[PhotosbyChuck]

Sometimes a ring light shadow is the desired effect -- so maybe you intended it. If not, taking the light off camera or shooting against black can definitely help as does distance from the background, of course.

As far as the lighting is concerned, the shadow doesn't bother me as much as the hot spots. Her face is dark compared to the other portions of the shot -- especially in #1. This makes me wonder -- how far from the model were you?

As for the expressions, since you linked to MM, I could see her port. She's got a good range of photos up and shows a range of facial expressions in them. It might just be she needed more direction from you.