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Shadowface 1979 : A Dark College Romance
Not yet published
Expected 24 Feb 26Shadowface 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.
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.
- GenresDark Romance
Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 24, 2026
29 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Rhea Ryan
9 books246 followerswebsite: 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
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January 20, 2026This book is out in the wild.
ARC readers are currently enjoying before it's release date of February 24, 2026!
ARC readers are currently enjoying before it's release date of February 24, 2026!
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
February 2, 2026
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!
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!
January 26, 2026
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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. 🖤
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. 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
January 23, 2026
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. 🖤🔪
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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. 🖤🔪
February 2, 2026
“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.“
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.“
Review of advance copy received from Author
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!
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!
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
Review of advance copy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 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 😉
🌶️🌶️🌶️/ 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 😉
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
Review of advance copy
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
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
February 1, 2026
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!!
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!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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
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
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
January 27, 2026
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!
Review of advance copy received from Author
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
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
Review of advance copy received from Author
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
Why Choose 💀🖤
Praise & Degradation 💀🖤
Biting & Marking 💀🖤
Virgin FMC 💀🖤
Unhinged MMC 💀🖤
Religion aspect 💀🖤
Secret Society 💀🖤
Manipulation 💀🖤
Captivity 💀🖤
Once again I am speechless. This book have so many twists and turns, I have no clue what is happening next. The author is brilliant in how she start the book and end it. It leave me want more and keep asking what now. This secret society storyline is so intriguing and I stay up all night reading until I am done. The FMC is unique in so may ways. I love how this is a why choose love story but at the same time it is not. This book is so good I can reread it over and over again.
3🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
Why Choose 💀🖤
Praise & Degradation 💀🖤
Biting & Marking 💀🖤
Virgin FMC 💀🖤
Unhinged MMC 💀🖤
Religion aspect 💀🖤
Secret Society 💀🖤
Manipulation 💀🖤
Captivity 💀🖤
Once again I am speechless. This book have so many twists and turns, I have no clue what is happening next. The author is brilliant in how she start the book and end it. It leave me want more and keep asking what now. This secret society storyline is so intriguing and I stay up all night reading until I am done. The FMC is unique in so may ways. I love how this is a why choose love story but at the same time it is not. This book is so good I can reread it over and over again.
January 27, 2026
The burn was slllooowwww, but totally worth it. I would like one Tommy and one Remy to go please. I loved both of their characters && their nicknames for Didi 😉🥵. There were so many secrets, twists, and turns. Gore, drama, spice - what more could you possibly need?? I will say, I liked Shadowface more - it was more fast paced than this one to me. However, I still enjoyed the storyline and getting to know more of the background that is Shadowface! I am interested to see more about Talia, hopefully eventually - because she’s insane and I need to know more about the why.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Shadowface 1979 by Rhea Ryan ARC Review
Once again, Rhea Ryan did not disappoint!! I loved reading about Didi, Remy & Tommy's stories. There is so much happening in this book with multiple different people. Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen it shifted the opposite way. It caught my attention and left me wanting more. Scratch that, not want - need! I would love to read more about Talia and Kevin as well, hopefully more of their stories will come in the future. Possibly even Bax.
Once again, Rhea Ryan did not disappoint!! I loved reading about Didi, Remy & Tommy's stories. There is so much happening in this book with multiple different people. Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen it shifted the opposite way. It caught my attention and left me wanting more. Scratch that, not want - need! I would love to read more about Talia and Kevin as well, hopefully more of their stories will come in the future. Possibly even Bax.
August 11, 2025
Psychological thriller w a masked serial killer. Yes pls. This is a Dark college romance. It explores the psychology themes and how they play into the characters. FMC goes to college in hopes of following in her fathers footsteps. There she meets her professor and also catches the attn of shadowface. Will she be is next victim? I loved this one. Slow burn. Couldn't put it down. Can't wait for 1979
Review of advance copy received from Author
Beyond Redemption?
Nothing warm and fuzzy here! She baited the hook and reeled you in slowly so you dont miss anything.
The legend continues. The secrets waver in the lights.
This story gives a whole new meaning to crazy. The plot for revenge thickens. Ghost hovers. Fear seeps out.
The characters on point though Tommy annoyed me. I liked the bit of family history. If we handed out Oscar's Talia would definitely be holding hers proudly.
Nothing warm and fuzzy here! She baited the hook and reeled you in slowly so you dont miss anything.
The legend continues. The secrets waver in the lights.
This story gives a whole new meaning to crazy. The plot for revenge thickens. Ghost hovers. Fear seeps out.
The characters on point though Tommy annoyed me. I liked the bit of family history. If we handed out Oscar's Talia would definitely be holding hers proudly.
Review of advance copy received from Author
How fair will the darkness go? Why must you die to feel alive? Wow this book is dark but so good. Diana, Tommy and Remy take the darkness to the next level but there is also so much love. Kinsmen is a town full of dark power and corruption but where did it start and why does it seem to consume their souls? Talia’s search for the Codex adds another level of darkness. If you want dark, twisted and a lot of love this one’s for you.
January 27, 2026
My fav book of the series this far! I can’t wait to read the next one.
It’s pretty dark, but not the darkest I’ve read and I’m okay with that. Perfect blend of darkness to go along with the story line. Character development was right on time. I loved how the story just kept you hanging one saying one more chapter 🤣
“When you dance with death, you never know when death wants to play, so you must always be ready for it.”
“I’m not a snake; I am the reaper, lady. I was sent here from hell to torment you, and that’s all you need to know about me.”
It’s pretty dark, but not the darkest I’ve read and I’m okay with that. Perfect blend of darkness to go along with the story line. Character development was right on time. I loved how the story just kept you hanging one saying one more chapter 🤣
“When you dance with death, you never know when death wants to play, so you must always be ready for it.”
“I’m not a snake; I am the reaper, lady. I was sent here from hell to torment you, and that’s all you need to know about me.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was obsessed with the first Shadowface book. This book was not like the first one in my opinion. Was this one good? Absolutely!! Just don't expect it to read or feel like the first one did. This was dark, disturbing, and at times disgusting, considering these grown people believe they are entitled to whatever their sick hearts desire. The main characters though...they are amazing and I love everything about how they interact and become a "family". Even if it is a sick one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
when I tell you this will pull you in from start to finish, your about to seriously question your morals.
who thought men with a burlap as a mask would be something I'd swoon over..lol. this has all the "Things" this will have you flipping thoes pages so fast to find out more with only more wtf's and pearl clutching in the best way. this is not in anyway a light read.. read your triggers!.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🫦🫦🫦🫦/5
who thought men with a burlap as a mask would be something I'd swoon over..lol. this has all the "Things" this will have you flipping thoes pages so fast to find out more with only more wtf's and pearl clutching in the best way. this is not in anyway a light read.. read your triggers!.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🫦🫦🫦🫦/5
Review of advance copy
🖤Arc review🖤
⭐⭐⭐⭐.⭐
🌶🌶🌶.🌶
"ℑ 𝔞𝔪 𝔲𝔫𝔥𝔬𝔩𝔶. ℑ𝔪𝔭𝔲𝔯𝔢 𝔞𝔱 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔠𝔬𝔯𝔢 𝔬𝔣 𝔪𝔶 𝔟𝔢𝔦𝔫𝔤"
Rhea has brought us yet another absolute banger! I fell in love with this story with the first Shadowface book and I was beyond excited for this one.
The entire vibe of this book is groovy, man.
The main characters are insane, sexy and evil as sin 😈
Shadowface is definitely one of my favorite stories and I really really hope that we get even more in the future!
"𝔐𝔞𝔶 𝔊𝔬𝔡 𝔣𝔬𝔯𝔤𝔦𝔳𝔢 𝔪𝔢, 𝔟𝔢𝔠𝔞𝔲𝔰𝔢 ℑ 𝔴𝔦𝔩𝔩 𝔡𝔬 𝔦𝔱 𝔞𝔤𝔞𝔦𝔫"
⭐⭐⭐⭐.⭐
🌶🌶🌶.🌶
"ℑ 𝔞𝔪 𝔲𝔫𝔥𝔬𝔩𝔶. ℑ𝔪𝔭𝔲𝔯𝔢 𝔞𝔱 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔠𝔬𝔯𝔢 𝔬𝔣 𝔪𝔶 𝔟𝔢𝔦𝔫𝔤"
Rhea has brought us yet another absolute banger! I fell in love with this story with the first Shadowface book and I was beyond excited for this one.
The entire vibe of this book is groovy, man.
The main characters are insane, sexy and evil as sin 😈
Shadowface is definitely one of my favorite stories and I really really hope that we get even more in the future!
"𝔐𝔞𝔶 𝔊𝔬𝔡 𝔣𝔬𝔯𝔤𝔦𝔳𝔢 𝔪𝔢, 𝔟𝔢𝔠𝔞𝔲𝔰𝔢 ℑ 𝔴𝔦𝔩𝔩 𝔡𝔬 𝔦𝔱 𝔞𝔤𝔞𝔦𝔫"
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’ll be honest I struggled a bit with Part 1. It took me a minute to really sink into it, and I wasn’t sure where it was going.
But the second I hit Part 2 I could not put it down.
Shadowface 1979 takes us back to where it all started and I was absolutely not prepared for the sheer chaos that unfolded. The 1979 cult vibes were VIBING. The atmosphere unhinged. It was pure dark manic energy and I ate it up.
But the second I hit Part 2 I could not put it down.
Shadowface 1979 takes us back to where it all started and I was absolutely not prepared for the sheer chaos that unfolded. The 1979 cult vibes were VIBING. The atmosphere unhinged. It was pure dark manic energy and I ate it up.
Review of advance copy
This book was intense and captivating from the moment I picked it up. If you want a why-choose with “drink the koolaid vibes”, this is the one for you! The men are dark & delicious while the women are somehow even darker. I fell in love with the world, characters, and story in its entirety! I hope I get to see more and more of Shadowface!
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