Into The Shadows

by L.M. Dove

Tiana is pulled into the world of shadows after her flight from the mob is derailed by the assassin sent to retrieve or kill her. She finds that an even scarier - and more alluring - predator awaits when she throws herself into the arms of a German ex-intelligence officer turned hacker to escape the death sentence that has been passed on her. As their already dark bond deepens, she discovers the truth of his shockingly gruesome past; even as his charismatic eroticism pulls her more tightly under his sway. Her initial flight sparks off a series of events that culminate in multiple fights in the shadows. These escalating feuds end up embroiling almost all of the various players she meets in a no-holds-barred war, from which only the strongest and most ruthless will emerge.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Romance

399 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 16, 2025

About the author

L. M. Dove is a first time author who enjoys blending the intense worlds of international crime, heart-pounding action, and gothic dark romance. With a deep passion for creating thrilling narratives that span global landscapes and delve into the darker corners of the human psyche, L. M. Dove weaves intricate plots that captivate readers and leave them on the edge of their seats.

A lifelong love of classic literature, historical fiction, and gothic literature, L. M. Dove brings a unique voice to the dark romance genre by infusing it with elements of dangerous love and atmospheric tension. Weaving tales that explore the complexities of love, loss, and obsession, L. M. Dove creates a world where shadows lurk and dangerous passions unfold in hauntingly beautiful settings. With a rich tapestry of peripheral detail and deeply emotional characters, their stories transport readers into a realm where the line between love and madness is often blurred.

When not writing, L. M. Dove enjoys traveling, seeking inspiration in the cities and shadowed forests that mirror the haunting beauty found in their stories.

Reviews

[Maria Spalding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Substantially different from a good majority of the genre that is out there currently and I loved that about this! I was fully invested in the story and found the characters absolutely stellar. There is action, character growth, SO MUCH emotion as the story progresses and some VERY hot spice (I have to admit, it might even have been a bit too much overall, but I LOVED IT!) This is not your typical dark romance, I felt like I actually visited all the places as they traveled and was totally captivated by the MMC. Deimos is morally black but I can totally understand how most anyone would be captivated and obsessed with him!

[Kaya Brinker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really keeps you on your toes. It’s very different than a lot I have read recently which is always a plus! I appreciated the twists. Excited for book 2!

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spicy and thrilling book with likeable characters. The protagonist is a bit of an unreliable narrator at times due to her trauma and the unhealthy way she deals with it but you are able to put yourself in her shoes because in a way she represents you when your life spirals and you just try to dissociate from reality. Her distractions of choice are spicy time and meds. The more stable she gets along the journey the more reliable her narration is but it never gets boring as she's surrounded by people that are mysterious and have their own skeletons.
Definitely a good read if you like a story with a lot of action, spicy moments, and with a bit of romance.

[Leonissia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the dichotomy of Deimos because I can't tell if he is an absolute monster or the pinnacle of fictional men. It was a lot steamier than I expected and I'll be starting the next book immediately!

[Zan Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gripping, unsettling, and well-written dark romance that doesn’t soften its edges. This is not a gentle love story, and it doesn’t pretend to be. From early on, there’s a constant sense of threat woven into the narrative, creating an atmosphere where tension and attraction exist side by side. I found the writing immersive and confident, pulling me into a world where trust is fragile and safety is never guaranteed.


What stands out most is how the romance is handled. The relationship is deeply dark, rooted in fear, power imbalance, and the knowledge that the main male character is genuinely dangerous. The stakes are real. There’s an always present understanding that he is capable of killing, and that others before her have not fared well. This makes every interaction charged and unpredictable, and it gives the story a psychological weight that goes beyond typical romantic tension. The author doesn’t romanticize the danger, but instead lets it sit heavily over the relationship, which makes the dynamic feel intense and often quite disturbing.


The characters are complex and flawed, shaped by trauma and difficult choices, and the story allows space for discomfort rather than rushing toward reassurance. The pacing builds suspense steadily, keeping the reader uneasy and invested, and the emotional impact lingers well after chapters end. The book stays true to its dark tone through to the end, which adds to its credibility within the genre.


Overall, Into the Shadows is a strong example of dark romance done thoughtfully and unapologetically. Readers who are drawn to morally complex characters, psychological tension, and romances that explore danger rather than safety will likely find this a compelling and memorable read.

[Meescha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of twists and turns and all the fun little tidbits that keeps you guessing what will happen next! Definitely a page turner that will keep you wanting more!

[Casey]

I can't with the writing.