An Anomaly of Sunlight

Tarot Lake #1

by Emeri Elwynn

Raised as a human, Amethyst Owens learned the hard way to avoid the paranormal. To secure her financial future, she signed with a talent agency and moved eighteen hours from home. There’s only one week left in her contract. She recklessly agrees to a night out with a vampire — asking herself what’s the worst that could happen?

She never thought the answer would be murder.

Amethyst wakes up covered in blood and wastes no time trying to make sense of how she’s cheated death. Now determined to forget the last six years had happened at all, she returns to the comfort of her hometown. Seeking a sense of normalcy, she accepts a job at the local convenience store.

Unfortunately, chaos follows her.

Her scrape with death haunts her. Someone watches her from the shadows. Meanwhile, she’s inexplicably drawn to her new boss.

Unprofessionalism aside, she discovers he is a wolf shifter. Can she trust her heart given the circumstances that put her in his path?

Desperate to separate himself from his father’s dark dealings, Skyler Ashford abandoned his pack. He moved to the small town of Tarot Lake, settling into a retail managing job.

After ten years, he accepted the penalty for leaving the pack. To live out his days as a lone wolf; never to receive a Goddess-blessed mate.

Then she walks in, interested in the open cashier position.

Though the bond doesn’t snap in place as lore led him to believe, Skyler can’t fight the gravitational pull he feels. He doesn’t need a bond to tell him; he knows he is hers.

He vowed never to involve himself with employees. But she needs a job, and he needs to keep her close.

Which will break first — Skyler’s vow or his heart?

234 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 8, 2026

About the author

Emeri Elwynn is a paranormal romance author born and raised in Tennessee; now residing in Mississippi with her family. Growing up being praised for her way with words, she combined her love of writing and rural small towns to create her debut An Anomaly of Sunlight.
On the rare occassion she's not wrapped up in a book, you can find her playing World of Warcraft, where she's created a warband full of characters who share names with her protagonists. Most often though, she's chasing after her two feral children.

Reviews

[Valerie Barrow]

After somehow cheating death at the hands of a vampire, Amethyst decides enough is enough and leaving everything behind her heads back to her hometown for a fresh start, determined to never get involved in another paranormal relationship.
However that decision becomes more and more difficult when she finds herself unable to ignore her attraction to her new boss.. He's gorgeous, kind, supportive.. Only problem?? He's also a wolf shifter..
An Anomaly Of Sunlight is a really nice, easy to read cosy paranormal romantasy, with twists of mystery blended in around Amethysts lineage and that eerie feeling that someone is watching her..
When her past finally catches up to her secrets are revealed that land up unexpectedly affecting both Amethyst and her mom.
Both the FMC and MMC are the sort of characters that you just automatically like and want to be around and I'm hoping that perhaps we'll get to see a bit more of the side characters in future books.. I have a feeling that Sage has a fun story to tell us!
Thank you so much to Emeri Elwynn for the opportunity to read this book in advance.

[Kristina]

This was a fun paranormal romance with a premise that definitely caught my attention. There are vampires, wolf shifters, fated mates, and mystery. I liked the characters, especially Amethyst and her independent personality, and I really enjoyed Skyler’s protective golden retriever vibes. (No surprise there.) Their romance was sweet enough, and I liked the fated-mate aspect. There’s also a bit of spice (and knotting).

I think my biggest struggle was with the writing style. Some of the dialogue felt a little clunky to me, and there were moments where I felt like things were explained or stated a bit more than necessary. I also found myself wanting more of the paranormal lore because I really enjoyed all of those elements and would have loved to learn more about how this world works.

Even though the book is only around 230 pages, I didn’t feel like the story itself was rushed. There were just a few things toward the end that I wish had been given a little more attention. Some plot points that were introduced earlier felt like they were wrapped up fairly quickly at the end. I think a little more room for those pieces to develop could have made the ending feel more satisfying.

Overall, this was an entertaining read with characters I liked and a paranormal premise that kept me interested. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy paranormal romance, vampires, wolf shifters, fated mates, protective MMCs, and a bit of spice.

[Lacy]

4.5

🐺 ARC Review 🧛

"I don't know him, and yet, I feel safe with him. Clearly, I need to have a crime show marathon. I sound insane. Stranger danger is still a thing, Amethyst. Even outside of kindergarten."

I flew through this book! I loved Amethyst and immediately connected with her and wanted her to succeed back home. I was so curious as to what was going on between her and her boss. I wanted her to find friends, reconnect with her Mom, and stay safe.

Because I was so invested, the banter, the emotions, and the intrigue heightened everything. I couldn't always tell what was happening and I LOVED it!

I kept going back to this book again and again. It's a debut?! If this is Emeri's debut, I can't wait to see what else comes from this author because this was such an entertaining, fast-paced read that kept me hooked.

At less than 250 pages, it was over so fast and I just want more!! 😭

🌶️🌶️ This book was spicy at times.

If you like magical Coming of Age, deep in romance like mate bonds, or you're looking for a fall weekend read, you may like this book.

Triggers: Death, Murder, Sexual Assault, Violence

[Morgan Taylor]

I really liked this book, it was a great, short and sweet shifter romance.

Amethyst, the FMC, starts off this story traveling back home from a horrific situation hoping to outrun a terrible ex. I could really feel the fear from her throughout this book and it was a fear that was not pushed under the rug and her feelings were seen as valid, which does not always happen. She ends up, by chance, meeting Skyler and instantly there is a connection.

Skyler, the MMC, is AMAZING! He is the type of partner you want in your corner. Amethyst just naturally slides right into his life and he's here for it. The absolute BANTER and giggle moments this man gives were so good. Like the things that came out of his mouth had me blushing and giggling and kicking my feet. I was having a great time! And the spice?! Delicious! I really enjoyed the obvious chemistry between these two which also became apparent in the bedroom as well.

Definitely a fun shifter romance with some twists and turns. Super enjoyable read.

[Chelsey Black]

✨️ Boss/Employee
🐺 Wolf shifer MMC
🌟 Fated mates
❤️‍🔥 Magical themes

I really enjoyed this mixture of Magical aspects. This had vampires, witches, wolves, and more paranormal species. The FMC ran after a traumatic experience with a vampire. After that incident she wants to swear off paranormal species period. However, what was beneficial to her opening up was the kindness from her fated mate.

The MMC left his pack because of an toxic father. He didn't believe he would have a fated mate before she showed up. There are some characters to really dislike including the vampire and some female characters.

I still will stand by my opinion on the mom did wrong by not speaking in truth. She admits her regret and she further helps her daughter understand everything. There were surprising tidbits that I did not see coming as well. It wasn't super long and it was an easy read. I even liked the lore of how to complete the bond.

Thank you for the chance for this arc!

[Alexandria (Ink Stained Sorceress)]

3.5 Stars Rounded Up! ✨

Thank you so much to Emeri Elwynn for allowing me to read this as an ARC! This was a really great read for a debut novel, and I truly loved the small town vibes while it also set the scene for the paranormal world Skyler and Amethyst lived in, so it never felt too small.

Amethyst was a great, strong character who didn’t let her trauma hold her back and the immediate love and affection between her and Skyler was so warm and just what she needed.

Skyler had some really great lines, and he was so down bad for Amethyst, in the best way possible. Example A: “Your body is divine, and I was made to worship every inch.” 🤭

A few moments of the story felt a little rushed or glossed over, but overall I really enjoyed getting to know the main characters and all of the side characters. I’m dying to know if we’ll learn more about Evadne in the next book in the series!

Can’t wait to see where the series goes next!

[Anita]

You know a book is going to be good when it starts with a bloody scene.

This is the type of werewolf story I like - with the wolf side influencing emotions but not having a whole seperate personality and name and conversations. This is the type I grew up with - werewolf finds unsuspecting mate, she has no clue, but can't resist the pull and falls anyway. All truths are revealed, they go through something major where he saves her from an ex or some jelouse person and all is well in the end. This not just about werewolves though and I love the fact that in this universe, all species are aware of each other and live in relative harmony together.

I was giggling half the time from the witty banter going on between the different characters.

I only wish Nitasha got more of a backlash for her part in hurting Amethyst. And I suspect her nickname for Amethyst was a hint that she knew who she really is.

I hope to see more of this type of shifter stories again.

[KateLand]

I was so excited to receive an ARC from the author for this book. This does not persuade my opinions of the book.

If you’re looking for a great, cozy autumn vibe mixed with magic and the cutest romance story, then An Anomaly Of Sunlight by Emeri Elwynn should be your next read! I found myself not wanting to put it down after starting it, I was hooked on chapter 1.

Amethyst Owens is not your typical young woman, and I absolutely adore her and her love interest Skylar Ashford. You can tell a lot of thought went into their story as all the details, even the small ones, are written so well. I enjoyed the small things like Amethyst’s vehicle names, it made the story so much more immersive.

There are magical beings such as witches, vampires, shifters, and more. There are fated mates. There is plenty of lore and so much more. I will definitely be reading from this author again!

[Emily]

Really enjoyed this read! The first 2 chapters start out a bit heavy, Amethyst wakes up from an attack and needs to disappear. Much of the rest of the book is a cozy romance, with the darkness she is running from creeping in. It was a good mix of plot and spice. LOTS of yearning from our MMC, Skyler, and who doesn’t love that? It’s a pretty short read and my only critique is that I wish there was like 200 more pages to really dive into the lore of this version of the world. In this timeline, humans make up a minority of the population and I would love to know if that is always how it’s been or if something happened? The mentions of shifter cultures and the magics of the world allude to a lot of depth, that just wasn’t fleshed out in the book. I hope there are more books in the Tarot Lake series to really fill out this unique perspective.

[Tracey Marshall]

I read this as an ARC reader and it was such a lovely book. It was well written and the main characters were very likable. I think this would make a perfect holiday read as it was just a very pleasant easy going book. Not too many characters not a huge amount of world building but in a good way. The kind of book thats easy to pick up and put down.

The book follows Amethyst who moves back into town after a run in with a vampire who she believes tried to kill her. Upon moving back she meets Skylar who is her new boss. They have an immediate connection which turns out to be the mate bond. However Amethyst is unaware she's even a shifter having never known her father. The relationship blossoms but doesn't come without its outside challenges.

Just a lovely love story, who doesn't love a fated mates shifter romance.

[Alma Cosic]

Review of ARC received from the author.

My entire graditude goes to Emery for getting me out of the reading slump. I loved this book. When started I just couldn't make myself to put it down.

It's boss/employee, fated mates, shifters and all of the magic.

Amethyst and Skylar's love story is so sweet,he is a such a golden retriever and an amazing mate.They are both a bit broken but heal each other.I really liked that there is no body betrayal, like in most of the fated mates lore. And their mating ceremony and marks,so so perfect.

I only had some issues with the dialogue that was somewhat cringe.


All rounded great cozy autnum read, perfect when you want something lighter but with all the feelings.

[Malaea Ward]

Many thanks to the author for giving me the opportunity to be an ARC reader.

This book was cute, and I really liked it. As far as insta love goes, the story was great, and I liked the characters and I stayed invested. I will certainly be waiting for any future installments. The spicy scenes weren’t bad either.

However, I do think the story would have benefited greatly if the pace had slowed down and more details had been added all around. There were scenes that almost felt rushed another’s that were mentioned that I would have loved the experience of reading. That being said, for 260 pages, a to. Of excitement did happen and I am not disappointed.

🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Michele]

A very interesting shifter book that is not quite just a shifter book.

Skyler is a wolf and he is drawn to Amethyst because he determines she is his fated mate. But he is confused because at first she doesn't seem to feel it or to know that she is a shifter. I would call her a hybrid because she has shifter/witch/angel blood, so a very unique woman.

Their initial meeting is when she applies for a job at the store he manages. He is immediately smitten and obsessed over this woman. He is sweet and makes the schedule so that they work at the same time.

The story is fun with some elements of danger. I liked the pace and the characters.

[Hannah]

I absolutely flew through this book, it was a fantastic read! I was immediately drawn into the world and mystery and couldn’t put it down until I finished, which I did in a day! Amethyst and Skyler’s love story was a perfect fall read - sweet and spicy all together. I loved this book and can’t wait to see the world expand in future books. It was such an engaging paranormal romance and I’d highly recommend! I loved the main characters’ relationship and how well they communicated and loved each other. I’m sad I finished this book as I can’t wait to dive into Tarot Lake again!

Thank you to the author for the ARC, all views are my own.

[Samantha]

Amethyst is a human in a world full of paranormal. Something happens and trust is broken. There is now a hesitation until she sees those hazel eyes for the first time.

Skyler left his pack and now has been running a grocery store for the past 10 years. Can he keep his wild side tampered down?

This is a wild ride. Lots of different characters. The way the author describes the scenery is wonderful.

I love Omega Verse books and this was no exception. There is growth with the characters and a good storyline.

[ALYSA HORSMAN]

Amethyst has always been drawn to the paranormal, but little does she know she one of them. Running from a former love interest whose done her wrong, going home is the only place that feels safe.

Coming home meant a fresh start, but little did she know she would find more then meets the eye in her new boss Skyler.

Skyler instantly knew there was something different about Amethyst, but what he was quite sure. Soon he would know and more would happen.

Follow Amethyst and Skyler as the journey together on self discovery and more.

[Jea]

An Anomaly of Sunlight is a paranormal romance. Amethyst is forced to move back to her hometown in a hurry after an incident on a date with a vampire. The job she finds as a cashier pairs her with Skyler, her new boss, who is a lone wolf shifter, after leaving his pack behind years ago. There is instant chemistry, and a magnetic draw for Skyler. There were also some great lines, laugh out loud banter, and sweet, green flag moments as Skyler realizes that he may get the mate he thought he was doomed to live without. Short read, great for a beach day!

[Alexis DeLong]

I had the opportunity of receiving this book as an ARC and I immediately loved every second of it!! It gave me so many different kinds of feels and also it reminded me of some of my favorite books I have read like Mate and also New Moon (yes reminded me a little of the twilight series but that specific book) This was my first book I have read by Author Emeri Elwynn and definitely will not be my last I am looking forward to reading more of her books as well! Definitely give this a read if you have not already have!

[Rachel]

An Anomaly of Sunlight is a cozy paranormal romance that's just in time for autumn. Some of it was a bit over the top, and a few things could be reworked (or that could just be me); nevertheless, it was a good read. The story was interesting enough, the mate lore was unique, and the twists were good. After the epilogue, I'm a little curious about the next book. AoS is a good read if you're looking for something lighter.

[Tamara]

Thank you Emeri Elwynn for the opportunity to read this book. This is the kind of book you read when the weather outside is terrible. The story takes place in a small town. While the FMC was kind of forced to go back to her town, she met her boss. He is so sweet. The kind of person you love instantly. The chemistry between them was awesome. I look forward to read more about the side characters in the books that are coming.

[Morgan]

I was pleasantly surprised to get this ARC earl tier than expected!
This was my first book by this author and it did not disappoint!
Amethyst and Skylar’s love story is so sweet. They are so gentle with each other and worried about real world problems. This book was a little bit of a mystery, a little bit about finding yourself and a lot a bit of falling in love with a hot wolf shifter ❤️

[Sarah S]

I received an ARC of this book from the author, but review opinions are my own.

This is a cute and cozy paranormal romance. It’s got a little bit of everything, and would make an adorable fall read.

The dialogue was the only difficult part for me. I found the nicknames uncomfortable and the dialogue was a bit cheesy and unrealistic.

[Amalia Crowell]

I loved this book!! It was a cute shifter story I couldn't stop smiling at as I read it. The main characters magnetic attraction towards each other was so romantic. Amethyst is bubbly sweet and independent. Skyler was a grumpy wolf shifter with a loyal heart of gold. This is a perfect spice standalone book I would recommend!

[Erin Houghton]

Absolutely fantastic!

I loved every minute of this book! I loved how the character’s developed. The spicy was very well done. Truly an amazing story and I was so happy to see that both Amethyst and Skyler got the hea they both deserved! I hope there is more to come! I would love to see another story!

[danie]

Thank you so much to Emeri for the arc opportunity!

This was a beautiful read not only about shifters, the paranormal, and romance, but it also deals with trauma and assault. Skylar and Amethyst were so great characters and I loved reading through their story!

[FaeFireAndSmut]

Small town thirsty 💧 Romance with a wolf 🐺 shifter.

The intence mate connection is well written and has you flipping page after page.

He smells like 🥃
Fated bond 🔗
Small town vibes
Hidden magic 🪔
Pet names ☀️👼

[Angela Miles]

I liked this quick easy read about Skyler and Amethyst. It was a nice paranormal love story. There is some overcoming trauma and some things seemed to move along rather quickly. But overall, a good read.

[Anna Richey]

This was a cute and cozy paranormal read. The spice was great, the storyline was interesting and the characters were charming. The dialog was a bit corny, but overall I enjoyed it. This is a great palate cleanser story between heavier works.

[Chrissy]

I was lucky enough to receive an eArc for this book.

This is such a fun, cute and interesting read. I was hooked from chapter 1 and can't wait to see what else might happen in Tarot Lake.

[Alexandra]

This book was cozy with shifters and spice. Amethyst and Skyler had really good chemistry and I enjoyed their banter. I loved how supportive Skyler was. He is the MMC you would want on your side. He is a serious green flag. The story itself was a pretty quick read but didn't feel rushed. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I will definitely be reading more from this author.