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The Shadows Between Us
A forced marriage, a kingdom on the brink of war, and a personal guard could teach her to fight... but trusting him might cost her everything. If you like forbidden romance, vampire politics, and a heroine who fights for her place, this is for you.
She was taken to a palace. Bound to a king. But it was his best friend who taught her how to fight
When Olwyn is forced into a political marriage with the vampire king Altair, she finds herself trapped in a kingdom of shadows, secrets, and sharpened blades. But just as quickly as she’s wed, Altair vanishes—called to war and leaving her behind in a palace she barely understands.
Now, under the watchful eye of Iolas—the king’s loyal second-in-command—Olwyn must learn how to survive. He’s frustrating, arrogant, and far too good at getting under her skin. But he’s also the one teaching her to fight, to think, to lead.
As tensions rise in the kingdom and danger closes in, Olwyn begins to carve out a place for herself—not as a pawn, but as a queen in her own right. And with every sparring match and stolen moment, her connection to Iolas deepens... But trust is dangerous. And desire might be deadlier still.
The Shadows Between Us is a novella in the Light and Shadows Series.
Catch up with the characters by reading book one in the series: A Spark in the Shadows.
She was taken to a palace. Bound to a king. But it was his best friend who taught her how to fight
When Olwyn is forced into a political marriage with the vampire king Altair, she finds herself trapped in a kingdom of shadows, secrets, and sharpened blades. But just as quickly as she’s wed, Altair vanishes—called to war and leaving her behind in a palace she barely understands.
Now, under the watchful eye of Iolas—the king’s loyal second-in-command—Olwyn must learn how to survive. He’s frustrating, arrogant, and far too good at getting under her skin. But he’s also the one teaching her to fight, to think, to lead.
As tensions rise in the kingdom and danger closes in, Olwyn begins to carve out a place for herself—not as a pawn, but as a queen in her own right. And with every sparring match and stolen moment, her connection to Iolas deepens... But trust is dangerous. And desire might be deadlier still.
The Shadows Between Us is a novella in the Light and Shadows Series.
Catch up with the characters by reading book one in the series: A Spark in the Shadows.
Unknown Binding
Published April 22, 2025
34 people want to read
About the author
Gem L. Preston
11 books150 followersGem L. Preston is an international bestselling fantasy author from a small town in South Wales, where her love of video games and deep obsession with Welsh mythology collided to create Prince of the Ancients— and she hasn't stopped writing magical chaos since.
Her books are full of fierce heroines, morally grey men, shadowy magic, and slow-burn romantic tension that will emotionally ruin you (in the best way). Her characters are brave, bold, and brilliant — unlike Gem, who is terrified of moths and would much rather be hiding under a blanket with a cup of tea.
When she’s not writing (or *trying* to write while her two small daughters reenact a WWE match in the background), you’ll usually find her reading, gaming, or deep-diving into her favourite fandom theories. Marvel, Harry Potter, Star Wars, K-pop, and anime (yes, *Jujutsu Kaisen* owns her soul) — if there’s chaos and heartbreak involved, she’s probably already obsessed.
Gem has been living with IIH (a rare neurological condition) and a heart disorder for over a decade, and she’s passionate about raising awareness for chronic illness and invisible disabilities. She believes in building stories — and communities — where strength doesn’t always look like perfection.
Her books are full of fierce heroines, morally grey men, shadowy magic, and slow-burn romantic tension that will emotionally ruin you (in the best way). Her characters are brave, bold, and brilliant — unlike Gem, who is terrified of moths and would much rather be hiding under a blanket with a cup of tea.
When she’s not writing (or *trying* to write while her two small daughters reenact a WWE match in the background), you’ll usually find her reading, gaming, or deep-diving into her favourite fandom theories. Marvel, Harry Potter, Star Wars, K-pop, and anime (yes, *Jujutsu Kaisen* owns her soul) — if there’s chaos and heartbreak involved, she’s probably already obsessed.
Gem has been living with IIH (a rare neurological condition) and a heart disorder for over a decade, and she’s passionate about raising awareness for chronic illness and invisible disabilities. She believes in building stories — and communities — where strength doesn’t always look like perfection.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 11, 2025
I knew I was going to love this novella, and I was right! I thoroughly enjoyed it and it opened my eyes to a new Iolas. I was seeing him as this golden retriever in A Spark in the Shadows, which kind of put him in the very bottom of the list of MMC's in the book. But then in this novella I saw a different side of him. A darker, broody side, which I absolutely love and enjoy reading in an MMC. The novella also shows how the attraction between Olwyn and Iolas started. It's very organic and definitely a must-read for anyone who has read A Spark in the Shadows.
I love the change of POV in chapters of the story. We get to see/read how Iolas experiences his time with Olwyn and there were several moments when I was kicking my feet and grinning.
The two would rip each other's heads off if they were allowed to, but then Iolas finds out about Olwyn’s birthday and I melted 😭
“But I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure you still have one.”
That line just took me out 😭
Don't get met wrong, Casius is still my favourite in this series, Altair being a second (I like my fictional men dark and broody). But now Iolas is a true contender, and I'm looking forward to the second book in the series, because I need to know what happened next!
I love the change of POV in chapters of the story. We get to see/read how Iolas experiences his time with Olwyn and there were several moments when I was kicking my feet and grinning.
The two would rip each other's heads off if they were allowed to, but then Iolas finds out about Olwyn’s birthday and I melted 😭
“But I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure you still have one.”
That line just took me out 😭
Don't get met wrong, Casius is still my favourite in this series, Altair being a second (I like my fictional men dark and broody). But now Iolas is a true contender, and I'm looking forward to the second book in the series, because I need to know what happened next!
August 3, 2025
Loved this novella! It gave so much more insight into Olwyn and Iolas' relationship. I can't wait for the second novel 🫶🏻
August 20, 2025
This was the perfect lil novella we were all asking for to see the 8 months we didn't see in A Spark in the Shadows.
Seeing Olywn & Iolas' relationship grow was so cute! The banter, the sass, the flirty comments??... 👀 This definitely nailed in the fact that Iolas is the most golden retriever man, but also we got a lil snippet into his darker side... and also into his.. personal fantasy side...
That had me DYING by the way. I wasn't expecting it, and just AHHHHHH.
Anyway, I think I need to go reread A Spark in the Shadows now...
Seeing Olywn & Iolas' relationship grow was so cute! The banter, the sass, the flirty comments??... 👀 This definitely nailed in the fact that Iolas is the most golden retriever man, but also we got a lil snippet into his darker side... and also into his.. personal fantasy side...
That had me DYING by the way. I wasn't expecting it, and just AHHHHHH.
Anyway, I think I need to go reread A Spark in the Shadows now...
April 22, 2025
✨ RELEASE DAY! ✨
*The Shadows Between Us* — Olwyn & Iolas’s novella — is officially out in the wild!
Ever wondered what happened in those 8 months while Altair was away? Or wanted a front-row seat to their chaotic little marriage ceremony? This sweet, tension-filled novella is packed with angst, banter, and enough flirting to make even Iolas blush (okay, maybe not quite).
Now available on Kindle Unlimited 🖤
*The Shadows Between Us* — Olwyn & Iolas’s novella — is officially out in the wild!
Ever wondered what happened in those 8 months while Altair was away? Or wanted a front-row seat to their chaotic little marriage ceremony? This sweet, tension-filled novella is packed with angst, banter, and enough flirting to make even Iolas blush (okay, maybe not quite).
Now available on Kindle Unlimited 🖤
September 2, 2025
This little novella is the perfect accompaniment to the A Spark In The Shadows book. It explains everything that happened in the 8months between Chapter 2 & 3 of the book. It gives an insight into why Olwyn & Iolas are so close & how their relationship developed.
The humour & tongue in cheek attitude of Iolas is brilliant, especially in contrast to Olwyn’s grumpiness & fiery attitude. It’s also wholesome as he becomes her solace in the darkness she feels inside.
The humour & tongue in cheek attitude of Iolas is brilliant, especially in contrast to Olwyn’s grumpiness & fiery attitude. It’s also wholesome as he becomes her solace in the darkness she feels inside.
May 23, 2025
This novella was a treat! Some prequels feel like a nice bonus, but this was one I needed. It filled in a gap in the timeline and developed Olwyn and Iolas into the feisty friends I adored in the first book in series. Their flirty banter and tension was fire. I can’t wait for the next book!
June 2, 2025
I adored this insight into the missing time in A Spark In The Shadows
November 15, 2025
An easy and great read. Loved the relationship between Iolas and Olwyn building up. 🫶🏻
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews