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Beyond the Veil #3
The Skeleton Under the Stairs
There was a poltergeist on the stairs.
And she wasn’t the only one.
The house was full of restless spirits—all of them killed by the Antiquus Ordo Arcanum, a secret society that didn’t seem to care much for the welfare of either the living or the dead. And Mason and I—along with Hart and Sylvia—are right in the middle of it.
Again.
If that weren’t enough, Mason’s nephew, Jackson, is starting to have nightmares, and when you’re from a family of witches, that can only mean one thing—your power is growing, and you’ve also just become a threat to your own family. In our case, that means Jackson has to come live with us so that Mason can help him learn to control his power, which means that my home life is just about as chaotic—and dangerous—as my work life. Let me tell you, I’m getting pretty sick of hospitals and bandages and sleepless nights.
Oh, and I think I might be a warlock.
Things are going from chaos to worse, and somehow we still have to plan a wedding. And we haven’t so much as picked out the cake.
HEA M/M Paranormal Romance
Book Three in the Beyond the Veil Series
The final book in Mason & Ward's story
And she wasn’t the only one.
The house was full of restless spirits—all of them killed by the Antiquus Ordo Arcanum, a secret society that didn’t seem to care much for the welfare of either the living or the dead. And Mason and I—along with Hart and Sylvia—are right in the middle of it.
Again.
If that weren’t enough, Mason’s nephew, Jackson, is starting to have nightmares, and when you’re from a family of witches, that can only mean one thing—your power is growing, and you’ve also just become a threat to your own family. In our case, that means Jackson has to come live with us so that Mason can help him learn to control his power, which means that my home life is just about as chaotic—and dangerous—as my work life. Let me tell you, I’m getting pretty sick of hospitals and bandages and sleepless nights.
Oh, and I think I might be a warlock.
Things are going from chaos to worse, and somehow we still have to plan a wedding. And we haven’t so much as picked out the cake.
HEA M/M Paranormal Romance
Book Three in the Beyond the Veil Series
The final book in Mason & Ward's story
Audio CD
First published June 30, 2022
59 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
August 5, 2024
I am so happy to be able to report that I truly enjoyed The Skeleton Under the Stairs. Thankfully, Avery’s storytelling was much more balanced than in The Boy in the Locked Room. The focus was firmly on the different plot elements and the pacing was solid. I was captivated and invested throughout.
As with the first two books in the series, there’s a lot going on in this third installment. I appreciated and enjoyed all the different plot lines though I would love to eventually get more time with Ward, Mason and Mason’s nephew, Jackson. The relationship growth between those three was endearing and seeing more of Jackson growing into his powers and interacting more with Ward and ghosts could be really entertaining.
I’m not sure I would say I enjoyed The Skeleton Under the Stairs any more or any less than The Ghost in the Hall, but I will say I feel the storytelling is comparable in strength and fluidity. I mention that due to my frustration with the book between the two and have my fingers crossed that Avery continues to hone her craft in the vein of books 1 and 3. I can see her becoming an autobuy if she keeps pulling off winners like 1 and 3.
Now on to The Dog in the Alley where the focus changes from Ward and Mason’s story to Hart’s story.
Happy reading y’all! Love and hugs, K 💛
As with the first two books in the series, there’s a lot going on in this third installment. I appreciated and enjoyed all the different plot lines though I would love to eventually get more time with Ward, Mason and Mason’s nephew, Jackson. The relationship growth between those three was endearing and seeing more of Jackson growing into his powers and interacting more with Ward and ghosts could be really entertaining.
I’m not sure I would say I enjoyed The Skeleton Under the Stairs any more or any less than The Ghost in the Hall, but I will say I feel the storytelling is comparable in strength and fluidity. I mention that due to my frustration with the book between the two and have my fingers crossed that Avery continues to hone her craft in the vein of books 1 and 3. I can see her becoming an autobuy if she keeps pulling off winners like 1 and 3.
Now on to The Dog in the Alley where the focus changes from Ward and Mason’s story to Hart’s story.
Happy reading y’all! Love and hugs, K 💛
July 1, 2022
GERARGHHH!
The end?!? Surely I misread that and the author meant 64 more books in this series. Cause that's what i want. I want all the way up to octogenarian mason and ward puttering around with a cantankerous hart and still fashionably dressed, wrinkled little beck being driven around by a middle aged and super bad a*sed Jackson. Km Avery has created characters that are so real and endearing I literally want to just read about them going to the grocery store.
The whole plot arc was superb. Top to bottom its interesting and deep with more smexy parts than I remember in previous books, and so much love my heart just explodes. No spoilers but about 3 chapters from the end my entire being just screeched to a halt and I worried it would be one of THOSE books.
I would read this series (and have) again and again. Km Avery is amazing and I cannot reccomend their work highly enough.
The end?!? Surely I misread that and the author meant 64 more books in this series. Cause that's what i want. I want all the way up to octogenarian mason and ward puttering around with a cantankerous hart and still fashionably dressed, wrinkled little beck being driven around by a middle aged and super bad a*sed Jackson. Km Avery has created characters that are so real and endearing I literally want to just read about them going to the grocery store.
The whole plot arc was superb. Top to bottom its interesting and deep with more smexy parts than I remember in previous books, and so much love my heart just explodes. No spoilers but about 3 chapters from the end my entire being just screeched to a halt and I worried it would be one of THOSE books.
I would read this series (and have) again and again. Km Avery is amazing and I cannot reccomend their work highly enough.
July 7, 2022
This series is phenomenal! There is some serious talent here...I just wish the author had decided to write more in the series as it could continue to carry on easily! Hart?? Jackson?? Aaarrggghhh! So freaking good!
September 17, 2022
wonderful elements, Best of the three
Rating: 4.5 🌈
The Skeleton Under The Stairs is the third book in the Beyond the Veil series and the one that wraps up Ward and Mason’s section of the series.
And while it’s a much better story then the previous one, The Boy in the Locked Room #2, it still leaves so many elements, minor to major, dangling within this couple’s story thread that I find it hard to think it successfully finalizes their part in the series arc.
The main couple consists of Ward Campion, medium via the magical ability granting Arcanavirus, who now has new magical abilities that point to him being a warlock. That new power, plus the recent combination of his business with Lost Lineage Foundation, which helps those find their deceased family, and their upcoming marriage, has him overly stressed about finances and insecurities.
His partner, Mason Manning, ex professor, historian, witch , orc, also has his problems. His very young nephew is a death witch and just coming into his powers. The only people who can reasonably help him are Mason and the overly stressed Edward.
I do like how Avery doesn’t play down Ward’s feelings about taking on a child with terrifying unstable powers into their home when he also feels that he needs Mason’s time and care too. He’s still very vulnerable, the trial for his assault coming up. And then there’s new murders to investigate.
You feel every bit as overwhelmed as Ward does.. He’s a bit ashamed that he’s reluctant to take on a child who needs them, but that’s wholly human.
More so because that child, Jackson, is beautifully characterized and real. His cries for help are heart wrenching.
The shadow magical organization, Antiquus Ordo Arcanum , that’s behind so many horrors, returns in a terrifying mystery that’s the title theme.
We get new fascinating ghosts, new magical powers, and elements as viewed and used by multiple characters. It’s another well done section.
The relationship between Mason and Ward continues to strengthen as each becomes more aware of each other’s issues, theirs feelings that hurt and help the bond they have grow. Avery, thankfully, toned down the number of sex scenes to allow page time for the couple to work through important issues as they came up when certain events triggered them.
There’s a wonderful dramatic climax but it’s hindered by a lack of foundation laid for the final events, that some pivotal elements and key players were allowed to just fade away, while others curiously stayed. As well as the fact that the criminals /company weren’t exactly dissolved but disbanded.
There are other small threads left dangling too. Jackson ‘s power. Ward’s power , the strange tingling in his back. I could go on about elements brought up and either discarded or forgotten.
It just seems as though there’s another book in Ward and Mason’s story needed to finish their story off.
Especially since the fourth book is Detective Hart’s.
So this is a wonderful book but not a great one. There’s many terrific elements, especially the Arcanavirus that changes people but that aspect too is delegated to the background other than people wearing masks in order not to catch it . It’s a shame because that’s a fascinating concept that got sidelined after the first book.
I’ll recommend it , with reservations about the second story. This is the best of the three. If you enjoy paranormal stories, check it out.
I’ll be picking up Hart’s story when it rolls out.
Beyond The Veil series:
- [x] The Ghost in the Hall #1
- [x] The Boy in the Locked Room #2
- [x] The Skeleton Under the Stairs #3
- [ ] The Dog in the Alley (Beyond the Veil Book 4) - Oct 27, 2022 Detective Hart’s story
Rating: 4.5 🌈
The Skeleton Under The Stairs is the third book in the Beyond the Veil series and the one that wraps up Ward and Mason’s section of the series.
And while it’s a much better story then the previous one, The Boy in the Locked Room #2, it still leaves so many elements, minor to major, dangling within this couple’s story thread that I find it hard to think it successfully finalizes their part in the series arc.
The main couple consists of Ward Campion, medium via the magical ability granting Arcanavirus, who now has new magical abilities that point to him being a warlock. That new power, plus the recent combination of his business with Lost Lineage Foundation, which helps those find their deceased family, and their upcoming marriage, has him overly stressed about finances and insecurities.
His partner, Mason Manning, ex professor, historian, witch , orc, also has his problems. His very young nephew is a death witch and just coming into his powers. The only people who can reasonably help him are Mason and the overly stressed Edward.
I do like how Avery doesn’t play down Ward’s feelings about taking on a child with terrifying unstable powers into their home when he also feels that he needs Mason’s time and care too. He’s still very vulnerable, the trial for his assault coming up. And then there’s new murders to investigate.
You feel every bit as overwhelmed as Ward does.. He’s a bit ashamed that he’s reluctant to take on a child who needs them, but that’s wholly human.
More so because that child, Jackson, is beautifully characterized and real. His cries for help are heart wrenching.
The shadow magical organization, Antiquus Ordo Arcanum , that’s behind so many horrors, returns in a terrifying mystery that’s the title theme.
We get new fascinating ghosts, new magical powers, and elements as viewed and used by multiple characters. It’s another well done section.
The relationship between Mason and Ward continues to strengthen as each becomes more aware of each other’s issues, theirs feelings that hurt and help the bond they have grow. Avery, thankfully, toned down the number of sex scenes to allow page time for the couple to work through important issues as they came up when certain events triggered them.
There’s a wonderful dramatic climax but it’s hindered by a lack of foundation laid for the final events, that some pivotal elements and key players were allowed to just fade away, while others curiously stayed. As well as the fact that the criminals /company weren’t exactly dissolved but disbanded.
There are other small threads left dangling too. Jackson ‘s power. Ward’s power , the strange tingling in his back. I could go on about elements brought up and either discarded or forgotten.
It just seems as though there’s another book in Ward and Mason’s story needed to finish their story off.
Especially since the fourth book is Detective Hart’s.
So this is a wonderful book but not a great one. There’s many terrific elements, especially the Arcanavirus that changes people but that aspect too is delegated to the background other than people wearing masks in order not to catch it . It’s a shame because that’s a fascinating concept that got sidelined after the first book.
I’ll recommend it , with reservations about the second story. This is the best of the three. If you enjoy paranormal stories, check it out.
I’ll be picking up Hart’s story when it rolls out.
Beyond The Veil series:
- [x] The Ghost in the Hall #1
- [x] The Boy in the Locked Room #2
- [x] The Skeleton Under the Stairs #3
- [ ] The Dog in the Alley (Beyond the Veil Book 4) - Oct 27, 2022 Detective Hart’s story
July 6, 2022
Great addition to the series!
This was a great read. It was less heavy than the second one, at least to me. Mason and Ward were still facing lots of challenges, but their relationship remained strong through whatever life threw at them. It was neat seeing Ward learn more about his abilities and use them to help take down the bad guys, and it was sweet seeing the two guys taking care of their nephew.
I’m pretty sure I saw somewhere that this was the final one for these guys, but I’m not ready to let go yet! I’d love a story featuring Hart at the very least. ❤️
This was a great read. It was less heavy than the second one, at least to me. Mason and Ward were still facing lots of challenges, but their relationship remained strong through whatever life threw at them. It was neat seeing Ward learn more about his abilities and use them to help take down the bad guys, and it was sweet seeing the two guys taking care of their nephew.
I’m pretty sure I saw somewhere that this was the final one for these guys, but I’m not ready to let go yet! I’d love a story featuring Hart at the very least. ❤️
April 6, 2025
Another amazing addition to the series! Ward's emotions, inner turmoil, growing powers and the relationship growth between everyone is extremely well done and relatable on many levels. The inner dialogues and doubts don't feel overdone or excessive. Hart's "softer side" is balanced really well with the salty elf we all have grown to love.
The introduction of Jackson's magic and how it relates to Wards magic was interesting, and I love that we got to "keep" Sylvia❤️
I'm excited to read Hart's story, although I'll be sad not to be "home" with Ward and Mason.
Single pov
1st P
Magic, disabled MC, inter-species relationship
Strict
Murders and ghosts
Injuries and hospitalization
The introduction of Jackson's magic and how it relates to Wards magic was interesting, and I love that we got to "keep" Sylvia❤️
I'm excited to read Hart's story, although I'll be sad not to be "home" with Ward and Mason.
Single pov
1st P
Magic, disabled MC, inter-species relationship
Strict
Murders and ghosts
Injuries and hospitalization
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2025
4⭐️
I loved the story. And while book 2 and 3 were a bit too sweet and their relationship a bit too happy and simple for me, I still enjoyed the story line a lot. All the ghosts 😀
Second book could have a little less sex scenes, I mostly skipped them, because, really, nearly every other chapter? Got bored 😀 plot was awesome though.
And I really liked the Elf, onto his books next!
I loved the story. And while book 2 and 3 were a bit too sweet and their relationship a bit too happy and simple for me, I still enjoyed the story line a lot. All the ghosts 😀
Second book could have a little less sex scenes, I mostly skipped them, because, really, nearly every other chapter? Got bored 😀 plot was awesome though.
And I really liked the Elf, onto his books next!
January 3, 2026
I did like it but not only were there still too many questions left at the end, still too many open threads, too many unresolved subplots & it didn't really feel as though the overarching mystery WAS concluded 🤷♀️
Rayne was barely ever mentioned, he wasn't even a footnote at the very end when he definitely should've been there as well. Seeing as Ward only started unlocking his powers due to Rayne's help & Rayne is now all alone in the world. I kept hoping that Ward & Mason would bring him into the fold, but they never did!
Sylvia was MIA for most of it, but thankfully she became more prominent towards the end.
I'd really liked Hart from the 1st novel, but he absolutely stole my heart from the 2nd novel onwards 🤗😍
I also loved that Beck also became more of a prominent character.
Archie was a great addition to the ghostly side of the family!
Jackson was adorable & I loved that the author was aware enough that culturally Jackson WOULD call Ward uncle... however, there were a few instances at the end where he didn't & THAT would never happen. In our cultures which are extremely similar, it's considered beyond rude to call elders by their 1st name, hence why we end up calling so many people uncles, aunties, grandma, grandpa, etc...
Talking of which, I was beyond stumped as to why Ward kept referring to himself as Jackson's STEP uncle?!?! 🤔 He's marrying Mason who is Jackson's mother's brother & who also happens to be her twin... he's just uncle!
Step family only refers to family related by marriage where the adults don't have a blood connection to the child. Mason is Jackson's BLOOD relative, so no step about it... honestly, that kept throwing me for a loop every single time Ward thought it 😒
Maybe it's just me, but I felt that a mystery that stemmed THREE (10 hours & longer) novels, as it was tangentially connected to Rayne, etc... would've been thoroughly concluded & all threads neatly tied by the end of the trilogy, however it was left too open-ended! There were more players involved than just the singular villain who meets an off-page ending (very unsatisfactory IMO), what happened with Rayne's parents, were they contacted, were they involved, did they regret their actions...
For me, the author really dropped the ball with Rayne' character & his arc. He WAS to a great extent a vital secondary character for both the 1st 2 novels, yet he was completely dropped once he was released from the hell hole he had been kept in for decades. He deserved better!
& then we arrive to the reason why I really couldn't give this or the previous book a higher rating...
Which is sadly, Ward's self-absorbedness & self-pity that were still very much in evidence from the 2nd book onwards.
Nearly every single situation whether it concerned Ward or not, became woe is me in Ward's mind.
Jackson needing to move out of his family house because he might accidentally kill one of his family members?!? Woe is me for Ward 🙄
Mason having to care for his 9 year old nephew as well as Ward... Woe is me for Ward 😡
Mason getting hurt... Woe is me for Ward 😡 🤬
Whenever Mason was upset, hurt, angry, exasperated, etc... it ALWAYS ended with Mason asking Ward if HE was okay... that really started doing my tits in 😡🤬😡
Yes, you're now having to live with a disability, but your partner is your full-time carer & that DOES take a very heavy toll on ANY individual... yet, that was never addressed & Ward only ever thought how things would affect him & I'm not even talking about his injury as even Sylvia mentioned in the previous book that Ward WAS very prone to self-pity even before his injury!
Same with the first novel where Mason bringing Ward back from the dead was treated as am afterthought... the same happened with Jackson!
I think my biggest issue with the 3 books is that it all, always felt too unbalanced. Mason loves & cares for Ward unconditionally & Ward does love Mason, but he doesn't look after Mason... even the few times where he does cook, it's because he doesn't want to concern himself with whatever Mason is dealing with, even though it involves THEIR investigation.
Mason always needs to put Ward's feelings & concerns above his own & I'm REALLY not a fan of that kind of one-sided relationship.
It was even mentioned at the end that finally Ward asked Mason if HE was okay... but when it's only one instance out of nearly 40 hours worth of listening... it didn't do anything other point out how one-sided their relationship was if you really stopped to think about it.
& IMO what made it even worse, was that he asks Mason if he's ok, then muses how it's usually always the other way around & immediately he makes the situation about himself 😡😡
It really started grating on my nerves, because it was one of those things that once you see it, you can't unsee it & I don't know if it's because we only ever got his POV, but it was far too self-absorbed for my tastes!
Also, because it was only one POV, we never witnessed many things because Ward didn't want to... such as, for example Sylvia's possible romance with Elsbeth's father... Ward didn't want to know, but I did!
Whether or not Fiona met the other Faun (I can't remember her name) whose brother was Mason's friend!
If there was a relationship brewing between Fiona & Beck!
If Rayne was more settled, had made new friends & had a found family of his own...
Having said all that, I did not dislike Ward, but I did wish it had been more of a balanced story where we're able to empathise with more characters than just Ward, which ir really what it boiled down to at the end 🤷♀️
Rayne was barely ever mentioned, he wasn't even a footnote at the very end when he definitely should've been there as well. Seeing as Ward only started unlocking his powers due to Rayne's help & Rayne is now all alone in the world. I kept hoping that Ward & Mason would bring him into the fold, but they never did!
Sylvia was MIA for most of it, but thankfully she became more prominent towards the end.
I'd really liked Hart from the 1st novel, but he absolutely stole my heart from the 2nd novel onwards 🤗😍
I also loved that Beck also became more of a prominent character.
Archie was a great addition to the ghostly side of the family!
Jackson was adorable & I loved that the author was aware enough that culturally Jackson WOULD call Ward uncle... however, there were a few instances at the end where he didn't & THAT would never happen. In our cultures which are extremely similar, it's considered beyond rude to call elders by their 1st name, hence why we end up calling so many people uncles, aunties, grandma, grandpa, etc...
Talking of which, I was beyond stumped as to why Ward kept referring to himself as Jackson's STEP uncle?!?! 🤔 He's marrying Mason who is Jackson's mother's brother & who also happens to be her twin... he's just uncle!
Step family only refers to family related by marriage where the adults don't have a blood connection to the child. Mason is Jackson's BLOOD relative, so no step about it... honestly, that kept throwing me for a loop every single time Ward thought it 😒
Maybe it's just me, but I felt that a mystery that stemmed THREE (10 hours & longer) novels, as it was tangentially connected to Rayne, etc... would've been thoroughly concluded & all threads neatly tied by the end of the trilogy, however it was left too open-ended! There were more players involved than just the singular villain who meets an off-page ending (very unsatisfactory IMO), what happened with Rayne's parents, were they contacted, were they involved, did they regret their actions...
For me, the author really dropped the ball with Rayne' character & his arc. He WAS to a great extent a vital secondary character for both the 1st 2 novels, yet he was completely dropped once he was released from the hell hole he had been kept in for decades. He deserved better!
& then we arrive to the reason why I really couldn't give this or the previous book a higher rating...
Which is sadly, Ward's self-absorbedness & self-pity that were still very much in evidence from the 2nd book onwards.
Nearly every single situation whether it concerned Ward or not, became woe is me in Ward's mind.
Jackson needing to move out of his family house because he might accidentally kill one of his family members?!? Woe is me for Ward 🙄
Mason having to care for his 9 year old nephew as well as Ward... Woe is me for Ward 😡
Mason getting hurt... Woe is me for Ward 😡 🤬
Whenever Mason was upset, hurt, angry, exasperated, etc... it ALWAYS ended with Mason asking Ward if HE was okay... that really started doing my tits in 😡🤬😡
Yes, you're now having to live with a disability, but your partner is your full-time carer & that DOES take a very heavy toll on ANY individual... yet, that was never addressed & Ward only ever thought how things would affect him & I'm not even talking about his injury as even Sylvia mentioned in the previous book that Ward WAS very prone to self-pity even before his injury!
Same with the first novel where Mason bringing Ward back from the dead was treated as am afterthought... the same happened with Jackson!
I think my biggest issue with the 3 books is that it all, always felt too unbalanced. Mason loves & cares for Ward unconditionally & Ward does love Mason, but he doesn't look after Mason... even the few times where he does cook, it's because he doesn't want to concern himself with whatever Mason is dealing with, even though it involves THEIR investigation.
Mason always needs to put Ward's feelings & concerns above his own & I'm REALLY not a fan of that kind of one-sided relationship.
It was even mentioned at the end that finally Ward asked Mason if HE was okay... but when it's only one instance out of nearly 40 hours worth of listening... it didn't do anything other point out how one-sided their relationship was if you really stopped to think about it.
& IMO what made it even worse, was that he asks Mason if he's ok, then muses how it's usually always the other way around & immediately he makes the situation about himself 😡😡
It really started grating on my nerves, because it was one of those things that once you see it, you can't unsee it & I don't know if it's because we only ever got his POV, but it was far too self-absorbed for my tastes!
Also, because it was only one POV, we never witnessed many things because Ward didn't want to... such as, for example Sylvia's possible romance with Elsbeth's father... Ward didn't want to know, but I did!
Whether or not Fiona met the other Faun (I can't remember her name) whose brother was Mason's friend!
If there was a relationship brewing between Fiona & Beck!
If Rayne was more settled, had made new friends & had a found family of his own...
Having said all that, I did not dislike Ward, but I did wish it had been more of a balanced story where we're able to empathise with more characters than just Ward, which ir really what it boiled down to at the end 🤷♀️
May 26, 2023
The writing holds up for most part, but author needs editor for sure. The books are too long and sometimes things repeat for too much. Also there are inconsistencies like Valentine's name being mentioned in first book and later on said too be unknown, also characters ages keep changing. The mystery part was good.
The sex scenes are bane of these books. In romance some level of heat is expected and needed but in these they feel redundant and formulaic. Too many of them. Characters are well written. Also the books tend to focus on Wards POV which leaves Mason two dimensional, and a bit too perfect
The sex scenes are bane of these books. In romance some level of heat is expected and needed but in these they feel redundant and formulaic. Too many of them. Characters are well written. Also the books tend to focus on Wards POV which leaves Mason two dimensional, and a bit too perfect
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2022
I appreciate that the author listened to reviews and lightened up on the amount of sex scenes. I just wish we had gotten a little more development of the mystery. It still seemed to be wrapped up way too quickly with a life-threatening injury that didn’t even make sense to me. But I still enjoyed the story and the characters :)
October 26, 2025
Loved it
Absolutely loved this book and the characters. So much plot, romance, steam, fluff, family, friends and action. Definitely going to get the next one.
Absolutely loved this book and the characters. So much plot, romance, steam, fluff, family, friends and action. Definitely going to get the next one.
April 17, 2023
Third book in the series.
The MCs
Mason: Brainy Orc. He's Ward's rock.
Ward: Psychic extraordinaire.
The plot
Ward and Mason get called in to rid an abusive spirit from a couple's home. Once there, it's not as easy as it seems with ghosts popping up everywhere. Each with a frightening tale of their demise. All murdered by Antiquus Ordo Arcanum, the not so secret group with nefarious plans. The pair work through relationship issues, taking in Mason's nephew, and this newest cluster fu#K from the Arcanum.
Pros:
Tight writing. The plot was fairly fast paced, and I liked the side plot of the nephew's new found powers and problems that came with it. I also liked that there was the appropriate amount of sex in this book. Read my review of book 2 for an explanation of that. I also liked how bad a$$ Ward is in this book. He's far from the shrinking violet and although his disability annoys him at times, it doesn't seem to affect his self esteem. He never dwells on it other than for practical elements. And without giving it away, I love how he dealt with the final threat at the end of the book. You go honey! Protect that man of yours!
The cons:
This is the last Mason and Ward book. I'm sad. I want to see more of this couple. I hope the author reconsiders, or at least throws us a few short stories here and there.
The MCs
Mason: Brainy Orc. He's Ward's rock.
Ward: Psychic extraordinaire.
The plot
Ward and Mason get called in to rid an abusive spirit from a couple's home. Once there, it's not as easy as it seems with ghosts popping up everywhere. Each with a frightening tale of their demise. All murdered by Antiquus Ordo Arcanum, the not so secret group with nefarious plans. The pair work through relationship issues, taking in Mason's nephew, and this newest cluster fu#K from the Arcanum.
Pros:
Tight writing. The plot was fairly fast paced, and I liked the side plot of the nephew's new found powers and problems that came with it. I also liked that there was the appropriate amount of sex in this book. Read my review of book 2 for an explanation of that. I also liked how bad a$$ Ward is in this book. He's far from the shrinking violet and although his disability annoys him at times, it doesn't seem to affect his self esteem. He never dwells on it other than for practical elements. And without giving it away, I love how he dealt with the final threat at the end of the book. You go honey! Protect that man of yours!
The cons:
This is the last Mason and Ward book. I'm sad. I want to see more of this couple. I hope the author reconsiders, or at least throws us a few short stories here and there.
June 5, 2024
4⭐️
This was a roller coaster of emotions. A lot happens in this book. Ward and Mason are planning a wedding (or technically they aren't but should really get on it), Jackson is manifesting his powers and might have to move in with them, there is a poltergeist that the gang has to deal with, the cult from the last book is making an appearance in this book too and Ward's powers are increasing or are not what he thought they were.
Though all of this is in one book, I didn't feel like it was over plotted and the action took the front seat to the emotional stuff from the previous books. There were still great emotional, relationship related conversations and the couple had some tense moments too. The relationship just got stronger between Ward and Mason and we got to see a side of Hart that wasn't all asshole. We get a kind of closure on the Ordo cult with most of the members either dead, escaped or jailed. But with a few more books in the works and it being a cult, I think we will see more of them.
Which brings us to the question of if I will continue on with the next arc of books based on Hart. As usual I will answer ambiguously with a "maybe". I do not have an attachment to Hart either way and maybe a break from the world will make me come back to it later. For now I loved these books and the characters and will leave it at that.
This was a roller coaster of emotions. A lot happens in this book. Ward and Mason are planning a wedding (or technically they aren't but should really get on it), Jackson is manifesting his powers and might have to move in with them, there is a poltergeist that the gang has to deal with, the cult from the last book is making an appearance in this book too and Ward's powers are increasing or are not what he thought they were.
Though all of this is in one book, I didn't feel like it was over plotted and the action took the front seat to the emotional stuff from the previous books. There were still great emotional, relationship related conversations and the couple had some tense moments too. The relationship just got stronger between Ward and Mason and we got to see a side of Hart that wasn't all asshole. We get a kind of closure on the Ordo cult with most of the members either dead, escaped or jailed. But with a few more books in the works and it being a cult, I think we will see more of them.
Which brings us to the question of if I will continue on with the next arc of books based on Hart. As usual I will answer ambiguously with a "maybe". I do not have an attachment to Hart either way and maybe a break from the world will make me come back to it later. For now I loved these books and the characters and will leave it at that.
February 16, 2024
What a book! The best one of the trilogy for Ward and Mason’s arc. I liked how the author managed to balance the number of sex scenes (way too many in the previous book) with the main plot and side stories. I would like to see a 4th book or a novella covering a bit of their life post-wedding, without murderous ghosts or evil organizations. But I am quite interested in seeing Hart - he is such a character! - and a new character. We had a little spoiler with the mention of his tattoo but I don’t know yet if it’s related or not.
I especially liked how Ward was honest with his feelings about Jackson moving in with them. His reticence wasn’t about not wanting the boy but about his fear if failure. I was happy to see how they clicked together and Ward’s sensibility in understanding the boy who living away from his home, just like Ward when he lost his parents.
Mason did what he does best. He cares, he understands and he is supportive despite his fears first Ward. He is the kind of person you see on the street and immediately know he will be a good friend.
I especially liked how Ward was honest with his feelings about Jackson moving in with them. His reticence wasn’t about not wanting the boy but about his fear if failure. I was happy to see how they clicked together and Ward’s sensibility in understanding the boy who living away from his home, just like Ward when he lost his parents.
Mason did what he does best. He cares, he understands and he is supportive despite his fears first Ward. He is the kind of person you see on the street and immediately know he will be a good friend.
July 10, 2025
Ghosts, Magic, and A Cult
Ward and Mason along with their friends Hart who's detective, Beck who's A banisher, Sylvia a ghost, and A new ghost friend Archie all go up against the Antiquus Ordo Arcanum cult who's been killing for years deciding who doesn't deserve their abilities. Some of these ghosts aren't helpful that they find this go around until they are made to help because they were part of the cult.
Ward as the summary says is finding out about himself and exactly what he is which I really loved that Archie helped him on that. We also have Mason's nephew Jackson who's living with them now because of his magic developing and he can't stay with his family because they don't have the magic to help him.
Absolutely loved Hart as always he makes me laugh can't wait until his books which are next. There is some drama near the end with someone getting hurt because of the cult trying take them out which thankfully doesn't work. I'm sad to see Ward and Mason's books over but hope we might get glimpses of them in other books maybe.
Ward and Mason along with their friends Hart who's detective, Beck who's A banisher, Sylvia a ghost, and A new ghost friend Archie all go up against the Antiquus Ordo Arcanum cult who's been killing for years deciding who doesn't deserve their abilities. Some of these ghosts aren't helpful that they find this go around until they are made to help because they were part of the cult.
Ward as the summary says is finding out about himself and exactly what he is which I really loved that Archie helped him on that. We also have Mason's nephew Jackson who's living with them now because of his magic developing and he can't stay with his family because they don't have the magic to help him.
Absolutely loved Hart as always he makes me laugh can't wait until his books which are next. There is some drama near the end with someone getting hurt because of the cult trying take them out which thankfully doesn't work. I'm sad to see Ward and Mason's books over but hope we might get glimpses of them in other books maybe.
April 25, 2025
I seriously love this series. It has all the things I love: great writing, funny banter, gripping stories, swoony romance, intensely beautiful spice, wonderful characters, and more. This is book 3 in the Beyond the Veil series and the last book to feature Ward and Mason as the main couple. While I will miss these two, I look forward to reading Hart's books!
Mason is still the same gentle giant, the orc witch who's steady and wonderful and everything Ward needs and deserves. Ward is becoming even more of a badass, and the wheelchair rep here is so amazing, I love it. We need more badass characters in wheelchairs, honestly.
A lot is going on in this book, but it never feels like too much. It's all woven together beautifully, and I was hooked from start to finish.
If you haven't started this series yet, please do so! It's absolutely worth your time.
Mason is still the same gentle giant, the orc witch who's steady and wonderful and everything Ward needs and deserves. Ward is becoming even more of a badass, and the wheelchair rep here is so amazing, I love it. We need more badass characters in wheelchairs, honestly.
A lot is going on in this book, but it never feels like too much. It's all woven together beautifully, and I was hooked from start to finish.
If you haven't started this series yet, please do so! It's absolutely worth your time.
January 20, 2026
2.5 stars. I'm glad I read Hart's books in the series first, because based on the voice the audiobook narrator for Ward's books gives him I'm not sure I'd have picked them up otherwise. I'm going to put my underwhelm for this first trilogy down at least 40% to the audiobook narrator. And 60% to how absolutely dull Ward & Mason were by this point in their domesticity -- they were just always so nice and kind and worried each other, and it sapped any chance of having a personality right out of them. I don't know how Ward, for being a badass warlock with the coolest powers/business, was so boring. Ditto, Mason. And once again there were too many sex scenes for how absolutely uninspired they were. Although again, I do not think the audiobook narrator was doing anyone any favors with that either.
July 9, 2022
Great ghost story
When I first encountered this series of books I wasn't sure about it, but it's turned out to be an excellent series. At first I thought it was a bit gimmicky to have a magical pandemic in the book when we had just come through a real pandemic, but it was actually a great concept. I find the characters to be really well written and it's been very enjoyable. I really enjoyed the mystery aspect with the ghosts and the research. Sometimes I find the ending wraps up a bit quick and could maybe use a little more explanation but overall the pacing of the story is very good. I would love to learn a little more about Detective Hart he seems very interesting. I think Mason and Ward are very cute couple. I would love to see some more books in this series.
When I first encountered this series of books I wasn't sure about it, but it's turned out to be an excellent series. At first I thought it was a bit gimmicky to have a magical pandemic in the book when we had just come through a real pandemic, but it was actually a great concept. I find the characters to be really well written and it's been very enjoyable. I really enjoyed the mystery aspect with the ghosts and the research. Sometimes I find the ending wraps up a bit quick and could maybe use a little more explanation but overall the pacing of the story is very good. I would love to learn a little more about Detective Hart he seems very interesting. I think Mason and Ward are very cute couple. I would love to see some more books in this series.
November 21, 2025
A redemption! I wasn't sure whether I'd give this one a chance after the mess that was book two (sex, sex, and more sex), but I'm happy to say that the author got their mind out of the gutter for this one lol. A few boring, formulaic sex scenes, but like. A reasonable number. Overall still a bit repetitive and a lot going on to the point where it kinda.. idk... distracted from itself? Like it was trying to address so many things that none of them felt like they got the attention they deserved. Idk. But overall pretty good. Hart was my favourite throughout the whole series, so I WILL be moving onto his books. Fingers crossed that getting to know him better doesn't take away his appeal, as I find so often happens for side characters who become main characters...
July 31, 2023
This was much stronger than the second book, and although it was a little slow in places -- and Ward returned to a bit of self-pity/whininess -- I found it much more engaging than #2 (and more like #1 in its ability to hold my interest).
I liked how the plot played out and how things were mostly resolved with the overall mystery. I wished , though. Still, it was a solid conclusion to Ward's and Mason's part of the story, and learning more about Ward's unusual magical abilities was cool.
I'm excited to continue with Hart's perspective too. :)
I liked how the plot played out and how things were mostly resolved with the overall mystery. I wished , though. Still, it was a solid conclusion to Ward's and Mason's part of the story, and learning more about Ward's unusual magical abilities was cool.
I'm excited to continue with Hart's perspective too. :)
October 26, 2022
Just steamed through this series by KM Avery. They're brilliant! The first three books are kind of a trilogy - as I said in a review for book 1, perfect pre-Halloween spooky shenanigans. Really well written and approaches lots of issues (including race, disability and assault) brilliantly in ways rarely seen in MM.
The first book was written at the start of Covid - in this series we're 30ish years into a global pandemic, but in this case the virus can change those who contract it - into mediums, ghouls, orcs, fauns, elves and more. Defo going on my top books of the year list.
The first book was written at the start of Covid - in this series we're 30ish years into a global pandemic, but in this case the virus can change those who contract it - into mediums, ghouls, orcs, fauns, elves and more. Defo going on my top books of the year list.
August 3, 2024
3.5 stars. It wasn’t boring per say, but I will say that it took me nearly 2 days to read it which says a lot about I normally devour books this long in less than a day. The story was good. The plot was good. But I swear every single time Ward did anything that wasn’t “good” he started questioning whether mason was going to leave him AFTER they got engaged. Seemed a bit odd tbh after 3 books of his woe is me thinking. Again, some parts of the book were a little wordy and I skipped over them, I honestly don’t see myself rereading this book or this series
January 6, 2025
**Audiobook Review**
I'm lucky to get this series on audio and I'm enjoying it. Book 3 was a rode trip listen for me and it was great. Ward, Mason, Hart and some helpful ghosts are at it again with more mysterious deaths and cases to solve. Along with that Mason's nephew comes to live with them. Another bout of drama but not too angsty. Not as much sex as book 2, which gave us more of the storyline to get entertained with. Narration still on point and the ending gives a little bit what on what's coming next.
I'm lucky to get this series on audio and I'm enjoying it. Book 3 was a rode trip listen for me and it was great. Ward, Mason, Hart and some helpful ghosts are at it again with more mysterious deaths and cases to solve. Along with that Mason's nephew comes to live with them. Another bout of drama but not too angsty. Not as much sex as book 2, which gave us more of the storyline to get entertained with. Narration still on point and the ending gives a little bit what on what's coming next.
May 22, 2024
Uuuhh, no way!! This development was so cool!
I don't want to spoil anyone, so I won't say much.
Just: why wouldn't you let a nine year old cut the tomatoes for the salad? Lol - my kids learned that in Krabbelstube at age three. None of them ever cut themselves and they were really careful. So don't be too anxious! 💕
Also there was a lot of personal growth in the book, which I liked a lot. And some cool new characters with lots of humour and snark!
Great series!!! 💯
I don't want to spoil anyone, so I won't say much.
Just: why wouldn't you let a nine year old cut the tomatoes for the salad? Lol - my kids learned that in Krabbelstube at age three. None of them ever cut themselves and they were really careful. So don't be too anxious! 💕
Also there was a lot of personal growth in the book, which I liked a lot. And some cool new characters with lots of humour and snark!
Great series!!! 💯
October 29, 2024
This is the BTV novel I've been hoping for! It balances mystery investigation with paranormal found family cozy side stories. Old characters get more airtime, the mystery itself is engaging, and it's far easier to like Mace and Ward now they've settled into character (with less crying and swearing). There are still some tmi sex scenes, not all of which i felt were warrented, but otherwise it was an interesting read.
July 1, 2022
Who ya gonna call?
Edward Campion, psychic medium! He is available to deal with all your haunting problems!. With the assistance of his six foot six orc fiancee he battles criminal mages, feral ghosts and future in-laws all while adjusting to some new, growing magical powers and his new physical handiap. Edward can help!
Edward Campion, psychic medium! He is available to deal with all your haunting problems!. With the assistance of his six foot six orc fiancee he battles criminal mages, feral ghosts and future in-laws all while adjusting to some new, growing magical powers and his new physical handiap. Edward can help!
July 15, 2022
I really really enjoyed this series and this was a great way to finish off the series!
Mason and Ward will forever have my heart... I could feel the love between them throughout the series
The side characters are also amazing. Hart and Sylvia are gems and deserve all the happiness... I would love a series with Hart finding his HEA please KM AVery????
Mason and Ward will forever have my heart... I could feel the love between them throughout the series
The side characters are also amazing. Hart and Sylvia are gems and deserve all the happiness... I would love a series with Hart finding his HEA please KM AVery????
July 28, 2022
The author is improving, IMO, by cutting back on the number of sex scenes. There aren't near as many as were in the first 2 books and they actually made some sense this time.
I don't know if this is the final of the series or not. There are still some loose threads so I'm hoping there is at least one more.
I don't know if this is the final of the series or not. There are still some loose threads so I'm hoping there is at least one more.
January 23, 2023
The Skeleton Under the Stairs
I loved this book! The series is interesting, intense, suspenseful and full of laughter, friendship and love. I’m so impressed with the characters and storyline KM Avery has created. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series!! Highly Recommended
I loved this book! The series is interesting, intense, suspenseful and full of laughter, friendship and love. I’m so impressed with the characters and storyline KM Avery has created. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series!! Highly Recommended
May 25, 2024
Avery definitely improved from the second book. The mystery was exciting as everything started to get pieced together and watching Jackson become a part of Ward and Mason’s family unit was very moving.
I am very excited to read Hart’s books next! He is easily one of my favorite characters and I’m looking forward to where the emotionally constipated cop takes us.
I am very excited to read Hart’s books next! He is easily one of my favorite characters and I’m looking forward to where the emotionally constipated cop takes us.
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