Hungry incubi, dragon hoards and dastardly plots plague Poisonwood. This set contains the full Poisonwood & Lyric trilogy as well as a Patreon exclusive spicy short.
Poisonwood A starving incubus. A bear alone.
Jasper Jones is Lyric’s most pitiful incubus. He can’t feed and doesn’t want to if it means hurting people. When a witch gives him a chance at breaking the cycle of hunger, he rushes half cocked into the woods in search of a cure.
Caleb moved into Poisonwood Forest to escape the crowded city of Lyric, but it’s lonely by himself. He doesn’t expect to find his mate when he trips over an unconscious young man in the middle of the woods, but there he is, perfect—except for a peculiar fondness for processed cookies.
Their only problem is that Jasper’s sick, and when he doesn’t get better, his one shot at survival is in the hands of a bear shifter who’ll do anything to save him.
Wyrmwood A dragon searching for a crowning jewel for his fabulous hoard. A misanthropic incubus who just wants to swim.
Declan might be the world’s only shut-in incubus, but with a father like Elrith, it’s little wonder his faith in people is nonexistent. He skates through life as a computer programmer, closed into his tiny apartment, only feeding by ordering sex workers to his door. But his mother was a water nymph, and occasionally, Declan can’t resist the need to sneak out and swim. This time, he’s in for a surprise.
Augustine is a water dragon who has spent years building the perfect hoard, and now there’s just one thing someone to share it with. When he spots the stunning creature swimming just outside his home, he realizes the jewel he sought has come to him. But after centuries of little human contact, he’s out of touch with the meaning of the word consent. When the tempting nymph chafes his control, August can’t figure out how to win him over.
But word of August’s treasure has reached greedy ears, and all he cares for is under threat. Can a dyed-in-the-wool misanthrope teach August the true value of possession before he loses everything?
Hardwood A playboy incubus in a pickle A siren who’s lost his song
Malcolm McKittack’s life consists of the three pleasure, partying, and paranoia. Okay, maybe not usually the last one, but somebody’s been following him. He’s being hunted, doomed to be sacrificed on the altar of some old guy’s downstairs dysfunction, only no one believes him.
Kostas has never met anyone annoying as Malcolm Freaking McKittack. He comes into his club, acts like he owns the place, and worst of all, he looks good doing it. He’s trouble, and Kostas doesn’t need any. It doesn’t matter how the incubus makes eyes at him, he’s not interested.
When Kostas witnesses Malcolm being kidnapped, he knows he shouldn’t get involved—it’s probably some creepy demonic game. But playing the hero fits him like Malcolm’s bespoke suit, and it’ll take them both to stop a plot that threatens the whole supernatural world.
Poisonwood & Lyric Short StoryJasper's Hibernation Break
Poisonwood; rating: 4 I enjoyed this story, the two MC's each had their own characteristics and details that made them stand out. I strongly dislike Jasper's family, how they treat him is awful, the only semi nice one is Sasha. I loved Caleb's character! He was so cute, and so kind. He tried to do whatever he could to help Jasper feel better, even buying him cookies he dislikes.
I thought the pacing was good, but the way the MC's relationship developed felt a bit clunky to me. They developed strong feelings for one another pretty quickly, and considering Jasper was still recovering from being poisoned it just felt a bit odd. Other than that though I found this story to be enjoyable to read! Jasper and Caleb make such a cute couple.
Wyrmwood A Poisonwood & Lyric Novella: rating; 3.5 rounding up to a 4
Augustine and Declan's story was an interesting one. This story starts with August abducting Declan and keeping him locked in his lair, he knows Declan's his mate so why wouldn't he keep him? What he doesn't understand is Declan himself doesn't know August's motives, he just thinks that the dragon sees him as an object, another pretty thing to catch and lock away. He doesn't realize what he truly means to the dragon until he leaves... But will it be too late?
I liked this story, it was certainly an interesting one to read with funny quirks and snippy remarks from Declan. Augustine's character was adorable, he thought too fast and didn't take the time to see things from Declan's point of view. Once Declan communicated with him he immediately apologized and realized where he went wrong.
I thought the story itself was good, the action scene was quite intriguing. I liked how the conflict between the MC's got resolved, and how unique both of these characters are!
Hardwood A Poisonwood & Lyric Novella;rating: 4.5
I didn't think that Malcolm's character could be redeemed but I stand corrected! I think Malcolm and Kostas's story was my favorite. In this story we got to see events take place from Malcolm's perspective, along with seeing why Malcolm is the way he is. And let me just say, he's had a lot of hurt in his life. Kostas's character was quite unique in the way that he's a siren who can lure people with his voice. It was really beautiful to see Kostas start to see the true Malcolm, the one under the snobbish attitude and fancy clothes.
From the very first story I disliked Elrith, but this story just made me hate him. What he did to his son is horrific, and I was shocked when what he did was revealed. One thing that I wish would've been apart of this story was the two MC's sharing personal things about themselves. For example; Kostas telling Malcolm about his family, and where he came from, or Malcolm telling Kostas about his mom. Something to give the feeling that they are getting to truly know one another. Other than that though I thought this was an excellent story, with an excellent character redemption!
Jasper’s Hibernation Break was a steamy short showing a glimpse into the lives of Jasper and Caleb during hibernation, and how they are keeping themselves occupied.
I enjoyed this box set with its three linked novella length stories. I’ve briefly reviewed each story, but as I read book 3, Hardwood, when it first came out, I’ve reused my original review from that one. I liked how all three stories of the siblings fit together, with each impacting the other’s HEA. Their father has a lot to answer for.
I enjoyed the world building and getting to know the characters in each novella with the shift of perspective and MC.
Poisonwood I loved that Jasper doesn’t enjoy being an incubus, and has issues with the whole lack of consent, pheromone thing, and doesn’t believe that someone would love him without that. Caleb is exactly who Jasper needs, and vice versa, as they’re both lonely.
I liked Caleb’s sister, and her role in bringing these two together. It’s sad that Jasper strong belief that he’s not capable of settling down has the potential to ruin what they’re building together.
Their HEA is sweet, and I love how it impacts Declan and Augustine’s story.
The short story at the end of the trilogy is a sweet, yet spicy epilogue to Caleb and Jasper’s story.
Wyrmwood I loved Declan and Augustine’s story. Augustine is such a sweetheart, and has already suffered so much loss. I liked how his father is part of his story and helps out – very clever.
I liked how Declan’s sea nymph heritage makes his story a little different from his siblings, although he, like Jasper, doesn’t believe someone would love him without all the incubus attraction. I loved how Augustine, although frustrated by his mate not believing in such things, is patient, and tries to understand.
The show-down with the would-be dragon slayers, thieves, is great with a few twists along the way.
Of the three stories, this one was my favourite.
Hardwood I liked that while Malcolm and Kostas’ can both entice their victims, their mode of feeding is very different. They both have preconceptions of what the other is, and I liked how those disappear as they get to know each other.
I liked that while Malcolm has come into his heritage later and embraced it, Kostas doesn’t like what he is. I love the description of how Kostas feels without the ocean, and how Malcom lowers his personality defences as he gets to know Kostas. Considering Malcolm’s background, it’s not surprising that he hides behind being obnoxious. His past is tragic, and his parents both done a number on him in different ways. I like that he knows he’s difficult, but also realises he’s not a monster.
I loved how well they’re able to help each other, and Kostas’ extra ability makes sense, is very cool, and something I wasn’t expecting. Nice twist, as was the revelation of who the bad guy is.
This story does end abruptly as Malcom and Kostas realise how they feel about each other, but as it’s part of a series which hopefully has more to come, I didn’t have an issue with it.
My over all impression of this trilogy is it was good, a little same-y at points.
Poisonwood - We start off with Jasper and given all the reasons he detests who and what he is. Who hasn't felt that way? He follows advice given, that nearly leads to his death but he's so broken he'd rather accept this brought upon himself half life and enjoy what he knows is true, than to think someone could love him whole and healthy. Caleb is grumpiness and patience all rolled into one, and exactly what Jas needs to learn to love himself and to believe he can be loved.
Wyrmwood - Declan's concern for his siblings (mostly Jas) is touching, showing he's not completely unfeeling and cares. But he just doesn't care for who and what he is. (This is where the same-yness comes into play). He's tired of being pretty, and treated more like a bauble than a person…and of course Augustine manages to do just that. Basically these two just needed to sit down and talk like reasonable adults, and not jump to all sorts of conclusions.
Hardwood - You come to understand why Malcolm is the way he is. A drug addict mother who didn't care what (or who) happened to him. Suddenly becoming beautiful and "wanted" by someone even if it's a scumbag father and being terrified of going back to having nothing is a powerful motivator. Even if it leaves you a pretentious jerk. Kostas makes for an interesting pair for him. A siren who isn't impressed by the incubus at first, but grows not only fond but protective and possessive, and shows Malcolm what it's like to be wanted in the best ways. And Elrith? Well…he's irredeemable and proves in the end just how much of a slimy jerk he is.
Jasper's Hibernation Break - this NSFW short story just shows a lazy winter morning between these lovebirds (lovebears?) when Caleb is slumbering away like the bear he is, and Jasper…well can anyone blame him being unable to help himself when it comes to waking his mate up?
I received an ARC copy of this trilogy set and this is my honest review.
Poisonwood Jasper is an incubus who doesn’t like feeding off anyone. He has had a hard time of it and has stopped. When his sister tells him to go and visit a witch who can help, he does so. When told to eat the yellow flowers on the mountain, he gets ready and goes. Caleb is a bear shifter who moved away from Lyric to be alone. When he sees someone face down in the dirt, he brings him to his cabin to recuperate. As Jasper slowly heals, Caleb is there to help with anything. This is the start of their relationship to a happy ever after. Great world building and off to read the next book.
Wyrmwood Declan does not like being an incubus and only feeds himself by paying for it. He also has nymph blood. When out one night, he went swimming at the lake when he is taken by a dragon. He is taken to his lair underwater. When the dragon shifts and introduces himself as Augustine, Declan reacted with anger. Augustine tries to let him know that he is his mate. He takes care of him but Declan gets hungrier by the day. When Augustine realizes that he doesn’t return his feelings, he takes him to the surface. When he goes home and gets told that Jasper has met his mate, he changes his mind about Augustine. This starts their relationship with Declan coming to save him and staying.
Hardwood Malcom, in the first two books, comes off as a selfish person who is only thinking of himself. As we get to know him in this book, he is selfish but has reasons for it. At a new bar, Malcolm meets Kostas, who is the bartender and a siren. When Kostas turns him down, Malcolm is disappointed and can’t understand why. Kostas sees Malcolm as a spoiled brat and lets him know. As the story continues, Kostas sees Malcolm getting kidnapped and goes to help. This is the start of their relationship to their happy ever after. We also get to know who has been causing problems for all three brothers.
Great world building in this series and I cannot wait to read more from these authors.
Each story is a fairly quick read and focuses on one of the incubi brothers. The stories are pretty light hearted and I think the first actually has the most spice. While each stood on its own, I would've liked the brothers to interact with each other more. They felt pretty separate and I thought when it came time for the last one, that they would rally. Especially since their sister's story is kind of left up in the air. It was a lot of fun with each brother finding their partner in a different supernatural species. There's a decent amount of world building, but nothing terribly deep. It would've been 5 stars for me if the three of them came together to BE a family. Otherwise, it could've been three strangers and felt just the same. I think one more story that showed them all moving forward in the aftermath of their father would've been a nice way to tie it all together and make it feel more complete.
Poisonwood & Lyric: The Complete Trilogy is all the books in the trilogy in one place. We start with Poisonwood which is about Jasper an incubus who is starving because he doesn't want to hurt anyone while feeding and Caleb a bear shifter. I loved this book it is a great start to the trilogy. The second book is Wyrmwood. This one is about Declan an incubus who only feeds of sex workers who come to his house and Augustine a water dragon shifter. I loved this book, I just wish it had been longer. These two are just so good together. The last book is Hardwood. This is Malcolm an incubus and Kostas a sirens story. I loved the story even though it was a bit darker. I has a kidnapping and a father who doesn't care. I felt like it ended a little to quickly but I still loved it. I would definitely recommend this book because it's great to have all the stories in one place.
Poisonwood Caleb and Jasper half fae, half bear shifter x incubus forced proximity miscommunication/misunderstanding
Wyrmwood Augustine and Declan dragon and half nymph, half incubus kidnapping assault+different kidnapping attempt from others miscommunication/misunderstanding
Hardwood Kostas and Malcomn siren and incubus lacey lingerie kidnapping
Bonus content - Caleb and Jasper nsfw short story
Strict top/bottom roles, all 3 incubus brothers are the bottoms in the relationship. There is an underlying mystery of humans kidnapping supernaturals starting from middle of book 2. I felt like that wasn't really tied up and seemed to just end too easily. No one talked about or exposed/connected the kidnapping attempts between the two brothers and I felt like they could've bonded more that way (except one person seemed to knwo but just didn't do anything about it). No resolution for what happened to their sister, Sasha. Kinda wished all the siblings connected and have better relationships now they they all have mates.
These are more novella size romances and they definitely read best as a set. The world and the characters continue in each one just with new love interests. I really felt for Jasper the incubus that did not want to use humans to survive and his big bear mate Caleb you had to help him learn to balance love and need. Declan and August had a tougher connection. August kind of just took his Declan and Declan who was used to being alone had a hard time adjusting. Lastly, we get Malcolm and Kostas. This was the most spicy and fun story. Malcolm has been such a jerk it is lovely to see him fall for Kostas!
I had read Poisonwood previously, but never got around to reading the others. I am glad I read them in this format, because it gave a really satisfying sense of fullness to the overall world. That said, the world building is excellent and the characters all had their own quirks and depths - and all three incubi just want to be loved for who they are rather than what they are. Jasper and Caleb's story was very cosy, Declan and August were full of miscommunication, and Malcolm and Kostas was more action based. I have a lot of questions about the other characters in this world - their sister, their uncle, Otis... but I definitely enjoyed each of the stories separately and together.
Overall, 4.5/5. Each novella was a little messy here and there, but nothing serious. They were all so fucking sweet my teeth hurt, my heart is so, SO happy, I cried through the first and second, and then raged with Kostas in the third. The short was goddamn adorable. I enjoyed them for exactly what they were, and could’ve kept reading stories from the Lyric AU. There’s definitely a story to be told from Otis’ youth, and I would fucking go full angy siren to read it. All my immediate thoughts are in my notes and highlights, and now I’m off to find something else to lose myself in. This is all so much fucking better than political news burnout.
I really enjoyed these novellas. All of the brothers find their mates. Of course, the road to HEA is sometimes hard, but it's worth the effort. There was danger, action, some nice world building, and plenty of steamy moments. I just really wish we could have seen more of the brothers as a familial unit.
This trilogy has no politicking, which is something I've come to expect from Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes.
Nonetheless, they're sweet and fun stories. The world-building is also interesting and makes me want to know more. These novellas were too small a glimpse.
While I enjoyed the individual stories, I found reading them one after the other a little repetitive. They each had a special Incubus who didn’t think they could love, partners who showed them otherwise, danger, action, sexy times, and HEA. Each incubus had a different personality, as did the love interests, which kept the books from being identical but the plots were very similar.
I’d pick up the box set for the value and bonus story but maybe pace yourself on the stories themselves.
Poisonwood Jasper and Caleb are incredibly sweet together. Seeing as neither of them view themselves as sweet and are pretty convinced that they won't ever have someone for themselves, their care for each other from the beginning is perfect.
Jasper's Hibernation Break So smexy!
Wyrmwood Just like the title suggests, this book was lyrical. It flowed beautifully. But what was even more beautiful was that both Declan and August had to grow and learn to communicate. Mates might mean they are perfect for each other but it does not mean everything is always "perfect". I am loving how rich and complex this world is and look forward to more of it.
Hardwood I have always had a softspot for the a**hole characters that fall hard for love and toss in Kostas's need to protect Malcolm and this might be my favorite in the series. Plus... fun smexy times in a cave! Lots of hints and questions still about this world. Can't wait for Otis's back story and Sasha's secrets.