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Once Upon a Wicked Villain
Tower of Shadows
Welcome to the dark world of Grimm, where the villains are as wicked as their desires.
Rozlyn is a courtesan who dreams of becoming a prestigious seamstress in the Dawnbreak Court. When the mysterious Marquis of Shadows offers her his patronage, Rozlyn’s dream of owning a dress shop is finally within her reach.
That is, until she’s forced into a marriage to the Marquis.
The Marquis of Shadows is the greatest sorcerer in all of Grimm, but when he recklessly created a spell for revenge, he bound himself to his tower. The curse can only be broken by one maiden. Now that he has her and the curse is slowly fading, the Marquis will finish destroying those who betrayed him.
Even if Rozlyn is ensnared forever.
Tower of Shadows is a new take on Rapunzel and is part of a series of stand-alone titles of spicy dark fairy tale retellings where the villain gets the girl in the end. Each delicious tale can be read in any order and contains fierce females, morally gray males, epic stories, and scorching romance. Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Laura Thalassa, Raven Kennedy, and Jennifer L. Armentrout.
Rozlyn is a courtesan who dreams of becoming a prestigious seamstress in the Dawnbreak Court. When the mysterious Marquis of Shadows offers her his patronage, Rozlyn’s dream of owning a dress shop is finally within her reach.
That is, until she’s forced into a marriage to the Marquis.
The Marquis of Shadows is the greatest sorcerer in all of Grimm, but when he recklessly created a spell for revenge, he bound himself to his tower. The curse can only be broken by one maiden. Now that he has her and the curse is slowly fading, the Marquis will finish destroying those who betrayed him.
Even if Rozlyn is ensnared forever.
Tower of Shadows is a new take on Rapunzel and is part of a series of stand-alone titles of spicy dark fairy tale retellings where the villain gets the girl in the end. Each delicious tale can be read in any order and contains fierce females, morally gray males, epic stories, and scorching romance. Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Laura Thalassa, Raven Kennedy, and Jennifer L. Armentrout.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 2024
26 people are currently reading
393 people want to read
About the author
Candace Robinson
62 books1,112 followersI spend my days consumed by words and hoping to one day find my own DeLorean time machine. My life consists of avoiding migraines, admiring Bonsai trees, watching classic movies, and living with my husband and daughter in Texas—where it can be forty degrees one day and eighty the next!
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 5, 2024
Dark fantasy Rapunzel retelling!
November 20, 2024
I am really loving these standalone fairytale retellings. This is Rapunzel with a twist, and I am so in love with Rozlyn. She has really been through it, but she chooses to make the best of things and focus on what makes her happy. But don't underestimate her cheery disposition. She is deadly when needed. Their perilous journey kept me on the edge of my seat, and I really enjoyed the characters they met along the way. It's not a world I'd feel comfy cozy living in, but I would love to visit it. I can't wait to see what comes next in this series.
November 24, 2024
I lovvvved this.
Tower of Shadows is Candace and Amber's Rapunzel retelling, but with a twist.
Rozlyn is trapped in a tower by Haven, the Marquis of Shadows who is hellbent on revenge against the man who stole his 'match' from him and the only way he can enact his plan is with Rozlyn's help, so what does it matter if she doesn't fully understand everything he's planning?
Haven was very arrogant, believing himself to be better than everyone, stronger and smarter too. To an extent he is but he's also blinded to his revenge plan that he can't see what's right in front of him until it's too late. He's also the perfect example of 'he falls first' and he doesn't even realise.
Rozlyn is just literal sunshine. She tries to see the good in everyone and takes on every challenge with positive energy. There are times, of course, where that positivity is challenged, but for the most part she's a ball of energy. She and Haven reminded me of Vivian and Edward with their rule of no kissing on the lips, especially with Rozlyn being a courtesan.
One thing I will say is I was wholly unprepared for the smut on the first page and shut the book rather quickly as I was sat at my grandparents' table. Now I'm no stranger to smut but that would have been hard to explain 🤣
Tower of Shadows is Candace and Amber's Rapunzel retelling, but with a twist.
Rozlyn is trapped in a tower by Haven, the Marquis of Shadows who is hellbent on revenge against the man who stole his 'match' from him and the only way he can enact his plan is with Rozlyn's help, so what does it matter if she doesn't fully understand everything he's planning?
Haven was very arrogant, believing himself to be better than everyone, stronger and smarter too. To an extent he is but he's also blinded to his revenge plan that he can't see what's right in front of him until it's too late. He's also the perfect example of 'he falls first' and he doesn't even realise.
Rozlyn is just literal sunshine. She tries to see the good in everyone and takes on every challenge with positive energy. There are times, of course, where that positivity is challenged, but for the most part she's a ball of energy. She and Haven reminded me of Vivian and Edward with their rule of no kissing on the lips, especially with Rozlyn being a courtesan.
One thing I will say is I was wholly unprepared for the smut on the first page and shut the book rather quickly as I was sat at my grandparents' table. Now I'm no stranger to smut but that would have been hard to explain 🤣
February 14, 2025
These authors have done it again! Their writing style works so well together and i look forward to everything they put out!
This one sucks you in from the beginning with its unique fantasy world. Rozlyn is a breath of fresh air when it comes to female characters, she is believable and a warm soul. The Marquis of Shadows is a grump and mysterious but delicious in his ways. His morally grey demeanor has you drooling while you learn more about him.
The story line itself is amazing and gives me the same vibes i felt when i read a court of thorns and roses, which is one of my fsvorite series ever. The attention to detail and plot is well done and keeps you turning each page to find out what happens next.
Pick this one up and I can assure you that you wont be disappointed.
This one sucks you in from the beginning with its unique fantasy world. Rozlyn is a breath of fresh air when it comes to female characters, she is believable and a warm soul. The Marquis of Shadows is a grump and mysterious but delicious in his ways. His morally grey demeanor has you drooling while you learn more about him.
The story line itself is amazing and gives me the same vibes i felt when i read a court of thorns and roses, which is one of my fsvorite series ever. The attention to detail and plot is well done and keeps you turning each page to find out what happens next.
Pick this one up and I can assure you that you wont be disappointed.
March 2, 2026
Didn't finish this one. It felt like I was reading erotica instead of a romantasy book. The whole book (or at least the first half of it) is focused on sex way more than anything else. The story was interesting (retelling of Rapunzel but the villain gets the girl) except the story was maybe 15% of the content, and it didn't really evolve much in the whole half I read.
I enjoyed the first book of the series, and the spice was a lot more balanced with the plot if I remember correctly. I'm writing this review so I remember not to read the third book of the series, even if the story sounds interesting.
I enjoyed the first book of the series, and the spice was a lot more balanced with the plot if I remember correctly. I'm writing this review so I remember not to read the third book of the series, even if the story sounds interesting.
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September 4, 2024Once again, gotta say that having a book before its release makes it so much better lol!!
Retellings are some of my favorite storylines!! This one is lightly based on Rapunzel! But, instead of magic hair, we get a magic sorcerer that uses her hair in all the right, and wrong, ways *sigh* If you like alphaholes, damsels who choose to fight back, spice, and adorable skeletal sidekicks, definitely check this one out!
Retellings are some of my favorite storylines!! This one is lightly based on Rapunzel! But, instead of magic hair, we get a magic sorcerer that uses her hair in all the right, and wrong, ways *sigh* If you like alphaholes, damsels who choose to fight back, spice, and adorable skeletal sidekicks, definitely check this one out!
February 16, 2025
Dark edge to the Rapunzel fairy tale, which is so fun! Really enjoy fairy tales reimagined! Don’t fully love the initial setup for Roslyn’s character, but I like the ideas behind this story. The Marquis of Shadows with his curse and quest for vengeance. As the story unfolds, I really liked the relationship dynamics between Rozlyn and the Marquis. He has his mind set on revenge against his enemies and all that, so he’s not seeing the full picture that is Rozlyn. Overall, an intriguing read!
January 12, 2026
Not for me.
Haven is selfish and power-hungry, and the concept of a consequence is entirely foreign to him. He was unpleasant and mean to Rozlyn for 85% of the book, and she kept forgiving him and calling his not-apologies apologies because she "gets" him. Some of the writing felt repetitive after a while, especially the swearing. I really don't mind swearing, but it felt like the same thing over and over - it got boring quickly. I will not be reading another.
Haven is selfish and power-hungry, and the concept of a consequence is entirely foreign to him. He was unpleasant and mean to Rozlyn for 85% of the book, and she kept forgiving him and calling his not-apologies apologies because she "gets" him. Some of the writing felt repetitive after a while, especially the swearing. I really don't mind swearing, but it felt like the same thing over and over - it got boring quickly. I will not be reading another.
February 17, 2026
Nice mix of sweet and sexy
I was surprised by how genuine the emotions were in this book. And what's the name of the trope again, sunshine and grumpy? Not my favorite, but it was well written in this one.
I was surprised by how genuine the emotions were in this book. And what's the name of the trope again, sunshine and grumpy? Not my favorite, but it was well written in this one.
December 3, 2024
Dark and spicy.. Magical mayhem and surprising connections..
February 18, 2025
YES! Dark fantasy Rapunzel retelling!❤️
February 25, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this book! Rozlyn was a very charming character. I love the Rapunzel retelling!
April 16, 2025
Didn’t think I’d like it as much as I did…
But loved it. Cute, sweet FMC with a brooding, grumpy shadow daddy and witty banter. Great, short read. Definitely recommend.
But loved it. Cute, sweet FMC with a brooding, grumpy shadow daddy and witty banter. Great, short read. Definitely recommend.
February 3, 2026
2.5 stars
Haven was trash. I like a villian gets the girl book, but he wasn't a villian just a dickhead.
Haven was trash. I like a villian gets the girl book, but he wasn't a villian just a dickhead.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2026
it was amazing! Rapunzel but make it spicy with a shadow daddy !
November 6, 2025
Fantastically dark fairy tales, written for adults with an inner child searching for a romantic interlude.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews