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Christmas In the Shadows
Twelve days of Christmas. Zero days of mercy.
One, two, he’s coming for you.
Christmas has always been about family.
Then he decided to make mine part of his game.
Twelve days until Christmas. Nine gifts on his list.
Three, four, blood on the floor.
Every box arrives wrapped in ribbon, addressed to
someone my little lamb loves and filled with the
one thing that can still destroy them.
Five, six, his dirtiest tricks.
A memory he stole.
A secret he kept.
A wound he knows exactly how to reopen.
Seven, eight, seal your fate.
He calls himself the Pied Piper.
He thinks he can pull every person Ella fought
to save back into the darkness they crawled out of.
Nine, ten, I’ll make him beg for the end.
He forgot who he’s playing with.
I’m Death. I’ve spent years teaching monsters what happens
when they touch what’s mine.
Eleven, twelve, I am his personal hell.
I have until Christmas morning to cut the strings before he tears
my family apart. Because if I fail, he won’t just take her from me.
He’ll make sure she watches everyone she loves fall first.
I’m not running out of patience.
I’m running out of mercy.
Christmas in the Shadows is a pitch-black Christmas dark romance featuring a possessive serial-killer vigilante, obsessive devotion, touch-her-and-die protection, a found family under siege, twisted gifts, buried secrets, psychological suspense, vengeance, and a countdown to Christmas morning.
Christmas in the Shadows is Book 5 in the Shadows series and is NOT a standalone. It is highly recommended to read Books 1–4 first due to significant spoilers.
One, two, he’s coming for you.
Christmas has always been about family.
Then he decided to make mine part of his game.
Twelve days until Christmas. Nine gifts on his list.
Three, four, blood on the floor.
Every box arrives wrapped in ribbon, addressed to
someone my little lamb loves and filled with the
one thing that can still destroy them.
Five, six, his dirtiest tricks.
A memory he stole.
A secret he kept.
A wound he knows exactly how to reopen.
Seven, eight, seal your fate.
He calls himself the Pied Piper.
He thinks he can pull every person Ella fought
to save back into the darkness they crawled out of.
Nine, ten, I’ll make him beg for the end.
He forgot who he’s playing with.
I’m Death. I’ve spent years teaching monsters what happens
when they touch what’s mine.
Eleven, twelve, I am his personal hell.
I have until Christmas morning to cut the strings before he tears
my family apart. Because if I fail, he won’t just take her from me.
He’ll make sure she watches everyone she loves fall first.
I’m not running out of patience.
I’m running out of mercy.
Christmas in the Shadows is a pitch-black Christmas dark romance featuring a possessive serial-killer vigilante, obsessive devotion, touch-her-and-die protection, a found family under siege, twisted gifts, buried secrets, psychological suspense, vengeance, and a countdown to Christmas morning.
Christmas in the Shadows is Book 5 in the Shadows series and is NOT a standalone. It is highly recommended to read Books 1–4 first due to significant spoilers.
379 pages, ebook
Expected publication November 11, 2026
About the author
J.A. Owenby
53 books1,186 followersAmazon 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.
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 32 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely devoured this book in one day! To me this is a great dark Christmas romance, packed with twists, secrets, and of course our unhinged obsessed men. Reading these books in order is a must in order to really understand this world and trust me you won't be disappointed at all!! As we enter Christmas in the Shadows, the festive season is about to become a whole lot darker...When a message arrives on their phones that simply reads…
Nine gifts. You’re all on the schedule.
PP
Ahh the suspense is killing me with the PP! Just when I thought I knew what was about to happen...BAM...something else happens and throws you off. So looking forward to the next book in this series!!!!
Thank you, Valentine PR and J.A. Owenby, for the opportunity to read this ARC!!!
Nine gifts. You’re all on the schedule.
PP
Ahh the suspense is killing me with the PP! Just when I thought I knew what was about to happen...BAM...something else happens and throws you off. So looking forward to the next book in this series!!!!
Thank you, Valentine PR and J.A. Owenby, for the opportunity to read this ARC!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
J.A Owenby has done it again! The men she writes about always has a good story to them, and they love, adore and worship their women. I love how there is suspense and thrill when it comes to this series, as well as the spice. This was a great book for the holiday season coming up!
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
🎄 WRAPPED IN SHADOWS, TIED IN SIN… A VERY DARK CHRISTMAS AWAITS 🎄
Christmas is coming, but in the world of J.A. Owenby’s The Shadows Series, the darkness never takes a holiday!
For those of you who have walked on the dark side of romance with this interconnected series, prepare yourselves, because this Christmas is about to get deliciously twisted. And a little reminder before you dive in: although our couples may find their own dark happily ever afters, you absolutely need to have read the four books that came before. Trust me, you don’t want to miss a single piece of this twisted puzzle!
Beyond the Synopsis…
Evil doesn’t take time off for Christmas. And as we enter Christmas in the Shadows, the festive season is about to become a whole lot darker.
When a message arrives on their phones that simply reads…
Nine gifts. You’re all on the schedule.
PP
Well, let me tell you, my stomach DROPPED!
Because this isn’t the season of goodwill and peace. Oh no. We have just twelve days, nine gifts, and an author who is about to send us hurtling into another dark, twisted, and utterly addictive ride.
Each gift comes with a purpose. Each one is designed to push boundaries, test loyalties, and threaten to tear this group apart. And with the stakes higher than ever, you can bet your Christmas stockings that nothing is quite as it seems.
J.A. Owenby knows exactly how to keep you on the edge of your seat, delivering those heart-in-your-mouth moments that make you question everything. The suspense is deliciously dark, the twists are wickedly unexpected, and the tension? Absolutely palpable.
And did I forget to mention the HOT, passion-fuelled romance that makes this series such an intoxicating combination of danger, desire, and devotion?
Read it for…
🎁 Nine gifts with seriously sinister intentions.
🖤 A Christmas countdown that will have you holding your breath.
🔥 Dark romance, scorching passion, and dangerous desires.
💣 High-stakes twists that threaten to shatter everything.
🎄 J.A. Owenby at her seasonally dark best.
WOB65 Verdict
J.A. Owenby has once again reminded me why I love her dark, twisted world of romance. With Christmas in the Shadows, she takes everything we have come to expect from The Shadows Series and wraps it in a deliciously dangerous festive package. The suspense is gripping, the twists are wickedly clever, and the passion burns as fiercely as ever. This is an author who knows exactly how to keep her readers hooked, their hearts racing, and their emotions completely invested. Another darkly addictive read that proves Christmas isn’t always about peace, love, and goodwill… sometimes it’s about shadows, secrets, and a whole lot of sin!
J.A. Owenby, you’ve delivered one hell of a Christmas gift! 🖤🎄
Christmas is coming, but in the world of J.A. Owenby’s The Shadows Series, the darkness never takes a holiday!
For those of you who have walked on the dark side of romance with this interconnected series, prepare yourselves, because this Christmas is about to get deliciously twisted. And a little reminder before you dive in: although our couples may find their own dark happily ever afters, you absolutely need to have read the four books that came before. Trust me, you don’t want to miss a single piece of this twisted puzzle!
Beyond the Synopsis…
Evil doesn’t take time off for Christmas. And as we enter Christmas in the Shadows, the festive season is about to become a whole lot darker.
When a message arrives on their phones that simply reads…
Nine gifts. You’re all on the schedule.
PP
Well, let me tell you, my stomach DROPPED!
Because this isn’t the season of goodwill and peace. Oh no. We have just twelve days, nine gifts, and an author who is about to send us hurtling into another dark, twisted, and utterly addictive ride.
Each gift comes with a purpose. Each one is designed to push boundaries, test loyalties, and threaten to tear this group apart. And with the stakes higher than ever, you can bet your Christmas stockings that nothing is quite as it seems.
J.A. Owenby knows exactly how to keep you on the edge of your seat, delivering those heart-in-your-mouth moments that make you question everything. The suspense is deliciously dark, the twists are wickedly unexpected, and the tension? Absolutely palpable.
And did I forget to mention the HOT, passion-fuelled romance that makes this series such an intoxicating combination of danger, desire, and devotion?
Read it for…
🎁 Nine gifts with seriously sinister intentions.
🖤 A Christmas countdown that will have you holding your breath.
🔥 Dark romance, scorching passion, and dangerous desires.
💣 High-stakes twists that threaten to shatter everything.
🎄 J.A. Owenby at her seasonally dark best.
WOB65 Verdict
J.A. Owenby has once again reminded me why I love her dark, twisted world of romance. With Christmas in the Shadows, she takes everything we have come to expect from The Shadows Series and wraps it in a deliciously dangerous festive package. The suspense is gripping, the twists are wickedly clever, and the passion burns as fiercely as ever. This is an author who knows exactly how to keep her readers hooked, their hearts racing, and their emotions completely invested. Another darkly addictive read that proves Christmas isn’t always about peace, love, and goodwill… sometimes it’s about shadows, secrets, and a whole lot of sin!
J.A. Owenby, you’ve delivered one hell of a Christmas gift! 🖤🎄
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Grey's Promotion for the ARC. This is my review that I am leaving for free.
This series just keeps getting better and better, and this one is probably my favorite. The Pied Piper is back, and this time he is targeting the whole group: 9 presents for 9 people in a screwed up version of the 12 days of Christmas. It's a race against the clock to find him and end his teisted games before the clock strikes midnight.
The story is told from the dual POV's of Death and Ella. This gave such different, unique perspectives of the situation. They have both grown over the series. Death is soft only for Ella and the twins, while Ella is not afraid to get her hands dirty. The spicy scenes were so intensely hot. Neither of them hold back, and there is nothing gentle. Death is possessive and dominant, and I am here for it.
Kip, Holland, Ryker, Sloane, Nate, Ryan, and Cami are all there too. Each of them is being targeted or affected by the Piper in this messed up holiday version of Saw. The found family they have through their shared trauma is probably my favorite part of the book. Each of them has battled their own demons and walked through the dark but has found love and acceptance for who they have become.
The story was amazing, and it kept me guessing at every turn. Just when I thought I had it figured out, there was a new twist. The ending was both hopeful and heartbreaking, and left me needing answers.
This series just keeps getting better and better, and this one is probably my favorite. The Pied Piper is back, and this time he is targeting the whole group: 9 presents for 9 people in a screwed up version of the 12 days of Christmas. It's a race against the clock to find him and end his teisted games before the clock strikes midnight.
The story is told from the dual POV's of Death and Ella. This gave such different, unique perspectives of the situation. They have both grown over the series. Death is soft only for Ella and the twins, while Ella is not afraid to get her hands dirty. The spicy scenes were so intensely hot. Neither of them hold back, and there is nothing gentle. Death is possessive and dominant, and I am here for it.
Kip, Holland, Ryker, Sloane, Nate, Ryan, and Cami are all there too. Each of them is being targeted or affected by the Piper in this messed up holiday version of Saw. The found family they have through their shared trauma is probably my favorite part of the book. Each of them has battled their own demons and walked through the dark but has found love and acceptance for who they have become.
The story was amazing, and it kept me guessing at every turn. Just when I thought I had it figured out, there was a new twist. The ending was both hopeful and heartbreaking, and left me needing answers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you like me love your holiday read a little bit dark and full of suspense Christmas In the Shadows is the right choice. Also I have to admit that J.A. Owenby got me hooked on this series from the start and I'm a little bit obsessed with it. And this one is centered on Death and Ella and for me it's like getting back to the beginning of their story. But it's far from it. Because what started as a family and friends Christmas getting together turned into a game of cat and mouse with the Pied Piper. I loved all the twist and turns, the secrets and the riddles. Let's not forget all that obsessivley possessive men in one place with their protective instincts on high alert. And Pied Piper sneaky attacks are messing with them. But they couldn't stay broken and down and accept his games without a fight. And they have to be smarter than him to beat him at his game. That plot twists at any moment you think you figured something out will keep you at the end of your seat and guessing. Death and Ella were a dark dream team. I loved all the glimpses at the other couples. And I didn't expect the kind of frightening gifts that they received and managed to survive. And as always the major plot twist at the end left me speechless. So well done. That bonus chapter left me needing Cami and Ryan's story like yesterday.
Thanks to the author and The Author Agency for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.
Thanks to the author and The Author Agency for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Get your favorite drink ready, relax in your favorite reading spot and buckle up for one dark, wild and twisted twelve days before Christmas adventure.
Death, Ella and their chosen family are about to get their Christmas gifts.
But instead of Santa leaving them under the tree. The Pied Piper is doling them out evil style.
No egg nog, no ho-ho-ho just devastation and anguish. Tearing them apart from one gift at a time.
Ms. Owenby once again brings us back into the Shadows world and I loved every suspenseful moment of it.
Her writing is meticulous and precise. It’s very detailed oriented and the descriptions are vivid and come to life off the pages.
The characters in the series are people who capture the heart and you can’t help but love them and cheer them on.
Death, Kid, Ryker and Ryan are the morally black/grayish men who will go to any and all lengths to keep their women safe.
Ella, Sloane, Holland and Cami are the fierce and courageous women who love their men unconditionally.
The storyline and plot were riveting and intense. It’s unpredictable and tension driven.
The story is filled with heart pounding scenes, nerve wracking moments which had me flipping the pages as fast as I could read.
You better believe I want more of this world and this group of incredible characters and I’m excited to see what comes next!
Death, Ella and their chosen family are about to get their Christmas gifts.
But instead of Santa leaving them under the tree. The Pied Piper is doling them out evil style.
No egg nog, no ho-ho-ho just devastation and anguish. Tearing them apart from one gift at a time.
Ms. Owenby once again brings us back into the Shadows world and I loved every suspenseful moment of it.
Her writing is meticulous and precise. It’s very detailed oriented and the descriptions are vivid and come to life off the pages.
The characters in the series are people who capture the heart and you can’t help but love them and cheer them on.
Death, Kid, Ryker and Ryan are the morally black/grayish men who will go to any and all lengths to keep their women safe.
Ella, Sloane, Holland and Cami are the fierce and courageous women who love their men unconditionally.
The storyline and plot were riveting and intense. It’s unpredictable and tension driven.
The story is filled with heart pounding scenes, nerve wracking moments which had me flipping the pages as fast as I could read.
You better believe I want more of this world and this group of incredible characters and I’m excited to see what comes next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Arc Review:
What's better than Christmas gifts? J.A. blessing us with another Death and Ella POV! Talk about hanging on the edge of your seat, from the opening to close, she had me fully engulfed within her work but I'm biased. Not ashamed to admit I am a huge fan of her work and she has completely had me turning page after page, watching her world unfold. To those who have never read the series, seriously they are top tier! Definitely in the top 3 of mine for the best series I have ever read.
Some series fall off, stop keeping you engaged, yet her work, the way her words flow like pure magic in those fingertips. You cannot get enough! This is book 5 in her series, the next being the final while I am left ready to see the ending, then again I hate to see them go. Please make sure to read in order or you'll be lost. These should be on your Christmas list and on your shelves as physical copies much like my own.
Expressing how much the series has had me hooked, giving us all the special treat of a holiday continuing their story made this year extra special. Amazing. 10 stars if it would allow! It isn’t only spicy, but a thriller, suspense to keep you hanging on to your seat, riding this ride with the rest of us. Do you wanna get off at the next stop? God, no. You want to continue.
Devoured in less than a day! Hooked.
What's better than Christmas gifts? J.A. blessing us with another Death and Ella POV! Talk about hanging on the edge of your seat, from the opening to close, she had me fully engulfed within her work but I'm biased. Not ashamed to admit I am a huge fan of her work and she has completely had me turning page after page, watching her world unfold. To those who have never read the series, seriously they are top tier! Definitely in the top 3 of mine for the best series I have ever read.
Some series fall off, stop keeping you engaged, yet her work, the way her words flow like pure magic in those fingertips. You cannot get enough! This is book 5 in her series, the next being the final while I am left ready to see the ending, then again I hate to see them go. Please make sure to read in order or you'll be lost. These should be on your Christmas list and on your shelves as physical copies much like my own.
Expressing how much the series has had me hooked, giving us all the special treat of a holiday continuing their story made this year extra special. Amazing. 10 stars if it would allow! It isn’t only spicy, but a thriller, suspense to keep you hanging on to your seat, riding this ride with the rest of us. Do you wanna get off at the next stop? God, no. You want to continue.
Devoured in less than a day! Hooked.
November 8, 2026
4⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Dual POV
Book 5 in series
Check your TW‼️ And start with book 1 in this series, otherwise you may get lost in this book.
9 Christmas presents 🎁… and these are most definitely not your typical presents! 😅
Christmas in the Shadows brings us back into the dark and twisted world of Death, Ella, other previous characters, and their found family. Just when they think they might finally get a little peace, the Pied Piper returns with a new game. And these aren’t the kind of Christmas gifts anyone wants to receive…
I did love getting more of these characters and getting more tidbits of their backgrounds with the Pied Piper. Some parts of this book seemed to drag, but overall I would label this as a dark romance thriller.
Tropes + atmosphere:
Dark romance
Thriller vibes
Serial unaliver
“Who did this”
Forced proximity
Found family
Hidden identity
CLIFFHANGER
J.A. Owenby definitely knows how to mix dark romance with plenty of tension and unexpected twists! Thank you to the author and The Author Agency for the eARC.
Merry Christmas.
Twelve days.
Nine gifts.
You're all on the schedule.
-PP
“Because sometimes pretending we have choices is the only thing keeping us from falling apart.”
🌶️🌶️
Dual POV
Book 5 in series
Check your TW‼️ And start with book 1 in this series, otherwise you may get lost in this book.
9 Christmas presents 🎁… and these are most definitely not your typical presents! 😅
Christmas in the Shadows brings us back into the dark and twisted world of Death, Ella, other previous characters, and their found family. Just when they think they might finally get a little peace, the Pied Piper returns with a new game. And these aren’t the kind of Christmas gifts anyone wants to receive…
I did love getting more of these characters and getting more tidbits of their backgrounds with the Pied Piper. Some parts of this book seemed to drag, but overall I would label this as a dark romance thriller.
Tropes + atmosphere:
Dark romance
Thriller vibes
Serial unaliver
“Who did this”
Forced proximity
Found family
Hidden identity
CLIFFHANGER
J.A. Owenby definitely knows how to mix dark romance with plenty of tension and unexpected twists! Thank you to the author and The Author Agency for the eARC.
Merry Christmas.
Twelve days.
Nine gifts.
You're all on the schedule.
-PP
“Because sometimes pretending we have choices is the only thing keeping us from falling apart.”
November 5, 2026
Thank you so much to The Author Agency and the author for the eARC!
Nothing better than spending the Holidays waiting for presents from your favorite evil villain, the Pied Piper! You just know it’s going to be an epic Christmas and each gift will be personally selected by the Pied Piper himself. What more could you want? Warning, you need to read the other books in this series before you read this.
We get Ella and Death’s POV, with a little bit of Sebastian sprinkled in. All of our friends are together at Ella’s estate for the Holidays, and I love that we get to see the chaos of getting everything ready for the Holidays. The kids are running around, everyone is trying to get things ready and perfect. But then the story takes a dark turn, with a note arrives from our favorite villain. Twelve days, nine presents, and one major cliffhanger. The perfect Christmas, but only for the Pied Piper.
Secrets and fears are revealed, and each of our friends is forced to face decisions that could either break them apart or bring them closer together. But a decision has to be made and the stakes have never been higher.
And of course, this book ends on a major cliffhanger! We have one more book to bring the Pied Piper down and finally end his empire of fear and death. Ella, Death, Sebastian, Ryan, Cami, Kip, Holland, Nate, Ryker, and Sloan have one last chance to take him down, and I honestly can’t wait to read the last book in the series!
Nothing better than spending the Holidays waiting for presents from your favorite evil villain, the Pied Piper! You just know it’s going to be an epic Christmas and each gift will be personally selected by the Pied Piper himself. What more could you want? Warning, you need to read the other books in this series before you read this.
We get Ella and Death’s POV, with a little bit of Sebastian sprinkled in. All of our friends are together at Ella’s estate for the Holidays, and I love that we get to see the chaos of getting everything ready for the Holidays. The kids are running around, everyone is trying to get things ready and perfect. But then the story takes a dark turn, with a note arrives from our favorite villain. Twelve days, nine presents, and one major cliffhanger. The perfect Christmas, but only for the Pied Piper.
Secrets and fears are revealed, and each of our friends is forced to face decisions that could either break them apart or bring them closer together. But a decision has to be made and the stakes have never been higher.
And of course, this book ends on a major cliffhanger! We have one more book to bring the Pied Piper down and finally end his empire of fear and death. Ella, Death, Sebastian, Ryan, Cami, Kip, Holland, Nate, Ryker, and Sloan have one last chance to take him down, and I honestly can’t wait to read the last book in the series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5….This series brings the intensity every single time…and this book was no exception. Ella loves her family…not everyone can understand its dynamics but she loves it. When danger is sensed the twins are sent away but everyone else bands together wait…waiting to see what PP will do next. It’s Christmas time and the girts are coming….we are definitely not talking traditional Christmas gifts here. This book is dark, this book is well written and this book was one heck of a page turner. With the PP looking over her shoulder will Ella truly feel safe?!? Death is her protector he will do anything for her but is that enough?!? This well layered book did not disappoint. No one did it bring the heat he brought the dark suspense that never disappoints from this author. I’m already excited to see what is coming next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was my first Christmas book this year & what a hell of a way to start! I’ve been hooked on this series since the very beginning & I was so excited to get another book of Ella & Sebastian/Death. It was great to catch up with all of them, but I love Death.
This one, just like the others, keeps you guessing right till the end. I was on the edge of my seat & just when I thought I had a very small guess at what would happen next, something happened & I was wrong.
If you’ve been following this series & these characters, you’re gonna love this one! And if you’re new, definitely start at the very beginning. You won’t be disappointed. The spice is damn spicy, the suspense is killer, the guys love their women fiercely, & the entire group of them aren’t just friends- they’re family & would die for each other.
I don’t know what’s coming next, but I am so absolutely ready for it!
This one, just like the others, keeps you guessing right till the end. I was on the edge of my seat & just when I thought I had a very small guess at what would happen next, something happened & I was wrong.
If you’ve been following this series & these characters, you’re gonna love this one! And if you’re new, definitely start at the very beginning. You won’t be disappointed. The spice is damn spicy, the suspense is killer, the guys love their women fiercely, & the entire group of them aren’t just friends- they’re family & would die for each other.
I don’t know what’s coming next, but I am so absolutely ready for it!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Christmas in the Shadows by J.A. Owenby delivers another dark, suspense-filled ride! Death and his little lamb are back, but this time the Pied Piper is playing a dangerous game with the people they love most. The psychological mind games, sinister surprises, and threats against their found family kept the tension high from beginning to end. I absolutely love Death's possessive, obsessive devotion to Ella. His fierce determination to protect his family, no matter the cost, made him impossible not to love. The found-family bonds added an emotional layer that makes the danger feel even more personal. Overall, Christmas in the Shadows deserves the five dark and deliciously twisted Christmas stars!
I received an ARC copy from The Author Agency. Thank you for giving me the chance to read this novel and share my honest review of the novel
I received an ARC copy from The Author Agency. Thank you for giving me the chance to read this novel and share my honest review of the novel
November 10, 2026
The Pied Piper has them in his sights and nine gifts over the twelve days of Christmas. The author keeps you turning the pages with the suspense in this read. Who is the Pied Piper, and why does he have them all in his/her sights? You're kept on the edge of your seat by the suspense and mystery as the Pied Piper tries to ruin everyone with the secrets they hold.
I received an ARC for my voluntary honest review for NN Book Blog. If you're looking for a dark Christmas read with lots of suspense, then you will enjoy this book. This is Book Five in the Shadows Series, and you will need to read the other four books to keep up with what is going on in Christmas in the Shadows. This book may not be for everyone. Therefore, please read the author's trigger warnings before reading or purchasing this book.
I received an ARC for my voluntary honest review for NN Book Blog. If you're looking for a dark Christmas read with lots of suspense, then you will enjoy this book. This is Book Five in the Shadows Series, and you will need to read the other four books to keep up with what is going on in Christmas in the Shadows. This book may not be for everyone. Therefore, please read the author's trigger warnings before reading or purchasing this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Christmas cheer is fully here, little do they know it will be replaced with fear. 12 days, 9 presents a recipe for despair and disaster. Not a single person is safe from the Pied Piper.
Christmas in the Shadows is a ride that hits every corner with a ferocity. The angles the Pied Pipers took to try and destroy the group from inside out hit a new level; mind games, fears, memories nothing was off limits. Each present brought a new layer to the story. Each layer was a unique experience that made the story stronger. My heart raced, it broke, I could feel the pain of each character. It was such an intense story there was no putting it down, I had to know what came next. This book made my favorite new releases this year. I can’t not recommend it enough.
Christmas in the Shadows is a ride that hits every corner with a ferocity. The angles the Pied Pipers took to try and destroy the group from inside out hit a new level; mind games, fears, memories nothing was off limits. Each present brought a new layer to the story. Each layer was a unique experience that made the story stronger. My heart raced, it broke, I could feel the pain of each character. It was such an intense story there was no putting it down, I had to know what came next. This book made my favorite new releases this year. I can’t not recommend it enough.
Review of advance copy received from Author
monster who broke you.”
Death and Ella's little found family has had an eventful couple years. The unbreakable bond between all of them was built on things like love and devotion. However, darkness, shadows and unwelcome games have also controlled much of their lives. Now for the holiday's, Death and Ella were hoping for a little peace and joyful memories with loved ones. But then the man who has occupied their shadows, the man who wants to bring his family home, has decided each of them deserve a gift. Something...special. 12 days of tension and 1 man pulling every string from the shadows...
J.A Owenby heard we wanted more of Death and Ella and said "SAY LESS!" I have said it once, and I will say it again, if you have not read the Shadows series you are missing out. The love, dedication and absolute devotion these men have for their partners is all consuming. They each have fought to be where they are now but the Pied Piper is not allowing much else. I couldn't have asked for a better dark Christmas romance! This book gave me so much but somehow left me dying for more. The Pied Piper has made it his mission to make this a Christmas to remember.. and boy, oh boy, will we remember this one!
Dark Romance, Found Family, Forced Proximity, Touch her and Die, 1st person POV, Dual
Death and Ella's little found family has had an eventful couple years. The unbreakable bond between all of them was built on things like love and devotion. However, darkness, shadows and unwelcome games have also controlled much of their lives. Now for the holiday's, Death and Ella were hoping for a little peace and joyful memories with loved ones. But then the man who has occupied their shadows, the man who wants to bring his family home, has decided each of them deserve a gift. Something...special. 12 days of tension and 1 man pulling every string from the shadows...
J.A Owenby heard we wanted more of Death and Ella and said "SAY LESS!" I have said it once, and I will say it again, if you have not read the Shadows series you are missing out. The love, dedication and absolute devotion these men have for their partners is all consuming. They each have fought to be where they are now but the Pied Piper is not allowing much else. I couldn't have asked for a better dark Christmas romance! This book gave me so much but somehow left me dying for more. The Pied Piper has made it his mission to make this a Christmas to remember.. and boy, oh boy, will we remember this one!
Dark Romance, Found Family, Forced Proximity, Touch her and Die, 1st person POV, Dual
October 31, 2026
Twelve days.
Nine gifts.
Nine gifts people knew would rip them further apart and closer to the unthinkable.
Nine people trapped in the horrific mind of a psychopath and his twisted games. Nine people who had been connected to the Pied Piper and each other, without ever knowing.
Dammit! The anxiety was real with this one! Just when you think everything is going to be ok, Owenby rips the rug out from under you and spartan kicks you while you’re falling into another endless pit of darkness.
I love that this book brings us back to Ella and Sebastian/Death, while keeping everybody else as connected as ever.
Is book 6 here yet?!
Nine gifts.
Nine gifts people knew would rip them further apart and closer to the unthinkable.
Nine people trapped in the horrific mind of a psychopath and his twisted games. Nine people who had been connected to the Pied Piper and each other, without ever knowing.
Dammit! The anxiety was real with this one! Just when you think everything is going to be ok, Owenby rips the rug out from under you and spartan kicks you while you’re falling into another endless pit of darkness.
I love that this book brings us back to Ella and Sebastian/Death, while keeping everybody else as connected as ever.
Is book 6 here yet?!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely DEVOURED Christmas in the Shadows! 😍🖤 This was the perfect dark Christmas romance, packed with twists, secrets, suspense, and just the right amount of unhinged obsession. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and genuinely could not put this book down!
I loved every single page, and these men?! TOP. TIER. 🔥 The devotion, the protectiveness, the darkness... I am OBSESSED!
If you haven't started The Shadows Series yet, take this as your sign to start from Book 1. Trust me, you don't want to miss out on these men! 🖤🌲
Highly recommend!
Thank you JA Owenby and Greys Promo for the ARC and the opportunity to read this one! 💕
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC copy from the author. This is a Christmas certainly anyone won't forget. J.A. Owenby has done it again and continues to deliver on an incredible story. What happens when the Pied Piper cuts deep into our found family during what should be a peaceful and happy Christmas? I'm so happy that we got another book with Death and Ella they are by far my favorite dark romance couple. I love to see the growth between them. I love to see the closeness of everyone together in this found family and how they will stay together no matter what. I can't wait to read the conclusion to this fantastic series!
Review of advance copy
I savored every bit of this book. It is a dark, twisted unhinged romance and an addictive page turner. The suspense was amazing. The plot was fantastic. And the narrative was perfection. This author really took things up another notch with this story from the previous ones. It held me captive from the very beginning and I was hooked from the first few pages. You absolutely don't want to miss out on reading this one but before you grab this make sure you've read the previous books or you'll be completely lost. An epic read that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Thank you to the author agency and the author for a copy of this. All opinions are my own and freely given.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book gives a whole new meaning to the twelve days of Christmas.
The gifts arriving in this book are an absolute nightmare. Every single delivery from the Pied Piper is filled with psychological ruin. It made for a brilliant high-stakes countdown to Christmas morning. Oh the games he likes to play. I wouldn't want a single thing on that psychopath's delivery list.
The love Ella has for her family and the devotion of them all is heart warming. Love all the characters and what they each bring to the story.
Can't wait to find out what happens in the next book!
The gifts arriving in this book are an absolute nightmare. Every single delivery from the Pied Piper is filled with psychological ruin. It made for a brilliant high-stakes countdown to Christmas morning. Oh the games he likes to play. I wouldn't want a single thing on that psychopath's delivery list.
The love Ella has for her family and the devotion of them all is heart warming. Love all the characters and what they each bring to the story.
Can't wait to find out what happens in the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely love this series and Ella’s journey is the best, so when a new book lands about my favorite characters I’m here and ate it all right away! This one doesn’t solve all the question we have about the villain, but it does make me curious about reading more about Cami! I devoured the bonus scene and already hoping for more!
A really big thank you to the author and her team for allowing me to read&review this wonderful book, it was a great journey!
A really big thank you to the author and her team for allowing me to read&review this wonderful book, it was a great journey!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this as an ARC. I’ve read this entire series up to this point. It’s such a good, dark one. I thought this was the last book in the series but the ending lets me know that it’s not quite done yet. That’s great as I would be sad to see it go. This was action packed from the start to the end so hang on to your hat! We get the entire gang for this one, too. I’m already ready for the next book to see what happens next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
J.A knows how to write a good dark romance!! I was so excited to be back in this world, with all the characters! This was the perfect holiday season read, especially if you love a dark Christmas book! (Just remember this is NOT a standalone) all the twist in this book?! The spice! I cannot wait to see what comes next!! Also death will always be my favorite (if ya know, ya know)
Tropes:
Touch her & ☠️
Dark holiday romance
Unhinged serial killer
Found found
Dark devotion
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Touch her & ☠️
Dark holiday romance
Unhinged serial killer
Found found
Dark devotion
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3🌶️🌶️🌶️
Read
November 10, 2026I just love Ms. Oweby's morally gray, obsessive MMCs!
Should Christmas be dark?
I say yes and I think you will too if you've been loving this series!
Phew guys! I could barely put this down!
The suspense is off the charts!
The characters…just amazing!
I want to stress...this is NOT a standalone!
But believe me...you will enjoy each and every story leading up to this one!
This is a blockbuster! Perhaps this should be a made for TV movie!
Should Christmas be dark?
I say yes and I think you will too if you've been loving this series!
Phew guys! I could barely put this down!
The suspense is off the charts!
The characters…just amazing!
I want to stress...this is NOT a standalone!
But believe me...you will enjoy each and every story leading up to this one!
This is a blockbuster! Perhaps this should be a made for TV movie!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Christmas never felt so intense.
If you're looking for a sweet Hallmark story look elsewhere.
If you want a dark, keep you on the edge of your seat story this is the one for you.
The whole gang is sharing a Christmas when it takes a dark and sinister turn.
Everyone likes gifts, but I would not consider what gets delivered to them as gifts.
Read at your own risk.
If you're looking for a sweet Hallmark story look elsewhere.
If you want a dark, keep you on the edge of your seat story this is the one for you.
The whole gang is sharing a Christmas when it takes a dark and sinister turn.
Everyone likes gifts, but I would not consider what gets delivered to them as gifts.
Read at your own risk.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
A dark twisted Christmas story that almost has me reading a happy romance after it haha,! This was amazing, trying to figure out who it is all while trying to keep her and keep er safe. This is one that you’ll get hooked into and not want to put it down, I am dying for the next book! Because that cliffhanger!
I received an ARC copy in exchange for a free and honest review.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for a free and honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
J.A. Owenby has done it again!!! Once you finally think you can guess what's going to happen next you're proven wrong. We've loved these characters and I continue to love them even more. Already anticipating what comes next.
Thank you J.A. Owenby!! This was fantastic, yet again!!!!
If you want to join us in the shadows, I highly suggest you read them in order!!!
Thank you J.A. Owenby!! This was fantastic, yet again!!!!
If you want to join us in the shadows, I highly suggest you read them in order!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Okay I’ll be honest when I signed up for this book I didn’t know what to expect but oh boy I’m so glad I did. Cause this book ? One hell of a great deal.
This book is actually dark, filled with secrets, twists and things that’ll make you question so many things.
You absolutely have to read them in order to understand better the stories.
Can’t wait for the next one.
This book is actually dark, filled with secrets, twists and things that’ll make you question so many things.
You absolutely have to read them in order to understand better the stories.
Can’t wait for the next one.
November 7, 2026
The thing I love about J.A. Owenby's stories is that we get men that are a bit unhinged but absolutely obsessed with the FMC and will do what they need to to ensure trhey are protected. Definitely need to read the previous stories in this series. I enjoyed that it was done in the backdrop of Christmas, which is my favorite holiday but with a dark twist.
Review of advance copy
The pied piper is back and well hes got his own Christmas countdown, 9 presents for 9 people. Ella and Death lead this story but dont worry theres a bunch from the other too! This story will have you hooked with festive horrors, twists, steamy scenes, drama, action and more!
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