Tag: author F.N. Manning

Review:  Sun and Stone (Elementally  Yours Book 5) by F.N. Manning 

Review: 4.5🌈

Sun and Stone is the finale story for F.N. Manning’s terrific paranormal romance series about a group of elemental mages getting their branding (think magical acceptance from each of their own magic elements) and finding love in the process. Often with other mages or paranormal characters. 

The series started with a series mystery and wrapped it up within a couple of books then went on to tell stories with characters from the university of magic that’s a prominent location. 

But Sun and Stone might be my favorite. The characters are older, and when the story opens up, Perry is leaving the building where his magic is checked and reviewed for potential and power levels. At his later years, he knows he’s running out of time to become a mage and that his now  limited magic will be locked soon. And he’s devastated. 

These early moments connect the reader into Perry’s broken heart so quickly that when he collapses into a stranger’s arms, weeping, we get it.

It’s a heartbreaking moment. 

But as the stranger introduces himself and offers Perry comfort, a sweet, unexpected friendship is struck up between them. For Flynn knows exactly what Perry is feeling as he’s been forced to accept the reality about his magic as well.  

As the men explore the possibility of a relationship between them , revealing their past experiences and dashed hopes,  author Manning writes a story that gives us two wonderful characters growing stronger together and a romantic connection to root for.

There’s a dramatic twist or two. A villain who isn’t much of a surprise but a great ending that’s absolutely satisfying and is also a fantastic way to see the series out. 

Highly enjoyable and my favorite couple of the series. 

A winner. 

Elementally Yours (5 book series)

The Frost Or The Bite #1

Strikes Twice #2

Bold As Brass #3

Where There’s Smoke #4

Sun and Stone #5 – finale 

Buy link

        Sun and Stone: M/M Paranormal Romance (Elementally Yours Book 5)

    

Blurb 

Can love outshine magic when time runs out?

Perry has spent a lifetime chasing magic, but the clock is ticking, and he’s still not a full-fledged wizard. As his window to earn elemental stone power closes, he’s struggling to imagine a life without magic. But when he bumps into a kind stranger and meets Fynn Callahan, everything changes.

Once a lover of sun magic, Fynn shows Perry that it’s possible to move on and build a new life. And the more Perry gets to know the cheerful graphic designer with a sweet tooth, the easier it is to believe he’ll be just fine—especially if he winds up in Fynn’s arms.

But something strange is happening with Fynn’s powers. If they get to the bottom of what’s wrong, then Fynn will get another chance to gain magic. But if only one of them can become a caster, is their relationship doomed? 

Will Perry find a way to keep his magic and his man, or will he lose both forever

  • Publication date: March 23, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 186 pages

Review:  Where There’s Smoke (Elementally Yours, #4) by F. N. Manning 

Rating: 4🌈

Where There’s Smoke continues F.N. Manning’s Elementally Yours series about elemental mages learning to use their powers, get their brand, and finding love in the process.

Where There’s Smoke is about two supposedly opposite elements, Fire and Water.  Water is represented by the exiled Argyle, half-water nymph and half-human, who is on campus taking courses to help him and others like him adapt to their magic. That’s where he meets with Samson, a fire mage who can’t control his element.

Manning puts together a wonderful romantic story, with well defined magical elements, a horrific magic themed mystery that has huge implications for Argyle and Samson. In the course of investigating the mystery, the story provides the necessary background and missing family information for them both.

I really enjoyed this story and couple.  It was very well plotted and the couple was engaging and easy to relate to. 

Absolutely looking forward to the next one in this series.

Elementally Yours:

  • Frost or The Bite #1
  • Strikes Twice #2
  • Bold As Brass #3
  • Where There’s Smoke #4

Buy link

        Where There’s Smoke: M/M Paranormal Romance

    

Blurb 

When fire meets water, can love extinguish the turmoil?

Argyle is more familiar with schools of fish than a college education. Half-water nymph and half-human, Argyle is building a life on land for the first time at age 42, which includes taking classes in order to help others with his magic. But when his studies hit rough waters, he partners with an irresistibly hot fire mage for tutoring.

Samson knows how to bring the heat. The 26-year-old fire caster seems interested in Argyle despite their age difference and he’s quick to flirt, but the man has trouble opening up about his own magical issues. And while the chemistry between them is undeniable, their fire and water powers clash, creating only smoke.

Just as their bond begins to blossom, trouble brews under the surface in Argyle’s seaside home. Cruel magic poisons the water and threatens Argyle’s family. Argyle and Samson may be the key to combating the damage, if they can find a way to unite their conflicting elements. Will their connection save everyone, or will it all go up in smoke?

  • Publication date: January 5, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 196 pages

Review:  Bold As Brass (Elementally Yours Book 3)  by FN Manning 

Review:  4🌈

Bold As Brass (Elementally Yours Book 3)  by FN Manning is a well written, well executed paranormal romance.  I thought Manning did a good job of explaining why Oliver Brass, brother and son to the Brasses held responsible for the crimes in book 1, makes the decisions he does here with regard to his magic and the use of a D/s relationship with respect to his control.

There’s a very good author’s note about this element. Read it carefully. This story incorporates a realistic D/s relationship between two people, one of which is older than the other. If this isn’t an element that you enjoy reading about, you might want to skip the book.

For me, I found I didn’t connect with these characters as I had with the other couples in the preceding novels. I’m not sure why, because a D/s relationship isn’t an issue for me.  Nor the difference in ages. Although the fact that (but not truly ) they almost rode the line between student and professional life is slightly troubling.  It was addressed by the author. 

I think that I felt that there wasn’t enough of a real connection between them to account for the sudden admission of deep love that happens. 

That could be a difference of perspective. Another reader might think it’s fine. 

I do wish there was more information about what exactly went on towards the end. A resolution about what happened to fix everything . Instead we get a dinner and a HFN. It didn’t feel entirely satisfactory. 

All in all, Bold As Brass (Elementally Yours Book 3)  by FN Manning  was well written but needed a better wrap up. 

Elementally Yours:

Frost or The Bite #1

Strikes Twice #2

Bold As Brass #3

Buy link

        Bold As Brass: M/M Paranormal Romance (Elementally Yours Book 3)

    

Blurb

Control is everything… until you find someone worth surrendering to.

Oliver Brass is beyond prim and proper. He’s practically English after spending years studying metal magic in posh British schools. But when a family scandal turns his world upside down and his powers stop obeying, a stiff upper lip isn’t helping him regain control. Instead, an alluring professor shows the metal mage how to surrender.

A charming educator by day and a dirty dom by night, Liam Monroe has the unique ability to control a person’s body and magic. Liam demands obedience, and even though Oliver may never stop blushing, he and his magic are eager to comply.

Everything is going well until dragons drop in with a score to settle, determined to make the wizard pay for the sins of his family. Oliver will need to rely on his powers if he has any hope of stopping the vengeful dragons… or keeping Liam. Can Oliver be bold enough to fight for the man he loves, or will it all go up in flames?

Bold as Brass features an innocent wizard being ‘corrupted’ and an intelligent literature professor who also happens to be a wicked dominant. There’s also shamelessly perverted moon rituals, literal and magical power exchange, BDSM, finding strength in unexpected places, dangerous dragons, and romantic moonlit confessions. This is the third book in the Elementally Yours series of magical gay romances. Each book features different characters and can be read alone

Review:  Frost or The Bite (Elementally Yours Book 1)  by FN Manning 

Review:  4.5🌈

F N Manning has quickly become a must read author for me, so I was interested in seeing what this paranormal romance story would hold.  It’s the first book in a new series, and it’s got so many of the great qualities that make this author’s work a must for me.

Manning’s characters are relatable, whether they be mages or werewolf, they have depth in the inner struggles they must face and overcome. Personal issues of self determination and self doubt translate well here with both of the main characters. 

Manning works within the framework of the story to build a sympathetic narrative so we can make that clear emotional connection with both wizard Jack Blanchard and werewolf Ewan Oakley.  They meet, make recognizable frustrating errors of judgment and inner turmoil, then slowly work their way through their own battles to be able to win out together in the end.

There’s some really lovely stuff here.  Jack’s parents (no spoilers), a magical thread about choosing a brand and element that I so love, including the idea that the elements are pushing their own agenda.

I did wish we’d gotten more of the Oakley pack and I feel that ending is only loosely resolved because we will see more of that character.

I found I was very enthusiastic about Frost or The Bite (Elementally Yours Book 1)  by FN Manning and am looking forward to the next in the series.

Elementally Yours:

Frost or The Bite #1

Strikes Twice #2

Bold As Brass #3 – October 13,2024

Buy link

        The Frost or The Bite: M/M Paranormal Romance (Elementally Yours Book 1)

    

Blurb

Fate brought them together but will frost tear them apart?

Jack Blanchard is almost a real wizard. First, he needs to choose between the potential of earth magic and centuries of icy family tradition. The decision seems impossible until wolf shifter Ewan Oakley stumbles into his garden and starts awakening all his innermost desires.

Ewan Oakley’s pack is on the brink of ruin after a series of frosty magical attacks. Spending one night relaxing with an adorably uptight wizard is the most fun he’s had in ages, but the shifter can’t ask for more, not while his pack struggles to survive.

Ewan opens Jack’s eyes to new possibilities and they create beautiful magic together. But following his heart may put a target on Jack’s back. Will Ewan and Jack’s love have a chance to blossom, or will the frost freeze them first?

The Frost or The Bite is a thrilling gay paranormal romance featuring forbidden romance, a supernatural feud, action, and steam. This is the first novel in the Elementally Yours series, and all novels in this series can be read as standalones.

  • Publication date: May 19, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 257 pages

Review: The Soul of an Angel (Supernatural Affairs Book 5) by F. N. Manning

Rating: 4🌈

F. N. Manning’s urban fantasy series. Supernatural Affairs, draws to a close with The Soul of an Angel.

Manning’s story is a good finale in that the reader has some important questions answered about the main characters and their relationships. The author also supplies further exploration of the universe and adds on to the series world building/mythology already established.

Does everyone get a HEA? No. A HFN , which is more in keeping with the storylines and newness of the main couple’s relationship. That actually makes sense, but for a finale novel some people might not be satisfied.

Manning has a number of larger series elements that need in-depth exploration and themes that require more heavy lifting, narratively speaking, than a book 195 pages long can provide.

Frost, a Angel hiding from Heaven, revelations about the true nature of the inhabitants of Heaven and Hell, their relationship with Earth, the past and current history between the three realms, a hidden political conspiracy, complete with battle and that’s just what is basically happening.

Let’s then throw in internecine family dynamics, and a main character in danger who’s the fated mate of Frost. Nathan Clinton is someone who is being hunted down and that’s what brings him to the attention of Frost because of what is hunting him.

I liked Manning’s characterizations of both Frost, who we’ve seen before, and Nathan, a very frightened man on the run from demons and a supernatural world just revealing itself to him.

I think that my issues here are that there’s little time for any real development in this relationship because there’s so much more that Manning needs to pay narrative attention to and does. To the detriment of this couple.

A fight for Earth. Yes, super important and that would necessitate a lot of new information and elements to be added. Which they are. Aliens who aren’t what they appear? Yes, more exploration and more details required. So much more.

Probably see where this is going.

There’s really not enough time within the pages to lay out all the really interesting and imaginative content that Manning has written for this story and series. So in trying to get it all done, it all feels as though the author has made sacrifices and nothing has the layers and dimensions expected in a finale or book with this many storylines.

It’s got a lot of potential. I enjoyed the characters, and some of the relationship dynamics. I just wish there had been more length or another book to make that work.

The author does mention the idea of another sequel series which perhaps would tie up some of the many loose ends left behind here. And let us see what happens next to those characters without partners or just getting a start with theirs. That would be lovely.

If you’re interested in paranormal romance or urban fantasy stories, here is a series for you.

Supernatural Affairs series:

The Werewolf’s Heart #1

Shifter for Brains #2

Crazy Like a Fox #3

Body By Mage #4

The Soul of a Angel #5

Buy link

The Soul of an Angel: Gay Urban Fantasy (Supernatural Affairs)

Blurb

In a battle between Heaven and Hell, two lovers must fight to stay together and save the world.

Frost the angel takes pride in protecting others as an agent with the Department of Supernatural Affairs. But his days on Earth are numbered when his family intends to drag him back to Heaven. After centuries of precious freedom, wishing for more time feels greedy. It’s just a shame that Nathan enters the picture right when his time as a free man is up.

Being a high school music teacher isn’t exactly glamorous, but Nathan Clinton is happy with his life. He already did the impossible once by escaping toxic, controlling parents and starting over, so stopping the demons after his immortal soul should be a piece of cake… right? Good thing a beautiful angel has offered his assistance.

When angels and demons start taking an interest in Earth and the world is threatened, Frost and Nathan find themselves in the middle of a brewing war between worlds. With the angel being pulled to Heaven and Nathan being dragged to Hell, is there any hope of them being together on this world—and also saving the Earth?

• Publication date: September 24, 2023

• Language: English

• Print length: 195 pages

Review: Body by Mage (Supernatural Affairs #4) by F.N. Manning

Rating: 4.75🌈

This series has exponentially expanded its world building and arc themes with each new book. It’s dramatically improved over the previous stories while making the series consistent.

Body By Mage brings us a very familiar character to focus on. The ex small bit thief, recovering magical magpie of a minor mage, Rob Walters is back.

Snarky, sarcastic, well meaning but just can’t help it if trouble comes along, constantly chattering Rob, is off doing a favor when he runs into a mess.

That’s he’s trying to steal something for a good cause doesn’t help him. It’s in the sex club office of its owner, Orion Lennox. He’s an incubus who’s been looking for Rob. There’s been a slew of dead bodies and Rob has a hint , whether he’s knows or not, as to who’s behind it.

This meeting leads to a story of fantastic proportions. As well as an unexpected romance and so many twists, that I gobbled this story up and was ready for more.

Manning has written a tale that has so many storylines to grab your attention and make you think about all the various characters. The complex relationship dynamics, especially that of the incubus and mage, the balance of power, and other aspects of their lives are so strong that you forget at times the reason they met to begin with.

The dead bodies, the brutal backgrounds, and the monsters that are coming.

Manno G’s take on Hell is interesting and I’m sure will get more fleshed out when the finale is released.

But this story is completely complicated all on its own. It has a remarkable story, great characters, quite a few twists and revelations. And a cliffhanger too.

I actually enjoyed that.

Yes, I’m definitely recommending Body by Mage (Supernatural Affairs #4) by F.N. Manning . The series to date. But read them in the order they were written. Just marvelous!

Supernatural Affairs:

✓ The Werewolf’s Heart #1

✓ Shifter for Brains #2

✓ Crazy Like A Fox #3

✓ Body By Mage #4

â—¦ The Soul of An Angel #5 – September 24, 2023 series finale

Buy Link:

Body by Mage: Gay Urban Fantasy (Supernatural Affairs Book 4)

Description:

To stop a killer, a mage and an incubus need to get closer magically… and sexually. But their hearts are off limits. Right?

Crime doesn’t pay. Not for Rob Walters. Being a petty criminal has only given him lots of enemies and a dwindling supply of magic, so he’s trying to turn his life around. But when the mage nearly resorts to his old dirty tricks during a moment of weakness, a gorgeous incubus catches him and gives him an offer he can’t refuse… a job offer.

When a deadly sex demon starts draining people dry and dropping bodies, Orion Lennox will do anything to stop the rogue predator who gives their kind a bad name. He’ll even team up with a loud-mouth mage who drives him crazy. The incubus assumes keeping things professional will be easy, but the growing magical and sexual connection between them is hard to resist.

Catching this monster is Rob’s best chance to atone for his past mistakes and level up his magic. Learning what makes mysterious, unbelievably sexy Orion tick is a nice incentive too. But his previous encounter with the dangerous demon they’re hunting nearly destroyed him. Can Rob save the day and get the guy, or will the monster finish him off for good this time around?

Body by Mage is the fourth story in the Supernatural Affairs series of passionate M/M paranormal novels. Each book focuses on a new couple but reading in order is best for those who wish to avoid spoilers.

Review: Shifter for Brains (Supernatural Affairs #2) by F.N. Manning

Rating: 4.5 🌈

I enjoyed the first book in this series, The Werewolf’s Heart which set the universe and ongoing horrific mystery arc for the series. But the second story really succeeds in pulling me fully into the drama and group of characters Manning introduces us to by way of the younger brother of the head of the Supernatural Affairs agency.

We met Chase Slate in his brother’s story, and got a brief impression of a young man who avoids relationships and permanence as well as having an air of irresponsibility about him despite being a agent himself.

That superficial layer is pulled back to reveal a man/shifter with deeper dimensions to his personality. It comes about when he crosses path with Lucas Milton, a man on the run, but from what exactly?

Lucas Milton is a terrific character. Scared, terrified that what he’s afraid of isn’t real, that it’s his mind breaking down, Lucas is a portrait of exhaustion, stress, and fear.

Manning starts to weave a story with many twists from their meeting point. It will include the overall mystery arc that hasn’t been completely solved yet, another one regarding Lucas’s fears, and still yet another. The last being a real surprise and sets up the next book.

I thought this was a great couple, the relationship and their storyline was well plotted, and kept me totally captivated until the end. Plus it was wonderful seeing everyone from the first story together as well.

The ongoing mystery and serious dangers everyone still faces from the mages and kidnapped shifters is still unresolved. I look forward to seeing how this expands further in the next book.

I’m definitely recommending this series and story to all lovers of paranormal romance.

Supernatural Affairs series:

✓ The Werewolf’s Heart #1

✓ Shifter for Brains #2

â—¦ Crazy Like a Fox #3 – Dec 3, 2022

https://www.goodreads.com › showShifter for Brains by F.N. Manning – Goodreads

Two heads are better than one. What about two hearts?

Lucas Milton is usually good with numbers, but nothing is adding up quite right after a nasty car accident five months ago. Paranoid and afraid he’s in danger, the formerly brainy man is surely nuts… until a strange incident involving a fireball nearly leaves him extra crispy.

When Chase Slate finds a troubled beauty and smells another shifter on the scene, he’s sure there’s a supernatural cause for Lucas’s problems. So the detective investigates… even though he’s supposed to be busy with another case. He may not always play by the rules, but the werewolf does care about protecting others. And he might care about protecting Lucas more than he should.

When their fateful meeting leads to a case of mistaken identity, a greedy mage sets his sights on Lucas. As both men struggle to fight their growing attraction, they’ll need to keep their wits about them. Because a secret in Lucas’s past might make him valuable in his own right, and there’s a predator who will stop at nothing to claim him.

Can Lucas and Chase put their heads together and follow their hearts to find happiness, or will being outsmarted turn deadly in Shifter for Brains?

This is the second book in the Supernatural Affairs series of explicit M/M paranormal romance novels that follows the agents of the Ashvale Department of Supernatural Affairs. While familiar characters from the first novel will reappear, this story revolves around Chase and Lucas.

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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.