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Once upon a time, I killed a god and stole his power. I’ve been paying for it ever since.

After my banishment, I promised myself three things. I would never take a mate. I would find a way to get rid of the power I stole. I would punish the gods who banished me. Not necessarily in that order.

There’s just one teeny, tiny little problem.

That power I hate? It’s a siren call to the ones who banished me, letting them know I’ve broken out of their prison. And that mate I don’t want? Well, he found me first, and he has no intention of letting me go anytime soon–even with his life on the line.

Trusting him breaks every one of my rules, but it might be the only way to save us both.

Shadow Me is a spicy standalone romantasy set in the Immortal Vices and Virtues Universe. Every book is a guaranteed happily ever after with a satisfying ending and no cliffhangers. Perfect for fans of Immortals After Dark, Black Dagger Brotherhood, and the Demonica series.

442 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2024

308 people are currently reading
3801 people want to read

About the author

Annie Anderson

57 books2,397 followers
Annie Anderson is the author of the international bestselling Rogue Ethereal series. A United States Air Force veteran, Annie pens fast-paced Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy novels filled with strong, snarky heroines and a boatload of magic. When she takes a break from writing, she can be found binge-watching The Magicians, flirting with her husband, wrangling children, or bribing her cantankerous dogs to go on a walk.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
Profile Image for Jacqueline.
549 reviews5 followers
March 21, 2024
I LOVE GARGOYLES! I want one for my house but the local council won’t give me planning permission- I shall decorate my garden with them instead and become the feared crazy gargoyle lady…

Anyhoo I digress, book two has quickly came around and I am here for it! Release date of 01/04/2024 you fools! (Catch my Maleficent nod there?) it’s on Kindle Unlimited or actual print if you’re a collector of good books!

I am thankful to be on the ARC team cause I get a sneaky peak before everyone else but it does mean I can rave about how good the series is and not a lie passes my lips because I have not read a bad one from this series and I’ve been on board since series 1, book 1 baybeeeee!

I say this in every review (cause I care for you and don’t want you to miss anything) with the IVV world, here we have a series of books that link in together but can be read as standalone books but better read in order so you get the in jokes, references and glimpses of past or future main characters!

Now I’ve had a rubbish week at work so far and it’s Friday tomorrow but I cannot wait to dive into this so I’m staying up late and reading tonight - we all love a bad girl right!

Styx - yaaaaass - we’re back in Tartarus!

10 weeks have passed since the portal opened from Tartarus and Caius found Reagan, what we didn’t know what Styx found her mate too, and we’ve met him before! In a previous book.

This was so good. I read it in one sitting and it’s was easily done as the hours slipped away while I delved into the IVV universe once more. Familiar faces and names graced the pages and were welcomed like the old friends they are.

I cannot express well enough the joy that these books have brought me, I love fantasy, I love fated mates and I LOVE strong female characters and these lassies are BA!

Another 5⭐️ read because how could I not fall in love with the whole pack when they welcomed Styx so beautifully.

Amazing read.

5⭐️

Profile Image for Sandi.
692 reviews46 followers
March 31, 2024
4.75 stars! This was a great story, with a multi-millennia old, powerful, kelpie shifter FMC (!!!) and the gargoyle shifter bad@$$ who is also the fated mate that she doesn’t want…. Oh, and he’s a total golden retriever, and he most definitely falls first, and hard.

We first met Corvin in a previous season of IVAV, where he didn’t make the best decisions, somewhat redeemed himself, but ended up banished (better than dëâd) to a No Man’s Land known territory where he has slowly been building up a pack of his own, a found family of supernatural beings who are trying to create their best life outside of the Houses. Styx arrives on the scene through the new portal from Tartarus, where she was sent by unknown Gods many millennia prior, but her story is far from that simple. The more we learn about her, the more bad@$$ she gets. As far as she’s concerned, her sole focus is revenge on the Gods who sent her to Tartarus (amongst other things), but the appearance of a mate she doesn’t want, throws a wrench in the works.

I loved how the relationship between Styx and Corvin unfolded. Her stubbornness and determination were no match for his persistent golden retriever energy, as he slowly chips away at the walls she erected around herself until she surprisingly finds herself trusting him more than anyone else. As he puts himself completely on board for whatever she needs from him, it’s only a matter of time before she gives in. But her story is not an easy one, and the powers she has, the revenge she seeks, the other supernaturals that help (or hinder) along the way, it’s all an absolutely fascinating journey. Loved the chemistry and spice in this slow burn, loved how Styx’s own story played out, and I loved how Corvin never wavers a second in what he wants and what he’s willing to do to get it.
Profile Image for Sonya.
1,314 reviews55 followers
April 1, 2024
Corbin and Styx had a lot to overcome. Corbin was on a journey of redemption for his wrong doing. Misplaced loyalties caused his banishment from his Clan and left alone. Now he is the Alpha of a misfit family of shifter's making the world safer front those monsters who think they are above the law.

Styx story is heartbreaking. Styx is a Kelpie who was falsely imprisoned for an accident that she didn't mean. In an attempt to save her life she unwittingly stole the power of a god and was banished to tatarus for his death and she is angry. Styx main focus is revenge for those gods who banished her unjustly. As a result she refuses to think of anything else especially a mate.

This is a story of an unlikely pair who find themselves as Mates. A Gargoyle and a Kelpie. Corbin is excited to have found his mate but a little heartbroken that his mate isn't interested. No matter how hard Styx fight, she can't deny her attraction to Corbin or the pull she feels towards him.

Styx has been laying low since her imprisonment but her enemies are still looking for her to resurface because she has power flowing through her veins that they want but once Styx's life is jeopardize she finds out what it means to have a mate willing to burn the world down for her and do whatever it takes to keep her safe whether she wants him to or not.

A story of redemption, revenge and the power of love. Corbin and Styx's jour ey wasn't easy but the uphill battle was worth it.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sarah Rizk.
297 reviews13 followers
April 1, 2024
Styx was wrongfully banished to Tartarus for 5000 years.  The portal is now open and she is free to travel to the world where the gods who banished her to avenge her family.  Fate has additional plans for her when she is linked to the mate she doesn't want.  No matter how hard she resists he is persistent in winning her over and when he does, she falls hard and fast.  Together, and with the help of their chosen family, they face the gods who wronged Styx and uncover truths about her past.

Ok, so I cannot tell you enough how much I loved this book.  I'm absolutely going to go check out other books by this author, she is hands down now in my top 5 favorite authors list.  I really enjoy her wroting style and the story is so captivating. Styx is absolutely hilarious.  Her character is very surly, but you can't help but laugh. And the banter between her and her mate is perfect *Chef kiss.* I highly encourage you to go get this one.
Profile Image for Devynn Buck.
182 reviews20 followers
April 13, 2024
A kelpie and a gargoyle? This was a NEED I never knew I had.

As I was just introduced to Annie Anderson, I really didn't know what to expect when it came to her writing. Thankfully, it was more addictive than I could have anticipated.

Corvin and Styx were so dynamic, and Styx's struggle to balance love and vengeance was so well written. Hearing about how she ended up being banished to Tartarus was heart wrenching, and her redemption and vengeance were well deserved. I have to admit I am so intrigued by her choice to help a certain character find redemption after the hurt she caused, and I'm curious if this will play a role in the next books.

I'm so excited to continue this series, as well as read more of Anderson's work!
Profile Image for Vikki The Fee.
198 reviews1 follower
May 17, 2025
Tempt audiobook - Again, an easy breezy, fun reading . I found myself laughing so much during this book. Styx and Corbin… So good together! I wanna gargoyle. 🌶️
Profile Image for Tyler | bookishwithty.
308 reviews35 followers
March 20, 2024
I had a fantastic time reading “Shadow Me" by Annie Anderson. I devoured this story in a single day and stayed up late because I couldn't tear myself away from the book! The author's writing style was a perfect match for the narrative, leaving me eager to uncover more. Stories like this, filled with diverse creatures and magic, reignite my love for romantasy. I thoroughly enjoyed delving into Styx's character - her past, present, and transformation. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, every character, and the unexpected conclusion. I am excited to explore more characters in this world and value the experience of reading this book. Remember to grab a copy when it comes out on April 1st. You won't be disappointed!
Profile Image for Adrianna.
242 reviews7 followers
April 22, 2024
The writing style is great and the plot was interesting too. There are so many supernatural species mentioned. Everything was well paced also.

I received an ARC of this book, which I appreciate so much
Profile Image for Sharon Wingo.
359 reviews10 followers
March 26, 2024
I love anything Annie Anderson writes and was so thrilled to receive an early copy of Shadow Me. This is a stand alone book that ties together with books by a few other offers but you don’t need to read those to know what happens in this one.
Styx, a Kelpie, was banished to Tartarus for something that wasn’t her fault. She accidentally killed a God and took his power. After thousands and thousands of years there she found a way out through a portal and that’s when she sort of met Corvin, a gargoyle shifter, that Fate had decided to make her mate. Corvin followed her as far as he could, to the portal, before she went back through and he wasn’t allowed to pass through. He tried to find a way to meet her for weeks and any way possible. Finally Styx came back through, after 10 weeks of trying to get Corvin off her mind without success. They ran into each other and fought the fated mates thing as they, along with Corvin’s pack, tried to keep the pack and their territory safe from witches, pirates, and demigods. They partnered up to try to find information on the god that Styx killed so she could hopefully find out the gods name! Things get extremely complicated, exciting,and interesting at this point and all I will say is.. if you like paranormal stories with fated mates, gods, shifters, witches, suspense, etc. I believe you will find this book as entertaining as I did. I don’t like when the story is told in reviews and refuse to do that myself.
Profile Image for Hannah Wooly.
149 reviews3 followers
April 14, 2024
A stormy, spicy and surprising story.
I adored Styx and Corvin, I want to be part of the pack and loved every character we got to meet. I can't wait to see what happens in this world next, the dynamics this series has created are amazing and keep me glued to each book. This story had me enraptured, I loved meeting Styx in the previous book in the series but we learn so much about her enrapturing and heart breaking back story that I was on the edge of my seat wondering what could happen next and if she would get her HEA. She's a force not to be messed with and seeing her grow and evolve in this book was amazing. Corvin is determined to create his own family in the crossroads and protect them and his neighbours whatever way he can. He's loyal and stubborn just like Styx and seeing them get to know one another and battle their personal demons and literal enemies together was so heartwarming and thrilling. The twists and turns in this story had me gaping at my kindle in shock and delighted for the way it all worked out. I couldn't recommend this enough and I can't wait to read more from this talented author.
Profile Image for thenerdybookworm_.
1,645 reviews66 followers
April 1, 2024
Banished by the gods for something she never did, Styx has been looking for a way back home ever since.

When the opportunity presents itself, the one thing she never wanted finds her….a mate.

Styx is a bad b!sh. She’s had a millennia to hone her skills and plot her revenge.

I enjoyed seeing her and Corvin’s relationship unfold. Her stubbornness and determination were no match for his epic golden retriever vibes. He was all in as soon as he realized what she was to him.

This slow burn romance, had just the right amount of spice and chemistry, to make it interesting. Loved the characters and I enjoyed reading more about Styx and Corvin. Just a delight.
Profile Image for Sue MacKenzie.
1,682 reviews15 followers
March 23, 2024
Punished for something that wasn't her fault, she spent thousands of years sharpening her skills, learning how to survive.
When she finally finds a way out she gets the one thing she never wanted, a mate.
He's determined once he sees her he's going to have her, even if she keeps running.
He's living in exile, but an Alpha just the same. With a pack that is growing in a lawless world.
She's more than she realises and together they can make life easier for those around them including his pack, hers if she will accept them.
She doesn't know anything else but how to protect and together they are stronger.
Together they can survive.
I loved the storyline and the way this author portrays such a strong heroine who's will to survive doesn't overshadow her will to protect her family, new and old.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
59 reviews
March 26, 2024
I loved this story. The diverse group of creatures and magic made the book something interesting and page-turning to the point I didn’t want to put it down! Styx, the FMC, is an absolute baddie whose tough past makes her independent and kick-butt which is one of my favorite character types. I enjoyed the other characters in this book too, and as always wish we got stories for all of the characters. Shadow Me would be an awesome read for readers new to romantasy or those who are long-time fans of the genre. This book can be read as a stand-alone, but the entire Immortal Vices and Virtues series is amazing!
Profile Image for Mona  Brown .
1,802 reviews18 followers
March 31, 2024
Another amazing installment in the Immortal Vices world. I wanted to know more about Styx when I read about her in the first book, and her story definitely does not disappoint. Two people who have always just wanted someone. This story is full of twists, turns, a ton of hotness and a lot of healing.
I adore each book in this world and highly recommend them all
Profile Image for Kelly Mccurdy.
899 reviews38 followers
April 1, 2024
For me, the book was very hard to get into. It took me for than 4 times to sit and read it. But once it did start, was it fast paced!! Styx and Corvin… their chemistry is off the charts. Their story was written so well.

Annie is a great writer and storyteller. This book was great! If you haven’t read it yet, why not?
Profile Image for Misty Curlee .
20 reviews4 followers
April 2, 2024
It was that good literally. I could not put this one down. Started reading it on our road trip for our anniversary and when I was done I was lost didn’t know where we were. My husband laughed at me. As always Annie delivered it was amazing Styx and her story was well written and Corvin’s patience and love for her was what we all dream of!
10 reviews
March 29, 2024
I feel like a groupie with how much I love this author. There is nothing to not love about this book. Great characters; a kick arse FMC and twisting story to boot.
I would recommend this book and any of her other work. Such as Grave talker.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tina Merritt.
666 reviews2 followers
April 2, 2024
Styx’s story has a lot of trauma in it. There is resistance on many levels but also true character growth and love. You get a sprinkling of characters from previous books in the universe and you get a glimpse of possible future stories.
Profile Image for Constance Lare.
24 reviews
March 20, 2024
I loved this book! Fated mates but she's reluctant and he falls hard and fast. I loved the interplay between Corvin and Styx. Definitely one of my favorite books!
Profile Image for Courtney Linde.
126 reviews2 followers
March 24, 2024
Ok but like can this series get any better. Every season just sucks me in and I always finish these books so fast!
Styx and Corvin are honestly some of my favourite characters out of this series (so far). Styx was so headstrong in her beliefs and really didn’t want to change her views but Corvin just got her in the end.
508 reviews
March 25, 2024
Styx is an assassin from Tartarus and Corvin is a gargoyle alpha from Crossroads. They are fated mates and he falls first.

There is plenty of action with vengeful gods and their acolytes looking to thwart fate every chance they get. Styx must stay alive while seeking her own vengeance. It’s a great read showing more of Crossroads and the different shifters coming from Tartarus.
Profile Image for E.
768 reviews3 followers
April 1, 2024
This instalment in this shared world is amazing. I'd wondered what happened to Corvin when he was exiled in one of the previous books. Its great to finally get his story, and what a story it is! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and I'm eager for the next book.
Profile Image for Alice.
182 reviews1 follower
March 31, 2024
I do love me a gargoyle! Once again, I am blown away by another book in the Immortal vices and virtues series! I am so glad we got Styx's story. I absolutely love how her character changed and grew throughout the story....and Corvin *fans self* we love a persistent (but respectful) hunk!
All in all, it is a brilliant book that I 100% recommend anyone to read.
Profile Image for Erin.
562 reviews23 followers
March 19, 2024
I was excited to see that Corvin, from Bury Me, got his own book! Shadow Me was thrilling with plenty of emotion and heart woven in. I loved seeing Corvin get his redemption after everything that happened in New York. Styx was fierce and surprisingly sweet. I couldn’t get enough of them and I wish there was more to their story.
Profile Image for Dawne.
423 reviews7 followers
April 1, 2024
From start to finish this amazing story of fated mates keeps you engaged and wanting for more. I couldn’t put it down. Household chores were forgotten because just one more chapter went on and on. The author weaves the tale and the web holds you in place until you regrettably finish the story.
Profile Image for Alaysia.
664 reviews10 followers
March 23, 2024
Fantastic read!!! Loved this continuation of this amazing world! Styx is my new bestie and she has such an amazing soul! This book was non stop awesome from start to finish!!! A must read!!
Profile Image for Penni.
73 reviews7 followers
March 29, 2024
Absolutely devoured this book! I loved Styx in Mate Me and so excited that she got her own story! I loved having a book about a gargoyle shifter! I never see them and really loved it! Can’t wait to see the rest of the Tartarus crew find their mates in the next books.
2,997 reviews44 followers
April 15, 2024
This is book two of the Immortal Vices and Virtues: Shadow Shifter Bonds series and the main characters are Styx, a kelpie shifter who has been a prisoner in Tartarus for the last five thousand years, and Corvin Blackwell, alpha of a small pack of mixed supernaturals and a chimera gargoyle shifter. It has been about ten weeks since a portal was opened between Tartarus and the human realm, allowing primordial god Caius to find his fated mate Raegan, and his behaviour towards her has Styx confirming her rule of never having a mate! Her other main rules are somehow getting rid of the god’s power she never asked for and to seek revenge on the god’s son and daughter, who slaughtered her whole family in an effort to get their father’s powers from her. Their father had followed Styx all those years ago, never taking no for an answer when she said she wasn’t interested in being with him, even if he was a god! Unfortunately, he wasn’t the sort of person to accept being turned down by someone so far below him, even if he was married and took her anyway, angry when she didn’t react as he expected her to. He threw his powers at her, expecting them to kill him, but instead Styx absorbed his powers and until the end of the book, never quite knew how she did it, but has avoided using them as much as possible in the meantime.

When his son and daughter found they couldn’t kill her, she was sent to Tartarus, to be imprisoned for eternity, but it actually became like a real home for her and she made a couple of friends, but not many, as she finds it difficult to trust anyone now. Styx and one of her friends Oberon had been sent to guard the human side of the portal, to ensure no one entered into Tartarus, as they would be affected by the darkness of that realm. Corvin was exiled from New York by his own brother, also an alpha, after he took his mother’s side in a fight for power, before finding out she betrayed him. Now he is happy to be the alpha of a small pack in the Crossroads, a no man’s land, but the portal might bring some of the nine Houses of power from the rest of the country to fight for access and whatever they deem it may give them. He works hard to protect his people and doesn’t let others, be it gangs or criminals to pry on those under his protection, or what he deems unacceptable, such as going after a child. He and his pack have worked to take the pirates out, to make the docks and waterways safer, and stop a group of vampires muscling in. Corvin had felt a pull to the portal for days and eventually realised it had led him to Styx, his fated mate, who certainly doesn’t seem quite as happy to see him as he is to see her!

He won’t give up though, he visits the portal every morning and tries to question Oberon about her, and remembers the book his father gave him years ago about a god and the river Styx. He nicknames her Storm Cloud, as whenever her emptions run awry or are raised, she creates thunder, lightning and storms all around her. She can direct the lightening at people, as she does when he refuses to go away the first time they met, showing a bit of regret just after she had done so. She thought it would kill him, as it has many others, but his gargoyle build leaves him intact. He wants to get to know her and protect her, but she is against the very idea. Only his persistence and easy manner make it hard to resist him, especially since he doesn’t push the fated mate deal at her and tells her he will accept whatever she decides. Caius has shown her how overwhelming a mate can be and she thought she would never accept anything like that. It is hard to love someone when you have found yourself unable to trust another. She has Caius and Oberon and a couple others she may trust with her life and she will soon find out that Corvin is another! Apostle of the god’s son and daughter turn up out of the blue, possibly drawn by her storm clouds and use of the magical power they themselves want and believe they deserve. Unfortunately, Styx can’t find out much about these gods as she doesn’t know their names, nor their father’s, and their faces will no doubt have changed a bit over time. Corvin and his pack put their own lives on the line to help her defeat these people, who have been given weapons of the gods themselves, before having to face the son and daughter themselves. Styx finds herself falling for Corvin, no matter how had she tries to avoid him and will get answers about why she has these god powers all these years, as she sought vengeance for her family’s deaths and her own imprisonment. Corvin was just the right mixture of determined to make her trust and love him, whilst wanting to do good for his people and those in the area who wish to join his pack, and determined to protect her as his mate, no matter whether she wanted him or not. I can’t wait to read more of this series.

I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
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