What do you think?
Rate this book
Sugar & Vice #2
Twisted Shadows
In a thrilling alternate-universe Seattle, empaths are disappearing—and it’s up to grumpy Reece and his mysterious protector, Grayson, to investigate.
Empath hunter Evan Grayson is the Dead Man, transformed by a dark past into a perfect weapon against corrupted empaths. Nothing can distract him from stopping these superhuman killers—until he’s mired in a new battle, fighting a forbidden attraction to an empath on the verge of corruption.
For pacifist Reece Davies, every day is a struggle to keep his darker side in check. It’s only his complicated relationship with Evan that keeps him grounded—a relationship that, despite his growing feelings, must stay at arm’s length. But when an empath’s murder on the East Coast points to a treacherous plot back west, with Reece as the next potential target, Evan races across the country to be by his side.
Together, they search for missing empaths, their proximity heightening the chemistry they must resist. But corruption isn’t the only danger they face as sinister forces close in from the shadows, sights set on empath and empath hunter alike…
Empath hunter Evan Grayson is the Dead Man, transformed by a dark past into a perfect weapon against corrupted empaths. Nothing can distract him from stopping these superhuman killers—until he’s mired in a new battle, fighting a forbidden attraction to an empath on the verge of corruption.
For pacifist Reece Davies, every day is a struggle to keep his darker side in check. It’s only his complicated relationship with Evan that keeps him grounded—a relationship that, despite his growing feelings, must stay at arm’s length. But when an empath’s murder on the East Coast points to a treacherous plot back west, with Reece as the next potential target, Evan races across the country to be by his side.
Together, they search for missing empaths, their proximity heightening the chemistry they must resist. But corruption isn’t the only danger they face as sinister forces close in from the shadows, sights set on empath and empath hunter alike…
384 pages, Paperback
Published December 10, 2024
46 people are currently reading
4004 people want to read
About the author
Allie Therin
12 books852 followersAllie Therin is a bicultural author of award-winning romance and urban fantasy. She also is, or has been, a bookseller, an attorney, a Parks & Rec assistant, a boom operator, and a barista for one (embarrassing) day.
A longtime fan of romance, mystery and speculative fiction, she now strives to bring that same delight to her readers. Allie grew up in a tiny Pacific Northwest town with more bears than people, although the bears sadly would not practice Spanish with her.
A longtime fan of romance, mystery and speculative fiction, she now strives to bring that same delight to her readers. Allie grew up in a tiny Pacific Northwest town with more bears than people, although the bears sadly would not practice Spanish with her.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 272 reviews
October 14, 2024
I have no idea how to review this instalment of the Sugar & Vice series except to say Holy Cliffhanger Dead Man!
Because bloody hell do we get left with a right zinger and it's utterly brilliant and means I am dying even more for the final book which will draw this epic narrative to a close.
Allie really put the cat among the pigeons with this book, never mind ramping up the UST to an unbelievable level - which is incredible considering there's only one moment in the whole story where they actually have any physical contact given the state of their two natures.
As for the plot itself, no spoilers here other than I'll say I did not see it coming and my jaw was dropping as I turned (okay I'm on a Paperwhite so I swiped it) the final page but I will confirm that it works beautifully as a set up for everything that's going to come as things draw together.
It's leading into something I have no doubts will be a mind-blowing final book as Evan has to deal with the fallout of Reece's actions in Twisted Shadows.
This book, surprisingly, is pretty swoony too, in spite of what's going on. The connection between these two men who - literally - cannot touch or interact because of their inherent natures, is so strong you feel it ooze off the page.
The flirt game is strong with both of them, and you can see them pushing the line further every encounter or text conversation they have. There's also plenty of the humour that I love in this author's writing, to stop things becoming too serious or overly gloomy even amongst the death and destruction.
We also, as with the first book, get multiple PoVs not just the two MCs and I will say, this is my only real niggle with the narrative choices - I wish it was more clearly divided when we're switching.
It's not difficult to work out when we're switching, especially when it's either Jamey's voice or medical examiner Aisha, but a single little asterisk in a big wedge of paragraph text isn't enough imho.
Now, I had an ARC obviously, and I know there were formatting issues with the original copies on Edelweiss, so it may be that the retail release will have some lovely graphic dividers that easily identify each speaker, that would be a wonderful way to do it.
I'm such a fan of Allie Therin's world building and her clever narratives, her ideas are always surprising, even in a saturated paranormal/urban fantasy market and I love what she's done with this series.
#ARC kindly received from the publishers Carina Press via NetGalley, I am voluntarily leaving a review
Because bloody hell do we get left with a right zinger and it's utterly brilliant and means I am dying even more for the final book which will draw this epic narrative to a close.
Allie really put the cat among the pigeons with this book, never mind ramping up the UST to an unbelievable level - which is incredible considering there's only one moment in the whole story where they actually have any physical contact given the state of their two natures.
As for the plot itself, no spoilers here other than I'll say I did not see it coming and my jaw was dropping as I turned (okay I'm on a Paperwhite so I swiped it) the final page but I will confirm that it works beautifully as a set up for everything that's going to come as things draw together.
It's leading into something I have no doubts will be a mind-blowing final book as Evan has to deal with the fallout of Reece's actions in Twisted Shadows.
This book, surprisingly, is pretty swoony too, in spite of what's going on. The connection between these two men who - literally - cannot touch or interact because of their inherent natures, is so strong you feel it ooze off the page.
The flirt game is strong with both of them, and you can see them pushing the line further every encounter or text conversation they have. There's also plenty of the humour that I love in this author's writing, to stop things becoming too serious or overly gloomy even amongst the death and destruction.
We also, as with the first book, get multiple PoVs not just the two MCs and I will say, this is my only real niggle with the narrative choices - I wish it was more clearly divided when we're switching.
It's not difficult to work out when we're switching, especially when it's either Jamey's voice or medical examiner Aisha, but a single little asterisk in a big wedge of paragraph text isn't enough imho.
Now, I had an ARC obviously, and I know there were formatting issues with the original copies on Edelweiss, so it may be that the retail release will have some lovely graphic dividers that easily identify each speaker, that would be a wonderful way to do it.
I'm such a fan of Allie Therin's world building and her clever narratives, her ideas are always surprising, even in a saturated paranormal/urban fantasy market and I love what she's done with this series.
#ARC kindly received from the publishers Carina Press via NetGalley, I am voluntarily leaving a review
January 8, 2025
A / 5 stars
Twisted Shadows, the sequel 2023’s Liar City , is quite possibly my most eagerly anticipated book of 2024. Liar City was a tense and inventive paranormal thriller featuring superbly drawn, complex characters and a compelling storyline, and while there was not even so much as a kiss on the page, the hints of sexual tension and attraction between the two leads were enough to have me rooting for them to get together and desperate for more.
This is definitely a series where the books need to be read in order, so this is NOT the place to jump in. And I’ll have to refer to past events so there will be spoilers for Liar City in this review.
The series is set in an AU where empaths exist, and although they’re pacifists who would rather be hurt themselves than hurt others, they’re objects of fear and prejudice thanks to the constant flood of misinformation and propaganda pumped out by anti-empath organisations. In Liar City, empath Reece Davies discovered that he had been set up, without his knowledge or consent, to be the subject of an experiment into how empaths can be corrupted (turned to the dark side!), and he now lives with the knowledge that he is existing in a heretofore unknown liminal state between what has been and what he could become. The thought that he could turn into someone willing to hurt others to get what he wants is terrifying, and the one thing keeping him from becoming a complete nervous wreck is the thought that if he goes any further down that path, The Dead Man will stop him by whatever means necessary.
The Dead Man – Evan Grayson – is the final line of defence against empaths because he has no emotions for them to maniuplate and his emotional vacuum is such that empaths can’t bear to look at him or to hear the sound of his voice, and his touch will knock them unconscious (as Reece discovered at the end of the previous book.) Despite the fact that he is the way he is because of his brother, the most corrupt empath Grayson has ever seen, and even though his particular attributes make him useful to the various anti-empath organisations, Grayson sees it as his mission to protect both sides – to protect society from corrupted empaths, but also to protect empaths from those who want to corrupt them. And while the higher-ups are more than willing to use him as a weapon against empaths for the first thing, some of them have become suspicious of his motives for doing the second.
Despite his assertion that he and Reece can’t be friends, Grayson has kept in regular contact with him in the three weeks since he left Seattle. Reece in that in-between state is a ticking time bomb, and it’s up to the Dead Man to make sure he doesn’t experience anything that could send him further along the path towards corruption. In fact, Grayson would be in Seattle helping Reece to move into his new apartment were it not for the fact that he’s been sent to investigate the murder of a Canadian empath in Burlington. He immediately senses something is off – the gloves the victim is wearing look new but the serial numbers have almost been worn off, and the body itself has been posed, with no attempt made to hide it.
While Grayson is in Vermont, Reece’s sister, Jamey, who used to be a cop with Seattle PD, is approached by one of her former colleagues and told about a Canadian empath who has been reported missing in Port Angeles. Jamey knows about the victim in Burlington thanks to her friend Dr. Aisha Easterby, who often works alongside Grayson, but what are the odds of another Canadian empath just happening to be missing in the US? Jamey decides to go to Port Angeles to see what she can find out.
Meanwhile, Grayson’s investigation is turning up precisely nothing – and when he learns that Jamey has also left Seattle, he realises it’s all bogus, that both he and Jamey have been sent on wild goose chases at exactly the same time, which can only mean one thing. Their absences have been orchestrated, and whoever is behind it knows that without them around, Reece is unprotected.
As soon as this realisation crashes in at around a quarter of the way through, the story really kicks up a gear and we’re off to the races with a twisty, dark, action-packed tale filled with shocking discoveries, devastating betrayals and emotional gut-punches. Balancing all that out is the funny, sweet and utterly swoonworthy connection building between Reece and Grayson, a connection dripping with chemistry so strong that it permeates the whole story and absolutely leaps off the page - and they can’t even touch each other without Reece being knocked out. It’s a masterclass in how to create and develop sexual tension through word and expression and actions that show how deeply two people have come to care for each other. The flirty teasing and banter, the longing, the affectionate humour, the sexual tension – it’s all *chef’s kiss*.
The story is told through several different perspectives, which is necessary to impart certain information the reader needs and wouldn’t get from a single or dual PoV narrative. Reece and Jamey get to tell a fairly large chunk of the story, and Grayson’s perspective is a very welcome addition. He’s a fascinating, complex character, and having his PoV this time around means we get to learn more about him and his past, how he thinks and why he acts the way he does, and more insight into his feelings for Reece – even though he’s convinced he has no emotions, it’s clear he’s totally smitten.
I really can’t say enough good things about this book. The plot is complex, nail-bitingly tense and contains some shocking revelations, the romance is sweet and hot by turns, the worldbuilding is excellent, and the humour lands just right, bringing a much needed levity to a story that goes to some pretty dark places.
The only thing I can find to criticise about Twisted Shadows is that it ends on the mother of all cliffhangers. It’ll take your breath away and then have you screaming “noooooo!” and desperately trying to find a release date for book three. At time of writing this review (September 2024), I can’t find one – I just hope the wait isn’t too long.
But the coming finale is sure to be worth the wait, and despite the frustrating cliffie, Twisted Shadows is one of my favourite books of 2024. It earns a very well-deserved place on my DIK shelf.
Twisted Shadows, the sequel 2023’s Liar City , is quite possibly my most eagerly anticipated book of 2024. Liar City was a tense and inventive paranormal thriller featuring superbly drawn, complex characters and a compelling storyline, and while there was not even so much as a kiss on the page, the hints of sexual tension and attraction between the two leads were enough to have me rooting for them to get together and desperate for more.
This is definitely a series where the books need to be read in order, so this is NOT the place to jump in. And I’ll have to refer to past events so there will be spoilers for Liar City in this review.
The series is set in an AU where empaths exist, and although they’re pacifists who would rather be hurt themselves than hurt others, they’re objects of fear and prejudice thanks to the constant flood of misinformation and propaganda pumped out by anti-empath organisations. In Liar City, empath Reece Davies discovered that he had been set up, without his knowledge or consent, to be the subject of an experiment into how empaths can be corrupted (turned to the dark side!), and he now lives with the knowledge that he is existing in a heretofore unknown liminal state between what has been and what he could become. The thought that he could turn into someone willing to hurt others to get what he wants is terrifying, and the one thing keeping him from becoming a complete nervous wreck is the thought that if he goes any further down that path, The Dead Man will stop him by whatever means necessary.
The Dead Man – Evan Grayson – is the final line of defence against empaths because he has no emotions for them to maniuplate and his emotional vacuum is such that empaths can’t bear to look at him or to hear the sound of his voice, and his touch will knock them unconscious (as Reece discovered at the end of the previous book.) Despite the fact that he is the way he is because of his brother, the most corrupt empath Grayson has ever seen, and even though his particular attributes make him useful to the various anti-empath organisations, Grayson sees it as his mission to protect both sides – to protect society from corrupted empaths, but also to protect empaths from those who want to corrupt them. And while the higher-ups are more than willing to use him as a weapon against empaths for the first thing, some of them have become suspicious of his motives for doing the second.
Despite his assertion that he and Reece can’t be friends, Grayson has kept in regular contact with him in the three weeks since he left Seattle. Reece in that in-between state is a ticking time bomb, and it’s up to the Dead Man to make sure he doesn’t experience anything that could send him further along the path towards corruption. In fact, Grayson would be in Seattle helping Reece to move into his new apartment were it not for the fact that he’s been sent to investigate the murder of a Canadian empath in Burlington. He immediately senses something is off – the gloves the victim is wearing look new but the serial numbers have almost been worn off, and the body itself has been posed, with no attempt made to hide it.
While Grayson is in Vermont, Reece’s sister, Jamey, who used to be a cop with Seattle PD, is approached by one of her former colleagues and told about a Canadian empath who has been reported missing in Port Angeles. Jamey knows about the victim in Burlington thanks to her friend Dr. Aisha Easterby, who often works alongside Grayson, but what are the odds of another Canadian empath just happening to be missing in the US? Jamey decides to go to Port Angeles to see what she can find out.
Meanwhile, Grayson’s investigation is turning up precisely nothing – and when he learns that Jamey has also left Seattle, he realises it’s all bogus, that both he and Jamey have been sent on wild goose chases at exactly the same time, which can only mean one thing. Their absences have been orchestrated, and whoever is behind it knows that without them around, Reece is unprotected.
As soon as this realisation crashes in at around a quarter of the way through, the story really kicks up a gear and we’re off to the races with a twisty, dark, action-packed tale filled with shocking discoveries, devastating betrayals and emotional gut-punches. Balancing all that out is the funny, sweet and utterly swoonworthy connection building between Reece and Grayson, a connection dripping with chemistry so strong that it permeates the whole story and absolutely leaps off the page - and they can’t even touch each other without Reece being knocked out. It’s a masterclass in how to create and develop sexual tension through word and expression and actions that show how deeply two people have come to care for each other. The flirty teasing and banter, the longing, the affectionate humour, the sexual tension – it’s all *chef’s kiss*.
The story is told through several different perspectives, which is necessary to impart certain information the reader needs and wouldn’t get from a single or dual PoV narrative. Reece and Jamey get to tell a fairly large chunk of the story, and Grayson’s perspective is a very welcome addition. He’s a fascinating, complex character, and having his PoV this time around means we get to learn more about him and his past, how he thinks and why he acts the way he does, and more insight into his feelings for Reece – even though he’s convinced he has no emotions, it’s clear he’s totally smitten.
His body remembered the things and people that had made it happy, even if Grayson never felt happiness anymore. And … his body couldn’t stop noticing that Reece seemed to be made entirely of things that had once made him happy.
I really can’t say enough good things about this book. The plot is complex, nail-bitingly tense and contains some shocking revelations, the romance is sweet and hot by turns, the worldbuilding is excellent, and the humour lands just right, bringing a much needed levity to a story that goes to some pretty dark places.
The only thing I can find to criticise about Twisted Shadows is that it ends on the mother of all cliffhangers. It’ll take your breath away and then have you screaming “noooooo!” and desperately trying to find a release date for book three. At time of writing this review (September 2024), I can’t find one – I just hope the wait isn’t too long.
But the coming finale is sure to be worth the wait, and despite the frustrating cliffie, Twisted Shadows is one of my favourite books of 2024. It earns a very well-deserved place on my DIK shelf.
November 27, 2024
On the plus side, and the reason this gets 3 stars, is that in spite of all the flaws in plotting and especially in worldbuilding, the relationship between Reece and Evan really works for me. I love the flirty text exchanges and the complicated mix of suspicion and trust and sexual desire they feel (note that word!) for each other; also, they finally manage to have sex, and, well, yes please.
But lord, the worldbuilding is a mess. Most glaringly, even in a fantasy/sf world, the invented elements have to hang together at least with what I’ll call myth logic or a logic of symbolism. But while it makes sense that the empaths’ power should come with a dark side, there’s no sense of believability about the specific form “corruption” takes — it doesn’t feel like a, I don’t know, poetically logical outgrowth of their power.
Second most glaringly, there’s Evan Grayson, known as the Dead Man because he feels no emotion whatsoever. But he behaves like a person who feels emotions, for example in the series of nicknames he gives Reece — actually, in pretty much all his interactions with Reece, but specifically the playfulness of nicknaming someone, with affectionate-sounding nicknames to boot, just doesn’t square with emotionlessness.
Also, brain science! I’m typing on my tablet, which is horrible so I’m not adding links, but people whose brains are damaged in ways that destroy their capacity to feel emotions find it almost impossible to make decisions. Evan should be just about nonfunctional. And I know, I know, fantasy, but if you’re writing a novel whose premises diverge from our reality you kind of have to acknowledge the divergence and account for it somehow.
I had a good time reading, don’t get me wrong, but the worldbuilding gaps in this installment troubled me much more than they did in the first book. And, that having been said, I’m still invested enough to want to find out how that cliffhanger ending gets resolved.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
But lord, the worldbuilding is a mess. Most glaringly, even in a fantasy/sf world, the invented elements have to hang together at least with what I’ll call myth logic or a logic of symbolism. But while it makes sense that the empaths’ power should come with a dark side, there’s no sense of believability about the specific form “corruption” takes — it doesn’t feel like a, I don’t know, poetically logical outgrowth of their power.
Second most glaringly, there’s Evan Grayson, known as the Dead Man because he feels no emotion whatsoever. But he behaves like a person who feels emotions, for example in the series of nicknames he gives Reece — actually, in pretty much all his interactions with Reece, but specifically the playfulness of nicknaming someone, with affectionate-sounding nicknames to boot, just doesn’t square with emotionlessness.
Also, brain science! I’m typing on my tablet, which is horrible so I’m not adding links, but people whose brains are damaged in ways that destroy their capacity to feel emotions find it almost impossible to make decisions. Evan should be just about nonfunctional. And I know, I know, fantasy, but if you’re writing a novel whose premises diverge from our reality you kind of have to acknowledge the divergence and account for it somehow.
I had a good time reading, don’t get me wrong, but the worldbuilding gaps in this installment troubled me much more than they did in the first book. And, that having been said, I’m still invested enough to want to find out how that cliffhanger ending gets resolved.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
July 1, 2024
The first book in this SF romantic thriller trilogy was fun, with great characters and banter and a compulsive pace that swept me through it. However, it was also SO breathlessly paced that I could never quite tell whether all the pieces of the mystery really lined up.
This book, though? This book was just *excellent* - a thriller that (while still fast paced) took the time to line up every single piece in an inexorable, inevitable, and incredibly tense line while also giving fantastic banter and a wonderful slow burn romance.
I thought about giving it 4.5 stars just subjectively, because ARGH that cliffhanger was so painful, but honestly, that wouldn't be fair. It's Book 2 in a tightly-arced trilogy - we all know the kinds of endings those get, and the author pulled it off perfectly, closing the individual book's story off really well. I will definitely be reading Book 3 ASAP!
This book, though? This book was just *excellent* - a thriller that (while still fast paced) took the time to line up every single piece in an inexorable, inevitable, and incredibly tense line while also giving fantastic banter and a wonderful slow burn romance.
I thought about giving it 4.5 stars just subjectively, because ARGH that cliffhanger was so painful, but honestly, that wouldn't be fair. It's Book 2 in a tightly-arced trilogy - we all know the kinds of endings those get, and the author pulled it off perfectly, closing the individual book's story off really well. I will definitely be reading Book 3 ASAP!
August 18, 2024
Actual rating: 4,5
Never in my life has a book without lots steamy scenes made me this horny!
This whole book is just one long scene of sexual tension without any relieve because These. Two. Can’t. Touch!!!
The tension, the yearning, the anticipation. The banter! THE FLIRTING! Sweet baby Jesus.
It was even more exciting than the actual investigation in this book, but that was also very gripping.
I already loved the first book so much and this one definitely deserves the hype too.
For me the ending was a little too rushed, I didn’t expect what happened at all, but not because it was a plot twist more like it just happened too fast and I didn’t expect it.
Also the many, many POVs were a little a little confusing and ripped me out of the plot at times.
The ending made me go from 100 to depressed lump lying on the floor in 0.2 seconds and now I ofc need to know what happens next!
I can’t wait for the last book in this trilogy (and if these two don’t rip each others clothes off and jump each other the second they’re able to touch I’ll implode!).
Never in my life has a book without lots steamy scenes made me this horny!
This whole book is just one long scene of sexual tension without any relieve because These. Two. Can’t. Touch!!!
The tension, the yearning, the anticipation. The banter! THE FLIRTING! Sweet baby Jesus.
It was even more exciting than the actual investigation in this book, but that was also very gripping.
I already loved the first book so much and this one definitely deserves the hype too.
For me the ending was a little too rushed, I didn’t expect what happened at all, but not because it was a plot twist more like it just happened too fast and I didn’t expect it.
Also the many, many POVs were a little a little confusing and ripped me out of the plot at times.
The ending made me go from 100 to depressed lump lying on the floor in 0.2 seconds and now I ofc need to know what happens next!
I can’t wait for the last book in this trilogy (and if these two don’t rip each others clothes off and jump each other the second they’re able to touch I’ll implode!).
December 10, 2024
HAPPY RELEASE DAY TO THIS CRUEL (SO CRUEL!) and AMAZINGLY FABULOUS BOOK <3
--------------------------
Freaking hell, what was that ending?! Allie, you cruel, cruel author. How am I supposed to wait for book three now?! *sobs uncontrollably*
"Twisted Shadows" was an absolute rollercoaster ride of a book. It's dark, it's action-packed, it's twisted yes, and it's fueled by tensions, cliffhangers, betrayals, shocking discoveries and a truckload of emotional gut-punches. It's also funny, delightful, even sweet at times, and the romance? I was HOOKED. Thoroughly obsessed from the very start; I never wanted to stop reading.
Allie Therin is such an amazingly good writer, and I swear, she keeps getting better and better with each book.
This series has become one of my favourites of the past few years: the world-building is absolutely fabulous, damned fascinating (the whole thing about empaths is GENIUS, and although I sooooooo wish they'd just stop getting corrupted and stay their normal, sweetie-pie selves to save my sanity and my heart from despair/hurt/uncontrollable sobbing, I know there's supposed to be conflict in books, I do know that *stomps feet angrily*) and the writing is fantastic. Brilliant, funny, emotional, perfection.
The plot was WILD.
We'd left Reece and Evan in a sort of an okay-ish place at the end of book one, but book two starts off with a bang. Reece's in a liminal state, drowning in anxiety and fear about his quite-possibly-imminent corruption, and Evan's on the other side of the country doing secret spy shenanigans, and while he's still the same mysterious, unfeeling empath hunter as always, he seems to have developed an attachment to a certain empath troublemaker. Betrayal's afoot though, and Reece and Evan can't seem to catch a break and they definitely can't (and won't!) stop thinking about each other as well.
The plot and the pacing were fabulous. It was a crescendo of tension and twist and turns from the very start to the very end; I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. And that ending? I have nothing else to say except: whelp.
I love a multi-POV series, and although Reece (and now Evan!) are the two main POVs and characters, I still enjoyed following all the other characters around in this wild, complex story that Allie has created. All of the characters were fantastic, but Jamey and Aisha were my favourites, apart from the two leads obviously!
Speaking of which... needless to say, I adored them both, and their relationship had me in an even bigger chokehold during this book. Their sexual and romantic tension were TOP-NOTCH, delicious, no notes, just chef's kissing all around; and ALLLLLL that flirting? God, it made me blush and giggle. The best thing was how we finally get to see Evan's walls come tumbling down around Reece: I think I might have underlined half of their conversations. The sweet way both of them care for one another despite the insurmountable divide between them and the fact that they're supposed to be enemies? Gah, I loved them. Theirs is the slowest burn to ever burn, and I'm sure after all the turmoil and heartache, their HEA will be the absolute sweetest thing, but boyyyyyy does it hurt now.
< He owed Reece some choice words about the picture, but what he said was, “Hey, Care Bear.” Reece’s lips curved up. “Hey.” >
< Once upon a time, he might have looked at a person and thought I want to be with them because they make me happy. He didn’t think things like that anymore, but if someone hit him just right, his body still jerked. Still sat up and took notice and wanted. And Reece? Hit exactly right. >
< “So what’s my job?” Reece said. “Looking cute in that hoodie. And you’re already real good at it.” >
MY PRECIOUS BABIES.
Anyway, I don't know what to do with myself now; the book hangover is going to hurttttttttt. Ugh. It was worth it though.
I can't wait to re-read this book when it's out in December, but in the meantime: *sobs uncontrollably* HOW COULD YOU ALLIE 😭
Many thanks to the author and Netgalley for the ARC. This is my honest review.
--------------------------
Freaking hell, what was that ending?! Allie, you cruel, cruel author. How am I supposed to wait for book three now?! *sobs uncontrollably*
"Twisted Shadows" was an absolute rollercoaster ride of a book. It's dark, it's action-packed, it's twisted yes, and it's fueled by tensions, cliffhangers, betrayals, shocking discoveries and a truckload of emotional gut-punches. It's also funny, delightful, even sweet at times, and the romance? I was HOOKED. Thoroughly obsessed from the very start; I never wanted to stop reading.
Allie Therin is such an amazingly good writer, and I swear, she keeps getting better and better with each book.
This series has become one of my favourites of the past few years: the world-building is absolutely fabulous, damned fascinating (the whole thing about empaths is GENIUS, and although I sooooooo wish they'd just stop getting corrupted and stay their normal, sweetie-pie selves to save my sanity and my heart from despair/hurt/uncontrollable sobbing, I know there's supposed to be conflict in books, I do know that *stomps feet angrily*) and the writing is fantastic. Brilliant, funny, emotional, perfection.
The plot was WILD.
We'd left Reece and Evan in a sort of an okay-ish place at the end of book one, but book two starts off with a bang. Reece's in a liminal state, drowning in anxiety and fear about his quite-possibly-imminent corruption, and Evan's on the other side of the country doing secret spy shenanigans, and while he's still the same mysterious, unfeeling empath hunter as always, he seems to have developed an attachment to a certain empath troublemaker. Betrayal's afoot though, and Reece and Evan can't seem to catch a break and they definitely can't (and won't!) stop thinking about each other as well.
The plot and the pacing were fabulous. It was a crescendo of tension and twist and turns from the very start to the very end; I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. And that ending? I have nothing else to say except: whelp.
I love a multi-POV series, and although Reece (and now Evan!) are the two main POVs and characters, I still enjoyed following all the other characters around in this wild, complex story that Allie has created. All of the characters were fantastic, but Jamey and Aisha were my favourites, apart from the two leads obviously!
Speaking of which... needless to say, I adored them both, and their relationship had me in an even bigger chokehold during this book. Their sexual and romantic tension were TOP-NOTCH, delicious, no notes, just chef's kissing all around; and ALLLLLL that flirting? God, it made me blush and giggle. The best thing was how we finally get to see Evan's walls come tumbling down around Reece: I think I might have underlined half of their conversations. The sweet way both of them care for one another despite the insurmountable divide between them and the fact that they're supposed to be enemies? Gah, I loved them. Theirs is the slowest burn to ever burn, and I'm sure after all the turmoil and heartache, their HEA will be the absolute sweetest thing, but boyyyyyy does it hurt now.
< He owed Reece some choice words about the picture, but what he said was, “Hey, Care Bear.” Reece’s lips curved up. “Hey.” >
< Once upon a time, he might have looked at a person and thought I want to be with them because they make me happy. He didn’t think things like that anymore, but if someone hit him just right, his body still jerked. Still sat up and took notice and wanted. And Reece? Hit exactly right. >
< “So what’s my job?” Reece said. “Looking cute in that hoodie. And you’re already real good at it.” >
MY PRECIOUS BABIES.
Anyway, I don't know what to do with myself now; the book hangover is going to hurttttttttt. Ugh. It was worth it though.
I can't wait to re-read this book when it's out in December, but in the meantime: *sobs uncontrollably* HOW COULD YOU ALLIE 😭
Many thanks to the author and Netgalley for the ARC. This is my honest review.
December 14, 2024
there's no nicer way to put this: this was ass.
coming from the first book, which i absolutely loved btw, the author's choices were both unexpected and... interesting. in Liar City, the story takes precedence over the supposed slow-burn romance, and paired with a cast of nuanced characters, it was positively brimming with tension. it was unique and different and that's exactly what i loved about it. to me, it set the bar for the genre. but come the second book, that's all lost when being inexplicably horny takes the front seat and puts the pedal to the metal. honestly, the tonal shift is crazy, and this book should have come with the sign Welcome to Horny Central! because we're dropped right in the middle of it. i kid you not, for a majority of this book it was endless flirtatious conversations in the most bizarre of places and sexual innuendos up the kazoo, and while it was maybe funny at first, it eventually began to irk me. also, sure there's a mystery just like in the first one, but this time it was delivered with a more heavy-handedness since you could predict the plot beats right before they happened. there's also some action right toward the end but we don't really get to see any of it, which sucks. anyways, back to my main gripe. during the events of Liar City, reece and grayson hardly spent an entire day together, less than 12 hours even, and then Twisted Shadows takes place 3 weeks after Liar City and somehow they are absolutely smitten with each other and want to get into each other's pants ASAP, but cannot (at first. iykyk.) because of the whole grayson's touch being a total K.O. for empaths. literally every single one of their interactions takes a wild turn into horny town; all they can think about is kissing and breaking the damn bed. tell me this is not a total 0 to 100 from Liar City!!!
tl;dr miss therin took something that was unique and rich with potential and turned it into generic industry slop and nothing upsets me more than this.
P.S. the two stars are for jamey and aisha ONLY 😤
---
(300824) THERE'S A COVER AND A SYNOPSIS!!! I'M BEING SO NORMAL I SWEAR!!!!!!
(010224) cleared my calendar for the rest of the year bc i'm not going to shut up abt this
coming from the first book, which i absolutely loved btw, the author's choices were both unexpected and... interesting. in Liar City, the story takes precedence over the supposed slow-burn romance, and paired with a cast of nuanced characters, it was positively brimming with tension. it was unique and different and that's exactly what i loved about it. to me, it set the bar for the genre. but come the second book, that's all lost when being inexplicably horny takes the front seat and puts the pedal to the metal. honestly, the tonal shift is crazy, and this book should have come with the sign Welcome to Horny Central! because we're dropped right in the middle of it. i kid you not, for a majority of this book it was endless flirtatious conversations in the most bizarre of places and sexual innuendos up the kazoo, and while it was maybe funny at first, it eventually began to irk me. also, sure there's a mystery just like in the first one, but this time it was delivered with a more heavy-handedness since you could predict the plot beats right before they happened. there's also some action right toward the end but we don't really get to see any of it, which sucks. anyways, back to my main gripe. during the events of Liar City, reece and grayson hardly spent an entire day together, less than 12 hours even, and then Twisted Shadows takes place 3 weeks after Liar City and somehow they are absolutely smitten with each other and want to get into each other's pants ASAP, but cannot (at first. iykyk.) because of the whole grayson's touch being a total K.O. for empaths. literally every single one of their interactions takes a wild turn into horny town; all they can think about is kissing and breaking the damn bed. tell me this is not a total 0 to 100 from Liar City!!!
tl;dr miss therin took something that was unique and rich with potential and turned it into generic industry slop and nothing upsets me more than this.
P.S. the two stars are for jamey and aisha ONLY 😤
---
(300824) THERE'S A COVER AND A SYNOPSIS!!! I'M BEING SO NORMAL I SWEAR!!!!!!
(010224) cleared my calendar for the rest of the year bc i'm not going to shut up abt this
Want to read
December 16, 2024OMG! OMG! THIS BOOK IS FINALLY HEEERE!!!
December 21, 2024
This book was wild!
I barely remembered what had happened in the previous book so it took me a bit to get into the story, but oh boy, once I found the vibe I couldn't stop, it didn't matter that I had to wake up early to work.
Bad decisions Bear aka Reece and the allegedly Dead Man-Evan go on a road trip, extreme sexual tension ensues and then a major plot twist!
I cannot wait one more year to know what happens!
I barely remembered what had happened in the previous book so it took me a bit to get into the story, but oh boy, once I found the vibe I couldn't stop, it didn't matter that I had to wake up early to work.
Bad decisions Bear aka Reece and the allegedly Dead Man-Evan go on a road trip, extreme sexual tension ensues and then a major plot twist!
I cannot wait one more year to know what happens!
December 16, 2024
Great story so far. Too bad the author waits a long time between publishing the next installment, because this one had quite the cliffhanger.
January 14, 2025
I loved this book!!!!! I have to admit, books haven’t been as good lately. I used to love many books and it’s been so long since I’ve read a book and absolutely fell in love with it. This amazing story sucked me in and ruined me for all future books!
The first book in this series was hard for me to first get into. Once I did I enjoyed the story but I still waited to read this one because I didn’t expect it to be as good as it was. I’ve been disappointed so much lately. Now I’m going to be waiting so long for the next book! That’s ok though, I don’t want this experience to be over yet. I’ll wait!
I still enjoy the different POV’s and I thought it was simple to figure out whose head we were in. Their name was mentioned in the first paragraph or so. This way of bringing the story to life was done so well because this is a complex story. This second installment read a lot easier than the first though and it never lagged.
The real reason I think I loved this book??? Grayson & Reece were together for so much of it and their chemistry is off the charts!
I think I’d be an empath in this world. I think about how certain things affect other people too much and I can’t watch certain things if they unnecessarily kill people. I do like true crime though so I’m not as sensitive as Reece but I can see a lot of what makes the empaths tick. I also wouldn’t mind spending time with The Dead Man. 😉 I’m also looking at every F-150 and thinking of Grayson.
I don’t know how this will be resolved after that ending. Perfect, chefs kiss, it was everything. I’m riding high on that feeling of being wrapped up in such an amazing story. I think I will stay here awhile and soak it all in!!!!
The first book in this series was hard for me to first get into. Once I did I enjoyed the story but I still waited to read this one because I didn’t expect it to be as good as it was. I’ve been disappointed so much lately. Now I’m going to be waiting so long for the next book! That’s ok though, I don’t want this experience to be over yet. I’ll wait!
I still enjoy the different POV’s and I thought it was simple to figure out whose head we were in. Their name was mentioned in the first paragraph or so. This way of bringing the story to life was done so well because this is a complex story. This second installment read a lot easier than the first though and it never lagged.
The real reason I think I loved this book??? Grayson & Reece were together for so much of it and their chemistry is off the charts!
I think I’d be an empath in this world. I think about how certain things affect other people too much and I can’t watch certain things if they unnecessarily kill people. I do like true crime though so I’m not as sensitive as Reece but I can see a lot of what makes the empaths tick. I also wouldn’t mind spending time with The Dead Man. 😉 I’m also looking at every F-150 and thinking of Grayson.
I don’t know how this will be resolved after that ending. Perfect, chefs kiss, it was everything. I’m riding high on that feeling of being wrapped up in such an amazing story. I think I will stay here awhile and soak it all in!!!!
February 9, 2025
OMG, this book was not good for my anxiety.
Don't get me wrong, I loved it, but I can't say it was a relaxing read.
And I should have read this when the next book was already out. The wait just might kill me.
Don't get me wrong, I loved it, but I can't say it was a relaxing read.
And I should have read this when the next book was already out. The wait just might kill me.
December 10, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
Twisted Shadows is an incredible follow up to Liar City and it was everything I could have wanted and more from this second story. I found myself caught in that loop of being desperate to read on and find out what would happen, while also wanting to avoid finishing the story. Sometimes when you love the first book in a series, the second can’t measure up. But in this case, I was blown away by the second installment and loved everything about it.
Therin has created some fascinating world building in this series and she expands the lore around empaths and corruption even further here. The story continues to be told in multiple POVs and it works to great effect, letting us as readers have inside information that our main characters don’t always have yet.
I can highly recommend this series and can’t encourage you enough to check it out.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
Twisted Shadows is an incredible follow up to Liar City and it was everything I could have wanted and more from this second story. I found myself caught in that loop of being desperate to read on and find out what would happen, while also wanting to avoid finishing the story. Sometimes when you love the first book in a series, the second can’t measure up. But in this case, I was blown away by the second installment and loved everything about it.
Therin has created some fascinating world building in this series and she expands the lore around empaths and corruption even further here. The story continues to be told in multiple POVs and it works to great effect, letting us as readers have inside information that our main characters don’t always have yet.
I can highly recommend this series and can’t encourage you enough to check it out.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
December 7, 2024
This was pretty darn good. It's hard to say how much of that was because I lowered my expectations after my recent re-read of book one and how much of it was because there was a lot more focus on the relationship between Reece and Evan. While plot holes still abounded, I decided to just keep trucking along, rather than dwell on them, and I think I have a better sense of what the author had in mind on the zoomed out version of the intended allegory. I went through this pretty quickly because I did not want to put it down and it had a really strong finish. Plus the relationship pay off is worth any plot holes that get us to that point. I am very eager for book three now. Considering that often book two in a trilogy is not the strongest, I was really pleased to see the improvements over the first book and will likely re-read in anticipation of the final book.
I received a digital Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley and Carina Adores/Harlequin in exchange for an honest review.
I received a digital Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley and Carina Adores/Harlequin in exchange for an honest review.
July 1, 2024
I was given the NetGalley ARC, this is my honest review.
The second paragraph in Chapter Six made me CACKLE.
37%: You know those romances where you keep puzzling and puzzling at how anything between the two characters could possibly ever work? Yeah this is one of those.
I read the last 30% today because it's that kind of novel, too, only now I want book 3 because how... How are we getting out of this level of... No spoilers. Just, whew.
The second paragraph in Chapter Six made me CACKLE.
37%: You know those romances where you keep puzzling and puzzling at how anything between the two characters could possibly ever work? Yeah this is one of those.
I read the last 30% today because it's that kind of novel, too, only now I want book 3 because how... How are we getting out of this level of... No spoilers. Just, whew.
December 17, 2024
Was this the horniest book ever?
With the flirtiest moments?
Did I giggle and scream?
YES TO ALL
With the flirtiest moments?
Did I giggle and scream?
YES TO ALL
December 24, 2024
I absolutely FLEW through this series and I can’t believe I have to wait for book 3!!! That ending! I just get more and more invested in this series. The world building is legit so good, the chapter headings with little lore drops, the characters, the SLOW BURN. And again. The ENDING. Allie Therin I’m coming for your backlist to hold me over till book 3 (please be soon).
December 16, 2024
SO GOOD!! dang this dang cliffhanger i am gonna be in AGONY for seventeen years til the next one
January 8, 2025
This was a bit slower to get into compared to book 1 and it only picked up plotwise at about 80% mark. I still enjoyed Reece being ridiculous and Evan being Evan. Their personal relationship developed in this book too—still slowburn— but it was good nonetheless. Can’t wait to see how book 3 goes. I want it like yesterday!
January 1, 2025
Lying can’t change love.
Swoony, thrilling, ult’mately
about family.
Swoony, thrilling, ult’mately
about family.
December 29, 2024
Allie Therin has done it again. Twisted Shadows is an absolutely brilliant follow up to Liar City. It had everything I’ve come to expect from Allie Therin - the world building, the unexpected twists, the snark, the flirting by way of insults. It was perfection.
This second book in the series gave more depth and background information to all the characters, especially Grayson and Reece. We get more insight into how they both think and why they make the decision they do - which was desperately needed after the breakneck pace of book one.
The snark and banter in this book is honestly a thing of beauty. I was seriously cackling out loud while reading. NO ONE writes feisty black cat twinks like Allie Therin and I eat up that snarky sass with a spoon.
The narration for this book was absolutely masterful and I loved every second. Joel Leslie absolutely brought these characters to life as only he can. I read the ebook as an arc over the summer and loved it but the read was a tad bittersweet because I knew Joel Leslie was going to absolutely kick this book out of the park and he absolutely did. It’s perfect. I basically listened to this entire book in a single sitting and regret nothing.
This could easily be my favorite Allie Therin book (which is saying something - I’ve read all of her books multiple times because I love them so). I cannot recommend this book enough. If you need me, I’ll just be over here impatiently waiting for the final installment.
This second book in the series gave more depth and background information to all the characters, especially Grayson and Reece. We get more insight into how they both think and why they make the decision they do - which was desperately needed after the breakneck pace of book one.
The snark and banter in this book is honestly a thing of beauty. I was seriously cackling out loud while reading. NO ONE writes feisty black cat twinks like Allie Therin and I eat up that snarky sass with a spoon.
The narration for this book was absolutely masterful and I loved every second. Joel Leslie absolutely brought these characters to life as only he can. I read the ebook as an arc over the summer and loved it but the read was a tad bittersweet because I knew Joel Leslie was going to absolutely kick this book out of the park and he absolutely did. It’s perfect. I basically listened to this entire book in a single sitting and regret nothing.
This could easily be my favorite Allie Therin book (which is saying something - I’ve read all of her books multiple times because I love them so). I cannot recommend this book enough. If you need me, I’ll just be over here impatiently waiting for the final installment.
December 12, 2024
Great 2nd instalment of the trilogy. Somehow, you just knew that what actually happened would happen, even the little . Glad every character that I like is still around for book 3, but let's hope that publication will be sooner rather than later.
December 15, 2024
DECEMBER 2024
January 5, 2025
A rounded up 2.5, because somtimes I'm nice.
I’m not loving how Reece and Evan’s relationship is developing in this installment. At the end of Liar City, their dynamic felt intriguing and full of potential, but then Twisted Shadows picks up three weeks later, and they’re suddenly full-on flirting?
It’s not that I mind the flirting—I do want their relationship to progress—but I was drawn to the slow-burn aspect in the first book. That gradual build-up was what made their connection so compelling. Here, it feels like the author tossed that element aside.
What I really wanted was to witness the subtle shifts in their relationship, to see how they slowly start to care for each other in ways they hadn’t expected. Instead, this progression feels rushed and skips over what could’ve been some really rewarding moments. We were on such a good path in Liar City, but this doesn’t feel like a continuation that aligns with the foundation laid in Book#1.
This book also has significantly more POVs than the first, and honestly, it’s unfortunate that almost all of them are more interesting than Reece and Evan’s. Most of the other characters are out there making real progress on the case—Evan, to be fair, has his moments—but Reece? He’s as frustrating as ever.
The problem is, my patience with Reece is wearing thin. He constantly needs rescuing, and it’s starting to feel ludicrous. He’s good-hearted, sure, but at some point, he needs to get his act together and stop relying on everyone else to save him. It’s hard to stay invested in a character who doesn’t seem to learn or grow, especially when everyone else is involved in far more compelling parts of the plot.
Twisted Shadows ended on a cliffhanger, and I’m praying the twist carries well into Book#3—mainly because it’s the first time Reece was actually interesting in this book.
Sidenote: I read this while listening to the audiobook, and the narrator’s southern accent was awful. Sorry to that man, but I can't not mention it!
I’m not loving how Reece and Evan’s relationship is developing in this installment. At the end of Liar City, their dynamic felt intriguing and full of potential, but then Twisted Shadows picks up three weeks later, and they’re suddenly full-on flirting?
It’s not that I mind the flirting—I do want their relationship to progress—but I was drawn to the slow-burn aspect in the first book. That gradual build-up was what made their connection so compelling. Here, it feels like the author tossed that element aside.
What I really wanted was to witness the subtle shifts in their relationship, to see how they slowly start to care for each other in ways they hadn’t expected. Instead, this progression feels rushed and skips over what could’ve been some really rewarding moments. We were on such a good path in Liar City, but this doesn’t feel like a continuation that aligns with the foundation laid in Book#1.
This book also has significantly more POVs than the first, and honestly, it’s unfortunate that almost all of them are more interesting than Reece and Evan’s. Most of the other characters are out there making real progress on the case—Evan, to be fair, has his moments—but Reece? He’s as frustrating as ever.
The problem is, my patience with Reece is wearing thin. He constantly needs rescuing, and it’s starting to feel ludicrous. He’s good-hearted, sure, but at some point, he needs to get his act together and stop relying on everyone else to save him. It’s hard to stay invested in a character who doesn’t seem to learn or grow, especially when everyone else is involved in far more compelling parts of the plot.
Twisted Shadows ended on a cliffhanger, and I’m praying the twist carries well into Book#3—mainly because it’s the first time Reece was actually interesting in this book.
Sidenote: I read this while listening to the audiobook, and the narrator’s southern accent was awful. Sorry to that man, but I can't not mention it!
June 28, 2025
“Yes, sugar,” Grayson said, slow and patronizing and still tense. “Because a real cute guy has his mouth right by my neck and his hands all over me. It’s pretty much the opposite of hurt.”
4.75⭐
Why did I go and do this to myself??
Reading a series that isn’t finished?? What was I thinking??? Now I’m here — waiting, biting my nails, screaming into the void — needing the next installment immediately.
So many things happened, and also so many things... didn’t, in this book. It felt slower paced than the first, but not in a bad way. I love a slow-burn, and this one was basically just mutual pining and yearning from both Evan and Reece — and I was so here for it. Just watching them struggle to contain their want and need for each other (especially given their situation) was deeply satisfying in that agonizing, slow-suffering way I crave.
Also? The twists and turns? EXCELLENT. That ending?? FUCK ME, DUDE. I need the next book now.
I need Reece to ride Evan till morning, just like he wishes.
But Evan’s current state??? Yeah, that’s not happening.
Which means... there has to be a way for Evan to not be a dead man. There has to be.
I’m hoping, praying, manifesting a HEA for these two when this series is done. I’m assuming this is going to be a trilogy? (Please be a trilogy.)
I have faith it’ll all work out in the end — even if, in this world, empaths are treated like absolute shit and the government is an actual monster. Honestly, it’s a little too real. The way things are going in our world, we’ll probably hit WW3 before the next book even drops.
Fuck me, dude.
4.75⭐
Why did I go and do this to myself??
Reading a series that isn’t finished?? What was I thinking??? Now I’m here — waiting, biting my nails, screaming into the void — needing the next installment immediately.
So many things happened, and also so many things... didn’t, in this book. It felt slower paced than the first, but not in a bad way. I love a slow-burn, and this one was basically just mutual pining and yearning from both Evan and Reece — and I was so here for it. Just watching them struggle to contain their want and need for each other (especially given their situation) was deeply satisfying in that agonizing, slow-suffering way I crave.
Also? The twists and turns? EXCELLENT. That ending?? FUCK ME, DUDE. I need the next book now.
I need Reece to ride Evan till morning, just like he wishes.
But Evan’s current state??? Yeah, that’s not happening.
Which means... there has to be a way for Evan to not be a dead man. There has to be.
I’m hoping, praying, manifesting a HEA for these two when this series is done. I’m assuming this is going to be a trilogy? (Please be a trilogy.)
I have faith it’ll all work out in the end — even if, in this world, empaths are treated like absolute shit and the government is an actual monster. Honestly, it’s a little too real. The way things are going in our world, we’ll probably hit WW3 before the next book even drops.
Fuck me, dude.
Read
January 2, 2025Wowow. Book 2 turned things up several notches and now I am desperate for book 3.
December 18, 2024
It was everything I needed in the first part of the series, and some more. But what should I do with myself now? While waiting for the finale after such a cliffhanger?
January 7, 2025
I’m in shambles
November 11, 2024
RTC
Thank you Netgalley and Carina Adores for providing copy of this ebook. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Expecting release date : 10 December 202
Thank you Netgalley and Carina Adores for providing copy of this ebook. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Expecting release date : 10 December 202
dnf
December 10, 2024All the way in December?! 😩😭
Displaying 1 - 30 of 272 reviews