I really enjoy a good spinoff series of a book series in which the focus shifts from the original characters and on to other characters. I actually enjoyed this book more than the first book, and I felt it had more action in it and more paranormal elements.
“The Darkness within us” is the much awaited sequel of The Shadow between us.” The Shadow between us focuses on the relationship of Alessandra Stathos and the Shadow King. The darkness between us focuses on Alessandra’s older sister Chrysantha Stathos, who finds herself in a miserable marriage. Alessandra does not have a good relationship with her sister at all and she truly despises her and her character.
Chrysantha has been married off by her father to an old wicked Duke who is now deathly ill. When the Duke finally dies Chrysantha believes she will be able to live the lifestyle she has so desperately wants to live, and she can stop acting like the simpleton everyone thinks her to be. Then comes Eryk Demos the grandson of the now deceased Duke. The grandson of a daughter Chrysantha did not know existed.
As Chrysantha gets ready for her sister’s Alessandra’s wedding she must find out a way to get rid of Eryk Demos who stands in he way of what she feels is her inheritance. There’s a catch though. Eryk Demos has secrets of his own which includes a darkness within.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved learning about how Alessandra and the Shadow King are doing while
at the same time enjoying the mischievous acts of Chrysantha. I highly recommend this sequel.
I want to thank Net-galley and Macmillan audio for allowing to review this arc.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for sending me the audiobook of The Darkness Within Us in exchange for review.

4 stars ⭐️

I actually liked this book more than the first book. Not to say there was anything wrong with Alessandra but I really liked Chrysantha. Her friends were such girls girls from the very start and it was so wholesome and lovely.

I love the enemies/rivals to lovers trope and while it was pretty blatant what was happening I just never tire of it. How dare this man!!!

I zoomed through this book in literally a day without having any issues holding my attention which is a great sign. I thoroughly enjoyed it! Thank you so much!

The cover is GORGEOUS btw I’m not super into pink but I need to buy this asap.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Tricia Levenseller for an advanced listener copy of this book.

Did I think I’d enjoy this clean/fade to black shifter romance? No. Did I? Yes. Yes. I did. Honestly this was just a fun time. The FMC is a bit unhinged and the MMC is kind of like a pitbull/golden retriever mix. Storyline was predictable but still enjoyable. Only thing is that I’m not exactly a fan of first person POV.

Narrator is not my favorite, would recommend a physical read.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this story.
SPOILERS TO FOLLOW

Oh, absolutely not. I thought I'd give this book a chance despite not liking The Shadows Between Us. I thought that maybe I was being a bit unfair to the first one but... apparently something about the way author writes FMC irks me. If memory serves me, both sisters are very "pick me" girls in my opinion, believing they're different from all other women and smarter than all other women too. I still think Alessandra is the worst FMC though but Chrysantha isn't much better. (Chrys is only better because if memory serves me correctly, Alessandra treated her servants/guards like dirt and that didn't sit right with me. Chrys actually treats them like people). Eyrx was part of the reason I kept listening for so long and then I quickly lost interest in him and just wanted to get the story over with.

“We’ll see how much that matters to you once I’m inside you again” If a man ever said that to me I'm pretty sure I'd slap him. Was that supposed to be hot? Was I supposed to like that? No thanks.

“There’s just something about knowing that my sister is waiting in the woods while I’m being pleasured by this enthusiastic man that makes it all the more exciting”. If I EVER thought about my sister while having sex I'm pretty sure I'd try to melt my own brain. There is no logical reason to think of your sister at a time like this.

The sisters were both so petty and annoying too. They both believed the other was stupid and as a sister, yes I do believe my sister is stupid at times but I don't think she's stupid every single waking moment. I hated ever single interaction between these two and truly wish I never read this book.

Another fantastic morally grey romantasy! I went into this title with all the hope after loving the first book and always being curious about the wicked sisters story. Finally getting to learn who she truly is and watch her character progress was everything and more! I loved seeing her as a realistically flawed person and unpacking how the patriarchy affected who she became in life. She’s instantly root-for-able and I loved the tension between our MCs as a result of her fiery personality. It was well paced with plot and character development and progression, and I loved slowly getting breadcrumbs to find out just what our MCs have been hiding from each other. This book truly stands up to it’s predecessor and I have no doubt it will triumphantly join the ranks with it in a bookstagram forever favorite.

Narration was a fantastic surprise when I realized it was the same narrator at Shadows between us. It in no way affected the story having the same narrator. This narrator has a fantastic range of distinct voices, and makes characters incredibly easy to decipher and feels like a full cast! It really added to the stories emotional tone, and I cannot recommend it enough for audiobook lovers.

An excellent return to the world I loved in The Shadows Between Us. I kind of find I really related to Chrysantha and her need for freedom and not to be beholden to anyone. She was respectable even when she was doing dirty deeds. I loved the character progression in this for both Chrysantha and Eryx and how this all wrapped up. I really don't have any complaints. It was engaging and fun. It's not forever one but it was definitely for me so thank you very much for the advanced copy, netgalley!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
.5 🌶️

👹Enemies to Lovers
❤️‍🔥Banter
👹Secrets and Lies
❤️‍🔥Touch Her and Di3
👹Regency Vibes

ALC Review:
I received an ACL from Macmillan Audio via NetGalley.

The narrator was amazing! This book is in one persons POV so having one narrator makes sense! She did an amazing job.

Enemies to Lovers is my favorite trope! Honestly the tension and slow burn definitely made me forget this was a YA romance. I have never read the companion novel to this book so I did not know what to expect. I loved that this book takes place in a fantasy regency era. There are dukes, duchess, and arranged marriages. The story was really good. I loved all the plotting the FMC does throughout the book and I love that she had a caring side to her.
The MMC being an of an unnatural variety with Touch Her and Di3 vibes is the best. I loved the tension and banter between the two main characters. I do want to read The Shadows Between Us now.

Story: 5 ⭐
Spice: 1 🌶 (kissing, mostly fade to black, talk)
Narration: 5 ⭐

This book was amazing! Caitlin Davies did a fantastic job. Her voice and the story just captivate you.

This is book 2 in the series. I would say you could read it as a standalone, but it could cause spoilers if you want to read the first book.

If you like a romance that is boarder line enemies to lovers more rival to lovers, set in a Victorian era, women empowerment, touch her and die, secrets, plotting, all the banter and arguing you will ever need. This pick this up!

I ended up enjoying this more than I thought I would. Neither Chysantha nor Eryx are afraid to get their hands dirty if it gets them what they want. This leads to a true enemies to lovers plot line that has great tension. Chrysantha has always been a simpering young woman in an effort to get what she wants. Watching her character evolve and shed her silliness was delightful.

Eryx is a bit of a mystery, but as Chrysantha learned his secrets, we see the softer side of him. I enjoyed watching the two of them fight their feelings for each other then slowly give in. The tension and chemistry between them made this a quick, fun read.

Both characters are morally gray and the choices they make show that. I love when we see actions that reflect the character’s depictions. This is a YA book, but because of the talk of taking on lovers and brothels, I would consider it upper YA.

I listened to the audio and really enjoyed the narrator. She really brought out Chysantha’s deviousness, and I felt like her narration added to the story.

This is based in a time when women didn't have a lot of control in their own lives, where before they're married their fathers control their life and when married they become their husband's property. I really liked our main character Chrysantha who pretended to be a simple girl that men didn't notice, but when she is finally free a mysterious man comes to take it all away from her. She is sassy and gives him a run and makes nothing easy for him. I love all the banter and the dynamic between these two. Also, I didn't read the first book and still understand everything that was going on.

Narration:
Caitlin Davies delivers a captivating performance as the narrator of The Darkness Within Us. Her voice perfectly captures the cunning and complexity of Chrysantha Stathos, bringing the character's deviousness and charm to life. Davies’ skillful modulation and pacing make it easy to distinguish between characters, enhancing the listener’s immersion in the story.

Story:
Chrysantha Stathos has seemingly won the game of power and deception. By masking her true intelligence and ambition behind the facade of a beautiful but vapid girl, she has secured her father’s care, gathered critical secrets, and attained the title of duchess by the age of nineteen. However, her carefully constructed world is thrown into disarray when her younger sister, Alessandra, secures a marriage with the Shadow King, the most formidable man in the realm.

As if this blow weren’t enough, Chrysantha’s husband, an unsavory character, dies, and a stranger claiming to be the duke’s long-lost grandson, Eryx Demos, appears to claim what Chrysantha believes is rightfully hers. Determined not to let any man take away her hard-won fortune and freedom, she resolves to eliminate Eryx, despite his allure and mysterious powers.

Review:
Tricia Levenseller weaves a tale of intrigue, ambition, and sibling rivalry in The Darkness Within Us. Chrysantha is a fascinating protagonist—her cunning and determination make her both a formidable and relatable character. The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping the listener engaged and eager to see how Chrysantha will navigate the challenges thrown her way.

Levenseller’s writing is sharp and engaging, with well-developed characters and a richly imagined world. The dynamic between Chrysantha and Eryx is particularly compelling, filled with tension and unexpected developments.

While the story is thoroughly enjoyable, it occasionally leans on familiar tropes. Nonetheless, the strong characterization and gripping plot more than compensate for these minor shortcomings.

Conclusion:
The Darkness Within Us is an enthralling listen, especially for fans of fantasy and strong female protagonists. Caitlin Davies’ excellent narration enhances the experience, making this audiobook a worthwhile addition to any collection. Chrysantha Stathos is a character you won’t soon forget, and her journey is one of both darkness and discovery.

Obsessed! I read the first book along with the audible and I loved that the same voice actor did this! The clarity was amazing and I loved everything about this book. The narriation was at a perfect pace and clear to understand. I love the voice change for the characters which really helps to understand what is happening and who is talking.
I will say I was not expecting this to be from the sisters point of view as I grew to not care for her much in the first book. I blew through the first book and then again, with this one as I could not put it down. But I truly loved it! It was another enemies to lovers and I did feel like it was similar yet different from the first book. I found myself rooting for them the entire book! The banter back and forth was great! I love the strong headed MFC and that he eventually understands her. It is not my typical read and I am so happy I picked it up and read it. I will be recommending this book to friends! Thank you Netgally as well as the Author and publishing company for allowing me to read this. I truly enjoyed every minute of it.

I do enjoy a good companion book and this one did not fail.
Tracia does a good job of writing fun, snarky, and morally grey characters that I really enjoy.
It's refreshing to read something that the characters are not necessarily trying to be the hero or the good guy.
The hate to love romance was done well as well. It wasn't half baked like they tend to be these days.

Now, with that being said, the MC was a little on the annoying side at times. And the world building was ok at best.
But honestly I don't rear Tricia's books for world building.

Thanks to NetGalley for the Audio ARC!

4.25/5 stars

Narrator: 10/10, phenomenal job and so well produced!

Tricia Levenseller does it again with a fun, wacky, story with a wickedly smart leading lady and murderous main male character. Chrysantha and Eryx aren't exactly villains, but they definitely aren't heroes - I love them.

The banter, the clever chess game Chyrsantha plays with everyone, the book club...I loved it all. But honestly my favorite part was probably the sisters' interactions toward the end of the book - there are some FANTASTIC quotes from these dangerous women and I loved it.

Again, Levenseller delivers a delicious slow burn with fantastic flirting and banter. The plot was dark and twisted but still had me laughing and I just really adored the entire cast. I really hope she writes more with these characters because I really want to see what else they'll do.

Tricia Levenseller has such a talent for storytelling - her characters are unique and clever and drastically different than the usual mold. I love her books because they aren’t simple but also aren’t overly complex either - they’re captivating but relaxing, in their own way.

Deliciously witty & unputdownable enemies to lovers sequel to The Shadows between Us! After her bedridden duke passes Chrysantha finally has everything she’s ever dreamed of… freedom from patriarchy. Until the night the duke’s heir mysteriously appears and she knows, without a doubt, he is an imposter, the duke had no heirs, she chose him for just that reason. Chrysantha is conniving and snarky and will stop at nothing to get back what’s hers. The narrator just brings this story to life,

This was a fun time! Both books in those series are fun with strong FMCs who are don’t with having society tell them how to act and what to do. Each story is different in how they deal with it but both are very good. The audiobooks of these 2 are super well done and entertaining.

I loved the narrator in this book and think she did an amazing job bringing the characters and story to life.
But, as for the story itself, it felt lacking. It was a sweet love story but it stuck too closely to the typical romantasy formula. Enemies to lovers, “shadow daddy”, spitfire FMC, slow burn. These tropes are popular for a reason, they’re tried and true but overall I wanted more from the story.
I think this is a great book to read if you want a low stakes romantasy book.

Thank you NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review

I recently listened to an ALC of The Darkness Within Us and unfortunately, this was a case of not all books being for all people. This book was not for me. It’s a Beauty and the Beast retelling (I think) which uses a lot of common tropes such as enemies to lovers and forced proximity (which is actually used in a line in the book itself 🙄), but I just did not like the FMC at all. She was selfish and arrogant and that is not how I prefer my MCs to be portrayed, she never grew to be a better person, and she was just so unrelatable to me. I ended up giving this book 3 🌟🌟🌟 because it did have a decent storyline and kept my attention, but I don’t think I would recommend it, which is unfortunate because this is the June YA Fairyloot pick.

With all of that said, the narrator of the audiobook is amazing and I really enjoyed her reading style of this book and other books I’ve listened to that she has narrated!

Thank you, @netgalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Anyone who knows me should know by now that I’m a huge Tricia Levenseller fan! I’ve read almost all of her books and her versatility is seriously unmatched! She touches so many different ends of the fantasy genre and still manages to keep her characters unique, interesting and separate!

This isn’t quite my favorite series by her but I do think it’s a solid YA Fantasy! I really enjoyed the first one in this series and this is a decent follow up!

I did enjoy the first more than the second. But Levenseller just does such a good job of writing morally grey characters that I spent half the book hating Chrysantha 😂. I did grow to like her and her story but it was touch and go at first. What really kept me going was the snippets of Alessandra and Kallius! Eryx was also a great edition as well!

Chrysantha’s story grew on me as the book went on. She appears to be this spoiled rich girl, married to a dying king but she becomes so much more when you see how much she truly cares for her staff.

The banter between the two MC’s was entertaining and fun. I only wish they got out of their own way a bit faster!

Overall I really liked this book and would definitely recommend if your looking for a quick duology📚

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5

This book will certainly be a best seller.

Chrysantha has been pretending to be a pretty idiot for 7 years while quietly making moves to secure a marriage with a dying Duke so that she could secure her freedom as Dowager Duchess after he dies. But when a ruggedly handsome man shows up claiming to be her late husband’s heir, taking everything from her, she will reveal all her cunning to remove him from her life…dead or alive.

This book has a few major issues. The single marginalized character in this book is a black man the Duchess temporarily takes as a mistress (there is no word for a male mistress and that topic is in fact discussed.) So already the author is fetishizing a black man. And then there is the new Duke…his dense inability to see Chrysantha’s predicament makes him very unlikeable, and not in that fun enemies to lovers kind of way. I truly thought there must be another reason he absolutely just had to keep control of all of the money and keep her out of the gigantic house. In the end I wished she’d chosen her footman, who was the only man worth a second thought in this book.

Nevertheless, the injustice of Chrysantha’s situation at the beginning of the book creates so much tension that I absolutely refused to put it down and devoured it in 2 days. I feel like a good sensitivity reader and a bit of editing would have made this book 5 stars.