What Hides in the Shadows

by Allie Santos

She was always meant to be his.

Whispers haunted her for years, but before her thirtieth birthday, the truth emerged—something ancient had been waiting. A deal struck before she was born had bound her to a being older than time itself, a predator who claimed her soul was always his. No matter how she resisted, he slipped through every defense, watching, forcing . . . tormenting.

He was the monster destined to be her doom.

Countless souls had vanished into his shadows, leaving death in his wake—but her light was different. He didn’t want to destroy her. He wanted to possess her.
But want had never mattered. The bargain had been struck. Her soul marked for the taking.
To survive, he would have to consume the one thing he couldn’t bear to lose.

Genres: Monster Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Dark Romance, Monsters, Dark, Romance

148 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 27, 2025

Reviews

[enqi ☾⋆˚*̣̩✩ · Rating 2 out of 5]

──⋆𐙚₊˚⊹♡┊2.5 ★

Please check content warnings and triggers before reading this one – potential ones I can think of include noncon, murder (on page), very descriptive sex, suicidal ideation, descriptive violence, coercion, edging, and somnophilia.

“I have observed humanity for ages and have never witnessed beauty close to yours.”

If you're looking for monster spice that spices, this hits the spot exactly 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Most of the book was more smutty than anything, which was just what I needed as a palate cleanser. But if you're looking for monster romance, don't expect too much. Corvus and Beatrix definitely have (sexual) chemistry, but because the length of the book was too short, I feel like there was a lot of potential that went unexplored in terms of their developing relationship. Same goes for the world-building. I have so many questions: What are the Novians, why does Novareth exist, how did Corvus ascend to the throne, what happened to the ruler(s) before him, what is the Void, how did Novians and humans marry? If only this would've been a full-length standalone, I probably would've liked it much more than I did.

"You must take care.” His growl reached my stomach and spawned flutters.
“Well, you disappeared,” I snapped, trying to mask my pleasure at seeing him concerned about me. “A heads-up would have been nice.”
“Why would you desire a head? If this is a necessity, I will get⁠—”

That being said, I still enjoyed watching Corvus gradually come to care for Beatrix. Also, he has wings. His contempt and reluctant intrigue transforming into love and concern touched me. And did I mention he has WINGS? Folded 🧎🏻‍♀️🧎🏻‍♀️

“You're evil.”

"And you are mine."

𓂃 ࣪⋆💿˚ ༘ QUOTES:
⊹ ࣪ ˖ "Feel me inside you, Little Mortal. You are mine. You belong to me and no other.”

⊹ ࣪ ˖ He was such an ethereal creature. So frightening, so violent . . . so alone.

⊹ ࣪ ˖ "The husk who grabbed me before I jumped must have cut me.”
“Who is ‘husk’?” he bellowed. It echoed off the walls of the cave. “I will make their death long and painful. Where is the creature?” He seemed visibly ticked off, and it was shocking to say the least.

⊹ ࣪ ˖ "Corvus,” I moaned, the name escaping with pants.
He snarled, head falling against the back of the throne, and the bridge of his nose scrunched. His hips lifted, driving his cock into my sex.

⊹ ࣪ ˖ He roared, and his wings moved so much the draft they kicked up wafted against my skin. I jerked on his cock, savoring his needy grinding against me.
I experimentally wiggled but couldn’t move an inch. He’d hooked inside me again.

⊹ ࣪ ˖ "But you . . . I could eat and fuck you without end,” he purred in my ear.

─────────── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───────────

🐋🐚☾⋆⁺₊ PRE-READ ♡ | Reading this purely because of a reel I saw..... let's just ignore the 7 other books I'm currently reading 👀👀

[kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick easy read, i wish it was longer and had more plot to it but that’s not why i read it was it? 🤣

[Kate V · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 smut-scale stars!

Monster smut at its finest. Honestly this was just super enjoyable and smutty. Clearly I’ve read too much dark romance because I didn’t think this was all that dark or non-consensual 😂😂. But to most readers that don’t delve much into the darker reads, yeah I can see it.

Beatrix and Corvus were a perfect pair. Beatrix’s light matches Corvus’ dark and their path to a HEA was tough but so well deserved.

[｡.•*¨*•♬✧maeve ✧♬•*¨*•.｡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️3.9/5 wait why did this turn out to be so good?! it definitely took a bit of time to find some plot and i just wasn’t a fan of how we were introduced to the mmc, but once it developed, i was hooked!!! it’s fast paced, dark, paranormal, and fun!!! i felt the yearning ughhhhh so good……

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

🌶️4/5 definitely review the trigger warnings- this is NOT for everyone!!

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

dark paranormal romance
obsessive/possessive mmc
angst
fated mates/rejected mate
descriptive violence
yearning
grumpy x badass
monster x human
somnophilia
blood
explicit content…..18+ read
HEA
etc.

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

i need my own lord of shadows😭🙏

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

i recommend this to anyone who needs a quick, spicy, monster/paranormal romance read! message me if you want to chat🖤

[pageswithparis · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5-4 💫)

I’m always down for a monster romance and this one was just what I needed.

Beatrix and Corvus had some amazingly delicious chemistry from the very beginning and it made this easy to binge.
This one was mainly spice but it was just what I needed between my darker reads.

[Michellelovesreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

A monster romance is definitely what I needed this month and this did not disappoint but it is also a dark romance. I 10/10 recommend this book. It is only 148 pages.

Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[ɢʀᴇʏッ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️ 4.5 🌶️

MCs: 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘹 ♡ 𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘷𝘶𝘴 (𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘴)

"Feel me inside you, Little Mortal. You are mine. You belong to me and no other"

holy smokes the spice on this one... 𝙊𝙊𝙊𝙁!! still tryna catch my breath!! beatrix & corvus are completely insatiable for each other!! yes i know started off noncon-y...but this is the biggest slice of my '𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘵' cake!! & possessive corvus is no joke!!

"Who is 'husk'? I will make their death long and painful. Where is the creature?" 🤣🤣

got a hint of beauty & the beast, a 𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘲𝘶𝘦 knot, otherwordly setting, & may i say i love the way he wakes her up🤭🤭 only i wish theres a bit more details on certain parts coz i have maybe a couple of questions still niggling in my brain. but their hea was very satisfying & an overall entertaining novella!! another delicious dark monster 𝙈𝙐𝙎𝙏 𝙍𝙀𝘼𝘿 from the MoD series♥️

"I have observed humanity for ages and have never witnessed beauty close to yours"

ᴍටɴsᴛᴇʀ 𝐗 ʜᴜᴍᴀɴ | ᴛටᴜᴄʜ ʜᴇʀ & ☠️ | ᴄᴀᴘᴛටʀ 𝐗 ᴄᴀᴘᴛıᴠᴇ | ғටʀᴄᴇᴅ ᴘʀටxıᴍıᴛʏ | sıᴢᴇ ᴅıғғᴇʀᴇɴᴄᴇ | ɴටɴᴄටɴ | ᴋɴᴏᴛᴛıɴɢ | ටᴘ sʜᴍüʀᴅᴇʀ | sටᴍɴට | ᴇᴅɢıɴɢ | süıᴄıᴅᴀʟ ᴀᴛᴛᴇᴍᴘᴛ | ᴠıටʟᴇɴᴄᴇ | ᴄටᴇʀᴄıටɴ | xᴘʟıᴄıᴛ sʜᴍᴇx | ғටᴜʟ ʟᴀɴɢᴜᴀɢᴇ

✨ 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝙈𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝘿𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘦 𝙎𝙏𝘼𝙉𝘿𝘼𝙇𝙊𝙉𝙀
‼️ 𝙪𝙧 𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨. ✔️🆃🆆/🅲🆆

[Olivia Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

🥀dark romance
🖤size difference
🥀non con
🖤edging
🥀specIal peen

I’m obsessed!!🫠 this is short dark monster romance. amazing story line with amazing spice!! Let’s just say the lord of shadow is high ranking on my book boyfriends list!! Is you like size difference, with special tongue and peen this is for you!!!

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh look, a new hyper fixation

Beatrix and Corvus are perfection. These two had chemistry before I even knew what the Shadow Lord was.

Beatrix had a hard life, found herself alone, and now the voices were more present than ever...but it wasn't multiple voices, it was HIS voice. Let me tell you, the CNC moments? SO f-ing hot. I was blushing and, yeah, I would have folded and given in for the monster shadow man in a heartbeat. She held out as long as she could; she showed her human side time and time again, her compassion and loyalty, which gave weight to the pure soul argument. She was a great character, and I loved her every interaction with Corvus, the shadows, and even the other inhabitants of the realm.

Corvus, good lord, this beast of a being. I need him bad. He was feral for Beatrix before he even understood what his feelings were. I lived for his POV I would read 200 more pages of him just being obsessed with Beatrix. He went against his nature and his soul, and years-old rituals for her! Come on! Oh and his dick is massive so red flags waving all around and I'm a bull, idgaf.

Allie, I know I told you this already, but what a book, I can't wait to read more of your stuff!!

Thank you, Allie and Monster of Darkness group, for the e-arc!

Quotes:

The creature fucking me was majestic and sexy in a weird way.

He pulled his wings in tighter around me, nestling me into a comfortable cocoon of warmth.

Shadows licked up the sides of my skin, their caresses just as delicious as the cock inside me.

But I didn't care, I wanted his grunts and hisses. They woke something deep and needy in my soul.

"I have observed humanity for ages and have never witnessed beauty close to yours."

I pried her knees apart, exposing her. My seed had filled her to the brim, claiming her.

Her scent, sweet, earthy-and wholly mine— lured me forward, and I ran my tongue along the slit.

"But you... I could eat and fuck you without end,"

"You belong to me, Little Mortal,"

"I need nothing but you,"

We claimed each other in front of his statue, rejoicing in the feeling of each other.

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

She was never meant to survive his world. He was never meant to feel anything at all.

Beatrix (h) thought she was losing her mind. The whispers, the shadows, the constant sense of being watched followed her into the house she inherited from her aunt. But when Corvus (H), a godlike predator born of The Void, drags her into his dark realm, she learns the truth is far worse than madness. Her soul was never hers to begin with.

Corvus is powerful, cruel, and possessive. He claims Beatrix with fury and obsession, punishing her for every imagined betrayal. What starts as fear and forced submission twists into something darker and more complicated. Bound by pain, addiction, and survival, Beatrix begins to push back, even as their bond becomes impossible to escape.

In the shadows of his castle, surrounded by husks, worshippers, and imprisoned souls, Beatrix searches for freedom and meaning. When she uncovers the truth about her past and the man she once loved, the cost of her choices turns deadly. As the dark prophecy of Novareth nears, Corvus begins to break, caught between destruction and the only thing that could ever save him.

She runs. He shatters. She returns. And together, they make a choice that changes everything.

Beatrix evolves from a frightened, reactive woman into someone who learns to assert control in a brutal world. Corvus shifts from a possessive predator into something more vulnerable, though never soft. Their relationship moves from terror and submission to obsession and a dark, addictive bond that defies reason.

A dark, steamy, primal, enemies to lovers, otherworldly monster romance exploring possession, control, obsession, trauma, identity, consent, submission, transformation, isolation, fate, and survival. It’s about power and what love looks like when there’s nothing left to lose. Twisted, violent, and addictively intimate.

[Britney Jean | JeanInTheHeatOfBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A human sacrifice you say!?
This is a short, dark deity monster romance packed with spice. I loved both the story and the artwork. Think Beauty and the Beast - but the MMC stays a beast the entire time.

- Shadow daddy
- Dark romance
- Size difference
- Knotting
- Captor x captive

[Betteroffwithbooks · Rating 1 out of 5]

This one was a bit of a let down. It desperately needs an editor and some alpha/beta readers. There are a lot of grammatical errors and several sentences that just don’t make sense.

This book is also labeled for non-con, which doesn’t bother me, but let’s call it like it is the MMC 🍇s the FMC when they first meet. There is nothing sexy about it. Like I mentioned, it doesn’t bother me but this could definitely be triggering for some.

I felt no chemistry between the FMC and MMC. It just seemed really forced between the two.

I honestly cared so little for characters I can’t even remember their names. The world building was lacking. Lots of hallways and doors and that’s about it. The only positive was the cover art honestly.

[Poppy || Monster Lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Most of this book was dark romance spice. Beatrix was super into being ravished by a hot villainous monster god, which is fair tbh. However, there was a plot that had some serious potential but I felt needed a bit more explaining, especially the climax. I wanted to know the why and how everything worked out.

Spice: 5/5

Triggers: noncon, suicide, murder, falling, gore, violence, child abandonment and sacrifice (past), isolation, religious themes, kidnapping, captivity, torture, nonconsensual filming of sex (mention of with past boyfriend), horror themes, human sacrifice

[Savannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok but why was this cute? It shouldn't be... but it absolutely was especially the last few chapters!

[Ax · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.7
The plot is just stupid

[Shreya · Rating 4 out of 5]

QUICK STATS

𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
𝒮𝓅𝒾𝒸ℯ ℒℯ𝓋ℯ𝓁: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝓣𝓻𝓲𝓰𝓰𝓮𝓻 𝓦𝓪𝓻𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼: Intense BDSM Scenes, Primal Play, Kn0tting, Dub-C0n, etc

╚══ஓ๑♡๑ஓ══╝

OVERVIEW

What Hides in the Shadows is the second installment in the Monsters of Darkness series by Allie Santos, and it follows Beatrix, who's just come into a new home while battling the dark voices inside of her, which turns out to be manipulated by Corvus, the Shadow Lord who has dark, big plans for Beatrix. The story that follows focuses on their development as a couple, but also the development of each character as an individual!

Beatrix was an absolutely incredible FMC! She was brave when she needed to be, feisty when she needed to be, and caring when she needed to be. She was strong in a unique fashion, because even though, compared to Corvus, she wasn't physically strong, she wasn't afraid to stand up to him when she needed to and proved to him that she wasn't just something he could play with. She became more than the object of his desires; she became the person that haunted his every thoughts.

Her development was inspiring and sweet! Having been isolated from society for the shadows that haunt her, it's comforting to see Beatrix find someone who can be beside her without the threat of leaving when she needs him the most! Corvus is an absolute DEMON for Beatrix, but she won't let him fight all of her fights! Like in the prison scene, she knows how to stand up for others, for herself, and to him.

Corvus is a man I need in my life! He's hot, intense, dominant, but he has a side to him that he only shows to Beatrix. The side where he cries, where he breaks down, where he shows his vulnerable he can be and how lonely he really is. At first, he may seem heartless, but when you understand what he's been through and the life he's endured, it's impossible not to feel sympathy for Corvus. He may be powerful, but he needs Beatrix to be his comfort and source. His struggle between fulfilling his duty and protecting his love for Beatrix is beautiful to read!

Not only that, but OMG the spice 🥵Corvus knows how to pack it XD His dominance in the bedroom was thrilling and magnetic, and seeing him bring out the hidden desires within Beatrix made us realize that he wasn't necessarily trying to control her, rather, he was trying to make her control HIM. His shadows bent to her whims, his movements were for her pleasure, even when he said it was only for him. His feelings for Beatrix were the driving force of everything he did, and I LOVED how possessively protective he was of her. (And those scenes with his shadows...🥺❤️)

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐃

🖤Beatrix: DUH obviously! Beatrix is my new fav FMC and I can relate to her so much! She's passionate, powerful, and sweet while knowing her worth! I've already said so much about her, but I honestly can't stop supporting her! I love how Santos wrote a strong, feminine presenting character, showing that girls who wear skirts are just as strong!

🖤The Backstory: Santos does an amazing job with discussing Corvus and Beatrix's backstories. She doesn't make them poignant moments in the book. She doesn't force attention to them. Instead, she weaves it seamlessly through the conversations so that you don't realize that the characters are opening up until the powerful love sessions hit. Corvus's backstory hit me especially hard. He's frightening and powerful, but he's just as bound by his shadows as Beatrix is with them. And Beatrix, having been shunned by everyone made me want to just give her a hug!

🖤The Prison Scene: Holy moly, I had no idea the extent of Corvus's power (and maybe cruelty 😅) but he will stop AT NOTHING to make sure Bea is his. What he did to her ex, what he did to everyone who was trying to hurt her...god that was hot 🥵scary at first, but hot when you realize who he's doing it for. I also loved how Bea stood up for the prisoners, fighting for them even when Corvus showed no remorse. Santos did an amazing job here showing that Bea's power doesn't have to be a physical manifestation

🖤The Spice: Because obviously! There was spice in nearly every chapter and I ATE IT UP! Corvus was a master with everything, pleasing his "mortal" without realizing that he planned for more than just to use her as a sacrifice. The b0ndage? The kn0tting? The shadow play? Phew, I had to crouch over my tablet so that nobody could see what I was reading 😂I devoured these scenes, and Santos doesn't shy away from describing them intimately, giving just enough for the reader to know what's going on without being overwhelmed by the nitty-gritty of the details.

🖤The Possessiveness Corvus is the most possessive MMC I've ever met! He wants to own Bea's heart, and he'll stop at nothing to make sure it's for him only. He's cruel and unashamed to k!ll anyone who threatens what's his, and I LOVED seeing him fight for her. Corvus had little self-preservation when it came to Bea, and that scene at the end when he pushed her away to protect her from him, I swear I sobbed 😭Corvus is the type of shadow boyfriend who will destroy the universe for Bea! Forget about just burning the world; he'd carve out everyone's hearts and keep them suspended in misery if they so much as touched Bea the wrong way...and maybe it's saying something, but I NEED (and every girl tbh) a man like Corvus!

🖤The Writing Style: Prose is always something I focus on when I'm reading, and each book benefits from a different style of prose. In Santos's case, she found the perfect medium between sex scenes and storytelling, though I wish there was more description. She didn't overwhelm the reader with lengthy paragraphs and in-depth confessions of love, and that suited the characters. Corvus is a man of little words, so his one-liners about his feelings for Bea are perfect and strike a cord within the reader. Similarly the intense scenes featuring violence, Corvus's breakdown, and the revelation of Bea's ex are all written simply enough so that the reader isn't overwhelmed, but with just enough description so that we could feel the suffering, the pain, and (during the sex scenes) the intense love and lust that the couple shared.

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐍𝐄𝐄𝐃𝐒 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊
(🇮​​​​​🇳​​​​​ 🇲​​​​​🇾​​​​​ 🇴​​​​​🇵​​​​​🇮​​​​​🇳​​​​​🇮​​​​​🇴​​​​​🇳​​​​​)

❤️The Pacing: While I loved the fast-paced development of the story, I think it would have benefitted from more scenes between Corvus and Beatrix, especially when they weren't having sex or discussing their past, because I want to see MORE of that connection. I think there's still so much more mystery to uncover between them

❤️More Backstory: I feel like there's more to Beatrix and Corvus's past that's not being told. We know Beatrix was isolated, but I'd like to see those people return, if only to just see Corvus take a piece of them XD I'd also love to know more about Corvus. How did he just manifest as a being? Is the sacrifice day because of his birth? Is he trapped by something? There are so many questions!!

❤️Descriptions As I mentioned before, the prose was incredible! Very concise, very to the point, and it worked in this novel's favor. However, I felt like the story was lacking too much of the setting description factor. Santos' simple prose was perfect during moments of intimacy and conversation, but when it came to the setting and - in particular - Bea's character, I feel like descriptions were lacking. The cover gives us an idea of what Beatrix looks like, but if I didn't have the cover, I'd have no idea what she looked like! I also want to know more of what the castle looks like! What's the entirety of Bea's room look like? Corvus's room? Does it juxtapose his character or does it fit him well? Does he even have a room? I also wish we got more of a description of the village and the prison. What do they look like? What can they tell us about Corvus's legacy?

MY FINAL THOUGHTS

After such a long time, I FINALLY got to read a monster romance, and Santos DID NOT disappoint! Corvus and Beatrix have my heart, and now I have to go back and read the first book she published from this series. I will be reading everything else that Santos has written, because honestly, this book is incredible. If you love dark romance, monster romance, a possessive hero and a sweet heroine who knows how to use her strengths, then I highly recommend WHAT HIDES IN THE SHADOWS!!!

Looking for more of my reviews? Want to contact me? Check out my blog! Shreya Reads, Reviews, and Writes

[Joni (livebythemoon7) · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received a gifted copy. This review is honest and voluntary.

I tried. I really did. I'm really glad I didn't feature a mail post about this before reading. I wish it outlined that the Noncon in this book is between the love interests. I have read noncon in the past and not been bothered because it wasn't between the love interests. The warnings were not clear that it would be between the love interests or I never would have picked up this book. I had to skim to be sure it was the male love interest that was causing abuse and harm to the female main character. I'm honestly surprised by all the raving reviews because NO.

This book glorifies abuse, sexual and otherwise. I wouldn't recommend it to a single person.

[Navss (read.yourbooks) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve read Allie Santos’s books before and especially loved “Savage Mates”, that said, this book didn’t work out for me. The dark romance is alright, many triggers though so please read them before reading the book. The chemistry was non-existent for me. I couldn’t feel any love or adoration or anything from either of the two characters and felt this book was mainly smut and s*x. Don’t get me wrong, but at times I couldn’t understand what’s even happening and would go blank. Also, there are many corridors and many questions I have about the monster world and living beings over there.

I feel bad for saying this but it took me a week to finish this book and it’s barely 150 pages…

I hope this was just a fluke hit and miss😭

[Bryony · Rating 1 out of 5]

Inconsistencies:

His skin is so tough she couldn’t break it with a knife yet she draws blood whilst scratching him during sex.

He lands “naked” in the field of dead to fight the novians yet when he catches her from falling from the cliff 2 minutes later, she clutches his shirt.

[Dana · Rating 2 out of 5]

nope

I wanted this to be a fun hot quick read and it was not. Horror and lots of fantasy vocab that was not explained at all. Yes, it tried to be hot but did not succeed for me

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay. Let's see here. This was my first book by Ms Santos and she can write a dark, twisted, violent, monster story. It's not going to be for everyone and that's okay. Which leads me to remind readers...

🚩🚩Make sure to read the TWs. This has themes and situations that will be unsettling and triggering for some readers.🚩🚩

I've read some monster books before, but the Lord of Shadows, Corvus Zypher, our MMC was not morally gray but black. No light to be found. He's evil and takes what he wants when he wants it. He cares for no one. Not even the various prisoners.🩸👹🩸 I can't begin to explain what he is exactly, he's a mishmash of cat, bird, demon, and he exists in a world where he's summoned and worshipped. And he's been promised a young woman before she was born. At the age of 30, he comes to collect her soul. Trust me, I have questions. There was open ended plot points that were thrown into the mix, but unfortunately, nothing became of them. Like why? What was the exchange for? I know who did it, but what did that person gain? Why didn't Beatrix ask for this information? He obviously knew but it wasn't shared. Corvus was possessive and vindictive of his Little Mortal.

Beatrix, our MFC, has been hearing voices for a long time. She's been institutionalized before. She did have an Auntie but no other family was really mentioned. And her Aunt put her into that place to begin with. Now the story goes that the voices began(?) when she was 18. She's 29 now, but it's been going on for 20yrs? Sooo...🤷🏻‍♀️ I'm confused. Either way, the paranoia is there, shadows are following, the voice is clear and finally speaks; then Corvus shows up and drags her back to a horror that will be realized. He's like Pinhead from another dimension.📍📍📍 But w/o the pins.😆 The castle setting was odd. Too vacant. Too weird for a beast claiming his sacrifice that is beauty. There was SA, so many times of non con happening, that I felt it was an overly used theme. Can we get back to the story? I liked Beatrix. She was a fighter and pushed back. Something she had been afraid to do in her world. But not now. Too soon it went from that emotion to wanting him even when he was cruel and punishing her. She even blamed herself at one point for his pain. Girll please. No, Beatrix. Don't do that. Did he care when he caused you pain?🙄 She fell for him first.

If you like body size differences, monster human rough encounters, villagers, Novians, with pitch forks trying to riot from his Lordship, and Corvus suddenly showing some kindness, then this might be for you. I didn't really think of this as romantic. Just dark. I would have liked a little more character development. Some history. Not just painful monster smut. The story is there, it just needed more of that and less of the other. There's a HEA. Happy reading.*•>§<•*🖤🖤🖤

☠️🏰🔮Thank you to Ms Santos for an ARC. The opinions shared here are my own.🔮🏰☠️

[GracelinaReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

l’ve been trying to dive into dark romance. Well this dark monster romance had me like "WTF" throughout it. I was questioning myself with the non-con throughout the whole book bc again, wtf. I think this was the darkest one yet (for me). 😅 That creature said

"No one harms you but me." Like what?!?! My flabbers were ghasted 😭😭😭 Like sir, only you can cause pain?!?!?! Anndddd it makes you smile???? The crazy part about it, I liked it. So, maybe I'm a little crazy along with Lord Corvus?

A part of me hate that I liked the non-con and another part understands why it's kinda hot (between the MMC and FMC only). I get why it's a likable trope, but man was l warring with myself. f I'm also taking into consideration that Lord Corvus is a ruthless creature who doesn't know how to be gentle. He only knows pain and the pain he causes. So, although it's tough to see such dark themes, I guess I wouldn't expect anything less coming from the gruesome creature.

Ughhhh he is so evilllll 😭 He just craves ☠️. All around him that's what you get. He doesn't give af about what anyone thinks or the deals they attempt to make, their bodies or anything. You can't talk him out of anything and I'm sitting here plotting along with homegirl trying to figure out how to escape him. If she doesn't escape, she's gonna die too 😭 Also, how mess up for someone to be like I want to screw around constantly with you, and also be like I'm still gonna 🔪 you in the end?

Idk, I'm still processing😂

Beatrix is my girl! The hardship she has to endure in the presence of Lord Corvus is freaking amazing. I don't know how she didn't end up hating him, but at the same time, I can see how he grew on her. At first, I couldn't tell her if this was Stockholm Syndrome or them actually falling in loves. I meannnn Beatrix, I don't blame you for wanting the Lord of the Shadows 🍆, but like also we didn't try hard enough to escape (jkjk). I'll still give it to my girl though. She made the most out of a messed up situation.

This one was good in my opinion. It got me excited for the future with dark romance. Highly recommend checking it out :) PLEASE CHECK THE TRIGGER AND CONTENT WARNINGS. Take care of yourself❤️

[ThatsSomeGoodSmut · Rating 4 out of 5]

What Hides in the Shadows is a quick and scorching read that sinks its claws in from the first page and doesn’t let go. This is not your cozy monster romance, it’s dark, primal, and deeply intense. The kind of story where the monster isn’t just metaphorical, and the love is as obsessive as it is inevitable.

Beatrix is a mortal woman with a soul promised before birth. Corvus is the ancient entity who’s claimed her, who is ruthless, possessive, and emotionally alien in a way that’s genuinely monstrous. He doesn’t understand love, but that doesn’t stop him from feeling it. His need for Beatrix is overwhelming, and watching that desire shift into something almost tender (almost) was absolutely gripping.

The novella format works well here: tight pacing, just enough worldbuilding to stay grounded, and no wasted scenes. The spice is very spicy, the shadowy limbs, size difference, and classic monster anatomy make their appearance hit, and fans of morally gray MMCs will be fully fed. But what surprised me most was the emotional undercurrent beneath the heat: there's longing, confusion, and a deep thread of vulnerability that makes the ending hit harder than expected.

That said, it’s not for the faint of heart. There are heavy themes throughout, and the power dynamics are definitely skewed, so please do check the content warnings. Some moments walk the line between dark romance and horror, which might not work for every reader, but for those who crave something twisted and primal, this book absolutely delivers.

Corvus is a shadow daddy for the ages, dangerous, all-consuming, and weirdly sweet in the most feral way. And Beatrix? She’s the only one strong enough to handle him. I’m already curious to see what other monsters this series has in store.

Thank you to the author for an advance copy of this book.

[Nora Ellen (Nbbookery) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nearing her 30th birthday, Beatrix has spent her life plagued by voices and shadows. Corvus, Lord of Shadows, is tired of waiting to claim his prize. He made a bargain long ago, and it's time. He st3als Beatrix away to his castle in another realm to await the day he can sacr!f!c3 her and consume her soul for power. Beatrix is determined to go out with a bang, and despite some initial hesitation, decides to rock the shadow deity's world. As the fated day inches closer, Corvus begins to care for his Little Mortal. Will it be enough to save her?

Short, spicy, and dark; this one checks a lot of boxes! Corvus is morally black, not hesitating a second to snuff out any life he pleases. Although he likes toying with some first, his biggest goal is to protect Beatrix through some very questionable means. That may equal a body or two in the basement, but who doesn't have hidden skeletons?

Beatrix, for the most part, is resilient and determined. I think her realization that the voices and shadows were not her going insane, but actually Corvus watching her gave her a bit of courage to face him. She quickly burrows under his tough exterior and into his black hole of a heart.

Though he's more of a "take first, no questions later," kind of guy, their relationship dynamic does develop more of an equal balance. Corvus begins to grasp human emotions and nuances after spending time with his Little Mortal and gains a bit of humanity day by day but never really loses his monstrous side. The spice was dark and unhinged but worked well for the story.

[Booksta · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎤 steps into the spotlight dramatically, clutching my Kindle like it’s a lifeline


HELLO, MY NAME IS OBSESSED.

Listen. LISTEN. I just finished What Hides in the Shadows by Allie Santos and I need a moment… or ten… to recover from this unholy masterpiece. Because, um. Shadows that do you-know-what? Yeah. Yeah, they do. And I liked it. A lot. Probably too much.

We’ve got:

👹 Monster x Human (and he’s got WINGS, baby)
📏 Size difference that had me wheezing and giggling like a sinner in mosque
🍆 A very... special anatomy (you’ve been warned)
🚫 Non-con that’s written with dark romance lovers in mind—intense, twisted, and addictive
🖤 Shadows that do things—and not just to scare you
🔥 Spice levels that lit my soul (and Kindle) on fire

And let’s talk about him. The monster. The shadow daddy. THE creature of my nightmares and my fantasies (don’t judge me, I know what I am). He is possessive, forbidden, and so utterly wrong it loops back around to being so right. I would let him haunt my dreams forever.

This book was like getting dragged into the woods by something terrible and beautiful—and instead of screaming, I just said, “Yup. This is fine.” pats mossy log “Guess I live here now.”

Allie Santos, you evil genius. I need more. I crave more. Feed me shadow daddies until I collapse, thank you.


🖤 Would I recommend it? ONLY if you’re a chaotic creature like me who loves spice, darkness, and monsters that can ruin your life in the best way.

[Nichole Ploughe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time for the good & the bad. On the one hand it kind of skips around a bit. The scene transitions aren't always very smooth & the gymnastics of what is where & what's going on weren't always obvious. Both of our main characters could have used a little more depth, as could the world & plot. A couple actions/adjectives may also be a tad* over used. HOWEVER I could not put it down once I started. For an ARC that's saying something. I'm a little tech challenged in the respect that, even though it seems obvious, I can't get my ARCs to load on my tablet. I hate reading on my phone, so while I love ARCs, it usually takes me forever to get through them. This one had me glued to my phone squinting into the wee hours of the night. So I guess my biggest critique is that I wish it was more of a meal rather than a snack. It was primal & dark &🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ spicy. Corvus & Beatrix had excellent chemistry. I loved that Corvus wasn't just "morally grey". He really was a bad guy with bad intentions. There was so much more to explore there both with Beatrix's feelings for him & his own personal growth & motivations. As for Beatrix I loved that she was a little bit older & neither some shrinking violet or some over powered chosen one. It made her more believable & identifiable as a character. It also made it mean so much more when at one point in the story she saves him back.

[*＊✿❀ Q ❀✿＊* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyday I descend further and further into iniquity 😭

I had NO business devouring this the way I did. NONE!

Listen, there’s levels to this dark romance thing and it’s become a stark realization that I’m not on the lighter side of it because I didn’t find this to be a problem at all. 😭 but the reality is I CANNOT recommend this for book club! The girls will judge me. I know it.

🚨🚨SPOILERS BELOW🚨🚨

𝓐𝓽 𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓽 𝓫𝓮𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮 𝓱𝓮 𝓴𝓲𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓭 𝓶𝓮, 𝓘’𝓭 𝓱𝓪𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓷𝓬𝓮 𝓰𝓸𝓸𝓭 𝓯𝓾𝓬𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰.

That’s LITERALLY what I said after Corvus told her he was still going to devour her soul on Novareth. Like girl, you can’t get out of this situation so it’s best to just focus on the silver lining which is that at least before you get turned into a husk of your former self, you get experience the most ethereal soul shattering orgasms you’ve ever had! Daily! Baby I’d have made peace with the situation a long time ago. To be ushered into the next life on an orgasmic high….one can only dream. 😌

I’m not even sure what I was expecting from this other than smut, but it gave what it needed to give and more.

If you’re into the darker side of dark romance, this novel is for you my lovelies 🥰

Now, excuse me while I seek absolution.

[spicy_book_nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughts : OMG. This is a great series! The spice, as dubious as it was, chef’s kiss!!!

Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot / Storyline 👩🏻‍💻: 📑📑📑📑
First Couple Spicy Scene: pg48 28%
Darkness: 🖤🖤
Red Flags: 🚩🚩🚩
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😬🙂🥵🤣🤭🫣😮🥵
Ending: 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}

⚠️⚠️⚠️spoilers - whole story***
Beatrix is 29 y/o that hears voices, she has heard them since she turned 18. She was involuntarily committed when she tried to ask for help. Nothing stopped the voices.
The Lord Of Shadows (Corvus) comes to claim her for her soul, during Novareth. He devours souls for his strength / power. She tries to make deals with him, but he breaks them to get what he wants. He takes her and they both enjoy it. She can feel her de@th day coming.
She learns more about what is happening. She was promised to him by her mother. She has passed but not through child birth like she previously was told. Beatrix feels lied to and more alone than ever. Corvus lets her go, knowing he needed her. The shadows find her and bring her back, telling her if she splits her soul she can bind him and “tame” him.

[TheSugaredBookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute must read!

This is for all the dark, fantasy/paranormal lovers! If you love Labyrinth, Beauty and the Beast, Sleeping Beauty and even Legend- this is a must read!!
First of all- holy hotness! Corvus is a character that demands your everything! He's all knowing and omnipresent- there's no way to hide anything from him. He incites fear and lust, sometimes at the same time. He's the shadow daddy we all love to love.
Beatrix is probably the most relatable monster lover FMC I've ever read. Does it scare and confuse her? Yes. Should she be feeling anything other than fear/hate? No. Can she stop herself from falling from him? No. Just like all us monster lovers, she can't explain the pull she feels toward the one thing she should fear most. It's more than the "I can fix him" mentality, she's inexplicably pulled to Corvus and willing to go down in flames if it means by him. I loved watching him fall for her and fight his urges. He develops feelings and even fears for her and is willing to give up everything for her.
I devoured this book! It's got all the elements of a dark fairytale, paranormal and monster romance! And so much steam!!

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re craving a dark, possessive romance that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go, this is the one. From the first page, you’re dropped headfirst into the world of Lord of Shadows—a brooding, obsessive anti-hero who isn’t just protective, he’s primal. He doesn’t just love her—he claims her, body and soul. He’s the kind of man who’d burn the world to keep her safe, and you’ll believe it with every possessive glance and filthy whisper.

The pacing is addictive—I tore through the entire book in one sitting. The chemistry? Off the charts. The tension? Deliciously unbearable. And while the spice level is scorching, what makes this story stand out is how deeply he cares. It’s rough and raw, but never without meaning.

That said, this book doesn’t shy away from heavy themes. The content warnings are there for a reason—don’t skip them. It’s dark. It’s twisted. But if you love an emotionally intense ride with a dangerously devoted lead, you’re going to fall hard.

Allie my bestie-thank you for allowing me to partake as your ARC reader! 🖤🫦