4.7 (37 ratings)

Safe in Shadow (Pine Ridge Universe)

Name: Safe in Shadow (Pine Ridge Universe)
Rating: 4.7 (37 reviews)
Author: S.C. Principale
ISBN: B0CW1C6MN1

by S.C. Principale

ghosts

About this book

Grace isn’t afraid of anything. At least, that’s what she tells herself when she buys a broken-down period piece of a house in rural New York with the intention of opening the perfect romantic bed-and-breakfast retreat for couples with money to burn. She can stand the financial risk, and with a little paint and polish, Hilltop House will be something beautiful once more.

But the shadowy, secluded place feels dark and eerie all of the time, even when it’s bright and sunny outside. No amount of restoration removes the oppressive pall. Grace feels like someone is always watching her, especially at night. And there’s something odd about the nearest town of Pine Ridge—something that makes her want to stay at home in her creepy old house, even as she begins to suspect something isn’t quite right there, either.

Nyx hates being stuck in this dimension. Even more, he hates being stuck in this house—especially because of The Stranger who visits every year, always with a bag to bury in the woods. Nyx knows most people would think he’s evil, but The Stranger is the one who kills.

When Grace arrives, she’s a ray of light in a dark world. Nyx knows she’s scared of him—even though they haven’t met. But when The Stranger makes his annual pilgrimage to Hilltop House, Grace will have to choose. Will she trust the monster under her bed—or take her chances with the deadly stranger at her door?

Safe in Shadow is a dark, steamy monster romance standalone in the Pine Ridge Universe.

Publication Date: May 25, 2026
ASIN: B0CW1C6MN1

Reader Reviews

Sweet but smoky

November 1, 2025

I wouldn't say this is necessarily a dark romance as it's about as sweet as her usual work, but perhaps for a reader who only does sweet and no angst it may feel dark. Still, Nyx is a very conflicted man/shade and Grace is a very sweet woman who sees him for the man he is/was instead of the darkness he harbors. In a way it's very metaphorical about what it means to be human. The parts that may actually be pretty dark are the two chapters from The Stranger's POV, but they don't go into too much...

Very good

September 21, 2025

A visit to Pine Ridge is always fun, but this one is creepy too! (Talk about the 'monsters' under the bed!!). The author's note stated that fans wanted something a little darker - this one certainly qualifies. Great job. Just a little short - ends at 80% of the book - always a little disappointing. Nyx and Grace make a great couple - angst and guilt and lack of confidence and connection; grief and loss of memory and time sense - all lead to redemption. Oh, and there is a serial killer too! )

The monster under your bed

September 23, 2025

As expected, this book was a perfect easy, spooky cozy read. I think my favorite thing to come from this author’s books are the guaranteed happy endings. I appreciate the cozy happy ever after ending vibes you get. This story was a fun retelling of the monster under your bed and what happens when you fall in love with them. )

Shadows, smoke and Spice

September 21, 2025

This one is on S.C. Principale's darker side, but still has light and hope as all her books do. Nyx is an amazing anti-hero whom we can't help but fall in love with and Grace, the \"non paranormal human\" is an old soul whom brings joy and light to every situation, is a delightful character. There are also so many of the residents of PineRidge that are mentioned in this book and I love the way S.C. Principale not only brings them to life but also gives you a more indepth dive into who they are....

Human woman and shadow guy creature fall in love

October 22, 2025

She is human and decides to fix up a crumbling mansion and turn it into a bed and breakfast. He is the supernatural being bound to the house and grounds. He can turn into a small shadow or big shadow or change his shape or parts of his shape. He likes watching her. She is unsure who is watching her but he finally reveals himself. They have some poltergeist moments and he likes touching her when she is tired so she can tell herself she is dreaming. There is lots of steam. They have a happy ever...