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Radiance
A lightness of spirit often draws the darkness.
Gabriella Hernandez admits her irrational attraction to Harper Delkin and his bodyguard Elijah Eklund. Despite a little bit of fear about why they want her, she can’t deny her excitement. She has no doubt they'll leave her body humming but her heart shredded.
Harper Delkin didn't like her. The woman was too emotional and dangerous to his self-control. There was something about Gabriella that twisted him up and made him harder than he’d ever been in his lifetime.
Elijah Eklund knew the moment Harper mentioned Brie that things in their life were about to change drastically. He never suspected she would ultimately turn their world inside out or the lengths he would go to keep her.
Visit with characters you fell in love with in the other stories set in "The Barter System" universe and meet a few you are never going to forget.
A contemporary romance novel by Always the Good Girl, Shayne McClendon.
Gabriella Hernandez admits her irrational attraction to Harper Delkin and his bodyguard Elijah Eklund. Despite a little bit of fear about why they want her, she can’t deny her excitement. She has no doubt they'll leave her body humming but her heart shredded.
Harper Delkin didn't like her. The woman was too emotional and dangerous to his self-control. There was something about Gabriella that twisted him up and made him harder than he’d ever been in his lifetime.
Elijah Eklund knew the moment Harper mentioned Brie that things in their life were about to change drastically. He never suspected she would ultimately turn their world inside out or the lengths he would go to keep her.
Visit with characters you fell in love with in the other stories set in "The Barter System" universe and meet a few you are never going to forget.
A contemporary romance novel by Always the Good Girl, Shayne McClendon.
476 pages, ebook
Published December 16, 2015
29 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Shayne McClendon
82 books620 followersShayne McClendon is the author of more than fifty published books and over six hundred short stories (and counting).
She writes heart-pounding romantic fiction as Shayne McClendon, thrilling paranormal romance as Sabrina Rue, and LGBTQ+ action-packed erotica as Charlize Rojos. Recently, she started writing light novels as Honeycomb and is absolutely loving how fun it is!
Shayne spends most of her waking hours writing in one genre or another. Currently living in Tulsa, Oklahoma near her kids (who are all grown up now) and kept company by the best furry companions on the planet, this author takes the hermit lifestyle to a whole different level.
Coffee consumption is too high, amount of sleep is too low, but the words always feel just right.
If you’re looking for your next great read...look no further than Shayne McClendon! Her dramatic and erotic romances will grab hold and not let you go until the very last page.
Stop by her website Always the Good Girl and read short stories for free!
She writes heart-pounding romantic fiction as Shayne McClendon, thrilling paranormal romance as Sabrina Rue, and LGBTQ+ action-packed erotica as Charlize Rojos. Recently, she started writing light novels as Honeycomb and is absolutely loving how fun it is!
Shayne spends most of her waking hours writing in one genre or another. Currently living in Tulsa, Oklahoma near her kids (who are all grown up now) and kept company by the best furry companions on the planet, this author takes the hermit lifestyle to a whole different level.
Coffee consumption is too high, amount of sleep is too low, but the words always feel just right.
If you’re looking for your next great read...look no further than Shayne McClendon! Her dramatic and erotic romances will grab hold and not let you go until the very last page.
Stop by her website Always the Good Girl and read short stories for free!
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 22, 2019
Amazing characters come to life
I love this series. It's got amazing characters and outstanding writing. I can read this book again and again and still love it
I love this series. It's got amazing characters and outstanding writing. I can read this book again and again and still love it
January 13, 2016
I have been waiting for what feels like forever for Gabriella's (Brie) story, and FINALLY it is here!!! I became attached to Brie in Hudson's story and for the past 4 books in this series have been waiting (not so patiently) for this woman to get something for herself.
This book is even more of an emotional roller coaster than I expected and I found myself wanting to scream at everyone to just cut this woman a break! Brie goes through trials that would crush lesser beings with a grace that is impossible to comprehend. So, of course she can't just find the person/people she is meant to be with and then live happily ever after. Elijah is pretty easy to love right from the start. He's a lot of things, and those things are all great. Harper Delkin is a much tougher sell, and I had to struggle not to have my primary feelings towards him be irritation, anger, and frustration. I had to try hard and see things through Gabriella's eyes, but even then sometimes wondered how she could love him so early on when his behavior was so terrible. There is no denying the chemistry between these characters, and the added relationship layers going on in this situation made everything even more intense.
There were times when I felt that I just couldn't handle it if one more awful thing happened to Brie. Watching someone repeatedly make the lives of others better while suffering so much themselves became nearly unbearable. I'm glad I pushed through the pain and found my way through the story. I love spending time with all of these characters and hope for more of all of them in the future.
I highly recommend this series, but believe that it really needs to be read in order. Get it. Read it. Love it.
Now give me some Hollow. Soon, please.
This book is even more of an emotional roller coaster than I expected and I found myself wanting to scream at everyone to just cut this woman a break! Brie goes through trials that would crush lesser beings with a grace that is impossible to comprehend. So, of course she can't just find the person/people she is meant to be with and then live happily ever after. Elijah is pretty easy to love right from the start. He's a lot of things, and those things are all great. Harper Delkin is a much tougher sell, and I had to struggle not to have my primary feelings towards him be irritation, anger, and frustration. I had to try hard and see things through Gabriella's eyes, but even then sometimes wondered how she could love him so early on when his behavior was so terrible. There is no denying the chemistry between these characters, and the added relationship layers going on in this situation made everything even more intense.
There were times when I felt that I just couldn't handle it if one more awful thing happened to Brie. Watching someone repeatedly make the lives of others better while suffering so much themselves became nearly unbearable. I'm glad I pushed through the pain and found my way through the story. I love spending time with all of these characters and hope for more of all of them in the future.
I highly recommend this series, but believe that it really needs to be read in order. Get it. Read it. Love it.
Now give me some Hollow. Soon, please.
January 2, 2016
Shayne never ceases to amaze me with everything that she writes. Radiance is book 6 of the series, and also the last although we will continue to see the characters in other novel, While I am sad to see the series end it makes me happy knowing that we will continue to see them. I was kept on an emotional rollercoaster with this one, and I am glad that I was as it was all important. How do you get a submissive man to admit that he loves the woman that he has been watching from afar and even when they brought her in and he continued to hurt her to the point that he drove her away, hurting his relationship with the only other person that he loved in the process? Can he admit his wrong doing and finally admit that he loves her? Can he help win her back? Will she go back, despite her hurt?Shayne never ceases to amaze me with everything that she writes. Radiance is book 6 of the series, and also the last although we will continue to see the characters in other novel, While I am sad to see the series end it makes me happy knowing that we will continue to see them. I was kept on an emotional rollercoaster with this one, and I am glad that I was as it was all important. How do you get a submissive man to admit that he loves the woman that he has been watching from afar and even when they brought her in and he continued to hurt her to the point that he drove her away, hurting his relationship with the only other person that he loved in the process? Can he admit his wrong doing and finally admit that he loves her? Can he help win her back? Will she go back, despite her hurt?
June 10, 2020
Loved it.
Been waiting to read Brie storry and it was awesome. I emotional roller coaster of a read. You will laugh, get tee totally p%ssed off, ferl like your heart has been ripped out and shredded. And drama and action thrown in. I have not rwad a book yet by SM that i didnt love but this is my favorite series of hers, but will be honest there is still a bunch I havent tead but I plan on it. Bug hugh recommend but you must read in order. But you wont be sorry.
Been waiting to read Brie storry and it was awesome. I emotional roller coaster of a read. You will laugh, get tee totally p%ssed off, ferl like your heart has been ripped out and shredded. And drama and action thrown in. I have not rwad a book yet by SM that i didnt love but this is my favorite series of hers, but will be honest there is still a bunch I havent tead but I plan on it. Bug hugh recommend but you must read in order. But you wont be sorry.
January 13, 2021
Oh, dear lord
I cried more with Radiance than any other book in the series. At long last, we make it to her own story -- see her as the main character instead of one that facilitates the rest. There are twists that I didn't see coming. All in all, the emotional rollercoaster of the last 40% of the book is pretty devastating.
I cried more with Radiance than any other book in the series. At long last, we make it to her own story -- see her as the main character instead of one that facilitates the rest. There are twists that I didn't see coming. All in all, the emotional rollercoaster of the last 40% of the book is pretty devastating.
May 30, 2023
lives up to its name
Finally it’s the rest of Bri’s tale and oh boy! IT’s everything! There are moments in this book when you will so heartbroken you will cry like a baby, there are times when you will be SO mad, but by the end of this roller coaster, you’ll will be thankful for this book hangover
Finally it’s the rest of Bri’s tale and oh boy! IT’s everything! There are moments in this book when you will so heartbroken you will cry like a baby, there are times when you will be SO mad, but by the end of this roller coaster, you’ll will be thankful for this book hangover
March 21, 2017
This was a great story
August 2, 2017
Outstanding
Brie is so funny and so smart. I really enjoyed her and her men and of course all of her friends. I sure wasn't ready for her story to be over.
Brie is so funny and so smart. I really enjoyed her and her men and of course all of her friends. I sure wasn't ready for her story to be over.
July 7, 2018
I loved the series. I am hooked.
May 12, 2022
First read review: This series is so incredibly good. It goes past just smut and explores vulnerability and sexuality and is just a damn good read <3 Someday I'll write a review!
Second read review: 3.5 stars!
I really enjoy this series! I've only read books one, two and five, because I wanted to follow the same characters, but I fully intend to go back and read three and four someday! I love the way this series explores sensuality and the character examinations it offers. I rated it four stars when I read it in 2020, which is honestly kind of surprising to me that it wasn't originally higher.
That said, I'm unfortunately knocking it down to a 3.5 rating. I don't know if it's because I reread all the books back-to-back in very few sittings or what, but I got quite annoyed by the number of times we were told what a kind, gentle, lovely soul Gabriella is. We know that. She was built up so well, already, in "Hudson," where we first met her as a main character. I respect her journey so much, she is so obviously strong and graceful and has gone through so many events that would have, individually, crippled most. Throughout her story, Gabriella has At some point, I had to wonder, when did it end for her? When would life stop smacking her down? She was someone who simply lived to improve the lives of others, and who was continually suffering.
I adore her story, especially as it played out one of my favorite tropes: loving relationships that don't last. From book two: .
However, I found myself frustrated by the constant, unnecessary character reminders. We know who Brie is. We've followed her for over 600 pages now. One of my favorite parts of Shayne's writing is that it's very show-don't-tell, but not in this one. There was another instance of writing style that bothered me, and that was the constant italicized words. I don't know if this is consistent, I don't remember seeing it (or at least not this often) in the other books, but just about every other paragraph there was a sentence like "Don't you see, Gabriella. We love you. There is nothing we wouldn't do for you." This is not a real sentence from the book, by the way. But it's a very precise way of writing that translates to a precise way of speaking, and that's fine! For one character to speak like that. But everyone did. Everything was emphasized constantly. I got annoyed. Every genuine conversation suddenly became genuine pleading, and I wasn't here for that.
Also, Delkin was a tough sell on me, and his whole flip at the end felt too contrived. I'd been convinced on him, finally, and that's how he chooses to react? I would have been down for him to freak out again, but not like that. It was so contrived.
Anyway. None of this means I don't recommend Shayne's books or her writing!! I still adore this series, but I think as a conclusion and as the book that wrapped up a cliffhanger from three books prior, there were a lot of expectations that just... didn't fully add up for me.
Second read review: 3.5 stars!
I really enjoy this series! I've only read books one, two and five, because I wanted to follow the same characters, but I fully intend to go back and read three and four someday! I love the way this series explores sensuality and the character examinations it offers. I rated it four stars when I read it in 2020, which is honestly kind of surprising to me that it wasn't originally higher.
That said, I'm unfortunately knocking it down to a 3.5 rating. I don't know if it's because I reread all the books back-to-back in very few sittings or what, but I got quite annoyed by the number of times we were told what a kind, gentle, lovely soul Gabriella is. We know that. She was built up so well, already, in "Hudson," where we first met her as a main character. I respect her journey so much, she is so obviously strong and graceful and has gone through so many events that would have, individually, crippled most. Throughout her story, Gabriella has At some point, I had to wonder, when did it end for her? When would life stop smacking her down? She was someone who simply lived to improve the lives of others, and who was continually suffering.
I adore her story, especially as it played out one of my favorite tropes: loving relationships that don't last. From book two: .
However, I found myself frustrated by the constant, unnecessary character reminders. We know who Brie is. We've followed her for over 600 pages now. One of my favorite parts of Shayne's writing is that it's very show-don't-tell, but not in this one. There was another instance of writing style that bothered me, and that was the constant italicized words. I don't know if this is consistent, I don't remember seeing it (or at least not this often) in the other books, but just about every other paragraph there was a sentence like "Don't you see, Gabriella. We love you. There is nothing we wouldn't do for you." This is not a real sentence from the book, by the way. But it's a very precise way of writing that translates to a precise way of speaking, and that's fine! For one character to speak like that. But everyone did. Everything was emphasized constantly. I got annoyed. Every genuine conversation suddenly became genuine pleading, and I wasn't here for that.
Also, Delkin was a tough sell on me, and his whole flip at the end felt too contrived. I'd been convinced on him, finally, and that's how he chooses to react? I would have been down for him to freak out again, but not like that. It was so contrived.
Anyway. None of this means I don't recommend Shayne's books or her writing!! I still adore this series, but I think as a conclusion and as the book that wrapped up a cliffhanger from three books prior, there were a lot of expectations that just... didn't fully add up for me.
April 30, 2023
If i read it in 2015, might have liked it but reading it in 2023, not so much. When i read Hudson in 2014, i did look forward for Brie's story but later forgot bout it, and two days ago came across Hudson and my curiosity for Brie's story brought me to Radiance and boy oh boy if i got a headache by going round and round of Harper's same dialogues of how he won't love Brie, how she is coming between him and Elijah bla bla. What a whiny character.
Then comes Brie whom the author made sure to make the most misfortuned and mistreated human being. It started from Hudson and continued in this book. Conned, robbed, hit by car, almost raped, used by Harper, miscarried, almost kidnapped and so on. At one point i felt like if she died, she might have found more peace than living among the "powerful creatures". She is always surrounded by powerful ppl and still end up enduring all of the aboves.
Elijah had good character arc and love that scene where he punched Harper to make him faint. That guy deserved a thorough beating.
The book was unnecessarily lengthy, it could have been 20 chapters less and would have had the same impact. Cause the storyline kept going round and round of Harper wanting Brie, not wanting her, Wanting her, not wanting her. Hudson kept kissing her forehead and calling her the strongest person he knew. Brie calling Hudson her Best friend in every line which made me loath the words Best Friend till the end. It was a very tiring read.
Then comes Brie whom the author made sure to make the most misfortuned and mistreated human being. It started from Hudson and continued in this book. Conned, robbed, hit by car, almost raped, used by Harper, miscarried, almost kidnapped and so on. At one point i felt like if she died, she might have found more peace than living among the "powerful creatures". She is always surrounded by powerful ppl and still end up enduring all of the aboves.
Elijah had good character arc and love that scene where he punched Harper to make him faint. That guy deserved a thorough beating.
The book was unnecessarily lengthy, it could have been 20 chapters less and would have had the same impact. Cause the storyline kept going round and round of Harper wanting Brie, not wanting her, Wanting her, not wanting her. Hudson kept kissing her forehead and calling her the strongest person he knew. Brie calling Hudson her Best friend in every line which made me loath the words Best Friend till the end. It was a very tiring read.
April 4, 2016
Freaking Amazing
I was so happy to finally get my hands on Brie's story. I started reading it and I pulled an all nighter. I literally couldn't put it down and I wanted more when I finally came to the last page. I ABSOLUTELY fell in love with Elijah. He literally kicked Hudson off the top of my book boyfriend list. He is a man that I've always dreamed of having in my life. Harper on the other hand I don't really care for even after it is all said and done. To get Brie's full story as the last book made sense and gives you insight to a man that I've been dying to get more of. I highly recommend this book and series as must reads. I'm looking forward to the next series Hollow's Universe. I'm extremely excited.
I was so happy to finally get my hands on Brie's story. I started reading it and I pulled an all nighter. I literally couldn't put it down and I wanted more when I finally came to the last page. I ABSOLUTELY fell in love with Elijah. He literally kicked Hudson off the top of my book boyfriend list. He is a man that I've always dreamed of having in my life. Harper on the other hand I don't really care for even after it is all said and done. To get Brie's full story as the last book made sense and gives you insight to a man that I've been dying to get more of. I highly recommend this book and series as must reads. I'm looking forward to the next series Hollow's Universe. I'm extremely excited.
January 2, 2016
Amazing
I have been waiting for Brie's story and I was not disappointed. Brie has a life filled with good friends that love her for who she is, but she loves her two best friends Hudson and Natalia to the depth of her soul. She wants what all her friend have to be truly loved, she has so much to give and she craves being touched. Harper and Elijah have a bond other then employer and Bodyguard, no one ready knows but Brie sees it. Elijah never wanted a woman more then he does Brie, and he enjoys giving Brie touches, but can these 2 men be what she has been looking for, can she be what they need to make a bond even stronger. There are twist and turns in their story keeps you on the edge and not want to put this book down.
I have been waiting for Brie's story and I was not disappointed. Brie has a life filled with good friends that love her for who she is, but she loves her two best friends Hudson and Natalia to the depth of her soul. She wants what all her friend have to be truly loved, she has so much to give and she craves being touched. Harper and Elijah have a bond other then employer and Bodyguard, no one ready knows but Brie sees it. Elijah never wanted a woman more then he does Brie, and he enjoys giving Brie touches, but can these 2 men be what she has been looking for, can she be what they need to make a bond even stronger. There are twist and turns in their story keeps you on the edge and not want to put this book down.
December 19, 2015
You read the book. You think, "What could happen to me?"
Then Shayne whips out the literary handcuffs, and... You are toast. In my day, late 60's to late 70's the use of restraints, whips, etc, was a diagnosable psychiatric condition, although I can't quite see Shayne's characters seeking treatment! My point is this: read the book, or go to a psychiatrist. The book is cheaper, and harder. Everything you read about is practiced on you, dear reader. But, you can't stop reading. You are filled with love, wrung out by premium quality psychopaths, and betrayed by your lovers. I can't write to you, dear reader, with the same premium pain. But I can tell you this: read the book.
Then Shayne whips out the literary handcuffs, and... You are toast. In my day, late 60's to late 70's the use of restraints, whips, etc, was a diagnosable psychiatric condition, although I can't quite see Shayne's characters seeking treatment! My point is this: read the book, or go to a psychiatrist. The book is cheaper, and harder. Everything you read about is practiced on you, dear reader. But, you can't stop reading. You are filled with love, wrung out by premium quality psychopaths, and betrayed by your lovers. I can't write to you, dear reader, with the same premium pain. But I can tell you this: read the book.
January 16, 2016
Absolutely Perfect!!!
This story was so amazing!!! Once I started, I couldn't escape Brie's world. I was sucked in and didn't want to leave. I loved Brie since we met her in Hudson's book and it was worth the wait to get her story. You will be pushed and pulled in a million directions and feel more than you want to feel. Shayne's writing is just that good. Since this is book 6, definitely read them in order. They are all great but this story may have topped them all. Enjoy!!!
This story was so amazing!!! Once I started, I couldn't escape Brie's world. I was sucked in and didn't want to leave. I loved Brie since we met her in Hudson's book and it was worth the wait to get her story. You will be pushed and pulled in a million directions and feel more than you want to feel. Shayne's writing is just that good. Since this is book 6, definitely read them in order. They are all great but this story may have topped them all. Enjoy!!!
December 26, 2015
RADIANT!
I was so looking forward to Brie's story. Shayne did not disappoint . I fell in love with her character in Hudson. She is so easy to fall in love with. Always worrying about everyone else and a kind soul. Elijah and Harper are complex characters. Their story was an emotional rollercoaster ride in which I would do over and over. Great story to add to The Barter System Series!
I was so looking forward to Brie's story. Shayne did not disappoint . I fell in love with her character in Hudson. She is so easy to fall in love with. Always worrying about everyone else and a kind soul. Elijah and Harper are complex characters. Their story was an emotional rollercoaster ride in which I would do over and over. Great story to add to The Barter System Series!
December 18, 2015
OMGEE!
Ever since Brie showed up, I've been anxiously waiting on her book! My Goodness Elijah was so worth the wait. Shayne you are a writing goddess! The emotion,the action, jokes, and LOVE was insane. I cried, I laughed and I cheered for Brie! I'm speechless that this is over! I will read and reread every book over and over because you have a fan for life! BRAVA!
Ever since Brie showed up, I've been anxiously waiting on her book! My Goodness Elijah was so worth the wait. Shayne you are a writing goddess! The emotion,the action, jokes, and LOVE was insane. I cried, I laughed and I cheered for Brie! I'm speechless that this is over! I will read and reread every book over and over because you have a fan for life! BRAVA!
December 21, 2015
Tissue, Tylenol & Chocolate
Shayne has brought us to the conclusion of her Barter series & per usual she does not disappoint. Go through the journey with Brie, Elijah & Harper. Rejoice, curse and mourn their trials and tribulations as they attempt the menage a trios lifestyle & discover some hard truths about themselves & each other.
Shayne has brought us to the conclusion of her Barter series & per usual she does not disappoint. Go through the journey with Brie, Elijah & Harper. Rejoice, curse and mourn their trials and tribulations as they attempt the menage a trios lifestyle & discover some hard truths about themselves & each other.
December 23, 2015
Wish it could be 10 stars
I loved this book. The well developed story and characters just pull you heart and will have you laughing, blushing, crying, and cheering. This book has it all and it is fantastic! Highly recommend. The author totally raised the bar really high with this one. Thank you, thank you.
I loved this book. The well developed story and characters just pull you heart and will have you laughing, blushing, crying, and cheering. This book has it all and it is fantastic! Highly recommend. The author totally raised the bar really high with this one. Thank you, thank you.
March 25, 2016
Well, I think I'm done with this series. I was really looking forward to Brie's book - it was the reason I've stuck with it even though the last couple books were meh. But this one was disappointing too. One of the love interests was insta-love, and the other was just too much of an ass to be believable once he changed his tune. Thank goodness this was free on Kindle Unlimited.
January 2, 2025
This is my favorite book of The Barter System Series. It is Gabriellas story and if you don't think she's a powerhouse from the Hudson (book 2) installment, this book will prove just how strong she is.
May 21, 2016
She did it again
I loved this book like I loved Barter System. So glad she wrote Brie's story. Can't wait to read the next one.
I loved this book like I loved Barter System. So glad she wrote Brie's story. Can't wait to read the next one.
December 29, 2015
Wow! Just wow! I want more Hollow please!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews