Ride the Shadows

by Ky Drayeb

Leah thought she knew what to expect from college this year—until she crosses paths with Sam. He’s the last person she should get close to, but their undeniable pull keeps drawing them together. As shadows from Sam’s past creep closer, Leah must decide if she’s ready to ride into the unknown with him or be consumed by it.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark

111 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2024

About the author

K. Drayeb is an emerging new author based in the enchanting Pacific Northwest, where the lush landscapes and moody atmospheres inspire her storytelling. With a deep-seated passion for dark romance, K. has made it her mission to explore the intricacies of love that delve into the shadows of the heart. Alongside her darker tales, she also weaves light contemporary romances, proving that love can take many forms.

When she’s not crafting her next novel, K. enjoys losing herself in the pages of captivating books and sharing her home with five delightful black cats, who often serve as her muses. Join her on this literary journey as she invites you into worlds where love can be both haunting and heartwarming.

Reviews

[Monica Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leah and sam

A great novella. I read it in one sitting and could not put it down. This had a little bit of something for everyone. Sam is mysterious and leaves you wanting to know more about him.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book, but I honestly just couldn’t get into it. The storyline had potential and could have been more enjoyable as a full length novel. Or if it was a novella of an already established world and these were side characters you wanted the history of. But not a first introduction of a couple. While I understand it’s a novella, the character development and background info was not given to the reader. Certain things from their past would be mentioned once and then never get mentioned again - there didn’t seem to be a point to those snippets of info when they left you questioning more about it, or expecting it to come back up at some point. The insta love is not my favorite trope and this one in particular was harder than most for me to read. The FMC and MMC fell for each other without barely speaking to each other throughout the novella. Again, if it was a full length book or a continuation of a story those things could be ironed out and it would have been ok. With that not being the case, this book was difficult to enjoy. I expected more secrets to come to light on the MMC as the author made him sound so mysterious. He wasn’t a “biker” like the description or marketing would make you think. He rode a bike with other friends. Just felt like the overall characters were not written well and more work needed to be done to establish the relationships in the book. I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review of the book.

[Caitlyn Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded to a 5⭐️

I went into this story reminding myself that this was a novella and most likely the introduction for a series. With that in mind, this book took me on a journey and I enjoyed every minute of it.

I really liked the instant connection that happened between the MMC & FMC and the fact that neither of them knew how to act around each other. I feel that given this was a shorter story, the tension was there and done well.
While reading this book I found myself waiting and waiting for the spice to hit and when it did? It absolutely did. The fast paced dual POV’s were such a nice touch and in my opinion, it made for an easier read overall!

Although the *questions* I have about Sam Ryder’s past weren’t answered, I honestly believe that’s because the information will come later on in the series so I completely understand building up the desire to know more for future releases!! If the overall objective of this book was to suck me in and make me feel like I can’t wait until the next book in the series comes out.. then you, Ky Drayeb have succeeded🖤

[Nora Ellen (Nbbookery) · Rating 3 out of 5]

111 pages later, and I honestly couldn't tell you if this had an actual plot. Sam sees Leah in a college lecture hall, but he's too worried about his mysterious past to approach her. Months go by of him watching her, until he puts on a mask at a Halloween party and works up the courage to talk to her. He runs away before anything happens, but lucky for him, Halloween parties are left and right at college, so he gets a few more chances. He does finally get her alone, and they have a moment, but then he runs again. Their friends push them together without the mask between them, and they go for a ride on his bike and a romp in the woods. The novella ends with Sam texting a mysterious friend from his past to transfer to his and Leah's college. The end. I saved you 111 pages of pining glances, and Sam never revealing one ioda of info about himself. I really thought this had potential. Masked biker st@lking a college girl? Could've been fantastic. This fell very short.

[Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book started out with attention grabbing descriptions but fell short on lack of character development, background details of previous experience the characters had that were referenced frequently in the book, and parts of the book felt like they were added for the sake of length vs need of story development. The book is written in 3rd person which I usually immediately stop reading but I pushed through since it was a short and quick read. Characters barely interact but are suddenly obsessed with each other. The epilogue made no sense to the entirety of the book and left questions of how the characters got from point A to point B. The trigger warning for stalking needs to be acknowledged for anyone reading it as it is written at the bottom of the copyright page without standing out.

[Allison · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a short book that has a lot of potential. I liked the beginning and thought the author did a great job of describing everything so we could fall into the story. But then the book started switching back and forth between the main characters, and the development of them stopped. Because the story is so short, each switch seemed like just a few paragraphs and it was like reading a tennis match, which was a struggle for me. There were also some sections that seemed superfluous. The pace was fast, and it set you up for the next book. The author is a talented writer, but the book could use a stronger hand for editing.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book follows Leah and Sam, whom go to the same college campus, and their conflict in who is making the first move. The burn is slow and riddled with internal battles on both counterparts. BUT, que the masked man. We all love a Masked MMC! The spice was written very nicely and minimally throughout the book. This book is great for first time Masked mmc readers, its a nice toe dip into our dark world. The book definitely had me wanting more or more of the characters' backstories.

- Masked mmc
- bookworm fmc
- biker mmc
- slow burn
- college setting
- hidden secrets
-🌶️🌶️

[Kenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tells Leah and Sam’s story in a detailed but to the point manner. I absolutely loved it! It was short, sweet, with a little bit of spice and darkness sprinkled in! If you are looking for a quick read that will have you wanting more - this is it! I really enjoyed the read. I hope we get a little more about Leah and Sam AND even their friends! I do not want to give out spoilers - but definitely still thinking about some parts of this book!

[Jessica Crome · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is well written and I liked how the story jumped between Sam and Leah to see how they both viewed the situation or the other, though the sections could have been longer than a few paragraphs before the change. You could see the connection between the two and would love to see more of it and see how the relationship/connection develops more through the book. Overall it’s a cute story and the masked man gives the spicy and felt appropriate for those times.

[SlashReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story had such potential, but the insta love trope rained all over my masked man parade. It was a mix of contemporary with a dash of dark romance. I felt like there should have been further delving into the characters' background and growth. If you're into a college setting, insta love, and a lot of inner monologues/turmoil, this is the one for you. It is not told in 1st person POV, which is harder to get used to.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, I loved this book so much! Leah is such a great main character. Who doesn’t love a masked man? 🤤. Take a dive into their world, and watch Leah figure things out slowly but surely! The book had me kicking my feet with happiness. I’m hoping for a second book because I want more of their story!

[Spooky Bookish Bit*h · Rating 2 out of 5]

I REALLY wanted to like this book. However I just found it lacking. There's little to no character development and the story lacks background information. It's fast paced but at times confusing leaving me with a lot of questions. The plot has a lot of potential but the overall result felt one demiensonal and rushed.

[Jaime Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good masked stalker book, or in this case novella. I likes seeing both Leah and Sam's pov. It seemed to take a long time for them to do anything more than say a few words to each other. I can’t wait for the next book to see what happens next!

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get this ARC copy of Ride The Shadows. It was a quick read but a good one. I am hoping for book two as it definitely leaves you wanting to know more.

[Kayla Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dam and Leah’s story have great potential, it could be a little more character development and some more back story as well.

[Aribelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down. It is a fast read. Loved the MMC. Related to the MFC. Gotta love a mysterious, possessive, biker. I would have liked more of a back story to Sam.

[Elizabeth Carson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just bored with it. Couldn’t finish it.

[Sara | Doorasbookshelf · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 stars - yikes. That felt like it was written by OG Wattpad

[Vanessa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I talked about this book in a vlog: https://youtu.be/mmyGehxU1Xc

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read that definitely makes you want more. I can’t wait to read the next book! Masked man + bookworm fmc + biker mmc = perfection 🔥

[Katelyn Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ride the Shadows by Ky Drayeb is beautifully well written and easily my favorite novella so far, and I've read plenty. I could not put my phone down. It is... oooffff. 🥵

This novella does have quick dual POV switches, so keep that in mind. It is a quick read sitting at 111 pages total. There are definitely not enough pages. I can't wait until she is finished with the 2nd book to this duology. Ya girl needs answers as to what happens next with Leah and Sam..🫠

[Jen ⌇ jens.liiibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ride The Shadows was a really interesting story! This is book one in Leah and Sam's story. Sam transfers to a new college, and he and Leah share a class together. This book tells us of their meeting and shows us how their relationship progresses!

I feel the story was labeled/promoted appropriately - as a grey college romance. It wasn't a dark romance, but it had elements that hinted at it.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. I love the details thrown in by the author about the specific college courses Sam and Leah are taking, as well as, that they added in some loveable side characters for us - I am a side character girly.
I am really excited to see what happens in the next book! The ending leaves you with questions and wanting more, so I hope it's not too long of a wait to see where this story goes!

I'm hoping in the second book we get more information about Sam and Leah's pasts though, but I'm sure we will! Book 2 has so much potential and I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes.