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In Their Shadows
“It’s easy to have more than one life. You just have to know how to balance them . . .”
Raised to be the ultimate scam artist, April has been many women to many people. She seduces, extracts fortunes, then vanishes without a trace. And now she’s finally living her dream of having two perfect—separate—lives. That means two mad-successful identities, and two unsuspecting husbands. But a mysterious package has just arrived—and its contents threaten to expose April’s every scandalous
secret . . .
Up against a merciless, unknown adversary, April must maintain her flawless images—while revisiting her past exploits. She’ll need to step-up her tricks and utilize every conniving play she’s ever learned to save her freedom, and her life. But amid all those she’s wronged, even April’s insight and savvy can’t predict who she can trust—or who wants to end her. And the ultimate price she’ll have to pay promises anything but survival . . .
Raised to be the ultimate scam artist, April has been many women to many people. She seduces, extracts fortunes, then vanishes without a trace. And now she’s finally living her dream of having two perfect—separate—lives. That means two mad-successful identities, and two unsuspecting husbands. But a mysterious package has just arrived—and its contents threaten to expose April’s every scandalous
secret . . .
Up against a merciless, unknown adversary, April must maintain her flawless images—while revisiting her past exploits. She’ll need to step-up her tricks and utilize every conniving play she’s ever learned to save her freedom, and her life. But amid all those she’s wronged, even April’s insight and savvy can’t predict who she can trust—or who wants to end her. And the ultimate price she’ll have to pay promises anything but survival . . .
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 24, 2023
12 people are currently reading
1727 people want to read
About the author
Briana Cole
17 books296 followersKnown as "The Literary Drama Queen," Briana Cole is a multi-talented entertainment mogul in both the book and film industries. Authoring six novels, including the critically-acclaimed Unconditional series, Briana has also published two novels under Carl Weber with her pseudonym Brielle Montgomery. Briana is the co-Screenwriter and Associate Producer for two urban films, and she has written, executive produced, and co-starred in her own feature film, Pseudo, which was recently acquired by Damon Dash. She has been recognized in a number of popular blogs and magazines, the most prominent being Sophisticate's Hair Magazine, Publisher's Weekly, Popsugar, and Sheen. In addition to this, Briana is a motivational speaker, mother of three, and active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
November 16, 2023
Ever since she was a little girl, April has been taught every trick in the book to deceive in order to get what she wants. A talented con artist, she has gone by more names than she can sometimes remember in her quest to meet wealthy men and then disappear with their hard earned money in her own pocket. All lessons passed down by her mother, it’s worked well over the years, even if it has always felt more like a job than a way of life.
After a lifetime of the game, however, April has finally found the perfect balance when she met and married two men—at the same time. Now living a complicated double life, she has managed to create dual personas that ring with truth and authenticity. April has always felt safe, despite her duplicitous ways—until, that is, a mysterious package arrives at her door addressed to one of her old names. A name no one alive should even know.
As the two lives come under threat, April must fight to keep them both in order. She’s had a lifetime of practice, of course, but now she’s going to need to revisit her past in order to protect her future. With her stress and paranoia growing, however, cracks are starting to show. After all, she has no clue who to trust and who to challenge—including her very own husbands. But even worse, the rules in this game of cat-and-mouse are foreign to her. Is April set to simply lose her carefully constructed world? Or will the ramifications for all of her past misdeeds be of a much deadlier variety?
What a doozy of a book! An utterly original plot that kept me reeling, In Their Shadows was a thoroughly epic domestic thriller packed with suspense. I mean, between the scattered deftly hidden clues and the heaping helping of red herrings, there wasn’t a chance that I could’ve guessed where this plot was headed. And take it from this reader, but that’s truly a joyous place to be.
My favorite piece to this delicious puzzle was easily the leading lady herself, however. A morally gray character, I, nevertheless, found myself rooting for April as her carefully constructed life imploded around her. After all, she was a delicious mix of ineptly naïve and perfectly poised villain. Who on earth could pass up such an intriguing combination? Even better, the difficult balancing act between April’s two lives was illuminated in her swift unraveling. I do wish she’d had to juggle the two a bit more, but, just the same, I was a goner for her from the very beginning.
In the same breath, however, April’s relationship with her mother should have been further explored, in my opinion. With just a few tantalizing morsels scattered throughout the plot, I would’ve loved to see their past revealed in all its glory. A definite opportunity for more character growth on April’s part, it may have kept both her and Erika from coming across as somewhat flat and without much if any real dimension.
Back to the pluses, however, with that whip-smart plot. Action-packed and with two dynamite timelines, the twists and turns kept me on the back foot throughout. Messy in the best possible way, the storyline also somehow managed to be well-written and perfectly laid out so that details only emerged at the most opportune moment. At the same time, the very real palpable tension seemed to rise higher and higher until the climax exploded right before my eyes. So bravo, Ms. Cole, on a tricky plot that landed just right.
All in all, this was a phenomenal take on a con woman’s potential demise. While there were a few plot holes along the way, I had a blast racing through the book nonetheless. Trust me when I say that there was no one—and I mean no one—who evaded my suspicion. From both husbands to even her mother-in-law, I questioned what everyone’s real motives actually were. All I know is, I was kept firmly in the dark and, considering how much I love being blindsided when a book is done just right, I was overjoyed to find that, for the most part, this one fit that bill to a tee. Ultimately, I highly recommend checking out Cole’s newest novel as it took me on one heck of a trip from cover to cover and is not one to be missed. Rating of 4 stars.
Thank you to Briana Cole and Kensington Books Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DAY: October 24th, 2023
👉 Be sure to head to my Amazon Storefront to order. I get a small commission and would love your support!
Trigger warning: double life, infidelity, dementia, pedophilia, sexual assault, stalking, assault and robbery, fatal shooting, mention of: fatal house fire
After a lifetime of the game, however, April has finally found the perfect balance when she met and married two men—at the same time. Now living a complicated double life, she has managed to create dual personas that ring with truth and authenticity. April has always felt safe, despite her duplicitous ways—until, that is, a mysterious package arrives at her door addressed to one of her old names. A name no one alive should even know.
As the two lives come under threat, April must fight to keep them both in order. She’s had a lifetime of practice, of course, but now she’s going to need to revisit her past in order to protect her future. With her stress and paranoia growing, however, cracks are starting to show. After all, she has no clue who to trust and who to challenge—including her very own husbands. But even worse, the rules in this game of cat-and-mouse are foreign to her. Is April set to simply lose her carefully constructed world? Or will the ramifications for all of her past misdeeds be of a much deadlier variety?
What a doozy of a book! An utterly original plot that kept me reeling, In Their Shadows was a thoroughly epic domestic thriller packed with suspense. I mean, between the scattered deftly hidden clues and the heaping helping of red herrings, there wasn’t a chance that I could’ve guessed where this plot was headed. And take it from this reader, but that’s truly a joyous place to be.
My favorite piece to this delicious puzzle was easily the leading lady herself, however. A morally gray character, I, nevertheless, found myself rooting for April as her carefully constructed life imploded around her. After all, she was a delicious mix of ineptly naïve and perfectly poised villain. Who on earth could pass up such an intriguing combination? Even better, the difficult balancing act between April’s two lives was illuminated in her swift unraveling. I do wish she’d had to juggle the two a bit more, but, just the same, I was a goner for her from the very beginning.
In the same breath, however, April’s relationship with her mother should have been further explored, in my opinion. With just a few tantalizing morsels scattered throughout the plot, I would’ve loved to see their past revealed in all its glory. A definite opportunity for more character growth on April’s part, it may have kept both her and Erika from coming across as somewhat flat and without much if any real dimension.
Back to the pluses, however, with that whip-smart plot. Action-packed and with two dynamite timelines, the twists and turns kept me on the back foot throughout. Messy in the best possible way, the storyline also somehow managed to be well-written and perfectly laid out so that details only emerged at the most opportune moment. At the same time, the very real palpable tension seemed to rise higher and higher until the climax exploded right before my eyes. So bravo, Ms. Cole, on a tricky plot that landed just right.
All in all, this was a phenomenal take on a con woman’s potential demise. While there were a few plot holes along the way, I had a blast racing through the book nonetheless. Trust me when I say that there was no one—and I mean no one—who evaded my suspicion. From both husbands to even her mother-in-law, I questioned what everyone’s real motives actually were. All I know is, I was kept firmly in the dark and, considering how much I love being blindsided when a book is done just right, I was overjoyed to find that, for the most part, this one fit that bill to a tee. Ultimately, I highly recommend checking out Cole’s newest novel as it took me on one heck of a trip from cover to cover and is not one to be missed. Rating of 4 stars.
Thank you to Briana Cole and Kensington Books Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DAY: October 24th, 2023
👉 Be sure to head to my Amazon Storefront to order. I get a small commission and would love your support!
Trigger warning: double life, infidelity, dementia, pedophilia, sexual assault, stalking, assault and robbery, fatal shooting, mention of: fatal house fire
April 2, 2023
Briana Cole’s latest domestic thriller left me breathless! Just when you think you have a handle on the plot, Cole expertly nails you with another curveball you’ll never see coming. With a whip-smart main character, dual timelines revealing new secrets at just the right moments, and pacing that never lets up, I found myself unable to put this one down! IN THEIR SHADOWS is dark, sinister, and completely addictive. With one of the most unique plots I’ve ever read and more than one gasp-out-loud twist, prepare to lose sleep and be rendered speechless!
April 2, 2025
An entertaining popcorn thriller. It hooked me right away because I find stories like these - whether true or not - to be fascinating. How can one person live a double life? I can't even keep things straight in my one life... add a second one with a whole other husband? Nah. I'm good lol
Loved the suspense that was built across the first half of the book, but then I found it to fall a bit flat in the middle of the book, which caused me to lose some steam when reading it. What can easily be a "finish in one day book" turned into "finish in a few days" for me.
I do wish some of the characters and their relationship were built out more - for instance, April and Erika and April and Prez. I even would have liked to know more about April. I still felt like she was a surface-level character by the end of the book.
Regardless, an entertaining read that will likely make you feel really good about the one life that you live.
Loved the suspense that was built across the first half of the book, but then I found it to fall a bit flat in the middle of the book, which caused me to lose some steam when reading it. What can easily be a "finish in one day book" turned into "finish in a few days" for me.
I do wish some of the characters and their relationship were built out more - for instance, April and Erika and April and Prez. I even would have liked to know more about April. I still felt like she was a surface-level character by the end of the book.
Regardless, an entertaining read that will likely make you feel really good about the one life that you live.
October 21, 2023
In the Shadows by Briana Cole. Thanks to the author for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April has set herself up well. She has married two wealthy men, and become two different women with different lives. It’s a balancing act, but she maintains it. Until someone knows her secret…
I enjoy books with women doing what they need to do and keeping up a facade. Of course eventually it all comes falling down and I was here for it. I loved the dual time lines and the flashbacks, which explained a lot about the present too. I would have liked even more about how the marriages started and how she kept it up, but this story certainly kept my interest and was packed with action.
“It’s pretty easy to have more than one life; you just have to know how to balance them. Like shifts, you clock-in one while you clock-out from another.”
In Their Shadows comes out 10/24.
April has set herself up well. She has married two wealthy men, and become two different women with different lives. It’s a balancing act, but she maintains it. Until someone knows her secret…
I enjoy books with women doing what they need to do and keeping up a facade. Of course eventually it all comes falling down and I was here for it. I loved the dual time lines and the flashbacks, which explained a lot about the present too. I would have liked even more about how the marriages started and how she kept it up, but this story certainly kept my interest and was packed with action.
“It’s pretty easy to have more than one life; you just have to know how to balance them. Like shifts, you clock-in one while you clock-out from another.”
In Their Shadows comes out 10/24.
October 29, 2023
This book is twisty and brilliantly written! I enjoyed it from beginning to end!
What I like about this book is the characters and the plot. I was floored and couldn't believe how shady and scandalous these characters were. It was a fantastic read! The book flowed perfectly, and it was fast-paced. What was the most enjoyable was the final twist. That twist had me screaming at the book!
“In Their Shadows” is the type of novel I enjoy reading. The one willing to push the envelope. The author kept everything nice and tidy. I think "In Their Shadows" is her best novel yet.
For those who read reviews to help decide to purchase, you MUST add this one to your collection! This novel will shock you and make you laugh and shout.
This book is OUTSTANDING! Thanks to the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest, unapologetic book review.
What I like about this book is the characters and the plot. I was floored and couldn't believe how shady and scandalous these characters were. It was a fantastic read! The book flowed perfectly, and it was fast-paced. What was the most enjoyable was the final twist. That twist had me screaming at the book!
“In Their Shadows” is the type of novel I enjoy reading. The one willing to push the envelope. The author kept everything nice and tidy. I think "In Their Shadows" is her best novel yet.
For those who read reviews to help decide to purchase, you MUST add this one to your collection! This novel will shock you and make you laugh and shout.
This book is OUTSTANDING! Thanks to the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest, unapologetic book review.
January 2, 2024
I absolutely adore Brianna Cole for her thrilling and page turning reads with lots of action, surprising twists and turns - there’s absolutely no holding back and with main characters that are strong and may have a bit of a dark side.
I really enjoyed this one and I highly recommend
I really enjoyed this one and I highly recommend
October 19, 2023
Entertaining Read!
I am a fan of Briana Cole especially because I think she does a really good job with building suspense that lends to great plot twists. I was really happy to get my hands on a gifted copy of her newest mystery/suspense thriller, In Their Shadows. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the advanced reader copy.
This story is about a woman who is in essence a glorified scam artist. She learned to play the game and use people, men in particular, to get her fair share out of life. Having been taught by her mother, Ericka, how to survive, April knows the life all too well. So well in fact, that she presently has multiple aliases and identities that thankfully have not crossed paths. That is until a package arrives that threatens to have her entire world crumbling down.
There were parts of the story, especially the suspense building and plot twists that were really YES moments for me. I absolutely loved the concept of one woman living multiple lives on a scam. I mean when fiction meets reality, it can always be fun. And April was a pro at it. Trained by the best.
There were other parts that could have been further explored and nice to see. I would have enjoyed more character development for April and Erika and even Jameson/Prez. I think I wanted to know more about them and kept waiting to learn more but it never came. I loved April's character overall, but there were times when she fell flat and almost one dimensional. Nevertheless, it's still definitely worth the read.
In Their Shadows releases on October 24, 2023.
3.5/5 ⭐️'s
I am a fan of Briana Cole especially because I think she does a really good job with building suspense that lends to great plot twists. I was really happy to get my hands on a gifted copy of her newest mystery/suspense thriller, In Their Shadows. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the advanced reader copy.
This story is about a woman who is in essence a glorified scam artist. She learned to play the game and use people, men in particular, to get her fair share out of life. Having been taught by her mother, Ericka, how to survive, April knows the life all too well. So well in fact, that she presently has multiple aliases and identities that thankfully have not crossed paths. That is until a package arrives that threatens to have her entire world crumbling down.
There were parts of the story, especially the suspense building and plot twists that were really YES moments for me. I absolutely loved the concept of one woman living multiple lives on a scam. I mean when fiction meets reality, it can always be fun. And April was a pro at it. Trained by the best.
There were other parts that could have been further explored and nice to see. I would have enjoyed more character development for April and Erika and even Jameson/Prez. I think I wanted to know more about them and kept waiting to learn more but it never came. I loved April's character overall, but there were times when she fell flat and almost one dimensional. Nevertheless, it's still definitely worth the read.
In Their Shadows releases on October 24, 2023.
3.5/5 ⭐️'s
February 19, 2025
As a teenager, April was coerced by her mother, to marry a rich, older man, in order to secure their financial future. That led to a series of multiple identified, scamming men and moving on to the next. This all comes crumbling down when someone from her past is following her and threatens to expose her. When bodies start dropping around her, April fears for her own life and seeks help from the one person who started it all.
This book by @bcoleauthor had me on the edge of my seat until the very last page. Just when you think you know what's going on, there's another plot twist. I don't have a favorite character for this book, because everyone had a secret. My least favorite character would be April's mom, Erika. She definitely takes the "Worst Mother of the Year" award.
This is one of the best books that I've read so far, this year. Highly recommend.
This book by @bcoleauthor had me on the edge of my seat until the very last page. Just when you think you know what's going on, there's another plot twist. I don't have a favorite character for this book, because everyone had a secret. My least favorite character would be April's mom, Erika. She definitely takes the "Worst Mother of the Year" award.
This is one of the best books that I've read so far, this year. Highly recommend.
April 21, 2024
I didn’t expect nothing that actually ended up happening in this book. I mean the things I thought was going on was not the case at all. Like I was completely wrong. This book definitely kept me interested. I do wish some things were mentioned or clarified. Like what happened with Carter after that event? And the whole thing with Ramsey. And then the big reveal I was very much mind blown with Erika, Warren and April. I can’t imagine juggling to different lives, two marriages lol it was a lot. And then for the ending to be what it was made me feel like April went through all that for no reason lol I was mad for her.
Thanks NetGalley and publisher for this e-Arc. All opinions are my own.
Thanks NetGalley and publisher for this e-Arc. All opinions are my own.
November 5, 2023
I don't think the title does this book justice...this book is full of deception, action, suspense, and a twist at the end that blew my mind!
April goes by many names for her many different lives. I do well to keep my life straight. I can't imagine juggling multiple! But she was raised to perfect this lifestyle. To gain all she could financially before disappearing and starting anew. She is definitely a product of her environment. But was it a good environment for her? There are details we learn later in the book (so no spoilers here) that had me wondering how her mother could raise her this way. But, if you look at her mother, it isn't too much of a surprise. I do think that near the end, April was reconsidering her life and what she wanted it to be like, and was this her destiny?
There were times I wanted to feel bad for April, but she put herself in this position. She could have left this behind, but it might have meant finding an honest way of life and standing on her own two feet. As we get to know her mother, it is easy to see why this may not have been an easy task to attain.
If you enjoy a suspenseful novel filled with action, this is one that you should consider.
We give this book 5 paws up.
April goes by many names for her many different lives. I do well to keep my life straight. I can't imagine juggling multiple! But she was raised to perfect this lifestyle. To gain all she could financially before disappearing and starting anew. She is definitely a product of her environment. But was it a good environment for her? There are details we learn later in the book (so no spoilers here) that had me wondering how her mother could raise her this way. But, if you look at her mother, it isn't too much of a surprise. I do think that near the end, April was reconsidering her life and what she wanted it to be like, and was this her destiny?
There were times I wanted to feel bad for April, but she put herself in this position. She could have left this behind, but it might have meant finding an honest way of life and standing on her own two feet. As we get to know her mother, it is easy to see why this may not have been an easy task to attain.
If you enjoy a suspenseful novel filled with action, this is one that you should consider.
We give this book 5 paws up.
November 4, 2023
In Their Shadows was one of my anticipated reads. I’m a huge fan of Briana Cole and this book didn’t disappoint. April is living a double life. She has two husbands and lives under two different identities. She was raised by her mom to scheme, hustle, and trick men so she could have a better life. Now her past is catching up to her and April doesn’t know where to turn or who to believe.
This book was darker than some of Ms Cole’s other books. I didn’t expect the levels of violence and thrills. The story got a little muddled in the middle and I figured out some of the twists early on. If you’re a fan of messy/juicy storylines, I’d definitely recommend you read this one.
This book was darker than some of Ms Cole’s other books. I didn’t expect the levels of violence and thrills. The story got a little muddled in the middle and I figured out some of the twists early on. If you’re a fan of messy/juicy storylines, I’d definitely recommend you read this one.
November 27, 2023
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
I had no idea who Briana Cole is but this book has created a fan. In Their Shadows is twisty , thrilling and unbelievable. The book tells the story of April who was raised to be a scam artist and a perfect con artist think chameleon as she has had to be different women to different people. However every good thing eventually comes to an end when she is in her perfect cons when a package arrives that threatens to destroy everything she worked for. Scandalous, fast paced, well written and deadly this is a great read.
I had no idea who Briana Cole is but this book has created a fan. In Their Shadows is twisty , thrilling and unbelievable. The book tells the story of April who was raised to be a scam artist and a perfect con artist think chameleon as she has had to be different women to different people. However every good thing eventually comes to an end when she is in her perfect cons when a package arrives that threatens to destroy everything she worked for. Scandalous, fast paced, well written and deadly this is a great read.
November 6, 2023
Three names, Two Husbands, One crazy story!
This book grabbed me from the first page. The main character’s story is so engaging that I had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. As the book was ending, my heart was racing along with the main character as the twist and turns started to unfold. This was the first book I read by Briana Cole but I will not be the last.
🙏 Thank you to #netgalley and #kensingtonbooks for gifting a copy of #InTheirShadows in exchange for an honest review.
This book grabbed me from the first page. The main character’s story is so engaging that I had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. As the book was ending, my heart was racing along with the main character as the twist and turns started to unfold. This was the first book I read by Briana Cole but I will not be the last.
🙏 Thank you to #netgalley and #kensingtonbooks for gifting a copy of #InTheirShadows in exchange for an honest review.
October 3, 2024
I struggled to get into the audible because the narrator was just not my cup of tea. I found myself getting to the point where I wasn’t really interested in the text, just interested in finding out the ending so it could be over. Maybe I shouldn’t compare it to Briana Cole’s last psychological thriller, Behind Her Lies which I absolutely loved.
April 17, 2024
Sequel to Behind her lives. Alittle slower of a pace, but just as twisted and thrilling.. 💔 for April. Erica is a trip okay honey.
Warren had me smh! Brynn 😳😲 can you trust anyone!
Nice to see Deuce again. Good read was hoping to see the connection to Deven and Kennedy wrapped up in here.
Warren had me smh! Brynn 😳😲 can you trust anyone!
Nice to see Deuce again. Good read was hoping to see the connection to Deven and Kennedy wrapped up in here.
November 22, 2023
The SUSPENSE ! The PLOT TWIST !! This book kept me wanting to read for sure. I just wanted to get it over with. I felt like I was in the Book tryna figure it out with sis. Lol
January 31, 2024
All I can think about is that line from one of Erykah Badu's songs ... "I know I'm a lot of woman, but not enough to divide the pie."
Clearly April didn't feel this way! I enjoyed this one, not as much as the first in this series, but it was still a doozy.
Clearly April didn't feel this way! I enjoyed this one, not as much as the first in this series, but it was still a doozy.
August 25, 2024
This story needed more character and plot development. It was a good base but needed more seasoning.
August 23, 2023
3.5 stars
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
This was my first Briana Cole book. I think this was a good book with drama and a little suspense. It had a good plot, good characters (though maybe not morally), and pacing. The main character April, who is also Erin and Michelle, was smart and also secretive. I like how she was able to juggle her pas and her current two lives all while trying to figure out who was "after" her.
The action and suspense of the book was high and I was invested along with April in trying to solve the mystery. I was excited to see who was the culprit, what was their motive, and how it would all end. It was also interesting to see what life April would choose.
The author also did a good job with the twists. While there were some elements I had figured out, the why and the details were ones that stumped me. I also think the culprit and their motive was done well.
Aside from that, there were things about this book that didn't quite work for me. I feel like the characters were interesting but in a one-dimensional way. There was a lot that could have been explored with April and her mother Erika that just wasn't. There also could have been some sort of redemption and growth from April. In some ways there was, but again I think there could have been more. I would have liked more insight into April and Erika's past as well. The book could have benefitted from more juggling between Erin and Michelle. The story was very one-sided in a way and since April's two lives was almost the basis of the plot, there should have been more about those two lives instead of just the one. In the end, a lot of things were left too loose for my liking. There were a lot of unanswered questions that I think needed to be answered.
What the author did well was create a story that was original. I give this book five stars on that alone because the plot and suspense was done in a way that was light but also intense when it needed to be. The author did a good job creating twists I did not see coming and keeping the plot moving forward at a good pace.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
This was my first Briana Cole book. I think this was a good book with drama and a little suspense. It had a good plot, good characters (though maybe not morally), and pacing. The main character April, who is also Erin and Michelle, was smart and also secretive. I like how she was able to juggle her pas and her current two lives all while trying to figure out who was "after" her.
The action and suspense of the book was high and I was invested along with April in trying to solve the mystery. I was excited to see who was the culprit, what was their motive, and how it would all end. It was also interesting to see what life April would choose.
The author also did a good job with the twists. While there were some elements I had figured out, the why and the details were ones that stumped me. I also think the culprit and their motive was done well.
Aside from that, there were things about this book that didn't quite work for me. I feel like the characters were interesting but in a one-dimensional way. There was a lot that could have been explored with April and her mother Erika that just wasn't. There also could have been some sort of redemption and growth from April. In some ways there was, but again I think there could have been more. I would have liked more insight into April and Erika's past as well. The book could have benefitted from more juggling between Erin and Michelle. The story was very one-sided in a way and since April's two lives was almost the basis of the plot, there should have been more about those two lives instead of just the one. In the end, a lot of things were left too loose for my liking. There were a lot of unanswered questions that I think needed to be answered.
What the author did well was create a story that was original. I give this book five stars on that alone because the plot and suspense was done in a way that was light but also intense when it needed to be. The author did a good job creating twists I did not see coming and keeping the plot moving forward at a good pace.
November 7, 2023
First, I want to say thank you to the author, @bcoleauthor, for sending me an ARC of her newest book. I got to read Behind Her Lives earlier this year and loved it, so I was stoked to get my hands on a copy of In Their Shadows. And I’m happy to say, I loved this one too!
Cole’s books, at least the two I’ve read, have strong female MC’s and this is something I love to find in books. In Their Shadows follows April, a con woman living two separate lives, who receives a package that threatens to expose her secrets to the world. While desperately trying to hold fast to the woman her friends and families know, April must also try and discover who is trying to ruin her life. She has no idea who she can trust. Will this mysterious person be the end of her, or can she survive?
What I liked: The suspense in this book was thrilling, and the action had me on the edge of my seat. While many of the things April did in this book had me questioning her motives, and while many of her choices were questionable, I ultimately found myself rooting for her. I love a good con woman story and this one is exceptional. And the twist at the end! I certainly didn’t see it coming.
My only complaint about this book is that because April is technically three different women throughout the story, I did find I had a bit of trouble keeping the storylines, and characters straight. But this didn’t take from the story.
Should you read it? Yes! And definitely check out Behind Her Lives as well.
In Their Shadows is out 10/24/23
Thank you again for the book, @bcoleauthor!
Cole’s books, at least the two I’ve read, have strong female MC’s and this is something I love to find in books. In Their Shadows follows April, a con woman living two separate lives, who receives a package that threatens to expose her secrets to the world. While desperately trying to hold fast to the woman her friends and families know, April must also try and discover who is trying to ruin her life. She has no idea who she can trust. Will this mysterious person be the end of her, or can she survive?
What I liked: The suspense in this book was thrilling, and the action had me on the edge of my seat. While many of the things April did in this book had me questioning her motives, and while many of her choices were questionable, I ultimately found myself rooting for her. I love a good con woman story and this one is exceptional. And the twist at the end! I certainly didn’t see it coming.
My only complaint about this book is that because April is technically three different women throughout the story, I did find I had a bit of trouble keeping the storylines, and characters straight. But this didn’t take from the story.
Should you read it? Yes! And definitely check out Behind Her Lives as well.
In Their Shadows is out 10/24/23
Thank you again for the book, @bcoleauthor!
December 28, 2023
I thought this was a good book for me but once I started reading it, it was not holding my interest. I was reading it too slow cause I just couldn't get into the story. I will try another book by this author some other time.
Read
May 22, 2024I am of two minds when it comes to this book. On its own, it was a great read. In connection was Behind Her Lives, which was the book that led me to read In Their Shadows, it did not make sense.
Behind Her Lives was AMAZING! I would absolutely recommend that to anyone.
I was hoping In Their Shadows would be either a continuation or just another part of the story to provide more context. Unfortunately, it was neither.
This book reveals more about the character April from Behind Her Lives. Yet, for how the story unfolds, this is not the same character. It is just the same name with similar circumstances.
April actually proves to be a dynamic character with true feelings of love, regret, pain, etc. and even though she is meant to be a nightmare of a person, she is truly a dynamic individual. She is unfortunately destroyed by being raised by the wrong person (people?) and led astray. Yet, she comes into her own and has the potential to be a great individual.
Sadly, I read this at the same time I read Psuedo. They were meant to be different stories. One about Kennedy's life and one about April's. Yet, if you read them both, you will have a hard time differentiating between the two stories. It is very evident that Psuedo was the short story meant to be a novel and that novel became In Their Shadows. It was revised and expanded.
If you must read one, I would recommend In Their Shadows. It had way more twist and turns and shocking revelations. Everyone is lying, but you cannot help but to be absorbed into the lies.
I actually hope Briana Cole writes another story about the lives of Kennedy, April and Deven. I would like a genuine backround story on Kennedy and what happened to her in her teen years as well as what her life was like before she realized that her life has been taken over. Also, I would like an update on Deven's life and if she manages to get any closure (or revenge) after learning the truth. In this same manner, I would like to know more about Benji. How does he cope after learning Kennedy's truth? Does this do anything to break barriers between Benji and Deven?
Even more so, I would long for a book about Erika's life. How did she become the woman she is now? Why did she have April? How is she so talented at all the schemes? How does she manage to continue to survive and thrive now that April is grown? There is so much more to uncover and know.
Behind Her Lives was AMAZING! I would absolutely recommend that to anyone.
I was hoping In Their Shadows would be either a continuation or just another part of the story to provide more context. Unfortunately, it was neither.
This book reveals more about the character April from Behind Her Lives. Yet, for how the story unfolds, this is not the same character. It is just the same name with similar circumstances.
April actually proves to be a dynamic character with true feelings of love, regret, pain, etc. and even though she is meant to be a nightmare of a person, she is truly a dynamic individual. She is unfortunately destroyed by being raised by the wrong person (people?) and led astray. Yet, she comes into her own and has the potential to be a great individual.
Sadly, I read this at the same time I read Psuedo. They were meant to be different stories. One about Kennedy's life and one about April's. Yet, if you read them both, you will have a hard time differentiating between the two stories. It is very evident that Psuedo was the short story meant to be a novel and that novel became In Their Shadows. It was revised and expanded.
If you must read one, I would recommend In Their Shadows. It had way more twist and turns and shocking revelations. Everyone is lying, but you cannot help but to be absorbed into the lies.
I actually hope Briana Cole writes another story about the lives of Kennedy, April and Deven. I would like a genuine backround story on Kennedy and what happened to her in her teen years as well as what her life was like before she realized that her life has been taken over. Also, I would like an update on Deven's life and if she manages to get any closure (or revenge) after learning the truth. In this same manner, I would like to know more about Benji. How does he cope after learning Kennedy's truth? Does this do anything to break barriers between Benji and Deven?
Even more so, I would long for a book about Erika's life. How did she become the woman she is now? Why did she have April? How is she so talented at all the schemes? How does she manage to continue to survive and thrive now that April is grown? There is so much more to uncover and know.
January 11, 2025
As a mood reader, I love the freedom to scroll through my Kindle library to find books that resonate with my current vibe. It’s also a great way to weed out titles that aren’t clicking and discover hidden gems. One such gem was In Their Shadows by Briana Cole, a thrilling and suspenseful read that hooked me from the start.
The story centers around April, a woman living a high-stakes double life. Under one identity, she’s known as Erin, and under another, as Michelle. Each identity comes with its own husband, and neither man knows about the other. But April’s carefully constructed world begins to crumble when, in her life as Erin, she receives a parcel addressed to her real name, April. Inside the package is an item from her past—a past she’s desperately tried to leave behind.
Things take an even darker turn when a figure from her history resurfaces, threatening to expose her secrets and shatter the precarious balance she’s worked so hard to maintain. The tension builds as April is forced to confront her upbringing and the con artist legacy her mother, Erika, passed down to her. The book raises the question: Can April leave behind her double lives and start fresh, or will this be her downfall as someone from her past seeks revenge with lethal intent?
For fans of con artist stories and psychological thrillers, this book is a must-read. The pacing is spot-on, and the twists will keep you guessing until the very end. If you loved The Lies I Tell by Julie Clark or Woman Last Seen by Adele Parks, you’ll find In Their Shadows to be a thrilling addition to your reading list.
The story centers around April, a woman living a high-stakes double life. Under one identity, she’s known as Erin, and under another, as Michelle. Each identity comes with its own husband, and neither man knows about the other. But April’s carefully constructed world begins to crumble when, in her life as Erin, she receives a parcel addressed to her real name, April. Inside the package is an item from her past—a past she’s desperately tried to leave behind.
Things take an even darker turn when a figure from her history resurfaces, threatening to expose her secrets and shatter the precarious balance she’s worked so hard to maintain. The tension builds as April is forced to confront her upbringing and the con artist legacy her mother, Erika, passed down to her. The book raises the question: Can April leave behind her double lives and start fresh, or will this be her downfall as someone from her past seeks revenge with lethal intent?
For fans of con artist stories and psychological thrillers, this book is a must-read. The pacing is spot-on, and the twists will keep you guessing until the very end. If you loved The Lies I Tell by Julie Clark or Woman Last Seen by Adele Parks, you’ll find In Their Shadows to be a thrilling addition to your reading list.
November 5, 2023
**I received an ARC copy of this title via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.**
This book was amazing!
“April awoke, disoriented; briefly unsure which one of her husbands lay beside her.”
In Their Shadows by Briana Cole had me hooked from the start and you can see why. Before reading this, I briefly met April- the main character- in Behind Her Lives, trust me when I tell you that she deserves ALL of the karma that’s coming her way.
April is juggling two husbands and a double life. If that wasn’t enough, her scheming past is catching up with her. After years of draining bank accounts, breaking hearts, and switching identities like changing socks someone is out to make her pay.
She’s desperately trying to find her stalker, keep up with her lies, and walk away with all her money intact. The problem is, she’s led and ruined so many lives that the attack could be coming from anywhere.
Each page is a twist and turn that will keep you on edge. For as terrible as April is, I even found myself rooting for her at times (a sure sign of a well-written story and character).
This was such a good read- I rearranged plans and read it all day kind of good.
If you like mysteries with vivid characters, suspense, and surprises, you’ll love this book.
*4 stars b/c I do feel like some characters with significance are introduced and then forgotten about/not mentioned with no closure.*
P.S. I recommend reading Behind Her Lives
This book was amazing!
“April awoke, disoriented; briefly unsure which one of her husbands lay beside her.”
In Their Shadows by Briana Cole had me hooked from the start and you can see why. Before reading this, I briefly met April- the main character- in Behind Her Lives, trust me when I tell you that she deserves ALL of the karma that’s coming her way.
April is juggling two husbands and a double life. If that wasn’t enough, her scheming past is catching up with her. After years of draining bank accounts, breaking hearts, and switching identities like changing socks someone is out to make her pay.
She’s desperately trying to find her stalker, keep up with her lies, and walk away with all her money intact. The problem is, she’s led and ruined so many lives that the attack could be coming from anywhere.
Each page is a twist and turn that will keep you on edge. For as terrible as April is, I even found myself rooting for her at times (a sure sign of a well-written story and character).
This was such a good read- I rearranged plans and read it all day kind of good.
If you like mysteries with vivid characters, suspense, and surprises, you’ll love this book.
*4 stars b/c I do feel like some characters with significance are introduced and then forgotten about/not mentioned with no closure.*
P.S. I recommend reading Behind Her Lives
October 20, 2023
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
I tried a different book by Briana Cole a while ago, and while I wasn’t won over, I was intrigued enough by the premise of In Their Shadows to give her another try. And I was blown away. I’m a sucker for thrillers, especially by Black authors, that really lean into the mess, and boy, did this one ever.
The plot is so intricate, what with the different personas and lives April inhabits, and I love the way this was conveyed, with it being mostly in the present with her juggling her two marriages, with a creeping specter from her past coming back to haunt her. But just when you think you have the story figured out, it pulls a twist, and then another, and I really didn’t know what to expect, but I loved where it ended up.
Because amid all these deeply messy characters is an analysis of April’s psyche. Her mother, Erika, looms large in her orbit, having a massive influence, yet not filling the typical maternal role from the outset, and the dysfunction in their relationship plays a role in shaping who April is, and comes to fruition as the plot unfolds in a beautifully messy way.
This was a deliciously compelling read, and I’d recommend it to lovers of domestic thrillers.
I tried a different book by Briana Cole a while ago, and while I wasn’t won over, I was intrigued enough by the premise of In Their Shadows to give her another try. And I was blown away. I’m a sucker for thrillers, especially by Black authors, that really lean into the mess, and boy, did this one ever.
The plot is so intricate, what with the different personas and lives April inhabits, and I love the way this was conveyed, with it being mostly in the present with her juggling her two marriages, with a creeping specter from her past coming back to haunt her. But just when you think you have the story figured out, it pulls a twist, and then another, and I really didn’t know what to expect, but I loved where it ended up.
Because amid all these deeply messy characters is an analysis of April’s psyche. Her mother, Erika, looms large in her orbit, having a massive influence, yet not filling the typical maternal role from the outset, and the dysfunction in their relationship plays a role in shaping who April is, and comes to fruition as the plot unfolds in a beautifully messy way.
This was a deliciously compelling read, and I’d recommend it to lovers of domestic thrillers.
September 7, 2023
April was taught from an early age to be the ultimate con artist. She seduces, and steals fortunes then vanishes without a trace. She is finally living her dream, albeit having two very different lives.
When a mysterious package arrives, April’s past is coming to head and secrets she thought were buried are being resurfaced. Up against an unknown entity, April must continue to act the part in order to survive. But when bodies start to turn up, April isn’t sure she can stay hidden. Who can she trust when she can’t be trusted?
I saw that this one had some mixed reviews, so I was a little hesitant to pick it up, but boy am I glad I did. I always enjoy reading about female con artists and this one had a good twist at the end! I think that the author did a good job creating a believable story along the way, and the twist was fun. The main character, despite doing some not so nice things, was really entertaining to read about and I enjoyed her. This one was utterly addictive, and I didn’t want to put it down. Good thing I had a free afternoon and was able to finish in one sitting.
If you are looking for a well-crafted suspense novel, then check this one out.
Thank you so much to Kensington Books, Dafina, and Netgalley for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
When a mysterious package arrives, April’s past is coming to head and secrets she thought were buried are being resurfaced. Up against an unknown entity, April must continue to act the part in order to survive. But when bodies start to turn up, April isn’t sure she can stay hidden. Who can she trust when she can’t be trusted?
I saw that this one had some mixed reviews, so I was a little hesitant to pick it up, but boy am I glad I did. I always enjoy reading about female con artists and this one had a good twist at the end! I think that the author did a good job creating a believable story along the way, and the twist was fun. The main character, despite doing some not so nice things, was really entertaining to read about and I enjoyed her. This one was utterly addictive, and I didn’t want to put it down. Good thing I had a free afternoon and was able to finish in one sitting.
If you are looking for a well-crafted suspense novel, then check this one out.
Thank you so much to Kensington Books, Dafina, and Netgalley for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
December 1, 2023
April Garrett knows how to lie and manipulate others. She is taught the art of deception from her mother. The schemes began when she is married off to a much older man in her teens. A plan for her mother to steal his fortune. Taking matters into her own hands April set off a series of events that has her assuming new identities and staying on the run.
April starts a new life - or rather, two new lives. As Michelle Evans, she is the wife of Carter, a successful architect. As Erin Duncan, she is the wife of Ramsey, a talented artist and restaurateur. But someone is on to her game. Someone who knows her real name and her dark past. Someone who wants to make her pay for what she's done. April is running out of time and options. She can't trust anyone, not even her own mother. She must find a way out of this mess before it's too late.
Briana Cole is a master of African American thrillers. IN THEIR SHADOWS is a gripping story of deception, greed, and revenge. It will keep you on the edge of your seat until the shocking finale. If you love mysteries and thrillers, you don't want to miss this book.
April starts a new life - or rather, two new lives. As Michelle Evans, she is the wife of Carter, a successful architect. As Erin Duncan, she is the wife of Ramsey, a talented artist and restaurateur. But someone is on to her game. Someone who knows her real name and her dark past. Someone who wants to make her pay for what she's done. April is running out of time and options. She can't trust anyone, not even her own mother. She must find a way out of this mess before it's too late.
Briana Cole is a master of African American thrillers. IN THEIR SHADOWS is a gripping story of deception, greed, and revenge. It will keep you on the edge of your seat until the shocking finale. If you love mysteries and thrillers, you don't want to miss this book.
October 22, 2023
3.5 stars
This was the first book I've read by Briana Cole. The storyline is unique in that the main character - who I was never really sure if I was rooting for or not - has multiple identities, which she uses to steal money from others, primarily her boyfriends/husbands, before suddenly disappearing. She has a complicated relationship with her mother, who taught her everything she knows about the perfect con. But her latest con begins going sideways and she's not sure WHO figured her out, nor does she know HOW they figured her out.
While I did guess a bit of the twist, I still thoroughly enjoyed seeing how everything unfolded and there were plenty of surprises I didn't see coming. This book had me wanting to keep reading and I finished it pretty quickly too. I'm definitely interested in reading other works by this author!
I am so thankful to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was the first book I've read by Briana Cole. The storyline is unique in that the main character - who I was never really sure if I was rooting for or not - has multiple identities, which she uses to steal money from others, primarily her boyfriends/husbands, before suddenly disappearing. She has a complicated relationship with her mother, who taught her everything she knows about the perfect con. But her latest con begins going sideways and she's not sure WHO figured her out, nor does she know HOW they figured her out.
While I did guess a bit of the twist, I still thoroughly enjoyed seeing how everything unfolded and there were plenty of surprises I didn't see coming. This book had me wanting to keep reading and I finished it pretty quickly too. I'm definitely interested in reading other works by this author!
I am so thankful to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2023
This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for an unbiased review. The review will also be posted at http://words-review.com/tag/jojos-view/
I was surprisingly disappointed. This was the first book by B.C. that I didn’t absolutely love. It felt rushed and pointless, like there was no real end in sight for the storyline. It came together with a bow on top, albeit not the jaw dropping moment that she usually has. It also didn’t feel like this was a continuation of a series. I expected more and perhaps my expectations were too high but a generously given 3 stars is all I can muster for this one.
I was surprisingly disappointed. This was the first book by B.C. that I didn’t absolutely love. It felt rushed and pointless, like there was no real end in sight for the storyline. It came together with a bow on top, albeit not the jaw dropping moment that she usually has. It also didn’t feel like this was a continuation of a series. I expected more and perhaps my expectations were too high but a generously given 3 stars is all I can muster for this one.
October 18, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
ARC Review thanks to NetGalley.
This was my first Briana Cole book and I highly enjoyed it. April AKA Erin AKA Michelle is a con artist who was raised to be just that by her con artist mother. I loved the amount of suspense in this book and the story overall. Once new characters were introduced and the story was getting deeper I found myself trying to predict the ending due to how some of the characters were written , not 100% correct but I came pretty close.
I loved how as the story was wrapping up and information is being revealed , you’re thinking that’s all but on the next page there is another mystery being solved.
Overall a good read , and I would recommend.
ARC Review thanks to NetGalley.
This was my first Briana Cole book and I highly enjoyed it. April AKA Erin AKA Michelle is a con artist who was raised to be just that by her con artist mother. I loved the amount of suspense in this book and the story overall. Once new characters were introduced and the story was getting deeper I found myself trying to predict the ending due to how some of the characters were written , not 100% correct but I came pretty close.
I loved how as the story was wrapping up and information is being revealed , you’re thinking that’s all but on the next page there is another mystery being solved.
Overall a good read , and I would recommend.
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