I’ve been a long time fan of Tricia Levenseller’s books. The moment I saw the announcement for THE SHADOWS BETWEEN US, I immediately added it to my to TBR before I even knew what it was about. Later I heard the book pitched as a “Slytherin Romance” and I was all in! Haha. I’m sure I read the synopsis at some point but I had completely forgotten about it by the time I started reading the book. Tricia literally had me hooked by the end of the first page, “They’ve never found the body of the first and only boy who broke my heart. And they never will. I buried Hektor Galanis in a hole so deep, even the devils of the earth couldn’t reach him.” I mean.... come on! Who doesn’t want to keep reading after a start like that? The story starts with a bang and really never slows down from there.

Alessandra has always felt like an afterthought. As the second daughter of a viscount who is bankrupt, she set her sights on the king. Becoming queen would change everything. Once she’s at the palace nothing can (or will) stop her from reaching her goal. She enters an unexpected and unlikely alliance with the Shadow King. She uses the pretense of becoming his friend to help, when really it’s an opportunity to learn his secrets. As the true nature of his shadows magic is uncovered and attempts on his life increase, she wonders if maybe she’s actually falling for him. Which just can’t be possible.... can it? The King is elusive and withdrawn, but for good reason. Alessandra befriends him and gives him a real for his money. His character and several other male characters are definitely swoon worthy (some are even cringe worthy).

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from a “Slytherin romance” when I started reading. I envisioned something dark and moody, with Frenemies, backstabbing, and illicit trysts. This book was all that and more! I loved how descriptive everything was. This book made me want to wear a pretty ballgown and eat plates full of food. Written in Tricia’s typical style this book is full of sass, humor, fierce female characters, romance and enough mystery to keep you turning page after page. I would call THE SHADOWS BETWEEN a very atmospheric story. If you love delicious food, dashing men and dazzling dresses, this is the book for you!

*I WAS PROVIDED AN e-ARC FOR THE PURPOSE OF A BLOG TOUR. THIS DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION*

This book had many expectations in the reading community for readers who'd read Tricia Levenseller's previous release, but for some, it fell below. As someone who has yet to read Levenseller's Warrior of the Wild, I can't compare the two.

While reading this book, I noticed something that kind of threw me for a loop. The writing style in this novel seemed a little abrupt. It made it a little hard to keep along with the story that I so badly wanted to like, but thankfully, it didn't continue throughout the entire book.

Something I absolutely loved was the main character, Alessandra. She felt like the perfect fit to someone in this story, and I really think that her character building was put together in just the right way and fashion.

While the worldbuilding could've been a little bit more detailed, I did still enjoy pieces of it. I felt like we still could've been given a little more, but in the end, it just didn't satisfy all the way through.

For that, I rate this novel 3.25 stars.

Tricia Levenseller books are always a really great time. Fast paced, action filled, and sprinkled with romance, The Shadows Between Us is no exception. This book is absolutely perfect if you’re looking for a Slytherin romance fantasy adventure.

Alessandra is cunning and hungry for power. The Shadow King is the only one standing in her way from ruling. So, the plan is simple; woo him, marry him, kill him, and take his kingdom for herself. The only problem? She gets to know him and realizes that they are not so different and may very well do better ruling together. But others are also looking to assassinate the King and take control of the land.

I had so much fun reading this one. The characters were interesting to read about, even though I didn’t really relate to their personalities or choices. I loved how independent and free Alessandra was and how she didn’t really care what people thought about her. And the Shadow King, while seemingly menacing, totally had a gooey, soft side.

The plot was well developed and fast paced, and while the book isn’t groundbreaking or emotionally gut wrenching, it is a very fun, enjoyable novel. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a quick, standalone fantasy with a great romance!

*Thank you to Feiwel and Friends and Netgalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review. *

All included quotes have been taken from an ARC and may not match the finished publication.

Content Warning: Premarital Sex, Prostitution (Brothel), Murder & Attempted Murder via stabbing and poisoning

"The rebel in me loves to throw dirt in the face of decorum."

I find myself sitting at the barren crossroads with yet another Young Adult book. Sigh. I must admit, the first thing that drew my attention to The Shadows Between Us was it’s cover. This cover is one of the most beautiful things I’ve rest my eyes upon. It’s unfounded to judge a book by its cover, but when the cover looks like this…? Throw anything dark, high Gothic Victorian at me and you have me at “cover.”

Besides the cover, this book’s synopsis had also stirred my interest. Above all else, the Shadow King’s ability made me want to know more about what exactly about the shadows were important. When I got into the first portion of this book, I knew right away that Alessandra, the main character and not-so-protagonist, would have to work a lot to gain my backing. Morally grey, narcissistic characters do not easily win, if ever, my favor. Unlucky Alessandra wasn’t on my good side from the introduction. However, the introduction clearly depicts The Shadows Between Us as a Slytherin romance, which removes me from the targeted audience.

"My smile is radiant as I leave his rooms. I only have control over one man, and yet, the power of it washes over me in intoxicating waves of heat. When I am queen, will I experience it a thousandfold, knowing I will command tens of thousands?"

The synopsis given sums up this book very well. Alessandra’s plan is to gain the attention she has always wanted by catching the Shadow King’s attention, court him, kill him, and become queen of the world. Realm. It’s not really ever given a clear idea as to how big the realm is that the Shadow King rules over as the world-building is nearly non-existent besides clothing and general decorum. Reflective of a time set in or near the 18th century, references to attire, status, and general culture during that time frame is assumed. (Except for the very random appearance of a high-powered weapon that still has me befuddled as to how it slipped into the pages at all.) Central to all of this, are the laws of woman being meek, innocent, and contrite for any form of wrong-doing being heavily at play. Alessandra is an advocate for women being able to do what they want, when they want with their bodies, and practices her beliefs freely.

Alessandra is eighteen. Kallias, the Shadow King, is nineteen. This book shouldn't be in the Young Adult genre 1) because these characters are legally adults. 2) Seeing how a large portion of this book discusses sex, and how one goes about pursuing their sexuality is just too over the top for young readers. Despite all of the talk about how one can do what they want with their body, this book does hold a quality that makes it an easy story to fall into. If you are looking for a slow-burn romance with morally flawed, ambitious characters, that settle into a quick read, this may be a good selection for that. Not being a Slytherin, I didn’t care much for this take on a relationship, but I’m sure many will love this plot.

Vulgarity: Some.
Sexual content: A lot. I would not recommend this book to younger readers.
Violence: Moderate (see content warning).

My Rating: ★★★

Um wow. I am still reeling from this amazing story. I was completely hooked from the first sentence.

The story starts out with our MC, Alessandra, talking about murdering her first boyfriend when she was only 15 because he didn't love her. Um crazy right???!

Sorry not sorry but I have a weak spot for morally grey characters and hoo doggy this story did not disappoint. Alessandra is an ambitious, intelligent woman who knows what she wants and how to do it. She was fierce and funny and I loved her as a main character. I felt the plot was quick paced and everything was well fleshed out. I found myself totally wrapped up in this world and I didn't want the book to end.

Overall, I devoured this book in one sitting and recommend for fans of dark fantasy! 😈I will definitely be reading more from Tricia.


Favorite Quotes
"His last word was my name . His last thought was of me. I won."

"Who in the world would steal and then not keep the riches for themselves? That’s just bad business. Someone that stupid must surely be caught soon."

“Alessandra Stathos, that’s positively despicable.” He says the words like they’re the highest compliment he can give me. “You are an absolute gem, do you know that?”

"I know when I’ve been beaten, and I have barely even started."

"I handled Hektor as I have handled everything else in my life: alone and with the utmost thoroughness.""

It fell a little flat after Tricia’s first series for me - which I devoured but I still enjoyed it a lot!!

ARC from Netgalley and Edelweiss

DNF @ 31%, so no rating. (Except on Netgalley, where I am compelled to give one if I want credit for reading it.)

I was so excited when my wish was granted for this on Netgalley that I feel bad for not liking it. But it's just not working for me.

There's nothing I like about this heroine, which isn't always a deal breaker with me if the story is compelling enough. Unfortunately, this one is not. Even though the words don't appear on the page, this story screams 'I'm not like other girls' louder than any book I've ever read. For a society where women are so oppressed and guarded, this young woman seems to be left to her own devices quite often and gets up to some very shady things. Also, simple ideas that she has are received by the king to be practically genius. And I'm confused as to why, after the king has befriended and confided in her, she's still set on killing him. (I don't think that's how it will end, but I feel like at this point in the story, there's no basis for her train of thought.)

Wow, this book was a great read! I was hooked after reading the first sentence. It was fun reading about a scheming, conniving woman and actually liking her instead of despising her. Alessandra was confident and comfortable with who she was and didn’t care about the opinions of anybody else. This was my first time reading something by Tricia Levenseller and I look forward to reading more of her work.

The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book site

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Alessandra has a simple plan to gain all the power she could ever need: woo, marry, and the kill the Shadow King. After years of dealing with her clueless father and cycling through unworthy lovers, it’s the only way to get what she believes that she deserves. And she’s been training her entire life to do it.

I picked up The Shadows Between Us simply because I have read all of Tricia Levenseller’s books and adore them. I didn’t even read the summary, that’s how much I enjoy her writing. And I am happy to say that this didn’t disappoint. In fact, I think that Levenseller is only getting better.

Levenseller herself describes the book as “her Slytherin romance” and I think that’s the perfect summary. The Shadow King and Alessandra are conniving, resourceful, ambitious, and afraid to get their hands dirty to get what they want. Even though you wouldn’t call these characters good, you can’t stop reading about how they’re going to get out on top. I’m rooting for them to take out all of their numerous enemies.

As with all of Levenseller’s books, there’s plenty of romance between our lead characters and among the supporting cast. There are multiple same sex relationships, though none raise higher than what I’d call the “C tier” of characters.

I don’t think this book was as tight action-wise as her previous novel. That said, the last fourth of it was unputdownable. I usually read in pieces at lunch and before bed, but this book I had to go home and finish reading before I could do anything else. The action is some of Levenseller’s best!

I would recommend this book to YA fantasy fans; those who like a good, steamy love story; and anyone who wants something very fun and quick to read.

I gave it a 5/5 on my Goodreads account which translates to “It was amazing.”

The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller was a perfectly orchestrated dance where readers are courted by Lady Alessandra Stathos, an ambitious woman who intends to have a crown on her head, and the mysterious Shadow King who hides his emotions behind the swirling darkness that blesses - and curses - his family. Levenseller's storytelling weaves enchanting notes where readers strain themselves to immerse themselves in Alessandra and the Shadow King's cutting exchanges, and growing love, in the midst of a treacherous court that threatens the king's life.


I was absolutely enthralled by Alessandra's commanding character and how she owns her identity to the fullest extent and challenges the societal and gender norms of her kingdom. She's a truly unique blend of being villainous and being the hero of her own story. While some actions can be seen as nefarious, Alessandra is always honest with her intentions in the midst of the most intense exchanges. Throughout the story, I found myself rooting for her as she carried out her plans to seize the throne...and capture the king's heart.


The Shadow King himself was an intriguing figure that Levenseller surrounded by the power of darkness. As the story progressed, it was warming to see the Shadow King's transition into Kallias Maheras, the man he was before he was forced to ascend the throne after his parents were murdered. His character shows that, despite how powerful he is due to his shadow abilities, he is the embodiment of inner struggles and insecurities. Through his verbal sparring with Alessandra, readers get to see past his shadows of turmoil and gain an insight into Kallias and his life before the fateful night that changed his life.


A word that I'd use to describe The Shadows Between Us would be: unconventional. It's a words that I write in the highest degree because of how Levenseller guided us through Alessandra's brilliant mind and spun readers in accordance to the unexpected waltz of the court where the Shadow King watches from atop his throne. Before you know it, Alessandra is able to call upon Kallias and readers can see a perfect partnership in the works; that is if one person can see beyond the threats of love and the other can take their hand off their hidden dagger.

OK. I'm going to come at this from the angle that everyone (except Rhoda, Hestia, and Leandros' two friends) were absolutely abominable people and therefore it was a bit like watching a fantasy mystery romance with characters from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

That doesn't really make sense, but that's how I felt. Maybe the Gang could be considered Slytherins.

Alessandra and Kallias are some pretty terrible people. As the author herself said, these characters have "questionable" morals and aren't exactly heroes. However, watching these two awful people fall in love and kind of learn to be a teensy bit "better" was fun. I enjoyed the ride, and found myself rooting for Alessandra and Kallias despite the shitty things they had planned for other people. Frankly, I thought it was hilarious when Alessandra is finally accused of murdering her first boyfriend, and after sending the police away, Kallias laughs his ass off and says she's perfect for him.

So overall this was a good read. Nothing mind-blowing, and honestly for all the talk about sex and being liberated it seriously missed the opportunity to put in a couple hot sex scenes, but I guess we can't win all the time.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book. My opinions are my own.

*See’s opening is a Damon Salvatore quote* “Whelp, I guess I’ll like this one.” So, I started this book, I read for hours straight, then I finished this book. I literally could not put it down. It had me laughing aloud. It had me beyond intrigued. It was killing me with the slow burn romance. I was shouting with joy for the female empowerment. And I was relishing in the friendships.

Like, I loved this book so much that I stayed up FAR too late on a week I’m already sleep deprived on. It legit KEPT me awake because I needed to finish it and make sure everything turned out ok. Because, *sob,* this is a standalone. Which is probably the biggest downfall to this story! I mean, I wouldn’t be mad if there were more books coming out. Even if I had to wait for them! I just… I loved it.

I also loved our two main characters! They are blissfully morally grey and yet they made me laugh with the situations their deviousness got them in. Alessandra is a total babe who OWNS her sexuality. But she also is an amazing friend and will go to any length for those she keeps close. The Shadow King (which every time I say this makes me think about the Goblin King for some reason?) is a total cinnamon roll wrapped up in shadowy powerful yumminess. And also probably caused the most laugh out loud moments for me with his on point flirting.

Which leads me to doing favorite quotes for this tour stop. HOW was I supposed to narrow down my quote choices?! I had probably about 20-30 more quotes I had highlighted that I wanted to add in. BUT, for the sake of this post not being ridiculously long I went with an OK selection of what I loved from this book.

Now, the only qualms I have for this book (which is literally me just nitpicking to include something) is the descriptions. Sometimes I found the over descriptive passages on the outfits was a little bit awkward and unneeded. I mean, it fits in with Alessandra’s love of fashion design, but there were times I could have done with more descriptions of the actual scenery/world compared to detailed descriptions on how many buttons were on the coat of a passerby. NOW, like I said, this is literally me just nitpicking for the sake of having SOMETHING and ANYTHING I could point out that detracted from my overall enamored reading of this book.

The Shadows Between Us is Tricia Levenseller’s newest gripping and seductive tale of empowerment and belonging. It promotes choosing your own path and being your own person, rather than adhering to the social standards set before you. Also highlighting the pain of loneliness, it rejoices in finally finding that someone who shines light upon your darkest shadows. While it’s initially defined by motivation and duplicity, it quickly evolves into a charming story of friendship and an unexpected, consuming love.

The main focus of this story’s entirety is its alluring characters. The story is told through the eyes of Alessandra, an ambitious and conniving second daughter of an earl, seeking to change her life by walking on the backs of others. She has an independent soul, always taking what she wants instead of accepting what’s given to her. Kallias, the cold, enigmatic, and brooding Shadow King hiding pain and longing beneath his armor made of shadows. Both crave power, both crave domination, both are villains. It’s unusual to read a story led by a villain, let alone two, and I absolutely loved the way this story was executed. There’s banter dripping with sexual tension, there’s heartfelt moments of truth and silent reflection, there’s unforeseen camaraderie leading to more. Theirs is the perfect example of a beautiful slow-burn romance.

The supporting cast is crucial in the advancement of the story, as well – each character unique and exceptional, with their own hopes, intentions, and secrets, each adding another layer to the complexity presented to us. I would love to go into detail here, but for fear of spoiling, I’ll just say that nothing is at is seems. You’ll have to meet them all on your own.

My favorite part of this story is its exhilarating, fresh plot – it’s not a story of vengeance, it’s a story of hunger. The main character’s ambitions exist only to appease her desire for power, seemingly bereft of an emotional driving force. With an abundance of scheming and plenty of deceit, the narrative unravels in the most exquisite way. From the blurb alone, it’s easy to decipher what route the tale will take, and you even see that inevitable twist breaching the horizon, but what actually happens is utterly unexpected and completely welcome. I enjoyed this story so much, I read the entire book in one sitting.

Levenseller transports readers to an immersive and atmospheric gothic setting, forcing us to weave our way through courtly intrigue infused with mysterious magic. Her ability to vividly portray the finer details of everything around us is just incredible; the colors and textures of fabrics, the rich, bright visages of blooming flowers in gardens, the smells, the sounds, everything. It’s too easy to lose yourself in this story. We get tiny insights into the history that has shaped the world, offering answers for our most pressing questions. However, I would’ve loved to have seen a more in-depth account of the past.

The Shadows Between Us was my first foray into Levenseller’s works, and it most certainly won’t be my last. This book offers everything I look for in those labeled as Dark Young Adult Fantasy – ripe with secrets, danger, and transformation. This is a standalone, and it ties up perfectly, each thread carefully placed in the tapestry. I can only hope we get to spend more time in this world the author has crafted in the future. If you’re looking for an atypical YA tale where the bad guys take center stage, then I highly recommend giving this fun one a try.

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Fantastic Flying Book Club, Netgalley, and Feiwel and Friends for this free copy. All quotes in this review are taken from the Advanced Reader Copy and may change in final publication.

Seriously, that first line seriously got me shook and I was immediately pulled in. I was honestly trying to figure out how many favorite bad girl characters I could have on my list because I legit immediately added Alessandra to that list from that one line. Oh man, I would not want to be on her bad side, seriously.

Another thing was that I could not imagine why Alessandra would be overlooked because she seriously is a force to be reckoned with. Could you imagine ruining her heart and then never being found again because she killed your ass and hid your body so nobody could ever find out what happened to you? Of course, it makes sense that nobody would know that because then maybe she wouldn’t be able to do what she needs to do with the Shadow King, but man if only they knew… if only they knew.

This was such an interesting novel, and I know that Levenseller is known for making these pretty bad ass books. I’m so glad that this was the first one that I read from her, because I don’t have to wait so long for a sequel. But that’s also my downfall because I need more of Alessandra in my life! I don’t even know how else to bring her into someone’s world or what kind of book would be about her but I just need Levenseller to write more books about Alessandra! And maybe the Shadow King… maybe. Alessandra was way more my cup of tea, and I’m not even gonna be ashamed of that.

We received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley for review purposes. All opinions are our own and do not reflect the thoughts or beliefs of the publisher or author.

In this YA romantic, standalone fantasy Alessandra seeks to execute a very clear plan: seduce the shadow king, kill him, and take his kingdom for herself. But entering the king’s court and getting close to him has its own perils, most notably the fact that anyone who touches Kallias is instantly put to death. Not to mention that Alessandra has her own secrets that have the potential to destroy her before she can carry out her plans.

I have read all of Tricia’s other books and I can honestly say that this one was my favorite. Alessandra is strong, independent and capable heroine that knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to do whatever is required to meet her goals. The characters that she meets along her journey of courting the Shadow King are fun, interesting and memorable

The pacing was perfect and there were enough twists and turns to keep me guessing (and reading) through the whole thing. My favorite part was definitely the way that Alessandra and Kallias’ relationship develops over time when it is decided that they can be mutually beneficial to one another (any other forced-proximity trope fans out there?) It is always nice to see a healthy relationship in YA books. Basically, Alessandra had no problem letting Kallias know that some times he was kind of a jerk and I was 100% here for it.

While some might think the plot predictable generally, it was everything I am looking from a YA romance with fantasy elements: tons of chemistry, witty banter, and beautiful, concise prose

There are a lot of good messages in this book and I think the author did a fantastic job with what she was trying to convey. Alessandra is a champion of bodily autonomy and being your own person irregardless of other’s opinions. There is also extensive discussion surrounding clothing and fashion and I found the conversation between the character’s about different clothing choices and style preferences extremely interesting.

Ultimately I give it 5/5 stars and would recommend it to anyone who loves the works of Sarah J. Maas, Holly Black, and Kristin Perez.

This book had intrigued with the description but the execution fell flat. Alessandra's morally grey attitude was entertaining at times but the roots of why she wanted to do certain things had no basis. There were so many plot holes and a lack of rationale where i.t. was needed in this novel. The Shadow King was every brooding main male MC stereotype put together to create this undeveloped, blank MC that didn't resonate with me. The dialogue, worldbuilding, flat characters, plot holes weighed this book down in faults that I couldn't see past. The pacing was off as well, going way too fast and lacking the description for the reader to process the situation and truly empathize and process the events. This was a consistent problem that I had with the novel. One of my biggest issues was the "not like other girls" attitude of Alessandra's and a trope in YA that I despise. A few pros of the book: the "not like other girls" trope dialed back towards the end, Alessandra's passion for her craft (sewing) was really nice to see. Overall, this was a let down for me, but I hope to read more of this author's work in the future.

Great addition to YA Fantasy with just a few flaws.

I loved YA fantasy and this one did not disappoint. I really enjoyed that it was a darker story with darker characters. The plot was good, I enjoyed the romance and the world building and think it definitely is a top YA fantasy that includes romance. I enjoyed the characters and their "bad boy/girl" vibes the main characters have as well as the villain in the story.
The only thing I wish was different was the magic system. There was just so little description and origin to the magic and not alot of explanation. It wish it spent a little more time delving into how the system works, how the characters use it and get to wild magic.
Despite that flaw I definitely think this was a good input into YA fantasy and YA romance and it was a fun one to read.

This book has gifted me one of my favorite things to read about; a female with ambition who isn’t afraid to go after it. The morally questionable and never redeemed main character who does show character growth, also goes after what she desires. No matter what schemes she must devise to make it happen. After all, who needs redemption if you’ve done nothing you consider wrong.

As the second daughter, Alessandra is overlooked. She cannot attend balls or be out in society until her older sister is married. Alessandra bides her time with a series of lovers after the first and only boy she loved broke her heart (it’s okay, they will never find his body). This decorum expected from the women but not the men is something our cunning Alessandra will not abide by. It is a societal norm she vows to challenge, especially since her older sister is now engaged and her time has come. Tired of not having power Alessandra comes up with a plan. All she has to do is get the Shadow King to fall in love with her, marry him, and then kill him to take over his kingdom. Simple enough.

The Shadow King is exactly the type of character this 1000% Slytherin house, villain loving, black glove wearing Kylo trash adoring reviewer falls for. He is the epitome of tall dark and handsome. That’s not just because he has black hair, a jaw that could cut glass, a straight nose, and full lips; he is surrounded by shadows. They swirl around him as if alive. No one knows what powers the shadows grant him. Do they make in invincible? Can he command then to kill?

Complicating Alessandra’s plans to woo this dark glove wearing King into a proposal, is the little detail of the law stating no one can touch the king. Ever. Oh Alessandra, only you would go after a man cloaked in shadows who has a mysterious power that you cannot even touch.

Expertly weaved into the narrative of this tale are some incredible descriptions of food and clothes. Because let’s face it, going to court is awesome but we would really go for the food and the clothes. I mean, I’ve certainly show up for many an event in my life only for the food and the outfit I selected to wear. For Alessandra it helps when there is an attractive King whose power you covet. Add in some first class tension as one gets closer to a man you cannot touch except through the barrier of clothing such as a glove. Now, not being the intended upon young adult audience this one was written for, I can certainly think of any number of things that could be done while wearing gloves. The places my imagination went were certainly in the gutter, but that didn’t stop me from adoring this entertaining read.

I loved reading about a female character who wasn’t ashamed for her sexuality. She owned it. She spoke up for it. While some tried to shame her for it, it was mostly accepted. Others started following in her example. Sharing stories of their own or going after what they wanted as well. Alessandra being unapologetically ruthless and true to herself throughout was refreshing. Especially when you pair her secrets, schemes, ambition, and intrigue against an equally formidable Shadow King.

I adored this Slytherin fantasy romance so much. So much so the first read through kept me up late into the middle of the night because I didn’t want to put it down. The second read through I tried to slow it down to savor it a little longer. But alas, I still didn’t want to put the book down. It’s fun. It’s stabby. It has villains doing their villainous deeds. It’s wonderful and I’m so here for it again and again.

This book was a rollercoaster ride full of my favorite tropes, and I loved it from beginning to end.

Alessandra is a badass Lady who is sick of the patriarchy keeping her from power or any meaningful freedom (and honestly, who isn't?) and decides to take matters into her own hands. Now that her older sister has been married off, she's free to seek her own union and she's set her cap for the King. She plans to seduce him into marriage, and then kill him off shortly after their marriage night and seize the crown, and the power that comes with it, for herself. All seems to be going to plan after she manages to get herself an invite to stay at court, but then it turns out someone else is already out for the King's blood and now Alessandra finds herself trying to keep the King alive long enough to get him to the altar.

If you love palace intrigue, enemies-to-lovers stories, and anti-heroes, or you've been sorted into Slytherin, this is the book for you!

THE SHADOWS BETWEEN US is the highly devourable YA fantasy I have been searching for! This is an enthralling story with fantastic character building that will keep you up at night saying "just one more chapter." Alessandra is a second daughter in a kingdom where women have little rights- and thus little value except for their potential bride price. She was sheltered, as is essentially legally mandated, since she cannot go in public until her older sister is wed.

Alessandra found out the hard way that love is tough, when the boy she gave her heart and body to unceremoniously dumped her for someone else. Alessandra learned to harden her heart, became sexually empowered, and now has a new goal- ruling the kingdom and creating her own rules. As such, she sets out to marry (and, soon after, kill) the Shadow King, so called for the shadows that swirl around him and give him some kind of magical ability.

However, the Shadow King is disinterested in the women who are frequently paraded in front of him. Alessandra knows how to get a man's attention, and she begins to do just that. However, Alessandra will learn more about herself and her desires in the process, much to her surprise.

This book has the perfect amount of intrigue, twists, and surprises to keep the reader completely hooked. I absolutely devoured this delicious read, which I loved from start to finish. Alessandra is a bit of a villain whom the reader can easily get behind; she's so persuasive that it is not hard to imagine why she has so many suitors. I loved her, the plot, the world-building, and all of it.

If you are in a reading slump or just looking for a unputdownable and completely enthralling YA fantasy, this book is an excellent choice. Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys fantasy, romance, villains, and delightfully twisty plots.

Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.