Thanks to net galley for the opportunity to arc read this. Omg this book is everything I have been wanting to read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved the story and characters, I was not ready for it to be over. The banter between the two main characters was so great. Definitely looking forward to the next book in this world.

Masquerade of Bones had such a hold on me that I kept scrolling thinking surely I wasn't at the end of the book. The worldbuilding was epic as was the magical system characters used. Everly's character development was masterfully crafted and beautifully executed. The same can be said of Silas. I absolutely loved them so much. I also enjoyed the bit of spice there was in the book. This book also contained many of my favorite tropes, one bed/on horse, forced proximity, found family, and secret identities to name a few. Definitely a favorite and I look forward to reading the next book.

So much potential ...

I'm torn on this book. I found myself getting sucked in and I did enjoy what was there ... there just wasn't enough of it. Time and time again an event would be set up and it would seem like it was going to be high-stakes and exciting, only to then have it be over super quickly and then on to the next thing. Basically, a lot of build-up and not much pay-off.

If proper time had been given to really focus and deep dive into all the different aspects of this world, the characters, and the events, it could've been awesome.

The concept is great, the characters have a great foundation, the world is in intriguing ... it just all felt very surface-level. If this book had been twice as long as it was, I would've probably loved it. Which is why I'm torn. I wouldn't want it to be twice as long if I did like the story and characters.

Ultimately, I walked away feeling disappointed by the possibility of what this book/story could've been if everything had been a lot more developed.

If you want something light and fun and you don't care about not taking a deep dive into the characters or the events happening, then you might really enjoy this. I just personally needed more.

Wow. The more I read, the more enthralled I became with this story; the characters, the magic, the mystery of where the plot was going to take me next. It took a few chapters to understand what was going on but once I did, wow. I throughly enjoyed the magic system and how each relic appeared differently to Everly. I loved the MMC - I’m always going to love the grumpy shadow daddies! Also, the tension between Everly and Silas - I am here for it!
One aspect that I wish was different, was the ending (more specifically the last chapter). I feel as though it was rushed - like it needed 2 or 3 more chapters. I need to know WHY it took Silas over a month! Unacceptable sir.
My only regret is now I have to wait over a year for book #2.
Thank you to Netgalley, Specter Publishing, and J.Ember Hintz for the ARC and opportunity to read this early.

I started this and didn’t stop until I finished it. J. Ember Hintz KNOWS how to write a man you want to devour. The story was amazing it had action, romance, high stakes, and a FMC that is risking it all.

This is an easy 5 star and I already don’t know what I’m going to do and if anything I’m going to read past this is going to hit the same way. Obsession was written so WELL and it had me kicking my feet and feeling my own butterflies. The world building was great I felt like I could transport myself there without everything being overly wordy. The characters had me thoroughly invested in their well being and the MCs were fleshed out well.

I will be singing this books praises I left it dying for the next. I will be recommending this to everyone expeditiously. Thank you NetGalley for allowing to enjoy this ARC. I will be anxiously waiting for the next in this series and adding it to my own bookshelf when it releases!

I went in to this book with a certain Rebecca Yarros book hangover and this definitely helped me. It has a shadow daddy, blood oath that forces protection, magic, and adventure!

This book does drop you into a world where the magic system is very unique and interesting, but I do wish it would've started with a little more world building. However, the more you go on the more you are able to figure it out. I enjoyed the banter between the FMC and MMC and the journey they have to go on. I am looking forward to continuing the story when the next books come out!

I received this copy from NetGalley and J.Ember Hintz with Specter publishing

I LOVED the ending of this book. Silas gives off Daddy vibes but I don't think he's fully progressed into that role sooooo little daddy? Everly was such an intriguing fmc and I'm still so curious about her.
The plot was riveting and kept me reading into the wee hours of the night.

Uh my! Romantasy yes indeed.
This book was so tension-felt! Action, romance and magic. An fascinating world building with a interesting magic system.
The story captivating and I really liked the FMC, she was badass! We also get a Shadow-daddy and a magical bond. Oh and spice.

Read if you like:
Witches
Shadow magic
Dragons
Giants
Eminmes to lovers
Slow burn spice

Post on IG to come :)

3.75 stars

Overall I did enjoy the story, it had a really unique magic system which I loved, but I wish there would have been a little more world building. Especially in the beginning!
The romance aspect of the story was my favorite part. I loveeee a morally grey shadow daddy!

Oh wow I was so in love with this book it only took me two days to finish! The witches aspect was amazing and fun and the world building was detailed and helped bring the story to life. Talk about Shadowdady Silas.. ugh I just loved it honestly. Hoping there is more to come!

So this is what obsession feels like...

Say hello to my first 5* of 2025!

From page one, I was in love with the writing, the world, and the magic structure.

Halfway through, I didn’t want it to end, and was praying it wasn’t a stand alone.

By the last page, I wanted to obnoxiously message J.Ember Hintz, to praise her, and try to make her my new best friend! I still might!

Masquerade of Bones follows Everly, a witch in hiding who, after the loss of her parents and her broken betrothal to the Prince, is just trying to keep a roof over her and her brothers' heads. Enter Silas (He’s going on my book boyfriend list!) a witch who knows Everly's secret, and after witnessing her knack for unraveling wards, blackmails her into a blood oath, forcing her to help him and his motley crew steal a powerful relic.

I felt this story was perfectly paced. I flew through it, and was begging for more by the end. This is one of those books where there is so much material to work with that I cannot wait to see where the story goes. I’m praying to all the Gods that there is a book #2!!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and J, Ember Hintz, for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (via Netgalley)

4.5 stars

I definitely would have read this in one sitting had I not foolishly started it the night before a work day. This has so many things I love: morally grey shadow daddy, enemies to lovers, found family, an interesting magic system I hadn't seen before.

I hope there's more from this world because I'd love to see more from these characters.

To note, it does have darker elements so this may not be for everyone.

The book was kinda generic. There isn't a lot of movement with it. It really needed to move faster and have more things that added to the story overall. Fantasy has turned into a pretty generic genre and if there isn't anything to set it apart or make it good then it will get lost. Personally, I feel that this book might get lost.

The premise is strong, and the synopsis makes it sound cool, but the story did not deliver.

A book for people who cannot get enough of Sarah J Maas and Jennifer L. Armentrout.

Everly is cornered by a man who wants her and the jealousy of a man who cannot have her. As the never ending beatings of life pressure her into a situation of danger to work and deal with powers above her control and vast travels beyond her experience to save the ones she loves.

And for those that need to know before picking up this book: Yes this book cannot live without smut. Though there's build up to the actual scenes, the book wastes no time constantly making sexual comments or references and edging towards the inevitable moments.


I think my only flaw with this story is it over does a lot. It overkills on sexual comments, pet names, over describing dialogue and over indulges I telling me just how attractive Silas is. To the point where it reads awkwardly because it would constantly be shoved into the text no matter what. It’s a romantasy, people are going to imagine the character as extremely hot whether you describe it a million times or not.

Take a shot everytime I say the word “cannot” and get started on this book.

Thank you NetGalley, Specter Publishing and
J. Ember Hintz for this ARC copy.

4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Witches✨ Dragons✨ Giants ✨ Magic ✨ Enemies to lovers ✨ Shadow Daddy

What more can you ask for?


I loved this book! I only took away half a star because it lacked world building. You just jumped right into the story. I would’ve liked a little more back story for Everly.

There is so much about this book that I loved! I was hooked from the start. Who doesn’t love a good enemies to lovers with a shadow daddy and dragon. I cannot wait until the rest of this series is released.

“I’ll never deny you anything you desire again. I’m yours. You have possessed me, man, beast, and magic.” He presses my palm against his chest, directly above his heart. “I’ve been dead inside for two centuries. You’re the spark that brought me back to life. You’re the flame that burns inside me. I will be yours until my dying breath.”

To start, thank you, NetGalley and J. Ember Hintz, for the early copy of this book. I really enjoyed reading this! The magic wielding system was new and different than I have read before. Silas and Everly are great characters. Their story, with all the secrets and tragedy left me wanting more Parts of this story had me thinking of vibes from Throne of glass and Fourth Wing. Can't wait for the next installment.

Absolutely adored this story, which balances toe curling steam with intrigue and plot twists. Despite all the trigger warnings at the start, Masquerade and Bones is a light read.
The world building is limited, launching straight to plot - which I love but know more detail orientated readers will find frustrating. We don’t really get much description of our characters either (again, something I greatly appreciate but know others find annoying). However I did have to accept that I wouldn’t have a strong understanding and just trust the process as terms and magical systems were introduced.
I absolutely hope this is the first book in a series, but that we keep the main voice as we explore the back/future stories of the other players.
I also want more of Pig.
Highly recommend if you want a light HEA fantasy, are comfortable with slightly darker themes, and enjoy foreplay in its rawest form.
I was given this as an eARC, and the author is completely new to me. A couple of minor typos “I called out his mane” found and amused me.

This is my first witchy book and I absolutely LOVED it. The spice, the relationships, the story line! I loved it. I would recommend this book! Thank you for the Arc copy!

It was easy to read, but I feel like a lot of the world building wasn’t properly explained, so it was hard for me to fully immerse myself.

SPOILERS IN REVIEW:
“Masquerade of Bones” is an enchanting and immersive fantasy that weaves together a rich world of magic, political intrigue, and compelling character dynamics. The story centers on Everly, a witch who can sense magic through the bones of creatures. In a society where magic is forbidden, Everly struggles to keep her abilities hidden while navigating a world of secrets and betrayal. After the murder of her parents, Everly was forced to care for her brother, Adrian, and was ostracized by the royal family, including her former betrothed, Prince Gideon, who is now in a position of great power.

The world-building in this novel is stellar, creating a society rife with tension, where magic is feared and persecuted. Everly’s journey is fraught with personal and political conflict, and the introduction of Silas—an enigmatic reaver working for the rebel cause, who turns out to be a dragon—adds an exciting layer of mystery and danger to the plot.

One of the strongest elements of “Masquerade of Bones” is its character development. The multitude of characters is introduced seamlessly, each with depth and complexity that makes them relatable and easy to connect with. Everly’s inner struggle to hide her secret powers, while balancing her responsibilities to her brother and navigating the political landscape, makes her a compelling and sympathetic protagonist. Silas and Everly’s relationship is full of tension, mystery, and chemistry, evolving at just the right pace to keep readers hooked.

The dialogue throughout the book feels natural and relatable, enhancing the authenticity of the character interactions. The pacing is smooth, with the plot unfolding in a way that keeps the tension high without feeling rushed. There’s a perfect balance of action, emotional depth, and intrigue, with each chapter driving the story forward.

“Masquerade of Bones” is a captivating read for anyone who loves fantasy novels filled with complex characters, rich world-building, and an exploration of power, betrayal, and self-discovery. It’s a promising start to what could become a fantastic series.