My Masked Shadow

Beautiful Stalkers #3

by Arden Hart

I'm in her firewall. She's under my skin.

I don’t need to creep down dark alleys to stalk her.
I have the internet. I have her passwords.
I have everything.

Barbara thinks she knows me—the loudmouthed, cocky brother-in-arms of her best friend’s boyfriend. The one who’s always too much, too boisterous, too inappropriate.
She doesn’t know the other me.
The one who lives in the shadows of her devices.

I see her through her cameras.
Hear her through her mic.
Watch her play our favorite game at night, hair in a messy bun, soft little sighs spilling into my headset while she’s convinced I’m just another player, another anonymous stranger online.

She thinks she hates me. But she can’t stay away from me online.
And she has no idea the man behind the screen is the same one who watches her move through her apartment like a living fever dream.

I’m not an assassin like Killian. Not a vigilante like Damien.
I’m a different kind of predator—one who worms his way past firewalls the same way he worms his way into a life.

Barbara doesn’t realize she’s already mine.
But soon, she’ll understand:
The shadows she can’t escape aren’t on her walls.
They’re me.

My Masked Shadow is a dark, obsessive romance featuring a brilliant, morally gray ex-military hacker antihero and the stubborn kindergarten teacher–turned–gamer girl who can’t decide if she wants to block him… or beg for more.

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance, Dark, Contemporary, Hackers, Spicy

182 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2025

About the author

Arden Hart writes dark, obsessive romances that linger in the shadows. Expect possessive heroes, twisted desires, and tension that grips you until the last page.

When not weaving danger and obsession onto the page, Arden enjoys strong coffee and dreaming up morally gray characters who refuse to let go.

Reviews

[Ꮗ€♫◗☿ ❤️ ilikebooksbest.com ❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unhinged, Obsessed, and Impossible to Resist



The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💜🤎💚❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌍
Character development: 😋😀😍☺️🥰

📚 Book Review: My Masked Shadow (Beautiful Stalkers, #3)

Author: Arden Hart
Genre: Stalker romance

🦸🏼‍♀️ The Heroine: Barbara

Barbara is a warm, grounded kindergarten teacher who traded the sunshine of Los Angeles for New York’s icy winters—mostly because her best friend Emily is there. She’s not built for the cold, so winter turns her into a cozy homebody, tucked away from the world. When she meets Emily’s fiancé and his best friend Ethan, she’s instantly irritated. Ethan is loud, arrogant, and far too confident for his own good. Sure, he’s gorgeous, tattooed, and clearly dedicated to the gym, but Barbara refuses to be charmed. In her eyes, he’s the exact kind of man she avoids.

🦸🏻‍♂️ The Hero: Ethan

Ethan is a brilliant hacker with a military background, a sharp mouth, and a confidence level that borders on outrageous. He spends hours behind a computer screen, but he still trains like he’s preparing for combat. From the moment he meets Barbara, he’s captivated—and he handles that fascination in the most Ethan way possible: by inserting himself into her life through a “mysterious” gaming computer she thinks she won. Then he slips into her favorite online RPG under the alias “Sebastian,” determined to win her attention from behind a screen.

He’s cocky, obsessive, and absolutely relentless. And he knows it.

📚 The Story

After copying Barbara’s keys the night they met, Ethan breaks into her apartment and installs cameras everywhere under the guise of protecting her. His justification? Emily was recently targeted by a violent human trafficking ring, and Barbara could be next. But even Ethan knows he didn’t need to put cameras in her shower or above her bed to keep her safe. His obsession is personal, not tactical.

Meanwhile, Barbara grows closer to “Sebastian,” her charming online companion, completely unaware that he’s actually Ethan. When she asks for a selfie, he sends her a masked, polished version of himself—just enough truth to keep the lie alive.

🌟 Highlights

• Ethan is an unapologetic, over-the-top stalker, and somehow that makes him irresistible on the page. In real life, he’d be terrifying, but in a stalker romance? He’s exactly the brand of unhinged devotion that makes this series so addictive.
• The heroes in this world are dangerous men—former military, highly skilled, and absolutely lethal when necessary. That edge of danger adds tension, heat, and a sense of high-stakes romance.
• Despite their morally gray behavior, Ethan and his friends are fundamentally good men. They may cross lines for the women they love, but their mission—taking down predators who hurt women—keeps them firmly on the side of justice.
• Ethan’s tech genius is a standout element. The VR warehouse with haptic floors, sensory feedback, and immersive simulations is vivid, cinematic, and incredibly fun to imagine.

💔 Where It Fell Short

• Barbara’s moments of confusion about Ethan/Sebastian felt a bit forced. She only has two men in her life—how does she not connect the dots when they say the same things? Those scenes made her seem less perceptive than she should be.

💬 Final Thoughts

This installment delivers everything a stalker-romance fan craves: an obsessive hero, a heroine who grounds the chaos, and a plot laced with danger, heat, and emotional intensity. Ethan is unhinged in all the best ways, and the blend of tech intrigue, military grit, and romantic obsession makes the story compulsively readable. While Barbara’s obliviousness occasionally strains believability, the overall experience is fast, dark, and deliciously addictive. If you love morally gray heroes who would burn the world down for their woman, this book is a standout addition to the series.

Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Pinterest|BookBub

[Morally_Gray_Nola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ethan … Oh you sexy, sexy stalker. Barbara hit the jackpot when she caught the obsessive eye of hacker Ethan—not that she knew about it. It was his dirty little secret. She tells herself she hates Ethan. Hates everything about him. She even meets someone online. He’s incredibly hot, attentive, and seems to genuinely care. Then this … thing happens. And another thing happens. And she. is. confused. Confusion leads to shocking revelations, huge decisions, enemies slipping through, and lives put on the line and lost. This is an awesome book. Caleb is next!

*** Recommended***

MMC:
✨Ethan
FMC:
✨Barbara
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨HEA
Series:
✨Book 3 of Beautiful Stalkers
Epilogue:
🌗yes
Tropes:
👉dark stalker romance
👉serial killer romance
👉ex military mmc
👉obsessive mmc
👉possessive mmc
👉hacker mmc x gamer fmc
👉touch her and ☠️
👉primal masks
👉bdsm, roll play
Triggers:
💥18+
💥sex, rough, explicit
💥profanity
💥violence
💥death, murder
💥stalking, video surveillance, voyeurism
💥primal
Burn Speed:
✨fast
Spice Level:
✨🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨MF.

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

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

He’s in her devices. He’s under her skin. And she has no idea.

Barbara thinks Ethan is just her best friend’s cocky, inappropriate acquaintance, the guy who’s always too much and always around. What she doesn’t know is that he’s already inside her life, watching her through hidden cameras, listening through her mic, and flirting with her online under a false name, feeding her a fantasy he's controlling from behind the screen.

She falls for the masked stranger online, unaware he’s the same man she tries to avoid in real life. When fantasy slips into reality, their connection ignites in a chase that strips them both to the bone. Ethan pushes her limits, and Barbara gives him something he never saw coming, a kind of vulnerability that changes everything.

Just as trust begins to take root, danger from Ethan’s past slams into their present. A hidden threat targets Barbara, forcing Ethan to protect her out in the open and prove that he’s more than just the shadow lurking in her world. ‍

Ethan starts as a cold, calculating observer, but Barbara forces him to feel. She begins guarded and grounded, yet opens herself to the intensity that grows between them. What starts in secrecy and control becomes a bond that’s fierce, tangled, and real.

A dark, steamy, enemies to lovers, morally gray, stalker hacker romance exploring obsession, surveillance, control, identity, secrecy, emotional surrender, and transformation. It’s about what happens when deception turns into desire, and two people choose each other fully, even with every secret still burning between them.

The Elevator Pitch: A dark, addictive romance where danger watches from the shadows and obsession feels a lot like love. She falls for a masked fantasy, never knowing he’s been in her life all along, pulling the strings and crossing every line. Twisted, explosive, and dripping with heat, it’s about control, surrender, and the thrill of being hunted.

[Alina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
The overall banter with them was fun but sometimes it got so cheesy I got annoyed

[Steph Adkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gosh I love this series (interconnected standalones, but really does help to read them all in order) so fricken much! Arden really knows how to write these quick dark romance reads. These ARCs are 3/3 for me, none of them have disappointed.

Ethan uses his ex-military and internet hacking skills to use when he wants to win over Barbara. Does he take it slightly over the top? Yes. Was I still grinning and kicking my feet at the exchanges and chemistry between the two main character? Also yes.


Super excited to continue this series and continue to learn more about each character of the group, can’t wait for the next installment! Check your triggers!

* I received my copy of this book as an ARC and I’m leaving my review voluntarily *

[jords:) · Rating 5 out of 5]

HAWT. My only qualm is that he told a massive lie and she didn’t make him grovel. Still a 10/10 read - quick, dirty, and dangerous.

[Brita Mackay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ethans in her firewall. She's under his skin.

He doesn’t need to creep down dark alleys to stalk her.
He has the internet. He has her passwords.
He has everything.

Barbara thinks she knows him—the loudmouthed, cocky brother-in-arms of her best friend’s boyfriend. The one who’s always too much, too boisterous, too inappropriate.
She doesn’t know the other him.
The one who lives in the shadows of her devices.

He sees her through her cameras.
Hear her through her mic.
Watch her play their favorite game at night, hair in a messy bun, soft little sighs spilling into his headset while she’s convinced he’s just another player, another anonymous stranger online.

She thinks she hates him. But she can’t stay away from him online.
And she has no idea the man behind the screen is the same one who watches her move through her apartment like a living fever dream.

He's not an assassin like Killian. Not a vigilante like Damien.
He's a different kind of predator—one who worms his way past firewalls the same way he worms his way into a life.

Barbara doesn’t realize she’s already his.
But soon, she’ll understand:
The shadows she can’t escape aren’t on her walls.
They’re him.

My Masked Shadow is a dark, obsessive romance featuring a brilliant, morally gray ex-military hacker antihero and the stubborn kindergarten teacher–turned–gamer girl who can’t decide if she wants to block him… or beg for more.

YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that are not suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times. Reader discretion is advised. Intended for readers 18+.

Tropes: Interconnected Standalones, Dual POV, Masked Man, Hacker x Gamer Girl, Enemies-to-Lovers, OTT obsessed MMC, Who Knows no Boundaries to his Stalking and Voyeurism, He Calls her Firecracker, Little Bee, She Calls Him Jerk, Asshole, HEA, Hacker Antihero, Kindergarten Teacher, Gamer Girl, Dark Romance, Obsessive Romance, Can’t Escape Him, Brother-in-Arms, Boyfriends Best Friend.

Her Masked Stalker is the 3rd book in the Beautiful Stalkers Series A Dark Hacker Romance by Arden Hart.

I’ve been addicted to this series since finding book 1 and finding myself engrossed in it. Now I just keep grabbing each new book every chance I get and now I am a die-hard fan of Arden Hart and I know that if she writes it, I will read it. She has found a fan in me.

At one point Barbara thought that the biggest problem she had was just surviving the chaos of her day to day teaching her kindergarten class and then kicking back and gaming at night. Now, it’s now that easy as she knows that someone’s watching her – and it’s not just anyone – they know her passwords, her secrets, every move she makes.

She looks at Ethan as this loud, cocky, arrogant, and annoying best-friend of her boyfriend in real her real life. Online though, he’s this cryptic player named Sebastian Barbara can’t stop herself from thinking about.

She just doesn’t know that Ethan and Sebastian are one and the same. And Ethan’s done sitting back and waiting. As he’s fond of saying “Privacy is nothing more than an illusion, and Barbara belongs to him – whether she realizes it or no.”

I have to say that Arden has done such a fantastic job with everything in this book. She did such a stunning job with the spicy scenes, those scenes had me needing either a cold drink of water or a cold shower, but dang was I hot under the coller.

I love colourful language, seeing as I love using colourful language in my day-to-day life and I have since I was a teenager, so words like absofuckinglutely, cumdump, the DP Express, sexcapade, her snatch, Jesus on a bike, I loved this language and honestly, I think that I am going to be adding some of these to my own repertoire for regular use.

And I loved the references to the popular film and stars like Billie Eilish or Law & Order, Law & Order SVU, and S.W.A.T.

Now I am so hyped for Caleb & Basia’s story. I can’t wait to get my hot little hands on that story.


My favorite quotes:

“I'm in her firewall. She's under my skin.”

“Fuuuuuuck.”

“Putting a camera into Barbara's shower? Best. Decision. Ever.”

[PlotTwist&Tea · Rating 4 out of 5]

If your moral compass still points north, this book will spin it like a carnival ride and leave it sobbing in a corner. My Masked Shadow is dark romance in its purest, most unhinged form: a man with a hoodie, a hacker setup, and the audacity of someone who thinks Google is a personality trait tries to claim Barbara like she’s his favorite deluxe downloadable content.

Ethan is the tech-savvy stalker who doesn’t just toe the line—he crosses it, dances on it, and then sets it on fire while whispering sweet nothings into Barbara’s hacked microphone. The man breaks into her life with the confidence of someone who believes the FBI is too understaffed to deal with his nonsense. Honestly? He’s ridiculous. And devastatingly compelling. You know, the usual.

Barbara, bless her anxious gamer-girl heart, has chemistry with “Seb” (sure, Ethan, keep lying to yourself) that is so electric I’m shocked a small forest didn’t catch fire somewhere. Their phone calls, the voice-chat tension, the accidental emotional intimacy… it’s messy, it’s hot, it’s questionable, and it scratches the “I should not want this, but here we are” itch perfectly.

The prose leans cinematic: neon masks, hacked webcams, wet dreams on fancy pillows… Arden Hart said “morality is optional,” and honestly? She committed.


Why This Book Works
• The tension is so thick you could spread it on toast.
• Ethan is written exactly how a deranged book boyfriend should be.
• The stalker vibes are shameless in the best way.
• Barbara is adorably chaotic and surprisingly relatable.
• The pacing hooks you like you’re the one being stalked.

Why You’ll Side-Eye Yourself
• You will root for Ethan despite fully understanding he should be on a government watchlist.
• You will defend Barbara even though she trusts men on the internet like she’s speedrunning disaster.
• You will enjoy scenes you absolutely should not enjoy.


Triggers (non-spoilery)
• Stalking
• Voyeurism
• Cyber intrusion / hacking
• Break-ins
• Power imbalance
• Manipulation
• Explicit sexual content
• Violence (mild references)
• Obsession

If your therapist asks how you’re doing after reading this, please just lie. It’s easier for everyone.


Ratings

Overall: ★★★★☆ (4.7 / 5)
Spice: Flaming hot gamer headset ♥♥♥♥½
Dark Factor: Enough to make your moral compass pack a suitcase
Characters: Hot, messy, wildly unhealthy, but addictively readable


Final Thoughts

This book is pure chaos wrapped in a neon mask. It’s addictive, unhinged, and crafted to make you deny it publicly and read it again privately. Arden Hart really said: “What if your online crush AND the man who irritates the living daylights out of you… were the same stalker?” And somehow, it works.

If you want danger, lust, unfiltered obsession, and a romance that makes you question your life choices… congratulations. You’ve found your next read.

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

[Chandra Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story sinks into your bloodstream from page one—equal parts unsettling, addictive, intimate, and shockingly tender in the most morally gray way possible. Ethan is a man made of shadows and sharp edges, an ex-military hacker who slips through firewalls as easily as he slips into the darkest corners of your mind. And Barbara? She’s the stubborn, soft-hearted kindergarten teacher who thinks she has Ethan figured out: the too-loud, too-inappropriate, too-much guy who grates her nerves.

She has no idea.

Because the man who teases her in person is the same anonymous voice she can’t resist online—the man who listens to her soft sighs through her headset, who watches her game with her hair in a messy bun, who knows every digital doorway into her world.

And yes, it’s wrong.
And yes, he goes too far.
And yes, you will still find yourself smiling, blushing, and kicking your feet because Arden Hart somehow makes the forbidden feel dangerously intimate.

This book doesn’t tiptoe around obsession—it embraces it, bares its teeth, and challenges you to decide how far is too far when it comes to love, protection, and possession. Ethan’s devotion is terrifying, intense, and strangely beautiful. He’s not a hero. He’s not a villain. He’s something in-between—the shadow under the bed that you want to touch you.

Barbara’s confusion, her push-pull craving, her attempts at boundaries that melt the moment truth bleeds through—it’s messy, relatable, and emotionally gripping. She’s caught between the safety she thinks she wants and the danger she can’t tear herself away from. And when the lies fracture, when enemies slip in, and when everything explodes into life-or-death stakes…you feel every beat of it.

What makes this book shine isn’t just the obsession or the heat—it’s the vulnerability underneath. The moments where Ethan’s hunger cracks open and becomes something like reverence. The moments where Barbara realizes that being truly seen—every flaw, every habit, every secret—is both terrifying and intoxicating.

My Masked Shadow is for readers who crave morally gray men who love too hard, heroines who fight even while falling, and a romance that isn’t afraid to take you into the dark…and then make you want to stay.

If you love obsessive antiheroes, hacker intrigue, high-stakes danger, and chemistry that feels like static electricity under your skin, this is a one-sitting, heart-racing, spine-tingling read you do not want to miss.

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

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

a D.E.L.I.C.I.O.U.S. dark stalker romance

I recently discovered Arden Hart through her 2nd book in the Beautiful Stalkers series - My Masked Savior - and I can tell you now:

🖤If Arden Hart writes it, I will read it!🖤

My favorite quotes:
✍️too many to name, but here are a few:

I'm in her firewall. She's under my skin.

Fuuuuuuck.

Putting a camera into Barbara's shower? Best. Decision. Ever.

What it is about:
Barbara thought her biggest problem was surviving kindergarten chaos by day and gaming by night. But someone is watching - someone who knows her passwords, her secrets, her every move. To her, Ethan is just a loud, cocky, arrogant and annoying friend-of-a-friend in real life. Online, he’s the mysterious player Sebastian she can’t stop thinking about.
What she doesn’t know? They’re the same man. And he’s done waiting. In his world, privacy is an illusion, and Barbara belongs to him - whether she realizes it or not.

What I loved:
♾️E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G., except maybe the name Barbara *shudders in stereo*
🔥the s*xy scenes are so well written, it got me all hot & bothered! 🫠
🌈colorful language, such as absofuckinglutely, cumdump, the DP Express, sexcapade, her snatch, Jesus on a bike
🎬popular references; Billie Eilish, Law & Order: SVU, S.W.A.T.,...

What you need to know:
📚interconnected standalones
🫂dual POV
🫠masked man
👨‍💻hacker x gamer girl
🤬enemies-to-lovers
🖤OTT obsessed MMC, who knows no boundaries to his stalking and voyeurism
🎆he calls her firecracker, little bee
🤣she calls him jerk, asshole
❤️HEA

For the safety squad:
Besides the obvious (this is a dark stalker romance after all), here are a few others:
🔥good girl, primal play, rough sex, edging, spitting, squirting, breeding kink (but on birth control),...
🦺attempted kidnapping, violence, murder, guns, human trafficking (mentions of),...

[Ivett · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ Rating: 4/5
🌶️ Spice: 3/5

Arden did it again. This book fits perfectly into the series - well written, fun, and full of characters you can’t help but enjoy. I especially loved the banter between Barbara and Ethan. I kept smiling every time she barked back at him. Their exchanges are gritty, vicious, packed with edge, and yet you can see the tension simmering beautifully underneath.

Barbara, like Emily, is a kindergarten (or nursery) teacher by day and a gamer by night. I loved this detail - mostly because I used to be a huge gamer myself, now downgraded to casual status. The opening scenes with her, Seb, and their online sessions brought me straight back to my MMORPG era. (I was an Aion girl - insta runs, PvP, Spiritmaster supremacy, defending Inggison… and yes, Elyos forever.)
We do get to know Barbara, but for my taste, I would’ve liked a bit more. Not a full open-book character - where’s the fun in that? - but just a little more depth.

Now Ethan, the golden retriever with a big (and very dirty) mouth. He’s hilarious and easy to love, though Damien is still my #1, Killian my #2, and Ethan slides in at #3. I am extremely curious to see if Caleb is going to shake up that ranking.
As for the “find my partner in an online game” trope - it didn’t hit me as hard because, well… that’s how I met my ex-husband (9Dragons - he was Heavenly Demon, I was Sacred Flower). So while I vibed with the setup, I accepted it quickly and moved on.

During the first 130 pages, I was craving some real Ethan action. We see a lot of Killian and Damien earlier, but Ethan was lurking behind the monitors. So when he finally stepped into the spotlight, especially during that chase (not that chase - though the warehouse one was great), I was thrilled. He proved he’s more than all bark; he’s fiercely protective and absolutely capable.
Also… the car scene with the police and Caleb just outside? Insanely hot.



Would I recommend this book?
Hell yes. Just like the others. Arden delivers engaging characters, thrilling moments, and spicy scenes that are written just right - they definitely keep your mood up (yes bab, mood). I love how the stories connect; you never feel like these are three separate novellas. Everything blends together seamlessly.

Another solid hit in the series.

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most people have no idea just how exposed they are in a world stuffed with smart tech—laptops, cameras, every device we casually trust. All it takes is the wrong person with the right skills for your private life to become their personal viewing window. And Ethan? He’s exactly that person. An ex-military hacker with an arsenal of spyware toys and the talent to make privacy a myth. Luckily for Barbara, he isn’t out to hurt her… he wants to claim her. Too bad Barbara thinks Ethan is nothing more than an infuriating, loud-mouthed jerk. Nothing like Sebastian, the smooth, mysterious gamer she’s been flirting with online, the one who leaves her flushed and curious. What she doesn’t know is that Ethan and Sebastian are one and the same, and he’s been watching her fall for both sides of him. The banter between Barbara and Ethan absolutely crackles, every quip and clash layered with sexual tension thick enough to cut. But the real magic happens when the mask (both literal and figurative) drops. Suddenly the man she’s been trying so hard to resist and the fantasy she’s been secretly craving collide… and Barbara finally sees the whole very real, very irresistible man. Ethan becomes the best of both worlds—feral, possessive, and yet utterly devoted, ready to give Barbara everything she’s brave enough to take. And when he brings her to his warehouse for some raw, primal play? Game. Over. The finale delivers a perfect adrenaline spike with Ethan unleashing his full protective fury while the villain gets exactly what’s coming. It’s dark, it’s delicious, and it’s exhilarating. A wickedly addictive hacker/stalker romance where the gamer girl doesn’t just get the guy, she gets every fantasy she never dared to voice.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[neeshreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

If you’ve started the Beautiful Stalkers series, you already love Ethan because he’s the jokester of the bunch and you can’t help but smile at his antics and giving all of his friends sh*t. And knowing he’s got the biggest crush on Barbara, the one person who looks at him like she wants to fight him or f*ck (both lol)...well, we finally get to see their dynamic unfold!

🖤Ex-Military Hacker & Gamer MMC
🖤Stubborn Kindergarten Teacher–Turned–Gamer FMC
🖤MMC Watches & Tracks FMC in his Spare Time
🖤Infuritatingly Funny MMC
🖤Loathe to Love
🖤Banter & Tension
🖤Possessive & Obsessive
🖤Touch Her & 💀Energy

She’s under his skin and doesn’t know that he’s scaled every digital wall she’s created to protect herself. In time, she’ll see that she doesn’t hate him and he’s the only one who can fulfill her desires…she was always meant to be his.

You could FEEL the spicy tension crackling between Ethan and Barbara at every group gathering…the fact that Barbara is always ready to knock Ethan down a peg and go toe-to-toe with him created the best banter! Underneath that “loathing” Barbara is fighting the feelings Ethan elicits, so his determination to be with her is chef’s kiss! Ethan loves a challenge in his gaming and hacking – now he’s using his skillset to ensure that Barbara is his, and he always scales those firewalls. I could not get enough of their heated encounters – the VR maze? Whew!!

Do yourself a favor and meet these delicious masked men!

[booking _with_romancegirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virtual world gaming and a masked man who is a golden retriever

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🔥🔥🔥🔥

☠️TROPES ☠️
Secret Identity
Primal Play
Phone S*x
Banter
Hacker MMC
Gaming
Digitale stalking
Virtual S*x Play

My Thoughts 💭
When I tell you that Ethan can do no wrong I mean he can do no wrong.
The man is a golden retriever he is a flat-out puppy dog for Barb and when she says bark he says bark 😏

The banter in this book is so on fire but yet the secret identity of it all makes it even more top notch.
I understand completely why Ethan does what he does and the obsession he has for Barb is like no other but he is so kind-hearted but everyone just sees him differently.

The man may have a dirty mouth and he may be obnoxious but he could have me any day of the week.

I think Barb gets in her head a lot and she kind of is self-conscious about like other people's intentions so she pushes him away as much as she can but then when she realizes the plot twist it's like perfect.

Spice is definitely next level especially because of the gaming and the phone interaction and I like the secretivity of it all as well.

It is a quick read it is fast-paced and it is super spicy if that's what you're looking for this is right up your alley plus virtual worlds is big in this because of the gaming aspect of it so if you're a gamer girly definitely read this.

[Genevieve Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book blew me away. I went in as a first-time reader of this author, even though it’s book three in the series and I ended up loving it so much that I immediately went back and purchased book one. That’s how hooked I was!

The spice is just right and enough heat to keep the pages turning fast, and supported by a solid plot, strong tension, and characters with real depth.

The dynamic between the obsessive, morally gray hacker hero and the stubborn kindergarten teacher turned gamer is electric. I loved how their relationship played out both online and in real life, with the dual identities adding so much intensity and anticipation. The author balances darkness, obsession, and romance in a way that feels fresh and addictive.

Barbara is relatable, resilient, and easy to root for.
He is unhinged, possessive, and completely captivating.
Together? A perfect storm.

If you love dark, obsessive romances with characters who stay under your skin long after you’re done, this one is absolutely worth the read. And if this is your first book from the author don’t be surprised if you immediately go back for the rest of the series like I did!.

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

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY MASKED SHADOW is the third book in the Beautiful Stalkers series, and features Barbara, Emily's best friend, and Ethan, the tech guy of the group. Ethan is obsessed with her, but she worries that his carefree personality means her heart won't be safe. Silly Barbara! She should've known better!

Ethan is more than prepared to give her whatever she wants, if only she will give him a chance. So he makes a persona for an online game she plays and befriends her that way. Of course, that leads to her being confused about having feelings for both Ethan and Seb, but that paves the way for a hot primal chase scene.

And then, of course, you've got Zhao on the loose from the previous books, sticking his nose in where it isn't wanted, and threatening Barbara. Do you think Ethan will stand for that? I think not!

As with the others in this series, this is a quick, hot, and spicy dark romance that I loved and HIGHLY RECOMMEND. It's Caleb and Basia next. I can't wait!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nov 28, 2025

[addictedtodarkromance · Rating 5 out of 5]

 Barbara sees Ethan as a cocky and inappropriate by day but by night he's, Seb, someone who has her attention - she just doesn't know it's the same person yet.

I love stalker dark romance books and Ethan/Seb def fits the bill. At a hacker/player he's able to get through to Barbara and the chemistry between the two is high! The spice is steamy and the banter fun!

I'm loving this series!
 
Overall: 4.25 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Spice/Heat Intensity: out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Ethan & Barbara
Darkness: 3 out of 5 🖤🖤🖤
Type of book: MF, Duel st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone Novella
Title: Beautiful Stalkers Series- My Masked Shadow: Book 3
Ending Type: HEA
 
 
*OTT Possessive, obsessive MMC
*Stalker
*No cheating or sharing
 
 
⚠️ This book has descriptive parts that may be offensive or triggering to some. Please check all the authors' TW/CW before reading! 18+
 
*I received an early copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Neapolitan670 📚🖤 · Rating 4 out of 5]

We get Barbara and Ethan’s story 😊

Ethan has worked hard, he plays harder, he lays for keeps, he however, is very sneaky 😈 Having put surveillance equipment in Barbara’s apartment under the guise of ‘safety’, he proceeds to engage her into a game, with another identity so he can chat to her as they play. Oblivious to all this Barbara feels akin to ‘Seb’ and their bond grows through chatting and texting. It all comes out at the wedding rehearsal, when Ethan and Barb get a little amorous. From here the spice elevates to include primal play and more spice. There is a bit of angst when they’re out on a date.

“𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘰𝘧 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘭 𝘭𝘦𝘧𝘵.”

It was a quick enjoyable read of their building relationship and I love Ethan’s ability to switch from the fun loving, arrogant guy to totally serious and in control. More 🌶️ than plot.

[Allicia M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story 4.5 ⭐️
Spice 5 🌶️

My Masked Shadow is a short dark romance that is a continuation of the Beautiful Stalkers series. As this is a continuation of the series, there are references to past events with the other couples, and a continuation of events started in other books. It is recommended to read them in order.

Ethan uses an online persona in a game to draw Barbara to him as she had wanted nothing to do with him in real life. As they start to develop a relationship, they find themselves under attack.

If you want a quick read within the dark stalker romance genre that involves the MMC hacking into the FMC’s devices to spy on her while he attempts to win her over, this is a good one to read.

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

[Elizabeth Pereyra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story hooked me from the very first page. The dynamic between the main characters is intense in the best possible way—there’s an almost magnetic pull in the way the male lead is utterly obsessed with the heroine. It never feels overdone; instead, it adds a sharp edge of tension that keeps the story racing forward.

The writing is fast-paced, atmospheric, and surprisingly emotional for such a quick read. And yes—the spice scenes? Amazing. They’re vivid, passionate, and perfectly timed, adding depth to the characters’ connection without overshadowing the plot.

If you like stories with obsession, chemistry that practically crackles off the page, and heat that sneaks up on you, this one is absolutely worth the read. I finished it in one sitting and immediately wanted more.

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

[FictionHealsMe · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Masked Shadow was such an enjoyable read. Arden absolutely delivered once again with a fast paced, spicy story that I devoured in one sitting and genuinely couldn’t put it down.

I loved the chemistry and atmosphere between Ethan and Barbara. Their dynamic kept the story engaging from start to finish. The tension, the spice, and the overall vibe made this a really fun and addictive read.

That said, there were a few moments where I found myself laughing a little and choosing not to overthink the logic. Sometimes things were a bit over the top, even for me. But honestly, that didn’t take away from the enjoyment.

Overall, My Masked Shadow is a great, quick, and entertaining story that’s perfect if you’re in the mood for something spicy and fun. I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it.

[Lila Danisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, that was weirdly funny. Like the other two previous books in this series, Ethan was also unhingedly obsessed with Barbara. Barbara, in the other hand, was having hate-love feeling for Ethan. And like Killian and Damian, Ethan also stalked Barbara hard, but until the end of the book, Barbara didn't know that Ethan stalked her. That was also why I can't give this book more than 4 stars eventhough I enjoyed this book so much. I wish Ethan told Barbara about all his stalker activities.
Also same like the other two books, this book heavily lean to spicy stuff than the plot. The plot was still there but so barely there. I am not complaining because I really not into books with heavy plots at the moment.
Can't wait to read the next book, which I think would be the last book of this series. Caleb and Basia's book.

Thank you to Arden Hart and Booksprout for the ARC.

[Michelle Grimison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book from Arden… these former military boys turned obsessed stalkers are everything! I love them all!

Barbara “hates” Ethan since she met him cause he’s loud and obnoxious… but he has been enamored with her from day 1 and enjoys pushing her buttons! In order to gain her favor he becomes her online gaming buddy Sebastian (his middle name)… but when the truth comes out she kinda freaks and gets super pissed!

Ethan is the super smart tech guy of the group and he built a vr horror simulator for military style training purposes… but when he learns that his little bee wants to be chased, he modifies his program to give her the chase she wants in a controlled and safe environment! That was fucking genius! Never would have thought of vr primal play! Great spin on a fun “kink”.

🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

[bookish1.sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A possessive, obsessive, hot cheeky nerd AND he's masked? Sign me tf up 🙌

This is book three in the Beautiful Stalkers series and after reading book one and two I was so excited to read Ethan's book! And let me tell you it did not dissapoint!

The banter and tension between Ethan and Barbara was delicious, resulting in even more delicious spice! And it's no secret I'm big on primal play so when he took her to his warehouse for some "playing" I legit squealed and wished I had a warehouse with gear like that!

So if you're looking for a fast paced short read with a delicious masked hacker be sure to pick this one up!

💻Digitale stalking
💻Masked MMC
💻Banter
💻Tension
💻Hacker MMC
💻Gaming
💻Secret Identity

[Aria Lynn · Rating 1 out of 5]

was initially super intrigued by the plot and description of the story a hacker who's closer than the protagonist thinks the characters were empty and lacked any kind of personality. Barbara was contradictory with her opinions of Ethan but its okay he harsses her because hot douche is hot?? Would've been way more impactful had she had a stronger personality or any at all. And had she known the "hacker" longer and developed a deeper relationship to him before the reveal. There absolutely no build up
Really disappointing and rushed story the reveal felt entirely pointless. it was so predictable even less than that given we are told literally every piece of information leaving no room to speculate or think deeper.

[Brianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fun and quick. Ethan is the loud and funny hacker of the group, but he's got a dark side. Having been in love with Barbara ever since book 1, he takes some pretty crazy measures to infiltrate her life, including pretending to be someone on a game she started playing. I don't know that I fully buy into the love on Barbara's part, since it seemed more about attraction and having someone actually pay attention to what she wants and needs, but Ethan sure felt it. The whole part where he put a bunch of cameras around her house never got confessed either. So as much as I thought Ethan was a breath of fresh air in the dark and possessive hero department, the story had issues I can't overlook.

[Gem (bookscaffeinencurls) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cocky & obsessed MMC
Feisty & hates him FMC
Gaming
Secret identity
Primal play
Hacker x Kindergarten teacher
First date fun
Hot 🔥 💦
BFF banter

And so we get to Ethan & Barbara, the besties of book 1’s couple. He’s (in the nicest possible way) an arrogant arse & she hates him (all while fantasising about him doing.. well, you get the picture). Add in the gaming dynamic & it’s a fast paced read till the end!

Ooooh!! I’ve been eager to get to this one, I just love Ethan!!! He’s so cocky but in a fun way & the banter between him & his little bee is on point!! Not to mention the spice!!! I devoured this in less than a day because I just couldn’t put it down!! Possibly my favourite so far 🫣. Bring on Caleb’s story!!!

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ethan had been watching Barbara ever since she came into his life as the best friend to Emily whose with Killian his brother in vigilanti arms, only he watches her through her screen and not just whilst they play games, though she doesnt know her online gaming buddy Sebastian is actually the Ethan the one she calls jerk with his seemingly carefree existence, but soon she will know just the type of man Ethan is because he is done waiting and watching he wants the real deal, but will Barbara be able to forgive his actions? Well written engaging steamy desires, action, stalker, drama and more a great addition to the series.

[Jennifer Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arden said Ethan was full of surprises & might just top Damien from "My Masked Savior," & she was 100% correct! Obsessed doesn't begin to define how Ethan feels for Barbara but Barbara on the other hand can't stand Ethan. Fake gaming accounts, love/hate spicy, hidden cameras, & a man who is willing to protect what is his at all costs. This books has all those things. Even with a short read it holds so many feelings as you read. You quickly fall in love with Ethan & Barbara; let's be honest they're perfect for each other. If you want a quick darker romance with all the goods this is the book for you!

[Mack · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
—on KU—
Okay I am officially caught up and I need the next book immediately. I’m obsessed with Basia.
Okay back to this book…it was exactly what I needed. We love a man obsessed. And of course a feisty FMC. Though I gotta be honest…I couldn’t stand that her name was Barbara. I’m sorry.
I was hoping for a little more danger specific to her, but it ended up just being her caught in the crossfires of book 1s danger, which is fine…I just wanted something added on top.
This series is such a fun, quick, fast-paced, spicy good time. Great to read as a dark and snarky palate cleanser!

What to expect:
Novella
Dark romance
Hacker MMC
“Chase me”
Man down bad