The Starlit Shadow
Starlight and Shadows, Book One
A courtesan strikes a dangerous bargain to spy on a rakish fae heir in exchange for her freedom. As attraction blooms between them, they must find a way to restore banished magic to the realm before a coup threatens to rip them, and their world, apart.
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“An enchanting fantasy novel with high stakes, relatable characters, and gorgeous world building, The Starlit Shadow offers the perfect balance of earth-shattering plot twists and soft moments that will leave even the most stoic reader blushing.”
– Jadis Moon, author of Death and Divination
Season of Fire
The Nightingale Witches: Book One
A dazzling romantic fantasy featuring a slow-burn friends to lovers romance, a secret society of witches, and the perils of London’s high society.
As dangerous magic awakens within her, a reluctant debutante is swept into a hidden sisterhood of witches and the intrigues of Regency London. Caught between forbidden power, rising threats, and two very different loves, she must risk everything to protect what matters most.
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About the Author
Cidney Mayes is a fantasy and romantasy author whose work weaves dark, lush, and atmospheric worlds with fierce heroines, forbidden knowledge, and destiny-defying love. Based in Portland, Maine, she is a teacher librarian, Yale Writers’ Workshop alumna, and MFA in Creative Writing candidate at Southern New Hampshire University. Before writing fiction, she spent over a decade reviewing books until she decided to write the ones she longed to find. She pairs her academic background with a devotion to storytelling to create stories that explore what it means to be our truest selves.
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The Starlit Shadow Virtual Tour!
Calling all fantasy and romantasy readers! Are you a fantasy romance reader? Do you have a BookTok or reading-focused social media page? We want YOU to be a stop on our virtual tour for The Starlit Shadow! What is a virtual tour? Receive an advanced reader’s copy of THE STARLIT SHADOW and post about it from August 25th – 29th! I
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Read “Roll for Love” in Five South
A critical hit of a romance for every D&D-loving heart. My short story “Roll for Love” is now out in Five South magazine! 🎲 When unspoken feelings and rolling dice collide, anything can happen. 🎲 Liam has been harboring a secret crush on Emma, his co-worker-turned-D&D-party-member. As their characters embark on a perilous quest, their
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Season of Fire is Out Now!
I’m thrilled to share that my debut historical fantasy romance, Season of Fire, is out now! If you love Regency-era intrigue, secret societies, slow-burn romance, and witches, you won’t want to miss this story. After so much writing, revising, and dreaming, I am so excited to share this book with you. Rose is a character
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A Heart Destined to Wither – Honorable Mention in SNHU’s Fall Fiction Contest
I’m so thrilled to share that my short story, “A Heart Destined to Wither” has received an honorable mention in Southern New Hampshire University’s Fall Fiction Contest for 2024. This Faustian-inspired story examines the cost of wanting, and how desire can become corrupt. A favorite contract of mine: the mortal’s ruinous craving for riches. Everyone
For author updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses of my writing life, and practical advice for fellow writers.
Cidney Mayes 