Shielded by the Shadow: A Dark Protector Romance

by Wren Fox

Someone's been watching her for twelve years. Now they're done waiting.

Roxy Stone built a pop empire on secrets—the biggest being that Roxy Stone doesn't exist. She's Rebecca Blake, a foster kid who clawed her way out of nothing and buried her past so deep she almost forgot it herself.

Until someone dug it up.

When her backup dancer turns up dead, Roxy realizes the stalker who's been haunting her for years isn't just obsessed—they know exactly who she used to be. And they want revenge for something she did when she was fourteen years old.

Enter Micah Vale. Ex-CIA sniper. Wicked Sanctuary's most controlled operative. The man who's been watching her for weeks, waiting for the threat he knew was coming.

Now he's her fake boyfriend, her bodyguard, and the only person standing between her and a killer who's been planning this moment for over a decade.

But Micah has rules. Don't get attached. Don't let them in. Don't repeat past mistakes.

Roxy breaks every single one.

Trapped together in his apartment, playing lovers for the cameras while hunting a ghost, they discover the conspiracy runs deeper than either imagined—and the man who built her career has plans far darker than she ever knew.

"Everyone who gets close to me ends up dead," she warns him.

"Good thing I'm hard to kill."

SHIELDED BY THE SHADOW is book 4 in the Wicked Sanctuary series but can be devoured as a complete standalone. This dark romantic suspense features a possessive alpha protector, a strong woman reclaiming her identity, sizzling dark romance with dom/sub dynamics, and a guaranteed HEA.

Tropes you'll bodyguard romance, forced proximity, hidden identity, fake relationship, stalker romance, virgin/experienced, praise kink, protective possession, celebrity romance, and morally gray characters who kill for love.

Genres: Found Family, Dark Romance

375 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 12, 2026

About the author

Wren Fox writes emotionally charged romance with a dark, dangerous edge—and just enough hope to leave your heart bruised and begging for more. Her stories dive deep into love, lust, trauma, and survival, all wrapped up in tension you can cut with a knife.

When she's not lost in fictional chaos, Wren is probably hanging out with Grimm, her loyal (and sometimes chaotic) Doberman sidekick, who firmly believes he's the real star of the show. Together, they navigate life one coffee, plot twist, and sarcastic remark at a time.

Wren believes in fierce heroines, broken but beautiful heroes, and that love—even the messy kind—is always worth fighting for.

Connect with Wren:
Newsletter: https://houseofkingpublishing.kit.com...

Reviews

[Nikki B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shielded by the Shadow is book 4 in the Wicked Sanctuary series. This story can be read as a standalone.
After Roxy finds a body, her friend, in her dressing room, made to look like her with a cryptic message written on the mirror, she knows she's in danger and someone knows her secret. When her manager is called in and in a matter of minutes has the entire crime scene cleaned, scrubbed, and new cover stories for the incident, she knows she can't trust anyone. That's when she's given the card for Wicked Sanctuary and calls them for help.
In comes Micah. Starting off as her bodyguard, he is possessive and protective. Especially since he has a traumatic history of a failed mission. He has rules and takes them seriously. The two of them together was absolute perfection. They complimented each other so well. The plot in this story was so intriguing, I couldn't stop and ended up reading this entire thing in one sitting.
I highly recommend this entire series. Like... highly recommend.

[Katherine Schimpf]

Started this book about 2pm in the afternoon, and only put it down to cook supper and walk the dog once….finished it in 5hrs…..We are introduced to Bec/Roxy and Micah. Bec (stage name Roxy) is a brilliant musician who is being tormented by a “fan” and her manager just brushes it under the rug. In walks Micah who is to be her bodyguard/securty. We are taken on an emotional roller coaster with things that happen to Bec and really want to punch the “fan” who is tormenting her. Wren really has her readers not wanting to put the book down, wanting to know what happens to her characters, there is spice in the book, but there is also a good plot line and they are both balanced equally.

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

[JP18267 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited for this book after reading Wicked Hearts. I enjoyed experiencing the darker side of the music industry, especially how the physical demands and always performing take a toll. The death threats Bec was receiving kept me on the edge of my seat, and I loved that it brought Micha into her life. Micha is a straight up badass, I would want any of those guys protecting me! Their connection is instant and they both see each other's true selves, making the push-and-pull between them so addictive. It was the perfect balance of high-stakes suspense, hot steamy moments, and chilling mystery that kept me guessing until the very end.

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

[Deborah Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Micah Vale noticed Roxy Stone at a gala his security company sponsored. A music superstar, she should have been comfortable, not strung tighter than a piano wire.
When a backup singer is murdered and dressed in Roxy’s clothes, she called for help, and Micah became her bodyguard, protector, and more. As people near Roxie die, Micah is convinced that someone close to her is responsible. The target on her back is as scary as her manager’s obsession. When she finally admits that he is the one person who knows about the past that haunts her; they set the stage.
The final act, the twist no one saw coming, may be Roxy’s swan song. If suspense-filled plots, sexy interludes, and strong heroes are your favorite reads—add this to your TBR list.

[Joy Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Shielded by the Shadow" is an absolutely captivating read that I couldn't put down! From the very first page, the story completely engrossed me with its engaging narrative and beautifully crafted prose, seamlessly transporting me to a richly detailed world populated by truly compelling characters and intricately woven relationships. I was especially drawn to the remarkable development of the characters and the dynamic, often intense, interactions between them. These elements combined to create an immersive reading experience that was nothing short of unforgettable, leaving me eagerly anticipating what Wren Fox will write next.

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

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is Book 4 of the Wicked Sanctuary series it can be read as a standalone .

'Expect: a possessive protector who worships at her altar, a heroine who learns to fight back, scorching D/s dynamics, and two people too broken to love anyone but each other.'

The characters drove the storyline and they were very compelling and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

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

[Pauliina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was my first book from Wren and whoah I might have found yet another gem through arc reading!
Without going to too much into detail this is the line that describes this book perfectly
“My name is Rebecca Blake. And I’m taking my life back.”

I enjoyed how the characters developed and even started with a good depth, how they conveyed their emotions more through action than talking.
Surprisingly I even loved the whole popstar/ bodyguard trope which hasn't always been my favourite ones.
I'll be definitely reading the next part of these series, even tho this worked pretty great as a standalone!

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

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here we have Dark Romance meeting The Bodyguard and am I ever LIVING.

Micah Vale. My good sir. I just have one word to describe this MMC and it's: SWOON.

Our FMC, girl you have been through so much. I can't say anything more for the risk of major spoilers but I will say this; inspirational AF. I was first pumping, cheering out loud and rooting hard for this character. I screeched in glee at the final climactic moment and almost wish I could read it again for the first time because HECK YES.

Another absolute ringer from Wren Fox and another amazing compliment to the full collection. keep 'em coming!

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omgosh, this was so intense, so hot, so good. When a backup dancer ends up unalived, Bec realizes ages got a stalker. One that dug deep into her past and wants revenge. Her manager dismisses it. That’s when Micah steps in. Her bodyguard. He has rules, she breaks them all. This story held intrigue and danger. I loved these two together. Their attraction was undeniable. The way he was there for her was not than just protecting her. This was spicy, and in depth. Loved everything about it. The plot was amazing and this flowers really well.

[Shawnamana · Rating 5 out of 5]

She’s a global icon with a perfect image… but behind the scenes, her life is anything but glamorous. A stalker. A manager who’s crossed every line. And a silent cry for help no one hears—until him.

Enter the broody, no-nonsense bodyguard who sees everything she’s been hiding.
He was supposed to protect her, not want her.She was supposed to keep her distance… and fails spectacularly.

Secrets. Control. Obsession.
Two broken people, one dangerous connection—and somehow, love still wins.

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

[Alisa Begoyants · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a beautiful love story of Rebecca and Micah with full of suspense, danger, and well-developed characters. I loved the plot, I loved the author's writing style; it is a smooth read, and the book is a page-turner. I recommend this book to dark romance fans.

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

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

She have gone from a foster kid with nothing to a pop superstar, but someone is now after Roxy. That's where Micah steps in as her bodyguard. A steamy read with a stalker, danger, revenge, fake to real, forced proximity, dark themes and more.

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

[B. Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another fantastic Mafia story from Ms. Fox! I loved the interactions between Micah Vale, ex-CIA sniper and Roxy Stone, a foster kid who had a bunch of secrets. Others have given this book 5 stars and I totally agree with them. I believe this is one of the best Mafia stories I have read recently. Thank you, Ms. Fox, I give this more than 5 stars and hope more books are to come!!!

[Vivien R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roxy aka Rebecca is in trouble. She has a dangerous st@lker. Micah is there to protect her and be her fake boyfriend and bodyguard. I loved their smexual chemistry and the suspense was so good! Definitely an awesome story.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roxy (Rebecca) + Micah

RTC