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Shadows, shadows everywhere, and not a flashlight to hand!

I’m adjusting to my life in Coldharbour, dealing with my powers as the weapon of the goddess, and the knowledge that I’m the only one who can kill the monsters that prowl the city streets.

No pressure!

And then there’s this unwelcome, growing desire for Dean, the weight of grief pressing down on me, and the unanswered questions that keep on piling up.

Evil attacks from all angles, but worst of all is the threat of the shadow beasts, sealed away in a living prison. If freed, they would use the city as a playground for malice and aid the beast Supreme’s rise, bringing devastation and destruction to Coldharbour.

If freed… Yeah, that would be bad. Real bad.

As heavy snow falls in a bitter December, the run up to the festive season has never been so deadly…

Winter Shadows is the second book in a completed Urban Fantasy series packed with action, adventure, and a slow-burning M/M Romance that unfolds over the course of the series.
Follow the journey of Jake Winter as he discovers how to heal his shattered heart and find love again, while also kicking some serious backside in the process.

219 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 26, 2018

75 people are currently reading
132 people want to read

About the author

Richard Amos

67 books387 followers
Richard Amos is an author from England who is constantly lost in the worlds he writes about, and the ones in the queue yet to be written. He also has more books in his house than anything else, and is never without a book (and chocolate) in his hands when he's not writing. He’s a proud nerd who loves to dance. Hard.

Richard writes M/M Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, and Paranormal Romance, all with tons of kick-ass action, adventure, twisty plots, and yummy times.

🔗 https://linktr.ee/richardamosauthor

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5 stars
99 (38%)
4 stars
89 (34%)
3 stars
57 (22%)
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Sandali ♥️.
106 reviews6 followers
October 28, 2025
Rating - 4 stars
The story got better and less confusing than it was. The slow burn is slow burning and the guilt at moving on? Ugh. So real. The whole story makes you wanna keep on reading. You’re still left with questions and you’re not answered in the same book with new questions coming up in the next book. Consistency y’know?
And the book is not soooo funny but keeps stuff interesting.
And Dean reminds me of Zayn???? As in THE Zayn Malik??? I don’t even know why. Maybe cause we all thought of Zed as the moody broody mysterious one even though now we know he’s not. But still. I imagine a Zayn when Dean is mentioned 😬 Oops?
Looking forward to reading the next book and seeing how this’ll end
Profile Image for Maggie.
231 reviews10 followers
November 2, 2018
This series just keeps getting better and better!

This is the 2nd in a trio of books by author Richard Amos. The world building he has done and continues to do in this series is absolutely stunning. This series is seriously phenomenal and I am totally addicted to it. The description the author uses is spot on: A dark urban fantasy tale with kick-ass action and slow-burn m/m romance.

In this second book of the Coldharbour Chronicles, we are once again in the magically sealed off town of Coldharbour, where the other realm species known collectively as The Beast, are trying to find a way into our world at large. Our erstwhile hero, Jake Winters, is still trying to deal with the fact that he is the chosen weapon of the goddess Hecate, reeling from the murder of his husband by the White-Eyed man, and assimilate the crazy world he's found himself in. And now he has to protect a Beast called Luke while the Purple-haired psycho Beast, Dana is gunning for him, and his sparky hand are amped up to devour Beast left and right, leaving him hungry for more and... really really horny.

As expected, everything goes to doo-doo as Purple manages to get her hands on a Goblin Wars artifact, a potion with no antidote, and releases it on the helpless cat Beast Luke. Things go from bad to worse as the twin Beast shadows are released and begin to wreak havoc down on Coldharbour while trying to free the Beast Supreme, Lilisian, from the weak and dying host body she's trapped in. And then The White-Eyed Man comes back. Jake's life is well and truly messed up.

Oh, did I mention he has the hots for one of his Guardians, the apparently straight half fae Dean, who is beyond smoking hot. And the object of Jake's Beastfed lust. And it's Christmas. Jake hates Christmas.

Well hell.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for caroline wilson.
606 reviews5 followers
December 8, 2018
A brilliant book

I received this book by the author and this is my honest opinion.
This is book 2 in the series and Jake is still in coldharbour the supernatural world that's away from the notice of the outside world where creatures roam free. Since being led to this place in the cat and mouse Chase of the white eyed man his life has changed with the arrival of his powers and him being the number one target of every baddie in the place. With good versus evil battling for them to break out onto the unsuspecting human population it's Jakes job and his friends to help prevent that from occurring.
This was another action pack well imagined story. I just can't get over some of this author's character descriptions I don't know whether to chuckle, cringe at some of these characters but probably a bit of both. The authors imagination is off the charts and which I'm enjoying and with all the twists it certainly keeps you on your toes. Really enjoying this series even though its not quite at the stage of being romantically inclined though we've got possibilities but the story certainly makes up for it. A great intriguing one of a kind series
Profile Image for PaperMoon.
1,839 reviews85 followers
June 20, 2020
The promising start of this series is starting to wane a little IMO. The action and pacing is not the problem - there's lots of this, tons of monsters to fight with plenty of spells, potions and magical/supernatural powers deployed. The plot involving a 'hidden' city, where the humans are trapped in a power-struggle between good and evil forces continues to interest.

What is beginning to annoy me is the 'whiny' self talking coming from the MC Jake Winter. He's not at all dealing well with his addition cravings, the seemingly post-traumatic stresses arising from his relationship demise and murder of his husband, his growing confusion regarding his attraction to protector (and supposedly straight) half-fae Dean, his reluctantly enforced role as 'weapon' against the monstrous forces - just as well the internal blah blah blah is interspersed between the excellent fight sequences. The general dialogue/banter coming from Jake and his many team members also sound rather juvenile/teenager-ish further detracts from reading enjoyment. However, I'll keep going with the series for now (with reservations) - 3 stars.
Profile Image for R.
2,121 reviews
November 10, 2018
Jake is killing beasts, being the goddess Hecate’s weapon, craving drugs, and having feelings for the Fae, Dean. Still in mourning for his dead husband. Still looking for the white eyed man that killed him.

Jake makes a mistake and let the shadow twins free. The monsters continue to wreak havoc and Jake continues, with his friends, to try to protect Coldharbour. Each beast he encounters more strange than the last. When the white eyed man helps him, he’s more confused than ever. Possibly the shadows inside him are worse than the ones he’s fighting.

This book gave more questions than answers. The characters, while at times, very vivid, sort of ran together for me. Also if the main character can be healed every time he’s hurt, is he ever really in danger? I didn’t find this story as engaging as the first but it’s was still a nice book.

I received an arc of this book.
Profile Image for Teal Wolf.
3,414 reviews26 followers
November 6, 2018
Jake Winter is back in book two of Richard Amos' Coldharbour Chronicles. He is still struggling with his unwanted desire for Dean, a heavy dose of guilt over his husband's death and the temptation of his addictions. And don't forget the pressure of being a weapon in a war against the monsters. This fantastic tale is filled with colorful and wonderful characters, humorous moments, lots of exciting action, paranormal activity and an extremely slow burn romance that sizzles. I can not wait for the third installment to come out.


☆☆☆☆☆I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
Profile Image for Joscelyn Smith.
2,305 reviews17 followers
October 26, 2018
This is an epic addition to the series. Things were going so well for Jake and the crew, snuffing beasts left and right, feeding and feeling fine. Then, well...things go a bit FUBAR. There is carnage and fights galore as Jake battles shadows both corporeal and those within. I'm counting the days until book three comes out because I can't wait to revisit Coldharbour.
Profile Image for Michelle.
835 reviews4 followers
April 30, 2020
The second book of the series ramps up the excitement at Christmas time. Luke, a cat-man beast comes to be under the Guardians protection and or course things go horribly, horribly wrong. RA expands the universe of Coldharbour for us, throws some new villains at us, and is generally amazing in his storytelling. Seriously loving this series.
1,514 reviews11 followers
October 28, 2018
Good read

This is a good series so far. The plot keeps building and it has great characters. Seriously though it's time to get over it already when the rebound is right in your face.
Profile Image for Lee Hall.
1,252 reviews7 followers
October 20, 2020
Wow!

I enjoyed reading book one in this series, but REALLY ENJOYED book 2!! Such an amazing story with so many ups and downs. How Richard Amos came up with the monsters blows my mind. Really looking forward to reading the next book in the series! Highly recommended
Profile Image for DMCechak.
1,792 reviews25 followers
May 21, 2022
Jake is still adjusting to his life after addiction, which makes his emotional connection to others tenuous. Especially as he fights feeling an attraction to one of his guardians, in Winter Shadows, book 2 in Richard Amos’ fabulous Coldharbour Chronicles series.

Life gets darker for Jake, as he continues to find his footing as Hecate’s Weapon, but there are growing strands of loyalty that seem to be tethering him to this group of supernaturals, attempting to fight evil together.

So many monsters plague Coldharbour, and Jake, Naomi, Greg, and Dean, with Karla’s financial and magical support, learn the best way to fight, while on the job. We also get more immersed in understanding why Jake is feeling unworthy of friends, being thought of as the one to save the world, and especially of being loved.

Guilt is a heavy burden and Jake’s guardians are working overtime to help him focus on what truly makes him special. His sass will always cover up his feelings, but this group is up for the challenge!!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️❣️ read from Richard Amos. On to book 3, Winter Fire🔥

Profile Image for Sarita Chapdelaine.
1,251 reviews1 follower
November 11, 2018
This is another great book in this new series and I really enjoyed it. It is packed with action, fast-paced, full of surprising twists and turns, well-written and I love the characters. Jake and his guardians continue to fight and eliminate as many of the beasts that show up in Coldharbour as they can. While he is still grieving the death of his husband and fighting his attraction to Dean, Jake has to keep moving forward. When the worst happens it will take everything they have to try to save as many innocent people as possible. The secondary characters are great and Rose's crush on Jake is very sweet even though it makes her husband Randy crazy. I can't wait to read the next book in this exciting and entertaining series.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for Donna.
3,398 reviews42 followers
May 26, 2022
Did you ever read a book that was wonderfully written, entertaining and full of blood-curdling monsters only to come to the end and think... why am I not satisfied?

Yeah, that's me with this series. I admit that it is MY fault, read the spin-off series first (I had NO clue at the time) and loved it so much, that I had to jump back and see how it all began. For me, the ending was way better than the beginning... *headdesk*

Since I just can't help myself, I will be moving on to Winter Fire and hope to get a few answers instead of more questions... *fingers crossed*
Profile Image for Dixiecowgirl.
1,437 reviews25 followers
November 12, 2018
Wow! Incredible world-building that will make it all seem so real! Lots of action with so much character development that you will feel Jake and Deans connection and root for their HEA.

Jake is so not the perfect man and i love that about him! He makes mistakes and is confused about his feelings for Dean, all the while dealing with addiction; Fighting the beasts is an ongoing struggle and each encounter is a little different, making it really interesting.

This was an excellent second book in this series and i am looking forward to the next one coming soon.

I was gifted this book from the LesCourt Author Services and i freely give my honest opinion and review.

Profile Image for isthisakink.
1,243 reviews23 followers
September 28, 2025
4/5. There’s so much in this series that makes me question the stuff I know about the mechanics of this world from the series that I should’ve read after this one. I fucking hate when this shit happens. I’m gonna have to wipe my memory of it. Ugh. I do like that not everything works out, though. It gives meat to the story’s bones and makes things way more interesting. But, for real, y’all gotta note in your blurbs that something is a spin-off/interconnected, okay? My brain is not loving reading out of order. New folx to your work would probably appreciate it, just sayin’.
871 reviews2 followers
November 11, 2018
This is the second book in The Coldharbour Chronicles Series. As with the first book I had some problems with this book. Although it was easier to understand and felt more put together. The plot was entertaining and it was steady throughout the book. Jake and his new friends battle on. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.

Profile Image for Skye Blue ☆*~゚ლ(´ڡ`ლ)~*☆.
2,809 reviews28 followers
March 3, 2021
Idk. I'm just not hooked.
I like the cast of characters.
I'm very interested in how the white eyed man thing turns out.
But, I think I need to take a break.
I know, I said that last time I needed a break due to book hangover, but this time I'm gonna take that break, and come back at this with fresh eyes.
Profile Image for Bittiefish.
141 reviews3 followers
October 13, 2022
Very engaging urban fantasy. I loved the world building and characters that I could relate to. Can't wait to read more! Romance picks up a little here and world building and character development ate fantastic. The plot is also so engaging. Highly recommend this series.
534 reviews
January 28, 2024
The beast killer hoped it was finished! Unfortunately it is not!

He made a mistake which resulted in Luke's death releasing the twin shadows! He has to bring them down! If they are successful then the beasts will overrun our world!
Profile Image for emily curtis.
1,105 reviews3 followers
June 5, 2023
Enjoyable lgbt friendly fantasy. Interesting concepts, world building and characters.
Profile Image for Andrea Green.
820 reviews8 followers
October 22, 2018
I love Amos Cassidy so it was really interesting to see Richards first solo series which I am so far loving, Its definitely different and some times a bit chaotic but I really didn't mid that as it kept me thinking and concentrating. Original concepts also enhance this really good fantasy read.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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