Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Shadowvale Secrets

Rate this book
They craved control. I craved escape. But our tangled secret defied all our desires.

They call it Shadowvale Manor, a name that seems ripped from a gothic novel. But for me, it's a gilded cage.

I fled one nightmare – my tyrant of a father – only to land smack dab in another.

The Everharts – Theo, Ryder, and Oliver – are my new tormentors.

Each day is a test of endurance, their cruelty a constant ache.
Raised on a twisted sense of dominance, they see women as nothing more than playthings.
They shove their despicable behavior down my throat, and as their maid, I swallow it, forced to maintain a facade.

Theo, with his high cheekbones and a swagger that hints at countless enemies, keeps his secrets etched in tattoos. I find myself drawn to the silent stories on his skin, but his sharp tongue leaves me questioning my sanity for even being attracted to him.

Ryder, the charming playboy, sees me as a forbidden thrill, a conquest to brag about. Yet, his stolen glances and whispered promises make me wonder if there's something more simmering beneath the surface.

Oliver, the youngest, is a block of ice sculpted by childhood neglect. But as I navigate this viper's nest of a house, a fragile connection sparks between us, a flicker of warmth that threatens to melt his icy exterior.

The truth is, getting close isn't an option anymore, it's a necessity.

Havencrest may whisper about the Everharts' secrets, but mine has the potential to shatter the entire city.

I carry a secret hotter than any scandal – I'm pregnant.
And the father?
Well, that's a question only the shadows of Shadowvale Manor can answer.


Craving a forbidden love story with a twist? Shadowvale Secrets delivers.

Dive into a world of dark desires, brooding bad boys, and a shocking secret that will change everything. Download now for an unforgettable journey into a world where love defies all boundaries.

372 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 24, 2024

471 people are currently reading
159 people want to read

About the author

Lisa Cullen

86 books221 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
177 (52%)
4 stars
74 (21%)
3 stars
51 (15%)
2 stars
20 (5%)
1 star
16 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
60 reviews
June 23, 2024
I totally enjoyed this book. Eva jumps out of the fire into the frying pan. Surviving the harsh treatment from her father to three brothers who make her life harsh due to the upbringing from their father.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
494 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2024
Amazing

This book was great. You will not regret reading it. The whole series is amazing. I can not wait to read the rest.
Profile Image for Nicole.
1,326 reviews23 followers
June 25, 2024
Shadowvale Secrets is the eleventh book part of: The Forbidden Reverse Harem Collection. A steamy full-length standalone novella complete with a happily-ever-after. A nicely written story with complex characters and a twisty storyline that captures the reader attention from the first chapter and keeps you turning the pages until the end. A fast paced, thrilling, and twisted read. An absorbing addicting and unputdownable read. Hang on to your kindle and brace yourself for this tantalizing why-choose romance. Dive into a world of dark desires, brooding bad boys, and a shocking secret that will change everything. Captivating. Decadent. Dirty.
A secret pregnancy romance. Bully romance, reverse harem romance, MMMF romance, dark reverse harem romance, why-choose romance, dark bully romance, employee-boss romance, billionaire romance, workplace romance, forbidden relationships, action and adventure romance, contemporary romance, damsel in distress romance, organize crime story, off-limits relationship with physical abuse, secrets, scorching hot passion, mob/mafia, enemies, breeding, angst, anger, loss, tension, pain, betrayal, emotions, survival, forgiveness, acceptance, resilience, trauma, traitor, revelations, grief, guilt, hatred, threats, redemption, drama, action packed, power and control, family, manipulation, kinks, cruelty, danger, darkness, madness, twists and turns and love.
Evangeline has had a rough upbringing at the hands of her drunken and often violent father. She spent years plotting her escape from the abuse until one day she got the courage and escape through form of a living job as maid. However, life is not what she thought it would as she ran from one abusive situation to another and she must yet again plot her escape from another cage. Prior to starting her new job Evangeline wanted to celebrate her freedom and her twenty first birthday. She went to a nightclub and was having a ball. When she meets three dark and handsome men who wanted to have a good time. The four take the fun to a room upstairs in club where she would be introduced to life changing experience. She got up and leave before the guys had awaken. When Evangeline reports to her new job at the Everheart brother's residence she was shock to see that it was three men whom she had one night stand with. However, the guys Oliver, Theo, and Ryder didn't not remember or nor their encounter. They would then treat her harshly, degrading and cruel all because of how they were raised by their father, who's now decease three years ago. They were taught that in their business women are considered weakness and distractions. They were grieving his death and had to fight to keep the Everheart empire intact from their enemies. Anything they dish out Evangeline took it as she wonders which hell was worse and plans her escape.

I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sandra.
931 reviews8 followers
June 20, 2024
Eva is out at a club for her 21st birthday where she ends up dancing with 3 brothers. The dance doesn't just happen on the dance floor, it gets taken up to a private room above the club. Slipping away the following morning before they wake up. A few weeks later, she applied for a job as a maid at a private residence with room included to get away from her alcoholic father. She gets accepted for the position by the Fitz who then introduces her to the men of the manor only to find out these are the 3 brothers she had the one night stand with. But sh soon realises that they do not recognise her.

The three brothers; Theo, Ryder and Oliver have been brought up by a father who viewed women as a weakness and staff beneath them which makes their behaviour towards Eva harsh. Then an even bigger bombshell falls in Eva's lap and she is worried about how it will be dealt with. When the news reaches the brother's ears by accident they plot to make her life more of a living hell. But their plan backfires and they put Eva's health in danger.

The brothers then try to make it up to her but they also fall under her spell and the professional and personal line blurs.

At the same time, the brothers are dealing with the grief of losing their father, the 'boss' 3 years prior. Their 'uncle Declan', their father's right hand man stepped in at the helm so the other mafia gangs didn't try to encroach on their turf . But Declan is power hungry and controlling and does like Eva taking the men's focus away from their jobs. At the same time information comes to light that their father's death was orchestrated by someone else.

I really enjoyed this book, the men are very 'dark' to start off with due to their upbringing. But Eva brings lightness into them even though the darkness is still needed due to their line of work. She brings balance to them, a grounding and shown love is not a weakness but a strength. She unites them and gives them the family they've always wanted.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Naughty Nightie.
838 reviews15 followers
June 22, 2024
Evangeline (Eva) is celebrating her 21st birthday at a nightclub and having a great time. Then, she ends up upstairs with three guys and wakes up alone in the morning. Life at home isn't good for Eva she is constantly threatened by her drunk father. She has had enough and needs a job far away and with live-in accommodation to get away from her father. She finds one for a live-in maid and can get an interview that afternoon. She has an interview and is offered the job to start the next day. When she is taken to meet the three men whose home, she will be cleaning, she can't believe who it is. She finds herself constantly berated and told she isn't doing a good job and if she doesn't up her game, she will be fired. Eva is hiding secrets, and so are her three bosses, Theo, Oliver, and Ryder. There is plenty of hot steaminess between the three along with mystery and intrigue to solve.
I received an arc from Book Sprout for my voluntary honest review for the NN Book Blog. If you love a steamy reverse harem romance with some twists and turns that you don't see coming you will love this book.
Profile Image for TL Bradshaw.
391 reviews1 follower
July 3, 2024
I don't find SA entertaining at all...

The female lead character Eva has such low self-esteem that even after she has been basically tortured working for these guys. She is overjoyed when they force themselves into her room - screams no, I don't want this, then intermonologue that she loves it. You are being SA, but you love it! Okay
She figured she met the guys and had a one night stand with them on her 21st birthday, but she had also graduated from high school in may... did you start really late? Why are you graduating high school at 20.
They called her too young, but how old are they? years pass, and no birthdays are mentioned except their daughters.
I like this author, but I was disappointed in this book.
There are a few inconsistencies, but mostly, you can glean the meaning from the other sentences. Except two that read:
Eva, Ryder, and bree along with the baby do.... well, bree is the baby? I'm not sure what that meant.
Also, Brianna is named after their aunt - whose name is bridget?!.
She is j
Hit across the face with a gun, and it's never mentioned again... I guess it just slightly broke the skin?!.
Thank goodness it ends well...
Profile Image for Gina_M_N.
402 reviews
October 28, 2024
Why does this author make her characters so stupid? First the "Men" act like prepubescent boys pulling the little cute girls' pony tails, then when that's not enough they get a lot rapey, (she is passive aggressive with her no, but it's still creepy), I still don't understand how they thought she was going to try to pin the baby on them when she wouldn't even sleep with them, especially with how wimpy she is, then she gets the files and hides them like an idiot, instead of just saying she doesn't know what they are. Bola de pendejos. Then the dumb ass does what they tell her what not to do and gets caught, then like a bigger dumb ass she opens the door, when they find her they let the bad guy get away cause she is in labor, (a bad guy that two "tough ass mob guys" are getting beat on by a bad guy who would be more then likely is twice their age) then the get to the hospital that they all didn't need to stay since it takes a long time to give birth, so why did they take the time to tie up the creep and toss him in the trunk for safe keeping, this has got to be the worst mafia book That I have ever read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Renee.
249 reviews4 followers
June 24, 2024
Evangeline needs to escape her alcoholic, emotionally abusive father. She takes the first job she finds, to hopefully make a better life for herself.

She takes a job with the Everhart brothers - Theo, Oliver and Ryder. Bad boys with ties to the underground. After being there for one day, Evangeline questions her choice and wonders if this life will be any better than her previous one. These men are mean, manipulative and cruel.

They can't remember meeting Evangeline prior to her working for them. They can't remember the night they shared at their club in the apartment upstairs.

The men are intrigued and drawn to Evangeline and Evangeline can't stop thinking about the three of them.

The storyline was pretty good but the sexy scenes were brilliant! The tension between them was strong and the feelings I felt were WOW!!! Super hot and super descriptive!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Leisel.
750 reviews4 followers
August 4, 2024
I felt this story started off strongly but I sort of lost my momentum about three quarters in to it. Don't get me wrong it was an enjoyable read but I felt there were avenues that sort of fell short but then again if every tangent was to venture forth it most likely would be too long a story and then readers would get lost. I loved the three guys and Evangeline (Eva) had a strong sense of resiliency to her character but also was too easily won over by the Everheart brothers. Perhaps I've come to enjoy the sexual frustration that can come from these 'why choose' scenarios. In typical RH why choose style there is the action, drama, emotional pull, mystery, sense of betrayal and the self doubt that seems to come with these sorts of stories. If you are a reader that enjoys the RH why choose, bully to lovers genres this story ticked all the boxes for an enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Andrea.
223 reviews
June 25, 2024
Spicy author delivers the goods

Fleeing her father's alcoholic rages, Evangeline accepts a position as a live-in housekeeper to three gorgeous brothers. The Everhearts siblings have been on a destructive path since losing their father and Evangeline is in the perfect position for them to use for their deviant desires. Evangeline endures their cruel treatment as her new residence becomes a gilded cage of torment.

As she plots her escape, the Everhearts grapple with threats to their family empire. This tale weaves together elements of dark romance, organized crime, and betrayal. Three things that I like to read about and which the author does well.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Judy.
444 reviews
June 27, 2024
When it comes to non stop everything, this story has it all!! Three bullies who constantly push things too far. ✔️
Kidnappings, yep, plural. ✔️ surprise pregnancy. ✔️Lies and secrets. ✔️ Smexy time that is absolutely steam rising from the pages hot. ✔️✔️✔️
Honestly not sure how Eva forgave them, and so quickly. The turnaround was incredible, but I appreciate how the guys came to the discovery of their feelings and actions. Really grew to love the guys. Eva had some backbone that only needing straightened a few times.
Twists and turns, heat, family….this story had it all!!
Am curious whatever happened to Eva’s father though.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for L KQ.
5,502 reviews21 followers
June 25, 2024
Shadowvale Manor Needs Her

Eva needs a way to get away from her father and applies for a job as a maid to the men at Shadowvale. Turns out they met at a club and had a one-night stand that they do not remember. In addition, their behavior towards her is one of torment, which is something she is very familiar with. As the story progresses, the plot intensifies as the danger to health and well-being ensues. It was a surprising set of events and obstacles which made for an exciting read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michelle Roberts.
962 reviews2 followers
July 17, 2024
What a lasting birthday present.. She just wanted to get out of her home and start fresh. Well she shouldn't have turned up at their home, she wasn't going to get anything fresh. They treated her badly in the beginning due to their own issues. When things take a turn they all have learning to do and it is a good thing they have the boys aunt to guide them. They all go thru so much and fight to keep the family they have formed. I would love to see what happens next for all of them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
180 reviews2 followers
June 25, 2024
This book had me in tears. The forgiveness Eva had towards the guys after how they treated her in the beginning showed how much she loved them and how big her heart was. After they got past all that the chemistry she had with Oliver, Ryder and Theo was off the charts. They deserved the HEA and it was amazing feeling like I was along for the journey.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lori  Wertz.
327 reviews5 followers
June 27, 2024
Now this was bullying at its finest and Eva took it like a champ until finally she had enough and I don’t blame her. Why does it take leaving for the guys to realize what total jerks they were and need to change their behavior!?

Of course that is when the real danger and the book really gets good! This book is to be a mafia romance, but I did not get that feel.

It was great all the same!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Grey Orion.
54 reviews
July 10, 2024
I did enjoy this book a lot I just wished the MMCs were writen about more because I felt like there was more that they couldve added and shown that they were all different but I did really enjoy this book regardless of that nitpik! The spice was great and the storyline was very interesting and different than I’ve seen before!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
214 reviews1 follower
June 24, 2024
I know this is a bully romance, but I hated how Ryder, Theo, and Oliver treated Eva at the beginning of the book. They acted like spoiled brats that needed to be put in their place. The brother's did redeem themselves throughout the story. This book is filled with a surprise pregnancy, mob/mafia drama, and plenty of spice!
Profile Image for Ann Brown.
3,447 reviews22 followers
June 24, 2024
There some pretty bad bullying at the beginning from the guys to Evangeline. However they soon realise how badly they have behaved and the relationship grows better. Steamy, suspenseful and action packed, this was a great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
246 reviews3 followers
June 25, 2024
Evangeline truly jumps from the frying pan into the fire! Theo, Ryder and Oliver are brothers that are brooding bad boys. Throughout the book they all learn some important lessons. When a big secret is revealed and danger arrives will they pull together to keep everyone safe? Read the book and find out. Don't worry there's a HEA.
6,131 reviews17 followers
June 28, 2024
This is an interesting reverse harem romance about Eva and Theo, Ryder, and Oliver. This one is a touch dark, due to how the brothers were raised. It does warm up as the story comes to life and secrets and danger come to light. The story develops nicely and is interesting and intriguing. I like the characters and they develop and grow through the story.
690 reviews6 followers
July 2, 2024
I enjoyed this mmmf story. The characters were interesting. The guys did start out as real jerks, but slowly came around. I know I would not have forgiven them so easily. This dark romance has so many twists and turns, secrets, and STEAM.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Charlotte.
3,960 reviews61 followers
July 8, 2024
Eva's (Evangeline FMC) escapes from her drunk and abusive father to a new job as a maid but her job gives her more complications. Namely 3 brothers - Oliver, Ryder and Theo who try to create all sorts of problems to get rid of Eva. Lots of great plot twists, steamy scenarios and a storyline that definitely kept me on my toes. A great read.
77 reviews
June 30, 2025
The only reason I finished this book is that I began reading it. I have read other Lisa Cullen books, but I am a little nonplussed to see that this book was written in 2024. So either someone was under deadline and decided to submit this poor offering, or someone has other things going on. Either way, while this ends with a HEA, in my opinion, this is not worth the time spent reading.
59 reviews3 followers
June 16, 2024
This book keeps you on your toes. I would define it having suspense and spice! There is a lot to the plot so it’s not just about the spice and I enjoy that.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,478 reviews22 followers
June 24, 2024
Evangeline and the Everhart brothers have tension and chemistry between them. There are plenty of ups and downs when it comes to Evangeline's life. This is definitely a bully romance that is heavy at the beginning. It was a good read.
496 reviews2 followers
June 25, 2024
Great read. Loved the book. The characters were great. At the beginning I was a little worrying, but I love how they all came together. Great job.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,138 reviews28 followers
June 26, 2024
Three frat boys and a maid.

Evangeline is 21, fleeing an abusive father, when she’s hired as a maid
for three brothers, Theo, Ryder and Oliver, super immature wealthy boys. Who already hooked up with Evangeline.
3,996 reviews
June 28, 2024
Shadowvale Secrets: A Secret Pregnancy, Bully, Reverse Harem Romance
by
Lisa Cullen

This is a story that I highly recommend to you to read. It is a story about family, friendships, secrets, heart break, trust and love.
10.8k reviews125 followers
June 29, 2024
I've read a lot of books written by Lisa Cullen; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is part of the Forbidden Reverse Harem Collection; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Eva, Theo, Ryder & Oliver.
80 reviews
July 2, 2024
This was such a good reverse harem bully romance. I loved how well the characters were created, and how it all fit into the storyline. While it took some time for the guys to get it together (lol), I really did enjoy the whole thing!.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.