Combust

Shades of Trouble #3

by Kitty Cox

When passions burn this hot, something's going to combust.

Becoming a doctor of psychiatric medicine was supposed to make me a better man. I'd been brought here to be the logic in this group of insanity. Instead, I'm falling right back into my old habits and making the exact same mistakes.

But they feel so right.

I found "the ones" when I was sixteen. Both of them, although I had no idea that was even possible. Back then, I'd ruined it all. This is my second chance, but there's a little complication. Violet's sexy cowboy crashed into our beautiful dysfunction, and he needs us to pull it together - and fast.

Together, we burn hot, but if we want this mess to work - and I honestly believe it can - then all four of us have to be the perfect role models for one whole month. We need to be a little respectable - just long enough for him to get custody of his daughter.

Which means I need to keep my hands to myself.

If only it were that easy. Violet's beautiful power, Ash's uncontrolled passion, and Luke's country charisma are making me weak in the knees. It's so easy to forget that we need to keep this a secret. Sneaking out behind the barn or stealing kisses while cleaning the cabins isn't going to be enough.

Perfect? Us? Not likely. We're looking to get in trouble.

One risk becomes more. Soon enough, I make a mistake. Ash makes another. Violet? Not even she can keep this mess from crashing and burning, but this is love. It's hot, messy, filled with passion, and unquenchable. All the things I have a weakness for, but it's not enough if we can't keep this family together.

Something has to give.
This time, it won't be me.


Combust is the third in a series of four books.

TRIGGERS MAY INCLUDE: Mentions of cancer, violence, criminal history, eating disorders, use of racial slurs by racists, bullying, self harm, and discussions of child sexual assault and trauma.

This is a love story, but broken people deserve love too - and an ally on their side.

Combust is a 175,500 word novel with an ending that will leave you needing more. The main female character will have multiple, often complicated, relationships with different men. Includes M/M and M/F romance.

For the purposes of the story, some medical and professional ethics may be bent or even broken. Graphic language and situations that are suitable for a mature audience are included.

Genres: Contemporary, M M Romance, Romance, Friends To Lovers, Why Choose, Polyamory, Contemporary Romance

534 pages, Paperback

First published August 6, 2021

Reviews

[Daisy Delfin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pages: 485
My rating: 4.5

I still love the loyalty of the Shades of Trouble. Again they pitch in where they can. They all loved Vera so much and she was their parent and filled a role their biological parents refused to take. I think they all became successful because Vera believed in them and loved them like her own granddaughter.
It great to see Vera’s Dream became true and now they are giving it forward to the next generation like Faith.
This book was mostly about the custody case. Whom will Faith choose. What secrets will be revealed. The spoiler is in the summery not here. But if you loved the first two sequel, you will love this one too. I think that the first two books were slightly better, that’s why this one is rated with a 4.5.

The Characters: Names and descriptions of the persons

Vera Dawson: Vera is not a main character, but she gets the first place in the list, because she started this. Gran (Vera), well loved grandmother of Violet and the successful kids, who now have a colour.
Bea Schnider: Vera’s partner, died before Vera, they both run Southwind.

Violet Dawson = Violet: Granddaughter of Vera Dawson. Her mum dropped her with her Grandmother when she was a kid. Her mum is in a mental health institution, because she is a psychopath. Her Dad is in jail because of his crimes. She had to go to public school in Cats Peak where she was bullied by Jody, April and Maisy. It was really bad. The told her that she is fat and ugly and they even beat her. Luke found her once and carried her to the nurse’s office. He can’t remember much of this, because he just quit football and found out that Meredith is pregnant. But that day he became her hero. After trying to starve herself she ended up in a hospital and had to do rehabilitation because of her eating disorder. She went away with Ash because he told her that his dream was to become a model and she went with him and became a model too. She also got a college degree in business and helped Ash to build Risqué. She partly owns the company and is the face of Risqué. Her Dream is to rebuild Southwind and give what she got from her Gran to other troubled children. Ashton Walker is her best friend sometimes best friend with benefits. Cy was her other best friend but he tried to break ties with the Shades of Trouble but Vera never let him do this completely.
Ashton Walker = Magenta: owner of Risqué, designs lingerie, was Cyan’s boyfriend when they were Teens, split when he went away to become a model, Violet’s best friend with benefits. He loves Violet but is scared to be her boyfriend. Chief of the board of directors (BOD) of Southwind.
Luke Barrett: Cowboy, used to play Football in school. But his girlfriend and Luke didn’t practice safer sex and she got pregnant. His had to leave Highschool and his parents threw him out. Vera and Bea took him in
Dr. Cyan Marshall: Cyan became a Psychologist. Violet talks to him and find out that he is jobless and homeless and asks him to work for Southwind and come back home. So he does. He was Ashton’s boyfriend before Ashton and Violet left to become models. He broke up with Ashton, even though Ashton is his forever love. But he also fell in love with Violet, but they were only friend.
Faith: Luke’s 12 year old daughter. She meets Violet in the bathroom of the diner, where she gets caught looking at her cuts (which she self-inflicted). Likes Violet and likes that Violet is her fathers girlfriend. She adores her Dad and would like to live with him.
Darnell Booker Color: Crisom: black guy, Private Security Company owner, does the Security for Southwind. He protects resource tycoons. Treasurer of the BOD.
Cessily Blackburn Color: Chartreuse: Secretary of the BOD, she is a lawyer, her hobby is family law. Normally she works on contracts and stuff like this. She is highly thought after and highly paid.
Shawn Color: Teal: Shawn is the IT guy of the group. He got in trouble for hacking and ended up in Southwind. He has a girlfriend, somewhere near Southwind and thinks about changing to a college there. He loves Gaming.
Roberto Caruzo Color: Cobalt: State Senator for this area, formerly lived in Southwind
William Blankenship Color: Blaze: Nickname: Billy but he wants to be called Liam. He has a short appearance at the end of book 2. He can organise tricky stuff with a steep price. He is a political fixer.
Hannah Color: Indigo:

Colours we don’t meet in book 3
Kristin King Color: Scarlet: nickname Kris. She is half black. Works in the barn of her boyfriend and hopes to become a horse trainer. Her hair is Scarlet. She is in a polyamours relationship. She met Luke when she was living in Southwind, because Bea taught her riding and Luke was working in the barn.
Color: Coral:
Color: Burgundy:
Color: Brick: He is in a security class, he does not make an appearance.

Colors named by Violet:
Luke Barrett Color: Emerald: Description above
Faith Barrett Color: Lilac: Description above

Employees of Risqué and People involved with the Colours of Trouble:
Leslie Bancroft: run Risqué’s office as a receptionist when Ash stayed with Violet at the beginning. She becomes the Assistant of the COO because Ashton sees a spark in her and thinks he has to help her. She is part time student and working for Risqué. Her boyfriend lives in Oregon.
Noah: Leslie’s boyfriend. A good, shy guy, who encourages Leslie to take the chance Ash gave her and to live her dream. Follows her.
Renato Vieria: Nickname Reni. Hannah’s Fiancé, he is from Brazil and a professional Bull rider. He helped Hanna after she broke up with her friend and gave her a ride and took her to his hotel room. He is actually a good guy. He also accepted that Hannah’s kid is not his biological kid, still wants them both. He can’t father kids.
Enzo: Hannah’s baby boy
Andreas: One of Scarlet’s boyfriends
Sebastian Jakobsson: Nickname Ian. One of Scarlet’s boyfriends. He is an Olympic dressage rider
Annika Jakobsson: Daughter of Scarlet’s boyfriend, nickname Anna.
Zoe: Teals girlfriend. She looked at the videos Brody took. She is a rape victim.
Employees of Southwind:
Emily Harding: Zeke’s mom, she lived in a trailer and worked two jobs to keep them afloat. She regrets that she had to leave Zeke on his own very often. First we meet her when Zeke and Faith gets into a fight. She talks to Luke and tells him that Zeke is gay. But Luke is cool with this, invites him to Southwind but the next week, because both are grounding their kid for the trouble in school. Luke offers to drive Zeke home after detention because Emily can’t pick him up. She meets the Shades when she picks up Zeke. And when Violet’s door is painted with hate words, she comes and help Violet to clean the door. They talk while working and when Violet hears that Emily loves kids and at she works with a house cleaning company and in a Mexican Restaurant she decides to help her. She ask her if Emily would be interested to work in Southwind as a Chaperone. And Emily is interested. They talk to three board members while eating and call Cobalt after three of them like Emily. So the Board is okay with Employing her as long as her background check comes back clean. She moves with Zeke to Southwind into a small Cottage and is embraced by the Coulors of Trouble and the Southwind family. Cobalt is interested in her but she thinks that Cobalt is just flirting and not interested in a poor person like Emily. She is compassionate, accepting and has a big heart.
Zeke Harding: Zeke is Emily’s kid. He is one of the kids who are bullied in school. Somehow he finds Faith and they become friends. He stands up for her and Faith for him. He is also gay and tells Emily upfront. People think Zeke is trouble but mostly he is bullied because he is different and stands up for himself and the people he loves.
Scott Reynolds: Scott lost his job and was close to loosing everything else to. He worked construction. David asks Ash if he can help. And when Ash meets Scott he offers him a job on Southwind and also to pay him early on, so he can make the payment on his house and car. Scott is very thankful to be part of Southwind and that the Shades of Trouble saved him.


Citizens of Cats Peak:
Troublemaker:
Paul Simmons: Owner of the neighbouring Farm. Wants to by Violets Farm, but wants to give her little money. He wants to sell it to builder, because on Violets Farm there is a water supply. But she doesn’t want to sell the farm.
Meredith soon to be Jackson: Luke’s ex and mother of his daughter. Meredith was a cheerleader and a really good looking Teenager, which still shows 13 years later. But she is self-centred. She wants to be a trophy wife who doesn’t have to work. She resents Luke for knocking her up but she did tell him that she was on the pill when he forgot the condom.
Brody Jackson: to be stepdad of Faith (Luke’s daughter). Creepy guy. He has lots of prejudices like most of the townies.
Jody: Jody, April and Maisy bullied Violet in school. They beat her and told her that she was very ugly. It got out of Hand and Violet tried to starve herself and ended up in hospital. Jody became friends with Meredith. She never changed her highschool bully behavior and when Violet returns, she starts it again. She never got out of town, because her main goal was to marry a richt guy. She got in the habit of sleeping around after highschool. Not sure if she married.
April: Another bully and the woman who tried to sew Faith’s flower girl dress. She is a bully. Still friends with Jody and Meredith. She ended up married with kids. Jody, April and Meredith always try to bully Violet but mainly because Jody and April are jealous of her fame and beauty.

Good Guys:
David Bigsby: Pastor and a good guy.
Beverly Bigsby: David’s mother, owner of the diner/grill in town, where everybody meets, was friends with Vera and Bea, she helps the Southwind crew
Mike: Owns the garage in town, was in highschool with Luke and they played football together, he is a good guy and tries to help Luke and get him to talk to him, but it takes a while until Luke realises this. Mike has a crush on Maisy and confess this to Luke.
Maisy: Ran with Jody and April in highschool, but no because she agreed. Jody put pressure on her by telling Maisy that she will tell her Dad. And Maisy’s Dad would punish Maisy with a belt or hitting her hard. But after school Jody prevented that Maisy could go to college and get out of town. Since then she does not run with the bullies and she welcomed Violet back and spoke up for them. She has a crush on Mike. But doesn’t realise that Mike feels the same way.
Dan: Dan is the Cop who gives the Videos Brody took to the police. David showed him the footage of a girl and it turns out that she is his cousin. So he is on board to do something against Brody. But from the very beginning he sided with Southwind. He tries to help them. He has also a lesbian sister so he is comfortable with the topic sexuality.



Summery: detailed, lot’s of spoiler

This book is mainly about the custody battle between Meredith and Luke. But it is also about coming out to Faith.

Paul Simmons involves himself in the custody battle, not because he likes Meredith but to cause trouble and in hopes that the shades of trouble give up. But they don’t. Violet and Cessily start to go to the Dinner and try to make friends there. It’s kind of hard, but people like Maisy and Bev are on their side.

There is still meditation Luke and Meredith have to attend and there the attorney of Meredith postpones the date of the custody hearing, because Meredith needs to annul her marriage. Luke and Cessily agree. Meanwhile Paul Simmons pays a private investigator to get dirt and pictures on Luke. And everything gets more and more complicated.

School starts again and Faith bullies are after her saying nasty stuff. Violet consoles her and everybody tries to make things better for Faith at least at home. Violet tells Faith to write down the nasty stuff the girls say and also write down a comeback. She tells her she will help her with the comebacks and they go through them together as a cooping mechanism. Faith finds a new friend in school. They are both outsiders and they start hanging out together. One day Luke is called to school because the Faith got into trouble with her bullies. They accuse her to have hit them but she never did, because Zeke jumped in to protect her. They both get detention. Luke meets Emily Harding, Zekes mum. She tells Luke that Zeke is gay and thinks that he doesn’t want Faith and Zeke to be friends. But Luke is okay with it and he even offers Emily to drive Zeke home after detention. When Luke and Faith go to the trailer where the Hardings live, he sees that their door is broken. He tells Zeke that he is going to fix it and while doing it, he teaches Zeke how to fix the door. So when Luke sends a new door knob over Zeke fixes it without help. And Zeke is invited to Southwind and enjoys being their and being accepted. Emily comes to pick him up and is invited to stay for dinner. She sees that Zeke enjoys to have men around, who take him under their wings.

To make things a little better Ash designs clothes with Faith and asks her to be his model for the Teenager stuff he started. He tells her that she has full control and gets to say which picture can be used and she can change her mind till the end of the year. Faith agrees and enjoys the foto shoot with Violet and Luke.

Things are okay as long as they stay in Southwind and they are busy there. With all the things they have to take care of. Cessily tells them to be good for the next month.

But one night Ash sneaks into Violets bedroom and stays with her but he sneaks out at night only to be caught by Faith. Faith is devastated because she thinks that Violet is cheating on her Dad. And she is very angry with Ash and Violet. But Luke tells her that things are complicated and that he believes her. Faith starts rebelling and even thinks about living with Meredith. But Luke does not want to do this. But then he finds an add for a trailer near the church and tells everybody about this. He does not want to break up with them but move out temporarily. But then he changes his mind and puts his foot down and tells Faith that they won’t be moving.

The weekend Faith and the other Colors leave Southwind the four decide to go on a date. The go to a club in another town. But because Violet dances with each of her guys and kiss all of them one guy thinks that he can have a turn too. The guys defend her but they decide to cut the evening short.

Finally the day of the hearing arrives. Everything is okay until Luke is questioned. That’s when Meredith attorney pulls up a picture of Luke and Cy who had a make out session under the tractor. Luke decides to come out and tell the truth. But he also tells the judge that they are keeping thing from Faith. So finally Faith is asked where she wants to stay and she tells the judge that she wants to live with her Dad. And the Judge decides that she can live with her Dad.

But of course Meredith tells the people around town in what kind of relationship Luke is. The book ends with guys jumping the fence of Southwind and vandalising Violets Car.

[Jaime · Rating 3 out of 5]

Long

I’m fully invested in this story but I will say that I skimmed a lot of this book. I felt like they had the same conversation a million times and I couldn’t reread it over and over. Cy was also a HUGE whiner in this book. I’d really liked him in the previous ones. Lastly, have some control, people!! I thought it was ridiculous that they couldn’t keep their hands to themselves for five weeks. They expected 13 year old Faith to be well behaved at school but they couldn’t do the same at home. Honestly, they didn’t expect to get outed when there’s a PI stalking their property? And going out as a group seemed stupid too, if you’re trying to keep thing on the DL. After reading the end I get it served a purpose but I almost quit reading because they lacked control.

I still love Ash and really liked the introduction of Zeke. I’m definitely reading Conquer next but hope it’s not as repetitive.

[Toma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this author but these characters gave me heart palpitations. Is it that difficult to keep your hands to yourself for a month? Like you know there is a minor at home, or you know a PI is watching. But noooo... On the other hand, people are that stupid, so it was at least realistic. lol I really want to read Indigo's story too.

So great story, excellent character growth, realistic problems. Totally recommend.

[Kim Whitehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one phenomenal story!!! Unbelievable!! Such an amazing journey! Kitty Cox is a fantastic author! So much wisdom! And sultry and passionate!! Euphoric!!

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Repetitive Dialogues and Recaps

The amount of times that specific dialogues, thoughts, conversations were repeated over and over in this book really took away from enjoying the actual storyline. Odometer want to read the 4th book because books 2 and 3 were so heavy with the repeats that I can't force myself to read another book that could easily have 100 pages trimmed.

[*** Pau *** · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars
Book 1: 4*
Book 2: 3*
Book 3: 2.75*
Book 4: 2*

Little town Texas. RH with MM.
MMMF: Cowboy, psychiatrist, and male and female models. Living in a kind of a ranch that will become again a rehabilitation center. It was way too long, it got very boring. They were having the same conversations over and over.
HEA.

Spice: 2.5/5
Plot: 2.5/5
Romance: 2.5 /5

[H · Rating 4 out of 5]

the drama! what a story with so many layers

[Jacquelyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

MMMF/MM/MF polyamorous relationship. Now that the predator stepfather is locked away the custody battle wages between Luke and Meredith. The town power hungry person wants the land that the juvenile center resides on sits on water wells that a small town needs that can make Paul Simmons richer and he wants to get his greedy hands on the land and he will resort to any games. He has his clutches on this small town of 300 people and he has bribed the police chief and other police officers, among other towns people that have made things more challenging for Luke, Violet, Cy and Ash. One complication comes after another from a private investigator, to refusing city power, discrimination, harassment, Faith being bullied at school, etc. the police refuse to drop the arrest charges even though there is video evidence showing that Ash and Luke are the victims.

Due to these complications Cess (Luke’s lawyer) has recommended the relationship remains a secret and no sneaking around.. but of course they cannot avoid their secret touches. Cy forgives Luke and they confess their love so the quad is all in for a big love affair. It seems that Luke is front and center through most of this book with Cy. Little less from Ash and Vi… I miss Ash antics from the last book but the story was still engaging. There was some redundancy in statements but I think it was necessary because it followed human behavior but can get loss from a reader’s perspective.

They call in a senator friend to investigate the police and the charges finally get dropped. But the whole storyline I’m just waiting for the shoe to drop. When things seem like it’ll work out. Ash and Vi get caught by faith, Luke’s daughter (nothing explicit), which makes Faith angry with Vi because she wants to protect her dad and thinks she’s cheating. She threatened that she wanted to go back to her moms because she’s angry her dad is “forgiving Vi, but she is really angry also because she’s going to lose her as a potential stepmother.

Court date arrives and the private investigator got a picture of Cy and Luke fooling around and there’s a moment of truth. This did not happen with faith around. Luke tells the truth and he’s outed as a bisexual. But worst the lawyer showed the explicit pictures with his daughter present and that’s his only concern as a father to protect her from this pictures. When the judge asked faith who she wants to live with she says her father because he believes in her when her mom would not. The judge grants Luke primary custody and everyone is headed home to celebrate. When they get home the gate is busted and a threat is painted on the door… Vi internalizes this and says it’s “war”… so on to book 4 to see how our dynamic quad fairs out against a town of haters.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kitty Cox, you are amazingly talented!!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
I am so in love with this series and and world of characters that it physically hurts when a book ends and I think about having to wait for the next one. The way you tackle hard hitting issues and demonstrate amazing love stories between your characters is simply breathtaking, inspiring and phenomenal. I’m already dreading the end of the series as I love these characters immensely. Thank you so much for sharing your talent with us all.

For those of you who haven’t yet picked up the first book of this series, love reverse harem and amazing worlds and characters, these books are a must to be added to your TBR list!

💜❤️🧡💛💚💙💖

[Kady Bowers · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the plot but wasn't a fan of the romance. I felt everyone kept saying they would choose violet first, but it didn't feel like that. It felt like Luke was the shiny new toy and that's all anyone wanted to talk about, touch, or be around. it pushed me right out of the romance part of the book. there was also way too much inside their head during sexy scenes, like I don't need you reciting poetry and getting lost in your feels during fu**ing but that's just a personal preference.

[Jessica Loski · Rating 1 out of 5]

so freaking repetative. Had a lot of potential but it really fell flat. Seems like every chapter (there are lots of them) the author repeats so many of the things over and over. If you remove all the repeated parts you could turn this series into one book that would end up being way better.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

This is the story of a nasty custody battle and polyamorous relationship in a small Texas town, where the locals hate anything different than the way things have always been and the Shades of Trouble gang are tryjng to create a haven for troubled teens. It feels like one of those soap operas my granny used to watch, but with more interesting love stories.

I love the complex relationships and finding a balance between being respectful of conservative local customs whilst also commanding respect for one's own lifestyle. It's a difficult situation to navigate. When nearly the whole town is against you, do you let them get you down or come back swinging? It's definitely an underdog and bully story on a few levels and I'm loving it. I think the next book is the last one in the series, so I'm looking forward to seeing how things get resolved. This has been such a fun read.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t seen this series getting much attention and I am here to tell you to start it now! The Shades of Trouble series is a beautifully written, emotional second-chance RH set in a small, rural town, with the most amazing characters you can’t help but fall I love with.

First off, this is one of the most unique series’ I’ve read, particularly in the RH genre with a diverse mix of characters including a small-town cowboy, fashion designer, psychiatrist and famous lingerie model rounding them out. Violet is working rebuild the child rehabilitation center where she once grew up but faces constant discrimination and aggression from the town’s citizens.

Filled with tons of emotion, angst and loads of steam, Combust was another incredible addition to this uniquely brilliant series. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

[Rubz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay so, Book 3. Still going strong, skimmed a bit, yes I did, just a little, especially in places where the author was explaining what was already explained in previous books.
We finally reached the custody date and that is now done, phewww. I gotta say my jaw dropped to the floor during the court proceeding with how Meredith's lawyer handled the case. But, Luke my man, good cowboy, good cowboy.
Cy's ex made an appearance, some little dram here and there but mostly no relationship angst, thank God coz I just can't right now.
I really don't want to end this series, it has been a joy to read.
Thank you, Kitty Cox

Oooh, also Kitty always uses the title of the book somehow in the book itself, so cool!

[Bella · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Combust" ignites the pages with its scorching romance and captivating storyline. From the first chapter, the chemistry between the main characters sets the pages ablaze, drawing readers into their passionate and tumultuous journey.

The sizzling tension and steamy scenes are expertly crafted, keeping readers eagerly flipping pages to see what happens next. Amidst the heat, the characters undergo significant growth and transformation, grappling with their own demons and insecurities while finding solace and strength in each other's arms.

Overall, "Combust" delivers a compelling mix of romance and self-discovery, making it a must-read for fans of steamy love stories. Its engaging plot and well-developed characters ensure that readers will be left wanting more long after they've finished the last page.

[Paige T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story!!

I felt like I was on the edge of my seat a bit - while I could assume/hope for a certain outcome, it was still nail-biting wondering whether I was right, how it would actually happen, and what else might be thrown their way that they needed to deal with.

First of all, the love and acceptance in this story between the main characters is just beautiful. The values that they're teaching/showing Faith are amazing, and it shows with her own acceptance and commitment to learn to be better, and shows in her wonderful budding friendship with Zeke.

Love how the main characters continue to grow closer and fall for each other, but but still put Faith first.

Really looking forward to the next/final book and see how they deal with everything in the town.

[Noelle Mcnamee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

Knowing that you love people without reservations and they love you the same is a good lesson. I love this series because in a world full of hate this series teaches love and acceptance.

The way these characters and places are described is realistic and relatable, to a certain degree, which makes it easy to connect to the characters and the challenges they face. Filled with tons of emotion, angst and loads of steam.

As the polyamory relationship goes forward, it's still a risk as Luke tried to gain full custody of Faith. Paul Simmons is ruthless and causing problems for Southwind. A few more colors of the rainbow make an appearance. Combust was another incredible addition to this uniquely brilliant series. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

[Sondra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Power of the rainbow

Book 3 of the series was great. I'm glad I stuck with the series after being disappointed with book 2. As the polyamory relationship goes forward, it's still a risk as Luke tried to gain full custody of Faith. Paul Simmons is ruthless and causing problems for Southwind. A few more co!it's of the rainbow make an appearance. It was a great read. Can't wait for book 4 to be released. HEA, soft cliffhanger. This is not a stand alone series, you'll need to read all of them and it's worth the read if you are supportive of LGBTQ and letting everyone love an authentic living life.

[Sandi Devlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic!!

I really enjoyed this book. I adore this series and it keeps getting better. It has so many different tropes but my favorite is found family and this so delivers that. Violet is great, she is so strong yet has a vunerable side.

The count down for Luke's court case is happening and Violet, Cyan, Ashton and Luke are all getting closer.

The relationships not just between the 4 mc's but with everyone in the house and their extended family is really great to read.

There was a clear end to this book but the end definately leaves you wanting more.

[Jane Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to start? Oh, I know.. HOT COWBOY. Okay maybe I did know where to start but honestly this series somehow gets better and better with each book. These characters are so down to earth and relatable. It also has continued to make me wish I was a part of the rainbow.

With all great books, this one evoked all the emotions. There were scenes you smiled and then ones that almost brought you to tears. The plot of this series is so dang perfect. I really feel like I understand these characters and feel everything they go through. I can’t wait for book four!

[Elyse · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't realize how much the story would be about Luke's daughter and his fight for custody. Tbh I don't read stories with kids in them because it's not interesting to me.

The day to day farm life with a poly family is a cute story, but a little boring.

I'm only going to read the fourth book because I've come this far, might as well finish.

After reading the fourth book this one felt like filler, this story didn't need to be the whole book, it could have run parallel in the 2nd book, idk something else.

[Natasha Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! I highly recommend you read this series.

I was absolutely amazed at how far this story has come in 3 books. I love the characters, the plot, and the writing. The characters are gritty, real and imperfect, just like webare in real life. I love the relationship dynamics. I love that I'm finally reading true polyamorous fiction. All in all, a great read and I highly recommend this series.

[Stfnie]

I, unfortunately, needed to stop reading this series. While it’s a strong story, the abuse-case is being stretched out over the books and is racking my anxiety ten-fold. So much, I cannot concentrate on the rest of the story because I’m only anxious to know how Faith is faring and what about the custody-case. The series hits too close to home and because it’s such a big part of the books I need to let this series go.

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even Better Than the Last

This one got seriously good on all fronts. Faith finally makes a friend, but things get seriously complicated at Southwind. It sets the scene for a lot of drama and quite a few emotions. I always love the excerpt we get from the next book, because it definitely helps in waiting for the next one to release. This series has become a favorite, so I’ll be counting down the days till November’s release day!

[Kasumatata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding plot

This is another amazing installment in the Shades of Trouble series. I love the way these books flow so naturally. The way these characters and places are described is realistic and relatable to a certain degree, which makes it easy to connect to the characters and the challenges they face. Kitty Cox has a great way with words that keeps me invested while writing something that feels close to home in a way. I love it!

[Leslie R · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's just something about this series...

The love between Violet, Cyan, Ash, and Luke is so inspiring. The whole Shades of Trouble crew are an amazing found family.

I'm from a small town, and I really get it. It's tough. But these guys are going to work through it, and I just know (and hope) that there will be an HEA by the end.

My one criticism of this series is that some of the conversation is repetitive because we as the readers are privy to all four points of view. Some of this could be cut out for conciseness.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved these books! I got the first one during the stuff your kindle event and immediately ran through them any time I had a free minute. I'm a truck driver, so free time is at a minimum but I read all 4 books in less than a week! Usually kindle unlimited books are hit or miss and these are DEFINITELY a hit! It's going to be so hard to start a new book now that I'm done. Probably going to jump into more books by this author because she's the real deal!

[TipseyBookReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Violet, Luke and the other Shades of Trouble are preparing for the custody battle and Simmons is determined to get in their way - between exes and the prejudices in town they have a battle on their hands. I loved seeing them grow closer, even when things seemed to be blowing up. I love that they talk things through and don’t just assume. I love this series and can’t wait for the final book :)

[Angela Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular read

Cox winds you up with every word, adding tension both mental, emotional and sexual with every word. The characters are full of depth and passion, facing real life problems and insecurities.
I'm thoroughly enjoying this series and I'm already dying for the next book.

[Sarah Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This installment in the series was so intense and frustrating. The end annoyed me like i was almost crying with happiness and then BOOM these characters just can't catch a break!! But I'm glad that stuff is more open now and faith has a friend finally. I can't wait for the next one to come out in November!