Book cover titled "The Raven and the Rose" by Leanne Blakemore and Adra Mayfield, displayed on a tablet, smartphone, and a physical book. The cover features a dark mansion, a black raven perched on a branch, and red roses in the foreground.

The Shadows and Silk Series

Passion burns bright in candlelit halls—but in the shadows, someone is always watching.

Series Information

Series
The Shadows & Silk Series
Authors
Adra Mayfield & Leanne Blakemore
Primary Genre
Historical Romance
Secondary Genre
Historical Mystery / Romantic Suspense
Books in Series
1 Published
Series Status
Ongoing
Series Type
Historical Romance and Mystery Series
Reading Order
Publication Order Recommended
First Book
Main Characters
Lady Rosalind and Kristoff Von Reede
Target Audience
Adult Historical Romance, Gothic Romance, Romantic Suspense, and Historical Mystery Readers
Setting
A richly atmospheric historical setting centered on the secluded Englebright estate, where family secrets, political intrigue, dangerous enemies, and forbidden passions collide
Core Themes
Love, independence, loyalty, family secrets, trust, betrayal, courage, duty, sacrifice, identity, and the struggle between personal freedom and obligation
Popular Tropes
Strong-willed heroine, mysterious hero, gothic romance, love amid danger
Publisher
The Shadows and Silk Series Reading Order
Book Title
1 The Raven & The Rose

In the shadows of England’s grandest estates, love and danger walk hand in hand.

Shadows and Silk is a sweeping historical romantic suspense series where passion and peril move hand in hand behind the polished doors of England’s grand estates.

In a world of candlelit ballrooms, whispered alliances, glittering society gatherings, and carefully guarded reputations, appearances can be dangerously deceiving. Beneath the silk gowns, impeccable manners, and elegant facades lies a web of ambition, betrayal, and secrets powerful enough to ruin lives.

Each novel follows strong-willed heroines and formidable heroes drawn into mysteries that threaten far more than their hearts. Hidden identities, dangerous conspiracies, old rivalries, and powerful enemies turn courtship into something far more perilous. Trust must be earned carefully, because the wrong confidence can destroy a reputation—and the wrong alliance can prove deadly.

Romance develops in a world where every gesture carries meaning. A dance can become a negotiation. A private conversation can ignite scandal. A lingering glance can reveal more than words ever could. And falling in love may be the most dangerous decision of all.

The characters of Shadows and Silk are forced to navigate not only the expectations of society, but also the threats concealed beneath it. Some secrets have been buried for years. Others are waiting for the right moment to surface. As danger closes in, loyalty is tested, motives become uncertain, and even those who appear trustworthy may be playing a deeper game.

As each mystery unfolds, romance and suspense become inseparable. Emotional stakes rise alongside physical danger, forcing characters to confront not only their enemies but also the fears, wounds, and expectations that have shaped their lives.

Rich with atmospheric settings, slow-burning tension, historical detail, and emotionally charged romance, Shadows and Silk blends elegance with danger and tenderness with deception. Its stories unfold across a world where social standing can be as threatening as any weapon and where the truth often hides behind impeccable manners.

Because behind every beautiful facade, something may be waiting in the shadows. And sometimes love is the only truth strong enough to survive them.

PRAISE FOR THE RAVEN AND THE ROSE

  • Adra Mayfield and Leanne Blakemore have delivered a romance that captivated me with intricate plotting and by how well it blended steamy romance with gothic intrigue.

    Ruffina Oserio for Readers’ Favorite

  • If you like historical romance with a bit of mystery, strong-willed characters, and a slightly darker, atmospheric feel, this is definitely one to check out.

    — Amazon Reviewer

  • I had an itch for something unique - so when I saw "Historical Mystery Romance", I couldn't resist. I enjoyed this book, it was different and it kept my interest until the very last page.

    — Amazon Reviewer

Awards & Recognition

The Shadows & Silk Series has earned early critical recognition for its atmospheric blend of historical romance, gothic intrigue, mystery, espionage, and suspense. The Raven and The Rose, the first novel in the series by Adra Mayfield and Leanne Blakemore, received a Five-Star Review from Readers’ Favorite in 2026.

Silver circular badge with the text 'READERS' FAVORITE FIVE STARS' around the edge. It features five stars, a stylized person symbol holding a book, and laurel leaves at the bottom.
Award Name Year What It Was For
Readers’ Favorite Five-Star Review 2026 The Raven and The Rose — Five-Star Editorial Review, Romance – Historical

Books in The Shadows & Silk Series

Authors

ADRA MAYFIELD &

LEANNE BLAKEMORE

Leanne Blakemore and Adra Mayfield met in college and formed a lifelong friendship, bonding over adventure and storytelling. Blending Leanne’s wit and curiosity with Adra’s empathy and insight, their debut celebrates love, friendship, and the beauty of unexpected connections. When not writing, Leanne is helping bring cures and hope to the hopeless, while Adra helps bring a voice to the voiceless.

Two women standing outdoors in front of a brick building, smiling and posing for a photo.