A Heart Of Secrets And Shadows

by A.P. Beswick, Cara Clare

A princess trapped in a loveless betrothal. Her freedom lies in the secrets she must keep...

Calla Valento, a princess destined to unite two kingdoms, is trapped in a political engagement devoid of affection. Burdened with securing prosperity for her kingdom through her union to Prince Edmund, Calla's heart yearns for a forbidden love. A love that is hides in the shadows of royal grounds.

Entangled in a web of courtly duty and veiled desires, Calla faces the ultimate test of her heart. Yet, in the depths of the palace's whispering halls, lies a truth that could liberate or destroy everything Calla holds dear.

Can Calla navigate the treacherous waters of royal expectations and embrace her hidden love, or will the harsh realities of her duties to her kingdom strike an arrow through her heart's desire?

"A Heart Of Secrets And Shadows" is a dark fantasy romance in the Levanthria series. A tale where lust battles duty, and shadows hide the secrets of desires. If you're drawn to tales of forbidden love and intricate courtly intrigue, you'll be gripped by this Tale Of Levanthria.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction

118 pages, Paperback

Published February 14, 2024

Reviews

[Tori · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting take on Cupid with a somewhat satisfying ending. If you're after a short, smutty story, you'll probably enjoy this.

[David Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been with the series from the start and was intrigued by the duo authorship. Having read them all to this point, I have to say this is probably the weakest entry. The problem I had, is that these books do not contain spice normally. I'm not against spice in a book at all, but this series just doesn't have it. There are romance subplots, but it doesn't go much further.

So when you're used to that, and then get a full on descriptive scene out of nowhere, it throws you off course, and makes you wonder what the hell just happened. The other issue with this, is that it is incredibly clear where AP's writing stops, and Cara Clare's writing begins. It is not a seamless transition, there is a very clear line where one ends, the other begins, and the first picks it up again, and that was massively jarring.

I think the series needs to carry on as it was, and just have AP do what he's good at. I understand the attempt to appeal to the spicy fantasy audience, but that's not what this series is about, and this book suffers for the attempt.

[Mckenzie Richardson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I absolutely love the levanthria series. My husband and I both have read them all. This was my last book to read and I wasn’t very impressed with it. I’m still a big fan of the series just not this book. I’m anxiously waiting for the last books to come out.

[his_fantasy_ her_smut · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Heart of Secrets and Shadows by A.P. Beswick

A Heart of Secrets and Shadows is a lush, haunting folk‑tale retelling that feels like it was whispered into the world rather than written — a story steeped in moonlight, betrayal, and the dangerous magic of love. Beswick steps away from the sprawling chaos of the main saga to deliver something intimate, mythic, and devastatingly beautiful.
This is a tale built on three pillars: love, betrayal, and vengeance. And Beswick doesn’t soften any of them.
The story reimagines the Cupid myth through a darker, more emotionally charged lens. Here, the “Cupid” figure is no cherub or gentle god of affection — he is a creature of desire and shadow, a being whose power over hearts is both intoxicating and terrifying. His love is real, but so is the danger that comes with it. When that love is betrayed — whether by fear, manipulation, or a moment of heartbreaking weakness — the consequences ripple through the entire tale.
The betrayal at the center of the story is the kind that shatters worlds. Beswick handles it with a deft touch, weaving together longing, regret, and the slow, painful unraveling of trust. The emotional fallout is raw and deeply human, even as the characters themselves feel larger than life — half‑myth, half‑flesh.
And then comes the vengeance.
This is where the book sinks its teeth in. The vengeance is not petty or melodramatic; it is ancient, divine, and inevitable. It feels like a force of nature — the kind of retribution that belongs in old stories told around firesides, where gods punish mortals for daring to love too boldly, or mortals punish gods for daring to love at all.
Beswick’s prose is at its most atmospheric here. Forests feel alive. Shadows breathe. Hearts are literal and metaphorical battlegrounds. The world is drenched in magic that is as seductive as it is dangerous. Every chapter feels like stepping deeper into an enchanted labyrinth where beauty and terror walk hand in hand.
The ending is exactly what a tale like this demands: bittersweet, haunting, and emotionally resonant. It doesn’t offer a neat fairy‑tale resolution — instead, it gives something far more powerful. A sense of transformation. A sense of cost. A sense that love, even when broken, leaves a mark that cannot be erased.
A Heart of Secrets and Shadows is a stunning standalone — a dark, romantic folk‑tale that lingers long after the final page. It’s a story about the price of desire, the wounds of betrayal, and the terrible, beautiful power of the heart.

[Gary Knox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Princess Calla Valento is bound by duty to a loveless betrothal, but her heart longs for another. As courtly intrigues unfold, hidden truths threaten to upend her fate. Calla must decide if love is worth defying destiny.
And inventive and dark twist on the Cupid legend once again blending gritty fantasy and classic folklore.
Calla emerges as a compelling protagonist—a princess torn between duty and desire, navigating the treacherous waters of royal expectations. The atmospheric setting, characterized by its intricate courtly intrigue and veiled desires, enhances the story's immersive quality.
The narrative is fast-paced, with plot twists that are both intense and engaging. However, being a novella the shortness of the story leaves certain character developments and plot points underexplored, making some aspects feel rushed.
Even so, it succeeds in delivering a fresh, dark fantasy adventure that reimagines familiar lore in a captivating way.
Overall worthwhile read for fans of dark fantasy and folklore retellings, offering a unique perspective within the expansive world of Levanthria.

[Mr. M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much of A.P. Beswick’s Levanthira series are darker retelling of ancient lore. While most of them are connected,this one is outside the main continuity. It follows the story of a princess forced down by the bonds of her royalty, while also introducing a bit of a magic, romance, and even revenge plot into it.

It’s not entirely obvious from the story itself, but it’s a darker look at Cupid mythology. I don’t know much about Cupid lore, and where these tales fit into larger mythologies, but for what it was the story was good.

I gave it five stars because there were a few sex scenes in there, and frankly I’m just not interested in romance or romantasy from my books. While I don’t mind some romance, it’s not a plot point I’m interested in reading too much about. Other than that the book was fine for what it was and I think it delivered well.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the story overall. I wished we would have gotten a bit more time with Edmund and know more of this thoughts but it was a very short story so I understand why that couldn’t happen.

I also liked the Hidden Chapter at the end of the book. It revealed an answer to a question I’ve had since I read the first book. It also confirmed my theory on what happened which I really liked.

[Tigereno · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book but feel it has been the weakest in the series so far. The characters were quite good. I love the origin story aspects also and look forward to the rest of the series. I feel the spice and romance aspects were written by the co author as they didn't seem like Beswick's usual style and stood out. A very quick read as it's only a short story.

[Ana Neagu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great short story! Loved the plot twist and the message of self empowerment. The spicy scenes weren't necessary for this one, but I understand why a short story about love and finding your power might incorporate them as well.

[Nick Newing · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have to be honest and say that of all the Levanthria books so far this was a little disappointing.

It's a short novella which is a twist on the Cupid tale, I found the characters a little bland and the story plodded along without a great deal too it. Maybe it's me, maybe I had come to expect that constant action and development from my previous adventures with A.P. Beswick.

In all fairness it is a novella, so it stands alone from the other 'series' of books, the writing is still great, but it just didn't click with me and it didn't add anything to the world of story that A.P has built so well.

[Steven Maidment · Rating 5 out of 5]

He's only gone and done it again!! By far my fave author can't wait for the next book

[Shaughnessy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a quick read but I wouldn’t classify this as one of my favorites in the Levanthria world. It was ok and an interesting take on Cupid for sure but it felt a bit rushed for me.

[Me · Rating 4 out of 5]

For as short a novel, novella, really, there were twists I did not expect. Surprisingly nice read.

[Emma Stallwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a dark romance reader, I loved this version of cupid in the levanthria world. I hope we see Calla again!

[Bryan Rice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, quick read that gives a dark retelling of the cupid origin.

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Hell hath no fury" meets cupid

[Jane Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book I couldn't put down!

I couldn't put the book down! The story was absolutely amazing! A new look at Cupid, what a tale! Loved it!

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really do love these stories. I love the world and the characters always suck me in! Can’t wait to read more by this author.

[Philip · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though its a stand alone it was a little disappointing to not read any connection to the levanthria world.
That being said it was a good book and cool concept.

[Dylan Scarbrough · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short story of romance, betrayal, and vengeance that draws you in a a quick pallet cleanser in the world that has been created.

[Samantha Mentzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun short story of love and betrayal! A quick read but I enjoyed every bit of it. Another amazing read by A.P. Beswick💕

[Amy Maunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four star review. Overall enjoyed the experience. No spoilers review. 8 out of 10 experience. Enjoy!.

[Kylie Becker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a short story, but even as such it felt rushed.

[Alisha Adlem-Sparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite enjoyed the book. Even for a short story I enjoyed how it all lined up quite well.

[Sarah Vasey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing book. Bought it on a tik tok live and it didn’t disappoint.

[rozcozyreading Cozy Corner · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just couldn’t understand what was happening and couldn’t get into it not my sort of thing

[Jarrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a good story at first I was wondering where the Cupid inspiration was but when it finally showed up i thought it was an amazing way for the story to go

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting book. Love is in the air but all not for the good. Calla life is turned upside down. The love she expected is not all it made up to be. When she is betrayed, she takes things to a higher level. She will show you what a woman's scorn is. I really enjoyed the book.

[Priscilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short read, but such a great collaboration between the two authors. I will definitely be checking out Cara's work further....once I finish my reads from Beswick. I would say this was a wonderful twist on cupid with just the right amount of steamy in parts.