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Elemental Hearts #1
A Shadow So Sweet
Elle Drayfield gave up her dreams to pursue a career as the Keeper of Elegion Flora and Fauna in a desperate bid to cure her sister’s mysterious illness. She has no magic of her own, but an ancient cult will stop at nothing to get their hands on her. If she’s not careful, her dying sister will outlive her. Lucky for Elle, the most powerful darkweaver in centuries has her back.
As a karthan, Blake “Nightshade” Gardner chases adventure wherever he can to keep his nightmares from catching up. But all that changes when he collides with Elle. Every smile, laugh, and touch leaves him more and more vulnerable to a feeling more dangerous than any beast he has ever fought.
Bound by their budding romance, Blake and Elle will have to confront painful pasts, endure lasting heartbreak, and hope their combined skills will be enough to defeat the cult and the enemies within they never thought possible. But will their relationship survive the danger that stalks them?
Perfect for readers looking for no-spice romance, heart-pounding action, swoon-worthy moments, and a romance between a darkweaver karthan and a desperate librarian. A Shadow So Sweet is book one in the Elemental Hearts series, a fantasy romance with a new couple each book, but the same fast pace, unforgettable characters, and delicious banter.
As a karthan, Blake “Nightshade” Gardner chases adventure wherever he can to keep his nightmares from catching up. But all that changes when he collides with Elle. Every smile, laugh, and touch leaves him more and more vulnerable to a feeling more dangerous than any beast he has ever fought.
Bound by their budding romance, Blake and Elle will have to confront painful pasts, endure lasting heartbreak, and hope their combined skills will be enough to defeat the cult and the enemies within they never thought possible. But will their relationship survive the danger that stalks them?
Perfect for readers looking for no-spice romance, heart-pounding action, swoon-worthy moments, and a romance between a darkweaver karthan and a desperate librarian. A Shadow So Sweet is book one in the Elemental Hearts series, a fantasy romance with a new couple each book, but the same fast pace, unforgettable characters, and delicious banter.
474 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2018
32 people are currently reading
233 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
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January 21, 2020🎁 The complete Harmonia Series (Books 1-2) is FREE on Amazon today (1/21/2020)! 🎁
November 30, 2024
Wow!! This book was so good for so many reasons! The banter, the adventure, the inner demons, the healing, and of course the romance! This book made me laugh out loud and then cry like a baby.
I grew so attached to every single character in this book. I just wanted to crawl inside and be part of the story! She did such an excellent job world building. I loved the deep message of forgiving yourself and needed to let go of past guilt. It was so beautifully done because the characters were so relatable, so real.
This is a kisses only romance but far from lacking in the swoon department! It also has a wonderful ending that doesn’t give you a cliffhanger but still leaves you with a serious book hangover! Do yourself a favor and pick this up today!!
I grew so attached to every single character in this book. I just wanted to crawl inside and be part of the story! She did such an excellent job world building. I loved the deep message of forgiving yourself and needed to let go of past guilt. It was so beautifully done because the characters were so relatable, so real.
This is a kisses only romance but far from lacking in the swoon department! It also has a wonderful ending that doesn’t give you a cliffhanger but still leaves you with a serious book hangover! Do yourself a favor and pick this up today!!
December 10, 2024
Blake is the best darkweaver in Belmara but refuses to get involved in the politics such a position would typically entail. But when a mission is interrupted by the discovery of an unconscious girl in his car, a girl who turns out to have been escaping kidnappers, he finds his priorities change. Elle's sole focus in life has been on finding a cure for her ill sister, but when an ancient, believed extinct cult inexplicably targets her, she has to think of other things. And as the pair delve deeper into the reasons the cult want her, it soon becomes clear that even their very lives may need to be secondary to stopping the cult and saving Belmara. But to succeed, they'll need to face their pasts and overcome their fears...
This was a new author to me, so I wasn't sure what to expect - but whatever I might have imagined, this surpassed it. I was drawn in from the very start and read far too late at night because I didn't want to put it down. It's a brilliant story with plenty of action and suspense, not to mention a gradually unfolding mystery, but also allows time for character development and just getting to know the characters as people with their own demons to overcome (not literally). The world building is done well, though it feels like there's plenty more to come, which I'm really looking forward to. I particularly appreciated the way that Blake and Elle complement each other, with different moments of weakness in which the other can help. It's a partnership. Oh, and some of the creative threats were hilarious! All in all, I'm eager for the next book and ready to go and see whether the author has written anything else yet. Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a new author to me, so I wasn't sure what to expect - but whatever I might have imagined, this surpassed it. I was drawn in from the very start and read far too late at night because I didn't want to put it down. It's a brilliant story with plenty of action and suspense, not to mention a gradually unfolding mystery, but also allows time for character development and just getting to know the characters as people with their own demons to overcome (not literally). The world building is done well, though it feels like there's plenty more to come, which I'm really looking forward to. I particularly appreciated the way that Blake and Elle complement each other, with different moments of weakness in which the other can help. It's a partnership. Oh, and some of the creative threats were hilarious! All in all, I'm eager for the next book and ready to go and see whether the author has written anything else yet. Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 25, 2023
A Karthan's Kiss was So good!! I loved pretty much every second of this beautiful, fun, wild ride! Blake and Elle were the best MCs and words can't express how much I loved and enjoyed having both their POVs. Seriously, if you want a fast-paced story with a mystery plus plenty of action as well as attraction ;) but that still stays within the clean side of things, this is definitely the book for you! There's magic/powers related to the elements for those who are bonded with them (the book explains it all) and wow, the world-building was really well done! I loved learning about keepers thanks to Elle, and about dark bonded thanks to Blake (or Nightshade). My heart definitely went out to both of them and their pasts, and I loved the relationships with other characters, like Ka'rin and Alexia for Blake, and her parents and siblings for Elle. I'm definitely fangirling/gushing over here about this story, but it's just so good! I can't recommend it enough! You'll laugh (the banter is top-notch, especially between Ka'rin and Blake), you'll swoon, you'll maybe tear up, and you'll fly through this book looking for all the answers. Granted, while there's a HEA for the MCs, there are enough hints and threads left unsolved that I'll definitely be looking forward to the next books in this series! Perfectly recommended for fans of Urban Fantasy with its own unique world and magic system. ~ 5 stars!
Content:
Romance: just kisses! (Really, tops it mentions him kissing her neck, but that's it)
Language: none. All swear words are made up.
Violence: present and mostly Fantasy related. From monster attacks to the beheading of a person.
Content:
Romance: just kisses! (Really, tops it mentions him kissing her neck, but that's it)
Language: none. All swear words are made up.
Violence: present and mostly Fantasy related. From monster attacks to the beheading of a person.
December 9, 2024
Set in a mystical land with a mix of modern technology, the story follows Elle, a Keeper whose sole mission is to find a cure for her sister’s disease, and Blake, a weaver of shadows, as they navigate a tangled web of alliances and personal longing. The romance at the heart of the story is sweet, built on stolen moments between death defying missions and funny, bumbling exchanges, which show just how into each other both characters are.
The worldbuilding is great but I wish it went more into details about both the geography and the history. I felt a lot of it was rushed through, but I am also fully aware that a lot of readers tend to get bored when you delve further than a few lines for a description.
While the narrative sparkles with magic, the pacing occasionally slows, dwelling on introspection that may not suit every reader’s taste. Yet, these quieter moments also deepen the characters and provide a sense of intimacy.
The worldbuilding is great but I wish it went more into details about both the geography and the history. I felt a lot of it was rushed through, but I am also fully aware that a lot of readers tend to get bored when you delve further than a few lines for a description.
While the narrative sparkles with magic, the pacing occasionally slows, dwelling on introspection that may not suit every reader’s taste. Yet, these quieter moments also deepen the characters and provide a sense of intimacy.
March 6, 2025
This is the debut novel from CE Higgins and I loved every moment.
You are quickly pulled into the story and she makes you want to help Elle and Blake achieve their mission.
The world she built along with the magic system is in depth, but written so it isn’t hard to understand and you feel like you are right there with the MCs.
I loved that in their own ways Elle and Blake equally save each other, whether by shadows seen or unseen. Watching them grow, embrace who they are, and defeat their enemies was everything.
This is definitely a series that I can’t wait to continue and I know that CE Higgins has a great future ahead of her!
Physical Intimacy Level 2 non descriptive kisses
zero Swearing
You are quickly pulled into the story and she makes you want to help Elle and Blake achieve their mission.
The world she built along with the magic system is in depth, but written so it isn’t hard to understand and you feel like you are right there with the MCs.
I loved that in their own ways Elle and Blake equally save each other, whether by shadows seen or unseen. Watching them grow, embrace who they are, and defeat their enemies was everything.
This is definitely a series that I can’t wait to continue and I know that CE Higgins has a great future ahead of her!
Physical Intimacy Level 2 non descriptive kisses
zero Swearing
April 2, 2026
I had mixed feelings about A Shadow So Sweet by C. E. Higgins. The premise is intriguing, and there’s clear potential in the world and characters, but the execution didn’t fully hook me.
The biggest struggle for me was the pacing. It took a long time to get through the world-building and character development, and while I appreciate a strong foundation, it felt drawn out to the point where the story lost momentum. I kept waiting for things to really take off.
When the action and suspense did arrive, they unfortunately weren’t descriptive or immersive enough to make them feel exciting or high-stakes. I wanted to feel more tension and urgency, but those moments fell a bit flat.
The biggest struggle for me was the pacing. It took a long time to get through the world-building and character development, and while I appreciate a strong foundation, it felt drawn out to the point where the story lost momentum. I kept waiting for things to really take off.
When the action and suspense did arrive, they unfortunately weren’t descriptive or immersive enough to make them feel exciting or high-stakes. I wanted to feel more tension and urgency, but those moments fell a bit flat.
January 26, 2025
4.5 stars
This book was worth the read. I wish I had not left it until the last minute to read but it was so good once I got started I just couldn't stop.
This book had banter, magic, adventure and delved deeply into both the main characters emotions and self-beliefs.
I don't think I knew enough about the characters in the next to want to add it to my always growing TBR but I would definitely get this book for myself and view it as a standalone.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book was worth the read. I wish I had not left it until the last minute to read but it was so good once I got started I just couldn't stop.
This book had banter, magic, adventure and delved deeply into both the main characters emotions and self-beliefs.
I don't think I knew enough about the characters in the next to want to add it to my always growing TBR but I would definitely get this book for myself and view it as a standalone.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2019
The story and characters are mainly aimed at a female audience I guess, but nevertheless this book is well worth a read as a man too :-)
The two, or actually three, main characters are instantly recognizable and likable. At a certain point, the book managed to make me cry. When you can do that as a writer, then "in my book" you're doing well in your craft.
The two, or actually three, main characters are instantly recognizable and likable. At a certain point, the book managed to make me cry. When you can do that as a writer, then "in my book" you're doing well in your craft.
January 6, 2025
Thank you C.E. Higgins and Sweet Lemon Press for the ARC of A Shadow So Sweet. This book has a beautiful balance of adventure and romance. The struggle between inner demons from both the FMC and MMC causes a tension both in their relationship and in outside relationships has you rooting for them both to find peace. Higgins does an excellent job with character and relationship building that has you truly falling in love with them. I am very excited to learn more about Belmara and the other karthans as this series continues to grow!
November 2, 2019
The start of the Harmonia series and it leaves you with some questions to be answered. I want to read the next book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 22, 2019
Action and Romance in an Inventive New World
A Karthan’s Kiss takes place in an imaginative new fantasy setting sure to please readers. A solid debut of a creative new series.
A Karthan’s Kiss takes place in an imaginative new fantasy setting sure to please readers. A solid debut of a creative new series.
November 1, 2019
I really enjoyed this first book, Good characters and well written I will for sure look for the next book!!
November 26, 2019
If you love clean romance with fantasy then this is for you.
December 23, 2019
This book hooked me from the beginning. I just couldn’t put it down. I fell for these characters and goodness, what a story just a perfect.
May 5, 2020
Good tale
I love every bit of the book and got nothing done until The Book was read. Good story and good characters. Good job.
I love every bit of the book and got nothing done until The Book was read. Good story and good characters. Good job.
November 26, 2020
I chose to read and review this book. This is a very sweet clean romantic suspense book. It is well written got me hooked from page 1 cant wait for the rest with its perfect characters.
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February 3, 2025This book has been nominated for a 2025 Swoony Award, to vote for it click here: Swoony Awards.
January 1, 2019
5 stars in 3 categories:
2/2 stars for characters. The hero Blake finds love in an unconventional place. He takes a chance on love and is rewarded. Elle is a strong woman seeking redemption from a past mistake. They work together to save the world.
2/2 stars for world building. The fantasy land has much potential. The many different environments are intriguing. Hope to see more of this element in the next book.
1/1 star for story. The underlying mystery of dark bonded going missing was as enticing as the romance.
2/2 stars for characters. The hero Blake finds love in an unconventional place. He takes a chance on love and is rewarded. Elle is a strong woman seeking redemption from a past mistake. They work together to save the world.
2/2 stars for world building. The fantasy land has much potential. The many different environments are intriguing. Hope to see more of this element in the next book.
1/1 star for story. The underlying mystery of dark bonded going missing was as enticing as the romance.
December 27, 2024
While this book was a little insta-lovey, I had a lot of fun reading it. It's highly entertaining and I really enjoyed Elle and Blake's adventure. As much as I love enemies to lovers it was refreshing to read a romantasy where the MMC is nice to the FMC all the way through (well almost). I also enjoyed that both families and most of the side-characters were built out enough, but didn't overpower the story. The more emotional scenes were really well done, and while we're introduced in the middle of Blake's story you could only want the best for him. Some of it's a bit predictable and I'm sure others would like to see the world built out a bit more, but if you're in the mood for a "go with the flow" fantasy then I say give this one a shot. I wouldn't say no to seeing these characters again!
January 9, 2025
I loved this book! Blake and Elle are such great main characters and the plot of the book is interesting and engaging. We all love a good shadow daddy (lol) and Blake delivers! I really enjoyed the relationship between Blake and Ka'rin, and then Blake and Elle. They are such a dynamic duo and I can't wait for the next book to see how their adventure continues. I would definitely recommend this to others looking to expand their closed door fantasy reads.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews