This is the first book by Toni Anderson that I’ve read, and I instantly fell in love with it. I really love it when the first book I pick up by a new-to-me author turns out to be this good, because I already know it definitely won’t be my last. Cold in the Shadows is Book 5 in the Cold Justice series, but it can absolutely be read as a standalone.
This book has everything. It is primarily a romantic suspense, but there’s so much happening throughout the story. There’s danger, mystery, action, romance, secrets, twists, and, surprisingly, quite a bit of humour too. I really liked how the suspense never completely took a backseat to the romance, and at the same time, the romance didn’t feel like it was just there for the sake of it.
Our FMC, Audrey Lockhart, is a biologist who studies poisonous frogs, and I really liked her character. She is smart, sensible, independent and brave, but she also feels very real. She’s not someone who just sits around waiting to be rescued. Even when things get absolutely crazy, Audrey keeps her head and tries to figure things out for herself.
And then we have our MMC, Patrick Killion. Oh my God. I am in love with this man. Killion is intense, protective, smart and definitely has that mysterious, slightly dangerous hero vibe that I absolutely eat up in romantic suspense. He is not exactly the easiest man to figure out, and I loved watching his walls slowly come down. His chemistry with Audrey was so good, and I especially liked the way their relationship developed alongside everything else that was happening.
The story itself was also somewhat different from what I’ve read so far. I loved the whole combination of the scientific element, suspense, danger and romance. There were enough twists to keep me guessing, and I kept wanting to know what was going to happen next. And whenever things became too intense, the humour added just the right amount of lightness.
Overall, Cold in the Shadows was such a pleasant surprise. A new-to-me author, a book I completely enjoyed, a hero I am already obsessed with (Killion, you have my attention!), and a story that kept me turning the pages.
Solid 5 on 5 stars! I definitely need to read more Toni Anderson now.
Get your copy of this book from here.
With love and lots of stories,
The Reading Lane
Liked this post? Come say hi on Instagram and Goodreads and YouTube— I share recs, rambles, and way too many romance reads.
Discover more from The Reading Lane
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
