Review: Wooing the Wiccan (Elf Magic Book 1) by Louisa Masters

Rating: 4🌈

I enjoyed Wooing the Wiccan (Elf Magic Book 1) by Louisa Masters, another new book and series in this author’s multi-series Hidden Species/Community of Species universe.

It was wonderful seeing King Raðulf, the head of the elves who has appeared throughout this universe in many novels, find a new love and get his own HEA, with a human Wiccan elementary schoolteacher, Jared. And his cat.

Equally wonderful? And true highlights? Having hilarious moments with dragonshifter Wing Leader Brandt, his Consort Percy, and their adorable daughter. Also Sam, Alastair, and many other great characters.

If anything, with the main issues and the characters involved, this relationship would have felt more natural and more well developed if , either the book itself had been longer or divided into two parts.

There’s so much that both characters have to immediately deal with, some of which is brushed over quickly here while still noting how deeply the changes impact on their lives and their relationships. Jared is unaware of the fact that otherworldly species exist, including the one he’s involved with.

Raðulfr has the safety of his people, the fact of his being the King with all that entails, and how much of his courtly life will be impacted by his Consort. And the fact that he is human.

Plus they don’t know each other well. They just started talking and dating.

So when Masters narrative begins to speed up once Jared is introduced to the Community of Species and all the other paranormals who exist on earth with the human community and the magic, other elements lose their depth of development and exploration.

How does Jared fit his new life into his old one? We don’t know. Does he change careers? No idea. It’s meeting and quickly developing affection between the two while hiding exactly who and what Raðulfr is. Followed by a huge argument, a shocking revelation, and then another rather quick, for this situation, resolution. And an immediate exchange of “I love you’s”.

Sigh. I was fine right up until that instant love came in. Adult conversation and working through their various issues? Fantastic. But it’s been weeks. Mere weeks.

A two part relationship development, along with further growth of magical abilities and time to explore this new aspect of the magical universe? That would’ve made this a far more interesting and believable journey.

Did I find it entertaining? Yes. It made me want to reread Brandt and Percy’s series once again. It’s a good read and gives the elf King a lovely HEA.

Cover Photo: Wander Aguiar

Model: Douglas

Cover Design: Booksmith Design

Elf Magic:

Wooing the Wiccan #1

Enticing the Elf #2 – Nov 6,2025

Buy link

Wooing The Wiccan (Elf Magic Book 1)

Blurb

I’m surrounded by two hundred thousand elves, yet somehow, I’m still lonely.

After a rough few millennia, the past decade has finally brought us peace and security—and justified my choices as our leader. But as chaos gives way to calm, I have more time for myself… yet it’s not what I want it to be. I’ve been alone for a long time, but before my people and work needed me more. Now the lonely hours stretch into eternity.

Until I meet Jared.

He’s my perfect match in every way; a teacher, a gardener, a cat dad. He loves books, nature, and interacting with others. He’s sweet, funny, kind, and we’re fire in the bedroom. The only hiccup? He’s human, and he doesn’t know other species exist.

Legally, we haven’t been together long enough for me to tell him I’m not human, and it’s getting harder and harder to keep this secret. To keep part of myself from him… to lie. But what if he learns the truth—a truth that will shatter the core of his beliefs—and can’t handle it?

What if he can’t forgive the lies?

Publication date: August 7, 2025
Language: English
Print length: 238 pages
Book 1 of 2: Elf Magic

Review: Did It Have To Be Gnomes?! (Carry A Faerie #1) by Michele Notaro

Rating: 4 🌈

The first in a new series by Michele Notaro, Did It Have To Be Gnomes?! (Carry A Faerie #1) was a terrific story, a little slow in the beginning but quickly picked up the pace for a dramatic ending.

The author is just starting to build the setting and form the group of characters that will eventually become a found family so we don’t have much of a history or background on them. Just the vague sketch of an idea for each.

Individually, the characters are good, as a relationship, the two main characters don’t have a real believable connection. It’s either too quickly pulled together or something. But the storyline just doesn’t give them the right chemistry even when supplying them with a back history together.

I think it’s a lack of overall world building and foundation versus the evil gnomes mystery that makes the story feel highly paced but without a feeling of depth.

I look forward to seeing what the second book brings.

Carry A Faerie:

Did It Have To Be Gnomes? #1
The Pushy Pixies Are Going Down (Hopefully) #2 – July 15,2025

Buy link

Did It Have To Be Gnomes?! (Carry A Faerie Book 1)

Blurb

Am I afraid of gnomes?

Maaaaaaaybe.

Did I take on a huge gnome job anyway? I sure did.

Am I about to ask my crush for help?

Well, I have to ask someone, right?

I get called out to a huge mansion with the biggest number of invading gnomes I’ve ever seen, and I’m not sure who to call to help. And I definitely need some help.

So when Winter Montgomery just so happens to stop by, I know I have to ask him. I’ve been crushing on the handsome guy from afar for years, so now’s my chance to get close—and get some much needed support.

As long as I don’t let him see just how much I hate gnomes—okay, I’m actually terrified of them, but he doesn’t need to know that… right?

Did It Really Have To Be Gnomes?! (Carry A Faerie Book 1) is a MM urban fantasy and the first book in Miles and Winter’s love story. Each book will have its own supernatural problem with a HFN ending for the couple, but there will be overarching plot themes throughout the series.

Publication date: July 31, 2025
Language: English
Print length: 296 pages
Book 1 of 2: Carry A Faerie

Review: Luxuries of Lust: Passing Through Cafe #3 by Nik Knight

Rating: 4.25🌈

Luxuries of Lust is the third of the Passing Through Cafe series by Nik Knight, set in the Hells universe and Passing Through Cafe where we’ve gotten to know its many different species of paranormal beings that own the cafe and are the ones that work together as a weird little found family.

Nik Knight has always done an excellent job of crafting characters that, other than Oliver and Jude who are human, feel, look and come across as otherworldly. There’s an actual dictionary of terms and list of species at the end of a reader gets confused.

Rusty and Gem have been headed towards each other for a couple of books now. And I’ve looked forward to seeing how they get together.

There’s aspects of the book that I just really thought about as deeply emotionally and engaging. Moments where Rusty takes Gem to see the desert and the places where he and his mother once lived. Those scenes are stirring and very touching.

Equally, when Gem, who’s background gets filled in here, take Rusty home to see his family. It’s funny, warmhearted, and a time of acceptance for Rusty that he’s not had in his life.

We get to revisit several important storylines from previous books, a traumatic experience for Gem that sets off memories for Rusty.

I enjoyed reading this, think Gem and Rusty are among the most unique couples I’ve read. It maybe felt a bit overly long towards the end, especially the story bit about Tony and their relationship. But it’s still a very enjoyable book and this universe is fascinating in concept and characters.

Highly sexual and fun. Grab it up if you’re interested in the author and trope.

Passing Through Cafe :

Passing Through Purgatory #1

Gratification in Gluttony #2

Luxuries of Lust #3

Buy link

Luxuries of Lust: Passing Through Cafe #3

Blurb

When it came to love, Rusty had resigned himself to never being enough, and Gem knew he would always be too much. Turns out, they were both wrong.

As a Pyclon from Lust, Rusty learned early the cruel rules of the Pentagram. Happiness is for the privileged. Hope for the weak. And absolutely nothing comes free. So he accepts a life of happy enough, of good enough, of just… enough. Anything more is impossible for someone like him.

That is, until he meets Gemae Akyllo.

With a brain that never rests and an ass that won’t quit, Gem is objectively a lot. His physical size is rivaled only by that of his personality—neither of which he will ever apologize for—but there’s a cost. He’s fun for a night, chosen first for a good time, but come morning, his bed is cold and empty. Always wanted, but never kept.

That is, until he meets Rusty Róisyn.

Rusty never wanted love, and Gem doesn’t need it. But together, they find it all the same.

Join Gem and Rusty and the rest of the eccentric staff of the Passing Through Cafe in Nik Knight’s rom-com, urban fantasy series, full of found family, absurd antics, healing hope, and a love that takes their hearts by storm.

— Luxuries of Lust: Passing Through Cafe #3 by Nik Knight

Review: Finlay (The Wild Edges Book 1) by Lark Taylor

Rating: 4.5🌈

I really enjoyed Finlay, it brought me back to much of the original elements and characters of this paranormal universe that I am invested in that started with the four sons of Lucifer in the Reckless Damned series.

In fact, we get to see several of the characters and couples from some of my favorite stories return here in important roles. A absolutely fantastic aspect of this story.

Finlay is a character who was introduced before in Danny’s story and we get a brief recap here.

Chester, the florist fleeing a damaging relationship, is a wonderful character as is the assistant who is equally tragic in his background and importance here, Reid. Reid is a heartbreaking character and he, along with pack member Evan get the next story.

However, this is Finlay and Chester’s journey to recovery and their HEA and it’s a wonderful story. I was with them every step forward in trust and recovery from the hurt and pain of loss and damage that their past relationships has brought each of them.

Taylor wraps up this couple’s story and gives them a happy ending as well as sets up Evan (and Reid) for their book to come.

I can’t wait to read it. This is another winner in a universe of connected series that continues to grow and keep me invested in their lives and relationships. Highly recommended!

Book cover design: BreathlessLit Cover model photograph: Wander Aguiar Photography LLC

Reckless Damned Series :

Devil’s Mark #1

Devil May Care #2

Deal With the Devil #3

Luck of the Devil #4

Damned Collections: Volume One

Damned Connections Series

Patience #1

Justice #2

Temperance #3

Humility #4

Hopeless Blessed :

Conflicted #1

Devoted #2

Guarded #3

The Wild Edges :

Finlay #1

Evan #2 – May 24,2025

Buy link:

Finlay: MM Shifter x human romance (The Wild Edges Book 1)

Blurb

Over a century ago, my alpha lost the one he loved.

And so did I.

My love for Danny’s wife is my deepest, darkest secret. All these years later, Danny has moved on and found a new love.

I wish I could do the same.

I’m stuck in a rut, going through the same routine day after day. Leading the clan is my motivation, but it’s not enough to fill the emptiness inside.

That’s until I meet Chester.

The quiet human florist has been hurt in the past. Someone has forced him to bury the person he once was.

But I see flashes of him during our interactions. Every glimpse has me desperate to know more. To learn what makes him smile. To discover what makes him happy.

All I have to do is persuade him to give me a chance. To trust me enough to let me close.

The clan has been my motivation, but I think loving Chester is meant to be my purpose.

‘Finlay’ is the first book in a thrilling MM wolf shifter series. Spice, found family, action, and protective MCs are guaranteed. Each book will follow a new couple and end with a HEA.

Publisher: Lark Taylor
Publication date: June 19, 2025
Language: English
Print length: 396 pages
Book 1 of 2: The Wild Edges

Review: Born to Be Legends: A Soulbound Universe Novella by Hailey Turner

Rating: 4.5 🌈

As author Hailey Turner says, this is an absolute treasure of a gift to her fans, those who love and have followed the long journey Patrick Collins and Jonothon de Vere from their original book and meeting to this their final chapter where they get married, their happy epilogue.

Many of the favorites are also in attendance and we get a quick drama before the ending.

It’s been incredible and for me it’s a series I’ll be rereading.

Highly recommended.

Cover design by James T. Egan

Soulbound (7 book series)

A Ferry of Bones & Gold #1

All Souls Near & Night #2

A Crown of Iron & Silver #3

A Vigil in the Mourning #4

On the Wings of War #5

An Echo in the Sorrow #6

A Veiled & Hallowed Eve #7

Born to Be Legends: A Soulbound Universe Novella

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comBorn to Be Legends: A Soulbound Universe Novella eBook : Turner, Hailey: Kindle Store

Blurb

Some endings are just new beginnings.

Patrick Collins earned the peace he’s found in New York City with his pack through sacrifice. Six years out from the end of the world, he’s satisfied with the life he’s built and doesn’t think about what else the future might hold until he stumbles his way into a hostage situation he didn’t ask to be part of.

Jonothon de Vere would like nothing more than to wake up each morning with the love of his life and never deal with trouble again. Except Patrick has always been a magnet for such crises, and Jono isn’t one to stand idly by when his lover could use some help.

It feels just like old times when that’s the last thing they want, but maybe it’s also the reminder they need that the future isn’t set in stone. Maybe, just maybe, Patrick and Jono are finally ready to take the next step and walk down the aisle together.

Born to be Legends is what fans of Hailey Turner’s best-selling Soulbound series have been waiting for.

Publication date: June 11, 2025
Language: English
Print length: 88 pages

Review: The Tides of March: A Nelson & MacIlwraith Mystery (Moon Murder Mysteries) by K Sterling

Rating: 4.5🌈

The Tides of March picks up right after the events from Back in the Hunt, the first book to feature the secondary characters from the original Moon Mysteries Trilogy featuring Nelson and Nox. At the end of that story, Nox’s TA Tony was severely injured and was taken out to Poole’s Island, hoping that Ronan, a merrow who lives there, could heal him.

That’s where The Tides of March picks up. But the time frame is somewhat flexible with the narrative flowing back and forth in time to the two important parts of Tony and Ronan relationship, that when they met and the current situation of events.

K Sterling became a go to author for a number of reasons, excellence in writing being one, but Sterling’s work when it comes to mythology, religion, cultural history and the depths of this author’s research is phenomenal. Then to take that knowledge and give it a unique twist, spinning it into epic tale of fantasy , horror, and murder mysteries? Fantastic.

That concept and mythological storytelling is furthered by Tony’s wounding and his unceremonious dumping on Poole’s Island, hoping that Ronan will have no other choice but to help him as a male merrow.

Their relationship will be built around Maryland’s history, Celtic mythology, especially those that pertain to merrows, and Tony’s own revelations about his family background. It’s an astonishing blend of mythology, history, and legends that works for the story, the relationship and its characters. It will also help more over , at the end, move the series arc mystery forward into another story and nearby location.

The vivid imagery and Sterling’s vision for the characters comes together in emotional detail and moments that make them and their situation seem believable.

That battle that brought many of Nox’s inner circle together (and our favorites) was a truly action filled and exciting.

All of these stories are based on locations near to me , something that rarely occurs in books I read. Silver Spring, Maryland? Almost unheard of.

The ending was lovely way to bring the story to a close , give Tony a new beginning and to launch the next adventure, Dead Air.

I’m all in when everyone heads to the Shenandoah Mountains.

Another fantastic story to add to the growing mythology mystery surrounding Nox and company. Highly recommended.

Exquisite covers. No idea who to credit them to.

Moon Mysteries 1 – 3 (first series)

Nelson & MacIlwraith Mystery (Moon Murder Mysteries sequel series)

Back in the Hunt #1

The Tides of March #2

Dead Air #3 – Aug 19,2025

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comThe Tides of March: A Nelson & MacIlwraith Mystery (Moon …

Blurb

Welcome to Pooles Island.

Population: 1 very grumpy merrow.

That’s all that Anthony Costa knows about his destination. Weak and barely clinging to consciousness after being attacked by an undead changeling, Tony is left in the care of Ronan O’Sullivan. The young anthropology professor’s fate hangs by a thread and the hideous merrow is Tony’s last hope.

Scorned and abandoned, Ronan has no use for men until he finds a beautiful Roman castaway on his beach. Bound by an ancient oath, Ronan has no choice but to care for Tony. But being a merrow means that Ronan is also burdened by a strong desire to claim the human inhabiting his bed.

There’s more to Tony’s story than he ever imagined and Ronan finds out he’s more than an ugly face, but a mysterious foe has unleashed an ancient horror upon Pooles Island. Ronan sets Tony free in an attempt to fight it on his own and finds himself outmatched by a kraken. Will Tony and his friends make it back in time to save Ronan, or will their love story get swept away with the tide?

**Tides Of March is part of the Nelson & MacIlwraith universe and includes MANY spoilers for the original trilogy.**

Publisher: Bawdy Books (March 15, 2025)
Publication date: March 15, 2025
Language: English
Print length: 183 pages

Review: Reckless (Luckless Book 3) by Cari Z

Rating: 4.75🌈

“Evan Luck was a dragon rider with no dragon. Now he’s got Lee, a rare and powerful dragon who can take the shape of a man or a dragon with equal ease. However, the fight to keep Lee’s son Jason safe, as well as the city of Forge protected from the monsters that roam the Front Range, will test Evan and Lee’s bond to the utmost, and send them on a quest that they might not come back from.”

Reckless is the finale story for Cari Z’s tremendous urban fantasy series, Luckless. And it’s been so great and so well written, that it’s short length and imaginative elements that have been left unexplored just make me more than a little frustrated with the author.

I want this to double in length or at the very least offer additional stories in the series.

This novel picks up from the surprising events of Dauntless, where Jason’s crisis came to a dramatic resolution with new characters arriving from the city of Chicago with devastating news.

Chicago has been spoken of as a veritable fortress city of multiple dragon pairs and a successful defense against the monsters. But the news brings a different reality.

It’s one that necessitates Evan and Lee leaving Forge and their son in search of answers about the increasingly complex and deadly monsters their city is facing and what happened in Chicago.

For a short story, this packs a shocking emotional punch. It’s got unexpected elements and a very powerful plot twist that, of course, is so great that this book could be twice it’s length and still not dive into this plot line’s full potential. It’s that intriguing.

Which brings me to the conclusion. It’s satisfying in a way yet not. With all the traumatic events that’s happened, it’s felt simplistic. Lovely, HFN, and heartfelt but missing something.

I truly wish Cari Z would revisit this series and universe and give it and us an update. So tremendous a world that this series and the characters deserve it.

Highly recommended!

Cover Art by Vivid Covers

Luckless series:

Luckless #1

Dauntless #2

Reckless #3

Buy link

Reckless: Book Three in the Luckless Series

Blurb

Refugees have been streaming into the city of Forge from around the country. Monsters are coming down from the mountains and staking out new hunting grounds. Even as the dragons of Forge grow stronger and more numerous, the challenges they and their riders are facing are only increasing, and there’s only one place to look for answers.

Chicago is the strongest remaining city in the Midwest, home to thousands of people and protected by powerful dragons … or at least, it was. By the time Evan Luck and his dragon, Ladon, arrive there, it’s clear that something’s gone terribly wrong. People are starving, dragons are dying, and nobody knows who’s behind it all.

It’s something they’ve never faced before—something they thought didn’t exist, yet that’s terrifyingly familiar. It’s up to Evan and Ladon to stop it … or lose their city, their son, and their lives.

Publication date: April 26, 2022
Language: English
Print length: 124 pages

Review: Secondhand Skin (A Soulbound Universe novel) by Hailey Turner

Rating: 5🌈

I forget how much I love the Soulbound series until Hailey Turner brings out another great story about the characters from that complicated magical universe . Then I want to go back and read them all over again.

Especially when it comes to Wade Espinoza, a character who we watch get rescued as a young, horribly abused otherworldly teen. When Wade is practically adopted by Patrick and Jono, and the rest of the core of the NYC god pack, the reader follows his recovery, growth, and progress , book after book, through the events , years of therapy and support, to the circumstances we find him in today.

Wade is that character we loved from the beginning and we always remembered. And wanted to see what happened to him next. That he’s a young dragon? In a universe where dragons are rarely seen, we get the amazing emotional journey from scarred damaged youngster to the confident loved 23 year old Wade, one who’s experienced unbelievable battles, met Gods, helped saved the world, and found himself part of a warm, loving family and pack.

Now he’s being trusted with a mission to save missing alphas in Boston, and he leaves with a smile, a belief in himself, a ton of snacks, and the backing of his pack.

Can you tell I adore Wade? I could read books about him. But Turner goes and delivers an entirely different city of otherworldly beings that honestly I found intriguing and great characters on their own. Plus a fascinating selkie clan that includes Riordan Maguire.

Riordan is a well written character, layered, so beautifully crafted with his selkie personality/fae history embedded into him, with the sea and Irish heritage as much a part of him as his physical appearance. Turner has always been able to capture the essence of the otherworldly characters in the stories, whether it’s selkie, werewolf or dragon. They become real and vibrant.

The struggles against the villain of this piece are genuinely fierce and complicated by political forces that have to be dealt with in a timely manner. It makes the narrative more compelling, the drama more powerful, and all the various aspects of the story more complex.

That includes a romance that has to balance the knowledge of Wade’s past abuse with sensitivity before anything can happen between fated mates Riordan and Wade. Plus that ending is logical for them both given their respective roles and responsibilities.

I love this story so much. I really hope that Turner is up for more stories in Boston with Riordan and Wade because all this did was whet my appetite for more.

10/10 and more please!

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.com › Secon…Secondhand Skin: A Soulbound Universe Novel eBook : Turner, Hailey: Kindle Store

Blurb

Nothing says you can’t steal a heart. Keeping it though? That’s another problem.

Wade Espinoza knows a thing or two about hoards. As a dragon, he’s got plenty. What he doesn’t have is a relationship, and he swears he’s not looking for one. But when he’s sent to Boston to answer a cry for help from another pack, he’s drawn into a mess of fae bargains centered around a selkie who Wade instantly becomes obsessed with.

Riordan Maguire is struggling to keep his selkie clan out of the clutches of a fae lord who will do anything to take over their territory. Partnering with the Boston god pack means coming face-to-face with the first person he’s ever wanted to willingly give his sealskin. Too bad Wade isn’t local and is something altogether strange that Riordan isn’t sure he can trust.

Amidst a growing danger in the streets and Boston Harbor, Wade and Riordan are desperate to find a way to keep everyone safe. For bargains are dangerous things to break, but so are hearts. Wade isn’t willing to shatter either of theirs in a race against time that could see Riordan torn from him forever.

Secondhand Skin is an exciting new standalone novel set in Hailey Turner’s best-selling Soulbound Universe focusing on Wade Espinoza.

Publication date: September 4, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 362 pages

Review: Runaway Magic (Guardians of Boston Book 1) by Zile Elliven

Rating: 4.5🌈

Zile Elliven is a relatively new author for me as I’ve only read one other book by them, a very interesting and engaging one. So I immediately picked up Elliven’s newest release to see what it was about.

What Runaway Magic holds is an amazing array of elements in its narrative , beginning with the fascinating characters. This is especially true of the main couple of Cym and Fourteen, as well as the side group of Guardians, a trio that reads as found family with an engaging powerful dynamic.

To bring all that together, Elliven has to set up a foundation for a world that includes norms, otherworldly beings, witches, an paranormal organizational hierarchy, dream walkers, demons, and the Other, a vast sea of spiritual powers that runs everything and through those that have the ability to make magic. The knowledge about this is slowly imparted into the story as some of the characters learn about magic themselves. Also about the Guardians, the magical law enforcement powers.

Elliven uses a three-person POV, a format which isn’t a favorite of mine. But here it’s necessary for the characters and universe building because of the complexity of the storylines and the various characters’ critical plot line situations. Whether it’s understanding the different traumatic backgrounds that have formed Fourteen and Cym, ones that make them uniquely vulnerable and yet so powerful. Or the world of the Guardians and Marshall, it’s head, who are soon to come into contact with the duo above.

There’s so much more to dive into, a corrupt family, an anonymous government agency, and a demon world, all of which needs further investigation and looks to receive additional exploration in the series.

I can’t wait for Killer Magic to come.

For those who are fans of this author or have read previous books by Zile Elliven, don’t miss the author’s Preface, which clears up some potential questions. I hadn’t read the earlier book the author had written.

I found Runaway Magic (Guardians of Boston Book 1) by Zile Elliven a fascinating and highly entertaining story and can’t wait to continue the series.

Check it out! It’s a definite recommendation.

Guardians of Boston:

✓ Runaway Magic #1

◦ Killer Magic #2 – TBD

Buy link

Runaway Magic (Guardians of Boston Book 1)

Blurb

Cym:

Freak. Disaster. Mistake. Cym had heard it all.

His magical family wasn’t content to lock him away ‘for the greater good’ anymore. No. Now they wanted him dead.

Protection? What was that? Cym had never known anyone who wanted to keep him safe. Either he relied on himself or he was toast. So when he landed in the lap of an assassin, Cym thought his luck was up. Little did he know his story was only beginning.

Fourteen:

No morals and a quick mind. How many times had Fourteen heard himself described that way? Usually right before getting sent on a mission they’d have to delete from his mind once he completed it.

But The Company would never be able to make him forget the terrified young man who landed in his lap during a firefight. Not when his touch made the icy cage of Fourteen’s conditioning burn away.

For someone who could barely be considered a person, Fourteen was finding it shockingly easy to act like one around Cym. Maybe that was why he was willing to do anything to keep him safe. He’d have to break Cym’s bad habit of running from him first, though.

Runaway Magic is a 119,000 word, slow-burn MM urban fantasy. You’ll find found family, obsessive love interests, and, of course, magic.

• Publication date: July 20, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 412 pages

Review: Assassin by Accident (Carnival of Mysteries) by E.J. Russell

Rating: 4.75🌈

“Welcome, Traveler! Join us for a series of M/ M fantasies by a talented group of both new and established authors. Whether you enjoy mystery, action, danger, or just sweet romance, there is something for everyone at the Carnival of Mysteries!”

Assassin by Accident is E.J. Russell’s offering to the Carnival of Mysteries series and it’s just a marvelous heartwarming fantasy read. Russell has combined her Mythmatched universe with the themes of the Carnival of Mysteries, giving each its due and letting the reader feel they’ve been immersed in a balanced narrative.

Welsh water horse Nevan Quirke’s young sister has been kidnapped by a nasty earth mage for nefarious purposes. And in order to get her back, Nevan made a hasty bargain to do whatever the mage wants, once. Unfortunately, he didn’t read the small print.

I love this story so much. It has so much depth and heart to it. There’s Nevan, a being who feels unloved by all, a true monster, except by his adopted sister. He’s raised her and kept her safe and loved until she wished to visit the Outside World, and everything went wrong.

And when under the horrible geas of the earth mage to accomplish a terrible task , it’s goes wrongly right in the best of ways. In this story, a case of mistaken identity and the introduction of a truly beloved character. Seb Ardelean, a nanny who’s mistaken for an assassin is a marvelous character. Seb’s one of Russell’s grand creations , a character who can marshal a horde of mischievous children with grubby hands to dealing with villains bent on destroying innocents. And do it with a sense of humor, compassion, and resolve that’s sexy and admirable. Yes, totally adore Seb.

There’s magical shenanigans, familiar faces, among them favorites Jordan and Doop the Hellhound, a race to find the sister, two beings facing danger and falling in love while coming to terms with past issues and traumas. It’s so lovely and heartwarming. I dove in and didn’t surface until I’d finished the book.

I like the different ways Russell plays with mythology and the types of beings found within the various cultures, here it’s the Welsh ceffyl dŵr. The central theme is well used, but unfortunately that means clowns. *Shudders*

Assassin by Accident (Carnival of Mysteries) by E.J. Russell is a favorite in this multi-author series. One I’m definitely recommending. And if you haven’t already found this author’s MythMatched series that’s an element here, look those up as well for some great reads.

Carnival of Mysteries series:

✓ Crow’s Fate by Kim Fielding

✓ Step Right Up by L.A. Witt

✓ Magic Burning by Kaje Harper

✓ Night-blooming Hearts by Megan Derr

✓ Go For The Company by Ander C. Lark

✓ Roustabout by Morgan Brice

✓ Assassin by Accident by E.J. Russell

◦ Dryad on Fire by Nicole Dennis – Sept 13

◦ The Extraordinary Locket of Elijah Gray by Kayleigh Sky – Sept 6

◦ Smoke and Mirrors by Elizabeth Silver – September 20

◦ You Can Do Magic by R.L. Merrill – September 27

◦ Sting in the Tail by TA Moore – October 4

◦ Gods and Monsters by Rachel Langella – October 25

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Part of: Carnival of Mysteries (13 books)

Blurb:

If a megalomaniacal earth mage kidnaps your little sister, do you:

A) Kill him

B) Kill him

C) Kill him

D) Magically indenture yourself to him to ensure her safe return

Welsh water horse Nevan Quirke would have happily opted for A, B, or C, but had no idea where his sister was hidden—so, option D it is. He’s not a fool, though. He made sure to limit his obligation to a single task.

Unfortunately, he neglected to nail down a few tiny details before the geas brand was seared into his skin, and now:

A) He can’t shift

B) He can’t swim

C) He can’t drink

D) If he fails, he’ll be bound to the mage for eternity

Oh, and that task? Assist in an assassination.

If only he weren’t so thirsty.

And if only his partner for the heinous job weren’t the most appealing man Nevan has seen in his entire two-thousand-year life.

Assassin by Accident takes place in E.J. Russell’s Mythmatched universe and is part of the multi-author Carnival of Mysteries series. Each book stands alone, but each one includes at least one visit to Errante Ame’s Carnival of Mysteries, a magical, multiverse traveling show full of unusual acts, games, and rides. The Carnival changes to suit the world it’s on, so each visit is unique and special. This book features grumpy/sunshiny, hurt/comfort, mistaken identity, opposites attract, unexpected derring-do, and of course an HEA—no matter how little the men in question think they deserve it.

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