Shadows & Silhouettes: Cards of Passion

by Dr. J.

Two broken bodies + one healing summit = secrets uncovered and hearts cracked open.
Olivia “Liv” Thornton
How could my assigned creativity summit partner be him, a renowned hunk of a grump landscape photographer, whom I accidentally tripped at the airport? Every day, he’d remind me why I’m here—broken, sent to confront my deepest fear—would I ever experience pleasure again? Well, that and not being a hypocrite in my sex education practice. But would Adrian hinder or help my progress? Would all my desires come alive?

Adrian Blake
The summit directors had lost their minds, placing me with a hot sex educator—and Liv would be a thorn in my side before we even started. Every day since I left the hospital, I denied what that mountain had taken from me, but Liv unknowingly reflected my secret back to me. Would I have to go through her to do the work and return to my job, passion, artistic expression, and my identity as a man?

Two broken souls. One lush paradise. Join Liv and Adrian as they navigate desire, healing, and the art of genuine emotional connection.

Shadows & Cards of Passion Book One is the origin story of the Cards of Passion Series. It is a standalone slow-burn MF grumpy small-town mountain romance.

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 8, 2024

About the author

Dr. J. arrived at her writing career after being a condom packer, sex educator, sex therapist, and finally, a college professor of human sexuality. Using her vast knowledge and experience of sexuality and the mind, she continues her education efforts to integrate positive sexuality into the human experience through her stories.

She writes within the Romance, Erotica, and Non-fiction genres.

Living the North Carolina mountain life, Dr. J. plays pétanque, knits, and supports the area's visual and performing arts.

Reviews

[Shelby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed how the main characters in this book overcame so much and found their happy ending, but I found the story in general to be incredibly unrelatable. The dialogue seemed so formal and I just couldn’t get into this book. I won a Kindle copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway and am thankful for the chance to read it, but I won’t be returning to read others in the series.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn't my usual type of book to read, but I'm glad I have. I'm usually more into rom com stories. This however is so much more it not only has romance but it covers so much more. Olivia is a sex therapist who has totally lost all her mojo, she is struggling with her work live, she self image and also her sensuality. When her work partner and friend suggest a self help retreat with yoga, group discussion, mountain walks and more. She decided it was worth a try, maybe she just might find herself again. Adrian is a landscape photographer who has travelled the world capturing beautiful images and enjoying the feeling he got finding the perfect place. After a unfortunate accident on one of his trips he's now lost his passion and more. Going to this retreat his therapist recommended he's hoping that just maybe it will be the answer. Being paid together can they each help the other or are their problems to much. This story deals with so much and deals with some sensitive matters, however it's doing compassionately and explains the topics carefully. It is steamy in places and the story certainly keeps you reading hoping for a perfect ending. I'm really glad I've read this book and hope you'll enjoy it as much.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margaux · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, I' like to give a big thanks to the author, Dr. J., and Goodreads for the privilege of winning Shadows & Silhouettes in a giveaway. I thought this was an interesting take on a spicy romance novel where the characters are at a creativity summit, and work through their issues together and individually. I like the main character's growth and trajectory throughout the story. While I usually do appreciate a succinct style, I felt like a lot of the sentences and the dialogue left me wanting more details. Sometimes the conversations just felt a little obvious. I've never seen a romance placed at a summit of any sort, so I thought that was a unique take and maybe people who are interested in creativity summits and have personal experience in the space would find a lot of relatability in this novel.

[Lisa Marks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A man and woman going through their own separate difficulties are forced to partner up at a creativity summit. They must work through their own issues before they can come together as they both want.

[Princesspint · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book 📖. Lots of spice. Loving the characters.