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Shadowed Summer Sun

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Step lightly where summer shadows are cast.

The longest day of the year has arrived. The height of summer's power and glory, appearing and disappearing just as fast. My powers pull me toward the wood, toward the deep secrets lurking there. I've been told to take care, for the shadows stretch long on the Summer Solstice.

But beneath the fragrant trees, resting in the tall grass, I fall into a place that sits between light and dark. The light in me calls to the King of Summer's End, and his darkness pulls me deeper into the intoxicating shadows.

Something wicked has this way come, and I am trapped in its web. A hunter has found me, and something inside of me unfurls, giving way to the primal force that has stalked me all my days.

The shadowed summer sun has found me.

120 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 21, 2023

3 people are currently reading
64 people want to read

About the author

R.E. Johnson

29 books117 followers
Lover of dark, decadent, and deadly romances, RE Johnson has been a passionate storyteller and fantasy fan since they were in elementary school. In fact, they wrote their first novel in fifth grade.

Now, they use their Creative Writing degree to create stories that profess love, respect, and triumph over evil and contain strong female characters who are always ready to throw down – both in and out of the bedroom.

Currently, they reside in Las Vegas, Nevada, where they spend their free time playing Dungeons and Dragons, wrangling their two rambunctious children, and reading all the smut, fantasy, sci-fi, and mythology they can get their hands on.

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5 stars
13 (56%)
4 stars
9 (39%)
3 stars
1 (4%)
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0 (0%)
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Sarah Elyse.
1,647 reviews91 followers
June 25, 2023
“Shadowed Summer Sun” by R.E. Johnson was a really great read! Even though this was a novella, there was a lot of intricate world building and important details that really helped to set the scene. I’m intrigued by this world that Johnson has created, and I'm already looking forward to the next addition to this series. I would definitely check the trigger warnings before you start reading, but if you do decide to give this novella a chance, I think you’ll love it!!!
53 reviews
June 24, 2023
Shadowed summer sun... dang. I was not expecting the story we got but wow. I'm glad we got it. The king is just... no words. He knows what he wants and gets it. Our story starts out so innocent and witchy but it does not stay that way at all, and I love it! R.E has done it again, I loved a solstice sin and this was just another one that was great! I can't wait for what they do next in this little mini series 😍

Please check the triggers and content warnings for this book please! This is not a wholesome story to read your kids! It is spicy in the monster Romance way! 🪢🪢 if you get my meaning
Profile Image for Kimberly.
835 reviews32 followers
June 21, 2023
Shadowed Summer Sun by RE Johnson is book one in the Solstice Seasons Novellas. This a Monstrously Romantic Novella that I knew I would instantly like and I wasn’t wrong. I’m a fan of RE Johnson’s books so I knew I would be invested in this story because of how much I like the way the author writes. This is just an amazing story with intriguing lore… plus I loved the magic. I really liked the characters, all of them had a unique feel. But Summer was just awesome! Here’s to another book that just knocked it out of the park! Looking forward to the next book in the Solstice Seasons Series.

Step lightly where summer shadows are cast.


Final review:
4 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Céline Y..
113 reviews1 follower
June 21, 2023
Want 'the chilling adventures of Sabrina' but spicy? This is the book for you!

R.E. Johnson delivered us yet another amazing short paranormal story.
She is the godess of monster🌽 and never fails to entertain.
Amazing read, fast paced, interesting magic system, just the whole shebang was GREAT!

I would love to read more about this universe.
Profile Image for Marie.
253 reviews13 followers
June 21, 2023
Omg this book was an amazing read, it starts off innocent and sweet. Then it catches you off guard with the spicy bits that you didn't know you needed. It is beautiful but dark at the same time as it is intoxicating, you will be captivated by this book and not want to put it down. I imagined myself right there among them and so will you.
Profile Image for Victoria Zeehandelaar.
62 reviews5 followers
June 22, 2023
I received this book as an ARC.

I can say I very much enjoyed the plot, world building, and characters. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 only because I wasn’t completely overtaken by the story. I took a leap with this book since I don’t usually read paranormal romance, and I’m not upset. If you like dark romance with paranormal elements; I think you will be happy with this read.

My only suggestion is make sure you know what the trigger warnings are before starting. I always check them out, but I know there are some people who don’t and they would be surprised with what they find.
Profile Image for Katie F.
62 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2023
I keep telling myself that monster romance or things of that nature just aren’t for me…then I receive another of RE Johnson’s stories and I am proven wrong.

I am LIVING for the badass FMC, and watching them come into their power or complete their destiny. While I times I did have trouble following certain scenes, that’s likely on me and is not a reflection of RE Johnson’s writing abilities.

All in all, I enjoyed the attention to detail and the spice we got in this story! Can’t wait to see what she releases next!

10/10 would recommend
8/10 would read again
Profile Image for Aly.
153 reviews
July 24, 2023
Once again RE comes at us with the best monster smut! SSS has taken over as my favorite though (sorry Dimitri)…it was so well done and the intricacies of everything just *melts into a joyful reader puddle* I love it all! The connection between characters, the strong, badass FMC taking care of business and saving her home, the details!! Everything is just perfection! 1000/10 recommend!
Profile Image for Becky Weeks.
481 reviews9 followers
June 28, 2023
R.E Johnson always creates such a descriptive backdrop in her settings and does such a great job with her world building that you feel fully immersed in the story. This novella is no exception. This is a bit different from her usual books but it’s actually one of my favorites. I was immediately drawn to the world the created and found myself disappointed when I finished the last page.
Profile Image for Gloria Ramirez Cox.
72 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2023
This author just has a chokehold on me at this point! I absolutely love everything she writes and these seasonal novellas are just the best! This witchy story is just so good, I love the "slow burn" between the FMC and the King. The one thing I really love from these short stories is that the author does really well in creating a whole world and story that draws you in and sucks you in deep and it's a SHORT story. I have read books that go on and on and on and I still have no idea what I just read. There is meaning in everything this author writes and it shows in her stories. I will be a forever fan and cannot wait for more! Oh and did I forget the spice, OMG!!!!
Profile Image for Chloe.
363 reviews11 followers
June 13, 2023
This was a fun read. The depths of the characters and the challenges was very enjoyable. The spice was quality. I did enjoy this book. The darkness was present and well done.
Profile Image for XxLaVampiresaAlexisxX.
1,170 reviews84 followers
June 28, 2023
Shadowed Summer Sun is a very quick, steamy novella.

This is my first book by RE Johnson and was NOT disappointed. The plot, the characters, the spice, the darkness totally delivered. It was just soooo good all around. I definitely am going to check out the rest of this author's books!!
Profile Image for Becks.
40 reviews1 follower
August 3, 2023
I love this with my whole heart and will be off to find my own elder god in the morning 🖤 the writing as ever is just so beautiful and hot.
Profile Image for M3Reads.
61 reviews6 followers
September 22, 2025
We journey along with Summer, a young witch, as she goes on a quest to gain power. Power to defeat the evil seeping into Cragsrest. All while being hunted by the King of Summer's End on the Summer Solstice.
Short, spicy, and enthralling to read💜
Profile Image for Tori.
299 reviews22 followers
June 19, 2023
RE once again blows me away.

They are forever unlocking new....sides of what I like with their stories, and I'm here for it.

If you're a fan of all things dark and witchy, SSS is EXACTLY what you need in your life! Summer and her King are hawwwwwt and I couldn't get enough of them!
Profile Image for Sandi.
700 reviews46 followers
June 26, 2023
4.5 spooky stars! A witchy, spicy, dark folklore, eerie monster romance novella. Summer is on a quest placed on her by her coven, to help end what seems to be a curse on their lands, and it can only be completed on the summer solstice. And while she pursues her goal, someone, or something, else is in pursuit of her. And while it feels ominous, whatever it is, it also seems to be aiding in parts of her journey. As Summer solves riddles and completes pieces of her journey, she becomes more and more away of what is following her, and by the time she is confronted with it, her fears are the least of her thoughts.

Loved the tone of this story, and for the short little novella it is, it still manages to pack quite the spicy punch. A dark monster romance for anyone looking for a quick read that still delivers an interesting story along with some unforgettable spice.
Profile Image for Sara Cayson.
441 reviews6 followers
July 3, 2023
It was a fun read.. I liked Summer she was pretty cool.. 🔥
Profile Image for Matthew Cross.
456 reviews40 followers
June 18, 2023
i received this as an arc for an honest review

omg ! what a book , i was hooked right from the start i loved all the witched craft elements , and how the king was ! and how summer always seemed to know how to work the right magic from things with her bag , and the way the presence seemed to to fined and tease summer more and more through out the book , all of the build up is fantastic i read to the end of the tasks pretty fast but once past that omg i couldn't put the book down i had to have help finding out what a few words mean , but finding out made a lot of this book far more exciting and addictive 🙈😂
Profile Image for Mandy Gray.
255 reviews1 follower
June 21, 2023
AS usual R.E. gives us an amazing tell of darkness! Summer is a beautiful witch who feels a pull to the dark King of Summer's End. This story is full of beautiful & intoxicating folklore I can't even lie I wanted to be right there is the forest on the night if the Summer Solstice with them! But that is the great thing about R.E. I always feel like I am watching from behind the trees!! O and the spice is a 10/10!! Loved it!!
Profile Image for Wormy Book Lover.
101 reviews5 followers
June 23, 2023
Whew! Once again RE Johnson has used their wonderful storytelling abilities to bring us this wonderful read. From the world building to the characters this story pulled me in so much, I couldn't put it down. The spice is absolutely decadent. Fabulous read!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews