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Shadowvale #8
The Unlucky Mister Locke
Shadowvale isn’t typical small-town America. The sun never shines, the gates decide who enters, magic abounds, and every resident bears some kind of curse.
For Gideon Locke, that curse has haunted his family for generations. Branded a jinx since boyhood, he’s retreated into the quiet sanctuary of his repair shop, The Clockwork Owl, determined to keep his bad luck from touching anyone else. Better to live alone than risk destroying anyone else’s life.
Sabrina Moreau has her own an irresistible compulsion to rescue broken things. From cracked teacups to tarnished silver, her antique shop, Bits & Pieces, is a refuge for forgotten treasures, but nothing has ever called to her quite like Gideon does.
Hired to restore an antique music box for the powerful witch Amelia Marchand, Sabrina ropes reluctant Gideon into the job. The work draws them into each other’s lives—and into a mystery that hints Gideon’s curse may not be what it seems. As secrets surface and the past refuses to stay buried, they’ll have to decide if some things are better left unrepaired … or if two damaged hearts might finally be worth mending.
For Gideon Locke, that curse has haunted his family for generations. Branded a jinx since boyhood, he’s retreated into the quiet sanctuary of his repair shop, The Clockwork Owl, determined to keep his bad luck from touching anyone else. Better to live alone than risk destroying anyone else’s life.
Sabrina Moreau has her own an irresistible compulsion to rescue broken things. From cracked teacups to tarnished silver, her antique shop, Bits & Pieces, is a refuge for forgotten treasures, but nothing has ever called to her quite like Gideon does.
Hired to restore an antique music box for the powerful witch Amelia Marchand, Sabrina ropes reluctant Gideon into the job. The work draws them into each other’s lives—and into a mystery that hints Gideon’s curse may not be what it seems. As secrets surface and the past refuses to stay buried, they’ll have to decide if some things are better left unrepaired … or if two damaged hearts might finally be worth mending.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 31, 2025
113 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Painter
186 books3,422 followersKristen Painter likes to balance her obsessions with shoes and cats by making the lives of her characters miserable and surprising her readers with interesting twists. She currently writes award-winning paranormal romance, paranormal women's fiction, and cozy mysteries. The former college English teacher can often be found on twitter @Kristen_Painter, Facebook at www.facebook.com/KristenPainterAuthor where she loves to interact with readers and her blog: http://kristenpainter.com/blog/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 2, 2026
The Unlucky Mister Locke by Kristen Painter
Shadowvale series #8. Paranormal romance. Zero heat level.
Shadowvale is a town for the unlucky, the cursed, and those that require less scrutiny over their lives. The sun never shines, magic is everywhere, and the gates determine who gets in.
Gideon Locke lives under a jinx curse that’s been passed down over generations. He finds refuge in his repair shop fixing clocks, watches and other mechanical items. He has adjusted to not having any close friends so the curse doesn’t impact them.
Sabrina Moreau has an affinity for broken items. They call to her and she can’t resist them. Her shop and home are filled with repaired items for sale and items yet to be fixed. When Sabrina is hired to fix an antique music box, she asks Gideon for help with the mechanics inside. Surprising them both, a sprite pops out of the box. Definitely a problem, since Sabrina was told not to touch the magic while repairing the box.
Gideon and Sabrina work together to figure out how to get the sprite back into the box while repairing and cleaning up the antique.
And let’s just say, the sprite doesn’t make it easy on them.
🎧 I was able to alternate between an ebook and audiobook, at times reading the two formats together. The narration is performed by B J Harrison who does most of this author’s titles. The characters are performed with specific voices for Gideon, Sabrina and Korrin. The humor is clear and is surprise and resignation.
I enjoy these audiobooks immensely although I do have to increase the speed up to at least 1.7 to match my reading and conversation speed. Great narration, just very drawn out.
Amusing, sad, surprising and ultimately wishes granted.
I received a copy of this from the author. I also purchased a copy to keep.
Shadowvale series #8. Paranormal romance. Zero heat level.
Shadowvale is a town for the unlucky, the cursed, and those that require less scrutiny over their lives. The sun never shines, magic is everywhere, and the gates determine who gets in.
Gideon Locke lives under a jinx curse that’s been passed down over generations. He finds refuge in his repair shop fixing clocks, watches and other mechanical items. He has adjusted to not having any close friends so the curse doesn’t impact them.
Sabrina Moreau has an affinity for broken items. They call to her and she can’t resist them. Her shop and home are filled with repaired items for sale and items yet to be fixed. When Sabrina is hired to fix an antique music box, she asks Gideon for help with the mechanics inside. Surprising them both, a sprite pops out of the box. Definitely a problem, since Sabrina was told not to touch the magic while repairing the box.
Gideon and Sabrina work together to figure out how to get the sprite back into the box while repairing and cleaning up the antique.
And let’s just say, the sprite doesn’t make it easy on them.
🎧 I was able to alternate between an ebook and audiobook, at times reading the two formats together. The narration is performed by B J Harrison who does most of this author’s titles. The characters are performed with specific voices for Gideon, Sabrina and Korrin. The humor is clear and is surprise and resignation.
I enjoy these audiobooks immensely although I do have to increase the speed up to at least 1.7 to match my reading and conversation speed. Great narration, just very drawn out.
Amusing, sad, surprising and ultimately wishes granted.
I received a copy of this from the author. I also purchased a copy to keep.
February 15, 2026
Series: Shadowvale #8
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it
Gideon Locke’s family has been cursed for generations. It has branded him a jinx and led to him retreating to Shadowvale and his shop The Clockwork Owl. To keep his bad luck from hurting anyone he keeps to himself, but when the woman who owns Bits & Pieces next door comes to him asking for help with a commission he can’t refuse her. Now he is struggling with wanting to be with her but fearing he will hurt her.
It was nice being back in Shadowvale again after so long. This is such a unique town filled with fascinating people and creatures. Gideon and Sabrina are work neighbors and before this, never had talked to each other, mainly because Sabrina is relatively new in town. Their attraction to each other was there from the start, but due to the circumstances of Gideon’s curse, he keeps his distance from her, as best as he can anyways.
Gideon has basically lived a life of solitude for fear of hurting someone and we see him really struggle with getting close to Sabrina. I didn’t love the constant push/pull of Gideon’s actions towards Sabrina. Any time he realized he was letting her in and falling more for her, he would get grumpy and push her away. It got old quickly.
Sabrina was an interesting woman whose curse means she has to find and salvage broken things. This has led her to be a bit of a hoarder, but not a messy one, because she knows where everything is and plans to sell it once she can repair the item. I really liked her and her positive personality. She also was just a great friend who went out of her way to help those she knew. Sabrina and Gideon’s relationship was a lot of heated looks and pining for each other because they didn’t want to start anything before his curse could be removed, which was at the end. So while we do get to see these two as a couple, it is very brief. I wish there had been a bit more at the end because of that.
Overall, this was a good addition to the Shadowvale universe. I always look forward to these books and can’t wait for the next one. Also I wonder if Seymore will appear again in the series.
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it
Gideon Locke’s family has been cursed for generations. It has branded him a jinx and led to him retreating to Shadowvale and his shop The Clockwork Owl. To keep his bad luck from hurting anyone he keeps to himself, but when the woman who owns Bits & Pieces next door comes to him asking for help with a commission he can’t refuse her. Now he is struggling with wanting to be with her but fearing he will hurt her.
It was nice being back in Shadowvale again after so long. This is such a unique town filled with fascinating people and creatures. Gideon and Sabrina are work neighbors and before this, never had talked to each other, mainly because Sabrina is relatively new in town. Their attraction to each other was there from the start, but due to the circumstances of Gideon’s curse, he keeps his distance from her, as best as he can anyways.
Gideon has basically lived a life of solitude for fear of hurting someone and we see him really struggle with getting close to Sabrina. I didn’t love the constant push/pull of Gideon’s actions towards Sabrina. Any time he realized he was letting her in and falling more for her, he would get grumpy and push her away. It got old quickly.
Sabrina was an interesting woman whose curse means she has to find and salvage broken things. This has led her to be a bit of a hoarder, but not a messy one, because she knows where everything is and plans to sell it once she can repair the item. I really liked her and her positive personality. She also was just a great friend who went out of her way to help those she knew. Sabrina and Gideon’s relationship was a lot of heated looks and pining for each other because they didn’t want to start anything before his curse could be removed, which was at the end. So while we do get to see these two as a couple, it is very brief. I wish there had been a bit more at the end because of that.
Overall, this was a good addition to the Shadowvale universe. I always look forward to these books and can’t wait for the next one. Also I wonder if Seymore will appear again in the series.
January 1, 2026
I didn’t love it
This author is a mainstay for me. She’s created a great world that has a lot of opportunities for great stories. I read all the books in this series as they are released.
I didn’t love this one. The characters in my opinion were just awful to read. It was challenging to stick with it to the end. Everyone seemed so pessimistic and quick to jump to the wrong and worst conclusions. It was just constant misunderstandings that led to anxiety, sadness and bad feelings. In fact finally at one point the poor heroine had to almost browbeat the hero to be open enough to explain why his feelings were hurt. I couldn’t help thinking, I’m not sure if that would be healthy long term.
I recognize this might just be my perspective, but it did make it difficult to enjoy the book for me. I’ll definitely still read the next one.
This author is a mainstay for me. She’s created a great world that has a lot of opportunities for great stories. I read all the books in this series as they are released.
I didn’t love this one. The characters in my opinion were just awful to read. It was challenging to stick with it to the end. Everyone seemed so pessimistic and quick to jump to the wrong and worst conclusions. It was just constant misunderstandings that led to anxiety, sadness and bad feelings. In fact finally at one point the poor heroine had to almost browbeat the hero to be open enough to explain why his feelings were hurt. I couldn’t help thinking, I’m not sure if that would be healthy long term.
I recognize this might just be my perspective, but it did make it difficult to enjoy the book for me. I’ll definitely still read the next one.
March 11, 2026
I have yet again been pleased by Shadowvale. What are the chances that two very like-minded people work right next-door to each other? This is what happens with Sabrina who struggles with the curse of needing to fix broken things, and Gideon, who has a curse where everything bad happens to him. I love learning about new stores that are in nocturne, Falls, and seeing old characters that weave themselves into the lives of these people. It’s very pleasant to reminisce about former books, and I can’t wait for the next.
Also, what do Hellhounds eat… And I hope they go back to visit their Loch Ness friend.
Also, what do Hellhounds eat… And I hope they go back to visit their Loch Ness friend.
December 31, 2025
Shadowvale is a town of cursed individuals. In this installment, antique shop owner Sabrina is asked to fix and restore an item for Amelia, who runs the town. Sabrina must get the assistance of repair shop owner Gideon. The item has more in-store for them than just a quick job. Along the way, they just might be developing feelings. This is a sweet paranormal romance with obstacles along the way. This is another good book in the Shadowvale series. I recommend the series and the book.
December 31, 2025
I love this series so much. It’s definitely darker than Nocturne Falls, but still low spice PNR. The characters are always likable. Korrie was adorable! I would love him, and kiss him, and squeeze him, and call him George! If I ever see a clockwork box with a singing bird in it, I’ll have to buy it just to see…Mr might baulk at 10 grand for a box. I guess I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it. I’m sure he can be persuaded. Somehow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2026
A Magical Town full of cursed residents!!
This is book 8 in the Shadowvale series. Shadowvale is a magical town that welcomes the cursed and unusual. In the newest story, Mr. Locke is cursed to be unlucky. He has come to terms with his lonely life until a neighbor shopkeeper asks for his help with a job. Of course things do not go smoothly and in the chaos that ensues, Mr. Locke tastes what life could be without his curse and with love.
This is book 8 in the Shadowvale series. Shadowvale is a magical town that welcomes the cursed and unusual. In the newest story, Mr. Locke is cursed to be unlucky. He has come to terms with his lonely life until a neighbor shopkeeper asks for his help with a job. Of course things do not go smoothly and in the chaos that ensues, Mr. Locke tastes what life could be without his curse and with love.
January 4, 2026
An interesting cozy mystery. If you aren’t familiar with the setting Shadowvale is a hidden town for magical misfits. It’s not necessary to read previous titles in the series but it will give you a little more background to the setting. Virtually no gore, limited angst. The characters are very typical with enough quirks to make them intriguing. Perhaps not her most memorable book but a nice read for a lazy evening
January 10, 2026
I absolutely adore this series. It is my favorite!! I get so excited when I get to return to Shadowvale and visit these characters!! This one was no exception, I loved it!! A terrific opposites attract that had so many laugh out loud moments, I was so sad when it ended!!
The audio narration is phenomenal. The narrator, BJ Harrison, is outstanding, and I could not imagine this world being read by any other voice!!
Must Read Series!!!
The audio narration is phenomenal. The narrator, BJ Harrison, is outstanding, and I could not imagine this world being read by any other voice!!
Must Read Series!!!
January 28, 2026
A sweet story
This is a tale of 3 cursed people and a sprite, a cat and a hell hound. Sabrina has a curse that compels her to fix that which is broken. Gideon is cursed like all of the men in his family and Julia is a witch who can’t cast a spell that works. When Sabrina accepts a job repairing a music box she gets to know Gideon. They release a sprite that was trapped in the music box and the book is about what happens next. It’s very sweet and I highly recommend it.
This is a tale of 3 cursed people and a sprite, a cat and a hell hound. Sabrina has a curse that compels her to fix that which is broken. Gideon is cursed like all of the men in his family and Julia is a witch who can’t cast a spell that works. When Sabrina accepts a job repairing a music box she gets to know Gideon. They release a sprite that was trapped in the music box and the book is about what happens next. It’s very sweet and I highly recommend it.
Review of advance copy
This series is so much fun to read. And love the cover – the Owl is the trademark for Gideon’s shop. Sabrina is smart, sweet and upbeat. This book has a great romance. Hero has a big heart but grumpy too LOL. Enjoyed this book a lot, the sprite was very entertaining, and I hope we get to see Seymour again in future Shadowvale books!
December 31, 2025
The way the curses of the main characters complimented each other was something I really liked. I have to admit while I had a tiny guess about a certain thing the details behind it weren't correct and I thought the details of Gideon's curse were fantastic and very clever.
Korrie and Trip cracked me up and they're a terrific duo. I really hope we cross paths with Zeus again.
Korrie and Trip cracked me up and they're a terrific duo. I really hope we cross paths with Zeus again.
January 2, 2026
Paranormal romance featuring a man and woman who are both cursed. They manage to help each other greatly. Also featured are a cat and a mischievous sprite. It was a lot of fun for me to read, and I finished the book in one sitting.
Typo: On page 99 "Korrie poured over the menu." Korrie is the sprite, and he is a creature, not a liquid, so he likely "pored over the menu."
Typo: On page 99 "Korrie poured over the menu." Korrie is the sprite, and he is a creature, not a liquid, so he likely "pored over the menu."
January 3, 2026
A fun, fast read
Engaging story about being "broken" with a few pacing issues that quickly even out. Loved that rascally pixie and Tripod, their banter made the book so much fun! And it was nice to hear from Seymour, that pie loving lake monster. Typo on the first page of chapter 11... Gideon, not Gabriel. Another terrific story from one of my favorite authors!
Engaging story about being "broken" with a few pacing issues that quickly even out. Loved that rascally pixie and Tripod, their banter made the book so much fun! And it was nice to hear from Seymour, that pie loving lake monster. Typo on the first page of chapter 11... Gideon, not Gabriel. Another terrific story from one of my favorite authors!
January 3, 2026
This was the cutest story! I loved the sprite. The ending surprised me. So did the pet. I can’t get enough of this world and its characters. If you haven’t read any of the books, you can start with any of them. They are fun and clean for the whole family, no matter the age.
The narration was wonderful. This is my favorite narrator.
The narration was wonderful. This is my favorite narrator.
January 6, 2026
The Unlucky Mister Locke (Shadowvale Book 8)
The blurb says it all, really. This is the latest instalment in the Shadowvale series by Kristen Painter, who happens to be one of my favourite authors. Shadowvale is a lovely, sweet series of romances that are always incredibly warm and cosy. While this isn’t the strongest entry in the series, it is still a thoroughly good read.
The blurb says it all, really. This is the latest instalment in the Shadowvale series by Kristen Painter, who happens to be one of my favourite authors. Shadowvale is a lovely, sweet series of romances that are always incredibly warm and cosy. While this isn’t the strongest entry in the series, it is still a thoroughly good read.
January 2, 2026
The Unlucky Mister Locke is Kristen Painter’s eighth Shadowvale book. Sometimes you just need an HEA. Sabrina and Gideon definitely needed one. I have to wonder though, just how much did Amelia Marchand plan? Excellent story, well worth the wait.
January 26, 2026
Sad, sweet, cozy, and romantic
Gideon's curse leaves him lonely and isolated. Sabrina's curse makes her want to fix things. Drama ensues. A mischievous sprite stirs the pot. Happily ever after for all. Highly recommend!
Gideon's curse leaves him lonely and isolated. Sabrina's curse makes her want to fix things. Drama ensues. A mischievous sprite stirs the pot. Happily ever after for all. Highly recommend!
February 5, 2026
A Very Good Read!
This series is phenomenal! I love the premise of Shadowvale and that humans live right along side paranormal creatures. This book got to me and made me tear up at the end. Sabrina and Gideon are amazing characters and I loved their story.
This series is phenomenal! I love the premise of Shadowvale and that humans live right along side paranormal creatures. This book got to me and made me tear up at the end. Sabrina and Gideon are amazing characters and I loved their story.
February 5, 2026
I'm so sad its over
I absolutely fell in love with these characters. This is my favorite book in this series. And I will definitely revisit these special people again. Would love a sequel to this story!!
I absolutely fell in love with these characters. This is my favorite book in this series. And I will definitely revisit these special people again. Would love a sequel to this story!!
February 21, 2026
Love this series!
Sabrina was fairly new to Shadow vale her curse was being unable to refuse to help something that was broken. She meets Gideon who has a curse of his own, together they will try to get it removed. I think that you would like this book like I do. Give it a try!!
Sabrina was fairly new to Shadow vale her curse was being unable to refuse to help something that was broken. She meets Gideon who has a curse of his own, together they will try to get it removed. I think that you would like this book like I do. Give it a try!!
February 23, 2026
So good!!
This book was so good from start to finish! I honestly didn't want it to end. I loved the characters and would love to read more about them. A sprite riding a three legged cat will make me smile for quite some time. Definitely recommend.
This book was so good from start to finish! I honestly didn't want it to end. I loved the characters and would love to read more about them. A sprite riding a three legged cat will make me smile for quite some time. Definitely recommend.
March 20, 2026
A very nice read
I have read all 8 books in this series. They're all just good stories. The kind you enjoy reading. No murders, no spiciness, no cussing. Just very good plot lines each with a happy ending. I have no complaints.
I have read all 8 books in this series. They're all just good stories. The kind you enjoy reading. No murders, no spiciness, no cussing. Just very good plot lines each with a happy ending. I have no complaints.
January 1, 2026
She does it again!
I am going to have to go back and read the entire series again. That is what this book made me want to do.
I am going to have to go back and read the entire series again. That is what this book made me want to do.
January 3, 2026
I love it!!! Shadowvale is a magical town with an adventure in every story and the Unlucky Mister Locke did not disappoint.
January 9, 2026
another fun Shadowvale Story
It’s always fun to go back to Shadowvale. I love seeing how the different characters deal with their curses and how to rid themselves of them.
It’s always fun to go back to Shadowvale. I love seeing how the different characters deal with their curses and how to rid themselves of them.
January 11, 2026
Another sweet romance from another of this author's fun series. You can't go wrong with Kristen Painter's books when it comes to cozy urban romantasies.
January 18, 2026
Fun read
Another fun shadowvale tale. I love the story telling and the happiness in these books. They make me forget the outside world.
Another fun shadowvale tale. I love the story telling and the happiness in these books. They make me forget the outside world.
January 21, 2026
Entertaining and engaging
February 1, 2026
Not my favorite.
Not a lot of conflict to resolve. Was a little boring. Sorry I hate to say that because this is my favorite author.
Not a lot of conflict to resolve. Was a little boring. Sorry I hate to say that because this is my favorite author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews