Marked by Shadows

Simply Crafty #2

by Lissa Kasey, Tyler Kent (Narrator)

Length: 11 hrs and 14 mins

Who would have thought a crafting retreat could turn deadly?

An escape from the exciting life of New Orleans ghost tours sounded like a good idea at the time. Micah invites Alex along to experience a few days of crafts, fabrics, and hanging out with friends. Except the group is more interested in ghost hunting than costume making.

When a couple from the group go missing, Alex claims to see something in the dark. As Micah’s troubled history begins to catch up with him, he realizes that the shadows followed them from New Orleans. He’s not sure if it’s their demons causing trouble, or someone human who is murdering competition.

Genres: Paranormal, M M Romance, Mystery, Ghosts, Romance, Urban Fantasy, Audiobook

12 pages, Audible Audio

First published June 19, 2020

About the author

Lissa Kasey is Ace/Aro and ENBY. Lissa's storytelling specializes in in-depth characters, detailed world building, sweet and spicy romance, and twisting plots to keep you clinging to the page.

Reviews

[Cæsar · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a joy!!! Much better story than the first book!!! I loved how Alex and Micah's relationship developed through the story, still a lot of mystery unsolved, but the main mystery of this book was really good, I was intrigued, it kept me curious through the whole book, all the mystery moments were well done, the final scene, oh my goodness, even if I already knew about the villain, it was really well delivered, I loved it, amazing, congratulations to Lissa Kasey, for a moment I though there were a lot of chapters talking about sewing and cosplaying but after a few I got used to, it changed my perspective and I started to enjoy and wanted to know more about it! I really enjoyed the inclusion and "going against stereotypes". The sex scenes improved nicely, specially the scene where Micah tops Alex , so hot, rich in details, I could see before my eyes, I could feel it, really well done!!! Kudos to Lissa!!!

I also have this book on Audible, Tyler Kent gives an amazing performance, still I have the note about putting the question marks all over, I told in my other reviews about him, but I noticed a improvement, he is fully engaged, really good acting, very believable, it was a joy to hear him! Congrats!!!

I wondering if Lissa will create side stories about Lukas and Skye, I'm so curious to read about them, such adorable characters, maybe there is already and I don't know :-D

[Jewel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a fan of the cover, at all, but I really enjoyed the story, and I look forward to more... there is going to be more, right? A girl can hope.

[BWT · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable second story in the series.

I really like how well Lissa Kasey writes wounded characters who are still strong and working through all the things that have hurt them. How the characters are so imperfect, yet perfect for each other. (It's what I love most about her Haven Investigation series.)

I'm really enjoying this paranormal romance mystery series: the crafts, the action, the ghosts, Death, some sexy heat, lots of cuddles, and a solid ending that ties up all of the mystery threads in this book, it still doesn't tie up what's really going on with Alex and Micah's disappearances leaving that for another book in the series. Though we do get some answers, we end up with even more questions.

Also, we see some pretty big life changes coming for Lukas and Skye which I'm really looking forward to seeing how that plays out and looking forward to getting more stories in their world.

Now, another personal opinion: This shouldn't be read as a stand alone, but in series order.

3.5 stars

[~nikki the recovering book addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

The first book really setup this universe well. I had to reread it before reading this one, only to refresh my memory because it had so many elements that while weren’t exactly crucial, it did add layers to the story.

I love the paranormal aspect of this series. I wish we had more answers instead of more question, but so far it’s doing well. I just hope it ultimately pays off. I mean, when you build it up and up and up...the only way is down... but I hope Ms Kasey pulls this off eventually. Fingers crossed!

I don’t know what else to say that won’t give anything away. Suffice to say, I liked it. Definitely very engrossing. But why 4 stars? The mystery at the end was kinda predictable and felt a bit out of place? To me at least. Can’t wait for the next one in this series!!

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

August 2025
this book is better than the first and I really liked the characters, the world-building and the relationship. I think, I like Micahs voice better than Alex - but maybe that is just this time around

August 2021
I love this series and I think I loved this one even more than the first book. Micah is a great character and it was so good to get his perspective. I really hope that there will be another book in this series soon. ... and I really would like to get Luke and Skys story

September 2020
I loved the first book and this one is as good. I love how both MCs show their weaknesses to each other and they work.
The story is really good and I can't wait to get my hands on the next book

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stupid Goodreads just closed and killed my entire review.

I like this one a lot! And refused to redo my review right now. Maybe I'll feel like it later

[Wende · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it


The book started off very slow. They took a road trip to a cosplay convention but stayed at a B&B that was owned by a friend of Micah. This book was totally different than the last book. This one was told in the viewpoint of Micah instead of Alex. I liked this as it was nice to get to know Micah better. Alex saw him as such a strong put together person. Micah was anything but. He was scared. I loved how he saw Alex. He thought of Alex as his perfect match. This book had a lot of behind the scenes of making costumes for cosplay (Dee thought of you as did Janine!) It told about making quilts, costumes, different types of seeing machines. I know for a paranormal book it would seem out of place but I found it interesting. The mystery was top notch and I was guessing wrong through out. It was not as spooky as the first book. This book felt like a relationship driven book. Bonding our two boys together. Don't get me wrong it had some creepy things happen and some scary moments just was not creepy like New Orleans 😂😂 Over all this book worked for me and I enjoyed it.

[Patricia Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this marvelous, sweet, charming, grab-you-by-the-feels, delightful, engaging, sexy, snarky, hilarious, unconventional, and totally awesome tale. It had me hooked from beginning to end, and I can't wait to see what happens next!

[Kaity · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4 stars

The mystery in this was a lot better than the first book. Also I enjoyed Micah’s POV. I think since we knew how Alex is from the first book it made this experience better.

Overall worth the read if you didn’t like the first book. This one was way more enjoyable.

Ps if I have to hear any more about black eyed children I might scream haha they have been popping up in almost everything for me lately... not liking those signs... 😳

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

haunting, hoax, or both?

Creepy creepy! I had no idea who was behind everything! I loved Alex and it was great getting to know the workings of Micah’s mind. So many things in their paranormal life seem to be changing and evolving. I really want to find out more!

[Violet Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in The A Simply Crafty Paranormal Mystery Series. You do need to read the first book before this one to enjoy it. The POV’s change form Alex (the first book) to Micah in this book. What an sensational book the with good writing. The plot was entertaining and it was steady throughout the book. I found the story and characters captivating. The characters were developed and thought out. Micah and Alex are the MC’s of this book. I can recommend this book as a good read. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.

[Diane Dannenfeldt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story and when the narrator wasn't yelling, the narrator as well. RTC

[Noi (in & out)]

This is very crafts info heavy, it was cute at first but I'm losing interest - 60%

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daaaaannnnnnnnggggggg

I really didn't think the first book could be topped but dang I was wrong! This was amazing! I completely forgive the author for the abrupt cut off after the first book. Holy cow. This gave me that crazy "book high" that you get when you finish a great story.

This is from micah's pov and that was EXTREMELY necessary I think. After #1 and getting used to Alex's thought process and then jumping to Micah so we can get his worked brilliantly.

The romance angle was FANTASTIC. LOVED them together. Their coupling was fast, but getting both of their povs it didn't feel "too fast", rather it was well thought out and blossomed naturally.

LOVED the plotlines. Cheezy Pete honestly I just loved everything about this. Desperately hope there is another soon!!

[Vintage · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love these characters

The story in this one became oddly repetitive but the characters are so great and the crafting and relationship between the MCs is so good that I really didn’t care. Hoping for more from these two and a shout out for Skylar’s book.

[gimmethosebooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was told entirely in Micah’s POV. I enjoyed seeing Alex through his eyes and being inside his head. The two are very different, but they fit together very well.

This one wasn’t as scary as book one; it’s more spooky. It seems like there will be more in the world, which is good because there are some questions that need answers. Also...I’m hoping for a NOLA beta reader for book three.

This is a series for readers who love a little spooky with their romance.

[ReadWithE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahh these books give me the creeps but I can’t stop reading

[Xochitl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am becoming a huge fan of Ms Kasey's books, especially the paranormal ones. After reading Stalked by Shadows I was waiting excitedly for book 2 and Ms Kasey didn't disappoint. The book continued where the previous one finished, and the story gets more and more interesting as the pages advanced because all the mystery, intrigue and this mix up between paranormal and mundane. I enjoyed a lot the resolution of the complex story but It got me wanting more. I hope there will be more adventures about Alex and Micah in the future.

[Viki · Rating 3 out of 5]

A unique mix - that's the thing really going on in favour of this book. And series.

It's not so much the individual elements but the fact they meet, all of them, here and in such a way...

It makes it a little hard to pinpoint the dosage. I like to do at least "this is romance with a paranormal backdrop" or "this is paranormal that happens to have some romance" but this was a book about

- 23 year old
- business and story owner
- crafter, (tailor?), costume and cosplay maker
- ex-porn star
- ex influencer
- Asian/Irish heritage
- who disappeared for months and no one, not even he, knows where or how
- and hears strange noises during the night (well, not here, but he has a 6 sense for paranormal stuff and that we see here)

And what happens in this book is he takes his

Slightly older, ex military, protective, bitter but almost virgin-like, new to the crafting but already enthusiastic fan, to a fabric convention while staying with his old cosplay/influencer group.

Someone gets lost, some people get angry, there's police... also a ghost... sewing, fabric... information about fabrics and sewing and making costumes...

It's not overdone. But it's the switching and changing of environments and plot that makes it so interesting.

You also have very little pillow stuff. In that regard, it's about 90% about building a relationship, helping each other with those numerous issues we collected over the years...

I don't know what to make of the author. There are some direct and plenty raunchy comments throughout the book but like, one or two pillow times... but plenty of "you're so hot, why am I not jumping you every hour?" but also "I am tired of being oversexed and sex-focused". I might not discuss it so much if the book (author) didn't explain how she thinks that modern romance books are "sex in every other chapter" which either makes her a prude or unlucky or not smart in choosing her novels or she genuinely was trying to explain this genre is oversexed and her book will be different and not because she can't write it well, but because the content is better.

The paranormal felt like the "weakest" link but only because it was so "absent" - it didn't do that much until it did but even then it still didn't do that much. The kidnapping was the "worst" because here, it feels like trying to give it a scare factor by including some creepy stuff.

Also, how a certain character learnt a certain skill? Not sure if it's genius or eye-rolling.

Overall, it's definitely a series you should try and see if you like. As in, it might not be for everyone but some people may find it unique and exciting.

Recommend.

[Lena Grey · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Desire to Create is One of the Deepest Yearnings of the Human Soul.” ~ Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Alex is back after mysteriously disappearing a month before from Micah’s garden. Now that he has returned, it leaves Micah wondering where they are going with their fledgling relationship. Will they pick up from where they left off, or did they not get far enough before Alex was taken to even have a chance? In an effort to find out, they decided to take it slowly and see what happens.

Micah has been looking forward to attending a craft show for his business that will be held in conjunction with a crafting retreat. He has been planning this for a year, but hesitates to leave Alex behind since he just returned. He hates to cancel, but doesn’t know that Alex would want to go. He is pleasantly surprised when Alex agrees to come with him. He’s even more surprised that Alex seems excited about the prospect of attending the retreat as well as the show and learning more about the beautiful creations Micah is able to produce. It’s an excellent way to bring them closer together.

When they arrive at the retreat, not everyone is happy to see them. One woman in particular seems hostile towards them which puzzles Alex. Micah explains some of the history and politics involved in their association. Apparently, this woman stole designs from other crafters, including Micah, to pass on as her own, creating animosity towards her and, because she was jealous of him, putting Micah down at every opportunity. Since Micah is mostly out of the cosplay scene, he couldn’t care less what she thinks, but she does make things uncomfortable. When she and another guy disappear in the woods, Micah becomes one of the main suspects.

Everyone searches for the missing couple, but they seem to have vanished off the face of the earth. During the search, both Micah and Alex have spooky encounters that leave them reeling, but they negatively affect Micah to the point of hysteria. Alex has the ability to see spirits. When he sees the missing woman, he assumes that she is dead. Usually, Micah can’t see the evil that often swirls around them, but when they almost run over the missing man, Micah is able to see ominous shadows in the woods. It frightens him so much that he starts running to get away from them and smacks right into a car! In spite of the suspense and frightening circumstances, Alex and Micah grow closer. Yes, the sex is phenomenal, but they are also learning to appreciate what each one of them brings to their relationship.

The main plot of the story is suspenseful, intriguing, scary, and mysterious. Also, it’s an in-depth study of each character and how they learn to be together. The crafts part of the story was enlightening and educational. Although I appreciate the talent involved in crafting, the details included in this book were a lot for me to take in. Thanks, Lissa. I’m looking forward to Micah and Alex’s continuing adventures.

NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable and well-crafted story in this series. Told from Micah's pov it provides an interesting contrast to the exterior appearance shown by the previous book. It allows for an in-depth exploration of characters. This book is driven by characters and relationship building not big splashy paranormal encounters or fights. And crafting. Particularly crafting costumes for Cosplay which is a very unusual activity and setting for a paranormal fantasy. There is a lot of information about fabrics, quilting methods and even different types of machines. While interesting sometimes it drags a bit.

There are paranormal events that are very creepy. They also add to the suspense of the mystery. The people who have disappeared and been killed: is something supernatural behind these events? Did something follow them from New Orleans? Or is something human out there showing humans are just as monstrous as anything paranormal?

A good story and nice diversity. This isn't a sexfest which is so unrealistic as in some urban fantasy. Emotional trauma and plain exhaustion has an impact on their sex drive. Also, many things go against the usual in many m/m urban fantasy: Micah is the smaller and prettier one but that doesn't make him the submissive in the relationship; Alex is half-African-American; crafting does not impact their masculinity.

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this story better than the first in the series. The paranormal elements while still very much on the side of a realistic feel, were a little more explored in this one. We're still not entirely sure what's going on for Micah and Alex, but they're figuring out a few things as well.

I loved seeing Micah and Alex bonding while out on this crafting convention. Alex's interest in all the crafting Micah does was super sweet. They're still finding their balance together, both having experienced something unexplainable, but both coming out the otherside. The trauma of it all still surrounds them, but they're both fighting to be stronger, to not let the paranormal world of ghosts take over their lives.

Still they found themselves embroiled in more of the paranormal than they expected on this trip to Texas. It draws them closer together and gives them a new base to work from. I liked seeing their relationship strengthen. It was interesting that this story was all from Micah's point of view. I enjoyed seeing him start to figure out that the fear he's lived with for so long is something he can fight against.

I'm really looking forward to seeing where this series goes next. I think Micah and Alex were left with a lot more questions, but a little more understanding of why they're experiencing the paranormal world the way they are now.

[Jewell Moreno · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. I have never read a paranormal story like these. Two men Alex and Micah are literally haunted by past events in their lives. This story is told from Micah's POV. In the last book Alex has disappeared been taken by something in the graveyard. He is returned with now memory after a month. Knowing they need a break Alex accompanies Micah to a crafting/fabric expo in Texas. Micah is meeting up with his old Cosplay team who he hasn't really stayed close too since his return from going missing. Things turn dangerous when one of the team goes missing. Turns out she isn't the first, but will she be the last? I loved the concept of Death in this story, not gonna spoil it, you just gotta read it. I also loved the craft aspect of the story. Makes me wanna take up quilting. Again I have read nothing like this. It is a MM romance with explicit sex (I skip/skim it to get back to the story) (I do that with FM romance too) I just like to warn people in case that bothers them. Don't let it stop you from reading this story though. Ms Kasey is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex and Micah are settling into life as they know it. Alex is still physically recovering from the month he was missing and micah thinks that a get away to a craft convention would be key in both their searches for a "normal life." They are staying at a B&B owned by one of his Cosplay friends and is meeting up with a group he has been in, but haven't seen since his own disappearance. What Micah finds is that he is broken and the paranormal and shadows now own him as much as they do Alex. Alex finally realizes he is not crazy, but sees much more than the human eye should see. Now a serial killer is stalking them and Micah finds that one of his cosplay friends may not be playing as friendly as they all want them to. Will they find out who the killer is? Why have they been targeting the ones in Micah's internet group? A dark and entertaining story. I like crafts and sewing, but could had done without so much dedication to crafts and sewing that I had to slog through to get to the meat of the story. I really can't wait to see what Lukas is up to in the next book.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not as scary as the first one

But still scary! I have never been so eager to read a scary story. First and foremost, one of my favorite things that a story can do is incorporate work with romance. That may seem strange, but work is a huge part of an MC's life. When it is overlooked or brushed aside (sometimes it isn't even mentioned 🤯), the character becomes 2D. That is definitely not the case with this book. Their lives and hobbies revolve around their work in a way that makes the story infinitely more fascinating.
Also, this is an interesting take on different beliefs (occult and otherwise), but what is so cool about this story is the solidity of the partnership between the two MCs. That is one of my favorite tropes. No more dancing around, but commitment between the two to face the world of monsters of all facets together. There is some imagery that is frightening, so that may be a trigger?

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great add to the series. Micha and Alex are at it again with another paranormal adventure. This book we get Micah’s POV this time and I loved to get deeper into his thoughts (it was one of the things I was said about in Book 1 was no Micha POV). As they grow closer they are still trying to deal with the aftermath that happened in Book 1 and also the questions they have. Together they are stronger and hold on to each other. We get more on Micha which I loved and a new location with some past friends thats full of crafting dreams and drama. Sky and Lukas are fantastic side characters again and even though it was be a MF not a MM book I still want to see their story and I think they deserve it! More paranormal monsters having their way, murder and secrets! Can't wait for the next. I voluntarily reviewed an 'Advance Author’s Copy' of this book.

[Pamela Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in (A Simply Crafty paranormal mystery series )

This was a great addition to the first book in this series as usual there's plenty of on the edge of your seat action along with scary ghostly happening . In this book one of our main protagonist Alex twin of Lukas is still recovering from his disappearance while Mocha gets ready to go on a crafty retreat where he plans on meeting up with some of the who in his crafty and cosplay circle . Micha plans to take Alex with him the week is suppose to be a fun get together with Micha's old friends but of course strange things start to happen as two of the guess turn out missing and presumed dead . There is a deadly mystery that needs to be solved who is the killer what are their motives and can the rest of the guess survive the week .

[Dixiecowgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crafting, ghosts, murder and so much more. Micah and Alex are back and oh my, they are awesome.  i so enjoyed seeing them together and watching their relationship develop.  This is a wonderful mystery and is so well told and with the paranormal touch is awesome.  This book gave us some insight into the past and that was really interesting, to say the least.   The writing was good and the story-line is creative and will totally keep you reading.  The pacing is perfect.   I can't wait to see what comes next!   

This is book two of the A Simply Crafty Paranormal Mystery series and really should be read in sequence for most enjoyment. 

I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review.  

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great continuation to an amazing series! I love all the crafty elements and seeing characters who enjoy crafting. I also love to craft so it makes me happy to read about crafty things in stories. This also blended really well with the paranormal aspects of this story. There were some dark things and some very fun moments too! I loved Alex and Micah are such an amazing couple and they just keep being amazing in this story. I want so much more of Alex and Micah. I want to learn everything I can about them and see what this author has in store next for these two! I can’t wait for the next book! If you enjoy crafty things or paranormal or even just really good books this series is for you! I need the next book!

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice follow up

I loved the first book in this series so I was really looking forward to this one. The author did not disappoint. I love the characters of Micah and Alex, both of them a little bit broken but finding happiness and meaning in life together. This time, even though they are surrounded by the unexplained, the answer is all too human. The interaction between our two MCs is so sweet and real. I loved this book and hope there are plans for more. I would like to see more of Lucas and Sky as well as see if more of the mystery of their abilities and disappearances are solved.