Customer Reviews

Shades And Shadows

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4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
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In Shades and Shadows, we meet Jade who has spent the last 4 years trying to recover from an abusive marriage. She is the principal teacher and owner of her own dance studio. She has taken a break from relationships and kept her distance from men until she meets Noel. Noel has become a "player" after being hurt by the woman the he loved and hope would bear his children. He's a committed bachelor until the day he arrives at Jade's school to pick up his niece.

Their love affair starts off hot and heavy, but slows to a fun, yet leisurely pace as Noel realizes the hurt that Jade is hiding. Not wanting to scare her off, they begin a chemistry-laden romance as they take their time to get to know each other better. This portion of the book is fun to experience as a reader. Things seem to be going well until Jade's abusive ex-husband resurfaces and odd things begin to happen. This all culminates in Noel being attacked with the entire suspicion landing on Peter.

This is clearly a romance with a secondary story of some mystery/intrigue. The intrigue portion is not a major focus of the author in terms of character/storyline development. However, Noel and Jades relationship and the interactions between the two of them and their friends and family are well-developed enough to provide a very enjoyable read.

One of the members of my bookclub mentioned this book so I went to the library and checked it out. I must say that this book kept my attention from the beginning to the end. I stayed up late trying to finish this book. I must commend Sophia for her storyline, love scenes and mystery plots. I will definitely look out for next book. In fact I plan to buy this book and add it to my collections of AA books.
Keep up the good work. This novel should definitely receive some recognition. Purchase this book its definitely a good read.

Jade Winters is a career-driven woman who has not healed from her tumultuous past. She is owner and director of a successful dance studio in Chicago. She immerses herself in her work to avoid men, and the very device she uses, draws her to the one man, Noel Merson, who will bring her from behind the protective wall she has built. Noel also has emotional issues to overcome. He has had his fair share of superficial and meaningless relationships. After giving his heart away in the past only to be hurt, he is not eager to fall in love again.

There are individuals in Jade and Noel's lives that do not wish them well. They would like nothing more than for the two to part ways. A series of unsettling events by an unknown perpetrator cause friction between the two. As they try to work things out, an outside influence is working to keep them apart.

SHADES AND SHADOWS is a nicely written romance, but I expected more suspense. I was caught up in the romance between Jade and Noel and felt warm and fuzzy during their romantic moments, but I also felt disappointed because there was not enough tension as to the plans of the perpetrator. As a result,I did not feel the pleasurable excitement and anticipation regarding the mysterious outcome.

Reviewed by Aiesha Flowers
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

After ending her marriage to her abusive spouse Peter, Jade Winters ignores men to concentrate on her dance studio. Noel Merson wanted kids, but his girlfriend three years ago said no so he ended their relationship and has played the "game" since. These two have never met, but today Noel is taking his bossy twelve years old niece Laura to Jade's Chicago studio for her lesson.

Noel immediately wants to dance to the music of love, but Jade is hesitant. As he begins to break down her barriers, Peter decides he misses his former wife swearing he has changed. Though she has doubts that the leopard can change his spots, Jade wonders if she should give Peter a second chance or continue to take a chance on Noel. Someone viciously beats up Noel with Peter and his temper the obvious suspect; that is to everyone except Jade who thinks her ex is innocent. Is it wishful thinking, ignoring their painful past, or could someone else be involved?

SHADES AND SHADOWS is a terrific contemporary tale starring a delightful beleaguered protagonist and a fabulous support cast to include friends, instructors, student and the two rival males. The story line avoids the soap opera cliff by concentrating on relationships so that fans will initially believe Peter is the culprit, change their mind several times and keep reading until the end wondering if not Peter who. Sophia Shaw writes a fabulous romantic suspense that grips her audience from start to finish on one of the finest Chicago joyrides since Ferris.

Harriet Klausner