Shadows in the Dark
(2026)(The first book in the Blackridge Detectives series)
A novel by J C Valentine
Accountant Nora Bell knows someone’s watching her. She just can’t prove it—until Detective Carson Black becomes the first person to believe her.
Carson’s seen too many victims ignored. When Nora reports feeling stalked, something in her terrified eyes convinces him she’s telling the truth. He moves into her apartment to protect her, and the chemistry between them ignites like a fuse. But Carson’s obsessed with saving everyone—a compulsion born from failing to save his missing sister nineteen years ago. And Nora’s spent her life in foster care learning that no one stays.
Then the danger escalates. Someone’s not just watching Nora—they’re trying to kill her. And the threats are coming from two directions, each with their own twisted motive for revenge. As Carson hunts the men destroying Nora’s life, he’s forced to choose: the job that’s defined him for two decades, or the woman who’s shown him what living actually means.
Because catching killers is what Carson does. But loving Nora might be the one case that breaks him.
Fans of Christy Reece and Katie Reus will be captivated by this high-stakes protector romance.
Scroll up and ONE-CLICK to start Carson and Nora’s intense, emotional journey from fear to forever now!
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Carson’s seen too many victims ignored. When Nora reports feeling stalked, something in her terrified eyes convinces him she’s telling the truth. He moves into her apartment to protect her, and the chemistry between them ignites like a fuse. But Carson’s obsessed with saving everyone—a compulsion born from failing to save his missing sister nineteen years ago. And Nora’s spent her life in foster care learning that no one stays.
Then the danger escalates. Someone’s not just watching Nora—they’re trying to kill her. And the threats are coming from two directions, each with their own twisted motive for revenge. As Carson hunts the men destroying Nora’s life, he’s forced to choose: the job that’s defined him for two decades, or the woman who’s shown him what living actually means.
Because catching killers is what Carson does. But loving Nora might be the one case that breaks him.
Fans of Christy Reece and Katie Reus will be captivated by this high-stakes protector romance.
Scroll up and ONE-CLICK to start Carson and Nora’s intense, emotional journey from fear to forever now!
Genre: Romantic Suspense