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Black Shadows: Sin City District

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Shadows of my past haunt me, but I don’t know what’s real anymore. My only truth is being his captive, and my only wish is that tomorrow will never come…

Waking up in a hospital after a deadly fire with barely any memory should be a terrifying experience, but I know the real danger is still out there, waiting for me.
Despite my new freedom, I can’t help but shake the feeling of Deja Vu…

The last thing I expect after escaping my blurry past is several teammates from the the Las Vegas Mavericks showing up to save me from dangerous situation...
My nightmare is far from over, but I know I'm going to need all the help I can get if I am going to find the answers I'm searching for.

Will the truth set me and the men sworn to protect me free? Or will it be the very thing that destroys us all?

Black Shadows is a dark romance reverse harem. It ends on a cliffhanger. There are dark themes in this book but it does have a HEA (eventually). Again, this is a dark romance. You have been warned.

297 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 27, 2025

53 people are currently reading
71 people want to read

About the author

Lynn Rhys

16 books227 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for Laurence.
35 reviews2 followers
July 29, 2025
I just couldn't put this book down! Loved the story. Please read the trigger list before starting this Dark, dark, DARK romance.

First of all I love a good secret society 😍 and this book has it all, the mystery, the suspense, the trauma,…

I like how strong our FMC is, and I like the MMC's. We'll almost all the MMC's, because who likes Cam at the moment? I hated him in the beginning and I'm still hating him at the end. But who knows what the next book could bring? Even though he has some SERIOUS redeeming to do. I can't wait to see how this will play out.

At the end of the cliffhanger I have some theories and I'm looking forward to see if there are other plottwists or if my intuition is right 😍

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I need book 2 like yesterday!
Profile Image for Cali Mafiaa.
433 reviews23 followers
July 15, 2025
Oh my wow!!! I absolutely loved this book!!! It had me hooked from the very beginning and I just could not get enough!!! Oohhhh my gosh Raelyn she goes through so dang much my heart just breaks for her but she’s so dang strong!! & that cliffhanger oh my wow really I can’t wait to read book two.. 🩵🖤
606 reviews8 followers
June 26, 2025
Ooooooomg what was that! I love secret society! Enter at your own risk. This has a list of triggers a mile long. Raelyn has BEEN. THROUGH. IT. she needs a hug and a vacation on the beach. Not sure how I feel about all of the guys just yet. I mean I'm sure everyone has the same feelings about Cam. And the cliffy! I so need book 2 yesterday.
Profile Image for Teresa Juckett (Love Dark Reads) .
2,538 reviews38 followers
July 11, 2025
This was one helluva book. From start to finish I couldn't put it down or want it to stop . All I can say is go in blind and let this author take you on a twist and turn wild ride. I don't want to give things away as the fmc Raelyn goes through terrible, horrible trauma that can be triggering for some, so check the triggers before reading. I just knew that weasel Cam was hiding something btw.
Profile Image for Alexis Miller.
888 reviews24 followers
March 16, 2026
I’m beyond ready for book two. This book had me so invested and Intrigued I could not put it down. I loved the direction this is going and the twists just kept coming I was always shocked and waiting to see what the next big thing to happen was. I’m so super suspicious of Cam I can’t help but feel he knows something about Rae. So many questions and my anxiety is through the roof while waiting
Profile Image for Michellelovesreading.
1,611 reviews183 followers
June 28, 2025
This was a good book. It is a reverse harem. I haven’t read one in a while.

Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Josmely.
660 reviews27 followers
July 9, 2025
That cliffhanger 😭😭. I knew something was coming, especially with HIM, but I didn't expect it to be that.

I really enjoyed this one. Raelyn has been through A LOT. Kidnapped and assaulted and had no memories of what happened to her or about anything in her life. She found four guys that would do anything for her. They saved her and took her in and made sure she's safe and has anything she could possibly want. I loved how with all four of them they become absolutely obsessed with her from the moment they laid eyes on her.

As the book went on i liked how we saw her start to remember things here and there which in turn helps her come out of her shell more and we see her actual personality. She's definitely a strong woman after everything that she went through and again as the book went on we see her become stronger.

Im actually scared of the next book bc I have NO idea what could possibly happen. I have a few predictions but I know im gonna be wrong 😭😭. The guys treated her like a princess expect for one. Im really curious to see how he's gonna make up for his behavior when he gets his head out of his ass.

The entire book it felt like there was a cloud over it. Like it didnt matter what they were doing or where they were it just always felt like something was about to happen. I loved that cause it gives u a little insight into her head and how she's feeling. She spent the entire book feeling like she was being watched and that just added to the mystery of waiting for something to happen.

After reading the Darkwood Academy books I was dying to get a book on Drew. This man did not disappoint in the least. He was his amazing protective self. Was definitely super excited to read this and now I can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Kat Hingle.
70 reviews
October 21, 2025
This was a pretty good start to this series but I’m hoping there’s a lot more action in the second book. I have a feeling there will be after that cliffhanger. I mean Cameron’s character held a lot of mystery around who he was, where he came from, and what is personal life entailed. If he was being rude to Raelyn and telling her to leave because she was ruining everything for all the guys and messing up their games he went about it in the wrong way, especially after knowing she went through some serious trauma before she met all of them. I liked all the other guys but not Cam. TBH I almost DNF’d this book when Raelyn started lying to the guys about what she was remembering involving her memories. She acted like a childish little ungrateful brat after everything the guys did for her that they didn’t have to do in the first place. They gave her a roof over her head (a super nice one at that), bought her a whole new wardrobe, and were there for her every time she had a flashback, panic attack, or nightmare when she was sleeping. It just made me so mad when she was complaining about them being over protective and making her feel like she was trapped in a prison. Like really? They were just showing her that they cared and wanted to help her and be there for her. Then she had the nerve to compare them to the people that kidnapped her, held her captive, and graped her. That was a low blow if I ever heard one.
Profile Image for Melissa Block.
124 reviews2 followers
June 25, 2025
This is my first Lynn Rhys read, but definitely will not be my last. Just wow! I was captivated from start to finish with this book. I just could not turn pages fast enough. My only disappointment is finding out the next book is not expected to be out for a whole YEAR! I have no idea how I can wait that long to know what happens.
I loved Raelyn's character. She went through more than most people can even fathom, yet kept doing what she needed to survive. So much strength and determination. I was feeling so much right along side Realyn. I wanted to reach into the pages and give her the biggest hug.
Beaten, bruised, and nearly dead is how Drew finds her. He comes to her rescue in a very unexpected way. Followed by Tristan, Asher, Kayce, and Cam. They form a protective group around Raelyn as she recovers, with the exception of Cam the grouchy one. Each of the characters get chapters from their perspective, which I love. It really brought so much more depth to the main players and to the story as a whole.
There are so many twists and turns here and was surprised by each one. I never got bored and felt the story flowed perfectly. There are some darker themes here so be aware of the triggers.
I would highly recommend giving this book a try. I will be waiting very impatiently for the next book in the series.
This was a free advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Brandi Augustine.
997 reviews30 followers
July 9, 2025
I have been a fan of this author for awhile now and boy oh boy I just have to say she did it again. Please please read the triggers before reading this book because there are some and this book is dark.

I absolutely loved this book. Raelyn has been through some really horrible things and when she finally finds a friend, she finds herself in a situation again.

Drew, oh I am so happy to read about him again, is a pitcher for a major Las Vegas baseball team and has such a protective heart. When he sees a house on fire, he goes around to see if anyone is in there. After rescuing a girl, he ends up in the hospital also for smoke inhalation.

Drew's teammates Kayce, Cameron, and Tristan all chew him out for doing what he did because he could have got hurt but he would do again if meant saving someone.

Raelyn can't seem to get her memories back of her past life, she just knows she was drugged and abused. When she finds herself in the path of the baseball guys and the team doctor, Asher, she feels safe but still confused on what her life was before. But she also seems to feel eyes on her always and afraid her captor will find her.

Some of the guys have pasts that make them the way they are and would also like to get away from things they can't seem to control.

Will they all be able to keep themselves and Raelyn safe or will the evil find her? Read this book! It is so good!
Profile Image for ShaReads.
113 reviews1 follower
July 14, 2025
I received a ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily~

Holy smokes!!!

Insane 5 stars read! When I tell you I was up until 3am reading this, I WAS HOOKED from start to finish.

The writing was amazing, at some point my heart was honestly racing because I was scared for my girl!

Rae—our FMC—goes THROUGH it to say the least. There were times where I truly felt so emotional because of her hardships, but I love how strong she is and how she stands up for herself. She doesn’t take shit from nobody, and stands her ground as she should.

The cliffhanger IS CRAZY, only con right now is that the second book isn’t here YESTERDAY 😭

Tristan is definitely my favourite from the men, he’s broody, grumpy but has a sweet spot for Rae 🥹 but scared to see what’s to hold in the next books for them… I also love Drew and how much he cares for Rae as well as Kayce and Asher, was pleasantly surprised Asher was part of the group 😋 Hated Cameron, and i’m also curious to see if he’s gonna have a redemption arc and join… but don’t know if he can be redeemed if i’m being honest 🫩 but best believe I love me some grovelling!!

Would love to see more development with the characters, SO NEEED THAT NEXT BOOK NOW 💳💥
Profile Image for Sandra.
1,064 reviews10 followers
July 20, 2025
Another new author I picked up via an ARC, and again, I am glad I did. I thoroughly enjoyed this book; it had me from the BLURB. It is a dark reverse harem romance. The storyline is engaging, and you genuinely feel for the main female lead, Raelyn, and her struggles. You can sense her confusion, her anger at not knowing what to believe, and whether the memories she's having are real or not.

You have the men who are trying to be there for her, not putting any pressure on her, apart from Cam. Drew, Tristan, Kayce, and Asher want what is best for her, but at the same time, all four are falling under her spell.

There is also the dark undercurrent threading its way through the story. The secret society that Tristan is getting pulled into against his wishes. Something he can't flee from, but could ruin his friendship with the men, and also Raelyn, if they found out exactly what it all entails.

The book leaves the reader on a cliffhanger, and I can't wait for the next one to be released to see what happens next!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for AmesChicReads.
301 reviews20 followers
June 29, 2025
This was my intro to Rhys’s writing and I am so happy I signed up! The Why Choose caught me, but the writing kept me. I WILL be reading more of her books. Rhys did a remarkable job in relaying each character’s unique personality and the growth in each of them along the way.

Raelyn is a fractured yet resilient soul, surviving the most unthinkable and horrifying situations. In this story, each of the four (hoping Cam will come around in Book 2) guys, Drew, Tristan, Kayce, & Asher, bring something different to her chaos and unraveling - anger, tenderness, control, loyalty - but they all 𝘴𝘦𝘦 her. And instead of running from her, they stay. They all have their own traumatic pasts that seem to help them understand and some pasts even collide with hers…no spoilers 😉
I also loved the way they learned to breathe and just exist around each other. The way they were able to communicate and grow together.

The slow unraveling of secrets kept me locked in for the ride, and just when I thought I could breathe… BAM. The ending - wanting more. Now.
Profile Image for Akku.
661 reviews19 followers
June 22, 2025
✦ 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 3.9✨

✦ 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - 27 June 2025

✦ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
• amnesia
• reverse harem
• captor-protectors
• found family
• mystery/suspense
• athlete heroes
• cliffhanger ending

✦ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
Thank you so much book sirens and author for the free ARC! It was such a treat to dive into this world.
Okay this book had me so into it from the first line. The tension was real and I could feel it with every chapter. Lynn Rhys really gave that moody, dark, emotional vibe and I was lowkey living for it
I loved how her memories came back slowly. The clues were subtle but kept me flipping pages non-stop. And those boys? They’re not just hot, they actually matter to the story which made it even better.
It’s dark and twisty, just how I like it. Though something felt a little missing for me, I’m still way too invested. I already need book 2 like yesterday.
The Black Skull Society has a grip on me now and I’m not mad about it 😮‍💨
Profile Image for Anshul (stories.buddy).
1,058 reviews18 followers
June 25, 2025
First and foremost, read the triggers.
I have enjoyed every step of the story from the dark to the light, to again ending on a cliffhanger. I am left very, very confused with all the happenings, and I need the answers. I’ll be eagerly waiting, and I always appreciate how Lynn Rhys moulds her stories and makes you addicted.

I love reading them, and this one was no different. Seeing Phoenix again is such a déjà vu. It brought back all the memories of her story “From The Ashes”. Do try that one too. Now, this book is fast-paced and has lots of major details. And we see these boys falling for Rae in a smooth way. Asher, Drew and Kayce are simple and fun.

Rae has amnesia, and slowly and steadily, she starts regaining her memories, which were all so hard to see and give great insight into the plot. Tristan is another mysterious character for me, and his connection with his father is all so dangerous, whereas Cam is the one I’m questioning a lot.
Profile Image for Rachel Stephens.
2,508 reviews42 followers
June 26, 2025
Dang! What did I just read?!!
After that ending, I'm left wondering what is going on!!! I may have a few suspicions, but I have so many questions!!

Raelyn's story had me captivated the whole way through! I truly felt like I was on a journey with her, as she began to remember things. She is resilient and stronger than she realizes.
So far, I'm liking each of the guys. With an exception of Cam. However, I feel like there is more to his story.

It was an emotional roller-coaster at times. There was suspense, mystery, danger, tension, and some spice.
There is so much going on in this book. I feel like we have only just began to uncover things. What's coming next, who can you trust, and again...that ending!!
I dont want to give anything else away. I'll leave you with this...
This book was fantastic and a must read!!
1,200 reviews24 followers
June 29, 2025
Secret Society Read At Its Best!!

Wow! This read is dark, it has tension, and the build up has me biting my nails waiting for the next one in this series. Raelyn is a resilient, determined and fierce FMC. The men who have circled around her are delicious and perfect for her. There are so many layers to this story that I’m sure that once the entire series is released, I will start from the beginning once again and read it again and again - each time likely taking something different away from it.

The ending . . . OMG . . . the ending. What are you doing to me!!!???!!! I need the next book now! I kinda suspected something with that character but also didn’t want to believe he had something to do with whatever was going on. Like I said, I need bk 2 NOW!!!

Loved this amazing book and am so looking forward to more!
1,138 reviews9 followers
July 16, 2025
Dark, twisted, tragic, and heartbreaking is just the beginning for Raelynn as she tries to find herself and her mind! Her story is tough to read, but Lynn Rhys captures the emotional, psychological, and physical aspects that Rae is experiencing. Her relationship with her rescuers is complicated by their mixed feelings and attraction to her, but there’s also danger that stalks them. Secrets, lost memories, and PTSD creates an atmosphere of fear, loneliness, and pain that overwhelms Rae’s ability to communicate effectively with Drew, Asher, Tristan, Kayce, and Cameron. The cliffhanger is just as brutal as her flashbacks and just as devastating!! So many questions remain and I’m can’t wait to find those answers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
6,797 reviews239 followers
June 26, 2025
Having read and really enjoyed the author's The Darkwood Academy trilogy, it was a pleasant surprise to see the characters from that series appear in this book. This new series is darker. I do like it and look forward to continuing this series.

Oh my goodness, Raelyn. She endures a lot in this book. Yet, each time she comes out a little bit stronger. What I really liked is that Raelyn did not instantly become a fighter. She had trauma. It was shown and through this trauma I was able to connection with her on an emotional level.

She is luckily to have found a supportive group with Tristan, Asher, Kayce, Drew, and Cam. I don't have a favorite, but I will say that grumpy Cam makes me want to hug him.
Profile Image for Melanie.
719 reviews2 followers
June 27, 2025
Black Shadows: Sin City District is a New series by Lyn Rhys, It is part of The Black Skull Society. This is book one.


Well I don't know what tobsay about this read with put giving too much away. I have enjoyed all books that I have read by this author and this whole new series is no exception. It has me wanting to be able to read the next book in the series right now which is not going to happen I am going have to wait, but hopefully not for too long. Lyn really out did herself with the dark, moody vibes that she has written into these pages and that is a well done job in itself. I also loved all those boys that were written into those pages they really are something else. If you like a dark story with some twist and turns then you will enjoy this new series by Lyn Rhys.
861 reviews10 followers
June 28, 2025
Okay, this book was a ride. It starts out real foggy and intense. The main girl, Raelyn, wakes up with barely any memory, and from the jump, you can tell
something way deeper is going on. It’s got that dark, secretive vibe that keeps you turning pages like crazy.
What I really liked is that Raelyn isn’t just sitting there being broken. She’s been through it, for real, but she’s still pushing, trying to figure stuff out and get her life back. Total fighter.

Now the guys… whew. Some were sweet, some were protective, and yeah, there was definitely a time where I wanted to reach into the book and slap (you’ll know who). But the mix really worked.

It’s dark, it’s twisty, and it had me hooked. Can’t wait for the next one because that ending? Not okay.
Profile Image for Tara.
316 reviews21 followers
June 29, 2025
Get ready for a seriously intense read with "Black Shadows." The story kicks off with a bang, dropping you right into Raelyn’s messed-up world as she tries to remember who she is and why she's being held captive. It’s got that gritty, dark vibe that makes you want to keep flipping pages late into the night. You'll feel every bit of her struggle and root for her to find some answers.
The connections Raelyn forms with the guys who come to her aid are something else. They're a mix of strong, protective, and sometimes a little bit rough around the edges, adding a whole lot of tension and intrigue. This book is a total emotional rollercoaster, packed with mystery and moments that will make your jaw drop. If you're looking for a story that's captivating and unpredictable, this one's for you.
125 reviews5 followers
June 29, 2025
Definitely check your triggers with this one. That being said, I really liked this story. Raelynn and her men definitely had me gripped. This a reverse Harem romance with a traumatized FMC who has a fierce inner strength and will to survive and the men who protect her and will stand by her side. Raelynn went through hell and came out stronger in the end. There was so many twists and turns i wasnt even anticipating but was anticipating at the same time. And that ending! The ending! I absolutely need the next book like yesterday, how can I possibly wait until next year. If the triggers don't scare you off, I definitely recommend giving this book a try. This was the first book I've read by this author and I was not disappointed.
Profile Image for Misty Vaughn.
149 reviews1 follower
July 3, 2025
This book was so good!

This was the first book I have read by this author and she did not disappoint!

It is definitely a slow burn… it was just getting steaming when it left you hanging, but I am ok with a little cliff hanger. I have already pre-ordered book 2!

If you like reverse harem, athletes, little memory loss, secret societies and a sex club then this book is definitely for you!

Due to there being multiple characters, hence the reverse harem, you do really have to pay attention to POV so you know who is speaking! But I really liked this book!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Erika Nicole.
160 reviews
July 11, 2025
Make sure to check TW’s I loved this it’s a dark hockey why-choose about a woman struggling to remember who she is after being rescued and the men determined to protect her. The characters were great Raelyn is fierce, sassy and strong I enjoyed seeing her gain more confidence as her memories began to come back. The guys were so sweet well all except one, loved seeing them fall for her and how ready they were to do anything to keep her safe, I can’t wait until she starts trusting them with the things she’s remembering. I can’t wait to see what happens next and if we’ll start getting answers for what’s been up with Cameron.
Profile Image for Donna Williams.
833 reviews27 followers
July 1, 2025
First and foremost before reading this book please read the list of triggers. Your mental health is important to us and we don’t want to offend or trigger anyone. This was my introduction onto Rhys’s writing and i won’t lie I am so happy I signed up! The Why Choose caught me, but the writing kept me. I was hooked from start to finish I literally couldn’t put this book down. I WILL be reading more of her books. Rhys did a amazing job in relaying each character’s unique personality and the growth in each of them along the way. Can’t wis from read more of her work.
Profile Image for Daisy Nijs.
1,053 reviews17 followers
July 2, 2025
This is the first book, and it ends with a cliffhanger. I do have to wait quite a while for the next book, but that gives me plenty of time to reread this book again before I will have all the answers.
It’s a dark romance, reverse harem.
Raelyn has been through a lot, but there are some men that will form a protective ring around her: Drew, Asher, Cam, Tristan and Kayce.
The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat and I am anxious to find the answers. I’m very much intrigued at what’s to come.
Profile Image for Jamie Stahl.
389 reviews13 followers
June 22, 2025
This book is not for the faint of heart. If you are looking for fluffy romance, this is NOT the book for you.

But if you love your romance pitch black, your FMC traumatized then put through the ringer again, and growly, obsessive MMCs, then this is exactly what you need.

Meet Raelyn (we think) and her 5 knights in black armor. I really want to tell you more, but this book just needs to be experienced.
Profile Image for Ashley.
97 reviews2 followers
June 26, 2025
WTF!? Wow, this book definitely pulls you in and leaves you speechless. Raelyn has a troubling past and even more troubling future, especially since she can't remember how she got to Las Vegas, where she was being held captive and by whom. One day things start looking up though when she has 4 gorgeous men to protect her while she tries to figure it all out. There is a dark secret society that wants their property back.....what will happen next?
20 reviews1 follower
June 27, 2025

Lynn Rhys's "Black Shadows: Sin City District" is a captivating dark romance that plunges you into a world of mystery and danger. Raelyn's journey is utterly immersive, showcasing her deep resilience.

The book is an emotional ride, packed with suspense, tension, and spice, featuring a compelling cast of male leads. With its complex plot and a truly mind-blowing ending, this is a must-read for fans of gripping dark romance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews