Come Out of the Shadows Dark

by D.M. Needom

When Trouble Is Something Good To Get Into.



World-famous singer Grace Filmore, catches the attention of many admirers. However, one individual will go to extreme measures to possess her. With the stalker situation intensifying, Grace’s record label’s CEO, Russell Langford, enlists bodyguard Dylan Roberts for her protection.
While Dylan assumes the threat is against Grace, does Russell really know who the true target is and is just trying to protect himself from his world unraveling?
No matter as Dylan takes on the role of safeguarding Grace, she notices something she desires, but so does Dylan. Can Dylan stop the threat, or will their attraction become a distraction that jeopardizes everything?

This is the Darker Version of Come Out of the Shadows

147 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 13, 2025

About the author

D.M. Needom has been creating stories since she was a kid. She started committing them to paper when she was in high school. Starting off as a bassist and television model during her first foray into college, she soon discovered her preferred form of education was working in the music and film industries.

Living a fortuitous life, D.M Needom appreciates the amazing opportunities she’s had in her life. Her first stint as a radio personality came after she won a contest for knowing the song of the day. She was a mere blur in My Best Friend’s Wedding as Julia Roberts ran past while she was an extra. However, the excitement of being on the set made her long to work on other projects. Her longing eventually led her to sign on to a low-budget sitcom, where she was an actress and had many other positions, including line producer. She’s stated numerous times that it was one of her favorite jobs.

Originally from New Orleans, she now calls the North West Burbs of Chicago her home with her two fur babies; Chloe, kitty, and Cami, pup. While she got to experience motherhood being a stepmother, true love was elusive until she met her second husband, with whom she spent sixteen wonderful years together.

Currently, she is the host of the Better To …Podcast with D. M. Needom. She is also working on Gotta Get High To Fall So Low. Besides writing, she enjoys intuitively reading Tarot and Oracle cards for others. While she enjoys a variety of television, movies, video games, and books she has recently realized there isn’t enough time in the day to do it all.

Reviews

[fernssthebookdragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

So first off... There's a playlist and I LOVE a good playlist!

It took me a little while to get fully into the flow of this one—maybe it was the number of POVs or just needing time to settle into the world—but from the very beginning, it had that something that kept me turning pages. I kept telling myself "Just one more chapter," until suddenly I was completely hooked.

I absolutely loved the relationship between Dylan and Grace, but honestly? Grace stole the show for me. Her sass, confidence, and sharp comebacks had me mentally cheering her on more than once. She’s easily my favorite character.

I’ll admit, around the 40% mark, I was sure I had the antagonist pegged. Spoiler: I didn’t. None of my guesses were right, and I loved that. It’s not often a twist genuinely catches me off guard in such a satisfying way.

I rarely give out 5 stars—I tend to reserve those for books I want a physical copy of (limited shelf space struggles), but this one? I think with a little editing it’ll earned a place next to my other 5 stars.

I honestly adored this book—so much so that I started a re-read less than 24 hours after finishing. Which has NEVER happened before.



**Disclosure: Received an ARC of this novella from the author for free, my review is voluntary and my opinion honest.

[Bookish_Ashleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Come Out of the Shadows is a quick yet captivating novella that feels like playing a game of Clue while reading. Every character is layered with intrigue, leaving me hungry for more answers and twists. I loved how the story broke down each character in such a way that you’re constantly questioning motives and piecing together the mystery.

The added bonus? The relationship between Grace and Dylan. Their connection is so genuine and unique that it shines brightly against the darker, suspenseful backdrop. This novella may be short, but it pulls you in and leaves you eagerly waiting for what comes next.

[Diana Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of reading an ARC of Come Out of the Shadows, and I absolutely loved it! From the first chapter, D.M. Needom pulled me right into Grace Filmore’s world the tension, fame, and danger all felt so vivid and real. Grace is such a strong yet vulnerable heroine, and Dylan, her bodyguard, is the perfect mix of protective and kind. Their chemistry was instant but believable, filled with heart and heat in equal measure.

The story blends romance and suspense beautifully, keeping me turning pages to see how far Grace and Dylan would go to trust each other — and survive what’s coming for them. Needom’s writing flows effortlessly, and the emotional beats hit just right.

If you enjoy rockstar romances with a touch of danger, passion, and heart, Come Out of the Shadows is definitely one to add to your list. I’m so glad I got to read it early!

Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. 💖

[Barbie Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Give me an 80s music tour, emotional tension, and a character worth fighting for… and I’m already hooked. 🎶🔥 Turn the volume up on this one because it’s a whole mix of love, lust, and a little danger lurking backstage.

This story hit all the right notes for me. It’s rich in emotion, passion, and storytelling, and I was completely hooked from the opening act to the final encore. I spent the entire book rooting for Dylan, hoping his story would finally get its standing ovation.

One of the things I loved most was the setting. Instead of the usual romance backdrop, this one throws you straight into the 1980s music tour scene,
stage lights, and the electric chaos that comes with life on the road. The atmosphere made everything feel bigger, louder, and more intense.

But beneath the music and chemistry, there’s also a darker rhythm pulsing through the story. With the female lead, Grace, being a musician targeted by someone watching a little too closely, there’s a steady tension that keeps you looking over your shoulder right alongside the characters. It adds a layer of suspense that makes the emotional beats land even harder.

Duana Dusk did a great job blending romance, heat, and edge-of-your-seat moments into a story that feels different from your typical smutty read. Between the nostalgic 80s vibe, the passion between the characters, and the underlying danger, this one kept me turning pages like I was chasing the next track on a killer album.

Safe to say this book definitely deserves a spot on the playlist. 🎶📚 4.5 stars

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a rocking novella. I absolutely loved the relationship that developed between Grace and Dylan. She's a firecracker, and has the best personality. she's a force, that's for sure.
I kept going through this thinking, "okay, I know who the stalker is" ummmm nope lol. The twists and turns in this really keep you on your toes.
I devoured this in one sitting. it's a can't put down page turning kind of book. loved every minute of it.

[SandraBarg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the sweetest insta-love books I've read. While there is something very dark going on in the shadows of this book, Dillon and Grace were a dream. The book is very fast paced, great flow to the writing, and great character building. I'm hoping to learn more about what was going on behind the scenes and of course see more of Grace and Dillion. I highly recommend this book.

[Happy Cranky Cow · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're a reader who enjoys a happily-ever-after with a bit of spice, a lovable hero who would do anything to protect the woman he adores, and a touch of thriller mixed into the romance, then this book is definitely for you.

Full review here on my blog: https://www.tumblr.com/happycrankycow...

[Miss_curly_tots · Rating 5 out of 5]

3 Points of view
Russel the manager
Dylan the body guard
Grace the singer
has a playlist for the book

Really enjoyed it. Was well wrote, sad at times. Just the right amount of spice in it with a feel good happy ending

[SueAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great read! Reminds me of the movie Bodyguard. Some betrayal in here but could use more spice into the book . Great romance though. I will read more of Needom's books!

[Morgan Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was a lot in this book to love. Once you get past the multiple POV - not entirely my style, but didn't take away from the story - there is love and there are guessing games and there is fun. The entire book is made by the amazing chemistry and love between Grace and Dylan. The character building, as well, is top-tier. I found myself loving Grace's personality almost immediately, which is hard for me to do generally.

Also, there's a legit playlist for this book. GENIUS! It was a little too "instantaneous" for my taste, but a quick and fun read.

* Had the honor of reading and reviewing as an ARC*

[Kendra Oliveira · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn’t put it down and finished it in one sitting. It was amazing, real, and a wild ride. The playlist had me vibing the whole time. And the dynamic between Dylan and Grace was so sweet!