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Shadows On The Surface
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU FOUND OUT NOTHING IN YOUR LIFE IS AS IT SEEMS?
Grace never expected to wake up in a stranger's house after a night out.
BUT IT'S JUST THE BEGINNING.
When her family becomes the target of a mysterious person, seeking revenge for the past, Grace will realize the safety her wealthy life once provided is gone.
Determined to uncover the truth, she'll soon get caught up in a web of dark secrets and deception, making her question everything and everyone she thought she knew.
When trust becomes a weapon, and with too much at stake, she has no other choice but to take matters into her own hands.
Even it it means risking her life.
Grace never expected to wake up in a stranger's house after a night out.
BUT IT'S JUST THE BEGINNING.
When her family becomes the target of a mysterious person, seeking revenge for the past, Grace will realize the safety her wealthy life once provided is gone.
Determined to uncover the truth, she'll soon get caught up in a web of dark secrets and deception, making her question everything and everyone she thought she knew.
When trust becomes a weapon, and with too much at stake, she has no other choice but to take matters into her own hands.
Even it it means risking her life.
425 pages
Published July 16, 2026
About the author
Lyz Mills
1 book10 followersCorporate girlie by day, writer by night 🌙
Mixing thriller with romance and dropping plot twists 👀
Mixing thriller with romance and dropping plot twists 👀
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June 29, 2026I received this ARC from the author.
Shadows on the Surface had an interesting premise. It had layers of mystery, betrayal, and family secrets woven into the story. There was a lot happening beneath the surface, and I can see the appeal for readers who enjoy slower-paced psychological suspense with a lot of unraveling pieces.
For me, this one felt a little longer than it needed to be, and I found myself not connecting with the characters or the overall story as much as I had hoped. That made it harder for me to stay fully invested, even though I did want the answers.
While this wasn’t a perfect fit for me, I would recommend it to readers who enjoy psychological suspense, family drama, betrayal, and mysteries that slowly unravel.
Shadows on the Surface had an interesting premise. It had layers of mystery, betrayal, and family secrets woven into the story. There was a lot happening beneath the surface, and I can see the appeal for readers who enjoy slower-paced psychological suspense with a lot of unraveling pieces.
For me, this one felt a little longer than it needed to be, and I found myself not connecting with the characters or the overall story as much as I had hoped. That made it harder for me to stay fully invested, even though I did want the answers.
While this wasn’t a perfect fit for me, I would recommend it to readers who enjoy psychological suspense, family drama, betrayal, and mysteries that slowly unravel.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Shadows on the Surface👤😱- Lyz Mills
In this plot twisting thriller we follow our FMC Grace, a hardworking business women working with her father in their highly known family company. After receiving anonymous threats towards her and her father from a writer, with the help of one of her agents, Brandon, they capture who they thought was the writer and thinks all is well.✨ After some time passed they discover the writer is still out there, and has now put her father in a coma.🤯😱Brandon and Grace now have to work together to find leads and follow clues to find this mysterious writer. Following their main lead becomes very dangerous towards Grace’s safety😬
How far are these two willing to go and jeopardize to discover who this writer is?🫣👀😯
This book was actually kind of insane, it has some crazy plot twists that had me reeling!🫠😩 This story truly had me sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happened next and still does as it ends in a cliffhanger!🤯🫣 I was also obsessed with Grace and Brandon’s tension and their chemistry.🤭🌶️
Star Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating:🌶️
In this plot twisting thriller we follow our FMC Grace, a hardworking business women working with her father in their highly known family company. After receiving anonymous threats towards her and her father from a writer, with the help of one of her agents, Brandon, they capture who they thought was the writer and thinks all is well.✨ After some time passed they discover the writer is still out there, and has now put her father in a coma.🤯😱Brandon and Grace now have to work together to find leads and follow clues to find this mysterious writer. Following their main lead becomes very dangerous towards Grace’s safety😬
How far are these two willing to go and jeopardize to discover who this writer is?🫣👀😯
This book was actually kind of insane, it has some crazy plot twists that had me reeling!🫠😩 This story truly had me sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happened next and still does as it ends in a cliffhanger!🤯🫣 I was also obsessed with Grace and Brandon’s tension and their chemistry.🤭🌶️
Star Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating:🌶️
July 11, 2026
Thank you so much to the author for my ARC copy of this book.
A strong psychological thriller with heaps of family drama, betrayal and slow burn romance. The level of detail throughout is astounding and the ending is just gut-wrenching.
A strong psychological thriller with heaps of family drama, betrayal and slow burn romance. The level of detail throughout is astounding and the ending is just gut-wrenching.
Review of advance copy received from Author
It took me a little while to get into this story, mainly because the beginning felt so unexpected.
Grace is just trying to navigate her normal life. A family dinner with her father and his new girlfriend quickly becomes awkward, she breaks up with her boyfriend, and when all of her friends cancel on a night out, she decides to celebrate on her own.
That’s when everything changes.
What starts as an ordinary evening suddenly turns into something I never saw coming. One moment I was reading a contemporary romance, the next I found myself in the middle of a suspense thriller. And honestly? I loved that shift.
Brandon’s introduction completely caught me off guard. I had so many questions, and the book slowly answered them while constantly introducing new mysteries. Just when I thought I had figured out who was behind everything, another suspect appeared.
There was one character I disliked from the very beginning, and somehow my opinion only got worse with every chapter. I don’t know how the author managed to make him feel slimier every single time he showed up, but… mission accomplished.
The story balances romance, suspense, family dynamics, danger, and everyday life surprisingly well. There were moments that made me smile, moments that had me questioning everyone’s motives, and moments where I genuinely couldn’t stop reading because I needed answers.
Once the story really picked up, it became incredibly difficult to put down.
I also loved that the romance never overshadowed the suspense. Instead, both storylines complemented each other and kept me equally invested.
By the end, I was left with exactly one thought:
Please tell me Brandon is okay.
Because I need answers. 😭🩵
LOVE: ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
SPICE: 🌶️.5
HUMOR: 😂😂
TEARS: 💧💧💧💧
SWOONING: 🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠
OVERALL: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Grace is just trying to navigate her normal life. A family dinner with her father and his new girlfriend quickly becomes awkward, she breaks up with her boyfriend, and when all of her friends cancel on a night out, she decides to celebrate on her own.
That’s when everything changes.
What starts as an ordinary evening suddenly turns into something I never saw coming. One moment I was reading a contemporary romance, the next I found myself in the middle of a suspense thriller. And honestly? I loved that shift.
Brandon’s introduction completely caught me off guard. I had so many questions, and the book slowly answered them while constantly introducing new mysteries. Just when I thought I had figured out who was behind everything, another suspect appeared.
There was one character I disliked from the very beginning, and somehow my opinion only got worse with every chapter. I don’t know how the author managed to make him feel slimier every single time he showed up, but… mission accomplished.
The story balances romance, suspense, family dynamics, danger, and everyday life surprisingly well. There were moments that made me smile, moments that had me questioning everyone’s motives, and moments where I genuinely couldn’t stop reading because I needed answers.
Once the story really picked up, it became incredibly difficult to put down.
I also loved that the romance never overshadowed the suspense. Instead, both storylines complemented each other and kept me equally invested.
By the end, I was left with exactly one thought:
Please tell me Brandon is okay.
Because I need answers. 😭🩵
LOVE: ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
SPICE: 🌶️.5
HUMOR: 😂😂
TEARS: 💧💧💧💧
SWOONING: 🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠
OVERALL: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 Stars Rounded up!
First, a huge thank you to author Lyz Mills for providing me with an ARC of Shadows on the Surface!
This book had me playing detective and failing miserably. 😂 Every chapter I was convinced I had figured out who was threatening Grace, her father.
Well, I did not. Well... sort of.
I suspected the actual culprit at one point, but I also suspected about five other people because this mystery was written so well that I kept changing my mind every other chapter. Just when I thought I had it figured out, the book would casually throw another clue at me and send me spiraling.
Grace is a fantastic FMC—funny, sassy, stubborn, and incredibly brave, especially during the final acts. And Brandon? Protective, stoic, and the agent assigned to keep her safe. Basically, my favorite flavor of book boyfriend. 😍
There's also a fake-dating element, but not in the way you're probably expecting. Add in forced proximity, tons of tension, secrets, lies, and shocking revelations, and I was fully invested.
And can we talk about Chapter 41? Because my reaction was literally: "WTF"
Then came the ending...My exact words were: "What the f*ing hell?!"....In the best possible way.
The mystery aspect gets an A+ from me because the twists kept coming and I never felt completely confident in my theories.
My one small complaint is the romance. I liked Grace and Brandon together, but I wanted more relationship development. It felt a little like they went from enemies ➝ friends ➝ "huh, maybe I like you" ➝ deeply in love at warp speed. A few more scenes or conversations between them would have made the romance hit even harder.
I will definitely be keeping an eye out for the next book!!
First, a huge thank you to author Lyz Mills for providing me with an ARC of Shadows on the Surface!
This book had me playing detective and failing miserably. 😂 Every chapter I was convinced I had figured out who was threatening Grace, her father.
Well, I did not. Well... sort of.
I suspected the actual culprit at one point, but I also suspected about five other people because this mystery was written so well that I kept changing my mind every other chapter. Just when I thought I had it figured out, the book would casually throw another clue at me and send me spiraling.
Grace is a fantastic FMC—funny, sassy, stubborn, and incredibly brave, especially during the final acts. And Brandon? Protective, stoic, and the agent assigned to keep her safe. Basically, my favorite flavor of book boyfriend. 😍
There's also a fake-dating element, but not in the way you're probably expecting. Add in forced proximity, tons of tension, secrets, lies, and shocking revelations, and I was fully invested.
And can we talk about Chapter 41? Because my reaction was literally: "WTF"
Then came the ending...My exact words were: "What the f*ing hell?!"....In the best possible way.
The mystery aspect gets an A+ from me because the twists kept coming and I never felt completely confident in my theories.
My one small complaint is the romance. I liked Grace and Brandon together, but I wanted more relationship development. It felt a little like they went from enemies ➝ friends ➝ "huh, maybe I like you" ➝ deeply in love at warp speed. A few more scenes or conversations between them would have made the romance hit even harder.
I will definitely be keeping an eye out for the next book!!
July 20, 2026
It's 4.5 stars for me!!!!
ARC reader here!!🫡❤️❤️ Congratulations for this debut and for giving me the chance to read this book. 🥳🙏🏻
I really enjoyed "Shadows on the Surface". The beginning pulled me in right away — I was completely invested and so curious about what was going to happen next. Then, for most of the middle, the pace was a little slower, but it still kept me hooked because the story was so twisty and the author kept making me trust certain characters, even though I still had that feeling that something was off.
Grace was such a strong FMC — stubborn, ambitious, and really intelligent, but also impulsive at times, which made her feel very real to me. I saw a girl I could genuinely connect with in her from beginning to end, and I really loved her character. The MMC also won me over the moment he was introduced. I had no doubt I wanted him to be her final choice if I may say. Also, really loved Grace best friend enery - such a funny and enjoyable character. I hope I'll see more of her.
I also really liked how the romance was built up. The attraction between the main characters was there from the very beginning, and I loved watching their relationship develop. I did get a little mad at the MMC near the end for what he said, but by the time everything made sense, I understood it.
And then the last 100 pages? Total emotional rollercoaster. I was teary, confused, anxious, and even giggly at times. I really thought I knew where the story was going, but I didn’t at all. The ending completely changed everything, especially those last pages. For a debut thriller romance, this was amazing, and now I can’t wait for the second book.🥹❤️❤️
ARC reader here!!🫡❤️❤️ Congratulations for this debut and for giving me the chance to read this book. 🥳🙏🏻
I really enjoyed "Shadows on the Surface". The beginning pulled me in right away — I was completely invested and so curious about what was going to happen next. Then, for most of the middle, the pace was a little slower, but it still kept me hooked because the story was so twisty and the author kept making me trust certain characters, even though I still had that feeling that something was off.
Grace was such a strong FMC — stubborn, ambitious, and really intelligent, but also impulsive at times, which made her feel very real to me. I saw a girl I could genuinely connect with in her from beginning to end, and I really loved her character. The MMC also won me over the moment he was introduced. I had no doubt I wanted him to be her final choice if I may say. Also, really loved Grace best friend enery - such a funny and enjoyable character. I hope I'll see more of her.
I also really liked how the romance was built up. The attraction between the main characters was there from the very beginning, and I loved watching their relationship develop. I did get a little mad at the MMC near the end for what he said, but by the time everything made sense, I understood it.
And then the last 100 pages? Total emotional rollercoaster. I was teary, confused, anxious, and even giggly at times. I really thought I knew where the story was going, but I didn’t at all. The ending completely changed everything, especially those last pages. For a debut thriller romance, this was amazing, and now I can’t wait for the second book.🥹❤️❤️
Review of advance copy
Get hit over the head. Wake up. Find yourself kidnapped. Not exactly an ideal start to the day. Yet there Grace is, forced to deal with a rather charming kidnapper, her overprotective father, a far-too-young stepmother, and, somewhere in the background, a deadly enemy lurking in the shadows.
The story takes place in the world of the ultra-rich. There are hot heiresses, sexy secret agents, forced proximity, and a large helping of all the right tropes. There is also something of a mash-up here between Sex and the City and Beauty and the Beast, complete with the obligatory glamorous ball scene thrown in for good measure. Aston Martins, Lamborghinis, and Bentleys all make their appearance as well - quite frequently, in fact.
The writing is fast-paced, with the author wisely not wasting too much time on excessive descriptions. Instead, the book races ahead on dialogue, action and steadily mounting suspense. Who is behind it all? Who is the mysterious enemy? What do they want? As Grace tries to draw the elusive threat into the open with the help of her very hunky bodyguard, the tensions keeps building nicely. The story keeps you guessing for quite a while, and even after the shadowy presence is revealed, there are still a few twists left to enjoy.
Now, this is not John le Carré. But as a suspenseful thriller with a whirlwind romance - best enjoyed as light summer reading, preferably poolside - it works perfectly. Preferably, of course, while sipping a Cosmopolitan...
(I enjoyed this book as a free advance reader copy.)
The story takes place in the world of the ultra-rich. There are hot heiresses, sexy secret agents, forced proximity, and a large helping of all the right tropes. There is also something of a mash-up here between Sex and the City and Beauty and the Beast, complete with the obligatory glamorous ball scene thrown in for good measure. Aston Martins, Lamborghinis, and Bentleys all make their appearance as well - quite frequently, in fact.
The writing is fast-paced, with the author wisely not wasting too much time on excessive descriptions. Instead, the book races ahead on dialogue, action and steadily mounting suspense. Who is behind it all? Who is the mysterious enemy? What do they want? As Grace tries to draw the elusive threat into the open with the help of her very hunky bodyguard, the tensions keeps building nicely. The story keeps you guessing for quite a while, and even after the shadowy presence is revealed, there are still a few twists left to enjoy.
Now, this is not John le Carré. But as a suspenseful thriller with a whirlwind romance - best enjoyed as light summer reading, preferably poolside - it works perfectly. Preferably, of course, while sipping a Cosmopolitan...
(I enjoyed this book as a free advance reader copy.)
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you’re looking for a romantic suspense that keeps you guessing until the very end, Shadows on the Surface delivers.
The story hooks you immediately with Grace reeling from a painful breakup. A night out meant to clear her head takes an unexpected turn when she meets Brandon, whose timely intervention changes everything.
What starts as a mission to save Grace’s father quickly evolves into a gripping mystery filled with danger, deception, and plenty of twists. Just when it seems the case is solved after her ex-boyfriend, Luke, is caught and confesses, the story takes a sharp turn. Luke isn’t acting alone, forcing Grace and Brandon to work together once again as new threats against her family continue to emerge.
As the suspense intensifies, so does the chemistry between Grace and Brandon. Their growing connection adds just the right amount of romance and spice without overshadowing the mystery, making it easy to stay invested in both the investigation and their relationship.
With unexpected twists, high-stakes drama, simmering romance, and a mystery that keeps the pages turning, Shadows on the Surface is an entertaining read from beginning to end. If you’re searching for your next page-turning romantic suspense, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
The story hooks you immediately with Grace reeling from a painful breakup. A night out meant to clear her head takes an unexpected turn when she meets Brandon, whose timely intervention changes everything.
What starts as a mission to save Grace’s father quickly evolves into a gripping mystery filled with danger, deception, and plenty of twists. Just when it seems the case is solved after her ex-boyfriend, Luke, is caught and confesses, the story takes a sharp turn. Luke isn’t acting alone, forcing Grace and Brandon to work together once again as new threats against her family continue to emerge.
As the suspense intensifies, so does the chemistry between Grace and Brandon. Their growing connection adds just the right amount of romance and spice without overshadowing the mystery, making it easy to stay invested in both the investigation and their relationship.
With unexpected twists, high-stakes drama, simmering romance, and a mystery that keeps the pages turning, Shadows on the Surface is an entertaining read from beginning to end. If you’re searching for your next page-turning romantic suspense, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When the hired protection is that hot, this book was never going to be anything less than a winner! And then Lyz Mills gave us an MMC who plays guitar and sings… I was sold from the start. 🎸❤️
The tension builds at a steady pace, but trust me—it is absolutely worth the wait. When it finally ignites, it delivers everything you'd hope for and more.
I'm always a sucker for an MMC who would burn the world down to protect his girl, and this one earned a place on that list with ease.
Then came that plot twist… I genuinely didn't see it coming. Just when I thought I knew where the story was heading, everything changed. By the end I was left with a lump in my throat and tears threatening to fall.
Lyz Mills had me completely hooked from beginning to end. It was gripping, emotional, full of tension, and impossible to put down.
But seriously... what am I supposed to do now?! I need Book 2 like yesterday! 😭 After that ending, there is no way I'm leaving these characters behind. I need answers, I need more, and I need them now!
Well done, Lyz—you've written a story that kept me turning the pages and left a lasting impression. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next instalment.
#BookReview #ARCReview #Bookstagram #BookTok #ShadowsOnTheSurface
The tension builds at a steady pace, but trust me—it is absolutely worth the wait. When it finally ignites, it delivers everything you'd hope for and more.
I'm always a sucker for an MMC who would burn the world down to protect his girl, and this one earned a place on that list with ease.
Then came that plot twist… I genuinely didn't see it coming. Just when I thought I knew where the story was heading, everything changed. By the end I was left with a lump in my throat and tears threatening to fall.
Lyz Mills had me completely hooked from beginning to end. It was gripping, emotional, full of tension, and impossible to put down.
But seriously... what am I supposed to do now?! I need Book 2 like yesterday! 😭 After that ending, there is no way I'm leaving these characters behind. I need answers, I need more, and I need them now!
Well done, Lyz—you've written a story that kept me turning the pages and left a lasting impression. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next instalment.
#BookReview #ARCReview #Bookstagram #BookTok #ShadowsOnTheSurface
Review of advance copy received from Author
I don’t even know what to say. This gave me flashbacks to the rage Pretty Little Liars gave me!!! 😂 The SUSPENSE!!! Honestly, the level of suspense in this book is insane. Every time I thought I knew who the hooded villain was…NOPE! I had one specific person in mind throughout the first half of the book and BOY WAS I WRONG!! I’m not going to mention names as I want you to figure it out and I don’t want to spoil the character progressions, but who I thought it was actually turnt out being one of my favourite characters.
Just when you think nothing else can happen to Grace…boom!!! Something/ someone else comes along and throws her world into turmoil!! AND THE ENDING!!! Yes I’m pretty angry at the ending!!! 😂 The book is left on the biggest cliffhanger ever!! I’m going to say on par with Onyx storms cliffhanger!
I need to know who sent that final message!!
If you like physiological thrillers with a whole ‘nother level of suspense!!! You need this book!!!
Just when you think nothing else can happen to Grace…boom!!! Something/ someone else comes along and throws her world into turmoil!! AND THE ENDING!!! Yes I’m pretty angry at the ending!!! 😂 The book is left on the biggest cliffhanger ever!! I’m going to say on par with Onyx storms cliffhanger!
I need to know who sent that final message!!
If you like physiological thrillers with a whole ‘nother level of suspense!!! You need this book!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a thriller romance that definitely has a super interesting premise!
Grace's life definitely isn't as it seems. She's living her life as normal when suddenly, things change. There was a lot going on with this one and it I was definitely trying to figure out who the "writer" was throughout the whole book.
I liked Grace as an FMC. She is brave, stubborn, and full of sass. I was a little bit confused because this felt like she was tied up between Brandon and Eric and I didn't expect that and found it a bit strange. I also would have liked to see more depth in the development in the relationship with Grace and Brandon.
I do feel like this story could maybe have been a little bit shorter and that some things didn't seem like necessary additions into the story.
If you like a story that has a mixture of romance, suspense, family dynamics and drama, mystery and some danger, then this one might be for you! Huge thank you to the author for the early copy to read!
Grace's life definitely isn't as it seems. She's living her life as normal when suddenly, things change. There was a lot going on with this one and it I was definitely trying to figure out who the "writer" was throughout the whole book.
I liked Grace as an FMC. She is brave, stubborn, and full of sass. I was a little bit confused because this felt like she was tied up between Brandon and Eric and I didn't expect that and found it a bit strange. I also would have liked to see more depth in the development in the relationship with Grace and Brandon.
I do feel like this story could maybe have been a little bit shorter and that some things didn't seem like necessary additions into the story.
If you like a story that has a mixture of romance, suspense, family dynamics and drama, mystery and some danger, then this one might be for you! Huge thank you to the author for the early copy to read!
Review of advance copy
Shadows on the Surface felt like a roller coaster of emotions. It kept me on my toes trying to figure out who was the writer of the letters and how exactly they would be caught. I feel like there are clues given to try and throw the case off the trail of the writer constantly and every time we think things have settled another curve is thrown. Grace is put through a lot in the story with being kidnapped, her ex boyfriend seeming to be behind some of the black mail her family has received, and growing suspicion of her fathers girlfriend. We are left with a huge cliffhanger in the end that makes me want to scream for more. I cannot wait for the next book to see just what happens next and if our writer is taken down for good this time.
Overall this was a great read even though I did have lasting questions that I am hoping will be answered in the next book.
Overall this was a great read even though I did have lasting questions that I am hoping will be answered in the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 stars
First of all, thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Shadows on the Surface is a suspenseful story that follows Grace as she uncovers family secrets, deception, and hidden truths. The premise immediately caught my attention, and the mystery keeps the story moving at a steady pace.
The writing is straightforward and accessible, making it an easy read, particularly for YA readers or those who enjoy fast-paced contemporary suspense. The story unfolds clearly, with plenty of twists and a focus on Grace’s journey as she searches for the truth.
I appreciated the opportunity to discover Lyz Mills’ work and I think it has the potential to resonate with readers looking for an accessible mystery with a young adult feel.
Thank you again to the author for the ARC, and I wish her every success with the release💜
First of all, thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Shadows on the Surface is a suspenseful story that follows Grace as she uncovers family secrets, deception, and hidden truths. The premise immediately caught my attention, and the mystery keeps the story moving at a steady pace.
The writing is straightforward and accessible, making it an easy read, particularly for YA readers or those who enjoy fast-paced contemporary suspense. The story unfolds clearly, with plenty of twists and a focus on Grace’s journey as she searches for the truth.
I appreciated the opportunity to discover Lyz Mills’ work and I think it has the potential to resonate with readers looking for an accessible mystery with a young adult feel.
Thank you again to the author for the ARC, and I wish her every success with the release💜
July 10, 2026
Advanced Reader Copy Review -
I enjoyed this psychological suspense of a book. It was a good read! It started off a little intense then slowed down a bit and all of the sudden, *BAM* the suspense hits you hard.
The story was filled with crazy plot twists, family secrets, betrayal, suspense, who done it, romance and ending with an “Oh No!!!”. It was hard for me to resonate with the characters but that was because they were all suspects in my eyes 😝. Except for Ivy. She was the only one I was sure of.
I really loved the mystery throughout the book too. Every time I thought I knew who it was, I kept changing my mind. Mills did very well keeping me guessing. This book was a very good example of a plot twisted thriller.
I was at the edge of my seat until the very last page. And the ending 🤯, what a cliffhanger!
I would recommend this book!
I enjoyed this psychological suspense of a book. It was a good read! It started off a little intense then slowed down a bit and all of the sudden, *BAM* the suspense hits you hard.
The story was filled with crazy plot twists, family secrets, betrayal, suspense, who done it, romance and ending with an “Oh No!!!”. It was hard for me to resonate with the characters but that was because they were all suspects in my eyes 😝. Except for Ivy. She was the only one I was sure of.
I really loved the mystery throughout the book too. Every time I thought I knew who it was, I kept changing my mind. Mills did very well keeping me guessing. This book was a very good example of a plot twisted thriller.
I was at the edge of my seat until the very last page. And the ending 🤯, what a cliffhanger!
I would recommend this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC read!
I liked the basis of this book, and I really enjoyed Grace’s relationship with Ivy and with her dad. I also appreciated seeing her relationship with Robyn evolve, though it did seem kind of like a flip switched all of the sudden.
The book was a bit slow for me, and it took me quite a while to get into it. The first scene is kind of jarring (and doesn’t make logical sense, why would you not tell her), but then it slows down basically until the end when the action really picks up. I also guessed who someone was at the first meeting of them, but of course I didn’t know all the pieces until later.
There were a few errors in terms and in medical facts that kind of bugged me, for example, they kept talking about “framing” someone, but it’s not framing if the person did it.
I probably will read book 2, just because I need to know if Brandon is okay!
I liked the basis of this book, and I really enjoyed Grace’s relationship with Ivy and with her dad. I also appreciated seeing her relationship with Robyn evolve, though it did seem kind of like a flip switched all of the sudden.
The book was a bit slow for me, and it took me quite a while to get into it. The first scene is kind of jarring (and doesn’t make logical sense, why would you not tell her), but then it slows down basically until the end when the action really picks up. I also guessed who someone was at the first meeting of them, but of course I didn’t know all the pieces until later.
There were a few errors in terms and in medical facts that kind of bugged me, for example, they kept talking about “framing” someone, but it’s not framing if the person did it.
I probably will read book 2, just because I need to know if Brandon is okay!
July 22, 2026
3.75 stars. Shadows on the Surface has a promising storyline. I’m a sucker for thrillers and unraveling layers of mystery, betrayal, and lies. There was a lot happening, but at the same time, this is a slower-paced psychological suspense with a lot of moving pieces that can get confusing. In my opinion, it was longer than necessary. The pacing took a bit to get used to. Some parts were quicker than I expected and others were taking a while to get to the point. While I enjoyed the ending, I didn’t connect with the characters much. This is for the lovers of the twists and turns but also the ones who like it to take a little longer.
I did receive an ARC of this story. All of my opinions and thoughts on my own.
I did receive an ARC of this story. All of my opinions and thoughts on my own.
July 3, 2026
I received this book as an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
What I enjoyed most about this book was its blend of mystery, suspense, humor, and romance. The author's writing style is engaging and easy to get invested in.
That said, I personally felt the story was a bit longer than it needed to be, and I found my interest fading at times. However, the pace really picked up toward the end, and once it did, I couldn't put it down.
I was expecting more of a thriller, and I didn't feel that aspect fully delivered. However, if you enjoy slow-burn stories with a mix of mystery and romance, this one is definitely worth checking out.
What I enjoyed most about this book was its blend of mystery, suspense, humor, and romance. The author's writing style is engaging and easy to get invested in.
That said, I personally felt the story was a bit longer than it needed to be, and I found my interest fading at times. However, the pace really picked up toward the end, and once it did, I couldn't put it down.
I was expecting more of a thriller, and I didn't feel that aspect fully delivered. However, if you enjoy slow-burn stories with a mix of mystery and romance, this one is definitely worth checking out.
July 26, 2026
The first 20% of the book is super fast paced, forced proximity - he kidnaps her for her own safety.
Then the book switches, almost to another book, it’s like a cute office romance. Then the last 50% ish of the book is like a mystery.
There’s forced proximity, mystery, fake dating. It’s mostly a fast paced book.
I didn’t see the ending coming at all, I thought I had it pegged but I was wrong.
It took me a while to get used to the style of writing, the conversations can be a tad short/blunt, but it didn’t stop me enjoying it. I do wish the office romance bit was a tad shorter, I know it’s important to the storyline but it just felt like it dragged a bit. But overall loved the book!
Then the book switches, almost to another book, it’s like a cute office romance. Then the last 50% ish of the book is like a mystery.
There’s forced proximity, mystery, fake dating. It’s mostly a fast paced book.
I didn’t see the ending coming at all, I thought I had it pegged but I was wrong.
It took me a while to get used to the style of writing, the conversations can be a tad short/blunt, but it didn’t stop me enjoying it. I do wish the office romance bit was a tad shorter, I know it’s important to the storyline but it just felt like it dragged a bit. But overall loved the book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book follows Grace as she works to uncover a mysterious threat facing her family. It’s packed with twists and turns, and just when you think you have everything figured out, another major surprise changes everything.
From the very first chapter, this story had me completely hooked. The blend of romance and thriller is perfectly balanced, creating a captivating read that kept me turning the pages.
And the ending… holy heck, Lyz Mills! I need book two ASAP because I have to know what happens next!
From the very first chapter, this story had me completely hooked. The blend of romance and thriller is perfectly balanced, creating a captivating read that kept me turning the pages.
And the ending… holy heck, Lyz Mills! I need book two ASAP because I have to know what happens next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm gutted that this is a DNF. Sadly, I got about halfway through this book with a struggle but it was starting to put me in a reading slump. I may try to come back to this at a later date but for now it's a no from me.
It consisted of a lot of dialogue that felt very stilted and blocky. At times it didn't feel like it flowed like a normal conversation. Also I really dislike the FMC 🫣
The chapters were short and the storyline is fast paced. The descriptions are very well put and does help the reader actually see what is going on in the scenes.
It consisted of a lot of dialogue that felt very stilted and blocky. At times it didn't feel like it flowed like a normal conversation. Also I really dislike the FMC 🫣
The chapters were short and the storyline is fast paced. The descriptions are very well put and does help the reader actually see what is going on in the scenes.
June 18, 2026
I am very grateful to have been sent an Advanced Reader Copy by the author.
That ending?! Gobsmacked! I think the beginning is a little slow-paced and the writing style took a little while for me to get used to. However by the end I was so invested in the characters and the plot, I just kept reading because I needed to know what was going on. I am excited to read whatever Lyz Mills writes next.
That ending?! Gobsmacked! I think the beginning is a little slow-paced and the writing style took a little while for me to get used to. However by the end I was so invested in the characters and the plot, I just kept reading because I needed to know what was going on. I am excited to read whatever Lyz Mills writes next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to recieve this book as an ARC. This story follows Grace as she works to uncover the person threatening her family. Although I struggled with the writing style to begin with, the more I read the more I couldn't put this book down! The story is extremely fast paced with soo many twists and turns and it definitely keeps you guessing! If you want a book that gives you mystery, suspense and some romance sprinkled in then add this to your TBR 📚
Review of advance copy received from Author
A fast paced thriller filled with secrets, lies, and unexpected twists. Grace is a compelling protagonist whose search for the truth pulls her deeper into a dangerous web of deception, keeping the tension high throughout. The mystery unfolds steadily, with plenty of suspense and moments that make you question who can really be trusted. An engaging read for fans of domestic thrillers and stories where nothing is quite as it seems.
July 7, 2026
The first few chapters… excellent! The whole section from like chapter 5-30 can be cut out. Eric was so annoyingggggg! Lol love Brandon. Love Grace- sometimes. Super wealthy family. Family company. Fancy cars. The ending was PHENOMENAL! After I got past chapter 30 I was speeding through it trying to get to end. It was almost my first DNF but I powered through it! I would recommend it for a fun read! Maybe not a book club read.
July 17, 2026
This psychological thriller will keep you on the edge!
This story had me sucked in from the very beginning. This is my first book from this author, and it was an amazing psychological thriller! The plot twists had me screaming! I thought I had it figured out and then realized I was far from figuring out who the bad guy was! And that cliffhanger!! I cannot wait to see what happens next! Definitely a 5-star read for me!
This story had me sucked in from the very beginning. This is my first book from this author, and it was an amazing psychological thriller! The plot twists had me screaming! I thought I had it figured out and then realized I was far from figuring out who the bad guy was! And that cliffhanger!! I cannot wait to see what happens next! Definitely a 5-star read for me!
July 18, 2026
When Grace’s father begins receiving anonymous letters, long buried secrets start coming to light, and suddenly no one seems trustworthy. As Grace races to uncover who is behind the letters and what they want from her family, the suspense keeps building with every chapter. I loved trying to piece together the mystery, and I kept changing my mind about who was responsible. If you enjoy family dramas filled with secrets, lies, and twists, this one is worth picking up!
Review of advance copy received from Author
That ending is nothing short of diabolical! Up then down then up then down then up then ..... boom!
Normally I would think that was way too much packed into one book and the "bad guy" was pretty obvious, but it didn't seem rushed or forced at all! And the biggest twists are what all is discovered about the "bad guy". Fun read! I will definitely be looking for book 2!
Normally I would think that was way too much packed into one book and the "bad guy" was pretty obvious, but it didn't seem rushed or forced at all! And the biggest twists are what all is discovered about the "bad guy". Fun read! I will definitely be looking for book 2!
July 10, 2026
This action thriller was an easy and enjoyable read. It leans more towards romance, with action-thriller elements woven throughout, making it a fun choice for readers looking for something a little different from a typical romance novel.
While I enjoyed the reading experience, I realised that this particular blend of genres isn't quite to my personal taste. Because of that, I probably won't continue with the series. However, I would still recommend it to readers who enjoy romance but want the added excitement of action and suspense.
While I enjoyed the reading experience, I realised that this particular blend of genres isn't quite to my personal taste. Because of that, I probably won't continue with the series. However, I would still recommend it to readers who enjoy romance but want the added excitement of action and suspense.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was incredibly wrote i loved it so much. Im so great full to be able to have the arc of this book. I recommend this book to everyone
June 18, 2026
Lyz Mills wrote has a book full of twists, i never saw the end coming and cant wait for the second one to be released.
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