I expected the guys to assist me in solving the Thornwood Academy murders, not add a new victim to the body count.

Following events at the lodge and my unfortunate encounter with the fence post, I've no choice but to turn to my father for help. Of course, my blood-covered entourage of guys don't exactly receive a warm welcome, but at least Grayson walks away in one piece.

With suspects galore, I can't stay on the edge if I want to find the truth, so I'm forced to insert myself further into the Thornwood Academy social scene. But even a seemingly harmless date in town turns into chaos, wild accusations, and a trip to the hospital. As if that's not enough, I stumble on my roommate's secret, which leads to painful compromises.

The closer I grow to Rowan, Grayson, and Leif, the more our lives entangle. After spending my life avoiding a world I don't understand, I'm grappling with unhelpful feelings for my bonded witch and his powerful magic, the vampire whose blood entices me, and the half-shifter who gifts me strange things. Not to mention attempting to control my dark and deadly side, which presents its own problems.

I can't decide what's more challenging—clearing my name of murder charges or understanding this strange new version of myself emerging. And I don't mean the throat-ripping one.

With two dead and at least one undead, time's running out before the killers' next target dies. My enemies might play their strongest hand when I'm least expecting, but they won't beat a Blackwood. At the end of the day, I'll wear the crown.

Mystery, secrets, and betrayals abound as I navigate a world filled with danger and shadows while trying to keep those I care about safe. Who knew Thornwood Academy would offer me so much more than my dark heart could ever hope for?

For Dear Life is the third book in a new YA supernatural academy series from LJ Swallow. The Thornwood Academy series is a murder mystery set at a magic school where humans mix with vampires and witches. This slow burn paranormal romance features a girl who's smart, sarcastic, and slightly unhinged, plus the three guys she'd like to keep alive.

Books 1 and 2 must be listened to first.