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When Shadows Fall: Book 2 Shadows of Promise Series
She hides behind perfection. He hides behind control. But some obsessions can't stay in the shadows.
Angie Carstens has stay sharp, stay in control, never look back—a perfect mask covering self-destructive habits. But the past has teeth, and hers is starting to bite. Mario Da Luca, fury in a tailored suit, is everything she doesn’t volatile, possessive, dangerous… and Head of Security at her company. The kind of man who doesn’t let go—and doesn’t ask permission. Yet he sees her in a way no one else ever has.
Rage barely caged, Mario is haunted by a past soaked in violence. But nothing prepared him for Angie. She stormed into his life with fake smiles and a touch of sass.
And made him want more.
When she runs from her ghosts, he only clings harder until he gets dragged down into hell.
As danger closes in and tension ignites, Angie must face the truth she’s spent years avoiding—and the man who could be her end… or her beginning.
Angie Carstens has stay sharp, stay in control, never look back—a perfect mask covering self-destructive habits. But the past has teeth, and hers is starting to bite. Mario Da Luca, fury in a tailored suit, is everything she doesn’t volatile, possessive, dangerous… and Head of Security at her company. The kind of man who doesn’t let go—and doesn’t ask permission. Yet he sees her in a way no one else ever has.
Rage barely caged, Mario is haunted by a past soaked in violence. But nothing prepared him for Angie. She stormed into his life with fake smiles and a touch of sass.
And made him want more.
When she runs from her ghosts, he only clings harder until he gets dragged down into hell.
As danger closes in and tension ignites, Angie must face the truth she’s spent years avoiding—and the man who could be her end… or her beginning.
- GenresDark Romance
557 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2025
2 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 9, 2025
Mario & Angie. A security billionaire with dark past and activities meets an art director with more than a few bad habits. It’s an instalust, insta-obsession story but not instalove.
The beginning was a bit slow and I was struggling to keep going. I’m glad I did though because it is very well written. The narration is VERY descriptive, a lot more than I what I normally encounter in romance books; though at times I found it a bit tiring because it was one phrase, then a page of inner monologue, then another phrase and it took too long to have a decent dialogue.
I like that the FMC is in her 30s. I’m not sure how old Mario was though. They both have issues and they know it very well.
Mario, despite his darkness, was amazing with her. Patient and caring. If only she was less stubborn.
It’s a rather long book. I admit I wouldn’t mind it being a bit shorter.
What I didn’t like is that it took so, soooo long for them to finally get together. And that we didn’t actually get to see them function as a couple.
There was also some action but it was rushed in the end and I was left wondering what the plan exactly was. I wonder if I’ll find some missing pieces in the first book.
-Dual 1st person POV
-Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Overall: 4/5 ⭐️
Thank you Anne Jane for providing an arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The beginning was a bit slow and I was struggling to keep going. I’m glad I did though because it is very well written. The narration is VERY descriptive, a lot more than I what I normally encounter in romance books; though at times I found it a bit tiring because it was one phrase, then a page of inner monologue, then another phrase and it took too long to have a decent dialogue.
I like that the FMC is in her 30s. I’m not sure how old Mario was though. They both have issues and they know it very well.
Mario, despite his darkness, was amazing with her. Patient and caring. If only she was less stubborn.
It’s a rather long book. I admit I wouldn’t mind it being a bit shorter.
What I didn’t like is that it took so, soooo long for them to finally get together. And that we didn’t actually get to see them function as a couple.
There was also some action but it was rushed in the end and I was left wondering what the plan exactly was. I wonder if I’ll find some missing pieces in the first book.
-Dual 1st person POV
-Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Overall: 4/5 ⭐️
Thank you Anne Jane for providing an arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 24, 2025
Okay so I had the absolute pleasure of reading this as an ARC reader. I shit you not, you’re not prepared for Mario and Angies story 😮💨
The story, the tension, the heat, the emotional wreckage. Honestly so so good. I cried, I laughed, I felt every single emotion. This entire book is gonna take you on an emotional rollercoaster and you’re gonna love every second of it 🫶🏻
Anne Jane, this book has honestly changed my brain chemistry, it was possibly one of the best I’ve ever read, I absolutely needed tissues so thanks for the warning. Angies sarcasm and Mario’s grumpiness was just the perfect combination!
The story, the tension, the heat, the emotional wreckage. Honestly so so good. I cried, I laughed, I felt every single emotion. This entire book is gonna take you on an emotional rollercoaster and you’re gonna love every second of it 🫶🏻
Anne Jane, this book has honestly changed my brain chemistry, it was possibly one of the best I’ve ever read, I absolutely needed tissues so thanks for the warning. Angies sarcasm and Mario’s grumpiness was just the perfect combination!
August 25, 2025
Did I just inhale this book in a day? YES. Yes I did. 🤭
I absolutely loved the shit out of this book, I flew through the entire book in one sitting. Its rare i do that, but i just couldn't stop. From the first chapters, and the MC's first interaction i was hooked. Done for. The chemistry between them was incredible. Angie & Mario's story was the perfect simmering slow burn and the tension was off the chain. It was knuckle biting... i had the absolute best time. I adore a slow burn, when its done right and this one was perfection. The banter between Angie & Mario had me howling... i loved their back and fourths with each other so much.
The plot was great, the characters were so well written, and had great character progression. The spice is top tier, some of the early spice chapters will live rent free.... Anne threw in some super original content that had my little legs kicking, and wow the need for a cold shower was real.
Angie was such a great FMC, i loved her so much, shes brilliant, and resilient, fierce and sassy AF. She doesnt easily trust, she didn't have the greatest start to her adult life, and for many reasons she struggles to let anyone in. Yet Mario managed to worm his way in, and take root. She totally bulldozed into Mario's life at just the right time. Mario was exactly the right person, ... he was DELICIOUS. Dangerous, he also had the filthiest mouth which i LOVE. He was completely perfect for Angie. Together they were couple goals.I could read about them forever, i didn't want their story to end.
This story had it all for me. Everything i look for in a dark romance is right here. Its dark, its dangerous, its delicious. Its hot, and full of plot and spice, and that tension... EXQUISITE. Morally grey, unhinged OTT brooding MMC.. Yup, that too.
This is the 2nd book and can be read as a standalone, but i am FOR SURE going back to do book 1.. because this author and the way she writes, i adore her writing style, and the way she engages the reader. Also i need Dom's story. And book 3... like NOW. K thanks!
Anne is for sure a new auto buy author for me.
Big fat 5 stars from me.
I absolutely loved the shit out of this book, I flew through the entire book in one sitting. Its rare i do that, but i just couldn't stop. From the first chapters, and the MC's first interaction i was hooked. Done for. The chemistry between them was incredible. Angie & Mario's story was the perfect simmering slow burn and the tension was off the chain. It was knuckle biting... i had the absolute best time. I adore a slow burn, when its done right and this one was perfection. The banter between Angie & Mario had me howling... i loved their back and fourths with each other so much.
The plot was great, the characters were so well written, and had great character progression. The spice is top tier, some of the early spice chapters will live rent free.... Anne threw in some super original content that had my little legs kicking, and wow the need for a cold shower was real.
Angie was such a great FMC, i loved her so much, shes brilliant, and resilient, fierce and sassy AF. She doesnt easily trust, she didn't have the greatest start to her adult life, and for many reasons she struggles to let anyone in. Yet Mario managed to worm his way in, and take root. She totally bulldozed into Mario's life at just the right time. Mario was exactly the right person, ... he was DELICIOUS. Dangerous, he also had the filthiest mouth which i LOVE. He was completely perfect for Angie. Together they were couple goals.I could read about them forever, i didn't want their story to end.
This story had it all for me. Everything i look for in a dark romance is right here. Its dark, its dangerous, its delicious. Its hot, and full of plot and spice, and that tension... EXQUISITE. Morally grey, unhinged OTT brooding MMC.. Yup, that too.
This is the 2nd book and can be read as a standalone, but i am FOR SURE going back to do book 1.. because this author and the way she writes, i adore her writing style, and the way she engages the reader. Also i need Dom's story. And book 3... like NOW. K thanks!
Anne is for sure a new auto buy author for me.
Big fat 5 stars from me.
October 7, 2025
When Shadows Fall”* is one of those rare reads that wraps itself around you—dark, seductive, and impossible to shake. From the very first chapter, there’s **immediate fascination and obsession**, but it’s not love—at least not yet. Anne Jane crafts a story where desire simmers under the surface for what feels like forever, creating a **slow burn** so intense you can almost feel it in your bones.
The **morally grey main character** keeps you guessing—every choice, every glance, every secret layered with danger and vulnerability. There’s **voyeurism, somnophilia, and the allure of masks**, all written with such care that it never feels gratuitous—only deeply psychological and atmospheric. The **pierced MMC** adds an edge of rebellion that perfectly matches the story’s shadowed tone.
Even though it’s the **second book in the series**, it reads beautifully as a **stand-alone**. The world-building and emotional tension are rich enough that you never feel lost, and by the time the leads finally collide, it’s raw, earned, and utterly worth the wait.
Yes, it’s a **longer book**, but every page counts. The pacing allows the intensity to build naturally, and the payoff is unforgettable.
If you love your romances dark, intelligent, and emotionally charged—with slow-burn tension that borders on obsession—*When Shadows Fall* deserves every one of its five stars.
The **morally grey main character** keeps you guessing—every choice, every glance, every secret layered with danger and vulnerability. There’s **voyeurism, somnophilia, and the allure of masks**, all written with such care that it never feels gratuitous—only deeply psychological and atmospheric. The **pierced MMC** adds an edge of rebellion that perfectly matches the story’s shadowed tone.
Even though it’s the **second book in the series**, it reads beautifully as a **stand-alone**. The world-building and emotional tension are rich enough that you never feel lost, and by the time the leads finally collide, it’s raw, earned, and utterly worth the wait.
Yes, it’s a **longer book**, but every page counts. The pacing allows the intensity to build naturally, and the payoff is unforgettable.
If you love your romances dark, intelligent, and emotionally charged—with slow-burn tension that borders on obsession—*When Shadows Fall* deserves every one of its five stars.
August 31, 2025
The push and pull here is WACK.
Typically, this much angst and hot back and forth is too much for me to stand, but I can relate to Miss Angie. She and I are like two peas in a pod when I was...in my early 20's. She's stubborn, independent, self-destructive. It called to my nostalgia a little and I had a bunch of quotes highlighted where I have legit said this myself IRL.
She's difficult. It's a slow and hard start, but the pay-off and pierced c0ck is amazing.
We love ourselves a protective alphahole and it's-a-me-Mario definitely checks all them boxes. Sometimes too much. I just wish Angie wasn't so difficult but as I said--I get it. I was that bitch before and doesn't see what good is in front of her.
💜Pierced MMC
💜Voyeur!sm, somnoph!l!a
💜S3x Club stuff
💜Toys and masks
💜Fiery slowburn
💜Hard-won HEA
Thank you author Anne Jane for giving me the pleasure to read this ARC.
Typically, this much angst and hot back and forth is too much for me to stand, but I can relate to Miss Angie. She and I are like two peas in a pod when I was...in my early 20's. She's stubborn, independent, self-destructive. It called to my nostalgia a little and I had a bunch of quotes highlighted where I have legit said this myself IRL.
She's difficult. It's a slow and hard start, but the pay-off and pierced c0ck is amazing.
We love ourselves a protective alphahole and it's-a-me-Mario definitely checks all them boxes. Sometimes too much. I just wish Angie wasn't so difficult but as I said--I get it. I was that bitch before and doesn't see what good is in front of her.
💜Pierced MMC
💜Voyeur!sm, somnoph!l!a
💜S3x Club stuff
💜Toys and masks
💜Fiery slowburn
💜Hard-won HEA
Thank you author Anne Jane for giving me the pleasure to read this ARC.
October 13, 2025
This Slow Burn Will Ruin You... And You'll Love It!
OMG Besties... "When Shadows Fall" wrecked me in the best, darkest way possible. Angie is that perfectly polished disaster we all secretly relate to—the one who smiles while she’s falling apart. And then there’s Mario… Jesus take the wheel. The man is a walking red flag wrapped in a tailored suit and dangerous obs€ssion, and I devoured every second of it. Their chemistry? Nuclear. The banter? Razor sharp. The tension? So thick you could choke on it. Anne Jane nails the slow burn and the emotional unraveling—grumpy vs guarded with a side of “touch her and di€” energy that’ll have you f€ral. It’s pain, passion, and secrets colliding in the shadows—and I lived for every messy, delicious moment. Looking forward to Michelle's and Sloane's story next!
My Ratings: ⭐ 4.5/5 ▪︎ 🥵 3.5/5
🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
OMG Besties... "When Shadows Fall" wrecked me in the best, darkest way possible. Angie is that perfectly polished disaster we all secretly relate to—the one who smiles while she’s falling apart. And then there’s Mario… Jesus take the wheel. The man is a walking red flag wrapped in a tailored suit and dangerous obs€ssion, and I devoured every second of it. Their chemistry? Nuclear. The banter? Razor sharp. The tension? So thick you could choke on it. Anne Jane nails the slow burn and the emotional unraveling—grumpy vs guarded with a side of “touch her and di€” energy that’ll have you f€ral. It’s pain, passion, and secrets colliding in the shadows—and I lived for every messy, delicious moment. Looking forward to Michelle's and Sloane's story next!
My Ratings: ⭐ 4.5/5 ▪︎ 🥵 3.5/5
🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
August 22, 2025
Angie never met a red flag she didn't enjoy, she masks her broken flaws with bad decisions, she wears the perfect mask to the outside world, the polished woman who has it all together, she never allows anyone to see her fall apart, no one has taken the time to look beneath her perfect facade. When her life starts crumbling Angie does what she does best, avoidance, running and rebuilding and so she meets Mario, a man built with rage, control and someone whose life is precision, and Angie is the tornado he never expected, These two were so perfectly flawed for each other, like fire and ice. He has this need and obsession for Angie that he can't control. He needs to protect her. They see each other's darkness, and I love how they loved each other and learned to love themselves. plus his hot filthy mouth... yes pls
September 8, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this. Angie has so much emotional baggage that she could really do with a bigger apartment to handle it all.
Despite how she was raised, she is a strong, talented woman who has one hang up, she only does hookups. or she did, until she made the mistake of hooking up with someone whom she thought was a stranger. It turns out he was her replacement instead.
Scoring her dream job introduces her to Mario. Now Mario has a butt load of emotional baggage himself. two peas, one pod. although he doesn't use sex as a release quite like Angie does. Cue Club Mistic.
The action and unraveling of this story keeps you turning the page. Not just for the spicy bits, but for the betrayal, the blackmail, the lies, and the deception.
Fabulous read, and I highly recommend it. Dark romance, with a very dark morally grey MMC and an unhinged FMC.
Despite how she was raised, she is a strong, talented woman who has one hang up, she only does hookups. or she did, until she made the mistake of hooking up with someone whom she thought was a stranger. It turns out he was her replacement instead.
Scoring her dream job introduces her to Mario. Now Mario has a butt load of emotional baggage himself. two peas, one pod. although he doesn't use sex as a release quite like Angie does. Cue Club Mistic.
The action and unraveling of this story keeps you turning the page. Not just for the spicy bits, but for the betrayal, the blackmail, the lies, and the deception.
Fabulous read, and I highly recommend it. Dark romance, with a very dark morally grey MMC and an unhinged FMC.
September 10, 2025
One of my lovely ARCs 💙
For starters, the first few chapters dragged a little. It took me a minute to really engage. But once it clicked, the story went from 1 ➝ 900 in no time.
It’s a slow burn… but also not? The attraction was strong and fun, though I kind of wanted it to simmer longer (which NEVER happens with me). Honestly, it just felt like it would’ve fit the direction of the story.
The steam? Yummy. Not quite as spicy as I expected, more of a sweet + spicy combo, but it worked. 🌶️🌶️🌶️
What really stood out was the emotional journey both characters went through. I’m also super intrigued by book one (which I haven’t read yet 😅), though you don’t have to read it first.
And bonus points? Those sneaky little gore-ish surprises. (I probably need to talk to someone about how much I love those 😂).
Overall: super sweet, engaging, bingeable—and yes, I’d totally read it again.
For starters, the first few chapters dragged a little. It took me a minute to really engage. But once it clicked, the story went from 1 ➝ 900 in no time.
It’s a slow burn… but also not? The attraction was strong and fun, though I kind of wanted it to simmer longer (which NEVER happens with me). Honestly, it just felt like it would’ve fit the direction of the story.
The steam? Yummy. Not quite as spicy as I expected, more of a sweet + spicy combo, but it worked. 🌶️🌶️🌶️
What really stood out was the emotional journey both characters went through. I’m also super intrigued by book one (which I haven’t read yet 😅), though you don’t have to read it first.
And bonus points? Those sneaky little gore-ish surprises. (I probably need to talk to someone about how much I love those 😂).
Overall: super sweet, engaging, bingeable—and yes, I’d totally read it again.
October 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
HOLY 😮💨 MARIOOOOO!!!!!
If you like book one then you will LOVE this one. The FMC, Angie is beautifully fierce and damaged. Mario is a broody security guy with a dark side. He is dominant enough to give Angie a little lesson on dominance—not in a cheesy way but in a way that will make you wish you could go hang out at his club and call him Master. He becomes infatuated with Angie in ways that will make you say WTF Mario, while secretly wishing you were his object of affection.
Anne does a beautiful job of tying the books together while letting the MCs of this book tell their story.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
HOLY 😮💨 MARIOOOOO!!!!!
If you like book one then you will LOVE this one. The FMC, Angie is beautifully fierce and damaged. Mario is a broody security guy with a dark side. He is dominant enough to give Angie a little lesson on dominance—not in a cheesy way but in a way that will make you wish you could go hang out at his club and call him Master. He becomes infatuated with Angie in ways that will make you say WTF Mario, while secretly wishing you were his object of affection.
Anne does a beautiful job of tying the books together while letting the MCs of this book tell their story.
September 6, 2025
NO SPOILERS!
This is a very sexy series! It’s not imperative that you read the first book first, but you will enjoy the hidden meanings in the second book if you do. Plus it’s another ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️book, just like this one, so don’t deprive yourself of another sensational read.
I love Angie and Mario so much. Their chemistry is potent and so sexy. I couldn’t put this down and now that I’m finished, I’m greedy for the third book.
I love reading new authors and I love even more when those authors become my favorite. Anne Jane is now on my automatic buy list. She’s such a great story teller!
This is a very sexy series! It’s not imperative that you read the first book first, but you will enjoy the hidden meanings in the second book if you do. Plus it’s another ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️book, just like this one, so don’t deprive yourself of another sensational read.
I love Angie and Mario so much. Their chemistry is potent and so sexy. I couldn’t put this down and now that I’m finished, I’m greedy for the third book.
I love reading new authors and I love even more when those authors become my favorite. Anne Jane is now on my automatic buy list. She’s such a great story teller!
September 10, 2025
OB.SESSED! This story had me hooked from start to finish.
Our FMC: Angie is broken, self destructive, smart, sarcastic and I love her so much.
Our MMC: Mario is dangerous, precise, intelligent, obviously tall, dark and PIERCED! 🥵
I loved every single second of this book and have book 1 in my TBR and, Anne, I will be watching for book 3!👀
Our FMC: Angie is broken, self destructive, smart, sarcastic and I love her so much.
Our MMC: Mario is dangerous, precise, intelligent, obviously tall, dark and PIERCED! 🥵
I loved every single second of this book and have book 1 in my TBR and, Anne, I will be watching for book 3!👀
October 11, 2025
This book was very intense! Heed the trigger warnings because they are accurate. There are so many twists, turns and secrets. The main characters are both so broken and damaged but learn it's ok to love. He falls first, and hard, but she pushes him away to heal herself before letting him back in her life. It does have an HEA. I really enjoyed it!
October 16, 2025
Damn it, De Luca. This was an absolutely amazing read. I loved it from beginning to end. To me this books speaks of empowerment, letting go, finding oneself, and their person. As well as finding that sweet release and revenge. I freaking loved Mario and Angie. They might stumble a bit, but they find their footing while their chemistry continues to soar.
September 4, 2025
Okayyyyyy. Uhm, first of all can we take a moment to acknowledge how hot this was 🥵 I loved every second and some parts had me screaaming, kicking my feet with a good cry in between. Yes yes yes! Thanks for the ARC 👏🏼👏🏼
September 15, 2025
A dark, addictive romance that blurs the line between love and obsession. The characters are flawed yet magnetic, the atmosphere tense and consuming. It is a thrilling story that lingers long after the last page. Perfect for readers who crave intensity over sweetness.
October 6, 2025
Angie and Mario are two heavily flawed people. This book lets you really into the MCs heads. The book takes you through every emotion under the sun. The first few chapters were hard to get through, but push through and be rewarded with a story that will have you turning the pages.
September 23, 2025
I just want to read this series again and again 🥵
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews