Reviews

I liked this book! But I would have liked to have more time with them daring and such. See some more progress for Rory.

I liked how Rory was sweet and considerate with Aiden.

All in all, I really enjoyed it.

Note: 5++++ stars for Adam Gold's narration ❤️❤️❤️

jamie_w's review against another edition

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4.0

Ugh. Could Rory and Adrian be any cuter together??

Adrian was so sweet and kind. He truly wanted Rory to live a better and healthier life. I loved how Rory couldn’t resist Adrian. He was so smitten!

Rory’s accident was awful and the way Adrian didn’t shame him or make him feel self conscious was what Rory needed.

Holy shit Adrian’s roommates were the absolute worst and their prank during his presentation was disgusting. I love how Krew tried his best to save Adrian the humiliation.

sandyfrancesca's review

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5.0

One of the best books I’ve read this year. If I could give it a 6out of 5 starts I would. I completely loved Rory, Adrian was amazing and Kremlin is the best friend we’ve all hoped for. Couldn’t put this down.

karentje's review against another edition

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5.0

Amazing romance with Nicky James’s trademark angst, captivating writing style, and nuanced character development. Not to mention an intensely satisfying HEA. The MC’s struggles with their mental health and their resilience in the face of horrible, nearly constant bullying and harassment are both heartbreaking and inspiring. It’s impossible not to feel some of the anxiety that Rory and Adrian fight daily to overcome, and I felt so invested in their well-being and happiness. Rory lives in darkness, both literally and figuratively, as he has lost hope of ever overcoming his crippling fear of sunlight. Adrian is an unexpected bright spot in his dark world, and Rory, in turn, becomes a source of hope and support for Adrian, which is a heartwarming thing to see develop. Rory and Adrian are seemingly opposites in many ways, and at first, Adrian is at a loss to understand Rory’s interest in him or to see beyond Rory’s somewhat intimidating looks. I loved that early tension between them because of these misconceptions, and of course, the simmering attraction and emotional connection that followed. Krewe is a wonderful secondary character, a great friend for both Rory and later Adrian as well. I loved how protective he is of his friends.

Narration: Adam Gold’s performance of Shades of Darkness is simply masterful. He effortlessly ensnares the listener with his outstanding narration and really knows how to bring the tension, despair, and angst the MC’ s feel as well as the tenderness, cautious joy, and sweet butterflies that lighten up Rory’s and Adrian’s world. The voices he does for all the characters are spot on, especially those for Rory, Adrian, and Krewe. He brings these guys to live and makes them seem incredibly real. Impressive.