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A World of Houses #0.5
A Home of Shadows and Light: A Dark Christmas Romance
Lucy has spent ten years in an abusive marriage. But when she finally manages to escape, nothing goes as planned.
Lucy and her daughter Sofie find themselves in the clutches of a dangerous man, with death in his eyes, and Lucy sees no choice but to submit to his demands.
But Bran is far from any man she has ever met. Scary, dangerous, and menacing, he unsettles her in a way no man has ever done. But there’s something hiding beneath the gruffness. Something gentle, and for the first time in her life, Lucy dares to hope.
But amidst learning to stand on her own two legs and her daughter’s never-ending quest to celebrate Christmas, Lucy has to accept two things. Bran is not who he seems to be, and her past refuses to relinquish its grip on her.
This is a Romantasy high-angst book, where the main character deals with trauma and past abuse.
Mention of sexual assault, rape, and drugs.
On-page sex scenes and violence.
Age Gap, Slow Burn(ish).
Dark-haired, morally grey love interest, with huge “touch her and die” and “I’ll burn the fucking world for you” vibes.
Lucy and her daughter Sofie find themselves in the clutches of a dangerous man, with death in his eyes, and Lucy sees no choice but to submit to his demands.
But Bran is far from any man she has ever met. Scary, dangerous, and menacing, he unsettles her in a way no man has ever done. But there’s something hiding beneath the gruffness. Something gentle, and for the first time in her life, Lucy dares to hope.
But amidst learning to stand on her own two legs and her daughter’s never-ending quest to celebrate Christmas, Lucy has to accept two things. Bran is not who he seems to be, and her past refuses to relinquish its grip on her.
This is a Romantasy high-angst book, where the main character deals with trauma and past abuse.
Mention of sexual assault, rape, and drugs.
On-page sex scenes and violence.
Age Gap, Slow Burn(ish).
Dark-haired, morally grey love interest, with huge “touch her and die” and “I’ll burn the fucking world for you” vibes.
217 pages, Paperback
Published November 15, 2023
2 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Tea Spangsberg
13 books43 followersABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tea Spangsberg lives in the south of Denmark on a small island with her family. She claims to be a Viking but would be rubbish at it as she gets terribly seasick, but let’s not tell anyone.
Her parents taught her the love of reading from an early age, and she grew up surrounded by books. Her love for reading morphed into the need to tell her own stories, and she never looked back. Reading still plays a big part in her life, and she loves everything from fantasy to crime fiction.
When it comes to writing, her big love is romance and fantasy in all their forms and subgenres.
She might have a slight addiction to coffee, sharp-edged objects, and books of a peculiar nature.
Read more about her published and upcoming books on www.teaspangsberg.com or follow her on social media.
Tea Spangsberg lives in the south of Denmark on a small island with her family. She claims to be a Viking but would be rubbish at it as she gets terribly seasick, but let’s not tell anyone.
Her parents taught her the love of reading from an early age, and she grew up surrounded by books. Her love for reading morphed into the need to tell her own stories, and she never looked back. Reading still plays a big part in her life, and she loves everything from fantasy to crime fiction.
When it comes to writing, her big love is romance and fantasy in all their forms and subgenres.
She might have a slight addiction to coffee, sharp-edged objects, and books of a peculiar nature.
Read more about her published and upcoming books on www.teaspangsberg.com or follow her on social media.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 21, 2025
OMG I absolutely loved this!
This has been on my TBR for awhile and I wish I could tell my past self to read it right away!
A Home of Shadows and Light is deliciously dark! Be sure to read the trigger warnings as this dives deep into trauma, abuse and fear.
When FMC Lucy manages to escape an extremely abusive relationship to protect her daughter Sofie, she runs from the grasp of one monster directly into another. Bran is dark, huge, mysterious and menacing. But to Lucy's surprise, he doesn't hurt her like she's come to expect from men.
I love seeing Lucy's progression from timid and fearful to learning who she is and wants to be. Despite being feared and deadly in his own right, Bran shows a softer, protective side with Lucy and Sofie that works so beautifully well.
I can't wait to see how the story progresses in book one, set 20 years after Lucy and Bran's story, with Sofie setting out to avenge those who hurt her and her mother.
This has been on my TBR for awhile and I wish I could tell my past self to read it right away!
A Home of Shadows and Light is deliciously dark! Be sure to read the trigger warnings as this dives deep into trauma, abuse and fear.
When FMC Lucy manages to escape an extremely abusive relationship to protect her daughter Sofie, she runs from the grasp of one monster directly into another. Bran is dark, huge, mysterious and menacing. But to Lucy's surprise, he doesn't hurt her like she's come to expect from men.
I love seeing Lucy's progression from timid and fearful to learning who she is and wants to be. Despite being feared and deadly in his own right, Bran shows a softer, protective side with Lucy and Sofie that works so beautifully well.
I can't wait to see how the story progresses in book one, set 20 years after Lucy and Bran's story, with Sofie setting out to avenge those who hurt her and her mother.
December 1, 2023
Battered mother escapes her abusive husband with her 5 year old daughter. Stays with morally grey/black Shadow daddy who protects her! They fall in love, and there’s murder!
Such a good story! Their romance made me giddy and goofy smile at my kindle!
🌶️🌶️/5
Also I need more books in this world she built! I don’t even care if they are smutty… but I need some more info on these houses and the various magic wielders! Shit I’d be ok with the story following Sofie and her rise to badassdom and taking out the houses with Bran! That would be wicked!
Such a good story! Their romance made me giddy and goofy smile at my kindle!
🌶️🌶️/5
Also I need more books in this world she built! I don’t even care if they are smutty… but I need some more info on these houses and the various magic wielders! Shit I’d be ok with the story following Sofie and her rise to badassdom and taking out the houses with Bran! That would be wicked!
March 23, 2025
Read the TW before reading
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
This prequel is a great introduction to Tea’s magical world she has built. It gives you just enough to capture your curiosity to want to read the entire series. The MMC isn’t your typical knight in shining armor and gives off the touch her and die vibes. The MFC is someone you route for from day one and will love the growth.
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
This prequel is a great introduction to Tea’s magical world she has built. It gives you just enough to capture your curiosity to want to read the entire series. The MMC isn’t your typical knight in shining armor and gives off the touch her and die vibes. The MFC is someone you route for from day one and will love the growth.
March 1, 2025
This story hit home for me as it sheds light on the realities of leaving an abusive marriage. Lucy fleas her home with her daughter Sofie in search for a safer life away from her abusive husband. She portals away and ends up landing on a secluded property. She has only ever been met with cruelty and violence when it has come to men so she is taken back when she meets the home owner Bran. He takes her and her daughter in, helping to rebuild their safety and trust. The story unfolds with navigating life after an abusive relationship and learning to find yourself and love again.
Also if you love a Shadow daddy who will burn the entire world down for her, than you must meet Bran! Officially my new book boyfriend lol
Also if you love a Shadow daddy who will burn the entire world down for her, than you must meet Bran! Officially my new book boyfriend lol
February 23, 2025
Could NOT put this book down. It had me in its shadow hold from page 1.
So many books spends the first chapters spelling out the world building, Tea weaves the world building in where it feels natural. This journey with Lucy, Sophie and Bran felt like a story told around a girls night cabin. I was hooked, I was captivated, I was on the edge of my seat waiting for Lucy to realize she was safe, happy, and free. And when she did. It. Was. So. GOOD!
This was my first book, but will definitely not be my last. I love me a villain with a soft spot, and Bran is it. I can’t wait to start on A Dance of Lies and Lust and continue on this journey weaved by one hell of an author.
So many books spends the first chapters spelling out the world building, Tea weaves the world building in where it feels natural. This journey with Lucy, Sophie and Bran felt like a story told around a girls night cabin. I was hooked, I was captivated, I was on the edge of my seat waiting for Lucy to realize she was safe, happy, and free. And when she did. It. Was. So. GOOD!
This was my first book, but will definitely not be my last. I love me a villain with a soft spot, and Bran is it. I can’t wait to start on A Dance of Lies and Lust and continue on this journey weaved by one hell of an author.
March 17, 2025
If you love a FMC learning how to trust again and a MMC who will do literally anything to keep her safe and happy, this one is for you!
Not only does Bran do absolutely anything he can to keep Lucy safe but he makes sure his shadows show in a child-friendly way to Sofie. He also showed such patience and kindness with Lucy as she not only worked through her trauma with sex but with her own powers too. You see him help her character gain strength, but I love that she gains strength and understanding of herself.
I loved how Tea wrote every character we interact with, how real the pain, fear, and joy felt. The writing was beautiful and captivating, I was drawn into this world and I felt like every character had their place which doesn’t always happen.
I can’t wait to launch directly into a Dance of Lies and List to see how Sofie steps into her own to avenge her mother.
Not only does Bran do absolutely anything he can to keep Lucy safe but he makes sure his shadows show in a child-friendly way to Sofie. He also showed such patience and kindness with Lucy as she not only worked through her trauma with sex but with her own powers too. You see him help her character gain strength, but I love that she gains strength and understanding of herself.
I loved how Tea wrote every character we interact with, how real the pain, fear, and joy felt. The writing was beautiful and captivating, I was drawn into this world and I felt like every character had their place which doesn’t always happen.
I can’t wait to launch directly into a Dance of Lies and List to see how Sofie steps into her own to avenge her mother.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2025
OMG I love this series already!!! I identify strongly with Lucy and understand the journey she is on learning to trust not only others but also herself. There is still a lot needing to be explained about the different Houses and what all the powers are.
Lucy- born in the wrong house, forced to marry at 15 into another, her father was killed. And her husband? An abusive ass who calls her every name in the book and the never ending abuse? She’s broken. But she’s a mother and she wants her daughter to be safe. So they run!
Bran- a recluse bounty hunter who lives alone and has since he was a kid. Doesn’t have friends or family and doesn’t know how to be gentle when the world views him as a monster.
So what happens when Lucy and her daughter Sofie land on his doorstep? Will they be safe or will the House of Horn hunt Lucy, who will Bran protect and kill? No spoilers here darling!
Lucy- born in the wrong house, forced to marry at 15 into another, her father was killed. And her husband? An abusive ass who calls her every name in the book and the never ending abuse? She’s broken. But she’s a mother and she wants her daughter to be safe. So they run!
Bran- a recluse bounty hunter who lives alone and has since he was a kid. Doesn’t have friends or family and doesn’t know how to be gentle when the world views him as a monster.
So what happens when Lucy and her daughter Sofie land on his doorstep? Will they be safe or will the House of Horn hunt Lucy, who will Bran protect and kill? No spoilers here darling!
March 24, 2025
I received an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
What a fantastic read & a great start into this trilogy. The story telling is so captivating in this entire series but this one left me feeling satisfied yet wanting more at the same time. After learning about the hardships the FMC Lucy had to endure was truly heartbreaking but witnessing her journey of healing was truly a work of art. From going from a man whose sole purpose was to use & abuse to a man whose sole purpose was to worship & protect every part of her while allowing her the space & freedoms to heal without overstepping was truly a site to see. Bran? Oh god, how we love Bran. He was just a masterpiece all around.
10/10 definitely recommend. There is a list of trigger warnings so I recommend checking those before diving in.
What a fantastic read & a great start into this trilogy. The story telling is so captivating in this entire series but this one left me feeling satisfied yet wanting more at the same time. After learning about the hardships the FMC Lucy had to endure was truly heartbreaking but witnessing her journey of healing was truly a work of art. From going from a man whose sole purpose was to use & abuse to a man whose sole purpose was to worship & protect every part of her while allowing her the space & freedoms to heal without overstepping was truly a site to see. Bran? Oh god, how we love Bran. He was just a masterpiece all around.
10/10 definitely recommend. There is a list of trigger warnings so I recommend checking those before diving in.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2025
This is such a nice teaser for the series! I began with this book after I signed up to read the eARC for book 3 - and I devoured this and book 1 in one sitting!! Absolutely brilliant writing and I loved every damn second of it!!
Shadows & Light is mainly about learning to trust — not just someone else, but yourself as well. This brings forth the fmc of the series — Lucy — and her daughter Sophie. Lucy has experienced some intense, lasting trauma that led to her decision to make an escape. Afterwards she ends up with Bran — who is in the house that rivals the one she is running from. Lucy & Bran’d story begins shakily, but seems to start to strengthen slowly with more time spent together.
It’s an absolutely beautiful prequel — you can FEEL it when Lucy begins to understand trust and that she (and Sophie) are safe.
Shadows & Light is mainly about learning to trust — not just someone else, but yourself as well. This brings forth the fmc of the series — Lucy — and her daughter Sophie. Lucy has experienced some intense, lasting trauma that led to her decision to make an escape. Afterwards she ends up with Bran — who is in the house that rivals the one she is running from. Lucy & Bran’d story begins shakily, but seems to start to strengthen slowly with more time spent together.
It’s an absolutely beautiful prequel — you can FEEL it when Lucy begins to understand trust and that she (and Sophie) are safe.
November 16, 2024
There is no other rating for this, all other ratings are invalid. This book should only ever be given 5 stars.
Tea is a master at turning what could be mundane into something magical. The morally grey Bran is an amazing comfort to Lucy, and I didn’t want to finish this book because I know for Sophie to have her story, something awful has to happen to her mother.
But the way Tea got me to CARE! Got me to FEAR for Lucy and Sophie! I think I found something wonderful in reading Tea’s books and honestly it makes me want to cry because I’ve missed this feeling so much.
Thank you for crafting such an engrossing world and such engaging characters Tea. I cannot wait to dive into the rest of this series.
Tea is a master at turning what could be mundane into something magical. The morally grey Bran is an amazing comfort to Lucy, and I didn’t want to finish this book because I know for Sophie to have her story, something awful has to happen to her mother.
But the way Tea got me to CARE! Got me to FEAR for Lucy and Sophie! I think I found something wonderful in reading Tea’s books and honestly it makes me want to cry because I’ve missed this feeling so much.
Thank you for crafting such an engrossing world and such engaging characters Tea. I cannot wait to dive into the rest of this series.
November 28, 2024
Tea is so talented. This was the perfect prequel to the series to tell Lucy and Bran’s story. It was a nice slow burn where Lucy learns to trust a man after spending so long because abused by men and their power. I love how it describes Sofie as a child since I already read the first two books in the trilogy and I know her as an assassin seeking revenge. Seeing Lucy learn to use her powers and fight back also sends a powerful message. Adored this book. I feel really connected to the characters in this series, more than any other series I’ve ever read, which is saying a lot. I’m truly blown away by these books. I love them more than the ACOTAR series. 🫶🏻 can’t wait to read more about these characters.
March 19, 2025
At 40% into this story I decided I’d do anything for this family🥲
I can only imagine this book is “the calm before the storm”, no pun intended!
This is the kind of prequel you hate to speed through (but I did) because you don’t want the story to end.
The FMC has immense trauma and the MMC, a morally grey, big scary (SHADOW DADDY) becomes not only her comfort and security but her daughters as well. AND HE GAVE THEM CHRISTMAS😭 sobbing.
+++ the magic system is super intriguing!
It is the coziest chaos I’ve ever encountered 😂
5 STARS!! I can’t wait to read about the bad-ass those monsters have turned our sweet little Sofie into! 🔥
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I can only imagine this book is “the calm before the storm”, no pun intended!
This is the kind of prequel you hate to speed through (but I did) because you don’t want the story to end.
The FMC has immense trauma and the MMC, a morally grey, big scary (SHADOW DADDY) becomes not only her comfort and security but her daughters as well. AND HE GAVE THEM CHRISTMAS😭 sobbing.
+++ the magic system is super intriguing!
It is the coziest chaos I’ve ever encountered 😂
5 STARS!! I can’t wait to read about the bad-ass those monsters have turned our sweet little Sofie into! 🔥
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 28, 2025
In this, the prequel to the world of houses trilogy A Home of Shadows and Light. A beautifully written gray romance about a broken woman who risked it all to keep her daughter safe and found a scary b@da$$ who would turn the entire world into shadows for her. Only available for signing up for Tea Spangsburg's, newsletter and it's absolutely free when you do. if you love fantasy romance, touch her and d!e and feminine rage and revenge, then this book is a must read for you.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Quote: Let him try and take you, and I'll show him exactly why people fear me
Spice:🌶🌶
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Quote: Let him try and take you, and I'll show him exactly why people fear me
Spice:🌶🌶
March 14, 2025
I got this, through the authors newsletter.
And I’ve got to say. I’m blown away! 🤩
You can really put yourself in the characters place, you are guided through the fmc’s feelings, thought-process and everything.
Usually, I’m not a big fan of, books written in third person. And I really struggled with that, at some points in the book, but I’m so pleased with the story! ☺️
And Bran has totally won my heart! 🥇❤️
It’s encouraging to, have a story, where the fmc doesn’t get saved by a knight in shining armour. But she learns to trust herself, through the help of a bigger evil 😇
And I’ve got to say. I’m blown away! 🤩
You can really put yourself in the characters place, you are guided through the fmc’s feelings, thought-process and everything.
Usually, I’m not a big fan of, books written in third person. And I really struggled with that, at some points in the book, but I’m so pleased with the story! ☺️
And Bran has totally won my heart! 🥇❤️
It’s encouraging to, have a story, where the fmc doesn’t get saved by a knight in shining armour. But she learns to trust herself, through the help of a bigger evil 😇
December 8, 2023
This is a dark romantic fantasy. Lucy escapes a ten year extremely violent and abusive relationship with her daughter Sofie. They end up at the home of Bran, a big scary Shade who takes them in and offers them shelter and protection.
Lucy learns how to overcome her trauma and trust others again as she falls for Bran, but her ex-husband isn't going to let her leave that easily.
This was cute, Bran is adorable. It's about a 2.5 on the spicy scale.
Lucy learns how to overcome her trauma and trust others again as she falls for Bran, but her ex-husband isn't going to let her leave that easily.
This was cute, Bran is adorable. It's about a 2.5 on the spicy scale.
July 4, 2025
it was cute and sweet. i read this after reading the trilogy and enjoyed learning more about the elusive Anne. a bit predictable, but very easy reading.
April 7, 2025
In the Prequel, set 20 years before the events of Book1, we meet Lucy, and her 5 year old daughter Sofie, who have escaped from the House of Horn and the abuse of their husband and father. Lucy sets out to start a new life with her daughter, on the run from the abuse of power held by the Houses. We meet Bran, a morally black shadow daddy, who will stop at nothing to ensure Lucy and her daughter are safe, and he is just the biggest teddy bear when it comes to Lucy and Sofie!!
I personally LOVED the Prequel. It's Dark and Twisted, and Romantic and Scary, and is definitely not for sensitive readers, but it's absolutely my cup of Tea. (Haha, see what I did there? Cause the author...whatever, you get it).
*note* The prequel is not required to be read to understand the series as a whole, but it definitely gives a good backstory!
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 🌶🌶
Tropes: Age Gap, Touch her and D!e, Found Family
I personally LOVED the Prequel. It's Dark and Twisted, and Romantic and Scary, and is definitely not for sensitive readers, but it's absolutely my cup of Tea. (Haha, see what I did there? Cause the author...whatever, you get it).
*note* The prequel is not required to be read to understand the series as a whole, but it definitely gives a good backstory!
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 🌶🌶
Tropes: Age Gap, Touch her and D!e, Found Family
December 6, 2023
This is 100% a "touch her and die" and "I'll burn the fucking world for you" romance book! And I’m 100% for it! Bran is a guy who will do anything for someone he cares about. His job is cruel and dangerous but it does not stop him from protecting Lucy. Lucy, a sweet girl who was stuck in an evil, toxic relationship just trying to survive for herself and her daughter. Lucy and Bran are perfect for each other. The beginning was a little confusing on how Lucy got to Bran but once you get past that, this book flowed so well. It wasn’t over the top romance and had very little smut and when it did come up it was done very classy like. It’s a great fantasy, romance meets fighting and killing. And omg it’s a must read! ♥️
Read
April 4, 2024I adored A HOME OF SHADOWS AND LIGHT by Tea Spangsberg, a “touch her and die” trope dark fantasy/romantasy Christmas story that was the perfect read to spice up my Christmas reading this holiday season. Lucy and her daughter Sophie are fleeing an abusive situation when they show up on the doorstep of Bran, an older man who Lucy quickly realizes is very, very dangerous. The writing does an excellent job of showing how Lucy has been conditioned to fear throughout her years of marriage and the scenes where Bran slowly gains her and Sophie’s trust and well written and heartwarming. Bran has a dark past of his own and needs some light and happiness in it. Could Sophie and Lucy be the family he needs? This book had dark themes, but was also at times cozy and delightful with warm meals, trips into town for shopping, Christmas puppies, and a little girl melting a scary man’s heart. I loved this from start to finish.
November 30, 2024
_4/5 Stars_
"Huge thanks to Tea Spansberg for the ARC of 'A Home of Shadows and Light'!
This dark romantic fantasy completely drew me in! Lucy's escape from a horrific 10-year abusive relationship with her daughter Sophie was heart-wrenching, but their journey to healing with Bran was amazing.
I loved watching Lucy overcome her trauma and learn to trust again, and her romance with Bran gave me all the "touch her and die" and "I'd burn the world for you" vibes - I'm totally here for it!
Tea Spansberg did an incredible job weaving darkness and light into a captivating story.
Four stars from me! If you enjoy complex, intense romances, you'll love 'A Home of Shadows and Light'."
"Huge thanks to Tea Spansberg for the ARC of 'A Home of Shadows and Light'!
This dark romantic fantasy completely drew me in! Lucy's escape from a horrific 10-year abusive relationship with her daughter Sophie was heart-wrenching, but their journey to healing with Bran was amazing.
I loved watching Lucy overcome her trauma and learn to trust again, and her romance with Bran gave me all the "touch her and die" and "I'd burn the world for you" vibes - I'm totally here for it!
Tea Spansberg did an incredible job weaving darkness and light into a captivating story.
Four stars from me! If you enjoy complex, intense romances, you'll love 'A Home of Shadows and Light'."
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews