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Shadows
"What I want you to do, Isabella, is find out what his real name is..."
Those were the words spoken to me when I sat down to learn about my final grade in college.
They not only shocked me, but changed the trajectory of my life.
Shadows Sampson has always been bigger than life on the campus of our college. Most of the time seemed as if he's older than the rest of us. Like he carries the weight of the world on his shoulders.
When I get close? I find out there's more to it than I ever bargained for.
And when the truth comes out; against my will - I hope I can get the forgiveness I so desperately want.
"You've gotta win this fight. We can't push rent back again..."
Those words from my sister's mouth put an exclamation point on how bad our sistuation is.
Especially after I lost the fight of my life. The one that was going to get us out of this apartment building, the one that was going to put us on a path we'd only dreamed about.
But me? I'd lost the fight, my confidence, and the motivation for the life I'd always wanted.
Until a baby I'd fathered was left at my doorstep, and a seriously hot girl from my college started paying attention to me. With that girl? I fall hard, only to find out I'm the subject of a story for her final grade.
Turns out, that's my motivation.
Quitting isn't an option. Not until my knuckles are bloody and not one person stands in the way of what I want.
Shadows will have a regular cover, and an alternate cover.
Those were the words spoken to me when I sat down to learn about my final grade in college.
They not only shocked me, but changed the trajectory of my life.
Shadows Sampson has always been bigger than life on the campus of our college. Most of the time seemed as if he's older than the rest of us. Like he carries the weight of the world on his shoulders.
When I get close? I find out there's more to it than I ever bargained for.
And when the truth comes out; against my will - I hope I can get the forgiveness I so desperately want.
"You've gotta win this fight. We can't push rent back again..."
Those words from my sister's mouth put an exclamation point on how bad our sistuation is.
Especially after I lost the fight of my life. The one that was going to get us out of this apartment building, the one that was going to put us on a path we'd only dreamed about.
But me? I'd lost the fight, my confidence, and the motivation for the life I'd always wanted.
Until a baby I'd fathered was left at my doorstep, and a seriously hot girl from my college started paying attention to me. With that girl? I fall hard, only to find out I'm the subject of a story for her final grade.
Turns out, that's my motivation.
Quitting isn't an option. Not until my knuckles are bloody and not one person stands in the way of what I want.
Shadows will have a regular cover, and an alternate cover.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 14, 2023
39 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Laramie Briscoe
166 books2,148 followersLaramie Briscoe is the USA Today & Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author of over 30 books.
When she's not writing alpha males who seriously love their women, she loves spending time with friends, reading, and marathoning shows on Netflix.
Laramie lives in Bowling Green, KY with her husband and an adorable dog named Gus.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
April 16, 2023
Shadows is out now! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
"What I want you to do, Isabella, is find out what his real name is..."
Isabella has just been assigned her final topic for her school paper, and it’s to get close enough to Shadows Sampson that she can find out his real name.
Only issue? He’s a hard one to crack and there’s a reason not many people know about his personal life.
Shadows by Laramie Briscoe is a
— single dad
— small town
— sports romance
that you can fly through in one sitting!
It was angsty, emotional, and a spicy read. I loved the reporter x athlete combo, but also appreciated that it wasn’t aggressive and as if Isabella was out to get him.
This was the first MMA sports romance I’ve read and it won’t be the last!!
Thank you Grey’s Promotion and Laramie Briscoe for this eARC in exchange for my honest review <3
"What I want you to do, Isabella, is find out what his real name is..."
Isabella has just been assigned her final topic for her school paper, and it’s to get close enough to Shadows Sampson that she can find out his real name.
Only issue? He’s a hard one to crack and there’s a reason not many people know about his personal life.
Shadows by Laramie Briscoe is a
— single dad
— small town
— sports romance
that you can fly through in one sitting!
It was angsty, emotional, and a spicy read. I loved the reporter x athlete combo, but also appreciated that it wasn’t aggressive and as if Isabella was out to get him.
This was the first MMA sports romance I’ve read and it won’t be the last!!
Thank you Grey’s Promotion and Laramie Briscoe for this eARC in exchange for my honest review <3
March 30, 2023
I’m not usually a fan of reading about journalists or reporters as they usually do stupid things and write things that end up hurting others (usually the other MC).
In this book Isabella is a journalist for her college paper and her professor gives her an assignment for her final grade that she doesn’t like. She’s to get the scoop on Shadows, an MMA fighter. Shadows has been on the DL lately and the professor wants her to get the dirt on him as well as his real name. Here’s where that little thing called ethics comes into play. This is something Bella doesn’t want to do and she pushes back only to be told do it or don’t graduate. So she hatches a plan to get close to Shadows.
Shadows has a secret very few people know about, he is a single father and on the brink of starvation due to trying to take care of his son, work, and trying to go to school. All the while training for his next fight, something he needs desperately to turn his money problems around.
In comes Bella, the attraction is instant between the two. How can Bella write her paper and keep her relationship with Shadows? Will she be able to find a compromise and keep both Shadows and her future career or will she lose one?
This story has a rollercoaster of emotions from both Bella, dealing with her family and her professor to Shadows, dealing with all his responsibilities. They both show a maturity that few kids that age have, both have goals they are striving for and trying to stay focused on those goals. There’s also a depth in the storytelling, showing the vulnerable sides to the characters as they struggle. The tiredness Shadows hides from everyone while he shoulders responsibilities and goes without sleep and food to provide for his family. The burden Bella’s family puts on her being the first one in college and it being “their” accomplishment not hers. As well as the emotional and ethical issues with the paper she’s writing for her professor that she once called a friend.
The final assignment, well let’s just say it’s unexpected.
In this book Isabella is a journalist for her college paper and her professor gives her an assignment for her final grade that she doesn’t like. She’s to get the scoop on Shadows, an MMA fighter. Shadows has been on the DL lately and the professor wants her to get the dirt on him as well as his real name. Here’s where that little thing called ethics comes into play. This is something Bella doesn’t want to do and she pushes back only to be told do it or don’t graduate. So she hatches a plan to get close to Shadows.
Shadows has a secret very few people know about, he is a single father and on the brink of starvation due to trying to take care of his son, work, and trying to go to school. All the while training for his next fight, something he needs desperately to turn his money problems around.
In comes Bella, the attraction is instant between the two. How can Bella write her paper and keep her relationship with Shadows? Will she be able to find a compromise and keep both Shadows and her future career or will she lose one?
This story has a rollercoaster of emotions from both Bella, dealing with her family and her professor to Shadows, dealing with all his responsibilities. They both show a maturity that few kids that age have, both have goals they are striving for and trying to stay focused on those goals. There’s also a depth in the storytelling, showing the vulnerable sides to the characters as they struggle. The tiredness Shadows hides from everyone while he shoulders responsibilities and goes without sleep and food to provide for his family. The burden Bella’s family puts on her being the first one in college and it being “their” accomplishment not hers. As well as the emotional and ethical issues with the paper she’s writing for her professor that she once called a friend.
The final assignment, well let’s just say it’s unexpected.
Read
April 22, 2023Madam Briscoe has a tendency to hit me in the feels and this book was no exception. I am not in the headspace at the moment to deal with single parent romance so it made me super super sad. As a struggling single parent it became too relatable too quickly for me so while it was well written and the story flowed really well it wasn’t my absolute fave by this author so far.
Renegade still reigns supreme for me but who knows with time I could find another one of Madam Briscoe’s heroes who will rock my world.
Happy reading everyone 😍
Renegade still reigns supreme for me but who knows with time I could find another one of Madam Briscoe’s heroes who will rock my world.
Happy reading everyone 😍
April 13, 2023
Someone said MMA? Yes please...
Isabella; she's just about to make all her dreams come true. But she has to do one more thing before she can achieve it. Determined to do just that, she sends out getting the info about who Shadows really is.
Shadows; his life has taken a hit 6 months ago and he is trying everything he can think of to stay afloat. When he and Bella start seeing each other, life seems to get back on the right track. But when their secrets come out, both lash out. And once again the greatness that is Laramie Briscoe comes out to play, and that's in talking things out even if they're angry. The fallout was written beautifully and I couldn't be happier for these two to have HEA.
Isabella; she's just about to make all her dreams come true. But she has to do one more thing before she can achieve it. Determined to do just that, she sends out getting the info about who Shadows really is.
Shadows; his life has taken a hit 6 months ago and he is trying everything he can think of to stay afloat. When he and Bella start seeing each other, life seems to get back on the right track. But when their secrets come out, both lash out. And once again the greatness that is Laramie Briscoe comes out to play, and that's in talking things out even if they're angry. The fallout was written beautifully and I couldn't be happier for these two to have HEA.
April 13, 2023
Someone said MMA? Yes please...
Isabella; she's just about to make all her dreams come true. But she has to do one more thing before she can achieve it. Determined to do just that, she sends out getting the info about who Shadows really is.
Shadows; his life has taken a hit 6 months ago and he is trying everything he can think of to stay afloat. When he and Bella start seeing each other, life seems to get back on the right track. But when their secrets come out, both lash out. And once again the greatness that is Laramie Briscoe comes out to play, and that's in talking things out even if they're angry. The fallout was written beautifully and I couldn't be happier for these two to have HEA.
Isabella; she's just about to make all her dreams come true. But she has to do one more thing before she can achieve it. Determined to do just that, she sends out getting the info about who Shadows really is.
Shadows; his life has taken a hit 6 months ago and he is trying everything he can think of to stay afloat. When he and Bella start seeing each other, life seems to get back on the right track. But when their secrets come out, both lash out. And once again the greatness that is Laramie Briscoe comes out to play, and that's in talking things out even if they're angry. The fallout was written beautifully and I couldn't be happier for these two to have HEA.
April 5, 2023
Isabella is the first in her family to go to college and it’s not easy. As an investigative journalism student her final article determines whether she graduates or not. Her professor assigned her to uncover what the student boxer aka Shadows is hiding and what makes him tick. Bella is caught between graduating and doing whatever it takes to get the dirt on Shadow and her growing feelings for him.
Shadows doesn’t open to anyone but Bella is different. What happens when she discovers what he’s hiding and he discovers she must betray his trust to graduate? Can they get past the lies and broken trust.
Laramie Briscoe writes another compelling story.
Shadows doesn’t open to anyone but Bella is different. What happens when she discovers what he’s hiding and he discovers she must betray his trust to graduate? Can they get past the lies and broken trust.
Laramie Briscoe writes another compelling story.
April 21, 2023
MMA is my third favorite to read about and Isabella and Shadows' story reinforces that love. I'm not usually a fan of journalists doing exposés about people because they always end badly. But for some reason I did didn't mind this at all. Their book was so good and I loved every minute of it. I can't wait to see what's next.
April 6, 2023
A sweet, low angst tale. I’m not usually one for college romances, but I still enjoyed this story about a journalism major and a MMA fighter.
Thanks to Grey’s Promotions for the early copy for review.
Thanks to Grey’s Promotions for the early copy for review.
April 27, 2023
Shadow is focused on keeping his head above water and raising his son so love isn’t really on the agenda but the second he sees Bella that changes and he can’t believe his luck maybe turning only they both are hiding secrets that can do damage to there hearts even further
April 14, 2023
Thank you to Grey Promotions for sending me an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book follows Isabella and Shadows. Isabella is a journalism student who has been given the assignment to find out everything she can about the mysterious MMA fighter Shadows. Shadows is trying to figure his own stuff out after a devastating loss and shocking news. Isabella and Shadows have instant chemistry and I did enjoy their story.
I did feel that the story was very bland. It was a struggle for me to get thru at some points.
Tropes:
Single Dad
Sports Romance
Overall: 3.25
Spice: 1
This book follows Isabella and Shadows. Isabella is a journalism student who has been given the assignment to find out everything she can about the mysterious MMA fighter Shadows. Shadows is trying to figure his own stuff out after a devastating loss and shocking news. Isabella and Shadows have instant chemistry and I did enjoy their story.
I did feel that the story was very bland. It was a struggle for me to get thru at some points.
Tropes:
Single Dad
Sports Romance
Overall: 3.25
Spice: 1
April 8, 2023
“Shadows” is an engaging plot bursting with compassion and strength while hiding many secrets.
Read full review in the 2023 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2023 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
April 15, 2023
Upon reading the synopsis of this book, I knew I was hooked! From its familiar yet satisfying romance of a single father trying to take care of family while weighed down by obligations and fate, to his instant attraction to a woman on a mission she wants no part of while trying to live her own life, I became fully invested and utterly charmed with each turn of the page. The characters became like family, the emotions real and heartfelt in their intensity, in a story that had me rooting for the main couple every step of the way.
Set in the often high pressure world of college, readers are introduced to MMA fighter Shadows Sampson, a man who's tough as nails on the outside. He shows himself to be scary yet determined to achieve the goals he sets himself. Behind his calm and cool exterior though is a life in chaos, changed a few months prior after the loss of a big fight and becoming the father of a brand new baby. Life has now turned complicated for him, endless bills and heavy obligations, trying to do whatever necessary to make a better life for those who are now counting on him. Shadows is a delicious hero, one with a big and loving heart who's his own biggest critic...constantly hating himself for not always getting what he wants for others. He's wearing himself down into the ground and my heart ached for all the weight pulling him under. For him, life has become a constant race, a physically and emotionally draining race...and I was rooting for him to find even one moment of happiness along the way. That happiness comes the moment he meets Bella, a young woman he saves while working at a college bar. There's an immediate connection between the two, a sense of love and support that warmed my heart and put a smile on my face. There's lots of secrets between the two of them though, secrets that kept me on the edge of my seat while waiting for them to see what's really important.
Isabella Winters is an immensely appealing heroine, one who's more than she seems. She's getting close to graduating with a degree in journalism, becoming the first in her family to graduate at all, and because of that she's feeling the pressure...courtesy of them. Add in demands from her professor (who I had issues with) to uncover what MMA fighter Shadows is hiding from the world and you'll end up with a powerful romance, one that will pull at the heartstrings. Throughout their time together they both need to decide who they're going to be and how they're going to achieve their desires. They need to balance wanting to be there for others while living a life for themselves, something that will take heartfelt talks and a few tears along the way to achieve.
This was ultimately a romance that brought together two very appealing people, two people on the cusp of adulthood who are trying to achieve their own dreams while also being weighed down by obligations from others. From the very start this was a sweet and sensual romance, one full of angst and secrets and lies that brought this couple together in a mature way full of heartfelt talks and truths. Being together brought out the best in them, endeared them to me, and strengthened this tale based on a familiar premise.
Set in the often high pressure world of college, readers are introduced to MMA fighter Shadows Sampson, a man who's tough as nails on the outside. He shows himself to be scary yet determined to achieve the goals he sets himself. Behind his calm and cool exterior though is a life in chaos, changed a few months prior after the loss of a big fight and becoming the father of a brand new baby. Life has now turned complicated for him, endless bills and heavy obligations, trying to do whatever necessary to make a better life for those who are now counting on him. Shadows is a delicious hero, one with a big and loving heart who's his own biggest critic...constantly hating himself for not always getting what he wants for others. He's wearing himself down into the ground and my heart ached for all the weight pulling him under. For him, life has become a constant race, a physically and emotionally draining race...and I was rooting for him to find even one moment of happiness along the way. That happiness comes the moment he meets Bella, a young woman he saves while working at a college bar. There's an immediate connection between the two, a sense of love and support that warmed my heart and put a smile on my face. There's lots of secrets between the two of them though, secrets that kept me on the edge of my seat while waiting for them to see what's really important.
Isabella Winters is an immensely appealing heroine, one who's more than she seems. She's getting close to graduating with a degree in journalism, becoming the first in her family to graduate at all, and because of that she's feeling the pressure...courtesy of them. Add in demands from her professor (who I had issues with) to uncover what MMA fighter Shadows is hiding from the world and you'll end up with a powerful romance, one that will pull at the heartstrings. Throughout their time together they both need to decide who they're going to be and how they're going to achieve their desires. They need to balance wanting to be there for others while living a life for themselves, something that will take heartfelt talks and a few tears along the way to achieve.
This was ultimately a romance that brought together two very appealing people, two people on the cusp of adulthood who are trying to achieve their own dreams while also being weighed down by obligations from others. From the very start this was a sweet and sensual romance, one full of angst and secrets and lies that brought this couple together in a mature way full of heartfelt talks and truths. Being together brought out the best in them, endeared them to me, and strengthened this tale based on a familiar premise.
April 6, 2023
Four Stars
“When I’m with you, all the noise in my head is quiet. I can smile.”
Shadows is a full-length novel with such likable characters and a storyline that hooks you straight from the start.
Shadows Sampson is such a unique character, he is truly unlike any other mmc I’ve read about. Straight from the start of the novel it was clear how determined he was, even when we didn’t know what he was fighting for. Shadows portrays himself as this scary and tough fighter but deep down he is the biggest lover ever and for that reason alone I loved him entirely. He was so hard on himself throughout the book, and it genuinely made me so sad knowing how he felt like a failure when all of the weight of the world was on his shoulders.
Isabella Winters has to be one of the best journalist fmc’s I’ve read about. Usually when the fmc is a journalist the author usually does them wrong and makes them seem malicious but not Belle. I truly loved her character just because she was the sweetest girl ever. She never wanted to spin a story that was being fished from Shadows, she truly fell for him and never wanted to hurt him. While she also had her own issues going on I truly admired how she also wanted to be there for everyone around her all the time.
Together these two were so cute and I loved how the story/plot wasn’t simply only focused on romance. The healing between these two characters mental health was so important throughout the storyline and I truly believe the author did an amazing job at showing their process.
Each character felt so real, and you could really tell all the effort that went into creating a moving storyline while also keeping the readers entertained. The tropes in this book were so amazing and everything felt so well paced and carried out.
Overall, Shadows was such an amazing book, and I couldn’t be any happier with how it ended.
Thank you so much to Greys Promotion and the author Laramie Briscoe for an arc in exchange for an honest review!
April 14, 2023
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Shadows has a secret that he doesn’t want anyone to know about, only a select few know about it. As an underground MMA fighter, he knows that his secret could be used against him in the ring. After he lost his last fight and his entire world crashed around him, he can’t afford anything that could risk him his next match. Isabella is a journalism student. She’s been told to get the dirt on Shadows or risk her degree and her future career. She doesn’t want to do it and pushes back. A chance encounter allows her the opportunity to get close to Shadows.
This is probably one of my favorite recent books by this author, and I’ve read all of her recent new releases. This one grabbed on and didn’t let go. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to the characters, especially Shadows.
Shadows is a fighter inside the ring and out. It’s not a spoiler to share that his secret is his infant son. Shadows will do everything to make sure that he can provide a home and be able to feed his son.
There is obvious chemistry and an insta-attraction between Shadows and Isabella BUT their romance is more of a slow-burn. I enjoyed every minute of it. There is plenty of romance and a few steamy scenes but this book is more focused on two vulnerable people with their own struggles who must learn to open up, heal, and move forward.
There were so many ways Shadows and Isabella’s story could have played out. I thought I knew what would happen. Some things played out the way I anticipated but not everything. I found a few surprises. The fallout and the way things come together in the end couldn’t have made me happier. There were some emotionally beautiful moments in the end.
This is a quick, easy read that progresses at a good pace and things are fleshed out well. I was able to understand and grasp the characters' struggles.
Shadows has a secret that he doesn’t want anyone to know about, only a select few know about it. As an underground MMA fighter, he knows that his secret could be used against him in the ring. After he lost his last fight and his entire world crashed around him, he can’t afford anything that could risk him his next match. Isabella is a journalism student. She’s been told to get the dirt on Shadows or risk her degree and her future career. She doesn’t want to do it and pushes back. A chance encounter allows her the opportunity to get close to Shadows.
This is probably one of my favorite recent books by this author, and I’ve read all of her recent new releases. This one grabbed on and didn’t let go. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to the characters, especially Shadows.
Shadows is a fighter inside the ring and out. It’s not a spoiler to share that his secret is his infant son. Shadows will do everything to make sure that he can provide a home and be able to feed his son.
There is obvious chemistry and an insta-attraction between Shadows and Isabella BUT their romance is more of a slow-burn. I enjoyed every minute of it. There is plenty of romance and a few steamy scenes but this book is more focused on two vulnerable people with their own struggles who must learn to open up, heal, and move forward.
There were so many ways Shadows and Isabella’s story could have played out. I thought I knew what would happen. Some things played out the way I anticipated but not everything. I found a few surprises. The fallout and the way things come together in the end couldn’t have made me happier. There were some emotionally beautiful moments in the end.
This is a quick, easy read that progresses at a good pace and things are fleshed out well. I was able to understand and grasp the characters' struggles.
April 23, 2023
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
Shadows is a standalone story by Laramie Briscoe.
I enjoyed listening to this story. It was very emotional, but there were also lighter elements.
Isabella and Shadows were the perfect couple. There was so much understanding and respect between them, and they had the same drive to succeed in life.
They both kept secrets from each other, but once everything was out in the open, they owned it and wanted to work to make things right again. When they had their big fallout, I liked Shasows mature reaction and how Isabella respected the boundaries he set and made up for her part of the problem.
I didn't understand why Isabella didn't file a complaint against Pete. Since there is a power dynamic, I get why she didn't do it while she was still in college, but she could have done it after graduating. This would have shown even more character growth than she did now.
I wish there were more moments in the story between Greyson and his father, but also where Isabella bonds with Greyson and a scene between the three of them.
The epilogue left me hungry for more information. We got these little bits of info, but I had so many questions at the end. I wish the author had told what Shadows job is after his retirement as an MMA fighter, how is Isabella's relationship with Greyson, did they ever hear from Grey's biological mother, what was Pete's reaction to Isabella's article etc.
I enjoyed Khristine Rivière and Patrick Zeller's narration of the audiobook. They both have enjoyable voices; I could hear and feel every emotion in their narration.
While his narration was good, in my opinion, Patrick Zeller's deep, mature voice didn't fit with Shadows' character, who is a young man.
Overall I enjoyed listening to Shadows, it's a sweet and swoony story that's not too angsty or heavy but still is very emotional. The MCs were lovable, strong people who learned what it's like to have someone in their corner to lean on.
The audiobook was well narrated, I definetley want to hear more from these narrators.
WHY LISTEN TO SHADOWS?
MMA fighter hero
Single father
College romance
MCs who had a hard time
Sweet
Emotional
A little steam
Well narrated by Khristine Rivière & Patrick Zeller
Length: 5h 53min
Shadows is a standalone story by Laramie Briscoe.
I enjoyed listening to this story. It was very emotional, but there were also lighter elements.
Isabella and Shadows were the perfect couple. There was so much understanding and respect between them, and they had the same drive to succeed in life.
They both kept secrets from each other, but once everything was out in the open, they owned it and wanted to work to make things right again. When they had their big fallout, I liked Shasows mature reaction and how Isabella respected the boundaries he set and made up for her part of the problem.
I didn't understand why Isabella didn't file a complaint against Pete. Since there is a power dynamic, I get why she didn't do it while she was still in college, but she could have done it after graduating. This would have shown even more character growth than she did now.
I wish there were more moments in the story between Greyson and his father, but also where Isabella bonds with Greyson and a scene between the three of them.
The epilogue left me hungry for more information. We got these little bits of info, but I had so many questions at the end. I wish the author had told what Shadows job is after his retirement as an MMA fighter, how is Isabella's relationship with Greyson, did they ever hear from Grey's biological mother, what was Pete's reaction to Isabella's article etc.
I enjoyed Khristine Rivière and Patrick Zeller's narration of the audiobook. They both have enjoyable voices; I could hear and feel every emotion in their narration.
While his narration was good, in my opinion, Patrick Zeller's deep, mature voice didn't fit with Shadows' character, who is a young man.
Overall I enjoyed listening to Shadows, it's a sweet and swoony story that's not too angsty or heavy but still is very emotional. The MCs were lovable, strong people who learned what it's like to have someone in their corner to lean on.
The audiobook was well narrated, I definetley want to hear more from these narrators.
WHY LISTEN TO SHADOWS?
MMA fighter hero
Single father
College romance
MCs who had a hard time
Sweet
Emotional
A little steam
Well narrated by Khristine Rivière & Patrick Zeller
Length: 5h 53min
April 15, 2023
This book is a departure from the type of books that we usually get from this talented author and as much as I love her small town law enforcement romances I really enjoyed the freshness of a completely new genre. In this book we are going to college where we meet Isabella Winters a hardworking journalism student who's close to graduating which would make her the first person in her family to ever graduate which is very stressful. As if she didn't have enough pressure her college professor decides to assign her an almost impossible task in order for her to pass his course and graduate. He expects her to get an interview with Shadows Sampson the MMA fighter who doesn't give interviews. Shadows is a man with a lot on his plate he's juggling school, his MMA career,work as well as the secret that very few people have any clue about the fact that he's a single father. He lost his last fight which has really effected his life causing him to work really hard to be the man he knows his son needs him to be. Isabella puts herself in a risky situation while she's out watching Shadows at his job as a bouncer one evening and he comes to her aid. This gives her the guise of self-defense to use at the gym he trains at where he offers to personally train her which isn't something that he normally does. Isabella accepts because she has to get the story although there are sparks between them they're both keeping secrets from each other. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this emotional romance full of secrets to see what happens.
I voluntarily received a review copy of this book.
I voluntarily received a review copy of this book.
February 25, 2024
Shadows is a MMA fighter with the world on his shoulders. He is a newly single Dad who also lives with his sister who he is also supporting. He is doing everything he can to take care of and make a good life for his son who he knew nothing about as he was left on his step by the mother who he had one night with. Money is tight in this home, and he works a couple jobs and fights to make ends meet. He meets Bella who is a Journalism student ready to graduate, but she was given a final assignment that her final grade will depend on. It is to get close to Shadow and write an Expose on him. When these two meet there is chemistry and secrets. How long will these two dance around their secrets and what happens when the secrets come to light? Can they fight for what they are building? This couple fell in love, and it was nice being there to witness our Hero trying to do what is right for everyone he loves.
What I love about this author is she always keeps it real with the characters she writes about and they could be your next door neighbor. Her characters have real life issues and you can relate to something they are going through. Laramie always gives a happy ending, and then ties it up with a nice epilogue to take you into the future with your couple. I LOVE that, it gives me closure and I don't have to think where the couple ended up. I will always one click Laramie's books as she never disappoints!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What I love about this author is she always keeps it real with the characters she writes about and they could be your next door neighbor. Her characters have real life issues and you can relate to something they are going through. Laramie always gives a happy ending, and then ties it up with a nice epilogue to take you into the future with your couple. I LOVE that, it gives me closure and I don't have to think where the couple ended up. I will always one click Laramie's books as she never disappoints!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 26, 2023
Shadows Sampson is a mystery on his college campus, so the campus news paper wants a story on him and the Professor of the journalism course assigns Bella, a journalism student to get close to him and get his story. It is a story that will determine her grade, so she can't very well turn it down.
Turns out, Shadows is just an MMA fighter that is fighting to keep a roof over his families heads and food on the table. Some people are just nosey and can't let people live their lives. Shadows is a mystery because he was a well known MMA fighter that's now out of the spotlight because he lost a major fight and the top ranking in the circuit. He works as a bouncer and still fights, but he's fighting to get back on top and therefore make more to keep his family fed, housed, and safe. When secrets are revealed, both Shadows and Bella have to deal with the secrets they kept and decide if they can make a relationship work once everything is revealed and they have a chance to heal.
A good story of two people that are actually perfect for each other, but are put in a tough situation. They will need to find a way to trust each other and make their relationship work. Laramie does a good job writing single father stories and makes the men in these stories vulnerable, strong, and the perfect partner when they find the one they want to spend their life with. I enjoyed the story.
Turns out, Shadows is just an MMA fighter that is fighting to keep a roof over his families heads and food on the table. Some people are just nosey and can't let people live their lives. Shadows is a mystery because he was a well known MMA fighter that's now out of the spotlight because he lost a major fight and the top ranking in the circuit. He works as a bouncer and still fights, but he's fighting to get back on top and therefore make more to keep his family fed, housed, and safe. When secrets are revealed, both Shadows and Bella have to deal with the secrets they kept and decide if they can make a relationship work once everything is revealed and they have a chance to heal.
A good story of two people that are actually perfect for each other, but are put in a tough situation. They will need to find a way to trust each other and make their relationship work. Laramie does a good job writing single father stories and makes the men in these stories vulnerable, strong, and the perfect partner when they find the one they want to spend their life with. I enjoyed the story.
April 17, 2023
This is A Single Dad, MMA Fighter New Adult Romance and it is Shadow and Isabella’s story and omg it is definitely a must read. Isabella is in her final semester of college and she her all and now her professor as told her she needs to prove herself and her next assignment is to interview and write a piece about Shadow Sampson and her degree depends on it and she feels totally betrayed so now she will prove that she has what it takes to be a journalist as failure is not a option. Shadow is a MMA fighter but after loosing his last fight his life has gone even more downhill but the last few months he has starting to train again as he has something worth fighting for now and to make extra money he works as a bouncer at Secrets which is the campus bar but Shadow is also a private person and keeps to himself so to others he is a mystery that they want to crack but when he meets Bella after saving her from a attack there is something between them that he has never felt before. The more time that Bella and Shadow spend together the stronger their feelings for each other grows but what will happen when all the secrets are revealed. Will they be able to get over the trust issues and be able to move forward and get the happy ending and future that they both deserve. I absolutely loved this book and I couldn’t put it down as it was so addictive that I read it in one sitting until the early hours of the morning and it had some emotional situations that had me in tears with everything that they had gone through in there lives and the outcome was just what I was hoping for. This story pulled you in right from the start and had you completely hooked, turning the pages and on the edge of your seat and kept your attention throughout and I definitely recommend you read this book and you will not be disappointed.
April 17, 2023
Isabella finds herself in a difficult situation that could end her career before it even starts. She is pretty much blackmailed into trying to get the inside scoop of the local fighter bad boy, Shadows. Shadows works hard and keeps his personal life closed off to everyone because his secrets are his own, but they are also his number one priority so, getting close enough to him to gain more knowledge about his life Isabella knows is going to be hard work what she doesn’t expect is the man she does find and the feelings he brings out in her. The more time these two spend together the more their attraction builds until it explodes but they both are helping each other find themselves amongst the chaos that is life, until Isabella’s secret is brought to light. Will Shadows be very forgiving when he learns about her lies or will he walk away leaving her behind? I loved their story because even though they both are keeping things to themselves Shadows approaches this like a true grownup that has his priorities in line and logically tells her OK this is what is going to happen, and you need to figure yourself out. A very sweet and sexy read that had me falling in love with the man that is Shadows.
April 15, 2023
When the wrong reasons become oh so right
Shadows: A single dad, MMA fighter, new adult romance by Laramie Briscoe is a sweet yet angsty new adult romance with some fascinating elements thrown in to make these characters extra special. Shadows pulled my heartstrings and held on tight from the beginning. His story is a slow build, but his interactions with Isabella intrigue me as much as they did her! I was dying to know his secret and how Isabella's task would impact both of them.
The plot that brings Isabella into Shadows' world sets up the angst from the beginning. Isabella is angry (totally justified) and her final assignment for her grade is confusing. There's a reason for it, it's just not clear what it is. Things get further confusing and muddled when Isabella and Shadows find themselves drawn to one another and their interactions take on a more personal and intimate nature that naturally shifts romantic and physical. Their attraction is a slow build that has fanned the fire until it all just combusts.
As both Isabella and Shadows is hiding things from the other, the angst amps up and is made all the worse by Isabella's professor. There's more to this final assignment and Isabella calls him out on it.
Overall, Shadows and Isabella have to make some choices and determine what they want as well as can they have it without hurting each other in the process. It's a wonderful, uplifting and promising HEA for this young adult couple who compromise, but it ways that work for both of them and without giving up any dreams.
I read an ARC of this book via Grey's Promotions and voluntarily share my review.
Shadows: A single dad, MMA fighter, new adult romance by Laramie Briscoe is a sweet yet angsty new adult romance with some fascinating elements thrown in to make these characters extra special. Shadows pulled my heartstrings and held on tight from the beginning. His story is a slow build, but his interactions with Isabella intrigue me as much as they did her! I was dying to know his secret and how Isabella's task would impact both of them.
The plot that brings Isabella into Shadows' world sets up the angst from the beginning. Isabella is angry (totally justified) and her final assignment for her grade is confusing. There's a reason for it, it's just not clear what it is. Things get further confusing and muddled when Isabella and Shadows find themselves drawn to one another and their interactions take on a more personal and intimate nature that naturally shifts romantic and physical. Their attraction is a slow build that has fanned the fire until it all just combusts.
As both Isabella and Shadows is hiding things from the other, the angst amps up and is made all the worse by Isabella's professor. There's more to this final assignment and Isabella calls him out on it.
Overall, Shadows and Isabella have to make some choices and determine what they want as well as can they have it without hurting each other in the process. It's a wonderful, uplifting and promising HEA for this young adult couple who compromise, but it ways that work for both of them and without giving up any dreams.
I read an ARC of this book via Grey's Promotions and voluntarily share my review.
April 13, 2023
I received a complimentary early release e-book prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a standalone story, and it was really different than I have read by this author before. It's a college romance type of story and also is a sports romance in the MMA world.
This book had a beauty and the beast vibe. Bella aka Isabella or Izzy is our heroine. She is at the mercy of her teacher, who insists to graduate college she must investigate Shadows life and write a piece on him, and she has six weeks.
Shadow is this big MMA fighter that is every mysterious in the community. No one knows anything about him or where he is from or even his real name. Belle has never met him, so she comes up with a way to meet him and spend time with him.
Meanwhile Shadow has a really BIG secret and Bella is keeping one as well. And things are not as they seem with Bella's professor. This story kept me going until all the secrets blow up.
What I loved most about this story is that in the end Bella saves herself. She proves that she is a very strong woman with a good head on her shoulder and she has power, and she uses that to not only help herself but also Shadow.
This is a standalone story, and it was really different than I have read by this author before. It's a college romance type of story and also is a sports romance in the MMA world.
This book had a beauty and the beast vibe. Bella aka Isabella or Izzy is our heroine. She is at the mercy of her teacher, who insists to graduate college she must investigate Shadows life and write a piece on him, and she has six weeks.
Shadow is this big MMA fighter that is every mysterious in the community. No one knows anything about him or where he is from or even his real name. Belle has never met him, so she comes up with a way to meet him and spend time with him.
Meanwhile Shadow has a really BIG secret and Bella is keeping one as well. And things are not as they seem with Bella's professor. This story kept me going until all the secrets blow up.
What I loved most about this story is that in the end Bella saves herself. She proves that she is a very strong woman with a good head on her shoulder and she has power, and she uses that to not only help herself but also Shadow.
April 14, 2023
Isabella is a journalist for her college paper. And to graduate her professor gives her an assignment that she is not happy about. But she has no choice or she won't graduate. Her assignment, to interview an MMA fighter names Shadow. Who has been on the DL and to also learn his real name...
Shadows reason for being on DL is what nobody knows, he is a single father and barely hanging on. Taking care of his son, providing for him and trying to finish school. And on top of that training for his next fight as he desperately needs the money. Meeting Bella was not what he expected and their attraction was instant.
But keeping secrets is never a good thing...
Bella and Shadows were so adorable together. Even though Shadows cames across as this big scary tough guy, but deep down he has so much love to give. My heart just melted for him. Bella was the sweetest looking out for everyone. The more time they spent together the stronger their bond became. Lots of emotion in this story, low on the angst but definitely worth the read from beginning to end💖😊
Read on behalf of
Fay's Corner
Shadows reason for being on DL is what nobody knows, he is a single father and barely hanging on. Taking care of his son, providing for him and trying to finish school. And on top of that training for his next fight as he desperately needs the money. Meeting Bella was not what he expected and their attraction was instant.
But keeping secrets is never a good thing...
Bella and Shadows were so adorable together. Even though Shadows cames across as this big scary tough guy, but deep down he has so much love to give. My heart just melted for him. Bella was the sweetest looking out for everyone. The more time they spent together the stronger their bond became. Lots of emotion in this story, low on the angst but definitely worth the read from beginning to end💖😊
Read on behalf of
Fay's Corner
April 14, 2023
Isabella is tasked with an assignment that she doesn't want to do but she has no choice since it's that or don't graduate college. Shadows is a struggling MMA fighter who has been going through the fire recently so he's been a bit MIA since he lost the fight that would change his life for the better. Things get even more complicated when a baby is left with him, and I'm telling you I don't even understand how this man is keeping it together. Of course things take another turn when Isabella enters his life, as her assignment is to get the dirt on Shadows, but the lines are really getting blurry since they have a connection & she's falling for him. Of course she's holding her journalism assignment close to the vest, and if he finds out, well, that could be it, so how the hell is she going to get herself out of this mess without losing everything?! This story kept me on the edge of my seat since dirty little secrets always come out, and when they do, it blows people's lives up so I was very anxious but it definitely kept me turning the pages quickly! I love Laramie Briscoe's stories with the emotional component & kicker of excitement so I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
April 16, 2023
A True Love Story
This is a true love story and I loved it. Shadows is an MMA fighter with so much responsibility riding on his shoulders. He was a rising star until he lost one fight that cost him his confidence. He had a one night stand and months later be has a baby left on his doorstep. Turns out the baby is his son and the mother has bailed. His sister helps to take care of the baby but money is tight and he's struggling to make ends meet. He works as a bouncer and is training for a come back fight and trying to spend as much time as possible with his son. Bella is a journalism major in her last semester. Her professor has given her an assignment that she doesn't want to do but he tells her if she doesn't do it she won't pass the course and graduate. Shadows is her assignment and she's supposed to dig into his personal life and write an article. The problem is both are drawn to each other. Eventually Bella tells him the truth and in turn she finds out about his son. Both are hurt and they break up for a while but neither can stay away. It's a beautiful love story that I highly recommend you read.
This is a true love story and I loved it. Shadows is an MMA fighter with so much responsibility riding on his shoulders. He was a rising star until he lost one fight that cost him his confidence. He had a one night stand and months later be has a baby left on his doorstep. Turns out the baby is his son and the mother has bailed. His sister helps to take care of the baby but money is tight and he's struggling to make ends meet. He works as a bouncer and is training for a come back fight and trying to spend as much time as possible with his son. Bella is a journalism major in her last semester. Her professor has given her an assignment that she doesn't want to do but he tells her if she doesn't do it she won't pass the course and graduate. Shadows is her assignment and she's supposed to dig into his personal life and write an article. The problem is both are drawn to each other. Eventually Bella tells him the truth and in turn she finds out about his son. Both are hurt and they break up for a while but neither can stay away. It's a beautiful love story that I highly recommend you read.
April 14, 2023
Simply Brilliant - Terrific Read!!
Suddenly Isabella’s entire college career (and degree) comes down to one assignment. Get close to the fighter Shadows. Find out his real name, and other secrets he may be hiding.
Shadows was undefeated, until his last bout. Since then he has struggled. His personal life has taken a turn for the complicated. He is finally preparing to step back in the ring, and working as a bouncer at the campus bar Secrets.
Shadows ends up saving Bella from an attack outside Secrets. She requests fighting lessons in response, and an effort to get closer to him. Their chemistry is incendiary. But this is headed for a train wreck - someone will get hurt.
The reader gets under the skin of both these characters. The struggle, the attraction, trying to do the right thing. They actually have more in common than appears on the outside. It’s a wonderful, relatable journey which will keep you glued to the page. Absolutely need more stars for this one! Whew!
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
Suddenly Isabella’s entire college career (and degree) comes down to one assignment. Get close to the fighter Shadows. Find out his real name, and other secrets he may be hiding.
Shadows was undefeated, until his last bout. Since then he has struggled. His personal life has taken a turn for the complicated. He is finally preparing to step back in the ring, and working as a bouncer at the campus bar Secrets.
Shadows ends up saving Bella from an attack outside Secrets. She requests fighting lessons in response, and an effort to get closer to him. Their chemistry is incendiary. But this is headed for a train wreck - someone will get hurt.
The reader gets under the skin of both these characters. The struggle, the attraction, trying to do the right thing. They actually have more in common than appears on the outside. It’s a wonderful, relatable journey which will keep you glued to the page. Absolutely need more stars for this one! Whew!
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
April 15, 2023
Belle is a college student report that is given the assignment to write about Shadows an MMA fighter who is training for his next fight since his lost his last fight, or dont pass the class and not graduate. But Shadows doesnt give interviews to reporters and is very secretive about his life. Belle ends up in a very bad and dangerous situation while observing Shadows at his bouncer job one night and he comes to her rescue. So using the need of self defense training as a way to get closer to him, she goes to the gym he trains at. Very unlike him Shadows offers to train her personally and of course she accepts to get the story she needs. But of course nothing is ever that easy when both are hiding big secrets and falling fast for each other.
This was a good short book but it just couldn't hook me like all of Laramie's other books so I really struggled and had to force myself to finish it. I'm glad I did, the ending was a nice HEA. I received an advanced copy to give my honest review.
This was a good short book but it just couldn't hook me like all of Laramie's other books so I really struggled and had to force myself to finish it. I'm glad I did, the ending was a nice HEA. I received an advanced copy to give my honest review.
April 22, 2023
Such a Great Storyline!
Laramie Briscoe’s “Shadows” is a young adult, MMA, single dad romance that sucked me in despite myself. Normally, my 50-year-old self can’t get into college age romance, but the storyline of this one is what really got me. The hard knocks of life have aged Shadows Sampson even more than his sudden deep dive into single parenthood has. He’s edgy, distrusting (and with good reason), and extremely hardworking, but everyone has their breaking point, and it seems that Shadows may have come close to his. Isabella is nearing the end of her college career when she is tasked with getting close to Shadows for a story. The chemistry between these two is palpable, and while Isabella has had to work hard for her education, she comes across as a little bit spoiled when compared to the struggles Shadows has faced in his life. There are some great fight scenes, and Briscoe brings all the intensity to the pages for this one. So glad I took a chance on this story and can’t wait to read more!
Laramie Briscoe’s “Shadows” is a young adult, MMA, single dad romance that sucked me in despite myself. Normally, my 50-year-old self can’t get into college age romance, but the storyline of this one is what really got me. The hard knocks of life have aged Shadows Sampson even more than his sudden deep dive into single parenthood has. He’s edgy, distrusting (and with good reason), and extremely hardworking, but everyone has their breaking point, and it seems that Shadows may have come close to his. Isabella is nearing the end of her college career when she is tasked with getting close to Shadows for a story. The chemistry between these two is palpable, and while Isabella has had to work hard for her education, she comes across as a little bit spoiled when compared to the struggles Shadows has faced in his life. There are some great fight scenes, and Briscoe brings all the intensity to the pages for this one. So glad I took a chance on this story and can’t wait to read more!
April 10, 2023
This was a great 5 star read. I loved these two so much, once I started reading I didn’t want to put it down. Isabella is going to college to be a journalist. Her professor gives her an assignment, in order to pass her college class she needs to learn Shadows secrets. She ends up getting an in with Shadows, he agrees to train her self defense. As they spend time together, they start to get closer. Shadows has some secrets that he is holding pretty close, will Isabella break down his walls and earn his trust? Will she get her story and pass?
Overall this was a great read. The author does a great job with her writing and pulls you right in. We get some unexpected twists that added a great element to the story. I really liked Shadows and wanted the best for him. If you're looking for a great read, 1-click and get started today.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Overall this was a great read. The author does a great job with her writing and pulls you right in. We get some unexpected twists that added a great element to the story. I really liked Shadows and wanted the best for him. If you're looking for a great read, 1-click and get started today.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
April 12, 2023
Shadows is a wonderful story between an MMA Fighter with the world on his shoulders and a journalism student trying to graduate.
Belle is the student and has been tasked with seeking out and interviewing Shadows, a local MMA fighter, and finding out all of his secrets or she doesn’t graduate.
Shadow’s life changed about six months prior and with those changes Shadow doesn’t get close to anyone. His playboy, anything goes attitude is gone and only a very select few know the real him. Hiding part of his life and struggling to get it right, Shadows can only hope to make better choices for his future.
Belle is determined to graduate, and as usual, a story is just a story right? When the truth comes out, Shadow and Belle have to choose to fight together or walk away.
This is a sweet tale showing how two unlikely people can come together to conquer their obstacles and fall in love.
Belle is the student and has been tasked with seeking out and interviewing Shadows, a local MMA fighter, and finding out all of his secrets or she doesn’t graduate.
Shadow’s life changed about six months prior and with those changes Shadow doesn’t get close to anyone. His playboy, anything goes attitude is gone and only a very select few know the real him. Hiding part of his life and struggling to get it right, Shadows can only hope to make better choices for his future.
Belle is determined to graduate, and as usual, a story is just a story right? When the truth comes out, Shadow and Belle have to choose to fight together or walk away.
This is a sweet tale showing how two unlikely people can come together to conquer their obstacles and fall in love.
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