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Between Shade and Flame #2
Grimkeeper
This stand-alone romantic fantasy about found family and ancient secrets is perfect for fans of Fierce Heart and Entranced: Prince of the Doomed City.
A determined girl. A dark elf scholar. A dance as old as time.
When her arranged marriage goes awry, Dagmar Fray finds herself in a foreign land without a husband. Good riddance. Her real reason for participating in a slightly underhanded bride-swap was not to find a fellow but rather her missing sister. But when she accepts the help of a shy stranger, she longs to discover what he's hiding behind those dimples.
More interested in fae cats and books, Peregrin Blodrhys wasn't seeking a wife until he met the fiery redhead stranded in the rain. Passionate, outspoken, and devoted to her sister...Dagmar just might be the answer to his problem. But he knows little of human girls or how to propose marriage. And his secret is the sort that can destroy even the strongest of relationships.
When this bride on a mission and secretive bookworm collide, can they survive the explosion of culture and magic?
Grimkeeper is a stand-alone novella, inspired by Beauty and the Beast and Twelve Dancing Princesses. With sweet "friends to lovers" romance and epic worldbuilding, this feisty heroine and her awkward love interest are the perfect swoon-worthy couple for fans of Tara Grayce and Melanie Cellier
A determined girl. A dark elf scholar. A dance as old as time.
When her arranged marriage goes awry, Dagmar Fray finds herself in a foreign land without a husband. Good riddance. Her real reason for participating in a slightly underhanded bride-swap was not to find a fellow but rather her missing sister. But when she accepts the help of a shy stranger, she longs to discover what he's hiding behind those dimples.
More interested in fae cats and books, Peregrin Blodrhys wasn't seeking a wife until he met the fiery redhead stranded in the rain. Passionate, outspoken, and devoted to her sister...Dagmar just might be the answer to his problem. But he knows little of human girls or how to propose marriage. And his secret is the sort that can destroy even the strongest of relationships.
When this bride on a mission and secretive bookworm collide, can they survive the explosion of culture and magic?
Grimkeeper is a stand-alone novella, inspired by Beauty and the Beast and Twelve Dancing Princesses. With sweet "friends to lovers" romance and epic worldbuilding, this feisty heroine and her awkward love interest are the perfect swoon-worthy couple for fans of Tara Grayce and Melanie Cellier
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2022
102 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Everly Haywood
9 books186 followersEverly Haywood imagines herself to be a shieldmaiden of great prowess…but you’re more likely to find her in a dusty library than on the battlefield slaying monsters from the underworld. She seeks to combine dark fantasy worlds with clean, sweet romance. She loves strong but sweet leading ladies and smoldering, tragic heroes, and if a dragon is thrown into the mix? That’s nearly perfection.
When she isn’t writing, Everly creates lovelies for her cover design business, homeschools her prissy Princess-in-the-Pea, and advocates for her special-needs Warrior Princess. She and her Knight in Shining Armor live in the country with their two daughters and their protective dog nanny.
Happy reading, and may your dragons fly true.
When she isn’t writing, Everly creates lovelies for her cover design business, homeschools her prissy Princess-in-the-Pea, and advocates for her special-needs Warrior Princess. She and her Knight in Shining Armor live in the country with their two daughters and their protective dog nanny.
Happy reading, and may your dragons fly true.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
October 10, 2022
This book is SO ADORABLE!!! I sped through it in a single day!
Dark elf Peregrin is a super adorable, awkward, bookish hero. I'm becoming increasingly in love with the softie bookish guy trope. Peregrin + his fae cats is just extra special.
Human Dagmar is Peregrin's opposite. She's brash. Talkative. Not afraid to speak her mind or pick a fight with a dark elf. And, really, Peregrin needs someone like Dagmar in his life who will do his fighting for him since he sure isn't going to do it by himself. I laughed out loud so often at Dagmar's dialogue (the hitching and the bloodletting part especially).
This is a quick, sweet and funny dark elf + human fantasy romance complete with fae cats and dangerous plots.
Dark elf Peregrin is a super adorable, awkward, bookish hero. I'm becoming increasingly in love with the softie bookish guy trope. Peregrin + his fae cats is just extra special.
Human Dagmar is Peregrin's opposite. She's brash. Talkative. Not afraid to speak her mind or pick a fight with a dark elf. And, really, Peregrin needs someone like Dagmar in his life who will do his fighting for him since he sure isn't going to do it by himself. I laughed out loud so often at Dagmar's dialogue (the hitching and the bloodletting part especially).
This is a quick, sweet and funny dark elf + human fantasy romance complete with fae cats and dangerous plots.
October 22, 2022
Really enjoyed this cute tale! I love how we get to delve more into the story world that was introduced in Peaceweaver, and I'm definitely looking forward to more books in the series!
~I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to leave a positive review.~
~I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to leave a positive review.~
November 1, 2022
The story revolves around Dagmar, a persistent girl who knows her own mind. Dagmar senses trouble from a love interest, Peregin, and decides to attempt to solve his dilemma - against his wishes.
Ideal for young adults and readers looking to read soft romance and magic. The magic in this world is at times wonderfully described, just a bit difficult to follow in some parts, with the different magic very fittingly assigned to the characters.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to Hidden Gems Books and author.
Ideal for young adults and readers looking to read soft romance and magic. The magic in this world is at times wonderfully described, just a bit difficult to follow in some parts, with the different magic very fittingly assigned to the characters.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to Hidden Gems Books and author.
May 6, 2023
Grimkeeper
Reader’s Notes:
– this is part of a series and can be read as a stand-alone (however there are some spoilery things for the events of Peaceweaver that happen during this story as well)
– the events of this story occur before, during, and after the events that occur in Peaceweaver
– this is told from Dagmar’s point of view
– it is mentioned that the dark elven women haven’t been able to have children and that it was bargained that the human kingdom would forcibly send some of their women to the dark elven kingdom to be brides in order to keep the dark elves’ race alive
– this story has elements inspired by the tales Beauty and the Beast & The Twelve Dancing Princesses
Review:
I loved this story so much! I loved Dagmar’s stubborn & blunt personality. I loved Peregrin’s quiet, bookish, yet also stubborn personality (especially after reading the snippet at the very end of the book from his point of view). I hadn’t read the summary prior to reading this story so I was happily surprised to be right in thinking this story had elements from the Twelve Dancing Princesses tale! And when I thought back to the story for Beauty and the Beast elements, I could also pinpoint them easily now that I knew to look for them. I loved that most of the story took place at Peregrin & Ava’s (his sister) home with all of it’s books and fae cats! 😂 Some of my favorite scenes/moments in this book included: the cats (so many moments included them!), Peregrin’s proposal, a closet kiss, and a ceremony.
Summary:
Dagmar isn’t about to let anyone else she cares about get taken by the dark elves, so when her mistress is drafted to go, Dagmar chooses to take her place. By doing so, Dagmar is not only protecting her friend, but also making it possible for Dagmar to go and find her sister who had been taken the year before.
Luckily, when Dagmar gets to her new betrothed, she manages to make him throw her out and refuse a marriage with her, which suits her just fine. Except for the part where she now has no idea where to go in this land she’s never been to. That’s when Dagmar meets Peregrin, a dark elf that makes Dagmar retract her previous thought that all dark elves are horrible. He invites her to stay with him and his sister until she wants. But when he proposes marriage between them without completely explaining the circumstances, Dagmar is thrown. Why would this elf need someone to care for his sister? What does Peregrin expect is going to happen to him that he can’t share? And can Dagmar even consider the offer when she is still determined to find her sister?
Reader’s Notes:
– this is part of a series and can be read as a stand-alone (however there are some spoilery things for the events of Peaceweaver that happen during this story as well)
– the events of this story occur before, during, and after the events that occur in Peaceweaver
– this is told from Dagmar’s point of view
– it is mentioned that the dark elven women haven’t been able to have children and that it was bargained that the human kingdom would forcibly send some of their women to the dark elven kingdom to be brides in order to keep the dark elves’ race alive
– this story has elements inspired by the tales Beauty and the Beast & The Twelve Dancing Princesses
Review:
I loved this story so much! I loved Dagmar’s stubborn & blunt personality. I loved Peregrin’s quiet, bookish, yet also stubborn personality (especially after reading the snippet at the very end of the book from his point of view). I hadn’t read the summary prior to reading this story so I was happily surprised to be right in thinking this story had elements from the Twelve Dancing Princesses tale! And when I thought back to the story for Beauty and the Beast elements, I could also pinpoint them easily now that I knew to look for them. I loved that most of the story took place at Peregrin & Ava’s (his sister) home with all of it’s books and fae cats! 😂 Some of my favorite scenes/moments in this book included: the cats (so many moments included them!), Peregrin’s proposal, a closet kiss, and a ceremony.
Summary:
Dagmar isn’t about to let anyone else she cares about get taken by the dark elves, so when her mistress is drafted to go, Dagmar chooses to take her place. By doing so, Dagmar is not only protecting her friend, but also making it possible for Dagmar to go and find her sister who had been taken the year before.
Luckily, when Dagmar gets to her new betrothed, she manages to make him throw her out and refuse a marriage with her, which suits her just fine. Except for the part where she now has no idea where to go in this land she’s never been to. That’s when Dagmar meets Peregrin, a dark elf that makes Dagmar retract her previous thought that all dark elves are horrible. He invites her to stay with him and his sister until she wants. But when he proposes marriage between them without completely explaining the circumstances, Dagmar is thrown. Why would this elf need someone to care for his sister? What does Peregrin expect is going to happen to him that he can’t share? And can Dagmar even consider the offer when she is still determined to find her sister?
March 25, 2023
Overall a mostly cute story with fascinating magic and an interesting twist on 12 Dancing Princesses. Some logic issues with the characters thought processes and some confusing bits. Did help explain and flesh out a couple things from the previous book a little. I liked the magical elf cats. 😆
October 16, 2022
Not a typical heroine
I love how unlikely heroic the female lead is in this book. She's not the typical heroine, she not a warrior, nor does she lay claim to any special skills that gives her an edge. Unless you call stubbornness a skill. The story is filed with fun and angst and makes for a very good read.
I love how unlikely heroic the female lead is in this book. She's not the typical heroine, she not a warrior, nor does she lay claim to any special skills that gives her an edge. Unless you call stubbornness a skill. The story is filed with fun and angst and makes for a very good read.
October 9, 2022
I received this as an ARC and was immediately intrigued and drawn in by the cover. This is outside my normal genera that I read, but wanted to read it anyways. It was hard for me to get into this book and don’t really remember too much about it so that is thy it is 3 starts. Well written and lots of good character development, just not my go to.
August 5, 2023
Recommended for anyone who enjoys fairytale vibes and fairytale retellings. The dark, moody atmosphere of this story is lovely against Dagmar's fiery and stubborn nature. I would say her resilience and determination to do right by those she loves are what makes her character shine. Perfect for YA readers or those who prefer more romance/less spice.
September 25, 2022
I enjoyed getting to dive back into this word that Everly Haywood has created. The connection and pull between Peregrin and Dagmar was palpable and had me invested. I loved Dagmar’s strength and determination-or our stubbornness depending on how you look at it.
This was a great prequel to Peaceweaver and I loved seeing how the two stories were woven together.
This was a great prequel to Peaceweaver and I loved seeing how the two stories were woven together.
January 3, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
It was OK. I personally love the ship dynamic portrayed in this book and the concepts were adorable. What irks me is that while the girl was interesting and cool, she had little to no tact. Now, I love cats, books, intertwined standalones, and vivid magical world building as much as the next person. Despite taking all that into consideration, the shift from acquainted to in love was not smooth at all and the FMC wasn't as gracefully done as Persis.
It was OK. I personally love the ship dynamic portrayed in this book and the concepts were adorable. What irks me is that while the girl was interesting and cool, she had little to no tact. Now, I love cats, books, intertwined standalones, and vivid magical world building as much as the next person. Despite taking all that into consideration, the shift from acquainted to in love was not smooth at all and the FMC wasn't as gracefully done as Persis.
January 30, 2023
Premise: Human girls have to marry dark elves because dark elf women have gone barren for unexplained reasons. It's a series, I think it'll be a later book that explains this. Heroine is looking for her sister who got taken to be married off, gets rejected by the elf lord who called for a human bride, takes up with this other elf guy who is nice to her but has a Dark Secret. ™️
Cons: Spunky Heroine who just comes off as a disrespectful jerk to everyone around her, including shy brooding elf husbando.
Pros: Heroine saves elf husbando by marrying him, and the marriage oath they take breaks this curse on him when the curse is invoked. There is no sex involved, just her loyalty to fight the magic for him.
This story sounds a lot like 12 Dancing Princesses, except gender swapped, I think? The girl sneaks in and saves the guy instead of the guy saving the girl. I was pleasantly surprised by the marriage oath twist. Also, the short story at the end from the elf husbando's perspective was a welcome bonus. You know we just wanted to read the whole book from his POV anyway. :wink:
I found this book because of the review in Clean Fiction Magazine. So glad I did!
Cons: Spunky Heroine who just comes off as a disrespectful jerk to everyone around her, including shy brooding elf husbando.
Pros: Heroine saves elf husbando by marrying him, and the marriage oath they take breaks this curse on him when the curse is invoked. There is no sex involved, just her loyalty to fight the magic for him.
This story sounds a lot like 12 Dancing Princesses, except gender swapped, I think? The girl sneaks in and saves the guy instead of the guy saving the girl. I was pleasantly surprised by the marriage oath twist. Also, the short story at the end from the elf husbando's perspective was a welcome bonus. You know we just wanted to read the whole book from his POV anyway. :wink:
I found this book because of the review in Clean Fiction Magazine. So glad I did!
July 5, 2024
so much magic! and a gripping story! and beautiful romance!
If you read a sneak peak in the first book, then you like me just probably waited to devour this second book. And I did! In a day!
Truly, I loved how this book parallels a bit with the first story and unravels more mysteries. However, the story of Peregrin and Dagmar takes it to another level. The magic, the mysteries, the secrets, and the love of course in a well-developed plot make it into a very special story!
If the first book was more Persephone and Hades/Beauty and the Beast (very loose) retelling, book 2 gives a twisted 12 dancing princesses one, and it’s incredible!
However, be aware abuse, slavery, depression, are a few issues that show their face here. But there is also forgiveness, love, strength, beauty, joy - all in the midst of hardships and struggles.
Five stars.
If you read a sneak peak in the first book, then you like me just probably waited to devour this second book. And I did! In a day!
Truly, I loved how this book parallels a bit with the first story and unravels more mysteries. However, the story of Peregrin and Dagmar takes it to another level. The magic, the mysteries, the secrets, and the love of course in a well-developed plot make it into a very special story!
If the first book was more Persephone and Hades/Beauty and the Beast (very loose) retelling, book 2 gives a twisted 12 dancing princesses one, and it’s incredible!
However, be aware abuse, slavery, depression, are a few issues that show their face here. But there is also forgiveness, love, strength, beauty, joy - all in the midst of hardships and struggles.
Five stars.
January 3, 2023
an enjoyable story
This was an enjoyable story for starting the new year. Between the unique magic described and the touching relationships among the main characters — I loved the combination of the sensitivity of the hero and the forthrightness of the heroine — this book is interesting and has just enough worldbuilding to hold attention. My reason for dropping a star is the way the tone of the book shifted multiple times — from casual and salt of the earth to formal and fantastic. It was a little jarring. But the uniqueness of the story and the sweetness of the romance made up for it, and I will probably end up reading the other books in the series, too.
This was an enjoyable story for starting the new year. Between the unique magic described and the touching relationships among the main characters — I loved the combination of the sensitivity of the hero and the forthrightness of the heroine — this book is interesting and has just enough worldbuilding to hold attention. My reason for dropping a star is the way the tone of the book shifted multiple times — from casual and salt of the earth to formal and fantastic. It was a little jarring. But the uniqueness of the story and the sweetness of the romance made up for it, and I will probably end up reading the other books in the series, too.
March 1, 2023
I really enjoyed the Grimkeeper by Everly Haywood. We follow the sweet story of Dagmar, a strong feisty heroine and Peregrin,a vulnerable yet strong bookish hero. As a means to an end , to find her sister Dagmar ends up as a rejected fae order bride, but is taken in by the bookish elf and his sister.
Peregrin proposes a marriage of convenience, but Dagmar is on a mission to find her sister. It was fun to see their interactions with each other, and despite Dagmar's stubborn, tough, no nonsense personality, she wants to help the siblings. Oh and I love the cats! They are so amusing.
I could well see this as a longer story but even so I enjoyed this.
A nice, sweet, romantic, novella.
Peregrin proposes a marriage of convenience, but Dagmar is on a mission to find her sister. It was fun to see their interactions with each other, and despite Dagmar's stubborn, tough, no nonsense personality, she wants to help the siblings. Oh and I love the cats! They are so amusing.
I could well see this as a longer story but even so I enjoyed this.
A nice, sweet, romantic, novella.
July 14, 2023
The love story was cute but not very deep. I didn’t feel like the characters really got to know each other and then fell in love. They knew each other for weeks / months (not entirely sure) but we didn’t see either mundane interactions or them working for a common goal to build up their romance.
The intrigue that was such a good part of the first book wasn’t present in this one. It was the same conflict but from a different perspective and considering the couple in the first book are the ones to actually solve it, our protagonists in this one don’t do much.
The intrigue that was such a good part of the first book wasn’t present in this one. It was the same conflict but from a different perspective and considering the couple in the first book are the ones to actually solve it, our protagonists in this one don’t do much.
January 30, 2025
Good read
Dagmar was one of the human brides forced to marry dark elves due to the treaty between their nations. However, the dark elf she was assigned to marry rejected her, and Peregrin took pity on her and offered to let her stay. Little did she know dark magic was afoot. This book's timeline is interwoven with book one but from a different perspective. I love the strong female characters, the whole world is intriguing and well written. Good clean reading. I look forward to the next book.
Dagmar was one of the human brides forced to marry dark elves due to the treaty between their nations. However, the dark elf she was assigned to marry rejected her, and Peregrin took pity on her and offered to let her stay. Little did she know dark magic was afoot. This book's timeline is interwoven with book one but from a different perspective. I love the strong female characters, the whole world is intriguing and well written. Good clean reading. I look forward to the next book.
March 19, 2023
Grimkeeper is a Beauty and the Beast inspired story where Dagmar Fray finds herself stuck out in a rainstorm on her husband-to-be front door because she’s not the bride he bargained for because she’s a working woman and not a noble woman. In walks Peregrin Blodrhys who has more fae cats, books, and dark secrets than anyone needs but can the two of them make it work in their slow-burn relationship? I suggest you go read the book and find out for yourself!
October 17, 2023
Book 2 in Between Shade & Flame series
Sacrificing Self for Others
An interesting storyline featuring magic, elves, humor, and love. I'm curious to see where the following books lead in their storylines.
Strong character development. Detailed world building. Intriguing plotline and balanced pacing.
"He didn't want to see her hurt, hence his aversion to the bloodletting. But she didn't want to see him die. Hence her aversion to, well, to him dying."
Sacrificing Self for Others
An interesting storyline featuring magic, elves, humor, and love. I'm curious to see where the following books lead in their storylines.
Strong character development. Detailed world building. Intriguing plotline and balanced pacing.
"He didn't want to see her hurt, hence his aversion to the bloodletting. But she didn't want to see him die. Hence her aversion to, well, to him dying."
November 23, 2022
Sweet and Sassy
This book was a page-turner. I liked the sassy and saucy shero as well as the hints of magic and intrigue.
Things wrapped up a bit quickly and at least one thing too easily which kept this from being a five-star read for me.
I’m interested to read the first book in the series though.
This book was a page-turner. I liked the sassy and saucy shero as well as the hints of magic and intrigue.
Things wrapped up a bit quickly and at least one thing too easily which kept this from being a five-star read for me.
I’m interested to read the first book in the series though.
January 8, 2023
An interesting case of opposites-attract romance, with a main character who fiercely, stubbornly hopes for a victorious outcome. The first book dealt with larger politics in addition to the personal-level tension, but this book hones in on the story of these two characters. They're not out to save the world; they just want to make sure their little corner of it turns out as well as possible.
January 17, 2023
Cute!
Likes:
- The romantic leads learn to be kind to each other and respect one another
-No consent violations between the romantic leads
-The romantic leads support marriage
-HEA
Dislikes:
-The heroine tries to solve a mystery the whole book and then supporting characters solve it off page, which is kind of disappointing.
Overall, it’s a cute story though.
Likes:
- The romantic leads learn to be kind to each other and respect one another
-No consent violations between the romantic leads
-The romantic leads support marriage
-HEA
Dislikes:
-The heroine tries to solve a mystery the whole book and then supporting characters solve it off page, which is kind of disappointing.
Overall, it’s a cute story though.
February 20, 2023
This was a cute story. I really enjoyed the romance, and figuring out what was going on. The extra scenes reframing things from the guy's perspective didn't do much for me (like, I wanted to know what was going on in his head, but actually finding out was kind of disappointing). Perfect fantasy romance for a cozy/comforting read.
November 27, 2022
Truly loved it wish I had more of these two characters!! I adored the magic and romance within this story. The two characters are so lovely together I just wish I had more of them. This story became one of my favorite reads this year.
January 10, 2025
Grimkeeper by Everly Haywood
What I LOVED about this book!!!
😀 The cats! (And I don't even like cats)
😀 The secrets
😀 He's an elf, she's a human
😀 Our determined heroine
😀 Sweet and swoony romance, just kisses
So it feels a bit risky predicting this book to be one of my favorite 2025 reads, but it was just SO GOOD!!!!!!!!! First off, it's a Beauty and the Beast retelling (my favorite fairytale so if you have any recs please drop them below!). Our "Belle" character is feisty, fierce, and will always poke her nose in everyone's business. I related more to the quiet, book-loving "Beast". But boy, I loved reading their story!!! The magic, the romance, the danger, the humor, it has everything I love.
Part of a series, best read in order but coupd be read as a standalone
Favorite character: Peregrin (our broody, secret-keeping main male character)
What I LOVED about this book!!!
😀 The cats! (And I don't even like cats)
😀 The secrets
😀 He's an elf, she's a human
😀 Our determined heroine
😀 Sweet and swoony romance, just kisses
So it feels a bit risky predicting this book to be one of my favorite 2025 reads, but it was just SO GOOD!!!!!!!!! First off, it's a Beauty and the Beast retelling (my favorite fairytale so if you have any recs please drop them below!). Our "Belle" character is feisty, fierce, and will always poke her nose in everyone's business. I related more to the quiet, book-loving "Beast". But boy, I loved reading their story!!! The magic, the romance, the danger, the humor, it has everything I love.
Part of a series, best read in order but coupd be read as a standalone
Favorite character: Peregrin (our broody, secret-keeping main male character)
December 3, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this wonderful book! I loved the characters and the plot! I had a hard time putting this wonderful book down!
February 2, 2023
A sweet and magical friends to lovers. A dash of romance with a Make-out sesh or two .
February 26, 2023
This is the CUTEST cinnamon spice I've ever read!!! Omfg !!! It's adorable 😍
March 2, 2023
I found the storyline very confusing and I have no interest in the follow up book. Author failed to explain elf differences and magic. I did not care for this at all.
May 16, 2023
3.5 stars
May 17, 2023
I liked this one better than the first.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews