Nyall is a sweet holiday romance, an adorable beginning to a new Christmas series about a holiday village, Mistletoe Falls, and a special magical family of sprites looking for their HEA’s.
First up is the village baker, Nyall, who meets reporter Aaron Newton, banished to the village to write holiday fluff by his father for a past byline mistake. It becomes a delightful romance as Nyall , and his cousins, show Aaron the Christmas experience by way of all the events and the festivities that happen in Mistletoe Falls.
Of course, there’s a certain magical charm and glamour that occurs to spice things up. There’s a tiny mystery (not much of one) as well as a itty bitty drama about their relationship.
This is pretty much angst free, and a quick easy holiday read. It also sets up the next story which is cousin Oberon’s romance. There’s four books in total. I’m looking forward to reading them all.
At least that’s what the sign hanging in Mistledough, the bakery owned by the gorgeous and mysterious Nyall claims.
When reporter Aaron Newton is banished to Mistletoe Falls for the holidays and forced to provide fluffy and lighthearted stories without a hint of scandal, or else, he finds himself drawn to both the bakery and the sweet taste of the man who runs it.
Aaron may not have come to the small Christmas town for love, but a little holiday magic is in the air, and the season may bring Aaron everything he’s ever wanted… if he’s willing to get whisked away by the handsome baker whose family has a secret to rival Santa Claus himself.
If you love opposites attract, small towns with holiday traditions galore, and magical elves, er, sprites, who make the season bright, you’ll fall head-over-mixing bowl for this feel good Christmas romance.
Author’s Note: Although this series takes place in the Chosen Universe, it is completely stand-alone.
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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer
I Kid You Not , third in the Magical Mates series by Macy Blake, is a sweet romance that’s jammed full of characters and events from previous novels and series.
Spoilers Ahead beware!
If you’re not familiar with The Chosen One universe and connected series, then the characters you meet and events that occur or are mentioned here will not make any sense. There’s simply too many names, types of beings, relationships, and hugely important events that impact this story to keep track of , even for those of us that have read all those books.
It’s one of the reasons I liked this story but wasn’t exactly crazy about it. I felt there was a lot more exposition that was either missing from the main romance or piled on too heavy from the universe storylines around it.
The romance between the guardian of the woods Roan and dietitian Zachary Perry is a sweet one in itself. But we never got any background of what a Guardian of the Wood was, how he got his power, why he was charged up, any of the important particulars left out of the story because it was taken up by Alpha Nick, the kids, the compound etc. I do love them all btw but here they seem to overpower the central romance.
Same goes for Zachary . He’s a terrific guy with aspects to his personality and physical ailments that eventually leads into the discovery he’s got a bit of magical abilities. That’s a major factor, especially in a relationship with a being that’s long-lived or immortal (something else not brought up). But that aspect is never further explored other than identifying it vaguely. A real miss because, again, the storyline went elsewhere.
Towards Nick and the kids and how they choose their own families.
Which, more spoilers, brings me to another odd thing about this story. All the other books have been about couples and these magical children finding each other. Forming families.
Roan and Zachary break that pattern . No kids in a story about kids. Yes, it’s in the title. It’s understandable but weirdly not satisfying given this series and that the kids are everywhere here.
So it’s a sweet romance but overwhelmed by storylines and characters from other books so that for me important elements of these characters are left out.
It’s not unexpected for this universe. Sometimes it works and sometimes it’s less successful.
Zachary Perry is willing to do whatever it takes to win the heart of his mysterious, gruff, and oh-so-gorgeous forest ranger neighbor, even if it means transforming his very bookish, nerdy self into someone (gulp!) outdoorsy so he can fit into Roan’s world.
But when Roan saves him from a seduction plan gone awry, Zachary quickly learns that a fondness for woodland fun is the very least of their differences, for Roan is no mere forest ranger, he’s a forest guardian – a magical creature duty-bound to guard both the land and an entire population of supernatural creatures Zachary never knew existed.
Meanwhile, Zachary… well. He’s very, very human. And that’s something he cannot change, no matter how powerful and intense the connection between them may be.
When something dark and dangerous looms deep in the forest, threatening a pack of children, Zachary insists on leaving the safety of his home and fighting alongside the man he loves.
But when the danger is past, will he be able to find his place in the supernatural world he’s discovered, and to trust that Roan wants him exactly as he is?
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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.
The Chosen One universe by reading order can be found at Macy Blake’s website.
Hell Breaks Loose (Hellhound Champions, #4) turns out to be my very favorite. It’s also the last of this series, setting up what I expect to be the next stage in this multi series universe, the Familiar Fated Mates series. Or whatever the author will title it.
Hell Breaks Loose takes place after Solomon has become the Alpha of the Hellhounds with Cody as the alpha mate. The Chosen One arc has been resolved with Meshaq and Drew set to a new path as Gods.
Achim’s life is a frazzled one for a Hellhound. Instead of things setting down after the Chosen One and his brother battled it out, with the Chosen One winning, the magic has gotten more unstable. More beings have come through into the human realm, keeping Hellhounds busy 24/7 . Achim and the rest of his pack are exhausted. And their situation is getting worse.
Ozias, the Prince of Hell, isn’t having a good day. Horrible in fact. His magic isn’t working and he’s being chased by his mother’s hellhounds. When a human appears before him . In Hell!
Achim goes through a portal but the colors all wrong. Not the usual red. And ends up where he lasts expects to.
This is a marvelous romance and engaging story. The characters are so amazing and have such great personalities. Watching them navigate the intricacies of their developing relationship while handling the widening magical chaos in the human realm , which is also Ozias’ first time there? It’s so deeply wonderful that you can’t turn away from it.
It’s funny, sad, horrifying, sexy , and all kinds of romantic.
This story brings us back into Nick’s family and all the kids he and his mate rescued. We see Solomon and Cody. We also see another extraordinary couple with huge news to impact the entire universe.
It’s quite the story.
I read the middle novels as part of the Chosen Ones collection. It works but I’m glad I read this here. I’m ready for whatever Blake has next for us and this amazing collection of characters.
I’m recommending you read them all to understand how they all fit together and the events and relationships as they form.
First, his mission for the fire goddess ended up with him—a hellhound who’d never actually been to hell—being sent precisely there. Worse, he found himself stuck in the strange hellscape with Ozias, a guy who’s a) hotter than the fire of both suns in the hell-realm, b) really, really likable, despite his arrogance, and c) oh yeah, the actual prince of hell.
Their connection comes in handy, though, when a demon escapes into the human realm and Ozias is sent to track it down. With magic fluctuating wildly around them, the hellhound pack is run ragged trying to keep the supernatural world a secret from the humans… especially since Achim is just a wee bit distracted keeping his mind and hands off the gorgeous-but-cocky prince.
But when the strange forces wreaking havoc on the human realm attempt to drive Achim and Ozias apart… well, that’s when things get really messed up. Because if they think they’re gonna keep a hellhound from the guy who might just be his mate…
I really debated about that rating because this is an fantastic series and , from a overall perspective, it deserves a 5 rating.
However, this collection has a few elements that, as a group I feel tended to take away from the anticipation and potential of a powerful finale.
Give Him Hell, Hellhound Champions #3, is actually my favorite of the three. Nick’s story has it all. A traumatic adolescence, a damaged man who’s history has given him a mission in life that’s as much mystery as he is. It’s full of found family, magical beings, a great relationship, and , really, a huge amount of character growth.
Nick and Hellhound Jedrek are perfection. And now I understand all Nick’s Alpha appearances in the other series. This book is that foundation.
Now to the rest.
Nothing Gained and Stop at Nothing are the two books that essentially tie up Sawyer’s Chosen One storyline. Sawyer needs to complete his circle of Guardians, get his guide, figure out how to defeat his brother , and win the war.
So huge! Right? There are some fantastic elements here. Ones that mix mythology, spirit animals and communication, even past lives to a very fascinating degree. How does someone correct past mistakes if past knowledge has been purposefully erased… by them? Interesting , deeply complex questions. With equally labyrinthine answers. That takes two books to unravel.
Great stuff.
Other beautifully crafted sections? That regarding the wounded, wary Guardian Dakota. He was so well written, so intriguing that you wanted more. Of his history and that of the family we got introduced to. They were all so interesting and unique.
And that was a issue with the last Guardian. All the other great Guardians had powers, some had wounded backgrounds, fascinating personalities, and, honestly, a visible reason to be a part of the Guardian circle. And not just because each represents a Element. The last missing Guardian? Cute as a button but made no sense other than as a “plug-in “ storylight character, who’s aspect could go comedic “high maintenance twink” or “adorable boy toy”. No history. No layers.
Even his “animal “ had me scratching my head in the manner he called it/them.
But even that part , as one dimensional as it is compared to all the other Guardians, doesn’t seem as overdone as all the ongoing multi-partners sex scenes.
When they started, it was sexy and a way to cement the polyamory relationship between Chosen One and his Guardian mates. It made sense.
But here, as the danger grew overwhelming, the partners were wounded, tired, even hospitalized, the orgies never abated. Research continues around them, or on top of them. People get called away from them and return to them.
It makes them less sexy. More like slot A into Slot B type of activity when the amount of sexual activity exceeds story plot. It was almost at that level. A “really.. again?” type of sex scene.
A lightweight major character , too many sex scenes seemed to slow the narrative’s forward motion as it moved towards its tumultuous and scary series finale.
Blake does a outstanding job with formatting that momentous battle into something truly heart stopping and highly suspenseful. From that battle onward it’s a careening, wild ride to the finish. A very satisfying one too.
The epilogue is the only aspect, that has , again, just a few things that bothers me. The Guardians and Sawyer have their happy ending. But a character, who’s played a huge part in this series, and was involved in a traumatic incident, gets written off with a sentence. That struck me as all sorts of wrong and , frankly, undeserved, given his status within the group. More about his situation was definitely called for. The reader was invested in him. As was Sawyer and the group. I don’t get it.
Other characters also just disappeared. I don’t know if it’s Into future storylines and novels but precious time was spent here getting us involved in them so don’t we deserve to know more?
I think what was missing overall in the last Chosen One stories is a sense of narrative flow and emotional balance. Sex scenes over plot and character resolution. A rush story wise because so much went forward quickly , narratively speaking.
And this is why I had issues with the rating. I read them together, and whether that made the issues I had more glaring or not, I won’t know. The whole series is incredible. The maxed out battle and finale absurdly fantastic! A true “I’m crying, hold your breath “ battle!
Then there’s Sweet Spot.
The fourth is a standalone novella , about Guardian Eduard’s widower father, Augustus, and the young man he meets on a island getaway. It’s a second chance at love, age gap sweet story with a slice of kink. I love it.
I’m highly recommending this series. You would be reading the last Chosen books in the order anyway so you might as well read them in this collection and get the wonderful other books as well.
The other series in the Chosen One Universe are ongoing which I’m thrilled about. That’s Magical Mates and Chosen Champions. Stay tuned for more Chosen goodness.
For the first time, Macy Blake’s two bestselling paranormal fantasy series are being published in a three-volume mega-verse box set!
Each volume will feature three full-length MM novels with dragons, hellhounds, vampires and more, with never before published bonus material. All in reader-requested chronological order.
Volume Three:
Give Him Hell: Hellhound Champions Book Three
Nick Smith is a man with a mission: find the place where he’d been held captive as a child and discover what happened to the kids he left behind. He needs answers, especially since he discovered he can shift into a lion. Instead he finds a huge Viking of a man with flaming eyes who threatens Nick’s shaky hold on his control. When Nick’s past collides with a powerful, evil force causing havoc in the supernatural world, Nick races to find who is responsible for the current rash of dark magic. With a hellhound at his side, what could go wrong?
Nothing Gained: The Chosen One Book Four
With the truth finally revealed that Sawyer is the son of a powerful goddess, Sawyer must find the strength to fix the broken magic in his world. There’s only one problem: he has no clue how to do it. Even with six of his eight mates at his side, Sawyer doubts he has what it takes, especially as he is growing weaker by the day. With his newest guardian hiding in the shadows, Sawyer has to find the answers before it’s too late, for both him and his mates.
Stop at Nothing: The Chosen One Book Five
Rising forces of darkness are attacking faster than Sawyer and his mates can mount a defense. It’s time to fight, but Sawyer has too much to lose to risk disaster. The final pieces of the puzzle are falling into place, but they leave him with more questions than answers. He heads into the final battle without the knowledge…or the power…to win. Sawyer only knows one thing: he will stop at nothing to keep his mates safe.
Includes bonus short story:
Sweet Spot
When the goddess tells Augustus Eastaughffe to go to the mountains to find what he needs, he’s more than happy to comply. The billionaire griffin is in the midst of a deepening mystery and expects to find some of the answers he seeks. Instead, he finds a captivating human who proves to be sweeter than any he’s ever met.
The second volume of Chosen One books is where I realized they weren’t being grouped according to series but in a reading order.
Series broken up and interspersed with each other, along with single stories, to give the overall Chosen One plot arc a flow with the characters, relationships, and events as they occur inside each novel.
So with Volume Two we get:
🔹Hell On Earth: Hellhound Champions #1(already reviewed)
🔹Next to Nothing: The Chosen One #3
🔹Hell to Pay: Hellhound Champions 2
🔹Double or Nothing- extra bonus about Sawyer’s brother, Mikey.
All four books, in that order, keep setting up the reader and the characters for the ever developing arc and multiple relationships of the Chosen One and the battle he’s facing.
We get new Guardians, new mates for characters who will , if they aren’t already, hugely important to the safety of the Chosen, and his mission to find that being responsible for all the black magic and devastating events his evil has caused.
Blake’s writing brings us into multiple lives here. Those of the severely damaged children, of the traumatized adults that still carry all the pain and damage within and on them from those years of captivity. Damage that’s carved into them and is able to make us empathize with them completely.
When bear shifter Ben cries out, it’s not just his siblings that feels his anguish, but us too.
There’s fierce battles, high suspense, and lots of very hot sex , with mates who can’t get enough of their men.
There’s also some very funny elements as well. Need those to mitigate the dark moments that are becoming faster and more severe.
All the characters are amazing as is the multi storyline development. It’s getting increasingly complicated. Blake is upping the game, adding in mythology as well as new beings, layers of history as well as new people and their mates . It’s a lot to track as each is so important to the overall picture but it all meshes.
I hadn’t anticipated this type of collection but it’s great. It makes sense and stops a person from having to jump around from series to series. Love it!
So onto Volume Three! I’m picking up speed here! This is a binge reader’s paradise!
For the first time, Macy Blake’s two bestselling paranormal fantasy series are being published in a three-volume mega-verse box set!
Each volume will feature three full-length MM novels with dragons, hellhounds, vampires and more, with never before published bonus material. All in reader-requested chronological order.
Volume Two:
Hell on Earth: Hellhound Champions Book One
As alpha of the hellhounds, Meshaq is tasked by his goddess to be the police of other creatures. When he meets the mysterious Drew, a human on the run, Meshaq is drawn to him in a way he doesn’t understand. His duty is clear, but his feelings for Drew have him longing for things he can’t have. Magical forces collide, beginning a battle that will require all of Meshaq’s skill as the goddess’s champion. He may be the enforcer of the supernatural world, but Meshaq is in danger of losing his heart.
Next to Nothing: The Chosen One Book Three
Sawyer is closer than ever to fulfilling the ancient prophecy of the Chosen One, but the bonds between him and his newest guardians are giving him doubts. With his reluctant hippocamp and an egotistical fae prince, Sawyer has his hands full in more ways than one. The rules are changing, and Sawyer has to adapt quickly if he’s going to keep up, especially after he’s whisked away to the land of the fae, a place with cryptic customs. One misstep could very well lead to his death.
Hell to Pay: Hellhound Champions Book Two
Hellhound beta Solomon has no complaints. Life is fine. His pack and his goddess-given duties as a protector of the human realm are enough. So what if he’s a little bored and a smidge lonely? His scheme to get to know his human pack mate comes at the worst possible time, especially as Cody is convinced he works for a group of elite mob enforcers instead of the protectors of the supernatural world. When a magical attack draws Cody into the supernatural world, can Solomon convince Cody to join them in a dangerous mission to defeat a terrifying creature bent on raining destruction on them all?
Includes bonus short story:
Double or Nothing
Mikey Smith lives with what he calls his “flickers”. When he’s out in the world, sometimes other people flicker and change into something terrifying that no one but him can see. He’s been diagnosed with epilepsy, but part of him knows what he sees is real. When two men walk into his coffee shop, his world is turned upside down when they transform into something else… and they know he can see them. Asher and Quillon aren’t expecting to add a third into their mix… but neither of them are opposed to the idea either. When they meet Mikey, they’re drawn to him from the first moment. He’s a human exposed to their world, though, and the consequences are severe. Can Asher and Quillon protect their new human mate from the forces that threaten him?
I am all in on these series collections. It allows me to read straight through a series of books without stopping, something every binge reader dreams of.
As I said in my review of Hell On Earth (Hellhound Champions #1) , I’m in the process of reading all the Chosen One novels. What better way than Chosen One bundles?
This bundle takes me back to the origin of all the series and relationships.
It begins with Sweet Nothings, the prequel novel, that’s the foundation . Here we meet human Sam Baker, alpha Vaughn Jerrick, and some of the most engaging supernatural children ever. The plot, which is heartwarming, romantic, funny, and and totally captivating. It’s also extremely moving. And not without its moments of heartbreak.
Many of the young beings are people that play important roles throughout the overall Chosen Ones series. So this is indeed where it all starts.
The next two stories are completely different. The first couple of Sam and Vaughn are completely monogamous, as you would expect a werepack Alpha mated couple to be.
But All or Nothing and Nothing Ventured are focused on the group of Guardians as they slowly find each other, adjusting to what they are to their roles and new relationships. And what that might mean to the Chosen One when it’s located,the one they are committed to, via a prophecy.
Hint, the Chosen is found but not all the Guardians are counted for as yet.
These are incredibly sexy stories. Also high action and adventure. We are talking Vampire, Dragon, Griffon, …ummm nope. The rest will need to be read.
But the relationship between all of them? It’s only of polyamory. And it’s not only extremely sexy but it works beautifully in as far as the need for their tightly crafted relationships with each other.
Blake has a huge overall series plot thread being crafted that started with Sweet Nothing and continues to build with deadly suspense with each book.
The black magic and villain is hidden to great effect, truly chilling.
I loved both books. It was outstanding seeing Henry, a grownup 21, and well into his powers. Although wasn’t quite ready for his Daddy kink.
That was a issue reading those stories together. For me, he was just the haunted, traumatized orphan I left behind in Sweet Nothings. Oops!
Now he’s 21. I felt like his parent.
Hmmm , yeah, that took a while. Sawyer yes, Henry, too soon. Not anything more than reading the books right after each other.
By Nothing Ventured, I was fine. And loving the polyamory relationship of the Guardians.
Anyway I’m onto the second volume of Chosen novels.
And if you’re a fan of supernatural beings, mythological creatures, magic, Macy Blake, and the Chosen One Universe, here’s a collection for you.
I’m on a journey to read all of Macy Blake’s series in the Champions universe as I sort of backed into it from the latest series written. I wanted to get a full foundation and a better understanding of all the characters and their interlocking relationships.
I meant to start at the beginning but Hellhounds! I can’t resist a Hellhound story, doesn’t matter the author. So here I am. At the start of the Hellhound Champions series.
Hell On Earth (Hellhound Champions #1) by Macy Blake is a terrific story. I was immediately pulled into this universe and the characters situations.
This is mid-range the overall multi series arc, so I had an idea of where I was in the interconnected universe timeframe.
We first get a feel for the bar, employees, and Meshaq, the alpha Hellhound, who runs it as a safe haven for unknowing humans and supernaturals alike, as long as all abide by his rules. He’s been slowly gathering a small pack of odd beings who needed sanctuary and found it with his walls and protection. All under the guidance of his Goddess.
Then a hunted human , Drew Metcalf, arrives to change everything.
Blake does a great job of creating sympathetic characters, especially Drew, who draw us to them. But it’s not just Drew. But Cody, Walt, and others there who are vulnerable in different aspects that will make us care for them too. This pack , a special found family, that will continue to grow, quickly establishes a place in a reader’s heart.
Surrounding them is Shaq and the other Hellhounds. Those are equally strong and fascinating. Introduced in the previous novels, which are still on my TBR list, some will be getting their mates in this series. Shaq is a strong personality. His romance with Drew is sweet and sexy , as well as falling into the fated mate category.
There’s a few suspenseful elements here to the storyline and some questions about their relationship as they are really the first of the mated couples to appear. So much of the history of what they are to each other , and to the pack is lost.
I get the idea that may change in the future stories.
I was entertained and enjoyed this story. I’m quickly onto the next! As my journey continues, I’m recommending this book and the series I’ve read to date.
Protector. Boogeyman. Hellhound. Meshaq has been called it all. As alpha of the hellhounds, his goddess has tasked him with protecting the secrets of the supernatural world. He’s the police of other creatures and the enforcer of the goddess’s rules. If his duty leaves him lonely and longing for a mate and a larger pack, well, the goddess knows the secrets of his heart and she will grant them if it is her will.
Drew Metcalf is a man on the run. When he finds himself in a biker bar surrounded by leather wearing giants, he thinks he’s a goner. But there’s something different about the man slinging drinks. He makes Drew feel safe, something he hasn’t felt in a long time.
When Drew and Shaq’s worlds collide, a different kind of magic happens. Shaq doesn’t understand why he’s so drawn to the human whose life is shrouded in mystery and danger. What Shaq does know is that Drew needs his protection. Magical forces are at work, beginning a battle that will require all of Shaq’s skill as the goddess’s champion. With a terrifying threat looming, Shaq and Drew are in danger of losing more than their hearts.
You know how, somewhere in a series, you always find one story that’s just it for you? Even in a series you adore? It hits all your buttons, emotionally, just satisfying AF in every way?
That’s Aleron for me, the third novel in Macy Blake’s fantastic Chosen Champions series. This is a series that exists within a multi-connected series universe. I believe there’s four that has The Chosen One as it’s foundation. Each interacts with each and has a overlapping arc which is developing in a nicely layered way here.
Aleron is Aleron Eastaughffe, a immensely wealthy griffon. We’ve met him and his cousin, Victor (Magical Mates) previously. But here Aleron shines like a griffon should.
Blake gives us a romance between two completely different beings, complicated men who have existed in such opposite circumstances, mentally and emotionally, that’s it’s almost impossible to think of them together. Except that they are immediately,hopelessly , and inarguably drawn towards each other.
Each is at a loss to explain the attraction, or know what to do about it.
Aleron lived as a fabulously rich hedonistic player. A lifestyle of one. Until he was pulled into Logan’s pack. Where he’s been accepted, needed, and enveloped into the pack structure. Now Aleron is firmly established as pack. A griffon with two families, one of blood and that he’s found within the pack structure.
Blake , through the two person perspective, brings us into Aleron’s mind and emotional state about his changing status and potential new feelings about Spencer Walsh.
Spencer Walsh. He’s the hedge witch the pack has brought in to help solve the latest mysteries with the strange runes associated with the evil mage who kidnapped/tortured Raj and his friend. The same dark mage that’s causing harm throughout the city.
Spencer is such an amazing character. He lives alone, in a forest, drawing his power from the land his family has lived in forever. He’s socially not just awkward, but even unaware, so focused on books and learning. His lives always by himself, loves the quiet which lets him focus. His only friend, another witch, Merry (another fabulous person).
Watching the interactions and slow burn between such opposites is one of the best elements here. It’s so well written, each person trying to figure out why they can’t get the other out of their brain. Perilously close to both humor and pathos. It’s charming, heartwarming, and lovely as it slowly proceeds from confusion to reflection to recognition of their emerging relationship and deep feelings.
All that complicated thought processes happening while the overall arc continues with some great action and plotting.
This is a real pleasure to read . I will re-read to savor all the elements and characters again.
Plus I have to wait until January of next year until the series finale is out. Sigh.
Until then, read the series in the order they are written for plot and character development.
Plus if you’ve missed out on any of the connected series, I listed them as well. Dive into them and the whole Chosen One universe! It’s a winner.
I’m highly recommending it.
Chosen Champions:
✓ Logan #1
✓ Gideon #2
✓ Aleron #3
◦ Scout #4. – January 31, 2023
All part of The Chosen One Universe connected group of series:
Aleron Eastaughffe is a billionaire griffin who knows what he wants…
Namely, a gorgeous city penthouse, a life of luxury, and the respect and admiration of his peers-–all the things he’s come to expect as one of the Eastaughffes. But when Aleron finds himself connected to a rag-tag group of shifters and forced to work alongside the most awkward yet utterly captivating human witch in all the realms… he realizes he might want something very different after all.
Spencer Walsh is a witch who knows where he belongs…
And that is alone, in his remote cabin, where there are no annoying people around to give him strange looks when he spends his days reading, or to complain when he gets hyper-focused on research and forgets they exist. But when an old friend needs help researching a mysterious set of runes, Spencer joins forces with a group of shifters–and one gorgeous, provoking griffin–and learns that the world might just be more accepting than he thought… and more dangerous than he ever dreamed.
If Aleron and Spencer want a chance at a future together, they’ll have to let go of what they think they know, and face some hard truths together…
The truth about the runes and the magic they hold.
The truth about what love and belonging really mean.
And the truth about how much they’ll compromise to make each other happy… and how hard they’ll fight to keep each other safe.
Stop Kidding Around is the second book in Macy Blake’s Magical Mates series and it’s another winner. It gives us plenty of drama and action while still managing to remain focused on a developing small family group , formed by a human teacher and three wolf shifters, two of which are adorable children.
Toby Sanders, the teacher, is such an amazing new character. He’s one of the two povs the story is told from and his is the most refreshing and hilarious. As a human with no idea the supernatural world exists, Toby’s introduction is abrupt and his reaction is everything!
Can we relate? Why yes we can!
For me, Toby’s perspective and character just makes this book. Macy has written a honest, personable, highly intelligent man who’s still hesitant to believe in love for himself. I absolutely Toby. He’s so relatable.
Watching him communicate and open up himself to others and being a part of a family and pack? Incredible.
Brook , the wolf shifter who patiently talks with Toby, communicating the new world around him, and their mate bond? Just as amazing and beautiful.
So too the little girls/wolf shifters, Marigold and Daisy.
There’s other important characters in play here. Most have been referred to or have had huge parts to play in other stories, their own or others in The Chosen universe. Some like the orphan Jeremy , a big element here, might have an interesting future ahead. Just another reason I’m loving this series.
The only issue I had here is that with all the many storylines at work, when it came time to pull them all together, some felt a bit rushed. I felt as though I was missing some of the pieces of the puzzle for a few of the mystery segments at the end. The explanation didn’t seem to cover everything that occurred.
However, the romance, the mate bond, the communication ( a huge thing with me) the children, it made it just plain magical. Love this couple and children.
Magical Mates is a great addition to The Chosen universe and I hope it continues.
I’m recommending both stories written so far! Red them in the order they were written.
His so-called mate thinks it’s fate. Toby has other ideas.
When Toby Sanders shows up to interview for a teaching job at a mysterious estate, he’s not expecting his world to flip upside down and backward.
Shifters are real… and the hottest, most protective wolf of all is claiming him as a mate.
Toby can’t deny that Brooks is everything he ever wanted and never thought he could have–loving, strong, drop-dead gorgeous–or that the two little girls Brooks wants to adopt give Toby a glimpse of the family he’s always dreamed of… But how the heck is he supposed to believe in this mating magic stuff when life has taught him that the only person he can count on is himself?
As dangers from multiple sources threaten everything he’s come to care about, Toby learns that being part of a pack isn’t just about accepting his fate, it’s about choice: choosing to trust Brooks, choosing to believe in himself, and choosing to fight for the life and love he deserves, even if he has to cross the entire fae realm to do it.
I recently reviewed Logan, the first book in Macy Blake’s new series. In that story, Orsen Riggs , a bear shifter and his adorable son came to help with the new additions and renovations to Logan’s team’s office and pack dwelling.
In a short time, they made an indelible impression. So I was thrilled to find I could read Orsen’s romance and the tale of his family.
It’s part of the Chosen interlocking group of series that Blake has ongoing that includes Logan’s series as well.
But honestly, adorable shifter kids and mates? I’m in!
The kids were a part of a drama from another series/novels but enough of their history was related here that we had a foundation. Kids kidnapped, hurt, saved, now heading under the one Alpha and clan who saved them.
Exciting and sets up a fantastic groundwork for future stories as the kids are all different shifters.
There is nothing more connectable or endearing then small beings needing families and love. Macy Blake does an outstanding job of giving us children who are not are believable but have the ability to jump instantly into our hearts.
Add onto that two men with a mate connection each is unsure about, a child they both “feel “ is somehow theirs… and you have a heartfelt storyline that pulls you in with multiple elements.
And it’s not just that child in need of a family…..
There’s a compound full. With dangers lurking outside.
Building houses for a pack of orphans might lead one griffin to find his heart’s home.Victor Eastaughffe knows three things for a fact:-He does not have a mate.-He does not like children.-His duty is to his griffin clan. When Victor meets Orsen Riggs, a scruffy bear shifter, and little Gus, an orphaned red panda cub, his orderly, structured world becomes messy and chaotic. All the things he once held true suddenly don’t make sense. Asked to help the Smith pack navigate the difficult world of shifter politics, Victor realizes he might not know himself as well as he thought.
Magic is in the air, and it’s making him long for things he never wanted before. But duty comes before all else, even at a price Victor no longer wants to pay.
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 