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Blackwood Security #14

When the Shadows Fall

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From shot girl to assassin…

When eighteen-year-old Sky Malone left England to work for Emmy Black, she realised her new job wouldn’t be easy. After all, being Superwoman’s sidekick wasn’t a career you could half-ass.

In Virginia, she finds every day is a battle. Against exhaustion, against her tall, dark, and grouchy mentor Rafael, and against the ghosts of her past. And as if that isn’t tough enough, after just two months, she’s flung into the middle of an undercover operation that leaves her fighting not only for her place on the team but for her life as well.

396 pages, ebook

Published December 31, 2020

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About the author

Elise Noble

86 books686 followers
Elise Noble is an English rose with a few thorns who loves chocolate, sleep, and well-defined abs. Not hers, unfortunately. She lives near London with a horse who eats all her money and three dogs who eat everything else.

Elise writes real, gutsy heroines and flawed but swoon-worthy heroes in stories that mix mystery and mayhem, humour and happily-ever-afters.


You can get find her current freebies HERE.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Elise Noble.
Author 86 books686 followers
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January 10, 2021
When eighteen-year-old Sky Malone began working for assassin Emmy Black, she realised her new job wouldn’t be easy. But after just two months, an undercover operation leaves her fighting not only for love but for her life as well.

When the Shadows Fall is out now!
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Profile Image for SylviaV.
558 reviews8 followers
December 26, 2020
When the Shadows Fall - Elise Noble

As always it was great fun spending time in the Blackwood Security world, I am a huge fan of Elise Noble's story telling ability. This book follows Sky's journey; her relationships and finding her place within the Blackwood Security family. We catch up with Alaric, Bethany, Rune and other members of the Blackwood Security family and the mystery of the painting "The Girl with the Emerald Ring" gets resolved. We meet new characters, there is action and mayhem, an elaborate sting operation and an undercover operation that produces surprising results. All this is delivered with snark and attitude. A great read. 5 stars.

As with all books in the Blackwood Security series, this is a stand alone book. This is book # 14 and the last part of the Trilogy that started with Book 12 The Girl with the Emerald Ring, continued in Book 13 Red after Dark and concludes in this book. Each book is a complete story with no cliff hangers; I would read them in order as there is an overall story arc that covers all 3 books.
If you are new to this series, my suggestion would be to start with the Box set Book 1 to 3 "The Black Trilogy" and the Bonus book (at the end of Book 3 Forever Black) called Black (Book 3.1). If possible read book 11 Quicksilver, to get more background information about Rafael. Having read these books prior to starting this Trilogy will give you a better understanding of the dynamics and nuances of the various characters and their relationships.
69 reviews
January 2, 2021
When the Shadows Fall is part 3 of the Emerald trilogy and is another thrilling ride through the Blackwood world. This time the focus is mostly on Sky, although Emmy, Black, Alaric and Beth still play their parts. Elise once again pulls her readers along for the ride with excellent writing and plenty of twists and turns, adventure, mishaps, luck (good and bad), snarky humour and great character interaction. As usual, you'll find yourself laughing out loud at the wacky descriptions and offbeat thoughts of the various people in the book. All of the Blackwood books are a good read, but this trilogy is one of my favourites. I have read many of the books more than once and highly recommend them.
Profile Image for Kat Wes.
400 reviews3 followers
December 31, 2020
This was an excellent conclusion to this trilogy!

I love Sky and can't wait to find out what happens with her in the future.  There are still so many places the new Emmy in training could go! 


My only complaint is that I wish there was a bit more of Aleric and Beth. Though that final chapter sure was intriguing. 😉

83 reviews4 followers
January 2, 2021
Well plotted suspense/romantic suspense

I’m a big fan of Elise Noble’s writing. Tight plotting, UK/USA settings, big ensemble of characters to get to know over the books.
Profile Image for Whitney.
719 reviews5 followers
December 27, 2020
Omg! This book is the 3rd in The Girl With The Emerald Ring series. Let me tell you Ms. Elise Noble saved the best for last! This whole series is amazing but this one was out of this world! I finished it in less than 12 hours!
In this book it is sky and raphels story. Sky goes undercover and meets some new friends trying to find the paintings.
This story has everything. Action, laughs, even a love triangle! Plus we get more of the amazing Charles Black!!!!
You have to get this series and read 1-3! Trust me you won't be sorry. But be warned you will be hooked!!
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
169 reviews2 followers
January 3, 2021
With this new episode of the Blackwood saga, Ms Noble surprises her readers one more time. The third book of a trilogy, "When the Shadows Fall" is far from centred on the previous three episodes' quest conclusion. Instead, the search for the Girl with the Emerald Ring, a stolen painting, is just one of many intertwined threads that make the narration rich, punctuated with twists and turns and unexpected developments. A rich cast of characters keeps the story animated at all times, and witty dialogues intrigue and entertain the reader. Ms Noble's well-defined depiction of each character's personality makes the book a stand-alone novel; there's no need to be familiar with the previous episodes to capture each peculiar trait's essence. A new generation of the Blackwood family is emerging and takes over their share of the scene. Ms Noble's affectionate readers will smile at seeing the newcomers retracing the older members' steps.
Finally, "When the Shadows Fall" is simply an excellent book. It combines a rich and action-packed story with vivid and diverse characters, a twisted plot, and a steady pace. A very well developed and satisfying ending completes the picture, creating a gratifying reading experience.
2,281 reviews13 followers
January 5, 2021
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading about Alaric and Beth in this amazing trilogy. The entire premise of this story was quite amazing. Meeting Sky and the other characters was a real experience. The intricacies of the story are compelling to read. In this last book of the three we see more of Sky and how she develops and tbh it didn’t go as I expected but that was ok. It keeps you on your toes whilst reading. I cannot wait to see how Sky matures and what happens between her and her guy. I was kinda hoping she would find her forever guy but maybe that will change lol. Great book.
Profile Image for Jennifer Ogidi.
58 reviews2 followers
January 14, 2021
The third series in the Emerald trilogy "When the shadows fall" is mainly Sky story with the Blackwood crew as Emmy protege. She finds herself in an entirely different world from the one she lived in UK as she is taken under Emmy's wings, though we still see Emmy and Black as well as Alaric and Beth. When the shadows fall is a romantic thriller full of twists and turns, actions, adventure, mishaps and humor as Elise takes us along for the ride visualizing the character's offbeat and snarky thoughts.

I can't wait to see more of sky in the future as she channels her inner Emmy.
784 reviews6 followers
February 12, 2021
When the Shadows Fall is the third part of a trilogy as well as being part of the brilliant Blackwood Security series. In this fabulous book we discover more about Alaric and finally learn the truth about Emerald. Plenty of Blackwood favourites feature and new stories are just beginning which leaves you wanting more, as always.
I absolutely love this book, trilogy and series, and cannot recommend it highly enough. Elise Noble is an incredibly talented author who seamlessly blends action, drama, romance and humour with amazing characters and brilliant storylines.
893 reviews5 followers
March 21, 2022
Cracking conclusion of Alaric's story

No plot spoilers
There are some potential triggers relating to kidnap and rape but it's lightly written.
The characterisation is outstanding, the plotline moved along under its own steam and pulled me right along with it.
There were a couple of pages where the story slowed a little but it soon picked back up.
There is quite a bit of swearing and only one sex scene lightly written.
It's Elise Noble, of course I recommend the series!
290 reviews4 followers
April 29, 2022
Another great book

Seriously brilliant series. I really can’t say more than I’ve already said in previous reviews. Never has a series captured my imagination as this has. Book 14 and still going strong. Not sure how I will feel when I get to Book 16. Probably reread the whole series again

1 click now you will not be disappointed
169 reviews1 follower
January 22, 2021
A Brilliant finale to the trilogy

Elise wraps up the story of Beth and Alaric and the missing stolen Girl with the Emerald in exciting way while Using new characters like Sky and the Blackwood team. Unusual full of surprises and twists we come to enjoy about this series.
108 reviews1 follower
February 3, 2021
Different setting

An academy for talented kids, Stolen paintings, spoilt teenagers. Can Sky come through unscathed? Maybe but will her heart? With Blackwood behind her you can guarantee there will be mayhem
Profile Image for Nancy Huff.
136 reviews1 follower
May 14, 2021
Spy School

This story has all of the things I’ve come to expect in a book written by Elise Noble. The good guys win. There’s intrigue and also a nice tie in for quite a few of the characters I’ve come to enjoy so much. Of course now I’m stuck waiting for the next book.
Profile Image for Jezza Mae.
49 reviews
January 16, 2021
An awesome book to read!
When the Shadows Fall is the conclusion of the trilogy story of Alaric and Beth. I really enjoy reading this book. A must read and definitely reccomended book to read.
3 reviews
February 5, 2021
Love this

Thank you did a great job always new people and the different story line I stay up late every time I start reading anything this author write she is the best,x
4 reviews
February 20, 2021
Wow

Yet another fantastic book from Elise Noble full of twists and turns that made it hard to put down and wanting more
9 reviews3 followers
December 28, 2020
Once again Elise Noble delivers a knock out punch to her fans! I actually took longer to read this one because I didn’t want the series to end. Her character development of Sky is so full of all things young women today need more of...persistence, empathy, determination and a willingness to learn and adapt. Sky’s story is one we hear so many times in today’s world...tragic unreported abuse not only at the hands of a sick predator, but also at the hands of parents who can’t be bothered to parent and a broken child welfare system. Her story so closely mirrors Emmy’s story. She shines a light on this issue and I really hope one day this issue dies a well deserved death. She also really touches on the emotional trauma that is left behind after any traumatic event and how it’s important to reach out for help and talk about the issue. This is such a key to healing! The other thing I felt was refreshing was how she delt with Emmy and Blacks strain in their marriage and how they ultimately handled it. So often today, you see couples just give up and not fight and work through the problem. Hey don’t get me wrong, Black deserved his lengthy “time out” and really handled it well. I appreciate showing how you can work through a betrayal and come out of it together and still in love. There were so many intriguing facets to the storyline in this latest book and I absolutely can’t wait for the next installment! This series has it all!! Suspense, angst, love, sex, mystery and really holds your attention all the way through! You feel like each character is real and almost part of your family because you can easily relate to them. Way to knock it out of the park Elise! I plan to restart the series because it’s that good and I know I’ll get even more the 2nd time around!
Profile Image for SylviaV.
558 reviews8 followers
December 28, 2020
When the Shadows Fall - Elise Noble

As always it was great fun spending time in the Blackwood Security world, I am a huge fan of Elise Noble's story telling ability. This book follows Sky's journey; her relationships and finding her place within the Blackwood Security family. We catch up with Alaric, Bethany, Rune and other members of the Blackwood Security family and the mystery of the painting "The Girl with the Emerald Ring" gets resolved. We meet new characters, there is action and mayhem, an elaborate sting operation and an undercover operation that produces surprising results. All this is delivered with snark and attitude. A great read. 5 stars.

As with all books in the Blackwood Security series, this is a stand alone book. This is book # 14 and the last part of the Trilogy that started with Book 12 The Girl with the Emerald Ring, continued in Book 13 Red after Dark and concludes in this book. Each book is a complete story with no cliff hangers; I would read them in order as there is an overall story arc that covers all 3 books.
If you are new to this series, my suggestion would be to start with the Box set Book 1 to 3 "The Black Trilogy" and the Bonus book (at the end of Book 3 Forever Black) called Black (Book 3.1). If possible read book 11 Quicksilver, to get more background information about Rafael. Having read these books prior to starting this Trilogy will give you a better understanding of the dynamics and nuances of the various characters and their relationships.
Profile Image for Karen.
105 reviews1 follower
April 4, 2021
When The Shadows Fall by Elise Noble

What a fantastic way to finish Alaric’s trilogy. A true work of art, a masterpiece with all the right elements!

This book centers around Sky and her continuing training, and of course the missing piece of artwork that has caused nothing but heartache for Alaric. Sky is launched headfirst into a mission that she may or may not be ready for.
As with all Elise’s books you are taken on an exhilarating journey that provides all aspects of danger, excitement, humor, love, kickass assassins and of course, some Emmy and Black thrown into the mix. What more could you ask for? I love the camaraderie that is displayed by every member of the Blackwood Team and find myself wishing I could be adopted into the Blackwood Security family. Every time I read a Blackwood book I am hoping that it will be turned into a tv series, I would give anything to see this come to life.

I recommend you read all 3 books in order to appreciate the full picture.
1. The Girl With The Emerald Ring (Blackwood Security 12)
2. Red After Dark (Blackwood Security 13)
3. When The Shadows Fall (Blackwood Security 14)
December 27, 2020
This is the last book in Alaric’s trilogy, though this is mainly Sky’s story. I enjoyed the complexity of this conclusion as well as further introduction to the next generation of “Blackwoods”. Sky, Rune, Asher, and Vanessa bring this story to life in a different way than the adult characters do. In true Elise Noble fashion, bad guys of various calibers get what’s coming and our heroes solve the mystery while righting some wrongs in their own midst.
As always, I enjoy Elise’s unique and vivid descriptions such as this visual of Bradley’s hair: “black at the sides with a pale-pink stripe down the middle, like a skunk that took a wrong turn into a candyfloss machine”.

Before reading this book, read “The Girl with the Emerald Ring” and “Red after Dark” to get the full effect of superb story telling and solid character development. I am sure we will benefit for many books to come from the groundwork of the new characters introduced in these books. If you have not read any of Elise Noble's books, probably best to just ask for a leave of absence from your job and settle in for the long haul, starting at the beginning.
274 reviews4 followers
January 2, 2021
When the Shadows Fall is the third book regarding Alaric a former FBI agent in the Blackwood Security series. There wasn’t much of Elise’s famous humor that I’ve enjoyed many times before. Elise’s characters are always multilayered, well developed and real, exploring deep emotions that guide their actions. This has never been as true as in The Girl with the Emerald Ring, Red After Dark, and When the Shadows Fall. Instead the raw pain experienced in Sky’s past, as well as newly introduced characters, move the story forward in the quest to find the stolen painting that ruined and ended Alaric’s FBI career.
Elise examines the problems and consequences evolved from jealousy and poor communication between to people. As we are reminded and given a glimpse into the extent of Black’s passion and desire for Emmy’s love. A relationship that has grown and withstood many trials.
We have been introduced and are taking stock of Sky as she finds her way and develops into her own through the training and guidance provided by Emmy and Rafael.
This was a great book!
Profile Image for Trish Goodgame.
434 reviews1 follower
January 1, 2021
You won't be able to put this one down!

A great finale to The Girl With The Emerald Ring trilogy (Alaric, Beth & Sky's story) and #14 in the Blackwood Security series. Written from different points of view, the story just comes together so well and as always includes drama, action, humour and romance. A little twist that I wasn't expecting made it even more interesting. Great characters that I have come to know and love rather than just names in a book. Once you start reading, it is almost impossible to put down. Do yourself a favour and read the trilogy, better still read all of Elise Noble's books. You won't be disappointed.

I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

portal to hell quote
40 reviews
December 28, 2020
Amazing!
The third and final part of the “Girl With The Emerald Ring” - and what a finale!

Sky is the main character carrying the story this time and as the plot thickens around the “Emerald” and the mystery unravels, she is put to the test on her ability to handle her new profession as well as her personal life.

Once again Elise Noble has created a story that pulls you in from the very beginning and keep twisting aspects of the story until the very end.
And as usually the story has the perfect mix of humour, suspense and romance that keeps the pages turning and the reader laughing.

The series consists of:
1. The Girl With The Emerald Ring
2. Red After Dark
3. When the Shadows Fall
I highly recommend all 3 books!

I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sandra.
388 reviews1 follower
December 31, 2020
This ebook was in my inbox on Christmas Day and it was the best present. It's the third part of the Girl with the Emerald Ring and another brilliant read. Alaric is still searching for this cursed painting and they are one step closer to finding it but of course nothing ever goes as planned.
Sky can't play her part in a mission and thinks about returning to London. Thankfully she doesn't but follows a waiter that seems to have stolen a handbag.. bit it's much more than that and so Sky finds another lead.
I love the chemistry between the characters and the fact that history seems to repeat itself as told by Black.
I'm addicted to this series and can't wait for the next book!

I received an advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for April Kelley.
20 reviews1 follower
December 29, 2020
A breathtaking end to Alaric's story. In this book, we follow the next generation of Blackwood as Sky takes on her first undercover case in order to wrap up the mystery of what happened to The Girl with the Emerald Ring - the painting that both ruined and saved Alaric's life. Sky demonstrates perseverance in solving the case as she wrestles with the uncertainties of teen-age life and the residual trauma of her early years. Elise tackles heart-wrenching, real issues without losing the snarky, edgy, humorous writing style that makes all of her books a delight to read. I can't wait to follow the happenings of Sky, Raphael, Vanessa, Rune, and Asher in future books. They add a whole other dimension to the Blackwood world.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review of this book.
85 reviews1 follower
January 12, 2021
This is one of the best books of Elise I have ever read... nothing's more exciting than seeing almost all members of Blackwood security involved in fighting crime together in one story....the icing on the cake is love towards animals which brings so much warmth to the story...and not to mention the unique yet crazy relationship of Emmy and Black..Rafael is just wow!dark like Black but kind of has boy next door vibe on rare occasions...and I have always loved Elise's books because there's so much romance among so much action, Alaric and Beth are made for each other...Sky is going to top Emmy in future and that will be the most exciting thing to watch...I absolutely loved Rune, such a beautiful yet resilient character...I absolutely loved the book...
22 reviews2 followers
December 27, 2020
Merry Christmas to me! So glad I was able to read this book over break! As always this book has it all, this may be the last book in Alaric’s quest to find the painting and put old demons to rest, but for some others it’s only the beginning of their story! I love how she can add adventure, mystery and wrap it up with a good ole fashion love story! I also love when she is able to bring back some of the original characters that got me hooked in the first place! Can’t wait to see what’s next!
I receiver and ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!
Profile Image for Alison Woodland.
168 reviews
December 27, 2020
A fitting tribute to an amazing Trilogy around Alaric and the Blackwood team. Each book got better and better. The final book brought forward laughs, danger and the anticipation of where Ms Elise Noble was going with this. I loved Sky as she entered her first undercover job at a boarding school and although she longed to get away sometimes the constant nagging voices helped her to achieve her end goal. Amazing; packed with so much it really needs to be read as a complete Trilogy which I plan on doing very soon. I received this ARC for a fair review...you have to read it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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