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Shifting Shadows: A Fated Mates Paranormal Romance
Three devious and darkly desirable men who want to devour her, a shifter-run cartel that wants to claim her, and a devastating secret that threatens the entire world...
I’ve spent my entire life trying to forget the nightmares of my childhood. I got myself through law school and climbed the legal ladder to become the best criminal defense attorney in my cartel-owned border town. I was finally where I strived to be, until these three assholes showed up.
A rogue werewolf mafioso, a disowned dragon royal, and a Hunter who wants all shifters dead. Each of them is a dark temptation that I struggle to resist, and all of them are lying to me.
But when the werewolf shifts right in front of me and escapes through the ceiling of the jail, scratching me in the process, I become a target for the elusive shifter cartel, and these men are my only hope—not only against the cartel, but also from the wicked skeletons desperately clawing their way out of the closet I can no longer keep locked.
My fate is in their hands, and I fear that even if my body survives this, my soul won’t.
If you like the bite-your-lip fantasy of Zodiac Academy and the beautiful carnage of Psycho Shifters, you'll love this paranormal romance spin-off series of Dark Shifter Academy by USA Today Bestselling Author Tricia Barr. One-click to start the series with book 1 now!
I’ve spent my entire life trying to forget the nightmares of my childhood. I got myself through law school and climbed the legal ladder to become the best criminal defense attorney in my cartel-owned border town. I was finally where I strived to be, until these three assholes showed up.
A rogue werewolf mafioso, a disowned dragon royal, and a Hunter who wants all shifters dead. Each of them is a dark temptation that I struggle to resist, and all of them are lying to me.
But when the werewolf shifts right in front of me and escapes through the ceiling of the jail, scratching me in the process, I become a target for the elusive shifter cartel, and these men are my only hope—not only against the cartel, but also from the wicked skeletons desperately clawing their way out of the closet I can no longer keep locked.
My fate is in their hands, and I fear that even if my body survives this, my soul won’t.
If you like the bite-your-lip fantasy of Zodiac Academy and the beautiful carnage of Psycho Shifters, you'll love this paranormal romance spin-off series of Dark Shifter Academy by USA Today Bestselling Author Tricia Barr. One-click to start the series with book 1 now!
261 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2026
23 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Tricia Barr
117 books168 followersBy day, Tricia is a full time mom to two beautiful toddler girls and a wife/business partner to a handsome hard-working husband. By night--and nap times--she writes unique and thrilling young adult fantasies inspired by her vivid, somewhat creepy dreams and her own adventures around the world.
Sign up for her Email List and be automatically notified about new releases: http://www.tricia-barr.com/
List of Tricia's books:
THE BOUND ONES:
Ignite (Book 1)
Submerge (Book 2)
Unearth (Book 3)
Haunt (Standalone)
THE AMARANT:
The Vampire Secret (Book 1)
The Vampire Unleashed (Coming soon)
Steamy Adult Paranormal Romance Standalones:
Devilish
Sign up for her Email List and be automatically notified about new releases: http://www.tricia-barr.com/
List of Tricia's books:
THE BOUND ONES:
Ignite (Book 1)
Submerge (Book 2)
Unearth (Book 3)
Haunt (Standalone)
THE AMARANT:
The Vampire Secret (Book 1)
The Vampire Unleashed (Coming soon)
Steamy Adult Paranormal Romance Standalones:
Devilish
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 6, 2026
I love the genre mash-up of supernatural and organized crime. It's a go-to for me and the main reason I picked up my first Tricia Barr book ever. Shifting Shadows was great! I really liked the characters. Kira is super smart. She has to be—she's a defense attorney, and she really cares about her clients. She can kick butt in and out of the courtroom. Kira is an MMA fighter and really knows how to handle herself. This is a bit of a slow burn, but the harem is coming together. Cole is the dream guy, even given his situation. Jackson comes across as a bit of a screw-up but has a big heart. Then there's Heath. Heath has his issues due to past trauma, but he has potential. The romance is just in the beginning phase; I can't wait to see how it all works out.
The world-building was good. I enjoyed the variety of different supernaturals, specifically the shifters. I mean, there are chupacabras. Chupacabras. I just love saying it, haha. The glimpses I got of this world were interesting and hinted at what must have been some of Tricia's previous series. I'm excited to check those out now. The plot was entertaining. I got all the cartel elements I was looking for, and the magic was just getting started.
It was one thing after another for the MCs. The events slowly bring them together and create a bigger picture. I have a few questions rolling around in my head. There was one red flag moment with Kiera earlier; things were shady AF, and Kiera didn't ask any questions. It was a prime example that sometimes you have to take charge of your healthcare. The plot twist at the end was perfect. It kept me on the hook just enough to want to know what happens next, with me wanting to scream into the void. Shifting Shadows was a good start. Great for anyone who loves a supernatural-mafia mash-up.
The world-building was good. I enjoyed the variety of different supernaturals, specifically the shifters. I mean, there are chupacabras. Chupacabras. I just love saying it, haha. The glimpses I got of this world were interesting and hinted at what must have been some of Tricia's previous series. I'm excited to check those out now. The plot was entertaining. I got all the cartel elements I was looking for, and the magic was just getting started.
It was one thing after another for the MCs. The events slowly bring them together and create a bigger picture. I have a few questions rolling around in my head. There was one red flag moment with Kiera earlier; things were shady AF, and Kiera didn't ask any questions. It was a prime example that sometimes you have to take charge of your healthcare. The plot twist at the end was perfect. It kept me on the hook just enough to want to know what happens next, with me wanting to scream into the void. Shifting Shadows was a good start. Great for anyone who loves a supernatural-mafia mash-up.
March 2, 2026
A hound, A dragon and a hunter meet an unknown
I will say that I have read all of the previous series set in this same world (the school battle is talked about in this book). It is definitely not needed but I think it may give me more info going forward.
Keira is a lawyer and has worked hard to get where she is. When her boyfriend suddenly doesn't show for their date and remains silent she assumes he ghosted her but that couldn't be further from the truth. Her newest client is involved in selling drugs and she knows a plea is the only answer. This leads her to Heath who is quick to help get her client released, unfortunately not quick enough.
What Keira doesn't know is that the missing boyfriend, Cole, is a dragon shifter who has been captured. The client is a hound, Jackson, who is about to be forced to shift by the arrival of the full moon causing all kinds of issues. Heath is a hunter who is supposed to be eliminating supernatural creatures. Keira is also something though she doesn't know it.
This was one heck of an introduction to the newest crises going on in the world. Mafia ties, drugs, human (okay not human but still) trafficking and a hidden supernatural all at once.
I'm super excited to find out what Keira actually is. I also can't wait to see what happens with all three of these men. They are all definitely interest in Keira but I can't even guess at what is going to happen next. I'm invested and am excited for what comes next.
I will say that I have read all of the previous series set in this same world (the school battle is talked about in this book). It is definitely not needed but I think it may give me more info going forward.
Keira is a lawyer and has worked hard to get where she is. When her boyfriend suddenly doesn't show for their date and remains silent she assumes he ghosted her but that couldn't be further from the truth. Her newest client is involved in selling drugs and she knows a plea is the only answer. This leads her to Heath who is quick to help get her client released, unfortunately not quick enough.
What Keira doesn't know is that the missing boyfriend, Cole, is a dragon shifter who has been captured. The client is a hound, Jackson, who is about to be forced to shift by the arrival of the full moon causing all kinds of issues. Heath is a hunter who is supposed to be eliminating supernatural creatures. Keira is also something though she doesn't know it.
This was one heck of an introduction to the newest crises going on in the world. Mafia ties, drugs, human (okay not human but still) trafficking and a hidden supernatural all at once.
I'm super excited to find out what Keira actually is. I also can't wait to see what happens with all three of these men. They are all definitely interest in Keira but I can't even guess at what is going to happen next. I'm invested and am excited for what comes next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review — I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
If you love gritty paranormal worlds, morally gray men, and a heroine who refuses to back down, Shifting Shadows delivers.
Kiera is a criminal defense attorney navigating a cartel-controlled border town — until three dangerous, very supernatural men crash into her life. A rogue werewolf with mafia ties. A disgraced dragon royal. A Hunter who should hate everything she’s about to become entangled with. The tension? Immediate. The stakes? High. The secrets? Everywhere.
What I loved most was the balance between plot and romance. The reverse harem dynamic builds slowly, layered with distrust, danger, and competing loyalties. It never feels like romance for romance’s sake — it’s tied directly to the conflict and worldbuilding.
The paranormal cartel setting adds a gritty edge that keeps the story grounded in danger rather than fantasy fluff. That said, some lore elements feel intentionally held back, which builds intrigue but left me wanting a little more clarity in places.
Overall, this is a strong, tension-heavy start to what promises to be an addictive series. I’ll absolutely be continuing.
Perfect for readers who love:
• Reverse harem / why choose
• Shifters & dragon royalty
• Mafia-adjacent paranormal worlds
• Slow-burn tension
• Morally gray heroes
If you love gritty paranormal worlds, morally gray men, and a heroine who refuses to back down, Shifting Shadows delivers.
Kiera is a criminal defense attorney navigating a cartel-controlled border town — until three dangerous, very supernatural men crash into her life. A rogue werewolf with mafia ties. A disgraced dragon royal. A Hunter who should hate everything she’s about to become entangled with. The tension? Immediate. The stakes? High. The secrets? Everywhere.
What I loved most was the balance between plot and romance. The reverse harem dynamic builds slowly, layered with distrust, danger, and competing loyalties. It never feels like romance for romance’s sake — it’s tied directly to the conflict and worldbuilding.
The paranormal cartel setting adds a gritty edge that keeps the story grounded in danger rather than fantasy fluff. That said, some lore elements feel intentionally held back, which builds intrigue but left me wanting a little more clarity in places.
Overall, this is a strong, tension-heavy start to what promises to be an addictive series. I’ll absolutely be continuing.
Perfect for readers who love:
• Reverse harem / why choose
• Shifters & dragon royalty
• Mafia-adjacent paranormal worlds
• Slow-burn tension
• Morally gray heroes
April 19, 2026
Dark Embers by Tricia Barrs is one of those books that just pulls you in and doesn’t let go. From the beginning, you can feel the tone—it’s a little heavy, a little intense, but in a way that makes you want to keep turning the pages.
What I really loved was how real everything felt. The characters aren’t perfect, and that’s what makes them so easy to connect with. You can feel what they’re going through, especially the tougher moments, and it sticks with you. It’s not just about what’s happening in the story—it’s about what they’re feeling while it’s happening.
The writing itself is smooth and easy to get into, but still has those moments where a line hits you harder than expected. Nothing feels forced. The story builds at a steady pace, and by the time things really pick up, you’re already invested.
Overall, this is the kind of book you finish and still think about later. If you like stories that are emotional, a little intense, and centered around strong characters, this one is definitely worth it.
What I really loved was how real everything felt. The characters aren’t perfect, and that’s what makes them so easy to connect with. You can feel what they’re going through, especially the tougher moments, and it sticks with you. It’s not just about what’s happening in the story—it’s about what they’re feeling while it’s happening.
The writing itself is smooth and easy to get into, but still has those moments where a line hits you harder than expected. Nothing feels forced. The story builds at a steady pace, and by the time things really pick up, you’re already invested.
Overall, this is the kind of book you finish and still think about later. If you like stories that are emotional, a little intense, and centered around strong characters, this one is definitely worth it.
March 13, 2026
This is a good start to a new series. Love Cole, Kiera, Jackson and Heath. Cole is a dragon and he has been kidnapped, he is in love with Kiera. Then you Ave Jackson who is trying to find out who is behind the new drug that is ruining lives, he is a hound/werewolf, Kiera is his lawyer when he gets arrested. Detective Heath Rhodes is also a hunter and a narcotics officer. We don’t know what Kiera is yet but when she saves the Detective Heath and Jackson you get a glimpse of her powers. Cannot wait to see if Cole escapes and gets back to Kiera and how Jackson and Heath are going to fit in. A very good read that has you wondering what will happen next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 21, 2026
Kiera is a criminal defense attorney who is unaware of the shifter world until her client Jackson shifts into a wolf and escapes out of the prison roof. Cole (dragon shifter) her new boyfriend ditched her or is he merely missing? Heath a narcotics detective and shifter hunter has the hots for Kiera. Are Kiera's nightmares just that or something more? Read this exciting story set in cartel territory! Loved it!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Shifting Shadows (Dark Shifter Cartel) By: Tricia Barr. werewolf mafioso Jackson, dragon royal Cole, The Hunter Heath, The Lawyer Keira . What is Keira ? This is a great beginning and I look forward to the next book. So many unanswered questions. I just enjoyed every character.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews