What do you think?
Rate this book
Shadows of the Past
A STAND ALONE NOVEL BY NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHORS H.M. WARD & STACEY MOSTELLER
I've been running for four years, trapped in a past I can't forget. I'm unable to move forward and refuse to go back. The only way to dissolve the shadows is to begin again. So I try.
Tonight will be different, it has to be. Coaxed into a tight dress that's guaranteed to hit the floor after I find the right guy, I head out. My flatmate takes me to this new London pub that looks more like the New York clubs I'm used to, but it works. I can find someone to ease the pain for a little bit, even if it’s only one night.
When Hot British Guy spots me, there's an instant attraction. There's something about him besides the dark hair and beautiful body. He's pure eye-candy, but it's his sharp tongue and sad eyes makes me wonder. Something happened to him, I can tell. He's lived through Hell and showed up here tonight to forget. But I'm not supposed to ask. This is a one time thing, a hot night filled with lust that erases everything.
I can do this. I'm tired of crying, of feeling numb. This out-of-character conquest feels weird, but I go with it--until he throws me out. Shocked, I leave and cement my former hypothesis--guys suck.
The next day, he's there looking all sexy. Brilliant blue eyes blazing, his dark hair falls in his eyes and a wicked grin twists his perfect lips.
God help me.
Genre: New Adult Romance
Type: Novel (360 pgs/ stand alone)
With: Ferro Cameo
I've been running for four years, trapped in a past I can't forget. I'm unable to move forward and refuse to go back. The only way to dissolve the shadows is to begin again. So I try.
Tonight will be different, it has to be. Coaxed into a tight dress that's guaranteed to hit the floor after I find the right guy, I head out. My flatmate takes me to this new London pub that looks more like the New York clubs I'm used to, but it works. I can find someone to ease the pain for a little bit, even if it’s only one night.
When Hot British Guy spots me, there's an instant attraction. There's something about him besides the dark hair and beautiful body. He's pure eye-candy, but it's his sharp tongue and sad eyes makes me wonder. Something happened to him, I can tell. He's lived through Hell and showed up here tonight to forget. But I'm not supposed to ask. This is a one time thing, a hot night filled with lust that erases everything.
I can do this. I'm tired of crying, of feeling numb. This out-of-character conquest feels weird, but I go with it--until he throws me out. Shocked, I leave and cement my former hypothesis--guys suck.
The next day, he's there looking all sexy. Brilliant blue eyes blazing, his dark hair falls in his eyes and a wicked grin twists his perfect lips.
God help me.
Genre: New Adult Romance
Type: Novel (360 pgs/ stand alone)
With: Ferro Cameo
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2015
31 people are currently reading
1165 people want to read
About the author
H.M. Ward
140 books6,543 followersH.M. Ward continues to reign as a NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author who surpassed more than 23 million books sold, placing her among the literary titans. Ward has been featured in articles in the NEW YORK TIMES, FORBES, and USA TODAY to name a few.
You can interact with this bestselling author at: www.facebook.com/AuthorHMWard.
You can interact with this bestselling author at: www.facebook.com/AuthorHMWard.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
March 4, 2015
description is up!
April 13, 2015
Whilst this is a highly emotive storyline, it lacked the depth and punch for me.
We had a flavour of Kayla's shadows from the beginning, and I feel the storyline gave very little extra.
All culminated into a big, fat nothing..
We had a flavour of Kayla's shadows from the beginning, and I feel the storyline gave very little extra.
All culminated into a big, fat nothing..
March 17, 2015
Where do I start, loved this book, both Holly and Stacey have outdone themselves.
Kayla is running it's what she has done for the past 4yrs not letting anyone in as she doesn't want to burden them with her past even her roommate Emily doesn't know. But Kayla is settles in London, she has a job and friends but then she meets Oliver and Barkley and everything changes. Will Kayla let him in or will she push him away before he gets to close?
You will love this book lots of humour and sassy comebacks.
Kayla is running it's what she has done for the past 4yrs not letting anyone in as she doesn't want to burden them with her past even her roommate Emily doesn't know. But Kayla is settles in London, she has a job and friends but then she meets Oliver and Barkley and everything changes. Will Kayla let him in or will she push him away before he gets to close?
You will love this book lots of humour and sassy comebacks.
March 20, 2015
Wow! What a great story. Very well written with great likable characters. H. M. Ward is great, and Stacey Mosteller is quickly becoming one of my new favorite authors.
March 20, 2015
OMG!
What a story! I cried, cheered and got all hot and bothered! Loved it. I want another series! Hope it's soon!
What a story! I cried, cheered and got all hot and bothered! Loved it. I want another series! Hope it's soon!
March 16, 2015
I have to admit, I absolutely loved this book. Kayla is an American running from her past and she meets the handsome Oliver who has a past that haunts him. This story is not going to provide you with a bunch of hot sex scenes even though you do get some. This story is about becoming friends and falling in love and dealing with the past. This is a beautiful story that is funny but most of all touching. Be prepared to cry and to cheer for this sweet couple. I really did love this story, it's a stand alone novel so you aren't left hanging at the end. I only warn you to be prepared to spend a lot of time in this book because once you pick it up you won't be able to put it down. 5 stars beccareview.com
March 18, 2015
Breathtakingly Beautiful
A standalone novel by two of my favourite authors.
I don't do speechless !
It's hard to know where to begin. I loved this book. It covers some of the worst circumstances, that can happen to anyone. Bereavement, infidelity, suicide and pain.
But it is at the end of the day, ultimately a love story with a HEA.
The story between Oliver and Kayla flows along at just the right pace. When she experienced butterflies so did I. I loved their shared sense of humour and their wonderful banter.
#cheesypants
#orgasmicchocolate
Looking for a fantastic, wonderful read?
Jump right in xx
A standalone novel by two of my favourite authors.
I don't do speechless !
It's hard to know where to begin. I loved this book. It covers some of the worst circumstances, that can happen to anyone. Bereavement, infidelity, suicide and pain.
But it is at the end of the day, ultimately a love story with a HEA.
The story between Oliver and Kayla flows along at just the right pace. When she experienced butterflies so did I. I loved their shared sense of humour and their wonderful banter.
#cheesypants
#orgasmicchocolate
Looking for a fantastic, wonderful read?
Jump right in xx
March 19, 2015
Hot & sexy, awesome & amazing, heartbreaking & humorous, beautifully written romantic story by two outstanding authors, Stacey Mosteller and H.M. Ward.
Kayla's roommate talks her into getting dressed up and going out, and Kayla meets Oliver. Oliver and Kayla both have shadows in the past that tend to keep coming between them. As feelings and attractions for each other continue, both Oliver and Kayla will have to open up to each other before the past consumes them both.
Read the highly recommended, captivating and engaging love story of Oliver and Kayla in another fabulous story wonderfully written, Shadows of the Past.
Kayla's roommate talks her into getting dressed up and going out, and Kayla meets Oliver. Oliver and Kayla both have shadows in the past that tend to keep coming between them. As feelings and attractions for each other continue, both Oliver and Kayla will have to open up to each other before the past consumes them both.
Read the highly recommended, captivating and engaging love story of Oliver and Kayla in another fabulous story wonderfully written, Shadows of the Past.
March 17, 2015
A work of art! Kayla and Oliver have past hurts that run deep. Concerns of trust and the fear to love, run deep for both of them. Kayla wants so desperately to find her way but the pain inside her heart is too powerful to break through. Oliver, the hottie that he is, is a companionate man determined to steal Kayla's heart and win her love. This full length, standalone has pages and pages of hysterically funny moments and some teary parts too! H.M. Ward and Stacey Mosteller wrote a beautiful story that was worthy of 10 stars! Great job ladies.
March 21, 2015
A great book by H M Ward and Stacey Mosteller
This is a great book. The characters are realistic and have depth. The story is totally believable. There's sadness, happiness, grief, a whole slew of emotions for us to go through as we follow Kayla and Oliver through their story. Will they end up together or is there too much baggage? The story is well worth reading to find out. I love H M Ward books and this collaboration with Stacey Mosteller is another great addition to an already stellar list.
This is a great book. The characters are realistic and have depth. The story is totally believable. There's sadness, happiness, grief, a whole slew of emotions for us to go through as we follow Kayla and Oliver through their story. Will they end up together or is there too much baggage? The story is well worth reading to find out. I love H M Ward books and this collaboration with Stacey Mosteller is another great addition to an already stellar list.
March 28, 2015
Another amazing book from these two ladies. I felt every emotion Kayla felt. I was smiling and laughing so much. The pain, loss and the love and all of the conflicting emotions written in this book show how much life the characters have. They don't just feel like people made up for our entertainment, they feel like real people, and I am lucky enough to peek into their lives for a moment in time. Such an amazing book, I recommend you read it, more than once ands then recommend to everyone you know, yup read it. Wonderful I can't get enough
October 20, 2015
Loved this book. Two characters dealing with grief. One being death and the other lies. Kayla has lived with heartache for years and doesn't believe she deserves love. She meets hot and sexy Oliver who is just getting over a bad breakup with a deceitful ex. Kayla has no idea how rich Oliver but has attraction for the man, not the money. Oliver falls for Kayla and saves her from her grief. This was a wonderfully written story. Loved it!!!
March 18, 2015
Amazing, sweet story of falling in love and healing from the ghosts that haunt us all. Shadows of the Past was co written by two amazing authors. Each bring her own style in a story that will have you laughing, crying, yelling at your e-reader and cheering for Oliver and Kayla (and Barkley too!!)
I gave 5 stars because I couldn't give 10!!!
I gave 5 stars because I couldn't give 10!!!
March 18, 2015
Two of my favorite authors together again. This story is so moving, happy, sad, crying, the emotions all over the place. It left me wanting more which is always the thing when reading H.M. Ward & Stacey Mosteller. The way they write always draws you in and doesn't let you go. Very well done ladies! Love Love Love
March 17, 2015
sweet and heartfelt
This book was such a sweet book. The characters came together trying to forget their last and ended making a future together. The main character upset me a little and how hard it was to be honest to Oliver especially when he was so open with her. Other than that I loved this book. HM Ward did it again.
This book was such a sweet book. The characters came together trying to forget their last and ended making a future together. The main character upset me a little and how hard it was to be honest to Oliver especially when he was so open with her. Other than that I loved this book. HM Ward did it again.
March 17, 2015
When these ladies team up, magical things happen. What a wonderful mixed bag of emotions Shadows of the Past is. As usual, I laughed a little, cried a fair bit and fell in love with Kayla and Oliver (and Barkley). Thanks for the awesome distraction while I was at home with the flu! You gals rock!
March 21, 2015
holly you did it again
Everyone of her books has been an amazing story to read! Her characters are so easy to get to know! Thank you so much Holly for your stories! I loved this one and can't wait for more!
Everyone of her books has been an amazing story to read! Her characters are so easy to get to know! Thank you so much Holly for your stories! I loved this one and can't wait for more!
March 16, 2015
Loved it
If you are looking for a good read this is the book for you Kayla and Oliver will bring out all of your emotions
If you are looking for a good read this is the book for you Kayla and Oliver will bring out all of your emotions
March 19, 2015
Wow what can I say , bloody fantastic , it had everything we could ask for and more.
It even made me cry like a baby at the end and that's something that's every hard to do
It even made me cry like a baby at the end and that's something that's every hard to do
March 22, 2015
My firm stance on this book is that Oliver is amazing, and Kayla is a hypocritical idiot.
March 21, 2015
Loved the story!
March 16, 2015
This is a beautifully written love story by two GREAT authors. Hot Brit with a great big dog enough said!!! It is incredibly funny, a tearjerker and a fabulous book :)
This is the second book written together by H.M. Ward and Stacey Mosteller and they did not disappoint at all. Super excited to hear about this coming out and even more excited after reading this.
You got a hot mysterious Brit named Oliver/"Ollie" who is compassionate, funny, hot and an all around great guy. A huge bonus is that he has a trusted sidekick of a big dog named Barkley. And ladies, you are gonna want to fling your panties at him because he is a total package. Oliver is holding onto something painful from his past. Then you have American girl, Kayla who is carrying a deep secret she refuses to acknowledge or talk about. All added up and you have a wonderfully touching story of forgiveness and love. There is a no doubt that this is a Stacey Mosteller and H.M. Ward book. It has everything you possibly want: laughter, tears (because you will have them) and great characters. It is a standalone (no cliffies) non-Ferro book but true to these wonderful authors, they put little details that will make you go "ahhhhhhh" and smile so big your face will hurt because you know it's their book. You won't be disappointed!!! Great book!! #CheesyPants
This is the second book written together by H.M. Ward and Stacey Mosteller and they did not disappoint at all. Super excited to hear about this coming out and even more excited after reading this.
You got a hot mysterious Brit named Oliver/"Ollie" who is compassionate, funny, hot and an all around great guy. A huge bonus is that he has a trusted sidekick of a big dog named Barkley. And ladies, you are gonna want to fling your panties at him because he is a total package. Oliver is holding onto something painful from his past. Then you have American girl, Kayla who is carrying a deep secret she refuses to acknowledge or talk about. All added up and you have a wonderfully touching story of forgiveness and love. There is a no doubt that this is a Stacey Mosteller and H.M. Ward book. It has everything you possibly want: laughter, tears (because you will have them) and great characters. It is a standalone (no cliffies) non-Ferro book but true to these wonderful authors, they put little details that will make you go "ahhhhhhh" and smile so big your face will hurt because you know it's their book. You won't be disappointed!!! Great book!! #CheesyPants
June 22, 2017
I loved this book! The characters, Kayla and Oliver, had such great chemistry. I wasn't expecting the story to go the way it went from how the story started with how they first met. (Spoiler alert**)
Kayla was just looking for a hot, one night stand to try to escape from her tragic past that she ran away from 4 years earlier. Well that didn't go as planned. She met this hot, English guy, they had a hot and steamy interlude that fell short when he stopped. I liked how they accidentally met again, developed a friendship, then relationship.
Kayla had a lot of emotional issues she was dealing with and didn't think she deserved to find love and happiness. Oliver was such an awesome, loving guy. Thankfully he didn't give up and helped her move on.
I had tears in my eyes towards the end. It was different from what I was used to from HM Wards other books that I've read but I loved it!
Kayla was just looking for a hot, one night stand to try to escape from her tragic past that she ran away from 4 years earlier. Well that didn't go as planned. She met this hot, English guy, they had a hot and steamy interlude that fell short when he stopped. I liked how they accidentally met again, developed a friendship, then relationship.
Kayla had a lot of emotional issues she was dealing with and didn't think she deserved to find love and happiness. Oliver was such an awesome, loving guy. Thankfully he didn't give up and helped her move on.
I had tears in my eyes towards the end. It was different from what I was used to from HM Wards other books that I've read but I loved it!
March 20, 2015
I absolutely loved this book. I was immediately pulled in to the story and could feel the weight of the past and pain that Kayla keeps buried inside. Even after leaving New York and running for almost 5 years, she can't run from the past that haunts her. She begins to feel again when she meets a hot British guy at a club. Kayla went out to the club to forget that tragic day and he was just the ticket to helping her forget. Only he too had something that weighed heavy on his heart.
I love the journey that HM Ward and Stacey Mosteller take us on of learning to trust, heal and love again. This was such a beautiful love story that will have you laughing and crying, but it is so worth it! I did not want to put this book down. I could read about Oliver, our Hot British guy, and Kayla his American girl all day long.
I highly recommend this book. It is a definite five star read for me.
I love the journey that HM Ward and Stacey Mosteller take us on of learning to trust, heal and love again. This was such a beautiful love story that will have you laughing and crying, but it is so worth it! I did not want to put this book down. I could read about Oliver, our Hot British guy, and Kayla his American girl all day long.
I highly recommend this book. It is a definite five star read for me.
April 14, 2015
This book was amazing as to be expected. Shadows of the Past has a way of pulling you into the story and feeling the emotions of every character from Kayla to Oliver aka "Ollie". All in all painful past can make for beautiful futures. In this book a special Ferro makes an appearance for all you ladies that do follow Holly and know how yummy Ferro men are. But back to this story the main subject of this. You will laugh and cry then laugh again, and then cry again. This book is an emotional roller coaster that I think will leave you going back to read it again. This book ends very well with out any cliffhangers. If you haven't read it yet and are going through the reviews debating on whether or not to get this book. Just do it already you won't regret it. Go on get your read on
March 19, 2015
This book it amazing - a must read! It is a story where a young woman Kayla goes through so much heartbreak that she can not deal so she runs from her home in NYC to England! For five years she never tried to make any friends or stay anywhere for too long. She doesn't want anyone from her past to find her and she doesn't think she could deal with anyone getting close again and breaking her heart. Until she meets Oliver! He makes her feel again and it scares her. Will she be able to let him in or will she end up running away from the only connection she had with anyone in five years ? Get ready to laugh , get ready to cry and just get ready for a well written amazing story!
Read
March 21, 2015Modern day Cinderella
She has been running from her past for four years, never staying long in one place. Paula's flatmate Emily takes her to a new pub to try to get her to let loose and forget about whatever it is that she is hiding and to have a one night stand. Kayla's one night stand turns disastrous as the guy she hooked up with ends it before anything can happen. Can she give him a second chance when his dog runs into her and knocks her down in the park and she looses the only connection to her past.
She has been running from her past for four years, never staying long in one place. Paula's flatmate Emily takes her to a new pub to try to get her to let loose and forget about whatever it is that she is hiding and to have a one night stand. Kayla's one night stand turns disastrous as the guy she hooked up with ends it before anything can happen. Can she give him a second chance when his dog runs into her and knocks her down in the park and she looses the only connection to her past.
March 23, 2015
Loved the book
Kayla is an American running away for a very sad past and heads to London, where she find a friend Emily and a job
Then she meet Oliver, where she falls for him but can't tell her secret so she tries to run again but Oliver won't let her he takes her home to face her past.
Cried and laughed with this book could not put Dow until I finished. Keep writing please love your books
Kayla is an American running away for a very sad past and heads to London, where she find a friend Emily and a job
Then she meet Oliver, where she falls for him but can't tell her secret so she tries to run again but Oliver won't let her he takes her home to face her past.
Cried and laughed with this book could not put Dow until I finished. Keep writing please love your books
March 24, 2015
good read......
I really liked this book. I was pleasantly surprised, I used to the quick reads with the cliffhanger for the next. Oliver and Kayla were awesome. Both with broken hearts. Both missing loved ones or dealing with a loss. It was suspenseful. Emily was a great friend. I even liked the dog Barkley. Good Job H M Ward.
I really liked this book. I was pleasantly surprised, I used to the quick reads with the cliffhanger for the next. Oliver and Kayla were awesome. Both with broken hearts. Both missing loved ones or dealing with a loss. It was suspenseful. Emily was a great friend. I even liked the dog Barkley. Good Job H M Ward.
March 25, 2015
Fell in love!
I loved Ollie and his American Girl.....both were great characters with their own secrets. It was a great adventure of finding love and trust in each other. Holly at her finest!!!!
I loved Ollie and his American Girl.....both were great characters with their own secrets. It was a great adventure of finding love and trust in each other. Holly at her finest!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews