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Protecting the family was my primary objective. Then she wrote to me and protecting her is my only purpose.

She’s worth waiting for. And I’ve done that long before her soft words on lavender-scented paper made the nights easier to survive. She was my obsession before I had even caught her attention.

Before I had ever touched her.

Her letters started as a distraction. A reminder that outside these bars, concrete walls and bloody promises for revenge, there is still something soft enough to touch without destroying it.
Now, I’m out and she’s better than I could have imagined.

Beautiful. Intelligent. Cunning.
Way too good to drift closer to the family I’ve spent years trying to protect her from.

She is already in danger and it’s my fault—even when I swore to myself that I’d stay away to maintain her safety.

The second she takes on a new client, she unknowingly ties herself to the woman responsible for my imprisonment. I warn her in the only way I know how.

I slip into her office. Into her house. Into every corner of her life she keeps pretending hasn’t been tainted by my family.

She says I’m crossing lines.
The problem is, I know exactly how far I’m willing to go for her.

I should let her go before she gets buried with the rest of us.
Instead, I claim her piece by piece, pushing her to the edge of her restraint until she stops pretending she doesn’t crave the darkness staring back at her.

The deeper I dig into the secrets threatening my family, the more I realize she isn’t collateral damage.
She’s the center of it all.

The woman I thought I was protecting? She might be the key to the family’s future.

She wants to walk on the dark side. She wants the family to accept her.

But I wasn’t patient for all these years just to lose everything I’ve worked towards.

So tell me, Stephanie.

Are you my redemption… or my undoing?

291 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 25, 2026

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About the author

Zea Kayleigh Galan

11 books99 followers
Zea is a passionate storyteller who brings romance to life with heartfelt emotion and unforgettable characters. A lifelong lover of love stories, she weaves her background in anthropology into crafting tales where swoon-worthy heroes fall hard for their strong, relatable heroines.

Living in the picturesque mountains of Colorado with her husband, daughter, and a spoiled, posh cat, Zea draws inspiration from her surroundings to create warm, vibrant settings readers want to escape to. When she’s not writing, she’s indulging in her other loves: cooking, hiking, designing clothes, or curling up with a romance novel and a plate of sweets.

Zea is dedicated to connecting with her readers and invites you to join her on this journey of love, laughter, and happily ever afters.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for Emmy Wong.
555 reviews22 followers
June 20, 2026
this book was so beautiful and had me crying through the epilogue. I am a sucker for any kind of love letter even if it’s the kind between a secret criminal real estate agent and an imprisoned killer. Redd or (Joel) is a man obsessed because the way this man stalks her takes the idea of stalker romance to a whole new level. This man gets out of jail and the first thing he does is go find his believed Lav (aka Stephanie) and much to his dismay finds out she actually has a boyfriend (but don’t worry, he takes care of it).
There are so many insane plot twists in this story that had me in tears sobbing my eyes out and their story was a thrilling ride from start to finish.
I love how Stephanie goes from trying to deny her need for Redd, to embracing and loving his craziness no matter what because that’s love right there. And Redd, well his obsession knows no bounds and this man literally hacked into her earphones to make her come because her boyfriend couldn’t, now that is a real man. This book is emotional, unhinged, and just pure perfection. I give this a 5/5
Profile Image for Lisa.
671 reviews187 followers
July 1, 2026
“I’ll be your best friend as long as I get to be your lover too. When I said I was your person, I meant it. You can volunteer the information, or I’ll find it.”

Written in Red has a cat and mouse energy to it that pulls you in. Everyone assumes that the cat is merely a ruthless predator but doesn’t know that for them loyalty is key and they reserve their affection for a select few. (Demisexual representation). Everyone also assumes that the mouse is unaware of the danger until it sneaks up on them. However my get Lav can feel his presence and encourages the chase. Trust, she knows how to maneuver to get the cheese while looking innocent.

I really appreciated seeing the development of Redd and Lav’s relationship via letters. Their connection was built over time and deeper topics. Which ultimately supported the intense attraction Redd felt for Lav as a demisexual.

There are something’s I would have like to see more fleshed out, like why did Clark do what he did? What does Colton have to do with anything? Why can’t Blue be looped into Racquelle’s plans if they are in a professional and personal relationship?
Profile Image for Amanda.
753 reviews11 followers
June 28, 2026
Redd + Lav

Written in Red follows the story of Joel (Redd) and Stephanie (Lav). Stephanie has been writing letters to Redd while he was in jail. Redd gets out of jail and the first person he wants to see is Lav but what he didn't know was she was taken (don't worry not for long).

I loved being able to see their letters to one another and I also loved the dynamic of the characters. Stephanie wasn't all good and Joel wasn't all bad. There were layers to them and honestly, I really enjoyed the progression of their relationship and the other elements of danger weaved into the story. The heart pounding ending had me flipping pages like a mad woman to get to the end.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
Profile Image for Carrington.
427 reviews
July 1, 2026
Thanks to Happily Booked PR for the arc! Loved! Perfect dark vibes & cool setting. Will read more from this author.
Profile Image for The Lit .
341 reviews32 followers
July 3, 2026
🚨 SPOILER ALERT: READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!
​I am giving Written in Red by Zea Kayleigh Galan a gripping 4-star review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
​This dark, high-intensity romance delivers an absolute whirlwind of obsession and danger, making for a deeply addictive read on a Kindle screen!
​ARC Disclosure: Thank you so much to the author for providing an early digital review copy! All thoughts and reflections shared here are entirely my own.
​The Review
​Written in Red is a beautifully twisted and intense dark romance that masterfully balances a thin line between lethal danger and absolute devotion. The narrative dives deep into the gritty underworld of a powerful crime family, structuring a romance where the stakes are life or death. The author does a fantastic job blending an atmospheric, suspenseful plot with heavy emotional tension that keeps the pacing fast and your heart racing. It is a wonderfully written, dark, and thrilling journey that showcases just how messy, dangerous, and magnificent a possessive love can be.
​The Good
​The sheer execution of the tropes in this book is fantastic! The story delivers a masterclass in tension, perfectly weaving together a deeply ingrained childhood crush with the gritty, high-stakes dangerous elements of a crime family. The contrast between the characters makes for an elite opposites attract dynamic, and the underlying history built through their time as pen pals adds a stunning layer of emotional depth to the pitch-black themes.
​The obsession in this book is top-tier. The hero completely radiates that unhinged, possessive energy that makes dark romance so compelling—delivering the absolute ultimate vibe of if I can't have you, nobody can.
​The Not So Good
​The only reason this is a 4-star and not a full 5-star review is that the intense stalker romance elements start off so fast and unyielding that the pacing can feel a little dizzying in the first half. A few of the early confrontation scenes could have used just a bit more room to breathe to let the psychological tension simmer even longer before boiling over.
Profile Image for Mona.
77 reviews4 followers
July 6, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4–4.5 stars)

One thing about me: I absolutely love discovering an author who can write across genres and still make me completely invested in every story.

After reading contemporary romance by this author, I was genuinely impressed by how seamlessly she stepped into dark romance while maintaining the same ability to create compelling characters and emotional connections.

Written in Red was dark, addictive, suspenseful, and impossible to put down.

The chemistry between the main characters was magnetic, but what truly kept me reading was the emotional tension underneath everything. The years of longing, devotion, sacrifice, and dangerous secrets created a relationship dynamic that constantly had me wanting to know what would happen next.

The MMC walks the line between protective and completely unhinged, which made for a fascinating character to follow. His devotion runs deep, even when his choices aren’t always the easiest to support. Meanwhile, the FMC brings her own strength and determination to the story, making their relationship feel balanced despite the darkness surrounding them.

I also loved the suspense elements woven throughout the romance. The crime family dynamics, revenge, loyalty, and impossible choices added so much tension and kept the story moving at a fast pace.

While it wasn’t quite a full 5-star read for me, it was an incredibly enjoyable 4–4.5 star experience that kept me engaged from beginning to end.

Most importantly, this book showed me just how versatile this author truly is. Going from contemporary romance to dark romance and excelling at both is no small feat, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next.

A huge thank you to the author and PR team for providing me with an ARC and allowing me to be part of this journey. It was such a pleasure experiencing this story before release.

✨ Tropes & Themes:
🖤 Dark Romance
🌹 Crime Family
🖤 Pen Pals
🌹 Childhood Crush
🖤 Stalker Romance
🌹 Opposites Attract
🖤 Unhinged MMC
🌹 Real Estate Baddie FMC
🖤 “If I Can’t Have You, No One Can”

📚 @monaafterdark ✨🖤
Profile Image for katiebbooks💌.
86 reviews5 followers
July 1, 2026
Firstly thank you so much to Zea for the arc! I had so much fun with this read. Dark Romance is a genre I love to read, but haven’t been reading much of lately. This definitely reminded me of why I love it so much.

The storyline follows Redd, Blues number two from into the Blue and Steph, Blues longtime best friend. We get dual POVS as they navigate their relationship now Redd is out of prison, after writing back and forth to each other while he was behind bars.

As we read the chapters we get a letter at the end of each one. This added a deeper emotional element to their relationship, and I liked the way they got to know each other in that way. Often in dark romance it can be spicy from the start, but I really liked the way this was a slower burn in that sense. I was hooked and flew through this book in no time.

I really enjoyed getting to see the characters from into the blue, and meeting the characters of this book. I adored Steph, she was everything I love in an FMC. Strong willed, ambitious, kind and knew her worth. I loved Redd, especially when we got to see his softer side, and he showed that under his hard exterior he is not what people expect. Some of his one liners had me laughing out loud, and I definitely gasped in shock a few times (in a good shocked).

The storyline was fast paced and had me on the edge of my seat for what would happen next. There was a good balance of the romance between Steph and Redd, and the continuing storyline with the DuPonts, the Layfettes, and their crime family.

I am already looking forward to the next book!
Would definitely recommend for my dark romance lovers. As always please check your trigger warnings!

Profile Image for JB Mojo.
23 reviews3 followers
July 1, 2026
I really enjoyed reading this book!

The plot was engaging, the spice was tasteful without feeling over the top, and the characters were very well developed. Stephanie, also called Lav by the MMC, was an FMC I found easy to connect with. I’ll be honest, I sometimes struggle with female POVs (especially when the FMC's decisions / internal dialogue is just frustrating or overly dramatic) but Stephanie was not like that at all. She was intelligent, relatable, and easy to root for.

Redd was such a great MMC. He was possessive, smart, protective, and just the right amount of unhinged, which I absolutely loved. His obsession with Stephanie gave the story that darker edge while still keeping their connection believable and addictive.

I also really enjoyed the dynamic between them. Their chemistry, tension, and emotional pull kept me invested from start to finish. The darker family ties, secrets, and danger surrounding them added a strong layer to the story and made it more than just a romance.

If you enjoy dark romance with a possessive MMC, a strong FMC, family drama, secrets, danger, and spice that enhances the story without taking it over, I definitely recommend picking this one up!

Thank you to Happily Booked PR for sending me an ARC, and a huge thank you to Zea Kayleigh Galan for trusting me with your book.

All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Robin Reads a Ton.
80 reviews
June 28, 2026
I really wanted to like this one because the premise had everything I usually enjoy. Unfortunately, it never quite came together for me.

Even at 34% in, the story still felt dry. Once we learned the two main characters had grown up together and had built a connection through letters, I expected the chemistry to finally click. Instead, there was still this emotional disconnect between them that made it hard for me to invest in the relationship.

The dynamics between the supporting characters didn't help either. The friends, family, and business associates all seemed to operate with very little trust in one another, but it never created the kind of tension or messy drama I think the story was aiming for. It just felt flat. There were also moments where certain operational decisions and character motivations didn't quite add up, which pulled me out of the story.

The concept itself had so much potential, and I kept waiting for the emotional investment and suspense to kick in, but it never fully got there for me. If you're looking for a possessive hero and a dark family romance, this may still work for you. It just wasn't able to create the chemistry or emotional pull I needed to stay fully engaged.

3.5 stars
Profile Image for whataurasreading.
49 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 23, 2026
This was so good! It started out a little slow paced for me but after a couple of chapters I could not put the book down! Lav is an intelligent girl boss working hard at becoming who she wants to be in the real estate world. Redd, a member of the Dupont crime family, is her childhood friend who gets sent to prison for avenging his brother's death. They write each other while Redd is locked up. It's a total shock to see Redd at her door when he gets released. That's really when their love story starts. Lav and Redd were clearly made for each other and I'm so glad Lav falls hard 🥰 Yes, Redd is unhinged and totally stalks her but it's okay it's because it's always been her, okay?!?!?! Redd is down baaaddd for Lav and he is not a man to show his feelings casually. He's protective and possessive. This story was steamy 🥵 their chemistry is busy setting their world aflame while they both come to grips with their involvement with the Dupont crime family. This book is for lovers of dark romance, pen pal, stalker and possessive MMC, black main characters, He falls first/harder, and a well deserved HEA.
Profile Image for  •Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥.
3,614 reviews156 followers
July 2, 2026
4.5 Stars!

I saw a post for this book and knew i must read it! I've been excited for more of this author's work. I headed right into the Shades of Vengeance world. I adored and really enjoyed this story!

Stephanie and Redd's journey drew me in instantly and I didn't want to turn away from these two! These two exchanged letters that were so meaningful to both of them. Now, Redd is on a mission to have Stephanie in his life. Can they be together?

Redd and Stephanie had me fully invested in their story from the start! I thoroughly enjoyed the pen pal aspect between these two. It made me so happy to see Stephanie and Redd be brought together after so much time. There was so much to uncover between these two and in their lives. I couldn't wait to see how they'd deal with everything, especially their feelings for each other.

The chemistry between Redd and Stephanie had such delicious intensity that I loved. They ignited so much within each other's hearts which showed all throughout. Stephanie was so strong and awesome! She couldn't ignore Redd. Redd had me going heart eyes! 😍 I adored the way this man couldn't get enough of Stephanie in his life. I felt so much with Stephanie and Redd!

I could picture things so clearly while reading and it got me even more hooked into the Shades of Vengeance world.

With Written in Red, Zea Kayleigh Galan has created such an addictive and dark pen pal romance that kept me turning the pages and feeling every bit! My new favorite from this author.❤️

I already want more of this world! I'll definitely pick up book one asap.

Check out the author's content warnings note.


*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Happily Booked PR / the author*
Profile Image for Elizabeth Roth.
206 reviews6 followers
July 1, 2026
Written in Red by Zea Kayleigh Galan is the 2nd book in the Shades of Vengeance series. On the surface it is a dark mafia romance. It had a great premise, but it never fully came together for me. The MC’s grew up together, in ‘the family’. While Redd (MMC) was in prison, they wrote letters to each other, so they had another layer of connection. It just didn’t translate into an emotional, relationship type of connection. Lav was shocked he was out, and even though she grew up in the life, she seemed naiive is some parts and overly confident and knowledgeable in others. There was a push and pull kind of energy throughout the book between them. There wasn’t really a connection between the side characters either. It was all kind of monotonous and flat so I couldn’t really get sucked into the story. I also had many questions that weren’t answered. Why did Clark do what he did? What is going on between Blue and Racquel? What does Colton have to do with anything? Overall, a good concept, and you might enjoy it if you’re looking for a dark mafia romance with a possessive MMC, it just wasn’t for me.
Profile Image for Tasha.
444 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy
June 24, 2026
Written in Red by Zea Kayleigh Galan is a dark, emotionally charged pen pal romance that leans heavily into obsession, secrecy, and the dangerous intimacy of words exchanged in the dark. As the second installment in the Shades of Vengeance series, it builds on the series’ overarching themes of control, revenge, and blurred moral lines, while shifting the focus into a more psychological, connection-driven story. At its core, this novel focuses on the story between the FMC Stephanie and the MMC Redd, two people forming a bond without fully knowing who the other is, or what they are capable of. One of the things that stood out to me about this novel is its atmosphere. The “written communication” structure makes everything feel more intimate and claustrophobic at the same time. Overall, Written in Red is a dark romance that prioritizes psychological tension, obsession, and emotional risk over a straightforward love story.

I received an ARC copy from Happily Booked PR. Thank you so much for giving me a chance to read and voluntarily review this novel!
Profile Image for Chaptersxchill.
125 reviews
June 25, 2026
Written in Red is the perfect read for anyone who loves dark romance with an obsessive, morally gray MMC and plenty of tension. The story delivers on its tropes: childhood crush, pen pals, opposites attract, and an unhinged hero who is completely devoted to the FMC.

I especially enjoyed the little details and micro tropes sprinkled throughout the book. Moments like him remembering her food order and the secret tattoo added an extra layer of sweetness to an otherwise dark and intense romance.

The chemistry between the characters was undeniable, and the moody atmosphere kept me invested from beginning to end. While some of the darker themes will not be for everyone, readers who enjoy possessive heroes and emotional intensity will likely have a great time with this one.

Written in Red was an entertaining and addictive read that combined romance, obsession, and tension in all the best ways. If you’re a fan of dark romance and do not mind a few red flags in your fictional men, this one is worth adding to your TBR.
Profile Image for Nicole Chasing Chapters.
20 reviews5 followers
July 1, 2026
Dark. Intense. Completely addictive.

The chemistry between the main characters is magnetic, but it's the emotional tension, unwavering devotion, and dangerous secrets that kept me turning the pages.

He'll do anything to protect her, even when that means keeping his distance. She unknowingly finds herself tangled in a world filled with revenge, family loyalty, and impossible choices. Watching their connection grow through years of longing, sacrifice, and undeniable attraction made this impossible to put down.

The suspense kept me on edge, the romance was full of angst and obsession, and every chapter left me wanting just one more. If you love protective antiheroes, morally gray characters, and romances where love and danger collide.

What to Expect:
Crime Family/Dark Romance
Stalker Romance
Pen Pals
Unhinged MMC
Real Estate Baddie
Childhood Crush
If I Can’t Have You, Nobody Can
Opposites Attract
Sorry, I’m Taken

If you're looking for a romance packed with danger, devotion, and unforgettable tension, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Profile Image for GetLitWithRae.
213 reviews2 followers
July 8, 2026
3.5⭐️

It took me a little while to get into this one. The beginning felt a bit slow, and I was honestly a little confused, almost like I’d been dropped into the middle of an ongoing story. That said, I also jumped in without reading Book 1, so that likely played a part. Once the story found its footing, though, it really picked up with plenty of suspense, twists, and danger that kept me invested.

Stephanie (Lav) and Joel (Redd) grew up together, but after Redd goes to prison, the two become pen pals. According to Redd, Lav’s letters are what kept him sane, so it’s no surprise she’s the first person he seeks out after his release. The only problem? She’s taken…for now. What follows is an obsessive, cat-and-mouse romance packed with tension and suspense. I really enjoyed Lav and Redd’s dynamic. Their chemistry was undeniable, the tension was palpable, and their connection felt strong throughout the story.

Thank you to Happily Booked and Zea Kayleigh Galan for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review!
Profile Image for Jasmine.
751 reviews11 followers
July 2, 2026
⭐️ Overall Rating: 5/5
🔥 Burn Level: 5/5
🌶️ Spice Level: 4/5
💧 Emotional: 5/5

Thank you to Zea Kayleigh Galan and Happily Booked PR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Written in Red completely consumed me from beginning to end. This is one of those books that had me saying, “Just one more chapter,” until suddenly it was way past bedtime.

I genuinely could not put this book down. Every chapter pulled me deeper into the story, and by the time I reached the end, all I wanted was the chance to experience it again for the very first time.

The romance is intense, the suspense keeps you guessing, and the emotional stakes continue to build with every page. The characters felt layered and believable, making it easy to become invested in their journey.

If you enjoy dark romances that are packed with obsession, suspense, emotional tension, and unforgettable chemistry, I highly recommend picking this one up.
695 reviews4 followers
July 3, 2026
This book had me so far in my feelings that I didn’t know which way was up. I didn’t realize how much I wanted a pen pal dark romance until I started reading this book. Joel and Stephanie were absolutely amazing together. The connection and chemistry were intense and heated and insane. The dedication and obsession was on fire and left me fanning my face and clutching the book so tightly. This story was full of twists and turns and tension and drama. It took me on one of the most intense journeys when reading a book. The growth and change their bond goes through had me reeling, and not in a bad way. I was beyond invested in the outcome of the story. And I was not disappointed in the slightest by the way the book was wrapped up. Some may call it obsession and possessive. I say it’s dedication and devotion. Joel and Stephanie are perfect for each other and I came out of their journey so happy for them.
Profile Image for Angela Durand.
155 reviews2 followers
July 8, 2026
I received an ARC of this book, and wow… this one completely pulled me in. Once I started reading, I honestly didn’t want to put it down.

The letters between Joel “Redd” and Stephanie “Lav” were one of my favorite parts because they gave their relationship so much heart before they were even together. Joel was protective, completely devoted, and had just the right amount of morally gray that made me love him even more. Stephanie was strong enough to stand beside him, and I loved that she wasn’t afraid of the darkness surrounding his world.

The romance, suspense, and family drama kept me turning the pages, and there were several moments where I couldn’t read fast enough to see what happened next.

If you enjoy dark romance with crime family dynamics, protective heroes, and plenty of tension, I’d definitely recommend adding this one to your TBR.

Thank you to the author for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Ellen Plessers.
24 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2026
Written in Red was an enjoyable read with a writing style that immediately drew me in. The story flowed well, making it easy to stay engaged from beginning to end. Zea Kayleigh Galan does a great job of creating emotional moments while keeping the pacing steady.

I especially appreciated the character dynamics and the way the relationships developed throughout the story. There was a nice balance of romance, emotion, and personal growth, and the suspenseful scenes added extra tension that kept me turning the pages. They gave the story a great sense of excitement without overshadowing the emotional aspects.

While it didn't quite become an all-time favorite for me, it was a solid read that I genuinely enjoyed. If you're looking for a heartfelt romance with engaging characters, some thrilling moments, and an easy-to-read writing style, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a try.
Profile Image for poppyreads.
4 reviews
July 2, 2026
Book: Written in Red
Author: Zea Kayleigh Galan
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 4.5/5

Thank you for the ARC! I enjoyed this one. This is a dark stalker romance, where Lav has been writing letters to Redd while he’s in prison. Once Redd is out, there’s nothing stopping him from taking her.

I love Lav. She’s a strong, intelligent woman who makes her own waves, whether they’re good or bad. Redd definitely has layers, and we get to see him really come apart when he’s with her.

The dynamic between them is off the charts. That man is obsessed! There was a good amount of cat and mouse energy in this book. I highly recommend it for anyone who loves an unhinged MMC.

💌Crime Family / Dark Romance
💌Black Main Characters
💌Stalker Romance
💌Pen Pals
💌Unhinged MMC
💌Real Estate Baddie
💌Childhood Crush
💌If I Can't Have You, Nobody Can
💌Opposites Attract
💌Sorry, I'm Taken
Profile Image for Jasmine Atkins.
47 reviews1 follower
July 10, 2026
If you love a dark romance that strikes the perfect balance without feeling completely overwhelming, Written in Red is an absolute must-read.

While both Red and Blue definitely walk on the dark side, Red completely stole my heart in this book. His layers are incredible, especially considering he just got out of prison. His relationship with Stephanie (Lav) is surprisingly beautiful. I absolutely loved that we got to read their letters to each other. It added such a special, intimate touch to their story.

Red does not play about his Lav. Even though she tries to act like she doesn’t want him at first, watching her get used to his watchful eye and eventually crave more was so satisfying. This book wasn’t quite as violent as Blue’s book, which I actually really appreciated for Red's journey. I cannot wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Nikki B..
1,129 reviews27 followers
July 13, 2026
Written in Red is book 2 in the Shades of vengeance series. This is an opposites attract, penpals, stalker, dark romance. I am a sucker for a penpal story. I love watching the characters fall for each other through their words.
Redd is in currently in prison and his receives letters from his childhood friend Lav. Through the letters, they ask each other personal, private, intimate questions and get to know "that side" of each other. So when Redd finally gets out of prison, the first person he goes looking for is Lav. She is currently in a relationship with someone, but that definitely does not stop Redd from going after what he now wants! I love the tension between these two!! They have great chemistry and Redd is the perfect mix of obsessed and possessive. This is definitely worth a read!
181 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 20, 2026
This book was a quicker one, yet had some serious depth to it. The relationship between Stephanie/Lav and Joel/Red is so layered and twisted, and I loved every second of it. Actually, I laughed a lot at his antics. The intricacies of things in the not so legal world, and how they all fit together, and where Lav and Red fit into them was so enjoyable to read.

And the letters. Oh how I loved the letters between them.

This story was well written and grips you in a hold that you don’t want to get out of.

What to expect:
♥️Crime Family/Dark Romance
💌Black Main Characters
♥️Stalker Romance
💌Pen Pals
♥️Unhinged MMC
💌Real Estate Baddie
♥️Childhood Crush
💌If I Can’t Have You, Nobody Can
♥️Opposites Attract
💌Sorry, I’m Taken
338 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 22, 2026
📚❤️ Written in Red was such a good read! ❤️📚

I absolutely loved the letters exchanged back and forth throughout the story—they added so much depth and emotion to the relationship. Watching Redd’s unwavering commitment to Lav unfold was one of my favorite parts of the book. Their connection felt genuine, and the chemistry between them practically jumped off the page.

The tension was so well done, keeping me invested and eager to see what would happen next. The mix of heartfelt moments, anticipation, and character development made this a really enjoyable read from beginning to end.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A fun, emotional read with great chemistry, plenty of tension, and characters you’ll find yourself rooting for! ❤️📖
1,490 reviews14 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 16, 2026
Shades Of Vengeance: Redd and Stephanie

Dark and messy and twisted. Even with the dark undertones, it has a sweetness to it, with Redd’s feelings for Steph “Lav” very on the surface. Redd is the stalkiest of stalkers, her boyfriend is a tool, and with so many secret it was hard to work out how everything would play out. So many twists and turns just keep you guessing.

I enjoyed the letters to each other. what a great way to provide a flashback and give us a way to get to know the characters.
It’s technically a cheating romance, but at the same time, I wouldn’t call it romance, either. It’s a little too rough and gritty for that.
Profile Image for Toni.
221 reviews6 followers
June 29, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up

This one was a little rough for me and I'm gonna assume it's because I haven't read the first book. It feels a little like we start out in the height of the drama and then I got a little lost like ‘where’s the story headed?’

I didn’t really get into it until around 40ish %, then I was like, ohhhh. It was still a complicated storyline for me but I got the general idea.

The romance though.. that didn’t hit the way I hoped. The letters were a little confusing too. I felt like Redd was super sexual with his questions at the end of each and then Lav never answered or just asked him another different question. It just felt like I missed an important part in the development of their relationship. I don't think I saw enough in the letters to convince me that they had this undeniable connection once Redd was on the outside.

Redd was very intelligent and it was obvious in the way he spoke and viewed certain things that he was a more complex character than meets the eye. That is mainly what kept me interested until the end.

It wasn’t the greatest for me but it wasn’t terrible. I am gonna go back and read Blue’s book though and maybe I’ll get some answers.

Thank you to Happily Booked for the ARC.
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628 reviews5 followers
June 28, 2026
4.25/5 stars
2/5 spice

Tropes:
Crime family
Stalker vibes
Morally grey MMC
Black love
Possessive and protective hero
Pen pal/Epistolary
Dual POV

This one may have had a slow start but once things get rolling you are on an emotional roller coaster. I love it when the morally grey MMC falls first and hard for his girl (even if it's a bit obsessive lol). I read this before the first book and was still good understanding the world of the Dupont crime family’s world but I'll definitely go read the first book and prequel.

Overall, this was a good dark romance with some stalker behavior from the MMC and a badass FMC. Highly recommend for fans of diverse characters in dark/ mafia romances.

Thank you to the author for giving me an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.
4 reviews
July 1, 2026
Redd and Stephanie's (Lav's) story is a unique pen pal journey. The way they first connect through letters immediately pulled me in, and I found myself invested in their journey from the very first chapter.
Written in Red blends dark romance, obsession, and stalker vibes in a way that keeps the pages turning. I loved how the story slowly unfolded.

If you enjoy dark romance with emotional depth and a story that keeps you hooked, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.


What to expect:
♥️Crime Family/Dark Romance
💌Black Main Characters
♥️Stalker Romance
💌Pen Pals
♥️Unhinged MMC
💌Real Estate Baddie
♥️Childhood Crush
💌If I Can’t Have You, Nobody Can
♥️Opposites Attract
💌Sorry, I’m Taken
24 reviews
July 2, 2026
Written in Red shows how people should always be aware of who they are writing to, and what their intentions are. Red and Stephanie started writing while he was in jail, but what happens when he gets out and she is with someone else? This book takes us through the trials and tribulations of having feelings for someone and fighting those feelings, having a possessive pen pal/boyfriend that will stop at nothing to protect her. The words she wrote to him may have been just words to her, but to him they were an unspoken promise. This book makes it very hard to put down. I definitely recommend reading it, especially if you like Dark Romances.
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