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Power of Shadow

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Power. Control. Blood. Obsession.

Ryker is the heir to the Pact — a ruthless mafia organization built on power, loyalty, and violence. A man raised to rule, trained to destroy, and sworn to a code that demands sacrifice above all else.

Ashley was never meant to cross his path.

She is Shadow — a legendary assassin feared in the criminal underworld. Silent. Deadly. Untraceable. She doesn’t miss. She doesn’t hesitate. And she never lets emotions interfere with the job.

Until him.

Their meeting was supposed to end in blood. Instead, it ignites a dangerous obsession and dark desires neither of them can escape.

He should kill her. She should betray him. And yet every choice they make pulls them deeper into a world of lies, power struggles, and forbidden desire.

As secrets unravel and loyalties are tested, one truth becomes love is the most dangerous weakness of all.

Because in the world of the Pact, it's not the one who loves the most who wins — it's the one who pulls the trigger first.

Power of Shadow is a dark mafia romance featuring morally gray characters, enemies-to-lovers tension, obsession, violence, and a ruthless antihero. This book is the first in a series and ends on emotional resolution, while the danger is far from over.

436 pages, Paperback

Published June 10, 2026

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About the author

Violet Hale

6 books16 followers
Violet Hale is a dark romance author writing intense, emotionally charged stories where love and danger collide. Her books explore mafia romance, psychological suspense, and morally gray heroes whose devotion borders on obsession. Expect powerful antiheroes, high stakes, and addictive relationships that push the limits of desire and control.

Originally published in romantic suspense, Violet now writes for readers who crave darker romance—stories filled with tension, passion, and characters willing to cross every line for love. Her novels feature dangerous men, strong heroines, and love stories that are as thrilling as they are unforgettable.

When she isn’t plotting twisted romances or unraveling complex villains, Violet draws inspiration from crime thrillers, shadowed cities, and the fine line between devotion and destruction. If you enjoy dark romance with mafia intrigue, stalker intensity, and emotionally gripping storytelling, you’re in the right place.

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5 stars
34 (61%)
4 stars
14 (25%)
3 stars
5 (9%)
2 stars
1 (1%)
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1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Chloe.
7 reviews2 followers
June 11, 2026
This book was sooo good. Found family. The tension between the main characters!! It kept me hooked I could not put this down . Loved this book can’t wait for the next one!!
80 reviews2 followers
June 11, 2026
Ryker
At 6 years old, he witnesses his mother being abused by his father. At 7, he meets his sister and she becomes his person, the one person he would do anything to protect. Until she is taken from him.

He is owner of a club and works for the Pact, an underground brutal organization ruled by his father. His father assures his loyalty and obedience by keeping his sister hidden. He is also known as the Jackal an assassin to the organization.

Ashley
A paid assassin and a thief, she is in competition in her field with someone who calls himself Jackal. She was raised on the streets and is ruthless and only cares about her sister and keeping her safe.

Mafia vibe.
Amazing book cover
He becomes obsessed and falls first.

I absolutely loved their interactions and the 'cat and mouse' games they played throughout the book. In a dangerous world and both of them having had rough childhoods, they are pulled to each other.

I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. It is not a typical good girl/bad boy book and it was refreshing to read a book where both are morallygray. I enjoyed their story and the fact that there is a plot involved and the book is not only focused on their love story. There is nothing i didn't like about this book. Thank you for the opportunity, I am glad I had the opportunity to get to know this series. I can't wait to read Eli's book and to know what happens next.
Profile Image for Rii.
12 reviews
June 2, 2026
Power of Shadow is about two killers with the same target who don’t want to share. There’s secret organizations and some characters that will have you looking at them sideways. The tension between the two main characters is so thick you can cut it. The action, the banter, the emotions and the secrets had me turning the page late into the night. Was quite wild ride and I WILL be back for book two. Thank you so much for choosing me as an ARC reader it is an honor and can’t wait for the next ride I gotta buckle in 😉

• Stars: 5/5
• Book two: buffering for my next read
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8sdc6gy/
Profile Image for Thembelani.
22 reviews4 followers
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June 9, 2026
Power of Shadow is a deliciously dark ride into the world of mafia romance. Ryker's intensity and Ashley's lethal skills make them a captivating pair, and their forbidden attraction is palpable. Think Game of Thrones meets Fifty Shades... but with more guns and fewer spreadsheets 😏. The plot twists are sharp, the tension is killer, and the romance is red-hot. If you're into morally gray characters and enemies-to-lovers drama, this is your jam. One caveat: be prepared for cliffhanger feels.
1 review1 follower
June 10, 2026
This book is a perfect escape from grey everyday reality. Romance and intrigue are blended together beautifully, creating a story that is both emotional and captivating. The tension keeps you hooked until the very last full stop, making it hard to put the book down.

I truly recommend reading this book, as well as the author’s other novels. It is a wonderful choice for anyone who enjoys stories full of emotion, mystery, and unforgettable atmosphere.
7 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 19, 2026
POWER COUPLE.
This MMC would do anything for her. I love a good power couple that he have eyes only for her( I will marry you!!). A strong FMC with a head on her shoulder! The found family was good. The dedication they have for each others and for their families !! I really love this book I read it in one setting and in no time I found the book long! I really want to know more with Eli, Theo and the sisters!! Please :) Thank you for this good read!
Profile Image for berenis.
13 reviews1 follower
June 15, 2026
Im a little late my schedule has been crazy... 5⭐️ read for me for sure... The male and female characters in this book 👌🏽... to me if a book has darkness and spicyness and good ass plot twist its a 💯... the way it had me on a chokehold so good lol violet u knew wat you was doing adding a baddie like ashley... i loved how they were both morelly grey... i totally recommend guys im so ready for book 2
Profile Image for Shelby Turner.
9 reviews2 followers
June 29, 2026
Loved this read, it was a quick and easy read for me. If you love a dark romance I recommend grabbing a copy. The characters, plot, spicy, and writing were all great. The banter back and forth had me giggling like a school girl!

ARC provided via Pen Pinery
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Profile Image for Tracy Kemp.
223 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 25, 2026
Ryker was born into darkness, raised by one of the most feared secret mafia organizations known as the Pact — a world built on power, blood, obsession, and absolute control. Trained from childhood to one day become its ruthless leader, he has spent his entire life wearing masks, both literally and emotionally. To the world, he is the terrifying man called Jackal, a faceless predator no one dares cross. But beneath the mask is a man driven by one desperate mission: finding his baby sister, Aisling, who was stolen from him years ago. And Ryker will burn entire worlds to the ground to bring her home.

Ashley is just as deadly.

Known in the shadows as Shadow, she is a lethal assassin feared for her speed, precision, and cold efficiency. Knives, guns, hand-to-hand combat — there is nothing she cannot do. Yet beneath her deadly exterior is someone carrying her own wounds and unanswered questions. Between missions, she is desperately searching for the truth about her father and the secrets surrounding him, all while protecting the only family she has left: her little sister Zoe.

When Jackal and Shadow collide, the chemistry is explosive.

Their paths cross because they are both hunting the same man — Charles Baker, a former politician now hiding from the monsters of his past. Jackal offers Shadow a single name, a single clue that could finally lead her to the answers she has spent years chasing. But trust is dangerous in their world. One wrong move, one revealed identity, could mean death — not only for them, but for the man holding the key to both their futures.

The tension between these two is absolutely addictive. The constant push and pull, the fights dripping with tension, the dangerous attraction simmering beneath every interaction — it was impossible to stop reading. Every scene between them felt electric. When these two magnets finally collide, the pages practically catch fire. Their chemistry is intense, raw, emotional, and consuming.

What made this story even more unforgettable was Ryker himself. Beneath the brutal assassin and feared future mafia king is a man who would do absolutely anything for the woman he loves. The “touch her and die” energy was immaculate. He only has eyes for her, and every protective, obsessive moment made my heart explode. “I will marry you” energy from beginning to end. I love a powerful, possessive MMC who is terrifying to everyone except her.

And Ashley? She was EVERYTHING. Strong, intelligent, capable, and never weak beside him. She stands on her own, fights her own battles, and refuses to be overshadowed. Together, they are the definition of a power couple.

The found family aspect added so much emotion to the story too. The loyalty, sacrifices, and fierce devotion between the characters made everything feel deeper and more meaningful. Every character had purpose, and the emotional bonds hit just as hard as the action scenes.

This book was nonstop action, suspense, secrets, danger, and passion from beginning to end. Every chapter left me desperate for more. I genuinely sat down intending to read “a few chapters” and ended up finishing it in one sitting because I physically could not put it down. Time disappeared while reading this. The pacing was incredible, the tension never dropped, and somehow even after finishing, I still wanted more.

Dark, thrilling, emotional, and completely addictive — this book consumed me.
Profile Image for Marcia Vida.
436 reviews5 followers
July 12, 2026
“Power of Shadow” is a gripping dark mafia romance that fuses action, psychological tension, and electric chemistry into an engaging narrative. From the start, it plunges readers into a brutal criminal world where power rests on violence and loyalty is always tested, with love proving a vulnerability. It fearlessly explores darker themes while maintaining a strong emotional core.

Ryker is a compelling antihero whose traumatic childhood and harsh upbringing shape his every decision. Driven by revenge and loyalty to his brothers, he stands apart from the typical mafia boss. In contrast to him is Ashley—known as Shadow—a legendary assassin who is intelligent and fiercely independent but carries deep emotional scars. Their relationship, marked by sharp dialogue and undeniable attraction, makes the enemies-to-lovers dynamic particularly satisfying.

The novel excels in its world-building, with the criminal organization, the Pact, feeling complex and rich in political intrigue and corruption. Alternating perspectives and flashbacks reveal the traumatic histories of the main characters, enhancing the emotional stakes.

Violet Hale’s fast-paced writing confidently balances suspense, romance, and action. The graphic violence and passionate romance, paired with strong character development, prevent the narrative from being merely shock-driven.

Overall, “Power of Shadow” is an exciting start to what promises to be a captivating series. This dark romance delivers intense emotions, suspense, and unforgettable characters.

Try it.
Profile Image for Nicole Ray.
4 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 3, 2026
I couldn’t love this book more! From the first chapter meeting each character seemed so real. The writing style is amazing I would read anything this author gave me! She has a way of making you truly feel like a part of the story. Meeting Ryker (Jackal) and Ashley (Shadow) the banter never lets up between those two! As a first time ARC reader I don’t think it could have been a better book. It’s hands down a can’t put down read! Ryker,Eli and Theo one have the makings of men who just make you melt into a puddle. Two they are brothers not by blood but by choice by love for one another they are always at one another’s side when needed. And I cannot truly wait to read their stories,but I think Aisling her story will be the best of all! She’s the baby sister of Ryker who has fought for years to find her after his father sent her away to punish him and keep him working as his puppet! The turn of events I wasn’t expecting was for them Shadow and Jackal to be going after each others fathers!! Shocked to say the least but man the ending just was absolute perfection!! Like I said I am hooked on Violet Hale. Come on book number 2 please cause I’m hopelessly hooked and I need more. Guys just read it you cannot and will not regret it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Margery.
1,088 reviews15 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 24, 2026
Ryker is with a powerful secret mafia called the pact. He has been trained and will one day be the boss. He is on a mission of sorts, to find his baby sister Aisling who was taken when she was little. The pact is all about power, control, blood and obsession. Ryker will go to all ends to find her. He wears a mask so no one knows who he really is, but the man in the mask is called Jackal.
Ashley is a trained assassin and the best of them all. Her alter masked name is Shadow and she is lethal, swift and deadly with knives, guns or her hands. She lives with her little sister Zoe and in between missions, she is searching for who their father is and where he is now.
The two cross paths as it seems they are both on the same mission. Jackal gives Shadow one name of a man that might have her answers. Charles Baker an ex politician now in hiding. The push and pull, the fights and the attraction they have for each other is fantastic. If either reveals who they are and why they want Charles Baker, it could cause their death or the death of the one man who holds the answers to their questions. Action packed, excitement in every chapter and when the two magnets meet, the pages burn up.
Profile Image for Allison King.
96 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 5, 2026
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I am immediately hooked.

Two killers, a not so secret secret club, lots of steamy spicy scenes, banter and tension like crazy, murder, found family, mafia connections and more. This book really had it all.
The story line is so intense and pulls you in, I could not stop reading to find out what happened next. The characters are so deep and complex. And knowing this is going to be a series?! I can’t wait to read more to find out more about Zoe, Eli and Theo.

I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and I am writing this review voluntarily
Profile Image for Johanna.
6,553 reviews112 followers
June 11, 2026
'Power of Shadow is a dark mafia romance featuring morally gray characters, enemies-to-lovers tension, obsession, violence, and a ruthless antihero. This book is the first in a series and ends on emotional resolution, while the danger is far from over.'

The characters were very complex and compelling and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy the read!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Wilsok Katelea.
2 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 7, 2026
ARC READER COPY
ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK! The banter between Shadow and the Jackal is beautiful! We were gifted a STRONG FMC and the dark gray colored red flag of an MMC! The writing SUCKED me into this world of the PACT. The urning it there. The touch her and die is there. If you are a dark romance lover, you will enjoy this book! I fell in love with the characters and loved every twist and turn that Violet brought us! I look forward to the next book in the series!

Thank you Violet for the opportunity to be among the first to read and dive into the world of the PACT!
Profile Image for Hallie Raine.
121 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 8, 2026
✨ARC REVIEW✨

i love a strong fmc and a mmc who only has eyes for her.

this book was a wild ride and i loved every page of it. 
full of action, secrets, and mystery.

it kept you on your toes and wanting more constantly.

i fell in love with these characters and the touch her or d!e energy was through the roof. everything was there and this book was amazing.

i can’t wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Dee Layton.
1,043 reviews22 followers
June 10, 2026
I really liked power of shadow. I was kind of unsure when I found the book once I read the blurb and everything. Once I got to reading it and keep diving into the book it was absolutely phenomenal. It kept my attention the characters were amazing the plot was amazing. Everything just went together perfectly. The author did a fabulous job with this book and I look forward to reading many more from her

ARC provided via Pen Pinery
https://penpinery.com
Profile Image for Valkyrice.
146 reviews6 followers
June 12, 2026
So fun, playful and sexy.
Two assassins who found kindred spirits.

The foreplay and dances between Shadow and the Jackal are impeccable. It brought the story to life so much. And I'm not counting the plot, which was very good.

All the characters are likeable.
A very nicely and fresh written book that will definitely tantalize your taste buds.
I'm really looking forward to the next adventure.
Profile Image for Tracey Jones.
102 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 21, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from Author

Really enjoyed this book from the start. Loved the sparks between the MMC and FMC. He falls first and hard. Enemies, betrayal, secrets and revenge in a world of violence with plenty of twists and unfinished business.....looking forward to the next instalment.
Profile Image for Karyn.
483 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 29, 2026
This was a good story. It started off a little like the Butcher and the Blackbird but with strong mafia story. There were multiple twists in this story and enough hints that made the reader not really trust any of the characters. I really enjoyed this and looking forward to book 2 to see how this all plays out!
Profile Image for Kasey.
39 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 8, 2026
WOW!!! Dark Romace done right! This book had everything you want in dark romance!
-Touch her and 💀
-Unhinged MMC and FMC
-Great Plot
-Secret Society
-Enemies to Lovers
-Obsession
I was loving the banter between the MMC and FMC, it took me from giggling to swooning! Loved this book and now I need book 2!!
Profile Image for The Book Ssirren.
6,387 reviews159 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 9, 2026
Wow. What did I just read!? This was wild. I was obsessed with this one. Ash and Ryker were hot. This was intense, and chaotic. The twists Ava m and turns had me on the edge of my seat. I was gripping my iPad. The spice was spicing, the plot was amazing. I need more yesterday. Toss this I’m your TBR.
17.5k reviews197 followers
Review of advance copy
June 9, 2026
Watch as they meet and the explosion of emotions that fire between them. She is meant to betray him and he was meant to kill her. Their emotions will put everything they should do on he sidelines so see where these strong emotions take them
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and an emotional read
42 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy
June 10, 2026
What do you get when you take two ruthless assassins with the same target? You get an explosive and tension filled book that you’re unable to put down (literally, I stayed up finishing the book). I am so excited to read book 2 to continue the story.

ARC provided via Pen Pinery
https://penpinery.com
Profile Image for The_first_last_page .
226 reviews11 followers
July 7, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. It was a refreshing read when both MCs are morally grey, coming from disturbing childhoods and discovered found family.

The cat and mouse games and the banter made the book that much better! I can't wait to start the next book!

ARC provided via Pen Pinery
https://penpinery.com
32 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 5, 2026
ARC READER COPY
I could not put this one down! The Spice, the drama and the power is unmistakable! The twists you don't see coming and the possessiveness of Rhyker is so hot! 🔥 If this is your kind of thing and you like a powerful woman then read it! So good!
Profile Image for Ash.
13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 22, 2026
The connection between Ryker and Ashley is addicting. I couldn't get enough. I kept trying to make guesses on what was about to happen and who was who and I was shocked everytime something was revealed. I absolutely devoured this and I'm very excited for book 2.
42 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 5, 2026
This was a fantastically twisty turny mafia/mercenary style romance. The chemistry between Ash and Ryker was spicy and kept my interest throughout.
Definitely looking forward to the next in this series!
Profile Image for Destiny Briant.
9 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 9, 2026
This book had me hooked! This was the first book by this author that I’ve read, and I can’t wait to read more from her. If you like dark mafia romances, I highly recommend reading this book.

ARC provided via Pen Pinery
https://penpinery.com
Profile Image for Gray.
247 reviews1 follower
June 10, 2026
Magnetic... the story is deep, intense. In the world of shadows of secrets name rules, The Pack! Had many subplots, moves like a roller-coaster. The characters, Riker and Ashley are morally black, not even gray. Their world had many unwritten rules. Good reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews