The Darkness Within Us

Gr 9 Up–A dark fantasy romance perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers novels like Stephanie Garber’s Once Upon a Broken Heart. The highly anticipated death of Chrysantha’s much older husband means the vapid and foolish aristocrat can drop the insipid reputation she’s carefully constructed and enjoy the vast fortune and independence widowhood gives her. She and her younger sister—who is now the Shadow King’s fiancé—aren’t close, and while Alessandra plans a royal wedding, Chrysantha will do everything in her power to upstage her. Her dead husband’s will is cut and dry—until a surprise heir shows up. Eighteen-year-old Eryx Demos is devastatingly handsome with a cutting charm that immediately clashes with Chrysantha and her plans. Chrysantha is ruthlessly ambitious and already helped her husband to an early grave; if necessary, she’ll get Eryx out of her way, too. Levenseller has an exceptional grasp of banter and seduction, which means even when the plot feels as if readers have been here before, they will still enjoy the ride. While not a direct sequel to The Shadows Between Us, this installment does not stand alone. Chrysantha is white, Eryx has “tanned” skin.