I want to thank the publishers and the author for giving me the opportunity to read this in advance.

This was a nice story, intermixing the past and the present in a way that didn't aggravate me (!!), where I cared for both sides of the story equally. That's not an easy thing for me to do, I usually choose sides and get bored with the side that doesn't peak my interest as greatly.

I enjoyed the historical aspects of this novel, the English peerage and royalty that spanned nations and empires, marriages rarely for love, almost entirely for political purposes. I liked the romance between the Winter Queen and the Earl of Craven. This tale of forbidden love was very enjoyable, albeit tragic. I also enjoyed the relationship between Holly, Ben and Mark, and how that played out. It wasn't anything that I expected at the end there and I like to be surprised.

This story did have a touch of trade paperback romance where a long-haired, tanned shirtless hunk named Fabio graces the cover and is off to save his damsel in distress. There is NOTHING wrong with that, it's just not for me. It's not very believable, in my opinion, and it moves too fast, somewhat out of nowhere. Again, not hating on this genre or those that enjoy it, it just isn't my preferred reading material.

Overall, House of Shadows was a good read. Definitely would recommend for any royal/history/romance buffs.