Title: Shattered Veil

Author: Eliza Modiste

Rating: ★★★★.5

James Turner is struggling to cope with the harrowing memory of a crime he and his chosen family committed months ago in a desperate act of survival. To manage, everyone tries to continue with their lives, pushing the traumatic event aside.

However, James finds it impossible to find true solace, particularly because of his feelings for Cassie Cohen, a close friend's little sister. Nearly a decade younger and secretly working as an exotic dancer, Cassie has deeply affected him. Both having experienced the same trauma, James and Cassie share an unshakable bond that complicates his emotions even further.

As life would have it, though, their adversity is yet to end. The small town that they reside in is covertly being shaken to its core. Rumour has it that women—some of them dancers—are going missing.

James and Cassie’s past is intertwined…and so is their future. Eliza Modiste delivers a thrilling and emotionally charged narrative in Shattered Veil. The novel is packed with plot twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats, fully engaged from start to finish.

James and Cassie’s relationship is compelling and authentic, with their growth beautifully portrayed through their shared trauma and forbidden attraction. The chemistry between them is palpable, making their connection one of the highlights of the book.

Modiste’s ability to blend suspense, romance, and character development is impressive, creating a story that is both gripping and heartwarming. The small-town setting, rife with secrets and danger, adds an extra layer of intrigue that keeps the reader guessing until the very end.

Absolutely love James and Cassie, and I was deeply invested in their journey. Shattered Veil is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a suspenseful romance with complex characters and a plot full of surprises. Highly recommended!

Thank you to The author Eliza Modiste & Netgalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

Shattered Veil is an intense and haunting read that explores themes of trauma and forbidden desire. The story follows James Turner, who struggles with the lingering effects of a crime he committed with his chosen family, while also grappling with his feelings for Cassie Cohen, a close friend's sister and an exotic dancer. The way the book intertwines their shared past with the dark events unfolding in their town is both gripping and emotional. I found myself completely absorbed by the characters’ complex emotions and the suspenseful plot. Great Read.

Whoa, hold on tight! 🎢 Shattered Veil is one wild ride of mystery and forbidden passion. James Turner’s life is a tangled mess of guilt and secret desires, especially with Cassie Cohen, his best friend’s sister, getting all up in his head. They’re both haunted by their past and caught up in a small town shaking with disappearances. If you’re into intense, edge-of-your-seat stories with a mix of dark thrills and steamy tension, you’ve gotta check this out! 📖💥

This book has compelling characters and engaging banter. James Turner and Cassie Cohen's bond, forged in trauma and laced with forbidden attraction, is skillfully portrayed through witty dialogue that adds depth to their relationship. Set against a backdrop of a small town rife with mystery and danger, the novel excels in creating an immersive atmosphere. While the pacing occasionally wavers and some twists feel predictable, Modiste delivers a nuanced exploration of love and resilience that keeps readers invested until the end.