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Shadow of Innocents
Into the Shadows Series
Partners to LoversThe Survivor HeroineHeir to the Villain / Secret IdentityMentor / MenteeInternational IntrigueTouch Her and DieThe SyndicateFound FamilyJustice & RevengeHealing from TraumaIdentitySacrifice
She was the victim the world prayed for. Now, she’s the hunter the Syndicate fears.
Isabella Bennett was the girl in the headlines—the seven-year-old kidnapped by the Syndicate and rescued by billionaire Alexander Thompson. Now, she’s no longer a victim. Armed with degrees in criminal justice and psychology, and carrying the rag doll that survived captivity with her, Isabella joins the Thompson Investigation Firm with one goal: to burn the human trafficking ring to the ground.
Her mentor and partner is Paul, the firm’s top investigator. He is lethal, disciplined, and dangerously protective of the rookie agent. He is also hiding a secret that could destroy them both. Paul isn't just a detective; he is the estranged heir to Lysander Industries—the very corporation funding the corruption they are fighting.
From the underground auctions of Paris to the dangerous streets of Spain and Thailand, Paul and Isabella race to dismantle the Syndicate’s network. But as the line between partner and lover blurs, the mission becomes personal.
When the Syndicate targets Isabella again, Paul must choose between the empire he walked away from and the woman who holds his heart. In a war against pure evil, innocence is the first casualty—but love might be the only thing that survives.
Sexual Tension
The romance is forged in high-stress, life-or-death situations.
Explicit Scenes
Includes open-door sexual encounters that serve as a release from the darkness of their job.
Is This Book For You?
Loves 'Criminal Minds' or 'Law & Order'
Follows Character Arcs
Enjoys the 'Protector' Trope
Craves Justice
Reader Reviews
Kaye
Goodreads • 2023-11-25
"ONE TEMPESTUOUS RIDE. Blazing buzzards Brad! Zoey brought out the big guns with this action-packed thrilling rollercoaster... The characters are complex, genuine and realistic... Amazing job Zoey."
Jane Litherland
Goodreads • 2023-11-25
"Paul and Isabella are thrust into the dark steamy world of human trafficking... With their chemistry intensified already , they must put on a perfect performance of passion in their pretence as lovers... Wow ! What a rollercoaster ride of emotions and tense suspicion."
Mary Jelks-Emmanuel
Goodreads • November 24, 2023
"Shadow of Innocents is a thrilling story that captivated me and had me glued to the pages. Paul and Isabella are partners, but she harbors feelings for him... The twists and turns that this story takes had my emotions all over the place."
Sandra
Goodreads • November 22, 2023
"I really enjoyed reading this book... The chemistry between the 2 main characters was on point and the story line sucks you in. I think it was a great combination of suspense and romance and definitely worth the read."
MP London
Booksprout • 2023-11-25
"This is a thrilling romance mystery story filled with suspense and emotion where Isabella and Paul come together to solve a trafficking case... This is a page turner!"
Cateye83
Booksprout • 2023-11-25
"Enthralling!! Still haunted by a traumatic childhood, Isabella finds herself irresistibly drawn to Paul... Shadow of Innocence is a pulse-pounding thriller where danger and passion combust... I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author."
Barbara W
Amazon • November 25, 2023
"What an intensely emotional and heartfelt book that Zoey has written. Isabella and Paul have had a rough time in life. When they found each other the magic they had was special... This book is a must read that will make your day a lot happier."
ZZZZZ21001
Amazon • November 21, 2023
"Another great read from Zoey Appleton. Great chemistry between the characters. I could not put it down!"
Trina Jones
Amazon • November 21, 2023
"This book was so good and I loved it. It was a steamy page turner and the suspense was intense... This romance was sizzling and hot... I highly recommend this book."