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Fortune Favors the Fae #5
The Fae Menagerie
"You will remain here until you learn what love is."
Trapped in the light court's prison, Doyle will never know the meaning of love. When luck summons him to the human realm to "take care of" Parker, he grasps at the possibility to finally escape.
This isn't the first attempt on Parker's life, but it's the most creative. His ex tried to summon a demon and landed a fae prince instead. Too bad the prince is trapped in a glass cage for eternity. When Doyle drags Parker to prison with him, the death threats don't stop with the location change. Now everyone in the fae realm wants Parker dead, too!
Parker's not into Doyle, or anyone for that matter. The coin must have been unlucky-side-up when it paired them together. Still, Doyle is desperate to honor his promise to take care of Parker. Only true love will free them both from the fae menagerie.
The Fae Menagerie is a male/male high romantasy between an imprisoned fae prince playboy and a human virgin. This forced-proximity slow burn romance features versatile characters, fated mates, lots of hurt/comfort, snark, spice, and a happily ever after!
The Fae Menagerie is a part of the multi-author series, Fortune Favors the Fae. From spicy to sweet, zany romps to epic adventures, there’s something for everyone in this mystical series. Discover destiny and true love and follow the coin on its fickle journey to the next world and a new magical adventure. Each book can be read as a standalone and in any order.
Trapped in the light court's prison, Doyle will never know the meaning of love. When luck summons him to the human realm to "take care of" Parker, he grasps at the possibility to finally escape.
This isn't the first attempt on Parker's life, but it's the most creative. His ex tried to summon a demon and landed a fae prince instead. Too bad the prince is trapped in a glass cage for eternity. When Doyle drags Parker to prison with him, the death threats don't stop with the location change. Now everyone in the fae realm wants Parker dead, too!
Parker's not into Doyle, or anyone for that matter. The coin must have been unlucky-side-up when it paired them together. Still, Doyle is desperate to honor his promise to take care of Parker. Only true love will free them both from the fae menagerie.
The Fae Menagerie is a male/male high romantasy between an imprisoned fae prince playboy and a human virgin. This forced-proximity slow burn romance features versatile characters, fated mates, lots of hurt/comfort, snark, spice, and a happily ever after!
The Fae Menagerie is a part of the multi-author series, Fortune Favors the Fae. From spicy to sweet, zany romps to epic adventures, there’s something for everyone in this mystical series. Discover destiny and true love and follow the coin on its fickle journey to the next world and a new magical adventure. Each book can be read as a standalone and in any order.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2024
182 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
January 9, 2025
New author for me and a big hit
This was a cracking good twist on the Fated Mates idea and the premise of the Fae's proclivity for both stealing humans and being promiscuous and fickle.
Having Parker be on the ace/demi spectrum brought a brilliant slow burn element as he and Doyle had to get used to being stuck in the fae menagerie together.
It wasn't always clear just who else was on who's side, too, when it came to Doyle's punishment in the prison, which I liked, because it had you second guessing what could happen next.
The friendship and then romance between them is super sweet too.
This is another book where Coin's mostly absent, though.
This was a cracking good twist on the Fated Mates idea and the premise of the Fae's proclivity for both stealing humans and being promiscuous and fickle.
Having Parker be on the ace/demi spectrum brought a brilliant slow burn element as he and Doyle had to get used to being stuck in the fae menagerie together.
It wasn't always clear just who else was on who's side, too, when it came to Doyle's punishment in the prison, which I liked, because it had you second guessing what could happen next.
The friendship and then romance between them is super sweet too.
This is another book where Coin's mostly absent, though.
not-interested
June 27, 2024Self note: I’ve decided to officially avoid all playboy x virgin tropes. I never liked it in my M/F romance and I still don’t like it in my M/M either. ✌🏻
June 29, 2024
I am writing my thoughts as I go along.
When Doyle was saying Parker's name, where did the name Patrick come from? Why wasn't his full name his first, middle, and last? I didn't get that at all.
Was it Doyle's mother or grandmother who put him in the menagerie? He had blamed them both at this point.
There are a couple things that puzzle me about the basilisk. Parker was trying to lure the basilisk to the little hole, but then when Doyle said they couldn't let the tail through Parker was like, we can't let any of it through! So I don't really get why he was trying to lure it to the hole? The whole basilisk thing was insanely convoluted. Or maybe it's my fault. I have aphantasia so, because I couldn't picture this stuff happening, I have to literally go back several times and write down each fact so that I can try to logic it out. The basilisk is blind. The tail has two unmoving eyes. (Are these the blind eyes (because they're stone) or does it have another pair of eyes in its head?) When the tail is looked at directly, a ray of light shoots... From the tail eyes, maybe? Doyle says you must cut off the tip of the tail to kill it. I guess you have to cut the tip of the tail to force it to turn and look at its tail to see why it's hurting? It has to double back to be able to see its tail... With its stone eyes? Or its head eyes? Either way, it's blind. And it was Horace looking at the tail that triggered the ray of light, so how can a blind creature see its tail and turn itself to stone?
I also don't get why Parker apologized for killing the basilisk.
I kinda don't like how the Fae seemed to be so human. They use human implements, nail polish, etc., human phrases and measurements of time... It's weird.
Doyle says that his grandmother won't think twice about killing them. Later he says she is a sweet old lady. I'm starting to wonder if this book is intentionally obfuscating truth. I thought Doyle had to learn the meaning of love. There was no mention of a riddle unless... That's the riddle? I guess? But anyway he acknowledges he loves Parker but now, out of the blue, he has to verbalize or act out the answer to the riddle? Why didn't they become free when he realizes he loves Parker?
Oh, it's because they're there together. According to Doyle. Well, yes, that makes perfect sense... (It doesn't.)
Ok so now there's going to be some sort of Love Olympics and Parker has to swim, float, whatever idk and then he will be Doyle's. If Parker dies, Doyle will be free. So I guess if Parker becomes Doyle's, that satisfied the grandmother's retirement, and if Doyle "solves" the "riddle," that solves his mother's requirement.
This water thing is stupid. All they have to do is not die and wait for the water to rise to the top.
Oh that's right. Doyle knows movies but doesn't know who Queen is.
When Doyle was saying Parker's name, where did the name Patrick come from? Why wasn't his full name his first, middle, and last? I didn't get that at all.
Was it Doyle's mother or grandmother who put him in the menagerie? He had blamed them both at this point.
There are a couple things that puzzle me about the basilisk. Parker was trying to lure the basilisk to the little hole, but then when Doyle said they couldn't let the tail through Parker was like, we can't let any of it through! So I don't really get why he was trying to lure it to the hole? The whole basilisk thing was insanely convoluted. Or maybe it's my fault. I have aphantasia so, because I couldn't picture this stuff happening, I have to literally go back several times and write down each fact so that I can try to logic it out. The basilisk is blind. The tail has two unmoving eyes. (Are these the blind eyes (because they're stone) or does it have another pair of eyes in its head?) When the tail is looked at directly, a ray of light shoots... From the tail eyes, maybe? Doyle says you must cut off the tip of the tail to kill it. I guess you have to cut the tip of the tail to force it to turn and look at its tail to see why it's hurting? It has to double back to be able to see its tail... With its stone eyes? Or its head eyes? Either way, it's blind. And it was Horace looking at the tail that triggered the ray of light, so how can a blind creature see its tail and turn itself to stone?
I also don't get why Parker apologized for killing the basilisk.
I kinda don't like how the Fae seemed to be so human. They use human implements, nail polish, etc., human phrases and measurements of time... It's weird.
Doyle says that his grandmother won't think twice about killing them. Later he says she is a sweet old lady. I'm starting to wonder if this book is intentionally obfuscating truth. I thought Doyle had to learn the meaning of love. There was no mention of a riddle unless... That's the riddle? I guess? But anyway he acknowledges he loves Parker but now, out of the blue, he has to verbalize or act out the answer to the riddle? Why didn't they become free when he realizes he loves Parker?
Oh, it's because they're there together. According to Doyle. Well, yes, that makes perfect sense... (It doesn't.)
Ok so now there's going to be some sort of Love Olympics and Parker has to swim, float, whatever idk and then he will be Doyle's. If Parker dies, Doyle will be free. So I guess if Parker becomes Doyle's, that satisfied the grandmother's retirement, and if Doyle "solves" the "riddle," that solves his mother's requirement.
This water thing is stupid. All they have to do is not die and wait for the water to rise to the top.
Oh that's right. Doyle knows movies but doesn't know who Queen is.
Read
September 4, 2024September 2024
Kindle edition
DNF at 13%. It was interesting how calm Parker was with the murder attempts, but the moment they were both in the prison and the warden showed up, dunno. Doyle feels like he'll be an annoying character. Playboys needing true love not my thing.
Kindle edition
DNF at 13%. It was interesting how calm Parker was with the murder attempts, but the moment they were both in the prison and the warden showed up, dunno. Doyle feels like he'll be an annoying character. Playboys needing true love not my thing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
dnf
August 1, 2024DNF @28% ... I picked this up solely because I was enjoying the series, but it's the second book I've tried and DNF'd from this author, so I think their writing style may simply not be for me. I've read other books with demisexual and ace characters that I've enjoyed, but I was feeling absolutely no chemistry between these two, and realized that I really don't care if they get together, I'm not invested in their (currently at 28% non-existent) romance at all, and I don't even particularly like either one. (Not that I dislike them, they're just both extremely "blah" and one-dimensional.) Anyway, I'm bored. I don't care. So I'm out. 🤷♀️
June 29, 2024
love the couple, otherwise plot has some issues
Rating: 3.5🌈
The Fae Managerie by Edie Montreaux is the fifth book in this fabulous multi author fantasy series and I found it very entertaining.
While the traveling magical coin is not as much of a character element as it is in the other books, it serves as the item that will bind together two the highly different main characters here.
The concept is interesting if not fully developed or explored or perhaps explained in the story. A fae, Doyle, has been imprisoned by his mother the Queen because of his flippant attitude towards love and romance. Staying in a magical glass prison with viewing hours (actually it’s far worse) until he, Doyle, finds true love. Yes, there’s holes in that. And there’s also a bigger storyline behind that attitude and family dynamics that pops up unexpectedly towards the end of the book. I wish Montreaux had brought this thread into this couple’s storyline earlier along with the other fae drama because it would have made more sense of the dynamic between mother and son.
This sort of choice the author makes for their characters is the same one they make for the other main character of businessman Parker, the one that ends up being imprisoned with the fae Doyle through the nefarious ploy of a ex boyfriend. His background isn’t fully developed, just hinted at in the oddest manner. A shame because the reader isn’t sure if his father is a mobster or monster in a business suit.
Human Parker and fae Doyle go through a ton of trouble, in that prison, where they are often on display for others to view. It’s interesting in the manner that this author makes use of a glass prison plot that’s imaginative but frustrating at the same time. Specifically when it comes to the Warden, an incubus and the fellow prisoners. We just don’t know enough about the situation and prison conditions to make sense of the moment to moment changes or narrative choices.
The relationship between Doyle and Parker feels very real and relatable but everything else keeps impacting on how much we connect with the situation.
A another issue for me is the lack of accountability for the crimes committed against the pair and the lack of any true justice or regret for any of the actions carried out here against a group of characters. I think the author understands that the readers will be uncomfortable with this aspect of the story and tries to insert an explanation into the end of the story. But all it does is serve to highlight further exactly how unsatisfactory this approach is going to remain. This world stays status quo. A penal system that’s not truly explained or understood within the book is allowed to continue with its original warden who committed crimes.
So there’s a really strong romantic element here, with two terrific characters, Parker and Doyle each having their own version of a personal story that ends in a loving relationship. The Fae Menagerie has some interesting ideas and great side characters too, but also quite a few that need further thought, more development, and greater attention to detail.
Did I enjoy this? Yes but also left a bit unsatisfied. Still a recommendation.
These covers are fantastic , some of my favorites in years.
Fortune Favors the Fae - 15 books:
- [x] A Fae Coin Transported Me Into Another World and Now I'm the Gay Holy Maiden by AJ Sherwood #1❤️
- [x] The Wolf's (Un)Lucky Fae by Michele Notaro #2 ❤️
- [x] Bound to the Wild Fae by Tavia Lark #3 June 13❤️
- [x] The Sorcerer’s Thief by Lee Colgin #4 ❤️🔷
- [x] The Fae Menagerie by Edie Montreaux #5
- [ ] Never Darling by Sam Burns #6 - July 4,2024
- [ ] Prince of Poison by Alice Winters #7 - July 11,2024
- [ ] Grave Misfortune by Nazri Noor #8 - July 18,2024
- [ ] Fae for Pay by Meaghan Maslow #9 - July 23,2024
- [ ] Kisses at the Crossroad by Morgan Lysand #10 - August 1,2024
- [ ] Smoke and Mirrors by Kai Butler #11 - August 8, 2024
- [ ] Siren in the Rain by Chloe Archer #12 - Aug 15,2024
- [ ] I Destroyed the Elf Prince’s Harem by Jocelynn Drake #13 - Aug 22,2024
- [ ] A Fae Called Wylder by Michelle Frost #14 - Aug 29,2024
- [ ] Lucky or Knot by Eliot Grayson #15 - September 5,2024
Rating: 3.5🌈
The Fae Managerie by Edie Montreaux is the fifth book in this fabulous multi author fantasy series and I found it very entertaining.
While the traveling magical coin is not as much of a character element as it is in the other books, it serves as the item that will bind together two the highly different main characters here.
The concept is interesting if not fully developed or explored or perhaps explained in the story. A fae, Doyle, has been imprisoned by his mother the Queen because of his flippant attitude towards love and romance. Staying in a magical glass prison with viewing hours (actually it’s far worse) until he, Doyle, finds true love. Yes, there’s holes in that. And there’s also a bigger storyline behind that attitude and family dynamics that pops up unexpectedly towards the end of the book. I wish Montreaux had brought this thread into this couple’s storyline earlier along with the other fae drama because it would have made more sense of the dynamic between mother and son.
This sort of choice the author makes for their characters is the same one they make for the other main character of businessman Parker, the one that ends up being imprisoned with the fae Doyle through the nefarious ploy of a ex boyfriend. His background isn’t fully developed, just hinted at in the oddest manner. A shame because the reader isn’t sure if his father is a mobster or monster in a business suit.
Human Parker and fae Doyle go through a ton of trouble, in that prison, where they are often on display for others to view. It’s interesting in the manner that this author makes use of a glass prison plot that’s imaginative but frustrating at the same time. Specifically when it comes to the Warden, an incubus and the fellow prisoners. We just don’t know enough about the situation and prison conditions to make sense of the moment to moment changes or narrative choices.
The relationship between Doyle and Parker feels very real and relatable but everything else keeps impacting on how much we connect with the situation.
A another issue for me is the lack of accountability for the crimes committed against the pair and the lack of any true justice or regret for any of the actions carried out here against a group of characters. I think the author understands that the readers will be uncomfortable with this aspect of the story and tries to insert an explanation into the end of the story. But all it does is serve to highlight further exactly how unsatisfactory this approach is going to remain. This world stays status quo. A penal system that’s not truly explained or understood within the book is allowed to continue with its original warden who committed crimes.
So there’s a really strong romantic element here, with two terrific characters, Parker and Doyle each having their own version of a personal story that ends in a loving relationship. The Fae Menagerie has some interesting ideas and great side characters too, but also quite a few that need further thought, more development, and greater attention to detail.
Did I enjoy this? Yes but also left a bit unsatisfied. Still a recommendation.
These covers are fantastic , some of my favorites in years.
Fortune Favors the Fae - 15 books:
- [x] A Fae Coin Transported Me Into Another World and Now I'm the Gay Holy Maiden by AJ Sherwood #1❤️
- [x] The Wolf's (Un)Lucky Fae by Michele Notaro #2 ❤️
- [x] Bound to the Wild Fae by Tavia Lark #3 June 13❤️
- [x] The Sorcerer’s Thief by Lee Colgin #4 ❤️🔷
- [x] The Fae Menagerie by Edie Montreaux #5
- [ ] Never Darling by Sam Burns #6 - July 4,2024
- [ ] Prince of Poison by Alice Winters #7 - July 11,2024
- [ ] Grave Misfortune by Nazri Noor #8 - July 18,2024
- [ ] Fae for Pay by Meaghan Maslow #9 - July 23,2024
- [ ] Kisses at the Crossroad by Morgan Lysand #10 - August 1,2024
- [ ] Smoke and Mirrors by Kai Butler #11 - August 8, 2024
- [ ] Siren in the Rain by Chloe Archer #12 - Aug 15,2024
- [ ] I Destroyed the Elf Prince’s Harem by Jocelynn Drake #13 - Aug 22,2024
- [ ] A Fae Called Wylder by Michelle Frost #14 - Aug 29,2024
- [ ] Lucky or Knot by Eliot Grayson #15 - September 5,2024
July 4, 2024
I was in a slump, but when I saw Edie had a new book, I knew I had to read it (or at least try to). A magical coin, a Fae prince playboy trapped in a menagerie... And then there's Parker, who has grown accustomed to attempts on his life but was wholly unprepared for all the new feelings meeting Doyle was going to spring on him.
I was so impressed with how Edie brought these two together, nothing was rushed. It all felt organic, real, and believable (despite the amazing fantasy world they were set in). The romance was gorgeous. The secondary characters were sweet and funny. The drama and tension from all the attempts on Parker's life were well done and kept me flipping the pages, and I would 100% recommend this book.
I was so impressed with how Edie brought these two together, nothing was rushed. It all felt organic, real, and believable (despite the amazing fantasy world they were set in). The romance was gorgeous. The secondary characters were sweet and funny. The drama and tension from all the attempts on Parker's life were well done and kept me flipping the pages, and I would 100% recommend this book.
June 23, 2024
The Fae Menagerie is part of the multi author Fortune Favors the Fae series. Each book is a standalone story but why not enjoy the whole series. Like the other books I have read in the series the coin brings Doyle a fae prince and Parker a human together. Doyle is a prisoner in the fae menagerie until he can learn what true love is. Parker is sure he is broken because he doesn't feel attraction to anyone. I loved this book from the start. These two are perfect for each other, neither is broken they just needed to find the right person for them. I would definitely recommend this book and series.
June 27, 2024
NOT a demon 😂
Parker and Doyle were the epitome of "living in a fish bowl/forcrd proximity." Coin really had its work cut out for it with these two, one playboy fae and his demi human. I'm looking forward to the next couple "blessesd" with Coin's influence.
Parker and Doyle were the epitome of "living in a fish bowl/forcrd proximity." Coin really had its work cut out for it with these two, one playboy fae and his demi human. I'm looking forward to the next couple "blessesd" with Coin's influence.
July 12, 2024
Not the strongest story of this series, but I liked Doyle and Parker a lot. The middle part was a bit boring and repetitious, but I enjoyed it nevertheless
July 10, 2024
twice as long as needed
Leans a little too heavy on the power of fated mates, and implies that all asexuals need is a few months of forced proximity to jump start their libido.
Why is the perfect, fate chosen person for a millennia old player a thirty year old virgin?
Leans a little too heavy on the power of fated mates, and implies that all asexuals need is a few months of forced proximity to jump start their libido.
Why is the perfect, fate chosen person for a millennia old player a thirty year old virgin?
April 30, 2025
3.5 stars.
I didn't love this one, unfortunately "( – ⌓ – )
I believe that writing doesn't always have to be mind-blowing to convey emotion and make me feel with the characters and care about what's going on. If the writing manages to do that, then it's good, it did its job, you know? That said, I don't feel like the writing was good here. There were so many weirdly-worded lines that made everything confusing, I had to go back and reread so many times just to understand what was happening and I rarely did. It just felt like the writing was trying too hard to be witty, and it just made things even more hard to follow. Even the last line had me like: (·•᷄ࡇ•᷅ )
I didn't understand it! Instead of world-building or explaining anything about the magic system, there was more focus on these insignificant details that I really wouldn't have thought twice about. There was no decent description of almost anything, so I barely understood what I was looking at half the time, I didn't know what characters looked like either and the story didn't really explain who they were until several chapters after meeting them. Like there was one character, Horace, who I didn't even know was a father, and that the kids that had been talking to Doyle were his kids and not prisoners too - see what I mean? Knowing who a character is or what they look like isn't nearly as important apparently as knowing what holds the chandelier up in a room without ceilings. And even THAT is confusing because the magic system around that magical barrier makes no cohesive sense because the rules kept changing, so all the plot twists and wins didn't feel gratifying at all because almost nothing about the magic system was clear.
I really liked the moments between Doyle and Parker... eventually. They had just enough chemistry to be cute, but I do think there could've been a lot more yearning, and their relationship really, again, didn't feel cohesive. They just kept saying they were mates and might've been in love, but no they weren't, but of course they were, but then they refused to be, but then they of course were. If it sounds confusing and messy, that's because, in my opinion, it was.
Don't get me started on the family stuff! Parker's dad was trying to get him killed (this is not a spoiler, he says so at the beginning of the book and it affects absolutely nothing, he talks about it like it's common information), and we act afterwards like that doesn't even matter! And not in a funny way, either! So when Parker's complaining about wanting to be home to see his family, I couldn't care or sympathize even a little bit! And the big climax that causes so much anxiety? It's resolved in, like, TWO LINES!
Ummm. Yeah (≖_≖ ) Lately, with all the books I've been reading, the longer I sit with them the more I think about everything I loved about them. This is one of those books where all I can think about is how confusing so much of it was and how bad the descriptions were and low little we got of the actual romance because so much of it was repetitive and focused on the non-important things. I don't care that it felt modern, I care that the modern references and conversations clearly seemed more important than creating any sort of stakes, interesting drama, world-building, descriptions, or meaningful relationships. I might be in the minority on this, but endless conversations about sexuality feel like they belong more in coming-of-age stories or literary fiction than they do a romantasy about fae. Everyone just kind of talked and hung around in this nondescript setting, and that was kind of all. I'm glad to finally get back into this series, I want to read as many of them as I can, and as far as beginnings go, this wasn't awful, so at least there's that (｡･-･)
I didn't love this one, unfortunately "( – ⌓ – )
I believe that writing doesn't always have to be mind-blowing to convey emotion and make me feel with the characters and care about what's going on. If the writing manages to do that, then it's good, it did its job, you know? That said, I don't feel like the writing was good here. There were so many weirdly-worded lines that made everything confusing, I had to go back and reread so many times just to understand what was happening and I rarely did. It just felt like the writing was trying too hard to be witty, and it just made things even more hard to follow. Even the last line had me like: (·•᷄ࡇ•᷅ )
I didn't understand it! Instead of world-building or explaining anything about the magic system, there was more focus on these insignificant details that I really wouldn't have thought twice about. There was no decent description of almost anything, so I barely understood what I was looking at half the time, I didn't know what characters looked like either and the story didn't really explain who they were until several chapters after meeting them. Like there was one character, Horace, who I didn't even know was a father, and that the kids that had been talking to Doyle were his kids and not prisoners too - see what I mean? Knowing who a character is or what they look like isn't nearly as important apparently as knowing what holds the chandelier up in a room without ceilings. And even THAT is confusing because the magic system around that magical barrier makes no cohesive sense because the rules kept changing, so all the plot twists and wins didn't feel gratifying at all because almost nothing about the magic system was clear.
I really liked the moments between Doyle and Parker... eventually. They had just enough chemistry to be cute, but I do think there could've been a lot more yearning, and their relationship really, again, didn't feel cohesive. They just kept saying they were mates and might've been in love, but no they weren't, but of course they were, but then they refused to be, but then they of course were. If it sounds confusing and messy, that's because, in my opinion, it was.
Don't get me started on the family stuff! Parker's dad was trying to get him killed (this is not a spoiler, he says so at the beginning of the book and it affects absolutely nothing, he talks about it like it's common information), and we act afterwards like that doesn't even matter! And not in a funny way, either! So when Parker's complaining about wanting to be home to see his family, I couldn't care or sympathize even a little bit! And the big climax that causes so much anxiety? It's resolved in, like, TWO LINES!
Ummm. Yeah (≖_≖ ) Lately, with all the books I've been reading, the longer I sit with them the more I think about everything I loved about them. This is one of those books where all I can think about is how confusing so much of it was and how bad the descriptions were and low little we got of the actual romance because so much of it was repetitive and focused on the non-important things. I don't care that it felt modern, I care that the modern references and conversations clearly seemed more important than creating any sort of stakes, interesting drama, world-building, descriptions, or meaningful relationships. I might be in the minority on this, but endless conversations about sexuality feel like they belong more in coming-of-age stories or literary fiction than they do a romantasy about fae. Everyone just kind of talked and hung around in this nondescript setting, and that was kind of all. I'm glad to finally get back into this series, I want to read as many of them as I can, and as far as beginnings go, this wasn't awful, so at least there's that (｡･-･)
June 30, 2024
This has to be one of the more unique stories I've read in a while. I was pulled in immediately by the wit and creativity of this paranormal universe. When we jump into the story and meet Doyle, your initial guess could be that the human that summons him to the human realm would be the LI, but that would be an assumption you would regret once you learn the who and why said human made the summons. I was happy when we were introduced to Parker as the LI.
The Fae Menagerie is a concept I would never have considered as a "good luck" kind of fortune as the series seems to indicate/follow, but we all know that Fate plays very sneaky hands to bring lovers together. The forced proximity of Doyle & Parker in the menagerie does help the men connect, but it also helps Parker understand things about himself and his sexuality that he's never truly understood before. It's exciting to be given an inside look into the psyche of an individual coming to terms with themselves. The spectrum of identification on which we all fall is wide and varied.
Having never read anything previously by Edie Montreux, I didn't know what to expect from the story, but knew I was interested in the premise. I am very happily not disappointed to have read this book in the Fortune Favors the Fae series. It was immediately engaging and entertaining. I loved the MCs and all of the characters introduced throughout, and the resolution to their prison predicament was interesting while anxiety-inducing. An all-around fantastic read I can easily recommend.
I received an advance copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
The Fae Menagerie is a concept I would never have considered as a "good luck" kind of fortune as the series seems to indicate/follow, but we all know that Fate plays very sneaky hands to bring lovers together. The forced proximity of Doyle & Parker in the menagerie does help the men connect, but it also helps Parker understand things about himself and his sexuality that he's never truly understood before. It's exciting to be given an inside look into the psyche of an individual coming to terms with themselves. The spectrum of identification on which we all fall is wide and varied.
Having never read anything previously by Edie Montreux, I didn't know what to expect from the story, but knew I was interested in the premise. I am very happily not disappointed to have read this book in the Fortune Favors the Fae series. It was immediately engaging and entertaining. I loved the MCs and all of the characters introduced throughout, and the resolution to their prison predicament was interesting while anxiety-inducing. An all-around fantastic read I can easily recommend.
I received an advance copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
July 12, 2024
The Fae Menagerie is part of the multi author fifteen book series called Fortune Favors the Fae. Each book is a standalone story and the story is based on a gold coin. This is the story of Doyle and Parker. Doyle is a Fae Prince with the reputation of being a playboy. But he is not playing any longer. Doyle is trapped in the light court's prison. One day he is summoned and sees a chance to escape his fate. But things don't work out that way. Parker is accidentally drawn back down to the menagerie with Doyle. Parker is a human that thinks he is broken as he is unable to form an attachment to others. He is not surprised that his ex has tried to kill him. Unfortunately this isn't the first time it happened. Being thrown into the world of the Fae, Parker must rely on Doyle for survival. Since time doesn't move the same in the menagerie, what is only a short period on earth is actually much, much longer. While Doyle is not proud of everything he has done, he swears to never harm Parker. He wants to try and help him return to his life on earth. This is their story. I liked how the two of them formed a friendship and were at ease together. Some of the attacks and problems that they have to solve to survive, they do so together. This slowly bonds them together. I did find a few of their trials to be a little confusing and I just didn't see the point how they acted. But that did not stop me from fully enjoying this book. I really liked it.
I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 21, 2024
I'm still all for representation and that's why I gave the second star. It's still too hard to find romance novels with demi characters. I think the author even got it right this time, every respect tor that.
But everything else... The story takes up months and NOTHING happens. Literally nothing. I don't really like the forced proximity trope, but here I found it extremely problematic, because the main characters practically had no choice. If I wrote this, after they got out they would have realized that they had options and drifted apart. It would make a very Russian realism era love story. That's one reason why I'm not writing books. 😄
The start of the relationship would be sweet, if there were actual connection between the characters, but it feels more like they exist in the same place because they have no other choice. And then suddenly, out of the blue they are in love. And then they start to have sex (oh, the sex scenes... I had to jump them, they just made me feel... I don't know... Uncomfortable? Awkward?) and suddenly there is nothing else. I guess if nothing is happening the sex is actually something to describe. Even if the author does it quite poorly.
And in the end nothing really got resolved. No one got what was coming. No punishments, no rewards, things just simply continued to exist.
The main characters' lack of reaction to the repeated murder attempts made the whole story so surreal that I don't even know where to put this.
At least I got to the end and am done with it. This is not an author I'm going to check out.
But everything else... The story takes up months and NOTHING happens. Literally nothing. I don't really like the forced proximity trope, but here I found it extremely problematic, because the main characters practically had no choice. If I wrote this, after they got out they would have realized that they had options and drifted apart. It would make a very Russian realism era love story. That's one reason why I'm not writing books. 😄
The start of the relationship would be sweet, if there were actual connection between the characters, but it feels more like they exist in the same place because they have no other choice. And then suddenly, out of the blue they are in love. And then they start to have sex (oh, the sex scenes... I had to jump them, they just made me feel... I don't know... Uncomfortable? Awkward?) and suddenly there is nothing else. I guess if nothing is happening the sex is actually something to describe. Even if the author does it quite poorly.
And in the end nothing really got resolved. No one got what was coming. No punishments, no rewards, things just simply continued to exist.
The main characters' lack of reaction to the repeated murder attempts made the whole story so surreal that I don't even know where to put this.
At least I got to the end and am done with it. This is not an author I'm going to check out.
June 28, 2024
- shared universe
- paranormal
- forced proximity
- soulmates
This is part of the multi-author Fortune Favours the Fae series, but can be read as a standalone. Doyle is imprisoned in a menagerie with other fantastical creatures, sentenced there until he finds what love is. He's summoned to the human world to 'take care' of Parker, but when the menagerie calls him back, Parker ends up imprisoned in the menagerie alongside Doyle. What follows is a slow burn between the two, all while Parker's grandmother and the prison warden try their damndest to end Doyle.
I liked both Parker and Doyle, and while Doyle did need to learn a lesson, his punishment seems more than a little harsh for his crime, once I discovered how long he'd been in the menagerie. I liked seeing the relationship between the two flourish and grow slowly, despite interference from the warden and Doyle's grandmother. Doyle not thinking he deserved a soulmate was heartbreaking, but I loved seeing these two grow closer during the course of the story. Parker thinking he was broken as he didn't feel attraction to anyone was just as heartbreaking, so him realising he was demisexual and then being attracted to Doyle was so sweet.
I enjoyed this whole thing, I hated the antagonists as I was supposed to, I loved the two MCs, and there's a great cast of supporting characters too. I'm loving seeing how different authors weave the coin into the story too.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
- paranormal
- forced proximity
- soulmates
This is part of the multi-author Fortune Favours the Fae series, but can be read as a standalone. Doyle is imprisoned in a menagerie with other fantastical creatures, sentenced there until he finds what love is. He's summoned to the human world to 'take care' of Parker, but when the menagerie calls him back, Parker ends up imprisoned in the menagerie alongside Doyle. What follows is a slow burn between the two, all while Parker's grandmother and the prison warden try their damndest to end Doyle.
I liked both Parker and Doyle, and while Doyle did need to learn a lesson, his punishment seems more than a little harsh for his crime, once I discovered how long he'd been in the menagerie. I liked seeing the relationship between the two flourish and grow slowly, despite interference from the warden and Doyle's grandmother. Doyle not thinking he deserved a soulmate was heartbreaking, but I loved seeing these two grow closer during the course of the story. Parker thinking he was broken as he didn't feel attraction to anyone was just as heartbreaking, so him realising he was demisexual and then being attracted to Doyle was so sweet.
I enjoyed this whole thing, I hated the antagonists as I was supposed to, I loved the two MCs, and there's a great cast of supporting characters too. I'm loving seeing how different authors weave the coin into the story too.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
June 29, 2024
The Fortune Favors the Fae multi author series are standalone stories with a Fae Luck coin as the common denominator. Gold, with one side embossed with a dragon and the other a raven, the coin can bring you good luck or bad.
Doyle is summoned to the Earth realm, by Parker's ex boyfriend in order to kill Parker. He agrees to 'take care of' Parker and the two end up in Doyle's enclosure at a Fae prison/zoo. Neither can be released until Doyle learns to love.
It's a quirky story, loosely based on the Beauty and the Beast fairytale. There's a library and a reluctant demi main character, Parker. Doyle is trapped in his enclosure rather than a beastly body. Edie Montreux's stories always have equal parts of snark and steam. This is a fun, quick read. Almost no angst. A real delight.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my review.
Doyle is summoned to the Earth realm, by Parker's ex boyfriend in order to kill Parker. He agrees to 'take care of' Parker and the two end up in Doyle's enclosure at a Fae prison/zoo. Neither can be released until Doyle learns to love.
It's a quirky story, loosely based on the Beauty and the Beast fairytale. There's a library and a reluctant demi main character, Parker. Doyle is trapped in his enclosure rather than a beastly body. Edie Montreux's stories always have equal parts of snark and steam. This is a fun, quick read. Almost no angst. A real delight.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my review.
September 22, 2024
Minnesota mention!
I'll be honest, this didn't hold my attention as much as the other books did, but I'm not really sure why. The authors writing was fine, though they occasionally forgot whose POV they were in and would use third person pronouns when it should've been first person, and I found it difficult to get a sense of where the characters were in space sometimes, but those were just little things. I think they did a pretty good job keeping things interesting when the entire story basically took place in a one bedroom apartment.
Although I enjoyed this, I'm not sure that this author will be making it into my regular rotation of authors, but I'm glad I experienced them in this anthology(?).
I'll be honest, this didn't hold my attention as much as the other books did, but I'm not really sure why. The authors writing was fine, though they occasionally forgot whose POV they were in and would use third person pronouns when it should've been first person, and I found it difficult to get a sense of where the characters were in space sometimes, but those were just little things. I think they did a pretty good job keeping things interesting when the entire story basically took place in a one bedroom apartment.
Although I enjoyed this, I'm not sure that this author will be making it into my regular rotation of authors, but I'm glad I experienced them in this anthology(?).
July 2, 2024
I loved the Demi representation, as there just isn’t enough of it out there - especially good and accurate representation. This was enough of a slow burn to make it realistic, with enough time jumps to not make it too slow.
My only complaint is mostly confusion, but maybe it’s an Easter egg for another one of the authors books? Anyway, what is the deal with the fountain and the treasure?! I thought for sure it would be mentioned again, especially since Doyle went so far as to install a shower to avoid a bathtub… it surely can’t have all been a dream? I wanted to read more about that and learn a bit more about Doyle’s history. His story seemed glossed over to me.
My only complaint is mostly confusion, but maybe it’s an Easter egg for another one of the authors books? Anyway, what is the deal with the fountain and the treasure?! I thought for sure it would be mentioned again, especially since Doyle went so far as to install a shower to avoid a bathtub… it surely can’t have all been a dream? I wanted to read more about that and learn a bit more about Doyle’s history. His story seemed glossed over to me.
July 7, 2024
I had a serius problem with Doyle. I don`t like him, even when you learn what guides his behaviour I kept disliking him.
So seeing Parker fall in love with him almost disapponted me.
I loved the setting in this book, a fae prison full of monsters and wonders, but I felt a little lost there, because time passes for them but not for the viewers, but they interact and appear every day to watch the menagerie in the viewing hours.
I hated Floyd Grandma and I still wish her lots of hurts.
The book is good and is well written but I didn`t enjoy it to the fullest.
Still I recommend it if only to see the cuddlebugs.
So seeing Parker fall in love with him almost disapponted me.
I loved the setting in this book, a fae prison full of monsters and wonders, but I felt a little lost there, because time passes for them but not for the viewers, but they interact and appear every day to watch the menagerie in the viewing hours.
I hated Floyd Grandma and I still wish her lots of hurts.
The book is good and is well written but I didn`t enjoy it to the fullest.
Still I recommend it if only to see the cuddlebugs.
September 22, 2024
4.5/5 I really enjoyed this. There’s the whimsy/snark of the fae amorality, strange friends, allies, and/or enemies, a creepy prison—and at its heart, a lovely slow-burn romance between two people who think that they can’t do romance.
Doyle and Parker are both intriguing characters, and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them and seeing them get to know one another as they spent so much time together, finally getting past the surface and assumptions and learning so much about themselves and one another.
I appreciated the demi rep, the magic library, the adorable cuddlebug children, the wasp racket, and so much more.
Doyle and Parker are both intriguing characters, and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them and seeing them get to know one another as they spent so much time together, finally getting past the surface and assumptions and learning so much about themselves and one another.
I appreciated the demi rep, the magic library, the adorable cuddlebug children, the wasp racket, and so much more.
October 21, 2024
Oh my, where oh where to begin …
By far, this is my least favorite of the series. Having never read anything by this particular writer, I went into this with no preconceived ideas of what to expect. To say that I was extremely disappointed would be a massive understatement. Unfortunately, this author’s writing read like a very bad creative writing assignment of a high school freshman. Far too much showing and telling, which left this reader decidedly unfulfilled. If you are reading this series, I would highly recommend skipping this particular book. In the words of the kids today, there goes four hours I’ll never get back.
By far, this is my least favorite of the series. Having never read anything by this particular writer, I went into this with no preconceived ideas of what to expect. To say that I was extremely disappointed would be a massive understatement. Unfortunately, this author’s writing read like a very bad creative writing assignment of a high school freshman. Far too much showing and telling, which left this reader decidedly unfulfilled. If you are reading this series, I would highly recommend skipping this particular book. In the words of the kids today, there goes four hours I’ll never get back.
June 29, 2024
This book was certainly different. I am not a fan of Doyle’s mother and grandmother’s methods of teaching him a lesson but it ultimately got the job done. Parker is a human stuck in Doyle’s prison and somehow they have to figure out how to get free. Since they are stuck together in captivity, they have nothing better to do than get to know each other. I enjoyed the ace/demi rep in this one as well. That orientation does always get enough exposure in books. This was a good story. I do love a multi author series.
July 13, 2024
Perfect Opposites United by a Fae Coin.
Doyle and Parker are true opposites. Doyle is a flirtatious fae, Parker a demi-sexual human. How can two such beings come together and fall in love? Let’s just say a matchmaking Fae Luck Coin has a large part in it as does forced proximity and a summonsing circle. Intrigued yet? You should be. I certainly was as I read this wild roller coaster of an adventurous romance. Yes, a romance set within a prison can be adventurous; check it out for yourself and you’ll see exactly what I mean.
Doyle and Parker are true opposites. Doyle is a flirtatious fae, Parker a demi-sexual human. How can two such beings come together and fall in love? Let’s just say a matchmaking Fae Luck Coin has a large part in it as does forced proximity and a summonsing circle. Intrigued yet? You should be. I certainly was as I read this wild roller coaster of an adventurous romance. Yes, a romance set within a prison can be adventurous; check it out for yourself and you’ll see exactly what I mean.
June 21, 2024
This book is part of the Fortune Favors the Fae series. The story starts with Doyle being summoned to the earthly plane to take care of someone. When Parker gets pushed in with Doyle, they end up in fae land at the menagerie. As they get closer, we find out why Doyle was placed there and how they got closer. This is the start of their relationship of how they slowly got together. Great chemistry between them and great world building. Loved it and cannot wait for more.
June 27, 2024
The Fae Menagerie is part of the multi author Fortune Favors the Fae series. Each book is a standalone story. Doyle is a prisoner in the fae menagerie until he can learn what true love is. Parker has never felt attraction towards anyone.
Parker brings out the best in Doyle and Doyle helps Parker realize that he's not broken. They are just what the other needs.
Great chemistry between them and great world building. Loved it and cannot wait for more.
Parker brings out the best in Doyle and Doyle helps Parker realize that he's not broken. They are just what the other needs.
Great chemistry between them and great world building. Loved it and cannot wait for more.
June 27, 2024
A GREAT READ FROM THE FORTUNE FAVORS THE FAE SERIES WHICH IS A MULTI AUTHOR SERIES!
PARKER AND DOYLE ARE SO GREAT FOR EACH OTHER!!
I absolutely love love this series. Each book is just so enjoyable! Doyle is summoned to "take care" of Parker, but Doyle instead just takes Parker with him back to the fae menagerie. These two are so amazing together, and the story just grabbed my attention from the start! Great writing, enjoyable story with lovely characters.
PARKER AND DOYLE ARE SO GREAT FOR EACH OTHER!!
I absolutely love love this series. Each book is just so enjoyable! Doyle is summoned to "take care" of Parker, but Doyle instead just takes Parker with him back to the fae menagerie. These two are so amazing together, and the story just grabbed my attention from the start! Great writing, enjoyable story with lovely characters.
June 27, 2024
I think this was my favourite so far in the series. I loved Both the story and the characters. Doyle was so clueless, thinking he could get out of the menagerie just by having sex. For him to get stuck with a demisexual human was just priceless. Parker was superb as he slowly discovered his true self. The small amounts of 'peril' gave the story and edge and the ending was perfect. This is my first book by this author, but I'm off to look for more now
June 28, 2024
great story
I really enjoyed this book. I love a multi author series and this was a great addition. I loved the story so much. In each story I’ve loved seeing how the coin brings the characters together. Fae Menagerie was no exception I loved Doyle and Parker so much and their journey was so touching! It really pulled me in and the world building was great. I definitely would recommend this story to anyone.
I really enjoyed this book. I love a multi author series and this was a great addition. I loved the story so much. In each story I’ve loved seeing how the coin brings the characters together. Fae Menagerie was no exception I loved Doyle and Parker so much and their journey was so touching! It really pulled me in and the world building was great. I definitely would recommend this story to anyone.
July 5, 2024
I’ve been a fan of Edie Montreux since their early fantasies. It’s been rewarding to see their writing develop and grow. In The Fae Menagerie they sensitively portray a character, Parker, who is unsure where on the sexuality spectrum he exactly falls. At first he identifies as ace, but this shifts as the story develops. Parker is unwillingly dragged into the fae realm by Doyle, a fae prince, who is imprisoned there. I especially liked how the author made Doyle, a playboy by any standards, decide to let Parker sort out his own needs and did not pressure him at all. This is in stark contrast to Parker’s dating experience in the human realm. And I was surprised at all Parker and Doyle found to keep themselves busy and entertained in their glass menagerie, some of it forced on them. I realize this world was created for a multi-author series, but it would be fun to see it again in the future. I received a free copy of the book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
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