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Nightfall Syndicate #4
Shadowed Truths: Blade
She believes in verdicts. He believes in vengeance. And when her past comes hunting, only one of them gets to be right.
Sophia was my first love. My first ruin. I let her believe I’d abandoned her while I kept a closer watch than anyone could imagine—marking names, following footsteps, erasing threats.
Now she stands in a robe, with a gavel in her hand, and a daughter at her side. Untouchable on paper, fragile in truth.
I see the cracks she hides. I see how she tenses when someone comes too close. I see the fear she refuses to name.
The boy she knew is gone. What’s left is the mercenary who’s been guarding her life from the dark she doesn’t even see.
She doesn’t want me. She doesn’t trust me. Still, I won’t walk away. Not when there’s a little girl holding her hand who thinks I’m strong enough to chase the monsters away.
I’ll stand between them and the dark, no matter what it costs me.
In a world where mercenaries thrive in the shadows, love is the deadliest risk of all. Boundaries blur, alliances shatter, and protection turns possessive. The men of the Nightfall Syndicate will break your heart... and make you beg for more. Don't wait, scroll up and one-click now!
Sophia was my first love. My first ruin. I let her believe I’d abandoned her while I kept a closer watch than anyone could imagine—marking names, following footsteps, erasing threats.
Now she stands in a robe, with a gavel in her hand, and a daughter at her side. Untouchable on paper, fragile in truth.
I see the cracks she hides. I see how she tenses when someone comes too close. I see the fear she refuses to name.
The boy she knew is gone. What’s left is the mercenary who’s been guarding her life from the dark she doesn’t even see.
She doesn’t want me. She doesn’t trust me. Still, I won’t walk away. Not when there’s a little girl holding her hand who thinks I’m strong enough to chase the monsters away.
I’ll stand between them and the dark, no matter what it costs me.
In a world where mercenaries thrive in the shadows, love is the deadliest risk of all. Boundaries blur, alliances shatter, and protection turns possessive. The men of the Nightfall Syndicate will break your heart... and make you beg for more. Don't wait, scroll up and one-click now!
532 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 8, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 28, 2026
From the very first page, Shadowed Truths: Blade by Emery Rowan sinks its claws in and refuses to let go.
This is second-chance romance wrapped in danger, obsession, devotion, and the kind of quiet, watchful love that burns for years in the dark.
Cole (Blade) is not your typical broody hero. He’s sharper. Colder. Controlled chaos in human form. The boy who once loved Angelina didn’t disappear, he evolved. Into something lethal. Into someone who protects from the shadows instead of standing in the light. And the fact that he let her believe he walked away while he was secretly dismantling threats around her? That brand of self-sacrificial, morally gray devotion is my kryptonite.
Angelina is strength in silk and steel. A woman who believes in justice, in verdicts, in law while standing across from a man who believes justice is something you take. I loved that tension between them. It wasn’t just romantic conflict; it was ideological. And after twelve years apart, watching them circle each other, challenge each other, and slowly peel back old wounds was deliciously painful in the best way. The chemistry never died, it just matured.
But let’s talk about the real scene-stealer: Chesca.
I adored her. She isn’t just a plot device or a cute addition. She’s the heart. The reason everything matters more. The way Cole softens around her without losing his edge? The way she instinctively believes he can chase the monsters away? It added this layer of emotional gravity that made every protective instinct feel amplified. Every threat felt personal. Every choice had weight.
What I loved most is that Cole and Angelina don’t just “fall back together.” It’s messy. It’s guarded. It’s earned. Twelve years is a long time to carry hurt, secrets, and unresolved love and Emery Rowan makes them work for their reconciliation. The payoff is worth every tense conversation and loaded glance.
I also love that each book in this series stands firmly on its own, with a complete and satisfying romance, while still weaving into a larger, overarching plot that keeps you invested in the world as a whole.
This is second-chance romance wrapped in danger, obsession, devotion, and the kind of quiet, watchful love that burns for years in the dark.
Cole (Blade) is not your typical broody hero. He’s sharper. Colder. Controlled chaos in human form. The boy who once loved Angelina didn’t disappear, he evolved. Into something lethal. Into someone who protects from the shadows instead of standing in the light. And the fact that he let her believe he walked away while he was secretly dismantling threats around her? That brand of self-sacrificial, morally gray devotion is my kryptonite.
Angelina is strength in silk and steel. A woman who believes in justice, in verdicts, in law while standing across from a man who believes justice is something you take. I loved that tension between them. It wasn’t just romantic conflict; it was ideological. And after twelve years apart, watching them circle each other, challenge each other, and slowly peel back old wounds was deliciously painful in the best way. The chemistry never died, it just matured.
But let’s talk about the real scene-stealer: Chesca.
I adored her. She isn’t just a plot device or a cute addition. She’s the heart. The reason everything matters more. The way Cole softens around her without losing his edge? The way she instinctively believes he can chase the monsters away? It added this layer of emotional gravity that made every protective instinct feel amplified. Every threat felt personal. Every choice had weight.
What I loved most is that Cole and Angelina don’t just “fall back together.” It’s messy. It’s guarded. It’s earned. Twelve years is a long time to carry hurt, secrets, and unresolved love and Emery Rowan makes them work for their reconciliation. The payoff is worth every tense conversation and loaded glance.
I also love that each book in this series stands firmly on its own, with a complete and satisfying romance, while still weaving into a larger, overarching plot that keeps you invested in the world as a whole.
February 20, 2026
Shadowed Truths: Blade by Emery Rowan is an intense second-chance romantic suspense that blends mercenary action with emotional history. After twelve years apart, former lovers Cole and Angelina are thrown back together when her work as a judge handling trafficking cases puts her in danger—and he becomes her bodyguard. As threats escalate, past wounds resurface through flashbacks that reveal everything they endured during their years apart.
What I loved most was the emotional depth behind the action. Angelina’s resilience—especially while raising her daughter after years of hardship—adds real stakes, and Cole’s absolute devotion to both her and her child is swoon-worthy in that morally gray, “I’ll do whatever it takes” way. The found-family vibe among the mercenary team and the cameos from previous characters made the world feel rich and connected. Chesca (the daughter) nearly stole the show with how perceptive and brave she was.
The writing shines when balancing high-octane danger with a steamy, protective romance, though at times the pacing leans heavily on action over emotional breathing room. Reading the series in order definitely helps with context.
Overall: gripping, emotional, and addictive with a fiercely devoted hero—another strong installment in the series and an easy 4 stars.
What I loved most was the emotional depth behind the action. Angelina’s resilience—especially while raising her daughter after years of hardship—adds real stakes, and Cole’s absolute devotion to both her and her child is swoon-worthy in that morally gray, “I’ll do whatever it takes” way. The found-family vibe among the mercenary team and the cameos from previous characters made the world feel rich and connected. Chesca (the daughter) nearly stole the show with how perceptive and brave she was.
The writing shines when balancing high-octane danger with a steamy, protective romance, though at times the pacing leans heavily on action over emotional breathing room. Reading the series in order definitely helps with context.
Overall: gripping, emotional, and addictive with a fiercely devoted hero—another strong installment in the series and an easy 4 stars.
March 20, 2026
Verdicts and Vengence
A page-turning action packed dark romance, with suspense, danger, violence, fighting against trafficking, abduction, murder, mercenaries, intrigue, second chance, steam, some great twists, a touch of humor and a good HEA. The Nightfall Syndicate are a brilliant group with wonderful banter and love for each other.
Cole "Blade" Tanaka is a member of the Nightfall Syndicate team working in the shadows with a security business as cover (as Ghost, Frost, Reaper, Shadow, Blade, Nitro, Saint, and Chaos). The team are all ex-military, each with their own skill, working with high-tech gear on high-stake missions. He'd left Angelina years ago, wanting to keep her safe, though he never stopped protecting her from the shadows.
Angelina believes in justice, in the law and verdicts while looking after her daughter and keeping her doors locked. But when Cole walks back into her life she's determined that he's not going to break her heart a second time, or that of her daughter.
But he walked away before, he's not leaving this time.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A page-turning action packed dark romance, with suspense, danger, violence, fighting against trafficking, abduction, murder, mercenaries, intrigue, second chance, steam, some great twists, a touch of humor and a good HEA. The Nightfall Syndicate are a brilliant group with wonderful banter and love for each other.
Cole "Blade" Tanaka is a member of the Nightfall Syndicate team working in the shadows with a security business as cover (as Ghost, Frost, Reaper, Shadow, Blade, Nitro, Saint, and Chaos). The team are all ex-military, each with their own skill, working with high-tech gear on high-stake missions. He'd left Angelina years ago, wanting to keep her safe, though he never stopped protecting her from the shadows.
Angelina believes in justice, in the law and verdicts while looking after her daughter and keeping her doors locked. But when Cole walks back into her life she's determined that he's not going to break her heart a second time, or that of her daughter.
But he walked away before, he's not leaving this time.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 3, 2026
Cole & Angelina were quite the story to tell.
Second chance romance with some suspense thrown in too. Plus add in the cute actor of her daughter, Chesca, and there were moments they absolutely had me swooning.
Cole has never stopped keeping an eye on Angelina. 12 years after he left her, he still watches over her & does what he can to protect her.
But when a threat against her has her uncle stepping in & asking for help from his security company, that behind the scenes surveillance comes to the forefront & these two have to work through their past.
But it become obvious rather quickly that he still effects her & now her daughter too. She can’t imagine what her life would be like without him in again. They have some tender moments together & the moments he shares with her daughter were too sweet.
Thankfully they figure out what was happening & who was threatening her & take care of it. But those tense scenes definitely had me on the edge of my seat.
Absolutely loved this book & absolutely adored those epilogues & go karting scene.
I’m very curious about the next book!
Amazing job!
Second chance romance with some suspense thrown in too. Plus add in the cute actor of her daughter, Chesca, and there were moments they absolutely had me swooning.
Cole has never stopped keeping an eye on Angelina. 12 years after he left her, he still watches over her & does what he can to protect her.
But when a threat against her has her uncle stepping in & asking for help from his security company, that behind the scenes surveillance comes to the forefront & these two have to work through their past.
But it become obvious rather quickly that he still effects her & now her daughter too. She can’t imagine what her life would be like without him in again. They have some tender moments together & the moments he shares with her daughter were too sweet.
Thankfully they figure out what was happening & who was threatening her & take care of it. But those tense scenes definitely had me on the edge of my seat.
Absolutely loved this book & absolutely adored those epilogues & go karting scene.
I’m very curious about the next book!
Amazing job!
February 20, 2026
This is the story of Cole 'Blade' Tanaka en Angelina Castelano. Blade is part of Nightfall Syndicate. Hij left Angelina 12 years ago, because he thought it was for the best. He never stopped loving her. After Cole, Angelina gets pregnant, but the little girl has never met her father, for good reasons.
Life throws them back together. He will be her bodyguard. Angelina finds out he never really 'left' her or moved on. The borderline obsessive, almost stalker way of keeping tracks on her life has kept her safe. But she never knew.
With the threats and the mysterious murders on judges who are handeling human traffic cases, the love rekindles.
Will they overcome these threats on her life en the little girl who sees and knows more than what's good for her?
This fourth book is a great next addition in the series of the Nightfall. I like it's more a slow burn lovestory then the former books.
Again, Emery, you did it!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Life throws them back together. He will be her bodyguard. Angelina finds out he never really 'left' her or moved on. The borderline obsessive, almost stalker way of keeping tracks on her life has kept her safe. But she never knew.
With the threats and the mysterious murders on judges who are handeling human traffic cases, the love rekindles.
Will they overcome these threats on her life en the little girl who sees and knows more than what's good for her?
This fourth book is a great next addition in the series of the Nightfall. I like it's more a slow burn lovestory then the former books.
Again, Emery, you did it!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 9, 2026
This story follows Blade (Cole) and Angelina in a dark second chance romance brimming with murder, mystery, and a past that refuses to stay buried.
Angelina is a strong, independent woman who lives by the rules, while Cole is the quintessential rule breaker. Their history runs deep, Angelina believed Cole abandoned her 12 years ago, but the truth is far more complex: he's been watching over her all along, keeping her safe from the shadows.
From the very first page, this book grips you and doesn't let go. The love story unfolds slowly and deliberately, building tension and emotion with every chapter. Cole's devotion to Angelina is absolute, he doesn't just love her, he worships her.
The plot is incredibly well crafted, the writing is sharp and engaging, and every element comes together seamlessly. The mystery and suspense are woven expertly throughout, making this a romance that's as thrilling as it is emotional.
If you love dark, intense second chance romances with protective heroes and strong heroines, this book is an absolute must read.
Angelina is a strong, independent woman who lives by the rules, while Cole is the quintessential rule breaker. Their history runs deep, Angelina believed Cole abandoned her 12 years ago, but the truth is far more complex: he's been watching over her all along, keeping her safe from the shadows.
From the very first page, this book grips you and doesn't let go. The love story unfolds slowly and deliberately, building tension and emotion with every chapter. Cole's devotion to Angelina is absolute, he doesn't just love her, he worships her.
The plot is incredibly well crafted, the writing is sharp and engaging, and every element comes together seamlessly. The mystery and suspense are woven expertly throughout, making this a romance that's as thrilling as it is emotional.
If you love dark, intense second chance romances with protective heroes and strong heroines, this book is an absolute must read.
February 15, 2026
After A Twelve Year Pause
Cole and Angelina were together in college, before Cole went away to join the military. Now he’s back. Her life as a judge who handles trafficking cases is in peril and he will be her bodyguard. As the numbers of murdered judges increase rapidly, another threat presents itself. This time a personal one. Cole will eliminate this one too.
Flashbacks tell the story what happened to both of them in the 12 years they were apart. Angelina’s life has been full of cruelty and anxiety to stay strong for herself and her daughter. Chesca is very wise and alert for her age and will take your breath away. As with the other books in this series it’s full of action, strong characters, unconditional friendship between the mercenaries and a hot, developing relationship. Loved it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Cole and Angelina were together in college, before Cole went away to join the military. Now he’s back. Her life as a judge who handles trafficking cases is in peril and he will be her bodyguard. As the numbers of murdered judges increase rapidly, another threat presents itself. This time a personal one. Cole will eliminate this one too.
Flashbacks tell the story what happened to both of them in the 12 years they were apart. Angelina’s life has been full of cruelty and anxiety to stay strong for herself and her daughter. Chesca is very wise and alert for her age and will take your breath away. As with the other books in this series it’s full of action, strong characters, unconditional friendship between the mercenaries and a hot, developing relationship. Loved it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 28, 2026
Book 4 of the Nightfall Syndicate series. While it can be read as a standalone for maximum enjoyment read the books in series order.
'She doesn’t want me. She doesn’t trust me. Still, I won’t walk away. Not when there’s a little girl holding her hand who thinks I’m strong enough to chase the monsters away.'
The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building continues to excel and impress. Another great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend!
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'She doesn’t want me. She doesn’t trust me. Still, I won’t walk away. Not when there’s a little girl holding her hand who thinks I’m strong enough to chase the monsters away.'
The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building continues to excel and impress. Another great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend!
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 17, 2026
Intense and interesting series.
Thoroughly good read and a great addition to the Nightfall Syndicate series. It is intriguing to follow these characters, each book spotlights one of the team while the rest support. Previous characters do make an appearance, and to keep the reasoning or process clear it is recommended that you read this series in order. HEA, steamy romance with some highly morally grey areas, however the MMC is unequivocable devoted to the FMC and by extension her daughter – who is adorable.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Thoroughly good read and a great addition to the Nightfall Syndicate series. It is intriguing to follow these characters, each book spotlights one of the team while the rest support. Previous characters do make an appearance, and to keep the reasoning or process clear it is recommended that you read this series in order. HEA, steamy romance with some highly morally grey areas, however the MMC is unequivocable devoted to the FMC and by extension her daughter – who is adorable.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 29, 2026
We are taken into the lives of Angelina and her daughter, and Blade, her ex. They had a relationship 12 years ago that ended when Blade left her because it was safer since he is part of the Nightfall Syndicate. But now that someone is murdering judges, her life is in danger, and Blade, her ex, is the only one who can help protect her and the daughter he was unaware of. Can they find out who is targeting the judges and her before it is too late?
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 8, 2026
Past Comes Knocking
Angelina’s life is in danger as judges are systemically being killed and threats are being made. When her past comes colliding back to her in the form of her ex Blade the situation gets interesting. This was an exciting story with so much going on that I lost track of time reading it. I could not put it down.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Angelina’s life is in danger as judges are systemically being killed and threats are being made. When her past comes colliding back to her in the form of her ex Blade the situation gets interesting. This was an exciting story with so much going on that I lost track of time reading it. I could not put it down.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 26, 2026
He thought walking away from her would keep her safe. She thought once she got away from her ex husband she would be safe. Now here they are thrown together because his company has found something. He's been keeping an eye on her and her daughter from a distance but up close everything changes. Her first thought is to push him away but he may be the only thing that will keep her and her daughter safe. I would love to read more about the Nightfall Syndicate.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 20, 2026
"He's making me own this. Making me own wanting him. Making me say it out loud so I can't pretend later that it just happened, that I got swept away, that I wasn't a full participant in my own destruction. Bastard. Beautiful, infuriating bastard."
April 17, 2026
He fucks with her birth control. Immediate DNF.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews