A girl who hides in the shadows. A boy who collects secrets. One spilled drink that changes everything.
Ileana Moreno has perfected the art of invisibility, slipping through life unnoticed and pouring her soul into ballet to escape the suffocating walls of her home. But all it takes is one careless moment to capture the attention of Wren Carlisle—the boy with a camera, a taste for obsession, and a dangerous need to uncover what’s hidden.
She dances to forget. He watches to consume.
What starts as a subtle game of cat and mouse soon becomes a dangerous dance of obsession, control, and desire. The more Ileana tries to disappear, the harder Wren pulls her into his world, where her secrets are his currency, and her resistance only fuels his fixation.
To be seen by him is to burn. But some flames are impossible to resist.
He will have her, no matter the cost. She has to decide if surrendering to the devil is worth the fall.
From one of the authors who brought you the Churchill Bradley Academy series, comes a new dark, seductive, and addictive standalone stalker/bully romance with a guaranteed HEA at the end.
Boring this book dragged on and on with nothing happening different he stalked her and took tons of pictures. She has no personality besides being a ballerina the end
I just finished reading In Shadows We Dance by Lee Ann and it grabbed me from the start. Was it terrible that I wanted to hide away from my family so I could read in peace?
Ileana Moreno has managed to keep herself invisible for years. She knows how to blend in and remain unseen, whether in the grocery store, the school cafeteria or in her numerous classes. It’s something she has perfected over the years, but she has a secret escape from the hidden life she lives…ballet. When she dances in the forgotten studio, she is free from all the chains that bind her.
That all changes one day when a careless incident puts her in the path of Wren Carlisle. With his friends, Monty and Nico, Wren has built a reputation, one that some know from experience is well earned, while others just know it from rumors.
Ileana becomes Wren’s newest obsession and he begins a game of cat and mouse with her. The more she tries to remain hidden, the more he is laser focused on finding out why. As he discovers her secrets, he uses them to control her and bring her into the shadows with him.
I loved how I felt like I was Ileana sitting in class with Wren behind me…the anxiety built tap by tap by tap. I wanted to run out of the room. I wanted to scream at him to STOP! I never knew what was meant by a “pulse pounding read” until this story.
If you enjoy the darker side of romance, with an obsessive sta1ker type MMC who pursues the MFC with single minded intent, and loves documenting everything with his camera, I highly recommend reading this book. I know I plan on having it on my shelves once the physical book is available, in addition to my ebook.
Buckle up cause it’s about to be a wild ride! L. Ann puts it all out in table with touches of so many dark genres. Watching this story unfold was deliciously dirty and absolutely riveting. I was drawn in and read till the wee hours of the morning because the plot twists were on point!
Wow! this book was so good, it took me a while to read it because of Christmas getting in the way (how rude! lol) but this is one you’re not gonna wanna miss.
This was dark, twisty and full of obsession. Ileana has lived her life in the shadows, invisible to those around her until she trips and spills orange juice over Wren Carlisle. And OMG how her life changes, Wren quickly becomes obsessed with her and makes it his mission to learn everything about her…. Even her deepest family secrets that even she doesn’t know!
Wren has a reputation around school for making people’s life’s hell just for the fun of it with his two best friends Monty and Nico. Even they question Wrens sanity at times!
I don’t think you’re ready for the intensity of Wren Carlisle, buckle up and enjoy this dark but beautiful story.
💀Tropes💀 🖤 Stalker Obsession 📸 Unwanted Photographs 🖤 Dangerously Intense Attraction 🌲 Hunted Through the Woods 🖤 Dubious Consent 👀 The Thrill of Being Watched 🖤 Morally Gray, Possessive Hero 🌹 Dark, Twisted Passion 🖤 A Battle of Control and Surrender 🍆 BJ Olympics
This book is absolutely amazing, it had me in a chokehold from beginning to end. You know when your brain plays tricks on you, you know there's someone there, you can sense someone watching but you can't prove it. It's enough to drive you insane. I felt everything that Ileana was feeling down to my core. Wrens obsession with Ileana is so intense and raw and all kinds of wrong...in a normal world, but this...I absolutely ate it up. Hold on tight because this book has it all, it kept me on the edge of my seat throughout and is by far the best stalker romance I've ever read.
If you want to start 2025 with a bang then In Shadows We Dance is the book for you.
Dark, twisted obsessions and so much intrigue..... This book is simply stunning in its writing and exquisite storytelling. It is going to be existing in my brain rent free for a very long time.
I can not recommend this book highly enough and would just say that's it's one of the best books I've read in a while.
I cannot describe how much I love this book. Wow, just WOW. 😍 The author is a fantastic writer. I’m blown away by the imagery and details she includes. I loved everything! So many powerful statements were delivered with such finesse that I got goosebumps.
As far as dark romances go, I don’t think this was “dark” per se, but it does feature a male main character who is a stalker with obsessive and possessive tendencies. 😬
While his possessiveness is HOT🔥, is his obsession a little unhinged? Probably. He does plenty of things that can be considered 'dark grey.' And those actions make this a ‘dark romance’ that could make some readers uncomfortable.
I, on the other hand, devoured everything about him. His obsession was so well written that I ate it up. The chase in the woods is everything! 🌲Not only does it set the stage for the type of relationship they might have, but it’s also incredibly hot❤️🔥. I enjoy reading about a well-written 'primal kink.' Does that make me a little unhinged, too? Maybe, lol. 😂 I guess I’ll have to keep reading this author’s works to find the answer. 😘
Some might say he’s manipulative, but I think he’s an expert at persuasion. Wren knows Ileana better than she knows herself. He sees the truth of her when no one else does and draws out her inner self, which I love ❤️. In my opinion, she truly needed him.
Ileana was made to be in the shadows for everyone, not just for others but for herself as well. On the surface, she’s shy, quiet, hidden, and even invisible. She seems comfortable and maybe content with that, but right from the beginning, you can feel there is something more just beneath that perfectly crafted surface, waiting to come out. She completely and utterly captivated me. I was so intrigued and wanted to know more about her. Not as much as Wren did, obviously, but close enough. 😉
If you don’t like Wren, then you have to like Ileana. It’s impossible not to be drawn to at least one of the characters.
I 100% recommend this book!! 🖤You should pick up "In Shadows We Dance" today to find out if Wren manages to draw Ileana out or if his obsession pushes her away. Read to uncover the secrets hidden in the shadows. You won’t regret it! It’s SO FREAKING GOOD! 🤩
If you still need more convincing, here are the tropes: 🖤St@lker 👀The Thrill of Being Watched 🖤Dubious Consent 😈Morally Gray, Possessive Hero 🖤Mind Games 🌹Dark, Twisted Passion 🌲Hunted Through the Woods 🖤Cat & Mouse Trope 🩰A Battle of Control and Surrender
I’ll go ahead and say it in advance. You’re welcome!!
Thank you to the author for an e-ARC of this book. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is one of the rare types of romance where you become part of the narrative, almost another stalker, complicit in the obsessive gaze. This feels like an event book where the words draw you in, and you become part of the unhinged infatuation.
The way this book is constructed, you feel like you are right alongside Wren and his possessive control and manipulation of Ileana. You are lurking in the shadows with a constant sense of being watched and watching. There is an unease in the words and a level of obsessive detail that leaves you feeling breathless and crazed. Wren is a stalker on a whole other level. He wants to break Ileana down to her base parts and then watch her blossom under his view. He watches and knows her down to the smallest ticks in her muscles. He is consumed by every tiny detail.
Ileana has a lifetime of hiding in the shadows and making herself small to overcome. Being seen is new to her. But under her stalker's gaze, she gains confidence and is able to truly find herself. There is a skill in the narrative that makes the possession and control a liberating force for Ileana. Her choice to be seen frees her to become someone new.
Pay heed to the TWs (always a given with any dark romance) but otherwise, go into this blind and let the narrative control you. Become part of the obsession. Fight alongside Ileana to break free from her constraints. Play in the shadows Lee Ann creates.
Themes: Ballerina and her stalker Set in a high school Being watched and watching A level of obsession I have not read before Slowburning with all consuming intensity
I'm big fun of L.Ann's books, but this one just wasn't it for me. It could be on purpose, maybe to let the readers use their imagination, but I missed the descriptions of the faces, colors of their hair and eyes, what clothes they were wearing. There were too many words about taking pictures and too less words about the family dynamic at Ileana's home. We learned about Wren's grandmother almost at the ending. Why??? I liked the book most at 80%. Till that moment I was flipping pages.
The best way to read this book is going in blind! The way the author pulls you into the story is intense. The story is not your average sweet romance. I was gripped from the first page!
Wren Carlisle is fixated with his ballerina Ileana. He is obsessed!! He dark, mysterious, dangerously intelligent, charming and is very possessive.
I love this storyline, the characters and the dark secrets. It is the best st@lker book I’ve read. Can I give this 10 stars? It’s so bloody good.
"Like you're trying to hold on to something that keeps slipping away"
As the story progresses this becomes such a powerful truth for both of them
Buckle up for one Hades of a ride! I strongly suggest your heart and soul are tucked safely away at all times as there are no guarantees you will come out this unscathed. Actually, I can almost guarantee you their story will leave its mark But all the best rides do, don't they? 😏
Wren hides his own "secrets" with his obsessing and his need to know. But this obsession? The one that is nothing - yet absolutely everything It may just be his undoing
I pretty much knew what was up with how the dad behaved and all However, I wasn't sure our sweet innocent wallflower (or maybe not) was as in the dark as she pretended to be But when it all came crashing down Watching the walls crumble in real time Watching as everyone gets dragged in and tossed about Talk about white-knuckling, edge-of-your-seat surprises
This does have its darker moments - chasing innocent little dancers through the dark forest type of moments - head games - bullying that type of stuff If any of that is not for you then the other events will be big old flags too
For those who enjoy their heroes being morally bankrupt but still slightly salvageable then this one is for you
Stalker romance reads are hit and miss for me. Sometimes I find them to bee too similar or that they skirt around the darkness that they promise. NOT this one! This one has it all - suspense, darkness, heat, angst and so much more!
L. Ann nailed it when she wrote this book. Ileana is the girl who hides in the shadows, fearing that she will be seen and Wren is the boy who everyone watches but never feels seen. This is their story and they see on another, they get one another and they truly love one another.
I started this book just to get a taste, thinking I would put it down and return to it later. Well, I didn’t put it down until I finished the last page. This is one of my all time favourite book for stalker romance reads. I can’t put in to words how much I loved this read!
I came across this book after seeing it mentioned in a Facebook group and decided to give it a try. I thought I knew what I was getting into, but that wicked Wren is something else entirely!
What I took away from this book is that sometimes, we don’t truly know ourselves until we cross paths with someone who pulls us out of the shadows. In the light, we discover our power, our strength, and ultimately, peace in the revelation of who we truly are.
Wren’s methods may be a bit psychotic, but the results proved his point. This book also reminds us that love can mean embracing the darkest parts of someone and loving them unconditionally in spite of them.
This is a rare 5 stars from me—and let’s talk about the spice. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ The spice! Chile, Wren is officially my new book boyfriend!
The story had me hooked right from the start, and the author, Lee Ann, took me on an unforgettable ride. Wren and Ileana’s journey elicits all of the emotions. I had never heard of Lee Ann before, but now I’m excited to explore more of her work. Bravo, Lee Ann!
***Check those triggers because this book touches on many.
I think I have found a new favorite genre, I’m going to call it dark and twisted romance! Nothing sappy sweet for me. L. Has taken dark and steamy to a new level and I can’t wait for more!! I don’t want to wait for more!! If you’re feeling brave then step into L. Ann’s world where all dark, twisted and steamy are not only possible but expected.
With this being my introduction to stalker romances, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I honestly didn’t expect to learn some things about myself, that’s for sure. There were so many scenes that had my heart beating out of my chest. This book is the slow burn of all slow burns but I enjoyed the plot so I didn’t mind. Lee Ann has a gift of taking a common trope and putting her own spin on things so I enjoyed her take on the ballerina trope. Definitely recommend this book!
The shadows are not only those in the woods Wren chases Ileana in. There are shadows everywhere in that book : Ileana's past is full of smoke screens and mysteries, Wren's mind is dark and twisted. Shadows everywhere... and layers, so many layers. This book is slow paced, very spicy, and I loved that the author took me slowly into that world, it takes time for a caterpillar to become a butterfly. And Wren's obsession with his ballerina is addictive. This deeply twisted, emotional, and immersive story has my heart in its clutches and it will stay there for quite some time.
What a ride. This book had me in its grips from start to finish. Every time I thought I knew what was happening I was proven wrong. The author gave us a story of obsession wrapped around a mystery. I loved how we got little glimpses of the hidden truth as we read. Ileana’s journey in this book was like watching someone be reborn. She learned so much and even when she was scared she had some defiance. Wren was a master of everything and had me wanting more. His confidence and arrogance made for one alpha male.
The author always gives us an amazing story and this was no exception. With each page we are pulled farther into a complex story. As a reader, this story was one of only a few that has had me guessing all the hidden information and being wrong in the best way. If you love mystery and suspense mixed with some obsession and dominance, this book is perfect for you.
What a great way to start off the year! This book has everything and more. If you like dark, stalker, mind games and mystery you need to read this book. Wren is possessive but in the best way, he's probably in my top 5 book boyfriends of all time now.
Wow! This is one of those books it’s best you go in blind especially if you have no triggers. It is intense and riveting and I couldn’t put it down. I love a good stalker romance and our mmc is on point! Lee Ann has done our hero justice. This is one unhinged toxic hero with all the touch her and unalive vibes! The plot twists are clever and kept me thoroughly entertained.
In Shadows we Dance is a dark romance with an overly obsessed MMC and a FMC who was taught to remain hidden in the dark.
Ileana grew up knowing she had to remain undetected. Years of strict rules from her father had her perfect blending in the background of every day life. That is, until she caught the eye of Wren Carlisle - a man who is overly possessive and has a determination to uncover every hidden secret.
Wren, notoriously known for destroying lives around him, is fixated on the mysterious Ileana. One moment of unintentional interaction and he was hooked. He was determined to know her every routine, every choice, and every step taken. One photograph taken is all it takes; Ileana’s life is forever changed. She can’t outrun Wren no matter what she does. Her life’s mission to stay hidden is faltering as Wren is bringing her to center focus. Can she try and remain hidden or will Wren force her into the light?
I did enjoy this book, it was a quick read however I found there was just too much focus on certain aspects with Wrens character that it became a bit repetitive for my liking. It was very straight forward how he was going to be throughout the book and I wish we had more of an in depth into his character building earlier on versus the end of the book. I did like how it was explained in how he became who he was, but I wish it was more in the middle section.
As for the whole point of the plot with keeping Ileana in the shadows…. I wish we had an answer to why. We learned the gist, but not the physical reason of what happened or what occurred to cause the chain reaction. I really wish that was placed in the book for it to make a bit more sense. If that question had been answered I’d have given this book 4.5-5 stars. That was probably my most annoyed moment throughout the entire book since it was built up from the middle sections and just, left hanging.
Let me tell you, In Shadows We Dance is not for the weak! I haven't read many books in this particular genre/trope, so I'm learning to understand how it works. Wren is not someone I would want to be friends with, initially. A simple accident turned him into a crazy, obsessed person determined to destroy Illeana.
Illeana, on the other hand, is a master at being invisible. Her parents trained her to be that way for her entire life. Then the unthinkable happened, Wren saw her.
This book had me all up in my feelings in many different ways. I knew I wasn't going to like Wren and his behavior. How his friends helped him in his actions wasn't something I was a fan of either. The crazy thing is no matter how much I didn't like things that were happening, I couldn't stop reading! This book took a literal chokehold on me and never let go! I knew, without question, that there had to be a redeeming quality to Wren and his plotting and obsession.
There were things in this book I didn't expect. There were things in this book that I didn't like. There were things in this book I LOVED. This book was fantastic, even the parts I didn't care for made it the fantastic read it was for me. You can't have a dark stalker bully romance without a dark stalker bully! You can't have a book of this type without someone who is being stalked and bullied. The two go hand-in-hand. The thing is, there is so much to each of the characters that you can't help but end up appreciating, liking, and/or loving the characters.
This is a dark stalker romance like nothing I’ve ever read. So good!! Taking place in Silverlake Rapids, Iliana and Wren are two seniors at Silverlake High who have never once spoken to each other. Until one day she “bumps” into him.
Iliana has always made sure she was invisible and blended into the background. She lives a very sheltered life. Always just focused on school and her parents. Wren is a rich kid whose family practically owns the town. He has an obsessive personality and likes to play “games” on others with his friends. When Iliana comes onto his radar she finds she can’t hide in the shadows anymore.
This was intense and I loved how for a lot of it, it was a true stalker/obsession play by play. He really wants to know every single detail about her. And for most of this, you think it’s just their “relationship” and this dynamic, but it is so much more. Disturbing things come to light. People aren’t who they say they are and things aren’t as they seem. This was a dark stalker romance, yes, but also a mystery/suspense with a great storyline. And you know I always love and appreciate a satisfying complete epilogue. Loved this!
It is impossible to be invisible in high school, however Ileana has managed it, until a lunchtime incident brings her onto Wren’s radar. Wren and his friends are, well… not the type of high schoolers you want to be noticed by. Right from the word go, I loved Ileana and felt a heart pounding horror each time Wren followed her, taunted her, ‘forced’ her to dance. I just felt a need to wrap her up and keep her safe. Until I realised she was like a caged bird. Wren’s actions made me want to hate him at first but then the more he teased poor Ileana; the more she came alive. I felt her emotions bleed through the pages when she danced and pictured her flying across the dance floor whilst Wren watched. I imagined each picture he took and turned pages quicker than ever to get to their next encounter. Wren started as a bully who I despised but by the end of the book he was a morally grey anti hero who freed Ileana from her cage and let her fly. I love him! Like anything Lee Ann writes, you’ve got the wonderful characters along with a brilliant storyline that gives you all the angst followed by gasping moments and tears (both happy and sad). I have zero hesitations on whether or not to buy anything she releases so don’t hesitate, you need Wren and Ileana in your life!
A dark romance that will draw you in and refuse to let go. Ileana lives in the shadows, encouraged by her family to study hard, not interact with people or school clubs, to be invisible. All she wants to do is dance, but even that is no longer allowed. Wren comes from a family that is, at best, absent. He has a reputation at school for being cruel and not someone Ileana would ever want to 'see' her. Then a spilt drink changes everything, suddenly Wren decides she is his next plaything. As Wren literally envelopes Ileana, he digs into why she stays invisible. As he draws her further into his game, he starts to uncover secrets and lies that could turn Ileana's life completely inside out. This is a story of obsession and control. Wren is determined to break Ileana but finds himself unable to stick to the plan, then let her go. The deeper he delves into Ileana and her family the more he realises this girl is not going to be easy to cut loose when the game is done. As he digs further, the deeper down the rabbit hole they fall. Wren and Ileana take us on a journey of control, unearthing secrets and intrigue that could swallow them up. Everytime I was convinced I had worked out where we were being taken, another twist would prove me wrong.Lee Ann never disappoints and as always has given us a tale both dark and twisted, I can guarantee your won't want to put it down.
All I can say is buckle up because this is gonna be some ride! I was drawn in by the dark twist and mystery of this book and just needed to know more and more.
It’s dark,twisty and totally full of obsession and a few secrets.
I love that Iliana thinks she is hiding from the spotlight so well but inspite of that, Wren sees her and after she spills a drink on her he sees her even more. Wren is kinda ruled by his slightly obsession with Iliana but she totally tore down his walls. They challenge eachother but in a good way. You had a few secrets mixed into the plot in a new and diffrent way but it’s a fantastic book that you can’t miss out on.
From the moment I started reading the story pulled me right in. I just had to read it in one sitting🥸. This book confirms that one moment can change everything. As usual, this story was worth another 5 stars for me! I enjoyed the MMC's obsession with the FMC, but especially the amount of spice🌶️🌶️ 🌶️& darkness. The further you read, the more complex the story becomes. I really recommend this book!
I have never, ever, not only wanted to read a book so quickly, to get to the end, to see how it all turns out but to also read it slowly and savour such a stunning story. Once again, Lee Ann writes such amazing character description, not just how they look but how they act and feel, that it draws you even further to the story. And once again, the end is so emotional but the most perfect ending! Read this book and then go and read all Lee Ann's other books. They are all as good as this one.
L. Ann does it once again. In Shadows We Dance is another gripping book. Well written. Suspense. Possessive MMC. I enjoyed how the MFC drew the MMC from his detached perspective so he can feel every emotion.