Reviewed by JustJen
Title: Shades
Author: Jaime Reese
Series: N/A
Heroes: Killian/Nick
Genre: MM Contemporary
Length: 344 Pages
Publisher: Romandeavor, Incorporated
Release Date: May 21, 2018
Available at: Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads
Blurb: Killian Marks is a third-generation hitman. After hunting monsters for over twenty years, he lives under no illusions of happily ever afters and fairy tales. Until he meets a man who threatens to disarm him, by giving him hope for a future and showing him there’s more to life than just death.
For Nick, living in shadows is second nature. He’s all too familiar with the dark side of humanity and knows how delicate life can be. Each new day is a gift, even though it means doing it alone. But he’ll risk his survival for the one man who awakens something deep within and leaves him yearning for more.
Nick wants to solve the mystery behind the dark, brooding man, while Killian craves the life and light emanating from Nick. They soon discover they have more in common than either could have anticipated. With both their lives and hearts at stake, they must confront the ghost from Nick’s past intent on tying up a loose end. Only then will they truly find peace, and discover the shades of life in between.
Review: I can’t believe this is the first book I’m reading by this author. I’ve had a few on my TBR for a while now, and even though I’ve heard nothing but good things, they somehow kept getting bumped down the list. Thankfully, I was able to jump into this one when I was able to get it – I was not disappointed!
Killian is a third generation hitman who is one of the best. He’s gotten that way and survived by living a certain way and keeping certain rules for himself. He’s at the point where he is ready to get out of the business and retire, though he isn’t a big fan of that word. Before he can pull away completely, he meets Nick who waits on him at the only restaurant he visits regularly. Nick is different, and Killian can’t leave until he knows more about him. After Nick patches him up one night, he decides to make a move, but Nick turns him down. Killian decides he can be patient where Nick is concerned, but that all changes on one of his visits to the restaurant.
It would seem that Killian is the one with the past, and he is, but Nick’s past is nipping at his heels and though he tries, his efforts to keep Killian (known to him as “Ian”) out of it fail somewhat miserably. Killian shows up just in time and vows to do whatever it takes to keep Nick safe.
It all seems somewhat typical of the hitman/assassin/mercenary trope, but there is a lot more to this story. It was interesting and kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved both characters, as well as Killian’s partner and a few others. they had quite a few layers, and there was much more to each of them than appears on the surface. They were a great match, and it was easy to see how they complimented each other. I was glad we got to see how Killian had helped others and see his final plan play out with a nice HEA. I’m already looking forward to reading more from this author. Definitely recommend.
Overall Impression: I loved it!
*I received a copy of this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review.*
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