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Beyond The Shadows #2
Guns and Graveyards
I have blood on my hands.
Blood that isn't mine.
I had thought I had escaped my past. I had thought I had finally freed myself.
But can you really escape your monsters?
With a gang war looming on the horizon, bodies piling up, and a strange new student claiming ties to the Shadow Man, I find myself looking into my past.
Will I be able to uncover the mysteries surrounding my upbringing and the Shadow Man?
And what if the monster that needs to be stopped is me?
This is a reverse harem slow-burn horror novel. It is the second in a series. This book WILL END IN A CLIFFHANGER. If that bothers you, please wait until all books are released. With this style of series, not all questions will be answered every book, and more might pop up along the way. At the end of the series, there will be a HEA for Cami and her guys.
WARNING: This book contains language, violence, horror themes, and sexual situations that may not be appropriate for people of all ages.
Blood that isn't mine.
I had thought I had escaped my past. I had thought I had finally freed myself.
But can you really escape your monsters?
With a gang war looming on the horizon, bodies piling up, and a strange new student claiming ties to the Shadow Man, I find myself looking into my past.
Will I be able to uncover the mysteries surrounding my upbringing and the Shadow Man?
And what if the monster that needs to be stopped is me?
This is a reverse harem slow-burn horror novel. It is the second in a series. This book WILL END IN A CLIFFHANGER. If that bothers you, please wait until all books are released. With this style of series, not all questions will be answered every book, and more might pop up along the way. At the end of the series, there will be a HEA for Cami and her guys.
WARNING: This book contains language, violence, horror themes, and sexual situations that may not be appropriate for people of all ages.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 23, 2019
474 people are currently reading
519 people want to read
About the author
Katie May
92books2,471followersKatie May is a romance writer of numerous genres! She writes everything from horror to fantasy to contemporary. #whychoose
She has a gorgeous tabby cat who she adores, and she’s obsessed with coffee and horror movies.
She has a gorgeous tabby cat who she adores, and she’s obsessed with coffee and horror movies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
September 9, 2019
This review is written for both books 1 and 2 of the Beyond the Shadows series.
Okay... so I am really torn over how I feel about this series so far. On one hand, I love the concept and atmosphere and there were so many elements to the story that really worked for me - a haunted house, girl with a mysterious past, a shadow like figure always lurking in the background, a little girl that may or may not be a psychopath - not to mention, the characters were pretty funny. However, I can't really ignore the disorganized plot and the lack of chemistry between the love interests (imo). Now, in the first book, there were interesting twists and turns and a number of dark secrets that were hinted at, but not really gone over. I assumed, after finishing it, that they were merely introduced so they could be fleshed out in the following books, but instead, in the beginning of the second book, Cami was referring to and talking about these 'secrets' like they had been previously established - which they were not. They were hinted at, sure, but they were never confirmed. So, that really threw me for a loop and forced me to check back several times to see if I had somehow skipped a chapter or two - and who knows, maybe I downloaded a faulty copy, but it was very distracting, to say the least. Now, my second main issue, is that I really struggled to care about the relationships between Cami and the guys... and I think the big problem here was that there were so many guys to keep track of. It was sort of an insta love (or maybe insta lust) romance between all of them, because it seems like every guy that Cami found super hot, she ended up adding to her harem. Also, the dedication and devotion they all showed to her was a bit strange considering there was not much relationship development, again, an issue that arises when there are many different love interests. I would have liked more conversation between the characters, rather than instant attraction and occasional hangouts that result in sexual innuendos and make outs.
If it wasn't for the whole Shadow Man storyline, I probably wouldn't have rated this three stars - the gaps and lack of relationship building just made the story too confusing at times. I think I was about a third into the second book when I decided to read the book solely to find out more about the Shadow Man, so I will likely read the next book when it comes out. Despite my issues with the two books so far, I would still say that the Beyond the Shadows series has the right amount of twists, eeriness, and creepiness, that many fans of the horror and paranormal genre would enjoy.
Okay... so I am really torn over how I feel about this series so far. On one hand, I love the concept and atmosphere and there were so many elements to the story that really worked for me - a haunted house, girl with a mysterious past, a shadow like figure always lurking in the background, a little girl that may or may not be a psychopath - not to mention, the characters were pretty funny. However, I can't really ignore the disorganized plot and the lack of chemistry between the love interests (imo). Now, in the first book, there were interesting twists and turns and a number of dark secrets that were hinted at, but not really gone over. I assumed, after finishing it, that they were merely introduced so they could be fleshed out in the following books, but instead, in the beginning of the second book, Cami was referring to and talking about these 'secrets' like they had been previously established - which they were not. They were hinted at, sure, but they were never confirmed. So, that really threw me for a loop and forced me to check back several times to see if I had somehow skipped a chapter or two - and who knows, maybe I downloaded a faulty copy, but it was very distracting, to say the least. Now, my second main issue, is that I really struggled to care about the relationships between Cami and the guys... and I think the big problem here was that there were so many guys to keep track of. It was sort of an insta love (or maybe insta lust) romance between all of them, because it seems like every guy that Cami found super hot, she ended up adding to her harem. Also, the dedication and devotion they all showed to her was a bit strange considering there was not much relationship development, again, an issue that arises when there are many different love interests. I would have liked more conversation between the characters, rather than instant attraction and occasional hangouts that result in sexual innuendos and make outs.
If it wasn't for the whole Shadow Man storyline, I probably wouldn't have rated this three stars - the gaps and lack of relationship building just made the story too confusing at times. I think I was about a third into the second book when I decided to read the book solely to find out more about the Shadow Man, so I will likely read the next book when it comes out. Despite my issues with the two books so far, I would still say that the Beyond the Shadows series has the right amount of twists, eeriness, and creepiness, that many fans of the horror and paranormal genre would enjoy.
May 8, 2020
I enjoyed the first book which is why I didn't hesitate to pick up the second. However, I wasn't aware with the first book this was a reverse harem, my first and I can say with absolutely confidence, they are not for me. So not believable in the least. I mean really? All those hot guys after the same girl and all willing to share her and lets not even forget about the eww factor of going from kissing one guy to 10 minutes latter sucking face with another *shudders* yuck. Nope. I am done with this series.
No characters growth, plot holes, and again, the harem thing is just not for me.
No characters growth, plot holes, and again, the harem thing is just not for me.
March 23, 2020
Slow burn RH Horror Book 2 of series
I am amazed at how phenomenal this series is. It's about a family that moves into a Hell House/Murder House that is also a Gateway to Hell. It's c r a z y!!
By now we have met all the harem guys and they are such a mix of alphas and funny, quirky, and quiet types. The relationships build slowwww which is good, because we get to see them find their way. And there are some cheesy, some sweet, some chemistry, etc.
The story is about the FMC who has to navigate living in this house and her personal demon, The Shadow Man, getting stronger. He wants her to come home I guess.
We find out what TSM is and how he is linked to Baby Cupcake Face, Camila. We find out how to stop him. We find out all the guys are willing to date Cami at the same time. They don't mind sharing as long as they aren't left out.
Yet, I still have more questions! Luckily there is one more book in this series, so I will undoubtedly fund them there! Off to book 3!
Love it! Recommend it! Will read other books by this author!
I am amazed at how phenomenal this series is. It's about a family that moves into a Hell House/Murder House that is also a Gateway to Hell. It's c r a z y!!
By now we have met all the harem guys and they are such a mix of alphas and funny, quirky, and quiet types. The relationships build slowwww which is good, because we get to see them find their way. And there are some cheesy, some sweet, some chemistry, etc.
The story is about the FMC who has to navigate living in this house and her personal demon, The Shadow Man, getting stronger. He wants her to come home I guess.
We find out what TSM is and how he is linked to Baby Cupcake Face, Camila. We find out how to stop him. We find out all the guys are willing to date Cami at the same time. They don't mind sharing as long as they aren't left out.
Yet, I still have more questions! Luckily there is one more book in this series, so I will undoubtedly fund them there! Off to book 3!
Love it! Recommend it! Will read other books by this author!
August 7, 2020
Well I thought the first book was better. I think the books are too short to put in everything the author wants in, some parts are suffering. Like the romance side i don't get or feel it and too be honest the book would be better with out it unless they anchor or give her powers. The creep factor is there and I like how her sister is basically possessed but she's the only one that knows it adds to the suspense. i also like how she's not safe any where it means she can hide. Some good plot twists again and it'll be interesting to see how this one ends.
January 25, 2022
Humorous Horror Reverse Harem
So there are so many good things about this book.
There are funny parts, scary parts and a bunch of hot boyfriends for Cami.
So far the heat factor is low but it is more than made up for by Katie Mays brilliant storytelling. Onto book 3.
So there are so many good things about this book.
There are funny parts, scary parts and a bunch of hot boyfriends for Cami.
So far the heat factor is low but it is more than made up for by Katie Mays brilliant storytelling. Onto book 3.
August 8, 2020
Well hell that was another explosive ending 😱😱😱 I don’t know what to think about what’s happening at this point and I need to know more-NOW lol. I was not wrong in saying the first book served as more of a intro book. This one finally dives deeper into Cami’s past and also flippin finally (bcuz I’m so dang impatient) gets serious about her harem. . There were a few creepy ass scenes this time around. Most surprising though was the heroine loving clowns, like who the hell loves clowns 😳😳😳😂 I cannot wait to see how the author wraps the series up, especially her still not officially official relationship with the six or is it seven guys lol. Favorite part by far was Ty rambling off in hysteria and saying to her father, “I’m sorry for masturbating to thoughts of your daughter.� 😂😂😂😂 no words lmao Don’t want to see this series end!!!!
August 31, 2020
Uhh.... Okay. I'm not sure what to think of this one. I'm just gonna spill all my notes. I did however get a bit creeped out by the ending, something the first book didn't give me. So yay!
The dinner and Ian. It was hilarious!! I feel like the relationships are devoloping way too fast. And Hayden OMG what? The dream. He spoke in Italian. Pretty sure he's a harem member. I knew there would be someone joining here too, because that's what happened in TWF with Fallon. And what was that whole thing about Jaron sleeping on the couch and Fiona crying? Don't make me pity the characters the FMC hates!
There are lots of small things happening. Cami's safe word is 'Cinnamon' because that's what Ian smells and reminds her of. The demon book is in Italian and one guess on which language Hayden keeps talking in. And what's this Shadow guy's problem? Like seriously? He's a goddamn demon now? Wonder why he's collecting kids.
Okay, so half the book is over and I have thoughts. Like how is the author gonna wrap up everything in a book and a half? Like we have sooo much left. Like finding out Dorian is dead, Hayden's connection to her, all of the guys' dark pasts (which should take quite a lot of time cz she has 7), romance, Jaron and Fiona, Shadow man's intrest in her, Camz, Karissa and defeating shadow man. Think the author can do this all in 500-600 (?) pages?
I felt like Ty's freak-out was a bit unwarranted. He was acting as if he was a dead person brought back to life, only to discover that he had no family and no friends left to love since they'd passed away or something.
And Dorian.. Omg Dorian... I didn't think she'd actually discover his body. And his parents killed him! Jesus Christ...poor guy. And that Dom guy's body was found? Why? Will this implicate Karissa?
Yep, those were the amount of notes I took.^^
I know it's kinda confusing. Anyway, for something more fun, more excerpts!
But I’m curious, dear Sugar Berry. What phases did you go through as a child? A goth one? A hopeless romantic one? A cowgirl one?� “Woah.� I held my hands up in surrender. “That’s a big question for a first date.� The blood drained from my face when I realized what I had said even as Leroy grinned triumphantly. “I meant a friendship date,� I babbled, face burning. “Friendship dates, of course, vary from real dates. With, like, dicks and stuff. Or the lack of. And by that, I mean the lack of dicks. Not that I’m thinking about dicks...or your dick. I’m definitely not thinking about your dick.� I wanted to disappear into the ground and die a slow and painful death. Yup. A dead Cami equaled a happy Cami.
“Hello.� Ian detangled himself from me and extended his hand towards my father. “It’s a pleasure to meet you officially...and not in the back of a police car.� Oh right. Papa had gotten Ian arrested. Freaking peachy. Oh god. I could just picture our family reunions once Ian and I got officially but unofficially married as fake husband and wife. Talk about awkward. What a story to tell our fake grandkids.
“You talked to them?!� I meant for my voice to be accusatory, but it came out as a high-pitched screech. I could just picture the conversation now. Actually, I couldn’t. Because when I pictured it, my perverted mind imagined them shirtless and throwing punches in a jealous rage. Yeah. I was a kinky bitch at times. I had only just recently started understanding my sexuality.
“I want to know you, Cami, but I can’t if you don’t open yourself up to me.� “You’re one to talk!� I snapped. “I know absolutely nothing about you besides how good your lips feel on mine.� My face burned when I realized what I admitted to. Shit! Retreat. Retreat.
Rolling down the window, I said, “Papa?� “Cami?� he asked in disbelief. He glared at me before moving his glare to Ty. And Ty� Well� “I’m sorry for masturbating to thoughts of your daughter,� he blurted. I kind of wanted to kill him.
On closer inspection, I saw that Kieran and Ty both held one of Hayden’s arms as they pulled him forward. Hayden’s face was contorted into a scowl. “You mentioned that he might have something to do with all this shit,� Ty said casually. “So you kidnapped him?� “You're lucky we didn’t use rope,� added Kieran gruffly. At that, Hayden’s signature smirk returned. Catching my eye, he winked. “If you wanted to tie me up, bella, all you had to do was ask.�
Ok. That's all for this time, fellas! Catch you in the next book.
The dinner and Ian. It was hilarious!! I feel like the relationships are devoloping way too fast. And Hayden OMG what? The dream. He spoke in Italian. Pretty sure he's a harem member. I knew there would be someone joining here too, because that's what happened in TWF with Fallon. And what was that whole thing about Jaron sleeping on the couch and Fiona crying? Don't make me pity the characters the FMC hates!
There are lots of small things happening. Cami's safe word is 'Cinnamon' because that's what Ian smells and reminds her of. The demon book is in Italian and one guess on which language Hayden keeps talking in. And what's this Shadow guy's problem? Like seriously? He's a goddamn demon now? Wonder why he's collecting kids.
Okay, so half the book is over and I have thoughts. Like how is the author gonna wrap up everything in a book and a half? Like we have sooo much left. Like finding out Dorian is dead, Hayden's connection to her, all of the guys' dark pasts (which should take quite a lot of time cz she has 7), romance, Jaron and Fiona, Shadow man's intrest in her, Camz, Karissa and defeating shadow man. Think the author can do this all in 500-600 (?) pages?
I felt like Ty's freak-out was a bit unwarranted. He was acting as if he was a dead person brought back to life, only to discover that he had no family and no friends left to love since they'd passed away or something.
And Dorian.. Omg Dorian... I didn't think she'd actually discover his body. And his parents killed him! Jesus Christ...poor guy. And that Dom guy's body was found? Why? Will this implicate Karissa?
Yep, those were the amount of notes I took.^^
I know it's kinda confusing. Anyway, for something more fun, more excerpts!
But I’m curious, dear Sugar Berry. What phases did you go through as a child? A goth one? A hopeless romantic one? A cowgirl one?� “Woah.� I held my hands up in surrender. “That’s a big question for a first date.� The blood drained from my face when I realized what I had said even as Leroy grinned triumphantly. “I meant a friendship date,� I babbled, face burning. “Friendship dates, of course, vary from real dates. With, like, dicks and stuff. Or the lack of. And by that, I mean the lack of dicks. Not that I’m thinking about dicks...or your dick. I’m definitely not thinking about your dick.� I wanted to disappear into the ground and die a slow and painful death. Yup. A dead Cami equaled a happy Cami.
“Hello.� Ian detangled himself from me and extended his hand towards my father. “It’s a pleasure to meet you officially...and not in the back of a police car.� Oh right. Papa had gotten Ian arrested. Freaking peachy. Oh god. I could just picture our family reunions once Ian and I got officially but unofficially married as fake husband and wife. Talk about awkward. What a story to tell our fake grandkids.
“You talked to them?!� I meant for my voice to be accusatory, but it came out as a high-pitched screech. I could just picture the conversation now. Actually, I couldn’t. Because when I pictured it, my perverted mind imagined them shirtless and throwing punches in a jealous rage. Yeah. I was a kinky bitch at times. I had only just recently started understanding my sexuality.
“I want to know you, Cami, but I can’t if you don’t open yourself up to me.� “You’re one to talk!� I snapped. “I know absolutely nothing about you besides how good your lips feel on mine.� My face burned when I realized what I admitted to. Shit! Retreat. Retreat.
Rolling down the window, I said, “Papa?� “Cami?� he asked in disbelief. He glared at me before moving his glare to Ty. And Ty� Well� “I’m sorry for masturbating to thoughts of your daughter,� he blurted. I kind of wanted to kill him.
On closer inspection, I saw that Kieran and Ty both held one of Hayden’s arms as they pulled him forward. Hayden’s face was contorted into a scowl. “You mentioned that he might have something to do with all this shit,� Ty said casually. “So you kidnapped him?� “You're lucky we didn’t use rope,� added Kieran gruffly. At that, Hayden’s signature smirk returned. Catching my eye, he winked. “If you wanted to tie me up, bella, all you had to do was ask.�
Ok. That's all for this time, fellas! Catch you in the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2022
Once upon a time, when I told people that I was a coward, they actually believed me. Nowadays they only have to look through my ŷ to wonder what I mean exactly with being scared of literally everything. Okay, fine, I admit: As long as it's fantasy or paranormal, something I can know for quite certain that is not gonna happen to me, I can handle quite a lot. And since I finished the first book I was already looking forward to the second.
I know this is an older series by Katie May, but it's quickly becoming one of my favorites and that's because of a lot of different things. I firstly really love the writing Style. May has the amazing talent to really bring emotions and feelings across. I'm not just reading her books. I'm actively feeling her books. Everything the heroine feels, I feel too and that also means it's easy to understand her, like her and root for her.
Secondly I really love the atmosphere and the plot of this series. It's deliciously dark, without becoming too bloody or too messy. Every cruel thing that happens has a reason. Every scary scene inserted is in this story because it's important. Of course, normally all those things wouldn't happen to one and the same girl and all the people around her, but still. It works. It fits and it feels like May brilliantly connected everything.
And thirdly I really love the characters in this series. Yes, the characters are very aware that they still have a lot to learn about each other, but while the plot is moving forward in this book, so is the character growth and the relationships between them. I love how organic everything felt, how the chemistry between the characters is clearly there, how even though they are so incredibly different they really work as a group.
I can't wait to read the series finale!
I know this is an older series by Katie May, but it's quickly becoming one of my favorites and that's because of a lot of different things. I firstly really love the writing Style. May has the amazing talent to really bring emotions and feelings across. I'm not just reading her books. I'm actively feeling her books. Everything the heroine feels, I feel too and that also means it's easy to understand her, like her and root for her.
Secondly I really love the atmosphere and the plot of this series. It's deliciously dark, without becoming too bloody or too messy. Every cruel thing that happens has a reason. Every scary scene inserted is in this story because it's important. Of course, normally all those things wouldn't happen to one and the same girl and all the people around her, but still. It works. It fits and it feels like May brilliantly connected everything.
And thirdly I really love the characters in this series. Yes, the characters are very aware that they still have a lot to learn about each other, but while the plot is moving forward in this book, so is the character growth and the relationships between them. I love how organic everything felt, how the chemistry between the characters is clearly there, how even though they are so incredibly different they really work as a group.
I can't wait to read the series finale!
February 17, 2020
Um..... Sooooo, I'm so confused!!
I spent the majority of the book feeling like the misfit that don't know what goes on. The excessively ridiculous ramblings are not funny or even entertaining. And they seem rather distasteful in a horror. Also, I mean; this FMC have had a threesome with her ex, but she can't take a semi serious talk about how the guys feel about her?
The guys... oh boy!!
The relationships have no time to develop. The love interests go from seeing her once or twice a day, to loving her. Really? On the other hand the FMC goes from finding a decomposing body, to making out with someone. So, the timing of things is truly F'ed up.
The plot is pretty much non-existent. And what little does happen, is not followed up.
.
By now I feel like too many doors have been opened.
Like the author isn't taking the time to explore or use what's there, without throwing new stuff out there. I wouldn't call this horror, more suspense.
I spent the majority of the book feeling like the misfit that don't know what goes on. The excessively ridiculous ramblings are not funny or even entertaining. And they seem rather distasteful in a horror. Also, I mean; this FMC have had a threesome with her ex, but she can't take a semi serious talk about how the guys feel about her?
The guys... oh boy!!
The relationships have no time to develop. The love interests go from seeing her once or twice a day, to loving her. Really? On the other hand the FMC goes from finding a decomposing body, to making out with someone. So, the timing of things is truly F'ed up.
The plot is pretty much non-existent. And what little does happen, is not followed up.
.
By now I feel like too many doors have been opened.
Like the author isn't taking the time to explore or use what's there, without throwing new stuff out there. I wouldn't call this horror, more suspense.
June 27, 2021
So, I think this could have been shorter. There's repetitive content, a lot of paragraphs are too wordy.... but! I love the storyline and a well written boogeyman. It feels haunting and takes you for the ride, and I love that, too. The character development is coming along for some and shallow for others but that always happens with a larger set of MCs. Well done, overall very enjoyable.
May 5, 2019
Oh my goodness! This book will be the death of me. Seriously. The amount of suspense here had me biting my nails and pulling my hair, I'd probably end up hairless and with bad nail beds.
If it's not clear yet, yes I f*cking love this book. My favorite as to date among all the author's work. Cami and the gang are back, but with this book Cami is slowly establishing her relationship with the guys, finding answers and getting her fighting mojo on.
I'm not fan of horror stories. I kind of avoid it because I'm easily scared but with this book, I've come to enjoy it; the heart pounding fear, those goosebumps as I read Cami's story. There was never a dull moment here, oh no. The author delivered it, chapter by chapter. Just, bam!
Some of my questions from book 1 was answered with this one. And oh my heart. My heart bled and my eyes cried over Dorian. I may have tears and snot running (I'm afraid it got mixed together, I was so engrossed reading to care) as I read that chapter. I can't. I just can't. *Ugly cries again*
I liked Cami's character here. She is getting her sh*t together, refusing to back down and find the answers and sorta kinda claiming each guys. I get it. When your life may be in danger anytime soon you'll try to surround yourself with the people you love.
Now, with the ending. I swear, I screamed! Like "What? No! Argh!" Followed by a string of words, it would be best not written here. You bet I'd be impatiently waiting for the next book.
If it's not clear yet, yes I f*cking love this book. My favorite as to date among all the author's work. Cami and the gang are back, but with this book Cami is slowly establishing her relationship with the guys, finding answers and getting her fighting mojo on.
I'm not fan of horror stories. I kind of avoid it because I'm easily scared but with this book, I've come to enjoy it; the heart pounding fear, those goosebumps as I read Cami's story. There was never a dull moment here, oh no. The author delivered it, chapter by chapter. Just, bam!
Some of my questions from book 1 was answered with this one. And oh my heart. My heart bled and my eyes cried over Dorian. I may have tears and snot running (I'm afraid it got mixed together, I was so engrossed reading to care) as I read that chapter. I can't. I just can't. *Ugly cries again*
I liked Cami's character here. She is getting her sh*t together, refusing to back down and find the answers and sorta kinda claiming each guys. I get it. When your life may be in danger anytime soon you'll try to surround yourself with the people you love.
Now, with the ending. I swear, I screamed! Like "What? No! Argh!" Followed by a string of words, it would be best not written here. You bet I'd be impatiently waiting for the next book.
April 24, 2019
Okay, I liked the first book in this series (and had high hopes for this series), and I was really excited to get my hands on this next installment, but after reading it, I'm left a little speechless, and NOT in a good way.
So, ummmmm, WTF happened to our MC in this book? Homegirl went from someone that I rather enjoyed, with her snark and quirky idiosyncrasies, to an absolutely exasperating and aggravating twat!
"Oh my God! I'm such a whore! Oh my God, I just love ALL the boys! And, oh my God, I just LOVE thinking about their dicks and big, luscious lips, but *blush* they better NOT tell me how much they like me, because I'll just get nervous and downright fucking asinine and tell them how good I am at going down on a popsicle and how I can fist my own mouth. PLUS, I want all the boys to get jealous and fight over me, because I just want to feel loved and important. It's IMPERATIVE for a guy to punch another guy in the face to show me how much I mean to him, because it satisfies the darkness that resides inside of me."
Jesus...where do I even begin? Okay, listen bitch! Your house is haunted with ghosts and demons. Your little sister is a murdering psychopath. In case you breezed by that one, let me say it again, YOUR.LITTLE.BABY.SISTER.IS.A.BONEFIDE.MOTHERFUCKING.MURDERING.PSYCOPATH. Your brother is in the hospital trying to recover from having his fucking hand chopped off (thanks to you). Your dads (WHO ADOPTED YOUR FERAL FUCKING ASS BY THE DAMNED WAY) are sitting ducks in this evil cesspool of shit surrounding you, AND , but YES...by all means...let's fucking worry about how much of a whore you think (or you think other people think) you are because you kissed several different guys!! OH MY JESUS CHRIST! Lord, please save me from ignorant, fucking stupid, people. By your own admission..., but GOD FORBID you and a few different guys make-out. UGGGHHHHHHHHH.....I fucking HATED Cami in this book.
I don't know if I'll read the third one or not. May left us with another cliffhanger *gasp of surprise followed by a heavy AF eye roll*, but I'm not sure I care enough to find out what happens next. I'm actually kind of hoping that murders Cami's ridiculous ass, and the guys find solace in the arms of Fiona--at least with that bitch we won't get drowned in fucking woe-is-me and petty fucking internal dialogue.
So, ummmmm, WTF happened to our MC in this book? Homegirl went from someone that I rather enjoyed, with her snark and quirky idiosyncrasies, to an absolutely exasperating and aggravating twat!
"Oh my God! I'm such a whore! Oh my God, I just love ALL the boys! And, oh my God, I just LOVE thinking about their dicks and big, luscious lips, but *blush* they better NOT tell me how much they like me, because I'll just get nervous and downright fucking asinine and tell them how good I am at going down on a popsicle and how I can fist my own mouth. PLUS, I want all the boys to get jealous and fight over me, because I just want to feel loved and important. It's IMPERATIVE for a guy to punch another guy in the face to show me how much I mean to him, because it satisfies the darkness that resides inside of me."
Jesus...where do I even begin? Okay, listen bitch! Your house is haunted with ghosts and demons. Your little sister is a murdering psychopath. In case you breezed by that one, let me say it again, YOUR.LITTLE.BABY.SISTER.IS.A.BONEFIDE.MOTHERFUCKING.MURDERING.PSYCOPATH. Your brother is in the hospital trying to recover from having his fucking hand chopped off (thanks to you). Your dads (WHO ADOPTED YOUR FERAL FUCKING ASS BY THE DAMNED WAY) are sitting ducks in this evil cesspool of shit surrounding you, AND , but YES...by all means...let's fucking worry about how much of a whore you think (or you think other people think) you are because you kissed several different guys!! OH MY JESUS CHRIST! Lord, please save me from ignorant, fucking stupid, people. By your own admission..., but GOD FORBID you and a few different guys make-out. UGGGHHHHHHHHH.....I fucking HATED Cami in this book.
I don't know if I'll read the third one or not. May left us with another cliffhanger *gasp of surprise followed by a heavy AF eye roll*, but I'm not sure I care enough to find out what happens next. I'm actually kind of hoping that murders Cami's ridiculous ass, and the guys find solace in the arms of Fiona--at least with that bitch we won't get drowned in fucking woe-is-me and petty fucking internal dialogue.
April 26, 2019
These cliffhangers will kill me
At a point in this book I was so frustrated that Cami was keeping so much secrets from her men that I almost gave it 3 stars, but of course the writer did not disappoint and so I'm left craving the next book immediately. Wow...the ending though. Mouth opened wide
At a point in this book I was so frustrated that Cami was keeping so much secrets from her men that I almost gave it 3 stars, but of course the writer did not disappoint and so I'm left craving the next book immediately. Wow...the ending though. Mouth opened wide
March 26, 2020
Still confused...as is everyone else. I was kind of hoping her character would start developing and changing for the better, but not yet. At least we know who is in the harem although omg it happened in a snap.
August 12, 2020
Well, this story is moving quickly from creeptastic to hotmess express here in book 2. Not going to lie, I'm loosing faith that the author can pull this through with any semblance of balance and fluidity. I have several things that really irked me in this second book. First, the FMC, Cami, without any sort of research or investigative anything comes up with theories about The Shadow Man and then states them as true even though the evidence points in the exact opposite direction and then when it turns out they are in fact untrue theories its just like awkward for the reader because we know she was full of doodoo but the author never acknowledges it. Second, we get more characters in this book that for the most part just feel like useless fodder. Neither the characters, nor the scenes add anything to the story whatsoever. Also, while I like the guy characters individually, every single one of the relationships feel completely forced.. and its book 2 of three. I'm loosing all hope here people.
This book completely lost the creepy horror vibes from book one in order to embrace some word vomit/humor type "getting to know" the guys or something and for me it was really disappointing because the horror aspect is what really drew me in, in book one. I'm reluctant to start book 3. It feels like a chore at this point.
This book completely lost the creepy horror vibes from book one in order to embrace some word vomit/humor type "getting to know" the guys or something and for me it was really disappointing because the horror aspect is what really drew me in, in book one. I'm reluctant to start book 3. It feels like a chore at this point.
October 6, 2019
OMG what a rollercoaster !!
Book one was good but book 2 was even better.
And that cliffhanger, that's so not fair. Now we have to wait, don't know how long.
Please Katie May tell me we don't have to wait long?
Who is that guy in the bathroom? OMG !!!
Did I say that I LOVED it? I Loved it so much.
Book one was good but book 2 was even better.
And that cliffhanger, that's so not fair. Now we have to wait, don't know how long.
Please Katie May tell me we don't have to wait long?
Who is that guy in the bathroom? OMG !!!
Did I say that I LOVED it? I Loved it so much.
December 25, 2019
THE CLIFFHANGER. This was much better. Maybe I’ve been watching too many crime TV shows, so this wasn’t as scary as I thought. But, the premise of the new developing plot may be terrifying for future books. I’m excited.
October 18, 2020
Me: *reading, reading, reading*
Turns page.
“AԴǷɱ岵Գٲ�
Me: “WHAT! It can’t end there!!�
*frantically downloads next book not caring that it’s almost midnight*
Turns page.
“AԴǷɱ岵Գٲ�
Me: “WHAT! It can’t end there!!�
*frantically downloads next book not caring that it’s almost midnight*
June 15, 2019
Eurghhh! This book! I'm sorry to say that I kinda hated it!
Ok, so after the first book we're left with a load of questions as to what the heck is going on, and in the second book we get most of the answers, which is great.
My main issue with this book is the MC Cami, she is all over the place. Seriously, it was ridiculous! She annoyed me to no end! Like, her character from the first book was ok, I didn't hate her but wasn't overly keen either and was hoping she would get a fucking grip in this second book, but it just didn't happen. Or I should say that it did happen, for like 1 second, before she crumbled and cried her eyes out again.
So, we have the MC who is constantly either breaking down and crying or thinking about guys, their dicks and having sex. And honestly, I'm like "HELLO!!! The actual Devil is after your ass!! Your little sister is actually possessed and killing people, theres a rotting dead body in your bedroom, everyone is in serious fucking danger! Can you please, for one minute stop thinking about sex! Stop fucking crying and maybe, just maybe, try and sort this shit out?!?!"
Honestly, probably the worst MC ever! I think it would be better for everyone at this point if the MC was just killed off so the shadowman/devil's tether to this world was severed and everyone can go on with their lives.
For me, if the MC was different, then this would probably be a great book, the plot is interesting, the MC's harem are interesting, but I just cannot get behind the MC for this story, and I tried to, I really did! I won't be carrying on with the rest of the series.
Ok, so after the first book we're left with a load of questions as to what the heck is going on, and in the second book we get most of the answers, which is great.
My main issue with this book is the MC Cami, she is all over the place. Seriously, it was ridiculous! She annoyed me to no end! Like, her character from the first book was ok, I didn't hate her but wasn't overly keen either and was hoping she would get a fucking grip in this second book, but it just didn't happen. Or I should say that it did happen, for like 1 second, before she crumbled and cried her eyes out again.
So, we have the MC who is constantly either breaking down and crying or thinking about guys, their dicks and having sex. And honestly, I'm like "HELLO!!! The actual Devil is after your ass!! Your little sister is actually possessed and killing people, theres a rotting dead body in your bedroom, everyone is in serious fucking danger! Can you please, for one minute stop thinking about sex! Stop fucking crying and maybe, just maybe, try and sort this shit out?!?!"
Honestly, probably the worst MC ever! I think it would be better for everyone at this point if the MC was just killed off so the shadowman/devil's tether to this world was severed and everyone can go on with their lives.
For me, if the MC was different, then this would probably be a great book, the plot is interesting, the MC's harem are interesting, but I just cannot get behind the MC for this story, and I tried to, I really did! I won't be carrying on with the rest of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2019
I need book 3!!
April 23, 2019
Rating: 4.5/5 stars (rounded to 5)
Wow this was better than the first! This is the second book in the Beyond the Shadows series, this is a YA horror rh so bare that in mind before starting. This book starts right off where we left off in the first book and we meet a new potential character in Cam’s harem. The shadow man is still out there wrecking havoc to get Cami back to him however she’s doing everything in her power to make sure that doesn’t happen. The relationship between Cami and her guys progressed a lot in this book and I loved it! Especially the scene in the car with Ian and Cami, hot damn! But at the same time, another scene with Tyson and Cami but on the more hilarious side! I’m very interested in learning more about the new addition to her harem and curious to see what happens next after the cliff hanger at the end.
Wow this was better than the first! This is the second book in the Beyond the Shadows series, this is a YA horror rh so bare that in mind before starting. This book starts right off where we left off in the first book and we meet a new potential character in Cam’s harem. The shadow man is still out there wrecking havoc to get Cami back to him however she’s doing everything in her power to make sure that doesn’t happen. The relationship between Cami and her guys progressed a lot in this book and I loved it! Especially the scene in the car with Ian and Cami, hot damn! But at the same time, another scene with Tyson and Cami but on the more hilarious side! I’m very interested in learning more about the new addition to her harem and curious to see what happens next after the cliff hanger at the end.
April 19, 2025
3.8⭐� Armes et cimetières
Camilla Rollings
Ecoliere en Terminal vivant avec ses deux pères (policier et enseignant), son grand frère Colt et sa petite sœur Karissa de 12 ans
Jason et Fiona (son copain et meilleure amie d'avant)
Dorian (voisin de Camilla)
Phoebe (soeur de Tyson, camarade d'ecole, la fille aux cheveux Lilas)
Leroy et Luke (les jumeaux, camarade d'école)
Ian (grand frère de Tyson, membre du gang)
Kieran Splicer (camarade de classe, binôme de chimie)
Tyson Michaels (camarade d'ecole, frère de Phoebe, membre d'un gang, les Creepers)
Hayden (le nouveau élève)
Terry, les jumeaux Royce et Sacha (membre de Black Hawks)
Big Pete et Molly (parents de Ty et Phoebe, chef des Creepers)
Je ne vais pas répéter tout ce que j'ai dit dans le tome 1.
C'était intense, intéressant mais brouillon. Je perçois beaucoup plus le Young Adult. Mais j'ai toujours envie de découvrir la suite.
📖
J'ai du sang sur les mains.
Du sang qui n'est pas le mien.
Je croyais avoir échappé à mon passé. Je croyais enfin m'être libéré.
Mais peut-on vraiment échapper à ses monstres?
Avec une guerre des gangs qui se profile à l'horizon, des cadavres qui s'accumulent et un étrange nouvel élève qui prétend être lié à l'Homme de l'Ombre, je me retrouve à fouiller dans mon passé.
Pourrai-je percer les mystères qui entourent mon éducation et l'Homme de l'Ombre?
Et si le monstre à arrêter, c'était moi?
📚
🖋
Elle détestait cette odeur envahissante. Elle avait les larmes aux yeux. Lorsqu'elle avait attaqué ses sens pour la première fois, elle avait eu un haut-le-cœur.
Mais elle était contente. En sécurité.
Après tout, elle avait l'Homme de l'Ombre pour prendre soin d'elle.
Et l'Homme de l'Ombre a toujours protégé ce qui lui appartenait.
.
Leroy, je me suis relevée en titubant. Les larmes me brouillaient les yeux tandis que je me dirigeais vers le distributeur de serviettes près de la file d'attente à la cafétéria. Quelque chose clochait terriblement chez moi. Ce n'était pas normal d'éprouver des sentiments, des sentiments forts, pour six hommes si différents. Chacun d'eux faisait battre mon cœur, me picoter et me faire palpiter l'estomac comme des milliers de papillons qui palpitaient contre ma cage thoracique.
.
Lapremière chose que j'ai remarquée, ce sont les clignotements intermittents des lumières rouges et bleues. Cette combinaison de couleurs m'était inconnue, et je me suis protégé les yeux avec la main.
«Que se passe-t-il?» m'écriai-je d'une voix tremblante. Je jetai un regard inquiet vers l'endroit où jel'avais vu pour la dernière fois.
M'avait-il laissée ? Toute seule ?
Une femme entra la première dans la minuscule hutte. « Maison » était un nom trop élégant. Elle n'avait pas de murs, un toit effondré et de nombreuses planches de plancher instables. Ce n'était peut-être pas une maison, mais c'était mon foyer.
La femme n’était pas familière et portait des vêtements bleus.
« Qui est cette femme ? » m'écriai-je en jetant un dernier regard désespéré vers l'endroit où il se trouvait quelques minutes plus tôt.
La femme, l'étrangère, le monstre, s'accroupit jusqu'à ce que nous soyons à hauteur de ses yeux. Son visage était propre, me souvenais-je vaguement, comparé au mien, maculé de poussière. Son sourire était doux et engageant, tandis qu'elle me tendait la main.
J'ai regardé cette main comme si elle était venimeuse. S'il y a une chose que j'ai apprise, c'est de ne jamais faire confiance à quelqu'un d'autre quelui.
« Chérie, comment t'appelles-tu ? »
En réponse, je lui ai montré les dents et j'ai grogné. Elle a tressailli à ce bruit, avant que son expression ne s'apaise rapidement.
Je savais, au fond de moi, qu'elle allait me forcer à partir avec elle. Elle allait me forcer à quitter ma maison etlui. La peur m'étranglait, comme un étau de fer autour de ma gorge.
Je me suis précipité en arrière sur le sol sale, les larmes me piquant les yeux.
Il n'aimerait pas ça. Pas du tout.
Et les autres�
Je secouai la tête, la suppliant du regard de comprendre. De partir. Elle avait empiété sur mon territoire, sur notre territoire, et il serait furieux.
« Viens », dit-elle doucement. « Je suis policière. Tu sais ce que c'est, ma puce ? J'aide les gens, et j'aimerais beaucoup t'aider. »
J'attendais avec impatience son intervention, mais la cabane resta silencieuse. Le seul bruit était le chant d'un oiseau au loin.
Où était-il ?
Avant de pouvoir réfléchir trop fort, j'ai mis ma main dans celle de la femme.
.
Je sentais des restes fantomatiques de sang glisser sur mon corps. C'était étonnamment lourd, l'odeur cuivrée presque palpable.
Un sanglot s'est coincé dans ma gorge et je suis tombé à genoux.
Non. Non. Non.
« L'Homme de l'Ombre protège ce qui lui appartient », commença-t-elle d'un ton menaçant. « Toi et moi ? On est à lui. Les autres ? Papa, Papa et Colt ? Pas vraiment. »
.
Son visage m'est apparu, mais il était plus jeune. Enfantin. Elfe. Des joues potelées, des cheveux bouclés, des yeux pleins de rire et de malice.
L'endroit où je croyais le reconnaître n'avait aucun sens. C'était impossible. J'avais perdu la mémoire à six ans, après une chute dans la cour de récréation. Il y avait eu de brefs moments où des bribes de souvenirs perçaient, de minuscules fragments de l'image globale, mais jamais un souvenir complet. Et jamais son visage.
Jusque là.
Parce que si ma mémoire était bonne, Hayden avait vécu avec moi et l'Homme de l'Ombre dans la cabane.
🖋
Camilla Rollings
Ecoliere en Terminal vivant avec ses deux pères (policier et enseignant), son grand frère Colt et sa petite sœur Karissa de 12 ans
Jason et Fiona (son copain et meilleure amie d'avant)
Dorian (voisin de Camilla)
Phoebe (soeur de Tyson, camarade d'ecole, la fille aux cheveux Lilas)
Leroy et Luke (les jumeaux, camarade d'école)
Ian (grand frère de Tyson, membre du gang)
Kieran Splicer (camarade de classe, binôme de chimie)
Tyson Michaels (camarade d'ecole, frère de Phoebe, membre d'un gang, les Creepers)
Hayden (le nouveau élève)
Terry, les jumeaux Royce et Sacha (membre de Black Hawks)
Big Pete et Molly (parents de Ty et Phoebe, chef des Creepers)
Je ne vais pas répéter tout ce que j'ai dit dans le tome 1.
C'était intense, intéressant mais brouillon. Je perçois beaucoup plus le Young Adult. Mais j'ai toujours envie de découvrir la suite.
📖
J'ai du sang sur les mains.
Du sang qui n'est pas le mien.
Je croyais avoir échappé à mon passé. Je croyais enfin m'être libéré.
Mais peut-on vraiment échapper à ses monstres?
Avec une guerre des gangs qui se profile à l'horizon, des cadavres qui s'accumulent et un étrange nouvel élève qui prétend être lié à l'Homme de l'Ombre, je me retrouve à fouiller dans mon passé.
Pourrai-je percer les mystères qui entourent mon éducation et l'Homme de l'Ombre?
Et si le monstre à arrêter, c'était moi?
📚
🖋
Elle détestait cette odeur envahissante. Elle avait les larmes aux yeux. Lorsqu'elle avait attaqué ses sens pour la première fois, elle avait eu un haut-le-cœur.
Mais elle était contente. En sécurité.
Après tout, elle avait l'Homme de l'Ombre pour prendre soin d'elle.
Et l'Homme de l'Ombre a toujours protégé ce qui lui appartenait.
.
Leroy, je me suis relevée en titubant. Les larmes me brouillaient les yeux tandis que je me dirigeais vers le distributeur de serviettes près de la file d'attente à la cafétéria. Quelque chose clochait terriblement chez moi. Ce n'était pas normal d'éprouver des sentiments, des sentiments forts, pour six hommes si différents. Chacun d'eux faisait battre mon cœur, me picoter et me faire palpiter l'estomac comme des milliers de papillons qui palpitaient contre ma cage thoracique.
.
Lapremière chose que j'ai remarquée, ce sont les clignotements intermittents des lumières rouges et bleues. Cette combinaison de couleurs m'était inconnue, et je me suis protégé les yeux avec la main.
«Que se passe-t-il?» m'écriai-je d'une voix tremblante. Je jetai un regard inquiet vers l'endroit où jel'avais vu pour la dernière fois.
M'avait-il laissée ? Toute seule ?
Une femme entra la première dans la minuscule hutte. « Maison » était un nom trop élégant. Elle n'avait pas de murs, un toit effondré et de nombreuses planches de plancher instables. Ce n'était peut-être pas une maison, mais c'était mon foyer.
La femme n’était pas familière et portait des vêtements bleus.
« Qui est cette femme ? » m'écriai-je en jetant un dernier regard désespéré vers l'endroit où il se trouvait quelques minutes plus tôt.
La femme, l'étrangère, le monstre, s'accroupit jusqu'à ce que nous soyons à hauteur de ses yeux. Son visage était propre, me souvenais-je vaguement, comparé au mien, maculé de poussière. Son sourire était doux et engageant, tandis qu'elle me tendait la main.
J'ai regardé cette main comme si elle était venimeuse. S'il y a une chose que j'ai apprise, c'est de ne jamais faire confiance à quelqu'un d'autre quelui.
« Chérie, comment t'appelles-tu ? »
En réponse, je lui ai montré les dents et j'ai grogné. Elle a tressailli à ce bruit, avant que son expression ne s'apaise rapidement.
Je savais, au fond de moi, qu'elle allait me forcer à partir avec elle. Elle allait me forcer à quitter ma maison etlui. La peur m'étranglait, comme un étau de fer autour de ma gorge.
Je me suis précipité en arrière sur le sol sale, les larmes me piquant les yeux.
Il n'aimerait pas ça. Pas du tout.
Et les autres�
Je secouai la tête, la suppliant du regard de comprendre. De partir. Elle avait empiété sur mon territoire, sur notre territoire, et il serait furieux.
« Viens », dit-elle doucement. « Je suis policière. Tu sais ce que c'est, ma puce ? J'aide les gens, et j'aimerais beaucoup t'aider. »
J'attendais avec impatience son intervention, mais la cabane resta silencieuse. Le seul bruit était le chant d'un oiseau au loin.
Où était-il ?
Avant de pouvoir réfléchir trop fort, j'ai mis ma main dans celle de la femme.
.
Je sentais des restes fantomatiques de sang glisser sur mon corps. C'était étonnamment lourd, l'odeur cuivrée presque palpable.
Un sanglot s'est coincé dans ma gorge et je suis tombé à genoux.
Non. Non. Non.
« L'Homme de l'Ombre protège ce qui lui appartient », commença-t-elle d'un ton menaçant. « Toi et moi ? On est à lui. Les autres ? Papa, Papa et Colt ? Pas vraiment. »
.
Son visage m'est apparu, mais il était plus jeune. Enfantin. Elfe. Des joues potelées, des cheveux bouclés, des yeux pleins de rire et de malice.
L'endroit où je croyais le reconnaître n'avait aucun sens. C'était impossible. J'avais perdu la mémoire à six ans, après une chute dans la cour de récréation. Il y avait eu de brefs moments où des bribes de souvenirs perçaient, de minuscules fragments de l'image globale, mais jamais un souvenir complet. Et jamais son visage.
Jusque là.
Parce que si ma mémoire était bonne, Hayden avait vécu avec moi et l'Homme de l'Ombre dans la cabane.
🖋
June 19, 2021
I have to start by saying that I like this series so far...
But, I had a few issues with this book.
Guns and Graveyards picks up where book one leaves off. Cami wakes up after the whole ordeal with her little sister bludgeoning an intruder with a baseball bat all because the Shadow Man was protecting Cami. She is trying to reconcile her little sister with the monster she watched murder a man and is having a hard time with it. We also get a lot of answers about what or who exactly the Shadow Man is and what all Cami is facing. Cami also lets the guys in and they learn more about each other.
So, where this book lost me a little was the weird jump in the relationship between Cami and her guys. Book 1 leaves off and they are all kind of friends. Well, Cami is friends with Leroy and Luke. She's still pretty hostile towards Ty. She's got a little crush and cares about Kieran, and is seriously lusting after Ian. Then, all of a sudden we are in book 2 and they all are infatuated with Cami and even some of them are dropping the L-bomb. We get declarations of "you're my future" and blah blah blah. What bothered me is, it came out of nowhere. Also, why? Cami barely knows any of these guys. She just moved to town and had barely had more than a conversation with some of them before they are deciding they are all in and want her so badly they are willing to share? Again... WHY? What about her makes them feel so strongly? It's never explained. We just are expected to go along with it. Also, there's the fact that this group of guys aren't necessarily friends. I mean they grew up together in the same small town, but they never really interacted (except Ian and Kieran, apparently) with each other before getting involved with Cami. So, again, WHY? Why are they willing to share her with guys they aren't necessarily close with? Why are they so dead set on having a relationship with her? None of this is explained. (there's a lot of why's in there... I'm not sorry about it.)
Despite the lack of explanation on Cami and the guys almost-insta-whatever... we do get some answers about the Shadow Man and what all exactly is going on Cami's House of Horrors. So, there is that, however, we are left with a few questions and unresolved issues.....
Anyways, despite the issues I mentioned, this is still a pretty good series that I will definitely be finishing. Recommend this to anyone who likes a few laughs, a little 'horror', and a few twists with a quirky heroine.
But, I had a few issues with this book.
Guns and Graveyards picks up where book one leaves off. Cami wakes up after the whole ordeal with her little sister bludgeoning an intruder with a baseball bat all because the Shadow Man was protecting Cami. She is trying to reconcile her little sister with the monster she watched murder a man and is having a hard time with it. We also get a lot of answers about what or who exactly the Shadow Man is and what all Cami is facing. Cami also lets the guys in and they learn more about each other.
So, where this book lost me a little was the weird jump in the relationship between Cami and her guys. Book 1 leaves off and they are all kind of friends. Well, Cami is friends with Leroy and Luke. She's still pretty hostile towards Ty. She's got a little crush and cares about Kieran, and is seriously lusting after Ian. Then, all of a sudden we are in book 2 and they all are infatuated with Cami and even some of them are dropping the L-bomb. We get declarations of "you're my future" and blah blah blah. What bothered me is, it came out of nowhere. Also, why? Cami barely knows any of these guys. She just moved to town and had barely had more than a conversation with some of them before they are deciding they are all in and want her so badly they are willing to share? Again... WHY? What about her makes them feel so strongly? It's never explained. We just are expected to go along with it. Also, there's the fact that this group of guys aren't necessarily friends. I mean they grew up together in the same small town, but they never really interacted (except Ian and Kieran, apparently) with each other before getting involved with Cami. So, again, WHY? Why are they willing to share her with guys they aren't necessarily close with? Why are they so dead set on having a relationship with her? None of this is explained. (there's a lot of why's in there... I'm not sorry about it.)
Despite the lack of explanation on Cami and the guys almost-insta-whatever... we do get some answers about the Shadow Man and what all exactly is going on Cami's House of Horrors. So, there is that, however, we are left with a few questions and unresolved issues.....
Anyways, despite the issues I mentioned, this is still a pretty good series that I will definitely be finishing. Recommend this to anyone who likes a few laughs, a little 'horror', and a few twists with a quirky heroine.
April 28, 2019
I think I may have liked this book better than book 1. Cami is a much stronger character, I feel, for everything she’s gone through in book 1. She’s found herself more (and continues to throughout the book), and she’s got a bit more of a backbone to her, rather than letting people walk over her. We’re getting to see more about Cami by how she treats others/considers them. Likewise, we’re getting to know much more about the guys in this book and getting glimpses into their pasts/what makes them who they are. Things pick up a little in the romance front, but it’s still a slow burn. Some big secrets come out in this book (some of my suspicions were confirmed), but overall you start to see the group coalesce.
As with the first book, this had a good pace to it, and some good scary bits to it. I didn’t think it was as scary as the first book, but that may be because it’s the second book; you’re starting to expect certain things, so there may be less shock factor that is often intermingled with the fear side of horror (if you’re not as shocked, then it’s not quite as fear inducing). I debated whether it was a cliffie, because I try to consider if the plot is ACTUALLY left as a cliffhanger and unresolved or if the reader is simply left reeling from revelations at the end of the book, but technically the plot is resolved, and it’s more of an emotional thing. I think I’ve decided that this is still a cliffie. Not as big as the first book ( I don’t think, anyway), but it’s a definitely a bomb drop with nothing following. Whether it was or it wasn’t, I’m still left NEEDING to know what happens in book 3, and it’s another one that I’m definitely keeping on my TBR list.
As with the first book, this had a good pace to it, and some good scary bits to it. I didn’t think it was as scary as the first book, but that may be because it’s the second book; you’re starting to expect certain things, so there may be less shock factor that is often intermingled with the fear side of horror (if you’re not as shocked, then it’s not quite as fear inducing). I debated whether it was a cliffie, because I try to consider if the plot is ACTUALLY left as a cliffhanger and unresolved or if the reader is simply left reeling from revelations at the end of the book, but technically the plot is resolved, and it’s more of an emotional thing. I think I’ve decided that this is still a cliffie. Not as big as the first book ( I don’t think, anyway), but it’s a definitely a bomb drop with nothing following. Whether it was or it wasn’t, I’m still left NEEDING to know what happens in book 3, and it’s another one that I’m definitely keeping on my TBR list.
April 28, 2019
Guns and Graveyards by Katie May pick up right where book one left off. Cami is struggling with what she witnessed her sister do. Her brother is still in the hospital and the Shadow Man is unwilling to let her go. He wants her back and he’s becoming stronger in order to do so. Cami is in a race to save her sister and those she loves, but things only continue to get complicated with the men that she finds herself surrounded by.
Guns and Graveyards, for me, aren’t as dark as the first book in this series, but it is just as enjoyable. We get to see another side of Cami. Yes, there is still quite a bit of darkness, but there is also quite a bit of humor sprinkled throughout. I found it absolutely hilarious and adorable when Cami gets flustered and the thing that just falls out of her mouth. I can say I can relate to finding myself flustered and crazy things falling out of my mouth.
There isn’t anything that I don’t like about this book. I love the suspense, the humor, the romance, and yes, the horror. I must say…that for those who hate a cliffhanger…buckle up. One minute you’re reading and on the edge of your seat at a sudden twist and then…boom! Acknowledgments! I nearly shrieked out of frustration. Haha!
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. There is so much going on in this book and it will be hard to put down. Twists and surprises keep this story moving and the reader engaged. If you enjoyed the first book then you will devour this book and be begging for the next.
Guns and Graveyards, for me, aren’t as dark as the first book in this series, but it is just as enjoyable. We get to see another side of Cami. Yes, there is still quite a bit of darkness, but there is also quite a bit of humor sprinkled throughout. I found it absolutely hilarious and adorable when Cami gets flustered and the thing that just falls out of her mouth. I can say I can relate to finding myself flustered and crazy things falling out of my mouth.
There isn’t anything that I don’t like about this book. I love the suspense, the humor, the romance, and yes, the horror. I must say…that for those who hate a cliffhanger…buckle up. One minute you’re reading and on the edge of your seat at a sudden twist and then…boom! Acknowledgments! I nearly shrieked out of frustration. Haha!
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. There is so much going on in this book and it will be hard to put down. Twists and surprises keep this story moving and the reader engaged. If you enjoyed the first book then you will devour this book and be begging for the next.
August 1, 2020
I've got mixed feelings about this entry. The romance was a lot more prevalent this time, and it started to eat the plot. But I couldn't be too mad because there's something refreshing about the amount of control Cami had over her relationships, and about how her love interests had to be or become decent people before their relationship would progress.
Cami's non-sequiturs aren't quite as well done this time. Unless she's supposed to have some weird form of Tourette's.
There's also Cami's insistence that the sadistic guy who showed up at her house and tried to kill her didn't deserve to die. I'll benefit of the doubt that as Cami being an unreliable narrator and still not valuing herself enough. Especially since she thinks Dorian's parents don't deserve to live, and there seems to be a running plot thread where she needs to learn to embrace her dark side as a part of herself.
The Shadow Man is the Devil reveal was interesting. There's some mythology building going on here.
I noticed one weird error. In the first book Cami mentions that her brother once accidentally stole a turkey that was at the bottom of his shopping cart. In this book Ty mentions accidentally stealing a turkey that was at the bottom of his shopping cart. I'm guessing this silly crime is based on an actual silly crime that either the author or someone she knows IRL committed, and she inserted it into the story in a "write what you know" moment, forgot she had already used it, and added it again in the second book.
Cami's non-sequiturs aren't quite as well done this time. Unless she's supposed to have some weird form of Tourette's.
There's also Cami's insistence that the sadistic guy who showed up at her house and tried to kill her didn't deserve to die. I'll benefit of the doubt that as Cami being an unreliable narrator and still not valuing herself enough. Especially since she thinks Dorian's parents don't deserve to live, and there seems to be a running plot thread where she needs to learn to embrace her dark side as a part of herself.
The Shadow Man is the Devil reveal was interesting. There's some mythology building going on here.
I noticed one weird error. In the first book Cami mentions that her brother once accidentally stole a turkey that was at the bottom of his shopping cart. In this book Ty mentions accidentally stealing a turkey that was at the bottom of his shopping cart. I'm guessing this silly crime is based on an actual silly crime that either the author or someone she knows IRL committed, and she inserted it into the story in a "write what you know" moment, forgot she had already used it, and added it again in the second book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2024
4.5 stars
These books are triggering me! I have so many questions. I honestly guessed that Dorian was a ghost, but not that his body was in the secret room in her closet, or that his parents murdered him! Ty seems the spirits that are haunting Cami. She comes clean to him and the twins. Then later to Kieran. They have all told her that they want to be her boyfriend for real even if they have to share. Kieran and Ian and best friends and were helping her with self defense. Ian got hurt fighting his demons. Basically he told his dad he didn’t want to deal drugs and some of his dad’s friends beat him up. She finds a book in the library about demons, but it’s in Italian. She learns about spirits and demons/shadowmen. The author of the book’s grandson is a priest that lives close to where she was found in the woods. They go to talk to him and find out that the shadow man is the devil and she is his tether into the material world. The only way to prevent him from doing that is her death. Hayden was sort of kidnapped to go on this trip. He had an imaginary friend named Cami and also had an accident that resulted in memory loss. They obviously knew each other. I’m thinking that’s significant. When they went to visit her shack it was town down but carved into a tree was a heart with all the boys and her initials. Ian gets arrested for the murders of Ali, Johnny, Dom and Hayden? Even though he didn’t do it and Hayden is currently with them?
These books are triggering me! I have so many questions. I honestly guessed that Dorian was a ghost, but not that his body was in the secret room in her closet, or that his parents murdered him! Ty seems the spirits that are haunting Cami. She comes clean to him and the twins. Then later to Kieran. They have all told her that they want to be her boyfriend for real even if they have to share. Kieran and Ian and best friends and were helping her with self defense. Ian got hurt fighting his demons. Basically he told his dad he didn’t want to deal drugs and some of his dad’s friends beat him up. She finds a book in the library about demons, but it’s in Italian. She learns about spirits and demons/shadowmen. The author of the book’s grandson is a priest that lives close to where she was found in the woods. They go to talk to him and find out that the shadow man is the devil and she is his tether into the material world. The only way to prevent him from doing that is her death. Hayden was sort of kidnapped to go on this trip. He had an imaginary friend named Cami and also had an accident that resulted in memory loss. They obviously knew each other. I’m thinking that’s significant. When they went to visit her shack it was town down but carved into a tree was a heart with all the boys and her initials. Ian gets arrested for the murders of Ali, Johnny, Dom and Hayden? Even though he didn’t do it and Hayden is currently with them?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2022
I've read a few books by Katie May and I would have to say this series by her is probably the best I've read from her so far.
A combo of horror and reverse harem? I was sold.
The story was interesting and unique, but there were definitely predictable moments and moments worth some eye rolls.
The mafia/gang part of this series was a little odd and it didn't quite mesh perfectly with the rest of the story. The Shadowman was also an interesting twist that I enjoyed once we got to the end of the series.
Now... I've said this before and I'll say it again from my soapbox; I am NOT a fan of explicit RH stories taking place with high schoolers. I'm well aware that high schoolers are sexually active, but books like these are written for adults to consume, so it's weird to have the main characters be in high school and to read about high school teens engaging in group sex (which is usually what happens in an RH). In almost all cases, I find that the story would achieve the same goals if it was just in a college/university setting. This is a good example of that. I think we could have achieved a lot of the same stuff if everyone was in college, especially since one of the guys was a few years older and our FMC was still in high school.
Overall, this is probably a 3.5/5 star series for me.
A combo of horror and reverse harem? I was sold.
The story was interesting and unique, but there were definitely predictable moments and moments worth some eye rolls.
The mafia/gang part of this series was a little odd and it didn't quite mesh perfectly with the rest of the story. The Shadowman was also an interesting twist that I enjoyed once we got to the end of the series.
Now... I've said this before and I'll say it again from my soapbox; I am NOT a fan of explicit RH stories taking place with high schoolers. I'm well aware that high schoolers are sexually active, but books like these are written for adults to consume, so it's weird to have the main characters be in high school and to read about high school teens engaging in group sex (which is usually what happens in an RH). In almost all cases, I find that the story would achieve the same goals if it was just in a college/university setting. This is a good example of that. I think we could have achieved a lot of the same stuff if everyone was in college, especially since one of the guys was a few years older and our FMC was still in high school.
Overall, this is probably a 3.5/5 star series for me.
April 23, 2021
I liked the first book because so many possibilites were laid out, but there are a lot of character inconsistencies and lack of build - in both the relationships and the plot. Relationships develop too quickly and inconsistently, terms like "you have always been" or "You changed me" when no truly impactful interactions have occurred. SO many possible interesting character stories and facets, but they are ignored - like, Ian, Ty and Phoebe are part of a gang but no information about the gangs themselves until late in the book and even that is minimal. Things are just too inconsistent and there is area of depth and development that are ignored and kept at a surface level which makes it hard to feel for the characters - especially Cami - when things happen because no foundation for the characters or their relationships have occurred.
I think this could have been such a fun series with a great and relatable heroine. But she became unrelatable the more the books progressed. I didn't even care to finish the last book. I gave it a chance even after this one was such a disappointment (hoping that I'd get answers and that maybe it would be better written). But it only got worse.
If the author can't keep straight Luke and Leroy in a scene - how are we supposed to?!
I think this could have been such a fun series with a great and relatable heroine. But she became unrelatable the more the books progressed. I didn't even care to finish the last book. I gave it a chance even after this one was such a disappointment (hoping that I'd get answers and that maybe it would be better written). But it only got worse.
If the author can't keep straight Luke and Leroy in a scene - how are we supposed to?!
June 1, 2019
I would give it 5 stars but....
The book needs some editing as there are parts of disconnected action and movements by the MCs during certain parts of the book. Ex. One moment MCs are speaking outside a car and then they are talking in the car- little disconnects like that. Also (spoiler alert) what happened to the guy in the closet? She finds him and then goes about her merry way? Tells no one and basically tells the reader she’ll make people pay ...later? No one notices anything about this? Her dad is a cop right?? Not a very good one it seems....
I get creating suspense but that just seems sloppy. I mention all this as the story and characters are really great over all and I hope it continues on in the next book in the series but errors like that take away from how good the story can be. The RH part is a little rushed for me, the guys are all very accepting of it and the PDA level in a high school setting seem wrong but I’m working through it... I will read he next book whenever it comes out. Another annoyance-I’m hoping that at some point the author lets us know how many books will be in the series. Approx figure is ok.... ;)
The book needs some editing as there are parts of disconnected action and movements by the MCs during certain parts of the book. Ex. One moment MCs are speaking outside a car and then they are talking in the car- little disconnects like that. Also (spoiler alert) what happened to the guy in the closet? She finds him and then goes about her merry way? Tells no one and basically tells the reader she’ll make people pay ...later? No one notices anything about this? Her dad is a cop right?? Not a very good one it seems....
I get creating suspense but that just seems sloppy. I mention all this as the story and characters are really great over all and I hope it continues on in the next book in the series but errors like that take away from how good the story can be. The RH part is a little rushed for me, the guys are all very accepting of it and the PDA level in a high school setting seem wrong but I’m working through it... I will read he next book whenever it comes out. Another annoyance-I’m hoping that at some point the author lets us know how many books will be in the series. Approx figure is ok.... ;)
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