There's something in the darkness, and it's watching her...
Lacey Madison wants to be like every other teenager. She wants to wave to her best friend, and have him wave back. She wants to kiss a boy, and for him to stay in town.
She wants to go to school, and not be accused of murder.
But bad things are always happening around her, and in this dusty little desert town, nothing is what it seems. Lacey's entire life has been leading to something, and those eyes in the desert darkness hold all the answers.
This one is in a little category all on its own. I'm not sure how to describe it, supernatural Ghost Bird doesn't do it justice. I almost thought it was contemporary.
Lacey starts off like any other RH female MC. Lives in a trailer, bullied at school. She's pretty much a social pariah and has the lowest of self esteem. Pretty standard right.
"some monsters you couldn’t kill. Sometimes the monsters were human, and you were born into their family. Sometimes they raised you."
I was behind her from the start, it all seemed so unfair. Then slowly the reasons for the way her live panned out slowly come to light. I do mean slowly, the picture doesn't come together all at once. Which was kind of nice. The blurb doesn't give anything away and I won't either. The supernatural element is almost Wiccan. Don't expect any sparkly vampires or werewolves looking for a mate. Lacey doesn't discover she is a long lost fae princess or anything silly. Its all herbs and charms and lines of salt. It added to the realness.
"Are there are monster under my bed, too?" "No, I checked"
The scariest part of this was the realness. Like this could actually happen. Her harem was very likeable too, there was a "Ghost Bird" feel but in a good way, and not all YA. It kind of grows on you this book, like you don't realise how into you are until its 1 in the morning and you got work in the morning and you can't even regret it.
The only thing I have to complain about was the ending. It felt a little too easy and it left it in a really frustrating place waiting for the next one. Thanks, as always, authors for the hooks you use to make us want to read on.
I didn’t expect this to be so amazing. I literally started reading it (cos @Poplora was raving) without even reading the blurb. You should too. Just give it a go *blows that fangirl pixie dust into your face*
I am a happy goblin. This was loads of fun and I felt like I was taken back to the past with X-Files and the goonies. If you like Supernatural and X-Files try this one.
Ok so meet Lacey she is a “born into the wrong family” kinda lass. Low socioeconomic group. Drinkers/ criminals/ low life beat up their kids , leave em to starve, emotional and psychological abuse kind of people. .... soooooo enter Lacey.
This story is paranormal with ghosts, vampires, gods ?? The harem are mostly regular guys and the tension is kind of hot BUT our Mc is a virgin so it’s all high school bumping and grinding in this book. Which isn’t so bad really. I enjoyed this story so I will probably read the next one. It held my interest but at times the “woe is me, I’m such a loner I can’t trust anyone teenager angst“ got a tad annoying.
The ending was ... unclear as to how it occurred but I think the next book hopefully will hash it out a bit more. The harem were all cool with each other
4 stars - I don’t like virgin Mc. So .... :) otherwise a good RH ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
While this had your typical RH vibes, I liked the way it was done in this story.
We have the small town setting and we have everyone hating the main female MC, although we don't know why until the story progresses.
Not only did I love the paranormal element in this story, I also loved the supernatural aspect of the story with the Hunters out there hunting the monsters.
3 it’s good YA stars. The initial mystery is solved but It’s ending doesn’t offer any closure. I’m looking forward to Voices in the darkness. (Release date in March)
I really enjoyed the plot of this paranormal reverse harem (RH) series starter - it kind of reminded me of some episodes of The X-Files (yes, I'm old), which I always loved. I really liked the idea of the Chee family and their roles in the supernatural world. The romance is YA-ish but has the seeds to progress to NA as the characters are are in the 17 to 20 range. (To clarify, it is not squeaky clean but not quite mature YA either.) I like the beginnings of the relationships for each hero, though as is usual for me the emotional connection professed by the end felt too soon for what is on page, though nowhere near as lacking as a good deal of RH's I have read. The resolution to the big bad felt anti-climactic but I am wondering if there remains more to be seen there. There was something about the heroine's personality that irritated me a bit but I actually saw it as a positive - it made her more real and complex to me. I am especially intrigued by Lacey's supernatural skillset - the origin and extent of it. The book is not a standalone but does tell a complete story arc while leaving you wanting to know what will happen next.
Have you ever found a book that had great reviews by people you normally book-bond with, and you're crazy excited to read it? This was that book for me. Unfortunately, about 30% through, I found I wasn't really clicking with it. I kept going back to the reviews and thinking maybe I missed something and I just had to push through and eventually it would be as amazing as everyone else thought. At 50%, I did it again. I finally gave up at 71%. I really wanted to love this book, but I can't. Although I'm dnf'ing, I didnt have the heart to 1 star it because it's well written, it just didnt do anything for me... I did try.
Eyes in the Darkness was a try at spinning some true and tried tropes to give us a new-ish feeling story but everything stays on a tame YA level to truly feel that impact.
As the story began, I got smacked with a lot of cliches of this genre. Everyone hates the FMC, she is bullied, the family is trash, some fall out with some of the harem dudes, etc. But soon as the Chee brothers were introduced, I felt like we were in a Supernatural style episode; only this time we are seeing it play out from the victim's side instead of the Winchester bros. I mean seriously when the whole hunting, research thing starts how can you not think of Supernatural? So I was hella disappointed with that climax. I mean that's how things resolved for the whole how-can-we-end-this? It felt very anti-climatic winging it scene instead of like an explosive action sequence with some plan or whatever.
The FMC is introduced strong but soon looses her individuality to the point of being just a plot device and an attraction for the boys. The harem is okay. Two guys already have a connection with her so it's just mostly mushiness there and the other two are insta-attract. There is a lot of personality missing in these guys. They skirted the edge of being boring, their interactions are not much of a variety.
The book had good intentions but it doesn't truly enrich the plot beyond the basics it wanted, it ends up staying very subdued and clean for the elements present.
I had mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, I enjoyed the premise. I think this has a good setup for a series. I liked most of the characters, and I liked the writing style. On the otherrrr hand, I didn’t really connect with the main character. It was hard to get a grasp on her personality, and she was so self deprecating that it made it hard to see what it was about her that had everyone so enamored. This book was very YA in that respect. The teen angst I get, but everyone had ideas about how special Lacey was and yet I don’t think she once showed anything about herself that justifies those reactions. It’s my understanding that in the next book the characters are older so I’m hoping for some more mature attitudes!
Good start to the series. Likeable Hero's and heroine. I wish a little more was explained about her being the town "outcast" - we were told a few things but I felt like I needed more of a history. I'd also like to get the Hero's POV in the next book, I feel like a lot was left out that would have made the story feel more complete. It was also stated that book two in the series was done but no released date was given.
Lacey has had one doozy of a rough life. Pretty much if something bad can happen it totally does. This comes along with quite a few people being nasty to her as well. This has made her very anxious to leave town once she graduates if she can make it that far. To shake things up the guys she grew up with return determined to make her believe in crazy things. Life forces her to see the truth though taking her along for a doozy of a ride I must say. A great beginning to a slow burn RH that wets your appetite while leaving you craving more. A great mix of two of my fave authors. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
Lacey's family has been in this town since its beginning. Unfortunately, that's not necessarily a good thing. They aren't the esteemed Founding Family; more like the trash the town would like removed. All Lacey has ever wanted is a nice, normal life, a best friend, family dinners, and maybe a handsome boyfriend. Instead, she's shunned, degraded, and blamed for her very existence. Now strange things are happening in this little desert town and the town seems to think it's Lacey's fault. This time they may be right.
This may be the most unexpected book of the year. It's outstanding. I did not see it coming. Let's start with Lacey. She made my heart melt. Her life isn't as bad as some. She's neglected at home, sometimes abused but it could be worse. Her family is poor, less than reputable. Again, it could be worse. Her pain comes from the town. To be isolated and shunned; to be looked down upon by every other citizen, to be blamed for existing is unimaginable. The strength this girl has to get out of bed, to leave her house, to face each day is awe-inspiring. She was hard on herself for her lack of social skills. I'm not sure how she can function around other people alone, much less have social niceties perfected. Her reaction to touch, a simple hug broke a part of me. I physically hurt for this girl. She is so beat down, in her heart she believes she has little worth. She is so very wrong. She is so very special.
So, here I am lulled into this psychological study of a small town and a precious girl and then all of a sudden I am in the middle of a creepy paranormal thriller. It had a Native American feel to it that predates society. I was hoping for a new beginning for Lacey. I got much more than I hoped for. Thorn and Colton, Aaron and Oliver, the eyes. Lacey went from feeling invisible to being the center attraction. It was extraordinary. One day it's a quiet, lonely existence, the next it's a suspenseful, scary one. One day she feels trapped by her life, the next she learns how true that is and the danger surrounding her. The change of pacing, atmosphere, and mood made this story that much more compelling. For me it was like being on a roller coaster, there's the slow journey to the top helping to build your anticipation, next there's the crest where the ride hangs in the balance and everything becomes clear, then the bottom drops out with the fast swoop down. You have to hang on the best you can, enjoying the momentum as you are swept along. It's over way too soon leaving you with the thrill of the ride (read) and ready for more. And I want more. That ending. Exactly what I would have expected from Lacey. These boys now have their work cut out for them. Proving her worth to her after the life she has lived is more of a challenge than monster hunting any day.
Lacey has been dealt a crappy hand at life. She's a pariah in her small town. Always has been but it got worse when her friends up and left. They were golden boys of the town and everyone blamed her for them leaving. Even though she didn't do anything, they may be right about her being responsible. When they blow back into town, secrets start to come out. What lies in the darkness starts to come to light.
We all know by now that these two coming together are going to bring us an amazing story. If you enjoy paranormal thrillers then this book is right up your alley. While we start off with just a small town, mistreated girl, we quickly get into a world unlike any other. When Thorn and Colton fly back into town they bring a secret with them. A secret that is going to change Lacey's world. We also have the new neighbors, Aaron and Oliver. They are not what they come off as either. We have a group of four guys who are all so unique and yet all have the same goal of keeping Lacey safe. Turns out that's going to be a lot harder than anyone ever imagined. We learn that monsters are real and there are people that hunt the things that go bump in the night. We also learn that the monster who has his eyes on Lacey, he is one bad @ss bad guy.
As with a lot of series these days, this first book leaves us wanting, needing, begging for more. Hopefully these two won't make us wait too long.
Great concept, but didn't quite hit the mark for me. The guys were basically boring- they lacked depth and character for me and lacked chemistry with the FMC. Yeah they had some make-out sessions, but she had an insta-love connection with the Che brothers. Lacey's inner musings were repetitive to the point if irritating. The ending was anticlimactic... I just wanted more than this story provided. Jot sure if I will continue this series.
I enjoy fantasy/paranormal novels but this book didn’t really have that great plot that will make you want to finish in one sitting. Lacey has a lot of internal drama and introspection.plus making out with 4 boys is way too much. Probably won’t read the next book.
I was feeling mostly positive about this book up until 89%. Sure, there were times where the plot trudged along slowly, but the writing largely managed to hold my interest. Ripely and Rebecca took their time building up the threat that the big bad stalking Lacey posed, slowly identifying what it is and the power it possessed, going from an unknown monster, to a skinwalker of lore, to the potential devil himself. Yet the final confrontation with said monster was…underwhelming. Completely anti-climatic. Blink and you missed it.
On another note, I wouldn’t have minded the monster joining Lacey’s harem—you know if he kept from killing any more children and mind whammying everyone in town. It’s possible that I read too many anti-hero romances, as I actually felt sorry for it. I was rationalizing his/its actions in my head: “he’s lonely,” “he doesn’t know that destruction of property is wrong,” ”I’d be upset too if I woke up and found my home had been treated without any respect!” etc. (I’d like to make it clear that I make way more exceptions for anti-heroes in fantasy/paranormal than I do for those in real-world fiction.)
Lastly, whilst I usually don’t comment on a book’s cover, two things jumped out at me with this one—they’re nothing profound, but rather inane in nature. Number one, the FMC has black hair, not blonde. Number two, I’m assuming the orange/yellow orbs are supposed to be the monster’s eyes—I’m also assuming they’re supposed to look eerie, but they just look goofy to me.
Liked this so much more than I thought! Listen, RH has been one of my fav genres since 2018, BUT i have been getting tired by most of them and only have been continuing reading the one's that are my fav that are ongoing. I am tired of all the zillions of private school RH books. And, the RH bully private school books. My gold standard for RH book is The Veil Diaires- so i always measure any RH up to that book. And, in general I prefer mostly paranormal RH - those based in the real world.
SO, after reading reviews of this book it made me curious. It is different in that the plot is different yet familiar at the same time to other books. I liked how Lacey was a strong girl, and how the guys are with her. I liked how it didn't really focus on high school and high school angst, and the pacing moved along nicely. And, i find the "monster" interesting in this book. What is funny is the monster reminds of the Vampire Diaries- remember there were the evil sisters Sybil and someone else who are working for the devil or someone. Anywho i don't remember it all but the characters in VD remind me of the monster in this one a little.
Again, most of the RH books I read in the past probably 6 months I haven't love, so when I read this one i found it refreshing. AND, i like how the book ended so i can't wait for the next one which comes out in a few days.
I was actually a bit surprised by how much I enjoyed this enticing read. That is because both young adult and reverse harem books can be somewhat hit or miss for me. This book though hit a home run with me. The story is both powerful and engaging. It is skillfully written, well paced and is rich with intense emotions, nail-biting tension, edge-of-your-seat suspense, drama, spine tingling paranormal elements and the slow burning start to what looks to be a very intriguing RH romance. I thought that Lacey was a unique character that was easy to feel for, relate to and become emotionally invested in. She is a blend of spunky, sarcastic, fierce, quirky, tough and vulnerable. In short I thought she was truly an original and I really liked that. Prepare to be left craving more! I myself can't wait to see what happens in the next book. I am choosing to poste a candid review.
That was sooooo not what I thought. I was hesitant about reading this book but I’m so happy I jumped in. It would totally be a 5 star rating if there wasn’t some logic jumps I just didn’t see. The interaction between two of the characters was strange. Like the angst between didn’t make sense. Everything would seem to be going okay then it seemed one character felt the other character was being a butthole but I didn’t figure out what triggered this reaction. It was mainly logic jumps between these two that just kinda put me off. Otherwise awesome sauce story. Totally didn’t go how I expected but totally want I wanted in this moment in time. Off to read the next book.
This almost but not quite makes me think a little of the tv series supernatural. Except it’s a family of ghost hunters and they are hunting them professionally not stealing identities among other things along the way. I started off reading it thinking it was going to be a contemporary romance, I didn’t see the twist right away. It was a good twist. I like stories with the unexpected. This has a great story from beginning to end and it hooked me into wanting to read the next book. The characters were well developed, there was just the right amount of backstory and the world building was very well done. I really enjoyed the book and I’m looking forward to reading more.
This was just so weird but had me hooked immediately. RH is full of samey style stuff and this is nothing like this. Thorn and Colton come back into Lacey's life with memories she doesn't have and an understanding that they will both date her. Lacey is weird, there's no other way to put it. She's been abused and isolated her whole life so that shapes how she sees things. The entire book is from her pov so the language is a bit odd too but it makes sense because it's Lacey. I really like where this series is going but I'm hoping for at least one other pov in the next book
I loved so much about this new series. It’s so different than anything I’ve yet to read. It’s a ver interesting combination of like supernatural meets the desert. I was glued to the pages from the beginning. The characters consume you. This looks like it will possibly be an RH and I’m loving that because each of the guys have their own deep connection with our leading lady. The Monster has all your attention and wanting to know more. I really enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to the next installment.
Lacey's life has been a living hell with no real sign of ever changing. Her two friends abandoned her and her only hope is to graduate so she can finally leave. But suddenly her two friends reappear, she has new neighbors who help her and she finally finds out what is stalking her. Some parts of the story were a bit hard to read because of the abuse Lacey receives.
These two authors together are absolute dynamite! The chemistry between Lacey and her guys is off the charts in this amazing paranormal RH. I found the story had a great twist on the traditional ’monster’ theme. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. The cliffhanger at the end is killing me but I know we won’t have to wait too long for book two. If you haven’t read this one yet put it on your TBR, you won’t regret it.
I love a good mystery and this book is that. Lacey wants to graduate and leave the town full of ppl that hate her. But that changes due to her neighbor and ex friends. I really enjoyed the characters in this book. I like that there were two groups of boys and they worked separate but together.
As with everything I’ve read by these two lovely authors, this book was amazing. Rebecca Royce hooked me on a genre I’d never experienced and there was no looking back. Whenever I think I’ve got it all figured out there’s a quick twist and I’m back to wondering how things will end. Can’t wait for the next book!
There was no butterflies and rainbows. She didn't end up with the guys and have a happily ever after (at least not in this book). This story is full of angst and self loathing but it kept me engrossed from being to end.
Such a great storyline!!!! Lacey is such a sweet character who is so much stronger than she thinks! The guys are so dedicated to her, it’s beautiful. I can’t wait to read the next book!