Stroke of Shadows

A Dark Paranormal Romance (Curse of the Guardians, Book 5)

By: Taylor Aston White

Narrated by: DB West, Alexa Borys

She's his obsession... and for her, he's willing to risk it all. The niece to one of the richest men in London, Harper's entire life has been controlled since her very first breath. Constantly under scrutiny from her ruthless family and their controversial church, she's had to fight for what little privacy she has. On the outside she was privileged and obedient, but in reality all she's ever dreamed about was breaking free from her gilded cage.

Until one night she allows her desire to take control, and taste life without expectation. One sin, and now the escape she's carefully planned for the past ten years has begun crumbling around her.

Tasked with infiltrating one of the cruellest families in the city, Sythe didn't think he'd run into any complications. Then there was her, the niece to his target, and the woman who's left him wanting more after one of the most intimate experiences of his life. Harper embodies everything he resents, yet his fixation becomes an unwelcome distraction. Until he realises they have a common goal, then that addiction burns into something more.

Amidst bloodthirsty Daemons, a fanatical faith set on eradicating all Breed, and a man lusting after power without a care for consequences, Sythe must navigate dark secrets and twisted lies to fulfil his mission and exact revenge.

Will he complete his objective and take down the family?

Or will he forsake it all for her?

Dark Paranormal Romance

• Forbidden Love

• Found Family

• Burn the World

• Fated Mates

Stroke of Shadows is a deliciously dark paranormal romance containing explicit content, graphic violence, profanity, and topics that may be sensitive to some listeners. Full details can be found listed inside the book. Stroke of Shadows can be listened to as a standalone, but recommended in order for best character and story development.

©2024 Dark Wolf Publishing (P)2025 Pink Flamingo Productions

Excellent new addition to series

Before diving into this installment, I did a full re-listen of the series to refresh the storyline, and I’m glad I did. This book veers into darker territory, with Scythe and Harper’s story plunging deep into the twisted underbelly of a cult-like mafia involved in human trafficking. Please be mindful of trigger warnings, as the story contains abuse and SA, including against the heroine. The villains are seriously deranged, turning women into preserved dolls as some kind of disturbing "art," so be aware going in.

Scythe is arguably the darkest brother in the series. A chameleon who thrives undercover, he doesn’t follow society’s rules. He bends them to catch monsters. His chance meeting with Harper in a bar is electric, and he can’t get her out of his mind. When she turns out to be the niece of the very mafia boss he’s trying to take down, the stakes skyrocket.

Their romance is a slow burn (the initial tension is hot, but unresolved). However, when they realize they’re on the same side, they make a formidable team. While this isn’t my favorite book of the series, I’m still very invested and eagerly anticipating what’s next. I'm especially hoping for Jax and Thea (a new fae character introduced here) to be the focus of the next book!

And, of course, any time Lucy appears, you know it’s going to get wild. 😈
The narrators continue to do a fantastic job bringing all the characters to life.

Obsessive

This is the first I have read in the series even though it is the 5th in the series. I feel like it was a standalone and I could follow without the others. Of course, all series are better if read in order but it is not necessary to understand this story. Sythe and Harper are the couple along with many side characters. All bring so much to the story and there are twists and turns everywhere. I really enjoyed it. The narrators did a great job.

Not what I expected but definitely enthralled me

I didn't expect Sythe's story to be so.... well I'm not even sure the words I need... emotional perhaps? I was definitely enthralled as I delved into the unfolding of a twisted web of secrets. Mysteries to solve, major alpha protective vibes, and some major twists to surprise you. There wasn't as much as the other Guardians in this story, which was okay but different. I definitely have some questions I needed answered that my mind is still mulling over, but I definitely enjoyed this story. And who knew Sythe could be such a sweety underneath? Narrators did a great job of bringing the characters to life.

Enjoyable book

I love Sythe and Harper in this. The characters are interesting and the story has a lot of action. The characters face some struggles and grow throughout the book. The narrators do a great job telling the story. I would recommend this author and look forward to reading her other books.

Ok.

Harper and Sythe
3.5*

I listened to the audio book. The narrators did a good job.

This story was slow in the beginning for my taste. I feel sorry for Harper and what she had to endure and was wondering why she would put up with it and once I learned why I really see her in a different light. Sythe is one of the guardians who is undercover pretending to be Harper's cousins friend. I started to enjoy it more once it started to pick up. What I like and wish there was more of us when the guardians are all together and start bantering.