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Shawland Security #1

Shawland Security

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Shawland Security (Book 1)

Shawland Security was a fresh start for Caleb Shawland

Caleb thought that leaving his detective status behind would let him sleep easy at night. He’d be his own boss. He’d finally be able to settle down and have a life. Only, that doesn’t last long.

When Caleb’s ex-partner from the CPD walks into his office and mentions Aria Marshall, his world turns upside down in a heartbeat.

Aria Marshall was his one true love.

Aria Marshall has spent all of her adult life helping people less fortunate in third world countries. Her return home to Chicago was supposed to be the next chapter of her life, only she didn’t expect a predator to be waiting in the wings. She didn’t expect the next ten years of her life to vanish. Only it did, and now she needs to find a way to deal with the abuse and violence she faced.

The moment Caleb stumbles back into Aria’s life, he knows for sure he'll do anything to protect her. No matter what that may be.

Will Caleb capture her predator before any more innocent girls find themselves in Aria’s position.

Will Aria ever be able to get over her ordeal?

Only time and patience will tell.

295 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 20, 2019

10 people are currently reading
95 people want to read

About the author

K.M. Lowe

40 books609 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Profile Image for Amanda  B Gillespie.
513 reviews17 followers
April 24, 2019
Caleb and Aria provide a great intro into what looks to be a blazing new hit series. The pure terror of dealing with all Aria has gone through and coming out the other side without being totally destroyed was an inspiration and kept the book from going too dark while still peeking into a disturbed mind. 😳
Profile Image for Kendall {Book Crazy}.
1,487 reviews
April 8, 2019
I've known about this author for a few years now and I have a few of her books on my Kindle, but this is actually my first read from her! I'm not sure why this book appealed to me so much, but I then received an ARC from the author and made it my next read! After reading this book, I can say that I really enjoyed it! It did take me a few chapters to get into, but once I did, I didn't want to put it down until I had finished it! The plot developed at the perfect place and had plenty of romance and action and suspense in it! The romance was beautifully done and it was easy to see how much both characters loved each other! There were a few hot scenes between them too! The action and suspense added a lot to the plot and kept me wanting to read on to find out how everything was going to go down! There were a few twist in the plot too! The characters were also amazing and made this book even better! Aria was the main female character, and in this book she had been through a traumatic situation and she was trying to come to terms with what she had been through! My heart completely went out to her because Aria had a tough decision to make and she then had to deal with her trauma! She did so well in this book and came so far! I was really happy for her! Caleb was the main male character and love interest of Aria! I loved Caleb a lot in this book! He ran his own business with his brothers and the three of them worked hard! Caleb was also seriously hot and such a sweetheart! I loved the way that Caleb was with Aria too! It was easy to see how much he loved her and he was always there for her and helped her through the traumatic experience she went through! This made me have so much respect for him! I loved that this book was written from both Aria and Caleb's point of views! I was hoping that it was going to be before I started reading and the synopsis makes it sound like it's going to be! There was also a third point of view and it was the bad guy! I loved all the different point of views because they added to the plot and allowed for a few more things to happen! It helped me connect with all the characters too, especially as they were going through their own situations! I now can't wait to read the next book in this series! I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to find out what's going to happen next! I'm assuming that the next book is maybe going to focus on one of Caleb's brothers because the ending of this book was left at the perfect place for Aria and Caleb! I'm not sure though because it doesn't say at the end of this book! I can't wait to find out and it says that the next book is going to release this winter, so there's a but of a wait! I know I'll be worth it though! The cover for this book is absolutely perfect for it and I love how well it suits the book! It suits the dark feel of the book and the plot! too The cover image also represents Aria and what she went through! Big thank you to Kelly for an ARC of Shawland Security!
Profile Image for Mel Allen.
1,200 reviews5 followers
April 8, 2019
What an exciting new series from KM Lowe, such a sad but happy story written so well. Love how strong but confused Caleb is. It’s a sad story but told so well. I’m so looking forward to the next books in this series.
Profile Image for Barbara.
2,653 reviews61 followers
April 17, 2019
What a fabulous start to a series. The book is very well written with characters that will warm your heart and a storyline that will capture your emotions and keep you glued to the pages. I love the way the story was written from the main three characters point of views. This gave us a front row seat to their feeling, emotions and what was going on in the minds. Kudos to the author for a job very well done. I simply loved the flow of the storyline and your flare for the dramatic.

After years of being with the CPD, Caleb along with his brothers Clay and Chris, have opened Shawland Security. There hours, time and the type of cases they work are their own and life is pretty good. But when Caleb is asked by his old partner at the CPD to help on a case involving the only woman he has ever loved, Aria, his life turns inside out. Caleb and his brothers vow to do whatever it takes to help her.

Aria’s has spend her adult life helping out in third world countries. She decides to take a trip home and surprise her family when is abducted at the airport. After months of abuse and torture, Aria manages to escape and get help but the only one she’ll talk to and trust Caleb, even though it’s been over 10 years since she’s seen him. Aria’s life becomes a constant battle, dealing with the aftermath of what the psycho did to her. Caleb takes her back to his home and swears to protect her and find the predator that still haunts Aria. But every lead turns into a dead end. Will they ever catch a break or will they live in constant fear the psycho will come back for Aria and take what he feels is his?

This storyline will keep you on the edge of your seat while at the same time melt your heart. I can’t recommend Shawland Security enough. It’s one of the best suspenseful romances this reader has read in a long time. 2 Thumbs Up and 5 Amazing stars for Shawland Security and the start of what is no doubt going to be a phenomenal series. I Highly Recommend grabbing this one up asap.
Profile Image for Within The Pages Book Blog.
686 reviews16 followers
April 20, 2019
Can You Love again after this Ultimate Hurt

All I can say is WOW!! KM Lowe you have a winner here. OMG!!! I am so ready for the continuation, I know there is so much more to come.
KM has taken us to a love story that is action packed and will bring out several emotions. It is a true testament to when you love someone and they are “the one”, you will stop at nothing to protect and be there for them to the very end.
Aria and Caleb have a love so deep that no matter how far apart they are or what they have had to endure, love will conquer all. The characters are put to the test as to how a traumatizing situation can change a person and they will never be the same. It has you asking the question can and how do you move on? Then you realize, you don’t try to be the same, you start a new and take the days as they come. This is exactly what Aria and Caleb do and they realize the love they have will always remain the same.
If you want that heart wrenching love story that takes you through a serious hurt like no other and then brings you back to the ultimate love affair, then you will make this a priority to read.
Profile Image for Tracy.
317 reviews6 followers
May 18, 2019
Wow! I was not expecting to be hooked like that! My mind is fully blown. I can honestly say I have never met a villan as messed up as this one was and omg it made the book what it was. This book went to some pretty dark places and at times I found myself squirming because it was so uncomfortable to read. It did end well though and I will admit I cried like a baby at the end! I loved Caleb and Aria so much. They were so right for each other and I loved the fact that things didn't happen too quickly for them as it felt real. I got her and her feelings through the entire process of rebuilding your life after something horrific happens. I for one, can't wait for the next installment! Please say its clay?!
Profile Image for Beyond The Covers Blog.
2,518 reviews91 followers
November 24, 2020
Medic Shay and her commander Josh were the only two survivors in their squad. Injured and stranded in the desert of Afghanistan's warzone they are captured.
When Shay and Josh are reported MIA Clay and her brother are determined to find her dead or alive.
Once Shay returns home Clay and his brothers realize there is a conspiracy. They will get to the bottom even if it means bringing down the army.
The Shawland Security series are an intense and emotional stories that will touch your heart. Strong women
Chris
437 reviews6 followers
February 18, 2019
I have a new love in the form of the Shawland brothers.

OMG, this story is full of suspense. Not knowing when the next strike would come.

Calebs past is brought back into his life when he is asked about a girl he once knew and loved. A girl he thought was working away. But that is far from the truth. A year after arriving home Aria manages to escape the confines of her prision. The only person she wants to see and speak to is Caleb.

Life as they both know it is about to change. The kidnapper still at large and not knowing if and where they might strike again, Arias protection is all that matters.

Will Caleb be able to keep his promise and keep Aria safe or will her nightmares be about to come true?

I love the charchters in the book. Clay is the cheeky chap and I can't wait for his book. But Chris intreagues me. I know his book is going to be amazing. He is such an inigma.
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews38 followers
April 12, 2019
My heart has finally slowed down enough to write this review. This author does it to me EVERY time. Her books are emotional and heart wrenching and sweet and fierce. This one is no different. She has a way with a story that makes you forget it's just a book and you ache for everyone in it because she doesn't play fair. He had loved her since they were kids. When they both had life lessons that took them away from each other that love didn't dull. Now life has placed her back in his life and Caleb will do anything to keep her safe. I love the action and angst, the suspense and come on these brothers and yes their parents too are amazing and a tight nit group. They will not rest until her captor is brought to justice. This author wont stop til she breaks you down. This is an amazing read and the best of ways to start a series. Look out because it will rock you world. Awesome!!!
Profile Image for Toya Richardson.
Author 33 books206 followers
March 4, 2019
This book is a little bit darker than some of the author's other work, but wow it was a fabulous, hard to put down read.

When Caleb is reunited with his childhood sweetheart, Aria, it isn't under the circumstances he'd hoped for. After being held a prisoner for twelve months, she is battered, bruised and completely traumatised.

This story tells how they build up their bond and how Aria begins to love and trust again. But Oh my goodness a real twist close to the end of the story had me on the edge of my seat! An amazing romance/thriller.

I've said it before but this author's work just keeps on getting better with every book I read!
Profile Image for Sarah DeLong.
1,769 reviews1 follower
March 29, 2019
Wow! What an intense, super suspenseful must read! Caleb and Aria (and the secondary characters) have an impressive story. It's gritty, a little dark, some rays of hope and sunshine just to turn suspenseful again. I was so caught up in the story that I finished it at work between my 2- 15 minute breaks and my lunch hour. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Booklover BEV.
1,735 reviews52 followers
March 2, 2019
The story of Caleb keeping Aria safe. I was gripped reading this book,especially all the characters and cannot wait to read their stories in books to follow. Not knowing what is going to happen next keeps you in suspense and this book is full of it. LOVED IT one of my favourite by this author
Profile Image for Up All Night With Books.
1,160 reviews44 followers
April 22, 2019
5 Stars
Review by: Alysia
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog


Wowza!! If I could give Shawland Security by KM Lowe 10 stars I would. This book grabbed me on page one and didn't let go until I finished it. It's not very often that I stay up all night to finish a book as I love my sleep, but I had to know what happened next.

Caleb is an ex-detective for the Chicago PD who leaves to start a security firm with his brothers. He felt that the detective life was killing his soul, piece by piece. Aria was his childhood sweetheart who left for undeveloped countries to help people. When she tries to make a surprise visit home to see her family, she is kidnapped while leaving the airport. Everyone thinks that she is still in Africa and unable to Skype them. Eleven months later she gets away from her captor and is found. Once found, she wants Caleb, no one else. Although he is no longer on the police force, his old partner Al makes sure Caleb is there. Caleb swears to protect her from the evil man that held her captive, no matter what. Her captor wants her back. The precautions Caleb and his brothers take to ensure Aria's safety is amazing and heroic!

The story jumps from Aria's POV to Caleb's POV depending on the chapter.

KM Lowe does a wonderful job of showing the love and compassion the characters have for each other. She did a wonderful job at keeping you guessing until the very end when she wraps everything up with a pretty little bow.

I can't wait until the next book comes out in the winter of 2019!!!

***ARC received in exchange for an honest review.***
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
April 20, 2019
I absolutely LOVE K.M. Lowe's books, but seriously, she totally upped her game with this new series, and I'm in awe! Caleb needed a change from the CPD, so he started Shawland Security with his brothers, and they're really making a name for themselves. However, he's hit hard when his former partner comes to him with a case involving Aria, the only woman that he's ever loved. She was kidnapped & held for a long time, so he's determined to do whatever it takes to help her, especially since the unsub has never been caught, and they have no clues as to who he is. Not to mention, he's not happy that Aria escaped him at all. Yeah, you can see that this story is one of those that will keep you on the edge of your seat, because I was on the edge of mine the whole time. I barely scratched the surface, as there's so many more twists that had me dropping f-bombs left & right, but you know, don't want to drop spoilers like my favorite f-bombs. Of course, there's some romance coming through, but it's at a slow pace, and I was totally okay with that, as it came off realistic after Aria's ordeal, because she definitely has PTSD. So that brings me to the high angst level, and trust me, it will have your eyes trying to leak like mine were, and there's no shame in that game because man, Aria's pain seeped out of my kindle to wrap me up. So yeah, I can't even imagine what's coming next in this series after the way Ms. Lowe already brought the thunder, but I'm ready! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Fleur.
3,749 reviews31 followers
May 31, 2021
Well you definitely want to get comfy for this one as there is plenty of highs and lows to go through and I liked how we start eight years prior and jump to forward some more and then settle in to the now as it sets up things really well. Caleb walked away from being a detective to start up Shawland Security with his brothers never realising that one day the one that got away when he was a teenager would become one of their jobs. Oh my god my heart aches for Aria and everything she has been through and now going through but thankfully she has Caleb and his family as they are all going to need to pull their strength to get through this and find the evil behind Aria's captivity and other murders. Seeing not only Aria's vulnerability but also Caleb and his brothers made connect even more with them all as it really showed the ripple effect of everything and that they weren't afraid to show how much it affected them and that everyone in this situation needs help. While we see Caleb and the others at Shawland Security try and track the killer there are times for tears, anger, frustration as well as hope, devastation, new beginnings and reconnecting with the past and learning that no matter how broken you feel with love anything is possible. I can not wait to read the next book in the series which is Clays!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sarah.
198 reviews18 followers
April 25, 2019
I am so pleased that this is the first of the Shawland Security series as I can't wait to hear more about these wonderful characters. Aria and Caleb have known each other since Kindergarten and were very close, as were their families, but as they grew up they each went their separate ways; Aria to do aid work overseas and Caleb to join (CPD) Chicago Police Department. Following Clay Shawland's idea, to form a security business (Clay is the middle brother who has served time in the army as a Sniper for 8 years) him and Caleb - having lost the passion for his job - along with Chris, their youngest brother (a personal trainer) join together with their expertise and Shawland Security is born. Eight years on and Caleb is approached by Al, his former partner at CPD, after a young woman has asked Al if she can see him, not knowing that Caleb has since left the Police. Now follows a fast paced plot that I didn't want to end. I fell in love with Clay, he was adorable and so funny, and yet so were all the brothers! Their Mum was lovely, too, so kind and mothering to Aria. I can't say too much for giving too much away but I loved how selfless Caleb was, and I think that K M Lowe covered the very sensitive parts with such compassion. It was so emotional but fabulous writing, covering the dark parts to the most heartwarming. I highly recommend, thank you.
Profile Image for Wendy Hodges.
2,918 reviews44 followers
March 1, 2024
Suspenseful and harrowing story that totally kept me on edge throughout. Aria is so strong, brave and a fighter, she keeps that going despite knock backs, twists and the long game. Caleb and his brothers are absolutely wonderful, caring, protective and doing whatever they can to catch the bad guy. I felt a little sorry for Al, he copped a lot of grief and honestly I didn't think it was really his fault but more rules and regulations. To end up in a situation such as Aria faced must be one of the worst possible, to get past one and be faced with more takes so much bravery, having someone fight your corner with you, face every part of it with unwavering love and stand united is definitely deserved. The author has done an amazing job with this, it has a perfect flow and a plot that carries right on through to the climax, that was scary, exciting and had an edge of darkness, I was sucked in so far I held my breath. A happy ending I felt was exactly right and I smiled big. Boy! What a journey this took, so much time for so very few clues and what a twist. Fabulous characters that I fell in love with, well for the most part anyway. So good it was splendid.
Profile Image for Nikki.
1,861 reviews20 followers
December 18, 2020
This was my first read by KM Lowe and I've had my eye on this book for so long and im wishing I had read it before now! So happy that book 2 is out as I know I need more even though I've just finished book 1 lol

This book is the story of Aria and Caleb who are childhood bestfriends but don't actually get round to telling each other just how far their feelings have got as they both have different paths to go down in adulthood.... so when a traumatic experience brings them back into each others lives again its no holding back.

Absolutely loved Caleb and his whole family especially brothers Clay and Chris.... hes funny.. friendly.. kind.. loving and above all else totally swoon worthy!!! He had me hooked on him within the first pages of reading!
Aria is courageous.. strong...independent and so perfect for Caleb you can't help but want all their troubles to be over so they can eventually get their HEA together.
Cant wait to start the next book ASAP!
Great writing.. Great story.. Great everything!
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.3k reviews92 followers
April 20, 2019
It’s been eight years since Caleb left his career as a member of the Chicago Police Department to create Shawland Security with his brothers Clay and Chris. He enjoys the freedom to take the cases they want but when he is asked to help with a case involving the only woman he has ever loved he will do anything to protect her.

What started out as surprise visit to her family from her relief work overseas turned into a nightmare that she can’t forget. After a year of captivity, she finally escapes and the only person she wants near her is Caleb. Will they be able to find her captor before he comes and returns her to the nightmare she just escaped?

This story takes you on a wild adventure filled with action, adventure, suspense and great characters. This is a great start to a new series, and I can’t wait for Clay and Chris’s stories.
Profile Image for Chanah Dickson (The Book Whisperer).
269 reviews11 followers
April 20, 2019
What an absolutely addictive read! Between the strong characters and the perfectly written words I found my self lost in the world cleverly created by new to me author KM Lowe.

Caleb and Arias story isn’t your typical romance this book sets itself apart from anything I’ve read recently and the weight of the situations confronted evoked such heartbreak that will stay with me long after this book closed. This was definitely an emotional read but it’s one of those books that tears you apart with the characters despair, but also brings moments of sheer joy that had me rejoicing and gluing those little broken shards back in to place.

I really can’t recommend this book enough I’m whole heartedly consumed by the Shawlands Security world and this taster has really got me excited for what else is to come!
Profile Image for Angelina.
742 reviews
April 23, 2019
Shawland Security is one of KM Lowe's best books yet! It keeps you on the edge of your seat and has you reading as quickly as you can because you want to see what happens. We're introduced to some great new characters and I can't wait for Caleb's brothers to get their own stories. For me, one thing I liked about this book is that we get to see the predator's POV and these parts really add to the story - I'm so glad KM Lowe included them! I've read this book a couple of times now and I'll certainly be reading it again, which is something I rarely do when it comes to books. There's no way any reader can doubt this author's talent once they've read this enthralling story about love and survival. Shawland Security is a must read for 2019!

*I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book
1,076 reviews
May 25, 2021
An action packed romance with a full deck of hot alphas, strong family ties and emotive content.

The underlying storyline is fundamentally troubling and may trigger but is dealt with pretty sensitively.

I adored the family interactions and how close all the brothers were with them both.

The growing relationship between Aria and Caleb was an emotive read given everything going on with her after the kidnapping, and though not a straight line, it was fulfilling in all the right ways and the HEA was lovely.

The whole family interactions were my favourite parts of the book, and there were plenty of them. The emotions and reactions were well written and brutally honest at times.

A really unexpectedly great read

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tina Morgan.
1,134 reviews11 followers
April 15, 2019
4.5 Stars 


This is my first book by K.M. Lowe and I really liked it and plan on reading more by this author.  This book had a lot of different facets to it and I liked them all. I really loved getting 3 different povs, it really brought a lot of perspectives into play that I hadn't read before that I really enjoyed.  I thought the way things were handled with care on some rough topics was very well done. I liked how it showed some flashbacks and I loved the epilogue and I can't wait for the next book!!! The only thing that didn't push this that little bit over to that 5 star is that some of the things just didn't add up for me. But otherwise this book was really good and I highly recommend it!!! 
Profile Image for Sassy Southern Book Blog.
5,439 reviews274 followers
April 17, 2019
4.5 Stars

This is my first book by K.M. Lowe and I really liked it and plan on reading more by this author. This book had a lot of different facets to it and I liked them all. I really loved getting 3 different povs, it really brought a lot of perspectives into play that I hadn't read before that I really enjoyed. I thought the way things were handled with care on some rough topics was very well done. I liked how it showed some flashbacks and I loved the epilogue and I can't wait for the next book!!! The only thing that didn't push this that little bit over to that 5 star is that some of the things just didn't add up for me. But otherwise this book was really good and I highly recommend it!!! - By Tina
Profile Image for Reva Parks.
1,771 reviews15 followers
April 23, 2019
This is Lowe's best book by far and I've read quite a few of her books. This is a thriller: retired Chicago police detective, Caleb, takes on the protection of his childhood love, Aria, from the serial killer who kidnapped her, by keeping her in his home in a secure compound owned by himself and his brothers. Adrenaline will be pumping as you swiftly turn the pages. You will admire the love the Shawland family show Aria and especially the depth of the patience and care exhibited by Caleb. You will have little tolerance for the efforts of the CPD. And like me, you will look forward to brothers Clay and Chris' stories! I am so glad that Kelly Lowe started writing in this genre! I volunteered this review several days after reading an ARC.
Profile Image for Sally Orchard.
78 reviews4 followers
April 23, 2019
What a read

I found this author through a blog, after reading the blurb decided this was a book I wanted to read, am I glad I did.
Aria Marshall comes back to Chicago to surprise her family after doing voluntary work in Africa, she gets into a taxi at the airport and is missing for a year.
Caleb Shawland was a cop, but has now set up with his brother's a security company that still work with the CPD.
Al, Caleb's former partner arrives at his office and asks if he remembers Aria, because she asking for him at the hospital.
This book was a real page turner, that I couldn't put down.
Looking forward to reading more of this authors words.
45 reviews
May 30, 2021
This was an incredibly well written book, that deals with extremely tough subjects (rape, abduction, captivity, murder). It also demonstrates the great sense of family as three brothers work together at their security firm. And highlights the difficulties police departments have (with limited budgets that are constantly being cut back) to capture the worst criminals. It was an excellent read, felt realistic, relatable characters and plot - I simply couldn't put it down. I look forward to the next book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,301 reviews16 followers
June 7, 2021
Caleb starts Shawland Security. Aria comes home and runs directly into a psychopathic killer who holds her captive and after a year she escapes. She goes to the only man she trusts...Caleb. Caleb wonders if he can treat her as a client only when she was the only woman he ever loved. Aria struggles with her year long captivity. They race against the clock to catch her captor before he captures her again. This is a story more thrilling than a carnival roller coaster ride. Cant wait for Clay and Chris stories

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sandra Loves Reading.
741 reviews10 followers
April 20, 2019
What an edge of the seat read!!!
I was hooked from start to finish. KM Lowe has started this new series off with an absolute winner.
Aria comes home to surprise her family. But gets in the wrong cab and it's all downhill from there.
Shawland Security is called in, in the form of Caleb and his brothers, Clay and Chris.
Caleb has loved Aria forever and will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. With the police seemingly unable to do anything, Shawland Security steps into the breach...
I can't wait for Book 2!
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