What do you think?
Rate this book
Alien Castaways #4
Shadow
Tragedy sends clairvoyant Mandy Ellison to seek refuge in the small town of Argent, Idaho. Her ESP failed her, and now she’s closing her eyes to the second sight forever. Until Shadow, an alien from planet ‘Topia, comes into her healing and wellness center with a request. Will she help him find a mate?
Time is running out for Shadow. His genetics have been programmed with a self-destruct sequence. If he doesn’t bond with a genmate, a female carrying the same mating gene, he eventually will fade from existence. The new clairvoyant in town is his last desperate hope, if she agrees to help him.
But what is an alien to do when attraction leads to love, especially when every indication shows Mandy is not his genmate? Will Mandy find him a mate, hand him over to another woman, and save his life—or will Shadow decide love is worth dying for?
* * * *
Shadow is a standalone read in the Alien Castaways (Intergalactic Dating Agency) series.
Time is running out for Shadow. His genetics have been programmed with a self-destruct sequence. If he doesn’t bond with a genmate, a female carrying the same mating gene, he eventually will fade from existence. The new clairvoyant in town is his last desperate hope, if she agrees to help him.
But what is an alien to do when attraction leads to love, especially when every indication shows Mandy is not his genmate? Will Mandy find him a mate, hand him over to another woman, and save his life—or will Shadow decide love is worth dying for?
* * * *
Shadow is a standalone read in the Alien Castaways (Intergalactic Dating Agency) series.
155 pages, ebook
First published April 22, 2021
About the author
Cara Bristol
96 books916 followersUSA Today bestselling author Cara Bristol writes science fiction romance about tough alien and cyborg heroes who fall hard for sassy heroines.
Cara is a homebody who married a wanderer. When she’s not writing or being distracted by squirrels cavorting outside her office window, she enjoys reading and traveling the world with her husband. Topping her bucket list is visiting all seven continents and petting a squirrel.
Visit her website to get a free sci-fi romance.
Cara is a homebody who married a wanderer. When she’s not writing or being distracted by squirrels cavorting outside her office window, she enjoys reading and traveling the world with her husband. Topping her bucket list is visiting all seven continents and petting a squirrel.
Visit her website to get a free sci-fi romance.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
![Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].](https://cdn.statically.io/img/i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1626057011i/10717098._UX200_CR0,33,200,200_.jpg)
April 10, 2021
Shadow is book four in the Alien Castaways series by Cara Bristol. This is Shadow’s book. I knew in advance that his would be just a little bit heartbreaking. But rest assured, he’ll get his happy ever after.
Mandy Ellison is forty five years old and possesses the gift of second sight. She has no control over it. She’ll just suddenly see something. It might just be a glimpse, or part of the picture. But her gift backfired on her where she had been living and she became an outcast. So, she packed her bags and moved to Argent, Idaho where she planned to open a healing and wellness store. She had renounced her gift. She decided to concentrate on the retail side of things. But once in Argent, her gift had other ideas.
Shadow is an alien from planet Topia. He possesses the ability to vaporize and then reappear. Shadow’s genetics have been programmed with a self destruct sequence. If he doesn’t bond with his genmate, a woman carrying the same mating gene as his, he will little by little begin to fade from existence. Until he is just gone. It’s been happening more and more frequently lately. He’ll start to lose control and disappear and has to will himself back together. There are times he just wants to give up and let go. But then he thinks of his friends and how they would feel and he finds the strength to hang on and keep trying to find his genmate.
When Shadow learns of the newcomer to town and her ability, he knows it’s his last chance even though he doesn’t have much hope. Maybe she will see where he can find his mate. When they meet, though, they are both attracted to one another. The attraction is so strong but there is one physical thing that always happens when an alien meets his genmate and it didn’t happen. So it can’t be Mandy, even though he wishes it were.
“An island of joy in a sea of sorrow.”
This was such a sweet story. These two fell hard for one another but were convinced they were not meant to be. I loved that we also get a little bit of Inferno and Geneva in this mixed throughout. They will be the focus of book five and it looks like they have a rocky road ahead of them. This is a sexy, fun, sweet series that I have been enjoying. I especially had been looking forward to this book and am so happy poor Shadow will finally get the happiness he so deserves.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Mandy Ellison is forty five years old and possesses the gift of second sight. She has no control over it. She’ll just suddenly see something. It might just be a glimpse, or part of the picture. But her gift backfired on her where she had been living and she became an outcast. So, she packed her bags and moved to Argent, Idaho where she planned to open a healing and wellness store. She had renounced her gift. She decided to concentrate on the retail side of things. But once in Argent, her gift had other ideas.
Shadow is an alien from planet Topia. He possesses the ability to vaporize and then reappear. Shadow’s genetics have been programmed with a self destruct sequence. If he doesn’t bond with his genmate, a woman carrying the same mating gene as his, he will little by little begin to fade from existence. Until he is just gone. It’s been happening more and more frequently lately. He’ll start to lose control and disappear and has to will himself back together. There are times he just wants to give up and let go. But then he thinks of his friends and how they would feel and he finds the strength to hang on and keep trying to find his genmate.
When Shadow learns of the newcomer to town and her ability, he knows it’s his last chance even though he doesn’t have much hope. Maybe she will see where he can find his mate. When they meet, though, they are both attracted to one another. The attraction is so strong but there is one physical thing that always happens when an alien meets his genmate and it didn’t happen. So it can’t be Mandy, even though he wishes it were.
“An island of joy in a sea of sorrow.”
This was such a sweet story. These two fell hard for one another but were convinced they were not meant to be. I loved that we also get a little bit of Inferno and Geneva in this mixed throughout. They will be the focus of book five and it looks like they have a rocky road ahead of them. This is a sexy, fun, sweet series that I have been enjoying. I especially had been looking forward to this book and am so happy poor Shadow will finally get the happiness he so deserves.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
June 25, 2021
Why, Cara? What are you doing to me?! I guess I've just turned into a sniveling broken spicket over here....😭😭😭!! But you came through with the HEA for the win. 💖🥰💕
April 18, 2021
One of the lovable six alien refugees to earth is in his last days and losing hope that he will ever find his mate which will not only be his happily ever after, but the very source of ongoing itself. At the same time, a woman who has been beaten down in life because of her psychic gift slips into a small Idaho town hoping to get away from her past and start over. The attraction is there, but they are agonized to discover that they are not mates.
Shadow is the fourth of the Alien Castaways series and part of the greater Intergalactic Dating Agency books. Shadow is a standalone story, but the surrounding cast of characters and the overall series arc does begin in the first book.
Shadow is a story I have anticipated since I learned he was Vaporian with the nifty ability to shift to vapor. But, his gift is cursed so long as he doesn’t find his mate because, after a certain point without this special match, he will no longer be able to control his shifts to vapor and will eventually dissipate into vapor permanently. I felt the tension from the ticking time clock through each book and was glad to see him getting his story.
Like with the previous books, the human heroine’s own story is as intriguing as the alien hero. In this case, Mandy is a middle-aged woman with the gift of seeing visions. In her past, she tried to use her gift to help, but it wasn’t that specific so people blamed her when there wasn’t a happy ending like in the missing person’s case she assisted the police on. She just wants to hide all that, but then she meets Shadow.
They were good together though, yes, it happened very quickly when the deeper feelings came. As the reader, I couldn’t help but anticipate the source of their swift romance, but was curious why the signs of mating were not there. I had my suspicions and I was right. But, that didn’t take away from this being a light, heartwarming sci-fi.
Incidentally, Inferno gets the start of his story and that meetcute cracked me up. His heroine is going to be a tough nut to crack.
In summary, this was a swift, easy-read, spicy sci-fi romance between a charming alien and a good-hearted psychic. Those who want a light and easy, fast-read sensual sci-fi romance should definitely give this series a try.
My thanks to the author for providing an eARC to be read in exchange for an honest review.
Shadow is the fourth of the Alien Castaways series and part of the greater Intergalactic Dating Agency books. Shadow is a standalone story, but the surrounding cast of characters and the overall series arc does begin in the first book.
Shadow is a story I have anticipated since I learned he was Vaporian with the nifty ability to shift to vapor. But, his gift is cursed so long as he doesn’t find his mate because, after a certain point without this special match, he will no longer be able to control his shifts to vapor and will eventually dissipate into vapor permanently. I felt the tension from the ticking time clock through each book and was glad to see him getting his story.
Like with the previous books, the human heroine’s own story is as intriguing as the alien hero. In this case, Mandy is a middle-aged woman with the gift of seeing visions. In her past, she tried to use her gift to help, but it wasn’t that specific so people blamed her when there wasn’t a happy ending like in the missing person’s case she assisted the police on. She just wants to hide all that, but then she meets Shadow.
They were good together though, yes, it happened very quickly when the deeper feelings came. As the reader, I couldn’t help but anticipate the source of their swift romance, but was curious why the signs of mating were not there. I had my suspicions and I was right. But, that didn’t take away from this being a light, heartwarming sci-fi.
Incidentally, Inferno gets the start of his story and that meetcute cracked me up. His heroine is going to be a tough nut to crack.
In summary, this was a swift, easy-read, spicy sci-fi romance between a charming alien and a good-hearted psychic. Those who want a light and easy, fast-read sensual sci-fi romance should definitely give this series a try.
My thanks to the author for providing an eARC to be read in exchange for an honest review.
April 10, 2021
Mandy is trying to start over. Her clairvoyant ability and see a person’s aura had left her but is now slowly coming back. She is new to Argent, ID and seeing aliens is a bit of a surprise. When she meets Shadow she see a sexy alien. Shadow needs to find his mate. He is running out of time. He is fading fast. Mandy might be able to find his genmate but these two are so drawn to one another. This is the story we have all been waiting for. We all wanted Shadow to find his genmate. I was banging my head with Mandy feelings. You knew she was his mate is was just a matter of them both figuring is out. Once they did finally let things happen, I was jumping for joy. Mandy adds another sense of calm to our group. And we got to meet Inferno’s mate too. Mandy saw that one. Just a matter of his mate getting over a fear.
March 31, 2021
Shadow has been one of the more fascinating Topians in the series. The idea of simply vaporising and ceasing to exist if you don't find your genmate is as horrifying as it is scary. Mandy is an adorable clairvoyant. Her loving nature and strong sense of morality make her a beautiful person, and a good match for Shadow. I absolutely loved the twist in the tale on why his glands didn't swell up. So cute! Lovely story. Looking forward to Inferno winning his Genmate over now.
August 31, 2021
Both one of my most and least favorite books of the series (at least so far). Loved these two characters, enjoyed watching them together; was also quite frustrated at how dumb they were in many regards. Still enjoying the series though!
April 19, 2021
AN ISLAND OF JOY IN A SEA OF SORROW
The story is a spin-off of Ms. Cara Bristol’s Intergalactic Dating Agency series, with a fun new twist. The mention of IDA will play a role in the story but not be directly involved. From a twisted tale of control, an escape from a planet being destroyed, and a spacecraft named Castaway with a menagerie of inhabitants and landing on Earth—this tale will have the unique characteristics that Ms. Bristol is talented for spinning in her adventures.
Shadow is a ticking timebomb. If he doesn’t find his genmate soon, he will be no more. Literally! As a Vaporian, it is written in their DNA to either find their genmate or extinction. “Extinction by sublimation. Vaporians had the ability to transform from solid to gas.” And, so far, there are no other Vaporians unmated, and he hasn’t seemed to find his genmate on Earth. His only other hope is to leave Earth and hope to find another Topian refuge on one of many possible other planets.
“As Vaporians matured, they lost the ability to control sublimation—unless they bonded with a genmate. While all the races had to find a match to mate, Vaporians were the only ones who would die if they didn’t.”
Mandy Ellison has moved to Argent, Idaho, to try and start over. She finds a lovely shop with an apartment overhead to rent and opens Inner Journey. She will Kevanne Girardi of Lavender Bliss Farm and add some of her products to her inventory. Mandy needs a fresh start, one without threats from haters. What she never expected was also to meet Aliens.
“Don’t make decisions by what can go wrong but by what can go right.”
The plot will have Mandy coming to Argent, opening her new shop, making a few friends, and once again, her second sight is coming back. She is almost afraid to open up to Kevanne about her vision, but it is well received. She even gets to meet several of the Topian Aliens living in the area. While her ESP helps her with Inferno, she can’t get a read on a genmate for Shadow. What does happen between Mandy is at first a friendship that eventually turns to intimacy.
“He warned her he had nothing to offer but, both did have something to give—to be the other’s island in the sea.”
As time ticks down, the only option for a chance of living for Shadow will be to take one of Mysk’s space crafts and travel to another location and attempt to find his genmate. But, Mandy and Shadow will try and enjoy their time left together. “Don’t let the bad ruin the good. Don’t rail against what you can’t change.”
“This was what she desired, this—a good man to picnic on the beach with, great sex, and laughter. Closeness and companionship. Two hearts united. Two destinies entwined.”
Why can’t Mandy see who Shadow’s genmate is so he can live? Now, it is time for him to leave, and not only are his brothers sad but all those who know him. But, they want him to live, and that means he must go.
“Live. Live like you were meant to live. Live for me. For us. None of us knows how long we have. Find you joy, you bliss, and don’t let it go. If that’s with another man, then so be it. My wish is for you to be happy.”
“I pray for you to find your genmate.”
I love the connection between Shadow and Mandy. Each has issues but refuses to dwell on what they might not be able to change and instead try to live in the moment and enjoy each day as it comes. While Mandy diligently tries to get an image for Shadow, only two words come—“Rob—listen,” but that doesn’t seem to mean anything. Has the end come for Shadow on Earth? It is with such mixed emotions that his brothers and friends tell him goodbye. Will he find his genmate before it is too late?
“A day lived with you is better than a lifetime without you.”
The story is a spin-off of Ms. Cara Bristol’s Intergalactic Dating Agency series, with a fun new twist. The mention of IDA will play a role in the story but not be directly involved. From a twisted tale of control, an escape from a planet being destroyed, and a spacecraft named Castaway with a menagerie of inhabitants and landing on Earth—this tale will have the unique characteristics that Ms. Bristol is talented for spinning in her adventures.
Shadow is a ticking timebomb. If he doesn’t find his genmate soon, he will be no more. Literally! As a Vaporian, it is written in their DNA to either find their genmate or extinction. “Extinction by sublimation. Vaporians had the ability to transform from solid to gas.” And, so far, there are no other Vaporians unmated, and he hasn’t seemed to find his genmate on Earth. His only other hope is to leave Earth and hope to find another Topian refuge on one of many possible other planets.
“As Vaporians matured, they lost the ability to control sublimation—unless they bonded with a genmate. While all the races had to find a match to mate, Vaporians were the only ones who would die if they didn’t.”
Mandy Ellison has moved to Argent, Idaho, to try and start over. She finds a lovely shop with an apartment overhead to rent and opens Inner Journey. She will Kevanne Girardi of Lavender Bliss Farm and add some of her products to her inventory. Mandy needs a fresh start, one without threats from haters. What she never expected was also to meet Aliens.
“Don’t make decisions by what can go wrong but by what can go right.”
The plot will have Mandy coming to Argent, opening her new shop, making a few friends, and once again, her second sight is coming back. She is almost afraid to open up to Kevanne about her vision, but it is well received. She even gets to meet several of the Topian Aliens living in the area. While her ESP helps her with Inferno, she can’t get a read on a genmate for Shadow. What does happen between Mandy is at first a friendship that eventually turns to intimacy.
“He warned her he had nothing to offer but, both did have something to give—to be the other’s island in the sea.”
As time ticks down, the only option for a chance of living for Shadow will be to take one of Mysk’s space crafts and travel to another location and attempt to find his genmate. But, Mandy and Shadow will try and enjoy their time left together. “Don’t let the bad ruin the good. Don’t rail against what you can’t change.”
“This was what she desired, this—a good man to picnic on the beach with, great sex, and laughter. Closeness and companionship. Two hearts united. Two destinies entwined.”
Why can’t Mandy see who Shadow’s genmate is so he can live? Now, it is time for him to leave, and not only are his brothers sad but all those who know him. But, they want him to live, and that means he must go.
“Live. Live like you were meant to live. Live for me. For us. None of us knows how long we have. Find you joy, you bliss, and don’t let it go. If that’s with another man, then so be it. My wish is for you to be happy.”
“I pray for you to find your genmate.”
I love the connection between Shadow and Mandy. Each has issues but refuses to dwell on what they might not be able to change and instead try to live in the moment and enjoy each day as it comes. While Mandy diligently tries to get an image for Shadow, only two words come—“Rob—listen,” but that doesn’t seem to mean anything. Has the end come for Shadow on Earth? It is with such mixed emotions that his brothers and friends tell him goodbye. Will he find his genmate before it is too late?
“A day lived with you is better than a lifetime without you.”
April 2, 2021
"Shadow" is Book 4, in the Alien Castaway series by Cara Bristol. This is the story that I have personally been anxiously waiting. Shadow is one of the six 'Topians who were forced to land on Earth when their ship is damaged during the Xenos bombardment of their home planet. The Xenos considered themselves to be gods and had created the 'Topian race by playing with the generics of the DNA found in different lifeforms of various planet's in the galaxy. Shadow is a product of their genetic splicing, known as a Vaporian, with the cruel feature that if he does not find and bond with his genmate by a certain time, he will cease to exist by just fading away. Time, for him, is running out.
Mandy Ellison is a new resident to Argent, Idaho. She is a clairvoyant who has had a terrible experience and is trying to start over in a new town where no one knows her past. She is the new owner of a healing and wellness shop and when Shadow's friend, Kevanne, learns that Mandy has the gift of sight, Mandy reluctantly agrees to try to help him to find his genmate.
When Mandy and Shadow meet, the attraction is immediate. The more they work together, the closer they get. And when Shadow reveals to Mandy that if he doesn't find his genmate soon, he will cease to exist, she is devastated. She will either lose him to someone else, or lose to death.
She cannot fail him now.
This is a sweet, slightly steamy love story that is a stand-alone. I recommend that you read the books in order to get the dull background on the castaways and their genmates. The stories are so well written and each story has a wonderful plot. All of the characters will make an impression on you, and for me Shadow , who is so unique, has been the best. But I must say that Wingman was a close second. You won't be disappointed!
Mandy Ellison is a new resident to Argent, Idaho. She is a clairvoyant who has had a terrible experience and is trying to start over in a new town where no one knows her past. She is the new owner of a healing and wellness shop and when Shadow's friend, Kevanne, learns that Mandy has the gift of sight, Mandy reluctantly agrees to try to help him to find his genmate.
When Mandy and Shadow meet, the attraction is immediate. The more they work together, the closer they get. And when Shadow reveals to Mandy that if he doesn't find his genmate soon, he will cease to exist, she is devastated. She will either lose him to someone else, or lose to death.
She cannot fail him now.
This is a sweet, slightly steamy love story that is a stand-alone. I recommend that you read the books in order to get the dull background on the castaways and their genmates. The stories are so well written and each story has a wonderful plot. All of the characters will make an impression on you, and for me Shadow , who is so unique, has been the best. But I must say that Wingman was a close second. You won't be disappointed!
April 12, 2021
An older heroine/possibly younger male pairing - what a great read!
Mandy is 45 and has a talent for Clairvoyancy. Sadly her visions aren't always timely or give a happy ending. She no longer advertises her talent but she still can't resist helping folks.
Argent, Idaho is supposed to be a new start for her. A small town where they embrace weird. Her little alternative healing store should do well. Before long she has made a few tentative friendships and learned that some of the residents are from way "out of town"!
Shadow can feel his grip on his corporeal body slipping away. He vapourises more and more regularly now, with little control. When he helps out and makes a delivery to a new shop and meets Mandy he realises that she is just what he would want in a genmate. Sadly his glands aren't swelling so she can't be his one.
He's found a ship to take him off-planet and with a flight plan that could take him to another colony of Topian refugees. But should he take the chance on finding his one or settle on Earth and love Mandy for what little time he has left?
ONG my heart broke for poor Shadow and Mandy. He's desperate for a mate and for Mandy to be that mate and Mandy, she just wants someone to love her for herself. The way the author twisted the fated mate storyline was really well done - love doesn't run smoothly for this pair. I don't want to give anything away but I will never look at a cuppa the same way again!
Brilliantly sweet and sext at the same time.
Inferno and Geneva are going to be blistering hot - if she can get over the whole "he looks like a devil" LOL
Mandy is 45 and has a talent for Clairvoyancy. Sadly her visions aren't always timely or give a happy ending. She no longer advertises her talent but she still can't resist helping folks.
Argent, Idaho is supposed to be a new start for her. A small town where they embrace weird. Her little alternative healing store should do well. Before long she has made a few tentative friendships and learned that some of the residents are from way "out of town"!
Shadow can feel his grip on his corporeal body slipping away. He vapourises more and more regularly now, with little control. When he helps out and makes a delivery to a new shop and meets Mandy he realises that she is just what he would want in a genmate. Sadly his glands aren't swelling so she can't be his one.
He's found a ship to take him off-planet and with a flight plan that could take him to another colony of Topian refugees. But should he take the chance on finding his one or settle on Earth and love Mandy for what little time he has left?
ONG my heart broke for poor Shadow and Mandy. He's desperate for a mate and for Mandy to be that mate and Mandy, she just wants someone to love her for herself. The way the author twisted the fated mate storyline was really well done - love doesn't run smoothly for this pair. I don't want to give anything away but I will never look at a cuppa the same way again!
Brilliantly sweet and sext at the same time.
Inferno and Geneva are going to be blistering hot - if she can get over the whole "he looks like a devil" LOL
April 18, 2021
This is shadow and Mandy’s story. Shadow needs to find his genmate and fast, if he doesn’t he will die. He doesn’t know how long he has left and after trying almost everything to find her, he resorts to arranging a ship to take him to find a mate or at least die where his brothers won’t have to watch. Mandy is kind of a psychic, she has visions. She’s moved to Argent to get away from a bad experience. She opens up a shop that sells tarot cards, books, crystals ect. When she has a vision of Cham, his mate tells shadow about it and arranges for him to meet Mandy. She agrees to help him find his mate, she wishes she was his mate but his mating glands didn’t swell when he met her, indicating the presence of a mate. They start a physical relationship and decide to make the two weeks before shadow leaves Earth, count. When he leaves Mandy is distraught and inconsolable at losing the man she loves. Shadow too is missing Mandy like mad and decides to turn the ship around and stay with Mandy till the end, when the AI onboard the ship gives some very important information.
This book has sadness, romance, steamy scenes and a happily ever after ending for Shadow and Mandy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book has sadness, romance, steamy scenes and a happily ever after ending for Shadow and Mandy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 12, 2021
A simply wonderful read full of romance. Great characters and action
Tragedy sends clairvoyant Mandy Ellison to seek refuge in the small town of Argent, Idaho. Her ESP failed her, and now she’s closing her eyes to the second sight forever. Until Shadow, an alien from planet ‘Topia, comes into her healing and wellness center with a request. Will she help him find a mate?
Time is running out for Shadow. His genetics have been programmed with a self-destruct sequence. If he doesn’t bond with a genmate, a female carrying the same mating gene, he eventually will fade from existence. The new clairvoyant in town is his last desperate hope, if she agrees to help him.
But what is an alien to do when attraction leads to love, especially when every indication shows Mandy is not his genmate? Will Mandy find him a mate, hand him over to another woman, and save his life—or will Shadow decide love is worth dying for?
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
Tragedy sends clairvoyant Mandy Ellison to seek refuge in the small town of Argent, Idaho. Her ESP failed her, and now she’s closing her eyes to the second sight forever. Until Shadow, an alien from planet ‘Topia, comes into her healing and wellness center with a request. Will she help him find a mate?
Time is running out for Shadow. His genetics have been programmed with a self-destruct sequence. If he doesn’t bond with a genmate, a female carrying the same mating gene, he eventually will fade from existence. The new clairvoyant in town is his last desperate hope, if she agrees to help him.
But what is an alien to do when attraction leads to love, especially when every indication shows Mandy is not his genmate? Will Mandy find him a mate, hand him over to another woman, and save his life—or will Shadow decide love is worth dying for?
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
April 23, 2021
I loved this story! I have been looking forward to reading Shadow's story from the beginning of this series. I couldn't put it down. I was caught up in the story from the first page. Mandy has come to Argent looking for a new start. She has turned her back on her gift after something bad happened. Shadow knows that his time is running out to find his genmate. He doesn't believe that his mate is on Earth so he looking to go back into space to try to find her. His friends aren't ready to give up yet and send him to Mandy. Once she hears his story, she knows that she needs to try to help him out. From the beginning, they were attracted to each other but his mating glands never swelled. They decide that until she finds his mate or he has to go back into space, they will spend time together. What will happen when the week is over? Will he stay with her or leave?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 22, 2021
Great Series.
So good. Loved this story of an older woman finding a strong bond and a love for all time. Mandy had moved to the small town to open her own shop and away from her past. She knew there were aliens in town as her son had met them while on holiday. She meets a local and agrees to sell her lavender products. Then she meets Shadow, when he makes the delivery with his fellow brother, Inferno. Mandy's gift keeps giving her cryptic messages and she agrees to try and help Shadow. The two bond and look at a short time together. It turns out that the shuttle's AI informs Shadow that he already has a mate! At times it was moving, wondering just what their future held. I was relieved when 'Bob' revealed all. A little humour was needed and received well. Now I need to read the previous books. :)
So good. Loved this story of an older woman finding a strong bond and a love for all time. Mandy had moved to the small town to open her own shop and away from her past. She knew there were aliens in town as her son had met them while on holiday. She meets a local and agrees to sell her lavender products. Then she meets Shadow, when he makes the delivery with his fellow brother, Inferno. Mandy's gift keeps giving her cryptic messages and she agrees to try and help Shadow. The two bond and look at a short time together. It turns out that the shuttle's AI informs Shadow that he already has a mate! At times it was moving, wondering just what their future held. I was relieved when 'Bob' revealed all. A little humour was needed and received well. Now I need to read the previous books. :)
April 8, 2021
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Shadow is running out of time. He has to find his mate or he will die. Mandy has just moved into Argent and opened her shop selling herbs, crystals, books, tarot cards, etc. She is met by the owner of the local lavender farm who promises to send stock across before the official opening at the beginning of the following week. When the stock arrives it is delivered by two hunky aliens - one of whom catches Mandy's eye, makes her heart race and affects other parts of her body.
The story of Shadow asking Mandy to help him find his mate, the pain she feels once she hears his story and the desperation she feels as time runs out, makes for one of the most emotional reads I've had in a long time.
Cara Bristol knows how to put pen to paper and pull out a brilliant story and I heartily recommend her books.
Shadow is running out of time. He has to find his mate or he will die. Mandy has just moved into Argent and opened her shop selling herbs, crystals, books, tarot cards, etc. She is met by the owner of the local lavender farm who promises to send stock across before the official opening at the beginning of the following week. When the stock arrives it is delivered by two hunky aliens - one of whom catches Mandy's eye, makes her heart race and affects other parts of her body.
The story of Shadow asking Mandy to help him find his mate, the pain she feels once she hears his story and the desperation she feels as time runs out, makes for one of the most emotional reads I've had in a long time.
Cara Bristol knows how to put pen to paper and pull out a brilliant story and I heartily recommend her books.
April 23, 2021
a roller coaster of emotional angst shadow must find his genmate soon or die but meeting the new gal in town 45 yr old Mandy who is a psychic and offers to help throws a spanner in the works of finding true love in time to prevent his death. shadow and mandy fall in love but since his glands don't trigger meeting his fated mate he plans to leave earth in the slim hope of meeting his one match before he disappears forever literally becoming vapor. lots of laughs and tears for this couple throw in some unusal tea blend and ride along on their journey to discovering true love does conquer all.
a fun quirky read in a great series. highly recommend reading this entire series as it is very well written, exciting with great plots and wonderfully well rounded characters.
i received an arc copy of this book and this is my honest voluntary review.
a fun quirky read in a great series. highly recommend reading this entire series as it is very well written, exciting with great plots and wonderfully well rounded characters.
i received an arc copy of this book and this is my honest voluntary review.
April 15, 2021
A sweet romance that strikes all the readers right chords. This was an easy read featuring an older female lead (40’s) Mandy Ellison who has just opened her healing and wellness center in a small town that also has a few aliens integrated into its community. One of these is Shadow who is still searching for his Genmate and is running out of time. He is sent to Mandy for help in finding that Genmate and what follows is a wonderful story of two people destined for each other but yet unaware they are.
Beautiful writing and a fulfilling narrative make this book an immersive and truly satisfying read. HEA
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Beautiful writing and a fulfilling narrative make this book an immersive and truly satisfying read. HEA
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 1, 2021
This hits the spot for me!
I am really enjoying this series. The aliens are each unique: different in appearance and abilities, but share traits in common. Shadow, however, is the only one of his brotherhood whose existence is in peril. Mandy is quite an interesting character. She has skills unusual for many humans that, I believe, make her a more compatible with our alien castaways. I love that she’s older, not in freshly out of her teens. It is thrilling to see these two take risks, living in the moment. The rewards are awesome!
I heartily recommend Shadow, and the rest of the series to those who love science fiction romance!
I am really enjoying this series. The aliens are each unique: different in appearance and abilities, but share traits in common. Shadow, however, is the only one of his brotherhood whose existence is in peril. Mandy is quite an interesting character. She has skills unusual for many humans that, I believe, make her a more compatible with our alien castaways. I love that she’s older, not in freshly out of her teens. It is thrilling to see these two take risks, living in the moment. The rewards are awesome!
I heartily recommend Shadow, and the rest of the series to those who love science fiction romance!
April 24, 2021
Mandy gave up her ability as a clairvoyant when she wasn't able to prevent a death. She had to move to a different town because of what people were saying. Shadow's people (Vaporian's) tend to disappear when they don't find a mate at maturity. When Mandy meets Kevane she finds that she is sad and asks why. After finding out about the plight of Shadow, Mandy decides to help him. As they spend time together they find an immediate attraction. Will she be able to help him find his genmate before he blinks out of existence? I love how "Bob" the AI tells Shadow that he's already found his mate. Great ending. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 24, 2021
Mandy has just moved to Argent, Idaho. She doesn't know that aliens exist until she see them. Shadow is running out of time to find a mate and will die if he doesn't find her. He is planning on leaving Earth in order to find her but he has to wait a couple of weeks for a ship to be readied. Mandy has a second site and Shadow is tricked to go and see her. He asks for her help in finding his mate. The two are attracted to each other but his mating triggers don't react to Mandy. Will Shadow die or will Mandy find his mate. Must read to find out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 19, 2021
This book really take you through the wringer. The relationship between Mandy and Shadow is so sweet and his decision to spend what time has left with her is really touching. Might have had the odd tear going too, who said that??! There are plenty of laugh out loud moments too though mostly courtesy of Inferno. Anyway I loved this being a slightly older couple and the town of Argent and it's people are wonderful. I can't wait for the next match to happen.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 16, 2021
Shadow and Mandy are mature individuals with diverse backgrounds and personal baggage. I really liked the continuation of the story series, building on past experiences within this community and weaving in the other characters. Watching both Shadow and Mandy sort out their thoughts and feelings was particularly satisfying as all the pieces of the story came together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 21, 2021
The fourth book in the series brings Mandy and Shadow's story. It's an emotional read which brings both laughter and tears. The author does a great job developing their story and painting her scenes perfectly. It's well written ,moves quickly and smoothly and is a beautiful sci fi romance and a wonderful addition to the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
April 26, 2021
Gotta admit I was surprised by the twist at the ending. Up until about two thirds into the book, I was a little undecided as to if I really liked the premise of the book. I will however say that I give kudos to the author for a unique perspective. Shadow and Mandy's romance was almost tragic at times but so sweet. Loved it
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 4, 2021
I could not wait for this story and it was sooooo good. This whole series is so much fun to read. Shadow is losing himself literally because he has not found his genmate. This series is so interesting because the aliens are here on earth and that causes its own problems. The whole driving thing was hysterical. I enjoyed Shadow and Mandy's story is one you will want to reread over and over.
April 13, 2021
I enjoyed reading this book, the interaction and chemistry between the characters of Mandy and Shadow is wonderful. This book, has a good storyline, it is entertaining, and filled with action adventure, and intrigue. I can't wait for more from this author. I received this book as a FREE ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
April 18, 2021
I put off reading this story because I knew I would cry. Shadow has been such a tragic character in this series but he does get a HEA in the end. But it was not without tears. I think I cried the second half of the story for both Mandy and Shadow. The torture they went through
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 6, 2021
It was there all along. I loved the story. Sometimes when there is a connection it just is. Very well done. Will be looking forward to more. I need the get the ones before this one. I received a complimentary review copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
April 6, 2021
I loved this tale, the fourth in the 'Topian series. It covers the story of Shadow and Mandy and It is littered with misconceptions and misunderstanding between them. A good tale of love
I received an ARC copy of this and am leaving this review freely
I received an ARC copy of this and am leaving this review freely
March 31, 2021
Just simply spellbound.. This is one of my favorite ever books from Cara Bristol! Sweet, entertaining, heartwarming.. A hug in book form!
I voluntarily received this book for an honest review.
I voluntarily received this book for an honest review.
April 3, 2021
A gut-wrenching story about Shadow, the alien who was slowly disappearing, Mandy the psychic who could see everyone’s future but her own, the love they shared, and Bob who tried to help.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews