Shadowplay

The Devils in D.C. #1

by Angel M. Shaw

Passion comes at a price.

The Prince

Winter Vaughan is the light in my darkness, pulling me from the shadows. Which is exactly why I should stay away from her—for her safety and mine. I vowed never to return to D.C., and yet here I am, fighting in vain to outrun the demons planning to drag me back to hell. My focus should only be on helping my son heal and mending the rift I’ve caused with my absence in his life. But Winter and I? We’re like magnets—pulled by an irresistible force that grows stronger the longer we’re together. We’re destined to collide. I just hope we can survive the crash.

The Survivor

Hunter Brigham is the definition of danger and a forbidden temptation I know I should avoid at all costs. Being with him could unravel everything I've fought so hard to overcome and put my entire future at risk. Yet, despite what’s at stake, I’m drawn to him—a prisoner to the growing desires I thought I'd buried long ago. He's the darkness I can't resist, even as it threatens to consume me. But as our connection deepens, I'm forced to confront a raw Our love may be the very thing that destroys us. Ghosts of our pasts and shady political alliances threaten to tear us apart. The question is…will we let them win?

Shadowplay is a gripping tale of forbidden love and dangerous secrets—where the consequences of passion unfold in a world dictated by the rules of the wealthy and the covert forces that keep them in power. Can Hunter and Winter navigate the shadows of their desires, or will their story be written by sinister influences beyond their control?

Shadowplay is book 1 in The Devils in D.C. series and features a billionaire single dad who falls first in this opposites attract dark romance. Part thriller, part suspense (and 100% spicy romance). This book is told in dual first-person POV and ends on a cliffhanger. A complete list of the CWs can be found on the author's website.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Romance, Ebooks, Slow Burn, Suspense, Morally Grey

404 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 23, 2024

About the author

Love stories that hurt, haunt, and heal.
Unrepentant Rattie. Chronic overthinker. Queer she/they who loves a good four-letter word. Believer that crawfish is a primary food group.

Reviews

[Alyssa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for sending me an ARC for this book!

4.5⭐️ rounded up to 5⭐️

“Even when we’re both dead and in the ground, my soul will find yours. Our children and children’s children will know about our love.”

Tropes/Micro Tropes:
•Anxiety & Autism Representation (FMC has anxiety and a service animal. MMC son is autistic)
•Interracial Couple (BW WM)
•Plus Size FMC
•Secret Society
•Workplace Romance (sorta?)
•Billionaire Single Dad
•Suspense
•Forced Proximity
•Opposites Attract
•Slight Slow Burn
•Spicyyyyy

Ramblings:
Wow! Just wow! I can’t believe this is Angel Shaw’s debut novel! Winter is our FMC who has past trauma that has caused her to have severe anxiety resulting in the need to have her dog, Kitty, as a service animal. Hunter is our playboy, billionaire MMC who has an autistic son he suddenly has custody of after his mom dies. August (the son) and Hunter have had virtually no relationship and August resents his dad. Winter takes on Augusts case to help him navigate this change in his life and to get hours towards her practicum she needs for her degree. The first time her and Hunter lay eyes on each other the attraction is intense! The more they spend time together the more they are unable to resist the attraction. They start dating, but things get messy when secrets are revealed!

I cant wait to read Oathbreaker! That cliffhanger was INTENSE!

[E. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Shadowplay is a steamy billionaire single dad x doctorate student, opposites attract, forbidden romance with dark elements and themes throughout.

Shadowplay shines is in its depictions of mental health and disabilities, including Autism. However, the story spans for quite a bit of time with several time jumps throughout, causing the developments of characters and different relationships within the story to suffer. Shadowplay has many elements to its plot, many of which are still to be explored in the books that follow in this series.

As mentioned above, Shadowplay has dark themes. Please be sure to read content/trigger warnings prior to reading.

Thank you to NetGalley and Love & Letters Press for an advanced copy of Shadowplay in exchange for my honest review.

[Cane (FeelinNoCane) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must warn you, this is a slow burn. Personally, I try to avoid slow burns like the plague, but someone recommended this series to me, saying it was good, so I decided to give it a try. This is Book 1 of the Devils in D.C. series, and it is excellent.

Winter (FMC) is an inspiring psychologist with her own history of trauma and anxiety, and she is accompanied by her service dog, Kitty. She meets Hunter (MMC) and his son, August, while interviewing for a job to help August. There’s an immediate attraction on both sides, and though they try to fight it, this is a romance, after all.

Winter’s past trauma has limited her social interactions, which leads her to conduct August’s therapy sessions at his home. This arrangement not only helps August feel more comfortable but also allows Winter to navigate her own boundaries. The mental health representation in this book is phenomenal.

The story is compelling, heartfelt, and yes, it gets steamy. I 100% recommend this series. Oathbreaker and Reverie are Books 2 and 3, respectively, and they’re just as captivating.

[Country Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story about Winter and Hunter. Winter is having trouble adjusting to life outside after a trauma that happened in her past. She doesn’t leave her house often if not at all, if she can help it. I also really liked the character of Ms. Conner in the first chapter, she is very motherly to Winter and she was one of my favorite secondary characters. She seems to really care about Winter and helps her complete her school studies so Winter can complete her doctorate.
We also meet Hunter next who is a CEO of a major tech company. He has news that he is now the sole father of his 15-year-old son, after a tragic event. Hunter’s son August is in the medical children’s hospital recovering after his trauma and also August is autistic with many different therapies he already does. He can communicate only via a communication tablet, via AAC. I have a high functioning Autistic son so I kind of understand Autism and what needs to be done to help your kids as much as possible..I can only imagine how it must be with a trauma!
I really enjoyed the chemistry that Hunter and Winter have in this book. It was well written and HOT. I also thought the author did a great job with writing from Winter’s perspective who has suffered a trauma. I myself had trauma as a young child and it made me into some I did not like as a person, so I am well aware of the effects of events and people on a person. The story really grabbed me as a reader. It had emotional parts, spice, romance, steam, trauma references, and much more. I highly recommend this one!
**NOTE this does end on a major cliffhanger, you will absolutely NEED to read the next book when it comes out, like myself!***

[Kellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadowplay is a must read for suspense and dark romance readers! Secret society themes and characters who have both gone through hell. There are a lot of triggers in this book, and so many of them connected with me on a personal level, but I loved every page of growth from Winter and Hunter. Winter is an amazing woman and she was so well written! I could feel her struggle and her terror, but more importantly, I could feel her passion and strength. Then there’s Hunter, our demanding hot daddy 🫦🥵.. their story will have you begging for book 2! Plus that ending! Ahh! Thank you so much for including a sneak peek of book 2! Also a big thank you to rrbooktours and author Angel Shaw for letting me ARC review this thrilling book!

*Side note to Author* I loved the representation of Autism with August. My adopted brother is nonverbal and uses an iPad to communicate like August in the story. This added connective element of Shadowplay was incredible and I loved August! His story is so similar to my brothers, I wanted to just reach for him and keep him safe. Thank you for writing August into this world!

🔥Reluctant Billionaire
🔥Morally Grey
🔥Touch Here & 💀
🔥Single Dad MMC
🔥Spice
🔥Secret society/Political intrigue
🔥He Falls First
🔥Opposites Attract
🔥Interracial Romance
🔥Mental health & Autism representation
🔥Emotional Scars/Healing from Trauma
🔥Intense Torment and Suspenseful Danger

Shadowplay is a gripping tale of forbidden love and dangerous secrets—where the consequences of passion unfold in a world dictated by the rules of the wealthy and the covert forces that keep them in power. Can Hunter and Winter navigate the shadows of their desires, or will their story be written by sinister influences beyond their control?

Publication Date: July 23, 2024
Genre: Billionaire Dark Romance

Triggers: emotional and sexual abuse, human trafficking and rape, mention of drug and alcohol abuse, mention of drug overdose, high anxiety situations and distress.
Your mental health matters!

[Ash Reads Romance]

Unfortunately, the story didn't quite capture my interest. I gave it a shot and read about five chapters, hoping it would draw me in, but I found myself lacking the motivation to keep going.

[Bookish Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall: 4.5/5
Spice level: 3/5
Tropes: slow burn, single dad, billionaire, workplace, he falls first, found family, forced proximity 

Representation: this series follows a BWWM couple. The FMC is plus size and has mental health diagnoses and lives with the aid of a service animal. The MMC has an Autistic teen son

CW: there is a lengthy list of content warnings. I advise checking the author's website for a full list. If you're not into dark romance, this may not be for you, and that's ok.

Just, wow! Angel M. Shaw released a phenomenal debut in Shadowplay! Winter and Hunter have amazing chemistry from their initial meeting. 

Winter is a plus size Black woman navigating through life with multiple mental health diagnoses. She has a history of trauma and these factors, plus her close relationships, provide a well of depth to her character, and we see tremendous growth. 

Hunter is the billionaire playboy type and returns home to the family estate to care for his teen Autistic son who he's had no real relationship with. He's hard on the outside and warm and gooey on the inside, especially after he meets Winter. He's the protective, do anything for her type. 

The plot is initially a little slow but definitely picks up when we start to learn secrets and history of both characters. 

Overall, this book was freaking amazing! I loved every second of the journey!

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found a new favorite author

Started this book this afternoon and was stuck in the same place till I finished it tonight. I did not come up for air. This was just that good. Wish I could give this more than 5 stars.

Winter is quiet assertive young woman with a lot of trauma. Something terrible happened to her when she was younger and now she is crippled by the pain, scared to leave her house, dependent on her adorable service dog, Kitty. Hunter is a DARK brooding man with an autistic son he is trying to be better for. These 2 shouldn’t make sense as a couple but they do. Winter works through her trauma herself but also has help from her friend, therapist and Hunter. Hunter has a dark secret and an evil father. Read the book to find out the rest. You won’t be disappointed.

I’m going to cry till I read book 2. I need it NOW 🥲

[A Plot to Be Desired · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Received as an ARC and my life has been changed by this book.

Please read content warnings on Angel’s website to prevent feeling uncomfortable. For me, it didn’t affect me beyond major readers angst and heartache.

This story has “mob-adjacent” (lol) themes and there’s always a looming sense of fear throughout that this is all going to fall apart.

Nevertheless there’s some incredibly special moments between Hunter and Winter, Winter and August and Hunter and August. They are all incredibly well rounded characters. Side characters are also epic, with real laugh out loud moments.
I think the real heartache in this book isn’t that there’s angst overall, it’s that neither of the MMC or FMC deserve to be in this situation. They deserve the sweet moments they share together. The fact that Angel has given us a story like this where we can fall hard for them is truly incredible.

Honestly? I can’t wait for the next one and desperately need it. Like now. Desperate.

I’ve sobbed, made guttural noises (both joyful and devastation) and laughed out loud and it’s rare to have all of this in one book. I’ve fallen in love and don’t think I’ll ever fall out of it.

This deserves 5* as the best book I’ve read all year.

[Alexandra Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Love & Letters Press & NetGalley for the chance to reach this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Hi my name is Alex and this book broke me. I immediately was upset at the end because I didn't realize the 2nd book is coming out right away and I want it.

Once I got into this book, oh I devoured it.

First of all, I feel so freaking seen by this book. As a human with ASD and GAD, wow. I could relate to so much and I feel like the book/author did an excellent job with representation.

Second, I love Hunter, the MMC. I love everything about this man, I love the "mob adjacent"ness he has, everything.

The only thing that threw me off was at point I think Winter describes her ""(I don't know goodreads guidelines but fill in the blank) as "sopping" and all that me think of was a soaking wet dish rag being twisted 🤣🤣

Otherwise I am here for this series, give them all to me, I will read them and love them 💚

This is a steamy, single dad, romance and there are darker aspects to it. Check the trigger warnings!

5 stars overall. 10 out of 10 for spiciness. Obsessed.

[Shy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't really enjoy this book. The mental health representation was probably the only really good thing about this book, in my opinion. The two mcs barely knew anything about each other before things started getting spicy. It just felt weird to me, especially considering the fmc has severe anxiety in regards to doing that. Everything just felt extremely rushed through.

Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book!

[KyrieMacReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

BABY!!! Let's talk about Shadowplay:

I didn't know what to expect from the prologue, but I WAS BLESSED to get to read this as an ARC!

4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3.5🌶🌶🌶

Tropes:
BWWM
Billionaire
SA (not graphically described)
Forced Proximity

I loved having a Black Woman Lead in this dark romance. Not only that, we get Neurodivergent representation in both the female lead and another, adjacent, character. As for this being a BWWM story, it had none of the weird ick that you often experience when reading romance stories. Hunter, the main male lead, is OBSESSED! To distraction. I thought he needed a bit more backbone, but since it's book one, I'll forgive him. I love that Winter is smart, going to therapy, and hilarious. Her best friend Veronica bothered me a little, but I get she was just wanting to look out for her friend. I hope we get a little more of her story. It's very clear there are secrets there. There are so many good bits, I don't want to give them away! This one ends on a cliffhanger, but hold on to your boss cause it's a great read.

[Julie D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angel Shaw writes an unforgettable story of two people with a horrible past that come together to break the cycle. I love how August plays a huge roll in this book and that the author brings up the struggles of an autistic teenager. I cried and I laughed and I just FELT all the emotions in this book. I can’t wait for y’all to read this too and fall in love with each character as I did.
This book..the first in the series does obviously end on a cliffhanger. However it just makes me wait on the edge of my seat for the second in the series. I applaud you Angel…can’t wait to see where this goes!

[Whitney Purkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a 5 star book!! She had me from the prologue!

[Nelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Shadow Play is a book that doesn't meet the moment, delivering a slow burn that ultimately becomes a buzz killer for me. The chemistry between the characters is sorely lacking, making their intimate scenes feel insignificant and lacking in impact. The characters themselves, particularly Winter, are annoying, irritating, and boring. She constantly reminds us of her disability and anxiety, which becomes repetitive and tiring. Furthermore, her constant mention of her dog, named "Kitty," makes it distracting as it pops up on every page. It is exhausting to be constantly exposed to Winter's exhausting behavior.

On the other hand, Hunter fails to provide depth and fails to represent anything other than a bad cliche. He is portrayed as a rich, handsome, and grumpy character who hates his father. The character fails to offer any depth or complexity, making him a mere stereotype. The suspense and mystery surrounding the story are not fully developed, as they tend to get lost amidst the predictable episodes of Winter's fears and anxiety.

However, August, the autistic character, stands out as the best aspect of the book. His unique perspective and the way he navigates the world around him add an element of freshness and originality to the story. His character brings depth to the narrative and helps to balance out the more frustrating aspects of the book.

Overall, Shadow Play falls short in terms of meeting the moment and providing an engaging and captivating read. The book is light and lacking in horror, in contrast with what is described as being dark in the forewarning.

The characters, particularly Winter, are disappointing, and the chemistry between the protagonists is lacking. The suspense and mystery surrounding the story fail to materialize, leaving readers feeling underwhelmed. However, August's character stands out as a positive aspect of the book, providing depth and a unique perspective.

The book's ending is also unsatisfying, with the story ending in a cliffhanger which was predictable and anticlimactic.

[CLorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadowplay: A Dark Billionaire Romantic Suspense is the first book in Angela M. Shaw’s new series The Devils in D.C. Ms. Shaw gives readers an intense and emotional story, using measured, yet brisk pacing to keep readers invested in the narrative. In her almost thirty years, Winter has endured the harshness and unspeakable cruelty that life has to offer and while somewhat broken and socially dysfunctional, she is a survivor. In true survivor fashion, she has chosen as her vocation a job where she is able to help others struggling with disabilities and disenfranchisement. As a part of her practicum, she takes a job working with the autistic son of Hunter Brigham. Hunter is, arguably, more damaged than Winter; he has witnessed AND reluctantly participated in vile acts of inhumanity and emerged barely intact. He has spent most of his life in flight, running from his family, his responsibilities but mostly from the pain. From their initial meeting, Hunter and Winter feel a visceral spark, but how can these two broken vessels make a relationship work? Hunter is a puppet for his father, while Winter is trapped by the past. The villains in this story are clearly delineated but the author has readers anxiously waiting for any movement or hint of their machinations. This excellent story ends on a taut and disquieting cliffhanger; I look forward to seeing how Ms. Shaw resolves their dilemma! In addition to the delightfully heart-breaking Hunter and Winter, Ms. Shaw gives us an exceptional group of side characters; I would love to get Leo’s story or one involving the very mysterious Misha Hroshko.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
https://theretiredreader.com/read-for...

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debuts are often a bit of a mess--it's to be expected, it takes time to learn the ins and outs and develop a solid writing voice. However, it was clear to me from the first chapter that Shaw is well-educated and put effort into ensuring a polished final product, which I appreciate. ARCs especially can be hit or miss in that regard, but Shadowplay is a smooth read overall.

My favorite part about this book is the representation. Shadowplay touches on a wide range of social and mental health topics, from interracial relationships to low-functioning autism, and each is handled with care. As a plus-sized girly with anxiety, I found Winter, the FMC, to be refreshing. She was human and flawed, a normal person doing normal person things while working through her own issues. I think this was a large part of why the whole thing felt authentic in a way I have never known titles of this genre to be. Alongside diversity, it's also got a great mix of serious and humorous/lighthearted moments and a very entertaining cast of characters, all of whom I hope we get to know better over the course of the series.

The start was a little slow, but I believe this is expected to be a trilogy, so the time spent introducing each character was appropriate. This is technically a dark romance, so be aware that Shadowplay deals with several mature topics, including but not limited to death/murder, addiction and overdose, human trafficking, trauma, and abuse (not by MCs). Check triggers if needed. I was blessed with an ARC from the author, but all thoughts written herein are my own. I would definitely recommend that lovers of contemporary and dark romance give this one a try. You've got something special here! :)

[Nessa’s Book Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: Shadowplay by Angel M. Shaw

Release Date: July, 23rd, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars


In "Shadowplay," Winter and Hunter are drawn together by an irresistible force, despite the dangers lurking in their shadows. Winter, a survivor fighting to protect her future, is tempted by the darkness embodied by Hunter, a Prince haunted by his past. Their forbidden love threatens to unravel as they navigate through political intrigue and shady alliances.

As their connection deepens, they must confront the ghosts of their pasts and the sinister forces seeking to tear them apart. This gripping tale of forbidden love and dangerous secrets sets the stage for a suspenseful and spicy romance in the world of the wealthy and powerful.

The narrative unfolds over an extended period, featuring multiple time jumps that impact the development of characters and relationships within the story. While "Shadowplay" introduces various plot elements, it leaves many aspects open for exploration in the subsequent books of the series.

Unfortunately, I struggled to connect with both the characters and the storyline in this book. While I typically enjoy darker themes, something about this narrative failed to captivate me. I'm uncertain whether it was the writing style or the pacing of the plot itself. However, I did find it commendable that the story incorporated elements of medical terminology and addressed topics such as autism and PTSD. Despite these aspects, I couldn't fully engage with the book enough to read it in one sitting.


Thank you to The Publisher Love & Letters Press, The Author Angel M. Shaw & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Hunter James Brigham meets Winter Leigh Vaughn, he instantly knows that she will change his life and he's not ready for it. He tries to sabotage the inevitable but destiny has other ideas. Hunter needs help with his teenage autistic son August, who is non-verbal. The last woman hired was more interested in Hunter needs rather than what his son needed.

Winter is a woman afraid of the world and with good reasons, one of them sits in jail without the possibility of parole. There are two entities that calm her, her dog named Kitty (yep!) and her best (sister) friend Veronica, who is the kind of Ride and Die friend every person needs. Hunter has his own (Ride or Die) brother from another mother named Leo who is always at his side.

When they get out of their own way, they try to navigate a relationship which is a concept that Winter has never experienced. Things go well until they don't because of evil forces that are determined to keep them apart. When Hunter's hand is forced, and he pushes back, a situation more than likely orchestrated by his evil father comes to fruition. It will take everything he holds dear and every favor he's owed for the only outcome he can live with. I'm going to end this review here. The things I've mentioned are just the tip of the iceberg, the story ends on a heart-stopping cliffhanger and Book Two, Oathbreaker will drop in August. Do yourself a favor and read this book, read this series.

Highly, highly Recommended: Read this Book!

NOTE: This is a three-part series. Up next:
Oathbreaker (Book Two) - August 27, 2024
Reverie (Book Three) - September 24, 2024

ARC

[Meigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great series starter, SHADOWPLAY is a dark billionaire romance with a forbidden love at the center on it all. Hunter and Winter, our two main characters, are drawn to each other, but their pasts and other obstacles get in the way of their fully committing to one another. Winter is drawn to Hunter’s darkness, Hunter sees Winter as a shining beacon of light in his otherwise dark and dangerous life. ⁣
⁣
Told through dual PoV, I loved that we got to spend time in each of their heads and see things through their eyes. They both have some serious baggage to work through, and I loved the waiting game of when they would finally get together. And when they do, the sparks fly and the steam billows. ⁣
⁣
This book tackles some heavy themes including trauma, past emotional and physical abuse, and mentions of human trafficking. There’s also some fantastic representation surrounding autism and various mental heath conditions, which I always appreciate. The plot was engaging and suspenseful with plenty of danger and intrigue, and it definitely stressed me out in the best kind of way. I cant wait for the sequel to see what the future holds for these characters. Pick this up if you enjoy:⁣
⁣
🔥Reluctant Billionaire⁣
🔥Morally Grey⁣
🔥Touch Here & 💀⁣
🔥Single Dad MMC⁣
🔥Spice⁣
🔥Secret society/Political intrigue⁣
🔥He Falls First⁣
🔥Opposites Attract⁣
🔥Interracial Romance⁣
🔥Mental health & Autism representation⁣
🔥Emotional Scars/Healing from⁣

[Bri Still · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a journey this book took me on!

I was struggling a little in the beginning with some of the character development but boy am I glad I read it because it really helped me connect with all the characters as the story progressed.

I relate so heavily to these characters not only through my own mental health struggles but as a step mother with an autistic son as well. Experiencing not only the personal growth of the characters as well as their interpersonal relationships really warmed my heart.

The patience Hunter (MMC) has for Winter (FMC) as she works through her PTSD and anxiety disorder is so sweet. There were times I wish he could direct some of that to his son, August, but as the story develops he does show a lot more patience and understanding in his direction too!

The connection that August (client) and Winter (therapist & FMC) develop was soooo amazing. It really reminded me of my step son and I and there were pivotal moments in their relationship that had me in happy tears.

But holy cow can we talk about the cliffhanger. 😭 I kept reading to get the sneak preview and it only made it worse lol. I am 10000% getting the second book.

KITTY IS THE STAR OF THIS DANG BOOK! 😍🐶

I can’t thank Love & Letters Press, Angel M Shaw, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Katie Flournoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I wanted to hold together her broken pieces, the parts that she’s stitched together day by day, year by year, so she can move forward and live. I wanted to weep in the face of her raw, haunting honesty.”

***

Shadowplay, author Angel M. Shaw’s debut novel, begins with a brutal backstory. It’s a beautiful dark billionaire romance with a twisted “mob-adjacent” undercurrent. With solid characters with profound pasts, mental health representation (including but not limited to autism and anxiety), emotional growth, and exquisite spice, Shadowplay is a phenomenal read. This novel had me laughing out loud at much of the inner dialogue and crying at the recollection of characters’ past trauma as well as moments of emotional healing. Every character has such personality, one can’t help but feel even the side characters will have a large impact later on. As the story progresses, the reader witnesses the delicate dance between the main characters and how they continue to grow into themselves and how they interact with each other. The emotional rollercoaster that is this book has my heart and I need the next one in the saga like I need air! Thank you, Angel M. Shaw, for devastating me! I received this as an ARC and I’m so honored and in awe. Your writing is exceptional, I can absolutely say you’re one of my favorite authors after this book, and I cannot wait to read more books by you!

[evenromanceisnerdy · Rating 4 out of 5]

"𝘔𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘯𝘦 - 𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘶𝘱 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥-𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘏𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘢𝘮."

I really enjoyed reading this book! It’s a great billionaire dark romance debut and its authentic and nuanced exploration of diverse characters and complex emotions is refreshing. This is a book that I think many readers are going to deeply resonate with. The novel’s portrayal of topics like interracial relationships and anxiety felt genuine and relatable. The book’s balance of serious themes with lighter moments creates a dynamic and engaging narrative.

Shadowplay is a captivating blend of darkness and devotion. Beneath its intense exterior lies a tender love story between Hunter and Winter. Their connection serves as a beacon of hope amidst challenging circumstances.

I’m glad this book gives a little preview to book 2. I’m excited to find out what happens next! Definitely add this book to your TBR if you enjoy:

🖤Reluctant Billionaire
🖤Morally Grey
🖤Touch Here & 💀
🖤Single Dad MMC
🖤Spice
🖤Secret society/Political intrigue
🖤He Falls First
🖤Opposites Attract
🖤Interracial Romance
🖤Mental health & Autism representation
🖤Emotional Scars/Healing from Trauma

Thank you so much to the author and R&R Book Tours for sending me a physical copy! 🫶🏼🫶🏼

[Natalie (Novels__&__Needles) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received as an ARC.

🖤 Dark romance
🖤 Interracial couple
🖤 Romantic suspense
🖤 Forbidden
🖤 Single Dad
🖤 Secret society
🖤 Mental Health and Autism representation

I can only praise Angels ability to portray an Autistic character in the way she did, it was beautiful to see and we don't have enough of this in modern day literature so thank you, truly.

The suspense elements in this were very well and had me gripped from the get go, I was on the edge of my seat at times desperately trying to work out in my head what was going to happen next. The emotions of Winter and Hunter were extremely well portrayed and very much enabled you to be fully immersed in their struggles.

My only criticism is the time jumps, I found myself struggling to keep myself connected to the characters with the amount of time that passed over the span of the book. If this was trimmed down the I think this could have been a 5 star read for me but obviously this is all relative and personal preference.

[Missbookwormwrites (Cynthia) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one.
A suspenseful, dark romance with a so many secrets, it's hard to keep up.

I really enjoyed our FMC, Winter. I can truly see the work put into representing chronic anxiety disorders on paper. My daughter suffers from the same thing, and it truly is something that she has had to adapt into her everyday life. Winter is such a queen, and despite her disabilities, she has excelled in everything she set her mind to.
Hunter, our MMC has golden retriever energy despite coming off as serious and unavailable. Yet, the moment he laid eyes on Winter for the 1st time, it was over. The man nearly melted at her feet and I was here for it!
The dynamic between the two of them was very well balanced and at least to me, very well written. Despite their romance being a bit insta lusty in the beginning, we do get a build up as their relationship progresses and oh so sweet, simmering spice!

I seriously CANNOT wait for book 2!

[stephanie cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadowplay by Angel Shaw is an essential read for fans of suspense and dark romance. With its gripping exploration of secret societies and characters shaped by their harrowing experiences, this novel dives deep into intense themes. The story resonates on a personal level, thanks to its raw portrayal of trauma and emotional growth.

Told through dual perspectives, the narrative allows readers to fully immerse themselves in both Winter and Hunter's experiences. Their individual journeys are compelling, and the slow burn of their relationship adds a tantalizing edge to the plot. The book confronts heavy themes, including past abuse and human trafficking, with a nuanced approach. It also offers thoughtful representation of autism and various mental health conditions, enriching the story further.

[Lisa Conant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶 out of 5

Tropes:
🩶Forbidden Love
🧲Opposites Attract
💰Single Dad Billionaire
💓Plus Size Rep
🤐Secrets

Review:
I admire the varied forms or representation in this story! This is a tale of two individuals having to confront their past. Pain can be messy and hard to heal from but, in the end, this was a pretty good healing journey. The MC's chemistry burned pretty well once is got going!

It was a little hard for me to connect to them though and that may be due to the time jumping feeling at times more intrusive than organic. And the beginning seemed a bit sluggish to get the narrative propelling.

A good bit of dark romance on this one though I didn't vibe as much ultimately.

[Dorcas Clodfelter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually stay in my historical romance lane, but thought I'd take a chance on this new novelist and branch out to a different genre. The representation of neurodivergence, generalized anxiety disorder, sexual assault, and plus sized FMC drew me in, and impressed me, as I identify with several of those labels. The MMC, Hunter, had a slow growth arc in book 1 that I anticipate will ramp up in books 2 and 3. I was impressed with the thoughtful handling of the BWWM relationship; it was well done and avoided potential cliches and tropes. With an AuDHD kiddo myself, I really loved seeing an autistic kid represented in fiction. I read this in less than 24 hours and I'm kinda mad I have to wait for books 2 and 3. But I feel certain the wait will be worth it!

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

That ending!!!😮 I am shook! As much as I hate cliffhangers, I love a book with a good cliffhanger and this definitely has one! It makes me so much more excited for book 2!

I really enjoyed this book, this was my first book by Angel M. Shaw and I loved it! I am obsessed with the characters, I love the whole bad boy vibes, but also the fact this story is heavily focused on disabilities/mental health, speaks wonders! It’s not this picture perfect book which so many romance novels tend to be and I really liked that about this book! 🌟

I highly recommend this book, it’s definitely worth a read, however, be aware there are some triggers so just be weary of them before reading! Other than that, you should definitely pick this book up asap!😆

[Farren Benvenuti · Rating 2 out of 5]

insta love

I really wanted to like this book. I really did. Dark billionaire romance? Yes please. But the two main characters were “madly in love” after saying like 20 words to each other and it was ANNOYING. Also, the FMC had a generalized anxiety disorder with panic attacks for YEARS. Great! Love the rep! Except all of her anxiety and struggles miraculously went away as soon as she was asked on a date by the MMC. That’s not how it works. One person does not “cure” you. It would have been so much more impactful to see the MMC working through the struggles and accepting the FMC, anxiety and all. It felt very flippant and dismissive and set unrealistic expectations of the community.

Great autism rep, though.