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Moonvale Matches #3

Shadows and Ciders

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A faun, a mysterious stranger, and a handful of heat...

Can love survive in the shadows?

Ginger is used to being a side character in her friends’ lives. She is happy with her work—she loves running the pub in Moonvale—but she’s lonely.

Until he arrives.

Shade has no memories. He has arrived in Moonvale, confused, knowing only one thing for certain: Ginger is his mate. The problem is… they’ve never actually met before.

And he’ll do anything to make the union a reality.

When a local competition drives the two together, and as the mystery of Shade’s origin is revealed, will he be able to secure his bride, or will his intensity drive Ginger away forever?

Shadows & Ciders is the third book in a series of interconnected standalone fantasy romance novels that take place in a cozy, small town where folk of all species reside. Grab a warm cup of tea or a strawberry sage cider and dive into this world of romance, magic, and mayhem.

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2025

27 people are currently reading
255 people want to read

About the author

Hailey Blackwood

5 books151 followers
Hailey Blackwood is a lover of all things fantasy- from cozy to dark and everywhere in between. She has always been an avid reader, but she is stepping into the author world with her debut novel, Love Letters and Thirst Tonics. When Hailey is not reading or writing, you will probably find her drinking tea (or wine) at home surrounded by her four cats and multitude of houseplants. She loves vampires, grumpy MMCs, and cozy fantasy worlds that you feel like you can step right into.

You can find Hailey on Instagram and TikTok at @authorhaileyblackwood

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5 stars
77 (36%)
4 stars
93 (44%)
3 stars
28 (13%)
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10 (4%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
Profile Image for ℛℰ.
148 reviews44 followers
July 17, 2025
“I would follow her to the ends of the realm, if she asked. And even if she didn’t.”
⋆✴︎˚。⋆ ⋆✴︎˚。⋆ ⋆✴︎˚。⋆ ⋆✴︎˚。⋆
✨ low stakes
🖤 shadow daddy MMC
✨ he falls first
🖤 calls her wife
✨ sweet & kind FMC
🖤 baby dragons
✨ small town
⋆✴︎˚。⋆ ⋆✴︎˚。⋆ ⋆✴︎˚。⋆ ⋆✴︎˚。⋆
3⭐️
Shadows and cinder is a cozy fantasy romance with obsessed MMC .it would be a good choice if you want to take a break from a long high fantasy series I liked the FMC ; she was kind and her interactions with her friends were sweet . The MMC had amnesia and literally he had no purpose in life except making her love him so it was sweet thing to see .

⋆⭒˚。⋆ Pre read ⋆⭒˚。⋆
Thank you author Hailey black wood for sending me the e-ARC
Profile Image for Heather myfriendsdontread.
325 reviews744 followers
July 28, 2025
My favorite books in this series were one and two.

The stakes were a bit higher in this one than the others. The plot wasn’t as cozy as the previous books.

The romance also wasn’t as intriguing to me. I didn’t care about them as a couple at all because they really weren’t a couple. This wasn’t much of a love story in my opinion.

And the nods to Twilight were starting to feel forced. I love me a Twilight reference, but it was getting too obvious.

But it was still comforting to read just because it’s Moonvale. It’s nice to revisit the town.

Also I do kind of like to see the consequences of magic returning to the town after thousands of years. That element of the story intrigues me. I’m curious about the author’s plans and vision for Moonvale as the series continues.

Overall, this wasn’t my favorite, but I didn’t hate it. It helped me get back into reading after a long book slump.
Profile Image for yasmeen ౨ৎ.
90 reviews24 followers
September 24, 2025
hmm i'm not quite sure about this one...
i really enjoyed the prior books to this series, unfortunately, i cannot say the same for shadows & ciders. i think the main issue was that the novel felt so incomplete and disjointed. nothing substantial was happening and it made the plot practically nonexistent.

ginny could be so annoying and stupid at times which was very infuriating. shades whole obsession with ginny (which stemmed from absolutely nowhere) was not convincing, his gut feeling to be with her was not explained enough & their chemistry was also extremely nonexistent. his character was not up to par. i know nearly nothing about shade or his intentions which left me with so many unanswered questions. the only thing i 100% enjoyed from this novel was reading the chapters that included the other characters of this series like fiella & kizzi ♡⋆˙⟡ i still look forward to reading more of blackwood's novels & hope that the next couple of books are more enjoyable!
Profile Image for eclecticbychoicereads.
575 reviews59 followers
July 1, 2025
As I’ve said before, Hailey Blackwood is your go-to author if your heart yearns for a cozy, lower-stakes fantasy filled with beautifully crafted characters, plenty of laughs, and just a pinch of spice. Her writing keeps you delightfully entertained, balancing humor with heart-skipping moments. I’ve adored every installment of her Moonvale Matches series, and Shadows and Ciders (Book 3) was no exception.

If I could compare Hailey’s books to different types of ciders, I’d say Book 1, Love Letters and Thirst Tonics, is the lavender blueberry one. Book 2, Cauldrons and Cat Tails, would be pumpkin spice. And Book 3, Shadows and Ciders, is undoubtedly strawberry-flavored.

You could pick just one drink—or better yet, sample them all!

If you opt for the strawberry one, prepare to share it with a spirited pub-owner named Ginger, a mysterious stranger we’ll call Shade, and a generous pour of banter, yearning, mystery, and passion. Oh, and let’s not forget the baby dragons! Those little balls of fun (and fire, and ice, and... something else entirely) are a highlight of each book. I always finish wanting one of my own.

If you’ve ever wondered what it would feel like to wake up, hear a knock at the door, and find an achingly handsome, enigmatic stranger calling you his mate and wife—well, you need to read Shadows and Ciders.
Profile Image for kevork_1989.
191 reviews5 followers
August 11, 2025
This was a little more darker for the light hearted series. Just a bit more of a stalker MMC but it was so fun. This series is just pure cosy joy. I enjoy all of the characters and there seem to be more stakes in the series now. Especially with how this one ended.

While I enjoyed Ginger and Shade, Kizzi and Tandor from book #2 are the overall better couple and better storyline. This one just felt the ending was super quick. Wish it was maybe 20 pages more to just settle in a bit. But still overall a great entry into the series. Can’t wait for book #4.
Profile Image for Emm.
95 reviews1 follower
July 6, 2025

Ginger is content with running her cozy pub and being the side character in her friends lives. The faun is caught off guard when a mystery man named, Shade, comes out of nowhere and demands that she is his wife. The only issue, the two have never meat before. Shadow and Ciders is a cozy fantasy that also brings the action!
Publication Date: 30 June 2025
Rating: 4/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Moonvale Matches series: 4/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

In prep for this ARC, I read the rest of the series prior and I have to say, I loved the series as a whole! Shadows and Ciders is the 4th book in the series and it is now my favorite along side book two!

I loved the plot of this book. I don’t want to say too much and give anything away, but there is a plot twist that I really enjoyed!

Ginger is a great character and I was so happy to see her have her moment. I also really liked Shade. Poor guy just wants his wife! ;)

While this is a cozy fantasy, there’s action and drama that keeps the book interesting!

Thank you so much to Hailey Blackwood for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I can’t wait to see where this series goes!
Profile Image for Meg (fantasybook.adventurer).
405 reviews39 followers
July 3, 2025
✨Shadows and Ciders✨

Author: Hailey Blackwood
Release: AVAILABLE NOW

And we are BACK in Moonvale for book three in Hailey’s interconnected stand-alone series. We continue to have an overarching plot as we travel between couples and this installment opens up a whole new world!

When a mysterious man randomly shows up at Ginger’s pub and calls her his wife, Ginger’s ordinary and routine life turns upside down. Used to being second in all things, having this man haunt her has her feeling insane. And it doesn’t help that he doesn’t even know his own name. Nope. He remembers nothing except that Ginger is his and he’s determined to make it so.

This is a slow burn, but I did feel like the relationship development was minimal. We get a lot of stalking from our MMC and not much depth/communication until near the end, which I would’ve loved more of so we could learn more of Shade’s memories and see Ginger grow. There is so much potential between them!

As per usual, Hailey brings us lighthearted, humorous, and whimsical vibes within a cozy cottagecore town full of magical creatures and found families. We get all the people we’ve known and loved along with dragons and new, lovable characters.

Tropes you may find in SAC are he falls first and so hard, memory loss, shadow daddy, he haunts her, touch her and ☠️, banter, low spice, and an ending that is complete but also leads into the next book!

Hailey, it’s been a joy to be an arc reader for all your books. I can’t wait to see what you give us next.
Profile Image for Manuela.
83 reviews1 follower
June 30, 2025
I ate this book up! I've loved each book in the Moonvale matches series but this one is definitely my favorite! We have cider, baby dragons, magic, vampires, witches, angels, cats, a faun and a shadow daddy!?
This story is cozy and funny but it keeps you guessing. The story flowed perfectly from start to finish. That's what I love about Hailey's stories. She keeps it fun and interesting and the characters are always so loveable and personable.
Personally, I loved Shade's POV because he had me laughing so hard. He knew what he wanted from day one and I am here for it.

I can't wait and see what comes next for our friends in Moonvale ✨
Profile Image for Carly Carr.
91 reviews1 follower
July 16, 2025
4.5 ⭐️

I was lucky enough to be chosen as an arc reader.

This book was so good, it is definitely my favorite of the series.

I loved getting to learn more about Ginger. She doubts herself often, but her development in this book is top notch. Her relationship with Bram was adorable.

Enter Shade.. broody, mysterious, shadow daddy, & stalker all balled up into one. Sign me up! He shows up saying “MY WIFE!”

I would have loved to read more about Shade & Ginger’s relationship & more about the dragons… I am hoping there is more to come with this series! 💕
Profile Image for Shereen.
191 reviews13 followers
July 18, 2025
Such a Cozy Delight!

This was a pretty good book! I’ve really been enjoying these cozy romances set in Moonvale. I couldn’t wait to dive into Ginger’s story and finally figure out who her mystery man was going to be! The story was full of charm, a little bit of mystery, and just the right touch of whimsy. It’s a bit of a slow-burn romance, but the pacing felt just right for the vibe. I’m so excited to see where the next book takes us and what secrets the town of Moonvale still has to uncover!
Profile Image for Lena Dahl.
45 reviews1 follower
September 30, 2025
✨ ARC Review ✨
It felt so good to be back in Moonvale. I’ve enjoyed every book in this series, and this one was no exception. Not a single dull moment, and the way the memory loss trope was handled? Loved it. and we do love a possessive shadow wielder 👀

This series is one I’ll always recommend if you’re in a slump and just need something short, cozy with low stakes— and with a sprinkle of spice.
Profile Image for Queenie2023 aka Rita.
357 reviews8 followers
July 23, 2025
So cute book- gotta love a shadow daddy !!! And the baby dragons are adorbs !! Loved it !
Profile Image for Melissa.
42 reviews
July 11, 2025
I always enjoy the crazy shenanigans of the folk in Moonvale. The mystery around Ginger's mate brought a new darker tone to Hailey's cozy fantasy romance stories.
Profile Image for Adelina.
159 reviews5 followers
July 18, 2025

Another great story that took me right back to Moonvale. I was so excited to hear Ginny’s story, because she definitely deserves it. I love that now the “side characters” from previous books get the story of their own. I always yearn for that. And this book delivers in exactly that!

I love the Moonvale and loved that Ginger gotten her own story, plus dark and mysterious stranger all to herself. Also, the baby dragons are adorable! Love how they are woven into the story!

This book was entertaining, cozy and fast to read. If you are in for mood for cozy fantasy this series is perfect for you. ✨

Thank you Hailey for the ARC! 💕

Rating: 4/5
Profile Image for Reading Fox.
5 reviews
September 29, 2025
"I do not like their names on your mouth. Only mine."

The book follows the story of our beloved pub owner Ginger (Ginny) and the new stranger that arrived in Moonvale, Shade. But something is indeed truely strange about this person, aside from the fact that he doesn't remember anything about himself or about his origins and the only thing he's certain about is that Ginger is his wife. But does Ginger know this person? Well.. no, she has never met or seen this person before in her life.

We get to know Ginger better and get a glimpse at her worries and struggles. She is a super sweet friend that thinks it's the side character of everyone's story and doesn't deserve better. But then she finds out how much she truly means to her friends.
And Shade, I've got a feeling that he might be someone really important but to be honest I wasn't expected THAT!! LIKE WHAAT??

The story is a slow burn, easy to read fantasy romance. It also has (very smart) cats AND baby dragons, which are the cutest!! Don't even get me started on Brambleby, he's my favorite! (Gingers dragon).

I have to be honest, the ending left me with some questions but I hope they will be answered in the following books. Also I feel like in the last chapters there could have been a bit more explaining/more information provided about a certain somone's situation.

I recommend reading the first two book in this series and the novella. In my opinion the plot about the magic of this realm continues throughout all the books and although you could understand it without reading the previous books, doing so will bring so much background and useful information.

I am super excited to read the next book in this series.

I'm so sorry that my review is late (late), life got pretty busy.


What can you expect from this book?

✨ Shadow powers

✨️ Light stalking

✨️ Obsessed MMC

✨️ Sweet FMC

✨️ Amnesia

✨️ Ball/Trials

✨ Magical creatures

✨️ Small town

✨ Cats

✨️ Dragons

✨ A bit of spice

✨ Slow burn

✨ Happy ending


Happy reading, everyone! 📖📚🫶
Profile Image for Leigha Lennon.
278 reviews8 followers
July 25, 2025
Shadows and Ciders by Hailey Blackwood is an enchanting small-town fantasy romance that feels like sipping spiced cider on an autumn night—sweet, comforting, and just the right amount of intoxicating. With its cozy setting, slow-burn romance, and splash of supernatural mystery, this book is a heart-stealer from start to finish.

Ginger, a faun and the beloved but often-overlooked pub owner of Moonvale, is a relatable and quietly resilient heroine. She's content tending to her tavern, watching her more adventurous friends find love and magic, all while stuffing down her own loneliness with cinnamon rolls and stubborn pride. Until he arrives.

Enter Shade: brooding, bewildered, and impossibly magnetic. With no memories and no name until Ginger dubs him “Shade,” he shows up in Moonvale knowing just one thing—Ginger is his fated mate. His intensity is immediate, his devotion unwavering, and his confusion over modern fae life adds a healthy dose of charm and chaos to the story.

The chemistry between Ginger and Shade is electric but heartfelt. This isn’t just insta-love—it’s fated mates with layers. Ginger’s reluctance, rooted in a lifetime of being cast in the background, meets Shade’s desperate need for connection, and the result is a romance that’s as emotionally satisfying as it is steamy. Their banter is both funny and vulnerable, and when the sparks finally ignite? Let’s just say you’ll need a cold drink.

The local competition subplot adds delightful tension, pushing the pair together in playful and revealing ways. Meanwhile, the mystery of Shade’s past brings just enough danger and intrigue to balance the cozy atmosphere with a touch of shadow. Blackwood does a fantastic job building the magical town of Moonvale—it feels lived in, whimsical, and full of fae flair without ever overwhelming the heart of the story.
Profile Image for colleen the convivial curmudgeon.
1,370 reviews308 followers
October 9, 2025
This was delightful - even with or aside from the "light stalking" and creepy "watching her sleep" Twilight vibes.

(When I read the author's note at the start and saw the "light stalking" warning, I was like... wait? This is a cozy, right?)

So, speaking of cozy, there were some moments that I was like... the stakes felt a little bit high, at times, for a cozy. But everything did work out well - with hints for some future drama.

The only real downside is I've read these out of order, because I wanted to read this one for Autumn. And while these are "interconnected standalones", I did feel like I was both walking into the middle of a story at times - especially with expectations of knowing some of the characters - and also getting some spoilers for prior stories in the series.

That said, I really liked Ginger and I did like Shade, too. I thought he was a little bit "much" at times, but at least it has a good in-universe reason.

There were some chapters were I felt things jumped too much. Like, I felt like maybe a chapter or two were cut in the middle, and suddenly things moved forward without feeling like they were actually resolved on page.

But, despite all this, I just devoured this fun little romance. Though I could've used a little bit more Autumnal vibes. (I thought it was Autumnal based on the cover art... but since it takes place at the "end of the freeze season", I think it was actually Spring in-universe instead.)

Also, I liked that, while the romance was a large part of the story - being a romance story - that there was a lot of other stuff going on. Stuff with both Ginger and Shade sort of figuring out who they were, a lot with the larger universe plot that, again, while I'm missing pieces of, I was able to follow well enough to be curious to see where it leads.
Profile Image for Caffs37.
175 reviews5 followers
June 28, 2025

Hailey has truly outdone herself with "Shadows and Ciders," the fourth installment of the Moonvale Matches series. This book is my favorite so far, seamlessly blending cozy romance with tantalizing spice and a touch of gothic allure.

The story centers on Ginger, who has comfortably settled into her role as the side character in her friends' lives. Running a pub in the quaint Moonvale keeps her busy, but a sense of loneliness lingers until the enigmatic Shade arrives. With no memories except for the undeniable knowledge that Ginger is his mate, Shade's arrival injects immediate intrigue into the narrative.

What I love most about this book is the way it embraces the darker themes while maintaining a whimsical undertone. Blackwood expertly weaves an engrossing tale filled with suspense and romantic tension, making the connection between Ginger and Shade so palpable. Shade's stalking tendencies, though intense, add a layer of excitement that propels the plot forward, keeping you on the edge of your seat.

The local competition serves as a perfect backdrop for their blossoming relationship, pushing Ginger and Shade together in unexpected and thrilling ways. As Shade's past slowly unravels, the stakes become higher, and the question remains: can love truly survive in the shadows?

With its delightful blend of warmth and darkness, "Shadows and Ciders" captivates from start to finish. Whether you're a fan of cozy romances or enjoy a story with a soft gothic vibe, this book has something for everyone. You won't want to miss the journey of Ginger and Shade; their love story is a captivating mix of sweetness, intensity, and just the right amount of spice. Highly recommended!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Danielle  D’Maire .
27 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2025
Review: Shadows & Ciders by Hailey Blackwood
🌕 4/5 Stars | Spice Level: On the Rise 🔥

This is the third book I’ve read in the Moonvale series and hands down—Shadows & Ciders is officially my favorite.

Don’t get me wrong, I loved Kizzi and Tandor’s story, but there’s just something about Shade and Ginger that completely got me. Their chemistry, their banter, the tension… it was all so swoon-worthy. I was hooked from the very beginning—tossed headfirst into a world where magic is coming back, gods and monsters are stirring, and BABY DRAGONS are hatching (yes, you heard me—baby dragons 🐉💖).

This installment feels richer, darker, and more unhinged in the best way. And let’s talk about Shade. If a broody, mysterious man showed up calling me his wife out of nowhere? Yeah. I’d fold immediately. No questions asked. Especially if he had even an ounce of Shade’s energy.

The spice level definitely turned up a notch in this book compared to the others, which I loved—it felt earned and added so much to Shade and Ginger’s emotional arc. I especially adored watching Ginger slowly unravel all of Shade’s quiet, quirky layers. Their connection was messy, magnetic, and so satisfying to watch unfold.

This book has everything I want in a fantasy romance: high-stakes magic, romance that smolders, and a cast of characters I can’t stop thinking about. I seriously can’t wait to see where Hailey Blackwood takes the Moonvale world next.

If you love found magic, slow-burn soulmates, and a touch of dark fantasy chaos—Shadows & Ciders is the one. 🖤
Profile Image for Ashley Arimborgo.
23 reviews
July 2, 2025
Ok, so this is an unpopular opinion after reading the other reviews of this book, but it just wasn't my vibe. I'm all for morally-grey men, but not pushy, overbearing stalkers that don't try to respect the other person's wishes or listen to them, and pushes them so hard that any small act is considered 'romantic' by the MC's friends and then the MC "falls in love" and they hook up and have their HEA.

If I wasn't invested in this series and if I didn't love this author's work (Hailey, if you read this, I do still love your work!), I wouldn't have read this one. It's a deviation from the structure of the other books as far as character development, the FMC has no growth, and is still a bit of an emotional weakling at the end, whereas in the first two books, there was growth and development from the FMS's. I was so excited to read Ginger's story, but the entire time I felt like she was just being gaslighted (maybe that isn't the right word here) with her fear because no one else was being stalked by Shade, so only she was living in fear constantly of being watched. She didn't really do anything about it, she didn't question anything, and she just kind of floundered developmentally through the book. I think she was stronger in the first two, and this one was just disappointing.

I 100% will continue to read this series, I feel like this dark-theme of stalker romance was a one-off for the series, and I want to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Desiree.
271 reviews22 followers
July 14, 2025
4.5 ⭐️

A cozy fantasy stalker romance? I didn’t think those two things could go together so well, but they do.

I love this cozy series so much, but I think this book might be my favorite (yes, I know I say that about every book as they release, but what can I say).

I highly recommend reading Merry in Moonvale before Shadows & Ciders. I know some might skip novellas in a series, and they might generally be unnecessary for overall storylines and are just fun side stories, but Merry in Moonvale really sets up A LOT for Shadows & Ciders.

In case you forgot, Ginger is the adorable faun pub owner who is used to feeling a little on the outskirts of her friends’ lives. At the end of Merry Day, a mysterious figure shows up claiming Ginger as his wife (an outdated term in Moonvale). The only problem is, Ginger is NOT his wife. And he kind of cannot recall ANY memories. Shade immerses himself within Moonvale, and once his identity is revealed and he starts regaining his memories, one thing is for certain: Moonvale will never be the same again.

Oh, and baby dragons.

And our new cider for this book: strawberry & sage

Moonvale really is a magical Stars Hollow, with this story giving us a small-town competition festival which drives Ginger & Shade together. Shade is super mysterious, a bit unsettling, and also darkly lovable.

If you’ve yet to give this series a try, I definitely recommend.
Profile Image for Alycia Baker.
28 reviews1 follower
July 16, 2025
I had never heard of Hailey Blackwood before signing up for this ARC and had no idea what to expect. Finding out that this was the fourth book in a series I debated on whether to leave it alone for the moment. Instead, I found myself devouring the other three books and jumping in to Shadows and Ciders and loving every minute of it.

The world of characters we meet over the course of the 4 books (3 books and 1 novella) are charming, sometimes infuriating, funny, kind and good. These are nice cozy stories with some spice!

We meet Ginger during the first book in the series as a side character who loves her work, running the local pub. One night, Shade arrives at the pub, he has no memories, but he does know one thing, Ginger is his mate.

I overall enjoyed the story of Ginger and Shade, and though while I feel that it was a bit rushed at the end, it made me excited for the continuation of the story. Though I do wish we had gotten a bit more on Shades memories (perhaps in the next book?).

I’ve loved my time in Moonvale and am eagerly awaiting the next book. While the series is made up of interconnected stand-alone books, I strongly recommend reading the books in order, this allows for a true appreciation of the characters and understanding of the going ons in Moonvale.
Oh, did I mention there’s baby dragons?

Thank you to Hailey Blackwood for an ARC copy of the book.
Profile Image for Sarah-Elizabeth.
65 reviews5 followers
June 30, 2025
Okay, I’m officially obsessed with Moonvale. Give me fauns, tiny dragons, magical pubs, and a ridiculously devoted shadow daddy? I’m sold.

This cosy fantasy romance had me giggling, swooning, and speed reading the minute I settled into the story. Ginger is such a fun FMC — independent, relatable, knows what she wants, but also quietly lonely in that way so many of us can relate to. And then Shade arrives… all shadows, possessiveness, and absolutely feral for her — without knowing why — and I loved every minute of it. His one-track mind POV? Delicious. His soft, protective, "I'll destroy anyone unless she tells me not to" energy? Even better.

The world of Moonvale is pure cosy magic — small town, magical creatures, folk of all kinds, and that perfect blend of warmth, banter, and a little bit of spice. Took me a few chapters to really fall into this one, but once I did, I devoured it in an afternoon. I already can’t wait for more from this world.

Thank you to the author for the advanced copy to review. As always, all thoughts are my own!

📚 Tropes & Vibes:
🦌 Magical creatures & small-town charm
🏡 Cosy pub that’s basically a second home
🌒 Shadow daddy energy (possessive but soft)
👀 Light magical stalking (listen, it’s fated… it’s fine)
💘 Slow burn, fated mates, soft moments
🔥 A little bit of spice
🐉 Tiny dragons because obviously
Profile Image for Rae Redwood.
28 reviews
August 6, 2025
ARC

Apologies for how late I am to review this book I was privileged to receive an arc copy again.

sadly 50 hour weeks took over my life suddenly putting me three weeks without managing to read.

This is yet again a 5 star read for me. I find this author is just getting progressively better and I love her growth in writing and how much more engaging I find myself and fully engrossed the more I read.

The writing style has only got better and I find the language and descriptions are only further enhanced since book 1.

Learning about the boss of the pub is a character that peaked my interest back in book 1. The faun with a bad ass bitch no shit vibes. I love her power and her independence as well as the fact she’s an older woman who’s single in her 30s is a nice change from other books I’ve read.

Light stalking and anxiety/panic thoughts so be mindful if these are your triggers.

I love the stories mould and they all link and learning the back stories of side characters that become their own main characters and the insights are so fun and a super new and interesting way of writing but I feel so much more engrossed and understand the world I’m reading into.

I CANNOT WAIT!!! For more books and I highly encourage anyone to give this series a go! Very dyslexic friendly!

Love love love!
Profile Image for Dcharmreads .
250 reviews7 followers
June 27, 2025
I couldn't get enough of this cozy fantasy story! The third book in the moonvale matches series! An interconnected standalone series that is best read in order. This being the third full length book in the series follows Ginger, our faun bar owner, and Shade, the mysterious new arrival to moonvale.
Starting off where the novel ends on Merry Day where shade shows up declaring Ginger is his mate and wife. Ginger having none of this sends him away. However Shade wiggles his way in, with a little light stalking and obsessive behavior of course.
Of course we can't forget about Bram the green dragon that Ginger is looking after. The dragons just add an extra layer, and the cats that seem to always pop up when trouble arises.
With the tropes of: small town, little obsessive stalking, shadow daddy, mysterious MMC, slow burn and only good for her. For me this is a 1/5 spice rating.
I really enjoyed this cozy fantasy romance I love the side characters and creatures that just make this book all the better. A solid book series to read when you need a break from Romantasy books but still want that magic fantasy cozy feel this is the perfect book to pick up!
Profile Image for In her quiet lines.
34 reviews2 followers
July 15, 2025
🌟 4.5 stars
Shadows & Ciders by Hailey Blackwood is everything I wanted from a cozy fantasy romance — soft, a little magical, and deeply charming.

This fourth installment in the Moonvale Matches series focuses on Ginger, the warm-hearted pub owner, and Shade, a mysterious faun who arrives with no memories but a very strong belief: Ginger is his soulmate. From cider-making competitions to flirtatious banter and slow-burn romance, the story unfolds with a delicious blend of sweetness and mystery.

I loved the comforting vibe of Moonvale — it almost feels like a fantasy version of Stars Hollow. The chemistry between the characters is spot-on (tender but spicy!), and the writing flows easily, making this a perfect weekend read.

Highlights:

- The fae-meets-cozy-pub atmosphere

- Soulmate trope done right

- A soft romance that warms you up like a cup of cider

Minor note: I would’ve loved a bit more depth in Shade’s memory arc, but it didn’t take away from the emotional connection and comfort this book delivered.

If you love cozy fantasy, small-town settings, and sweet romantic tension with magical touches, this one’s for you.

Profile Image for Barbara Schoonover.
48 reviews3 followers
June 27, 2025
Yet another cozy and fun romance from Hailey! I was so excited to get this book and honestly I could not put it down. I’m so excited to see where this series goes now that things are waking up in the world!

Shade is an interesting character, morally grey for sure with an obsessive side that’s fun to read and takes this series in a slightly different direction than the first two books. I love getting to touch on all tropes in this series and seeing the stalker/morally grey MMC fallin love is always a favorite of mine.

Ginger is everyone’s favorite bar keep but she shows her insecurities through this book, struggling with her place Moonvale and what she truly means to the town and her friends. Seeing her growth and finding the things she so desperately wants is a wonderful way to finish up this book, because who wouldn’t want a doting slightly unhinged mate.

Overall this book was spot on for me just as the rest were and I loved it so much. Eager and excited to see the rest of the series in the future! Thank you for the arc Hailey!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Erin Gaffney.
3 reviews1 follower
July 15, 2025
*5/5 stars*

"Shadows and Ciders is the perfect blend of whimsy, romance, and adventure. Hailey Blackwood's Moonvale Matches series is a masterclass in crafting cozy fantasy worlds that feel like a warm hug. This third installment is a dream come true, with Ginger's sassy spirit and Shade's brooding charm making for a deliciously sweet pairing.

The real magic, however, lies in the way Blackwood balances humor and heart. The banter between Ginger and Shade had me giggling out loud, while the tender moments left me swooning. And let's not forget the real stars of the show: the baby dragons. Those adorable, mischievous little babies stole the show (and my heart).

What sets this series apart is its ability to make you feel like you're sipping a perfectly crafted cider on a crisp autumn evening – warm, fuzzy, and utterly delightful. If you're looking for a story that will leave you feeling cozy, comforted, and maybe even a little bit smitten, look no further than Shadows and Ciders. Trust me, you won't regret it."
Profile Image for Roneshua Baltimore.
Author 2 books5 followers
July 3, 2025
I got a lovely e-arc for this and was just the perfect pallet cleanser I needed to transition from pride month to disability to awareness month. (I don't recall a disability rep being listed but Shade seems to struggle with anxiety so I'll count it 🤷🏾‍♀️).

The mild flirting between the two was funny and I will say I thoroughly enjoyed every time he called her his wife and he was just wholly down bad the whole time. This is my first experience in this universe and while there was history that I don't have reference for, it in no way made me feel lost. I loved that I was able to do that effortlessly and not make me COMPELLED to do some digging.

Also we LOVE Bram. Our little loaf of sleepiness haha.

My only wish is the cats would have been explained more and the ending felt a bit rushed? Like I wish there would have been more exploration of gingers and shades relationship but beyond that SOLID 4.5 STARS FROM ME. 💖
Profile Image for BOOK IT BISHES.
160 reviews6 followers
June 30, 2025
I am so happy to be back in the charming town of Moonvale! I am glad to see all of the characters make an appearance!

Ginger the sweet pub owner is happy her town is thriving, but she can't help feeling lonely as she sees the relationships blossoming between her friends. When a handsome shadowy stranger shows up one day declaring that she is his wife, her world is unexpectedly turned upside down and being lonely is the last thing she will ever be.

Shade is inexplicably drawn to the small town and towards the sweet Ginger. He is unsure as to why he needs to be there but knows that he will do everything to convince the beautiful fawn they belong together.

I adore Hailey's cozy world and characters. If you are looking for a small town that feels like Stars Hollow and has dragons, witches, vampires, orcs, magic, then this series is for you! Grab a nice cold cider and enjoy!
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