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Color Her Red #1

Color Her Red

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Emma's husband is a gorgeous, wealthy, former playboy who's left his bad ways behind. Or so she thought. When she sees Thomas' picture on the news, with his arms wrapped around another woman's waist, her heart shatters and her trust in him is destroyed. The incriminating photos of his infidelity have ruined her happily ever after.

Thomas denies the allegations and pleads with her to believe in him and fight for their marriage, but Emma is hesitant to put her faith in the man she so desperately loves. When the woman in the photo surfaces and makes it clear that she's willing to do anything to reclaim Thomas, Emma soon learns that they will have to fight for both their marriage and their lives.

This is book 1 of a 2 book sexy, sweet, and suspenseful series.

195 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 18, 2013

1 person is currently reading
100 people want to read

About the author

Crystal L. Shaw

28 books124 followers
Be the first to read Shifters of Shadow Falls first!: http://eepurl.com/bN7tOz

I love fantasizing about sexy alphas who conquer without mercy and take risks without fear. There are always obstacles in life and love ranging and I enjoy exploring those struggles in my writing. Above all else, my strong heroines will prevail and love will conquer all. Always. https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCrysta...

I hope you're enjoying the world of Shadow Falls and my sexy, fiercely protective alphas.

#1 - Offered to the Werewolves
#2 - Taken by the Werewolves and
#3 - Claimed by the Werewolves
are a 3-novella serial depicting three intertwined love stories.

The remainder of the series consist of standalone, insta-love stories complete with a happily ever after, but continue to give the background story of Shadow Falls.

#4 - The Alphas' Captive
#5 - Mated to the Werewolves

Coming Spring 2016:
Dragon's Heat
The Beast and His Beauty

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for I ♥ Bookie Nookie (bookienookiereviews.blogspot.com).
1,028 reviews2,903 followers
February 25, 2013
COLOR HER RED is the first book by new author Crystal L. Shaw. I really liked the general basis of the book – I am a sucker for any storyline with a powerful and wealthy hero, then tack on the fact that he is a reformed playboy and I will snatch it up in a heartbeat!

Emma and Thomas have been married for about a year when rumors begin to fly all over the media about Thomas’ supposed infidelity. Emma, understandably, is an emotional wreck and isn’t quite sure what to believe. While dealing with the fallout and emotional aspects of the alleged infidelity, Emma finds herself in a terrifying predicament, as she becomes the target of one of Thomas’ mentally unstable former ex-girlfriends. Yikes!

From the beginning, I was captured by the charming characters and the mystery surrounding them – I was anxiously rubbing my hands together in anticipation – excited about what would happen next. I kept waiting for some sort of twist or pivotal moment in the story that never really came to fruition. I had plenty of suspicions about how the story might wrap up, but I was very surprised to find that there was no twists or surprises at all. In my opinion, COLOR HER RED would benefit greatly if the author added something unexpected that would yank the reader out of the blissfully perfect world in which the characters live and shake them up a bit.

There was also a bit of a disconnect for me as a reader with the “other” woman, Lillian’s role in the story – there were things about her activities that just didn’t jive for me.

I would like to see the plot in COLOR HER RED to be expanded a bit to include a few jaw-dropping moments. I also think the characters could use some more development and tension. As the story stands, it was a 2 star read for me – if the author were to revamp the book, I would definitely take another look because I think Ms. Shaw has a story that is worth telling, it just needs a little work.


✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.

**Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews

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Profile Image for Ollie.
205 reviews22 followers
April 15, 2013
Review by Ollie for BittenByParanormalRomance

Right from the beginning at the Prologue up to the very the end, he story had me glued to the pages relishing the happenings between Thomas and Emma. There was definitely a thriller aspect to the story, but what really drew me to the story were the characters and the sweet tale of a kind-hearted, average girl who happened to catch the eye of a gorgeous multimillionaire and their love for each other which at times were put to extreme tests.

Right from the start the plot of the story is set from Thomas' POV with him reminiscing how he met Emma and his concern over how she will react to what he is going to tell her, unfortunately it becomes much bigger then he could have ever imagined. Not only does he have a ex-girlfriend who wants him back, but a woman who is unstable and capable of doing the unthinkable.

What happens next in the story and throughout is seen from Emma's POV as she deals with the news that her loving husband is having an affair and the length that the other woman will take to make him hers. Many times Emma's faith in herself, in her husband and in herself were put to the test as circumstances made it seem that her life with her gorgeous husband was all a lie. Many scenes were heartbreaking as she was forced to confront her worst fears and to tried to find in herself the truth.

Even though Thomas was a player before he met Emma he really didn't have any negative qualities about himself which made him a very likable character (ok I loved him). He may have a slight dominant and commanding aura about himself, but nothing arrogant or rude about him. Thomas just happened to be an extremely good-looking man and women would through themselves at him (even with Emma by his side), but he only had eyes for Emma which melted my heart for him.

In between the tense moments with Thomas' ex causing havoc with their lives I really enjoy the flashback scenes as Emma would remember how they were when the first met and the tender moments between the two of them. It was during those scenes that really warmed my heart and made me fall more in love with these characters. It showed the true deep of their feelings for each other and at one point allowed Emma to lose some of the insecurities that she still felt. Thomas is one very romantic guy and definitely knows how to make the woman he loves feel special. The sexy scenes between them were steaming hot and they way Thomas worshiped Emma's body, all I can say is she is one lucky woman. :)

Now there very quite a few tearjerker moments, but there was one significant point in the book that was particular heartbreaking that my heart ached for them and I really cared what was going to happen to them. So be prepared with some tissues as you find at times your heart bleeding for both Thomas and Emma. Now the way the book ends it left me wanting more and to know what was going to happen next. Therefore, I am happy to say that there is a sequel in the works and I can't wait to read. Even though there were a few grammatical and structural errors, I have such a vivid imagination it did not deter me. I have a tendency to actually put myself in the story and see it as if I am standing on the side watching everything unfold so it did not hinder the flow too much. Now it may bother some people, but don't let it. This was a wonderful debut book from this author and based on her ability to try and capture the emotional intensity of scenes she is on a great start as an author.

4 Stars
Profile Image for Kellie Maddox-Ward.
753 reviews506 followers
March 9, 2013


The Author emailed me and asked if I would be interested reading her book based my other book choices. After reading the prologue I was like HELL YEAH!!

THE STORY

This is about Emma and her gloriously handsome fabulous rich husband Thomas.

The whole book is in Emma POV except for the prologue which is in Thomas.

Thomas used to be a man whore. Not one to settle down he was rich young and treated women like shit. Until Emma.
She was his game changer, one chance meeting where she spilled coffee on him changed their lives.
He pursued her and eventually won her heart,
He is the kind of guy who always gets what he wants.

2 years into their marriage, a scandal that is worthy of the 6 oclock news rocks their worlds.

Thomas is having an affair.
The photos of Thomas and the other woman Lillian are splashed over every TV station and every magazine.

This is where we jump straight into the book with Emma dn her best friend Kate crying and drinking. Thomas is calling Emma non stop but she can't believe everything she believed is a lie that he is with someone else.

Thomas eventually finds her at Kate's and convinces her it is all a lie. Those photos are years old and SHE IS IT FOR HIM.

Turns out those photos are years old and the woman in the picture, Lillian is certifiable C.R.A.Z.Y!
She believes Thomas is hers and will stop at nothing to get him back.

Hence she goes all Fatal Attraction on their asses.

MY HONEST OPINION

After the prologue this fell flat for me.
Thomas was trying to be a bit of a control freak. But it wasn't believable. Not in a Christian Grey, Gideon Cross, James Cavendish way where we FEEL that they are in control of every situation.

Also the "love" between Thomas and Emma wasn't felt either. I like to fall into a story and be a apart of it and feel the things they are feeling not just be on the sidelines and TOLD that they love each other.
A bit more character development would of been better. also the word "nuzzle" was used waayyy to much.

Sex scenes were... Umm to borrow the term from someone that wrote it on here once. Like the steam on a cup of tea. Seemed it was going to be HAWT but really just blow it on it and insta cool...

As for the suspense part of it? Brilliant! I was on the edge of my seat wondering where she was going to pop up or what she was going to be doing next. I did however wonder why for example. A-she was let out in the first place and B- how she kept getting past all these ex military professionals and getting into state of the art homes with security.

One thing I realllllly didn't like though was the ending.
Anyone who knows me, know's I love
 photo hea1_zps2c387a1b.gif

and with this I got an ending.. I completely understand why it was done, I just wish it wasn't = (

All in all.. Great debt novel! and look forward to reading others in the future.

Profile Image for Brandy.
371 reviews27 followers
February 24, 2013
** Rating was 4.5 STARS, but changed to 5 stars. Explanation below

I received this book from the author to review & to be honest, I was a little apprehensive about reading it because its not the kind of book I usually read. However, I am soooo glad I was given the opportunity to read it... I liked it so much that I went ahead & purchased it on Amazon as well. I usually read the typical "boy meets girl" romance novels, but in this one, the H&h were already married. Both characters were extremely likable & easy to read, where in most books, I am usually annoyed by at least one of them throughout most of the book for one reason or another.

Thomas was a gorgeous, sexy, wealthy, playboy who never committed to one woman before he met Emma. They dated, fell in love, married & lived happily ever after until it was reported on the news he was seen with his mistress out on the town with incriminating photos as proof of his infidelity. As it turns out, a crazy ex-lover from his past resurfaced & made it her life's mission to do everything she possibly could to reclaim what she thought was hers & would stop at nothing until she had what she wanted. Thomas & Emma not only fought to keep their marriage together, but soon realized they're were also fighting for their lives.

This gripping story had me on the edge of my seat, biting my nails & obsessed with turning the pages to find out what was going to happen next. The romance was sweet, the sex was hot, & the suspense was pretty intense. The only reasons why I gave the book 4.5 stars instead of a full 5 is because there were a few typos, which really didn't bother me that much & I felt that the story ended too abruptly. Emma was going through an emotionally rough time at that point & it seemed that there should have been more at the end with her coming out of her depression. When it ended, I was shocked & I kept swiping my screen on my iPad thinking that this could NOT be the end, but low & behold, it was. lol

Great book - two thumbs up!

** I originally rated the book 4.5 stars because I thought the ending was too abrupt; however, the author informed me that there will be a sequel, so I changed it to 5 stars.
Profile Image for Jessica *The Lovely Books*.
1,265 reviews649 followers
March 6, 2013
**Book was given to me by author for an honest review**

Boy, that was entertaining!

I knew I was going to like the book from the very beginning. The prologue we catch a glimse into the males POV,Thomas. I think the prologue set the theme and the plot fairly well for the entire book and it really got my attention. I had to read the rest of the book and find out what happened next.

Color Her Red is a mix between romance and suspense/thriller. Even though the prologue is Thomas's POV, the rest of the book is done through Emma's POV.

I admit, I read it at night, not really expecting to get creeped out but I did! We first meet Emma when she founds out her husband has had an affair.

Anyways, we found out he has had an affair and the world pretty much crushes poor Emma and Thomas. She starts doubting him, something she she has never done before. Which I can understand, seeing a picture of husband with said girl locked in embrace can send any girl into a little doubt. I am glad Emma was able to trust in Thomas. He was a genuinely(sp check)good guy.

This also had a FSoG like feel. I love stories about billionaires falling for a somewhat normal girl and him changing his ways. This story is definitely one in its own.

I felt the ending was a little too predictable but I still shed some tears. It really got to me. And since I would hate me and you would hate me too if I gave away the ending, I am going to stop right here.


Recommended for those who like suspense and romance!
Profile Image for Ellen W-S.
483 reviews24 followers
March 5, 2013
Arc provided by author
The prologue catches my interest, Thomas Grant, a young successful stunningly attractive is turning down buying a company then looks at photo and reminisces meeting his love. Are they married? Maybe but then the public relations executive lady comes in asking a startling question. Ok, there's a hook, I can be drawn in....unfortunately, the book shifts quickly and becomes a drama fest as Emma's life is unraveling at the publicity of Thomas' affair. Lots of drowning of sorrows with wine and tears take over the story. I should be a sympathetic reader by this point but I am not. Emma is reminiscing on Thomas and is in shock as to how she could have misread their marriage and the man she loves. Thomas, before Emma was a self-proclaimed dick, only looking for conquests and fun, not into having a relationship. At this point I am wondering what's so great about this guy. So clearly I am not connecting with the characters but the author does create clear air of suspense which holds my interest when stalker ex-girlfriend appears. Great tension. Suspense was well written, the romance was not. The story reminds you of a combination of Fatal Attraction with snippets of FSoG. Too me the Fatal Attraction part of the story was more credible than the forced similarities between Christian Grey and Thomas Grant. in my opinion, the sex scenes were unimaginative and the dialogue trite, the author needs to stick with suspense not romances. It was a good first effort and I believe that the writing and drawing connections to the characters will improve in the future but in this book, I didn't care enough to cheer whether these two characters grew together or apart.



Profile Image for Carrie (Badass, Alpha-male, Cowboy Connoisseur ).
148 reviews215 followers
February 24, 2013
This book was graciously provided by the author for an honest review.

This story will seem familiar to some, it has the FSoG theme like a lot of new books that have come out over the past year. And although it shares a similar theme, the author has also interjected her own brand of angst.

Thomas and Emma have been married for a little while when all of the sudden something ugly from Thomas' past is broadcast for the world to see. Emma seeks solace in her best friend Kate and that is when the story takes off.

There is a lot of crying and distrust in the beginning and there is even more crying in the end (for heart-wrenching reasons) and one of the people crying was me. I don't like to give away any of the plot in my reviews but, I will tell you that some ladies will find the last half of the book hard to take.

Thomas is a "use to be" Manwhore and our Emma learns first hand what a crazy ex can do to a relationship and also how vindictive jealous women can be. Finding their way back to each other is hard (especially for Emma) but, Thomas isn't letting go and eventually they find a way but, it may or may not be a lasting one (How's that for a teaser?).


While I liked the book there were times I felt like the story needed to slow down and unfold a little more, give us a little more insight to some of the characters so that I could connect more fully. (Thomas' relationship with his parents, the relationship with Michael etc..).

I am really hoping for a sequel since the ending is left wide open and emotionally raw. I would definitley read it.

With that being said I still give this book a solid 3 stars. This is the author's first book and she did a great job if you ask me.

Profile Image for Season.
1,210 reviews2 followers
March 5, 2013
Okay first off I have to say that this book was given to me by the author.

I thought the book started just a bit slow for me but once I really got into it I didn't want to stop reading. I got so wrapped up in Emma and Thomas' life/relationship that I wanted to know more.

I would have like to know more about Emma's mother, Thomas' parents, Michael and all the other secondary characters but otherwise I thought it was a really good story that left me with wanting more.

I have read a few reviews that compare this book to Fifty Shades but I didn't even think that until I read the review. Read it for yourself and make your own judgement but I don't think you will be disappointed.

Ok, so now that it has been about a day since I finished reading it, I felt that I needed to add some more of my thoughts/comments. Go into this story with a completely open mind because there are a lot of changes that take place. I personally would have liked to know a little more of Thomas' background. You learn late in the book that he didn't always have money, so I would have liked to know how he became what he became and also what his company actually did. You know that he works a lot, but it never really said what he did for a living.

Overall, good story and one that I will reread at some point in the possibly near future because I felt that I related at least to a point to Emma and kind felt for what she was going through.
43 reviews
May 23, 2013
I had a hard time with this book. The plot was okay, a blatant FSoG knock-off, only taking place 2 years into the marriage, but oh oh the editing.

Lots of times I can overlook it, I am Kristen Ashley fan and her stories are so good I forget the mis-spellings and wrong punctuation because I am lost in the good story. However, in this case I hard time because this author often uses words incorrectly, such as "graciously" when really she means to use "gracefully". Sometimes she uses words without have any idea what they mean such as "The elusive length of her skirt cut just below her knees flowed as she walked..." Well, elusive means "difficult to define, describe or capture." Since you just described the length of the skirt as to her knees the length of it wasn't very elusive. I actually have no idea what she was trying to say about the skirt with that adjective.

There are more examples, many more and each broke the narrative for me much worse than bad punctuation, because I had to figure what the author had been trying to say in the first place.

I borrowed the book on AmazonPrime and I am glad to see that the book is here on goodreads for free, but if I paid the 2.99 on Amazon Kindle or the 8.99 paperback price I would be livid.
Profile Image for ➦Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas .
1,182 reviews358 followers
March 14, 2016
Color Her Red

Title: Color Her Red &
Author: Crystal L. Shaw
Publication Date: March 11, 2016

This series is bundled so several instalments are available at once.
Gifted exchange for an honest review.
Color Her Red is written in the first person from Emma Grant's perspective and tells the story of her life & marriage to the multi-millionaire Thomas Gran
Had a hard time getting into book at first, but once you got pass all the crying & drunken talk you were able to see the book really open up
Sexy Billionaire playboy, meet his one true love Emma ... leaving behind his old habits. .. Or so we thinks...

Psychopath X fling releases photos of them together in a compromise his lovely wife she's see them on the local news freaks out. Of course her first reaction is to run & hide from Thomas… I would share more , but that spoil the book for you
I just wish that there was more backstory to Emma and Thomas’s dating, I would also have like to know more about Emma's mother, Thomas' parents, Michael & all the other secondary characters but otherwise I thought it was a really good story that left me with wanting more.
I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys romance and suspense.

Profile Image for Shannon.
544 reviews34 followers
February 28, 2013
I dont know where to start with this book I am shocked and surprised with this little Gem and I want more now!!! Crytal, First off thank you for giving me a copy of this to read and review...

Now yes there are a few bumps and wrong words here and there... but honestly it did not make me not like the book.. The only thing I can say is that at 1st it was hard to follow until I understood the writers writing style and once I figured that out I thought the flow went wonderful..

This was a nice twist on a love story that had happy times and sad times and then the heartbreaking moment that changed everything... If you get a chance to read this please do,... I look forward to reading the next part of this book
Profile Image for Julie.
583 reviews69 followers
February 22, 2013
I was asked by the author to read her book (she was sweet enough to send me a copy) and provide a review for Goodreads.

First things first. The meat of the story is amazing. GREAT idea. I never would have expected all of the twists and turns.

That being said ... I was so close to becoming emotionally involved but it fell a little short. I think that there might have been a bit of a disconnect for me because I just couldn't relate to the characters. I think that who the characters are down to their most basic level just wasn't explored enough. Why is Emma so emotional? I know that what she's going through in the book had to be emotionally taxing but at some points in the story it felt like she blew up very easily and then other times, she would put up with a lot of things and not get emotional when I expected her to. The same overly-emotional thing goes for Thomas ... he seems to have a very short temper sometimes ... why? And why is he so controlling. I also would have liked to know more about Lillian ... where she came from, who she really was, why she was the way she was ... those types of things.

This isn't the first book from an author that I've read. Certainly not the first book I've read with typos ... but there were A LOT of typos. Some sentences weren't complete and there was no way to know what was meant or intended, some misspellings and a lot of wrong words used. Typos can be expected, but there were more than I had seen in a book before.

The incomplete characters and typos aside, it's a great book ... I'd read it again just because of the story line that Shaw came up with.
Profile Image for Lynne weir.
238 reviews27 followers
August 17, 2014
I love how it starts in the beginning, this is a couple who are already happily married when you meet them and right from the beginning it has you hooked as it quickly jumps into some action. I did notice a few noticeable spelling mistakes though which distracted me slightly while reading.

For the male lead, on one hand I dislike him, he seems rude, selfish and somewhat stuck up but on the other hand its clear he loves Emma and is doing what he thinks is best so for that I also like him. For the female lead, Emma, once again I found myself both liking and disliking her, on one hand she clingy, seems weak willed and is happy to turn a blind eye to things and let her husband sort it out, or the other hand though she’s funny and interesting and she totally shows she actually in fact does have a back bone in the ending so for that I like her and respect her.

I couldn’t help but find many similarities between this story and Fifty Shades but saying that, this story has its own uniqueness and some big plot twists that I was not expecting. Basically throughout the story I was thinking “I know how this is going to end” only for the ending to be the opposite of what I expected. I was gapping like a fish, shocked and amazed and I confess a few tears were shed. So with that said I don’t want to give too much away so I’m shutting up before I let something slip. All I’m going to say is read, it’s a bit like Fifty Shades but SO MUCH BETTER!!!
Profile Image for Mafalda.
75 reviews1 follower
March 16, 2013


I would like to thank the author Crystal Shaw for sending me this book for an honest review.

So where do I start???

Overall I loved the book. I think it was very interesting the way the author introduces the characters to us, the prologue got my full attention and interest to see how this mysterious and sexy man was and what would happen to them.

I got a little confused at times, with the flashbacks but they were a great way for us to know their story, instead of following the typical chronology. It was a nice change.

Both characters were interesting. Tom is a sexy, confident billionaire that gets intrigued and fascinated by Emma. A simple girl yet very intelligent.

Tom was a womanizer before but once he meets Emma, things change and they fell deeply in love.

However, the past comes out to haunt him, a bit little it did to Grey on Fifty Shades and it will cause serious damage to their lives. Throughout the book we see the tension building till the finale encounter and that was WOW! Very scary!

Not only we get the romance and dominating male character we all love, we also jump in our beds once in awhile with the suspense the author successfully manage to put in her book!

Congrats! I recommend it to you all!


Profile Image for Tina.
574 reviews15 followers
February 25, 2013
Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this read. The author did an excellent job with all the details of the story. I was made to feel like I was there in the flesh participating in the scenes along with the characters. I was swept up into the story right away. There was a lot of emotion spilling from each page. The big thing for me was the plot. I felt like I was reading in the middle of a story where events have transpired already and I’m one step behind. I think the main issue was that I didn’t feel like I was invested in the relationship. I was reading about this intense relationship but I didn’t feel the intensity between the characters. I wasn’t able to build on their relationship because I wasn’t witness to their journey. The ending was left open to a possible sequel and if one is written I would absolutely read it. Overall, a very good story.
Profile Image for Heather.
87 reviews6 followers
March 6, 2013
This book was offered to me in exchange for an honest review.

From the prologue, I was sure that I wanted to read more. The story grabbed me quickly, and I was eager to see how the story played out. It does have a little bit of a Fifty Shades feel when it comes to the personalities of Thomas and Emma, but their story is different enough to stand on its own. I do wish that there had been a little bit more of a back story, but maybe future novels could provide that?

The end of story takes a tragic turn, and leaves you feeling haunted and heartbroken. For me, it leaves me wanting a sequel. I want to see Thomas & Emma's love survive.

All in all, I feel like this is a good first effort by Crystal Shaw, and I look forward to seeing Thomas & Emma's story continue.
Profile Image for Patricia.
10 reviews
April 29, 2013
I found this book free a while back on amazon and finally got around to reading it. The author is a strong writer, and she commands her characters well. She left a bit to be desired with the ending but I'm generous with my ratings towards first time authors to encourage them to continue on. It's worth a look but if I could offer one bit of criticism for the author to move forward with... the cover is very bad. If you redesigned it, I feel like you could attract a much better audience. Continue writing and let me know when and if you write another book. I won't be as generous though. ;)
Profile Image for Jen Bolton.
22 reviews
February 28, 2013
I am really excited to read this, the author actually sent me a copy :)
Profile Image for Nance.
1,608 reviews119 followers
March 13, 2013
Thomas is an extremely wealthy businessman married to Emma. Why, when he can have any beautiful woman, would he want plain mousy Emma? Because she intrigues him, and makes his blood boil that’s why. He wants her so much, that within a short time of dating, they are married, and that’s where the novel first begins. A photograph has surfaced with Thomas holding hands with an unidentified woman. Not just any woman, but a beautifully sensuous woman. Emma is devasted until Thomas explains that it’s not something he’s proud of, but before they were married, he slept around with numerous woman just for a good time. And, this photo now being released is from a relationship from his past that only lasted about a month. Who the hell released this now is beyond his knowledge. But, he will get to the bottom of this, and whoever did it, will pay. But, unsuspecting to him, the person who released the photo is none other than the other person in the photo, Lillian. What is she up to, and why would she do such a thing? She’s supposed to be in a mental institution since she tried to commit suicide by a medication overdose after Thomas ended their romantic relationship. She really didn’t take it well at all resulting in her stalking him, and his only choice was to obtain a restraining order. It was not pretty at all! This woman is dangerous, and no one realizes exactly what her capabilities are. Don’t undermind her because she has no fear and will not hesitate to go after what she wants – even if it costs her her life.

The idea behind the story was solid, I just wish that there was more backstory to Emma and Thomas’s dating, which after having read the novel and perusing Ms. Shaw’s website, realized that there are plans for another novel to shed some light on their dating history. Wonderful! Can’t wait for it to be released! The action, however in this novel, doesn’t stop from the opening chapter until the final page is turned. Non-stop drama and suspense captures the reader’s attention throughout. The passionate magnetism is apparent between the two main characters – satisfying their provocative sexual desire. I liked how this wasn’t just another romance novel, but had a twist that was riveting and unexpected. Thomas seemed to be a jerk in the past, but he seemed to have redeemed himself and truly loved his wife while being deeply sorry for his past sexual exploitations. He’s, obviously, a man who’s grown up tremendously. Emma just seemed so innocent - not much of a backbone when the novel began. But, at the end she seemed to have branded herself a survivor and no one was going to take away her family. Unfortunately, an accident does occur that claims an innocent life, but that just fuels Emma’s desire to not let the enemy win.

I will definitely look forward to Ms. Shaw’s future releases. An author not to be missed!
Profile Image for Janet Juengling-Snell.
327 reviews32 followers
April 1, 2013
When I first picked up this book, I didn’t think I was going to like it, I DON’T like reading about cheating spouses. And I’m so glad that I didn’t stop reading!! Color her Red was Outstanding!!

It’s a wonderful romantic suspense story that kept me reading all night because I needed to know what was going to happen next.
Thomas and Emma, met, dated, fell in love and then married. They have been happy for the past year, or so Emma thought. The press has just released a picture of her millionaire husband in the arms of another woman! She is so devastated that she refuses talk to Thomas or even listens to his voice messages. After all Thomas does have a past history for being a Casanova. My heart just broke for poor Emma.
Once Thomas finally tracks Emma down and confronts her, is when the suspense begins… Thomas ex-lover is back and she is crazy. Not only does Thomas have to fight for his marriage, he also has to fight for their lives.

Color me Red is a perfect blend of romance and suspense. Once I started reading I couldn’t put the book down, I had to know what was going to happen next. It was the most fantastic emotional roller coaster ride.

Both Emma and Thomas were strong characters, who complemented each other perfectly. Even the secondary characters were wonderful and added a great element to this story!

The only reason I’m not giving Color me Red 5 stars, was the ending. I felt the ending was very lacking and ended too abruptly. After reading such an emotional book, to not really have HEA was a disappointment to me. After everything that Thomas and Emma had been through, they also deserve some happiness!

With that said, I would still recommend Color me Red by Crystal L. Shaw. It is a book that I can see myself reaching for to read again and again….
Profile Image for Neets.
53 reviews
July 6, 2013
*I was sent a copy of this book by the author for an honest review*

While mildly entertaining, I'm afraid this book fell at so many hurdles, I was pleased to finish it :-(

First up, there's the fact that the plot mirrors one of the plot lines in FSoG - crazy ex stalks big-shot CEO and his current partner (wife). Big-shot CEO admits to having paid for crazy ex's treatment. Bodyguards, mildly domineering big-shot CEO. Heroine is able to come on demand (I mean, really? I wish I could!)

I'd be prepared to gloss over the lack of original storyline if the writing had been top notch. Sadly, it wasn't. Grammatically, it was fair (on the whole), but what really bothered me was the incorrect use of words, and the fact that so many sentences started with the heroine saying, "I did this, I did that..." It became extremely tedious after a while. Furthermore, the author appears to have an issue with tenses. Some parts were written using both past and present tense, even in the same sentence, which clearly confused matters...

I wish I could have given a more positive review and more stars, but when an author asks you to comment on their work, then I believe it's your duty to do just that. Crystal L. Shaw - I urge you to find someone to edit your next book (if you plan to continue writing) - and maybe put some thought into an original plot.
Profile Image for Linda Levine.
4,645 reviews25 followers
March 15, 2016
Emma thought she had the perfect life with her husband. He was a wealthy man who left behind his past of a different woman most nights when he met her. He treated her wonderfully.

When the media shows pictures of him with another woman and claims he has many mistresses, Emma is heartbroken. He has to work hard to regain her trust. It turns put that it is even worse. The women in the pictures is out to get him back.

It is definitely an emotional ride for the characters and the reader told with Emma as the narrator. You get a lot of flashbacks to their relationship and it really has been like a fairytale for her. It is not easy to live with the knowledge that there is a women who is dangerous and out to destroy your life. It is a really deadly battle to reclaim her life.

The second book is focused on the aftermath of everything and is a good conclusion to the story.

I received a copy in return for a honest review.
Profile Image for Sam.
32 reviews1 follower
March 14, 2013
How I found this indie: Reddit
Actual rating: 3.5 (closer to 4 than a 3, as I did enjoy it)

Crystal L. Shaw's debut book at first glance looks to be just another Fifty Shades of Grey clone, by an author looking to cash in on the fame, but despite some similarities between Shaw's rich and handsome leading man, and the infamous Grey, there really isn't a lot of similarities.

The book starts off really well, the prologue is fantastic but it dies near the end, keeping me from really loving it. I should say the ending isn't bad, but it feels like Shaw lost her way at the midway point and forgot where she was taking this story. It could have been a classic, but it's still a great read.
Profile Image for Carinae L'etoile.
76 reviews5 followers
March 12, 2013
I sent an email to the author with my feedback.

I thought the book was ok, it was fine - better written and edited than most things I've read lately.

However, parts of the book felt forced and inorganic. Furthermore, I felt that a lot of things needed to be explained about the ex-girlfriend -- how on earth did she get into places? Was their security that inept? I just had a very hard time believing that whole scenario.

Editing and pacing issues aside, her first effort isn't bad. I've definitely read worse.

I would have liked to have given this more than 2 stars, but that would be lying.

I think Crystal L. Shaw has good voice and I look forward to reading her future works.
Profile Image for Wendy.
1,992 reviews693 followers
March 17, 2013
Crystal L. Shaw's debut novel, "Color Her Red", is a gripping story that had me reading it from start to finish. A contemporary romance that is intense and will pull at your heart strings.
Emma Grant has the perfect life, and a loving husband Thomas, until both are viciously torn from her. News of a scandalous affair begins a horrifying, yet passionate, journey that will change Emma's life forever.
I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys romance and suspense.
A real page turner and I look forward to future books from this author.

Profile Image for Cassandra.
444 reviews
March 18, 2016
Falling in love with Thomas was like a fairy-tale for Emma! Her best friend, Kate, and her were just out having a girls day and fate intervened. Some spilled coffee and a year later, the playboy bachelor settles down. Like all fairy-tales, there's someone who is evil...Lillian... Can Thomas & Emma survive her? No, this isn't a fairy-tale book in any way. Yes, they love each other! This book is emotional, suspenseful, happy, sad...if you want an emotional roller-coaster ride, that's different and has some hot scenes...grab this up!!!
Profile Image for Kim.
1,689 reviews9 followers
March 10, 2016
Skimmed the blah, blah, blah

To much description and internal dialogue. Lots of blah, blah, blah. Skimmed what I did read but just could finish. Didn't feel like slogging through crap to get to the good stuff, assuming there was some good stuff because I never found any. Gave a 2 for effort.
Profile Image for Sheryl.
2,030 reviews22 followers
April 1, 2016
WOW a husbands past comes back to haunt him and his wife. I like the main characters and how the story line plays out in this romantic thriller.

I received an advanced copy of this book for an honest review. This is book 1 from the author.
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