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Monsters of the Realms #1
Dancing With A Shadow
Alternative cover edition of ASIN B0CJYJMHN5
LexiaI found him lurking in the shadows on the worst night of my life. I should have been scared...I should have stayed away... But there's something about the dark that calls me, and he is my way in.VesperonA normal night on guard, and there she was—the most beautiful creature I'd ever seen. I shouldn't speak to her... I shouldn't want her... But there's something about her sadness that calls to me, and I can't leave her alone. This is an MF Monster Romance It is book one in the Monsters of the Realms series. These books must be read in order.
LexiaI found him lurking in the shadows on the worst night of my life. I should have been scared...I should have stayed away... But there's something about the dark that calls me, and he is my way in.VesperonA normal night on guard, and there she was—the most beautiful creature I'd ever seen. I shouldn't speak to her... I shouldn't want her... But there's something about her sadness that calls to me, and I can't leave her alone. This is an MF Monster Romance It is book one in the Monsters of the Realms series. These books must be read in order.
- GenresRomance
136 pages, ebook
Published November 7, 2023
67 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 10, 2023
Just ugh
Slut shaming, gay shaming, him meeting his mate and then sleeping with a fellow guard, her not acknowledging him as her mate but willing to use him to kill someone, controlling behavior, her not letting her mom know important information- incredibly important information, and even more issues just made this an awful reading experience. I gave up at the flower scene because, no. Just no. She's barely an adult and he's thousands of years old? How is that any different than the backstory that should have had a warning in the blurb? And major star loss for that. If child SA is going to be mentioned then you warn readers or you lose readers.
Slut shaming, gay shaming, him meeting his mate and then sleeping with a fellow guard, her not acknowledging him as her mate but willing to use him to kill someone, controlling behavior, her not letting her mom know important information- incredibly important information, and even more issues just made this an awful reading experience. I gave up at the flower scene because, no. Just no. She's barely an adult and he's thousands of years old? How is that any different than the backstory that should have had a warning in the blurb? And major star loss for that. If child SA is going to be mentioned then you warn readers or you lose readers.
September 22, 2024
The concept of this book was great. I liked the idea of a shadow realm with guardians who watch over the human realm. Where it started to go south for me was meeting the FMC, Lexia. She’s too young and too emotional and I hated her immediately. I found myself more than once thinking I was too old to listen to all of the whining.
Then we get to the shadow guy, Ves. I liked him well enough but he didn’t scream book boyfriend to me. He is entranced by Lexia the first time they meet and then goes home and bangs his roommate? Castlemate? Dude that lives on then same floor as him? I don’t know. The explanation of their relationship was long winded and honestly confusing.
The “sexplanations” gave me a headache. Trying to figure out who added an appendage and where became a chore I wasn’t interested in dealing with. The logistics of the positions clearly were an afterthought. The anatomy explanations made little to no sense. “Holes are for pleasure and not everyone has one”? Like what?
The situationship between Lexia and Ves then turns in to a weird “contract killer” type of thing. I know you’re fated to love me, so please kill this guy for me. I mean I totally get wanting the guy dead but using the bond to make it happen felt icky to me. It seemed very much like Lexia was using Ves for personal gain.
Overall, this book was just odd and all over the place. It has the potential to be great, it just wasn’t. This series is meant to turn in to a reverse harem, which I would like to see, I just didn’t like it enough to continue the series.
Then we get to the shadow guy, Ves. I liked him well enough but he didn’t scream book boyfriend to me. He is entranced by Lexia the first time they meet and then goes home and bangs his roommate? Castlemate? Dude that lives on then same floor as him? I don’t know. The explanation of their relationship was long winded and honestly confusing.
The “sexplanations” gave me a headache. Trying to figure out who added an appendage and where became a chore I wasn’t interested in dealing with. The logistics of the positions clearly were an afterthought. The anatomy explanations made little to no sense. “Holes are for pleasure and not everyone has one”? Like what?
The situationship between Lexia and Ves then turns in to a weird “contract killer” type of thing. I know you’re fated to love me, so please kill this guy for me. I mean I totally get wanting the guy dead but using the bond to make it happen felt icky to me. It seemed very much like Lexia was using Ves for personal gain.
Overall, this book was just odd and all over the place. It has the potential to be great, it just wasn’t. This series is meant to turn in to a reverse harem, which I would like to see, I just didn’t like it enough to continue the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2023
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️/5
A MF, fated mates, age gap, monster romance with a whole lotta angst and heartbreak.
Dancing with a Shadow introduces us to Lexia a senior in high school experiencing her first heartbreak and Ves a Shadow with unwavering commitment to his mate. Lexia had a traumatic childhood and this made it difficult at first for her to trust Ves but when he proves he can and will protect her she’s all in. He offers her something she hasn’t had before someone that can be focused on her at all times. A nerd at school, she goes unnoticed and a mother who works long hours to make ends meet, Ves is her knight on a questionable steed.
Fox brings a new creature/species to this genre. I’m excited to learn more about the realms and life back at base. It did feel a little rushed but that was due to the length of the novel. I finished it within an hour or so.
I’m not a massive fan of cliffhangers because I’m too impatient for the next part of the story. This one made me really sad. Everything that happened in the last few pages of the book dumped us into a dramatic and traumatic abyss. I’m a HEA girl at heart and just want to see Lexia living happily ever after.
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️/5
A MF, fated mates, age gap, monster romance with a whole lotta angst and heartbreak.
Dancing with a Shadow introduces us to Lexia a senior in high school experiencing her first heartbreak and Ves a Shadow with unwavering commitment to his mate. Lexia had a traumatic childhood and this made it difficult at first for her to trust Ves but when he proves he can and will protect her she’s all in. He offers her something she hasn’t had before someone that can be focused on her at all times. A nerd at school, she goes unnoticed and a mother who works long hours to make ends meet, Ves is her knight on a questionable steed.
Fox brings a new creature/species to this genre. I’m excited to learn more about the realms and life back at base. It did feel a little rushed but that was due to the length of the novel. I finished it within an hour or so.
I’m not a massive fan of cliffhangers because I’m too impatient for the next part of the story. This one made me really sad. Everything that happened in the last few pages of the book dumped us into a dramatic and traumatic abyss. I’m a HEA girl at heart and just want to see Lexia living happily ever after.
November 7, 2023
ARC Review:
I really loved the story! It made me want more from the characters! I’ve been trying to play out in my mind how it will go and it’s killing me to know! I love the ability of Quell T. Fox to leave a reader wanting more. No
Dancing with a Shadow is a story of heart break and trauma turned into the most unusual love pairing. Ves has such a strong commitment to Lexia and their bond. I really loved the conflict the pair has by not being from the same realm and what that means for them and their relationship. The cliffhanger KILLED ME.
A great read!
I really loved the story! It made me want more from the characters! I’ve been trying to play out in my mind how it will go and it’s killing me to know! I love the ability of Quell T. Fox to leave a reader wanting more. No
Dancing with a Shadow is a story of heart break and trauma turned into the most unusual love pairing. Ves has such a strong commitment to Lexia and their bond. I really loved the conflict the pair has by not being from the same realm and what that means for them and their relationship. The cliffhanger KILLED ME.
A great read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2023
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Actual rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice level: 🌶️.5
Fox has a way of creating a paranormal world that you just want to lose yourself in, and the world created in this novella is no different. We have a shadow, someone who is able to control how they look, how they're built (and, spoiler, how their appendages look/feel, and can even have extra!). They draw power from the shadows, but aren't reliant on them - however, they do not have a physical form in the human realm. The guardian's protect the world from supernatural evils, patrolling their zones in shifts to make sure the human realm is safe, before returning to their own.
Ves (MMC) is drawn to our FMC, Lexia, from the moment he senses her. She doesn't understand - yet - why he is so enthralled with her, but it all unravels. There are smatterings of spice - and a cheeky MM scene in the shadow realm - but can also be considered a slow-to-medium burn novella.
This novella has set up the worlds (well, realms) for the series well, and gives us a glimpse at our FMC, MMC, and supporting characters for the rest of the series. This does end on one epic cliffhanger, which I really hope will be resolved soon - Fox has definitely left us hanging there.
Actual rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice level: 🌶️.5
Fox has a way of creating a paranormal world that you just want to lose yourself in, and the world created in this novella is no different. We have a shadow, someone who is able to control how they look, how they're built (and, spoiler, how their appendages look/feel, and can even have extra!). They draw power from the shadows, but aren't reliant on them - however, they do not have a physical form in the human realm. The guardian's protect the world from supernatural evils, patrolling their zones in shifts to make sure the human realm is safe, before returning to their own.
Ves (MMC) is drawn to our FMC, Lexia, from the moment he senses her. She doesn't understand - yet - why he is so enthralled with her, but it all unravels. There are smatterings of spice - and a cheeky MM scene in the shadow realm - but can also be considered a slow-to-medium burn novella.
This novella has set up the worlds (well, realms) for the series well, and gives us a glimpse at our FMC, MMC, and supporting characters for the rest of the series. This does end on one epic cliffhanger, which I really hope will be resolved soon - Fox has definitely left us hanging there.
November 6, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️/5
This is an MF Monster Romance.It is book one in the Monsters of the Realms series. You have your FMC who encounters a shadow on one of the worst nights of her life. Even though she should be scared she is drawn to this shadow. The MMC a shadow is drawn to the FMC and later finds out why he is so drawn to her.
I did enjoy some of the world building to understand how things are different in each realm. I did kind of feel things were bit rushed during the story. Kinda wish I could have learned more about the characters and their realms. I’m sure there will be more in book two. The story does end with a big cliffy.
🌶️/5
This is an MF Monster Romance.It is book one in the Monsters of the Realms series. You have your FMC who encounters a shadow on one of the worst nights of her life. Even though she should be scared she is drawn to this shadow. The MMC a shadow is drawn to the FMC and later finds out why he is so drawn to her.
I did enjoy some of the world building to understand how things are different in each realm. I did kind of feel things were bit rushed during the story. Kinda wish I could have learned more about the characters and their realms. I’m sure there will be more in book two. The story does end with a big cliffy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2023
Dancing with Shadows is a great introduction to Lexia and Ves, but we can't discount the importance of Brandyn, I feel like he is going to hang around for a while.
There is teenage heartbreak (stupid Brandyn), Mates (at least Ves thinks so) - Pssst I also appreciate his conviction of waiting for his mate even though it could take few minutes. And unfortunately, real tragedy.
Will Lexia and Ves forge forward in a relationship?
Will Lexia and Brandyn bond over loss?
Sooo Many If's! The cliffy was out and hurtful. I need more!
There is teenage heartbreak (stupid Brandyn), Mates (at least Ves thinks so) - Pssst I also appreciate his conviction of waiting for his mate even though it could take few minutes. And unfortunately, real tragedy.
Will Lexia and Ves forge forward in a relationship?
Will Lexia and Brandyn bond over loss?
Sooo Many If's! The cliffy was out and hurtful. I need more!
July 21, 2024
This was such a story of heartbreak and trauma that turned into the most unusual pairing. Ves, a shadow monster, has such a strong commitment to human gal, Lexia, and their bond. I really loved the conflict they had by not being from the same realm and what that means for them. This story has lots of possible triggers, including recounting of SA of a child, suicide and murder. Please read responsibly. That being said, I absolutely loved the drama, angst and sacrifice of this first installment and am dying to get into the next book - the cliffy is killer ;D
November 6, 2023
A new concept based on stories about the dark you were told as a child. This is the start of a new series looking at the forbidden romance between Lexia (human) and Vesperon or Ves (a shadow guardian). This book introduces us to the Shadow realm and considers parallel worlds alongside each other.
Enjoyed this and read in one sitting. Ends on a cliff hangar and can't wait to see what happens next.
Enjoyed this and read in one sitting. Ends on a cliff hangar and can't wait to see what happens next.
November 13, 2023
I was pulled into this story from the beginning. Lexia and Vesperion were both interesting as characters. I empathized with both of them as they both are drawn to each other.
The idea of not being physically present in the human world because they are a shadow was unique and makes moving their relationship forward complicated.
As the pages dwindled, I was curious to find out how this would end with only so many pages left. I didn't see the twists coming and was left floored. There is hope, but will definitely be an uphill battle. Was surprised to see they did not get ending I was expecting.
I received an advanced copy of this story and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
The idea of not being physically present in the human world because they are a shadow was unique and makes moving their relationship forward complicated.
As the pages dwindled, I was curious to find out how this would end with only so many pages left. I didn't see the twists coming and was left floored. There is hope, but will definitely be an uphill battle. Was surprised to see they did not get ending I was expecting.
I received an advanced copy of this story and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
November 14, 2023
This book was something I hadn’t read before and it was such an interesting take on the paranormal world. The book itself was well written and you can’t help but like the characters especially Lexia who had gone through so much in her short life. Meeting Ves she hopes will allow her to be seen by someone who truly wants her but right when she needs him is when he lets her down. I’m looking forward to reading more from this series.
August 6, 2024
This was an interesting one. I liked the concept and i liked the story. I do wish it had been a little faster at the beginning but it definitely picked up after a little bit. The characters were wonderful and the men were hawt. I feel so bad for Lexia at the start and her life just goes through the wringer. That cliffhanger blew my mind too and it was soooo sooo good. I need the next one, like now.
August 29, 2024
Never getting over this book 😫
I went in blind and I don’t regret it one bit. My heart does though.
This book had the best EVERYTHING! I have never cried more than this plot twist made me. All I could do was stare off into the void afterwards. I don’t know how I am going to make it through two more. My soul is not ready.
I just know, I CANNOT WAIT FOR Lexia and Ves to finally feel each other. If the other two books are going to hurt me, blink twice.
I’ll be back,
XxX- Laura
I went in blind and I don’t regret it one bit. My heart does though.
This book had the best EVERYTHING! I have never cried more than this plot twist made me. All I could do was stare off into the void afterwards. I don’t know how I am going to make it through two more. My soul is not ready.
I just know, I CANNOT WAIT FOR Lexia and Ves to finally feel each other. If the other two books are going to hurt me, blink twice.
I’ll be back,
XxX- Laura
November 4, 2023
ARC Review- If you enjoy paranormal with spice this one’s for you! For such a short read this book did not lack details nor plot. The author immerses you in a world that has us wishing we ALL had a Shadow daddy to watch over us. I cannot wait to see where this series goes… it’s gonna be a wild ride!
November 9, 2023
Ves & Lexia
I read this in one sitting, I couldn’t put it down. Ves is so drawn to Lexia and is shocked to learn she is his mate. I love the instant connection they feel and how she isn’t scared of him even though he is a shadow. The cliffhanger has me (im)patiently wanting the next one already. This is going to be a great series!
I read this in one sitting, I couldn’t put it down. Ves is so drawn to Lexia and is shocked to learn she is his mate. I love the instant connection they feel and how she isn’t scared of him even though he is a shadow. The cliffhanger has me (im)patiently wanting the next one already. This is going to be a great series!
November 14, 2023
Wow!
The cliffhanger has just killed me!
This story shows us that through heartbreak and trauma out comes an unusual pairing.
This was just an interesting story that just leaves you wanting more and more.
The fact that the main conflict they have is that they are in different realms.
That truly caught my attention 😍😍😍
I can’t wait for book two😏😏❤️🔥😏
The cliffhanger has just killed me!
This story shows us that through heartbreak and trauma out comes an unusual pairing.
This was just an interesting story that just leaves you wanting more and more.
The fact that the main conflict they have is that they are in different realms.
That truly caught my attention 😍😍😍
I can’t wait for book two😏😏❤️🔥😏
November 17, 2023
Oooooooo 😯 A new and interesting paranormal series from Ms Fox. With fated mates from different sides of the realm, trauma and tragedy, heartbreak and darkness, spice, twists and a major cliffhanger ending. Darn it! Can’t wait for book two.
I received a copy from the author and this is my voluntary review.
I received a copy from the author and this is my voluntary review.
June 7, 2024
This book was an amazing read that I could not put down once I started. The pace at which it moves along makes for an easy and enjoyable read that keeps you reading until the end. The characters are so real that you feel as though you know them and you cannot help but love them, even if you hate them. This book has to be read, no doubt about it.
June 28, 2024
So, having never read a monster romance before I put this one off for quite a while and now I feel like an idiot for waiting for so long 🤦🏻♀️. So much worldbuilding in this short book, the first of a trilogy, and I'm so excited for more. Although, my heart is absolutely crushed by that cliffy 💔 and I'm diving immediately into book two.
July 17, 2024
Definitely an interesting plot and concept. After getting her heartbroken, she meets this shadow man named Ves. He soon realizes that this is his mate but they come from different realms, being together will not be easy. The story was engaging and it ends on a cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 21, 2024
The beginning or the end
As always Quell weaves her words into a magical place that only the reader can access. You can feel all the emotions and understand exactly why the characters are feeling them. There’s a small cliffhanger but it only entices you to read the next in the series.
As always Quell weaves her words into a magical place that only the reader can access. You can feel all the emotions and understand exactly why the characters are feeling them. There’s a small cliffhanger but it only entices you to read the next in the series.
July 22, 2024
Oh my this book will put your heart in a ringer but is so good! Lexia goes through so much in her young life, you can’t help but yell at the book, thanks Quell. Although that is the sign of an amazing book. Check triggers before you read if you have any. This book ends in a cliffhanger. Now I am off to read the next book!
July 30, 2024
This is one of the first books I've ever read by this author and I must say I really love her writing style. She has a way of pulling you into this magical world. Poor Lexia has been through much through this book already I sure hope things get better for her in the next book! I also can't wait for more of Ves. He has got to be one of my favorite characters of all time.
November 7, 2023
This is a short read, but I loved every minute of it. I really enjoyed reading Ves and Lexia's story. The book does end on a cliffhanger and the next can not come out fast enough. I definitely recommend this book. It's a must read!!!
November 13, 2023
Wow pulled in from the first pageLexia.is a human and Vesperon is a shadow. So much emotion here. Much conflict when Vesperon finds out she is his mate. Ends on a cliffhanger that makes you desperate for more. A++ I know have a bunch of Quell T Fox's books to read. A+
December 18, 2023
OMG!!
So I love this story and must have more at once! Lexia and Ves were polar opposites that were good for the other person! This story has heartbreak, breakups, witches, shadows, multiple realms, murder and finding your soulmate! Can't recommend this book enough!
So I love this story and must have more at once! Lexia and Ves were polar opposites that were good for the other person! This story has heartbreak, breakups, witches, shadows, multiple realms, murder and finding your soulmate! Can't recommend this book enough!
July 22, 2024
This is book one of the series and ends in cliffhanger. The story is very dark. A guardian from another realm finds his fated mate in a human girl.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2023
Who doesn’t want a shadow man with shifting appendages. This was a wild ride. I can’t wait to read the next one.
November 14, 2023
Ves and Lexia are absolutely perfect. Touch her and die vibes at the max. I'm obsessed. The cliff hanger that this book left on. I'm dead. I need book 2 like right now.
November 25, 2023
This book is amazing. The storyline hooks you in. That cliffhanger leaves you wanting more. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews