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Librarian's Note: This is an alternate cover edition of ASIN B07DT2T5SQ

Four years ago, Shannon confessed to the murder of local playboy, Cody Spencer. The only problem is there was no body found or a motive. Four years later, she is being released from prison to return to the town that now considers her an enemy, including her ex-husband, the man whose brother she killed. But despite his hate towards her, Shannon believes Gray is in danger from an evil that did not die that night.

For four years, Sheriff Gray Spencer has been looking for answers to what happened the night Cody was killed and why Shannon killed him. But his own mind has failed to remember anything and Shannon has refused to speak to him ever since her arrest. Now, with her early release, he may have his chance at last to get her to talk. But with her arrival in Gypsy Bay comes a series of unexplained murders and the people of Gypsy Bay are all too willing to blame the woman who already committed murder once.

With Gray on the trail of a murderer and Shannon keeping an eye on Gray, the two of them unwittingly battle a love that didn’t die among the secrets and lies that tore them apart.

187 pages, ebook

First published June 16, 2018

235 people are currently reading
88 people want to read

About the author

Lisa Ryan Campbell

14 books18 followers
Award-winning Author, Lisa Ryan Campbell began writing as a small child using her mother's pink typewriting paper. Years later, she decided it was important to get a "real job" and attended Arizona State University to major in English with the goal of continuing on for both a Master's and Doctorate degrees in English and teach at the college level.

In 2002, Lisa graduated with a Bachelor's degree in English Literature and an Ancient Egyptian romance novel she wrote in her spare time. She decided then she would not be continuing on to graduate school, but instead joined Romance Writers of America and focused on her true love.

Lisa is an avid traveler and has seen many of the world's treasures in Egypt, Peru, Spain, France, Morocco, England, Mexico and the Caribbean. She spends her time mostly at her home in Phoenix writing, reading and watching 1940's noir movies.
Sign up for Lisa’s newsletter and find out more about her books at www.Lisaryancampbell.com
and connect with her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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5 stars
112 (55%)
4 stars
65 (32%)
3 stars
19 (9%)
2 stars
4 (1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
1,072 reviews5 followers
September 28, 2020
So Much Could Be Avoided

*****Spoilers*****

I liked Shannon in this story but she definitely made her life harder than it had to be. She went to jail trying to protect her husband, to right a wrong she did him by marrying Gray for his money when Gray was in love with her. I never thought she and his brother Cody had anything going on so it was hard for me to understand why Cody gave Shannon those expensive jewelry pieces decorated with diamonds and her birth stone. Shannon's friend Marisa muses it's because Cody loves Shannon like her lawyer friend Jeremy but I wasn't quite buying that explanation.

Once Shannon is released from prison, she goes back to her hometown where she continues to try and protect Gray. Which makes no sense. What she thinks she'll be able to do against his not dead after all brother Cody is questionable. Gray is a sheriff, Shannon would have done better I thought to just tell Gray what was going on and what she suspected and knew.

When Gray finally gets his memory back from the night he was in a coma and the accident, he understands the sacrifice Shannon made. From there to then think back on the wrong he did her must have eaten him up. But only had Shannon trusted her husband with the truth. Cody's life may have been spared in the end because despite his feelings of entitlement, Cody might be alive but in jail instead of dead for real in the end.

There were a few things that didn't add up in this book. Why Cody didn't just kill his brother Gray the four years while Shannon was in jail. He was after the inheritance and money so waiting made no sense. Shannon's age and the timeline didn't make sense and doing the math from the information provided meant at some point I wasn't sure how old she was at any given time and thought she was underage at the beginning of her relationship with Gray but then later I'm not sure. Why is it that Shannon and Gray have no kids? There was no mention of it as they were married for a year before she went to jail and they're intimate without the use of protection towards the end of the book but neither of them seem concerned. I wasn't too keen on the back and forth 6 years ago to present to 4 years ago to 5 years ago to present back to 6 years ago. I understood the need for it here and there but I felt like telling the story in that manner took too much away from what was happening in the here and now.

Overall, I liked Shannon and Gray's story, their second chance a worthy read. Shannon married Gray originally for his money but developed something deeper and sacrificed herself for him.
Profile Image for iluvdarkromanceok.
79 reviews
August 24, 2025
Loved!

I liked this!! first book by this author. she had me sat from page one honestly. I’m usually a big NO person with second chances but every once in a while someone write do it just right for me
Profile Image for Peace Warden.
77 reviews2 followers
July 5, 2020
I am not a white woman with black ski n

No and no again...please tell me where you found the audacity to pass shannon off as a woman of color? Attitude...language...relationships etc, creates the character. This woman had zero relationship to the Black community nor any inner dialogue of a sister. No. Please research and do better in character development and give sisters their authentic voice.
Profile Image for Didichan.
161 reviews7 followers
June 17, 2020
Forgettable

Because there was no saving Sharron’s stupidity, it made it hard to like or care about the story. For one very bad no Chemistry and the hero was boring and indecisive. The story lacked so many things but most of all it lacked a cohesiveness
Profile Image for Laverne Brewster.
1,394 reviews18 followers
September 12, 2021
2.00 Stars. (BW/WM). Kindle Unlimited Edition e-book. Murders. Missing person. Amnesia. Marriages of convenience. Deceit. This story failed in plot, movement of storyline, character development, and believability. I'm not sure, but I think, the main theme of this story had to do with the heroine's guilt regarding her conniving with another to marry the hero for his money. Aside from the author having the hero and the heroine make poor unreasonable decisions and by not establishing any romantic chemistry between these characters and without good effect, the author drugs a slow moving storyline from the present to the past and back. Somehow, the heroine,Shannon Hollis, a low income college dropout and cafe worker moves in the same circle as the hero, Gray Spencer, son of one of the towns richest and most influential families. Gray's irresponsible money squandering brother, Coby, ensures Shannon that Gray loves her and would marry her benefiting them both. Coby would have better access to his inheritance and Shannon would have access to the money she needed to pay her aunt's medical expenses. In the end, Shannon and Gray marry, Shannon discovers that Coby also has a crush on her and that he despises his brother. During an altercation, Gray shots Coby, looses consciousness and his memory of the event and Shannon allows herself to be jailed for attempted murder. The story continues with similar nonsensical events but ends with Gray and Shannon together as a happy couple.
Profile Image for D. Danielle.
46 reviews
February 27, 2024
🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑
S P O I L E R S
🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑



🗣️ ALWAYS FOLLOW THE MONEY (Cody) and the JEALOUSY (Marissa)

Like I kind of suspected, that he wasn't dead...
The way he acted at the diner, was pure foreshadowing of things to come.

SHANNON:
WOW!!! I enjoyed her story and how she wanted to fix her wrong doing
She was protecting him, from his "gold digging" ass brother.....Yes, she was in it for the money too ...but the brother was a gold digging ass b1tch too

◼️Communication would have gone a long way
But like she stated. Would he have believed her?

◼️Gray: Speechless 🤯
He understood what she sacrificed
Shannon should have trusted Gray.

◼️Did Cody love Shannon?
Nope, he was using her, as a means to an end. To get to his brother's inheritance money


CODY:
WANTED to murder, his brother, for his inheritance money ...
Who cannot live $20,000.00 a MONTH!!!!!

◼️Marissa That had to hurt deep!!!! Dang...her own "bestie" set her ass up

A great read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
6,557 reviews27 followers
August 3, 2019
Once again this is romantic suspense at it's finest something that I am starting to expect from this very talented writer who is fast becoming a favourite for me. If you love your romances to have plenty of dram suspense and murder then this series is perfect for you

This is the story of Shannon she has recently been released from jail after serving time for the murder of Cody her brother in law. Gray her ex husband cannot remember anything that happened that night. When Shannon returns to Gypsy Bay then murder start to happen and of course she is the chief suspect as Grey and her try to solve the murders will their love bloom again You will have to read to see
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.2k reviews8 followers
August 4, 2019
Part of the Ex Files Novel series it is a story that kept me turning pages. Cody Spencer goes through so much because of one evil man. Sheriff Gray Spencer her ex husband divorced her when she said she killed his brother,but did she or did something else happen that night! Will these two get a second chance, and find out who the evil is that is stalking Gray. I enjoyed reading this story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,347 reviews6 followers
August 8, 2019
This murder mystery is a real nail biter with a few twists and turns in the plot that were quite shocking. It is also a steamy love story between the two protagonists, Shannon and Gray, both of them caught within a web of lies and treachery that can only end in death. Greed is an awful motivator. I loved reading this book and I do highly recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sharon.
4,152 reviews31 followers
August 9, 2019
This is my first time reading this author and I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The story is full of twists and turns that held my attention and kept me guessing till the very end. The characters are well developed and likable. This is a really great story, if you enjoy a good mystery then grab this book, sit back and enjoy!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,277 reviews
April 11, 2021
I really enjoyed the book but there was a typo near the end where anytime that the word capable was supposed to be used it was misspelled and part of it weirdly capitalised it was a running or copied error and a bit distracting as you are getting closer to the end of the book and why I could not give the book 5 stars! The suspense and mystery were great and I did not see the ending coming until the very end.
243 reviews
June 19, 2021
10 stars!

This was so excellent. I don't want to give anything away, but if you love BWWM romance, if you love good suspense and you love trying to figure out the intricacies of a story with mystery, this book is for you. I was hooked from the first chapter and enjoyed it all the way through. It had me thinking, wondering, mentally investigating. Beautiful job on this book. Ms. Lisa Ryan Campbell has a new fan.
8 reviews
September 22, 2023
Riveting Story but a little too hard to follow with all the flashbacks

This story was great. I enjoyed it immensely. I had a bit of trouble with all the flashbacks and that is the only reason for a four score. Forgiveness, betrayal, jealousy, love, regrets - all are very human and relatable emotions. The elements of surprise add the excitement to the story. Really good effort!
Profile Image for Brenda Washington.
2 reviews3 followers
September 21, 2020
Great Story

This just wasn't a meet them, sex them, and have a happy ending type of story. It was a murder mystery sprinkled with characters that made you think anyone of them was the bad guy or girl. It is a love story that made you root for couple, that clearly loved each other. I enjoyed this book.
Profile Image for Ty.
364 reviews1 follower
September 28, 2020
Omg

What can I say 🤷 it was that good I almost skipped to the end to see if it was Cody and then go back a read it it kept me on edge trying to put everything together the whole time.... Gray should have trusted her but she should have put her out there like that just to keep him from finding out that it was Cody im glad it ended that way 😊 😃
Profile Image for antionette Cannimore.
20 reviews
August 25, 2021
Suspense

It’s a bit slow to the start. I was interested in reading it and I liked it. I just wish it had more straightforward storylines. I didn’t like the back and forth. One minute I was in the present then the nxt chapter in the past. If you like a suspense story this is an ok read.
450 reviews3 followers
May 23, 2023
Great read

This was a great read. Lots of never seen it coming moments. We all want and need someone. Loyalty and trust is expected. Not everyone following that. This read will make you want to be right there with the characters . Sharing the love and hope around. We must all keep our eyes open. Be mindful of who you allow in your surroundings. I highly recommend this read.
409 reviews
June 15, 2025
Exiled

I enjoyed reading the suspense love story between Gary and Shannon. It began with a crush and developed into a blackmailing scheme to get money. This novel contains suspicion, blackmailing, deception, twist and turn, intrigue, mystery, dreams, hope, Faith, malicious lies, betrayal and allowing love to prevail. I will be recommending this book to everyone I know!!!!
507 reviews8 followers
July 25, 2020
Just an all around good read

I haven't been intrigued by a read in awhile. This read was phenomenal. The suspense, twist and turns, ups and downs. A love never lost. Goodness! Just an all around good read.
24 reviews
September 28, 2020
Dfl didnt expect the sudden plot twist

This was a great read and the revelations of who the real bad guys were was great but I think there is an issue with whoever does spell check for the author "cABAble" what is that!
Profile Image for M.J..
373 reviews23 followers
August 20, 2021
So far so Good

This is book to in the Ex-Flies series and it did not disappoint. Gray and Shannon's story was so complicated and full of secrets, lies and deception. The concept was out there and I was not sure a romance could come feet his,but it did and it was wonderful
1,592 reviews2 followers
October 15, 2021
Good

I like this book a lot. Enjoyed the writing style, the story flowed well, loved the characters and enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. Can't wait to read the next book. I recommend.
706 reviews
February 4, 2025
Thrilling.

Shannon and Gary have a hard road to travel , but they have to do it if they are going to get to the bottom of years of the past and to find the love they both have and deserve.
81 reviews3 followers
June 15, 2020
So good!

I loved this! It kept me guessing and there were many twists and turns. Cant wait to read more from ms. Campbell
89 reviews
July 5, 2020
It was gripping, suspenseful and the twist and turns kept you on edge. I couldn't put it down. I read it in one sitting. Cover to cover.
Profile Image for Janice Campbell.
203 reviews1 follower
August 24, 2020
Exiled

Very good good book.I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the exfiles. I hope they are as good and interesting as this one
Profile Image for Mspraise50.
1,597 reviews65 followers
October 17, 2020
enjoyed this story too, another great read by this author. I found the ending a bit lame though I have to be truthful. Other that a good story.
47 reviews
September 20, 2021
it’s an okay read

The book has great potential but it just missed its mark. Gray and Shannon’s story just didn’t tell enough for me.
Profile Image for MARQUETTA.
1,200 reviews140 followers
dnf
September 27, 2021
DNF @ 11%

Slow moving plot. Don’t care enough to continue reading
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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