Conquer

Shades of Trouble #4

by Kitty Cox

True love is facing your own fears so your family can conquer theirs.

The world is supposed to be mine. I took it when I was younger, and now I'm just coasting on my success. As an internationally renowned lingerie designer, I have everything I've ever wanted, including the three loves of my life.

Or so I thought.

Because if the world is mine, then it needs to bend to my will, and this small Texas town refuses to do that. These people look at me and see one thing: gay. I'm not. Bi-erasure is real, and it's starting to piss me off.

I've been playing good so my boyfriend doesn't end up paying the price, but this? These redneck bubbas have gone too far this time. They think throwing out a flew slurs or beating the crap out of me will scare me off? They're wrong. I'm Ashton Walker. I came from nothing, and I promised myself I would never go back there.

So I'll change the world instead.

The first step is to get Southwind open again. That means we need some people on our side, and Gran always said that we'd catch more flies with honey than vinegar. I'm about to risk it all for this place. If I fail, we'll have nothing - maybe not even us.

So I'll fight for my family with everything I have. My money, my fame, and even that cruel streak that makes it so easy to tear others down - or lift them up. They want to call me gay? Well, it's time these cowboys see what happens when their wives meet me. After all, I come bearing lingerie.

I know I'm going to end up paying for this stunt.
I just hope it won't be with my life.


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.

Conquer is a 190,000 word novel with the series ending that will leave you satisfied. The main female character will have multiple, often complicated, relationships with different men. 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.

Genres: Contemporary, M M Romance, Romance, Why Choose, Friends To Lovers, Polyamory, M M F

616 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 5, 2021

Reviews

[Daisy Delfin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pages: 616
My rating: 5

This is the last of Violet’s books and I feel really sad, because I love Violet, Ash, Cy and Luke so much. Faith is a great girl. And I would really love to hear, what happens to the other Shades of Trouble and some of the side Characters. I really hope that Emily will get a story in which we will meet the Southwind Crew again. Also I hope that Faith and Zeke will get several books.
So many things happen in this book and it had me hooked from page one. I really love this series and highly recommend it.

The Characters: Names and descriptions of the persons

Vera Dawson: Vera is not a main character, but she gets the first place in the list, because she started this. Gran (Vera), well loved grandmother of Violet and the successful kids, who now have a colour.
Bea Schnider: Vera’s partner, died before Vera, they both run Southwind.
Violet Dawson = Violet: Granddaughter of Vera Dawson. Her mum dropped her with her Grandmother when she was a kid. Her mum is in a mental health institution, because she is a psychopath. Her Dad is in jail because of his crimes. She had to go to public school in Cats Peak where she was bullied by Jody, April and Maisy. It was really bad. The told her that she is fat and ugly and they even beat her. Luke found her once and carried her to the nurse’s office. He can’t remember much of this, because he just quit football and found out that Meredith is pregnant. But that day he became her hero. After trying to starve herself she ended up in a hospital and had to do rehabilitation because of her eating disorder. She went away with Ash because he told her that his dream was to become a model and she went with him and became a model too. She also got a college degree in business and helped Ash to build Risqué. She partly owns the company and is the face of Risqué. Her Dream is to rebuild Southwind and give what she got from her Gran to other troubled children. Ashton Walker is her best friend sometimes best friend with benefits. Cy was her other best friend but he tried to break ties with the Shades of Trouble but Vera never let him do this completely.
Ashton Walker = Magenta: owner of Risqué, designs lingerie, was Cyan’s boyfriend when they were Teens, split when he went away to become a model, Violet’s best friend with benefits. He loves Violet but is scared to be her boyfriend. Chief of the board of directors (BOD) of Southwind.
Luke Barrett: Cowboy, used to play Football in school. But his girlfriend and Luke didn’t practice safer sex and she got pregnant. His had to leave Highschool and his parents threw him out. Vera and Bea took him in
Dr. Cyan Marshall: Cyan became a Psychologist. Violet talks to him and find out that he is jobless and homeless and asks him to work for Southwind and come back home. So he does. He was Ashton’s boyfriend before Ashton and Violet left to become models. He broke up with Ashton, even though Ashton is his forever love. But he also fell in love with Violet, but they were only friend.
Faith: Luke’s 12 year old daughter. She meets Violet in the bathroom of the diner, where she gets caught looking at her cuts (which she self-inflicted). Likes Violet and likes that Violet is her fathers girlfriend. She adores her Dad and would like to live with him.
Darnell Booker Color: Crisom: black guy, Private Security Company owner, does the Security for Southwind. He protects resource tycoons. Treasurer of the BOD.
Cessily Blackburn Color: Chartreuse: Secretary of the BOD, she is a lawyer, her hobby is family law. Normally she works on contracts and stuff like this. She is highly thought after and highly paid.
Shawn Color: Teal: Shawn is the IT guy of the group. He got in trouble for hacking and ended up in Southwind. He has a girlfriend, somewhere near Southwind and thinks about changing to a college there. He loves Gaming.
Roberto Caruzo Color: Cobalt: State Senator for this area, formerly lived in Southwind
William Blankenship Color: Blaze: Nickname: Billy but he wants to be called Liam. He has a short appearance at the end of book 2. He can organise tricky stuff with a steep price. He is a political fixer.
Kristin King Color: Scarlet: nickname Kris. She is half black. Works in the barn of her boyfriend and hopes to become a horse trainer. Her hair is Scarlet. She is in a polyamours relationship. She met Luke when she was living in Southwind, because Bea taught her riding and Luke was working in the barn.
Hannah Color: Indigo:
Colours we don’t meet in book 4
Color: Coral:
Color: Burgundy:
Color: Brick: He is in a security class, he does not make an appearance.
Colors named by Violet:
Luke Barrett Color: Emerald: Description above
Faith Barrett Color: Lilac: Description above
Zeke Harding Color: Midnight: Description below
Employees of Risqué and People involved with the Colours of Trouble:
Leslie Bancroft: run Risqué’s office as a receptionist when Ash stayed with Violet at the beginning. She becomes the Assistant of the COO because Ashton sees a spark in her and thinks he has to help her. She is part time student and working for Risqué. Her boyfriend lives in Oregon.
Noah: Leslie’s boyfriend. A good, shy guy, who encourages Leslie to take the chance Ash gave her and to live her dream. Follows her.
Renato Vieria: Nickname Reni. Hannah’s Fiancé, he is from Brazil and a professional Bull rider. He helped Hanna after she broke up with her friend and gave her a ride and took her to his hotel room. He is actually a good guy. He also accepted that Hannah’s kid is not his biological kid, still wants them both. He can’t father kids.
Enzo: Hannah’s baby boy
Andreas: One of Scarlet’s boyfriends
Sebastian Jakobsson: Nickname Ian. One of Scarlet’s boyfriends. He is an Olympic dressage rider
Annika Jakobsson: Daughter of Scarlet’s boyfriend, nickname Anna.
Zoe: Teals girlfriend. She looked at the videos Brody took. She is a rape victim.
Employees of Southwind:
Emily Harding: Zeke’s mom, she lived in a trailer and worked two jobs to keep them afloat. She regrets that she had to leave Zeke on his own very often. Emily gets a job in Southwind as a Chaperone. She moves with Zeke to Southwind into a small Cottage and is embraced by the Coulors of Trouble and the Southwind family. Cobalt is interested in her but she thinks that Cobalt is just flirting and not interested in a poor person like Emily. She is compassionate, accepting and has a big heart.
Zeke Harding: Zeke is Emily’s kid. He is one of the kids who are bullied in school. Somehow he finds Faith and they become friends. He stands up for her and Faith for him. He is also gay and tells Emily upfront. People think Zeke is trouble but mostly he is bullied because he is different and stands up for himself and the people he loves. The Southwind Colors of Trouble love him.
Scott Reynolds: Scott lost his job and was close to loosing everything else to. He worked construction. David asks Ash if he can help. And when Ash meets Scott he offers him a job on Southwind and also to pay him early on, so he can make the payment on his house and car. Scott is very thankful to be part of Southwind and that the Shades of Trouble saved him.

Citizens of Cats Peak:
Troublemaker:
Paul Simmons: Owner of the neighbouring Farm. Wants to by Violets Farm, but wants to give her little money. He wants to sell it to builder, because on Violets Farm there is a water supply. But she doesn’t want to sell the farm.
Meredith soon to be Jackson: Luke’s ex and mother of his daughter. Meredith was a cheerleader and a really good looking Teenager, which still shows 13 years later. But she is self-centred. She wants to be a trophy wife who doesn’t have to work. She resents Luke for knocking her up but she did tell him that she was on the pill when he forgot the condom.
Brody Jackson: to be stepdad of Faith (Luke’s daughter). Creepy guy. He has lots of prejudices like most of the townies.
Jody: Jody, April and Maisy bullied Violet in school. They beat her and told her that she was very ugly. It got out of Hand and Violet tried to starve herself and ended up in hospital. Jody became friends with Meredith. She never changed her highschool bully behavior and when Violet returns, she starts it again. She never got out of town, because her main goal was to marry a richt guy. She got in the habit of sleeping around after highschool. Not sure if she married.
April: Another bully and the woman who tried to sew Faith’s flower girl dress. She is a bully. Still friends with Jody and Meredith. She ended up married with kids. Jody, April and Meredith always try to bully Violet but mainly because Jody and April are jealous of her fame and beauty.

Good Guys:
David Bigsby: Pastor and a good guy.
Beverly Bigsby: David’s mother, owner of the diner/grill in town, where everybody meets, was friends with Vera and Bea, she helps the Southwind crew
Mike: Owns the garage in town, was in highschool with Luke and they played football together, he is a good guy and tries to help Luke and get him to talk to him, but it takes a while until Luke realises this. Mike has a crush on Maisy and confess this to Luke.
Maisy: Ran with Jody and April in highschool, but no because she agreed. Jody put pressure on her by telling Maisy that she will tell her Dad. And Maisy’s Dad would punish Maisy with a belt or hitting her hard. But after school Jody prevented that Maisy could go to college and get out of town. Since then she does not run with the bullies and she welcomed Violet back and spoke up for them. She has a crush on Mike. But doesn’t realise that Mike feels the same way.
Dan: Dan is the Cop who gives the Videos Brody took to the police. David showed him the footage of a girl and it turns out that she is his cousin. So he is on board to do something against Brody. But from the very beginning he sided with Southwind. He tries to help them. He has also a lesbian sister so he is comfortable with the topic sexuality.



Summery: detailed, lot’s of spoiler

In the last part so many things happen. It starts where the last one ended, with when Violets car was smeared with hate words and her tires were slashed the window broken. Mike helps them out. The Southwind crew realises that they need a new plan and Blaze and Cobalt show up to help them. Blaze tells them to make friends in town. And so they start. They go to church also go for family dinner to the grill and talk to people there and slowly they make friends with the women in town and other people who do not care that the guys are into each other. They even organise lingerie parties. The first one takes place at Bev’s house and the women of Cats Peak enjoyed it very much. The next one takes place at southwind. Sixty ladies show up and the guys are in the backyard. Meredith, Jody and April show up only to make trouble. Faith is really embarrassed and shouts at her mother and runs upstairs. Luke tells Meredith that she is the one sabotaging her relationship to Faith by acting like she never left Highschool. Luke goes out front and he sees a car coming up to the house. Turns out that it’s his brother. He dropped his girlfriend at Southwind for the party. But when he recognises Luke he gets out of the car and talk to him. And he tells Luke that his parents had told him and his sister lies. They told their kids, that Luke left town and had his girlfriend do an abortion. Luke tells his brother that he never did that, but he dropped out of school to take care of Meredith and his daughter but never married Meredith. And his parents did not like this. His brother wants to meet Faith and stay in touch with Luke.
But the party is interrupted by the police who wants to talk to Violet about a noise complaint. When Violet talked to them they shove paperwork in her face which she refuses to sign. And when they keep hitting the paper in her face she lifts her arms to protect her face and shove the paper away. That’s when the police grabs her arms, shove her face harshly with to much force on the car and nearly pull out her arm. Cy goes to defend her when three police officers pull their guns on him. But Mrs. Simmons speaks up and tells them that there can’t be noise complain because her husband is out of town and she is at the part. All this is filmed by Berto, Faith and Zeke but also other people. And Berto uses this to send it to the committee which is looking into corruption at cat peaks police station.
Things seems to calm down a little and before the hearing they ask David to help them. David in return asks Ash to help one of his flock. Scott lost his job and did not get another job even though he really tried. He and his wife are about to loose everything they own, because he can’t pay his mortgage and the bank wants to evict him and sell the house. Ash steps up, offers him a job at Southwind and also a loan to save his house, car and anything else. So Scott takes the job and becomes the handyman of Southwind.
Finally the day of the hearing arrives. Violet gives her speech. Then several guys turn up and speak on behalf of Southwind. Turns out that they are Hannah’s Fiancé and Kris’s menage and all of them would like to settle down near to Southwind and also help with rehabilitation at Southwind or sponsor Southwind. David also talks on behalf of Southwind. Finally Paul Simmons gives a speech why Southwind is a bad idea. Even though Blaze got the Builder to remove his offer. But the city votes in favour of Southwind.
Violet and her guys and Faith leave for New York. Cessily, Darnell, Emily and Zeke promise to take care of Southwind. In New York they attend the fashion award show and Ash makes a speech and tells the fashion people about their polyamorous live style. The next morning Ash gets a call from Zeke. He find out that Southwind was vandalised again. This time they broke windows of the cabins and started smearing hate word on the cabin walls which face the street. But Darnell interrupted them. He thought it were only two guys but it were more and they overwhelmed him beat him and broke his arm. Cessily ran after him after getting a gun and she fires the gun without injuring the bad guys but they run away. Emily and Zeke take Darnell to the next hospital, because they are scared to call the corrupt police and the also an ambulance. Cessily stays at Southwind. Ash calls in reinforcements. Teal gets his friend and drives to Southwind to protect Cessily, while Violet changes the flights and the others also contact the colors. When they return, they relieve Cessily who packs her stuff and Darnells stuff, so that both can go to Darnells house after he is released from hospital.

Violet and Ash start fixing the damage on Southwind. Ash sets up an account and Scotts goes to the shop to buy everything they need. But the manager of shop says that Ash has to come to verify the account. Ash takes Violets car. Before he is out of Cats Peak he sees that he needs to fuel up the Audi. So he goes to the petrol station talks to Maisy while giving her advanced payment for the fuel. And Maisy goes to the back of the shop while Ash goes outside to fuel the car. There he is cornered by many people and beaten badly and they knock him out and take him with them. Maisy sees the Audi later looks for Ash but can’t find him. She calls Violet and Luke, Cy and Violet go to the police station and make a scene. Luckily Dan is there and they have the idea to use Violets phone to track Ash phone. This way they find him. He was abandoned at a road outside of town, where nearly no one goes. The ditched him in a pond and Ash is freezing and hurting and can’t move. Cy drugs him up and moves him to Dan’s car an all of them drive to the hospital where Ash is taken care of. The injuries are bad but nothing is broken and everything else is okay and he can leave the hospital after a few days.

The investigation of the police leads to changes. Dan becomes head of Cats Peaks police force the corrupt guys are discharged and out of town police are working in Cats Peak until they find replacement.

Back home Ash gets better. But after a week they are attacked again. This time they make a fire in the barn, but Emily extinguishes that, while Faith gets the horses out of the barn. The guys go after the the intruders. But they are to many and when Violet goes to help Ash, Paul Simmons tries to choke her. But Luke rescues her. But then other guys take them down. Even Violet and with unnecessary brute force. Somebody throws gas on the barn and Paul Simmons tries to light a match to burn it down when Zeke picks up a gun, which was lost in the attack and tells Simmons to stop. He of corse doesn’t stop and Zeke shoots him in the stomach.

That’s when the police arrives and Dan takes Zeke into custody telling Emily he will take her to the police station too. Dan wants to get Zeke into Southwind because he did a selfless crime. And the others have to give statements while Cy looks after their injuries.

Some days later Dan appears at Southwind and tells them that Simmons died and now Zeke is accused of murder. Emily wants to fight it and Dan got a deal from the judge: if they do not fight this the Judge will send Zeke to juvie and to Southwind when it opens. But Emily doesn’t want this deal. So Ash tell them that he will talk to her and Faith wants to know why. He tells her that he killed a guy who raped a woman. But got to Southwind because it was a selfless crime.

In the Epiloge Ash and Luke talk to Faith and they decide to propose to Cy and Violet on the opening day of Southwind. Cy and Violet did not expect this and are happy to say yes.
Shortly after the first students arrive at Southwind. And one of them is Zeke. He greets Faith happily and tells her about the other seven kids, who will start school with them. Violet, Ash and Cy give the kids a good encouraging speech. And finally Southwind is opened and running. And sadly that’s the end of the story of Violet, Ash, Cy and Luke.

[Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Reviewing the series as a whole since I read the omnibus edition*

I love, love, love the acceptance, love, growth, consent, coming-of-age, ally-ship, support and friendship that this story has. My only complaint is that it dragged in parts and probably should’ve been a trilogy. I love Luke and Ash and Cy and Violet though and really want to see them in future stories about Southwind.

[The House Wife's Secret Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

This whole series is totally worth the read. And I really want more. Great Med/Fast Burn Reverse Harem :)

[H · Rating 5 out of 5]

what an ending! loved the story characters and spice. 💯🔥

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible. A beautiful ending to a must read series.

I love this series. I love this book. I love all of the characters. I love the story.

It's an incredible love story about forgiveness and the one who got away, childhood crushes, discovering your sexuality, redefining masculinity, and control. It's about rough childhoods and being grateful for support, speaking your truth and standing up to bullies. It has small town politics versus big city ideas which makes everyone uncomfortable. There's religion and juvenile rehabilitation and underwear modeling and have I mentioned the spicy times? Wow.

There's just so much in this series and I'm going out on a limb here to say that it's one of the best stories I've read this year. This review isn't doing the series justice at all, but I'm just blown away by everything. You know when certain books just speak to you? Well, this story feels like it was meant for me. It's mine now. I'm not really sure I want to share it with anyone else. In fact, forget I've talked about the books at all.

I'm joking, but seriously, if you like poly books and rooting for the underdog then this is the series for you. I think it's incredible. I loved it.

💋💜💋💜

[Jacquelyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Polyamorous relationship MMMF/MM/MF

After the death threat is left on their door, Violet calls in every person from the shades of trouble. She’s worried about her guys. Billy (Blaze) is unhinged and is a political fixer, Berto is a politician, Cess is the lawyer, Teal is a hacker, and many others are mentioned. The town has prejudices towards those that live in the house Violet is trying to open as a juvenile second chance center but she needs the cities approval. With no one on their side they need to find ways to be social with the community. The story follows the challenges of trying to connect with a community with a in a box way of thinking.

I loved that we got more Ash in this story because I cannot help but favor him. He’s just lovable in the asshole kind of cute way. Luke is finally embracing who he is. There’s a little less Cy in this story. Honestly there isn’t a lot of Violet either. I think the love interest centers around Luke more than Violet which I’m perfectly fine with. I love their Chemistry… especially with anyone with Ash. He goes out of his way to show his love for his lovers and there’s a tough part where he is targeted and barely survived. In the end after many challenges they are able to finally open the school and ash proposes to Cy and Luke to Violet since they cannot legally marry everyone but they do in heart. I hope to see more stories with them in future and maybe a novella when they decide to have kids since she made it clear she was going to try in a couple years.

[Rubz]

One word, Midnight…….
Review done!!

😂
Okay, this series won’t be for everyone. Some bits are really unrealistic,I won’t point them out because then I would have several spoilers. However, this is the author’s world and she gets to do with it what she wants, it works in her world so we gobbled it up.
RH in the contemporary world, haaaa this was a first and it wasn’t utterly smut, you know; those books that have an intimate scene in every single chapter with little to no plot. Oooh, there was plot here lots of plot and side plots etc etc. So kudos to Ms Kitty Cox for this endeavor, we’re grateful.
Small town shenanigans, bad ones at that, are heavy in this series; found family and LGBT issues.
Relationship angst ends in Book 1, so there’s that.
We were warned about Blaze but I feeel like we didn’t experience how much of a psychopath he is! Then the other Shades, I don’t know if I will be able to look for their books if their series are just simple MF books, sorry not sorry! But I’d really like to know about them, was it Scarlet who was with two guys? The Olympians? That would be interesting.
Ash’s announcement didn’t seem to get the worldwide attention I expected 😔
What ami reading next?

[Goth Gone Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Write more, write faster, right now...

...please?

I really enjoy this author and her loving, protective, make-your-own family recurring themes. The overlap between the Gamer Girls and this series makes me look forward to what's next, and want to binge read both series again.

The writing is openly, unashamedly sexual. Saucy chapter, plot moving chapter, repeat as needed. An example:

"Day in and day out, I was used to being in charge, and they let me. They gave everything to me. Their respect, their time, and so much of their effort. Every so often, my men wanted to take, and I loved the way it felt. As Cy rocked into my body hard, we both shifted on the bed at the force of it, but it felt so good. It felt like he was strong. Like he was lost in his desire. It felt like all those foolish dreams I'd had as a girl, back when I had been the weak one hoping for him to be my protector."

It's both a suitable ending and a new beginning; I'm glad to read there will be more with these characters.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed how the series tied in with some characters from the Gamer Girls series, and it seems like the world will be expanded more with other spin-offs. I usually really avoid contemporary romance, but the author's character development and writing are exceptional, and I will definitely seriously consider checking out any future works by the author, no matter the genre.
---
Ratings - completed series:
#1 Collide: ★★★★★
#2 Converge: ★★★★☆
#3 Combust: ★★★★☆
#4 Conquer (this book): ★★★★☆

[Kady Bowers · Rating 3 out of 5]

So In the end I very much enjoyed the plot of the series but I still couldn't get past the way that I felt violet was left out quite often. it took me a while but I think I figured out what my problem was. It's because Violet Ash and Cy never go through the "Honeymoon" phase, they have known each other for so long and Violet and Ash had been f**king so by the time they make it official they are already at the comfortable stage with each other. I feel like I might have had more of a connection with them if there was a prequel where you get to see that time when these 3 were falling in love. for me although those 3 said it a lot I was missing that heat of first love because we did miss it we got told they had been in love for 15 years but we never really saw it and I feel like that's why I never really connected.

[*** Pau *** · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars
Book 1: 4*
Book 2: 3*
Book 3: 2.75*
Book 4: 2*

Little town Texas. RH with MM.
MMMF: Cowboy, psychiatrist, and male and female models. Living in a kind of a ranch that will become again a rehabilitation center. It was way too long, it got very boring. They were having the same conversations over and over.
HEA.

Spice: 2.5/5
Plot: 2.5/5
Romance: 2.5 /5

[Silverlining2k6 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this series because I kept hearing great things about the bi-awakening storyline. And while that was true, I never expected the overall plot to be so good. I don't think I've ever rated an entire RH series as 5-stars, but here we are. Shades of Trouble isn't good for a reverse harem series, it's just good overall.
Kitty Cox has remembered what even some of the most popular writers have forgotten: a series isn't meant to be one long giant book. I love an over-arching plot, but each book in a series needs to have its own contained plot. The overarching plot was whether Violet could defeat her evil neighbor Simmons in order to reopen the school that was her grandmother's legacy. But there were smaller battles to be won: would Luke deny or embrace his bi-sexuality? Could Luke win custody of his pre-teen daughter when everyone pointed fingers at the gay people at Southwind, while ignoring evidence that her new stepfather was a pedophile? Could the group find acceptance and a bigoted small town? Could they hold on to what they had with rednecks constantly attacking and most of the police force on Simmons payroll?
And these obstacles never felt contrived. It just made sense that the rich man used his resources to keep everyone else poor and then loaned them money to make them beholden to him. Small towns aren't really known for open-mindedness, but even the good ones were afraid to speak up. Three bisexual men living in rural Texas would already have targets on their backs, but throw in the rich man whipping them up into a mob mentality and it was a recipe for disaster.

So as much as I liked the romance aspect, it was the storyline that had me so hooked that I read four books in as many days.

The side characters were amazing as well. Luke's daughter Faith stole the show, naturally, but so many others felt so real and three-dimensional: Cessily and Darnell, Billy the psychopath and Berto the politician. Mike was one of those characters you underestimate until he suddenly shows you how wise he is. David, the pastor was the sweetest soul, and his mother, Bev was assertive without ever being mean. We didn't get nearly enough of Teal, but I'm so intrigued by his story. Zeke was the best. I thought for a minute there that he might have a surprise daddy reveal, but I tend to see foreshadowing everywhere.

I think the only complaint I might have about this book was that Violet sometimes disappeared into the background. Don't get me wrong, she was an amazing FMC with a backbone of steel, but the three guys just shone so brightly that she couldn't help but stand in their shadows at times.

[winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent end to the series, and I’m so happy the Shades of Trouble stories will continue in Kitty’s future work! I’m starved to know how Zeke and Faith’s stories go, and I desperately want a series on the next Rainbow generation. Either way, please keep telling LGBTQ stories!! Kitty, you write them beautifully!

I think the writing could have been a bit less repetitive. There was an excessive amount of phrases like, “this is why we work [in a relationship]” or, “you see, [insert moral message].” I think the messages are important, but there were moments they felt over-explained or over-emphasized. I’d like Kitty should trust her audience more, that we’ll get the messages being put down.

I’d also love to see less of the characters *describing* each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and more of the characters’ behaviors explaining for them. In short, more “show me” less “tell me”. These books would have less lulls or dragging moments that way.

If you haven’t read the series, know that it’s a five-spice bi poly MFMM series tackling a small town full of homophobia, sexism, and racism. TW for mentions of anorexia, cutting, and suicidal thoughts.

If you’re Kitty Cox reading this, consider this my virtual hug! Keep rocking on. Maybe go on tour one day, because I’d love to see you!

[Isabella Bortoletto · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride this series was! When I thought everything was finally working out, another thing happened in these characters' lives and I was just soo sad and rooting for them! I love the development that happened with every character over the series. I just LOVE every shade of trouble! This series is about family, friendship, acceptance, love... I just loved it soooo much! The relationship between the characters is definitely the plot and everything was sooo domestic and cute. Their journey to reopen Southwind was very difficult, our main characters are so determined and strong, but I gotta highlight Chartreuse (a queen, soo smart, confident) and Billy (whaaaat a character). My favorite part was when Violet finally gave a color to Zeke 😭 it was like he finally felt accepted in the Southwind family. I don't know how I am supposed to live after reading these books. One of the best RH series out there 👏

[Elyse · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took way too many books to get to the meat of this story and then all the action happens at the end. With how much time was spent on the filler in book three I feel like some of that plot space could have been shared with this one.

Also, to have most of the rainbow staying at the house almost the whole time but then when shit actually hit the fan no one was around??

How was Darnell at the end? How did everyone react to Ash being almost killed? How did they all react to the attack that ended with Zeke arrested?? Billy would have had some strong feelings about that, I know.

The weight that was put on some things was great but it felt unequal.

There is so much I like about this series, some of it is boring and some of it felt too short. Idk it was a great story about a unique kind of family.

[Sandi Devlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic end to the series

I fell for this series from the beginning. Voilet was strong yet vunerable. She is the hero of this story. She holds her family together and is the backbone of the group. Luke is the cowboy and learned so much about himself through these books. Ashton and Cyan are both old friends of Violet and seeing this four come together was such a great journey. This series is exactly what I love. It had found family and a group that supports each other and is just there.

This is probably my favorite book of the series it has it all. Love and action and craziness. All the shades come together and try to save South Wind and it’s awesome!

I loved all the side characters and can't wait for their series and to see what happens next for this world.

[NewFriendJen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so sad it’s over

Firstly I need more! I could read about every single one of the original shades of trouble and then hear about the new generation and it still wouldn’t be enough! The world building in this story is so relatable and functional and just- ugh yessssss give me more!!

The characters are also very realistic. Their choices and doubts and reactions are just things I can see myself/someone close to me doing. And their love story is absolute perfection.

The lgbtq and gender identity aspects of this series is also a highlight for me. Inclusivity for the win!! Especially with the realistic aspects of reactions within a small town community.

Just phenomenal over all.

[Mónica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cuando empecé esta saga fue porque conseguí el kindle del primer libro de forma gratuita a través del día Romance Bookworms del 20 de septiembre.

Sí es verdad que me entró por los ojos por el tema del poliamor o la posibilidad del poliamor en aquel entonces, pero desde ese primer libro, me he sorprendido tanto con la historia y sus personajes… Todo el tema del pueblo retrógrado y la historia del reformatorio que los unió a todos cada vez calaba más, igual que la historia de amor entre los cuatro protagonistas con el descubrimiento de su sexualidad y la posibilidad de que todos pudieran estar justo como “pareja”. Además del cambio de pensamiento dentro de los habitantes del pueblo y sobre todo de parte de Luke y de su hija Faith cuando se topan con el arcoiris de Southwind en sus vidas.

[Jane Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will honestly say I am so dang sad that this series is over. I have loved it from the start and Kitty is amazing at creating a world that is so real with characters you can connect with. It really show cases how real life is not neat and tidy. It is messy and hard.

The last book of the series was honestly perfect. There were a couple of place Kitty shocked me right out of my seat but it was a wild and amazing ride. I am also excited that Kitty plans to continue to write in this world because I sure know I need more. I can’t wait to see who the main characters of her next series in this world are.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad

This series ended very nicely. The main plot was tied up neatly, but enough bread crumbs were left for spin off series. The intimate scenes are hot and the characters are multidimensional. My only gripe with this book was that it was soooo drawn out. The Rainbow had the same conversations over and over again. I felt myself skimming through certain POVs or repeated information. I would have preferred that the extra fluff be cut and an a more extended epilogue added. Overall this series was fantastic and I look forward to reading more stories from this world and author.

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a way to end a series.

This series blew my mind. From the rh/poly to the life events. So much of these books are totally relatable in life. The events teens and children go through, to the resources they have been given in life to just be accepted. It truly makes me wish more rainbows were out there in the world. To see how Kitty started this series and the ending just drove home so many issues we still face today. But for her to bring out so many positives as well as breaking my heart at times I adore this series and it will be one that will be going on my book shelves to be read multiple times again and again. I look forward to what she comes out with next.

[Tracy Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing series and amazing author!

So I started off with a book by Auryn Hadley whichquickly turned into the gamer girl series by her and Kitty. Now sadly I am close to finishing everything they have both written and I have no idea what I will do afterwards. I'm a huge reader and it's rare to find authors as good as these two. They have made me laugh, cry and kept me on the edge of my seat. They make me wish the characters were real people. I am so sad I've finished yet another series. These are MUST READS!

[TipseyBookReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing I love about this series and author is that the side characters are just as detailed as the main characters, and how her series have lots of Easter eggs hidden throughout. Violet and the guys are buckling down in trying to win over the town and get Southwind open, and feeling like they are fighting an uphill battle. Some parts had me in tears, especially toward the end. There were a few spots that seemed a little drawn out, it I love spending time with everyone at Southwind. The ending is terrific for this series and leaves me wanting more stories from the other Shades. :)

[Jeri L. Moseley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not what I was expecting.

So I have to be honest this was not the ending I expected or hoped for. I would have preferred a nice neat little package at the end. And I would have been wrong. Nothing about the Shades of Trouble and their journey is nice or neat. I will say that I held my breath, Kitty for all of Chapter 68 and your ending. Bravo, on tying in the Flawed cast into this universe. And I'm hoping that this ending means there may be future stores about the new generation of Shades.

[Sondra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Ending to the series

I enjoyed this reverse harem series. There is a lot of detailed , page after page sex. It was a little much for me, but reading about a guy on guy is very hot. There was a lot of action, a lot of community hate and violence because they were LGBTQIA. They worked hard to win the community with acts of kindness. Unfortunately you cannot make bad and evil people be good or kind. Even though there was a lot of violence, they did get their happily ever after. This is the final book in the series, so there isn't a cliffhanger.

[Kim Whitehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible ending!! The entire series was absolutely phenomenal!! Conquer was the most amazing icing on the cake!! A true testament to what love truly is!! There were so many ups and downs, but perseverance and an abundance of love and wisdom help conquer all. Kitty Cox shows you love and hate and it could be felt through her words! Absolutely fantastic! It’s one of those series that leaves a lasting impression on your heart! Make you want to shout from the roof tops!! Phenomenal!!

[Jessica Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!!

Loved it. I loved the series and this is a wonderful conclusion to an amazing journey. It shows how the world isn’t just black and white, but everyone, everywhere comes in a variety shades. It also shows that people shouldn’t judge others by what they see or what someone else says. It shows that before you judge someone, you should get to know them and learn the full story behind rumors, half truths, and small bits of information.

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a Great Series

This whole series was a highly enjoyable read! The books were jam-packed with character, action, and love! I fell immediately in love with all the characters. They were real, interesting, and very like-able. This last one was a long one, and I’m so happy that it really answered all the questions and gave our main characters a happy ending. I’m excited to see them pop up in other stories in the Shades world.

[Laura Navarre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this steamy fast-burn MMMF Texas small town poly reverse harem romance series and devoured all four Shades of Trouble reads in about four days. :) Definitely loved that all the guys are into all the other guys as well as into the fierce and fiesty lingerie model heroine, who in turn is equally into the guys banging each other as well as banging her. This is perfect for readers who love a well-written read with steam, plot, and plenty of MM with your MMMF!

[Angela Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encore, encore

I want more of this series, but not in an unsatisfied way.

I've thoroughly enjoyed this series and I'm sad to see it end. I want to meet the next generation of shades and see the teething problem Southwind has.

I know there are going to be several spin-off series. The side characters are too awesome not to, so I'll wait for those but I just want more. Brava, Kitty. xx