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Chasing Shadows
When public defender Annie O’Toole is assigned to defend the teen charged with shooting businessman Michael Grayson, she’s adamant the bigshot billionaire will get no special treatment from her. Except he already has, as she finds out when the sexy stranger she seduced at the Justice for All Ball shows up for his deposition in the biggest case of her career.
She's horrified. He’s furious. He thinks she set him up. She thinks he's an arrogant ass in an expensive suit. Sparks, intrigue, and bullets fly in a mix of swoon and suspense, as the wary one-night lovers investigate each other and the case between them.
All Annie has to do is solve the case, plus save her client, her career, and the life of the man whose lifestyle she despises, but whose touch she can't forget.
She's horrified. He’s furious. He thinks she set him up. She thinks he's an arrogant ass in an expensive suit. Sparks, intrigue, and bullets fly in a mix of swoon and suspense, as the wary one-night lovers investigate each other and the case between them.
All Annie has to do is solve the case, plus save her client, her career, and the life of the man whose lifestyle she despises, but whose touch she can't forget.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2025
4 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Cat Jameson
1 book15 followersCat Jameson is enjoying her third career, this one as a writer of romance novels packed with equal parts suspense, snark, and spice.
Before that, she was a criminal defense lawyer for almost three decades, a life experience that finds its way into her stories. Upon retiring from the practice of law, Jameson began a second career as co-owner of a metaphysical bookstore— exchanging her law books for books on astrology, tarot, and non-mainstream spiritual traditions. “People see that as a 180-degree shift,” Cat explains with a laugh, “but in truth, both have always been a part of me. The only thing that changed was which was front and center.”
She says the same is true for her third career as a writer: “I’ve been writing stories since I was a kid. I just never sent any of them out into the world.” That changed in 2024 when Jameson’s debut novel, Chasing Shadows, was not only sent out, but picked up by The Wild Rose Press.
A native Missourian, Jameson grew up in a small town near the Ozark Mountains before moving to St. Louis to attend Washington University School of Law. She wound up staying in St. Louis for most of her legal career and the city features prominently in both her debut novel and two others she has in the works. Today, she resides in Columbia, Missouri or, as Jameson calls it, “the middle of the middle of Flyover Country, halfway between the Kansas City Chiefs to the west and the St. Louis Cardinals to the east.”
When not writing, shop-keeping, or playing with grandkids, Jameson is most likely to be off on a road trip with her best friend and business partner in a ten-year-old van named Woo — stopping at every bookstore and thrift shop along the way, loading up on ‘things they do not need and have no room for.’
Before that, she was a criminal defense lawyer for almost three decades, a life experience that finds its way into her stories. Upon retiring from the practice of law, Jameson began a second career as co-owner of a metaphysical bookstore— exchanging her law books for books on astrology, tarot, and non-mainstream spiritual traditions. “People see that as a 180-degree shift,” Cat explains with a laugh, “but in truth, both have always been a part of me. The only thing that changed was which was front and center.”
She says the same is true for her third career as a writer: “I’ve been writing stories since I was a kid. I just never sent any of them out into the world.” That changed in 2024 when Jameson’s debut novel, Chasing Shadows, was not only sent out, but picked up by The Wild Rose Press.
A native Missourian, Jameson grew up in a small town near the Ozark Mountains before moving to St. Louis to attend Washington University School of Law. She wound up staying in St. Louis for most of her legal career and the city features prominently in both her debut novel and two others she has in the works. Today, she resides in Columbia, Missouri or, as Jameson calls it, “the middle of the middle of Flyover Country, halfway between the Kansas City Chiefs to the west and the St. Louis Cardinals to the east.”
When not writing, shop-keeping, or playing with grandkids, Jameson is most likely to be off on a road trip with her best friend and business partner in a ten-year-old van named Woo — stopping at every bookstore and thrift shop along the way, loading up on ‘things they do not need and have no room for.’
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 13, 2025
Хочу залишити відгук про інтригуючий роман Cat Jameson «Chasing Shadows»🌓
Коротко про сюжет: молода адвокатесса Енні знайомиться із розкішним чоловіком Міком на благодійному вечорі, і, відчуваючи потужну хімію, вони вирішують провести разом одну ніч. Наступного ранку Енні поспішно втікає з готельного номеру, залишивши чоловіку лише записку вдячності за проведений разом час. Однак Енні доручають нову справу на роботі: захищати молодика, якого обвинувачують у замаху на вбивство відомого бізнесмена, і коли жінка побачила фотографію цього чоловіка, все у ній здригнулося від наростаючої тривоги впізнання…
Що ж, книга пронизана атмосферою голівудських детективних фільмів, трилерів з елементами романтики, де між героями палають сильні почуття, в той час як вони ще й мають знайти справжню істину та знищити ворогів.
Я б не сказала, що це прям захоплююче: просто якось… нормально. Чомусь здається, що таку історію можна було б якось цікавіше закрутити, тому часто все було прямо очевидно. Герої, як на мене, не дуже детально прописані, доволі поверхнево навіть. Загалом, все дуже примітивно, як з головними героями, так і з поганцями.
Енні вся така адвокатесса, але до кінця книги стала просто пішаком. А її реакція на досьє про неї — неадекватне, як на людину, яка знає, який світ підступний і краще тримати руку на пульсі. Майкл мені тут більше сподобався, швидко відходив від нервових сплесків, коли чув пояснення. Та ще й зацикленість Енні на тому, що багатство — то погано… мене аж нудило від її логіки. Майкл наробив дурниці вкінці через це. Він заслуговував на кращу жінку.
Хімія між головними героями була, якби не всі обставини, то ті не вилазили б з ліжка😏
І, звісно ж, мені сподобалося, як принизили росіян: ті, як завжди, хотіли щось вкрасти, а їх рознесли хороші хлопці. От би в житті так завжди було.
Цікава ідея, мила подача, трішки можна було краще, але, впевнена, авторка так би мовити ще «набʼє руку» з часом.
#arcreview
Коротко про сюжет: молода адвокатесса Енні знайомиться із розкішним чоловіком Міком на благодійному вечорі, і, відчуваючи потужну хімію, вони вирішують провести разом одну ніч. Наступного ранку Енні поспішно втікає з готельного номеру, залишивши чоловіку лише записку вдячності за проведений разом час. Однак Енні доручають нову справу на роботі: захищати молодика, якого обвинувачують у замаху на вбивство відомого бізнесмена, і коли жінка побачила фотографію цього чоловіка, все у ній здригнулося від наростаючої тривоги впізнання…
Що ж, книга пронизана атмосферою голівудських детективних фільмів, трилерів з елементами романтики, де між героями палають сильні почуття, в той час як вони ще й мають знайти справжню істину та знищити ворогів.
Я б не сказала, що це прям захоплююче: просто якось… нормально. Чомусь здається, що таку історію можна було б якось цікавіше закрутити, тому часто все було прямо очевидно. Герої, як на мене, не дуже детально прописані, доволі поверхнево навіть. Загалом, все дуже примітивно, як з головними героями, так і з поганцями.
Енні вся така адвокатесса, але до кінця книги стала просто пішаком. А її реакція на досьє про неї — неадекватне, як на людину, яка знає, який світ підступний і краще тримати руку на пульсі. Майкл мені тут більше сподобався, швидко відходив від нервових сплесків, коли чув пояснення. Та ще й зацикленість Енні на тому, що багатство — то погано… мене аж нудило від її логіки. Майкл наробив дурниці вкінці через це. Він заслуговував на кращу жінку.
Хімія між головними героями була, якби не всі обставини, то ті не вилазили б з ліжка😏
І, звісно ж, мені сподобалося, як принизили росіян: ті, як завжди, хотіли щось вкрасти, а їх рознесли хороші хлопці. От би в житті так завжди було.
Цікава ідея, мила подача, трішки можна було краще, але, впевнена, авторка так би мовити ще «набʼє руку» з часом.
#arcreview
September 24, 2025
Not enough plot and the relationship between the 2 main characters was more sexual attraction rather than true love.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 17, 2025
OMG, I could not put this book down. Annie and Michael's story has so many unexpected twists and turns. These two people cannot get away from each other, incorporate their sexual tension, and we have ourselves a wonderful love story. I love the banter and teasing between these two characters. Wish there was a prequel to know about Michael, Annie, Streeter, and Jax's pass. These characters really bring the storyline together. Beautifully written. I am definitely recommending this book to anyone who loves a good love story with the unexpected.
Thank you, NetGalley, the author and the publisher, for the advance copy for an honest review.
Thank you, NetGalley, the author and the publisher, for the advance copy for an honest review.
April 22, 2025
Chasing Shadows feels like a vintage legal thriller in the best way. As a teenager, I loved the 90s writing of Scott Turow, John Grisham and Mary Higgins Clark, and Chasing Shadows is very much of this vintage - with some updates for the era. In the heyday of these books, the hero would have been a young prosecutor instead of a young public defender, but the book makes some really essential points about the difficulty of public defenders, who are often maintaining huge caseloads defending people who need social workers as much as an attorney, and are often mistreated by the system. The book feels incredibly topical with the recent shooting of a healthcare CEO, and the twists and turns are very conscious of social justice issues.
The one thing I would say is that the book does feel very pre #metoo with an early reveal that our main character, Annie, had a one night stand with a stranger. The men in her office are incredibly judgemental in a way that feels a bit more reminiscient of a 90s feminist backlash than a time when Tinder is widespread. I would have loved the book to go into the culture of that decision, rather than just observing it. Is there a particularly sexist culture in this public defender's office? Is St Louis a particularly regressive place? As someone who works in legal aid, I have found it to be a bit more liberal than most corporate firms and I wanted to get a better sense of Annie's office.
If you love your romance with a thriller edge, or if you loved vintage legal thrillers, this one is for you.
The one thing I would say is that the book does feel very pre #metoo with an early reveal that our main character, Annie, had a one night stand with a stranger. The men in her office are incredibly judgemental in a way that feels a bit more reminiscient of a 90s feminist backlash than a time when Tinder is widespread. I would have loved the book to go into the culture of that decision, rather than just observing it. Is there a particularly sexist culture in this public defender's office? Is St Louis a particularly regressive place? As someone who works in legal aid, I have found it to be a bit more liberal than most corporate firms and I wanted to get a better sense of Annie's office.
If you love your romance with a thriller edge, or if you loved vintage legal thrillers, this one is for you.
Read
May 7, 2025Heat Factor: It’s like a heat sandwich—heat in the beginning and heat in the end, with a lot of suspense in the middle.
Character Chemistry: It’s like a billionaire/lawyer version of Dharma and Greg. Just go with it.
Plot: Michael is a CEO aero-tech guy recovering from being shot. Annie is the public defender representing the young man accused of shooting him. They have a one-night stand and chaos ensues.
Overall: This book started out with me just utterly flabbergasted but it got REALLY good.
Read our full review at The Smut Report
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.
Blog | Bluesky | Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Pinterest
Character Chemistry: It’s like a billionaire/lawyer version of Dharma and Greg. Just go with it.
Plot: Michael is a CEO aero-tech guy recovering from being shot. Annie is the public defender representing the young man accused of shooting him. They have a one-night stand and chaos ensues.
Overall: This book started out with me just utterly flabbergasted but it got REALLY good.
Read our full review at The Smut Report
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.
Blog | Bluesky | Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Pinterest
February 23, 2025
Chasing Shadows by Cat Jameson is a debut romance novel that starts off with a bang. A passionate one night stand turns awkward when our FMC, Annie O’Toole, finds out she is the public defender for the teen that is accused of shooting her one night stand, Mick, who turns out to be a billionaire CEO, named Michael Grayson. Yikes! These two have chemistry from the start and have to navigate this very sticky situation of their personal and professional lives colliding. No matter what comes their way, these two main characters always seem drawn to one another.
This book is filled with mystery and intrigue surrounding the shooting. This storyline draws you in from the very beginning. It is also an easy and fast paced read.
Overall, I loved the main characters’ connection and chemistry! I look forward to reading more from the author in the future.
Thank you to The Wild Rose Press, Inc. and NetGalley for the arc. All opinions are my own.
This book is filled with mystery and intrigue surrounding the shooting. This storyline draws you in from the very beginning. It is also an easy and fast paced read.
Overall, I loved the main characters’ connection and chemistry! I look forward to reading more from the author in the future.
Thank you to The Wild Rose Press, Inc. and NetGalley for the arc. All opinions are my own.
March 13, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and The Wild Rose Press Inc. for this ARC!
So glad I came across this because this was a fun time. Had all the features of a great romantic suspense but without too much doom and gloom lol.
It was such a quick and fast paced read and full of action. Loved the premise and the tension! The romance had just the right amount of angst and tender moments which I devoured wholeheartedly. Side characters were well developed as well. The mystery and suspense was easy to follow yet kept me on my toes. I also enjoyed the ending, it was super sweet and everything wrapped up nicely. Though the climax was somewhat anticlimactic, I didn't mind it that much in consideration of the overall plot - it didn't seem as high stakes as I thought it would be. I didn't even mind the minor third act conflict because it added onto their character development.
Would read again and highly recommend.
Overall rating: 4.25/5
So glad I came across this because this was a fun time. Had all the features of a great romantic suspense but without too much doom and gloom lol.
It was such a quick and fast paced read and full of action. Loved the premise and the tension! The romance had just the right amount of angst and tender moments which I devoured wholeheartedly. Side characters were well developed as well. The mystery and suspense was easy to follow yet kept me on my toes. I also enjoyed the ending, it was super sweet and everything wrapped up nicely. Though the climax was somewhat anticlimactic, I didn't mind it that much in consideration of the overall plot - it didn't seem as high stakes as I thought it would be. I didn't even mind the minor third act conflict because it added onto their character development.
Would read again and highly recommend.
Overall rating: 4.25/5
June 9, 2025
Book review:
Chasing Shadows by Cat Jameson
This is her first novel and let me tell you that the heat started in the first couple of chapters and I was fanning myself with every word. There is definitely suspense and spice. Annie is a public defender who doesn't think her young client is guilty of shooting billionaire, Michael Grayson. Annie and co-worker, Jonathan, think someone in Michael's company is responsible for the shooting, but they aren't sure without proof. Annie hasn't talked to her grandmother in 3 years, but unfortunately it is the one person that Annie must turn to for help in this case. Will her grandmother help her? Can they find the person, if not the young kid, behind the shooting, before Michael gets hurt again, or worse, killed? Find out the connection between Annie and Michael and see how it impacts the story. I loved this book so much, I can't wait for more from Cat. 5 stars 🤩
Chasing Shadows by Cat Jameson
This is her first novel and let me tell you that the heat started in the first couple of chapters and I was fanning myself with every word. There is definitely suspense and spice. Annie is a public defender who doesn't think her young client is guilty of shooting billionaire, Michael Grayson. Annie and co-worker, Jonathan, think someone in Michael's company is responsible for the shooting, but they aren't sure without proof. Annie hasn't talked to her grandmother in 3 years, but unfortunately it is the one person that Annie must turn to for help in this case. Will her grandmother help her? Can they find the person, if not the young kid, behind the shooting, before Michael gets hurt again, or worse, killed? Find out the connection between Annie and Michael and see how it impacts the story. I loved this book so much, I can't wait for more from Cat. 5 stars 🤩
March 10, 2025
There was a lot to enjoy about this read. There's this swirl of mystery, a bit of suspense that kept me guessing, and characters that I loved getting to know. Annie is interesting, she has a very negative view on the rich, which keeps her a little on edge at times. But as the story flows forward we get deeper into her story, her history, and there are some moments that absolutely twisted my heart. Now, Michael, he's confident, yet cautious with his feelings. These two have a ton of heat, some ups and downs, and everything else you need from a story to completely pull you in. There were a lot of strong characters that added to the story.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
March 4, 2025
Annie is a public defence lawyer. Mick is a wealthy airplane designer. They meet one night and end up having a mind blowing one night stand that either of them can forget about, even weeks later. But Mick has recently been shot, and Annie just so happens to be his alleged shooters lawyer.
Check out my full review here!
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Check out my full review here!
https://mutatedlibrary.wordpress.com/...
March 23, 2025
Romantic suspense is not my normal genre but the description of a public defender involved with a crime victim intrigued me enough to pick this one up. I'm glad I did. The fully developed characters just jumped off the page, the continuing obstacles to their steamy romance kept the plot moving at a brisk pace and i was so hooked, i finished it in one day. Highly recommended
Thanks to NetGalley and Wild Rose Press for an advanced reader copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Wild Rose Press for an advanced reader copy.
December 26, 2025
A billionaire and a lawyer have a one-night stand and what follows are unexpected and shocking revelations. The “chase” in the story is really between these two who can’t seem to get away from each other due to an electric sexual tension. Michael and Annie are reminiscent of those will-they-won’t-they couples from old shows like Cheers, Moonlighting, and Who’s The Boss. Chasing Shadows is like that with a Law and Order vibe. Take a whodunnit mystery with Russian spies and attempted murder, and throw in some spicy romance (some of it exhibitionist style!) and sexy banter and you have a page turner you won’t want to put down!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews