Six months ago, Kira Lockwood came face to face with the relentless presence haunting her dreams. She’d had suspicions, but held onto her hope that Blake was not the Shadowman who’d spent his nights tormenting her while she slept.
Blinded by love and even more by lust, she fell for him . . . And then he killed her.
Blake Michaelson, an ancient warlock of unmatched power, has roamed the earth for centuries alongside his three brothers. Their to track down the Supra Virtutem, a mystical being with the power to grant them eternal life. Love was never part of the plan, especially for a warlock with a black heart. In Blake’s desperate attempt to save Kira, he is forced to encounter his own nightmares, never knowing the true extent of the evil they will face. Blake spent his life planning to kill her and now he’ll spend eternity trying to save her.
Enter Dr. Alex Kane, a mysterious figure with an uncanny knowledge of Blake's true identity and his malicious intentions for Kira. However, this enigmatic doctor has his own dark secrets and a hidden agenda that intertwines with Kira's fate.
Dying changes a person. Waking from a coma, Kira is thrust into a new world and discovers her newfound powers as a witch. As she masters the use of her magic, Kira realizes she is a force to be reckoned with, explaining why the man she once loved sought to steal her power. With Alex at her side, serving as a beacon of strength, she embarks on a journey that will not only mend her shattered bones but maybe even pieces of her broken heart.
But betrayal leaves its mark, even on mended hearts.
In this paranormal romance rife with sexual tension, dark magic and secrets. Kira must navigate a treacherous path to unearth the truth. Being drawn to the shadows that surround her, will she succumb to that part of her and embrace the darkness before she can be pulled back into the light? The choice she makes could determine the fate of her world and the eternal bond she shares with a love that defies all odds. Contains mature and graphic content that is not suitable for all audiences. Trigger Warnings Include, But Not Limited Graphic sexual content. Graphic Violence. Suicide. Mentions of sexual assault. Mentions of mental health issues. Dubious consent.
For the sake of clarity: I received an ARC copy of Dreams of Secrets and Shadows from the author via BookSirens. I have reviewed said ARC by my own choice, and not under any obligation. All my reviews are done voluntarily.
This is more like what I wanted from the first book. Dreams of Secrets and Shadows feels more matured and fleshed out compared.
It is very character driven. It dives deep into the thoughts of not only Kira and Blake, but Kat, Lars, Eric and others as well. There is a lot of internal processing of the events of book 1, along with their past histories and how everyone is prepared to cope with the future and the discovery that the Shadowman does exist. This makes for a slower pace to the story. I both liked and disliked the pace. I appreciated the insight, and character growth, but sometimes became bored of characters internalizing their problems and not listening. I wanted some action, someone to take responsibility and do something tangible. They eventually would, but then also introduce more internal conflict that the story wanted to analyze. The miscommunication trope is used often, and this begets many fights between most of the characters. It was sort of a cycle that took a while to get where it needed. By the end, I did think there was enough plot. Many things happened that gave this book substance of its own, clarified book one, and left space for book 3.
The Vampire Diaries vibe is still there, but more of what the later seasons were like. The dark tone is there, done better, in my opinion than book 1. It took itself more seriously without compromizing the humor. I actually understood what was happening as it was. It wasn't as rushed through as before. It brought a better perspective than just good vs evil.
Looking forward to where book 3 could go. It has a lot to work with, and interesting characters to boot.
We are very excited to share with you all that BOOK 2 will be a duet narration by Nicci Prior and Anthony Palmini. Release Date late Summer 2023.
Short Excerpt from Book 2:
She felt his calloused fingers slide from her lower back, tracing circles across her stomach. His hand slowly descended between her legs as the other snaked around her throat, squeezing just tightly enough to stop her breath. She gasped as his grip tightened, immobilizing her. And it pleases me to no end that you still like it . . . rough. Not gentle. His grip was like a vice as he jerked her head back, his lips at her ear. And I like being the only one who can satisfy those needs and urges. Fulfill your every inner dark desire. She didn’t want to admit it, but what he’d said was true. “Like calls to like.” Her mumbled confession sent a tangled web of emotions coiling through her. I knew you would see it. See yourself for what you truly are. Taking in a steady breath, she pushed back the thought and asked, “Why?” I had to. I had to know how much you could handle. What you would and were willing to do. You had to experience my darkness in order to embrace your own. And once you tasted it, you did . . . just like I knew you would. Kira stiffened at the feel of his fingers lightly tracing along her collarbone as they moved down to her chest, the other still between her legs. I can feel every dark fantasy and desire swirling inside you begging for release . . . begging to be claimed by me. And only me. Her heart pounded at the feel of that hand. She wore no panties, he'd already ripped them from her body. I knew you were afraid then. You’re afraid right now. And yes, just like before, your fear . . . It fucking got me off and it still does. She gasped when she felt him press a finger against her lips, stopping her before she could speak a word. Why, you ask. Because I can feel your fear right now. Those words were still a haunting reminder of that night in the sanctuary. Your heart is beating so hard and so fast right now . . . It makes me want to do unGodly things to you.
I did not enjoy this one as much as the first. In Darkness and Desire, we had an unreliable narrator in Kira which made the disjointed storytelling work, but the plot jumping around in this book just felt sloppy. Especially since there are several other POVs and only one of them other than Kira has a reason to be bad at painting a clear picture.
Due to several spelling errors in addition to the book being almost incoherent in some places, I have a feeling this book was not edited as it should have been. The bones of the story are interesting, how the plot progresses is not bad, but the actual writing is so confusing and some parts of the book gave me whiplash because it would drag and then all of the sudden there was a big action scene out of nowhere. I don't know what happened between this book and the first one, but this one was not fun to read. I'll still read the next book, because I want to know what happens, but I definitely won't be reading this one again.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I really love the cover photo of this book. It is absolutely beautiful and eye-catching. I was intrigued into reading it because of its cover.
Dreams of Secrets and Shadows is the second book of The Dreams Trilogy: Witches and Warlocks, a dark urban fantasy paranormal romance series by B.L. Cagle and S.J. Brown. The book follows the life of Kira Lockwood, a young woman who discovers her powers as a witch after being killed and revived by Blake Michaelson, an ancient warlock who has been hunting her for centuries. Kira is also drawn to Dr. Alex Kane, a mysterious figure who knows more about Blake and his evil plans than he lets on. Kira must learn to master her magic, face her enemies, and choose between two men who both claim to love her.
The book is a fast-paced and thrilling read that keeps you hooked from the first page to the last. The plot is full of twists and turns, secrets and revelations, action and romance. The characters are well-developed and complex, each with their own motivations, flaws, and strengths. The world-building is rich and immersive, creating a vivid picture of the hidden realm of witches and warlocks that coexists with the modern world. The writing style is engaging and captivating, with a smooth flow and a witty tone.
The book is not for the faint of heart, as it contains scenes of violence, torture, death, and explicit sexual content. The book also deals with themes of betrayal, redemption, loyalty, and sacrifice. The book explores the moral ambiguity of the characters and their actions, showing that dark is not evil and good is not nice. The book also raises questions about fate, free will, destiny, and choice.
Dreams of Secrets and Shadows is a must-read for fans of paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and dark magic. It is a sequel that surpasses the first book in every aspect, delivering a satisfying and emotional story that will leave you wanting more. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good blend of fantasy, romance, suspense, and drama. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
After book one, I knew I knew this series had me hook, line, and sinker. I also knew I had to mentally prepare myself for book two. Now, I thought I did a good job getting myself ready, but I now realise that was never going to be possible when reading a series that breaks the mold at every turn—a series with so many twists and turns. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.
One of the things I absolutely loved in book one was the way the story flowed from dreams to reality in a way that had me questioning what was real and what wasn’t. Dreams of Secrets and Shadows successfully had this in spades, adding some magical time travel just to mess with the readers even more. It was perfection!
Firstly, worth mentioning is that this is a CHONKY book. Sitting at just under 700 pages, so be prepared to clear your schedule. If you ask me, the chonkier, the better!
Secondly, forget everything you thought you knew from book one. This book picks up right where the last left off. Well, kind of. We get a lot more backstory, a lot more worldbuilding. The plot goes from zero to a hundred in complexity, so be sure to highlight for easy reference as you read. I do kind of wish there was more from Salem and the witch trials and more of that historical aspect, but that’s just me. I do still think that what is included is well-balanced and adds richness and complexity to the story.
The characters! Gosh, where do I even begin? At times you’ll love them; at others, you’ll hate them. You may even want to throw the book across the room. You need to keep an open mind though, cause chances are the ones you loved in the previous book, you’ll loathe in this one and vice versa. Some may or may not also be unalived. It’s all part of their individual stories, their growth, and their development. Nothing is set in stone and I guarantee that so much will change again in the next instalment. I will state that I am firmly team Blake and desperately want him to find his HEA.
Things I absolutely loved about this book are the banter, the pop culture references, the time travel, and historical references. Oh, and the spice. Things get really spicy in this one. I also love that it’s multi-pov. This whole series had me guessing from page one, with unpredictable twists and turns and characters I can’t get enough of. If you’re looking for a truly unique read, go pick up Dreams of Darkness and Desire. Meanwhile, I’ll be counting down the days until book three.
Thank you to both B.L. Cagle and S.J. Brown for including me on this journey. I’m excited to see where this series takes me next.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
What an absolute shocking sequel to Dreams of Darkness and Desire! DODAD was one of my top reads last year and this follow up did not disappoint. I still can't get over that it was a debut novel. So there was some extreme high expectations for the second book in this series.
The first book ended with so many unanswered questions and a major plot twist. The good news is that a lot of them were answered, but there is still a lot of mystery of what is actually happening. Kira goes on a huge self healing journey not only mentally but physically as well. But there isn't just Kira's experience, there are multiple new POVs.
You would think that four witty and devilishly good looking warlocks would be enough. That is true till the doctor arrives. Alex seems to fit the "boy next door" stereotype. But there is more than meets the eye. And don't get me started on the Shadow Man.
Overall, I absolutely love this book! Once again the ending leaves me wanting more with a major cliffhanger that changes the whole game.
This was such a fun read I really enjoyed the first book so I had high expectations for this one and it did not disappoint it had so much going on and was full of twists and turns and surprises in the plot which I loved. As with the first book this one ended on a shocking revelation so I am already looking forward to returning to this series when the next book is available lol. One of the things I had hoped we would get more of in this book after reading the first book was more information on the magic system as I had found it really interesting and this book definitely delivered by giving more plot time to the magic system so I was happy. I like the multiple POV’s so we could get a fuller picture of what was going on with all the characters and I enjoyed the characters development although I would of liked more Blake and Larz page time in the middle of the book but that’s just personal preference as I an a sucker of a dark bad guy with a heart that not everyone gets to see lol
I received a free e-ARC of this book and this is my honest review
This second book in The Dreams series was so good. I love the first book so much, and I'm happy to say that this story has beat the second book curse. It's just as good if not a little bit better than book one.
I loved coming back to the world that B.L. Cagle has made and now with the help of S.J. Brown. I never wanted to put this book down. It was so addicting and had me on the edge of my seat from the very start. There was so much wanting and needing to know what was going to happen next.
The push and pull between Blake and Kira is so much! One of my favorite lines from the synopsis is : "Blake spent hos life planning to kill her and now he'll spend and eternity trying to save her." SO GOOD!
I will not go into specifics to keep it spoiler free but this story is full of twists and turns and ups and downs. It is also mindful to check cw for this story because some may not be appropriate for some readers.
Wow!! So much happens in this book I’m feeling a little dizzy….so many unanswered questions, I’m hoping 🤞🏻 the next book answers them all because I’m not sure my heart, mind, or soul can take waiting for a fourth book!😬 I’m of course, impatiently waiting 🫦, for the the third book. ( 🙏🏻🙏🏻please let it be soon, very, very, soon…).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I absolutely adored this story! Talk about intriguing! Oh my gosh, so many things happen in this sequel I did not see coming, it made me fell dizzy… well read and see! The story had wonderful flow. Angst! Steam! Great storyline! Villains! I cannot wait to read the next book, hopefully I will get all my questions answered!
The second book of this trilogy really threw me for a loop! I was not expecting any of the twists and turns in this book but it all flowed really well!
I loved getting to know Larz and Kat more in this book! I will say I wasn’t the biggest fan of Alex in this book but he’s coming around😂
This book does end on a big cliffhanger but I’m very excited for the next book!!
*I received an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review*
What lies beyond the mirror and what secrets will be revealed? This is the second book of The Dreams Triology: Witches and Warlocks series. The suspense and emotional rollercoaster you’ll feel from reading this book is unreal! This book will keep you guessing from the very start, leaving you with lots of questions!
If you like a strong female lead, demons, witches, swoon worthy doctor and sexy warlocks then this series is for you! Note: This is a dark romance, check trigger warnings before diving in! The series is also not complete so prepare yourself for emotional distress while waiting for the next books to release!
Thank you to the author(s) for the ARC copy of this book - There are some areas that could be trimmed down and some grammatical errors that need to fixed and I didn’t love it as much as I loved the first one but overall it was a good read!
The second book is even more shocking than the first!! I haven't been able to get this book out of my head. It is dark and very spicy! Book 2 opens up more history on characters and how this books magical systems history effects current problems. If you loved the first book you NEED to read this one, its like a drug you can't get out of your system! I am anxiously waiting for book 3!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book felt very much like a second instalment that hasn’t been thought through completely. I liked getting to know Armand and Vincent a bit better, but we barely scratch the surface of their characters to be honest. It’s mentioned very near the start that Vincent is key and he needs to remember things but this is then seemingly forgotten for the rest of the book and only circled back to in the last few pages! Part of the problem I think is that there are too many threads of the story that the authors are trying to follow. I love dual POV but I think in this book there are about six?! It’s too many to be able to properly understand the characters and their motivations and at various points I felt the story was going off on random tangents and I found myself wondering what was happening with the other characters that I was already more invested in. Blake’s POV, for instance, seemed to go missing pretty early on in the book and only made a comeback about 2/3 of the way through. Fewer POVs to follow would make it a more coherent narrative.
I also felt that they went a bit overboard pulling in every character that was introduced in the first book. It actually made the previous book more interesting that some of the characters didn’t know what was going on and were actually just innocent bystanders. Here, it was as if they didn’t want to miss anyone out and were trying to neatly slot everyone into the story and it just didn’t work for me. Not everyone has to be magic! It definitely felt like they were coming up with ideas on the fly that hadn’t been planned when the first book was written. Eric?! What?! And Nadia sort of appears from nowhere near the end as well.
There was a lot more graphic sex in this book which is not really my thing and I didn’t enjoy it. I know some reviewers felt there wasn’t enough in the first book so I appreciate that this is personal preference. But fair warning; there’s a lot more and it’s considerably more detailed description.
I cannot even express how many red flags there were with regard to relationships in this book and I just don’t like the romanticising of toxic relationships which is what I felt was happening here. Also, from a character development perspective, Kira becomes a lot less realistic in this book when she moves onto another guy ridiculously fast- particularly given that prior to meeting Blake she’d only ever been with one man. I do get the reasoning behind it, but I felt her character was really changed for the worse in this book, both in terms of realism and being able to relate to her as a reader. By the end, I had kind of lost interest in her perspective of the story because I wasn’t rooting for her any more.
Again there were several misspellings, the most obvious of which were “reign it in” rather than “rein” and “waist” instead of “it’s a waste”. This is probably more of an editorial issue but it makes the book seem less professional! There are also several example of misuse of “tis” in the speech of a character from a long time ago - it’s a contraction/archaic form of “it is”, not “it” and some of the speech is very awkward as a result of misunderstanding this.
I’d have to say I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the previous one in the series. I think the story felt a bit confused and there were too many threads to follow. It felt like there were a few parts that didn’t really make sense, such as Kira burying Blake (why, if she now knows it wasn’t him - it’s not retaliation?!) There were also so many loose ends and things left unresolved that it annoyed me a bit. The necklace seemed to have some significance but that was left unexplained, as was the bracelet, which may or may not be important. Nadia turned up near the end but that was left hanging, as was the appearance of Natalia Rose. There’s a bunch of dead bodies but no one seems to be too bothered about that and the police haven’t turned up and questioned anyone which seems a bit weird! Vincent apparently remembered, but that was within the last 8 pages so we’ve no idea what… you get the picture. I may read the sequel when it’s released because I would like to know how the story ends, but if I’m honest, I wouldn’t be overly surprised if a lot of convenient events/characters appear to tie everything up at the end.
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for an ARC of this book. I received a copy for free and was invited to share my honest opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I loved book 1 it left me with so many questions. I was so excited to dive into book 2. I liked book 2 not loved.
What did I like about Dreams of Secrets and Shadows? I liked that some of the questions from book 1 Dreams of Darkness and Desire were answered. Also, I liked the interesting new characters that have been introduced and the magic.
Now, I think that the story could have painted a great picture and did not have to be this drawn out. I also did not care for the more than 2 POV’s.
I loved book 1, I liked book 2 I hope book 3 is as great as book 1. Book 1 left me with a major cliffhanger that I did not see coming and I surly did not see that ending either. This author is becoming the queen of cliffhangers I’m in a chokehold.
I am truly a fan of this series and very invested and can’t wait to see what unfolds in book 3.
Thank you B.L. Cagle for this world you have created for my troubled brain.
I gave the second volume of this series 4 stars but it’s really a 3.5. The authors’ inexperience shows more than it did in the first volume. Some plot points are not depicted sufficiently clearly, leaving me guessing what was going on. I was never sure whether the witch working with Asmodeus was Jememma or Natalia Rose. And there was a whole lot going on: witches, warlocks, demons, ghosts, magical objects, druids, hidden memories, secret identities, secrets in general, time travel, of a sort, or perhaps reincarnation? It sometimes felt like the authors were throwing in everything but the kitchen sink. It kind of irked me that everyone turned out to be magical in one way or another. And the authors’ penchant for keeping secrets from the readers was overdone in a way that was detrimental to the smooth flow of the book.
Kat still grated on me, seeming shrill and annoying rather than the greatest supportive friend in the world, and Kira still seemed to make questionable decisions based on a fear of being locked in a mental institution, which doesn’t jibe with reality. Your friends cannot commit you to a mental hospital.
I quote: Louisiana's Mental Health Law encourages the voluntary treatment of mental illness and substance abuse and requires medically appropriate treatment in the least restrictive setting possible. Individuals, may not be forced to receive treatment or be confined in a hospital unless certain legal criteria are met.
Just having your friend think you’re bonkers is not going to cut it.
It also irked me that after Kira realized Asmodeus Kane was a being in his own right, not another side of Blake, and that he could come through dreamy Dr. Alex, she still blamed Blake for everything, including raping and killing her. Seems a bit unfair. her sudden flipping from traumatized fear to insolent arrogance after she kills ***spoilers*** (if you want to know who,she kills, read the book. I won’t tell you.) seemed unwarranted to me. Either she should have been less traumatized, or she should have taken more time and emotional journey to go from one state to the other.
Some characters were still under drawn (Vincent, Armand I’m looking at you), and the whole business with Vincent’s memories was left very unclear.
The book also suffers from poor proofreading, which was also the case with volume 1.
Having said all that, I still found it gripping and fascinating, and am eager to see where they go with book 3. I think they have real talent, and a wealth of ideas, much more imagination than I do, and as they become more practiced writers their books will be more satisfying.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
OMG this was so bad. The first book was kinda okay but this one? Damn girls, you dropped the ball here. First and foremost it was super confusing with all those different perspectives. They change SO much. And the plot itself is confusing sometimes. You are never actually even sure if something is happening because there are so many times when people are just having dreams are hallucinations and so on. You are also just learning tiny bits of information bit by bit as a reader because of course not everyone knows everything. The problem with this was also that so much plot and information just kept being repeated at the end of the book because every character needed to learn it. Not only that it's super tiring to read it again and again the stuff that happens because of the whole secrecy throughout the book makes you really mad at some point. So much stupid stuff happens because the characters refuse to speak to each other? Another problem I had was that there were way too many love interests and stories through out the book so you don't get particularly fond of any of the pairings. But I honestly don't give a fuck if Kira forgives Blake because they barely developed as a couple through this whole book because he is too busy to swoon over a dead girl (who was somehow resurrected at the end?? How did that happen?). I am also not invested in Kira's relationship with Alex because he is a slimy whimp and allowed a demon to steal most of his private moments with Kira. I also really don't understand why he had to be Blake brother?? Another secret and super unnecessary connection that makes everything more confusing. I don't think I have to tell you guys why I am not rooting for the demon who r*ped her, right? I also don't understand who you can be the kindred/soul mate of so many people at the same time. How is it possible that Blake is Rose and Kiras Kindred and Alex is also Kira's Kindred? Makes the term lose value. The only relationship in this book I was kinda invested in was the one of Kat and Larz. And I suspect Larz will turn out to be Kat's kindred or something since they have been talking about the sacred "four" the entire time. I honestly started skimming a few pages towards the end because the story seemed endless. I thought the book series was a duet and therefore would be resolved by the end of the book, that's why I kept reading it. I don't like unfinished things. And even though that is the case, I will definitely not be reading the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Dreams of Secrets and Shadows, Book 2 of The Dreams Trilogy: Witches and Warlocks by B.L. Cagle and S.J. Brown, delves deeper into a world of dark magic, forbidden love, and treacherous secrets. This paranormal romance captivates readers with its intoxicating blend of suspense, passion, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.
The story picks up six months after Kira Lockwood's encounter with the Shadowman, a haunting presence that seduced her and ultimately took her life. However, her unexpected resurrection brings her newfound powers as a potent witch and a chance at redemption. Blake Michaelson, an ancient and powerful warlock, seeks to save Kira despite his dark intentions. Alongside them is Dr. Alex Kane, a mysterious figure with his own secrets and a connection to Kira's fate.
B.L. Cagle and S.J. Brown expertly weave together a tale of love, betrayal, and self-discovery. The authors craft a world filled with sexual tension, dark magic, and hidden agendas, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. As Kira navigates her shattered heart and embarks on a treacherous journey, she must choose between the irresistible allure of the Shadowman's embrace or the new future offered by Dr. Alex Kane.
The characters are complex and well-developed, each with their own motivations and desires. Kira's transformation from a victim to a powerful witch adds depth to her character, while Blake and Dr. Alex Kane bring an intriguing mix of danger and charisma to the story. The authors skillfully create an atmosphere charged with passion and uncertainty, immersing readers in a world where the choices made have far-reaching consequences.
Dreams of Secrets and Shadows contains mature and graphic content that may not be suitable for all audiences. The authors expertly handle these elements within the context of the story, enhancing the intensity and sensuality of the romance.
In conclusion, Dreams of Secrets and Shadows is a gripping paranormal romance that continues the journey of Kira Lockwood and the battle between love and darkness. B.L. Cagle and S.J. Brown's writing prowess and the intricate web of secrets and desires make this book a thrilling and passionate read. Prepare to be entranced by the allure of forbidden love, dangerous magic, and the eternal bond that defies all odds.
I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to the authors!
I read the first book as an ARC back in 2021 and adored it - the dark and mysterious Inception-esque vibes made it unputdownable. I remember being so excited for any news on book two, so I jumped at the opportunity to grab one when I saw sign-ups open.
For me, this did suffer from the dreaded second book syndrome. After such a strong start to the series, I almost felt like the storyline was overcomplicated in places and that the amount of POVs & different perspectives on the plot didn't add the complexity or depth I would hope for. I loved the secondary cast of characters in book one, and instead of liking them more in this book I actually just wanted more from Kira and Blake. Instead of the troubled narrator from book one, Kira's more minimal POV made her pretty unlikable and while it's possible that was intentional, I didn't vibe with it.
The foundations of the plot and storyline are strong, and I was happy to start to get some understanding into who Kira is, where the Shadowman comes into play and how Blake/Kat and the rest of the gang are connected to what's been happening with Kira. However, I don't think the plot progressed enough to need 600+ pages and felt like this could have been better as a <500 page read that was edited down in places, with certain aspects saved for book three instead and given more time. Certain plot lines, like Vincent's and Nadia's, just seemed like they needed to be further developed but there was already too much going on in this book to make room for it.
I'll still continue with the series, because I do want to know how things end up, but I hope book three follows the example set by book one instead of this as I think it would help turn things around.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The writer employs a variety of narrators to offer glimpses of the identical narrative. It's densely woven with numerous unexpected developments, leaving your mind whirling. The conclusion itself culminates in a significant cliffhanger. Evidently, each character harbors concealed truths. All eyes are on Kira, pursued even by the entity recognized as the shadowman. As the tale progresses, it delves deeper into the intricacies, progressively unveiling unpleasant revelations concealed within the various threads.
In the heart of this high-energy narrative, steamy and ingeniously articulated romantic propositions unfold between Kira and Alex. However, a perilous undercurrent taints this connection. Despite Kira's familiarity with the shadowman, it's as if an obscure facet of her is stirring. Might she yield to the allure of embracing her darker nature? Could she forsake the light for the shadows? This tale doesn't find solace in happy conclusions, and due to the jarring and distorted reality it portrays, it leaves you emotionally exhausted.
All in all, I cannot wait for the last installment.
I received an ARC of this book in return for a truthful review.
I received an ARC of this book in return for a truthful review. While I enjoy the bones of this book, it was a bit of a slog for me. I like the premise and the overall aim of the story and the characters do pull you in, however with that being said there is just a lot of fluff and unnecessary detail that tends to lead the reader astray. I don’t particularly enjoy the flow and the skipping in between scenes and time frames leaves you a little dazed and confused. As a self proclaimed mood reader, I felt myself picking up and putting down this book many times over the last few days. I think this story is worth getting into if you are in the headspace for a book that you need to solely focus on, but if that is not the case then this book is not for you. It may be a better option to read it via audiobook.
I didn't see the plot twist and the cliffhanger from book 1 coming and I sure didn't see this one - any of it! I love that there is more magic in book two and some interesting new characters, and some not new, but there were breadcrumbs to them that I get now. And Kira, that girl is just like the blurb says, a force to be reckoned with. And the Shadowman (mouth on the floor and I want more) I like the dark, and this is DARK!!! But I have seen posts there will be an audiobook with a duet narration - I cannot wait for that!! Loved the 1st book but was left with questions, and this one did answer some, only to be left with more. DO NOT MAKE US WAIT FOREVER FOR BOOK THREE!
Oh. My. Gawd. This was amazing. The twists and turns of the first book are nothing compared to this one. I really liked the first one but I love this one. Theres so much character development and everyone has come in to their own. I did not think it could get sexier or darker but it has. Without becoming over the top or corny. It’s perfectly written and leaves me wanting so much more. In the last book and somewhat in this one I won’t lie Kira was not my favourite but I shamefully love the direction theyve gone with her. 🔥 like I want to dive into the world theyve built and become a hot terrifying powerful witch
Wow!! So much happened in this book! So many questions got answered but I’ve also been left with so many more! And that cliffhanger ending!!
I still really love Blake! I was holding on to hope that Kira would figure out the truth. I really want to see the connection between Kat and Larz grow.
My heart broke with what happened in this book and honestly I lost count of the amount of times I screamed at my kindle reading this! I’m on the edge of my seat for the next book.
This was a 3.5 for me. I enjoyed it but there was so much writing for no reason. The book was huge for no reason. Something’s were too detailed when they didn’t need to be and that made the book big. I liked how we got more pov’s in the second book. There was a lot a lot more plot twists and I really liked that. The ending was great leaving us on a cliffhanger and a I’ll definitely be reading the third book. Can’t wait!
Another great book by this duo of authors. They once again bring strong characters and weave an intriguing story filled with twists and turns and suspense. It's well written with descriptive scenes, moves fluidly and is a terrific read. I'm looking forward to the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Dreams of Secrets and Shadows by B.L. Cagle and S.J. Brown weaves an intriguing tapestry of mystery and fantasy that captivates from the first page. The rich world-building and compelling characters create a haunting atmosphere, drawing readers deeper into the story's twists and turns. With its blend of suspense and emotional depth, this novel is a must-read for fans of gripping adventures.
Engrossing and immersive storytelling that sweeps you into an incredible dream like world. I felt like I was on a vivid vacation reading this - utterly enticing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.