Painted in the Shadows

by Nichole Greene

Octavia Simmons was mine from the moment I pulled her lifeless body from the cold depths of the bay. My need to protect her morphed into a desire to possess her. Every moment feeds my obsession. Now that she's irrevocably tied to me I'll never let her go.

Leif Black is a beautiful but dangerous man. He exists without a moral compass, living on the fringes of society. He claims he took me in the night to protect me but as secrets unfold I realize he might be the biggest monster of them all.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Marriage Of Convenience, Contemporary, Forced Proximity, Abuse, Crime

320 pages, Paperback

Published January 9, 2023

About the author

Nichole is a contemporary romance author. When she isn't writing, she's chasing her four children around. Writing has always been her aspiration but it wasn't until her husband suggested she actually follow dreams that she took the biggest step. Her debut novel, Cold and Broken exceeded her expectations and she can't wait to share more of the stories taking up space in her mind.

Her other hobbies include baking, listening to music, and reading. She also has an obsession with true crime podcasts and cheesy 80s movies.

Reviews

[Samantha (bookgramsaga reviews) · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (ARC review)

''I can't give her promises, but I can give her passion''

Safety warnings:
- H 31 / h 22
- No OW/OM drama
- No cheating
- Stalking
- Violence/torture/d*ath
- S*xual assault/mention of r*pe
- Dub con/CNC
- HEA

Not sure what I expected from this book, but I don't think I properly had an idea on what it would be about in long run when I signed up for the ARC.

This story had a lot of dark themes and and intense scenes. I was impressed with how Leif came across; I didn't know how I would feel about him at the beginning considering he is a full-on stalker and has done some pretty bad stuff in regard to Octavia's past. He was her ultimate protector. I understood his frustration when Tavi (Octavia) would not think things through haha

Octavia though....she did annoy me at times. She was too sure of herself in moments she had no reason to be. She put herself in a few unecessary situations and it didn't go too well for her. HOWEVER, I believe she was a strong character when it came to her past trauma and what had been done to her. She was living her life away from it all and making something of herself and I admired her strength.

Was this insta-love? Sort of? It's hard to say 100% insta-love but insta-lust is aboslutely true.

I found the society subplot really intriguing as well as each of the specific players we got to meet, and I need their backstories asap. They were so unique and fun.

Overall, this was a good book. There were some slow moments and frustrations, but I'm interested in reading about the rest of the side characters if we get their books!

[Melanie (mells_view) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know what it is, but something about him draws me in. I know he’s not safe, but he makes me feel protected in some insane way. Nothing about this makes sense.

Can we trademark “stalker dark guardian Angel” because that’s 100% what Leif is to Tavi. If you like contracted killers, stalkers, man obsessed, and age gap where the older person has sort of been like a watcher/protector over the younger character then you will LOVE painted in the shadows. This one does get extremely dark at times, but there is also a sweetness to the connection between Leif and Tavi. There’s also some action in this one, which I love.

CW/TW (provided by author in their IG linktree): Dubcon, Stalker, Death of parents (murdered), Abuse, Rape, Forced marriage, Violence, Sexual assault, Homicide, Torture, Primal CNC, Spanking, Breath play, Dissociation (coping mechanism), Hyper-sexuality (trauma response), Kidnapping

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRgSNbAo/
Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRgvhCFG/

AVAILABLE NOW!
*ARC

[Bookaholic Shaima · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Quote:
"I want to set fire to the world for the pain she’s felt."

I finished this around 2 am and was sooo high on the book and sleep deprived to write a review. So here I'm 8 am still very much sleep deprived and high on this masterpiece. the perfect beginning of a series of standalones in the making , SOOOO GOOD ✨✨

"I want to push her all the way down into the bottom of this well I’ve been stuck alone in for years. Where it’s just us, drowning with each other, in each other.."

It served with the darkness, romance, spice. And especially those twisted Fu¢ked up swoony moments we love so much 🤌🏻 🤌🏻 🤌🏻. .

Quote:
"I’ve followed her from the shadows. Threatening, be@ting, or ki£ling anyone who hurts her.....I’m going to ruin her light with my darkness, and I can’t bring myself to feel one bit of guilt.


I was blown away by the writing, the immaculate character development and for sure how Leif Made Tavi his even before she was aware of him, for someone who's not good with feelings , our guy nailed it 😉🖤
I'm absolutely invested and can't wait for Ace's book ( please tell me it's coming) because that sounded like every "second-chance" trope lover fantasy 🥵🥵🥵.
Highly recommend it.
😉♥️✨✨

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.✨
Spice 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Angst: 🖤🖤🖤
Triggers: (definitely check
before reading)

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Early response: Leif is an obsessive, possessive, oddly sweet and wildly unhinged man. It’s fantastic. I’m a puddle of emotions.

Full ARC Review:

Sometimes even a bad guy can do a good thing. Sometimes he can keep doing a good thing even if it looks bad to everyone else. That’s Leif Black.
He found his one good thing and he will do whatever it takes to keep her safe, and eventually, make her his.

Octavia has had a life full of pain and betrayal, and yet she still sees the beauty and reaches out for connection. It’s for this same reason that when she’s confronted by an unhinged man and learns his secrets, and how connected some of them are to her pain, she’s able to process them. Because honestly she’s been through worse. She’s soft and tough AF at the same time, and even though there are times you want to be like noooooo don’t do that, its impossible not to like her. Not to understand that she’s as protective as Leif but with a different skill set. By the end of the book I was so happy to see her find that balance between safety and assertiveness.

Leif is truly obsessed. He knows everything his woman wants and likes and even without that, there’s a pull between them. One he doesn’t expect once he finally gets to be in his presence. The humorous scenes when she catches him off guard were fun. The intensity of his ownership of her was hot, and the way he gave her so much power regarding their dynamic and multiple times in their story made him extra lovable. He’s so much better of a man than he thinks he is, and he can be my protector/captor/husband any day.

I loved this, I had the best time reading it, and want to read it again already. I knew as soon as I finished I’d need the paperback.

Be sure to check content warnings relating to kidnapping, physical violence, CSA, and SA.

[Vanessa (nessreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHAT. THE. FUCK. I am unhinged, this book made me feral over a stalker and who was an assassin at that. Holy hell I was hooked and completely and utterly obsessed with Leif. Yeah my morals definitely went out the window, especially at the parts where I found myself saying “I can’t wait for Leif to get his hands on so and so and wreak havoc on them.” and wanting and craving the wrath Leif would inflict on those someone’s had me salivating.

The start of Tavi and Leif’s relationship isn’t quite ideal and even though they started out in not so good terms on Tavi’s side which was fair, they manage to make it work. They did form a connection that became unbreakable and definitely made a perfect pair. What I really liked was that there wasn’t any unnecessary drama and Leif was upfront and told Tavi everything and didn’t lie to her. No pussyfooting on his end, he was direct and to the point which I appreciated.

Painted in the Shadows was quite the delight. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait to read more books by Nichole because this being my first book by her was a real treat.

[Kathreadsall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another steamy romance from author Nichole Greene!

Painted in the Shadows is a steamy dark romance with a stalker male lead and a sassy female lead. I love them together, and appreciate that they use safe words. (though its still not a healthy relationship by any means). There is drama and spice, and meeting other characters that will be featured next in the series! I'm most excited to read Dante's story.

Octavia as the female lead did keep making very stupid choices though, and it seemed strange that someone who grew up in a bad situation would have so little street smarts. But still I loved this book!

This is a dark romance, so check the trigger warnings.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very quick read as it only took me one evening to finish it.
In theory this this book has everything I like. Obsessed stalker, dark themes (check TW), some good spice, but for some reason, I couldn't get into it.
I felt a little bit like everything was rushed. The chemistry between Leif and Octavia was obvious from the moment she finally met him, but again, something was lacking for me.
I liked the concept of the whole assassin network it was quite interesting.
I'm not trying to give it a bad review. I just want to be honest with how I felt.
This might be the case when it's not the book it's me, lol, so I'll always say read it and check it for yourself 🙂

[Catarina Águas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this book so much. Their tension was just off the charts, it was so freaking HOT. Leif was always there for her, every step of the way since the moment he saved her. He was brute and savage sometimes, but the minute she needed him for anything he was right there, being his soft self. Octavia had been through something no one should have had to, I felt really bad for her. But she was healing and Leif helped her with that, whatever she needed, he made it happen. I love how obssessed he was with her, because he wasn't like creepy about it, he really did care for her and only turned more after she was more than 18, and that's inportant to me. I love their relationship and their dynamics, they fit so well together, she could be as dark as he was and he could soften just for her. I hope we have books on the others assassins, I loved them, especially Ace and the thing with Dani and Payne with the all giant and gruff man

[Krystal - nerdy_book_lover_1987 · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy a age gap, possessive, unhinged, and toxic but in the best possible way romance then this book could be for you. Make sure you check the trigger warnings as this is a dark romance. I enjoyed this one, the plot was fairly predictable but the ride was fun! Plenty of spice and action. Octavia is such a strong character especially with all the trauma she has had. Leif knew he wanted her and made sure he got her and he was all about her! Definitely a wild ride.

[Tamarra Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC for an honest review

This book comes with content and trigger warnings, please head the note from the author

He had one job, yet she wasn’t factored in, she wasn’t meant to survive, yet he saved her, against his own judgement, he made her a promise and he intends to keep it.

Octavia’s passion is art, she uses it as a tool to help deal with the trauma she has endured from the loss of her parents and by people who are meant to be her family.

And in one night, it all changes, when a stranger invades her space, telling her they’re going into hiding, for her family wants her back, to fulfil an obligation she has no intention of fulfilling, leaving her no choice but to leave everything behind.

For some reason Octavia’s instincts are telling her to trust this man, and she does, his intentions are to protect her and keep her safe at all costs, which leads to a proposal of marriage which she has no choice but to accept.

Leif and Octavia’s attraction to one an another is undeniable, yet when she asks for the truth, he gives it to her, straight up facts, she doesn’t believe him, and when she goes seeking answers, does she learn a startling truth, but nothing will prepare her for the moment when Leif gives her the cold hearted truth about who and what he is, and how he is connected to her.

Octavia is now determined more than ever to escape the confines of where she is, taking advantage of a situation that has her running straight into danger and into the arms of a person she never wanted to see ever again.

Leif uses his skills and resources available to him to find Octavia, and he does, only what he finds fuels an anger deep down inside of him, that the one person who caused her so much trauma would never be able to hurt her ever again.

Leif and Octavia navigate through what has happened, each taking the time to process on how they move forward. Leif doesn’t process feelings and emotions, yet Octavia has changed something inside of him, made him feel things, Octavia has always been apart of his life, but with her she is more than his heart, she is the air he breathes and he will do everything in his power to be there for her in the only way he knows how.

And as there relationship develops so does there trust. Leif is very protective, yet dominant and possessive. Octavia is very sassy, yet submissive and fiery. They both bring out the best and worst in each other. Octavia makes Leif want to be a better man, and Leif makes Octavia feel wanted and needed for the first time in her life.

With one threat eliminated, there is the other threat that is still looming, and the only way for Leif to handle it is by calling in reinforcements, people with their own secrets, with their own skill sets that make them utterly unique and more than qualified to handle what’s coming next.

Octavia won’t sit still and she won’t stay quiet, she has more to gain from this than anyone else which leads to her being trained, being taught skills and armed with knowledge on how to handle and defend herself is precarious situations.

And when there plan is enacted, everything is under control until it’s not, that Octavia throws herself head first into danger, devising her own plan on the fly, leading to unexpected outcomes that has Leif seeing Octavia in a new light, but proud at the determination it took for her to overcome her trauma.

And when all is said and done does Octavia take back her power, laying claim to the only man that inexplicably owns her heart, mind and soul forever and when they each tell the other those three important words, they couldn’t be more perfect.

This book has it all a love so consuming, d/s themes, praise kinks, possessive dominant alpha male, a strong sassy female who gives as good as she gets, complex family and friend dynamics, murder, madness, mayhem, revenge, vengeance, violence, deception, adrenaline seeking suspense, jealousy, twists, turns, truths and betrayal.

This story is told from dual POV, it will take you on a wild ride, having you turn page after page, this book had me from the beginning to the end. Reading this story, it enables the  readers to really connect with the characters, and as the story continues to unfold the readers see the development and growth from the characters singularly and together.  The author definitely knows how to write and I’ll be coming back for more.

And those s*x scenes, including those BDSM elements were steamy, yet sensual, dirty, hot, intense, physical, provocative, it had all the angry angst, hate, jealousy, pleasure and passion one would expect when Leif shows his wife who he really is, taking him for all that he is, darkness and all. For he takes what he wants without consequence, giving Octavia the pain and pleasure she deserve, his possessive and obsessive need for control and dominance, it was off the charts and had all of the feels.

Despite there trauma, they work well together in there own way, because nothing will come between them. They love each other, regardless of there differences, because they are in this together.

Cannot believe that this is the end of there story, but all good stories must come to and end, they got there happily ever after, it also proves that Leif is no short of being possessive, wicked and depraved, showing Octavia who’s clearly in charge and who owns her heart, mind and body, it was bittersweet and oh so perfect, and one very well deserved for them all.

Highly recommend this book and author!

[ari · Rating 1 out of 5]

four words: boring as all hell. i stopped reading this book by chapter 5 and just skipped to the very last chapter to see how it ended. maybe it’s my book slump talking and my loss of motivation to read or maybe the book truly is bad…point is, i didn’t like this read much at all nor did i find it worthwhile.

[Peaceful · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leif is mine. This book took a hold of me and didn't let go

[brayshaw_love · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this book without actually knowing anything about it (and that is probably me being a terrible beta reader for not reading the blurb when it was first posted, but in my defense the past few months I haven't been scrolling on social media much as I've been making my health a priority, so when it hit my inbox I was slightly panicked realizing I'd completely missed seeing those posts). I had no idea what to expect, but Greene once again captivated me with these new characters and their story. This is an age gap romance, with 9 year difference. Nothing happens until she is 22 and he is 31, so both are of legal age. Note there is some dubcon and this guy is slightly unhinged with his possessive "touch her and die" attitude, but I loved his character.

I loved that he helped her discover her sexual side after growing up with the trauma she did. I also loved that he was careful with her and didn't push things after the one big moment in the story and that he just wanted to do the right thing for her. I loved the whole assassin community and how each had their own special talents. I loved that he was so supportive of her passion for art. I loved that she brought out a softer side to his usual tough guy personality. I not only love the main couple, but also the supporting cast of characters that have me wanting to know more about them as well.

The only thing I disliked is the whole calling her a "slut" in some of the spicy scenes. Not shaming anyone's kinks, but that definitely is not one of mine so those moments always make me cringe. But I'm all board for him calling her a "good girl".

[•Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read Ms.Greene's work before i've been wanting to pick up more of her books! As soon as i stumbled across the announcement for this one i knew i had to read it next. I picked it up and got right into this story. I so enjoyed it!

Octavia and Leif's journey captured my attention right from the very get go! Octavia is trying to take control of her life, but that's easier said than done. Leif has been obsessed with Octavia from the moment their worlds collided and is determined to keep her safe. With everything thrown their way and secrets, will they make it out together?

I really liked how quickly i was pulled in by Leif and Octavia. I didn't know how it'd all would play out with them and it kept me on my toes. I loved that there was strength to Octavia and how Leif was so consumed by her. From the steam to the darkness, These two and their story had me feeling all kinds of things throughout!

With Painted in the Shadows, Ms.Greene has created such a good and dark read that will keep you turning the pages! I can't wait for more from her!

Be sure to read the author's note as this is a dark read.



*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Peachy Keen Author Services / the author*

[April (thatbrunettebookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a ruthless man who has a soft side for his wife. And Leif Black is that type of man! Once again Nichole wows me with her way of telling a story and I loved this storyline.

Leif saved Octavia when she was younger and then “watched” over her for 11 years while she didn’t know. One day he takes her from where she is sleeping to protected her from her Uncle. From there things heat up. Leif Black this man would burn the world for the woman he loves and Octavia is that woman. The plot, the spicy scenes and the overall story was one that sucked me in and then left me wanting more. Definitely a must with if you like over the top possessive men!!

I really hope we might see a side character or two get their own story I really like the world that was built in this book!

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️ 4 🌶️

Please check trigger/content warnings before reading this book.

When Nichole announced she was writing a stalker romance, I knew I needed to get my hands on it and I’m so glad I did!
Leif is not only Octavia’s stalker but her one true protecter. He is possessive, aggressive and dominating and so goddamn hot.
Octavia was your typical sassy, no one is allowed to control me FMC who always gets the brat f*ed out of her. 😈
Their story was well written and the plot was fast paced and the chemistry was explosive. (Pun intended.)
If you like men who love to spill blood for the women who they claim as theirs, then you need to add Tavi and Leif’s story to your TBR now.
Congratulations on your new release.

[WhiskeyandReading · Rating 5 out of 5]

(ARC REVIEW)
When Nichole announced she was writing a stalker romance I knew I needed to get my hands on it. Let's just say she didnt disappoint with this book. Leif was every bit crazy we are talking top-level crazy. Octavia broke my heart with her past but that girl continued to push past it all. She was resilient in every aspect of her life and I loved her for it. You put these two together and it was explosive. The chemistry was apparent from the beginning and that is when I became invested. I was sad to see this book end. Please be aware of the trigger warnings.

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Leif may be one of my favorite book boyfriends. Ever. He’s a walking red flag but f*€k he wears it well. He’s obsessive. He’s possessive. He’s completely devoted to Tavi from the very first page and man is it just 🤯

He’s gonna be living in my head rent free for a while I guarantee it. If you like dark- not even that dark. Just stalking/obsessive/blood shed it needs to be on your TBR.

[Sarah Speigle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book...So much yes! Nichole has done it again. This book was so good. I loved every second of it. From the beginning of their relationship, to it's progression...I was taken on a ride, but I didn't want it to stop. Leif is definitely a walking red flag, but he's someone who protects what's his, and Octavia was definitely his, even if she didn't know it.

That ending!!! I loved it!!

[Kristin · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have to put it down. When my brain starts giving main character povs voices of cartoon characters to amuse myself it’s time to cut losses and move onto the next book. Stalker to lover trope isn’t my bag I guess 🤷🏼‍♀️

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶.5

Leif has a filthy mouth and is hella crazy 🥵 He's also a walking talking red flag! 🥵🥵 Stalker, Possessive, Dominating, Assasin, yes please.

I thought the book was well written and I was hanging on to every word. I love dark romance and this was great! This was my first read by this Author and now im invested and need to read the rest of the series!

[BLuvsBooks]

Dnf. Plot and characters not for me.

[Mackenzie]

dnf @ 57%

i felt like we already went through an entire plot. plus leif revealing himself right away as a stalker pretty much deflated any tension that was building up

[Jenny A. · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 felt like there could have been more to the story line just felt a little repetitive and boring in the middle

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you (like me) enjoy a somewhat unhinged, possessive, obsessive yet sweet in his own way MMC, this book is for you. The FMC is an artist who has experienced a lot of trauma. Together they are quite sweet in a kinda toxic way. The plot was fairly predictable and their wasn't a huge depth to the characters but it was an enjoyable read.

[Brigid Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ish for me. Not necessarily a bad book, but some things weren’t my cup of tea. The authors writing is good and I would definitely read another book by her. I enjoyed the main characters and the plot line of the book wasn’t bad.

[Samantha Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an okay book. I think the book wasn’t for me and I found that it was pretty slow and I wasn’t invested in the story.

[Erin (the.bookish.playlist) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️4🔥

What to expect: Leif saved Octavia’s life when she was a girl, and has made it his personal mission to protect her from afar for the rest of his life. But his idea of protection is extreme… when he’s forced to take drastic actions to keep her from being taken advantage of by her family, secrets unravel and both Leif and Octavia find unlikely love and strength in each other to weather the storm.

Make no mistake— Leif is a walking red flag, no morally gray here… this guy has no moral compass and will do whatever it takes to protect Octavia. Through Leif, Octavia finds strength and accepts him at his absolute worst… the heart wants what the heart wants, after all. Interesting secret society is introduced and I hope that Nichole continues this as a character series so we can learn more about the other society members.

Check TWs. There are some heavy and dark themes in this book… including mentions of SA, CNC, primal play, stalking, torture, and forced marriage. Leif is not a good dude… but for those of you that love a toxic psycho, he’s for you.

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

The girl is dumb like who in their right mind runs away from protection when she gets grabbed by the bad guy I thought she got what she deserved for being that dumb. Later she is like oh well I just wanted to see my house. Well next time just asked to see your house don’t run away from your only protection when you know you are in danger. I lost all respect for her no one is that dumb.

[Valentina · Rating 1 out of 5]

Should have known I wouldn’t like it as soon as the author described the guy as blond.