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Shadows and Smoke #2

Shadows of Stone

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A heroine’s daring escape ignites a dangerous journey as trust and destiny clash.

Imprisoned by ruthless monsters, Sage's world shatters when her mother is brutally slain before her eyes. Feeling abandoned by the Moon goddess and the male gargoyles who failed to rescue them, Sage takes matters into her own hands and stages a daring escape.

Daxos, driven by an unrelenting need to find his destined partner, embarks on a perilous quest. When he finally scents her presence, his deepest dreams become reality—but their encounter is far from joyous.

Scarred and disillusioned, Sage rebuffs him, though reluctantly accepts his help to navigate treacherous terrain back to safety. As their grueling journey unfolds, they face numerous hostile creatures, treacherous landscapes, and the threat of capture. Daxos must find a way to mend Sage's broken trust while she grapples with her conflicted heart.

The scars of betrayal and trauma test their fated bond. In a world where hope flickers like a dying ember, will love be enough to light their way home?

438 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 22, 2024

2 people are currently reading
17 people want to read

About the author

Nicole LaBrocca

5 books55 followers
Nicole LaBrocca ventures into enchanting new territories with her spellbinding tales of romantic fantasy. She invites readers on an exhilarating odyssey through a realm where steamy passion intertwines with suspenseful supernatural intrigue, all seasoned with a sprinkle of humor. Be prepared for an immersive journey where love ignites amidst swirling mysteries and hidden truths. Step into a world where every page holds the promise of an unforgettable escape.

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5 stars
22 (73%)
4 stars
6 (20%)
3 stars
2 (6%)
2 stars
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Kayleigh.
67 reviews2 followers
December 26, 2024
Loved this book!
I kinda like Daxos after reading the first book even though he wasn't in it too much so for him to be the main male character in this one was great. I loved how the story started. Daxos had faith and it's a good job he did because we wouldn't have then discovered what the males long thought dead. Sage is awesome. Strong, brave and independent, she is such a great female lead. Always showing strength around others until her and Daxos happen to stumble upon each other. He is slowly working his way into her heart and she has a hard time letting him in and he sort of struggles to let her independence shine but love shall prevail. The spicy scenes were great with quite a bit of tension between the two, and there's more spice than the first book.
Profile Image for Manda  PandaMonium.
147 reviews6 followers
December 23, 2024
Shadows of Stone
Nicole Labrocca
Rating 5
Spice 3
loved this book so much. These characters are so good. You have these BAMF women breaking free from the bonds and.... Just... It's good. Book one was good. This one is better. Nicole has a way with language and really painting with words. I have trouble with visualizing books .. I don't think in pictures. But I can get a better idea of things with her details. It's really great. And character growth! Just read this one!!

Also Daxos and and Sage ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for M.
174 reviews3 followers
January 3, 2025
I want to preface this as this 3 star review is not a reflection of how good the book or the writing is.

I also want to thank the author SO SO much for honoring me with a copy of her eARC. This is my purely honest review.

Nicole LaBrocca writes truly engulfing stories. This series completely sucked me in I read both book 1 and 2 in 2 days.

The magic system in these stories is so interesting. The healing powers of the moon and the gargoyles turning to stone, plus the connection to the earth in the elves and their magical healing properties?? They are incredibly intriguing.

Sage, our FMC is a badass. I really liked her character and I love that she didn’t put up with any patronizing bullshit, but the romance of her and Daxos (although highly entertaining) felt too familiar to that of Quinn and Ana and honestly I preferred Quinn and Ana’s banter. The romance was more said, as opposed to shown in this book.

I loved the use of more characters and the fact that the author went back for parts of Quinn and Ana’s story, I’m hoping she does the same with book 3 only adding perspective.

I also fully love the plethora of magical creatures, however I feel like I would like more of them/about them/where they come from. I wish there was a map of this world because the world building is so immense and beautifully written but hard to regulate like where the characters are.

Still as with the last book there are some plot holes HOWEVER, I was told there’s a prequel so I’ll be reading that to hopefully gain a better perspective and understanding of the background of the world and its beings.

Lastly, while I’m fully invested in this story and WILL be reading the others in the series I found myself continuously noting repetition in some of the words and phrases which, while again, beautifully written sort of felt overwritten.

The spice as always was superb, 3.5 maybe 4 🌶️ and there’s one scene where OOF idk but now I need wings 😂

I would recommend these books because they are immensely intriguing and entertaining and again I’m super invested but I rated what I did based off of those smaller details I explained that just partially nagged on me. This authors imagination and vocabulary skills are incredible and I can’t wait to see what else she comes up with. With just a bit more editing this book could easily flip to a 5 star read for me.

Profile Image for Sam Carr.
141 reviews5 followers
January 12, 2025
I’m a sucker for fated mates so this book didn’t disappoint on that front.
It is packed full of action with lots of twists and turns. It was a refreshing to change to read a book that is based around different magical characters as the main characters- gargoyles in this case.

This was my first book by Nicole LaBrocca and I will be going back to read the previous book just so I can gain more insight into this world and its characters. It is part of a series, though they are intended to be read as stand-alones, however, I think it would have helped my understanding of some of the characters if I had read the first book before this one.

What I enjoyed:
✨Great world building and beautiful, detailed language.
✨Different magical characters - gargoyles, gnomes, elves
✨Strong, independent FMC - Sage- she’s not perfect but we see her work through past traumas and show her vulnerable side
✨Broody, possessive, protective MFC - Daxos - he’s intense and intent on keeping his ‘mate’ safe and protected but shows a vulnerable side too

There were a couple of reasons this didn’t get the full 5 stars for me. I felt there were parts in the story where there were lots of different things happening and it was a bit difficult to keep up, so it felt a bit rushed. I would have liked to know more about Sage and her groups background and the creatures they were held by.
As a stand-alone book I felt there were some gaps of information about the world and some of its inhabitants that would have helped me become better immersed in the story. One part where more explanation/background would have helped is near the end when we learn of Sage’s next role (I don’t want to give any spoilers so won’t say specifically what it is). This is perhaps where reading the first book and having prior knowledge/understanding of this world and the characters, and how the moon goddess influences them, may have helped my understanding better.
I’d love to see a map too!

Overall an enjoyable read and lots of likeable characters. I would recommend reading the first book before this one, even though they can be read separately and then get ready for more adventures in book 3!
5 reviews
December 27, 2024

Nicole LaBrocca continues her mesmerizing Shadows and Smoke saga with Shadows of Stone, a heart-pounding tale of survival, healing, and fated love. This second installment delves deeper into the complexities of trust and destiny, drawing readers into a richly imagined world brimming with danger and passion.

The story begins with Sage, a heroine scarred by tragedy, escaping imprisonment after witnessing her mother’s brutal death. Betrayed by those she believed would protect her, Sage becomes a fiercely independent survivor, unwilling to rely on anyone, including Daxos—a male gargoyle determined to prove he’s her destined partner. 💔🦅

Daxos’ relentless pursuit of Sage reveals his unwavering devotion, but their reunion is fraught with tension. Sage’s mistrust and trauma form a formidable barrier between them, adding emotional depth to their perilous journey. Together, they traverse treacherous landscapes filled with hostile creatures and lurking dangers, their bond tested at every turn. 🗡️🌌

LaBrocca masterfully balances action-packed sequences with moments of vulnerability, allowing the characters to grow amidst the chaos. Sage’s resilience and Daxos’ determination to earn her trust make for a compelling dynamic, while themes of healing and redemption resonate throughout the narrative.

The lush world-building and vivid descriptions immerse readers in a realm where hope feels fragile but love holds the power to endure. The tension between Sage and Daxos is electric, and their gradual connection is as rewarding as it is heartfelt.

Shadows of Stone is a gripping blend of fantasy, romance, and emotional depth. Nicole LaBrocca delivers a tale of courage, love, and the enduring strength of the human (and gargoyle) spirit. A must-read for fans of the series and anyone who craves a story where love shines brightest in the darkest of times. 🌙💞
Profile Image for Tanmay Mehta.
293 reviews16 followers
January 7, 2025
Book: Shadows of Stone: A Fantasy Romance (Shadows and Smoke Book 2)

Author: Nicole LaBrocca

Review: 'Shadows of Stone' tells the riveting tale of Sage, a heroine scarred by betrayal and loss. Imprisoned by monsters and witnessing her mother's tragic death, Sage escapes captivity only to confront a world filled with peril and mistrust. Enter Daxos, a male gargoyle determined to find his fated partner. Their meeting is far from a fairy tale—Sage's pain and broken trust make her wary of Daxos, even as they must join forces to survive hostile creatures, treacherous landscapes, and the looming threat of recapture. The story is a journey of healing, courage, and the fragile yet powerful bond of fated love amidst a world shadowed by danger and despair.

What stood out most in 'Shadows of Stone' was the depth of its characters and their emotional journey. Sage's resilience in the face of trauma and Daxos's patience and determination to earn her trust were both compelling and heart-wrenching. The world-building was another highlight—each treacherous landscape and hostile creature felt vividly real, immersing me in a richly textured fantasy setting. The balance between action-packed sequences and moments of introspection gave the story both intensity and heart, while the slow-burn romance added layers of complexity and tension.

I recommend 'Shadows of Stone' to readers who enjoy fantasy romance with emotional depth and high stakes. This book masterfully blends a gripping plot with a poignant exploration of healing, trust, and love. Fans of slow-burn romances and strong yet vulnerable characters will find themselves captivated by Sage and Daxos's journey. Whether you're drawn to richly detailed fantasy worlds or stories of resilience and redemption, this book is a must-read that will leave you eagerly awaiting the next installment in the Shadows and Smoke series.
6 reviews
December 30, 2024
🍂Book- Shadows of Stone: A Fantasy Romance (Shadows and Smoke Book 2)
🧭Author- Nicole LaBrocca

• A Tale of Survival and Second Chances-

🍁In Shadows of Stone, Nicole LaBrocca delivers a gripping fantasy romance that delves into themes of betrayal, trust, and redemption. Sage, a heroine scarred by trauma, stages a bold escape from captivity, her will to survive defying the forces that failed her. LaBrocca paints a vivid and perilous journey, immersing readers in a world where survival is both physical and emotional.

• A Love Tested by Pain-

🍁Daxos, a determined gargoyle seeking his fated mate, finds Sage, but their union is far from harmonious. Sage’s mistrust and lingering pain clash with Daxos’s unwavering devotion, creating a poignant and turbulent dynamic. Their journey together tests the limits of their bond, with love fighting to overcome the shadows of betrayal.

• Danger and Redemption Amid Chaos-

🍁The story is infused with suspense, as Sage and Daxos navigate hostile landscapes, evade monstrous foes, and battle their inner demons. Each step forward is fraught with danger and the hope of healing. Sage’s resilience and Daxos’s dedication make for a compelling narrative about reclaiming trust and embracing destiny.

🧞‍♂️ Shadows of Stone is a deeply emotional and action-packed sequel, blending high-stakes adventure with a heartfelt exploration of love and forgiveness. Fans of fantasy romance will be captivated by Sage and Daxos’s journey, where every challenge brings them closer to a destiny they never imagined.
Profile Image for Sneha.
413 reviews57 followers
January 7, 2025
If you’re into dark fantasy with a fierce heroine, swoony gargoyle vibes, and a whole lot of danger, *Shadows of Stone* is your next read! Sage’s story starts with heartbreak and betrayal, but this girl doesn’t wait around for a rescue—she breaks herself out. Enter Daxos, her fated mate, who’s got some serious groveling to do if he wants her trust back.

Sage is the definition of a badass. She’s scarred, disillusioned, and not here for anyone’s excuses (even if they’re a stone-cold gargoyle). But as much as she tries to push Daxos away, the chemistry between them is undeniable. Their journey is a mix of danger, emotional tension, and a slow-build connection that’ll have you flipping pages like crazy.

The world-building? *Chef’s kiss.* Treacherous landscapes, terrifying creatures, and nonstop action make you feel like you’re right there with them. Every twist and turn adds to the stakes, and the emotional punches hit just as hard as the physical threats. You’ll be holding your breath wondering if they’ll make it through.

What makes this book stand out is the theme of trust and healing. It’s not just about surviving—it’s about Sage and Daxos rebuilding something real amidst the chaos. Their relationship is messy, raw, and oh-so-rewarding when they finally start finding their way back to each other.

Bottom line? *Shadows of Stone* is a rollercoaster of emotions, danger, and hope. If you love fated mates, badass heroines, and action-packed fantasy, don’t sleep on this one!
54 reviews1 follower
December 29, 2024
Shadows of Stone by Nicole LaBrocca is an emotionally gripping sequel that took my breath away. If you thought Shadows of the Moon was intense, this book turns the dial up even further.

The story plunges us into Sage’s harrowing journey as she escapes captivity and grapples with the devastating loss of her mother. Her pain and anger are palpable, making her one of the most raw and relatable characters I’ve encountered in a fantasy romance.

Daxos, on the other hand, is a fascinating mix of determination and vulnerability. His unwavering quest to find Sage and win her trust adds a layer of emotional complexity to the story. Their dynamic is electric—tense, passionate, and filled with moments of heartbreak and hope. The bond between them feels so real, as they navigate not only the treacherous physical world but also the scars left by betrayal and trauma.

Nicole LaBrocca’s world-building continues to shine in this installment, with vivid descriptions that transport you to a realm teeming with danger and beauty. The plot is fast-paced and brimming with suspense, yet it never loses sight of the emotional depth that makes this series so compelling.

The stakes are higher, the characters are even more layered, and the romance is sizzling with tension. If you’re a fan of fantasy romance, this series is an absolute must-read.
Profile Image for Rohini.
125 reviews5 followers
December 23, 2024
Ahh this is my first reading fairytale romance books and fuck i really love it a lot more than i thought 🥰🤧💘😩✨️

At first I find the story difficult to imagine and continue but later on, I started loving the story more and more. It’s interested 😍💗

Sage and her sisters are trying to escape from juguai's whohave already killed her mother. While they aretrying to survive from juguai's, Daxos has become more and more desperate to find his mate. They are also searching for the female's whom they can't able to protect and lost them.



Aww the chemistry between Daxos and Sage is so good and cute that make me feel more single🤧🤌😩💗


Where is my mate rey? Even I want a mate who thinks about me and my safety before them. To protect me from everything and make me feel safe like Daxos did to Sage.🤩😇😘



This story made me feel mixtures of different emotions...sadness, happiness, pain,hurt, and even made me cry where I felt the lose of the people in the story. Its sad that the story has ended🤌🤧💘

I am really excited for Lyssa's story tho🥳🥳 A gargoyle female with a human male?? I love to read their story when it is available 🥰🥰
Profile Image for Janvi Santwani.
626 reviews44 followers
January 14, 2025
Shadows of Stone: A Fantasy Romance by Nicole LaBrocca draws you into a world of danger, heartbreak, and hope from the very first chapter. Sage’s daring escape and battle with betrayal create a raw and gripping introduction, immediately immersing you in her harrowing journey.The intensity of emotions and high stakes set the tone for an unforgettable adventure.

The plot masterfully weaves action, romance, and self-discovery as Sage’s resilience and Daxos’s unwavering determination drive the story. From hostile creatures to treacherous landscapes, their journey is filled with peril and emotional challenges. Nicole LaBrocca’s vivid descriptions and heartfelt dialogue make this world come alive, while the themes of healing, redemption, and love strike a powerful chord.

Sage and Daxos’s evolving bond is both captivating and deeply moving, balancing intense action with tender moments. For fans of fantasy romance, this story of overcoming trauma and finding hope in the darkest places is a must-read. By the end, Shadows of Stone leaves you with a profound appreciation for love, trust, and resilience.
Profile Image for Chasity Trimble.
466 reviews20 followers
May 12, 2025
This is the second book in Shadows and Smoke and I enjoyed this one as well. I loved Ana and Quinn and was happy that the author go back for snippets of them. However this book follows Sage and Daxos. Sage is a baddie, strong and independent. Dados is broody, possessive and intense.

Again the world building is fantastic and the detail just has a way of making you feel like you are within the story. I love the characters being gargoyles, gnomes and elves. It has been fascinating. The storyline in this book, I feel has more of an emotional journey for the FMC. So going between action packed scenarios to tender moments of a slow burn romance. The dynamics and chemistry between Sage and Daxos is undeniable.

This Romantasy takes you on a roller coaster of emotions, between the danger, moments of heartbreak, tension and love. A story every fantasy romance reader should enjoy.
Profile Image for Kerin Ray.
196 reviews6 followers
January 6, 2025
The build up just keeps building. I’m so in love with this series. If you want world. Character. Plot. Spice. Intense emotions. I implore you to read!!!! You will not be able to put them down. It’s consumes you and this author writes so well you feel like you are living and breathing with these characters. -Kerin
Profile Image for Sarah Schollaert (Schram) .
25 reviews
January 6, 2025
I found the book Shadows of Stone was a very captivating,crafted fantasy that readers can truly imagine a world of ancient magic, lore and legends. The book has complex characters that were very true to the story and the plot twists.

I Found this book is a must-read for epic fantasy, adventure, and mythology fans. I really enjoyed the plot twist throughout the book and couldn’t put it down!
Profile Image for Catalina Ashley.
31 reviews
December 30, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this book. it is a great fantasy romance. the characters were just brought to life. once I started reading I just wanted to keep reading. this book is very well written and really keeps you wanting more. definitely recommend reading.
Profile Image for Amelia.
244 reviews20 followers
January 31, 2025
A passionate story! Loved the characters, the humor, the dangers, the passion.
The world building really drew me in and intrigued me, I can't wait to read more in this world, and find out what happens in the next book.
Profile Image for Caitlin.
862 reviews11 followers
March 17, 2025
5 stars 3 peppers

- Fated Mates
- Strong FMC
- Possessive MMC
- Fantasy

This book is so good. The world building continues from the first book and is absolutely phenomenal. Nicoles writing is perfection. I absolutely LOVE Daxos and Sage.

I loved Daxos in he first book and how confident he was that the women and his mate were out there, he never gave up even when no one believed him. He is OTT possessive. Sage is so strong, protects everyone over herself, so independent- which obviously causes tension between her and Daxos.

And the action never stops, I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. There is so much happening and the way they weave their relationship in there is amazing.

The spice was perfect but now I am wishing I had wings.....
Profile Image for Rainelle.
2,196 reviews124 followers
May 2, 2025
I enjoyed the continued story with new characters Sage and Daxos The romance was unbelievable sweet and beautiful. There story was great. The plot was one of suspense and surprising twist. It was interesting to read about how the two worlds blended together. I liked the story.
931 reviews22 followers
December 22, 2024
What an incredible journey to follow along with! This was an amazing read, I could not put it down. I binged the book in 2 days. I highly recommend grabbing your cups today!
Profile Image for bry.
3 reviews
December 22, 2024
I loved this, I didn't know it was a series so I had to go read the first one, but I loved this a lot.
Profile Image for Teija Hemphill.
78 reviews1 follower
December 22, 2024
Definitely read the first book before diving into this one. It is definitely worth taking time out to read. What an amazing journey this has been.
3 reviews
December 22, 2024
The book presents Sage's journey full of challenges, showing her strength and determination despite uncertainty. The author skillfully weaves emotional and mystical threads into a captivating story.
158 reviews5 followers
December 23, 2024
A great book. Nicole made all the characters believable and the story just pulls you in. This duet is my first of hers but I will definitely be reading more from this author

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