A HEART OF ICE AND SHADOW (Shadows Eternal 2) by Ashley Lockwood-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 27, 2024

Gwen’s indoctrination to the world of magick was swift and bloody but after surviving the horrors of the magick mirror she’s determined to adapt to her new life. Sirus vows to keep her safe within his clan’s hidden ancient castle and Gwen vows to get over her irritating crush on her vampire protector. But the deeper she’s drawn into the mysteries of Volkov and her untapped powers, the harder it becomes to resist the primal connection pulling her toward Sirus. But the deeper she’s drawn into the mysteries of Volkov Castle and her untapped powers, the harder it becomes to resist the connection pulling her toward Sirus.

Sirus survived the magick mirrors because of Gwendolyn’s gift of blood but he is determined to keep his distance and keep her safe. As she recovers within the bounds of Volkov, Sirus finds himself captivated by Gwendolyn’s courage, strength, and vibrant spirit. She is a sweet temptation who threatens to bring a monster to his knees.

While Gwen, Sirus, and their friends try to unravel the depths of her magick and mysterious history, the evil High Priestess and her loyal servant, Aldor, continue their unyielding hunt. Gwen and Sirus’s bond transforms into something beyond anything they thought possible, except old insecurities are not always easy to overcome, pushing Gwen to wonder if a vampire with a heart of pure ice could ever truly fall in love.

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REVIEW: A HEART OF ICE AND SHADOW is the second instalment in Ashley Lockwood’s adult SHADOWS ETERNAL paranormal/fantasy romance series. This is the continuing story of ancient vampire Sirus, and Gwendolyn ‘Gwen’ Moore. A HEART OF ICE AND SHADOW should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events and cliff hanger of book one SHADOW OF DARK DESIRE.

SOME BACKGROUND: Sirus is an ancient vampire who has been contracted and tasked to find and protect our story line heroine. Gwen Moore is a human; without powers or parents, and in this she believes Sirus has mistaken our heroine for someone else but Sirus has been hired to protect Gwen Moore, a woman who is much more than she appears to be.

Told from omniscient third person perspectives A HEART OF ICE AND SHADOW follows in the aftermath of an attack against our story line couple. With the help of emerging powers, Gwen will save the man with whom she is falling in love but Sirus believes his existence is a threat to our story line heroine, and in this, Sirus is willing to sacrifice his own happiness to protect the woman that calls to his heart. As Sirus’ coven and family continue to search for the truth, Gwendolyn Moore is quickly falling for a man who is willing to die to protect her life.

The world building continues to focus on protecting our story line heroine. Gwen’s power and magick are believed to be blocked by a powerful force, and someone else is determined to claim the power for themselves.

The relationship between Gwen and Sirus building towards something more. Sirus has fallen in love with a woman he believes belongs to someone else, and Gwen is determined to prove Sirus is worthy of his own happily ever after. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

WE are reintroduced to Barith (dragon), Levian (mage), Abigail (witch), and Sirus’ sister Niah. The requisite evil has many faces. Gwendolyn’s true identity will not be revealed until the end of the story.

A HEART OF ICE AND SHADOW is a story of secrets and lies, magic and obsession, acceptance and love. The slow building premise is enchanting and entertaining; the characters are magical ; the romance is subtle but impassioned.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one SHADOW OF DARK DESIRE

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

If you haven’t read book one SHADOW OF DARK DESIRE it is currently FREE:

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