Nightmares plague me, filled with creatures I can’t escape. Shadows that move when no one is there. A strange, constant sense of being hunted.
I’m Kallie, and nothing about my life has ever been extraordinary. I’m just another PennBrooke University student, surviving—until now. Now, the nightmares are getting worse. I try to ignore them, but it’s impossible when I’m starting to see the things that haunt my sleep.
And then, there’s Callum. The man I never asked for, never wanted. He’s more than he seems. A protector? A threat? It doesn’t matter. There’s only one rule I know for touch me, and you die.
But as the line between us blurs, I’m beginning to question everything. Is he here to save me…or trap me in a world darker than I ever imagined?
B. Daring lives in Oregon with her fiance, two dogs and three cats, and she hates writing about herself in third person. When she’s not writing—which she needs to do more often—you can find her working at a local coffee stand, playing cozy games, or watching reruns of her favorite shows. Though she hasn’t traveled much, it is something she hopes to do more of in the future. Being able to see the world and immerse herself in different cultures is a big passion for her—even if she has the palette of a toddler.
I can’t believe this is a debut the author started writing one day at 2am while drunk! 🤣 Seriously this is one of my fav reads of 2025! So intense, so captivating, so everything. I could not put this down! I loved the story and the characters right from the beginning. Kallie is a badass FMC but she really worked at becoming strong and fierce, which I liked. Callum is chaotic and intense af but a fierce protector. I loved him some times and hated him other times. I have so much anxiety for Kate tight now though, let me tell ya. I really loved their friendship. I almost rated this 4.5 stars because I was frustrated that Kallie easily accepted a lot of things that happened to her and didn’t question things I felt she should have questioned. But I realized that’s just me wanting her to be more like me 🥴😂 Also, dragons! The dragon banter was on point. I really enjoyed him!
*I am honored to have received this complimentary ARC from the author. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
ARC review, phew! Buckle up for a wild ride! This book intrigued me from the get go, and the further I got into the book the more excited I got to see what would happen. This book has spice, enemies and some really wonderful magical writing! I wanted to get to the end to see what happens but now I’m left wanting the next book…. Like right now! Kallie and Callum man the banter had me cracking up I became a highlighting queen. I have to say Kallie is pretty badass once she really starts to realize her full capabilities! I can’t wait for book 2!
It absolutely blows my mind that this is the debut from B. Daring, it reads nothing like a debut and hits all the right buttons for me.
I was sucked in the moment I completed the prologue and absolutely needed to know what happened next. War Between the Shadows is intense, enchanting, and just unputdownable.
Kallie is just incredible. I love her strength, her grit, her sass. I love that she's selfless. I love that she's willing to put others first. If there was a recipe for a perfect FMC that I needed, it would be Kallie, and I loved the journey that she took us on. Not only was she vulnerable and uncertain at times, but she was willing to challenge herself, she was willing to become a better version of herself. She was always strong and fierce, but she didn't shy away from working towards becoming more of those things. And I absolutely adored her for that.
Callum!!! Oh, I adored him at times and hated him at others. He was intense, he was challenging. He recognized Kallie for what she was, but more importantly what she needed to become. And he pushed her to be that. The tension between them was thick from the first time they met each other. I was literally giggling and kicking my feet the first time they fought in the ring. I loved mayhem that Callum caused, but that he was always at his core Kallie's fiercest protector.
The entirety of this book draws you in, makes it impossible to put down, and just absolutely takes you on a ride. It is a slow burn, potentially the slowest I've ever read, but all the other emotions that B. Daring manages to evoke in the pages - excitement, heartache, fear, and just magic make absolutely every moment worth it.
Anxiously awaiting Book 2, because I need it, immediately.
I absolutely hate to DNF ARCs but unfortunately have to do it with this one and I think it’s the case of me, not the book. I was really excited about War Between Shadows ever since I first heard of it and immediately signed up for an ARC and was getting more excited with each new teaser on the author’s IG but I think I expected something different from this book and that’s on me. First of all, I thought it was going to be a fantasy romance, but at the point I stopped reading the FMC is still a college student and omg she annoyed me so much, I think she’s the main reason I couldn’t get through this book. I really wanted to like her because she was an introvert and book lover and her fighting matches were interesting but I just couldn’t. The MMC… when we meet him he has a one-track mind and the more I got to know him the less I liked him. Don’t get me wrong, they had some great scenes and I liked their banter and them fighting each other, but the build up to romance was lacking for me. I also was very confused for most of the time about what was happening and because of that and not being able to connect to the main characters, by the time things started to clear up I was skimming and just didn’t care anymore and have to DNF because I don’t want to force myself to continue reading.
I think there are many people who are going to love this book, but it just wasn’t for me. I still recommend to give it a try because I have a feeling that the plot is about to pick up but I just can’t force myself to continue reading at the moment, maybe I will try this book again in the future.
I had the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this book, and overall, I really loved it! The "shadow daddy" vibes were definitely on point, creating a dark, intense atmosphere that was both gripping and seductive. The spice came in strong right at the beginning, slowing down for a while, but then bam—the intensity picked up again in a way that left me wanting more. The heat was absolutely worth the wait!
That said, while the spice was fantastic, the romance itself was a bit of a slow burn, and at times, it felt almost non-existent. There were a few moments in the book that could’ve used a bit more elaboration, especially important scenes that would have helped clear up some of the confusion about the direction the story was heading. At times, I was left wondering which way things were going to go, but the unpredictability kept me on my toes.
And of course, the book ends on a massive cliffhanger, which was both exhilarating and frustrating—now I’m left eagerly awaiting the next book. It’s always tough reading a book that just came out and knowing you’ll have to wait for the next book, but it’s totally worth it.
If you're looking for a book that's full of spice, mystery, and a little bit of slow-burn tension, this is definitely one to check out!
*BETA READER* War Between the Shadows is an absolutely PHENOMENAL dark fantasy read! From the very first page B. Daring grabs you by the collar and does not let go! I was hooked—and I mean white knuckled, eyes glued to the page, losing sleep kind of hooked. Oh, don’t even get me started. Just when I thought I had a grip on what was happening, B. Daring pulled the rug out from under me (in the best way). Plot twist after plot twist had me gasping, whispering “no way” to myself like a lunatic, and questioning literally everyone’s true intentions.
One thing that seriously blew me away was the imagery. I’m somehow who often struggles to visualize scenes in books—but B. Daring’s writing? Vivid, immersive, and cinematic in the most magical way!
And the characters? OBSESSED!! Kallie and Callum have carved out permanent spots in my heart, but let’s be real—every character brings something unforgettable to the table. I’m not going to pretend to be normal about BENNY AND BELLADONNA! My sweet forest buns!! I would die for them. IYKYK. Protect them at all costs.
This book made me feel everything—thrill, fear, wonder, heartbreak, and the addictive rush you get from the SLOWEST BURN ever!!
🗡Touch her and 💀 🗡 Enemies to Lovers 🗡 Slow Burn 🗡 Forced Proximity
Book One in the Forged In Fire series Spice: 🌶🌶 Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Romance born in chaos"
This book drew me in from the start, its such an easy read with good flow of plot. Kallie is a strong FMC that is adamant she will save herself and is no damsel in distress. Callum is such a wind up merchant and enjoys making Kallie squirm. I loved the banter between these two and how Callum provokes Kallie just to get a response and enjoys her frustration. Their back and forth will have you giddy as the slow burn tension builds (and builds...the spice in this book comes right towards the end).
I wanted to hug Benny when he calls Kallie sweetheart. You can tell he's dying to just wrap her up and feed her sweet treats all day long, he's such a cute side character 🖤
That ending, are you kidding me?! I need to read book 2 ASAP, I am reeling and shouting at my kindle, it cannot just end like that. I feel so betrayed and yet I hope its a lie for the greater good!!
War Between the Shadows really sets the stage for all the action anticipated in the next book and feels like the foundation for the world building we will need going into Ascension of Ashes.
First, I was like "this is a romantasy right?", and then B did it. She wrote the romantasy! Beginning: college freshman plagued by nightmares that feel real and...dun dun dun...affect her actual life on the human plane. Girl meets boy. Girl is a strong independent woman that don't need no man and she fights her attraction and prior trauma that influences her need to be a badass. Boy low key stalks her. Middle: 🎵Strange things are happening here🎵 Where did her fling go? Why is this stalker weirdo in her dorm? What the hell happened to her dorm room? Powers?! Ending: Forbidden love. Love & trust lead into BETRAYAL. Science experiment? Daddy issues.
Loved that is just FLOWED. Easy to read, totally picked up on mannerisms and personality traits. Loved the juxtaposition between the Fae world and Human world, glamors, identity crisis for both FMC and MMC. Loved the Fourth Wing dragon vibe meets ACOTAR (or probably more Crescent City).
Okay, now for the critique: I devoured it so quickly I think I missed some things and I had to go back and re-read to catch up 😆
And that's all, folks! Super solid debut by B. Daring!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I'm still reeling from finishing this book! The story was so much fun to read, and I'm now anxiously waiting for the next installment. I loved the vibes this book gave off - it was the perfect blend of humor, romance, and empowerment. Kallie's story had me hooked, and I loved watching her grow and stand up for herself. She's a total boss, and I was so here for her taking charge and not letting anyone walk all over her. Callum, on the other hand, made my heart skip a beat. The twist at the end had me gasping and crying - it was so well done! But let's talk about Voraxis - he's the real MVP. His sass and attitude had me laughing out loud, and I loved every minute of it. If I'm being honest, he's probably my favorite character. Overall, this book was an absolute blast to read. I'd highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, engaging story with great characters. Can't wait to see what happens next!"
Kallie went through a lot of too real nightmares and has issues trusting people. Her whole world gets turned upside down and she handles it like a warrior. Callum is a man who knows what he wants and will do whatever he can to get it and protect it but he is semi respectful about it. I absolutely could not get enough of the banter between them. I was always so excited when they started getting on each other's nerves.
I really enjoyed the story. I enjoyed seeing how everyone underestimated Kallie and thought she was weak. I always giggled when she made sure they knew she was not playing around and could take any of them. I was not expecting that ending at all and I am not okay. I need book 2 ASAP
Thank you @authorbdaring for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the ARC Team!
Thanks to this book, I think I can FINALLY enter my romantacy era??? I never thought I’d be a fantasy girlie but this book might’ve just changed that for me🤭
I think this is a fantastic book to read if you’re new to fantasy or don’t want to deal with heavy world building! It was easy to understand everything and I was never really confused on where everything is! & I also LOVE the map in the beginning of the book😍
Honestly I think this book would be fun to go in to blind but just check triggers before diving in🖤
I also feel like the world needs to know… sex with magic IS SO MUCH BETTER???? Like I have been MISSING OUT!!!!🤣
I can nottttt wait for book 2!! I am ready for the chaos 🔥
This book for sure takes you in for a wild ride! The writing style makes the story easy to follow along. My impression is it is a light fantasy, dark romance story from dual POV.
However, there is a lack of struggle with training (personally not a fan of when a main character gets the concept of something immediately), some instances where the main character knows names and realms when she and/or the reader were not given the information, and some typos. We also do not get a lot of backstory despite the book diving right into it (without trying to give spoilers).
That being said, the book leaves off on a HUGE cliffhanger, and I look forward to book 2!
WOW THIS WAS SO GOOD. The cliff hanger is killing me and I'm already itching for book 2. As a debut novel, it is absolutely incredible! The characters were witty and loveable. There's a badass FMC, Kallie, who is working on honing her powers and figuring out who she really is. Callum is this chaotic, protective MMC who pines after Kallie. I have a love hate relationship with his character, I feel like there's still so much mystery around him to get a good feel of who he really is. Then of course, there's DRAGONS!! What's not to love?! I devoured this book so fast, and I highly suggest you pick it up as well!
Holy mackerel! That was an intense ride! Amazing writing style. Story line keeps you intrigued & locked in all the way through! Very very intense, kept me at the edge of my seat! TOTAL NAIL BITER! The characters were absolutely perfectly written, the perfect amount of suspense to keep you going, absolutely no ounce of boredom!
My first bit of fantasy, I loved dipping my toes in something new, the ending left me craving more, I cannot wait to see what’s next for Callum & Kallie! Ps. The playlist is TOP TEIR!
**BETA READER** I got to beta read this and it is such a great debut for this author! This is a mix of fantasy, dark romance and suspense.
The journey our main character Kallie goes on (besides the magical bits) is one I feel will resonate with many readers.
As a reader you get to experience the new world Kallie gets thrust into with her and it had me struck with the images this author created. I loveeee a fantasy world build and the amazing creatures that come with it.
I hope you give this debut author a chance because I don’t think you’ll be disappointed 💛🪄🐉
I enjoyed this book. It did take me a minute to really get into it. I think that at about pages 150/160, when things were happening, i became more invested into the story and characters. I don't want to give anything away. I definitely feel you should add this one to your TBR. I can't wait for book 2. Please give this book a try it is definitely worth the read!!
ARC READER: Let me start with- I am so sorry to the author, I wanted to like this book SO badly after finding you on TikTok because you are so so kind and likable! On to the bad news… the book…. The first 25% of the book was just confusing. The next 25% was incredibly boring. The next 50% was good but just a cheap rip off of ACOTAR & Fourth Wing combined. You could play a drinking game with how many times “Goddess” is said. The ending honestly was really good and made me interested in the next book though!
Wow this book was incredible. Reeled me in from the first chapter. I absolutely love Kallie. She’s awesome. A Queen in her own right. She’s loving, sassy, strong, selfless need I say more. Callum is awesome. He really understands Kassie and wants to see her reach her full potential. Absolutely love that. So protective over Kallie. The banter between them is hilarious. I need more. So can’t wait for book 2. Really hope it comes out soon.
I honestly can’t believe this is the authors debut novel. It felt like this author has been writing for years. Way to go!!!
Arc review - I have to start by saying this debut novel was incredible and so well written . I was hooked and intrigued through the whole book and absolutely could not put it down . This was one of my favorite reads so far this year and I absolutely cannot wait for book two . I absolutely loved Kallie and had a love/hate relationship with callum boy was he intense haha. Thank you to the author b.daring for the arc of your book I loved every moment of it !
I'm desperate for this duet in every format - paperback, hardcover, special edition, and audiobook! Kallie's nightmares are getting worse, leading her to try everything to avoid sleep, but even her waking hours are filled with unease and a sense of being watched. The sparring ring is her only refuge until she meets Callum, and their banter is simply *chefs kiss*. Callum's secrets have made him an outcast among his own. Will he surrender to fate and reveal his secrets or hold on and risk everything? This slow burn had me gripping my kindle!! I cannot wait for book 2!!
*ARC READER* The way I wanted to do nothing but read this in one sitting but couldn’t was torture(adult life got in the way). The characterization and the plot have similarities to other series while still being totally unique in the plot was really refreshing. I definitely can’t wait for book 2!!!!!!
I was definitely surprised with this being a debut book from a local author! I actually saw a poster for it at a coffee shop in town and decided to give it a try! There was a couple of spots where I wondered if it would pick up then all of a sudden I was over half way through it and pretty invested. And that ending. ☠️ I am looking forward to the second book!
This books writing was really strange to me. You have a girl who’s being stalked by this guy and after they go into detail about her being raped, he’s violating her privacy and being physically aggressive. I get the whole intention behind it for the bigger picture but it made me feel really uncomfortable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I enjoyed this book but I feel like some parts of this story were confusing and the backstory’s were left out. I feel like so much happened but at the same time didn’t happen in this book. I’m hoping since this book ended on a cliff hanger many of my questions get answered in the second book!
The suspense is what kept me reading. I couldn’t put it down until I got to the end which might I add should be illegal. The plot was thick and the banter was crazy good. When you get to the spice it is so spicy. Definitely need book 2 now
Wow! Just Wow! I was pleasantly surprised by this book! It took me on the adventure I had been craving! This book has all the bits and bobs every good romantacy needs! Highly recommend!
Loved it can’t wait for book two. Love the Grimm references after re watching the show this last time Rosalie ended up on the list of baby names and that’s the name my oldest chose for her baby sister lol. Really loved the characters of this book.