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McClouds & Friends #2
Standing in the Shadows
Ex-FBI agent Connor McCloud can never forget the day he was set up to die at the hands of trusted friend and fellow agent Ed Riggs. Hard justice and loyalty to his badge have cost Connor what he wants most--Ed's shy, studious daughter Erin. He can never have her now, but her beauty still haunts and torments his every waking hour and his most fevered erotic dreams. But now that his old enemy Kurt Novak has returned, Connor is prepared to do anything to protect the vulnerable young woman from a killer who has vowed a brutal payback. . .a killer with a predator's lethal patience.
Erin has been harboring secret fantasies about Connor McCloud since she first laid eyes on him--but that was before his testimony sent her father to jail. Her world is falling apart and it's all she can do to hold her family together. But now Connor is knocking on her door, telling her she needs his protection, whether she wants it or not. He won't give up and he won't stay away. He's sworn to guard her life with his own and his fierce protectiveness awakens long-buried feelings--and a fiery sexuality deep within her sou. . .
486 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2003
169 people are currently reading
2180 people want to read
About the author
Shannon McKenna
123 books1,447 followersAlso wrote five category romances under the penname Shannon Anderson
::From The Author's Website::
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
I started writing my first romance novel in secret. I was working a temp job in an insurance office in Manhattan at the time, and the office manager had made it clear that even if there was nothing to do, I still had to look busy-- never one of my big talents. I felt bad about the wasted time, though, and I needed something to round out my other chosen career, which was singing. Yeah, that's right. Most artists choose a more practical Plan B to back up their improbable Plan A. Me? No way. "Long Shot" is my middle name.
So I sneakily set up a Document 1 and a Document 2 with a spreadsheet on it. If my Boss du Jour walked by I could quick-like-a-bunny switch screens, and whenever the coast was clear, I went back to my story. Not that I was slacking, mind you. If there was work to be done, I did it. The sneakiness felt familiar, though, because I've been teased about reading romances since I was a kid. I think the day I finally grew up was the day I stopped trying to cover up what I was reading on the bus, train or subway. Let people think whatever they like.
It wasn't until I moved to Italy (details of that Long Shot provided later on) that I got serious about writing, though. I found myself with many long, quiet days alone with nothing to do, so I slogged my way bravely to the end of the manuscript and sent it out. Everybody rejected it-except for Kensington. I wrote for them for a few years, and then made a bid for an erotic novella for the new Brava imprint, and oh joy, they accepted it. Then I wrote BEHIND CLOSED DOORS. And so on, and so forth.
That's how I started. I can't think of anything I'd rather do. I never knew it would be so scary, and so hard . . . all that solitude and silence, a blank computer screen, and no one to blame. But still. It's worth it. It's great.
::From The Author's Website::
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
I started writing my first romance novel in secret. I was working a temp job in an insurance office in Manhattan at the time, and the office manager had made it clear that even if there was nothing to do, I still had to look busy-- never one of my big talents. I felt bad about the wasted time, though, and I needed something to round out my other chosen career, which was singing. Yeah, that's right. Most artists choose a more practical Plan B to back up their improbable Plan A. Me? No way. "Long Shot" is my middle name.
So I sneakily set up a Document 1 and a Document 2 with a spreadsheet on it. If my Boss du Jour walked by I could quick-like-a-bunny switch screens, and whenever the coast was clear, I went back to my story. Not that I was slacking, mind you. If there was work to be done, I did it. The sneakiness felt familiar, though, because I've been teased about reading romances since I was a kid. I think the day I finally grew up was the day I stopped trying to cover up what I was reading on the bus, train or subway. Let people think whatever they like.
It wasn't until I moved to Italy (details of that Long Shot provided later on) that I got serious about writing, though. I found myself with many long, quiet days alone with nothing to do, so I slogged my way bravely to the end of the manuscript and sent it out. Everybody rejected it-except for Kensington. I wrote for them for a few years, and then made a bid for an erotic novella for the new Brava imprint, and oh joy, they accepted it. Then I wrote BEHIND CLOSED DOORS. And so on, and so forth.
That's how I started. I can't think of anything I'd rather do. I never knew it would be so scary, and so hard . . . all that solitude and silence, a blank computer screen, and no one to blame. But still. It's worth it. It's great.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews
February 19, 2014
Oh man. Shannon McKenna is becoming like romantic crack to me. I am blaming my sister 100% for this. She is the one who raved about this author. It took me years to read her, but now, I am broken. I can't not read her. I have to get all her books! I have been blessed to get the last two releases by her as review books (and I freaking loved them), and now I just need to go back and catch up on the earlier books after Behind Closed Doors. In a fit of rebellion towards my stack or required review books, I picked this up this week, and couldn't look back (I need a love story infusion in my life).
I have a fantasy about a guy who is so in love with you, he's crazy about it. His feelings for your border on obsession. He's probably a bit too possessive. The song "Crazy in Love" conveys what I mean. My rational side says that sounds like a bad idea. Honestly, I wouldn't have time for a guy like Connor. I would need my space, although he's so adorable and cute about it, like my cat, who is fixated on me (which gets annoying at times). And in real life, that doesn't work for me. But McKenna understands how irresistible that appeal is in a fiction novel, where all bets are off. Where you can go with a story and feel safe, because it's just between the pages of a book. I'm a mature woman, and I know the psychology of a hero like this doesn't translate well to real life, and I leave those expectations at the door as I read. Even so, McKenna is not so dishonest an author, that she doesn't explore the implications of that sharp edge of intense love that boilers over into obsession. The appeal here is that this love is unselfish. Otherwise, it's not love. In a real life scenario, a stalker fixation is never unselfish. It's always about what the stalker wants and needs. With Connor, you see that he cares so very much about Erin's needs, even if he's rough and uncertain about how to show it. That's something you can learn. And in a mutual relationship, there is room for those understandings to develop with communication.
Gosh, this book hit me right in my marshmallow, die-hard romantic, sappy core. The mutual unrequited love that Connor and Erin had. That love pulled them back together, like two powerful opposite magnets. I think romance had me from the moment I read my first one, at twelve years of age. Since then, I've always been a sucker for a true love story (even the dark ones, maybe moreso, as long as it's a happy ending). I believe that love conquers all, and romance should convey this. Connor and Erin's journey is a bumpy road. They are both less than emotionally healthy, and they have a sick, twisted, megalomanical villain with no respect for boundaries, morals, or human life working to destroy them. Erin's father's fall from grace tainted her life, and Connor's as well. And Connor already had the baggage of a father who was far from emotionally adjusted. To my rather twisted imaginations, this was very fertile ground for a moving romance story. Love has a lot to conquer here. Add some very steamy, melt your fingers love scenes, and it's magic.
Yes, at times, Connor was a bit intense with his personality and his interactions with Erin (a bit grabby). Some readers might not like that. But I never felt like he would hurt Erin. I think he cherished her so much. Connor is like a huge grizzly bear with a teddy bear heart. So appealing to me, these kinds of big, strong marshmallow heroes! Erin was a very sweet, likable heroine. Very normal and that appealed a lot to me. While she was attractive, she wasn't drop dead gorgeous, but to Conner she was! I love when a hero is like that about the heroine. I found her steadfast love for Conner very appealing. He's a hot guy, but you could tell it wasn't just about lust for Erin. Even though the situation with her father went horribly pear-shaped, and it deeply involved Connor, she didn't blame him for it. However, I wanted to shake Erin a little near the end. I understand her uncertainty, but I believe strongly in trust, and she didn't show the trust I felt Connor deserved. However, the situation was a very strange one, with a villain who was playing some serious mind games with them both.
I'll be the first to admit I have no tolerance for kinky sexual stuff. This book isn't in any way kinky. Yes it has very descriptive sexual scenes, but nothing that I cringed about. At the same time, the love scenes are raw, earthy, and strongly sensual. The key is how much emotion is there. It's not just tab A into slot B and variations of that. I think that the author shows how much sexual congress can communicate between two people who love each other. She definitely shows the power of love in those moments as well as in other interactions between Erin and Connor. I would put this book down and sigh at night. That's a good sign for me.
I also loved the interactions between Connor and his brothers. They definitely have each others' backs, and for a family that has a reputation for being dangerous and crazy, there is so much love and caring for each other. They remind me of the GhostWalkers by Christine Feehan (which is a very high compliment). Similarly, Erin's close relationship with her mother and sister show bonds of familial love. You also see the importance of friends and how they add to your family.
Although some aspects towards the end frustrated me, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. You definitely get your romance time and money's worth with this author. I highly recommend her to fans of romantic suspense who love some steamy love scenes, and irresistible (and edgy) heroes who are head over heels, crazy about their heroines. I have a feeling I won't be able to put off reading Davy and Sean's books.
I have a fantasy about a guy who is so in love with you, he's crazy about it. His feelings for your border on obsession. He's probably a bit too possessive. The song "Crazy in Love" conveys what I mean. My rational side says that sounds like a bad idea. Honestly, I wouldn't have time for a guy like Connor. I would need my space, although he's so adorable and cute about it, like my cat, who is fixated on me (which gets annoying at times). And in real life, that doesn't work for me. But McKenna understands how irresistible that appeal is in a fiction novel, where all bets are off. Where you can go with a story and feel safe, because it's just between the pages of a book. I'm a mature woman, and I know the psychology of a hero like this doesn't translate well to real life, and I leave those expectations at the door as I read. Even so, McKenna is not so dishonest an author, that she doesn't explore the implications of that sharp edge of intense love that boilers over into obsession. The appeal here is that this love is unselfish. Otherwise, it's not love. In a real life scenario, a stalker fixation is never unselfish. It's always about what the stalker wants and needs. With Connor, you see that he cares so very much about Erin's needs, even if he's rough and uncertain about how to show it. That's something you can learn. And in a mutual relationship, there is room for those understandings to develop with communication.
Gosh, this book hit me right in my marshmallow, die-hard romantic, sappy core. The mutual unrequited love that Connor and Erin had. That love pulled them back together, like two powerful opposite magnets. I think romance had me from the moment I read my first one, at twelve years of age. Since then, I've always been a sucker for a true love story (even the dark ones, maybe moreso, as long as it's a happy ending). I believe that love conquers all, and romance should convey this. Connor and Erin's journey is a bumpy road. They are both less than emotionally healthy, and they have a sick, twisted, megalomanical villain with no respect for boundaries, morals, or human life working to destroy them. Erin's father's fall from grace tainted her life, and Connor's as well. And Connor already had the baggage of a father who was far from emotionally adjusted. To my rather twisted imaginations, this was very fertile ground for a moving romance story. Love has a lot to conquer here. Add some very steamy, melt your fingers love scenes, and it's magic.
Yes, at times, Connor was a bit intense with his personality and his interactions with Erin (a bit grabby). Some readers might not like that. But I never felt like he would hurt Erin. I think he cherished her so much. Connor is like a huge grizzly bear with a teddy bear heart. So appealing to me, these kinds of big, strong marshmallow heroes! Erin was a very sweet, likable heroine. Very normal and that appealed a lot to me. While she was attractive, she wasn't drop dead gorgeous, but to Conner she was! I love when a hero is like that about the heroine. I found her steadfast love for Conner very appealing. He's a hot guy, but you could tell it wasn't just about lust for Erin. Even though the situation with her father went horribly pear-shaped, and it deeply involved Connor, she didn't blame him for it. However, I wanted to shake Erin a little near the end. I understand her uncertainty, but I believe strongly in trust, and she didn't show the trust I felt Connor deserved. However, the situation was a very strange one, with a villain who was playing some serious mind games with them both.
I'll be the first to admit I have no tolerance for kinky sexual stuff. This book isn't in any way kinky. Yes it has very descriptive sexual scenes, but nothing that I cringed about. At the same time, the love scenes are raw, earthy, and strongly sensual. The key is how much emotion is there. It's not just tab A into slot B and variations of that. I think that the author shows how much sexual congress can communicate between two people who love each other. She definitely shows the power of love in those moments as well as in other interactions between Erin and Connor. I would put this book down and sigh at night. That's a good sign for me.
I also loved the interactions between Connor and his brothers. They definitely have each others' backs, and for a family that has a reputation for being dangerous and crazy, there is so much love and caring for each other. They remind me of the GhostWalkers by Christine Feehan (which is a very high compliment). Similarly, Erin's close relationship with her mother and sister show bonds of familial love. You also see the importance of friends and how they add to your family.
Although some aspects towards the end frustrated me, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. You definitely get your romance time and money's worth with this author. I highly recommend her to fans of romantic suspense who love some steamy love scenes, and irresistible (and edgy) heroes who are head over heels, crazy about their heroines. I have a feeling I won't be able to put off reading Davy and Sean's books.
September 17, 2009
4 ½ stars – Romantic Suspense
Standing In The Shadows is the second book in McKenna’s McClouds series, and I liked it better than the first book, Behind Closed Doors. It’s mostly because the hero Connor is such a rich, multifaceted character who totally keeps the story alive and exciting and the reader on their toes. He’s a flawed, dominating, controlling, stubborn, pushy, bossy, aggressive, and hardcore bully alpha, but at the same time, he’s a goofy, insecure, tender, and mushy big softy who often cries (even in bed) over his deep feelings for the heroine, Erin.
McKenna hands down pens some of the steamiest, most singe off your fingertips, best erotic love scenes of any romance author out there, and Standing In The Shadows is chock full of deliciously yummy hot moments. But she also writes strong, intriguing characters and intricate, thrilling plots, so although the sex surely sizzles, there’s much more to the story than just that.
The plot is rather complex and a bit confusing, so I won’t attempt to explain it in detail. It definitely helps to read the series in order, so I recommend reading Behind Closed Doors first in order to get the necessary background on all the characters and story arc.
Former FBI agent Connor McCloud was double crossed, which left him physically and emotionally damaged. Now, the woman he’s loved and wanted for years is in danger from his old nemesis and it’s up to Connor to keep her safe, whether Erin wants his 24/7 imposed protection or not. Can he convince her and others that his supposedly dead arch enemy is a real danger and waiting in the shadows to seek out his vengeance? Or is everything just a trick of his mind and the true threat that he’s losing his sanity?
With a complex, sexy, lovable alpha hero, a sweet, spunky heroine, sadistic uber villains, an intense, gripping plot, and scorching hot, need a fan handy, sex scenes, it’s a romantic suspense must read! 4 ½ stars!
Standing In The Shadows is the second book in McKenna’s McClouds series, and I liked it better than the first book, Behind Closed Doors. It’s mostly because the hero Connor is such a rich, multifaceted character who totally keeps the story alive and exciting and the reader on their toes. He’s a flawed, dominating, controlling, stubborn, pushy, bossy, aggressive, and hardcore bully alpha, but at the same time, he’s a goofy, insecure, tender, and mushy big softy who often cries (even in bed) over his deep feelings for the heroine, Erin.
McKenna hands down pens some of the steamiest, most singe off your fingertips, best erotic love scenes of any romance author out there, and Standing In The Shadows is chock full of deliciously yummy hot moments. But she also writes strong, intriguing characters and intricate, thrilling plots, so although the sex surely sizzles, there’s much more to the story than just that.
The plot is rather complex and a bit confusing, so I won’t attempt to explain it in detail. It definitely helps to read the series in order, so I recommend reading Behind Closed Doors first in order to get the necessary background on all the characters and story arc.
Former FBI agent Connor McCloud was double crossed, which left him physically and emotionally damaged. Now, the woman he’s loved and wanted for years is in danger from his old nemesis and it’s up to Connor to keep her safe, whether Erin wants his 24/7 imposed protection or not. Can he convince her and others that his supposedly dead arch enemy is a real danger and waiting in the shadows to seek out his vengeance? Or is everything just a trick of his mind and the true threat that he’s losing his sanity?
With a complex, sexy, lovable alpha hero, a sweet, spunky heroine, sadistic uber villains, an intense, gripping plot, and scorching hot, need a fan handy, sex scenes, it’s a romantic suspense must read! 4 ½ stars!
April 21, 2013
This was a winner for me! I really enjoyed this book and I am so relieved because i wasn’t in love with book 1 (Behind Closed Doors). This is Connor McCloud’s story, and i gotta admit he was yummy! The heroine is Erin Riggs, daughter of Ed Riggs. Ed had betrayed Connor and his partner Jesse when was an FBI agent. Connor was in a coma for a period of time and his partner Jesse was killed (we heard about this in Behind Closed Doors). So here we see Erin trying to keep her life and her mother’s and sister Cindy’s lives together. She is the rock, the strong one, the go to person and “good girl” of the family.
The story centers around finding the bad guy Novak after her has escaped prison, he is one twisted bad guy, i gotta tell you friends. And again, like the first book there is a lot of sex! The upside to this is I like these two people, so the sex was hot and intense! Now maybe it’s me, but I honestly couldn’t see two people having so much sex and still function (or walk for that matter), so that part felt a little unrealistic. But hey, this is a romance book and I went it and thoroughly enjoyed it! (hehe).
I like Erin a lot, while in the beginning she got on my nerves a little (her good girl personality really irritated me). As the story moves along you see her change and find more of her own voice and her inner sex goddess. you go girl!
And Connor, oh Connor! While he was definitely a tortured alpha man (possessive, bossy, controlling), I so loved him! And while he irritated me at times with his bossiness, he was also tender, funny and sensitive.
Overall a hot steamy action packed book! And I am more excited now to read the other books in the series.
December 10, 2015
Loved this book! Lots of suspense and really steamy! Erin slightly annoyed me at times but I loved Connor. I will definitely read more in this series to see more of Connor's brothers.
January 2, 2009
Shannon McKenna does it again (in my humble opinion, anyway) with the second book in her McCloud Brothers series, Standing In The Shadows. It stars Connor McCloud and Erin Riggs, the daughter of Ed Riggs, who set Connor up to die. Connor has been in love with Erin from the moment he saw her. The fact that she was only seventeen at the time didn't deter him in the least and he vowed to wait for her. That changed the moment he viciously beat a man half to death in front of her and sent her dad to prison. Now with Erin's life seriously delving into chaos, Connor steps back into her life with the alarming news that the psychopath who was targeting them is back from the dead and won't rest until he's added her to his collection of victims. No one believes his paranoia and some even question his sanity. He doesn't care about them, the only person he cares about is Erin and he's desperate to make her believe him. Erin has also been in love with Connor since the moment they met and having him back in her life is both a welcomed pleasure and a serious distraction. She's desperately trying to get her and her family back on track and Connor's obsession threatens to undermine her plans for the future. She and Connor finally fulfill the promise of their passion that started ten years ago but the psychopath who's targeting them steps up his plans. Friends turn into enemies and enemies turn into friends but now that they have finally gotten a taste of each other, they are determined to survive and make a new future.
Shannon McKenna makes Connor an extremely aggressive, controlling and obsessive alpha male who just happens to have that touch of vulnerability that turns him into a touching protector any woman would be lucky to have. His uncertainty around Erin is so cute and it saves him from being a heel who is only trying to assert his control. His extreme aggressiveness is only in place because he's trying to protect her so it's forgiven and in fact even welcomed (by me at least) because it made him $#%$! HOT! His dominating nature in the sack was an extreme turn on for both me and Erin, who was more than able to meet him as an equal. He in fact learns to turn the tables and use his fine body as a weapon against her and bend her to his will. Erin was a likable heroine and her need to take care of her family and remain in control was a believable trait that I respected and I liked her personality quirk of making lists and crossing off her accomplishments.
The plot for Standing In The Shadows was extremely intricate and Shannon McKenna definitely makes you work for it. There are all sorts of angles moving on this one and you have to keep up. The only time she slows down in her storytelling is during the love scenes and even those are fast paced and hardcore. She sets the sheets on fire with her scorching sex scenes and while Connor is definitely a dominating presence, he is one hundred percent attuned to Erin and her needs. He takes her only as far as she was willing to go and in fact, his hesitancy endeared me to him forever.
Standing In Shadows was fantastic. It was freakin awesome. I got the large size paperback and it's really heavy but I read until my forearms hurt because I was gripping the book so tightly! The plot was riveting and the bad guys are seriously over the top sadistic. Reading about Erin's mom and her sister was sad to read and I loved revisiting Seth, and reading about Davy and Sean. I can't wait to read more about these guys and Tamara, too. (Sequels, Ahoy!) All I can say is that with friends like the ones Erin and Connor have, who needs enemies? It's a good thing they both had a good, strong family base to get them through the bad times. Loved this book and I highly recommend it as a steamy, erotic and riveting book.
Shannon McKenna makes Connor an extremely aggressive, controlling and obsessive alpha male who just happens to have that touch of vulnerability that turns him into a touching protector any woman would be lucky to have. His uncertainty around Erin is so cute and it saves him from being a heel who is only trying to assert his control. His extreme aggressiveness is only in place because he's trying to protect her so it's forgiven and in fact even welcomed (by me at least) because it made him $#%$! HOT! His dominating nature in the sack was an extreme turn on for both me and Erin, who was more than able to meet him as an equal. He in fact learns to turn the tables and use his fine body as a weapon against her and bend her to his will. Erin was a likable heroine and her need to take care of her family and remain in control was a believable trait that I respected and I liked her personality quirk of making lists and crossing off her accomplishments.
The plot for Standing In The Shadows was extremely intricate and Shannon McKenna definitely makes you work for it. There are all sorts of angles moving on this one and you have to keep up. The only time she slows down in her storytelling is during the love scenes and even those are fast paced and hardcore. She sets the sheets on fire with her scorching sex scenes and while Connor is definitely a dominating presence, he is one hundred percent attuned to Erin and her needs. He takes her only as far as she was willing to go and in fact, his hesitancy endeared me to him forever.
Standing In Shadows was fantastic. It was freakin awesome. I got the large size paperback and it's really heavy but I read until my forearms hurt because I was gripping the book so tightly! The plot was riveting and the bad guys are seriously over the top sadistic. Reading about Erin's mom and her sister was sad to read and I loved revisiting Seth, and reading about Davy and Sean. I can't wait to read more about these guys and Tamara, too. (Sequels, Ahoy!) All I can say is that with friends like the ones Erin and Connor have, who needs enemies? It's a good thing they both had a good, strong family base to get them through the bad times. Loved this book and I highly recommend it as a steamy, erotic and riveting book.
January 24, 2011
Conner's been in love with his former boss's daughter from the moment he laid eyes on her and he's waited a long time to have her. But just as he was about to claim her, Erin's well-ordered world fell apart.
Conner feels he was the catalyst for her heartache, when he took down her corrupt father and beat a man to bloody pulp right before her eyes, but nothing could be farther from the truth for Erin. She's loved the sexy, hardnosed ex-FBI agent for a long time too and she's smart enough to realize her father made his own bed. When Conner re-enters her life just as she's about to land the biggest deal of her curator career, she knows she should keep her distance until the deal is done, but his determination to protect her from an old menace- combined with her own secret desire- causes her to let him in.
But the danger that has stalked both of them is about to spring it's trap with Conner and Erin as the object of a killer's revenge. Their love can save them... if they can hold on to it long enough.
Didn't like this one as much as Seth & Raine's story (Behind Closed Doors), but it was sexy enough. Actually very sexy, if I were to be honest.
Mckenna writes heroes that are challenging and difficult to control, which to a strong, independent woman is very tantalizing, but I'd have a difficult time justifying being in a relationship with one of these guys in real life. Still, this is adult fantasy, so I set aside my issues and went for a gritty, emotional ride right along with the characters.
Standing in the Shadows is steamy, sensual and pure escapist reading. Looking forward to the rest of the Mccloud Brothers stories!
Conner feels he was the catalyst for her heartache, when he took down her corrupt father and beat a man to bloody pulp right before her eyes, but nothing could be farther from the truth for Erin. She's loved the sexy, hardnosed ex-FBI agent for a long time too and she's smart enough to realize her father made his own bed. When Conner re-enters her life just as she's about to land the biggest deal of her curator career, she knows she should keep her distance until the deal is done, but his determination to protect her from an old menace- combined with her own secret desire- causes her to let him in.
But the danger that has stalked both of them is about to spring it's trap with Conner and Erin as the object of a killer's revenge. Their love can save them... if they can hold on to it long enough.
Didn't like this one as much as Seth & Raine's story (Behind Closed Doors), but it was sexy enough. Actually very sexy, if I were to be honest.
Mckenna writes heroes that are challenging and difficult to control, which to a strong, independent woman is very tantalizing, but I'd have a difficult time justifying being in a relationship with one of these guys in real life. Still, this is adult fantasy, so I set aside my issues and went for a gritty, emotional ride right along with the characters.
Standing in the Shadows is steamy, sensual and pure escapist reading. Looking forward to the rest of the Mccloud Brothers stories!
May 18, 2018
*Re-read*
After Kev, Connor is my favorite McCloud brother.
Connor sank back into his chair, resigned. Evidently today's histrionics weren't over yet. "OK. Tell me why, Sean."
"Because you deserve it. You're a righteous dude. You're like... noble or something. With your code of honor. Your marching order. That's why Davy and I tease you about the hero complex. It's a soft spot that can't be shielded. It leaves you wide open. [...] You can't bend, you can't cut bail and run. You can't compromise. It's like, you don't even know how."
The plot follows the one in Behind Closed Doors. The universe definitely darken and Ms. McKenna gives us a good sample of her utterly creepy brand of vilain.
I really felt for Connor, alone against the world. I loved that even though everything seemed to prove him wrong and paranoid-bordering-on-crazy, he went with his guts.
This book also has some of the best steamy scenes ever.
After Kev, Connor is my favorite McCloud brother.
Connor sank back into his chair, resigned. Evidently today's histrionics weren't over yet. "OK. Tell me why, Sean."
"Because you deserve it. You're a righteous dude. You're like... noble or something. With your code of honor. Your marching order. That's why Davy and I tease you about the hero complex. It's a soft spot that can't be shielded. It leaves you wide open. [...] You can't bend, you can't cut bail and run. You can't compromise. It's like, you don't even know how."
The plot follows the one in Behind Closed Doors. The universe definitely darken and Ms. McKenna gives us a good sample of her utterly creepy brand of vilain.
I really felt for Connor, alone against the world. I loved that even though everything seemed to prove him wrong and paranoid-bordering-on-crazy, he went with his guts.
This book also has some of the best steamy scenes ever.
April 28, 2012
Lots of action, suspense and steamy sex scenes. A fun read, but one that left me vaguely dissatisfied. I think I'm starting to tire of the pushy and overbearing McCloud brothers and their manipulative lovers.
June 3, 2023
Super-steamy friends-to-lovers bodyguard novel
I am so glad I was able to hear this through Scribd! I was fanning my face sooo much while listening though. (This is available on Amazon now ❤️)
Connor and Erin have known each other for years; in fact, they've had crushes on each other for a while. Connor used to work with Erin's father (Ed Riggs) until her father set him up and he almost died. He testified against him and suffered an accident that scarred him and caused him to be in a coma for over a year. Now, he's forced to work for his brother's private investigative firm, until he finds out that Erin is in danger because Novak (who was the villain from book 1) is back- and he wants revenge.
Erin has been on her own for a while, but she takes care of her depressed mom as well. Her mom went through a lot because of her father and is going through some episodes that show her mental health issues. She also has a sister that is stripping and does questionable things. Connor goes to Erin to basically let her know that Novak is back and is going to go after her and her family, so she needs protection, and he's the perfect man for the job. In the meantime, Erin is applying for jobs and has been hired by a man who she hasn't met, but she needs the job because of the mounting bills that keep coming. A lot of weird things are going on, so she needs to be vigilant and cautious.
The chemistry was explosive from the getgo🔥. Erin isn't a virgin, but she's very inexperienced, and Connor has been celibate for a while now. Because they've had crushes on each other, the tension between them was thick. When she finally gets the courage to show him that she wants him... oh... em... gee... it was blazing hot🥵. Connor has such an alpha presence, such a passionate animalistic way of expressing his desire for her that I'm surprised my face wasn't sweating as much as it could've been😅💦. Their connection is so visceral and raw- they just gravitate towards each other. Even when she told him no (noncon/dubcon vibes here), he was... um... very convincing👀, and she always relented and felt pleasure😋- and Connor was always, ALWAYS about her pleasure👏🏻🥵. Gah! I wish I owned this book!
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating/sharing/omd/omd
-some dubcon/noncon between the H and h
-people die (it's suspense)
-HEA
I am so glad I was able to hear this through Scribd! I was fanning my face sooo much while listening though. (This is available on Amazon now ❤️)
Connor and Erin have known each other for years; in fact, they've had crushes on each other for a while. Connor used to work with Erin's father (Ed Riggs) until her father set him up and he almost died. He testified against him and suffered an accident that scarred him and caused him to be in a coma for over a year. Now, he's forced to work for his brother's private investigative firm, until he finds out that Erin is in danger because Novak (who was the villain from book 1) is back- and he wants revenge.
Erin has been on her own for a while, but she takes care of her depressed mom as well. Her mom went through a lot because of her father and is going through some episodes that show her mental health issues. She also has a sister that is stripping and does questionable things. Connor goes to Erin to basically let her know that Novak is back and is going to go after her and her family, so she needs protection, and he's the perfect man for the job. In the meantime, Erin is applying for jobs and has been hired by a man who she hasn't met, but she needs the job because of the mounting bills that keep coming. A lot of weird things are going on, so she needs to be vigilant and cautious.
The chemistry was explosive from the getgo🔥. Erin isn't a virgin, but she's very inexperienced, and Connor has been celibate for a while now. Because they've had crushes on each other, the tension between them was thick. When she finally gets the courage to show him that she wants him... oh... em... gee... it was blazing hot🥵. Connor has such an alpha presence, such a passionate animalistic way of expressing his desire for her that I'm surprised my face wasn't sweating as much as it could've been😅💦. Their connection is so visceral and raw- they just gravitate towards each other. Even when she told him no (noncon/dubcon vibes here), he was... um... very convincing👀, and she always relented and felt pleasure😋- and Connor was always, ALWAYS about her pleasure👏🏻🥵. Gah! I wish I owned this book!
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating/sharing/omd/omd
-some dubcon/noncon between the H and h
-people die (it's suspense)
-HEA
October 1, 2013
Wow. Mystery/suspense romantic/thriller. What a ride! A must read series for fellow like minded readers.
June 16, 2021
The h lost my respect because of her stupidity.
April 25, 2021
**2.5 stars**
This book is almost 500 pages!! I started it a while ago and stopped because to be frank, nothing interesting was happening - if you don't count all the boinking. For a romantic suspense though, there was very little action. I probably wouldn't have picked it back up, if I hadn't saved a gif of how I picture Connor - over the years, I've changed my opinion on the man-bun and now think it's very fetching!
The plot of this book is as follows: A bad guy escaped from jail and he wants to make the MCs PAY!! Instead of being smart and actually kidnap, torture and kill them both, he concocts an evil plan that makes it seem as if the hero is off his rocker and the one who's actually a danger to the heroine.
This plan is actually very well executed and he probably would have gotten away with it if somebody unexpected wouldn't have intervened. And that's the part that I liked the least, that after 400+ pages, the confrontation with the villain happened too fast and it required a deus ex machina, (something that neither the hero or heroine could have expected) to save them.
There was a lot of sex here - not super kinky - but a lot of it. I don't know how she could take all that use after barely having had sex before.
Even though this wasn't great, I really liked the brothers - I love how they take care of one another and that they cook!! For a bunch of tough guys, they seem to solve all their problems by cooking to each other. So maybe I'll read the one next...still undecided.
This book is almost 500 pages!! I started it a while ago and stopped because to be frank, nothing interesting was happening - if you don't count all the boinking. For a romantic suspense though, there was very little action. I probably wouldn't have picked it back up, if I hadn't saved a gif of how I picture Connor - over the years, I've changed my opinion on the man-bun and now think it's very fetching!
The plot of this book is as follows: A bad guy escaped from jail and he wants to make the MCs PAY!! Instead of being smart and actually kidnap, torture and kill them both, he concocts an evil plan that makes it seem as if the hero is off his rocker and the one who's actually a danger to the heroine.
This plan is actually very well executed and he probably would have gotten away with it if somebody unexpected wouldn't have intervened. And that's the part that I liked the least, that after 400+ pages, the confrontation with the villain happened too fast and it required a deus ex machina, (something that neither the hero or heroine could have expected) to save them.
There was a lot of sex here - not super kinky - but a lot of it. I don't know how she could take all that use after barely having had sex before.
Even though this wasn't great, I really liked the brothers - I love how they take care of one another and that they cook!! For a bunch of tough guys, they seem to solve all their problems by cooking to each other. So maybe I'll read the one next...still undecided.
December 9, 2017
This was book did not work for me at all and I could not understand the high ratings. The heroine was TSTL who delivered herself to the villain’s bedroom. The hero kept protecting her and she kept running towards danger. The H/h both admit they have fantasized about each other for so long but they were stupid together when they finally became a couple. Their ‘love’ for each other is so not believable.
January 27, 2015
Connor...so reasonable and yet completely lost for Erin...loved the scene in the car infront of her house!
Re-read more times than I can count...why have I not written a review yet???
Con is the gentleman in the family...and if you think that is anything like the guy you know from work or the local coffee barrista...you would be wrong.
Con is ex-FBI and hardened beyond real life, but compared to his insane brothers, he is the voice of reason, the man of patience and the calm force of the the family.
While Con has crushed on his girl for a long time...she was the child (teenager really) of his commander and WAYYYYY off limits. But as push comes to shove, Con knew the only way to protect her was to get her under his protection and not safer place than under his weighty body!
Erin was slow in her personality development, but I grew to like her...I still hate her mother, but she has crap she needs to work out. I really enjoyed their scene in the car...that made me laugh and think if highschool!
It rocked!
Re-read more times than I can count...why have I not written a review yet???
Con is the gentleman in the family...and if you think that is anything like the guy you know from work or the local coffee barrista...you would be wrong.
Con is ex-FBI and hardened beyond real life, but compared to his insane brothers, he is the voice of reason, the man of patience and the calm force of the the family.
While Con has crushed on his girl for a long time...she was the child (teenager really) of his commander and WAYYYYY off limits. But as push comes to shove, Con knew the only way to protect her was to get her under his protection and not safer place than under his weighty body!
Erin was slow in her personality development, but I grew to like her...I still hate her mother, but she has crap she needs to work out. I really enjoyed their scene in the car...that made me laugh and think if highschool!
It rocked!
September 28, 2010
Great Read.
This is a romantic thriller. Because the bad guy was so vicious it was almost too scary for me. The bad guy framed good guy Connnor and no one believed him for a long time, which was frustrating for the reader. Because of this frustration, this was my least favorite of her books, but I still loved it. I also loved the way the three McCloud brothers talked to each other and interacted. She is one of my favorite authors.
For a list of my reviews of other Shannon McKenna books, see my 5 star review of “Ultimate Weapon” posted 11/15/08.
This is a romantic thriller. Because the bad guy was so vicious it was almost too scary for me. The bad guy framed good guy Connnor and no one believed him for a long time, which was frustrating for the reader. Because of this frustration, this was my least favorite of her books, but I still loved it. I also loved the way the three McCloud brothers talked to each other and interacted. She is one of my favorite authors.
For a list of my reviews of other Shannon McKenna books, see my 5 star review of “Ultimate Weapon” posted 11/15/08.
February 7, 2008
I had this book in the TBR pile for a very long time. I was hoping to find the first in the series and read from there but since I vowed to make the TBR pile smaller last week I decided to start this one and if good look for the other one. Well, I don’t think I will be looking…
Ex-FBI agent Connor McCloud can never forget the day he was set up to die at the hands of trusted friend and fellow agent Ed Riggs. Hard justice and loyalty to his badge have cost Connor what he wants most--Ed's shy, studious daughter, Erin. He can never have her now, but her beauty still haunts and torments his every waking hour and his most fevered erotic dreams. But now that his old enemy, Kurt Novak has returned, Connor is prepared to do anything to protect the vulnerable young woman from a killer who has vowed a brutal payback . . . a killer with a predator's lethal patience.
Erin has been harboring secret fantasies about Connor McCloud since she first laid eyes on him--but that was before his testimony sent her father to jail. Her world is falling apart and it's all she can do to hold her family together. But now Connor is knocking on her door, telling her she needs his protection, whether she wants it or not. He won't give up and he won't stay away. He's sworn to guard her life with his own and his fierce protectiveness awakens long-buried feelings--and a fiery sexuality deep within her soul . . .
I think it could have been a nice story but I really disliked Connor and his macho man attitude towards Erin. The way he talked, acted… it was all so over the top! It’s difficult for me to understand how I loved alpha heroes and now I can’t seem to like even one of them.
The book seems closely related with the previous one and so some things are not really clear for us who haven’t read it. But my main problem was that Connor makes every decision for Erin and always feels he is justified because he is saving her from the bad guy and he has loved her for so long. She seemed like a decent young woman with a level headed attitude why couldn’t he try to convince her instead? Ok, there were scenes were she could have been brighter and especially more concerned about her security but even so… And what was that all about when he practically raped her because he was jealous?
Regarding the suspense subplot the fact that the villain is looking for revenge is also related with the first book. He is a very sophisticated and ingenious bad man who seems to control a lot of people to do his bidding. I was particularly interested in his mistress who seemed like an interesting character to explore.
Well I guess the worst part of writing this review is realising how my reading tastes have changed over the years and how I probably have a lot more of these in the TBR pile. I used to love intense books filled with passion, if the heroes were tough and tortured and sometimes were a bit hard on the heroine I just took it in stride and thought that made it even better. What I’m starting to realise is that nowadays I’m incapable of immersing myself in those stories and enjoying them. I immediately start to shake my head in disbelief with the attitudes… especially if we are talking about contemporaries, they don’t sound real to me.
Grade: C (although it might be different for you if you like domineering macho men)
Ex-FBI agent Connor McCloud can never forget the day he was set up to die at the hands of trusted friend and fellow agent Ed Riggs. Hard justice and loyalty to his badge have cost Connor what he wants most--Ed's shy, studious daughter, Erin. He can never have her now, but her beauty still haunts and torments his every waking hour and his most fevered erotic dreams. But now that his old enemy, Kurt Novak has returned, Connor is prepared to do anything to protect the vulnerable young woman from a killer who has vowed a brutal payback . . . a killer with a predator's lethal patience.
Erin has been harboring secret fantasies about Connor McCloud since she first laid eyes on him--but that was before his testimony sent her father to jail. Her world is falling apart and it's all she can do to hold her family together. But now Connor is knocking on her door, telling her she needs his protection, whether she wants it or not. He won't give up and he won't stay away. He's sworn to guard her life with his own and his fierce protectiveness awakens long-buried feelings--and a fiery sexuality deep within her soul . . .
I think it could have been a nice story but I really disliked Connor and his macho man attitude towards Erin. The way he talked, acted… it was all so over the top! It’s difficult for me to understand how I loved alpha heroes and now I can’t seem to like even one of them.
The book seems closely related with the previous one and so some things are not really clear for us who haven’t read it. But my main problem was that Connor makes every decision for Erin and always feels he is justified because he is saving her from the bad guy and he has loved her for so long. She seemed like a decent young woman with a level headed attitude why couldn’t he try to convince her instead? Ok, there were scenes were she could have been brighter and especially more concerned about her security but even so… And what was that all about when he practically raped her because he was jealous?
Regarding the suspense subplot the fact that the villain is looking for revenge is also related with the first book. He is a very sophisticated and ingenious bad man who seems to control a lot of people to do his bidding. I was particularly interested in his mistress who seemed like an interesting character to explore.
Well I guess the worst part of writing this review is realising how my reading tastes have changed over the years and how I probably have a lot more of these in the TBR pile. I used to love intense books filled with passion, if the heroes were tough and tortured and sometimes were a bit hard on the heroine I just took it in stride and thought that made it even better. What I’m starting to realise is that nowadays I’m incapable of immersing myself in those stories and enjoying them. I immediately start to shake my head in disbelief with the attitudes… especially if we are talking about contemporaries, they don’t sound real to me.
Grade: C (although it might be different for you if you like domineering macho men)
March 19, 2010
Wow, so this one was different...a little slow going in the action area. I think I liked Seth a little better at times. Though Conner...after one particular scene near the end involving a dress...he really turned crazy intese, and shocking. I like it, it went fast for me, and I'm eager to get to the next one! So far so good on the series.
July 12, 2020
Криминална романтика е жанра, но не усетих адреналина по-скоро ми беше предвидима. 2.5 ⭐️
February 20, 2012
Well I have to say I have a particular weakness for bad boys and bad boy hero's and wow is Conner a bad boy. I loved everyone of this man moves. Protective, posessive, jealous, flame hot temper....a demon in the sack. I think I might be in love. I also loved eren, although she tended to get herself in a little bit of trouble when she didn't trust Conner. God and poor conner he was a wonderfully complex character, i just loved him even his paranoia.shannon mckenna this I my first book of yours I have read and I honestly loved it. Can't wait to read about the rest of the McCloud boys.
August 3, 2010
My fave of McKenna's McCloud brothers series. I'm a sucker for stories where the hero and heroine have been fighting their attraction for each other in the past. McKenna's writing style is smooth and very engaging, and she does the male POV really well. A great book! Loved the dynamic between Erin and Connor.
January 5, 2015
ชอบเล่มนี้กว่าเล่มแรกแหละ พล็อต คาแรคเตอร์ ความฮ็อท หึหึ มันดีนะ
November 16, 2019
This book follows on from the first and involves Erin, the daughter of the corrupt FBI agent from the previous book. The other, very nasty, villain from the previous book, Novak -and his equally psycho henchman- are out to get Erin. Connor has always fancied Erin and now sees his chance to protect her (and maybe get into her pants, of course).
Cue violence and brutality, including torture (which I absolutely hate in any context, and skip over when reading). Again, the book is super erotic -they bonk like bunnies- with lots of dirty talk and some rough stuff. Seems to be this author’s style with sex scenes. A little tenderness wouldn’t go astray, but her heroes are tough, alpha men who bottle up their emotions and struggle to express themselves in any way that is not physical.
There’s also plenty of emotion, redemption and a HEA. The plot is good, the author writes well, and despite my aversion to some of the brutality, I do enjoy the intensity. I am off to read the third in this series!
Cue violence and brutality, including torture (which I absolutely hate in any context, and skip over when reading). Again, the book is super erotic -they bonk like bunnies- with lots of dirty talk and some rough stuff. Seems to be this author’s style with sex scenes. A little tenderness wouldn’t go astray, but her heroes are tough, alpha men who bottle up their emotions and struggle to express themselves in any way that is not physical.
There’s also plenty of emotion, redemption and a HEA. The plot is good, the author writes well, and despite my aversion to some of the brutality, I do enjoy the intensity. I am off to read the third in this series!
October 28, 2024
Erin annoyed me a bit in the beginning, she grew on me though. Cloud as a Hero was just so so. Not my fave
December 26, 2008
When Connor McCloud uncovered the real culprit (his onetime boss) behind his best friend's murder (and his own stint in a coma) in Behind Closed Doors and sent him to prison, he lost all hope in winning the girl of his dreams, Erin Riggs, said two-faced bastard's daughter.
Or did he?
Erin Riggs has been in love with Connor McCloud since she was sixteen (more than eleven years) and has never thought she had any chance whatsoever with him - especially now, that he's sent her father to prison.
But now an old enemy is stalking her (or is he?) and Connor is her only hope (or so he claims). But is Kurt Novak really on the loose? Or is that just a convenient excuse for Connor to get close to Erin? And what does Connor really want with Erin? Is he really only after her heart, or is it her very life he covets?
Great news, folks. This one is a quite an improvement since the previous book ( Behind Closed Doors), although at first it seems Shannon McKenna has only changed the names and mixed up some scenes and so recycled the previously mentioned book.
But on closer inspection, it is an altogether different book, albeit closely tied to the previous one, although the pacing still has a lot to be desired. The plot mostly brakes under the weight of the numerous sex scenes. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against steamy scenes (even chapter-length ones), but there are so many and so tightly spaced, that the reader completely forgets what the story is all about in the first place.
After all, it is categorized as a contemporary romance, not erotica.
At least the romance was there (Connor and Erin did know each other for a decade) and it was evident in some scenes, but whenever I grew comfortable and quite content that at least this would be a romance (of some sort), the power-plays resurfaced. What is it with Ms. McKenna's men having to be brutes to be loved? I just don't get it.
And I loved the fact Erin had some spine of her own, although she came off as far too naive for her own good.
At least the two didn't appear as mental as Seth and Raine did, although someone was trying really hard to make everyone around them insane, Connor included.
That insanity plot was a little far-fetched if you ask me, but I've never claimed to be a criminal mastermind, so who I am to judge.
Yeah, it still isn't a great example of a novel, but still a vast improvement. Once again, read at your own discretion.
Or did he?
Erin Riggs has been in love with Connor McCloud since she was sixteen (more than eleven years) and has never thought she had any chance whatsoever with him - especially now, that he's sent her father to prison.
But now an old enemy is stalking her (or is he?) and Connor is her only hope (or so he claims). But is Kurt Novak really on the loose? Or is that just a convenient excuse for Connor to get close to Erin? And what does Connor really want with Erin? Is he really only after her heart, or is it her very life he covets?
Great news, folks. This one is a quite an improvement since the previous book ( Behind Closed Doors), although at first it seems Shannon McKenna has only changed the names and mixed up some scenes and so recycled the previously mentioned book.
But on closer inspection, it is an altogether different book, albeit closely tied to the previous one, although the pacing still has a lot to be desired. The plot mostly brakes under the weight of the numerous sex scenes. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against steamy scenes (even chapter-length ones), but there are so many and so tightly spaced, that the reader completely forgets what the story is all about in the first place.
After all, it is categorized as a contemporary romance, not erotica.
At least the romance was there (Connor and Erin did know each other for a decade) and it was evident in some scenes, but whenever I grew comfortable and quite content that at least this would be a romance (of some sort), the power-plays resurfaced. What is it with Ms. McKenna's men having to be brutes to be loved? I just don't get it.
And I loved the fact Erin had some spine of her own, although she came off as far too naive for her own good.
At least the two didn't appear as mental as Seth and Raine did, although someone was trying really hard to make everyone around them insane, Connor included.
That insanity plot was a little far-fetched if you ask me, but I've never claimed to be a criminal mastermind, so who I am to judge.
Yeah, it still isn't a great example of a novel, but still a vast improvement. Once again, read at your own discretion.
July 1, 2016
Standing in the Shadows
4 Stars
Synopsis:
Former FBI agent, Connor McCloud has been in love with Erin Riggs for years. Unfortunately, he is responsible for putting Erin’s corrupt father in prison and knows that he can never have her. Now an enemy from their past has returned and Connor must put his feelings aside in order to protect Erin from a devious killer bent on revenge…
Review:
Standing in the Shadows is closely related to the first book in the series, Behind Closed Doors, so it is important to read the books in order for the backstory to make sense.
The buildup to Erin and Connor’s relationship is sexy and intense. Their doubts and insecurities about each other contribute to their unfolding chemistry. However, they seem to lose momentum once they get together and their connection is reduced to little more than steamy sex. Thankfully, the story picks up again in the last few chapters and they turn out to be a lovely couple.
Connor is a typical alpha male with the need to dominate (even though he does have his sensitive moments). He can be overbearing at times but Erin has a definite backbone and is quite capable of putting him in his place, which leads to some explosive encounters.
The plot is clever and the climax of the story plays out well and has some exhilarating moments. There are, however, some illogical circumstances and points that are not followed through. For example, Novak tries to undermine Barbara Riggs’s sanity but no one seems to realize that he is doing the same to Connor. In addition, Connor asks Seth to check up on Mrs. Riggs’s television but the latter never puts in an appearance.
The secondary characters are interesting and well developed from the seriously disturbed yet ingenious villain and his female sidekick (who turns out to be the most compelling character of all) to the geeky boy in love with Erin’s sister.
Overall, this book is an improvement on the first but it is not the best example of the romantic suspense genre. Nevertheless, I’m curious enough about the secondary cast to continue reading the series.
4 Stars
Synopsis:
Former FBI agent, Connor McCloud has been in love with Erin Riggs for years. Unfortunately, he is responsible for putting Erin’s corrupt father in prison and knows that he can never have her. Now an enemy from their past has returned and Connor must put his feelings aside in order to protect Erin from a devious killer bent on revenge…
Review:
Standing in the Shadows is closely related to the first book in the series, Behind Closed Doors, so it is important to read the books in order for the backstory to make sense.
The buildup to Erin and Connor’s relationship is sexy and intense. Their doubts and insecurities about each other contribute to their unfolding chemistry. However, they seem to lose momentum once they get together and their connection is reduced to little more than steamy sex. Thankfully, the story picks up again in the last few chapters and they turn out to be a lovely couple.
Connor is a typical alpha male with the need to dominate (even though he does have his sensitive moments). He can be overbearing at times but Erin has a definite backbone and is quite capable of putting him in his place, which leads to some explosive encounters.
The plot is clever and the climax of the story plays out well and has some exhilarating moments. There are, however, some illogical circumstances and points that are not followed through. For example, Novak tries to undermine Barbara Riggs’s sanity but no one seems to realize that he is doing the same to Connor. In addition, Connor asks Seth to check up on Mrs. Riggs’s television but the latter never puts in an appearance.
The secondary characters are interesting and well developed from the seriously disturbed yet ingenious villain and his female sidekick (who turns out to be the most compelling character of all) to the geeky boy in love with Erin’s sister.
Overall, this book is an improvement on the first but it is not the best example of the romantic suspense genre. Nevertheless, I’m curious enough about the secondary cast to continue reading the series.
August 2, 2009
It's very rare that i find a book that i love so much, that i purposely take my time in reading, just so i can make the experience last. This was a book like that for me.
Having read McKenna's previous book Behind Closed Doors, i was already a fan of her style of writing; romantic suspense with a heavy dose of erotic steamy goodness. However, though i liked the hero of BCD, and was able to look beyond his sometimes overly bossy nature, i could completely understand why so many were turned off by his behavior at times.
In this book, the hero is Connor McCloud. A former FBI agent who has many scars...both physical and emotional. His love for his former colleague's daughter is both his salvation, and his undoing, and he struggles to protect her against a villain that may not even be lurking in the shadows.
Connor, is quite simply my favorite male character that i've come across in a VERY long time. He's flawed, stubborn, reckless and 100% Alpha. But, his tenderness and unquestionable love for Erin transforms him into a character that i know i will never forget.
McKenna does it all with this book. She offers up 2 main characters that the readers are able to completely fall in love with, and root for, as well as giving us a smart, intense storyline that follows through on things left up in the air at the end of the previous book. As if that weren't enough, McKenna writes THE BEST love scenes i have ever read. If you're familiar with her writing at all, you know her stories are firmly planted in the Erotica genre, and she is absolutely the best around in that field. There are numerous love scenes here, but unlike other books under the Erotica label...her stories aren't all about sex. Which is just one of the reasons why she's one of my favorite authors.
Highly recommended to anyone who likes a steamy thrill-ride....heavy on the steamy. ;)
Having read McKenna's previous book Behind Closed Doors, i was already a fan of her style of writing; romantic suspense with a heavy dose of erotic steamy goodness. However, though i liked the hero of BCD, and was able to look beyond his sometimes overly bossy nature, i could completely understand why so many were turned off by his behavior at times.
In this book, the hero is Connor McCloud. A former FBI agent who has many scars...both physical and emotional. His love for his former colleague's daughter is both his salvation, and his undoing, and he struggles to protect her against a villain that may not even be lurking in the shadows.
Connor, is quite simply my favorite male character that i've come across in a VERY long time. He's flawed, stubborn, reckless and 100% Alpha. But, his tenderness and unquestionable love for Erin transforms him into a character that i know i will never forget.
McKenna does it all with this book. She offers up 2 main characters that the readers are able to completely fall in love with, and root for, as well as giving us a smart, intense storyline that follows through on things left up in the air at the end of the previous book. As if that weren't enough, McKenna writes THE BEST love scenes i have ever read. If you're familiar with her writing at all, you know her stories are firmly planted in the Erotica genre, and she is absolutely the best around in that field. There are numerous love scenes here, but unlike other books under the Erotica label...her stories aren't all about sex. Which is just one of the reasons why she's one of my favorite authors.
Highly recommended to anyone who likes a steamy thrill-ride....heavy on the steamy. ;)
May 12, 2009
To begin with, you must get the first book by Mckenna called Behind Closed Doors which happens 6 months prior to this story. You will understand who the characters are and the situations better in Standing in the Shadows.
With that said, McKenna is becoming a rising star with her blend of suspense and erotica. In the next few years, she will become a true star in the book industry if she continues to write in the same manner.
We first met Conner who was recovering from a coma and the death of his partner in Behind Closed Doors. The reader finds out that his arch enemy Novak, an insane mental case who was responsible has broken out of prison and maybe after the woman Conner has loved secretly for over ten years.
Erin Riggs is practically falling apart at the seams. Her mother is seeing things and near to having a breakdown, her sister is failing out of college and her father is in prison for helping Novak. Conner is about to enter her life again, which just adds to her problems. The problem is that she has been in love with Conner since she was 17 and can't get over it. Conner wants to protect her because he thinks Novak will harm her.
At points Conner is overbearing, stubborn and hopelessly gone when it comes to Erin. He thinks of her as his mate and soul, Almost to the point of obsession.
Conner and Erin get to the point where they can no longer deny their feelings any longer. The sex scenes are so steamy and hot that you can fry an egg on the pages. This is true erotica that is tastefully done. Also along the way, the reader will meet many diverse secondary characters, including Conner's brothers and Erin's mother and sister as well as villians so over the top that they will make you laugh.
Conner and Erin are true soulmates and the suspense is thick and tense.
McKenna has found a true following with this series and can she write incredible sex scenes! Run and get this book.
With that said, McKenna is becoming a rising star with her blend of suspense and erotica. In the next few years, she will become a true star in the book industry if she continues to write in the same manner.
We first met Conner who was recovering from a coma and the death of his partner in Behind Closed Doors. The reader finds out that his arch enemy Novak, an insane mental case who was responsible has broken out of prison and maybe after the woman Conner has loved secretly for over ten years.
Erin Riggs is practically falling apart at the seams. Her mother is seeing things and near to having a breakdown, her sister is failing out of college and her father is in prison for helping Novak. Conner is about to enter her life again, which just adds to her problems. The problem is that she has been in love with Conner since she was 17 and can't get over it. Conner wants to protect her because he thinks Novak will harm her.
At points Conner is overbearing, stubborn and hopelessly gone when it comes to Erin. He thinks of her as his mate and soul, Almost to the point of obsession.
Conner and Erin get to the point where they can no longer deny their feelings any longer. The sex scenes are so steamy and hot that you can fry an egg on the pages. This is true erotica that is tastefully done. Also along the way, the reader will meet many diverse secondary characters, including Conner's brothers and Erin's mother and sister as well as villians so over the top that they will make you laugh.
Conner and Erin are true soulmates and the suspense is thick and tense.
McKenna has found a true following with this series and can she write incredible sex scenes! Run and get this book.
July 15, 2014
This novel is a re read for me, first time was 10/20/13 but I did not share a review at that time. I am once again enjoying a Shannon McKenna book. Re reads to me are like revisiting old friends and Ms. McKenna's book, Standing in the Shadows, makes that journey a delight to a seasoned romance reader.
The premise of this story is about Connor McCloud, ex FBI agent, who was hurt and in a comma for over a year in a horrible attempt to kill him by a double crossing agent. Because of his permanent injuries he is now reduced to taking photos of cheating spouses for his brother's Private Investigation firm. The one constant in Connors life is his overwhelming attraction, love, for Erin since she was seventeen, 10 years ago. Her dad was the agent that got Connor injured and his partner killed. When he finds Erin's life in danger from an old nemeses seeking revenge, he will stop at nothing to keep the only woman he ever loved safe.
The passion that Connor and Erin share, burn up the pages as I read their love story. I was totally involved with their journey of self discovery, healing and their expressing of long held and hidden passions. What a good love story. Can not wait to read book three, Out of Control, Davy McCloud's story.
The premise of this story is about Connor McCloud, ex FBI agent, who was hurt and in a comma for over a year in a horrible attempt to kill him by a double crossing agent. Because of his permanent injuries he is now reduced to taking photos of cheating spouses for his brother's Private Investigation firm. The one constant in Connors life is his overwhelming attraction, love, for Erin since she was seventeen, 10 years ago. Her dad was the agent that got Connor injured and his partner killed. When he finds Erin's life in danger from an old nemeses seeking revenge, he will stop at nothing to keep the only woman he ever loved safe.
The passion that Connor and Erin share, burn up the pages as I read their love story. I was totally involved with their journey of self discovery, healing and their expressing of long held and hidden passions. What a good love story. Can not wait to read book three, Out of Control, Davy McCloud's story.
July 22, 2010
Book 2 of the McCloud brothers series does not disappoint. I was hooked until the very last page. This is Connor's story. We were introduced to him first in Behind Closed Doors as Seth's friend, and I was intrigued by him the minute he came on the scene.
Erin and Connor have a past. I LOVE these types of stories. Erin has been in love with Connor since he worked for her dad and Connor has been lusting Erin for just as long. This story starts up almost right where the last left off, so new readers....think about reading this series in order. Connor is adamant about protecting Erin and self appoints himself as her new bodyguard. Connor is an alpha male all the way, but that's just how I like em'! He is a bit rough around the edges and struggles to get in touch with feelings, but he know what he wants.... and Erin is the lucky girl! I loved this couple. They have a passionate, not always pretty, relationship, but it is real and I bought into them completely.
This book is at times fairly dark. The villain is evil incarnate and it is certainly not for the "violence leary". It is equal parts romance and suspense, but it's the romance that really did it for me. I enjoyed it.
Erin and Connor have a past. I LOVE these types of stories. Erin has been in love with Connor since he worked for her dad and Connor has been lusting Erin for just as long. This story starts up almost right where the last left off, so new readers....think about reading this series in order. Connor is adamant about protecting Erin and self appoints himself as her new bodyguard. Connor is an alpha male all the way, but that's just how I like em'! He is a bit rough around the edges and struggles to get in touch with feelings, but he know what he wants.... and Erin is the lucky girl! I loved this couple. They have a passionate, not always pretty, relationship, but it is real and I bought into them completely.
This book is at times fairly dark. The villain is evil incarnate and it is certainly not for the "violence leary". It is equal parts romance and suspense, but it's the romance that really did it for me. I enjoyed it.
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