About the Green: A Dark, Age Gap Romance

Shades of Vengeance #3

by Zea Kayleigh Galan

I’ve been charged with eliminating any threats. Then evidence made her my biggest liability.

She’s twelve years younger, dressed in pink, and covered in blood I can’t prove she’s spilled. I should remove the threat instead of obsessing over making her mine.
She’s the Queen’s favorite, sweet and charming, like she couldn’t hurt a fly.

But bodies can’t disappear on their own and every instinct I have tells me the tiny woman is hiding something monstrous.

Each time I find bloody hands and suspicious trips in the night, I’m closer to showing how dangerous she is to the security of our family’s reputation.

She’s reckless and messy.
She’s resourceful and mesmerizing.

Her bratty grins and razor-sharp tongue lured me into letting her get away with what she wants.
If only this one time.

I should expose her, except I become the one who helps her hide the evidence.

We’ve been paired up to uncover the traitor threatening our families and that should make everything easier. Instead, I fall deeper into the twisted world that exists behind her doll-like eyes and empty smiles.

Every time I think I’ve figured her out, she shows me just how wrong I am.
The problem isn’t that she won’t stop taking lives, but that I can’t stop protecting her from the consequences of her actions. A fact that is bound to blow up in my face.

But I never questioned protection or destruction until she let me in.
So tell me, Nina.
Are you my safety… or my surrender?

Genres: Romance

237 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 20, 2026

About the author

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.

Reviews

[katiebbooks💌 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much firstly to Zea for the chance to read this ARC!

I have now read all three of the Shades of Vengeance series and loved them all, but About the green has been my favourite thus far!! Nina was such a brilliant character and she had me chuckling from the start, I loved everything about her. Vert also really surprised me with how caring and understanding he was about her mental health and past!! I also loved getting to see Redd and Steph, and Blue and Racquelle!! The book is set in the underworld and I’ve really enjoyed that element and all the family drama we get to see! This book also had some heavier topics but I thought it was done so well, and definitely had me emotionally invested and rooting for our FMC!

If you like dark romance in an underworld setting this is absolutely the series for you!!

[Samantha Ivy (novelsbysamantha) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nina and Vert were so cute! I was obsessed with this and could not put this DOWN!!! Zea knows how to draw you in and have you at the edge of your seat. Chefs kiss 😘 Amazing!!!!

[Akku · Rating 3 out of 5]

• 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 3.5✨

• 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - August 20, 2026

• 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
dark romance
morally grey hero
vigilante heroine
obsession & possessiveness
protective hero
forced proximity
crime family
trauma & healing
BDSM

• 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
Nina looks like this cute, bubbly girl with her pink aesthetic, but there is so much more hiding underneath. She secretly hunts down dangerous men and takes justice into her own hands, while carrying a lot of trauma from her past. Vert gets pulled into her world while trying to keep her safe, and their relationship slowly turns into something much deeper and more intense.
I really loved Nina’s character because she was so unpredictable and strong, but also had a vulnerable side that made me want to hug her. Vert was the perfect protective and possessive hero for her. Their chemistry was intense, messy and addictive, and I especially loved how he slowly understood that Nina didn’t just need protection, she needed someone who would actually stay.
The crime-family storyline added another layer to the romance, and I loved seeing Nina and Vert go from constantly clashing to becoming partners. The emotional side of their relationship was my favourite part, especially Nina finally getting the support she needed instead of handling everything alone.
That said, I did feel like the pacing dragged in quite a few chapters. Most of the chapters leaned heavily into spice, and after a point it started feeling repetitive rather than moving the story forward. I think a little more focus on the plot and character development would have made the story much stronger for me.
Overall, this was a fun, dark and emotional read with a sweet little pink princess and a very obsessed hero. I definitely enjoyed their dynamic, and that ending was such a cute touch.
Thankyou literallyyours for the ARC!

[Mona · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

Okay, this was a really entertaining addition to the Shades of Vengeance series. 🖤🌿

I think what worked best for me was that the book didn’t feel like it was relying solely on the brat and brat-tamer dynamic. Yes, that element is definitely there 👀, but there is so much more happening underneath it.

I really enjoyed watching the characters interact throughout the story and seeing their personalities unfold as the story progressed. There was a nice balance of power play, tension, forced proximity and all the dark-romance chaos that comes with this series. 😮‍💨🔥

What I particularly liked was the depth behind the characters. Their interactions weren’t just surface-level chemistry or attraction; there were layers to the way they responded to each other, and I loved watching those layers slowly come out.

The story kept me entertained throughout, and that’s ultimately what made this a 3.75–4⭐️ read for me. It was engaging, had enough twists and tension to keep me invested, and I genuinely enjoyed the journey.

If you’ve been following the Shades of Vengeance series, this is definitely one to pick up. And if you’ve been waiting for the third book… IT’S OUT! 🖤🐊

Released August 20th, so honestly, this is your sign to stop waiting and binge-read the series already. 😂📚🔥

Instagram: @monaafterdark

[Emmy Wong · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a fun dark romance read if you love some fem rage and a man who supports every bit of it. I love Nina, she is my favourite part of this book as she’s this walking contradiction. Her outside appearance is super cutsie and all bright pink but she s a vigilante serial unaliver who seduces her victims to their demise. She is a girl who goes after what she wants and defends herself. She has been through a lot though and her resiliency is beautiful. Vert is also an interesting character but not my favourite mmc in this series, but I do love how he saw the true Nina and made her feel safe enough to be vulnerable with him. However the plot of this book isn’t my favourite as the start is pretty good but quickly loses its intensity after halfway and the ending feels a little rushed and ambiguous too. The spicy time is so hot though, especially with their whole “can a doll take it?” “a doll can take anything” sort of play. Although some of the plot was not my favourite I did love Vert and Nina, so I give this a 3/5

[Angela Durand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, this was such a fun dark romance! Nina had me questioning everything because she looks so sweet and innocent, but clearly there is SO much more going on with her. I loved the whole “is she the threat or not?” mystery and watching the MMC go from wanting to expose her to basically helping protect her instead. 😂

The age-gap, morally gray vibes, secrets, murder, and obsession made this such an entertaining read. I was definitely kept guessing about Nina and what she was actually capable of, and I loved how protective he became of her. If you like dark romances with a little mystery, a dangerous FMC, and an obsessed hero, this one is definitely worth checking out!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[De Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was dark and delicious and oh so morally grey. I loved every single second of reading it. We get some of the best feminine rage and banter that I’ve read to date. Nina and Vert fit together beautifully. The brat vibes were unmatched with her. But oh does this man know how to handle a brat. Nina is an FMC that is so easy to relate to. She’s so strong and resilient, using what people underestimate to defend and avenge. Pure queen energy. Vert becomes her safe harbor in the storm. Protective and shielding of her. And it’s so endearing. The connection they share was deep and their chemistry was off the charts. Match made in morally grey heaven. Everything about this book had me hooked and made no attempt to at escape.

[Mirra Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This dark romance is fun if you enjoy fem rage and a supportive man. This is book three of The Shade of Vengeance I have to see about the previous books. Nina, a favorite character, is a walking contradiction—bright pink outside, a vigilante serial unaliver who seduces victims to their demise. She’s determined and resilient, having been through a lot and came out stronger. Vert is interesting but not my favorite MMC; I appreciate how he saw Nina’s true self and made her feel safe enough to be vulnerable. The plot starts strong but loses intensity midway, with a rushed ending. The spicy scenes, especially the “can a doll take it?” play, are hot and spicy just what I like. Overall, I loved Vert and Nina, so I give it 3/5.

[Yvette89 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark romance
Age gap
Single dad
Crime family
Forced proximity
BDSM
Morally grey MMC
Obsession

Nina and Vert

This book is filled with of steam and angst. The characters are interesting and the story is definitely gripping.
Nina gives off a nice vibe but has an hidden agenda that is morally ambiguous. Her past is traumatic and she is resourceful and a survivor.
Vert knows there is more to Nina than she presents. As he watches her, he becomes more aware of her as a woman. The relationship grew into something unique and unexpected.

The chemistry was unmatched. They worked perfectly together and it was fun to watch them fall into place.

I loved that Nina is the “unhinged” brat and Vert was the one to try to tame her.

[whataurasreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite couple in the Shades of Vengeance series. I was unprepared for the level of unhinged Nina was. I loved her character being what other labeled as crazy because they didn't understand what was driving her to kill. She is a total brat but we get to learn what shapes her and it's a beautiful story. Vert is the best daddy to his little girl, you can tell his world revolves around her🥹. Vert and Nina have a ridiculously hot dynamic going, I loved that he calls her his doll and there are no nicknames that give the ick. I can not say enough about how hot the brat/brat tamer dynamic between them was. Perfect length, pacing was lovely. I just really enjoyed this book.

[Nadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️I don't want her to feel that I'm using it to control her decisions, but I have to make sure that I can keep her, and I want to keep her not on a shelf, not on a leash, but within reach, close enough to me that I can make sure that everything she wants she can have."

Vert +Nina !!!Ahhhhh book 3 in The Shades of Vengeance series did not disappoint!! I laughed so hard at the interactions between these two. Every single page was full of build up and pure entertainment. I could not get enough, this ended too soon for me. .

[Spreading Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a Dark Romance read, book three in the Shades of Vengeance Series. The FMC is full of surprises (think all pink serial k1ller girlie). The MMC is an older Single Dad who supports her along her journey to mayhem.

You are going to find morally grey characters and a whole lot of dark fun in this romance. Who doesn't love Brat taming? Come check this one out for yourself!

💚Crime Family/Dark Romance
🔪Black Main Characters
💚Single Dad
🔪Cat & Mouse
💚Brat x Brat Tamer
🔪Opposites Attract
💚Age Gap (12 years)
🔪Dark Past
💚Forced Proximity

This was an ARC read.

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars
2/5 spice

Tropes:
Vigilante FMC
Crime family
Single dad
Feminine rage
Close proximity
Trauma/healing
Dual POV

Nina was so unhinged but hilarious at the same time. I loved her character. Poor Vert had no chance lol...
I really loved how he couldn't help being protective of her and became her solid ride or die. She put up a front for the world so she could do what she needed to but with him she was real.

If you're looking for a dark romance with some feminine rage with a protective hero then you'll enjoy this book. Highly recommend reading this series from the start to get all the background stories but you could still read this as a standalone.

Thank you to the author and Literally Yours for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.

[ash😈 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book!

Nina is this sassy little thing, but clearly isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. But her eyes for Vert is strrrong!

And though Vert. Protective as they come. And boooy does he have an interest for the brat we call Nina.

But why are they my favorite pairing of the series👀

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was awesome. I loved Nina and her cute and pink bubbly self on the outside and her twisted dark side on the inside. This girl wreaks the bloodiest and brattiest havoc ever, and I loved her for it. Vert is obsessed with her. He cleans up all of her messes. What else is he to do? Clean it or watch her get caught eventually. I loved the chaos of this. It was so freaking good.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, well, well! I have found a new author to follow!

I just loved this story!

The characters were so well done! Interesting. Worth watching!

It's a dark romance, so expect the angst that comes with the trope.

And steamy. Fingertip burning heat!

Nina is not what Vert expects.
Can he handle her? Hmmm...fun finding out!

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of About The Green from Literally Yours PR and the author. About The Green by Zea Kayleigh Galan was a dark romance. I loved the tension between Nina and the man determined to uncover her secrets, and the age gap dynamic. This added more intrigue to the story. The mix of obsession, suspense, and mystery made this story very entertaining and not my usual read.

[Reading is escaping reality · Rating 4 out of 5]

She is the one who he was never suppose to be with, she is also a huge brat. A beat he knows hows to handle and manage. But she puts him through it in the best way. This will keep you engaged and wanting more.



I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[B Rad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nina is the definition of psycho sunshine. There's always a deeper story to someone. Vert is absolutely grumpy to the world, soft for his girls. The amount of clues that were dropped and Vert fumbled ALL OF THEM!! How is he head of security?

But that Doll kink? Imma have to try that one. Hehe

[Chulia Da Baddest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved This Book!!! Loved Getting Into Nina’s Mind Because She Was So Mysterious. Am I A Little Crazy If I Like Her Crazy?! Oh Well Lol. I Definitely Enjoyed The Spice Because Who Doesn’t Enjoy Dominance! The Ending Was A Well Rounded & I’m Looking Forward To Upcoming Series.

[Lila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly a story about a brat and the brat tamer! Even though it has that trope, the story does go in depth about the characters. I love how they’re equal to each other.

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️.5

I love this series so much. Dark romance/mafia often lacks on the actual plot side of things when it comes to the crime world!!!! This series does not!

These 2 were such a fun time!
Nina gave Vert a run for his money, but then Vert knew what he needed to do to tame his brat!

Nina had me cackling and was so sarcastic I related so much!

What to expect
12 yr age gap
Black MCs
Crime family/dark romance
Power play
Cat/mouse
Brat x brat tamer
Dark past
Forced proximity

Thank you Zea for the opportunity to read this as an ARC💛