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Her Shadow
All she wanted was to get lost in her books. What she didn't expect was him.
Leila is excited to start her first year of University in Denver, but all the stars are pointing to that mysterious man who always seems to know where she is.
He can't allow distractions because distractions could cost him his life. But she is something different. No matter how hard he tries, he can't keep the distance between her and himself.
Leila is excited to start her first year of University in Denver, but all the stars are pointing to that mysterious man who always seems to know where she is.
He can't allow distractions because distractions could cost him his life. But she is something different. No matter how hard he tries, he can't keep the distance between her and himself.
- GenresDark Romance
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2025
4 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 2, 2025
NOW THAT IS HOW YOU WRITE A MAFIA ROMANCE.
November 25, 2025
When I received this book as an ARC I was thrilled!
Such a fresh take on the mafia-romance world, the first I read set in a college that I actually enjoyed and didn’t dnf.
The fast pacing of the book was perfect for someone like me and the plot was well built (i’m a sucker for the student/teacher trope, sue me) so I couldn’t help but give it a high rating.
Not a full five stars because it’s clear that the writing needs to improve but no one is perfect and for an emerging author this sure was a nice book.
Congrats to the author and I hope to see more of her work in the future.
Such a fresh take on the mafia-romance world, the first I read set in a college that I actually enjoyed and didn’t dnf.
The fast pacing of the book was perfect for someone like me and the plot was well built (i’m a sucker for the student/teacher trope, sue me) so I couldn’t help but give it a high rating.
Not a full five stars because it’s clear that the writing needs to improve but no one is perfect and for an emerging author this sure was a nice book.
Congrats to the author and I hope to see more of her work in the future.
December 14, 2025
Summary & Review of Her Shadow
Summary:
Her Shadow follows Leila, a young literature student who moves to Denver to start university and finally live independently. As she navigates her new academic life, friendships, and creative ambitions, she becomes increasingly aware of a mysterious man whose presence feels both protective and unsettling. This man later reveals himself to be Mr. Moretti, her professor, creating an intense and forbidden dynamic shaped by power imbalance, restraint, and unspoken desire.
The story blends themes of obsession, control, morality, and temptation, mirroring the myth of Icarus that runs symbolically throughout the novel. Leila’s internal conflict between her longing for connection and her need for autonomy drives the narrative forward, while the tension between her and Mr. Moretti slowly escalates. Secondary characters, such as her best friend Lillie and Enzo, offer contrast and grounding, highlighting Leila’s struggle to distinguish between safety, desire, and danger.
Review & Feedback
Her Shadow is a slow burning, atmospheric novel that excels in building tension through subtle interactions rather than overt action. One of its strongest aspects is the author’s ability to convey emotional intensity through sensory details such as voice, proximity, silence, and internal monologue. The recurring imagery of shadows, breath, and observation creates a haunting tone that stays consistent throughout the story.
Leila is a compelling protagonist whose inner world feels authentic and vulnerable. Her passion for literature and writing adds depth to the narrative, and the parallels between her experiences and classical mythology, especially Icarus, are well chosen and meaningful. The forbidden dynamic with Mr. Moretti is unsettling in an intentional way, forcing the reader to confront questions of morality, power, and consent rather than romanticizing them outright.
At times, the pacing leans heavily into introspection, which strengthens the mood but could benefit from slightly more external plot progression in certain sections. Clarifying character motivations, particularly Mr. Moretti’s, could also add complexity and emotional payoff without reducing the tension. Additionally, some scenes feel very vivid and cinematic, and expanding on their consequences could further deepen the impact.
Overall, Her Shadow is a dark, emotionally charged story that will appeal to readers who enjoy psychological tension, morally complex relationships, and literary symbolism. It shows strong potential and a distinct authorial voice, especially in its atmosphere and character driven storytelling.
Summary:
Her Shadow follows Leila, a young literature student who moves to Denver to start university and finally live independently. As she navigates her new academic life, friendships, and creative ambitions, she becomes increasingly aware of a mysterious man whose presence feels both protective and unsettling. This man later reveals himself to be Mr. Moretti, her professor, creating an intense and forbidden dynamic shaped by power imbalance, restraint, and unspoken desire.
The story blends themes of obsession, control, morality, and temptation, mirroring the myth of Icarus that runs symbolically throughout the novel. Leila’s internal conflict between her longing for connection and her need for autonomy drives the narrative forward, while the tension between her and Mr. Moretti slowly escalates. Secondary characters, such as her best friend Lillie and Enzo, offer contrast and grounding, highlighting Leila’s struggle to distinguish between safety, desire, and danger.
Review & Feedback
Her Shadow is a slow burning, atmospheric novel that excels in building tension through subtle interactions rather than overt action. One of its strongest aspects is the author’s ability to convey emotional intensity through sensory details such as voice, proximity, silence, and internal monologue. The recurring imagery of shadows, breath, and observation creates a haunting tone that stays consistent throughout the story.
Leila is a compelling protagonist whose inner world feels authentic and vulnerable. Her passion for literature and writing adds depth to the narrative, and the parallels between her experiences and classical mythology, especially Icarus, are well chosen and meaningful. The forbidden dynamic with Mr. Moretti is unsettling in an intentional way, forcing the reader to confront questions of morality, power, and consent rather than romanticizing them outright.
At times, the pacing leans heavily into introspection, which strengthens the mood but could benefit from slightly more external plot progression in certain sections. Clarifying character motivations, particularly Mr. Moretti’s, could also add complexity and emotional payoff without reducing the tension. Additionally, some scenes feel very vivid and cinematic, and expanding on their consequences could further deepen the impact.
Overall, Her Shadow is a dark, emotionally charged story that will appeal to readers who enjoy psychological tension, morally complex relationships, and literary symbolism. It shows strong potential and a distinct authorial voice, especially in its atmosphere and character driven storytelling.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2025
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy of this book!
What I liked:
I loved the writing and the fast pacing of the book. It made it really essy to read. The main character is very likeable and isn't too unrealistic or basic. If Mr. Moretti wasn't her teacher they would've been cute
What I didn't like:
I didn't like that the main love interest was her teacher. I would have rooted for them more if he wasn't. I was rooting for Enzo through out most of the book until a specific event (no spoiling!)
Quotes from the book such as "we could work on some reading or other classes if we wanted to" and "absence note for all my classes" are very inaccurate. That's not high school, you can't do that in university.
Also Mr. Moretti literally stalking her?And admitting to it?
I don't think I was the right reader for this book but the premises of the story was interesting and people who are just getting into this genre would definitely like it!Congratulations author on the debut!
What I liked:
I loved the writing and the fast pacing of the book. It made it really essy to read. The main character is very likeable and isn't too unrealistic or basic. If Mr. Moretti wasn't her teacher they would've been cute
What I didn't like:
I didn't like that the main love interest was her teacher. I would have rooted for them more if he wasn't. I was rooting for Enzo through out most of the book until a specific event (no spoiling!)
Quotes from the book such as "we could work on some reading or other classes if we wanted to" and "absence note for all my classes" are very inaccurate. That's not high school, you can't do that in university.
Also Mr. Moretti literally stalking her?And admitting to it?
I don't think I was the right reader for this book but the premises of the story was interesting and people who are just getting into this genre would definitely like it!Congratulations author on the debut!
November 19, 2025
Her Shadow is an interesting novel. We follow Leila to her new life in Denver where she starts to study literature when a mysterious man occupies her mind constantly.
There are many really interesting twists in the story with well written characters. I also liked how heavy topics got treated with respect and didn't got romanticized.
My only point of criticism is the language. The sentences almost always start with I and it sometimes felt like checklist.
I want to thank Celine for sending me her novel!
There are many really interesting twists in the story with well written characters. I also liked how heavy topics got treated with respect and didn't got romanticized.
My only point of criticism is the language. The sentences almost always start with I and it sometimes felt like checklist.
I want to thank Celine for sending me her novel!
November 14, 2025
I received this book as an ARC and was really excited to read it. First off, huge congratulations to the author on her debut! It takes so much courage to put your work into the world, and I can see real potential in her voice.
The concept is interesting, and setting a mafia-themed story on a university campus felt like a fresh angle for the genre. The FMC’s tone is soft, gentle, and introspective, which I actually loved & it’s a side of dark/mafia romance we don’t often get to see.
I think readers who enjoy a gentler introduction to mafia elements, mixed with a college setting and a slow-building tension, will enjoy this one.
Huge congratulations again to the author, a promising start to her writing journey! 🤍
The concept is interesting, and setting a mafia-themed story on a university campus felt like a fresh angle for the genre. The FMC’s tone is soft, gentle, and introspective, which I actually loved & it’s a side of dark/mafia romance we don’t often get to see.
I think readers who enjoy a gentler introduction to mafia elements, mixed with a college setting and a slow-building tension, will enjoy this one.
Huge congratulations again to the author, a promising start to her writing journey! 🤍
December 20, 2025
PERFECT mixture between romance and thrilling!!!
Good novel!! Really interesting storyline and great plottwists! The further you get into the storyline the more thrilling it gets, quick and interesting read. No spice but definitely a lot of tension! Way of writing really gets you into the situation and atmosphere. Definitely worth a read!!
Good novel!! Really interesting storyline and great plottwists! The further you get into the storyline the more thrilling it gets, quick and interesting read. No spice but definitely a lot of tension! Way of writing really gets you into the situation and atmosphere. Definitely worth a read!!
December 3, 2025
Thankyou to the author for the ARC opportunity.
It's always inspiring to see a new voice in the publishing world, and this debut has a sincerity to it that really comes through on the page.
The university back drop gives the story a youthful energy, and the mafia threads woven through it create an unexpected contrast that I think may readers will find intriguing. The tone leans gentle, emotional and reflective, which is perfect for readers who prefer their dark romance with softer edges and character focused moments.
Overall, this feels like the beginning of a promising journey for the author.
Wishing her every success as she continues to grow and create! <3
It's always inspiring to see a new voice in the publishing world, and this debut has a sincerity to it that really comes through on the page.
The university back drop gives the story a youthful energy, and the mafia threads woven through it create an unexpected contrast that I think may readers will find intriguing. The tone leans gentle, emotional and reflective, which is perfect for readers who prefer their dark romance with softer edges and character focused moments.
Overall, this feels like the beginning of a promising journey for the author.
Wishing her every success as she continues to grow and create! <3
January 31, 2026
DNF
The writing was extremely juvenile, no offense to the author but after only reading one sentence I could tell that this was written by someone in their teens. The prose was extremely choppy and full of sentences that were overly short and abrupt sadly :(
The writing was extremely juvenile, no offense to the author but after only reading one sentence I could tell that this was written by someone in their teens. The prose was extremely choppy and full of sentences that were overly short and abrupt sadly :(
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews