From Shadow

by M.A. Grant

Former spec-ops member Ezekiel Harding returned home from his time as a POW to find his family destroyed from his service. Adrift and with no real purpose for a man of his skill set, an employment opportunity at The Church, a private high-end club, gives Zeke the routine he desperately needs. He completes his shifts, waves to the bakery owner across the street as he leaves, and doesn't force himself to socialize. It may be lonely, but it's safer for everyone if he doesn't put himself out there.

Vivian Bennett isn't sure why she's been targeted by a cunning stalker determined to make her pay attention to him. As the owner of Divine Twins Bakery, she's too busy to take a second look at any man. That is, until Zeke walks into her shop. She knows falling for Zeke will probably leave her burned, but she can't resist the temptation he offers.

As the heat between them rises, the stalker grows more dangerous. Zeke knows the only way to step from the shadows and into a place at Vivian's side is to face the threat head-on. He just has to ensure he and Vivian survive the confrontation.

FROM SHADOW is a standalone novella of approximately 32,000 words. The novella contains discussions about suicide and the death of a parent, descriptions of violence, stalking, and PTSD.

Genres: Contemporary, Military Romance

Audible Audio

Published October 11, 2023

About the author

M.A. Grant fell in love with the romance genre while working at an independent bookstore. She spent a decade in the rugged beauty of Alaska's Kenai Peninsula before moving to the mountains of Eastern Washington. When she’s not calling out to passing ravens or making a cup of tea, she’s writing dark and moving stories.

She is represented by Deidre Knight of The Knight Agency.

Reviews

[Iz · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

Very cute, very steamy, with just the right amount of drama and angst to make it even more entertaining.
I've had this little novella on my Kindle for AGES, and since I've loved every single one of M.A. Grant other romances (albeit, all MM!), I decided to give this one a go.
I adored Zeke, but I loved Vivian even more. She was a delightful protagonist: flirty and confident, but also pretty much realistic too. I wanted to jump into the book to cheer her on.
The steam was very, very good: I hardly ever read MF 'cause I've got a weird thing about seeing my body parts represented on page (I think it's because I use romance to evade maybe? Don't ask lol), except when I know there's diversity rep involved OR if I trust the author and the premise sounds appealing enough.
I'm glad I read it; the romance could have probably benefited from a bit more development, and I wasn't hugely satisfied with how the stalker plot was handled, but all in all, I spent a good few hours engrossed in a fun read, so I can't complain.
Also, I need more M.A. Grant writing ASAP!


TWs/CWs: stalking, intimidation, threats of violence, arson, injury, torture and captivity (past), PTSD.

[Crystal P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick read that packed a lot in. I like that the characters have seen and been intrigued by one another for some time. The stalker angle appeals to the skill set Zeke has and helps him to get close to Vivian when he is inclined to stay back from most people. While the stalker identity and resolution is a bit of a stretch, the groundwork was laid well enough. I like Zeke and am so glad the stalker brings him to Vivian and helps him to take a step towards a future he was hiding from for no real good reason.

[M.A. Grant]

An edited rerelease of a novella originally published under the title IN THE SHADOWS.

[Tamye Whitener · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intense Read!

I was enthralled from beginning to end. The writing is smooth, and the characters are relatable, and easily capture your heart. The storyline kept me turning the pages trying to figure out who was after Vivian. My only problem, which earned this book four stars instead of five is the stalker. Why were the notes left at Vivien's backdoor?

This is the first book I've read by this author. Since I enjoyed her voice and writing style, I will check out more.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good story with some twists and turns that I didn’t expect. Zeke is still dealing with the after effects of surviving a POW situation where he and two others were horribly tortured and almost killed. Vivian is his shining star out of the darkness. She owns the bakery across the street from the club he works at. They pass each other frequently and things take off when Zeke finally comes into her bakery. There is a lot that is unpacked in this story that kept me reading because I just didn’t know how the story was going to play out.

[Autumn Denise Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Different read. I'm not sure how to feel about the story. I liked Zeek, but it was weird. Lol

[Chrystal · Rating 1 out of 5]

Have loved other short stories by this author but this one just didn't sit right.
Too He-man and lady in destress for me maybe.

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want a controlling Irish daddy. Then definitely read this.

[Anzell Gonzalez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mystery stalker, also falling in love with a man who has a dark past who steps in to protect her. Can she trust him?

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fast-paced, cozy mystery with likable characters that support the plot with different twists to keep you guessing.

[Abril Sol · Rating 1 out of 5]

This felt like the sketch of a sketch of a story…

[Topsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! That was quite an emotional story. Zeke's experience in Syria and the damage it did to him and his fhamily back home.

[Amber Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book may be on the shorter side, M.A. Grant managed to fit in a ton of suspense, danger, and romance. I like a strong, protective leading hero and Zeke definitely fit the bill. I liked Vivian's character, but I thought she was a little dramatized in a part or two. This book is definitely an insta attraction/insta love story, which I don't always love, but it worked for this one!