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Their Soul to Keep #1
Embraced by Shadows
Some little girls have imaginary friends; I had imaginary monsters.
I’d try to conjure fluffy unicorns and happy, smiling faeries, but after a brush with Death as a kid, those figments of light seemed beyond my reach.
When I say I had a brush with Death, I mean he held me in his arms in the pulsing darkness as doctors and nurses worked to revive my body in a sterile hospital room. And when that darkness began to flicker, life calling me back, he murmured something to me. Something important. Something I couldn’t quite hear over the roar of blood in my ears and the squawking of hospital machinery.
Ever since that day, my daydreams and nightmares seemed to collide. Sometimes they seem more substantial than the world around me.
But when the shadowy figments of my imagination break through the veil separating dream from reality on the darkest night of my life, I start to wonder if my brush with Death was much more than a hallucination.
And maybe I brought more than a touch of darkness back from the brink with me.
I’d try to conjure fluffy unicorns and happy, smiling faeries, but after a brush with Death as a kid, those figments of light seemed beyond my reach.
When I say I had a brush with Death, I mean he held me in his arms in the pulsing darkness as doctors and nurses worked to revive my body in a sterile hospital room. And when that darkness began to flicker, life calling me back, he murmured something to me. Something important. Something I couldn’t quite hear over the roar of blood in my ears and the squawking of hospital machinery.
Ever since that day, my daydreams and nightmares seemed to collide. Sometimes they seem more substantial than the world around me.
But when the shadowy figments of my imagination break through the veil separating dream from reality on the darkest night of my life, I start to wonder if my brush with Death was much more than a hallucination.
And maybe I brought more than a touch of darkness back from the brink with me.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2022
188 people are currently reading
497 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
November 16, 2022
Made it 41%. Just moving too slow for me.
April 15, 2022
Boring and too repetitive
There is not a lot going on and it's very heavy into her everyday life. I hate politics and could care even less about what goes on around a campaign. Truthfully it was really off putting. This is very heavy behind the scenes of a campaign and there's very little romance at this point. Her constant woe is me, I'm lonely, I was sick, my past this and my last that..was tiring and brought up way too often. Fmc is a very weak charcters. while her reactions may be realistic to some, it's annoying to me. This is my quirk so don't let that dissuade you. I don't like reading page after page of useless denial, panic attacks, and back and forth about clear evidence. I'm personally not looking for absolute realism in my fiction. The guys were ok, but you only just start to get to know them and then it ends with a cliffy. I will not continue the series.
There is not a lot going on and it's very heavy into her everyday life. I hate politics and could care even less about what goes on around a campaign. Truthfully it was really off putting. This is very heavy behind the scenes of a campaign and there's very little romance at this point. Her constant woe is me, I'm lonely, I was sick, my past this and my last that..was tiring and brought up way too often. Fmc is a very weak charcters. while her reactions may be realistic to some, it's annoying to me. This is my quirk so don't let that dissuade you. I don't like reading page after page of useless denial, panic attacks, and back and forth about clear evidence. I'm personally not looking for absolute realism in my fiction. The guys were ok, but you only just start to get to know them and then it ends with a cliffy. I will not continue the series.
April 28, 2022
DNF
I'm sure this could have been an exciting read however it was an uncomfortable read. I would have liked more of the background on the "nightmares" they seemed interesting. But I just couldn't read anymore and was already skipping chunks.
The MC doesn't eat or sleep properly then packs in coffee and alcohol so almost every encounter she has makes her have a mini meltdown. This happens on almost every page, the anxiety is constant. I think what put me off the most here was her pointing out she was skinny. Considering her body is shutting down on her is this really anything to be proud of...
She doesn't talk to her "best friend" of parents about anything, her take on life is its not her it's everyone else who's an issue. Goodness me how many times do we need to know her hair is purple....
I'm sure this could have been an exciting read however it was an uncomfortable read. I would have liked more of the background on the "nightmares" they seemed interesting. But I just couldn't read anymore and was already skipping chunks.
The MC doesn't eat or sleep properly then packs in coffee and alcohol so almost every encounter she has makes her have a mini meltdown. This happens on almost every page, the anxiety is constant. I think what put me off the most here was her pointing out she was skinny. Considering her body is shutting down on her is this really anything to be proud of...
She doesn't talk to her "best friend" of parents about anything, her take on life is its not her it's everyone else who's an issue. Goodness me how many times do we need to know her hair is purple....
March 14, 2022
I wasn't sure about this book when I started it but it was soo good. Harper is hilarious and will have you laughing and crying along with her. After surviving cancer as a kid she always thought the shadows she sees and part of her imagination. One fateful night changes her life completely. It took me a couple chapters to get into this book but once I did I couldn't put it down.
March 19, 2022
Okay, so I won’t lie this book took me a minute to get into and it’s definitely a slow burn. However I can tell that this is going to be a good series the cliffhanger had me gasping and wanting to run for the next book.
Harlow is slightly annoying she’s very insecure and self doubting but it’s understandable with her backstory and I can see she’s going to grow into a really strong fmc. I’d compare this book to the first series of a TV show when it’s slow but you know it has really good potential, I can’t wait to see where this goes!
Harlow is slightly annoying she’s very insecure and self doubting but it’s understandable with her backstory and I can see she’s going to grow into a really strong fmc. I’d compare this book to the first series of a TV show when it’s slow but you know it has really good potential, I can’t wait to see where this goes!
March 18, 2022
Harlow has a hard time finding her place in life and in society. She longs for true connections with the people she meets, but not one of them ever manages to measure up to the four imaginary men her brain created when she was just a little girl. At least... she's pretty sure they are imaginary?
"Embraced by Shadows" is the first book in a new urban fantasy series with multiple POV. It takes a little while before all the puzzle pieces start clicking together in this book, but the more parts of the puzzle are revealed, the better it becomes. I like Harlow, mainly because she's so "normal", but in a good way. The things she struggles with, both in her past and present, the doubts about herself and the people around her, ... are very relatable. It creates a character firmly planted in two worlds. It's a little soon to say much about the men in Harlow's life, but I'm curious to find out more about them and about everything that's going on in their world(s). Especially after that cliffy...
"Embraced by Shadows" is the first book in a new urban fantasy series with multiple POV. It takes a little while before all the puzzle pieces start clicking together in this book, but the more parts of the puzzle are revealed, the better it becomes. I like Harlow, mainly because she's so "normal", but in a good way. The things she struggles with, both in her past and present, the doubts about herself and the people around her, ... are very relatable. It creates a character firmly planted in two worlds. It's a little soon to say much about the men in Harlow's life, but I'm curious to find out more about them and about everything that's going on in their world(s). Especially after that cliffy...
March 28, 2022
Harlow's life in this book has been peppered with events that have shadowed the life that she has now. From surviving cancer, to her difficulty making new friends and her so called delusions of shadows and meeting death. I found Harlow endearing with all her insecurities and anxieties. What shined out for me about her was her strength and sass. Which she needed with everything that was going on around her. Only this book wasn't all sweetness and light there was so darkness in it too. That kept you on your toes. I loved the dynamic between Harlow and the shadows - Shade, Saint, Raze and Adriel.
This book had some clever plot twists in it including one hell of a cliffhanger ending. I really enjoyed reading this and I'm looking forward to the next book
This book had some clever plot twists in it including one hell of a cliffhanger ending. I really enjoyed reading this and I'm looking forward to the next book
October 23, 2022
Review on read #2:
Downgraded to 3-stars from 4-stars on my second read. It was deliciously slow-burn but on the verge of being too much because nothing was fully resolved by the end of the book. The cliffhanger twist was definitely unpredictable, but all the foreshadowing and hints in the dialogue made it obvious exactly who the FMC Harlow/Lo was supposed to be (unless there is some other totally out-of-the-wild twist planned), and even the story from Beau was obvious in who he was truly referring to. I did find it interesting that .
This story pretty much fell under the miscommunication trope, as there were "secrets and promises" that couldn't be revealed to the FMC for "reasons." As I've said before, this is one of the most frustrating tropes for me to read since so much time could be saved if people would have proper discussions, but I'm interested enough still to check out the next book in the series that was just released.
Downgraded to 3-stars from 4-stars on my second read. It was deliciously slow-burn but on the verge of being too much because nothing was fully resolved by the end of the book. The cliffhanger twist was definitely unpredictable, but all the foreshadowing and hints in the dialogue made it obvious exactly who the FMC Harlow/Lo was supposed to be (unless there is some other totally out-of-the-wild twist planned), and even the story from Beau was obvious in who he was truly referring to. I did find it interesting that .
This story pretty much fell under the miscommunication trope, as there were "secrets and promises" that couldn't be revealed to the FMC for "reasons." As I've said before, this is one of the most frustrating tropes for me to read since so much time could be saved if people would have proper discussions, but I'm interested enough still to check out the next book in the series that was just released.
March 22, 2022
I'm a little picky with arcs. I know, it doesn't seem that way. I read a lot of arcs. I'm just always very critical which arcs I will accept and which ones I won't. I want to be as sure as possible that I'm the right fit for the book, that it's my kind of story, that I would have also wanted to read it if it hadn't been an arc. With Harper Frey I never doubt though. I loved each and every book I read from her so far. So, when I was offered this arc there was no way I was gonna say no.
Storytelling is a form of art and Harper Frey is amazing at it. She's amazing at painting a picture, at building lives, at building worlds, at creating characters. Even though her stories aren't fast paced, it's hard to put the book down when you start reading. Her way of writing pulls you in and then you just want more and more. She shows all of that once again in this book. Some people still look down on self pub books, but authors like Frey prove that there is more than enough quality around.
Since painting the picture of our heroine's normal life takes quite some time, just like it takes Frey a while before she has all the characters introduced, it feels like we barely scratched the surface of what's truly going on in this book. And yet, even though it feels like the true plot of the series hasn't even properly started yet, I was never bored. There were loads of hints to keep me guessing and getting to know the world and characters was a joy in itself.
Especially the heroine in this story quickly stole the show. I love sweet and innocent heroines, don't get me wrong, but I loved how this heroine quite clearly had a hidden longing for some darkness in her too. I think she needed that for the job she had. If she had been perfectly sweet I never would have believed she would have voluntarily done a campaign for a senator. But our heroine's dark urges were nothing compared to those of her guys.
I can't wait for the next book to be released!
Storytelling is a form of art and Harper Frey is amazing at it. She's amazing at painting a picture, at building lives, at building worlds, at creating characters. Even though her stories aren't fast paced, it's hard to put the book down when you start reading. Her way of writing pulls you in and then you just want more and more. She shows all of that once again in this book. Some people still look down on self pub books, but authors like Frey prove that there is more than enough quality around.
Since painting the picture of our heroine's normal life takes quite some time, just like it takes Frey a while before she has all the characters introduced, it feels like we barely scratched the surface of what's truly going on in this book. And yet, even though it feels like the true plot of the series hasn't even properly started yet, I was never bored. There were loads of hints to keep me guessing and getting to know the world and characters was a joy in itself.
Especially the heroine in this story quickly stole the show. I love sweet and innocent heroines, don't get me wrong, but I loved how this heroine quite clearly had a hidden longing for some darkness in her too. I think she needed that for the job she had. If she had been perfectly sweet I never would have believed she would have voluntarily done a campaign for a senator. But our heroine's dark urges were nothing compared to those of her guys.
I can't wait for the next book to be released!
March 29, 2022
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
I must say this is a fabulous start to what is going to be a great new series!! Harlow is a fabulous fmc that has had some issues when it comes to fitting in. She longs for someone to be with but especially the three guys she created in her mind when she was younger. Or are they really imaginary?? She is so about to find out in this fun read that will leave you wanting more by the time you get to the end. I can say that it takes a little bit to really get going but hang in there as it gets really fabulous pretty quick. I look forward to book two. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
I must say this is a fabulous start to what is going to be a great new series!! Harlow is a fabulous fmc that has had some issues when it comes to fitting in. She longs for someone to be with but especially the three guys she created in her mind when she was younger. Or are they really imaginary?? She is so about to find out in this fun read that will leave you wanting more by the time you get to the end. I can say that it takes a little bit to really get going but hang in there as it gets really fabulous pretty quick. I look forward to book two. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
March 24, 2022
OMG this is such a fantastic read! After reading the blurb I dove straight in and it did not let me down. It’s a well written exciting adventure that once I picked it up that was it, I was totally hooked! Harlow is an incredible character, a fighter, a survivor and she has been through so much. It’s an intriguing start to this series and I just love her shadows, her men who watch over her and protect her in this slow burn paranormal reverse harem. Throw in twists and turns to keep you guessing and I am anxious for the next book!
March 28, 2022
Need more please
As a child Harlow was very sick, and she had imaginary friends who kept her company. Now as a grown woman, she is just living her normal boring life until one night changes everything. Little did she know that her friends were actually real.
I loved the different points of view, and I the twists and turns this book takes will have you turning the pages. Plus I have some questions about her work friends as well.....
This line from the book really sold it all for me
"After all, being presented with the harvested souls of your enemies is so much more romantic than roses."
As a child Harlow was very sick, and she had imaginary friends who kept her company. Now as a grown woman, she is just living her normal boring life until one night changes everything. Little did she know that her friends were actually real.
I loved the different points of view, and I the twists and turns this book takes will have you turning the pages. Plus I have some questions about her work friends as well.....
This line from the book really sold it all for me
"After all, being presented with the harvested souls of your enemies is so much more romantic than roses."
March 28, 2022
Well, this was a rollercoaster!
Harlow is in search of a normal life, following a traumatic childhood, and she thinks she's found it until her childhood imaginary friends turn out to be real.
I felt a lot of sympathy for Harlow both for what she's been through and her actions in the present. The guys are hot but leave more questions that they answer! I've got a few sneaky suspicions about a couple of characters, and I can't wait to see if they're right! Really enjoyed this and I can't wait for the next book!
Harlow is in search of a normal life, following a traumatic childhood, and she thinks she's found it until her childhood imaginary friends turn out to be real.
I felt a lot of sympathy for Harlow both for what she's been through and her actions in the present. The guys are hot but leave more questions that they answer! I've got a few sneaky suspicions about a couple of characters, and I can't wait to see if they're right! Really enjoyed this and I can't wait for the next book!
March 28, 2022
I love this story and it's left me a bit speechless. Harlow's story and feelings of loneliness wrecked me a bit emotionally, and the guys' struggle to keep away.... *sob* The writing is brilliant and I love the twists and turns. This is veeery slow burn, but you can tell it's building towards something epic and I can't wait for the next book! That ending!! 👀
March 30, 2022
Oh my gosh this was such a great read!! It is a slow burn.. but oh my gosh so good!! 💜🖤
Harlow is such a great character.. she’s been through so much but she’s a fighter & a survivor.. she’s amazing & you can’t help but go through all of the emotions with her.. & then there’s her “imaginary men”.. are they really imaginary!?
& then there’s that cliffhanger oh my gosh!! I can’t wait to read the next book of the series.
“This book was given to me in exchange for my honest review."
Harlow is such a great character.. she’s been through so much but she’s a fighter & a survivor.. she’s amazing & you can’t help but go through all of the emotions with her.. & then there’s her “imaginary men”.. are they really imaginary!?
& then there’s that cliffhanger oh my gosh!! I can’t wait to read the next book of the series.
“This book was given to me in exchange for my honest review."
March 30, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. It was a great beginning. I enjoyed the character. The growth was really good along with the world building. I enjoyed the writing too. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
March 29, 2022
A great start for a new series!
Harper Frey was able to create such an incredible 3D character with Harlow. She's so relatable with her struggles and her needs, and I hope the imaginary men "created" by her mind when she's a child help her as an adult too. The book was intriguing from start to finish, and I can't wait to read book 2 to see how the story continues.
Harper Frey was able to create such an incredible 3D character with Harlow. She's so relatable with her struggles and her needs, and I hope the imaginary men "created" by her mind when she's a child help her as an adult too. The book was intriguing from start to finish, and I can't wait to read book 2 to see how the story continues.
April 6, 2022
I got halfway. I felt like there wasn't any character building with her monsters - and I just wasn't into the story & how it was being told. DNF
April 21, 2022
Everyone in the reviews kept saying Harlow was hilarious.
She was not.
Three stars because the formula was strong in this one
She was not.
Three stars because the formula was strong in this one
March 20, 2022
The author formally known as Sterling Thomas has a new book under her new pen name. Embraced by Shadows is the first book in the Their Soul to Keep series under the new pen name Harper Frey. My love for this book knows no bounds. It was freaking amazing, shadowy monsters, a spunk heroine, shapeshifting, magic, murder, and politics are just a few themes that are in this book. The world-building was great, had an instant connection to the characters, the story was fantastic, and best of all it was told from multiple perspectives.
Harlow Devlin is the heroine in this story and she's a unique character. One she has the unique and very modern job of being a social media coordinator for a US senator. However, the thing about Harper due to childhood illness she's an introvert and that's where I really connect with Harper. She doesn't like a lot of attention or to be surrounded by a lot of people, she loves to read and feels very at home at night, in the dark. Harlow may be surrounded by people because of work but she's pretty much a loner and social situations make her a little awkward. I really like her, she's this balance of smart and aware but with a touch of naivety. I wouldn't describe her as strong but has an inner strength due to all that she's been through, she also has a backbone and knows her worth but has an emotional fragility to her. Her complexity made her more real for me especially when she was annoying but I like her.
All of these dark romances, monster romances have been reading have broken me. Seriously there is something wrong with me, something has snapped because one of the descriptives of this book was psycho guys, and at this point, I will admit I love the crazy ones. However, the guys in this book seemed mostly rational to me, they aren't psychos. Stalkers yes, but psychos no, and not even the bad kind of stalkers, mostly the protective, obsessive kind non-threatening (to her) kind, and I love it. So obviously something in me has snapped. Adriel, Shade, Saint, and Raze are pure predators, dangerous as heck but are actually good guys who are like brothers and have a very deep bond. They are respected (and feared) in their realm and hold a lot of responsibility including protecting the one woman they care about, Harlow. They have been supporting and caring for her for longer than she realizes and when they stumble into her life they aren't leaving it. There is passion and a bond there even if Harlow has a hard time with it and it's fairly obvious that they aren't gonna let her go. They have this possessive darkness that is rimmed in sweetness, Gods I love all of them.
There are just so many things I loved about this book. First, let's talk about the Shadow Realm. This is the place where the guys are from and learning about what they do there, the structure of their society, and how the guys fit in was interesting. All the supernatural born in that realm, the many different kinds of supernaturals including the unique ones. Heck, even the guys are unique supernaturals that have their own little twists on looks and powers. I love seeing the guys' powers and their shifting, it was fascinating even if I didn't get the whole picture, I got enough. Then there was the whole backstory that was purposely coming together in the background that is revealing the bigger picture. I have to say that I'm also quite surprised by the amount of politics in this one. Actually, this is the first book I've read that has had a fair amount of modern politics, I read urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and fantasy (rh is very prominent) so mostly the politics I read about are royals so this was an interesting addition to the story and cemented my feelings about politics in general but the story was great.
Embraced by Shadows really grabbed my attention and didn't wanna let go. I loved every single moment of it from the sexy guys to a quirky heroine who is just trying to figure things out. Not to mention an unknown enemy causing unrest and who might be closer and more powerful than anyone realized. The story ended on quite the jaw-dropper that has me asking a whole lot of questions and coming up with even more theories. My excitement for the second book, Kissed by Death, knows no bounds, I really can't wait to see where Harper takes the story next.
Harlow Devlin is the heroine in this story and she's a unique character. One she has the unique and very modern job of being a social media coordinator for a US senator. However, the thing about Harper due to childhood illness she's an introvert and that's where I really connect with Harper. She doesn't like a lot of attention or to be surrounded by a lot of people, she loves to read and feels very at home at night, in the dark. Harlow may be surrounded by people because of work but she's pretty much a loner and social situations make her a little awkward. I really like her, she's this balance of smart and aware but with a touch of naivety. I wouldn't describe her as strong but has an inner strength due to all that she's been through, she also has a backbone and knows her worth but has an emotional fragility to her. Her complexity made her more real for me especially when she was annoying but I like her.
All of these dark romances, monster romances have been reading have broken me. Seriously there is something wrong with me, something has snapped because one of the descriptives of this book was psycho guys, and at this point, I will admit I love the crazy ones. However, the guys in this book seemed mostly rational to me, they aren't psychos. Stalkers yes, but psychos no, and not even the bad kind of stalkers, mostly the protective, obsessive kind non-threatening (to her) kind, and I love it. So obviously something in me has snapped. Adriel, Shade, Saint, and Raze are pure predators, dangerous as heck but are actually good guys who are like brothers and have a very deep bond. They are respected (and feared) in their realm and hold a lot of responsibility including protecting the one woman they care about, Harlow. They have been supporting and caring for her for longer than she realizes and when they stumble into her life they aren't leaving it. There is passion and a bond there even if Harlow has a hard time with it and it's fairly obvious that they aren't gonna let her go. They have this possessive darkness that is rimmed in sweetness, Gods I love all of them.
There are just so many things I loved about this book. First, let's talk about the Shadow Realm. This is the place where the guys are from and learning about what they do there, the structure of their society, and how the guys fit in was interesting. All the supernatural born in that realm, the many different kinds of supernaturals including the unique ones. Heck, even the guys are unique supernaturals that have their own little twists on looks and powers. I love seeing the guys' powers and their shifting, it was fascinating even if I didn't get the whole picture, I got enough. Then there was the whole backstory that was purposely coming together in the background that is revealing the bigger picture. I have to say that I'm also quite surprised by the amount of politics in this one. Actually, this is the first book I've read that has had a fair amount of modern politics, I read urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and fantasy (rh is very prominent) so mostly the politics I read about are royals so this was an interesting addition to the story and cemented my feelings about politics in general but the story was great.
Embraced by Shadows really grabbed my attention and didn't wanna let go. I loved every single moment of it from the sexy guys to a quirky heroine who is just trying to figure things out. Not to mention an unknown enemy causing unrest and who might be closer and more powerful than anyone realized. The story ended on quite the jaw-dropper that has me asking a whole lot of questions and coming up with even more theories. My excitement for the second book, Kissed by Death, knows no bounds, I really can't wait to see where Harper takes the story next.
March 21, 2022
Embraced by Shadows is the first book in Harper Frey’s Their Soul to Keep series. Harlow has been through a lot. She’s survived it all, but its left mental and emotional scars on her life, in addition to the physical ones that she bears. Harlow at times thinks that she’s losing her mind when she sees the shadows swirling, but is there something more about her? One night will be all that it takes to throw her life into a loop she could have never seen coming. This book has some dark elements that may be upsetting to some readers, so read the author’s warnings before you get this book.
Embraced by Shadows is a paranormal romance reverse harem novel. This book starts out a lot slower than I was expecting for a paranormal romance novel. For me, it takes over 25% of the book before things really begin to pick up and get interesting. Normally, if a book doesn’t grab my attention and have me engaged sooner I don’t stick around. I decided to stick it out to see if things eventually picked up. Thankfully, they do. The story focuses mostly on Harlow, but it does give readers chapters with the four men who are wanting to bring the truth to Harlow.
While this is a paranormal romance novel, if you’re looking for lots of steamy scenes you’re going to be disappointed. There are only a couple at most. So, this is a bit of a slow-burn novel. I will say I wanted more drama though. The men who are infatuated with Harlow have other obligations, but they are literally shirking them to tail her all the time. I kinda wanted there to be consequences for this and not for things to be like “oh well, ya know just do whatever you want.” They are literally risking another realm for their own selfish desires. I just don’t like it when things go too perfectly any character’s way in a story. It dulls the story when holding the characters responsible would make it more engaging.
Watch out for the ending of this book! It’s a wild cliffhanger and I’m 100% close to demanding the next book right now. LOL! I literally went from frowning to jaw on the floor. I’m rating this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. The sluggish start, and a few other elements in this story turned me off, but once things get going the story gains some redemption.
Embraced by Shadows is a paranormal romance reverse harem novel. This book starts out a lot slower than I was expecting for a paranormal romance novel. For me, it takes over 25% of the book before things really begin to pick up and get interesting. Normally, if a book doesn’t grab my attention and have me engaged sooner I don’t stick around. I decided to stick it out to see if things eventually picked up. Thankfully, they do. The story focuses mostly on Harlow, but it does give readers chapters with the four men who are wanting to bring the truth to Harlow.
While this is a paranormal romance novel, if you’re looking for lots of steamy scenes you’re going to be disappointed. There are only a couple at most. So, this is a bit of a slow-burn novel. I will say I wanted more drama though. The men who are infatuated with Harlow have other obligations, but they are literally shirking them to tail her all the time. I kinda wanted there to be consequences for this and not for things to be like “oh well, ya know just do whatever you want.” They are literally risking another realm for their own selfish desires. I just don’t like it when things go too perfectly any character’s way in a story. It dulls the story when holding the characters responsible would make it more engaging.
Watch out for the ending of this book! It’s a wild cliffhanger and I’m 100% close to demanding the next book right now. LOL! I literally went from frowning to jaw on the floor. I’m rating this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. The sluggish start, and a few other elements in this story turned me off, but once things get going the story gains some redemption.
September 9, 2022
Review in Portuguese: 3.7-4.0/5.0 ⭐️
Ah, muito bom. Ansiosa para saber mais sobre o universo, apesar do primeiro livro não contar exatamente muito sobre como funciona o Shadow Realm apesar dos cavaleiros ter contado para a Harlow, fiquei curiosa com a continuação, espero que a escritora aprofunde mais sobre.
A história anda lento, se esperar muita ação nesse primeiro livro vai ficar decepcionado mas não acho que seja ruim, acho que foge da norma dos livros de paranormal romance, o que eu achei ótimo. Super bem escrito, a Harlow é uma personagem muito fantástica, de todas as protagonistas que eu ja li esse ano, disparado, uma das melhores FMC que eu li!!!! Ela é uma mulher que tenta todos os dias seguir em frente, mesmo com todas as situações porém podemos ver as fragilidades e como ela abraça esses momentos. Ela não deixa pra depois, ela simplesmente abraça e vive aquele momento. Ela não precisa ser forte a todo momento e claramente, ela se deixa sentir. Mesmo que com os “amigos imaginários”.
Por esse tipo de comportamento, acho que faz ela se tornar muito real. Uma coisa mais próxima da realidade, de que todo mundo tenta todos os dias, batalha e tem momentos que precisa de colo.
Sobre os 4 personagens masculinos, temos vislumbres sobre a personalidade e quais papéis eles interpretam na vida da Harlow, algumas coisas conseguimos prever com o pouco que é mostrado mas por enquanto, o papel é cuidar dela de longe e depois de perto kkkk, não tem uma cena de hot absurda, apenas 1 no livro todo mas assim, ansiosa para quando ela se permitir…. O livro é múltiplo POV então temos a visão de todos os lados mas mesmo assim, o porquê da princesa do Shadow Realm está nessa situação ainda é nebulosa…
Muito bom!!! Ansiosa para o segundo livro.
Ah, muito bom. Ansiosa para saber mais sobre o universo, apesar do primeiro livro não contar exatamente muito sobre como funciona o Shadow Realm apesar dos cavaleiros ter contado para a Harlow, fiquei curiosa com a continuação, espero que a escritora aprofunde mais sobre.
A história anda lento, se esperar muita ação nesse primeiro livro vai ficar decepcionado mas não acho que seja ruim, acho que foge da norma dos livros de paranormal romance, o que eu achei ótimo. Super bem escrito, a Harlow é uma personagem muito fantástica, de todas as protagonistas que eu ja li esse ano, disparado, uma das melhores FMC que eu li!!!! Ela é uma mulher que tenta todos os dias seguir em frente, mesmo com todas as situações porém podemos ver as fragilidades e como ela abraça esses momentos. Ela não deixa pra depois, ela simplesmente abraça e vive aquele momento. Ela não precisa ser forte a todo momento e claramente, ela se deixa sentir. Mesmo que com os “amigos imaginários”.
Por esse tipo de comportamento, acho que faz ela se tornar muito real. Uma coisa mais próxima da realidade, de que todo mundo tenta todos os dias, batalha e tem momentos que precisa de colo.
Sobre os 4 personagens masculinos, temos vislumbres sobre a personalidade e quais papéis eles interpretam na vida da Harlow, algumas coisas conseguimos prever com o pouco que é mostrado mas por enquanto, o papel é cuidar dela de longe e depois de perto kkkk, não tem uma cena de hot absurda, apenas 1 no livro todo mas assim, ansiosa para quando ela se permitir…. O livro é múltiplo POV então temos a visão de todos os lados mas mesmo assim, o porquê da princesa do Shadow Realm está nessa situação ainda é nebulosa…
Muito bom!!! Ansiosa para o segundo livro.
June 7, 2022
“𝐖𝐞‘𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐞‘𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐞‘𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧.“
It’s the start of a series, slow burn, paranormal romance with mystery thrown in. I think that’s one of the main draws I had to this book. And the cover. The cover is gorgeous.
Harlow is the lead of the social media team for the local senator, working on helping him get re-elected. While politics are in this book, it doesn’t rule the story.
Harlow had a tough childhood, something we get periodic glimpses at throughout the story, leading up to heartbreaking news she receives as an adult. Relationships are fleeting, leaving her feeling… lonely. Her past isn’t something she easily talks about with others, and ultimately her future as well. Her best friend Rebecca I think senses something but doesn’t outright ask. We all need a Becks best friend.
One night, something drastic happens. I had a feeling I knew what the event was going to be, but I was just hoping it wasn’t going to be centered around one of the two side characters I was enjoying, Seth and Beau. Her guys, who she believed were only in her imagination, rip through the veil and save her, vowing to never leave her side again. I adore the four of them, and I feel like I’m starting to work things out with the plot, but knowing authors, I’m still going to be thrown later on. This book ends with a cliffhanger that’ll either have you cussing out the author and throwing your kindle, or going “aha! I had a feeling.” What’s in store for Harlow next?
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 🔥🔥🔥 3/5
𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: assault, childhood cancer, infertility, trauma
𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: March 24, 2022
It’s the start of a series, slow burn, paranormal romance with mystery thrown in. I think that’s one of the main draws I had to this book. And the cover. The cover is gorgeous.
Harlow is the lead of the social media team for the local senator, working on helping him get re-elected. While politics are in this book, it doesn’t rule the story.
Harlow had a tough childhood, something we get periodic glimpses at throughout the story, leading up to heartbreaking news she receives as an adult. Relationships are fleeting, leaving her feeling… lonely. Her past isn’t something she easily talks about with others, and ultimately her future as well. Her best friend Rebecca I think senses something but doesn’t outright ask. We all need a Becks best friend.
One night, something drastic happens. I had a feeling I knew what the event was going to be, but I was just hoping it wasn’t going to be centered around one of the two side characters I was enjoying, Seth and Beau. Her guys, who she believed were only in her imagination, rip through the veil and save her, vowing to never leave her side again. I adore the four of them, and I feel like I’m starting to work things out with the plot, but knowing authors, I’m still going to be thrown later on. This book ends with a cliffhanger that’ll either have you cussing out the author and throwing your kindle, or going “aha! I had a feeling.” What’s in store for Harlow next?
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 🔥🔥🔥 3/5
𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: assault, childhood cancer, infertility, trauma
𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: March 24, 2022
March 17, 2022
��We’re real and we’re here, and we’re never leaving you alone again.”
Embraced by Shadows is the start of a series, slow burn, paranormal romance with mystery thrown in. I think that’s one of the main draws I had to this book. And the cover. The cover is gorgeous.
Harlow is the lead of the social media team for the local senator, working on helping him get re-elected. While politics are in this book, it doesn’t rule the story.
Harlow had a tough childhood, something we get periodic glimpses at throughout the story, leading up to heartbreaking news she receives as an adult. Relationships are fleeting, leaving her feeling… lonely. Her past isn’t something she easily talks about with others, and ultimately her future as well. Her best friend Rebecca I think senses something but doesn’t outright ask. We all need a Becks best friend.
One night, something drastic happens. I had a feeling I knew what the event was going to be, but I was just hoping it wasn’t going to be centered around one of the two side characters I was enjoying, Seth and Beau. Her guys, who she believed were only in her imagination, rip through the veil and save her, vowing to never leave her side again. I adore the four of them, and I feel like I’m starting to work things out with the plot, but knowing authors, I’m still going to be thrown later on. This book ends with a cliffhanger that’ll either have you cussing out the author and throwing your kindle, or going “aha! I had a feeling.” What’s in store for Harlow next?
Embraced by Shadows is the start of a series, slow burn, paranormal romance with mystery thrown in. I think that’s one of the main draws I had to this book. And the cover. The cover is gorgeous.
Harlow is the lead of the social media team for the local senator, working on helping him get re-elected. While politics are in this book, it doesn’t rule the story.
Harlow had a tough childhood, something we get periodic glimpses at throughout the story, leading up to heartbreaking news she receives as an adult. Relationships are fleeting, leaving her feeling… lonely. Her past isn’t something she easily talks about with others, and ultimately her future as well. Her best friend Rebecca I think senses something but doesn’t outright ask. We all need a Becks best friend.
One night, something drastic happens. I had a feeling I knew what the event was going to be, but I was just hoping it wasn’t going to be centered around one of the two side characters I was enjoying, Seth and Beau. Her guys, who she believed were only in her imagination, rip through the veil and save her, vowing to never leave her side again. I adore the four of them, and I feel like I’m starting to work things out with the plot, but knowing authors, I’m still going to be thrown later on. This book ends with a cliffhanger that’ll either have you cussing out the author and throwing your kindle, or going “aha! I had a feeling.” What’s in store for Harlow next?
March 19, 2022
This book wrecked me in the best ways. Harper Frey is an amazing writer who brings endless amounts of emotions to her characters. She creates enough depth behind each person in the story that they almost seem real.
Harlow is strong and confident on the outside, while also being slightly broken on the inside. Her past and the illness that almost killed her plagues her every day life. I love how Frey portrayed Harlow’s character. She has the outward confidence of a survivor but also the self doubt that also comes with surviving something that always has the possibility of coming back. Honestly, everything about her situation was so gritty and real.
The guys; Adriel, Shade, Raze and Saint are absolutely lovable psychopaths. They watch Harlow from the shadows, all while protecting her and pining for her from afar. Each of them are a little broken in their own ways as well. Saint most of all. My heart broke for him on several occasions and he quickly became a favorite of mine.
Harper did an amazing job at making this book unpredictable and unlike any of the monster romances I’ve read so far. While this book is the first in the series and is a slow burn, you’re not left wanting thanks to the well executed plot. The twists and turns of the character’s pasts will keep you guessing and engaged.
I can’t wait to delve more in to this world with Harlow and the guys. I need all the emotions and all the love that is clearly there. I don’t know how I’m going to wait for book 2!
Harlow is strong and confident on the outside, while also being slightly broken on the inside. Her past and the illness that almost killed her plagues her every day life. I love how Frey portrayed Harlow’s character. She has the outward confidence of a survivor but also the self doubt that also comes with surviving something that always has the possibility of coming back. Honestly, everything about her situation was so gritty and real.
The guys; Adriel, Shade, Raze and Saint are absolutely lovable psychopaths. They watch Harlow from the shadows, all while protecting her and pining for her from afar. Each of them are a little broken in their own ways as well. Saint most of all. My heart broke for him on several occasions and he quickly became a favorite of mine.
Harper did an amazing job at making this book unpredictable and unlike any of the monster romances I’ve read so far. While this book is the first in the series and is a slow burn, you’re not left wanting thanks to the well executed plot. The twists and turns of the character’s pasts will keep you guessing and engaged.
I can’t wait to delve more in to this world with Harlow and the guys. I need all the emotions and all the love that is clearly there. I don’t know how I’m going to wait for book 2!
May 15, 2022
This was difficult
This was so hard to get through! It took me days to get through this book. It’s a cool premise, but it took 60% or more of the book before I even had a solid grasp on what the premise of the book was, and even still I am not sure I fully understand. I fought through this book out of sheer stubbornness, but I almost wish I had just quit because this ending was frustrating. I definitely won’t be moving along to the rest of the series. The main character was just way to far into her own head about her life and her pity party. I just couldn’t with her by the end of the book. She felt willfully dumb, and honestly really boring. She complained about being just a plain boring normal girl, and the guys would say no she just didn’t see herself. Well as the reader who spent almost 300 pages reading about her thoughts and feelings, she truly truly is boring and plain. She’s got almost no back bone, and a scaredy cat. So yeah, I wanted to love this book but just couldn’t get into it. I think maybe some editing to really cut out some of the inner monologuing and maybe give her a bit more personality. I don’t want to be rude or to harsh but I don’t recommend this book. Maybe it gets way better but I would rather have a warm cup of bleach than read any more about Harlow and her men.
This was so hard to get through! It took me days to get through this book. It’s a cool premise, but it took 60% or more of the book before I even had a solid grasp on what the premise of the book was, and even still I am not sure I fully understand. I fought through this book out of sheer stubbornness, but I almost wish I had just quit because this ending was frustrating. I definitely won’t be moving along to the rest of the series. The main character was just way to far into her own head about her life and her pity party. I just couldn’t with her by the end of the book. She felt willfully dumb, and honestly really boring. She complained about being just a plain boring normal girl, and the guys would say no she just didn’t see herself. Well as the reader who spent almost 300 pages reading about her thoughts and feelings, she truly truly is boring and plain. She’s got almost no back bone, and a scaredy cat. So yeah, I wanted to love this book but just couldn’t get into it. I think maybe some editing to really cut out some of the inner monologuing and maybe give her a bit more personality. I don’t want to be rude or to harsh but I don’t recommend this book. Maybe it gets way better but I would rather have a warm cup of bleach than read any more about Harlow and her men.
September 8, 2023
2.5%
The first 70% of the book is okay/good but the last 30% starts to ruin the book. The last 30% relies on a FMC that has to be brain-dead about 1 thing but intuitive and smart and intelligent and aware and yada-yada about everything else. To the point where it is painful to keep reading. I think someone in a coma would be able to pick up the clues and figure out the situation.
The brain-dead component was bad but made worse by the fact that the plot starts to heavily rely on it. In fact, the start of book 2 is using it heavily like it's the foundation of the book. It doesn't help that I hate this sort of trope.
The first 70% of the book is okay/good but the last 30% starts to ruin the book. The last 30% relies on a FMC that has to be brain-dead about 1 thing but intuitive and smart and intelligent and aware and yada-yada about everything else. To the point where it is painful to keep reading. I think someone in a coma would be able to pick up the clues and figure out the situation.
The brain-dead component was bad but made worse by the fact that the plot starts to heavily rely on it. In fact, the start of book 2 is using it heavily like it's the foundation of the book. It doesn't help that I hate this sort of trope.
March 12, 2022
My first read of this authors and I loved it!! 🥰
It’s sooo cleverly written because you are constantly guessing who and what Harlow actually is! We know from the blurb she is not human and she has some connection to the dark and the shadows, although she thinks she’s loosing the plot or the trauma from her childhood is back 😩
It’s not until about 40% through that you think ahhhh I’ve figured out who she is….and then little things drop and then you’re actually not quite sure you’ve clocked it 🙈
The connection between her and her shadows monsters is instantaneous, Saint, Shade, Raze and Adriel are beautiful beings and really understand Harlow and what she’s been through, they’ve been there every step of the way 😍 but there’s a something holding them…..and it all connects to their past, the shadowland, and who Lo is!! Also what on earth was that ending?!?! Didn’t see that coming!!
It’s a fantastically woven mystery and cannot with for the next book to uncover what Harlow is to everyone 😃
It’s sooo cleverly written because you are constantly guessing who and what Harlow actually is! We know from the blurb she is not human and she has some connection to the dark and the shadows, although she thinks she’s loosing the plot or the trauma from her childhood is back 😩
It’s not until about 40% through that you think ahhhh I’ve figured out who she is….and then little things drop and then you’re actually not quite sure you’ve clocked it 🙈
The connection between her and her shadows monsters is instantaneous, Saint, Shade, Raze and Adriel are beautiful beings and really understand Harlow and what she’s been through, they’ve been there every step of the way 😍 but there’s a something holding them…..and it all connects to their past, the shadowland, and who Lo is!! Also what on earth was that ending?!?! Didn’t see that coming!!
It’s a fantastically woven mystery and cannot with for the next book to uncover what Harlow is to everyone 😃
March 18, 2022
Harlow is a bit of a lone wolf in her mid 20s navigating the political scene career wise. Her personal life is pretty nonexistent outside of her bff. After a traumatic childhood due to chronic medical issues you can tell she is settling for being content rather than happy at this point in her life. As the book goes you get a glimpse of her inner strength so I am looking forward to seeing her character evolve. The book went in a completely different direction than I anticipated in regards to her love life so I was glad things weren't predictable. There was a hint of maybe some past rivalry so I am ready to see more drama and how that plays out. Same with the villian - who it may be or may not be and they could be a pawn being used by someone else. Who knows & that is the exciting part about it! This book kept me interested all of the way through & after that ending I have so many questions and am definitely looking forward to the next book.
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