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Mythical Knights #1

Brightest Shadow

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After the death of his father, David Drigan wonders if he's strong enough to lead his werewolf pack.

Then he meets Kelsey.

Blonde. Curvy. Attitude.

She makes David's beast surface like never before. Even when she argues with him.

When Kelsey learns about David's beast, she has to decide if she wants to live in his shadow.

Can they find the light, lost in the dark?

212 pages, Paperback

First published September 29, 2015

402 people are currently reading
528 people want to read

About the author

Candice Gilmer

59 books113 followers
USA Today and NY Times bestselling author Candice Gilmer leads a dangerous double life as a mommy and a writer. In between boo-boo healing and fixing broken toys, she writes stories usually to the tune of children's television shows.

Growing up in the Midwest, Candice stays close to her family, especially the ones with basements when the tornadoes come around.

All in all, she stays very busy, but really, she wouldn't have it any other way.

Well, maybe a little less children's television.

Website: Candicegilmer.com

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5 stars
235 (42%)
4 stars
163 (29%)
3 stars
109 (19%)
2 stars
36 (6%)
1 star
13 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
654 reviews2 followers
June 22, 2023
Oh those $.99 teaser books. They get you every time!
This one wasn’t quite as awful as some. Timeline between meeting and the HEA was deucedly short as per usual, but because there was a lot more than their love story involved you didn’t mind. It ended with me being curious as to what was next. (That’s the sign of a good book)
Profile Image for Mary Kirkland.
774 reviews34 followers
May 21, 2019
David just lost his father, the alpha of their pack and now they were all looking to him to be the alpha but the change that was supposed to happen to him to make him alpha...just wan't happening and he had no idea why. David and Kelsey met at a party on his behalf even though she didn't know who he was when they met. The attraction they felt for one another was almost instantaneous but they both had roles to play at the party so they didn't get a chance to really talk much.

They meet again when he comes to her work to sign some papers and they make a date to go running later on. They get along really well and like being around each other which was fun to watch. Kelsey has no idea that he's a werewolf even though he's let a few things slip but she never picked up on it.

Then when they're at one of her favorite places to spend time, some bad mythicals as they call themselves, show up and put David and Kelsey in danger. David has no choice but to shift into his wolf in order to keep them both safe from the bad guys, but it's a shock. She takes the whole thing pretty well at first and then just wants some space. I don't think she really knew how to deal with all of it but I can't really blame her.

There's a couple of interesting characters in this book and even though they seem like they are almost bad guys, I think there might be more to them than that. It'll be interesting to get to see more of them in future books. But I really think an opportunity was lost when we didn't get to see more of David's mother's grief over having just lost her mate. I realize this isn't her story but the expected grief just wan't there which made her character a little less believable.

I really enjoyed this author's writing style. I felt drawn into the story from the very first pages. I never got bored and always felt like the story was progressing nicely. We don't get a whole lot of world building so I hope to get more of the mythicals and how they came about in the next books.
Profile Image for kattykatkat.
64 reviews
May 28, 2022
DNF 24% I usually don't rate DNFs but this one I will for the simple reason that Kelsey is AWFUL. She is beyond rude to both the hero and his family. I was so looking forward to a non virgin, comic geek FMC.

Even worse she's one of those independent at all costs for no good reason FMCs. She sprains her ankle and is a complete jack hole to the hero when he takes her back to his house to have his fireman brother look at it for free. She judges just about everything about them including their wealth and that he lives with his family.

The worst thing is she is so rude knowing full well that he lost his father recently. So rude that his mother actually says "be gentle with him he's going through a lot" and this wench basically rolls her eyes and disregards it because he's wealthy. To his grieving mom, in her own damn house. She even admits in her head that she knows she's acting horribly but doesn't care " because that's just who she is" 🤢

There are hints that she had a horrible childhood which is kinda set up for her over the top reactions to his caring/help but trauma doesn't give anyone a right to be abusive to others. And really the thought of putting up with her unrepentant assholery for the rest of this book gives me the ick. Bottom line: I feel sorry for the hero and I wish Kelsey had gotten some damn therapy before the start of this book.
Profile Image for CE Davis.
35 reviews
August 11, 2015
I really loved Kelsey and David's story. Kelsey so level headed even if she was pretty confused about her feelings for David. David so stalwart even in the seeming rejection of Kelsey. They moved mountains and found each other. It was a great book!

I received this ARC for an honest review, I loved this book!
550 reviews3 followers
August 11, 2015
David didn't want to be Alpha, but it was left to him upon his fathers death. Kelsey has always been alone and taken care of herself and she likes it that way. At a dinner to honor Davids father, Kelsey's life changes. This is a very romantic book in a thrown together kind of way, which makes it better. I didn't put it down until I was finished and am looking forward to book 1 in this series
Profile Image for Marsha.
3,053 reviews58 followers
December 17, 2018
(3.5 Stars)
I love a good paranormal romance featuring werewolves and I also enjoy a strong female leading character. "Brightest Shadow" has both of these qualities but I must say that at times I found the female lead character a bit annoying. She is "in your face" kind of strong and I find the strongest women are the ones who 'just do' and not constantly yell that they are strong!

David Drigan's alpha father has just passed away from a stroke. Now it is his turn as the eldest male to step up to the plate and take over as Alpha. During a dinner reception for his father, David meets Kelsey an assistant at an accounting firm that is handling a scholarship set up in his father's name. She is human and very baffling to him. As he attempt to get to know her he soon realizes that she is headstrong and does not want a shining knight to save the day. She is self reliant and seemingly unable to accept help from other. However, what she doesn't realize it that she is his mate and David will do anything to protect her.

This was an interesting world created by Candace Gilmer. The world building was very good and I really liked the character of David. However, as I stated earlier, I wasn't a huge fan of Kelsey. She was somewhat abrasive. Yet, I find myself interested enough in this world to know more about it; so, I will definitely be going on to the next book in the series. I would like to see where this takes me.
Profile Image for Pat Bettinger.
239 reviews
April 9, 2020
A really good book and nice start to a new series.
David is to be the new Alpha of the Drigan pack but has not actually had the Alpha mantle come to him. In this author's world it is not an automatic thing but comes when he is really ready to be the Alpha which David is struggling with. The loss of his father is very hard for him and he is not sure he will ever measure up to him.
He meets Kelsey at a party being thrown to honor his father and she has no idea who he is. She has done all the work for the party though her crappy boss will take credit for it. David knows different because she tells him while they are upstairs where they meet.
He is drawn to her because she makes him feel comfortable and at ease and though she is a very independent woman who does not want to ask anyone for help she can not stop the growing feelings for him.
Some magical things and creatures of the night involved and a real rough night at an amusement park which could have ended really badly. She walks away from him but as we know that is not how it ends for an Alpha who has found his mate. His whole family is fun and the books to follow will give us more on them. Will start book 2 in a few days. Enjoy this one.
Profile Image for A.J. Skelly.
Author 37 books162 followers
November 12, 2020
I really liked the originality of the presentation of werewolves. In this story, the Alpha werewolf has died, and his son has to wait to inherit the "alpha." I've never read another werewolf story where the "alpha" was presented like this. It was a refreshing twist. The overall story line was good, though it needed a good line edit and a smidge of tweaking in a few places for pacing and flow.

That being said, this book was just a little too much for me. The love scene was too explicit (mild spoiler ahead) and I personally find it irritating when characters sleep together after knowing each other for a day or two.

There was also a lot of language--a lot of strong language, that didn't add to the story. It detracted. Much of it wasn't necessary and it dragged the story down. Especially since there wasn't a lot of variety in the language; it was just sprinkled liberally on the page, repeated a few lines down, every other sentence, etc.

All considered, the story line was intriguing and I did enjoy several parts of the book, but did not like it well enough to continue the series.
Profile Image for Courtney.
330 reviews
January 31, 2021
2.75 stars. It would have been higher but Kelsey was just... awful. Reading through the book I just felt so bad for David because he was sweet and was there for her and helped her when she needed it and every time he did something nice for her she flipped out on him. For example, they go jogging together and she gets mad because he’s matching her pace even though he could go faster. What’s the point of going jogging together if one person is just going to ditch to so they can run faster? Then, while acting like a complete child, she decides to run faster than she should, trips, and sprains her ankle. What does she do when David tries to help her after she is obviously injured? She yells at him. She yells at him for helping her walk so she doesn’t injure herself further.

The whole book is filled with moments like these and it’s really off-putting. Kelsey is not a sympathetic character at all. And I get it, she had a rough childhood, but by 28 you’d think she’d know how to accept basic help, but she doesn’t.

I plan on continuing the series because the writing itself is really good and I did enjoy reading this book, it was just dragged down by a bad lead character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
391 reviews1 follower
December 20, 2022
David Drigan is a werewolf but not your ordinary werewolf. He is the eldest of the sons his alpha father begat, and as such, he is supposed to receive the gift of the alpha since his father died, but as of yet, he has not. Could it skip him and go to one of his younger brothers? He didn’t know. No one knew; to confuse things worse, he had just met Kelsey. A beautiful blond with curves in all the right places and intelligent as she is the one who organized this event. He didn’t know why, but he wanted to make her his, and his inner wolf wanted to roll over and get belly scratches from her. He didn’t understand it. She was human.

I liked the check out of Kelsey to see if she was more than human. I don’t know why it just hit me as funny. The character interaction seemed honest, but a little rushed at the end. Beyond that, I enjoyed this tale.

If you like paranormal fantasies, then you just may enjoy this read. I give this telling of this tale five stars out of five stars.
Profile Image for Matthew Olson.
Author 17 books8 followers
June 1, 2021
Over too soon

This was so good, I wanted more. Things do seem a bit rushed, but I'm used to more epic fantasy than romance. I also feel like that some things remain unresolved, but I think that was on purpose to get me to the next book in the series. Also, the "good guys" coming to the rescue end up being not so good. That was interesting, but unsettling at the same time. I'm sure things are settled later in the series.

There were some grammar issues (around 5 to 7) that I noticed but not bad. Just wished the editor had done a better job. I think I would have given it 5 stars if this weren't an issue. Either that or if the book wasn't as fast paced.

Anyway, I'm strongly considering reading the next book in the series. If you aren't into reading while series, then this book isn't for you.
Profile Image for Serena Buffaloe.
659 reviews12 followers
June 19, 2022
Loved it !!!

This is an adventurous , delightful read !!!
Kelsey works at a firm in a little town in Kansas. Her boss takes all the credit for her work - of COURSE- , and now she is at some shindig that she doesn't want to be at , wearing a dress that doesn't fit like it used to!!!!
David, has just lost his father, and this get together is in his honor, but David would rather be anywhere , but Here .......
In this little Kansas town , where there is much more going on then Kelsey is aware, these two meet up, and the adventure truly begins, with so many twists and turns , that its hard to keep up !! I loved the way the immoral realms are explained, and all the different characters we meet in this book, I hope will get to tell their own story !! A great beginning and a fun read !!
Profile Image for Brigitte .
1,611 reviews23 followers
July 22, 2021
Brightest Shadow is primarily about werewolves, although there are introductions of other mythical beings.

David is a werewolf whose alpha nature has yet to materialise. Kelsey is a hardworker whose boss takes credit for all her good work. They meet at a party and strike a conversation, then go their separate ways. When David returns to complete the paperwork, they strike a friendship, but there is a pull between them. Will David find his alpha self and how will Kelsey react when she discovers that he is a werewolf?

I like the interactions in David's family. He is a great character. As for Kelsey, she turns hot and cold. She tends to go overboard with her abrupt attitude which comes across as being rude. The various mythical beings make for a very interesting read.
73 reviews
October 5, 2023
3***. A fast read shifter story that introduces the PNR series Mythical Knights and the two MCs, Kelsey and David. David is the new Alpha to his wolf pack and is trying to come to grips with his new role. He meets Kelsey, an accountant, at an office function and they hit it off romantically. She knows nothing of his world but may have some supernatural abilities herself.

I found this book to be written in a simplistic YA/NA style. I wasn't a fan of the MFC as she was overly stubborn and frustrating. While this story had a HEA, many issues were left unexplained leading to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Alejandra Guerrero.
1,709 reviews5 followers
September 8, 2024
I didn't like Kelsie... She's an ass because "that's who she is" and stubborn just for the sake of it. Authors seem to confuse being a strong female with being a bitch. I didn't like the Templars either, they're just bullies with a badge (not that the have badges, but since they are the "police"...) And why is this series called "Mythical Knights" when it's centered in the werewolf brothers, who aren't knights?
They weren't interesting enough to entice me to continue the series, anyway. It's not badly written, but I didn't like the characters or the world they live in. A lot of things go unexplained, and I didn't get the impression they would get answered later in the series.
Profile Image for Judi Easley.
1,496 reviews48 followers
December 21, 2022
She was just a bit too blasé...

A boss that constantly talks down to you, have drinks with the girls. Being rude in front of a client to you, pass it off as nothing. Then handsome the guy bursts his skin and becomes a huge wolf, oh werewolf. She was just a bit too blasé for my taste. I know she did eventually get worked up about it all, but not like a normal person. Nope, that requires hysteria on the spot! Not falling in love when the Templar Knights step in and threaten him.
Profile Image for Vicki.
1,707 reviews
May 4, 2019
A little different shifter story line. It's starts with the funeral of the alpha of the pack. The first born son is always the next alpha. The passing on of alpha power has not taken place yet.

He meets Kelsey a very independent women and she has good reason to be. The book has different magicals and something bad is building. It leaves you wanting the next in series to read.
Profile Image for Marsha.
544 reviews3 followers
November 19, 2020
A nice HEA shifter romance.

I liked the book though it was a slightly different discription of the werewolf lore than other stories I have read. Not so different it took anything away from being a good book though. The characters were enjoyable getting to know and the background story still needs to be determined.
Author 2 books5 followers
March 4, 2021
In love with a wolf

In general, Candice's writing is so down to earth and relatable, she makes her mythical world come alive. You want to book your next vacay in Liverly Kansas and hope to run into her people, mostly but some you definitely would not want to be in a dark alley with.
Profile Image for Helen.
308 reviews2 followers
August 13, 2023
This was okay. A woman with a difficult past meets a guy and falls for him. Turns out, he's the new head of a Werewolf family. Will she be able to let him help her or will her stubbornness rob her of a chance at love?

Not the best ever, but has a few interesting details and characters in it. I would possibly continue this series if I came across the other novels.
307 reviews
February 10, 2019
Shifter story set in Kansas.

Young woman meets shifter waiting to become alpha after Dad’s death. This young woman helps him to become Alpha and she becomes a force to be reckoned with as well.
Profile Image for K.A..
Author 22 books24 followers
August 23, 2020
Romantic and Adventurous

I liked both characters and that falling in love with his mate wasn’t just about instinct. The other mystical aspects of the book kept my attention and piques my interest.
38 reviews
April 20, 2021
Great Story telling! I couldn't put it down.

Wonderful characters, edge of you seat action and mystery. Just enough romance without being over the top, or XXX rated. I recommend this book to anyone who likes the paranormal. I can wait to read the next one!!!!
306 reviews
August 12, 2021
Ok so there are some unanswered questions still out there but it’s not a complete cliff hanger. You always know in a family you have to have the story of the siblings love affair I will probably find the next or skip down a couple as I want to find out about the creatures & what’s up with them.
Profile Image for Alexa Jaye.
398 reviews15 followers
April 19, 2022
Let the magic begin!

It's a fun fast-paced read with lots of little qwerks. Add in the twists and turns and it is suspense filled entertainment.

Kelsey and David make a great team. It's just getting to that point that makes for a fabulous story

What are you waiting for?

💕 Happy Reading! 💕
Profile Image for Beverly.
277 reviews4 followers
December 21, 2022
Quick read

This is a quick read. I could have take or leave this book. It really didn't inspire me to want to read it again or want to read the next one in the series. But it was an okay read just to read if you have nothing to do.
4 reviews
January 25, 2023
A nice little read!

I really needed a book to take my mind off work issues. This did the trick. Read it in a day and that’s with working 9.5 hours. I guess I’ll have to go get the next book!
Profile Image for Courtney.
1,025 reviews22 followers
April 1, 2023
It was cute and fast paced! I didn’t really feel super connected to the characters or the romance but it was still decent. This felt more like watching a movie rather than reading a book of that makes sense.
2,968 reviews10 followers
January 3, 2019
Lost

Just because your lost. Doesn't mean a alpha wolf can't find you. Oh and boy is said alpha hot to.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews

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