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Shadows of Graymourne #1
Shadow's Light:
All Zoriya Quinn wants is to start over.
A new home to call her own, in a new town where no one knows her past. And if that home just so happens to come with a free ghost, well then all the better!
When strange things begin to happen as soon as she moves in, she knows she made the right decision.
Her supernatural housemate, however, is not quite so thrilled.
All the Shadow wants is freedom.
Trapped within the walls of 9 Dew Lane, he has systematically frightened away every occupant for the past three decades.
But how will he react when his scare tactics don’t seem to work on the new resident.
What is it that haunts her in the night, and why does he feel so jealous that it isn’t him?
A new home to call her own, in a new town where no one knows her past. And if that home just so happens to come with a free ghost, well then all the better!
When strange things begin to happen as soon as she moves in, she knows she made the right decision.
Her supernatural housemate, however, is not quite so thrilled.
All the Shadow wants is freedom.
Trapped within the walls of 9 Dew Lane, he has systematically frightened away every occupant for the past three decades.
But how will he react when his scare tactics don’t seem to work on the new resident.
What is it that haunts her in the night, and why does he feel so jealous that it isn’t him?
191 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 24, 2023
10 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Sylvie Helstaff
4 books12 followersSylvie Helstaff (they/them) is a queer, neurodivergent author who grew up on fantastic folk tales, macabre mythology, and anything else strange and unusual that the local library had to offer. After a two decade career in art and design, they returned to their first love, writing. Sylvie enjoys crafting rich worlds with engaging lore where their readers can embark on monstrously smutty adventures alongside captivating characters.
In addition to writing, they create the cover art and interior design for their books. Staunchly anti-AI, Sylvie's writing and art are 100% human made.
When they’re not writing or creating art, they can be found enjoying a nice stroll through a cemetery, watching old horror movies, or relaxing with their huge dog.
Someday, they aspire to become the reason no one goes in that part of the forest anymore.
Follow me on
Tiktok: @sylviehelstaff
Instagram: @sylviehelstaff
Bsky: @sylviehelstaff
Substack: https://helstaffbooks.substack.com/
In addition to writing, they create the cover art and interior design for their books. Staunchly anti-AI, Sylvie's writing and art are 100% human made.
When they’re not writing or creating art, they can be found enjoying a nice stroll through a cemetery, watching old horror movies, or relaxing with their huge dog.
Someday, they aspire to become the reason no one goes in that part of the forest anymore.
Follow me on
Tiktok: @sylviehelstaff
Instagram: @sylviehelstaff
Bsky: @sylviehelstaff
Substack: https://helstaffbooks.substack.com/
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 5, 2024
a fun read
I was pleasantly surprised to see this didn’t have many reviews, as this book was really quite enjoyable. The pacing was just right, the banter between characters was really sweet and funny. It was a fast read as well, and honestly I would have read more of this. Hoping the author writes more about the other characters mentioned in the story as I was really curious about them
I was pleasantly surprised to see this didn’t have many reviews, as this book was really quite enjoyable. The pacing was just right, the banter between characters was really sweet and funny. It was a fast read as well, and honestly I would have read more of this. Hoping the author writes more about the other characters mentioned in the story as I was really curious about them
January 25, 2024
Must Read!
This was such a fun read! It was entertaining from beginning to end. If you are looking for a quick read that pretty much checks all the boxes without being too heavy then this is hour book. Humor, touchy subjects, paranormal, spice, kink, protective MC. Really glad I stumbled upon this book.
This was such a fun read! It was entertaining from beginning to end. If you are looking for a quick read that pretty much checks all the boxes without being too heavy then this is hour book. Humor, touchy subjects, paranormal, spice, kink, protective MC. Really glad I stumbled upon this book.
December 30, 2023
Beautiful and engaging from start to finish. I want to live in that house! This book had me feeling everything and the spice is 🔥🔥🔥
February 5, 2025
Okay, so, I have this very specific affinity for shadow monsters; particularly for ones that are humanoid, hairless, and literally made of living shadows. I feel like that's an ultra-specific archetype of monster to be into, and I don’t usually see them portrayed all that often in the romantic way I crave even among other “monsterfuckers”, for lack of a more polite euphemism. Thus, when I caught wind of this book, it had me howling like a maniac at Amigara Fault finding her hole. I needed to read this book.
After the joy of actually finding something that caters to my incredibly niche and precise tastes wore off (and my Amazon package arrived at my door), I cracked into the story proper and was delighted to find it absolutely lived up to my expectations! This was deliciously fun and had the perfect balance of creepy (/affectionate), sexy, and cute that I look for in monster/human romance. It’s tone if often slightly cheeky and self-aware, but it also knows when to take itself seriously, and towards the end it really dials up the heat between our two protagonists. I read it in one sitting because I couldn’t get enough of them!
I often feel like my reason for enjoying (male) monster / (female) human novels is different than most who enjoy the genre – I’m a grumpy dyke who enjoys such material because I find myself identifying with the monster rather than the girl he falls in love with. This one really scratched that itch. Myrkrið was (unsurprisingly) my favorite character. Grumpy, lonely shadow monster finds a cute, geeky woman who loves him despite what he is? In fact, she’s actually totally into it???? My bread. My butter. Simply delicious.
My only critique here is that I wish it was longer! Things jump from slow-burn to hardcore sex pretty quickly towards the end, and I wish there had been a little more flirting and yearning leading up to that point. Though it came on a little quickly, I will say that the eroticism here is at the exact level that I like it (sweet, consensual, a little kinky, but not too kinky) so at the end of the day, the minor pacing bump isn’t that big of a deal.
I felt personally targeted by this book in a good way lmfao. (Seriously, Zori even makes him watch AvP, one of my favorite films of all time, and the reason I fell in love with monster romance all the way back in ’04!) I’m very happy that I impulse purchased both books at once, because I’m already craving book two. And if there are more after two, hell yes, please take my money!
Additionally, I find it super impressive that the author herself did the lovely cover art and the gorgeous interior illustrations that appear at the start of each chapter. They look fantastic and add an extra layer of passion to the overall feeling of the book. :)
After the joy of actually finding something that caters to my incredibly niche and precise tastes wore off (and my Amazon package arrived at my door), I cracked into the story proper and was delighted to find it absolutely lived up to my expectations! This was deliciously fun and had the perfect balance of creepy (/affectionate), sexy, and cute that I look for in monster/human romance. It’s tone if often slightly cheeky and self-aware, but it also knows when to take itself seriously, and towards the end it really dials up the heat between our two protagonists. I read it in one sitting because I couldn’t get enough of them!
I often feel like my reason for enjoying (male) monster / (female) human novels is different than most who enjoy the genre – I’m a grumpy dyke who enjoys such material because I find myself identifying with the monster rather than the girl he falls in love with. This one really scratched that itch. Myrkrið was (unsurprisingly) my favorite character. Grumpy, lonely shadow monster finds a cute, geeky woman who loves him despite what he is? In fact, she’s actually totally into it???? My bread. My butter. Simply delicious.
My only critique here is that I wish it was longer! Things jump from slow-burn to hardcore sex pretty quickly towards the end, and I wish there had been a little more flirting and yearning leading up to that point. Though it came on a little quickly, I will say that the eroticism here is at the exact level that I like it (sweet, consensual, a little kinky, but not too kinky) so at the end of the day, the minor pacing bump isn’t that big of a deal.
I felt personally targeted by this book in a good way lmfao. (Seriously, Zori even makes him watch AvP, one of my favorite films of all time, and the reason I fell in love with monster romance all the way back in ’04!) I’m very happy that I impulse purchased both books at once, because I’m already craving book two. And if there are more after two, hell yes, please take my money!
Additionally, I find it super impressive that the author herself did the lovely cover art and the gorgeous interior illustrations that appear at the start of each chapter. They look fantastic and add an extra layer of passion to the overall feeling of the book. :)
February 13, 2024
I saw the author talking about her debut novel on Tiktok and decided to check it out. It was so cute! I loved it!
I love the vibes of the book. It's very moody victorian with a little spookiness thrown in, but the book wasn't dark or angsty. Small town Vermont with witchcraft and demons thrown in? Yes, please. This would be perfect to read around Halloween.
I loved these character's and their personalities. It was a little sprinkle of grumpy/sunshine without being too unbearable. The way he helps her through her panic attacks and she cares enough to find ways to communicate with him is so sweet. Chef's kiss.
A few things I would've changed, but weren't dealbreakers:
1. A couple of times the POV changed at random in the middle of paragraphs and I found it distracting.
2. I wish it were longer. It took so long for the romance to start up that I wanted to experience more of their day to day life as a couple.
3. I think sprinkling in a few small instances of flirting or spice in the early stages could've helped build the tension. It felt like a switch flipped and they went from 0-100 when they got together.
4. I wanted Myrkrid to meet Tenebrae and Lazarus so bad! I could just see a double date like scene where the shadow daddies are grumbling and Lazarus and Zori are gossiping.
Otherwise, I really enjoyed this and I will definitely check out any future books she publishes. I would love to read a book about Tenebrae and Lazarus. That would be an absolute treat!
I love the vibes of the book. It's very moody victorian with a little spookiness thrown in, but the book wasn't dark or angsty. Small town Vermont with witchcraft and demons thrown in? Yes, please. This would be perfect to read around Halloween.
I loved these character's and their personalities. It was a little sprinkle of grumpy/sunshine without being too unbearable. The way he helps her through her panic attacks and she cares enough to find ways to communicate with him is so sweet. Chef's kiss.
A few things I would've changed, but weren't dealbreakers:
1. A couple of times the POV changed at random in the middle of paragraphs and I found it distracting.
2. I wish it were longer. It took so long for the romance to start up that I wanted to experience more of their day to day life as a couple.
3. I think sprinkling in a few small instances of flirting or spice in the early stages could've helped build the tension. It felt like a switch flipped and they went from 0-100 when they got together.
4. I wanted Myrkrid to meet Tenebrae and Lazarus so bad! I could just see a double date like scene where the shadow daddies are grumbling and Lazarus and Zori are gossiping.
Otherwise, I really enjoyed this and I will definitely check out any future books she publishes. I would love to read a book about Tenebrae and Lazarus. That would be an absolute treat!
October 23, 2024
Lands nicely in the wholesome horror romance category. Super quick and easy read, and written well. Story just zips along. Perfect for the week leading up to Halloween.
I had no idea where the story was going, which was fun. I love the concept of a haunted house trope being flipped by an occupant who is specifically looking for a paranormal encounter. Spice level rises near the end, fair warning!
I had no idea where the story was going, which was fun. I love the concept of a haunted house trope being flipped by an occupant who is specifically looking for a paranormal encounter. Spice level rises near the end, fair warning!
March 9, 2024
Papa Myrkrið
Cute and sweet read that only took me a few hours with minimal interruptions from dogs!
If only shadow demons existed in real life, I might be able to find myself a mans 😔
Definitely inspiring me to continue my own book! ❤️
Cute and sweet read that only took me a few hours with minimal interruptions from dogs!
If only shadow demons existed in real life, I might be able to find myself a mans 😔
Definitely inspiring me to continue my own book! ❤️
December 16, 2025
2.0 stars
The idea of a ghostly shadow demon was nice but the execution was boring. I didn't feel a connection to the characters and they felt very one-dimensional, just like the romance. I got to the 82% mark and just had like 40 pages left and I was bores and just skipped through it.
The idea of a ghostly shadow demon was nice but the execution was boring. I didn't feel a connection to the characters and they felt very one-dimensional, just like the romance. I got to the 82% mark and just had like 40 pages left and I was bores and just skipped through it.
July 17, 2025
MF, Monster, Cozy Horror, 3rd Dual POV
Status: Non-KU, Series of Interconnected Standalones, Third Act Conflict -
Zoriya: AuDHD, Bi, PTSD, 29 Yrs Old (Turns 30), Freelance Illustrator, Agnostic
AuDHD Notes: Hyperfocus, Social and Communication Differences, Stimming (Music, Singing), "Odd", Dislikes Being Perceived, Exausted by Socializing, Avoidance Behavior, Curious, Enjoys Routine
Myrkrið: Bi, Shadow Demon, Bound to a House (47 Yrs), 100s of Yrs Old
Physical Features: Obsidian Skin, Claws, Manifests Shadow Tentacles, Over 7 Ft. Tall, Cock Pocket,
Rep: AuDHD (Own Voices), Bi FMC, PTSD (FMC), Queer and NBi Side Characters
Notes: Haunted House (FMC is Happy About It), Small Town, Forced Proximity, Size Difference, Kill Your Abusers, Halloween
Sex Notes:
CWs: , Spoiler!
Personal Notes: AuDHD reader approved
Critique: So Much Head Hopping, Even Within A Single Paragraph
Status: Non-KU, Series of Interconnected Standalones, Third Act Conflict -
Zoriya: AuDHD, Bi, PTSD, 29 Yrs Old (Turns 30), Freelance Illustrator, Agnostic
AuDHD Notes: Hyperfocus, Social and Communication Differences, Stimming (Music, Singing), "Odd", Dislikes Being Perceived, Exausted by Socializing, Avoidance Behavior, Curious, Enjoys Routine
Myrkrið: Bi, Shadow Demon, Bound to a House (47 Yrs), 100s of Yrs Old
Physical Features: Obsidian Skin, Claws, Manifests Shadow Tentacles, Over 7 Ft. Tall, Cock Pocket,
Rep: AuDHD (Own Voices), Bi FMC, PTSD (FMC), Queer and NBi Side Characters
Notes: Haunted House (FMC is Happy About It), Small Town, Forced Proximity, Size Difference, Kill Your Abusers, Halloween
Sex Notes:
CWs: , Spoiler!
Personal Notes: AuDHD reader approved
Critique: So Much Head Hopping, Even Within A Single Paragraph
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews