Ashley DawnCritiques

I really liked Shadows of Pain, Having read book 2 in the series I have already grown to love the Reiley family. This book focused on Jordan, Kami, Aurora and Daniel. For one family they get into a lot of situations mainly due to them working for the FBI and CIA and LA Police department.
Charles Devereux is still holding a grudge on the Reiley family for putting him behind bars and he is going to take his revenge.
The story is fast pacing and full of action, suspense and romance. If you liked the first two book book 3 will definitely not disappoint.
Ashley Dawn is a fantastic writer and I was completely hooked again.

Synopsis: ..."It is the price you pay for choosing to be a cop. Your brother's life..." Those words haunt her dreams and her waking moments. LAPD officer, Aurora Kavvan cannot rest until she finds her brothers killer. Digging into the past always brings back unpleasant things: memories, guilt...the hitman. Now she is in a race against time to find the murderer before he finds her. ͞Kill her. I don͛t care how, and I don͛t care where, but I want her dead now! Someone was trying to kill his dead partner͛s sister. FBI agent, Jordan Reiley will stop at nothing to protect the woman he loves. Even if it means going against her wishes; putting himself between her and the man who murdered her brother. Will God keep them alive long enough for them to find the truth?






My Thoughts: This is an action-packed thriller! This is the story of Aurora, has some issues from her past that keep coming back in her dreams, but she won't stop looking for the man who killed her brother.


This book has a clear message that God is there for you, especially in the hard times. That we can't do everything on our own, that we do need to give our troubles to God. It's a book about forgiveness, and not rushing into judgments of other people.


I enjoyed this novel, it was full of adventure, romance, and mystery. It was easy to follow along and the characters were wonderful. Some people may not notice quickly, but the main character Aurora suffers from PTSD; the nightmares, pushing people away all are part of it, and I believe that the author did a wonderful job bringing this forward. I did enjoy that she began to trust again, both in her friends and in God.


This was an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading the next books in the series... so look for the upcoming reviews of the shadow series.

Synopsis: Revenge is the agenda...“Find my sister.”Rick Reiley ’s words were what drove Luke to search mercilessly for Kerry. He is in a race against time to find her and will have to face more than a criminal mastermind to get close to her. He is prepared to give his life for her, but what about his heart? “...I would like you to meet...My wife.”Those words from her enigmatic rescuer threw Kerry more than anything else that had happened to her in the last few days...and that was saying a lot! Kerry ’s simple life is turned upside down when she is kidnapped and dragged to the middle of nowhere by a madman. She trusts Luke with her life, but can she trust him with her heart? As Luke fights to keep Kerry safe, the chemistry ignites and the danger gets closer. Will God protect them while Luke tries to sort out his heart.... and capture Kerry’s?



My Thoughts: This is the second book in the Shadows Series, and they just keep getting better and better! This book starts where the last one left off, and don't worry if you haven't read the first one, you can jump right in. This novel is filled with suspense and romance. Ashley Dawn keeps the readers' attention wondering what will happen next.


This is a novel of letting go and forgiving, this is what Luke needed to do with his life, and to let God back in. Finding that freedom enabled him to go on with his life and to find the happiness to replace the emptiness that he was feeling.


I enjoy all the characters, this book focuses on Kerry Reilly and Luke, but we meet up with characters from the first book. This is a great supporting cast that works well to make this series work. I am looking forward to the next book "Shadows of Pain"

Revenge is sweet... unless you are on the receiving end of it. “Do you know of anyone who would want...you dead?”Officer Daniel Jenkins was no stranger to the dangers his job posed but usually, he knew who was trying to kill him. Being stalked was a completely different ball game, and he was n’t sure there were any rules...“...I need you.”Terrified didn’t even begin to describe how Kami felt with the stalker targeting her. As an FBI agent you were trained to handle stressful situations, but being the victim put the whole process in a different light. As the killer gets closer, so do Kami and Daniel, but will they live long enough to see their love bloom? Only God can save them from this unknown killer...



My Thoughts: As we continue in the third book in the "Shadows" series, we find romance among the thrill of mystery.


This storyline focuses on the relationship between Daniel and Kami, but someone wants them dead!


This is a great suspense series for those who love action and mystery and of course a little romance thrown in the balance. Author Ashley Dawn has written a wonderful series that continues in the third book "Shadows of Pain". You will find all the characters you loved from the first books with the same powerful intensity of writing and characters. The readers can catch up with their favorites and enjoy the continuation of the series. Well written and full of suspense, I honestly cannot wait to read the next in the series.

“Get to work cowboy or you’ll be too late to the table to get any pie.” A short getaway to a nice Texas ranch isn’t why Tiffany is at Colorado’s home. She is a seasoned LA PI and used to the fast paced life. The problems on the ranch are different from what she is used to but she is determined to solve them one way or another. There is one slight problem—a tall dark and handsome cowboy distracting her and occupying more and more of her thoughts. “…I would hate for anything to happen to remove you from my favor…or organization.” Danger on the ranch is real and escalating quickly. Colorado doesn’t know who to trust or what is coming next. The thing he does know is Tiffany Reiley is the woman he wants for the job. Thinking the case will be quick and easy to solve, Tiffany doesn’t anticipate the depth of the horrors she has stepped into. As Colorado and Tiffany’s attraction grows, the danger gets closer. Will God guide them to the answers thesperately searching for?



My Thoughts: Shadows of Deception is the fourth book in the "Shadows" series which centers around P.I. Tiffany Reilly. This book is definitely worth the read. It captures the readers intrest and keeps them wanting more. Ashley Dawn has created a story-line that has the readers hooked from the beginning. Full of suspense and romance the reader will not be disappointed.


I really enjouyed this series. Don't worry, you can read each book by itself, but it is such a wonderful series, I do recommend you read them all.


I appreciated meeting the new characters, and having some of the familar family back again.


I can't sing enough praises for this book and the entire series.


I will certairnly look for more from Ashley Dawn in the future.

This is a wonderful series full of suspense and romance. I loved Tiffany and Colorado. I hope to read about more of this great family. This book has a lot of action and romance. There are too many bad guys out in the world. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

This is another standout book in a series that is intense and gets better as each book is released. Tiffany is not your typical PI and I loved her gutsy attitude. When she is hired by the handsome Colorado Wiley to find out what is going on at his ranch, I knew there would be trouble. If she thought for one moment that being at a ranch was going to be a vacation she is very wrong. Unexplained fires, mysterious sightings of someone creeping around in the dark and a very damaged vehicle put Tiffany on high alert.

Tiffany stumbles upon something on the ranch that is horrific and must call in family members to help her out. I didn't see this part of the story coming and that is what makes the author so gifted at mysteries. She lulls you in a sense of calmness and then blasts you with an unexpected curve ball. The closeness Tiffany has with her family is special and I liked how they look out for each other.

The chemistry that Colorado and Tiffany feel for each other was not a surprise at all. I think that is my only real complaint is why do the two main characters have feelings for each other so fast? I would like to see their relationship grow slowly and allow to solve the mystery and then deal with their feelings after the crisis is over. To me its a bit distracting for Colorado to be so overprotective of Tiffany who he barely knows.

One of the things I really liked about the story was how Tiffany questioned how God could allow horrible things to happen. I know I have questioned Him myself when I see that a child has been killed or one of my friends dies . The author reminds us in a beautiful scripture about a promise God has made to us. "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." One of the hardest things Tiffany struggles with is trusting God. I think we all have that problem sometime in our life.

The book is a great read and I love how the author tackles a very hard subject with grace. Some of the content in the story is hard to read, but it shows how evil lurks around corners. Will Tiffany be able to solve the mystery at the ranch? I can't wait for the next book in this series.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Another edge of your seat book from the pen of this author! I have been thoroughly enjoying getting to know the Reiley family through the Shadows Series. A family of law enforcement specialists, they all have each other's back even though they work in quite different areas. Tiffany is a PI that works closely with the place and FBI. When a client approaches her to discover who is sabotaging his ranch, there is no thought of shooting, arson and murder. Will they safely be able to find the guilty party before more horrible things occur?
I received this ebook through CelebrateLit and all impressions and opinions are my own.

This is a wonderful series. This is book three and I love each and every character. Make sure to read these in order or you won’t know who everyone is. These keep getting better and I look forward to book four. I love the suspense and romance. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

If you haven't read this author before, you are missing out on an author who can write suspense that sends shivers down your spine. This book is the third in a series that has kept me rushing to finish a book so I can get to the next one in the series I love that it surrounds a family who are in law enforcement in some capacity. They are very close knit and have each others backs. This story focuses on Kami and Daniel. Their chemistry is undeniable and I liked how they seemed drawn to each other. It was refreshing to read how faith was very much a part of the story. There is a few scenes in the book where I found the author able to show how someone chooses to invite Jesus into their life. I won't say who the characters are, but it will bring tears to your eyes.

Danger is lurking just outside the realm of the Reiley family. When you have a family that lives and breathes law enforcement, it is bound to bring out unwanted attention from someone wanting revenge. Someone is out to destroy a family member or perhaps someone close to the family. The chaos goes full force as attempts on lives seem to happen at a quick rate. The author does a good job of throwing in some twists that left me guessing at what was going to happen next. There are a few times in the story, I would have liked a bit more action. It felt like too much attention was given to Kami and Daniel's relationship. I know this is a suspense book with romance splashed in, but I was disappointed in how quickly they seemed to have feelings for each other. I guess I'm saying this part of the story was very predictable.

I encourage readers to start with the first book in the series to get to know the characters, They all travel to each new book in the series and it would be helpful to understand the dynamics of the characters. I did enjoy the book and was pleased with the ending. The author did tease readers with a bit of a hint of a new book in the series which I am thrilled about. Overall good story and a great message about forgiveness and trust. I can't wait to read what happens next in the series.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Another fabulous book in the Shadows series that was almost imposssible to put down! Once again this family and their friends are the recipients of stalking, accidents, attempted bombing, shootings and abduction. Who wants revenge so badly, is the question they need to answer if they want to survive. Is it even possible that Charles Deveraux could be orchestrating this from prison or have they angered another criminal so much that he/she has put this into play? When you put the LAPD, FBI and CIA together to solve a problem, things can get very exciting!
I received this book through CelebrateLit and this review gives my personal impressions and opinions.

This is one fast paced hard hitting story that I couldn't put down. The author has an amazing gift of getting readers attention with a high profile case that brings out the underbelly of criminals. I really liked Kerry. She is a very strong willed woman that also has a soft spot for children, Her profession as a teacher is admirable and I loved how much she loved her job. Kerry has a very close knit family who is well represented in crime fighting. I can't imagine what it would be like to have siblings who were in the CIA, FBI and other law enforcement organizations

The story centers around the kidnapping of Kerry and revenge that someone in her brother's life is trying to succeed at. I have to say she is one gutsy woman. Luke has been asked by her brother to rescue her and this is really the meat of the story. Luke goes one step further and offers to protect her when she is in danger over and over again. There is an element of faith in the story that I found subtle but very well placed as Luke questions if he still believes in God. He is a private person with some deep rooted bitterness he needs to deal with.

The book is one that you will find is filled with twists and maybe a relationship developing if two people will admit their attraction to each other. Luke has a few surprises up his sleeve to keep Kerry safe. The mind games the perpetrator plays is nothing short of devious. I was even getting chills as I read how dangerous this man was becoming. The author is becoming one of my favorite suspense writers and I can't seem to put her books down until I read every chapter. i loved getting to know Kerry and Luke better. She is able to deliver a chilling, intense story with emphasis on faith, trust forgiveness and commitment.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

I am so loving this series. It has suspense and romance and a wonderful family of characters. Each member of the family will hopefully be a book of their own. This one kept me on the edge of my seat. I look forward to book 3 in the series. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

This second book in the Shadows Series is sure to keep you at the edge of your seat. The family is back and this time the victim is Kerry, a second grade teacher. The son of Charles Deveraux, Chris, has decided revenge for his father's imprisionment is his responsibility. The excitement heats up with stalking,vandalism and abduction bringing rescue from unexpected quarters. Is it possible that romance might also come along with the bodyguard?
A most enjoyable book with the importance of faith in God clearly portrayed by Kerry and her family. Will they continue to trust in Him and rest in the knowledge that everything will work out for the best?
I received this ebook through CelebrateLit and this review gives my personal impressions and opinions.

This was a wonderful suspenseful story. I loved the timing of Aurora and Jordan. They were wonderful characters. There was so much suspense and intrigue throughout this story. I did not want to put this book down. I look forward to many more books in this series that will hopefully feature Jordan’s family members. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

It is not easy being a police officer and there is danger lurking everyday as they go out to protect us. Aurora is a tough woman determined to find out who killed her brother five years ago. I love her fierce strength and never give up attitude. When her life is in danger, her ex-fiance comes to protect her. I was a bit discouraged at how much the author focused on Aurora at times and didn't seem to solve any of her inner turmoil. I understand that her brother was murdered but I wanted more realistic emotions from her. It was no surprise that Aurora and Jordan would try to rekindle their relationship and I wanted the author to not focus on that so much.

Jordan is a great FBI agent and has been haunted by his breakup with Aurora. I wasn't surprised that an ex would be the one to protect Aurora and that became kind of the theme of the book. Too many predictable plots and way too much "poor me" moments for my taste. One redeeming quality was the scriptures the author uses and how the characters saw the need to turn to Him.

The basic story line is finding Lance's killer who in turn will be the ones after Aurora and Jordan. It was a huge buildup to the suspect, but I knew it was going to be someone close to Aurora. I couldn't quite get how she suddenly discovered who it was by re reading her report. What did someone try to hide that she suddenly found by shear luck?

I did like the way the author showed how people can deceive you even when you think they are like family. It shows how we can all fall for a lie, but it's up to us to forgive them.
I don't want readers to think this is not a good book to try out. I did like the intense scenes at the end and the way the characters each had to decide to forgive the person who had betrayed them. I was disappointed in how the dirty cop was "taken down." There could have been so many different ways to write that scene, but for a first book it was not surprising. I am going to read her other book and see if her writing skills have changed. It's not a bad first attempt and I will be anxious to see what she has in store in the next book.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

"Everything is in God's hands."

The concept of this book is intriguing, and I hoped for some good tension and suspense. While the bare bones were there, but the story needed quite a bit of development.

In fact, there were so many technical issues with this book, I was continually in critique mode and just could not get drawn into the story. There was a lot of past tense and telling in this one. And a ton of internal monologue that was the simply rehashing the same concepts over and over again (a good rule in writing – say it once, twice if it’s important). These characters all worked in law enforcement but did not speak the language which was a minor irritation to me in the over all scheme of things. And the suspense was minimal (but the romance was definitely there). I think the story would have been enhanced if we didn’t know anything about the drug lord until the end of the book. And speaking of the end, I was completely let down with how this story ended (basically a large information dump).

That said, this is the author’s first book so there is room for improvement and many of the issues I came across are fixable with a good content editor or a solid critique group with a couple of experienced authors. There was some great spiritual content in this one as well, so it wasn’t all bad, but I struggled to slog through it.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

I always love a good mystery, especially if it involves a policeman or detective. That was one reason why I chose to read this book. However, it was more a romance than a mystery, which I was surprised by.

I enjoyed the premise of the story and how dedicated to family that Aurora is. I also think the story line of her blaming God because of what happened to her brother was well done and very believable. I like that we see her struggling with her faith in a realistic way. Her guilt and self-blame are something I'm sure we can all relate to at one time or another in our lives.

I did enjoy the relationship aspect between Aurora and Jordon and enjoyed the dialogue between the two. I had a bit of a hard time figuring out, at times, who exactly we were "hearing" from as we read the inner thoughts of the characters. Sometimes, there wasn't a lot of explanation as to who we were reading about.

All in all, I liked this book. There are a few problems but not enough for me to dislike it. I'm giving it 4 out of 5 stars.

*This ebook was provided to me by Celebrate Lit. I received a copy of this book to review but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this book.

This is the first book I have read by this author, and it kept me page turning, and once I began I finish in one day, it was that good!
The author quickly had me walking in LAPD officer Aurora Kavvan shoes, and you almost feel her guilt, but we find evil at work here.
What a journey you are about to begin, with seems like non-stop action, and most you will not see coming, or who is really involved here.
There is a bit of sweet romance, and a lot of loving friends and family, and most share a love of the Lord.

I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.

For one who normally reads historical fiction, this book could get me to change my mind...at least some of the time. This is definitely a page-turner, nail-biting type of story which I enjoyed very much. Aurora is undercover with the LAPD, working to bring down a drug lord. When her brother is shot and killed, and it seems to be related to her work, she blames herself for his death. The guilt burrows deep into her life affecting relationships with those she loves. Only with forgiveness can she learn what is really going on and close the case.
I received this ebook through CelebrateLit and this review gives my personal impressions and opinions.

Tiffany Reiley is a successful PI whose good at her job. While at her office wrapping up some current cases, in walks Colorado Wiley, who just happens to be a tall, dark and handsome cowboy with whom she finds an immediate attraction. After explaining to her about the trouble he’s been having on his Texas ranch, she decides to take the job thinking it will be a nice get-away from LA and a pretty simple case to solve. She decides to pose as his new ranch cook in order to gain information from the ranch hands. It doesn’t take long for them to not only grow fond of her cooking but of her as well; especially Colorado. Then she makes a terrible discovery and knows it’s more than she can handle on her own. That’s when she calls on her family for help. Can they figure out what’s really going on at the ranch? And will Tiffany and Colorado figure out what to do about their growing attraction? There are several questions that definitely need answering. As they all work together on the case, will they find the answers they’re looking for?

I was so excited when I found that the latest book in the Shadow Series was published. This has been a favorite series of mine so I couldn’t wait to ‘dig in’. Shadows of Deception is Tiffany’s story and what a story it was. Danger, suspense and romance as well as snappy dialog draw you in and hold you ’til the end. The family dynamics is exceptional and I love watching them all look out for each other. Their banter and humor is really fun and their deep love and care for one another is very refreshing. Even with some awful things that happen you will be encouraged. I loved the way this author plants biblical truths throughout the story without being preachy. I also enjoyed that several family members are involved and you catch up with the ones who aren’t. There is a cousin’s involvement which was really fun. I don’t recall he was in the other books but I loved his personality. This book sorta has a conclusion but there is still an open thread (not really a cliff hanger per se) that will probably be part of the next book. I am looking forward to that! I suppose you could read this as a stand alone, but having read the previous books, I recommend you read this series in order. There is a lot of history and family dynamics that you would miss and, trust me, you don’t want to do that!!

*This copy was purchased by me*

Some favorite moments:

Knowing he wouldn’t be able to sleep, he turned on the lamp beside his bed. He opened his Bible, searching for comfort, and knowing God’s word was the only place he would find solace.

Jordan walked through the door and immediately to the coffee pot. ..As he took a sip, his gaze landed on Tiffany, still in Colorado’s arms and his eyes narrowed. “Am I missing something?” Rick chuckled. “I doubt it. Well, on as little sleep as you got, and with that thick skull of yours it is possible but what you see before you seems pretty self-explanatory to me.”

“We don’t know why this happened and probably never will. There is too much evil in the world to understand. At the same time, we can be secure in the knowledge that He knows what is going to happen and we already know the ending of the story…He wins.”

For more information about this book or other books by Ashley Dawn I recommend you head over to Amazon.

Is it possible to change God's will?

Aurora watches in disbelief as a lone gunman fires at her beloved brother. Unable to help him, she sinks into a pit of despair and loneliness, turning her back on everyone that cares for her. Including God.

Faced with some tough questions, like is it okay to keep living, is she betraying the dead if she doesn't find his killer, and is it okay to love again when she feels so very unlovable, follow along as she manages to remember that God is the One Who is truly in control and yes ~ life is for the living, and is not to be confused with forgetting. Life is a gift, and with the help of FBI agent Jordan, she will learn a most important lesson.

As it is getting more and more difficult to find a good, clean and fulfilling read, this is one that I enjoyed. Contemporary without having to worry if it's too edgy to allow my younger children to read.

I dearly love a good book.

If I can find a good, clean, Christian book that has great standards, themes, and *romance* included, I'm all over it! This second book in Ashley Dawn's Shadows series was great. Contemporary romance is my favorite, but I don't want graphic scenes, too much gore, and I definitely want an Alpha male ready to take the whole world on to protect the one he loves - even if he hasn't admitted his feelings to himself yet. Yep. This book has what I'm looking for - some action, romance without gratuitous sex, no swearing, and handsome men in abundance...mmm hmm.

I would recommend this to my Christian friends, Preacher's wife, mother, and even my daughter. Well done, Ashley, I enjoyed your book immensely!

I really enjoyed reading Shadows of Suspicion. The book started as it meant to go on lots of action as well as a will they or won’t they get together leaving you wondering throughout the book.

Kerry’s character was one that I loved. I could see a lot of me in her, being stubborn for one. She was from a large family and they were all very close and protective. The whole family have complete faith in God and trust him to see them through things.

Luke however lost his faith many years ago and is asked find Kerry after being kidnapped and then protect her while her brothers are trying find her kidnappers.

As Luke was a secret agent of sorts he usually does his job and then walks away. This time its proving difficult because he has feelings for Kerry as does she for him. The thing stopping them being together is the faith issue.

Shadows of Suspicion is book 2 of the Shadow series but can be read as a stand alone book.

A fantastic book lots of action and a romance too.

This was book 3 in the ‘Shadow’ series and it did not disappoint! Instead of focusing on the incredible Reiley family this book is more focused on Aurora’s ‘little bothers’ who are pretty great in their own right…though it begins with Daniel getting in a bit of trouble! Of course the entire family is soon involved because they are incredibly close which is always nice to see! You get to hear more stories about others in the family that were mentioned in the previous books, Shadows of the Past & Shadows of Suspicion, and if you haven’t read them yet I highly recommend it!
It has the same fast pace as the others, but gives you a couple breathers while giving a little back story so that even if you have not read the first two, you won’t be totally lost.
It also has the same positive message throughout of hope and trust in God! I’m hoping there are more to come, as there are many family members I’d love to know more about! Can’t wait!