Within the Shadows

With Emma #2

by T.L. Mahrt

Within the Shadows, Book Two of With Emma Series

Emma’s world is rocked as the real monster lurking in the shadows is unveiled.

Emma Andrews’ last memory of her mother is seeing her bleeding to death on the bathroom floor. Several years later, Emma is kidnapped and forced to face the same monster that killed her mother. Quickly, Emma—a daydreamer with an inventive personality—must learn to separate her fantasies from reality in order to differentiate friend or foe.

As secrets unfold and the shadows emerge, Emma wonders if she can endure reliving the trauma of her past. One thing she does know for certain—she can’t do it alone.

Will Emma escape from this monster alive? Will Chance still love her after she reveals her past? Or, will someone new teach Emma the true strength hiding within her?

Genres: Romantic Suspense

253 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 28, 2020

About the author

T. L. Mahrt is a former business owner, where she utilized her education in cosmetology, barbering and massage therapy for several years. She was raised on and is currently living on a farm in Nebraska, where you can find her running barefoot in the country side with her loving husband and inspiring children and massive dogs.

After having her son, who was born with Cerebral Palsy, she made the life altering decision to stay home to care for her two children and pursue her love for writing. She has a love for romance and poetry where, her overactive imagination, along with her adventures and up beat lifestyle drives her inspiration for her writing.

Reviews

[Dash fan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4☆ A Gritty and Dark Romantic Suspense.

Within the Shadows is the second book in the series. Although it can be read as a standalone, there is a lot of content in book one that I feel the reader would really benefit from, if they read the books in order.

I'm not going to say anything about the plot as i don't want to risk spoiling anything for those yet to read book one and believe me the first book is brilliant!

Within the Shadows still has plenty of danger and lots of suspense but it does feel a lil bit different from the first book.
It's a Pacy read about discovery, secrets, jealousy, revenge, facing your fears head on, feeling safe, trust, moving on and relationships.
It's gritty and compelling, with complex characters, a tangled web of lies, secrets, murder, obsession and possession, a few twists and a cliffhanger ending that will leave you eager to read the next installment.
Which I can't wait to read!


Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.




You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-

https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/0...

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this is a stand-alone I really wish I had have read book one as I really enjoyed this story.

Emma has had a tough life trying to move on from her past. The last thing she wants is to relive what happened but that’s what Emma has to do when she gets kidnapped. I really liked Emma. I thought she was a tough cookie- thankfully.

I’m definitely gonna be going back to read book one. Great read.

[Kate A · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say I was quite surprised at the difference between this book and the first in the series. Withstanding The Enemy was a lot darker and heavier and I was expecting something similar for this book but actually whilst there were still some darker elements overall this felt lighter and definitely played more to the romance side, which I loved.

The focus on this book was Emma fighting her demons and seeing if she can overcome them and I really appreciated that after all the trauma of the first book and what happens at the start of this one that she was given the time to explore that. There was still a lot going on with this book, it was almost split into two narratives; Emma trying to heal and Chance and the team trying to find the person who kidnapped her and still poses her a threat; so like the first book it still manages to strike the balance between action and romance.

In my review for Withstanding The Enemy I mentioned that I was a little indifferent to Chance and to be honest there was a character who was linked to Emma that I didn’t mention because I wasn’t sure it would lead to anything. Well in this book this character is another contender for Emma’s affections and I have to say that I was rooting for him as soon as I thought it was a possibility. I could really feel the chemistry between them and loved how respectful he was given the fragile state that Emma is in, now I’m not going to say who it is because it isn’t mentioned in the description, so you are just going to have to read the book to find out.

There were also another few surprises in this book that I didn’t expect, I did have a bit of an issue with an aspect of one of them but it would spoil it too much to go into detail. Having said that I did enjoy that feeling of not knowing what was going to happen next and as the tension started to build as I neared the end of the book I was desperate to see how everything would play out.

As expected the author has left us with a tantalising cliffhanger and I am really looking forward to the next book so that I can find out how Emma gets on with the dilemmas she is left with and what choices she will make.

Originally posted on everywhere and nowhere

[Shae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed Emma's character arc in this second book. The guy she spends the most time with seems to be the best for who she is now. Our big bad is still a big disgusting butt-faced miscreant, and I am very much not happy about our CLIFFHANGER ENDING!!? Can't wait to see how book 3 turns out. I am invested in Emma and the current guy, so I want to see where this goes.

[Rajiv · Rating 4 out of 5]

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I was not even aware that this was second book in a series, yet the book was entertaining as a standalone.

The author makes the story exciting right from page one, where Jarrett kidnaps Emma. However, the characters stand out in the story, particularly Emma. Emma goes through a lot, and it was interesting to see how she connects with others. Moreover, I loved her story with Andy and thought they had amazing chemistry. But, I felt she had chemistry with the others too. Although Emma encounters some traumatic situations, I was thinking how lucky she is to have so many men chasing her. While I do not know the entire back story (because I didn’t read the first book), it was entertaining to see how Rick, Chance and Andy want to protect her and are jealous of each other.

Moreover, I found the side story of Rick’s death interesting and mysterious. I loved Jarrett as the villain. He made the story exciting and unpredictable. He is creepy and dangerous, and you don’t know when he will strike next.

However, there are scenes which I felt could have been better. At times, it felt like the the author gave preference to Emma’s love life, instead of the plot. While I enjoyed this, I wish there were more twists and turns. Also, I didn’t really get to know some of the characters like Rick and Elaine because there is not sufficient background of them, and they are not prominent in the story-line.

Having said that, this was a entertaining and made me pick up the first book to see how it all started. Overall, “Within the Shadows” was an intriguing romance.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma has four men vying for her attention and love. She was orphaned when she was a young girl and grew up in the system for the most part. One of the men that wants her for his own is twisted and he found a way to keep himself in her life for a time while she was in the Foster System, but then Jarrett Gage lost track of her when he left the job as her counselor. One man wants to marry her and is in love with her, but she believes he is the man that abused her and hurt her when she was a little girl. Her belief that he was the shadow man, was never disputed by Rick. One man is in love with her, but his job is to make sure that nothing happens to her, track down missing people and observe from afar, until she becomes the person he needs to track down to save and protect. Andy is the man that saves Emma in her dreams, can he be the one to save her in real life? Can he save her from the Mr. JD after her memory begins to come back? Then there is the man that loves her and is her bodyguard. She believes she’s in love with Chance, but now that her memory has returned and she realizes everything that she pushed down deep in her psyche, she is no longer the woman that Chance fell in love with and she has realized that she is not in love with him.

This story is was the first book I read in this series by T.L. Mahrt, but it did not distract from the story, nor did I feel lost while reading it. It is full of action, suspense, danger and great characters that have a lot going on. There are some parts of this story that I wanted to read a few lines ahead because I was expecting someone to jump out of the shadows. The author did a great job of keeping me on my seat wondering if and when Jarrett would show up and reclaim Emma. It also had me wondering which character on the team was untrustworthy and questionable in protecting Emma. I give this story a 4-star review and hope to read more from T.L. Mahrt in the near future. More of Emma and the characters in Within The Shadows would be great.

[Eclectic Review · Rating 3 out of 5]

In order to move on with her tragic past, a woman must let it all go, the pain, the love, the grief, and believe in herself and her strength to take revenge on the monster that once broke her.

I recommend that one read Book 1 before they pick this book up. There is just too much going on that needs to be explained in more detail. Even though I read the first book some time ago, it still took me a while to figure who was who again.

Emma is emotionally broken by men who abused her, caged her, and protected her. She has now been able to heal and is ready to avenge her mother’s death and the abuse at the hands of a monster. What man will stand by her and what man will get in her way?

I prefer to read about strong female protagonists so it is good to see Emma finally stand up for herself and take charge. This book is about her eternal struggles and facing her fears. In addition, readers will find out more about Rick’s role in her life and more about Andy and Chance’s connection. However, the whole “everyone is in love with her” thing got to be a bit much and I wasn’t as excited about this book as the first.

Overall, this is a tense romantic suspense story with dangerous and questionable characters and a nail-biting cliffhanger.

Thank you to Ms. Mahrt for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

[Jocelyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the With Emma Series, a Dark Romantic Suspense. You have to listen to this series in order. Emma's story continues where the first book left off. She is a wonderful character. Her story is darkly twisted, and breathtaking. Chance, Andy, and Rick are fantastic and intriguing supporting characters. Jarrett is devilishly twisted. The story is told with multiple POV. The storyline is enthralling, intricate, suspenseful, filled with danger, action, and twists and turns. The mystery unfolds at a slow pace. Impossible to put it down. The story ends with a huge and unpredictable cliffhanger. Zara Eden, Eric Drummond did an amazing job with the narration. Now, I am looking forward to listen to Withholding the Key, the last book in the Trilogy, to know what happens next. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reviewed the first book in the series Withstanding the Enemy as an audiobook, but I have enjoyed reading the second in the series Within the Shadows. This book picks up on the cliffhanger at the end of the first book. It's a progression, so it's best to read book one first.

Emma's traumatic life continues with the introduction of someone from her past. This book focuses on Emma's internal struggle, as she faces her fears, and emerges stronger. A new romantic focus balances the recurring theme of menace, which makes this a suspenseful read.

This is an edgy story with sensual romance. It reflects Emma's world well and leaves you wanting to know what happens next.

I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.

[Ronel Olver · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is as dark, gripping and intriguing as the first one and Emma continues to remember her life before Rick and makes some startling discoveries about Rick, while discovering the true monster in her life when the monster kidnaps her. Chase continues to be at her side to protect her but is joined by Andy and the rest of the security team. Some interesting plot developments and twists and turns. The book ends in a huge cliffhanger and I can't wait to read the final book.

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

[Andrea Leasure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic read! Emma’s journey continues in this 2nd book. The transition between the different characters in the book brings a new perspective into understanding where each is coming from personally and helps explain their backstories as the story develops. Can’t wait for book 3 of the Emma trilogy to see what happens next for Emma!

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a continuation of the first book in the series Withstanding the Enemy. This book goes more into Emma's background. New characters are introduced and a possible new love interest. This book also ends in a cliff hanger.

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

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Within The Shadows is a suspenseful thriller you will not be able to put down. It continues the story of Emma, Rick, and Chance. A new dark character is added to the storyline which changes the outcome of the story. This well written book ends in a cliffhanger and is a phenomenal read.

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

[Coley Thayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

good series

I received the first book in the series with my monthly romance subscription box and have been looking forward to each book that follows. Emma continues to grow as a person and it's intriguing. Twists and turns along the way.

[S I · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this work. This book did not disappoint. The author really keeps your attention from beginning to end, leaving you anticipating more.

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

[Jenny Lech · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was different than I thought it would be or imagined what it would be..... but holy cow, I was drawn in like no other. Great book!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t put it down!!

[Kasey Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished this book in 1 day! It was too good to put down!

[Tiziana Langone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Will Emma be able to escape her demons?
 
Emma and Chance are falling in love, but will their love have an opportunity to blossom? Emma is facing the last events of trying to escape her fiancé Rick.
But escaping Rick suddenly doesn’t appear to be the biggest danger. There is someone else lurking in the shadows and will go lengths to get his hands on her.
She has to rely on Andy to keep her safe. But Andy finds himself attracted to Emma more and more. And even Emma is finding it hard to resist him.
Will Andy be able to love her even with her past? And what about Chance? Is there something still possible for these two?
 
Again a disturbing sequel written by T. L. Mahrt!
 
This time we get to know a little bit more about Emma and her past, and who are the men with not so good intentions.
This story was different compared with the first part, because things we knew for sure, seemed suddenly not true.
So it was hard to figure out who were the real bad guys and what their motivations were.
 
Yet I liked to read how Emma was getting stronger, more independent. She learns to stand up for herself and literally fight.
She also learns more about herself and is trying to understand her feelings.
Having several men that are attracted to her and vice versa is not easy. She has to figure out who she truly loves and who will only receive friendship from her.
 
I have to admit, I didn’t like how Emma and Andy were getting closer. But this is just because I was cheering from the beginning for Team Chance…
But of course I understood why the two of them are getting closer.
 
There are still many questions I have about Emma and her past and how she did end up at the place where the series started.
But as the story has not reached its end yet, I cannot wait to see what of Emma’s past will be unveiled and what is left in store for Emma and who the man is she truly loves!

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating tale of mystery, suspense and intrigue. The shadowish nature of this book kept me captivated throughout the entire book. I loved how the author created each character- making some more likable than others but still leaving doubt as to their real intentions. It was an amazing story.

I requested a copy of this book so I could provide an honest review.

[Coco.V]

🎁 Books 2 & 3 in the Series are FREE on Amazon today (10/25/2021)! 🎁