OMG OMG OMG
I wish I could read this again for the first time!
What a book.
I wasn’t expecting how much I was going to care about these characters. Two days after I’ve finished it, I’m still thinking about it!

Alessandra is ambitious, commanding and cunning. I loved being inside her head. She is so so strong and sometimes wrong, and always entertaining. I like a heroine that is all shades of gray, that sees what she wants and goes for it. Her character development flows naturally. She’s not a good person and doesn’t do good things, well, mostly. And that’s how I like her. With a bite.

The Shadow King is the perfect mate for her, even though she plans on killing him. He is ruthless and a bit misunderstood. When one pulls, the other pushes and vice versa. Don’t you hope she figures out she likes him before she kills him?


The plot is so fast and the writing is solid. There’s lots of fun twists and unforeseen turns, and some romance too. I really love how he accepts her for who she is and doesn’t try to change her, and she him. There’s this inner thread between them that draws them together, they understand each other on a different level that others don’t. I see how their mutual respect and admiration for each other, especially their flaws, strengthen their relationship. I love seeing this play out as the story moved along. It was clear together, they would be a formidable couple.
If only she could you know, not kill him.

Personally this book speaks to me deeply. My husband and I just get each other in a way others don’t, on some deeper level that can’t be expressed.

Overall, this book was so much fun. I couldn’t put it down. I’ve already re-read my favorite passages and I’m looking forward to re-reading the whole book during the summer. What a way to start 2020!

I'm going to start off with the fact that morally gray characters are my favorite type of characters. When starting this book, I was excited for just that. However, it was this very reason that I struggled with this book. I wanted there to be a back story as to why Alessandra was this heartless, power-hungry villain. She definitely comes off spoiled and mean. I almost gave up, I disliked her so much. She redeemed herself in her witty banter, confidence in her sexuality, and character growth. I enjoyed the court intrigue and the other characters and would have liked more from the shadow king. Actual rating 2.5

Main characters were strong and had growth throughout the book. A lot of this book was predictable and slightly overdone, yet there was a charm to the author's writing that was enjoyable. Not a favorite, but enjoyable and a decent read. The setting was nice, the wording wasn't overdone, and the characters kept your attention. Overall, a nice read to start the year. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!

I have never heard of an affliction like the Shadow King. I have never loved a heroine like Alessandra. She starts off so cocky and knows just what she wants to happen. I was torn in the beginning whether I should love her or be disgusted by her. The girl power she exudes is so amazing and how she breaks barriers is admirable.

The premise of this novel is that Alessandra is the second daughter of a Lord and no one expects much from her. After her sister goes to court and tries to win the Shadow King's eye and fails, Alessandra is ready to take her turn and she take the court by storm.

Her plan is simple, she'll tell you, its easy as pie: Make the King fall in love, marry the king, kill him and take the throne for herself.

Now, I was confused by this set up at first. I thought maybe the king was evil, so we wouldn't feel bad if she wanted to off him. Not the case at all. He is a cinnamon bun who just wants to find out who killed his parents and avenge them. He is paranoid, but he is smart, dashing, and oh-so appealing to Alessandra. Their chemistry was off the charts.

Of course there are some twists and turns, but at the end of the day, this is a romance. The focus is Alessandra and King Kalias having the longest slow burn ever and what starts as a "fake dating" took my on a journey that I never expected.

I gave it 5/5 stars. Tricia Levenseller had me hooked from the first page. Alessandra is empowered, she does what she pleases with her life, her clothing, and her body. She is so much fun. And the Shadow King's powers were so cool and they have a cost that was very clever. I really enjoyed it.

My copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to the the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review it.

This book was charming and cheeky, wonderfully romantic and wicked, and just plain FUN. It was well written, fast paced and had the most delightful characters. I was sorry to see it end.

This book is wonderful! So very well done! I adored so much about it. I don’t think I can accurately describe my current feelings. I especially adored the characters, and how well done all of them were! And the TWISTS! I can’t even. It’s perfect for anyone that wants to read something with a main character who breaks the mold, and knows what she wants. Highly recommended.

I absolutely loved this book. The opening line caught me right away and I couldn’t put it down. I loved Alessandra and Kallias. I loved the story! Murder. Mystery. Action. Adventure. Romance. This book has it all and then some!

Title: The Shadows Between Us
Author: Tricia Levenseller
Release date: 02.25.2020
Review date: 12.23.2019

I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Alessandra is tired of being overlooked, but she has a plan to gain power:
1) Woo the Shadow King.
2) Marry him.
3) Kill him and take his kingdom for herself.

Where to begin? I'm sitting here struggling because I have no idea what to say about this one. I have read the author's other books and enjoyed them so I was very excited to read this angsty description of this one and immediately put it on my most anticipated of 2020 list. Receiving a ARC of this and being able to read it in a different calendar year than it's release was amazing. Being able to put it on my Top Ten of the year was even better.
I don't know what to say outside of I loved it. I would have liked a little more world-building and angst but other than that I enjoyed this one. Alessandra was a very different character than I am used to. I would have liked a little more from the Shadow King. I didn't see the big reveal coming ahead of time which is always nice. I really enjoyed the side characters of her best friends as well. I really like Levenseller's writing and will continue to read everything she releases.

Hello and good evening- I'm here to tell you to IMMEDIATELY put this on your pre-order list. Like, as soon as you finish reading this review, head on over to your favorite book store's website or local indie book store and pre-order. this. book. right. now.

If you've been following me, you'll know that Levenseller is one of my auto-buy authors. If she came out and said she was going to publish a book on how to properly vacuum your house, I would probably still pre-order it. This book was EXCEPTIONAL.

The more Levenseller writes, the more talented she becomes. It's just that simple. Warrior of the Wild was my favorite novel of hers as of this year, but Shadow Between Us just knocked it completely out of the water. This is my new favorite Levenseller book by a long shot. I'm going to be screaming about this book for the entirety of 2020 so hold on tight folks.

First of all, the first line of the novel grabs your eyes and forces you to read the rest. The plot is so well thought-out and kept me entranced throughout my entire read. I screamed, I laughed out loud, I got anxiety, and that is DEFINITELY 5-star worthy. You think it's going to end one way, but then ends a completely different way. All of the characters were well thought out and have a crisp chemistry to each other. Nothing is awkward, and everything flows smoothly.

I love how Alessandra is so non-bullshit. She knows what the hell she wants and she won't let ANYONE get in her way, she's outspoken, and had strong opinions. I also really love that this novel is incredibly sex-positive (in a tasetful way that's teen appropriate) and has LGBTQ representation that (much like WARRIOR) is done in a way that doesn't make it a big deal which I always appreciate it. I really do dislike books that add LGBTQ representation just to say that it's inclusive, but ends up being awkward and unrealistic. Levenseller knows how to avoid this and that is one of the main reasons I love her books so much.

Well, I am definitely looking forward to her next few books which were just announced (THE SECRET BLADE, a blacksmith with social anxiety??? Count me in!). I will pre-order them as soon as I am able, and I definitely recommend you put Shadows Between Us on your TBR when it releases on February 25th. BUY BUY BUY THIS BOOK.

I can not thank Macmillan & Netgalley for this review copy enough, I was SO PLEASED to see that I had been approved. A million thank yous!

(Review on blog scheduled for January 25th)

Loved this story and characters but it's really just a straight up romance novel, which is not a criticism - I love a romance from time to time! When I started the book I was curious to see how Levenseller was going to make this murderous character likeable. I knew it had to happen or else the story would be flat, but it seemed like a daunting challenge to set for yourself. Alessandra's cunning is what hooked me and I was turning pages especially fast after she said she had a plan to rid her friend of his fiance while also getting her blackmailer off her back. The sex/foreplay scenes were too much for me to have this in my middle school library but they were just the right amount of teasing for an older reader. Also, the descriptions of her outfits are sumptuous!

First line: They’ve never found the body of the first and only boy who broke my heart.

Summary: Alessandra is the youngest daughter of an earl. She has spent her life sequestered from the world until her sister marries but she has a plan to gain ultimate power for herself. First she is going to get the attention of the Shadow King. Second she will make him fall in love with her and marry her. And finally she is going to kill the king and take over his kingdom.

My Thoughts: Ever since reading Tricia Levenseller’s first book, Daughter of the Pirate King, I have been hooked. It was a fast read and lots of fun! Each book since has been the same. I highly anticipate each new release. When I saw that Netgalley had an ARC of The Shadows Between Us I requested it immediately.

This is my favorite book of her so far. I saw another blogger call it a Slytherin romance and this 100% describes it. I loved each of the main characters. They were both not good people but they are unashamed of it too. They know it and do not apologize for their faults. From the very first page the story takes off. Alessandra is wickedly charming and cunning. Kallias is dark, moody and brutal. But there are characters with lighter sides that add a little fluff which is refreshing too.

I loved the whole premise of the Shadow King. The magic and the way it works is brilliant. This author has a wonderful imagination and can bring her worlds to life. I could easily picture Kallias and his shadows. The details of the outfits were stunning. I wish I could read this again for the first time. I am so sad I have to wait another year for a new book by Levenseller.

FYI: This is a standalone young adult novel.

***Thanks to NetGalley and Feiwel & Friends for sending me this copy in exchange for an honest review***

All I knew about this book was that it’s described as a Slytherin romance. Oh, boy, is it that. The main character of this book, Alessandra, is the epitome of a Slytherin. She’s ambitious, cunning, ruthless, charming and witty. She’s done horrible things yet you can’t help but like her. She accepts who she is and doesn’t apologize for it. Then, we have the Shadow King who is every bit a Slytherin himself. He’s rumored to be ruthless and heartless. He doesn’t allow anyone close to him. And did I mention that he literally has shadows surrounding him? His nickname is not based on a metaphor; he truly is the Shadow King.

Alessandra’s plan is simple. She’s going to make the king fall madly in love with her--as all her past suitors have--and then she’ll kill him. Once he’s dead, she’ll have what she’s always craved: power. Though, Alessandra has a few added obstacles in her way. There’s someone out there who wants the king dead. That simply won’t do for Alessandra. No one is allowed to kill the king apart from her.

However, what Alessandra couldn’t have planned for is finding her equal match in the king. He’s every bit as cunning as her. For once in her life, Alessandra can truly be herself rather than pretending to be the ideal woman of men’s fantasies. But, Alessandra can’t let that distract her from her endgame. Just as the king can’t allow Alessandra to be truly close to him. Who shall prevail in this deadly game?

If I had to pick three words to describe this book it would be delectable, consuming, and captivating. Quite simply, I couldn’t put this book down. I devoured it all in one sitting. I never knew I needed a Slytherin romance until now. Guys, this book was just so freaking good!! I adored it.

I do want to note that this is more of a character and romance-driven book. Don’t get me wrong, this book has a good plot, action, and lots of political intrigue. It’s just more romance heavy. So, if you aren’t a big fan of romance, then this probably isn’t the book for you--though I encourage you to try it just the same.

Holy vampire inspired romances. This book is fantastic and features unforgettable characters with some questionable morals. Not only did I ignore my boyfriend to read it, but I stayed up until 1 am and then woke up at 7 am to finish the book before work. This is the Slytherin romance that every person, who identifies with the House and loves YA, has been waiting for.

Alessandra has a plan. Tired of being overlooked and wooing simple boys to her bed, she has set her eyes on a bigger target: the Shadow King. Her plan is simple: first, she will woo him, marry him and then kill him to become the queen of the realm. However, nothing is ever as simple as it seems and Alessandra quickly becomes involved in the world of the Shadow King and his court, where someone else is out to kill him. However, Alessandra is determined to thwart the assassin and kill the king first.

It's rare to find a compelling and well-written anti-heroine in young adult fiction, but Alessandra is the complete package. This is not a story where Alessandra is made out to have questionable morals and instead turns out to actually be a pure snowflake. Instead, Alessandra is ruthless, cunning, and never questions her motives. She wants to be queen and she will do everything to succeed in this plan.
I loved reading her perspective because she is unabashedly herself whether it's with a coquettish wardrobe, ignoring the king at his own ball, or even blackmailing her past lovers.

The added bonus was the book actually had a decent plot and a compelling romance. Alessandra does attract the attention of the King, but it comes with a catch. He only wants to use her as a ruse to satisfy his council, who wants him to marry and produce an heir. So while the court believes that Alessandra and Kallias are courting, the truth is that Alessandra is a cover for Kallias. Instead, Kallias focuses on what it's important to him: proving to his kingdom that he is a powerful and untouchable conqueror. This, of course, does not please Alessandra and she does everything in her power to seduce Kallias.

While Alessandra is determined to achieve her goals, she has the added challenges of the court occupying Kallias' time and his complete disinterest in her. This is exactly the type of romance that I love to read. It's all about the chase and Alessandra does an excellent job of attracting the king's attention, which is both humorous and creates a compelling romance. I won't add any spoilers, but the chemistry, buildup, and exchanges between the two characters was absolutely enthralling.

At first, I was a little concerned because while I liked Tricia Levenseller's "Warrior of the Wild" it fell short of my expectations in the romance department. However, I highly recommend this book for its uniquely and equally ruthless characters, who compliment each other.

So admittedly, Tricia Levenseller has become an automatic buy for me because I loved Daughter of a Pirate King and Siren Queen. Warrior of the Wild was also good, though it isn't a new fave. That said, when she started talking about this on social media, I was sold. When she mentioned that it was a slytherin romance, I was sold again AND when I got an advance copy I may have done a bit of a dance. THEN when I started the book and turned the page and saw a quote from one of my favorite fictional characters and then read the first line---that was it. I was hooked. I loved this one so much. Like she says in her posts on goodreads, this book very much focuses on the romance. While it is a fantasy and there are plots to uncover and enemies to defeat, that takes a backseat. BUT I loved every single minute of it. The female main character was especially refreshing as she took some of the traditional traits of female characters and turned them on their head. She was scheming and ambitious and deceptive and manipulative and confident and had me in her corner from the beginning. The main male character was ruthless and cunning and at the same time, spoke against some of the traditional gender roles and took a refreshingly feminist view on certain issues.

Now, this was a five star from me because it didn't bother me but I do feel like it's important to note that yes, some of the plot twists were predictable and there were a few times that Tricia would clarify something that we had just read in an attempt to make it abundantly clear for the reader. While it didn't bother me at all, I felt I should mention it here.

Overall, I can't wait to pick up the final copy of this. I loved the characters so much that I anticipate revisiting this world very very soon.

Oh man. I had such high hopes for this one, despite not having read any of Levenseller's books, and every single one was met. This is the Slythern fantasy romance of my DREAMS. Alessandra is the Baddest Bitch and I absolutely love her and her ruthless ambition. I love how the story unfolded and I only wish it was longer.

I wanted to love this book, but I found the main character to be annoying. I can see what the author was going for with this "Slytherin romance", but it just didn't work for me. It is an interesting story and I did like the main character designing her own clothes. I would recommend for older teens looking for a Slytherin romance though.

Alessandra wants to channel her murderous rage into something more productive than, well, murder. So she aims to become the Queen (of course, she'll have to murder the King once she's married him, but that'll be the last one). As the second daughter of a minor royal, this doesn't seem like a super realistic goal, but...you haven't met Alessandra.

I'm a huge sucker for the love-him-then-kill-him trope (sorry, BV), and it is awesomely used here. I was expecting this book to be more of a fantasy, but it's really a romance with fantastical trappings. And it is so sex positive! I have been describing it as Wuthering-Heights-only-it's-actually-fun-to-read, but the author describes it as a romance between two Slytherins, which is better. Even though the characters are objectively horrible, you'll find yourself rooting for them. It was a tad ridiculous in terms of how the characters talked and interacted with each other, but in the same kind of way as Daughter of the Pirate King, the author's other book that I've read, which I also enjoyed.

If you are looking for a fun, purely escapist romance, I would highly recommend this book. I read it in one sitting. 4 stars - I really liked it!

I haven't read anything by Tricia Levenseller yet but this book really intrigued me because I love darker fantasy novels and this seemed to have a morally grey main character and I was all over that. I was highly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. It was a bit of a quick read, which was nice and the heroine was definitely the Slytherin heroine of my dreams. This was just everything I wanted in a book. A truly morally grey heroine who was actually a bit evil and cunning at times. And the romance! I love a good enemies to lovers trope and this is it. I highly recommend this book for fans of Holly Black, enemies-to-lovers and morally dark characters. Now I need to read through Ms. Levenseller's backlist.

Definitely a book for older teen and not an advanced tween. This book had all the swoon I needed and I loved ever second of the character development. Side characters even had personalities I was drawn to and I felt like I knew each character. This book was Shadow and Bone meets A Court Of Mist and Fury and I say that for my two BBF who have a dark edge are everything you get in the Shadow King. My only note is I wish the ending was more flushed out. After everything that went down I felt I needed a little more resolved. I still give this book 4.5 stars if 5 stars.

Just finished and I’m certain this was a 3 star read. I want to thank Netgalley for sending me the e-arc. This was my first Levenseller book and I have to say I quite enjoyed it. I admired Alessandra’s ambitious and confident personality. I loved how she wasn’t afraid of her sexuality. The premise of the story alone made me want to pick up the book and it delivered but I only wanted a little bit more of a complex plot. I wanted more personality from the side characters and just overall more of a ‘Clue’ feel to the mystery. At times I forgot what this book was a mystery. Kallias was a very interesting character and I immediately liked him. He could have been more of a lot of things but overall he was sweet. I wished we saw him do his kingly stuff more. I wish he interacted with the kingdom more. I just feel like I expected more complexity but overall I did enjoy this book.