THE SUNSHINE'S SHADOW Book Review

The Sunshine's Shadow (book 2 in Hope & Home Duology) by M.A. Lakewood, eBook, 345 pgs

Synopsis from Amazon: An overly-helpful countess brings a grumpy, reclusive shadow-wielder an offer he can’t refuse.

Solaelia is a people pleaser who just agreed to her biggest ask ever. Her brother and his kingdom need a crew of mages to break an ancient curse. She’s determined to find them the magic they’re missing and hopefully someone to tell her what a good job she’s doing along the way.

Theo is a stressed-out “shadow daddy” with single-mom energy and two main priorities: keep his head down and his sister safe. All that changes when a bright, bubbly countess turns up with a mission, a massive sum of money, and a hole in her team shaped like him—and the sister by his side.

Solaelia’s used to showing up for everyone else. Theo’s used to nobody showing up at all. Somewhere between three kingdoms and a curse, she gets seen and he gets found.

BOOK REVIEW: I'm not sure why but I had a little bit of a hard time getting into this book. Don't get me wrong, I loved it but I just wasn't sucked in this time like I have been before in this world of Duhra. I did get into it after about 20% and then there seemed to be times when the story slowed down or moved too fast. Overall I enjoyed being back in Duhra. I actually thought this book might be focused on Wynnie...well hoped is more like it...once I finished The Future Queen's Captive (see related posts for my review of that one) but I'm glad we got more of Solaelia since she was briefly in book 1.

My favorite part came towards the end and I'll just say the mountains and you'll have to read the book to find out why. Since I can't get into more detail about my favorite part, I will say that there were times when Theo was the focus and things he was thinking were a little off-putting. Having his thoughts be drawn to Solaelia and then all of a sudden thinking about his sister? Talk about bad timing. It happened a few times close together that made me remember it and not like it. I get him being protective over his sister but thinking of her as his other half when thinking about his feelings for Lia was a little icky but maybe I read too fast or read it wrong.

Overall this is a 4 star read for me. The characters are fun as usual and we're traveling more of the world that we were introduced to back in The Reluctant Queen (see related posts). This as well as the other books set in this world are stand alones and not building upon a story like a typical series but it does help to know the background of the world and characters as with any series. The reason it's not a full 5 stars is all me. I had a hard time getting into this one and then it seemed to speed up and slow down at weird moments and then Theo thinking about his sister as I just mentioned. I know that the author has more to come in this world and after how this book ends I'm excited to see who we focus on next! This book comes out Thursday, 9.24.26. It will be available in paperback and eBook. You can preorder the eBook now on Amazon (she is an Indie Author), or save it as it will be in the KU member library upon release!

4/5 Stars

2026 Reading Challenge: 45/55 complete