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Shadowface 1979: A Dark College Romance
Shadowface is watching.
And this time, he’s not alone.
They say Shadowface is just a story—a ghost tale passed down through generations.
But stories don’t kill people. Unless they’re true.
A brutal murder rocks the town of Kinsmen, awakening the old legend. Then I appear like a bad omen, caught in the crosshairs of two best friends turned rivals. One is dark and dangerous, the other golden and delicious.
They both want something from me, and both of them are lying.
As the whispers grow louder, I’m dragged into a web of obsession, murder, and a past that refuses to stay buried.
The deeper I go, the more I realize the only way out might be to become the legend itself.
This is Why Choose Dark Horror Romance with extremely dark themes. Read at your own discretion.
And this time, he’s not alone.
They say Shadowface is just a story—a ghost tale passed down through generations.
But stories don’t kill people. Unless they’re true.
A brutal murder rocks the town of Kinsmen, awakening the old legend. Then I appear like a bad omen, caught in the crosshairs of two best friends turned rivals. One is dark and dangerous, the other golden and delicious.
They both want something from me, and both of them are lying.
As the whispers grow louder, I’m dragged into a web of obsession, murder, and a past that refuses to stay buried.
The deeper I go, the more I realize the only way out might be to become the legend itself.
This is Why Choose Dark Horror Romance with extremely dark themes. Read at your own discretion.
562 pages, Paperback
Published February 19, 2026
About the author
Rhea Ryan
10 books266 followerswebsite: www.rhearyan.com
Rhea Ryan is a spicy writer of romance on the edge of dark and twisty. Each of her stories delves deep into matters of the heart and explores the darker side of human nature. After writing in the corporate world, she realized she had a desire and compulsion to write creatively. She lives in Western Canada with her husband, two young children and a fur baby.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
February 27, 2026
This book is out in the wild.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book completely pulled me under.
Shadowface 1979 is dark, atmospheric, and deeply unsettling in a way that feels intentional and beautifully crafted. From the very first chapters, a heavy sense of tension lingers in the background, and the beautifully immersive writing style pulls you in completely.
I felt fully absorbed from start to finish. It’s one of those books where the outside world just fades away while you’re reading.
I really loved that the book is divided into Part One and Part Two. That structure worked perfectly for the story.
Part One absolutely broke my heart. Didi did not have it easy at all. Her upbringing was so different, so unsettling, and at times incredibly painful to witness. You truly feel the emotional weight of everything she goes through.
What I also loved is that you can never be 100% sure about Tommy and Remy. You’re constantly questioning them, unsure which “team” you’re supposed to be on. That moral grey area made the story even more addictive. And somehow, despite everything, they both managed to steal my heart.
* Personally i don’t think you have to read book one, to fully enjoy this story. You can absolutely go into Shadowface 1979 blind and still follow everything perfectly fine. It stands strong on its own. *
This story truly stole my heart. I didn’t want to say goodbye to these characters, and I secretly hope there will be another part someday.
Shadowface 1979 is dark, atmospheric, and deeply unsettling in a way that feels intentional and beautifully crafted. From the very first chapters, a heavy sense of tension lingers in the background, and the beautifully immersive writing style pulls you in completely.
I felt fully absorbed from start to finish. It’s one of those books where the outside world just fades away while you’re reading.
I really loved that the book is divided into Part One and Part Two. That structure worked perfectly for the story.
Part One absolutely broke my heart. Didi did not have it easy at all. Her upbringing was so different, so unsettling, and at times incredibly painful to witness. You truly feel the emotional weight of everything she goes through.
What I also loved is that you can never be 100% sure about Tommy and Remy. You’re constantly questioning them, unsure which “team” you’re supposed to be on. That moral grey area made the story even more addictive. And somehow, despite everything, they both managed to steal my heart.
* Personally i don’t think you have to read book one, to fully enjoy this story. You can absolutely go into Shadowface 1979 blind and still follow everything perfectly fine. It stands strong on its own. *
This story truly stole my heart. I didn’t want to say goodbye to these characters, and I secretly hope there will be another part someday.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was an exhilarating and intense journey through a gripping story. I consumed this book eagerly, captivated by its dark and compelling atmosphere that left me with numerous questions. It’s a why choose where the dynamic between Remi, Tommy, and Didi creates a compelling push and pull, adding depth and complexity to the plot. As I mentioned before, the content is quite dark, so check your trigger warnings before diving in. I’m eagerly looking forward to where Rhea will take us next with Shadowface.
February 25, 2026
I truly believe that Rhea Ryan took every single cult horror classic, put it in a blender, and out popped the sinister world of Shadowface. I instantly got pulled right in and never once knew which way was up or what twist was coming next. Even though Shadowface 1979 is technically the second book, I easily feel connected to this world and am already itching to jump back in with the first book, Shadowface.
Diana, Tommy, Remy, and Talia were a very intriguing mix of characters to read about. They all couldn't be so different yet somehow were bound since the beginning of time to come together and continue the darkness. Between the guys, I'm all for team Remy but I can see why both girls are appealed to Tommy as well. I appreciate that both books are considered standalones but after those last few chapters, I'm seriously hoping Rhea Ryan jumps right back in to continue the storyline of the Shadowface legacy.
Diana, Tommy, Remy, and Talia were a very intriguing mix of characters to read about. They all couldn't be so different yet somehow were bound since the beginning of time to come together and continue the darkness. Between the guys, I'm all for team Remy but I can see why both girls are appealed to Tommy as well. I appreciate that both books are considered standalones but after those last few chapters, I'm seriously hoping Rhea Ryan jumps right back in to continue the storyline of the Shadowface legacy.
February 27, 2026
Make sure u read TWs before u read this book. This is a why choose dark romance
This book was so good. What a wild ride 4sure. Tommy and Remy will have u questioning whose team u wanna be on, and poor DiDi had a rough upbringing 4sure. This book had me in a chokehold from beginning to end, and I can't wait to see what is next in the Shadowface story. U don't have to read book 1 to read book 2, but book 1 is so amazing not to read.
This book was so good. What a wild ride 4sure. Tommy and Remy will have u questioning whose team u wanna be on, and poor DiDi had a rough upbringing 4sure. This book had me in a chokehold from beginning to end, and I can't wait to see what is next in the Shadowface story. U don't have to read book 1 to read book 2, but book 1 is so amazing not to read.
February 2, 2026
4.5⭐️ 3.5🌶️
Wow what a wild read! I ate this up! Finished in less than 24 hours!!! I loved getting the back history of book 1. Rhea Ryan has never disappointed me, and this book was no exception. I loved the Characters especially DiDi and Remi! I feel like I could have read so much more about them and never been bored. The things these characters went through and even did themselves was absolutely wild. Dark romance and why choose, sign me up! I can’t wait to see what Rhea comes out with next!
Wow what a wild read! I ate this up! Finished in less than 24 hours!!! I loved getting the back history of book 1. Rhea Ryan has never disappointed me, and this book was no exception. I loved the Characters especially DiDi and Remi! I feel like I could have read so much more about them and never been bored. The things these characters went through and even did themselves was absolutely wild. Dark romance and why choose, sign me up! I can’t wait to see what Rhea comes out with next!
March 2, 2026
I was given the opportunity to read this as an ARC in return for an honest review:)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 (for a 400 page book, there weren’t very many spicy scenes!)
☆ College Romance
☆ Set in the 70s
☆ FMC has Albinism
☆ MFM (why choose?)
☆ Serial killer on the loose
☆ Secret Society
~~~~~~~
Ok… this book… the amount of times I had to stare at the wall was insane. The twists, the turns and the resolutions were outstanding! I loved the first one which was Didis grand daughter’s book, and this one answered so many questions that were unanswered or had me curious. The setting was haunting. Seeing college in the ye olden times (I’m a 2000s baby) was interesting to see, as well as the personalities and styles of the characters in that time as well.
Didi was so so sweet and I loved her so much! Talia was unhinged. Remy was the dark brooding bf, and Tommy was the golden retriever bf. They were all thoroughly flushed out, and all had such amazing personalities. You could tell the difference when Tommy and Remy spoke, they were both different with Didi but took great care of her, and holy shit Talia is another fricken breed. Didi, Remy, Tommy, and Talia are people I do NOT want to mess with. But I could take them. (Not in a fight)
I rated this a 3/5 on the spice scale. I forgot to keep track of how many open door scenes there were, but there were elements of knife play, brief FF, and MFM as well! All great and spicy things! I just loved how both Remy and Tommy helped Didi shed her sheltered skin and help her feel confident in herself <3
But overall this book was great and I loved me a good different character too! Didi having albinism, adds to her character as well as explains Summers character in the first book! And having albinism didn’t deter her from getting what she wanted nor did she make it her whole personality. It was a trait and a detail that was important to the story, but Didi didn’t make her disability (partial blindness) a main part of her story. I loved it so so much!
Thank you again for allowing me the honor of reading this early!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 (for a 400 page book, there weren’t very many spicy scenes!)
☆ College Romance
☆ Set in the 70s
☆ FMC has Albinism
☆ MFM (why choose?)
☆ Serial killer on the loose
☆ Secret Society
~~~~~~~
Ok… this book… the amount of times I had to stare at the wall was insane. The twists, the turns and the resolutions were outstanding! I loved the first one which was Didis grand daughter’s book, and this one answered so many questions that were unanswered or had me curious. The setting was haunting. Seeing college in the ye olden times (I’m a 2000s baby) was interesting to see, as well as the personalities and styles of the characters in that time as well.
Didi was so so sweet and I loved her so much! Talia was unhinged. Remy was the dark brooding bf, and Tommy was the golden retriever bf. They were all thoroughly flushed out, and all had such amazing personalities. You could tell the difference when Tommy and Remy spoke, they were both different with Didi but took great care of her, and holy shit Talia is another fricken breed. Didi, Remy, Tommy, and Talia are people I do NOT want to mess with. But I could take them. (Not in a fight)
I rated this a 3/5 on the spice scale. I forgot to keep track of how many open door scenes there were, but there were elements of knife play, brief FF, and MFM as well! All great and spicy things! I just loved how both Remy and Tommy helped Didi shed her sheltered skin and help her feel confident in herself <3
But overall this book was great and I loved me a good different character too! Didi having albinism, adds to her character as well as explains Summers character in the first book! And having albinism didn’t deter her from getting what she wanted nor did she make it her whole personality. It was a trait and a detail that was important to the story, but Didi didn’t make her disability (partial blindness) a main part of her story. I loved it so so much!
Thank you again for allowing me the honor of reading this early!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
“I’m falling for you, firefly. Every damn day that goes by, I fall harder. I’m falling in love with you, Didi.”
This is dark/ horrorish/ romance and so intense. I ate this up!
We have Tommy who is basically golden boy, all star athlete that everyone loves. Mr popular.
Then there's Remmy who is dark, obsessive and polar opposite of Tommy.
Our FMC Didi gets thrown into the chaos between the two of them and it's just a rollercoaster of a ride!
I'm really glad this was a why choose because honestly who could you pick between Tommy and Remmy?!? It's impossible. Didi got the best (worst? Whichever! 😂) of both worlds with those two. There are so many strong character roles in this! Which made the plot so much better and totally captivating. The focus wasn't just on a couple main characters but a whole group.
I haven't read shadowface yet but I'm actually glad I started here for chronological purposes 😂 this played out like an unhinged horror movie in my head filled with small town secrets, Paranoia, and sacrifice... Urban legend vibes with religious trauma and tons of slashing! I'm looking forward to going back and reading the other one by this author and I am eager to see what else is in store for this series because I know there is more to come!
✔️Dark College Romance
✔️Masked man
✔️Why choose
✔️Secret Society
✔️Multi-pov
✔️Religious Trauma
Thank you for my ARC! I'm leaving this review voluntarily!
This is dark/ horrorish/ romance and so intense. I ate this up!
We have Tommy who is basically golden boy, all star athlete that everyone loves. Mr popular.
Then there's Remmy who is dark, obsessive and polar opposite of Tommy.
Our FMC Didi gets thrown into the chaos between the two of them and it's just a rollercoaster of a ride!
I'm really glad this was a why choose because honestly who could you pick between Tommy and Remmy?!? It's impossible. Didi got the best (worst? Whichever! 😂) of both worlds with those two. There are so many strong character roles in this! Which made the plot so much better and totally captivating. The focus wasn't just on a couple main characters but a whole group.
I haven't read shadowface yet but I'm actually glad I started here for chronological purposes 😂 this played out like an unhinged horror movie in my head filled with small town secrets, Paranoia, and sacrifice... Urban legend vibes with religious trauma and tons of slashing! I'm looking forward to going back and reading the other one by this author and I am eager to see what else is in store for this series because I know there is more to come!
✔️Dark College Romance
✔️Masked man
✔️Why choose
✔️Secret Society
✔️Multi-pov
✔️Religious Trauma
Thank you for my ARC! I'm leaving this review voluntarily!
Review of advance copy received from Author
First of all I just want to thank Rhea for letting me be apart of her ARC team, it is truly an honor.
In Shadowface 1979 we follow Diana Wells or Didi as she has been nicknamed. As a teen she is living with her mother in this old run down, haunted farmhouse and her mother sees her own daughter as this monster because she is albino in every sense, her skin is white as snow, her hair, her eyes are as she called them Translucent and her mother just doesn't understand why her daughter looks like this. Her mother is also super religious and has put Diana in a chastity belt so there's no chances of her becoming impure and reproducing a "demon" child. This broke my heart for Didi, she's just a teen and doesn't understand why her mother sees her in this light but because she loves her momma she just lives with it and what she does. Didi does however finally attend school and this is where she meets Remington Vital and Tommy Landry, Remy comes off as this dark and menacing type that wants to kill her while Tommy is immediately intrigued by her and wants to be her friend. Later on both Remy and Tommy have completely fallen in love with Didi and as they come from the same bloodline of the Order of Shadowface they make it a competition to see who gets Didi in the end but Remy's sister Talia is now also in the picture and it just amplifies everything.
I don't want to go into too much more so all I'm gonna say is if you loved Shadowface then you'll love Shadowface 1979. Rhea has done an amazing job once again and I can't wait to see what she does next for this world. This was just absolutely amazing and I am now going to be nursing a book hangover for the next several days.
In Shadowface 1979 we follow Diana Wells or Didi as she has been nicknamed. As a teen she is living with her mother in this old run down, haunted farmhouse and her mother sees her own daughter as this monster because she is albino in every sense, her skin is white as snow, her hair, her eyes are as she called them Translucent and her mother just doesn't understand why her daughter looks like this. Her mother is also super religious and has put Diana in a chastity belt so there's no chances of her becoming impure and reproducing a "demon" child. This broke my heart for Didi, she's just a teen and doesn't understand why her mother sees her in this light but because she loves her momma she just lives with it and what she does. Didi does however finally attend school and this is where she meets Remington Vital and Tommy Landry, Remy comes off as this dark and menacing type that wants to kill her while Tommy is immediately intrigued by her and wants to be her friend. Later on both Remy and Tommy have completely fallen in love with Didi and as they come from the same bloodline of the Order of Shadowface they make it a competition to see who gets Didi in the end but Remy's sister Talia is now also in the picture and it just amplifies everything.
I don't want to go into too much more so all I'm gonna say is if you loved Shadowface then you'll love Shadowface 1979. Rhea has done an amazing job once again and I can't wait to see what she does next for this world. This was just absolutely amazing and I am now going to be nursing a book hangover for the next several days.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2026
unfurling shadowface this trails after the first book leading back in history in 1979
”eventually, everyone in this town will bleed. either through their blood or spirit, it doesn’t matter to me.”
where it all began
diana (didi) albino with her beautiful white hair, white eyelashes, clear as day eyes.
she recently moves into a notorious isolated house known for a murder. everyone in the new town sees her as a freak including her own mother calls her the devils child.
captured in the crosshairs of tommy & remi.
she was fr sandwiched between them. you fucking go girl, good for you!!
scouting the depths with the family legacies passed down by generations, religious tones, beliefs, cult origin of shadowface also being in a creepy small town full of history where everyone is connected was ominous.
one thing i’m really begging for is to get to know the lore before 1979!!
rhea is in the process of creating talia’s story, i’ll be eagerly thinking about reading that. hopefully we can get an inside look on kevin too
this book was just as amazing as the first one and reminded me how much dark romance has been living voraciously within me 🖤
”i’m falling for you, firefly. every damn day that goes by, i fall harder. i’m falling in love with you, didi.”
”eventually, everyone in this town will bleed. either through their blood or spirit, it doesn’t matter to me.”
where it all began
diana (didi) albino with her beautiful white hair, white eyelashes, clear as day eyes.
she recently moves into a notorious isolated house known for a murder. everyone in the new town sees her as a freak including her own mother calls her the devils child.
captured in the crosshairs of tommy & remi.
she was fr sandwiched between them. you fucking go girl, good for you!!
scouting the depths with the family legacies passed down by generations, religious tones, beliefs, cult origin of shadowface also being in a creepy small town full of history where everyone is connected was ominous.
one thing i’m really begging for is to get to know the lore before 1979!!
rhea is in the process of creating talia’s story, i’ll be eagerly thinking about reading that. hopefully we can get an inside look on kevin too
this book was just as amazing as the first one and reminded me how much dark romance has been living voraciously within me 🖤
”i’m falling for you, firefly. every damn day that goes by, i fall harder. i’m falling in love with you, didi.”
February 26, 2026
rhea spins a dark tale like no other. This story had me on the edge of my seat the entire time!
“Surprise breeds chaos, and chaos breeds fear. It’s only through fear that we truly see what makes us human. Fear makes humanity powerful.”
Shadowface 1979 is a very dark why choose romance. Following Didi, Tommy and Remy during the end of high school and into college. Their journey into adulthood and all of the trauma they go through is so disturbing, but the way this story is written you cannot stop reading. Its addictive and you just want to see what happens next! Its a multi POV and split into two parts and I absolutely loved that! The MCs are morally grey but rhea makes you love them all. I even enjoyed getting to know Talia and her back story. At one point I was so shocked I was liking her I couldn’t believe it. She’s totally out to lunch but I was here for it all. Im not sure how I feel about myself that she was one of my favourite characters. The spice is very well paced and hot! The plot kept me thinking the entire time. The ending of this story was perfection and I was so sad it was over.
Every story this author creates gets better and better. I can’t wait to see what else rhea writes. She is an author I will always recommend to dark romance readers!
“Surprise breeds chaos, and chaos breeds fear. It’s only through fear that we truly see what makes us human. Fear makes humanity powerful.”
Shadowface 1979 is a very dark why choose romance. Following Didi, Tommy and Remy during the end of high school and into college. Their journey into adulthood and all of the trauma they go through is so disturbing, but the way this story is written you cannot stop reading. Its addictive and you just want to see what happens next! Its a multi POV and split into two parts and I absolutely loved that! The MCs are morally grey but rhea makes you love them all. I even enjoyed getting to know Talia and her back story. At one point I was so shocked I was liking her I couldn’t believe it. She’s totally out to lunch but I was here for it all. Im not sure how I feel about myself that she was one of my favourite characters. The spice is very well paced and hot! The plot kept me thinking the entire time. The ending of this story was perfection and I was so sad it was over.
Every story this author creates gets better and better. I can’t wait to see what else rhea writes. She is an author I will always recommend to dark romance readers!
February 21, 2026
Rhea did it again!! This book is wild and twisted and I loved every second of the ride! This is one of the best thriller/horror duets I’ve read (Shadowface being the first).
This is set in the 70s and she did such a great job making you feel like you were there. The fashion, the way they spoke, the music that was “current” was all on point. It was so cool going back in time from the original Shadowface book and getting a deeper look into what made up Shadowface.
Our FMC was one of the coolest that I have read and it was fun seeing her shift and grow into who she became. Her backstory was not one for the faint of heart but that made her fit into her new town even better. Our MMCs were perfect for this book and I loved that were so dimensional and different from one another. I didn’t know who to root for or even if I needed to choose one lol
The best part of this whole book was the plot just kept evolving and twisting. When you thought you had a grasp on things… no you didn’t.
Everything about this was amazing! Please read the triggers before going into this story.
This is set in the 70s and she did such a great job making you feel like you were there. The fashion, the way they spoke, the music that was “current” was all on point. It was so cool going back in time from the original Shadowface book and getting a deeper look into what made up Shadowface.
Our FMC was one of the coolest that I have read and it was fun seeing her shift and grow into who she became. Her backstory was not one for the faint of heart but that made her fit into her new town even better. Our MMCs were perfect for this book and I loved that were so dimensional and different from one another. I didn’t know who to root for or even if I needed to choose one lol
The best part of this whole book was the plot just kept evolving and twisting. When you thought you had a grasp on things… no you didn’t.
Everything about this was amazing! Please read the triggers before going into this story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Holy hell. I was RUINED after Shadowface and now I'm DOUBLE RUINED. 2X RUINED.
This world lives in my mind rent free, permanently housed. If you love secret societies, violent and bloody rites of passage and dark, gritty spice; sprint to get this collection on your shelf.
Here we meet the apex that started it all in the original story. We dive deep into the type of darkness that lurks under the skin of a perfect facade. It simmers, brews and grows in the shadows. It corrupts from within and my god is it ever addicting. I lived in the esoteric tar that is the underworld of this seemingly perfect little town and I don't care to leave. Fossilize me.
Our characters are tortured inside and out, the plot is thick and pulsing, the ending? well you just need to read it to believe it.
Lovers of the dark, come meet your next obsession.
This world lives in my mind rent free, permanently housed. If you love secret societies, violent and bloody rites of passage and dark, gritty spice; sprint to get this collection on your shelf.
Here we meet the apex that started it all in the original story. We dive deep into the type of darkness that lurks under the skin of a perfect facade. It simmers, brews and grows in the shadows. It corrupts from within and my god is it ever addicting. I lived in the esoteric tar that is the underworld of this seemingly perfect little town and I don't care to leave. Fossilize me.
Our characters are tortured inside and out, the plot is thick and pulsing, the ending? well you just need to read it to believe it.
Lovers of the dark, come meet your next obsession.
February 15, 2026
Read your trigger warnings
From jump you can feel the heaviness in the air and kinda know you may or may not get your heart ripped out with this one. (Hint: it’s getting ripped out)The push and pull of Tommy and Remy….shit I’d like to be the meat in the middle of that manwich. You will absolutely feel a range of emotions bc hello trauma. The secrets will drive you wild while the legend keeps on spreading. The spice be spicing. Absolutely loved this one so much! Dark - intense - why choose bc I’m not 😁
From jump you can feel the heaviness in the air and kinda know you may or may not get your heart ripped out with this one. (Hint: it’s getting ripped out)The push and pull of Tommy and Remy….shit I’d like to be the meat in the middle of that manwich. You will absolutely feel a range of emotions bc hello trauma. The secrets will drive you wild while the legend keeps on spreading. The spice be spicing. Absolutely loved this one so much! Dark - intense - why choose bc I’m not 😁
January 26, 2026
With a dramatic start the story only intensified and I couldn’t put it down!! It’s violent, tense and absolutely captivating.
It’s a spicy why choose dark horromance and it’s a good job because how the hell could you choose between Tommy and Remy? They both tugged at my heartstrings in different ways.
The way this storyline played out with so many strong characters involved was just awesome and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. It’s definitely a book to read again and again.
It’s a spicy why choose dark horromance and it’s a good job because how the hell could you choose between Tommy and Remy? They both tugged at my heartstrings in different ways.
The way this storyline played out with so many strong characters involved was just awesome and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. It’s definitely a book to read again and again.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Shadowface was such a thrilling and immersive read. When arc sign ups for 1979 popped up, you bet your sweet fanny I dove right in 😉
1979 brings us to where it all started. What lead up to the events before and after THAT fire. Another point to mention is it's HIGHLY beneficial to reacquaint yourself with Shadowface before this one to really cement the link between characters. The amount of times I spent scratching my head like I had fleas was crazy 🤪
The character development was really well written. We bear witness to seeing how the darkness took over the main characters. The intensity of their relationships between one another and just how far that devotion takes them. There is a fair bit happening in the story but it flows brilliantly without confusion or unnecessary fillers.
If you're a Stephen King fan and consider Carrie one of your favs. You may find this read is right up your alley . There's some similar references such as the fanatical Christian mother and the outcast girl who gets picked on...
The 70's references deserve their own shout out. So what are you waiting for? Drop everything and take a trip back to 1979 and rock out with them bell bottoms and some greens man.
1979 brings us to where it all started. What lead up to the events before and after THAT fire. Another point to mention is it's HIGHLY beneficial to reacquaint yourself with Shadowface before this one to really cement the link between characters. The amount of times I spent scratching my head like I had fleas was crazy 🤪
The character development was really well written. We bear witness to seeing how the darkness took over the main characters. The intensity of their relationships between one another and just how far that devotion takes them. There is a fair bit happening in the story but it flows brilliantly without confusion or unnecessary fillers.
If you're a Stephen King fan and consider Carrie one of your favs. You may find this read is right up your alley . There's some similar references such as the fanatical Christian mother and the outcast girl who gets picked on...
The 70's references deserve their own shout out. So what are you waiting for? Drop everything and take a trip back to 1979 and rock out with them bell bottoms and some greens man.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️ 5/5
So this one goes back in time a bit and goes a little bit deeper into Shadowface. I loved the love triangle and watching Didi own her power.
I'm still torn between Remi and Tommy. They were polar opposites but exactly what Didi needed. And that ending 🫨
I wonder if my town has a secret society 🤔
So this one goes back in time a bit and goes a little bit deeper into Shadowface. I loved the love triangle and watching Didi own her power.
I'm still torn between Remi and Tommy. They were polar opposites but exactly what Didi needed. And that ending 🫨
I wonder if my town has a secret society 🤔
February 25, 2026
Shadowface is watching.
And this time, he’s not alone.
They say Shadowface is just a story—a ghost tale passed down through generations.
But stories don’t kill people. Unless they’re true.
A brutal murder rocks the town of Kinsmen, awakening the old legend. Then Didi appears like a bad omen, caught in the crosshairs of two best friends Tommy and Remy who are now turned rivals. Remy is dark and dangerous, Tommy is golden and delicious.
They both want something from her, and both of them are lying.
As the whispers grow louder, Didi’s dragged into a web of obsession, murder, and a past that refuses to stay buried.
The deeper she goes, the more she realizes the only way out might be to become the legend itself.
This is Why Choose Dark Horror Romance with extremely dark themes. Read at your own discretion.
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: Religious Trauma, Why Choose MFM, Virgin FMC, Masked Man, Cinnamon Roll MMC, Dark High School/College, Multiple POV, Secret Society, Praise & Degradation, Biting & Marking, Unhinged MMC, Religion Aspect, Manipulation, Captivity, Suspense, Fantasy, Magic, Paranormal, Monsters, Possessive MMC, Non-Trad HEA, Dark Romance, Mental Trauma, Graphic Violence, Tortured FMC, Horror, Cruel MMC, Tortured MMC, From Hate to Love, Enemies-to-Lovers, Slasher Legend, Small-Town, Secrets.
Shadowface is the 2nd book in the Shadowface Series by Rhea Ryan. This book is A Dark College Romance.
All right my lovely buttercups, you had best settle in, buckle up nice and tight and get ready for the ride that is Shadowface 1979. I personally loved this book and I found it to show what happens when this slasher legend, a small-town that’s full of secrets of it’s own that no-one wants coming to light, and this unhinged why-choose romance all collide together and rather then turning and running away from each other, decide nah lets all hold hands instead and lets just skip and dance through all this chaos we create together.
Shadowface 1979 emits this stunning yet erie and spooky campfire ‘ghost story’ energy. You know the kind of vibes I’m talking about, everyone’s around the campfire, someone tells a ghost story another says “Relax, it’s nothing more than just a silly story” … then suddenly you cut to Shadowface peeking from around huge tree like surprise, I’m really here!
We find that the town of Kinsmen is this claustrophobic, holy overly paranoid town that’s crawling with all these people who know so much more than they are really saying or even trying to let on. You know that you can’t trust ANYONE! Especially the one’s who appear friendly.
Didi: it seems like out lovely FMC can’t catch any kind of a break. She has pale white hair and skin, she’s the perfect representation of the term albinism. And as soon as the townsfolk see her, she gets the label of “monster” and I have say that this entire town needs therapy desperately. I found Didi to be this sweet, pure, and intelligent FMC who happened to have the unfortunate fortune to be dropped into the middle of this town that obsessed with religion, secret societies, and is full of horny danger boys. Rhea really did the work to develop this character through trauma and not only did she do it right she did it masterfully.
Tommy: he’s the golden boy, a star athlete, and he has protector vibes just oozing off of him. And yet despite all of this, under all of that charm, he has this shadow lurking it all.
Remy: he’s the darker, richer, and more unhinged of the 2 MMCs. He oozes black-cat energy personified. Under it all he is obsessed and possessive. And you just know that he’s going to ruin lives for Didi.
Talia: Oh, my Talia. The darkness and secrets this girl carries. I kept questioning why she wanted Didi so much and wondering if I should be scared. I finally came to the decision that yes, I should be very scared. I’m not going to say much more about Talia as discovering her full role in the story and who she really is if 90% of the fun and all of the “oh shit” moments are amazing.
When Tommy and Remy enter the story, the best friends take one look at Didi and they both simply lose their minds. And Didi having to choose between them? Thankfully she doesn’t have to as this is a Why-Choose. Thank you to the Romance Gods.
Now we move on to the Shadowface legend itself! That is Rhea’s masterpiece. I have come to realize that it’s not just a mask that is used, it’s an infection. It’s a presence, a full-on vibe. Rhea has created this idea that in order that survival might mean that you have become the monster you’ve tried to run from rather than continuing to run from it, and honestly, I found this idea to be a chef’s kiss and completely iconic. It’s feminine rage, and placing it slasher cult adjacent.
And then there’s the year 1979: that takes us back to where it all started before that fire. I have to say, if it’s been a while or you haven’t yet read Shadowface the first book in this series, read or re-read this book before you jump into this book. I made the mistake of not re-reading Shadowface before reading this book and I can honestly say that I spent a lot of time reading this book scratching my head trying to remember the events from the 1st book till things clicked in and I could recall the events. But it’s so worth it.
Rhea always does a stunning job with her character development and Shadowface 1979 is no different. I found the relationships are messy and obsessive and the darkness the surrounds this book just creeps in so perfectly smoothly that you don’t even notice at least not until you are fully invested in the book and whispering “no, no, no”.
Shadowface is violent, tense, and so very spicy, it’s a dark horromance that’s like this dream and it’s a good thing this is a Why Choose because there’s no way that you can possibly choose between Tommy and Remy.
If you are in love with morally gray characters, slasher legends, religious cult vibes, obsession, small-town secrets, why choose romance, and everything that laughs in the face of sanity then Shadowface 1979 is going to grab you by the throat and never let you go.
If you have already read Shadowface then I highly recommend this book. If you haven’t read Shadowface then I suggest you read Shadowface first before you jump into this book.
My favorite quotes from this book were:
‘“He’s not done…he’ll never be done until he beats Tommy.” I smile when I realize just how deep their competitiveness runs, and how much I’ll never get sick of it as long as their obsession is with me. My life depends on it.’
”You like that little lamb? You like me f*cking you while Tommy Watches?”
“Diana embodies both dark and light, a true mix of saint and sinner. Talia’s too forgone for celestial redemption.”
“They own me, and they know it, but I can make it hurt, too.”
“When you dance with death, you never know when death wants to play, so you must always be ready for it.”
“I’m not a snake; I am the reaper, lady. I was sent here from hell to torment you, and that’s all you need to know about me.”
“She doesn’t worship the devil yet…but she will.”
And this time, he’s not alone.
They say Shadowface is just a story—a ghost tale passed down through generations.
But stories don’t kill people. Unless they’re true.
A brutal murder rocks the town of Kinsmen, awakening the old legend. Then Didi appears like a bad omen, caught in the crosshairs of two best friends Tommy and Remy who are now turned rivals. Remy is dark and dangerous, Tommy is golden and delicious.
They both want something from her, and both of them are lying.
As the whispers grow louder, Didi’s dragged into a web of obsession, murder, and a past that refuses to stay buried.
The deeper she goes, the more she realizes the only way out might be to become the legend itself.
This is Why Choose Dark Horror Romance with extremely dark themes. Read at your own discretion.
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: Religious Trauma, Why Choose MFM, Virgin FMC, Masked Man, Cinnamon Roll MMC, Dark High School/College, Multiple POV, Secret Society, Praise & Degradation, Biting & Marking, Unhinged MMC, Religion Aspect, Manipulation, Captivity, Suspense, Fantasy, Magic, Paranormal, Monsters, Possessive MMC, Non-Trad HEA, Dark Romance, Mental Trauma, Graphic Violence, Tortured FMC, Horror, Cruel MMC, Tortured MMC, From Hate to Love, Enemies-to-Lovers, Slasher Legend, Small-Town, Secrets.
Shadowface is the 2nd book in the Shadowface Series by Rhea Ryan. This book is A Dark College Romance.
All right my lovely buttercups, you had best settle in, buckle up nice and tight and get ready for the ride that is Shadowface 1979. I personally loved this book and I found it to show what happens when this slasher legend, a small-town that’s full of secrets of it’s own that no-one wants coming to light, and this unhinged why-choose romance all collide together and rather then turning and running away from each other, decide nah lets all hold hands instead and lets just skip and dance through all this chaos we create together.
Shadowface 1979 emits this stunning yet erie and spooky campfire ‘ghost story’ energy. You know the kind of vibes I’m talking about, everyone’s around the campfire, someone tells a ghost story another says “Relax, it’s nothing more than just a silly story” … then suddenly you cut to Shadowface peeking from around huge tree like surprise, I’m really here!
We find that the town of Kinsmen is this claustrophobic, holy overly paranoid town that’s crawling with all these people who know so much more than they are really saying or even trying to let on. You know that you can’t trust ANYONE! Especially the one’s who appear friendly.
Didi: it seems like out lovely FMC can’t catch any kind of a break. She has pale white hair and skin, she’s the perfect representation of the term albinism. And as soon as the townsfolk see her, she gets the label of “monster” and I have say that this entire town needs therapy desperately. I found Didi to be this sweet, pure, and intelligent FMC who happened to have the unfortunate fortune to be dropped into the middle of this town that obsessed with religion, secret societies, and is full of horny danger boys. Rhea really did the work to develop this character through trauma and not only did she do it right she did it masterfully.
Tommy: he’s the golden boy, a star athlete, and he has protector vibes just oozing off of him. And yet despite all of this, under all of that charm, he has this shadow lurking it all.
Remy: he’s the darker, richer, and more unhinged of the 2 MMCs. He oozes black-cat energy personified. Under it all he is obsessed and possessive. And you just know that he’s going to ruin lives for Didi.
Talia: Oh, my Talia. The darkness and secrets this girl carries. I kept questioning why she wanted Didi so much and wondering if I should be scared. I finally came to the decision that yes, I should be very scared. I’m not going to say much more about Talia as discovering her full role in the story and who she really is if 90% of the fun and all of the “oh shit” moments are amazing.
When Tommy and Remy enter the story, the best friends take one look at Didi and they both simply lose their minds. And Didi having to choose between them? Thankfully she doesn’t have to as this is a Why-Choose. Thank you to the Romance Gods.
Now we move on to the Shadowface legend itself! That is Rhea’s masterpiece. I have come to realize that it’s not just a mask that is used, it’s an infection. It’s a presence, a full-on vibe. Rhea has created this idea that in order that survival might mean that you have become the monster you’ve tried to run from rather than continuing to run from it, and honestly, I found this idea to be a chef’s kiss and completely iconic. It’s feminine rage, and placing it slasher cult adjacent.
And then there’s the year 1979: that takes us back to where it all started before that fire. I have to say, if it’s been a while or you haven’t yet read Shadowface the first book in this series, read or re-read this book before you jump into this book. I made the mistake of not re-reading Shadowface before reading this book and I can honestly say that I spent a lot of time reading this book scratching my head trying to remember the events from the 1st book till things clicked in and I could recall the events. But it’s so worth it.
Rhea always does a stunning job with her character development and Shadowface 1979 is no different. I found the relationships are messy and obsessive and the darkness the surrounds this book just creeps in so perfectly smoothly that you don’t even notice at least not until you are fully invested in the book and whispering “no, no, no”.
Shadowface is violent, tense, and so very spicy, it’s a dark horromance that’s like this dream and it’s a good thing this is a Why Choose because there’s no way that you can possibly choose between Tommy and Remy.
If you are in love with morally gray characters, slasher legends, religious cult vibes, obsession, small-town secrets, why choose romance, and everything that laughs in the face of sanity then Shadowface 1979 is going to grab you by the throat and never let you go.
If you have already read Shadowface then I highly recommend this book. If you haven’t read Shadowface then I suggest you read Shadowface first before you jump into this book.
My favorite quotes from this book were:
‘“He’s not done…he’ll never be done until he beats Tommy.” I smile when I realize just how deep their competitiveness runs, and how much I’ll never get sick of it as long as their obsession is with me. My life depends on it.’
”You like that little lamb? You like me f*cking you while Tommy Watches?”
“Diana embodies both dark and light, a true mix of saint and sinner. Talia’s too forgone for celestial redemption.”
“They own me, and they know it, but I can make it hurt, too.”
“When you dance with death, you never know when death wants to play, so you must always be ready for it.”
“I’m not a snake; I am the reaper, lady. I was sent here from hell to torment you, and that’s all you need to know about me.”
“She doesn’t worship the devil yet…but she will.”
February 24, 2026
If you’ve read anything by Rhea Ryan you know she always keeps you on your toes. This book is no different you’re constantly trying to figure out what’s next but the difference between book 1 and this one is the emotional connections. I fell in love with Tommy almost immediately but Remy was so incredibly intriguing. Didi has had such a hard life both in her home and outside it and just feeling the way she is forced to live her life is heartbreaking.
Something I love most about this book was constantly questioning who to trust. You almost trust everyone and no one at the same time. Tommy and Remy especially. If I could sum this book up in a way someone who hasn’t read it would understand it would say “Midsommer meets dark horror romance”.
Something I love most about this book was constantly questioning who to trust. You almost trust everyone and no one at the same time. Tommy and Remy especially. If I could sum this book up in a way someone who hasn’t read it would understand it would say “Midsommer meets dark horror romance”.
February 23, 2026
Content Warnings; Check your triggers.
Tropes;
⛧🖤𝑴𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒊 𝑷𝑶𝑽𝒔
⛧🤎1970'𝒔 𝑺𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈
⛧🖤𝑾𝒉𝒚 𝑪𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒆 (𝑴𝑭𝑴)
⛧🤎𝑺𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝑳𝒆𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒅
⛧🖤𝑪𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒈𝒆 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆
⛧🤎𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒖𝒎𝒂
⛧🖤𝑽𝒊𝒓𝒈𝒊𝒏 𝑭𝑴𝑪
⛧🤎𝑴𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑴𝑴𝑪𝒔
⛧🖤𝑨𝒍𝒃𝒊𝒏𝒐 𝑹𝒆𝒑
⛧🤎𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝑴𝒆𝒏
⛧🖤𝑶𝒃𝒔𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 & 𝑴𝒖𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒓
⛧🤎𝑴𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒑𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏
⛧🖤𝑷𝒔𝒚𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝑻𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒓
⛧🤎𝑺𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝑻𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒔
⛧🖤𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 & 𝑳𝒆𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔
⛧🤎𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕 𝑺𝒐𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔
⛧🖤𝑪𝒖𝒍𝒕
⛧🤎𝑹𝒊𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒓𝒚 & 𝑭𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑𝒔
⛧🖤𝑵𝒐 𝑪𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒇-𝑯𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓
⛧🤎𝑯𝑭𝑵
Although this book can be read as a standalone, I recommended that it be read after "Shadowface" (the first book) as it will all make more sense.
Diana/Didi and her mother end up having to move to Kinsmen after getting evicted from their home. Their new place isn't perfect and is in fact, haunted and isolated from the town. They're poor and try to make ends meet just barely. However, she does her best with what they have and attends school, but gets bullied for her albinism. Her mother doesn't make it easier for her either, believing she's evil and should stay away from boys. What'll happen when the two most popular guys set their sights on her? And what is this suspicious darkness lurking in town?
Didi's is our FMC, constantly under her mother's scrutiny and nicknamed the "Devil's Child." Her family life and background is heartbreaking. The abuse she goes through by her mother because of her albinism is mindboggling and just evil! I want to have a word with her mother. She's innocent, bullied, and very lonely. Unfortunately, she gets embroiled in a cult, secret societies, and religious obsessions. But what makes her truly shine is when she lets herself grow into someone who is braver, albeit still vulnerable and fearful, but her reactions feel so genuine. You really do sympathise with her.
Tommy and Remy are our MMCs, and they're equally obsessive over Didi. Tommy is the protective type with a charming personality and a shadowy side he tends to keep a mystery (and a track star). Remy is more of the possessive and obsessive type who is rather unhinged. His personality is quite dark, broody, and twisted. They're opposites of each other, but suit Didi so well in different was. Exactly what she needs. Why does she need to choose when she can keep them both?
~🤎Tommy and I often share chicks. You can’t fall for one charm without falling for the other. He’s the pretty boy, I’m the grump. He’s the sunshine, I’m the brood.🤎~
I love how the music to clothing, etc, etc, of the 1970s, is referenced so well. It makes it so much easier to get lost in this universe! There are some paranormal/supernatural elements to the cult that enhance the story. The world building is brilliant and pulls the reader in really well, and the writing is easy to follow and doesn't drag. Also, the character growth is fascinating to witness from start to finish. You really each peel away that reveals something newer, darker, or even sad. To me, it's leaning towards a love triangle really - which I do not mind at all. In fact, I love this trope. Anyways!
~🤎They own me, and they know it, but I can make it hurt, too.🤎~
If you like a why choose romance that is riddled with obsession and danger, religious cults and secret societies, horror and murder, darkness and spice, trauma and unsettling scenes, tension and emotions, intense dynamics and angst, then this one is for you. ﾒ૦ﾒ૦💋
~Thank you to Rhea Ryan for the free Arc copy. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.~
Out of Fives;
⛧🖤𝑪𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓:✨✨✨✨✨
⛧🤎𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔:🖤🖤🖤🖤
⛧🖤𝑯𝒐𝒓𝒓𝒐𝒓:☠️☠️☠️☠️
⛧🤎𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒆:🔥🔥🔥
⛧🖤𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆:🌹🌹🌹🌹
⛧🤎𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒖𝒎𝒂:🫀🫀🫀🫀🫀
⛧🖤𝑽𝒊𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆:🔪🔪🔪🔪
⛧🤎𝑴𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒚:🔎🔎🔎🔎
⛧🖤𝑺𝒖𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆:⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️
⛧🤎𝑨𝒏𝒈𝒔𝒕:💔💔💔💔
⛧🖤𝑰𝒏𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚:⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
⛧🤎𝑪𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒚:⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡
⛧🖤𝑬𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔:🎲🎲🎲🎲🎲
⛧🤎𝑻𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒚 𝑴𝑴𝑪:💛💛💛💛💛
⛧🖤𝑫𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒂/𝑫𝒊𝒅𝒊 𝑭𝑴𝑪:🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍
⛧🤎𝑹𝒆𝒎𝒚 𝑴𝑴𝑪:🩶🩶🩶🩶🩶
⛧🖤𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆:📜📜📜📜📜
⛧🤎𝑷𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈:⌛⏳⌛⏳⌛
⛧🖤𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕:🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
⛧🤎𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝑩𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈:🌏🌎🌍🌏🌎
⛧🖤𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅: 𝒆𝑨𝑹𝑪/𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒆.
⛧🤎𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔: 𝑺𝒉𝒂𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒆, 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑻𝒘𝒐.
⛧🖤𝑷𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒔: 484.
⛧🤎𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔: 66.
⛧🖤𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒓𝒆: 𝑭𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆.
⛧🤎𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑷𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏: 24 𝑭𝒆𝒃𝒓𝒖𝒂𝒓𝒚 2026.
⛧🖤𝑾𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝑰 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅: 𝒀𝒆𝒔.
⛧🤎𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tropes;
⛧🖤𝑴𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒊 𝑷𝑶𝑽𝒔
⛧🤎1970'𝒔 𝑺𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈
⛧🖤𝑾𝒉𝒚 𝑪𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒆 (𝑴𝑭𝑴)
⛧🤎𝑺𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝑳𝒆𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒅
⛧🖤𝑪𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒈𝒆 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆
⛧🤎𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒖𝒎𝒂
⛧🖤𝑽𝒊𝒓𝒈𝒊𝒏 𝑭𝑴𝑪
⛧🤎𝑴𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑴𝑴𝑪𝒔
⛧🖤𝑨𝒍𝒃𝒊𝒏𝒐 𝑹𝒆𝒑
⛧🤎𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝑴𝒆𝒏
⛧🖤𝑶𝒃𝒔𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 & 𝑴𝒖𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒓
⛧🤎𝑴𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒑𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏
⛧🖤𝑷𝒔𝒚𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝑻𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒓
⛧🤎𝑺𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝑻𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒔
⛧🖤𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 & 𝑳𝒆𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔
⛧🤎𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕 𝑺𝒐𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔
⛧🖤𝑪𝒖𝒍𝒕
⛧🤎𝑹𝒊𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒓𝒚 & 𝑭𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑𝒔
⛧🖤𝑵𝒐 𝑪𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒇-𝑯𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓
⛧🤎𝑯𝑭𝑵
Although this book can be read as a standalone, I recommended that it be read after "Shadowface" (the first book) as it will all make more sense.
Diana/Didi and her mother end up having to move to Kinsmen after getting evicted from their home. Their new place isn't perfect and is in fact, haunted and isolated from the town. They're poor and try to make ends meet just barely. However, she does her best with what they have and attends school, but gets bullied for her albinism. Her mother doesn't make it easier for her either, believing she's evil and should stay away from boys. What'll happen when the two most popular guys set their sights on her? And what is this suspicious darkness lurking in town?
Didi's is our FMC, constantly under her mother's scrutiny and nicknamed the "Devil's Child." Her family life and background is heartbreaking. The abuse she goes through by her mother because of her albinism is mindboggling and just evil! I want to have a word with her mother. She's innocent, bullied, and very lonely. Unfortunately, she gets embroiled in a cult, secret societies, and religious obsessions. But what makes her truly shine is when she lets herself grow into someone who is braver, albeit still vulnerable and fearful, but her reactions feel so genuine. You really do sympathise with her.
Tommy and Remy are our MMCs, and they're equally obsessive over Didi. Tommy is the protective type with a charming personality and a shadowy side he tends to keep a mystery (and a track star). Remy is more of the possessive and obsessive type who is rather unhinged. His personality is quite dark, broody, and twisted. They're opposites of each other, but suit Didi so well in different was. Exactly what she needs. Why does she need to choose when she can keep them both?
~🤎Tommy and I often share chicks. You can’t fall for one charm without falling for the other. He’s the pretty boy, I’m the grump. He’s the sunshine, I’m the brood.🤎~
I love how the music to clothing, etc, etc, of the 1970s, is referenced so well. It makes it so much easier to get lost in this universe! There are some paranormal/supernatural elements to the cult that enhance the story. The world building is brilliant and pulls the reader in really well, and the writing is easy to follow and doesn't drag. Also, the character growth is fascinating to witness from start to finish. You really each peel away that reveals something newer, darker, or even sad. To me, it's leaning towards a love triangle really - which I do not mind at all. In fact, I love this trope. Anyways!
~🤎They own me, and they know it, but I can make it hurt, too.🤎~
If you like a why choose romance that is riddled with obsession and danger, religious cults and secret societies, horror and murder, darkness and spice, trauma and unsettling scenes, tension and emotions, intense dynamics and angst, then this one is for you. ﾒ૦ﾒ૦💋
~Thank you to Rhea Ryan for the free Arc copy. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.~
Out of Fives;
⛧🖤𝑪𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓:✨✨✨✨✨
⛧🤎𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔:🖤🖤🖤🖤
⛧🖤𝑯𝒐𝒓𝒓𝒐𝒓:☠️☠️☠️☠️
⛧🤎𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒆:🔥🔥🔥
⛧🖤𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆:🌹🌹🌹🌹
⛧🤎𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒖𝒎𝒂:🫀🫀🫀🫀🫀
⛧🖤𝑽𝒊𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆:🔪🔪🔪🔪
⛧🤎𝑴𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒚:🔎🔎🔎🔎
⛧🖤𝑺𝒖𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆:⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️
⛧🤎𝑨𝒏𝒈𝒔𝒕:💔💔💔💔
⛧🖤𝑰𝒏𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚:⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
⛧🤎𝑪𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒚:⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡
⛧🖤𝑬𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔:🎲🎲🎲🎲🎲
⛧🤎𝑻𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒚 𝑴𝑴𝑪:💛💛💛💛💛
⛧🖤𝑫𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒂/𝑫𝒊𝒅𝒊 𝑭𝑴𝑪:🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍
⛧🤎𝑹𝒆𝒎𝒚 𝑴𝑴𝑪:🩶🩶🩶🩶🩶
⛧🖤𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆:📜📜📜📜📜
⛧🤎𝑷𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈:⌛⏳⌛⏳⌛
⛧🖤𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕:🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
⛧🤎𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝑩𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈:🌏🌎🌍🌏🌎
⛧🖤𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅: 𝒆𝑨𝑹𝑪/𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒆.
⛧🤎𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔: 𝑺𝒉𝒂𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒆, 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑻𝒘𝒐.
⛧🖤𝑷𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒔: 484.
⛧🤎𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔: 66.
⛧🖤𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒓𝒆: 𝑭𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆.
⛧🤎𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑷𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏: 24 𝑭𝒆𝒃𝒓𝒖𝒂𝒓𝒚 2026.
⛧🖤𝑾𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝑰 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅: 𝒀𝒆𝒔.
⛧🤎𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
March 1, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 𝓻𝓪𝓽𝓮
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ - 𝓼𝓹𝓲𝓬𝓮
🔥🔥🔥🔥 - 𝓹𝓵𝓸𝓽
🩸🩸 - 𝓰𝓸𝓻𝓮
🖤 𝓶𝓪𝓲𝓷 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓻𝓪𝓬𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓼🖤
Diana, Tommy, & Remington
🖤 𝓽𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓼🖤
📕graphic violence
📕religious trauma
📕abuse of minors
📕sexual assault
📕drug use
🖤 𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀🖤
Let me just start by saying that if you haven't read Shadowface yet, I would definitely recommend you read that first. Our fmc has a Carrie-like feel to her resemblance without the telepathic powers. The feeling of being discarded by appearance alone was empowering as she overcame the judgment. I was captivated by this story from the start and the setting in 1979 to get more lore about Shadowface was the icing on the cake. Definitely one that everyone should add to the top of their TBR lists.
*spoilers*
Before I start, lemme just say that Part One had me gripping the arm of my chair by the end. The story begins in 1979 where Tommy and a few others are inside an auditorium and plan to burn the place down. But right when he's supposed to light the flame, he sees a ghost of a woman in white. A ghost from his past. Diana.
We go back to the beginning when Diana and her mother move into a home notorious for a murder crime. Her mother is a waste of a human being who is extremely religious and that doesn't make Diana’s life any easier. See, she's technically albino so her hair, eyebrows, and lashes are all white with her eyes being a red hue. And in a religious town that sees differences caused by the devil, it's made clear quickly that she's not wanted in town.
But she soon becomes friends with Tommy when they have an unexpected introduction underneath the bleachers during lunch one day. He notices she's hungry and makes a deal with her that if she helps him in math, he'll continue to share his lunches. At the same time, she also meets Remy while sitting in the library who gives her his devout attention. Both of these guys start to uncover feelings about her that causes tension to build between each other.
Especially because they're part of the Codex which is a group of elites. Ones that forces them to perform a sacrifice as part of the welcoming ritual. The same ritual that Remy’s sister, Tahlia, partook in when she killed her own boyfriend. The whole town is aware and after a horrendous night where her mother tried to have her assaulted and cleansed by the church, Diana now knows the boys’ secret. With Tahlia returning, Diana devises a plan to make herself disappear.
Now in Part Two, that's where the chaos begins because Tahlia is back. After making herself known after months of having them believe she was dead, Didi makes herself known to the guys that she is still around. But Tahlia was told she was dead. But now that she knows she still breathes, she will stop at nothing to make it known that she belongs to her.
This book will have you feeling every single emotion. From the Carrie White-like female main character who develops the confidence she never had. To the men that promised to never let her down. Tahlia is a nice inclusion to their throuple because of how unhinged and unpredictable she is. The spice after the initial build-up was worth the wait. This book will have you in a chokehokd by the end.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ - 𝓼𝓹𝓲𝓬𝓮
🔥🔥🔥🔥 - 𝓹𝓵𝓸𝓽
🩸🩸 - 𝓰𝓸𝓻𝓮
🖤 𝓶𝓪𝓲𝓷 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓻𝓪𝓬𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓼🖤
Diana, Tommy, & Remington
🖤 𝓽𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓼🖤
📕graphic violence
📕religious trauma
📕abuse of minors
📕sexual assault
📕drug use
🖤 𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀🖤
Let me just start by saying that if you haven't read Shadowface yet, I would definitely recommend you read that first. Our fmc has a Carrie-like feel to her resemblance without the telepathic powers. The feeling of being discarded by appearance alone was empowering as she overcame the judgment. I was captivated by this story from the start and the setting in 1979 to get more lore about Shadowface was the icing on the cake. Definitely one that everyone should add to the top of their TBR lists.
*spoilers*
Before I start, lemme just say that Part One had me gripping the arm of my chair by the end. The story begins in 1979 where Tommy and a few others are inside an auditorium and plan to burn the place down. But right when he's supposed to light the flame, he sees a ghost of a woman in white. A ghost from his past. Diana.
We go back to the beginning when Diana and her mother move into a home notorious for a murder crime. Her mother is a waste of a human being who is extremely religious and that doesn't make Diana’s life any easier. See, she's technically albino so her hair, eyebrows, and lashes are all white with her eyes being a red hue. And in a religious town that sees differences caused by the devil, it's made clear quickly that she's not wanted in town.
But she soon becomes friends with Tommy when they have an unexpected introduction underneath the bleachers during lunch one day. He notices she's hungry and makes a deal with her that if she helps him in math, he'll continue to share his lunches. At the same time, she also meets Remy while sitting in the library who gives her his devout attention. Both of these guys start to uncover feelings about her that causes tension to build between each other.
Especially because they're part of the Codex which is a group of elites. Ones that forces them to perform a sacrifice as part of the welcoming ritual. The same ritual that Remy’s sister, Tahlia, partook in when she killed her own boyfriend. The whole town is aware and after a horrendous night where her mother tried to have her assaulted and cleansed by the church, Diana now knows the boys’ secret. With Tahlia returning, Diana devises a plan to make herself disappear.
Now in Part Two, that's where the chaos begins because Tahlia is back. After making herself known after months of having them believe she was dead, Didi makes herself known to the guys that she is still around. But Tahlia was told she was dead. But now that she knows she still breathes, she will stop at nothing to make it known that she belongs to her.
This book will have you feeling every single emotion. From the Carrie White-like female main character who develops the confidence she never had. To the men that promised to never let her down. Tahlia is a nice inclusion to their throuple because of how unhinged and unpredictable she is. The spice after the initial build-up was worth the wait. This book will have you in a chokehokd by the end.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Alright, buckle up because Shadow Face: 1979 is what happens when a slasher legend, a small town full of secrets, and a deeply unhinged why-choose romance all decide to hold hands and skip into chaos together.
This book oozes spooky campfire energy. You know the vibe: “Relax, it’s just a story…” cut to Shadowface peeking around the corner like surprise, bitch. The town of Kinsmen is claustrophobic, paranoid, and absolutely crawling with people who know WAY more than they’re saying. Trust no one. Especially not the friendly ones.
Let’s talk about Didi, our FMC, who cannot catch a single break. White hair, pale skin, albinism, and immediately labeled a “monster” by a town that desperately needs therapy. She’s sweet, pure, and dropped straight into a nest of religious obsession, secret societies, and horny danger boys. Truly, the universe said character development through trauma.
Enter Tommy and Remy best friends who take one look at Didi and collectively lose their minds.
Tommy: golden boy, star athlete, protector vibes, but still has a shadow lurking under that charm.
Remy: darker, richer, more unhinged, black-cat energy incarnate. Obsessed. Possessive. Will absolutely ruin lives for his girl.
Choosing between them? Absolutely not. Hence: why choose. Thank you, romance gods.
And then there’s Talia. Oh, Talia. The darkness. The secrets. The why does she want Didi and should I be scared? (Yes. Very.) I’m saying nothing more because discovering her role is half the fun and 90% of the “oh shit” moments.
The Shadowface legend itself? Chef’s kiss. It’s not just a mask it’s an infection. A presence. A vibe. The idea that survival might mean becoming the monster instead of running from it is honestly iconic. Feminine rage, but make it slasher cult adjacent.
Also: 1979 takes us right back to where it all began before that fire. And listen, do yourself a favour and reacquaint yourself with Shadowface before diving in. I spent an unreasonable amount of time scratching my head like I had fleas, but once it clicks? So worth it.
The character development is intense, the relationships are messy and obsessive, and the darkness creeps in so smoothly you don’t even notice until you’re fully invested and whispering “oh no” at 2am.
It’s violent. It’s tense. It’s spicy. It’s a dark horromance fever dream and a good thing too, because how the hell are you meant to choose between Tommy and Remy?
(You don’t. Obviously.)
If you love morally gray characters, slasher legends, religious cult vibes, obsession, small-town secrets, and a why-choose romance that laughs in the face of sanity Shadow Face: 1979 will grab you by the throat and not let go.
P.S. My heart, soul, and common sense belong to Remy. No notes. 🖤
This book oozes spooky campfire energy. You know the vibe: “Relax, it’s just a story…” cut to Shadowface peeking around the corner like surprise, bitch. The town of Kinsmen is claustrophobic, paranoid, and absolutely crawling with people who know WAY more than they’re saying. Trust no one. Especially not the friendly ones.
Let’s talk about Didi, our FMC, who cannot catch a single break. White hair, pale skin, albinism, and immediately labeled a “monster” by a town that desperately needs therapy. She’s sweet, pure, and dropped straight into a nest of religious obsession, secret societies, and horny danger boys. Truly, the universe said character development through trauma.
Enter Tommy and Remy best friends who take one look at Didi and collectively lose their minds.
Tommy: golden boy, star athlete, protector vibes, but still has a shadow lurking under that charm.
Remy: darker, richer, more unhinged, black-cat energy incarnate. Obsessed. Possessive. Will absolutely ruin lives for his girl.
Choosing between them? Absolutely not. Hence: why choose. Thank you, romance gods.
And then there’s Talia. Oh, Talia. The darkness. The secrets. The why does she want Didi and should I be scared? (Yes. Very.) I’m saying nothing more because discovering her role is half the fun and 90% of the “oh shit” moments.
The Shadowface legend itself? Chef’s kiss. It’s not just a mask it’s an infection. A presence. A vibe. The idea that survival might mean becoming the monster instead of running from it is honestly iconic. Feminine rage, but make it slasher cult adjacent.
Also: 1979 takes us right back to where it all began before that fire. And listen, do yourself a favour and reacquaint yourself with Shadowface before diving in. I spent an unreasonable amount of time scratching my head like I had fleas, but once it clicks? So worth it.
The character development is intense, the relationships are messy and obsessive, and the darkness creeps in so smoothly you don’t even notice until you’re fully invested and whispering “oh no” at 2am.
It’s violent. It’s tense. It’s spicy. It’s a dark horromance fever dream and a good thing too, because how the hell are you meant to choose between Tommy and Remy?
(You don’t. Obviously.)
If you love morally gray characters, slasher legends, religious cult vibes, obsession, small-town secrets, and a why-choose romance that laughs in the face of sanity Shadow Face: 1979 will grab you by the throat and not let go.
P.S. My heart, soul, and common sense belong to Remy. No notes. 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much to Rhea Ryan for the ARC <3
After reading the first book in the Shadowface series with Lincoln and Summer, and realising that the new book was going to be set back in time, in 1979, I thought, well, this might be interesting, but will it bring anything new? The answer is YES! And it still has a LOT more to explore. It’s like Rhea Ryan has started with something that may seem small, like the Shadowface myth, but the books now transcend that! Shadowface is there, but it’s not something central, the characters Diana, Tommy, and Remy are the ones that have my heart!
Diana’s suffering and transformation in this book are amazing. Her plot revolves around religious fundamentalism a lot, and since the Shadowface myth takes place in a small town, Diana suffers a lot. She’s born with odd eyes and white face and shunned from their town, Diana struggles to even eat. She lives in a terrible place, and her mother is constantly being derogatory towards her.
Still, Diana goes to school, focus on surviving and gets the attention of Tommy, a golden boy whose parents are rich, and Remy, dark and broody. Tommy sees Diana and helps her, while Remmy falls first. Tommy is sunshine, he’s innocent and just wants to play music, and there’s little darkness in him. While Remy accepts that he’ll one day be in the family business, but he loves Diana too much to allow anything to happen to her. He teaches her how to protect herself even from him.
Diana battles the darkness inside her, while Remy has accepted it, and Tommy doesn’t even realise that one day he’ll also have to be someone evil. The three of them get caught in a web of violence and lust, fighting their own urges while allowing their vicious desires to roam free.
“Shadowface 1979” is in a way more intense than the previous book, but it’s also lighter in a way. There’s always an aura of disaster in the air, like the town cannot be peaceful for once, but it also allows their characters to feel love and break free of cycles. Diana suffers, but she’s strong and embraces her darkness sometimes, Tommy is the light to her darkness, and Remy understands her, Talia is her friend as long as she needs her, and even some people. In town are good to her. So while some scenes are a kick in the stomach, “Shadowface 1979” handles a lot of complex emotions beautifully. In some ways, I believe it’s even better than the first one (and the first one was great), but this one felt more mature in what Shadowface means for Kinsmen and its people.
After reading the first book in the Shadowface series with Lincoln and Summer, and realising that the new book was going to be set back in time, in 1979, I thought, well, this might be interesting, but will it bring anything new? The answer is YES! And it still has a LOT more to explore. It’s like Rhea Ryan has started with something that may seem small, like the Shadowface myth, but the books now transcend that! Shadowface is there, but it’s not something central, the characters Diana, Tommy, and Remy are the ones that have my heart!
Diana’s suffering and transformation in this book are amazing. Her plot revolves around religious fundamentalism a lot, and since the Shadowface myth takes place in a small town, Diana suffers a lot. She’s born with odd eyes and white face and shunned from their town, Diana struggles to even eat. She lives in a terrible place, and her mother is constantly being derogatory towards her.
Still, Diana goes to school, focus on surviving and gets the attention of Tommy, a golden boy whose parents are rich, and Remy, dark and broody. Tommy sees Diana and helps her, while Remmy falls first. Tommy is sunshine, he’s innocent and just wants to play music, and there’s little darkness in him. While Remy accepts that he’ll one day be in the family business, but he loves Diana too much to allow anything to happen to her. He teaches her how to protect herself even from him.
Diana battles the darkness inside her, while Remy has accepted it, and Tommy doesn’t even realise that one day he’ll also have to be someone evil. The three of them get caught in a web of violence and lust, fighting their own urges while allowing their vicious desires to roam free.
“Shadowface 1979” is in a way more intense than the previous book, but it’s also lighter in a way. There’s always an aura of disaster in the air, like the town cannot be peaceful for once, but it also allows their characters to feel love and break free of cycles. Diana suffers, but she’s strong and embraces her darkness sometimes, Tommy is the light to her darkness, and Remy understands her, Talia is her friend as long as she needs her, and even some people. In town are good to her. So while some scenes are a kick in the stomach, “Shadowface 1979” handles a lot of complex emotions beautifully. In some ways, I believe it’s even better than the first one (and the first one was great), but this one felt more mature in what Shadowface means for Kinsmen and its people.
April 1, 2026
True Rating: 3.75 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
The concept was actually really interesting. I love dark romance, dark fantasy, anything with cult elements or darker themes, so this should have been right up my alley. And to be fair, there were many parts of it that I did enjoy.
The beginning is a little slow, but I didn’t completely mind that because there’s a lot of detail being set up. I can appreciate when an author takes time to build the world and atmosphere, especially with something that’s supposed to feel eerie and heavy like this.
That being said, I don’t think it fully hit the mark for me. It wasn’t bad AT ALL, just missing something. There were moments where I wanted more explanation or a deeper dive into certain aspects, and I’m not sure if that’s because I didn’t read a previous book or if it just wasn’t fully explored here. The beginning is a little slow, but I didn’t completely mind that because there’s a lot of detail being set up. I can appreciate when an author takes time to build the world and atmosphere, especially with something that’s supposed to feel eerie and heavy like this. The religious and cult elements were very present, which made sense for the story. If anything, I wish some of those parts had been expanded on more because that’s where the book really had potential to stand out.
Character-wise, I really liked Remy. He was probably the highlight for me. I had a harder time connecting with Tommy, and some of the dynamics didn’t fully land the way I wanted them to. There are also a few other characters that felt like they had more depth that we didn’t fully get to explore, which I would have loved. Although, i did enjoy Bax. Cool stoner dude haha.
The book is set in an older time period, and I could tell the author was trying to capture that vibe. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t fully come through. There were also a few small errors that pulled me out of the story a bit.
Overall, it was a solid read with a strong concept and some really good elements, it just didn’t fully deliver in the way I was hoping. Still worth checking out if you like darker, cult-driven romances.
This is an ARC review that is completely voluntary written.
The concept was actually really interesting. I love dark romance, dark fantasy, anything with cult elements or darker themes, so this should have been right up my alley. And to be fair, there were many parts of it that I did enjoy.
The beginning is a little slow, but I didn’t completely mind that because there’s a lot of detail being set up. I can appreciate when an author takes time to build the world and atmosphere, especially with something that’s supposed to feel eerie and heavy like this.
That being said, I don’t think it fully hit the mark for me. It wasn’t bad AT ALL, just missing something. There were moments where I wanted more explanation or a deeper dive into certain aspects, and I’m not sure if that’s because I didn’t read a previous book or if it just wasn’t fully explored here. The beginning is a little slow, but I didn’t completely mind that because there’s a lot of detail being set up. I can appreciate when an author takes time to build the world and atmosphere, especially with something that’s supposed to feel eerie and heavy like this. The religious and cult elements were very present, which made sense for the story. If anything, I wish some of those parts had been expanded on more because that’s where the book really had potential to stand out.
Character-wise, I really liked Remy. He was probably the highlight for me. I had a harder time connecting with Tommy, and some of the dynamics didn’t fully land the way I wanted them to. There are also a few other characters that felt like they had more depth that we didn’t fully get to explore, which I would have loved. Although, i did enjoy Bax. Cool stoner dude haha.
The book is set in an older time period, and I could tell the author was trying to capture that vibe. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t fully come through. There were also a few small errors that pulled me out of the story a bit.
Overall, it was a solid read with a strong concept and some really good elements, it just didn’t fully deliver in the way I was hoping. Still worth checking out if you like darker, cult-driven romances.
This is an ARC review that is completely voluntary written.
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 ⭐️ (but emotionally? 10 ⭐️)
Shadowface 1979 by Rhea Ryan is everything I loved about Shadowface, and somehow darker, richer, and even more unsettling.
This prequel takes us back to Kinsmen at the beginning of the legend. A brutal murder shakes the town and the whispers of Shadowface grow louder. The atmosphere is immersive and haunting. Small town paranoia, religious extremism, buried secrets, and the constant sense that something is watching create a setting that feels heavy in the best possible way.
Diana is such a compelling heroine. In the beginning, you cannot help but sympathize with her. She is isolated, bullied, uprooted, and trying to survive in a town that feels wrong from the start. Watching her transformation is where this book truly shines. She grows into someone powerful, dangerous, and unforgettable.
Tommy and Remy are complete opposites. One represents light and protection, while the other carries the weight of secrets and darkness. Their relationships with Diana are layered and complex. Nothing about their dynamic feels simple or safe, and that tension keeps you fully invested.
The cult undertones and subtle paranormal elements elevate the story beyond romance. The 1970s setting adds depth and gives the entire book a cinematic, horror-inspired feel. It is eerie, obsessive, and deeply atmospheric.
Reading this after Shadowface makes everything hit harder. Knowing where these characters eventually end up adds weight to every decision and interaction. While this can absolutely be read as a standalone, it adds incredible depth for readers already familiar with the world.
I am so incredibly grateful to Rhea for allowing me to be part of her team and for sending me an ARC of this unforgettable story. It is such an honor to support her work, and she truly outdid herself with this one.
Perfect for readers who love Why Choose romance, dark academia, cult vibes, small town secrets, and morally grey love interests.
Rhea Ryan absolutely does it again.
Shadowface 1979 by Rhea Ryan is everything I loved about Shadowface, and somehow darker, richer, and even more unsettling.
This prequel takes us back to Kinsmen at the beginning of the legend. A brutal murder shakes the town and the whispers of Shadowface grow louder. The atmosphere is immersive and haunting. Small town paranoia, religious extremism, buried secrets, and the constant sense that something is watching create a setting that feels heavy in the best possible way.
Diana is such a compelling heroine. In the beginning, you cannot help but sympathize with her. She is isolated, bullied, uprooted, and trying to survive in a town that feels wrong from the start. Watching her transformation is where this book truly shines. She grows into someone powerful, dangerous, and unforgettable.
Tommy and Remy are complete opposites. One represents light and protection, while the other carries the weight of secrets and darkness. Their relationships with Diana are layered and complex. Nothing about their dynamic feels simple or safe, and that tension keeps you fully invested.
The cult undertones and subtle paranormal elements elevate the story beyond romance. The 1970s setting adds depth and gives the entire book a cinematic, horror-inspired feel. It is eerie, obsessive, and deeply atmospheric.
Reading this after Shadowface makes everything hit harder. Knowing where these characters eventually end up adds weight to every decision and interaction. While this can absolutely be read as a standalone, it adds incredible depth for readers already familiar with the world.
I am so incredibly grateful to Rhea for allowing me to be part of her team and for sending me an ARC of this unforgettable story. It is such an honor to support her work, and she truly outdid herself with this one.
Perfect for readers who love Why Choose romance, dark academia, cult vibes, small town secrets, and morally grey love interests.
Rhea Ryan absolutely does it again.
February 12, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book had me hooked from page one. Dark small-town vibes, a chilling urban legend, and a messy, intense romance that hurts so good.
Diana is such a lovable, real-feeling main character who totally carries the emotional side of the story. She’s not perfect or fearless, but that’s exactly why she works — she gets scared, confused, and overwhelmed by all the dark secrets around her, yet she still keeps pushing for the truth. Her reactions feel genuine, which makes the creepy, dangerous stuff hit even harder, and her messy, emotional chemistry with both Tommy and Remy adds so much tension and drama. You can see why she’s torn, you feel everything with her, and by the end she doesn’t just feel like a character — she feels like someone you’re rooting for like a friend.
Tommy is that sweet, charming “good guy” who makes you feel safe and warm… until you realize there’s way more going on under the surface. I loved that mix. He’s protective and caring but still mysterious enough to make you side-eye him (in a good way). Every time he showed up I was like, “Yay, golden boy!” but also, “Okay sir… what are you hiding?”
Then there’s Remy — total opposite energy and I ate it up. Dark, intense, and broody, with the kind of devotion that feels a little unhinged but completely addictive to read. He’s the character who makes you gasp and then flip the page faster because you need to see what he does next.
Together, Tommy and Remy are sunshine vs. storm clouds, and the tension between them is everything. The rivalry, the emotions, the secrets — it all feels huge, and they’re way more than just love interests in the middle of all the creepy town drama.
The tension — romantic and murderous — never lets up, and the atmosphere is so vivid it feels like the town itself is watching. Twisted, emotional, and completely addictive… I stayed up way too late turning pages. If you love dark romance with horror edges and morally gray love interests, this one delivers big time. 🖤📖
This book had me hooked from page one. Dark small-town vibes, a chilling urban legend, and a messy, intense romance that hurts so good.
Diana is such a lovable, real-feeling main character who totally carries the emotional side of the story. She’s not perfect or fearless, but that’s exactly why she works — she gets scared, confused, and overwhelmed by all the dark secrets around her, yet she still keeps pushing for the truth. Her reactions feel genuine, which makes the creepy, dangerous stuff hit even harder, and her messy, emotional chemistry with both Tommy and Remy adds so much tension and drama. You can see why she’s torn, you feel everything with her, and by the end she doesn’t just feel like a character — she feels like someone you’re rooting for like a friend.
Tommy is that sweet, charming “good guy” who makes you feel safe and warm… until you realize there’s way more going on under the surface. I loved that mix. He’s protective and caring but still mysterious enough to make you side-eye him (in a good way). Every time he showed up I was like, “Yay, golden boy!” but also, “Okay sir… what are you hiding?”
Then there’s Remy — total opposite energy and I ate it up. Dark, intense, and broody, with the kind of devotion that feels a little unhinged but completely addictive to read. He’s the character who makes you gasp and then flip the page faster because you need to see what he does next.
Together, Tommy and Remy are sunshine vs. storm clouds, and the tension between them is everything. The rivalry, the emotions, the secrets — it all feels huge, and they’re way more than just love interests in the middle of all the creepy town drama.
The tension — romantic and murderous — never lets up, and the atmosphere is so vivid it feels like the town itself is watching. Twisted, emotional, and completely addictive… I stayed up way too late turning pages. If you love dark romance with horror edges and morally gray love interests, this one delivers big time. 🖤📖
Review of advance copy received from Author
Shadowface 1979 by Rhea Ryan
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Multi POV * Dark Romance * Horror * Religious Trauma * Cinnamon Roll MMC * Dark High School/College * Secret Society * Masked Men * Virgin FMC * Why Choose * MFM * Albino Rep * Unaliving * Gore * Blood Pacts * Paranormal * Cult * SA * Abusive Parent * Manipulation * Secrets * 484 pages
This is technically a standalone… but hear me out.
Last year, "Shadowface" the original story, made its debut and I was completely sucked into that story, the lore, the cult, the mystery of who is who. I went in blind and didn’t regret it for a second (though I highly recommend checking trigger warnings for both books). It was brilliant.
Now to this story. While it can absolutely be read as a standalone, it’s actually a fully fleshed-out prequel set two generations before the events of last year’s book.
You could read this one on its own and have all the information you need. However, I strongly feel that reading the original first and then finishing with this one is the ultimate experience. You’re more aware of the cult elements, so there’s slightly less mystery, but still plenty of intrigue. What this book gives you is a deep, immersive look into the beginnings of the Order and the three generations that shape everything.
The characters are layered, flawed, and frustrating in the best way. There were moments I hated some of them… only to turn the page and be completely drawn back in. This is labeled as a why choose, but it also kind of isn’t. It walks this perfect line between love triangle and why choose. I hate love triangles, but whatever this mashup was? It worked. It was perfect.
Be prepared: this is dark horror romance that does not shy away from violence or on-page SA. It fully commits to the darkness.
*I received an arc copy from the author, I am providing my honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Multi POV * Dark Romance * Horror * Religious Trauma * Cinnamon Roll MMC * Dark High School/College * Secret Society * Masked Men * Virgin FMC * Why Choose * MFM * Albino Rep * Unaliving * Gore * Blood Pacts * Paranormal * Cult * SA * Abusive Parent * Manipulation * Secrets * 484 pages
This is technically a standalone… but hear me out.
Last year, "Shadowface" the original story, made its debut and I was completely sucked into that story, the lore, the cult, the mystery of who is who. I went in blind and didn’t regret it for a second (though I highly recommend checking trigger warnings for both books). It was brilliant.
Now to this story. While it can absolutely be read as a standalone, it’s actually a fully fleshed-out prequel set two generations before the events of last year’s book.
You could read this one on its own and have all the information you need. However, I strongly feel that reading the original first and then finishing with this one is the ultimate experience. You’re more aware of the cult elements, so there’s slightly less mystery, but still plenty of intrigue. What this book gives you is a deep, immersive look into the beginnings of the Order and the three generations that shape everything.
The characters are layered, flawed, and frustrating in the best way. There were moments I hated some of them… only to turn the page and be completely drawn back in. This is labeled as a why choose, but it also kind of isn’t. It walks this perfect line between love triangle and why choose. I hate love triangles, but whatever this mashup was? It worked. It was perfect.
Be prepared: this is dark horror romance that does not shy away from violence or on-page SA. It fully commits to the darkness.
*I received an arc copy from the author, I am providing my honest review.
January 23, 2026
ARC review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Shadow Face: 1979 is a dark, eerie blend of slasher legend, small-town paranoia, and obsession that feels like a campfire story come violently to life. From the start, the atmosphere is thick with dread—one of those tales where everyone swears it’s just a story…until bodies prove otherwise.
The legend of Shadowface is used brilliantly here. It’s not just a boogeyman lurking in the background; it’s a presence that seeps into every interaction, every lie, and every glance. The town of Kinsmen feels claustrophobic and suspicious, the kind of place where the past never really stays buried and everyone knows more than they’re willing to admit.
The love triangle adds a delicious layer of tension. Two best friends turned rivals—one dark and dangerous, one golden and tempting—both circling the narrator with their own secrets and agendas. Trust becomes a luxury, and the constant question of who’s lying and why keeps the suspense razor-sharp. The obsession runs deep, blurring the lines between protector, predator, and accomplice.
What really elevates this story is its willingness to lean into the idea that survival might require transformation. The notion that the only escape is to become the legend is haunting and empowering all at once. It’s not just about outrunning the monster—it’s about claiming the fear and turning it into armor.
If you love dark thrillers with slasher vibes, morally gray characters, small-town secrets, and a creeping sense that danger is watching from just out of sight, Shadow Face: 1979 is a chilling, addictive read that keeps its grip long after the final page. 🖤🔪
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Shadow Face: 1979 is a dark, eerie blend of slasher legend, small-town paranoia, and obsession that feels like a campfire story come violently to life. From the start, the atmosphere is thick with dread—one of those tales where everyone swears it’s just a story…until bodies prove otherwise.
The legend of Shadowface is used brilliantly here. It’s not just a boogeyman lurking in the background; it’s a presence that seeps into every interaction, every lie, and every glance. The town of Kinsmen feels claustrophobic and suspicious, the kind of place where the past never really stays buried and everyone knows more than they’re willing to admit.
The love triangle adds a delicious layer of tension. Two best friends turned rivals—one dark and dangerous, one golden and tempting—both circling the narrator with their own secrets and agendas. Trust becomes a luxury, and the constant question of who’s lying and why keeps the suspense razor-sharp. The obsession runs deep, blurring the lines between protector, predator, and accomplice.
What really elevates this story is its willingness to lean into the idea that survival might require transformation. The notion that the only escape is to become the legend is haunting and empowering all at once. It’s not just about outrunning the monster—it’s about claiming the fear and turning it into armor.
If you love dark thrillers with slasher vibes, morally gray characters, small-town secrets, and a creeping sense that danger is watching from just out of sight, Shadow Face: 1979 is a chilling, addictive read that keeps its grip long after the final page. 🖤🔪
February 2, 2026
“𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗹 𝘆𝗲𝘁… 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹.”
Shadowface 1979 is a dark why choose romance and an interconnected standalone in the Shadowface universe. This was my number 1 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 book of 2026 and Rhea did not disappoint! I am literally 𝗼𝗯𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱 with Didi, Remy, Tommy, and Talia. The levels of chemistry, devotion, darkness, and lust between these characters had me salivating throughout the entire book. The atmosphere is eerie, tense, and full of secrets that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very last page. The spice slowly creeps in and once it hits, it’s well worth the wait🥵 This story and these characters wrecked me in the best way possible and while I love them all, Remy and Talia surprised me the most. What I wouldn’t give to be Remy’s little lamb and Talia was just so intense and fascinating.
If you’re looking for a book: that’ll stick with you, has all the 70s vibes, religious cult like vibes, mysterious slasher legends, secrets galore, and an addicting why choose romance look no further. I also highly recommend checking out the playlist because 1. It slays and 2. for more of an immersive reading experience.
🩸Religious Trauma 🔪MFM (Why Choose) ⛓️Virgin FMC 💀Masked Man 🩸Cinnamon Roll MMC 🔪Dark HS/College ⛓️Multi-POV 💀Secret Society
“𝗛𝗲’𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗲… 𝗵𝗲’𝗹𝗹 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹 𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘀 𝗧𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘆. 𝗜 𝘀𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗜 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗿𝘂𝗻𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗜’𝗹𝗹 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗼𝗯𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗺𝗲. 𝗠𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘁.”
“𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁, 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗯? 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗺𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘆 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀?”
“𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁, 𝗮 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝘅 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿. 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮’𝘀 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.“
Shadowface 1979 is a dark why choose romance and an interconnected standalone in the Shadowface universe. This was my number 1 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 book of 2026 and Rhea did not disappoint! I am literally 𝗼𝗯𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱 with Didi, Remy, Tommy, and Talia. The levels of chemistry, devotion, darkness, and lust between these characters had me salivating throughout the entire book. The atmosphere is eerie, tense, and full of secrets that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very last page. The spice slowly creeps in and once it hits, it’s well worth the wait🥵 This story and these characters wrecked me in the best way possible and while I love them all, Remy and Talia surprised me the most. What I wouldn’t give to be Remy’s little lamb and Talia was just so intense and fascinating.
If you’re looking for a book: that’ll stick with you, has all the 70s vibes, religious cult like vibes, mysterious slasher legends, secrets galore, and an addicting why choose romance look no further. I also highly recommend checking out the playlist because 1. It slays and 2. for more of an immersive reading experience.
🩸Religious Trauma 🔪MFM (Why Choose) ⛓️Virgin FMC 💀Masked Man 🩸Cinnamon Roll MMC 🔪Dark HS/College ⛓️Multi-POV 💀Secret Society
“𝗛𝗲’𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗲… 𝗵𝗲’𝗹𝗹 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹 𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘀 𝗧𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘆. 𝗜 𝘀𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗜 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗿𝘂𝗻𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗜’𝗹𝗹 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗼𝗯𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗺𝗲. 𝗠𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘁.”
“𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁, 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗯? 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗺𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘆 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀?”
“𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁, 𝗮 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝘅 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿. 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮’𝘀 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.“
February 25, 2026
The way I couldn't stop reading this.... my entire day was cancelled to get through this story.
Diane was born a little different looking and because of this, she is treated differently. As with most things in the world, people fear what they don't understand and not knowing why she is the way she is, she's taught that there is an evil in her and everything she does is a sin. When she moves to a new town with her mother, living in an old run down house that a murder was committed in, people keep far from Diane. She's the weird girl, living in a haunted house, accused of being a witch. As she starts at her new school though, she meets Remy, the towns bad boy, and Tommy, the good boy, golden retriever. While both guys have an attraction to Diane, she tries really hard to fight it, since any interaction she has with a boy is a sin. But in this town, there is also a killer known as shadowface. And it can be anyone but since Diane showed up right on time like a bad omen, she is being suspected.
I loved this story. The darkness was perfect. It was intriguing. Diane goes through so much character development throughout the story and really shocks me. I loved the why choose aspect in this because it fit so well to the story, but also, I wouldn't be able to choose just one of them either. And the secret society/cult vibes was just spot on.
You won't be able to put this down. Definitely read this!!
Diane was born a little different looking and because of this, she is treated differently. As with most things in the world, people fear what they don't understand and not knowing why she is the way she is, she's taught that there is an evil in her and everything she does is a sin. When she moves to a new town with her mother, living in an old run down house that a murder was committed in, people keep far from Diane. She's the weird girl, living in a haunted house, accused of being a witch. As she starts at her new school though, she meets Remy, the towns bad boy, and Tommy, the good boy, golden retriever. While both guys have an attraction to Diane, she tries really hard to fight it, since any interaction she has with a boy is a sin. But in this town, there is also a killer known as shadowface. And it can be anyone but since Diane showed up right on time like a bad omen, she is being suspected.
I loved this story. The darkness was perfect. It was intriguing. Diane goes through so much character development throughout the story and really shocks me. I loved the why choose aspect in this because it fit so well to the story, but also, I wouldn't be able to choose just one of them either. And the secret society/cult vibes was just spot on.
You won't be able to put this down. Definitely read this!!
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