Hidden is the first in the Vampires of Marchwood series. This is a book in the YA fantasy genera. I felt like the romantic relationships and situations were appropriate for that world. It features Madison, a strong female main character and her younger brother as their lives are introduced and merged with this vampire family. I enjoyed the historical past of the vampires and how that and Madison's story were woven together to bring us to how they met and became a found family. The end was full of action and a take I haven’t seen yet in a vampire series. I enjoyed the characters and plot and definitely recommend for younger fans of fantasy. For fans of the more adult novels, it will seem juvenile. However, it is still enjoyable and an easy read.

Thank you to Shalini Boland, Second Sky, and NetGalley for a digital copy of Hidden.

Let me start by saying that I am far from the target audience for this book which is aimed at the lower end of the YA range. I had a few eye rolling moments but on the whole enjoyed it. As often happens for me with dual timeline books, I enjoyed the historical time line more. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.

Vampire Romance? Yes, please!

This book had me on the edge of my seat from the beginning up until 50% mark. Before the halfway mark the story was intriguing and pulled the readers into the story. Now after the halfway mark the story finally started merging the past and the present. This is where the main female character Madison and the main male character Alexandre meet. Once they start hanging out, their relationship buds really fast and is honestly boring. Now the end of the book speeds up again as Alex is trying to revive his family but I was somewhat disinterested by then. However, the epilogue may have intrigued me enough to pick up the second book.

Thank you NetGalley and the Publishers for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

All bite and very little bark.

You think that would be a good thing with vampires but I like a little more then just the bite. This book felt a little surface level for me and didn't keep me 100% entertained the whole time. I had to structure out time to make myself read it. It may not be for me but it may be fore you.

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy of hidden. this was part of a romance and fantasy trilogy that was fantastic. I always enjoy a fantasy book with romance in it and this was a good trilogy to read.

I really really wanted to like this but unfortunately Hidden fell flat for me. It was like three different stories were smooshed together and it did not flow. The first half of the book was Maddy in the present day with alternating chapters with Alex 100 years ago. And then it switched to an instalove romance story between the two in the vein of Twilight (super awkward, not gonna lie- she was literally in love with what she thought was a carved marble statue. If that is not a cry for help, then I do not know what is). And then it turned into like a secret mission with hijinks and betrayals, and really it did not fit the other two sections of the book.

Yes I know this is book 1 in a series, but the VERY slow development of the world was too much for me and I will not be continuing. I was expecting a vampire paranormal romance and no vampires showed up until at least half way and then it was all love. The story was not even a little bit cohesive, and near the end the perspective jumped around between the two main characters in the middle of paragraphs so it was hard to keep track of what was going on. And I didn't like the characters, so there is that too. To be honest, 3 stars is me being incredibly generous.

Also, maybe this is too adult of me and any teens would not care, but is Maddy not going to finish high school?? It seems like an important thing to conclude, but she just floats along and nobody seems to care (except for me, I care too much apparently).

On the positive side, this was the most unique version of vampires I have read in a while so I appreciate that detail and how Alex came to be a vampire was different too (just so bloody boring to get to that point it was hard to stay invested).

I chose this a while ago because I liked the striking cover illustration and it suited my reading mood at the time.

This was a vampire romance novel, and the first of a series. I expected the writing to have a dark tone, but it was much lighter than I was expecting, and the characters were a lot of fun. There were also two narratives - one in the present and one in the 1800s, which made it an interesting read?

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.

I generally really enjoyed this book. It was a bit sluggish to begin with and seemed to drag a bit, but once it got going I was drawn in and couldn't put it down. Would definitely recommend.

Madison Greene and her brother Ben inherit the Marchwood house and a hefty fortune to go along with it. Hidden is the first book by Shalini Boland and and it lays the groundwork for the rest of the series.

In Hidden, the storyline jumps between 19th century Paris and present day. I really liked the expedition portions with Alexandre Chevalier and the rest of the family on the hunt for a lost city. What they find is more than they bargain for. The scenes are descriptive and vivid.

Present day, Madison has had to grow up too quickly. Her protective nature over her brother is so endearing. She does have a naivety to her that hides behind her anger. I liked the combination of character growth she shows and watching the connection between her and Alexandre grow as he acclimates to a new era. It grew a little too quickly and clingy at times but it's also not the overall focal point and I like that.

This is where the action comes in. When Alexandre learns of a way to help his family, all revelations come to a head.  Fast paced ending that had me flipping kindle pages like a maniac. I like the eluded to cliffhanger too.

This series is perfect for fans of K.F. Breene, Sarah J. Maas and Tracy Wolff! You'll want to sink your teeth into these. True rating 3.5/5.

I recieved an advanced copy from the publisher via Netgalley for an honest review.

When this novel started out I absolutely preferred reading the stuff from 1881 over the modern day, it just seemed more interesting. The one HUGE negative I have with this novel is it was like 50% if not more through when we FINALLY got introduced to any vampires at all. What happened with the vampires and their statue like state was never fully fleshed out either. Then we have the Maddy/Ben storyline that I was just annoyed with for a lot of the novel. Why is she NOT finishing school? Why is she allowed to be 16, almost 17, and just be allowed to not continue school? Great example there big sister. A great deal of this novel was frustrating and the main characters were not really likable. Then when their stories are brought together the chapters were a bit confusing with switching points of view. However, the insta-love/OBSESSION was a bit too much. I get it, she is trying to emulate Twilight true love stuff, and I do love my Twilight series! That is not what happened here, rather, Maddy was so in love with a statue (weird) then instantly in love after he awoke but it felt like more instantly obsessed for no real reason. It just was hard to believe. The ending wasn't bad, sort of happily ever after....for now. I think I may pick up the next novel in this series, but I am not itching to read it right away.

I actually (and this happens very rarely) couldn't finish this book, as I found it very annoying. Specifically the colloquial language, particularly irritating if you're from the UK. I wish I had a better way of saying this, but I just didn’t enjoy it - not for me! (Maybe for a younger audience?)

So good! I ate this up! I loved the mc! She was awesome! The story was really good! I definitely want to read more by this author.

NetGalley ARC Educator 550974


A quick, slow burning romance. Features Madison and her brother, Ben. Raised in foster care and suddenly on Maddie's 17th birthday, they discover they have inherited millions of dollars and a massive estate. This is the first book of the series. It tells Alexander's story along with Madison's through time jumps, do pay attention to the chapter headings.

Thanks to the Publisher and NetGalley for providing me with this eARC. I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved the setting in the past and the present. Especially the past spoke to me, speaking as a future archaeologist. I can recommend this story.

This was a little gem of a book! I love it when you pick up a book and get absorbed in it way more than you ever expected. As someone who isn't generally a fan of YA Vampire books I was really hooked on this one!

Madison is in foster care with her little brother, suspended from school and on a threat of being split up from her beloved brother, things aren't looking great for Maddy.

Alexandre is a socialite who seeks adventure in 1881 Paris, where his rash actions inadvertently sends his family on an archaeological dig in Turkey where they discover why the hidden city they seek has been buried for centuries. When Maddy is hunted down by a solicitor and presented with a surprise opportunity, the future changes for both of them.

Although this is your typical YA paranormal romance, there's something refreshing about the plot and characters that kept me hooked and turning the pages. Maddy felt like a real teenager and I think I enjoyed the novel taking place in the UK. Alexandre is sweet and kind, though rash and with a touch of arrogance. They had a cute little romance going. This is a fantastic first book in the series and I'm ready to dive into the second book and find out what happens.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc in return for an honest review.

This was a slow burn vampire story with a bit of romance thrown in. For the first half, it was dual timelines with such different stories it would take me a minute to get back into the other timeline while reading. The first half had me setting it down and wandering off. The second half picked up the pace and held my attention much better. It does end with a lead in to the second book of the series, and it peaked my attention.

Madison is tired of all the foster homes her and her brother have suffered through. And when a mysterious man tracks her down, it turns out she and her brother are the last of a surviving line. Her great (x a lot) grandpa has a manor and a inheritance, but she will have to live at the manor in the country to inherit it. Is it worth moving to where no one knows her? And is there something off about the house, or is it just

I really enjoyed the dual timeline and I liked the historical bits. A great first book of the series, I look forward to finding out more about some of the older characters in the rest of the series.
I do like a good vampire book and would recommend if you enjoyed Twilight.

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley and the publisher for review. Thank you. All thoughts are my own.*

I went into Hidden not knowing much, other than it’s a vampire romance. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it! It’s perfect for fans of Twilight, Vampire Academy or The Vampire Diaries. This is the first book in a trilogy, and I need to read the rest of the series to find out what happens next. I enjoyed reading the two different POVs and timelines, just felt that the pace was slow at certain points.

Seventeen-year-old Madison Greene and her twelve-year-old brother Ben have been in and out of foster homes ever since their mother passed away. One day her fortunes change, when a solicitor tracks her down and explains that they have inherited a mansion and a fortune from one of her mother’s long deceased relatives. Maddie soon finds out that the house holds a secret, that has long been buried.

Alexandre Chevalier is a young, handsome man living in 19th century Paris. He sets out on an archeological adventure with his parents and siblings and some close family friends. They go on a dig in ancient Cappadocia and discover an underground city that changes their lives forever.

Madison and Alexandre find each other and fall in love in the present day, but things are more complicated than the two of them could ever imagine.

I definitely recommend this one to anyone that’s a YA fan, likes vampires, and a sassy protagonist! I plan on picking up book two asap!

The book initially made me feel so nostalgic for some reason.
Maddison and Ben are my babies like they didn’t deserve that life. I’m so happy they got the family they deserved in the end like my precious beans.

Trevor and Angie were such terrible people, was so glad to be rid of them

The quickness in which they got together gave me whiplash 😭😭 like where did that come from. They were cute I guess… but I would’ve liked a lil more depth with their relationship it literally felt like he was awake 2 seconds and suddenly they were in love. Be so serious

Cant believe I ever liked that nasty lawyer. Like oh my god.

Morris and Esther MI GENTE 🤭🤭🤭
The gang being back together 🥺🥺 like my heart is full and I can’t wait to read the other books

I absolutely love the cover and the blurb drew me in.
Although I found the story a little slow and young it was still an enjoyable read.

Thank you to netgalley, the publishers and the author for letting me read this novel