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Shot in the Dark #2
Hunted in the Shadows: Shot in the Dark Series, Book 2
Two months after her exile from Elysia, Sylvia is adrift in a world both strange and exhilarating. As she journeys toward Aelthorin with Jon and Cliff, every step is fraught with uncertainty. Though she promised her mother she'd reunite with her family, Sylvia finds herself drawn deeper into a forbidden bond with Jon.
Jon struggles to suppress his growing feelings for Sylvia, determined to help her obtain a powerful gemstone that could grant her the impossible–a power that might allow them to be together.
Their journey takes a dangerous turn when they are forced to stop in a sleepy bayou town, where a hidden darkness waits. Jon and Cliff are forced to confront their past when old companions—fellow hunters—emerge, bringing secrets and a new, sinister mystery. The hunters' outpost is under new control, dealing monster remains to a mysterious client, and Jon and Cliff are thrust into the deadly web.
As new allies—sirens and fairies woven in an ominous partnership—emerge, Sylvia and Jon are forced to confront what they're willing to sacrifice to defy their destinies–and what might be left of them if they fail.
Contains mature themes.
Jon struggles to suppress his growing feelings for Sylvia, determined to help her obtain a powerful gemstone that could grant her the impossible–a power that might allow them to be together.
Their journey takes a dangerous turn when they are forced to stop in a sleepy bayou town, where a hidden darkness waits. Jon and Cliff are forced to confront their past when old companions—fellow hunters—emerge, bringing secrets and a new, sinister mystery. The hunters' outpost is under new control, dealing monster remains to a mysterious client, and Jon and Cliff are thrust into the deadly web.
As new allies—sirens and fairies woven in an ominous partnership—emerge, Sylvia and Jon are forced to confront what they're willing to sacrifice to defy their destinies–and what might be left of them if they fail.
Contains mature themes.
Audible Audio
Published January 20, 2026
322 people are currently reading
3517 people want to read
About the author
Mary Dublin
10 books159 followersMary Dublin was born and raised in the heart of Florida and has had a passion for storytelling since childhood. Her love for words began at a young age, where she found solace in books that transported her to fantastical worlds and inspired her to begin dreaming of her own stories.
After completing her Bachelor's degree in Character Animation/Emerging Media, Mary went on to pursue a career in communications and take on her dream of becoming a writer. With her unique style of writing, Mary's books are a blend of aching romance, heart-pounding drama, and suspense. Her characters are flawed, complex, and leave a lasting impression on her readers.
Apart from writing, Mary is a passionate traveler, and her experiences in different parts of the world inspire elements in her novels. When she's not writing, she can be found practicing yoga, trying new hiking trails, or curled up with a good book on a rainy day.
After completing her Bachelor's degree in Character Animation/Emerging Media, Mary went on to pursue a career in communications and take on her dream of becoming a writer. With her unique style of writing, Mary's books are a blend of aching romance, heart-pounding drama, and suspense. Her characters are flawed, complex, and leave a lasting impression on her readers.
Apart from writing, Mary is a passionate traveler, and her experiences in different parts of the world inspire elements in her novels. When she's not writing, she can be found practicing yoga, trying new hiking trails, or curled up with a good book on a rainy day.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
May 25, 2025
Oh, this series continues to deliver exactly what I want in a fun urban fantasy romance: drama, humor, and a healthy dose of supernatural chaos. If Shot in the Dark pulled me in, Hunted in the Shadows absolutely sunk its claws in and refused to let go. I devoured this.
This sequel picks up two months after Sylvia’s exile, and it dives deeper into the world, her magic, and most importantly, the relationships. The friendship between Sylvia and Cliff continues to be a highlight; they have this dry, banter-filled connection that grounds the story. Jon and Sylvia? Adorable and devastating in equal measure. They feel like two souls circling each other, star-crossed and hopeful, even when the odds are stacked against them. And they're willing to give it whatever time they might have together. Their bond in the spectral plane gives everything a dreamy, tragic weight, and I love that the conflict between them is rooted in real, painful choices, not just contrived drama.
Also, I have to ask: are we heading toward an OT3 or are these people just elite-level flirts? Either way, I’m not mad about it. The chemistry is on point.
I loved that this book expanded the world as well: the eerie bayou setting, the new fairy settlement, the hunters’ outpost. The added lore and the escalating tension all build toward something that feels much bigger than just one love story or one conflict. The tone remains the same, even with monsters and morally gray decisions and doomed romance, there is still humor and charm. The writing strikes such a good balance between emotional stakes and snappy dialogue, which makes the characters feel incredibly real and easy to root for. It feels like an episode of Supernatural.
Honestly? I think this might be even better than the first. It builds on everything that made Shot in the Dark so strong and deepens it. The world gets bigger, the relationships get messier (in a good way), and I was fully invested from start to finish. If you loved Supernatural, just go ahead and grab this series.
Thanks so much to the lovely authors for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
This sequel picks up two months after Sylvia’s exile, and it dives deeper into the world, her magic, and most importantly, the relationships. The friendship between Sylvia and Cliff continues to be a highlight; they have this dry, banter-filled connection that grounds the story. Jon and Sylvia? Adorable and devastating in equal measure. They feel like two souls circling each other, star-crossed and hopeful, even when the odds are stacked against them. And they're willing to give it whatever time they might have together. Their bond in the spectral plane gives everything a dreamy, tragic weight, and I love that the conflict between them is rooted in real, painful choices, not just contrived drama.
Also, I have to ask: are we heading toward an OT3 or are these people just elite-level flirts? Either way, I’m not mad about it. The chemistry is on point.
I loved that this book expanded the world as well: the eerie bayou setting, the new fairy settlement, the hunters’ outpost. The added lore and the escalating tension all build toward something that feels much bigger than just one love story or one conflict. The tone remains the same, even with monsters and morally gray decisions and doomed romance, there is still humor and charm. The writing strikes such a good balance between emotional stakes and snappy dialogue, which makes the characters feel incredibly real and easy to root for. It feels like an episode of Supernatural.
Honestly? I think this might be even better than the first. It builds on everything that made Shot in the Dark so strong and deepens it. The world gets bigger, the relationships get messier (in a good way), and I was fully invested from start to finish. If you loved Supernatural, just go ahead and grab this series.
Thanks so much to the lovely authors for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
January 12, 2026
I got about 40% into the ebook of this over the summer and did a soft DNF because I wasn’t in the right mood. I was so excited to see that this series was picked up for audiobooks.
This series attracted me because it was marketed as Supernatural meets Ferngully, and that is extremely accurate. These books feel like an extended Supernatural episode with fresh characters that are reminiscent of the characters we know and love.
Shot in the Dark and Hunted in the Shadows are both very action packed and well written. At times I found my thoughts wandering, and I think part of it was due to the MMC narrator’s cadence and female narration voice (though, his “Dean”/Cliff voice was top notch). The narrator for Sylvia gave a wonderful performance.
Sylvia is a really strong FMC and Cliff is an awesome support character for Sylvia’s character development. Their friendship is really what makes the book. Can’t wait to find out what happens next!!
Thank you, NetGalley and RB Media for the opportunity to listen to and review this book with early access.
Shot in the Dark and Hunted in the Shadows are both available on Kindle Unlimited. Shot in the Dark is also available on audio and Hunted in the Shadows via audio is to be released on January 20, 2026.
This series attracted me because it was marketed as Supernatural meets Ferngully, and that is extremely accurate. These books feel like an extended Supernatural episode with fresh characters that are reminiscent of the characters we know and love.
Shot in the Dark and Hunted in the Shadows are both very action packed and well written. At times I found my thoughts wandering, and I think part of it was due to the MMC narrator’s cadence and female narration voice (though, his “Dean”/Cliff voice was top notch). The narrator for Sylvia gave a wonderful performance.
Sylvia is a really strong FMC and Cliff is an awesome support character for Sylvia’s character development. Their friendship is really what makes the book. Can’t wait to find out what happens next!!
Thank you, NetGalley and RB Media for the opportunity to listen to and review this book with early access.
Shot in the Dark and Hunted in the Shadows are both available on Kindle Unlimited. Shot in the Dark is also available on audio and Hunted in the Shadows via audio is to be released on January 20, 2026.
January 23, 2026
⭐️ALC Review⭐️
This was a dual narration audiobook like the first one! I am pretty picky with dual narration normally not my first choice but the narrators did a perfect job of not pulling me from the story itself! I think they did a good job of bringing the characters to life and adding another layer to this! I don’t wanna say too much on the story since this is book 2 in a series but I will say this if you are a supernatural fan (even if you didn’t watch the entire show) or even just a Sam and Dean fan( cause yum) this series is for you! It has the same feel as the show and I literally imagined Cliff and Jon as Sam and Dean and I feel like that made this 10x better! And having seen the show makes this world easier to imagine cause I feel like you can see the characters from the show as characters in the book. I genuinely think you would enjoy this book and I think you should try it!
It’s giving….
“Saving people, Hunting things…The family business.”❤️
~thank you to NetGalley and the authors! I received the ALC for an honest review~
This was a dual narration audiobook like the first one! I am pretty picky with dual narration normally not my first choice but the narrators did a perfect job of not pulling me from the story itself! I think they did a good job of bringing the characters to life and adding another layer to this! I don’t wanna say too much on the story since this is book 2 in a series but I will say this if you are a supernatural fan (even if you didn’t watch the entire show) or even just a Sam and Dean fan( cause yum) this series is for you! It has the same feel as the show and I literally imagined Cliff and Jon as Sam and Dean and I feel like that made this 10x better! And having seen the show makes this world easier to imagine cause I feel like you can see the characters from the show as characters in the book. I genuinely think you would enjoy this book and I think you should try it!
It’s giving….
“Saving people, Hunting things…The family business.”❤️
~thank you to NetGalley and the authors! I received the ALC for an honest review~
May 4, 2025
ARC REVIEW! <3
"The stars see perfection differently than we do, my love."
OH. MY. STARS.
Wanna talk about a PERFECT book? A PERFECT SEQUEL?!? LOOK NO FARTHER.
I haven't shut up about A Shot in The Dark, so be prepared for the same for this book!
Jon, Cliff, and Sylvia are literally the three musketeers!!! Or maybe the Powerpuff girls? FIGHTING CRIME AND THE FORCES OF EVIL!!!! Jkjk 🤣🤣🤣
This book was non-stop action packed. Whether they were fighting other creatures, humans, OR BOTH!!! I was pn the edge of my seat the entire time.
I loved seeing more creatures this time around, especially ones I had never heard of!
Also, I was hard side eyeing some of the characters in this book HAHAHAHA I was like, I DONT LIKE YOU, BUT IDK WHY yet!!!
I love these three so much. All together, they're amazing, but they're each have such unique bonds with each other. Cliff really started showing how much he cared about our girl! The talk in the forest?! PLEASE, so freaking cute!!!
Jon and Slyvia are goals. Idc what anyone says. They're so cute and get flustered over each other so easily, and it's just...idk. makes me giggle and kick my feet.
"You want to mark me."
"Yes."
AHHHHHHHH YESSSS!!!! THE WAY I SQUEALED!!!!!
IDK, I COULD REALLY TALK ABOUT THIS SERIES ALL DAY, but i won't. You'll just have to read it for yourself 💕
"The stars see perfection differently than we do, my love."
OH. MY. STARS.
Wanna talk about a PERFECT book? A PERFECT SEQUEL?!? LOOK NO FARTHER.
I haven't shut up about A Shot in The Dark, so be prepared for the same for this book!
Jon, Cliff, and Sylvia are literally the three musketeers!!! Or maybe the Powerpuff girls? FIGHTING CRIME AND THE FORCES OF EVIL!!!! Jkjk 🤣🤣🤣
This book was non-stop action packed. Whether they were fighting other creatures, humans, OR BOTH!!! I was pn the edge of my seat the entire time.
I loved seeing more creatures this time around, especially ones I had never heard of!
Also, I was hard side eyeing some of the characters in this book HAHAHAHA I was like, I DONT LIKE YOU, BUT IDK WHY yet!!!
I love these three so much. All together, they're amazing, but they're each have such unique bonds with each other. Cliff really started showing how much he cared about our girl! The talk in the forest?! PLEASE, so freaking cute!!!
Jon and Slyvia are goals. Idc what anyone says. They're so cute and get flustered over each other so easily, and it's just...idk. makes me giggle and kick my feet.
"You want to mark me."
"Yes."
AHHHHHHHH YESSSS!!!! THE WAY I SQUEALED!!!!!
IDK, I COULD REALLY TALK ABOUT THIS SERIES ALL DAY, but i won't. You'll just have to read it for yourself 💕
May 8, 2025
I received an ARC copy of this book to review. This series is a must-read if you're a fan of the show Supernatural and fairies/fantasy. This genre is not usually what I go for, but I thoroughly enjoyed both books in the series so far. The banter between characters flows so naturally, character development and story progression are both paced properly, and of course the easter eggs/nods to Supernatural are fun to look for. Looking forward to book 3 being released!
January 20, 2026
Hunted in the Shadows on audio is the kind of listening experience that completely hijacks your brain—you’re not just hearing the story, you’re living inside it. This audiobook sinks its claws in early and never loosens its grip. Between the writing itself and the performances, it becomes impossible to separate what’s on the page from what’s in your chest.
Let’s talk audio first, because wow. Oscar Reyes embodies Jon with this perfect balance of restraint and volatility. You can hear the constant calculation in his voice—the man who will burn the world down if it means keeping Sylvia safe, even when that instinct is hurting her. Every line carries weight, especially in moments where Jon makes choices for Sylvia instead of with her. The tension in those scenes is visceral in audio form; you feel the conflict before it’s ever spoken aloud.
And Isabelle Ruther absolutely owns Sylvia. Her performance captures Sylvia’s sharp wit, stubborn courage, and emotional honesty so vividly that you forget Sylvia is tiny in stature—she feels immense. Her growth across this book is deeply satisfying to hear unfold, especially as she pushes back, questions her worth, and claims space in a world that constantly underestimates her. Isabelle gives Sylvia both steel and softness, often in the same breath.
The dual narration elevates everything: the banter snaps, the danger escalates faster, and the romantic tension hums beneath every interaction. Cliff, in particular, benefits from audio—his sarcasm, sincerity, and big-brother energy land beautifully, and the quiet moments between him and Sylvia feel especially earned. The siren scenes? Horrifying in the best way. The hunter politics? Thick with menace. The action sequences are paced so tightly that you’ll catch yourself holding your breath without realizing it.
Now, the writing. Mary Dublin and Anne Kendsley continue to prove how skilled they are at layering story. The prose is clean, immersive, and emotionally loaded without ever becoming bloated. The worldbuilding expands naturally—hunter factions, supernatural hierarchies, and the darker underbelly of this universe all feel lived-in rather than explained. The dialogue shines, especially when it comes to difficult conversations about fate, choice, and what it means to love someone you might not be allowed to keep. The romance doesn’t gloss over the hard parts; it leans into them, which makes every tender moment hit harder.
The balance here is what really stands out: action, romance, character growth, and myth all moving in sync. The writing allows the narrators room to perform, and the narrators, in turn, amplify the emotional impact of the text. By the time the ending hits, you’re fully invested—heart racing, brain spiraling, already desperate for what comes next.
Massive thanks to Mary Dublin, Anne Kendsley, Tantor Media, and NetGalley for the ALC. This is a five-star audiobook that delivers on every level—writing, performance, emotion, and sheer momentum. 🎧⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Let’s talk audio first, because wow. Oscar Reyes embodies Jon with this perfect balance of restraint and volatility. You can hear the constant calculation in his voice—the man who will burn the world down if it means keeping Sylvia safe, even when that instinct is hurting her. Every line carries weight, especially in moments where Jon makes choices for Sylvia instead of with her. The tension in those scenes is visceral in audio form; you feel the conflict before it’s ever spoken aloud.
And Isabelle Ruther absolutely owns Sylvia. Her performance captures Sylvia’s sharp wit, stubborn courage, and emotional honesty so vividly that you forget Sylvia is tiny in stature—she feels immense. Her growth across this book is deeply satisfying to hear unfold, especially as she pushes back, questions her worth, and claims space in a world that constantly underestimates her. Isabelle gives Sylvia both steel and softness, often in the same breath.
The dual narration elevates everything: the banter snaps, the danger escalates faster, and the romantic tension hums beneath every interaction. Cliff, in particular, benefits from audio—his sarcasm, sincerity, and big-brother energy land beautifully, and the quiet moments between him and Sylvia feel especially earned. The siren scenes? Horrifying in the best way. The hunter politics? Thick with menace. The action sequences are paced so tightly that you’ll catch yourself holding your breath without realizing it.
Now, the writing. Mary Dublin and Anne Kendsley continue to prove how skilled they are at layering story. The prose is clean, immersive, and emotionally loaded without ever becoming bloated. The worldbuilding expands naturally—hunter factions, supernatural hierarchies, and the darker underbelly of this universe all feel lived-in rather than explained. The dialogue shines, especially when it comes to difficult conversations about fate, choice, and what it means to love someone you might not be allowed to keep. The romance doesn’t gloss over the hard parts; it leans into them, which makes every tender moment hit harder.
The balance here is what really stands out: action, romance, character growth, and myth all moving in sync. The writing allows the narrators room to perform, and the narrators, in turn, amplify the emotional impact of the text. By the time the ending hits, you’re fully invested—heart racing, brain spiraling, already desperate for what comes next.
Massive thanks to Mary Dublin, Anne Kendsley, Tantor Media, and NetGalley for the ALC. This is a five-star audiobook that delivers on every level—writing, performance, emotion, and sheer momentum. 🎧⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 30, 2025
It's usually difficult for a sequel to surpass the first book, but I think this one has lived up to expectations.
We learn more about the characters, not just the protagonists, and grow fond of each one. I loved that Cliff had more presence (we love a bi-king!! Give him a boyfriend PLEASE!). I also adored Gwen and Hannah. Even psycho Rhett. Needless to say, I love Jon with all my heart, and I think Sylvia is a great character. They deserve to be happy! I love everything about their dynamic. The authors have managed to lay a good foundation for the romance and explore more aspects of their characters' relationships with each other.
The plot remained interesting, although it's clear that this is a second book because of the constant journey without reaching the destination (due to various obstacles that arise). Still, reading about Rhett's community of hunters and the unique village of Veloria provides a more complex view of the world the authors present to us, showing us no matter human or creature, there's good and evil in all.
I still don't fully understand whether Jon is completely human or not... Also, what exactly happened to Luke? What about Jon and Cliff's families? What's up with Tammy and the coven? The last chapter from Melanie's perspective also raises more questions. Rhett and the hunter's community has me also wishing how this supernatural world works in detail. I would like to have the third book already so I can find out everything.
Without further ado, I am loving this saga. The characters (who, despite being inspired by Supernatural, have their own personalities), the intrinquete plot and world, the authors' writing style that immerses you in the story, the dynamics between the characters that feel natural... AND THE SUPERNATURAL EASTER EGGS??? I'm in love. Seriously.
Can't wait for the next book. Hopefully it will be soon!
We learn more about the characters, not just the protagonists, and grow fond of each one. I loved that Cliff had more presence (we love a bi-king!! Give him a boyfriend PLEASE!). I also adored Gwen and Hannah. Even psycho Rhett. Needless to say, I love Jon with all my heart, and I think Sylvia is a great character. They deserve to be happy! I love everything about their dynamic. The authors have managed to lay a good foundation for the romance and explore more aspects of their characters' relationships with each other.
The plot remained interesting, although it's clear that this is a second book because of the constant journey without reaching the destination (due to various obstacles that arise). Still, reading about Rhett's community of hunters and the unique village of Veloria provides a more complex view of the world the authors present to us, showing us no matter human or creature, there's good and evil in all.
I still don't fully understand whether Jon is completely human or not... Also, what exactly happened to Luke? What about Jon and Cliff's families? What's up with Tammy and the coven? The last chapter from Melanie's perspective also raises more questions. Rhett and the hunter's community has me also wishing how this supernatural world works in detail. I would like to have the third book already so I can find out everything.
Without further ado, I am loving this saga. The characters (who, despite being inspired by Supernatural, have their own personalities), the intrinquete plot and world, the authors' writing style that immerses you in the story, the dynamics between the characters that feel natural... AND THE SUPERNATURAL EASTER EGGS??? I'm in love. Seriously.
Can't wait for the next book. Hopefully it will be soon!
May 20, 2025
Just finished my ARC copy and loved it. Could not be more grateful to get a chance to read this ahead of the public. While I am not the biggest fan of series as I feel the story and plot can be messy I was very impressed. The story still had small elements from the first novel but didn’t rely on it. It was its own entire story with new ideas, themes and characters. Many of the issues I had with the first book like the pacing has been resolved beautifully and makes the book flow so much more fluidly. I loved the intense lean into the fantasy elements as I adore any story that has new takes on classic fantasy ideas. Having the fairies in the store especially Sylvia be immensely powerful and deadly is just delightful. Leading on to Sylvia she is such a compelling and passionate character. I adore her and the many flaws that the narrative pushes. Both her and Jon have such a beautiful match for two characters that are incredibly different from each other. This book really develops Sylvia’s relationship with Cliff which I loved as in the last book he just felt like he was kinda there for the sake of it. Now I have the book four stars as while I feel this is much more impactful technically speaking it left for some loose threads in the plot that weren’t fully explained which could easily be done in the next book. But for a series to be well written to me each book should be its own complete story and not depend on its previous books to be considered good. Regardless I adore creative fantasy and am a sucker for characters that are morally grey. I feel that not only does Jon and Cliff match the morally grey of the book but also Sylvia now which I adored. Women being morally grey and also carrying such a softer feminine qualities is quite rare and to be written with grace. This book definitely succeeds that and am in need for the third book now.
January 20, 2026
A very strong continuation of the series. The forbidden love and longing theme continued alongside the hunting and action. The audiobook is well produced and engaging.
Both the worlds of the hunters and the fairies feel cruel and narrow-minded. I would have liked to know more about Sylvia's mother and little sister's journey in the human world. I think 4-6 chapters from their perspective could have improved my reading experience even more. I definitely plan to continue the series and recommend it to paranormal romance lovers.
Thank you Tantor Media and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an early review copy of the audiobook!
Both the worlds of the hunters and the fairies feel cruel and narrow-minded. I would have liked to know more about Sylvia's mother and little sister's journey in the human world. I think 4-6 chapters from their perspective could have improved my reading experience even more. I definitely plan to continue the series and recommend it to paranormal romance lovers.
Thank you Tantor Media and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an early review copy of the audiobook!
May 28, 2025
I had the absolute pleasure of receiving an ARC of Hunted in the Shadows from the brilliant duo Mary Dublin and Anne Kendsley, and what a ride it was. Sylvia and Jon’s slow burn romance had me hooked from the start! And then there’s Cliff, whose sharp wit and unexpected vulnerability stole scene after scene. This book is the perfect blend of heart-pounding action, emotional depth, and characters you can’t help but fall for. Just like Shot in the Dark, the ending left me completely stunned, jaw dropped! Waiting for book three? Pure agony, in the best possible way.
August 18, 2025
I think I need 5-10 business days to process the ending and the final fight.
November 13, 2025
Riktigt bra, speciellt för att vara en uppföljare. Spännande utveckling av karaktärerna och handlingen fortsatta hålla mig fångad. Vill ha trean nu!
May 12, 2025
Book review
This is an ARC review. I am so grateful for getting the opportunity to read the book early and share my thoughts
I loved this book!!! The plot was so well balanced anytime I thought things were slowing down bam something crazy happened. This book really built off of book one in a great way.
I really enjoyed the character development in this book. I love that there are bits of Cliffs past coming out and we are beginning to get more of his background. It was also really fun to see him and Sylvia bond more over the course of this book. Sylvia is also grew a lot in this book. Her whole life has changed and she is constantly fighting and being judged by friend and foe and she keeps fighting and proving her strength and resourcefulness at every turn. Jon has a very interesting character journey and I am very curious to see where he goes from here.
I really appreciate that this book didn't stray away from how complicated Sylvia and Jon's relationship is. They have plenty of sweet moments that I loved but we also saw the difficult and scary moments too.
It's very interesting to meet other hunters in this book and the developing conflicts that currently exist in the hunter world.
We are introduced to new characters in this book that I hope and suspect will appear again in future books in the series. Seeing a wide variety of monsters in this book made me nostalgic for the early seasons of supernatural which I love.
Overall this was a great book and I am so excited to see where the series goes. I have been following these authors and reading their books since 2020 and can't wait to see what they do next.
This is an ARC review. I am so grateful for getting the opportunity to read the book early and share my thoughts
I loved this book!!! The plot was so well balanced anytime I thought things were slowing down bam something crazy happened. This book really built off of book one in a great way.
I really enjoyed the character development in this book. I love that there are bits of Cliffs past coming out and we are beginning to get more of his background. It was also really fun to see him and Sylvia bond more over the course of this book. Sylvia is also grew a lot in this book. Her whole life has changed and she is constantly fighting and being judged by friend and foe and she keeps fighting and proving her strength and resourcefulness at every turn. Jon has a very interesting character journey and I am very curious to see where he goes from here.
I really appreciate that this book didn't stray away from how complicated Sylvia and Jon's relationship is. They have plenty of sweet moments that I loved but we also saw the difficult and scary moments too.
It's very interesting to meet other hunters in this book and the developing conflicts that currently exist in the hunter world.
We are introduced to new characters in this book that I hope and suspect will appear again in future books in the series. Seeing a wide variety of monsters in this book made me nostalgic for the early seasons of supernatural which I love.
Overall this was a great book and I am so excited to see where the series goes. I have been following these authors and reading their books since 2020 and can't wait to see what they do next.
May 21, 2025
So, this the first ARC copy of a book I've ever gotten so I was so excited to get the chance to be an ARC reader for the first time. And THIS BOOK! I swear I liked it even better than the first book. Forbidden romance is such my jam. And the fact this is inspired by Supernatural is just too perfect. I'm so glad my friend found the first book on Instagram and sent it to me knowing I loved Supernatural. I absolutely loved this book and so eagerly await the next one!
May 8, 2025
Disclaimer: I was very kindly given this eARC by the authors in exchange for my honest review
Mary Dublin and Anne Kendsley have absolutely smashed it yet again with Hunted In The Shadows!!! Please note that this is book two (OF SIX 🤩) in their incredible series that manages to combine gruesome monster hunting 🔪 with sparkly fairy magic ✨ , so if you haven’t read Shot In The Dark yet, go grab yourself a copy!!!
Our favourite sugar-holic stabby fairy and her two broody hunters are back on the road as they slowly work their way towards Aelthorin (and hopefully a charged gemstone so that Sylvia and Jon can finally … you know 😉). Along the way, they encounter a Blockbuster-den of vampires, a crate full of ahools, a singular alp, many sirens, and a p*ssed off ex 🫣
Jon and Sylvia are still SO FREAKING CUTE together, getting cosy in the spectral plane, whispering sweet Spanish into each other’s ears 🥰. And then there’s Cliff, our favourite third wheel, who gives off such strong Dean vibes it’s impossible not to fall in love with him (and his adorable tramp stamp 😂)
10/10 recommend this series to all low-spice fantasy lovers that enjoy free flowing banter and a heck of a lot of sarcasm. Please please please go grab yourself a copy and support these amazing authors so that they can continue creating this magical series 👏👏👏 Here’s a few of my favourite quotes to hopefully persuade you:
“I trembled with thoughts of the terrible things I would do to save either hunter.”
“If you think I’d want to share you, you’re dead wrong, chula.”
“I will gladly spend ages being horrible and wicked with you.”
… and last but not least …
“If you give him another boner, I’m throwing you out the window” 😂😂😂
Mary Dublin and Anne Kendsley have absolutely smashed it yet again with Hunted In The Shadows!!! Please note that this is book two (OF SIX 🤩) in their incredible series that manages to combine gruesome monster hunting 🔪 with sparkly fairy magic ✨ , so if you haven’t read Shot In The Dark yet, go grab yourself a copy!!!
Our favourite sugar-holic stabby fairy and her two broody hunters are back on the road as they slowly work their way towards Aelthorin (and hopefully a charged gemstone so that Sylvia and Jon can finally … you know 😉). Along the way, they encounter a Blockbuster-den of vampires, a crate full of ahools, a singular alp, many sirens, and a p*ssed off ex 🫣
Jon and Sylvia are still SO FREAKING CUTE together, getting cosy in the spectral plane, whispering sweet Spanish into each other’s ears 🥰. And then there’s Cliff, our favourite third wheel, who gives off such strong Dean vibes it’s impossible not to fall in love with him (and his adorable tramp stamp 😂)
10/10 recommend this series to all low-spice fantasy lovers that enjoy free flowing banter and a heck of a lot of sarcasm. Please please please go grab yourself a copy and support these amazing authors so that they can continue creating this magical series 👏👏👏 Here’s a few of my favourite quotes to hopefully persuade you:
“I trembled with thoughts of the terrible things I would do to save either hunter.”
“If you think I’d want to share you, you’re dead wrong, chula.”
“I will gladly spend ages being horrible and wicked with you.”
… and last but not least …
“If you give him another boner, I’m throwing you out the window” 😂😂😂
May 19, 2025
OKAY SO HERES A REVIEW ON THIS ARC!
I don't think I've EVER been so excited to read any ARC like this for the fact I grew up watching supernatural from the age of 6 and have had the hots for Dean and Sam Winchester.
SO THE REVIEW!
This was absolutely a 4.5 🌟 read!
The banter between Sylvia, Jon and Cliff are so Sam and Dean I don't like I've ever giggled while reading but I did reading this. Some of the characters tho I was crashing out about, why you ask? I DIDNT LIKE EM AND KNEW SOME OF EM WOULD MESS EM UP. Its the kind of book that gets you giggling and kicking your feet but also having a good kind of shocking cry. I don't think I'll stop talking about this book for the next month
I don't think I've EVER been so excited to read any ARC like this for the fact I grew up watching supernatural from the age of 6 and have had the hots for Dean and Sam Winchester.
SO THE REVIEW!
This was absolutely a 4.5 🌟 read!
The banter between Sylvia, Jon and Cliff are so Sam and Dean I don't like I've ever giggled while reading but I did reading this. Some of the characters tho I was crashing out about, why you ask? I DIDNT LIKE EM AND KNEW SOME OF EM WOULD MESS EM UP. Its the kind of book that gets you giggling and kicking your feet but also having a good kind of shocking cry. I don't think I'll stop talking about this book for the next month
May 25, 2025
4.75 / 5
Thank you, Mary Dublin and Anne Kendsley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Thank you, Mary Dublin and Anne Kendsley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
ENG
So we are back again in this amazing world with these character I grew to love so much. Having read the prequel and this one back to back, feels like I never left. Now the story is over, and it’s bittersweet, I honestly can’t wait to meet them again. This time the story feels bigger and the stakes are higher.
Starting with the characters, Cliff, Jon and Sylvia's dynamic after some months on the road is something I truly enjoy reading. The banter, the fights, the jokes, everything. The found family aspect of this book, in my opinion, is the heart of the story.
While Cliff is certainly VERY Dean Winchester coded, Jon stands out a bit from Sam and I think he gets to be his own character in this sequel. Sylvia at times had me questioning what is going on with her, but just as Cliff, I grew quite fond of her. The thing about Sylvia is that she is not perfect: she is stubborn and so loyal to the point of putting others safety against her own (....welcome back Dean Winchester). The chapter where we encounter a certain Fairy Place had me scared for her, I felt the way she does when a monster is nearby, and I appreciate that we get to see a strong female character that makes mistakes, fights, is stubborn but **not** out of a sense of pride, but a sense of guilt and loyalty and fear.
The new characters we’re introduced to are great and would love to see more of them (specially Hannah) The villains holy crap, one was annoying me to no end and the other terrified me. There’s one particular male character that was so creepy, and it scared me, cause while he wasn’t human, he acted in that manipulative and twisted way we often see in real life.
One thing that stands out to me is that the story gets darker. Some parts bordered on Horror giving us some tense moments that had you looking away from the page at times.
The environment and feeling of this book is awesome, as always the authors' writing style takes you right to Louisiana where the characters are (I could feel the humidity of the swamps on my body lol)
I mentioned once that Shot In The Dark (1st book in the series) felt like watching a Supernatural episode. This continues to be the case with this book. Not only that, it felt like watching multiple episodes, but in no way it felt lie kit dragged.
Overall this series is constantly growing stronger with each book and I can't wait to read the next one. I’ll be patiently waiting (maybe not so patiently) for book 3 but until then I guess I’ll continue dreaming of Cliff and his tattoos, oh well.
ESP
Volvemos una vez más a este mundo increíble con estos personajes que tanto aprendí a amar. Tras leer la precuela y este libro, uno tras otro, siento que nunca me fuí. Ahora la historia ha terminado y es agridulce, sinceramente estoy deseando volver a verlos. En este libro, la historia se torna más grande y hay más en juego.
Empezando por los personajes, la dinámica entre Cliff, Jon y Sylvia tras unos meses viajando juntos es algo que disfruto muchísimo. Las bromas, las peleas, los chistes, todo. El aspecto de “found family” de este libro, en mi opinión, es el corazón de la historia.
Si bien Cliff está MUY inspirado en Dean Winchester, Jon se distingue un poco de Sam y creo que consigue ser su propio personaje en esta secuela. Sylvia a veces me hacía preguntarme qué le pasaba, pero al igual que Cliff, le agarré mucho cariño. Lo que pasa con Sylvia es que no es perfecta: es testaruda y tan leal que incluso pone la seguridad de los demás por delante de la suya (...welcome back Dean Winchester). El capítulo donde encontramos cierto Lugar de Hadas me hizo temer por ella; lo mismo que ella siente cuando hay un monstruo cerca, así estaba yo. La verdad que agradezco que veamos a un personaje femenino fuerte que comete errores, lucha y es testaruda, pero **no** por orgullo, sino por culpa, lealtad y miedo.
Los nuevos personajes que nos presentan son geniales y me encantaría ver más (especialmente a Hannah). ¡Los villanos! ¡LPM! Uno me molestaba muchísimo y el otro me aterrorizaba. Hay un personaje masculino en particular que me dio mucho miedo, porque, aunque no era humano, actuaba de esa forma manipuladora y retorcida que solemos ver en la vida real.
Algo que me llama la atención es que la historia se vuelve más oscura. Algunas partes rozaban el terror, lo que nos daba momentos tensos que a veces te hacían apartar la vista de la página. La ambientación y la atmósfera de este libro son increíbles; como siempre, el estilo de escritura de las autoras te transporta directamente a Luisiana, donde se encuentran los personajes (podía sentir la humedad de los pantanos en mi cuerpo, lol).
Mencioné una vez que Shot In The Dark (el primer libro de la serie) me hizo sentir como si estuviera viendo un episodio de Supernatural. Y esto sigue siendo así con este libro. No solo eso, sino que me sentí como si estuviera viendo varios episodios, pero para nada se hizo pesado.
En general, esta serie se fortalece constantemente con cada libro y estoy deseando leer el siguiente. Esperaré pacientemente (quizás no tanto) el tercer libro, pero hasta entonces, supongo que seguiré soñando con Cliff y sus tatuajes.
July 14, 2025
"𝘐'𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘦, 𝘚𝘺𝘭𝘷."
Hunted in the Shadows is book 2 in the Shot in the Dark series and picks up shortly after the events of book 1. After being exiled from her home, a fairy, Sylvia, has promised her family that she will reunite with them in Aelthorin, but along the way, she has been helping hunters, Jon and Cliff, to take down dangerous supernatural creatures. Every day, the forbidden bond between Jon and Sylvia grows, despite both of them trying to contain their feelings. Their travels bring them to a sleepy bayou town, riddled with secrets, sirens, and sketchy hunters that sell monster remains to a mysterious client.
Ever since I read Shot in the Dark, I have not shut up about how much I love this series! I don't think I've ever really understood what people mean when they call a book their comfort read until now; these books make my soul happy, and getting to dive back into this world felt like coming home. Our three main characters take up permanent real estate in my heart and the new characters that were introduced were a wonderful addition to the story. Every single character is incredibly well-developed, with their own voice and history. The new antagonist is unhinged and I might be a little bit obsessed!
As always, the world building is vibrant and beautiful. There were times when it felt like I was watching a movie, it was that easy to visualise. The action didn't stop for even a second and I was on the edge of my seat for the entire read! Don't even get me started on Jon and Sylvia's relationship! They're the cutest and their scenes in the spectral plane (or pornstar coma-land, as Cliff put it) were everything to me. The two are so determined not to feel anything for each other because they know that whatever they have is destined to end, and I relate to that so deeply! Cliff also continues to be an absolute delight (I think most of my highlighted quotes are from him) and I loved seeing Sylvia's friendship with him develop.
I cannot recommend this series enough! If you loved Supernatural and Fern Gully, you will absolutely devour these books! Guys, seriously. It has swamp sirens, vampires, found family, and fairycore vibes. Did you hear me when I said SWAMP sirens? 10000/10, no notes!
Thank you so much to Mary Dublin & Anne Kendsley for the gifted ARC! ♥️
Hunted in the Shadows is book 2 in the Shot in the Dark series and picks up shortly after the events of book 1. After being exiled from her home, a fairy, Sylvia, has promised her family that she will reunite with them in Aelthorin, but along the way, she has been helping hunters, Jon and Cliff, to take down dangerous supernatural creatures. Every day, the forbidden bond between Jon and Sylvia grows, despite both of them trying to contain their feelings. Their travels bring them to a sleepy bayou town, riddled with secrets, sirens, and sketchy hunters that sell monster remains to a mysterious client.
Ever since I read Shot in the Dark, I have not shut up about how much I love this series! I don't think I've ever really understood what people mean when they call a book their comfort read until now; these books make my soul happy, and getting to dive back into this world felt like coming home. Our three main characters take up permanent real estate in my heart and the new characters that were introduced were a wonderful addition to the story. Every single character is incredibly well-developed, with their own voice and history. The new antagonist is unhinged and I might be a little bit obsessed!
As always, the world building is vibrant and beautiful. There were times when it felt like I was watching a movie, it was that easy to visualise. The action didn't stop for even a second and I was on the edge of my seat for the entire read! Don't even get me started on Jon and Sylvia's relationship! They're the cutest and their scenes in the spectral plane (or pornstar coma-land, as Cliff put it) were everything to me. The two are so determined not to feel anything for each other because they know that whatever they have is destined to end, and I relate to that so deeply! Cliff also continues to be an absolute delight (I think most of my highlighted quotes are from him) and I loved seeing Sylvia's friendship with him develop.
I cannot recommend this series enough! If you loved Supernatural and Fern Gully, you will absolutely devour these books! Guys, seriously. It has swamp sirens, vampires, found family, and fairycore vibes. Did you hear me when I said SWAMP sirens? 10000/10, no notes!
Thank you so much to Mary Dublin & Anne Kendsley for the gifted ARC! ♥️
May 31, 2025
4 star
I just finished reading this book and I have got to say thank you so much to the authors for this ARC because I needed to see what was going to happen after book 1!
This dual POV picks up shortly after the end of book 1. Sylvia, our FMC, is trying to figure out her new, exhilarating (and totally strange) world after getting kicked out of her old one. She's traveling with Jon and Cliff, and if you read the first book, Shot in the Dark, you know there's some serious forbidden love brewing between Sylvia and Jon. Our crew gets pulled into this sleepy bayou town that's anything but sleepy, and old faces from Jon and Cliff's past show up, stirring up a whole lot of trouble. There are mysterious clients, monster remains, and new alliances forming with sirens and fairies. It's a wild ride of defying destiny and figuring out what you're willing to sacrifice for love and freedom.
Full disclosure, the beginning felt a tad bit slower, more focused on really building those relationships and bonds between the characters. It gave us time to sink into their dynamic which was nice but I was ready for more action. Sylvia is interesting FMC. She is so fierce and badass, especially for being a tiny fairy, and I just adored seeing her strength. Seeing her friendship with Cliff grown was an absolute highlight for me – and honestly, I found myself low-key shipping them more than Sylvia and Jon at times! Jon felt a bit more in the background in this one, which I think was intentional, him wrestling with feeling good enough for Sylvia, but it did make me miss his usual spark a little.
The ending (about last 60%) definitely picks up! The action goes from 0 to 100, and I was on the edge of my seat. I also loved getting more of the world-building, diving into the different creatures, and learning about the boys' past as hunters, plus meeting their friend Gwen.
If you're into Urban Fantasy, devoured the TV show Supernatural, and love a good dose of southern vibes mixed with found family and thrilling action, then seriously, this book is totally for you. I am SO curious where things are going in book 3.
Troupes: forbidden love, Supernatural (TV show) vibes, morally grey characters, found family
Spice 1/5
Plot 4/5
Pace 3.5/5
Character Personality 4/5
Character Growth 4/5
Writing Style 5/5
World Building 5/5
I just finished reading this book and I have got to say thank you so much to the authors for this ARC because I needed to see what was going to happen after book 1!
This dual POV picks up shortly after the end of book 1. Sylvia, our FMC, is trying to figure out her new, exhilarating (and totally strange) world after getting kicked out of her old one. She's traveling with Jon and Cliff, and if you read the first book, Shot in the Dark, you know there's some serious forbidden love brewing between Sylvia and Jon. Our crew gets pulled into this sleepy bayou town that's anything but sleepy, and old faces from Jon and Cliff's past show up, stirring up a whole lot of trouble. There are mysterious clients, monster remains, and new alliances forming with sirens and fairies. It's a wild ride of defying destiny and figuring out what you're willing to sacrifice for love and freedom.
Full disclosure, the beginning felt a tad bit slower, more focused on really building those relationships and bonds between the characters. It gave us time to sink into their dynamic which was nice but I was ready for more action. Sylvia is interesting FMC. She is so fierce and badass, especially for being a tiny fairy, and I just adored seeing her strength. Seeing her friendship with Cliff grown was an absolute highlight for me – and honestly, I found myself low-key shipping them more than Sylvia and Jon at times! Jon felt a bit more in the background in this one, which I think was intentional, him wrestling with feeling good enough for Sylvia, but it did make me miss his usual spark a little.
The ending (about last 60%) definitely picks up! The action goes from 0 to 100, and I was on the edge of my seat. I also loved getting more of the world-building, diving into the different creatures, and learning about the boys' past as hunters, plus meeting their friend Gwen.
If you're into Urban Fantasy, devoured the TV show Supernatural, and love a good dose of southern vibes mixed with found family and thrilling action, then seriously, this book is totally for you. I am SO curious where things are going in book 3.
Troupes: forbidden love, Supernatural (TV show) vibes, morally grey characters, found family
Spice 1/5
Plot 4/5
Pace 3.5/5
Character Personality 4/5
Character Growth 4/5
Writing Style 5/5
World Building 5/5
May 28, 2025
Another incredible story by Anne and Mary! This was a great continuation from Shot in the Dark! They did such an incredible job creating characters that make the reader care, with strengths and weaknesses that are fully shown and embraced in the book! These characters feel real to me! The stakes are high in this sequel with our beloved characters finding themselves in one perilous situation after another, keeping the story moving and the pace fast. Even with the length of this book, it didn't drag and nothing felt missing or skipped over. And the tension! THE TENSION! It was there in every chapter, with both of our male leads if I do say so myself. 😏 I have always been a Cliff girlie, and that definitely didn't change in this book, but there were moments where my hope got SO HIGH for them! I was wanting Jon to fizzle out and Cliff to get the girl 🤣🤣🤣 I’m terrible, I know. But I love Jon as well; he is an interesting character, and I love the development we got to see in this book. I definitely loved getting to learn more about the guys' pasts and their families, and I can't wait to get even more insight in the next book! But we are left craving more by the end, so book 3 is very much anticipated for me! I'm so excited to see more of these boys and their backgrounds and side characters that we haven't really gotten to meet yet! I'm excited to see what comes next for all of them!
Fans of the writing of Kristin Cashore, Christopher Paolini, and Ally Conde will enjoy the writing in this New Adult urban romantic fantasy/supernatural story. Lovers of fairies and Tink and Supernatural are going to go nuts for this adventure! It gives the same vibes as Vampire Diaries, Roswell, Winx, and The Circle tv shows (obvi Supernatural as well lol). I’m terrible with what may trigger others because I don't seem to have triggers when it comes to what I read, but some warnings might be death/murder, explicit language/cursing, grief and loss, blood/gore, human/ritual sacrifice, blood play (low/no spice), almost forced procreation (idk what to call this at the moment), magic, manipulation, and power dynamics.
Fans of the writing of Kristin Cashore, Christopher Paolini, and Ally Conde will enjoy the writing in this New Adult urban romantic fantasy/supernatural story. Lovers of fairies and Tink and Supernatural are going to go nuts for this adventure! It gives the same vibes as Vampire Diaries, Roswell, Winx, and The Circle tv shows (obvi Supernatural as well lol). I’m terrible with what may trigger others because I don't seem to have triggers when it comes to what I read, but some warnings might be death/murder, explicit language/cursing, grief and loss, blood/gore, human/ritual sacrifice, blood play (low/no spice), almost forced procreation (idk what to call this at the moment), magic, manipulation, and power dynamics.
May 6, 2025
I was gifted an ARC of this book, and per usual, I am incredibly grateful!!
This was a beautiful sequel to book one! I loved it!! The action was so much more intense, and I was on the edge of my seat! These stories are so much fun to read, and I really love how whimsical and unique the story line is. I’m also going to double down and say again that this gives me serious Pixie Hollow vibes which was my FAVORITE game growing up, so it just really makes my inner child squeal with joy. Like can you imagine being Tinkerbell sized and facing this insane world with strong af magic?! With monsters and hot ass men?! Freaking sign 👏🏻 me 👏🏻 up!!!
I adore Sylvia. She is freaking TOUGH. Hard headed, passionate, full of fire (lol ironically) and such a fun character to fall in love with!! She never backs down from a challenge, and always handles herself so gracefully. Also her sass simply cannot be rivaled!
Cliff and Jon are just the best. Bad ass broody men who have developed the most precious soft spot for sweet Sylv. Their friendship with Sylvia is absolutely adorable and I just swoon over the way they so fiercely protect her at all costs. She totally has them wrapped around her tiny finger, and I love it!
Jon and Sylv are the cutest. I loved their relationship in book one, and it just continues to develop into something so beautiful and sweet. I absolutely cannot wait to see what lies ahead for these two.
The plot in this story was so fun. I loved how insane and intense things got, so much so that putting my book down to do my real human job felt like such an annoying task. I just wanted to keep reading forever!! Like hello, I am reading, can you not bother me with work phone calls?! Ugh, so annoying! 🤣
I have really fallen in love with this series, and I am so excited to see what happens on their next adventure!! The end has me DREADING the wait for the next book - I need it now please 😇🤭
If you love whimsical fantasy stories with lovable characters, a fun and unique plot line, and amazing world building, this series is definitely for you!
This was a beautiful sequel to book one! I loved it!! The action was so much more intense, and I was on the edge of my seat! These stories are so much fun to read, and I really love how whimsical and unique the story line is. I’m also going to double down and say again that this gives me serious Pixie Hollow vibes which was my FAVORITE game growing up, so it just really makes my inner child squeal with joy. Like can you imagine being Tinkerbell sized and facing this insane world with strong af magic?! With monsters and hot ass men?! Freaking sign 👏🏻 me 👏🏻 up!!!
I adore Sylvia. She is freaking TOUGH. Hard headed, passionate, full of fire (lol ironically) and such a fun character to fall in love with!! She never backs down from a challenge, and always handles herself so gracefully. Also her sass simply cannot be rivaled!
Cliff and Jon are just the best. Bad ass broody men who have developed the most precious soft spot for sweet Sylv. Their friendship with Sylvia is absolutely adorable and I just swoon over the way they so fiercely protect her at all costs. She totally has them wrapped around her tiny finger, and I love it!
Jon and Sylv are the cutest. I loved their relationship in book one, and it just continues to develop into something so beautiful and sweet. I absolutely cannot wait to see what lies ahead for these two.
The plot in this story was so fun. I loved how insane and intense things got, so much so that putting my book down to do my real human job felt like such an annoying task. I just wanted to keep reading forever!! Like hello, I am reading, can you not bother me with work phone calls?! Ugh, so annoying! 🤣
I have really fallen in love with this series, and I am so excited to see what happens on their next adventure!! The end has me DREADING the wait for the next book - I need it now please 😇🤭
If you love whimsical fantasy stories with lovable characters, a fun and unique plot line, and amazing world building, this series is definitely for you!
May 16, 2025
My most anticipated release of the year!
The writers who brought us the magic, grit, and wonder of Shot in the Dark are back with an even deeper delve into the world of a fairy and her two hunters. These three have quickly taken their place as one of my all-time favorite found families! In book one, we really got to see the formation of their little friendship, but the sequel took things even further. The relationships and conflicts are deepened and intensified in ways that grab you and don't let you go, creating a real sense of stakes, inner turmoil, and continuing character growth and development. You can cut the tension with a knife, let me tell you, and that's the delicious type of angst and drama that keeps me reading (and obsessing over it when I'm not reading!) It's raw, real, and believable...and I think that's my favorite aspect of this book. It's JUICY!
And the atmosphere! I LOVED the setting- this book had a whole unique flavor from the first one. All the creepy, wonderful, heart-wrenching aspects of the world are still there, so it feels continuous and recognizable while also expanding and broadening the world. It has so much rich depth- I cannot WAIT to see where future books go! It really does just keep getting better.
Another thing I really appreciated is the lgbtq+ inclusivity. Normalized queer representation is so refreshing and encouraging to read, especially when it flows so naturally with the story. I really feel like it complements the flow of the characters and their relationships without ever feeling heavy-handed or forced.
I've been a HUGE fan of Mary and Anne since my first introduction to their work with Shot in the Dark, and being given the opportunity to read Hunted in Shadows before its official release was a highlight of my reading life and really just made my month -maybe my quarter! I am so honored and grateful to be following along with this series as it releases, and I can't wait for book three!
Stabby Fairy for Life!
The writers who brought us the magic, grit, and wonder of Shot in the Dark are back with an even deeper delve into the world of a fairy and her two hunters. These three have quickly taken their place as one of my all-time favorite found families! In book one, we really got to see the formation of their little friendship, but the sequel took things even further. The relationships and conflicts are deepened and intensified in ways that grab you and don't let you go, creating a real sense of stakes, inner turmoil, and continuing character growth and development. You can cut the tension with a knife, let me tell you, and that's the delicious type of angst and drama that keeps me reading (and obsessing over it when I'm not reading!) It's raw, real, and believable...and I think that's my favorite aspect of this book. It's JUICY!
And the atmosphere! I LOVED the setting- this book had a whole unique flavor from the first one. All the creepy, wonderful, heart-wrenching aspects of the world are still there, so it feels continuous and recognizable while also expanding and broadening the world. It has so much rich depth- I cannot WAIT to see where future books go! It really does just keep getting better.
Another thing I really appreciated is the lgbtq+ inclusivity. Normalized queer representation is so refreshing and encouraging to read, especially when it flows so naturally with the story. I really feel like it complements the flow of the characters and their relationships without ever feeling heavy-handed or forced.
I've been a HUGE fan of Mary and Anne since my first introduction to their work with Shot in the Dark, and being given the opportunity to read Hunted in Shadows before its official release was a highlight of my reading life and really just made my month -maybe my quarter! I am so honored and grateful to be following along with this series as it releases, and I can't wait for book three!
Stabby Fairy for Life!
May 30, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️
Mary Dublin and Anne Kendsley have outdone themselves in Hunted in the Shadows, book two in their Shot in the Dark series. This urban fantasy is filled with everything I love about fantasy and to top it off, the Supernatural vibes just did me in! Set two months after book one ends, we dive deeper into the beautiful world and universe Mary and Anne created and get to explore even more.
Book two delivered what book one did and then some. I loved watching our MCs get closer and closer, enjoying the banter they have between the two of them, the amazing side characters, and the action and drama that unfolds. Sylvia is still a favorite of mine, with her feistiness, quick tongue, and passion. I absolutely adore reading her and watching her grow in this series. She is also very self assured, which I love seeing in a fantasy FMC. She doesn’t need time to come into her own, she already knows how awesome she is.
Cliff and Jon continue to be swoon worthy and are completely taken by Sylvia. There isn’t anything these two wouldn’t do for her. This trio is so fun to read about and I don’t know who I am rooting for more at this point. Do I want a why choose? Not really, but either one ending up with Sylvia will make my heart happy. Hopefully there aren't any twists in the future of another potential romance, cuz my heart couldn’t take it.
Beyond the character development that takes place, Mary and Anne showcase their talents of world building. They continued to expand on this already beautiful setting from book one and just continued to create a vibrant, magic filled world that I love being in the midst of. I am excited to see how they continue developing this world as much as I am about the characters' growth in the next book. You will not be disappointed by this story and if you haven’t already started this series, start it today!
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🖤Southern Gothic Vibes
🩸Found Family
🖤Vampires
🩸Swamp Sirens
🖤Dean and Sam Winchester Vibes
🩸Forbidden Love
🖤Fae
🩸Suspense and Mystery
Mary Dublin and Anne Kendsley have outdone themselves in Hunted in the Shadows, book two in their Shot in the Dark series. This urban fantasy is filled with everything I love about fantasy and to top it off, the Supernatural vibes just did me in! Set two months after book one ends, we dive deeper into the beautiful world and universe Mary and Anne created and get to explore even more.
Book two delivered what book one did and then some. I loved watching our MCs get closer and closer, enjoying the banter they have between the two of them, the amazing side characters, and the action and drama that unfolds. Sylvia is still a favorite of mine, with her feistiness, quick tongue, and passion. I absolutely adore reading her and watching her grow in this series. She is also very self assured, which I love seeing in a fantasy FMC. She doesn’t need time to come into her own, she already knows how awesome she is.
Cliff and Jon continue to be swoon worthy and are completely taken by Sylvia. There isn’t anything these two wouldn’t do for her. This trio is so fun to read about and I don’t know who I am rooting for more at this point. Do I want a why choose? Not really, but either one ending up with Sylvia will make my heart happy. Hopefully there aren't any twists in the future of another potential romance, cuz my heart couldn’t take it.
Beyond the character development that takes place, Mary and Anne showcase their talents of world building. They continued to expand on this already beautiful setting from book one and just continued to create a vibrant, magic filled world that I love being in the midst of. I am excited to see how they continue developing this world as much as I am about the characters' growth in the next book. You will not be disappointed by this story and if you haven’t already started this series, start it today!
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🖤Southern Gothic Vibes
🩸Found Family
🖤Vampires
🩸Swamp Sirens
🖤Dean and Sam Winchester Vibes
🩸Forbidden Love
🖤Fae
🩸Suspense and Mystery
May 8, 2025
My favourite trio is back 🫡
What a journey, guys. As always, these ladies never fail to deliver a masterpiece ⚔️
If you don't know it, Shot in the Dark was one of my favourite reads of 2024 and I was SO excited for this one. I almost cry when I recived the email for the ARC Team 🥹
Okay. First things first: I highly recommend you these books. Is a must. Is a NEED.
You like romance? You have it ✅️
You like Supernatural creatures? You have it ✅️
You like when a fairy put in his place the big sarcastic hunter? You have it ✅️
You like when everyone has a emotional baggage? Well, yes, obviously you have it here ✅️ The 'everyone is hot and sad' was not a joke, babes
The first book will be always special in a way just first books can be but in this one we can see more of Cliff and Jon, their past, their bond, the way their hearts work. And we can see more of Sylvia and her own personal struggles. She's one of my favourite MFC and I can't express how proud I am and how much I love her.
This is one of those sagas where you feel like you are in a movie? Don't know if you understand me. Like you are seeing the book not just reading it and I can't wait for the next one 🩶 this is quickly turning into one of my comfort reads.
If I have to say something "bad" is that, personally, it was difficult for me to focus during certain times. This is a completely personal issue and has nothing to do with the book but a complete honest opinion is what all of you deserve so...yes.
I loved this one a lot (I'm so close to re read again from the beginning) but, for me, the first one is completely magical in a different way. I can't wait to see what more their journey shows them and how much they can grow up together 🩶
Please, if you read them, share yout thoughts with me 🩶
What a journey, guys. As always, these ladies never fail to deliver a masterpiece ⚔️
If you don't know it, Shot in the Dark was one of my favourite reads of 2024 and I was SO excited for this one. I almost cry when I recived the email for the ARC Team 🥹
Okay. First things first: I highly recommend you these books. Is a must. Is a NEED.
You like romance? You have it ✅️
You like Supernatural creatures? You have it ✅️
You like when a fairy put in his place the big sarcastic hunter? You have it ✅️
You like when everyone has a emotional baggage? Well, yes, obviously you have it here ✅️ The 'everyone is hot and sad' was not a joke, babes
The first book will be always special in a way just first books can be but in this one we can see more of Cliff and Jon, their past, their bond, the way their hearts work. And we can see more of Sylvia and her own personal struggles. She's one of my favourite MFC and I can't express how proud I am and how much I love her.
This is one of those sagas where you feel like you are in a movie? Don't know if you understand me. Like you are seeing the book not just reading it and I can't wait for the next one 🩶 this is quickly turning into one of my comfort reads.
If I have to say something "bad" is that, personally, it was difficult for me to focus during certain times. This is a completely personal issue and has nothing to do with the book but a complete honest opinion is what all of you deserve so...yes.
I loved this one a lot (I'm so close to re read again from the beginning) but, for me, the first one is completely magical in a different way. I can't wait to see what more their journey shows them and how much they can grow up together 🩶
Please, if you read them, share yout thoughts with me 🩶
May 11, 2025
Thank you for the ARC copy!
The plot takes awhile for this book to pick up, which is mainly why I'm rating it 3.5 stars, but at the 40% mark, we start to really get into the hunter community, the conflicts between the different groups, reputations, and of course, one of the main villains of this book. As with book 1, I really enjoyed the world building of this series, from the supernatural hunters to the different fairy communities, I just wish that we spent more time with them as a whole. Don't get me wrong, I also really enjoy our trio of Jon, Sylvia, and Cliff (I hope we do get a more Cliff-focused book eventually in this series), and I really enjoyed the new characters introduced this time, Gwen, Cliff's hunter ex, and Hannah, Gwen's girlfriend who is hiding a few secrets of her own, but I wanted more time exploring the world as a whole too. (Especially the secretive, god-like community of fairies that Sylvia meets at the end They're still alive, so maybe we'll see them again?)
Sylvia and Jon's romance is sweet, and I do like the twist that it might be doomed for both prophecy reasons and just that Jon will do ANYTHING to keep Sylvia safe--but I also kind of wanted more development in just, how are they going to make a life together? Sylvia and Cliff get to share a great conversation about what they think they want out of life, and I loved that part, but I kind of wanted that between Sylvia and Jon as well.
I really liked the subplot about supernatural creatures being hunted down as parts and sold by the hunters for experiments--I hope this gets expanded upon more. I wanted Sylvia and the siren to bond more out of solidarity and shared experiences, but that didn't seem to be.
Looking forward to the next book!
The plot takes awhile for this book to pick up, which is mainly why I'm rating it 3.5 stars, but at the 40% mark, we start to really get into the hunter community, the conflicts between the different groups, reputations, and of course, one of the main villains of this book. As with book 1, I really enjoyed the world building of this series, from the supernatural hunters to the different fairy communities, I just wish that we spent more time with them as a whole. Don't get me wrong, I also really enjoy our trio of Jon, Sylvia, and Cliff (I hope we do get a more Cliff-focused book eventually in this series), and I really enjoyed the new characters introduced this time, Gwen, Cliff's hunter ex, and Hannah, Gwen's girlfriend who is hiding a few secrets of her own, but I wanted more time exploring the world as a whole too. (Especially the secretive, god-like community of fairies that Sylvia meets at the end They're still alive, so maybe we'll see them again?)
Sylvia and Jon's romance is sweet, and I do like the twist that it might be doomed for both prophecy reasons and just that Jon will do ANYTHING to keep Sylvia safe--but I also kind of wanted more development in just, how are they going to make a life together? Sylvia and Cliff get to share a great conversation about what they think they want out of life, and I loved that part, but I kind of wanted that between Sylvia and Jon as well.
I really liked the subplot about supernatural creatures being hunted down as parts and sold by the hunters for experiments--I hope this gets expanded upon more. I wanted Sylvia and the siren to bond more out of solidarity and shared experiences, but that didn't seem to be.
Looking forward to the next book!
January 24, 2026
This book didn’t captivate me in the same way the first instalment did.
The pacing was a major issue — it took a long time for the story to gain momentum, and when it finally did, it felt rushed. Several plot lines seemed to be introduced and then quietly dropped, and despite the synopsis highlighting sirens, they felt more like a background element than a meaningful part of the story.
I also struggled with the character development, particularly the central romance. The relationship between Jon and Sylvia felt rushed and lacked emotional depth, which made it difficult to become invested. As the story progressed, both characters made decisions that felt more frustrating than endearing, pulling me out of the story rather than drawing me in.
There was also a noticeable increase in Spanish throughout the book. While I understand and respect that this reflects Jon’s heritage, as a reader who doesn’t speak Spanish, I occasionally found it disrupted the flow of the story, especially during more emotional moments.
Cliff’s character arc stood out as a highlight. His development felt more natural, and he became increasingly likeable — to the point where I found myself more engaged with his storyline than the main romance.
The final seven chapters were easily the most exciting part of the book, but just as things became truly compelling, it ended. This was disappointing, particularly given how much promise the first book showed and how strong its cliffhanger was — one that wasn’t meaningfully revisited until the very end here.
I will still read the final instalment of the trilogy, but with more tempered expectations than I had after book one.
The pacing was a major issue — it took a long time for the story to gain momentum, and when it finally did, it felt rushed. Several plot lines seemed to be introduced and then quietly dropped, and despite the synopsis highlighting sirens, they felt more like a background element than a meaningful part of the story.
I also struggled with the character development, particularly the central romance. The relationship between Jon and Sylvia felt rushed and lacked emotional depth, which made it difficult to become invested. As the story progressed, both characters made decisions that felt more frustrating than endearing, pulling me out of the story rather than drawing me in.
There was also a noticeable increase in Spanish throughout the book. While I understand and respect that this reflects Jon’s heritage, as a reader who doesn’t speak Spanish, I occasionally found it disrupted the flow of the story, especially during more emotional moments.
Cliff’s character arc stood out as a highlight. His development felt more natural, and he became increasingly likeable — to the point where I found myself more engaged with his storyline than the main romance.
The final seven chapters were easily the most exciting part of the book, but just as things became truly compelling, it ended. This was disappointing, particularly given how much promise the first book showed and how strong its cliffhanger was — one that wasn’t meaningfully revisited until the very end here.
I will still read the final instalment of the trilogy, but with more tempered expectations than I had after book one.
May 8, 2025
"If he was lighting, I would let him burn me over and over" slyvia
"I've always know there was a chance you'd be the death of me, Slyv." Jon
"Give me names, I'm more than happy to rattle the stars for you." Jon
where to begin, the love story, the witty remarks, the epic battles need i say more. this book gives it all and then some. if you are looking for a book with supernatural vibes meets fairies while this series is perfect.
Jon is a heart throb badass softie, who would give anything to Slyvia and then some. He would end the world as he knows it for her.
Slyvia the badass female character who takes no shit and can kick ass. I love her.
Cliff the hilarious bestie who is along for the ride.
This trio is one unlikely group but they work so well together.
Spoilers ahead..
no seriously spoilers so look away.
I seriously thought Jon was going to kill slyvia in the pit my heart was racing, I was about to throw the book if he did. my heart was pounding as they made their daring escape.
Meeting the other fairies was a treat that ended in so much carnage and blood shed I couldn't put it down needing to know what was going to happen. I was scared for the trio. my heart pounded the entire time.
the cliff hanger at the end I mean come on.. I can't wait for the next book to find out more about how slyvias father turned human and finding out he was alive was a shock all in its own.
this book was fast paced, suspenseful, sexy, funny and just over all fantastic.
"I've always know there was a chance you'd be the death of me, Slyv." Jon
"Give me names, I'm more than happy to rattle the stars for you." Jon
where to begin, the love story, the witty remarks, the epic battles need i say more. this book gives it all and then some. if you are looking for a book with supernatural vibes meets fairies while this series is perfect.
Jon is a heart throb badass softie, who would give anything to Slyvia and then some. He would end the world as he knows it for her.
Slyvia the badass female character who takes no shit and can kick ass. I love her.
Cliff the hilarious bestie who is along for the ride.
This trio is one unlikely group but they work so well together.
Spoilers ahead..
no seriously spoilers so look away.
I seriously thought Jon was going to kill slyvia in the pit my heart was racing, I was about to throw the book if he did. my heart was pounding as they made their daring escape.
Meeting the other fairies was a treat that ended in so much carnage and blood shed I couldn't put it down needing to know what was going to happen. I was scared for the trio. my heart pounded the entire time.
the cliff hanger at the end I mean come on.. I can't wait for the next book to find out more about how slyvias father turned human and finding out he was alive was a shock all in its own.
this book was fast paced, suspenseful, sexy, funny and just over all fantastic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2025
THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SOME MILD SPOILERS!
This was a truly spectacular sequel to Shot in the Dark. I adored so many moments in this book, especially the banter between Jon, Sylvia, and Cliff. The chemistry between all three of them is so beautiful and natural and I absolutely love it. I also enjoyed the growing friendship between Sylvia and Cliff (not to mention the flirting), and this book really fleshed out their relationship more which I appreciated. Jon and Sylvia continue to be the most adorable yet at the same time tragic couple, and the angst that came with this book regarding their relationship had me devouring chapters to see what the resolve would be. I really enjoyed all of their romantic and sweet moments, and the angsty ones too! The action scenes had me on the edge of my seat and I loved every second of it as well. Both Mary and Anne have such a way with words and describing things that it really wasn't hard to imagine the scenes playing out in my head. Not to mention, I loved the addition of more monsters in this book! The vampires at the beginning inside the Blockbuster was fantastic (I'm also secretly hoping we'll see some more vamps in the future), the sirens in the bayou were horrifying, and the new group of fairies were all brilliant brilliant additions. I am excited more than ever for the third book, and I can't wait to read the next chapter in the series.
This was a truly spectacular sequel to Shot in the Dark. I adored so many moments in this book, especially the banter between Jon, Sylvia, and Cliff. The chemistry between all three of them is so beautiful and natural and I absolutely love it. I also enjoyed the growing friendship between Sylvia and Cliff (not to mention the flirting), and this book really fleshed out their relationship more which I appreciated. Jon and Sylvia continue to be the most adorable yet at the same time tragic couple, and the angst that came with this book regarding their relationship had me devouring chapters to see what the resolve would be. I really enjoyed all of their romantic and sweet moments, and the angsty ones too! The action scenes had me on the edge of my seat and I loved every second of it as well. Both Mary and Anne have such a way with words and describing things that it really wasn't hard to imagine the scenes playing out in my head. Not to mention, I loved the addition of more monsters in this book! The vampires at the beginning inside the Blockbuster was fantastic (I'm also secretly hoping we'll see some more vamps in the future), the sirens in the bayou were horrifying, and the new group of fairies were all brilliant brilliant additions. I am excited more than ever for the third book, and I can't wait to read the next chapter in the series.
January 17, 2026
This is a review of the audiobook which I received from Netgalley prior to its release. I was lucky enough to preview the first audiobook in this series, so I jumped at the chance when the second came up for review. It was a great second installment to this Supernatural-meets-fairies fantasy series.
Following the events of the first book, tiny fairy Sylvie continues on her adventures with monster hunters Jon and Cliff. Their search for an enchanted gemstone leads them on a series of misadventures that put their lives at stake. Meanwhile, Sylvie and Jon's friends-with-benefits relationship continues growing now that they can be together for short periods of time in the spectral realm.
The first book was pretty tame and YA friendly, but this one gets a tad more risque, with lots of swear words and vaguely worded intimate scenes. Nothing explicit or horribly inappropriate, but probably better suited to a more mature audience.
The story is told from both Sylvie and Jon's point of view in dual narration style. Isabelle Ruther is fantastic and really nails the narration of Sylvie's chapters. Oscar Reyes has improved his narration of Jon from the last book. His acting and Spanish pronunciation is pretty good but his pacing is still a bit off and it makes his narration a bit choppy. But overall this is a solidly entertaining audiobook.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the ALC I received in exchange for my honest review.
Following the events of the first book, tiny fairy Sylvie continues on her adventures with monster hunters Jon and Cliff. Their search for an enchanted gemstone leads them on a series of misadventures that put their lives at stake. Meanwhile, Sylvie and Jon's friends-with-benefits relationship continues growing now that they can be together for short periods of time in the spectral realm.
The first book was pretty tame and YA friendly, but this one gets a tad more risque, with lots of swear words and vaguely worded intimate scenes. Nothing explicit or horribly inappropriate, but probably better suited to a more mature audience.
The story is told from both Sylvie and Jon's point of view in dual narration style. Isabelle Ruther is fantastic and really nails the narration of Sylvie's chapters. Oscar Reyes has improved his narration of Jon from the last book. His acting and Spanish pronunciation is pretty good but his pacing is still a bit off and it makes his narration a bit choppy. But overall this is a solidly entertaining audiobook.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the ALC I received in exchange for my honest review.
May 22, 2025
I'm so pleased to be able to have read this early as an ARC Reader on the Street Team! This is the second installment of the Shot in the Dark series which is an urban romantasy series easily compared to Supernatural meets Fern Gully. This sequel did not disappoint!
We continue the story of Sylvia, Jon, and Cliff as they travel through the bayou's of Louisiana. Sylvia has joined the hunting crew as they take on new monsters and some unlikely allies and enemies. I can not get enough of Sylvia and Jon's dynamic, it doesn't get any more star-crossed lovers then them. Those astral plane scenes... iykyk. As a Dean girl myself, Cliff is so perfectly sarcastic and broody, yet has a soft spot for Sylvia which gets explored more in the book. I love that each character was more developed, and their dynamics are so interwoven with the plot. I wasn't bored for a second.
I loved that we also got to explore a new fairy territory. That whole sequence of chapters had me on the edge of my toes. This novel from start to finish was action packed, had the right amount of steam, and so much fun to read! I cannot wait for the next book to see where Mary and Anne take us next.
I'm also proud to say I called the ending of this book, at the end of Book 1! I'm so excited to see how this all plays out.
We continue the story of Sylvia, Jon, and Cliff as they travel through the bayou's of Louisiana. Sylvia has joined the hunting crew as they take on new monsters and some unlikely allies and enemies. I can not get enough of Sylvia and Jon's dynamic, it doesn't get any more star-crossed lovers then them. Those astral plane scenes... iykyk. As a Dean girl myself, Cliff is so perfectly sarcastic and broody, yet has a soft spot for Sylvia which gets explored more in the book. I love that each character was more developed, and their dynamics are so interwoven with the plot. I wasn't bored for a second.
I loved that we also got to explore a new fairy territory. That whole sequence of chapters had me on the edge of my toes. This novel from start to finish was action packed, had the right amount of steam, and so much fun to read! I cannot wait for the next book to see where Mary and Anne take us next.
I'm also proud to say I called the ending of this book, at the end of Book 1! I'm so excited to see how this all plays out.
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