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The Demon Reflected #1
Lord of Whispered Shadows
Human. Archie, youngest son of a Duke, is caught between his mother's matchmaking efforts and his brother's threats to cut him off. Being married to a rich noblewoman would solve all of his problems, apart from the whole not being attracted to women concern. He doesn't mean to attract the attention of a succubus but when he does... well, possession can't be worse than being forever alone and closeted, can it?
Demon. Damaris, reduced to whispers and shadows after fleeing the demon realm. He needs to regain his magic, and the easiest way to do that is to steal energy from humans.
Everyone talks about humans being corrupted by demons, but if this is corruption then Archie will gladly forfeit his soul.
Demon. Damaris, reduced to whispers and shadows after fleeing the demon realm. He needs to regain his magic, and the easiest way to do that is to steal energy from humans.
Everyone talks about humans being corrupted by demons, but if this is corruption then Archie will gladly forfeit his soul.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 11, 2025
9 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
December 4, 2025
Lord of Whispered Shadows is an MM historical romance with paranormal elements and so much steam! The story follows Archie, the youngest son of a noble family directly related to the crown, and Damaris, the demon who possesses him after feeling all of his wants and desires. This debut story was so magical and perfectly written. Archie was such a beautifully gentle and affable character, and I loved how Damaris brought out his selfish longing and made sure to give him everything he could need and want. The two were made for each other, and I appreciated the absolute hunger they each had for one another. Aside from the romance, the little bits of royal and historical politics kept me engaged from beginning to end. The intrigue and ambiguity of the plot left me wholly satisfied all throughout the story.
~Many thanks to Jordan Ko for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
~Many thanks to Jordan Ko for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
December 11, 2025
This was good but I kept waiting for something more to happen and all of a sudden it was over! I wish there was more excitement and that Alfie got more of a backbone. I was waiting for him to become a stronger person and not to rely on Damaris so much but that never happened.
The writing was good but there were a lot of mistakes, hopefully they will be cleaned up before it is published.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The writing was good but there were a lot of mistakes, hopefully they will be cleaned up before it is published.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 23, 2025
I am speechless
Upcoming authors debuts are, more often than not, a hit or miss kind of situation. And, well, I can safely say that Jordan Ko's debut novel is a MASSIVE hit!
I am feral about this book- I'm not even joking. I had a really hard time putting it down, and eventually fell from exhaustion in the middle of the night, only to wake up with the phone mark of shame on my cheek and... to start reading again immediately after. I devoured the book within two days, and I honestly think that if I hadn't started in the middle of the night in the first place, I would have gobbled it down in one.
The main characters were simply delightful! And what I particularly loved about them is how you can literally see them evolve as the story progresses. You can see Archie come out of his shell and allow himself to take up some space, but you can also see Damaris being influenced by Archie's humanity. You can see, even when Archie doesn't, his ever evolving fondness for his human, how he cares for him in small ways... ugh, I have so much affection for them.
I also LOVED the space that the side characters took in the plot, and in the main couple's life in general. They all felt alive and important in their own ways, which you don't always see in "short" books.
The plot naturally revealed itself and evolved smoothly- this is a low-angst and high-heat story, but I found myself stressing for the couple more than once, and I honestly love that.
Overall, this is a cozy story filled with delicious demon smut, lots of fluffy feelings, an interesting plot- and it all takes place in a world filled with magic somewhere in the past. What more can I ask for?
I know what more. Bonus epilogue when?
I recieved a free copy of this book and this is my honest review
Upcoming authors debuts are, more often than not, a hit or miss kind of situation. And, well, I can safely say that Jordan Ko's debut novel is a MASSIVE hit!
I am feral about this book- I'm not even joking. I had a really hard time putting it down, and eventually fell from exhaustion in the middle of the night, only to wake up with the phone mark of shame on my cheek and... to start reading again immediately after. I devoured the book within two days, and I honestly think that if I hadn't started in the middle of the night in the first place, I would have gobbled it down in one.
The main characters were simply delightful! And what I particularly loved about them is how you can literally see them evolve as the story progresses. You can see Archie come out of his shell and allow himself to take up some space, but you can also see Damaris being influenced by Archie's humanity. You can see, even when Archie doesn't, his ever evolving fondness for his human, how he cares for him in small ways... ugh, I have so much affection for them.
I also LOVED the space that the side characters took in the plot, and in the main couple's life in general. They all felt alive and important in their own ways, which you don't always see in "short" books.
The plot naturally revealed itself and evolved smoothly- this is a low-angst and high-heat story, but I found myself stressing for the couple more than once, and I honestly love that.
Overall, this is a cozy story filled with delicious demon smut, lots of fluffy feelings, an interesting plot- and it all takes place in a world filled with magic somewhere in the past. What more can I ask for?
I know what more. Bonus epilogue when?
I recieved a free copy of this book and this is my honest review
December 12, 2025
✨ ARC Review ✨
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️
¡Lee esto con mucha atención! Si algún día tenés la oportunidad de hacer un trato con un demonio súcubo, y te dice que solo necesita un poco de tu tiempo y que tienen que pasar ciertas cositas (guiño, guiño) entre ustedes para alcanzar su forma completa… vos le tenés que decir que sí. ¿Me entendiste?
Bien, ahora que dejamos eso claro, debo decir que este libro me sorprendió muchísimo. No pensé que iba a adentrarse tanto en el mundo de la regencia, pero esa mezcla con demonios terminó siendo una combinación deliciosa que me mantuvo súper entretenida.
Archie y Damaris me parecieron una dupla curiosa. Si lo pensás, no tienen absolutamente nada en común, y aun así… ¿se necesitaban mutuamente? Esa contradicción es lo que hizo su dinámica tan interesante.
Archie, como personaje, fue un placer de leer. Es un chico dulce, sensible y tan desesperado por sentir cercanía con alguien que es imposible no encariñarse con él.
Damaris, en cambio, siento que nunca llegué a conocerlo del todo. Cada vez que aparecía era para darle una clase magistral a Archie sobre demonios, y eso hizo que me perdiera la oportunidad de conectar con él a nivel emocional. Sí, ya sé que sos un demonio poderoso, que podés aparecer y desaparecer cuando querés, que usás magia y todo eso… pero ¿cómo sos realmente? ¿Qué te hace sentir Archie? ¿Qué te hace sentir algo? Me faltó esa profundidad, porque la conclusión que saqué es que es un gruñón misterioso que quiere algo (todavía no sé qué) y que disfruta del placer que obtiene de Archie, pero sin mostrarnos mucho más.
Por lo demás, el libro estuvo muy bien. Me encantaron Ixthan y Jasper (que solo aparece un poquito al final, pero aun así deja su marca).
Ix, especialmente, me pareció intrigante: ¡qué personaje más interesante! Muero por leer su historia.
〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️
Read this very carefully! If one day you ever get the chance to make a deal with a succubus demon, and he tells you he just needs a bit of your time —and that certain things (wink wink) need to happen between you two for him to reach his full form— you say yes. Do you hear me? You say yes.
Now that we’ve cleared that up, I have to say this book surprised me in the best way. I didn’t expect it to dive so deeply into the regency setting, but that mix with demons turned out to be such a delicious combination that kept me completely entertained.
Archie and Damaris made a very curious duo. If you think about it, they have absolutely nothing in common, and yet… did they somehow need each other? That contradiction is exactly what made their dynamic so interesting.
Archie was an absolute delight to read. He’s sweet, sensitive, and so painfully desperate for genuine closeness that it’s impossible not to grow attached to him.
Damaris, on the other hand, is someone I never fully connected with. Every time he showed up, it was to give Archie a demonology lecture, and that made me feel like I missed the chance to get to know him emotionally. Yes, I get it —you’re a powerful demon, you can appear and disappear as you please, you use magic and all that… but who are you, really? What does Archie make you feel? What does anything make you feel? That emotional depth was missing for me. In the end, he felt like a mysterious grump who clearly wants something (still not sure what), and who enjoys the pleasure he gets from Archie… but not much beyond that.
Everything else was great. I loved Ixthan and Jasper (even though Jasper only appears for a little bit at the end, he still makes an impression).
Ixthan especially captivated me —what an intriguing character. I absolutely need his story next.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️
¡Lee esto con mucha atención! Si algún día tenés la oportunidad de hacer un trato con un demonio súcubo, y te dice que solo necesita un poco de tu tiempo y que tienen que pasar ciertas cositas (guiño, guiño) entre ustedes para alcanzar su forma completa… vos le tenés que decir que sí. ¿Me entendiste?
Bien, ahora que dejamos eso claro, debo decir que este libro me sorprendió muchísimo. No pensé que iba a adentrarse tanto en el mundo de la regencia, pero esa mezcla con demonios terminó siendo una combinación deliciosa que me mantuvo súper entretenida.
Archie y Damaris me parecieron una dupla curiosa. Si lo pensás, no tienen absolutamente nada en común, y aun así… ¿se necesitaban mutuamente? Esa contradicción es lo que hizo su dinámica tan interesante.
Archie, como personaje, fue un placer de leer. Es un chico dulce, sensible y tan desesperado por sentir cercanía con alguien que es imposible no encariñarse con él.
Damaris, en cambio, siento que nunca llegué a conocerlo del todo. Cada vez que aparecía era para darle una clase magistral a Archie sobre demonios, y eso hizo que me perdiera la oportunidad de conectar con él a nivel emocional. Sí, ya sé que sos un demonio poderoso, que podés aparecer y desaparecer cuando querés, que usás magia y todo eso… pero ¿cómo sos realmente? ¿Qué te hace sentir Archie? ¿Qué te hace sentir algo? Me faltó esa profundidad, porque la conclusión que saqué es que es un gruñón misterioso que quiere algo (todavía no sé qué) y que disfruta del placer que obtiene de Archie, pero sin mostrarnos mucho más.
Por lo demás, el libro estuvo muy bien. Me encantaron Ixthan y Jasper (que solo aparece un poquito al final, pero aun así deja su marca).
Ix, especialmente, me pareció intrigante: ¡qué personaje más interesante! Muero por leer su historia.
〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️
Read this very carefully! If one day you ever get the chance to make a deal with a succubus demon, and he tells you he just needs a bit of your time —and that certain things (wink wink) need to happen between you two for him to reach his full form— you say yes. Do you hear me? You say yes.
Now that we’ve cleared that up, I have to say this book surprised me in the best way. I didn’t expect it to dive so deeply into the regency setting, but that mix with demons turned out to be such a delicious combination that kept me completely entertained.
Archie and Damaris made a very curious duo. If you think about it, they have absolutely nothing in common, and yet… did they somehow need each other? That contradiction is exactly what made their dynamic so interesting.
Archie was an absolute delight to read. He’s sweet, sensitive, and so painfully desperate for genuine closeness that it’s impossible not to grow attached to him.
Damaris, on the other hand, is someone I never fully connected with. Every time he showed up, it was to give Archie a demonology lecture, and that made me feel like I missed the chance to get to know him emotionally. Yes, I get it —you’re a powerful demon, you can appear and disappear as you please, you use magic and all that… but who are you, really? What does Archie make you feel? What does anything make you feel? That emotional depth was missing for me. In the end, he felt like a mysterious grump who clearly wants something (still not sure what), and who enjoys the pleasure he gets from Archie… but not much beyond that.
Everything else was great. I loved Ixthan and Jasper (even though Jasper only appears for a little bit at the end, he still makes an impression).
Ixthan especially captivated me —what an intriguing character. I absolutely need his story next.
December 12, 2025
In a word, addictive! Tightly spun tale of magic and desire coalescing into codependent love, delicious.
I am honestly blown away by the flawless world building and seemingly effortless way the author lays it out, a pleasure to read about the realms and the political hierarchies and the forms of magic playing out
Archie is such an interesting character, I absolutely loved him. When he makes the deal I thought it would be predictable but it is absolutely not, oh what twists and turns that author wove. I have a bit of a crush on Damaris, extremely appealing demon. I loved both their character arcs and o would be remiss if I didn’t mention how hot the chemistry is between the two of them.
I cannot believe this is a debut it blew me away. I loved the peek into Damaris’s PoV at the end and I cannot wait for the next book.
I am honestly blown away by the flawless world building and seemingly effortless way the author lays it out, a pleasure to read about the realms and the political hierarchies and the forms of magic playing out
Archie is such an interesting character, I absolutely loved him. When he makes the deal I thought it would be predictable but it is absolutely not, oh what twists and turns that author wove. I have a bit of a crush on Damaris, extremely appealing demon. I loved both their character arcs and o would be remiss if I didn’t mention how hot the chemistry is between the two of them.
I cannot believe this is a debut it blew me away. I loved the peek into Damaris’s PoV at the end and I cannot wait for the next book.
December 11, 2025
this was such a good read 😭😭😭 archie and damaris are soooo, !!!!!
i loved how they interacted with each other, the intimacy of their relationship, also archie getting jealous 🫣🫣🫣
i liked how everything was explained and detailed for me to understand !!! i usually get a little lost when things are happening and i don’t understand the english words sometimes but here i understood everything and had a great time !!!
this was amazing, can’t wait for the second book !!!!
thank you to jordan ko for the arc 🫶
i loved how they interacted with each other, the intimacy of their relationship, also archie getting jealous 🫣🫣🫣
i liked how everything was explained and detailed for me to understand !!! i usually get a little lost when things are happening and i don’t understand the english words sometimes but here i understood everything and had a great time !!!
this was amazing, can’t wait for the second book !!!!
thank you to jordan ko for the arc 🫶
December 13, 2025
I am not one for Demons, Devils and the forces of darkness. Like I love Buffy, Supernatural but that’s as dark as I get. Usually if there’s something like that in it, then you’ll catch me muttering under my breathe like the “God Warrior” Mom; “DARKSIDED! UNGODLY! I REBUKE YOU!” 🤣🤣🤣
But my dudes, this book possessed me. Damaris is the cutest succubus to ever succ. He was so cute with his red eyes, antlers and shadow daddy bod. And Archie? Equally as cute as the bumbling bachelor looking for love in all the wrong places.
This was a fairly quick read, clocking in at around 200ish pages. It’s also book #1, so I’m assuming this is the start of a series and I look forward to seeing where this goes.
Like I said I’m usually not into DARKSIDED stuff, but the romance between the two had me giddy. I was blushing, squealing, and rooting for them the whole time.
I’m glad I stepped outside of my comfort zone to read this one, it’s supernatural, dark and regency themed. If you’re into that stuff, you will devour this book!
Thank you again to Jordan Ko and their team for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
🖤👤🫎🪞👱🏻♂️♥️ 🖤👤🫎🪞👱🏻♂️♥️
But my dudes, this book possessed me. Damaris is the cutest succubus to ever succ. He was so cute with his red eyes, antlers and shadow daddy bod. And Archie? Equally as cute as the bumbling bachelor looking for love in all the wrong places.
This was a fairly quick read, clocking in at around 200ish pages. It’s also book #1, so I’m assuming this is the start of a series and I look forward to seeing where this goes.
Like I said I’m usually not into DARKSIDED stuff, but the romance between the two had me giddy. I was blushing, squealing, and rooting for them the whole time.
I’m glad I stepped outside of my comfort zone to read this one, it’s supernatural, dark and regency themed. If you’re into that stuff, you will devour this book!
Thank you again to Jordan Ko and their team for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
🖤👤🫎🪞👱🏻♂️♥️ 🖤👤🫎🪞👱🏻♂️♥️
November 25, 2025
Gosh, where do I even begin with this review?
We follow Archie, the youngest son of a noble family related to the King. It hits all the historical marks, we have some drama in the royal family, we have treaties being brokered, the "season" of nobles being wed, and a healthy fear of demons and homophobia.
Damaris is a succubus, and he's spotted Archie a mile off as a queer young man who wants to be doted on the same way he's expected to dote on women.
The romance is adorable, and I devoured this book in two sittings. It is, before everything, a romance, but the open door spice is light. There is an early scene, and then there is a scene later on, and then a lot of fade to blacks.
You can see Archie come out of his shell alongside his demon friend, becoming more comfortable in himself. My heart MELTED when Damaris bargained for Archie to be able to exist on his own WITHOUT having to get married to be comfortable. The possession is purely *chefs kiss*
The reason it's a 4.3 star and not a 5:
I wanted some monster spice. It's eluded to that Archie has moments with his monstrous, horned form and I felt it was missing something not having that full scene in there, or the lack of the scene of their first time with Damaris in human form. There were two scenes early in the book, and the rest of the time it faded to black. I'd have preferred (on a personal level), the first time, a monstrous time, and then a scene at the end of the book with Damaris as a human.
There are some MINOR spelling/grammar errors, but not enough to be a let down.
The writers writing style flows well, the characters are relatable, and the book is sweet and hard to put down. Overall, this is one of my favourite MM books I've read this year, and definitely one of my quickest reads (not for lack of pages, but for my need to know the ending), and I am looking forward to the rest of the series. I will be keeping an eye out!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
We follow Archie, the youngest son of a noble family related to the King. It hits all the historical marks, we have some drama in the royal family, we have treaties being brokered, the "season" of nobles being wed, and a healthy fear of demons and homophobia.
Damaris is a succubus, and he's spotted Archie a mile off as a queer young man who wants to be doted on the same way he's expected to dote on women.
The romance is adorable, and I devoured this book in two sittings. It is, before everything, a romance, but the open door spice is light. There is an early scene, and then there is a scene later on, and then a lot of fade to blacks.
You can see Archie come out of his shell alongside his demon friend, becoming more comfortable in himself. My heart MELTED when Damaris bargained for Archie to be able to exist on his own WITHOUT having to get married to be comfortable. The possession is purely *chefs kiss*
The reason it's a 4.3 star and not a 5:
I wanted some monster spice. It's eluded to that Archie has moments with his monstrous, horned form and I felt it was missing something not having that full scene in there, or the lack of the scene of their first time with Damaris in human form. There were two scenes early in the book, and the rest of the time it faded to black. I'd have preferred (on a personal level), the first time, a monstrous time, and then a scene at the end of the book with Damaris as a human.
There are some MINOR spelling/grammar errors, but not enough to be a let down.
The writers writing style flows well, the characters are relatable, and the book is sweet and hard to put down. Overall, this is one of my favourite MM books I've read this year, and definitely one of my quickest reads (not for lack of pages, but for my need to know the ending), and I am looking forward to the rest of the series. I will be keeping an eye out!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 18, 2025
This book surprised the hell out of me.
I struggled at first because 3rd person POV always feels like a fight, but once this book clicked? I was completely gone for these two.
Their dynamic was deliciously tense, intoxicating, emotional, and impossible to step away from.
The tenderness wrapped in terror, the longing wrapped in magic - it all hit so perfectly.
By the time I got the end, I was an absolute simp for these two. Stunning, addictive, atmospheric fantasy romance.
*Thank you Jordan for an ARC of this book.
I struggled at first because 3rd person POV always feels like a fight, but once this book clicked? I was completely gone for these two.
Their dynamic was deliciously tense, intoxicating, emotional, and impossible to step away from.
The tenderness wrapped in terror, the longing wrapped in magic - it all hit so perfectly.
By the time I got the end, I was an absolute simp for these two. Stunning, addictive, atmospheric fantasy romance.
*Thank you Jordan for an ARC of this book.
November 21, 2025
Thank you to the author for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.
3.5 stars
This was a fun and spicy paranormal romance following a succubus and the human he possesses. This was addicting and fast paced. Nothing too in depth or anything like that but it was still a very fun time and I do recommend checking this book out when it releases!
3.5 stars
This was a fun and spicy paranormal romance following a succubus and the human he possesses. This was addicting and fast paced. Nothing too in depth or anything like that but it was still a very fun time and I do recommend checking this book out when it releases!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this so much! This was such a good debut from this author and I will definitely be reading more of their work in the future!
I loved the world building and how demons and the paranormal fit into society. And Damaris was everything I needed from a succubus shadow daddy. Loved him and Archie so much.
Plus I cannot wait for Ix's story!
I loved the world building and how demons and the paranormal fit into society. And Damaris was everything I needed from a succubus shadow daddy. Loved him and Archie so much.
Plus I cannot wait for Ix's story!
November 22, 2025
This is a wonderful debut, and such a fun setting to have some demon possession happening.
Archie and Damaris pair up after a bargain is struck, in just *one* body, resulting in some oddly sweet banter around human customs and desires. Archie slowly let's himself feel desires he has hidden his whole life, in effort to help Damaris feed his corporeal form. I really enjoyed seeing Archie become more confident, and happy within himself, and I think the resulting friendships and relationship with Damaris fit him beautifully.
I was lucky to be gifted an ARC for this and it's definitely one you don't want to miss!
Archie and Damaris pair up after a bargain is struck, in just *one* body, resulting in some oddly sweet banter around human customs and desires. Archie slowly let's himself feel desires he has hidden his whole life, in effort to help Damaris feed his corporeal form. I really enjoyed seeing Archie become more confident, and happy within himself, and I think the resulting friendships and relationship with Damaris fit him beautifully.
I was lucky to be gifted an ARC for this and it's definitely one you don't want to miss!
November 27, 2025
I found this book rather interesting. I enjoyed Archie. he was adorably awkward. I don't know why, but I always love awkward characters. Damaris was a great shadow demon.
December 7, 2025
I ate this book up it was sooo good 😍😍😍
December 22, 2025
I think I'm not alone in being someone who tries to temper their expectations when reading a new author. While that means I'm not as disappointed when I don't enjoy the book, it also means that when I do enjoy it-- as I did here-- it's like a nice little treat.
I'll start with the negatives. There were a few places where there was a small timeskip, but it wasn't clear if it had been hours, days, or weeks. It didn't detract too much from the story overall, but it did make me stop to ponder out how long it had actually been. Some of the early bonding between Damaris and Archie was glossed over a little bit as well, which might be a personal taste thing. The meatier parts of them getting to know each other definitely shone in the back half of the book, though.
The spicy bits were... confusing for me. I found myself either wanting them to be a little more involved, or to lean more into the FTB. What was there was well-written, I just found myself wanting either a little bit more, or none at all.
I also felt a bit like Georgia ended up not being as relevant as she seemed she might be. I'm not sure if she existed to be a fully-fledged secondary character, or just to plant the idea of leaving the country in Archie's mind, but it feels like that thread was left dangling. She never really came up again, but also Archie didn't end up putting too much thought into leaving; even if he ultimately decided to stay, it would have been nice to see it have a little more impact.
I'll note too that there were some spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting issues that I did notice, but nothing that a good editing pass couldn't help with.
That's all the negatives out of the way, now what I liked about it! :)
I liked the little bits of worldbuilding that got teased out as Archie and Damaris got to know each other better, especially in terms of how the human and demon worlds interact. I also liked the way Damaris' thought processes were presented, and how the difference in human perception vs demon perception caused some friction.
I also really liked that it wasn't just about one party being changed to fit the other, but that they both sort of met in the middle: Archie allowing himself to not just be possessed but feel comfortable with it, and Damaris coming to feel compassion. The parts where the magic bond let them experience each other through memories or sensations were really nice.
I really hope we get to see more of them in the future! I'd love to know more of what Damaris' life was like in the demon realm, and what sort of things Jasper is going to have them do. I could probably read another ten books of them just getting up to magical espionage hijinks TBH!
All in all, a nice read with a steady story, some political intrigue simmering in the margins, and a lot of focus on introspection and the kind of bond one only gets with letting an entire demon possess you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I'll start with the negatives. There were a few places where there was a small timeskip, but it wasn't clear if it had been hours, days, or weeks. It didn't detract too much from the story overall, but it did make me stop to ponder out how long it had actually been. Some of the early bonding between Damaris and Archie was glossed over a little bit as well, which might be a personal taste thing. The meatier parts of them getting to know each other definitely shone in the back half of the book, though.
The spicy bits were... confusing for me. I found myself either wanting them to be a little more involved, or to lean more into the FTB. What was there was well-written, I just found myself wanting either a little bit more, or none at all.
I also felt a bit like Georgia ended up not being as relevant as she seemed she might be. I'm not sure if she existed to be a fully-fledged secondary character, or just to plant the idea of leaving the country in Archie's mind, but it feels like that thread was left dangling. She never really came up again, but also Archie didn't end up putting too much thought into leaving; even if he ultimately decided to stay, it would have been nice to see it have a little more impact.
I'll note too that there were some spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting issues that I did notice, but nothing that a good editing pass couldn't help with.
That's all the negatives out of the way, now what I liked about it! :)
I liked the little bits of worldbuilding that got teased out as Archie and Damaris got to know each other better, especially in terms of how the human and demon worlds interact. I also liked the way Damaris' thought processes were presented, and how the difference in human perception vs demon perception caused some friction.
I also really liked that it wasn't just about one party being changed to fit the other, but that they both sort of met in the middle: Archie allowing himself to not just be possessed but feel comfortable with it, and Damaris coming to feel compassion. The parts where the magic bond let them experience each other through memories or sensations were really nice.
I really hope we get to see more of them in the future! I'd love to know more of what Damaris' life was like in the demon realm, and what sort of things Jasper is going to have them do. I could probably read another ten books of them just getting up to magical espionage hijinks TBH!
All in all, a nice read with a steady story, some political intrigue simmering in the margins, and a lot of focus on introspection and the kind of bond one only gets with letting an entire demon possess you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 28, 2025
Before I begin, I would like to thank Jordan Ko for allowing me to read a copy of their upcoming debut book, Lord of Whispered Shadows, which is the first book of their new The Demon Reflected series and will be available on Amazon on December 11th, 2025.
Archie is a human young man that also is the youngest son of a Duke. He’s struggling between his mother’s attempts at matchmaking and his surly brother’s threats to cut him off after inheriting their father’s title and estate. Marrying a wealthy noblewoman would solve all of his problems, except the fact that he is gay. He somehow also caught a succubus’ attention, which he guesses is probably better than being closeted and alone, right? Damaris is a demon whose form consists entirely of whispers and shadows after leaving the demon realm. He desperately needs magic, and the easiest way to do that is by feeding from humans’ energy. Everyone Archie knows say that being possessed by demons is bad, but if this is what possession entails, then sign him up.
This book was fantastic. You have Archie, a kind, reserved, intelligent, and lovely young man who is used to being overlooked and disappointing his family due to lack of making a match and finding himself in awkward social situations. You have Damaris, a charismatic, clever, curious, and cunning demon prince that escaped the demon realms and wants to have a corporeal form of his own. The interactions between Archie and Damaris were funny, honest, spicy, and thoughtful. I appreciated how the author discussed the different stereotypes and information about magic, demons, and the demon-human relations treaty that honestly could be applied to people in our world, especially those who don’t know much about marginalized communities. I felt so seen when Archie keeps trying his best to interact during social events to make his family happy even though oftentimes people there weren’t as welcoming as he. I wanted to hug Archie so badly, especially after he deals with Charlie and other snobs, and am glad that he finds allies as he navigates his bargain with Damaris. Overall, if you like wonderful worldbuilding, complex characters, and sweet paranormal regency queer romance with lots of spice, then I would highly recommend this book.
Archie is a human young man that also is the youngest son of a Duke. He’s struggling between his mother’s attempts at matchmaking and his surly brother’s threats to cut him off after inheriting their father’s title and estate. Marrying a wealthy noblewoman would solve all of his problems, except the fact that he is gay. He somehow also caught a succubus’ attention, which he guesses is probably better than being closeted and alone, right? Damaris is a demon whose form consists entirely of whispers and shadows after leaving the demon realm. He desperately needs magic, and the easiest way to do that is by feeding from humans’ energy. Everyone Archie knows say that being possessed by demons is bad, but if this is what possession entails, then sign him up.
This book was fantastic. You have Archie, a kind, reserved, intelligent, and lovely young man who is used to being overlooked and disappointing his family due to lack of making a match and finding himself in awkward social situations. You have Damaris, a charismatic, clever, curious, and cunning demon prince that escaped the demon realms and wants to have a corporeal form of his own. The interactions between Archie and Damaris were funny, honest, spicy, and thoughtful. I appreciated how the author discussed the different stereotypes and information about magic, demons, and the demon-human relations treaty that honestly could be applied to people in our world, especially those who don’t know much about marginalized communities. I felt so seen when Archie keeps trying his best to interact during social events to make his family happy even though oftentimes people there weren’t as welcoming as he. I wanted to hug Archie so badly, especially after he deals with Charlie and other snobs, and am glad that he finds allies as he navigates his bargain with Damaris. Overall, if you like wonderful worldbuilding, complex characters, and sweet paranormal regency queer romance with lots of spice, then I would highly recommend this book.
December 6, 2025
Archie, our human MC, was the third son of a duke — the spare to the spare 🫠. He spent most of his life dodging his mother’s matchmaking schemes and his brother’s threats to cut him off, all while knowing he couldn’t exactly marry his way to safety because… well… women weren’t his thing 😬🌈. His loneliness hit harder than I expected, and I really felt for him — that quiet desperation of wanting to belong but not knowing how. 💔
Enter Damaris — demon, succubus, walking temptation, and overall chaos incarnate 😈✨. He’d fled the demon realm, reduced to nothing but whispers and shadows, trying to regain his magic by feeding on humans. And while everyone warned humans about demons corrupting them… well, if corruption looked like Damaris, Archie was right: maybe it wasn’t so bad after all 😏🔥.
Their dynamic wasn’t explosive or life-altering, but it worked ❤️. It was steady, soft around the edges, and offered just enough forbidden longing to keep me turning pages. Nothing made me clutch my chest like a dramatic telenovela, but I did smile more than once.
Plot-wise? It had a clear, predictable path 🚶♂️➡️ but in a comforting way. No wild twists, no emotional CPR needed — just a consistent story about a lonely human boy who stumbled into the attention of a demon with cheekbones sharp enough to pierce the veil between worlds ⚔️😳. I actually enjoyed the gentle pacing, even if some characters needed a little more seasoning and depth to fully win me over.
Still, it gave me family drama, forbidden attraction, demon magic, and a world that felt like it had plenty more to explore. And by the end? I was invested enough to say:
📚 Yes, I’d read book 2.
💬 Yes, I’d recommend it to the right reader.
✨ Perfect for fans of…
👑 Noble politics & family pressure
😈 Demon–human forbidden romance
🌈 Closeted MCs finding unexpected connection
🖤 Morally ambiguous, alluring demons
💫 Slow-burn longing with magical tension
🌙 Shadowy atmospheres & quiet emotional beats
Overall, this book didn’t destroy me emotionally (thank god 😅), but it gave me a fun, steady, tender ride — and I didn’t regret a second of it. Sometimes a story doesn’t have to set your soul on fire to make you smile.
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for the ARC opportunity! 💖📚
Enter Damaris — demon, succubus, walking temptation, and overall chaos incarnate 😈✨. He’d fled the demon realm, reduced to nothing but whispers and shadows, trying to regain his magic by feeding on humans. And while everyone warned humans about demons corrupting them… well, if corruption looked like Damaris, Archie was right: maybe it wasn’t so bad after all 😏🔥.
Their dynamic wasn’t explosive or life-altering, but it worked ❤️. It was steady, soft around the edges, and offered just enough forbidden longing to keep me turning pages. Nothing made me clutch my chest like a dramatic telenovela, but I did smile more than once.
Plot-wise? It had a clear, predictable path 🚶♂️➡️ but in a comforting way. No wild twists, no emotional CPR needed — just a consistent story about a lonely human boy who stumbled into the attention of a demon with cheekbones sharp enough to pierce the veil between worlds ⚔️😳. I actually enjoyed the gentle pacing, even if some characters needed a little more seasoning and depth to fully win me over.
Still, it gave me family drama, forbidden attraction, demon magic, and a world that felt like it had plenty more to explore. And by the end? I was invested enough to say:
📚 Yes, I’d read book 2.
💬 Yes, I’d recommend it to the right reader.
✨ Perfect for fans of…
👑 Noble politics & family pressure
😈 Demon–human forbidden romance
🌈 Closeted MCs finding unexpected connection
🖤 Morally ambiguous, alluring demons
💫 Slow-burn longing with magical tension
🌙 Shadowy atmospheres & quiet emotional beats
Overall, this book didn’t destroy me emotionally (thank god 😅), but it gave me a fun, steady, tender ride — and I didn’t regret a second of it. Sometimes a story doesn’t have to set your soul on fire to make you smile.
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for the ARC opportunity! 💖📚
November 30, 2025
The Demon Reflected #1: Lord of Whispered Shadows
by Jordan Ko
ARC received — you know the drill
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5/5)
So this book was… fine. Not amazing, not terrible, just comfortably lounging in the land of “Yeah, that was alright.” I had a good time, but I didn’t lose my soul to it — which is ironic, since one of the MCs literally specializes in stealing people’s souls (or at least their dignity) through horniness.
We’ve got our human MC: the third son of a duke. Not the heir. Not even the spare. He’s basically the spare to the spare, which already tells you everything about his social life. His two brothers are out there, bagging wives and fulfilling expectations like good little nobles. Meanwhile, our boy is just out here being gay and tired — which honestly? Relatable. Extremely relatable.
Enter Damaris, a demon. A succubus. A walking temptation machine with cheekbones that could probably kill a man and a voice that screams “Yes, I will ruin your life, but you’ll thank me halfway through.” His whole deal is dragging people into their deepest desires — which, again, understandable. He’s built for it.
The plot itself? Not groundbreaking, earth-shattering, or twist-yourself-into-a-pretzel surprising. It’s steady. Consistent. Predictable in a “I can see the road sign from three chapters away” kind of way. But sometimes that’s fine! Not every book needs to snap your spine with plot twists.
The characters?
Some of them? Loved them.
Others? Needed more depth, seasoning, emotional marination — something. It wasn’t a character buffet where I wanted to adopt everyone.
The romance and dynamic? Cute enough. Not life-changing. Not hitting-my-chest-like-a-telenovela dramatic. Just… solid.
Overall, I enjoyed the ride. I didn’t scream, cry, or lose sleep over it, but I didn’t regret reading it either. It won’t make my Top 10 of the Year, but it does land nicely in the “Yeah, that was fun!” category.
Would I read book 2?
Probably.
Would I recommend it?
Sure — to someone who wants demons, forbidden longing, noble family drama, and a steady plot that doesn’t require emotional CPR.
3.5 stars, sealed, stamped, delivered.
by Jordan Ko
ARC received — you know the drill
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5/5)
So this book was… fine. Not amazing, not terrible, just comfortably lounging in the land of “Yeah, that was alright.” I had a good time, but I didn’t lose my soul to it — which is ironic, since one of the MCs literally specializes in stealing people’s souls (or at least their dignity) through horniness.
We’ve got our human MC: the third son of a duke. Not the heir. Not even the spare. He’s basically the spare to the spare, which already tells you everything about his social life. His two brothers are out there, bagging wives and fulfilling expectations like good little nobles. Meanwhile, our boy is just out here being gay and tired — which honestly? Relatable. Extremely relatable.
Enter Damaris, a demon. A succubus. A walking temptation machine with cheekbones that could probably kill a man and a voice that screams “Yes, I will ruin your life, but you’ll thank me halfway through.” His whole deal is dragging people into their deepest desires — which, again, understandable. He’s built for it.
The plot itself? Not groundbreaking, earth-shattering, or twist-yourself-into-a-pretzel surprising. It’s steady. Consistent. Predictable in a “I can see the road sign from three chapters away” kind of way. But sometimes that’s fine! Not every book needs to snap your spine with plot twists.
The characters?
Some of them? Loved them.
Others? Needed more depth, seasoning, emotional marination — something. It wasn’t a character buffet where I wanted to adopt everyone.
The romance and dynamic? Cute enough. Not life-changing. Not hitting-my-chest-like-a-telenovela dramatic. Just… solid.
Overall, I enjoyed the ride. I didn’t scream, cry, or lose sleep over it, but I didn’t regret reading it either. It won’t make my Top 10 of the Year, but it does land nicely in the “Yeah, that was fun!” category.
Would I read book 2?
Probably.
Would I recommend it?
Sure — to someone who wants demons, forbidden longing, noble family drama, and a steady plot that doesn’t require emotional CPR.
3.5 stars, sealed, stamped, delivered.
December 4, 2025
Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance
Spice: 2.5/5🌶️
*spice ratings are relative to similar books in the same genre*
The Catalog: M/M, demon x nobleman, paranormal regency hist-rom setting, mutually beneficial demonic possession, shadow play, pleasure contract, touch starved MMC, gay MMC, inexperienced MMC, queer joy in a society against it
Kink: bondage, orgasm denial, primal marking (bite), mild CNC, mirrors
Synopsis:
Even as the third son of a Duke, Archie has struggled with the weight of the expectations that comes from being a nobleman. How is he to find a woman to marry when his darkest desires are only for men? However, when Archie’s desires summon Damaris, a demon that feeds on lust, they strike a deal that Archie is unable to resist: pleasure in exchange for power. The catch? Damaris must possess Archie.
Thoughts:
When I signed up for an ARC, I was drawn to this story because I was very intrigued by paranormal regency romance! And I must say, this series’s world is so much fun and felt so fresh and unique in the monster romance sub-genre. I have never before read a possession romance, aka “only one body,” but it worked so well and was incredibly humorous and engaging!
Archie is such a special character; he’s a touch starved gay man in a society focused entirely on lines of succession. He wants partnership more than anything, but doesn’t know how to get it safely. Enter Damaris, a demon wanting to experience the human realm, but unable to conjure a corporeal form without feeding from humans. I think both of these characters were totally blindsided by how intense their arrangement would become. Their romance was so cute!!
And of course, this has all the fun things about monster romance including: size difference, sexy shadow play, monstrous shape shifting, biting / marking, and a MC that is unrepentant in his desire for the monstrous.
Definitely recommend for cozy monster and paranormal romance readers, especially for when you’re looking for something different! I’m looking forward to more in this world!!
Spice: 2.5/5🌶️
*spice ratings are relative to similar books in the same genre*
The Catalog: M/M, demon x nobleman, paranormal regency hist-rom setting, mutually beneficial demonic possession, shadow play, pleasure contract, touch starved MMC, gay MMC, inexperienced MMC, queer joy in a society against it
Kink: bondage, orgasm denial, primal marking (bite), mild CNC, mirrors
Synopsis:
Even as the third son of a Duke, Archie has struggled with the weight of the expectations that comes from being a nobleman. How is he to find a woman to marry when his darkest desires are only for men? However, when Archie’s desires summon Damaris, a demon that feeds on lust, they strike a deal that Archie is unable to resist: pleasure in exchange for power. The catch? Damaris must possess Archie.
Thoughts:
When I signed up for an ARC, I was drawn to this story because I was very intrigued by paranormal regency romance! And I must say, this series’s world is so much fun and felt so fresh and unique in the monster romance sub-genre. I have never before read a possession romance, aka “only one body,” but it worked so well and was incredibly humorous and engaging!
Archie is such a special character; he’s a touch starved gay man in a society focused entirely on lines of succession. He wants partnership more than anything, but doesn’t know how to get it safely. Enter Damaris, a demon wanting to experience the human realm, but unable to conjure a corporeal form without feeding from humans. I think both of these characters were totally blindsided by how intense their arrangement would become. Their romance was so cute!!
And of course, this has all the fun things about monster romance including: size difference, sexy shadow play, monstrous shape shifting, biting / marking, and a MC that is unrepentant in his desire for the monstrous.
Definitely recommend for cozy monster and paranormal romance readers, especially for when you’re looking for something different! I’m looking forward to more in this world!!
November 28, 2025
I truly enjoyed this adventure into the fantasy world, Bridgerton-esque in its rigid social conventions and expectations (Why aren't you married yet, Archie? With the title and all? Really it's the done thing.), yet with the additional layer of demonic possession and morally ambiguous dealings with supernatural beings. All in all, I found it engaging, intriguing, and a delightful way to spend several cozy evenings.
The story itself unfolds gradually, and is very driven by the development of main character, Archie. Forced to hide his attraction to men, he's desperately lonely (and horny, too), to the point that he gives in to a demon's temptation. That's where the story really begins. Getting to know the various faces of Damaris was my favorite part, as his relationship and personality are gradually transformed through his connection with Archie, until the very satisfying ending.
I found the erotic scenes inconsistent, as some were quite sexy and detailed, while several others closed the curtain just when things were getting good. So expect to use your imagination more than perhaps you'd prefer. Also, the storyline, while generally well-structured and paced nicely, occasionally got a bit bogged-down in demonology for my taste. It's a tricky balance, to provide context without boring the reader. Generally I think the author managed it admirably.
Some of the sentence structure was a bit off, which made me pause to reread on occasion. However, as I received an advance review copy for free (and am leaving this review voluntarily), the current lack of polish is forgivable; I expect will be cleaned up in the final publication.
The story itself unfolds gradually, and is very driven by the development of main character, Archie. Forced to hide his attraction to men, he's desperately lonely (and horny, too), to the point that he gives in to a demon's temptation. That's where the story really begins. Getting to know the various faces of Damaris was my favorite part, as his relationship and personality are gradually transformed through his connection with Archie, until the very satisfying ending.
I found the erotic scenes inconsistent, as some were quite sexy and detailed, while several others closed the curtain just when things were getting good. So expect to use your imagination more than perhaps you'd prefer. Also, the storyline, while generally well-structured and paced nicely, occasionally got a bit bogged-down in demonology for my taste. It's a tricky balance, to provide context without boring the reader. Generally I think the author managed it admirably.
Some of the sentence structure was a bit off, which made me pause to reread on occasion. However, as I received an advance review copy for free (and am leaving this review voluntarily), the current lack of polish is forgivable; I expect will be cleaned up in the final publication.
December 13, 2025
LORD OF WHISPERED SHADOWS is the first book in The Demon Reflected series, set in a historical fantasy setting, where demons and mages are known about.
Archie is the youngest son of a noble family, second cousin to the Crown Prince, and his mother is desperate to marry him off. It becomes clear that the reason for this is that the eldest son, Charlie, who is a complete douche, has no intention of caring for his brother once he inherits. Or, indeed, even his mother. So when Archie accidentally summons and makes a deal with a succubus, you can only imagine how it will work. Especially when it is not common knowledge for two men to be together.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, seeing it through Archie's eyes as he gains small moments of pleasure from Damaris... and I don't mean between the sheets. I loved the romantic gestures, the ones Damaris knew Archie wanted, so he gave them to him. Like being walked home, for example. It was so sweet! Of course, it was also steamy in places, but nothing too far, as most of the time it faded to black.
I can't wait to continue with the royal intrigue and shenanigans in this series, and I'm really hoping for more Archie and Damaris too. Definitely recommended by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 11, 2025
Archie is the youngest son of a noble family, second cousin to the Crown Prince, and his mother is desperate to marry him off. It becomes clear that the reason for this is that the eldest son, Charlie, who is a complete douche, has no intention of caring for his brother once he inherits. Or, indeed, even his mother. So when Archie accidentally summons and makes a deal with a succubus, you can only imagine how it will work. Especially when it is not common knowledge for two men to be together.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, seeing it through Archie's eyes as he gains small moments of pleasure from Damaris... and I don't mean between the sheets. I loved the romantic gestures, the ones Damaris knew Archie wanted, so he gave them to him. Like being walked home, for example. It was so sweet! Of course, it was also steamy in places, but nothing too far, as most of the time it faded to black.
I can't wait to continue with the royal intrigue and shenanigans in this series, and I'm really hoping for more Archie and Damaris too. Definitely recommended by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 11, 2025
December 12, 2025
Lord of Whispered Shadows is the paranormal/regency mashup you didn’t know you needed.
Archie is the youngest son of a duke, and he doesn’t really have a place in the world. His mother keeps trying to set him up with eligible young ladies, but his inclinations lie in … other directions. Because of this secret, he keeps to himself, hiding his desires. Until one day, after another disastrous “date,” he sees something in his reflection, then shadows out of the corner of his eye, and then … a voice in his mind? The voice whispers ever-so tempting thoughts to Archie, and he struggles to refuse. And then he no longer wants to — he wants to experience all the things he’s longed for. When he agrees to be possessed by the succubus Damaris, he doesn’t really know what he’s agreeing to … but it turns out, neither does Damaris.
The two grow closer (in all the ways!) as Damaris grows stronger. What started out as a simple possession deal turns into something more for both of them, and it is delicious.
I loved this book. It’s no secret I’m a sucker for demon stories, and while I don’t read as many historical romances, I loved the world Jordan Ko created here. There are horse and carriages, yes, but also magic and half-demon princes. It’s a fast and fabulous read, and I can’t wait for more!
Definitely recommend.
December 18, 2025
Lord of Whispered Shadows by Jordan Ko is a moody, atmospheric MM fantasy romance that leans heavily into longing, secrecy, and morally grey desire and I really enjoyed it.
The story follows Archie, the youngest son of a duke, who is trapped between noble expectations and the reality of being a gay man in a society that offers him no safe future. Enter Damaris, a demon reduced to whispers and shadows, surviving on stolen energy and desperation. Their meeting is equal parts eerie, intimate, and inevitable.
One of the book’s strongest points is its tone. The slow, shadowy buildup works perfectly for a story about repression and temptation. Damaris is seductive without being over-the-top, and Archie’s internal conflict feels genuine and painful. The romance develops gradually, driven by need, curiosity, and shared loneliness rather than instant devotion, which made it feel earned.
I also appreciated how the book explores power imbalance and consent thoughtfully, especially given the demon/human dynamic. It doesn’t shy away from darker themes, but it handles them with care rather than shock value.
That said, the pacing occasionally drags in the middle, and I would have loved more world-building outside of Archie’s immediate sphere particularly regarding the demon realm and Damaris’s past. Still, the emotional payoff and character chemistry kept me invested.
The story follows Archie, the youngest son of a duke, who is trapped between noble expectations and the reality of being a gay man in a society that offers him no safe future. Enter Damaris, a demon reduced to whispers and shadows, surviving on stolen energy and desperation. Their meeting is equal parts eerie, intimate, and inevitable.
One of the book’s strongest points is its tone. The slow, shadowy buildup works perfectly for a story about repression and temptation. Damaris is seductive without being over-the-top, and Archie’s internal conflict feels genuine and painful. The romance develops gradually, driven by need, curiosity, and shared loneliness rather than instant devotion, which made it feel earned.
I also appreciated how the book explores power imbalance and consent thoughtfully, especially given the demon/human dynamic. It doesn’t shy away from darker themes, but it handles them with care rather than shock value.
That said, the pacing occasionally drags in the middle, and I would have loved more world-building outside of Archie’s immediate sphere particularly regarding the demon realm and Damaris’s past. Still, the emotional payoff and character chemistry kept me invested.
December 8, 2025
If you like your books spicy with the promise of plot, this is going to be for you. I enjoyed the world-building and the magic system, but felt a bit let down by the execution: I wanted to see where the deal with so and so went, I wanted to see some glimmer of the machinations of the other side, or a feeling of increased risk as the book went on.
That said, I overall enjoyed this. When I started reading it, not going to lie, I wasn't sure what I'd gotten myself into, but then things balanced out with some more world building and plot and I found it an interesting concept. Overall, it's well written, I thought Archie was a sweet narrator even if the guy is dangerously interested, to put it mildly (that's the whole point of the novel, yes yes, but it still cracked me up). I see that this is the first in a series, and I'm really interested to see where the world building and hints of political intrigue go. Yes, I am a boring person who prefers that to spice.
Historical queer fantasy is always going to intrigue me, it mixes a bunch of my favourite things together. It's a quick read, nothing heavy, and looks a bit at the line of impoverished nobility, though it doesn't delve deeply in.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
That said, I overall enjoyed this. When I started reading it, not going to lie, I wasn't sure what I'd gotten myself into, but then things balanced out with some more world building and plot and I found it an interesting concept. Overall, it's well written, I thought Archie was a sweet narrator even if the guy is dangerously interested, to put it mildly (that's the whole point of the novel, yes yes, but it still cracked me up). I see that this is the first in a series, and I'm really interested to see where the world building and hints of political intrigue go. Yes, I am a boring person who prefers that to spice.
Historical queer fantasy is always going to intrigue me, it mixes a bunch of my favourite things together. It's a quick read, nothing heavy, and looks a bit at the line of impoverished nobility, though it doesn't delve deeply in.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 10, 2025
Lord of Whispered Shadows | Jordan KO ARC Review📖🖤
This was the first time I read a book like this, and it was quite different for me — even enlightening ✨📚 Archie’s struggles as the youngest son of a duke, dealing with pressure from both his family and society, especially his mother’s push for an arranged marriage and his own inner conflict of not feeling any attraction toward women, were portrayed really well 💔👑
On the other hand, there’s Damaris — a demonic being living among whispers and shadows, needing to steal human energy to regain his power. Dark, dangerous, yet strangely captivating 🖤🔥 The dynamic between them unfolded through an emotional and shadow-touched pull, which I think was one of the strongest parts of the story.
The spicy scenes were quite good; honestly, I wouldn’t have complained if there were even more 😅🌶️ They were never uncomfortable — if anything, they made the connection between the characters feel even more intense.
Overall, it was a book that pulled me into its unique world, and I truly enjoyed reading it. I’m definitely curious about what comes next 🖤📖✨
@jordankowrites
#Bookstagram #BookReview #MMRomance #QueerBooks #DarkFantasyReads #DemonRomance #FantasyRomance #BookRecommendation #BookishLove #ReadersOfInstagram #SpicyReads #BookAddict #BookLovers #Romantasy #IndieAuthor #BookTok #ReadingCommunity
This was the first time I read a book like this, and it was quite different for me — even enlightening ✨📚 Archie’s struggles as the youngest son of a duke, dealing with pressure from both his family and society, especially his mother’s push for an arranged marriage and his own inner conflict of not feeling any attraction toward women, were portrayed really well 💔👑
On the other hand, there’s Damaris — a demonic being living among whispers and shadows, needing to steal human energy to regain his power. Dark, dangerous, yet strangely captivating 🖤🔥 The dynamic between them unfolded through an emotional and shadow-touched pull, which I think was one of the strongest parts of the story.
The spicy scenes were quite good; honestly, I wouldn’t have complained if there were even more 😅🌶️ They were never uncomfortable — if anything, they made the connection between the characters feel even more intense.
Overall, it was a book that pulled me into its unique world, and I truly enjoyed reading it. I’m definitely curious about what comes next 🖤📖✨
@jordankowrites
#Bookstagram #BookReview #MMRomance #QueerBooks #DarkFantasyReads #DemonRomance #FantasyRomance #BookRecommendation #BookishLove #ReadersOfInstagram #SpicyReads #BookAddict #BookLovers #Romantasy #IndieAuthor #BookTok #ReadingCommunity
December 28, 2025
while the protagonist being named archibald is tragic, this novel is anything but. i found it quite pleasant and easy to read. it was a straightforward novel, with straightforward characters. our protagonist (who, fortunately, is nicknamed archie) was likable if uncomplicated. damaris, the demon love interest, was charming and even managed to endear himself to me with the amusing way he interacted with the human world. i liked how the attraction was mutual & i definitely would've enjoyed this less if there had been a third act breakup where it was revealed that damaris was faking it the whole time. the side characters were perfectly serviceable, and i'm interested enough in prince ixthan's whole Deal to consider reading his book next. i do think that i like damaris' personality more, though. the plot wasn't anything too complex, and anything beyond archie's & damaris' relationship remained at the periphery. although the novel was not so heavy on worldbuilding, the whole shtick with magic and demons was more established than i thought it would be. i expect that more will be revealed as the series goes on. tldr; a quick, entertaining read.
thanks to booksirens and the publisher for providing this e-arc in exchange for an honest review
thanks to booksirens and the publisher for providing this e-arc in exchange for an honest review
December 7, 2025
A riveting historical monster romance and exceptional debut.
Archie is the youngest son of the Duke of Russex, 22nd in line for the throne, and deeply closeted. Tired of the endless string of events his mother sends him to in order to find a suitable match and desperate to give in to his true desires he's an easy sell when succubus demon Damaris needs to possess someone and feed off of their desires. A deal is struck. But both get more than they bargained for.
This was a cleverly crafted world where demons are known, even part of the royal hierarchy, but otherwise forbidden. Where politics, birth order, inheritance, and nobility reign supreme and queerness is not accepted. Together the whimsy, magic, and paranormal elements meld together with the deeply emotional issues of family, future, and expectations. Making this a gripping, steamy, and shockingly poignant story.
What you’ll get:
•Regency Era Historical Romance
•Demon/Human
•Possession
•Feeding off of desire
•Shapeshifting corporeal form
•Only One Bed Body
•Repressed/Hidden Sexuality
•First Times
•Demons are known to humans but forbidden
I received an early copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Archie is the youngest son of the Duke of Russex, 22nd in line for the throne, and deeply closeted. Tired of the endless string of events his mother sends him to in order to find a suitable match and desperate to give in to his true desires he's an easy sell when succubus demon Damaris needs to possess someone and feed off of their desires. A deal is struck. But both get more than they bargained for.
This was a cleverly crafted world where demons are known, even part of the royal hierarchy, but otherwise forbidden. Where politics, birth order, inheritance, and nobility reign supreme and queerness is not accepted. Together the whimsy, magic, and paranormal elements meld together with the deeply emotional issues of family, future, and expectations. Making this a gripping, steamy, and shockingly poignant story.
What you’ll get:
•Regency Era Historical Romance
•Demon/Human
•Possession
•Feeding off of desire
•Shapeshifting corporeal form
•Only One Bed Body
•Repressed/Hidden Sexuality
•First Times
•Demons are known to humans but forbidden
I received an early copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
December 7, 2025
Lord Of Whispered Shadows
3.25⭐💫
okayy so this book felt exactly like felt basking under warm sun during winter with a cup of masala chai.
• It was a warm, sweet and spicy read that made me feel all warm and woozyy!
• I loved how atmospheric and gripping this book was, It dragged me straight into the historical world with it's sharp claws, never letting me escape and I was absolutely soaking the historical gothic-esque world.
• The writing was absolutely charming and enthralling
• I love Archie and how Damaris's company slowly made him become a better version of himself, and the stigma and shame was carried out so so perfectly, I loove it.
• I did feel like I was waiting SOMETHING big to happen, and it did'nt I was quite disappointed. I wished there was more world building or the lore could've been explained better.
• And Damaris (WOW, Mr. Demon) I enjoyed his tyrsts with Archie veryy much, and that extra at the end definitely tied all those strings with a nice little bow.
💌Overall,
Really fun, spicy enjoyable read that fulfilled me
Thanks BookSirens and Jordan Ko for the ARC, All opinions are my own
3.25⭐💫
okayy so this book felt exactly like felt basking under warm sun during winter with a cup of masala chai.
• It was a warm, sweet and spicy read that made me feel all warm and woozyy!
• I loved how atmospheric and gripping this book was, It dragged me straight into the historical world with it's sharp claws, never letting me escape and I was absolutely soaking the historical gothic-esque world.
• The writing was absolutely charming and enthralling
• I love Archie and how Damaris's company slowly made him become a better version of himself, and the stigma and shame was carried out so so perfectly, I loove it.
• I did feel like I was waiting SOMETHING big to happen, and it did'nt I was quite disappointed. I wished there was more world building or the lore could've been explained better.
• And Damaris (WOW, Mr. Demon) I enjoyed his tyrsts with Archie veryy much, and that extra at the end definitely tied all those strings with a nice little bow.
💌Overall,
Really fun, spicy enjoyable read that fulfilled me
Thanks BookSirens and Jordan Ko for the ARC, All opinions are my own
December 10, 2025
This was a solid debut novel! I really enjoyed the concept of the story. It’s interesting to set a romance in a world where we have common knowledge of magic and demons, but there are still the usual societal expectations and mores that we expect from queer regency romances.
The story is third-person single pov. Archie, our main character, is the youngest son of a noble family. I liked his character. I thought it was well-developed, and found myself rooting for him during the story. However, I felt like the other characters, particularly his love interest, were not nearly as well developed. I found myself wanting to see more of his character growth. By the end of the book, it looks like we have our HEA, but I’m not 100% sure how we got there? Since the whole story is from Archie’s pov, I just wish we had more to see Damaris’s feelings grow and develop too.
Overall, I did enjoy this read. This is an author that I’m definitely going to be keeping my eye on, and reading in the future. I’m especially looking forward to reading the sequel, as I think this is a great concept and will be a good series!
~ ARC review~
The story is third-person single pov. Archie, our main character, is the youngest son of a noble family. I liked his character. I thought it was well-developed, and found myself rooting for him during the story. However, I felt like the other characters, particularly his love interest, were not nearly as well developed. I found myself wanting to see more of his character growth. By the end of the book, it looks like we have our HEA, but I’m not 100% sure how we got there? Since the whole story is from Archie’s pov, I just wish we had more to see Damaris’s feelings grow and develop too.
Overall, I did enjoy this read. This is an author that I’m definitely going to be keeping my eye on, and reading in the future. I’m especially looking forward to reading the sequel, as I think this is a great concept and will be a good series!
~ ARC review~
December 11, 2025
Picture Bridgerton… but hotter… and with demons!
I may or may not have imagined Benedict Bridgerton as our (very human) MMC, Archibald “Archie” of Russex — a man trapped by society’s expectations who suddenly finds himself in quite the hot predicament when he starts noticing Damaris (our demon-shadow-daddy MMC) lurking in the literal shadows. After a very steamy demonstration of what Damaris can do, they strike a deal: Damaris will possess Archie and, well… feed off his deepest, hidden desires (wink wink), and Archie will get to experience all the things he has had to repress for the sake of “decorum” in the eyes of the society. First of all, the concept of this book is just chef’s kiss. Regency era + demons? Brilliant! Jordan also does a fantastic job capturing both the secrecy and the crushing weight Archie carries, not only because he’s being possessed by a demon in a society with incredibly strict rules around them, but also because he has to hide his true sexual desires from his family and social circle. Honestly, the whole book gave me serious Joey Tribbiani “How you doin’?”vibes in the best possible way!
I received an ARC of this book, all opinions are my own.
I may or may not have imagined Benedict Bridgerton as our (very human) MMC, Archibald “Archie” of Russex — a man trapped by society’s expectations who suddenly finds himself in quite the hot predicament when he starts noticing Damaris (our demon-shadow-daddy MMC) lurking in the literal shadows. After a very steamy demonstration of what Damaris can do, they strike a deal: Damaris will possess Archie and, well… feed off his deepest, hidden desires (wink wink), and Archie will get to experience all the things he has had to repress for the sake of “decorum” in the eyes of the society. First of all, the concept of this book is just chef’s kiss. Regency era + demons? Brilliant! Jordan also does a fantastic job capturing both the secrecy and the crushing weight Archie carries, not only because he’s being possessed by a demon in a society with incredibly strict rules around them, but also because he has to hide his true sexual desires from his family and social circle. Honestly, the whole book gave me serious Joey Tribbiani “How you doin’?”vibes in the best possible way!
I received an ARC of this book, all opinions are my own.
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