Robert

Forty Proof #0.5

by Shannon Mayer

Join Robert and his beautiful bride as they investigate the source of the magical corruption taking over Savannah Georgia.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Magic, Vampires, Novella, Urban Fantasy, Fiction

ebook

First published February 1, 2023

About the author

A long time ago, in a galaxy far away, I was born into a family of Star Wars nuts. I have a lot of siblings (somewhere I lost count but I think there was more than could be numbered on one hand) and being one of the young padawans I was subjected to Star Wars marathons, on a regular basis. If you've read any of my books you'll see there is often a reference to said movies as a small homage to my upbringing. May the force be with you and all that jazz.

I started writing when I realized I didn't want to grow up not believing in magic, or not believing in creatures everyone else said didn't exist. That being said, I have never seen a fairy, unicorn or dragon. I had a neighbour who swore they fed the leprechauns in their garden, but I never caught the little buggers no matter how long I lay in wait. (And consequently had to help the neighbours plant new flowers to replace those I killed waiting for the leprechauns to show their faces.)

Along the way, I found my husband who is the rock that keeps me from floating away into my dreams, and we have a little boy who is the centre of our world. Living on a farm keeps us busy (as if the writing wasn't enough) and I have more than my share of stories about wrestling with cows, helping birth calves and ending up in the creek during the process, falling in the mud (we'll call it mud but we all know that on a farm, mud is rarely mud) and chasing escaped livestock in the hopes the four legged convicts don't make it to the highway.

I've taken up archery, and the goal is to move into horseback archery in time (you know, when I can hit the target on a consistent basis) and when no one is looking, I love to bake (this doesn't happen often as it's hard to keep the sweet treats in stock with two boys in the house.)

As to what's coming next for me? More stories (since those never stop inside my head, I might as well share them with all of you!) and more adventures. Pretty much, when the fancy strikes, I'll jump on it. Leap before you look I'm sure that motto was created for me.

Or was that . . . think big and dream bigger, ready, set, pull the trigger . . . yeah. That one is a good one too. But only if you have a gun. And are hunting elephants. Which is not cool because of so many reasons. Let's stick with the first one with an addendum.

Leap before you look and let your dreams carry you on their wings. And that, my friends, is me in a nutshell.

Reviews

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shannon Mayer's "Robert: A Forty Proof Novella (The Forty Proof Series)" is a wonderfully original and quirky look at our hero who is from the other Forty proof books. I pissed myself laughing out loud all the way through. Shannon is a loose cannon when she writes and trust me you would not want her any other way. This brilliant story takes us on a journey where Robert who is Breena's friend finds himself in love but it's love that may destroy him. With laughter and magic, demons, leprechauns, werewolves, skeletons and more ou have everything you could ever want in a story, now you just need a bottle of wine and a quiet place to lose yourself in Shannon's fantastic writing. Sadly this is the last book.

[Laura LJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It was difficult to understand the narrator at times due to his accent. Now that I have the history of Robert I am curious to see where this series will go.

[Paola Iacobelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly loved this little novella and am so very intrigued to continue reading the rest of the story and see what other darkness, magic, and love story lies ahead!!

[Dragana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Robert is one of my favorite characters in 'The Forty Proof' series, so I was looking forward to reading HIS story. Sadly, it was rather short and rushed. I expected more.

[Traci Otte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read some of the Forty Proof series by this author and had been curious about Robert's origins.
The story is fast-paced with beautiful writing. It satiated my curiosity and made me want to reread the main series!

[#ByFelicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little morsel of deliciousness originated as part of Shannon Mayer’s fabulous kickstarter once upon a time. She’s finally made it available to the public and the world should truly rejoice because it’s everything you’ve been wanting if you’re #teamrobert. So much in such a small snippet. We’re finally given some answers about how Robert came to be. We also get some backstory for some main characters in the Forty Proof series. It helped fill in some voids and moved the story forward. It was just what I needed. Now I will anxiously await the next book in the series because I cannot get enough!

[Manda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you read The Forty Proof Series yet? If you haven't, you're totally missing out, but no worries because Robert can be read as a standalone! Fair warning though, it will probably send you into a binge read of this addicting paranormal women's fiction series. If you are already familiar with Bree and the gang, I bet Robert has a special place in your heart and has you thinking of that kiss. IYKYK.

This short novella was everything I was hoping for, filling in the blanks to Robert's relationship with Evangeline, glimpses into her power, what brought the two of them to Savannah, why Robert adamantly characterizes Roderick as "not friend" and how he ended up cursed. Robert is what true love and eternal devotion look like my friends!

After finishing Robert, I'm feeling the need to reread The Forty Proof Series!

[Joey Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friend

Wow! Thank you for filling in some very important storyline. I feel like this completes a piece of story beyond Robert's.
I'm such a fan of the way these books are written. While they are very descriptive there is not an overabundance of useless wording. I am hooked and looking forward to finishing the series.

[Cassandra Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friend

How is that I know what happens to these characters and the end still came as shock? Shannon Mayer has this way of making you forget you already know things and allowing you to get completely lost in the story so everything seems new. Having Robert’s backstory definitely brings a new light to the character and the series as a whole.

[sharon bales · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not worth it

A reasonably good way of getting an incite into Robert and Evangeline's relationship and why Robert is so drawn to Bree.
However can't help but think it is way to short. So much more could have been written to make this a story worth reading. As it is I'm really glad that it's free on kindle unlimited but I did see that the paperback version is nearly 7 pound so not worth it !!!! If it was a full blown story in a reasonably sized book then maybe I would if bought it but definitely not when it's no more than 49 pages total rip off!! Go for the free version of you intend to read it...

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare yourself to fall in love with Robert.

Whether you already picked and read this series or haven’t started feel free to dive straight into Robert’s background story and get to know him a little better and finally get some of your answers. I loved discovering all of the tidbits and getting to know Robert more.
This is a novella but it’s definitely worthwhile answering some of your burning questions.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Jake Bordeaux and he was wonderful. His voice is just right and the tones and inflections used were spot on!

[Adelaide Kaunhoven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have waited ages for this to be released, and it was worth the wait.
Although it's a short story and a standalone, you really do need to read the full series to understand what it's about.
It's a heartbreaking love story that leaves you devastated for the couple.
Plus it makes the rest of the series make more sense in some parts.
It's definitely worth a read if you love "The Forty Proof Series."

[Ami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!

The character Robert has been one of my very favorite through many enjoyable hours of reading The Forty Proof series. Until today though, I didn’t know his entire backstory. This novella shines a spotlight on his life before the series began. Now, I love his character even more! I’m looking forward to the next exciting episode (please write quickly, Ms. Mayer).

Read via Kindle Unlimited

[Sarah Baines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous and emotional!

I ADORE the Forty Proof series so when I was searching to see if there was a new book coming out and saw Robert had his own book, well, I nearly hyperventilated and couldn't buy it quick enough. I knew it would be emotional from reading the series but it still got me. I thought I'd see if there's audiobooks for this series and joy of joys, there is! Needless to say, I got those too and I know what I'm going to be reading/listening to!!!

[Liesl Andrico · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novella is backstory for Robert. Unfortunately, it lacks continuity with the series in that we already know too much about the female lead which makes it unbelievable that our lovable and highly competent Robert ever fell for her or didn't realize the darkness she harbored. Probably why this is a novella. I'd mark this as 2 stars except it is written well and is short, so it's only a bad read when you put it in context of the ret of the series.

[Anita Keaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this series but I feel like a lot was said and then nothing came over it in the end. There was a cloaking spell over Bree to hide her true looks yet it was never lifted. And Robert had a huge story but his book was so small. I had hoped for more of his story like where he was being called when they parted ways. I feel like there needs to be more of his story and Bree trying to get her friends to remember her.

[Jessica Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella offered us a glimpse into Robert’s backstory, and what a look it was! This one pulled at the heartstrings and made me immediately want to go back to the start of this series and read it all again. Offered through Mayer’s kickstarter, I’m so glad I got the audio. The narrator did a great job. This is a must read for fans of this series.

[Maghon Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

get outta dodge

Man! I always loved Robert. Like really really liked him in the series with Bree. But this is a whole new level of awesome. Also I think I’m shocked and devastated. I knew from the series how some things turned out. I still wasn’t prepared for the details and my heart to break. Now we know why Robert only says friend. <3

[Terry L · Rating 5 out of 5]

read all the series first and then come back for this short story

I love Robert in the series. Always there, dependable. Nice to hear his story. This is my second time reading the series. The first to find out his story. Well maybe read his story first and then the rest of the story.

[Barb DeWitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forty Proof series is phenomenal

Loved this latest edition and getting back story on one of my favorite characters a huge bonus. Unpredictable twists, wonderful characters and a well weaved story is found once again in this Novella. Can't wait for the next book. Would love Novella's on more characters.

[Angelina Y Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great how it stitched the stories together!

This is a must-read if you're enjoying the other books in the series! It really puts Robert in perspective. You can understand better they how and why he's able to be called. This was great how she stitched it all together in a lovely but sad quilt.

[Gina Gallo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad, but you know that it has to be. Any story where the main character is a ghost will NOT have a happy origin story. However, I understand now that it isn’t a love triangle between Robert and Crash, because in Robert’s head, Bree is Evangeline. That makes me feel better, because I’ve been rooting for Robert and now, I know that he isn’t really in the race.

[Allan West · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic glimpse into the origin story of Robert, a side character in the sometime serious, sometimes homorous Forty Proof series. I knew it was going to be an origin story, but I was not expecting it to be heart wrenching. Going forward in the series I'll give Robert more respect for... surviving, as it were, and keeping the faith.

[Susan1566 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I missed this short story when reading the series. It is a short (49 pages) about Robert and how he became a skeleton as well as his connection to Evangaline.
It’s a nice, quick easy read that explains a few things. It is classed as a prequel but it makes more sense where I read it in the series order (as book 8.5)

[Yvonne Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert

Thank you Shannon for bringing Robert to life
It was great and sad to hear his story, his sacrifice of his life and Eva his wife
I hope by the end of the series he is reunited with Eva
Anyone who has been reading the series needs to read this book about our beloved Robert
Thank you for the background story of how he dead and is somewhat amongst the living

[Chrystal M Delgado · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved getting a glimpse into Robert’s backstory. It makes me understand “friend” so much more. The way he became a skeleton was not how I saw it happening and now we know why it happened. I still want to know more because Robert is one of my favorite characters.

[Rosalind Bath · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, we get Robert's back story. And it's really quite sad. His love for Eva and what he had to do to save her. Then his curse and how he ended up as we know him.
It is a short story that can be read very easily. Well written and gripping.

[Tricia Griffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The narrator of the audiobook wasn't my favorite, but the backstory on Robert was interesting and hints into stuff going on in the rest of the Forty Proof series was fun. I hope Robert finally gets his happily ever after!

[Shazza_d2002hotmail.Com · Rating 5 out of 5]

great !!

A wonderful novella that gives the readers some more insight into Robert’s past. I love Robert, he is one of my favourite characters in this series and can’t wait to catch up with him and Bree on the next adventure !!

[Joy Ki`Ili · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purpose

The author gives us a quick look at the power of love. Purpose crosses oceans, passion brings hope but being in the wrong place at the wrong time, well that can bring death. Darkness comes in all forms but the light will always shine thru.