Shadow

Boys of Brighton #9

by M. Tasia

THE MOST DIFFICULT THING TO DO…


Imagine knowing your family hates you and has no problem sending you away to be abused – to die alone. Randy Reynolds was living that reality until he was saved by a man called Shadow. What Randy learned about himself and the people who were supposed to love him was nothing short of horrific. What he found with the Sentinels and Shadow was everything miraculous.


IS FACE THE TRUTH


Jake Kennedy’s past haunts him. Ghosts drove him into the shadows until he became Shadow. Unseen and not really there, he lived his life without any connections but for the Sentinels, the team that saved him from oblivion. Then a mission changed his life and forced him to shed the shroud that kept his heart from feeling. Now, for Randy Reynolds, Jake will come out of the shadows, he’ll be present and whole instead of the man who had kept himself hidden for twenty years.

Genres: M M Romance, Abuse, Romance, Contemporary

123 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 24, 2018

About the author

M. Tasia is an mm romance author who lives in Ontario, Canada. Michelle is a dedicated people watcher, lover of romance novels, 80’s rock, and happily ever afters (once the MCs are put through their paces), who grew up with a love of reading. She’s a firm believer that everyone deserves to have love, excitement, and crazy hot romance in their lives. Love should be celebrated and shared.

To all my readers: Thank you. There’s no escaping the truth – without all of you, there wouldn’t be me, the author. Your support and kind words have taken me from being a new author who was unsure and panicked to an author with over twenty books under her belt. Okay, I’m still unsure and panicked, but I’m a work in progress. (Takes a sip of wine.)

I love sharing my stories with you and hearing how my characters have touched you and how you’ve cheered them on, cried with them, and even wanted to knock some sense into a few. Your encouragement has inspired me to continue on my writing journey. All the late nights, missed events, and looming deadlines have been worth it, knowing these stories have entertained and
stayed with you long after the book was finished.
Michelle XO

Reviews

[Audi♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally, Shadows book! He's so hot and mysterious. I've been excited for this one, and I loved it.
His past was super sad, RIP Dan, but man, I'm sure glad he wasn't whiny like Royce was.

Poor Randy..I kinda hate Grady now after hearing his brother's story. I should go back and give him 1 star for that shit... He just LEFT HIM THERE 💔 What a dick.

[Shannon Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow’s Story is Finally Told
In M. Tasia’s “Shadow,” the ninth installment in the Boys of Brighton series of super-sexy M/M romance novellas, fans finally get the title character’s back story, and we fall completely in love with him (if we hadn’t already in any of his previous appearances). Jake “Shadow” Kennedy is an insanely hot, gorgeous, former Marine who works for the Sentinel security firm that has been an integral part of the series from the beginning. Shadow is used to going unnoticed - in fact, it’s one of his strengths as a covert operative - but that all changes for him the moment he fulfills a promise that he made to his friend, Grady. After a long and frustrating search, Shadow finally discovers where Grady’s younger brother is being held against his will. Randy, an artist, thrown into a gay conversion by his homophobic father and seemingly abandoned by the rest of his family, has given up on ever being rescued. Having suffered a number of health conditions throughout his life, Randy is physically small and fragile, but he has such a strength of spirit, and when Shadow breaks him out of the camp and nurses him back to health, he truly sees Shadow. The connection between these two beautiful men is immediate, steamy, and so, so touching. As with the other titles in the series, this story is packed with danger and action, super-intense chemistry, spicy love scenes, and wonderful interaction with the entire Brighton family. I am so very enchanted by this series - and by this story in particular. I am honestly very sad to learn that there is only one more title to end it because I’ve become so invested in their HEAs and in the family they have created in this beautifully accepting little town. Another five-star read!

[Fay MMBookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great start to the story for this one but it does have horrible scene for Randy. Randy doesn't trust Shadow at first when he's trying to help him escape but he has no option. A time jump of 2 weeks at 35% lost some of the story for me. The story goes into another angle with Randy's other ability when he was captive (I wont say since its a huge spoiler) Also I didn't get why they waited so long to get into action so to speck with the baddies. Randy is a strong person because of what he went through has taught him. The thought of betrail from his brother Grady leaving him to his mad father he felt alone. Jake's baggage story is a sad one but it takes Randy to save him from his shadow self. The ending was good with the drama and action scenes with the big show down. I would have loved this to have been longer without the 2 week skip to fully adore this one.

[Kaila · Rating 5 out of 5]

this series has been amazing.. so many ups and downs.. so many hard times and love.. so much angst and happiness.. shadow and randy made me wonder at times.. i wasnt sure if theyd end up together or not haha.. so many times i thought about screaming at the characters.. it was wonderful

[Karolina Cebula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Randy is strong in spirit, his body though is a completely different story, so when he is saved from the conversion camp by Shadow, he is not in the best shape. He went through hell on Earth, so trusting anyone is difficult for him, but his savior is ready to earn this privilege. Shadow lives in a shadow of his dramatic, painful past that has affected his life and made him who he is now. However, he is willing to change for Randy, but first he must ensure that this young man is finally safe so he can be happy.

"Shadow", as the name of the novella indicates, finally gives us the opportunity to get to know the last member of the Sentinels bodyguard team, who for ages was a huge mystery to us. In fact, this character has fascinated me for a long time, because he is a person who can perfectly camouflage himself and disappear, despite the fact that it should be almost impossible taking into account all his physical characteristics. I admit, I didn't expect that the author combined his outstanding skills with the painful past. It really was a surprise to me. Just like the fact that Shadow, who for years blamed himself for an attack he couldn't prevent, getting to know the right person, allows himself to get involved in a new relationship, and gives himself and his feelings a second chance. To be honest, I'm not sure if I expected more fighting on his part or if I am fully satisfied with the way the author builds this character. I'm not sure, but I still love Shadow.

An interesting thread that drew my special attention in this volume of the series is a concern for the other person's safety perceived in a negative way. To tell the truth, this topic is quite a difficult one, especially in "Shadow", because it's complemented by some psychological aspects of it. On the one hand, it's shown as a problem of self-esteem, because Randy has the impression that because of his small body and health problems people do not perceive him as a real man and therefore they think that they must protect him from the world. On the other hand, it is shown as a simple but strong concern for a loved one as a consequence of unpleasant experiences from the past and the loss of the beloved. Shadow and Randy are therefore forced to find a solution that would take into account their mutual feelings, so that Randy won't feel like some kind of a half-man, and at the same time Shadow won't need to constantly worry about the safety of his boyfriend. If anyone can do it, it's them!

Taking a step forward while leaving someone behind is another extremely important problem that has been shown in a deep and perfect way from different angles. I have to admit that this thread really touched me because it showed us how unforeseen the consequences of our every choice can be and emphasized the differences in the way people perceive and understand the world. Randy, Grady, Tristan, each of them made a decision and while someone moved forward, someone else stayed behind. The worst thing about all this, however, is that it is usually the weak, and remember that there are various types of weakness, who stays behind and is forced to become stronger. Randy succeeds, finds someone who sees this tremendous strength in him. But how much pain did he endure to reach this point?

To sum up, "Shadow" is a really fantastic and deep novella which is full of difficult, serious topics. The book closes the open threads of the last volumes, as well as gives the last of the boys of Brighton a chance to find his better half. What's more, "Shadow" is full of drama, but it's also a beautiful story that you can't miss.

___________________

Randy jest silny duchem, jednak jego ciało to zupełnie inna historia, dlatego kiedy zostaje uratowany z obozy konwersyjnego przez Shadow, nie jest w najlepszej formie. Przeszedł przez piekło na ziemi, więc zaufanie komukolwiek kosztuje go wiele, ale jego wybawca gotowy jest zasłużyć sobie na ten przywilej. Shadow ma bowiem za sobą dramatyczne wydarzenia, które odbiły się na jego życiu i uczyniły go tym, kim teraz jest. Dla Randy’ego jest jednak skłonny się zmienić, tyle że najpierw musi zadbać o to, aby ten młody mężczyzna mógł w końcu bezpiecznie i szczęśliwie żyć.

„Shadow”, jak sama nazwa nowelki wskazuje, pozwala nam w końcu poznać ostatniego członka ekipy ochroniarzy z Sentinels, który od wielu tomów jest dla nas ogromną zagadką. Prawdę mówiąc, jego postać już od dawna mnie fascynowała, ponieważ jest on osobą, która doskonale potrafi się kamuflować, znikać, mimo że biorąc pod uwagę wszystkie jego cechy fizyczne powinien rzucać się w oczy. Muszę jednak przyznać, że zupełnie nie podejrzewałam, iż autorka połączy jego nieprzeciętne umiejętności z bolesną przeszłością. To było dla mnie pewnym zaskoczeniem. Zresztą podobnie jak fakt, iż Shadow, który przez lata obwiniał się za wydarzenia, na które nie miał wpływu, poznając tę właściwą osobą angażuje się całym sercem w nowy związek dając sobie drugą szansę. Szczerze mówiąc, sama nie wiem, czy spodziewałam się z jego strony większego oporu, czy też jestem w pełni zadowolona z tego, w jaki sposób autorka buduje tego bohatera. Nie wiem, ale i tak uwielbiam Shadow.

Ciekawym wątkiem, który zwrócił w tym tomie serii moją szczególną uwagę jest odbierana w negatywny sposób troska o drugą osobę. Prawdę mówiąc, jest to temat dosyć trudny, szczególnie w „Shadow”, ponieważ dopełnia go wątek psychologiczny. Z jednej strony pojawia się bowiem jako problem poczucia własnej wartości, ponieważ Randy ma wrażenie, że przez jego drobne ciało oraz problemy zdrowotne ludzie nie postrzegają go jako pełnoprawnego mężczyznę i dlatego wydaje im się, że muszą chronić go przed światem. Z drugiej zaś ukazany jest jako zwykła troska o ukochaną osobę wzbogacona o przykre doświadczenia z przeszłości oraz stratę kogoś bliskiego. Shadow i Randy są więc zmuszeni aby w pewnym sposób pogodzić swoje wzajemne uczucia, a więc nie odbierać Randy’emu poczucia bycia pełnoprawnym mężczyzną, a jednocześnie nie zmuszać Shadow do bezustannego martwienia się o bezpieczeństwo ukochanego. Jeśli ktoś jest w stanie to zrobić to właśnie oni!

Innym niesamowicie istotnym problemem, który został w głęboki i doskonały sposób ukazany z różnych punktów widzenia jest robienie kroku do przodu, przy jednoczesnym zostawianiu kogoś z tyłu. Muszę przyznać, że ten wątek naprawdę mnie wzruszył, ponieważ pokazał nam jak nieprzewidziane potrafią być konsekwencje każdego naszego czynu oraz podkreślił różnice w sposobie postrzegania i rozumienia świata jakie występują wśród ludzi. Randy, Grady, Tristan, każdy z nich podjął jakąś decyzję i podczas kiedy ktoś ruszył do przodu, ktoś inny został z tyłu. Najgorsze w tym wszystkim jest jednak to, że w tyle zazwyczaj zostaje to słabsze z różnych przyczyn ogniwo, które jest przez to zmuszone stać się silniejszym. Randy’emu się to udaje, znajduje kogoś, kto dostrzega w nim tę ogromną siłę. Ale jak ogromnym bólem zostało to okupione?

Podsumowując, „Shadow” jest naprawdę fantastyczną i głęboką, pełną trudnych, poważnych tematów nowelką, która zamyka wątki ostatnich tomów, jak również daje szansę na znalezienie swojej drugiej połówki ostatniemu z chłopców z Brighton. To pełna dramatu, ale również piękna historia, której nie możecie przegapić.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok first and foremost, TRIGGERS, TRIGGERS, TRIGGERS. This book deals with PTSD, survivor’s guilt, conversion therapy, abuse, beatings and so much more. The book has some very dark points, so please be aware.
As much as there are bad point that cause the triggers that I mentioned, this book is pretty much taken over as my favorite. Although, the rest fall in a close second lol. If you have read these in order, which I STRONGLY recommend you do, then you will know in Grady’s story, he has a brother that has been shipped to conversion therapy. And Shadow made a promise to find him. Time after time, Shadow has went to different places on a tip that Randy was there, only to find he had been moved or was never there. Shadow and the rest of the Sentinels had no idea what they were really up against, until Shadow finally found Randy at this latest place, and when rescued, Randy informed Shadow that Bowen had more of a reason to come after him than escaping. After grueling days of recovery time of antibiotics and treatments, Randy was on the mend and the rest of the Sentinels and Chief Police Dave were brought in to get to the bottom of what Randy’s story really was and what was going on. And what they heard shocked them to their cores. And Randy was right. Everyone associated with this Bowen character were going nuts with what was going on and Shadow would do everything in his power to never have Randy failed again. Even if it meant losing his own life, Shadow would protect precious Randy with everything. Because after 20 years, Shadow found a reason to breathe again.
I will warn you now, this is a tough story in spots. It will make you cry in pain or rage in anger at the pasts of both Randy and Shadow. Although they’re pasts are different, pain is still pain and it never goes away. Yes, most times it lessens as days go on, but it never truly goes away. Reading both of their stories, the range of emotions I had were just...everywhere. But, the ironic part of it all, is these two are perfect for each other. The way they bring out the best in each other, because both of them understand pain and know when to be gentle and when to be a little tough. They ‘see’ each other in ways they’ve longed for someone to see them and they get each other in a way no one else ever has. And maybe because of their backgrounds, it makes them more empathetic. I’m pretty sure it does. Anyone who has suffered some sort of trauma or PTSD, knows roughly how another feels and it’s allowed them to open up to each other and share those nasty dark secrets that most people or no one knows. And I’m glad that they found each other and that Shadow rescued him and they found a home in each other. With all the pain in their lives they’ve been through, they deserve a new happiness. What impressed me even more, was the ability Randy had to forgive two people who hurt him the most. And not physically. You will understand when you read, if you haven’t already.
I love these two and the whole bunch so much. They have made a huge family that is just growing more day by day and enveloping into something they’ve all needed, as much as most would have tried to deny it at some point. It’s some tough stories to get through at times, but the endings are always worth it. Because at the end of the day, they all have found a family that they have made and because of it, it’s made the difference they’ve all needed. They all have love and support and each other’s back the way no one else ever has.

http://lovebytesreviews.com/

[Georgette B · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok...this was my least favorite of the series. I was hoping to love it since I enjoyed Grady so much, but this was a let down.

The story was very rushed and had a lot of holes. Forgotten brother with the eidetic memory, sold to a crooked organization of conversion therapists. Because of his skill, he was made to keep the books for the overlord. It felt like Shawshank Redemption meets Charlie’s Angels meets hand maids tale. Disjointed storyline that feels like an afterthought. We heard so much about Shadow’s ability to blend into the background in previous books, yet the author hurried through the explanation for this quality. Randy seemed whiny and the Grady in this book seemed weak. I may be unnecessarily Gary on Randy, but the rational for the strain between him and Grady seemed was weak. I really enjoyed the series, so this was a bummer for me, I found myself skimming most of the pages because I did not find many redeeming qualities in Randy and was disappointed in the cavalier approach to Shadow’s story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Down, but never out! Jake/Shadow drags a hummer sized piece of baggage in his life. He suffered a loss for which he blamed himself. The burden shrouds him in grief and horror. He is emotionally broken, but amazing professionally. His distress feeds his 'shadow' personna. He is currently on a mission to save Randy, Grady's brother. Randy, was held prisoner supposedly undergoing conversion thereapy. Shadow is emotionally moved by the artistry and emotion in Randy's art. Randy, thought Grady had abandoned him. His abuse and presumed abandonment almost broke Randy. There are a lot of twists and turns in this story that are absolutely fantastic. As usual, there is painful acceptance that hopefully leads to growth. Will Randy ever be safe? Can Shadow protect Randy? Did his circumstances break Randy? We meet new family and friends enlarging the support group. The Sentinels are still absolute amazing. Excellent story flow. Well done. I received an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sentinels member, Shadow promised that he would find Grady's younger brother, Randy and he did. But Randy is a complex fellow! He's been held captive and tortured by his own family... betrayed on every level and now only trusts the man who rescued him. 

There's a lot of unknowns about Randy... he's a late addition to the town of Brighton. He's an artist and Shadow falls for him immediately. I found that even for a fast-paced series like this, the relationship happened way too fast for me.

As always, there's someone after Randy. It turns out that he is also a bit of a hacker and is blessed with an eidetic memory that allows him to run financial scams. Rather than helping his criminal family... he has set up an act of rather epic revenge.... but will Shadow still want him once he finds out.

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of the final story lines are brought together in this final romance between Shadow and Randy. While there is this romance in the book the majority of it is making sure that Randy’s father and his organization are brought down. I am sad that this is nearly the end of this series but I do like how M. Tasia has wrapped things up. Her characters again are the standout of the story. I love how she has characteristics for each of the men that make them more equal such as how Randy, who is an artist, is also a math genius who uses computers to help bring his father down. This was such a satisfying book that concludes stories that have been woven through the whole series. I can’t wait to read the last book called Holiday and find out more about what happens.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leslie Zak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving m/m romance thriller

Randy has been abandoned by his family and finds himself in an abusive conversion camp for gays. Before things went south on him he had the run of the computers because he was a wonder with investments and was making these cruel Fellowship people a lot of money. He expects to die from the beatings and starvation so he leaves a fail safe program that diverts the funds from their wide spread criminal groups. Shadow rescues him from near death and plans are made to take the bad guys down by the Sentinels and law enforcement. Naturally the bad guys are searching for Randy because they think he stole their money. (Actually Randy had it all donated anonymously to several charities.) Things get very scary and some of the bad guys die and we get our HEA with Shadow and Randy in love and planning a life together

[Stephanie W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Their love story has, so far, affected me the most. Unconditional!

Grady asks Shadow for a personal favor. Rescue a family member - his little brother, Randy.
A request unlike any other assignment. A mission to change his future.

After rescuing Randy, Shadow is a different person. He sees the physical and emotional state of Randy- the work of his captors, and nothing will keep Shadow from protecting him.

Neither have a perfect past, yet their foundation allowed both men to grow together. Randy needed to see he was worthy of love, as did Shadow.

No longer hiding in the darkness... Shadow and Randy bask in the light.

**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**

[R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow is just that. A Sentinel who blends into any landscape, never seen, until he wants to be.

Randy (Grady’s brother), has spent months in a conversion camp. Pretty much hell on earth. Then Shadow/Jake steps into the light that is Randy. Neither man will live in the shadows again.

This story is definitely my favorite in the series. The author did a nice job of rescuing both men from their pain. This story was gritty with a bunch of triggers. While it wasn’t always pleasant, I think this book was the most romantic. What can I say, I like romance and when it’s combined with a little darkness, it works for me.

Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.

[Coastie Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the beginning to the end, I was hooked on this story. The journey that Shadow and Randy went through had my emotions all over the place. Randy and Shadow were both “broken” in their own ways and they were just the therapy each other needed. This story had everything you could ask for – instant attraction, passion, chemistry, understanding, action, drama, family, loyalty, pain, suspense, and reunions. Both men needed rescuing from their pasts before they could start a future together. Once again, M Tasia brought all this together with a HEA for everyone in the series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Eliza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this, seeing Shadow's story and finding out answers to what happened to Randy. It was a fantastic read that tied up a lot of loose ends that were hanging from Grady's story. I loved how different the characters were from each other and from previous works. I loved watching the character growth. All the action in the stories was an additional bonus both inside the bedroom and outside. I loved this work just as much as the previous ones in this series.

I give this a five out of five stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sara Sigler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grady asked Shadow to find his little brother Randy because of what their father said to him. Shadow finally found Randy and was in bad shape from what the person holding him captive did to him. He got Randy out just in time. Before he was rescued Randy the fellowship a present that was brilliant, it made him a target but that was taken away. Randy and Shadow fell for each other! Great book! Love this series!

[Teal Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow is the ninth book in the Boys of Brighton series by M. Tasia. This is a contemporary m/m romance that had me feeling the feels. Sweet times, sexy times, suspenseful times... this book was great. Shadow and Randy are fun and fantastic characters that I adore together. I felt bad for Randy and what he went through but Shadow and Randy can heal each other. Loved them!

[Janet Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadow and Randy’s past both haunt both men. Randy did not know that a family’s love should be unconditional. Until he is saved by Shadow. As always with the Boys of Brighton there is tons of action, suspense, love, and romance. Short read but really good!
I am voluntarily leaving a review form an ARC that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.

[Barbara Lampron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!!

I loved it!! From Shadow staking him out to them being together I just loved the whole story. Thank you M. Tasia for writing this great story! I can't wait for the next story......

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bk 9 Shadow (Jake) and Randy story.
A quick read. Enjoyable. An easy book and series, where you don't need to put much thought energy into reading. Best read in order.
Recommend the series. Insta love Insta conncetion.

[Avril · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love this series...

But this one seemed so rushed to me. It felt like huge chunks were missing. I've 5 started every book in this series but this one. Still, I'm looking forward to the Xmas edition!

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the boys of Brighton

I love the boys of Brighton and this one didn't disappoint! Although I feel like I need to go back and reread the whole series now! If you like love at first sight books, I recommend this book.

[tammy rufo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great series!

I love this series! Randy is rescued by Shadow and of course they fall in love, and the bad guys are brought to justice...lots of action and love, hope there is more to come for The Boys of Brighton!

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book did keep me reading straight through but was too short for any kind of emotional impact. Of course, I haven't read these in order so only knew a few of the characters which may account for that. I did enjoy Randy and Shadow (Jake) but it read more like a Siren romance than a deeper one.

[Akasha721 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow has found his light in Randy whom he rescues. This is a action packed love story that will pull at your heartstrings. There is something in here for everyone! I really got into this book and though it is not that long the other books lead you here.

[MM Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading the Boys of Brighton series. They're short and really well-written with lots of action and suspense and hurt and comfort. And of course steamy love scenes.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cynthia Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow promises Grady that he would find his brother Randy who was sent to a conversion camp. When he breaks him out he finds there's more to the camp then what everyone thinks. I really enjoyed this book

[Teena D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome, story.

I can't get enough of these gorgeous men and have loved every book in the series. These books are definitely in my permanent library.

[Dangerous · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love

The men of Brighton is always great to get to know. I really love this cover for Shadow's book and I enjoyed his story. Two lost lives were re- invented. Beautiful.

[Candice · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just can't seem to quit this series.