Reviews

Shrouded In The Dark: A Paranormal Reverse Harem Shifter Romance by Aspen Black

gypsydawn's review against another edition

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4.0

This was so very, very good for the first 60%..... then it lost a bit of its appeal, and I couldn't even really tell you why. It's still a good story, but I slogged through the last bit. Maybe it was just my mood at the time. Deserves a 4 for the first half at least.

whatsamy's review against another edition

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3.0

I'm giving this a 3.5 I think.

I loved the overall idea of the RH with shifters and that the MC was plus sized with anxiety and bad vision, it made her more interesting.

I enjoyed the first 60-70% of the book much more than the end. I understand that it's set up for a universe but it all seemed very rushed.

It also had some odd plot drop ins. Thing's like the necklaces at the end that had never been mentioned but are just there.
3 or 4 times something would seem a bit out of no where.

It's got a pretty high amount of MM, I don't mind some MM in my RH but this I think was more than I'm into (it made the relationship with the MC seem a bit less special that all the male characters constantly wanted each other

deaniewink's review against another edition

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4.0

I was recommended this by author Jenn D. Young when I asked for a good quality MMFMM paranormal romance and I am so thankful for that rec!!

This book was everything I could’ve asked for. It had adventure, spice, romance across all genders, multiple villains and a couple of shocking twists that I LOVED!

The guys were fantastic. Sexy, hot, cuddly, UNF! Seth was a delicious alpha daddy and I love how he took care of everyone and instinctively knew what his pack needed. Jasper was an absolute sweet nerd with a side of hot and was an excellent friend. Cody was a goddamn precious cinnamon roll and I will protect him with my life. Axel was the biggest teddy bear and his shining moments felt extra sweet. And Wyn was an addition I wasn’t expecting but oh boy he was delicious! He fit in with the pack SO well and brought along a whole bunch of spice to the party.

Be a was an interesting character. I liked that she was more of a book/art nerd and that she dealt with potentially crippling anxiety but also didn’t let that stop her. The guys were really good for her in that way and I have to say I’m proud of where she ended the story.

This was such an excellent book and my only complaint is that there wasn’t more of it! I would’ve loved to spend more time in their world but at least I’ve found a new author to delve into!

taylor_kelsie's review against another edition

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3.0

Our FMC Becca spends her summer vacation alone in her families cabin. She is usually shy and introverted but can’t help the pull she feels for her 4 neighbors. As “animal” attacks start to happen around her cabin the 4 men vow to protect her. But will she accept them still after they reveal their secrets?

This is definitely not in my top tier of shifter romances. And I have read A LOT! There was something missing for me between her and the guys. I didn’t feel any tension or excitement as their relationships progressed.

Also in the first part of the book the men are so enthralled with her because she’s watched Star Wars and likes rare steak. They’ve NEVER met any girl who likes those things.

rawlsreads's review against another edition

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4.0

I really enjoyed this book, but I've knocked off a star because I think that it would have been better suited as a duet rather than a stand-alone. There's action and world-building to be had for days, but it lends the story to feel a smidge too long, which I think wouldn't be the case if it were 2 stories.

Now on to all of the good parts! I did love the take on shifters here and the lore that was built around them as well as the guys' pack which is not the typical style with different animals in there. Plus the emphasis on mental health and the struggles people face is amazing. I really did connect with Becca on the anxiety front, and it's nice to see that portrayed in stories.

The FMC!
Becca is a normal-ish college girl - albeit with a rare condition she can't see at night and anxiety, but she doesn't let that stop her from living a normal life. She connects with the guys right away once they all meet up during her summer break. It's not 100% smooth sailing at first, especially with her anxiety, but again I love the portrayal of mental health in this one.

The Guys!
Seth, Axel, Jasper, Cody, Wyn - There's someone for everyone in this harem. A mixture of personalities and backgrounds that meshes well within their little family. The drama with Axel at the start of the story is interesting and handled well.

The Smut!
Loads and loads of sexy time scenes in here! There's solo time, one-on-one time, MM for days, and group scenes galore! Buckle in and get ready for some steam.

lyzzidc's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

its_aislinn's review against another edition

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1.0

DNF @ 71%.. did I even read the same book as everyone else? I’ll admit, the idea of a MC mating with different shifters was certainly intriguing. I also give this book a point for the diversity: our MC is plus-size and suffers from anxiety (she also can’t see in the dark due to a medical condition). However, that is about it for me. This book was all over the place, and I thought it might’ve been because the timeline is weird (college students on break, summer in the mountains, etc) but I think it just comes down to the writing style. The best way I could sum it up would be: 2016 Wattpad Twilight fan fiction.

The characters are pretty flat and I don’t find anything really redeeming about any of them. Stereotypical boys-next-door who are all bros and have been friends for years. MM is in the book, which I don’t mind, but for all of the talk about “being pack” and “being family” it felt like their interactions were out of necessity, not desire.

I found the MC to be so… unappealing that I honestly had a hard time reading this book. Not to mention that her best friend is essentially dating one of the boys that she befriends, and yet when she starts to develop feelings for said boy, she is genuinely surprised that her BF shoots it down. I mean sure, maybe they were in a weird patch (hello, summer break?) but I was appalled that she thought it was even appropriate. Anyways, maybe I just didn’t suspend enough belief with this book.

crystal_bookworm's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional tense slow-paced

4.0

rebeccareadsmut's review against another edition

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3.0

I felt a bit mixed about this one.  I really really loved the first half or like the first 70% of the book but then it got a bit harder for me.  I didn't really care about the sort of end drama/plot stuff happening in the book.  I felt like it wasn't really necessary.  I would have rather seen more of their relationship instead. I actually had a hard time convincing myself to finish the book even at like 90%, I just cared so little about that section of the plot, even though I LOVED the first section.

I loved Becca.  She shares my name, and I love reading about a chubby heroine.  There are not enough of them in romance books.

I found it a bit for me that for a romance it still kind of felt unsettled at the end. Besides with one character, there wasn't really any I love yous back and forth. It seemed more like the start of a relationship but I wasn't really buying the "we are together forever" bit. It also seemed like the guys were so set and content in their relationship already she seemed like an afterthought that wasn't really necessary. I felt myself feeling jealous for her.  lo

gemmylou87's review against another edition

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5.0

I was lucky enough to listen to the Audible version of this book, perfectly narrated by Bridget and Jake Bordeaux.

We are introduced to our main character of Becca who I know many, many people will connect with. She is very relatable with her anxiety and general demeanor, and people will want only good things for her. The men in her life are all hotter than life and I can guarantee you'll be pulled into the story spun by Aspen Black.