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Shadows Within
When secrets run deeper than blood, love may be the most dangerous risk of all.
Scarlett Voss has always known how to fight, inside the ring and out. With a fractured family and scars she doesn’t talk about, she keeps her world tightly controlled. But everything shifts when she crosses paths with Callum cold, calculated, and born into a legacy darker than she could ever imagine.
Tied to an elite and secret society that pulls strings behind the scenes of their prestigious university, Callum is both a threat and a temptation. Scarlett should stay away, but there’s something in him that mirrors the chaos she tries so hard to contain. And when their worlds collide, the pull between them becomes impossible to ignore.
But the deeper she falls, the more Scarlett realizes she’s been part of a dangerous game far longer than she knew. Shadows from her past aren’t done with her yet, and the answers she’s been avoiding may be the ones that finally break her.
As lines blur between love and control, Scarlett struggles between wanting to protect her heart or surrendering it to someone who might just ruin her.
This IS a twisted dark romance that explores the cost of secrets, and the kind of love that doesn't ask for permission.
Scarlett Voss has always known how to fight, inside the ring and out. With a fractured family and scars she doesn’t talk about, she keeps her world tightly controlled. But everything shifts when she crosses paths with Callum cold, calculated, and born into a legacy darker than she could ever imagine.
Tied to an elite and secret society that pulls strings behind the scenes of their prestigious university, Callum is both a threat and a temptation. Scarlett should stay away, but there’s something in him that mirrors the chaos she tries so hard to contain. And when their worlds collide, the pull between them becomes impossible to ignore.
But the deeper she falls, the more Scarlett realizes she’s been part of a dangerous game far longer than she knew. Shadows from her past aren’t done with her yet, and the answers she’s been avoiding may be the ones that finally break her.
As lines blur between love and control, Scarlett struggles between wanting to protect her heart or surrendering it to someone who might just ruin her.
This IS a twisted dark romance that explores the cost of secrets, and the kind of love that doesn't ask for permission.
385 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2025
9 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Cassy Vincent
2 books18 followersCassy Vincent writes dark, emotional romances where obsession, secrets, and slow-burn tension collide. Her stories dive into the shadows of love, where it’s messy, dangerous, and worth everything. When she's not plotting morally grey heroes, she's hanging out with her partner and two daughters or sneaking in one more chapter of her favourite book.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 9, 2025
“I thought I couldn’t live without you, but now I know, I can’t. I can never be without you.” -Callum
Shadows Within is a dark romance with a dangerous secret society that runs the town. The story has an academia plot woven throughout with life altering decisions that have to be made and decided upon.
This is the debut book for Canadian author Cassy Vincent with 3 more to come in the series. Each are stand alone stories.
In Shadows Within we follow Scarlett who has been brought up in a single parent home (her dad) and has been through a lot of rough, emotionally damaging situations as well as financial. She was accepted into the fancy well to do, University on scholarship which is where she meets Sophia, her BFF.
Unbeknownst to her, one of the main male Society members, Callum, has his eye on her, infatuated, entranced…. Obsessed. His life is full of money, power, rules and risks that include a lot of danger and damaging situations.
Good girl, bad boy…. He wants her, but will she accept him?
I really enjoyed this debut. I found it held a medium to fast paced storyline. It flowed easily from chapter to chapter and was easy to follow and understand.
Dual POV is shared between chapters giving the reader the minds view of each of the main characters, Scarlett and Callum.
It’s a bit of a bumpy ride within the relationship at times and due to the society’s rules. There are some dark situations that occur periodically throughout the story as well.
Shadows Within has some spicy moments between the main characters, but the book is mainly plot driven.
I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read more from Cassy Vincent.
Shadows Within is a dark romance with a dangerous secret society that runs the town. The story has an academia plot woven throughout with life altering decisions that have to be made and decided upon.
This is the debut book for Canadian author Cassy Vincent with 3 more to come in the series. Each are stand alone stories.
In Shadows Within we follow Scarlett who has been brought up in a single parent home (her dad) and has been through a lot of rough, emotionally damaging situations as well as financial. She was accepted into the fancy well to do, University on scholarship which is where she meets Sophia, her BFF.
Unbeknownst to her, one of the main male Society members, Callum, has his eye on her, infatuated, entranced…. Obsessed. His life is full of money, power, rules and risks that include a lot of danger and damaging situations.
Good girl, bad boy…. He wants her, but will she accept him?
I really enjoyed this debut. I found it held a medium to fast paced storyline. It flowed easily from chapter to chapter and was easy to follow and understand.
Dual POV is shared between chapters giving the reader the minds view of each of the main characters, Scarlett and Callum.
It’s a bit of a bumpy ride within the relationship at times and due to the society’s rules. There are some dark situations that occur periodically throughout the story as well.
Shadows Within has some spicy moments between the main characters, but the book is mainly plot driven.
I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read more from Cassy Vincent.
October 19, 2025
Difficult to believe that this is a debut novel for Cassy. There is so much depth to the characters and their relationships. When reading, you feel like you know Scarlett and learning about her quirks and traumas helps you build this image of her that will have you thinking of her long after you’ve finished reading. The relationship between Scarlett and Callum is intense and addictive and will keep you turning the page to learn more about them. I love the intense obsession that Callum has for Scarlett and watching it unfold. And the friendship that Scarlett and her best friend Sophia share is an incredible depiction of a strong female friendship - I loved seeing the bond they share. This book is descriptive, imaginative, and unique. And the plot twist… is mind blowing. This is not a fluffy romance novel, this is an intense and captivating book. I can’t wait for the next!
July 29, 2025
Cassy Vincent makes a bold and unforgettable entrance into the dark romance genre with her debut novel, Shadows Within. As the first book in the Millhaven Series, it sets the tone with intensity, emotion, and a constant undercurrent of suspense that doesn’t let up.
From the very beginning, Shadows Within grabbed a hold of me and didn’t let go. The story is layered with unexpected twists that keep you second-guessing everything and everyone — in the best way. Just when you think you know where it’s going, something shifts, pulling you deeper into the darkness.
What really stands out is the character development. Vincent dives deep into the psychology of her characters, making them feel real, raw, and incredibly human. They're flawed, intense, and emotionally complex — which only makes their journey more gripping. You don’t just read about them; you feel what they’re going through.
For a first-time author, Vincent writes with confidence and a clear voice. She balances tension and tenderness in a way that feels effortless. If this is just the beginning, I can’t wait to see where she takes us next in the series.
Shadows Within is a dark, addictive read that’s hard to put down and even harder to forget.
From the very beginning, Shadows Within grabbed a hold of me and didn’t let go. The story is layered with unexpected twists that keep you second-guessing everything and everyone — in the best way. Just when you think you know where it’s going, something shifts, pulling you deeper into the darkness.
What really stands out is the character development. Vincent dives deep into the psychology of her characters, making them feel real, raw, and incredibly human. They're flawed, intense, and emotionally complex — which only makes their journey more gripping. You don’t just read about them; you feel what they’re going through.
For a first-time author, Vincent writes with confidence and a clear voice. She balances tension and tenderness in a way that feels effortless. If this is just the beginning, I can’t wait to see where she takes us next in the series.
Shadows Within is a dark, addictive read that’s hard to put down and even harder to forget.
October 19, 2025
5 ⭐ | Dark Romance • Secret Society • Morally Grey MMC Perfection
Shadows Within isn’t just a dark romance — it’s a full-on addiction. From the very first chapter, Cassy Vincent pulls you into a world of power, secrets, and dangerous longing, and once you’re in… good luck escaping.
Scarlett is a fierce, guarded heroine with every reason to stay away.
Callum is cold, controlled, and absolutely unhinged beneath the surface. The slow shift from threat → temptation → obsession was chef’s kiss perfection.
What I loved:
• ✅ Elite secret society power games
• ✅ Relentless tension — zero dull moments
• ✅ Callum redefining “possessive without saying it out loud”
• ✅ That delicious push-and-pull where you know it’s wrong but you want it anyway
For a debut, this is shockingly polished — confident, intense, and emotionally layered in a way that sticks with you long after the last page.
And the best part? Cassy Vincent is a local Peterborough author. There’s something genuinely special about finding a book this dark, addictive, and well-crafted from right here in our own community. Consider me fully invested in the Millhaven series — and in this author’s career.
Shadows Within isn’t just a dark romance — it’s a full-on addiction. From the very first chapter, Cassy Vincent pulls you into a world of power, secrets, and dangerous longing, and once you’re in… good luck escaping.
Scarlett is a fierce, guarded heroine with every reason to stay away.
Callum is cold, controlled, and absolutely unhinged beneath the surface. The slow shift from threat → temptation → obsession was chef’s kiss perfection.
What I loved:
• ✅ Elite secret society power games
• ✅ Relentless tension — zero dull moments
• ✅ Callum redefining “possessive without saying it out loud”
• ✅ That delicious push-and-pull where you know it’s wrong but you want it anyway
For a debut, this is shockingly polished — confident, intense, and emotionally layered in a way that sticks with you long after the last page.
And the best part? Cassy Vincent is a local Peterborough author. There’s something genuinely special about finding a book this dark, addictive, and well-crafted from right here in our own community. Consider me fully invested in the Millhaven series — and in this author’s career.
July 24, 2025
ICONIC, I LOVED THIS BOOK!! I also love sleep but believe me when I say this story literally had me up all night on the edge of my seat. So buckle up, you’re in for a wild ride. It’s the perfect dark rom with a very intense and captivating plot. Everything felt so intentional and well thought out. The author truly did justice to both the story and her characters.
ALSO!!! Can we please take a second to acknowledge the fact that this is her first novel and it truly feels like the work of a seasoned author!! Like???? I instantly fell in love with the complexity, rawness and realness of the characters, especially Callum🥵.
I seriously cannot wait for the rest of the series, I already know it’s going to destroy me in the best way possible 😭😭. 10/10 recommend!!!!
ALSO!!! Can we please take a second to acknowledge the fact that this is her first novel and it truly feels like the work of a seasoned author!! Like???? I instantly fell in love with the complexity, rawness and realness of the characters, especially Callum🥵.
I seriously cannot wait for the rest of the series, I already know it’s going to destroy me in the best way possible 😭😭. 10/10 recommend!!!!
July 27, 2025
Dark, mysterious, steamy, and keeps you wanting more!
The first book of the Millhaven series has kept me on edge and wanting more. The many twists and turns keep you guessing and dying to get to the end. Scarlett and Callum have a fiery, complicated forbidden love that gets hotter, deeper, and messier the more it progresses. If you’re into a dark, sexy, dominate, morally grey story line that keeps you up at night, Shawdows Within is definitely for you!
The first book of the Millhaven series has kept me on edge and wanting more. The many twists and turns keep you guessing and dying to get to the end. Scarlett and Callum have a fiery, complicated forbidden love that gets hotter, deeper, and messier the more it progresses. If you’re into a dark, sexy, dominate, morally grey story line that keeps you up at night, Shawdows Within is definitely for you!
July 25, 2025
Exciting and surprising from start to finish. I felt like I became friends with Scarlett while wishing I was her - or at least that I had a guy like Callum in my life. Can’t wait to read more from Cassy!
October 5, 2025
Such an amazing first novel from Cassy! From the beginning has strong character development and chemistry that keeps you reading. There is a ‘slow burn’ in the reveal about the inside workings of the elite society in which these characters live that makes it hard to put this book down and keeps you guessing as to what is going to happen next. Can’t wait to read the next novels in this series and discover more about Millhaven!
August 8, 2025
This story had me hooked from the first page. The atmosphere was dark, immersive, and full of tension — I could feel the stakes with every chapter. The pacing was relentless in the best way, and the scenes played out like a movie in my head.
That said, I found myself craving just a bit more explanation. There were moments, especially surrounding the origin and motives where I felt like I was grasping for missing pieces. It didn’t ruin the experience, but it definitely left me with questions — the kind that could be incredibly satisfying to explore further.
I’m hoping this isn’t the end. A Part 2 would be amazing, and honestly? A prequel diving into the mothers’ backstory would be a must-read. There’s so much potential here that I’m dying to unpack.
All in all, a thrilling read — just shy of five stars because I wanted a little more depth to balance the intensity.
That said, I found myself craving just a bit more explanation. There were moments, especially surrounding the origin and motives where I felt like I was grasping for missing pieces. It didn’t ruin the experience, but it definitely left me with questions — the kind that could be incredibly satisfying to explore further.
I’m hoping this isn’t the end. A Part 2 would be amazing, and honestly? A prequel diving into the mothers’ backstory would be a must-read. There’s so much potential here that I’m dying to unpack.
All in all, a thrilling read — just shy of five stars because I wanted a little more depth to balance the intensity.
August 11, 2025
This book was a page turner that keeps you wanting more ! Steamy and mysterious dark and twisty . This novel will leave you wanting more !!
October 14, 2025
This book was an absolute rollercoaster! Thrilling, dark, twisty, and unapologetically steamy. From the very first chapter, I was hooked. The tension kept building in all the right ways, and more than once I found myself audibly gasping at the twists.
The dark romance element was done so well. Gritty and intense, yet deeply emotional. It was impossible not to picture myself in the storyline, swept up in the dangerous allure of it all. And Callum? Let’s just say he redefines obsession-worthy. Dark, brooding, and maddeningly magnetic, he’s the kind of character that lingers long after the last page.
If you're into dark romance with edge, heart, and heat, this book is a must-read. 10/10 recommend!!
The dark romance element was done so well. Gritty and intense, yet deeply emotional. It was impossible not to picture myself in the storyline, swept up in the dangerous allure of it all. And Callum? Let’s just say he redefines obsession-worthy. Dark, brooding, and maddeningly magnetic, he’s the kind of character that lingers long after the last page.
If you're into dark romance with edge, heart, and heat, this book is a must-read. 10/10 recommend!!
August 1, 2025
Dark, dangerous, and utterly addictive. In her debut novel Shadows Within, new author Cassy Vincent dives headfirst into a story of love, secrets, power, and pain. Every chapter reveals just enough to keep you hooked, while still holding its secrets close.
If you were a fan of Lucy Score’s “Knockemout” series this is right up your alley! This book belongs at the top of your TBR list!
If you were a fan of Lucy Score’s “Knockemout” series this is right up your alley! This book belongs at the top of your TBR list!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews