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Nightfall Syndicate #1
Shadowed Vows: Ghost
I’ve always believed in chasing the truth. I never expected it to chase me back—with a loaded gun and a body count.
My young mentee’s murder left me with nothing but rage and a need for answers. My search for justice led me straight into the line of fire—and into the arms of a man called Ghost.
His name fits. He’s silent, lethal, and impossible to pin down. He says I’m reckless. I say he’s infuriating.
But Ghost doesn’t just come with his own agenda. He comes with heat that scorches through my carefully built walls and a team that plays by rules I didn’t know existed.
I don’t trust him. Not his secrets. Not his intense blue eyes. And definitely not the way my pulse races when he’s near.
He says he's protecting me. But Ghost is just as dangerous as the enemies closing in—and if I’m not careful, he might break my heart before they can pull the trigger.
It's like Twisted Games meets The Night Manager with the dark obsession of The Sweetest Oblivion.
In a world where mercenaries thrive in the shadows, love is the deadliest risk of all. Boundaries blur, alliances shatter, and protection turns possessive. The men of the Nightfall Syndicate will break your heart... and make you beg for more. Don't wait, scroll up and one-click now!
Dark themes, cursing, graphic violence, kidnapping/abduction, possessive behavior, and a fight against trafficking. Similar triggers to Haunting Adeline and The Ritual.
My young mentee’s murder left me with nothing but rage and a need for answers. My search for justice led me straight into the line of fire—and into the arms of a man called Ghost.
His name fits. He’s silent, lethal, and impossible to pin down. He says I’m reckless. I say he’s infuriating.
But Ghost doesn’t just come with his own agenda. He comes with heat that scorches through my carefully built walls and a team that plays by rules I didn’t know existed.
I don’t trust him. Not his secrets. Not his intense blue eyes. And definitely not the way my pulse races when he’s near.
He says he's protecting me. But Ghost is just as dangerous as the enemies closing in—and if I’m not careful, he might break my heart before they can pull the trigger.
It's like Twisted Games meets The Night Manager with the dark obsession of The Sweetest Oblivion.
In a world where mercenaries thrive in the shadows, love is the deadliest risk of all. Boundaries blur, alliances shatter, and protection turns possessive. The men of the Nightfall Syndicate will break your heart... and make you beg for more. Don't wait, scroll up and one-click now!
Dark themes, cursing, graphic violence, kidnapping/abduction, possessive behavior, and a fight against trafficking. Similar triggers to Haunting Adeline and The Ritual.
447 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2025
594 people are currently reading
878 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
April 6, 2025
This is the story of investigative journalist Alina who is investigating the suspicious death of her mentee who was killed while working on a story relating to high end escort services.
Alina breaks into a supposedly abandoned warehouse, finds unexpected evidence of activity and technology she ends up being caught by Kade (Ghost) he decides to let her go, but keeps an eye on her.
When next they meet her life is in danger, Ghost rescues her. The intense chemistry between them is heightened each time they are together.
Ghost is part of a small covert team Nightfall Syndicate, that do high risk, high stakes missions, the men are all ex-military. We follow Alina working with the men of Nightfall Syndicate to bring down companies with ties to human trafficking.
An intense, drama filled and steamy read that you will captivate you right from the start.
I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book via BookSprout and I am writing this review voluntarily
Alina breaks into a supposedly abandoned warehouse, finds unexpected evidence of activity and technology she ends up being caught by Kade (Ghost) he decides to let her go, but keeps an eye on her.
When next they meet her life is in danger, Ghost rescues her. The intense chemistry between them is heightened each time they are together.
Ghost is part of a small covert team Nightfall Syndicate, that do high risk, high stakes missions, the men are all ex-military. We follow Alina working with the men of Nightfall Syndicate to bring down companies with ties to human trafficking.
An intense, drama filled and steamy read that you will captivate you right from the start.
I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book via BookSprout and I am writing this review voluntarily
April 6, 2025
I’ve always believed in chasing the truth. I never expected it to chase me back—with a loaded gun and a body count.
My young mentee’s murder left me with nothing but rage and a need for answers. My search for justice led me straight into the line of fire—and into the arms of a man called Ghost.
His name fits. He’s silent, lethal, and impossible to pin down. He says I’m reckless. I say he’s infuriating.
But Ghost doesn’t just come with his own agenda. He comes with heat that scorches through my carefully built walls and a team that plays by rules I didn’t know existed.
I don’t trust him. Not his secrets. Not his steel-gray eyes. And definitely not the way my pulse races when he’s near.
He says he's protecting me. But Ghost is just as dangerous as the enemies closing in—and if I’m not careful, he might break my heart before they can pull the trigger.
This contemporary dark romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building that is engulfed by darkness, danger, violence, and grit, and characters that are alpha hero protectors, ruthless, obsessive, possessive, exuding power, morally gray, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with shadowed vows: Ghost, explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, dark themes, cursing, graphic violence, kidnapping/abduction, HEA, a fight against trafficking, a world where mercenaries thrive in the shadows, love is the deadliest risk of all, boundaries blur, alliances shatter, protection turns possessive, the men of the Nightfall Syndicate will break your hearts, drama, deception, heartfelt emotions, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with shadowed vows: Ghost and explicit romance that is sure to transport readers into a world where danger and lust collide in every waking hour, making for one unforgettable journey.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My young mentee’s murder left me with nothing but rage and a need for answers. My search for justice led me straight into the line of fire—and into the arms of a man called Ghost.
His name fits. He’s silent, lethal, and impossible to pin down. He says I’m reckless. I say he’s infuriating.
But Ghost doesn’t just come with his own agenda. He comes with heat that scorches through my carefully built walls and a team that plays by rules I didn’t know existed.
I don’t trust him. Not his secrets. Not his steel-gray eyes. And definitely not the way my pulse races when he’s near.
He says he's protecting me. But Ghost is just as dangerous as the enemies closing in—and if I’m not careful, he might break my heart before they can pull the trigger.
This contemporary dark romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building that is engulfed by darkness, danger, violence, and grit, and characters that are alpha hero protectors, ruthless, obsessive, possessive, exuding power, morally gray, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with shadowed vows: Ghost, explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, dark themes, cursing, graphic violence, kidnapping/abduction, HEA, a fight against trafficking, a world where mercenaries thrive in the shadows, love is the deadliest risk of all, boundaries blur, alliances shatter, protection turns possessive, the men of the Nightfall Syndicate will break your hearts, drama, deception, heartfelt emotions, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with shadowed vows: Ghost and explicit romance that is sure to transport readers into a world where danger and lust collide in every waking hour, making for one unforgettable journey.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 1, 2025
Alina Bennett is an award-winning investigative reporter that is investigating the suspicious death of her friend, rookie reporter Jenny Martinez, who was killed while working on a story related to high-end escort services. Alina breaks into an abandoned warehouse and is caught by Kade, who decides to let her go, but watches her. Time passes and they meet again when her life is in danger and Ghost rescues her. Eventually, Alina meets the Nightfall Syndicate team of Reaper, Shadow, Frost, Blade, Nitro, Saint, and Chaos. Nightfall Syndicate is a small, covert team that conducts high-stakes missions. within a larger security firm named Centurion Protection Group. All of the men are intense, ex-military, and each has their own specialty.
The story follows how the team, working with Alina, proceeds with their mission to evade the bad guys while finding their missing leader and finding the truth about some crooked companies with ties to human trafficking. The story is action packed with details about their missions, including the military precision they employ with their high-tech military grade gear, high speed chases, assassination attempts, safe houses, and other details as they operate in the gray zone. They are “mercenaries with a moral code.”
I enjoyed the use of San Francisco as the story locale and the placement of familiar landmarks in San Franciso throughout the story. The chemistry between Ghost and Alina crackles off the page and is emphasized with steamy scenes sprinkled throughout the story. There are some funny moments too, my favorite being tough guy Ghost stress baking in the middle of the night, with him piping “perfect rosettes onto a batch of cupcakes” complete with an apron.
A truly excellent book that kept me captivated until the end. A perfect book for those readers that enjoy fast paced stories that include espionage, suspense, and mystery, with some understanding, vulnerability, acceptance and love thrown in.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story follows how the team, working with Alina, proceeds with their mission to evade the bad guys while finding their missing leader and finding the truth about some crooked companies with ties to human trafficking. The story is action packed with details about their missions, including the military precision they employ with their high-tech military grade gear, high speed chases, assassination attempts, safe houses, and other details as they operate in the gray zone. They are “mercenaries with a moral code.”
I enjoyed the use of San Francisco as the story locale and the placement of familiar landmarks in San Franciso throughout the story. The chemistry between Ghost and Alina crackles off the page and is emphasized with steamy scenes sprinkled throughout the story. There are some funny moments too, my favorite being tough guy Ghost stress baking in the middle of the night, with him piping “perfect rosettes onto a batch of cupcakes” complete with an apron.
A truly excellent book that kept me captivated until the end. A perfect book for those readers that enjoy fast paced stories that include espionage, suspense, and mystery, with some understanding, vulnerability, acceptance and love thrown in.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 2, 2025
The story is about Alina Bennett, a journalist, who wants to continue the investigation and unravel the truth that got her late mentee killed. Alina was snooping around at a warehouse when she's got caught by Ghost. There was a immidiately attraction between them. The second time they meet he needs to save her from getting shot at. It turns out he is the second in command of a group of exmilitary men who operate in a 'grey area of high society'.
They combine their strenghts and uncover a whole lot more than what they wished for.
Alina, a stubborn, fiesty, truthseeker and reckless most of the time and Ghost, hunted by the lost of good men, honest, strategic, reserved and full of mystery, make sparks fly, have a lot of fights, staredowns, and more.
So if you're in for a lot of suspense, kidnapping, shootings, finally bringing justice to something that's much, much bigger then they all thought, this is the story! And it's get even better: it's book 1 of a whole new series!
If you read any of Emery's others books, it's really different. And I LOVE it! I like the combi of love and a lot of action and danger!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
They combine their strenghts and uncover a whole lot more than what they wished for.
Alina, a stubborn, fiesty, truthseeker and reckless most of the time and Ghost, hunted by the lost of good men, honest, strategic, reserved and full of mystery, make sparks fly, have a lot of fights, staredowns, and more.
So if you're in for a lot of suspense, kidnapping, shootings, finally bringing justice to something that's much, much bigger then they all thought, this is the story! And it's get even better: it's book 1 of a whole new series!
If you read any of Emery's others books, it's really different. And I LOVE it! I like the combi of love and a lot of action and danger!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 3, 2025
A Journalist In Special Ops
Intelligent, stubborn, alert, but also a bit naïve at the wrong times. This is Alina Bennett, a journalist in search of finding out what happened to her journalist friend, who died in suspicious circumstances. And finding herself in the midst of a group of special ops men, apparently looking at the same culprits for another reason. Interaction between all the characters is funny, even when things are going the wrong way. Attraction between Alina and the boss of these men, Kade, is instant, even when both don’t feel happy about it at first. Happenings are fast spaced, and although when, what looks to be the final enemy, is conquered, it seems there will be more. The book left me with the wish to read and find out more about this group of people. Highly recommended.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Intelligent, stubborn, alert, but also a bit naïve at the wrong times. This is Alina Bennett, a journalist in search of finding out what happened to her journalist friend, who died in suspicious circumstances. And finding herself in the midst of a group of special ops men, apparently looking at the same culprits for another reason. Interaction between all the characters is funny, even when things are going the wrong way. Attraction between Alina and the boss of these men, Kade, is instant, even when both don’t feel happy about it at first. Happenings are fast spaced, and although when, what looks to be the final enemy, is conquered, it seems there will be more. The book left me with the wish to read and find out more about this group of people. Highly recommended.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 7, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. From the start it was fast paced action that had me practically bouncing in my seat. The tension was high and the thrill had me in it's grip. Then Ghost claimed Alina as his and there was a different type of tension building.
I rated this book 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4. It would have been a 5 star read, the story was that gripping but there were some writing issues that pulled me from the story. A couple times it appeared there was a sentence or dialogue missing. Nothing that changed the story, as the following dialogue gave away the missing bit.
There were also some instances where things were written twice, just in a different way. Like a character would walk in a room and do something. Then the next sentence has the character "enter" the room and do something. And the biggest repetitive instance was regarding training Alina. Ghost discussed bringing Alina in with the team. Then assigned them things to train her on (roles). Then when telling her about training he assigned them roles to train her. THEN after a flight he tells her to train with each team member and assigns them roles.
Even with these inconsistencies it was a gripping story that I thoroughly enjoyed!
I rated this book 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4. It would have been a 5 star read, the story was that gripping but there were some writing issues that pulled me from the story. A couple times it appeared there was a sentence or dialogue missing. Nothing that changed the story, as the following dialogue gave away the missing bit.
There were also some instances where things were written twice, just in a different way. Like a character would walk in a room and do something. Then the next sentence has the character "enter" the room and do something. And the biggest repetitive instance was regarding training Alina. Ghost discussed bringing Alina in with the team. Then assigned them things to train her on (roles). Then when telling her about training he assigned them roles to train her. THEN after a flight he tells her to train with each team member and assigns them roles.
Even with these inconsistencies it was a gripping story that I thoroughly enjoyed!
April 1, 2025
Amazing story. It was a page turner and the suspense was intense. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn't even put it down literally. These characters had the passion of romance and forbidden love affair with a ghost it was captivating. Love was in the air and around the corner for them in this moment. Drama and chaos was mysterious and mind blowing of emotions. Danger and the darkside of madness.
I highly recommend this book and you won't be disappointed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Trina Jones
I highly recommend this book and you won't be disappointed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Trina Jones
April 7, 2025
Alina was risking at all to find out why her best friend is dead. She got caught. Her captor not only spared her but released her too. He wasn’t done with her. She wasn’t done with him either.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 6, 2025
Ghost is in charge of a security company searching for answers and runs into Alina is a journalist also search for answers in the same empty warehouse. Then comes the guns and bad guys and away these two strangers go and they must solve the mystery with few clues and not get killed at the same time. Lots of drama, action, questions and bad guys to survive. Enjoyed it all.
April 3, 2025
I like this book. It’s a dark romance with suspense and an alpha hero. Plus if you like HEA then I would recommend the book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 24, 2025
It's funny how a word you don't normally think anything of can become so annoying when it's used so often. The author wants to really make sure you know these guys and everything they own is 'tactical'. Tactical watch, tactical boots, tactical shirt. I'm on the 1st page of the second book and she's already said tactical twice.
Anyway, this book was ok, but seemed a bit of a mess. The company they were investigating at the beginning mysteriously changed name after the first chapter. The bad guys name also seemed to change at the end of the book. One minute they are doing recon, the next it's a mission to rescue kids and then back to it being a recon mission.
And don't get me started on the FMC Alina. She would have to be one of the most annoying FMCs I've ever read. Won't listen to reason, always arguing, won't follow orders and of course, despite the fact the bad guys are actively trying to kill her, she goes off on her own and gets kidnapped. Idiot.
I really only read this book because I wanted to read the second one (blame TikTok), but if it turns out as frustrating as this one, I'm done with it.
UPDATE: 4 times in the first chapter...WTF is a 'tactical turtleneck'...really?!?
Anyway, this book was ok, but seemed a bit of a mess. The company they were investigating at the beginning mysteriously changed name after the first chapter. The bad guys name also seemed to change at the end of the book. One minute they are doing recon, the next it's a mission to rescue kids and then back to it being a recon mission.
And don't get me started on the FMC Alina. She would have to be one of the most annoying FMCs I've ever read. Won't listen to reason, always arguing, won't follow orders and of course, despite the fact the bad guys are actively trying to kill her, she goes off on her own and gets kidnapped. Idiot.
I really only read this book because I wanted to read the second one (blame TikTok), but if it turns out as frustrating as this one, I'm done with it.
UPDATE: 4 times in the first chapter...WTF is a 'tactical turtleneck'...really?!?
July 3, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Shadowed Vows: Ghost by Emery Rowan
This book gripped me from the first page. Alina is a bold, determined investigative journalist who won’t stop until she finds out who murdered Jenny and that path leads her right into the shadows... and into Ghost.
Ghost (Kade) is exactly the kind of dark, morally gray protector I love in a romantic suspense. Dangerous, silent, and emotionally locked down, but when it comes to Alina, his protectiveness is off the charts.
The world of the Nightfall Syndicate is gritty, intense, and full of secrets. Emery Rowan does a great job balancing action, emotion, and heat. The pacing had me flipping pages late into the night, and the emotional payoff hit hard.
Shadowed Vows: Ghost by Emery Rowan
This book gripped me from the first page. Alina is a bold, determined investigative journalist who won’t stop until she finds out who murdered Jenny and that path leads her right into the shadows... and into Ghost.
Ghost (Kade) is exactly the kind of dark, morally gray protector I love in a romantic suspense. Dangerous, silent, and emotionally locked down, but when it comes to Alina, his protectiveness is off the charts.
The world of the Nightfall Syndicate is gritty, intense, and full of secrets. Emery Rowan does a great job balancing action, emotion, and heat. The pacing had me flipping pages late into the night, and the emotional payoff hit hard.
July 1, 2025
This story starts and carries on throughout with intrigue is Alina, an investigative journalist, dealing with the good guys or the bad guys? From there on the action just doesn’t stop. Throw in the desire between Alina and Kade and the heat is there.
Investigating people trafficking is a difficult topic, especially when a key part of the team is missing, plus the journalist that Alina was mentoring died in suspicious circumstances could all be linked.
Tears were not far away for me when Kade found Roman, a heartbreaking part of the story that was so well written, the empathy that his team and Alina showed was so emotional.
A well written, fast paced story that has you gripped from beginning to end.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Investigating people trafficking is a difficult topic, especially when a key part of the team is missing, plus the journalist that Alina was mentoring died in suspicious circumstances could all be linked.
Tears were not far away for me when Kade found Roman, a heartbreaking part of the story that was so well written, the empathy that his team and Alina showed was so emotional.
A well written, fast paced story that has you gripped from beginning to end.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 30, 2025
I decided to read this to get the full picture for book 2, but it was rough. The plot is solid, the story-telling is not so much. The romance is overly cheesy brat-dom. You will lose count of the “little journalist” or “little hellcat” references. I had to walk away from it and read something else. Finished it, but mostly scanned pages as I was flying thru it.
June 14, 2025
Read this book for fun while I wait for my ARC for book 2. This book was exactly what I imagined, military mixed with grumpy x sunshine troupe BUT!!! I was not expecting all the HEAT and PASSION 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ !! Great book, very detailed!!
Fav quote: “The kiss is nothing like I expected. There's no hesitation, no gentleness. It's hungry and demanding from the first touch, as if he's been holding himself back until this exact moment.”
Fav quote: “The kiss is nothing like I expected. There's no hesitation, no gentleness. It's hungry and demanding from the first touch, as if he's been holding himself back until this exact moment.”
May 1, 2025
Amazing, fast-paced, action-filled story with spice on top. This is an Oscar winning movie captured within the covers of a book. The whole way through I felt like I was watching the story unfold in my mind. Vivid, crisp, polished, real. I enjoy characters that are ‘3D’ to me, this story has that and more. Sequential story revealing and delving into depths the further we read. Yes, there are some dark moments but if you’ve ever watched Mission Impossible or Fast & Furious then you’ll be ok with this story. Wow! I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily leave this review. Thank you :-)
May 17, 2025
You get to know several characters in this story, but they all have different personalities and specialties. Each book in the series focuses on one of the team members. These guys are intense in every way, personally and professionally. When Ghost runs across Alina he is hooked on her from the start. Alina is fiery and determined. Her protection becomes his main focus, and when she disobeys him the lessons taught are punishing and satisfying for them both. Great action scenes and plenty of push and pull between both leads. You get dual POVs, but I thought Ghost/Kade's was the best one.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 21, 2025
She wanted to finish what her mentee had started no matter what the cost. She never expected to fall into their world. He was searching for his friend and business partner. Together they are a strong team with his team along their sides makes things even better. If they could just let each other in I think they can be unstoppable. I look forward to what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 27, 2025
I like the premise and the story telling but the FMC is supposed to be incredibly smart and capable. In reality she’s ignorant and self centered. She thinks she has to be in charge of every situation, even when she’s wildly out of her depth. I’d like to continue the series but don’t know if I can handle anymore FMCs that intentionally endanger others just because they feel like they are better than everyone else and have to be right.
April 2, 2025
She's always believed in the truth and chasing it no matter what. She just never expected it to chase her back – and to have not only a body count but also a body count.
Her young protegees sudden death left her with nothing but rage and the need for answers and to know who was responsible for taking their life. And in her search for answers and justice, she walked straight into the line of fire – and ended up in the arms of a man who called himself Ghost.
She finds that his name actually fits him. He is not only silent but also lethal and impossible to pin down to any one location. He calls her reckless. She says that he is infuriating.
The thing is, Ghost isn't walking in with just his own agenda. He walks in with a heat that scorches through her walls that she'd built so carefully. More than that, though, he brings in a team that actually plays by the rules she never knew ever existed.
She doesn't trust him. She doesn't feel like she can. She doesn't trust the intensity in his blue eyes, and he doesn't trust the way her pulse races when he gets too close to her.
He claims that he just wants to protect her. But, she knows that Ghost is just as dangerous as the enemies that are quickly circling in around them. And she knows that if she's not careful, he could hurt her worse than anyone else before they could ever pull the trigger.
Shadowed Vows is like Twisted Games mixed with The Night Manager and the dark obsession of The Sweetest Oblivion.
In a world where mercenaries thrive in the shadows, love is the deadliest risk of all. Boundaries blur, alliances shatter, and protection turns possessive. The men of the Nightfall Syndicate will break your heart... and make you beg for more. Don't wait. Scroll up and one-click now!
Tropes: Dark Themes, Cursing, Graphic Violence, Kidnapping/Abduction, Possessive Behavior, A Fight Against Trafficking. Similar to Haunting Adeline and The Ritual.
Award-winning investigative reporter Alina Bennett is investigating the death of her friend, rookie reporter Jenny Martinez. She was killed while she was working on a story related to the high-end escort services, both the clients and the providers. Alina is caught by Kade when she breaks into an abandoned warehouse. He lets her go in the end but watches her closely.
Over time, they end up meeting again when her life is actually in danger, and this time Ghost comes to her rescue. In time, Alina ends up meeting the Nightfall Syndicate team of Reaper, Shadow, Frost, Blade, Nitro, Saint, and Chaos. The Nightfall Syndicate is a small team and a covert team. They conduct missions with larger security firms, namely Centurion Protection. All the men, they are so intense, all ex-military, and each one of them has their own specialty.
This story follows Alina and the team working together, proceeding with their mission to evade the bad guys to find their missing leader, and find the truth about the crooked companies that have ties to human trafficking. This novel is packed with action detailing about mission, including military precision, high tech military grade gear, high speed chases, assassination attempts, safe houses, and many other details, operations in grey zones. These are the real mercenaries who operate within a moral code.
I found the use of San Francisco as the stories base location and the use of familiar landmarks throughout the story to be nice. It was different as most stories don't take place in San Francisco.
I loved the chemistry between Ghost and Alina. I found that it jumps off the page, and the spice just adds to it and emphasizes it. And I loved how the spice isn't overly used. It is nicely used to just add to the story. And I love the funny moments. I found that to be such a nice break from the tension and angst that filled the pages of the book.
This is such an excellent book, and I have to say that I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a fun and captivating read. This is the perfect book for readers who enjoy fast-paced stories that include tropes like espionage, suspense, and mystery. A book that has spice perfectly added in and an intelligent FMC who is stronger than she realizes, and MMCs who are protective and will not back down.
Her young protegees sudden death left her with nothing but rage and the need for answers and to know who was responsible for taking their life. And in her search for answers and justice, she walked straight into the line of fire – and ended up in the arms of a man who called himself Ghost.
She finds that his name actually fits him. He is not only silent but also lethal and impossible to pin down to any one location. He calls her reckless. She says that he is infuriating.
The thing is, Ghost isn't walking in with just his own agenda. He walks in with a heat that scorches through her walls that she'd built so carefully. More than that, though, he brings in a team that actually plays by the rules she never knew ever existed.
She doesn't trust him. She doesn't feel like she can. She doesn't trust the intensity in his blue eyes, and he doesn't trust the way her pulse races when he gets too close to her.
He claims that he just wants to protect her. But, she knows that Ghost is just as dangerous as the enemies that are quickly circling in around them. And she knows that if she's not careful, he could hurt her worse than anyone else before they could ever pull the trigger.
Shadowed Vows is like Twisted Games mixed with The Night Manager and the dark obsession of The Sweetest Oblivion.
In a world where mercenaries thrive in the shadows, love is the deadliest risk of all. Boundaries blur, alliances shatter, and protection turns possessive. The men of the Nightfall Syndicate will break your heart... and make you beg for more. Don't wait. Scroll up and one-click now!
Tropes: Dark Themes, Cursing, Graphic Violence, Kidnapping/Abduction, Possessive Behavior, A Fight Against Trafficking. Similar to Haunting Adeline and The Ritual.
Award-winning investigative reporter Alina Bennett is investigating the death of her friend, rookie reporter Jenny Martinez. She was killed while she was working on a story related to the high-end escort services, both the clients and the providers. Alina is caught by Kade when she breaks into an abandoned warehouse. He lets her go in the end but watches her closely.
Over time, they end up meeting again when her life is actually in danger, and this time Ghost comes to her rescue. In time, Alina ends up meeting the Nightfall Syndicate team of Reaper, Shadow, Frost, Blade, Nitro, Saint, and Chaos. The Nightfall Syndicate is a small team and a covert team. They conduct missions with larger security firms, namely Centurion Protection. All the men, they are so intense, all ex-military, and each one of them has their own specialty.
This story follows Alina and the team working together, proceeding with their mission to evade the bad guys to find their missing leader, and find the truth about the crooked companies that have ties to human trafficking. This novel is packed with action detailing about mission, including military precision, high tech military grade gear, high speed chases, assassination attempts, safe houses, and many other details, operations in grey zones. These are the real mercenaries who operate within a moral code.
I found the use of San Francisco as the stories base location and the use of familiar landmarks throughout the story to be nice. It was different as most stories don't take place in San Francisco.
I loved the chemistry between Ghost and Alina. I found that it jumps off the page, and the spice just adds to it and emphasizes it. And I loved how the spice isn't overly used. It is nicely used to just add to the story. And I love the funny moments. I found that to be such a nice break from the tension and angst that filled the pages of the book.
This is such an excellent book, and I have to say that I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a fun and captivating read. This is the perfect book for readers who enjoy fast-paced stories that include tropes like espionage, suspense, and mystery. A book that has spice perfectly added in and an intelligent FMC who is stronger than she realizes, and MMCs who are protective and will not back down.
April 24, 2025
Shadow Mercenary with a moral code
A page-turning action packed dark romance, with suspense, danger, violence, kidnapping, fighting against trafficking, mercenaries, intrigue, steam, some great twists, a touch of humor and a good HEA.
Alina Bennett is a driven, stubborn reporter. After her mentee is killed she starts to look into what she was investigating, an escort agency and a supposed abandoned warehouse, only to find herself caught by Kade who lets her escape.
Kade had set up the Nightfall Syndicate team with his friend Roman and they work in the shadows with their team (as Ghost & Frost, along wiwth Reaper, Shadow, Blade, Nitro, Saint, and Chaos). But information has been leaked and Roman is missing after going to investigate suspected trafficking. And Kade can't help but keep an eye on Alina, becoming protective when her life is in danger and then introducing her to his team. The team are all ex-military, each with their own skill, working with high-tech gear on high-stake missions.
Working together Kade's protective nature becomes possessive as truths comes to light about companies with ties to human trafficking. He says he's protecting her from the enemy, but she might need to protect her heart from him.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A page-turning action packed dark romance, with suspense, danger, violence, kidnapping, fighting against trafficking, mercenaries, intrigue, steam, some great twists, a touch of humor and a good HEA.
Alina Bennett is a driven, stubborn reporter. After her mentee is killed she starts to look into what she was investigating, an escort agency and a supposed abandoned warehouse, only to find herself caught by Kade who lets her escape.
Kade had set up the Nightfall Syndicate team with his friend Roman and they work in the shadows with their team (as Ghost & Frost, along wiwth Reaper, Shadow, Blade, Nitro, Saint, and Chaos). But information has been leaked and Roman is missing after going to investigate suspected trafficking. And Kade can't help but keep an eye on Alina, becoming protective when her life is in danger and then introducing her to his team. The team are all ex-military, each with their own skill, working with high-tech gear on high-stake missions.
Working together Kade's protective nature becomes possessive as truths comes to light about companies with ties to human trafficking. He says he's protecting her from the enemy, but she might need to protect her heart from him.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 10, 2025
👻💍 Shadowed Vows: Ghost by Emery
Organized crime, special ops, and one relentless journalist. 🖤 What happens when a journalist digs too deep into the wrong world? A high-stakes game of danger, passion, and impossible choices unfolds.
Alina’s character felt so real—like someone you know, someone you root for. Her journey was intense, her resilience undeniable, and the chemistry between her and Ghost? Absolutely electric. The tension crackled with every encounter, making it impossible to put this book down.
That said, some moments felt repetitive, with certain actions and internal dialogues reworded or echoed a bit too much. Trimming those sections—especially during the intimate buildup—would sharpen the pacing and enhance the emotional impact. Additionally, one key moment lost some of its punch when the outcome was hinted at too soon, making it feel slightly predictable.
With a few tweaks, this book has the makings of a solid 5-star read. The tension, the emotion, the addictive storytelling—it’s all here. I can’t wait to see the final version—because once this book tightens up, it’s going to be unstoppable. 🔥🖤
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Organized crime, special ops, and one relentless journalist. 🖤 What happens when a journalist digs too deep into the wrong world? A high-stakes game of danger, passion, and impossible choices unfolds.
Alina’s character felt so real—like someone you know, someone you root for. Her journey was intense, her resilience undeniable, and the chemistry between her and Ghost? Absolutely electric. The tension crackled with every encounter, making it impossible to put this book down.
That said, some moments felt repetitive, with certain actions and internal dialogues reworded or echoed a bit too much. Trimming those sections—especially during the intimate buildup—would sharpen the pacing and enhance the emotional impact. Additionally, one key moment lost some of its punch when the outcome was hinted at too soon, making it feel slightly predictable.
With a few tweaks, this book has the makings of a solid 5-star read. The tension, the emotion, the addictive storytelling—it’s all here. I can’t wait to see the final version—because once this book tightens up, it’s going to be unstoppable. 🔥🖤
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 6, 2025
This is Kade "Ghost" and Alina's story and it drew me in right from the the beginning. Alina is an investigative journalist trying to find out what got her mentee, a young journalist killed. She first runs into Kade at a so called "abandoned" warehouse that both are investigating though neither knows the others motives. Kade is leading his team the Nightfall Syndicate after his partner Roman goes missing. Both are intrigued by each other but neither can trust the other when they don't know who the enemy is. There is plenty of suspense, danger and intrigue as well as romance to keep you entertained along the way. I highly recommend you check it out!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 30, 2025
This book did not do it for me. I found the FMC, Alina, annoying in the extreme; she had to challenge everything, no matter what good sense might have dictated. I also couldn’t take seriously her becoming an accomplished operative after three days of training. That was just a bit too Mary Sue. Kade, the MMC, talked a good game, but although he was over the top possessive, the BDSM aspect was a bit lacking. His threatened punishments seemed to last only a few seconds before turning into mad passionate but basically vanilla sex. As for the plot, it was all too predictable, and rather repetitive. How many times do people have to walk into ambushes before they realize that there are ambushes happening?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 9, 2025
This was an entertaining and page turning read by a new-to-me author. This story is fast paced with great world building and clever characters. I loved the mercenary spin and all the gear and jargon that made it feel real. There are darker themes in this story, including human trafficking, so be ready for action, drama, danger to be included in this engaging read. Of course, there's also romance and the heat sparked off the pages ;P I also enjoyed the fact that the author included some humour to help balance out the drama; especially Ghost stress baking. Lol! Definitely a fun read and I'm looking forward to what's next by this author :D
October 12, 2025
First things first. I love a nickname! He calls her hellcat - which I adore.
I was really drawn into the plot of this one. I love the attempts to takedown a trafficking ring. It always shines light on the incredible corruption that infiltrates so many layers of society.
Personally, the initial few spicy scenes didn’t feel quite connected to me, but the ones later on sure did! Alina is constantly questioning why she’s attracted to Kade, why she finds certain things a turn on. Girl accept this man as he is and take the protection!
She gets there in the end. But boy is she a stubborn, black cat FMC.
I was really drawn into the plot of this one. I love the attempts to takedown a trafficking ring. It always shines light on the incredible corruption that infiltrates so many layers of society.
Personally, the initial few spicy scenes didn’t feel quite connected to me, but the ones later on sure did! Alina is constantly questioning why she’s attracted to Kade, why she finds certain things a turn on. Girl accept this man as he is and take the protection!
She gets there in the end. But boy is she a stubborn, black cat FMC.
April 7, 2025
Alina is a journalist and is looking for a reason to find out why and how her colleague who is also a journalist died. Kade is unexpectedly forced to close the company he started with his best friend Roman and has now disappeared. Will they find out together where his friend is and why her colleague died? Great story that keeps your attention from the beginning, with enough tension, action, danger, many twists and turns and enough romance and steam.
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 17, 2025
DNF 22%. Sophomoric writing. Don’t care for the H or the h.
Insta-lust, annoying as f**k heroine who is just tooooo stupid, while thinking she’s tough. Mr. “Alpha”, isn’t, despite the REPEATED telling of how tough he is.
Man, this reads like tales from a highschool sleep-over. “Handles” or “code names” right off the bat for the entire cast and crew. We’ve got ghost, we’ve got Reaper, Frost, Blade…name any cliche’d ops handle and they are here. (Yes, like 10 of these guys are named in one page.). *que eyeroll*
Damn you TikTok books…once gain I’ve been burned.
Insta-lust, annoying as f**k heroine who is just tooooo stupid, while thinking she’s tough. Mr. “Alpha”, isn’t, despite the REPEATED telling of how tough he is.
Man, this reads like tales from a highschool sleep-over. “Handles” or “code names” right off the bat for the entire cast and crew. We’ve got ghost, we’ve got Reaper, Frost, Blade…name any cliche’d ops handle and they are here. (Yes, like 10 of these guys are named in one page.). *que eyeroll*
Damn you TikTok books…once gain I’ve been burned.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2025
I’m finishing this book out of spite at this point. If I never see the word tactical again in my life it won’t be soon enough. I have never in my life derived an utter disgust for a word before reading this book and I’ve read many a things! Between the word tactical on every page describing literally every thing and Alina’s need to be right even when she’s wrong, I’m not entirely sure how I managed to not DNF. But I got at least 80% through so I figured I’d finish. As I can’t stand the word tactical at this point, finishing this series may not be on the horizon.
April 5, 2025
Kade has been unexpectedly forced to take over the security company he formed with his friend, Roman, after he disappears. Alina is a journalist who is trying to find out how her friend and fellow journalist died. Their investigations bring them together. This story is well-written, full of action, danger, intrigue and romance. A must-read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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