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Within Shadows

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Maeve just wants to finish her last year of college and for her life to get back on track. After Oliver leaves her broken and afraid, she’s determined to find herself again, refusing to give away her trust just to be betrayed. But when her parents' gift her with tickets and backstage passes to see her favorite band, she’s forced to face a new darkness. The moment Knox turns her way, she can feel his piercing gaze from behind the mask as it devours every inch of her.

Knox is growing bored with the monotony of traveling, playing shows and staring out the window of different hotel rooms each night. When he meets Maeve, everything he’s been craving rises to the surface, and he’s determined to have her. Even if it means lurking in her shadow as he wins her heart. But staying hidden is no longer an option when Oliver becomes a threat to their future and Maeve’s life. Knox won’t let anyone touch her, and those that try won’t live to do it again.

Can Knox protect Maeve without breaking her, or will the shadows of their past consume them?

233 pages, ebook

Published September 1, 2025

9 people are currently reading
71 people want to read

About the author

Natoshia Baer

7 books42 followers
Natoshia has had a fondness for writing since she was a young girl, sitting with her mother at the computer as they created fantasy worlds full of adventure in short stories. Flash forward to today, and she is still sitting far too close to the computer screen as she types away. But now her stories are a little darker, with a pinch of excitement and a touch of spice. She has written a little of everything, from brooding mafia men to the paranormal, and now the monstrous side of books. When she’s not reading or writing, Natoshia is spending time with her husband and their two children, or her beloved cat Chunky. Her favorite colors are Morally Gray and Red Flags, which is reflected in every new character she writes. She hopes you find a beautiful escape within the pages of her books.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Katelynn Seaman.
110 reviews3 followers
August 25, 2025
Maeve and Knox were perfection. At first in the beginning of the story I was so nervous that this was gonna be a cringe shorter book with a not well written insta obsession/love story first sight but boy was I proven damn wrong. The way Knox loves Maeve is touch her and die literally but also you see the other side of him that just has you melting and wanting a cuddle. I loved how their relationship progressed and how hard this man worked for her love and affection. I will be getting this paperback.
Profile Image for Jesi.
40 reviews4 followers
September 2, 2025
This is a fun spicy stalker thriller. If you enjoy primal play, masked men then add this to your TBR
Profile Image for Kayla Veilleux.
12 reviews1 follower
August 23, 2025
This was my first ever ARC read, and I was so worried I wouldn't finish it in time or wouldn't like it...but man was i wrong! From the first chapter, I'm was hooked, I fell in love with Maeve and Knox so fast! The way I'd KNEEL for a man like Knox to set his sights on me(lol)
not only did i love the characters, but I really loved the twists and plot of this story! i said "one more chapter" until I finished this book in one day!
I loved seeing Maeve grow and overcome everything she went through!
10/10 LOVED this book and want more!
Profile Image for Emily Ducky Ducky.
Author 8 books28 followers
August 29, 2025
Well. Excuse me while I pick my jaw up off the floor because THAT twist? Did not see it coming. Miss 5-Star Author really said, “plot twist, but make it feral,” and I ate it up. The slow burn? Delicious. The plot? Chef’s kiss. Each MMC brought a whole new flavor to the table, and somehow it all worked like a perfectly chaotic recipe.

And can we talk about the growth woven through this story? Dark, powerful, and uplifting in all the right places.

Oh, and the spice? Let’s just say the spice was not sitting quietly in the corner. No ma’am. It strutted in, took center stage, and stole the show. WHEW.

That chase scene had my pulse doing cardio it did not sign up for. And the ending?? I was feral, flailing, possibly screaming into a pillow.

Special shoutout to AL, the kind of side character that makes you want to send thank-you notes.

Highly recommend 10 stars!!!
Profile Image for Maxine.
371 reviews18 followers
August 31, 2025
3.75 For me
I think this book had a lot of elements I LOVE and was entertaining. But for me the pacing was a little fast and I do think there were areas in the book that could have allowed for more descriptions to help with the pacing as well to allow more depths to the situations and characters. For me this was a book that was nearly there for me but just left me wanting a little more to really sink into the story.
But the story overall entertaining with a lot of elements that I enjoy in general and did work for me for this book. I was even confused in a good way because the author manages to have me 2nd guessing myself and what I thought was happening so that was fun because I had to fight the urge to jump to the end to see what was going on.
for the characters I loved Knox and how he was instantly obsessed with Maeve and all he wanted to do was take care of her every need and if someone messed with her, he was more than happy to take care of it just to keep her happy and safe. Especially when it came to Oliver who was an Oliver who deserved everything that happened to him. As a side note I loved how Knox's friend/bandmate was the same way with Maeve's friend with the instant obsession and do anything for her bc we then got scenes where he did the same for her that Knox did for Maeve, so it was like a 2 for 1 special. Then there was Garrett who was just a sweetheart white knight who was also there to help pick up Maeve and the question for you became did you want the white knight or the dark knight???
For Maeve she was a very likable character and FMC. At the start she is obviously traumatized by what had happened to her in the past with Oliver and she is just trying to live her life and get back to her normal. Then she gets swept off her feet by Garrett who gives her a safe place to be and that allows her to feel comfortable to just be herself without fear. Its then we got to see the sassy and spicy side of her, and I just really enjoyed seeing finally living her life with those around her supporting her.
Overall, I was entertained by the book and characters, but I was left wanting a little more when it came to the writing.
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This book is about Maeve who is in her last year of college and is trying to rebuild her life after her ex-Oliver shattered her trust. But things are starting to look up especially with the surprised tickets from her parents that include backstage passes to her favorite band. But when she meets Knot the masked frontman it seemes like his piercing dark gaze can see her all the way down to her soul. For Knox behind the mask is a man tired of the spotlight and everything that comes with being a musician until that is until he meets Maeve and she is everything he could ever want, and he just wants to keep her safe and give her whatever she needs. But as a musician she doubts his sincerity so he will just have to get a little creative while he proves himself even if it means hiding who he really is. But will he be strong enough to keep her safe when Oliver comes back more dangerous threatening just their future but Maeve's life as well?


I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Tracy Booktalk.
309 reviews16 followers
August 29, 2025
Do you want a thrilling ride from first paragraph to the very end then read Within Shadows. I love everything Natoshia has written but this one is dark. Please 🙏 read the content warnings. Seriously! Then read them again.
🦹‍♀️ First let’s meet Oliver. The nightmare of my dreams. Immediate “ick” factor when he appears in the story. I was on the edge of my chair, gripping my phone scared out of my mind! You know the scary movies that have music “da da da da” that something ominous is about to happen. That is the feeling.
🥵 Now to Garrett. A cinnamon roll, adorable, sweet, I was intrigued from the second he entered the story. The way Natoshia writes the story you know he will do anything for Maeve. You can feel the immediate attraction threads between them.
👧 Maeve has been through so much in her young life. She has suffered the unimaginable from Oliver, someone who professed to love her. He loved her with his fists. He is the son of a detective so his father made it all go away, telling her it’s her fault and she needs to move. This is why Maeve does not want to endure another relationship where she picks the wrong man again.
💖 Maeve’s girlfriend, Jess, was written so well into this story. She’s the rock Maeve leans on and she wants to protect Maeve but Maeve doesn’t want anyone else to get hurt so she never tells her everything that Oliver is doing.
🖤 Now Knox is the conundrum in the story. He is obsessed with Maeve. He is the lead singer in a rock band and when Maeve goes backstage to meet her idol he falls fast. Then he starts following her everywhere she goes. He stalks her. I was excited and scared at the same time!
🤭 Al - how can I not mention Al. He meets Maeve’s friend, Jess, backstage at the concert. The banter alone in this book is 5 stars. I know Natoshia you are going to hear this over and over again but please write a book about Al. He is all that and a bag of chips!
⭐️ All of this is just the beginning of the story. Yup!!! When you pick up this book you cannot put it down. Thank you Natoshia for letting me read this book early. It was everything and more than I expected!
🥰 If you love stalking, scary chase scenes, masked men, spice, he falls first then this is the book for you.
Profile Image for Mrs. K. Book Reviews.
283 reviews7 followers
August 24, 2025
😱 OMFG!!! 😱 This is a totally binge-able dark romance! 🖤 I read this in just over 24 hours!

It's a dark stalker romance written in duel POV. While we don't get a whole lot of backstory from Knox, we know just how protective and possessive he is based on how much he cares for Maeve. *swooooon* 😍

Maeve's past trauma with abuse and SA from Oliver (we don't like him! 🤬 ) means she doesn't trust easily. Knox's methods for getting close to Maeve are extreme and at times you just KNEW what was coming and it angered you that he did it this way but OMG 😳 you can't hate him either! He just wants Maeve safe, preferably in his arms. His self-sacrifice at the end is evidence enough. 😭 I sobbed buckets!

I can't believe the amount of plot twists in one little book! The first half is just you guessing who in the world is the man behind Knox's mask! I thought I knew where this was going ... I didn't know. 😳

If you like masked men, being chased through the woods, haunted houses, Sleep Token, and a few gunshots, wrapped all together in an HEA bow at the end, you definitely want to check this out.

*Please check your triggers before diving in. The story, while inherently a romance with several sweet moments built in, is dark and explores several dark past/present moments which readers might find...slightly worrisome. 🫣 (I personally have no such triggers, but it's worth mentioning anyways.)
Profile Image for Nanasbookreviews.
1,822 reviews52 followers
August 25, 2025
ARC Review: Within Shadows by Natoshia Baer

Within Shadows is a dark stalker romance that pulls you in from the very beginning.

Maeve just wanted to finish her last year of college quietly after her ex shattered her spirit. On her birthday, her parents surprised her with tickets and backstage passes to her favorite band, Within Shadows. That night, she caught the attention of Knox, the band’s intense lead singer—and the connection between them was undeniable.

The next day, a new transfer student, Garrett, joined her class, and the two quickly became friends. Maeve found herself drawn to both men, though in very different ways. But when her toxic ex reappears and starts causing chaos, the peaceful life she longed for is gone. Knox refuses to let anyone come between them—and he’ll stop at nothing to keep her for himself.

If you enjoy stalker romances, you don’t want to miss this one. It’s dark, spicy, and filled with danger. The story takes place over just a few days, weaving together Knox’s obsessive side, Maeve’s complicated attraction to both men, and the threat of her ex. I especially loved Maeve’s playful chemistry with Garrett and the way her demeanor shifted when she was with Knox. My favorite part was the big climactic scene near the end—it genuinely scared me!

A fast, thrilling read that I highly recommend to dark romance lovers.
Profile Image for Micasareads.
120 reviews1 follower
October 26, 2025
Thank you Natoshia Baer for an advanced e-copy of this book!

This is such a fun read for lovers of Sleep Token in my opinion 😌. He’s a masked singer and OBSESSED with her, so much so that he decides to ✨lightly✨ stalk her 😂 and of course he’s suuuupperrrr possessive and maybe a little cray cray 🤭 but like, c’mon, isn’t that the best in ✨fiction✨

He also takes care of her! He buys her food! And groceries! And pays her bills! He’s a 10 😌 stalker tivities aside, he’s awesome 😂

There is some violence, not between MCs, some unaliving of 3rd characters, not super detailed or gore-y. There are mentions of an abusive ex, both remembered and some on page violence. The end has the most violence.

I wasn’t a fan of the pacing in this book, it felt kinda wonky, like some things were quick mentions and other scenes were longer and more detailed. It didn’t feel like I was able to fully connect with the characters feelings and also really pinpoint when or what made Knox so obsessed with Maeve 🤔 Overall, it wasn’t a bad read!

The spice! It does take a while for a full scene between MCs, about 80% through, so if you love a slow burn this one is great! There is a variety of scenes ranging from just foreplay to solo scenes to some primal/chase scenes.

❤️❤️❤️
🖤🖤
🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Im Arcana.
53 reviews5 followers
September 21, 2025
Who doesn't love a good stalker? It is one of my absolute fave tropes ever, and through into that a a MMC who falls first, quick and hard for the MMC Where he will totally unalive anyone who hurt her or dares look her way.. Sprinkle in hot chemistry between them, where he knows she is the one and will move heaven and earth to have her. So much so he wants her to see the good side of him, even though she doesn't know its him. Then this is for you;)

Whether it be Knox or Garrett, this MMC has it hard for Maeve. Insta Love attraction. Did I want to kick Olivers A$$, I so wanted to sooooo damn bad. I was rooting for some un-aliving of this character. I could not stand him and was waiting to celebrate his..... well you know.

I enjoyed this book, I recieved it as an advance copy and glad I did. I loved the chemistry between the characters, all of them. It was cute that the best friends found love too with each other too, but not a fan of slow burns. But you could feel the heat between them.

Check you tw/cw as always Easily a great read and love the stalker and a masked band, morally gray mmc...you are in the right place
Profile Image for Jess.
526 reviews3 followers
September 8, 2025
This was one heck of a ride.
It was dark and twisty, with some surprisingly lovely friendships and declarations thrown in.
Our MMC was very morally grey so be sure to check the content warnings on this one. One of those “burn the world down for his girl types”.
I didn’t really gel with the FMC and I honestly can’t put my finger on why.
The plot kept me reading, the spice was sprinkled, the dark stuff was oddly entertaining, and the relationships the main characters had with the side characters really added something special.
All in all an enjoyable, easy read and a good way to spend an evening.
I’ve read and thoroughly enjoyed other books by this author and will absolutely continue to read and recommend her work. This one just lacked something for me to make it a stand out but I have no doubt others will love it.
Profile Image for read.whatever.
68 reviews
September 10, 2025
4.5/5 ⭐️ and 3/5 🌶

*I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.*

This was such a fun read! Natoshia had me grinning throughout the story and also wanting to beat Maeve's ex. I loved Knox's pet name, "my muse", for Maeve. The best friends in the story were great too. I hope we get a book about their story!

I would recommend it to anyone who wants a dark stalker romance where he falls first, the MMC is obsessed with the FMC, a HEA, and wants some spice.

- College Student FMC (Maeve)
- Rockstar MMC (Knox)
- Check Trigger Warnings
- Dark Stalker Romance
- Touch Her and Die
- She's Mine
- He Falls First
- HEA
- Secret Identity
- Available now as an ebook, and paperback.
Profile Image for Morgan.
167 reviews12 followers
December 17, 2025
There are two people in this world. Those that fantasize ENDLESSLY about a member of their favorite band and god-damn liars.

This was such a good storyline. The 19 yr old groupie in me squealed with delight as I was reading this. Everything about this plot is a dirty little secret she's wished for (Well, maybe not EVERYTHING since its a dark romance for a reason but you catch my drift).

Knox and Maeve, sweet perfection. These two characters balance each other really really well. Maeve's fire and Knox's persistence are the tug of war that make this story IMO.

Also, Knox is the definition of "If he wanted to, he would". Obsessive MMCs, raising the bar aince the dawn of cliterature.

20/10, I would recommend this one.
Profile Image for Crystal Counelis.
127 reviews13 followers
September 1, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Thank you, Natoshia Baer, for the arc cooy in return for my honest review.

First, I loved Knox obsession with Maeve. It was a good touch her and die vibe. Garrett was everything 🩷.
I enjoyed the story for the most part, This was dual pov which I love but what I didnt like is how we would get Knox pov and then Maeve's for the same scene, that bored me a little cause I already knew what was going on, I just wanted her pov to start where his ended. The author did great on making me second guess what I thought was going on, which I did enjoy.
This is definitely dark, check trigger warning before reading.
Profile Image for Linsey Toney.
618 reviews40 followers
August 28, 2025
Within Shadows is a fantastic dark romance!

ATTENTION Dark, Dark Romance LOVERS... RUN and add this to your TBR! This book is amazing! If you enjoy touch her and ☠, masked stalker books, then this is for you. If not, then skip it, lol.. also, it's a dark, DR read TW's! This book isn't for everyone, and that's ok, lol..
This is the first book I've read from this author, and she didn't let me down! This book is written well and pulled me in fast! I read the entire book in a day! I absolutely love the FMC & MMC together! I can't wait to read more of her books!
Profile Image for Dani.
34 reviews
September 5, 2025
Oh I loved this! I'm not one to usually pick up a book with the rockstar/musician trope, but between the dark masked and obsessive stalker type vibes I was intrigued.
I'm so happy I got an ARC this was so damn good!
It was such an interesting and even kind of different dynamic. It was amazing. The right amount of slow burn, the characters, and the spice! There were sensitive subjects that I think were written very well and more in a way that brings light to it though still be sure to check the TW. Highly recommend this!!!
Profile Image for Jade.
39 reviews3 followers
September 24, 2025
Maeve is in her last year of college when she’s gifted tickets to meet her favorite band and that’s where everything changes. 🔥.

Knox is mysterious, protective, and completely obsessed with Maeve in the best way possible. Did I mention he’s a hot, masked rockstar who stalks her Literal dream man vibes. 😍

But not everything is perfect Maeve’s toxic ex, Oliver, refuses to let her go. He’ll do anything to break her down, but Knox is determined to protect her at all costs.

I devoured this book in one sitting! My only wish? A little more backstory on Knox. I need to know everything about him.
Profile Image for Sabrina.
39 reviews2 followers
August 24, 2025
Thank you Natoshia baer for letting me arc read your book..


I ate this book up in a matter of hours. Fantastically written. A book that makes you think you know what's going on then has you second guessing yourself. Mystery, murder, masked man, a great friendship and a scum bag. A well played slow burn that turns up the heat. I was kicking my feet like a school girl, just enjoying the chase. Definitely a must read!
Profile Image for Allyson.
515 reviews4 followers
September 2, 2025
This book felt more like a quick little novella than a full novel. It was fast and had a lot of action. Yet, I couldn't get into it. Maybe it just moved too fast?
The story was engaging. The characters were fleshed out. I did have some confusion over Garrett and Knox thinking it was a why-choose for a moment there. I do think more could have been done with the big reveal.
I guess overall I just wanted more.

Thank you Natoshia Baer for providing a copy of your book!
Profile Image for Megan Aunkst.
100 reviews
September 5, 2025
I have yet to read a book of Natoshia's thats disappointing. I always love every second of them. this one gave some Sleep Token meets Lights Out, but darker. Also, the dislike for one's alter ego had me giggling. It reminds me of Xavier and Lumiere (iykyk). The only thing I wish I saw was what happened with the band or another epilogue beyond the end of the story. but thats me just not wanting the story to end
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1 review
September 8, 2025
Oh my gosh! What a read. I was chosen to do an ARC of this book and when I say I couldn’t put it down… I mean it.

Dark romance adjacent. Sleep token band theme. HEA.

Some hints at primal play towards the end, so if it’s not your thing, it’s not a huge part of the book. I shed some tears towards the end.

Really hoping Al and Jess get their own book!
Profile Image for Jessica Barndollar.
7 reviews2 followers
September 25, 2025
This is the first book I read from Natoshia and I can’t wait to read more! I fell in love with all the characters immediately except one lol such a cute, yet super sexy love story. He definitely falls first, is extremely protective and willing to not only die for her but burn the world to the ground! Really hope there’s more to this story.
Profile Image for Jamie Williams.
503 reviews9 followers
October 6, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! I’m a sucker for masked, stalker romances anyway, but throw in the rockstar aspect with a side you wouldn’t expect and I’m done for lol! Knox is absolutely incredible, and his chemistry with Maeve is chef’s kiss. This book definitely hit the spot, and I highly recommend checking it out!!
Profile Image for Charlotte  R..
64 reviews2 followers
August 29, 2025
A sweet guy, a masked singer, and a stalker ex....which guy would you choose?

The absolute twist in this book was fabulous and I can't wait for everyone else to read it.

Natoshia once again pulled off a forest chase scene. 😈
Profile Image for Eliza_lovesbooks.
294 reviews104 followers
September 1, 2025
Obsessed. Hidden identity. Stalkers x two (only one we like). Mask Musician. College setting.

Knox and Maeve are end goals. I can’t say much, but this one is perfect for spooky season, back to school to get the blood pumping.

Slow burn with angst and tension that’ll light the room on fire.
Profile Image for Amber.
24 reviews
August 27, 2025
Absolutely fantastic! I couldn't put it down! It was sad, thrilling, and had tons of spice! The relationship between the 2 characters was absolutely dynamic. I loved every second of this book!
Profile Image for Sydney C.
81 reviews
August 31, 2025
Absolutely loved this book! If you love sleep token and masked men then you’ll want to read this. He falls first/ stalker/ musician
The relationship dynamic had me giggling and that endingggg😍🖤
Profile Image for Nikki.
128 reviews10 followers
September 5, 2025
This is going to be yet another of those times that I don’t know if I have the words to explain my feelings. The book had a chokehold on me from the beginning. I loved Knox and Maeve. I loved the obsession he had with her, it was a lust at first sight kind of deal. I did NOT see the twists that came with this book coming and I love when I am made to second guess that I know how the story is going! This book was the perfect dark romance and fulfilled my obsession with obsessed masked men 😉 and the spice was the perfect level of, well perfection 🥵😮‍💨
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