Shade

by Shey Stahl

I’m the best freestyle motocross rider in the world, or so they tell me.
All right, I’ll admit it. I know I am. I’m living the dream but am haunted by the memory of a girl who destroyed me.

My life’s spinning out of control. I’m living a life on the edge, performing death-defying stunts high above the air, but it’s beneath the helmet where I can’t seem to get my head right. And then Scarlet Rose and her wild mess of blonde curls crashes into my life.

She’s beautiful and completely immune to anything I say or do. From the moment she denies me, my desire is obsessive, all-consuming.

What is it about Scarlet I can’t seem to resist?

Why her?

I was hired to do a job.

Keep Shade Sawyer and his tenacious adrenaline-driven brothers in line.

Easy enough, right? Nope. Despite having no clue what a personal assistant does, I’m given the lucrative job I’ve been dreaming of to get me out of Seattle.

Just when I think it can’t get any better, I’m left with an alarming clause in the contract. “Under no circumstances can you engage in sexual relations with Shade Sawyer."

Didn’t see that coming.Here’s the problem. He’s never been denied by any woman before, and now he’s determined to get me in his bed. He’s fiercely competitive and tests my limits. Ignoring him isn’t going to be easy.

Not when he’s looking for a podium finish.

Genres: Sports, Romance, Sports Romance, Racing, Contemporary, Amazon, Drama

496 pages, Paperback

Published July 27, 2017

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author, Shey Stahl is a lover of sunsets, dirt track racing, collecting antiques, and the south, where her soul wants to be. Writing is her passion, giving words meaning, and readers experiences they’ll never forget. Currently she’s living in the pacific northwest with her husband and daughter, she can usually be found near a dirt track with an iced coffee in hand.

Visit her website for additional information and keep up to date on new releases: www.sheystahl.com

You can also find her on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/sheystahlauthor

Follow on Instagram: http://bit.ly/2Bdh0t4

Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/2rfQ0cI

Reviews

[Snow · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 "second chance" stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Motorcross freeystyle champion - Shade Sawyer, a 21 year old hot shot of steamy body and delectable moves, that thrives on danger and endless one-night stands and booze, only highten this raw public image of the ultimate bad boy. But this lifestyle of his serves as a front for a broken heart that was stomped on and stepped over multiple times by a very self-destructive person - his long time friend Ryha. And when she did this selfish act of suicide she destroyed him just a slight more.

the moment one fan finds a loop to fulfill her own desire of sleeping with Shade, turns into a inner struggle with the need to help him. This one person will grab an opportunity to come even closer as she's accepts the job of a personal assistant to the Sawyer brothers (Ryan, Tiller & Shade) as her own personal experience collides with the tragedy that hit Shade.

BUT now, her agenda is to help him emotionally and make him see that time in fact makes it easier, it never actually makes you completely over the past, but it makes you stronger in a sense of coping and you heal the wounds and you grow...

But Shade only wants the physical and she denies him...they become friends with banter with highly charged sparks of sexual energy flowing around them, but she won't cave...until the secret of her being one of his forgettable one-night stands, shift the image, Shade was developing...

but then the realisation hits home - Shade never once thought of the devastation of Ryha, while he spent time with this beautiful blonde, this wild sassy spirit in the desirable body of his personal assistant...and all he wanted to do was to bring the lost memory of their encounter and make it fresh...but the point is, she would no longer be forgettable, as she built past the simply physical attraction, she put the claim on Shade's heart too...

This is somewhat unusual story, not concerning the subject but the realizaiton of the story. At First I didn't like the female character, I thought she was empty and well superficial, but than the subject of the story was presented in a strong way and I liked the hero, so that kept me going in further and then, it was all mixed up, the hero went spiralling down (acting immature and more likey to his age with a glimpse into the other side of mature nature, and the heroine did vice versa. She got her backbone and a mission she was adamnt to pull through) so, yeah, I realized that they both grew, each in a slow pace and kinda slowly following one another...along with the unraveling od the story...

basically, it's a journey of healing and finding the second chance in love and finding your true self...

I loved Shey Stahl's Bad husband (that was one of my fave reads in 2016) and that's why I jumped into this with one snap of my fingers...well, that and I love her writing style (she has a neck for bringing the personalized touch to the story as it flows, cause she writes like the characters speak directly to the reader, and I find that interesting and refreshing) plus the fact that this book is about extreme sport too (and I'm a sport junkie too) LOL, so there you go...

I can't say that this was a total hit for me, it wasn't, I had ups and downs with it, but I eventually grew into it, just like the characters did...

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/13/2020)! 🎁

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shade is one of those people that naturally has an 'I don't give an eff' attitude, “he’s being disrespectful,” I point out. “If anyone is going to eff you in the bathroom, it’ll be me.” Shade has no problem asking the personal questions, "I dip my head forward, lowering my voice when I ask, “Is your c**t pierced?” There are times Shade is in a frustrated state, “eff the salsa!” I shout back, but she ignores me. And then she’s running across the track toward the house. Eff my life. I look down at my junk. “Dude, I’m sorry.” Scarlett is not above using bribery on her man, “if you get off this bike, and follow me up to your room I’ll give you a sponge bath.” Guess what? It works. He’s off the dirt bike immediately and yanking me upstairs to his room." I loved this book, Shade was foul-mouthed and unapologetic, and I loved it.

[Thuy Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shade is the first brother in the Sawyer series. I'm glad I started from the beginning instead of coming right into the 3rd book. It made me understand a little bit more of the brothers back story, their history and everyone around them. When Shade loves, he loves hard. He is tortured with his old love, and while he is drowning, Scarlett is there to help him out of pain while he knows it or not. Hired by one that is closest to him, she is set in becoming his friend, something he needs the most while not even wanting one. I really loved reading him fall in love with Scarlett, they have a tiny history between them, but he doesn't remember. These guys are quite alpha, making sure people know who they're wanting and staking claim. Scarlett, it was really hard to connect with her but I actually liked that she didn't let these guys walk all over her. Her relationship with Tiller was hilarious. I think these boys needed someone like Scarlett in their lives, not someone who was starstruck. While she was, she got over it pretty quick once thrust in their world. Shade is probably my favorite brother, once he loves, he gives it so freely to that person.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shade Sawyer is an absolute nightmare. And somehow, also an absolute dream 🤤💁🏼‍♀️

I loved the writing style that Stahl used. I’ve read similar styles before and it didn’t really interest me, but for this story and these characters it worked so well. It really showcased their bold and chaotic personalities.

There’s always red flags in motorcycle racing, and not just on the track- with the riders as well. But that’s what makes them so goddamn attractive 😅 Anyways this was such a great book. The banter and chaos was really entertaining. There was an underlying theme that was spoken about a lot that was very heavy (maybe check out warnings before you read) but the way it was handled was so raw and honest. A really well-balanced book.

Now to spend some time between the pages with the other Sawyer brothers 🥵

Ps: I chose the perfect time to read this as I went to an FMX event this weekend (so bloody fun) where all I could think about was this book.

[Janee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death defying

Have to say this was not what I was expecting. I thought it would be a little dirty, and little drama. It was a whole more.

I glad this was a book, and not real life. Because the tricks that were described in it had me cringing.

[Merrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

BXTCHES Gotta Warn: This was my first crack at Shey Stahl and to say that I was blown away would not be saying enough. I first read Shade back in August (2017) and I couldn't put it down, but as things usually go, I didn't take to the keyboard right away and days turned into weeks and so forth. I knew in order to give Shade and Scarlet justice, I would need a re-read and when I saw that Tiller was out, I figured. . .no time like the present. While Shade is a stand alone and isn't part of a series, Tiller is his brother and since his book is now available. . .well, you do with that info as you wish or we can discuss it more when we come together to discuss that crazy fuck, I'm here to talk about Shade.

Shade will be told in three parts and through the POV's of Shade and Scarlet. And from deep in the soul of my Kindle, I would like to give Shey Stahl a shout out for her inner Shade, because praise be, it was phenomenal. And while I'm throwing out praises, another one needs to go out for that fuck hot cover.

There's a lot of foundation that needs to be laid to tell this story and since Shade is where we're starting, this is where we need to begin to build. But I probably should use this time to note the following. I will try to give a "rundown", but this is a book full of layers and emotion, and heartbreak and love. . .it's a journey really and if you don't turn yourself over to every word of it, you will miss the best parts. Now, let's get started.

Shade is the youngest of the Sawyer boys men and even though he's at the top of his professional game, his personal life is about to wreck him, because of one person. Rhya.

I promise you BXTCHES, nothing is getting spoiled, whatever words that may fly from my fingertips will be discovered VERY early in the storytelling. So, back to Rhya. 

She's not the girlfriend, but she's more than a friend. She's not good for him, but he can't seem to let go. They've known each other since they were kids, so while their relationship may be rooted in love, it's also tethered by obligation and time. It's really one big hot mess, but regardless of the how's and why's, Shade's life is about to be imprinted in a big fucking way.

Scarlet Rose is keeping busy in life cleaning up at the Wellington Hotel, the one hotel that the Sawyer brothers stay at while in Seattle, she also spends time fangirling over the best motocross rider in the world. . .that's Shade Sawyer in case I didn't make that clear and you didn't catch the synopsis from above. Her one goal? To slice him a piece of her pie. That's fuck him, in case I didn't make that clear either. Unfortunately for Scarlet, Shade is in a very dark place (remember, Rhya. . .imprinted. . .) and fortunately for Scarlet, Shade is in a very dark place. I told you, it's a journey.

You're probably wondering how in the hell this all comes together or maybe you're not, but I'm gonna tell you anyway. Well, I'll tell you a little. The Sawyer brothers are in need of a personal assistant, their's is preggo and needs some time away from the chaos to get ready for her own version of chaos. So, the opportunity falls right into Scarlet's lap and even though she doesn't have the first clue about what it takes to be anybody's personal assistant, she scoops it up because. . .Shade. The only rule? No sex. And not only is that a buzzkill for Scarlet, but when Shade starts desiring a piece of the pie, things are going to get a bit frustrating. Frustrating for Shade. Hilarious as fuck for the reader.

I hate to leave you hanging, but this is the part where I tell you about the journey and how great it is and how much you BXTCHES are gonna love the discovery of Shade and Scarlet. But no worries, we have other things to talk about.

It's expected that the reader is going to fall in love with the ones the author designates, but this may very well be a time that when the last page is turned, you will be in love with each and every person in this book. And I know that's probably happened before, but with Shade it was different (for me). I don't know if there are words to describe how great the cast is in this book. Each character was so well thought out, so well purposed and each and every one is written in a way that flows and fits right where they're supposed to and once you fall into the pages, you won't be able to imagine it any other way. Scarlet isn't your run of the mill leading lady. She's almost anti, but she's feisty and funny and loyal. Shade will break your heart and piss you off and make you laugh, and you're gonna love every emotion he evokes. But that's just the tip. . .there's Tiller and Roan and Milla and Camden and Willa and Tom. . .the list could go on and on, but trust a BXTCH, you're gonna fall. On a side note, Milla is Scarlet's BFF and she has her own story, one that I have yet to read, but didn't know it existed at the time I was undertaking Shade, but here is the link to that book, just in case. (Click here). Bonus. . .it's available right now (as of 4/10/18) on Kindle Unlimited.

The sex in Shade is fuck hot, but here's what's strange, there's not a whole lot of it. So I guess I should really say that the sexual tension in Shade is fuck hot. We learn almost from jump street how Scarlet feels about Shade and all that she wants to do to him. Where the anticipation gets thick is when he begins to want the same things from her. But remember, sex is not an option according to Scarlet's contract, but what Shade wants, Shade usually gets. And for someone not usually told no, you can see where that's gonna be headed. Nothing is off limits. From the dirty talk to the foreplay, the heart is gonna race and the toes are gonna curl.

My first time with Shade, I thought that this was one of the best books I have read, like ever. Which is a pretty huge thought considering how many books I have put away. The second time around? Same conclusion. It wasn't just the story Shey Stahl told, though she told it very well. It was the way the dialogue flowed, it was the way the POV's were presented to the reader, it was the humor, it was the angst, it was the darkness, it was the love, it was really how it all came together that captivated me. My kids tease me about the facial expressions I make when I read and I became so ingrained in this story that I'm afraid to even know what my face was saying throughout the journey.

I know you're not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but truth be told, it's kinda hard not to when you're looking at the cover for Shade. Who knew that a simple one click would have me falling in love with the world of freestyle motocross and those who inhabit it? And beyond falling in love with all of that chaos, I really fell in love with an author and while I haven't read every word she's written, actually not even close, anyone who is able to seduce and allow the reader to forget everything around her and provide an escape, even if only for a couple of chapters at a time. . .deserves to make your list. And since I have already devoured Tiller, trust a BXTCH, she ain't no fluke.


For more BXTCH'n reviews, visit: www.bxtchesbeblogging.com

[Crystal B · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

[Newts · Rating 1 out of 5]

The heroine is a delusional nutcase.

I tried connecting with her, and I really did give the book a chance, but at 23% I just couldn't continue...

[Paula White · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put it down

I absolutely loved this book from the first page it drew me in and spat me out again, at first I wasn't sure about scarlet the whole fangirl thing put me off her but once you get to know her you can't help but love her and shade omg! Beautifully deep character who's hot as sin with a heart of gold. I've never read or known much about freestyle/ motocross but the authors description of the stunts and what goes into them really drew me in to a world i knew nothing about and made me feel a part of it. This book touched on some very serious mental health issues as well as addiction, rape and suicide so may be a trigger for some but it's dealt with in a sympathetic way and not too in depth. It's a bit of an emotional rollercoaster but so worth the read and I loved the supporting characters shades brothers are epic especially tiller i think he was dropped on his head as a baby with the stuff he does and comes out with can't wait to see if he has his own book and can find a woman to tame him, also the authors writing style is very different the characters talk to you throughout not something I've come across before but it's brilliant many times I've downloaded a book to scrap it at the first page because it's written about the characters rather than the first person so this is a new way to read and be a part of the story. Will be downloading all and any books this author writes a highly recommend shade.

[Carlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

We got to glimpse a tiny tidbit of this in the previous book by Shey, so coming into this we know the groundwork. But reading & feeling Shade's torment in the face of addiction vs his love for Rhya & subsequently suicide was just moving.
We live in a world where suicide is unfortunately way too prevalent. We are asked 'why would he/she do that?' 'why didn't they get help?' I truly believe Shey wrote from a place where most of us never look and she did it so eloquently that you can't find a single fault in them. You may not ever understand suicide, but that is the point- those that chose it don't understand how to live life without the chains weighing them down, so why should we umderstand them?
"when you are that desperate to escape the troubling thoughts consuming you, your reason fails. You can’t process anything clearly. That’s what addiction and mental illness do […] It convinces you nothing matters. It convinces you those thoughts are endless and you’ll never escape. You’re permanently fucked."
I've grown to look forward to all of the newest editions to Shey's library and I can't wait to see what's next!

[Simone B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my... ok let's be honest I really loved this book I even didn't go to bed just kept reading all night and morning just couldn't leave it till I was done with it BUT I must confess it wasn't perfect at the beginning... the heroine as brilliant and funny she was in the 50% of the book she was driving me crazy I really haven't see any difference between her and the sports ho who were after Shade. She was like 13 year old having crush on a boys band same Shade sleeping with girls not really remembered big nothing at all constantly?? But then it went so good it made me laugh out loud so many times and all The Sawyers Brothers as annoying and sex pigs they were I just fell for them! One thing which put me off a bit was their age Shade being only 21... then 22 and 23 like kids really lol before reading it I imagined them being at least 25 and up but well it's just me. This book was full of amazing bickering between all of characters lots of fun but the main problem was very deep and sad

[Dg · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW this book was freaking amazing. Shade was freaking sexy hot from the beginning of this book. Even the freaking cover was just sexy as hell and I can visualize Shade looking exactly like that and the piercings oh hell love the piercings!!! This book dealt a lot with suicide and what happens after in how it affects the people left behind and Shade dealt with it in ways expected then comes Scarlet into the picture and I was in love with this book. Shade and Scarlet made a great couple and I love reading this book. I seriously need more Tiller so hope to expect a book for him because he was one of my fav in this book. All the characters in this book were freaking awesome, love the humor, the laidback of everyone, love all the freestyle riding (big fan) and in all the entire book was just fucking good. I know I will read it a couple more times again but def a fav top 5 on my list of reads.

[Mindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Wow. Oh. Wow. First off I'll start by saying I think I read these books backwards. For some reason I thought this was the 3rd book & not the first. Not sure how cause I read Roan first then Tiller, so clearly I should have thought, " hey they already have Scarlett in their midst, I should found out how ". I didn't so now I'm here. Now to the review! I really enjoyed this book. I loved her fighting spirit! The fact that she didn't cave to him even though she really wanted to, she stuck to it for him. She never once gave in because she could see there was more to it than just to physically be with someone. I do wish I could have reached in & told him it wasn't his fault. I understand why he felt it was but, would it have been too much in asking for someone to shake him & tell him to" get it together! "? But I loved them anyways. There were a few typos but honestly the story is so good I can overlook them. Would definitely recommend.

[Keri Dabroski · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took a bit for me to get into the book but once I did I could not put it down!!! This book does have a different writing style then her previous books and I was not fond of it. Numerous times in my head I was yelling at the characters to shut up! You would be reading the book and the characters stop the rhythm by saying I know what your thinking, or asking you questions, or would go into something but would like wait lets go back to this first then will go back. Very frustrating. Also I was kinda disappointed that it wasn't written like ROTE or Crossing the Line series where each chapter describes a term, slang or something from the sport. Besides all this it is great read and must read!!!!!!! This review is just based on personal preferences.

[Heather South · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Shade and Scarlett. The writing was different and it took me a few chapters to get use to it, not that it was a bad thing, but it was different. I loved the heart wrenching beginning that literally broke my heart into tiny tiny pieces.
I loved that Mila made an appearance with her hot man!
It was a great book. I loved how the relationship between Shade and Scar developed into something absolutely beautiful. The book was hilarious at times, and I will never ever think of cactus the same way again. Bahahaha. I also loved how bad ass Scar was in this book. I love a strong female lead character and she never backed down, not one time!

[Annmarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like it because he keeps pursuing her and doesn’t give up or have sex with others. When she first arrives at their house to be the assistant he does kiss a girl in front of her and take her back to his room and we think have sex. He doesn’t remember. But after that first day Shade is not with anyone. He also doesn’t remember having sex withScarlett either. They are friends that are attracted to each other but Willa put no sex in the contract so they Scarlett keeps telling Shade she can’t. They are good together. She put me off at first with her stalking weirdness but she really did love him and he needed and loves her. HEA

[Nikki Cudnik]

Oh my god this book is sexy as can be. I love Shade. He is so loyal but so broken. He spent most of his life taking care of a friend who was not much of a friend to him. In fact she was taking him down with her. Until she takes herself out of the equation. Scarlett is in love with the sexy freestyle rider and she hasn't even met him but she has plans to change that. Well she gets what she wants but it is not exactly what she was expecting and then she gets another shot when she is hired to be his personal assistant. She quickly learns Shade Sawyer is more than just a sexy freestyle rider. The two have an incredible pull to one another. They are exactly what each other needs to heal.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is hands down, my absolute favorite book from this author!! The tale of Shade and Scarlett was simply amazing! Scarlett may have originally set out to just be a one and done with Shade.....but what they eventually found in each other was truly beautiful. Scarlett brought life into Shade in a way that had never been done before. It was awesome how Willa had the intuitiveness to see that in her before anyone else did. Love these characters more that I can even put into words. Shey is a fantastic author and I hope everyone has a chance to read this story!

[CJ WESTON · Rating 4 out of 5]

It started off a little heavy and sucked you in, and although it was heavy at times, it was filled with humor and I found myself laughing out loud at the Sawyer brothers (especially Tiller's antics). I enjoyed the style of writing.

I find myself thinking that this must be a series because I NEED a follow-up on Roan and Ophelia and I know that Tiller is going to fall hard and I MUST be a witness. Shey Stahl please tell me there will be more from the Sawyer brothers....I'm almost lusting after them more than Scarlet was Shade.

[kindlequeenandcoffee · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading Redemption, I was excited to read about the Sawyer Brothers- Sports Romance


Trigger Warnings: Suicide

Shade is going through a rough time after his best friend committed Suicide, however there relationship wasn’t like any other friendship. Rhya was a downer and her character was draining towards Shade

Scarlett comes into play when Shade’s PA needs to go on maternity leave. Scarlett and Shade have a one night stand but Shade doesn’t remember. Scarlett personality was fun and cute along with Shade and his pain was written so well that I felt the emotions 🥺

3/5⭐️
1.5/5🔥

This slow burn, boss-employee, one night stand, sports romance was a good read but the slow burn of it could’ve been avoided because even the anticipation portion was just FINALLY 🙄 instead of FINALLY 🥺

YES, THERES A DIFFERENCE

[Shirley Whittemore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only gave it four stars. Because when I first started reading it I found it really difficult to read . It was quite emotional and sad . I understand sometimes this necessary for a story to develop, but for me not what I wanted , however once I started to get into it as I didn't want to just give up on the book , I enjoyed it It was a good story about shade and scarlet I enjoyed how it evolved I would love to read tillers story. Will watch out for more of this author

[Lyndsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Shade!

I started to read this book and took a break from it for a bit and I'm now kicking myself for not reading it all the way through the first time.
I absolutely loved it. Keep reading I promise it gets SO much better but reading the backstory really helps later in the book. The writing style of this was different than anybive read before. The characters actually "talk" to you. That threw me for a bit but then I loved it!
I want a Shade!

[Rachel Lynn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really liked the synopsis of this book. Heads up the girl is a crazy stalker for him and she does have sex with him. The synopsis lies. She didn’t turn him down. She straight broke into his hotel room, had sex with him even though he told her he wouldn’t remember and then she’s upset that he doesn’t feel their connection like he did. Needless to say I stopped at 35% of this book when I realized the author lied about what the book was about.

[Alyson Nerren · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book

First off I love Shey Stahl!! I love her writing! This book was a good one, long but it really needed to be to get everything in! Shade was a broken guy for so long! What he had dealt with over the past years with Rhya completely shattered him in more ways than one! Then she does the unthinkable and it wrecks him! I was hesitant during a lot of this book but it was so good!

[LS Kralicek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerfully moving book

Shey has written another amazing book! However, it is written in a very different narrative than her previous books. It still is a must read. You will fall in love with her characters Shade and Scarlett.

This book is extremely deep and touches on suicide and overcoming it as the survivor as well as addiction. This book is powerful and moving.

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Best kind of read!!

Really great read and I loved the writing style!! Told in dual POV. Loved all the characters the chemistry between Scarlett and Slade was lukewarm for me. I can't believe Lane Riley and Ryder made an appearance at least we know one shenanigan!! Holy smokes that cover!!! I totally started stalking I mean filling Shane Burnell....

[sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this cover on Facebook and was intrigued, after reading the synopsis I knew I had to read it!
I am SO happy I stumbled across this amazing story!
I can not get enough of these sexy, spoilt, inappropriate, rude and hot as hell Alpha bad boys!
I'm praying for more from these brothers and can't wait to see what's next!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super hot omg this book is awesome

I couldnt put it down. I was so heart broke when the suicide happens that i almost didnt read it . This book is written so good that you can feel and hear the gun going off the suspense is horrible . However all is well in the end and this book is another awesome hit by Shey Stahl i just love it