Shadow & Dust

Demon Heart #2

by Richard Amos

Time really is a funny thing.
Only, I’m not laughing.

Ever since meeting Xavier—smoking hot demon with a kiss to die for—my life has come apart. Everything I ever understood about myself, about my job as an assassin/spy for the Witch Queen of the United Kingdom, is in pieces.

I’m caught up in complicated web of enemies and deadly magic, all while falling hard for the delicious demon.

Xavier. Xavier. Xavier.
Man, I seriously have it bad.

I want to survive this deadly rising storm.
I want Xavier.
I want a shiny new life.

But time keeps playing its funny game, and I really want to avoid becoming the punchline.

Shadow & Dust is the second book in an M/M Urban Fantasy Paranormal Romance series featuring a witch assassin/spy, and a monstrously seductive demon with some seriously silky talents. Step into a world of royalty, magic, steamy times, plenty of danger, and a talking rat.

This book is not a standalone.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Demons, Gay, Magic, Witches, Action

308 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 23, 2024

About the author

Richard Amos is an author from England who is constantly lost in the worlds he writes about, and the ones in the queue yet to be written. He also has more books in his house than anything else, and is never without a book (and chocolate) in his hands when he's not writing. He’s a proud nerd who loves to dance. Hard.

Richard writes M/M Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, and Paranormal Romance, all with tons of kick-ass action, adventure, twisty plots, and yummy times.

🔗 https://linktr.ee/richardamosauthor

Reviews

[Rae (semi-hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s nothing quite like having one character shutting up the other when they’re being stupid by passionately kissing them 🤌🏻😉.

I really liked the give and take both the MCs had in their relationship. It was surprisingly well balanced while still being enough to keep it angsty and entertaining. I do wish the overall plot was more detailed? It wasn’t confusing but some parts could’ve been added to to really paint a picture in the readers mind.

The spice was medium-ish, wish it was fire level since the characters had chemistry in spades 🤭 but I’m sure we’ll see more in book 3.

[Richard Amos]

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. I just finished this book, and boy was the end extremely surprising. Of course, I can’t tell you what happened, but I can tell you that this second book in the series is one surprise after another. I’m a little frustrated that I can’t say too much because of these surprises (I don’t do spoilers), but we do have some interesting new players in our world, and I am definitely ready to see how they are going to play out in the events that happened in this one. There was a little bit of a slow spot towards the end of the book, but overall, this is a non-stop, action-filled, well-written addition to the series. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Paula Sabol (Never Choose Fantasy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow and Dust: Denon Heart Book 2 by Richard Amos is an exciting MM paranormal romance. This is not a standalone as book one explains much of what is going on and ends with a cliffhanger, that this book continues from. The story takes place in an alternate reality of London ruled by a witch queen at war with demons. Roman is an assassin that has spent his life in service to the queen. However when he meets Xavier, a spider demon, he begins to question many of his choices. Xavier has been alone a long time. His love Ismael was a demon king that changed into a monster where Xavier had to make the difficult choice to lock him away in the Lake of Ice, which contains all the old rulers too dangerous to be free. When Roman discovers hidden magic that allows him to travel through time their relationship is tested in ways never expected. This power Roman has was given to him by a demon named Butterfly, who claims he wants to bring about the end of magic. Can Roman fight the power within?
I binge read this book in a day. It was absolutely thrilling and the world-building was amazing! I was impatient to see what happened next and to see Roman and Xaviers relationship and how it changes. They are tested in unexpected ways, yet I can't help feel that these tests will only make them stronger! There is plenty of sweetness and spice between the two.
If you enjoy fantasy romance with alternate realities where magic and paranormal creatures exist you'll love this MM witch assassin/monster romance. In Shadow & Dust readers get a thrilling ride through vengeance and watch could be enemies choosing love and lust!

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beware the cliff at the end, for it is steep and it is sudden. Much like the first book, the ending of this one has left me howling in frustration, wanting to know more. We’re treated to the answers to some of our questions, introduced to new enemies, and given a whole new set of impossible odds for Roman and Xavier to overcome. I no longer have the faintest, foggiest notion of where the author is leading us, but I know that I need to know how this story will end. And I want to know it NOW!
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.

[Rach Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re picking this up for the first time, make sure you’ve started with Shadow and silk as this isn’t a standalone book.

We’re back with Roman and Xavier and yet again a whole load of action. Like all Amos’s books, I really enjoyed it - always full of adventure and great world building.

Beware the cliffhanger at the end though - you’ll very soon be trying to find out when book 3 comes out!

[KJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot expansion in book two has brought back some rather interesting characters from the past...literally. We also have much more of a mystery in this book, setting us up for some curious and intriguing moments, especially because Roman is in the same boat as the reader, which is quite amusing and allows for some truly wild and wacky moments. This second book still includes some explosive moments where everything shifts so completely within the span of a scene and we end with yet another cliffhanger preparing us for the finale in book three.



Knowing what I know now about this book, would I still read it if I went back in time?
Yes.


See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book



CHARACTERS: We get to spend a little more time with Darcy, which I absolutely adored in this book. Roman's forced even more to confront who he is vs who he wants to be and the identity crisis achieves some impressive new levels in this book. Meanwhile Xavier is forced to confront his past demons (yes, pun absolutely intended) even more as well, mirroring Roman's character arc. Their relationship continues to weave together and develop throughout the escalating chaos. I adored just how competent Roman and Xavier are: easily capable of helping each other or themselves when the needs arise. Roman's surges of grief that still grip him also feel so painfully real, as someone who has experienced that loss. They're really shaping him, especially with how random the moments can be when they occur.



PLOT: Still medium-paced, but the one word I'd use for the plot is chaotic. But in a good way. I don't want to give away any spoilers. I will say that things keep occurring so fast and seemingly without rhyme or reason that it's hard for the MCs to keep up. Yet Richard Amos does a great job of ensuring that the reader is keeping up, even if the characters aren't. The confusion from the end of book one develops into an almost entirely new conflict in book two that the characters are dealing with and we end the book with yet another cliffhanger that includes yet another mysterious development. I'm keen to read the next book.





EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.

1:5/low. Still on the lower side. Maybe it's because I got spoiled with his series that I read before this (the Dawn trilogy) which was absolutely out of this world.


CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled?


75%. Again, we're left on a cliffhanger with questions answered but new developments leaving new questions unanswered. Very much middle-book-in-a-trilogy vibes.

[Julorie Siefert · Rating 5 out of 5]

As book two opens Roman, the Shadow after being shot in the heart by the Witch Queen Margarite, finds himself awaking before a man surrounding by butterflies. He and Xavier the spider demon have ended up in the demon realm, where they had encountered the past version of Xavier and his ex, Ismael. Then Roman finds out that the heart operation he had as a child was really something the butterfly demon had put in a device that would alter time and supposedly magic. Witch Queen Margarite in the present has declared war, creating chaos. Princess Piper finally manages to take over from her mother and the council makes her Queen. I have to be honest, there is so much packed into this book I am hard pressed to give you much information without giving away the plot. This book is truly necessary to read. It sets up the cliffhanger, that will lead you into the final book. There is much information about how, why, and etc. Many questions answered and as in all great writing more to be found out. Like what happens to Darcy, Roman's pet rat?, what happens to Roman's heart (oh this is a good one, even I was surprised). Will the bad demon kings be released from the frozen lake? What happens to magic? I would rush to get this book.

[Anne Barwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these characters and the world building in this series, and that it’s set in the same world as another of the author’s series. Things get even more complicated in this story, with some wonderful twists. I thought for a moment that the series was a duology but I should have known better given the author’s history of cliffhangers that leave me wanting the next book ASAP.

I love Roman and Xavier together, and complications that come with time travel. The twist about Roman was nicely done. I liked the glimpse into Xavier’s past – quite literally. Very emotional and sad with knowing what’s coming and not being able to change it.

The Butterfly demon seriously needs to be taken down. His ability is very clever idea. Loved it. I liked the common theme of tragedy changing people, and not for the better, for those who don’t rise above it.

I love Basille and hope that he and Phillipe might get their own book/series, as this is the 2nd in this world already…

Piper rocks. I love her friendship with Roman, and Darcy is a total scene stealer. The unexpected cameo from two of my other favourites was a lovely bonus.

More please.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow and Dust is book two in the Demon Heart series, and if you enjoyed book one, you’re not going to want to miss book two!
Roman and Xavier are back, and chaos is going to erupt on so many levels. Book two picks up where book one left off. New demon on the scene? Check. Roman surviving a shot to the heart? Bizarre, but check! Roman overflowing with questions in dire need of answers? Triple check! LOL!
We hope you’re ready for some serious questions to start cropping up! Roman’s past is filled with secrets and boy howdy are they about to start coming to light. It’s not bad enough that queen is on a personal vendetta against the demons. Nope! Now Roman has his own drama as he literally gets to time hop back and forth from the past back to the present. Curious yet? Grab this book!
Things will iron out a little bit, but don’t be fooled...things are no where near finished. More chaos is brewing and when it does...oooooh snap!
Shadow and Dust is a rollercoaster, slow at times, but then when it picks up speed...hang on to your hair! LOL! This book is a wild ride, and we’ll have to wait and see how it all ends when book three comes out.
4.5 out of 5 stars

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadow & Dust by Richard Amos is book two in the Demon Heart Series. After reading the first book I was eagerly awaiting this book. This is not a standalone, you must read the books in order. This book was so good, I knew I was going to be hooked when I started. I usually am when Richard Amos writes a story! I finished in hours, the pages just flew by. This was so well written and worldbuilding is still growing. This is full of action, suspense and so many surprises! The ending had one that I didn’t expect! Roman and Xavier are continuing their story but there are some really interesting characters introduced and I can’t wait to see the direction that the next book takes. But the assassin and demon have to deal with more challenges throughout. But seriously this book really took me on a whirlwind of intrigue. The plot was just that good! I’m excited to see even more from the next book. I highly recommend reading this series or just reading the author, Richard Amos period.

Final review:
4 out of 5 stars

[Yunga2013 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the second book. Sometimes, you just connect with the characters. And I did this time, too. Richard's MCs are usually very likeable. My weakness is strong but vulnerable guys. And here we have both Roman and Xavier, who are just perfect. My favourite, though, is Roman. His love for his gran just won me over immediately. This book has several highly unexpected turns, which I absolutely didn't see coming. That's one of the author's talents. He manages to stun me every time. I love how the time travels are included in the storyline. So, you'll see lots of action as it always happens in Richard's books. He never lets you get bored. And be ready for some surprises. If you read book 1 (this is not a standalone), you can't wait to read book 2, I'm sure. And you won't be disappointed. Trust me, the book is captivating. Highly recommend.

[Naku · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow & Dust is the second book in the Demon Heart series and is not a standalone story, it should be read after the first book in the series, Shadow & Silk.

This story takes place in an AU London, where demons and witches exist in the world together, though not peacefully.

Book two continues to follow the story of Roman, an assassin/spy witch, and Xavier, a demon who are trying to work together to save each other and the world.

Ohh boy buckle up! This book definitely has a lot of twists in and turns, with quite a few time switches to follow, but it is so good! I definitely recommend reading it in one sitting. I can't really say too much without spoiling the plot but if you are looking for a fun action packed thrill ride with twists then definitely pick up this book. Like the first book this does end in a cliffhanger and. I'm anxiously waiting for the third to come out!!

[DMCechak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow & Dust - Time Magic

‘He rushed me, making my breath hitch. Our lips collided with teeth-rattling ferocity, flesh on fire, our hands grabbing and hungry. A bruising kiss, both painful and needed, stole my breath under the wetness. I moaned into him, tumbling into lust as more of his scent consumed me.’

Roman, the witch queen’s assassin, has found another who makes him question just what he has given to queen.

Xavier, spider demon, has lost his love and finds himself attempting to help Roman as he learns he has been given the rare talent to time jump.

As each of these characters becomes further embroiled in the war between demons and witches, they try to work together to help create this alternate reality where they can survive together.

Richard Amos continues a strong fantasy MM romance with book 2 in his Demon Heart series!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow and Dust is the 2nd book in the Demon Heart trilogy. It is very fast paced and keeps you wondering what will happed next to our hero Roman. Roman is a Witch and the Queen's Shadow. A Shadow is somebody who does the Queen's dirty work as in be her assassin and take out her enemies.
Xavier is a Spider Demon that is from the Demon realm and Roman's love. Xavier keeps Roman safe when the hard times come to surface.
Piper is the Queen's daughter and doesn't approve on how her mother is ruling her people. She wants to make things better and clean up the mess of what her mother has done. Piper will make for one strong and fair ruler one day.
Darcy is Roman's best friend and was magically been turned into a Rat that talks. Darcy has a thing for fine Cheese in this form.
Butterfly is a very evil demon and he has an agenda to destroy all magic in the world.. Human and Demon alike will be rid of all there magical powers.
I found this book to be unique and loved reading it.
So, If you love lots of action and amazing characters then give Shadow and Dust a read.

[Miss E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roman is cast from one impossible situation to the next covered in... dust. Not just any dust, but Butterfly dust.
The Queen is going off the rails and Roman is hit by major selfdoubt as his loyalty is tested and maybe even moved.
Xavier has decided the witch is his to keep. He can't let go of the first glimmer of actual living since he lost his Demon King. This desission throws him for a loop, as he is forced to question his past.
All the while one extrordinary event follows the previous. Everything they thought they knew - yeah, think again.
That cliffie was brutal. I'm hooked for the next book and even though I know this is a trilogy, I can hardly fathom how all these issues can be resolved in one book.
If you love urban MM fantasy with lots of unprdictable action, this is a must-read series (must be read in order).

[Book Life With Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow and Dust, the second book in the Demon Heart series by Richard Amos is the continuation of a captivating MM paranormal romance that will sweep you away to another time. Literally! Set in an amazing world created by the fabulous Amos, this story does not disappoint!

In a world of opposing forces, Roman has spent his life in service to the witch queen, doing her bidding. Until he meets a sexy spider demon Xavier, that starts to make him question everything he thought he knew. With creative new characters and sidelines, this story will take you on quite the timeless journey of magic, challenges, secrets, vengeance and love. If you’re a fan of MM fantasy paranormal romances set in alternate futuristic world full of amazing creatures, witches, assassins and monsters alike then this is the one for you!

[AshPenny37 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadow And Dust, book two in the Demon Heart series follows on directly from book one, so it really needs to be read in order. Roman and Xavier are back in their rollercoaster ride of intrigue navigating the politics of Roman being the queen’s assassin and Xavier’s newly cherished place in this world.

There's everything you'd come to expect from this author - amazing world building, tons of thrills and a complex plot with several twists and major threats from enemies both old and new…as well as a cliffhanger you won't see coming. This is a great read, but I'm now so impatient for the series grand finale…bring on book three! 4*

An ARC was provided by the author. This is my honest review.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Witch That Time-Travels? A Demon That Loves Him?

Shadow and Dust
A Witch That Time-Travels? A Demon That Loves Him?

This is book two in the Demon heart series. It is not a standalone. So if you haven’t read number one better, go back and do so!
In this book, Roman finds a power that he didn’t know he had! Time travel! Who’dve Thunk!!!! But he takes it in stride, although it seems he can’t quite figure out how to control it, and he has no idea where it came from. The book progresses. All of this gets cleared up.
Lots of twists and turns for the book. And lots of new things happening and evolving. Including Queen Margarite.
There’s too much to repeat, but if you read book one, this is a must read!
Can’t wait for the third book!

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow & Dust is the second book in the Demon Heart series and is not a standalone story, it should be read after Shadow & Silk book one. I couldn't put this book down after starting it, I had to see what would come next. This is the continuing story of Roman a assassin/spy and Xavier a demon. There isn't much I can say about the book without giving you spoilers and I don't do spoilers. What I can say is that this is a roller coaster ride of surprises and twists and turns. I can't wait for the next book in the series to see what happens next. I would definitely recommend this book and series. A definite 5 star read.

[Holly Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to confess I haven’t read the first book in the series, and there was the odd time I felt a little out of my depth but that will teach me for skipping a book, LOL. Nevertheless I delved into this one and didn’t skip a beat. Shadow and Dust is book #2 in the Demon Heart series.
Roman is an assassin/spy, and Xavier is a demon. And boy, oh boy, do these two take you on a whirlwind journey.
I wanna give spoilers, I wanna rave about this book from the clifftops, but I can’t and I wouldn’t do that to you, but be sure to grab it, okay, you won’t regret it, just maybe start with book #1 LOL I’ll be rectifying that this weekend <3

[Juniper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roman and Xavier’s adventures continue in this story, and you’ll want to start with the first book in the series, if you haven’t already. There are twists and turns aplenty (no detailed descriptions from me, as they deserve to be experienced on their own terms, but it’s easy to get caught up in). The world building is deft and I love how details are woven into a backdrop that already feels rich and vibrant. The characters are interesting in all the best ways, the story is immersive, and there’s more to come (mind the cliffhanger)— tl;dr: well worth a read.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

So happy to get to read this second book in an amazing series. With this being the second book it does need to be read after the first book to truly understand what is going on. In this world witches and demon exist though don’t truly love each other. Xavier and Roman Our witch assassin/spy and demon have a lot to do to keep the world safe and each other. There’s a lot of action along with tension in the story. I loved every moment of the story. There’s a lot of political machinations in the story to flush out the world building. I can’t wait to see what’s going to come next and don’t want to spoil much. I didn’t want to put it down from the moment I started.

[Lene Blackthorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in this series follows Roman and Xavier through more turmoil and challenges. The queen is on the hunt for her Shadow and set on deadly vengeance, a demon called Butterfly spins his magic and unravels secrets about Roman no one knew, and the time gets tangled with past and present clashing. The story is very dramatic and emotional, even brings a brief scene where characters from another series appear. There is a lot of suspense and the whole mystery around Roman's nature adds to the reading experience. The characters are charismatic, and the reconciliation between past and present Xavier shows how much one can change.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is more like a 3.5⭐️ maybe? Honestly not sure lol. This book was a trip! Honestly never knew what was going to happen next which was fun and a lot.

What I liked:
-Darcy! Though I’m going to miss him as a rattie
-Xavier’s lovingness towards Roman
-getting to see some of the demon realm is cool

Not the best:
-even though never knowing what was coming was fun, it popped a round a little too much for my personal want. I don’t feel like we got to explore any one point enough
-I hated reading about how the Queen was rough with Darcy, poor rattie

What a wild ending! I hope they get magic back, I think that’s kind of sad.
Looking forward to the next book this summer!

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since his queen shot him, Roman has a new power. Going back and forth from the past to the present. The Demon Xavier is caught up in his travels. They meet up with past Xavier and his lover Prince Ismael. They're eventually reunite with Princess Piper, but before that, Roman becomes the avatar for a demon called Butterfly. Butterfly wants him to destroy magic.
Roman and Xavier's relationship is a bit bumpy, getting separated by time, over and over. Confusing, a little difficult to read. Well written. Nice worldbuilding.

I received an advance copy and this is my review.

[Azdude · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you liked the first book in this series......
What a great follow up to book 1 in Richard's Demon Heart series. This book is non-stop excitement from the very first page. It is an absolute joy to read on this journey through Mr. Amos's latest series.

Chronomancy, Fae, Demons, Witches and Warlocks. What could possibly go wrong? Well, let me tell you.....quite a bit! But it's all a great adventure. And Mr. Amos has a captivating way of expressing scenes that draw you in, not only to the story but your own imagination as well.

Very well done Richard!

[Del Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique and Entertaining

Shadow and Dust is book two in the Demon Heart series, following Roman and Xavier’s adventures. It’s an interesting read with a truly unique plot. There are some demon characteristics in here I’m certain I’ve never read about before! The spice between Xavier and Roman is well done—but the relationship dynamics are not without their complications.
This book has a full cast of characters that will keep you intrigued, and while the transitions between scenes can be a bit jarring—it’s a great read for anyone who enjoys a solid distopian urban fantasy.

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start to a new series

Roman is the top assassin for the Queen Witch, tasked with destroying demons.
Until he comes across one he can't resist who is in some serious danger from another faction.
There's lots of political machinations and intriguing going on behind the scenes.
Roman is in uncharted waters because he's never done something for himself, much less less gone against his boss.
These two were scorching hot together.
There's lots of fast paced action, danger, drama and amazing world building.
I can't wait to continue delving into this great world.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadow And Dust, the second book in the Demon Heart series by Richard Amos directly picks up where book one left off, so it is crucial to read this series in order. Characters Roman and Xavier are back in their exciting adventure of interesting meandering navigation through politics in this world.

If you've read previous books from this author, you'll find yet a again perfectly world building, engagement, and plot twists you didn't see coming. This was a fun read, I'm looking forward to seeing how this series will end.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.