Heated

Shadows Landing: The Townsends #4

by Kathleen Brooks

Wilder Townsend was just a small-town guy when he left home for college in New York City. He got a weekend job as a bouncer at the hottest nightclub in the city. The rest is history. He now owned a chain of the hottest, most luxurious, and exclusive nightclubs all over the world. Everything was going great – Wilder had moved to the small town of Shadows Landing to be closer to his family, his new clubs were thriving, and his family was happy . . . until a phone call changed everything. Someone was trying to ruin his clubs, and Wilder had to find out who before he lost everything he’s worked so hard to build.

Bexley Moretti had just been promoted to detective when she received her first undercover assignment. Wilder Townsend’s clubs were under investigation for serious crimes. Her mission was to get close to the enigmatic boss of WET nightclubs, a man who exuded charm and danger in equal measure, and bring him to justice.

Only, Bex's first undercover investigation wasn't what she expected. She didn't expect to fall for Wilder. She didn't expect the investigation to take a turn that landed her and Wilder in a heated battle for their lives, the clubs, and their love. And she certainly didn't expect what she found in Shadows Landing. As they navigate the dangerous waters of their feelings and the investigation, they find themselves in a struggle that tests their love, their loyalty, and their very lives. Can Wilder and Bex discover the source of the danger, or will they all get burned?

Genres: Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Romance

302 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 9, 2025

About the author

Kathleen Brooks is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author. Kathleen's stories are romantic suspense featuring strong female heroines, humor, and happily-ever-afters. Her Bluegrass, Bluegrass Brothers®, Forever Bluegrass®, and Shadows Landing Series feature small-town charm with quirky characters while her Women of Power Series shows that behind every sexy billionaire is a man strong enough to love her! Then hang onto your seat for the wild and mysterious ride in the thrilling Web of Lies Series and a little magic in the Moonshine Hollow Series.

Kathleen is from Kentucky, where she graduated from Centre College and then later received her J.D. from the University of Kentucky College of Law. Kathleen still resides in Kentucky with her family and houseful of animals.


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Book Order:
(Bluegrass Series-complete series)
Bluegrass State of Mind
Risky Shot
Dead Heat

(Bluegrass Brothers Series®-complete series)
Bluegrass Undercover
Rising Storm
Secret Santa, A Bluegrass Series Novella
Acquiring Trouble
Relentless Pursuit
Secrets Collide
Final Vow
All Hung Up, Novella
Bluegrass Dawn, Novella
The Perfect Gift, Novella
The Keeneston Roses

(Forever Bluegrass Series®-complete series)
Forever Entangled
Forever Hidden
Forever Betrayed
Forever Driven
Forever Secret
Forever Surprised, Novella
Forever Concealed
Forever Devoted
Forever Hunted
Forever Guarded
Forever Notorious
Forever Ventured
Forever Freed
Forever Saved
Forever Bold
Forever Thrown
Forever Lies
Forever Protected
Forever Paired
Forever Connected
Forever Covert
Forever Burning
Forever Lasting
Forever Country
Forever Remembered

(Bluegrass Fire Series-ongoing)
Spark

(Shadows Landing-complete series)
Saving Shadows
Sunken Shadows
Lasting Shadows
Fierce Shadows
Broken Shadows
Framed Shadows
Endless Shadows
Fading Shadows
Damaged Shadows
Escaping Shadows

(Shadows Landing: The Townsends- ongoing series)
Face-Off
Targeted
Rescued
Heated
Escaped
Fractured
Claimed

(Paige Turner Bookworm Series- complete)
Adventures of a Bookworm
Misadventures of a Bookworm
The Adventurous Bookworm

(Moonshine Hollow- complete series)
Moonshine and Murder
Moonshine and Malice
Moonshine and Mayhem
Moonshine and Mischief
Moonshine and Menace
Moonshine and Masquarades

(Web of Lies- complete)
Whispered Lies
Rogue Lies
Shattered Lies

(Women of Powe-complete)
Chosen for Power
Built for Power
Fashioned for Power
Destined for Power

Reviews

[Mayas · Rating 4 out of 5]

At First Sight

Oh, Wilder had moves. He did not need dancing skills when he was the total package in other areas.

We saw familiar faces and got the action that we come to enjoy. Wilder met his match when it came to overbearing brothers. That scene was hilarious.

A must-read that will leave you laughing and swooning.

[Ravenlyn7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

really enjoy her books

Light reading but great fun. I have all her books and put everything down when the next one comes out.

[Lujuna Brown-Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathleen Brooks has quickly become one of my favorite go-to authors and one not to be missed! She has given us well-developed characters that jump off the pages of her books, and this one does not disappoint. Wilder Townsend owns the famous exclusive nightclubs called "WET". He is strong, handsome, smart, and loyal to his family. He is also the kind of book boyfriend every girl wishes for, and new detective Bexley Moretti is the lucky lady to win his heart. She is sent undercover to find evidence of drug dealing and wrongdoing at Wilder's New York club. Everything she has been told may not be true, but will she have enough faith to find what lies behind the door of WET? Will she stick around to dig up the truth about Wilder Townsend, and can she keep her heart from clouding her judgment?

Bexley comes from a strong, large, loyal family of cops, and her brothers are on par with bringing the same level of love that the Townsends have. Talk about a match made in heaven. It was great to see Wilder receive the karma he dishes out to his sisters come back to him. The beloved "Shadows Landing", "Keeneston", and most of the "Townsend" brothers and sisters make an appearance doing just what you are expecting them to do, (Help save the day). I want to visit this town and live with these people just to be a part of the action and fun. These books are not to be missed!!!

Excellent narration by the great Eric G. Dove. He never disappoints, and he always brings these characters to life.

[Victoria Sturlini · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENT!!!💖💙💚💜💛❤💖💙💛💖

Another exciting, interesting and excellent read!! The pace of the story was very fast moving with lots of suspense... the romance was sweet, steamy, and so lovely to read about. I enjoy a book that has minimal angst between the main couple and lots of humor, genuine liking, open communication right from the beginning and cute banter. Kathleen never lets me down. I love, love, love, how all Bex and Whiler's families were involved throughout the entire book! There is nothing as heartwarming as a Kathleen Brooks' story where all the brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, cousins, friends and townspeople all come together to help each other without questions any way they can..... This book was filled with it all, Love, affection, true friendship, amusing comradery, unfolding mystery, subtle laugh out loud moments and an intriguingly unique storyline that keeps you turning those pages fast to see what was happening next. And, the icing on the cake the beloved epilogue...as usual I can't wait till the next book to meet up with these wonderful characters again!!😇
'

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Maybe he'd buy it that she's a sleep fondler..."

I never thought Wilder would get bitten by the love bug but he is taken down in seconds and she is perfect for him. The only girl in a huge Italian family of boys Bex can more than hold her own, smart, driven and incredibly feisty, she has no interest in his money or even his power. She just wants truth and justice...but thats a complex web that will take both their families, help from Keeneston and all of Shadows Landing - Yay! All our favourite people in one book!
The Townsend's are a unique family, but the Moretti's are just as quirky and full of single men needing matchmakers.....a new spin off series?

[Denise Skinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read!

Book #4 in the Townsends does not disappoint! Kathleen Brooks has built on her Shadow’s Landing series with another winner. Already looking forward to the next one.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of this series I've read but generally really like this author and find her books filled with suspense, great side characters and family. The town residents and other relations make each book familiar and entertaining.

Wilder Townsend is successful nightclub owner with clubs around the globe. He is self made man with the help of a great family that backs him when needed. He is being targeted by an unknown competitor who is trying to wreck the image of his club in New York by coming in his club and drugging and assaulting women. Is it the Irish, Italian or Mexican mob?

Bexley Moretti has just made detective. She is only girl in a huge family of cops. She is secretly tasked to find the drugs at the club and ordered to blame them on Wilder even if he is not guilty. She doesn't know what to do as she is told not to speak of this assignment to anyone but she is starting to see it is wrong and she is being set up.

This starts the main plot while Wilder and Bex run from the law back to Shadows Landing. Good listen as Eric Dove the narrator does a fantastic job on bringing all the characters to life.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: Undercover romance, small-town charm, romantic suspense
Spice: 🔥🔥

We’re back to Shadows Landing, where nightclub owner Wilder Townsend meets his unexpected match in detective Bexley Moretti. When Bexley goes undercover to investigate Wilder, neither of them is prepared for the sparks that fly—or the danger that comes with mixing business and pleasure.

The premise is good, with a good blend of suspense and swoon. Bexley is a strong, smart heroine, and Wilder has that Southern charm with a side of alpha energy. The small-town Shadows Landing always brings a vibe to this book series.

That said, the suspense felt a bit predictable, and the romance moved too fast. Some of the dialogue leaned cheesy, and a few plot twists wrapped up a little too neatly. These past several books have felt rushed and undone.

Still, if you enjoy undercover romance with a sweet hero and fast-paced action in a familiar, cozy town, that ends in a HEA, this one delivers.

[Carmen Alicea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fast-paced, steamy read delivers swoon-worthy tension, high-stakes danger, and sizzling chemistry that'll leave you breathless. Bex is fierce, Wilder is irresistible, and together? Explosive. Kathleen Brooks blends small-town charm with big-time thrills in the best possible way.

Romantic suspense lovers, Heated is your next must-read! When nightclub mogul Wilder Townsend finds his empire under attack, the last thing he expects is undercover detective Bexley Moretti crashing into his world and his heart.

Heated is sexy, suspenseful, and unputdownable. Get ready to fall hard!

[Elaine Erny · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Favorite of the series

This book is my personal favorite in the Townsend series. Nonstop action and so many twists and turns from beginning to end. A strong story that draws you in from the start. Well developed characters. Bex and Wilder are amazing together. Strong women. Strong men who support their partners and families. Loved the Morettis, the Townsends, the Faulkners, Nico Saccone, Shadows Landing characters. This book has it all and is so well written. I highly recommend it.

[Lisa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilder Townsend and Bexily Morretti are the perfect couple. Who knew, because they are very different. Wilder a night club owner of club WET around the world. Ben a detective for NYPD. Her new assignment was to investigate Wilder, but when she found nothing and reported to DA. DA went after her accusing her of different things even issues a warrant for her arrest. But the DA is no competition for the Townsend, Moretti and Shadows Landing family. Love this story. Next Townsend please..

[Melissa’s Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilder’s WET clubs have never had trouble with the law

But when it comes knocking you call your family, friends, Shadow Landing residents. Investigate for the Truth and Justice will be served. Bexley is an only daughter of an Italian family of NYC Cops. Once Bex became Detective she was investigating WET for drug, guns, but no one said any thing about a gorgeous owner. Another original, engaging story.

[Brittany Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another masterpiece!

I've been eagerly waiting for this book to come out and I was not disappointed! Wilder's story was on point and Bex is an amazing match for him. I won't give the storyline away but there were some awesome twists and turns I did not see coming. Fantastic book once again Kathleen!!!

[Sharon Rudolph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I love the Townsend's! This fa!Ily keeps me laughing all the time!! I love how Kathleen always throws a wrench in the end that you didn't see coming! I can't wait for the next book.

[Kathy Brickert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always fun

So happy to read a new shadows landing book! I thought Keeneston was my fav, but South Carolina is looking better and better! Good to see the whole cast in each book, and to hear more from old favorites. Great read!

[Beckie Johnson Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love The Townsends

I absolutely loved Wilder & Bex's story, and so will you. There are lots of new faces to go with the favorites. So much action and love at first sight. Thanks, Kathleen, for writing another wonderful Shadows Landing book.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!!

Kane and Bex take on mobsters and crooked NY cops. You read about hand to hand combat, gator surfing, old ladies knitting inappropriate body parts for income, and sooooo much more! Action packed and so good, I plan to read it again.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Kathleen Brooks book and I will always buy them. Love the crossovers from her other series. Love how Wilder finds his woman or how she is sent to spy on him. Love her and Wilder’s family are the same and so different. Miss Grandma Marcy.

[Heide Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun read. You just want to read and ignore the world. So many characters you love to read about. I can't get enough of them. Ups, downs, danger, and intrique. Oh, Nico needs someone special. Damon just wow on the big brother protection. Olivia is so much fun.

[Marie Vayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing

KB nvr fails to entrench a reader in her stories, characters and storyline grabs you as soon as you open the book and doesn’t let go until the very end. Can’t wait for book 5

[Suzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

exciting

Bek thought she only had to find out more about the bad guy while under cover. Wilder was trying to find out who was attacking women in his club. Story has twists and turns along with exciting moments and laughs . Great story.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Kathleen Brooks' books and this was a winner. Great characters, fun crossovers from her other books, a good mystery, and just lots and lots of fun to read! I would give it 10 stars if I could.

[Tina Queen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooks does it again with a kick-ass heroine who can save herself and the engaging hero that wants to help her! Have all her books and can’t wait for the next one. Love the cameos from the different series. Nice nod to those of us who read them all!

[Dawn Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun read

Bex Is being set up to arrest wilder. She learns that Wilder is actually not the bad guy But the police are. They have to leave New York to stay safe. It doesn't take long for them to be romantically involved. Cute read with crooked cops and politicians.

[Kathleen C. Brackley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the ludicrous

The characters, storylines etc are so out there! This series, as well as, all Kathleen Brooks series, are so much FUN! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them all! Very entertaining and I eagerly wait for each new release!

[Kimberly Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful as always

I always spend money on Kathleen’s books. I have never read one that wasn’t a great story with laugh out loud characters and lots of fun. I’m looking forward for the next in the series!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

North meet South

I loved their story and I didn't see the curveball coming. I like how they took the fight to Charlotte and I laughed as soon as they mentioned Det. chambers. Cannot wait for Olivia and Granger to start their family and see how they react! I also see a NY spinoff coming!

[Cherokee1642 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadows landing YEAH!!!!!

Sure love this crazy town and all the wonderful folks! I want a ms.mini and Ms ros ie for my own and just have to get a Bubba and All the rest if that lovely, whacky crowd. Just can't wait for the nest one. A wonderful place to spend time in. Enjoy.

[CINDY BURNETTE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadows Landing

I love reading Kathleen Brooks books . I really enjoy reading the series. I love that the series continue with the families of the friends of the people in this town.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!!

Kathleen Brooks has done it again!! I read this book within 24 hours! I could not stop until I had finished it. I love the Townsend family and Shadows Landing. I love that her books take me away from reality. 10/10 highly recommend. It has romance, comedy, and mystery.