Forbidden Knots

Shadow Duet #1

by A. Em

SHADOW

I saw her through my window as she was bringing my sister home, she hugged her and I saw her eyes just before I hid behind the door. Since then I have been following her everywhere. I am her Shadow and she is my Storm.

STORM

I noticed someone, someone I sometimes see. He is following me like a shadow, and I am afraid. But I am not afraid he would hurt me, I am so scared I would let him. I am worried that he would be the one I fall for.


COMING SOON...

Genres: Dark Romance

299 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2024

About the author

“Where others write ever after, I write never after.” -A.

Social Media;

Instagram: iam_a_em

Pinterest: a_em_author

TikTok: a_em_author

Reviews

[ya.vl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ця книга мене так затягнула, я навіть не очікувала цього
Спочатку було нудно, і події розвивались дуже швидко а потім якось так цікаво стало, тут ще трохи трилеру і детективної лінії в якій я сама не дуже розібралась але є продовження бо книга не дуже закінчилась, ну я б сказала багатообіцяюче 😄
Оця цитата дуже миленька🥰
«З нею в моїх обіймах світ здавався кращим. Я знав, що не хочу нічого іншого, як проводити кожну ніч так, прокидатися щоранку з її посмішкою.»

[Vikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

An electrifying rollercoaster that will leave you breathless! This gripping tale is told through the eyes of Tristan, known as Shadow, and Thalia, the Storm that captivates him. Their tumultuous journey is one you won't soon forget. Reading "Forbidden Knots" was truly a wild ride. A. eM. weaves a complex web of emotions and suspense that keeps you hooked.

Thalia's character resonated deeply with me. Her struggles with loneliness and her tendency to gravitate towards toxic relationships felt so real and relatable. Mental health can twist our decisions in ways that are hard to comprehend, and Thalia's journey is a testament to that.

Let's talk about Tristan—he's hands down my favorite character. Yes, he's a stalker, but there's something about his presence that brings Thalia comfort and protection. The Carnival scene was a standout moment that had me completely engrossed. And just when you think you have it all figured out, the plot twist hits you like a freight train!

And then there's the ending. A cliffhanger that leaves you dangling, desperate for more. The epilogue? Pure genius. It wraps up this chapter of the story while leaving the door wide open for what's to come.

A. eM has created a story that challenges your perceptions and keeps you glued to the pages. If you're looking for a book that will leave you craving the next installment, look no further. I can't wait to see where this story goes next!

[Paperbackstoriess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll just say, this book took a drastic turn and man, did it left me with millions of questions. Definitely yes! The book was a lot to take in the beginning but as the story continued, mystery and suspense started building which will now be answered in the second book, hopefully.

Book Review:
What happens when after your mother attempted suicide, you have been sent your grandmother's place? What happens when you enter the room and see a guy, who have apparently captured your attention? What happens when one night you feel like someone is choking you to death and then you see a figure in the shadow? What happens when that figure or man has saved you? What happens when he has scared you to death as well? Do you think it's all your imagination? Well, it surely feels like that because no way, she has a stalker? What happens when you feel something is off but couldn't pin point it? What do you think could that be? What happens when you make a new friend and you invite her to your home? What happens when that friend tells you that this house is haunted? Did she hear it correctly? Her home is haunted??? Why would your friend say such a thing?

Tropes & T/Ws:
>> Dark romance
>> Mystery / Suspense
>> Good Girl/Bad Boy
>> Friend's brother
>> Neighbors
>> St@lker / Forbidden
>> Mention of self-harm (not by MCs)
>> Death of a loved one
>> Obsessed MMC / Touch her & 💀
>> Age-gap (10 years)
>> Love - Hate / Dark Secret
>> Trust issues/ Depressed FMC
>> V!rgin FMC
>> Ends on a cliff-hanger

If you love a mysterious dark romance book, do read this.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

*received an ARC copy*

I read this book in less than 24 hours, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The story was gripping, and the pace of the book kept me engaged and eager to read on !
There is mystery and suspense, you really can't guess what will happen next !
The ending left it as to be continued ! I have so many questions that I want answers to! Need more of Shadow and Storm!

[K.M. Rogness · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I want you to spell my name with your hips while you ride me."

Ahhh omg this story was amazing! I started and finished it all in one day. I felt for storm and shadow both, and both still have a piece of my heart.
Hated Sophie for some of the things she did, but I get it. The twists in the story have me pissed off because I want the second part now. I want to find out so much, I can't say without giving spoilers away.
The only thing I wanted was more spice, but I'm waiting patiently for the second book for that.
Great job A. Em, I absolutely loved this 🖤🖤

[Lindsey Betts · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was....weird and confusing. It started as a stalker romance and all the sudden there's blood and attempted murder multiple times and relationships that don't make sense. To me this book reads like an outline or brainstorming session for a fully fleshed out and edited book...but hasn't been fully fleshed out or finished. Many parts just randomly jump around and they say things like, "he said silently," but he clearly spoke aloud, and the lead female character is "laying in a pool of blood."...why? Whose blood? Just confusing overall, almost did not finish.

[Ruth Bookish Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forbidden Knots. Book 1 in the Shadow Duet series.
by A. Em

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Trigger warnings apply.
Tropes:
🖤Good Girl/Bad Boy
🖤Possessive
🖤Age Gab
🖤Forbidden
🖤Stalker
🖤Touch her & 💀
🖤Obsession
🖤Love Hate
🖤Dark Secret
🖤Antihero

A dark psychological/ stalker Romance.

Forbidden Knots is a psychological dark romantic thriller that makes your heart race and your palms sweat.
The narrative is strictly based upon characters trauma. It’s straightforward and the plot line runs smoothly. The characters are well developed and their dynamic is quite intriguing throughout the story. Heavily emotional, riveting and darkly satisfying.

Our MFC Thalia aka: Storm and MMC Tristan aka: Shadow, are well constructed and entwine perfectly with each other and the narrative.

This storyline is deeply enthralling from the onset you get a sense of the characters past trauma. Bringing a wonderful depth to their overall development.

The plot line is well crafted, beautiful yet disturbing, heart wrenching and an overwhelming experience throughout the journey as you are immersed into this storyline. It has you on the edge of your seat. And you remain there right up until the end where we have a little bit of a cliffhanger situation.

The characters are deeply emotional and they thirst for a connection and they develop a profoundly dark understanding of each other. It’s uniquely beautiful and satisfying.

A wonderfully complex and immersive experience.

A beautifully constructed storyline that will have you gasping reaching for your tissues And sobbing.

Twists and turns are a plenty in this book. You sure as hell don’t see some of the things coming.

A brilliantly unique story that I can’t wait to continue with the second book…

I need it!

The author has done an incredible job. This is a dark masterpiece you should not miss.

Quote:

"Because I needed rain,” I confessed, "and you gave me a storm."

Thank you to the author for the advanced copy…

[Inara Reads Dark and Twisted · Rating 5 out of 5]

I might be late reading this book, but honestly… my mind is completely blown. I had already read other books before this one, and now seeing all the connections hits me so hard. It’s absolutely, painfully wonderful.

I love this author. I really do. Her writing, her stories, her characters… it’s so easy to connect with everything. I’m completely in love with how she writes. And of course, this book has lived up to all the others I’ve read by this author. I have completely loved it and devoured it in less than 24 hours.

And the story between Thalia and Tristan… I can’t even put it into words. The book starts in one way, but then it keeps unfolding, opening thread after thread, layer after layer, until it literally blows your mind. And that ending!! Thanks that I have book two😂😂

Because I had read those other books first, I can see all the connections. I understand things in this book that make much more sense after reading the others (you don’t need to read the others before this one to get the book!!)
But instead of confusion, it makes everything hit even harder. Deeper. And somehow, it makes you love it even more.

[Chantal H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to start.... Well damn what a book. Twists, turns, suspense and mystery all in one. The obsession that went from 0 to 100 in no time. It went fast and hard the obsession was enormous. You never know where the book wil take you. A lot happens and thats what keeps the book interesting. The dark secrets that come out are unexpected and real page turners. The book pulled me in from page one and kept me on my toes till the last page. There isnt a lot off spice in the book but this book doesn't need it. The who did what and guessing what happend and what will happen makes you wan't to read on. Just because you have to know.
This book is amazing and defenetly one i would recomment.
Because it is wel worth it.
And i really enjoyed reading the book

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I knew what I was going into with this book turns out I did not rollercoaster is one word to describe it wow! You never knew what was going to happen! Not much spice but honestly it’s not needed to enjoy forbiddenknots, it keeps you on your toes from start to finish. I can not wait to see what comes next definitely won’t be my last read by A.em❤️
Here’s a wee quote to help you add it to your tbr;) “Because I needed rain," I confessed, "and you gave me a storm."

[Micki-D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in a few hours it was captivating. So beautifully dark yet cheerful at times. The book is covered in mystery and twist and turns… and the suspense oh the suspense with a sprinkle of spice. You will be on the edge of your seat the whole time. The end no it just ends and it to tell you to be continued but no continued soon enough
Spice 🌶️

[Kaneisha Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sucked into this read purely based on the combination of psychological thriller (with horror undertones) and dark romance. Was that accomplished? YES IT WAS. The thrill ride I was taken on during this read was intense. What was real? Who do you trust? Will I get my happy ending?? And the answer to all my questions were NOT what I was expecting. That ending, that last 20% gutted me. Then add in how beautifully written this was!!😭 I’m not okay for many reasons but I’m also so in love with this book. Literally transported to Italy…well maybe I don’t wanna be in that exact place lol
(plays Lana Del Rey in the background for vibes)

[chesirern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forbidden Knots by A. eM. Is a dark romance novel. This story had me twisted up in knots as I finished this in one sitting. It was a complex story that trapped you the minute you started page one. The character development was spot on as was the plot. Both Tristan and Thalia had me falling for their characters and feeling the emotions as they felt them.
Tristan, also known as Shadow, becomes obsessed with Thalia, known as Storm. Their story and relationship evolves over time. Let me just tell you I loved the carnival scenes in the book. You have to read to find out more.
This book comes to such a twist/knot that even I did not see coming. Trust me there are several reasons I think the title fits this book. The ending has me begging for the next book! I can not wait too see what else this author has in store. I will be there for it though. Great job!

[Gemma Croft · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG !!! This book was bloody brilliant 🖤 I thought it was just going to be your typical Dark stalker romance, but it was soo much more, Set in an Italian setting Thalia goes to live with her grandma where she meets Tristian and Sophie, but not all is what it seems in Grandmas house 🖤 This book had me hooked I finished it within a day, it was so gripping and the thriller twist just had me! Be prepared though this book does end on a "To be continued" but i honestly can not wait for the next book 🖤

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!! There's so much to say about this book, about these characters and about the plot twists. Just when you think you've got it figured, boom💥 this author hits you with another curve ball. I love the writing style of this author and will definitely be recommending this book for years to come.

[Niamhyyy12 · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 30% in - went back and skimmed the rest and honestly don’t know why

Huh? these 5 ⭐️ reviews can’t be real

This book is such a mess, like so much is going on that it’s laughable- nothing makes sense- it feel like the author kept thinking of different things and just added it in- felt more like i was reading someone’s
notes instead of a finish book

nothing is explained- like ever, it just jumps to one thing to another

The writing wasn’t even that bad, it had some great “quotes”/ words but the whole plot/ execution was a big flop

1) the insta love is too much- like it been less than a hour and he already in her room that night, obsessed with her and can’t think about anyone else?? You saw her reflection/ shadow and you were hard? 😩 don’t get me started on the fmc

2) the fmc gets thrown of a cliff and she gets up and walks home? Huh like seriously go home and tell her friend she will see her tomorrow? Girl you fallen off a cliff 😭 how are you functioning

2) her grandma strangle her due to sleepwalking - in the morning she tells her grandma and she don’t even say anything, just tell her that it happens?

3) she tells her grandma she has a stalker, the grandma ask her neighbour aka stalker to keep a eye on her- she tells the fmc to leave and then tells him that she thinks she lying and that no one is stalking/ been in her room? Miss GiRL you strangle her 😭 YOU seen the letter wym she lying gtfoh- “she depressed because her parents are getting a divorce”- she isn’t depressed she scared 😩

4) chiara and her egg throwing- made me close the book and laugh and now I’m writing this

Ok ok I did close the book but I continue…. Why god knows- it just made me angry
I want to put grandma in a headlock because what are you doing? The ending?? Nothing made sense! What is going on, am I missing something?

[Jos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never in my LIFE had a read a book as fast as I did this one. WOW. Just wow. It was absolutely phenomenal. I need to know what happens next.

I really want to give you guys an example of what this book is kind of like but I just can’t because I’ve truly never read anything similar. This book was a first for me and a first I will never forget. It was like watching an episode of the most intense drama ever, you know, like a drama so intense you have to keep watching like your life depends on it. I didn’t put the book down for a single second. I had my boyfriend next to me concerned at what I was so invested in. I think I was barely even moving. My eyes were GLUED so my phone. He was like, “are you good?” Like yes I’m more than good sir. 🫢

Let me share a few things with you all. Thalia, the fmc, moves to her grandmas for the summer. Her grandma lives in Italy. Woohoo summer in Italy, sounds fun doesn’t it? Well, I think Thalia would use the word interesting rather.

Tristan our mmc sees Thalia and instantly becomes obsessed. Now, if y’all have been around for a minute you know some “obsessed” mmc’s scare the living crap out of me but Tristan was just hot. Period. Okay no but seriously yes he was hot, but it wasn’t just that. He’s just a really interesting character overall and I was like “oh yeah I can *insert f word* with you.”

Funny thing though Thalia is actually OFF limits for Tristan…tun tun tun. Forbidden romances have my heart. Like y’all cannot look me in the eye and tell me forbidden romances don’t have you guys curling your toes lowkey like “ooooo this is fire.”

Enough of my yapping, let me cut it short before you guys start yawning. This book is written, again, just so well. If you haven’t been able to tell though this is a DARK ROMANCE book so keep that in mind. My dark romance girlies will cry happy tears at how good this book is, swear. I loved this crazy rollercoaster of a book.

[Amber Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't expecting that.

Thalia, or Storm, the FMC, is a troubled woman with a lot of trauma. I really related to her; her overwhelming loneliness, and depression, not to mention the trauma, it made me think about myself a lot while reading. I had to stop a few times to remind myself that I am not Thalia, and this is a story.

Tristan, or Shadow, the MMC, is an obsessive stalker that terrifies, yet gives comfort, to Thalia. He has a lot of trauma, as well, and that shows in a lot of the decisions he makes.

Tristan is always there to save Thalia, even if he does it as Shadow. I loved watching their dynamic morph, and finally admit the truth. They make each other feel. The psychological aspect of the story was good, too. There was so much tension, you were questioning what you thought you knew, you were happy one minute and pissed the next.

That plot twist was unexpected, and the cliffhanger broke my heart.

[Pageturner_ Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

"𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝘆𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝗸𝗲𝗻 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻“

A.eM…this woman has a way of leaving me wanting more! Her books are seriously laced with crack and I need another fix. I mean, Jesus, so good! Once I sat down, I read this book in a matter of a few hours. The way she pulls at my heart strings and leaves my stomach in my ass. I mean damn. Book 2 couldn’t come fast enough, I have so many questions and I need answers.
Her books are raw, full of emotion and depth. This book had minimal spice and to be honest, it didn’t need it. The few spicy scenes were spicin’. My eyes were glued to the pages, I honestly couldn’t turn them fast enough. The suspense was enthralling. The characters were captivating. Just magnificent. Ugh, how I feel these books in my soul.

[Dee Castro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t even know where to start. A.eM’s writing is captivating and is probably the reason why women ignore red flags in men. She has a way of grabbing your attention and keeping it until the very end. This is the third book that I have read from this author and just like the other two, I never see the ending coming! I love that this particular book had me on edge the entire time and that I was not able to predict the ending.

I’m excited for book two, which thankfully is being released in a few weeks. I want to read more about Shadow and Storm and see where their story ends up, because I’m 10000% sure I won’t know until the very end of the book.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going into this book, you know that there is going to be more than one twist. So you pay attention, look for the clues, put together the picture, and then get to the end of the book to only have everything you thought you know pulled out from under you. This book leaves readers on a major cliff hanger, needing and desperate to know more.
While there was some steamy moments involving Tristan and Thalia, the real highlight of the book was how their interactions were presented. The way that A. Em wrote this book, conveys such a strong a sense on manic and obsession, it left the reader on the edge of their seat, unsure of what was actually real. This book fully leaned into being a psychological thriller and stalker romance.
This book is a short read, but it a packed full with some many different elements and clues, that the reader doesn't fill like anything is being skimped on. Highly recommend for those you enjoy a dark psychological thriller romance.
Giving this book 4.5/5 stars.

[Layna Leighann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Family Secrets

4⭐️/3🔥

Forbidden Knots is a dark romance that will take you on a journey through mental health struggles, forbidden love, and darker secrets. Our FMC, Thalia, is staying with her grandmother while her mother is dealing with the divorce from her father. Our MMC, Tristan, lives across the street with his sister whom he dragged here after the 💀 of their parents. Storms and Shadows collide as Thalia discovers family secrets that just might push her over the edge. Can Tristan save her from herself? I'm left on a cliffy, so I'll need to read the next book to find out. I always enjoy the darkness A. eM brings to my soul. It's deep, haunting, and always satisfying.

[Kerrie Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please check triggers warnings. This book will take you through several emotions, up and downs, and highs and lows. Thalia the fmc also given the nickname Storm by Tristan the mmc given the nickname Shadow a forbidden love especially because Thalia is his sister Sophia’s best friend, he wanted to be able to keep that for his sister who he loves dearly, but it ends up going out the window a few times because of situations you will have to read and find out for yourself. Trust me you will want to read it.

[Ellie Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wtf? Is my answer 😂 I was getting a bit confused at one point but then the ending happened and I was like? Wtf just happened?! This was a rollercoaster book for sure😂 It is so much more than just a dark stalker romance. The plot & thriller side of things!

TROPES
🖤Touch her & 💀
🖤Possessive, stalker vibes
🖤Age gap
🖤Dark secrets & twists
🖤Love/hate relationship
🖤Thriller

‘Because I needed rain, and you gave me a storm.’

I NEED ANSWERS. So, yes. I will be sticking around for book 2!

[Dawn Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute ten of ten for this book , I truly love when books have multiple themes in it , paranormal, mystery , dark romance etc. this book was fantastic edge of your seat with a ending you wouldn't see coming I almost felt like I got whiplash once that climax started there was no turning back so thankful there's a second part coming cause I need more answers cause that cliffhanger was crazy .

[Bikergirlauthor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark stalker romance with a gripping plot and amazing characters. I really enjoyed and loved reading this story and it was a rollercoaster of emotions.
Tristan was far by far one of the best male characters I liked how he was obsessed with Thalia. And the spice was just as good.

[Cdngurl85 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no words!!! A's writing blows me away every time I read one of her books!!

I don't know how she does it, but she always writes a book that keeps me guessing.

I can't wait for the next book!

[Nini · Rating 4 out of 5]

A's did it again🤯🤯
totally mindblowing🤯🤯

might come back tomorrow and do a better review....

[Kelley West Gemeiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful dark romance

I really enjoyed this twisted tale. I can't wait for the next book in the duet. 3/5🌶️. More psychological than spice. There is spice it just doesn't overtake the story. I love the characters all are broken in some way due to past trauma.

[Ashley Morefield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book keeps you on your on the edge of your seat! I loved all the twists and turns the book had and u csnt wait to read the second book!