Seductive Shadows
Marni Mann
Series: The Shadow Series #1
Published on October 24, 2013
Genres: Contemporary, Dark, Erotic Romance, New Adult, Romance, Romantic Suspense, Thriller Seductive Secrecy (book #2)
With a shadow cast over the mansion, can Charlie and Cameron overcome the destruction of their pasts and rebuild their future, or will the revelation of painful, shocking secrets pull them back into the darkness?
Seductive Shadows (book #1)
Charlie is a passionate, sensually-inspired art student, desperately seeking an escape from the abusive past that haunts her and a tragic accident that emptied her heart. Scarred and unable to love, her yearning for physical pleasure leads her into a tantalizing, dangerous world of power and seduction. The anonymity of the deal offers security; the money brings financial freedom and the madam is the mother figure she longs for.
But the thrill of the mansion and its arousing dominance quickly fades when she meets renowned-yet-mysterious Cameron Hardy, whose intense baby blue eyes send a nervous flutter through her core. Cameron is sexy, and not in a subtle way. He stimulates Charlie’s art, her intellect and her desires. Just as he begins to break through her emotional boundaries, she discovers a devastating connection between her past and her scandalous work at the mansion, shattering everything she thought to be true.
Provocative, intoxicating and erotic, Seductive Shadows is the unforgettable tale of a young woman’s self-discovery as she learns to forgive, to love and be loved, and to find redemption amidst a remarkable journey that will captivate your mind and stimulate your soul.
This book is for mature audiences. It contains explicit language and sexual content.
REVIEW
Seductive Shadows is the first book in The Shadows Series by Marni Mann and I have to say, this little book took me by surprise. It’s a slow book, building characters and setting up first before plot, but some authors can pull this off and Marni Mann is one of them. She gets us acquainted with Charlie and Cee, her alter ego at “The Mansion” where she works as a high-level prostitute.
Contrary to most prostitutes, Charlie likes this job. Not only does she get paid well, but she gets to be someone else while she’s there – she gets to be Cee, her alter ego in the mask. Everyone at the mansion wears a mask so no one will be able to recognize the girls or clients on the street.
It takes a while for Charlie to realize that this is not an ideal life she’s living. She doesn’t need to be Cee anymore. Charlie’s life actually starts getting better. Gone is the abusive druggie mother, gone are the guilt and loneliness that come from a tragic loss in her past. And in the place of these things that were holding her back there are a supportive art professor, an established artist, and an ex-boyfriend turned friend. All of whom help her understand that she is not worthless in their own way. Once this change in Charlie occurs the pace really picks up and things get tense and suspenseful very quickly.
This is a smart story filled with romance, art, sex, and secrecy. The plot is actually quite good once you realize there’s more to it than character development. I liked it, I’ll definitely pick up the next book.
There is not too much sex in this book, so if you like romantic suspense, this is right up your alley. Charlie does have her “night-job” and that involves clients she must please, but the sex is secondary to the plot and there’s not a lot of explicit scenes. In addition, the romance is almost sweet – the romance and the work are two very separate things in Charlie’s world, and unlike most books with this theme, she is NOT confused about that. I quite liked that part of the plot.
Four and a half stars from me for Seductive Shadows, Book One of The Shadows Series.
About Marni Mann
A New Englander at heart, Marni Mann is now a Floridian inspired by the sandy beaches and hot pink sunsets of Sarasota. She taps mainstream appeal and shakes worldwide taboos, taking her readers on a dark and breathtaking journey. When she’s not nose deep in her laptop, she’s scouring for chocolate, traveling, reading, or walking her four-legged children. Visit her at www.marnismann.com.
natasna
I have never read the series but I am excited to add it to my TBR list
Ann Fischer
Charlie sounds like a fascinating character. Can’t wait to read more about her.
Marcy Meyer
I think it sounds intriguing and like a really great story to read. The characters sound interesting, like people I’d want to get to know better.
AToMR Tours
” I liked it, I’ll definitely pick up the next book.” So glad to hear. Thank you for for reviewing and participating in the tour.
Angie F.
This series sounds amazing! I’ve never read about a prostitute before, and Charlie seems like an great character!
Angie F. recently posted…Review: Contagion (Toxic City, #3) by Tim Lebbon
Heather
I love the cover!!
Cindi Clubbs
Wow, that review makes me want to run out RIGHT NOW and pick the book up!! I love suspense, romance, a little bit of sex, and a lot of character development. Thanks for a thorough review!!
Leslie T.
The cover is very sexy and it sounds like there is a little mystery to the characters which I love, it’s very intriguing!
Kim
Read Seductive Shadows and loved it. Cannot wait to read the next book in the series!! Thank you for an awesome giveaway.
Jen P
This sounds so good…added to my TBR…can’t wait to read!!
Diana Doan
The sexiness
Bookworm Brandee
Great review, Julie! You definitely have me intrigued.
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…**Clean Out Your E-Reader Challenge**
Bertie Welck
Review was great, can’t wait to read
Meghan Stith
The romance! Thanks for the giveaway!
Janice U.
It sounds very intriguing.