AUTHOR: Maddison Cole

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Fantastic start to a new series…

Avery had a rough start in life thanks to an abusive father. That all changed when she was taken in and adopted by a loving family. She went from an abused, malnourished little girl scrounging for scraps to a living in the lap of luxury with everything she could ever want.

But when her adoptive mother is killed in a car accident, her foundation is rocked yet again. She’s pulled from her comfort zone secluded away from the public eye and into the college life on campus. Her stepbrother, Wyatt, is supposed to be looking out for her but she knows he truly hates her. He blames her for the changes in his relationship with his parents from the moment she came home. He’s even told his closest friends, his own found family, to stay away from her.

They had other ideas. Curious about this elusive stepsister he hates, they can’t help but want a closer look. And soon enough they all find a connection with her in their own special ways. Wyatt feels like once again she’s taking his family from him. His guys know that she’s really not at fault for the rage Wyatt feels and want to find a way for them all to make things work as feelings begin to grow and evolve.

Meanwhile there are secrets upon secrets and danger lurking in the darkness surrounding them. Avery has a stalker and her adoptive father knows more than he’s letting on. The guys are determined to keep her safe and figure out what’s really going on and how it all ties back to secrets of the past.

Be prepared to face some emotions and check the triggers as this book touches on some dark topics. Everyone in the group has troubles that have left shadows on their souls. The chemistry and the different dynamics between Avery and the guys is amazing. They are such a supportive and loyal group. This is an absolutely amazing way to start a series. And the twists, turns, secrets, and revelations throughout leaving you wanting more. I can’t wait for book two.

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Secrets, Lies, Twists, and Spice…

Book two picks up right where we left off after Forged by Shadows. Avery, Wyatt, and the guys are all still reeling from their recent discoveries dealing with their families and their pasts. But really that’s only the beginning. There is so much more hidden and more to learn.

Wyatt has separated himself from their group and he seems to be on a mission of self-destruction. He finds himself in trouble that leads him down a path of discovery with truths and betrayals that have been buried for years. He struggles with finding himself and his place all over again.

Avery and the guys face their own struggles with all the secrets, lies, and new revelations. They are torn between searching for Wyatt who left them, dealing with threats lurking in the shadows, and struggling with their own hidden demons.

But eventually the danger posed brings them all back together and tensions run high. The threat of Avery’s father trying to find her, the stalker a constant presence in her life, the ever evolving relationships within their found family dynamic, and the need to get back to their regular college lives after the break makes for quite the journey.

The second book in this series did not disappoint. I love the Shadowed Souls and all their beauty and flaws. They each fit together in a steamy puzzle that’s built on their strong and very real feelings for each other. Get ready for some heavy topics, twists and turns, and plenty of spice. Plus the cliffy at the end that will leave you wanting more. I can’t wait for the next book.