4.5 (336 ratings)

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

Name: Stroke of Shadows: A Dark Paranormal Romance (Curse of the Guardians, Book 5)
Rating: 4.5 (336 reviews)
Author: Taylor Aston White
ISBN: B0FBS7L11Y

by Taylor Aston White

demons

About this book

Harper has spent her entire life trapped in a gilded cage, controlled by a ruthless family and their fanatical church. Behind her facade of privilege and obedience, she harbors a desperate hunger for freedom. That desire finally leads her to a single, reckless night of passion that threatens to shatter the escape plan she has been meticulously crafting for a decade.

Enter Sythe, a man on a mission to infiltrate the very family that holds Harper captive. Tasked with revenge and navigating a world of bloodthirsty daemons, he views Harper as the enemy—until one intimate encounter turns his resentment into a dangerous, all-consuming obsession. What begins as a strategic distraction quickly evolves into a fated-mates connection that defies logic and safety.

As they uncover a web of dark secrets and twisted lies, their forbidden love becomes the ultimate catalyst for chaos. Sythe must decide if his objective is worth the price of his soul, or if he is willing to burn the world down to protect the woman who has become his only reality. Filled with the found-family bonds and high-stakes tension that fans of dark paranormal romance crave, this installment is an emotional, scorching journey through shadows and desire.

Publication Date: May 25, 2026
ASIN: B0FBS7L11Y

Reader Reviews

Flipping amazing!

June 16, 2024

Words cannot accurately convey how much I love this series, and Sythe and Harper's installment did not disappoint! Along with the incredible world building, watching these characters come to life and find each other was heartbreakingly beautiful. I cannot wait for Jax's story. ) 2 people found this helpful

not what i expected but definitely enthralled

September 7, 2025

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...

10 out of 10 recommend

March 19, 2024

I read the first 5 so fast! Absolutely in love with the characters and storyline in this series. I can't wait to read about Jax and I sincerely hope Lucy gets a love story too!! The spice is just right 🌶 ) 2 people found this helpful

Great series

March 14, 2024

Greatseries! Love how this fit in with the previous book in the series. Highly recommend reading this entire series, character building has been awesome. ) One person found this helpful

Stroke of Sythe...I mean Shadows

February 10, 2024

Another story I could literally not put down by this author! Seriously, I was reading during work breaks and during “important” meetings. I straight up could not stop. I think one thing I really liked about this story is that there’s not much interaction with the rest of the Guardians, compared to the other books. This one has a different vibe to it because Sythe has to hide his real identity lest he blow his cover. Harper is a pawn, used and abused by her relatives. She can’t make any move...