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Unleashed: The Devil Between Us
The first in The Shadow Mind series
ENEMIES TO LOVERS. EXPLOSIVE CHEMISTRY.An unforgivingly dark urban fantasy which will leave you clawing for more.
Tyler “Screech” McCabe has one rule: Survive. For him and his little sister, Squeeks, that means enduring the fists and criminal demands of their stepfather, Danny.
Screech is a survivor, a shadow in the back alleys, his anger a tightly coiled spring.
Things take a turn when a girl with a ghost in her smile lunges into his world, and doesn't flinch when he shows his teeth.
Their connection is a lit match in a gasoline-soaked world, volatile and dangerously addictive.
She has secrets darker than Screech's own bruises, and when a final, brutal confrontation goes too far, the real monsters are unleashed.
Please check the content warning at the beginning of the book.
18+ Mature Content. Not suitable for younger readers.
ENEMIES TO LOVERS. EXPLOSIVE CHEMISTRY.An unforgivingly dark urban fantasy which will leave you clawing for more.
Tyler “Screech” McCabe has one rule: Survive. For him and his little sister, Squeeks, that means enduring the fists and criminal demands of their stepfather, Danny.
Screech is a survivor, a shadow in the back alleys, his anger a tightly coiled spring.
Things take a turn when a girl with a ghost in her smile lunges into his world, and doesn't flinch when he shows his teeth.
Their connection is a lit match in a gasoline-soaked world, volatile and dangerously addictive.
She has secrets darker than Screech's own bruises, and when a final, brutal confrontation goes too far, the real monsters are unleashed.
Please check the content warning at the beginning of the book.
18+ Mature Content. Not suitable for younger readers.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 20, 2026
About the author
Jessica Thompson
1 book9 followersJessica is an Indie Author based in the south west of England. Jessica's journey began in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic emerged. And like many people, she struggled to adjust to lockdown. Jessica found a love for cosplay, and thanks to TikTok, met so many amazing, creative people and lifelong friends on the app.
Her characters became more than just an escape. They are parts that she otherwise keeps hidden from the world.
Creative writing became a strong passion of hers as she developed her characters further, delving into their stories and losing herself in the world she wished to create for them.
When Jessica isn't writing, she is a full-time mother to two beautiful children and a hoard of furry friends. Jessica lives happily with her wife, who supports her creative imagination.
Her characters became more than just an escape. They are parts that she otherwise keeps hidden from the world.
Creative writing became a strong passion of hers as she developed her characters further, delving into their stories and losing herself in the world she wished to create for them.
When Jessica isn't writing, she is a full-time mother to two beautiful children and a hoard of furry friends. Jessica lives happily with her wife, who supports her creative imagination.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 7, 2026
This was one of the first books that I have read that is more on the darker side. And I think this may have changed the type of books I read going forward! It has *unleashed* (pardon the pun) something in me to keep reading more books like this one!
I have always been one for a fluffy romance where the only bad thing to happen in the books is a third act break up but when a friend of mine told me to read this, because I wanted something different to read, I couldn’t say no! And I am so glad that I didn’t.
I was invested from the first chapter and absolutely devoured this book. Cannot wait to read more from this author!
I have always been one for a fluffy romance where the only bad thing to happen in the books is a third act break up but when a friend of mine told me to read this, because I wanted something different to read, I couldn’t say no! And I am so glad that I didn’t.
I was invested from the first chapter and absolutely devoured this book. Cannot wait to read more from this author!
September 3, 2026
4.75 ⭐️ great book
This is dark and gritty.
But wow, it packs a punch!
The MMC - Screech has had a terrible upbringing, caring for his sister while his mum is off on the ‘streets’ earning money, and his drug dealer stepdad isn’t the greatest man on Earth. In fact, I’d say he is one of the worst!
The story follows Screech as he tries to navigate life, and he ends up doing a drop for his stepdad that leads him to juvie. Where he meets HER. Misfit.
Once out of juvie, he never expected to see her again, yet fate had other ideas… and well, things aren’t all as they seem.
It’s not an easy read with the themes in this book, so please do check trigger warnings.
The fantastical elements are subtle, very subtle. But they’re finely threaded throughout; very well done, I might add. I was left trying to figure out the mystery of what the signs meant.
However, I was dumbfounded at the end of this book as I honestly didn’t expect the twist.
I sensed something, but I could never have predicted THAT!! The cliffhanger is shocking!!! I need to know how, what, where, when, and why!!! It cannot end like that. Yet, it did.
I really did feel for the characters and all they endured. No one deserves what they went through.
A wonderfully written story that really grips you.
This is dark and gritty.
But wow, it packs a punch!
The MMC - Screech has had a terrible upbringing, caring for his sister while his mum is off on the ‘streets’ earning money, and his drug dealer stepdad isn’t the greatest man on Earth. In fact, I’d say he is one of the worst!
The story follows Screech as he tries to navigate life, and he ends up doing a drop for his stepdad that leads him to juvie. Where he meets HER. Misfit.
Once out of juvie, he never expected to see her again, yet fate had other ideas… and well, things aren’t all as they seem.
It’s not an easy read with the themes in this book, so please do check trigger warnings.
The fantastical elements are subtle, very subtle. But they’re finely threaded throughout; very well done, I might add. I was left trying to figure out the mystery of what the signs meant.
However, I was dumbfounded at the end of this book as I honestly didn’t expect the twist.
I sensed something, but I could never have predicted THAT!! The cliffhanger is shocking!!! I need to know how, what, where, when, and why!!! It cannot end like that. Yet, it did.
I really did feel for the characters and all they endured. No one deserves what they went through.
A wonderfully written story that really grips you.
August 10, 2026
I absolutely devoured Unleashed the devil between us. I honestly couldn’t put the book down!
This is dark & gritty, that doesn’t shy away from difficult themes so read your trigger warnings. If you like enemies to lovers, touch her and die energy, fierce loyalty, raw emotion and characters that stay with you long after you’ve finished the final page, this one deserves a place on your TBR. Screech & Misfit are unforgettable. Beneath the chaos, violence and heartbreak is a story about survival, loyalty and finding light in the darkest places. Watching Screech fight to protect the people he loves, especially his sister, made his character all the more compelling. And just when I thought I knew where the story was going, J Thompson completely blindsided me! I never saw that coming. No spoilers, but let’s just say the supernatural elements took this story somewhere I wasnt expecting and I absolutely loved it! I just can’t wait for book 2! 💜
This is dark & gritty, that doesn’t shy away from difficult themes so read your trigger warnings. If you like enemies to lovers, touch her and die energy, fierce loyalty, raw emotion and characters that stay with you long after you’ve finished the final page, this one deserves a place on your TBR. Screech & Misfit are unforgettable. Beneath the chaos, violence and heartbreak is a story about survival, loyalty and finding light in the darkest places. Watching Screech fight to protect the people he loves, especially his sister, made his character all the more compelling. And just when I thought I knew where the story was going, J Thompson completely blindsided me! I never saw that coming. No spoilers, but let’s just say the supernatural elements took this story somewhere I wasnt expecting and I absolutely loved it! I just can’t wait for book 2! 💜
June 25, 2026
Beautiful written, my emotions was everywhere. I loved Tyler and Spueeks, the bond they have just Amazing Misfit she one of a character brave funny and sometimes nice, just all around on of my best reads so far
August 10, 2026
Sat with this one for a while after finishing 😶🖤
Okay so I want to be upfront, this is not a cosy read. This is not dark romance with a wink. This is genuinely dark, graphic, unflinching storytelling that follows Screech across years of his life from childhood, through an abusive home life and a young offender institution and everything in between. Check your content warnings carefully before going in because this book means them completely. ⚠️🖤
What Jessica Thompson does well is make you understand Screech completely. The way he’s built across time, the survival instincts, the coiled anger, it’s all earned and it lands. And when the girl with the ghost in her smile enters his world and doesn’t flinch at his teeth the connection between them feels real rather than convenient. Volatile and addictive in exactly the way the blurb promises. 🔥
The writing is genuinely good. This is a well crafted book doing something intentional and I respect it completely. It’s just a lot and it’s heavy and you need to be in the right headspace for it. 😔
Four stars. Not a series I’ll be continuing personally, purely because of where I am reading wise right now rather than any fault of the book itself. But if you love dark urban fiction that goes to genuinely uncomfortable places and doesn’t apologise for it, this is worth your time. 🖤
🖤 Well written and doing something intentional? Absolutely ✅
💀 Genuinely graphic and earning it? You have been warned ✅
😶 Right book, slightly wrong moment for me? Unfortunately also ✅
Okay so I want to be upfront, this is not a cosy read. This is not dark romance with a wink. This is genuinely dark, graphic, unflinching storytelling that follows Screech across years of his life from childhood, through an abusive home life and a young offender institution and everything in between. Check your content warnings carefully before going in because this book means them completely. ⚠️🖤
What Jessica Thompson does well is make you understand Screech completely. The way he’s built across time, the survival instincts, the coiled anger, it’s all earned and it lands. And when the girl with the ghost in her smile enters his world and doesn’t flinch at his teeth the connection between them feels real rather than convenient. Volatile and addictive in exactly the way the blurb promises. 🔥
The writing is genuinely good. This is a well crafted book doing something intentional and I respect it completely. It’s just a lot and it’s heavy and you need to be in the right headspace for it. 😔
Four stars. Not a series I’ll be continuing personally, purely because of where I am reading wise right now rather than any fault of the book itself. But if you love dark urban fiction that goes to genuinely uncomfortable places and doesn’t apologise for it, this is worth your time. 🖤
🖤 Well written and doing something intentional? Absolutely ✅
💀 Genuinely graphic and earning it? You have been warned ✅
😶 Right book, slightly wrong moment for me? Unfortunately also ✅
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you J Thompson for giving me the opportunity to be an arch reader for the first book within the Shadowmind Series.
This is an excellent read, a gripping story of how a dark and abuse filled childhood shaped a young man's mind. His childhood filled with threats and fears whilst protecting his younger sister from a world he knew would eventually come crashing down around them. Before becoming a teen and seeing how dark and twisted his so called parents could be. With only 1 friend in the world who tried to give himself and his sister somewhere to stay, Screech was destined to find the wrong paths. Before spending time in juvie and meeting a girl with a twisted smile.
The to and fro of their relationship builds intrigue and temptation before her temptation to kill gets her sent elsewhere.
When Screech (the main character) finally gets out he finds his sister has ended up deep within the lions den of their parents behaviour with his best friend no where to be found after he'd promised to protect Squeeks.
The new anger filled Screech finds the only way to numb his mind at the bottom of a bottle or the end of a line, finding himself slipping further into his own mind.
Until Misfit creeps into his safe haven and back into his life. But things don't stop him from feeling crazy, he begins to notice her life isn't as straightforward as he thought. With a glimmer on the wind or a shadow in the dark, a flash of red eyes from her friends with no explanation. He finds himself cracking at the seams as he believes madness is setting in.
His obsession with Misfit ever growing as their lives are becoming entwined yet remaining separate.
When temptation finally takes hold and they give in to the attraction, Screech's whole world changes. Everything he thought he knew about the world comes crashing down and he sees Misfit for who she truly is.
This gripping story has been excellently written by this Indie Author, leaving the reader begging for the next book. I found it hard to put the book down, wanting to read what was going to happen next to Screech and his sister. When the book ended I knew I was hooked and I can not wait to find out where it takes Screech next.
This is an excellent read, a gripping story of how a dark and abuse filled childhood shaped a young man's mind. His childhood filled with threats and fears whilst protecting his younger sister from a world he knew would eventually come crashing down around them. Before becoming a teen and seeing how dark and twisted his so called parents could be. With only 1 friend in the world who tried to give himself and his sister somewhere to stay, Screech was destined to find the wrong paths. Before spending time in juvie and meeting a girl with a twisted smile.
The to and fro of their relationship builds intrigue and temptation before her temptation to kill gets her sent elsewhere.
When Screech (the main character) finally gets out he finds his sister has ended up deep within the lions den of their parents behaviour with his best friend no where to be found after he'd promised to protect Squeeks.
The new anger filled Screech finds the only way to numb his mind at the bottom of a bottle or the end of a line, finding himself slipping further into his own mind.
Until Misfit creeps into his safe haven and back into his life. But things don't stop him from feeling crazy, he begins to notice her life isn't as straightforward as he thought. With a glimmer on the wind or a shadow in the dark, a flash of red eyes from her friends with no explanation. He finds himself cracking at the seams as he believes madness is setting in.
His obsession with Misfit ever growing as their lives are becoming entwined yet remaining separate.
When temptation finally takes hold and they give in to the attraction, Screech's whole world changes. Everything he thought he knew about the world comes crashing down and he sees Misfit for who she truly is.
This gripping story has been excellently written by this Indie Author, leaving the reader begging for the next book. I found it hard to put the book down, wanting to read what was going to happen next to Screech and his sister. When the book ended I knew I was hooked and I can not wait to find out where it takes Screech next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2026
This book is an intriguing read. I became gripped by the main characters tragic stories which touch upon issues of abuse, drugs, homelessness, poverty, crime as well as passion, friendship, evil and love. The author envokes strong images in my mind of who the characters and and draws you into their world. Can’t wait for book 2!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I need to first of all thank the author for trusting me with this.
This book had me on an emotional rollercoaster and I loved every second of it.
The characters are flawed. All humans are. Which makes them all the more relatable.
To watch Screech struggle and fail only to get back up again is what makes this story so compelling.
There's no sugar coating the viciousness of the world these characters live in. You feel it right along with them and the need to see them get out of it seeps through the pages.
I saw Screech try his best and saw his sister turn into the very thing he wanted to avoid. Felt sorrow when he gave up on everything he ever wished for and decided on the lesser evil.
And then a spark of joy when he finally found someone to match his crazy in Misfit.
Their relationship isn't easy. It's messy and human in the best way possible. It has teeth and bites when it shouldn't and that makes it one of the most interesting reads I've had in a while.
The story gripped me and didn't let go until the last page.
This book had me on an emotional rollercoaster and I loved every second of it.
The characters are flawed. All humans are. Which makes them all the more relatable.
To watch Screech struggle and fail only to get back up again is what makes this story so compelling.
There's no sugar coating the viciousness of the world these characters live in. You feel it right along with them and the need to see them get out of it seeps through the pages.
I saw Screech try his best and saw his sister turn into the very thing he wanted to avoid. Felt sorrow when he gave up on everything he ever wished for and decided on the lesser evil.
And then a spark of joy when he finally found someone to match his crazy in Misfit.
Their relationship isn't easy. It's messy and human in the best way possible. It has teeth and bites when it shouldn't and that makes it one of the most interesting reads I've had in a while.
The story gripped me and didn't let go until the last page.
June 9, 2026
Okay the end definitely got me! WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN!
This is not a happy story, this is dark, emotional, traumatic and so beautifully written.
The characters and their circumstances immediately make you form emotional attachments to them, you want to take them away from this world. You find yourself wanting to keep reading with the hope of some happiness for them which they get in glimpses but it is written into dark circumstances.
The found family elements and actual family ties are strong and have a push and pull which feels natural, the mental health representation is strong throughout.
This is urban fantasy and although there's some fantasy hinted throughout the actual magical elemental isn't in your face until the last chapter leaving you on such a massive cliffhanger and audibly gasping making you wish you haven't finished!
The characters journey is definitely one that will stick in your head.
I will definitely be continuing this series ⭐🔥
This is not a happy story, this is dark, emotional, traumatic and so beautifully written.
The characters and their circumstances immediately make you form emotional attachments to them, you want to take them away from this world. You find yourself wanting to keep reading with the hope of some happiness for them which they get in glimpses but it is written into dark circumstances.
The found family elements and actual family ties are strong and have a push and pull which feels natural, the mental health representation is strong throughout.
This is urban fantasy and although there's some fantasy hinted throughout the actual magical elemental isn't in your face until the last chapter leaving you on such a massive cliffhanger and audibly gasping making you wish you haven't finished!
The characters journey is definitely one that will stick in your head.
I will definitely be continuing this series ⭐🔥
Review of advance copy received from Author
Omg!!! This was amazing everything was chefs kiss amazing, beautifully written the ending was a cliffhanger and a half but honestly the nicknames for everyone amazing and cute especially squeaks, the way screech speaks is funny as hell eg
“ safe words be dammed, “you mean I don’t get a sticker for being a good boy” and “that’s assault with a salty weapon” they were my favs and what I thought was funny as hell
“ safe words be dammed, “you mean I don’t get a sticker for being a good boy” and “that’s assault with a salty weapon” they were my favs and what I thought was funny as hell
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2026
I had very little idea of what this book was about when I started it, other than it was an urban fantasy.
As I was reading it, I had no idea where it was going, but boy did it surprise me in the best way! The ending...I am still shocked!
This story broke my heart, i felt for the characters so much with everything they went through, it was a hard read in some places, but so important. I honestly loved it and can't wait to read the next one.
As I was reading it, I had no idea where it was going, but boy did it surprise me in the best way! The ending...I am still shocked!
This story broke my heart, i felt for the characters so much with everything they went through, it was a hard read in some places, but so important. I honestly loved it and can't wait to read the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Honestly a fantastic read! Highly reccomended read! All forms of emotions hit throughout the book, learning all about Screech and his history and his bond and connection with Misfit.
Cannot wait to see what comes next!!
Cannot wait to see what comes next!!
April 1, 2026
Wow!! This book has you from the start and you don’t want to put it down. It is the kind of book that grabs a hold of you from page one and refuses to let go.
I was engrossed within the first few chapters as they laid the scenes and characters out just enough to get you hooked and make it near impossible to stop reading to find what happens to the main characters next.
Unleashed is a gripping, sometimes sad read especially when you find out about the main characters lives and it has the reader feeling sad for what they go through, trauma which no kids should ever have to. But it lives up to its promise of keeping you riveted then at the very end delivers a blow that leaves you wanting the next chapters.
If you’re looking for a good read that you truly can’t put down, this is a book for you.
Thank you to the author for entrusting me with this book. Xx
I was engrossed within the first few chapters as they laid the scenes and characters out just enough to get you hooked and make it near impossible to stop reading to find what happens to the main characters next.
Unleashed is a gripping, sometimes sad read especially when you find out about the main characters lives and it has the reader feeling sad for what they go through, trauma which no kids should ever have to. But it lives up to its promise of keeping you riveted then at the very end delivers a blow that leaves you wanting the next chapters.
If you’re looking for a good read that you truly can’t put down, this is a book for you.
Thank you to the author for entrusting me with this book. Xx
Review of advance copy received from Author
My arc review of unleashed the devil between us 👹🩸
WOAH @j.thompson_author please check the trigger warnings please⚠️
5 stars this book was amazing. A lot of trauma from everyone. I really enjoyed reading this book the plot was amazing not too slow or too fast just perfect. Hearing about screech, squeeks and misfit backstory was heartbreaking to read about but it made them stronger. This book will be in mind for a long time I can’t wait for book two especially that ending I need asap. Thank you for letting me read your story can’t wait to read more about screech,squeeks and misfit. Aswell the title makes sense.
WOAH @j.thompson_author please check the trigger warnings please⚠️
5 stars this book was amazing. A lot of trauma from everyone. I really enjoyed reading this book the plot was amazing not too slow or too fast just perfect. Hearing about screech, squeeks and misfit backstory was heartbreaking to read about but it made them stronger. This book will be in mind for a long time I can’t wait for book two especially that ending I need asap. Thank you for letting me read your story can’t wait to read more about screech,squeeks and misfit. Aswell the title makes sense.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews