A Hidden Path: The Senses Part Two

by Deirdre Lyons

The true danger is hidden beneath the surface.

Lydia is the Seer no one trusts, but everyone wants to control.

Surviving one betrayal and escaping with nothing but luck and grit should have set her free. Instead, Lydia is swept away by enemies who claim to be her protectors. When she uncovers the secret location of a legendary, cursed vault—one only a Seer can find—she becomes the most hunted woman in the Aperion Sea.

To stay alive, Lydia strikes an uneasy truce with a dangerous and maddeningly compelling rival. But in a world of shifting loyalties and buried truths, trust may be the deadliest risk of all—and falling for him could cost her everything.

Magic, betrayal, and slow-burn romance collide in the second installment of The Senses series. Perfect for fans of high-seas adventure, enemies-to-lovers tension, and a heroine who refuses to keep her head down.

A Hidden Path is an Adult Fantasy intended for 18+ mature audiences. Blood, violence, slow burn, steam, angst, betrayal, and adult language exist. This story ends in a cliffhanger.



Enemies to LoversHeros JourneySlow Burn Open-Door RomanceFound FamilyForced ProximityMorally Gray MMCContent

Open-door intimacyAdult LanguageHuman traffickingAttempted kidnappingDiscussion of abuse of a minor (not on page)Violence and murderDepictions of panic attacksSubstance abuse (alcohol)

484 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2025

Reviews

[Lina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 / 5 Stars
Thank you to Deirdre Lyons for the ARC! This is the second book in the series and I was really happy to dive back into the The Senses series. I love the concept of a magical system based on the senses and I am glad we got to see Lydia grow and get a love interest worth of her time.

If will probably like this book if you like:
👀 Royal court politics
✨ Magical powers based on the five senses
👀 He falls first and harder
✨ Loathe to love
👀 Found family
✨ Forced proximity
👀 An ending with a twist and cliffhanger

I really enjoyed getting to explore Ezra and Lydia’s relationship. We saw glimpses of Ezra in book 1 but he is front and center in book 2. Sorry not sorry that a tall, tattooed, red-bearded, cocky pirate/warlord does it for me. He and Lydia love to push each other’s buttons but ultimately he treats Lydia as an equal which truly no one has done in her life. My biggest gripe was that the first 40% of their relationship felt repetitive. Most of their conversations boiled down to Lydia saying “I don’t want to be here” and Ezra saying “I am trying to protect you” and then both of them saying “I hate you” and stalking off. Or Ezra being like “you’re too reckless for your own good” and Lydia being like “don’t tell me what to do.” Just variations of that. And I just wanted more because there was so much potential for them to have a richer and deeper and more nuanced dislike for each other so that the pay off could have been ever greater.

I also enjoyed exploring the theme of trusting yourself again after you mess up. Lydia trusted someone in book 1 that she shouldn’t have so how does she learn to trust others again but most importantly how does she learn to trust herself again? It was a really powerful line of questioning and I really enjoyed reading something with that theme. Again, my only comment is that sometimes the narrative was repetitive with the same phrasing being used multiple times.

All of that being said, I am excited for book 3. Past the half way point the plot picked up a ton and there were fun twists that really kept it engaging.
_____________________________________
Pre-Read Thoughts: Excited to dive into book two of the series. The MMC is a 6'3", red-bearded pirate which really does something for me 🥵🥵🥵.

Also love supporting an indie author when I can. The series features a magical system based on the five senses so if that sounds even remotely interesting, I recommend checking out the first book, A Clear Path.

[Amanda Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 of THE SENSES brings Lydia into an entirely new light.

Once shy, undemanding, and not as strong in spirit, Lydia grows through this book. She fills into her age, strength, character, and power. She shows who she truly needs to be, and learns to take what she needs. She isn’t demure little Lydia anymore. She’s Lydia who can take down a layman when necessary and can choose her OWN path, not one drawn out for her.

We meet Verralon’s ship/crew, and you know the found family trope always gets me. But don’t forget, looks can be deceiving. Everywhere.

Oh my gosh Ezra. Have I mentioned he reminds me of Robb from Bloody Black?! I love him. I need more of him. He’s so dominant yet lovely just to her. Perfect type of man.

I do miss Ryo and the twins back in Saivi so I’m excited to get more POV from them in the next book (fingers crossed???!).

Also all of the plot twists and information thrown at us in this book?! Holy balls. This keeps getting deeper and deeper. I’m ready for book 3 👀🫡

Thank you so much to Deirdre and team for allowing me to read an advanced copy of The Hidden Path!

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brings us found family, character growth and desperate plots. We are dropped right where we were left at the end of book 1. Lydia has really been through it. She trusts no one now, not even herself. The first half of the book is her trying to navigate and come to terms with what happened to her. There are parts about this that are repetitive, but I do think it helped emphasize how frustrated Lydia was and how she was not equipped to deal. She uses other people as a crutch and here she couldn't let herself do it because she didn't trust anyone. Then there is Ezra. I actually adore him. He's so intense. The tension in this book between Lydia and Ezra was superrr thick. It was also not just spicy tension. Neither of them really listened to the other at first, even when it would have helped them both so there are points where you want to lock them both in a closet. When they finally work through it, it was a game changer. Ezra is everything you want in an MMC and who you want on your side when plotting. Which leads me to the ending... Just going to say that I would like the next book, please and thank you.

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

**ARC Review**
A Hidden Path (The Senses Part Two) by Dierdre Lyons
Pub Date: Nov 1st - Free on Kindle Unlimited

In Part Two, we find Lydia on an adventure on the high seas! Of course, she's been kidnapped and held against her will by her enemies, who claim to be protecting her, but that's a matter of *semantics*.

We meet a whole new side of Lydia in this book. She's growing from her subdued, submissive, proper old self to a strong-willed, outspoken, brave (sometimes to her detriment) leader.
We learn more about the prophecy and curse, we visit places we've yet to see, and we get an amazing enemies to lovers slow burn. (YAY!)

The Banter between Ezra and Lydia was just fantastic. So much back and forth, give and take, will they won't they. I did miss Ryo and his sisters back in Silvanisi, and hope to hear more from them in the next book, but the new group of characters we spend our time with in this book, Ezra's Verallon crew, were a diverse and compelling cast of characters, and there was a strong found family aspect.

Part 2 of this story brings more surprises, secrets, betrayal, and adventure, and we leave off with our heroes heading down a very intriguing path!

Once again, I am left desperately needing to know what happens next! (I'm not cut out for cliffhangers! 😅)

What you'll find in this book:

Tropes:
Enemies to Lovers
Hero's Journey
Slow Burn
Open-Door Romance
Found Family
Forced Proximity
Morally Gray MMC
Pirate-esque Adventures
Unique Magic System
Part of an ongoing story (must be read in order!)

Content warning: A Hidden Path is an Adult Fantasy intended for 18+ mature audiences. Blood, violence, slow burn, steam, angst, betrayal, and adult language exist. This story ends in a cliffhanger.

4⭐ 2🌶️


I was given an advanced copy of this eBook, and this is my honest review. Thank you to author Deirdre Lyons for the ARC!

[Kasey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brings us found family, character growth, and desperate plots. We pick up right where A Clear Path left off, and wow—Lydia has been through it. She trusts no one now, not even herself, and the first half really captures her frustration and emotional isolation. Yes, it’s repetitive at moments, but that actually mirrors her own spiral so well—it made her journey feel raw and real.

Ezra though… Ezra. I adore him. He’s intense, complicated, and loyal in his own chaotic way. The tension between him and Lydia? Off the charts. Not just spice, but emotional tension that has you wanting to lock them both in a room until they talk things out.

Once they finally do—game changer. Ezra is everything you want in an MMC and the perfect partner-in-plotting.

Lydia’s growth across both books is phenomenal. She finds her people, but more importantly, she finds herself. Watching her start to trust again after so much betrayal was beautiful.

I didn’t know where this sequel was headed, but it delivered on every level. A Hidden Path is full of magic, betrayal, slow-burn intensity, and characters who make your heart ache in the best way. Now if someone could just hand me book three… please and thank you. ❤️

[Samantha Bilodeau · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent sequel to the first book, A Clear Path. It picks up shortly after the first one ends, with Lydia sort-of kidnapped by Lord Ezra on his ship.

There is political intrigue aplenty, a new MMC that is much more trustworthy (really couldn't stand that last guy, haha), and Lydia getting more of a voice. This book does start out very slow, as Lydia familiarizes herself with Ezra and his crew. There were some parts I felt slowed the pacing down, especially where there was repetition as to Lydia's distrust, Ezra's motives, and some of the general bickering between the two. I also had a hard time imagining Ezra as 35 and Lydia as 25. They felt younger than that to me.

The last half is where this really shines, as everything speeds up and more secrets are unveiled. We get more information about the Auctus, and Lydia, and what our heroes need to do to reduce the stakes.

Overall, I enjoyed this, and look forward to Book 3! The characters are interesting, the mysteries intriguing, and magic system fresh!

3.5 Stars

Thank you to Deirdre Lyons for the advanced copy. This in no way influenced my review. My opinion is 100% my own.

[Fiona Rowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another incredible instalment of the senses

Deirdre has a way of writing fantasy that feels real. The characters aren’t perfect, they make poor decisions and can be stubborn and hot headed but that just makes them believable. Their growth and character arcs make sense while still being unpredictable. The setting is rich and descriptive. The world building continues to grow and expand, giving so much while still being able to leave you wanting more. I’m so excited to see where Deirdre takes this world next!

[Juliana Kemege · Rating 4 out of 5]

Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

First of all, thank you to the author for an ARC of this book for my honest review.

What I liked: I thought that overall, this book was a lot of fun. It was adventurous, engaging, and interesting. The character development for both main characters, but especially Lydia, was excellent. I loved the banter between Lydia and Ezra, and I really enjoyed their chemistry and relationship development. I will absolutely be continuing this series, and I can’t wait for the next one to come out!

What wasn’t my favorite: I think the book suffered from a bit of second-book syndrome. The first half was repetitive (both in character actions and language) and didn’t have a lot going on. I found it difficult to get into, and had a hard time engaging in the early pages.

But, like I said, I absolutely want to continue this series! A fun and unique fantasy romance.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the ending of the first book, I was not sure how the romance side of things was going to work. I am truly enjoying Ezra and Lydia together and watching them come to terms with feelings was great.

However, the best part of the book is watching Lydia's emotional growth. The plot moves slower in this book so we're forced to watch Lydia grow. It's initially painful because sometimes you just want to shake some sense into Lydia, but she's written in a way that is so relatable and realistic.

I am looking forward to what's going to happen in the last installment! I feel like I have so many more questions about Lydia's path, how Ezra came to the agreement with Morgan, and just overall how the government in this world even functions.

Overall, I was a little skeptical after the first book, but truly enjoyed this one!

[Cass B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real note: 3.7
2🌶️

First of all, thank you for the ARC! I’ve been an ARC reader since the first part, which I absolutely loved, and I’m very grateful to continue the adventure!

I will absolutely read what’s next: I love everything about this story! The unique magical world, the characters (thanks for the chapter with Finley’s POV 🙌), the slow burn between Ezra and Lydia, and the mysteries that are unfolding little by little. And, no spoilers, but the ending is exactly what’s needed to keep me excited for the next book.

What kept me from giving a 4- or even 5-star rating are the repetitions in the book. The dialogues in the first chapters were repetitive and didn’t help with the characters’ development or evolution: especially the banter between Ezra and Lydia, and their friends telling them the same thing over and over again.

Also, some lines were repetitive, such as “you help us row the boat,” “it wouldn’t be us to kiss like this,” and even expressions like “repeat this three times.” These were repeated by different characters and felt less authentic and not necessarily character-appropriate, if that makes sense. All of this could be corrected by an editor, in my honest opinion.

That being said, I will absolutely read the next books because the world Deirdre Lyons built is amazing.

[The Babbling Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

📖 Summary

In A Hidden Path (The Senses #2), Lydia returns bruised, brave, and determined. After surviving betrayal and captivity, she’s swept into a dangerous alliance with Ezra, a rival whose motives are as complicated as her own. As magic, secrets, and buried loyalties twist around them, Lydia must decide who she can trust and what she’s willing to risk for freedom, love, and truth. It’s a world of peril, passion, and power where every choice comes with a cost.

💫 Tropes

Enemies-ish to Lovers
Forced Proximity
Found Family
Morally Gray MMC
Hero’s Journey
Magic System Expansion
Betrayal & Redemption
Slow Burn
Emotional Cliffhanger

⸻

💬 My Review

A Clear Path was one of the very first ARCs I read when I joined Bookstagram, and it completely hooked me on Deirdre’s writing. Her world building is immersive without ever feeling complicated. Reading her stories feels like curling up with a warm drink on a crisp fall morning.

Jumping back into this world felt so good. I really missed Lydia’s energy and how alive she feels on the page. In this book, we get to see more of her so-called “enemy,” Ezra. And I say that lightly because once you see inside both of their minds, there’s a touch of insta-love from the beginning. But don’t get it wrong, the tension builds perfectly as the story unfolds.

Seeing Lydia open her heart again after such deep betrayal was beautiful. We also learn more about the magic system and the leaders of their world, which adds even more depth to the story. The ending left me reeling, and I’m so excited to see where book three takes us.

And I have to say, Tobias is still my favorite. His calm wisdom and fatherly energy are unmatched.

A huge thank you to Deirdre Lyons for the ARC and for continuing to create such a rich, emotional world that’s so easy to fall back into.

[Amber Hess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh man. I read book 1 - A Clear Path - awhile ago so I had to do a little reminder session for myself but holy smokes. I didn’t love the way book 1 ended and was fully prepared to dislike Ezra. However, in A Hidden Path, he quickly became one of my favorites. Truly - the banter at the beginning of the book between Lydia and Ezra was both infuriating and hilarious to me. I loved how their relationship progressed through this book. The side characters are fantastic. I know there’s going to be more to Finley. Looking forward to finding out what his part is.

This book takes place primarily in Verralon where Lydia is currently living after the incident in Silvanisi. While determined to dislike the man who took her away (and saving her), Lydia comes to trust her new found family and maybe even trust Ezra? The crew and Lydia end up at The Auctus which proves to be unpredictable and nothing goes as planned. Will they go after the vault? I’m excited to see how it turns out in book 3.

[FN · Rating 5 out of 5]

The character development of the FMC is marvelous. She grows, she learns, and she finally begins to break free from her shell. She’s wiser now, more grounded, and watching that transformation unfold alongside her deepening connection with the MMC is both fun and beautiful. Surrounded by their colourful and supportive crew, will it be enough to tear down the walls between them? I absolutely love the MMC here. He’s the classic tough guy, but the spot he holds for the FMC is utterly heart-melting. The plot keeps building with tension and intrigue, enemies lurking everywhere, twists you never see coming. Things are heating up fast, and I’m already burning for the next installment. Received this as an ARC and very grateful for it.

[Laura McCloud · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 Star A Hidden Path by Deirdre Lyons

Book two of The Senses series is the perfect follow up to book one of this fantasy series, A Clear Path. The story picks up right where it left off with Lydia on enemy ship. After being betrayed and almost sold for her gifts, Lydia is left alone with no one to trust. As her gifts make her become the most hunted person can she open up herself enough to accept protection? What will she have to give up to stay safe and will she have be left to make choices for herself? Prepare yourself for heartache, deceit, action, tension and more surprises than expected! This twisty journey will keep you on the edge of your seat and most definitely will leave you wanting more from book three!

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lydia’s path continues in The Senses Part Two and it is strewn with action and danger. The romance is a slow burn as she learns to trust again after a betrayal in Part One. New friends and new revelations mark this path as Lydia learns to trust herself and embrace her worth. Action-filled, this one is hard to put down until answers are revealed and Lydia’s next path is uncovered.

[Jenn Z · Rating 5 out of 5]

The growth Lydia shows in this book is so great i loved seeing her grow into her age and start to make her own path

Be ready for some twists and turns. The plot thickens

And can we talk about a good found family trope gotta love them

I cant wait to read more of how this story unfolds and what path it will go down

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second book in the series has seen the FMC grow and find herself and her place in the world.

She has found her people and I am looking forward to seeing what is next for Lydia.

Deirdre creates amazing worlds that you just want to jump into and her books are going from strength to strength.

[Ariana Kendall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free as an ARC and was glad to be able to read the books back to back. I was hooked on the first, and this one picks up close to where the first ends. Full of political games, a magic system based on the senses, and a whole lot of adventure this was a fun read!

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. I received this book to review and I am so happy I found this author. I thought I loved the first book, but the second in Fantastic. I love Lydia and Ezra. I cant wait until the next.

[T. Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ezra, Ezra, Ezra... my man! Can you say rogue sexy pirate warrior? Yes please!

Love the magic. Love the unique world. Love the burgeoning romance. So good!

[Tiffany Segal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Deirdre Lyons for this ARC. I have been so looking forward to this since I finished the first one.

I truly did not know where this second book was going to go and it did not disappoint. There are so many elements that I loved.

Lydia’s growth from A Clear Path through A Hidden Path is phenomenal. She finds her people but ultimately finds herself. She speaks up and takes charge. She learns to start to trust again after the devastation she experienced.

Ezra and Lydia are so fun to read together. The sass and tension is palpable. The evolution of their connection is intriguing and a little spicy.

Ezra’s crew is excellent! I want to know more about all of them; especially Finley. He is quite the interesting character.

This was a very entertaining read. I can’t wait for the next one❤️