Possessed by Shadows

Simply Crafty #3

by Lissa Kasey

His brother vanished into the shadows. Taken or possessed?

Alex can see ghosts and demons. It’s not a gift he asked for, but recent events have made his abilities impossible to deny. When his brother Lukas goes missing, walking off camera in the middle of a ghost hunting video, Alex fears the worst.

As Alex searches for Lukas, a long list of secrets, lies, and omissions come to light. Including Lukas’s recent departure from the police force and the death of a fellow cop.

Alex has to face what he can see, the ghosts, and maybe even a demon or two, if he wants his brother back. But he’s afraid once he lets the shadows in, they may take over and never leave.

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

328 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 23, 2021

About the author

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

Reviews

[BWT · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story, I love the characters, I just wish that we had gotten more answers. Lukas is the center of the story, and yet largely absent, which honestly was my big gripe about this story: I thought this was going to be the book where we finally find out what's going on with Lukas and Sky and what's been happening with Lukas...and I was just left with more questions than answers.

I'm enjoying the series so I'm definitely going to pick up a next book if there's a next book, and I'll just have to hope I find my answers there.

Single POV (Alex)
Paranormal mystery with some romantic elements.

[☔️ Stormy Day Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Possessed by Shadows takes place approximately 6 months into Alex and Micah's relationship. So maybe 5 months after the previous book in the Simply Crafty series? Things are going great with them until Alex's twin brother Lukas decides to start ghost hunting. Then Lukas goes missing. I thought I had it figured out about halfway through and I'm thinking that at least one part was hinted at by the author but not really put into words given that it was mentioned in the trigger warnings. But, there was really no way I could have anticipated the ending at all. Of course, there were some things I guessed at that were right. It's always nice to read a mystery-type book and not figure everything out yourself. Together with the fact that the Simply Crafty books are freaky as hell, it's not really surprising we can't anticipate much that actually happens.

It was nice getting to read about Alex and Micah again. I am happy that there is no real conflict between them. That's the main reason that I very rarely read a continuous series with the same protagonists throughout. Usually, the authors have the couple fight and break up and all kinds of angst between them in every freaking book. But, so far, not this series. Alex and Micah are solid. Relationship goals for sure. Even crafting together... so cute. And they're pretty darn hot together too although there isn't an abundance of sex in the book. A few short sex scenes and one long one.

There are still some unresolved issues at the end of the book making me fairly certain that there will be a fourth book in the series. I'd be interested in reading a book or novella from Lukas or Sky's perspective too. These books stand out as being some of the creepiest I've read which is kinda funny considering there's also crafting and cosplay goofiness mixed in. There are a lot of hot-button issues that might be really depressing like Alex's PTSD and his war injury and the fact he goes to therapy and struggles still. But, there are so many other things going on that none of that really pulls the rhythm of the books down like most books with similar topics do. Truthfully, I normally skip over books with so many trigger warnings. So yea, my point is you might not want to let the warnings scare you off. Unless a demon child with black eyes scares you... then all bets are off. Oh, and the ghost cat that feeds on negative energy. Like I said, creepy.

~An ARC copy of this book was provided by the author for an honest review through Gay Romance Reviews. Always nice when I can get a book that I'd already planned to read before it's published. Thank you!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was just as good as the prior books, even though it was a little more scarier IMO. Everything that happens to Alex just breaks my heart. Poor Micah having to navigate Alex's black outs & possessions I can't even imagine being in that position. Lukas, Alex's twin, can't stand him. From the way he treated Sky to all the secrets he held, just wanted me to throat punch him. In this story, Lukas is now doing ghost tours, but it was initially unclear why he was doing what he was doing. He also has purchased what appears to be a haunted house. Their father, unbeknownst to Alex, comes to town to help fix up the house that Lukas purchased & I didn't like him either. Appears that the family treats Alex like a POS. Even when there is a scene where his mother is in it, and how hurt Alex was just wanted me to wrap him in my arms & just show him how a mother should love their child. A lot happened in this book. We see Alex start to to learn how to control his abilities, and it's not going to be easy. This is just a great series & I can't wait for the next book.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

August 2025
ok, I think this time around it was a me thing - because I did not like Micah and Alex as much

First review
I loved the first two books ... and I think, this one too but it was much heavier, more emotional and a lot more paranormal than the others. Which is not a bad thing ... just different

In this one we get to experience Alex voice again and I have to confess, I missed Micah.
We get to know Lukas from a totally different perspective and obviously he is not as put together as at least Alex thought. And I don't want to add more as that would be spoiler.
Micahs and Alex relationship is still strong, maybe stronger than before and I liked how they handled things together.
We get to know more about Sky ... and unfortunately about Alex parents

There are a lot of interesting revelations and I felt for Lukas ... yes, Alex as well but now I REALLY want Lukas book.

So, I am far from finished with this series and can't wait for the next book ... there are so many open issues and questions (but no cliffhanger ... not really)

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am ready to absolutely hate Lukas at this point, the selfish little prick! He becomes so obsessed with the paranormal and trying to find answers that he actually hurts those around him. Micah and Alex have found peace and some semblance of normal, at least for them and their shadows. Lukas tends to just blast through and his actions this time set Alex back again. At least he now knows what is happening as he is possessed by the spirits and blacks out. When Lukas disappears, nobody seems to be concerned except for Alex since he has a tendency to do this every now and then. But as questions pile up and they discover more about his past and the haunted house he bought, Alex and Micah start to realize that something more sinister is at work. It doesn’t lessen my anger at Lukas since he has kept some serious secrets and hurt those closest to him, but as this story unfolds, at least we can understand him better. I also love how both Alex and Micah start making strides to learn how to control what Alex can do. I adore these two as they explore life in the Big Easy and craft to their heart's content. I absolutely loved this book and can't wait to see what happens next for this couple.

[Janet Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply Crafty…Simply Fantastic!!! Loved being back in the Simply Crafty world!! The world building is phenomenal! Alex’s brother has taken up ghost hunting and has turned into a first-class turd!! When he disappears it’s up to Micah and Alex to help Skye find him. Alex and Micah must also deal with Alex and Lucas’s father when he comes to town to help renovate a house that Lucas bought. He’s not a good person either. The story was riveting, I couldn’t put it down!! I cannot wait to see what else the author has in store for these two. It was really well written, highly recommend. I’m voluntarily leaving a review from an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

super spooky!

Wow - what a ride! There were some really intense moments where I didn’t know what was next. The ghosts were tragic and the atmosphere kind of scary at times.

I really liked Micah and Alex, and the way the crafting was integrated.

[Parody · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Kaila · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing.. magical.. sweeet.. interesting.. curious.. keeps you guessing and wanting more.. it was so much fun to read and sexy and i loved it.

[Suburbancowgirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love pretty much everything Lissa Kasey writes. This one is a bit of a slog though. I can't quite put my finger on why, but this series not quite as engaging as the others. That is not to say that it isn't good. It has in-depth, complicated characters and interesting, unusual plots.

Maybe it is the pacing? The series is never boring, so that is not it. Maybe it is that we are 3 books in and have barely scratched the surface of the overarching mystery? It seems like such little progress has been made in uncovering wtf is going on, and while Alex is continually evolving, he does not seem to be advancing much. Argh. This does not make much sense...

Idk. I love the series and will definitely jump on the next installment. It just feels like it is going to take 20+ books to make it through the story arc (not that I am complaining about reading a long series by one of my favorite authors!)

Anyway - this is not meant to read as a negative review. Just some niggles. Awesome, book. I love the uniqueness of the supernatural in this series. It is refreshing when an author finds a new twist on pnr and creates their own world in it.

P.S. - Lissa Kasey needs to write a really smutty series. Her books never have very many sex scenes, and they don't need more (would overshadow the plot). However, she can write some seriously steamy scenes. Would love a series that had a ton of gratuitous hot man on man action! Sex demon? Needs to f*ck to save the world? Maybe I am just a dirty girl, but when I find an author that knows how to write smut, I always want more!

[Pamela Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third Book in the : Simply Crafty Book Series .

First I'm gonna start off saying that I truly enjoy this series and hope that there are plenty more from this Author for these books . The only thing about it his Author And a Lot of other Author's is the DAMN DRAMA sometimes to much DRAMA in my humble opinion . I get that there has to be some conflict in order to move the plot along but some of the actions of the MC's drive me crazy like Lukas with his hot and cold relationship with everyone around him . And Alexis with his inferiority complex that in all honesty their parents help to create I thought that Alex was way to hard on Lukas . And at times Alex got on my nerves with the attitude like he couldn't understand where his brother was coming from . It's like they both wanted Thier relationship to go back to when they were kid's . But their Adults now and both of them gone on with their separate lives they don't know how to get that closeness back . It's been to many years and then the way Alex handle his abilities was making crazy even when Dion was trying to help him . Alex was just not taking shit seriously am I insane is this real so annoying . Alex is lucky that he had two people that loved him his BROTHER and of course Micah cause I would have been sick of his Ass with all his Damn whinnying . Despite that I really like this series and I sincerely hope that there's more to come .

[Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely well thought out characters, mystery, and plot. Respectful representation of LGBT and mental health issues. If you like this genre, there was absolutely no fault to be found with this book. The writing far exceeded my expectations, especially in the indie publishing world. The textured narrative about life in New Orleans gave a real flavour to the story.

Alex who is easily possessed by ghosts is trying escape the bonds he has to the supernatural world, he couldn't be happier if he never gets possessed by ghosts ever again. Although he has a supportive boyfriend Micah who is always on his side, his twin brother Lukas seems hellbent on bringing Alex to haunted places where Alex is vulnerable to possession.

The struggle of Alex with his 'abilities' and the tension between him and his twin pulls the reader along the thread of the narrative where Alex finds secrets that Lukas has been hiding all this time, and with the aid of his unwanted supernatural abilities, hopefully finds his brother alive by the end of the story.

The tone of the story can be a bit dark, and there is a rather creepy/scary opening scene. The rest of the book had less horror/creepy/scary vibes which I was glad for as horror isn't my usual genre. The quality of the writing and the plot was more than enough to keep me going despite not being my usual genre. Overall highly recommend.

[Tj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crap and double crap…I hate endings that leave you with more questions than answers. This is a good description for the entire book. Lots of action. No answers.

Alex and Micah’s visions and abilities to see the unknown have grown over the series. The why, how, and will they survive is left up in the air. Both live in fear the other will leave either out of free will or being taken by dark forces. It is an ongoing theme and can be repetitive.

We got a glimpse of how their abilities can be used for something good. I liked how Alex and Micah helped the ghost kids in the attic which led to the discovery in the basement. I would love to see more of their powers used for this purpose and less of the threat of horror and fear.

Lukas and Sky are still in limbo. Sky needs a place to stay and this gives Alex and Micah less time together. The are stronger together. It is their super power. I hope for more books in the series. So much is left unfinished. Sky needs a forever home. I am just not sure it is with Lukas. Also, Alex and Micah need answers and way to overcome the forces trying to control them. They need a HEA. They have more than earned it.

[Juniper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part of a series, and the previous books do a lot to build context for the characters and their history— if you haven’t read them yet, definitely start there! I love Alex and Micah as characters, and the bond they share is something really special. They’re a source of strength to each other here, with little relationship drama. Instead, the main source of tension, drama, and suspense is Alex’s missing brother Lukas. Lukas is a familiar face from previous novels, but you definitely see different facets of him here, and I appreciated the chance to see him as a more complex, flawed person. He doesn’t come off in a good light, per se, but he does feel very deeply human. Alex deals with A LOT in this story, and there’s pressure from all sides: the supernatural, a toxic family dynamic— he gets no breaks but has Micah on his side, and that’s everything. This is a great installment in a great series, and I hope there will be many more.

*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The New Orleans we've visited or seen in travelogues is nothing like the one Lissa presents in her series, 'Simply Crafty.' Yes, we all know that New Orleans is one of the most 'ghostly' cities in the U.S. We're aware of the diverse culture of the entire state. And if you've been there, you're familiar with Bourbon and Canal Streets, Cafe du Monde and Jackson Square.

What you may not have experienced is a ghost walk...or demons...or being possessed. So join Alex and Micah, while they try to help Sky find Lukas and quite possibly save his life. All while a hurricane rages.

The tension escalates as the eye of the storm edges closer....just as the ghosts come to help...as best as they can.

Prepare to be as impressed with the characters, and the plot that ratchets up the tension, the longer Lukas is missing.

[Jewell Moreno · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third in the series. Lukas has left the police force and has now taken up Ghost Hunting with a team. Micah and Alex grudgingly assist, while trying to make sure neither are taken again by the supernatural. Alex is developing new talents, and Micah is discovering he's more sensitive as well. When Lukas dissappears before a hunt, Alex is consumed with worry, while everyone else seems to believe this is Lukas' go to behavior when he is going through an emotional crisis. Is Lukas in danger? Is a previous police case where Lukas rescued Sky from traffickers, and killed someone involved? Is Alex's paranormal talents/curse more of a family affair? Why did Lukas buy the haunted house anyway?
So many questions. This is a mix between a thriller, a romance, and a ghost story. I have never read anything like these novels, and I love them. Hoping for more.

[Kkhmonrai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't realize when I picked this book up that it was book 3 in the series. It was okay, though, and just makes me want to go back and read the first two, even if I have some spoilers now. When the book started, I couldn't put a finger on Lukas. He seemed to be set on protecting Alex, yet why would he bring someone 'sensitive' like that into a place like that? The book was definitely eerie and spooky, with disappearances, secrets, shocks, and plenty of shivers. I really liked Alex and Micah and their connection, although I would have liked to see more steamy scenes between them. I hope there are more books to come in this series.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[P.J. Friel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay...after three books of this creepy(yet adorable) duo, I seriously want to sleep with my light on. It's also really hard for me not to imagine something grabbing me from under my bed. /shudder/

I am both disappointed and super effing happy there aren't more books in this series. Take that however you want. BUT if you're easily creeped out (like moi) then maybe skip this series or save it for Halloween. If you love creepy stuff, then go for it.

The romance part was okay. Sex scenes were kinda hot. Honestly, I lost interest in that and skimmed through some of the day to day snuggles because I WANTED ANSWERS ABOUT THE WEIRD SH!T. I feel like I didn't really get a solid explanation, though. But I'm not super mad about it. So...yeah. /shrug/

[smatchell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can’t decide if I liked this book. The concept was super interesting but most of it was SO dark and kinda slow. The next part was the last few chapters as the pace picked up. It had a rambling, Alex’s-stream-of-consciousness feel throughout most of the book, which made it a little hard to follow in parts and to tell if what was happening was inside his head or out in the world. The relationship with Micah was sweet but I would have liked to see more of their sexy time together. There was really only one scene of that nature in the book. This was the first one in this series I have read, I don’t think I can read anymore if the pacing is similar. It was just too slow and dragging.

[Lydia Devlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was intrigued by the synopsis for this book so I was really looking forward to reading it.I'm more than happy to say that I absolutely loved it!
Who doesn't love a good scare? This has just the right amount of creepiness to get the old goosebumps going!
Loved all the characters,loved the plot.I'm off to read the first two books in this series,then shuffle them around until they're in order in my head.
I'm not going to say too much about this as I don't want to spoil this for anyone.
I received an ARC copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.

[1tigerlily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is there an ending?

I enjoyed this series, but it seems unfinished. There is no indication of another book, but this ending is not wrapped up. Each book lead into the next, but it needs one more.
This author has great, different ideas that I like, but at times there is a lot of rehashing and character mind clutter that slows the story and I find I need to skip over. Way over. Other than that, nicely done.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great add to the series. Love this universe that is so unique, spooky and exciting! Micah and Alex are the best couple' sweet, sexy and hot. Skye and Lukas are great side characters, with Lukas being on my bad side this read. Add in some horrible family who mess things up and this book has everything. Can't wait for more.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply Fantastic

I absolutely love this series and this book was the best so far! This is definitely not a stand-alone, it must be read in order. Alex learns some truths about his brother, some truths that he deserved and needed to know. Micah and he face the facts that their gifts aren't going away. Read this series!

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex and Micah are a wonderful, romantic, hot couple but in this story they aren't allowed to enjoy some nice together time. Thank goodness they have a strong bond and are able to face darkness together. Alex's brother is missing from a ghost hunt and his family is turning out to have all kinds of secrets. This is a genuinely spooky book with more great world building.

[Meggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really don't understand, why did Alex and Lukas parents behave so differently toward them. Lukas is loved by them and has their attention, and Alex is barely asked if he is all right. I hope this part will be explained in next books in this amazing series. Otherwise, I loved this book, because it was personal and also about Lukas. I'll patiently wait for an audible edition!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I agree with one of the other reviewers, this book was as good as the other two but scarier. I actually got the creepies while I read last night. Finished it today and though I was happy with the ending there are even more questions than before. Storyline was great and the characters are so very memorable. Recommend this book and the series. I hope there are more

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok so first off I do love Alex and Micah. They're just so sweet with each other. They have legitimate fear of what they can see and sense, but they're always going to try to be brave. Getting sucked into Alex's brother's new obsession with ghost hunting doesn't really appeal, but Lucas is important to them so they'll participate. Of course, things always get crazier when they're around. I did enjoy the fact that in this story Alex is finally starting to be proactive about trying to figure out how to control what happens to him. He has these abilities whether he wants them or not, and letting ghosts just have their way with him doesn't seem like the smartest decision.

I feel for Micah so much in this story. He's out of his depth and cares so much for Alex. He will do anything in his power to help Alex out, but the whole thing isn't easy and everytime Alex gets taken over it's terrifying. Best support system ever!

But really, this book is all about how much I wanted top punch Lucas and the way he's treated Alex especially, but Micah as well. He knows what they've been through and still currently deal with and yet he doesn't ever talk to his twin about his own issues. Grrrrrrr. He's terrible to his brother, he's terrible to his other half, and really even though their dad isn't great to Alex either, Lucas puts his dad in a bad spot as well. The whole time it was just him making stupid decision after stupid decision. He's lucky that Alex is the brother that he is or Lucas would really have been in trouble. No one was going to look for him when he went missing. They all just figured it was Lucas being Lucas. But Alex wasn't going to give up on him.

I'm enjoying this series, but I do hope it continues and things start to really get figured out with what these boys can do. There's so much they still don't know.

[Reading Addict · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why is this the last book? I hope there's more, because I want to see the brothers tackle a mystery together now that they're on the same page. And I want to see a HEA for Sky and Lukas. And I want to see Ales develop his powers.

ALSO please turn all of them, including the future books, into audiobooks ASAP, thanks :P

[Readingbks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I have yet to read a book by Lissa Kasey that I didn't love! Her continuing world building for this series is remarkable and in most cases jaw dropping and scary! Amazing series and worth every "jumpy" moment! (LOL) I read an advanced copy of this book and this is my unbiased review!

[Kathy Beaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful series

Another great installment in this series Micah and Alex encounter ghost spirits and the black eye girl add in parents and a frustrating brother and u have all the makings for a great mystery