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A Bond Of Darkness And Discord
The Rift is closed. The Divine has emerged. And Hazel has come out the other side, stronger than ever before.
But as the dust settles, this newly divine goddess begins to realize there may be more to her journey yet. As she faces the reality of the new life she’s found herself in, Hazel embarks beyond the borders of Talamh in search of answers about the magic that now runs through her veins, as well as the bloodline from which she was born. What she doesn’t expect to find is a series of cryptic warnings from the Cosmos about the future of Tir Nadaar.
Vander is navigating a journey of his own, trying to understand the depths of the curse embedded into his skin as well as the lengths he’s free to love and be loved. As the Mark threatens to consume what’s left of his soul, he wrestles with his bond to Hazel and the stark truth their future may hold. It seems the Shadow of the Grimm may still be hiding some things after all.
But just as these fated mates think they may have figured out one another, darkness descends. Will Vander be able to overcome the Mark’s hold on his soul? Will Hazel break free of her darkness and find a way to harness her newfound power? Even if these fated mates can navigate this journey ahead, there’s no telling what kind of betrayal awaits them. After all, discord is an entity too chaotic to predict and even harder to overcome.
But as the dust settles, this newly divine goddess begins to realize there may be more to her journey yet. As she faces the reality of the new life she’s found herself in, Hazel embarks beyond the borders of Talamh in search of answers about the magic that now runs through her veins, as well as the bloodline from which she was born. What she doesn’t expect to find is a series of cryptic warnings from the Cosmos about the future of Tir Nadaar.
Vander is navigating a journey of his own, trying to understand the depths of the curse embedded into his skin as well as the lengths he’s free to love and be loved. As the Mark threatens to consume what’s left of his soul, he wrestles with his bond to Hazel and the stark truth their future may hold. It seems the Shadow of the Grimm may still be hiding some things after all.
But just as these fated mates think they may have figured out one another, darkness descends. Will Vander be able to overcome the Mark’s hold on his soul? Will Hazel break free of her darkness and find a way to harness her newfound power? Even if these fated mates can navigate this journey ahead, there’s no telling what kind of betrayal awaits them. After all, discord is an entity too chaotic to predict and even harder to overcome.
- GenresFantasy
475 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2025
9 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Lindsey N. Rhoden
4 books61 followersHi there! I'm Lindsey N. Rhoden. I’m a mama to four crazy kiddos, a full time homeschooler, and a part time writer with an affinity for all things herbal. I’ve spent the last several years as a birth/postpartum photographer and doula, specializing in herbal and Ayurvedic care. In the past year, I decided to take a step back from that line of work to focus on my family and make room for other passions.
I love exploring darker elements through my writing and focusing on the more taboo topics of mental health and what that kind of pure, raw emotion can look like. I try to bring my writing to life through elements of nature and descriptive language. My main goal in my work is to write real, raw emotion that the reader can relate to and can feel through the pages, whether that be love, excitement, panic, or pain.
I’ve been a writer for as long as I could hold a pen, but I’ve always struggled to give my writing the time it deserved to truly develop. I dove into the world of literature during college and earned my degree in English literature with a concentration in creative writing from the University of Central Florida. Authors such as Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Edgar Allen Poe inspired me to continue pursing my own writing. Motherhood had other plans, though, and I took a long reprieve after I graduated in 2018. In 2023, I decided to dive back into the world of writing and found out that apparently I had a lot to say.
I love exploring darker elements through my writing and focusing on the more taboo topics of mental health and what that kind of pure, raw emotion can look like. I try to bring my writing to life through elements of nature and descriptive language. My main goal in my work is to write real, raw emotion that the reader can relate to and can feel through the pages, whether that be love, excitement, panic, or pain.
I’ve been a writer for as long as I could hold a pen, but I’ve always struggled to give my writing the time it deserved to truly develop. I dove into the world of literature during college and earned my degree in English literature with a concentration in creative writing from the University of Central Florida. Authors such as Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Edgar Allen Poe inspired me to continue pursing my own writing. Motherhood had other plans, though, and I took a long reprieve after I graduated in 2018. In 2023, I decided to dive back into the world of writing and found out that apparently I had a lot to say.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 21, 2025
‘Before, I had existed within my mind as nothing but a bobbing weight in an endless sea of pain. Stormy skies rained down around me once again. Monsters from my nightmares continued to reach up from below to pull me under. Water still filled my lungs, burning me straight through. Some part of me still cried out for mercy, for death, for anything other than this all consuming ache. But this time, I answered. And I saved myself.’
Thank you to Lindsey for the opportunity to read and review the eARC 🖤
When I first read A Tether Through the Rift, I remember it feeling like one of the most unique reading experiences I’d had in a long time - the feeling of being so immersed in a story that it feels like you’re truly there while reading. Returning to this world in A Bond of Darkness and Discord felt exactly the same and brought me right back into Tir Nadaar. Lindsey’s writing is incredibly poetic and she brings her world and characters to life in such a wonderful way. With each story (there are also two incredible novellas), I feel more and more connected to these characters - I love them so much and admire their resiliency. I !!!cannot!!! wait to see where this series takes us because that ending has me wonderinnnn.
Thank you to Lindsey for the opportunity to read and review the eARC 🖤
When I first read A Tether Through the Rift, I remember it feeling like one of the most unique reading experiences I’d had in a long time - the feeling of being so immersed in a story that it feels like you’re truly there while reading. Returning to this world in A Bond of Darkness and Discord felt exactly the same and brought me right back into Tir Nadaar. Lindsey’s writing is incredibly poetic and she brings her world and characters to life in such a wonderful way. With each story (there are also two incredible novellas), I feel more and more connected to these characters - I love them so much and admire their resiliency. I !!!cannot!!! wait to see where this series takes us because that ending has me wonderinnnn.
September 1, 2025
✨A Bond of Darkness and Discord✨
Author: Lindsey Rhoden
Release: September 9, 2025
Series: A Tether Through the Rift, book 2
And we are back in the world of Tir Nadaar several weeks after book 1’s cliffhanger and we step right into a found family full of grief. This whole sequel is full of our characters working through their grief in different ways as their friends and counterparts work to help each other heal.
But it’s not only grief that looms like a black cloud above Hazel, Vander, and their family. No, it’s their bond. It’s her self-loathing and Vander’s Mark. It’s the big reveal from book one’s ending and the traitor in their midst.
The first half of ABODAD is focused mainly on Hazel and Vander addressing what has happened between them and who they are versus who they were. It is so full of tension and yearning and angst and heartbreaking self-deprecation as they navigate the trauma they’ve been through. The second half we get to see more of the action. The plot twists, the traitors, the secrets allis. And the reveal regarding our MMC and sweet Aerie. Oh my!! It is painful but so so good.
Lindsey’s world is immersive and feels as calm as it does dark and intriguing. It reminds me of an eerie fall moonlit walk. Her writing is well done and you are immediately transported with every word.
Tropes you may find are broody shadow daddy, FMC finding her power, found family, grief and anxiety rep, comfort, fated mates, medium spice, dream walking, plot twists, elemental magics, shifter x fae, and a bit of a cliffy.
Lindsey, it’s been a joy to arc read for this each book in this series so far. Thank you for the opportunity!
Author: Lindsey Rhoden
Release: September 9, 2025
Series: A Tether Through the Rift, book 2
And we are back in the world of Tir Nadaar several weeks after book 1’s cliffhanger and we step right into a found family full of grief. This whole sequel is full of our characters working through their grief in different ways as their friends and counterparts work to help each other heal.
But it’s not only grief that looms like a black cloud above Hazel, Vander, and their family. No, it’s their bond. It’s her self-loathing and Vander’s Mark. It’s the big reveal from book one’s ending and the traitor in their midst.
The first half of ABODAD is focused mainly on Hazel and Vander addressing what has happened between them and who they are versus who they were. It is so full of tension and yearning and angst and heartbreaking self-deprecation as they navigate the trauma they’ve been through. The second half we get to see more of the action. The plot twists, the traitors, the secrets allis. And the reveal regarding our MMC and sweet Aerie. Oh my!! It is painful but so so good.
Lindsey’s world is immersive and feels as calm as it does dark and intriguing. It reminds me of an eerie fall moonlit walk. Her writing is well done and you are immediately transported with every word.
Tropes you may find are broody shadow daddy, FMC finding her power, found family, grief and anxiety rep, comfort, fated mates, medium spice, dream walking, plot twists, elemental magics, shifter x fae, and a bit of a cliffy.
Lindsey, it’s been a joy to arc read for this each book in this series so far. Thank you for the opportunity!
September 30, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
‼️SPOILERS‼️
This book picks up right where book one leaves off and follows the same set of characters we have come to know and love, while adding in a few new ones (which I ADORE). I honestly struggled to get through the first half of this book, but the second half came in with a bang and absolutely made up for it. So, let me air my few greviences! In the first half of the book, I struggled to find much growth within Hazel, our FMC, and her relationship with Vander, our MMC. They were caught in the same back and forth as book one (minus Arlo) but we added in some 🌶️🌶️. I also really wanted to see Hazel save herself or take the lead in some way in this book (especially after learning about her interconnectedness with the Divine?!) but was let down. The first half of the book felt lackluster and the romance forced, and I often found myself struggling to finish the chapter I was on. BUT THEN, the second half begins as Hazel gets captured by her evil father Darth Vader, I mean Kahlis, and the story really came alive! During this second half, we DO finally get a little show of Hazel’s new Divine power (I need more!!!) and her resiliency. I loved the relationship Hazel formed with Kirwan during this time and the introduction of a new bad bitch character, Finn. Although Hazel is not my favorite MMC, I do adooore both of our side characters, Finn and (still) Aerie. I love the backstory of the witches and fae and how they are incorporated into Tir Nadaar alongside the old fae king. And the epilogue had me loosing my mind!!! Now I am counting down unwittingly for the next book in this series! I do not foresee myself reading this book again.
🌶️🌶️
‼️SPOILERS‼️
This book picks up right where book one leaves off and follows the same set of characters we have come to know and love, while adding in a few new ones (which I ADORE). I honestly struggled to get through the first half of this book, but the second half came in with a bang and absolutely made up for it. So, let me air my few greviences! In the first half of the book, I struggled to find much growth within Hazel, our FMC, and her relationship with Vander, our MMC. They were caught in the same back and forth as book one (minus Arlo) but we added in some 🌶️🌶️. I also really wanted to see Hazel save herself or take the lead in some way in this book (especially after learning about her interconnectedness with the Divine?!) but was let down. The first half of the book felt lackluster and the romance forced, and I often found myself struggling to finish the chapter I was on. BUT THEN, the second half begins as Hazel gets captured by her evil father Darth Vader, I mean Kahlis, and the story really came alive! During this second half, we DO finally get a little show of Hazel’s new Divine power (I need more!!!) and her resiliency. I loved the relationship Hazel formed with Kirwan during this time and the introduction of a new bad bitch character, Finn. Although Hazel is not my favorite MMC, I do adooore both of our side characters, Finn and (still) Aerie. I love the backstory of the witches and fae and how they are incorporated into Tir Nadaar alongside the old fae king. And the epilogue had me loosing my mind!!! Now I am counting down unwittingly for the next book in this series! I do not foresee myself reading this book again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2025
A Bond of Darkness and Discord, like a true and worthy sequel, delves deeper into the stories and relationships introduced in A Tether Through the Rift, Book 1 of Lindsey's dark fantasy series.
Lindsey excels in many areas, but her writing truly shines in her ability to capture the depths of emotions with her words. Rage, grief, sadness, sorrow, pain, hopelessness. Self-doubt, self-deprecation. Love, devotion, mercifulness. They are all there in Lindsey's books, so real you can almost taste them on your tongue.
A Bond of Darkness and Discord is saturated with emotions. The air is thick with them all, swirling through our characters’ minds and hearts. Be it Vander's fear of hurting others with his darkness, without realizing that distance can cause the same amount of pain. Be it Hazel's doubts about her self-worth and capabilities, without realizing that the devotion she inspires in others is fueled by love, not power. Be it any other character suffering in silence, struggling to allow themselves the healing they need.
Emotions run high in this installment, yet they are beautifully intertwined with the plot's twists and turns, its mysteries and secrets. Everything is beautifully mixed together. And everything matters. In part of the story, friends and foes may be revealed, but it is far from over.
Darkness still looms; the stakes remain high. The story continues to become more intricate and emotionally charged.
Thank you, Lindsey, for keeping me on your ARC team; it's always an immense pleasure.
Lindsey excels in many areas, but her writing truly shines in her ability to capture the depths of emotions with her words. Rage, grief, sadness, sorrow, pain, hopelessness. Self-doubt, self-deprecation. Love, devotion, mercifulness. They are all there in Lindsey's books, so real you can almost taste them on your tongue.
A Bond of Darkness and Discord is saturated with emotions. The air is thick with them all, swirling through our characters’ minds and hearts. Be it Vander's fear of hurting others with his darkness, without realizing that distance can cause the same amount of pain. Be it Hazel's doubts about her self-worth and capabilities, without realizing that the devotion she inspires in others is fueled by love, not power. Be it any other character suffering in silence, struggling to allow themselves the healing they need.
Emotions run high in this installment, yet they are beautifully intertwined with the plot's twists and turns, its mysteries and secrets. Everything is beautifully mixed together. And everything matters. In part of the story, friends and foes may be revealed, but it is far from over.
Darkness still looms; the stakes remain high. The story continues to become more intricate and emotionally charged.
Thank you, Lindsey, for keeping me on your ARC team; it's always an immense pleasure.
August 27, 2025
4.5🌟
Reading this I was struck by how important grief was in the book. Often when a character of significance dies, they’re forgotten about a few chapters later, and it annoys me. Grief isn’t like that. It stays with you.
What the author has done here, and done beautifully, is show that yes, you get on with your lives, but grief stays, it doesn’t just disappear. It raises its head when you least expect it. I thought that was really important and well represented.
I felt the first two thirds of the book were mainly a bit quiet, focussing on Hazel and Vander and them working through their issues. The visit to the Moon Tribe felt like a side quest but without much success, nothing really concrete coming from that.
Then you realise that no, that quiet is not to be trusted and it’s setting you up for the final third which was unputdownable, and I really screwed my sleep to finish those last 14 chapters 🤦🏼♀️
Lastly I would suggest that any potential reader READ THE CONTENT WARNINGS!
I struggled a bit with some of the spicier scenes but that’s on me, as they’re well written (they must be to have had an effect on me!)
Thank you as always Lindsey for the opportunity to read your book as an eARC.
Reading this I was struck by how important grief was in the book. Often when a character of significance dies, they’re forgotten about a few chapters later, and it annoys me. Grief isn’t like that. It stays with you.
What the author has done here, and done beautifully, is show that yes, you get on with your lives, but grief stays, it doesn’t just disappear. It raises its head when you least expect it. I thought that was really important and well represented.
I felt the first two thirds of the book were mainly a bit quiet, focussing on Hazel and Vander and them working through their issues. The visit to the Moon Tribe felt like a side quest but without much success, nothing really concrete coming from that.
Then you realise that no, that quiet is not to be trusted and it’s setting you up for the final third which was unputdownable, and I really screwed my sleep to finish those last 14 chapters 🤦🏼♀️
Lastly I would suggest that any potential reader READ THE CONTENT WARNINGS!
I struggled a bit with some of the spicier scenes but that’s on me, as they’re well written (they must be to have had an effect on me!)
Thank you as always Lindsey for the opportunity to read your book as an eARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2025
I got through it, but just barely 🥲
I had high hopes that my qualms with book one would be resolved with the release of book two.. but I find myself all the more frustrated after finishing it.
Hazels character progression was next to none, and she spent approx 99% of the book in the same vicious cycle of insecure, crying, can’t use her powers, doesn’t care to unlock her memories, expects others to save her, big BABY that she was in book one. There were certainly glimpses of something else, but there just wasn’t enough character development or maturity for someone that is supposed to be a divine all powerful goddess.
Next… I didn’t buy the chemistry between our MCs, at all. The banter just didn’t hit. And what tension? I felt none! There wasn’t enough one on one dialogues or scenes between them (without the rest of the cast n crew), to feel like their relationship progressed. One minute she loves Arlo. Then finds out Arlo is ✨make believe✨ then loves Vander because Arlo is now out of the picture. I honestly can’t tell you why they even like each other.
Additionally… it’s weird that nobody references Hazels prior life AT ALL. They’ve known each other their whole lives but it just doesn’t feel like it (from vanders perspective). There are no flashbacks of their time together, he doesn’t help her re-discover herself or take her places they used to go, she might as well just be a random brand new girl. And he treats her as such. 🙂
And lastly…. The primal play was just odd :) I’m all for dark n hot mythical creatures, but there are points where Hazel is literally crying IN FEAR from being hunted by Vander. The girl cries for everything, is an anxious mess, and jumps at the drop of a hat. Being chased by a semi possessed black wolf is not her idea of foreplay, trust. And since I don’t buy their chemistry, I don’t buy that she enjoyed a second of that ✨outing in the woods✨
Anyways. The ending was interesting, but I don’t think I’ll be picking up the next one.
I had high hopes that my qualms with book one would be resolved with the release of book two.. but I find myself all the more frustrated after finishing it.
Hazels character progression was next to none, and she spent approx 99% of the book in the same vicious cycle of insecure, crying, can’t use her powers, doesn’t care to unlock her memories, expects others to save her, big BABY that she was in book one. There were certainly glimpses of something else, but there just wasn’t enough character development or maturity for someone that is supposed to be a divine all powerful goddess.
Next… I didn’t buy the chemistry between our MCs, at all. The banter just didn’t hit. And what tension? I felt none! There wasn’t enough one on one dialogues or scenes between them (without the rest of the cast n crew), to feel like their relationship progressed. One minute she loves Arlo. Then finds out Arlo is ✨make believe✨ then loves Vander because Arlo is now out of the picture. I honestly can’t tell you why they even like each other.
Additionally… it’s weird that nobody references Hazels prior life AT ALL. They’ve known each other their whole lives but it just doesn’t feel like it (from vanders perspective). There are no flashbacks of their time together, he doesn’t help her re-discover herself or take her places they used to go, she might as well just be a random brand new girl. And he treats her as such. 🙂
And lastly…. The primal play was just odd :) I’m all for dark n hot mythical creatures, but there are points where Hazel is literally crying IN FEAR from being hunted by Vander. The girl cries for everything, is an anxious mess, and jumps at the drop of a hat. Being chased by a semi possessed black wolf is not her idea of foreplay, trust. And since I don’t buy their chemistry, I don’t buy that she enjoyed a second of that ✨outing in the woods✨
Anyways. The ending was interesting, but I don’t think I’ll be picking up the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2025
Y’all, the results are in. And I just want to say that this book was absolutely amazingly written by Lindsey Rhoden.
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
A Bond of Darkness and Discord is book 2 of The Rift series.
It continues to follow our FMC Hazel, and her new found life after the rift has been closed. She embarks on a journey with discovering her power, her bloodline, her fated relationship with our MMC Vander, and her new found family.
Hazel and Vander’s relationship is slow to grow as they navigate each others trust, and is one that will take Hazel the will to see past the darkness Vander holds and for Vander to trust that she will never leave his side. Just when they may have accepted their bond, darkness descends. We are left to find out if Vander is strong enough to hold back, and if Hazel is able to break free from it and find her true power.
The twists and the turns are enough to keep you on the edge of your seat and wanting more. The world building and slow burn is beautifully written. The spice is just enough for you to truly get locked into the hold that Hazel and Vander have on each other. And Lindsey has a way to immerse you into it in a tasteful way.
If you love dark romantasy books with shadow daddy’s, morally gray men, a powerful FMC, new found family, a dabble of spice, touch her and 🔪 vibes, and fated mates…then this series is a must! Book 2 is to be released September 9th!!
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
A Bond of Darkness and Discord is book 2 of The Rift series.
It continues to follow our FMC Hazel, and her new found life after the rift has been closed. She embarks on a journey with discovering her power, her bloodline, her fated relationship with our MMC Vander, and her new found family.
Hazel and Vander’s relationship is slow to grow as they navigate each others trust, and is one that will take Hazel the will to see past the darkness Vander holds and for Vander to trust that she will never leave his side. Just when they may have accepted their bond, darkness descends. We are left to find out if Vander is strong enough to hold back, and if Hazel is able to break free from it and find her true power.
The twists and the turns are enough to keep you on the edge of your seat and wanting more. The world building and slow burn is beautifully written. The spice is just enough for you to truly get locked into the hold that Hazel and Vander have on each other. And Lindsey has a way to immerse you into it in a tasteful way.
If you love dark romantasy books with shadow daddy’s, morally gray men, a powerful FMC, new found family, a dabble of spice, touch her and 🔪 vibes, and fated mates…then this series is a must! Book 2 is to be released September 9th!!
September 4, 2025
This freaking book! I devoured it!!
I’ve been on this journey since the very first book, and I have zero regrets about signing up for the ARCs in this series. These books are absolute treasures.
Hazel’s character is so beautifully written. The mysteries she unravels pull us into new adventures every time she discovers something, and her relationship with Vander is pure magic. Surrounded by such supportive characters, their bond feels even more wholesome. I also love that Vander has a best friend to guide him through his struggles—his inner conflict about being with Hazel is portrayed so well. Reading his POV will take you through every emotion as he battles with himself over claiming her.
This book is a whole new adventure, filled with fresh characters and jaw-dropping plot twists that will leave you staring at the page (or in my case, the wall) trying to process what just happened. We also get deeper insight into Kirwan’s story, and honestly, you might find yourself forgiving him after what went down in book one. The story also touches on Bastian and Aerie’s journeys, and every single word feels worth your time.
All in all, if you’re a fantasy lover and haven’t started this series yet—you’re seriously missing out.
I’ve been on this journey since the very first book, and I have zero regrets about signing up for the ARCs in this series. These books are absolute treasures.
Hazel’s character is so beautifully written. The mysteries she unravels pull us into new adventures every time she discovers something, and her relationship with Vander is pure magic. Surrounded by such supportive characters, their bond feels even more wholesome. I also love that Vander has a best friend to guide him through his struggles—his inner conflict about being with Hazel is portrayed so well. Reading his POV will take you through every emotion as he battles with himself over claiming her.
This book is a whole new adventure, filled with fresh characters and jaw-dropping plot twists that will leave you staring at the page (or in my case, the wall) trying to process what just happened. We also get deeper insight into Kirwan’s story, and honestly, you might find yourself forgiving him after what went down in book one. The story also touches on Bastian and Aerie’s journeys, and every single word feels worth your time.
All in all, if you’re a fantasy lover and haven’t started this series yet—you’re seriously missing out.
August 12, 2025
This read had so much soul written into it, I could not put it down. And Chapter 24 took me for an emotional ride that I would go on again and again.
We are brought back to the world of fated mates Hazel and Vander.
She is becoming more powerful.
He is becoming more distant.
She feels worthless to him.
He does not want her to see how dark the Mark has made him.. how it is taking him over.
How it desires Hazel.
They will embark on an mission to search for answers about the magic that Hazel now possesses. A new territory brings doubt to both of their minds.
Vander will have a tough decision to make – break the bond and set her free… or… perhaps let Hazel see the darkness he now holds.
Strengths will be tested. Bonds will be weakened. Passion will ignite. Betrayals will be unveiled. Darkness has never been more beautiful.
And of course Lindsey has captured my attention even more with a cliffhanger ending. I will patiently wait for Book 3.
We are brought back to the world of fated mates Hazel and Vander.
She is becoming more powerful.
He is becoming more distant.
She feels worthless to him.
He does not want her to see how dark the Mark has made him.. how it is taking him over.
How it desires Hazel.
They will embark on an mission to search for answers about the magic that Hazel now possesses. A new territory brings doubt to both of their minds.
Vander will have a tough decision to make – break the bond and set her free… or… perhaps let Hazel see the darkness he now holds.
Strengths will be tested. Bonds will be weakened. Passion will ignite. Betrayals will be unveiled. Darkness has never been more beautiful.
And of course Lindsey has captured my attention even more with a cliffhanger ending. I will patiently wait for Book 3.
September 12, 2025
Mystery, love, lust, magic, betrayal, intrigue, peril, action, an FMC that’s actually realistic, a smoking hot shadow daddy…need I say more? No, but I will. Lindsey Rhoden has a very special way of storytelling. This book (the whole series, really) is the first one I’ve read in over a year that has actually made me want to cancel plans, call out of work, and blow off the whole world to just…read. I genuinely couldn’t put it down. The way this book depicts mental health is incredible. Not only is the “healing” portrayed, but the deep, dark, ugly side of it is brought to light first. It’s not shied away from, nobody treats anybody’s experience like some taboo thing. Everyone is supported, loved, and cared for exactly where they’re at. The adventures are incredible, the world building is immaculate, the magic system is easy to understand. Overall, the entire book is beautifully done. Thank you so much, I can’t wait for the next installment.
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September 18, 2025This book is proof that a series can get better and better. And that’s saying something - because the previous ones have been amazing!
This romantasy has everything you could ever want from a romantasy without dragons. It has yearning, tension, suspense, DRAMA, heartbreak, a bloody fantastic and realistic mental health rep and.. you guessed it a BOMBSHELL.
I devoured this. I loved that I didn’t know where it was going and that although it followed some of the more traditional plot lines, I had absolutely no idea of the details and I can usually work it out. There are so many twists and turns and that characters are so well written it’s hard not to fall in love with them.
If you’re looking for a new romantasy series, this is absolutely it- look no further and happy reading!
This romantasy has everything you could ever want from a romantasy without dragons. It has yearning, tension, suspense, DRAMA, heartbreak, a bloody fantastic and realistic mental health rep and.. you guessed it a BOMBSHELL.
I devoured this. I loved that I didn’t know where it was going and that although it followed some of the more traditional plot lines, I had absolutely no idea of the details and I can usually work it out. There are so many twists and turns and that characters are so well written it’s hard not to fall in love with them.
If you’re looking for a new romantasy series, this is absolutely it- look no further and happy reading!
September 22, 2025
This hurts to write because I was such a champion of the first book. But this one did not click. My jaw was agape at the way Vander treated Hazel. She was a pushover and everyone encouraged her to continue to put up with it.
::sing:: Tell me why.
I love Lindsay's writing but this felt like character assassination. When I got to the big sexual acceptance scene, I quit. You mean to tell me that all that angst for meeting in the middle is going to be a smut blow job? Shadow Daddy Dom? Really? FFS.
I felt unadulterated cringe at the spice. I'm sure people will dig it but to me, it was utterly jarring compared to the beauty of writing.
Devastated to DNF at 39%
::sing:: Tell me why.
I love Lindsay's writing but this felt like character assassination. When I got to the big sexual acceptance scene, I quit. You mean to tell me that all that angst for meeting in the middle is going to be a smut blow job? Shadow Daddy Dom? Really? FFS.
I felt unadulterated cringe at the spice. I'm sure people will dig it but to me, it was utterly jarring compared to the beauty of writing.
Devastated to DNF at 39%
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2025
Another turn of the cosmos revealed new secrets that turn on endlessly.
All of Rhoden’s tales so far come together while Hazel comes to grips with her new powers. Or at least tries to. Turmoil lurks in the shadows, ordered by the dark fae to stalk and hunt. Vander has a battle of his own with himself and his grim. Will the bond between erode into discord? I am.
All of Rhoden’s tales so far come together while Hazel comes to grips with her new powers. Or at least tries to. Turmoil lurks in the shadows, ordered by the dark fae to stalk and hunt. Vander has a battle of his own with himself and his grim. Will the bond between erode into discord? I am.
August 24, 2025
WOW! I couldn’t put this book down. This was such a roller coaster of a book! I absolutely loved Hazel as always! Vander was his regular brooding self. I can’t wait til the next book!! Absolutely love Lindsey!!
September 8, 2025
Seamlessly takes off after the cliff hanger in book one! Really feel attached to the emotions and feelings of each character!
Love the plot line and the deeply portrayed emotions it feel very accurate and true
Check your triggers but it’s a good one
Love the plot line and the deeply portrayed emotions it feel very accurate and true
Check your triggers but it’s a good one
September 9, 2025
Thank you so much Lindsey for the opportunity to read this ARC!
What an emotional ride and I loved every minute of it!! 😭😭
Hazel is on the path of trying to find herself while simultaneously discovering this new bond with Vander. Vander is fighting a battle between his love for Hazel and his darkness.
My love and appreciation for these character just grew tenfold, the found family is just so well done, the way they showed up for each other and demonstrated their love for one another.. just perfection!!
Ahh that ending (jaw drop)!! I can’t predict where this story is going to go.. I cannot wait for book 3!!
I just want to say how much I appreciate when an author takes the time to construct a well written story beforehand to map out and sort all the details. Everything is piecing together beautifully and it’s so satisfying to see it unfold. If you haven’t read the 2 novellas I would definitely recommend before jumping in to book 2!
What an emotional ride and I loved every minute of it!! 😭😭
Hazel is on the path of trying to find herself while simultaneously discovering this new bond with Vander. Vander is fighting a battle between his love for Hazel and his darkness.
My love and appreciation for these character just grew tenfold, the found family is just so well done, the way they showed up for each other and demonstrated their love for one another.. just perfection!!
Ahh that ending (jaw drop)!! I can’t predict where this story is going to go.. I cannot wait for book 3!!
I just want to say how much I appreciate when an author takes the time to construct a well written story beforehand to map out and sort all the details. Everything is piecing together beautifully and it’s so satisfying to see it unfold. If you haven’t read the 2 novellas I would definitely recommend before jumping in to book 2!
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