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Sweet Seduction #3
Sweet Seduction Shadow
"The moment you entered my world, you set it alight. Until there were no more shadows left to hide in."
Abi Merchant has been on the run for five long years. Panic and paranoia have been her constant companion. In an effort to survive the tortured memories of her past, she's had to live within her mind. But five weeks into a new identity and new location Abi knows her past has caught up with her. That itch between her shoulder blades and that bullseye she imagines on the centre of her back have returned. During one last ditch effort to escape a fate worse than death she meets him; a handsome, mysterious stranger who dwells in the shadows. Hiding just like she is, in plain sight. But can she trust him? Ben Tamati is following her for a reason. Abi just doesn't know if it's the same reason that has had her running for the past half decade or not.
A constant threat of capture and a life lived on the run finally wears Abi down. Attempted abductions, shoot-outs in back alleys, frantic and drastic evasions, determined police detectives and passionate gun-toting investigators all culminate in a showdown with Abi's past. A past that she has to face in order to discover who she really is in the end. But can she find the courage to confront the one man who has never stopped hunting her? And can she draw her shadow man out his shadows, just as he has drawn Abi out of herself?
Love at first sight has never been so dangerous and so very delicious at the same time.
Abi Merchant has been on the run for five long years. Panic and paranoia have been her constant companion. In an effort to survive the tortured memories of her past, she's had to live within her mind. But five weeks into a new identity and new location Abi knows her past has caught up with her. That itch between her shoulder blades and that bullseye she imagines on the centre of her back have returned. During one last ditch effort to escape a fate worse than death she meets him; a handsome, mysterious stranger who dwells in the shadows. Hiding just like she is, in plain sight. But can she trust him? Ben Tamati is following her for a reason. Abi just doesn't know if it's the same reason that has had her running for the past half decade or not.
A constant threat of capture and a life lived on the run finally wears Abi down. Attempted abductions, shoot-outs in back alleys, frantic and drastic evasions, determined police detectives and passionate gun-toting investigators all culminate in a showdown with Abi's past. A past that she has to face in order to discover who she really is in the end. But can she find the courage to confront the one man who has never stopped hunting her? And can she draw her shadow man out his shadows, just as he has drawn Abi out of herself?
Love at first sight has never been so dangerous and so very delicious at the same time.
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First published July 9, 2013
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About the author
Nicola Claire
137 books737 followersNicola Claire lives in beautiful Taupo, New Zealand with her husband, two teenage boys and a Miniature Schnauzer named Rudy.
A bit of a romance junkie, she can be known to devour as many as half a dozen books a week if she drinks too much coffee. But her real passion is writing sexy, romantic suspense stories with strong female leads and alpha male protagonists who know how to love them.
So far, she’s written well over 70 books. She might have caught the writing bug; here’s hoping there’s no cure!
A bit of a romance junkie, she can be known to devour as many as half a dozen books a week if she drinks too much coffee. But her real passion is writing sexy, romantic suspense stories with strong female leads and alpha male protagonists who know how to love them.
So far, she’s written well over 70 books. She might have caught the writing bug; here’s hoping there’s no cure!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
March 26, 2014
4.5 stars
This is by far the best story of the lot (so far).
The characters had a lot more depth than in the previous books, and the writing & story grabbed me right from the beginning and kept me interested til the very end.
I think I liked this book more than the others because both the H/h are broken and survivors.
They're intelligent, brave, and honorable.
I love that this series takes place in New Zealand (Auckland).
Our 'hero' in this book (Ben) is Maori with a beautifully described sleeve-chest tribal tattoo with a tiki (what the Maori consider the 'first man') tattooed into it.
His skills are that he can track/shadow people so well that they don't even know their being followed until it's too late.
The heroine in the book (Abi) is the daughter of a man who works for a drug Kingpin. She grew up in a Compound surrounded by a life of crime, but protected by her father from it touching her... until the Kingpin decides her for himself on her 18th birthday.
Abi escapes with the help of her father who has been 'training' since she was 15 on how to hide in plain site while on the run.
This series seems to be getting better and better.
On off to read Kate and Jason's story! (YAY)
August 8, 2013
I’m truly enjoying the “Sweet Seduction” series. “Sweet Seduction Shadow” is the third novel in the series and this one centers on Ben and Abi. Like the previous two installments, the author delivers a well-developed story that’s fully of intrigue, mystery, romance, action and hot, hot sex. Holy shit! The first time Ben and Abi have sex is off-the-charts HOT! Boy can Nicola Claire write. I found myself panting just reading their sexual escapade.
As much as I enjoyed reading this novel, I was also a little disappointed with it.
Unlike the first two installments, the presence of all the supporting characters was missing which is too bad since having them all there enriches the story even more. Instead we’re only given a glimpse of just a few.
Even though Ben and Abi had chemistry, I couldn’t understand how they loved each other when they just meet for the first time. Sure, he followed her for three weeks but come on! To say he felt a connection to her even though he never spoke to her doesn’t make any sense. And right from their first meeting, Ben is already declaring to his fellow mates that he’s claimed her. Seriously?
In chapter 23, Detective Andrews follows Kasey into the house. Can someone tell me what happened to him after Ben beat him up? The cops rescued Kasey but there’s no mention of Andrews after that which is surprising as it’s only at the house did they come to realize that Andrews was a corrupt officer and that he sold out both Ben and Abi to McLaren. There’s no mention of Andrews being dead, handcuffed, taken out of the house and down to the station, or any dialogue between him and Ben or anyone else for that matter. We’re not even told if he was working McLaren the whole time.
With respect to Abi, we’re told that she left the compound when she turned eighteen and that she was on the run for 5 years. That would make her twenty-three years old. However, in chapter 21 we’re told that she’s twenty-eight years old . I can only assume it’s a typo because Abi definitely came across as twenty-three as I found her to be quite immature and naïve. I honestly couldn’t feel the connection between Ben and Abi, except when it came to sex. I guess this is why I didn’t understand how Ben could love Abi like I mentioned above. As much as I love Ben, I wasn’t a huge fan of Abi’s.
In the end, this is still a great series and this novel is worthy of the four stars I give it. Being a huge fan of novels that take place in Australia and New Zealand only makes me enjoy it even more. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I’m just wondering if Kelly will ever get her own story as I believe she’s a terrific and integral female character who deserves one.
As much as I enjoyed reading this novel, I was also a little disappointed with it.
Unlike the first two installments, the presence of all the supporting characters was missing which is too bad since having them all there enriches the story even more. Instead we’re only given a glimpse of just a few.
Even though Ben and Abi had chemistry, I couldn’t understand how they loved each other when they just meet for the first time. Sure, he followed her for three weeks but come on! To say he felt a connection to her even though he never spoke to her doesn’t make any sense. And right from their first meeting, Ben is already declaring to his fellow mates that he’s claimed her. Seriously?
In chapter 23, Detective Andrews follows Kasey into the house. Can someone tell me what happened to him after Ben beat him up? The cops rescued Kasey but there’s no mention of Andrews after that which is surprising as it’s only at the house did they come to realize that Andrews was a corrupt officer and that he sold out both Ben and Abi to McLaren. There’s no mention of Andrews being dead, handcuffed, taken out of the house and down to the station, or any dialogue between him and Ben or anyone else for that matter. We’re not even told if he was working McLaren the whole time.
With respect to Abi, we’re told that she left the compound when she turned eighteen and that she was on the run for 5 years. That would make her twenty-three years old. However, in chapter 21 we’re told that she’s twenty-eight years old . I can only assume it’s a typo because Abi definitely came across as twenty-three as I found her to be quite immature and naïve. I honestly couldn’t feel the connection between Ben and Abi, except when it came to sex. I guess this is why I didn’t understand how Ben could love Abi like I mentioned above. As much as I love Ben, I wasn’t a huge fan of Abi’s.
In the end, this is still a great series and this novel is worthy of the four stars I give it. Being a huge fan of novels that take place in Australia and New Zealand only makes me enjoy it even more. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I’m just wondering if Kelly will ever get her own story as I believe she’s a terrific and integral female character who deserves one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2016
I just don't get the reviews or the comparisons to KA's Rock Chicks on this one. I love KA and have read other books by different authors who I think have the same "feel" as KA, but this book...NO. I was not even looking for a KA, but thought of it as a bonus when I saw so many reviews with the comparisons. No comparison to KA whatsoever. KA's heroines are funny, cute, and likable. Abi was just "there" as a heroine. Her inner dialogue annoyed me. I felt like I was told what to think of her instead of allowing me to come up with my own conclusions. I could not connect. I have no idea why Ben was so entranced with Abi A.K.A. "Red".
I love stories where the heroine is on the run and a hot, sexy hero "finds" her, but this was boring. This is my opinion and you may disagree with me 100%. Reading is subjective. I tried and tried to like this, but I just could not get it. Maybe it was all the vague information. The "suspense" the author was trying to make me feel, annoyed me. Abi and the whole "I am going to be this new identity" confused me. I am not sure if she was currently the clumsy hippy identity or the tight pencil skirt identity. This just did not work for me.
Abi has been on the run from Roan (some drug guy, I think) for 5 years. One day she encounters a man who has been watching her. Shocking he makes her heart beat which she claims has not happened in a long time.
I am not telling you not to read it. I am just trying to explain why it did not work for me.
I love stories where the heroine is on the run and a hot, sexy hero "finds" her, but this was boring. This is my opinion and you may disagree with me 100%. Reading is subjective. I tried and tried to like this, but I just could not get it. Maybe it was all the vague information. The "suspense" the author was trying to make me feel, annoyed me. Abi and the whole "I am going to be this new identity" confused me. I am not sure if she was currently the clumsy hippy identity or the tight pencil skirt identity. This just did not work for me.
Abi has been on the run from Roan (some drug guy, I think) for 5 years. One day she encounters a man who has been watching her. Shocking he makes her heart beat which she claims has not happened in a long time.
I am not telling you not to read it. I am just trying to explain why it did not work for me.
September 2, 2013
I think this one may be my favorite so far! I loved Ben and Abi! Their pasts were heartbreaking and the way they came together was simply beautiful!
Again I have so many highlights on my kindle but I don't even know where to start with a longer review! All I can say is I absofreakinglutely loved this book and the entire series thus far! I can't wait for Jason and Katie's story next!!!
November 18, 2018
Sweet Seduction Shadow begins when "the Shadow" known as Ben finally makes his appearance known to Abi. Abi has been running for the past five years to get away from some dangerous people. She knows she's been followed for the past three weeks, but she could never locate who was following her. She finally decides she's been made, and needs to get out of town fast. Things change however when Ben saves her. He has the wrong idea about Abi, but when these two get together it's explosive, and maybe just maybe love at first sight...
Oh man, I LOVE THIS BOOK!! This is not only my favorite of the series so far, it is now one of my favorite books! I loved Ben, and Abi together. They were perfect. Abi is basically Ben's equal in all ways. I loved that.
I also loved how once Abi, and Ben got together Abi didn't run from Ben. She embraced the connection they have together. It was also really nice to see the other characters from the other two books as well. The only thing I wish I had more of in this book was Ben, and Abi together. I wished we had got to see more of them "getting to know" each other, or just working together. That would be awesome. I can not wait to read more in this series, it is awesome.
Oh man, I LOVE THIS BOOK!! This is not only my favorite of the series so far, it is now one of my favorite books! I loved Ben, and Abi together. They were perfect. Abi is basically Ben's equal in all ways. I loved that.
I also loved how once Abi, and Ben got together Abi didn't run from Ben. She embraced the connection they have together. It was also really nice to see the other characters from the other two books as well. The only thing I wish I had more of in this book was Ben, and Abi together. I wished we had got to see more of them "getting to know" each other, or just working together. That would be awesome. I can not wait to read more in this series, it is awesome.
September 13, 2013
For all Kristen Ashley fans this should do it! Nice written we have, sexy -hot -bunch-alpha-males,nice ladies, great story, and hot hot hot smutt. So I'm hooked!
February 19, 2014
When I was reading book 2 in this series I was really hoping Ben's book would be next and I kinda figured Abi would be the heroine, and I was so happy I was correct. Abi was a great heroine she was strong but not macho and smart and yet still very feminine. Abi's whole thought was self preservation so much so she missed the true value of people around her and thought she was all alone but had she looked she would have scene that she was surrounded by people who cared about her and valued her. Ben had friends and family that he cared about but he preferred living in the shadows and never really putting himself out there after a devastating accident in his past. Ben was strong and possessive and caring the perfect hero to sink your teeth into.
Ben was assigned to watch Abi, thats what he does best being in the shadows so that those he watches don't see him or ever know he was there. Ben though he had Abi all figured out then she went and surprised him. Abi hides in plain sight she has to to survive but the years of running have taken it's toll so much so that she dreams of a man who hides in the shadows. When she is planning her next escape she is shocked to be saved from the man she thought she had made up in her mind. Abi doesn't just intrigue Ben anymore now she will be his and Ben will do what he has to to keep her safe. Abi never thought she would have someone other than her father to protect her but she finds that and so much more in Ben and with him at her back Abi finally finds the strength to confront her past. But no plan could ever be that easy and even though Ben is great at what he does Abi and Ben may not come out the other side so that they can walk in the light together.
This was another great book in this series, Ms. Claire has done another great job on this book. With each book I read in this series I never feel like its the same old same old. She does a great job at creating new and interesting characters and story lines that you easily fall in love with and root for the hero and heroine. We again get glimpse into the characters that we met in previous books and peaks into those yet to come. This was just an easy book to read and enjoy and get swept away in. Its just so easy to care about the characters and to feel like your right along with them for their journeys because these books are so well written. I'm glad there is many book left in this series because I am nowhere near ready to say goodbye.
Ben was assigned to watch Abi, thats what he does best being in the shadows so that those he watches don't see him or ever know he was there. Ben though he had Abi all figured out then she went and surprised him. Abi hides in plain sight she has to to survive but the years of running have taken it's toll so much so that she dreams of a man who hides in the shadows. When she is planning her next escape she is shocked to be saved from the man she thought she had made up in her mind. Abi doesn't just intrigue Ben anymore now she will be his and Ben will do what he has to to keep her safe. Abi never thought she would have someone other than her father to protect her but she finds that and so much more in Ben and with him at her back Abi finally finds the strength to confront her past. But no plan could ever be that easy and even though Ben is great at what he does Abi and Ben may not come out the other side so that they can walk in the light together.
This was another great book in this series, Ms. Claire has done another great job on this book. With each book I read in this series I never feel like its the same old same old. She does a great job at creating new and interesting characters and story lines that you easily fall in love with and root for the hero and heroine. We again get glimpse into the characters that we met in previous books and peaks into those yet to come. This was just an easy book to read and enjoy and get swept away in. Its just so easy to care about the characters and to feel like your right along with them for their journeys because these books are so well written. I'm glad there is many book left in this series because I am nowhere near ready to say goodbye.
May 1, 2015
Sweet Seduction Shadow started off with a great premise if you’re a sucker for a damsel in distress like I am. Frightened Abby is a girl on the run who can’t trust anyone. We learn that Abby has been on the run for five years from a brutal criminal that became obsessed with her when she was a child. Ben Tamati is a tatted up hottie with an interest in Abby that starts as professional but doesn’t end there. If you read the earlier books, you may remember Ben being introduced as an employee of Anscombe Security. Ben and Abby’s relationship starts quickly once the two come face to face and Ben helps Abby confront her past and the almost cult-like childhood she had within the criminal compound she lived within.
For readers expecting a sexy read based on book one and two in the series, Nicola Claire doesn’t disappoint! There is plenty of steam to go around. I thought these two were going to be all kind of hot together. And they were. Abby cranks up the heat right from the beginning with her erotic dreams of a sweet smelling man and later Abby and Ben burn up the sheets together. I would have liked to learn a little more about Ben’s past but this book focuses more on Abby’s life. I hope that we learn more about both of these characters in later books!
I still think that book one in the series is still my favorite. I didn’t like book two as much and I think book three could have been better (there was just so many aspects going in that could have worked great). With all that being said, I will definitely read book four when it is released. I’m not sure if it’s the readability factor or the fact that these books remind me a lot of one my all-time favorites (Kristen Ashley’s Rock Chicks) but I’m hooked!
For readers expecting a sexy read based on book one and two in the series, Nicola Claire doesn’t disappoint! There is plenty of steam to go around. I thought these two were going to be all kind of hot together. And they were. Abby cranks up the heat right from the beginning with her erotic dreams of a sweet smelling man and later Abby and Ben burn up the sheets together. I would have liked to learn a little more about Ben’s past but this book focuses more on Abby’s life. I hope that we learn more about both of these characters in later books!
I still think that book one in the series is still my favorite. I didn’t like book two as much and I think book three could have been better (there was just so many aspects going in that could have worked great). With all that being said, I will definitely read book four when it is released. I’m not sure if it’s the readability factor or the fact that these books remind me a lot of one my all-time favorites (Kristen Ashley’s Rock Chicks) but I’m hooked!
September 3, 2016
The third book in the Sweet Seduction series by Nicola Claire. Abi Merchant/Monaghan has been on the run for 5 years. Hiding in plain sight, changing her identity to keep from being caught by the drug lord who "owns" her. She loves her current identity as Abi Merchant but knows it's time to leave. While executing her plan, she meets her shadow man, Ben Tamaki. He persuades her to stay and so she does.
I think the series is getting better and will certainly continue it. I think I liked this couple the best so far. I did find it convenient that Abi grew to trust Ben so quickly. Not a perfect read but really good in my opinion. It kept me entertained for hours.
I think the series is getting better and will certainly continue it. I think I liked this couple the best so far. I did find it convenient that Abi grew to trust Ben so quickly. Not a perfect read but really good in my opinion. It kept me entertained for hours.
January 31, 2016
5 Ben-Tamati-just-rocked-my-world Stars...!!!!
January 27, 2014
Loved it!!!
I love Ben and Abi!!! this story had me from the very first page. I couldn't put it down. I read this all in one day.. Can't wait for the next one. please read these books!!!
I love Ben and Abi!!! this story had me from the very first page. I couldn't put it down. I read this all in one day.. Can't wait for the next one. please read these books!!!
May 21, 2014
I read this one so fast! I thought it was shorter than the others. Turns out it was just really good! I could definitely read more about this couple
October 17, 2013
*ARC courtesy of Nicola Claire in return for an honest review*
http://ripeforreader.blogspot.ca/2013...
She feels it again, the tingling between her shoulder blades.....a sure sign someone is on her tail again. Almost to the bus stop, and her ride to yet another place....another identity, but then she is falling, right in the path of a car. Two strong arms yank her out of the way at the last minute, and she smells him first, the man and the cologne from her dreams?
When Ben pulls the redhead off the street in the nick of time, he surely didn't expect her to kick him in the nuts and take off on the bus!! Granted, he is not much of a talker himself, but a simple thanks would've done. Still, she seemed scared of him and that doesn't sit well. He works for ASI, security and investigation specialists, and is in the business of investigating and protecting, not scaring off. Ben can't resist keeping an even closer eye out for the girl.
She likes Abi, she doesn't really want to change again. As Abi she started making friends, she had a good job working for nice people, and a roommate she actually liked. But she has been running for the last five years and she can't afford to let up now or he would find her. She is just so tired of running, of starting over again, of always looking over her shoulder. Her father did what he could to protect her when she was younger, but the compound of a mob syndicate was not the best place to grow up for a young girl. Especially when the head of the syndicate has tried to claim you as his, since you were fifteen. She got away, but for how long?
Ben finds Abi again, trying her best to get as far from Auckland as she can, but she is not happy to see him. She doesn't trust him, but Ben is able to convince her that he is on her side, he will protect her. As limited as Ben is with his verbal communication, he has no problems communicating very clearly and explicitly on a physical level, and Abi is receiving the message very clearly. Once he claims Abi as his, the entire ASI team gets involved. Abi has become a hot commodity against her will, and trust is not an easy thing to come by, or part with. But with Ben solidly at her back, they take on any threat, past or present, and make sure their future is cleared for a new beginning.
****
The third fabulous book in the Sweet Seduction series, each an individual story, but with some recurring and familiar characters that centre around the Sweet Seduction coffee shop and chocolaterie as well as the powerful and protective Alpha boys from ASI, Anscombe Security and Investigations.
What is so fantastic about this story is that even though we are dealing with an Alpha male, he is not overbearing or controlling (even if he has to fight it at times), but one who completely respects his woman's abilities, not just within her realm, but within his. And he says the most amazing things for one who 'sucks' at communicating.
Abi, despite suffering from anxiety attacks, is not ruled by them, nor is she even slowed down by them. She seems to cope with them quite well, considering the constant stress she is under. She too is a great role model of someone who may have grown up under the poorest of circumstances, who may not have always made the best choices, but made them in order to survive and she didn't only survive, she overcame.
And together Ben and Abi bloom......my favourite Sweet Seduction couple so far!
Two people, who by choice and by circumstance, have avoided forming close personal connections and lead restrictive, solitary lives, have found in each other an instinctive understanding, a haven, a light, an equal, a homecoming.
An edgy, passionate and stirring read!! Full of heat and thrills, with a kick-ass heroine and an irresistible hero!!
http://ripeforreader.blogspot.ca/2013...
She feels it again, the tingling between her shoulder blades.....a sure sign someone is on her tail again. Almost to the bus stop, and her ride to yet another place....another identity, but then she is falling, right in the path of a car. Two strong arms yank her out of the way at the last minute, and she smells him first, the man and the cologne from her dreams?
When Ben pulls the redhead off the street in the nick of time, he surely didn't expect her to kick him in the nuts and take off on the bus!! Granted, he is not much of a talker himself, but a simple thanks would've done. Still, she seemed scared of him and that doesn't sit well. He works for ASI, security and investigation specialists, and is in the business of investigating and protecting, not scaring off. Ben can't resist keeping an even closer eye out for the girl.
She likes Abi, she doesn't really want to change again. As Abi she started making friends, she had a good job working for nice people, and a roommate she actually liked. But she has been running for the last five years and she can't afford to let up now or he would find her. She is just so tired of running, of starting over again, of always looking over her shoulder. Her father did what he could to protect her when she was younger, but the compound of a mob syndicate was not the best place to grow up for a young girl. Especially when the head of the syndicate has tried to claim you as his, since you were fifteen. She got away, but for how long?
Ben finds Abi again, trying her best to get as far from Auckland as she can, but she is not happy to see him. She doesn't trust him, but Ben is able to convince her that he is on her side, he will protect her. As limited as Ben is with his verbal communication, he has no problems communicating very clearly and explicitly on a physical level, and Abi is receiving the message very clearly. Once he claims Abi as his, the entire ASI team gets involved. Abi has become a hot commodity against her will, and trust is not an easy thing to come by, or part with. But with Ben solidly at her back, they take on any threat, past or present, and make sure their future is cleared for a new beginning.
****
The third fabulous book in the Sweet Seduction series, each an individual story, but with some recurring and familiar characters that centre around the Sweet Seduction coffee shop and chocolaterie as well as the powerful and protective Alpha boys from ASI, Anscombe Security and Investigations.
What is so fantastic about this story is that even though we are dealing with an Alpha male, he is not overbearing or controlling (even if he has to fight it at times), but one who completely respects his woman's abilities, not just within her realm, but within his. And he says the most amazing things for one who 'sucks' at communicating.
Abi, despite suffering from anxiety attacks, is not ruled by them, nor is she even slowed down by them. She seems to cope with them quite well, considering the constant stress she is under. She too is a great role model of someone who may have grown up under the poorest of circumstances, who may not have always made the best choices, but made them in order to survive and she didn't only survive, she overcame.
And together Ben and Abi bloom......my favourite Sweet Seduction couple so far!
Two people, who by choice and by circumstance, have avoided forming close personal connections and lead restrictive, solitary lives, have found in each other an instinctive understanding, a haven, a light, an equal, a homecoming.
An edgy, passionate and stirring read!! Full of heat and thrills, with a kick-ass heroine and an irresistible hero!!
July 23, 2013
Strong 3.5 stars!
The Good: Great writing, very reminiscent of Rock Chick series at times but missing a bit of that humor. Very appealing flawed characters, author did a great job in giving them a lot of detail (Abi more so than Ben) but it was easy for me to imagine them visually. Very steamy love scenes, unlike prior books, this one quickly unfolds with the hot stuff ;-) Very quick paced book, didn't ever feel like it was stagnant.
The Bad: Internal dialog was a bit repetitive at times, would have liked to have witnessed the reunion between father/daughter felt like that was a huge piece missing that got swept up in the short epilogue, not always a fan of insta-love, and what was history of Ben? Feel like we never got to know about his background and how he came to be "Shadow Man." Epilogue left a bit to be desired, would have liked to have scene climax ending a bit more after fight, was wrapped up too quickly.
The Ugly: Had to finish the play on words, but nothing really ugly now :-)
All in all a good suspenseful read and much better than the second one if I recall correctly.
The Good: Great writing, very reminiscent of Rock Chick series at times but missing a bit of that humor. Very appealing flawed characters, author did a great job in giving them a lot of detail (Abi more so than Ben) but it was easy for me to imagine them visually. Very steamy love scenes, unlike prior books, this one quickly unfolds with the hot stuff ;-) Very quick paced book, didn't ever feel like it was stagnant.
The Bad: Internal dialog was a bit repetitive at times, would have liked to have witnessed the reunion between father/daughter felt like that was a huge piece missing that got swept up in the short epilogue, not always a fan of insta-love, and what was history of Ben? Feel like we never got to know about his background and how he came to be "Shadow Man." Epilogue left a bit to be desired, would have liked to have scene climax ending a bit more after fight, was wrapped up too quickly.
The Ugly: Had to finish the play on words, but nothing really ugly now :-)
All in all a good suspenseful read and much better than the second one if I recall correctly.
August 31, 2013
This 3rd installment had me sitting on the edge of my seat the whole time.
The heroine this time around lives the anxious life and some how the author builds that driving anxiety into the whole book. It was awesome! I'm truly annoyed that I have to wait for the next installment and praying its really only a month away.
In the other books the supporting characters take an active role whereas this time they're off to the side and the main action happens with two characters that hide who they are from the rest of the world.
I love this series and how this author takes character traits seriously and lets them drive the tone of the book. It really is amazing and I'm definitely hooked on this series!
The heroine this time around lives the anxious life and some how the author builds that driving anxiety into the whole book. It was awesome! I'm truly annoyed that I have to wait for the next installment and praying its really only a month away.
In the other books the supporting characters take an active role whereas this time they're off to the side and the main action happens with two characters that hide who they are from the rest of the world.
I love this series and how this author takes character traits seriously and lets them drive the tone of the book. It really is amazing and I'm definitely hooked on this series!
August 7, 2015
I'm not often fond of insta-loves, however, in Sweet Seduction Shadow, I didn't mind it at all. Truth be told, I actually loved it. It worked so perfectly that it wasn't annoying, or maybe too much. Perhaps we have the writing to thank for that. The words flowed so well: it was erotic, romantic, suspense, and beautiful all at once. There were even some parts that made me tear up for some reason, so you can tell that I actually loved this book. Along with that, some scenes could get you gripping on your seat because of the second-hand fear that the characters were feeling. It wasn't extreme, but it was enough. The character developments were great too!
(And did I mention it was hot? Well, it was.)
5/5!
(And did I mention it was hot? Well, it was.)
5/5!
August 10, 2016
Loved Ben Tamati, how only Abi could bring him out of the shadows. Not even the people he worked with knew him like her. Ben wasn't afraid of a woman being good at hiding (obviously not as good as Ben since he found her), and he's so intrigued that he breaks rules to follow and save her. He's willing to give up everything for her, inviting her into his sanctuary, teaching her how to be invisible so she can work with the guys. The suspense was well written, the twists in the story I didn't see coming, and of course the sex is hot! Great read again by Nicola, can't wait for Book 4.
November 24, 2013
What great addition to the series!
Ben and Abi are an awesome couple! The first chapter alone makes buying the book a great investment! I need to have a few dreams like that!!!!! Roan is a believable bad guy, I mean, I would probably jump on the first boat out of town as well. I am a sucker for sexy tattoos and Ben sounds like he has a very sexy sleeve that is tribal themed. I think this book is an incredible addition to the series. I loved it! (Obviously!)
Ben and Abi are an awesome couple! The first chapter alone makes buying the book a great investment! I need to have a few dreams like that!!!!! Roan is a believable bad guy, I mean, I would probably jump on the first boat out of town as well. I am a sucker for sexy tattoos and Ben sounds like he has a very sexy sleeve that is tribal themed. I think this book is an incredible addition to the series. I loved it! (Obviously!)
July 15, 2013
Well I'm so excited about this series!!! I really hope the author writes more than 4 books there are so many good characters. I can't wait for book 4!!! Write Nicola write!!! Great book, fast paced, sexy as all get out, sweet, and suspenseful loved it and I highly recommend this book and series!!
October 5, 2013
This book is amazing and my absolute favorite in the series so far. It seems Nicola Claire gets better and better with every book. It was emotional, full of suspense and above all STEAMY! I can't wait to get my hands on the nect book in the Sweet Seduction Series.
July 22, 2013
Cute series. It reminds me very strongly of Kristen Ashley's Rock Chicks...
August 26, 2013
My favorite in the series, so far. The story was deeper than the previous two and I loved Ben. He was very protective of Abi. And Abi was definitely a lot more agreeable than the previous heroines.
October 3, 2013
This series gets better with every book.
January 6, 2015
This series just keeps on getting better! For those of you who loved the rock chick series by kristen ashley, this series is perfect ☺️
December 18, 2018
Someone recommended this series because it's supposed to be similar to Kristen Ashley's Rock Chick Series. It is similar, but the suspense is more intense. This is my favorite one of the series. I could not put it down. Love these two characters and enjoyed seeing them in the rest of the series.
August 5, 2018
** 3.5 Stars **
February 9, 2020
Best of the three so far.
Want to read
May 13, 2022🎁 Part of Sweet Seduction Book Bundle (Books #1-3) which is FREE on Amazon today (5/13/2022)! 🎁
Want to read
October 2, 2024Prch Amz September 28, 2024
March 7, 2017
Yep! Third time's the Charm...4****
Shadow Man
This is the third book in the Sweet Seduction series and after 1 & 2 just being okay, I really enjoyed this one.
Sarah Monaghan aka Abi has been hiding in plain sight for five years. She has become an expert at running and hiding. She has been on the move and trying to stay out of the clutches of a drug lord who made up his mind to believe she was his from the moment she turned 15. Her father was able to keep this guy away, but they both know once she turns 18, Roan will be claiming her. She grew up in a criminal compound and has seen many things. Her father has been a buffer between her and Roan, but time is running out. With well learned lessons from her father and some money, she flees.
It has taken Abi a few years to try and get the legal paperwork she needs to leave the country and now it may be too late. She feels like Roan has finally found her. For several weeks she literally feels the target on her back, but is it really Roan? Even though she is used to moving and living in disguise, she likes Auckland. She has a good job and had made friends. However, she knows she needs to go.
Ben Tamati lives in the shadows. He is a tracker for ASI and his latest assignment is Abi. He has been on her trail for the past three weeks. Ben not only lives in the shadows because of his profession, he is full of guilt for something that happened in his past.
Ben and Abi come together in crazy circumstances. They both start out doubting each other, even though it's obvious these two have "felt" each other even before meeting.
This was a good read, as Ben and Abi navigate a web of deceit, mystery, and criminals. Their feelings for each other are pretty much instant and it is sweet to see how much they help each other out and what a great team they make.
Shadow Man
This is the third book in the Sweet Seduction series and after 1 & 2 just being okay, I really enjoyed this one.
Sarah Monaghan aka Abi has been hiding in plain sight for five years. She has become an expert at running and hiding. She has been on the move and trying to stay out of the clutches of a drug lord who made up his mind to believe she was his from the moment she turned 15. Her father was able to keep this guy away, but they both know once she turns 18, Roan will be claiming her. She grew up in a criminal compound and has seen many things. Her father has been a buffer between her and Roan, but time is running out. With well learned lessons from her father and some money, she flees.
It has taken Abi a few years to try and get the legal paperwork she needs to leave the country and now it may be too late. She feels like Roan has finally found her. For several weeks she literally feels the target on her back, but is it really Roan? Even though she is used to moving and living in disguise, she likes Auckland. She has a good job and had made friends. However, she knows she needs to go.
Ben Tamati lives in the shadows. He is a tracker for ASI and his latest assignment is Abi. He has been on her trail for the past three weeks. Ben not only lives in the shadows because of his profession, he is full of guilt for something that happened in his past.
Ben and Abi come together in crazy circumstances. They both start out doubting each other, even though it's obvious these two have "felt" each other even before meeting.
This was a good read, as Ben and Abi navigate a web of deceit, mystery, and criminals. Their feelings for each other are pretty much instant and it is sweet to see how much they help each other out and what a great team they make.
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