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Tales from the Tarot
Arcanum
From the moment his new neighbor moves in, K9 officer Chris Brandt senses there’s something not quite right about the guy. His instincts are confirmed when he discovers the mysterious Greyson Darkholme is the prime suspect in a murder investigation—a murder that wiped out his entire family.
Despite his best efforts to keep his distance, Chris is captivated by Greyson’s eccentric charm, awakening desires he never knew he had. As they grow closer, it becomes evident that Greyson is hiding something. Determined to uncover the truth, Chris faces a shocking dilemma when Greyson’s secrets come to light.
To protect the man of his dreams, the dedicated officer must confront the ultimate question: how far will he go for love?
ARCANUM is a standalone paranormal MM romance novel and part of the multi-author collaboration Tales from the Tarot. This book is based on the major arcana card Temperance. This book contains themes intended for a mature audience and reader discretion is advised. A full list can be found in the front matter of the book and on my website under Tropes & Triggers.
Despite his best efforts to keep his distance, Chris is captivated by Greyson’s eccentric charm, awakening desires he never knew he had. As they grow closer, it becomes evident that Greyson is hiding something. Determined to uncover the truth, Chris faces a shocking dilemma when Greyson’s secrets come to light.
To protect the man of his dreams, the dedicated officer must confront the ultimate question: how far will he go for love?
ARCANUM is a standalone paranormal MM romance novel and part of the multi-author collaboration Tales from the Tarot. This book is based on the major arcana card Temperance. This book contains themes intended for a mature audience and reader discretion is advised. A full list can be found in the front matter of the book and on my website under Tropes & Triggers.
565 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2024
58 people are currently reading
527 people want to read
About the author
Ashlyn Drewek
20 books925 followersInternational best-selling and award-winning author Ashlyn Drewek has always been fascinated by "weird" things like Edgar Allan Poe, Halloween, and witchcraft. Not necessarily in that order. But she's also a hopeless romantic who lives for stories about true love conquering all. Since variety is indeed the spice of life, she writes a mix of MM tropes and subgenres to satisfy her rapidly changing whims.
For information on upcoming releases, go to ⇢ https://www.ashlyndrewek.com/upcoming
Have a question? I might have an answer! ⇢ https://www.ashlyndrewek.com/faq
Looking for links? Go here ⇢ www.ashlyndrewek.com/main
For information on upcoming releases, go to ⇢ https://www.ashlyndrewek.com/upcoming
Have a question? I might have an answer! ⇢ https://www.ashlyndrewek.com/faq
Looking for links? Go here ⇢ www.ashlyndrewek.com/main
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
September 23, 2025
My original review got taken down even though it was a proper review. Fucking stupid. Don’t read this, she’s a trump supporter.
October 4, 2024
Arcanum is a fantastic cozy fall opposites attract romance between witch Greyson and K9 officer Chris, who are also neighbors. They have an instant connection, but due to a variety of circumstances, their romance is a slow burn as they both work through their traumas and desire to keep others at arms-length.
Greyson holds a lot inside and his only outlet is his creative desire to own his bookstore, after upending his entire life. This bookstore is where he can feel any sense of calm while learning how to find balance in his life. His witchcraft is also fun to see, how his powers emerge and can be quite practical in many situations.
Chris is just out of a bad relationship and focused solely on his work when after having Greyson move in next door, he cannot help but feel drawn to this mysterious newcomer. Eventually, they slowly begin incorporating one another into their lives. I love the small gestures, which quickly grow into huge moments between these two, all within the overarching mystery of this story that is intense, terrifying, and shocking at times.
Overall this was such a wonderful story that I could not put down. I was instantly captivated by the small town of Mapleton and its wide array of characters that gave off such a warm, cozy small-town vibe, alongside the constant presence of witchcraft. I loved Greyson and Chris's relationship. They are so perfect together and I loved how the story allowed them to find one another and take the right amount of time needed for their HEA.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Greyson holds a lot inside and his only outlet is his creative desire to own his bookstore, after upending his entire life. This bookstore is where he can feel any sense of calm while learning how to find balance in his life. His witchcraft is also fun to see, how his powers emerge and can be quite practical in many situations.
Chris is just out of a bad relationship and focused solely on his work when after having Greyson move in next door, he cannot help but feel drawn to this mysterious newcomer. Eventually, they slowly begin incorporating one another into their lives. I love the small gestures, which quickly grow into huge moments between these two, all within the overarching mystery of this story that is intense, terrifying, and shocking at times.
Overall this was such a wonderful story that I could not put down. I was instantly captivated by the small town of Mapleton and its wide array of characters that gave off such a warm, cozy small-town vibe, alongside the constant presence of witchcraft. I loved Greyson and Chris's relationship. They are so perfect together and I loved how the story allowed them to find one another and take the right amount of time needed for their HEA.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
October 7, 2024
I’m literally obsessed. I was lucky enough to beta read this baby and I’ve been waiting SO PATIENTLY for it to be on Goodreads.
*whispers* So patient.
It probably needs to be said for some people: this is not what you’re used to from Ashlyn, but my gods did she find the best niche! Style/niche wise it reminds me of Per Sanguinem, which before Arcanum was my favorite of her books…
WHAT YOU’LL FIND:
-MM Romance
-Witch x K9 Cop
-Small Town Neighbors
-A secret
-Bi-Awakening
-Trauma
It has a cozy vibe without giving you a damn toothache, with just enough darkness to make it feel real. Chris and Greyson are EVERYTHING to me, and I have no doubt they’ll steal your hearts too!
Now give me my shelf trophy. The wait is TORTURE!
Edit: ITS HERE!!! Also, did you know Nemo means “no one” in Latin?
*whispers* So patient.
It probably needs to be said for some people: this is not what you’re used to from Ashlyn, but my gods did she find the best niche! Style/niche wise it reminds me of Per Sanguinem, which before Arcanum was my favorite of her books…
WHAT YOU’LL FIND:
-MM Romance
-Witch x K9 Cop
-Small Town Neighbors
-A secret
-Bi-Awakening
-Trauma
It has a cozy vibe without giving you a damn toothache, with just enough darkness to make it feel real. Chris and Greyson are EVERYTHING to me, and I have no doubt they’ll steal your hearts too!
Now give me my shelf trophy. The wait is TORTURE!
Edit: ITS HERE!!! Also, did you know Nemo means “no one” in Latin?
September 26, 2025
Goodreads removed a review that was full of relevant hateful quotes from this shitty book.
DO NOT RECOMMEND.
Zero stars for misogyny.
Zero stars for PRO-COP rhetoric.
Zero stars for AWFUL sick portrayals of people in domestic violence situations.
Zero stars for your LEO dedication in the beginning of the book.
Zero stars for making money off this community.
ZERO. Please report this, I'll keep reposting my opinion about this shitcake of a book.
DO NOT RECOMMEND.
Zero stars for misogyny.
Zero stars for PRO-COP rhetoric.
Zero stars for AWFUL sick portrayals of people in domestic violence situations.
Zero stars for your LEO dedication in the beginning of the book.
Zero stars for making money off this community.
ZERO. Please report this, I'll keep reposting my opinion about this shitcake of a book.
September 29, 2024
I blazed through this like my son eats spicy chicken wings. (That’s inhumanly fast btw).
Greyson has suffered tragedy and is running from a stalker. Fate has directed him to Mapleton for a fresh start.
To say Chris is skeptical is to say water is wet. He’s Skeptical with a capital S. This ‘kinda’ got on my nerves at the beginning, HOWEVER Chris is not bullheaded either. When presented with the data he comes to logical conclusions. I LOVED this about him.
These two need each other, no doubt about it. For different reasons that are made clear in the book. They are perfect complements. The story’s pacing is perfect. It’s a bigger book but didn’t feel long. It felt just right (like I’m Goldie Locks over here lol).
Also….these two were SMOKIN HOT OMG. Their romance was flawless. *chefs kiss*
I loved the magical and spiritual elements in this book. I loved Chris, Greyson, Nitro & Selene. I loved all of it.
*𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬.*
Greyson has suffered tragedy and is running from a stalker. Fate has directed him to Mapleton for a fresh start.
To say Chris is skeptical is to say water is wet. He’s Skeptical with a capital S. This ‘kinda’ got on my nerves at the beginning, HOWEVER Chris is not bullheaded either. When presented with the data he comes to logical conclusions. I LOVED this about him.
These two need each other, no doubt about it. For different reasons that are made clear in the book. They are perfect complements. The story’s pacing is perfect. It’s a bigger book but didn’t feel long. It felt just right (like I’m Goldie Locks over here lol).
Also….these two were SMOKIN HOT OMG. Their romance was flawless. *chefs kiss*
I loved the magical and spiritual elements in this book. I loved Chris, Greyson, Nitro & Selene. I loved all of it.
*𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬.*
October 19, 2024
"The darkness may be where you thrive, but the moon needs sunlight to shine. Let it in."
Arcanum is a standalone paranormal MM romance novel by the fabulous Ashlyn Drewek and is part of the multi-author collaboration Tales from the Tarot. This book is based on the major arcana card Temperance, which figures throughout the story and it is Chris and Grayson's story.
If you are expecting the dark PNR that Ashlyn is well-known for, this isn't that, rather Arcanum is a more contemporary, 'lighter' read than usual (but never fear, we still have some dark situations and even darker thoughts to work through), but still with the same fantastic storyline and writing style that we have come to expect from the author.
What to Expect:
❥ MM romance
❥ PNR
❥ Small town
❥ Bi-awakening
❥ Dark themes
❥ HEA
I loved it!
5 stars
Arcanum is a standalone paranormal MM romance novel by the fabulous Ashlyn Drewek and is part of the multi-author collaboration Tales from the Tarot. This book is based on the major arcana card Temperance, which figures throughout the story and it is Chris and Grayson's story.
If you are expecting the dark PNR that Ashlyn is well-known for, this isn't that, rather Arcanum is a more contemporary, 'lighter' read than usual (but never fear, we still have some dark situations and even darker thoughts to work through), but still with the same fantastic storyline and writing style that we have come to expect from the author.
What to Expect:
❥ MM romance
❥ PNR
❥ Small town
❥ Bi-awakening
❥ Dark themes
❥ HEA
I loved it!
5 stars
September 12, 2024
Greyson has a stalker that has him changing jobs and moving a lot. He tries to stay under the radar to keep hidden from his stalker. He ends up moving in next to Chris, a K9 officer. Chris isn’t sure about Greyson and does a little investigating into his new neighbor on the side. And even though he finds that Greyson is the prime suspect in his family’s murders, he can’t help but to be pulled in by his neighbor’s charm.
I loved the two completely different characters who shouldn’t work on paper. An officer who doesn’t believe in magic of any kind and a witch who actually has some powers.
Where I don’t usually read paranormal/magic-based books anymore, I do when Ashlyn writes them because she knows how to sprinkle it in without it overpowering the story. It feels natural and compliments the story.
The entire story had so much excitement, it was filled with plot and great characters (half of who should get their own book Luke) but besides that it also had the perfect cozy feel. Greyson with his baking and a bookstore I want to visit, Chris and his adorable partner Nitro, who is never without his favorite rope.
I had so much fun reading Arcanum and I hope Ashlyn writes more in this world!
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I loved the two completely different characters who shouldn’t work on paper. An officer who doesn’t believe in magic of any kind and a witch who actually has some powers.
Where I don’t usually read paranormal/magic-based books anymore, I do when Ashlyn writes them because she knows how to sprinkle it in without it overpowering the story. It feels natural and compliments the story.
The entire story had so much excitement, it was filled with plot and great characters (half of who should get their own book Luke) but besides that it also had the perfect cozy feel. Greyson with his baking and a bookstore I want to visit, Chris and his adorable partner Nitro, who is never without his favorite rope.
I had so much fun reading Arcanum and I hope Ashlyn writes more in this world!
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 25, 2024
I would have never imagined I'd use the word cozy to describe one of Ashlyn's books, but here we are. This WAS cozy, but it also had those darker elements I love about her writing. Grey & Chris were just lovely together. The way they took note of the other instantly in completely opposite ways was funny, but also fitting, and it set the tone for how they could not help but gravitate to the other. These were two strong men that became stronger together ... another thing that Ashlyn writes so well. I love how beautifully flawed her characters are and how much you can relate to their vulnerabilities. It's because of this that the dark parts can be so much harder to read, but I appreciate her willingness to shed light on serious topics. (Heed those TW!)
The romance was soft and steamy. The plot was interesting and kept me worried enough for their safety. The magic was interwoven so seamlessly. I love this little world she created and I know this will be a definite reread for me.
The romance was soft and steamy. The plot was interesting and kept me worried enough for their safety. The magic was interwoven so seamlessly. I love this little world she created and I know this will be a definite reread for me.
September 15, 2025
DNF @ 19%
- Absolutely zero chemistry between the two main characters
- Pro cop and cop apologist bs
- Chris, the cop main character, is so incredibly judgemental immediately after finding out Greyson's family was murdered. He didn't stop to think for a second how terrible it would be if Greyson wasn't the murderer, and exhibited no empathy. And these are the two characters that are supposed to fall in love??
- Misogynistic undertones. Including in chapter 5, where Chris and his cop buddies are complaining about... domestic violence survivors??
“Wasn’t us, thank God. The State’s Attorney’s Office went around to all the departments and chewed out admin for not taking domestic violence cases ‘seriously’ enough. The family of the victim over in Ridgewood is suing, so now the brass are covering their asses by passing the buck onto us.”
“What the fuck do they want us to do?” Luke said, leaning forward in his chair and bracing his elbows on his knees so he could see Tom better. “Just last week we arrested that piece of shit down on Mulberry and the next morning his wife was calling, leaving me voicemails, begging me to drop the charges. I told her I wouldn’t and she said she wouldn’t cooperate at trial. I said I didn’t give a shit and I was still pressing charges, but why bother? The fucker’s already out on bond and back living with her again. With the way those two are going, she’ll probably be dead before it even goes to trial and that’s if the goddamn prosecutors don’t plead it down first.”
Fucking yuck. No empathy or understanding of domestic violence, with a dollop of victim blaming. But I guess what would you expect from a fuckin cop.
- Absolutely zero chemistry between the two main characters
- Pro cop and cop apologist bs
- Chris, the cop main character, is so incredibly judgemental immediately after finding out Greyson's family was murdered. He didn't stop to think for a second how terrible it would be if Greyson wasn't the murderer, and exhibited no empathy. And these are the two characters that are supposed to fall in love??
- Misogynistic undertones. Including in chapter 5, where Chris and his cop buddies are complaining about... domestic violence survivors??
“Wasn’t us, thank God. The State’s Attorney’s Office went around to all the departments and chewed out admin for not taking domestic violence cases ‘seriously’ enough. The family of the victim over in Ridgewood is suing, so now the brass are covering their asses by passing the buck onto us.”
“What the fuck do they want us to do?” Luke said, leaning forward in his chair and bracing his elbows on his knees so he could see Tom better. “Just last week we arrested that piece of shit down on Mulberry and the next morning his wife was calling, leaving me voicemails, begging me to drop the charges. I told her I wouldn’t and she said she wouldn’t cooperate at trial. I said I didn’t give a shit and I was still pressing charges, but why bother? The fucker’s already out on bond and back living with her again. With the way those two are going, she’ll probably be dead before it even goes to trial and that’s if the goddamn prosecutors don’t plead it down first.”
Fucking yuck. No empathy or understanding of domestic violence, with a dollop of victim blaming. But I guess what would you expect from a fuckin cop.
Read
September 25, 2025*Review removed*
November 8, 2024
✰ 2.75 stars ✰
“Love is the strongest magic of all.”
Admittedly not up to par to what I have enjoyed of Ashlyn Drewek's works, but Arcanum still provided a modicum of enjoyment to keep my mildly interested, if not entertained. It helps that her writing is very easy to read and her characters do have a certain mystical charm that fits my appeal. Perhaps it is the slight distasteful nature regarding the police force - especially in the U.S. - that is a particular hard pill to stomach, but I still did find the chemistry between thirty-year-old Chicago PD cop Chris Brandt and twenty-seven-year-old Arcanum bookstore owner and necromancer, Greyson Darkholme. 👮🏼📚
“I’ve never kissed a guy.”
“I’ve never kissed a cop.”
“Why does that matter?”
“Why, indeed?”
I like it when the attraction is there, but they don't quite act upon it till they know if it is inevitable. It makes the spark of when they connect all the more consuming and palpable - 'temptation and torture all at once.'. And despite how Greyson's intentions may have been purely personal, it was nice to see Chris struggle with first admitting it and then finally embracing it in a playful, but enamored way that had him also accepting the complexity of Greyson's own skills and talents, as well as his own painful memories of past relationships. 🥰
Chris taking the lead, assuring him of his feelings '—I am happy with you. And committed. Happily committed. To you and only you' - controlling his lust, acting upon his affections - it was portrayed with a sweet sincerity that was also marred by their own personal issues and fresh wave of problems. I liked his protective streak, how defensive he was of Greyson, and how Greyson, too, was hopeful if not desperate to be able to find his happiness and temperance with Chis - 'the answer to achieving perfect balance.' - to walk away from the sadness and fear that clung to him. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
“I see a shield in front of you, guarding you, keeping you safe. The darkness may be where you thrive, but the moon needs sunlight to shine. Let it in.”
I've always been fascinated with Tarot Cards, so I did enjoy how they played a part in Greyson's dilemma in not only discerning the future of his relationship with Chris, but also his precious and beloved bookstore. Chris and K9's tag team was also fun to watch and showed how committed Chris was to his job, even when he knew that to be with Greyson, something would have to give. 'I would throw away everything—my career, my fucking life—if it meant keeping you safe.' 🥺 I was a bit peeved by the attempts to focus on discrimination in the face of witches being scorned and ridiculed. It did not hit as hard as I would have liked, even though it was nice to see how easily Chris accepted the extraordinary. Certain traits of personality could have been excluded; Luke as a character - I kinda got the impression that the author wishes to expand his character, but I wasn't too much of a fan of his comments or his brand of humor. Even if they were meant as a joke. 😒
The mystery, itself, also could have used some work. It felt a little too chaotic and unclear to be taken seriously enough, despite the serious tones to it regarding Greyson's mental health, as well as Chris' own said involvement in the case. Not that I did not find Greyson's own fears valid, and Chris' concerns about keeping him safe, as well as looking out for him. For it did bring them closer together - complete with midnight rituals and tempestuous pleasures - which, was sweet, if not a bit too drawn-out, without any cohesiveness to it - almost surface-level, to be honest.
And then to have it so haphazardly resolved made it lack depth and feeling. and, it felt more drawn-out than it should have, and then too very haphazardly resolved for my liking. 😕 It led me to feel that this was a more of a paranormal cozy, rather than being really as dark as I'm usually accustomed to with her stories. So, not exactly a disappointment, but not one which I will look back either with much fondness, as compared to her more entertaining reads for me. It still makes me hopeful that her next read will be a much more engaging and promising one. 🤞🏻
“Love is the strongest magic of all.”
Admittedly not up to par to what I have enjoyed of Ashlyn Drewek's works, but Arcanum still provided a modicum of enjoyment to keep my mildly interested, if not entertained. It helps that her writing is very easy to read and her characters do have a certain mystical charm that fits my appeal. Perhaps it is the slight distasteful nature regarding the police force - especially in the U.S. - that is a particular hard pill to stomach, but I still did find the chemistry between thirty-year-old Chicago PD cop Chris Brandt and twenty-seven-year-old Arcanum bookstore owner and necromancer, Greyson Darkholme. 👮🏼📚
“I’ve never kissed a guy.”
“I’ve never kissed a cop.”
“Why does that matter?”
“Why, indeed?”
I like it when the attraction is there, but they don't quite act upon it till they know if it is inevitable. It makes the spark of when they connect all the more consuming and palpable - 'temptation and torture all at once.'. And despite how Greyson's intentions may have been purely personal, it was nice to see Chris struggle with first admitting it and then finally embracing it in a playful, but enamored way that had him also accepting the complexity of Greyson's own skills and talents, as well as his own painful memories of past relationships. 🥰
Chris taking the lead, assuring him of his feelings '—I am happy with you. And committed. Happily committed. To you and only you' - controlling his lust, acting upon his affections - it was portrayed with a sweet sincerity that was also marred by their own personal issues and fresh wave of problems. I liked his protective streak, how defensive he was of Greyson, and how Greyson, too, was hopeful if not desperate to be able to find his happiness and temperance with Chis - 'the answer to achieving perfect balance.' - to walk away from the sadness and fear that clung to him. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
“I see a shield in front of you, guarding you, keeping you safe. The darkness may be where you thrive, but the moon needs sunlight to shine. Let it in.”
I've always been fascinated with Tarot Cards, so I did enjoy how they played a part in Greyson's dilemma in not only discerning the future of his relationship with Chris, but also his precious and beloved bookstore. Chris and K9's tag team was also fun to watch and showed how committed Chris was to his job, even when he knew that to be with Greyson, something would have to give. 'I would throw away everything—my career, my fucking life—if it meant keeping you safe.' 🥺 I was a bit peeved by the attempts to focus on discrimination in the face of witches being scorned and ridiculed. It did not hit as hard as I would have liked, even though it was nice to see how easily Chris accepted the extraordinary. Certain traits of personality could have been excluded; Luke as a character - I kinda got the impression that the author wishes to expand his character, but I wasn't too much of a fan of his comments or his brand of humor. Even if they were meant as a joke. 😒
The mystery, itself, also could have used some work. It felt a little too chaotic and unclear to be taken seriously enough, despite the serious tones to it regarding Greyson's mental health, as well as Chris' own said involvement in the case. Not that I did not find Greyson's own fears valid, and Chris' concerns about keeping him safe, as well as looking out for him. For it did bring them closer together - complete with midnight rituals and tempestuous pleasures - which, was sweet, if not a bit too drawn-out, without any cohesiveness to it - almost surface-level, to be honest.
And then to have it so haphazardly resolved made it lack depth and feeling. and, it felt more drawn-out than it should have, and then too very haphazardly resolved for my liking. 😕 It led me to feel that this was a more of a paranormal cozy, rather than being really as dark as I'm usually accustomed to with her stories. So, not exactly a disappointment, but not one which I will look back either with much fondness, as compared to her more entertaining reads for me. It still makes me hopeful that her next read will be a much more engaging and promising one. 🤞🏻
September 15, 2025
A book about a cop in 2024 makes a lot more sense now that the author is spewing hatred and saying they are a “conservative mm author” in a group for maga authors
October 8, 2024
2.5/5
It was okay but I feel like it idolized the police way too much with Chris, the PO MC, being very woe is me about how hard it is to be a cop and how they have to deal with “bureaucratic bullshit” on a daily basis it was just very cringe
I don’t know I’ve read other romances with cop MCs and they just didn’t feel or read l like this one
Also Chris explains that being with a man is “easier” than being with a woman towards the end of the book and it was really misogynistic to me
I liked the romance and liked Greyson, the other MC, and the dog, and the cat lol but overall I was disappointed with the characterizations
It was okay but I feel like it idolized the police way too much with Chris, the PO MC, being very woe is me about how hard it is to be a cop and how they have to deal with “bureaucratic bullshit” on a daily basis it was just very cringe
I don’t know I’ve read other romances with cop MCs and they just didn’t feel or read l like this one
Also Chris explains that being with a man is “easier” than being with a woman towards the end of the book and it was really misogynistic to me
I liked the romance and liked Greyson, the other MC, and the dog, and the cat lol but overall I was disappointed with the characterizations
September 26, 2024
Ashlyn is always a comfort read, and I knew with certainty that she could never write anything I didn't find amazing. "Arcanum" is simply better than amazing. It was magical—literally😂 and captivating on every page, full of love, passion, and undeniable chemistry. It was just perfect, and I am so grateful to have gotten an ARC. Thank you Ashlyn 💜
The main characters, Chris and Greyson, were perfect for each other. They fit right into each other's empty pieces to form a better whole together, and it was lovely seeing their relationship progress and grow into this beautiful thing. This is what love is.
It's beautiful how Chris embraced the role of a protective boyfriend, willing to do anything to keep his little witch love safe, even though everything was new territory for him—both being with another man and believing in witches and magic. But my guy was so supportive, and Greyson was so strong! I felt like a relieved mommy after stupid Don ended up mistakenly blowing himself up. He deserved something worse than death, but my baby could finally sleep well at night, which was all that mattered in the end, I guess.
The main characters, Chris and Greyson, were perfect for each other. They fit right into each other's empty pieces to form a better whole together, and it was lovely seeing their relationship progress and grow into this beautiful thing. This is what love is.
It's beautiful how Chris embraced the role of a protective boyfriend, willing to do anything to keep his little witch love safe, even though everything was new territory for him—both being with another man and believing in witches and magic. But my guy was so supportive, and Greyson was so strong! I felt like a relieved mommy after stupid Don ended up mistakenly blowing himself up. He deserved something worse than death, but my baby could finally sleep well at night, which was all that mattered in the end, I guess.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2024
Loved it! Greyson and Chris had great chemistry. Good writing, captivating plot and characters. I’m liking this author more and more every time I read one of her books.
September 21, 2024
I am blown away at the absolutely fantastic story telling everytime I read an Ashlyn Drewek book. Arcanum was just fantastic. Intrigue and mystery meets thriller and paranormal romance - what more could I ask for. Chris and Greyson were brilliant characters, layered and complex, I couldn’t help but love them both. I am at a loss to find words to review this properly so I can convey what an amazing reading experience this has been. Expect a tiny bit of angst, gripping plot, swoony romance, delicious treats and no drama.
Greyson is running from the thing that threatens him, the thing that has taken the lives of those he loves and Chris is honestly the best place he could end up running to. As the danger mounts these two fight for their HEA and vanquish that which stands in the way - this was a thrilling ride. Definitely recommend reading it.
Expect:
* Witch x K9 cop
* Small-town neighbors
* Secrets
* Bi-awakening
* Coming out
* Danger
* Cozy autumn vibes
* Slow Burn
* Grief and loss
* Protective MC
There are some sensitive and heavy topics in the book so I recommend checking out the content warnings.
Greyson is running from the thing that threatens him, the thing that has taken the lives of those he loves and Chris is honestly the best place he could end up running to. As the danger mounts these two fight for their HEA and vanquish that which stands in the way - this was a thrilling ride. Definitely recommend reading it.
Expect:
* Witch x K9 cop
* Small-town neighbors
* Secrets
* Bi-awakening
* Coming out
* Danger
* Cozy autumn vibes
* Slow Burn
* Grief and loss
* Protective MC
There are some sensitive and heavy topics in the book so I recommend checking out the content warnings.
October 25, 2024
I just finished “Arcanum” and I have to say, I absolutely loved it from start to finish! From the moment K9 officer Chris Brandt's gut told him that his mysterious new neighbor, Greyson Darkholme, was more than meets the eye, I was all in!! The chemistry between these two was electric—Chris's stoic dedication clashing with Greyson's eccentric, otherworldly charm made for a fascinating dynamic.
The slow unraveling of Greyson's secrets had me on the edge of my seat, and I was completely invested in how far Chris would go to protect the man he found himself falling for. The mix of paranormal intrigue and romance was perfectly balanced, and I loved how the Temperance card influenced the story’s themes of balance, patience, and hidden depths.
If you're into M/M romance with a touch of the supernatural and a story that keeps you guessing, “Arcanum” is a must-read! It’s passionate, suspenseful, and full of heart.
The slow unraveling of Greyson's secrets had me on the edge of my seat, and I was completely invested in how far Chris would go to protect the man he found himself falling for. The mix of paranormal intrigue and romance was perfectly balanced, and I loved how the Temperance card influenced the story’s themes of balance, patience, and hidden depths.
If you're into M/M romance with a touch of the supernatural and a story that keeps you guessing, “Arcanum” is a must-read! It’s passionate, suspenseful, and full of heart.
October 9, 2024
Arcanum by Ashlyn Drewek
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
📚 15th Book In The Tales From The Tarot Series
Temperance card
Upright: Balance, Moderation, Patience, Purpose
Reversed: Imbalance, Excess, Self-healing, realignment
😍 My first book by Ashlyn Drewek
⬆️ Ebook ARC
😏 Adult MM Dark Romance
📖 Paranormal Contemporary
👆 Dark & Cozy Mystery
👆 Thriller
🤔 Mystery
👉 Small Town (Mapleton, Illinois)
📖 Sweet and Captivating Story
🔀 Dual POV
🤔 My Mysterious Next-Door Neighbor
🔮 Witch x k9 Cop 🐕🚔
💞 Fated Mates
👉 Bisexual Rep & Awakening
🥵👀 Voyeurism (🌋 only for my HOT neighbor)
🥵 Spicy: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
🥵 Slow-burn (🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 HOT MCs)
MC's:
👉 Christopher Brandt aka Chris: he/him, 30yo, he's a K9 Cop partnered with his dog (German Shepherd), Nitro 🐕. After getting out of a tough relationship, he's focused entirely on his job.
But when Greyson moves in next door, he finds himself irresistibly drawn to his intriguing new neighbor.
🧐 Curious, 🔎Chris starts looking into Greyson’s past and learns that he's the main suspect in his family's murders. Still, he can’t shake the pull he feels toward him.
The two quickly bond and become friends... and more. 😏
❤️🔥 It's heartwarming how Chris tries to protect Greyson at all costs. Willing to do whatever it takes to keep his witch safe.
At the same time, he's experiencing new beginnings, being in a relationship with another man and believing in the existence of magic. 💫
👉Greyson Darkholme aka Grey aka G: 27yo, blonde, grey eyes, a witch, thoughtful, creative, and he loves to cook and bake 🧁🥪🥣🍩🍰. He lives with Selene, his sweet cat with white fur and luminous green eyes 🐈⬛. Finally achieves his dream of owning his own bookstore, 📚 Arcanum, where he practices his witchcraft and performs some fun rituals 📜.
A new city, a new beginning (or so he thought), but a ghost from his dark and traumatic past returns to haunt him. It seems like the past has come back, but this time, even more dangerous... 😬
⚠️ Medium-High-Angst
👉 Secrets
💔 Broken Trust (past)
❤️🩹 Love and Hurt (past)
⚠️ Homophobic Language
⚠️ Psychological Manipulation
⚠️ Domestic Violence
⚠️ Alcohol Use
⚠️ Alcoholism
😮💨 Depression & Anxiety
⚠️ Coercive Persuasion
⚠️ Cheating (not between MCs)
⚠️ Attempted Suicide
⚠️ On-Page Depictions Of Suicidal Ideations
⚠️ Stalking
⚠️ Attempted Murder
⚠️ Mention Of Rape Fantasy (that is used in an attempt to assault an MC)
⚠️ PTSD
⚠️ Trauma
⚠️ Grief
⚠️ Death Of Family Members
⚠️ Line-Of-Duty Police Death
⚠️ Physical Violence & Blood Scenes
⚠️ Graphic Gore and Violence
⚠️ Injury To An Animal
👉 Found Family
👉 Mutual Yearning For A Family Of Their Own
👏 Solid Character Development
💯 Best Side Characters
👉 Can Be Read As A Standalone
😍 Love The Ending
😍 HEA
Cover: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
👏The world created for this story is so well-built, and so are the characters involved. This is easy to read, with a touch of angst 😧🤧, and also has some darker elements at times.
❤️🔥 Grey and Chris are wonderful together. Even if the circumstances try to separate them, the fate keep bringing them back to each other.
🤩 I love the enigmatic character, The Owner, or do I say Nemo. 😉
▪︎FAV QUOTES▪︎
Thanks for reading hope this helps you out!
I received this book as a gift from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.
BookBub Review
StoryGraph Review
Reviews On Goodreads
My Socials
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
📚 15th Book In The Tales From The Tarot Series
Temperance card
Upright: Balance, Moderation, Patience, Purpose
Reversed: Imbalance, Excess, Self-healing, realignment
😍 My first book by Ashlyn Drewek
⬆️ Ebook ARC
😏 Adult MM Dark Romance
📖 Paranormal Contemporary
👆 Dark & Cozy Mystery
👆 Thriller
🤔 Mystery
👉 Small Town (Mapleton, Illinois)
📖 Sweet and Captivating Story
🔀 Dual POV
🤔 My Mysterious Next-Door Neighbor
🔮 Witch x k9 Cop 🐕🚔
💞 Fated Mates
👉 Bisexual Rep & Awakening
🥵👀 Voyeurism (🌋 only for my HOT neighbor)
🥵 Spicy: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
🥵 Slow-burn (🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 HOT MCs)
MC's:
👉 Christopher Brandt aka Chris: he/him, 30yo, he's a K9 Cop partnered with his dog (German Shepherd), Nitro 🐕. After getting out of a tough relationship, he's focused entirely on his job.
But when Greyson moves in next door, he finds himself irresistibly drawn to his intriguing new neighbor.
🧐 Curious, 🔎Chris starts looking into Greyson’s past and learns that he's the main suspect in his family's murders. Still, he can’t shake the pull he feels toward him.
The two quickly bond and become friends... and more. 😏
❤️🔥 It's heartwarming how Chris tries to protect Greyson at all costs. Willing to do whatever it takes to keep his witch safe.
At the same time, he's experiencing new beginnings, being in a relationship with another man and believing in the existence of magic. 💫
👉Greyson Darkholme aka Grey aka G: 27yo, blonde, grey eyes, a witch, thoughtful, creative, and he loves to cook and bake 🧁🥪🥣🍩🍰. He lives with Selene, his sweet cat with white fur and luminous green eyes 🐈⬛. Finally achieves his dream of owning his own bookstore, 📚 Arcanum, where he practices his witchcraft and performs some fun rituals 📜.
A new city, a new beginning (or so he thought), but a ghost from his dark and traumatic past returns to haunt him. It seems like the past has come back, but this time, even more dangerous... 😬
⚠️ Medium-High-Angst
👉 Secrets
💔 Broken Trust (past)
❤️🩹 Love and Hurt (past)
⚠️ Homophobic Language
⚠️ Psychological Manipulation
⚠️ Domestic Violence
⚠️ Alcohol Use
⚠️ Alcoholism
😮💨 Depression & Anxiety
⚠️ Coercive Persuasion
⚠️ Cheating (not between MCs)
⚠️ Attempted Suicide
⚠️ On-Page Depictions Of Suicidal Ideations
⚠️ Stalking
⚠️ Attempted Murder
⚠️ Mention Of Rape Fantasy (that is used in an attempt to assault an MC)
⚠️ PTSD
⚠️ Trauma
⚠️ Grief
⚠️ Death Of Family Members
⚠️ Line-Of-Duty Police Death
⚠️ Physical Violence & Blood Scenes
⚠️ Graphic Gore and Violence
⚠️ Injury To An Animal
👉 Found Family
👉 Mutual Yearning For A Family Of Their Own
👏 Solid Character Development
💯 Best Side Characters
👉 Can Be Read As A Standalone
😍 Love The Ending
😍 HEA
Cover: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
👏The world created for this story is so well-built, and so are the characters involved. This is easy to read, with a touch of angst 😧🤧, and also has some darker elements at times.
❤️🔥 Grey and Chris are wonderful together. Even if the circumstances try to separate them, the fate keep bringing them back to each other.
🤩 I love the enigmatic character, The Owner, or do I say Nemo. 😉
▪︎FAV QUOTES▪︎
■ The letter - "Greyson: I know you wish for anonymity after everything that has happened but you cannot hide from the world. You were born to teach, to guide, to help. You know that does not always happen inside a classroom. There are many in Mapleton who need you, even if they do not realize it. Allow them to see the real you and to explore the mysteries of life as you and I know them to be. Do not be afraid. I see a shield in front of you, guarding you, keeping you safe.
The darkness may be where you thrive, but the moon needs sunlight to shine. Let it in.—N."
■ The vision - "Greyson: Chris’s candlelit skin flashed through my mind again, the sigil for serenity and protection drawn on his forearm.😍
Exhaling another slow breath, I pushed the sleeve off my left wrist, revealing the sigil I’d re-drawn that morning, the black marker in question lying on the table next to Nemo’s letter. I am safe and protected..."
■ "Greyson: You’ve been on my mind. I hope you’re safe, wherever you are. If you miss me, just look at the moon."😭
■ “Chris: I don’t prefer labels, actually. Society makes us use them for instances such as this, as a way to categorize people into ‘us’ versus ‘them.’ I am the ‘other’ in almost every aspect of my life. Gay, witch, orphan, a man in a female-dominated career, an outsider in Mapleton. Take your pick.”
Thanks for reading hope this helps you out!
I received this book as a gift from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.
BookBub Review
StoryGraph Review
Reviews On Goodreads
My Socials
September 22, 2024
ARC
Nobody, and I can’t stress this enough: NOBODY writes PNR like Ashlyn writes PNR.
I’ll fight anyone over this statement.
Poor little witch Grey has been through so much and when he finally arrives in Mapelton sadly things do not end… but he gets to meet his sexy cop neighbor Chris, who let me tell you, there’s skeptics and then there’s Chris😂
But he becomes a bumbling mess whenever he’s near Grey, so we love him anyways, even if he doesn’t believe lol
Their relationship blossoms even through all the hurdles life gets in their way, and Chris gets involved into all the drama that is Grey’s life… but really… who are we to judge and whatnot when we actually LOOOOOVE a protective boyfriend? And opening your eyes and heart to some woo woo, is not that bad, right C?😏
God… I really did not want this story to end! My pretty precious babies🥹
Nobody, and I can’t stress this enough: NOBODY writes PNR like Ashlyn writes PNR.
I’ll fight anyone over this statement.
Poor little witch Grey has been through so much and when he finally arrives in Mapelton sadly things do not end… but he gets to meet his sexy cop neighbor Chris, who let me tell you, there’s skeptics and then there’s Chris😂
But he becomes a bumbling mess whenever he’s near Grey, so we love him anyways, even if he doesn’t believe lol
Their relationship blossoms even through all the hurdles life gets in their way, and Chris gets involved into all the drama that is Grey’s life… but really… who are we to judge and whatnot when we actually LOOOOOVE a protective boyfriend? And opening your eyes and heart to some woo woo, is not that bad, right C?😏
God… I really did not want this story to end! My pretty precious babies🥹
October 7, 2024
Thanks for the ARC, I voluntarily give it an honest review.
I just loved Greyson and Chris, especially Chris on the whole magic thing. That man is good with explaining things away that is until he can't. Hopeful of move from Mapleton.
Greyson had lost his inner balance, with his mentors helpful advice a fresh start can lead to a new beginnings. That is if he can stay off of one rage filled kills rader. Just how far will Greyson be, because without full honesty, Chris could slip away.
Being a cop in the town you grow up in, can be a challenge into it's self, but Chris is amazing. When the new neighbor is a surprise! To say Greyson is the most wonderfully cryptic of individual. Full honesty was all he expected but just how much can he take without breaking all his beliefs.
I just loved Greyson and Chris, especially Chris on the whole magic thing. That man is good with explaining things away that is until he can't. Hopeful of move from Mapleton.
Greyson had lost his inner balance, with his mentors helpful advice a fresh start can lead to a new beginnings. That is if he can stay off of one rage filled kills rader. Just how far will Greyson be, because without full honesty, Chris could slip away.
Being a cop in the town you grow up in, can be a challenge into it's self, but Chris is amazing. When the new neighbor is a surprise! To say Greyson is the most wonderfully cryptic of individual. Full honesty was all he expected but just how much can he take without breaking all his beliefs.
September 4, 2024
Would it be dramatic to say this book was life changing? Maybe, but that’s fine because Ashlyn Drewek has done it again. What a masterpiece of warm, cozy fall vibes. Arcanum follows Greyson, a witch, who just lost his entire family and is fleeing to a new place because of someone coming after him. With a pendulum, fate decides Greyson will head to Mapleton, where he moves in next door to Chris. Chris is a K9 cop and he is a hunky gorgeous man and is enraptured with his new neighbor. Chris thinks Greyson is a little eccentric and is hesitant to believe in some of the unexplainable things that happen. Love is magical and I fell in love with this story. I loved the domesticity between Greyson and Chris. It had me swooning!
I don’t want to give too much away. Just know this book is perfect for fall and a must add to your tbr!
I don’t want to give too much away. Just know this book is perfect for fall and a must add to your tbr!
September 2, 2024
Okay, I stayed up until almost 5am finishing this book because it is EVERYTHING.
I saw a lot of people saying it’s similar in feels to another book by Ashlyn, Per Sanguinem and I’d have to agree; Mostly because it’s someone in a police uniform finding out that supernatural powers exist.
Honestly this book is PERFECT for an evening, autumnal read. It’s comfy and cozy with how these two instantly gravitate towards each other, how easily they slide into a routine, but it’s also got some darker chapters, so make sure to check TW if you have any. It’s got spooky aspects with the magic, spells and cats, but also deals with family death and stalkers.
Idk how to describe it except that these two are perfect and I adored them both.
The window and shower scene will still leave me cackling 🤣
I saw a lot of people saying it’s similar in feels to another book by Ashlyn, Per Sanguinem and I’d have to agree; Mostly because it’s someone in a police uniform finding out that supernatural powers exist.
Honestly this book is PERFECT for an evening, autumnal read. It’s comfy and cozy with how these two instantly gravitate towards each other, how easily they slide into a routine, but it’s also got some darker chapters, so make sure to check TW if you have any. It’s got spooky aspects with the magic, spells and cats, but also deals with family death and stalkers.
Idk how to describe it except that these two are perfect and I adored them both.
The window and shower scene will still leave me cackling 🤣
September 5, 2024
I wasn’t expecting the swoony cute romance but it had lots of it.
This book was like a hug warm autumn hug? 🤗 is that a weird thing to say?? I just felt so cosy reading it. I love being in Ashlyns world — and I just loved the “normalness” (well for a cop and a witch) of the relationship. It was refreshing and felt like I was reading a witchy version of normal people …with the stalking murderer as a bonus I guess 👀
This book was like a hug warm autumn hug? 🤗 is that a weird thing to say?? I just felt so cosy reading it. I love being in Ashlyns world — and I just loved the “normalness” (well for a cop and a witch) of the relationship. It was refreshing and felt like I was reading a witchy version of normal people …with the stalking murderer as a bonus I guess 👀
October 4, 2024
"The darkness may be where you thrive, but the moon needs sunlight to shine. Let it in."
This is the second book I've read in the Tales from the Tarot collab, but it is not my first Ashlyn Drewek book. This novella is a bit different from the previous series' I have read by her. There was a lot less angst and no tears, unlike when I read about my favorite murder husbands. Side Note: If you haven't read the Leander Welles series, I highly advise you to check it out. However, be mindful of the CWs. But back to Greyson and Chris.
I enjoyed the "slow burn" at the start of this romance. Chris is a cop. He's a practical guy and he doesn't buy into all that woo-woo BS. So imagine his surprise when his new next door neighbor starts talking to him about tea and crystals like they are more than just a beverage and rocks. He's also privy to the not so happy past Greyson appears to be running from since of course he ran a background check at his place of work. That all adds up to Chris being pretty wary, not to mention downright suspicious, of his new neighbor. That is, until he actually gets to know him.
Greyson was such a kind man. It killed me to see the horrors he was being put through because of his stalker. And like Chris, it also made me incredibly angry at how the law worked against them when it came to protecting Greyson. Thankfully, Chris took it upon himself to take up the mantel of Greyson's protector. It was very sweet seeing these two start to fall for one another. The addition of Greyson's magic added a whimsical feel to a book that contained a lot of foreboding feels. I liked how the tarot deck was prominent throughout the book as well, tying it into the series.
Luke and Jace, two side characters friends of Chris's, brought a dose of levity to the storyline. Based on Lukes curiosity and a few quips from Jace, it wouldn't surprise me if either of them decided to try out some man love to see what all the fuss is about. Even better if it was with each other! Seeing as this is a novella in a collab, I'm unsure if the author will go any further with this universe. But if she does, this is me throwing in a vote for Luke!
This is the second book I've read in the Tales from the Tarot collab, but it is not my first Ashlyn Drewek book. This novella is a bit different from the previous series' I have read by her. There was a lot less angst and no tears, unlike when I read about my favorite murder husbands. Side Note: If you haven't read the Leander Welles series, I highly advise you to check it out. However, be mindful of the CWs. But back to Greyson and Chris.
I enjoyed the "slow burn" at the start of this romance. Chris is a cop. He's a practical guy and he doesn't buy into all that woo-woo BS. So imagine his surprise when his new next door neighbor starts talking to him about tea and crystals like they are more than just a beverage and rocks. He's also privy to the not so happy past Greyson appears to be running from since of course he ran a background check at his place of work. That all adds up to Chris being pretty wary, not to mention downright suspicious, of his new neighbor. That is, until he actually gets to know him.
Greyson was such a kind man. It killed me to see the horrors he was being put through because of his stalker. And like Chris, it also made me incredibly angry at how the law worked against them when it came to protecting Greyson. Thankfully, Chris took it upon himself to take up the mantel of Greyson's protector. It was very sweet seeing these two start to fall for one another. The addition of Greyson's magic added a whimsical feel to a book that contained a lot of foreboding feels. I liked how the tarot deck was prominent throughout the book as well, tying it into the series.
Luke and Jace, two side characters friends of Chris's, brought a dose of levity to the storyline. Based on Lukes curiosity and a few quips from Jace, it wouldn't surprise me if either of them decided to try out some man love to see what all the fuss is about. Even better if it was with each other! Seeing as this is a novella in a collab, I'm unsure if the author will go any further with this universe. But if she does, this is me throwing in a vote for Luke!
September 29, 2024
✨𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 + 𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀 + 𝗤𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀✨
𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯, 𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘶𝘱𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘬𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘵, 𝘯𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘭𝘥 𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘯𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘯 𝘎𝘰𝘥’𝘴 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘨𝘰.
🌙 MM PNR
🌙 1st person dual POV
🌙 Witch x K9 cop
🌙 Bi-Awakening (my favorite 🫠)
🌙 Small-town Neighbors
🌙 Secrets 👀
🌙 Spice 🌶️🌶️🫑
🌙 One is a witch, the other doesn’t believe in magic ..
🌙 Stalker (not between mc)
🌙 Books and baked goods
🌙 Touch him and ☠️ vibes (he is a cop so it’s not literally but not far .. 👀)
🌙 « I want to kiss you so bad right now » « what’s stopping you ? » 🤌🤌
🌙 Cozy Autumn Vibes
⚠️ TW in the comments
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
So I’m just going to put this book on my comfort-read shelf and while I’m here I’m going to put it on my favorite-Books-of-2024 shelf too .. there .. perfect !
I miss them , I love them , I want to read it again , I wanted more .. I could have read a trilogy and been happy.
it was so addicting, so sexy , so sweet and funny .. it was a chore to put my kindle down ..
Even if it’s a sweet romance , there are dark moments on-page in it that could trigger some people .. it was emotional but very well written with care ..
thank you Ashlyn for this book .. it was perfect 🤌
𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯, 𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘶𝘱𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘬𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘵, 𝘯𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘭𝘥 𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘯𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘯 𝘎𝘰𝘥’𝘴 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘨𝘰.
🌙 MM PNR
🌙 1st person dual POV
🌙 Witch x K9 cop
🌙 Bi-Awakening (my favorite 🫠)
🌙 Small-town Neighbors
🌙 Secrets 👀
🌙 Spice 🌶️🌶️🫑
🌙 One is a witch, the other doesn’t believe in magic ..
🌙 Stalker (not between mc)
🌙 Books and baked goods
🌙 Touch him and ☠️ vibes (he is a cop so it’s not literally but not far .. 👀)
🌙 « I want to kiss you so bad right now » « what’s stopping you ? » 🤌🤌
🌙 Cozy Autumn Vibes
⚠️ TW in the comments
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
So I’m just going to put this book on my comfort-read shelf and while I’m here I’m going to put it on my favorite-Books-of-2024 shelf too .. there .. perfect !
I miss them , I love them , I want to read it again , I wanted more .. I could have read a trilogy and been happy.
it was so addicting, so sexy , so sweet and funny .. it was a chore to put my kindle down ..
Even if it’s a sweet romance , there are dark moments on-page in it that could trigger some people .. it was emotional but very well written with care ..
thank you Ashlyn for this book .. it was perfect 🤌
September 23, 2024
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion and review ✨
Arcanum by Ashlyn Drewek
5/5⭐'s
I just can't even begin to explain how MUCH I loved this book. Wow. Just wow. Ashlyn blew it out of the water with this one! I've read a few books by this author and have loved them as well, but this one really just hit that soft gooey spot in my heart dead and center 🎯.
It was phenomenal, the characters had so much depth to them and had so much heart. If you love a good hurt/comfort than this is definitely the book for you.
Poor Greyson is put through the absolute ringer before he meets his Chris, and thank the moon they found each other when they did. Our K9 officer, Chris, is just the biggest, softest part of a cinnamon roll if I ever did see one (or read one 🤣) he has such a tough job, and a hard exterior but man, oh man, when he lets you in 💘. I can't rave about this book enough! I've LOVED every single book I've read from this series so far, but this one definitely has a special place in my heart 💜.
That being said, please be mindful of triggers if you have any, because your mental health is always important!
It truly is a wonderful book about what I believe to be soul mates, who have both undergone their own adversities and struggles and become stronger together. I really related to Greyson, so much, in ways I can't even fully explain, but thank you so much Ashlyn for writing him 💕 for writing them both honestly!
If you're looking for some cozy fall vibes, K9 officer + Witch romance, with hurt/comfort and honestly found family vibes than look no further! 😍
Also it comes out on my birthday so consider it a birthday present for me to go and read it!!😜
Arcanum by Ashlyn Drewek
5/5⭐'s
I just can't even begin to explain how MUCH I loved this book. Wow. Just wow. Ashlyn blew it out of the water with this one! I've read a few books by this author and have loved them as well, but this one really just hit that soft gooey spot in my heart dead and center 🎯.
It was phenomenal, the characters had so much depth to them and had so much heart. If you love a good hurt/comfort than this is definitely the book for you.
Poor Greyson is put through the absolute ringer before he meets his Chris, and thank the moon they found each other when they did. Our K9 officer, Chris, is just the biggest, softest part of a cinnamon roll if I ever did see one (or read one 🤣) he has such a tough job, and a hard exterior but man, oh man, when he lets you in 💘. I can't rave about this book enough! I've LOVED every single book I've read from this series so far, but this one definitely has a special place in my heart 💜.
That being said, please be mindful of triggers if you have any, because your mental health is always important!
It truly is a wonderful book about what I believe to be soul mates, who have both undergone their own adversities and struggles and become stronger together. I really related to Greyson, so much, in ways I can't even fully explain, but thank you so much Ashlyn for writing him 💕 for writing them both honestly!
If you're looking for some cozy fall vibes, K9 officer + Witch romance, with hurt/comfort and honestly found family vibes than look no further! 😍
Also it comes out on my birthday so consider it a birthday present for me to go and read it!!😜
October 7, 2024
We are back with Tales of the Tarot this time with the Temperance card in ARCANUM. This story is unlike others from Ashlyn and yet still the angst and all-encompassing love we have come to expect from them as an author.
Greyson needs to get out of Chicago for a fresh start after his family is unfairly taken from him. He moves next to Chris, a k9 officer with trust issues. The two have an immediate connection even with both hiding secrets that almost tear them apart. The Magic Shop is a major part of this story, along with the Owner who helps Greyson move forward from tragedy. Ashlyn does a beautiful job in building the suspense of finding justice along with the after effects of Greysons trauma.
Thank you for writing a book on a subject matter in a way that resonates with more people than should ever be considered acceptable. Thank you for taking care on the subject in such a beautiful and profound way.
Greyson needs to get out of Chicago for a fresh start after his family is unfairly taken from him. He moves next to Chris, a k9 officer with trust issues. The two have an immediate connection even with both hiding secrets that almost tear them apart. The Magic Shop is a major part of this story, along with the Owner who helps Greyson move forward from tragedy. Ashlyn does a beautiful job in building the suspense of finding justice along with the after effects of Greysons trauma.
Thank you for writing a book on a subject matter in a way that resonates with more people than should ever be considered acceptable. Thank you for taking care on the subject in such a beautiful and profound way.
September 24, 2024
This is my first book by this author and I’m really impressed by her handle on throwing multiple genres together into such a chaotic but interesting plot. (I was like GRRRRL there is SO much going on here!)
PNR. Romance. True Crime. Thriller.
And yet, it works. I’m also happy to say that at 400 pages, Ashlyn crossed all the T’s and dotted all the I’s and didn’t leave any plot threads hanging in the wind (very impressive imo)
This witch meets K9 cop, neighbours to lovers romance with a, us against the bad guy trying to kill us vibe, has so many emotionally heavy and grounded moments that I found myself literally crying and clutching my pearls. You can tell that Ashlyn writes with passion, emotion, and from a place of experience and genuineness.
I feel like if you’re a fan of S.E. Harmon or Gregory Ashe you’d love Ashlyn’s work.
Both Chris and Greyson are absolutely precious in this story and I hope if you read this review you give their story a shot. But please be safe and mind the triggers and warnings to be sure it’s a title for you.
PNR. Romance. True Crime. Thriller.
And yet, it works. I’m also happy to say that at 400 pages, Ashlyn crossed all the T’s and dotted all the I’s and didn’t leave any plot threads hanging in the wind (very impressive imo)
This witch meets K9 cop, neighbours to lovers romance with a, us against the bad guy trying to kill us vibe, has so many emotionally heavy and grounded moments that I found myself literally crying and clutching my pearls. You can tell that Ashlyn writes with passion, emotion, and from a place of experience and genuineness.
I feel like if you’re a fan of S.E. Harmon or Gregory Ashe you’d love Ashlyn’s work.
Both Chris and Greyson are absolutely precious in this story and I hope if you read this review you give their story a shot. But please be safe and mind the triggers and warnings to be sure it’s a title for you.
July 11, 2025
Wow just wow. I’m hooked on a new author. Loved the mood and suspense in the writing style. A stalker has hunter Greyson for two years. After the obvious murder of his parents and sister, Grey has to run and hide, making his way to a small town to start a new life. Who knew the K9 cop would fall for the witch, Grey, next door, especially since said cop always thought he was straight. Overall, I loved it.
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