Book: Shadows of Light by Anastasia Wilder
Reviewed by Weird | weird.reads.books
Rating: 4/5
Shadows of Light is pitched as The Devil Wears Prada meets dark romantic suspense, and it absolutely delivered. I was so engrossed in this world that I genuinely struggled to put it down!
Our FMC, Beatrix, is a confident, driven fashion conservator who thrives in a ruthless industry. I love that she’s a curvy protagonist who is unapologetic about her body, even while navigating a high-pressure promotion and a years-long mysterious stalker. Her work scenes were a highlight for me. There is something about reading "corporate speak" in a fictional setting that always has me giggling in shared understanding. Bea takes everything from harsh professional criticism to personal jabs on the chin, but as the story progresses, we really start to see the cracks form as she deals with her past trauma.
Then we have the enigmatic, morally gray Chef Gabriel. A reformed mafia enforcer turned high-end restaurateur, he runs his kitchen with the same lethal precision he used in his past life. The second he crosses paths with Bea, he becomes completely obsessed, breaking every one of his own rules just to be near her. Their chemistry is electric, and the dynamic manages to be both cute and hot all at once.
The suspense element kept me guessing until the very last page. Fair warning: this is not a standalone, and that cliffhanger is absolutely criminal! I’m going to need book two immediately to see how this unfolds.
If you like your dark romance served with obsession, psychological tension, and Met Gala glamour, pick this up! I’m eagerly counting down to the next installment.
Thank you to Anastasia Wilder and IRIS Influence Society for the eARC! All opinions are my own.