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| Categories | Contemporary |
| Author | H. D. Carlton |
| Publisher | H. D. Carlton (November 1, 2020) |
| Language | English |
| Paperback | 435 pages |
| Item Weight | 1.41 pounds |
| Dimensions |
5.5 x 1.09 x 8.5 inches |
I. Book introduction
Shallow River by H.D. Carlton is a gripping and intense read that will captivate fans of dark, edgy romance and thrillers, particularly those who enjoy complex, suspenseful stories that explore themes of revenge, abuse, and the complexities of toxic relationships.
From the author of the Cat & Mouse Duet…
Shallow Hill is where souls suffer slow and miserable deaths.
When River McAllister escaped from Shallow Hill, she left her innocence behind–and some of her sanity, too. Now she’s rebuilding her life with her dream man and life couldn’t be better.
Ryan Fitzgerald is everything you’d want in a man. Attractive, rich, an aspiring lawyer, and would do anything to keep River. But that’s not the only thing that attracts her. It’s his attentiveness, his possessiveness… maybe not so much his temper.
When her relationship takes a dark turn, Ryan’s estranged brother, Mako, is the only one who sees it. He knows exactly what Ryan is capable of, and it’s not the first time he had to be a knight in shining armor.
River came from Shallow Hill, though. She’s never needed saving before. What Mako doesn’t see, is that River is perfectly capable of taking care of herself.
The only one who should be scared is Ryan.
Important Note: This is a dark romance and contains dark content. Please visit the author’s website for all content warnings.
About the Author (H. D. Carlton)
H. D. Carlton is a New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author. She lives in Oregon with her husband, two dogs, cat, and Bigfoot. When she’s not bathing in the tears of her readers, she’s watching paranormal shows and wishing she was a mermaid. Her favorite characters are of the morally gray variety and believes that everyone should check their sanity at the door before diving into her stories.
II. Reviewer: Shallow River by H. D. Carlton
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1. CRYSTAL reviews for Shallow River
Shallow River took a part of my soul; I have never been so willing to go to jail over a fictional character. This is the first book I have read from this author, and sure will not be the last. What a phenomenal book and such a talented author. She has a vivid imagination that went into a deep dark place on a real-life topic. This book has everything in it. I have to add, take the trigger warning seriously. This book is not for the faint of heart. I have a severe book hangover and hope everyone reads this book; I hope it reached someone who needs help and calls or texts the number on the book’s back. Support is out there. No man should put his hands on women in any way. Or a woman to a man.
I am always up for a good dark romance novel, and I like the darker, the better. Shallow River is that, and so much more; it gives you the victim/survivor POV. I am sure most of us have said it,” Why do they stay? I would never ” It’s never that easy. The abusers lie and threaten your life and manipulate every step of the way. These women are scared for their life. Horrific as it may be, this is why they stay.
River’s boyfriend Ryan, of two years, treats her with such humiliation, abuse, and disrespect, to name few. Ryan is a smart, manipulative, psychotic monster. River had an abusive childhood, she has never seen what real love looks like, only survival. As the story unfolds, I couldn’t help but say, “ What else is going to happen to this poor girl, ” My heart bleeds for her. She doesn’t look at herself as a victim, but as a survivor, River is my favorite heroine. That girl went through hell and back.
Mako is Ryans’ brother. There is no love loss; Ryan loathes and is jealous of his brother. Mako knows of his brother’s abuse and behavior from a past relationship. He suspects his brother is repeating his abuse with River. I just love how Mako steps in and is a chronic presence in Rivers’ life and chooses what is right.
Shallow River is a gut-wrench, mind-blowing, soul searching read. It’s raw; you felt every single emotion. A few times, I had to put the book down, my anger got the best of me, as I wanted to hurt Ryan. Then I was sitting on the edge, waiting for what happened next—such an epic ending. I highly recommend this book and if you are in an abusive relationship, remember there is help out there.
I am looking forward to H.D. Carlton’s future books.
I received an arc in exchange for my honest review
2. TASH reviews for Shallow River
There some books that make you sit up and take notice. The books that have a powerful message or voice. Shallow River has both. Shallow River tells the story of River , a young woman in a vicious circle of abuse.
You feel her every move. The questioning, the insecurities that make up this experience. River thought she escaped her abusive childhood and moved on to college with guarded hopes. Every chapter pours out every thing. There is no hidden nooks. There is no escape from the world , her boyfriend Ryan has created.
She learnt too late , the truth and she sinking. The man she loves who has become a nightmare. She doesn’t know what to do. As she never been given the tools to help herself and she doesn’t know how to deal with this world she found herself once again.
You wonder why put herself in this situation given her back story. Some people don’t want help. They need to find their own strength and Shallow River is the story of this woman. A woman who was forced to sought to make her own decisions and take things into her hand
Her journey isn’t easy. Her story isn’t a walk in a park .She isn’t looking for romance. She looking for an escape. Carlton captures it perfectly and I can’t wait to read more of her writing. She captured every second of this book perfectly. You can literally feel the emotions that River is feeling. It oozes out of her. This isn’t a typical romance. This a woman seeking her own answers.
3. RAE reviews for Shallow River
It’s been a couple weeks now since I’ve read it and I kinda feel ready to write a review lol
DV books are always hard to read, especially knowing going in how it ends (or how you think it ends). I thought this was handled really well. It gave a lot of power to the survivor, the FMC River. The ending was everything I wanted and more.
Every chapter with Ryan was like sitting on the edge of a tall building just waiting for a strong wind to knock me off. I swear, H.D. Carlton can write. I was tense every time he was on page and only relaxed when he was off.
I loved the different POVs, from River to Mako (MMC). He was everything I could have wanted in an MMC, but especially for River and especially in her situation. I didn’t love that he was a cop though lol. The side characters were great. Rivers bff, Ryan’s ex, Mako’s mom…Each important and instrumental to the story and to the growth of River’s character.
One thing I’ve come to expect and respect about this author is how she writes strong FMCs who always save their self. Damsel in distress waiting for Prince Charming? Wtf is that?
Such a beautiful, heartbreaking, emotional read. Chock full of triggers too y’all. Be kind to yourself. 💛
4. SHERRY reviews for Shallow River
Another great story!
Shallow River by H.D. Carlton is the kind of book that pulls you in and doesn’t let go. It’s dark, emotional, and raw, but at its core, it’s a story about survival and healing. The characters feel real—flawed, messy, and deeply human—which makes their journey even more gripping.
Carlton’s writing is immersive, and while the book tackles heavy themes, there are also moments of warmth and connection that balance the darkness. If you love a romance that’s more than just surface-level and aren’t afraid of a little emotional wreckage along the way, this one’s worth picking up.
5. AMANDA STEWART reviews for Shallow River
phenomenal read!
This was an absolutely phenomenal read. I couldn’t put it down.
Fair warning check your triggers!
This book hit home. It’s relatable, real and raw. It accurately portrays abusive relationships and how women end up in this state.
River is amazing. She strong, resilient and unbreakable. A true survivor in every detail.
Ryan got what he deserved and that’s all I’m going to say about him. He doesn’t deserve attention.
Mako is amazing. Another survivor that came out on top. He has an armor made of teflon and a heart made of gold.
There is so much going on in this book. A serial killer, raw abuse, 2 amazing women fighting back and taking their life’s and freedom back. The whole book was riveting. If you can handle it, it’s a must read!
6. JORDAN reviews for Shallow River
This is one hard, but rewarding read
The amount of torment this girl endured—and the way she stood back up every single time—gave real meaning to the word survivor. This book taught me so many lessons. I learned what true monsters look like, not just in others but in how they manipulate and destroy from the inside out. It gave me a better understanding of the different perceptions of love—how it can be twisted and used as a weapon, but also how it should feel when it’s genuine.
It showed me the many angles of domestic violence, from the victim’s perspective to those watching from the outside. I felt the suffocating weight of it, the emotional and mental toll it takes, and the impossible strength it requires to break free. It reminded me that healing isn’t linear, and survival takes courage, even when you feel completely broken.
This one isn’t heavy on smut, but it is heavy on truth. It tackled crucial topics like manipulation, trauma, and resilience in a way that hit me hard and helped me reflect on my own experiences. Shallow River didn’t just tell a story—it gave me lessons I’ll carry with me.
7. JENNIFER VEER-BOYES reviews for Shallow River
Great Read
This book was great. It was twisted and sexy. The dark storyline took me on an emotional journey. The characters were well defined and the passion (good and bad) was so tangible. I felt like I was in the same room at times. I loved River. My heart hurt for her and all she survived. I do believe she was strong enough to survive even without Mako. There were a few times I wanted to shake her myself to wake her ass up, but when she finally did it herself, I was in awe. Mako was just the icing on the cake. A very sexy icing. I loved the way Mako loved River. He gave River something no one ever did, I voice.
I do enjoy these darker stories. It a good reminder that it’s not all black and white.
On a side note, I did have a friend that was in an abusive relationship, unfortunately it was her death (at the hands of her husband) that she finally found peace. If you know someone being abused or you yourself are, please reach out. Find help, because not all stories end in an HEA. 😥
8. SAMMY H reviews for Shallow River
trigger warnings definitely read them!
When I was younger, I was in a extremely abusive relationship. So this for me was very triggering, but I didn’t even realize I needed to read this to know how much I have overcome in my life.
H.D. Carlton does something with her writing that just makes you feel like you were in the main character shoes.
She also just makes it so relatable.
There was so many times when I was yelling at the book trying to tell her get away and leave. It’s not worth it.
The ending was definitely a happily ever after that I needed, and it was just a fantastic read and just kept me on the edge of my sanity the whole time. 👏🏽
9. CHELSEA reviews for Shallow River
Oof that was a doozy. All the trigger warnings. Domestic abuse, physical, emotional, all of the above. Rape, sexual assault, death, knife play, trauma, the list goes on.
In true H.D. Carlton fashion, I would kill for these characters. I don’t know how she does it but these books make me want to stab someone. In the best way possible. This is a story about domestic abuse with a subplot of a serial killer. Oh and ya know, some romance too. I feel like the pacing of her stories just builds the intensity to a boiling point where I’m about ready to throw my kindle across the room. But it makes any victories so much sweeter. This follows River who is in an incredibly dangerous relationship and subjected to copious amounts of abuse. Enter her boyfriend’s estranged sexy brother and you have the makings of a very tense dark romance. This is one of those books that makes you pick your head up and take a deep breath before continuing. Definitely not for the faint of heart but for anyone who loves really really dark stories, this is one for you.
10. ABBY J CAPPS reviews for Shallow River
4.5 stars!
Wow!
This story was something I haven’t read before. It’s a story that can be hard to stomach— it’s effed up. It’s pretty dang dark and bloody but it’s also something that people could experience in some form.
The heroine of this story went through it all. You name it and she lived it. Her resilience to the life she was handed is admirable. The hero of this story was so amazing and not in a conventional way. He was willing to cross some lines, but in ways that matter. I easily fell for him and his desire to show River how it should be standing beside someone that actually cares about her.
This story made me incredibly angry, hit me in the feels and left me satisfied with the outcome. The author shows you can be dealt the shittiest hand, but CHOOSE to be better. To be different than what you’re born into. To stand tall against all that wants to beat you down and WIN.
**ETA: no I wouldn’t condone all instances of this story in real life— again a lot of effed up things happen, but it’s fiction so yeah. Heed trigger warnings before going in! 💙
III. Shallow River Quotes by H. D. Carlton
The best book quotes from Shallow River by H. D. Carlton
“He’s good. I’ll give him that.” When I frown, he clarifies, “He’s broken you so effortlessly, the pain hasn’t even hit you yet.”
“And I can’t wait to show you exactly what your love has turned me into.”
“That’s what everyone always says, right? I’d never let a man hit me. You don’t even realize that’s what has happened until it’s too late.”
“Because I’ve waited my whole life for someone like you. And now that I finally found it, I’m fucking terrified of losing it.”
“I’m stained. I’m also other things too. Broken. Scarred. Traumatized. Strong. Fierce. Vengeful…”
“Fuck, she tastes sweeter than I imagined. Countless nights, I fantasized about those lips on mine. On my body, and especially on my cock as I got myself off to thoughts of her. Too many nights of doing the same thing, from the moment I laid eyes on River knocking the daylights out of the handy asshole at the club.”
“Abusers don’t only manipulate their victims, but they get off on making other’s believe that they’re upstanding people.”
“Is this what you needed?” I grit out, enunciating my words with a sharp thrust. “You needed me to fuck this sweet little pussy, didn’t you?”
“Ungg, yes!” she pants, nodding her head like a bobblehead.
“Is this what you fantasized about every time you touched your pussy, wishing it was me?”
Another garbled ‘yes’ comes from her throat. “But it feels so much better,” she gasps.
“You feel so fucking perfect, baby,” I groan.”“Am I your prisoner?” she asks seductively.
“For as long as you’re willing to be,” I murmur.”“I know I’m bigger than most, far bigger than most. But I don’t care what anyone says, no man can deny the ultimate satisfaction when a girl fawns over it. Especially the girl you’re madly fucking in love with.”
“Never in my life would I think River to ever be shy, but fuck if it doesn’t do something to me.”
“I love how much she needs me.”
“This room is dusty and dirty, not an ideal place to have sex. But I’d sell my soul to the devil if it meant I never had to stop.”
“The only thing I ask is that you don’t treat me like I’m glass. I’m not weak. I’ll never be weak. I just want you to be you.”
“Not for one second have I ever thought you were weak.”“The moment her golden eyes landed on me, she trapped me in and made me hers. I didn’t know it at the time, but she never let me go.”
“That was what made me fall in love with you, River.”
“The only regret I have is that she’s grinding against her hand when it should be my tongue. Even as I come down slowly, my entire body does limp and buzzes from the most intense orgasm I’ve ever had.”
“Your hair has always been a symbol of your tenacity. You bounce back. It didn’t matter what I did to you. I stretched you thin, and no matter how hard I did it—you always bounced back from it. It was fascinating watching you grow up. It made me want to try harder to break you, but I never really could.”
“If you want a man to own you, then let him. But that’s not something he has a right to without your consent.”
“The dread cements inside my chest. I’m going to need a jackhammer to clear it out when this is all said and done.”
“Sex with Mako is dangerous if it completely halts the ability to think properly.”
“My heart seizes and contracts. She’s so goddamn beautiful it hurts.”
“Did I say something wrong?” I ask.
“No,” she says weakly. “You said everything right. You’re perfect.”
“Why are you crying?”
“Because I’ve waited my whole life for someone like you. And now I that I finally found it, I’m fucking terrified of losing it.”
“I get it. That’s how I’ve felt for months now. But if I have anything to do with it, River, that won’t ever happen.”“My name falls from her lips like a desperate prayer, finally snapping my control.”
“The only thing keeping me grounded is my need to make her come first. I refuse to come a second before she does.”
“I’ve never felt anything so fucking incredible in my life. She molds to my cock like wet clay.”
“Did I hurt you?” I ask, lifting my hips just slightly.
“I like the way you hurt me,” she whispers.
Something primal erupts inside my chest. It’s a living, breathing beast that River has just awoken from its slumber.”“Are you okay?” I ask hoarsely, not proud of the way my voice trembles.
“I… Is it normal to have a fucking horse dick?” she finally gasps.”“She comes completely undone against me, and it’s the sweetest sight I ever did see.”
“Her eyes nearly roll, and I’ve decided it’s my life’s mission to see that sight any chance I can get.”
“They’re on fire, liquid gold simmering over a fire raging only for me.”
“Fuck, fuck, fuck! This woman will be the death of me.”
“Seeing her connected to me is incredibly erotic and something I intend to see every goddamn day for the rest of my life.”
“He’s got a beautiful girl at home that treats him far better than he deserves, and yet he still fucks around.”
Excerpted from Shallow River by H. D. Carlton
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