In a city built on secrets and violence, survival is only the beginning.
Ash knows the rules of the trust no one, keep moving, and never mistake safety for sanctuary. But when a failed escape lands him in the care of Luka—a powerful man with a haunted past and a taste for dangerous bargains—Ash is forced to confront the one thing he fears hope.
Luka didn’t expect to care for the beautiful, razor-sharp survivor who landed in his path. He didn’t expect the line between captor and protector to blur, or for Ash to unearth all the vulnerabilities he’s spent a lifetime burying. As desire grows into something deeper, the two men find themselves caught between old ghosts and new enemies, forced to decide what—if anything—is worth saving.
In a world where every kindness carries a cost, Ash and Luka must navigate power, obsession, and the thin line between domination and devotion. With threats closing in from every side, their only chance at freedom—and each other—may mean breaking every rule and risking their hearts, bodies, and lives.
Not every fairy tale offers a happy ending. But some are worth fighting for.
Greyson Vale is an exciting new voice in gay romance fiction. With a talent for crafting swoon-worthy love stories filled with crackling chemistry, Greyson's novels explore the complexities of modern gay relationships and the search for lasting connection.
4.5⭐️ Aw, I'm sweating...this story is so hot and spicy 😅🥵🔥! I think this book is one of the spiciest books I've ever read. But the plot is not neglected either. It gets to the bottom of Ash and Luka's complicated and fragile relationship. Their story begins when Luka buys Ash at an auction, an extremely complex and difficult situation. It is very captivating to see how the two develop into equal partners ❤️. This story is dark and intense, thought-provoking and will not let you go quickly. If you have the courage to get involved, I can highly recommend this book!
um I get this is supposed to be a dark romance but, the main love interest is literally the REASON the main character has been trafficked l...like he literally runs the whole sex trafficking operation and when he "rescues" the mc, the mc eventually works for him IN THE SEX TRAFFICKING ORGANIZATION and doesn't have any care at all that his friend was murdered by the org at the beginning or any care that his new hubby is literally sending kids to be raped and murdered? wtf? and we're supposed to be sad or scared for them when law enforcement is coming down on the organization and Auction towards the end and Luka and Ash are both sad about it being destroyed like WHAT Ash should WANT it to be destroyed...I get it's a dark romance, but this is too much
First I wanna say THANK YOU to Greyson Vale and team for the ARC of this book!
This is a solid 3.5, rounded it up to a 4 on Goodreads, because the Spice was EXTRA SPICY, and that’s what drew me to the book in the first place. 👀🤓😏
Unfortunately, for me this was a mixed bag. It started out strong and I really enjoyed the beginning, but somewhere along the line I feel like the plot lost itself. The spicy scenes in this were top notch! You should read the books alone for them. I just wish the narrative to the plot hadn’t got lost half way through the story. Things were happening that didn’t make sense. The main character Ash is a prisoner to human trafficking, so his specialties are in the bedroom. In a scene where a bunch of cars with armed men come, and attack him, and one armed guard, he somehow becomes a wizard with armed weapons, and takes out dozens of professional snipers. In a throw away line he explains he is trained from “his time in the streets”🤣 I mean, if you can go with it, you’ll have fun! It actually reminded me a lot of the first book from THESE MONSTEROUS DEEDS trilogy. There’s an audience for every book, I just don’t think I’m the right audience for this book. And that’s ok! Hopefully this book will be more enjoyable for you when/if you check it out! 💖✌️
Tbh idk if I loved or hated this. It's a mixed feeling. Did I like it? Yes. Did I hate it? Also yes lol. I'll definitely read more by Greyson due to curiosity though.
Also why are there so many PITS scenes???!?!?!?! NO. (lmao if that's your thing, have at it)
Trust Greyson Vale will always give you a good dark romance filled with spice, angst and plot.
Ash was such an amazing character I enjoyed that he was very smart, resilient and such a badass. Everything that has happened to him should've broke him but he still had a fire in him. Tired but still had the intelligent to see things through. And really unapologetically sexy.
Definitely took some time to like Luka as I knew his reservations, what's at stake and the nature of their relationship. But I did enjoy his inner thoughts, making me see his character and get to know him.
Adrian and Noah's appearance tho! 🔥 Honestly! Best epilogue story ever!
Another big thanks to the lovely Greyson Vale for the ARC ❣️
Some personal comments, skip if you haven't read:
A tad too long. Some lines/stuff became repetitive: • Ash asking where their situation/dynamic would lead. What's the next step for them. (I do know it's also bec Luka hasn't fully discovered and accepted his feelings) • Luka saying sth inside him heats up in a possessive way. • Luka saying the guy in front of him is not some broken boy anymore but someone smart • Luka saying sth is shifting in their dynamics
Also this is more of a personal opinion and nothing against the writing. I'm not a big fan of sharing. Although this happened with Adrian and Noah, it was just for the first time. But here it did happen a lot that Ash had to use his body to distract someone, or when Luka did tell his subordinates to cater for his needs, if they're part of a why-choose type of trope, I'd be on board but like I said its a personal preference and just wanted to say it in case someone has the same thoughts about sharing.
This story is dark and twisted in ways that show the underbelly of our world is often a lucrative business held together in a very grey almost black world. You should always heed TWs, but for this story, you need to protect your mental health and do your due diligence.
This story is grimy, gritty, dirty, kinky, messy, and somehow, at the end, there is a love so strong it breaks all the rules. This is a love that goes beyond forbidden, it is unprecedented, it breaks the status quo, it puts others on edge and it requires a kind of trust that shouldn't even be possible.
Luka and Ash have been orbiting in the same universe for years, but on opposite planets, one of the haves and one of the even less than have-nots. Both operate on survival and must be stronger than others to stay alive. So when worlds collide and Luka takes personal interest, everything for both men will change forever. All that they ever knew or understood will be turned on its head, and this family, built with high walls and protection from all sides, will be their only saving grace. But there are many enemies in the shadows, some known and some unknown, and some unexpected. Ash and Luka are strong individuals, but as a team, they are an almost unstoppable force, and they are prepared for destruction for all those who stand in their way.
But while Greyson builds a world and creates a space that is so real and you can feel it in every scene, this stories features an epilogue to end all epilogues. I have never been so excited to reach the end of a story before. Holy wow, hot diggity darn and lots of expletives I'm not allowed to include her. That was epic writing and so fulfilling to the story especially the invitees to the festivities.
Now remember dark is not for everyone and this is a love story but does have LOTS of nontraditional elements so be mindful as you explore.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5/5 – A haunting, passionate, and unforgettable read. Shadow Waltz is a heart-wrenching, intense, and deeply emotional story that follows Ash, a survivor of unimaginable trauma. From the very beginning, Greyson Vale immerses readers in Ash’s painful past, his time in the system, the loneliness of having only one person who cared for him, and the horrors of being trafficked. Despite the darkness, Ash’s resilience shines through. Even after years of suffering, he refuses to be broken, fighting back in subtle yet powerful ways.
The dynamic between Ash and Luka is complex and intriguing from their first interaction. Though their relationship begins under morally gray circumstances, there’s an undeniable tension in Luka’s protectiveness that contrasts with Ash’s survival instincts, creating a push-and-pull that keeps you hooked. Their chemistry is electric, and the intimate scenes are as intense as they are emotional, adding depth to their complicated bond.
Fans of The Angel’s Beast will appreciate the brief but meaningful appearances of Adrian and Noah, tying the stories together in a satisfying way. Ash’s strength is one of the most compelling aspects of the book; his mind is sharp, his will unbroken, and his journey toward reclaiming his agency is both painful and empowering.
A mixed bag I’ve got to say, the first part of this book made me cry and I didn’t know if I wanted to carry on. The heartache that I felt for Ash and what he had gone through was just so painful. I have no idea how this young man has managed to go through this system four times. But that all changes when the prince Lucas Bids on ash. Everyone is confused because Lucas has never bidded on one of his own products before. You see that’s how they see this extraordinary young man he’s just a product that they sell. To rich entitled men and women. As you can see this book really angered me because you know this happens in real life it was wrote really really well. But Lucas sees Ash in a different way. He sees his resilience as a strength that he doesn’t really want to break, but how is this going to work?? Can Ash really trust him? I’ve got to say I found this book a bit too long and it did make me put it down several times Which is always a bad sign for me, but I’m going to give it four stars because I do feel this book was well written.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sorry, Grayson. I've read several of your books and loved them but this one missed the mark for me. The plot was OK but the story was confusing and had me questioning everything. I didn't understand most of the conversations Ash had with... Anyone. All about "adaptability/partnerships/ambition/loyalty". And somehow this all means something to Ash. And apparently when Luka says it it's good but when Von-Bitchy or Mheta McGross say it, it's bad? I don't know, cuz I'm lost. I also didn't understand the power dynamics. Luka has a convo with Ash about being different and all of a sudden Ash is ok with teasing an enemy and giving in to Luka's bodyguards. Within 48 hours of his sale! I'm sorry, but that just didn't seem "healing". The timeline seemed both too long and too short, so that was also confusing. I can say that the spicy scenes were definitely VERY spicy and I did enjoy seeing Adrian and Noah from the Beast's Broken Angel.
I love the main characters in the book. I love the strength that Ash shows. That he will do anything to survive. I also love that Luka learns that love isn’t weakness and that you can find strength in it. I also love the glimpses we see of Adrian and Noah. I really do love the universe that this author has created with all of these characters. They are truly interesting and I can’t wait to read more of this author’s writing.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️
Format 💫 Gifted Digital Copy
Series 🌙 Unknown/Not Applicable
Genre/Tropes ✨ dark romance, MM, MMM scenes, kidnapping, auctions, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, found family, revenge, Survival at all costs
Shadow Waltz is a captivating novel that will hook you from the first page. It deals with somewhat difficult themes, but it doesn't romanticize them. It exposes them in a raw way.
Ash finds himself caught up in a human trafficking ring from a very young age. The truth is that his life up to that point had not been easy. After years of survival and an attempted escape, he falls back into the clutches of that world again, but this time there is the Prince, Luka, who buys him at an auction and offers him a pact of cooperation, not submission.
It's extra spicy.
There are glimpses of Noah and Adrian, the protagonists of the author's previous novel.
·I want to thank the author for the advance copy, and this is my voluntary and honest opinion.·
"...make love into a weapon rather than a weakness."
The prologue had my heart aching and down bad from the jump. Read the TWs, covers some tough topics. It's deep, chaotic, slightly unhinged, and erotic AF but also really sweet.
Really good blend of plot and 🔥 (variety 👀 & frequent). Aaand, we get some more of Adrian and Noah 🥰🥵
So, so happy Ash got some closure and a HEA with Luka. Can read as a standalone but better after The Beast's Broken Angel.
P.S. Love the Queens rep! As a NYC Queens native, can personally confirm, we all know, at least, one "old man in Queens" that has dropped the knowledge on something useful 😅😁
This was SINFUL. I don't think I've read a book quite as spicy as this one.
The smut was smutting. Ash, a prisoner of human trafficking is purchased by "The Prince" who gives him the chance to be protected but owned. We get to see Ash start to own his power in this crime organization and move past his trauma to become something great with Luka, the Prince. Greyson does a great job writing Ash's internal monologue and the challenges he goes through, trying to figure out if its better to be dead on the streets or owned and safe. The push and pull between Ash + Luka is delicious.
Thank you Greyson for sending me an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest revie!
Greyson I'm seeing a pattern with you Greyson😂. Throughout the whole thing I was clutching my pearls and gasping. This felt like a Beast's Broken Angel (BBA) re-telling with different circumstances (loved that I saw those characters in here btw, it was a beautiful surprise).
Some things didn't make sense for me, like why Ash who was basically living on the streets was suddenly a coveted asset because of his intelligence. Also why we forgot Santos, he was such an unforgettable character for me.
All in all though this was nice. Very spicy. Very similar vibe to BBA.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Dark, twisted, , enemies to lovers, forced proximity, found family
Ash has lived a life of horrific trauma but hasn't allowed it to defeat him. Instead, he continues to remain strong despite his circumstances. Luka happens to "buy" him at an auction. Luka is a man whose family is involved in dark things. He sees a diamond in the rough in Adh and offers him a role to allow him to regain some control of his life. Ash takes to the life like a duck to water, seems he was born to this. The chemistry between them is scorching hot and the found family aspect was great.
Greyson Vale has done it again! Make sure you have enough change in underware... you'll need it! This is spicccccey!
If you enjoyed The Beast's Broken Angel, you will devour Shadow Waltz! Beware, the book handles some heavy topics and you wouldn't think the characters ever find each other, but they work hard for their ending and the journey is a rollercoaster.
Cried. Laughed. Had a lot of fun beaing part of the ARC Team for the book and secretly fell in love with Ash, the bad ass who doesn't trust easily but when he does he won't stop.
The push and pull to come back from the Dark Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2025 Ash 🖤 Luca
This is the second book Ive read by Grayson Vale and I am again excited to say that I really enjoy the writing.
This story straddles the line of dark so definitely mind your triggers!
This is one of those story’s where I was hooked from the beginning and it didn’t let me go until the end. It’s been a while since a book has sucked me in like this and I’m happy it was Luca and Ash
This story pulled me in. Ash and Luka are good characters and reading along as their dynamic evolved drew me in and kept me wanting to know how their story would resolve. This one felt like it could go either way which was intriguing. And their interactions were spicy and emotional which made things even more interesting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Shadow Waltz is dark, spicy, and full of heart. Ash and Luka’s relationship starts in the most complicated way possible, but watching them grow into true partners is both captivating and emotional. The spice is absolutely scorching, but there’s also passionate moments as Ash fights to survive and Luka learns that love isn’t weakness. Intense, messy, and an overall nice read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow. I'm leaving a review after just the first 10 chapters. Ash and Luka so far are two men who are both damaged from their pasts and this impacts every decision they make. An erotic MM+ read with dark themes and subjects (like human trafficking and abuse), it is not for the faint of heart are those easily offended. I must dive back in though as this book has me hooked.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Shadow Waltz is raw, emotional, and absolutely gripping. Ash is a survivor who refuses to be broken, even when the odds are stacked against him. Luka storms onto the page with a sharp mix of power and vulnerability that makes every interaction magnetic. Their chemistry is explosive and the tension between them simmers in every scene. The spice is intense but carries real emotional depth, making it unforgettable. Greyson Vale doesn’t shy away from dark themes, delivering them with honesty and weight. The world is rich, layered, and full of characters who feel alive. This story is haunting, beautiful, and impossible to walk away from.
I was so invested in Ash and the position he was in. His world had become dark, but he was a survivor. Since Luka actually owns Ash, their relationship starts off quite rocky. It was quite journey of emotions and power in balance. I have to say the spice is plentiful, but they were with others which was not something I personally liked but it did fit the world and story.
Shadow Waltz is the second book I read from Greson Vale and it did not disappoint!
This is a DARK Romance the topics of ST may not be for everyone.
Dark MM Romance
We meet Ash and Luka who are the MCs. Ash is a sex trafficking victim. Luka is his captor. I know Luka is bad technically speaking, but I love red flags sue me!
Y'all Greyson writes sex scenes that will make you say "oh shit" like fr fr!
I also really like how he literally makes you feel the charters pain, like you feel like you're in their heads, hence by I love Luka. The man loves Ash, is he a criminal yes, is he bebe gorgeous YES!
This is dark. Read your triggers. Some parts were a little more difficult to read but it wasn't too bad. I love how strong Ash is. I also love how completely Luka loves him even though he views that as a weakness at first.
This book was much darker than expected. Took a few breaks but made it to the end. It was really good. There were a few incredibly emotional parts. Pay attention tot he triggers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was so happy I got an arc read of this book. This story is haunting and beautiful. Another banger from this author I absolutely love his writing. The spice was spicing lord Jesus 🥵🥵🥵