Monster in My Shadow

Ravenswood #1

by Lana Sky

Note to self: Beware of the tall, beautiful stranger with feral eyes.

Small-town life is all I’ve ever known—until he appears. He stalks me from the shadows while wordlessly begging me to draw near. After a fateful night, my world will never be the same.

I should want to run from him.

He claims he won’t hurt me—even though every fiber of his being urges him to.

I don’t have a choice but to trust him.

We’re linked in a way that goes beyond mere attraction, or even lust—and anyone who threatens that bond will rue the day he ever crossed their path.

Even if that person is me.

A new dark paranormal small-town shifter romance from Lana Sky. Enter the world of Ravenswood where curses are as real as the things that go bump in the night and sprout fangs and claws. Monster in My Shadow is the first book in a trilogy.

430 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 20, 2022

About the author

I am a quirky writer from the US who dabbles in dark, paranormal and contemporary romance. My stories aren't always typical, but contain a little something for everyone.

Reviews

[B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first read by Lana Sky and i really need the next book...Please?
I feel like this was Twilight (minus the vampires) for adults; heavy on the drama, action, and angst. The romance is like an insta-attraction, not quite love and not quite spicy, but on the verge of getting there. Mostly kissing and light petting, super slow-burn. And cliffhanger. I cant wait to read the next book!


Rating: 4.5/5

Thank you to Lana Sky and her ARC team for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love love paranormal romances more with each and every book I read. Kaydee and Liwai have tip toed around each other hoping the other really isn’t aware of it until one moment when Kayden needs him and he’s by her side in a instant and there’s more tip toeing about what’s going to happen next

[Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a slow burn shifter story with lots of chemistry, twists and turns and definitely a page turner. I literally consumed this book in hours as I could not put it down.

Liwai who has been watching Kaydence for years and is waiting for the right time to strike, but when the time comes can he fulfill his duty?

Kaydence on the other hand is your typical human who seems to be drawn to Liwai in an unnatural way. When their worlds collided a split decision puts both their lives in danger.

I have read a lot of shifter books and this one has a totally unique take on fated mates. You must read to find out. Also, I usually can figure out where the plot is going but this one left me saying; oh, ok I did not see that coming. It will also leave you frustrated because now we have to wait for book two, Monster in my heart. I’m literally on the edge of my seat waiting! What another fantastic series by this author, Lana Sky. She definitely does not disappoint.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lana Sky once again hits it out of the park with this paranormal romance! Monster In My Shadow follows Kaydee as she navigates her small town life while fighting her attraction to local stranger Liwai Raven. Their lives are intertwined more than Kaydee realizes, and soon she is forced to come face to face with truths that should be impossible, truths that put her in danger.

What this book lacked in spice made up for in suspense and intrigue. The lore of what Liwai is and where he comes from is original and interesting and I want to know more about it. I’m desperate to know what’s going to happen in the next book after that cliffhanger. There are secrets and things Kaydee doesn’t know yet and the suspense is killing me. The fated mates trope is *chef’s kiss*, the lore that Lana created is original, and the plot is strong. If you’re looking for adult spooky sexy werewolf/shapeshifter vibes then this is the book for you. Lana has not yet missed and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Kaydee and Liwai in the next book.

[Tina Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fantastic Start to a New Trilogy!

This slow burn shifter romance, set in a small town, is full of mystery, danger and suspense and an overriding sense of menace. I was glued to my Kindle and particularly liked the unique take on the fated mate’s trope.

Kaydee Blanchette, a young woman who works in a local bar, has felt the eyes of the handsome and mysterious Liwai Raven on her for years. His attention has got under her skin, and although he attracts her something about seems off. A shocking event brings them together, affecting them on a visceral level and they struggle with the consequences.

Both Kaydee and Liwai are in for a hell of a ride as secrets, and more are revealed, and they strive to come to terms with the decisions they make. I loved their pairing – the bookish, innocent, and bespectacled heroine with the character of Liwai, the dark and brooding outcast who is rumoured to have done very bad things… Kaydee feels drawn to him, but at the same time is fearful of what she may find. As for Liwai, his actions are mercurial, and he appears at war with himself. He says she is safe with him, but what if it is a lie?

I enjoyed how the character of Kaydee, grows as she embarks on a journey to make sense of events and their impact on her and others. There are so many layers to this book outside of the central romance and it is a cracking read! The character of the schoolgirl Renae, a member of Liwai’s household is also worthy of special note, as she plays such a key role in the book and is a fascinating character in her own right.

The book ends on a cliffhanger and I am looking forward to Monster in my Heart, the next book in the trilogy. Please note, a copy of this book was given to me by the author, and I am voluntarily leaving a fair and honest review.

[Read What I Like Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

MONSTER IN MY SHADOW (RAVENSWOOD BOOK ONE)

Kindle Unlimited: [ ]YES [X]NO
Stand-alone: [ ]YES [X]NO
Author: Lana Sky
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
Spiciness rating: 💋(mostly kissing)
POV: Single , first person
Main Couple: Kaydee & Liwai
Genre: Paranormal romance
Tropes: small town; shifter; forbidden romance; mated bond; virgin heroine; age-gap

Review:

“My life would change drastically whether I wanted it or not. Neither Liwai nor I could stop what was coming.”

Kaydee lived a uneventful life in her small-town, until one day an incident happens in the bar she works and the brooding man who had been observing her saves her life.

When I started Monster in my shadow I thought it would be another wolf shifter romance, but it’s not. Lana created an elaborate tale full of secrets and mysteries. Liwai is such a mysterious complex character that his secrets and half-truths frustrated me some parts. Kaydee’s search for the truth put her in dangerous situations most of the time, but I felt she was seeking information that would be useful to me as a reader, so her behavior didn’t bother me (heroines with reckless behavior usually do).

Their story is only beginning and I feel like there is still much more to be revealed. The story kept enthralled and I’m curious to see how it will continue. This is book one in a trilogy and it ends in a cliffhanger.

*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ***

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "MONSTER IN MY SHADOW" OMG!!! What a fabulous mind-blowing rollercoaster ride of emotions, action, secrets, lies, deceit, manipulation, mystery, suspense, intrigue, danger, murder, sexual tension, twists that make for a very addicting read.
Kaydee Blanchette works at Bardee's Bar her boss Mari asks her to tend bar alone for awhile the stranger that works at Ravenwood Gas Station she has a secret crush on she learns his name is Liwai Raven he's at the bar, he not talkative he helps others when a fight breaks out after that fateful night her life will never be the same.
Liwai Raven & Kaydee are linked in a way that goes far beyond attraction he's a shifter & in town to do something he won't do to get back to join his Pack, she has no idea why he's there or why their so connected to one another but she can't stay away nor can he.
Kaydee & Liwai's journey is a wild crazy mind-blowing ride so much happens secrets get revealed that blow her mind she doesn't know what's real & what's not.
I definitely recommend to get this mind twister you can't put down only Lana Sky can be so enjoyably dark & twisted with her stories that keeps you coming back for more.
I'm so looking forward to the next book in this amazing Trilogy can't come soon enough after that shocking ending I need "MONSTER IN MY HEART"
ASAP to see what happens next fantastic characters pull you right into all chaos. AWESOME READ!!!!

[Lolo · Rating 2 out of 5]

So just for your information, this author right here wrote one of the best books I've ever read and I love her writing style 💌

Getting this out of the way, I just have to say that I tried my best to finish this book, I really did. I usually stop reading after a few chapters if the book starts to bore me but as I said, her writing style is beautiful. So why did I stop? Well, not every story is supposed to be liked by everyone, simple as that.

I like fantasy but this author is not supposed to write fantasy from what I got to see in this book. Better to just write about the real world because Lana is an emotional writer (didn't find a better word...). I don't mean that she sits and cries every time she writes. I just mean that she writes emotions, loves to describe them and that is kind of wrong in fantasy (my perspective). We want hot, cool, ANGRY alphas, not drama and other boring things like crying for the unfairness of the world.

Ok, I should stop writing before I go on and on without stopping. All you need to know is that this author can write and you only have to choose the story you like 👍

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a shifter book unlike any other I have ever read before. The shifters were an interesting combination between Twilight's Volturi and a more traditional werewolf pack to create an intriguing clan of shifters with an ancient sacrifice tradition and an all powerful leader that calls all of the shots. Because this book was creating an entirely new shifter universe, complete with its own rules and lore, this book (the first in the series) was a bit slow at times, as it had a lot of explaining and ground work laying to do for the rest of the series. All of that being said, the chemistry between the characters was electric and I honestly found Liwai to be endearing, which is interesting given the circumstances of the story. He and Kaydence seem to be a wonderful pair and I will absolutely read the next book! Overall, I would call this book a 3.5 star read, but it did a great job setting the next book up to be a 5 star read!

[Jessica Rampersad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating 5/5
Plot 5/5
Spice 2/5
Writing 5/5
Character Development 5/5

[I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book]

“Monster in my Shadows” is the first book in Lana Sky’s Ravenswood series. This is a slow-burn shifter romance between Liwai Raven and Kaydence Blanchette (aka Kaydee). Liwai has been watching Kaydee for years and when it comes time for Liwai to move against Kaydee something shifts between them. As their worlds collide, Liwai makes a decision that may risk both of their lives.

THIS BOOK! This book is filled with chemistry, twists, and turns! I’m not usually a fan of slow burns, but this book was the perfect amount of slow burn for me!!! I love the small-town aspect and felt really connected with Kaydee's character. If you love paranormal shifter romances that will have you starting and finishing the book on the same day, this one is for you! I cannot wait to read the rest of the trilogy series!!!

[Jess Boschock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monster in My Shadow is brilliant take on dark paranormal fated mates. This genre usually isn’t my forte but when Lana writes it you can’t help but literally get sucked in this page turner. Liwai’s clan is cursed and they do the unthinkable to keep their blood lines pure and to keep their strength. Kaydee has no idea what the mysterious stranger that is at her work every night is really doing there. Until one night a unexpected bar fight changed everything for Kaydee. The characters are so brilliantly written I especially enjoyed Renae and her amazing story that she writes to kaydee. You definitely want to add this story to your shelf and I can not wait until the next book to see what is in store with these characters.

[Jen B · Rating 5 out of 5]

When one series ends, another begins. This is book one in the Ravenswood series. This book introduces the characters, the history of a clan, the history of traditions and melding with the human race. This has a paranormal twist that of course is not your simple werewolf world. As always there is so much more with so many layers and twists. Meet Kaydee Blanchette, a 22 year old, smalltown girl. As plain as she feels she is special and she is about to learn why. Liwai Raven is nit your average man, he comes with a dark and dangerous vibe and a reputation for being a murderer. This book gives you the lay of the land while it sucked me into its world. I loved every minute, even the raw panicked of turning the page to find I reached the end. Enjoy!

[Wanda Jewell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say I usually love Lana Sky books. This one is not a rote shifter romance. There is more to the story than just adult situations and insta-love. One thing I like about it is that there is attraction, but not graphic adult scenes spelled out in excruciating detail. Kaydee is a bit strange herself and has led an usual life. Liwai has more going on than she realizes. This is the story of their interactions. There are a lot of twists and turns. Overall, it was a pretty decent story. I personally didn't connect with the characters like I normally do, but I enjoyed the story. So, if you like a bit of the unusual and not knowing what might happen next, you will enjoy this book.

[Suzy Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small town girl Kaydee goes a bit out of her way to get gas so she can ogle the so handsome Liwai Raven. His smouldering looks thrill and scare her in equal measures. When Liwai starts coming to the bar she works at every night, she has a hard time working up the courage to talk to him. Until the night a bar fight turns ugly and Liwai saves her life. The intensity of his eyes and the lightening in his touch have Kaydee trying to learn more about this mysterious man. But the more she learns the more questions she has. This is a good story with solid character development. The tension builds quickly and holds through out the book. The mysteries are revealed slowly and leave you wanting more. I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Mary Burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another truly great and gripping read from this author. It is an extremely interesting view on lycanthropy and it’s origins. Kaydee is your average small town girl trying to make ends meet. Liwai has been at her place of employment for weeks now. One night a brawl broke out and Kaydee is injured. She thinks she was shot, but after Liwai cares for her, she is fine. This is the start of a relationship between the two and also more danger, confusion, peril, risk, and feelings than she can imagine. I loved the unique story, wonderful characters, and awesome world building. Can’t wait for book two in this slow burn paranormal romance!
I received this book as an ARC and am voluntarily reviewing it.

[Taffy · Rating 1 out of 5]

What the hell happened??? 😩

After reading Drain me, I was really excited to find an author I thought I would like but after sampling several of her numinous other works, it became very clear that yet another author has fallen victim to tiktok. I’ll never stop railing against that app, it’s the worst thing to happen to the romance genre.

From what I understand, Drain Me was one of Sky’s first works and yet somehow her earlier works have far more originality and authenticity to them than any of her newer works that I’ve tried reading. This book was pretty bad, the writing was bad, the pacing was all off,(why the hell is it so rushed?) and the chemistry is completely lacking between the two main characters. What a disappointment. 😕

[Rebecca · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF.

I got about half way through before I gave up. I remember reading the first few chapters when they were posted to Wattpad YEARS ago. I loved the story then but this time I just couldnt grasp the story or the characters. The "chemistry" between the characters was non existent, and I felt like I was being dragged through the mud in a circle.

Kaydee was winey and annoying, but somehow it was rightfully so. She didn't get any answers and as the reader I felt like I didn't have any grasp as to what was happening. I had no general guess about what was going to happen because it felt like Liwai literally didn't talk, or answer any of her freaking questions.

It was frustrating and annoying. So I gave up.

[Treasa · Rating 5 out of 5]

TWISTED & Consuming
Wow this was a unique and twisted start to this captivating series that had me scratching my head and holding my breath from one page to the next. Now I'm freaking out with desperation for book two. Lana has written a lot of amazing and twisted stories but this one got stuck in my head and made it impossible to move on with life until i consumed every suspenseful word. Now I'm stuck in limbo needing book two now praying for patience that I Do Not Have. It's a consuming twisted story with amazing chemistry and frustrating suspense.

[Ash J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this paranormal romance. This story is filled with mystery, twists and turns, danger, and excitement. It kept me wondering what would happen next rhroughout the whole read. Kaydee and Liwai have so much chemistry but neither one wants to engage in it because of the threat of what will happen when they do. I really liked most of the characters of this book and I am eagerly anticipating the release of the next book to find out what is going to happen next. Great paraormal read! I received a review copy of this book and am leaving a voluntary honest review.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this story that was more dark intrigue and suspense then a straight forward romance. A bit darker in theme it stars Kaydee who finds herself drawn to Liwai and ends up discovering a world she is somewhat part of but not in a good way. Lots of secrets are discovered as Kaydee must try and figure out what is really going on and how she fits into it. Good characters and a story that kept me reading to see what was really going on and what does Liwai have to do with it all. But I enjoyed the story and found it hard to put down.

[Naia Pard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never read something from this author. It took me by surprise to read the first quarter of the book. It came out of the gates swinging!

It had a really good start. I did not like how the plot evolved, but that is a matter of preference because the writing is quite neat (polished and it deserves a chance)

It is a werewolf-forbidden romance. A deadly game of Romeo and Juliet in a certain way.

Instagram\\my Blog\\

[Lou · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay so if you enjoyed Twilight this is definitely a book to read. But for people who are fed up with that storyline? Nada. And that's why I am unhappy with this. It truly did feel like a Twilight story and that paired with the name Lana Sky? It truly gives me a very weird vibe.

Honestly I didn't like it. I did not like the characters, the writing style nor the story. Everything that I adored with Lana Sky's previous books is none existing in this one. Where are the raw characters that make you feel more than you'd like to feel? It is not there at all in this one.

2/5

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is lush, dark and utterly seductive. Packed with delicious mystery, thrilling suspense, rich emotion and spectacular twists, this tantalizing read lured me in and had me spellbound. Kaydee and Liwai are enticing characters that share a seismic attraction and a smoldering chemistry is quite simply too intense and sultry to resist. What an awesome start to this new series and I cannot wait for more. This is my freely posted, frank review.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kaydee had always felt like Liwai was watching her and then one night while she is working a fight breaks out and when something happens to her, he is there beside her. Will she discover the truth as to who and what he is? Loads of drama, suspense and twists and turns. Great characters with lots of depth, sizzling chemistry and an amazing story that draws you in from beginning to end. I am looking forward to more!

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monster in My Shadow is the latest book from Lana Sky, who is one of my all time favorite writers so I was very excited to finally read this new dark paranormal series. And it was brilliant, from the start I was immediately hooked and invested in the story and all the twists and tuns kept me on th edge on my seat. The main characters were great and had great tension and chemisty. And I loved how they were portyed and I cant wait to see what happens next with them.

[Christina Luberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have suspence, mystery, lies and more. Kayde works at the bar and trys to ignore Liwai who watchs her from afar. One night a fight breaks out and what happens next changes what Kayde knows. What will happen when Liwai saves her? Can she believe what she thought was lore is real? How will things go? Twist and turns will having you not wanting to put this book down. Now to wait for the next book. I can't wait. I recieved a free copy for my honest review.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great from the start. It is a small town, dark paranormal story.

I personally didn't find this book to be ask dark as Lana Sky's book usually are.

I loved the mysterious vibe from this book, it literally has you on your toes. The suspense is real.

I loved how both characters had a great connection with each other regardless one being full of secrets and the other so open.

This book isn't steamy however, it does get pretty hot at times!!

[Paula lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got the eArc of this book and I'm leaving the review voluntarily.

This book reads a bit differently compared to the other books I have read from Lana. Doesn't mean that it is any worse than the other books but it's not as dark as I was expecting. I did still enjoyed it so much that I read it in one go. I cannot wait for what is to come *wink wink*

[Lisa Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what an intense unique paranormal story as we follow Kaydee and Liwai's complicated and dangerous situation. There is so much angst, lies truths what is real and what is not for Kaydee as she enters this dangerous situation with Liwai.

I loved the characters, the ot and this kept my full attention right to the end, what an exciting story.

[Natasha books.are.myescape · Rating 5 out of 5]

“My only aim—the one I feel in every fiber of my being—is to protect you.”

5⭐️ 3🌶️
This book was amazing. So many twist and turns. I loved how it was full of mystery and angst. I loved the chemistry between Kaydence and Liwai. I couldn’t get enough of this book. It kept me on the edge of my seat. Highly recommended it. I can’t wait for the next book.