Shadow Touched

Death Riders MC #1

by Beth D. Carter

Cursed with the ability to see the shadow of death, Leia hides from the world and stays far away from people. Until the night she comes face to face with Brimstone Jandreau.

Brim is the president of the Death Riders MC, but he went nomad in an effort to heal from grief. The moment he spots Leia, he is drawn to her. When she warns him of his impending death, he’s not sure if he believes her, but decides to take precautions.

He finds the would-be assassin. Then discovers it’s one of his own men.

Hit hard from the betrayal, he takes Leia with him back to his world. The more time they spend together, the deeper their bond grows. But death is waiting for Brim, and Leia will do anything to protect the man she’s fallen in love with.

34,442

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Slow Burn, Romance

129 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 6, 2022

About the author

I began reading my mom’s Harlequin Presents in the fifth grade, and from the first story I knew I wanted to write romance novels.

I like writing about the very ordinary girl thrust into extraordinary circumstances, so my heroines will probably never be lawyers, doctors or corporate high rollers. I try to write characters who aren't cookie cutters and push myself to write complicated situations that I have no idea how to resolve, forcing me to think outside the box. I love writing characters who are real, complex and full of flaws, heroes and heroines who find redemption through love.

I’ve been pretty fortunate in life to experience some amazing things. I’ve lived in France, traveled throughout Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

I am a mom to an amazing boy. I live in Los Angeles, surrounded by friends and family.
I hate washing dishes but I love cooking. I hate washing clothes but I love wearing them.

Writing my bio is difficult because I never know what to say so I hope you like this one. My favorite color is red but I look best in black (it’s slimming). I hate people who don't pick up their dog's crap in public places, people who don’t use turn signals, and I really hate people who are rude and condescending. I especially hate discrimination in all and every form. And although I love holding a book in my hand, I absolutely adore my e-reader, whom I’ve named Ruby. So many books at the touch of a button!

Also, Elizabeth Monvey is my pseudonym for writing steamy MM romance. LOVE is LOVE!

* * * * * * * * * *

I love to hear from readers so I’ve made it really easy to find me on:

My site:
https://bethdcarter.webador.com/

Twitter:
@BethDCarter

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/bethdcarter/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/bethdcartera...

My Blog:
http://bethdcarter.blogspot.com

My Smashwords author page:
https://www.smashwords.com/profile/vi...

My Evernight Publishing author page:
https://www.evernightpublishing.com/b...

My Amazon author page:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Beth-D....

Reviews

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a unique and exciting series opener - and I have to fess up that I've read it twice already ;P Leia has a wee gift that allows her to see when death will come to a person... She feels it's a curse until she helps Brim and he manages to not only survive but also lose that sign of death. Brim, being the prez of an MC, is highly suspicious of Leia and kidnaps her. This does not start things off on the right foot, if you can imagine ;) What follows is a mystery, full of action and suspense, as these two grow and learn to trust each other. Love does develop between them, but all is not simple for them. I enjoyed the twists, family, drama and steamy romance that wove around these two interesting characters. I really enjoyed the paranormal aspect to this read and am hopeful we get more books along this line with other fun characters we meet in here :D

[Alecia (The Staircase Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadow Touched is the first book in the Death Riders MC Series written by Beth D. Carter. 

Leia is running from something sinister. She lives her life unable to form attachments due to her special gift. You see, her gift is that she sees the shadow of death resting on people’s shoulders… And if that wasn’t bad enough, she has the ability to touch the fog and see the details of said death before it happens. So when Brim, the president of the Death Riders Motorcycle Club shows up at the bar she’s working at with the shadow of death over his shoulder, she does something she’s never done before, she touches the shadow and warns him of his upcoming death. 

Brim has been riding Nomad for the past couple months after a tragedy struck his life. He never imagined the worst tragedy of his life could very well lead him to his greatest blessing. But meeting Leia in the bar that night was the blessing he never thought he’d come across. When he sees someone getting handsy with her at the bar she’s working at, he does what any red blooded man would do, he interferes. Little does he know, he just saved his own life by saving hers.

And that’s where I’m going to end this portion of my review, due to spoilers in the context.

My Thoughts:

In all honesty, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into when I requested an ARC of Shadow Touched on Netgalley… All I knew was the blurb caught my attention and this book sounded like something unlike anything I ever read in the MC world. Beth D. Carter happens to also be a new-to-me author. Bottom line, I’m addicted! I loved the paranormal aspect to Leia and Brim’s story. There has only been one other MC romance novel where there was a paranormal aspect included, that I’ve read. And I remember thinking to myself, I need more novels like this one! Thank you Beth D. Carter for bringing my obsession for Motorcycle Club romances to the next level!!

Now let’s discuss these characters starting with Brim first. So Brim was an anomaly to me. This man was a bit on the older side of the age scale, he lands at forty-five years old. I’ve never really been one for reading books with older characters in them. The few I have read, the characters didn’t really act the age they were supposed to be representing. Don’t get me wrong, there were also romances I loved with older characters… but it seems the few books that I didn’t like really soured me on the older character trope. HOWEVER, Brim really did a number on my heart. I loved the fact that this man acted his age and I loved the rugged older man theme in this novel!! But in all honesty, I wouldn’t classify 45 as being ancient. One thing I loved about Brim was his dedication and devotion towards his family and those he truly loves. He’d do everything to protect them, even when he’s drowning in his own grief. So bottom line, I loved this man and everything he stood for! He’s definitely a character I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.

And now onto my favorite Character of Shadow Touched!! Leia!! I loved everything about Leia from her special gift to her fierce protection! I also loved the fact that throughout this novel, Leia’s character takes on a slight mysterious vibe. As a reader, I wanted to dive into her head and uncover all of her secrets. She’s definitely the one that had me second guessing the way this novel was going to end. I could sit here and read three more books based strictly on this woman and her ability to save people with her gift. It’s been a while since I last felt this much intrigue from a character. I loved watching her evolve into someone with a purpose in life. She was sent to protect Brim from death, and there is no doubt about it, she accomplished that mission….. And then some!

I loved this book. However, there is a reasoning behind why I had to drop a star rating. I gave Shadow Touched a 4 star rating because, and this may sound a tad bit selfish, but  I needed more! I wanted more Brim and Leia one on one time. I wanted to see these two grow and evolve with each other more. I wanted to witness more passion and more love! I felt like there were moments that felt rushed and a bit too fast paced. I could have settled for a slowdown filled with more heart and more heat. 

If you’re looking for an MC novel that is a bit outside the normal trope, I highly recommend you pick up this novel and give it a try! I really did love this novel and everything that is Leia and Brim! I can’t wait to see what Beth D. Carter has up her sleeve with this series!

________________



Find me here:
The Staircase Reader
Instagram
Facebook

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this novella thinking it’d be more paranormal than it was based on the description. When it said, “… he takes Leia with him back to his world,” I thought it would be a different world, not just the lifestyle of a MC prez. Whoops. I wouldn’t classify it as paranormal by any means, even with Leia’s gift.

Leia is an overnight cleaner at a bar. She can see the shadow of death, which has made her life difficult. She’s spent most of her time avoiding people until she’s forced to work the bar floor one night. Brim helps her with a rowdy drunk at the bar before last call. In turn, Leia warns Brim about his shadow and pleads with him not to go outside. While Brim heeds her warning and takes care of the assassin, he remains skeptical of Leia.

Leia and Brim have a rocky start, but she supports him wholly. When she learns the reason for his grief, Leia helps him deal with it despite his avoidance and chagrin. Brim also supports Leia with her past when she lets it slip that she can’t afford to care for anyone.

This was a slow burn novella, and I enjoyed the build up. The attraction was there from the beginning and intensified as Leia and Brim spent more time together. I enjoyed seeing Leia’s personality shine brighter the longer she was with Brim. She went from hiding behind her bangs and always looking down to being a strong woman.

Spice: 3/5

[MaguiWorld · Rating 3 out of 5]

La premisa de este libro me parecía fascinante y me encanta esto de poder ver la muerte de los otros a través de una sombra que la protagonista ve en sus hombros. Eso me encanta y creo que tiene mucho potencial.

Peeero no llegue a conectar tanto con la historia, creo que le hacen falta unas 200 páginas más, pero eso es algo muy personal, me gusta que este muy desarrollado todo. Los personajes, la trama, todo! Y si bien no es 100% centrado en el romance, lo que más me interesaba ver que era cómo se resolvía el gran caso terminó siendo bastante flojo y eso no me gustó.

Si me gustaría leer el siguiente porque la verdad es que son entretenidos, interesantes y en sí me gustó cómo fue cambiando la protagonista. Aunque también hubiera preferido que sea mas paulatino.

La última parte que nos permite ver que habrá algo más otros personajes (creo yo) con el mismo don que nuestra protagonista me resulto un poco apresurado y meh. Pero me gustó porque nos permite soñar un poco con lo que vendrá.

Gracias Evernight Publishing, Beth D. Carter y Netgalley por el ejemplar a cambio de una reseña honesta.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new author for me and the first book of the Death Riders MC series. This story is about Leia and Brim. Lea has a paranormal gift. She works as an overnight cleaner at a bar. She is able to sense (see) death and growing up wasn’t easy. She avoids people for the most part. One night she’s forced to work the bar floor and Brim helps her with a rowdy drunk. Leia warns Brim about what she sees and she sees his shadow of death. She begs him not to go outside. He listens and is careful when he takes care of the assassin, but still, he doesn’t know what to make of her and doesn’t really believe her gift. Once Leia and Brim get together, and she learns the reason for his grief, she tries to help him through it. They both comes to the relationship with a lot of baggage and have to work through a lot. I was glad it was a true paranormal it’s not my genre. It was a good read.

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

[La'Jacinth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say this series seems like it is not only going to be interesting but oh sooo good withthe paranormal aspect.

Leia (Star Wars spelling..lol..you have to read it to get it) and Brim were perfect. Brim with his toughnes and Leia with her quick wit. Brin became nomad for a very good reason and was just enthralled with Leia because she seems so out of place in that bar. Once they connected, nothing, and I do mean nothing could tear them apart.

This is not like most MC stories. This one had the paranormal aspect that made me more interested in the arc of the story. I hope Ms. Carter, the author, brings others into the mix or wake up powers of some in the MC.

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

[Britt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a lite foray into the gritty world of MCs. If you have interest in burly man on bikes, but not so much the descriptive violence, this one may be for you!

I loved the paranormal element to this novella and found it very interesting to see when her talent would present itself.

The writing was great and the pace was quick, which is always a plus for me!

Lastly, their chemistry was good, but I wish it hadn’t been labeled as erotic when it didn’t really fit that genre. There were sexual situations, but nothing crazy enough to call it erotic in my opinion.

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

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book I've read by Beth D. Carter and I must say I'm glad I was made aware of her because the Death Riders MC series is great. Brim and Leia were great. Leia has a gift or a curse is how you look at it and can see the shadows of death. And when she sees the vision of Brim about his imminent death, she goes looking for him to warn him.
Their story is danger, suspense, drama, action and plenty of hot moments. I'm already looking forward to the next part of this great series and I think it's a good start.

I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kurtins R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a unique and exciting series opener. This is my first book I've read by Beth D. Carter and I must say I'm glad I was made aware of her because the Death Riders MC series is great. Brim and Leia were great. Leia has a gift or a curse is how you look at it and can see the shadows of death. And when she sees the vision of Brim about his imminent death, she goes looking for him to warn him.
Shadowed Touch has elements of paranormal and will keep you glued to the pages! When Leia warned Brim about his pending death if he walked out the front door of the bar and it started their intriguing journey. This story is filled with thrilling suspenseful twists and turns.

[Staci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leia and Brim’s story has him riding nomad for a few months with his grief. He stops at a bar she works at with a guy being obnoxious. He helps her get rid of him and in turn she warns him how he will die and how to prevent it. He doesn’t believe her but takes the precautions and finds the assassin and finds out it’s on of his men. He takes her back with him to his MC, he’s the prez. These two grow and have strong feelings for each other. It is sweet to see her come out of her shell and find her strength with him.

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

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in a new series and this is Leia and Brim’s journey. Leia is gifted with the ability to see that death is coming for a person, which has her avoiding contact with people. Brim is the President of the Death Raiders, and he has gone nomad to try and heal from grief. When Leia meets Brim, she gives him a warning, but he is sceptical about her abilities. This is a well written slow burn action packed story, with suspense, danger, intrigue, twists, survival, betrayal, drama, family, friendships, trust, and love, which leads to a steamy and riveting page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Googly55 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not usually into paranormal stuff but Leia’s ability/power is pretty freakin’ cool. I enjoyed her relationship with Brim and the way it developed seemed real. Leia had doubts and wasn’t a crumbling mass of goo like most h’s in these types of books. That alone was refreshing. She was also logical, strong, level headed and brave. I wish more heroine’s, especially in MC romances, we’re written this way. Solid read.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. Leia sees the face of death more than anyone would want to. Brim is the MC prez that gets his destiny changed because of Leia. To be fair, both their lives are drastically changed. I thought that the story was made more interesting with her abilities. It was sweet at times, passionate and combined just enough of the MC into their love story

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this novel as an arc from NetGalley and I adored it! It was a short fun read and the fact that it intertwined paranormal and motorcycle clubs was something I enjoyed immensely. The characters were great and I loved how Leia started as a shy girl that didn't want to be seen by anyone because of her curse, and Brim from the beginning was as blunt and outgoing as can be. Wish there was another smut chapter but other than that, thoroughly enjoyed it! 5/5 stars for me ◡̈

[Ash J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. Leia could see a shadow of death on everyone who was about to die. She saves Brim, an MC President and he takes her to make sure she wasn't involved in the assassination attempt. This story was really good and I liked the characters. I hope we get more stories about this MC group!.

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

[BecReadReview · Rating 5 out of 5]

A merger of MC & supernatural. Brim is a decent biker with a past hurt. Leia is hiding from the world & more. When their paths cross, you can't help but admire the strength & mind of Leia. Brim's world is full of surprise & love. I enjoyed it & will read the next book.

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

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in the Death Riders MC series, an very good start to this series. Leia can see the shadow of death happening. When she meets Brim the president of the Death Riders MC she warns him of his coming death. The story is well written and I enjoyed seeing them get their happy ending. I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Flavia Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very well crafted MC story, with the interesting twist provided by Leia's gift. I loved the characters, the authenticity of the development of their relationship, and the slow burn that makes the story enjoyable. Although some things were too simple for my liking in the end...

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

[Nicole Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will her warning be too late & will betrayal cut him deep?

What a fantastic read. If you love a short read that is erotic, paranormal, mentions bikers with a bit of suspense then Leia & Brimstone's story is one I highly recommend reading.

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

[Rhonda Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will have you glued from the start. It takes the best of both the paranormal world and the MC world and entrap you with amazing decriptions of everything involved. Leie and Brim are amazing together and the story is so unique. You will not be able to put this book down.

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

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leia, can see when someone is marked for death, its how she saves Brim the prez of the mc from his fate. These two are polar opposites a silent grumpy H, and vibrant h. Steamy fast paced and more!.

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

[Sarah Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book because of the supernatural side of it. It really stands out amongst the usual MC romance and HEA tales that are published endlessly.

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

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cursed with the ability to see the shadow of death, Leia hides from the world and stays far away from people. Until the night she comes face to face with Brimstone Jandreau. It was a different & intriguing story. Great book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Michelle Claypot_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really interesting story. I was fully invested in the premise of this one. What if you could see when someone would die. What would it mean for your relationships. Fantastic chemistry and a great ending made this a winner for me.

I received an arc of this book

[R.K. Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like paranormal romance, MC romance, and good solid world-building with strong snarky females and even stronger Alpha males this book is for you.

When you pick it up, be prepared to not put it down until it is over. Raw, Gritty, Powerful, Compelling and Sexy.

[Laura McToal · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting idea that didn’t quite land for me. I enjoyed the premise, but the instalove felt rushed and the overall delivery was a bit weak, leaving me uninvested by the end. An okay read, just not one that compelled me to continue the series.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read! The writing flows well. It's easy to keep reading until you have finished the book! The paranormal aspect is intriguing. The story seems quick, but somehow, it is not rushed.

[Coco.V]

💝 ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. 💝

[lisa jung · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this first book as well as the next book in this series. Loved the paranormal twist to these books and hope the series continues.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars