Elías Mendoza’s personal vendetta against the McKenzie family rests on Jennie’s shoulders. As she cradles the bullet ridden body of her ten-year old student, she knows Mendoza is responsible. Quinton’s death is a message. Jennie’s life belongs to only Mendoza. But she has her own message. No one else dies. Her life means nothing as long as Mendoza is free.
Jared McNeil has spent ten years with Maryland’s Special Crime Unit and very little rattles him. When the haunted teenager he once tried to protect walks into his precinct now a beautiful woman, he wants nothing more than to wrap her in his arms and never let her go. But he soon realizes she is there only to settle her debts before she goes after his nemesis, Mendoza. Jared’s vow to stay away from Jennie until the task force destroys Mendoza now means nothing.
What Jared and Jennie don't understand is there are forces at play greater than the evil shadowing them, but time is running out. United, they can do anything. Alone, they will fail.
Award Winning Author, Nancy C. Weeks writes romantic suspense novels that sometimes have a touch of the supernatural. Her characters stalk her dreams until she curls up with her laptop and creates riveting tales sure to end with the most satisfying HEA. The best way to see who is keeping her awake at night is to join her newsletter or Nancy’s Corner on Facebook.
Her favorite quote: Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up. ~Thomas Edison~
The author did something here I haven’t come across before in a series. There are two books, In the Shadow of Greed (which was released first) and In the Shadow of Evil. The two books intertwine so closely in certain aspects that the answer to a more descriptive who, what and why of a serial killer that starts out in Greed is explained in Evil.
The timeline of Evil is June 2005 to March 2013. When the story starts out Jennie McKenzie is 16 years old and 23 year old undercover agent Jared McNeil is trying to get her way from Elias Mendoza who is a ruthless crime boss. But she wont leave without her foster brother who has come under the spell of Mendoza. What Jennie doesn’t know is Mendoza has a personal vendetta against her family who she is the last of and he is never letting her go. In the showdown of trying to get away her foster brother is killed and Mendoza gets away but not before telling her you live because I allow it.
When we jump to eight years later we find Jennie is a school teacher that recently witnessed her 10 year old student being gunned down right in front of her. She knows its Mendoza letting her know he is still watching her and she can’t get away from him. She has been in love with Jared since she was 16 but after Mendoza captured and torchuring him two years ago she vows to stay away from him for his own protection.
During the 8 years since meeting Jennie, Jared cant get her out of mind. She doesn’t know it but there is still an uncover op going on that his brother is in charge of trying to bring Mendoza down. These two star crossed lovers try to stay away from each other thinking they are keeping the other alive by doing so but when Jennie is targeted and attacked by a serial killer (the one from the first book) and one of her students is taken Jared decides he’s done hiding his feelings for Jennie and is never leaving her side again.
All the McNeil brothers play a big part in this book. We actually get a better glimpse of them in this one than we did in the first book. The whole Mendoza story line throughout the book kept you on the edge of your seat wondering if she would ever be free of this truly evil man. As with the first book there were also some paranormal aspects to this book. Jennie’s dead father communicates to Jared trying to help him stop the man he was unable to stop when he was a cop.
I liked this book a little more than the first solely because everything was explained in this book – no plot holes or unexplained things. My only complaint was the very abrupt ending. It could have used an epilogue.
Jennie McKenzie has lived most of her life under the thumb of super-criminal Mendoza, who is seriously obsessed with her and intends that no other man should possess her. To that end, Mendoza has destroyed Jennie's family and anyone she cares about, until Jennie finally decides that no one else will die because of her.
Jared McNeil, of Maryland's Special Crime Unit, who loves Jennie, vows to protect her and bring down Mendoza, but a serial killer who also targets Jennie complicates matters. Jared's family and even Jennie's deceased relatives add still more complications, until at last Jennie knows she must face Mendoza alone or she will never be free to love Jared.
Nancy Weeks piles on the suspense and the sexual tension in this story, until the reader can't see how Jennie and Jared can ever be together. Jennie is a strong heroine who deserves Jared's love and devotion in spite of the evil that casts its shadow over their romance.
ONE JAW DROPPING THRILL RIDE!!! Mischief's afoot! Nancy unleashes one thrilling rollercoaster ride, delivering this action packed, nerve racking, nail-biting, hard hitting bombshell, blazing through full throttle with a vengeance, kicking the gates of hell wide open, blasting this baby to life spectacularly. Shenanigans, escapades and mayhem call the shots, rousting the drama, intrigue, turmoil, danger, mounting suspense and intense situations along with a boatload of evil intent, you have one mind-blowing experience. Balancing the weight and carrying the load, laying down this pulse racing, heart pounding, adrenaline pumping, page flipping, block buster, wrapping this baby up sleek, shiny and tight. Bumbling through the intimidating trials and challenging tribulations, alongside the deadly twists and chilling turns, drawing our characters closer than they could have ever envisioned. Stripping the lines and shattering the boundaries, limitations are amplified and exploited, booting this jewel into the eye of the storm, kicking it into a tizzy with far reaching impacts. The characters are realistic, original and authentic with traits and qualities that add depth and diversity, transforming into amazing personalities. The scenes are so vividly detailed and descriptive it gives the illusion you were right there in the middle of ground zero with them. Fantastic job Nancy, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
Jennie McKenzie starts out in this story as a sixteen year old girl, her parents lost. Her foster brother is her anchor, and he's come under the influence of Elias Mendoza, a crime boss bent on keep Jennie close to him. Mendoza has taken her and her foster brother into his home, but he's evil in a way that causes Jennie's flesh to crawl.
Jared McNeil, an undercover cop with the Special Crimes Unit, wants to pull the young girl out from under Mendoza's control. But, she won't leave without her foster brother. What neither knows is Mendoza will do anything to kept Jennie under his control. Why does he need to have her close?
In the Shadow of Evil by Nancy C. Weeks is a gripping read, almost from page one. Jared McNeil is drawn back into Jennie's life again and again, each time paying a horrific price at the hands of Mendoza, yet Mendoza allows him to live. It's all a part of his macabre game.
In the Shadow of Evil is the second book of The Shadow Series, the first book, In the Shadow of Greed was released in April, 2013. The next in the series is In the Shadow of Malice, can't wait to read it! Suspense/crime romance readers won't want to let this series slip by.
I absolutely loved In the Shadow of Evil. I read In the Shadow of Greed, but this is my absolute favorite book by Nancy C. Weeks. Everyone, please do yourself a favor and read this captivating, suspenseful book. Jennie and Jared are such wonderful characters and I can’t say enough good things about them. You will fall in love with Jared McNeil and you’ll be cheering Jennie on. She is one feisty, courageous woman. I won’t leave any spoilers, but I will say this book pulled me in from page one and I honestly didn’t want it to end. It had me tearing up in parts, but I then it had me laughing in other parts. Jennie and Jared aren’t the only wonderful characters we will meet though. We meet Jared’s family, his best friend and his family, Father Anthony, Michael Sweeney, Jennie’s godfather, some of her students, and especially Louise Cunningham or Mrs. C, as she’s known in the neighborhood, Jennie’s best friend and who she lives with. There’s also the bad guys that this author wrote perfectly. I can’t wait to read the other books in this series. Please grab your copy and get ready to fall in love with this series, like I have.
In the Shadow of Evil Book is the second book in the Shadows and Light series and is a must-read addition to the series.
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat as Jennie and Jared go after Elías Mendoza. The characters in this story are well developed, strong, and intelligent. The storyline is well crafted and compelling with humour, danger, death, vengeance, and romance. I can't wait for the next book in this series. Nancy C. Weeks has hit it out of the ballpark with this series.
This is my first book by Nancy and it was an eye opener at her style. If you like shows like Criminal Minds, Dexter or CSI this is the book for you ! As I usually read Historical romance or Regency this was over the top for me. Had me kinda scared to tear the pages a couple of times. This is a very intense, fast moving, action packed story of a Sociopath who follows or hunts Jennie McKenzie for most of her life. Starting when she was just 16. Elias Mendoza is evil with no conscience, no feelings and out for revenge. He has an army of evil men working for him that will do anything for money. He uses people and gets rid of them if they don't follow orders or please him. Jared McNeil met Jennie when he was a rookie office and she was a haunted teenager who had lost both of parents in accidents or where they? He tries to help her and keep her safe only to end up on the wrong side of the nut case, Jennie and Jared have an attraction from the start even with their age difference. With Elias vendetta against everyone Jennie gets close to they try to stay apart but love will have its day. This story has some very graphic scenes of violence. There is also a steamy byline too. With many twist and turns, family helping or not. You will not be able to put it down. This story is not for the faint of heart but if you like action books this is for you. I received and ARC from the author and am giving my opinion voluntarily.
Elias Mendoza is pure evil. How anyone could stand to feel that evil so long in their life defies human sensitivity. Jennie McKenzie has had to deal with this evil way too long. She is such a strong woman and together with Jared McNeil they have a very rough road to travel in their effort to wipe out such evil. This story has such tension and suspense that I found it hard to put this book down. From one awful act to the next, Mendoza and his henchmen horrified me. There are lots of twists and turns along this storyline. I really liked Jennie and her friends as well as Jared and his family. The touch of paranormal made this a very interesting read. I was rooting for Jennie and Jared to defeat the evil of Mendoza and live happily ever after.
This is an excellent series. In the Shadow of Evil by Nancy C. Weeks is the second book in her Shadows and Light series. I also recommend the first book in the series, In the Shadow of Greed. Both can be read as standalones.
Jenny’s brother is missing. She goes to ask her brother's boss, the evil psychotic mob boss, Elios Mendoza where he is. He evades Jenny’s question but Jenny continues to ask. Jared who once saved his life decides to protect Jenny at all cost. They share a telepathic power between them which brings them closer. Jenny and Jared join forces to look for her brother and destroy Elios Mendoza and his evil.
I loved this! It is a well-paced, well-written adventure nail-biter that I couldn't put down. I just finished reading this book this weekend and am planning to start it again tonight. Lol. I just loved it. I love the characters. I loved Jenny and how strong she was. The showdown, in the end, is unforgettable. Lol. This is the third book I've read by this author. I wait for my BookSirens to alert me when she comes out with a new book. Lol. I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I had a great time with book 2. Jenny is ready to take the evil that is Mendoza down and stop the psychotic killer. Jared once saved her life and she goes to repay him he decides that he will do anything to protect her. The characters are well written and developed and the storyline is full of twists and turns instigated and followed through by Mendoza. The suspense, danger and drama kept me entertained To the end it’s gripping.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I am a true fan of author Nancy C. Weeks. In the Shadow Of Evil has lived up to what I expect, maybe even surpassed it. The dialogue is well written, in a way that people actually speak. The characters are so well rounded people that you actually might know someone like them. And the story...Wow! Intense, suspenseful and tight is how I would describe the plot.
Can you tell I loved the book? Pick this book up!!
Now I understand why I felt there were things missing in the first book. The time lines for both were concurrent. I found that a bit confusing and off putting. I found it difficult to continue with this book. Will I find the same thing about the next book? Do I want to find out? I have enjoyed previous series by this author and am saddened this series isn't doing it for me. Maybe I will continue, but there is so much to read . . .
Elias Mendoza is just pure evil and a sociopath!! Have no doubt about it. He will do anything to get what or who he wants - and does, he has NO conscience! This is a very intense, fast moving, action packed story This book is packed with immense feelings of love, revenge, loss everything that makes you sit on the edge of your seat, wanting to know just what happens next!
This is the first of Nancy Weeks' books I've read and it was great! Jennie and Jared are destined to be together but Mendoza, a mobster is fixated on her, is determined to win her no matter what. Mendoza is evil incarnate and will do anything to have her however Jared loves her and will do anything to keep her safe. Good book!
Exquisitely written with wonderful characters and realistic dialogue. This thriller was a little too psychologically thrilling for me since I prefer light to dark but if this is your schtick, it’s incredible.
A suspenseful, page-turner story. Wonderful characters that are complex and realistic. They have an intense attraction that includes telepathic elements. To beat the evil, they must work together. This book is on the dark side but well-written.
What a great story from the first page. It was one of those books that I found difficult to put down. Highly recommend. Look forward to further books by Nancy C. Weeks
Suspense filled, edge of the seat tension, this one kept me glued.
Jennifer McKenzie lives in a world where evil shadows her every move. She’s lost everyone she ever loved to the man who represents that evil and fears she’ll lose the man she loves if she doesn’t stay as far away from him as possible. Left with little time to end things, she sets out to trap and finally exact her revenge on Elías Mendoza for those who cannot – her father, her mother, and Nick, who was like a brother. Now others are in the path of destruction that only Mendoza can wreck and she’s determined to stop him for good.
Jared McNeil can’t stay away from Jennie no matter how hard he tries. He watches, he waits, he hopes for a time when it will be safe to be close to her, all the while wondering if his connection and affection for her goes both ways. He knows the danger that surrounds her. He wears the scars as proof of what the mad man, Mendoza, likes to hand out to anyone who gets between him and his Jennifer Marie. But why? What is it about this woman grown up from a teen once in the care of Mendoza and why won’t he let her go? All Jared knows is that he’d die before he allowed anyone to harm Jennifer McKenzie, including his own twin brother.
IN THE SHADOW OF EVIL by Nancy C. Weeks is a fast-paced, exciting, edge of the seat, dangerous journey that Jennie and Jared travel to save loved ones, innocents, and each other from a mad man. Mendoza is truly vicious and insane with an obsession for revenge against Jennie yet the need to possess her and destroy anyone who loves her. What Mendoza doesn’t realize is that it is love in its purest form that will be his undoing. The love of family, the love of friends, and the love that has existed for so many years and finally requited between Jennie and Jared, is what will destroy Elías Mendoza.
Nancy kept me glued to this story through the characters. Her characters are lively, personable, and their familial relationships are honest and believable. The characters kept the story, the edginess, and the intrigue moving forward without question or delay.
I highly recommend IN THE SHADOW OF EVIL by Nancy C. Weeks if you love danger and true – what’s going to happen next – suspense with your romance. Whereas the romance isn’t overly steamy, it works well, and for those who like it mild, you’ll be certainly pleased with the level that Nancy infuses into this amazing story, but the love is there - in abundance.
***eARC provided by author in exchange for an honest an unscripted review.
This is the second book in the series, it however can be read as a stand alone. It was an exciting an quite a suspenseful read. I was pulled in from the very first page and I found myself turning the pages as I was very eager to know what was going to happen next. It was filled with a lot of twists and turns and there were quite a few unexpected surprises.
I was caught of guard with the introduction of a serial killer. I just could not understand how it tied in to the overall story. This caused the story to be somewhat distorted for me. It was not until I did some research that I found out that the serial killer concept was actually a spillover from the first book in the series. My only other complaint is the abrupt ending. I felt that the author could have done a much better job with the ending.
In spite of this I enjoyed my first time with this author and I am looking forward to more of her work. If you are looking for a new author in the romantic suspense genre then look no further.
Nancy C West sure can write and man the pace and action in this book was a thrilling ride. There was barely a let-up throughout the entire book and I couldn’t put it down. I rarely read suspense, but loved, this book. Loved Jennie and Jared to pieces as well as all the secondary characters, especially the McNeil brothers and the rest of their family.
Elias Mendoza is evil and has a personal agenda which Jennie is only beginning to realize . He will never let her go and he doesn’t hesitate in hurting those she cares about the most. Enter Jared McNeil from the Maryland’s Special Crime Unit after Mendoza killed the person closest to Jennie. And even now, ten years later, he is still pulling strings and terrorizing those she loves. She is running as fast as she can, but now it’s time to stop and face Mendoza before he hurts anyone else. In order to do this she must let Jared into her life and work together with him to end Mendoza’s link with her forever.
I highly recommend this book.
I received this book in exchange for fair and honest review.
Jennie McKenzie, Jared McNeil and Elias Mendoza form a triangle full of suspense, passion and danger. Only 16 years-old when the story opens, Jennie recognizes that Jared will be an important person in her life. Mendoza's obsession and lust for revenge creates a twisted longing for Jennie that Jared knows he must prevent. The characters are well drawn and likeable - except for Mendoza and his men whom you love to hate!The plot takes twists and turns that I never saw coming including connections to the Ms. Week's first novel In the Shadow of Greed. Heart-pounding, danger-at-every-turn action kept me riveted to this book. I recommend In the Shadow of Evil to readers who enjoy a mix of romance and suspense. I have In the Shadow of Greed loaded and ready to read on my Kindle!
Big fan of Romance Suspense, Laura Griffin, Christy Reece, I am addicted, and Nancy C. Weeks is making a place among these ladies with her Two Releases, IN THE SHADOW OF GREED and IN THE SHADOW OF EVIL. Creepy, Evil Villain, Tough Heroine who isn't weak and who likes to take matters into her own hands and a hero who will do anything to help the woman he loves...YUM...who also has a twin brother, so plenty of sexy McNeil to go around.
Great suspense, plot was interesting, and kept me turning the pages and the steam is on a sensual level, but still kept the heart racing. Definitely one to check out if you are looking for a New Author in the Romance Suspense Genre.
I had a great time with book 2. Jenny is ready to take the evil that is Mendoza down and stop the psychotic killer. Jared once saved her life and she goes to repay him he decides that he will do anything to protect her. The characters are well written and developed and the storyline is full of twists and turns instigated and followed through by Mendoza. The suspense, danger and drama kept me entertained To the end it’s gripping.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It is a little strange at the beginning of this book to realize that this is parts of the life and live stories of a pair I know as a couple from an earlier book.
Then it is sad and kinda exciting to watch them earn more about each other, life, death and love.
Special connections are forged. Some are nurtured, some recalled, some brutally destroyed.
Intense and moving psychological thriller, action drama and romance
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow what a great romantic suspense novel. Great characters, awesome side characters, continued with all the McNeil family. Suspense, romance, love hate, evil, boy was there an evil villian in this book. Editing so much better in this book than second, I didnt notice any typos. All these books are a great read with HEA. These books also have touch of paranormal with mind reading and spiritual appearance..nice touch.
My favorite of NC Weeks' stories, In the Shadow Evil combines the worst of villains with what would ordinarily be the weakest of advisories - a young girl, alone. Jennie and Jared's story seems to bring all the McNeal brothers together in a way that helps to introduce each of their strengths; and Jared's strength is Jennie.