What do you think?
Rate this book
Black Raven #1
Shadows
Cataclysm. Now. Run.
A cryptic, urgent text message turns the peaceful life Skye Barrows has created for herself and her sister into chaos. She must follow her father’s instructions to the letter, but Sebastian Connelly is blocking her way. Telling Sebastian what she must do is not an option.
What He Doesn’t Know Will Get Them All Killed
When a prison break in the midst of a security system upgrade threatens to destroy the reputation of Sebastian’s company, Black Raven Private Security Contractors, he goes on the hunt for escaped prisoner Richard Barrows – a delusional and paranoid computer software genius. Sebastian’s mission: find Richard Barrows and return him to prison, but stonewalled by Skye, who refuses to give him answers, and with the added complication of her special needs sister, Sebastian finds himself always a step or two behind vicious killers.
Nothing About This Case is Normal
For Sebastian, it should be simple, but this case will test him in ways he never imagined. As probing interrogation becomes urgent protection, the search for Barrows forces Sebastian and Skye into a murky world of shadows and illusions.
A cryptic, urgent text message turns the peaceful life Skye Barrows has created for herself and her sister into chaos. She must follow her father’s instructions to the letter, but Sebastian Connelly is blocking her way. Telling Sebastian what she must do is not an option.
What He Doesn’t Know Will Get Them All Killed
When a prison break in the midst of a security system upgrade threatens to destroy the reputation of Sebastian’s company, Black Raven Private Security Contractors, he goes on the hunt for escaped prisoner Richard Barrows – a delusional and paranoid computer software genius. Sebastian’s mission: find Richard Barrows and return him to prison, but stonewalled by Skye, who refuses to give him answers, and with the added complication of her special needs sister, Sebastian finds himself always a step or two behind vicious killers.
Nothing About This Case is Normal
For Sebastian, it should be simple, but this case will test him in ways he never imagined. As probing interrogation becomes urgent protection, the search for Barrows forces Sebastian and Skye into a murky world of shadows and illusions.
398 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2015
296 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
About the author
Stella Barcelona
10 books254 followersStella Barcelona is now a full-time author but was previously an attorney and a history teacher. Her love of history and experience as an attorney influence her writing and provide a fertile backdrop for her romantic suspense stories.
Stella and her husband Bob split their time between New Orleans and Fort Lauderdale. In addition to faraway places, both Louisiana and South Florida provide inspiration for settings in Stella’s novels. When Stella is not writing, she is often reading. She also enjoys Pilates classes, loves Italian food, and has a thing for early mornings and sunrises. Stella and Bob’s two papillons, Sucre and Summer, are their “children.”
Stella's stories have romance, mystery, and action, as intelligent protagonists face dark adversaries. From her fertile imagination, Black Raven Private Security Contractors, the continuing character in her romantic suspense series, was born.
As Stella tells it, “Black Raven is introduced in Deceived and is featured in my other novels. The genesis for Black Raven was my experience with Hurricane Katrina. At the time, we lived in downtown New Orleans. Our condo was centered between the Superdome and the Convention Center, within easy walking distance of both. We evacuated for the storm, and lived in Memphis, Tennessee for the weeks that New Orleans was closed to residents. Before Katrina, I had imagined devastating hurricanes. I had also imagined floodwaters inundating the area. I had never imagined how quickly civilization would erode once a storm of Katrina’s magnitude hit, nor had I imagined the depravity that ruled the streets of my beloved city in the days following the flood. Because we did not stay for the storm, I was able to watch the news coverage of the horror that unfolded in New Orleans. I was glued to the television for days and nights.
“Later, I learned that individuals, business entities, and governmental agencies had hired private security contractors to protect people and assets to fill the void left by the inability of government officials to provide safety. When I returned home, I was the beneficiary of such protection. I started researching private security contractors, and from that research my fictional company, Black Raven Private Security Contractors, was born. Black Raven is called upon when there’s a wrinkle in time, when civilization has faltered. They handle problems that others can’t solve, and they do it capably, efficiently, and with confidence. They protect, when no one else can. It’s what they do.”
Stella and her husband Bob split their time between New Orleans and Fort Lauderdale. In addition to faraway places, both Louisiana and South Florida provide inspiration for settings in Stella’s novels. When Stella is not writing, she is often reading. She also enjoys Pilates classes, loves Italian food, and has a thing for early mornings and sunrises. Stella and Bob’s two papillons, Sucre and Summer, are their “children.”
Stella's stories have romance, mystery, and action, as intelligent protagonists face dark adversaries. From her fertile imagination, Black Raven Private Security Contractors, the continuing character in her romantic suspense series, was born.
As Stella tells it, “Black Raven is introduced in Deceived and is featured in my other novels. The genesis for Black Raven was my experience with Hurricane Katrina. At the time, we lived in downtown New Orleans. Our condo was centered between the Superdome and the Convention Center, within easy walking distance of both. We evacuated for the storm, and lived in Memphis, Tennessee for the weeks that New Orleans was closed to residents. Before Katrina, I had imagined devastating hurricanes. I had also imagined floodwaters inundating the area. I had never imagined how quickly civilization would erode once a storm of Katrina’s magnitude hit, nor had I imagined the depravity that ruled the streets of my beloved city in the days following the flood. Because we did not stay for the storm, I was able to watch the news coverage of the horror that unfolded in New Orleans. I was glued to the television for days and nights.
“Later, I learned that individuals, business entities, and governmental agencies had hired private security contractors to protect people and assets to fill the void left by the inability of government officials to provide safety. When I returned home, I was the beneficiary of such protection. I started researching private security contractors, and from that research my fictional company, Black Raven Private Security Contractors, was born. Black Raven is called upon when there’s a wrinkle in time, when civilization has faltered. They handle problems that others can’t solve, and they do it capably, efficiently, and with confidence. They protect, when no one else can. It’s what they do.”
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 21, 2016
Sebastian Connelly, co-owner of Black Raven security, is all business, all the time, and right now his business is Skye Barrows, the daughter of a genius prison escapee. You need to make it your business to pick up this book today (available on Kindle Unlimited). I think this book is going to be a sleeper hit, and once word gets out there everyone will begin seeing it on all the lists - it is that good.
My favorite character in Shadows is Sebastian. He is tough, professional, utterly capable, insightful about others, smart, a good leader, and off-the-charts sexy. And author Stella Barcelona never has him break character; he could teach Daniel Day-Lewis a thing or two about method performance. As Sebastian's business reputation dissolved into a dung heap, he was constantly directing the action and preparing for contingencies with his army of Black Raven professionals. An interesting quirk is that Sebastian is wired-in to his support staff constantly, forcing him to multi-task with them while interacting simultaneously with Skye and her special needs sister. This communication style is pervasive throughout the book, and it lends incredible urgency to their situation while establishing Sebastian as a very bright, very analytical, very commanding hero. While Skye's physical attributes have an instant allure for Sebastian, it is only in the slightest nuances that you begin to see his emotional attraction develop.
"Over the course of the day, watching her had become a thing."
Even a little pull of attraction disconcerts the always-professional Sebastian. For her part, Skye just wants to unload him the quickest way possible so she can unravel the cataclysm her father has dropped on her life.
Although considered off-the-charts smart, Skye has cocooned herself in protecting her sister and living a simple life. After seeing the ridicule faced by her eccentric father, she has turned her back on her brain. Her intelligence makes her impatient - and impatience makes her a little reckless and a lot irritated.
"She doubted he'd show if he was tired, hungry, bleeding to death or horny. The man was a robot."
Barcelona smartly adds in little countdowns throughout the book that heighten the suspense and propel the never-ending action. The first day Sebastian and Skye meet is interminable - and one of the best 24-hours I think I've ever read in a book. Day 1 takes up 50% of a 400-page novel, so a lot happens and every interaction serves to catalog a growing awareness between Skye and Sebastian.
Intelligence (like the CIA and NSA) and intelligence (like brainpower) are all over this story. Every single character in this book is smart and capable, and several meet their demise. The cyber-security plot is convoluted and complicated. Barcelona takes inspiration from true-life headlines and the abrasive talking heads on cable news programs, but she does an excellent job boiling down the big picture while making the chase for the secrets extremely emotional and personal. The plot twists and turns, trust is a theme, graphic violence is prevalent, and sisterly love is a beacon of sanity in a frightful situation. Once the action slows down for a breath, the sizzling attraction between Skye and Sebastian explodes, but even their initial love scene unfolds with a few surprises. Just like when she first met him, Skye makes a few assumptions about Sebastian that just aren't true. She really needs to learn to be more patient.
My favorite character in Shadows is Sebastian. He is tough, professional, utterly capable, insightful about others, smart, a good leader, and off-the-charts sexy. And author Stella Barcelona never has him break character; he could teach Daniel Day-Lewis a thing or two about method performance. As Sebastian's business reputation dissolved into a dung heap, he was constantly directing the action and preparing for contingencies with his army of Black Raven professionals. An interesting quirk is that Sebastian is wired-in to his support staff constantly, forcing him to multi-task with them while interacting simultaneously with Skye and her special needs sister. This communication style is pervasive throughout the book, and it lends incredible urgency to their situation while establishing Sebastian as a very bright, very analytical, very commanding hero. While Skye's physical attributes have an instant allure for Sebastian, it is only in the slightest nuances that you begin to see his emotional attraction develop.
"Over the course of the day, watching her had become a thing."
Even a little pull of attraction disconcerts the always-professional Sebastian. For her part, Skye just wants to unload him the quickest way possible so she can unravel the cataclysm her father has dropped on her life.
Although considered off-the-charts smart, Skye has cocooned herself in protecting her sister and living a simple life. After seeing the ridicule faced by her eccentric father, she has turned her back on her brain. Her intelligence makes her impatient - and impatience makes her a little reckless and a lot irritated.
"She doubted he'd show if he was tired, hungry, bleeding to death or horny. The man was a robot."
Barcelona smartly adds in little countdowns throughout the book that heighten the suspense and propel the never-ending action. The first day Sebastian and Skye meet is interminable - and one of the best 24-hours I think I've ever read in a book. Day 1 takes up 50% of a 400-page novel, so a lot happens and every interaction serves to catalog a growing awareness between Skye and Sebastian.
Intelligence (like the CIA and NSA) and intelligence (like brainpower) are all over this story. Every single character in this book is smart and capable, and several meet their demise. The cyber-security plot is convoluted and complicated. Barcelona takes inspiration from true-life headlines and the abrasive talking heads on cable news programs, but she does an excellent job boiling down the big picture while making the chase for the secrets extremely emotional and personal. The plot twists and turns, trust is a theme, graphic violence is prevalent, and sisterly love is a beacon of sanity in a frightful situation. Once the action slows down for a breath, the sizzling attraction between Skye and Sebastian explodes, but even their initial love scene unfolds with a few surprises. Just like when she first met him, Skye makes a few assumptions about Sebastian that just aren't true. She really needs to learn to be more patient.
December 6, 2017
Didn't really enjoy reading this one. The nicest thing I could say about the "hero" was he was kind to the sister that had special needs. To the heroine he was a cold, manipulative d-bag through most of the book.
Edited on June 14th
Since I don’t normally give books two star ratings, I wanted to write up my opinion of the book. DO NOT CLICK unless you want the entire book spoiled!
Edited on June 14th
Since I don’t normally give books two star ratings, I wanted to write up my opinion of the book. DO NOT CLICK unless you want the entire book spoiled!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2016
There's great suspense and then there's better than great... this one is the latter! It's top-notch writing, edge-of-your-seat suspense that weaves a heart-stopping romance in flawlessly.
January 29, 2016
I thought I was blown away by Stella Barcelona’s debut book, Deceived. As great as that was, I am amazed by her sophomore effort, Shadows. Riveting from the very first paragraph, the reader barely has time to buckle up before the ride begins! And it is an amazing ride….
I will not divulge any spoilers and the book’s teaser summary sets the scene. Skye Barrows is trying desperately to create a “normal” life for herself and her special-needs 18 year old sister after their computer genius father is sentenced to jail time for tax evasion. Richard Barrows is an entity unto himself, complete with off-the-charts intelligence and paranoia, with a cult following and extensive past media coverage. Just when Skye thinks she and her sister have found their haven, the message comes….Cataclysm. Run. Now. I have to admit, when I read those words, my heartbeat increased and I held my breath. Anticipation peaked, our hero enters…
Sebastian Connelly built Black Raven Security from the ground up. Best friend to Brandon Morrissey from “Deceived”, he is also a former New Orleans police officer and a lawyer who at heart he still carries the scars of a difficult childhood that has left him emotionally stunted. Sure, the way I write it, it sounds like a “typical” romantic suspense hero/heroine set-up, right? Do not be put off by my inartful description - this book is a cut way above the rest! When Sebastian and his company’s reputation comes under fire when Richard Barrows escapes prison, Sebastian seeks Skye and her sister to determine where Barrows is. The two meet, and the suspense, romance, mayhem, tender moments, and a gruesome (too mild a word) villain comes barreling at you at warp speed.
I stayed awake until 3am reading this book on a work night - that is how engrossed I was. All my requirements in a book were met - the writing flowed so well, the characters were so well-developed they are real (even the one intriguing character you never really “see”) and a fantastic ending. I cannot wait for this author’s next book!
I will not divulge any spoilers and the book’s teaser summary sets the scene. Skye Barrows is trying desperately to create a “normal” life for herself and her special-needs 18 year old sister after their computer genius father is sentenced to jail time for tax evasion. Richard Barrows is an entity unto himself, complete with off-the-charts intelligence and paranoia, with a cult following and extensive past media coverage. Just when Skye thinks she and her sister have found their haven, the message comes….Cataclysm. Run. Now. I have to admit, when I read those words, my heartbeat increased and I held my breath. Anticipation peaked, our hero enters…
Sebastian Connelly built Black Raven Security from the ground up. Best friend to Brandon Morrissey from “Deceived”, he is also a former New Orleans police officer and a lawyer who at heart he still carries the scars of a difficult childhood that has left him emotionally stunted. Sure, the way I write it, it sounds like a “typical” romantic suspense hero/heroine set-up, right? Do not be put off by my inartful description - this book is a cut way above the rest! When Sebastian and his company’s reputation comes under fire when Richard Barrows escapes prison, Sebastian seeks Skye and her sister to determine where Barrows is. The two meet, and the suspense, romance, mayhem, tender moments, and a gruesome (too mild a word) villain comes barreling at you at warp speed.
I stayed awake until 3am reading this book on a work night - that is how engrossed I was. All my requirements in a book were met - the writing flowed so well, the characters were so well-developed they are real (even the one intriguing character you never really “see”) and a fantastic ending. I cannot wait for this author’s next book!
April 25, 2015
Shadows kicks off a new series that is loosely tied to the authors first book Deceived which was a fabulous debut book.
Main premise for the series is the private security group called Black Raven which is owned and run by Sebastian Connelly. When the federal prison they were setting up security for is hacked and a group of prisoners escape Sebastian mission is to make sure all the prisoners are recaptured and returned especially Richard Barrows who was serving time for tax evasion but is also one the world smartest men but also a huge conspiracy theorist. The author lets us as the reader know there is a lot more going on that just a prison break but Sebastian and his team don’t believe that’s it anything more than a man who wanted out of prison.
Richard has two daughters. One is as smart as he is and the other suffers from a few different disorders. When Skye gets a message from her father she knows bad things are about to happen and tries to take her sister and run. Before they can get away Sebastian and his team catch up to them and things go from bad to worse as someone wants the girls to use as leverage to make their father give up codes to a program that would have devastating consequences if in the wrong hands.
The concept of a private security group isn’t a new one but how this group is run had a lot of unique things about it that made it different. The two main leads – Skye and Sebastian were defiantly not your normal romantic suspense couple.
I was impressed with the first book I read from this author and looked forward to her second book and I wasn’t disappointed. She writes stories full of intrigue and fast paced plots that keep you on the edge of your set.
Main premise for the series is the private security group called Black Raven which is owned and run by Sebastian Connelly. When the federal prison they were setting up security for is hacked and a group of prisoners escape Sebastian mission is to make sure all the prisoners are recaptured and returned especially Richard Barrows who was serving time for tax evasion but is also one the world smartest men but also a huge conspiracy theorist. The author lets us as the reader know there is a lot more going on that just a prison break but Sebastian and his team don’t believe that’s it anything more than a man who wanted out of prison.
Richard has two daughters. One is as smart as he is and the other suffers from a few different disorders. When Skye gets a message from her father she knows bad things are about to happen and tries to take her sister and run. Before they can get away Sebastian and his team catch up to them and things go from bad to worse as someone wants the girls to use as leverage to make their father give up codes to a program that would have devastating consequences if in the wrong hands.
The concept of a private security group isn’t a new one but how this group is run had a lot of unique things about it that made it different. The two main leads – Skye and Sebastian were defiantly not your normal romantic suspense couple.
I was impressed with the first book I read from this author and looked forward to her second book and I wasn’t disappointed. She writes stories full of intrigue and fast paced plots that keep you on the edge of your set.
May 29, 2015
Shadows begins with Skye Barrows receiving a text message that she’d hoped down to her very soul that she would never receive. Once her father had gone to prison, she had created a new life for herself and her special needs sister, Spring. One where they had assumed names and had ceased to exist as the world knew them: daughters of the famous, or infamous depending on your take, Richard Barrows. When Skye receives the text, she knows she has 24 hours to get to their safe house to await further instructions from her father. But, as she and her sister stop by the coffee house that they owned to allow Spring to stick to the schedule that she thrived on, she had no idea the turn their lives would take that fateful day. Spring’s dog, Candy, ran into the street and was almost hit. And, when a stranger scooped Candy into his arms to deliver her back to her owners, Skye somehow knew that things may not be as they appeared.
Spring insists that the nice stranger come into their coffee shop for some coffee and samples of some new treats they were working on, so he obliges. Sebastian soon approaches Skye and reveals that he knows who she is and that he needs information in order to locate her father. She refuses to cooperate, of course, and Sebastian issues an ultimatum and leaves. However, when Sebastian and one of his agents drive by the girls’ home, he very soon realizes that they are not the only ones after Skye and her sister. As they arrive back at the coffee shop, things have gone to hell……and quick. Strangers are in the process of abducting the girls, and it takes some quick thinking on Sebastian’s part to take the bad guys down. Once he has gotten the girls out of danger, he immediately gets on the phone with Black Ravens headquarters and things start happening. Fast. He knows that he has his work cut out for him with Skye, as she is NOT forthcoming with any helpful information, and Spring is so fragile that she can’t offer any information either.
When a safe house is arranged by the U.S. Marshals, Sebastian is ready to hand the girls over, only to head straight into an ambush. As he flees with Skye and her sister, Skye has no idea who she can trust and Sebastian is bound and determined that she will trust him. As mayhem ensues, Skye will have to make the ultimate decision: trust no one as her father has always told her, or trust in the one man who seems to truly have their best interest at heart. Oh, what a hard decision it is.
Shadows is an awesome story with so many twists and turns, so much mystery and intrigue, that I found myself questioning everyone at one point or another. Skye is an endearing heroine, although a little naïve about the amount of danger she and her sister are in. Spring is number one on her list and she will risk everything to keep her safe. Sebastian, whom we met in Barcelona’s first novel, Deceived, is your typical alpha male who at first is just doing a job, that ultimately turns into a wonderful game of cat and mouse with not only the bad buys, but with his feelings about Skye. I really enjoyed their chemistry, but I have to tell you, that I can NOT wait to read more about the secondary characters. The interaction between Sebastian and his team was awesome and Barcelona did a great job building the world in which they operate. However, if I’m being honest, it was a little overwhelming at times with all of the technical jargon that we are privy to as the information is gone over numerous times and I found myself glazing over at certain points. But, I digress. If you are looking for a series full of mystery, intrigue, crooked politicians and hot special agents, this is definitely a series you’ll want to read. I am so so so looking forward to the next installment. Very well done, Stella Barcelona!!!
Spring insists that the nice stranger come into their coffee shop for some coffee and samples of some new treats they were working on, so he obliges. Sebastian soon approaches Skye and reveals that he knows who she is and that he needs information in order to locate her father. She refuses to cooperate, of course, and Sebastian issues an ultimatum and leaves. However, when Sebastian and one of his agents drive by the girls’ home, he very soon realizes that they are not the only ones after Skye and her sister. As they arrive back at the coffee shop, things have gone to hell……and quick. Strangers are in the process of abducting the girls, and it takes some quick thinking on Sebastian’s part to take the bad guys down. Once he has gotten the girls out of danger, he immediately gets on the phone with Black Ravens headquarters and things start happening. Fast. He knows that he has his work cut out for him with Skye, as she is NOT forthcoming with any helpful information, and Spring is so fragile that she can’t offer any information either.
When a safe house is arranged by the U.S. Marshals, Sebastian is ready to hand the girls over, only to head straight into an ambush. As he flees with Skye and her sister, Skye has no idea who she can trust and Sebastian is bound and determined that she will trust him. As mayhem ensues, Skye will have to make the ultimate decision: trust no one as her father has always told her, or trust in the one man who seems to truly have their best interest at heart. Oh, what a hard decision it is.
Shadows is an awesome story with so many twists and turns, so much mystery and intrigue, that I found myself questioning everyone at one point or another. Skye is an endearing heroine, although a little naïve about the amount of danger she and her sister are in. Spring is number one on her list and she will risk everything to keep her safe. Sebastian, whom we met in Barcelona’s first novel, Deceived, is your typical alpha male who at first is just doing a job, that ultimately turns into a wonderful game of cat and mouse with not only the bad buys, but with his feelings about Skye. I really enjoyed their chemistry, but I have to tell you, that I can NOT wait to read more about the secondary characters. The interaction between Sebastian and his team was awesome and Barcelona did a great job building the world in which they operate. However, if I’m being honest, it was a little overwhelming at times with all of the technical jargon that we are privy to as the information is gone over numerous times and I found myself glazing over at certain points. But, I digress. If you are looking for a series full of mystery, intrigue, crooked politicians and hot special agents, this is definitely a series you’ll want to read. I am so so so looking forward to the next installment. Very well done, Stella Barcelona!!!
April 24, 2015
This a totally great read. I loved the adventure, romance and suspense. The characters are dynamic...the plot believable. Reading the book "Blush" by Cherry Adair next since Black Raven Security is going to continue into that book. Anxious to read the next book in this series, too.
April 7, 2019
When Black Raven Private Security Contractors is hired to beef up security at several US prisons, Sebastian Connelly, Black Raven's owner, sees this as a way to increase his company's already sterling reputation. However, when there is a jail break the day before Black Raven's systems go online, Sebastian knows that everything he has worked for may be on the line. One of the escapees is a famous computer genius, so Sebastian tracks down his daughter, Skye, hoping she will lead him to her father, but when Sebastian arrives at Skye's bakery, he stops a kidnapping attempt on Skye and her mentally challenged sister, Spring. Skye believes that her father did not escape from prison but was kidnapped for his advanced computer security program. As Skye and Sebastian track her father, they have to fight an attraction that has grown since the first time they met.
Shadows contains a well thought out mystery that includes the timely issue of government surveillance and how much is too much. Both of the main characters are very likable, and Spring's personality adds to the story. Overall, a very good read.
Shadows contains a well thought out mystery that includes the timely issue of government surveillance and how much is too much. Both of the main characters are very likable, and Spring's personality adds to the story. Overall, a very good read.
May 24, 2017
I thought this book was well written. The story line was exciting and easy to follow. I love reading to escape the everyday work hum drum. So when a romance novel adds mystery and develops characters that I can visualize, I am triple happy. This book starts around my hometown of Covington, Louisiana moves around the country. The story line involved the premise that the government is tracking our every move - internet, phones and places you frequent. A programmer developed a program that would help organize those trackings into something that could weed through chatter about possible terrorist actions so that they could be prevented. Well I could go on, but just read the book. This is the second book by this author and I will be reading the next book and any others she writes.
March 12, 2019
Strong woman in chapter 1, plus dick of a 'hero'. Suddenly, strong woman becomes a weenie. WTF? It was a fast read and have to overlook and dismiss weak woman/strong man concept. Technical aspects of a security company kinda out there. Scary if it's based on truth...who knows? I did like the female TECH LEAD. Nice touch.
All in all it was just OK.
All in all it was just OK.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2020
3.5 stars from me.
I liked the characters in the book. This was a new author for me and I was looking forward to the experience. The story was fast paced and well planned out. My only issue was there seemed to be a lot of inner monologue and not enough actual dialogue between the characters. I hope the second book is better with that aspect.
I liked the characters in the book. This was a new author for me and I was looking forward to the experience. The story was fast paced and well planned out. My only issue was there seemed to be a lot of inner monologue and not enough actual dialogue between the characters. I hope the second book is better with that aspect.
November 10, 2019
Really enjoyed this book
Loads of mystery and intrigue. Skye is a great heroine, she's all about protecting her family, no matter the cost to her. Sebastian is a good protector, even if he's rough around the edges. He didn't stand a chance against Spring. Lol
Loads of mystery and intrigue. Skye is a great heroine, she's all about protecting her family, no matter the cost to her. Sebastian is a good protector, even if he's rough around the edges. He didn't stand a chance against Spring. Lol
November 4, 2017
Good twists. Fresh ideas.
January 29, 2018
I love this series. I love the action the twists and turns and I love the characters. It is well and realistically written! Can't wait to read Jigsaw!
February 16, 2018
3.5 - it was an OK read
March 20, 2018
Good book. Liked the characters. Suspenseful with some twists
January 5, 2019
This was the best book I have read in a long time!! Exciting,suspenseful, the best of everything I like in a book! I can hardly wait to read the next in the series. FANTASTIC BOOK!!
January 13, 2020
Great story.
Can’t wait to read the next book in the series. This is romantic thriller mystery style I like. Please keep writing more.
Can’t wait to read the next book in the series. This is romantic thriller mystery style I like. Please keep writing more.
August 22, 2024
3,5 rounded up
February 20, 2017
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Reading Shadows started out a bit rocky for me. At first, I was confused and felt like I was missing too much information. I questioned if it was the first book in the series, because it felt like I should have known something that I didn’t know. I thought it was too vague about what the people wanted from Barrows. As a result, the beginning didn’t really grab me because I didn’t know enough to be concerned. Also, I was confused at first because it doesn’t immediately explain that Skye and Spring had changed their names, so I didn’t know who the other girls were that were being discussed.
Once I got further into the story, I was hooked. I thought it was a well thought out and interesting story.
There were, however, some minor things that bothered me. One had to do with the dog, Candy. For starters, I kept wondering who would allow a puppy in a coffee house, especially one that baked desserts. There are health codes about that kind of thing. Then, I was wondering about how a puppy was so well behaved. This was one awesome puppy that never did anything bad. Heck, it didn’t even have to go to the bathroom! Another little thing that bothered me was how the term “denim blue” was used repeatedly by different characters to describe Spring’s eyes. I can see one character picking those words to describe her eyes. But, when it was used again by a totally different character, it seemed strange.
Despite those minor irritations, I did enjoy reading Shadows. I particularly enjoyed how the main characters were physically attracted to one another, but didn’t like one another for a long time. I think that kind of romance is more entertaining. I also liked how they each had their own baggage, but were able to work through it. I thought that the author did a great job of creating backstories for all of the characters. In fact, I think the characters were the best aspect of the book.
Other positives for this book are: fast pacing, realistic dialogue, tension, suspense, and conflict. It had me on the edge of my seat, wanting to read more. I also liked that one of the settings was Old Hickory Lake near Nashville. I’ve been there myself. I don’t see Tennessee appear in many novels, so I thought it was nice for my state to get recognized. Another thing that I enjoyed was how the sex scenes were detailed without being overly vulgar.
Overall, I give Shadows 4.5 stars. If it weren’t for the vague and confusing beginning, it probably would have been 5 stars, because I really did like the book. I will definitely recommend it to readers of romantic suspense, especially readers who like either government conspiracies or security agencies. I will look forward to another book in the Black Raven series.
Reading Shadows started out a bit rocky for me. At first, I was confused and felt like I was missing too much information. I questioned if it was the first book in the series, because it felt like I should have known something that I didn’t know. I thought it was too vague about what the people wanted from Barrows. As a result, the beginning didn’t really grab me because I didn’t know enough to be concerned. Also, I was confused at first because it doesn’t immediately explain that Skye and Spring had changed their names, so I didn’t know who the other girls were that were being discussed.
Once I got further into the story, I was hooked. I thought it was a well thought out and interesting story.
There were, however, some minor things that bothered me. One had to do with the dog, Candy. For starters, I kept wondering who would allow a puppy in a coffee house, especially one that baked desserts. There are health codes about that kind of thing. Then, I was wondering about how a puppy was so well behaved. This was one awesome puppy that never did anything bad. Heck, it didn’t even have to go to the bathroom! Another little thing that bothered me was how the term “denim blue” was used repeatedly by different characters to describe Spring’s eyes. I can see one character picking those words to describe her eyes. But, when it was used again by a totally different character, it seemed strange.
Despite those minor irritations, I did enjoy reading Shadows. I particularly enjoyed how the main characters were physically attracted to one another, but didn’t like one another for a long time. I think that kind of romance is more entertaining. I also liked how they each had their own baggage, but were able to work through it. I thought that the author did a great job of creating backstories for all of the characters. In fact, I think the characters were the best aspect of the book.
Other positives for this book are: fast pacing, realistic dialogue, tension, suspense, and conflict. It had me on the edge of my seat, wanting to read more. I also liked that one of the settings was Old Hickory Lake near Nashville. I’ve been there myself. I don’t see Tennessee appear in many novels, so I thought it was nice for my state to get recognized. Another thing that I enjoyed was how the sex scenes were detailed without being overly vulgar.
Overall, I give Shadows 4.5 stars. If it weren’t for the vague and confusing beginning, it probably would have been 5 stars, because I really did like the book. I will definitely recommend it to readers of romantic suspense, especially readers who like either government conspiracies or security agencies. I will look forward to another book in the Black Raven series.
August 3, 2015
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian I Dig Good Books.
A text message sends Skye on the run, just as soon as she can ditch Sebastian, Black Raven Security bossman, who seems to think she knows where her father is, after his escape from prison. But the 24 hour deadline looms fast, and things take a much deadlier turn than Skye was expecting, and she has to go against the very ingrained mantra of her father : Trust no one who knows you are my daughter. Well Sebastian knows, he knows far more than Skye would like, and Skye has to trust him, with both her life, and her sister's.
I wasn't sure, for a while whether I was gonna like this book, I'm being honest here, but once it takes off, oh boy oh boy!!
Crime/thriller was, pre-kindle days, along with horror, my kinda thing. Its so great to be getting back to it! And this book, the first in the series, is brilliant!!
It has lots of plot twisting, double crossing, passion, rage, violence, oh just about a bit of everything that makes this a very very good read. I very nearly managed to read it in one sitting, but had to go out!
I loved that we get to hear from Skye and Sebastian, but what absolutely made this book for me, is we get whodunnit too! In all his warped, twisted mind's glory! It was cringe worthy, reading about what he was doing, it was painful, hearing how his mind worked, and what he needed for what he wanted to do, and how he was quite happy to do whatever needed to do to get it. BUT it was absolutely a *sorta* pleasure to read, and he needed to have his input in this story. Its so rare we get into the warped minds of those whodunnit, and I LOVED it!!
Skye and Sebastian's relationship builds as the story goes on, both of them giving and taking just what they need from each other to get this nightmare over. Neither looking past the end, but both of them wanting to. Its so beautifully written, the way they tiptoe around each other, but really, they should be stomping on each others toes!
Some violence, as I said, we get the warped mind of whodunnit, graphic in places, not for the faint hearted. Some passion, steam, whatever you want to call it, but its not explicit, its just right for this book. Some complicated computer issues, that, to be honest, I didn't manage to follow very well, but well enough for me to get the story and what was happening and how I thought it might end.
An absolutely fabulous read, this is the second book by this author, and I am blown away, really. I want to go back and read the first book, Deceived, which features Sebastian's best friend, and from what I can see, this is a spin off from that book. Its not needed, I just wanna :-)
5 full stars.
**same worded review will appear on Goodreads, Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk**
A text message sends Skye on the run, just as soon as she can ditch Sebastian, Black Raven Security bossman, who seems to think she knows where her father is, after his escape from prison. But the 24 hour deadline looms fast, and things take a much deadlier turn than Skye was expecting, and she has to go against the very ingrained mantra of her father : Trust no one who knows you are my daughter. Well Sebastian knows, he knows far more than Skye would like, and Skye has to trust him, with both her life, and her sister's.
I wasn't sure, for a while whether I was gonna like this book, I'm being honest here, but once it takes off, oh boy oh boy!!
Crime/thriller was, pre-kindle days, along with horror, my kinda thing. Its so great to be getting back to it! And this book, the first in the series, is brilliant!!
It has lots of plot twisting, double crossing, passion, rage, violence, oh just about a bit of everything that makes this a very very good read. I very nearly managed to read it in one sitting, but had to go out!
I loved that we get to hear from Skye and Sebastian, but what absolutely made this book for me, is we get whodunnit too! In all his warped, twisted mind's glory! It was cringe worthy, reading about what he was doing, it was painful, hearing how his mind worked, and what he needed for what he wanted to do, and how he was quite happy to do whatever needed to do to get it. BUT it was absolutely a *sorta* pleasure to read, and he needed to have his input in this story. Its so rare we get into the warped minds of those whodunnit, and I LOVED it!!
Skye and Sebastian's relationship builds as the story goes on, both of them giving and taking just what they need from each other to get this nightmare over. Neither looking past the end, but both of them wanting to. Its so beautifully written, the way they tiptoe around each other, but really, they should be stomping on each others toes!
Some violence, as I said, we get the warped mind of whodunnit, graphic in places, not for the faint hearted. Some passion, steam, whatever you want to call it, but its not explicit, its just right for this book. Some complicated computer issues, that, to be honest, I didn't manage to follow very well, but well enough for me to get the story and what was happening and how I thought it might end.
An absolutely fabulous read, this is the second book by this author, and I am blown away, really. I want to go back and read the first book, Deceived, which features Sebastian's best friend, and from what I can see, this is a spin off from that book. Its not needed, I just wanna :-)
5 full stars.
**same worded review will appear on Goodreads, Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk**
August 14, 2015
4.75 stars
Shadows by Stella Barcelona is the first novel in the ‘Black Ravens’ series and centers around a pair of remarkable sisters, Skye and Spring Barrows, who have come to the attention of Sebastian Connelly. Sebastian’s company, Black Raven, is implicated in the escape of their father, Richard, and Sebastian is determined to recapture the man who is either a crackpot or a scarily powerful genius. The sisters are each pivotal to Sebastian’s investigation but he’s got to find a way to get past the distrust and skepticism, on both sides, if they are going to survive long enough to discover the truth and what it means to their futures as well as that of the country.
This fantastic and thrilling romantic suspense tale is a pulse-pounding adventure ride that starts with a bang and just keeps escalating. The uncanny twists and turns combined with the very pertinent scenarios that are revealed keep one mesmerized and a little uneasy about the possibility of the reality of the concepts being depicted. This is a wonderful start to a series that will be well worth watching for if this initial story is any indication.
The characters are complex and have hidden depths that are gradually revealed, the secondary characters are also strongly charismatic and definitely add to the richness of the story. Those who are squeamish should be forewarned that there is a LOT of violence and death but there are also fascinating quirks that leaven the intensity.
One should make sure that there is plenty of time available to read, because once you start this exciting roller-coaster of a story, you will not want to put it down. It is my understanding that this is the start of the series but that there is a story that predates this one and connects to it, and despite my massive TBR list, I am anxious to read that one as well! I look forward to learning more about the sexy and capable males who comprise the Black Raven team and am delighted to have found a new author to add to my ‘must read’ list.
A copy of this delicious title was provided to me for review.
Shadows by Stella Barcelona is the first novel in the ‘Black Ravens’ series and centers around a pair of remarkable sisters, Skye and Spring Barrows, who have come to the attention of Sebastian Connelly. Sebastian’s company, Black Raven, is implicated in the escape of their father, Richard, and Sebastian is determined to recapture the man who is either a crackpot or a scarily powerful genius. The sisters are each pivotal to Sebastian’s investigation but he’s got to find a way to get past the distrust and skepticism, on both sides, if they are going to survive long enough to discover the truth and what it means to their futures as well as that of the country.
This fantastic and thrilling romantic suspense tale is a pulse-pounding adventure ride that starts with a bang and just keeps escalating. The uncanny twists and turns combined with the very pertinent scenarios that are revealed keep one mesmerized and a little uneasy about the possibility of the reality of the concepts being depicted. This is a wonderful start to a series that will be well worth watching for if this initial story is any indication.
The characters are complex and have hidden depths that are gradually revealed, the secondary characters are also strongly charismatic and definitely add to the richness of the story. Those who are squeamish should be forewarned that there is a LOT of violence and death but there are also fascinating quirks that leaven the intensity.
One should make sure that there is plenty of time available to read, because once you start this exciting roller-coaster of a story, you will not want to put it down. It is my understanding that this is the start of the series but that there is a story that predates this one and connects to it, and despite my massive TBR list, I am anxious to read that one as well! I look forward to learning more about the sexy and capable males who comprise the Black Raven team and am delighted to have found a new author to add to my ‘must read’ list.
A copy of this delicious title was provided to me for review.
May 3, 2015
Action. Danger. Conspiracy! All on my list of favorite things.
Cataclysm. Run. Now! And run they did.
Skye had enough on her plate without receiving the cryptic message. The message to turn her colorful and carefully piloted world upside down, and then that man stepped in to rock the now unstable foundation.
Sebastian is a no nonsense, take no prisoners, my way or the highway kind of in control man. His mission should have been made easier when he located his targets children, but after such a bright start, it went down hill fast. And not only does he have to track a fugitive, and face a mad man, but he's in serious danger of loosing the heart he won't admit he has.
This is a great read. I screamed at my kindle, a couple times. That means I was into the characters. I lost sleep, because I wanted to make it to the end of the chapter, but kept right on going. That means I was into the story. I laughed, gasped and cried in the right places. That means it was a GOOD story.
I'm looking forward to JIGSAW. Cannot wait to see what trouble Zeus will find himself in at the hands of the diabolical Stella Barcelona.
Cataclysm. Run. Now! And run they did.
Skye had enough on her plate without receiving the cryptic message. The message to turn her colorful and carefully piloted world upside down, and then that man stepped in to rock the now unstable foundation.
Sebastian is a no nonsense, take no prisoners, my way or the highway kind of in control man. His mission should have been made easier when he located his targets children, but after such a bright start, it went down hill fast. And not only does he have to track a fugitive, and face a mad man, but he's in serious danger of loosing the heart he won't admit he has.
This is a great read. I screamed at my kindle, a couple times. That means I was into the characters. I lost sleep, because I wanted to make it to the end of the chapter, but kept right on going. That means I was into the story. I laughed, gasped and cried in the right places. That means it was a GOOD story.
I'm looking forward to JIGSAW. Cannot wait to see what trouble Zeus will find himself in at the hands of the diabolical Stella Barcelona.
June 6, 2015
Great new series start
Apparently, this is only the second book by this author and the first in this series. I have read and liked several private security force type suspense novels, but this one was a little grittier and larger scale. The main character and owner of Black Raven, Sebastian, was not nice. He was ruthless. Sebastian was fully prepared to use Skye and her sister, Spring, as leverage to put their prison escape father back in jail and salvage the reputation of Black Raven...at least he was until he met them. Spring's innocence and childlike faith in him sucked him in instantly. He found himself trying to help get as she struggled with autism like challenges. Skye, on the other hand, definitely caught his attention, but her prickly exterior and sharp tongue kept the two of them at each other's throats most of the time. While Sebastian tries to use the sisters to locate their father, someone else is trying to take them from him to use as leverage against their father.
The story was dark and had images of torture, so be forewarned. Personally, I loved it. The excerpt from book two was also really interesting. I can't wait.
Apparently, this is only the second book by this author and the first in this series. I have read and liked several private security force type suspense novels, but this one was a little grittier and larger scale. The main character and owner of Black Raven, Sebastian, was not nice. He was ruthless. Sebastian was fully prepared to use Skye and her sister, Spring, as leverage to put their prison escape father back in jail and salvage the reputation of Black Raven...at least he was until he met them. Spring's innocence and childlike faith in him sucked him in instantly. He found himself trying to help get as she struggled with autism like challenges. Skye, on the other hand, definitely caught his attention, but her prickly exterior and sharp tongue kept the two of them at each other's throats most of the time. While Sebastian tries to use the sisters to locate their father, someone else is trying to take them from him to use as leverage against their father.
The story was dark and had images of torture, so be forewarned. Personally, I loved it. The excerpt from book two was also really interesting. I can't wait.
May 16, 2015
I am torn on how to review this...the suspense portion of the book is great. The sex scenes were hot. I had a hard time connecting with Sebastian because there wasn't a lot of back story about his life. Maybe it was part of the previous story. Skye was a bit of a tough character to like. I know she was raised by a very paranoid man but it felt as if she was being argumentative to her detriment. She could see what was happening to everyone she knew but she thought just running from the one person who was actually trying to help was a smart idea. I do have to say that I really liked Spring, oddly enough she was what made it easier to connect with Sebastian. Ragno and Zeus are also great characters and I am looking forward to reading more.
August 26, 2015
I read this book in 5 hours!!!
Shadows it's fantastic, fast paced, original, full of action, twists and turns, awesome characters, and a unique plot.
The chemistry between Sebastian and Skye its breathtaking, hot hot HOT!!
I absolutely love Sebastian, he's my kind of Hero, a bad boy with a heart of gold and his relationship with Spring, Skye's sister, it's heartwarming, all of the characters are well-developed, so well-developed that they felt like real people.
Regarding the story, fasten your seat belt because you're going to have the ride of your life!! Like I said before, it's fast paced, with a high amount of violence, sex scenes and death. What more can you ask?
Highly Recommended!!!
*I received a Free copy in exchange for an Honest Review*
Shadows it's fantastic, fast paced, original, full of action, twists and turns, awesome characters, and a unique plot.
The chemistry between Sebastian and Skye its breathtaking, hot hot HOT!!
I absolutely love Sebastian, he's my kind of Hero, a bad boy with a heart of gold and his relationship with Spring, Skye's sister, it's heartwarming, all of the characters are well-developed, so well-developed that they felt like real people.
Regarding the story, fasten your seat belt because you're going to have the ride of your life!! Like I said before, it's fast paced, with a high amount of violence, sex scenes and death. What more can you ask?
Highly Recommended!!!
*I received a Free copy in exchange for an Honest Review*
April 28, 2015
I read Shadows and could not put it down. Mrs. Barcelona's first book and was excited to read this one because was curious about Sebastian. I really enjoyed this book and Loved the relationship between Skye and Sebastian. I really liked Spring and how she stole a piece of Sebastian's heart. I was also happy to see Brandon and Taylor again, I am looking forward to Zeus's story and want to know more about The woman is Sebastian's ear.
August 5, 2015
I really don't know how to sum this book up into a review other than it was FREAKING AMAZING!!! Loved every minute of reading it! It's a page turner to say the least and will have you glued! After reviewing this book I have now learned that this is the author's second book meaning I need to catch her other book as well! But if you want a good read to keep you turning the pages that's well written from a very talented author look no further!
*Received for an honest review*
*Received for an honest review*
January 29, 2016
Non è male, solo non è esattamente il mio genere. E' adatto a chi ama il telefilm NCIS, io non lo amo. Però gli ho dato tre stelle per il personaggio di Spring e per la scrittura veramente buona. Piccola nota: se odiate chi parla costantemente all'aria perchè in contatto con qualcuno tramite bluetooth nell'orecchio, non leggetelo, il protagonista del libro per quasi metà libro è in contatto radio perenne con 120 persone anche contemporaneamente.
January 30, 2016
I enjoyed this book more than the first book, "Deceived." Although, both characters (Sebastian and ) fighting their feelings for each other was irritating. I loved the way the author portrayed the sister Spring and her disability. I liked the relationship between the two sisters and Candy (the dog). There was much more pulse pounding action in this book, than the first book. I can't wait for the next book about Zeus.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews