Roaring was a fun, whirlwind adventure that follows Eris, a siren and the mysterious federal agent, Colt, sent to bring her in. Set on the east coast in the 1920s, this book is full of speakeasy parties, gorgeous flapper dresses, and mobsters on after one thing, the siren’s power.
This book was a really fun read. I read Lindsey Duga’s Kiss of the Royal back when it came out and I flew through that story just as quickly as I flew through this one. There is something about the way she tells her stories that make them so easy to read. Roaring was well paced and not full of unnecessary plot points that muddled the main goal for the characters.
Eris is the sweetest and most caring character I think I’ve ever read about in a book set in the 1920s. She doesn’t fit into the flapper box that you normally see characterized in book’s set in this period. She longs for something besides the big city life. She just wants to go somewhere where she can live her life in peace and be as domestic as possible even though that’s not really the trend among women in that time.
Colt has a lot of childhood trauma that he needs to work through and he kind of starts dealing with it throughout the book. I have a love hate relationship with the self loathing male character trope most of the time. It can get kind of old after the first “I could hurt you” meltdown when something bad happens to the other main character. But I think it was subtle enough in this book that it didn’t bother me that much.
This is kind of a G-Rated enemies-to-lovers story. I say G-Rated because Eris is too much of a nice person to really be enemies with anyone. But Eris and Colt definitely start out on the opposite sides of a conflict throughout the beginning of the story.
I wasn’t a huge fan of the insta love which was definitely prominent in this book. I kind of sort of get it on Eris’s part, she has been kept away from people her entire life and hasn’t talked in fear of using her siren powers on people. I think I would also fall in love with the first man I had the chance to form a real personal connection with. I think it would have been better for me if the timeline had been more than two weeks.
That being said. Watch out for the scene in the church courtyard. So steamy. So clandestine. The whole scene just totally sent me off the deep end and had me writhing in my seat. Probably my favorite scene in the whole book. *chef’s kiss.*
All in all, I really enjoyed this book for what it was. It wasn’t a revolutionary, life changing love story. It was simple and quick, which are two things I love when it comes to books that focus heavily on romance. There was enough conflict for there to be high stakes which kept the story interesting. I think there are quite a few people out there that will really enjoy this book, so definitely check it out!

This book was amazing and I am so honored to have had an ARC for it. Five stars all the way through!

What a unique plot! A monster hunter, rounding up fabled creatures for the US government in the exciting era of the 1920's! I really appreciate that the author not only used real slang from the era but she made it fun and fresh. Her descriptions were great and

Eris is a siren, she can control people by using her voice. She sings but doesn't speak. And for a good reason.

Colt, is a smooth, 1920's BOI agent who enchants the siren in order to wisk her away so the government can control her rare ability. At least that's what he had planned.

The beginning jumps right into the story. It was a bit hard to get connected and figure out what was going on and get a good sense of who the character that we were following, is. However it quickly picks up and flows nicely as the story goes on. I enjoyed the turns and twists of this story as the two have to work together. Definitely worth reading!

Roaring is a young adult paranormal romance set in 1920s America by author Lindsey Duga. Lindsey has written one of my all time favorite young adult standalone fantasy romance- Kiss of the Royal, so when I saw she had a new romance coming out featuring mythical creatures, I was so in! And I am so glad that I picked up Roaring, because this book was AWESOME! It has a really unique premise, wonderful kick butt characters, and a sizzlingly sweet romance that will make you swoon time and time again. I highly recommend this book to fans of fantasy and paranormal romances. Roaring is one of my favorite reads of 2020!

In Roaring we meet our two main characters, Eris and Colt. The book is told in dual narrative between the two of them, and I really loved that because it allowed me to not only get to know them but it also allowed me to get a sneak peek into their motivations and driving forces. Eris is possibly the last known Siren on earth, and though she doesn't quite know what that is, she does know that she is in hiding and that when she uses her voice, she can make people do things. So Eris doesn't talk. Think about that for a minute...she never talks. How lonely that must be for her. I felt all of those things when I met her because Lindsey Duga is a master character crafter and story teller. Her characters seem to come to life before my eyes as I am reading. I can feel their emotions like they are a tangible thing.

Our other main character is Colt, who is an agent for a government agency who tracks down monsters (or creatures). When he is sent to track down the last known Siren he expects a cruel and very dangerous monster. When he meets Eris he isn't sure what to think. What follows is a really fantastic adventure with plenty of secrets to unfold and romance to witness. I love Colt and Eris. They are both such strong characters. Eris is strong with her fierce bravery and Colt is strong psychically but also mentally, because he is not afraid to think for himself. The 1920s setting was the perfect backdrop for the story with themes of smuggling present. (but smuggling with a twist.)

Roaring is a wonderful paranormal with a super strong romance woven in. I was rooting so hard for Eris and Colt, and I think you will too! If you are a fan of magical creatures, then I think you will love to meet all of the creatures (or monsters) present in Roaring. Lindsey Duga does a great job setting the stage for a story that is as enchanting as Eris' voice. I loved Roaring!

Eris is a singer who doesn't speak because it's dangerous, Colt is an agent of the Bureau, the division that hunts monsters and is after her, because apparently she is the lost siren. And he is the only one who can resist her power.

With a noir 'ambience' to it that makes you feel like you're in the 1920s (1929 Boston to be exact), it starts quietly then "boom" it's crazy with fast paced action and people on the run. Full of intrigue for the Bureau and what they want from her, why Colt can withstand her voice, and where Eris came from.

Esoteric, intimate POVs that go back and forth between protagonists, but never gets tiresome or cuts into the flow of the story. In actuality it rounds out the narrative quite nicely, giving you the 'whole picture'. The narrative is full of lively, vivid descriptions and the mythology quite inventive. There is an intelligence to how Eris uses her powers, an intelligence in how Colt acts and interacts. Dripping with danger, betrayal and monstrous (pun intended) plans.

I love it when the leads 'have' to be enemies, without really wanting to be, while in the meantime circumstances make them team up. I love these characters. Eris who is inherently kind, good and way braver than she thinks. Colt, who has a moral compass despite what he's been taught, tormented and oh so charming.

Key themes are the subjects of free will and the manipulation of power. A condemnation of prejudice to anything different, using the monsters as the 'victims'. A story about forgiveness, second chances, the desire to do good and what is right.

Come for the monsters and the air of conspiracy. Stay for the amazing characters, action and unexpectedly adorable romance.

3.5 stars

Thank you #NetGally and Entangled Publishing for the ARC.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

English: From my own point of view I think this book is not for me. I do not think there is anything wrong with the book itself, but I did not get to connect with the characters at all and, to be honest, because it is a YA book, it was not read quickly because it contains many descriptions.
I loved the premise of being located in 1920, the 2 points of view, the glossary at the beginning is a very good extra and the including mythological creatures were the best of the book.
I think I would recommend it to young readers who are interested in the points I mentioned earlier with a bit of "forbidden romance" ...
PS: the cover seems beautiful to me!


Spanish: Desde mi propio punto vista creo que este libro no es para mí. No creo que haya nada malo con el libro en sí, sino que no llegué a conectar con los personajes del todo y, para ser honesta, por ser un libro YA no se me hizo una lectura rápida ya que contiene muchas descripciones.
Me encantó la premisa de estar situado en 1920, que tenga 2 puntos de vista, el glosario al principio es un muy buen extra y el incluir criaturas mitológicas fueron lo mejor del libro.
Creo que lo recomendaría a jóvenes lectores que esten interesados en los puntos que mencione antes con un poco de "romance prohibido"...
PD: la portada me parece preciosa!

Thank you to Entangled Teen for providing me with an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

(As spoiler free as humanly possible)

Concept: I loved the concept of integrating the roaring 20s known for speakeasies and mobsters with mythology and monsters. A young agent from the BOI (Bureau of Investigation) is sent to capture a siren. The novel has an air of mystery and suspense tangled up with all sorts of monsters and mythological creatures. The story is told from multiple points of view. Each chapter is titled after the point of view, not by name but by role in the story.

Mythology: I like the incorporation of sirens in this world and the twist Duga puts on their abilities, like the ability to not only control people, but objects as well.

World building: The book opens with a glossary of 20s terms. I honestly had fun reading through each definition, it was a good initial impression of the world we are about to enter.
Duga’s world building really draws you into the story. From mobsters to gunfights to romance and the use of 20s slang you are completely immersed into Colt and Eris’s world.
Roaring is a standalone book and only around 300 pages, but it doesn’t feel fast paced.

Reread?: Roaring was a short and easy read. I personally enjoyed the author’s style and descriptive language. My eyes were glued to the page and I couldn’t put it down. I would definitely read it over again.

I highly recommend reading while listening to Spotify’s 1920s Instrumental playlist!

(Also that gorgeous cover!!!)

*Update*: Roaring is now one of my favorite books, I love it so much.

Available August 3, 2020

This book was everything I didn’t know I needed! I loved it so much and wish there was more! This book has 2 POV’s, The Siren and The Agent and the author weaves this story together beautifully. I loved all the details about the 1920’s and the cities they travel to. I haven’t picked up a fantasy book in quite awhile and I’m so glad I read this one! Only thing I would change was to have more of a slow burn between the two main characters.

Eris is a siren in hiding. She has a long, dark past and it’s safer for her, and anyone who might hear her voice, for her to stay silent.
Colt (great name!) is a BOI agent who hunts not only gangsters but monsters too.
Monsters have been created for years by unethical means of attaching monster parts (claws, wings, scales etc) to a human. Usually a non-suspecting orphan child. Eris is a monster and Colt is out to end monsters, even if he might be one himself.
Eris and Colt go on one adventure after another. It’s set in the 1920’s so bootlegging and flappers are in full swing. I wish the story would’ve had more on the era but it was still a fun read. It was unique and kept my interest throughout. Colt is lovable from the start with his flawed way of thinking and mysterious character. I would’ve also loved a side story or flashback of Colt to learn more about him. This is a stand-alone and the ending was done very well. I would’ve read book 2 if it was a series. And can we talk about that cover? Gah, it’s beautiful! But is it supposed to be a certain character? I’m still not sure!

I really wasn't sure if I was going to like this book but I was pleasantly surprised! It was a quick read and held my attention. I really enjoyed the main characters throughout the book even when I was frustrated by the plot. I am notorious for skim reading just to find out the ending. This really was a great book!

I want to share the first thing I appreciated about the novel is there’s a unique and super helpful glossary of words at the beginning of the novel. It really sets the tone for the story. set in the 1920’s (*ahem* the ROARING twenties). 😜 And the cover is GORGEOUS! Looks like it won’t be printed, and only sold digitally, so I can only imagine how beautiful the cover of the physical book would look like.😍

The novel is written in first person, which I love! AND also written in different points of views! YES extra points, my favorite type of narration.

The story itself is full of amazing detail, and world building. HOWEVER I didn’t connect with the characters the way I was hoping for, I think especially since the novel is written in first person, which usually gives the reader the perspective of the character. I get attached quickly, and I think in this case there was too much going on.

I enjoyed the detail, but it felt a little unbalanced with how little we got to know the characters.

It’s a fantasy filled with all your favorite monsters, and mythical creatures,

It’s definitely worth a cozy night in to read, I recommend it to anyone who loves fantasy novels, and a touch of mythology, a whole lot of it!😁

I really enjoyed this one. It was full of amazing Characters and world building.
I want to thank netgalley for giving me an e arc to read and review.

Eris has always been told by the woman who raised her never to use her voice. She knows what happens when she does – people are compelled to do what she says, no matter what the consequences are. Working at a speakeasy as a singer and barmaid, everyone knows Eris sings but doesn’t speak. Until one night when she finds herself in a position where she can’t help it.

Colt is a monster hunter and has been handed the job of tracking down the only Siren in the world, after another agent is sure he spotted her in a bar. What Colt originally sees as a simple straightforward mission, becomes anything but when he meets the Siren.

Roaring is set in the 1920’s, with the slang and lingo to match (thank you to the author for the glossary of terms at the front of the book. I knew some of the lingo, but not all and it was really helpful!). I loved the way those distinct terms were used, it really drew me in to the flapper era and set the scene. I wasn’t sure how a Siren story would work without the typical ocean setting, having the Siren living amongst monsters and mobsters instead, but it absolutely did! Told in alternating points of view, between Eris and Colt, this story was so much fun. The idea of humans being ‘spliced’ for want of a better word, with mythological creature parts was so interesting and unique and had me captivated the whole way through. The characters well well rounded, the scene descriptions were fantastic and the story was highly entertaining.

I get the feeling this is going to be one of those books that will miss out on the hype it deserves, so if you’re a fan of the Monsters of Verity series or urban magical realism, I’d absolutely recommend getting your hands on a copy of Roaring!

ROARING takes place in the 1920s- with a twist. Monsters, sirens, minotaurs, basilisks, and more, exist, and they are woven with the mobster scenes. The book alternates perspectives between The Singer (Eris) and The Agent (Colt). Eris knows that she is different, and this is why she does not speak except to occasionally sing at the speakeasy where she works. When a man she cares about steps up to protect her from some Harvard boys that feel entitled to her body, she uses her voice to save him.

In doing so, she sets off a chain of events that reveal a larger plot. Colt works for the Bureau of Investigation (BOI) that hunts down dangerous monsters- and they are definitely interested in stopping the last siren. When they think that they may have found her, Colt, who is immune to a siren's voice, is sent to get her.

What I loved: The time is well built including slang of the 1920s, and the world building around the monsters is really interesting and adds an unique new twist on the historical fantasy plot. The book moves quickly with a lot of action as the events spiral once Eris begins to learn about who she is.

What left me wanting more: There's some heavy instalove here, and a lot of dangerous scenes with back-and-forth saving that move a little too fast for my taste. I would have liked to slow it down and get a slower taste for what is going on and who Eris and Colt are.

Final verdict: ROARING would be great for people who like historical fantasy with fast-paced plots full of action.

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

This was a roaring good time! I absolutely loved this story! The romance, the adventure, and the action! It has so much and is told so beautifully. This was an absolute great thrilling read! The chemistry between the two characters was amazing and I loved that you got to read both their POVs. The world building was good and the plot was great and fast paced! Seriously such a great time. I don’t think I can stop smiling after finishing this fun book. It mixes monsters with monsters and holy heck was it such a fun combination! The characters growth in the story is well rounded and the end wraps up really well. Please go check out this sweet and thrilling romance read!

A really fun, thrilling, exciting and interesting read. I had an enjoyable time reading this and it held my attention the entire way through that I finished it within the day!

I wanted this book to totally grip me. I assumed it would because of the synopsis. And, while it was in no way a bad or unreadable book, I just didn't feel the pull towards the characters or the story.

Eris is a siren. Colt is an investigator who hunts down monsters... He is immune to Eris's ability and when he goes into the smoky club she works at to take her down, he assumes that she is just another monster. Soon, he learns that she is just a girl with a powerful ability that she takes no joy in using (unless of course it is to make abusive men stop hitting their wives). Along with getting to know her better, the two find it very hard to fight the physical attraction. Soon, he is only wanting to protect the girl. In their travels, they uncover a twisted plot involving a vampire and her experiments on children, among fighting off a cast of other supernatural creatures.

This was fun, but it just didn't wow me.

“Colt Clemmons is an agent in a specialized division within the Bureau of Investigation—one that hunts down not just mobsters, but also monsters.

For reasons that are kept top secret, Colt is the only person who can resist a siren's voice. But he's never had a chance to test this ability. The last siren left in the world mysteriously disappeared years ago.

Then one night, with a single word, she reveals herself. It seems too good to be true.

And it is. Because nothing about this siren—her past, her powers, or her purpose—is what it seems...”

Captivating is the word that keeps coming to mind when I think of Roaring by Lindsey Duga. Honestly, everything about this book captivated me from the very beginning.

Roaring is set in the Roaring 20’s, which just happens to be my favorite decade to read about in historical fiction. Add in mythological creatures and mob bosses, well I was hooked from the start.

“Sin replacing virtue. Lust replacing chastity. And if this made us sinners, I wouldn’t walk through the gates of hell—I’d run through them.”

Quotes like this had me dying for more. Eris and Colt were brilliant MCs. I couldn’t get enough of their chemistry. I adored all of the characters, even the supporting characters were interesting!

The plot was intriguing and such a refreshing difference from the norm that the YA genre has found itself in. I genuinely loved every second of this book. I look forward to reading more from Lindsey Duga.

I give Roaring by Lindsey Duga 5 stars!

All of my thanks to Netgalley and Entangled Teen for allowing me to review this arc in exchange of an honest review.

One really fascinating tale set in the 20s. The book begins with a glossary to help the reader. Eris is a mute by choice and safety. Using her voice can destroy and save. Colt works for an elusive monster fighting agency. When they meet, they each have to change their way of thinking and how they see themselves. Not your typical romance nor adventure but it is an excellent read.

I received an ARC of ROARING by Lindsey Duga through NetGalley. Eris’ story of being a siren in the 1920s is captivating. Her struggle between doing what she can to protect herself or protect others is a powerful character arc.

Eris was taken from an orphanage to be turned into a monster (the last siren) then kidnapped by the person, who would then raise her, to ensure the safety of everyone that could hear the siren’s voice. But when an incident occurs that forces her hand, her peaceful (although isolating) world is shattered. She is abducted by Colt who has the mind boggling ability to not be effected by her voice.

Colt is an agent of the Bureau of Investigation that hunts down monsters to protect civilians. But Eris quickly realizes there is something off about him.

Eris and Colt’s story is told in alternating POV format. The ending of every chapter causes you to want more. Beautifully written with so many vital decisions to be made it is a must read!

ROARING is a mixture of Not Even Bones and Bonnie and Clyde set in the 1920s with main characters that exude goodness.