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Painted in Shadows
“You have the kind of face that should come with a warning label.”
Too bad Olivia painted it for everyone to see.
She’s a sunshine artist with too much curiosity for a city that eats the unwary alive. Her mistake? Putting the most dangerous man in Vespera on canvas. A man she’s never met. A man who doesn’t forgive accidents.
Ruvan rules the underworld with shadows at his command. No one outside his circle has ever seen his face—until Olivia. One look at her painting and he knows two someone betrayed him, and killing her would be the safest option.
Instead, he keeps her close.
Instead, she keeps talking.
Instead, sparks ignite where there should only be fear.
But when Olivia’s rare magic surfaces, light collides with shadow—and their attraction could be the very thing that burns the city to the ground.
Perfect for fans of dark, slow-burn a grumpy crime lord, a reckless sunshine artist, and a city where love is as lethal as power.
Too bad Olivia painted it for everyone to see.
She’s a sunshine artist with too much curiosity for a city that eats the unwary alive. Her mistake? Putting the most dangerous man in Vespera on canvas. A man she’s never met. A man who doesn’t forgive accidents.
Ruvan rules the underworld with shadows at his command. No one outside his circle has ever seen his face—until Olivia. One look at her painting and he knows two someone betrayed him, and killing her would be the safest option.
Instead, he keeps her close.
Instead, she keeps talking.
Instead, sparks ignite where there should only be fear.
But when Olivia’s rare magic surfaces, light collides with shadow—and their attraction could be the very thing that burns the city to the ground.
Perfect for fans of dark, slow-burn a grumpy crime lord, a reckless sunshine artist, and a city where love is as lethal as power.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 11, 2025
125 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 25, 2025
This book was such a delight. A lot of fun dialogue and the MFC is a riot. Loved it.
January 21, 2026
Virtual Voice Narration: 0/5 ⭐
I hadn't realized that it was Virtual Voice until after I started due to it showing up as already available via voice sync on my Kindle.
Despite the absolute disappointment that the Audiobook was, the book itself was hilarious. I genuinely loved Olivia from beginning to end. She is a the type of ball of sunshine that I adore.
I do wish we saw more of 'The Shadow King' and her relationship growing, because it kinda felt like we missed out on it. Because the focus feels more on Olivia and the Shadow Guild.
I hadn't realized that it was Virtual Voice until after I started due to it showing up as already available via voice sync on my Kindle.
Despite the absolute disappointment that the Audiobook was, the book itself was hilarious. I genuinely loved Olivia from beginning to end. She is a the type of ball of sunshine that I adore.
I do wish we saw more of 'The Shadow King' and her relationship growing, because it kinda felt like we missed out on it. Because the focus feels more on Olivia and the Shadow Guild.
February 1, 2026
strange
What a strange strange way of writing. This author is unique for sure. I felt like this entire book didn’t use a full sentence. Did I really just read an entire book about feeding villains vegetables? Every SINGLE page mentioned vegetables I swear ! I mean the wit kept me reading but the book definitely needs depth.
What a strange strange way of writing. This author is unique for sure. I felt like this entire book didn’t use a full sentence. Did I really just read an entire book about feeding villains vegetables? Every SINGLE page mentioned vegetables I swear ! I mean the wit kept me reading but the book definitely needs depth.
January 12, 2026
Good characters&dialogue, bad plot/world building
I enjoyed the characters and dialogue, and the overall tone, but there was nowhere near enough world building or plot. Nothing made any sense, they’d talk about corsets and medieval things but then mention vitamin gummy bears. It was honestly too confusing to finish, and a lot of the plot made no sense. There was also some grammar/proofing errors. I think with some more revision and back to basics with the plot it could be a great book.
I enjoyed the characters and dialogue, and the overall tone, but there was nowhere near enough world building or plot. Nothing made any sense, they’d talk about corsets and medieval things but then mention vitamin gummy bears. It was honestly too confusing to finish, and a lot of the plot made no sense. There was also some grammar/proofing errors. I think with some more revision and back to basics with the plot it could be a great book.
August 13, 2025
Decent
Some very funny dialogue in this book. Simple to follow story with a kooky, nutty FMC & pure grump shadow guy.
Book has no spice (my only complaint).
Some very funny dialogue in this book. Simple to follow story with a kooky, nutty FMC & pure grump shadow guy.
Book has no spice (my only complaint).
January 21, 2026
Beautifully written & lovely character duality ✨️
Love love love this! I'm a fan of a morally grey with a touch of "only soft for her" MMC + sunshine FMC with subtle (massive) strengths.
The character (primarily Olivia) idiosyncrasies were such a breath of fresh air - adding an almost rhythmic/symmetrical feel to the writing and structure of each chapter. Plus, there was a nice light arc of character growth, and a steady poetry in embracing imperfections.
Overall, a great duality between Ruvan & Oliva: shadow/light, darkness/color, criminal lord/endlessly determined caretaker...
The perfect amount of worldbuilding for the length, so I always felt engaged and not bogged down. I definitely would love to explore more in this world! Maybe Arthur or Joss? Or maybe someone completely new.
Will definitely be re-reading, and I have a feeling it'll be dreamy the second time around!
Love love love this! I'm a fan of a morally grey with a touch of "only soft for her" MMC + sunshine FMC with subtle (massive) strengths.
The character (primarily Olivia) idiosyncrasies were such a breath of fresh air - adding an almost rhythmic/symmetrical feel to the writing and structure of each chapter. Plus, there was a nice light arc of character growth, and a steady poetry in embracing imperfections.
Overall, a great duality between Ruvan & Oliva: shadow/light, darkness/color, criminal lord/endlessly determined caretaker...
The perfect amount of worldbuilding for the length, so I always felt engaged and not bogged down. I definitely would love to explore more in this world! Maybe Arthur or Joss? Or maybe someone completely new.
Will definitely be re-reading, and I have a feeling it'll be dreamy the second time around!
January 7, 2026
So charming and cute
How is a book about a clumsy artist seeking shelter with the notorious king of shadows so darn charming. It was a little redundant at some parts but that is exactly how a mom or grandma in my household would treat people. The humor was throughout and I finished this in 2.5 hours. It was a really good stand alone FM rom com with some darker aspects that compared healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms. There were many parts that reminded me of Olaf from frozen 2 with the kids of Arondale and teaching them how to cope with rough situations. It was a good read
How is a book about a clumsy artist seeking shelter with the notorious king of shadows so darn charming. It was a little redundant at some parts but that is exactly how a mom or grandma in my household would treat people. The humor was throughout and I finished this in 2.5 hours. It was a really good stand alone FM rom com with some darker aspects that compared healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms. There were many parts that reminded me of Olaf from frozen 2 with the kids of Arondale and teaching them how to cope with rough situations. It was a good read
January 22, 2026
This was a cute story with a massive found family trope at the center. There was a bit of romance, grumpy/sunshine and a bit of spice. But most of the story was focused on a magical painter adopting and domesticating a guild of shadow assassins, to the point of absurdity sometimes. I suspended my disbelief, and it helped me enjoy the story. I liked the characters as well. There was action and mild amount of tension. That said, there was no world building. I didn't know when, how, where or what in regards to the world. That part was so lacking. It would have been a much better read, if the author gave this matter its due.
December 26, 2025
You just have to read.
So I'm on facebook. Mindlessly scrolling for something to do. I get my books this way. When I see it. This book. About helping his killers eat vegetables. So I try and get it, but my account isn't set up. Bummer So I try and go back to the site, and it's gone. I go dang it. I just knew it was gonna be great. So I scroll some more and bam it's there. I sit down and finish this book in one setting. It's funny and wholesome while being a murderer lol. Definitely needs a book about the surprise at the end.
So I'm on facebook. Mindlessly scrolling for something to do. I get my books this way. When I see it. This book. About helping his killers eat vegetables. So I try and get it, but my account isn't set up. Bummer So I try and go back to the site, and it's gone. I go dang it. I just knew it was gonna be great. So I scroll some more and bam it's there. I sit down and finish this book in one setting. It's funny and wholesome while being a murderer lol. Definitely needs a book about the surprise at the end.
September 25, 2025
What a clever little gem. I love how the MFC is unaffected by all the brutality and violence. If “It is what it is..so what’s next”, is a person it would be her. I appreciate the gentle delivery of big events throughout the storyline. It’s definitely an easy read when you feel like a romance with a bit of an off color sense of humor. Definitely 5 stars for the entire package from the world building, to the character development, down to the storyline. Cheers !!
November 13, 2025
Interesting and different..
This was a different take on gang life with paranormal, humor, sweetness, chemistry, and age gap romance. The h could have been younger maybe but still an alpha hotness though. I was laughing while reading this and the storyline was realistic. The heroine was not boring and not weak. Enjoyable read with emotional showing. Would have been nice if the epilogue included a baby scene. Still good ending though..definitely recommend.
This was a different take on gang life with paranormal, humor, sweetness, chemistry, and age gap romance. The h could have been younger maybe but still an alpha hotness though. I was laughing while reading this and the storyline was realistic. The heroine was not boring and not weak. Enjoyable read with emotional showing. Would have been nice if the epilogue included a baby scene. Still good ending though..definitely recommend.
December 16, 2025
This was a fun one. The FMC was insane but in the best way. It was comedic and just an easy read. Very predictable but very enjoyable. It’s 4 stars instead of 5 because the big “fight”/climax of the story was only like a chapter. I wish it was longer, more of a fight, more of FMC’s chaos beyond enemy lines. But otherwise, loved it!
January 24, 2026
This book came into my life when I needed hope and a reminder of what is worth all things in life. I cannot recommend it enough. The humor, the feeding people, and the overall care. Makes my heart so happy. If you are feeling down about the world and how people should behave in leadership- read this love story.
January 30, 2026
I really don’t have any other words than this book was absolutely fantastic! I loved the banter between Olivia and Ruvan, ruffling his feathers constantly with kindness. Olivia was such a great FMC that mixed femininity, kindness, and strength so well.
I can’t wait to read more from Ryan.
✨Slow burn ✨No third act breakup ✨Standalone ✨No cheating ✨No cliffhanger
I can’t wait to read more from Ryan.
✨Slow burn ✨No third act breakup ✨Standalone ✨No cheating ✨No cliffhanger
February 2, 2026
fun read
While there was some time line inconsistencies, they were not enough to detract from the storyline and characters. The characters in this book were fun, and while I would mark this as more lighthearted, the MMC and MFC still showed growth and connection to each other. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and looking forward to checking out more.
While there was some time line inconsistencies, they were not enough to detract from the storyline and characters. The characters in this book were fun, and while I would mark this as more lighthearted, the MMC and MFC still showed growth and connection to each other. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and looking forward to checking out more.
December 11, 2025
GREAT BOOK
This was a great book one that I stayed up till 2 o’clock in the morning to finish reading. It’s one of those books where it’s just such a wholesome romance. It makes you all warm and fuzzy inside. Totally recommend it.
This was a great book one that I stayed up till 2 o’clock in the morning to finish reading. It’s one of those books where it’s just such a wholesome romance. It makes you all warm and fuzzy inside. Totally recommend it.
December 20, 2025
interesting
This was kind of a weird read. I really enjoyed it though. Super sunshine versus super grump. I really enjoyed this. I adored all the characters. Healer and assassin make a great team.
This was kind of a weird read. I really enjoyed it though. Super sunshine versus super grump. I really enjoyed this. I adored all the characters. Healer and assassin make a great team.
December 30, 2025
Painted in Shadows is a beautifully written fantasy that blends emotion, mystery, and vivid world-building. The characters felt real and the story kept me engaged all the way through. I’m giving it a wonderful pick for fans of imaginative, character-driven fantasy.
January 5, 2026
Shadows Indeed
Ms. Ryan has an excellent writing style as well as a good editor. An upbeat story line involving murder, mayhem and culinary instruction. I am purchasing this book for a re-read!
Ms. Ryan has an excellent writing style as well as a good editor. An upbeat story line involving murder, mayhem and culinary instruction. I am purchasing this book for a re-read!
January 6, 2026
Was this a book I picked up from a TikTok? Yes.
Is my TBR crying from neglect?
Probably.
This was fun and brainless. There are plenty of flaws within it and I wouldn't think too deeply on the magic or even the plot. It was fun though, kinda in the same way that Assistant to the Villian is.
Is my TBR crying from neglect?
Probably.
This was fun and brainless. There are plenty of flaws within it and I wouldn't think too deeply on the magic or even the plot. It was fun though, kinda in the same way that Assistant to the Villian is.
January 6, 2026
This was a fun book to read. The time sequence was a little confusing at times but the story was improbable, zany and made me laugh out loud so many times. Just what I needed after reading some ‘heavy’ books.
January 8, 2026
soooo good
Hilarious banter, drama, romance…The works! I devoured this book and smiled the entire time. The writing was witty and clever and it was as if I could actually hear them having those conversations. I cannot wait to read more from this author. A must read!
Hilarious banter, drama, romance…The works! I devoured this book and smiled the entire time. The writing was witty and clever and it was as if I could actually hear them having those conversations. I cannot wait to read more from this author. A must read!
January 24, 2026
Quirky and fun read
I rarely leave reviews but this book was so much fun to read I just had to share how much I enjoyed it! Definitely worth checking it out. My only regret is that it wasn’t longer. I would love to see a follow up book
I rarely leave reviews but this book was so much fun to read I just had to share how much I enjoyed it! Definitely worth checking it out. My only regret is that it wasn’t longer. I would love to see a follow up book
January 29, 2026
So Enjoyable!
Perfect mix of banter and violence. The entire book is entertaining. Highly recommended if you like assassins sprinkled with hope and happiness. And don’t forget mandatory mealtimes!
Perfect mix of banter and violence. The entire book is entertaining. Highly recommended if you like assassins sprinkled with hope and happiness. And don’t forget mandatory mealtimes!
February 2, 2026
This book had everything!! Fantasy, mafia, found family. It was witty with yearning and romance. I actually devoured this in one sitting. Seriously an easy book to fall into if youre in a reading slump. Assitant to the villain book vibes for sure. I cannot wait to read more from this author!
February 3, 2026
Murder or Cookies?
This book was so much fun. I laughed and head tilted in confused amusement in equal amounts. I loved the relationship between Olivia and Ruvan. And how Olivia wanted to feed everyone all the time.
This book was so much fun. I laughed and head tilted in confused amusement in equal amounts. I loved the relationship between Olivia and Ruvan. And how Olivia wanted to feed everyone all the time.
November 7, 2025
Realy Nice Book
This book explored some lovely themes and had a great message.
Very enjoyable. It speaks with a distinct voice and moves in its own tempo.
This book explored some lovely themes and had a great message.
Very enjoyable. It speaks with a distinct voice and moves in its own tempo.
November 13, 2025
It was funny. The timeline was confusing tho and I genuinely don’t know how many days or weeks it took place over
November 29, 2025
adorable
The story line, the characters, the banter, all is so cute and funny and just downright adorable!!
10/10 would recommend
The story line, the characters, the banter, all is so cute and funny and just downright adorable!!
10/10 would recommend
December 11, 2025
refreshing
It was just what i needed. Nothing super heavy funny and fun! My first book of this authors! I need more obviously
It was just what i needed. Nothing super heavy funny and fun! My first book of this authors! I need more obviously
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews