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From the Shadows: A Dark Possessive Romance

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Some monsters come back from the dead. Some women were always meant for the dark. Welcome to the murder.

She spent a year chasing me.
A former detective with a cold case network.
Enough evidence to bury me twice.

She thought she was hunting a monster.
She never stopped to wonder if the monster liked the chase.

I took her because she knew too much.
I kept her because her brother’s name was hidden in my past.

The deeper I dug, the worse it got.
The rabbit tattoo.
The same evil that marked us both.

She should be a liability.
A mistake I should have cut loose before it cost me.

Instead, she gets under every wall I ever built.
Under the parts of me I buried so deep I forgot they existed.

I've spent my life being the thing people survive.
Yet, she’s the first woman who makes destruction feel holy.
Makes ruin feel too close to worship.
Maybe I was always meant to be her dark heaven.

Little fox,
You built a cage for a monster.
You should have built it for two.
I've never let anything I wanted walk away.
I'm not about to start with you.

FROM THE SHADOWS is Dope and Sloane's standalone dark romance. A savage tale of forbidden obsession, kidnapping, revenge, and deadly consequences. Perfect for readers who crave a possessive unhinged antihero, captor and captive cat and mouse games, forced proximity, and a heroine who plays dirtier than the monster. No cheating, no third-act breakup, and includes an HEA. Check author's website for TW/CW.

*While not required, it is highly recommended to read In the Shadows, Back in the Shadows, and Behind the Shadows first.

548 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 10, 2026

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About the author

J.A. Owenby

43 books1,140 followers
Amazon and International bestselling author J.A. Owenby grew up in a small backwoods town in Arkansas, where she learned how to swear like a sailor and spot water moccasins skimming across the lake.
She finally ditched the south and headed to Oregon. The first winter there, she was literally blown away a few times by ninety-mile-an-hour winds and storms that rolled in off the ocean.

Eventually, she longed for quiet and headed up to snowier pastures. She now resides in Washington state with her hot nerdy husband and cat, Chloe (who frequently encourages her to drink). She spends her days coming up with ways to torture characters in a way that either makes you want to throw your book down a flight of stairs or sob hysterically into a pillow.

J.A. Owenby writes new adult and romantic thriller novels. Her books ooze with emotion, angst, and twists that will leave you breathless. Having battled her own demons, she’s not afraid to tackle the secrets women are forced to hide. After all, the road to love is paved in the dark.

Her friends describe her as delightfully twisted. She loves fan mail and wine. Please send her all the wine.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
371 reviews3 followers
June 8, 2026
Thank you so much to The Author Agency and the author for the eARC!

This is book 4 in the series, and it picks up right where book 3 left off. If you haven't read the first 3 books yet, stop now and start with book 1. You will need that information. We do get a short prologue of what happened to Dope at the end of book 3, then the story jumps ahead one year, and that's when things really take off.

Dope is now Ryker. In his eyes, Dope died that day and Ryker was born. Ryker is dangerous, morally gray, and mentally strong. During his recovery, he struggles with missing memories, and we do learn why. However, once Sloane crosses his path, he becomes completely obsessed with her and wants to protecting her.

Sloane is determined to find her missing brother and becomes fixated on Ryker after she sees that he has the same tattoo as her brother. She puts herself in his path to get closer to him, not realizing how connected their lives already were.

I loved this book. It's dark and heartbreaking, but it focuses on family. We learn more about our villains plans, but his story is over yet. Sloane and Ryker are just perfect for each other and they balance each other perfectly out.
Profile Image for Aubry.
264 reviews16 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 9, 2026
✨ARC REVIEW✨

There was some serious psychological tension that kept me completely interested from the very first page. This is a standalone story with interconnected characters from the previous 3 books.

The power dynamic between MCs was electric. High stakes emotional intensity, deeply buried secrets, and shared traumatic history were blended together well enough that this book was all consuming.

And then obviously we have our overarching mystery character—the Pied Piper. For readers like me who are tracking the broader series plot line, this book leaves you with a nerve wracking anticipation for the ultimate reckoning. I am intensely hoping that the Pied Piper is brutally punished in the upcoming conclusions to this dark universe.
Profile Image for OooLaLa Reads.
808 reviews47 followers
June 11, 2026
Total Chaos + One Sitting = 🚫 Regrets

OMG Besties... J.A. Owenby came out swinging with "From the Shadows" because that prologue?!?! Whew... had me holding my breath without even realizing it. 😳 From the beginning... the suspense, intensity, and sheer anxiety of Sloane and Ryker's cat & mouse game had me completely locked in.

Ryker is an absolute menace in the best possible way. Brutal, vicious, possessive, and wildly obsessed. 🤭 He delivers some of the filthiest dirty talk... And yes, if you've read it, you already know exactly which infamous meat scene I'm talking about. I will never look at a steak the same way again.

What really surprised me was how much heart this story carried beneath all the darkness. Sloane's heartbreaking past with her brother, Nate, made her strength even more admirable. She isn't just surviving... she's fighting back. And can we talk about the women in this series? Ella, Holland, Cami, and Sloane are absolute bada§§ baddies!

The violence is brutal, the twists are shocking, and that ending wrecked me emotionally. Add in Owenby's cinematic writing style, and I couldn't stop turning pages. If dark romance with sexy, obsessive walking 🚩, intense suspense, and unforgettable twists is your thing, put this on your TBR. SERIOUSLY!

My Ratings:  ⭐ 5/5  ▪︎  🥵 3.5/5

🥀 My ratings and review are my own. For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
Profile Image for Brit.Readz.
444 reviews10 followers
June 5, 2026
I received an advanced copy of this Directly from the author!

Jennifer does such an excellent job keeping you on your toes as a reader!

This is a standalone in the Shadows series so yes you can read it by itself and fully grip everything however I do recommend reading the entire series because well 1. You get to know characters and reasons and back stories as to why certain things happen or show up and 2. Well she’s that good of an author!!

Without giving too much away, Ryker and Sloane are meant for each other. The fight they go through to choose each other, keep each other and deal with the chaos is written so well! Be prepared for all the feelings here.. even some tears..

Thank you for the opportunity to early read this!!!
6,079 reviews
June 10, 2026
Ms. Owenby is a master!
A master of making me shirk every responsibility I possibly can!

An amazing Story-teller!
I was drawn into Dope and Sloane's story!
It held me tightly in it's grip for hours and hours!

The twists and turns.
You can't prepare yourself for them! WOW!

DARK! I mean really!
The intensity...out-of-this-world!

Ms. Owenby tells us this is a standalone. I agree.
BUT, seriously, read the Shadow Series from the beginning!
You'll be thankful you did!
Profile Image for Kristi.
1,391 reviews
June 10, 2026
I love a good psychological thriller. Add in fiercely protective morally grey men that are a tad unhinged and you’ve come to the right place. Have you ever read a series where every book has you thinking what did I just read?! Well this series does just that and a little bit more. Each couple’s journey draws you further down the rabbit hole playing with your emotions and your mind. Just when you think you know what’s going to happen next, the storyline takes a hard left leaving you completely mind blown and speechless. This was a highly entertaining, dark and twisted 5 star read that had my heart in my throat and me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.
Profile Image for Christie Wilcox.
885 reviews29 followers
June 11, 2026
From the Shadows by J.A Owenby
MMC: Dope
FMC: Sloane


ARC review:
I’ve been around since the beginning of this series. I’ve listened to all available audios and let’s just say Daddy Death had me hooked! I’m so glad to have stuck around for Kit and Dopes stories as well. There’s an underlying plot in the background so it is best to start from the very beginning. Otherwise, you’ll miss out.
FROM THE SHADOWS is Dope and Sloane's standalone dark romance. A savage tale of forbidden obsession, kidnapping, revenge, and deadly consequences.
Profile Image for Madison.
598 reviews17 followers
June 9, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ I went into this with no expectations but it got me hook line and sinker. It was dark and twisty as shit.

It was a wild ride and my emotions were all over the place. Sloane and Ryker were great.

I definitely should have read the previous books because the plot follows throughout so I was a little lost and confused on the side characters and the main sort of ‘villain’.

I wasn’t a huge fan of the writing style. But the storyline was so addicting.

Thank you to the author for the ARC.
Profile Image for Fallon Owens.
35 reviews2 followers
June 10, 2026
Ready to get lost and consumed in the Shadows again?! JA Owenby does it again and again and I am here for it and devouring every single page!! JA Owenby’s writing style is superb!
You do not want to miss this one!! If you are a woman like Sloane and are meant for the dark; then this book will rip you to shreds in the best way! The wild ride this book puts you through will devour you and the worst and best ways!
Ryker and Sloane are end game! The fight, chaos, trauma, and twists they go through together and anchor each other will have you obsessed! These two mirror each other and the resilience both characters have feed off each other perfectly! I love how Ryker always rises above! And Sloane helps him do that! Sloane is one of those FMC that is badass and reminds you of a warrior! Ryker and Sloane may officially be my two favorites characters!
When I tell you this book is a wild ride; I absolutely mean it; be prepared to have your heart strings pulled, be on the edge of your seat, be gasping, be in awe, your nerves all over the place, your heart drop to your stomach, and mind blown.
This can be read as a standalone; but I highly recommend you read from book 1; and trust me you will get “Lost in the Shadows” and beg for more! All the things you want in a book are in this! 🖤
-Thriller
-Mystery
-Dark Romance
-Touch Her and ☠️ Vibes
-Masked Men
-Captor X Captive
-Possessiveness
-Trauma
-Morally Grey/Pitchblack Antihero
-Serial Killer
-Monster
-Primal Play
-Unhinged MMC
-Badass FMC
-Who Hurt You
-Plus more….
This book is an absolute masterpiece and I cannot wait to see where else it goes!! This book will have you some sort of way! I love being in a chokehold to this series and I love being lost in the shadows and darkness!
P.S. You’ll never look at steak the same way again…you’ve been warned! 🥩 😜
2,343 reviews94 followers
June 13, 2026
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I wrote this review for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner.
This is the fourth dark romance book in the Shadows series. It is a complete standalone; however, if you haven’t read the previous books, you are missing out on some excellent stories. In this book, Ryker (aka Dope), the male lead, is obsessively possessive, and Sloane, the female lead, knows how to fight dirtier than most. Be prepared for some, okay quite a lot, of triggers as the author warns at the beginning.

Ryker is one strong, determined man, I am not sure I could go through everything he had and still even slightly function, let alone come out fitter and ready to tackle anything. His determination is the key to his ability to get back on his feet and his morally grey character allows him to make decisions others might not.

Sloane is determined, just like Ryker, and after every time she gets knocked down, she comes back up swinging. Her strength is almost of legendary status. She is very loyal, again like Ryker, and not afraid to get her hands dirty.

Both lead characters feel their chemistry from the get-go and as Ryker shows his dominance in their intimate scenes, we get to see him on another level. After Ryker pulls Sloane into his world, they discover how their worlds interconnect.

There is so much happening in this book that you literally can’t stop reading. I love how loose ends from previous books are tied up in this story, so satisfying. Some extremely difficult issues are explored well throughout the book. The intensity of the story is at times a bit scary, at other times quite scintillating with premises of what’s to come.

I love how unpredictable the story is and the ending is sensational. Bring on the next book.
Profile Image for Brandi-Lynn Weiser.
2,322 reviews76 followers
June 13, 2026
Holy shit! Seriously wtf?!! This book had me from prologue to end, & the bonus chapters have left me on the edge of my seat anticipating what’s to come! I know the next book is going to be a wild ride!
I was holding my breath while reading the prologue & what Dope went through. But then seeing him recover & come back as Ryker made me love him more than I did before. Ryker is darker, deadlier, & there’s an edge to him that I couldn’t get enough of. Him & Sloane were perfect together. They had such chemistry & both shared so much loss & hurt, & pasts that neither really moved on from. I was so happy for them when they realized the Pied Piper did not win.
This book was wild & the hits just kept on coming. I was totally caught off guard & wasn’t expecting what the Pied Piper required from Ryker in the end. And everything surrounding that whole revelation blew my mind & I’m anxious to see what comes of it.
I’m really looking forward to Cami & Ryan’s book. These two have an undeniable connection & I’m so curious to find out what the hell happened between them. And I can’t even begin to imagine what the Pied Piper has in store for everyone next. All I know is I hope that his ending comes soon & it’s everything he deserves. He’s taken so much from this group. But regardless of what they go through, they stick together & always come through stronger & stand by each other. I love the family dynamic they have. And seeing Ella, Cami, & Holland come to Sloane’s rescue with those 3 guys was hot as shit! They totally kicked ass!
My fingers are also crossed for Nate’s story! He’s been through literal hell, & I need to know more about him.
Profile Image for Nicole Falcon.
133 reviews6 followers
June 10, 2026
"Smart girl. She wasn’t just beautiful. Sloane was calculating and dangerous. That was the problem. It was why I liked her."

Dope is beaten down to nothing and comes back a monster that seems to have been hidden underneath it all for some time. Sloane is in the wrong place at the right time and saves Dope from being gone completely. What seemed to be a life changing coincidence turns out to be so much more than either has bargained for!

This book left me speechless so many times. I absolutely love this book. For me, the underlying plot that runs in this interconnected series is so addicting. Every character has stolen my heart in so many ways but I have always had a soft spot for Dope. This MMC is going to have to BEGGING to be chased through the woods. He has become more than the stoner hacker that I had already come to love. Sloane is such a strong, determined FMC. She is observant in ways that are a little unnerving but she is willing to do whatever it takes to protect who she loves. If you are looking for a pitch black romance with a masked man who struggles with memory issues and a FMC who is an ex-detective with secrets.. GRAB THIS PAGE TURNER!

Pitch-black Romance, Masked man, Wounded Hero/Heroine, Primal play, Captor/Captive, 1st person POV, Dual
Profile Image for Chai_Tea_Reads  .
36 reviews
June 10, 2026
From the Shadows is a dark, gripping romance that leans fully into obsession, danger, and morally gray characters. Sloane is a former detective determined to find her brother, but her search pulls her into something far more twisted than she expected—and straight into the orbit of Dope/Ryker, a deeply unhinged, morally black MMC tied to the past she’s been chasing. From the start, this story has a heavy, unsettling tension that makes it hard to put down. The dynamic between Sloane and Ryker is intense and unpredictable, built on control, fixation, and a constant push and pull that keeps you off balance. It’s the kind of relationship that doesn’t form in a traditional way—it consumes. What really stood out was how dark and layered everything felt. There’s a strong sense of danger throughout, and the romance develops in a way that feels more like collision than connection, in the best possible way for this genre. The multiple POVs also added depth, giving more insight into both characters and the choices driving them, which made the story even more immersive. Overall, this is a dark, addictive read that doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable themes or morally complicated characters. Definitely one for readers who like their romance intense, messy, and a little bit dangerous.

Here’s what you can expect:
-captor x captive dynamic
-touch her and die
-morally gray/pitch black anti-hero
-serial unaliver
-unhinged mmc
-dark forbidden romance
-kidnapping
-primal play
-who hurt you?
Profile Image for Zany.Rin.Reads.
153 reviews
June 10, 2026
Where do I being? Honestly, my thoughts are all over the place. It has been a minute since a Romantic Suspense book had it's hooks into me while keeping me on my toes and damn if From The Shadows do just that.

Right from the jump of chapter one J.A. Owenby captivated my attention and held it through the whole book. I will say I'm usually pretty good at figuring out "who done it" by the half way point of a story but nope not with this book. I was questioning every theory I had and was throughly engaged. I felt like I was part on the team trying to figure out who was between all the chaos that unfolded in From the Shadows.

The tropes were what caught my attention to an author I've never read before and I am extremely happy that thus book caught my eye. If you love dark, unhinged MMCs that may or may not have some questionable habits and you enjoy the adrenaline kick that rises when you feel a twist is about to drop and it leaves you absolutely gobsmacked. Then you definitely need to consider reading this book.

This was my first Owenby book and I'm obsessed. I felt all the feels. The spice was spicing and the hunt for answers had me thinking I was a professional Clue master and I will happily place money on it that you will too.

* Important Note ... this is 4 book of a stand-alone series. You can read it without reading the others but if you truly want to embrace the entire experience, then read them all. I know I will definitely be hitting up more of Owenby's books
153 reviews2 followers
June 10, 2026
Dark Dark Romance

Book: From the Shadows
Author: J.A. Owenby
Pages: 523
Series: Yes [The Shadows Series] Book 4
Rating: 5/5
Spice: 2/5

🌟 dark romance
🌟 psychological manipulation
🌟 stalking & kidnapping
🌟 so much trauma
🌟 Captor / Captive
🌟 Possessive Anti-hero
🌟 Touch Her and Die, Morally Gray boyfriend
🌟 Pitch Black Antihero
🌟 Monster x Girl
🌟 Forced Proximity
🌟 He Falls First

This is book 4 in the Shadow Series and wowza this did NOT disappoint!! This is Ryker/Dope & Sloane’s story and what an emotional roller coaster it was.

We get to see the whole crew from the previous books and learn more about the Pied Piper.

Dope gets too close to some information and pays for it. Sloane has been on a mission to find her brother who has been missing for the past 3 years when their paths colloid.

This book had so many “omg” moments. The emotional roller coaster was intense.

“Remember this moment,” he said into my hair. “Burn it into your memory.”
Profile Image for Savannah&#x1f4da;&#x1faf6;&#x1f3fb;.
6 reviews1 follower
June 10, 2026
WOW 😭❤️

This book was one I COULD NOT put down!!! It gave me all the emotions. Prepare yourself for the twists and turns of this amazing and chilling story about Ryker, formally aka “Dope”, and Sloane who eventually work together to uncover truths from the past.

I truthfully cannot wait until the next book comes out! J.A. Owenby sure knows how to get her readers with hook, link and sinker!!!

Since I’ve started this series, The Pied Piper has been haunting me 😂 (jokingly) I cannot wait for more 😈

5⭐️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🔥Captor / Captive
🔥Possessive Anti-hero
🔥Touch Her and Die, Morally Gray boyfriend
🔥Pitch Black Antihero
🔥Monster x Girl
🔥Serial Killer
🔥Unhinged MMC
🔥Dark Forbidden Romance
🔥Kidnapping (adult)
🔥Abduction
🔥Revenge & Ruin
🔥Primal Play
🔥Forced Proximity
🔥He Falls First
🔥Who Hurt You
🔥Dark romance
🔥Angsty romance
🔥Emotional romance
Profile Image for S..
84 reviews6 followers
June 12, 2026
J.A. Owenby completely outdid it with From the Shadows, a relentless, dark psychological romance that grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go. This high-stakes story pairs Sloane, the sharp witted former detective, with Ryker "Dope," a dangerously obsessed, masked MMC in an intense, high voltage game of survival. Packed with shocking plot shifts and incredible tension, the pacing is so addictive it will have you ignoring real life just to see how it ends.

The raw, undeniable chemistry between the complex leads is brilliant, balancing heavy, boundary pushing elements with a deeply moving emotional core. Sloane’s fierce resilience perfectly matches Ryker's chaotic, protective nature, making every interaction feel high stakes and memorable. It's an unforgettable, high intensity masterpiece that delivers an absolute emotional wrecking ball of a finale so clear your schedule and add this to your list immediately!

Always check the triggers
Profile Image for Inge Mosch.
574 reviews12 followers
June 10, 2026
Oh my, I loved the first books in this series and I was so excited to start this one, and it definitely didn’t disappoint! Just like with the previous books, I can’t really tell you much about what happens because it would spoil the plot, but I can say that this story is filled with emotional tension from beginning to end. Sloane and Ryker are truly meant for each other!

The darkness, the chaos, the unhinged moments, the secrets, and the mystery all came together perfectly and kept me completely invested. There was never a dull moment, and I couldn’t wait to see how everything would unfold. It had everything I was hoping for and more, making it another great addition to the series.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.7k reviews262 followers
June 10, 2026
This is the fourth book in this phenomenal series, and this is Ryker / Dope and Sloane’s story,
Sloane is a former detective of a cold case network, while Dope is a possessive and unhinged, and he kidnaps Sloane as she know too much, and a game of cat and mouse begins, while she breaks though every wall he has built.
This is a well written action packed, emotional roller coaster, with tension, kidnapping, forced proximity, secrets, suspense, intrigue, mystery, obsession, captor / captive, touch her and die vibes, vengeance, deadly consequences, morally gray, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, tragic, twisted, thrilling, and unpredictable, dark psychological romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Summer.
438 reviews30 followers
June 10, 2026
~Arc Review~
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶

~From The Shadows~The Shadows Series Book 4~J.A. Owenby~

"Numb kept me alive. Numb also made me dangerous in a way I couldn’t measure. If something ever cut through it again, I’d either kill it… or keep it."

♡This series just keeps giving & I'm so here for it! I also adore how we get to see all of our Mc's from previous books as they each play a part in the entire story. Jennifer kept me at the edge of my seat biting my nails right up until the very end & I'm going to need the next book in this series like ASAP!

Ryker(Dope) & Sloanes story was a psychological mind game that brought me to tears. The love these two share for one another & the chaos they go through to fight for eachother made me want to hop in the book & just hug them. I'm leaving this review spoiler free but prepare to buckle up for a wild ride!♡

~As Always Happy Reading~

~Thank you Jennifer & The Author Agency for this Arc in exchange for an honest review~
Profile Image for Erika.
300 reviews31 followers
June 12, 2026
This series is so freaking good. I've been lucky to ARC read every release (besides the prequel) and the way this story gets so complex and the author handles it beautifully. There is so much happening in the background of these stories that I may need to invest a war room like Sloane. Ryker aka Dope is such a cool character. The fact that this entire thing happened to him over the entire course of his life and he was still standing? Damn. Sloane is a beautiful character and I love that the other girls welcome her into the fold so quickly and fiercely, cause like in their lives? Support is necessary. Absolutely recommend but you kinda should read the entire series because of the background plot that is there. Also please check the triggers on this one!
Profile Image for k's.bookshelf..
299 reviews7 followers
June 10, 2026
I'm here for Dope!

Dope finally got his own story and I'm here for the ride! His character takes on a whole new level of growth and his leading lady, Sloane is the perfect fit.

Both have traumatic pasts. Both have secrets, hurt and pain. Both have finally found the family that loves them unconditionally.

Oh and the best part, Both love to get a little extra spicy in the bedroom!

Check the triggers warnings / trope list beforehand!

While it can be read as a standalone, I highly HIGHLY recommend reading the three previous books so you can experience the story as it should be.
3 reviews
June 11, 2026
✨ARC Review✨

This is book 4 in the series and it is Dope now Ryker and Sloan book. It picks up right after book 3! It is recommended to read the 3 prior books!
This was a 5 star read for me! Dope is now Ryker and he is dark and dangerous! Sloan the FMC is going through struggles and trying to find out what happened to her brother. This takes you through ride of emotions and heartbreak! The steamy scenes were hot! You also learn a lot from the villain through out the series of the books on his plans but there is still more to come! With ending leaving you feeling with a win! Can’t wait until the next book!
221 reviews2 followers
June 11, 2026
This series just keeps getting better.
Ryker (Dope) always held a special place in my heart and I couldn't be more happy with his book.

Ryker and Sloan were each other's saviors. They were exactly what each other needed and pulled each other from hell and back.

Ryker and Sloan's story was gripping. Once you pick this book up, you won't be able to put it down. From love to crying to anger to revenge this book had it all.
It's one hell of an emotional rollercoaster ride that you will love till the very end.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
216 reviews37 followers
June 12, 2026
So I know it says this can be read as a standalone but for full appreciation I think you should read the first 3! Even though this is about a different couple Ryker was in the previous 3 and the background mystery/thriller aspect is a continuing storyline that has me hooked and anxious for each new book! Not to mention the romance/relationships of each couple and the found family of course. This one picked up right after the last one. This series is dark, twisted and oh so addictive!

Thank you to the author and The Author Agency for the eARC of this book.
Profile Image for Azhaunay.
9 reviews
June 10, 2026

This story was beautifully written and the emotions were so high throughout it. This story had me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next . I loved the dynamic between the characters.

Thanks for letting me read it early
Profile Image for Rhonda McGuire.
61 reviews3 followers
June 13, 2026
From the Shadows book 4 in the Shadows series by J.A. Owenby has completely wrecked me, in the best way.

I have loved this series from the beginning. Always counting down the days until the next book is released. Each one has been a 5 star read for me.
However From the Shadows would get a 6 star rating from me if I could. It was just everything. I crave the darkness, the trauma and it didn’t disappoint me at all. It makes me feel not so alone.

The way Owenby pens a story is phenomenal. Her characters having you laughing, swooning, sweating, or sobbing. Always turning the next page needing to know what happens next and the spicy scenes were definitely all the chili peppers!

I had such a connection to Dope/Ryker. I heavily felt each of his emotions right along side him. Then I felt my own emotions on top of that. I was pulled so deep into this story, right from the beginning. At one point my heart hurt so incredibly bad I had to stop for a minute to collect myself and try to dry my eyes.

Sloane’s and her trauma also had me in all of my feelings. My heart ached for her. Knowing all she had been through. I just wanted to hug her and tell her she was doing her best! I have lots of love for her and her determination!

One of my favorite elements in this series is the friendship that Ryker and the group share. Their bond is so strong and engraved in each of their souls. They are beyond friends and a true found family. Their connections are deeper than blood. To have a friendship, a brotherhood, a sisterhood like that is one of the greatest gifts. I love seeing their interactions, dinners, having each other’s backs.

Oh and I definitely have a new character at the top of my I just absolutely hate with my entire being list. I didn’t like him before and now after this, the anger he has me feeling, he jumped straight to most hated character ever.

I love how each of the main characters from the previous books keep showing up. They are more than just background characters but they still let the spotlight shine on the main H and h of the story.

Ryker has joined my list of book boyfriends!
Sloane is on my I wish we could be friend in real life list!

I am so excited for the next book in the series.
Profile Image for autwenreads.
593 reviews23 followers
June 13, 2026
My first time reading from this author, and it was an okay read. I was invested from the start until about 70%, but after that it became repetitive and I slowly lost interest.

The storyline was good and kept me curious at first, but the second half didn't hold my attention the same way. I also didn't really connect with Sloane and Ryker, they were just okay for me, and I wasn't fully invested in them.

Overall, a decent read with a good concept, but it lost its momentum toward the end.

Thank you The Author Agency and J.A. Owenby for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Cara.
568 reviews7 followers
June 11, 2026
From the Shadows, the fourth instalment in J.A. Owenby’s Shadows series, is an intense, addictive read that delivers everything fans of this author have come to expect from the series. From the very first pages, Jennifer pulls readers straight into the story. The prologue is gripping and sets the tone, and then you're immediately immersed in a dark and twisted tale full of suspense and intrigue.

As the story unfolds, we are reintroduced to Dope, though it quickly becomes clear that he is no longer the same person. Who emerges instead is Ryker. This is a transformation that is shaped by trauma, pain, and survival. The evolution is both compelling and heartbreaking, adding emotional depth to a narrative that is already complex.

Sloane’s introduction adds another layer of intrigue. She is initially cloaked in mystery, carrying secrets of her own, and her journey, particularly her investigation into a cold case, intertwines seamlessly with Ryker’s past. Their first interactions are captivating, filled with tension and a unique “cat-and-mouse” dynamic that heightens both the suspense and the chemistry between them.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its intricate plot. Jennifer masterfully weaves together multiple storylines, creating an elaborate web of connections that keeps readers guessing. Just when you think you have a handle on the story, another twist unravels everything you thought you knew. The pacing is steady yet relentless, with each revelation peeling back a new layer of mystery.

The suspense is palpable throughout the whole story, it feels like a tightly stretched elastic band ready to snap. The stakes continue to rise as Sloane begins to uncover truths she was never meant to see, forcing Ryker into impossible decisions. Their connected past, albeit small, once revealed, shifts the entire narrative, opening the door to even more shocking discoveries.

Emotionally, the story hits just as hard as its twists. Shared trauma between characters adds weight and authenticity to their relationships. Meanwhile, Ryker’s past is revealed in a way that is both jaw-dropping and tragic, making him one of the most compelling characters in the series.

The presence of the chilling and manipulative Pied Piper raises the tension even further. His influence is far-reaching and devastating, leaving lasting consequences for everyone involved and ensuring that the story never feels predictable or safe. My shock has been audible with the twists and turns that keep on coming.

Jennifer’s writing style is another standout of the book (and the series as a whole), and enhances the reading experience. With its sharp, purposeful prose that draws readers in and refuses to let go. Every chapter builds momentum, creating a sense of urgency that makes it nearly impossible to put the book down.

By the end, From the Shadows leaves you breathless and full of emotion. While it provides powerful moments of resolution, it also leaves enough unanswered questions to keep you eager for what comes next. Because there has to be something that comes next!

Overall, this is a gripping, twist-filled thriller with rich characters, emotional depth, and a brilliantly layered plot. A standout read in the series so far and easily one of the best read of the year for me.
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