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Cast in Scandal #1

Cast in Shadows

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Gideon Waverley, heir to the Duke of Townsend, had everything a young man could need―a promising future, a title, charming good looks, great friends, and a family who adored him. Until his body turned him into a monster. He had no choice but to separate himself from the world, to hide his monstrous self from society, to cast away his future. But the brilliant and beautiful Eve Cornwell refused to believe he could not be saved, even as she refused to guard her heart. And all the while she knew she couldn’t keep him once she’d loved him back into the light. .... Book CAST IN SHADOWS Book CAST IN RUIN Book CAST IN ICE

236 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 21, 2015

288 people are currently reading
212 people want to read

About the author

Laura Landon

67 books366 followers
Laura Landon taught high school for ten years before leaving the classroom to open her own ice-cream shop. As much as she loved serving up sundaes and malts from behind the counter, she closed up shop after penning her first novel. Now she spends nearly every waking minute writing, guiding her heroes and heroines to find their happily ever afters.

She is the author of more than a dozen historical novels, including SILENT REVENGE, INTIMATE DECEPTION, and her newest Montlake Romance release, INTIMATE SURRENDER.

Her books are enjoyed by readers around the world and you can find out more about her by visiting her website at www.lauralandon.com

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5 stars
351 (49%)
4 stars
221 (31%)
3 stars
100 (14%)
2 stars
27 (3%)
1 star
10 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Lu.
756 reviews25 followers
September 14, 2019
Sweet story full of love and determination

Gideon is the heir to a dukedom but lives in an asylum due to some violent outbursts caused by seizures. Eve is the daughter of the doctor in charge and finds it strange and starts to investigate. They are from different worlds but a friendship starts to form between them. What she finds out is unspeakable and can destroy Gideon’s family. Beautiful story!
Profile Image for Lisa  (Bookworm Lisa).
2,240 reviews205 followers
August 18, 2016
I found this book by a friend recommendation.

This book has a predictable plot, I knew almost from the beginning the key plot elements. The author uses a lot of repetition. Those elements gave it a three star rating.

Besides the paragraph from above, I enjoyed this book. I found the main characters adorable. I wanted to see them figure everything out. (Even when they figured everything out, I didn't like their behavior for a bit.)

This book contains behind doors activity and the characters remembering their time together. It's not squeaky clean.
Profile Image for Zoe.
766 reviews201 followers
November 8, 2015
Laura Landon sometimes gives me this impression that she likes goody two shoes as her lead characters. And this book has not one but 2 goody two shoes. Gideon and Eve are both good people who you can't help but like.

This is a romance story with a mystery. I guessed who the real murderer was very early on. But that did not bother me. Gideon was supposed to be mad. He suffered from seizures and violent fits and was considered a danger to people around him. When he met Eve he had been locked away for his and others' safety for 10 years. Eve was the daughter of Gideon's doctor. She initially only wanted to help Gideon but they fell in love once they got to know each other.

As usual, I immediately took to Laura Landon's characters. I love her heroines. They are every bit of femininity and grace that I aspire to be. Her heros are sometimes not "bad ass" enough. Not that I am pining for an asshole but some of her heros are so honorable that they border on being kind of bland. Gideon, was rather bland. But well, he was a good man, what can I say?

One of my favorite books is Laura Landon's masterpiece and I love love love that book to pieces. But all of her other books are pleasant easy reads at best. Her stories are often too simple to invoke emotional responses, but they are almost always a good time-pass. This is book is another pleasant easy read from Landon which I read quickly and will probably not re-read. But I am glad that I read it.
Profile Image for Tracy T..
1,023 reviews23 followers
February 4, 2017
Okay 2.5 star story, a bit melancholy maybe?? Narration by Rosalyn Landor (audible review).

So this was an okay story, but seemed a bit melancholy sometimes. I was glad the ending had a surprise twist to it, but I did figure it out way ahead of time.

Story line and plot... Where to start.. Well, it was okay, I finished it. But it was difficult. I like my hero's strong with a tad of arrogance. Gideon was strong and sexy and accepting of his condition but it just seemed sad at times. I liked Eve and I liked that she didn't give up. I was glad when they figured out what was wrong.

There was a lot of dialogue throughout the entire book so that was a plus, it wasn't full of repetitiveness as some Laura Landon books have been.

As for the narration, Rosalyn Landor did fine. If you listened to her before, it's still the same. Her reading voice sounds a lot like the men's voices. But at least she does do a man's voice
Profile Image for Lilmissmolly.
1,021 reviews
January 18, 2021
If you enjoy reading or listening to Regency romance with a mystery to solve, Cast in Shadows is for you! Author Laura Landon took me on an emotional roller coaster where I couldn’t stop listening to it. I even took a 1 ½ hour lunch just to finish it after arriving to work one day. The story was refreshing and, despite figuring out who the villain was about half-way through the book, I was on the edge of my seat because I became so enthralled in the characters. I couldn’t help but feel empathy for Gideon, who seemed on all accounts normal, noble, and honorable, while at the same time he suffered from seizures that became debilitating and he became dangerous at the same time.

Ten years after being locked away from society, Gideon meets Eve who is his doctor’s daughter after she returns from school. She becomes his nurse trying to figure out what triggers his seizures. After spending so much time together it becomes provident that they fall in love with each other. One of the things I enjoyed most about this book is that Gideon’s and Eve’s love story evolves slowly and naturally; and most importantly, there is no gratuitous sex. In fact, there is only one “behind closed doors” sex scene near the end of the book – just like I enjoy listening to.

As an added bonus, the irrefutably talented Rosalyn Landor narrates Cast in Shadows and her narration is simply sublime. In summary, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audiobook and recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical romance with more substance and emotional punch.
Profile Image for sylph.
71 reviews2 followers
October 5, 2015
Unique and interesting plot for period. The people trying to solve the puzzle were way too smart not to have figured out the main clue much sooner, and that made me a little impatient. There could have easily been a red herring to continue throwing them off the track for awhile longer, instead of having them overlook the very element they were testing for.

Having said that, I still enjoyed it, and will read the next story in the series.
Profile Image for Joanne.
274 reviews3 followers
March 23, 2019
A Love Story That Warms the Heart

This is my first Laura Landon book. And I will make sure to read another one. I was reading another book when I impulsively downloaded this one and promptly forgot the current book I have been reading (I could not believe this took me away from a highlander romance, lol). I have read hundreds of romance books from the cleanest to the erotic ones, with all sorts of plots and storylines. This book though made me curious enough to break my rule of one book at a time in a certain order. The story captivated me from page one. It was such a sweet story. Was it predictable in the murder mystery area? After a few chapters maybe. But it did not determine ny enjoyment of the love story. Does it have a love scene? Yes, one but it was not described in detail. More of like an impression that it was going to happen (like one of those old time mivies where the couples kiss in a room and then screen blacks out). Again, this did not determine my enjoyment of the story.

I like how well written the book is in terms of editing and how well thought out the plot is (even if some reviewers find it predictable). No melodrama, no long drawn out stubborness or angst. Just pure story of two people falling in love in the course of time being together. Gideon and Eve were each other’s first love. They made me fall in love as well (sigh) and wish for everything good to happen to them. It is a simple and straightforward no frills love story. I love the epilogue as well.

I am off to buy this book so I can keep it in my Kindle forever. As of now, it was free to download because of my membership. Next, I will search for another book from this author.

163 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2019
Gideon Sheffield, future Duke of Sheffield, has suffered seizures since he was 8, seizures that cause him intense pain and drive him to violence, seizures like ones that drove his mother mad and eventually killed her. Gideon is such a strong, good man and Eve is such a solid, strong woman.

At 18, he took up residence at a Sanitarium, the same place his mother was treated. The sanitarium is lead by one of the leaders in the field, Dr. Cornwall. In his 28th year, Dr. Cornwall is joined by his daughter, Eve, who shares her father’s dedication to helping the mentally infirmed. After observing Gideon, she suspects that, even though there hasn’t been any progress, there is a cause for Gideon’s illness. She’s able to persuade her father to allow her to try and treat him.

Gideon is intelligent, noble and courageous in dealing with the illness in his life. Eve is methodical and compassionate to his plight. Her gentle questioning leads to a friendship between them, a friendship that develops into something more, even though Eve knows that there’s no future in it.

Eve’s inquisitive mind suspects it’s something in his food/drink, which leads her to restrict them. Gideon’s seizures don’t recur, but other things occur to make it obvious that his condition isn’t an accident.

I figured out the cause of his illness almost at the beginning. I wasn’t completely sure the identity of the villain, but my instincts were correct. Too much *Law and Order* and other crime procedurals. Didn’t take away my enjoyment one bit. (It’s why I watch them.)
Profile Image for Geovana da Silva.
9 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2020
Well, I'll try to be simple and number the reasons I did not like this book much.

1 - Predictable plot, what in itself would not be so bad, but lets continue;

2 - Dumb characters, there are doctors in this book and the Hero stayied 10 years in the asylum and the doctor did not try to read the old files about the pacient or try a new treatment method? Sounds dumb to me. Plus, the evidence was so exposed and the heroine tried to deny it to herself in the most unbelivable way, I started to get irritated.

3 - NO SEX SCENES (at least there were none where I stop reading, 80% of the book, there was a mention of sex, but no description). That may be ok for a lot of readers, but when the plot is weak and the characters are dumb the lack of sex (and good sex) is vexing as hell. Makes it seams like there is nothing to remember in the book. Sorry.

4 - The lenght of the book was excessive for the lack of a good plot, in the middle of the book I was already tired of it.

Was there things I liked? Yeah, the hero was virgin, but as there are no sex scenes I could not enjoy his performance 🤷‍♀️.

That's it.
162 reviews3 followers
August 10, 2017
I got a free copy of dis book ...it is my voluntary & honest Review...

i loved d book... this is a Regency romance with a mystery...This was a wonderful read , is one of the best books I've read recently....even though after a few chapters i guessed d suspense but still wanted to read how d author has woven d story around dis romantic suspense... the pace was fast ...thrilling till d end ....not one boring moment ...it gripped my imagination & i had to finish it till d end without a break...
Eve's character is very strong...sensible, intelligent... Gideon 's is also very endearing & lovable...
This is a story between Duke of Townsend and Eve Cornell who is a Dr's daughter...she triestohelp him find a cure to his affliction....both d main characters r mature & honest about there relations...
though d mystery was predictable d plot developed was interesting...
i loved & enjoyed d book...it is my 1st book by Laura Landon & d author didnt disappoint ...her style of writing simple yet engrossing...well written & i would recommend it ...
3,540 reviews14 followers
September 20, 2017
Cast In Shadows is my first book by Laura Landon, but won't be my last. Ms Landon has delivered a well-written book. The characters are amazing. I totally love these characters. This historical romance has plenty of mystery, suspense, drama, action and sizzle to keep readers entertained from cover to cover. I enjoyed reading Cast In Shadows and look forward to reading more from this new (to me) author very soon. Cast In Shadows is book 1 of the Cast In Scandal Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

I voluntarily read a free copy of this book that I received from BookFunnel.
367 reviews
September 19, 2022
Excellent start to the series

Gideon has been subject to seizures since he was a young boy. His mother also suffered from them and eventually died in an asylum which her husband (Gideon’s father) created for her.

Years later Eve’s father has taken over as medical director and she assists him.

Eve suspects that the seizures have a different cause than those she has seen in the other residents.

Her investigation leads to a dreadful revelation which will have devastating repercussions if it is revealed to the public.

Can the developing love between Gideon and Eve survive the threats against Gideon and the secret which will potentially destroy the whole family?
2,102 reviews38 followers
September 4, 2017
A pretty Good read. It has just the right mix of mystery, suspense, thrills and romance to make it interesting. Though the reader get the hints as to who is doing the poisoning as well as who benefits if Gideon will go the same way his mother did (mad and dead). A family torn by a scorned woman's ruthless revenge and covetousness. The story is also about a doctor's tireless search for the truth and her admiration turned love for her patient.
Profile Image for Vikki Vaught.
Author 12 books159 followers
January 23, 2021
My Musings

As with Ok Ms. landon' s, Cast in Shadows is an emotionally charged romance with compelling characters, and an at times, an heart wrenching story. As far the villain, I figured it fairly early on. I even became frustrated when it took Eve so long to figure it out. Nonetheless, I loved the hero and heroine so I didn't let the predictability keep from enjoying this lovely tale. Happy ☺reading 📚!
217 reviews1 follower
March 19, 2018
Cast in Shadows

An amazing book. The characters are real, the story is engrossing. I couldn't put it down. I gave it 5 stars because the author knows how to convey love and passion without having you in the bed with a couple. A rarity in historical romance of really any kind of romance.
It's a romance with danger and suspense, everything I love in a book.
136 reviews
September 27, 2019
Loved it!

WHAT a good story! One of the best who-done -its I've seen!

Ms. Landon covers every emotion with sensitivity and feeling, and delivers them with quite the emotional punch!

You MUST read this book! Treat yourself to a few hours of good reading before you snuggle into your covers perchance to dream. And have a nice day!
577 reviews5 followers
September 2, 2020
Escaped From The Shadows

Great story written about Gideon Waverley, Marquess of Sheffield, heir to the Duke of Townsend and Eve Cornwell. Her father was the doctor for the Shadowdown Sanitarium.
Gideon was a patient there because of violent seizures.
Eve and Gideon become friend as she tries to figure out what is going on!
I would recommend this book.
1,324 reviews2 followers
May 4, 2021
Searching

Great story wonderful story line Great characters. Eve is a country Dr.s daughter. Gideon is an Earl that as been tormented since he was eight
From a ravishing ailment. Eve is determined to help him and figure out what,s causing his attacks. She will uncover a deadly secret that could destroy their happily ever after.
Thank you ❤
7 reviews
June 22, 2017
Five stars!!

Loved this book!! Was enthralled from beginning to end!! Would recommend it!!
Definitely a five star book.
I always rate a book but have never posted a comment. I had to for this one.
Profile Image for Aurrora James.
Author 21 books72 followers
August 12, 2017
Sweet story

This was a pretty good story with mystery and romance and closed bedroom doors. It was very sweet. I figured out the mystery immediately but finished the book to see what became of the hero. If you like sweet stories, this book is for you.
Profile Image for Belinda Earl  Turner.
390 reviews3 followers
January 5, 2018
Laura Landon has written an intriguing, suspenseful romance. She develops her characters fully, describing them physically and psychologically. Her plot is spellbinding, and has several angles. The ending is satisfactory.
68 reviews1 follower
April 17, 2018
Not five stars

Would have given five stars but for the sex scene. I don't care for those; don't have a need to be in the bedroom of the characters.
Laura is a talented author and her writing doesn't need the explicit sex.
57 reviews1 follower
September 1, 2021
Such A Special Read

As a constant reader I found Cast in Shadows to be one of Historical significance, the beginning for Women being excepted as Nurses. The rest of the story line itselft with it's intrigue and twists made for me unable to put down, I read this is one sitting.
216 reviews2 followers
August 1, 2023
Great read

This book was great. It has a plot that was unique and very interesting. The love Gideon and Eve have for one another is a treat to read and savor. Finding the answer to Gideon's lethal problem made for a great read.
Profile Image for Barbara.
Author 10 books10 followers
May 20, 2017
The plot synopsis and hero's backstory made me anticipate a Laura Kinsale-type love story. But no. Just no.
83 reviews1 follower
November 27, 2017
Excellent book. Good plot. I want to read the series now.
4,791 reviews7 followers
August 13, 2018
Romance

Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
Profile Image for Carol.
198 reviews
September 10, 2018
Lovely!

Such a beautiful story! I loved both of the main characters for their strength, and their ability to overcome the great obstacles in their path to each other!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews

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