Reviews

Shrouded in the Dark by Aspen Black

pearlwilson's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

tamscorner's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

anotherhalima's review

Go to review page

“Axel liked me? The thought of all of them liking me like I liked them made me giddy. For once, I didn’t think of Felicity. She’d played with Axel the whole summer. I knew it broke some kind of friend code, but I liked him, all of them, and I was tired of trying to push myself away from him for her.” 

this book starts off with mfc(becca) and her friend(felicity) meeting with a guy(axel) felicity is dating and his friend(jasper). felicity is clearly going through something with over baring parents and is unable to talk axel. becca knows this but she still thinks it’s okay to go for him. no i’m sorry no. i’ll pass on a friend who is so loving being betrayed by the mfc i’m supposed to be rooting for. i thought the author was going to give a good reason like felicity giving her blessing for becca to go for it but nope!

don’t even get me started on the “omg you like star wars and anime you’re so not like other girls” thing. its over done and annoying but unfortunately i’m so used it at this point that i ignore it.

lokeylez's review

Go to review page

adventurous emotional lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

3.5


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

gypsydawn's review against another edition

Go to review page

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

Go to review page

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

Go to review page

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

Go to review page

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

Go to review page

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

Go to review page

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