The Darkness Within

Shadows and Strings #1

by K.B. Winters

In the game of deception, who pulls the strings?
By day, I’m the tech visionary the world adores. By night, I’m the darkness that’s haunting Detective Francesca DeMarco’s dreams. She’s hunting a killer. I'm chasing my prey.
For months, I’ve watched Francesca’s relentless pursuit of justice, my obsession growing with each case. The bodies I’ve left behind aren’t just crimes for her to solve.
They’re a trail leading her straight to me.
When I step out of the shadows and into Francesca’s life, her world will change forever. She has no idea what’s coming, but one thing is certain—once I have her, I’m never letting her go.

Love a romance that walks on the edge of danger? Let The Darkness Within lure you into its web of obsession and intrigue.
One-click this super steamy psychological thriller romance today!

Genres: Dark Romance, Serial Killer

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 28, 2024

Reviews

[Renae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow & Strings

Well, well, well...I was not expecting that from KB Winters! I've read several of her books & this was a bit out of her "norm". I'm soooo glad she wrote this story!! I absolutely loved it & can not wait for more Shadow & Strings! Especially with that ending-damnit KB, you had to leave us with the text message?!?!?

[Shelley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Darkness Within😈

Oh my gosh, this book captivated me from the first page❣️I loved the concept of Damien and Frankie, killer vs detective, and I’m so excited to see what happens next😮

I received an advanced copy via Booksprout and willingly leave my honest review🙌

[Claudia |✨Cushin Violeta's Bookish Realm✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝑶𝑯 𝑴𝒀... 𝑾𝑯𝑨𝑻 𝑻𝑯𝑬 😱... 𝑰 𝑵𝑬𝑬𝑫 𝑴𝑶𝑹𝑬

🆆🅷🅰🆃 🆃🅾 🅻🅾🅾🅺 🅵🅾🆁🆆🅰🆁🅳 🆃🅾:

♨️ Dark Psychological Thriller
♨️ Stalking
♨️ S€r!al k!ller
♨️ She's a Detective
♨️ He's a Tech Billionaire
♨️ Hot and Steamy

💕 🅱🅾🅾🅺 🆀🆄🅾🆃🅴🆂 💕

𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒆’𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝑰’𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒕 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔. 𝑰’𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒐, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒉𝒆’𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒖𝒏𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒚.

𝑨𝒏 𝒖𝒏𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒃𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔. 𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔𝒏’𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒛𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒚𝒆𝒕, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝒊𝒏 𝒂 𝒘𝒂𝒚.

📢 𝑪𝑨𝑼𝑻𝑰𝑶𝑵𝑨𝑹𝒀 𝑪𝑨𝑳𝑳-𝑶𝑼𝑻: 📢

Please do read the TWs before starting this one as there are themes of violence and k!ll!ings that might be uncomfortable for some.

🅼🆈 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆:

Wow... Start to end, I freaking devoured this incredibly written thriller that had me hooked onto it right from that first page.

We have gruesome k!ll!ngs that have been happening and the investigating detective, Francesca DeMarco and her partners at work are really perplexed about who it might be.
There's been no concrete evidence that they have been able to find nor have they gotten any clues as to the motto or identity behind all these crimes.

On the other hand, we have Damien who's a billionaire and owns his own high tech company and is a well known name.
What people don't know about him is the dark monster lurking behind all the charming facade he portrays in the public.

So begins the games as Damien is obsessed with the lead Detective, Francesca and wants to own every aspect of her life.

We dive into the tangled workings of a man who's driven by revenge but also wants to own the woman who's become the object of his desires and his obsession.

Frankie is a very smart and strong woman and she doesn't take sh!t from anyone. She has to be, working in the field that she does.

We have really forbidden times coupled with spicy times. Like red hot spicy. 🥵🔥🌶️

But there's so much at play and Francesca has no idea how she's already become part of a very dangerous game where the monster is luring her closer to him every second.

Ahhh... I read this book in one sitting and absolutely couldn't put it down.
Already many things had me shocked and then THAT ENDING 😲... OH MY FREAKING...😱😱 WHAT THE H€II... I NEED TO KNOW MORE... I NEED ANSWERS...
Can't wait for the next one.
Loved loved this one.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I've read KB Winters books for years and have loved them all. BUT, this story is a whole new level of madness, hotness, and suspense! I couldn't put this book down once I got started! I didn't want to read it because of lunatic Damien, but I had to know!! Clear your schedule when you start reading this, you won't want to put it down.

Frankie is a detective and has a serial killer on her hands, so she thinks. Her partner, Jay keeps reeling her in because there is a possibility it isn't. She's good at her job, but this one has her stumped. The killer is precise in every murder he commits and leaves no clues. Every murderer eventually leaves a clue, right?

Damien is a tech wizard by day, but at night he's a different person out for revenge. He's become obsessed with Detective Francesca DeMarco. He knows she's looking for him, which she'll never know about his other life, but she won't see it coming when he catches her in his web of deceit and gruesomeness. Pity, because she makes him feel things he's only felt for one other person.

This is the first story in this series, and there is a cliffhanger. I have my suspicions about certain people, can't wait to see if I'm correct. Hopefully, the author doesn't make us wait too long for the second installment of this series.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not realize that this was the start of a new series and would end in a HUGE cliffhanger, so beware. That being said, I am TOTALLY invested and addicted to getting my hands on the next installment in the Shadows and Strings series which is a deviation from the "usual" writing of KB Winters. Detective Francesca DeMarco is a homicide detective that is trying to discover the identity of a killer terrorizing her city but is stumped at finding a connection between the victims so the murders can be categized as the work of a Serial Killer. Until a sexy, rich mysterious man enters Frankie's life, her life has revolved around her job. Damien Wolfe has many secrets and as Ms. Winter has mesmerized her readers like Damien has intrigued Frankie and lures her into his world. The cliffhanger has me wondering if Frankie is trapped in Damien's web and to what conclusion or is there a chance for an HEA between the two if the secrets threatening to tear them apart are actually kept secret. I hope book 2 is released VERY SOON!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st book in the new Shadows and Strings series a riveting steamy psychological thriller. Damien and Frankie's story shows us a completely different level of intensity, madness, obsession and suspense. Their story keeps you on the edge of your seat and it keeps you turning the pages to see if the detective Frankie will catch the serial killer that she's been hunting. Then the sexy enigma Damien enters her life and little does she know that the rich tech wizard is one man by day and another at night and he's become obsessed with Frankie. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this riveting steamy psychological thriller full of heat,intensity, madness, obsession and suspense to see what happens. This book does end on a cliffhanger so I can't wait for the next book to see where we go from here.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denisa Claudia Raicu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avem parte de doua personaje principale foarte puternice, Francesca alias Frankie și Damien.
Ea, detectiv omucideri, el un colos în domeniul tehnologiei.
Francesca a devenit detectiv după ce tatăl ei a fost omorât și acum îl are ca partener pe Jay, același partener pe care l-a avut și tatăl ei si pe care îl vede ca un unchi, are încredere maxima în el.
Damien este aparent bărbatul perfect, bogat, frumos, misterios, cu o obsesie pentru Francesca și cu dorința de a se razbuna. Este meticulos, atent, perspicace și își iubește enorm sora, pe Olivia, pentru care face ce face.
Avem parte de crime cu sânge rece, de frustrarea Francescai din cauza ca pe strazi este liber un criminal în serie și de o legătură care se naște între cei doi.
Ce va face Francesca când adevărul va ieși la iveala, cum se va scuza Damien, sper ca aflam în volumul 2.
Mie mi-a plăcut mult!

[Grinning Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Damien and Frankie
Genre- Romantic Suspense
Length- novel
Heat- 🌋🌋🌋🌋🌋
Series? First in a trilogy. Cliffhanger.
Safety? Y
Triggers- graphic violence, explicit erotic content, language
Tropes- Serial Killer/Cop, Stalker, Enemies to Lovers
Mewsings-
What I liked- The zexytime was very hawt, and I liked the tension that was present because of whether she’d find out he was the serial killer she was looking for.
What I didn’t- sometimes Frankie was a bit too earnest for my liking.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Francesco is an investigator who has been looking into a series of deaths where she believes one man is responsible for them all. The only problem is that she has more questions than answers and is uncertain where to go from here.

At first glance Damien appears to be a successful businessman but not only does he have secrets, but he also has plans when it comes to the feelings he has for Francesca.

Intriguing characters, great chemistry and a suspenseful story that leaves us needing to know what happens next.

[Claudia, Cmarie927 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh the mind games!! Lots of suspense in this one.

This story has definitely started this series with an bang, and I found this very addictive, full of dark twists and turns. Damien and Frankie have an engaging connection, and it was hard to stop reading. So, plan your time.

I enjoy the craftsmanship if this author, and look forward to my next visit into this world.
I was fortunate to receive a complimentary copy of this one (thank you) and voluntarily leave my review.

[Kim Hammork · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been a fan of this author for years, this is completely different than anything she’s ever written. I was a little turned off in the beginning, but the more I read, the better and crazier it got. I still hate cliffhangers, but she let us know in advance so I can’t hold that against her. I can not wait for the next one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to read a story that crackles from the beginning and keeps you hooked then this is the one to read. The story of Frankie and Damien is a bit dark, if you don't like that then this is not the book for you. The storyline is written in such a way that you get hooked and can't turn the pages fast enough. There is chemistry, attraction, many twists, danger, action and many steamy moments.

I received an Advance Reader sample of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Francesca (Frankie) is determine to stop the murders, she suspects that she is trailing after a serial killer, but is he out to get her too? Damien hides his darkness, will it get exposed if he spends too much time with Frankie? I loved this dark thrilling story, with it's steam, and all the intrigue/suspense to keep you reading on. I need to know what happens next.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received, and giving my thoughts and opinions on it.

[Donna Gomez-Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Darkness Within is absolutely amazing Chills and Thrills keep you on the edge of your seat anticipation of what’s to happen. Darkness lurking in the shadows waiting for the exact moment to catch his prey. This is an amazing book that captivates you from the beginning until the end, if your looking for a book that intrigues your mind and you can't put it down, then this is the psychological/thriller just for you. Grab your copy today and start reading. Enjoy happy reading 📚

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damien lives a double life one a respectable tech genius the other far darker pursuits and his eyes are set on detective Francesca (Frankie) she's hunting him, but that exactly what he wants. Well written steamy dark fast paced desires and more!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness what did I just read and how far away is book 2?
Francesca or Frankie to her friends is a homicide cop, she’s on the hunt for a serial killer and has no idea he’s right under her nose.
This plot is not the usual work I’ve come to expect and I absolutely loved it. I read it in one sitting as I was totally captivated.

[Ann Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sexy, suspenseful thriller that was so gripping as Frankie, a cop, goes in search of a serial killer. Damien is obsessed with Frankie and his mind games were so creepy. An intense story with some bloody and gruesome scenes. Can't wait to read the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed I liked how KB Winters is trying something new. I've read a lot of her books and this was different from others she has written. Like Frankie's character I keep wondering how things are gonna play out when she finds out who is behind everything. Can't wait for book two.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeps you glued to your seat

The Darkness Within is the first book in the Shadows and Strings series. This book is dark, twisty, enticing, enveloping, intense, and just something that you don't quite expect. Be warned that this book does end with a cliffhanger so the story will be continued in the next book. But even with that this is a winner if you love dark and twisted.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damien and Frankie's crazy and intense murder mystery is a definite page turner. From the first page to the last this book had me reading nonstop on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. After that cliffhanger ending I can't wait to read the next book in the series to find out what happens next. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[S I · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Darkness Within by KB Winters
Damien and Frankie story will blow your mind. So suspenseful you just don’t want it to end but she has us waiting to see what will happen next. This is a twist to how this author write them her normal MC characters. I love this! You have to get this, very recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Megan Jacob · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up. This is a good start to a series. A detective being played with or more? This has great bones to a hopefully great series with twists.... I don't want to spoil anything, but if you like intrigue and more give this a try. This is my honest review for a book I volunteered to read.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can tell from part one of this series that it is going to be intense the whole way through. The storyline is amazing. The suspense will give you goosebumps, and the relationship between the detective and the criminal is a mind game. This is a definite must-read.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Francesca is hunting a killer one who has her in his in his sight. She doesn't know that she is his prey, and he is out to get her. This story is intense and had me on the edge of my seat.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. As detective Frankie demarco and her partner search for a serial killer he is tracking her with a twist. This is fantastic can't wait for more.

[Sammye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Shadows and Strings series. The story is very dark and intense. Damien and Frankie’s story is very intriguing. I was hooked from the beginning and can’t wait to see what happens next

[Sharon Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow!

This is so good, Damian is a killer & Frankie wants to find out who the killer is after the bodies keep pulling up, but has she walked in to a trap when Damian let her stay with him!

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. This story is going to be full of twist and turns nobody can see coming.frankie is a homicide cop and try to find a serial killer is not easy but what she doesn't know is that the killer is closer than she thinks. What will come next?

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s dark, suspenseful and ending on cliffhanger.
Really is a lot of nails biting and looking over your shoulder .
Serial killer obsessed with detective.
Let’s the game begin.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great read that pulled me and kept me on the edge of my seat with danger and mystery was at every turn.

This is the start of Frankie and Damian's story as the suspense left me wanting more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.