I absolutely loved this redemption arc for the FMC! I read and loved The Shadows Between Us years ago and loved it, and this one did not disappoint! I honestly didn’t want it to end.

I’m doing something an early do and rounding up. Something I may adjust after sitting with it a few days. Will I recommend it? Sure, but to a specific group of people and it won’t be a book I remember to bring up.

I want to thank NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the Audio ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

First the narration. Overall ai enjoyed her. Not a 5 but definitely a solid 4 stars for Caitlin Davies. Her voice and pacing were very good. The lack of a star comes when she does other voices especially male voices. I actually laughed at one point and literally rolled my eyes. My husband who overheard a small part of commented on how ridiculous one of the males sounded. It did take me out of the story momentarily.

As for the book itself. The prose is a weird mix between a bit juvenile but then goes into the NA genre. But maybe that’s showing that the main character is a teen but in a very adult world.
The story was decent enough. It follows some basic tropes but it works. I will mention that I did not read book one in this series as I didn’t know it was a sequel when I requested it but it easily served as a stand alone book. You never felt like you were missing something.

I enjoyed the self discovery that Chrys goes on. Recognizing her own flaws and also presumptions she has made, particularly about her sister and her sisters relationship.

Chrys isn’t very likable. While she had been pretending to be a ditzy teen and now allowing her smarts show, you still see the whiny and incorrigible snot. The book is setting in a magical world but the magic system is disjointed and comes across as a throw in. You can’t take all the magic out and not change the heart of the book as it’s just not important. She could have used the magic parts (don’t want to give spoilers) as personifications of character flaws very easily but it just wasn’t executed well.

Also the world itself isn’t built. You would expect in an intended series that some good ground work would be laid but it’s not and moreover it comes across as someone who heard about facets of the Victorian age and threw them in but didn’t actually study it.

I guess the over arching feeling I have is that the book had a lot of promise but it seems rushed, especially at the end when it quickly gets thrown together and tied up neatly while earlier you have some repetitive things that get a bit frustrating.

I think I may have talked myself into the 3 star that it really fits but I’m still going to sit on it. I think you want to root for this book for some reason so I don’t want to unfairly dock it just because Goodreads is stuck in the last century and only having full stars to give!

The Darkness Within Us by Tricia Levenseller

Quick Summary: Chrysantha Stathos has emerged victorious in her carefully crafted charade. Concealing her ambitions beneath the facade of a beautiful, naive girl, she has ascended to the status of a wealthy duchess. With the passing of her elderly husband on the horizon, she anticipates finally attaining the freedom, wealth, and security she has long coveted.
She never expects to have a challenge to her wealth and status until a man claiming to be her estranged grandson, Eric, intends to usurp her inheritance. Her anguish grows when her younger sister, Alessandra, is the impending queen. She is determined to assert dominance and undermine Alessandra's joy at her sister's wedding. No matter the cost, Chrysantha remains resolute about eliminating Eric's claim on the inheritance so that she can be free.

I enjoyed the character of Chrysantha. She was smart and a survivor. She understands how to play the game in a world dominated by men. She was determined to win on her terms and get everything she wanted or what she believed was coming to her. Unfortunately, her experiences caused some of her reactions to be cold and calculating. She had warmth and kindness when interacting with the manor's staff but showed contentment when interacting with the wealthy. It added depth to her character. She resonated with me on several different levels. As for the grandson, Eric, I was intrigued by his actions at the story's beginning. He fell a little flat toward the end of the book. It might be because we only see the world through Chrysantha's point of view.

The Darkness Within Us is an enemy to the lovers' storyline. There are a few twists and one I did not see coming. I did not read The Shadow Between Us, the first book in this duology, so I walked into the story blind. I understood the storyline and could follow along without difficulty. The pace was not too slow and kept me interested throughout the book. The ending did feel rushed, and the climax was not as exciting as I had hoped. I would consider this book a YA Romantsy. There is plenty of spice alluded to, but not graphic. Overall, it was a good, light-hearted read exploring women's societal struggles.

The Shadows Between Us was my first Tricia Levenseller book and I ate. that. ish. UPPPP.

I loved it. The Slytherin love story. The fact that both characters are straight up bad people. The narrator. Five stars. In fact, I re-read it recently and still gave it 5 stars. I have gone on to consume everything TL has written and I love it each and every time. This book is no different.

Honestly, I was thrilled with a TSBU sequel, though I did wonder how she was going to make Chrysantha interesting after what we learn about her from book 1, but she did it! I was on board with Chrysantha from the drop. I was like okay, queen (or duchess) go off! Let's start killing people day 1! I live for this type of story.

Honestly, I am not even sure I read the plot summary of this book or if I just knew it was Chrysantha's story so I snatched it up...but I for sure thought this was going to be her falling in love with her best friend....a male servant. But no! Mad props to that. I love a male BFF whose friendship isn't contingent on anything else, and isn't like, oh I've been friendzoned WAAAAAH.

Eryx was a great counter point to her. Again, neither are great people. You root for them because they're both kind of awful and you want their awful scheming to keep going. But they're also scheming because of the cards they have been dealt. Chrysantha wants her freedom. And Eryx wants revenge...and some freedom as well. Unfortunately, they both have their eyes on the same freedom prize.

Here's where this book loses one star FOR ME. It's a shifter romance. It's straight up a SHIFTER. ROMANCE. And if you know anything about me, it's that I do not do creature romances. If something has horns or a tail or turns into anything that isn't straight up a human (shadow boys don't count) then it gives me the ick. So, again, this drops one star because dang I did not see that coming and dang was I disappointed. But that's because those are my preferences. There are tons of people who love shifter books and will throw 5 stars at this immediately. And I really want to. It has such TSBU vibes that I WANT to give it 5 stars, but the creature part just really ruins all of the romance for me, so for me it's a 4. I'm sorry TL, I love you so much but I just CAN'T get on board.

Anyway - can't wait to see what TL comes up with next. I will devour it like usual.

I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this as much as I did! I honestly didn’t love the first book but this one blew it out of the water for me. I loved Chrisantha and Eryx! I listened to this all in one sitting and I truly enjoyed it! The narrator is great as well!

I will preface this by saying that I have not read the first in this series. That being said I don't feel that I missed information that was crucial to this novel.. I really liked this book and I thought that the characters were really well done and that their acr was good as far as the relationships between characters. I really really liked Chrysantha and her attitude. I thought that her inner monologue was hilarious. I will definitely be circling back to the first book.

While some may find them unlikable, I love how the Stathos sisters are cunning masterminds and are unapologetically themselves. These young women have had to claw and fight to gain agency and power in a world that views them merely as bargaining chips (their dad is a real piece of work). The tactics they employ to change the political landscape for young women are clever and the end result is quite satisfying. Levenseller’s stories are deliciously devious and prove that it’s more fun being a bit villainous.

This book is set The Shadows Between Us universe with some character cross-over, but like the first book, there isn’t much in the way of world building, which makes it a good pick for non-fantasy readers to wade into the genre. There are however, lots of fun, crafty vibes orchestrated by the obstinate, headstrong Chrysantha… and for me, it worked and was highly entertaining! I also really enjoyed the dream sequences and fight scenes.

The categorization of this book is a bit iffy for me as it straddles the line between Young Adult and New Adult. Chrysantha visits brothels, pays for paramours, discusses her conquests, and there’s a decent amount of innuendo. She is also sexually harassed by her decrepit late husband and other men during social gatherings. Because the sexual content isn’t fully fade to black and the door is left ajar, I’d say it’s firmly upper YA with being closer to NA.

I have listened to several audiobooks narrated by Caitlin Davies and she always does a phenomenal job bringing the stories to life and infusing extra emotion, humor, and sass, in the case of the Stathos sisters, into the dialogue. I listened to the audio of The Shadows Between Us and was delighted to see she was narrating the second book.

This was a fun reading experience and I relished being back in this world where morally gray characters abound, and I loved seeing the relationship between the Stathos sisters evolve and heal.

This was beautifully done! I've been wanting to get my hands on the physical of this but I'm so glad I listened to the audio first. The story was amazing and the narration was done so well. I loved the story line and plot. Also something I'd allow my daughter to read which is a double bonus!

I absolutely loved this book!! I was hooked from the beginning and ended up finishing the audio in less than 24 hours. Enemies to lovers is my favorite trope, and I loved the banter between the main characters. Chrysantha is complex in that she is awful toward some people (with her own reasons) and so kind and generous with others. I loved her character and am glad she has her redemption story after the Shadows Between Us. The mystery behind Eryx kept me engaged throughout the book, and I compulsively read this one just to figure out his secrets.

I read the Shadows Between Us four years ago, and Tricia Levenseller did a fantastic job of giving any backstory I couldn't remember so that I didn't feel lost at any point.

I listened to an ALC from Macmillan Audio on NetGalley and loved the narration.

Wow. I genuinely did not want this one to end!! Let me just start by saying that I absolutely loved ‘The Shadows Between Us’ and was a bit weary of a sequel... BUT, Tricia Levenseller did not let us down!!!

This book follows Chrysantha, Alessandra’s older sister, and takes place around where the first book left off. This book was able to shine a light on her POV and shows us a side of her that we did not see in the first book! She is such a fierce, determined, ruthless, independent, yet surprisingly kind and lovable character (not so unlike Alessandra herself).

The enemies to lovers trope in this book gave me serious whiplash (in the best way)! I did NOT think that I could ever come to love the MMC, but by the end of the book I was eating my words! This romance was chef's kiss!

This one is a must read. Release date is 7/9/24!!!

This book was AMAZING! I was worried to read this because The Shadows Between Us set the bar so high but I was blown away by how much I adored this book!

Chrysantha and Alessandra are two sides to the same coin: they are both ruthless, fierce, and determined. However, Chrysantha, as we discover, has taken a different approach to her strength by keeping it a secret. Finally, after years of playing the role as the “stupid one,” she has her freedom to be who she truly is… that is until Eryx arrives unexpectedly.

I loved these two! Both cunning and secretive, they don’t realize they need each other. This book was everything I didn’t know I needed and more! The writing style in this book keeps the story moving and truly captures Chrysantha’s personality and motives. Bonus points for the sister’s relationship development as well!

In my opinion, you could read both of these books as standalones, but they pair wonderfully together!

Thank you NetGalley and Tricia Levenseller for letting me devour this early!

Reviews posted to Goodreads 3/26 and @evelynlainebooks 3/27!

"A Witty Romp Through Shadows and Flames: The Darkness Within Us"

Tricia Levenseller has once again woven a tale that sets hearts racing and minds reeling in "The Darkness Within Us." Set in the same world as its predecessor, this book plunges readers back into the luxurious yet treacherous realm of the Shadow King, where power and passion collide in a fiery dance.

Chrysantha Santos, a character previously shrouded in mystery, steps into the spotlight as the protagonist of this electrifying tale. Initially portrayed as an airhead, Chrysantha reveals herself to be a woman of remarkable intelligence and cunning, shedding her facade to reveal the depths of her strength.

But what's a captivating protagonist without a worthy adversary? Enter Eryx Demos, a character as enigmatic as he is infuriating. With banter that crackles like lightning and chemistry that sizzles on the page, the dynamic between Chrysantha and Eryx is nothing short of electric.

As the story unfolds, readers are treated to a delightful blend of enemies-to-lovers romance, feminist fury, and witty repartee. Tricia Levenseller deftly navigates the complexities of power, privilege, and desire, crafting a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

While "The Darkness Within Us" may not delve deeply into world-building or intricate plot machinations, it more than makes up for it with its charm and charisma. This is a book that knows exactly what it wants to be—a rollicking romp through shadows and flames—and it delivers on that promise with gusto.

So, if you're in the mood for a low-stakes yet high-octane adventure filled with steamy romance, sharp wit, and unapologetic feminism, look no further than "The Darkness Within Us." Just be prepared to lose yourself in its pages and emerge with a newfound appreciation for the power of love, laughter, and the occasional well-placed curse word.
Thank you for the ARC

Girl YASSSSS!!!!
I was highly impressed by the determination and gumption of Chrysantha! Playing off of the happening after The Shadows Between Us, and everything her sister Alessandra was able to change as the new queen, it was absolutely refreshing to get back into this world again.

This was probably one of the best enemies to lovers I've read in a long time, which is in part due to the fact that the author was brilliant at playing the two main characters against each other. The relationship didn't feel pushed or rushed at all. Eryx Demos is such a multi layers character you want to love to hate at first and then want to hate that you love. He is just a mystery you can't blame Chrysantha for wanting to solve. Even she is a flawed hero, and I say so because while I felt devastated for her after everything she'd endured for the simple luxury (I use luxury because this story is about a females rise to claim her own power after a lifetime of male oppression; like in the days before feminism and women's rights movement) of being allowed to write her own fate, she was willing to do anything to bring it about. Murder & manipulation included. All while simultaneously hating her for her initial attitude towards her sister and her denial of attraction, oh yeah and the fact that the way she came about her well-earned freedom was by plotting and then killing her elderly husband (who deserved it, so there's that). I actually wish this book had been a bit longer so the end didn't feel so rushed. I wanted to Eryx and Chrysantha to mull over their newfound relationship a bit longer before The End.
Crossing my fingers there are more companion novels to come in this world. PLEASSSSEEEEE!!!

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Macmillan Audio for the audio ARC! I was thoroughly entertained.

No Regrets!!!!

I LOVED the second book in Tricia Levenseller’s The Shadows Between Us series. There was great tension and chemistry between the two main characters. I loved their witty back and forth banter, and how strong and calculate Chrysantha is. She is not my favorite characters that I have read, and I also loved being back in TL’s world of the Shadow King. 5 stars!

This was a highly entertaining follow up to The Shadows Between Us, this time focusing on the other Stathos sister. If you loved the first one, I think you’ll love this one.
Chrysantha isn’t as dumb as she’s pretended all these years. She’s actually very intelligent and fierce. There is a ton of righteous feminist rage in this book. I never thought I’d like Chrysantha, but wow did I want to burn down the patriarchy on her behalf. This is an enemies to lovers book, and I hated Eryx just as much as she did.
Of course sparks were flying. This has a similar level of steam as the first book. Once I got over being mad at Eryx all the time, I became super intrigued by him and his secrets. I liked how the relationship progressed, and I also like that Chrysantha and Alessandra got to reconcile by the end.
To be fair, this book doesn’t feel suuuuuuuper different from the first one, but it’s still highly entertaining and easy to consume.

I enjoyed the narration and would also recommend the audio.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the preview. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this. Maybe even more than book 1. It was such a fun ride. I loved the true enemies to lovers of it and the way she would try to kill him and he just had heart eyes for her.

I loved the first book to this duology, so much that I reread it before I started "The Darkness Within Us." I'd hoped that the premise would be different than expected. Different than Alessandra expected, and I was very pleased to be right.

Chrysantha was amazing. I definitely have a preference still for Al and Kallias. But I really appreciated getting a peek into Chrysantha's head and seeing what the other sister thought. I liked the duality of the sisters, both using different means to manipulate the world into obeying them. The relationship between the duchess and her staff was also heartwarming after the first book. I thought the child seeing the first scene would be a gun on the mantle but that fell flat which was a little disappointing.

The ending felt cut off. Either like it was forced or like there were a few scenes cut out between the kiss, the betrayal, and Chrysantha's return. I'd have liked to see more of the sisters talking, and more of the relationship between Chrysantha and Eryx. It started slow and then did like a series of fast moves to the ending. It felt a bit jarring.

But overall, I enjoyed this book a great deal. I appreciated the ending, even if it was a bit stilted, because I like to root for bad people sometimes. I like to see them win. The narrator was also great! She had a solid pompous attitude that worked for both sisters, although I'd prefer if each sister were voiced by a different narrator.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

The Darkness Within Us is a dark, enrapturing fantasy with a cast of captivating characters, a delicious romance, and beautiful prose that hooks you from the first line.

Tricia Levenseller has done it again. She’s created a story with a strong, brilliant female lead (though a tad unlikable at times, it makes her all the more special and captivating) and a titillating romance. Tricia writes romance unlike any other, and I fall for her love stories every time. The romance between Chrysantha and Eryx was no exception. I adored how Chrysantha defied social standards and carved a place for herself in a world dominated by men. The prose was as delightful and beautiful as always, and the banter and hilarious characters were splendid. I also loved how there seemed to be some Beauty and the Beast influences. I highly recommend this stunning gem of a story!

I also want to mention how marvelous the narrator was. She captured the characters, world, and feeling of the story brilliantly. I could not stop smiling, laughing, and gasping as I listened to her narration.

Thank you to the publisher for the free ALC!

Thank you NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the arc in exchange for an honest review! I’m incredibly grateful!

3.75 Stars

“I think we are a good match.” “If you think fire and oil are a good match.” “Exactly. Together we could burn the world down if we wanted to.” “What if I don’t want to burn down the world? What if all I want is my quiet country life?” “Then I’ll burn anyone who tries to take it away from you.”

Keeping this short, sweet, to the point and fun just like this book.

In the beautiful words by Taylor Swift in ‘All Too Well 10 Minute Version’ also known as the only version to me (and by many many before and after her)… “F*ck The Patriarchy”!


TL’s fmcs are always unapologetic and real! I didn’t know how I would feel about Chrysantha in the beginning. It seems like other readers were set to not like her at all based on the brief mention of her in book one, but I held out hope and was not disappointed. She proved herself more and more, and in my opinion gives off the Slytherin cunning-feels more than her sister did. Honestly book 2 gave me more of what I was looking for in every aspect. Swoon worthy? Check. Trope Heaven? Check. Morally grey? Check. “Devilishly” handsome man with a “monster-ish” temper and smirk that makes you tingle? …check check check!


I crushed this in a day because of how consumed by it I was. There are a few downsides to this that lowered my rating, and that is because it had lulls where I would space out some. The plot lost itself at times. It became too clique and predictable every now and then. Put that all aside and you’re in for a good ol’ time still. Book one set up my expectations so if you enjoyed it, then you’ll get an even bigger kick with butterflies in the stomach from its accompanying book, “The Darkness Within Us”.


“I never hated you— well, maybe a little. Mostly I hated how easily you got under my skin.”


**Trigger Warnings**:
Death, Violence, Sexual assault, Misogyny, Sexism, Classism, Injury, Gaslighting, Poisoning, etc.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this audio ARC.

Caitlin Davies is simply awesome as narrator. I love how she brings Chrysantha (as well as Alessandra, in the previous novel) to life!

The Stathos sisters are captivating. I love them. Chrysantha is a breath of fresh air, reminding me of my all-time favorite FMC.