Concrete. Next to me. In front of me. Behind me. Below me. It mocks me. My prison. My hell. I don’t know who I am. Where I am. How long I’ve been here. Decades? Centuries? It’s felt like an eternity. For all the unknowns, one truth has grown stronger with the torturous passing of time… I wish I was dead. Or, at least, I did until I heard her. She gives me hope. A purpose. Freedom. I follow her, … heard her.
She gives me hope. A purpose.
Freedom.
I follow her, soaking in everything she does and growing more dependent. Never in my long life have I seen anyone so perfect.
Now I just have to find a way to make her hear me.
And being able to see me would probably help, too…
Warning: Recommended for readers 18+ due to strong adult language, themes, and lovin’ so good, it must be magicks.
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Holy Hell. What a ride…. Layla Frost this book is magnificent. You had me the whole way through.
I must admit it took me a while to get into the story. I wasn’t feeling it cos I had no idea what was happening but I kept reading because the writing had me trapped. I wanted to know WTF was going on and I was praying for Denny to get a better Life.
Styx and Denny are unique and captivating. Their relationship isn’t something that’s ordinary. It’s beautiful and eternal.
Scenes in this story will have you wanting to LMFAO and times your heart just broke for Haden. Nate and Denny are really a match made in heaven. Their chemistry is Sizzling and the Sex is Frakking Hot.
The side Characters Lula, Chase and Juno are bloody amazing as well.
This story ends weirdly just like the books starts, but it leaves you with a HEA for now and the excitement of what’s to come next…
Enjoy!!!!
If you know me in the book world, you know I love Layla Frost. Okay let me be honest, I am obsessed. I can honestly say that I have yet to read a book of hers I do not like. However, I will admit that when she announced she was writing a paranormal series, I was nervous. I went through a paranormal romance phased and binged every book I could find. Once I was over that phase though, I haven’t gone back. Therefore, I was a little anxious about how well I would like this book. I realize now that I should not have doubted her. I forgot though that I love the stories Layla creates, not the genre she writes it in. It is clear she can write a story about goblins marrying garden gnomes and I would love it.
As for this book, Styx is the story of a Hero existing but not living, until he meets the heroine. This story contains heart-warming gooey love, humor, passion, twists and turns. The world that has been created within this book has been written so well, you never once question the paranormal aspects of it. There is no over the top scenes and is written with an underlying truth in mind. I can honestly say that Layla has never written a predictable book, so if you think this is your traditional insta-love trope type book, think again. Styx will have you laughing one minute and cursing Layla out (in a good way) in the next. I highly recommend this book. You will not be disappointed.
It will be hard to review without wanting to giveaway the details BUT I WILL because this deserves to be experienced and read without spoilers ruining any part of it!
Layla Frost is a multifaceted author who is on my top favorites list. This was a PNR and I am absolutely enthralled at the plot originality, expert characterization, and overall romance aspect of Styx.
It’s common to have alpha male crushes, however, with Styx, I not only gushed over the alpha, but also a heroine with a backbone and strength that was out of this world. She most definitely became a top girl crush heroine.
I would recommend going into this without any spoilers, because you won’t do yourself justice otherwise.
All I can see is PLEASEEEEEEEEEEE give me the next one. ASAP.
Holy Hell. What a ride…. Layla Frost this book is magnificent. You had me the whole way through.
I must admit it took me a while to get into the story. I wasn’t feeling it cos I had no idea what was happening but I kept reading because the writing had me trapped. I wanted to know WTF was going on and I was praying for Denny to get a better Life.
Styx and Denny are unique and captivating. Their relationship isn’t something that’s ordinary. It’s beautiful and eternal.
Scenes in this story will have you wanting to LMFAO and times your heart just broke for Haden. Nate and Denny are really a match made in heaven. Their chemistry is Sizzling and the Sex is Frakking Hot.
The side Characters Lula, Chase and Juno are bloody amazing as well.
This story ends weirdly just like the books starts, but it leaves you with a HEA for now and the excitement of what’s to come next…
Enjoy!!!!
Whoa!!!
First let me start by saying, I have never been a fan of fantasy/paranormal romance. Like ever. It’s just never been my thing. So going into this book my expectations weren’t as high as they normally would be. Of course, leave it to Layla Frost to prove me wrong and make me love this book!!! And I truly did love every single second of this story.
This book is full of twists and turns. Mystery and suspense. Passion and devotion like I have never experienced before. It will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. I just couldn’t stop reading!!
So full of intense passion and devotion! Such a powerful read from beginning to end. You will laugh, you may even shed a tear or two. Your breath will be stolen as you walk this journey with these outstanding characters. An absolute MUST READ!!
“I’d die a million deaths before I let her go.”
Styx is book one in the brand new series, The Four, by Layla Frost. I haven’t read many books by Layla but the ones I have read have completely wowed me! I read that this is her first paranormal book and I just can’t believe that! This book has everything that makes a book great, for me anyway. Mystery, danger, an amazing heroine and a very sexy hero. Fantastic secondary characters! There is danger and plenty of heat! I smiled, swooned, sighed and gasped. I highlighted a bunch of quotes and it is so hard to decide which ones to include here.
Haden (Denny) Underwood had a heartbreaking childhood. But despite it all, she has somehow grown into a strong, independent, happy woman. Her best friend since elementary school is Lula who is engaged to the love of her life, Chase. These two are pretty much the only friends of Denny’s and they are amazing. Denny has inherited her grandmother’s house. It’s her only connection to the only person that showed her love while growing up. She has had little instances of feeling a presence but tries to ignore it. Until she hears him. He speaks and what a voice he has. It makes her toes curl. At first she thinks she’s going crazy and hearing voices. But soon realizes that isn’t the case, that he is there with her.
“My life was nothing but unsolvable mysteries and chaos.”
He has been stuck in the house for hundreds of years, it has been his prison. He didn’t know who he was or why he was stuck here in this prison. Then she moved in. He couldn’t deny the connection he felt to her, the attraction. If only he could speak to her or that she could see him. All he wanted to do was touch her.
“For hundreds of years, I’ve viewed this place as a prison. Now it’s my paradise. Even if I had my freedom, I’d remain here.”
The connection between Denny and the voice who is named Nate, gets stronger and Nate’s ability grows. As long as he’s with her, he’s able to follow her from the house. Then she heard him! She actually could hear him!
“Am I a dream? No. You’re a fantasy.”
At first all Denny wants is to get rid of the voice. But when he isn’t around, she misses him. He’s become important to her. The connection, the bond, between these two, grows stronger but the mystery deepens as to who he is and why he is here in her house.
“In all my time on this earth, I’ve never seen anything or anyone as beautiful as you. I could look at you for all eternity and still feel as though I were seeing you for the first time.”
I’m going to stop here because basically, I wanted for you to see the connection between these two. As the mystery unfolds, more characters are added. You will meet Juno who is another amazing supporting friend to Denny, and of course, there is going to be evil. This book is a page turner. It’s one of those books that you can’t put down because you need answers and can’t stand not knowing. And wow is there heat! The chemistry between these two burns up the pages. All I can say is that you NEED to read this book! I am so excited to see what comes next!
“The burden of my life was worth the reward of her.”
“An eternity and the next may not be enough.”
Denny is cursed according to her father. His words, his actions have shaped the way she sees herself. Finally on her own and making a life for herself, she still feels trapped by his hatred. Determined to make a life, her dates start to go horribly awry after she moves into the house she inherited from her grandmother. Maybe she really is cursed…
I gotta say that paranormal is where I used to spend most of my reading time. The storylines and the characters became a bit repetitive, with a few exceptions, so I moved on. I had moved on so much, that paranormal really didn’t even come up on my radar. Until I saw the blurb for Styx and I was hooked. The cover sealed the deal and I was all in. I was completely transported and consumed by Denny and Nate. This mythology that is an integral part of the story, is one of my favorites. I don’t want to give too much info as I hate to do spoilers. With a hysterical way with words and situations and sexy times that are off the charts, Styx deserves all the stars! I couldn’t put it down, staying up late and getting up early to get my fix. I will warn you that it is a series so there will be some trailing threads. That said, Styx is an amazing read and totally worth the suspense until we get the next book. Six stars for the talented Layla Frost’s Styx!
I went into this book blind with my fingers crossed since this is a new venture for Layla. OhMyGoddess did she deliver! This book has it all. Emotional upheaval, relatable, and a badass apha who makes your panties just want to melt! I loved this book from beginning to end, it pulls you in and won’t let you go even when it’s done. I can’t wait until the next one. And I totally think Levi should get a book?! Lol
Layla Frost is one of my go-to automatic one-click authors and she sure as heck didn’t disappoint with Styx!
Combine a sassy and strong heroine, Denny, who has delt with emotional abuse her whole life with a strong Hero who manages to be strong and yet not take over and you have a book that has you laughing and gasping all within the same paragraph. Add in a paranormal element and Layla Frost takes you for one awesome page turner with Styx.
The story takes place in Salem, Massachusetts and talk of Witches, Warlocks, and Gods just seems like a natural fit.
I want to say so much more but purposefully am holding back so I don’t spoil it for anyone.
Enjoy reading Layla’s newest!!
This. Book. Is. Amazing!!
Gah Layla Frost is an awesome storyteller!!
I normally don’t read paranormal but so glad I’ve read this book.
Denny is an amazing kick @ss heroine. Despite her heartbreaking childhood, she turned into a strong woman. I freaking love her. She and her best friend Lula had me laughing many times throughout this book.
The Hero was amazing. Protective, charming, sweet and bad@ss. And his love for Denny..swoon
Can’t say much about the plot because you have to go in blind. But I guarantee you, you will love it!!
I’ll be waiting anxiously for more of this series.
5 Magicks stars!!
I do eventually get to the nitty-gritty…
***4.5 Stars***
I can take or leave “spoilers” to be honest. If I have a trusted author releasing a book, I don’t want to know ANYTHING about what’s next/going on. Layla Frost is in this category and I know that every book will be a surprise. I don’t even want to see the ratings of other readers before it hits my Kindle. But, If I’m curious or tempted by a new author, I need to know a little more before I even contemplate buying.
So, this is a review for readers who, like me, can take or leave “spoilers” but may want to know a little before going in. If you want to go in blind, then, WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU STILL READING FOR? If you’re a curious person, new reader or spoiler lover, please proceed but know that I’m not going to give it all away. I am going to give you something though. That something is the one thing that made me hesitate to LOVE this book from the start.
Now that I have that off my chest…here we go.
I LOVE paranormal romance but the one type that never really does it for me is stories with ghosts in it. Not that I’m saying this is a ghost story, BUT, that cover did make me go along the path that there may be a ghostly type of hero in it. I just don’t know how the heck you fall in love with someone you can never touch? Sure, you can have a level of love that can leave you somewhat satisfied, but for me, I need touch. So, I started Styx wondering how the heck am I supposed to fall in love with a man who’s not there? And, I NEED to love my hero.
So, here’s my big and brash spoiler…he can and will touch!! And, Holy Shamoly, he can TOUCH (HUBBA HUBBA!!)
Now, I’ll take likes and loves for that big and brash spoiler, because, you know, I’m here for you. I’ve got your back. I won’t steer you down a wonky path…well not too wonky.
OK, now that’s done, let’s talk story time. Styx was bloody awesome, but then again, it was written by one of my favourite writers, so I knew it was going to be bloody awesome. The characters were original, funny and very entertaining. The storyline, once it got going, was exciting, sexy and pulled at my heart. The additional characters enhanced Styx and made it come alive for me. The goodies were so good I wanted to keep them for myself. The baddies, I wanted to see suffer and pay for their dastardly deeds. I definitely ended Styx wanting more.
I absolutely loved Denny and her kooky ways. I kind of think a little of Layla Frost is in Denny. Not saying Layla’s kooky or anything (MUCH) but when you meet Denny, you get the feeling she’s a real person. I haven’t “met” Layla (she hasn’t bothered to visit me here in Australia…YET) but we’ve “known” each other for years. Of course, I could be totally off base but I just get the impression that Denny was created to let Layla’s kooky flag fly.
OMG!! Look at me rambling AGAIN!!!
So, let’s get to the nitty-gritty. I loved Denny and her long-time relationship with her best friend. Her new witchy friend is AWESOME!! Her dad was a DOUCHEWAFFLE OF EPIC PROPORTIONS! Her past relationships and the nightmare dates she went on were hilarious. I loved Denny’s independence but hated that she’s had so much time alone. She deserved so much more and I’m glad she found someone to take away her loneliness.
This brings us to Nate. Holy Heaven and Hell…I really loved getting to know Nate. I’m going to stop here, though. Sure I gave you a big and brash spoiler but, I kind of thing you need to meet Nate yourself and get to know him in a proper way. You know, like a formal introduction, meet and greet…see inside his head, kind of way.
Now, this story was almost perfect for me. My only wee problem was that it took too long to get to the good parts. Sure, I know a series needs an intro into the world, meet the people and set the scene, but, I’m a really impatient bugger and I just wanted to get to it already. Honestly, it’s worth the wait and I LOVED the second half of the story. I just wanted the heart-pumping, earth-shattering excitement to come sooner.
I really enjoyed Styx and I can’t wait for more. Layla Frost writes a thoroughly entertaining story packed with intrigue and excitement. We get treated to a hero that’s the full package. The heroine is funny, a little kooky, strong and smart. The sexy times are HOT!!! From the very beginning, you can tell there’s a serious connection. That first touch was electric and you knew that they were perfect for each other.
Denny and Nate are happy for now but it’s obvious that their story will continue. If I’m reading things right, the absolutely lovable witchy friend will be up next and after that little pass out worthy bomb at the end, it’s going to be very, very interesting.
Sorry for the rambling. You know how I get sometimes. xoxoxo
Dfghughsetrhytrhjdrt — that’s my review. That’s how I feel. This book put me in a freaking BOOK SLUMP because it was so good I didn’t know what to do with myself next. I was lost. Alone. Terrified.
Slightly over-dramatic. Whatever.
ANYWAYS. This book was an AMAZING beginning to what I’m sure will be a paranormal series that leaves me in bed for two days with a hangover. I didn’t think it would be such a big deal, the whole series thing. But I forgot one thing- this is a PARANORMAL romance which means there is so much left UNRESOLVED and I am left HEAP OF NOTHINGNESS.
Ok, maybe a lot over-dramatic.
And Layla, the little evil witch that I adore with my whole heart, just laughed at my pain. But my heart ridiculously hurts with the knowledge that I will have to wait like some sort of animal for the next book. I demand to speak with the manager.
Part of the difficulty in writing this review is the part that’s paranormal. And a series with a slight cliffhanger. I can’t say too much or I will unwind the secrets that Layla so elegantly weaved together. And you’re going to want to experience this epicness for yourself.
What I can say is there is the classic Layla humor, with a lot of OTT Alpha with magical powers, which adds an extra level of possessiveness, a whole lot of amazing best friend, and lots of steamy “adult-time”. This book absolutely blew me away. It was like reading the book version of the Russian Dolls, each chapter revealed something new but then you got to the next and BOOM another doll, another secret.
I can say that Hayden is badass and so is –er the hero. I can say that their love is spell binding, and the twist on a classic tale makes me want more… SO MUCH MORE.
Layla… if you’re reading this… STOP AND GO WRITE THE NEXT ONE. Please and thank you.
Ok bye.
You know those authors that are automatic reads, it doesn’t really matter what they write, it could be the phone book and you will still read it. Well Layla Frost has become one of those authors for me… I didn’t even really read the blurb before jumping into this book, I just knew one thing … Layla wrote it so it must be good. I was wrong, this wasn’t good, in fact, I think the word I would have to use to describe this would be… fabulous, amazing, awesome. Seeing as her blurb is a bit ambiguous, I will not spoil anything but just say that the characters that are introduced in this book, had me laughing my butt off. There is danger, a bit of suspense, naughty bits that were steaming off the pages, funny antics, and a cast of characters that pull the whole thing together. I give this 5 stars and am ready for Juno’s book!
PHENOMENAL first PNR story from this amazing author! I absolutely loved it and may be slightly obsessed with the characters.
The story was so intriguing! I was hooked from the start and it kept me guessing until the last page. It flowed extremely well. My sides hurt and I was crying from laughing so hard at one point.
The steam was off the charts HOT… I seriously thought my Kindle would melt at one point.
I seriously cannot wait for Book 2!!! You need this book, people!!!
WOWSA!! This one is a 2018 Favourite!!!
Going in blind for this one was the best decision I ever made. My almost 3am bedtime should tell you how much I loved it. I could not put it down. Such a fresh story – a really amazing book that had me reading as fast as I possibly could. I was asked to proofread but I was LOVING it so hard that I ended up having to read it twice (no hardship mind you) because I was reading so quickly that I knew I’d missed typos.
I haven’t been this giddy reading a book in a loooooong time. I was smiling. I was squirming. I was laughing super hard. I had those anxious chest flutters. I was in reader heaven.
I’m not sure what I classify this one as – it’s got some witches and “others” (who are a little not-quite so human), but I don’t want to give too much away cause it will ruin the story and the surprise. So if you’re open to yours characters being a little “more” then trust me. Grab it. Read it. And PM me so we can talk about it.
I went into this book blind. The only knowledge I had was that it was a paranormal romance. I had no expectations except that I knew it was going to be epic because that’s what Layla Frost always delivers. My expectations were not only exceeded, they were blown out of the water. No, out of the stratosphere. No, out of this DIMENSION.
There are so many twists and turns, that by the end of the book, my eyes were as wide as saucers and I was whispering ‘what the fuck?!’ every other page. By the time I got to the end, I realized that all the hints and clues I needed had been cleverly sprinkled throughout the book. You know that feeling you got when you watched The Sixth Sense and wondered why you hadn’t figured it out sooner because the ending suddenly made it all seem so obvious even though it never really was because it was so sneakily disguised? Yeah, it was like that.
I really don’t want to give away any spoilers because it really is best that you go in blind to fully appreciate the tale. All I can say is that you won’t be disappointed. In fact, I’m willing to bet you’ll be wildly impressed.
If you’re already a Frost fan, this book is very different than anything else she’s written, but it is so amazingly perfect, and I KNOW you will love it.
Denny, our heroine, is quirky, hilariously funny, inappropriate, loving, and vulnerable. (Classic Frost.) I want to be her best friend.
Our hero is a mysterious, possessive alpha, though he is NOT an alphahole. He’s also unintentionally funny in his outdated pop culture references.
I cannot EVEN right now. That’s how phenomenal this book is. I can’t wait for the next in this series, because Juno is my spirit animal.
Holy heck! Holy freaking heck! I am completely stunned and staggered by not only the ending of this book but everything leading up to it. How does anyone come up with this stuff? This wonderful, amazing, stuff? Obviously Layla Frost has the ability within her twisted mind.
First, I’ll warn you against reading reviews that give too much away. I went into this as blind as possible with nothing more than the blurb to lead me. I refused to read excerpts or teasers and it was torture. But I’m so glad I did. I loved experiencing the wild ride of this story as it unfolded. It was one crazy revelation after another and I loved every exhilarating moment of it.
With plenty of mystery shrouding these characters there was never a dull moment. Denny was the type of heroine I could totally relate to. With the exception of her past. She is feisty and independent but very broken deep within, in a place few know of. Nate was charming and sweet, protective and swoon worthy. I loved that once he saw Denny he was all in for her. However, it’s a complicated relationship. Steamy and hot with the culmination actually being a slow burn, but still…complicated.
I couldn’t read this book fast enough and I was so darn aggravated by life and work getting in the way. I mean, come on! There was never a good place to stop because every place was too good to stop! It was quite annoying really when I had to bookmark it. I needed to know the what, who, where, and…what the heck?!
Styx is filed with lots of twists and turns as well as surprises that will take you completely by…well surprise. There is never a dull moment or a long passage you want to skim. The pacing is smooth and the writing fresh with that touch of humor this author is known for. The secondary characters are exceptional as they help to carry the story even as they support the hero and heroine. I loved them almost as much as the hero and heroine and yet they never stole the spotlight.
This is the first paranormal romance by this author and she did an incredible job of it. It ends with a happy for now and the next book will revolve around another couple and I cannot wait for it to get here. I’m already deeply in love with Denny and Nate and I’m ready to see where this storyline goes from here because I suspect this ride has just gotten started.
Ok, where to start. First off, if you haven’t ever read or don’t particularly like the fantasy genre you should definitely give this book a chance. I can honestly say I’ve never read one like it. It is so well thought out that it isn’t overly out there like a lot of fantasy is. I know the summary is a little vague and you don’t know what you’re reading, 50% in I still wasn’t sure what was what but it kept me interested. I’m the person who will ALWAYS skip to the end of the book to see what happens because I can’t stand the unknown. I held on and didn’t do it with this book and let me tell you. Holy moly, I never could imagine what was what (<—- have to use that description because there isn’t a better way to describe it without giving detail that YOU DON’T WANT TO KNOW). The characters were quirky and relatable (at least they were to me) and even though Layla gave away the book friend rights at the beginning of the book. I veto that and will be taking Nate for my own. This slow burn of a book can be easily be placed in with the “safety” club readers. Layla has always been on point with her writing and this goes to show that she can write anything.
I wish I could somehow convey the dazed state I sat in after reading this book. You know how some authors have a certain writing style or genre that they stick to? And when they stray from their wheelhouse, it shows? Yeah, Layla Frost is not that author. Every book that she has done is different from the last (Styx is PNR; “Give In’ is taboo/with some D/s; “With Us” is mafia, etc.), yet each story has Heroines that are likable, strong, funny and quirky without being annoying, Heroes that are strong, devoted, interesting and DEVOTED, and story lines that just draw you in and keeps you interested.
I FLOVED the Heroine, Denny. I hated her circumstances, but loved her resilience, her sense of humor, her love of books and especially her friendship with Lula. Denny is the girl I would actively seek out and want to be friends with because you just KNOW that she’d not only accept you, but celebrate the quirks.
Nate, for obvious reasons once you get into the story, was harder to get a handle on, but MAN, he is a great example of what I see as a true Alpha. He gets s%!t done, is protective, proactive, thoughtful and RESPECTFUL OF DENNY’S WISHES. He doesn’t steam roll her or hide things even when he thinks it will cause him pain and loss.
The story itself was frustrating in the beginning because I went in cold and was completely chomping at the bit to find out what was going on. The premise and story itself was unexpected and intriguing and had me going “what? wow…” If I had had my way, I would have read this story in one sitting. As it was, when I was forced to put it down and go to work, I couldn’t stop thinking about it until I could pick the story back up again. I also *may* have shaken my kindle in a futile attempt to make it give me more story, but since there were no witnesses….
Bottom line. I loved the story. I loved the characters and I can’t wait for the rest of the series.
I wish I could give this 10 stars! It was so addicting! The perfect balance between fantasy/paranormal and the modern Alpha. Don’t let the paranormal elements scare you away! I have only found one other author who can write fantasy that I love and this author is RIGHT UP THERE WITH HER! I couldn’t put this book down AT ALL. Humor, so much emotion that just makes you want to be the h, faith, loss, and love all wrapped up into one totally awesome book.