Review: The Chosen One Universe: Vol Two by Macy Blake

Rating: 4.75🌈

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!

I’m highly recommending this and Volume One.

Happy Reading!

https://www.goodreads.com › showChosen One Universe Volume Two by Macy Blake – Goodreads

https://www.amazon.com › Chosen-…The Chosen One Universe Volume Two: An MM Paranormal Fantasy Shifters Series …

Have You Been Chosen?

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?

❤️Chosen Universe Multi-series Reading Order:

1. Sweet Nothings- Prequel
– The Chosen One

2. The Trouble With Love
– Nothing But Trouble, Book 1

3. Santa Trouble
– Nothing But Trouble, Book 2

4. All or Nothing
– The Chosen One, Book 1

5. Nothing Ventured
– The Chosen One, Book 2

6. Hell on Earth
– Hellhound Champions, Book 1

7. Double or Nothing

8. Next to Nothing
– The Chosen One, Book 3

9. Hell To Pay
– Hellhound Champions, Book 2

10. Give Him Hell
– Hellhound Champions, Book 3

11. Nothing Gained
– The Chosen One, Book 4

12. Stop at Nothing
– The Chosen One, Book 5

13. Sweet Spot

14. All Kidding Aside
– Magical Mates, Book 1

15. Stop Kidding Around
– Magical Mates, Book 2

16. Hell Breaks Loose
– Hellhound Champions, Book 4

17. Logan
– Chosen Champions, Book 1

18. Gideon
– Chosen Champions, Book 2

19. Jamal
– Chosen Champions

20. Cosmo and the King

21. Aleron
– Chosen Champions, Book 3

Review: Pixie Little Liar (Blackhaven Manor #5) by Arden Steele

Rating: 4.5🌈

I can’t begin to tell you how much I’m enjoying these adorable supernatural romances by Arden Steele. They go by so quickly and smoothly. Although each is a fated mates trope, Steele manages to put such a interesting spill on every new couple’s story and matchup, that I eagerly anticipate what I’ll find with the new tale!

Emerys Whitehill, part pixie and part Fae, has been a staple of all the stories so far. He’s a gorgeous, genuinely happy , blue-haired, bartender with a mysterious predilection for anticipating the future. I love Emerys!

So great he’s getting his mate, especially when he was part of a mystery in the last storyline. It’s resolved here , btw.

That’s when his mate shows up in a totally unexpected role. Cyrus Rathbone, Hellhound and employee of the MOA. That’s the de facto Otherlings Judge/Jury/Jail/Execution Organization who handles all the affairs between species and races.

Seems sweet, adorable Emrys has been accused of multiple murders and his newly revealed mate is there to take him in.

Delicious.

It’s a fabulous story. Exciting, romance on the run, a relationship that’s growing through communication and discovery of remarkable talents. Steele incorporates characters from Grin and Bear It, as well as our usual beings.

Pixie Little Liar is one romantic entertaining, engaging romp. I adored every bit of it.

This series and characters are a real joy.

Meet Emrys and Cyrus. Enjoy their romance and relationship! I’m highly recommending them!

Blackhaven Manor Series:

✓ Purrfect Harmony #1

✓ Night and Fae #2

✓ Dragon It Out #3

✓ Grin and Bear it #4

✓ Pixie Little Liar #5

◦ Dead Over Heals #6

◦ Silent Knight #7

https://www.goodreads.com › showPixie Little Liar (Blackhaven Manor #5) by Arden Steele – Goodreads

Synopsis:

There’s a heaviness to the air, the kind that makes the hairs on the back of Emrys Whitehill’s neck stand on end. Something is going to happen. Something big. Something that will change him forever. Despite his powers of precognition, however, a hellhound walking into the hotel to arrest him for a crime he didn’t commit is the one scenario he never saw coming.

As a seasoned bounty hunter, Cyrus Rathborne thought he had experienced it all, but realizing his most recent target is his mate throws him completely off his game. While he can’t deny the connection, Emrys is wanted for the murder of a royal, and he won’t let those big innocent eyes deter him from doing what is right. Yet, the more he gets to know the sweet pixie, the harder it is to shake the feeling that the guy might actually be telling the truth.

He should have trusted his instincts.

It soon becomes clear that someone is determined to make Emrys disappear—permanently—and the only thing standing in their way is him. Transforming from hunter to protector, Cyrus will risk everything to keep his mate safe, because what started as just another job is now the one mission he can’t afford to fail.

Review: Grin and Bear It (Blackhaven Manor #4) by Arden Steele

Rating: 4.5🌈

Grin and Bear It (just love the names) reverts back to the instant recognition and almost as fast bonding between the fated mates of this terrific story.

But Arden Steele’s novella does change up some elements that I sort of took for granted, given the plots of the other books. I really appreciate the surprise aspect of this.

Thorne McIver, super magical bear shifter and protector of Royal families , in this case a royal Elven prince. He’s a special Guardian, of a renowned and highly feared security team. Now he’s at the annual Summit of Allies Races Council/DARC held at Blackhaven Manor with the Prince who’s representing his Elven race.

Steele has gone both into history and mythology while constructing the character and species for Thorne and his team of Guardians. It’s fascinating and imaginative. Perfect, really, especially when called into action.

Throne’s mate is a human. Wren Covey, concierge at reception area of Blackhaven Manor, along with Kol. He’s a delightful character. With a decidedly painful past, Wren is someone who Steele shows to continually move beyond his own bad experiences to become a gentle, genuine person, with a kind heart and occasional inability to focus.

We adore him immediately as does the others we know from previous stories.

Through Wren, we get the first inkling of growing human backlash against the Otherlings and their status within human society. That’s been a subdued element before but here it’s a big factor in Wren’s family life and the weekend conference.

That’s new. So is the worry apparent in the Dragon siblings.

The drama here is woven through the mating story and the growing new relationship between Wren and Thorne. It kept me absolutely engaged. Especially as new details about Thorne’s species , his MOA security detail, and , what their future plans entail.

Hint? It comes from Dragon it Out. What a fabulous way to end it and give ideas for future stories.

This series and couples just keep getting better and better. And the universe just keeps expanding with new facts, organizations, and , of course, couples.

I’m highly recommending Grin and Bear It (Blackhaven Manor #4) by Arden Steele and the series.

Blackhaven Manor Series:

✓ Purrfect Harmony #1

✓ Night and Fae #2

✓ Dragon It Out #3

✓ Grin and Bear it #4

◦ Pixie Little Liar #5

◦ Dead Over Heals #6

◦ Silent Knight #7

https://www.goodreads.com › showGrin and Bear It (Blackhaven Manor #4) by Arden Steele – Goodreads

Read Free With Kindle Unlimited

AVAILABLE AT AMAZON

Synopsis:

Thorne McIver is no ordinary bear shifter. He’s the monster whispered about in the dark, the beast feared in battles, and for hundreds of years, he’s used his formidable gifts to protect the royal families of the paranormal world. So, when he’s tasked with escorting the elven prince to a council meeting at Blackhaven Manor, he figures it’s just another assignment.

Until he meets a stunning human who fills in all the pieces he didn’t know were missing.

When he’d first started working at the hotel, Wren Covey had been a mess. He’d known almost nothing about Otherlings, their culture or rules, and everything had terrified him. Barely a year later, there’s not much he hasn’t seen, and hardly anything fazes him. Or so he thought, because nothing could have prepared him for being the mate to a genuine living legend.

When an attack on the hotel tests his already divided loyalties, Thorne finds himself torn between love and duty. Though honor-bound to protect the prince, his instincts will always be to put his mate first.

Now, he’ll have to find middle ground and figure out how to do both, or his happy ending will be over before it even begins.

Review: Dragon It Out (Blackhaven Manor #3) by Arden Steele

Rating: 4.5🌈

Dragon It Out, the third installment in Arden Steele’s Blackhaven Manor series, is my favorite yet. Fated mates is central to this series but instead of the quick mating of the previous novels, this is a slow mating romance, in a novella.

Surrounded by a mystery and full of suspense, with just a fantastic couple at its heart.

Uriah Maddox, dragon shifter , brother to siblings, Skye and Thade, is half of our fated couple. He’s thousands of years old, yet still mired in guilt over a past loss. One that’s keeping him from moving forward with his life, even when he meets his mate.

That’s Kit Meyers, human, and someone clearly in trouble. He arrives at Blackhaven Manor in at most inauspicious way. His car breaks down in the parking lot and he doesn’t have the funds to repair it.

Odd how things meant to be happen at Blackhaven just when they need to.

Scared Kit and huffy Uriah, in full out surly mode, are a great couple. One , a human, in survival mode, the other, a dragon, attempting to flee at every second, avoiding the being he knows to be his mate. Plus two exasperated siblings watching it all.

Combined with a very serious danger to Kit in a past that he’s on the run from? And Dragon It Out is just a great exciting fantasy romance, with a touching romance, and a suspenseful side element.

Steele’s ability to add small scenes with secondary characters in a diner, just make this story that much richer.

I enjoyed everything about this. As I said my favorite so far. And loving this series.

Smooth flowing, well crafted, and really quick romantic reads.

I’m highly recommending this and them.

Onto #4! Grin and Bear it.

Blackhaven Manor Series:

✓ Purrfect Harmony #1

✓ Night and Fae #2

✓ Dragon It Out #3

◦ Grin and Bear it #4

◦ Pixie Little Liar #5

◦ Dead Over Heals #6

◦ Silent Knight #7

https://www.goodreads.com › showDragon It Out (Blackhaven Manor #3) by Arden Steele – Goodreads

Synopsis:

As some of the last remaining dragon shifters in the world, Uriah Maddock and his siblings are regarded as something akin to royalty in the paranormal community. It’s one of the main reasons their hotel has become such a coveted destination for Otherlings. All he wants, though, is to be left alone. He’s not looking for love or romance. In fact, he actively avoids relationships and all their damning consequences. Too bad his meddling sister didn’t get the memo.

Kit Meyers is pretty sure he’s hit rock bottom when his car breaks down in the small, mountain town of Echo Falls. He has no money, no place to live, and no prospects. When a not-so-chance encounter leads him to the infamous Blackhaven Manor, he figures he’ll stay for a few weeks, earn some cash, then head back to the safety of the road. But all that changes when he meets a surly dragon shifter with wounded eyes and even more baggage than himself.

Uriah can’t commit to a houseplant, let alone to being someone’s mate. Convinced that Kit is better off without him, he’s prepared to leave everything behind if that means the skittish human will be safe and happy. Yet, as the days pass, he keeps finding new excuses to stay, until he’s finally forced to admit that he’s not going anywhere.Especially when he realizes he’s not the only dangerous person in Kit’s life.

Review: Hell On Earth (Hellhound Champions #1) by Macy Blake

Rating: 4.25🌈

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.

Happy reading!

Hellhound Champions series:

1. Hell on Earth – Hellhound Champions, Book 1

2. Hell To Pay – Hellhound Champions, Book 2

3. Give Him Hell – Hellhound Champions, Book 3

https://www.goodreads.com › showHell on Earth (Hellhound Champions, #1) by Macy Blake – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Hell Hath No Fury…

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.

❤️Chosen Universe Multi-series Reading Order:

1. Sweet Nothings- Prequel
– The Chosen One

2. The Trouble With Love
– Nothing But Trouble, Book 1

3. Santa Trouble
– Nothing But Trouble, Book 2

4. All or Nothing
– The Chosen One, Book 1

5. Nothing Ventured
– The Chosen One, Book 2

6. Hell on Earth
– Hellhound Champions, Book 1

7. Double or Nothing

8. Next to Nothing
– The Chosen One, Book 3

9. Hell To Pay
– Hellhound Champions, Book 2

10. Give Him Hell
– Hellhound Champions, Book 3

11. Nothing Gained
– The Chosen One, Book 4

12. Stop at Nothing
– The Chosen One, Book 5

13. Sweet Spot

14. All Kidding Aside
– Magical Mates, Book 1

15. Stop Kidding Around
– Magical Mates, Book 2

16. Hell Breaks Loose
– Hellhound Champions, Book 4

17. Logan
– Chosen Champions, Book 1

18. Gideon
– Chosen Champions, Book 2

19. Jamal
– Chosen Champions

20. Cosmo and the King

21. Aleron
– Chosen Champions, Book 3

Review: Trash and Treasure (A Fox Hollow novella) by Morgan Brice

Rating: 3.75🌈

Trash and Treasure is a sweet shifter romance by a author I really like. I’m most familiar with Morgan Brice’s interconnected paranormal series which I throughly enjoy and, tbh, am a bit behind on.

But when I saw a shifter story written by Brice, it was an immediate draw. Plus it’s main couple was a raccoon and opossum. That “fated mate” pairing just appealed to me.

They are, as each states, not from the sought after or glamour categories of shifter species. True.

Plus they aren’t the predator/prey hookups that, as a biologist, often has me cringing more than a bit. Nopes, opossums and raccoons occupy the same habitats, same niche …nocturnal. It makes more sense then some other shifter couples so mentally I’m already there.

Brice gives each a poignant backstory without going into too much tragedy. I’m not familiar with this universe but the nature of Fox Hollow as a shiftertown for shifters needing a safe haven is easily and quickly established .

Mico Foley, raccoon-shifter, trash truck driver, and found object artist, is a terrific character. From his treehouse which “acts” as his tree cavity, to his engaging personality, Mico feels larger than this novella allows his story to be.

The same goes for the gentle , baker Jack Hargrave. A possum shifter, who’s a genius in the kitchen, with an enthusiastic outlook, and shy demeanor, Jack is the perfect counterpart to Milo’s outgoing charm, and natural intelligence. Each radiates some of their shifter animals in their “human “ stages, a wonderful element.

There’s a beginning courtship, that swings way too quickly to fated mates and true love. Mostly due to the shortness of the novella.

It ends with after a traumatic event, with them happily together.

This is a sweet tale.

For me, the promise these characters hold within themselves and their relationship, it cries out for a longer book and a more densely plotted journey towards a HEA. But that’s me.

Want a Morgan Brice tale? A sweet shifter romance? Trash and Treasure (A Fox Hollow novella) by Morgan Brice is the thing for you.

https://www.goodreads.com › showTrash and Treasure (Fox Hollow Zodiac #3.5) by Morgan Brice – Goodreads

A lonely raccoon shifter. A hopeful possum shifter. Awesome donuts–and true love.

Raccoon-shifter Mico Foley drives a garbage truck in Fox Hollow, a job that keeps a roof over his head while he pursues his true passion—creating art with found objects. He fears he might never find a mate—until he falls hard for the sexy new baker in town. But will a hottie like that fall for a guy like him?

Possum-shifter Jack Hargrave is the new night baker at Bare Necessities Cafe, his big opportunity to do what he loves most—creating irresistible confections. He didn’t move to Fox Hollow to find a mate, but the handsome truck driver who empties the cafe’s dumpster has stolen his heart. Could a hunk like him still care when he finds out Jack’s secret?

Trash and Treasure is an MM shifter romance with a flirty baker, a brooding artist, hurt/comfort, unusual art, a fancy tree house, found family, fated mates and seductive donuts.

Review: Purrfect Harmony (Blackhaven Manor #1) by Arden Steele

Rating: 4🌈

Somehow I missed both this author and her supernatural romance series , Blackhaven Manor. I’m rectifying that now.

Each story is a quick satisfying read if the first is any indication.

Blackhaven Manor is an enormous castle-like structure settled on an equally humongous wooded estate . Think ginormous 5 star hotel that’s comprised of Otherly niches , each suitable for a certain supernatural species, be it Vampire, Fae, type of were shifter, or anything else in the Other spectrum. And run by a meddling Dragon family.

It’s human concierge is Kol Livingston. Kol is one of the few humans on staff and the first to get his romance. He’s fresh from a bad breakup and currently swearing off any new relationships.

That’s when famous singer and infamous bad boy cheetah shifter, Remington Raines, arrives at Blackhaven Manor . He’s set to perform at the fabulous annual Festival held at the manor, a event so exclusive that it’s sold out far in advance.

Steele’s story is a fated mates romance with a hint of suspense to it. The author crafts her characters with an eye towards detail. Then, with a narrative smack, quickly nails the powerful impact a mate call has on a shifter and the couple.

It makes the fated mate a very believable element. Which I think was made more impressive given the shorter length of the book.

There’s a mystery and suspense aspect to the story that is something I both like and yet wish was given more time to develop. What we have is terrific but could have been so outstanding with a bit more “seasoning buildup“.

There are more characters I hope will will get to know better in the future novels. This universe has the potential for some very dramatic storylines and romances. I look forward to books.

I’m definitely recommending you start your journey here.

Blackhaven Manor Series:

✓ Purrfect Harmony #1

◦ Night and Fae #2

◦ Dragon It Out #3

◦ Grin and Bear it #4

◦ Pixie Little Liar #5

◦ Dead Over Heals #6

◦ Silent Knight #7

https://www.goodreads.com › showPurrfect Harmony (Blackhaven Manor #1) by Arden Steele – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Kol Livingston believes in the so-called fairy tales, the clichés—love at first sight, soul mates, and happily-ever-afters. He wants it all, but after a series of failed relationships, he’s beginning to think he’ll never meet Prince Charming. He loves his job at Blackhaven Manor, but with all the gorgeous paranormals strutting around the hotel, why would anyone choose him?

When cheetah shifter and infamous bad boy, Remington Raines, is asked to perform for the Heritage Festival at Blackhaven Manor, he can’t say no. Literally. Still, an all-expenses-paid vacation from tour buses and screaming fans might be just what he needs. Falling for the quirky concierge with big, brown eyes and a smile that melts him, however, wasn’t part of the plan. He’s used to people—men, women, supernatural and human—throwing themselves at him, but Kol doesn’t care about his fame or his money. He’s been hurt, and he’s not about to give his heart to just anyone.Image is everything, but if Remington wants to win over this jaded human, he’ll have to dig deep and show Kol the man behind the reputation.

Review: Origin (Scales ‘n’ Spells #1) by A.J. Sherwood and Jocelynn Drake

Rating: 4🌈

When I saw that two of my go to authors had co-writtten a series together, I needed to check it out. Especially a fantasy series.

Origin, the first in A.J. Sherwood and Jocelynn Drake’s Scales ‘n’ Spells series is a terrific story. It overflows with dragons, magic, and romance.

The world building is straight forward and, unless the authors intend to throw substantial twists into the upcoming novels, without the multiple complexities and overall murkiness I’ve had in my other sagas. This contributes to a lighter narrative, that moves the plot swiftly along. Germany makes for a rich location in terms of language and culture and both are put to excellent use by the authors.

The Park Twins, both Cameron and his sister Cassie are charming and well conceived. In fact, the entire all the Noh family, including the wonderful grandmother are such a plus! I gravitated to them all. More so then any of the other characters. Hopefully we will see more of them in the upcoming novels.

The arc story threads is set forth almost immediately as are the stakes for all the beings involved. The action scenes are well done but I want more of the dragons. Balancing mage and dragons here isn’t a easy task.

Alric and Cameron make a relatable couple. I think his sister Cassie and her mate make an even more adorable one, and wanted to see more of them too.

Origins was a very good start to a new series and I look forward towards the rest of the series.

As a lover of fantasy, I’m recommending it.

Scales ‘n’ Spells series:

Origins

Breathe

Wish: a Novella

Blood

Embers

https://www.goodreads.com › showOrigin (Scales ‘N’ Spells, #1) by A.J. Sherwood – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Cameron wants to make it clear that he did not go into the festival to find a dragon mate.

Germany is supposed to be an escape. With a new mechanical engineering degree, a new job looming, and a whole life planned out that isn’t his, Germany seems like the best place to find himself.

So, how does he end up discovering his lost magic heritage, running from bad guys with a secret agenda, and being adopted by the not-so-extinct Fire Dragon clan?

Cameron blames tall, dark, and sexy Alric, King of the Fire Dragons. His fated mate. Because of course he is, and mates are meant to take the blame, right?

It may take a hot second, but as Cameron learns more about the scarred Alric and the life he’s landed in, Cameron realizes that perhaps this is where he’s meant to be, magic and mates and kidnapping and all.

Turns out coming to Germany wasn’t an escape but his awakening.

Tags: Not-so-extinct, Shifter dragons, mages, fated mates, secret clans, epic libraries, hurt/comfort, not mpreg, age gap, not that Alric cares, magical heritage, mechanical engineers being BAMF, grumpy dragon kings being protective of their cute mates, really the cuteness is downright criminal, we might need a firehose for these two, or not, sass, so much sass, Ravi and Cameron are no longer allowed to be alone together, for reasons, dragons hoarding, when you live long enough statistics will get you, bats named Cheryl, beheadings, no damsels in distress here, just very unhappy mages, with trigger fingers, anyone have life hacks on how to get rid of kidnappers, Cameron is open to suggestions.

Check Out the Release Blitz with Excerpt for Dravyn’s Garden (D’Vaire Book 15) by Jessamyn Kingley

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: Dravyn’s Garden (D’Vaire, Book 15)

Author: Jessamyn Kingley

Cover Artist: LJ Anderson, Mayhem Cover Creations

Release Date: January 16, 2020

Genre/s: M/M Urban Fantasy

Trope/s: Fated Mates

Themes: Love, Facing Reality, Power

Heat Rating: 3 flames

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In one extraordinary garden, is it possible to grow love?

Blurb

Drindyr Duke Dravyn D’Vairedracon is is a quiet man who finds happiness amongst his plants. His affinity for living things astonishes those around him since he doesn’t have a drop of druidic blood in his veins. Awed by his talent, his family grows convinced that someday when Fate pairs him, it will be a druid that is at his side. Someone to care for and who shares his love of gardening would be a dream come true for Dravyn.

Killian the Dwyer is a man broken and his secrets are plenty. Once the leader of the Circle of Druids, he handed off his duties and escaped, his whereabouts unknown. Rumors abound that he makes his home high in a tree in a faraway land. He is missed, and many who care for him reach out to no avail. Full of pain and taking comfort in his solitude, Killian only leaves the sanctity of his leafy abode to answer an invitation he finds himself unable to ignore.

Killian makes his first public appearance in centuries, and when he locks eyes with Dravyn, they discover they are mates. Astonished, neither man says a word and Killian retreats. Two and a half years of silence on Killian’s part have passed, and Dravyn is tired of waiting. He wants the other half of his soul but is convinced Killian won’t do for the job. Fearful of what the future holds but afraid of defying Fate, Killian cannot help being intrigued by the talented dragon. As they settle in Dravyn’s expansive garden, if the pair can find common ground, they might just discover the seeds to grow a love without limits.

Excerpt

Yanking off his gloves, Dravyn crammed them into the back pocket of his cargo pants. Crossing his arms over his chest, he waited for the guy to cross the distance between them. He was the last person on this planet Dravyn wanted to see, but if he wanted his freedom, he was going to have to deal with Killian the Dwyer.

“This is an amazing garden for a dragon,” Killian said once he was a few feet from where Dravyn had his boots planted into the sandy dirt.

“For a dragon?”

“Shifters aren’t normally known for their cultivating skills.”

“What exactly do you think we are known for?” Dravyn asked, wondering why the hell they were having this weird-ass conversation. He didn’t think Killian could be any more condescending if he tried.

“The obvious answer is for going from man to beast.”

“And when we aren’t in beast form, what is it you think we do?”

“I don’t know. I’ll confess I don’t really know any shifters.”

“You live in a tree; do you know anybody?”

“What’s wrong with living in a tree?”

“Look, I don’t give a shit where you live. What are you doing here?”

“I thought that would be obvious. We’re mates. I’m here to see if we can make things work.”

“I wrote you letters for two and a half years. You ignored them,” Dravyn pointed out. “So, excuse me if I’m surprised you have any interest in Fate.”

“Druids believe in Fate.”

“Apparently on their own sweet-ass timetable, with no concern for anyone else’s feelings.”

“I know you’re angry, and you have every right to be but—”

“But nothing, Killian the Dwyer. Go back to your tree.”

“I have a lot of explaining to do and—”

“Excuses to make.”

Killian’s brownish-green eyes with their interesting glints of gold narrowed. His face was even more remarkably handsome than Dravyn recalled, which only pissed him off more. The glossy hair was shaggier, and he seemed to have forgotten to put on shoes, but Killian was a perfect male specimen of lanky proportions. “Are you going to let me finish a statement?”

“You can talk all you want,” Dravyn retorted. He pulled his gloves out of his pants and tugged them on. “I’ve got work to do. Take your damn plants back too, I don’t want them near my garden.”

“I wasn’t going to leave them behind, so I’m going to need space in your precious garden.”

“Nope, get lost. You’ve got experience in that. Like when you walked into a ballroom and refused to acknowledge your mate, then teleported home to your tree.”

“You seem very bitter about the tree thing.”

“Must be nice to ignore your responsibilities and hide in a tree.”

“Hiding?”

“You heard me. Now beat it so I can work,” Dravyn growled as he crouched to check on his hybrid. There was no way he was going to lose another one. This plant had taken over a year of work to create, and each time he took one out of his cramped greenhouse, it refused to bloom and died. He wanted to give a cutting to Ellery for his solarium, so he had to solve this puzzle.

“I don’t know where to go. Where’s our room?”

Dravyn rocketed back to his feet and whipped around. “Our room?”

“I’m guessing you don’t sleep in a tree, as you’re strongly opposed to anyone occupying one. I promise you it doesn’t hurt the tree in question.”

“I’m not opposed—shit, who cares. That’s your business, not mine. What you aren’t doing is sleeping in my room.”

Killian took off and marched toward the deck that accessed Dravyn’s section of the house.

“Hey, where the hell do you think you’re going?” Dravyn demanded as he stalked after the sexy druid.

“That deck.”

“Stay away from it,” Dravyn snarled, but Killian was already thundering up the wooden steps.

“Wow, you hypocrite. Look at this,” Killian crowed once Dravyn got up to the wide deck. “That’s a bed in a tree.”

“Get off my deck.”

Killian stuck his head into the open doors of Dravyn’s sitting room. “Indoor and outdoor living. Very nice. Oh, and there are two beds, so we don’t have to share right away.” Killian dropped his bag on the one nestled in the tree. “I’ll take this one until we get to know one another better.”

“You aren’t sleeping in my room.”

“It’s a beautiful space.”

“It was until you marched into it.”

“It’s okay, we have to try. We might not be able to make this work, but at least we’ll have given it our best shot.”

Dravyn shook his head and pulled his baseball cap lower, over his eyes. The druid was stubborn, and he wasn’t going to sacrifice his hybrid for this asshat. “You need to go. Take your plants, your bare-ass feet, and get lost.”

Killian’s gaze dropped to his toes as Dravyn stomped back down the stairs. “I hate shoes.”

“Well, I hate you.”

“Okay, I deserve that,” Killian called after him.

“You should also think about a haircut.”

“Look who’s talking.”

About the Author

Jessamyn Kingley lives in Nevada where she begs the men in her head to tell her their amazing stories which she dutifully writes it all down in what has become a small mountain of notebooks. She falls in love with each couple and swears whatever book she wrote last is her absolute favorite.

Jessamyn is married and working toward remembering to start the dishwasher without being distracted by the scent of the magical detergent. For personal enjoyment, she aids in cat rescue while slashing and gashing her way through mobs in various MMORPGs. Caffeine is her very best friend and is only cast aside briefly for the sin better known as BBQ potato chips.

Visit her website. Follow her on Facebook She loves to engage with readers there.

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