I know a series is going to be good when the book doesn't end on a cliffhanger and I'm already excited for the next book. I'm really looking forward to the rest of this series!

It does take a second to figure out what is going on with the world building, but if you've read a lot of fantasy, it's not too hard to get into it. It might seem slow paced to readers who prefer fast paced stories, but after finishing the book it's obvious that the slower paced beginning of the book is essential background for the series.

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romantic fantasy books!

This book was addictive from start to finish, and I was still thinking about it each time I had to step away.

It felt fast-paced, with a lot happening and something new around every corner. It was a breeze to read through—I was surprised to reach the end of the book.

The setting was unexpected! I’m bored of the versions of medieval Britain that are usually the backdrop in fantasy novels, so to read about swamps and gators was a pleasant surprise. It was also a unique magic system, unlike anything else I’ve read.

There were so many mythological creatures popping up, but it didn’t feel overdone, it just kept surprising me as I read it.

The characters are flawed, in the best way. Everly, the FMC, is interesting, sometimes frustrating, sometimes relatable. The MMc, Silas, has shadow hands, and if that’s what you’re into, you’re going to love this. The tension between the Everly and her love interest was perfectly done. At no point did I know how they were going to end up.

The cast of characters was lovable and interesting—I was left wanting to know more about basically everyone, and I will, without doubt, need to read whatever comes next in this story.

It was an unexpected, exciting read, with all kinds of magical elements, spice, and tension. Although it had themes of grief and some darker elements, it still felt light. A lot of fun to read.

I was hooked! This is an incredible romantasy filled with action, forbidden magic, gripping storyline, and romance. How the main characters hate each other but also want each other. Oof, that sexual tension was the best!

I wish I could read this book in one sitting, but life got in the way. This story is so well-thought and never a dull moment.

Every single character in this book was amazing. I loved the character development of the FMC throughout the story. I loved watching her grow to a fierce, sassy young witch. And of course, the grumpy but attractive shadow summoner was outstanding! *adding to my list of bookish boyfriends*

I sat on the edge of my seat the entire time. The action and suspense were splendid. The world-building was exquisite. When I was on the last page, I thought no, this can't be the end. I'm so looking forward to the next book!

Thank you, @netgalley, for the ARC!

Wow what an unforgettable ride. This book had me hooked from the first page. The way the author created a new and inventive magic system had me loving every second. Then the tension from our enemies to lovers was exquisite. If your looking for a feisty fmc and a shadow daddy that has the attitude of touch her and you die then this book is right up your ally.


Thanks to J. Ember Hintz and NetGalley for the free ARC for my honest review of this book!

I loved this book! It was a 5 star read from the beginning. The first chapter had me hooked. Masquerade of Bones follows Everly as she finds her self bonded to a rogue witch named Silas. She’s then forced to help him pull off an impossible heist only for it to go awry. Now, they have to salvage the situation while denying the attraction they feel for each other.

There were many wonderful aspects to this book. First, the tension between Silas and Everly was palpable. The spice was well done. The batter was witty and fun. There was hardly a dull moment and the book is action packed. I loved all the magical creatures we were introduced to and felt the world came alive on the page. I cannot express how much I wanted to know the next portion of the story. I am in desperate need of book 2.

Overall, this book has heists, magic, magical beats, tension and fated mates. It’s a perfect romantasy to allow your imagination to run wild. I cannot wait for the sequel.

Thank you to NetGalley and Specter publishing for the chance to read an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I can’t even begin to describe how much I loved this story, the romance was everything. I want more. I haven’t read much with witches before and this was honestly a perfect way to start. Silas and Everly were literally made for each other. The mission was cool, if not a little disappointing because they never made it to the destination. I was really worried it was going to end on a massive cliff-hanger but it rounded up pretty nicely but in a way that leaves it open. I started to leave each and every one of the characters

Thanks to NetGalley for the Arc

Thanks to net galley for the opportunity to arc read this. Omg this book is everything I have been wanting to read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved the story and characters, I was not ready for it to be over. The banter between the two main characters was so great. Definitely looking forward to the next book in this world.

Masquerade of Bones had such a hold on me that I kept scrolling thinking surely I wasn't at the end of the book. The worldbuilding was epic as was the magical system characters used. Everly's character development was masterfully crafted and beautifully executed. The same can be said of Silas. I absolutely loved them so much. I also enjoyed the bit of spice there was in the book. This book also contained many of my favorite tropes, one bed/on horse, forced proximity, found family, and secret identities to name a few. Definitely a favorite and I look forward to reading the next book.

So much potential ...

I'm torn on this book. I found myself getting sucked in and I did enjoy what was there ... there just wasn't enough of it. Time and time again an event would be set up and it would seem like it was going to be high-stakes and exciting, only to then have it be over super quickly and then on to the next thing. Basically, a lot of build-up and not much pay-off.

If proper time had been given to really focus and deep dive into all the different aspects of this world, the characters, and the events, it could've been awesome.

The concept is great, the characters have a great foundation, the world is in intriguing ... it just all felt very surface-level. If this book had been twice as long as it was, I would've probably loved it. Which is why I'm torn. I wouldn't want it to be twice as long if I did like the story and characters.

Ultimately, I walked away feeling disappointed by the possibility of what this book/story could've been if everything had been a lot more developed.

If you want something light and fun and you don't care about not taking a deep dive into the characters or the events happening, then you might really enjoy this. I just personally needed more.

Wow. The more I read, the more enthralled I became with this story; the characters, the magic, the mystery of where the plot was going to take me next. It took a few chapters to understand what was going on but once I did, wow. I throughly enjoyed the magic system and how each relic appeared differently to Everly. I loved the MMC - I’m always going to love the grumpy shadow daddies! Also, the tension between Everly and Silas - I am here for it!
One aspect that I wish was different, was the ending (more specifically the last chapter). I feel as though it was rushed - like it needed 2 or 3 more chapters. I need to know WHY it took Silas over a month! Unacceptable sir.
My only regret is now I have to wait over a year for book #2.
Thank you to Netgalley, Specter Publishing, and J.Ember Hintz for the ARC and opportunity to read this early.

I started this and didn’t stop until I finished it. J. Ember Hintz KNOWS how to write a man you want to devour. The story was amazing it had action, romance, high stakes, and a FMC that is risking it all.

This is an easy 5 star and I already don’t know what I’m going to do and if anything I’m going to read past this is going to hit the same way. Obsession was written so WELL and it had me kicking my feet and feeling my own butterflies. The world building was great I felt like I could transport myself there without everything being overly wordy. The characters had me thoroughly invested in their well being and the MCs were fleshed out well.

I will be singing this books praises I left it dying for the next. I will be recommending this to everyone expeditiously. Thank you NetGalley for allowing to enjoy this ARC. I will be anxiously waiting for the next in this series and adding it to my own bookshelf when it releases!

I went in to this book with a certain Rebecca Yarros book hangover and this definitely helped me. It has a shadow daddy, blood oath that forces protection, magic, and adventure!

This book does drop you into a world where the magic system is very unique and interesting, but I do wish it would've started with a little more world building. However, the more you go on the more you are able to figure it out. I enjoyed the banter between the FMC and MMC and the journey they have to go on. I am looking forward to continuing the story when the next books come out!

I received this copy from NetGalley and J.Ember Hintz with Specter publishing

I LOVED the ending of this book. Silas gives off Daddy vibes but I don't think he's fully progressed into that role sooooo little daddy? Everly was such an intriguing fmc and I'm still so curious about her.
The plot was riveting and kept me reading into the wee hours of the night.

Uh my! Romantasy yes indeed.
This book was so tension-felt! Action, romance and magic. An fascinating world building with a interesting magic system.
The story captivating and I really liked the FMC, she was badass! We also get a Shadow-daddy and a magical bond. Oh and spice.

Read if you like:
Witches
Shadow magic
Dragons
Giants
Eminmes to lovers
Slow burn spice

Post on IG to come :)

3.75 stars

Overall I did enjoy the story, it had a really unique magic system which I loved, but I wish there would have been a little more world building. Especially in the beginning!
The romance aspect of the story was my favorite part. I loveeee a morally grey shadow daddy!

Oh wow I was so in love with this book it only took me two days to finish! The witches aspect was amazing and fun and the world building was detailed and helped bring the story to life. Talk about Shadowdady Silas.. ugh I just loved it honestly. Hoping there is more to come!

So this is what obsession feels like...

Say hello to my first 5* of 2025!

From page one, I was in love with the writing, the world, and the magic structure.

Halfway through, I didn’t want it to end, and was praying it wasn’t a stand alone.

By the last page, I wanted to obnoxiously message J.Ember Hintz, to praise her, and try to make her my new best friend! I still might!

Masquerade of Bones follows Everly, a witch in hiding who, after the loss of her parents and her broken betrothal to the Prince, is just trying to keep a roof over her and her brothers' heads. Enter Silas (He’s going on my book boyfriend list!) a witch who knows Everly's secret, and after witnessing her knack for unraveling wards, blackmails her into a blood oath, forcing her to help him and his motley crew steal a powerful relic.

I felt this story was perfectly paced. I flew through it, and was begging for more by the end. This is one of those books where there is so much material to work with that I cannot wait to see where the story goes. I’m praying to all the Gods that there is a book #2!!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and J, Ember Hintz, for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (via Netgalley)

4.5 stars

I definitely would have read this in one sitting had I not foolishly started it the night before a work day. This has so many things I love: morally grey shadow daddy, enemies to lovers, found family, an interesting magic system I hadn't seen before.

I hope there's more from this world because I'd love to see more from these characters.

To note, it does have darker elements so this may not be for everyone.

The book was kinda generic. There isn't a lot of movement with it. It really needed to move faster and have more things that added to the story overall. Fantasy has turned into a pretty generic genre and if there isn't anything to set it apart or make it good then it will get lost. Personally, I feel that this book might get lost.

The premise is strong, and the synopsis makes it sound cool, but the story did not deliver.

A book for people who cannot get enough of Sarah J Maas and Jennifer L. Armentrout.

Everly is cornered by a man who wants her and the jealousy of a man who cannot have her. As the never ending beatings of life pressure her into a situation of danger to work and deal with powers above her control and vast travels beyond her experience to save the ones she loves.

And for those that need to know before picking up this book: Yes this book cannot live without smut. Though there's build up to the actual scenes, the book wastes no time constantly making sexual comments or references and edging towards the inevitable moments.


I think my only flaw with this story is it over does a lot. It overkills on sexual comments, pet names, over describing dialogue and over indulges I telling me just how attractive Silas is. To the point where it reads awkwardly because it would constantly be shoved into the text no matter what. It’s a romantasy, people are going to imagine the character as extremely hot whether you describe it a million times or not.

Take a shot everytime I say the word “cannot” and get started on this book.