I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to read Roaring by Lindsey Duga prior to its publication. I want to thank the publisher for this opportunity, but this review is not influenced by their generosity.

So, I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this book heading into it. It falls into an interesting intersection of urban fantasy and historical fiction. The world this book inhabits is one where "monsters" are created. And these monsters are primarily created by mob bosses who use the monsters to control their Jazz Age empires complete with flapper girls and Tommy guns.

One thing that is both kind of cool and kind of annoying is the use of actual slang from the Jazz Age throughout the book. Admittedly, Duga does provide a nice glossary of terms used throughout the book, but the ebook version I read had this glossary at the beginning of the book. I looked through the glossary, but going back and forth between the beginning of the book and my location on my Kindle would have been very annoying, so I ended up just bypassing a lot of those phrases (thank God for context clues).

As for the basic story, it's your general urban fantasy trope where the ingenue know somethings different about her only to find out that she's part of a much larger supernatural community. In this case, it's a supernatural community run by the mob and an FBI department who hunts down monsters and puts a stop to them when they're breaking the law. In this case, the ingenue is considered to be too powerful to simply be left alone, so the law wants to see her controlled (or possibly dead if they aren't the ones to control her).

The book is fun. Will this book change your life? Nope. But that's OK. As a late-summer (or fall read), it's a fun piece of escapism. I would definitely recommend to anyone who likes a Jazz Age period-piece or a fun new Urban Fantasy series.

Did I know I needed a supernatural creature story set in the Roaring ‘20s? No.
Did I absolutely need a supernatural creature story set in the Roaring ‘20s? OH MY GOSH YES!

This was more fun than I ever could have expected. I’ve loved all of Duga’s previous YA and middle grade books, but this one takes the cake. No doubt about it. This is my new favourite book. She’s one of the most unique storytellers I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading.

If you’re after a story with Supernatural (the tv show) vibes but with a lot less tragedy and a lot more swooning, you’ll love this. It also left me feeling Teen Wolf vibes, if the focus wasn’t on high school werewolves and it was set in 1929.

Roaring is never-ending excitement that will keep you flipping pages non-stop until you reach the end. It will leave you wide-eyed and desperate for a stud muffin to kiss your palm.

Eris does her best to keep her head down and her mouth closed, because when she doesn't, her words can make people do anything she asks. Eris longs for a simple life away from the speakeasy and big city, but what she never expected was to encounter someone like Colt. Colt is a monster hunter for a task force that takes down the monsters that walk among man, having trained his whole life for one target- the last siren...who just so happens to be unsuspecting Eris.


Whatever the case, part of me loved that he could resist— even if it put me in more trouble. Maybe it made me a masochist, but the fact that we could carry on a conversation without his gaze going blank made me happy. Finally, I’m heard.


This was such a cool idea for a book! We have the real life vibe of the 1920's with the flappers and slang, making it feel very authentic and like I was reading a historical fiction. And then we have the creepy, twisty parts of the underground world of monsters (all varieties, be it sirens, cyclops, vampires, minotaurs and all other kinds of intense beasties) seamlessly meshed with history. The world building in this story was hands down my favorite part of the book, the layers of complexity in this underground world where liquor is illegal, girls are looking for freedom, and mob bosses rule- but they might not be human.

Roaring is my second read from this author and I love how she can make such intense worlds and characters within the pages of a single book, you can pick this up and enjoy a complete story with a satisfying conclusion and a great love story. Also expect action/danger as well as some surprising twists as you get lost in this book. I enjoy that this wrapped everything up and left me with no loose ends, but I will say that I would love for her to someday return to this secret monster underground and write another book in this world. Pick this up if you enjoy monsters, fights, historical fiction, unlikely heroes saving the day and most of all romance.

I couldn't ask for more from this novel. It's exactly as advertised. The setting is the 1920s: complete with speakeasies, flappers, pinstripe suits, Tommy guns, mobsters and 1920s jargon. It's the bee's knees. But it's not the 1920s we remember from history books. In this 1920s era, there are monsters and heroes. And monsters who become heroes and humans who turn into monsters.

There's a jargon guide at the start of the novel that is historically accurate. I never knew some of the phrases and words. Now I know that glasses were called cheaters. I was grateful for the guide as I had to go check a few words and phrases as I read. While the story isn't completely written in 1920s vernacular, it's just enough to make the reader feel like they've been transported back in time. I got lost in the story.

At times the plot sequence is predictable; however, the novelty of the characters more than makes up for it. In this world, humans can be infused with chimera blood and transform into human/mythological creature hybrids. Of course, our main protagonist is a flapper siren who sings at a speak easy, but doesn't use her voice other than to entrance her nightly crowd. But in the 1920s, the seedy underbelly is never far away from speak easies or power. Of course, the mob gets involved. And where there's the mob, there's the other side: law enforcement.

I found Eris to be lovable, elegant and self-sacrificing. I found Colt to be the misunderstood underdog: endearing in the best way. The other cast of characters was varied and delightful. I loved finding out which characters were mixed with what mythical creatures.

Beware: there be monsters in this book. Werewolves howl, vampires drink blood, gorgons let down their snaky hair, sirens sing, dragons breath fire. If you love mythical creatures, the 1920s and/or a sweet romance subplot, this is the novel for you!

I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and Entangled Teen for being a previous reviewer of Lindsey Duga's books, in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
With this novel, Duga steps up her game in what I would say is her most "new adult" paranormal romance yet. Set in the 1920s in Boston, the main departure from history is that monsters run with mobsters. Eris is a siren who has been on the run all her life and only recently found a temporary home in a Boston speakeasy, where she's thrown into the path of mysterious monster hunter Colt. In this world, sirens have the power to control humans with their words, and so Eris has taken it upon herself to live a life of silence in order to not use her power or reveal herself to those who are hunting her.
As I have often to found to be the case where a romance plotline is concerned, having both Eris's and Colt's points of view gave more credibility to their budding relationship. If you're into enemies-to-lovers AND insta-love... somehow this book pulls off both those seemingly mutually exclusive tropes.
The research behind the setting for this book was really evident in the speech and technology, and the interweaving of supernatural elements and creatures was really thorough.

Gangsters! Speakeasies! And Monsters! Oh my!

It took me a little bit to get into the story in Roaring. This book is told in multiple POVs - Eris and Colt.

Eris works in a speakeasy in Boston as a bartender also sings with the house band. Oh, and she doesn’t speak - hasn’t said a word in more than seven years.

Colt is a Bureau of Investigation, Specialized Organized Crime Division Agent, and has been put on the case of bringing in the last siren - who has been located in Boston.

Set in the 1920s, speakeasies and flappers play major roles. Eris and Colt go on the run from the BOI and the the other groups who are after Eris. This is where the action really takes off - and when I went from having a hard time getting into the story to not being able to put the book down.

I found Colt to be the most enjoyable and relatable character, and my heart reached out to him as I learned more of his backstory. I appreciated that he grew and changed throughout the course of the book.

Thank you to Entangled Teen and NetGalley for the review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

First let me say, I really liked this book. It was sweet. Which is weird because it’s this cool concept that monster parts fuse with humans and give them abilities. So, if you are looking for a dark siren tale, this is not it. If you are looking for something more like Pirates of the Caribbean FEEL (they are not alike, there is no high seas adventure) just the FEEL, then I think you would like this. It’s the difference between Jaws and Jurassic Park. Ya feel me?

Anyways, Eris is really likable. She is kind and nice but that doesn’t mean she is weak. Kindness is not weakness. She uses her powers to stop bad people. Colt does too, he just had misplaced loyalties. Their relationship is cute. It is instalove which I don’t usually like BUT I think this was done really well.

I REALLY liked the plot. I won’t spoil anything but I liked how the human/ monster hybrids came about. I think it definitely could have been meatier and the author could have delved more into that concept BUT with a shorter book and the intended audience, it was done well. Plus the fight scenes were pretty cool. Eris and Colt’s powers work well together.

I feel like the intended audience is more like 13-15 year old girls. I also think this would be considered a clean read in terms of sex and swearing, if you are looking for that. That is just my opinion. It was a fun, fast read. Now I want to read her other books!

Think alternate during prohibition. There is magic and mythology and mystical creatures abound!

Amongst the gangsters, moonshine runners and speakeasies are the beings who are not quite human! Young love interspersed with a bit of a murder mystery and a heroine trying to keep herself in the shadows.

Eris isn't quite sure what she is but she knows that when she speaks, well, things go a bit awry. She can however sing and becomes the "canary" at the speakeasy where she works. But when a young undercover federal agent comes around, she soon realises all her secrets are about to get unearthed!

Colt may be a brand new, just out of the wrapper agent in the paranormal division but he is already very good at what he does. The whole being a dragon thing - well it just makes him that much more feared by the bad guys!

I'm not a love of YA but I really enjoyed this romp. Setting it among the roaring '20s was a great idea and I loved the interaction between Eris, her little nightclub family and Colt.

Initial Thoughts

I was super excited to be chosen to read an ARC of this book. I love historical fantasy and the 1920s is such an interesting age. Thank you to Entangled Teen for providing a copy.

Some Things I Liked

Historical setting. I loved that the story started out in Boston in 1929. I also loved that as the story progressed we got to see the main characters travel to other major cities across the US. My favorite city is Boston but New York was a great place to end the story.
Dual POVs. I loved that the story was told from both Eris and Colt’s POVs. They weren’t together for the entire story so I found the POVs gave the story a ton of depth and more side characters.
Magic system. I also loved the magic system in this story. The concept of the “chimera agent” as well as the monster trade was super unique and I’d be interested to read sequels or spin offs set in this world.

Series Value

Eris and Colt’s story feels complete but we met quite a few side characters that I’d like to see more about. Furthermore, I think the world was really interesting and I’d keep reading both sequels and spin offs.

Similarly, I’d keep reading Lindsey Duga’s books. This is the third book of hers that I’ve read and they just keep getting better.

Final Thoughts

I really enjoyed this book. It perfectly encompassed the historical fantasy genre and I hope to see more in that genre, as it’s becoming a fast favorite.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Recommendations for Further Reading

Kiss of the Royal by Lindsey Duga – if you liked the writing style here and enjoyed the fantasy elements, try this other book by Lindsey Duga.
The Vine Witch by Luanne G. Smith – if you enjoyed the historical fantasy elements as well as the different types of magical creatures, try this historical fantasy series.

An imaginatively unique fantasy set in the roaring 1920’s about a specialized secret agent named Colt who hunts down mythical monsters and his inevitable run-in with the captivating Eris, an untrained siren he must capture.

A refreshing adventure filled with tommyguns, flappers, and mob bosses. Beautifully descriptive and romantically charged! Such a fun read!

Blurb: Colt has been trained since he was a child to hunt down the monsters of this world. And everything goes according to plan until Colt meets the stunning siren Eris. Once the two are joined nothing can stop them. They must find out who is hunting Eris and save the children in the process.

This books is a stunning era driven novel filled with madness and nostalgia. The 1920’s descriptions and timely narrative are well done. The reader is taken on a journey throughout the East Coast and you meet all kinds of odd characters and peculiar scenarios along the way.

A very singular reading experience that is as endearining as it is surprising!

Thank you so much to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Set in 1929, Roaring takes place in a unique alternate universe where monster exist. Mobs and other high powered individuals have started genetically modifying humans to create creatures of legends; basilisks, manticores, and even gorgons. This story follows Colt Clemmons, an agent for the Bureau of Investigations, tasked with hunting down monsters, and Eris, a girl who’s voice is her most powerful weapon.

The concept and overall world for this book is SO COOL! First of all I am a sucker for any and everything set in the 1920s, so to add the mythological creature aspect on top of the time period and atmosphere is such an exciting and unique concept. It also created high stakes for our characters. Not only do they have to worry about high powered mobsters, but said mobsters have special abilities and strengths. It created such a fast paced and action packed story that I wanted to keep reading to know what would happen next and how Colt and Eris would get out of every predicament they got into.

The downside of the constant action was that unfortunately, I did not feel like there was a lot of actual character development and the romance side of the book was lacking. Eris is a monster, Colt is a monster hunter, and I wanted to see a lot more tension, but it felt like there was a little too much instalove for my taste.

Another downside of the constant fight scenes and danger was there ended up a lot of info dumping, especially in the first half, through both regular dialogue and the character’s internal dialogue, and it ended up hindering the overall flow.

This is a solid 3 star read. It was fun to read and I still love the concept and I thought the double meaning in the title was really clever, but the flow and character arc was lacking a little too much for me.

Before I begin my review for Roaring by Lindsey Duga I would like to thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in return for an honest opinion.

A siren in hiding finds herself on the run as multiple agencies converge at her tail. Roaring by Lindsey Duga combines supernatural and mythological creatures with scenes equivalent to that of James Bond. From bar brawls to combat on the roof of a moving train and an illicit love affair, Roaring is an incredibly fast paced and bumpy ride.

Roaring features, but is not limited to, the following themes:
○ Supernatural creatures
○ Mythology
○ Action
○ Secrets and lies
○ Enemy pursuits
○ Enemies to lovers
○ Forbidden love
○ Human experimentation
○ Multiple POV

My overall rating for Roaring is…

4 stars!

When the first chapter features a good old fashioned bar fight you know you’re in for a hell of a ride. Roaring was an unbelievably exciting tale with a unique combination of mythology, supernatural creatures, action and the good old 1920s. Combine that with a forbidden, enemies to lovers romance and you have yourself an unforgettable book.

Roaring is available for preorder now on amazon! But don’t worry, the agonising wait is but a few days! Release is due on 3 August 2020!

This was a really fun story set in the roaring 20s. I loved the way the monsters were generally associated with mob bosses and the slang that was used felt very natural (for someone who obviously didn’t live during that period anyway). I also both loved and hated that it was a stand-alone and would recommend it for anyone looking for a quick paranormal read with some monsters you don’t see pop up often in fantasy.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the e-arc, all thoughts are my own.

I really enjoyed the wonderful blending between the Prohibition era and the fantastical elements, it was a premise that intrigued me from the start, and it was executed brilliantly. The book had a real feel for the era, especially with the use of language/terminology from the period. The way the monster trade is woven into this world based on reality was well done, and I liked that it was so established in the world, that there was a bureau to deal with it.

Roaring takes the concept of sirens and turns into something new. It was refreshing not only to see that removed from the ocean setting, but to see the siren’s voice affect not only people but time and objects, and to see her actively trying to avoid using that power. Eris was a lovely character – not like most flappers, with her dreams of a smaller, quieter life – and I liked her from the start, her POV and character voice was definitely my favourite from the beginning of the book. On the other hand, it took me a little longer to warm to Colt, and even by the end of the book, I wasn’t entirely sure how I felt about him as a character.

There were a few places where the plot felt a little rushed. With certain points not meshing as seamlessly with the rest of the narrative, mostly due to the length and the fact that this a standalone. This story did play to some clichés such as instalove and was somewhat predictable in places. That said, this was a highly entertaining read that kept you reading from start to finish with a lot of action, and I would recommend this to anyone looking for a different take of Sirens, or who love historical fantasy.

I’m unfortunately not as impressed with this book as I thought I would be. It’s a VERY interesting premise but the delivery felt a little too much like every other YA novel. The characters were nice but not anything new and their character arcs were so expected. But there’s enough action to keep you reading and the premise of the roaring twenties meeting monsters is pretty interesting. It was an alright read and if you’re not as picky as me you’d maybe enjoy it more but I found myself annoyed with the characters sometimes

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.