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Betrayals Trilogy #2
Echoes of the Gray
Not yet published
Expected 24 Mar 26
A chained heart. A forbidden touch. A fight with fate.
Everything Ever thought she knew was a lie. With deep cuts from betrayal, she doesn’t know where to place her fragile trust.
Hunted by an entire realm, she’s forced to return home, only to discover endless vacant minds and self-destruction. Her plans to restore free will to her people change course when she wakes up in an underground society of outcasts who act solely on raw desire, all willing to kill for their next fix. Elivander’s arms should be Ever’s safety amid the threats, but every time she falls into them, her touch is laced with pain.
Her chance of survival is buried deeper with each truth she unveils. When every path is just another lie, only darkness lights the way forward, but the risk is clear—
Love is ruin.
Echoes of the Gray is the second in a dark fantasy dark romance trilogy from Jaime L. Tlax. Enter the chaos with book Betrayals of the Broken.
Everything Ever thought she knew was a lie. With deep cuts from betrayal, she doesn’t know where to place her fragile trust.
Hunted by an entire realm, she’s forced to return home, only to discover endless vacant minds and self-destruction. Her plans to restore free will to her people change course when she wakes up in an underground society of outcasts who act solely on raw desire, all willing to kill for their next fix. Elivander’s arms should be Ever’s safety amid the threats, but every time she falls into them, her touch is laced with pain.
Her chance of survival is buried deeper with each truth she unveils. When every path is just another lie, only darkness lights the way forward, but the risk is clear—
Love is ruin.
Echoes of the Gray is the second in a dark fantasy dark romance trilogy from Jaime L. Tlax. Enter the chaos with book Betrayals of the Broken.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 24, 2026
90 people want to read
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Review of advance copy received from Author
This is book 2 of the Betrayals series and it did not come in quietly.
This book came in where the book 1 left off. The darkness level is higher. The knife play scale is higher. Echoes of The Gray did not come to play.
Everielle (Ever) is on a journey to discover and trust in herself and her abilities this book. She even gets a bit of a two for one deal in the MMC department. But she only ever has eyes for her one a**hole that drives her wild.
The banter was fun and the twists and turns just kept coming. I literally gasped a few times at what was happening. The ending brings tears to your eyes and fear in your hearts. The cliffhanger is going to leave you needing medical help so proceed with caution.
The story has themes that some audiences may find uncomfortable so please make sure and check trigger warnings before reading this dark fantasy romance.
Looking forward to the 3rd book and the conclusion to the Betrayals Series. 💙💜
This book came in where the book 1 left off. The darkness level is higher. The knife play scale is higher. Echoes of The Gray did not come to play.
Everielle (Ever) is on a journey to discover and trust in herself and her abilities this book. She even gets a bit of a two for one deal in the MMC department. But she only ever has eyes for her one a**hole that drives her wild.
The banter was fun and the twists and turns just kept coming. I literally gasped a few times at what was happening. The ending brings tears to your eyes and fear in your hearts. The cliffhanger is going to leave you needing medical help so proceed with caution.
The story has themes that some audiences may find uncomfortable so please make sure and check trigger warnings before reading this dark fantasy romance.
Looking forward to the 3rd book and the conclusion to the Betrayals Series. 💙💜
Review of advance copy received from Author
First of all, big thanks to the author for this eARC. These are my thoughts, obvs.
Also, bless this author for the recap chapter in the beginning! This is awesome.
Echoes kept the dark thrills of the Betrayals and put the plot into gear. Ever's already turned upside down and inside out and yet she's still pushing through everything thrown her way. Eli though *chefs kiss* you want an obsessive MMC cause that's him 100%
The cliffhanger was wild and that ending left me in a puddle that I'm going to drown in until the next book.
Also, bless this author for the recap chapter in the beginning! This is awesome.
Echoes kept the dark thrills of the Betrayals and put the plot into gear. Ever's already turned upside down and inside out and yet she's still pushing through everything thrown her way. Eli though *chefs kiss* you want an obsessive MMC cause that's him 100%
The cliffhanger was wild and that ending left me in a puddle that I'm going to drown in until the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the honor of both alpha and beta reading this book! Hot take…I liked it even more than book one.
The characters, the story, the content warnings and the SPICE!
The characters, the story, the content warnings and the SPICE!
February 28, 2026
**This is a review of an ARC given by the author - review is given freely and thoughts of my own**
Seducing, chaotic, DARK!
“The slightest movement from me would make him howl in pain, but his words have me frozen”
First and foremost, I think I have found my new favourite series and it’s not even complete yet!
Echoes of the Gray was an absolutely phenomenal read following on from Betrayals of the Broken. We were able to expand on the absolute chaos dynamic between Ever, Eli and Kelter and even more of each personality got a chance to shine through. And interaction between them all. It truly is a dysfunctional love affair but I can’t stop myself from wanting to place my bets on how it’s going to end.
There was a lot more jaw dropping moments throughout that were perfectly placed in each part of the book. Leaving enough time for the shocker to settle on the pages and for the reader to really take it in and begin to put the pieces together before throwing the next thing at you.
I found myself drawn in to each character so much more and the revelations that some had to face truly did break my heart as a reader. So it’s without saying, the way Jaime has written from the perspective of each character really makes you feel what they’re feeling. Which leads me to one thing I was so so thrilled about and hoped for after the first book was that we got to see more POV chapters from the three main characters which made the banter flow so much easier throughout and made some scenes make a lot more sense.
The ending shocked me and I’m already needing the next book because there’s no way you can leave it on a cliffhanger like that!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I need more!
Seducing, chaotic, DARK!
“The slightest movement from me would make him howl in pain, but his words have me frozen”
First and foremost, I think I have found my new favourite series and it’s not even complete yet!
Echoes of the Gray was an absolutely phenomenal read following on from Betrayals of the Broken. We were able to expand on the absolute chaos dynamic between Ever, Eli and Kelter and even more of each personality got a chance to shine through. And interaction between them all. It truly is a dysfunctional love affair but I can’t stop myself from wanting to place my bets on how it’s going to end.
There was a lot more jaw dropping moments throughout that were perfectly placed in each part of the book. Leaving enough time for the shocker to settle on the pages and for the reader to really take it in and begin to put the pieces together before throwing the next thing at you.
I found myself drawn in to each character so much more and the revelations that some had to face truly did break my heart as a reader. So it’s without saying, the way Jaime has written from the perspective of each character really makes you feel what they’re feeling. Which leads me to one thing I was so so thrilled about and hoped for after the first book was that we got to see more POV chapters from the three main characters which made the banter flow so much easier throughout and made some scenes make a lot more sense.
The ending shocked me and I’m already needing the next book because there’s no way you can leave it on a cliffhanger like that!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I need more!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was able to ARC read this early and wow. We have spicy banter and the things this MMC says. Love. It has fallen gods, it is a dark romantasy and has a unique magic system. This is book 2 and it drops you right where book 1 leaves off. You hit the ground running and it keeps you going. I enjoyed everything about this book. I can't get enough of Ever and Eli.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Jaime L. Tlax’s Echoes of the Gray, thank you for the gifted ARC. This book is chaos wrapped in velvet and handed to you with a warning label you absolutely should read.
I went in expecting dark fantasy romance. I was not prepared for the emotional carnage.
Echoes of the Gray, book two in the Betrayals Trilogy, drops us straight back into the fallout with Ever, Eli, and Kelter, and there is no gentle reentry. Ever is hunted, betrayed, and forced to question every truth she thought she understood. Watching her fight to restore free will to her people while barely holding onto her own sense of trust is brutal in the best way. She’s not a soft heroine. She’s sharp, sarcastic, stubborn, and still somehow heartbreakingly fragile under the armor.
And then there’s Elivander. Obsessive. Devoted. Dangerous. The tension between him and Ever is laced with pain, literally and emotionally. Every touch costs them something. One line that absolutely wrecked me:
“The slightest movement from me would make him howl in pain, but his words have me frozen.”
Tell me that doesn’t live rent free in your head.
Kelter adds this chaotic, razor sharp banter that cuts through the darkness just enough to let you breathe. His dynamic with Eli is dysfunctional, hilarious, and constantly simmering. The triangle between them isn’t neat. It’s messy, volatile, and impossible to look away from.
The underground society of outcasts brought a gritty, unsettling layer to the world building. Desire without restraint. Loyalty tangled with brutality. It deepens the stakes in a way that makes the realm feel alive and dangerous.
★★★★★ 4.5/5
This is for readers who love dark romantasy with possessive MMC energy, morally gray choices, fallen gods, sharp banter, and spice that actually serves the emotional tension. If you liked the chaos of fractured trust and power dynamics that hurt so good, you will eat this up.
The cliffhanger? Rude. Illegal. I’m unwell.
So tell me, are you rooting for Ever and Eli endgame, or are you placing your bets somewhere far more chaotic?
#EchoesoftheGray #JaimeLTlax #BetrayalsTrilogy #DarkRomantasy #DarkFantasyRomance #ARCReview #FantasyReaders #SpicyBooks #MorallyGray #Bookstagram
I went in expecting dark fantasy romance. I was not prepared for the emotional carnage.
Echoes of the Gray, book two in the Betrayals Trilogy, drops us straight back into the fallout with Ever, Eli, and Kelter, and there is no gentle reentry. Ever is hunted, betrayed, and forced to question every truth she thought she understood. Watching her fight to restore free will to her people while barely holding onto her own sense of trust is brutal in the best way. She’s not a soft heroine. She’s sharp, sarcastic, stubborn, and still somehow heartbreakingly fragile under the armor.
And then there’s Elivander. Obsessive. Devoted. Dangerous. The tension between him and Ever is laced with pain, literally and emotionally. Every touch costs them something. One line that absolutely wrecked me:
“The slightest movement from me would make him howl in pain, but his words have me frozen.”
Tell me that doesn’t live rent free in your head.
Kelter adds this chaotic, razor sharp banter that cuts through the darkness just enough to let you breathe. His dynamic with Eli is dysfunctional, hilarious, and constantly simmering. The triangle between them isn’t neat. It’s messy, volatile, and impossible to look away from.
The underground society of outcasts brought a gritty, unsettling layer to the world building. Desire without restraint. Loyalty tangled with brutality. It deepens the stakes in a way that makes the realm feel alive and dangerous.
★★★★★ 4.5/5
This is for readers who love dark romantasy with possessive MMC energy, morally gray choices, fallen gods, sharp banter, and spice that actually serves the emotional tension. If you liked the chaos of fractured trust and power dynamics that hurt so good, you will eat this up.
The cliffhanger? Rude. Illegal. I’m unwell.
So tell me, are you rooting for Ever and Eli endgame, or are you placing your bets somewhere far more chaotic?
#EchoesoftheGray #JaimeLTlax #BetrayalsTrilogy #DarkRomantasy #DarkFantasyRomance #ARCReview #FantasyReaders #SpicyBooks #MorallyGray #Bookstagram
Review of advance copy received from Author
Well that’s one way to break my heart !!
If you’ve been following along this is book 2 in the Betrayals trilogy by Jaime Tlax . We are taken on a journey with Ever, Kelter and Eli. This is a very complex world building dark fantasy romance so please pay attention to the details , I promise it all makes sense if you do . Now let’s get into book 2…
Echoes of the gray picks up right where we left off in betrayals of the broken and we even get a little recap chapter to start us off . This book is packed with banter , spice and amazing character development . Again it is heavy on the development of the plot so it can be easy to feel lost if you aren’t catching all the details . The journey we see Ever and Eli take as the fall in love and fight every second of it is perfection. Learning to understand and navigate the feelings for Eli and the bond with Kelter all while watching Ever grow as a character was everything we needed. If you thought the cliffhanger in book 1 was painful buckle up because I went from laughing one second to sobbing the next. Brace yourself and grab the tissues .
Evers character has such beautiful growth , however there nothing better than a morally questionable MMC making you want to fall to your knees . Eli may be semi obsessed with her underwear and has a thing for her ears but that man is so far gone for her. That man was chefs kiss . We aren’t gonna talk about Kelter okay, we are just going to hope for a redemption arc okay . I’m gonna go try to mend my broken heart now while I wait for book 3
If you’ve been following along this is book 2 in the Betrayals trilogy by Jaime Tlax . We are taken on a journey with Ever, Kelter and Eli. This is a very complex world building dark fantasy romance so please pay attention to the details , I promise it all makes sense if you do . Now let’s get into book 2…
Echoes of the gray picks up right where we left off in betrayals of the broken and we even get a little recap chapter to start us off . This book is packed with banter , spice and amazing character development . Again it is heavy on the development of the plot so it can be easy to feel lost if you aren’t catching all the details . The journey we see Ever and Eli take as the fall in love and fight every second of it is perfection. Learning to understand and navigate the feelings for Eli and the bond with Kelter all while watching Ever grow as a character was everything we needed. If you thought the cliffhanger in book 1 was painful buckle up because I went from laughing one second to sobbing the next. Brace yourself and grab the tissues .
Evers character has such beautiful growth , however there nothing better than a morally questionable MMC making you want to fall to your knees . Eli may be semi obsessed with her underwear and has a thing for her ears but that man is so far gone for her. That man was chefs kiss . We aren’t gonna talk about Kelter okay, we are just going to hope for a redemption arc okay . I’m gonna go try to mend my broken heart now while I wait for book 3
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5⭐️ rounded up
Once again this series has me completely hooked. Thank you to Jaime L. Tlax for the ARC. The tension in these books is unreal. The story itself is layered and complex, and at times a little chaotic.
This is the second book in the trilogy, and the evolution of Eli and Ever’s relationship in this installment was everything. Eli is forever a touch-her-and-die king. Completely obsessed with Ever while also refusing to let her fall in love with him because of *reasons* (no spoilers!). That push and pull between them adds so much tension to an already intense story.
The found family shines here as well. Milo absolutely stole my heart. He’s definitely the golden retriever of the group and brings bright spots of warmth to a very dark world.
This book definitely leans into the dark romance side, with plenty of spice, including blood and knife play.
And the ending? Absolutely devastating. There’s a moment there that broke my heart and had me sobbing, followed by a cliffhanger that makes the wait for the final book feel almost cruel.
At this point I’m deeply attached to these characters and can’t wait to see how everything wraps up in the final book.
Once again this series has me completely hooked. Thank you to Jaime L. Tlax for the ARC. The tension in these books is unreal. The story itself is layered and complex, and at times a little chaotic.
This is the second book in the trilogy, and the evolution of Eli and Ever’s relationship in this installment was everything. Eli is forever a touch-her-and-die king. Completely obsessed with Ever while also refusing to let her fall in love with him because of *reasons* (no spoilers!). That push and pull between them adds so much tension to an already intense story.
The found family shines here as well. Milo absolutely stole my heart. He’s definitely the golden retriever of the group and brings bright spots of warmth to a very dark world.
This book definitely leans into the dark romance side, with plenty of spice, including blood and knife play.
And the ending? Absolutely devastating. There’s a moment there that broke my heart and had me sobbing, followed by a cliffhanger that makes the wait for the final book feel almost cruel.
At this point I’m deeply attached to these characters and can’t wait to see how everything wraps up in the final book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Utter chaos, in the best way!
This book kept me on the edge of my seat, dying to know what was going to happen next! From the very beginning, Echoes of the Gray drew me in! Having already read book 1, Betrayals of the Broken, I had an idea going into this one what to expect: great banter, dark and twisty, and plot twists I wasn’t ready for, but somehow Jaime still managed to surprise me!
One way to get me to really love a story is to have great banter, plot twists I actually don’t see coming and characters that make you love them, especially side characters! In Echoes of the Gray, we got not only more of Ever and Eli (both of which I LOVE) but we also got more of Milo, Kaleida, Sypher and Kelter, plus a new character that I’m STILL trying to figure out (I have my suspicions)!
We get to see a lot more of the dynamics of the group while also watching Ever learn who she is and what she’s capable of! The emotional rollercoaster I was on while learning more about Ever, Eli and Kelter… phew! I’ll just say hang on for the ride!!
The last thing I’ll add… the cliffhanger! O M G I need book 3 IMMEDIATELY because what do you mean it ended there?! I wasn’t ready!!!
Amazing job Jaime!
This book kept me on the edge of my seat, dying to know what was going to happen next! From the very beginning, Echoes of the Gray drew me in! Having already read book 1, Betrayals of the Broken, I had an idea going into this one what to expect: great banter, dark and twisty, and plot twists I wasn’t ready for, but somehow Jaime still managed to surprise me!
One way to get me to really love a story is to have great banter, plot twists I actually don’t see coming and characters that make you love them, especially side characters! In Echoes of the Gray, we got not only more of Ever and Eli (both of which I LOVE) but we also got more of Milo, Kaleida, Sypher and Kelter, plus a new character that I’m STILL trying to figure out (I have my suspicions)!
We get to see a lot more of the dynamics of the group while also watching Ever learn who she is and what she’s capable of! The emotional rollercoaster I was on while learning more about Ever, Eli and Kelter… phew! I’ll just say hang on for the ride!!
The last thing I’ll add… the cliffhanger! O M G I need book 3 IMMEDIATELY because what do you mean it ended there?! I wasn’t ready!!!
Amazing job Jaime!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was an INTENSE book. It is perfect for you if you are in to DARK romance. Eli, the MMC in the book is probably one of the most flawed I’ve ever read- but through everything I absolutely loved him. The FMC Everielle is probably one of the strongest I’ve ever read. Ever is just amazing and I wish I could be her friend and support her through all the crap she is dealt even in book 2. Book 1 was super heavy for her and she gets NO BREAKS in book 2. We get a lot more from Kelter in this book and he is just as flawed and cherished as everyone else. This book covers some DARK topics and the things these characters endure are not for the faint of heart. (Please read the trigger warnings and tell me you chuckled at the last one) Also, the plot line and back story is quite complex so you need to be invested to avoid getting lost. It is worth it though. There was lots of turmoil and heart break throughout- banter was hilarious at times. The found family in this one is excellent as well- it is quite spicy too but I was HERE for it. The ending was edge of your seat- and I need book 3 asap because these characters are in quite a pickle!!
February 25, 2026
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This series is so good! “Echos” had me up until 2am for “just one more chapter”.
This book starts off right where the 1st left off with the cluster that Eli, Ever, and Kelter have found themselves in. The story flowed really well and was packed with action and spice. There were several twists that I did not see coming! I loved how the relationships
Have developed and we are seeing more of this world our characters need to save.
The banter between Eli and Kelter is hilarious! Ever is a super strong FMC who takes no shit and I loved that she is coming into her own.
I can’t wait for the final book to see what happens after the ending of this one! I have a feeling all the characters are hiding things, not just Eli and Kelter.
This is a series I have recommended to all my reading friends! It is the prefect blend of dark romance and fantasy.
Thank you for the opportunity to continue to be an ARC reader for this series! This review is my opinion and given freely.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This series is so good! “Echos” had me up until 2am for “just one more chapter”.
This book starts off right where the 1st left off with the cluster that Eli, Ever, and Kelter have found themselves in. The story flowed really well and was packed with action and spice. There were several twists that I did not see coming! I loved how the relationships
Have developed and we are seeing more of this world our characters need to save.
The banter between Eli and Kelter is hilarious! Ever is a super strong FMC who takes no shit and I loved that she is coming into her own.
I can’t wait for the final book to see what happens after the ending of this one! I have a feeling all the characters are hiding things, not just Eli and Kelter.
This is a series I have recommended to all my reading friends! It is the prefect blend of dark romance and fantasy.
Thank you for the opportunity to continue to be an ARC reader for this series! This review is my opinion and given freely.
March 3, 2026
ECHOES OF THE GRAY
“If you need cuffs and chains to remember who you belong to, I won’t object, but a little gut-wrenching pain won’t keep me from touching you.”
“I would flip a godsdamn mountain upside down to touch you for one second without feeling like I’m being turned inside out.”
“It’s so much more fun when you resist.”
“I don’t know where life ends and death begins, but I know my life didn’t start until I met you.”
A chained heart. A forbidden touch. A fight with fate.
From the start I was immediately sucked back into this world and story and clinging to every scene. Ever and Eli’s banter once again had me smirking, swooning and just thoroughly having a good time. In this 2nd book, we dive deeper into this dark world. The stakes are higher, more secrets and lies are revealed and the spice is kicked up a notch🥵 Jaime has really created such a great story that keeps you hooked and eager for more. I’m loving every bit of it, and after the cliffhanger in this one… I need book 3 asap!
“Never ever forever and ever.”
“If you need cuffs and chains to remember who you belong to, I won’t object, but a little gut-wrenching pain won’t keep me from touching you.”
“I would flip a godsdamn mountain upside down to touch you for one second without feeling like I’m being turned inside out.”
“It’s so much more fun when you resist.”
“I don’t know where life ends and death begins, but I know my life didn’t start until I met you.”
A chained heart. A forbidden touch. A fight with fate.
From the start I was immediately sucked back into this world and story and clinging to every scene. Ever and Eli’s banter once again had me smirking, swooning and just thoroughly having a good time. In this 2nd book, we dive deeper into this dark world. The stakes are higher, more secrets and lies are revealed and the spice is kicked up a notch🥵 Jaime has really created such a great story that keeps you hooked and eager for more. I’m loving every bit of it, and after the cliffhanger in this one… I need book 3 asap!
“Never ever forever and ever.”
Review of advance copy
Check your trigger warnings and start from book one in the series, if you don’t you will be lost with the character development, and the story line…..because book 2 jumps right in where the first book left off.
It is a dark fantasy romance, and an emotional rollercoaster, you get really invested in the characters, Ever, Kelter and Eli. Ever is the heroine but even with her strong sharp persona she shows, she is still a soft hearted person underneath. Kelter is the comic relief in a way and helps bridge the distance when there are really dark moments, he tries to find the good in things. Eli, well, hes the morally grey possessive guy who finds ways to dig his claws into Ever.
I had a hard time getting into the first book, and was worried I would be the same with the second, but hold onto your hats, because you will be saying “just one more chapter”, and we all know that means the book won’t be put down until you are truly finished.
Looking forward to reading the 3rd book in the series….
It is a dark fantasy romance, and an emotional rollercoaster, you get really invested in the characters, Ever, Kelter and Eli. Ever is the heroine but even with her strong sharp persona she shows, she is still a soft hearted person underneath. Kelter is the comic relief in a way and helps bridge the distance when there are really dark moments, he tries to find the good in things. Eli, well, hes the morally grey possessive guy who finds ways to dig his claws into Ever.
I had a hard time getting into the first book, and was worried I would be the same with the second, but hold onto your hats, because you will be saying “just one more chapter”, and we all know that means the book won’t be put down until you are truly finished.
Looking forward to reading the 3rd book in the series….
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was thrilled to be an ARC for this book. Only recently had read Betrayals of the Broken and I was captivated by Ever and Eli and wanted more! Echoes of the Gray does not hold back. There are multiple trigger and content warnings for this book. It is not a sugar and spice kinda read. Possessive men, knife play and brutality are prevalent throughout the story. You most definitely need to read the first book to even begin to understand the dynamics between the characters. There's alot to digest in this book and it takes twists and turns that leave you wondering what's next. It's spicy from start to climactic end. It captured my attention and had me desperate to keep going. There's truth, lies and betrayal but there's also loyalty, love and friendships. It continues to weave the story of two worlds and the outcomes of interactions the mythic gods and fae. It most definitely ends with cliffhanger and a need for more!
March 8, 2026
This is a 3.75 star read!!!
Firstly I want to thank the author for letting me read this as an ARC💕
I signed up not knowing this was book 2 so I got the pleasure of reading both books (and you absolutely should too!)
This is my first taste of dark romance and let me tell you, I love it. Each character is so uniquely different but the found family between them all is heartwarming in the most trauma bonded way.
The character development with our FMC was captivating, and though her story is tragic it is still relatable enough that it encapsulates you in the story. The MMC is the definition of “touch her and you will die” in the best way possible. The spice is definitely spicing.
The plot was good, but the characters definitely made the story. I found myself slightly confused at times, but the author did an amazing job with plot twists that had my jaw on the floor.
I absolutely recommend this book and will be continuing the series when the next book comes out
Firstly I want to thank the author for letting me read this as an ARC💕
I signed up not knowing this was book 2 so I got the pleasure of reading both books (and you absolutely should too!)
This is my first taste of dark romance and let me tell you, I love it. Each character is so uniquely different but the found family between them all is heartwarming in the most trauma bonded way.
The character development with our FMC was captivating, and though her story is tragic it is still relatable enough that it encapsulates you in the story. The MMC is the definition of “touch her and you will die” in the best way possible. The spice is definitely spicing.
The plot was good, but the characters definitely made the story. I found myself slightly confused at times, but the author did an amazing job with plot twists that had my jaw on the floor.
I absolutely recommend this book and will be continuing the series when the next book comes out
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely devoured book two! The tension, chemistry, spice, and banter were everything I wanted and more. Getting Ever, Eli, and Kelter’s POV added so much depth to the dynamic between the three of them it made every interaction feel layered, charged, and emotionally intense.
There’s definitely heat, balanced beautifully with darker undertones and passion. The atmosphere feels rich and immersive, and the world building is vivid and without ever slowing the pace. We are introduced to more characters and getting to know a little more about Ever’s family history.
I found myself even more attached to the characters from book 1 than before. Every chapter pulled me deeper, and by the end I was left desperate for more. Book 2 was just as good as book 1 in my opinion. I truly cannot wait for book three! Thank you Jaime for this e-arc!
There’s definitely heat, balanced beautifully with darker undertones and passion. The atmosphere feels rich and immersive, and the world building is vivid and without ever slowing the pace. We are introduced to more characters and getting to know a little more about Ever’s family history.
I found myself even more attached to the characters from book 1 than before. Every chapter pulled me deeper, and by the end I was left desperate for more. Book 2 was just as good as book 1 in my opinion. I truly cannot wait for book three! Thank you Jaime for this e-arc!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Echoes of the Gray by Jaime L. Tlax completely pulled me in and refused to let go. This story is dark, emotional, and layered with betrayal, forbidden tension, and impossible choices.
Ever’s journey broke my heart. Hunted by her own realm and struggling to trust anyone, her fight to restore free will while barely holding onto herself felt so raw and powerful. And Elivander… the tension between them is intoxicating. Every touch carries pain, every moment together feels dangerous, and yet you cannot help but root for them.
The underground society added such a gritty, haunting edge that made the stakes feel even higher. Twisty, addictive, and emotionally charged, this book proves that sometimes love really does feel like ruin.
Five stars and I am still thinking about it.
Ever’s journey broke my heart. Hunted by her own realm and struggling to trust anyone, her fight to restore free will while barely holding onto herself felt so raw and powerful. And Elivander… the tension between them is intoxicating. Every touch carries pain, every moment together feels dangerous, and yet you cannot help but root for them.
The underground society added such a gritty, haunting edge that made the stakes feel even higher. Twisty, addictive, and emotionally charged, this book proves that sometimes love really does feel like ruin.
Five stars and I am still thinking about it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC reviews
Betrayals of the Broken, book 1 & Ecoes of the Gray, book 2
By Jamie L Tlax
Can a curse be broken? Can you deny loving someone so much, you go feral when you aren’t with them?
This book is a mastery of opposites, love and hate, light and dark, good and bad, and a love so consuming it can ki// and ki// for you. This adventure starts with a lie, a kidnapping, and a mystical new world where everyone is trying to ki// you or use you for what is yours. Where two broken minds come together and take on the gods to protect their family and all the lives around them. There are so many twists, that it keeps you consuming the books at a rapid pace.
The second book in the series Echoes of the Gray will be published in June 2026.
Happy Reading!
@jamieltlax
Betrayals of the Broken, book 1 & Ecoes of the Gray, book 2
By Jamie L Tlax
Can a curse be broken? Can you deny loving someone so much, you go feral when you aren’t with them?
This book is a mastery of opposites, love and hate, light and dark, good and bad, and a love so consuming it can ki// and ki// for you. This adventure starts with a lie, a kidnapping, and a mystical new world where everyone is trying to ki// you or use you for what is yours. Where two broken minds come together and take on the gods to protect their family and all the lives around them. There are so many twists, that it keeps you consuming the books at a rapid pace.
The second book in the series Echoes of the Gray will be published in June 2026.
Happy Reading!
@jamieltlax
Review of advance copy received from Author
“I’m anything you fucking need until the end of time, now shut your sweet mouth until I tell you what I want to hear.”
Echoes of the Gray is a dark romantasy by Jaime L. Tlax. It's book two in the Betrayals trilogy. It follows Ever, Eli, and Kelter. I loved the banter between the characters. It made me happy every time Ever laughed it was needed through all the darkness. Ever has a quirk that is hilarious, the way it's brought up and the way Eli reacts to it was perfect. I loved this book. I wished it didn't take so long for Ever and Eli to be together, but it left a slow burn that I wouldn't want to change about the book. There was a lot going on, and the twists were unexpected. I have so many questions, and I will be thinking about that cliffhanger until the next book is released.
Echoes of the Gray is a dark romantasy by Jaime L. Tlax. It's book two in the Betrayals trilogy. It follows Ever, Eli, and Kelter. I loved the banter between the characters. It made me happy every time Ever laughed it was needed through all the darkness. Ever has a quirk that is hilarious, the way it's brought up and the way Eli reacts to it was perfect. I loved this book. I wished it didn't take so long for Ever and Eli to be together, but it left a slow burn that I wouldn't want to change about the book. There was a lot going on, and the twists were unexpected. I have so many questions, and I will be thinking about that cliffhanger until the next book is released.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Echoes of the grey takes you along the journey that begins in betrayals of the broken with Ever, Eli and Kelter. The character growth and development that Ever goes through is amazing and I loved every bit of it. There’s a lot of plot building so there were times that are really slow or confusing but trust the process it makes complete sense at the end. My heart was definitely broken at one point and I don’t think I will be able to recover just know Kelter is in the timeout corner for me. Can’t wait to see what’s to come in book 3 after this cliffhanger.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review- this review is my opinion and given freely.
The second book in the series, Echos of the Gray, continues the tale of Ever, Kelter, and Eli - delving right in where the first left off. The evolution of the characters and repartee between Kelter and Eli is entertaining. This book brought the heat!
The FMC, Ever- continues to finds herself, honing her strengths and sarcasm.
The blend of dark romance and fantasy is impeccable!
The second book in the series, Echos of the Gray, continues the tale of Ever, Kelter, and Eli - delving right in where the first left off. The evolution of the characters and repartee between Kelter and Eli is entertaining. This book brought the heat!
The FMC, Ever- continues to finds herself, honing her strengths and sarcasm.
The blend of dark romance and fantasy is impeccable!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for allowing me a chance to read this book pre-release. Honestly I had some Mixed feelings again. There are parts that I really love and I think this book is better than the first. It may be because it's easier to understand the dark crazy parts going on. I enjoyed the dark romance. It seemed more conventual and based on true things not just hurt.
The parts I'm mixed about include some big new locations and situations and probably something else I can't remember.
The parts I'm mixed about include some big new locations and situations and probably something else I can't remember.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Is book three coming out next week? I need it ASAP with that ending! 😭 I love Eli and I adored that we got to see more from his POV and Kelter’s! Some twists got me by surprise and I am so glad Ever got her revenge. The spice in this book 😮💨 Eli was insatiable!! If you read the book you’ll understand why. Also love he’s still obsessed with Ever’s ears. 😅 Can’t wait for book three because that ending had my jaw wide open. 👀
***ARC READER REVIEW**
Is book three coming out next week? I need it ASAP with that ending! 😭 I love Eli and I adored that we got to see more from his POV and Kelter’s! Some twists got me by surprise and I am so glad Ever got her revenge. The spice in this book 😮💨 Eli was insatiable!! If you read the book you’ll understand why. Also love he’s still obsessed with Ever’s ears. 😅 Can’t wait for book three because that ending had my jaw wide open. 👀
***ARC READER REVIEW**
March 6, 2026
Thank you to the author for this ARC. This book felt chaotic at times and I wondered a few times if I missed something. Despite that, I still enjoyed it and I’m so invested in Ever and Eli’s relationship. I’m excited to read the conclusion to this trilogy.
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