Shadows of the Heart

The Fae Files #2

by Cecilia Dominic

I have one “simple” task to complete to earn my way back home. Too bad the monster I need to capture is hunting me, too.

Nobody said Fae life was easy...

I have one minor loose end to tie up before I’ll be allowed to return to Faerie — an invisible soul-eating creature is on the loose at a major fantasy convention, and the hotel manager thinks that monsters only exist in fairy tales.

As if living in a horror movie isn’t bad enough, my brother Rhys and the gargoyle I’m getting too attracted to seem to have some sort of history between them.

Instead of a “loose end,” I’m dealing with the unraveling of my life. Can I defeat the soul-eater in time to meet the conditions of my return to Faerie? Or will my life – as well as those of the convention-goers – be sacrificed for greed, ambition, and a good performance review?

Or worst of all, will love tempt me to stay on Earth?

In this second installment of the Fae Files, Reine has to balance her desire to return home with the humanity she doesn’t want to admit she has and the need for a love she can’t accept.

220 pages, Paperback

Published September 10, 2020

About the author

Cecilia Dominic became a clinical psychologist because she's fascinated by people and their stories, but she couldn't stop making stuff up. By day, she helps people cure their insomnia. By night, she writes fiction that keeps her readers turning pages past bedtime. Yes, she recognizes the conflict of interest between her two careers, but she prefers to be called versatile, not conflicted. Cecilia has been published in short and novel-length fiction and currently writes urban fantasy and steampunk. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and the world’s cutest cat.

Reviews

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I eagerly picked up this sequel to the first book which almost immediately picks up from the end of book one. They are all on the hunt for the soul eater, and it seem it’s getting stronger. There were a couple major shocks in this, and I was thrown for a loop. Poor Reine and Lawrence, both together and separate. That’s all I can say about that without giving spoilers. Reine is still anxious to get back to Faerie, and she is determined to do it. However, there are forces that get in her way. I loved this book, but I admit that at time I found Reine to be a little wishy-washy about being too “human.” She’s been living her for a long time; surely, she would have come to terms with this one way or another? LOL! Anyway, besides that one minor fly in the ointment, I find this to be a great UF, and I look forward to the next after the end. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two of The Fae Files and the main character is Fae princess Reine, who goes by Dr Reine River in the human world, and is pretty desperate to be able to return to her home in Faerie. She has been in exile for three centuries after a task she and her brother Rhys were given at the Battle of Culloden, left him scarred and unable to return to Faerie, where only perfection is allowed. She was punished by their mother, for allowing her son to be scarred! She has recently been given the task of finding out who leaked something from a lab in Atlanta, but to also stop a soul eater, that a light fae and a dark fae have set upon her. The soul eater has been gaining power as it moves across various people taking part in the Fae Con being held in the hotel they are all staying in. Only her magical kitten Sir Raleigh is able to tell when it is close to her and she is losing her power, as something it seems is draining her more than the mundane city vibes are. Bodyguard and gargoyle Dr Lawrence Gordon is getting her feelings all messed up, as she feels the pull towards him, but the pull to return to Faerie is even stronger! Her brother was sent by their mother to help her, but it seems he is doing everything he can to mess things up and sleep with lots of human females. He isn’t even hiding his Fae side or pretending he is human, thankfully being among so many others pretending to be human for the Fae Con allows some of his behaviour to be ignored, but others gain complaints to hotel management!

Lawrence has lived for hundreds of years with the pain if his father’ death, killed by a Fae who pushed their way into their home and accused him of being the one who did something to them! He wants answers and doesn’t realise that images shown to Reine by a witch they visit for assistance, will show her what happened back then and who did it. She wants to tell him, but she has already set a plan in motion with the vampire owner of a nightclub, to take out the soul eater, and she sees no other choice that will work. She hasn’t enough power left in herself to defeat the soul eater, the only beings that could are the undead and that means a compromise with a vampire. Lawrence doesn’t want her to make a deal with a vampire, knowing how easy it would be for the vampire to kill or main her, and neither of them knows what the vampire wants with her blood! Some help comes from the grey fae man who Reine manages to catch speaking to her grandmother in a dream, but who he is and what relation there is to Reine is still unknown. Questions are raised about her actual parentage, as Fae women sleep with men to have a baby, but don’t marry or have relationships with them. Anyone could be her father and it seems Rhys can see her aura and it has a mixed rainbow of colours, meaning she is not truly a full light fae, but then neither is he now after a black mark in his own aura after his scarring. The soul eater has warned that if she tries to leave or shut down the Fae Con, they will start killing innocents. Kestrel and her friends have made plans to help ward and protect others, so long as they can force the soul eater to a certain area of the hotel and surround him with force.

She has good reason to avoid speaking to Lawrence about what she saw and means to tell him after they get rid of the soul eater, but nothing goes quite as expected and she has to wonder whether her real home is actually back in Faerie or in her cottage back in Scotland, with her having spent so long in the human realm and taking so many of their characteristics to heart to blend in. She can’t wait to get back to Faerie, but is that really her true dream anymore? She has been hurt and let down by her brother, and her mother has betrayed her yet again, bending the wording of her Fae task to say she has not completed all of its conditions and that she will never be able to return! It isn’t quite a shock as expected, since she has realised she couldn’t stay separate from people for too long, whether fae or human, but still has to avoid places that are too busy and full of harmful items like iron. Lawrence’s friend Ted asks to see him, but finds it difficult to reveal the glimpses of Lawrence’s future if he takes certain steps, but more shockingly, the black hole of what he can’t see if Lawrence takes another pass. Whatever happens, Reine and/or Lawrence will face heartbreak and pain beyond what they can comprehend and which they will have little choice in feeling, as others play with their secrets and darkest desires. Her mother is her usual hateful self when it comes to Reine and she will now have to investigate other means to get what she wanted, since she has lost any chance at love now. A lovely mix of magic and twists bringing shocks and surprises the whole way through. Lots of laughs with humans commending them on their realistic costumes at the Fae Con, and lots of comfort from Sir Raleigh as well as precious warnings of danger. I can’t wait to see what comes next for them all and where this will all lead. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Lorena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadows of the Heart is the second book in Cecilia Dominic’s Fae Files urban fantasy series. I do recommend that you read all of the books in this series in order since the story flows fairly seamlessly from one book to the next. This series takes place in the same world as Dominic’s Dream Weavers and Truth Seekers series and her Lycanthropy Files series, and I love how the mythology of this world just gets richer and richer. You don’t need to have read those books to enjoy this one, but Reine and some of the other characters were introduced previously, and there are references to events in the other books.

This is a quick-paced mystery/thriller with lots of action and intrigue as well as a bit of paranormal romance and humor. The story is told alternately from exiled Fae princess Reine’s perspective, and from her gargoyle love interest Lawrence’s perspective. I really like both of the main characters as well as some of the secondary characters. Reine’s magical feline companion, Sir Raleigh, remains charming as ever, and the Fae and vampires are delightfully duplicitous.

If you enjoy fantasy conventions, then the setting of this story at “FaeCon” in Atlanta should provide a few extra laughs. I was particularly delighted to be reading this story while attending the annual Faerieworlds festival.

Those who dislike cliffhangers will probably be frustrated with the ending. The major plot of this novel is resolved, but several mysteries remain, and a new complication is introduced right at the end. I will be eagerly and somewhat impatiently awaiting Book 3.

Try this if you enjoy urban fantasy series with a snarky heroine, featuring many different paranormal creatures, and including just a bit of romance.

I received an ARC from the author via BookSprout, and I volunteered to provide an honest review.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picking up from the end of The Shadow Project, exiled Princess Reine still needs to stop her invisible foe, a soul-eater, before she can return to Faerie. She has the dubious help of her brother, Rhys, whose actions were responsible for the exile. All she knows for certain is that the creature was released by a dark Fae and that there is a traitor in her grandmother’s court of the light Fae. With the soul-eater gaining power while hers is diminishing, Reine needs to gather allies around her. Thankfully, her magical cat, Sir Raleigh, can tell when the creature is near. But it’s ability to inhabit others may have dire consequences as it stalks Reine through a crowded convention. In addition there is the complication of Reine’s growing attraction to Dr. Lawrence Gordon, the gargoyle protecting her. Not only is their a historical enmity between their species but also Rhys’ role in Lawrence’s family tragedy. Torn between her feelings for Lawrence and her desire to return to Faerie, and hoping to protect everyone around her, Reine makes a deal with a vampire. But will she find out the price she paid was too high?

Shadows of the Heart, book 2 of the Fae Files, is a page turning adventure full of heartbreak and intrigue. With questions of family loyalty versus following your heart, Reine starts to wonder if her true desire is not to return to Faerie, but to her quiet cottage in Scotland. Her young witch friend, Kestrel, struggles with the death of her mother as well as her inability to harness her magic. The connection between Lawrence and Reine strengthens but much lies in the way between them. Rhys’ selfishness is evident and he is shown to be following his own agenda. Reine also learns more about Sir Raleigh and the enigmatic man she met is revealed to be a gray Fae who appears to be aligned with Queen Tatiana. But what is his true connection to Reine? While she has learned much and vanquished one foe, her path to return to Faerie is still blocked and her mother is not to be trusted. Looking forward to the next installment.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who would expect real life fae to show up at FaeCon? Well that’s exactly the place Reine and her desired paramour Lawrence the gargoyle are at. There’s a dangerous creature, a soul eater that they must catch. This task also happens to be the thing that’s standing between Reine and a return trip to Faerie. With humans everywhere, no chance to shut down the Con and a surprise visit from her brother Rhys which could be a good or a bad thing Reine has so much to do and little time to get it done. Will she be able to stop the creature and save the Con? Even if she does will she be able to return home, and is going home what she even wants anymore? Read on and find answers.
First of all I highly recommend reading book one if you have not already done so. While each task/mystery is contained and resolved in a book there is an overall story arc and character relationships that are continuing from book to book. Book one will answer the who and the why questions that might otherwise be confusing. Secondly there is a cliffhanger ending so do be prepared that not everything will be wrapped up with a bow at the end. That cleared up this is a fast paced, witty, sassy, fantasy adventure. Told from dual points of view Reine and Lawrence you get both sides of the story. An enjoyable read. I’m very interested in reading more of the series.
I received an ARC from the author. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Princess Reine has one task to perform in order to earn her right to return to Faerie. She needs to get rid of an invisible soul-eating creature wandering around a popular fantasy convention. With the hotel manager not believing the paranormal world exists, she won’t be getting much cooperation from him, although it is doubtful he would have been much help regardless. Her mother sent her brother Rhys to help her, but she was well aware that he would only get in the way. After all, the Fae, and most particularly her mother, would have hidden motivations, loopholes, and deception in whatever her reason for sending him was.

Further complicating Reine’s primary task, she is finding herself conflicted over being allowed back in Faerie, trouble between her brother Rhys and the gargoyle Lawrence Gordon she is attracted to, embracing her own skills, and maybe thinking about wanting to stay on Earth after all. Regardless, she needs to get rid of the soul-eating creature or all of the convention attendees will be killed! How will she make her decision? Is she ready to take on that creature?

This is a fast-paced story with Reine trying to make up her mind about what she wants. The main characters are well-portrayed and likable. And, of course, her magical kitten-shaped grimalkin, Sir Raleigh, steals all the attention! Grab your copy and enjoy!

[Katheyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Shadows of the Heart” is the second installment in “The Fae Files” series by Cecilia Dominic. This is a series fully embedded in Dominic’s wider verse, which also includes the “Lycanthropy Files” and “Dream Weavers and Truth Seekers” series, but despite of some already known characters reappearing in “The Fae Files”, the books can be read fully independently from the previous series without any detriment to the stories. The series focuses on Reine’s story, an exiled Fae princess, who tries her very best (& worst) to return home.

“Shadows of the Heart” follows seamlessly the events depicted in the first book in the series (“The Shadow Project”). Reine can almost feel the end of her exile, just one simple task, a minor loose end to tie and she will be free to return home. Just catch the soul-eating monster haunting the fantasy convention. But you already know what they say about ‘simple tasks’, don’t you? Reine is on a deadline, the soul-eater situation evolves from ‘loose end’ to fully untangle web, that forces Reine to reflect on her own nature and her affiliations to both Faerie and the human realm.

This a very fast-paced plot, action-packed, fully enjoyable with a good mix of funny situations and heart-felt romance, as Reine’s and Lawrence’s relationship deepens. All characters are beautifully written and “FaeCon” is a joy 😊

[Melanie Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sir Raleigh is still the best character but even his role felt a little watered down in this book. There were so many plots inside plots as Reine alluded. I found myself suspicious of nearly every character at one point in the story. The story definitely kept me guessing who was truly out to help Reine and Lawrence. I disliked (and dislike is a mild word) her brother. He was a master back stabber with no redeeming qualities. I guess that is an important mark of a good book also to create a totally loathsome character.

I deducted stars from this story because I got a little lost. Each chapter is dedicated to either Reine or Lawrence and I lost track sometimes of who was the focus of the chapter. That existed in book 1 also but this book was a little less interesting so it was easier to loose track.

Overall, this book continued to story of Reine finding love and getting back to Faerie so you need to read the story. I did like it but like book 1 more. I will keep reading to see who betrayed Reine and sent the soul eater.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our heroine has been given a task, to track a monster lurking at a convention. And whether or not she wants the reward that comes with it, she knows the monster must be stopped. What she is unsure of is if she is up to the task.

This is book two of the series. It works well as a standalone, although it does start just after the first one, so keep that in mind.

This is an urban fantasy story featuring the fae. The story is well written and easy to read with a well developed setting. I love the detail. The characters are also well developed with diverse personalities and agendas which sometimes go together and sometimes not. Overall, I really enjoyed the setting and the story and need to go back and read it again from the beginning.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes

[Roxx Tarantini · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this second entry to the Fae Files series, Reine has a task to complete before being allowed to return to Faerie. That the task has her inner selves battling each other is what is making it all the more complicated.

While Shadows does well as a standalone, you will find references to other volumes and previous events. The story mostly unfolds at a FaeCon and is a rapidly moving thriller that will have you chuckling from time to time. A good story with good characters, I was, however, disappointed with the cliff-hanger ending.

[I received a copy of this book from the author via Booksprouts. I was not, however, required to write a review.]

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I eagerly grabbed this book once I finished with the first book in the series. I was so thrilled to continue the saga of Reine and her friends in her quest to return to her own world.

So many things were exposed in this story, and it left me wanting so many answers so YES I will be reading the next book "The Shadowed Path" to continue the story.

I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves Urban Fantasy.

Sorry I'm not giving details but I truly hate spoilers and if I say too much boy will I spoil it for you!

What are you hanging around here reading my review for? Go grab your own copy and start reading!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Fae Files series and continues right where the first one left off. It is best to read the series in order since there isn’t much in the way of refresher material in the second book. In this story we get the added point of view of another main character. A few more characters are introduced to build the story. Again, like the first book, you are left with just enough answers and questions to make you want to continue to read the series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christinaraven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reine just has a simple task to complete then she gets to return home. What could go wrong? It was a fun read that made me laugh and wonder if Reine would actually choose to return home. It had many characters from the other series set in this world pop up and contribute to the story and Reine choices. Liked the fast pace and that she ends up at a fantasy convention. Plus I love her kitten as usual.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadows of the Heart by Cecilia Dominic is such an awesome story that I have read. This is book number two in this awesome series that I have loved reading. I can not wait to read the rest of this awesome series cause I am so hooked on this. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about Fae, fantasy, thrillers and paranormal romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She only needs to do one job and she can go back home unfortunately it is not going to be an easy job at. Her brother has problems with the one who likes her. This is going to be the worse job ever and she may need to use her dark side to complete the job. What is she going to need to do? Can she do it? Will she get back home? See how she gets on

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two of The Fae Files, picks up where the first one ends. And boy oh boy does the action pick up. In this sequel we see a lot more of Reine and Lawrence's relationship develop this book. We also encounter Reine's brother, Rhys. I'll admit that I am not a fan and had some suspicions but he did grow on me. I am excited for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Con Fran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 transitioned smoothly from the first book. Reine had a quest to complete in order to reach her goal, but plot twists were thrown in. Her character grew a bit from the first book and she and Lawrence both had struggles to overcome and nemesis to battle. The story was written well and the characters were fun and enchanting..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Penny Thibodeaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing continuation from book 1. I finally get an answer to what a grimalkin really is...a panther with wings. So happy that Reine was able to thwart her nemesis' evil efforts by getting in touch with her heart. I love that she isn't the perfect light fae. Can't wait to see what more she'll learn about her background in book 3.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[tburbr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great addition to the series and I loved the continuation of this story line. I enjoyed the characters just as much, if not more than the previous book. I am looking forward to seeing where this story takes us next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 4th book I've read written by Cecilia Dominic; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rosario Barrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this installment of the story, we meet Rhys, Reine’s brother and visit with Kestrel again. This is another thrill a minute story, where Both expected and unexpected plot twists result. Action packed, very much the urban fantasy and thriller mix. Can’t wait for the next one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book and continues to find exiled Reine trying her best to capture an invisible soul eating monster that has turned to hunting her. The characters continue to evolve and delight. The storyline had me entertained throughout the pages.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather Bane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 of The Fae Files series. I thought this was a really good story. I was pulled in from the very start and hooked until the end. The character work is great and the story is well written. I would recommend reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in The Fae Files series a well written story that kept me turning pages. Princess Reine, her brother Rhys, and Lawrence's story of suspense, drama, danger, twists, turns, a disagreement, and an invisible soul-eating creature. This story does end with a continuation to the next book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allow a day for this NC17 paranormal with dark humor in which Princess Reine AKA Dr. Renee Rivers is still trying to earn her way back into Faerie. This is book 2 of the series but works OK as a standalone. If you plan to read the series, read in order.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer Layne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great second book in this series. I really liked Reine as she showed character depth and became likable pretty quickly on. I enjoyed the plot, the characters and the world building was great! I’m off to read the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christina Luberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reine is still on her journey to make it back home. We have action, mystery, suspense and more. You think things have been resolved and now there is more. Will Reine ever make it home? What will happen with Lawrence? Follow thier journey.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series that I have read and boy, let me tell you that this book rocks! I totally loved being back in this world. The author always keeps me guessing and completely entertained. Can't ask for more than that! I hope you enjoy this as much as I did. Totally worth your time!

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series that has a easy transition between this and the previous book. This is entertaining with amazing characters. I really enjoyed the humor, suspense, and mystery entwined in the storyline.