Novel published in Oct 2025 by Mandy Marie.
Book Review by Allie Lynn, written December 2025.
Y’all, when I tell you I didn’t see some of those plot twists coming…My editor sitting across from me heard all kinds of exclamations:
“Oh my god, he did what?”
“Ooh, he messed up.”
“Well, that escalated quickly.”
“Wait…what?”
“Oh my god, I hope this character dies.”
Mandy Marie’s Forbidden Shadows: Secrets We Keep is a murder mystery with spicy forbidden romance, murders, secrets and lies with plot twists and actions even I didn’t see coming. I was fortunate enough to catch her at the Oviedo Mall’s Page & Pen festival that took place mid-October 2025, and was excited to be the first one to buy the novel and have it signed.
It follows Maria’s story of her breaking free from an abusive marriage with the help of Gavin, a biker with a group of friends and a shady past determined to assist Maria in escaping the marriage by any means necessary. It follows her determination to not completely rely on being the damsel-in-distress like so many people would assume. The emotion of this novel shines through, and can resonate with readers especially if they’ve been in, witnessed, or have been friends or family members of those who have been in DV situations.
This book escalates from 0 to 100 several times and some scenarios are so realistic to how it feels to be caught in a domestic violence situation and the utter relief of getting out of it, I was shook.
But, like the blurb says, that’s not where the story ends. Let Act III commence! Act III easily had the most interesting plot twists that made me really wish there was either more backstory added or the chance that there’s a possible sequel.
I do wish there was a bit more character development in the first half so I could properly hate or love the characters within for the right reasons.
My biggest take-away for improvement: the author could’ve benefited greatly had an editor read it with fresh eyes. I know from personal and professional experience many readers can be put-off with consistent grammar issues and DNF the book without giving it a proper chance. This book has a very great plot, and twists that, when you think about it, sounds like something that may play out in real life.
Rating out of 5 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Would recommend: ✅