Beneath the Shadows - by Tara Conrad (Paperback)

About the Book

A dark, gothic mafia romance inspired by Poe's The Cask of Amontillado. When Alessia escapes her arranged marriage, Antonio is sent to return her, but the love they once buried may be as dangerous as the enemies closing in.

Book Synopsis

In a world ruled by betrayal, love may be the deadliest trap of all.

In the dangerous and often deadly world of the mafia, staying loyal to the family is rule number one. Antonio learns this firsthand, abandoning the luxury of emotions when his cousin, Valentino, son of the current boss, marries the girl he loves.

Trapped in an arranged, loveless marriage to Valentino, Alessia hides her fears behind obedience. She yearns for a life free from the dark underworld that surrounds her.

When Valentino is murdered, Alessia runs away, believing she can finally live the life she's dreamed of. When ominous notes start mysteriously appearing, she realizes danger is now closer than ever.

Antonio is sent to find and return her, but when their worlds collide, so do the feelings they once had for each other. He's determined to protect her at any cost, but will he be able to before it's too late?

Step into a dark mafia retelling of Edgar Allan Poe's The Cask of Amontillado-where love, betrayal, and danger intertwine. Start Beneath the Shadows today.

Review Quotes

"This is the first book by this author that I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I do suggest you heed her warning about triggers, however, I didn't find them to be too bad. They all fit the scenes and context of the story.

This story is told from the lead character's points of view and therefore we gain a better understanding of each character and the way their minds work. Alessia I liked immensely and she showed a lot of inner strength time after time. She certainly had a tough time growing up and this helped to build resilience.

Antonio, I also liked and admired. He was so different from his cousin, Valentino, thankfully. Valentino certainly made my blood boil but great descriptions by this author.

This book certainly brings forth a plethora of emotions that have you feeling them deep in your heart. The suspense element is incredible and indeed had me reading as fast as possible in many scenes.

A fantastic mafia story where second chances are real and true life shines through." (Reviewed by Robyn for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner)

"When I tell you I DEVOURED this book... I absolutely mean it!

Author Tara Conrad left no stone unturned when writing this beautifully tragic love story.

You are immediately immersed in this mafia family and their traditions.

You immediately feel your heart being shattered for the brutality that some of these characters face.

But then you begin to see the chips all fall into place...

The beauty of new beginnings...

And second chances.

This book will have you in tears...

Then fuming with anger and wanting revenge...

Then fanning yourself from all the heat...

Cause Antonio is as delicious as he is dark.

And the FMC Alessia... is a force to be reckoned with.

If you love dark romance, mafia romance, and women that are as fierce as the men they love this book is for you!" (Balayageandbooks)