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Shadow Duet #1
Shadows Never Lie
Dominic Walker has always been a good liar.
Dominic stands where I am supposed to — at my identical twin’s side. His confidant. His right- hand. His best friend. The brother he would choose.
I’ve been cast aside, relegated to the shadows. Forced to watch as Max and Dominic get everything they want. Everything I secretly want.
But then, Dominic suddenly sees me and issues an offer I can’t refuse. A challenge, actually. One he never expects me to follow through on.
With anyone else, I wouldn’t have considered it. But I’ll be damned before I let Dominic get the better of me.
It has me sinking to my knees. Literally.
A decision that changes everything.
Dominic pulls me out of the shadows, and I never want to go back.
But it’s not the shadows I need to be afraid of.
No, it’s the path that leads somewhere far darker than I could ever have imagined. Somewhere where truth and lies become shadowed.
Shadows Never Lie is the first book in the Shadow Duet. It's a contemporary, high-angst MM romance, featuring brand new characters. The duet will end in a HEA.
Dominic stands where I am supposed to — at my identical twin’s side. His confidant. His right- hand. His best friend. The brother he would choose.
I’ve been cast aside, relegated to the shadows. Forced to watch as Max and Dominic get everything they want. Everything I secretly want.
But then, Dominic suddenly sees me and issues an offer I can’t refuse. A challenge, actually. One he never expects me to follow through on.
With anyone else, I wouldn’t have considered it. But I’ll be damned before I let Dominic get the better of me.
It has me sinking to my knees. Literally.
A decision that changes everything.
Dominic pulls me out of the shadows, and I never want to go back.
But it’s not the shadows I need to be afraid of.
No, it’s the path that leads somewhere far darker than I could ever have imagined. Somewhere where truth and lies become shadowed.
Shadows Never Lie is the first book in the Shadow Duet. It's a contemporary, high-angst MM romance, featuring brand new characters. The duet will end in a HEA.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2026
About the author
Lark Taylor
33 books1,394 followersLark lives with her family in southern England. An obsessive romance fan, she loves nothing more than a Happily Ever After – especially if there’s a good plot and a hefty amount of spice along the way. When she’s not reading or writing, she can be found hiding from adult life in escape rooms, travel and the MCU. As a Bi woman with OCD, Lark is a fervent supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community and an advocate for mental health awareness and support.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 337 reviews
May 3, 2026
“You’re always pretending. Trying to blend in with the shadows when what you deserve is to shine under a spotlight.”
I'm pretty pleased with myself for waiting until the last possible second to read this book. I know Lark delights in making us suffer, all in the name of a great book. For those of you like me who love Lark's writing but want to limit how much she's able to hurt you, book 2 is out on May 15. To be clear, you're still gonna be hurt, but you can take away the hurt of waiting at least 😆.
Just like always, there was a scowl marring his brow. I used to think Dominic was just perpetually pissed off at the world. Now, I knew it was just his resting face. Until he saw me, that was. That was when the scowl melted, to be replaced by the most beautiful smile. One I’d only ever seen aimed in my direction.
Shadows Never Lie was a very enjoyable read, in spite of all of what I just said about being hurt. It's the good kind of hurt, where the MCs are earning their HEA. The kind of hurt that lets you know they're never going to break up because their love is so intense and strong that it verges on toxic. The Shadow Duet is about wanting someone who you know can't be yours, but you don't care. You want them anyway and you're going to yearn and pine and refuse to put your head before your heart. It is not about good communication skills (the MCs are 18 year old boys and act accordingly). I absolutely loved it, and I recommend it! You might just want to wait until May 14th to pick this one up 🤪.
Dreams didn’t come true. Dominic had taught me that. It was better to go for the safe option. I’d taken a risk with him and paid with my heart, but I wasn’t a fool. I learned from my mistakes. From now on, there’d be no dreaming. No flights of fancy. No throwing caution to the wind and seeing where it took me. Life was better when it was predictable. When you knew what your next steps were, and the results of taking them. That mindset didn’t leave any room for broken hearts.
Rating: 5 stars
Angst: 4.5/5
Steam: 3.5/5
I received an advance copy of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
I’d been cold for years. I was desperate to burn again.
May 13, 2026
6⭐
I'LL BE NEEDING STITCHES.
I'LL BE NEEDING STITCHES.
June 5, 2026
4.5***** stars
It’s 2:30 in the morning on a weekday. And it’s this book’s fault. Just sayin’. 🥱
I fucking looooooved that the prologue was about the very same moment in time as the epilogue.
Before we get their teenage love story and started and ended a decade ago we get the moment they first see each other again. From Ryan’s POV, as most of the book is—at his bachelor party.
And after we watch their hearts first fall hard for each other and then breaking to smithereens we get the other side of that moment. Dominic’s POV.
Freaking hell this was intense. Great chemistry, awesome tension. JUST THE WAY I LIKE IT!!
An epic first book in this duet. I’m glad I’ve waited for the second to release first. I can’t wait to see how they (you know who) are going to fix what they’ve broken.
**********
Shadow Duet
Book 1 - Shadows Never Lie - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Shadows Never Leave - 4.0 stars
It’s 2:30 in the morning on a weekday. And it’s this book’s fault. Just sayin’. 🥱
I fucking looooooved that the prologue was about the very same moment in time as the epilogue.
Before we get their teenage love story and started and ended a decade ago we get the moment they first see each other again. From Ryan’s POV, as most of the book is—at his bachelor party.
And after we watch their hearts first fall hard for each other and then breaking to smithereens we get the other side of that moment. Dominic’s POV.
“Walk away if you want, Shadow, but I’ll get you back. I don’t give a shit how many years pass, or who you give yourself to in the meantime. It means fuck all. You’re mine, and I’ll be back to claim you. Just you fucking wait and see.”“You can’t be happy without me.”
“Fucking watch me.”
Freaking hell this was intense. Great chemistry, awesome tension. JUST THE WAY I LIKE IT!!
An epic first book in this duet. I’m glad I’ve waited for the second to release first. I can’t wait to see how they (you know who) are going to fix what they’ve broken.
**********
Shadow Duet
Book 1 - Shadows Never Lie - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Shadows Never Leave - 4.0 stars
May 26, 2026
OH MY GOD THAT WAS EVERYTHING🫠 THANK YOU LARK TAYLOR FOR THIS DELICIOUS MEAL!!!! And even better…the next course is hot and ready for me and I’m hungry AF and starting it NOWWWWW. THE YEARNING, TENSION, JEALOUSY, OBSESSION, SOFT TOUCHES, FIRST KISS, ANGST!!!!!!!!!!! PERFECTION!!!!!!! The plot had me turning the pages too. It’s a really interesting and unique premise!!! Ok this was fantastic I don’t even know what else to say and I hope the next book is just as good!!!!!😁🤞🏻😁🤞🏻😁🤞🏻😁
May 1, 2026
"Hurt me again, Lark Taylor. I'll be here waiting. Waiting for Dom and Ryan to get their forever."
This is what I wrote right after I finished book one. I enjoyed this book so much, how it starts, the bulk of the story, and how she leaves us right there with Ryan and Dom at the bar. They're wondering what will happen next and so are we!!!
Shadows Never Lie is marketed as enemies to lovers, but I don't think so. They're teens in book one, and teens are SO DUMB. Their brains aren't fully developed. So mistakes happen, and they don't have the language to actually communicate.
All that to say, Lark puts us THROUGH IT with this one and since it's a duet, she leaves us at an understandable cliffhanger.
I am lucky enough to have read book 2 and I know how it ends. Y'all, it's a treasure.
● twin brother's best friend
● bully vibes, but not really
● angst & yearning
● family drama
● first times
● first time with a man
● second chance
● cliffhanger
More thoughts from my original review:
book one leaves us wondering how the hell is this gonna be fixed?
This is a brother's best friend romance, and this seriously comes to play because the twins have a terrible relationship.
But the potential? The soulmate potential between Ryan and Dominic is there. And the pain just oooooooozes out of this book. The situation, the location, the relationships all come into play and it makes what happens between Ryan and Dom all the more spectacular because it SHOULDN'T happen.
The entire book was great, but the last 20% took it to the next level. Knowing how and where it would end had me all up in my feels before it happened, and the three confrontations that landed near the end took me by surprise and just twisted the knife.
This is what I wrote right after I finished book one. I enjoyed this book so much, how it starts, the bulk of the story, and how she leaves us right there with Ryan and Dom at the bar. They're wondering what will happen next and so are we!!!
Shadows Never Lie is marketed as enemies to lovers, but I don't think so. They're teens in book one, and teens are SO DUMB. Their brains aren't fully developed. So mistakes happen, and they don't have the language to actually communicate.
All that to say, Lark puts us THROUGH IT with this one and since it's a duet, she leaves us at an understandable cliffhanger.
I am lucky enough to have read book 2 and I know how it ends. Y'all, it's a treasure.
● twin brother's best friend
● bully vibes, but not really
● angst & yearning
● family drama
● first times
● first time with a man
● second chance
● cliffhanger
More thoughts from my original review:
book one leaves us wondering how the hell is this gonna be fixed?
This is a brother's best friend romance, and this seriously comes to play because the twins have a terrible relationship.
But the potential? The soulmate potential between Ryan and Dominic is there. And the pain just oooooooozes out of this book. The situation, the location, the relationships all come into play and it makes what happens between Ryan and Dom all the more spectacular because it SHOULDN'T happen.
The entire book was great, but the last 20% took it to the next level. Knowing how and where it would end had me all up in my feels before it happened, and the three confrontations that landed near the end took me by surprise and just twisted the knife.
May 27, 2026
4.5 stars ⭐️
I’m glad about two things: first, that I found this book, and second, that I found it after the second book was already released
Ryan and Dom were everything. I loved their chemistry and relationship, it was so intense and complicated at times. And I loathe Max so much!!
Onto the next installment!!
I’m glad about two things: first, that I found this book, and second, that I found it after the second book was already released
Ryan and Dom were everything. I loved their chemistry and relationship, it was so intense and complicated at times. And I loathe Max so much!!
Onto the next installment!!
May 8, 2026
"I’d told Dominic that my room was his safe space, and I’d meant it. I hadn’t realised the price I’d pay for that would be my own sanity."
Oh I loved this one! Shadows Never Lie is book 1 in Lark Taylor's Shadow Duet and it's out now! (Book 2 Shadows Never Leave is out on 15 May).
This is an angsty, teenagers in love, first times, first heart break and all the drama in between. It's the story of Ryan and his twin brother's best friend Dominic - and all the mistakes and regrets and emotions that come from a dynamic where the brothers don't get along and Dominic falls for the boy who isn't his best friend.
Shadows Never Leave picks up the story years later (to be reviewed soon).
🖤MM romance
🖤Twin brother’s best friend
🖤Double bi-awakening
🖤Protective MC
🖤Slow burn, but also not
🖤ALL THE PINING AND ANGST
🖤Steamy first times
🖤Some dark themes
🖤Grief
🖤Secret relationship
🖤Book 1 in a duet so cliffhanger ending
🖤Book 2 has a hard won HEA
LOVE LOVE LOVE!
4.5 Stars
Oh I loved this one! Shadows Never Lie is book 1 in Lark Taylor's Shadow Duet and it's out now! (Book 2 Shadows Never Leave is out on 15 May).
This is an angsty, teenagers in love, first times, first heart break and all the drama in between. It's the story of Ryan and his twin brother's best friend Dominic - and all the mistakes and regrets and emotions that come from a dynamic where the brothers don't get along and Dominic falls for the boy who isn't his best friend.
Shadows Never Leave picks up the story years later (to be reviewed soon).
🖤MM romance
🖤Twin brother’s best friend
🖤Double bi-awakening
🖤Protective MC
🖤Slow burn, but also not
🖤ALL THE PINING AND ANGST
🖤Steamy first times
🖤Some dark themes
🖤Grief
🖤Secret relationship
🖤Book 1 in a duet so cliffhanger ending
🖤Book 2 has a hard won HEA
LOVE LOVE LOVE!
4.5 Stars
June 11, 2026
Ryan + Dominic 🖤
Enemies | Brothers best friend | Double awakening
Max is going in the burn book.
And Dom better GROVEL in book 2.
Why do I do this to myself? IT HURTS IT HURTS 😭
The 15th can't come quick enough.
*This is part 1 of a duet and ends on a cliffhanger.
⚠️ potential spoilers below in detailed tropes, content and warning lists
Tropes/content:
Enemies
Brothers best friend
Double awakening
Secret pining
Prologue - present time. Ryan is engaged to a woman and is having a bachelor party. He's 6 weeks away from getting married. His twin brother and Dominic walk in uninvited. He loses it and kicks Dom out. His brother follows. Dom says he made a promise and he will keep it. The promise of coming back for Ryan. It's been 10 years since they've seen each other. Dom was in the military.
Chapter 1 starts when they're 18
Who did this to you? Not those exact words but same vibe
Beats up the bullies
Pet name Shadow
Virgin
Gay chicken
First times
Finish 💦 in pants while giving head
Praise
Uncut x2
"What are you doing to me?"
Draws him naked
Pinky holding
Bed sharing w/o sex
Frotting
Sneaking off
Helps him study with flashcards for an exam
Waits for him outside of his classes
Having to keep quiet - smothering himself with a pillow
I didnt know where else to go vibes
Hurt comfort
Frotting
Rimming
Candelight love making for Ryan's first time - and I love you's shared
Talks him through it
Bareback
Epilogue - back to present time at Ryan's bachelor party - this time from Dominic's POV. Him and Max have done growing up. Even Max understands he hurt his brother and is worried about making it worse by crashing his bachelor party. Dom hints there's something that neither we or Ryan know about. Maybe something that will help all of us forgive him easier in book 2.
Warnings/icks:
Cliffhanger ending
Bullying - chapter 1 Ryan is getting beat up from other guys saying they're beating him up because Max (Ryan's twin) slept with one of their girlfriends. Max and Dominic dont know about the incident but have been treating Ryan like shit for years.
Dominic's dad is verbally and emotionally abusive - tells Dom that he wishes Dom died instead of his mom
Gray area, possible coercion - Dominic says he'll tell people to stop beating up Ryan but only if he blows him
Max is an all around asshole to his twin
Dom's mom drowned trying to save him from a river he fell into when he was 4 years old
Betrayal - Dom signed up with Max for the army before him and Ryan ever were together. Ryan only finds out 2 weeks before they leave and he hears it from Max, not Dominic. Dom also has been lying the entire time and has been telling Max EVERYTHING. This was just barely a few days right after they made love in candelight for the first time and shared 'I love yous'
Max puts it in Ryan's head that he's really the one that Dom loves and that Ryan is just the one that's willing to have sex with him and since they're twins he's just a stand-in for who Dom really wants
Ryan discovers that Dom and Max took off early to travel and didnt even stay their last two weeks
He takes his anger out on Dominic's drunk dad, goes to his house and chews him apart
Intoxication resulting in concussion (Ryan)
Quick hospital stay
Enemies | Brothers best friend | Double awakening
Max is going in the burn book.
And Dom better GROVEL in book 2.
Why do I do this to myself? IT HURTS IT HURTS 😭
The 15th can't come quick enough.
*This is part 1 of a duet and ends on a cliffhanger.
⚠️ potential spoilers below in detailed tropes, content and warning lists
Tropes/content:
Enemies
Brothers best friend
Double awakening
Secret pining
Prologue - present time. Ryan is engaged to a woman and is having a bachelor party. He's 6 weeks away from getting married. His twin brother and Dominic walk in uninvited. He loses it and kicks Dom out. His brother follows. Dom says he made a promise and he will keep it. The promise of coming back for Ryan. It's been 10 years since they've seen each other. Dom was in the military.
Chapter 1 starts when they're 18
Who did this to you? Not those exact words but same vibe
Beats up the bullies
Pet name Shadow
Virgin
Gay chicken
First times
Finish 💦 in pants while giving head
Praise
Uncut x2
"What are you doing to me?"
Draws him naked
Pinky holding
Bed sharing w/o sex
Frotting
Sneaking off
Helps him study with flashcards for an exam
Waits for him outside of his classes
Having to keep quiet - smothering himself with a pillow
I didnt know where else to go vibes
Hurt comfort
Frotting
Rimming
Candelight love making for Ryan's first time - and I love you's shared
Talks him through it
Bareback
Epilogue - back to present time at Ryan's bachelor party - this time from Dominic's POV. Him and Max have done growing up. Even Max understands he hurt his brother and is worried about making it worse by crashing his bachelor party. Dom hints there's something that neither we or Ryan know about. Maybe something that will help all of us forgive him easier in book 2.
Warnings/icks:
Cliffhanger ending
Bullying - chapter 1 Ryan is getting beat up from other guys saying they're beating him up because Max (Ryan's twin) slept with one of their girlfriends. Max and Dominic dont know about the incident but have been treating Ryan like shit for years.
Dominic's dad is verbally and emotionally abusive - tells Dom that he wishes Dom died instead of his mom
Gray area, possible coercion - Dominic says he'll tell people to stop beating up Ryan but only if he blows him
Max is an all around asshole to his twin
Dom's mom drowned trying to save him from a river he fell into when he was 4 years old
Betrayal - Dom signed up with Max for the army before him and Ryan ever were together. Ryan only finds out 2 weeks before they leave and he hears it from Max, not Dominic. Dom also has been lying the entire time and has been telling Max EVERYTHING. This was just barely a few days right after they made love in candelight for the first time and shared 'I love yous'
Max puts it in Ryan's head that he's really the one that Dom loves and that Ryan is just the one that's willing to have sex with him and since they're twins he's just a stand-in for who Dom really wants
Ryan discovers that Dom and Max took off early to travel and didnt even stay their last two weeks
He takes his anger out on Dominic's drunk dad, goes to his house and chews him apart
Intoxication resulting in concussion (Ryan)
Quick hospital stay
May 17, 2026
I'm so happy I waited until the second installment was out to read this, because that ending would have had me so anxious and eager for more, waiting two weeks to see what would would have been torture!
Hands down, this is one of Lark Taylor's best. I was hooked from the beginning and couldn't put it down, only put it down when I had to, and I just wanted to keep reading this all straight through if I could.
Ryan has a twin, Max, who hates. Why? It's not very clear. At best, we get that Max thinks their parents love Ryan more and see him as the better son, although where he got that idea - at least for so long that it started when they were around 11 years old - is a mystery. And why he takes it out so harshly on Ryan is completely unfair. And Dominic, Max's best friend, seems to have bought the kool-aid Max has been drinking. At least he does for some number of years.
But at the start of this it also seems like Dominic has never hated Ryan himself and has started seeing more to Ryan than Max's biased view.
Things really start to change when Dominic is able to see Ryan's winces of pain, as he was beat up by guys at college (not college as we see it in the US, but college in the UK, which people go to from ages 16-18 before university) for Max sleeping with one of the guys' girlfriends. They messed with Ryan as an "easy target" instead of Max himself to send a message, as Max and Dominic are fighters and know hot to fuck others up. So who do they go to to try to hurt Max? Ryan.
Only...Max barely even gives Ryan the time of day. And Ryan doesn't tell anyone, but Dominic notices him in pain and finds out anyway. After that, he warns off the bullies, except he pretends like he won't warn off anyone else messing with Ryan either unless he gives him a blowjob. He's trying to mess with Ryan, call his bluff, but Ryan actually does it, and that officially starts things between the two.
It actually takes awhile for them to officially start things, but they start hanging out more and more after that and it becomes less Max and Dominic and more Ryan and Dominic.
The sexual tension, the wanting, the pining before they gave in was wonderful, and still them having to hide it because of Max because he's a little bitch...
Max's part in the downfall of their relationship is big, and he deserves more hate than he's getting in the present day, but ultimately it was Dominic and Ryan who screwed up. Mainly Dominic, yes, but there are things Ryan did that weren't the right way to go about it either.
But it hurt even worse knowing Ryan changed his mind and was wanting to work on it and Dominic was already gone - I need that point to come up in the next book from Ryan because he didn't think it was over after that one conversation and he was willing to try before it was all taken away.
The fact that in the future it's been 10 years, which is more years than these two knew each other...but they're still hanging onto each other because of course they're mean to be together.
I've already started reading the second one, so excited to see these two get their heads out of their asses and be together forever.
As realistic as this was with these two being two 18 year olds who didn't know hot to communicate, it didn't make it any less frustrating, so I'm waiting for ALL the communication in the second one with them as full grown adults 10 years later.
Diving into the next one right now! 😘 If you haven't read this yet, do so now, as you can dive into the next one right away, it's amazing.
Onto the next!
Hands down, this is one of Lark Taylor's best. I was hooked from the beginning and couldn't put it down, only put it down when I had to, and I just wanted to keep reading this all straight through if I could.
Ryan has a twin, Max, who hates. Why? It's not very clear. At best, we get that Max thinks their parents love Ryan more and see him as the better son, although where he got that idea - at least for so long that it started when they were around 11 years old - is a mystery. And why he takes it out so harshly on Ryan is completely unfair. And Dominic, Max's best friend, seems to have bought the kool-aid Max has been drinking. At least he does for some number of years.
But at the start of this it also seems like Dominic has never hated Ryan himself and has started seeing more to Ryan than Max's biased view.
Things really start to change when Dominic is able to see Ryan's winces of pain, as he was beat up by guys at college (not college as we see it in the US, but college in the UK, which people go to from ages 16-18 before university) for Max sleeping with one of the guys' girlfriends. They messed with Ryan as an "easy target" instead of Max himself to send a message, as Max and Dominic are fighters and know hot to fuck others up. So who do they go to to try to hurt Max? Ryan.
Only...Max barely even gives Ryan the time of day. And Ryan doesn't tell anyone, but Dominic notices him in pain and finds out anyway. After that, he warns off the bullies, except he pretends like he won't warn off anyone else messing with Ryan either unless he gives him a blowjob. He's trying to mess with Ryan, call his bluff, but Ryan actually does it, and that officially starts things between the two.
It actually takes awhile for them to officially start things, but they start hanging out more and more after that and it becomes less Max and Dominic and more Ryan and Dominic.
The sexual tension, the wanting, the pining before they gave in was wonderful, and still them having to hide it because of Max because he's a little bitch...
Max's part in the downfall of their relationship is big, and he deserves more hate than he's getting in the present day, but ultimately it was Dominic and Ryan who screwed up. Mainly Dominic, yes, but there are things Ryan did that weren't the right way to go about it either.
But it hurt even worse knowing Ryan changed his mind and was wanting to work on it and Dominic was already gone - I need that point to come up in the next book from Ryan because he didn't think it was over after that one conversation and he was willing to try before it was all taken away.
The fact that in the future it's been 10 years, which is more years than these two knew each other...but they're still hanging onto each other because of course they're mean to be together.
I've already started reading the second one, so excited to see these two get their heads out of their asses and be together forever.
As realistic as this was with these two being two 18 year olds who didn't know hot to communicate, it didn't make it any less frustrating, so I'm waiting for ALL the communication in the second one with them as full grown adults 10 years later.
Diving into the next one right now! 😘 If you haven't read this yet, do so now, as you can dive into the next one right away, it's amazing.
Onto the next!
May 13, 2026
SIX STARS THROUGH AND THROUGH! Holy fucking hell, what a journey! I’m so damn hurt!
My heart broke into a million pieces for Ryan. My god. My god. My god.
And now I have to wait two days for book 2? Fucking shoot me in the face already!
My heart broke into a million pieces for Ryan. My god. My god. My god.
And now I have to wait two days for book 2? Fucking shoot me in the face already!
May 3, 2026
I am UNWELL over this book… This duet is shaping up to be something seriously special and I am completely hooked.
Dominic and Ryan are a slow burn dream. Their tension at the start and then learning their heartbreaking (but also cute) history through book one? Honestly, the absolute emotional chaos of it all! SEND HELP. Their story is full of that delicious push and pull, where you don’t know if you want them to kiss or fight (or both).
This book has:
* brother’s best friend
* enemies to lovers energy
* double bi-awakening
* the most protective MC
* slow burn
* so much pining at times it physically hurts
* angst, tension and emotional damage
* a reluctant friendship turning into something consuming
This is very much a part one, and you feel it, but in the best way. Dominic has one hell of a hill to climb to win Ryan’s love back.
Dominic and Ryan are a slow burn dream. Their tension at the start and then learning their heartbreaking (but also cute) history through book one? Honestly, the absolute emotional chaos of it all! SEND HELP. Their story is full of that delicious push and pull, where you don’t know if you want them to kiss or fight (or both).
This book has:
* brother’s best friend
* enemies to lovers energy
* double bi-awakening
* the most protective MC
* slow burn
* so much pining at times it physically hurts
* angst, tension and emotional damage
* a reluctant friendship turning into something consuming
This is very much a part one, and you feel it, but in the best way. Dominic has one hell of a hill to climb to win Ryan’s love back.
June 9, 2026
GOBBLED this up
the beginning and the end being the same scene? diff pov? after everything they’ve been through? help, my heart’s melted out my body and i can’t seem to get it back.
i went into this book thinking it would be quick flashbacks here and there, crumbs into their past life for you to build the full picture. but no, what we got was so much better, and ive never been in more love with a story telling.
i can’t pick up the second book fast enough but also special note for max, he can get fucked. hopefully not literally cause i will lose my mind.
the beginning and the end being the same scene? diff pov? after everything they’ve been through? help, my heart’s melted out my body and i can’t seem to get it back.
i went into this book thinking it would be quick flashbacks here and there, crumbs into their past life for you to build the full picture. but no, what we got was so much better, and ive never been in more love with a story telling.
i can’t pick up the second book fast enough but also special note for max, he can get fucked. hopefully not literally cause i will lose my mind.
May 3, 2026
Shadows Never Lie was such a great start to this duet. I loved Dominic and Ryan together instantly. Dominic was an absolute sweetheart behind his tough exterior. I loved seeing how vulnerable he became around Ryan.
Ryan was so precious, and I hated the way his twin brother, Max, treated him. The fallout between Max, Dominic, and Ryan even though it was expected,had me feeling every moment of it.
I was so grateful I could jump straight into Shadows Never Leave, because emotionally, I don't think I could have handled the wait.
Ryan was so precious, and I hated the way his twin brother, Max, treated him. The fallout between Max, Dominic, and Ryan even though it was expected,had me feeling every moment of it.
I was so grateful I could jump straight into Shadows Never Leave, because emotionally, I don't think I could have handled the wait.
May 15, 2026
This was my first read by this author and I really enjoyed it. There was some good emotion in the relationship between Ryan and Dom and some heartbreak in whatever happened between Ryan and his brother Max. The men were so young here and with the 10 years that have passed, I'm really looking forward to the next book to see how it all ends.
May 2, 2026
What an incredible impressive story!
Did I like Dominic? Certainly not at first. He and Max, Ryan’s twin brother, were horrible to Ryan and constantly ignored him. They were rude, demanded that he not follow them around, and laughed at him. Dominic called Ryan ‘Shadow’. Ryan hated that, as if he belonged there.
It deeply hurt Ryan; he retreated into himself and avoided contact with everyone. No one liked him.
He got bullied, knocked to the ground, kicked at, his body full of bruises, and all because of his twin Max, and Max’s best friend Dominic.
Reality is a bit different, and more complicated.
The prologue starts with Ryan in his twenties, on the night before his wedding. Wedding? Yes, but not with the one he thought he would spend his life with.
Chapter one is where he’s eighteen and where my review starts.
“It’s only ever been you. Never him.”
“You’re mine, and I’ll be back to claim you. Just you fucking wait and see.”
I can’t tell more, I’m heartbroken. Thank goodness I have book two from this duet, so that’s where I will be until it’s finished.
Did I like Dominic? Certainly not at first. He and Max, Ryan’s twin brother, were horrible to Ryan and constantly ignored him. They were rude, demanded that he not follow them around, and laughed at him. Dominic called Ryan ‘Shadow’. Ryan hated that, as if he belonged there.
It deeply hurt Ryan; he retreated into himself and avoided contact with everyone. No one liked him.
He got bullied, knocked to the ground, kicked at, his body full of bruises, and all because of his twin Max, and Max’s best friend Dominic.
Reality is a bit different, and more complicated.
The prologue starts with Ryan in his twenties, on the night before his wedding. Wedding? Yes, but not with the one he thought he would spend his life with.
Chapter one is where he’s eighteen and where my review starts.
“It’s only ever been you. Never him.”
“You’re mine, and I’ll be back to claim you. Just you fucking wait and see.”
I can’t tell more, I’m heartbroken. Thank goodness I have book two from this duet, so that’s where I will be until it’s finished.
June 21, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
This was so good! It felt a little slow in the middle but it picked back up again and I really enjoyed it.
“I walked away, but you f***ing ran”
I understood why Dom joined the military, but TEN YEARS?????
it made me soooo mad when I read that he had been telling Max EVERYTHING!!! what do you mean you don’t want to hurt Max but you’re okay with hiding things from Ryan?? He should’ve just told Ryan that Max knows! Would’ve saved Ryan from the humiliation and they could’ve actually been affectionate in public.
I’m hoping the second book is just as good. Normally I would think after 10 years they’ve both moved on. Hopefully the author pulls it off and makes it believable.
Also I would love to have a book with Max as the mc 👀
This was so good! It felt a little slow in the middle but it picked back up again and I really enjoyed it.
“I walked away, but you f***ing ran”
I understood why Dom joined the military, but TEN YEARS?????
it made me soooo mad when I read that he had been telling Max EVERYTHING!!! what do you mean you don’t want to hurt Max but you’re okay with hiding things from Ryan?? He should’ve just told Ryan that Max knows! Would’ve saved Ryan from the humiliation and they could’ve actually been affectionate in public.
I’m hoping the second book is just as good. Normally I would think after 10 years they’ve both moved on. Hopefully the author pulls it off and makes it believable.
Also I would love to have a book with Max as the mc 👀
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to Read
September 3, 2025Second chance contemporary romance
Brother’s best friend
Enemies to lovers
Double bi-awakening
Cheating (not between MMCs)
Brother’s best friend
Enemies to lovers
Double bi-awakening
Cheating (not between MMCs)
May 16, 2026
RTC - busy running to book 2
May 13, 2026
I loved this book so much 😭💓 stop because now I desperately need book two. I should’ve never started this masterpiece yet because now I have to WAIT, and as a very impatient person… this is torture 😞
Ryan and Dominic, my precious babies 🥹 I absolutely loved following their love story. Their relationship was beautiful, and you could truly feel how much they loved each other.
Now Max? A huge piece of sh*t. I don’t care if he changes later or if something traumatic happened to justify his behavior — the way he treated his twin brother was unforgivable to me. He spent the whole book being unbearable and cruel for no reason.
As someone who has experienced a similar family dynamic with my older brother and sister, reading Ryan’s story genuinely broke my heart because I saw so much of myself in him. And honestly, it only made me hate Max even more 😠
As for Dominic… I understand that he suffered a lot because of his father and everything he went through. But leaving the man you claim to love in complete silence for 10 years?? I genuinely don’t know how Ryan could ever forgive that. If I were Ryan, honestly… next 😭 But we’ll see what Dominic has to say in the next book and how he explains his choices.
Anyway, I absolutely adored this book. It was incredible, emotional, frustrating, beautiful — everything. I’m already desperate for the sequel 😭💖📚
Ryan and Dominic, my precious babies 🥹 I absolutely loved following their love story. Their relationship was beautiful, and you could truly feel how much they loved each other.
Now Max? A huge piece of sh*t. I don’t care if he changes later or if something traumatic happened to justify his behavior — the way he treated his twin brother was unforgivable to me. He spent the whole book being unbearable and cruel for no reason.
As someone who has experienced a similar family dynamic with my older brother and sister, reading Ryan’s story genuinely broke my heart because I saw so much of myself in him. And honestly, it only made me hate Max even more 😠
As for Dominic… I understand that he suffered a lot because of his father and everything he went through. But leaving the man you claim to love in complete silence for 10 years?? I genuinely don’t know how Ryan could ever forgive that. If I were Ryan, honestly… next 😭 But we’ll see what Dominic has to say in the next book and how he explains his choices.
Anyway, I absolutely adored this book. It was incredible, emotional, frustrating, beautiful — everything. I’m already desperate for the sequel 😭💖📚
May 21, 2026
I’m not sure how I felt about this. It was very depressing. I’m not a huge fan of enemies-to-lovers because it upsets me when they argue. And I’m also not a big fan of second chance romances because I hate that it didn’t work out the first time. It’s extra sad if we actually see the first break up, and even sadder again if we know they were suffering in the interim, both being the case in this book.
So this is told almost exclusively from the POV of Ryan, with only 3 chapters from the POV of Dominic. Dominic is the best friend of Ryan’s twin brother Max. Ryan and Max have not been close since they were 15 and Max became friends with Dominic and started excluding Ryan. Ryan starts getting bullied at school and has no friends. Until all of a sudden when they’re 18, Dominic starts showing an interest in Ryan. I hate how Dominic and Max treated Ryan in the beginning and we are never given a good explanation for why they mistreat him and belittle him all the time. Considering that Ryan and Max used to be inseparable I really wish we had been given some sort of explanation besides the fact that Max simply thought that Ryan was their parents’ favourite.
The bulk of the story takes place when they are 18, with the prologue and epilogue taking place 10 years later. From the glimpse we got of the present day in the prologue, I really thought their falling out was going to be worse. Ryan really hates Dominic in the present day and I expected a truly heinous betrayal. But it just turned out to be
So I feel emotionally wrung out, and not in a good way. Hopefully book 2 will help some things make sense. And of course there will be an HEA. But I don’t even know if I want them together. Dominic and Max suuuuck. I assume book 2 will be primarily set in the present day as Dominic tries to win back Ryan. I also really love the fact that from what we saw of Dominic, it seems that he fell first and harder. I lot harder. I love that. It will help to have more of his POV.
So this is told almost exclusively from the POV of Ryan, with only 3 chapters from the POV of Dominic. Dominic is the best friend of Ryan’s twin brother Max. Ryan and Max have not been close since they were 15 and Max became friends with Dominic and started excluding Ryan. Ryan starts getting bullied at school and has no friends. Until all of a sudden when they’re 18, Dominic starts showing an interest in Ryan. I hate how Dominic and Max treated Ryan in the beginning and we are never given a good explanation for why they mistreat him and belittle him all the time. Considering that Ryan and Max used to be inseparable I really wish we had been given some sort of explanation besides the fact that Max simply thought that Ryan was their parents’ favourite.
The bulk of the story takes place when they are 18, with the prologue and epilogue taking place 10 years later. From the glimpse we got of the present day in the prologue, I really thought their falling out was going to be worse. Ryan really hates Dominic in the present day and I expected a truly heinous betrayal. But it just turned out to be
So I feel emotionally wrung out, and not in a good way. Hopefully book 2 will help some things make sense. And of course there will be an HEA. But I don’t even know if I want them together. Dominic and Max suuuuck. I assume book 2 will be primarily set in the present day as Dominic tries to win back Ryan. I also really love the fact that from what we saw of Dominic, it seems that he fell first and harder. I lot harder. I love that. It will help to have more of his POV.
May 12, 2026
This is why you should never start a series without the other books being available. It's an exercise in patience, restraint and a little bit of misery.
Why isn't it the 15th of May already.
The blurb tells us that this is a love story and even though you know this, the relationships between the twins and the best friend don't let you see it for a long while.
Ryan and Max are twins and appeared to be close until Dominic turns up. Then he's best friends with Max and Ryan is sidelined. It doesn't help that the guys (Max and Dom) are popular and Ryan isn't.
I grieved the breakdown of the twins relationship and wondered really why it had fractured. I saw Dominic as this interloper who was always present (at home and college) and didn't allow Max and Ryan the space to get to know each other again and become close. But I forgot that there's two sides to every story and often the villain isn't villainous all the time. It's all a matter of perspective.
This story starts in the present at Ryan's stag do and we see a man who has settled for a life that's fine, mediocre but doesn't hurt. Because when he reached for love, and passion, it burned too bright and deep and scarred him. Ryan is content to settle, until in walks his twin and Dominic who he hasn't seen in 10 years.
Then immediately we are in the past getting to the nitty gritty of why the siblings relationship and the romantic relationship are what they are now. Watching the love story play out in increments is delightful.
I almost cried when I realised that I would have to wait to find out how Dominic would up his game and win Ryan back. Duets kill me, but they are better than trilogies.
Roll on 15 May 2026.
Why isn't it the 15th of May already.
The blurb tells us that this is a love story and even though you know this, the relationships between the twins and the best friend don't let you see it for a long while.
Ryan and Max are twins and appeared to be close until Dominic turns up. Then he's best friends with Max and Ryan is sidelined. It doesn't help that the guys (Max and Dom) are popular and Ryan isn't.
I grieved the breakdown of the twins relationship and wondered really why it had fractured. I saw Dominic as this interloper who was always present (at home and college) and didn't allow Max and Ryan the space to get to know each other again and become close. But I forgot that there's two sides to every story and often the villain isn't villainous all the time. It's all a matter of perspective.
This story starts in the present at Ryan's stag do and we see a man who has settled for a life that's fine, mediocre but doesn't hurt. Because when he reached for love, and passion, it burned too bright and deep and scarred him. Ryan is content to settle, until in walks his twin and Dominic who he hasn't seen in 10 years.
Then immediately we are in the past getting to the nitty gritty of why the siblings relationship and the romantic relationship are what they are now. Watching the love story play out in increments is delightful.
I almost cried when I realised that I would have to wait to find out how Dominic would up his game and win Ryan back. Duets kill me, but they are better than trilogies.
Roll on 15 May 2026.
May 24, 2026
I have so many feelings
May 11, 2026
Rating: 4
Steam: 2
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Tropes / tags: twin brother's best friend, sexual discovery, secret relationship
Oh Lark Taylor, the things I let you do to my (at this point) very fragile heart... This first part of Ryan and Dominic's story was the definition of an emotional roller coaster, and I was instantly swept up in the history of these two. The angst was high, and it was an addictive combination of unexpected feelings, youthful hopefulness, first times, betrayal and heartbreak.
It was difficult to see how Ryan was treated by his twin brother Max and Dom at first, there was so much hatred from Max's side and it broke my heart. There was a profound lack of communication between the three of them, but considering their age and circumstances it was easy to see why it was happening. I know Dom and Ryan were meant to be enemies, but they never truly felt like that to me, especially once Dom started to see things from Ryan's perspective.
Dom and Ryan falling for each other felt both unexpected and expected, and I loved the hurt / comfort between them. They were both possessive of one another, and while their relationship development was a bit messy, it also felt real. They were kind of sweet together, and it was difficult to reconcile that the Dom and Ryan that were falling in love with each other were the same couple from the prologue that hadn't spoken to each other in ten years. I loved the way Lark Taylor showed their history and backgrounds, and I can't wait to see more of them all grown up.
I have to admit that I didn't fully know what I'd be getting myself into when I started Shadows Never Lie, but my anxiety was quite high. What I ended up with was an angsty but mesmerising relationship development between Dom and Ryan, with a sense of impending doom throughout the story. I couldn't put the book down, and I was so relieved that I could jump right into Shadows Never Leave - things felt quite impossible between them at the end and I can’t wait to see how they'll find their way back to each other!
-
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Steam: 2
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Tropes / tags: twin brother's best friend, sexual discovery, secret relationship
Oh Lark Taylor, the things I let you do to my (at this point) very fragile heart... This first part of Ryan and Dominic's story was the definition of an emotional roller coaster, and I was instantly swept up in the history of these two. The angst was high, and it was an addictive combination of unexpected feelings, youthful hopefulness, first times, betrayal and heartbreak.
It was difficult to see how Ryan was treated by his twin brother Max and Dom at first, there was so much hatred from Max's side and it broke my heart. There was a profound lack of communication between the three of them, but considering their age and circumstances it was easy to see why it was happening. I know Dom and Ryan were meant to be enemies, but they never truly felt like that to me, especially once Dom started to see things from Ryan's perspective.
Dom and Ryan falling for each other felt both unexpected and expected, and I loved the hurt / comfort between them. They were both possessive of one another, and while their relationship development was a bit messy, it also felt real. They were kind of sweet together, and it was difficult to reconcile that the Dom and Ryan that were falling in love with each other were the same couple from the prologue that hadn't spoken to each other in ten years. I loved the way Lark Taylor showed their history and backgrounds, and I can't wait to see more of them all grown up.
I have to admit that I didn't fully know what I'd be getting myself into when I started Shadows Never Lie, but my anxiety was quite high. What I ended up with was an angsty but mesmerising relationship development between Dom and Ryan, with a sense of impending doom throughout the story. I couldn't put the book down, and I was so relieved that I could jump right into Shadows Never Leave - things felt quite impossible between them at the end and I can’t wait to see how they'll find their way back to each other!
-
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
May 28, 2026
A MM college romance with brother's best friend, hate to lovers, bi-awakening(s) where we see their 1st chance & get hearts broken, before their 2nd chance in book 2! I'd dreaded it'll be painful, but it was fun, before it turned stressful.
I should've known, Lark never disappoints! It has been months since a book (especially #ARC) had me in such a chokehold 😭😍, I'm so happy! Devoured it within 10hrs. I loved Ryan, Dom too but I got mixed feelings (the yearning at epilogue was good retstart tho!), I FREAKING HATE Max 😤.
I'm thankful Lark released Book 1+2 close together. "Shadows" got multiple meanings 🤭. Author's note about 6th form college was cool, new info to me. We get a prologue of present, omg reunion 😁, before diving into past. I like to know about "1st chance", so I'm glad we got a whole book (but I was also dreading as didn't have "present scenes" as buffer). It's ironically funny that D came between the twins, then R came between their friendship 😂. We got to see struggles of poverty, which I appreciated. It's mostly R's pov so it keeps suspense, I still felt I kinda understood D.
Ryan is the younger twin. Nerdy, artist who feels pathetic, lonely, gets bullied & doesn't fight back. But R's thoughtful, smart, with quiet strength, a confidence, ire & sarcastic wit Dom brings out! R's mom's sweet 😅.
Dominic is Ryan's twin Max's bestfriend. D's cocky, arrogant, smirk-y asshole but also protective, (too?) loyal, possessive. D's trauma, damn, I get why'd he wanted away from it 🥲.
Oh the hurts, hate, jealousy & challenge that started it all 😍. They're 18, dumb & confused by new feelings, tension & spicy attraction 🥵, which explodes 😉. The quiet obsession, teasing & banter was fun! Relationship building's shown well. Virgin x playboy, exploring together. They seemed so all in & in love 😭, yet secrecy 🥲. The vulnerability, care in insecurities & trauma, was my fav.
I sobbed & winced each time he dreamily talked about future 🥹. I was anxious at start & towards end. Max was such a blocker, UGH, I get M but why so poisoned?! Damn, I feel the climax is all their faults 🤷♀️😭. That hurt! But it wasn't as bad as I'd predicted 🫣. We got hints from start. Betrayals, broken trusts... The vow 😩 (😁). Btw, they both have daddy issues, but atleast 1 seems to be getting better 🤷♀️. D made R's life better, but now he's R's nightmare. Would D win R back? (Ah, duh 😂). I'mma read book 2 asap 😭.
PSA: Tell your loved ones about any major life decisions you make.
Story Ratings:
POV: 1st person, Dual POV (mostly R's)
1) Enjoyed? —> YES!! 5/5
2) The Characters: 5/5
3) Top feels: 🥲😁😩🤷♀️😂😅😍😭🥵😳🥹😘🥰🤭😤🫣🤬😬🙄
4) Steamy scenes: 2.5/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 4/5
Angst: 3/5
Dark: 2.5/5
6) Creativity + world: 4.5/5
7) Plot arc: (1st chance, love & hurt) 4.25/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.7/5
** #arcHonestReview #AllViewsAreMyOwn **
FB Page | Instagram | Bookbub | FB group
I should've known, Lark never disappoints! It has been months since a book (especially #ARC) had me in such a chokehold 😭😍, I'm so happy! Devoured it within 10hrs. I loved Ryan, Dom too but I got mixed feelings (the yearning at epilogue was good retstart tho!), I FREAKING HATE Max 😤.
I'm thankful Lark released Book 1+2 close together. "Shadows" got multiple meanings 🤭. Author's note about 6th form college was cool, new info to me. We get a prologue of present, omg reunion 😁, before diving into past. I like to know about "1st chance", so I'm glad we got a whole book (but I was also dreading as didn't have "present scenes" as buffer). It's ironically funny that D came between the twins, then R came between their friendship 😂. We got to see struggles of poverty, which I appreciated. It's mostly R's pov so it keeps suspense, I still felt I kinda understood D.
Ryan is the younger twin. Nerdy, artist who feels pathetic, lonely, gets bullied & doesn't fight back. But R's thoughtful, smart, with quiet strength, a confidence, ire & sarcastic wit Dom brings out! R's mom's sweet 😅.
Dominic is Ryan's twin Max's bestfriend. D's cocky, arrogant, smirk-y asshole but also protective, (too?) loyal, possessive. D's trauma, damn, I get why'd he wanted away from it 🥲.
Oh the hurts, hate, jealousy & challenge that started it all 😍. They're 18, dumb & confused by new feelings, tension & spicy attraction 🥵, which explodes 😉. The quiet obsession, teasing & banter was fun! Relationship building's shown well. Virgin x playboy, exploring together. They seemed so all in & in love 😭, yet secrecy 🥲. The vulnerability, care in insecurities & trauma, was my fav.
I sobbed & winced each time he dreamily talked about future 🥹. I was anxious at start & towards end. Max was such a blocker, UGH, I get M but why so poisoned?! Damn, I feel the climax is all their faults 🤷♀️😭. That hurt! But it wasn't as bad as I'd predicted 🫣. We got hints from start. Betrayals, broken trusts... The vow 😩 (😁). Btw, they both have daddy issues, but atleast 1 seems to be getting better 🤷♀️. D made R's life better, but now he's R's nightmare. Would D win R back? (Ah, duh 😂). I'mma read book 2 asap 😭.
PSA: Tell your loved ones about any major life decisions you make.
Story Ratings:
POV: 1st person, Dual POV (mostly R's)
1) Enjoyed? —> YES!! 5/5
2) The Characters: 5/5
3) Top feels: 🥲😁😩🤷♀️😂😅😍😭🥵😳🥹😘🥰🤭😤🫣🤬😬🙄
4) Steamy scenes: 2.5/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 4/5
Angst: 3/5
Dark: 2.5/5
6) Creativity + world: 4.5/5
7) Plot arc: (1st chance, love & hurt) 4.25/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.7/5
** #arcHonestReview #AllViewsAreMyOwn **
FB Page | Instagram | Bookbub | FB group
June 15, 2026
4.5⭐️
Ryan has always been the less cool, bullied, and softer of the twins. Max, on the other hand, never had troubles making friends or getting girls. His best friend, Dominic, seems to be attached at Max’s hip. Yet Ryan and Dominic fall into a messy, young, and whirlwind romance despite Max’s presence complicating things.
This book is the first in a duology, focusing on Ryan and Dominic’s relationship as 18 year olds. In book 2, we’re going to get the second chance part 10 years later (and I just KNOW it’s going to be juicy!)
This book is going to give you:
-brother’s best friend
-themes of difficult family situations
-hurt / comfort
-secret relationship
-second chance setup
-young love with young guys making stupid decisions
I love Lark Taylor, and she did an excellent job with this one. I never got bored, the writing style was consistent, clear, and emotional. And I’m definitely picking up book 2 immediately!
Definitely don’t miss this!
Ryan has always been the less cool, bullied, and softer of the twins. Max, on the other hand, never had troubles making friends or getting girls. His best friend, Dominic, seems to be attached at Max’s hip. Yet Ryan and Dominic fall into a messy, young, and whirlwind romance despite Max’s presence complicating things.
This book is the first in a duology, focusing on Ryan and Dominic’s relationship as 18 year olds. In book 2, we’re going to get the second chance part 10 years later (and I just KNOW it’s going to be juicy!)
This book is going to give you:
-brother’s best friend
-themes of difficult family situations
-hurt / comfort
-secret relationship
-second chance setup
-young love with young guys making stupid decisions
I love Lark Taylor, and she did an excellent job with this one. I never got bored, the writing style was consistent, clear, and emotional. And I’m definitely picking up book 2 immediately!
Definitely don’t miss this!
May 1, 2026
I was hooked in from the start and couldn't put it down! The way the story is told from mostly ten years ago and then ends in the present has me scrambling and wanting the next one! Fantastic start to a duology.
May 1, 2026
Rating: 4.5/5 🌟
Spice: 2/5 🌶️
Characters: Ryan and Dominic
RTC
Spice: 2/5 🌶️
Characters: Ryan and Dominic
RTC
April 30, 2026
A dare turns into something more between two college kids who couldn’t be more different
I have loved books by this author in the past (I’m usually rereading Patience & Conflicted at any given moment) and as soon as I read the synopsis of this duet, I knew I needed it ASAP.
What a rollercoaster ride! I wanted to hug these bbs and also shake them . They’re so young and it shows. But doesn’t take away from enjoying how hard they fall and how helpless they are to it. I’m FERAL for book two.
If you’re looking for an angsty (and don’t forget smutty) mm romance to sink your teeth into, this one is a great one to pick up!
READ FOR
MM Romance
Twin Brother’s Best Friend
College Romance
Double Bi Awakening
I have loved books by this author in the past (I’m usually rereading Patience & Conflicted at any given moment) and as soon as I read the synopsis of this duet, I knew I needed it ASAP.
What a rollercoaster ride! I wanted to hug these bbs and also shake them . They’re so young and it shows. But doesn’t take away from enjoying how hard they fall and how helpless they are to it. I’m FERAL for book two.
If you’re looking for an angsty (and don’t forget smutty) mm romance to sink your teeth into, this one is a great one to pick up!
READ FOR
MM Romance
Twin Brother’s Best Friend
College Romance
Double Bi Awakening
April 24, 2026
This book is absolutely phenomenal! I was hooked in page one and couldn’t put it down and I can’t wait for the second part! It definitely ripped my heart out and made me have every emotion but roses are the best books! I absolutely recommend reading anything from this author!!
May 1, 2026
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Shadows Never Lie starts the Shadow Duet by Lark Tayor. The story starts in the present, where we see Ryan celebrating his engagement to a woman. He’s moved on in life since high school, has friends and a successful job. But Dominic has always been in his thoughts. Ryan hasn’t heard from Dominic in a decade and then Dominic walks through the door. The book then flashes back to what their lives were like in high school and the start of their relationship.
Since the majority of this book shows the guys as teens, the story has the intensity of young, first love with many hurdles. The story is not nearly finished and this book ends on a cliffhanger.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Shadows Never Lie starts the Shadow Duet by Lark Tayor. The story starts in the present, where we see Ryan celebrating his engagement to a woman. He’s moved on in life since high school, has friends and a successful job. But Dominic has always been in his thoughts. Ryan hasn’t heard from Dominic in a decade and then Dominic walks through the door. The book then flashes back to what their lives were like in high school and the start of their relationship.
Since the majority of this book shows the guys as teens, the story has the intensity of young, first love with many hurdles. The story is not nearly finished and this book ends on a cliffhanger.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
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