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The Light of Shadows #1
The Lady of Teansong
One lie. Two destinies. Forever entangled.After losing her family in a tragic accident, Kallessa is destitute and lives under the cruel thumb of her uncle, her dreams of independence in tatters.
But when her spoiled cousin drags her to the Axan Moon Festival in a distant kingdom, everything changes in one desperate moment.
To escape an obnoxious suitor, Kallessa claims she’s betrothed to a rugged stranger, unaware of the secrets he hides. Little does she know her impulsive lie will alter the course of her life forever.
Prince Nevander knew he should have ignored that letter from Prince Castien.
All he wants is to quietly battle his war-torn nightmares, but Kallessa shatters his resolve and ignites a longing he thought was lost. Now entangled in her reckless lie, he plays a dangerous game between deceit and duty.
Yet, he craves the warmth she brings into his frigid existence, so he takes every precious moment she offers. But when the masks fall, will she ever forgive him?
Or will the ghosts of his past destroy a future he never realized he wanted?
In a realm where truth is a dangerous game, Kallessa and Nevander must defy fate to forge their own destinies—or risk losing everything.
And true love may be the greatest risk of all.
If you love:
Hidden identities
Fish-out-of-water adventures
Royalty and court intrigue
Fairy tale retellings with a twist
Slow-burn, clean romance
A dash of fake engagement drama...
then The Lady of Teansong is the perfect read to whisk you away to a world of enchantment.
But when her spoiled cousin drags her to the Axan Moon Festival in a distant kingdom, everything changes in one desperate moment.
To escape an obnoxious suitor, Kallessa claims she’s betrothed to a rugged stranger, unaware of the secrets he hides. Little does she know her impulsive lie will alter the course of her life forever.
Prince Nevander knew he should have ignored that letter from Prince Castien.
All he wants is to quietly battle his war-torn nightmares, but Kallessa shatters his resolve and ignites a longing he thought was lost. Now entangled in her reckless lie, he plays a dangerous game between deceit and duty.
Yet, he craves the warmth she brings into his frigid existence, so he takes every precious moment she offers. But when the masks fall, will she ever forgive him?
Or will the ghosts of his past destroy a future he never realized he wanted?
In a realm where truth is a dangerous game, Kallessa and Nevander must defy fate to forge their own destinies—or risk losing everything.
And true love may be the greatest risk of all.
If you love:
Hidden identities
Fish-out-of-water adventures
Royalty and court intrigue
Fairy tale retellings with a twist
Slow-burn, clean romance
A dash of fake engagement drama...
then The Lady of Teansong is the perfect read to whisk you away to a world of enchantment.
450 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2024
About the author
Angie O'Reilly
2 books19 followersAngie O’Reilly is a fantasy romance author who believes love is the most dangerous magic of all.
A southern wife and country girl, she writes slow-burn, no-spice fantasy stories where choices have consequences and love can change the course of a world. Her books are filled with magic, peril, and emotional tension that ache, burn slowly, and reward patience.
Her passion lies in crafting worlds shaped by danger, secrets, and hard choices, where devotion and sacrifice matter as much as magic and steel.
Angie’s stories deliver the intensity, adventure,
and emotional depth of epic fantasy without explicit content, proving that the most powerful stories are driven by love, courage, and hope.
Follow her journey on Instagram and TikTok @author.angeoreilly
A southern wife and country girl, she writes slow-burn, no-spice fantasy stories where choices have consequences and love can change the course of a world. Her books are filled with magic, peril, and emotional tension that ache, burn slowly, and reward patience.
Her passion lies in crafting worlds shaped by danger, secrets, and hard choices, where devotion and sacrifice matter as much as magic and steel.
Angie’s stories deliver the intensity, adventure,
and emotional depth of epic fantasy without explicit content, proving that the most powerful stories are driven by love, courage, and hope.
Follow her journey on Instagram and TikTok @author.angeoreilly
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 6, 2025
The Lady of Teansong was so good! I couldn't put it down; I even read in the car on the way to family holiday events.
I work with a big group of readers, and I'm definitely going to tell them about this book.
I work with a big group of readers, and I'm definitely going to tell them about this book.
January 10, 2025
Alright, so generally I liked the book as a light read but I have to admit it wasn't as unique as I hoped for. At first I was excided, cause as a start there is a map of the fallen empire (I've always enjoyed having books with maps) and the premise that it is not just another romance about a distressed female MC that gets saved by a prince and there is intrigue or rather mystery around the death of a royal family member in a neighboring country and his survived brother Prince Castien. However, the first 80 or so pages made me wonder (and chuckle) at some of Kallessa's and Nevander's inner thoughts and descriptions about each other like it was one of those BookTok books I usually laugh when I see some video with quotes. I was even wondering for how long has Nevander been in the dry at some point in the book, cause of the way he sounded. But that is a me thing to be honest and others won't probably even notice it this way, and besides further into the book the readers can see the MCs gradually evolve while solving puzzle games, laughing and sharing pained memories and hidden sides of themselves.
What I liked is how Nevander in the end gave Kallessa the full freedom to choose for herself what she wants to do with her life, but what I loved is how Kallessa's uncle got kicked and karma got served. Ah, what I forgot to mention was how I'm fond of the fact that Nevander's trauma was a legit one. He wasn't just a brooding guy that get's to be all stony and defensive just cause we need some convenient drama in the book for the main couple. Well, not that we don't need any drama, but I guess what I am trying to say is his issues sounded real and relatable in a way, unlike a male MC from another book I read last year that was just whinging and sobbing for no reason.
I would definitely read the next book from the series when it is released, cause I need answers about that poisonous family, the treason and wth really happened to Castien and his mother. But I really *really* would love and need some more complicated (and sinister if possible) plot for that part that doesn't get brushed off aside for the purpose of the romance scenes. I guess I do need and hope for my royal intrigues after all?
Ah, another edit! I forgot to mention 2 thongs - 1) I appreciate the way the author is writing cause there is balance between action and description of things in the book, mostly because I don't enjoy lengthy explanations about how something looks. 2) The depth of Castien's character who might not be taking a main role in this book but he sure had a lot to show to the readers.
What I liked is how Nevander in the end gave Kallessa the full freedom to choose for herself what she wants to do with her life, but what I loved is how Kallessa's uncle got kicked and karma got served. Ah, what I forgot to mention was how I'm fond of the fact that Nevander's trauma was a legit one. He wasn't just a brooding guy that get's to be all stony and defensive just cause we need some convenient drama in the book for the main couple. Well, not that we don't need any drama, but I guess what I am trying to say is his issues sounded real and relatable in a way, unlike a male MC from another book I read last year that was just whinging and sobbing for no reason.
I would definitely read the next book from the series when it is released, cause I need answers about that poisonous family, the treason and wth really happened to Castien and his mother. But I really *really* would love and need some more complicated (and sinister if possible) plot for that part that doesn't get brushed off aside for the purpose of the romance scenes. I guess I do need and hope for my royal intrigues after all?
Ah, another edit! I forgot to mention 2 thongs - 1) I appreciate the way the author is writing cause there is balance between action and description of things in the book, mostly because I don't enjoy lengthy explanations about how something looks. 2) The depth of Castien's character who might not be taking a main role in this book but he sure had a lot to show to the readers.
December 17, 2024
A romantic story filled with secrets, royalty, and a masked ball—how could you ask for more? Well, there could be assassins and a kitten, you say? Then you’re in luck…
Kallessa gets tangled up in her cousin’s schemes and finds herself adrift in a foreign castle. Can she trust a rugged stranger for help? Especially a stranger with secrets.
Nevander is trying to outrun his haunting past when Kallessa crashes into his life. Does he take a chance on love? Even if he doesn’t deserve it?
This is such a delicious romance and I was swept away. The masked ball scene is a standout moment, brimming with romantic tension, stunning ballgowns, and secrets that keep you on the edge of your seat.
The side characters are equally compelling, particularly Castien, the snarky yet well-meaning manipulator who adds a delightful touch of sarcasm and intrigue to the story. And let’s not forget the delightful kitten, Akeela, who manages a few shenanigans.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance, adventure, and royal intrigue.
Kallessa gets tangled up in her cousin’s schemes and finds herself adrift in a foreign castle. Can she trust a rugged stranger for help? Especially a stranger with secrets.
Nevander is trying to outrun his haunting past when Kallessa crashes into his life. Does he take a chance on love? Even if he doesn’t deserve it?
This is such a delicious romance and I was swept away. The masked ball scene is a standout moment, brimming with romantic tension, stunning ballgowns, and secrets that keep you on the edge of your seat.
The side characters are equally compelling, particularly Castien, the snarky yet well-meaning manipulator who adds a delightful touch of sarcasm and intrigue to the story. And let’s not forget the delightful kitten, Akeela, who manages a few shenanigans.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance, adventure, and royal intrigue.
June 21, 2026
The Lady Of Teansong was truly a delightful read! A breath of fresh air! This story was sweet & enchanting, brimming with dreamy fairytale elements. There are princes, carriages,
Masquerade balls, dazzling night skies, secrets and the most beautiful crafted love story! Even more, there are cozy inns, animal companions, whimsical scavenger hunts and a relentless quest at the heart of love 💗
Masquerade balls, dazzling night skies, secrets and the most beautiful crafted love story! Even more, there are cozy inns, animal companions, whimsical scavenger hunts and a relentless quest at the heart of love 💗
July 11, 2025
3.5 stars
My husband came back from a recent trip bearing a gift of fudge from Buccees.
He knows my love for all things chocolate and sweet things, and it was much appreciated.
What does this have to do with The Lady of Teansong, you ask?
Allow me to continue.
Last night I ate an entire piece instead of cutting it in half like I usually do, and instantly regretted it. I love chocolate, and I love sweets, but this might have been too much of a good thing.
Kinda like this book.
This story was un-put-downable and for that it gets special consideration despite some issues I had with it.
It had fun elements: princes and ladies in disguise, hurt/comfort for days, ballrooms, mistreated FMC who gets swoonily saved by a handsome prince...All sweet, decadent things.
But just like fudge, consuming it gives you no actual sustenance and might leave you with a stomachache.
Our man, Nevander (why did my brain call him Nevada half the time? Don't know) meets FMC (if I spell it, I'll surely spell it wrong) and has instantlust feelings, even while he nearly hurts her when she surprises him while he's sleeping.
Yup.
And then she's all like, "He nearly killed me, but it was kinda hot." Ummm, what?
IT was all stomach flutters, heart racing, and noticing the other ones looks and how much they wanted each other...that way...for the rest of the novel (well, until 75ish percent through anyway) Love? Nah, they've known each other for two weeks...Two weeks!!!!
It made me think about taking the youth to church camp and that ONE COUPLE who meet and believe they are instantly God's gift to each other. PDA ensues and the kids around them mutter things like, "Just get a room." and you as the sponsor are responding forcefully, "No! Do not get a room! You need to put Jesus between y'all!! Back it up and put it in reverse!"
They are that way. And while I sometimes don't mind a romance that gets close but door shuts before you get there, I have some issues with this:
While this is fantasy, it's supposed to have that 'time gone by' feel. My Regency writer self cringed when SHE initiated the kisses, allowed herself to sit in his lap, and equally couldn't keep her hands off of him. I really worried I'd stumbled onto an open door book for some of it (but it was in a closed door list that I felt I could trust, so I kept going).
And then he kept saying that her purity and innocence called to him. um, okay.
There were also the frequent modern words thrown in...exactly how I normally throw commas in my writing (aka, too often).
However, an extra star is given for Castean (probably didn't spell his name right either), who probably became my favorite character, and may be the reason I do something like read the next book when it comes out.
Because just like Buccees fudge, it's deliciousness might just entice me enough to forget myself and eat a whole piece all over again.
My husband came back from a recent trip bearing a gift of fudge from Buccees.
He knows my love for all things chocolate and sweet things, and it was much appreciated.
What does this have to do with The Lady of Teansong, you ask?
Allow me to continue.
Last night I ate an entire piece instead of cutting it in half like I usually do, and instantly regretted it. I love chocolate, and I love sweets, but this might have been too much of a good thing.
Kinda like this book.
This story was un-put-downable and for that it gets special consideration despite some issues I had with it.
It had fun elements: princes and ladies in disguise, hurt/comfort for days, ballrooms, mistreated FMC who gets swoonily saved by a handsome prince...All sweet, decadent things.
But just like fudge, consuming it gives you no actual sustenance and might leave you with a stomachache.
Our man, Nevander (why did my brain call him Nevada half the time? Don't know) meets FMC (if I spell it, I'll surely spell it wrong) and has instant
Yup.
And then she's all like, "He nearly killed me, but it was kinda hot." Ummm, what?
IT was all stomach flutters, heart racing, and noticing the other ones looks and how much they wanted each other...that way...for the rest of the novel (well, until 75ish percent through anyway) Love? Nah, they've known each other for two weeks...Two weeks!!!!
It made me think about taking the youth to church camp and that ONE COUPLE who meet and believe they are instantly God's gift to each other. PDA ensues and the kids around them mutter things like, "Just get a room." and you as the sponsor are responding forcefully, "No! Do not get a room! You need to put Jesus between y'all!! Back it up and put it in reverse!"
They are that way. And while I sometimes don't mind a romance that gets close but door shuts before you get there, I have some issues with this:
While this is fantasy, it's supposed to have that 'time gone by' feel. My Regency writer self cringed when SHE initiated the kisses, allowed herself to sit in his lap, and equally couldn't keep her hands off of him. I really worried I'd stumbled onto an open door book for some of it (but it was in a closed door list that I felt I could trust, so I kept going).
And then he kept saying that her purity and innocence called to him. um, okay.
There were also the frequent modern words thrown in...exactly how I normally throw commas in my writing (aka, too often).
However, an extra star is given for Castean (probably didn't spell his name right either), who probably became my favorite character, and may be the reason I do something like read the next book when it comes out.
Because just like Buccees fudge, it's deliciousness might just entice me enough to forget myself and eat a whole piece all over again.
Read
March 8, 2025“The Lady of Teansong”, a story centered on two young people plagued by tragedy yet brought together by divine intervention. Lady Kallessa, is tortured by the death of her family while Prince Nevander of Dracia, is tortured by the loss of his men and scars he will forever wear on his heart from his time served during the war. The way their two hearts meet is unusual no doubt, but nonetheless they both offer something to the other that promises to heal the depths of their souls. This was an endearing book about the possibility of life and love after tragedy. The characters were vulnerable and raw. The story made my heart wrench at certain moments and laugh out loud at others and I enjoyed every minute of this book. It was a sweet love story whose ending didn’t disappoint.
March 15, 2025
What a beautifully written story ... the characters (main characters and side), the vivid imagery of the world, the clean, romantic storyline! I enjoyed this book so much I finished in two days!
The main characters are immediately relatable as they both struggle with their own baggage and secrets. The slow burn romance kept me reading “just one more chapter” repeatedly. I loved being able to read from both of the main characters’ points of view. Even though their relationship starts from a lie, they learn to deal with their past pains and scars together. Which I think makes their love story feel more authentic and lasting.
I highly recommend this story being added to your shelves. Is it too soon to start asking when Book 2 will be out?
The main characters are immediately relatable as they both struggle with their own baggage and secrets. The slow burn romance kept me reading “just one more chapter” repeatedly. I loved being able to read from both of the main characters’ points of view. Even though their relationship starts from a lie, they learn to deal with their past pains and scars together. Which I think makes their love story feel more authentic and lasting.
I highly recommend this story being added to your shelves. Is it too soon to start asking when Book 2 will be out?
May 29, 2025
I cannot express what a pleasant surprise this book was. Sometimes you pick up a book and wonder if it will be any good for your reading tastes and this ABSOLUTELY WAS! I love Kallessa as a character because she isn't the angry, brooding FMC - she's real, she's tangible and O'Reilly writes a vulnerability in her that is relatable, even to the toughest of women. Nevander is an amazing MMC, battling his own scars and tragedy but still manages to find the softness inside himself.
This book is a wonderful representation of how grief and pain can overpower and nearly drown you, but it also spreads hope that you can find your way out and love again.
Highly recommend this book!
This book is a wonderful representation of how grief and pain can overpower and nearly drown you, but it also spreads hope that you can find your way out and love again.
Highly recommend this book!
August 1, 2025
Fantasy world with carriages, castles, and no technology. Slow burn romance. Two souls with deep trauma. Man scarred by war and a woman whose whole family died because of her first love. Riding horses to a field. Fishing. Picnics. Telescopes. Exploring secret passages. Masquerade balls. Exploring amaze in the moonlight and finding a glass house to cuddle and kiss and share childhood memories. I loved every second of this book. It made me feel so many things and I can’t wait to read it again someday. It is definitely a new favorite.
May 24, 2025
I really appreciated this clean, slow burn story. The author did a nice job building the relationships- as there wasn't too much plot other than that happening. The story felt like a sequel, or a companion book in this world, because there were a lot of references to the past that felt like fully developed stories of their own. But I was able to read this story alone without trouble of following the backstory.
January 29, 2026
5 Star Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Aside from knowing this was a no spice read, I went into The Lady of Teansong completely blind. I am so glad I did because I couldn’t put it down! The dialogue, the characters, the ending… PERFECTION!
This sweet romance features flawed characters who bear scars from their pasts. Together they learn to navigate the murky water of past hurt and trauma. The main and side characters are well developed, the dialogue flows beautifully, and the story wraps up in a heartwarming way. The author, Angie O’Reilly, has a way of developing characters that are complex, rough around the edges but draws you in. That being said, now I’m anxiously awaiting the second book in the series to find out how the story continue for some of the side characters (I’ll say no more 🫢).
✨Banter
✨Hidden Identities
✨Fake Relationship
✨Cinderella themes
✨PTSD
Kisses only
No language
Aside from knowing this was a no spice read, I went into The Lady of Teansong completely blind. I am so glad I did because I couldn’t put it down! The dialogue, the characters, the ending… PERFECTION!
This sweet romance features flawed characters who bear scars from their pasts. Together they learn to navigate the murky water of past hurt and trauma. The main and side characters are well developed, the dialogue flows beautifully, and the story wraps up in a heartwarming way. The author, Angie O’Reilly, has a way of developing characters that are complex, rough around the edges but draws you in. That being said, now I’m anxiously awaiting the second book in the series to find out how the story continue for some of the side characters (I’ll say no more 🫢).
✨Banter
✨Hidden Identities
✨Fake Relationship
✨Cinderella themes
✨PTSD
Kisses only
No language
December 12, 2024
I was captivated from the very beginning of THE LADY OF TEANSONG, THE LIGHT OF SHADOWS, with vivid imagery, captivating characters and a storyline that keeps you thinking about it between reading sessions. It’s a book you can’t wait to get back to with a cup of tea, because you feel like you’re a close witness to the secrets, personal tragedies, and romance within the story.
May 9, 2025
captivating
Moving from one section of the story to the next was smooth. Only stopped reading when my eyes were too tired to go on. The characters were strong on their own, better together. Healing with love and tenderness. Showing desire without sexual follow through reminds me of Georgette Heyer. Looking forward to hearing about the rest of the royal family.
Moving from one section of the story to the next was smooth. Only stopped reading when my eyes were too tired to go on. The characters were strong on their own, better together. Healing with love and tenderness. Showing desire without sexual follow through reminds me of Georgette Heyer. Looking forward to hearing about the rest of the royal family.
January 27, 2025
loved the plot, the tension, everything
i felt a bit confused by the ending because there was an assassination attempt on the king but it felt very brushed over and rushed
also i don't like forgiveness tropes and don't see why everyone forgave dovina
i felt a bit confused by the ending because there was an assassination attempt on the king but it felt very brushed over and rushed
also i don't like forgiveness tropes and don't see why everyone forgave dovina
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2025
I cannot wait to read the next book!
I was worried that this would be another formulated book. I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly I was sucked in and couldn't put it down!! I am excited to read the next book as soon as possible!!
I was worried that this would be another formulated book. I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly I was sucked in and couldn't put it down!! I am excited to read the next book as soon as possible!!
August 30, 2025
I couldn't stop reading
Kallesa and Nevander have nothing in common, she is a fallen lady and he is her Prince but after they meet in an inn going to another kindom's festival they keep finding each other. It's a clean romance with lots of heated kisses.
Kallesa and Nevander have nothing in common, she is a fallen lady and he is her Prince but after they meet in an inn going to another kindom's festival they keep finding each other. It's a clean romance with lots of heated kisses.
Read
February 21, 2025DNF. Look I think the book can be great but I need more fantasy. This felt very Bridgerton. So I’m not rating the book since the only reason I’m DNFing is bc of personal preference
September 22, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! Really well developed characters that you felt compassion for and a sweet romance.
March 20, 2026
I really liked this book. It wasn't trashy or spicy, which is not my thing, so thank you Angie for writing something fun that wasn't dirty. It was great.
December 29, 2025
Loved this book!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews