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Sins and Shadows
Not yet published
Expected 10 Mar 26We pretend the other half of the island doesn't exist. Behind the electric wall that was built to keeps us safe is where magic twisted the land into something alive. The trees move, monsters hunt and the dead don't stay buried.
No one is stupid enough to cross it. No one except my brother. So I go in after him.
Now the forest watches me and I find strange rips where reality tears open. The clues point to a necromancer taking my brother and if I don't find him soon, another war will begin.
And I'm not alone. Two men, both dangerous and not quite human, circle me like wolves. Each of them wants a piece of me.
Asher - Beautiful and dangerous, and far too willing to set the world on fire if it means keeping me.
Reyes - Chained in shadows and secrets, his touch cold as terror and sweet as temptation. He shouldn't want me. He does anyway.
They hate each other. They refuse to leave me and one of them just chained himself to me.
I don't know who to trust. I don't know if I'll survive the monsters, the rips or the lies.
All I know is this
Nothing on this island is what it seems... and if I fail... nothing will ever be the same again.
No one is stupid enough to cross it. No one except my brother. So I go in after him.
Now the forest watches me and I find strange rips where reality tears open. The clues point to a necromancer taking my brother and if I don't find him soon, another war will begin.
And I'm not alone. Two men, both dangerous and not quite human, circle me like wolves. Each of them wants a piece of me.
Asher - Beautiful and dangerous, and far too willing to set the world on fire if it means keeping me.
Reyes - Chained in shadows and secrets, his touch cold as terror and sweet as temptation. He shouldn't want me. He does anyway.
They hate each other. They refuse to leave me and one of them just chained himself to me.
I don't know who to trust. I don't know if I'll survive the monsters, the rips or the lies.
All I know is this
Nothing on this island is what it seems... and if I fail... nothing will ever be the same again.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 10, 2026
9 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I ARC read this ❤️
I went into this thinking it was a dark read but found it mellow for me in that department.
The characters are great and there is definitely potential for it to be a great series..
the "monster" guys are great plenty angst.
Orabel love her name but found her a bit weak but hoping next book when she comes into "herself" truly she will be a force
overall worth a read, slow slow burn but think the next book should be fire.
I went into this thinking it was a dark read but found it mellow for me in that department.
The characters are great and there is definitely potential for it to be a great series..
the "monster" guys are great plenty angst.
Orabel love her name but found her a bit weak but hoping next book when she comes into "herself" truly she will be a force
overall worth a read, slow slow burn but think the next book should be fire.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐☆☆☆☆ (0.5/5)
I don’t even know where to start with Sins and Shadows… and not in a good way.
This book promised darkness. It listed triggers that made me brace myself for something intense, gritty, and emotionally wrecking. I went in expecting morally gray chaos, twisted tension, and scenes that would actually push boundaries.
Instead?
The “triggers” felt like they were just… words on a page. They were mentioned maybe once, hinted at, brushed against — but never truly explored. Nothing dug deep. Nothing lingered. Nothing hurt. And in dark romance, if you’re going to warn me, then commit.
It kept losing me.
The pacing felt disjointed, the emotional connection never fully landed, and every time I thought we were about to dive into something raw or unsettling, it pulled back. I wasn’t shocked. I wasn’t uncomfortable. I wasn’t invested.
I was just… there.
The characters had potential, but I never felt fully immersed in their darkness or chemistry. It felt surface-level when it should have been consuming.
The only reason this gets half a star instead of zero? The concept had promise. Somewhere in there was a book that could’ve been powerful.
But this wasn’t it for me.
If you’re looking for truly disturbing, emotionally intense dark romance fantasy, this one might feel tame. And if you’re going to list heavy triggers, you need to deliver on them.
Unfortunately, this just didn’t.
I don’t even know where to start with Sins and Shadows… and not in a good way.
This book promised darkness. It listed triggers that made me brace myself for something intense, gritty, and emotionally wrecking. I went in expecting morally gray chaos, twisted tension, and scenes that would actually push boundaries.
Instead?
The “triggers” felt like they were just… words on a page. They were mentioned maybe once, hinted at, brushed against — but never truly explored. Nothing dug deep. Nothing lingered. Nothing hurt. And in dark romance, if you’re going to warn me, then commit.
It kept losing me.
The pacing felt disjointed, the emotional connection never fully landed, and every time I thought we were about to dive into something raw or unsettling, it pulled back. I wasn’t shocked. I wasn’t uncomfortable. I wasn’t invested.
I was just… there.
The characters had potential, but I never felt fully immersed in their darkness or chemistry. It felt surface-level when it should have been consuming.
The only reason this gets half a star instead of zero? The concept had promise. Somewhere in there was a book that could’ve been powerful.
But this wasn’t it for me.
If you’re looking for truly disturbing, emotionally intense dark romance fantasy, this one might feel tame. And if you’re going to list heavy triggers, you need to deliver on them.
Unfortunately, this just didn’t.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sins & Shadows throws you into the deep end from the very beginning, unfolding in a world that keeps its secrets close and lets its mystery build layer by layer. It’s the kind of story that asks you to keep reaching forward, even when the ground beneath it is still shifting as the trilogy unfolds.
For me, Reyes was the standout. He carries a steadier kind of presence that makes his scenes feel more rooted, and there was something in him that felt genuine amid all the unrest. In a story filled with tension, moving trees, and uncertainty, he brought the kind of quiet, deeper energy I found myself wanting to get lost in and follow.
What lingered with me most, though, was the dynamic between the two MMCs. They read like two halves of the same flame, fire and smoke, split apart but still born of the same intensity. Even when they clash, there’s something practiced in it, almost intimate in its rhythm, like a dance they know by heart. Their banter, their friction, and the constant pull between opposition and alignment gave the story some of its strongest moments.
This is a story that wants to tempt your curiosity and draw you into a world of mystery and misdirection, tension, relationship conflict, and a gradual unraveling of its truths. Readers who enjoy fantasy with layered dynamics, hidden truths, and a story that keeps its cards close to the chest may find a new playground ripe for indulgence.
For me, Reyes was the standout. He carries a steadier kind of presence that makes his scenes feel more rooted, and there was something in him that felt genuine amid all the unrest. In a story filled with tension, moving trees, and uncertainty, he brought the kind of quiet, deeper energy I found myself wanting to get lost in and follow.
What lingered with me most, though, was the dynamic between the two MMCs. They read like two halves of the same flame, fire and smoke, split apart but still born of the same intensity. Even when they clash, there’s something practiced in it, almost intimate in its rhythm, like a dance they know by heart. Their banter, their friction, and the constant pull between opposition and alignment gave the story some of its strongest moments.
This is a story that wants to tempt your curiosity and draw you into a world of mystery and misdirection, tension, relationship conflict, and a gradual unraveling of its truths. Readers who enjoy fantasy with layered dynamics, hidden truths, and a story that keeps its cards close to the chest may find a new playground ripe for indulgence.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Firstly I want to say this book was amazing!!!
Kay D. Rose did a fantastic with the world building in this book, it really drew me in and kept me hooked not knowing who to trust or not, what was real and wasn't.
I loved the FMC and you can tell she deeply cares for her brother. I think there definitely more to her and we will hopefully see that in the next book.
The MMC's are great and I love the guessing of are they really helping, what are their intentions and what even are they.
This book was a great first book in a series to really hook you in. It leaves you with questions that makes you want to read the next book to get those answers.
I highly recommend this book. It is a slow burn but keeps you wanting more. It has it dark points but wouldn't say it is too dark and has a little bit of spicy. This is a fantasy world full of mystery and love story that leaves you want more. Warning this does end of cliff-hanger so be prepared for what will happen.
Kay D. Rose did a fantastic with the world building in this book, it really drew me in and kept me hooked not knowing who to trust or not, what was real and wasn't.
I loved the FMC and you can tell she deeply cares for her brother. I think there definitely more to her and we will hopefully see that in the next book.
The MMC's are great and I love the guessing of are they really helping, what are their intentions and what even are they.
This book was a great first book in a series to really hook you in. It leaves you with questions that makes you want to read the next book to get those answers.
I highly recommend this book. It is a slow burn but keeps you wanting more. It has it dark points but wouldn't say it is too dark and has a little bit of spicy. This is a fantasy world full of mystery and love story that leaves you want more. Warning this does end of cliff-hanger so be prepared for what will happen.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sin and Shadows ARC
I was scrolling on Facebook, and came an upon a reel from the author.
This book kept me in a world that was not my own. It was well written, draw me in. The main characters have their secrets and now I have to patiently wait to know more... (not liking this)
Orbel care for her brother more than anything, even herself in most of the situations that happen in book. I am hoping Orbel comes into her full self and remember everything, so she can be focus to be wrecked with.
Asher is your strong, arrogant self-centered. But does have a soft spot for Orbel and some serious secrets that I am so waiting to know...
Ryes, is tied to Orbel in someway. ( just don't know what yet. But come on ladies who won't want an Shadows daddy that cuffed bond to you.
Lastly Zimel OMG 😲 this bat monster in the Jar ( cracks me up) will some please tell me, he has to come out soon.
Overall can not wait for more in this series.
I was scrolling on Facebook, and came an upon a reel from the author.
This book kept me in a world that was not my own. It was well written, draw me in. The main characters have their secrets and now I have to patiently wait to know more... (not liking this)
Orbel care for her brother more than anything, even herself in most of the situations that happen in book. I am hoping Orbel comes into her full self and remember everything, so she can be focus to be wrecked with.
Asher is your strong, arrogant self-centered. But does have a soft spot for Orbel and some serious secrets that I am so waiting to know...
Ryes, is tied to Orbel in someway. ( just don't know what yet. But come on ladies who won't want an Shadows daddy that cuffed bond to you.
Lastly Zimel OMG 😲 this bat monster in the Jar ( cracks me up) will some please tell me, he has to come out soon.
Overall can not wait for more in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sins and Shadows by Kay D. Rose was an absolute standout read. As an ARC reader, I can confidently say this book is phenomenal. The world-building is rich and immersive, the characters are layered and compelling, and the plot is thoughtfully crafted with twists that truly land.
While the pacing is a bit slower at the start, that feels intentional, and honestly expected for the first book in a series. The groundwork being laid pays off in a big way. Once the story finds its stride, it grabs hold and does not let go.
Keep reading, because just when you think you know where things are headed, this book shocks you. If you love strong world-building, complex characters, and a plot that builds toward unforgettable moments, Sins and Shadows is absolutely worth your time. I can’t wait to see where this series goes next.
While the pacing is a bit slower at the start, that feels intentional, and honestly expected for the first book in a series. The groundwork being laid pays off in a big way. Once the story finds its stride, it grabs hold and does not let go.
Keep reading, because just when you think you know where things are headed, this book shocks you. If you love strong world-building, complex characters, and a plot that builds toward unforgettable moments, Sins and Shadows is absolutely worth your time. I can’t wait to see where this series goes next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this dark fantasy romance. The community Orabel and her family live in has a dystopian feel to it. This story had great world building and there were moments when it was hard to tell what is real and what isn't. Who is to be trusted and who isn't? What we do know is that Orabel deeply cares for her brother and will do all she can to protect him. When he goes missing, she will do all she can to find him. With Asher and Reyes to help her, what we thought we knew continues to blur.
I feel I am a reader that can start to guess what is going to happen as a story progresses and I did not see the twist coming towards the end. I will impatiently be waiting for the next book to see what happens next!
I feel I am a reader that can start to guess what is going to happen as a story progresses and I did not see the twist coming towards the end. I will impatiently be waiting for the next book to see what happens next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 stars
ARC read
I think I need a minute.
This was brilliant. At first it was giving off Bermuda Triangle vibes, as Kay D. Rose said, nothing is what it seems.
This was written well, easily bingable and a very intriguing premise. The way you learn information from the twists and turns was impeccable, it left me both bewildered and and shocked as things clicked into place.
This gives off Gothic Romantasy Vibes.
I loved the characters, it had me hooked, and what can I say, I like my men dark, and Kay D. Rose gave me that.
I hope the next book is out soon as I can't be left without answers...
ARC read
I think I need a minute.
This was brilliant. At first it was giving off Bermuda Triangle vibes, as Kay D. Rose said, nothing is what it seems.
This was written well, easily bingable and a very intriguing premise. The way you learn information from the twists and turns was impeccable, it left me both bewildered and and shocked as things clicked into place.
This gives off Gothic Romantasy Vibes.
I loved the characters, it had me hooked, and what can I say, I like my men dark, and Kay D. Rose gave me that.
I hope the next book is out soon as I can't be left without answers...
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a delightful story! Unique world building, action packed, slow burn with a surprise at the end I did not see coming! That cliffhanger has me wanting more ASAP!
The only reason I didn't give a 5 star rating was because the world is a little confusing, I wish they're explained more at the beginning on how they got to the island, how the towns, technology etc were created. it left me with more questions that had no real answer.
Overall I recommend this book to anyone looking for a world dipped in magic, with creatures of every size and a wonderful love triangle that has you wanting for now!
The only reason I didn't give a 5 star rating was because the world is a little confusing, I wish they're explained more at the beginning on how they got to the island, how the towns, technology etc were created. it left me with more questions that had no real answer.
Overall I recommend this book to anyone looking for a world dipped in magic, with creatures of every size and a wonderful love triangle that has you wanting for now!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Very in depth world building. It was really hard to know what was real or fake and who to trust and who to not trust. Everyone and everything seemed to be something other than what it should. The only thing we know for certain is that Orabel loves her brother Ezra but who is Orabel really and what is wrong with Ezra. The mysteries never end especially when Orabel goes on a journey to bring her brother home and is with Asher and Reyes but who knows what they even are and why they are “helping” her. I hope for more enlightenment in the next book
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sins and Shadows is a great dark romance slow-burn. Kay D. Rose did great with the world building and telling a unique story. I loved that we are finding out the mysteries of the world and her life with the FMC, Orabel. I had fun putting together the “pieces of the puzzles” and trying to figure out what had happened in the past and what is coming next. The 2 MMC’s, Reyes and Asher, are quite mysterious and I look forward to finding out more about them in the next book. Great work for a first time author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Let me say OMG this is a must read! This book is amazing has great world and character building. I couldn't put down it had you thinking something was going to happen a certain way then bam you're wrong g and went a completely different way. I dont want to spoil anything or give anything away because i dont want to spoil anything. That being said I can't wait for the next book to find d out what happens with Orabel, Asher, Reyes, and Ezra. This book ends with a huge cliffhanger and questions unanswered but sets up for the next book 10/10
February 20, 2026
4.5⭐️ Read!
I got to ARC read this. I went in with minimal information to keep myself from having too high of expectations.
My goodness! I was hooked from the start. Kay D Rose does an amazing job with the story and character building. Keeps you guessing and questioning who to trust until the very end.
I would say maybe 2 spice level for this book. Definitely a slow burn and with a good (not great, sorry) payoff.
I really enjoyed this story and can’t wait to read what Kay comes up with next.
I got to ARC read this. I went in with minimal information to keep myself from having too high of expectations.
My goodness! I was hooked from the start. Kay D Rose does an amazing job with the story and character building. Keeps you guessing and questioning who to trust until the very end.
I would say maybe 2 spice level for this book. Definitely a slow burn and with a good (not great, sorry) payoff.
I really enjoyed this story and can’t wait to read what Kay comes up with next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Omg I could not stop reading. It’s dark, mysterious, fantastically mystical. The first chapter sucks you in and slams you against a wall with a force that leaves you reeling. This book is absolutely a slow burn, but the character development is wonderful. Page after page of thinking im starting to understand the characters backstory, only to realise with a turn of the page that I know nothing at all! The story ends on a cliffhanger and I’m left with an insatiable thirst for the next instalment
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! Took a few chapters to get into it but after then I was hooked and couldn’t put it down. I really enjoyed this book and I’m already excited for the next one!
There’s good world and character building which I hope will continue in following books. I NEED to find out what happens to Orabel, Asher and Reyes!
There’s good world and character building which I hope will continue in following books. I NEED to find out what happens to Orabel, Asher and Reyes!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The world building of this book was detailed and phenomenal. I loved the feel of the main female character’s town and how the world outside the wall was. It was great to read a book where I couldn’t predict all the twists coming! The characters in it had my full attention, because I wanted to know how they were all connected. Absolutely ready for the second one! Please give this a read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this arc and am leaving an honest review.
The world and character building was well written. There is a lot of twist and turns in the story plot to keep you guessing. While the pacing is slow at first it is setting the groundwork. This is a slowburn with dark moments and a touch of spice. The story ends on a cliffhanger leaving you excited for the next book.
The world and character building was well written. There is a lot of twist and turns in the story plot to keep you guessing. While the pacing is slow at first it is setting the groundwork. This is a slowburn with dark moments and a touch of spice. The story ends on a cliffhanger leaving you excited for the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 Stars
Slightly slow at first, but there is definitely some character and world building that I believe is essential and not just gap fillers. Once the story gets going, the storyline and characters pull you in. I'm for sure looking forward to the next book because there's things I NEED to know!!
Slightly slow at first, but there is definitely some character and world building that I believe is essential and not just gap fillers. Once the story gets going, the storyline and characters pull you in. I'm for sure looking forward to the next book because there's things I NEED to know!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am an ARC reader voluntarily leaving my honest review... and I thought it was sooo good! Loved the tropes in this book. I'm usually not a big fan of fantasy but this one was so great I binged it! The beginning really drew me in and made it easy to read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
No spoilers but if you enjoy escaping to a fantasy world this is a fantastic start, and I can not wait for the rest of the series the ending left me in complete devastation.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a very good read the blend of Fantasy with a real world feel was intriguing. The mystery of what was beyond the wall and the adventure to follow kept me hooked the whole way.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved this book! the world building was a mix of future and old times. loved the banter between characters. awesome first book and cant wait for the next one
March 2, 2026
I ARC read this 🖤❤️ and thoroughly enjoyed it! There was so much going on from the beginning that I felt thrown into the world right away. I loved that it was multiple pov so you could get different viewpoints too. I’m hoping there are going to be alot more books in the series as I neeed to know what is going to happen like right now!!! The only reason it wasn’t a 5 star for me is just because there was so much going on that at times I had to go back and re-read to check what was going on and fully absorb the info. @kay_d_rose
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews