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Unstoppable and Fiercely Loyal
Dangerous Shadows follows a private investigator with a simple surveillance job who is pulled into a web of deadly secrets and high-stakes danger. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I had been toying with the idea of a romantic thriller set against the backdrop of New Orleans for some time, but the story hadn’t fully come together yet. I also knew I wanted to create a narrative featuring a woman as the protagonist (like a female Alex Cross or a story that could develop along those lines). When I was a kid, there was a TV show called Heart to Heart (I’m aging myself), and I was a big fan of it. I loved how each episode was its own little romantic thriller, showcasing this rich and glamorous couple who were taking names, kicking ass, and solving crimes. She was pretty, sexy, and independent, while he was masculine, alpha, and protective; together, they were just unstoppable and fiercely loyal to each other. I think subconsciously, that’s what I wanted to recreate on some level.
Tessa is a woman with strength and personality. What do you think makes her a valuable and worthy heroine?
In a word, her bravery. She feels the fear and jumps in anyway. I admire that.
I felt that there were a lot of great twists and turns throughout the novel. Did you plan this before writing the story, or did the twists develop organically?
Yes and no. I had an outline, but it was skeletal, and there were places where the story took on a life of its own, and I couldn’t type fast enough, so at some point, I just went along for the ride.
What will the next book in that series be about, and when will it be published?
I refer to this series of books set against the backdrop of New Orleans’ underbelly as a collection because each book is a stand-alone novel featuring new and different characters, each leading their own unique and distinctive lives—the gritty side of New Orleans is the common thread. The book is titled A Girl’s Best Friend and involves a tormented retired detective and a diamond heist. It’s available for pre-order now and will be released on July 13, 2025.
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Beneath the flickering gaslights of New Orleans, the city whispers secrets, and the line between survival and betrayal is razor-thin.
Private investigator Tessa Lane knows the dark underbelly of the Big Easy like the back of her hand. But when a routine job turns into a fiery collision with the enigmatic Dominic Steele, she’s thrust into a world of criminal syndicates, deadly secrets, and an attraction that’s as lethal as it is undeniable.
Dominic Steele is a man haunted by his past and hunted by his enemies. With every move, he skirts the edge of redemption and ruin. Crossing paths with Tessa wasn’t part of his plan, but her fiery determination and razor-sharp wit ignite a passion neither of them can resist.
As the streets of New Orleans erupt in chaos and the danger closes in, Tessa must decide: can she trust Dominic, or will loving him be her ultimate downfall?
From the smoke-filled bars of the French Quarter to the shadowy docks of the Mississippi, Dangerous Shadows is a heart-pounding, steamy romantic thriller where every kiss could be the last.
Dangerous Shadows
Amanda Shittim’s novella, Dangerous Shadows, dives deep into the steamy and suspenseful world of New Orleans, weaving a tale of love, betrayal, and survival. At its heart is Tessa Lane, a private investigator with a knack for getting in over her head. When her simple surveillance job collides with the enigmatic Dominic Steele, Tessa is pulled into a web of deadly secrets and high-stakes danger. The narrative carries readers through the sultry streets of the French Quarter, where every shadow hides a potential threat, and every kiss feels like a gamble.
Shittim’s writing is sharp and evocative, particularly when describing New Orleans. The city itself feels like a character, alive with its juxtaposition of charm and menace. From the flickering gaslights to the tense alleys, the setting pulls you in, making every scene vivid. I found myself lingering over the description in Chapter 1: “The underbelly of the French Quarter smells like stiff bourbon, desperation, and cigarette smoke.” That line encapsulates the atmospheric grit of the story.
The chemistry between Tessa and Dominic is undeniably electric, but it often feels rushed. Their relationship pivots between hostility and passion so quickly it can feel like emotional whiplash. That said, their interactions are some of the story’s highlights. When Dominic warns Tessa, “You’re supposed to trust me,” the tension crackles, showcasing Shittim’s talent for writing compelling, charged dialogue. Yet, I wished for more gradual development of their bond to balance the fiery, impulsive moments.
The burner phone’s role as the catalyst for the chaos is a strong narrative device, but the frequent “safe house escapes” in later chapters started to feel repetitive. Still, Shittim excels in creating high-stakes action. The chase sequence in Chapter 3 had my heart racing, with descriptions so vivid I could almost hear the pounding footsteps and roaring engines. Dominic’s brooding past and Tessa’s headstrong recklessness sometimes felt more trope-driven than authentic.
Dangerous Shadows is an exciting, fast-paced read that fans of romantic thrillers will devour. It’s perfect for those who enjoy stories brimming with tension, danger, and fiery romance, even if they can overlook some melodramatic moments and familiar plot devices. If you love a mix of steamy romance and nail-biting suspense, this book will keep you entertained from start to finish.
Pages: 106 | ASIN : B0DR67BG3F
LITERARY TITAN 