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Someone Else's Shadow
My name is Peyton Lane, and I have no idea who I am.
Six months ago, I woke from a coma with no recollection of anybody, anything.
My family tells me that I’m a good woman, that I’m loved. It seems I’ve lived a full, rewarding life, but I would give all of it up in a heartbeat to remember who I was.
My mind is a blank slate. Every moment in time wiped clean.
But there is one thing I can remember, something I haven’t dared to tell anyone about—a mysterious oak tree, a red ribbon, and a vision of drowning.
I know the answers I seek lie buried at the bottom of a lake. And that’s why I’m here in South Carolina. The memory I have is something I witnessed…
So I wonder what it would feel like to remember…remember who I was, but more importantly, remember what I did.
Six months ago, I woke from a coma with no recollection of anybody, anything.
My family tells me that I’m a good woman, that I’m loved. It seems I’ve lived a full, rewarding life, but I would give all of it up in a heartbeat to remember who I was.
My mind is a blank slate. Every moment in time wiped clean.
But there is one thing I can remember, something I haven’t dared to tell anyone about—a mysterious oak tree, a red ribbon, and a vision of drowning.
I know the answers I seek lie buried at the bottom of a lake. And that’s why I’m here in South Carolina. The memory I have is something I witnessed…
So I wonder what it would feel like to remember…remember who I was, but more importantly, remember what I did.
Published June 20, 2022
About the author
Monica James
42 books2,697 followersMonica James spent her youth devouring the works of Anne Rice, William Shakespeare, and Emily Dickinson.
When she is not writing, Monica is busy running her own business, but she always finds a balance between the two. She enjoys writing honest, heartfelt, and turbulent stories, hoping to leave an imprint on her readers. She draws her inspiration from life.
She is a bestselling author in the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, and the U.K.
Monica James resides in Melbourne, Australia, with her wonderful family, and menagerie of animals. She is slightly obsessed with cats, chucks, and lip gloss, and secretly wishes she was a ninja on the weekends.
http://www.facebook.com/authormonicaj...
Twitter: @monicajames81
http://monicajamesbooks.blogspot.com.au/
When she is not writing, Monica is busy running her own business, but she always finds a balance between the two. She enjoys writing honest, heartfelt, and turbulent stories, hoping to leave an imprint on her readers. She draws her inspiration from life.
She is a bestselling author in the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, and the U.K.
Monica James resides in Melbourne, Australia, with her wonderful family, and menagerie of animals. She is slightly obsessed with cats, chucks, and lip gloss, and secretly wishes she was a ninja on the weekends.
http://www.facebook.com/authormonicaj...
Twitter: @monicajames81
http://monicajamesbooks.blogspot.com.au/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
June 25, 2022
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As soon as this went live off I went to #1clicking and never looked back. This grabbed me as soon as I started it, falling under this authors spell as she weaved a tale of 'Snow White & her Prince Charming' effortlessly making me fall in love with these characters and this storyline.
Peyton is suffering from amnesia after a driver ran her off the road. No one is giving her the trust she seeks let alone her own mother. Moving out of her parents house, she's drawn to a run down house with an oak tree and a red ribbon tied around it, something about this house and that tree call to her but she can't recall what.
We have front row seats as Peyton tries to piece pieces of an unfinished puzzle together to get the fuller picture.
Only one man can help her piece it all together and that's her new neighbour Cayden Coachman, as soon as these two meet it's like their souls are weeping, their connection is profound. Deeply emotional.
This was such a unique, unputdownable kind of read, I never wanted it to end. The only reason why this wasn't a 5 star read for me is that I thought the ending felt a we bit rushed, other than that this is a must read.
As soon as this went live off I went to #1clicking and never looked back. This grabbed me as soon as I started it, falling under this authors spell as she weaved a tale of 'Snow White & her Prince Charming' effortlessly making me fall in love with these characters and this storyline.
Peyton is suffering from amnesia after a driver ran her off the road. No one is giving her the trust she seeks let alone her own mother. Moving out of her parents house, she's drawn to a run down house with an oak tree and a red ribbon tied around it, something about this house and that tree call to her but she can't recall what.
We have front row seats as Peyton tries to piece pieces of an unfinished puzzle together to get the fuller picture.
Only one man can help her piece it all together and that's her new neighbour Cayden Coachman, as soon as these two meet it's like their souls are weeping, their connection is profound. Deeply emotional.
This was such a unique, unputdownable kind of read, I never wanted it to end. The only reason why this wasn't a 5 star read for me is that I thought the ending felt a we bit rushed, other than that this is a must read.
June 25, 2022
What a freaking mess of a plotline.
I know the amnesia plot can be quite tricky but i just hated how her memories were handled here.
I expected more mystery or some unpredictable twists but everything was so obvious since the very beginning.
I hate when someone tells you everything instead of you remembering on your own. That was my biggest issue with this book.
The relationship between the MC's was so weirdly written that i didn't feel any chemistry for their supposedly epic love.
They had such a toxic on and off relationship and I HATED how the h was engaged to other person and fucking them both at the same time. Why wasn't that even adressed properly?? Bc it's called cheating.
The way it was glossed over with one pathetic conversation with her fiance was awful. It just made me hate her more that i didn't care about her or the H at all.
The ending was so rushed and i also hated how everything was solved in one chapter.
So much potential, such a bad execution.
I know the amnesia plot can be quite tricky but i just hated how her memories were handled here.
I expected more mystery or some unpredictable twists but everything was so obvious since the very beginning.
I hate when someone tells you everything instead of you remembering on your own. That was my biggest issue with this book.
The relationship between the MC's was so weirdly written that i didn't feel any chemistry for their supposedly epic love.
They had such a toxic on and off relationship and I HATED how the h was engaged to other person and fucking them both at the same time. Why wasn't that even adressed properly?? Bc it's called cheating.
The way it was glossed over with one pathetic conversation with her fiance was awful. It just made me hate her more that i didn't care about her or the H at all.
The ending was so rushed and i also hated how everything was solved in one chapter.
So much potential, such a bad execution.
Read
July 10, 2022I saw the cover, read the blurb and both of them caught my interest!!!
So I started reading this story with high expectations!!!
The development was very very slow but due to my plenty dnfs lately, I pushed myself to keep reading.
Up to 44% I was almost pulling my hair because the plot was moving at a snail’s rhythm and there were plenty of unnecessary details that weren’t helping in a n y t h i n g!!
The plot, the characters, the writing style, were just messy.
I tried so hard but I couldn’t be invested in this story at all.
The heroine had nothing to connect with, I didn’t detect any chemistry between the mcs, my interest was lost and thankfully at that point I checked out a couple of reviews that really saved my reading time!
Dnf @ 46%.
So I started reading this story with high expectations!!!
The development was very very slow but due to my plenty dnfs lately, I pushed myself to keep reading.
Up to 44% I was almost pulling my hair because the plot was moving at a snail’s rhythm and there were plenty of unnecessary details that weren’t helping in a n y t h i n g!!
The plot, the characters, the writing style, were just messy.
I tried so hard but I couldn’t be invested in this story at all.
The heroine had nothing to connect with, I didn’t detect any chemistry between the mcs, my interest was lost and thankfully at that point I checked out a couple of reviews that really saved my reading time!
Dnf @ 46%.
July 5, 2022
1.5 stars
“This is too far-fetched to believe”
yeah, couldn’t agree with ms james more
“This is too far-fetched to believe”
yeah, couldn’t agree with ms james more
April 7, 2023
לסקירה מפורטת בעברית, קישור לבלוג שלי -
https://sivi-the-avid-reader.com/צל-ש...
https://sivi-the-avid-reader.com/צל-ש...
June 13, 2022
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
Star Rating : 4/5 Stars
POV : single
Cliffhanger : None
Pace of the story : Moderate
Angst Rating : 6/10
Heat Rating : 3/10
Triggers Involved : past Trauma
Overall Opinion :
Monica James is back! I absolutely love this woman's dark romance books and now we have her excelling in another genre, Suspense and mystery with romance!! This one is a standalone with amazing twists and a plot you won't see coming.
Peyton is lost. She has no idea of who she is and what life she had. They tell her she was happy , that she had a peaceful normal life. But then why does she remember bits of her last day and feels like she did something really bad. Something that might destroy people she loves? Who will give her all the answers when the ones who claim to be her family are the ones lying to her.
I liked this book a lot. It's romantic but I liked the suspense edge too. I have read a lot of dark romance books so reading this one with an amazing mysterious plotline as well, was a refresher for me.
Definitely recommending this one to all the dark romance loving people out there! If you like tons of mystery, suspense and twists with your dose of romance then pick this one up ASAP!
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June 16, 2022
4.25 stars--SOMEONE ELSE’S SHADOW by Monica James is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, romantic suspense story focusing on single father/renovator Cayden Coachman, and twenty-seven year old Peyton Lane.
WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from first person perspective (Peyton) using present day and memories from the past, SOMEONE ELSE’S SHADOW focuses on Peyton Lane’s need to uncover the truth. Six months earlier, Peyton suffered critical injuries in a car accident that left our heroine in a coma, resulting in her current state of amnesia. Struggling to make sense of everything, including the bits and pieces of dreams and memories that do not make sense but a ‘need’ to move away from home sends our heroine to South Carolina, to a familiar place where everything began. Enter Peyton’s neighbor Cayden Coachman, and the man with whom Peyton will fall in love. What ensues is the acrimonious but building relationship between Peyton and Cayden, and the fall-out when the truth is revealed, and the past returns determined to destroy them all.
Peyton Lane is unable to remember anything about her past but for the ‘snippets’ of memory that do not make any sense but her arrival in South Carolina pulls at the horror of what happened and why, and with the help of the man with whom she is falling in love, does the reality of the past begin to seep into our heroine’s life. Cayden Coachman is a man battling his own demons including the demons of the man that destroyed his life.Living on the ‘wrong’ side of the lake meant Cayden was never good enough but Peyton does not see the line, a line that divides between the haves and the have-nots.
The relationship between Peyton and Cayden is one of immediate attraction but Cayden knows Peyton’s secrets, and struggles in the wake of our heroine’s amnesia but the ghosts from the past refuse to let go, and with it the return of the pain that all but destroy Peyton Lane. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to Cayden’s daughter Ellie, and his sister Lacey, as well as Cayden’s ex Hazel; Peyton’s mother Stella Lane, her step-father Augusto, and Peyton’s less than accommodating siblings and their families, and the locals who may or may not accept our story line heroine.
SOMEONE ELSE’S SHADOW is a story of secrets and lies, the present and the past, obsession and rejection, acceptance and love. The premise is intriguing, suspense-filled and engaging; the romance is seductive and fated: the characters are broken, desperate and determined.
www.thereadingcafe.com
WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from first person perspective (Peyton) using present day and memories from the past, SOMEONE ELSE’S SHADOW focuses on Peyton Lane’s need to uncover the truth. Six months earlier, Peyton suffered critical injuries in a car accident that left our heroine in a coma, resulting in her current state of amnesia. Struggling to make sense of everything, including the bits and pieces of dreams and memories that do not make sense but a ‘need’ to move away from home sends our heroine to South Carolina, to a familiar place where everything began. Enter Peyton’s neighbor Cayden Coachman, and the man with whom Peyton will fall in love. What ensues is the acrimonious but building relationship between Peyton and Cayden, and the fall-out when the truth is revealed, and the past returns determined to destroy them all.
Peyton Lane is unable to remember anything about her past but for the ‘snippets’ of memory that do not make any sense but her arrival in South Carolina pulls at the horror of what happened and why, and with the help of the man with whom she is falling in love, does the reality of the past begin to seep into our heroine’s life. Cayden Coachman is a man battling his own demons including the demons of the man that destroyed his life.Living on the ‘wrong’ side of the lake meant Cayden was never good enough but Peyton does not see the line, a line that divides between the haves and the have-nots.
The relationship between Peyton and Cayden is one of immediate attraction but Cayden knows Peyton’s secrets, and struggles in the wake of our heroine’s amnesia but the ghosts from the past refuse to let go, and with it the return of the pain that all but destroy Peyton Lane. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to Cayden’s daughter Ellie, and his sister Lacey, as well as Cayden’s ex Hazel; Peyton’s mother Stella Lane, her step-father Augusto, and Peyton’s less than accommodating siblings and their families, and the locals who may or may not accept our story line heroine.
SOMEONE ELSE’S SHADOW is a story of secrets and lies, the present and the past, obsession and rejection, acceptance and love. The premise is intriguing, suspense-filled and engaging; the romance is seductive and fated: the characters are broken, desperate and determined.
www.thereadingcafe.com
June 21, 2022
What a roller coaster and emotional story from Monica James! This one was a romantic suspense that has elements of second chance, wrong sides of the track and recovery. This book hooked me from the very beginning as I was here for the mystery and banter between our leads. I could totally feel for Peyton as she was trying to put together her identity. And I love the vibes between her and Cayden! The second half of the book kicked into high gear and had a ton of twists and turns! Definitely pick up this book for a book that will have you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out what is coming next!
June 24, 2022
Once again Monica James proves she can write just about anything- any genre, any trope, any story- with a deft hand and creative spirit. Someone Else’s Shadow is an enigmatic romantic suspense - a second chance, mystery thriller brimming with angsty emotions, missing answers,
An accident, amnesia, and a red ribbon - all lead our heroine Peyton to the only place she feels at home. She’s searching for truth, for herself, lost in a life that she doesn’t remember but somehow does not seem to be her own. Her own family seems untrustworthy, but her mercurial neighbor Cayden calls to her. But why?
I went into this story not quite sure what it would be, and it is certainly quite an emotional journey. Peyton is broken and hurting, trying to work through the sentient pain and discover just what is its source. Just who she is, what is she not remembering? She’s a heroine that captures your heart, a we struggle alongside her to piece together a tangled puzzle of memory and truth. So many secrets, so much to uncover. And her connection and love story with Cayden is the source of many, but what an emotional journey they take.
The story is emotionally rife but inconsistently engaging. The beginning in particular failed to really capture me and moved a bit too slowly, and I did find some of the plot elements convoluted or sparsely developed. There are just a lot of pieces of this story, and I didn’t always feel like our answers were clear or full- though perhaps that was the intent, life isn’t ever fully explicated.
I love watching Monica explore new stories and narrative approaches, and as always, the romantic side of this story was beautifully created.
An accident, amnesia, and a red ribbon - all lead our heroine Peyton to the only place she feels at home. She’s searching for truth, for herself, lost in a life that she doesn’t remember but somehow does not seem to be her own. Her own family seems untrustworthy, but her mercurial neighbor Cayden calls to her. But why?
I went into this story not quite sure what it would be, and it is certainly quite an emotional journey. Peyton is broken and hurting, trying to work through the sentient pain and discover just what is its source. Just who she is, what is she not remembering? She’s a heroine that captures your heart, a we struggle alongside her to piece together a tangled puzzle of memory and truth. So many secrets, so much to uncover. And her connection and love story with Cayden is the source of many, but what an emotional journey they take.
The story is emotionally rife but inconsistently engaging. The beginning in particular failed to really capture me and moved a bit too slowly, and I did find some of the plot elements convoluted or sparsely developed. There are just a lot of pieces of this story, and I didn’t always feel like our answers were clear or full- though perhaps that was the intent, life isn’t ever fully explicated.
I love watching Monica explore new stories and narrative approaches, and as always, the romantic side of this story was beautifully created.
June 17, 2022
Someone Else’s Shadow is a story that you won't be able to put down!
Monica you really are the stealer of souls!
Peyton Lane suffer from amniesa. She remembers nothing of her family. She does remember a lake with a swing and a red ribbon attached to it. Set on finding who she was, she got so much more. There are lies on top of lies but with no memory, whose telling the truth. When it starts coming back she's left wondering what kind of person she was.
This book will have to crying and holding your breath. Just when you think there's no more to the plot Monica has you sitting down freaking out. .
5 stars to an author that creates worlds that always get me out of a reading funk.
Monica you really are the stealer of souls!
Peyton Lane suffer from amniesa. She remembers nothing of her family. She does remember a lake with a swing and a red ribbon attached to it. Set on finding who she was, she got so much more. There are lies on top of lies but with no memory, whose telling the truth. When it starts coming back she's left wondering what kind of person she was.
This book will have to crying and holding your breath. Just when you think there's no more to the plot Monica has you sitting down freaking out. .
5 stars to an author that creates worlds that always get me out of a reading funk.
June 22, 2022
Somebody can tell how many colors does Monica's James talent have? It's a rainbow. I swear. She knows every time to re invent, to challenge and to twist her own magical talent. Because every single time she comes up with something different and original.
This story is made of lights and shadows, of a thousand questions and in the end an only right answer, but the path to it.... is unpredictable, rough, anxious, emotional. It's a path of deep emotions and faded memories. It crossed lines, break rules and take your breath away several times. But that's exactly how Monica's fantasy work. She gives a piece of her mind (sometimes evil mind) and her soul to any of each of her story. And this time is no different. You'll read something new, different, deep, dangerous, but so intense, so good. It's art made of words.
Amaizball as always!
This story is made of lights and shadows, of a thousand questions and in the end an only right answer, but the path to it.... is unpredictable, rough, anxious, emotional. It's a path of deep emotions and faded memories. It crossed lines, break rules and take your breath away several times. But that's exactly how Monica's fantasy work. She gives a piece of her mind (sometimes evil mind) and her soul to any of each of her story. And this time is no different. You'll read something new, different, deep, dangerous, but so intense, so good. It's art made of words.
Amaizball as always!
June 11, 2022
I love a good amnesia storyline. LOVE IT. But I’m extremely picky with it. I find that the stories are amazing and do it justice, or they’re too rushed and too much is going on and it just ain’t it. MONICA’S DOES IT JUSTICE. As per usual. I have never been let down by a story from this woman. Maybe I’m biased. Or maybe her books are just that fucking good.
The anticipation I feel when I hear she’s coming out with a new book is insane. And after reading this one, my god, they just keep getting better and better.
Up until the epilogue, she kept me on the edge of my seat. Peyton and Cayden’s love story puts you through it all. Undeniable love, betrayal and heartbreak around each corner. You feel it all, even when you shouldn’t, and no matter WHAT answers you get, you are still rooting for them.
Monica. Did. This. Story. Justice. Each character played an important role, good and bad, and the SUSPENSE throughout. If you love a good suspenseful romance, hop on in, because this one has you falling in love and asking questions throughout each page.
The anticipation I feel when I hear she’s coming out with a new book is insane. And after reading this one, my god, they just keep getting better and better.
Up until the epilogue, she kept me on the edge of my seat. Peyton and Cayden’s love story puts you through it all. Undeniable love, betrayal and heartbreak around each corner. You feel it all, even when you shouldn’t, and no matter WHAT answers you get, you are still rooting for them.
Monica. Did. This. Story. Justice. Each character played an important role, good and bad, and the SUSPENSE throughout. If you love a good suspenseful romance, hop on in, because this one has you falling in love and asking questions throughout each page.
June 12, 2022
Firstly I want to say thank you so much to the author for the ARC!
I picked this book up late lastnight and literally could not put it down. I pretty much read it in one sitting. This story was so captivating and suspenseful right from the beginning! I think this makes my first romantic suspense and Monica did such a fantastic job with it! They're so many twists and turns, secrets and jaw dropping moments.
The star of the show for me was without doubt Cayden. Monica knows how to write her men. She's created my two favorite hero's of all time and so Cayden is no exception! The romance in this was 100% soulmate material. I highly recommended this book, it was fantastic! Definitely one of my top favorite books of this year!
I picked this book up late lastnight and literally could not put it down. I pretty much read it in one sitting. This story was so captivating and suspenseful right from the beginning! I think this makes my first romantic suspense and Monica did such a fantastic job with it! They're so many twists and turns, secrets and jaw dropping moments.
The star of the show for me was without doubt Cayden. Monica knows how to write her men. She's created my two favorite hero's of all time and so Cayden is no exception! The romance in this was 100% soulmate material. I highly recommended this book, it was fantastic! Definitely one of my top favorite books of this year!
June 14, 2022
This my friends is a book that made me even forget about Corona and all the side effects of it 😉 and for once I'm not talking about the steamy part of the story (although it's not bad either, but on a low level) 😂
AMAZING! GRIPPING! EXCITING!
This book is all of that above and so much more.
What a beautiful, suspense-packed, scary-gripping story 😍
This book grabbed me from the first page and the tension only increased as I read.
Incredibly emotional and action-packed story that is crammed with so many secrets and mysterious events that I couldn't stop reading it if I wanted.
Every time you think you've uncovered this whole mess, there comes someone or something that proves, you have no clue.
Unbelievable thrilling and full of suspense experience.
This is of course a beautiful, but also heartbreaking love story too.
Not just a love story, a story about a forever love, which survives so many obstacles and crosses so many bridges that it is impossible not to fall in love with the characters and get lost in this book.
It's not just the romance that is so incredibly exciting and entertaining, but the thriller and creepy part of the book makes it to an incredible book.
I have read so many books by Monica and loved all of them, but this book is definitely my favorite till now.
Read this book, it's a must-read page-turner for all suspense/thriller romances.
AMAZING! GRIPPING! EXCITING!
This book is all of that above and so much more.
What a beautiful, suspense-packed, scary-gripping story 😍
This book grabbed me from the first page and the tension only increased as I read.
Incredibly emotional and action-packed story that is crammed with so many secrets and mysterious events that I couldn't stop reading it if I wanted.
Every time you think you've uncovered this whole mess, there comes someone or something that proves, you have no clue.
Unbelievable thrilling and full of suspense experience.
This is of course a beautiful, but also heartbreaking love story too.
Not just a love story, a story about a forever love, which survives so many obstacles and crosses so many bridges that it is impossible not to fall in love with the characters and get lost in this book.
It's not just the romance that is so incredibly exciting and entertaining, but the thriller and creepy part of the book makes it to an incredible book.
I have read so many books by Monica and loved all of them, but this book is definitely my favorite till now.
Read this book, it's a must-read page-turner for all suspense/thriller romances.
June 15, 2022
Feels 3
Storyline 4.5
Steam 4
Overall Rating 4.5
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Robin
Lots of intrigue, twists and mystery with this one! We are thrown into the middle of the deep end along with Peyton on a mission to untangling her hidden past. I was sucked into the pages and sifting through the clues...wondering who this girl really was and what happened to her. Cayden was hot and cold...and the handsome devil nearly drove me insane with his stubborn, standoffish demeanor. I found this dark story deeply addictive and entertaining from cover to cover.
Storyline 4.5
Steam 4
Overall Rating 4.5
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Robin
Lots of intrigue, twists and mystery with this one! We are thrown into the middle of the deep end along with Peyton on a mission to untangling her hidden past. I was sucked into the pages and sifting through the clues...wondering who this girl really was and what happened to her. Cayden was hot and cold...and the handsome devil nearly drove me insane with his stubborn, standoffish demeanor. I found this dark story deeply addictive and entertaining from cover to cover.
June 20, 2022
Someone Else’s shadows Monica James’ newest release and is a stand alone read! This is the type of story that grabs your soul and will refuse to let go at all costs! I couldn’t put this down! If you ever doubted if true love is out there Peyton and Cayden’s story will prove that the heart never lets go of it true love regardless what the brain wants. If you want a love story mixed in with suspense and mystery this is the story for you!!!
June 22, 2022
This book was amazing I’m a huge Monica James fan and she did not disappoint! This story has it all it’s suspenseful romantic addictive and it has a mysterious plot with twists and turns that keeps you guessing and on your toes! I was blown away the writing is excellent man I didn’t see that plot twist coming this is another fantastic read by this author!
October 31, 2022
Esta autora siempre me ha dejado sin palabras con sus cambios de trama o cosas inesperadas que WOW 🥹.
Sin duda la historia te deja super enganchada desde la sinopsis, y super buena trama la verdad 🤩🙌.
Sin duda la historia te deja super enganchada desde la sinopsis, y super buena trama la verdad 🤩🙌.
June 17, 2022
I couldn’t put this book down. It hooked me right away. I must know. Can’t stop. Tell me. So much happens. So good. So amazing. So twisted. So dark. I loved it so.
June 23, 2022
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars! A second chance romance. An ok read.
June 17, 2022
Someone Else's Shadow by Monica James combines the sharp tension of a romantic suspense with the angst of a second chance epic love. Peyton and Cayden were taken through emotional hell and heaven and we readers are with them.
Peyton Lane had a terrible accident and now she has amnesia. She cannot remember anything about herself or her life. Her rich and snobby family tells her stories but the only thing that sparks some sense of familiarity in her heart is a lake house and a red ribbon. She pushed against her family to move there. And there she meets her grumpy brooding neighbour Cayden Coachman, his sister Lacey, his daughter Ellie and his dog Empire...and she feels she is connected to them. But how? Is she ready to face when her past is uncovered?
I love Cayden and Peyton! Peyton is so distressed and traumatized and heartbroken but she was also brave. She didn't run away from her past. She was determined to get her memories back even when the past brought so much ugliness and darkness and pain. Cayden initially looks like a cold and aloof personality but slowly the secrets come out and you will understand why. He could not stay away or deny his feelings. And those moments of reunion and healing were definitely very emotional. This story has deceits, mind games and dangerous twists in every layer. The love story is epic and a beautiful star crosses lovers romance too. The suspense and thriller was very fascinating. It was a rollercoaster and you wont know what is coming next. I thought the dramatic incidents will force Peyton remember her past by herself but she was told about it in pieces from various persons in her life. This story has everything. Romance. Passion. Suspense. Emotions. Monica James can always deliver a gripping story no matter what the trope is and Someone Else's Shadow is no exception.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Peyton Lane had a terrible accident and now she has amnesia. She cannot remember anything about herself or her life. Her rich and snobby family tells her stories but the only thing that sparks some sense of familiarity in her heart is a lake house and a red ribbon. She pushed against her family to move there. And there she meets her grumpy brooding neighbour Cayden Coachman, his sister Lacey, his daughter Ellie and his dog Empire...and she feels she is connected to them. But how? Is she ready to face when her past is uncovered?
I love Cayden and Peyton! Peyton is so distressed and traumatized and heartbroken but she was also brave. She didn't run away from her past. She was determined to get her memories back even when the past brought so much ugliness and darkness and pain. Cayden initially looks like a cold and aloof personality but slowly the secrets come out and you will understand why. He could not stay away or deny his feelings. And those moments of reunion and healing were definitely very emotional. This story has deceits, mind games and dangerous twists in every layer. The love story is epic and a beautiful star crosses lovers romance too. The suspense and thriller was very fascinating. It was a rollercoaster and you wont know what is coming next. I thought the dramatic incidents will force Peyton remember her past by herself but she was told about it in pieces from various persons in her life. This story has everything. Romance. Passion. Suspense. Emotions. Monica James can always deliver a gripping story no matter what the trope is and Someone Else's Shadow is no exception.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
June 26, 2022
This book was full of romantic suspense and the mysterious & dark elements reeled me in from the very beginning. Undoubtedly, it's one of my latest five-star reads!
The main character, Peyton Lane, suffered from amnesia and she tried so hard to recall who she was by following her heart. And the said heart led her to Cayden Coachman, a handsome guy who seemed to know everything and nothing about her at the same time.
When Peyton and Cayden walked down the memory lane, tears of joy and grief and hatred and sorrow were shed. Truths were unveiled, secrets were uncovered, and sacrifices were made.
Someone Else's Shadow is a story about the kind of love that withstood time and obstacles, and was shared by Peyton and Cayden. Deep down, even when Peyton lost her memory, she still knew whom she belonged to and the realization touched me deeply.
All in all, please go one-click this splendid romance suspense/thriller now! Monica James never disappoints and she totally nails this gem. Lastly!!! I hope you enjoy Cayden’s pancakes, the lake in South Carolina, and Peyton & Cayden’s lemons/oak tree.
***Thanks to the author for generously providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
The main character, Peyton Lane, suffered from amnesia and she tried so hard to recall who she was by following her heart. And the said heart led her to Cayden Coachman, a handsome guy who seemed to know everything and nothing about her at the same time.
When Peyton and Cayden walked down the memory lane, tears of joy and grief and hatred and sorrow were shed. Truths were unveiled, secrets were uncovered, and sacrifices were made.
Someone Else's Shadow is a story about the kind of love that withstood time and obstacles, and was shared by Peyton and Cayden. Deep down, even when Peyton lost her memory, she still knew whom she belonged to and the realization touched me deeply.
All in all, please go one-click this splendid romance suspense/thriller now! Monica James never disappoints and she totally nails this gem. Lastly!!! I hope you enjoy Cayden’s pancakes, the lake in South Carolina, and Peyton & Cayden’s lemons/oak tree.
***Thanks to the author for generously providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
June 20, 2022
Monica is an author who never lets me down when it comes to her books, with each story my love for her work only grows. Someone Else's Shadow is a very gripping suspense novel that kept me stuck until the end.
This story follows the life of Payton, a young woman whose life has been forgotten after a puzzled past, leading her back to a city that she believes has the answers to what she needs and she can move forward. But what she didn't expect was for her neighbor Cayden to spark an instant connection between them. He was definitely her hero and she his maiden. I loved how the answers to everything that happened to Payton were revealed little by little making the whole storyline absolutely amazing.
I confess that Monica surprised me with some revelations and twists with this story, keeping me increasingly anxious for more.
This Romance was definitely a great mix of mystery, suspense, past trauma and amazing characters.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves dark romances with a ton of mystery, twists and a good dose of romance.
This story follows the life of Payton, a young woman whose life has been forgotten after a puzzled past, leading her back to a city that she believes has the answers to what she needs and she can move forward. But what she didn't expect was for her neighbor Cayden to spark an instant connection between them. He was definitely her hero and she his maiden. I loved how the answers to everything that happened to Payton were revealed little by little making the whole storyline absolutely amazing.
I confess that Monica surprised me with some revelations and twists with this story, keeping me increasingly anxious for more.
This Romance was definitely a great mix of mystery, suspense, past trauma and amazing characters.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves dark romances with a ton of mystery, twists and a good dose of romance.
June 22, 2022
AHHHHH what I love about Monica she links the story to the book cover, follow the red ribbon...
This is a romance suspense and sort of like a detective story because, Peyton lost her memory and she has a dark feeling that her "parents" are keeping something for her. And that memory she keeps to herself, told no one so she trys to find out what it means...get ready for that surprise
"I suppose we don't have a choice with a lot of things in life."...
"But bad days build better days"
This quote right here I can relate to so much and that is why I love Monica's writing you can relate to her characters & get some advice too
STRAIGHT AWAY you feel attention with Cayden & Peyton which I just want to learn more about cause she sensed there is a secret there too...no spoilers and yes Monica does apt of teasing very cleverly. This is a small tease he put a bet on her that she would win at a game of pool straight away with no hesitation which cause suspension...does he know her
⭐️ I got every tearful with a flash back when they were childrenhood...no spoilers
☆MUST READ & FAV☆
This is a romance suspense and sort of like a detective story because, Peyton lost her memory and she has a dark feeling that her "parents" are keeping something for her. And that memory she keeps to herself, told no one so she trys to find out what it means...get ready for that surprise
"I suppose we don't have a choice with a lot of things in life."...
"But bad days build better days"
This quote right here I can relate to so much and that is why I love Monica's writing you can relate to her characters & get some advice too
STRAIGHT AWAY you feel attention with Cayden & Peyton which I just want to learn more about cause she sensed there is a secret there too...no spoilers and yes Monica does apt of teasing very cleverly. This is a small tease he put a bet on her that she would win at a game of pool straight away with no hesitation which cause suspension...does he know her
⭐️ I got every tearful with a flash back when they were childrenhood...no spoilers
☆MUST READ & FAV☆
June 11, 2022
ABSOLUTE PERFECTION! I devoured this book in one sitting because I had to know what was going on!
I loved the whole vibe of this book and I literally had no clue as to what was happening which made me love this book even more because it wasn’t predictable!
Peyton overcome a lot in this book. She has amnesia from an accident and not knowing would be the absolute worst thing especially when you’re drawn to a place you have no recollection of knowing
Cayden was a beautiful suprise. I instantly knew he knew the old Peyton and I loved just how deep their connection went!
I was on the edge of my seat the last third of this book because OMG! I literally would not have expected that to be what was going to happen! I literally had so many other scenarios but this one didn’t cross my mind!
I can’t help but love everything about this story. It’s proof that something that is broken can be fixed if you give it time
I loved the whole vibe of this book and I literally had no clue as to what was happening which made me love this book even more because it wasn’t predictable!
Peyton overcome a lot in this book. She has amnesia from an accident and not knowing would be the absolute worst thing especially when you’re drawn to a place you have no recollection of knowing
Cayden was a beautiful suprise. I instantly knew he knew the old Peyton and I loved just how deep their connection went!
I was on the edge of my seat the last third of this book because OMG! I literally would not have expected that to be what was going to happen! I literally had so many other scenarios but this one didn’t cross my mind!
I can’t help but love everything about this story. It’s proof that something that is broken can be fixed if you give it time
June 20, 2022
This book just solidified why Monica is one of my top favorite authors! I felt every emotion throughout reading this. I audibly gasped several times, cried and almost threw my kindle against the wall. Someone Else’s Shadow is an amnesia romantic suspense story. I couldn’t tell you if I’ve ever actually read an amnesia plot line before, but I can tell you this one was my favorite! The book follows Peyton who was in an accident and lost her memory. Peyton desperately is trying to remember who she is and what has happened in her past. Little by little Peyton finds things out and the reader is trying to guess what it all means. I thought I had everything figured out, boy was I wrong lol. The romance in this book played a big part too. I absolutely loved Cayden. Essentially this book was Peyton and Cayden’s love story. It was messy and heartbreaking at times but so well written. The last 20 percent of this book had me on the edge of my seat. The plot twist!!! Easy five star read.
June 13, 2022
Miss thing never misses 🔥
I absolutely adore MJ’s writing and the effortless way she tells a story. Once is started the book I could not put it back down and I read it in one sitting.
I just needed to know what was going on and when I though I put the pieces together… plot twist that I never saw coming.
I really love Peyton and how determine she was to put her life back together and finding out what happened to her.
You need to go in blind and enjoy this story.
RTC closer to release date.
I absolutely adore MJ’s writing and the effortless way she tells a story. Once is started the book I could not put it back down and I read it in one sitting.
I just needed to know what was going on and when I though I put the pieces together… plot twist that I never saw coming.
I really love Peyton and how determine she was to put her life back together and finding out what happened to her.
You need to go in blind and enjoy this story.
RTC closer to release date.
June 15, 2022
Lots of intrigue, twists and mystery with this one! We are thrown into the middle of the deep end along with Peyton on a mission to untangling her hidden past. I was sucked into the pages and sifting through the clues...wondering who this girl really was and what happened to her. Cayden was hot and cold...and the handsome devil nearly drove me insane with his stubborn, standoffish demeanor. I found this dark story deeply addictive and entertaining from cover to cover.
June 17, 2022
Monica James has always been one of my favorite authors. Ever since I first read Bad Saint and got pulled into her worlds. So I knew I would love this book from the get go but I was not prepared for just how much I would love this book. Monica has weaved a story of loss,pain,tragedy,love and forgiveness that knocked me off of my feet and had me grasping for anything I could to keep me grounded while it tore me apart. Peyton and Cayden are star crossed lovers woven in a tragic tale who found their way back to one another time and time again ending in an explosive climax that had me screaming and crying.No distance or time could keep them apart as their lives were interwoven from the start. Brava on this one!
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