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Behind the Shadows: Standalone Pitch-Black Dark Stalker Romance | Psychological Romantic Thriller of Obsession & Betrayal
Some of us were born into darkness. Others were shackled.
They drugged me.
Chained me.
Tore apart my mind until the pieces didn’t fit anymore.
Then they gave me a name.
Cleaner. K!ller. Son.
Monster.
Told me the blood on my hands was hers.
Then they smiled and made me k!ll again.
And they told me she never existed.
But I’ve seen her.
In dreams. In flashes of red hair and blood.
And now she’s real—flesh and bone and terrified eyes.
But they made one mistake.
They didn’t bury her deep enough.
Now she’s back.
And even if she doesn’t remember me—
My obsession remembers everything.
She runs. I follow.
She screams. I savor it.
She looks at me like a stranger.
And I try not to laugh.
Because I know her body better than she does.
I’ve watched her sleep. Touched her skin. Marked her without mercy.
And now that I’ve found her again…
There’s no version of this where I let her go.
You don’t have to love me, little ghost.
Lock the door. Scream my name. Run.
I’ve never needed permission to take what’s mine.
**Dear readers, this dark romance contains multiple storylines, and many exciting moving pieces that come together in one satisfying and unexpected HEA. If you enjoy a single storyline, this book might not be for you.
BEHIND THE SHADOWS is Kip and Holland’s story—a standalone pitch-black stalker romance and psychological romantic thriller of obsession, betrayal, and deadly lies. Perfect for readers who crave dark romance with a morally gray antihero, a forbidden captor/captive love story, and a heroine fighting to survive a monster who can’t be saved. No cheating, no third-act breakup, and includes an HEA. Check author’s website for TW/CW.
***While not required, it’s highly recommended to read the duet In the Shadows and Back in the Shadows first.
They drugged me.
Chained me.
Tore apart my mind until the pieces didn’t fit anymore.
Then they gave me a name.
Cleaner. K!ller. Son.
Monster.
Told me the blood on my hands was hers.
Then they smiled and made me k!ll again.
And they told me she never existed.
But I’ve seen her.
In dreams. In flashes of red hair and blood.
And now she’s real—flesh and bone and terrified eyes.
But they made one mistake.
They didn’t bury her deep enough.
Now she’s back.
And even if she doesn’t remember me—
My obsession remembers everything.
She runs. I follow.
She screams. I savor it.
She looks at me like a stranger.
And I try not to laugh.
Because I know her body better than she does.
I’ve watched her sleep. Touched her skin. Marked her without mercy.
And now that I’ve found her again…
There’s no version of this where I let her go.
You don’t have to love me, little ghost.
Lock the door. Scream my name. Run.
I’ve never needed permission to take what’s mine.
**Dear readers, this dark romance contains multiple storylines, and many exciting moving pieces that come together in one satisfying and unexpected HEA. If you enjoy a single storyline, this book might not be for you.
BEHIND THE SHADOWS is Kip and Holland’s story—a standalone pitch-black stalker romance and psychological romantic thriller of obsession, betrayal, and deadly lies. Perfect for readers who crave dark romance with a morally gray antihero, a forbidden captor/captive love story, and a heroine fighting to survive a monster who can’t be saved. No cheating, no third-act breakup, and includes an HEA. Check author’s website for TW/CW.
***While not required, it’s highly recommended to read the duet In the Shadows and Back in the Shadows first.
- GenresDark Romance
406 pages, Paperback
Published October 29, 2025
282 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Owenby
39 books1,050 followersInternational bestselling author J.A. Owenby grew up in a small backwoods town in Arkansas, where she learned how to swear like a sailor and spot water moccasins skimming across the lake.
She finally ditched the south and headed to Oregon. The first winter there, she was literally blown away a few times by ninety-mile-an-hour winds and storms that rolled in off the ocean.
Eventually, she longed for quiet and headed up to snowier pastures. She now resides in Washington state with her hot nerdy husband and cat, Chloe (who frequently encourages her to drink). She spends her days coming up with ways to torture characters in a way that either makes you want to throw your book down a flight of stairs or sob hysterically into a pillow.
J.A. Owenby writes new adult and romantic thriller novels. Her books ooze with emotion, angst, and twists that will leave you breathless. Having battled her own demons, she’s not afraid to tackle the secrets women are forced to hide. After all, the road to love is paved in the dark.
Her friends describe her as delightfully twisted. She loves fan mail and wine. Please send her all the wine.
She finally ditched the south and headed to Oregon. The first winter there, she was literally blown away a few times by ninety-mile-an-hour winds and storms that rolled in off the ocean.
Eventually, she longed for quiet and headed up to snowier pastures. She now resides in Washington state with her hot nerdy husband and cat, Chloe (who frequently encourages her to drink). She spends her days coming up with ways to torture characters in a way that either makes you want to throw your book down a flight of stairs or sob hysterically into a pillow.
J.A. Owenby writes new adult and romantic thriller novels. Her books ooze with emotion, angst, and twists that will leave you breathless. Having battled her own demons, she’s not afraid to tackle the secrets women are forced to hide. After all, the road to love is paved in the dark.
Her friends describe her as delightfully twisted. She loves fan mail and wine. Please send her all the wine.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 12, 2025
Let’s be real, I will probably rate every single book in this series 5⭐️ I just love it that much !
If it is even possible this book it’s even better than the first 2. How ? Well I wasn’t expecting Kip story to be so deep, sad and tragic. He was abused, brainwashed and manipulated, he was used and made into a weapon. His loyalty to his friends and specially to Death aka his best friend was everything to him and when all of that is put to a test things got crazy.
Kip himself didn’t even know how deep and insane his own life was. He always felt guilty about something that happened when he was pre-teen and he never felt the same. He thinks he is a monster, he thinks he deserves no love and no forgiveness. But he does and I LOVED him an I dare to say I liked his background story more than I liked Death background story.
Kip is broken and traumatized, he is losing his god damn mind …. He doesn’t know what to do and who to ask for help, he can’t. He needs to deal with this alone.
Holland is a psychiatrist, she has her life together. Or does she ? In reality she’s been hiding and running away her entire life. She has traumas and skeletons in her closet that she does not want nor trust anyone to know.
Holland and Kip made a perfect match with all their jagged edges and traumatizing past.
I LOVED this book and I can wait for the continuation, this series gets more interesting and intriguing as it goes. Now I am drying to know about Dope’s back story…… ugh I just need to patiently wait now….
If it is even possible this book it’s even better than the first 2. How ? Well I wasn’t expecting Kip story to be so deep, sad and tragic. He was abused, brainwashed and manipulated, he was used and made into a weapon. His loyalty to his friends and specially to Death aka his best friend was everything to him and when all of that is put to a test things got crazy.
Kip himself didn’t even know how deep and insane his own life was. He always felt guilty about something that happened when he was pre-teen and he never felt the same. He thinks he is a monster, he thinks he deserves no love and no forgiveness. But he does and I LOVED him an I dare to say I liked his background story more than I liked Death background story.
Kip is broken and traumatized, he is losing his god damn mind …. He doesn’t know what to do and who to ask for help, he can’t. He needs to deal with this alone.
Holland is a psychiatrist, she has her life together. Or does she ? In reality she’s been hiding and running away her entire life. She has traumas and skeletons in her closet that she does not want nor trust anyone to know.
Holland and Kip made a perfect match with all their jagged edges and traumatizing past.
I LOVED this book and I can wait for the continuation, this series gets more interesting and intriguing as it goes. Now I am drying to know about Dope’s back story…… ugh I just need to patiently wait now….
November 4, 2025
This was what I’d call a dark romance for sure. Be sure to check TWs before diving in. If you thought Death was alone in his darkness you ain’t seen nothing yet. Kip has some mind blowing trauma for sure. But love me a dark morality grey man any day! We get a little bit more dealing with the Pied Piper in this one also. I’m gonna need to next book ASAP!!!
October 30, 2025
Rating: 4/5
Spice: 4/5
Plot: 5/5
Primary Genre: Dark Romance
Blurb:
Some of us were born into darkness. Others were shackled. They drugged me. Chained me. Tore apart my mind until the pieces didn’t fit anymore. Then they gave me a name. Cleaner. K!ller. Son. Monster. Told me the blood on my hands was hers. Then they smiled and made me k!ll again. And they told me she never existed. But I’ve seen her. In dreams. In flashes of red hair and blood. And now she’s real—flesh and bone and terrified eyes. But they made one mistake. They didn’t bury her deep enough. Now she’s back. And even if she doesn’t remember me—My obsession remembers everything. She runs. I follow. She screams. I savor it. She looks at me like a stranger. And I try not to laugh. Because I know her body better than she does. I’ve watched her sleep. Touched her skin. Marked her without mercy. And now that I’ve found her again…There’s no version of this where I let her go.
You don’t have to love me, little ghost.
Lock the door. Scream my name. Run.
I’ve never needed permission to take what’s mine.
**Dear readers, this dark romance contains multiple storylines, and many exciting moving pieces that come together in one satisfying and unexpected HEA. If you enjoy a single storyline, this book might not be for you.
BEHIND THE SHADOWS is Kip and Holland’s story—a standalone pitch-black stalker romance and psychological romantic thriller of obsession, betrayal, and deadly lies. Perfect for readers who crave dark romance with a morally gray antihero, a forbidden captor/captive love story, and a heroine fighting to survive a monster who can’t be saved. No cheating, no third-act breakup, and includes an HEA. Check author’s website for TW/CW.
***While not required, it’s highly recommended to read the duet In the Shadows and Back in the Shadows first.
My Thoughts:
For starters, I’m kind of obsessed with this series so I highly recommend that you read the first two books when you have the time. They don’t HAVE to be read to understand this book but you’ll enjoy it, like, EXTRA if you read them. There are a ton of twists and turns in the ongoing Shadows storyline that are quite entertaining. I loved getting to know Kip better and his love interest/our FMC is a great character. Up front trigger warning, there are some deep dives into child abuse trauma and child sex trafficking/child sexual abuse trauma. This might sound kind of cheesy but Kip and Holland feel meant to be. They’ve got a ying and yang vibe about them that you’ll love. The storyline/thriller vibe of this book is amazing. If you don’t like smut and want to skip over it, you’ll still have an incredible story to read here. There was some hinting around about their friend Dope so I’m wondering if he might get his own book too? I really hope so because he’s quite the mystery. Anyways, as usual, another J.A. Owenby book that I love and I think ya’ll will too. Check it out!
More reviews at www.introvertsbookclub.com
Spice: 4/5
Plot: 5/5
Primary Genre: Dark Romance
Blurb:
Some of us were born into darkness. Others were shackled. They drugged me. Chained me. Tore apart my mind until the pieces didn’t fit anymore. Then they gave me a name. Cleaner. K!ller. Son. Monster. Told me the blood on my hands was hers. Then they smiled and made me k!ll again. And they told me she never existed. But I’ve seen her. In dreams. In flashes of red hair and blood. And now she’s real—flesh and bone and terrified eyes. But they made one mistake. They didn’t bury her deep enough. Now she’s back. And even if she doesn’t remember me—My obsession remembers everything. She runs. I follow. She screams. I savor it. She looks at me like a stranger. And I try not to laugh. Because I know her body better than she does. I’ve watched her sleep. Touched her skin. Marked her without mercy. And now that I’ve found her again…There’s no version of this where I let her go.
You don’t have to love me, little ghost.
Lock the door. Scream my name. Run.
I’ve never needed permission to take what’s mine.
**Dear readers, this dark romance contains multiple storylines, and many exciting moving pieces that come together in one satisfying and unexpected HEA. If you enjoy a single storyline, this book might not be for you.
BEHIND THE SHADOWS is Kip and Holland’s story—a standalone pitch-black stalker romance and psychological romantic thriller of obsession, betrayal, and deadly lies. Perfect for readers who crave dark romance with a morally gray antihero, a forbidden captor/captive love story, and a heroine fighting to survive a monster who can’t be saved. No cheating, no third-act breakup, and includes an HEA. Check author’s website for TW/CW.
***While not required, it’s highly recommended to read the duet In the Shadows and Back in the Shadows first.
My Thoughts:
For starters, I’m kind of obsessed with this series so I highly recommend that you read the first two books when you have the time. They don’t HAVE to be read to understand this book but you’ll enjoy it, like, EXTRA if you read them. There are a ton of twists and turns in the ongoing Shadows storyline that are quite entertaining. I loved getting to know Kip better and his love interest/our FMC is a great character. Up front trigger warning, there are some deep dives into child abuse trauma and child sex trafficking/child sexual abuse trauma. This might sound kind of cheesy but Kip and Holland feel meant to be. They’ve got a ying and yang vibe about them that you’ll love. The storyline/thriller vibe of this book is amazing. If you don’t like smut and want to skip over it, you’ll still have an incredible story to read here. There was some hinting around about their friend Dope so I’m wondering if he might get his own book too? I really hope so because he’s quite the mystery. Anyways, as usual, another J.A. Owenby book that I love and I think ya’ll will too. Check it out!
More reviews at www.introvertsbookclub.com
October 26, 2025
Holy shit!! This book….Oh my! This series one dark and twisted mess and I am totally addicted. The first two books of this series center around Death. A vigilante serial killer who seeks justice for women and children feeding his darkness. This book however is centered around Kip, aka The Cleaner, aka Death’s best friend. However this book takes a deeper dive into the history behind Kip and how Safe Horizon came to be. But as the story continues the Devil you don’t know, makes a return and some secrets are revealed and let me tell you they are a doozy. The Pied Piper is playing a tune and is the one in control, more than we could’ve imagined.
In this dark and twisted book of fuck up, Kip’s past comes back to haunt him in the form of a fiery red head. Hollander is running from her past and thinks that Kip is her savior, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact he is the thing that nightmares are made of.
This book is full of darkness and horrors that will leave you reeling long after you’ve finished. These triggers should be considered beforehand and not taken lightly. Some of these triggers include sex trafficking, rape, murder, drug use, physical and psychological abuse, stalking and kidnapping.
Please read books one and two before beginning. Otherwise you’ll to have the most important details of understanding to follow the story along, as it is an intricate web. It is twisted and full of sinister events. It is full of blood and gore. It is scary, intense and deeply disturbing. The abuse is awful and something out of a horror movie. Let’s not forget Kip’s dark sexual nature.
Overall this book and series is highly addictive. I recommend it for all those really dark romance readers out there. It has all the elements of a dark romance. It has hot, sinful dirty sex, murder, sinister characters and twisted minds. I am hooked and can’t wait to see what is next for the three best friends. I have a feeling that Dope’s story may blow our minds.
In this dark and twisted book of fuck up, Kip’s past comes back to haunt him in the form of a fiery red head. Hollander is running from her past and thinks that Kip is her savior, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact he is the thing that nightmares are made of.
This book is full of darkness and horrors that will leave you reeling long after you’ve finished. These triggers should be considered beforehand and not taken lightly. Some of these triggers include sex trafficking, rape, murder, drug use, physical and psychological abuse, stalking and kidnapping.
Please read books one and two before beginning. Otherwise you’ll to have the most important details of understanding to follow the story along, as it is an intricate web. It is twisted and full of sinister events. It is full of blood and gore. It is scary, intense and deeply disturbing. The abuse is awful and something out of a horror movie. Let’s not forget Kip’s dark sexual nature.
Overall this book and series is highly addictive. I recommend it for all those really dark romance readers out there. It has all the elements of a dark romance. It has hot, sinful dirty sex, murder, sinister characters and twisted minds. I am hooked and can’t wait to see what is next for the three best friends. I have a feeling that Dope’s story may blow our minds.
November 7, 2025
To devour or to relish?
This has been my reading experience with this ARC. Behind the Shadows is an incredible novel written from a dual perspective of Kip and Holland or Samantha. The narrative portrays a sharp, gritty setting that both immerses and isolates the reader. There is an atmospheric, scenic, suffocating power dynamic that hinges on the inner nooks and crannies of the psyche. The author excelled at building morally gray characters, often bordering on utter darkness and corruption. This allows the reader to delve into Kip's psyche that possesses this labyrinthian nuance that digs its claws to you, where he catalogues each exit like his life depended on it. And it did.
If I were to describe this book, I'd say startling, but this word alone does not begin to fathom my immense fascination with what my eyes peered into reading Kip and Holland's story. It's a story that vaporizes all normalcy and plunges you in a world that is both haunting and disturbing, molding you into the shattered and battered psyche of Kip and Holland.
This book also shows you forms of love so twisted that you would dub them as a disease. The twisted concepts of love and permanence; love and temporariness; love and condition. What I absolutely adored in Behind the Shadows is how we become mere products with an expiration date, where the only singular marker of relief would be death. But the process of it would be painful, symbolic, perhaps even biblical. It showcases how irrevocably incoherent we are when we gaze in the mirror and demonize ourselves, walk that path, because we were taught it was what we really are. Kip was demonized; therefore he became it. Holland was estranged and then assimilated in into a darker path not of her choosing.
Kip and Holland were marginalized until they found one another.
This has been my reading experience with this ARC. Behind the Shadows is an incredible novel written from a dual perspective of Kip and Holland or Samantha. The narrative portrays a sharp, gritty setting that both immerses and isolates the reader. There is an atmospheric, scenic, suffocating power dynamic that hinges on the inner nooks and crannies of the psyche. The author excelled at building morally gray characters, often bordering on utter darkness and corruption. This allows the reader to delve into Kip's psyche that possesses this labyrinthian nuance that digs its claws to you, where he catalogues each exit like his life depended on it. And it did.
If I were to describe this book, I'd say startling, but this word alone does not begin to fathom my immense fascination with what my eyes peered into reading Kip and Holland's story. It's a story that vaporizes all normalcy and plunges you in a world that is both haunting and disturbing, molding you into the shattered and battered psyche of Kip and Holland.
This book also shows you forms of love so twisted that you would dub them as a disease. The twisted concepts of love and permanence; love and temporariness; love and condition. What I absolutely adored in Behind the Shadows is how we become mere products with an expiration date, where the only singular marker of relief would be death. But the process of it would be painful, symbolic, perhaps even biblical. It showcases how irrevocably incoherent we are when we gaze in the mirror and demonize ourselves, walk that path, because we were taught it was what we really are. Kip was demonized; therefore he became it. Holland was estranged and then assimilated in into a darker path not of her choosing.
Kip and Holland were marginalized until they found one another.
October 30, 2025
ARC Review
4.75⭐️ 4🌶
J.A.Owenby does it again!! Let me tell you something. I have loved The Shadows duet and will continue to recommend them for those who love a dark stalker romance. Behind the Shadows gives the same vibes but more like a different shade of dark. This follows Kip from the duet and Holland and is a standalone but highly recommend reading the duet so you can understand and see more of the characters! I loved this one. I have a newfound appreciation and love for Kip. I knew I already liked him when he was a side character but now I just wanna bundle him up and never let him go.
You can tell Kip's darkness is different in the sense of his own trauma and struggles. Holland is also going through it with her own past that she is trying to get away from. They both are written really well and you can feel the raw and intensity they both feel.
I love that J.A.Owenby continues to write so captivatingly that I cannot help but get dragged back to this dark world. Mind you this is set in modern day but her writing makes me forget it is. I love how the more deeper you get in the book, the more sucked in you get into their darkness.
Thank you so much to the author and The Author Agency for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. All my thoughts and opinions are my own and left voluntarily.
4.75⭐️ 4🌶
J.A.Owenby does it again!! Let me tell you something. I have loved The Shadows duet and will continue to recommend them for those who love a dark stalker romance. Behind the Shadows gives the same vibes but more like a different shade of dark. This follows Kip from the duet and Holland and is a standalone but highly recommend reading the duet so you can understand and see more of the characters! I loved this one. I have a newfound appreciation and love for Kip. I knew I already liked him when he was a side character but now I just wanna bundle him up and never let him go.
You can tell Kip's darkness is different in the sense of his own trauma and struggles. Holland is also going through it with her own past that she is trying to get away from. They both are written really well and you can feel the raw and intensity they both feel.
I love that J.A.Owenby continues to write so captivatingly that I cannot help but get dragged back to this dark world. Mind you this is set in modern day but her writing makes me forget it is. I love how the more deeper you get in the book, the more sucked in you get into their darkness.
Thank you so much to the author and The Author Agency for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. All my thoughts and opinions are my own and left voluntarily.
October 31, 2025
I should run from him. But I needed him like air. Even if he was poisoned.
Shadow Series Book 3
It can be read as a standalone but also part of a bigger Story Arc and interconnected People.
A Dark Stalker Romance.
Kip and Holland’s Story
So all the Tropes connected with Dark Romance, Stalker Vibes to be expected if you have any triggers check it out.
I loved this Book. It kept me on my toes.. and reading loooong after I should have been doing chores, work , life lols you get it.
Literally did NOT see a few things coming. It is a suspense-filled read!
My heart went out to these characters.. they all have so much emotional and physical trauma…
I was rooting for them 200% of the time. Even when the odds were stacked against them.
SPICE on the very dark romance side of CNC.
I'm not going to discuss things in detail. The book is meant to be a dark horse.
You are meant to feel your way through. You will enjoy it so much more.
Emotionally it's a trip.
a Very , Very Good Book!
“You’ve made your choice. But remember, when you dance with the devil, the price is always higher than you think.”
Shadow Series Book 3
It can be read as a standalone but also part of a bigger Story Arc and interconnected People.
A Dark Stalker Romance.
Kip and Holland’s Story
So all the Tropes connected with Dark Romance, Stalker Vibes to be expected if you have any triggers check it out.
I loved this Book. It kept me on my toes.. and reading loooong after I should have been doing chores, work , life lols you get it.
Literally did NOT see a few things coming. It is a suspense-filled read!
My heart went out to these characters.. they all have so much emotional and physical trauma…
I was rooting for them 200% of the time. Even when the odds were stacked against them.
SPICE on the very dark romance side of CNC.
I'm not going to discuss things in detail. The book is meant to be a dark horse.
You are meant to feel your way through. You will enjoy it so much more.
Emotionally it's a trip.
a Very , Very Good Book!
“You’ve made your choice. But remember, when you dance with the devil, the price is always higher than you think.”
December 7, 2025
Kip and Holland's story was intense.
It had me hooked from chapter 1 right to the end.
Even though the book was amazing, it's hard to write the review without giving anything away.
There were multiple story lines but it was so well written that it didn't confuse you on what was going on at all.
Kip was a broken man and finding Holland not only saved his life, it saves her too.
They were exactly what each other needed.
Kip knew Holland was a part of his past and was made she didn't remember. Once Holland figured out why Kip knew so much about her past, that's were the story took some crazy and unexpected twists.
Kips mother was a piece of work, I wanted to jump through the pages and get revenge on her for what she did to Kip and Holland.
I was so glad he had his friend's to help him get through what new nightmares he uncovered with Holland.
I loved the characters from the other books back again, Dope, Death and Ella are such strong people and they are a strong family.
You don't need to read the first two books in the series but it definitely will add to this book if you do.
It had me hooked from chapter 1 right to the end.
Even though the book was amazing, it's hard to write the review without giving anything away.
There were multiple story lines but it was so well written that it didn't confuse you on what was going on at all.
Kip was a broken man and finding Holland not only saved his life, it saves her too.
They were exactly what each other needed.
Kip knew Holland was a part of his past and was made she didn't remember. Once Holland figured out why Kip knew so much about her past, that's were the story took some crazy and unexpected twists.
Kips mother was a piece of work, I wanted to jump through the pages and get revenge on her for what she did to Kip and Holland.
I was so glad he had his friend's to help him get through what new nightmares he uncovered with Holland.
I loved the characters from the other books back again, Dope, Death and Ella are such strong people and they are a strong family.
You don't need to read the first two books in the series but it definitely will add to this book if you do.
October 27, 2025
A Monster Who Shouldn’t Be Loved… But You’ll Want Him Anyway
OMG Besties... I am wrecked. 😮💨 "Behind the Shadows" is not your “dark-ish” romance. It’s full-blown dark chaos wrapped in obs€ssion, pain, and the kind of love that should come with a warning label. Holland? My poor broken girl clawing her way through the nightmares they built her in. And Kip? Let’s just say if “morally black antihero” had a face, it’d be his... and you’d still want to touch it. 😏
This book dives deep into trauma, control, and a love that burns instead of heals. There’s sta£king, captivity, and blood play... but also this haunting pull between two people who should’ve destroyed each other but somehow fit in the madness. Just pure, twisted devotion and psychological twists that has you guessing till the end.
My Ratings: ⭐ 4.5/5 ▪︎ 🥵 3.5/5
🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
OMG Besties... I am wrecked. 😮💨 "Behind the Shadows" is not your “dark-ish” romance. It’s full-blown dark chaos wrapped in obs€ssion, pain, and the kind of love that should come with a warning label. Holland? My poor broken girl clawing her way through the nightmares they built her in. And Kip? Let’s just say if “morally black antihero” had a face, it’d be his... and you’d still want to touch it. 😏
This book dives deep into trauma, control, and a love that burns instead of heals. There’s sta£king, captivity, and blood play... but also this haunting pull between two people who should’ve destroyed each other but somehow fit in the madness. Just pure, twisted devotion and psychological twists that has you guessing till the end.
My Ratings: ⭐ 4.5/5 ▪︎ 🥵 3.5/5
🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
October 30, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💀 Dark, Twisted, and Impossible to Look Away From
Behind the Shadows by J.A. Owenby is a pitch-black, psychological dark romance that blurs the line between desire and danger.
Kip isn’t your typical hero — he’s the kind of man who lives in the darkness and drags you right into it with him. Holland, broken but strong, becomes tangled in his world of obsession, secrets, and survival. What follows is a gritty story full of betrayal, trauma, and the kind of chemistry that burns even in the shadows.
Owenby doesn’t hold back. The writing is sharp and immersive, and the characters are hauntingly real. This isn’t a sweet love story — it’s an emotional descent that tests the boundaries of trust and forgiveness.
⚠️ Trigger Warnings: violence, captivity, psychological manipulation, trauma, stalking, blood play, and other extreme content.
If you crave dark, emotional, morally gray romance where redemption is earned in blood and pain — this book is for you.
Behind the Shadows by J.A. Owenby is a pitch-black, psychological dark romance that blurs the line between desire and danger.
Kip isn’t your typical hero — he’s the kind of man who lives in the darkness and drags you right into it with him. Holland, broken but strong, becomes tangled in his world of obsession, secrets, and survival. What follows is a gritty story full of betrayal, trauma, and the kind of chemistry that burns even in the shadows.
Owenby doesn’t hold back. The writing is sharp and immersive, and the characters are hauntingly real. This isn’t a sweet love story — it’s an emotional descent that tests the boundaries of trust and forgiveness.
⚠️ Trigger Warnings: violence, captivity, psychological manipulation, trauma, stalking, blood play, and other extreme content.
If you crave dark, emotional, morally gray romance where redemption is earned in blood and pain — this book is for you.
October 27, 2025
Leg shakingly twisted and delicious
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I will never get over J. A’s books. They always leave me reeling!! This one was no exception!
Kips origin story is a horror filled twisted masterpiece with some romance and delicious leg shaking spice mixed in.
Kip is completely unhinged, completely obsessed with the pied piper and completely in love with Holland (in his own sick and twisted way)
I absolutely will never look at a cross the same again
FQOTB: “I’m working tonight to keep myself busy and not break into your home and watch you sleep” - Kip
😂😂😂😂 he’s so unhinged I love it.
SFQOTB: “If we burn, we burn together” - Holland
I’m literally so obsessed with this book.
Top 8 best reads this fall!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I will never get over J. A’s books. They always leave me reeling!! This one was no exception!
Kips origin story is a horror filled twisted masterpiece with some romance and delicious leg shaking spice mixed in.
Kip is completely unhinged, completely obsessed with the pied piper and completely in love with Holland (in his own sick and twisted way)
I absolutely will never look at a cross the same again
FQOTB: “I’m working tonight to keep myself busy and not break into your home and watch you sleep” - Kip
😂😂😂😂 he’s so unhinged I love it.
SFQOTB: “If we burn, we burn together” - Holland
I’m literally so obsessed with this book.
Top 8 best reads this fall!!
November 25, 2025
So hard to get into this book!!
I had to force myself to keep reading this book. It felt as if I was missing so much of the story even though I read the Death/Ella duet. I honestly was glad when this was over because that meant I could go on to a different book finally! And how it left off... All that boring and kinda pointless story for it to lead into another book, almost positive it's going to be all about Dope and finally taking out the PP. Really, this series should have been left as a one story standalone or maybe a duet with a better ending instead of it being drawn out way too much. And as this is touted as a standalone, its not. You have to read the first two books to have any idea of what's going on in this rat king of a book.
I had to force myself to keep reading this book. It felt as if I was missing so much of the story even though I read the Death/Ella duet. I honestly was glad when this was over because that meant I could go on to a different book finally! And how it left off... All that boring and kinda pointless story for it to lead into another book, almost positive it's going to be all about Dope and finally taking out the PP. Really, this series should have been left as a one story standalone or maybe a duet with a better ending instead of it being drawn out way too much. And as this is touted as a standalone, its not. You have to read the first two books to have any idea of what's going on in this rat king of a book.
November 3, 2025
This book is blacker than black, please read triggers before, I'm not joking.
This book is about kip, I highly recommend reading book 1 and 2 as it adds depth to this standalone.
Well written, very very dark, bonding over trauma, found family. The spice is dangerously hot.
The author keeps you wanting more as you read it. If you love a dark thriller type book, you really need to read this one.
This book is about kip, I highly recommend reading book 1 and 2 as it adds depth to this standalone.
Well written, very very dark, bonding over trauma, found family. The spice is dangerously hot.
The author keeps you wanting more as you read it. If you love a dark thriller type book, you really need to read this one.
November 8, 2025
I love Kip
This dark romance was so fun and I had the best time reading it.. trauma..stalking.. spicy scenes… morally grey MMC…multiple povs.. psychological thriller and suspense… check triggers bc there are mentions of some dark trauma… I loved holland and kip’s story… i am so happy I received an advanced copy to review.. i couldn’t flip the pages fast enough to find out what happens.. love it .. read it .. enjoy
This dark romance was so fun and I had the best time reading it.. trauma..stalking.. spicy scenes… morally grey MMC…multiple povs.. psychological thriller and suspense… check triggers bc there are mentions of some dark trauma… I loved holland and kip’s story… i am so happy I received an advanced copy to review.. i couldn’t flip the pages fast enough to find out what happens.. love it .. read it .. enjoy
October 29, 2025
Hot, brutal and addictive!
This series is pretty intense, definitely not for the faint of heart. Please heed the trigger warnings, then if it's right for you,dive into the danger and intrigue. This series is the darkest offering from J. A. Owenby. There are individual love stories with an underlying long term plot. Hot, brutal and addictive!
This series is pretty intense, definitely not for the faint of heart. Please heed the trigger warnings, then if it's right for you,dive into the danger and intrigue. This series is the darkest offering from J. A. Owenby. There are individual love stories with an underlying long term plot. Hot, brutal and addictive!
October 30, 2025
Dark Romantic Thriller
This Kip and Holland’s story. It’s as dark as her previous series, but with more twists and revelations! Death, Ella, and Dope all make an appearance. Kip and Holland were made for each other and I’m excited to continue to read about them! It doesn’t leave on a cliffhanger, but you know more is coming!
This Kip and Holland’s story. It’s as dark as her previous series, but with more twists and revelations! Death, Ella, and Dope all make an appearance. Kip and Holland were made for each other and I’m excited to continue to read about them! It doesn’t leave on a cliffhanger, but you know more is coming!
November 4, 2025
so many twists
Love a good dark romance and this one was that. Morally grey men and the women that love them. I did not read Deaths books first and I wish I had. I feel it would have given more background on the characters. Will definitely read those and reread this one in the future.
Love a good dark romance and this one was that. Morally grey men and the women that love them. I did not read Deaths books first and I wish I had. I feel it would have given more background on the characters. Will definitely read those and reread this one in the future.
November 17, 2025
The whole series is perfect
This whole series makes my little psych nurse heart happy. I am in love with the psychological twists and mind f#cks. The plot is amazing with the spice mixed in to where it doesn't overtake the plot. There are definitely triggers, so read them. I can't wait for the next one!
This whole series makes my little psych nurse heart happy. I am in love with the psychological twists and mind f#cks. The plot is amazing with the spice mixed in to where it doesn't overtake the plot. There are definitely triggers, so read them. I can't wait for the next one!
November 2, 2025
best one yet
This one was better than the first one. I loved the first…was okay with the second but this one was freaking great. Twisted, sweet, sad, dark, found family, adorable dog, it had it all.
This one was better than the first one. I loved the first…was okay with the second but this one was freaking great. Twisted, sweet, sad, dark, found family, adorable dog, it had it all.
November 7, 2025
This series definitely has trigger warnings and is seriously dark! Kip and Holland's story is linked from childhood and is a tragic, twisted story. The Pied Piper is pulling all the strings and is still the smartest one in the room and always 10 steps ahead.
November 22, 2025
I really wanted to love this book, but it ended up being a little too dark for me. J.A. Owenby is an excellent author—I’ve enjoyed many of her books and admire her storytelling. This one just didn’t land the same way for me personally.
January 3, 2026
Enjoyed and hope for more!
I enjoyed this book. Definitely check trigger warnings as there is definitely some dark stuff. Overall I loved that our FMC was a psychologist and could actually help Kip.
I enjoyed this book. Definitely check trigger warnings as there is definitely some dark stuff. Overall I loved that our FMC was a psychologist and could actually help Kip.
November 25, 2025
This book was all over the place. I liked the original better. Very smutty though
December 3, 2025
Excellent As Ever!!
Can’t get enough of the Shadows…. Amazing story…. Another great continuation of this series…. Looking forward to more…. Sexy and violent as ever….
Can’t get enough of the Shadows…. Amazing story…. Another great continuation of this series…. Looking forward to more…. Sexy and violent as ever….
December 3, 2025
Behind the Shadows, the 3rd installment of The Shadow Series by J.A. Owenby. Kip and Holland’s story. While it says it’s a standalone in the series, we see characters from previous books making appearances and it doesn’t hurt to have knowledge of them before embarking on this journey to help you see the bigger picture and understand a bit more of who is who. I had been anxiously waiting for the next book because I needed answers after the previous 2 books. Amazing story and characters you can’t help but fall in love with. Plot twists, some questions answered, some questions running through my mind leaving me waiting for the next book. Just how far is the pied pipers reach? He seems to be pulling strings in everyone’s life. How can you choose between #teamdeath and #teamkip?
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