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Shades of Trouble #1
Collide
Destiny is what happens when dreams collide with reality.
I've made a name for myself as a world famous lingerie model. I'm rich and powerful now. Not too bad for a girl from small town Texas. All I really wanted was to become so beautiful that Luke, my teenage crush, would fall at my feet.
But thirteen years is a long time.
Long enough for this little girl to grow up and glue back together the pieces that were chipped away as a child. Plenty of time for me to figure out that love isn't made of fairy tales and high school crushes who didn't even know I existed. Maybe it's even long enough for me to realize what's staring at me through my best friend's eyes - even as I try to say we're just business partners.
Then Gran dies. Now I have to go back to that same small town that destroyed me.
I keep telling myself I've got this - right up until Luke shows up in my life again. This time, he's noticed me, but he comes with a troubled daughter that reminds me a little too much of myself. Then there's the new guy I just hired. He's the best person for the job, even if he is my best friend's ex - and looking at my crush a little too hard.
I'm supposed to be taking over Gran's business, but the rumors are flying. This town hates me. My neighbor wants to see me fail, my love life is out of control, and Luke's daughter? It looks like she's going to be the only one who ends up hurt unless something changes. What good is success if I can't use it to help anyone else?
I came home to save something.
I just had no idea it was more than just a house.
TRIGGERS MAY INCLUDE: Mentions of cancer, violence, criminal history, eating disorders, bullying, self harm, and discussions of child sexual assault and trauma.
This is a love story, but broken people deserve love too - and an ally on their side.
Collide is a 155,000 word novel with an ending that will leave you needing more. The main female character will have multiple, often complicated, relationships with different men. The Shades of Trouble series includes M/M and M/F romance. For the purposes of the story, some medical and professional ethics may be bent or even broken. Graphic language and situations that are suitable for a mature audience are included.
Collide is the first in a series of four books.
I've made a name for myself as a world famous lingerie model. I'm rich and powerful now. Not too bad for a girl from small town Texas. All I really wanted was to become so beautiful that Luke, my teenage crush, would fall at my feet.
But thirteen years is a long time.
Long enough for this little girl to grow up and glue back together the pieces that were chipped away as a child. Plenty of time for me to figure out that love isn't made of fairy tales and high school crushes who didn't even know I existed. Maybe it's even long enough for me to realize what's staring at me through my best friend's eyes - even as I try to say we're just business partners.
Then Gran dies. Now I have to go back to that same small town that destroyed me.
I keep telling myself I've got this - right up until Luke shows up in my life again. This time, he's noticed me, but he comes with a troubled daughter that reminds me a little too much of myself. Then there's the new guy I just hired. He's the best person for the job, even if he is my best friend's ex - and looking at my crush a little too hard.
I'm supposed to be taking over Gran's business, but the rumors are flying. This town hates me. My neighbor wants to see me fail, my love life is out of control, and Luke's daughter? It looks like she's going to be the only one who ends up hurt unless something changes. What good is success if I can't use it to help anyone else?
I came home to save something.
I just had no idea it was more than just a house.
TRIGGERS MAY INCLUDE: Mentions of cancer, violence, criminal history, eating disorders, bullying, self harm, and discussions of child sexual assault and trauma.
This is a love story, but broken people deserve love too - and an ally on their side.
Collide is a 155,000 word novel with an ending that will leave you needing more. The main female character will have multiple, often complicated, relationships with different men. The Shades of Trouble series includes M/M and M/F romance. For the purposes of the story, some medical and professional ethics may be bent or even broken. Graphic language and situations that are suitable for a mature audience are included.
Collide is the first in a series of four books.
520 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2021
481 people are currently reading
1629 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
November 30, 2024
Pages: 520
My rating: 5
This book was recommended to my by Sa. from the #cakeeaters. And it was one of the best books I have read this year. I love the characters. Also that the Southwind is a no judgement zone. How they fix themselves and their relationships. How they look after Luke and his daughter. Even if all characters have shit to shovel, they face it and keep going. And when someone breaks or is near breaking the rainbow will support them and help to carry the other colours. They are very fixated to give forward what they got from Gran (Vera) and her partner Vera. they seem to live for this. But they know sometimes you just need another chance and someone who will pick you up and believe in you.
The Characters: Names and descriptions of the persons
Summery: detailed, lot’s of spoiler
My rating: 5
This book was recommended to my by Sa. from the #cakeeaters. And it was one of the best books I have read this year. I love the characters. Also that the Southwind is a no judgement zone. How they fix themselves and their relationships. How they look after Luke and his daughter. Even if all characters have shit to shovel, they face it and keep going. And when someone breaks or is near breaking the rainbow will support them and help to carry the other colours. They are very fixated to give forward what they got from Gran (Vera) and her partner Vera. they seem to live for this. But they know sometimes you just need another chance and someone who will pick you up and believe in you.
The Characters: Names and descriptions of the persons
Summery: detailed, lot’s of spoiler
March 16, 2022
Rating : 2/5 … this was really boring and not a romance
I didn’t feel any romance in this book. The love interests are more interested in each other than in the FMC.
It was a huge problem for me. I like when the FMC is the center of the relationship. Or at least feel like she is important.
This book wants to be about acceptance (I’m all for it) but can’t we have a little romance too ?
The town in Texas was also a little caricatural.
So if you want to read about a hippy retreat in a homophobic town with sex but no romance … you can read this book.
I didn’t feel any romance in this book. The love interests are more interested in each other than in the FMC.
It was a huge problem for me. I like when the FMC is the center of the relationship. Or at least feel like she is important.
This book wants to be about acceptance (I’m all for it) but can’t we have a little romance too ?
The town in Texas was also a little caricatural.
So if you want to read about a hippy retreat in a homophobic town with sex but no romance … you can read this book.
August 27, 2021
Compelling, sexy, but sweet and grounded.
I love poly romance, but often the concept is a stretch. But Shades of trouble sets up a romance that is sexy, sweet, and FEELS like something that can actually happen. Even if you’re not a lingerie model. 😂 Well written and solidly plotted, it also feels like a novel with a strong romance rather than just a smut fest. (And don’t get me wrong, I love my smut feats!) So if you’re already an RH fan and you’re looking for a book to recommend to friends to dip their toes in the genre, this is a strong candidate.
I love poly romance, but often the concept is a stretch. But Shades of trouble sets up a romance that is sexy, sweet, and FEELS like something that can actually happen. Even if you’re not a lingerie model. 😂 Well written and solidly plotted, it also feels like a novel with a strong romance rather than just a smut fest. (And don’t get me wrong, I love my smut feats!) So if you’re already an RH fan and you’re looking for a book to recommend to friends to dip their toes in the genre, this is a strong candidate.
March 28, 2021
Beautiful Hopeful Messy Romance
Warning: This book contains references to self-harm, eating disorders, grooming for child abuse and violence. If any of these subjects cause painful emotions, you may want to avoid the book, though all subjects are handled with tact and understanding.
I knew I was going to like this book because I like the way Kitty Cox looks at the world. She’s optimistic with a side order of realism and a hint of despair. This is the first in a four-book series and I devoured it in one chunk, staying awake until 6 am because I couldn’t stop reading it. It was all the things I hoped it would be, beautiful, hopeful, messy, real and painful. It’s a wonderful start to the series and I can only hope that the rest of the series lives up to it’s introduction.
Violet’s beloved grandmother has died, leaving her legacy to her brilliant and determined granddaughter. Violet was raised from the age of 12/13 by her grandmother when her mother just left her there. It could have gone horribly wrong, but Violet’s grandmother was gifted with wayward teens and ran a centre for convicted teenagers, who committed crimes that could be seen as justified, such as stealing to feed a younger sibling, or defending someone physically which lead to assault charges. The centre did equine therapy, lead by Bea, Violet’s grandmother’s girlfriend.
Despite the love and care that Violet received she was still a troubled teen, but when she left the area she took with her friends that would last forever. She went into modelling with her best friend Ashton and they started a lingerie business together, with Ash designing and Violet modelling. When Violet and Ashton return to the the small community they are met with distaste and threats when they start to work towards opening the centre again. However, these two bright and strong personalities don’t care what people think of them and they have the support of their friends who were helped by the centre. They also get the help of Luke who has a 12-year-old daughter. He has a very low paid job and lives hand to mouth so his daughter doesn’t go without.
When Cy joins the staff as a psychiatrist for the young people who will hopefully be coming through the centre the four people connect in a way that they never saw coming.
This book may be considered part of the reverse harem genre but in reality it is a book about a polyamorous group of people. These four are strong, but flawed people, who have experience of life and think they know who they are, but are still accepting of their ability to change.
I love the way the group relate to Luke’s daughter, Faith. They all see her beauty and want her to flourish and do their utmost to make it happen. I love no matter what, Faith came first with all of them. Faith was written in a believable and relatable way and she had an important role in the book. She was the girl that Violet could have been if she had a parent who cared about her. She was the reason that Luke was stuck in a dead-end job supporting a woman he never loved, but she was also the reason he didn’t care. Through Cy’s eyes we see her beautiful spirit, intelligence and compassion and she gives Ash someone to protect.
All together they make up a crazy and unacceptable family, in small-town America. They are distrusted and verbally abused by the community in which they live and they fight because they know that what they have could be amazing, if only they can work through all the messy and painful problems that being in a polyamorous relationship can bring.
I can’t wait to see what the next book brings because as well as the relationship aspect of this book, there is a deeper and more sinister story being told. We leave this book on a bit of a cliffhanger and we have to wait until June for the next book in the series. I can’t wait and know I’ll re-read this book before starting the next one, because it’s such a fantastic and emotional rollercoaster of a story, with so many layers I know I’ll be unpicking them even after several read-throughs.
Warning: This book contains references to self-harm, eating disorders, grooming for child abuse and violence. If any of these subjects cause painful emotions, you may want to avoid the book, though all subjects are handled with tact and understanding.
I knew I was going to like this book because I like the way Kitty Cox looks at the world. She’s optimistic with a side order of realism and a hint of despair. This is the first in a four-book series and I devoured it in one chunk, staying awake until 6 am because I couldn’t stop reading it. It was all the things I hoped it would be, beautiful, hopeful, messy, real and painful. It’s a wonderful start to the series and I can only hope that the rest of the series lives up to it’s introduction.
Violet’s beloved grandmother has died, leaving her legacy to her brilliant and determined granddaughter. Violet was raised from the age of 12/13 by her grandmother when her mother just left her there. It could have gone horribly wrong, but Violet’s grandmother was gifted with wayward teens and ran a centre for convicted teenagers, who committed crimes that could be seen as justified, such as stealing to feed a younger sibling, or defending someone physically which lead to assault charges. The centre did equine therapy, lead by Bea, Violet’s grandmother’s girlfriend.
Despite the love and care that Violet received she was still a troubled teen, but when she left the area she took with her friends that would last forever. She went into modelling with her best friend Ashton and they started a lingerie business together, with Ash designing and Violet modelling. When Violet and Ashton return to the the small community they are met with distaste and threats when they start to work towards opening the centre again. However, these two bright and strong personalities don’t care what people think of them and they have the support of their friends who were helped by the centre. They also get the help of Luke who has a 12-year-old daughter. He has a very low paid job and lives hand to mouth so his daughter doesn’t go without.
When Cy joins the staff as a psychiatrist for the young people who will hopefully be coming through the centre the four people connect in a way that they never saw coming.
This book may be considered part of the reverse harem genre but in reality it is a book about a polyamorous group of people. These four are strong, but flawed people, who have experience of life and think they know who they are, but are still accepting of their ability to change.
I love the way the group relate to Luke’s daughter, Faith. They all see her beauty and want her to flourish and do their utmost to make it happen. I love no matter what, Faith came first with all of them. Faith was written in a believable and relatable way and she had an important role in the book. She was the girl that Violet could have been if she had a parent who cared about her. She was the reason that Luke was stuck in a dead-end job supporting a woman he never loved, but she was also the reason he didn’t care. Through Cy’s eyes we see her beautiful spirit, intelligence and compassion and she gives Ash someone to protect.
All together they make up a crazy and unacceptable family, in small-town America. They are distrusted and verbally abused by the community in which they live and they fight because they know that what they have could be amazing, if only they can work through all the messy and painful problems that being in a polyamorous relationship can bring.
I can’t wait to see what the next book brings because as well as the relationship aspect of this book, there is a deeper and more sinister story being told. We leave this book on a bit of a cliffhanger and we have to wait until June for the next book in the series. I can’t wait and know I’ll re-read this book before starting the next one, because it’s such a fantastic and emotional rollercoaster of a story, with so many layers I know I’ll be unpicking them even after several read-throughs.
November 4, 2021
Obsessed
Wow. I was not expecting to feel this level of admiration for a random book I found on Goodreads, nor the author who wrote it.
This is a story about a woman returning to her small Texas hometown to reopen a home for troubled teens and how the locals aren't making things easy for her. It's also about a man discovering that there's still hope for making something better in his life after a whole lot of nothing special (except his daughter). It's a story about love lost and trying to rebuild it to something stronger and it's about protecting a child from something truly evil.
There's so many parts to this story that make it a complex read, but it's written in a way that I completely understand everyone's opinions, the conservative side to the liberal side of things. It shows the line between small town living and big city life and all the different complications that follow when something new comes to town. It's hard for people to accept change. It makes me think about my relatives back in Utah.
Oh and there's something in it that I absolutely hate: when people use religion as an attack on others for their own financial gain. Absolutely evil and worthy of damnation.
But wow. I read this book until I could barely keep my eyes open and then dreamt about it for a while, woke up and thought about it for a long time, and then back to sleep to dream about it again. Sometimes a book just sticks with you and this one is the one sticking with me, apparently.
I loved it.
Wow. I was not expecting to feel this level of admiration for a random book I found on Goodreads, nor the author who wrote it.
This is a story about a woman returning to her small Texas hometown to reopen a home for troubled teens and how the locals aren't making things easy for her. It's also about a man discovering that there's still hope for making something better in his life after a whole lot of nothing special (except his daughter). It's a story about love lost and trying to rebuild it to something stronger and it's about protecting a child from something truly evil.
There's so many parts to this story that make it a complex read, but it's written in a way that I completely understand everyone's opinions, the conservative side to the liberal side of things. It shows the line between small town living and big city life and all the different complications that follow when something new comes to town. It's hard for people to accept change. It makes me think about my relatives back in Utah.
Oh and there's something in it that I absolutely hate: when people use religion as an attack on others for their own financial gain. Absolutely evil and worthy of damnation.
But wow. I read this book until I could barely keep my eyes open and then dreamt about it for a while, woke up and thought about it for a long time, and then back to sleep to dream about it again. Sometimes a book just sticks with you and this one is the one sticking with me, apparently.
I loved it.
July 31, 2021
This book isn't really about violet
This book is t really about violet it's about the 3 men who fell I love all around her and her not caring. These three men love each other and she takes a back seat . The cover should be of the men in the front and her just in the back being left out. It's so sad. I couldn't read anymore the men all get it on in one way or another and she's just like back ground noise. I just read this book for 5 hours and I'll never get it back what a waste of time. If ur going to make. Gay or bi book bout guys advertise it as is seeing this women treated like crap and stepped a side is so awful. She should be number one and the guys all second to her . Why is she even in this book at all I'm so confused. Just messed up all around.
This book is t really about violet it's about the 3 men who fell I love all around her and her not caring. These three men love each other and she takes a back seat . The cover should be of the men in the front and her just in the back being left out. It's so sad. I couldn't read anymore the men all get it on in one way or another and she's just like back ground noise. I just read this book for 5 hours and I'll never get it back what a waste of time. If ur going to make. Gay or bi book bout guys advertise it as is seeing this women treated like crap and stepped a side is so awful. She should be number one and the guys all second to her . Why is she even in this book at all I'm so confused. Just messed up all around.
June 13, 2021
Wow, this book completely consumed me. The setting, the characters, the story…all woven together to create a beautiful story of love, forgiveness and family.
I loved the small-town setting of Cats Peak and was completely intrigued by the idea of Southwind, a juvenile rehabilitation center that was run by Violet’s Gran. When Gran dies, Violet moves home to rebuild Southwind and continue Gran’s legacy. Southwind is also where Violet found her family, two men who love her just as much as they love each other. Add in Violet’s school crush Luke the cowboy, and you’ve got the recipe for an enticing RH romance.
I fell in love with these characters so much. My favorite scenes were of Violet and Faith, Luke’s daughter. This book is mostly focused on character development but we do get some serious drama toward the end that adds some gutting emotion. I’m already into book two and can’t wait for more from these incredible characters.
I loved the small-town setting of Cats Peak and was completely intrigued by the idea of Southwind, a juvenile rehabilitation center that was run by Violet’s Gran. When Gran dies, Violet moves home to rebuild Southwind and continue Gran’s legacy. Southwind is also where Violet found her family, two men who love her just as much as they love each other. Add in Violet’s school crush Luke the cowboy, and you’ve got the recipe for an enticing RH romance.
I fell in love with these characters so much. My favorite scenes were of Violet and Faith, Luke’s daughter. This book is mostly focused on character development but we do get some serious drama toward the end that adds some gutting emotion. I’m already into book two and can’t wait for more from these incredible characters.
January 6, 2022
Intriguing plot
I loved this book. Contemporary romance is one of my favourite and this story has such an interesting setup. I love how the author tells a tale of second chances for those who deserve them and the exceptional people that give them this chance.
We see how the legacy of 2 extraordinary women lives on in the minds, but especially the hearts, of the people whose life they touched in the home away from home 'Southwind'.
As Violet wants to restore Southwind to its former glory, she finds herself in a town that us riddled with prejudices. But she doesn't have to face the inhabitants of Cat's Peak on her own.
This is a story about the beauty in diversity and acceptance and I can't wait to dive in the next book!
I loved this book. Contemporary romance is one of my favourite and this story has such an interesting setup. I love how the author tells a tale of second chances for those who deserve them and the exceptional people that give them this chance.
We see how the legacy of 2 extraordinary women lives on in the minds, but especially the hearts, of the people whose life they touched in the home away from home 'Southwind'.
As Violet wants to restore Southwind to its former glory, she finds herself in a town that us riddled with prejudices. But she doesn't have to face the inhabitants of Cat's Peak on her own.
This is a story about the beauty in diversity and acceptance and I can't wait to dive in the next book!
July 28, 2021
Holy Smoke!! Awesome book!!
March 6, 2021
Great start for the series
I love this book. Took more than 3 hours of sleep from me as I couldn't put it down. It's about a woman reclaiming her origins in a small town and the waves that makes.
I love this book. Took more than 3 hours of sleep from me as I couldn't put it down. It's about a woman reclaiming her origins in a small town and the waves that makes.
April 25, 2021
Ya'll I read this too fast. Absolutely in love with this author's writing.
First things first. I have LITERALLY never written a review for a book on here before and usually skim reviews to gage what the viewpoints are before I jump into a book. I am very particular when it comes to books. I don't usually like books which switch POVs and have only recently started on the RH trend (to name a few peeves)....and even then there are very FEW books I've read that I haven't DNFed because it was just too fast and no substance (for RH). This is the second series I've read by this author and am not disappointed at all.
Where to begin. I'll try to keep this short but as someone who has never written a review I really was amazed with this one.
The characters: Ok so when I first started it, I thought the relationship between Violet and Luke was going too fast. To the point I was almost tempted to call it in because I thought it was going to be one of THOSE RH where it's a whirlwind and just pure carnal desire (lol). But something told me "just keep going" and I was NOT disappointed. The characters in this first book have been developed well such that although we do not know the FULL story behind each one we can piece together each distinct personality from the glimpses of the past and present interwoven in the timeline. I think this is the most important part in getting someone to really become entrapped in a story and helps define this book as not just another throwaway RH w/o a backbone.
Setting: Lowkey have always had a thing for settings in small towns, but the thing I love even more is this book highlights both the pitfalls and beauty of small town living. And by that I mean the author has the good, the bad, and the ugly and interweaves the complexities through the eyes of each of the characters. So we get a viewpoint of how these societies view not only 'outsiders', but also individuals who are different based on sexual orientation/preference, race, and anything else you can think of, as these communities trend conservatively in viewpoints. So we have the characters not only navigating their own individual self conflicts, but also the broader social atmosphere as well, and I think the author really sold it to me because of this.
Plot: Not too fast paced with respect to the main conflict, and I was also really appreciative that Cox took the time to portray the RH without rapidly jumping into it. What do I mean by that without spoiling anything? I mean instead having everyone seem to be fine and dandy with a whole a** orgy fest, Cox shows development with the characters as they struggle to figure out their identities and preferences in a more realistic, and progressive manner while creating a safe space for the characters to explore their preferences (mostly one person in particular). As someone in medical school, the main issue at hand was something I appreciated reading about because I believe it's something we don't really confront as much as a society, and the fact that she portrays it in a small town where "nothing-can-happen, right?" only makes it more complicated. It made the whole story more believable and how the characters react is what makes this a story we can appreciate because of this real-world crisis. It's something we as readers can relate to because real life is complicated by relationships, law, greed, discrimination, etc. you name it.
All in all, If I could rate this a 6/5 I would and if you're someone uncertain about RH, M/M or polyamorous relationships I encourage you to go in with an open mind. But don't rate this book as bad because it's not your cup of tea. Definitely looking forward to the next one! Back to studying....
First things first. I have LITERALLY never written a review for a book on here before and usually skim reviews to gage what the viewpoints are before I jump into a book. I am very particular when it comes to books. I don't usually like books which switch POVs and have only recently started on the RH trend (to name a few peeves)....and even then there are very FEW books I've read that I haven't DNFed because it was just too fast and no substance (for RH). This is the second series I've read by this author and am not disappointed at all.
Where to begin. I'll try to keep this short but as someone who has never written a review I really was amazed with this one.
The characters: Ok so when I first started it, I thought the relationship between Violet and Luke was going too fast. To the point I was almost tempted to call it in because I thought it was going to be one of THOSE RH where it's a whirlwind and just pure carnal desire (lol). But something told me "just keep going" and I was NOT disappointed. The characters in this first book have been developed well such that although we do not know the FULL story behind each one we can piece together each distinct personality from the glimpses of the past and present interwoven in the timeline. I think this is the most important part in getting someone to really become entrapped in a story and helps define this book as not just another throwaway RH w/o a backbone.
Setting: Lowkey have always had a thing for settings in small towns, but the thing I love even more is this book highlights both the pitfalls and beauty of small town living. And by that I mean the author has the good, the bad, and the ugly and interweaves the complexities through the eyes of each of the characters. So we get a viewpoint of how these societies view not only 'outsiders', but also individuals who are different based on sexual orientation/preference, race, and anything else you can think of, as these communities trend conservatively in viewpoints. So we have the characters not only navigating their own individual self conflicts, but also the broader social atmosphere as well, and I think the author really sold it to me because of this.
Plot: Not too fast paced with respect to the main conflict, and I was also really appreciative that Cox took the time to portray the RH without rapidly jumping into it. What do I mean by that without spoiling anything? I mean instead having everyone seem to be fine and dandy with a whole a** orgy fest, Cox shows development with the characters as they struggle to figure out their identities and preferences in a more realistic, and progressive manner while creating a safe space for the characters to explore their preferences (mostly one person in particular). As someone in medical school, the main issue at hand was something I appreciated reading about because I believe it's something we don't really confront as much as a society, and the fact that she portrays it in a small town where "nothing-can-happen, right?" only makes it more complicated. It made the whole story more believable and how the characters react is what makes this a story we can appreciate because of this real-world crisis. It's something we as readers can relate to because real life is complicated by relationships, law, greed, discrimination, etc. you name it.
All in all, If I could rate this a 6/5 I would and if you're someone uncertain about RH, M/M or polyamorous relationships I encourage you to go in with an open mind. But don't rate this book as bad because it's not your cup of tea. Definitely looking forward to the next one! Back to studying....
November 21, 2021
Gently fat phobic.
This book is gently fat phobic to me and as a fatter person it was hard to read. When It was identified that Vi had an eating disorder but was also into helping troubled youths I thought oh maybe it would address that? And we would get to discuss those issues. Fat is not bad. Urg. And fatness and thinness do not equate health or positive and negative. But no one addressed the fat phobia and it felt a bit diet culture-y.
Fat was brandished around as an insult and a negative the entire time and that’s not fun to read. I get that’s what these characters experience but to be so P.C about the septum of LGBTQIA+ and not have even one line about self love or attempting to?
Violet was a character I couldn’t relate to in any way.
She panicked about stretch marks. I mean yeah I get it but she’s a model and a lot shallow so it made sense for her as a character but it felt gross and insulting as a reader.
And I’m not coming at this from a perspective of not understanding models. I’ve lived with them as housemates and work in the fashion industry so I’ve been around a wide variety of them.
Look I’m not saying we needed a fat character or something I just needed someone to say that there is nothing wrong with fat, regardless of who is healthy at what age. No one liked me I was fat and then nothing is not fun.
This book did do a good job of discussion sexual preferences and that spectrum. It did feel a bit preachy at times about sexuality and such, but I identify as pan so it was a bit… eh. I get bored of a story where a character is new to the idea. Maybe this wasn’t written for me? But then again anyone who is reading RH and MM is going to be ok with blurred lines of ‘normal’ so the lecture is kindda boring, hello I’m choir. It also add so much chatter, but I then at the same time these particular characters needed it.
Maybe I’m just being picky but this book hit me from multiple points.
I havnt decided if I will continue this series yet.
On the POSITIVE
The writing is really very good. The characters feel real and authentic and truthful. I can’t imagine what small town Texas is because I’m small city Aussie but considering the news these days, yeah I can see it. I don’t want to believe ppl like that exist but I suppose they do. I did enjoy the emotional journey these characters went on, although it kinda felt like Luke was the main character, not Violet. I don’t know if Violet had much of a journey or did much but this really did feel like Luke’s story, too bad he had to be so unlikable towards the end. Maybe book two holds redemption for him.
This book is gently fat phobic to me and as a fatter person it was hard to read. When It was identified that Vi had an eating disorder but was also into helping troubled youths I thought oh maybe it would address that? And we would get to discuss those issues. Fat is not bad. Urg. And fatness and thinness do not equate health or positive and negative. But no one addressed the fat phobia and it felt a bit diet culture-y.
Fat was brandished around as an insult and a negative the entire time and that’s not fun to read. I get that’s what these characters experience but to be so P.C about the septum of LGBTQIA+ and not have even one line about self love or attempting to?
Violet was a character I couldn’t relate to in any way.
She panicked about stretch marks. I mean yeah I get it but she’s a model and a lot shallow so it made sense for her as a character but it felt gross and insulting as a reader.
And I’m not coming at this from a perspective of not understanding models. I’ve lived with them as housemates and work in the fashion industry so I’ve been around a wide variety of them.
Look I’m not saying we needed a fat character or something I just needed someone to say that there is nothing wrong with fat, regardless of who is healthy at what age. No one liked me I was fat and then nothing is not fun.
This book did do a good job of discussion sexual preferences and that spectrum. It did feel a bit preachy at times about sexuality and such, but I identify as pan so it was a bit… eh. I get bored of a story where a character is new to the idea. Maybe this wasn’t written for me? But then again anyone who is reading RH and MM is going to be ok with blurred lines of ‘normal’ so the lecture is kindda boring, hello I’m choir. It also add so much chatter, but I then at the same time these particular characters needed it.
Maybe I’m just being picky but this book hit me from multiple points.
I havnt decided if I will continue this series yet.
On the POSITIVE
The writing is really very good. The characters feel real and authentic and truthful. I can’t imagine what small town Texas is because I’m small city Aussie but considering the news these days, yeah I can see it. I don’t want to believe ppl like that exist but I suppose they do. I did enjoy the emotional journey these characters went on, although it kinda felt like Luke was the main character, not Violet. I don’t know if Violet had much of a journey or did much but this really did feel like Luke’s story, too bad he had to be so unlikable towards the end. Maybe book two holds redemption for him.
October 24, 2023
Re-read: I wanted to give this series another chance because I only got halfway before abandoning it last time. I liked this first book this second time around, though Luke really annoyed me. I hate drama and angst in relationships, and man did that cowboy bring it everywhere it went. I get the struggles he was going through; his eyes were being opened to a lot of new worlds. But he constantly lashed out when confused or hurt, and he had no qualms using his fists with the other men to express his feelings.
But despite Luke's many flaws, there is still a lot to like about this book. The concept of the colors is so cool. Found family is just the best thing ever, and I'm always looking for books that do a good job with the concept. And I just plain love reading about polyamory. So I'll keep going and hope Luke starts to act less like a douche canoe.
**************************
This was an awesome start to a series! It's RH, but it feels the most..real...of any that I've read? Like, the focus is very much on both the plot and the relationships, and nothing is fast paced beyond believability. This book tackles real life struggles for every character. It features both m/f and m/m, and I'm honestly here for all of it equally. When I saw that this series has four long books, featuring the same people, I was both excited and nervous. Excited, because that means we will really get to know each character very well, which is the one failing of most RH. And nervous, because the story has to be interesting enough to last four books which means there is going to be heartache and setbacks. Both of those things are true.
I love the concept of "the colors". What Gran and Bea built is beautiful and extraordinary. I love that misconceptions and small mindedness and prejudices are tackled so strongly--sexual orientation especially. Mental health and self-harm in multiple forms are addressed as well. This isn't just a smutty RH (don't get me wrong, those can be great too) with the bare minimum plot.
This book ends on a cliffhanger, but all the books in the series are out so that's okay. I am so excited to get more of Violet and her men. I can't wait to see how Ash and Cy reconcile. And how Luke finds out who he truly is & isn't ashamed.
But despite Luke's many flaws, there is still a lot to like about this book. The concept of the colors is so cool. Found family is just the best thing ever, and I'm always looking for books that do a good job with the concept. And I just plain love reading about polyamory. So I'll keep going and hope Luke starts to act less like a douche canoe.
**************************
This was an awesome start to a series! It's RH, but it feels the most..real...of any that I've read? Like, the focus is very much on both the plot and the relationships, and nothing is fast paced beyond believability. This book tackles real life struggles for every character. It features both m/f and m/m, and I'm honestly here for all of it equally. When I saw that this series has four long books, featuring the same people, I was both excited and nervous. Excited, because that means we will really get to know each character very well, which is the one failing of most RH. And nervous, because the story has to be interesting enough to last four books which means there is going to be heartache and setbacks. Both of those things are true.
I love the concept of "the colors". What Gran and Bea built is beautiful and extraordinary. I love that misconceptions and small mindedness and prejudices are tackled so strongly--sexual orientation especially. Mental health and self-harm in multiple forms are addressed as well. This isn't just a smutty RH (don't get me wrong, those can be great too) with the bare minimum plot.
This book ends on a cliffhanger, but all the books in the series are out so that's okay. I am so excited to get more of Violet and her men. I can't wait to see how Ash and Cy reconcile. And how Luke finds out who he truly is & isn't ashamed.
March 5, 2021
DNF 14%
I have always disliked books where characters go on and on about being strong or independent, but their actions and behaviour show the complete opposite. I found that to be the case in this book. Violet may have gone to become a successful businesswoman and model, but she is still an insecure girl who measures her worth by how others perceive her.
I think this quote perfectly sums up what I disliked about her:
“Yeah. I’d really screwed this up. My pampered, spoiled, bratty attitude may have ruined the one thing I’d spent my adult life dreaming of. I’d always thought that if I could just impress him, then it would be proof of my success, but I’d failed.’
Violet left her hometown to go to high school in NY and has only now moved back. Before she left, she was being bullied by the mean girls and this one boy showed her kindness which resulted in her having a big crush on him. Flash forward to present day, Violet is reunited with the boy, Luke. Turns out Luke had a lot of stuff going on back then, so he doesn’t even remember Violet.
So, you are telling me this strong woman has spent her life dreaming to be reunited with someone she didn’t actually know back then, and is measuring her worth based on the reaction she gets out of him now, when she still doesn’t know him at all? That is not what I equate with being strong. That actually sounds like this person has self-esteem issues and has a lot of growing up to do. Which would be find and I would be 100% on board if the story was about self-discovery and learning to love yourself, but don’t tell me she is strong and then pull this on me.
Luke was no better. They both came up as insecure, materialistic and vain. They both think that their looks are their best attribute, they both put too much weight on material things (Luke starts doubting his worth because he believes Violet’s boyfriend has enough money to rent a Porsche) and for some reasons they are both obsessed with each other, but since they don’t know each other it makes them come off as shallow? I just couldn't get into this one bit.
I have always disliked books where characters go on and on about being strong or independent, but their actions and behaviour show the complete opposite. I found that to be the case in this book. Violet may have gone to become a successful businesswoman and model, but she is still an insecure girl who measures her worth by how others perceive her.
I think this quote perfectly sums up what I disliked about her:
“Yeah. I’d really screwed this up. My pampered, spoiled, bratty attitude may have ruined the one thing I’d spent my adult life dreaming of. I’d always thought that if I could just impress him, then it would be proof of my success, but I’d failed.’
Violet left her hometown to go to high school in NY and has only now moved back. Before she left, she was being bullied by the mean girls and this one boy showed her kindness which resulted in her having a big crush on him. Flash forward to present day, Violet is reunited with the boy, Luke. Turns out Luke had a lot of stuff going on back then, so he doesn’t even remember Violet.
So, you are telling me this strong woman has spent her life dreaming to be reunited with someone she didn’t actually know back then, and is measuring her worth based on the reaction she gets out of him now, when she still doesn’t know him at all? That is not what I equate with being strong. That actually sounds like this person has self-esteem issues and has a lot of growing up to do. Which would be find and I would be 100% on board if the story was about self-discovery and learning to love yourself, but don’t tell me she is strong and then pull this on me.
Luke was no better. They both came up as insecure, materialistic and vain. They both think that their looks are their best attribute, they both put too much weight on material things (Luke starts doubting his worth because he believes Violet’s boyfriend has enough money to rent a Porsche) and for some reasons they are both obsessed with each other, but since they don’t know each other it makes them come off as shallow? I just couldn't get into this one bit.
March 10, 2021
Wow!
Kitty blow me away with this book , and this is going to be one hell of a series
I love Violet , she is a hard-ass , someone who loves hard.
She is broken , yet keeps fighting on.
Ash and Cy where great , little bit of assholes in the beginning but they grew on me very fast.
I also like that Ash and Violet are taking their time instead of jumping into bed. ( his shower preferences though I can get on board with!)
Luke oh Luke , I felt and still feel sorry for him , love that we get to experience his troubles with him , his insecurities , how to tread with Violet and all the boys. His upbringing was black and white , there was no middle ground, so getting to experience it all with him is great, and that scene between Cyan and Luke , hello wet panties :P ( Luke does has some groveling to do though , after what happened although I his reaction was very real.
I cant wait to meet more of the Shades of Trouble coming next books!
this is not a normal RH when just the girl gets the guys.
its more girl get with guys, yet guys gets with girl and guys to :P
Kitty blow me away with this book , and this is going to be one hell of a series
I love Violet , she is a hard-ass , someone who loves hard.
She is broken , yet keeps fighting on.
Ash and Cy where great , little bit of assholes in the beginning but they grew on me very fast.
I also like that Ash and Violet are taking their time instead of jumping into bed. ( his shower preferences though I can get on board with!)
Luke oh Luke , I felt and still feel sorry for him , love that we get to experience his troubles with him , his insecurities , how to tread with Violet and all the boys. His upbringing was black and white , there was no middle ground, so getting to experience it all with him is great, and that scene between Cyan and Luke , hello wet panties :P ( Luke does has some groveling to do though , after what happened although I his reaction was very real.
I cant wait to meet more of the Shades of Trouble coming next books!
this is not a normal RH when just the girl gets the guys.
its more girl get with guys, yet guys gets with girl and guys to :P
March 10, 2021
It was a little slow to start for me as the character building was being done. I wasn't completely sold on the cowboy. However once some other characters came in like Cy things started to get much more interesting and the story picks up. I'm interested to see where the next book will go. It's worth a read so stick with it if like me you get stuck at the beginning. Not kitty's fault but because I'm so used to reading other genres.
July 13, 2025
This book is amazing and hard-hitting. It's gets you feeling happy, laughing and then angry and upset. And the trigger warning is included in the book. It's a story filled with beautiful but broken characters that stick together and its something everyone needs a little of. Immediately onto book two!
June 18, 2021
This was an interesting read. However, it was really long and it didn't need to be.
Violet is a model and returns to the small town after her grandmother passed to get her business up and running again. However, Violet has a lot of bad memories from bullying and the ignorant people that make up the small community. Eventually, she finds herself in a relationship with her best friend, a childhood friend, and her childhood crush. However, living in a small intolerant town proves to be difficult for their new relationship and getting her grandmother's business up and running again.
What I liked -
✔️Violet is independent and strong. She takes care of what needs taken care of and she doesn't rely on anyone to fight her battles. She doesn't turn into a doormat once she gets her guys and doesn't use the excuse "traitorous body" or blames everything on hormones.
✔️I liked that Violet was able to help Faith through a lot of the issues she was dealing with (bullying, eating disorder, and self-harm) in a way that showed her how to be strong for herself.
✔️There wasn't insta-love. There are pre-existing relationships between Violet and Ash as well as Violet and Cyan. So that love was already there. But, between her and Luke, we get to see their relationship progress, so it isn't insta-anything.
What I didn't like -
❌The f-bomb (rhymes with maggot or tag, not puck) was dropped A LOT. However, I see what the author was doing w/ that.
❌The book was SO FREAKING LONG. I don't mind a long book, but it gets annoying when it is unnecessarily long. This one was definitely unnecessarily long. A lot of it was irrelevant stuff that if it was omitted would not have impacted the book at all. I don't need to read about what makeup is being put on or what specific flavor of soda she has stocked in her fridge.
❌I don't mind M/M in RH... I mean, its not my favorite, but it doesn't deter me. However, when the heroine isn't the center of it all, I start to lose interest. If it weren't for all the other stuff in the book (the storyline with Faith's stepfather, dealing with reopening the business, etc) I probably would have put this one down. A lot of the romance didn't even really involve Violet at all, it seemed more focused on Luke and his coming to terms with not being wholly straight like he thought he was. That, as well as the implications of being anything other than straight in a small town in the south. A lot of the book was focused on Luke's relationship with Cyan and Ash.
Anyways, I liked the book. The story is good and it kept my attention, but again I stress that it really didn't need to be as long as it was. So, unless you're like me and don't like reading a bunch of stuff that is irrelevant to the story, you will probably love this book. If you are like me, I still suggest giving this one a shot. It is pretty good and well written (not many typos, easy to read).
Violet is a model and returns to the small town after her grandmother passed to get her business up and running again. However, Violet has a lot of bad memories from bullying and the ignorant people that make up the small community. Eventually, she finds herself in a relationship with her best friend, a childhood friend, and her childhood crush. However, living in a small intolerant town proves to be difficult for their new relationship and getting her grandmother's business up and running again.
What I liked -
✔️Violet is independent and strong. She takes care of what needs taken care of and she doesn't rely on anyone to fight her battles. She doesn't turn into a doormat once she gets her guys and doesn't use the excuse "traitorous body" or blames everything on hormones.
✔️I liked that Violet was able to help Faith through a lot of the issues she was dealing with (bullying, eating disorder, and self-harm) in a way that showed her how to be strong for herself.
✔️There wasn't insta-love. There are pre-existing relationships between Violet and Ash as well as Violet and Cyan. So that love was already there. But, between her and Luke, we get to see their relationship progress, so it isn't insta-anything.
What I didn't like -
❌The f-bomb (rhymes with maggot or tag, not puck) was dropped A LOT. However, I see what the author was doing w/ that.
❌The book was SO FREAKING LONG. I don't mind a long book, but it gets annoying when it is unnecessarily long. This one was definitely unnecessarily long. A lot of it was irrelevant stuff that if it was omitted would not have impacted the book at all. I don't need to read about what makeup is being put on or what specific flavor of soda she has stocked in her fridge.
❌I don't mind M/M in RH... I mean, its not my favorite, but it doesn't deter me. However, when the heroine isn't the center of it all, I start to lose interest. If it weren't for all the other stuff in the book (the storyline with Faith's stepfather, dealing with reopening the business, etc) I probably would have put this one down. A lot of the romance didn't even really involve Violet at all, it seemed more focused on Luke and his coming to terms with not being wholly straight like he thought he was. That, as well as the implications of being anything other than straight in a small town in the south. A lot of the book was focused on Luke's relationship with Cyan and Ash.
Anyways, I liked the book. The story is good and it kept my attention, but again I stress that it really didn't need to be as long as it was. So, unless you're like me and don't like reading a bunch of stuff that is irrelevant to the story, you will probably love this book. If you are like me, I still suggest giving this one a shot. It is pretty good and well written (not many typos, easy to read).
November 21, 2023
A polygamous story MMMF/MF/MM. Violet’s grandma passed away from cancer and she inherits a ranch home that was used to help give a second chance for juvenile delinquents, that called themselves the shades of trouble and they each earned a color name from the grandma. Violet is abandoned to her grandmothers home by her mom when she’s 12 and there she befriends Cyan and Ashton. Ashton and Cyan were past lovers that had a fall out when Ashton and Violet chase their modeling dreams making Cy feel abandoned. They all love each other but had growing up to do.
The issue is that this is a small town in Texas that have prejudices knowing that the grandmother was a lesbian. The neighbor wants to buy out the land to develop on it and is passing nasty rumors making it hard for Violet to befriend anyone in town. The only one that befriends them is Luke who we find out saved her after she was severely beaten when she was 14 by a bunch of girl bullies from school. Violet developed a huge crush on him then. He doesn’t remember her because he was going through his own problems and just had discovered (at 17) his girlfriend is pregnant. He ends up moving into the home and is helped by her grandmother but she wasn’t living there anymore and went to another school in New York after being bullied and dealing with an eating disorder.
Things get “complicated” because Luke discovers more about himself and starts questioning his sexuality when Cy kisses him. There are a lot of great messages and teaching moments. When everyone seems like they are happy to explore a relationship between the 4, something happens to make Luke question his decisions and his trust in the group. He feels betrayed when Cy (who is his daughter’s psychiatrist) finds out that his daughter is being groomed by her soon to be stepdad. He reports to CPS and Luke thinks he’s lying and is going to have his daughter taken away. He says a lot of cruel things out of fear and anger.
The group pulls all the other colors together who are lawyers, senators, etc to try to lay down a plan to help Luke get custody of his daughter but when Vi goes to tell like at his trailer who happens to live on the neighbors property that’s trying to buy her land…. He says more cruel stuff and tells her to never come back. But the neighbor discovers her on his property and as a result he fires Luke. Like doesn’t want to ask Vi for help so he goes to his ex to ask to stay for one night. She agrees and when he’s there he discovers there are cameras only in his daughter’s room and her bathroom. He realizes that Cy wasn’t lying and he decides to suck up his pride and he gets his daughter out of the house and goes ask Vi for help. She says yes and gives him his color name “Emerald”.
The issue is that this is a small town in Texas that have prejudices knowing that the grandmother was a lesbian. The neighbor wants to buy out the land to develop on it and is passing nasty rumors making it hard for Violet to befriend anyone in town. The only one that befriends them is Luke who we find out saved her after she was severely beaten when she was 14 by a bunch of girl bullies from school. Violet developed a huge crush on him then. He doesn’t remember her because he was going through his own problems and just had discovered (at 17) his girlfriend is pregnant. He ends up moving into the home and is helped by her grandmother but she wasn’t living there anymore and went to another school in New York after being bullied and dealing with an eating disorder.
Things get “complicated” because Luke discovers more about himself and starts questioning his sexuality when Cy kisses him. There are a lot of great messages and teaching moments. When everyone seems like they are happy to explore a relationship between the 4, something happens to make Luke question his decisions and his trust in the group. He feels betrayed when Cy (who is his daughter’s psychiatrist) finds out that his daughter is being groomed by her soon to be stepdad. He reports to CPS and Luke thinks he’s lying and is going to have his daughter taken away. He says a lot of cruel things out of fear and anger.
The group pulls all the other colors together who are lawyers, senators, etc to try to lay down a plan to help Luke get custody of his daughter but when Vi goes to tell like at his trailer who happens to live on the neighbors property that’s trying to buy her land…. He says more cruel stuff and tells her to never come back. But the neighbor discovers her on his property and as a result he fires Luke. Like doesn’t want to ask Vi for help so he goes to his ex to ask to stay for one night. She agrees and when he’s there he discovers there are cameras only in his daughter’s room and her bathroom. He realizes that Cy wasn’t lying and he decides to suck up his pride and he gets his daughter out of the house and goes ask Vi for help. She says yes and gives him his color name “Emerald”.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2021
Gran died and her Rainbow, her Shades of Trouble have come together for her one last time. Violet, her granddaughter, is moving back to take over her legacy. Gran and her partner Bea ran Southwind, a Juvenile Rehabilitation Ranch. They saved lives, changed destinies, created a family. When you reached family status, you were given a color. The rainbow meant unconditional love and support. Now Violet is going to try to make it work for a new generation with the help of her best friends and maybe, her childhood hero.
I love this concept. Taking lives who have had the color bled out of them by their circumstances and turning them vivid. A bunch of kids who deserved more from their childhoods but were broken instead and gave them the gift of acceptance, support, and love all tied in with a color. A gift with no boundaries and no expiration date. It's beautiful. I'm astonished by how the author captured the feel of
Cats Peak, Tx. It could have been my small hometown with its small-minded but very vocal citizens. Faith could have easily been me. I love that she and Luke are being 'educated'. It proves people can learn to be better when they are when they stop being afraid. I love the so-called brokenness of the characters. To me, they show the true beauty of being human. We can survive so much if the right person comes along. Gran is the person I want to be. She looks and listens, discovers what each person needs to put themselves back together and then to become a success. She understands. I like Violet. I like the strong woman and the vulnerable young girl. I like Ash with his talent, his arrogance, and his protectiveness. I like Cy and the way he really sees the world and the people around him. And I mostly like the cowboy. I understand Luke, the good and the bad. I understand his fears. However, being scared doesn't mean you get to hurt others, so Luke has a way to go. I'm not sure how I feel about these characters as a group, however. I love RH, this is not RH, this is poly, so I am disappointed. Not judgemental because I love M/M. I just love all the guys worshipping the girl at the center of their universe. Here, I feel Violet isn't. They say she is the glue that holds them together but the men seem more into each other than her. She feels like their best friend. The best friend they love but they "want" each other more. I wanted Violet to seem more important to them, more special than the others. Instead, she feels like she is on the edge of their relationship. But it's very well written and entertaining. I love the characters, so I will continue to follow their story despite it not being the RH I wanted.
I love this concept. Taking lives who have had the color bled out of them by their circumstances and turning them vivid. A bunch of kids who deserved more from their childhoods but were broken instead and gave them the gift of acceptance, support, and love all tied in with a color. A gift with no boundaries and no expiration date. It's beautiful. I'm astonished by how the author captured the feel of
Cats Peak, Tx. It could have been my small hometown with its small-minded but very vocal citizens. Faith could have easily been me. I love that she and Luke are being 'educated'. It proves people can learn to be better when they are when they stop being afraid. I love the so-called brokenness of the characters. To me, they show the true beauty of being human. We can survive so much if the right person comes along. Gran is the person I want to be. She looks and listens, discovers what each person needs to put themselves back together and then to become a success. She understands. I like Violet. I like the strong woman and the vulnerable young girl. I like Ash with his talent, his arrogance, and his protectiveness. I like Cy and the way he really sees the world and the people around him. And I mostly like the cowboy. I understand Luke, the good and the bad. I understand his fears. However, being scared doesn't mean you get to hurt others, so Luke has a way to go. I'm not sure how I feel about these characters as a group, however. I love RH, this is not RH, this is poly, so I am disappointed. Not judgemental because I love M/M. I just love all the guys worshipping the girl at the center of their universe. Here, I feel Violet isn't. They say she is the glue that holds them together but the men seem more into each other than her. She feels like their best friend. The best friend they love but they "want" each other more. I wanted Violet to seem more important to them, more special than the others. Instead, she feels like she is on the edge of their relationship. But it's very well written and entertaining. I love the characters, so I will continue to follow their story despite it not being the RH I wanted.
August 24, 2022
I'm coming back to write this review after finishing the series. This is hands down a 5 star series. It'll definitely be on of my favourites this year!
⭐ didn't like/DNF
⭐⭐ was okay but I probably won't look for any sequels
⭐⭐⭐ it was good I'll likely read the next one
⭐⭐⭐⭐ I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was great and I'll definitely be looking for any sequels
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I loved it so much I'm adding it to my cart to buy paperback
----
The character development in this series is amazing. The characters are amazing. The story plot is amazing. The writing is amazing. The only thing I can nit pick and fault? Is that it ended but they will be doing a continuation series with other Shades as well including Cobalt, Blaze, Scarlette and several more! (Personally I can't wait for Blaze)
Now the characters.
Luke - single dad, kinda stuck in life after getting the hot chick in high school pregnant. He's a great dad and throughout this series he truly grows into his own.
Violet - after running from the town that bullied her into nearly starving herself to death she's a world famous supermodel. Vi is fierce, strong and who anyone would hope to grow up to be.
Ash - when the town tore his best friend apart and she almost died from it he found a way to prove to her they're wrong. He signed them up for modelling. When the world said he was too "fat" for modelling (and she's still paper thin) he made his own fashion company and told the world to shove it. That's who Ash is. He's in a word amazing.
Cyan - Cy is sweet and caring and fiercely protective. Cy loves with every inch of himself and is the kind to put others before himself (they all are). Throughout this series he struggles with his own self worth but he truly grows in an amazing way.
Faith - Faith is Luke's 12 (and later 13) year old daughter. She's grown up in a town where they've (and her mother) have taught her that a woman's place is practically on her back. That her worth is how quick she can get pregnant and marry a guy. Despite this Faith has been open minded and curious throughout this series. She's not afraid to ask questions and the girl she grows into over the course of about 9 months is astounding. Slowly she learns that she is the only person who can have any hold over her own body and future. She learns so much about acceptance. She's kind, loyal, fiercely protective and grows into a strong and independent young lady by the end of this series.
If you're wondering if you should read this series, I say yes. You won't regret it.
⭐ didn't like/DNF
⭐⭐ was okay but I probably won't look for any sequels
⭐⭐⭐ it was good I'll likely read the next one
⭐⭐⭐⭐ I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was great and I'll definitely be looking for any sequels
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I loved it so much I'm adding it to my cart to buy paperback
----
The character development in this series is amazing. The characters are amazing. The story plot is amazing. The writing is amazing. The only thing I can nit pick and fault? Is that it ended but they will be doing a continuation series with other Shades as well including Cobalt, Blaze, Scarlette and several more! (Personally I can't wait for Blaze)
Now the characters.
Luke - single dad, kinda stuck in life after getting the hot chick in high school pregnant. He's a great dad and throughout this series he truly grows into his own.
Violet - after running from the town that bullied her into nearly starving herself to death she's a world famous supermodel. Vi is fierce, strong and who anyone would hope to grow up to be.
Ash - when the town tore his best friend apart and she almost died from it he found a way to prove to her they're wrong. He signed them up for modelling. When the world said he was too "fat" for modelling (and she's still paper thin) he made his own fashion company and told the world to shove it. That's who Ash is. He's in a word amazing.
Cyan - Cy is sweet and caring and fiercely protective. Cy loves with every inch of himself and is the kind to put others before himself (they all are). Throughout this series he struggles with his own self worth but he truly grows in an amazing way.
Faith - Faith is Luke's 12 (and later 13) year old daughter. She's grown up in a town where they've (and her mother) have taught her that a woman's place is practically on her back. That her worth is how quick she can get pregnant and marry a guy. Despite this Faith has been open minded and curious throughout this series. She's not afraid to ask questions and the girl she grows into over the course of about 9 months is astounding. Slowly she learns that she is the only person who can have any hold over her own body and future. She learns so much about acceptance. She's kind, loyal, fiercely protective and grows into a strong and independent young lady by the end of this series.
If you're wondering if you should read this series, I say yes. You won't regret it.
October 2, 2021
Okay. So. I like to whine and complain that books nowadays are all good vs evil, plots with villains who are evil for the sake of evil and there are dark elements only to be dark. To just be gross af, to abuse and torture the characters for the sake of ‘story.’ Because everyone is convinced HEA is for the end, not the beginning. I read romance to escape from the harsh realities of life and society, not revel in it.
I just want a story about some people falling in love and being together.
This is like a mix of both. The bad guy is the town. A mini society where some people use religion as an excuse for bad behavior, to cover up their selfish motives. Bullies in general. And this is mostly a story about four people falling in love with each other, three who have some dark history, and hang ups. Well, all four have hang ups.
Why they react the way they do is established in the characters before they react. They made bad decisions in their back story. They make bad decisions on page. I don’t hate them for making those bad decisions because it makes sense for their established character.
The child abuse is potential, a real and valid threat that increases in immediacy as the book goes along. It made me react, emotionally, and it was triggering. I had a squirmy feeling of worry and discomfort. It established what the stakes are and then upped them and I was flippin’ invested. I needed it to not happen. I needed them to win.
The characters are vivid and I love each and every one and I want to read more by this author to see if this series is the only one that pushes my buttons. She’s doing this well, and I need more.
I just want a story about some people falling in love and being together.
This is like a mix of both. The bad guy is the town. A mini society where some people use religion as an excuse for bad behavior, to cover up their selfish motives. Bullies in general. And this is mostly a story about four people falling in love with each other, three who have some dark history, and hang ups. Well, all four have hang ups.
Why they react the way they do is established in the characters before they react. They made bad decisions in their back story. They make bad decisions on page. I don’t hate them for making those bad decisions because it makes sense for their established character.
The child abuse is potential, a real and valid threat that increases in immediacy as the book goes along. It made me react, emotionally, and it was triggering. I had a squirmy feeling of worry and discomfort. It established what the stakes are and then upped them and I was flippin’ invested. I needed it to not happen. I needed them to win.
The characters are vivid and I love each and every one and I want to read more by this author to see if this series is the only one that pushes my buttons. She’s doing this well, and I need more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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April 8, 2022here's a list of things that did not work for me with this book:
- it read like an ao3 fic (WHICH IS FINE but not really what i wanted from this one. by this i mean, it was all over the place and the pacing was exceptionally strange)
- waaaaay too long for a romance book. i didn't even finish this book and i was reading it for forever and half of the time nothing exciting was happening. i realize the romance is supposed to develop over the entire series, but i swear nothing interesting was happening romance-wise. i expect there to be more romance in a romance novel
- too much use of a certain slur and it made me very, very uncomfortable. it was used in derogatory ways multiple times, so if you are interested in reading this novel, please be careful reading it
- luke is one of the most idiotic characters i've ever experienced. i understand he's going on a journey of self-discovery, but he is sooooo hypocritical and rude to the men in violet's life from jump and then when they introduce him to a part of their lives that he has never been exposed to before, he seems to be fine and then, at the point that i dnf'ed, he makes some extremely rude and hateful comments to another character (to the point that i find irredeemable) and i can't see how i'm supposed to forgive him when that other character was only trying to help and care for him and luke's daughter
you might still be interested in reading this and you might even enjoy this one since it seems to have really high reviews, but it did not work for me
- it read like an ao3 fic (WHICH IS FINE but not really what i wanted from this one. by this i mean, it was all over the place and the pacing was exceptionally strange)
- waaaaay too long for a romance book. i didn't even finish this book and i was reading it for forever and half of the time nothing exciting was happening. i realize the romance is supposed to develop over the entire series, but i swear nothing interesting was happening romance-wise. i expect there to be more romance in a romance novel
- too much use of a certain slur and it made me very, very uncomfortable. it was used in derogatory ways multiple times, so if you are interested in reading this novel, please be careful reading it
- luke is one of the most idiotic characters i've ever experienced. i understand he's going on a journey of self-discovery, but he is sooooo hypocritical and rude to the men in violet's life from jump and then when they introduce him to a part of their lives that he has never been exposed to before, he seems to be fine and then, at the point that i dnf'ed, he makes some extremely rude and hateful comments to another character (to the point that i find irredeemable) and i can't see how i'm supposed to forgive him when that other character was only trying to help and care for him and luke's daughter
you might still be interested in reading this and you might even enjoy this one since it seems to have really high reviews, but it did not work for me
March 7, 2021
This book absolutely blew me away! I already loved Kitty’s work, but this topped the charts! The Shades of Trouble series is going to be one of my favorite series if the rest of the books are as good as this one!
Violet is trying to revive her Grans business at Southwind. To do this she is having to deal with the close-minded people of the town she grew up in, the people who think Southwind brought nothing but trouble to their town. Not to mention, she also runs into her teenage crush, Luke, and he finally notices her, and so does his daughter; who just might be my favorite character of them all! :)
Between dealing with her horrible, close-minded, donkey (if you know what I mean ;) neighbor who is trying to buy Southwind, Luke, and a few more members of the rainbow, Violet’s life has become much more eventful than she had planned. She also learns a few things about herself. Some new, and some she knew deep down, but hadn’t yet acknowledged or admitted to herself. She is also doing her best to help everyone deal with their own issues on top of dealing with her own. I cannot wait for the next book!!
If you like a book full of lust, angst, suspicion and true family values, this is the book for you! If I could give it more than 5 stars, I totally would because it is a MUST READ!!
Violet is trying to revive her Grans business at Southwind. To do this she is having to deal with the close-minded people of the town she grew up in, the people who think Southwind brought nothing but trouble to their town. Not to mention, she also runs into her teenage crush, Luke, and he finally notices her, and so does his daughter; who just might be my favorite character of them all! :)
Between dealing with her horrible, close-minded, donkey (if you know what I mean ;) neighbor who is trying to buy Southwind, Luke, and a few more members of the rainbow, Violet’s life has become much more eventful than she had planned. She also learns a few things about herself. Some new, and some she knew deep down, but hadn’t yet acknowledged or admitted to herself. She is also doing her best to help everyone deal with their own issues on top of dealing with her own. I cannot wait for the next book!!
If you like a book full of lust, angst, suspicion and true family values, this is the book for you! If I could give it more than 5 stars, I totally would because it is a MUST READ!!
November 15, 2023
This is a really lovely book.
I was a bit thrown off because I came to it from a post about smutty books with bi-awakening, so I was expecting the smut. There's a few scenes in this first book (maybe it amps up in the additional three) but truly what it is is a novel with a little bit of spice. It's relatively predictable, but I do like the world building and general concept.
The MMCs are all unique, and the FMC is a little shallow here and there but I do like her as well. There is a bi-awakening that is handled pretty well, and definitely some flawed characters who are learning how to work out their shit. Based on the smut I usually read, this felt more like sitting down to watch a tv show that intimately details out the character's lives, vs a quick spicy read.
I guess I understand the couple of reviews saying that the FMC isn't the center of attention, because while she's the catalyst for most of the relationships in the book, she's definitely not always the center of attention. (And the book is multi-POV so that makes it more obvious.) That said, I don't understand the bad ratings that went along with it. But I like my Why Choose romances with tons of romantic connections between all members, so maybe I'm just not understanding the other perspective.
I was a bit thrown off because I came to it from a post about smutty books with bi-awakening, so I was expecting the smut. There's a few scenes in this first book (maybe it amps up in the additional three) but truly what it is is a novel with a little bit of spice. It's relatively predictable, but I do like the world building and general concept.
The MMCs are all unique, and the FMC is a little shallow here and there but I do like her as well. There is a bi-awakening that is handled pretty well, and definitely some flawed characters who are learning how to work out their shit. Based on the smut I usually read, this felt more like sitting down to watch a tv show that intimately details out the character's lives, vs a quick spicy read.
I guess I understand the couple of reviews saying that the FMC isn't the center of attention, because while she's the catalyst for most of the relationships in the book, she's definitely not always the center of attention. (And the book is multi-POV so that makes it more obvious.) That said, I don't understand the bad ratings that went along with it. But I like my Why Choose romances with tons of romantic connections between all members, so maybe I'm just not understanding the other perspective.
March 7, 2025
This would be one star but I really like Luke.
I just can’t with all the feminist, trans, non-binary, etc. rainbow 🌈 pride stuff.
Violet thinks Texas is a hick town with old prude white people.
Violet is rude. Just straight up mean to people at first. I kept reading because I hoped she had a character arc. And she does. So I was grateful for that, she mellows out a bit.
I initially started this because it was listed as bi awakening. And it is. Luke isn’t bi at first. But I really wasn’t prepared to feel like I’m at a pride parade. I love MM but I hate insufferable rude people.
Also we have in detail every minute of everyday on page. It was so boring. I just stopped caring. I started skipping violets chapters altogether to get to Luke’s. But then half of Luke’s chapters were him talking to his daughter faith!
Violet has multiple chapters just shooting the breeze with faith.
I don’t care about faith!
I cared about Violet and Luke and all I’m getting is “how’s the farm?” “How’s high school faith?”
The MM isn’t even that well written either. Ugh. So disappointed. It has a good story but it’s just either annoying or boring.
Also the cover is really freaking ugly. Why does she look like she has a micro penis? She doesn’t. Terrible. Ugly.
I just can’t with all the feminist, trans, non-binary, etc. rainbow 🌈 pride stuff.
Violet thinks Texas is a hick town with old prude white people.
Violet is rude. Just straight up mean to people at first. I kept reading because I hoped she had a character arc. And she does. So I was grateful for that, she mellows out a bit.
I initially started this because it was listed as bi awakening. And it is. Luke isn’t bi at first. But I really wasn’t prepared to feel like I’m at a pride parade. I love MM but I hate insufferable rude people.
Also we have in detail every minute of everyday on page. It was so boring. I just stopped caring. I started skipping violets chapters altogether to get to Luke’s. But then half of Luke’s chapters were him talking to his daughter faith!
Violet has multiple chapters just shooting the breeze with faith.
I don’t care about faith!
I cared about Violet and Luke and all I’m getting is “how’s the farm?” “How’s high school faith?”
The MM isn’t even that well written either. Ugh. So disappointed. It has a good story but it’s just either annoying or boring.
Also the cover is really freaking ugly. Why does she look like she has a micro penis? She doesn’t. Terrible. Ugly.
June 9, 2021
Obsessed 😍
This book popped up on my recommended to read list on my kindle and I thought “what the hell the blurb sounds alright” 🤷🏽♀️ …. Now I’m obsessed, I went to my goodreads and made the rest of the series is in my TBR list, I checked audible out hoping for audio files and I have added these to my Buy Wishlist!
I had allergies 🤧 the whole time ….!
Kay so, this book is a slow burn RH/Poly contemporary romance, this book has MM and MF content, it’s also written in each of the main characters POVs.
It’s a story of exploration, growth, reconciliation discovering you’re not alone, family and friends come in all different shapes and sizes, that those who really care are there no matter what.
The backstories are real and the characters emotions are real and I was suckered in from the word go!
I love the storyline, I can vividly picture what’s happening and i can’t wait to read on…. Thank you Kitty
This book popped up on my recommended to read list on my kindle and I thought “what the hell the blurb sounds alright” 🤷🏽♀️ …. Now I’m obsessed, I went to my goodreads and made the rest of the series is in my TBR list, I checked audible out hoping for audio files and I have added these to my Buy Wishlist!
I had allergies 🤧 the whole time ….!
Kay so, this book is a slow burn RH/Poly contemporary romance, this book has MM and MF content, it’s also written in each of the main characters POVs.
It’s a story of exploration, growth, reconciliation discovering you’re not alone, family and friends come in all different shapes and sizes, that those who really care are there no matter what.
The backstories are real and the characters emotions are real and I was suckered in from the word go!
I love the storyline, I can vividly picture what’s happening and i can’t wait to read on…. Thank you Kitty
March 11, 2025
3.5 stars
Less of a RH and more of setting up of a poly romance between men. I consider RH to be FMC-centric. And i felt like it was more between the men and the newest guy, Luke, with the FMC as the supporting role.
I likely won’t continue the series but I think if you’re into a mainly MMM romance novel with an interesting backstory, you’ll enjoy this.
Less of a RH and more of setting up of a poly romance between men. I consider RH to be FMC-centric. And i felt like it was more between the men and the newest guy, Luke, with the FMC as the supporting role.
I likely won’t continue the series but I think if you’re into a mainly MMM romance novel with an interesting backstory, you’ll enjoy this.
March 7, 2021
Okay, I started out struggling with this book. I do not like contemporary fiction and generally avoid it, but I had recently read When It Rains and based on that I gave this a try. I don't know yet if I enjoyed the book, it is still resonating in my mind and some of the scenes left my skin prickling and crawling in loathing. About 25% in I was pulled in and invested in the story. The characters are good and still developing. I can only see them developing into deeper characters as the series progresses. The extremes between big city people and country folk seem exaggerated but it's real, I've lived it. Vi's self doubt kept drawing me back, outwardly super successful and physically beautiful, internally she constantly doubts herself and dwells on mistakes, second guessing choices. Yes, I feel that Vi speaks my language. Book 2 is on my TBR list.
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