunç bir travma atlatıp Cady ile hayatını yeniden kurmaya çalışmış ve yıllardır bunun için çabalıyor. Bebek kızım. Tek başına neler atlatmış. Onun o korkularını okurken kalbim sıkıştı çünkü hissettikleri bana düşününce bile ağır geliyor. Ve diğer insanlar 👀👀 Gerçekten bazılarının ağzına kürekle vurasım var.

Aspen ve Roan 🩷💜🩷💜 ikisi arasındaki tüm duyguları çok işlemiş yazar. Aşktan, sevgiden, güvenden ve arkadaşlıktan içim sıcacık oldu okurken.
Roan'ın Aspen'e sürekli " Tender Heart" demesi...kalbimi bıraktım ben bu takma isme. Birçok takma isim okuyorum ama en en en iyilerden biriydi bu. Sürekli onlara bir şey olacak diye endişelenmesi, resmen içi gitti adamın.🫠🩵

Ayrıca Charlie ve Cady sahneleri de çok tatlıydı 😸
Lawson içinde çok heyecanlıyım. 😍😍