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Summer Easton #2
Facing Shadows
After being rescued by her friends and family, Summer tries to move past her latest trauma.
With the trials looming, Summer tries to enjoy the happiness found in between. Prom, the beach, birthdays, the end of the school year, and her first job. She focuses on her friends, some of whom are struggling with their own lives.
When the opportunity for some friendships to blossom into more, Summer is hesitant but excited to see what happens, but another unhappy surprise forces her to relive her past again. This time, Nick must join her in facing the shadows.
Facing Shadows is a mature high school/new adult romance. This book contains sexual scenes, and the sex featured is consensual within the group. This is a new contemporary slow burn why choose romance series. Trigger warning—this book discusses trauma, sexual assault, loss, and more.
familyFriends to loversSlow burnBisexual best friendsA strong female dealing with trauma
With the trials looming, Summer tries to enjoy the happiness found in between. Prom, the beach, birthdays, the end of the school year, and her first job. She focuses on her friends, some of whom are struggling with their own lives.
When the opportunity for some friendships to blossom into more, Summer is hesitant but excited to see what happens, but another unhappy surprise forces her to relive her past again. This time, Nick must join her in facing the shadows.
Facing Shadows is a mature high school/new adult romance. This book contains sexual scenes, and the sex featured is consensual within the group. This is a new contemporary slow burn why choose romance series. Trigger warning—this book discusses trauma, sexual assault, loss, and more.
familyFriends to loversSlow burnBisexual best friendsA strong female dealing with trauma
437 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 10, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 8, 2026
To keep with the Dory theme here in Facing Shadows (book 2 of the Summer Easton series) you get to see Summer actually start “Swimming”! After suffering a tragic loss, a horrific foster home, bullying, nightmares, and an added kidnap, Summer relies heavily on her newfound family as well as some of her comforts from back home. Summer is faced with confronting her latest trauma in court, all the while continuing to move forward and enjoy life’s most memorable moments. Prom, the beach, birthdays, learning to driving, getting a job, and relearning to love her old hobbies. What happened to Ben? Does she have chemistry with some of “the guys”? Will some of her traumas from back home come to haunt her? Who else in her circle has healing and growing to do? Can they grow and heal together?
Facing Shadows is a medium paced story. The story picks up right where Finding Strength left off and adds a multiple POV perspective. I find the world easy to digest and many of the characters (her father (Zander) and “the guys” (Seb, E, Bay, Nick and Alex)) loveable….swooning at Nick here, lol. While the plot centers around Summer, you see more character building across the circle as they all learn to navigate security details, triggers, dare say sexual tension and building and redefining relationships. It is not often I enjoy a book 2 more than a book 1 for longer series, so I am excited to say Facing Shadows is my favorite of the two books so far! While book 2 also ends on a CLIFFHANGER, the slow burning finally burning has me immediately staring book 3. I can't wait to see where this story goes!
If you like young/new adult settings, found family, trauma healing, slow burn, why choose books, you should give this contemporary romance a try!
Facing Shadows is a medium paced story. The story picks up right where Finding Strength left off and adds a multiple POV perspective. I find the world easy to digest and many of the characters (her father (Zander) and “the guys” (Seb, E, Bay, Nick and Alex)) loveable….swooning at Nick here, lol. While the plot centers around Summer, you see more character building across the circle as they all learn to navigate security details, triggers, dare say sexual tension and building and redefining relationships. It is not often I enjoy a book 2 more than a book 1 for longer series, so I am excited to say Facing Shadows is my favorite of the two books so far! While book 2 also ends on a CLIFFHANGER, the slow burning finally burning has me immediately staring book 3. I can't wait to see where this story goes!
If you like young/new adult settings, found family, trauma healing, slow burn, why choose books, you should give this contemporary romance a try!
April 24, 2026
Broken Book Therapist Reviews
The vibes and heart of this story of such a mix of courage and heart ache and new beginnings and old wounds and coming of age. Our cast of characters is stronger together, but finding the healing and strength to be the full version of themselves is not always easy. Ultimately, this is still a group of students that have so much to learn and process... including what emotional and physical intimacy can be, what hope can be, and what it will take to be free.
The vibes and heart of this story of such a mix of courage and heart ache and new beginnings and old wounds and coming of age. Our cast of characters is stronger together, but finding the healing and strength to be the full version of themselves is not always easy. Ultimately, this is still a group of students that have so much to learn and process... including what emotional and physical intimacy can be, what hope can be, and what it will take to be free.
April 21, 2026
5 star read! I am absolutely in love with this series. I loved book 1 getting to know the fmc and all the challenges she faces. This story is huge on facing trauma and how the female main character is able to overcome it. When she meets this amazing group of guys, an amazingly written slow burn by the way, the author takes you on a journey of hiw each guy in her life is able to help her through her struggles while facing their own at the same time. Its a beautifully written story and I love a book with great character development, and this one has it all. Also book 2 brings the heat and spice delivering just the perfect amount to get the readers hooked. The cliffhanger going into book 3 brings the anticipation making it a book worth the wait. Love this book series and cannot wait for book 3 to come out. I highly recommend this if you love a good why choose romance with spice, angst and a slow burn romance.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Facing Shadows is book two in Summer's series, and honestly this series is a lot different than most of the books that I read. This is an incredibly slow burn coming-of-age story about a high school girl overcoming significant trauma with the help of a newly-discovered dad in South Carolina and a found family group of (boy) friends.
Book two picks up after a pretty wild cliffhanger, where Summer was kidnapped from a high school football game. Her dad, who owns a private security company, and her friends (that all work with him) work together to figure out who took her and how it all relates to her previous life in Virginia.
Once she's rescued, she continues to deal with her ongoing trauma while building friendships and relationships with all of her guys. I love love love that she's so persistent with Nick, who has his own trauma, to get him to open up to her and be a source of comfort for him. She's also not scared to call out Alex when he's rude and treating people poorly.
Book two was fairly long (almost 450 pages) but things are constantly happening and there's always new twists and secrets poppping up, so the story didn't drag or feel unnecessarily long. We did FINALLY get some spice in this book - I'm too impatient for a slow burn 😂 - and it was done really well, and I adore the demisexual rep with Elijah.
Like I said, this series is a bit different for me because it's more coming-of-age and trauma-focused compared to romance-focused, but I'm really enjoying the change. I felt really emotionally invested in Summer's story and I absolutely can't wait for book three! 🖤
Book two picks up after a pretty wild cliffhanger, where Summer was kidnapped from a high school football game. Her dad, who owns a private security company, and her friends (that all work with him) work together to figure out who took her and how it all relates to her previous life in Virginia.
Once she's rescued, she continues to deal with her ongoing trauma while building friendships and relationships with all of her guys. I love love love that she's so persistent with Nick, who has his own trauma, to get him to open up to her and be a source of comfort for him. She's also not scared to call out Alex when he's rude and treating people poorly.
Book two was fairly long (almost 450 pages) but things are constantly happening and there's always new twists and secrets poppping up, so the story didn't drag or feel unnecessarily long. We did FINALLY get some spice in this book - I'm too impatient for a slow burn 😂 - and it was done really well, and I adore the demisexual rep with Elijah.
Like I said, this series is a bit different for me because it's more coming-of-age and trauma-focused compared to romance-focused, but I'm really enjoying the change. I felt really emotionally invested in Summer's story and I absolutely can't wait for book three! 🖤
April 16, 2026
Summer's continue to experience trauma after trauma. Now again she has to recover of the last trauma she experience at the end of book one. She tries to move past the latest trauma, trying to enjoy the good things she have found in life with her found family, her friends, the end of school year and her first job. She start to focus on her friends and to stand up for them, which are also struggling with their own lives. New feelings bloom, and some friendships blossom into more. Due to her past, she feels hesistant, but she is certain that she is ready and is excited to see what happens.
Even thought I am late on this review. I am thankful to the author for providing me with a copy. This is my honest opinion.
I do not know what Taylor put in this book, but I had to keep reading. Just like with the first book I often felt like the narration was repetitive and tedious when the everyday actions were describe, and when Summer had to constantly contact the therapist (which completely makes sense, and I understand why it was done like that). I just wish it would have been kept shorter here and there. Other than that, I could not put the book down. I am desperately looking forward to book 3. I specially need more of Nick and I know I will get that on the next! I am also looking forward for Summer to not call Zander by his name anymore. The growth that was show for Summer was amazing and I am glad the guys have help her grow and face her fears. She is becoming a badass and I can't wait to see more of her.
Even thought I am late on this review. I am thankful to the author for providing me with a copy. This is my honest opinion.
I do not know what Taylor put in this book, but I had to keep reading. Just like with the first book I often felt like the narration was repetitive and tedious when the everyday actions were describe, and when Summer had to constantly contact the therapist (which completely makes sense, and I understand why it was done like that). I just wish it would have been kept shorter here and there. Other than that, I could not put the book down. I am desperately looking forward to book 3. I specially need more of Nick and I know I will get that on the next! I am also looking forward for Summer to not call Zander by his name anymore. The growth that was show for Summer was amazing and I am glad the guys have help her grow and face her fears. She is becoming a badass and I can't wait to see more of her.
April 13, 2026
I didn’t cry nearly as much reading Facing Shadows as I did with Finding Strength. Finding Strength really pulls you in right away with the conclusion to Summer’s abduction, which was such a powerful start.
This is also where you really see Summer begin to trust the guys, especially Zander. She starts to believe that they truly have her back and won’t let anything happen to her. I absolutely love her relationship with Zander. He gives her the freedom she needs while still making it clear that he’s her safe place and will always do what’s best for her.
One of the things I love most about this book is how Summer begins to realize she might see some of the guys as more than just friends. It’s completely new territory for her, and her emotions (and hormones!) make everything feel intense and exciting. Some of those moments had me completely hooked, I couldn’t put the book down and honestly felt giddy reading them.
I love all the guys, but Seb and E are definitely my favourites.
And of course, the ending leaves us with a bit of a cliffhanger. I’m really hoping everything comes together in a way that keeps them all safe.
This is also where you really see Summer begin to trust the guys, especially Zander. She starts to believe that they truly have her back and won’t let anything happen to her. I absolutely love her relationship with Zander. He gives her the freedom she needs while still making it clear that he’s her safe place and will always do what’s best for her.
One of the things I love most about this book is how Summer begins to realize she might see some of the guys as more than just friends. It’s completely new territory for her, and her emotions (and hormones!) make everything feel intense and exciting. Some of those moments had me completely hooked, I couldn’t put the book down and honestly felt giddy reading them.
I love all the guys, but Seb and E are definitely my favourites.
And of course, the ending leaves us with a bit of a cliffhanger. I’m really hoping everything comes together in a way that keeps them all safe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2026
I absolutely loved Facing Shadows by Taylor Fay. This book had so much emotional depth while still keeping me fully invested in the story and characters the entire time. The healing journey woven throughout the book felt genuine and realistic, and I really appreciated how much focus was placed on trust, friendship, emotional growth, and support.
Summer was such a strong and relatable character, and watching her work through her trauma while slowly letting people in made this story incredibly impactful. The found family dynamics were one of my favorite parts, and the relationships felt authentic and emotionally layered.
Taylor Fay did a wonderful job balancing heavier emotional moments with comfort, hope, tension, and character development. I found myself completely attached to the characters and genuinely didn’t want the story to end.
If you enjoy emotional romances with healing, found family, slow burn tension, and characters that feel real, I highly recommend this book. Definitely a 5-star read for me.
Summer was such a strong and relatable character, and watching her work through her trauma while slowly letting people in made this story incredibly impactful. The found family dynamics were one of my favorite parts, and the relationships felt authentic and emotionally layered.
Taylor Fay did a wonderful job balancing heavier emotional moments with comfort, hope, tension, and character development. I found myself completely attached to the characters and genuinely didn’t want the story to end.
If you enjoy emotional romances with healing, found family, slow burn tension, and characters that feel real, I highly recommend this book. Definitely a 5-star read for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book two picks up right where book one ends, giving us new POVs from some of our favourite characters. Taylor Fay does a great job balancing the different characters and their individual relationships with one another. This book does contain triggering content, so please check the content warnings beforehand. There’s also some spice, though the emotional depth really stands out in those moments.
This wasn’t my favourite of the series. At times, the character dialogue felt a little on the nose, and while I appreciated that the author wasn’t afraid to write an FMC who is accepting, forgiving, and deeply passionate about those she loves, I think there needed to be more moments of reflection. I wanted greater insight into her internal thoughts and feelings, especially as her relationships evolve, rather than just seeing those changes on a surface level.
However, overall, this was a great read—high stakes, high emotion, and found family for miles.
This wasn’t my favourite of the series. At times, the character dialogue felt a little on the nose, and while I appreciated that the author wasn’t afraid to write an FMC who is accepting, forgiving, and deeply passionate about those she loves, I think there needed to be more moments of reflection. I wanted greater insight into her internal thoughts and feelings, especially as her relationships evolve, rather than just seeing those changes on a surface level.
However, overall, this was a great read—high stakes, high emotion, and found family for miles.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of an advanced reader copy from Author.
Book 2 picks up right where book 1 ends. The action is right off the bat and boy was it emotional and full of angst. After the events, it's all about recovering for Summer. This girl cannot catch a break. Nick, was my favorite in book 1 and now I love him even more! The silent support he provides is everything!
As Summer overcomes her emotions, the group continues with high school life. This is the part where everything just starts getting a bit linear or chronological writing, it was not as captivating to read. It's nice to see summer go through her high school year but I wouldn't want to read about every event in school or how she ordered this food for Nick and this for Alex etc. All that reading felt like fillers which made the book very long. This is the same issue as book 1 I feel like.
Things pick up again with the court case and ends with a cliffhanger.
Book 2 picks up right where book 1 ends. The action is right off the bat and boy was it emotional and full of angst. After the events, it's all about recovering for Summer. This girl cannot catch a break. Nick, was my favorite in book 1 and now I love him even more! The silent support he provides is everything!
As Summer overcomes her emotions, the group continues with high school life. This is the part where everything just starts getting a bit linear or chronological writing, it was not as captivating to read. It's nice to see summer go through her high school year but I wouldn't want to read about every event in school or how she ordered this food for Nick and this for Alex etc. All that reading felt like fillers which made the book very long. This is the same issue as book 1 I feel like.
Things pick up again with the court case and ends with a cliffhanger.
April 18, 2026
I found this book better than the first.
~ I like the FMC but I think she's too perfect...I want to see her fumble a bit with her relationships and have a few setbacks before falling completely in love with them. I personally don't connect with a charcter that is always compassionate. But I guess she really fits the sunshine trope.
~ I'm a bit over RH/why choose with too many guys. The FMC barely interacts with Bay. Also Alex is just the sugar daddy at this point. Not a very likeable guy. I suppose more will be revealed about them but for me its taking too long.
I do like Seb , E and Nick.
~ The writing is OK. I wish it was edited a bit more. I don't need her entire daily routine every chapter.
~ I like the FMC but I think she's too perfect...I want to see her fumble a bit with her relationships and have a few setbacks before falling completely in love with them. I personally don't connect with a charcter that is always compassionate. But I guess she really fits the sunshine trope.
~ I'm a bit over RH/why choose with too many guys. The FMC barely interacts with Bay. Also Alex is just the sugar daddy at this point. Not a very likeable guy. I suppose more will be revealed about them but for me its taking too long.
I do like Seb , E and Nick.
~ The writing is OK. I wish it was edited a bit more. I don't need her entire daily routine every chapter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a GREAT book. It is a VERY slow burn but it makes sense so I'm not mad about it. We had incredible moments in this book and although our protagonist still suffers quite a bit, we could see her shining and being happy in a lot of little moments.
I do think though that this book would benefit from being a bit shorter, I think we have too many moments that are cute but I don't feel like they truly move the story forward. And I'm not a huge fan of the ending, I get there's a bit of suspense there but I believe it didn't hit as much as was intended.
Anyways, great book, great continuation and eager to read what comes next!
I do think though that this book would benefit from being a bit shorter, I think we have too many moments that are cute but I don't feel like they truly move the story forward. And I'm not a huge fan of the ending, I get there's a bit of suspense there but I believe it didn't hit as much as was intended.
Anyways, great book, great continuation and eager to read what comes next!
April 11, 2026
One moment at a time
Hard beginning -make sure to check the triggers. Summer goes through some very big things in this book and all I have to say is everyone needs a Nick in their lives! I love seeing a new side of him starting to come out too. I’m glad to see Summer making progress towards moving on and being so grateful for the new people in her life and her new feelings arising in her for the guys. I won’t ruin anything for anyone but I can’t believe the twist of events that comes up. This poor girl has been through way too much in her life. Can’t wait to see what comes next.
Hard beginning -make sure to check the triggers. Summer goes through some very big things in this book and all I have to say is everyone needs a Nick in their lives! I love seeing a new side of him starting to come out too. I’m glad to see Summer making progress towards moving on and being so grateful for the new people in her life and her new feelings arising in her for the guys. I won’t ruin anything for anyone but I can’t believe the twist of events that comes up. This poor girl has been through way too much in her life. Can’t wait to see what comes next.
April 18, 2026
Taylor does it again. From start to finish you are totally immersed in Summers story. Not only that you're now more intrigued with all the boys in the story too. Seeing how new relationships are being built and seeing how much all these guy love Summer in their own way. This is definitely a story that will peek your interest in finding strength when old wounds are being brought back to life. Finding out things about past that you would rather move on from but somehow stuff always gets brought back up. I cant wait for more on Nick and more from Summers story that seems to always never end and she keeps going no matter what comes her way.
April 30, 2026
ARC REVIEW
Poor Summer can't catch a break her trauma is always trying to rear its nasty head everywhere she turns all she wants to do is enjoy school hang out with her boys and just be a regular teenager she gets her first job over the summer you do get to see quite a bit of growth from Summer new feelings bloom and some friendships try to blossom into more I love how she keeps breaking down Nicks walls she has a relationship with her unlike any other relationship he's had I can't wait to see where their relationship goes from here and I definitely can't wait to pick up book 3
Poor Summer can't catch a break her trauma is always trying to rear its nasty head everywhere she turns all she wants to do is enjoy school hang out with her boys and just be a regular teenager she gets her first job over the summer you do get to see quite a bit of growth from Summer new feelings bloom and some friendships try to blossom into more I love how she keeps breaking down Nicks walls she has a relationship with her unlike any other relationship he's had I can't wait to see where their relationship goes from here and I definitely can't wait to pick up book 3
April 19, 2026
What made this book hit harder was the growth.
Watching Summer grow learning to trust, realizing she’s not alone anymore was honestly one of my favorite parts. Her relationships deepen across the board, both the boys and Zander.
This book also handles heavy trauma really well, in a way that feels real and not rushed. It’s not a “love fixes everything” situation she’s still struggling, still having setbacks, breakdowns, and nightmares. But she’s not facing it alone anymore, and the way they support her through it adds so much depth to the story.
Watching Summer grow learning to trust, realizing she’s not alone anymore was honestly one of my favorite parts. Her relationships deepen across the board, both the boys and Zander.
This book also handles heavy trauma really well, in a way that feels real and not rushed. It’s not a “love fixes everything” situation she’s still struggling, still having setbacks, breakdowns, and nightmares. But she’s not facing it alone anymore, and the way they support her through it adds so much depth to the story.
Review of advance copy
This is a slow one, not gonna lie, but that’s kinda the fun of it. The small-town vibes and tension build so well, making every secret and twist feel earned. It drags a bit at times, but the payoff is worth it.
Moody, gripping, and full of surprises that stick with you long after you finish. Definitely a book to savor if you’re patient.
Moody, gripping, and full of surprises that stick with you long after you finish. Definitely a book to savor if you’re patient.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm so darn invested in Summer's story. Honestly, not my usual style...slow burn, coming of age, high school students. That does not matter for this series. I'm very glad to have found this author and series. The story is told so well and I love how well mental health is dealt with. Really, even if this isn't your usual genre, check out the superb story telling of this new author.
April 10, 2026
Really enjoyed this book. 2nd in the series. I just felt like we really got to know the characters more and Summer is such a strong fmc I really like her. I’m so excited and ready for book 3 and hopefully a lot more surprises - I really would recommend this series I just can’t get enough!! Thank you so much for the arc ☺️
April 20, 2026
What an emotional roller coaster. I love Summer and all her guys, but I have a huge soft spot for Nick. I love how long the book is, but somehow I still need more. I hate that it’s over and don’t want to wait for the next one. The author did an amazing job building a world I didn’t want to stop reading about.
May 4, 2026
4.75 stars rounded up.
“Who they are doesn’t change who you are. Your family isn’t made by blood. It’s the people you can depend on, who sacrifice for you, and who do s**t receiving nothing back. At the end of the day, a piece of paper or a blood test means nothing unless you give it power to.” I love this quote because it's all about the found family Summer finds.
This book has a bit of a stretchy plot line, a coincidence almost too hard to believe. BUT… the point isn’t the plot. Like book one, Facing Shadows is about how you handle the crazy stuff life throws at you. Summer goes through a lot and relives the loss of her mother and sister all over again.
Plot-wise, this series is a bit like a soap opera. (Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE it.) But what is so refreshing about it is just how emotionally intelligent these characters are. Plot drama is not driven by misunderstandings between characters or the inability to communicate.
And then we get some spice! I’m relatively new to the “why choose” trope, but for this story, I am really into it. Polyamory is treated with respect and a level of normalcy that makes it really fun.
I liked this one even better than book one! Can’t wait for book three!
“Who they are doesn’t change who you are. Your family isn’t made by blood. It’s the people you can depend on, who sacrifice for you, and who do s**t receiving nothing back. At the end of the day, a piece of paper or a blood test means nothing unless you give it power to.” I love this quote because it's all about the found family Summer finds.
This book has a bit of a stretchy plot line, a coincidence almost too hard to believe. BUT… the point isn’t the plot. Like book one, Facing Shadows is about how you handle the crazy stuff life throws at you. Summer goes through a lot and relives the loss of her mother and sister all over again.
Plot-wise, this series is a bit like a soap opera. (Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE it.) But what is so refreshing about it is just how emotionally intelligent these characters are. Plot drama is not driven by misunderstandings between characters or the inability to communicate.
And then we get some spice! I’m relatively new to the “why choose” trope, but for this story, I am really into it. Polyamory is treated with respect and a level of normalcy that makes it really fun.
I liked this one even better than book one! Can’t wait for book three!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am so unbelievably obsessed with every character and every storyline going on, even better than book one. We’re starting to get a little spicy, but the trauma and the depth and the raw emotions will have you feeling everything, all at once, all the time. I love it
April 19, 2026
Poor Summer can’t catch a break with more trauma piled on top of existing trauma. The relationships deepen between Summer and her guys and it’s nice to see the deeper insights. Jake wasn’t mentioned as much in this book and I feel Sarah wasn’t called as much either for help. I feel like there’s a lot of growth in Summer’s character and loved the new relationship changes with some of the guys!
May 12, 2026
Really good
This was an action packed emotional funny cute and sometimes sad read. I’m so glad Summer has the guys and they’re starting their poly journey.
This was an action packed emotional funny cute and sometimes sad read. I’m so glad Summer has the guys and they’re starting their poly journey.
Review of advance copy received from Author
It was good to see Summer still kicking butt and staying strong. She keeps getting shoved down but with her dad and her guys she is fighting. She's trying to build herself up stronger. But the world isn't done with her. Secrets that she didn't know come out and it shakes her. Its fighting to survive it.
It ends on a cliffhanger that won't make you happy. I can't wait to see what book 3 brings.
It ends on a cliffhanger that won't make you happy. I can't wait to see what book 3 brings.
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