Sealed with Doubt: Lady of The Moon Trilogy

by Marlee Cross, Pat Norton (Editor)

THE ANSWERS TO MY QUESTIONS?

I AM STILL WONDERING WHEN I WILL GET THOSE... AND THE LIST OF QUESTIONS KEEPS GROWING ALL THE WHILE. NOW TO ADD EVEN MORE ON ME, I HAVE TO LEARN HOW TO WALK ON FOUR LEGS AND GET MY FIRST KILL TO TAME MYSELF.

DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THE TWO THAT DECEIVED ME.

TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE, THERE'S ANOTHER HEIR WHO HAS TAKEN INTEREST IN ME BUT DOESN'T CATCH THE HINT THAT I CAN'T TRUST PEOPLE RIGHT NOW.

DOUBT IS NOT CREEPING ANYMORE, BUT RATHER FULLY ENGULFING MY EVERY THOUGHT.

THOSE FEW CLOSE TO ME SAY I AM THE ONE WHO WILL BRING BALANCE

BACK TO OUR WORLD - A WORLD I DON'T FULLY UNDERSTAND AND HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS ABOUT.

I CAN'T FIGHT THIS BATTLE ON MY OWN BUT HOW CAN I TRUST ANYONE

AFTER ALL THAT'S HAPPENED?

I NEED AN ARMY FOR WHAT'S COMING, THAT'S WILLING TO LAY THEIR LIFE DOWN WITH ME IF THAT'S WHAT IT TAKES TO RID THIS WORLD OF THE EVIL I'VE WITNESSED SINCE COMING HERE.




Paranormal Romance

Why Choose/Reverse Harem

Expanded Polyamorous (MM within a Why Choose)

Dark Academia (Magical University)

Secret Society

Learning new powers

Hidden Twist

Groveling

Trigger Warnings apply and can be found on Marlee's socials and within the interior of Sealed with Doubt.

311 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 26, 2026

Reviews

[Kerri-louise Whitham Your_bookish_fantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

**𝓝𝓞 𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓘𝓛𝓔𝓡𝓢**
⚜️𝔻𝕖𝕥𝕒𝕚𝕝𝕖𝕕 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 𝕠𝕗- Sealed with doubt

𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰, 𝐢𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐬 𝐢 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐦𝐲 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤.

⚜️ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤-
(out of 5 stars, my rating scale is at the end)
* 📚 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/ 5
* 🌡️ 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲🌶🌶🌶 / 5 MFMM-𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑐𝑘 𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑚𝑦 𝐺𝑜𝑜𝑑𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑠 𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑣𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑛 𝑚𝑦 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑑𝑒𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝑚𝑖𝑐𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑠
* Which books have I also given this same rating? (𝑠𝑜 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑚𝑦 𝑠𝑡𝑦𝑙𝑒𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑜𝑤𝑛)
5⭐️ Fourth wing / Bound by inked flame / Anathama / The Lies of Lena / Of silver and Curses
4.5⭐️ Bitten / The Female / Quicksilver / Bride / Lights Out / A Bargain so Bloody
4⭐️ Spellcaster / One Dark Window / From Blood and Ash / Phantasma / Butcher & Blackbird
3⭐️We Who Will Die / The Wolf King / Daughter of No Worlds / The Ex Hex


⚜️𝕂𝕖𝕪 𝕀𝕟𝕗𝕠:
* Genre- Paranormal romance
* 📖 311 𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀
* 𝐹𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑜𝑛 multi 𝗣𝗢𝗩
* 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲- 26 May 2026
* 𝗣𝗹𝗼𝘁 or 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿 driven?𝒜 ℳ𝒾𝓍
* 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝗺𝗲 & 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗻𝗼- book 2 of the Lady of the moon trilogy
* 𝗔𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 on 𝗞𝗨? ✅𝒴ℯ𝓈.
* 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗲- 𝓂ℯ𝒹𝒾𝓊𝓂 & 𝓌ℯ𝓁𝓁 𝓅𝒶𝒸ℯ𝒹 𝒻ℴ𝓇 𝓉𝒽ℯ 𝓈𝓉ℴ𝓇𝓎
* 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲? Kind of, ℐ 𝓌𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝓇ℯ𝓂ℯ𝓂𝒷ℯ𝓇 𝓉𝒽ℯ 𝓋𝒾𝒷ℯ𝓈 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒻ℯℯ𝓁𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓇ℯ𝒶𝒹 𝓁ℯ𝒻𝓉 𝓂ℯ 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽
* 𝐀𝐧𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧? (Disability, plus size, mental health etc...)❌
* ℳℴℴ𝒹𝓈; 𝑨𝒅𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒔, 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒄, 𝑺𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒚, 𝑬𝒎𝒐𝒕𝑖𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍, 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆, 𝑴𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔, 𝑯𝒂𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝑻𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒚
* 𝒟𝒾𝒹 𝒾 ℯ𝓃𝒿ℴ𝓎 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈?✅
* 𝒲𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝒾 𝓇ℯ𝒶𝒹 𝓉𝒽ℯ 𝓃ℯ𝓍𝓉 𝒷ℴℴ𝓀 𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓈ℯ𝓇𝒾ℯ𝓈?✅
* 𝒲ℴ𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝒾 𝓇ℯ𝒶𝒹 𝒶𝓃𝓎𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔 ℯ𝓁𝓈ℯ 𝒷𝓎 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝒶𝓊𝓉𝒽ℴ𝓇?✅


⚜️𝕊ℙ𝔼ℂ𝕀𝔼𝕊 𝕀ℕ 𝕊𝕋𝕆ℝ𝕐:
⚰️𝑉𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑠
🧙‍♀️𝔚𝔦𝔱𝔠𝔥𝔢𝔰
🌕𝑊ℴ𝓁𝒻 𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠
👹𝖉𝖊𝖒𝖔𝖓𝖘


⚜️𝕊𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕖 𝔽𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕤:
🥵𝒟𝒾𝓇𝓉𝓎 𝒯𝒶𝓁𝓀
😍IᑎՏTᗩ ᒪOᐯᗴ ᒪᑌᔕT
💀𝔉𝔬𝔯𝔟𝔦𝔡𝔡𝔢𝔫 𝔯𝔬𝔪𝔞𝔫𝔠𝔢
💋𝒮𝓅𝒾𝒸ℯ 𝒾𝓃𝒸𝓇ℯ𝒶𝓈ℯ𝓈 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 ℯ𝒶𝒸𝒽 𝒷ℴℴ𝓀
🍆𝑅𝑒𝑣 ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑚
🎲𝕎𝕙𝕪 ℂ𝕙𝕠𝕠𝕤𝕖

⚜️𝕋ℝ𝕆ℙ𝔼𝕊
😈𝕊𝕖𝕔𝕣𝕖𝕥𝕤 & 𝔹𝕖𝕥𝕣𝕒𝕪𝕒𝕝𝕤
🪦𝕳𝖔𝖗𝖗𝖔𝖗 𝕰𝖑𝖊𝖒𝖊𝖓𝖙𝖘
🧬 𝐔𝐧𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠
🏫𝐶𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑔𝑒/𝐴𝑐𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑚𝑦 𝑠𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔
🏰Gothic
🧸𝐹𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑓𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑦
🧨𝕊𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕪 𝔽𝕄ℂ
🐶 Underdog



🌍 𝕎𝕠𝕣𝕝𝕕 𝕓𝕦𝕚𝕝𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘, 𝕨𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕡𝕒𝕔𝕚𝕟𝕘:
I did enjoy this, the feelings and vibes it left me with was
It felt like instead of the author leaving us breadcrumbs to follow, we were given giant flashing neon signs, and then smacked round the face with them.
I’m usually rubbish at predicting anything, in books and on tv but this I saw coming easily which disappointed me. It wasn’t a staying kind either, it was more like- Ughh, when are they actually going to tell the character what we’ve known for half the book?!

But, now for the good, the main plot and sub plots are good and kept me interested, the pacing was steady with no lulls or info dumps and there was plenty of characters to meet, love and hate! The setting was mysterious and gothic, the world building in general was simple but effective. There wasn’t much time spent in classes but I didn’t find I missed that aspect of this university romance.

I loved the bloodlines and the history that dated back to the first ever witch. The fmc’s family was one of my favourite parts of the book, the loving and protective nature they had over her, however I felt like they didn’t seem very rushed or serious about training

Also, at the start of the book was a little author update / recap of book one- why do all authors not do this?! Incredibly helpful!


🧝‍♂️ ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤:
I wanted more of the best friend, she was missing for most of the book and it felt very much like she was just a token character, like she was put there in book one for a reason but now that reason is done so the author didn’t know what to do with her. I’m hoping she had a bigger role in the next book, I just wish she felt more present in this one, and that there was a purpose for her to be missing.

I was so excited for this book, and it was good, I did enjoy it, so much so that I wanted more. One of the best parts of this book was the character development of Lydia, I love the relationship and chemistry between her and her males but I also love her as an individual.


😥 𝕎𝕙𝕪 𝕟𝕠 𝕗𝕚𝕧𝕖 𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕤?
I REALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK, AMD WHEN I HAD TO PUT IT DOWN TO ADULT I FOUND MYSELF THINKING ABOUT IT, BUT,
it just didn’t fell completed to me. Like I said I wanted more of the best friend but also I don’t like how some things were laid out to be so obvious/ predictable and although I like the vampire I didn’t like how he was just shaved in our faces and thrust into the mix.

⏳ 𝕎𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 𝕚 𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕠𝕣 𝕣𝕖𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕕?
I would re read before the next book came out but not for joy.
I will recommend this though, I know my rating is low but that’s my personal opinion, the feel of the book was amazing and everyone deserves that feeling at the end of their book.

🪧𝔽𝕚𝕟𝕒𝕝 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤:
If you like spice, insta lust, twists and dark plots then pick this up! Plenty of drama in an academic setting with mixed supernatural’s and dark, twisted villains.


𝐹𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑚𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑢𝑔𝑔𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠;

𝕋𝕚𝕜𝕋𝕠𝕜
https://www.tiktok.com/@your_bookish_...

IᑎՏTᗩ
https://www.instagram.com/your_bookis...

 

***********************

𝕄𝕪 ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕊𝕪𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕞𝕤:
⭐️ DNF

⭐️⭐️
I managed to finish it but it was rubbish. I won't keep a physical copy and won't recommend it, but  it's a shame as the plot could have made a good book in another author's hands

⭐️⭐️.5
It was OK. I wish I didn't start this one as it didn't do it for me as I struggled to read it. It had an interesting premise that fell flat but I had to see what happened in the end.

⭐️⭐️⭐️
I don't regret reading it, and I will read the next one, but this one did have a few flaws. [These could be repetitive writing, gaps or plot holes, better character growth or world building, areas needing more detail]
Generally, the book lacked depth and became confusing. The plot resonated with me even though it annoyed me on the whole.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I'm glad I read it. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to the right people, but I wanted more! Sadly, it's easily forgettable with a few issues I just couldn't overlook/get past.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Good book! I loved it, but... I needed more! I really did enjoy it, but it had a few parts that needed more detail or added history/background or lore. But that's because the story or characters were memorable, and the plot was strong with brilliant twists. I would re-read if I needed to catch up for the next book and would recommend.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Great book! I truly wish the story had been thought about more, or the author had been given more time as this book is so close to brilliance! I will likely read again and will definitely be recommending it to all!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
WOW! Absolutely amazing book! Well written with great characters and a plot so memorable that it will stay with me. I will definitely read this again, I will be recommending it and sharing it with the whole world! Also- I NEED A PHYSICAL COPY!

🔥⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🔥
This is my God level tier. The book must be perfectly memorable. Even after reading 50+ more books, I will remember character names and emotions along with the plot. If there is a special edition, then I need to own it! If there is a conversation on books- I'm talking about this!

 SPICE SCALE:
🌶️– segsual language and a little on-page action

🌶️🌶️– a lot of segsual language and some on-page open door action, may be occurring a couple of times

🌶️🌶️🌶️– a lot of explicit action and dirty talk, occurring frequently with 2/3 lurvers

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ – super graphic and explicit, occurring 4 or more times, can be more grey and taboo themed.

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ – Kinks and Fet!shism, explicit and super graphic. It is likely to be tushy play, toys, playrooms, and more dark / taboo fantasies and realities.

[Angela Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sealed with Doubt book 2 of the Lady of the Moon Trilogy was hands down 5/5 ⭐️read and I did not want to put this book down ! The story and these characters just keep getting better and better with each book. This was so exhilarating, suspenseful, and such a beautiful read.
But honestly, it’s like Twilight but even better, because she doesn’t have to choose between the werewolf and the vampire and then also gets an extra werewolf, so Lydia is clearly winning 🔥🖤.

I love how she continues the story right where it leaves us in book one. Just like book one, the cliffhanger at the end of book 2 is probably even better and is going to leave me in a chokehold for the third book. This book has so many elements in it. The story and the plot and all the mysteries behind her family that unravel throughout the story leave you on the edge of your seat and physically not letting you put this book down. I truly feel like she puts a spell on you with her stories because they are so intense and so captivating.

The SPICE🥵🔥🥵🔥. She makes my why choose heart so damn happy ! These four together is simply electrifying and I could not get enough !!! I will NEVER look at cooking oil the same again , iykyk😈🖤. I’m obsessing over their love for each other and also wanting to protect each other within their very special bond. They all fit together so perfectly🥰. I’ve always loved the found family trope, and I love seeing Lydia not only have that with her family she learned she has, but especially with these three men who complete her in so many ways she never knew she needed. Lydia’s self discovery and harnessing her inner baddie is everything and I love seeing her become more confident in herself and her abilities. We love a strong badass FMC over here 🖤✨🖤

I also truly love the LGBQTIA+ inclusivity. Showing all readers to love who you love without fear or judgement and to never allow others to shame you for who you are and for who you love. Speaking with her directly about this and knowing she was not raised this way , but uses her voices to make everyone feel seen and safe makes me love this author a million times more, Thank you 🥹

As in true fashion, she left my jaw on the floor with this cliffy. There was so much to unpack in the last few chapters and so much more of this story is unraveling and coming together. I will be counting down the days until book three is in my hands. I love this world and these characters so much and I can’t wait to see how this all will end in the next book!

[Jamie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this story has progressed and has been moving. It is pure Romatasy perfection.
At the end of book one we know that Lydia changes.
In this book we learn into what and why.
Where she runs off to, who takes care of her, and who he is to her.
This one has some plot twist I DID NOT SEE COMING!!!!
I am here for all the twist and turns too.
I love to see Lydia coming into her own and learning her strengths.
I also am really enjoying reading Zane and Xander go against their fathers. Can I just say seriously why did it take them so long to see them for who they really are?
Soren has been playing his part well too don't get me wrong.
These three may be wrapped around her fingers now but it took them too dang long to get to the point of seeing things clearly.
How many lives have been affected cause they were too weak?

Now the Aunts I love with my whole heart. The rest of the family we meet and learn about I am really enjoying also. This is just written to where you want to keep going and meet everyone. The speed at which it is all happening, while I hate cliff hangers, as we all do, it needs to move like this cause there is so much depth and layers to learn about along the way.

Who shows up at the end what happens has shocked me to my core.
You need to read it find out what happens. This can go a few different ways now and I am excited to find out how it will end up.

[Bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨️ARC REVIEW✨️
3.75🌟
3.5🌶

Thank you to Marlee Cross and Luna Literary Management for the opportunity to read this unique story.

Overall Thoughts & Emotional Reactions:
After the Cliffhanger of book 1, I was dying to see what happened next. I was so excited to see how Lydia handled the emotional damage the boys dropped her in at the end and how she was going to make them grovel for it! Overall I enjoyed the story, but the paving felt kind of slow for me. The third partner and his immediate devotion kinda felt disjointed with the flow of the story, but by the endI ended up really liking them together. I loved getting more POVs and learning more about Soren and his involvement with the Wolfpack. I enjoyed this enough to want to see the next installment.

Tropes:
Dark Academia (Magical University)
Why Choose/Reverse Harem
Paranormal Romance
Expanded Polyamorous (MM within Why Choose)
Secret Society
Learning New Powers
Hidden Twist
Ends on a Cliffhanger

Favorite Quotes:
"Your soul is not defined by your exterior, but by your interior. The choices you make and the morals you have. That is what truly makes you… you.”

“Doubting is normal when you are new to something. But learning to grow with that doubt and emerge into a more knowledgeable being is what makes you unstoppable.”

“Many of the innocent will die because of the sinful desires of a few”

I received an advanced copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The above opinions are my own.

[Booksbystarlightandshadows · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a solid follow up to book one in the series and Lydia gets a bit of a breather while Conan regroups. I liked the summer camp vibes of cabin trip and it was a definite mood shift from the gloomy tunnels and the academy. Seeing Lydia mastering both her wolf and witch nature is a lot of fun even if there is a timeline looming. Atticus and Caspian's competitiveness injected a bit of humour too.

In book one I found Zane and Xander a little interchangeable but the addition of Soren has balanced that out for me. Zane is still in Alpha mode but he gets a couple of pretty important moments in this one. Xander's relationship with Soren added a bit more depth to his character; I really liked the exchange when Soren asks Xander how he is so confident about his sexuality and their connection seems really organic.

I liked the extra POVs too from a couple of newer characters. There are plenty of questions answered as well as a couple of reveals which were a little sign posted but there were some twists I didn't see coming. One in particular sticks out and I cannot wait for a certain character to find that out in book three!

My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read

[Confessions of a Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Cross....that cliffy.....WTH!!!!

Did I know going into this it would end on a cliffy...YES! Did I proceed to devour it anyway knowing I had some time before book three even releases....YES! I am trying to wrap my head around the last 10% of the book and what it lead to. I still haven't picked my jaw up off the floor after that doozy of a plot twist and cliffy.

This book starts off exactly where book one ended. Lydia is a wolf and has changed for the first time. Confusion doesn't even begin to explain how she is feeling. She just runs until she can run no more. Her path in this book reveals who her father is and more about her bloodlines. She is a pure soul and while they don't deserve it Zane and Xander earn her forgiveness. She wants happiness and peace in her world. Turns out she is just the person to bring it.

Zane, Xander, and Soren....oh these fellas and their love for Lydia. I was crushed at the end of book one for Zane and Xander because their fathers have them in a chokehold and they are powerless. They are determined to protect her at all costs after the night she changes even if they have to do so from a distance. Soren enters the mix as a buffer between the guys and Lydia but is soon welcomed into their "family".

From the beginning this story is constantly moving. There is never a dull moment. Things are happening around every corner. Forget what you think you know because at some point you will be proven wrong. Marlee excelled with plot twists in this one. She definitely keeps the readers on their dang toes. Things get thrown into the mix and you wonder why but just trust her process because in the grand scheme of things everything is important to the story. Remember every little detail that you can. And be ready for that cliffy because I have to say it is worse than book one.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ Overall Rating: 4/5
🔥 Burn Level: 4.5/5
🌶️ Spice Level: 3/5
💧 Emotional: 4/5

Sealed with Doubt picks up exactly where book one left off, and I definitely recommend reading Sealed with Deception first because this story builds directly from those events.

After Lydia’s betrayal by Zane and Xander, this book dives into the reasons behind their choices, and I loved finally getting those answers. Watching both of them begin to push back against their father added so much depth to their characters and made me even more invested in where this trilogy is headed.

And then there’s Soren. Adding him into the mix? Yes, please. His presence brought another layer to the story that had me wanting even more.

The paranormal world continues to expand, the emotions run high, and the tension never lets up. Between the betrayals, hidden motives, and shifting alliances, I found myself constantly wondering who could truly be trusted.

But that ending… that cliffhanger?! What?! Now I’m counting down the days until book three because I need answers.

Thank you to Luna Literary Management and Marlee Cross for the opportunity to read and review this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Diana Martins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of surprises.

The second book in a trilogy, picking up right where the shocking cliffhanger of book one left off.

It's a why-choose PNR about shifters and witches.

Our FMC never gets a break.
It's one surprise after another: discovering she's far more than she ever thought she was—especially considering that, at the beginning, she didn't even know she was a witch—learning to defend herself when others see her as a threat, and trying to heal a broken heart.

Luckily, she's not alone. Quite the opposite, in fact; she has more people by her side than she could ever have imagined.

As for our MMCs, they have a lot of explaining to do.
The question is: will they get the chance to explain themselves? Then comes one of the biggest surprises from the author—a genuine why-choose romance with great steamy moments. I absolutely loved!

And things are only going to get more complicated before they get better. Some serious "housecleaning" is needed, and the fight is far from over.

The cliffhanger alone is proof of that. It left me completely stunned and staring at the page in disbelief. My immediate reaction was, "What is happening?" It was the last thing I expected and left me desperate to get my hands on the next book.

[Natalia Valdes · Rating 5 out of 5]

DEVOURED IT. It is just that good. The books keep getting better and better. I don't even know how late I stood up reading because I just NEEDED to know what happened next. Marlee Cross, you out did yourself girl!! I need book 3 ASAP!!!

This book gives you everything and more. Suspense? In every chapter. Lust? How about the attention of 3 male heirs? Dramatics? Girl, just wait until the end. Humor? Hang on to your cooking oil! Not only does this book have all that, it also tugs at your heart strings when Lydia finds out who her father is. I got all teary eyed just reading the chapter. This book will take you on the best rollercoaster of surprises, lust, and drama. & it's going to keep you waiting more! It is definitely a must read.

Thank you so much to Marlee Cross and Luna Literary for giving me the opportunity to read this book! Can't wait for the next one!!

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine Twilight & Vampire Diaries.. but better❗️I have always been obsessed with both so of course I am obsessed with this series! Did I know this book would end in a cliffhanger? Yes. Did I expect THAT? Heck no. Marlee, I need book 3 NOW. Yes I did finish this book in 3 sittings. It was just that good! I love that the book begins with a recap. Why don’t all authors do that?! The spice was spicy 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️/5. Lydia truly finds herself in this book. I love ALL of the relationships. The good relationships and the characters you absolutely hate. I had all of the emotions. Did I want to throw my kindle at the very end? Yep, but in a good way. I gave this a 4.5 ⭐️ because it felt somewhat predictable. I feel like things that we knew that the character didn’t drug out a little longer than it should have. Would I continue the series? Absolutely! Re read the serious? Oh yes 😏😍

[Ashley Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story pulled me in right from the start, and I couldn’t stop reading. The pacing was great and kept me turning pages late into the night. The world-building was solid and easy to follow without feeling overwhelming, and the emotional parts actually hit me harder than I expected. There were even a few twists I didn’t see coming at all.
I really loved the found-family vibe between Zane, Lydia, Xander, and Soren. Their connection felt real and strong, and the chemistry among them just worked. The spice was just right, but it didn’t take over the story.
Her finding her father and that whole reunion was such a good moment and really well done. And that ending… I was literally like, “What the hell?!”

[Riri is Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need ANSWERS!! I love how the story has been developing! Lydia and the dybamic between her and Zane, Xander, and Soren I think is well done with out being obnoxious. Hard to say much without giving spoilers BUT WTF are we dead or not people!!! Every time I start thinking one thing… something else pops up and I’m like WHAT?! Definitely have to read the first book in these series to understand what is going on but it’s so good and such an easy read. The world building isn’t too heavy it’s just done really well. I can’t wait to read the next in this series after that cliffhanger!!!!

Fives stars from me!!! Thank you Luna literary and Marlee cross for the review opportunity!! 🫶 these bookish thoughts are all my own!

[Michele Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good with a wild finish!
As the second book in this trilogy, I think this book takes some massive risks. While it doesn’t exactly hit home, it for sure left an impression.

The book gets off to a slow start and to get my bearings on the story line and characters finally clicked by chapter 4.

By the end Marlee pulls off a big, unexpected cliffhanger that flips the script entirely! This has left my jaw hanging. I have so many questions.

Despite my critique, this twist spiked my curiosity and hunger for another book which I cannot wait to see how the author wraps this all up.

Perfect for paranormal romance lovers who enjoy a little spice and different kinks.

[Caitlin C · Rating 4 out of 5]

MAAM - YOU DISCLOSED THERE WOULD BE A CLIFFY BUT WTF WAS THAT?!?!? I have so many questions && I am NOT HAPPY!!!! 😭😭😭

So many good times were had in this book and then you do THAT?!?!

I devoured this book in a matter of hours - the spice was, again, top notch. I love when boyfriends are boyfriends, that’s all I’ll say about that. 😏 I also loved seeing the side characters more and getting to witness Lydia develop relationships with everyone and ALL the dang plot twists really surprise me every dang time.

Rating: 4.25 ⭐️
Spice: 2.5 🌶️

[Caffeinated.Booktrovert.Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, I love that there was a recap at the beginning of the book!

I loved this book! I'm so glad I was right about who Lydia's bio-dad is. I love the found family that she gets.

Honestly I wasn't sure how Zane would take sharing Lydia with another man, but it worked out for everyone. Even with all his grumpy comments when he had to see them together.

There was a few plot twists that I did NOT see coming, and when I say I was glued to my Kindle, I am not joking. Especially that ending!! 😭

I am definitely going to need the third book!

* Read as an ARC 🖤

[Amz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way this series keeps piling on the questions while somehow making me even more desperate for answers should honestly be studied!

The mystery, tension, and character development were all so well done, and the relationships kept me completely invested. Just when I thought I knew what was happening, another twist would leave me second guessing EVERYTHING!
And that ending?! I need the next book immediately please. This series just keeps getting better, and I'm already so desperate to see what happens next!

[Brie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book picks up right where it leaves off, which I am a huge fan of, there was no time jump or anything like that. The author also included a handy little recap in the beginning of the book in case it has been a bit since you read book 1 and if you didn't have time for a reread (ahem, like me!) So I really appreciated that.

We learn a lot more about Lydia in this book.


Tropes//What to expect: dark magical academia, why choose/reverse harem, paranormal romance, expanded polyamorous (MM within Why Choose), secret society, learning new powers, hidden twist, cliffhanger.

[Payton · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

Thank goodness this book picks up right where the last one ended. WE GOT SO MANY ANSWERS! But also my brain has so many more questions. Our MCs go through changes with these revelations. Bonds change and grow between the characters. That ending had me flipping back and forth like I’m going to magically make more pages appear. I’m dying to see what comes next for these characters and what Lydia will become after this next trial.

[Zyria 🩷 · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️ I NEED BOOK 3 NOW!!!!!!

{I did receive a copy as an arc but this is my honest opinion}

I thought book 1 was good this one topped it I did not see that twist coming and the cliffhanger?? Omg I can’t wait to read the next book because I gotta know how this trilogy gonna end. I really like Soren and I don’t know how to feel about Draven… YET. I’m gonna be so sad once this trilogy comes to an end, I highly recommend this trilogy.

[Cindy Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The characters go through so many changes during this book. I'd like to thank the author for answering the questions that were from the cliffhanger of book 1. But I would like to say that I am not longer happy with Ms. Cross because of the twists that that cliffhanger.... OM Gosh I think that it's a taller cliff than book 1. Can we please have book 3 already?

Thank you to the author for the advanced copy, the review is mine.

[Nichoel Wickham · Rating 5 out of 5]

an't wait for book 3 of this series. This book recommends that you read Book 1 first. So I did, and I am glad I did. I immediately was swept into this world that Marlee Cross built. The plot twists, the chemistry between them and her… you can see it build. Definitely a must read.

[Alexis Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great second book with lots of spice, action, big reveals, betrayals, heartache and much more. The overall story was great and really eye catching. The plans were so good but the twists through the book really made it all come together. The ending was super shocking

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

That cliffhanger though…

WHAT!

That cliffhanger…just nope. I am dead. I am literally hanging on by a thread.

Such a fast paced story, lots of spice, lots of love, lots of drama and intrigue. I wasn’t ready for the ending but now I can’t wait for the next release.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book brought it. Betrayal and action. Answers, and spice. Oh my the spice. This was a serious pull for me. I couldn’t get enough. The twists and turns were wild. I was so invested in this. Totally consumed, then BAM! Cliffhanger…lol hurry up with the next one please.

[Lauren Curley · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 4 stars
🌶🌶 🌶- Spice Level

We're back to Willow Cove left on the previous cliffy with Lydia running from her potential captors. She's still naive about many things in this work of paranormal beings. She feels betrayed by the two men who she let into her life. Boy these two had some groveling and explaining to do.

I like how the additional of Soren meant she had three protectors now. I wasn't suprised by who her father was. But will say... that second cliffy was a doozy and leaves me guessing. I did enjoy the whole poly relationship coming together and creating some spicy dynamics especially when each wanted their chance to be alone with her. The vampire angle was different and Soren's turn to immortality. I can't wait for this conclusion as they try to take back Willow Cover for harmony and unity and not division.

Thank you Marlee Cross and Luna Literary for the eARC!

Release Date: 5-26-26

[Heather Normand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.

[Nikaury · Rating 5 out of 5]

I mean the way my jaw dropped towards the end!! I need book 3 now please

[Megan Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m sorry…. But what!!?!? That freaking cliffhanger…. I was honestly not prepared. I was gasping out loud! And omg do I need to know what happens.

Also, I was waiting months for this and it exceeded all of my expectations. It was just so good!

Ugh. The wild plot twists, the new relationships… I loved it all. Ate it up. Literally devoured this in 3 hours. Couldn’t put it down and now I just feel bereft… and shocked… and just stunned.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars: 4.5 rounded up
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶

It starts with a little recap of book 1, which I realy wish all authors would do! Please!!!

We dive straight back into the action and, oh my gosh, what a way to start book 2 of a series 🤩

So much happens in this book. There are wild secrets, shocking discoveries, twists, and a betrayal you'll actually find yourself rooting for. But there's also plenty of lovely, tender moments to melt your heart.

As with book 1, it's quite spicy, and there's an addition to our little why choose group 🥵

You really have to brace yourself for the ending! It's a huuuuge cliffhanger that somehow manages to be even more shocking than the one in book 1 🤯

I had an absolute blast with it. I really enjoy this author's writing and would recommend this series to anyone who loves spicy why choose fantasy/paranormal romance ✨️

I recieved an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Alicia BookNookAtoZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 Gave Me Answers Just to Leave Me With More Questions

I was so excited for part 2 of this trilogy to come out, even though I knew it would end on a cliffhanger and leave me desperate for book 3.

One of my favorite things about it? The little synopsis of book 1 at the beginning. I wish more authors did this. As someone who reads a lot of books, a quick refresher is always appreciated.

The story picks up right where book 1 left off. One of the best parts was finally getting answers to so many of the questions I had from the first book, only for Marlee to introduce new ones that had my mind spinning all over again.

I am completely obsessed with the four of them and their relationship. I loved seeing how they continued to grow throughout the story, especially Lydia. Her character development was one of my favorite parts of the book.

Marlee also knows how to get the spice just right. It never feels like it’s there just for the sake of being spicy. It fits the story and adds to your understanding of the characters and their dynamic.

And once again, there was a twist I never saw coming. Now I’m stuck waiting for book 3 and needing answers immediately.