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Shadow
Not yet published
Expected 8 Sep 26
The most dangerous man isn't the one who lies to you. It's the one who makes you want to believe him anyway.
SHE PROTECTS EVERYONE. EXCEPT HERSELF.
Daphne Cross hasn't lost a witness in thirty-two protection details. She's fierce, independent, and operates by one trust no one. It's kept her alive. It's kept her alone. And it's kept her heart safely locked away since her father died a hero and she swore never to let anyone close enough to destroy her again.
But this job requires the one thing she's spent fifteen years avoiding—returning to the hometown where she buried her father and left her heart behind.
HIS JOB IS LYING. TO EVERYONE.
FBI Agent Asher Morrison has spent eighteen months undercover as a corrupt agent, feeding intelligence to the Shadow Syndicate while secretly working to destroy them. He's watched witnesses die. Betrayed colleagues who trusted him. Become the monster he's hunting.
All to bring down the criminal empire that murdered his sister seven years ago.
But when a coordinated hit exposes a mole inside the FBI and puts two more witnesses in the crosshairs, Asher's carefully constructed lies begin to crumble. Someone inside is selling witness locations. And his new partner—a woman with trust issues and a perfect record—suspects him.
HOW DO YOU TRUST SOMEONE WHOSE JOB IS DECEPTION?
To protect their witnesses, Daphne and Asher must pose as husband and wife—hiding in plain sight while the Syndicate hunts them and their own agency might be compromised.
Daphne knows better than to trust a professional liar. But Asher sees past her walls. He makes her laugh. He makes her feel. And that's more dangerous than any bullet.
Because the woman who protects everyone has no defense against falling for a man who might be exactly what he seems—or the greatest lie she's ever believed.
Good men are worth fighting for. But is he good? Or is she just another mark who wants to believe?
SHADOW is Book 7 in the Brave series—a heart-pounding Christian romantic suspense featuring an undercover hero who's forgotten how to tell the truth, a fiercely guarded heroine learning that some risks are worth taking, fake marriage with very real sparks, and a faith journey from darkness into light. Can be read as a standalone.
"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light." —Isaiah 9:2
SHE PROTECTS EVERYONE. EXCEPT HERSELF.
Daphne Cross hasn't lost a witness in thirty-two protection details. She's fierce, independent, and operates by one trust no one. It's kept her alive. It's kept her alone. And it's kept her heart safely locked away since her father died a hero and she swore never to let anyone close enough to destroy her again.
But this job requires the one thing she's spent fifteen years avoiding—returning to the hometown where she buried her father and left her heart behind.
HIS JOB IS LYING. TO EVERYONE.
FBI Agent Asher Morrison has spent eighteen months undercover as a corrupt agent, feeding intelligence to the Shadow Syndicate while secretly working to destroy them. He's watched witnesses die. Betrayed colleagues who trusted him. Become the monster he's hunting.
All to bring down the criminal empire that murdered his sister seven years ago.
But when a coordinated hit exposes a mole inside the FBI and puts two more witnesses in the crosshairs, Asher's carefully constructed lies begin to crumble. Someone inside is selling witness locations. And his new partner—a woman with trust issues and a perfect record—suspects him.
HOW DO YOU TRUST SOMEONE WHOSE JOB IS DECEPTION?
To protect their witnesses, Daphne and Asher must pose as husband and wife—hiding in plain sight while the Syndicate hunts them and their own agency might be compromised.
Daphne knows better than to trust a professional liar. But Asher sees past her walls. He makes her laugh. He makes her feel. And that's more dangerous than any bullet.
Because the woman who protects everyone has no defense against falling for a man who might be exactly what he seems—or the greatest lie she's ever believed.
Good men are worth fighting for. But is he good? Or is she just another mark who wants to believe?
SHADOW is Book 7 in the Brave series—a heart-pounding Christian romantic suspense featuring an undercover hero who's forgotten how to tell the truth, a fiercely guarded heroine learning that some risks are worth taking, fake marriage with very real sparks, and a faith journey from darkness into light. Can be read as a standalone.
"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light." —Isaiah 9:2
- GenresChristian Fiction
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 8, 2026
About the author
Susan May Warren
230 books3,905 followersI can't help be amazed at the gifts God has delighted me with - a wonderful husband, four amazing children, and the opportunity to write for Him.
I've been writing as long as I can remember - I won my first book writing contest in first grade! Over the years, writing has become, for me, a way to praise God and see Him at work in my life.
Although I have a degree in Mass Communications from the University of MN, my real writing experience started when I penned the The Warren Report - a bi-monthly newsletter that detailed our ministry highlights.
Living in Russia meant I never lacked for great material - and those experiences naturally spilled out first into devotionals and magazine articles and finally into my first published story, "Measure of a Man," in the Tyndale/HeartQuest, Chance Encounters of the Heart anthology.
Susan and husbandI grew up in Wayzata, a suburb of Minneapolis, and became an avid camper from an early age. My favorite fir-lined spot is the north shore of Minnesota - it's where I met my husband, honeymooned and dreamed of living. The north woods easily became the foundation for my first series, The Deep Haven series.based on a little tourist town along the shores of Lake Superior. I have to admit - I'm terribly jealous of Mona, the heroine of my first full-length book, Happily Ever After, a Christy Award Finalist published in 2004 with Tyndale/Heartquest.
Our family moved home from the mission field in June 2004 -- and now we live in the beautiful town I'd always dreamed of! God has amazed me anew with His provision, and blessings -- and allowed me a season when I can write full time for Him.
I 'm delighted you've stopped in to visit. My hope is that you'll be blessed and encouraged by soul-stirring stories of regular people interacting with a God who loves them.
I'd love to hear from you! I love getting mail, especially from readers and I welcome your questions and comments. Write to me at susan@susanmaywarren.com. And, if you're interested, sign up for my newsletter, a quarterly sneak peek into upcoming releases and projects. Thank you for your interest and support.
God Bless and Happy Reading!
In His Grip,
Susan May Warren
I've been writing as long as I can remember - I won my first book writing contest in first grade! Over the years, writing has become, for me, a way to praise God and see Him at work in my life.
Although I have a degree in Mass Communications from the University of MN, my real writing experience started when I penned the The Warren Report - a bi-monthly newsletter that detailed our ministry highlights.
Living in Russia meant I never lacked for great material - and those experiences naturally spilled out first into devotionals and magazine articles and finally into my first published story, "Measure of a Man," in the Tyndale/HeartQuest, Chance Encounters of the Heart anthology.
Susan and husbandI grew up in Wayzata, a suburb of Minneapolis, and became an avid camper from an early age. My favorite fir-lined spot is the north shore of Minnesota - it's where I met my husband, honeymooned and dreamed of living. The north woods easily became the foundation for my first series, The Deep Haven series.based on a little tourist town along the shores of Lake Superior. I have to admit - I'm terribly jealous of Mona, the heroine of my first full-length book, Happily Ever After, a Christy Award Finalist published in 2004 with Tyndale/Heartquest.
Our family moved home from the mission field in June 2004 -- and now we live in the beautiful town I'd always dreamed of! God has amazed me anew with His provision, and blessings -- and allowed me a season when I can write full time for Him.
I 'm delighted you've stopped in to visit. My hope is that you'll be blessed and encouraged by soul-stirring stories of regular people interacting with a God who loves them.
I'd love to hear from you! I love getting mail, especially from readers and I welcome your questions and comments. Write to me at susan@susanmaywarren.com. And, if you're interested, sign up for my newsletter, a quarterly sneak peek into upcoming releases and projects. Thank you for your interest and support.
God Bless and Happy Reading!
In His Grip,
Susan May Warren
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 27, 2026
We have reached the end of this no spice Christian romantic suspense series journey. The finale at last. Can the Shadow Syndicate be taken down for good and all of the tendrils of the web fleshed out? I have to say, I majorly patted myself on the back with this one and suspicions I’ve had. This fake marriage relationship with an undercover FBI agent and a former US Marshall while protecting witnesses had forced proximity, betrayal, high stakes, sweet moments, faith, and so much more. I really enjoyed this romance and adventure and I’m sad to see this series end. The only question I have is: what does sunshine taste like?? The romance is just kisses, intimacy level 2.
Content Warnings: Past Loss of Parent, Cancer, Past Loss of Sister, Murder, Criminal Enterprise, Attempted Murder, Injuries
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Content Warnings: Past Loss of Parent, Cancer, Past Loss of Sister, Murder, Criminal Enterprise, Attempted Murder, Injuries
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
August 22, 2026
I cannot believe we are at the end of a series, it’s been a wild and fun ride with this series. Getting to know everyone from Rowan, Sierra and all the others from Renegade has been a blast. See what I did there 😆 (a hint what this book series entails). Finally, we get to know who’s behind the Shadow Syndicate from the beginning. I had my questions and guesses from the beginning, to see them get answered and even while knowing who some of the players were involved I still was shocked at others. Susan May Warren & Lisa Phillips did a wonderful job putting the team together for the pieces to fall into place. Every single character we’ve met throughout each book has played an integral role in bringing the series to a close. Although I’m sad to see this particular series ending I am very pleased with how well the story woven together. Now for Shadow’s individual MCs - Asher & Daphne, they are both great characters who have their own unique stories and struggles as to why they are the way they are. Daphne lost her father, who was a police officer in Renegade, when she was 16 years old. Asher lost his sister to gang violence when she was just a teenager too. Those losses shaped their lives and career paths. I loved seeing their character developments and how they grew together. The chemistry between Asher and Daphne was incredible and perfect.
I could literally talk all about this wonderful series all day and never get over it. But for now, I’ll spare you ;).
Thank you to Sunrise Publishing for my copy of this book plus all others in the series. I was not required to leave a review but I felt like it was absolutely essential to share with y’all.
I could literally talk all about this wonderful series all day and never get over it. But for now, I’ll spare you ;).
Thank you to Sunrise Publishing for my copy of this book plus all others in the series. I was not required to leave a review but I felt like it was absolutely essential to share with y’all.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
HATS OFF TO A REMARKABLE AUTHOR WHO JUST PULLED OFF NOT ONE, BUT TWO TWISTS I DIDN'T SEE COMING!!!!
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“Do the right thing even when it’s hard.”
This author continues to produce heartfelt stories with characters who portray authentic struggles. She scaffolds her narrative to reveal truths about human nature and to show how we can strengthen our relationship with God. Warren ALWAYS makes space for hope and faith.
Susan May Warren’s theme of trust is the soul of her story. Her characters don’t just walk onto the page with a ‘please trust me vibe’; they earn trust and offer trust selectively because they’ve been forged in the fire and know what they’re worth and what’s worth their time and effort. Daphne protects herself by building walls and running from vulnerability and trust. She learns to believe in God’s presence, even when everything falls apart. Daphne has a more difficult journey towards trust because the one her heart is leading her to lies for a living. I can’t imagine how big a step that must have been for her! It’s difficult enough on an even playing field.
Piggybacking on trust is Warren’s focus on failures. She reminds readers that God’s love is bigger than our failures and that He doesn’t qualify His salvation. I love the fatherly advice FBI Agent Asher Morrison receives: “You can’t out-sin God’s love, son.” Asher has had to make some difficult choices in the name of protection. I felt his anguish and hoped that Daphne knew his heart.
I loved that the characters were watching the Minnesota Blue Ox hockey game. 😁
There’s so much to love in this twisty, unpredictable, romantic suspense story. You need it on your reading list ASAP.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
==============================================
“Do the right thing even when it’s hard.”
This author continues to produce heartfelt stories with characters who portray authentic struggles. She scaffolds her narrative to reveal truths about human nature and to show how we can strengthen our relationship with God. Warren ALWAYS makes space for hope and faith.
Susan May Warren’s theme of trust is the soul of her story. Her characters don’t just walk onto the page with a ‘please trust me vibe’; they earn trust and offer trust selectively because they’ve been forged in the fire and know what they’re worth and what’s worth their time and effort. Daphne protects herself by building walls and running from vulnerability and trust. She learns to believe in God’s presence, even when everything falls apart. Daphne has a more difficult journey towards trust because the one her heart is leading her to lies for a living. I can’t imagine how big a step that must have been for her! It’s difficult enough on an even playing field.
Piggybacking on trust is Warren’s focus on failures. She reminds readers that God’s love is bigger than our failures and that He doesn’t qualify His salvation. I love the fatherly advice FBI Agent Asher Morrison receives: “You can’t out-sin God’s love, son.” Asher has had to make some difficult choices in the name of protection. I felt his anguish and hoped that Daphne knew his heart.
I loved that the characters were watching the Minnesota Blue Ox hockey game. 😁
There’s so much to love in this twisty, unpredictable, romantic suspense story. You need it on your reading list ASAP.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ooh! Shadow is the fascinating conclusion to Susan May Warren's Heroes of Renegade series, but I'm not ready for it to end! This story wraps up the over-arcing plot in a most exciting way.
I think Warren saved the best set of characters for last. Asher and Daphne are deep, loyal, hurting, and smart: my very favorite kind. They protect each other and their wards but also have a have so many mysteries between them that the tension, between them personally, adds a complex layer to the overall suspense of the story.
That tension feeds into the lessons of the story perfectly. I love how Warren adds layers and symbolism to add complexity to Shadow. It's the perfect mash-up, and I'm here for all of it.
I'm here for the next set of books set in Renegade, too, because apparently the series isn't over after all: there's more coming. That's absolutely perfect, because this is one of my favorite Warren series, and that's saying something. With high stakes, deep mysteries, heroic and down-to-earth characters, and strong lessons, though, what could be better? So grab your copy of Shadow now because you won't want to wait an extra minute for this action!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I think Warren saved the best set of characters for last. Asher and Daphne are deep, loyal, hurting, and smart: my very favorite kind. They protect each other and their wards but also have a have so many mysteries between them that the tension, between them personally, adds a complex layer to the overall suspense of the story.
That tension feeds into the lessons of the story perfectly. I love how Warren adds layers and symbolism to add complexity to Shadow. It's the perfect mash-up, and I'm here for all of it.
I'm here for the next set of books set in Renegade, too, because apparently the series isn't over after all: there's more coming. That's absolutely perfect, because this is one of my favorite Warren series, and that's saying something. With high stakes, deep mysteries, heroic and down-to-earth characters, and strong lessons, though, what could be better? So grab your copy of Shadow now because you won't want to wait an extra minute for this action!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
“But being alone isn’t the same as being lonely. Not when you’ve got faith.”
I haven’t seen this much adrenaline-fueled suspense and high stakes action in a while and I loved every minute of it. Susan May Warren never fails to wow me with her stories. This is my favorite book in the Heroes of Renegade series and what an exciting and explosive conclusion it was.
Asher, caught between the worlds of FBI and Shadow Syndicate, was an amazing hero. His agony over treading the blurry line between his two worlds was palpable. I loved Daphne; she was the embodiment of a skilled operator with heart, compassion, grit, resourcefulness, and intelligence. There were tons of twists and turns in the plot that kept it moving at a fast pace. The snippets of wisdom grounded in faith that came from the secondary characters in the story were powerful. Whew! What a ride it has been tracking down those involved in Shadow Syndicate and taking them down.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Sunrise Publishing and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
I haven’t seen this much adrenaline-fueled suspense and high stakes action in a while and I loved every minute of it. Susan May Warren never fails to wow me with her stories. This is my favorite book in the Heroes of Renegade series and what an exciting and explosive conclusion it was.
Asher, caught between the worlds of FBI and Shadow Syndicate, was an amazing hero. His agony over treading the blurry line between his two worlds was palpable. I loved Daphne; she was the embodiment of a skilled operator with heart, compassion, grit, resourcefulness, and intelligence. There were tons of twists and turns in the plot that kept it moving at a fast pace. The snippets of wisdom grounded in faith that came from the secondary characters in the story were powerful. Whew! What a ride it has been tracking down those involved in Shadow Syndicate and taking them down.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Sunrise Publishing and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Shadow by Susan May Warren had me guessing to the end of the story, which is really hard for a suspense writer to do for me. I pretty much figure out the bad guy before the ending in every suspense novel. However, the plot was nicely woven together with plenty of twists and turns that made me keep reading. As for the romance, it flirted with the edge of the story until almost the climactic moment, then it burst open. As for the spiritual element, it was perfect for me. I liked how Warren took a third-party player who walked into the heroine and the hero’s lives and gave them some good Godly advice that they both needed to hear to get their lives back on track. Overall, Shadow by Susan May Warren was a action filled story with elements of truth. I really enjoyed this story.
I received a complimentary copy of Shadow by Susan May Warren from Sunrise Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
I received a complimentary copy of Shadow by Susan May Warren from Sunrise Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
August 28, 2026
This is a twisty, keeps you guessing, story about Asher and Daphne. Asher is an FBI agent assigned to protect witnesses in a trial to bring down the Shadow Syndicate. Daphne is a former cop who hired as an additional witness protection professional to help him. Someone is a mole who is leaking information on their locations. Daphne and Asher develop a relationship as their protection detail continues. As the bad guys close in, and Asher and Daphne rush to protect their witnesses, the mole is revealed. Or is he?
A fast paced ending to the Heros of Renegade series. I highly recommend all the books in this series. The characters are amazing and realistically written. The action in the stories, along with the message about God’s love for us, makes these all of these books winners.
A fast paced ending to the Heros of Renegade series. I highly recommend all the books in this series. The characters are amazing and realistically written. The action in the stories, along with the message about God’s love for us, makes these all of these books winners.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What an epic ending to the Heroes of Renegade series. This fast-paced novel has suspense, faith, danger, romance, forced proximity, secrets, and a fake marriage. Daphne and Asher must work together to ensure 2 witnesses stay alive and bring the syndicate down. Both experienced trauma, loss, and grief. Shadow has twists and turns, and the characters didn't know who to trust.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I don't cry often but this book brought the tears for me.
The interaction between Asher and Daphne was so much fun in this book. What started out as a ploy to keep the witnesses safe turned in to a friendship and an understanding. Yet secrets still remain for both of them.
I finished this book quickly because I wanted to see how this series wrapped up. The book definitely took me by surprise and left me guessing throughout.
I was given a copy of the book. The opinions are my own.
The interaction between Asher and Daphne was so much fun in this book. What started out as a ploy to keep the witnesses safe turned in to a friendship and an understanding. Yet secrets still remain for both of them.
I finished this book quickly because I wanted to see how this series wrapped up. The book definitely took me by surprise and left me guessing throughout.
I was given a copy of the book. The opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Heroes of Renegade series is a fast paced suspense series! Shadow is a fantastic finale to the action packed series! This series should be read in order.
I received an ARC from the publisher and all opinions are my own.
I received an ARC from the publisher and all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Excellent inspirational romantic suspense!! I could not put it down. A woman who's protected and never lost a witness and an FBI agent under cover as a corrupt agent, feeding information to the syndicate while trying to bring them down. When they team up, what could possibly go wrong? You do not want to miss this story that keeps you guessing and reading late into the night. I highly recommend it!
"Daphne Cross hasn't lost a witness in thirty-two protection details. She's fierce, independent, and operates by one trust no one."
"Asher Morrison was tired of being a traitor. Never mind that his heart bled red, white, and blue, that he'd signed up for this ever-so-fun adventure into darkness."
"Two hours to decide whether Morrison was the hero he appeared to be. Or the mole who'd gotten Martha Lintz killed. And heaven help her, she was sort of rooting for the first."
Thank you to Sunrise Publishing for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
"Daphne Cross hasn't lost a witness in thirty-two protection details. She's fierce, independent, and operates by one trust no one."
"Asher Morrison was tired of being a traitor. Never mind that his heart bled red, white, and blue, that he'd signed up for this ever-so-fun adventure into darkness."
"Two hours to decide whether Morrison was the hero he appeared to be. Or the mole who'd gotten Martha Lintz killed. And heaven help her, she was sort of rooting for the first."
Thank you to Sunrise Publishing for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews