Shadowface 1979 : A Dark College Romance

by Rhea Ryan

Shadowface is watching.
And this time, he’s not alone.

They say Shadowface is just a story—a ghost tale passed down through generations.
But stories don’t kill people. Unless they’re true.

A brutal murder rocks the town of Kinsmen, awakening the old legend. Then I appear like a bad omen, caught in the crosshairs of two best friends turned rivals. One is dark and dangerous, the other golden and delicious.

They both want something from me, and both of them are lying.
As the whispers grow louder, I’m dragged into a web of obsession, murder, and a past that refuses to stay buried.

The deeper I go, the more I realize the only way out might be to become the legend itself.

This is Why Choose Dark Horror Romance with extremely dark themes. Read at your own discretion.

Genres: Dark Romance

484 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 24, 2026

About the author

website: www.rhearyan.com

Rhea Ryan is a spicy writer of romance on the edge of dark and twisty. Each of her stories delves deep into matters of the heart and explores the darker side of human nature. After writing in the corporate world, she realized she had a desire and compulsion to write creatively. She lives in Western Canada with her husband, two young children and a fur baby.


Want a free novella? You can download through bookfunnel https://dl.bookfunnel.com/dn4daa3w3w

Reviews

[Rhea Ryan]

This book is out in the wild.

ARC readers are currently enjoying before it's release date of February 24, 2026!

[MsAprilreadswhat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an exhilarating and intense journey through a gripping story. I consumed this book eagerly, captivated by its dark and compelling atmosphere that left me with numerous questions. It’s a why choose where the dynamic between Remi, Tommy, and Didi creates a compelling push and pull, adding depth and complexity to the plot. As I mentioned before, the content is quite dark, so check your trigger warnings before diving in. I’m eagerly looking forward to where Rhea will take us next with Shadowface.

[D.3.b.0.r.a.h · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely pulled me under.

Shadowface 1979 is dark, atmospheric, and deeply unsettling in a way that feels intentional and beautifully crafted. From the very first chapters, a heavy sense of tension lingers in the background, and the beautifully immersive writing style pulls you in completely.

I felt fully absorbed from start to finish. It’s one of those books where the outside world just fades away while you’re reading.

I really loved that the book is divided into Part One and Part Two. That structure worked perfectly for the story.

Part One absolutely broke my heart. Didi did not have it easy at all. Her upbringing was so different, so unsettling, and at times incredibly painful to witness. You truly feel the emotional weight of everything she goes through.

What I also loved is that you can never be 100% sure about Tommy and Remy. You’re constantly questioning them, unsure which “team” you’re supposed to be on. That moral grey area made the story even more addictive. And somehow, despite everything, they both managed to steal my heart.

* Personally i don’t think you have to read book one, to fully enjoy this story. You can absolutely go into Shadowface 1979 blind and still follow everything perfectly fine. It stands strong on its own. *

This story truly stole my heart. I didn’t want to say goodbye to these characters, and I secretly hope there will be another part someday.

[Jaimie Frerichs · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ 3.5🌶️

Wow what a wild read! I ate this up! Finished in less than 24 hours!!! I loved getting the back history of book 1. Rhea Ryan has never disappointed me, and this book was no exception. I loved the Characters especially DiDi and Remi! I feel like I could have read so much more about them and never been bored. The things these characters went through and even did themselves was absolutely wild. Dark romance and why choose, sign me up! I can’t wait to see what Rhea comes out with next!

[Erin Ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’m falling for you, firefly. Every damn day that goes by, I fall harder. I’m falling in love with you, Didi.”

This is dark/ horrorish/ romance and so intense. I ate this up!

We have Tommy who is basically golden boy, all star athlete that everyone loves. Mr popular.
Then there's Remmy who is dark, obsessive and polar opposite of Tommy.
Our FMC Didi gets thrown into the chaos between the two of them and it's just a rollercoaster of a ride!

I'm really glad this was a why choose because honestly who could you pick between Tommy and Remmy?!? It's impossible. Didi got the best (worst? Whichever! 😂) of both worlds with those two. There are so many strong character roles in this! Which made the plot so much better and totally captivating. The focus wasn't just on a couple main characters but a whole group.

I haven't read shadowface yet but I'm actually glad I started here for chronological purposes 😂 this played out like an unhinged horror movie in my head filled with small town secrets, Paranoia, and sacrifice... Urban legend vibes with religious trauma and tons of slashing! I'm looking forward to going back and reading the other one by this author and I am eager to see what else is in store for this series because I know there is more to come!

✔️Dark College Romance
✔️Masked man
✔️Why choose
✔️Secret Society
✔️Multi-pov
✔️Religious Trauma

Thank you for my ARC! I'm leaving this review voluntarily!

[Heath Steph Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read your trigger warnings
From jump you can feel the heaviness in the air and kinda know you may or may not get your heart ripped out with this one. (Hint: it’s getting ripped out)The push and pull of Tommy and Remy….shit I’d like to be the meat in the middle of that manwich. You will absolutely feel a range of emotions bc hello trauma. The secrets will drive you wild while the legend keeps on spreading. The spice be spicing. Absolutely loved this one so much! Dark - intense - why choose bc I’m not 😁

[Sarah Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a dramatic start the story only intensified and I couldn’t put it down!! It’s violent, tense and absolutely captivating.

It’s a spicy why choose dark horromance and it’s a good job because how the hell could you choose between Tommy and Remy? They both tugged at my heartstrings in different ways.

The way this storyline played out with so many strong characters involved was just awesome and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. It’s definitely a book to read again and again.

[Em Yardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alright, buckle up because Shadow Face: 1979 is what happens when a slasher legend, a small town full of secrets, and a deeply unhinged why-choose romance all decide to hold hands and skip into chaos together.

This book oozes spooky campfire energy. You know the vibe: “Relax, it’s just a story…” cut to Shadowface peeking around the corner like surprise, bitch. The town of Kinsmen is claustrophobic, paranoid, and absolutely crawling with people who know WAY more than they’re saying. Trust no one. Especially not the friendly ones.

Let’s talk about Didi, our FMC, who cannot catch a single break. White hair, pale skin, albinism, and immediately labeled a “monster” by a town that desperately needs therapy. She’s sweet, pure, and dropped straight into a nest of religious obsession, secret societies, and horny danger boys. Truly, the universe said character development through trauma.

Enter Tommy and Remy best friends who take one look at Didi and collectively lose their minds.

Tommy: golden boy, star athlete, protector vibes, but still has a shadow lurking under that charm.
Remy: darker, richer, more unhinged, black-cat energy incarnate. Obsessed. Possessive. Will absolutely ruin lives for his girl.

Choosing between them? Absolutely not. Hence: why choose. Thank you, romance gods.

And then there’s Talia. Oh, Talia. The darkness. The secrets. The why does she want Didi and should I be scared? (Yes. Very.) I’m saying nothing more because discovering her role is half the fun and 90% of the “oh shit” moments.

The Shadowface legend itself? Chef’s kiss. It’s not just a mask it’s an infection. A presence. A vibe. The idea that survival might mean becoming the monster instead of running from it is honestly iconic. Feminine rage, but make it slasher cult adjacent.

Also: 1979 takes us right back to where it all began before that fire. And listen, do yourself a favour and reacquaint yourself with Shadowface before diving in. I spent an unreasonable amount of time scratching my head like I had fleas, but once it clicks? So worth it.

The character development is intense, the relationships are messy and obsessive, and the darkness creeps in so smoothly you don’t even notice until you’re fully invested and whispering “oh no” at 2am.

It’s violent. It’s tense. It’s spicy. It’s a dark horromance fever dream and a good thing too, because how the hell are you meant to choose between Tommy and Remy?
(You don’t. Obviously.)

If you love morally gray characters, slasher legends, religious cult vibes, obsession, small-town secrets, and a why-choose romance that laughs in the face of sanity Shadow Face: 1979 will grab you by the throat and not let go.

P.S. My heart, soul, and common sense belong to Remy. No notes. 🖤

[Krystina Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


This book had me hooked from page one. Dark small-town vibes, a chilling urban legend, and a messy, intense romance that hurts so good.

Diana is such a lovable, real-feeling main character who totally carries the emotional side of the story. She’s not perfect or fearless, but that’s exactly why she works — she gets scared, confused, and overwhelmed by all the dark secrets around her, yet she still keeps pushing for the truth. Her reactions feel genuine, which makes the creepy, dangerous stuff hit even harder, and her messy, emotional chemistry with both Tommy and Remy adds so much tension and drama. You can see why she’s torn, you feel everything with her, and by the end she doesn’t just feel like a character — she feels like someone you’re rooting for like a friend.

Tommy is that sweet, charming “good guy” who makes you feel safe and warm… until you realize there’s way more going on under the surface. I loved that mix. He’s protective and caring but still mysterious enough to make you side-eye him (in a good way). Every time he showed up I was like, “Yay, golden boy!” but also, “Okay sir… what are you hiding?”

Then there’s Remy — total opposite energy and I ate it up. Dark, intense, and broody, with the kind of devotion that feels a little unhinged but completely addictive to read. He’s the character who makes you gasp and then flip the page faster because you need to see what he does next.

Together, Tommy and Remy are sunshine vs. storm clouds, and the tension between them is everything. The rivalry, the emotions, the secrets — it all feels huge, and they’re way more than just love interests in the middle of all the creepy town drama.

The tension — romantic and murderous — never lets up, and the atmosphere is so vivid it feels like the town itself is watching. Twisted, emotional, and completely addictive… I stayed up way too late turning pages. If you love dark romance with horror edges and morally gray love interests, this one delivers big time. 🖤📖

[Tropes_and_Taboo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadowface 1979 by Rhea Ryan
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Multi POV * Dark Romance * Horror * Religious Trauma * Cinnamon Roll MMC * Dark High School/College * Secret Society * Masked Men * Virgin FMC * Why Choose * MFM * Albino Rep * Unaliving * Gore * Blood Pacts * Paranormal * Cult * SA * Abusive Parent * Manipulation * Secrets * 484 pages

This is technically a standalone… but hear me out.

Last year, "Shadowface" the original story, made its debut and I was completely sucked into that story, the lore, the cult, the mystery of who is who. I went in blind and didn’t regret it for a second (though I highly recommend checking trigger warnings for both books). It was brilliant.

Now to this story. While it can absolutely be read as a standalone, it’s actually a fully fleshed-out prequel set two generations before the events of last year’s book.

You could read this one on its own and have all the information you need. However, I strongly feel that reading the original first and then finishing with this one is the ultimate experience. You’re more aware of the cult elements, so there’s slightly less mystery, but still plenty of intrigue. What this book gives you is a deep, immersive look into the beginnings of the Order and the three generations that shape everything.

The characters are layered, flawed, and frustrating in the best way. There were moments I hated some of them… only to turn the page and be completely drawn back in. This is labeled as a why choose, but it also kind of isn’t. It walks this perfect line between love triangle and why choose. I hate love triangles, but whatever this mashup was? It worked. It was perfect.

Be prepared: this is dark horror romance that does not shy away from violence or on-page SA. It fully commits to the darkness.

*I received an arc copy from the author, I am providing my honest review.

[Sara Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read about the backstory of Shadowface. We are introduced to Remy, Tommy, Diana, and Talia and get to know more about their personalities, the creeds and inner workings of the group they are apart of.

For the first 70% of the book I was riveted, there was lots of tension, lust, backstory and introduction to characters. After that unfortunately it lost my interest and seemed to fall a bit flat. Understanding this is a why choose, there is a lot of flipping back and forth, jealousy, pining, and claiming. It just felt like everyone wanted Diana and she was being torn in all directions, trying to be claimed, while also being indoctrinated and manipulated.

The only character who seems to stick with their personality is Remy, as Diana, and Tommy flip flop between innocence and evil. Talia is described as being born again and not being the same girl as before, being evil, but also being a product of her surroundings. Honestly, she seems pretty aware of what she's doing, the consequences of her actions and the lives she is ruining, so I found the description of being a product of her surroundings odd. From a young age she found the evil within and took comfort from that despite what happened to her.

My major gripe with this book is the lack of editing. Numerous spelling and grammatical errors were in the book along with very odd phrases, some of which were not of the time period. It took me out of the experience to come across weird phrases/words that were out of place and not contextual. Especially when the phrase would not have been used in that time frame. Therefore I am not giving this 5 stars.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Shadow Face: 1979 is a dark, eerie blend of slasher legend, small-town paranoia, and obsession that feels like a campfire story come violently to life. From the start, the atmosphere is thick with dread—one of those tales where everyone swears it’s just a story…until bodies prove otherwise.

The legend of Shadowface is used brilliantly here. It’s not just a boogeyman lurking in the background; it’s a presence that seeps into every interaction, every lie, and every glance. The town of Kinsmen feels claustrophobic and suspicious, the kind of place where the past never really stays buried and everyone knows more than they’re willing to admit.

The love triangle adds a delicious layer of tension. Two best friends turned rivals—one dark and dangerous, one golden and tempting—both circling the narrator with their own secrets and agendas. Trust becomes a luxury, and the constant question of who’s lying and why keeps the suspense razor-sharp. The obsession runs deep, blurring the lines between protector, predator, and accomplice.

What really elevates this story is its willingness to lean into the idea that survival might require transformation. The notion that the only escape is to become the legend is haunting and empowering all at once. It’s not just about outrunning the monster—it’s about claiming the fear and turning it into armor.

If you love dark thrillers with slasher vibes, morally gray characters, small-town secrets, and a creeping sense that danger is watching from just out of sight, Shadow Face: 1979 is a chilling, addictive read that keeps its grip long after the final page. 🖤🔪

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗹 𝘆𝗲𝘁… 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹.”

Shadowface 1979 is a dark why choose romance and an interconnected standalone in the Shadowface universe. This was my number 1 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 book of 2026 and Rhea did not disappoint! I am literally 𝗼𝗯𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱 with Didi, Remy, Tommy, and Talia. The levels of chemistry, devotion, darkness, and lust between these characters had me salivating throughout the entire book. The atmosphere is eerie, tense, and full of secrets that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very last page. The spice slowly creeps in and once it hits, it’s well worth the wait🥵 This story and these characters wrecked me in the best way possible and while I love them all, Remy and Talia surprised me the most. What I wouldn’t give to be Remy’s little lamb and Talia was just so intense and fascinating.

If you’re looking for a book: that’ll stick with you, has all the 70s vibes, religious cult like vibes, mysterious slasher legends, secrets galore, and an addicting why choose romance look no further. I also highly recommend checking out the playlist because 1. It slays and 2. for more of an immersive reading experience.

🩸Religious Trauma
🔪MFM (Why Choose)
⛓️Virgin FMC
💀Masked Man
🩸Cinnamon Roll MMC
🔪Dark HS/College
⛓️Multi-POV
💀Secret Society

“𝗛𝗲’𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗲… 𝗵𝗲’𝗹𝗹 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹 𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘀 𝗧𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘆. 𝗜 𝘀𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗜 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗿𝘂𝗻𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗜’𝗹𝗹 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗼𝗯𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗺𝗲. 𝗠𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘁.”

“𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁, 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗯? 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗺𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘆 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀?”

“𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁, 𝗮 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝘅 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿. 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮’𝘀 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.“

[Amber Buckman · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all I just want to thank Rhea for letting me be apart of her ARC team, it is truly an honor.

In Shadowface 1979 we follow Diana Wells or Didi as she has been nicknamed. As a teen she is living with her mother in this old run down, haunted farmhouse and her mother sees her own daughter as this monster because she is albino in every sense, her skin is white as snow, her hair, her eyes are as she called them Translucent and her mother just doesn't understand why her daughter looks like this. Her mother is also super religious and has put Diana in a chastity belt so there's no chances of her becoming impure and reproducing a "demon" child. This broke my heart for Didi, she's just a teen and doesn't understand why her mother sees her in this light but because she loves her momma she just lives with it and what she does. Didi does however finally attend school and this is where she meets Remington Vital and Tommy Landry, Remy comes off as this dark and menacing type that wants to kill her while Tommy is immediately intrigued by her and wants to be her friend. Later on both Remy and Tommy have completely fallen in love with Didi and as they come from the same bloodline of the Order of Shadowface they make it a competition to see who gets Didi in the end but Remy's sister Talia is now also in the picture and it just amplifies everything.

I don't want to go into too much more so all I'm gonna say is if you loved Shadowface then you'll love Shadowface 1979. Rhea has done an amazing job once again and I can't wait to see what she does next for this world. This was just absolutely amazing and I am now going to be nursing a book hangover for the next several days.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review

Shadowface 1979 is a prequel to Shadowface. It takes place before the events of the original Shadowface and dives into the origins of the Order of the Shadows, the Vital family, and the dark history of Kinsmen University.
The book is a dark and twisted college romance set in the Kinsmen University. Diana, a albino outcast with tragic past, finds herself entangled in a web of secrets, cuts and murders. She catches the interest of both Tommy and Remington. Both part of the Order of the Shadows.
Diana's story is one of isolation. Her albinism sets her apart and mother's abuse makes for quite some trauma. I liked how resilient she was.
Tommy is the golden boy in this story. But his has a hidden darkness. His struggles between his public persona and his role in the Order is fascinating. I love how he balances his vulnerability with menace.
Remington is the brooding antihero. He sees Diana for who she truly is. He is very protective but has a dark past. He is a complex character.
The dynamic between Tommy and Remington is a masterclass in dark romance. Rivalry, obsession, and a shared hunger for Diana that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
This book does not shy away from darkness, it is darkness. The setting, the legend, the Order.
The ending is not a neat, tidy wrap up. It is satisfying but gives the promise for more darkness and twists.

[b00kishbritt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc Review:
The small town legend Shadowface strikes again, taking us back to 1979 & the secrets they harbour in the small town that homes Kinsmen University.
Diana is new to town.. an albino misfit with a tragic past & a religiously insane Mama. Catching the eye of the notoriously popular Tommy & Remy, she finds herself falling into a pit of sin, secrets, masks, and murder.
The Order of Shadow demands the blood of your one true love. Will she be their sacrifice?
“You can’t kill someone who is technically already dead.”

The secrets & drama unfolding in this one had me sitting upright gripping my kindle! It was hard to put this one down. Dianas life with her Mama, was horrible. Then comes Remy&Tommy, like fire&ice..
"Tommy and I often share chicks. You can’t fall for one charm without falling for the other. He’s the pretty boy, I’m the grump. He’s the sunshine, I’m the brood."
Ugh how could she choose🥵
The competitiveness, the tension, it was perfect. The multi love triangle thing going on when Remys sister Talia came back was intense too.
After all the murder & everything they all went through throughout the book, I'm so glad they got their happy ending.. until the next generation.

Available for you to read on February 24th!
Check Trigger Warnings ⚠️ !!

•484 Pages
•Multi POV
•Phsycological Thriller
•Secret Society
•Why Choose
•Religious Trauma

[CuriousPigeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Reader Confessional – Shadowface 1979: A Dark College Romance by Rhea Ryan

This book didn’t just grab my attention — it seduced it. Shadowface 1979 is dark, provocative, and irresistibly addictive, the kind of story that makes your pulse quicken and your morals quietly excuse themselves from the room.

The tension is thick enough to taste. Every interaction feels charged, every glance loaded, every moment stretched tight with anticipation. The chemistry is intense and unapologetic, built on power, control, and that delicious edge of danger that makes dark romance so intoxicating. This book knows how to tease — slowly, deliberately, and with purpose.

The atmosphere is moody and immersive, wrapping you in shadows and desire until you’re completely consumed. The spice is confident and bold, simmering beneath the surface before flaring exactly when it should. Nothing feels rushed, nothing feels wasted — it’s all about the build, and the payoff is immensely satisfying.

Shadowface 1979 is seductive, intense, and impossible to put down. If you crave dark college romance with morally grey energy, sharp power dynamics, and spice that lingers long after the final page, this book will absolutely ruin you in the best way.

📖 I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Stormy Shadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review
Book 2 of Shadowface
Star Rating: 4⭐️
Source: From Author
Pub Date: Feb 24, 2026
Genre: Dark Romance/Horror
Spice: 🌶���🌶️🌶️
Format: Digital

This was pretty interesting and so different from the first book in the series. This follows mostly our FMC although we have multi POV’s from Remy, Tommy and Talia. I found the FMC’s pov very interesting. She was dragged and just treated like some “monster” because of her features which is Albinism. White hair, white eyes, pale skin. Also very heavy religious themes in this. That usually turns me away but I liked it in this book particularly. Didi is so pure and the two boys had their sights on her since she arrived at the small town. Lots of suspicious stuff happening and Shadowface is always mentioned within the town from the past. It was one guy but now it’s the Order of Shadows and the Vital family is one of the bloodlines directly to it. There are a few others but they are the one who resemble it mostly. Talia being the darkness of the most of the group of friends. Remy is just as dark as Talia and wants to claim Didi and ruin her. Tommy has a dark side but he’s the better of them all. This was a spicy why choose dark romance. I liked it a lot!

[Ink Diver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadowface was such a thrilling and immersive read. When arc sign ups for 1979 popped up, you bet your sweet fanny I dove right in 😉

1979 brings us to where it all started. What lead up to the events before and after THAT fire. Another point to mention is it's HIGHLY beneficial to reacquaint yourself with Shadowface before this one to really cement the link between characters. The amount of times I spent scratching my head like I had fleas was crazy 🤪

The character development was really well written. We bear witness to seeing how the darkness took over the main characters. The intensity of their relationships between one another and just how far that devotion takes them. There is a fair bit happening in the story but it flows brilliantly without confusion or unnecessary fillers.

If you're a Stephen King fan and consider Carrie one of your favs. You may find this read is right up your alley . There's some similar references such as the fanatical Christian mother and the outcast girl who gets picked on...

The 70's references deserve their own shout out. So what are you waiting for? Drop everything and take a trip back to 1979 and rock out with them bell bottoms and some greens man.

[Mina Sandate · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/ 5

“They own me, and they know it, but I can make it hurt, too.”

WOW WOW WOOOOWWWW!!! Pure perfection!! 🤩 I could not put my kindle down for days! It’s a huge book and I’ve read it for hours everyday. When I wasn’t reading, I kept thinking about what’s going to happen next!

Tommy and Remy, who are both best friends, falls head over heels when they took one look at Didi.
Tommy is a Star Track Athlete, Remy is too but he’s the “Darker” version. Tommy doesn’t know who his best friend and his family really is. He will do anything to protect her.
Didi had a very terrible life since she was born. And damn that girl couldn’t NOT catch a break! Little does Didi know what happens in the town she moved to. She’s sweet and innocent. Until she met the 2 men who changed her life forever.
Daddy Remy is from a rich and powerful family. He is the Black Cat 🐈‍⬛ in the friendship. He found himself when Didi came into his life, and he will hurt anyone who touches her. 😈 He also has an older sister, Talia, who he will also protect just as much as Didi. I will not be saying much about her because you need to read for yourself how much more powerful she really is and who she is. 🖤
Talia wants Didi for something. But for what? Ohhh man you’ll find out soon 😉

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is best read as a prequel to "Shadowface" for the fullest grasp of the base story line and characters (in my opinion).
This book was dark, unhinged, confusing, sad, traumatic and spicy. Please check TWs first!
Our FMC Diane is traumatized from a young age due to her upbringing, because her mother couldn't cope with her lot in life. A lot of it has to do with the time period the story is set in and the beliefs and superstitions people had in the 1970's. These circumstances greatly contributed to how Diane turned out and led to her making the choices she did.
Our two MMCs, Remi and Tommy, are so similar and yet so different. Childhood friends bound by dark family legacies and both attracted to the same girl - albeit different aspects of her.
The story gets progressively darker, more traumatic and downright brutal. It illustrates the power of a name in a small town, as well as the lengths people are willing to go to for what they believe in and believe they are owed.
This was not a happy read, but quite thought-provoking.

[Jamie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only Shadowface can make a mask like this draw you into his snare.. once he has his sights on you there is no turning back.....

Does he really love you if he doesn't mark you and say:
"You're my little sacrifice now, baby, and that's fucking sacred. You're the most important person in my world." Remy may be alot of things but no one can he isn't Obsessed with his "little lamb"

This read is wild and draws you in much. It's dark, gothic and you just can't stop reading it....I stayed up all night to finish it. I was insanely drawn into 1979.......

This haunting story will definitely be in your head long after you read it. If you love dark horror romance preorder this from Amazon now!!!

☠️Religious Trauma
🖤MFM (Why Choose)
☠️Virgin FMC
🖤Masked Man
☠️Cinnamon Roll MMC
Dark High School/College
🖤Multi-POV
☠️Secret Society

I feel blessed I was able to read this as an ARC and highly reccomend it to my dark romance, horror romance, secret society and why choose lovers

[Rissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great backstory about Shadowface. In this story, we’re introduced to Diana, Remy, Tommy and Talia. Diana is the new girl in town, with a drunk church loving mother and living with Albanism. She is dirt poor, fighting daily just to make ends meet. I felt bad for Didi, she could never catch a break. If it wasn’t her mother making her feel bad, it was the kids as school. I loved the small information about her living with Albanism and how it shaped her into the person she is, and even how it affects her vision. Diana ends up in a love triangle with Tommy and Remy- although Tommy seems to find himself in his own love triangle.
There was plenty of why choose in here but I loved learning about the background of Shadowface.
At the end of the story, I was shocked, could not believe it ended the way it did. I’m not sure if i’m happy or sad but it was a great story that kept me on my toes!!

[Anna Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars

Dark, nostalgic, unsettling in the best way.

I picked this up expecting a slow burn, and instead it had me flipping pages like a madwoman 😭👀. I'm staring at the ceiling like “why am I tense over every tiny sound right now??” 😭👀✨. The 1979 atmosphere is SO strong.... eerie, quiet, and creeping under your skin the whole time.

Didi is such a compelling lead, caught between fear, memories she can’t fully trust, and the terrifying feeling that something from her past is still reaching for her.

Talia is the steady, logical friend who keeps everyone grounded.

Remy brings chaos and bravery in equal amounts.

And Tommy is the emotional wildcard who somehow broke my heart more than once 🥺💔.

The horror is subtle but super effective... more like “I’m scared but don’t know why” than gore. My only tiny complaint is a small pacing dip, but overall? I LOVED this.

Creepy, emotional, addictive 😭🔥📚.

[Kiley Bates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. I don’t really have words for this one. I had no idea what I was getting into with this, but I really liked it!

Going through all of Didi’s experiences with her was horrifying, yet incredibly eye-opening. I loved watching her grow into who she was always meant to be, and I am not the least bit surprised she ended up where she did.

Talia is terrifying. Tommy was never meant for this life. Remy is unashamed of who he is and I respect him for that.

I loved watching the relationships unfold in this and I’m honestly surprised with how it ended!

✝️ Religious trauma
🐑 Why choose (MFM)
✝️ Multi POV
🐑 Secret Society
✝️ Cinnamon Roll MMC
🐑 Masked Men
✝️ Dark Romance

This is the prequel for Shadowface and now I have to go read that one to see where the story ends up!

4/5 ⭐️’s
2/4 🌶️’s

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remy, Tommy, and Didi what a trio. Didi started out as a wallflower but by the end of this story, she was a little fighter. She did have Tommy and Remy to thank for that. They helped to show her that she is beautiful and should not stay in the shadows.

I loved Tommy calling Didi "Firefly". Where Tommy is light, Remy is dark. I liked this dynamic that Tommy and Remy had. Because there are times when I wanted to darkness that Remy portrayed but then the protector of Tommy.

Ahh, poor Talia. My heart broke for her. The scenes where she did appear in the story were very important to the storyline. I am glad to hear that this will not be the last of Talia. She has a very intriguing story, and I want to know more about here.

The legend of Shadowface is strong. I liked the origin story. I am obsessed with this book. It is so good.

[Jess Bohanick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This prequel novel to Shadowface, which was my top dark romance last year, not only lived up to the hype, it somehow topped it. Rhea Ryan has an incredible ability to expose the darkest parts of a character while still making you understand them… and even feel for them.

Getting more of the history behind the Order of Shadows was fascinating, and I loved how the characters were all interconnected by a force none of them could fully control. That sense of inevitability and darkness added so much weight to the story and made everything feel deeply unsettling (in the best way).

This book is incredibly written, unapologetically dark, and emotionally intense. Definitely check your trigger warnings before diving in but if you’re a fan of dark romance that isn’t afraid to go there, this one is unforgettable!

[Kylei Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Shadowface 1979 is twisted, dark, and adds a little bit of spice. I felt like the story prepared me more to be able to read Shadowface after this, even though I see from other reviews that it may be a bit different. I’m here for it nonetheless! The religious aspects to the story played in really well, it honestly just gave the book that extra depth of darkness. The spice wasn’t crazy, I could see how some may classify it as a dark romance with some scenes and situations, but I wouldn’t say it was completely dark. I honestly wish there was a little bit more spice in the book but I feel like we were mainly getting more story in order to understand the main book. Overall I liked the book, I loved the characters and I loved how this story took me for a ride!

[Jolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

This book completely surprised me in the best way! From the start, there’s this constant tension that keeps you turning pages because you need to know what’s coming next. The atmosphere is dark and heavy without being overdone, and the story pulls you in without giving too much away. The spice is spicy in all the ways you want it to be and you’ll be asking yourself “why choose” by the end of it because you’ll fall in love with both MMCs (honestly I loved Bax as well for his goofy stoner self 🤭) This is absolutely the kind of book that’s going to get people talking once it releases, especially if you love eerie, spicy reads that linger. I can’t wait to go back and read the original Shadowface book

[Allurah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a bit of a hard time getting into this but once it started to pick up steam about halfway through part one, it was quite a ride!

I struggled a bit with the 2 MMCs since it seemed like they were just playing tug-o-war with Didi for quite some time, not having genuine feelings for her. And her naivete was excessive and annoying at times, but when she started to come into her own power and stand up for herself, she got a lot more interesting. I still felt bad that after all she endured, she still seemed like a side character in another woman's story and that all her choices and desires were always subject to the permission of another. No one really got a HEA so as long as you have that mindset at the beginning, you can better enjoy the ride.