Dreary Shadows Academy was not where I wanted to be for my final year of high school. Things never go as planned, though, and now, the Shadow Brothers have me on their radar. They seem to show up everywhere I turn. I hoped they’d back off, but fate has other plans.
When I’m attacked, they’re the ones to save me, opening my eyes to a whole new world. The supernatural aren’t supposed to exist, and I wasn’t supposed to be thrown in the middle like this. I’m just a normal girl. Or so I thought.
In a world full of vampires, werewolves, and witches, it’s no surprise when everything crumbles and someone gets cursed. I’ll be surprised if I get through the year alive, or at least with my heart intact. These vampires are going to break me, I just know it.
**This is a 52k reverse harem vampire story and is part 1 out of 4. It must be read in order. It contains darker themes and adult content.
R.E. Bond is a dark romance author from Tasmania, Australia. She is obsessed with reverse harem books, especially if they have m/m! She collects paperbacks as a hobby, has read or written every day since she started high school, and constantly needs music in her daily life. She loves camping and rodeos in the summer, and not getting out of bed in the winter. Coffee and books are life, and curse words are just sentence enhancers.
Mixing it up a wee bit and jumping out of my usual romance genre..
This took me a wee bit to get into, not sure why but as I kept going I got into the storyline more and started to enjoy it even more. The boys definitely kept me intrigued and our heroine kept it entertaining especially with the curveball about her thrown in. Definitely invested enough to read the next/last part of this story.
Was it kinda meh? Yes. Was it cringe? Yes. Did the MC annoy me? Yes. Will I continue reading the series? Also yes. Why? Because the books are short, the story's fast-paced, and I'm curious about what these vampires, who are over a thousand years old but act like teenagers, are gonna do next. Bite me. ⤏ Actual rating: 2.5🌟
⤏ What to expect: ∘ Dark PNR Romance ∘ Vampires, witches, shapeshifters ∘ FMC with an attitude problem ∘ Alphaholes as love interests ∘ M/M Romance scenes ⤏ Tropes: ∘ Reverse Harem ∘ Enemies to Lovers ∘ Insta-Love/Lust
When Lilith Maverick lands at Dreary Shadows academy for her senior year, she couldn’t have predicted the level of disdain she’d be met with from the Shadow Brothers.
Repeated attempts to warn her away are pointless as all five Brothers are drawn to her. As they say, there’s a thin line between love and hate.
Dreary Shadows Part 1 has some new takes on the popular storyline. Thankfully we don’t have to wait long for Part 2 because that cliffy is hateful. LOL!
It is always a risk for me when it comes to the FMCs that the author creates, sometimes I love them and other times they really frustrate me. I find the heroine here alright for the first half of the book and then I was questioning some of her decisions. I love good vampire stories, but it took me time to get into this one. Probably I am way over academy series or simply it is not the right time for me to be reading this one, but either way around I did not love it. The MMCs seem to have a quirk, but then again they just left her. I am putting this series on hold as it might be just my odd mood at the moment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Felt like an extremely poorly written book off of wattpad. The amount of whiplash over characters emotions and actions along with the lack of storyline drained me. (No pun intended)
“Be careful out here, Lilith. The darkness hides more monsters than you’ll ever know.”
After her mom remarries, Lilith Maverick was shipped off to a prestigious school, in Dreary Shadows. Trying to make her way through school, she caught the attention of the kings of the school, the Shadow Brothers. Turns out, not everything is as it seems.
Dreary Shadows Part 1 of the Dreary Shadows Duet. I literally finished this book in one sitting. OMG!! I swear, RE Bond is one of those authors that can write any genre. This was freaking amazing. Lilith seriously has huge Rory vibes and I am so for it. I was literally getting emotional whiplash. It was weird, I felt all of the emotions that the guys were projecting onto Lilith. It was beautifully written and definitely well done. As much as I have feelings for all of the guys, I think Ezra and Blade have a special place in my heart. I love those guys sooo much and they were a good comic relief. I literally cannot wait for PT 2!!!
“The Shadow Brothers. Chaos, Lorenzo, Cain, Sebastian, and Emmett. They don’t take kindly to newbies, especially ones with a smart mouth.” When Lilith Maverick attends Dreary Shadows Academy, not all is what it seems. She has caught the attention of 5 mysterious guys known as the shadow brothers and they have hers. I can’t wait to start Dreary Shadows Part 2. I loved everything about it. Vampires, Werewolves, Witches, this was right up my alley. Contents & TW ⚠️ - why choose - paranormal - possessiveness - violence & bl00d - course language
“Human men are pathetic, they can’t get you off even if they had a map and a manual.”
If there is one thing you can always count on with this author, it’s a relentless, power house of a female character and Lilith is no different. She’s strong and sassy and has a past that I think there’s more to than we yet know.
It is a slow burn romance, but the plot definitely makes up for the lack of spice. The cliffhanger was brutal and brought you in your feels.
R.E. Bond has created an amazing world filled with vampire's, wolves, witches and all sorts of other creatures. Lilith starts off this story beginning at a new school and she uncovers a whole new world and has alot to discover about it and herself. Can't wait to see what adventures she will go on in this series.
R.E. Bond has knocked on the door of the paranormal realm and opened the door saying “Honey, I’m home!”. I read this in one setting! I literally could not stop reading this book. R.E. Bond has created a world of vampires, werewolves, witches and all kinds of paranormal delights in this one.
Lilith is a take no names kind of girl. She is sent to Dreary Shadows by her mother and new stepfather. Only proving to her that her mom has replaced her with her new family. But Lilith says good riddance with both middle fingers raised in the air!!
First day of her senior year at a new school and she’s already stepping on toes, attracting unwanted attention and making enemies.
Lilith pulls no punches when she attracts the attention of the shadow brothers Chaos, Cain, Emmett, Lorenzo and Sebastian. She’s not afraid to tell them where to go. She also befriends Ezra and Blade. They try to steer her away from the brothers to try and keep her safe. But there’s just something about them that attracts her.
Things in Dreary Shadows is not what it seems. Lilith finds out pretty quick that monsters really do exist!
The characters are charismatic with the best banter between them all! You will be swept away while reading this!
I couldn’t get enough of this book. I’m in love with all of the guys. Sebastian melts my heart and I’m dying to see Emmett unleash himself. Lorenzo is still a mystery that I can’t wait to unravel. Cain is crazy hot and Chaos… omg he might be my favourite. They blend of angry and hot and dangerous. Umm yes please.
This was one of those books where I kept looking at the progress bar, freaking out that I was getting closer to the end. I just needed more and more and I’m already desperate for the next book!!
Vampire stories that hold your attention can be hard to come by these days. Most are either echoes of previously written tales or ones that just don't sit right.
Dreary Shadows felt a natural easy read. I picked it up and read it blind, which I'd strongly recommend for the best read!
Lilth moves to Dreary Shadows after her mother marries her (now!) stepdad and sends her to this exclusive private school and pays for housing just outside the school to live in by herself. To say her and her mother don't get on is an understatement.
As is normal, the new girl gathers the attention. First by the guy who shows her around, Ezra who introduces her to his extremely weirdly-creepy-but-sad, flirty roommate Blade.
Immediately she's warned not to go near the Shadow Brothers. So the inevitable happens. Her snarky attitude gets their back up, and at the same time also further interest. Chaos and Cain seem the angriest with the whole ordeal...while Emmett, Sebastian and Enzo seem to take a liking to her!
They happen to live in the creepy castle just down her street so she sees them pop up every now and then - but in odd places. But the rumour goes that if you go in the castle you don't come out...
She keeps seeing or hearing odd things when it comes to them. But it's always quick flashes...
But when she's attacked in the street after going for a run and fatally wounded, shes rescued by Sebastian and taken to the castle to recover.
She discovers a huge secret that changes everything. Not just for her, but accidentally for the Shadow Brothers too.
This was an easy, quick read. One that can be easily picked up and put down. Perfect for a summer break read! Written well with a flowing story, good characters that interact well and chemistry when it flares is heated!
I'd say this is towards the higher end of YA reading, due to the strong language and sexual content, as the storyline isn't that complex and fun to read!
Lilith's mother sends her to Dreary Shadows academy for her final year of school. From her first day she draws attention from the Shadow Brothers. She's all sass and attitude since they try to get her to leave but then she finds out their secret. Ok so this was a really fast paced short story and that's why it wasn't fleshed out enough in the proper places. Lilith went from hating the guys to inviting one into her home and trauma dumping her innermost secrets on him. It didn't make sense that she'd do that but with how short the story is, I guess the author needed them to be close. The antagonist were declared only to get taken out real fast and anticlimactic. One vampire who despised Lilith flipped to being desperately in love. Lilith's so called "best friends" (don't know why cause she's always rude to them) keep warning her to stay away from the Shadow Brothers and she's all 'they're my friends, they'd never hurt me'. Girl barely knew them. Also, I've never gotten an answer for why thousand year vampires would chose to attend high-school lol. Lilith had one TSTL moment when the guys warn her about jogging in the dark cause of wolves and creepy vampire stalking her but she's all 'it's hot so imma go jogging alone'. Despite all this, the story was interesting so I might check out the other books in the series.
R.E. Bond certainly got me HOOKED on this supernatural suspenseful book with a kick ass heroine who did not have a care in the world about what the Shadow guys were really all about. As a matter of fact she was all about trying to be on their side, she wanted to be their friends. But she ended up being more than just their friends. Her scent drew them to her just as much as she drew anyone else.
There is more to this story that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat that I can't divulge otherwise I will give the story away and that's the last thing I want to do. All I can say is that if you're into supernatural then you will certainly love this book!
I fell in love with R.E.Bonds books since I discovered her with her first book and have been hooked ever since. I will never tire of her writing and/or her stories. Although I may not be a huge fan of supernatural/PNR books, this one certainly did hook me and this is why I am giving it a 5 star review.
**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
I have been a fan of RE Bonds for a very long time. When I found out she was writing a paranormal book I was pretty over the moon! This book is everything and went right to the top of my list of favorites of hers!
I read it all in one sitting and can’t wait for part 2! Are we only getting 2 books, cuz I could read this alll day!?!?! 🖤🖤🖤
It kind of reminded me of a darker rated R - Twilight; only better! Lol.
The Shadow Brothers - Chaos, Enzo, Cain, Sebastian and Emmett are all dark mysterious and angry. Lol. All of them intrigued with Lilith. She’s different than most and her smell is something sweet. Ezra and Blade, their rivals in every way are also competing for a chance to learn more about Lilith.
When blood is drawn, we quickly find something in Lilith’s bloodline that doesn’t make sense. Then, things go haywire. When the brothers are forced to leave they unintentionally leave Lilith open to whoever is after her. Will she be able to forgive them for leaving? Can the wolves keep her safe? What does awakening her own power really mean?
I’m ready for part 2 now! And I’m dying to know what else we have in store for Lilith. Does she get her sammich 🥪 she’s been craving? 😉 Will we be adding any other guys to this harem outside of the brothers!?
OMG! I absolutely loved this story. It was intense, dark, twisted, sexy and freaking hilarious. I was instantly hooked with this story (definitely unputdownable). I loved all the secrets, the mystery and the unknown aspects of it all.
I could not get enough of Lilith. She is one hell of a bad ass woman with fire, spit and flare. She was everything I wish I was at that age! The Shadow Brothers – damn these guys were intense, extremely sexy and blood thirsty! Their filthy dirty talk had me squirming like crazy and making my panties melt like you wouldn’t believe. All that neck sniffing really had me feeling it. The relationship between Lilith and the Shadow Brothers is slow burn but damn was it hot!
After that crazy ending, I can’t wait to see how Lilith’s story turns out.
Really well written PNR RH story with lots of emotion on every page, suspense and mystery, twists and turns and secrets that still need to be revealed.
Dreary Shadows is part one of a paranormal reverse harem duet.
I have loved Rachs writing since reading Pretty Lies, and this book is just as amazing! For this being her first paranormal romance, she knocked it outta the park!
Lilith is in a new town and is starting at a new school. She instantly catches the eyes of the Shadow Brothers, Chaos, Cain, Lorenzo, Sebastian, and Emmett. They feel a pull to her but push her away to keep her safe, ya know since they are vampires and all 😂
There is so much going on and Dreary Shadows is gonna take over your day when you read it! I couldn't put it down til I finished!
I love Lilith so much! She is feisty, doesn't take crap and is so strong. And the guys, SO FREAKING HOT!!! Rach always writes the best harems!
I cant wait for part 2, i have so many questions I need answered! Rach, this book is INCREDIBLE!!!
Thinking that this is R.E. Bonds first Paranormal blows my mind. I am obsessed! This book hooked me in. LIlith Is my kind of girl! I love her take no shit attitude. She doesn't let anyone walk all over her but she also doesn't go out of her way to be mean to people either. I freaking love all the guys in this story( the shadow brothers & the wolves!) .They each bring something to the story and keep me on my toes. I devoured this book in one sitting and I'm impatiently waiting for the next book! So freaking good!
I will admit it I love the shadow brothers. This RH knows how to sink its claws in early and make you keep coming back for more. The FMC has a take no sh*t attitude that I love and she roles these boys up in the best of ways. The dynamics between her and the boys are super interesting and the same can be said bet the boys themselves. This book ended on our girl really coming into her own and I can’t wait to see where it goes. This is a short novella length treat that I devoured in a day.
Plot: 3/5 • Smut: 2/5 ———-> Part one, short enough i’d consider it a novella. Lilith goes to a school only to be surrounded by vampires and werewolves and only to find out she’s actually a witch. Finding out only after being almost drained by her bonded vampire. Ends with a cliffy and the clan of vampires still MIA.
Omgosh! This book is unexpectedly good! When I started reading I do not have any idea what the story was about. I know that this is set in high school and a reverse harem, but the supernatural element is so fun to read and added another layer to the narrative. It's been a while since I have enjoyed this kind of story, plot-wise.
After the cliffhanger I straightly dive into book two, I can't help it. It is just so good! 😍🔥
Wow, I went into this one a bit blind except that I knew that there would be vampires. I ended up enjoying this WAY more than I expected to and every second I couldn't read it felt like torture, it made working a bit difficult lol. The second I was done for the day I went home and just kept reading until I finished even though it was most definitely past my bedtime at that point. Initially, I was a bit worried because I can admit that I got off on the wrong foot with Lilith in the first few pages but as I kept going I ended up getting completely sucked into the story! And the men? I was absolutely dying between all the banter, angst, and tension! Add in that I really enjoyed the plot and overall world building and we have ourselves the perfect combination of enjoyment for me!
Now this is probably the opposite of what everyone else thought but I actually really liked how it ended. 🤭 It opened up the potential for a lot more angst which you can see I am a huge sucker for and it helped to expand the character arc for Lilith. I'm super excited to see where we're gonna go from here in respect to both the story and characters! My only request is that Lilith kicks all of their butts when they eventually make their way back cause not only do they seriously deserve it but I NEED to see their reactions to all of the new developments that happened with her while they were out of the picture! Overall, this book was just what I needed and I absolutely cannot wait to read the next one! 😈😍
I can’t wait to see where she goes next with this story. There’s so many different ways she could go after the cliffhanger in Part One. I didn’t know what exactly to expect with this, just that she was writing a PNR this time. If you’re looking for your next PNR read or are in a slump, I HIGHLY recommend grabbing this.
This was my first vampire RH or why choose novel and I'm OBSESSED! With just one book R.E. Bond transported me into the world of the supernatural, made me fall in love with not one but four vampires and two wearwolfs! I adore all of these characters and cannot wait to see where this journey takes them!