This wasn’t a bad book, but I, who normally devours books in less than 2 days, struggled to finish this one. I did finish it though, because I wanted to write a fair review. I must admit though, I skim read through the action in the last 20% because the book was very slow to begin with and I struggled to connect with the characters and I did not feel the chemistry for the romance subplot.

The FMC, Sam, and the MMC, Phoenix, had their first conversation when she was 17 before a situation that originally introduced the MMC to the FMC’s world. The FMC had had a lust crush on the MMC since she was around 14. To me, I didn’t feel any sort of connection or intriguing, stand-out pieces in their conversation in the stairwell when she was 17. I felt she just lusted after him because she was so guarded and he was cute and “new”. Fast forward 6 years, and it’s the same thing. The MMC wants to be with the FMC because she’s so “different” and they “have the best conversations” but I still can’t figure out what these conversations are and what is so interesting about them. They didn’t even talk until almost halfway through the book when he needed her help, and she was too busy helping to actually hold a conversation. Then afterwards, she was so busy plotting a rescue and fulfilling this plot, the conversation about dating just seemed forced. Their insta love and chemistry just aren’t believable.

As for the other happenings of the book, the supernatural world is somewhat intriguing, but I’ve read much better development. I really wanted to love this book, but for me, it was just ok. I’ll likely read the follow up books just to see what’s going on in Sam’s world, but this isn’t a book I’d go out of my way to recommend.

I did not see this is an urban fantasy prior to starting my reading, which is my mistake. I am not usually a fan of urban fantasy, mostly because the language always feels a little too casual for me, and so, this book did not have a fair start.
Besides that, I don't think I have read anything else by the author, but up until 29% of the book I got confused and felt like I was missing out, until I decided to search this book on google to find out if I was reading a second book by mistake, because it felt like I had missed a whole lot from other books in this one. I didn't, but the author has other works, and I bet that the main girl was involved in the other works. Like me, you can read this without prior knowledge of this author's universe, but maybe you'll get lost like me.
Even with the romance, I felt like I missed something. Those two characters are clearly meant to be together and there are feelings involved, I just wasn't along for some of the ride - and there's a time skip, so maybe I would have enjoyed it more if there had been less of a time skip? From the introduction of our boy, I knew he was the one. He's meant to be the pretty perfect love interest, but I just didn't feel he was real - he was good, yes, had a pure soul, tried to help and all. I just didn't connect much with him.
Still, I enjoyed reading about Sam and given the chance I would read future books as well.

I requested this randomly as I have heard great things about Aileen Erin’s book series Alpha Girls and it is often checked out at our library. I went in completely blind not having read Alpha Girls and ended up loving this! I am picky about paranormal books as they can be some of my favorite books and also sometimes it doesn’t work for me but this for sure worked! It is spooky and unique and romantic and really drew me in. It felt more urban fantasy to me which I loved kind of shadow hunters vibe but also totally difference! There is some twists and turns and you get something very interesting that happens part way through the book that had me so intrigued. Will be purchasing for our library for sure!

This e-ARC provided to me by the publisher couldn't have come at a better time. I've been craving something new from Aileen Erin for months, which can be seen by the vast amount of rereading I've been doing from the Alpha Girls series 😂. I have missed having a new adventure from my favorite author, and this was the perfect solution. Sam's story is so new - new characters, new conflicts, new romance - perfect for anybody to read. But it's also comforting, with lots of old characters as well. You do not need to read any other books by Aileen Erin to start this one, but if you have, you'll find a lot of familiar faces in these pages 😉 (although I hope for more familiar faces - such as Meredith and Donovan - in the next book!). Even though Sam's voice is new, I also felt like I was coming home to a family that I know as well as I know myself.

Can we have a whole paragraph dedicated to Phoenix in this review? I was not at all expecting him going into this book, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't eagerly awaiting every interaction between him and Sam. He has so many perfect quotes and I seriously cannot get over how much I just need book two already (and technically this one isn't even out at the time that I'm writing this 😂).

One random note that I wanted to add without spoiling anything: Chapter 34 and onward were a very pleasant surprise, and I quite enjoyed the narration 😉 IYKYK

I was on the edge of my seat for the ending! I know this book was setting up a brand new series and a whole new set of adventures, so perhaps some scenes were a little slower, but that ending was something else. I seriously couldn't tell what direction Erin was taking the characters, and I had some serious fears for the safety of a certain fae male. I liked the thrill of not knowing what was coming next.

After reading this I really need to get my hands on a copy of Two More Days so I can get some more background on Sam! Her series is shaping up to be one I don't want to miss, and I'd love to read everything about her that I can.

Thank you Aileen Erin for the excitement that is a brand new series from my favorite author!

When I first started this book, I was afraid it was going to be a YA/NA because Sam was 17, and I sometimes struggle with main characters who are younger. However, when the next part started, we moved ahead in time 6 years, and I was no longer concerned about Sam’s age. This is a riveting book that crosses the line sometimes from urban fantasy to horror and back again, but that’s in a good way. It’s a little eerie, a little romantic, and all fun. I haven’t read the author’s Alpha Girl series, but I had no problems keeping up at all. I confess I wasn’t really happy at the end because of the switch in POV at a crucial time (no spoilers), but I am ready to read the next one since I enjoyed this one so much. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.