I should be dead. I definitely shouldn’t be chasing the type of killers who ruined my life, but that’s what I do.
My mother was murdered when I was six years old and instead of running for help, I hid in the closet. Until the killer is found, I’m an unfinished job forced to look over my shoulder.
I’m Special Agent Brynn Bennett with the FBI, and I’m damn good at my job. My best friend and partner, Hunter Williams, and I track predators every day. It isn’t a job for little girls who hide in closets, but with Hunter by my side, there’s nothing I can’t face.
What I didn’t see coming was Benjamin Drake. He was next in line for the one-night stand I occasionally allowed myself, except he wants a happily ever after and he thinks I can give it to him.
I can handle death, monsters, and the evils that hide in the shadows, but a nice guy who wants to take care of me? I’m not so sure.
B.L. Mooney started writing when the voices and storylines in her head ran out of room. They were getting too cramped and neither B.L. nor the characters could take it anymore, so she did the only thing she could do—she made room. She always knew she wanted to write, but vowed to make time for it later. Now that she’s made time for writing, most everything else falls to the wayside. That seems to suit the characters that keep popping up just fine.
B.L. lives in the Midwest and her other talents include in-demand cookies, a very dry sense of humor, and stealth eavesdropping. Some mannerisms, attitudes, or twists come from random sentences picked up while passing by strangers. So speak up the next time you have something to gossip about. You never know, it may just end up on the pages of the next book you read.
This story was just too boring for me, sorry, but I needed more excitement. The pace was extremely slow and action was minimal. I needed more of Shadow and his need to kill. What grasped my attention was just the Hunter- Brynn duet. This book had a great premise, but the execution was disappointing.
Dude. This book. Needs. To. Be. Read. One click it on release day and devour it immediately.
Here is why this book consumed me. IT IS INTENSE. It is a nail biting, hair pulling, heart beating faster than a freight train, can't put it down because someone might die, BOOK.
Each page flows into each other so perfectly and it's a fast paced read. You have all these theories, but then BOOM, they knock the shit out of those theories and you start second guessing your sanity.
It's intense, like my heart wouldn't stop beating. The twist and the turns were placed perfectly through out the book. It wasn't over done and you didn't find yourself yawning because the filler was just way to much.
The sexy bits are hot and not over done. The character development was amazing.
I never once wanted to skim. I did have to go back and see if I read some parts correctly because I needed answers and I knew some had to be hidden within the words.
I love when two talented authors come together so seamlessly that you can't pinpoint who is writing what as you read. Shadow flowed continuously, the content remained consistent and the plot flawless. B.L. Mooney and Laura Emory are one harmonious writing duo!!
Brynn is the heroine. She carries the weight of the world on her shoulders, searching for the one person who ultimately destroyed her childhood and family. She's a witty FBI agent who's tough as nails and has no problem holding her own.
Now on to some key players... ➞ Hunter is Brynn's partner/best friend and can I say hubba-hubba-HUBBA!! This man is yummy; I found myself so intrigued by him at every turn. Add in the intense moments shared between him and Brynn from the very first page, and I was in absolute love. ➞ Porter is another FBI agent who works with Brynn and Hunter. Oh boy, this man is relentless and his crude comments at times can leave you flabbergasted. ➞ Ben is an attorney who Brynn meets one night when out with fellow agents. He essentially swoops in and becomes her knight in shining armor as they start a rather passionate love affair.
And finally... ➞ Shadow is... The antihero. The criminal and killer. THE BIG BAD WOLF. He is a dirty scoundrel who is deceptive in every aspect. He also brings an element to the story that will enthrall you. He kept me on my toes, waiting for the next chapter in his POV so I could take a peek into his mind, and experience his thoughts. But who really is Shadow? Shadow is a conundrum and his identity is a brainteaser that will force you to pay close attention to the silent clues.
Cue the freaking enigma!! This is a suspense novel that keeps you guessing long after you have thoroughly thought over every possible lead. My mind was reeling, causing me to slip into a boggled puzzlement!! Mooney and Emory, weaved an intertwining mystery that takes place inside of your head. One that requires you to conduct your own investigation while trying to figure out the answer to this riddle of a book.
Shadow kept my attention from start to finish, and kept me guessing the entire time as I fell hard into the plot and storyline. I need these two to get back in the cave and make this happen again... and soon!!
I received an arc of this book for an honest review. I had high expectations for this book because I absolutely LOVED Liv's Existence and Abby's Survival! But I'm just not sure what to say about this book a part of me wants to blame it on the massive book hangover that I've been suffering. I even waited a bit after finishing it to write my review to see if something popped out at me to write. This book was well written and there weren't really any errors that stand out to me that would need to be fixed. That being said I think that I'm a little meh about this book because I couldn't connect with Brynn. I felt like things were a little to over explained in her case about her past and even just in some of her interactions with other characters. For example how she mentioned several times how she's a female FBI and that she can hang with the guys, or how she just had to ignore Parker cuz you can't give him a reaction. Or how she mentioned several times how she feels for Hunter but that they are partners and he's her best friend. I started rooting for them because it seem kinda star crossed than BAM enter Ben, I felt like I got whiplash from that. Like who the heck is Ben and HELLO did to really just fall for that considering the case you are working on!!! Ok, sorry got a little heated but that's how I felt reading it, it wasn't believable to me. She's this strong, independent FBI agent and she falls for that. Just not believable to me made me question her and her ability as a good agent. Than to top it off I basically solved the mystery in the first five chapters. This book had the potential to be a really good read but I'd maybe just change a few things and maybe not have it be so easily solved. They did a good job in trying to throw me off but it didn't stick. Even though I'm left feeling so so about this book, the writing is good and I can see how a lot of people really loved it. I think that if I wasn't in such a massive book hangover that I might have been a little more favorable to it.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC and I gotta say WOW. This book pulls you in immediately. It had me guessing and trying to figure it out every page. It has the perfect blend of suspense with laughs thrown in so it doesn't take you all the way to the dark place. And STEAMY! There is sexual chemistry and tension is perfectly crafted. The characters are well developed and each has their own unique voice. This book is a nonstop thrill ride that you definitely do NOT want to miss!
I had high expectations for this book because I absolutely LOVED Liv's Existence and Abby's Survival! But I'm just not sure what to say about this book a part of me wants to blame it on the massive book hangover that I've been suffering. I even waited a bit after finishing it to write my review to see if something popped out at me to write. This book was well written and there weren't really any errors that stand out to me that would need to be fixed. That being said I think that I'm a little meh about this book because I couldn't connect with Brynn. I felt like things were a little to over explained in her case about her past and even just in some of her interactions with other characters. For example how she mentioned several times how she's a female FBI and that she can hang with the guys, or how she just had to ignore Parker cuz you can't give him a reaction. Or how she mentioned several times how she feels for Hunter but that they are partners and he's her best friend. I started rooting for them because it seem kinda star crossed than BAM enter Ben, I felt like I got whiplash from that. Like who the heck is Ben and HELLO did to really just fall for that considering the case you are working on!!! Ok, sorry got a little heated but that's how I felt reading it, it wasn't believable to me. She's this strong, independent FBI agent and she falls for that. Just not believable to me made me question her and her ability as a good agent. Than to top it off I basically solved the mystery in the first five chapters. This book had the potential to be a really good read but I'd maybe just change a few things and maybe not have it be so easily solved. They did a good job in trying to throw me off but it didn't stick. Even though I'm left feeling so so about this book, the writing is good and I can see how a lot of people really loved it. I think that if I wasn't in such a massive book hangover that I might have been a little more favorable to it.
4.5 Stars!! This was a very well written book. The characters were interesting and complex, the storyline intriguing, and for most people, will have you guessing until the very end.
I liked the heroine because she was very atypical. She was written more like a man than a typical female lead. Her thoughts and feelings were very much aligned with an aloof male. The supporting and secondary main characters were very good as well. You got to know them enough to be invested in their lives. I especially loved Hunter and how protective and thoughtful he was of his partner.
I did have a few issues with this book personally. I didn't like how cavalier the heroine was about her safety, especially considering her past. I think, had most anyone else gone through what she did, they would have reacted quite differently. I also think she rushed into her relationship with Ben, and right after she said she never would. Considering the circumstances and where they met, I would think she would be a bit more hesitant about that. This book pushed some of my hot buttons, in terms of stories I will not read, because of some particular aspects involved that I hate. I can't get into particulars though because they would be spoilers.
Regardless of the fact that it had some general storylines I hate, and I had the killer figured out pretty much from the start, and thus the whole general reasoning behind the killer's motives and actions (I'm a little unusual in that regard as it wasn't completely obvious or anything), this was a good read.
I do recommend this story, and I think that most people will enjoy it. The authors obviously put a lot of thought and effort into this story, and it shows in the quality of the writing, the character development, and the overall story concept. It was a seamless story that will suck you in. If you like psychological thrillers, then this is a book for you!
The cover and blurb on this book had me waiting on the edge of my seat for it to arrive on my Kindle. And boy I was not disappointed. My mind was blown by the phenomenal story line, the character building and writing. This is probably in my top 2 books I have read this year. It was amazing. Like I ignored my life until I finished it amazing. Walked anywhere while reading type of fantastic. This was a romance with a heavy dose of suspense, mystery, and thriller. There is a serial on the loose and FBI agents Brynn and Hunter are on the case. The Shadow near leaves behind any evidence making solving the case next to impossible. Throughout the book we watch Brynn and Hunter handle their own love lives including a past relationship and new relationship all the while women’s bodies are winding up dead throughout their city. A great book of Who done it? I had my suspicions throughout the book but just when I thought I figured it out, something would change my mind. This book is a definitely must. I loved it and hope we get more from this writing duo. Their writing was flawless together.
Firstly let me say thank you again for giving me the privilege of reading this book before its publication. I truly enjoyed this book. The characters and storyline were both well developed. The structure and flow of the story keeps the reader intrigued and keeps ones’ interest piqued. I felt that the characters supported each other well and played their roles exceptionally. This made the story an easy, enjoyable read. I liked that I could visualized the places and scenes described as well as feel the emotions being played out throughout the story. Excellent job there! I absolutely loved the “mind-games” played with the reader in terms of trying to figure out “whodunit” I swear I thought everyone was the Shadow stalker at one point. Loved that a lot. There really is nothing I would change about book it was a prefect read and memorable read.
I got lucky and won an ARC of this book recently. I love a good romantic suspense, so I was definitely excited to read it. This one did not disappoint. The authors keep you guessing through the whole thing. I liked that there is also a few POVs from the killer interspersed with Brynn's and her partner, Hunter's, POVs. They provide clues, but they also threw me off the trail quite often. I would think I had it all figured out, then BOOM, the theory was blown to smithereens. I really had no idea who would be revealed as the killer until it happened. There was a huge gasp from me when all was revealed.
You would never know this book was coauthored. The transitions are so seamless there is no way to tell that there was more than one writer. I highly recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this book and needed to read it in one session - I had to know what happens! ... Brynn is a hardcore special agent currently working a really tough case, women are being killed and the killer is closing in fast. Meanwhile Brynn is surrounded by hot men - one of which is a total asshole! Can she solve the case and find the killer before it's too late ?
I was completely drawn in and captivated from the beginning, I loved the suspense and chemistry throughout this book. Brynn's character was perfect, she is one badass agent. Each chapter I read, I changed my mind over who shadow was and the ending ....whoa! Great read and very well written.
I really enjoyed this book and needed to read it in one session - I had to know what happens! ... Brynn is a hardcore special agent currently working a really tough case, women are being killed and the killer is closing in fast. Meanwhile Brynn is surrounded by hot men - one of which is a total asshole! Can she solve the case and find the killer before it's too late ?
I was completely drawn in and captivated from the beginning, I loved the suspense and chemistry throughout this book. Brynn's character was perfect, she is one badass agent. Each chapter I read, I changed my mind over who shadow was and the ending ....whoa! Great read and very well written.
5 Brilliant Stars.. What an awesome read for the summer. Phew, you head will be spinning trying to figure out who is the mystery killer. This book is a must read and I loved that it was outside my comfort zone reads. Murders, Sex, A kick-ass heroine, Lies ,Secret love and a plot that keep thicken makes for an awesome read this summer in SHADOW. The authors research and application in what they learnt to create this story for us the readers was not just eloquently put together but created a reality for the reader to be able to visualize and experience the scenes as if watching instead of reading. I absolutely loved it. This book is A Must Read !!!
WOW....what else can i say.... Brynn and Hunter are FBI partners... best of friends... Brynn is always in search of who killed her parents many years ago when she was a little girl... Together they are searching for a killer of another sort...Ben walks into Brynns life and seems too good to be true...he is looking for so much more than she can give and ends up being so much more than she expected...and not in a good way... Byrnns heart belongs to Hunter and when she finally realizes that, it may be too late... good mystery along with a good and steamy romance
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of Shadow, and it exceeded any expectation I could've had! I love stories that keep you guessing until the end, and this one did just that. Brynn is a badass FBI agent, and she's every bit the part. She's strong and holds her own against anyone who gets in her way. She's got a great relationship with her partner, and their friendship is definitely something to be desired. They work well together, and all in all, I loved all of the characters, secondary ones included. You will want to read this book!
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*
I have always been a fan of romantic suspense....but this ....oh this was romantic suspense at it's best! The mind games and "who done it" thoughts ran through my head as I turned every page. The flow was great and the characters were so well described and their interaction was awesome! I truly felt like I was in the story. Highly recommend this book!!!
I absolutely loved this! I was lucky enough to receive an ARC but I can guarantee I'm going to buy it anyway to show my appreciation to the authors. This damn book kept me up all night, and people who know me know I don't give up sleep easily, so that speaks volumes in itself. It has it all. It has heat, it has twists and turns, and it keeps you on your toes all the way through. On top of all that it's a little dark and twisted. What more could a girl ask for?
This book was great!!! I love how the heroine, Brynn, was so strong and independent! This book has it all: love, sexy scenes, twists and turns, and mystery! I love a book that can get me hooked and keep me on the edge of my seat!! I was guessing the whole time on who the bad guy was! It is such a fantastic read! I can't wait to read more by these talented authors!
Wow, I could not put this book down. The suspense kept me on edge and I had to know what was going to happen. This is full of mystery and suspense with some steamy parts too. This book was not predictable and I loved that I could not figure it out part way through. This a great read, don't miss out on this one. I was one of the lucky ones to receive an ARC and fell in love with it.
'Shadow' is one of the books, that are interesting and annoying at the same time. The story was good, once you start reading you can't stop 'til you've read the whole book. For me there was definitely a love triangle between Brynn, Hunter & Ben. Still this didn't stop me from reading. About the characters: - Brynn - she's the whole reason why I was so annoyed while reading the book. She wasn't the strong character I was expecting her to be, she was so unsure about everything most of the time. 'Til the end of the book you can't be sure who is the main male character, she was so torn between Ben and Hunter, one guy clearly wasn't enough... She wasn't even acting like a real FBI agent, for example she could have at least made a background check on Ben, there was a serial killer on the loose and she fit the description of the other victims, but noo... she decided to take her chances.
-Hunter: such an awesome character, from the beginning of the book I was hoping he'll be the MMC. I think he was the whole reason I continued reading the book after everything Brynn did... -Ben: I still can't understand how Brynn thought he was better than Hunter... And he did few things that were clearly creepy, yet she didn't saw it coming.
If you like love triangles and uncertain Main Female Characters, then you won't have a problem while reading the book.
**ARC provided by author, in return for an honest review.**
Special Agent Brynn Bennett of the FBI should have died a long time ago, but she didn’t. So after her mom was murdered when she was young, she wanted nothing more than to be an FBI Agent when she became an adult. But instead of working on cases that are given to her only, she was also trying to find a way to find her mom’s killer. Brynn didn’t know how to move on with her life, knowing the killer is still out there. So when she and her partner was given their next case to track a predator, eventually named SHADOW they put their all into it. The case consumed them and together Hunter and Brynn worked their hardest to find the killer before he finds his next victim.
Hunter and Brynn have been bestfriends since they started their new job and they did everything together. As attracted as they were with each other, they tried to ignore their feelings not wanting to ruin not only their friendship, but their partnership. As Brynn started seeing her new guy Ben, their friendship had to take a backseat. Hunter was as understanding as a man can be and he still stayed by herside anytime needed. When more and more bodies started to surface and Brynn’s life is threaten, will Hunter and Brynn’s find the killer before it’s too late? Will they figure out what’s going on between them?
This book is dark and intense, that will have you biting your nail until the last page. Yes I may have figured out who the killer was in the beginning, but I was put on a loop questioning my own theory. I love how strong the heroine was, she was a tough chick..but also very much relied on Hunter. Of course I love Hunter, he was always sweet even when the woman he loves is with someone else. Hunter was always selfless and very protective of Brynn. I loved Hunter’s characters from the beginning till the end, there was no question of what kind of guy he was. I enjoyed this book from the beginning to end, it was like watching Criminal Minds with some romance thrown into it. I couldn’t love it anymore than I do. I’m glad I read this book, because it is straight up the action/adventure/suspense that I needed. This is a real #MUSTREAD.
If you are looking for an edge of your seat thriller that will keep you second guessing at every turn then Shadow is just the book for you! I have not read any previous books by BL Mooney or Laura Emory so I went in not knowing their writing styles and I was pleasantly surprised! From the beginning I was hooked!! I would form a theory and a couple of chapters later I would change it. Then a couple of more chapters I would go back to my original plot. Then a few more, I would change it again!!! I love it when an author keeps you on your toes and keeps you guessing!
There is a killer on the loose and FBI Agent Brynn Bennett has been assigned to a serial killer’s case that she has been chasing for years. He is known as the Shadow and leaves his victims strangled with very little clues. He is always two steps ahead of FBI. Shadow does leave a few clues for her but they seem to be getting more and more personal. At the same time she starts dating an older gentleman that is very protective of her. There is also some underlying sexual tension between her and her partner that she is oblivious too!! She chalks it up to him just being there for her. But there is so much more!!!
When her partner suspects a fellow agent of being Shadow is when I start second guessing everything!! There are chapters sprinkled throughout the book with his point of view that has me thinking it’s one person then me changing my mind the next! I loved these little morsels of clues that would throw me for a loop!
Determined to find out the killer even when she is removed from the case, Brynn’s life is thrown upside down and when the truth comes out, it will leave you speechless!! When the puzzle pieces started coming together I could not put my kindle down!!! This is definitely a book I would highly recommend! 5 stars!!! Both BL Mooney and Laura Emory have a new fan and I cannot wait to see what other works they might have!
Oh my gosh! I can't tell you how much I LOVED Shadow!! It's the best murder-mystery romance I've read in a long time, and even though it wasn't really a mystery for me, that just made it even more exciting! I would love to see B.L. Mooney and Laura Emory work on another book together because Shadow was truly amazing!
While Shadow wasn't much of a mystery for me, I don't want to give away any spoilers so I'm just going to talk about Brynn because the book is mostly from her POV. And speaking of Brynn, I really enjoyed her character! She's a fierce, strong woman who can take care of herself and she's not someone you mess with. I loved that about her, but what I really loved was how fun she was. Yes, Brynn is tough, but she's not serious all the time. She's playful and likes to joke around, she's a little reckless and a little vulnerable, but that's what makes her so awesome! I just loved Brynn and I'm so glad I got to meet her!
As soon as I saw the cover of Shadow, I knew I wanted to read it, so I hunted down a sign up sheet and got myself all signed up. I'm soooo glad that I stumbled across the cover because I would be missing out on a great read if I hadn't. I didn't want to ever stop reading and I was so focused, excited, and pumped up! Shadow made my heart race, made me hold my breath, grab my head, cover my mouth, and had me bouncing up and down in anticipation with nerves and excitement. It was extrapectacular and I loved, loved, loooved it!!
Shadow is a standalone, it's told mainly from Brynn's POV, but we do hear from a couple of others, and it does end happily ever after!
I love a good mystery and it makes it all the better if I can't guess who dun it. With Shadow I can say I completely guessed wrong.
I loved that the heroine was a FBI Special Agent. She also had a little crush on her partner and that added a great story. You will be invested in all of the characters in this story.
When Brynn and Ben start a relationship they try to work around the case Brynn is on. I loved that they went through ups and downs and it was not perfect. As things progress with them Brynn struggles with what she wants in her future. I will admit I wanted Brynn to be with her partner Hunter and I kept my fingers crossed the whole story.
There was plenty of angst throughout the book but towards the end it was nail-bitting, edge of the seat angst. Do you find out who Shadow is? Does everyone survive this investigation?
It you want romance with a hefty does of mystery, suspense, and angst then pick up this book. Do you think you know who Shadow is? You will be in for a big surprise.
i was lucky to receive an ARC of shadow and boy did i devour it. this is how good suspense romance is done. it left me guessing the whole time. i kept going back and forth of who shadow was. the sex scenes were great too, enough to enhance the story but not take over. Brynn was a strong female but vulnerable at the same time, she was very likable although dare i say naive in certain situations? hunter....sigh, hunter was yummy, strong and protective. his character had no flaws imo. porter, poor porter, he was not very liked by his partners and for a good reason, he was a bit of a douche,lol ben, he was a weird duckling that one, i was not a big fan of his, he came of very territorial and possessive, i guess its an older rich guy thing. Shadow..... what a twisted human being... if you are fan of suspense romance you have to read this and if you are not then its your loss!!!