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The Unwanted King #2
Gary the Once and Former King
The Kingdom of Estla is in turmoil. Power plays, intrigue, and plots seethe in the corridors of power. And Gary of a Hundred Days, Last of the Tyrant Kings is…well.
He’s dead.
That’s what (almost) everyone thinks, anyway.
As far as Gary’s concerned, they can go ahead and keep thinking it. He’s busy living a whole new life with his beloved Magnus on a homestead in the heartland of Caithen—a kingdom where they don’t want to kill him—and he’s learning all sorts of interesting things about exactly what it means to be a husband and a bondmate.
Okay, he’s trying to learn. It’s turning out to be a lot harder than he thought.
Callin, the ex-stable lad and Gary’s new (first!) best friend, has been less than helpful when it comes to giving Gary the correct advice on how to proceed in intimate matters.
The books Gary ordered for instructional purposes are taking forever to arrive.
And just as he’s starting to make progress in the bedchamber, Gary’s past as the rightful King of Estla rises up once more…
Gary the Once and Former King is a sequel to Gary of a Hundred Days. It’s a low-angst fantasy romantic comedy in which a sheltered ex-king continues to undergo quite the awakening at the hands of his rugged ex-stable master, and everyone’s still way more interested in kissing and romance than in all that rightful heir to the throne business.
And this time?
Gary’s definitely getting his happily ever after.
He’s dead.
That’s what (almost) everyone thinks, anyway.
As far as Gary’s concerned, they can go ahead and keep thinking it. He’s busy living a whole new life with his beloved Magnus on a homestead in the heartland of Caithen—a kingdom where they don’t want to kill him—and he’s learning all sorts of interesting things about exactly what it means to be a husband and a bondmate.
Okay, he’s trying to learn. It’s turning out to be a lot harder than he thought.
Callin, the ex-stable lad and Gary’s new (first!) best friend, has been less than helpful when it comes to giving Gary the correct advice on how to proceed in intimate matters.
The books Gary ordered for instructional purposes are taking forever to arrive.
And just as he’s starting to make progress in the bedchamber, Gary’s past as the rightful King of Estla rises up once more…
Gary the Once and Former King is a sequel to Gary of a Hundred Days. It’s a low-angst fantasy romantic comedy in which a sheltered ex-king continues to undergo quite the awakening at the hands of his rugged ex-stable master, and everyone’s still way more interested in kissing and romance than in all that rightful heir to the throne business.
And this time?
Gary’s definitely getting his happily ever after.
254 pages, Paperback
Published June 17, 2024
101 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
About the author
Isabel Murray
12 books397 followersIsabel is a writer, a reader, and a lover of love. She couldn’t stick to a subgenre if her life depended on it, but MM romance is her jam. She lives in the UK, reads way too much, and cannot be trusted anywhere near chocolate.
Website: https://isabelmurrayauthor.wordpress.com
Other links: https://isabelmurray.carrd.co
Website: https://isabelmurrayauthor.wordpress.com
Other links: https://isabelmurray.carrd.co
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
May 17, 2025
Absolutely charming and delightful!
I adored Gary of a Hundred Days, and I was THRILLED to learn there was a second book with them! Gary remains his bashful and oblivious self, while Magnus is amused yet patient and fiercely protective. I laughed out loud several times and will definitely be adding this to my comfort reads shelf.
As a side note, I really hope we get a story for Callin (with a certain lord, perhaps)!
I adored Gary of a Hundred Days, and I was THRILLED to learn there was a second book with them! Gary remains his bashful and oblivious self, while Magnus is amused yet patient and fiercely protective. I laughed out loud several times and will definitely be adding this to my comfort reads shelf.
As a side note, I really hope we get a story for Callin (with a certain lord, perhaps)!
October 22, 2024
Just the low-angst hug of a book I needed right now. With one of the best non-hockey himbos out there.
Callin sequel when????
Callin sequel when????
March 10, 2024
Honestly, given how much I loved Gary of a Hundred Days, which I’ve now read 3 times, I’m surprised and sad that Gary the Once and Former King was a bit of a miss for me.
I still loved Gary and Magnus and their dynamic but this story was incredibly sex centric which is fine and will likely appeal to many m/m readers but was disappointing to me. Aside from the sex, Gary’s unending mooning over how sexy, beautiful and buff Magnus is and thoughts about sex and seeing Magnus naked, there wasn’t much more to the story. It felt shallow. I’m here for the romance and for me, it takes more than sex to make a romance. I didn’t really feel the romance. I wanted to see and feel why Gary and Magnus loved each other outside the bedroom and the story never delivered in that way. The characters were sweet, amusing and endearing but lacked depth. *sad sigh*
I appreciated and very much enjoyed what story there was outside the sex, but unfortunately there just wasn’t enough of it.
There were elements regarding two side characters, Callin and Roskail, that give me the impression that perhaps the series will continue. I’d be interested to read more of those characters, but note to self, if I ever revisit this book in preparation for a sequel, skip or a least skim the first 40% for sure.
2.25-2.5 stars. I originally rounded up because there’s nothing offensive or egregious but it’s lack of substance and it’s superficial focus on beauty and use of sex rather than other emotional intimacy caused me to reconsider and subsequently round down.
Edited to add:
I was 100% satisfied with how Gary of a Hundred Days ended. Given how happy and charmed I was by it, I kind of regret reading Gary the Once and Former King which added nothing of substance or charm and, from my perspective, was so shallow that my feelings for both are now somewhat tarnished. So much so, I question reading more by Murray altogether.
March 22, 2024
I'm so torn on how to rate this book! On the plus side - it has the classic Isabel Murray humor, Gary and Magnus remain such wonderful characters, and I loved seeing Gary really get to the Happily Ever After part of his life instead of just "barely escaped from danger and we are probably fine".
On the other hand - I really struggled to get through it. I kept thinking, that was so nice!, and then putting it down for a week. I'm not sure what exactly made it drag, but it was tough to stay engaged. Maybe the length worked against me - this is a full length book, but the plot content is actually less than the first book which is a novella.
In any case, this really felt like a (very extended) epilogue for these two. If you liked Gary of a Hundred Days, chances are you'll enjoy this, but you might need to skim at times.
On the other hand - I really struggled to get through it. I kept thinking, that was so nice!, and then putting it down for a week. I'm not sure what exactly made it drag, but it was tough to stay engaged. Maybe the length worked against me - this is a full length book, but the plot content is actually less than the first book which is a novella.
In any case, this really felt like a (very extended) epilogue for these two. If you liked Gary of a Hundred Days, chances are you'll enjoy this, but you might need to skim at times.
March 1, 2024
A wonderful book that went straight to my Best Reads shelf. I highly recommend a book that I was wary about reading as I thought it might be too ‘cutesy’, even though I had enjoyed the first book.
It is by no means that, instead it is filled with excellent writing and wonderful, solid characters in realistic situations, one of which gave me some tears. And, oh, the passion! Magnus says more with his looks and a touch than paragraphs of dialogue, but I loved all his dialogue. It is all aimed at Gary in beautiful scenes. The first two chapters are one bedroom scene on a cold winter morning and if there is such a thing as erotica mixed with naïveté, the author is a master of it. Magnus wants Gary to ask for what he needs and his gentle firmness and touches and Gary’s shy responses, even after months together, had this long scene being a book highlight. All the sex scenes are highest level and have a uniqueness about them.
Just as Magnus is a man of few words and Gary has many, the dual POV is mostly Gary’s. Magnus doesn’t have a chapter until deeper into the book and I was almost startled when it was his voice. The writing in the book is so very good. I mentioned the strong characters, someone give stable boy Callin his own book! He was written so well, a free and open young man, so very attractive and loyal, with his unstated love for Gary. Magnus knew, but never said anything about it, which was hot.
I was reading and hoping a threesome would happen, that’s how hot Callin and the situation are. His reactions to Gary are so understated and real. Scenes with him had some good humor, too.
As much sex as there is between Gary and Magnus, it’s like on a higher plane, there is a purity about the deep, deep love Magnus has for Gary, and Gary gives back all his devotion. I loved their relationship!
The story is so well written that the side plot about Gary’s safety, which is still in jeopardy from the first book, was interesting and had some well written twists, characters, and drama.
It was easy to put this on the Best Reads shelf and I subscribed to the author’s newsletter to get a bonus story about Gary, Magnus, and Callin, too. It was good!
I am going to reread the first book.
All the stars for this memorable sequel!
It is by no means that, instead it is filled with excellent writing and wonderful, solid characters in realistic situations, one of which gave me some tears. And, oh, the passion! Magnus says more with his looks and a touch than paragraphs of dialogue, but I loved all his dialogue. It is all aimed at Gary in beautiful scenes. The first two chapters are one bedroom scene on a cold winter morning and if there is such a thing as erotica mixed with naïveté, the author is a master of it. Magnus wants Gary to ask for what he needs and his gentle firmness and touches and Gary’s shy responses, even after months together, had this long scene being a book highlight. All the sex scenes are highest level and have a uniqueness about them.
Just as Magnus is a man of few words and Gary has many, the dual POV is mostly Gary’s. Magnus doesn’t have a chapter until deeper into the book and I was almost startled when it was his voice. The writing in the book is so very good. I mentioned the strong characters, someone give stable boy Callin his own book! He was written so well, a free and open young man, so very attractive and loyal, with his unstated love for Gary. Magnus knew, but never said anything about it, which was hot.
I was reading and hoping a threesome would happen, that’s how hot Callin and the situation are. His reactions to Gary are so understated and real. Scenes with him had some good humor, too.
As much sex as there is between Gary and Magnus, it’s like on a higher plane, there is a purity about the deep, deep love Magnus has for Gary, and Gary gives back all his devotion. I loved their relationship!
The story is so well written that the side plot about Gary’s safety, which is still in jeopardy from the first book, was interesting and had some well written twists, characters, and drama.
It was easy to put this on the Best Reads shelf and I subscribed to the author’s newsletter to get a bonus story about Gary, Magnus, and Callin, too. It was good!
I am going to reread the first book.
All the stars for this memorable sequel!
April 1, 2024
More adventures with Gary!
I do like these fantasy stories from Isabel, they appeal to me because of their plot simplicity but also the skill in world building.
The first book was a cracking good read and so is this second one as Gary and Magnus settle down to their new life in Magnus' home village.
Of course, there's more than meets the eye going on behind the scenes and the pacing ramps up as Gary had to deal with things getting in the way of his important business - getting Magnus to finally make love to him.
This book had me laughing so much, but also brings all the feels.
I'm seriously hoping it's not the last one in this setting as I'm definitely getting a sense of potential between stable hand Cal and one of the Lords who was on Gary's side throughout.
I do like these fantasy stories from Isabel, they appeal to me because of their plot simplicity but also the skill in world building.
The first book was a cracking good read and so is this second one as Gary and Magnus settle down to their new life in Magnus' home village.
Of course, there's more than meets the eye going on behind the scenes and the pacing ramps up as Gary had to deal with things getting in the way of his important business - getting Magnus to finally make love to him.
This book had me laughing so much, but also brings all the feels.
I'm seriously hoping it's not the last one in this setting as I'm definitely getting a sense of potential between stable hand Cal and one of the Lords who was on Gary's side throughout.
dnf
April 17, 2024might go back to this I just have to read the first book again bc I have no idea what’s going on lol
March 5, 2024
I needed this book after the last book I read, something with low to no angst and easy to read. This definitely checked both of those plus we got to read more of Magnus and Gary. I love reading after the "happily ever after".
Especially knowing that there is more of the happily ever after! ❤️
Also, ummm Callin and Roskail? I would read that, just saying! :)
Especially knowing that there is more of the happily ever after! ❤️
Also, ummm Callin and Roskail? I would read that, just saying! :)
September 15, 2024
a delightful follow up to Gary of a Hundred Days!
And dare I say, i enjoyed this one even more. Gary, ever so endearing in his naïveté and Magnus, the stalwart and ever-patient protector.
This one really upped the sex from book 1, and since it’s all new to Gary, I thought it was handled delicately and not too rushed (especially being a novella), but found there was also enough time spent on a wee bit of character growth to not just make it one smutty love-fest. I loved seeing Gary come into his own and Magnus…what’s not to love about Magnus. He is just perfect and absolutely smitten with Gary.
The little bit of plot didn’t come off as “thrown in”, and it made for some good interactions with side characters.
It’s an easy breeze of a book, good to get one out of a slump, or for those in need of something low-angst and fluffy as a palate cleanser.
Book 1: Gary of a Hundred Days - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 2: Gary the Once and Former King - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
And dare I say, i enjoyed this one even more. Gary, ever so endearing in his naïveté and Magnus, the stalwart and ever-patient protector.
This one really upped the sex from book 1, and since it’s all new to Gary, I thought it was handled delicately and not too rushed (especially being a novella), but found there was also enough time spent on a wee bit of character growth to not just make it one smutty love-fest. I loved seeing Gary come into his own and Magnus…what’s not to love about Magnus. He is just perfect and absolutely smitten with Gary.
The little bit of plot didn’t come off as “thrown in”, and it made for some good interactions with side characters.
It’s an easy breeze of a book, good to get one out of a slump, or for those in need of something low-angst and fluffy as a palate cleanser.
Book 1: Gary of a Hundred Days - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 2: Gary the Once and Former King - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 2, 2024
Aww so sweet! I must say Gary's friend needs love too. I enjoy Murray's writing a lot and writing single POV obliviots is a special art where you're still managing to convey other characters emotions the POV character is not interpreting correctly.
NSFW infos:
- Gary loses his virginity
- Emotional bathing
- Gary learns to ask for what he wants
- Gary learns how not to and how to give a blowjob maybe with the aid of a carrot...
NSFW infos:
- Gary loses his virginity
- Emotional bathing
- Gary learns to ask for what he wants
- Gary learns how not to and how to give a blowjob maybe with the aid of a carrot...
May 3, 2024
3.5 stars, because for me it needed more plot for the length. YMMV
I enjoyed about 30% of this one, then skimmed ahead 25-30%, to where a bit of plot showed up. (There are extended, often funny and always sweet with bits of scorching heat, sex scenes that go for chapters, just FYI. I read one, but skimmed all the rest except the very last one.) For me, the first one was more interesting because there was more going on, and so this one was more like an extended epilogue than a story in its own right. But it is funny, and it is very sweet, and the two chapters from Magnus's POV are enlightening as to what's really going on. I'm glad I read this. I hope the next in this world is for Callin. :)
I enjoyed about 30% of this one, then skimmed ahead 25-30%, to where a bit of plot showed up. (There are extended, often funny and always sweet with bits of scorching heat, sex scenes that go for chapters, just FYI. I read one, but skimmed all the rest except the very last one.) For me, the first one was more interesting because there was more going on, and so this one was more like an extended epilogue than a story in its own right. But it is funny, and it is very sweet, and the two chapters from Magnus's POV are enlightening as to what's really going on. I'm glad I read this. I hope the next in this world is for Callin. :)
Read
March 11, 2024An unnecessary sequel to a book I shouldn’t have read in the first place, let alone actually give a starred review, this story is mostly sexcapades and more political resolution from the first book.
April 11, 2025
April 2025
Kindle edition
The best bit were the couple of chapters from Mag's POV. I felt sorry for Cal and his unrequited feelings, although those feelings probably died when Gary went into brat mode. The books were cool. Mostly Gary trying to learn in the bedroom, protection detail and signing a document to make it all go away. I liked Gary at the end, the way he stood up for his people.
Kindle edition
The best bit were the couple of chapters from Mag's POV. I felt sorry for Cal and his unrequited feelings, although those feelings probably died when Gary went into brat mode. The books were cool. Mostly Gary trying to learn in the bedroom, protection detail and signing a document to make it all go away. I liked Gary at the end, the way he stood up for his people.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2024
So glad we got more Gary and Magnus. 😍😍😍 Wonder if we'll ever get Callin's book!
Isabel Murray always delivers. I reread her books frequently and will preorder/buy anything she puts out.
Isabel Murray always delivers. I reread her books frequently and will preorder/buy anything she puts out.
February 28, 2024
I would give it 10 stars if I could! I just adore Gary and Magnus!
February 28, 2024
This book is so cosy. I love it!
February 29, 2024
Fantastic!
I cannot tell you how excited I was to read this!! I adore Gary and Magnus and love Isabel Murray's writing, a real treat.
I cannot tell you how excited I was to read this!! I adore Gary and Magnus and love Isabel Murray's writing, a real treat.
July 22, 2025
Gary is sweet and clueless
This was definitely more sex than plot, although it tied up things from the first book so it ends on a firm HEA. It had been a little while since I read book 1 but I didn’t remember all the relevant details so I found my self a little lost when they talked about some of it.
This was definitely more sex than plot, although it tied up things from the first book so it ends on a firm HEA. It had been a little while since I read book 1 but I didn’t remember all the relevant details so I found my self a little lost when they talked about some of it.
March 6, 2024
I began to shimmy down his body but, in a move that was more than familiar to me by now, and was one I secretly loved, he hooked his hands under my arms and hauled me back up until we were nose to nose.
“Hello,” I said, and pecked him on the lips.
This was exactly the 'epilogue' story I needed to make Gary of a Hundred Days days feel so deliciously complete! I really, really wish I'd gone back for a quick re-read of book 1, but I know in the future I've got both books now to re-read when I'm feeling like this particular brand of spicy, sweet goodness!
“Sometimes,” Magnus said, “I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that you have no idea what you’re saying. And then other times, Gary…other times, I get suspicious.”
Damn it. I opened my eyes wide. “I don’t know what you mean. Would you like to kiss me?”
I love the small family they've created at the homestead, and LOVE that Magnus didn't While lacking the action-focused climax you might expect, I enjoyed the easy way we resolved Gary's small issue of being King. It was also really nice watching Magnus draw Gary out of his protective shell slowly, piece by piece, in a safe way. Gary's ignorance (or lack thereof, depending on the situation) gave a nice, almost innocent feel to the book, despite the full, open door spice the author gifts us with!
I was Gary Torlassen. I would sign my name like never before, if that’s what I had to do. And I would be truly free.
I'll be seeing these guys again in the future <3
-----------------------
Pre-Read
Just as I was considering a re-read of Gary of a Hundred Days, I realized this gem just released and basically need to put all life and other reading aside to devour it :D See you all in 242 pages....
April 7, 2024
3.5 stars
This was . . . much better than Gary of a Hundred Days but it was it was bordering on PWP in a few places. But it has Isabel Murray's signature humour and was a fun, low-angst, light read. I hope book three is about Callin.
This was . . . much better than Gary of a Hundred Days but it was it was bordering on PWP in a few places. But it has Isabel Murray's signature humour and was a fun, low-angst, light read. I hope book three is about Callin.
April 2, 2024
There is something about the (not so) secretly ultra-competent (and absolutely, hopelessly smitten) LI and the oblivious cinnamon roll MC that is just endlessly entertaining to me.
March 1, 2024
disappointed
I am shocked to say this, but I wish there had been less sex and more story. I read this with a lot of anticipation because “NOT THAT COMPLICATED” is one of my favorite stories. It is really very funny and Ray is such a hoot.
I am shocked to say this, but I wish there had been less sex and more story. I read this with a lot of anticipation because “NOT THAT COMPLICATED” is one of my favorite stories. It is really very funny and Ray is such a hoot.
March 6, 2024
Gary is wonderful....and Magnus is perfect for him!
March 26, 2024
Still too much sex for my taste but a little more plot as well, so I liked the second book better than the first. 3.5 stars
April 2, 2024
These are simply breathtakingly memorable pieces of storytelling. yes pls we need more
Rating: 5🌈
Well, based on this series alone, Isabel Murray is a new must read/autobuy for me. These are simply breathtakingly memorable pieces of storytelling. At once brilliantly subtle works of characterization and yet still hilariously funny, threaded through with heartbreaking pathos, and sweet romance.
Such amazing work on the part of this author. From the subtle world building to deeply layered characters, from the laugh-out-loud scenes and dialogue to quiet moments of conversation and those of revelatory sexuality, it’s an amazing narrative journey Murray takes us and her characters through.
I so appreciate the subtlety with which Murray is able to create a depiction of her character’s background and the layers of that history without actually stating any specific facts or graphic details. We don’t have to know exactly what happened to Gary in his horrific adolescence, what abuses specifically he was subjected to, and we don’t have to. Thanks to Murray, it’s written into his demeanor, the manner and care in which those around him now treat him, the poor sense of self he carries. This is such an amazing portrait of a person that Murray has sensitively built that Gary speaks to us, engages with us on many emotional levels.
And it’s not just Gary. It’s every character. From the brilliant Magnus, whose history is one that’s enabled him to control a network of dubious spies and assassins to keep Gary safe to consorting with some unlikely friends. All this is guessing from the hints and subtle clues left by the author along with more new information about some beloved supporting characters and new friends as well. Truly astounding work here considering its peripheral role in the story but its bulwark narrative nature in Gary’s world.
I will be so disappointed if this series is really over at two books. Yes, sweet, beautiful Gary gets finally to be a Former King and live with Magnus in his new home. But Murray has gone and extended the already deeply loved family with new intriguing characters, mysteriously familiar looking lords, and possibly new connections. All important supporting characters or new introduced characters with impactful roles to play.
Yes, please, I want more.
Consider both stories a must read.
The Unwanted King:
- [x] Gary of a Hundred Days #1
- [x] Gary the Once and Former King #2
Rating: 5🌈
Well, based on this series alone, Isabel Murray is a new must read/autobuy for me. These are simply breathtakingly memorable pieces of storytelling. At once brilliantly subtle works of characterization and yet still hilariously funny, threaded through with heartbreaking pathos, and sweet romance.
Such amazing work on the part of this author. From the subtle world building to deeply layered characters, from the laugh-out-loud scenes and dialogue to quiet moments of conversation and those of revelatory sexuality, it’s an amazing narrative journey Murray takes us and her characters through.
I so appreciate the subtlety with which Murray is able to create a depiction of her character’s background and the layers of that history without actually stating any specific facts or graphic details. We don’t have to know exactly what happened to Gary in his horrific adolescence, what abuses specifically he was subjected to, and we don’t have to. Thanks to Murray, it’s written into his demeanor, the manner and care in which those around him now treat him, the poor sense of self he carries. This is such an amazing portrait of a person that Murray has sensitively built that Gary speaks to us, engages with us on many emotional levels.
And it’s not just Gary. It’s every character. From the brilliant Magnus, whose history is one that’s enabled him to control a network of dubious spies and assassins to keep Gary safe to consorting with some unlikely friends. All this is guessing from the hints and subtle clues left by the author along with more new information about some beloved supporting characters and new friends as well. Truly astounding work here considering its peripheral role in the story but its bulwark narrative nature in Gary’s world.
I will be so disappointed if this series is really over at two books. Yes, sweet, beautiful Gary gets finally to be a Former King and live with Magnus in his new home. But Murray has gone and extended the already deeply loved family with new intriguing characters, mysteriously familiar looking lords, and possibly new connections. All important supporting characters or new introduced characters with impactful roles to play.
Yes, please, I want more.
Consider both stories a must read.
The Unwanted King:
- [x] Gary of a Hundred Days #1
- [x] Gary the Once and Former King #2
March 24, 2024
This picks up about 100 days after Gary and Magnus flee the Kingdom of Estla and it's carefully manipulated knives out to execute Gary. Settling into the remote country side of Caithen, a kingdom that has zero interest in Gary, except as the beautiful young man Magnus has brought home as his bandmate, his husband. The two aren't alone in their country home, Mrs Robards and Arne and mischievous Callen are also there, and are witness to Gary and Magnus circling each other, trying to figure out how their relationship works. In fact, the first 35% of this is Gary and Magnus awkwardly trying to have sex. Which leads me to my biggest problem: the lack of substance of a plot.
The first third of this is borderline smut. And not particularly interesting smut, as 28 year old virgin Gary orders books to learn how to have sex, or takes advice from Callen to "use your teeth" ... It should have been funny but it wasn't. Then slowly we get hints of other things going on- secret assassins dispatching would-be assassins, Magnus has a secret he's been keeping from Gary, and the nobles of Estla are on their way to Gary's home to demand abdication.
I liked that towards the end Gary developed something of a spine, but it felt out of character.
I'd rate this about 2.5 stars but rounded down to 2 because there wasn't enough substance of a story here to justify its length. tl;dr: Disappointing
2 Stars.
The first third of this is borderline smut. And not particularly interesting smut, as 28 year old virgin Gary orders books to learn how to have sex, or takes advice from Callen to "use your teeth" ... It should have been funny but it wasn't. Then slowly we get hints of other things going on- secret assassins dispatching would-be assassins, Magnus has a secret he's been keeping from Gary, and the nobles of Estla are on their way to Gary's home to demand abdication.
I liked that towards the end Gary developed something of a spine, but it felt out of character.
I'd rate this about 2.5 stars but rounded down to 2 because there wasn't enough substance of a story here to justify its length. tl;dr: Disappointing
2 Stars.
April 14, 2024
Former or future
While the first book of this series was very enjoyable and did end on a note that could have been the end, I always wondered about the future problems with the other kingdom. After all, Gary was discovered as not actually having been executed, and he and Magnus escaped but were seen leaving. As well it was no secret which nation Magnus came from, he even still sold horses from there to other nations. It did seem odd that Gary would just be ignored so it was really interesting to have this continued story and find out what exactly did happen when his previous country finally made a move.
Another big thing in this story was the continued relationship of Gary and Magnus. Gary very much does not realize how terrible his childhood was, from abuse by his family to essentially being locked away in his estate. Gary has slowly changed to being used to being able to do the things he wants to and also help out around his household. Gary is also learning more about himself and about being in a relationship. Seeing this develop, especially though the difficult times that happen in this story, as well as developing an awareness for other relationships in his life, was a really good progression.
Once again it feels that the story of Magnus and Gary is well done and complete, though they are just a fascinating couple in a well written world that I would enjoy reading more from them and their land in the future!
While the first book of this series was very enjoyable and did end on a note that could have been the end, I always wondered about the future problems with the other kingdom. After all, Gary was discovered as not actually having been executed, and he and Magnus escaped but were seen leaving. As well it was no secret which nation Magnus came from, he even still sold horses from there to other nations. It did seem odd that Gary would just be ignored so it was really interesting to have this continued story and find out what exactly did happen when his previous country finally made a move.
Another big thing in this story was the continued relationship of Gary and Magnus. Gary very much does not realize how terrible his childhood was, from abuse by his family to essentially being locked away in his estate. Gary has slowly changed to being used to being able to do the things he wants to and also help out around his household. Gary is also learning more about himself and about being in a relationship. Seeing this develop, especially though the difficult times that happen in this story, as well as developing an awareness for other relationships in his life, was a really good progression.
Once again it feels that the story of Magnus and Gary is well done and complete, though they are just a fascinating couple in a well written world that I would enjoy reading more from them and their land in the future!
May 17, 2024
Pop quiz - which of these things don't go together?
A. Tea and crumpets
B. Thunder and lightning
C. Extreme sweetness/naivete and (practically) wall-to-wall sexual explorations of various kinds.
Hint - it's not A and it's not B. 😬
While I don't recall much about the first book, I did apparently enjoy it based on my review. Unfortunately, this book will stick with me longer as a failed experiment.
The author's writing is fine. On his own, the character of guileless Gary is quite endearing - sweet, pretty, naive, considerate, self-deprecating, and femme. On his own, the character of Marcus is OK - strong, compassionate, worldly, protective. What doesn't work is putting the two together in a book that is basically a cataloging of all of Gary's sexual firsts. First of all, this is too much sex for this reader's Goldilocks formula, even if it is all quite of the vanilla variety. It's especially too much sex to be "witness to" for a character like Gary, who could probably best Shirley Temple in a competition of sweetness, category pure and sugary.
The author employs a wonderful sense of self-effacing humor with Gary, who I would probably find to be a lovely MC in a different kind of story.
2 stars because it wasn't a bad book per se, and I'm sure there are folks who will eat it up like a giant sugary cupcake that attempts to have a jalapeno in the center. It just did not work for me.
A. Tea and crumpets
B. Thunder and lightning
C. Extreme sweetness/naivete and (practically) wall-to-wall sexual explorations of various kinds.
Hint - it's not A and it's not B. 😬
While I don't recall much about the first book, I did apparently enjoy it based on my review. Unfortunately, this book will stick with me longer as a failed experiment.
The author's writing is fine. On his own, the character of guileless Gary is quite endearing - sweet, pretty, naive, considerate, self-deprecating, and femme. On his own, the character of Marcus is OK - strong, compassionate, worldly, protective. What doesn't work is putting the two together in a book that is basically a cataloging of all of Gary's sexual firsts. First of all, this is too much sex for this reader's Goldilocks formula, even if it is all quite of the vanilla variety. It's especially too much sex to be "witness to" for a character like Gary, who could probably best Shirley Temple in a competition of sweetness, category pure and sugary.
The author employs a wonderful sense of self-effacing humor with Gary, who I would probably find to be a lovely MC in a different kind of story.
2 stars because it wasn't a bad book per se, and I'm sure there are folks who will eat it up like a giant sugary cupcake that attempts to have a jalapeno in the center. It just did not work for me.
March 17, 2024
I liked this story but I didn't enjoy this one as much as Gary of a Hundred Days. I think it was too focused on sex, but that's just my opinion. I still love Gary, he's still that same adorable dork as he was in book one and Magnus was so patient with him, definitely high on the swoon worthy scale. But all the sex and thoughts of sex had me really wishing for something other than that. This does bring closure to Magnus and Gary's story but it's left an opening for a Callin story. I feel like he is in desperate need of an HEA.
● Historical fantasy
● Easy read
● Some very sweet moments
● Made me chuckle
● There were a few laugh out loud moments
● Some swoon worthy moments
● LOVED the MCs... Gary & Magnus
● Too focused on sex IMPO
● Wish it was more adventure focused
● Satisfying ending
● Left an opening for another book
● NOT a stand-alone
February 29, 2024
well this was just delightful! I was really looking forward to this book and was literally checking amazon every day because ms murray does not do release dates haha.
then yesterday it was finally here and we got another glimpse into magnus and garys life. i really enjoyed the first book so this was predictably a home run for me!
the book is a fluffy read, its mostly about gary and magnus finding their groove in and outside the bedroom with a little interlude that finally frees gary of his past.
man do i hope that we maybe get a book about callin and possibly the surprisingly supportive lord?
all in all a joy!
then yesterday it was finally here and we got another glimpse into magnus and garys life. i really enjoyed the first book so this was predictably a home run for me!
the book is a fluffy read, its mostly about gary and magnus finding their groove in and outside the bedroom with a little interlude that finally frees gary of his past.
man do i hope that we maybe get a book about callin and possibly the surprisingly supportive lord?
all in all a joy!
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