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Liminal
After a failed suicide attempt and a frantic escape from my abusive marriage, I’m desperate to find the man who’s been appearing in my dreams and watching me from the shadows–a man who no one else believes exists. This enigmatic yet alluring man wants something from me, though I'm not sure what.
By the time I realize he’s tricked me by luring me away from home, it’s too late.
He’s not a man but an immortal, one who sustains himself by taking humans’ lives. One who’s been stalking me for months, waiting for me to break until he could stake his claim on my death for his own selfish reasons. Ambrose is a predator–lethal, manipulative, and devastatingly handsome.
And now, isolated with him in his cabin deep in the Appalachian mountains, I’m forced into an impossible surrender my own life, or take lives on his behalf. Allow myself to become the hunted, or force myself to become the hunter.
I hate him. I hate what I’ve agreed to do. I hate myself.
More than anything, I hate that his dark charm, wicked humor, and flickers of humanity make him seem like less of a monster with each passing day we spend together.
But the longer I stay with him, the more the lines between good and evil begin to blur, and my reluctance to fulfill my end of the bargain evolves into bloodlust, a hunger for vengeance, and a way to reclaim the power that’s been taken from me.
Which begs the question… What makes a monster, and in trying to survive, am I becoming one myself?
By the time I realize he’s tricked me by luring me away from home, it’s too late.
He’s not a man but an immortal, one who sustains himself by taking humans’ lives. One who’s been stalking me for months, waiting for me to break until he could stake his claim on my death for his own selfish reasons. Ambrose is a predator–lethal, manipulative, and devastatingly handsome.
And now, isolated with him in his cabin deep in the Appalachian mountains, I’m forced into an impossible surrender my own life, or take lives on his behalf. Allow myself to become the hunted, or force myself to become the hunter.
I hate him. I hate what I’ve agreed to do. I hate myself.
More than anything, I hate that his dark charm, wicked humor, and flickers of humanity make him seem like less of a monster with each passing day we spend together.
But the longer I stay with him, the more the lines between good and evil begin to blur, and my reluctance to fulfill my end of the bargain evolves into bloodlust, a hunger for vengeance, and a way to reclaim the power that’s been taken from me.
Which begs the question… What makes a monster, and in trying to survive, am I becoming one myself?
- GenresParanormalDark Romance
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2025
75 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
About the author
Lyla Andrews
12 books87 followersLyla is a steamy romance author and loves to write stories involving characters with realistic and complex problems, whether familial, romantic, mental health-related, or otherwise.
She is obsessed with everything cozy: rainy days, candles, blankets, watching the Twilight series on repeat (🐀), and--of course--curling up with a good book.
Raised in the semi-rural Midwest, she spent a few years hopping around after college before settling in North Carolina with her soon-to-be husband and their feisty black cat.
Lyla can be found on all social media platforms @lylaandrewsauthor.
She is obsessed with everything cozy: rainy days, candles, blankets, watching the Twilight series on repeat (🐀), and--of course--curling up with a good book.
Raised in the semi-rural Midwest, she spent a few years hopping around after college before settling in North Carolina with her soon-to-be husband and their feisty black cat.
Lyla can be found on all social media platforms @lylaandrewsauthor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 19, 2025
When you make a deal with an immortal to collect 500 years of life from others to save your own.
I enjoyed this read. It's a slower storyline with a slow burn but was still good. Like most stories, there is definite miscommunication trope and a few times where I just wanted to shake Brielle and tell her to ask the right questions. I really enjoy paranormal romances, and this one was worth the read.
#Paranormal Romance
#Slow Burn
I enjoyed this read. It's a slower storyline with a slow burn but was still good. Like most stories, there is definite miscommunication trope and a few times where I just wanted to shake Brielle and tell her to ask the right questions. I really enjoy paranormal romances, and this one was worth the read.
#Paranormal Romance
#Slow Burn
November 20, 2025
This book while good had a few things off in it. It was also really graphic when it comes to a toxic relationship. All in all, it is a slow burn shut novel and the ending was amazing!!
October 9, 2025
This was absolutely such an amazing read. I was completely captivated from beginning to end. The way this love story was written is magical. The character development of both Brielle and Ambrose was very engaging. They started off as keeping their distance in the beginning but slowly embraced one another. Now it does suck that he lied but Ambrose was scared to lose another woman that he loved with all his heart. I can see why he did it but I'm happy that they finally had a talk after everything that went down. That ending was so unexpected but necessary. They are truly made for each other and Brielle finally has a man who makes her feel wanted, loved, and makes her want to live. I'm so hoping that there will be a sequel to this.
September 4, 2025
ARC Review~
While the book starts at a slower pace, it builds into an intricate and unforgettable story. Liminal isn't a book focused on spice, and frankly, it doesn't need to be. The raw emotion and complex characters are more than enough to keep you turning the pages.
What sets Liminal apart is Andrews' incredible writing and her respectful handling of sensitive topics. Andrews has a remarkable ability to portray difficult situations with a sensitivity and nuance that feels both authentic and compassionate. It’s clear she has a deep respect for her characters and the topics she explores. The occasional pov chapters from Ambrose are a standout feature. They provide a depth that elevate the entire reading experience, offering crucial insights that make the narrative even more exciting.
Liminal is a must-read for anyone who loves a dark, slow-burn romance with a paranormal element. It's a book that gets under your skin and stays with you long after you've finished the last page. While it may not be the spiciest book on the shelf, the captivating plot, brilliant writing, and powerful emotional connection make it a story well worth your time. If you’re a fan of dark romance and appreciate a truly well-written narrative, you absolutely need to pick up Liminal. This is a story that requires attention to its trigger warnings, please remember your mental health matters
While the book starts at a slower pace, it builds into an intricate and unforgettable story. Liminal isn't a book focused on spice, and frankly, it doesn't need to be. The raw emotion and complex characters are more than enough to keep you turning the pages.
What sets Liminal apart is Andrews' incredible writing and her respectful handling of sensitive topics. Andrews has a remarkable ability to portray difficult situations with a sensitivity and nuance that feels both authentic and compassionate. It’s clear she has a deep respect for her characters and the topics she explores. The occasional pov chapters from Ambrose are a standout feature. They provide a depth that elevate the entire reading experience, offering crucial insights that make the narrative even more exciting.
Liminal is a must-read for anyone who loves a dark, slow-burn romance with a paranormal element. It's a book that gets under your skin and stays with you long after you've finished the last page. While it may not be the spiciest book on the shelf, the captivating plot, brilliant writing, and powerful emotional connection make it a story well worth your time. If you’re a fan of dark romance and appreciate a truly well-written narrative, you absolutely need to pick up Liminal. This is a story that requires attention to its trigger warnings, please remember your mental health matters
September 4, 2025
✨Arc Review✨
Thank you to the author Lyla Andrews for sending me this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
-All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Liminal by Lyla Andrews is a dark, emotionally charged paranormal romance that plunges you into a harrowing psychological labyrinth the moment page one unfurls. The novel centers on a heroine who, after a failed suicide attempt and a desperate escape from an abusive marriage, finds herself drawn to a mysterious man haunting her dreams. This shadowy figure—revealed to be an immortal predator named Ambrose—pulls her into a secluded Appalachian cabin where her wits and will are tested like never before.
The tension is relentless. Trapped in isolation and faced with a chilling ultimatum—sacrifice her own life, or become his hunter—the heroine's internal struggle becomes the novel’s beating heart. Andrews excels at building claustrophobic suspense: every whisper, every creak of the cabin floorboards becomes a nail-biting moment, and you can feel the heroine’s pulse racing with every word. Ambrose himself is a masterclass in dangerous allure—devastatingly handsome, wickedly witty, and emotionally confounding, he embodies the very question the book poses: “In trying to survive, am I becoming the monster?”
The strength of Liminal lies in its ability to blur moral lines. As the heroine is drawn further under Ambrose's spell, boundaries between victim and accomplice, predator and protector, begin to melt—and not in a comforting way. If emotional suspense is your jam, the novel’s dark, seductive power will grip you tight.
That said, Liminal isn’t flawless. At times, the pacing drags under the weight of its internal monologues and emotional intensity. A tighter edit might’ve sharpened the suspense’s edge even further. And while Ambrose’s dark charm is magnetic, some readers may wish for deeper insight into the heroine herself—into her motivations beyond survival, or the flickers of resistance that keep her from fully succumbing.
Ultimately, Liminal is a haunting, immersive ride for readers who crave morally murky romance wrapped in gothic suspense. It may lean on intensity, but when it works—and it often does—the emotional and psychological impact lingers long after the last page is turned.
Thank you to the author Lyla Andrews for sending me this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
-All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Liminal by Lyla Andrews is a dark, emotionally charged paranormal romance that plunges you into a harrowing psychological labyrinth the moment page one unfurls. The novel centers on a heroine who, after a failed suicide attempt and a desperate escape from an abusive marriage, finds herself drawn to a mysterious man haunting her dreams. This shadowy figure—revealed to be an immortal predator named Ambrose—pulls her into a secluded Appalachian cabin where her wits and will are tested like never before.
The tension is relentless. Trapped in isolation and faced with a chilling ultimatum—sacrifice her own life, or become his hunter—the heroine's internal struggle becomes the novel’s beating heart. Andrews excels at building claustrophobic suspense: every whisper, every creak of the cabin floorboards becomes a nail-biting moment, and you can feel the heroine’s pulse racing with every word. Ambrose himself is a masterclass in dangerous allure—devastatingly handsome, wickedly witty, and emotionally confounding, he embodies the very question the book poses: “In trying to survive, am I becoming the monster?”
The strength of Liminal lies in its ability to blur moral lines. As the heroine is drawn further under Ambrose's spell, boundaries between victim and accomplice, predator and protector, begin to melt—and not in a comforting way. If emotional suspense is your jam, the novel’s dark, seductive power will grip you tight.
That said, Liminal isn’t flawless. At times, the pacing drags under the weight of its internal monologues and emotional intensity. A tighter edit might’ve sharpened the suspense’s edge even further. And while Ambrose’s dark charm is magnetic, some readers may wish for deeper insight into the heroine herself—into her motivations beyond survival, or the flickers of resistance that keep her from fully succumbing.
Ultimately, Liminal is a haunting, immersive ride for readers who crave morally murky romance wrapped in gothic suspense. It may lean on intensity, but when it works—and it often does—the emotional and psychological impact lingers long after the last page is turned.
September 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶.5
no 3rd act breakup (technically)
READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS
first, I want to say thank you to Lyla for allowing me to receive an early readers copy of Liminal. as a teenager I LOVED Paranormal Romance, but kind of strayed away as an adult. this book 100% rekindled my love for the genre.
Brielle and Ambrose are both my babies now.
I admire Brielle so much for her strength. she has been through so much and despite what has happened to her she grew into such a beautiful woman. I got so much joy out of each of her kills as well... I think in today's world, watching someone get to rid themselves of rage and trauma in THAT WAY, was kind of freeing.
Ambrose? I dont know where to even start. Getting his journal entries every few chapters was such a great surprise and made me feel connected to him. Although, his "manipulation" of Brielle was wrong, I completely understood why he did it.
I genuinely loved all the twists and turns. /knowing/ that Ambrose wasnt bad while Brielle thought he was, was so exhilarating. and dont get me started on Samuel and Elias!!!! I KNEWWW there was something really wrong there.
overall this is one of my top books of the year, up there with Lights Out.
🌶.5
no 3rd act breakup (technically)
READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS
first, I want to say thank you to Lyla for allowing me to receive an early readers copy of Liminal. as a teenager I LOVED Paranormal Romance, but kind of strayed away as an adult. this book 100% rekindled my love for the genre.
Brielle and Ambrose are both my babies now.
I admire Brielle so much for her strength. she has been through so much and despite what has happened to her she grew into such a beautiful woman. I got so much joy out of each of her kills as well... I think in today's world, watching someone get to rid themselves of rage and trauma in THAT WAY, was kind of freeing.
Ambrose? I dont know where to even start. Getting his journal entries every few chapters was such a great surprise and made me feel connected to him. Although, his "manipulation" of Brielle was wrong, I completely understood why he did it.
I genuinely loved all the twists and turns. /knowing/ that Ambrose wasnt bad while Brielle thought he was, was so exhilarating. and dont get me started on Samuel and Elias!!!! I KNEWWW there was something really wrong there.
overall this is one of my top books of the year, up there with Lights Out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2025
Strength in the darkness
A dark paranormal romance that sucks you in from the first page and doesn’t render its grip till long after the story ends. In the start of the story, Brielle is a broken down housewife. Years of abuse, both emotionally and physically, by the hands of her police officer husband Joel have left her a shell of who she thought she would become. But someone has been watching her from the shadows, will they be the one to save her? Ambrose is as much a mystery to her as he is a savior of sorts. But what is his endgame with her? Why the binding deal? Ambrose POV’s are scattered throughout, but they are intensely rich in the emotion and devotion he carries for Brielle. He may have “tricked her”, but he had his reasons. The strength she gains and the confidence in herself is truly a testament to human resilience. Now she just needs to figure out if a betrayal towards the one who helped her out of her situation is the answer to true freedom. This story doesn’t just entertain, it also makes you question things as you read. It’s unpredictable, full of an intricate world with infinite questions. I highly enjoyed reading this book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A dark paranormal romance that sucks you in from the first page and doesn’t render its grip till long after the story ends. In the start of the story, Brielle is a broken down housewife. Years of abuse, both emotionally and physically, by the hands of her police officer husband Joel have left her a shell of who she thought she would become. But someone has been watching her from the shadows, will they be the one to save her? Ambrose is as much a mystery to her as he is a savior of sorts. But what is his endgame with her? Why the binding deal? Ambrose POV’s are scattered throughout, but they are intensely rich in the emotion and devotion he carries for Brielle. He may have “tricked her”, but he had his reasons. The strength she gains and the confidence in herself is truly a testament to human resilience. Now she just needs to figure out if a betrayal towards the one who helped her out of her situation is the answer to true freedom. This story doesn’t just entertain, it also makes you question things as you read. It’s unpredictable, full of an intricate world with infinite questions. I highly enjoyed reading this book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 6, 2025
Let me preface with the usual: CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS! This book talks about some HEAVY topics, so I'm warning you now. Now warning aside, this was a great read! Brielle left a horrible marriage with her abusive husband Joel who had a bit of power (he's a cop 🙃) only to make a deal with the devil who lives in the Appalachian woods. Ambrose isn't a saint but after stalking, I mean purposely watching, Brielle he stepped in and made himself known to her. Brielle was inspiring in a way; she left a cage and unintentionally entered a new one, BUT she found a way to reclaim herself by shedding the chains that made her feel she needed to be someone she wasn't. Thank you @lylaandrewsauthor for the privilage to be part of your ARC team, even if I'm a few days late! 😅
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2025
What happens when Brielle takes a chance and leaves her monster of a husband but unknowingly walks into the arms of another?
Liminal was such a unique paranormal experience. The writing was excellent! It was a little slow to start but I feel like it was necessary to truly capture Brielle’s mindset, current and past. You get to see the raw emotions of Ambrose and his life. I loved the mental health rep and the realness of what those with mental health issues are challenged with.
✨check your triggers✨
Favorite quote: “This is my life now: playing house with an immortal, baking bread, and plotting murders. Somehow, it makes more sense than anything that came before.”
Liminal was such a unique paranormal experience. The writing was excellent! It was a little slow to start but I feel like it was necessary to truly capture Brielle’s mindset, current and past. You get to see the raw emotions of Ambrose and his life. I loved the mental health rep and the realness of what those with mental health issues are challenged with.
✨check your triggers✨
Favorite quote: “This is my life now: playing house with an immortal, baking bread, and plotting murders. Somehow, it makes more sense than anything that came before.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
⏱️⏱️⏱️⏱️⏱️
Very romance meets paranormal, and I'm kind of obsessed with it honestly. With so many books in existence, sometimes I think it's hard for something to surprise me, but the uniqueness of this I loved with the little quirks.
Trauma can be brutal, and all we want is to heal from the lashes they leave, be it physical, mental, or emotional. As we heal, all we want it to make thay scar a little less noticeable.
Brielle and Ambrose go through so much before meeting one another. Sometimes, it's about finding your other half that helps you truly heal and discover who you are meant to be and help you learn your own worth.
🌶🌶
⏱️⏱️⏱️⏱️⏱️
Very romance meets paranormal, and I'm kind of obsessed with it honestly. With so many books in existence, sometimes I think it's hard for something to surprise me, but the uniqueness of this I loved with the little quirks.
Trauma can be brutal, and all we want is to heal from the lashes they leave, be it physical, mental, or emotional. As we heal, all we want it to make thay scar a little less noticeable.
Brielle and Ambrose go through so much before meeting one another. Sometimes, it's about finding your other half that helps you truly heal and discover who you are meant to be and help you learn your own worth.
September 6, 2025
ARC review
This has been my favorite read of 2025 so far. If you mixed the dark, broody atmosphere of Twilight, the feminine rage and revenge plot of the Mindfuck series, and the southern gothic paranormal vibes of Phantasma, you'd have this book. On top of that, the writing was beautiful and immersive.
It was refreshing to see a character with such relatable, realistic trauma who managed to overcome the worst of it without brushing it aside or magically getting better. And seeing Ambrose's journal entries sprinkled throughout the book was an awesome surprise. It gave just enough insight to his motivations and true feelings without spoiling the big reveal at the end.
This has been my favorite read of 2025 so far. If you mixed the dark, broody atmosphere of Twilight, the feminine rage and revenge plot of the Mindfuck series, and the southern gothic paranormal vibes of Phantasma, you'd have this book. On top of that, the writing was beautiful and immersive.
It was refreshing to see a character with such relatable, realistic trauma who managed to overcome the worst of it without brushing it aside or magically getting better. And seeing Ambrose's journal entries sprinkled throughout the book was an awesome surprise. It gave just enough insight to his motivations and true feelings without spoiling the big reveal at the end.
September 14, 2025
Liminal by Lyla Andrews is a breathtaking meditation on transition, identity, and the spaces we inhabit between what was and what’s becoming. Andrews’ prose is poetic and intimate, with a quiet strength that draws you in and holds you there.
Every page feels like a mirror…raw, tender, and unflinchingly honest. She captures the emotional weight of in-betweenness with such grace, never rushing toward resolution, but instead honoring the beauty and ache of the "not quite."
This book resonated deeply with me. If you're someone who finds meaning in change, ambiguity, or emotional complexity, Liminal will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading.
Highly recommended.
Every page feels like a mirror…raw, tender, and unflinchingly honest. She captures the emotional weight of in-betweenness with such grace, never rushing toward resolution, but instead honoring the beauty and ache of the "not quite."
This book resonated deeply with me. If you're someone who finds meaning in change, ambiguity, or emotional complexity, Liminal will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading.
Highly recommended.
August 30, 2025
Grateful for the ARC opportunity. Brilliant writing—I was completely absorbed in the book! The author did a fantastic job immersing us in Brielle's silent reality, capturing the depth of her emotions, the challenges she faces, and her resilience in navigating it all on her own. I loved Ambrose's approach to Brille - subtle, tender, supportive; even with the unspoken truths and the gradual unfolding of events, it was rewarding to see how the characters developed and connected with one another. Absolutely loved it! Please be mindful of the trigger warning.
September 16, 2025
I'm not sure if I ever read any previous work by this author, but after reading this, I will definitely be looking for it in the future. This dark romance stars Brielle and Ambrose. Both broken in their own way meet each other and the head starts. The writing and pacing was good, and the circumstances that the two MCs found themselves in were compelling. It had grit and great spice too. Overall, it was a good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 1, 2025
A Life Well and Long Lived ❤️⏱️🪦💙
This book is different from any book I’ve read, and that’s a good thing. It’s mysterious, romantic and intriguing all rolled into one.
It is easy to feel Brielle’s torment and her giving up on life. Watching her go from someone who doesn’t want to live to someone who wholly embraces life was engaging. She is fierce and free by the end.
I liked her and Ambrose’s HEA. There are many good surprises which make the end of the book quite fulfilling.
This book is different from any book I’ve read, and that’s a good thing. It’s mysterious, romantic and intriguing all rolled into one.
It is easy to feel Brielle’s torment and her giving up on life. Watching her go from someone who doesn’t want to live to someone who wholly embraces life was engaging. She is fierce and free by the end.
I liked her and Ambrose’s HEA. There are many good surprises which make the end of the book quite fulfilling.
August 29, 2025
This book was a slow one but it was great. You meet Brielle and Ambrose and follow their story. Ambrose is definitely a demon daddy in my opinion. He is dark, caring, and can be funny. He takes care of those he cares about even if it's not the most honest way. Brielle was a bit of an idiot but a relatable one because I could see a lot of us believing what she does. I would love to read more like this book.
September 20, 2025
It started out a 5 star read for me but then the actual murders she committed seemed very far-fetched. More of a chance of her dying than anything. Also it really bothered me that she makes this bargain for 500 years of lives and never asked him once how many years she has collected for him the entire time. I am pretty sure I would ask and have a running tally in my head how much longer I am indebted to him. Like did I just get 5 months or 50 years .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2025
An amazing paranormal romance! This book was so fun - an amazing whirlwind of love, loss, and finding yourself and your place in this world. Plus, it's got a nice healthy dose of feminine rage! It's a slow burn, but let me tell you, when it burns, it burns so good!
September 10, 2025
4.5 ⭐ this rivals midnight mischief as my fave Lyla Andrews novel
Ambrose was everything to me the yearning? The slow burn was the perfect pacing and it was such an interesting concept and Brielle's development was spectacular
Ambrose was everything to me the yearning? The slow burn was the perfect pacing and it was such an interesting concept and Brielle's development was spectacular
October 9, 2025
Dark story of healing.
Wasn't what I was expecting, but kept me intrigued throughout. Brielle's indecisiveness frustrated me to no end. Loved her healing journey and redemption. Their love was slow burn and intense. Interesting twists.
Wasn't what I was expecting, but kept me intrigued throughout. Brielle's indecisiveness frustrated me to no end. Loved her healing journey and redemption. Their love was slow burn and intense. Interesting twists.
October 27, 2025
interesting
This is another one of those interesting paranormal books
There were a few parts where the story lost me but it wasn’t bad
If you’re into dark paranormal you should give this a read
This is another one of those interesting paranormal books
There were a few parts where the story lost me but it wasn’t bad
If you’re into dark paranormal you should give this a read
September 4, 2025
Lyla's writing was a breath of fresh air! The characters development through the story is beautiful even with the tragic beginning. Seeing the two of them grow was so heartwarming!
September 6, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I couldn’t ever guess never guess what was happening but it was still super good I loved it and would love more like it.
September 6, 2025
Thank you for sending me this ARC! I was in a bit of a book slump before this and really enjoyed this read!
September 9, 2025
Such a good book. While it is still pretty slow. It has such a good story.
October 6, 2025
love it
October 22, 2025
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this. A good stand-alone
I enjoyed this. A good stand-alone
November 2, 2025
This was a roller coaster of emotions.
This is definitely a dark paranormal romance that has hard tropes and topics.
Overall it’s a great book and looking forward to more from this author.
This is definitely a dark paranormal romance that has hard tropes and topics.
Overall it’s a great book and looking forward to more from this author.
September 17, 2025
It’s raw, it’s emotional, it’s a really good read.
The characters are great, the plot is there and has nice flow and pace.
Check your triggers, I’d very much recommend
The characters are great, the plot is there and has nice flow and pace.
Check your triggers, I’d very much recommend
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews