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Buchanan-Renard #6
Shadow Dance
Jordan Buchanan is thrilled that her brother and best friend are tying the knot. The wedding is a lavish affair–for the marriage of Dylan Buchanan and Kate MacKenna is no ordinary occasion. It represents the joining of two family dynasties. The ceremony and reception proceed without a hitch–until a crasher appears claiming to be a MacKenna guest. The disheveled and eccentric professor of medieval history warns that there’s “bad blood” between the couple’s clans, stemming from an ancient feud that originated in Scotland, and involving the Buchanan theft of a coveted MacKenna treasure.
Jordan has always led a cautious life and has used her intelligence and reason to become a successful businesswoman. So she is intrigued but skeptical of the professor’s claims that the feud has been kept alive by the grave injustices the Buchanans have perpetrated over the centuries. But when Noah Clayborne, a close family friend and a man who has never let a good time or a pretty girl pass him by, accuses Jordan of being trapped in her comfort zone, she determines to prove him wrong and sets out on a spontaneous adventure to the small, dusty town of Serenity, Texas, to judge the professor’s research for herself.
Maneuvering through a close-knit community in which everyone knows everyone else’s business, Jordan never anticipates the danger and intrigue that lie in her path, nor the threat that will shadow her back to Boston, where even in familiar surroundings, her life is at risk.
A powerful thug who rules by fear, a man who harbors a simmering secret, and an unexpected romance that pierces all defenses–beloved author Julie Garwood weaves these dazzling elements into a brilliant novel of romantic suspense. Shadow Dance is a searing tango of passion and peril.
Jordan has always led a cautious life and has used her intelligence and reason to become a successful businesswoman. So she is intrigued but skeptical of the professor’s claims that the feud has been kept alive by the grave injustices the Buchanans have perpetrated over the centuries. But when Noah Clayborne, a close family friend and a man who has never let a good time or a pretty girl pass him by, accuses Jordan of being trapped in her comfort zone, she determines to prove him wrong and sets out on a spontaneous adventure to the small, dusty town of Serenity, Texas, to judge the professor’s research for herself.
Maneuvering through a close-knit community in which everyone knows everyone else’s business, Jordan never anticipates the danger and intrigue that lie in her path, nor the threat that will shadow her back to Boston, where even in familiar surroundings, her life is at risk.
A powerful thug who rules by fear, a man who harbors a simmering secret, and an unexpected romance that pierces all defenses–beloved author Julie Garwood weaves these dazzling elements into a brilliant novel of romantic suspense. Shadow Dance is a searing tango of passion and peril.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published December 26, 2006
1073 people are currently reading
3604 people want to read
About the author
Julie Garwood
176 books12.5k followersWith more than 35 million books in print and 26 NEW YORK TIMES bestsellers, Julie Garwood has earned a position among America's favorite fiction writers.
Born and raised in Kansas City, MO, Ms. Garwood attributes much of her success to growing up in a large family of Irish heritage. "The Irish are great storytellers who relish getting all of the details and nuances of every situation. Add in the fact that I was the sixth of seven children. Early in life, I learned that self expression had to be forceful, imaginative, and quick," says Ms. Garwood.
She began her writing career when the youngest of her three children entered school. After the publications of two young-adult books, she turned her talents to historical fiction. Her first novel, GENTLE WARRIOR, was published by Pocket Books in 1985. Since then, she has branched into other genres including contemporary romantic suspense. Today, her name appears regularly on the bestseller lists of every major publication in the country, and her books are translated into dozens of languages around the world. Her bestselling novel FOR THE ROSES was adapted for the HALLMARK HALL OF FAME television movie ROSE HILL.
Ms. Garwood lives in Leawood, KS and is currently working on her next novel.
Born and raised in Kansas City, MO, Ms. Garwood attributes much of her success to growing up in a large family of Irish heritage. "The Irish are great storytellers who relish getting all of the details and nuances of every situation. Add in the fact that I was the sixth of seven children. Early in life, I learned that self expression had to be forceful, imaginative, and quick," says Ms. Garwood.
She began her writing career when the youngest of her three children entered school. After the publications of two young-adult books, she turned her talents to historical fiction. Her first novel, GENTLE WARRIOR, was published by Pocket Books in 1985. Since then, she has branched into other genres including contemporary romantic suspense. Today, her name appears regularly on the bestseller lists of every major publication in the country, and her books are translated into dozens of languages around the world. Her bestselling novel FOR THE ROSES was adapted for the HALLMARK HALL OF FAME television movie ROSE HILL.
Ms. Garwood lives in Leawood, KS and is currently working on her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 674 reviews
August 3, 2018
"Shadow Dance" is the story of Jordan and Noah.
Jordan Buchanan is happily enjoying her brother's marriage to her best friend Kate, when she meets with professor MacKenna who claims to have proof about a long running feud between the Buchanans and Mackennas.
Having been called "boring" one too many times, especially by her brother Nick and their family friend, the notorious playboy and FBI agent Noah, she decides to take up the professor's offer to explore a treasure map!
Travelling to the remote town of Serenity to meet the uncouth professor, she is met by various eccentric people, but things take an drastic turn when a dead body is found in her trunk, and she knocked down and jailed!
Soon more bodies start turning up as her family and Noah get involved in the investigation, and they realize there is something more sinister going on.
An interesting read with well written plot and mystery elements. That being said, just like a few previous books in this series- there was more emphasis on the characters and establishing their individual identities rather than as a couple- and the romance aspect was kept minimal. Few sex scenes are included, but we barely get to see how these frenemies ACTUALLY fell for each other- because as the author established they had known each other forever.
As a thriller, this is a good read. As a romance novella, this falls short of its mark. As a romantic suspense, average overall. But I did like the mild angst at the end.
SWE/Unsafe
3/5
Jordan Buchanan is happily enjoying her brother's marriage to her best friend Kate, when she meets with professor MacKenna who claims to have proof about a long running feud between the Buchanans and Mackennas.
Having been called "boring" one too many times, especially by her brother Nick and their family friend, the notorious playboy and FBI agent Noah, she decides to take up the professor's offer to explore a treasure map!
Travelling to the remote town of Serenity to meet the uncouth professor, she is met by various eccentric people, but things take an drastic turn when a dead body is found in her trunk, and she knocked down and jailed!
Soon more bodies start turning up as her family and Noah get involved in the investigation, and they realize there is something more sinister going on.
An interesting read with well written plot and mystery elements. That being said, just like a few previous books in this series- there was more emphasis on the characters and establishing their individual identities rather than as a couple- and the romance aspect was kept minimal. Few sex scenes are included, but we barely get to see how these frenemies ACTUALLY fell for each other- because as the author established they had known each other forever.
As a thriller, this is a good read. As a romance novella, this falls short of its mark. As a romantic suspense, average overall. But I did like the mild angst at the end.
SWE/Unsafe
3/5
June 25, 2023
Jordan Buchanan stops an elderly man who has crashed her brother Dylan and her best friend Kate McKenna's wedding. Professor McKenna claims that he has proof of a long-running feud between the Buchanan and the McKenna clans that dates back hundreds of years. He blames all of the problems on the Buchanan clan. Jordan decides to prove him wrong. She takes him up on his offer and follows him to a small Texas town. The professor gives her his research to copy. The next day when Jordan tries to place the boxes of research in the trunk of her car, she finds a dead body. A few minutes later, Jordan is taken into police custody and has been accused of murder. Her only option is to call her brother Nick and his partner Noah who work for the FBI.
Noah knows Jordan well. In fact, he goaded her into getting out of her comfort zone which is why she decided to go to Texas in the first place. Noah finds a bumbling sheriff, his ex-con brother, and a corrupt police chief are trying to railroad Jordan into confessing to a murder. Noah gets her out of jail and decides to have a look at the case to see if he can help solve it.
This story takes place in a small town where there were many memorable characters who know everyone's business. There is a lot of humor in it. Jordan keeps finding dead bodies everywhere she turns. I liked Noah since he was introduced in the first book in the series; and I thought Jordan was a good match for him. But there is just something missing from their romance that I can't put my finger on. Still, it was an entertaining book and probably my favorite of the series so far. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
Noah knows Jordan well. In fact, he goaded her into getting out of her comfort zone which is why she decided to go to Texas in the first place. Noah finds a bumbling sheriff, his ex-con brother, and a corrupt police chief are trying to railroad Jordan into confessing to a murder. Noah gets her out of jail and decides to have a look at the case to see if he can help solve it.
This story takes place in a small town where there were many memorable characters who know everyone's business. There is a lot of humor in it. Jordan keeps finding dead bodies everywhere she turns. I liked Noah since he was introduced in the first book in the series; and I thought Jordan was a good match for him. But there is just something missing from their romance that I can't put my finger on. Still, it was an entertaining book and probably my favorite of the series so far. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
May 24, 2010
This book obviously has a cliffhanger at the end of it . . . GRRR! However, I'm not certain which book is the next to read!?! I suppose I'll have to read it now just to satisfy my curiosity.
One element I was pleased with on listening to this book is Jordan Buchanan appeared to be a nice match for Noah Clayborne, whom I first met in "Mercy." Unfortunately, Noah's "fall" into love was somewhat uneventful/anticlimatic and, truthfully, a bit boring! Not Garwood's best offering I'm afraid. Like most fans, I prefer her actual "romance" novels rather than the weight of the book falling on the suspense/mystery (as this one yet again did). Even as a mystery ... it generated little excitement. Glad it was a Public Library loan!
K.
One element I was pleased with on listening to this book is Jordan Buchanan appeared to be a nice match for Noah Clayborne, whom I first met in "Mercy." Unfortunately, Noah's "fall" into love was somewhat uneventful/anticlimatic and, truthfully, a bit boring! Not Garwood's best offering I'm afraid. Like most fans, I prefer her actual "romance" novels rather than the weight of the book falling on the suspense/mystery (as this one yet again did). Even as a mystery ... it generated little excitement. Glad it was a Public Library loan!
K.
February 17, 2020
Oct 2017 Series Reread and Review
4.5 Bodies Are Dropping Stars!
This book picks up after Slow Burn Dylan and Kate are getting married and merging the "Buchanan's & McKenna's" when a nutty history professor crashes the party claiming to be from the "McKenna clan" who's outraged that a McKenna would marry a blasted no good Buchanan!
Turns out he is a Kate's youngest sister Isabel's History Professor who she accidentally invited to the wedding....she thinks. Jordan Buchanan not wanting her BFF and her brothers wedding ruined agrees to let him stay, when he starts insulting and belittling the Buchanan Clan (a historical McKenna enemy) she loses her temper and agrees to meet him so he can give her the "evidence" he has compiled over the years to prove the Buchanan's are "vile barbarians".
Upon arriving in Serenity TX, their first meeting does not go as planned but she is able to get the research papers he promised. Next thing you know the professor is murdered and Jordan is the prime suspect.....
Sexy FBI Agent Noah Claybourne (he's been in several of the previous books) and her brother FBI Agent Nick Buchanan (Heartbreaker) come to rescue Jordan when she is arrested by a corrupt Sheriff. Jordan and Noah must stay in town while Jordan gives her statement. Meanwhile, Noah and Jordan grow closer while their stay is extended a few days. Jordan & Noah return to Boston, but, Jordan's troubles are far from over.....it's up to Noah to figure out who want's Jordan dead.
All in all, I loved this book mainly because I have loved both of these characters throughout the series....but, honestly I wish we had more focus on Noah (swoon) and Jordan's budding relationship.
* Narrated by the very talented Joyce Bean
* Originally read: June 2011
4.5 Bodies Are Dropping Stars!
This book picks up after Slow Burn Dylan and Kate are getting married and merging the "Buchanan's & McKenna's" when a nutty history professor crashes the party claiming to be from the "McKenna clan" who's outraged that a McKenna would marry a blasted no good Buchanan!
Turns out he is a Kate's youngest sister Isabel's History Professor who she accidentally invited to the wedding....she thinks. Jordan Buchanan not wanting her BFF and her brothers wedding ruined agrees to let him stay, when he starts insulting and belittling the Buchanan Clan (a historical McKenna enemy) she loses her temper and agrees to meet him so he can give her the "evidence" he has compiled over the years to prove the Buchanan's are "vile barbarians".
Upon arriving in Serenity TX, their first meeting does not go as planned but she is able to get the research papers he promised. Next thing you know the professor is murdered and Jordan is the prime suspect.....
Sexy FBI Agent Noah Claybourne (he's been in several of the previous books) and her brother FBI Agent Nick Buchanan (Heartbreaker) come to rescue Jordan when she is arrested by a corrupt Sheriff. Jordan and Noah must stay in town while Jordan gives her statement. Meanwhile, Noah and Jordan grow closer while their stay is extended a few days. Jordan & Noah return to Boston, but, Jordan's troubles are far from over.....it's up to Noah to figure out who want's Jordan dead.
All in all, I loved this book mainly because I have loved both of these characters throughout the series....but, honestly I wish we had more focus on Noah (swoon) and Jordan's budding relationship.
* Narrated by the very talented Joyce Bean
* Originally read: June 2011
June 21, 2023
Love this romance between one of my favorite characters, Noah Clayborne, and Jordan Buchanan. Noah has had a special spot for me since the very first book. The Buchanan family too. I think it is because I can feel the tie to Garwood's historicals and I love that. Not everything was to my liking though. Noah is a ladies' man and has had a lot of women come through his life and his bed. I just didn't feel the lightning bolt when he realized that Jordan was "the one". Jordan knows Noah and has tried to ignore his pull for her. She is trying to avoid being just another NCG, Noah Clayborne Groupie. I didn't feel much of a struggle before she gave in. She was also willing to just let him go without fighting for what she wants.
The wedding of Kate MacKenna and Dylan Buchanan is a joyous celebration and Jordan Buchanan has done a great deal to make it perfect. A strange man crashes to party and starts spewing vile stories about the evil Buchanan's. Jordan, not willing to let anything spoil the day takes the brunt of his ire about the ancient feud and stolen treasure.
Noah Clayborne challenges Jordan to step outside of her comfort zone, but I really don't think he meant for her to take a trip to a little dot on the map called Serenity Springs, Texas. She is going there to review the "research" that Dr. MacKenna has accumulated that proves how evil the Buchannan's are. Jordan soon finds herself in the middle of a murder and viewed as the chief suspect. She calls Nick and Noah for help and it is a really good thing she did.
The wedding of Kate MacKenna and Dylan Buchanan is a joyous celebration and Jordan Buchanan has done a great deal to make it perfect. A strange man crashes to party and starts spewing vile stories about the evil Buchanan's. Jordan, not willing to let anything spoil the day takes the brunt of his ire about the ancient feud and stolen treasure.
Noah Clayborne challenges Jordan to step outside of her comfort zone, but I really don't think he meant for her to take a trip to a little dot on the map called Serenity Springs, Texas. She is going there to review the "research" that Dr. MacKenna has accumulated that proves how evil the Buchannan's are. Jordan soon finds herself in the middle of a murder and viewed as the chief suspect. She calls Nick and Noah for help and it is a really good thing she did.
March 25, 2009
Loved it! Noah is so hot! Read this book and fall in love again. The character of Noah Clayborn is included in a couple other Garwood books, and you laugh at him there, but fall for him in this one. Jordan is a strong woman and a great example of todays woman. Give this one a try.
July 9, 2020
3,5 / 5
Bir iki mantık hatası olmasına rağmen sıkmadan okuttu kendini 😊
Bir iki mantık hatası olmasına rağmen sıkmadan okuttu kendini 😊
December 24, 2015
No esperaba nada de este libro y nada me dio. Yo te amo Noah, de en serio lo hago, pero no era lo mejor que podías darme.
Tal y como había adivinado con anterioridad, Noah se enamora de la hermana de su mejor amigo. Pero hay cosas que me hacen ruido:
1. La atracción que sienten es absoluta y condenadamente repentina. En un momento, ambos está como siempre, y luego es como si se les encendiera un chip que los obligara a sentir atracción por el otro.
2. No he visto al Noah carismático, simpático, adorable de los libros anteriores. Aparte de romper mi corazón, porque esperaba un libro 100% Noah con fanservice incluido, hace que el romance resulte de lo más increíble. No hay manera en que Noah así de la nada, por verla un rato, sienta amor. He sido testigo de todas las mujeres con que Noah se ha acostado, así que no veo como pudo haber terminado (y que le dure) esa vida de mujeriego que llevaba.
3. ¿Nadie en la familia piensa sorprenderse porque Jordan y Noah terminen juntos? ¿Ni siquiera una tomadura de pelo?
4. Serenity me da miedo, la gente es demasiado amable me da la sensación de que todos planean secuestrarla y hacer de Jordan una carnada para algún sacrificio en nombre del pueblo.
5. No tienen química de esas que te hacen decir, "Wow, realmente hacen buena pareja", pero sus interacciones son más de esas que se dan entre amigos, nada que te vuelve la cabeza digamos. Y no hay nada malo en ello, me encantaría encontrar gente que se llevara tan bien pero no dejan de parecer amigos, no sé si me entienden. Como si fueran hermanos, o algo así. No tienen chispa. Se llevan bien, pero no te hacen gritar por dentro porque Noah la abrace o porque Jordan duerma a su lado, no nada nunca.
Pero como ya estaba esperando nada se lee bien, el tema del asesino está casi resuelto desde el comienzo y solo hacía falta atraparlo. Me gustó volver a leer a Nick, mi pequeño bruto sigue engendrando niños.
Tal y como había adivinado con anterioridad, Noah se enamora de la hermana de su mejor amigo. Pero hay cosas que me hacen ruido:
1. La atracción que sienten es absoluta y condenadamente repentina. En un momento, ambos está como siempre, y luego es como si se les encendiera un chip que los obligara a sentir atracción por el otro.
2. No he visto al Noah carismático, simpático, adorable de los libros anteriores. Aparte de romper mi corazón, porque esperaba un libro 100% Noah con fanservice incluido, hace que el romance resulte de lo más increíble. No hay manera en que Noah así de la nada, por verla un rato, sienta amor. He sido testigo de todas las mujeres con que Noah se ha acostado, así que no veo como pudo haber terminado (y que le dure) esa vida de mujeriego que llevaba.
3. ¿Nadie en la familia piensa sorprenderse porque Jordan y Noah terminen juntos? ¿Ni siquiera una tomadura de pelo?
4. Serenity me da miedo, la gente es demasiado amable me da la sensación de que todos planean secuestrarla y hacer de Jordan una carnada para algún sacrificio en nombre del pueblo.
5. No tienen química de esas que te hacen decir, "Wow, realmente hacen buena pareja", pero sus interacciones son más de esas que se dan entre amigos, nada que te vuelve la cabeza digamos. Y no hay nada malo en ello, me encantaría encontrar gente que se llevara tan bien pero no dejan de parecer amigos, no sé si me entienden. Como si fueran hermanos, o algo así. No tienen chispa. Se llevan bien, pero no te hacen gritar por dentro porque Noah la abrace o porque Jordan duerma a su lado, no nada nunca.
Pero como ya estaba esperando nada se lee bien, el tema del asesino está casi resuelto desde el comienzo y solo hacía falta atraparlo. Me gustó volver a leer a Nick, mi pequeño bruto sigue engendrando niños.
June 23, 2017
I've loved Noah for several books now, and just wanted more from his book. I don't feel like we really got to know him, or see much of his process.
Still enjoyed it, but I wanted more.
Re-read June 2017
I think the problem is ... Noah has been built up so much over the last couple books, it is probably impossible to not be mildly disappointed when we finally get his book. I mean, there wasn't anything wrong with it, exactly - the plot was a good mystery, and there were parts that were absolutely hilarious.
Jordan was okay ... but that's probably, again, because Noah has been so built up that she just doesn't feel like his equal. And I'm also not really buying ... they've known each other forever, and spending a couple days together, they are suddenly like "hey, I love him/her!" I don't think that was sold.
And lastly, I feel disappointed because ... I don't feel like I know Noah any better than I did before. Isn't that odd? It occurs to me that there were some places in the book, where we might have gotten some more personal details / insight, but Garwood just informed us that the conversation happened. Like, in one part there's like, a paragraph saying Jordan and Noah talked about growing up, and how he was an only child that envied the fun of her house full of siblings. Why couldn't we have actually HAD that conversation, rather than just be informed that it happened? And that happened multiple times, about multiple things, too. Like, even in the end, you get a paragraph that says Noah told Jordan about his job and the stresses... rather than actually getting the conversation.
It's weird, and it felt oddly detached.
Noah deserved better.
Still enjoyed it, but I wanted more.
Re-read June 2017
I think the problem is ... Noah has been built up so much over the last couple books, it is probably impossible to not be mildly disappointed when we finally get his book. I mean, there wasn't anything wrong with it, exactly - the plot was a good mystery, and there were parts that were absolutely hilarious.
Jordan was okay ... but that's probably, again, because Noah has been so built up that she just doesn't feel like his equal. And I'm also not really buying ... they've known each other forever, and spending a couple days together, they are suddenly like "hey, I love him/her!" I don't think that was sold.
And lastly, I feel disappointed because ... I don't feel like I know Noah any better than I did before. Isn't that odd? It occurs to me that there were some places in the book, where we might have gotten some more personal details / insight, but Garwood just informed us that the conversation happened. Like, in one part there's like, a paragraph saying Jordan and Noah talked about growing up, and how he was an only child that envied the fun of her house full of siblings. Why couldn't we have actually HAD that conversation, rather than just be informed that it happened? And that happened multiple times, about multiple things, too. Like, even in the end, you get a paragraph that says Noah told Jordan about his job and the stresses... rather than actually getting the conversation.
It's weird, and it felt oddly detached.
Noah deserved better.
August 17, 2008
Jordan Buchanan, the ultimate computer nerd, attends yet another brother's wedding and is charged to keep an eye on her sister-in-law's nineteen-year-old sister who's practically doing back flips to gain the attention of Noah Clayborne, an FBI agent with a score list longer than the Good Book. Not that he's interested, he knows the girl is too young for him, but still, it's better to be safe than sorry.
An uninvited guest crashed the party, a nutty professor that's been communicating with Isabel, the nineteen-year-old "acrobat", about her family roots leading all the way back to Scotland. The professor claims the wedding between the two families should never have taken place, since they've always been feuding.
Since he's a MacKenna, the saintly family, according to him, and the Buchanan's are the vile barbarians, Jordan feels she should defend her family from such slander, and is soon sucked into the professor's story about the family feud. And a treasure.
Intrigued, Jordan follows the professor to a small Texas town, Serenity, where everybody knows everybody, everybody is friendly and accommodating... Until professor MacKenna's dead body ends up in Jordan's trunk.
She manages to contact Noah with her predicament, before she's knocked out cold and arrested for murder.
Noah and her brother Nick come barreling into town, clear her of all the charges, get the incompetent chief of police fired, and even more tongues wagging.
Nick is called home, leaving Noah behind to get Jordan safely back to Boston. But another dead body in the trunk keeps them in town for a little while longer.
This book was an obvious improvement from Murder List. The mystery stayed constant and the romance never got in the way of the main plot.
The setting in the small, God-forsaken town in the middle of Texas was refreshing and also served as a sometimes comedic backdrop to the humdrum of murder and mayhem.
Jordan was fun to read. A strong, yet nerdy woman who's more at ease with computers than people. Her trip to Serenity was an attempt to shake up her life, the life many called boring, while for her it was just safe and secure - her comfort zone. Soon, though, her insecurities, again about her appearance, started getting on my nerves.
Why does Ms. Garwood always portray her heroines as shallow? I've read only two of her books, yet in both the heroine was always so self-conscious about her appearance, thinking no one could be attracted to her, because of her looks.
Noah was the typical romantic suspense hero. A playboy (at the beginning) with a soft heart that always changes his way at the end, thanks to his woman.
Yet again, the romance did seem a little forced. They were friends, suddenly, cooped up in the small town, she starts seeing him in a different light. We learn he's always been attracted to her, yet refrained from acting on it, because she was his best friend's sister, so he went on romancing other women... And suddenly, after resisting so long, they just cannot anymore and fall helplessly in love with each other.
Maybe it was something they ate.
The main mystery plot was much stronger than in her previous book, yet once again she just couldn't do without the deus-ex-machina end effect.
While the mystery was driving and keeping the reader at the edge of the seat, the final explanation seemed diluted and far-fetched at best.
While the story built on mystery, the ending left much to be desired.
An uninvited guest crashed the party, a nutty professor that's been communicating with Isabel, the nineteen-year-old "acrobat", about her family roots leading all the way back to Scotland. The professor claims the wedding between the two families should never have taken place, since they've always been feuding.
Since he's a MacKenna, the saintly family, according to him, and the Buchanan's are the vile barbarians, Jordan feels she should defend her family from such slander, and is soon sucked into the professor's story about the family feud. And a treasure.
Intrigued, Jordan follows the professor to a small Texas town, Serenity, where everybody knows everybody, everybody is friendly and accommodating... Until professor MacKenna's dead body ends up in Jordan's trunk.
She manages to contact Noah with her predicament, before she's knocked out cold and arrested for murder.
Noah and her brother Nick come barreling into town, clear her of all the charges, get the incompetent chief of police fired, and even more tongues wagging.
Nick is called home, leaving Noah behind to get Jordan safely back to Boston. But another dead body in the trunk keeps them in town for a little while longer.
This book was an obvious improvement from Murder List. The mystery stayed constant and the romance never got in the way of the main plot.
The setting in the small, God-forsaken town in the middle of Texas was refreshing and also served as a sometimes comedic backdrop to the humdrum of murder and mayhem.
Jordan was fun to read. A strong, yet nerdy woman who's more at ease with computers than people. Her trip to Serenity was an attempt to shake up her life, the life many called boring, while for her it was just safe and secure - her comfort zone. Soon, though, her insecurities, again about her appearance, started getting on my nerves.
Why does Ms. Garwood always portray her heroines as shallow? I've read only two of her books, yet in both the heroine was always so self-conscious about her appearance, thinking no one could be attracted to her, because of her looks.
Noah was the typical romantic suspense hero. A playboy (at the beginning) with a soft heart that always changes his way at the end, thanks to his woman.
Yet again, the romance did seem a little forced. They were friends, suddenly, cooped up in the small town, she starts seeing him in a different light. We learn he's always been attracted to her, yet refrained from acting on it, because she was his best friend's sister, so he went on romancing other women... And suddenly, after resisting so long, they just cannot anymore and fall helplessly in love with each other.
Maybe it was something they ate.
The main mystery plot was much stronger than in her previous book, yet once again she just couldn't do without the deus-ex-machina end effect.
While the mystery was driving and keeping the reader at the edge of the seat, the final explanation seemed diluted and far-fetched at best.
While the story built on mystery, the ending left much to be desired.
August 12, 2013
2.5 stars
I've waited for Noah's story for a long time now, and honestly- I'm disappointed. Noah Clayborne is, through several books, portrayed as the badass playboy whom can have any woman he wants, and who never has any strings attached. So of course, I was excited for his story and how he would fall in love, what kind of woman it'd be and how their relationship would work out (with him being very flirtatious and never having a serious relationship before), but ... the romance between Noah and Jordan seemed forced. I never understood what it was that drew Noah to Jordan. Julie Garwood did write a couple of lines about it, but it was very vague and it didn't seem enough. I mean, for an ultimate playboy to change his lifestyle and go from different woman each nights to only one, it had to be some strong feelings developed over time, or some big revelation. It was like, one moment Noah and Jordan were friends, and in the next they were attracted to each other????
The ending came a bit ... abruptly, too. It seemed forced, weird and completely out of the blue.
However, I liked Noah Clayborne, even though it's bothering me that he changed his lifestyle so fast and without Julie Garwood giving us any real explanation, so this book gets 2 1/2 stars instead of 2. I also liked that we met Nick (from Heartbreaker ) again.This was a nice and easy read, though not very exciting or containing so much action.
I've waited for Noah's story for a long time now, and honestly- I'm disappointed. Noah Clayborne is, through several books, portrayed as the badass playboy whom can have any woman he wants, and who never has any strings attached. So of course, I was excited for his story and how he would fall in love, what kind of woman it'd be and how their relationship would work out (with him being very flirtatious and never having a serious relationship before), but ... the romance between Noah and Jordan seemed forced. I never understood what it was that drew Noah to Jordan. Julie Garwood did write a couple of lines about it, but it was very vague and it didn't seem enough. I mean, for an ultimate playboy to change his lifestyle and go from different woman each nights to only one, it had to be some strong feelings developed over time, or some big revelation. It was like, one moment Noah and Jordan were friends, and in the next they were attracted to each other????
The ending came a bit ... abruptly, too. It seemed forced, weird and completely out of the blue.
However, I liked Noah Clayborne, even though it's bothering me that he changed his lifestyle so fast and without Julie Garwood giving us any real explanation, so this book gets 2 1/2 stars instead of 2. I also liked that we met Nick (from Heartbreaker ) again.This was a nice and easy read, though not very exciting or containing so much action.
September 25, 2019
3.5 Stars
I've loved Noah's character in the other books so I couldn't wait to read his book. I would have liked it more if he was paired with someone else. I always found Jordan a bit shallow. The romance between these two was lacking but the mystery aspect was good.
I've loved Noah's character in the other books so I couldn't wait to read his book. I would have liked it more if he was paired with someone else. I always found Jordan a bit shallow. The romance between these two was lacking but the mystery aspect was good.
January 29, 2013
Not enough Noah Clayborne, so for that I'm a little disappointed. I've been looking forward to his story from the start because he's a bit of thorn on the Buchanan brothers' side. And he appears in every books in the series so I thought he'd be more prominent in Shadow Dance because it is his story after all. But it doesn't feel like it his story mainly because his heroine is Jordan Buchanan. So when finally a Buchanan is the star in the series, I ended up not caring so much about the Buchanan. Life's a bitch that way.
October 14, 2018
Espectacular! Lo tiene todo, sobretodo a Noah! Siempre supera mis expectativas. No me estoy leyendo la serie por orden y me cabrea no poder terminarla. La editoriales podrían pensar un poco más en los lectores y terminar las series que empiezan.
November 2, 2022
This is book six in the Buchanan Series, and the one I have been waiting to read since I started this series. Noah Clayborne has been a recurring character in every book so far and I have fallen more in love with him as the books progressed. So when it finally came to his HEA I couldn't be happier to see that it was with Jordan, the little sister of his partner Nick Buchanan from Heartbreaker book 1 in the series, as well as all the other Buchanan boys who know just how Noah is. I loved the romantic storyline between Noah and Jordan; I also loved how Nick and Noah stepped in and gave that gawd awful police woman what she deserved. I wasn't however a big fan of everything else, basically the Mystery, I mean yes I know it made sense and the ending with Jordan nearly broke my heart for Noah, I still felt it missed some of her the authors normal pizzazz. Now I know I may get strung up by my toes for saying so but it's just how I felt. Still though I will give this book a 5 star because even thought I had a small problem with it I would read it again and again.
June 26, 2022
A rare miss from a Julie Garwood. Noah has been a side character in the previous books and I really liked him. He’s charming and funny.
His romance with Jordan seemed really underdeveloped, especially with how crowded the rest of the story is. There’s the murder plot in Texas, which was interesting. And then there’s the research on the historical side of the Scottish clans Buchanan and Mackenna, which was boring. I assume this is a tie in with her historicals?? But it was too much and the romance suffers for it.
Also with as overprotective as her brothers are, they were ok with Noah (who is an established playboy) with their sister? I was hoping to see some funny moments and it just wasn’t there.
This might be a case of I love the author and had high hopes for this secondary character. I still will read the series - I really have been enjoying it.
His romance with Jordan seemed really underdeveloped, especially with how crowded the rest of the story is. There’s the murder plot in Texas, which was interesting. And then there’s the research on the historical side of the Scottish clans Buchanan and Mackenna, which was boring. I assume this is a tie in with her historicals?? But it was too much and the romance suffers for it.
Also with as overprotective as her brothers are, they were ok with Noah (who is an established playboy) with their sister? I was hoping to see some funny moments and it just wasn’t there.
This might be a case of I love the author and had high hopes for this secondary character. I still will read the series - I really have been enjoying it.
January 17, 2015
Como siempre Julie Garwood en suspense no decepciona. Lo cierto es que la historia está bien construida y engancha desde la segunda parte del libro, que no desde la primera porque se me hizo algo pesada la introducción. Por otra parte, no reencuentro al Noah del libro de Nick, esperaba otra personalidad del personaje por lo que había leído en los libros anteriores, no obstante, no me ha defraudado el personaje.
Jordan con su obsesión por la informática me ha gustado mucho, más creo que a la pareja en sí le falta pasión, amor y todo lo que hace que una historia sea romántica con todas las letras. Si bien, podría considerarla una novela de suspense en un 80% con un 20% de romántica.
Jordan con su obsesión por la informática me ha gustado mucho, más creo que a la pareja en sí le falta pasión, amor y todo lo que hace que una historia sea romántica con todas las letras. Si bien, podría considerarla una novela de suspense en un 80% con un 20% de romántica.
June 3, 2023
Shadow Dance is my favorite of the series thus far! Noah and Jordan have danced around each other for awhile now and in this one, they are pushed into close proximity long enough to be forced to face their true feelings. I love Garwood's wry sense of humor as the banter between these two is perfect - as is their sexual chemistry. Great case+romance+sexy banter+laughter= the perfect blend of romance suspense. Highly recommended.
December 24, 2023
I quite enjoyed this one. We have a tech lady and the quintessential bad boy getting together after knowing each other for a long time - so kind of friends to lovers.
We have a small town setting, a nice mystery and a good amount of chemistry between our main characters.
What I don't like is the way the author always takes it too far too quickly. You can't have regency outcomes in a contemporary setting, when it comes to the romance. Or you can, but you must make sure that the ground is properly set. So, when you turn a man who has slept his way through hundreds of women and hasn't had a serious committed relationship a day in his life into an I-love-you-throwing dedicated partner within a week, I have to give you the side eye. Which is why I took away a star.
But I had fun reading this book and would recommend it.
We have a small town setting, a nice mystery and a good amount of chemistry between our main characters.
What I don't like is the way the author always takes it too far too quickly. You can't have regency outcomes in a contemporary setting, when it comes to the romance. Or you can, but you must make sure that the ground is properly set. So, when you turn a man who has slept his way through hundreds of women and hasn't had a serious committed relationship a day in his life into an I-love-you-throwing dedicated partner within a week, I have to give you the side eye. Which is why I took away a star.
But I had fun reading this book and would recommend it.
March 8, 2021
Entretiene en cuanto a que es un libro de suspense pero de romántico tiene poco y entre los protagonistas no se ve la chispa en el enamoramiento, más bien parecen amigos que se atraen sexualmente y en los que, de repente, surge algo más serio.
Según había leído en reseñas de esta serie Noah Clayborne era el no va más pero no lo he visto así. Lastima.
Según había leído en reseñas de esta serie Noah Clayborne era el no va más pero no lo he visto así. Lastima.
April 2, 2019
No está mal, pero no me ha llegado...
Julie Garwood es una autora que nunca me decepciona y en esta ocasión esperaba más de ella...
Julie Garwood es una autora que nunca me decepciona y en esta ocasión esperaba más de ella...
Read
April 18, 2018Previously read
July 25, 2022
Re-reading.
May 28, 2015
Author: Julie Garwood
First published: 2007
Length: 336 pages
Setting: Small town contemporary - Serenity, Texas
Sex: Explicit towards the end. Not necessary for story... More romance less sex would have been more appropriate for the characters.
Hero: FBI
Heroine: Recently sold a computer business for millions. Computer geek.
That's it. I'm up-to-date on Garwood's Buchanan series. Read out of order but overall enjoyable. A definite change in style as the series progressed and some of the characters failed to stay in character or remember past actions. For example, the book before this one (Slow Burn ) has Jordan being sued but she'd forgotten all about it, it was a complete non-issue, by this one.
As for Shadow Dance itself, it takes to half way before they even think about a relationship. Most of first half is Jordan on her own. As a romance, it's lacking. But it has a good storyline overall.
Good storyline, disappointing relationship development, slight farcical feel.
3 stars. A comfortable read by an easy author.
Garwood's Contemporary Series:
Book 1 Heartbreaker - Laurent Madden and Nick Buchanan
Book 2 Mercy - Theo Buchanan and Dr Michelle Renard
Book 3 Killjoy - Avery Delaney and John Paul Renard
Book 4 Murder List - Alec Buchanan and Regan Hamilton Madison
Book 5 Slow Burn - Kate MacKenna and Dylan Buchanan
Book 6 Shadow Dance - Jordan Buchanan and Noah Clayborne
Book 7 Fire and Ice - Sophie Rose and Jack MacAlister
Book 8 Sizzle - Lyra Prescott and Sam Kincaid
Book 9 The Ideal Man - Dr Ellie Sullivan and Agent Max Daniels
Book 10 Sweet Talk - Olivia Mackenzie and Grayson Kincaid
Book 11 Hotshot - Peyton Lockhart and Finn MacBain
Book 12 Fast Track - Cordelia Kane and Aiden Madison
Book 13 Wired - Allison Trent and Liam Scott
References:
Author's website: http://juliegarwood.com/books/shadow-...
(ISBN 9780345453860)
-CR-
First published: 2007
Length: 336 pages
Setting: Small town contemporary - Serenity, Texas
Sex: Explicit towards the end. Not necessary for story... More romance less sex would have been more appropriate for the characters.
Hero: FBI
Heroine: Recently sold a computer business for millions. Computer geek.
That's it. I'm up-to-date on Garwood's Buchanan series. Read out of order but overall enjoyable. A definite change in style as the series progressed and some of the characters failed to stay in character or remember past actions. For example, the book before this one (Slow Burn ) has Jordan being sued but she'd forgotten all about it, it was a complete non-issue, by this one.
As for Shadow Dance itself, it takes to half way before they even think about a relationship. Most of first half is Jordan on her own. As a romance, it's lacking. But it has a good storyline overall.
Good storyline, disappointing relationship development, slight farcical feel.
3 stars. A comfortable read by an easy author.
Garwood's Contemporary Series:
Book 1 Heartbreaker - Laurent Madden and Nick Buchanan
Book 2 Mercy - Theo Buchanan and Dr Michelle Renard
Book 3 Killjoy - Avery Delaney and John Paul Renard
Book 4 Murder List - Alec Buchanan and Regan Hamilton Madison
Book 5 Slow Burn - Kate MacKenna and Dylan Buchanan
Book 6 Shadow Dance - Jordan Buchanan and Noah Clayborne
Book 7 Fire and Ice - Sophie Rose and Jack MacAlister
Book 8 Sizzle - Lyra Prescott and Sam Kincaid
Book 9 The Ideal Man - Dr Ellie Sullivan and Agent Max Daniels
Book 10 Sweet Talk - Olivia Mackenzie and Grayson Kincaid
Book 11 Hotshot - Peyton Lockhart and Finn MacBain
Book 12 Fast Track - Cordelia Kane and Aiden Madison
Book 13 Wired - Allison Trent and Liam Scott
References:
Author's website: http://juliegarwood.com/books/shadow-...
(ISBN 9780345453860)
-CR-
May 23, 2011
Another thoroughly entertaining read from Julie Garwood. I wouldn't say it was deeply emotional but it was certainly interesting, funny and romantic enough to make it worth your while. There was great chemistry between the leads and I felt they genuinely liked each other.
My only criticism would be that I would like to have seen Jordan's family's reaction to her falling in love with Noah (one of her older brother's good mates and FBI partner - but also a world class womaniser). What the brother's thought about Noah going after their kid sister was totally brushed over.
The whole Buchanan family series is great and worth the read and this one is no exception.
My only criticism would be that I would like to have seen Jordan's family's reaction to her falling in love with Noah (one of her older brother's good mates and FBI partner - but also a world class womaniser). What the brother's thought about Noah going after their kid sister was totally brushed over.
The whole Buchanan family series is great and worth the read and this one is no exception.
February 6, 2017
Over all I though it was ok. I was a bit disappointed, It definitely felt incomplete.
If you have a man-whore trigger this is not the book for you. That's not even my problem with it though.
I think it either moved too slowly or too quickly. She spent pages and pages and small details, but when something big happened she would skip ahead to the next scene. I kind of want more of these characters though; I just wish the book had been longer.
It's hard to say more without spoilers so I'll put the rest of what I think on my blog.
https://honestromancereviews.wordpres...
If you have a man-whore trigger this is not the book for you. That's not even my problem with it though.
I think it either moved too slowly or too quickly. She spent pages and pages and small details, but when something big happened she would skip ahead to the next scene. I kind of want more of these characters though; I just wish the book had been longer.
It's hard to say more without spoilers so I'll put the rest of what I think on my blog.
https://honestromancereviews.wordpres...
May 27, 2022
Noah is a hoot. I have loved his character and presence in all the books. I’m getting a HEA with one of the Buchanans is wonderful. This is humorous book in my opinion. I loved the murder mystery aspect, the small town charm and of course the relationship development. The end let’s us catch up with some other siblings and the Buchanan parents as well. I flew through the story and can’t wait for more of this series.
June 22, 2010
Love all of Garwood's books, be they CR or historical...But I got to admit, I was expecting a little something more from Noah Clayborne:-) He had so much promise in all the other Buchanan books! I loved him in Shadow Dance, don't get me wrong, but it could have been a little better:-) 4 1/2 stars, just for that teeny missing element:-) Otherwise, a great read:-)
November 24, 2014
3.5 เรื่องความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างพระนางชอบมากๆนะกรี๊ดเลย แล้วจริงๆชอบคาแรคเตอร์ของโนอาห์มาตั้งแต่แรกแล้วด้วย แต่เสียอย่างเดียวเรื่องนี้ พล็อตเรื่องการสืบสวนสำหรับเรามันอ่อนไป คือ เหมือนเหตุจูงใจจริงๆไม่ได้เกี่ยวอะไรกับนางเอกเล้ย เอาศพไปทิ้งท้ายรถนางเอก แล้วนางเอกก็หลุดไปง่ายๆ เหมือนกับว่าทำเพื่ออะไร ง่ายไปนะ
July 12, 2013
I loved it, I don't want this series to be over.
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