Book Review: A Kiss of Shadows by Laurell K. Hamilton

​Book Review: A Kiss of Shadows (Merry Gentry #1) by Laurell K. Hamilton
 
This erotically charged urban fantasy was tons of saucy faerie fun! The story is told from the point of view of Meredith (Merry) Gentry, a faerie princess-in-hiding and is packed with action, intrigue and lots of steamy moments.

​Merry is working as a private investigator at a firm that specialises in taking on slightly magical problems when a case catapults her back into the fae world as a potent sex serum called Branwyn’s Tears is used illegally on humans. Merry is reluctant to go back to the fae court because her aunt, the Queen, wants her dead.
 
But as Merry tries to evade her Queen’s spies and heavies, with the help of some sexy men, she comes to realise that things might have changed at the court and perhaps the Queen might not want her dead after all… Merry must use all her cunning and resourcefulness to stay alive, figure out who are allies and enemies, and play the game.
 
This one is set in the modern day but with the fae world interweaved throughout. The worldbuilding is in depth and interesting and is cleverly and perfectly peppered throughout the story so that there is no overload or info-dumping.
 
Merry is a smart, sassy and sexy woman who is both kind-hearted and hard when she needs to be. She strategizes and plans ahead, is wary of all and isn’t quick to trust, but will be flexible when it benefits her. She’s also not a cold killer, but equally won’t hesitate to kill when her life or the lives of those she trusts are in danger.
 
There’s plenty of sex. Merry has sexual chemistry with pretty much every male she comes across, and the fae sex is spicy with magical powers, some shapeshifters (seals) or extra bodily bits (tentacles!).
 
My only criticism was that I found the writing to be a bit clunky in places and also the characters said each other’s names waaaay too much in dialogue which always bugs me. Otherwise this was an enjoyable, sensual romp with a character who is refreshingly comfortable with her sexuality. I can’t wait to find out what happens next – this is the first book of nine.
 
My rating: 4.5/5
 
Goodreads | Author website
 
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>> The first two books in my grimdark epic fantasy trilogy In the Heart of the Mountains are out now. Book three is COMING SOON! Melokai (#1) is available at Amazon, Kobo, iBooks, Google Play Books and Barnes & Noble. Violya (#2) is available at Amazon, Kobo, iBooks, Google Play Books and Barnes & Noble. Read more about my books here. <<

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