Against the Clock

Dark Shadows #3

by Samantha Baca

She was my best friend’s sister. I was supposed to protect her, not fall for her.

I wasn’t Prince Charming, but I wasn’t a bad guy, either.

I’ve killed people. I’ve sat there patiently, knowing I would be responsible as they took their last breath. I’ve seen the horror of this world by watching the monsters that lurk in the shadows. It was my job to eliminate them, but those days are now behind me.

After completing my last tour in the Marines, my life settled down. There was no more chaos, no more violence. Instead, it’s been spent quietly, enjoying the predictability of each day. Everything had been going according to plan until a beautiful woman showed up on my doorstep asking for help.

But Quinn wasn’t just any woman. She was my best friend’s sister. The girl who went from messy pigtails that I used to tug on when we were kids to the gorgeous single mom who suddenly needed my help. She’s always been off limits, but now she was in my space. Constantly being around Quinn started to blur the line I had deliberately maintained all these years.

I knew that Quinn had training from the FBI, but that didn’t compare to my skills as a sniper. Once she told me that her daughter was being targeted in a child trafficking ring, there was no other option than to step in and help.

Except, things weren’t as simple as just keeping them safe. Whoever was after her daughter was leaving chilling messages along the way. Soon, we realized this went much deeper than just some random kidnapping attempt. This was someone who was after revenge and would stop at nothing until they got it.

With two lives at stake, would I be enough to save them both?

This book contains language and storylines that may be bothersome for some readers and is intended for a mature audience. Violence and sexual scenes may be shown in detail as well. The reader is encouraged to reach out to the author directly if they would like to further discuss the content warning(s) for this book.

Please note the following items that come up briefly in the
Violence
Child loss (mentioned briefly)
Child Abuse (mentioned briefly)
Sexual Assault (mentioned vaguely, not in detail)

277 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2022

About the author

Samantha lives in the southwest with her husband and two children, where she enjoys writing, drinking iced coffee, and watching the greatest show of all time—Friends. With over 30 books published, Samantha enjoys writing across several different genres, from steamy romantic suspense to laugh-out-loud spicy romantic comedies. She also has a sweet spot for holiday stories, so grab a blanket and get ready to binge some of the sweetest—yet spicy—holiday romance your heart can handle!

Samantha loves connecting with her readers, so here’s a list of where you can find her:

Facebook Reader Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/29457...

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

Instagram:
https://instagram.com/author_samantha...

Webpage:
www.samanthabaca.com

Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/authorsamant...

Books2Read:
https://books2read.com/ap/RQAYK9/Sama...

Reviews

[Torey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story that was hard to put down. Loved the twists the story took and how sweet Roman is. Also love how much of a baddie Quinn is. I am sad the trilogy is over and I'll never know what happens with Mike and Anastasia.

[niki_reads_romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is so intense! The attraction between Quinn and Roman, the forbidden aspect (best friends little sister), the suspense of figuring out the “bad guy”, and the absolutely adorable Rosie combine to make a book that was completely un-put-down-able. I’d give 10 stars if I could.

[INeedABookBreak · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this twisty romantic suspense novel. The plot was fast paced and full of action. It kept me guessing, and I loved watching this complicated story unfold.

Quinn is a single mom who lost her FBI agent husband on the job a few years ago. She is concerned that her daughter, Rosie, is being targeted by a child trafficking ring, so she reaches out to Roman for help. Roman is a former sniper and her FBI agent brother’s best friend (yay! I love this trope). Quinn believes that this may be connected to a case that her husband was working on before he died.

I really liked Quinn and Roman’s characters. Quinn was a total badass and fought so hard to keep Rosie safe. It was really hard for her to accept help and I loved when she let Roman in. Roman was so caring and nurturing. I loved how Quinn and Rosie got the sweet side of him. I do wish the book had a bit more spice, but the plot was good enough that the book still kept me very interested.

I’d advise readers with known triggers to check TWs. This is the third book in the Dark Shadow’s series. Although the books are connected, they can be read as standalones. I can’t wait for the fourth one to come out.

[Kristen Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is so edge-of-your-seat exciting, it should be a tv series! This latest installment of the Dark Shadows series keeps up with the excitement and suspense level of the first two books. I love this series of books because it doesn't leave you hanging at the end of the story. We get to see what happens with Quinn and Roman, and I love how their attraction develops throughout the development of the action. Just like the other books in the series, you really don't know what is going to happen until the heart-stopping climax. Quinn is such a badass main character and Roman is just the hottie to match her! The sensitivity of protecting her little girl just adds to the thrill, all the way to the exciting conclusion. Such a great read!

[Nagma (Take A Look At My Bookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the forbidden trope in books and this one did not disappoint! This romantic suspense was a best friend’s little sister romance and it featured Quinn and Roman. I loved these two. The attraction between the two was off the charts. The tension was palpable. Additionally the fast-paced, action-packed nature of this book had me on the edge of my seat itching for more. I totally didn’t see that ending coming and I’m looking forward to the fourth book in the Dark Shadows series!


Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Laura R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! The beginning of this story is so intense. Not only is someone trying to kidnap Quinn's daughter, but they have inside information regarding her schedule and where she is at. The story is fast-paced and very suspenseful with romance developing between Quinn and Roman. As the days pass, it is unclear who they can trust, even in the FBI so they have to play their cards close to the vest. I certainly didn't see the ending coming.

[Malissa Wildes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Samantha’s Dark Shadows Series. I don’t know but I think Roman may be my favorite. Former Marine, personal trainer and brother’s best friend🔥. The chemistry between Roman and Quinn was perfect and the protectiveness they both had for little Rosie🥹. This was another one that was hard to put down as I was anticipating the next move. Very well done and I look forward to Mike’s story.

[Marla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a standalone, but highly recommend you read the first 2 books in the series. This book focuses on a character who appears in those books.

Quinn's 5 year old daughter is being watched at school and seems to be targeted. Roman is the best friend of Quinn's brother and ex-military and offers to help protect her and her daughter.

Edge of your seat story while you try to figure out who wants to kidnap this sweet little girl and why.

[Adrianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The emotions packed into this were so strong. It really depicted the lengths a mother will go to keep her child safe.

Just like previous books you get a peak of what’s going to happen and then the book backtracks and you learn everything that lead up to that point. It reads like a suspenseful mystery that I was invested in solving. Even so it wasn’t super obvious there were a few things I called but the why and how keept me hooked and unable to put it down until the end.

Quinn and Romans relationship was so sweet, they have known each other for a long time but never embraced their attraction to each other. I loved seeing it come out and explode.

I need Mikes story after that small glimpse of tension we saw in this book.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This 3rd installment of the Dark Shadows series is a nail-biting adventure. Roman, a former sniper, is charged with keeping his best friend's sister and niece safe from human traffickers. In the process, he finds himself falling for Quinn & her daughter Rosie. This book is full of edge of your seat drama, alpha heros with crazy protective streaks, and slow burn romance.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quinn is Roman’s best friend’s sister, so naturally the Bro Code is in full force. Things become difficult when Quinn comes to Roman with a huge problem. Vowing to help her, they dive into a world of danger and action.
This author manages to keep you on your toes! I have loved her last few books and cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next!

[Mandy’s Spicy Book Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romantic Suspense

I enjoyed the suspense throughout the book. The attraction between Quinn and Roman was intense. Add that Roman is best friends with Quinn’s brother makes it a forbidden love. She lost her husband to a horrible accident, has a five year daughter. The story’s twists are trying to figure who is trying to take her daughter. Good suspense and some spice.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another intense rollercoaster ride in this amazing series! This author knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat. Quinn and Roman, great build of their characters and hot chemistry!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quinn and Roman.
Forbidden love, brothers best friend, single mom, and lots of suspense.
This one will have you on the edge of your seat.

[Karrie Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fast paced, action filled suspense novel that had me itching for more. Quinn and FBI agent finds herself and her daughter in the middle of a child trafficking situation that is somehow connected to her late husband Justin. Quinn along with the help of her brother and his best friend Roman do everything in their power to protect her daughter Rosie. Feeling that have long since lay dormant between Roman and Quinn develop with their forced proximity in the story. I found myself cheering Quinn on throughout the story as she does whatever it takes to keep her daughter and her family safe. The secrets surrounding her husband's death hold more questions than answers and with the help of the FBI and Romanshe is determined to figure out the truth. I loved the slow domestic moments with Roman and his soft side with Rosie and I hope to see this crew again.