What do you think?
Rate this book
Painted in Shadows: A Dark Fantasy Romance
"You have the kind of face that should come with a warning label." Too bad Olivia painted it for everyone to see.
She's an artist with too much curiosity and not enough self-preservation — the kind of woman who wanders into the darkest corners of Vespera because the light there is interesting. Putting the most dangerous man in the city on canvas was never the plan. She's never even seen his face. No one has.
Ruvan rules the underworld with shadows at his command. No one outside his circle has ever seen his face — until Olivia. One look at her painting and he knows two someone betrayed him, and killing her would be the safest option.
Instead, he keeps her close. Instead, she keeps talking. Instead, sparks ignite where there should only be fear.
But Olivia is hiding something — rare, unregistered magic that could unravel the system keeping people like her branded and controlled. And when light collides with shadow, their attraction might be the spark that burns the whole city down.
Perfect for fans of dark, slow-burn a grumpy crime lord, a reckless sunshine artist, and a city where love is as lethal as power.
She's an artist with too much curiosity and not enough self-preservation — the kind of woman who wanders into the darkest corners of Vespera because the light there is interesting. Putting the most dangerous man in the city on canvas was never the plan. She's never even seen his face. No one has.
Ruvan rules the underworld with shadows at his command. No one outside his circle has ever seen his face — until Olivia. One look at her painting and he knows two someone betrayed him, and killing her would be the safest option.
Instead, he keeps her close. Instead, she keeps talking. Instead, sparks ignite where there should only be fear.
But Olivia is hiding something — rare, unregistered magic that could unravel the system keeping people like her branded and controlled. And when light collides with shadow, their attraction might be the spark that burns the whole city down.
Perfect for fans of dark, slow-burn a grumpy crime lord, a reckless sunshine artist, and a city where love is as lethal as power.
436 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 11, 2025
272 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
February 1, 2026
strange
What a strange strange way of writing. This author is unique for sure. I felt like this entire book didn’t use a full sentence. Did I really just read an entire book about feeding villains vegetables? Every SINGLE page mentioned vegetables I swear ! I mean the wit kept me reading but the book definitely needs depth.
What a strange strange way of writing. This author is unique for sure. I felt like this entire book didn’t use a full sentence. Did I really just read an entire book about feeding villains vegetables? Every SINGLE page mentioned vegetables I swear ! I mean the wit kept me reading but the book definitely needs depth.
October 25, 2025
This book was such a delight. A lot of fun dialogue and the MFC is a riot. Loved it.
February 10, 2026
Similar energy to apprentice to the villain series! Very delightful !
January 12, 2026
Good characters&dialogue, bad plot/world building
I enjoyed the characters and dialogue, and the overall tone, but there was nowhere near enough world building or plot. Nothing made any sense, they’d talk about corsets and medieval things but then mention vitamin gummy bears. It was honestly too confusing to finish, and a lot of the plot made no sense. There was also some grammar/proofing errors. I think with some more revision and back to basics with the plot it could be a great book.
I enjoyed the characters and dialogue, and the overall tone, but there was nowhere near enough world building or plot. Nothing made any sense, they’d talk about corsets and medieval things but then mention vitamin gummy bears. It was honestly too confusing to finish, and a lot of the plot made no sense. There was also some grammar/proofing errors. I think with some more revision and back to basics with the plot it could be a great book.
February 20, 2026
Vegetable written almost every page
Cute story line executed so-so. Felt like everyone had the same voice, and I had to take breaks bc the protagonist while bubbly and cute was a bit overkill going from barely-able-to-feed-herself starving artist to feeding a whole lot of other people somehow before money was introduced for her to fund from plus using the word vegetable and being overly caregiving constantly.
Cute story line executed so-so. Felt like everyone had the same voice, and I had to take breaks bc the protagonist while bubbly and cute was a bit overkill going from barely-able-to-feed-herself starving artist to feeding a whole lot of other people somehow before money was introduced for her to fund from plus using the word vegetable and being overly caregiving constantly.
January 21, 2026
Virtual Voice Narration: 0/5 ⭐
I hadn't realized that it was Virtual Voice until after I started due to it showing up as already available via voice sync on my Kindle.
Despite the absolute disappointment that the Audiobook was, the book itself was hilarious. I genuinely loved Olivia from beginning to end. She is a the type of ball of sunshine that I adore.
I do wish we saw more of 'The Shadow King' and her relationship growing, because it kinda felt like we missed out on it. Because the focus feels more on Olivia and the Shadow Guild.
I hadn't realized that it was Virtual Voice until after I started due to it showing up as already available via voice sync on my Kindle.
Despite the absolute disappointment that the Audiobook was, the book itself was hilarious. I genuinely loved Olivia from beginning to end. She is a the type of ball of sunshine that I adore.
I do wish we saw more of 'The Shadow King' and her relationship growing, because it kinda felt like we missed out on it. Because the focus feels more on Olivia and the Shadow Guild.
March 2, 2026
The author has potential. However, the writing was bad. It was repetitive. There were full paragraphs that repeated. There were moments that were copy and pasted in different spots. The only redeeming thing about this book was the wit. There was no world building or actual missions. Just a weird girl in a house with cool magic who likes to paint and cut veggies.
The couple has no chemistry either. Don’t waste your time.
The couple has no chemistry either. Don’t waste your time.
Read
March 1, 2026frustrating to read
I had to stop reading because the continuity issues and horrible edits made it too frustrating and confusing to continue reading. So many details jumbled up, full paragraphs repeated, same item given to multiple people. The story felt weak and unsupported but this made it impossible to even get halfway. This is after the note about recent updates being made to address continuity.
I had to stop reading because the continuity issues and horrible edits made it too frustrating and confusing to continue reading. So many details jumbled up, full paragraphs repeated, same item given to multiple people. The story felt weak and unsupported but this made it impossible to even get halfway. This is after the note about recent updates being made to address continuity.
February 24, 2026
cute n entertaining but not GREAT
August 13, 2025
Decent
Some very funny dialogue in this book. Simple to follow story with a kooky, nutty FMC & pure grump shadow guy.
Book has no spice (my only complaint).
Some very funny dialogue in this book. Simple to follow story with a kooky, nutty FMC & pure grump shadow guy.
Book has no spice (my only complaint).
March 10, 2026
Great start led into pure AGGRAVATION!
This story had such a great start! What a giant tease. I was captivated right up until the FMC’s ridiculous level of altruism took over the entire story. I kept hanging in there despite wanting to throw my kindle against the wall.
There were pages and pages on baking bread and making stew and overseeing a bunch of assassins - murderers with hearts of gold (of course) - learn how to cook and clean! I finally started skipping over these pages.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t skip over the FMC needing to feed and heal villains in the story that had just killed a bunch of her new friends. In addition, they took in their enemies, and of course, fed them, healed them and taught them to cook! The MMC - the shadow daddy head of the guild - seemed to have no qualms over the FMC’s insistence of this. He pretty much let her take over his whole organization. So unrealistic and made him appear just as ridiculous!
Her endless commentary on how people should care for themselves made the FMC come off as ridiculous. If I had to hear one more time the FMC saying, “somebody has to do it” in relation to her do-good actions, I was going to scream!
By the way, why on earth was this large group of big bad shadow assassins, along with their powerful shadow king, ALL starving, sleep deprived, sickly and living in squalor?? It makes no sense.
Also, why develop a character in the beginning as a fatherly figure who helped keep her fed with a roof over her head and when she ends up having to move in with the assassins, she never looks back! No word is given to him to explain her disappearance or to let him know if she’s even alive! Nope, instead her goals were to feed, heal and give endless advice to thugs who wanted to kill her.
With all this, the romance was driven to the background. I should have known the spice level would be low when the MMC was only titillated by her “hip”. WTH?! Several comments about his attention being specifically on that body part.
Regarding spice, though it was a well written scene, it was in the last 75% of the book and was only ONE scene. If only more time had been spent on spice and less on cooking, cleaning and endless chatter!
I’m sorry, but what could have been a really great story quickly slid into aggravation, and I cannot recommend this experience to anyone else.
This story had such a great start! What a giant tease. I was captivated right up until the FMC’s ridiculous level of altruism took over the entire story. I kept hanging in there despite wanting to throw my kindle against the wall.
There were pages and pages on baking bread and making stew and overseeing a bunch of assassins - murderers with hearts of gold (of course) - learn how to cook and clean! I finally started skipping over these pages.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t skip over the FMC needing to feed and heal villains in the story that had just killed a bunch of her new friends. In addition, they took in their enemies, and of course, fed them, healed them and taught them to cook! The MMC - the shadow daddy head of the guild - seemed to have no qualms over the FMC’s insistence of this. He pretty much let her take over his whole organization. So unrealistic and made him appear just as ridiculous!
Her endless commentary on how people should care for themselves made the FMC come off as ridiculous. If I had to hear one more time the FMC saying, “somebody has to do it” in relation to her do-good actions, I was going to scream!
By the way, why on earth was this large group of big bad shadow assassins, along with their powerful shadow king, ALL starving, sleep deprived, sickly and living in squalor?? It makes no sense.
Also, why develop a character in the beginning as a fatherly figure who helped keep her fed with a roof over her head and when she ends up having to move in with the assassins, she never looks back! No word is given to him to explain her disappearance or to let him know if she’s even alive! Nope, instead her goals were to feed, heal and give endless advice to thugs who wanted to kill her.
With all this, the romance was driven to the background. I should have known the spice level would be low when the MMC was only titillated by her “hip”. WTH?! Several comments about his attention being specifically on that body part.
Regarding spice, though it was a well written scene, it was in the last 75% of the book and was only ONE scene. If only more time had been spent on spice and less on cooking, cleaning and endless chatter!
I’m sorry, but what could have been a really great story quickly slid into aggravation, and I cannot recommend this experience to anyone else.
January 21, 2026
Beautifully written & lovely character duality ✨️
Love love love this! I'm a fan of a morally grey with a touch of "only soft for her" MMC + sunshine FMC with subtle (massive) strengths.
The character (primarily Olivia) idiosyncrasies were such a breath of fresh air - adding an almost rhythmic/symmetrical feel to the writing and structure of each chapter. Plus, there was a nice light arc of character growth, and a steady poetry in embracing imperfections.
Overall, a great duality between Ruvan & Oliva: shadow/light, darkness/color, criminal lord/endlessly determined caretaker...
The perfect amount of worldbuilding for the length, so I always felt engaged and not bogged down. I definitely would love to explore more in this world! Maybe Arthur or Joss? Or maybe someone completely new.
Will definitely be re-reading, and I have a feeling it'll be dreamy the second time around!
Love love love this! I'm a fan of a morally grey with a touch of "only soft for her" MMC + sunshine FMC with subtle (massive) strengths.
The character (primarily Olivia) idiosyncrasies were such a breath of fresh air - adding an almost rhythmic/symmetrical feel to the writing and structure of each chapter. Plus, there was a nice light arc of character growth, and a steady poetry in embracing imperfections.
Overall, a great duality between Ruvan & Oliva: shadow/light, darkness/color, criminal lord/endlessly determined caretaker...
The perfect amount of worldbuilding for the length, so I always felt engaged and not bogged down. I definitely would love to explore more in this world! Maybe Arthur or Joss? Or maybe someone completely new.
Will definitely be re-reading, and I have a feeling it'll be dreamy the second time around!
February 26, 2026
Don’t know how to feel about this one. Definitely not Dark Fantasy. More light cozy romantasy, but was it modern times or medieval? So mixed up. Assassins and shadows do not make dark fantasy. Timeline was all over the place. Short sentences, so jerky. Used for a certain character? Sure. A whole book? Made it hard to read and connect. Very close to DNF.
Main character was boring and so repetitive. The book was mostly about badly described food and feeding people and being unable to stop talking about food. We learnt about a blue thread about a million times.
I don’t like to drop stars because the genre wasn’t quite what I expected but this was just ok ish no matter the genre. Needs a really, really good edit or 10. I wanted to like it, it started well, great idea but it just fell flat.
Looking at her author profile, 10 books published in 2025? Screaming AI. Really disappointed if it is.
Main character was boring and so repetitive. The book was mostly about badly described food and feeding people and being unable to stop talking about food. We learnt about a blue thread about a million times.
I don’t like to drop stars because the genre wasn’t quite what I expected but this was just ok ish no matter the genre. Needs a really, really good edit or 10. I wanted to like it, it started well, great idea but it just fell flat.
Looking at her author profile, 10 books published in 2025? Screaming AI. Really disappointed if it is.
March 9, 2026
loved the premise, the characters, the story, and the pacing was okay, but the continuity errors were horrible. at one point, I was doing math to ensure I wasn't going crazy. if they weren't thrown in my face as often as they were I may have been able to accept them but the certainty within in which they were written pushed me to acknowledge the numbers and inevitably do the math.
for example, I'm still wondering how there were enough bedrooms and why she made chicken soup three different ways but always ended up with the same result or how she had money for soup and ingredients but still ate someone else's leftovers (I know he was being nice but still.) she went from barely being able to afford carrots to feeding like 6 people with nothing happening to make that shift believable.
with some editing, this is easily a 4 star read, but the fact I broke out a calculator and actually did math for this took me so far out of the story.
for example, I'm still wondering how there were enough bedrooms and why she made chicken soup three different ways but always ended up with the same result or how she had money for soup and ingredients but still ate someone else's leftovers (I know he was being nice but still.) she went from barely being able to afford carrots to feeding like 6 people with nothing happening to make that shift believable.
with some editing, this is easily a 4 star read, but the fact I broke out a calculator and actually did math for this took me so far out of the story.
February 28, 2026
Surprising delightful!
I don't normally leave reviews, but I really liked this book. After losing interest half way through several books lately it was great to find one that held my interest. No immature or stupid heroine. No over the top drama or stupid plotline that made me want to throw my kindle. Writers more and more seem to cram that stuff in even if doesn't further the plot or help character development. This is as far as I can tell a standalone and it was great to get a whole story in one book. I love series but sometimes it's really nice to get to the end faster. I enjoyed the writing and am going to look at other books by this author. That's not very common for me anymore.
I don't normally leave reviews, but I really liked this book. After losing interest half way through several books lately it was great to find one that held my interest. No immature or stupid heroine. No over the top drama or stupid plotline that made me want to throw my kindle. Writers more and more seem to cram that stuff in even if doesn't further the plot or help character development. This is as far as I can tell a standalone and it was great to get a whole story in one book. I love series but sometimes it's really nice to get to the end faster. I enjoyed the writing and am going to look at other books by this author. That's not very common for me anymore.
January 7, 2026
So charming and cute
How is a book about a clumsy artist seeking shelter with the notorious king of shadows so darn charming. It was a little redundant at some parts but that is exactly how a mom or grandma in my household would treat people. The humor was throughout and I finished this in 2.5 hours. It was a really good stand alone FM rom com with some darker aspects that compared healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms. There were many parts that reminded me of Olaf from frozen 2 with the kids of Arondale and teaching them how to cope with rough situations. It was a good read
How is a book about a clumsy artist seeking shelter with the notorious king of shadows so darn charming. It was a little redundant at some parts but that is exactly how a mom or grandma in my household would treat people. The humor was throughout and I finished this in 2.5 hours. It was a really good stand alone FM rom com with some darker aspects that compared healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms. There were many parts that reminded me of Olaf from frozen 2 with the kids of Arondale and teaching them how to cope with rough situations. It was a good read
January 22, 2026
This was a cute story with a massive found family trope at the center. There was a bit of romance, grumpy/sunshine and a bit of spice. But most of the story was focused on a magical painter adopting and domesticating a guild of shadow assassins, to the point of absurdity sometimes. I suspended my disbelief, and it helped me enjoy the story. I liked the characters as well. There was action and mild amount of tension. That said, there was no world building. I didn't know when, how, where or what in regards to the world. That part was so lacking. It would have been a much better read, if the author gave this matter its due.
December 26, 2025
You just have to read.
So I'm on facebook. Mindlessly scrolling for something to do. I get my books this way. When I see it. This book. About helping his killers eat vegetables. So I try and get it, but my account isn't set up. Bummer So I try and go back to the site, and it's gone. I go dang it. I just knew it was gonna be great. So I scroll some more and bam it's there. I sit down and finish this book in one setting. It's funny and wholesome while being a murderer lol. Definitely needs a book about the surprise at the end.
So I'm on facebook. Mindlessly scrolling for something to do. I get my books this way. When I see it. This book. About helping his killers eat vegetables. So I try and get it, but my account isn't set up. Bummer So I try and go back to the site, and it's gone. I go dang it. I just knew it was gonna be great. So I scroll some more and bam it's there. I sit down and finish this book in one setting. It's funny and wholesome while being a murderer lol. Definitely needs a book about the surprise at the end.
September 25, 2025
What a clever little gem. I love how the MFC is unaffected by all the brutality and violence. If “It is what it is..so what’s next”, is a person it would be her. I appreciate the gentle delivery of big events throughout the storyline. It’s definitely an easy read when you feel like a romance with a bit of an off color sense of humor. Definitely 5 stars for the entire package from the world building, to the character development, down to the storyline. Cheers !!
November 13, 2025
Interesting and different..
This was a different take on gang life with paranormal, humor, sweetness, chemistry, and age gap romance. The h could have been younger maybe but still an alpha hotness though. I was laughing while reading this and the storyline was realistic. The heroine was not boring and not weak. Enjoyable read with emotional showing. Would have been nice if the epilogue included a baby scene. Still good ending though..definitely recommend.
This was a different take on gang life with paranormal, humor, sweetness, chemistry, and age gap romance. The h could have been younger maybe but still an alpha hotness though. I was laughing while reading this and the storyline was realistic. The heroine was not boring and not weak. Enjoyable read with emotional showing. Would have been nice if the epilogue included a baby scene. Still good ending though..definitely recommend.
February 12, 2026
Feels like AI wrote it
The idea of the plot was interesting but I couldn’t finish it. It reads like someone threw a prompt into a AI tool like ChatGBT and put their own name on writing it. I never felt like the characters were fleshed out beyond grumpy sunshine and there was a lack of world building. The plot idea itself was interesting and of less AI had been used it would be better.
The idea of the plot was interesting but I couldn’t finish it. It reads like someone threw a prompt into a AI tool like ChatGBT and put their own name on writing it. I never felt like the characters were fleshed out beyond grumpy sunshine and there was a lack of world building. The plot idea itself was interesting and of less AI had been used it would be better.
December 16, 2025
This was a fun one. The FMC was insane but in the best way. It was comedic and just an easy read. Very predictable but very enjoyable. It’s 4 stars instead of 5 because the big “fight”/climax of the story was only like a chapter. I wish it was longer, more of a fight, more of FMC’s chaos beyond enemy lines. But otherwise, loved it!
January 24, 2026
This book came into my life when I needed hope and a reminder of what is worth all things in life. I cannot recommend it enough. The humor, the feeding people, and the overall care. Makes my heart so happy. If you are feeling down about the world and how people should behave in leadership- read this love story.
January 30, 2026
I really don’t have any other words than this book was absolutely fantastic! I loved the banter between Olivia and Ruvan, ruffling his feathers constantly with kindness. Olivia was such a great FMC that mixed femininity, kindness, and strength so well.
I can’t wait to read more from Ryan.
✨Slow burn ✨No third act breakup ✨Standalone ✨No cheating ✨No cliffhanger
I can’t wait to read more from Ryan.
✨Slow burn ✨No third act breakup ✨Standalone ✨No cheating ✨No cliffhanger
February 2, 2026
fun read
While there was some time line inconsistencies, they were not enough to detract from the storyline and characters. The characters in this book were fun, and while I would mark this as more lighthearted, the MMC and MFC still showed growth and connection to each other. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and looking forward to checking out more.
While there was some time line inconsistencies, they were not enough to detract from the storyline and characters. The characters in this book were fun, and while I would mark this as more lighthearted, the MMC and MFC still showed growth and connection to each other. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and looking forward to checking out more.
February 13, 2026
Funny and engaging
I loved this book, I laughed so much and I cried a few times. This was so entertaining, I loved Olivia's personality, accepting the absurdity of her world and just moving on and taking everyone with her. Just caring about Ruvan and his guild and showing strength through love and caring. Great book.
I loved this book, I laughed so much and I cried a few times. This was so entertaining, I loved Olivia's personality, accepting the absurdity of her world and just moving on and taking everyone with her. Just caring about Ruvan and his guild and showing strength through love and caring. Great book.
February 20, 2026
This was such a fun and lighthearted book. I wish we got to explore more of her painting powers, but it was a fast paced and fun read. Towards the end it started to feel cartoonish with how the band of assassins just fell in line for her. I'm glad it ended when it did because she started to feel annoying.
February 22, 2026
Ridiculously Adorable
At first I thought this may be a satire, with the grumpy/sunshine, healer/shadow daddy, and artist/crime lord tropes. But it’s a good time with plenty of laugh out loud lines, even if some of the details don’t make any sense. It’s a great comfort read, and I look forward to reading other books by this author!
At first I thought this may be a satire, with the grumpy/sunshine, healer/shadow daddy, and artist/crime lord tropes. But it’s a good time with plenty of laugh out loud lines, even if some of the details don’t make any sense. It’s a great comfort read, and I look forward to reading other books by this author!
March 6, 2026
first time reading this author and couldn’t put it down
I loved the story line, the main characters, and the settings. If you like a good book and romance then you must read. Twists and turns and overly talkative people this is a must read. I picked this book on a whim and loved it. Hope you do too.
I loved the story line, the main characters, and the settings. If you like a good book and romance then you must read. Twists and turns and overly talkative people this is a must read. I picked this book on a whim and loved it. Hope you do too.
March 24, 2026
Fun and quick read
If ADHD was a book this would be it. And I loved it. Which is probably why it was easy to follow for the most part. Confusion in some areas. But definitely a fave book. Plot line was good. I wish there was more world building so I could’ve understood the guild system a little better but regardless the author wrote a fun story with fun characters.
If ADHD was a book this would be it. And I loved it. Which is probably why it was easy to follow for the most part. Confusion in some areas. But definitely a fave book. Plot line was good. I wish there was more world building so I could’ve understood the guild system a little better but regardless the author wrote a fun story with fun characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews