A Bee and A Shadow: Paranormal obsessions - book 2

by Lina C. Eleste

Halloween sets the mood in "A Bee and A Shadow" - Book 2 of Paranormal Obsessions series, that can be read as a stand-alone. (This book is for 18+ readers only.)

Get ready for suspense, betrayal, and lots of (not Pumpkin) spice in this modern version of a Headless Rider story. A dark paranormal bodyguard romance featuring a neurodivergent heroine and the man who sees every part of her.

Beatrice is a woman in pieces - too much, never enough, and scarred by a love that left her hollow.
Owen is the last man she should trust - a brooding ex-military, ex-EMT, with secrets of his own and demons in his eyes.

Yet after he rescues her from kidnappers and becomes her bodyguard, his fierce devotion and relentless desire begin stitching her back together.
With him, she’s more than fragile.
She’s wanted. She’s seen. She’s whole.

But surrendering her heart may be the most dangerous choice of all - because falling for Owen comes with its own hidden undercurrents.
Not to mention, that her soon-to-be-ex-husband is far from done with her.


She was supposed to be a job. A client. A paycheck.
Not a woman who’d crawl under my skin and nest in every fucking hollow part of me like she was always meant to be there.
If my curse has taught me anything, it’s that you take what you want - or it will be taken from you.
But how can I have her, when she belongs to someone else? And when it’s my job as her bodyguard to keep her safe?Especially from me.


He was supposed to be my bodyguard. Not the man I ache for when no one’s looking.
Owen is six-foot-seven of tattooed temptation, heat, muscle, and dominance.
He’s danger in denim. Salvation on a Harley.
And completely off-limits.
Every stolen glance, every brush of his hand feels like crossing a line I can’t uncross.
I shouldn’t want him… but the more I resist, the harder I fall.


- Mature FMC
- Morally grey MMC
- Neurodivergent representation
- Body positivity, plus size FMC
- Forced Proximity
- Shadow daddy
- Bodyguard
- Forbidden / off-limits
- Trauma and healing
- FMC in peril
- Hidden identity
- He fell first
- Headless Horseman retelling (except he rides a Harley instead of a horse)
- Beauty and the beast
- Second chance
- Irish folklore
- Urban Fantasy
- Big city
- Hidden supernatural world
- Touch her and die
- neurodivergent heroine
- ex-military bodyguard with PTSD
- Guaranteed HEA

Trigger
- Explicit content, swear words, graphic description of sex
- Profanity and Blasphemous language - lots and lots of it (the MMC is Irish with a mouth like a sailor)
- Cheating husband (and general douchebag) - not MMC.
- Blood, dismemberment and lopped off heads (mostly off-page and not graphically described) - I mean what Headless Horseman story would it be without this?
- Kidnapping (Adult-napping), FMC drugged, violence (not too graphic), gun violence, loss of a comrade, loss of a loved one, divorce, abandonment, verbal abuse, trauma.
- Mention death, pregnancy, correctional facilities.
- Sexual BDSM, shadow shibari (read and find out), Somnophilia, Dub Con (sometimes very, very dubious)
- Mental health Representation - PTSD, PPD, depression, anxiety, ADHD, AuDHD and other co-morbid conditions

419 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2025

Reviews

[Nikolett Ungor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a Beta reader for this book, originally an ARC reader for book 1 and I loved the story so badly much I wanted to get a deeper connection, so here I am now.

Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (for some this could be 4🌶️)
Darkness/Bloodiness: 🩸🩸🖤 Please check content warning!

Some Tropes:
- Touch her and get beheaded
- Slowish burn
- Forced proximity (Body guard)
- Second chance
- ADHD, PTSD Reps

I hope you read the blurb already, I am here to share my thoughts and feelings! I dove into this story incredibly happily, I love filling my fall with fitting fallish reads that bring me that autumn seasonal feel, some thankfulness and more. I absolutely got all that from A Bee and a Shadow!

This book is a standalone but is part of a series, in my opinion you will get the most out of it if you read the previous book, but if you decide to read as a standalone you will only miss a little bit of extra detail to three other characters, which will not take much from your experience.

Bee is such a perky, all color character that I loved. I can see why fall is such a special season for her and I wish I could take part in one of her Halloween parties. Bee really went deep there with the very emotional and painful background. I love seeing neurodiverse characters, I am sure so many people will be able to relate to her in a very special way. I could absolutely tell the author's connection to her and to ADHD, it's very detailed and realistic. Also looooved the body positivity!

Owen brings the PTSD representation that felt similarly deep and detailed, he had some really strong and emotional moments to shine, to show his vulnerable humanity. He is such an amazing match for Bee even if he won't admit it. Do you like male characters that accept, love and help a single mom's children thrive? Well, then I have good news for you, Owen will be your new fictional crush.

The side characters are also great, I am already very excited for the next book as I am pining to see more from Libby, I think she will be my favorite but I can't be sure just yet. We got to know some more characters in this book as well, one of which I would rather see underground. (Sorry not sorry)

The spice in the book is amazing. You definitely should check the warning menu to make sure you are okay with all that's included, there is some dub content. Owen and Bee has some amazing chemistry and they are not afraid to try some fun, new things for sure! If you like your plot and spice balanced, you will be happy to know the author did an amazing job with that balance!

I loved loved loved the curse part, but I really don't want to spoiler it for you, I don't want to take away the experience I had with it and it's my favorite part, so I will leave you to discover it, make sure to put on a detective hat, I swear I tried but could not predict everything about it, it felt incredibly satisfying!

I recommend this book to all the dark romance lovers, everyone who loves some paranormal spice and one handed books. Happy reading!

My favorite quote:
But it’s evident by his words and actions that he cares - so damn much - for the ones close to him. For Libby, Aidan, Tian, my boys, me…
That, more than anything, makes me realize something.
It didn’t hit me like some bolt of lightning.
It snuck in quiet, like the way his hand always finds mine when I’m overwhelmed. The way he stands between me and the world, not to block me, but to anchor me.
It’s not just the way he touches me, even though that’s enough to short-circuit my whole brain. It’s the way he listens. How he remembers the exact way I like my tea, after seeing me make it just once. How he choses to care about the little things - like crowded thoughts, and whether I’m cold or forgotten to eat.
It’s that he doesn’t try to fix me. Doesn’t shrink to make space or demand that I do. He takes up space next to me. With me.
It’s the way he makes time for my boys.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️and 3 🌶, rounded up to 4 ⭐️

This sequel picks up near where the other left off. Bee awakens from her drugging and kidnapping. Owen is determined to find out how much she remembers from their encounter. What better way to do that than to become her assigned bodyguard? Someone is out to get Bee. He'll have to use his skills to figure out how to keep her safe. there's just one small thing, his family line is cursed, and he's the current incarnation of the headless horseman. A 6ft 7 shadow controlling motorcycle riding Irish bodyguard, who could possibly say no to that?

Book tropes: touch her and d!e, fated mates, light bdsm, brat/dom, retelling


I was given an advanced copy for an honest review.

[Kylie Weigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

For lovers of Halloween/Samhain lore and hopeless romantics with broken hearts of their own.

Shadow Daddy x Smut Loving Dutiful Wife

Meet Beatrice or Bee, a woman of strength and courage. Constantly setting her own battles aside to help others - neglecting herself, she is the dutiful wife and the daughter that doesn't live up to the expectation of an overbearing cruel mother. Married to a callous and unfeeling man, life is dull and Bee deep down knows something is amiss. One Halloween - her favorite time of the year, her world comes crashing down and all she can manage is to keep quiet and cry alone. Until him.
Meet Owen, shadow wielder with more secrets but one thing he's good at is reading people and he reads Bee like an open book. Hands tied, takes a job for a personal security detail that lands him in the presence of what he can only describe as sunshine and he is done for. Despite the already heated tension blooming between them, Owen stands his distance because Bee is of course married. Happily? No but she will continue to be the wife society expects, tossing aside her own mental health and self esteem for her boys. Until Owen gets a gnawing feeling, drawing him his client, HIS sunshine and finds her in a heap of brokenness.
Breaking walls down and rebuilding her self esteem is no easy task but one he gladly shoulders as his duty of personal guard remains intact until she is safe again. After a series of events that end in brutality - one swiftly deserved, Owen is forced to reveal his darkness. His secrets are revealed and the paranormal blood running in his lineage is shown in an act of defense to protect his Bee. Despite the reality and new information, Bee takes this like it's another Tuesday. She's not afraid and finds herself more drawn to him, his need to protect her and make her see her self worth has her questioning if she truly has worth. Can she truly be loved and more?
Bee is no stranger to pain; a neglectful husband who dismissed her in her darkest hours and yet continued to be a loyal and caring wife and mother until she decides to pick herself. But she's still not out of danger.
Just as they fall into a new rhythm and one that has her heart mending, her boys having a good male role model that loves them just as much, a turn of events has her running. Not because of wrong doing - but to again save the ones she loves, the one who broke her walls and showed her love and loved every inch, curve and softness of her. But even that act of self sacrifice lands her back into the lap of the very man she's trying to save and with an unsolvable curse with no history or trail to follow that will claim him sooner rather than later.
A final plea on the final night has her accepting a test, one that could save not only Owen but his entire family and the future of his bloodline. She's able to surpass this test and free the chained spirit because Owen. Owen himself instilled in her that the voices in her head telling her she's not good enough, lazy, pathetic, ugly, unworthy are words that aren't her. Only his words are what pulls her through the cacophony of voices - ones that mirror her mother, her husband and leads to the lift of a curse that was going to claim her heart. His words are not only his only savior but hers as well.
Saving her love and seeing she is everything and more than what been spewed and spat at, she finds herself happy for the first time and her family is whole. The family she so desperately tried to build and dreamed of finally came to fruition.

This story keeps you completely glued to each word, page and event. Engaging and fun with the tie into Halloween and lore. Massive praise to the author for bringing topics that need the spotlight into a story that empowers those that suffer from similar situations. Even if you don't endure what Bee has as many other women do, you'll still be able to draw many elements that you may find within yourself and find yourself in the comfort of a character that you can relate to.

[leanna billings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥

Tropes: MF, Monster/PNR, dark/sunshine, military/bodyguard MMC, ShadowDaddy, mental health representation (PTSD/ADHD/PPD), slow burn, full figured mature FMC (40), reverse age gap, best friends brother, morally gray, pi€rced/size difference

TW: cheating spouse - he’s a d0ucheb@g husband and flaunting it (not between FMC/MMC-well kinda but not since she’s getting a divorce), divorce, kidnapping, drugged

First read from this author. I’m going to go back and read book one and already know I’m gonna grab Libby’s book when it comes out!!

Ahhhh Owen “And she took all of me-inch by thick inch-all the way to the hilt like my good fckng girl. Christ, I can’t stop thinking that this woman is feckin’ made for me.” 😮‍💨

Bee babe!! “I love that I’m doing this to him. Driving him mad with lust. That he’s the one dominating my body, and yet I’m the one who makes him go wild, losing all control.”

Things I loved:
- Bee was a strong @ss woman and even though she struggled with her DB husband and insulting mother, she rallied. She absolutely loves her boys and Owen is at the top of the list!!!
- 6’7” and pi€rced 🥵🥵
- “Does the man have to be the epitome of sex on legs, and have a deep growly voice I’ve only heard in my audiobooks?!”
- Owen’s constant praise 💦💦
- Owen is great with the boys 🥰🥰

Things I didn’t like:
- for being a standalone interconnected, the start of the story felt like I was missing more than a typical second story in a series
- Would’ve loved his curse to be more than once a year
- Anna - IYKYK

I was definitely in my own way when reading this one. But I’m so happy with the overall story and the HEA. Like for reals, the wrap up in the end 🤌🏼🤌🏼. It kept my attention and excitement for all things spooky about to happen since we’re already in Sept. and honestly I’m here for an invite to Bees Halloween party’s. It felt a little dragged in the beginning even though I mentioned it had me lost out the gate. But once the story was in present time I was locked in. The author brings light to a lot of struggles many women face with PPD and Owen’s PTSD. Sometimes authors want to write about those struggles and end up glossing over them and it doesn’t always translate the way it’s intended and that’s not the case here. When Bee told her story I wept. It truly felt like she was telling it from my perspective and in a way I don’t think I could’ve expressed. I was excited seeing this one through to the end and getting that HEA. It really is a beautiful love story.

My Personal Ratings

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Absolutely Loved It!
Couldn’t put it down! Finished in one-two days. I’ll be checking out more from this author.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars – Really Good
The story or a particular character pulled me in, and I’ll definitely continue the series. Also interested in checking out more from this author.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars – Enjoyable, But…
There was something I liked—maybe the plot, maybe a character—but also something that didn’t quite work for me. Sometimes it’s a great story that just needs a little polish from an editor. I might continue the series, or I might move on.

⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars – Not For Me
I managed to finish it, but it was a struggle. Maybe the story dragged or the characters didn’t connect with me. Won’t be continuing the series. Others might still enjoy it.

⭐️ 1 Star – Couldn’t Do It
I was frustrated the whole way through. The story, characters, or writing just didn’t work for me at all. Definitely won’t continue the series or pick up more from this author.



I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts & opinions are my own

[Bookish_Ashleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lina Eleste has delivered a gripping, sensual, and magical romance in A Bee and a Shadow. This story pulled me in from the very beginning with its slow, suspenseful build and the irresistible connection between Bee and her bodyguard, Owen. The tension between them was absolutely delicious, equal parts protective and passionate.

What truly sets this book apart is the added layer of fantasy woven through Owen’s magical abilities. The supernatural twist heightened the stakes and gave their bond even more depth, making their romance feel fated and unforgettable. Bee’s strength pairs beautifully with Owen’s unwavering devotion, and the way he cares for her both emotionally and physically was swoon-worthy from start to finish.

The chemistry between them was fiery and tender in equal measure, leaving me hooked on every page. A Bee and a Shadow is the perfect mix of suspense, magic, and steamy romance, and Bee and Owen are a couple you won’t forget anytime soon.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

In shadow daddy's we trust!

This book was an absolute ride from start to finish! I loved the characters, the tension, and the emotional depth. Bee is such a relatable FMC, and Owen… well, he’s the perfect shadow daddy — protective, mysterious, and utterly swoon-worthy.

The mix of paranormal, smut, and suspense kept me hooked the entire time. It’s intense and emotional and full of chemistry. But the moments of humor balance it beautifully.

If you enjoy steamy paranormal romance with strong characters, deep connections, and a storyline that keeps you turning the pages, this one’s a must read!

[Alina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This modern take on the Headless Horseman (motorbike Rider) is perfect for the Halloween themed read.

[Ohhheyimmandy📚🌿 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protection turns to obsession, and obsession burns.❤️‍🔥

A Bee and A Shadow- by Lina C. Eleste

🔥Blurb🔥

Beatrice is a woman in pieces - too much, never enough, and scarred by a love that left her hollow. Owen is the last man she should trust - a brooding ex-military, ex-EMT, with secrets of his own and demons in his eyes. Yet after he rescues her from kidnappers and becomes her bodyguard, his fierce devotion and relentless desire begin stitching her back together. With him, she's more than fragile. She's wanted. She's seen. She's whole. But surrendering her heart may be the most dangerous choice of all - because falling for Owen comes with its own hidden undercurrents. Not to mention, that her soon-to-be-ex-husband is far from done with her. She was supposed to be a job. A client. A paycheck. Not a woman who'd crawl under my skin and nest in every fucking hollow part of me like she was always meant to be there. If my curse has taught me anything, it's that you take what you want - or it will be taken from you.
But how can I have her, when she belongs to someone else? And when it's my job as her bodyguard to keep her safe?Especially from me. He was supposed to be my bodyguard. Not the man l ache for when no one's looking. Owen is six-foot-seven of tattooed temptation, heat, muscle, and dominance. He's danger in denim.
Salvation on a Harley. And completely off-limits. Every stolen glance, every brush of his hand feels like crossing a line I can't uncross. I shouldn't want him... but the more I resist, the harder I fall.
❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

When danger becomes desire, the line between protection and passion disappears.

A Paranormal Headless Horseman retelling- but make it raw, passionate and heated. 🖤

Beatrice is perfectly written as raw, and realistic character. A Plus-Size, 40 year old woman, who has struggled in silence with Postpartum Depression, Anxiety, and Self-Esteem issues that have plagued her to the point where she no longer feels worthy of love.

She’s the character that most women can relate to.. and when she meets Owen.. it’s a fire that burns so hot.

This is the perfect lead up to read for the spooky season.. mixed with passion and desire.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A huge thank you to the Author for allowing me to ARC read for you.

[Erin Ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

“This body is mine to protect. Mine to take care of. And I take care of what’s mine. Is that clear?”

Owen can be "glued to my arse"... just saying. I'd give this more than 5 stars if I could. 

Read the TW. Even if you don't have triggers! Some of the authors notes with them are pretty funny... And accurate. (The husband notation had me cracking up)  It is dark romance/ paranormal. Paranormal stuff is usually a hit or miss for me. This one huge hit! The curse aspect of this is perfect for this season!

I love how the book jumps in to a crazy situation right away. It caught my attention immediately and hooked me from the beginning. Literally couldn't put it down. I loved reading the book from both characters POVs. Bee is just... Sigh.. she's everything. I love her. Her internal dialogue is hilarious. She had me genuinely laughing before the first chapter even ended. Bee and Owen I fell in love with immediately.  Bees character is so relatable throughout the book and during certain scenes my heart absolutely broke for her.

The anger I have for a particular character is unreal. The author does a fantastic job with how she protrays him. The rage I felt anytime his character was at play!! "Let me throw him in a dumpster and set him on fire." Omg. 

The spice to plot mix was perfection. Just the right amount. Spice itself was excellent and the plot... Honestly I ate it up. Her healing journey through everything she was going through and the sprinkle of dark magic and paranormal. sometimes for me books contain too much paranormal.. it's just too out there. this was not the case with this book!


I'd like to note that I did not read the first one and it's also noted by the author that this can be read as a stand alone. I will definitely be going back to read the first one now though. 


Thank you for my advanced copy in return for my honest review. I loved every second of this and it's officially on my list of favorite reads for this year. I need this book with sprayed edges as a special edition to sit pretty on my bookshelf 🖤🧡

[Dayna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review
A Shadow and a Bee by Lina C. Eleste
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tropes: shadow daddy, pleasure dom, he falls first, neurodivergent FMC, Headless Horseman retelling

Quote from Owen: “Run, Princess. Run. I love nothing more than a chase.”

I stumbled across this book on social media one day, and the moment I saw the tropes (and that it was a Headless Horseman retelling 👀), I knew I had to dive in. Lina C. Eleste is a new indie author, and let me just say—I’m so glad I picked this one up.

While this book is paranormal, it doesn’t shy away from real and raw topics. Beatrice is a plus-size, 40-year-old woman who has walked through postpartum depression in her past, and now struggles with self-esteem and believing she’s worthy of love. Reading about a heroine who isn’t written as “perfect” but is still so deserving was both refreshing and powerful. Enter Owen—her shadow daddy bodyguard. She tries to resist, but when a man is this protective, caring, possessive, and still loving? Yeah… resistance is futile.

And Owen with her kids? Absolute heart-melting perfection. Add in his shadows and—game over. I was swooning nonstop.

This book was the perfect start to spooky season, giving me the dark, steamy vibes I crave, while also grounding the story in emotional depth. I’ll definitely be reading more from Lina C. Eleste in the future!

⚠️ Trigger Warnings: mentions of past postpartum depression, divorce, low self-esteem.

✨ If you’re looking for a spooky, steamy read with a shadow daddy who will ruin you for all others—this is it.

[Stacy1312 · Rating 5 out of 5]

🏵🎃Holy Halloween Hell on a motorbike 🎃🏵

I devoured this book in one day! Yes, I missed out on some sleep.... but the twists kept coming, and I could not put it down!

✨️SUMMARY:✨️
Bee is in need of some protection after a kidnapping, enter our bodyguard Owen. The relationship can't happen, since technically Bee is married to Ben, but the marriage isn't what it seems. When attempts on Bee's life continue, Owen informs her he will be "stuck to your fine ass like glue from now on." With a forced proximity, and supernatural beings popping up everywhere, it's a struggle to maintain boundaries, especially when Bee is the sunshine that lights up Owens very dark world!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The FMC Beatrice (Bee) is so beautifully written, and seeing her character develop strength and pride throughout the chapters made me squeal in delight.
I loved her little boys, Levi and Ezra, who are so damn cute. Maybe its the mum in me 💙💚
The MMC Owen is absolute fire 🔥 and had me seriously questioning what my actual limits could be 😏🤣

The lore regarding Samhain and the Headless Horseman is truly captivating. I mean all stories come from somewhere right, like a little myth, legend, and a bit of truth lost along the way.

🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
The spice was HOT! Hellfire hot 🫠 puddle inducing, looking up shibari techniques, picking safe words... HOT!

This book will have you holding them motorbike handles while your ass is on the edge of the seat.... exactly where that Headless Horseman wants you; He didn't tell us to "hike up your skirt and straddle it, like a good girl" for nothing now 🥵🥵

[Juno Lucita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story! There were a lot of characters, almost too many to keep track of at first, but everything eventually clicked into place. The book follows Beatrice (aka Bee), a “picture-perfect” wife raising two children (with a big age gap between them) while trying to support her politician husband, who’s emotionally unavailable and, honestly, a narcissistic tool.

Because of threats and assassination attempts, Bee gets assigned bodyguards after she’s kidnapped. Her husband is unfaithful, and though Bee is afraid to leave him, she feels isolated with no real support system. Over time, though, she grows extremely close to one of the bodyguards, who happens to have paranormal abilities, and their bond turns into a deep love.

This story shines if you’re looking for a Halloween read, since much of it takes place on Halloween across different years. It also weaves in the legend of the Headless Horseman, which I loved, along with touches of Irish folklore that really stood out.

My only struggles were with the timeline shifts, which stressed me out a bit, and the two POVs sometimes repeating the same events. Still, the book was brilliant overall. This is the second in the series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone. Favorite part is below

[Curated In Ink · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book came at the perfect time and definitely got me in the mood for spooky season! It was also had some great representations: more mature MCs, neuro spicy FMC, body positivity etc. It’s a dark paranormal romance, following Samhain lore and I loved every second (literally couldn’t put it down). The chemistry between the MCs was out of this world and I definitely have a soft spot for Owen (MMC) who is an ex-military, paranormal that once a year turns into the headless horseman except his horse is a Harley!

It’s a 5🌟/ 3.5🌶️ read for me, but please check content and trigger warnings because the spice was really spicing.

🎃 Headless horseman
🎃 Touch her and lose your head
🎃 Forced proximity (bodyguard)
🎃 Shadow daddy
🎃 BDSM / dub con

This was my first time reading this author’s work and I was lucky enough to receive an ARC to leave a voluntary and honest review. I will definitely be checking out the rest of this series and am excited for the next book which from the sneak peak looks like it’s going to be Libby & Killian’s story.

[purple chic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story keeps you completely glued to each word, page and event. Engaging and fun with the tie into Halloween and lore.

Massive praise to the author for bringing topics that need the spotlight into a story that empowers those that suffer from similar situations.

A Paranormal Headless Horseman retelling- but make it raw, passionate and heated.
Beatrice is perfectly written as raw, and realistic character. A Plus-Size, 40 year old woman, who has struggled in silence with Postpartum Depression, Anxiety, and Self-Esteem issues that have plagued her to the point where she no longer feels worthy of love.
She's the character that most women can relate to.. and when she meets Owen.. it's a fire that burns so hot.
This is the perfect lead up to read for the spooky season.. mixed with passion and desire.

Even if you don't endure what Bee has as many other women do, you'll still be able to draw many elements that you may find within yourself and find yourself in the comfort of a character.

This was an ARC review. Thankyou to the author Lina C. Eleste.

[Holly Capps · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this book! I couldn’t put it down. Bee and Owen’s story is one of two broken spirits finding their healing in one another through a host of trials and tribulations. Despite the demons that they both have, they learn to face them and work through their worst fears together. I adore their unwavering, relentless devotion to each other and their playful banter is fantastic! Working in the Dullahan for Owen is amazing and definitely put new spins into the legend of the Headless Horseman & steamy…..whew! This sweet story is one that I have added to my list of novels to reread each year. It’s that good, y’all!
Some of my favorite quotes:
“I will always choose you over me. I’ll choose you over anyone and everyone.”
“Your demons don’t scare me. I’ve accepted mine, there’s plenty of room in my heart for yours too.”
“I see you…the impenetrable armor & the broken, jagged pieces underneath. Both the shadow & the light. I see every part, every aspect of you…”

[Teagahn Rothwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Paranormal Romance 🌶🌶🌶 .5/ ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

ARC review.
This book sets off where the previous finishes. unfortunately I went in blind having not read the first in the series but the author gives you enough back story that you can fill in the gaps.
It is a fun and raunchy retelling of the headless horseman with tropes: touch her & d!e, fated mates, Brat/Dom. The writing shows a lot of promise but there were moments I felt like she was hammering the point home a little too much.
If you are in the mood for a quick and filthy roll in the hay (pun intended), then this book will fill all your holes.
Would love to see the world fleshed out a little more.
Can't wait to read the next one.

[Ashley Donnelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow Daddy? Hell yes please!!! So I never read the first book which I’m glad I could still read this by itself and understand what’s going on even though now I’ll have to go and read the first book cuz I loved this one so much. Had just enough spice (hot damn some good times) and just enough banter between the Main male and female characters. Loved it all. And having Irish in my blood it was so cool to learn a few Gaelic words and then to see that they have a Claddaugh in it!!!! I have one myself that I’ve had for years as it was a tradition for my family as well. So yes if you need a new shadow daddy you must read this book!

[Lisa Kimbrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review:

🤯🤯🤯

Holy shite! That was a ride.

The relationship with the FMC and MMC is amazing. Generally I’m not a fan of relationships while married, but in this case I see no issue. There is a divorce in the works and the ex husband is a douche, POS.

Owen is super protective of both Bee and her children. When his shadow magic comes out to play, even better 🥵🥵🥵

Oh so 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ and when the monster comes out 😈🌶️😈🌶️😈🌶️😈🌶️😈🌶️. Needed more of that!

Super interesting in reading the next book in the series with Libby and Killian!!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely *devoured* this one. I had not read the first book prior to this, but will definitely be picking it up and continuing this series. Owen is delicious. Bee is SO incredibly relatable (and thank goodness a 40 year old!). We have mental health awareness and healing on both sides, we have incredible spice, we have the Headless Horseman, we have a fascinating integration of the paranormal and supernatural…I loved it.

I received an advanced reader copy for free and am leaving a review voluntarily.

[Timea Rogina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book definitely starts out with a bang and sucks you in! I do wish that I had read the first book in the series before this one but this one can be read as a standalone. I like character development for all characters so that was on me but I do plan on going back and reading the first one at some point. Anyway, I really did enjoy this book and the twists turns and plot were so fun and unexpected. It definitely kept me on my toes. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Between The Covers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Modern take on the headless horseman? Yes please!

This was a rollercoaster from start to finish and I didn’t want to get off. I was lost to the story the moment the obsession started to burn!

I am so excited to get my hands on the next book.
Lina creates absolutely phenomenal characters that jump to life in such a delightful sense, and I’m dying to see what she has in store for us.

You guys need to add this to your TBR if you’re a lover of all things spicy and spooky!

Plot - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Details - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice - 🌶️🌶️

[Daniela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of the book to review. I loved Bee's personality, her ability to have compassion even for those who don't deserve it, and her love for her two children. And then comes Owen and his ability to sacrifice for those he loves most 😻😻 I loved it and I'm going to buy both books, since I only read the second one and didn't read the first one. Thanks Lina for these stories of such human doubts and even mix fantasy 🫦❤️

[Nichelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to do an ARC read for this book and I really enjoyed this read! I didn't know the author before this book but I really liked the story and how the relation between the fmc and mmc unfolded. It’s a great read for the spooky season and I really reccomend it if you like a dark paranormal romance and a older fmc/ mmc (40 and 36)

[Olga Higb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It had a little bit of everything. Paranormal, mafia/organized crime (a touch), a giant man, a J@cob’d ladder (iylyk).

Adventures, unexpected twists. And off course she had to throw in some Easter eggs for other books, so now I have to be on the look out for that.

The spice is 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5.
Plot, writing, characters - loved it all!

[Peta Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I loved this story. So much happens, drama, action, murder, all the spice and so many feels, and it all just flowed so well. It sucked me in from the start and just kept me there. Owen is perfect for Bee, everything she needs and so is Bee for him. I can't wait for the next one.

[Karen Wendling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow! This book went from zero to smoking hot right from the start. Then it settled into a teasing back and forth POV that smoldered. I truly enjoyed the book and the paranormal elements which enhanced the story line. A must read for anyone who enjoys erotic dark fantasy romance.

[Teddi Edge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a continuation of book 1. We have a shadow daddy ( aka the reincarnation of the headless horseman) Someone is after the one that he has claimed. ( at least in his mind). I could not put this down. I absolutely love Halloween and this book had me covered. It was a fun ride.

[Bethany Manning · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! Owen and Beatrice as their own characters are great but bring them together and there are fireworks!

Favourite scene is definitely the ferris wheel! 🌶️

A great story line with unexpected twists!

Would definitely recommend!

[Desiree Skaggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book as an arc reader. It was different it was good and shadow daddy yummmmm I highly recommend this for a good Halloween read.

[Alexandra Nodea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of my God! So good in so many ways! It’s a spicy book, with an unexpected plot..is getting your emotions on ups and downs so easily..absolutely loved it!