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Shadows of Graymourne #2
Shadow & Flame
Lazarus didn't read the fine print and now he's got a trapped shadow demon on his hands, furious and beautiful.
The colonies are no place for a witch. Beset by growing rumors in his New England colony, Lazarus Graydon turns to the one thing he knows best for protection. Magic. In a moment of desperation, he summons a shadow demon and binds himself to it, sight unseen. But when Lazarus sees what steps out of the summoning circle, he realizes he may have gotten more than he bargained for.
Humans are to be avoided. Tenebrae isn't exactly thrilled with the arrangement, far from it, in fact. The wandering shadow finds himself trapped in an unfamiliar land, bound to the most infuriating and enticing human he's ever encountered. The longer they spend together the more bewitched he becomes, but is it the spell or something more?
Just as they confront their feelings for each other, danger strikes. But even death won't keep them apart and forbidden magic holds the key to a second chance.
Shadow & Flame is a medium burn, dark, enemies to lovers monster romance with a dual setting in small town Vermont and its 1700s counterpart.
An over-confident witch meets his match when he summons a shadow demon for protection.
For readers who like their princes as dark as they are charming.
For fans of Venom who deserve the M/M monster romance of their dreams with a touch of The VVitch added to the setting for ambiance.
See the author's website for full list of content warnings.
The colonies are no place for a witch. Beset by growing rumors in his New England colony, Lazarus Graydon turns to the one thing he knows best for protection. Magic. In a moment of desperation, he summons a shadow demon and binds himself to it, sight unseen. But when Lazarus sees what steps out of the summoning circle, he realizes he may have gotten more than he bargained for.
Humans are to be avoided. Tenebrae isn't exactly thrilled with the arrangement, far from it, in fact. The wandering shadow finds himself trapped in an unfamiliar land, bound to the most infuriating and enticing human he's ever encountered. The longer they spend together the more bewitched he becomes, but is it the spell or something more?
Just as they confront their feelings for each other, danger strikes. But even death won't keep them apart and forbidden magic holds the key to a second chance.
Shadow & Flame is a medium burn, dark, enemies to lovers monster romance with a dual setting in small town Vermont and its 1700s counterpart.
An over-confident witch meets his match when he summons a shadow demon for protection.
For readers who like their princes as dark as they are charming.
For fans of Venom who deserve the M/M monster romance of their dreams with a touch of The VVitch added to the setting for ambiance.
See the author's website for full list of content warnings.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 10, 2024
12 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Sylvie Helstaff
4 books13 followersSylvie Helstaff (they/them) is a queer, neurodivergent author who grew up on fantastic folk tales, macabre mythology, and anything else strange and unusual that the local library had to offer. After a two decade career in art and design, they returned to their first love, writing. Sylvie enjoys crafting rich worlds with engaging lore where their readers can embark on monstrously smutty adventures alongside captivating characters.
In addition to writing, they create the cover art and interior design for their books. Staunchly anti-AI, Sylvie's writing and art are 100% human made.
When they’re not writing or creating art, they can be found enjoying a nice stroll through a cemetery, watching old horror movies, or relaxing with their huge dog.
Someday, they aspire to become the reason no one goes in that part of the forest anymore.
Follow me on
Tiktok: @sylviehelstaff
Instagram: @sylviehelstaff
Bsky: @sylviehelstaff
Substack: https://helstaffbooks.substack.com/
In addition to writing, they create the cover art and interior design for their books. Staunchly anti-AI, Sylvie's writing and art are 100% human made.
When they’re not writing or creating art, they can be found enjoying a nice stroll through a cemetery, watching old horror movies, or relaxing with their huge dog.
Someday, they aspire to become the reason no one goes in that part of the forest anymore.
Follow me on
Tiktok: @sylviehelstaff
Instagram: @sylviehelstaff
Bsky: @sylviehelstaff
Substack: https://helstaffbooks.substack.com/
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 29, 2025
I enjoyed this book quite a bit! It had great witchy vibes, a partially historical setting, and fun characters. The quality of the writing was also good.
Lazarus and Tenebrae had an enjoyable dynamic.
I initially read this not realizing it was book 2 in a series, but it totally works as a standalone. There was no confusion at all!
Overall, I think this book, and the author, deserves way more attention!
Lazarus and Tenebrae had an enjoyable dynamic.
I initially read this not realizing it was book 2 in a series, but it totally works as a standalone. There was no confusion at all!
Overall, I think this book, and the author, deserves way more attention!
October 21, 2024
I absolutely adored this book! The dynamic between Lazarus and Tenebrae is refreshing and Helstaff took the spice to a level I was NOT EXPECTING. Between the beautifully described setting and the engaging way the characters were written, it’s hard not to fall in love with these boys and their journey. The Shadows of Graymourne series is not one to miss!
January 15, 2026
A passionate ride through time
Book 2 might not be as cosy as book 1, instead delivering a wild (and passionate) ride through time. The relationship between the two men (okay, witch and demon) starts quite rocky but quickly turns into a fast-burn. (No pun intended 🙈)
If you've read book 1, you already know what happened, and this book dives fully into that history. Despite knowing it all, I was still frustrated because Lazarus and his family didn't deserve any of that 😓😓 (thankfully you can expect a happy ending 💜)
After the historical bit, the story continues in current times (to do what Lazarus already hinted at in book 1). This segment had me giggling several times as the two shadow demons teaming up to haunt some annoying humans was just
Book 2 might not be as cosy as book 1, instead delivering a wild (and passionate) ride through time. The relationship between the two men (okay, witch and demon) starts quite rocky but quickly turns into a fast-burn. (No pun intended 🙈)
If you've read book 1, you already know what happened, and this book dives fully into that history. Despite knowing it all, I was still frustrated because Lazarus and his family didn't deserve any of that 😓😓 (thankfully you can expect a happy ending 💜)
After the historical bit, the story continues in current times (to do what Lazarus already hinted at in book 1). This segment had me giggling several times as the two shadow demons teaming up to haunt some annoying humans was just
not-for-me
October 4, 2025DNF 8%
Weird choice to open an MM Romance with a chapter from a random teenage girl's POV. I wish the tale began at the beginning rather than the end and headhopping is still an issue.
Weird choice to open an MM Romance with a chapter from a random teenage girl's POV. I wish the tale began at the beginning rather than the end and headhopping is still an issue.
September 29, 2024
I really enjoyed Shadow and Flame. I loved the small town feel, and how the story was completely different than what I thought it would be within the first few pages. Levi and Laz are a pair of brothers for the ages, supporting each other all throughout the book. The relationship between the two main characters is a slow burn turned five alarm that I was not prepared for, but enjoyed none the less. Now I have to go back and read the first one, and I am happy to hear there will be a third.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews