Of Paper and Wood by Amy Bellows

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TROY


To inherit the family fortune, I must marry a woman. But first I have one chance at a night of passion with a man.

I just wish I could share it with someone who would treat me more like a lover than a customer.

After all, it’s my first time. My only time.


PARK

Alesto Markin sics his werewolf lackey on anyone who can’t pay him back. One bite, and my life as I know it will be over. My only hope of paying off my staggering debt is my godfather’s brothel.

I just never expected the man who hired me to be young. Or sweet.

I certainly didn’t expect to fall in love with him.

Of Paper and Wood is a sweet love story of two men who share many firsts together. In a world of wands and werewolves, where their fate is either rags or riches, being together could cost them everything.

While Amy Bellows normally writes books set in the omegaverse. Of Paper and Wood is not. You can still expect magic, humor, and a big HEA.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Of Paper and Wood is an impressive read by Amy Bellows. Fantasy and magic are not my typical read, but for certain authors, I have to take a chance. And Amy Bellows is definitely one such author.

This is an emotional story of complete opposites. One's rich and being forced into marrying a woman. The other is poor and is going to be a sex worker to save himself. 

Troy and Park are both virgins when they meet. And it definitely isn't the typical brothel experience. The two men quickly become emotionally attached. 

This is a story with werewolves and magical mirrors, a story with depth and heart. There are plenty of steamy scenes, including a fun docking scene. But, the thing that takes this book from good to great, is the emotional depth of the feelings these two men have for one another. 

The author does a wonderful job developing this unique world and all it entails. Magic, fairy tales, wands, and more are all present. It's fun, entertaining, and a nice escape read.

Of Paper and Wood is a riveting story of first love and first times. Amy Bellows impresses in this story of making sacrifices for love. Her combination of fantasy, magic, kink, and emotion makes this a must read.

One Wild Weekend by SJ York

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Blurb

Some say I’m living a lie, but I’m finally living my truth.

When I came out, I wasn’t prepared for the blow back from people who are supposed to be supporters in the genre. I hadn’t expected a parade, but I also hadn’t expected a mob to attack. Everything is conspiring against me, trying to get me to skip the conference. When my books and banner get tossed by the guy I’m living with, I’m sure it’s a sign.

I pluck up some courage and show up at the conference anyway. I’m amazed by the kindness I find, but that doesn’t save me from the drama llamas. Disaster happens, but will the problem turn out to be the best thing in my life?

Review 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

There is just something soothing with SJ York's writing. One Wild Weekend is his fun and delightful tale of his banner that once went missing. Of course, I'm guessing this is just fantasy. 😜

Parts of this story really had me laughing, as I have some personal interest in Ted. Let's just say that Ted is HOT! As for those who also know about Ted, read this! I think we all wanted to be with Ted! If you don't know about Ted, I'm honestly not sure how you'll feel about this one. It's a far-fetched tale that might not make any sense. 

There's also a lot of honesty in this story, as readers often do have very strong opinions. The way this is addressed is actually quite well and is very poignant. The author's writing style is fantastic, the flow is seamless, and the story line entertaining. It's definitely an amusing little fantasy romance. 

One Wild Weekend is definitely not SJ York's typical style. Previous works, under the name of Sara York, aren't usually a fantasy. One needs to suspend realistic views, sit back, and just enjoy.

Where it all Began: Manx Cat Guardians Origins (The Manx Cat Guardians #1) by J.P. Sayle

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Blurb

The King of the otherworld, Manannán, witnessing changes to how the love between those who chose differently was being accepted, intervened. Wanting the world to have love and hope eternally, ensuring that soulmates connected without restrictions regardless of the person they chose to love, he created the Manx Cat Guardians.

Maximillian, born in the eleventh century, King of his kind, he struggled to always follow the rules King Manannán had laid down. Given no choice about his destiny like his fellow guardians, he’d been granted a Wiccan guide to aid him.

Never having had any problems with his past charges, Maximillian finds himself struggling to get his current charge, King Óláfr the Black, to accept his soulmate Magnus, a lowly servant. The connection is strong between them, but the changing times that Manannán witnessed and the introduction of Christianity had Óláfr struggling to accept his soulmate.

Ignoring the dire warning from Christina, his Wiccan guide, about interfering, Maximillian finds himself creating ripples from his actions with untold consequences that cause devastation. As he is left to wander this earth, his role irrevocably changed by his actions. He must now ensure promises that were made are honoured, no matter the length of time that passes.

Can he help fulfil those promises made by another without breaking the rules again? Or will the souls searching for love be destined to never find each other?

Only time will tell.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

JP Sayle's Manx Cat Guardians Series is wonderful and fascinating. Where It All Began explains how the Manx Cat Guardians came into existance, but focuses on the guardian cat, Max. 

Sent to oversee King Olafr and his soulmate, Magnus, Max interferes when Olafr refuses to accept that Magnus, a servant, is his soulmate. The result will leave you crying and your heart hurting. This part of the story is absolutely gut-wrenching, as we see the pain and tragedy involved with same sex relations during the eleventh century.

We also learn how and why Max is now the bearer of two souls, trying to reunite them, setting the stage for the rest of the series.

I read this book last year and was impressed with the creativity that JP Sayle brings into this book/series. Now I am re-reading them, with extreme excitement, after learning more about them from JP herself. I had assumed that they were completely fictional, which of course they are. However, I had no idea that on The Island Of Mann, there is a long history of Manx cats in folklore and mythology. This brings a whole new aspect to the series for me, and I'm excited to re-read them.

Where It All Began is an excellent beginning for the series, and I love it. JP Sayle's writing is emotional and riveting in this powerful tale. I am not a fan of the fantasy genre in general, but this series definitely fascinates me.