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loverofromance 's review for:
Shadows of You
by Catherine Cowles
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ
World Building:πππππ
Cover:πππππ
Hero: π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»
Heroine:π¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈ
Intimacy Level: π₯π₯π₯
Relationship Building: ππππ
Heart & Feels:πππππ
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: ππππ
Page Turner Level:ππππ
Ending:π§§π§§π§§π§§π§§
Overall View: β¨β¨β¨β¨.5
First Impressions
Shadows of You is the fourth installment in the "Lost & Found" series. This is a series that I have enjoyed so deeply and this family especially just holds such a special place in my heart. I also think that this series is the strongest that this author has written and if you love a good supsense plot that balances out the romance, then this series needs to be for you. The setup of this book really intrigued me as I just adore a heroine in hiding and mix that in with our grumpy hero, you just know that you are in for a delectable ride. This also has some sweet poignant moments that really carry the story through so well. I just admired the way that this author developed this story especially with our grump of the family "Roan".
First Line
Rain pounded against the windshield in a steady drum that only seemed to accentuate the thumping rhythm in my chest.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Roan Hartley
Tortured by an event in his past, he hides himself away in the mountains and near the wildlife and works in a manner of law enforcement. He is a bit broody and likes his space.
The Heroine: Aspen Barlow
Aspen took in her sister's daughter, when she was murdered and they went on the run and are hiding away in the state of Washington. Aspen is protective, caring and has a light fun nature.
Summary
When her sister is murdered, Aspen and her sweet daughter make a fresh start in the state of Washington. And for five years they have lived here in peace, building a home of an animal sanctuary of misfits of sorts and have developed some friendships with the Hartley family. When she goes about to rescue an injured deer, she runs into Roan Hartley who has a chip on his shoulder but somehow becomes charmed by her sweet inquisitive daughter who is like a ray of sunshine. When Aspen's past comes back to haunt her, Roan is her rock of protection and loyalty. He is steady and realiable and thus begins a relationship neither of them expected but just as fierce and intense as those of the Hartley siblings. But can Roan let go of his past including his fears; and embrace the future with Aspen?
What I Loved
There was so much to adore about this one and Catherine Cowles knocked this one out of the park. I had no doubt, I have yet to pick up a book by this author that I didn't love and adore. I also found so many elements to this story endearing and the fierce emotion that is packed within this story was so heartfelt. I found the chemistry between Roan and Aspen to be a bit slow in building but once it gets to the climax its sweet perfection. The way that these two come together just has a feeling of right to it. And the little girl....my heart melted with her sweet bubbly nature with such a big heart. Especially the relationship that she builds with Roan was adorable in so many respects. We also get to see some fantastic family bantering that leaves you with a smile. I also felt like the spice in this book was a bit stronger than what I have seen from this author, but it felt just right for the story.
The plot of the story was really superb. Catherine Cowles has really stepped up to the plate in how she writes suspense. And seeing the reveals that occur within the story and the unique twists that you don't see coming was just right. There is such talent that this author has in how she combines suspense with the romance. Its so well balanced and neither aspect overtake the story but have such a harmonious vibe to it.
What I Struggled With
There wasn't really much I struggled with, some small parts of the story had some pacing issues, but other than that, everything was just right for this one here.
Overall View
Shadows of You is like a breath of fresh air, it delivers on the witty banter, a sultry spice connection and a fierce poignant gem of a read that I will hold dearly to my heart!
Favorite Quote(s)
βEveryone needs a place to belong. Somewhere they feel safe. I like being that for them.β
βTender Heart.β The nickname was a gruff utterance. βI donβt give a damn what they say. I give a damn what you say. And it seems like youβd go down into the fiery pits for me.β I tipped my head back. βIβd follow you anywhere.β
βYou were the light in the shadows. A glimmer of hope when I felt like all mine had been burned out.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Character Types: Law Enforcement, Single Parent, Mountain Man, Tortured Hero
Themes: Small Town, Kids, MC on the Run, Winter Theme
Tropes: Opposites Attract, Grumpy Sunshine, Secret Identity
Book Perspective
DUO POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A mix of both
Song This Book Inspires
What Keeps You Up at Night by Dan+Shay
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes I recommend reading these in order if you can
Steam/Spice Explanations
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ
World Building:πππππ
Cover:πππππ
Hero: π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»
Heroine:π¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈ
Intimacy Level: π₯π₯π₯
Relationship Building: ππππ
Heart & Feels:πππππ
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: ππππ
Page Turner Level:ππππ
Ending:π§§π§§π§§π§§π§§
Overall View: β¨β¨β¨β¨.5
First Impressions
Shadows of You is the fourth installment in the "Lost & Found" series. This is a series that I have enjoyed so deeply and this family especially just holds such a special place in my heart. I also think that this series is the strongest that this author has written and if you love a good supsense plot that balances out the romance, then this series needs to be for you. The setup of this book really intrigued me as I just adore a heroine in hiding and mix that in with our grumpy hero, you just know that you are in for a delectable ride. This also has some sweet poignant moments that really carry the story through so well. I just admired the way that this author developed this story especially with our grump of the family "Roan".
First Line
Rain pounded against the windshield in a steady drum that only seemed to accentuate the thumping rhythm in my chest.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Roan Hartley
Tortured by an event in his past, he hides himself away in the mountains and near the wildlife and works in a manner of law enforcement. He is a bit broody and likes his space.
The Heroine: Aspen Barlow
Aspen took in her sister's daughter, when she was murdered and they went on the run and are hiding away in the state of Washington. Aspen is protective, caring and has a light fun nature.
Summary
When her sister is murdered, Aspen and her sweet daughter make a fresh start in the state of Washington. And for five years they have lived here in peace, building a home of an animal sanctuary of misfits of sorts and have developed some friendships with the Hartley family. When she goes about to rescue an injured deer, she runs into Roan Hartley who has a chip on his shoulder but somehow becomes charmed by her sweet inquisitive daughter who is like a ray of sunshine. When Aspen's past comes back to haunt her, Roan is her rock of protection and loyalty. He is steady and realiable and thus begins a relationship neither of them expected but just as fierce and intense as those of the Hartley siblings. But can Roan let go of his past including his fears; and embrace the future with Aspen?
What I Loved
There was so much to adore about this one and Catherine Cowles knocked this one out of the park. I had no doubt, I have yet to pick up a book by this author that I didn't love and adore. I also found so many elements to this story endearing and the fierce emotion that is packed within this story was so heartfelt. I found the chemistry between Roan and Aspen to be a bit slow in building but once it gets to the climax its sweet perfection. The way that these two come together just has a feeling of right to it. And the little girl....my heart melted with her sweet bubbly nature with such a big heart. Especially the relationship that she builds with Roan was adorable in so many respects. We also get to see some fantastic family bantering that leaves you with a smile. I also felt like the spice in this book was a bit stronger than what I have seen from this author, but it felt just right for the story.
The plot of the story was really superb. Catherine Cowles has really stepped up to the plate in how she writes suspense. And seeing the reveals that occur within the story and the unique twists that you don't see coming was just right. There is such talent that this author has in how she combines suspense with the romance. Its so well balanced and neither aspect overtake the story but have such a harmonious vibe to it.
What I Struggled With
There wasn't really much I struggled with, some small parts of the story had some pacing issues, but other than that, everything was just right for this one here.
Overall View
Shadows of You is like a breath of fresh air, it delivers on the witty banter, a sultry spice connection and a fierce poignant gem of a read that I will hold dearly to my heart!
Favorite Quote(s)
βEveryone needs a place to belong. Somewhere they feel safe. I like being that for them.β
βTender Heart.β The nickname was a gruff utterance. βI donβt give a damn what they say. I give a damn what you say. And it seems like youβd go down into the fiery pits for me.β I tipped my head back. βIβd follow you anywhere.β
βYou were the light in the shadows. A glimmer of hope when I felt like all mine had been burned out.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Character Types: Law Enforcement, Single Parent, Mountain Man, Tortured Hero
Themes: Small Town, Kids, MC on the Run, Winter Theme
Tropes: Opposites Attract, Grumpy Sunshine, Secret Identity
Book Perspective
DUO POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A mix of both
Song This Book Inspires
What Keeps You Up at Night by Dan+Shay
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes I recommend reading these in order if you can
Steam/Spice Explanations
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.