Medium

Wonderfall #2

by Bix Barrow

Battling evil is a huge time suck when all you want to do is romance a couple of cute cinnamon rolls...

Most people consider mediums to be con artists. Heck, even my grandfather was pretty embarrassed when he had to admit my abilities were real—after he passed away of course.

So it’s a nice—very nice—change when I meet Shane and Ellis, who not only believe I can see ghosts, they have interesting abilities of their own. Bonus, they know how to help the dryad I rescued from an evil billionaire. It doesn’t hurt that they’re both sweethearts and easy on the eyes. Did I mention I’m poly?

But I’ve barely had a chance to hint at how good the three of us could be together before our world gets turned upside-down. My non-magical best friend is all up in our magical business, I find out some guy has messed with my memories, we’re attacked by fanged fog creatures, Ellis gets kidnapped, and the three of us have to bond permanently right now or lose one of us forever.

We only met a few days ago, and no one would blame me if I ran.

But I’m staying right where I am.

Medium is a low-angst contemporary paranormal MMM romance with ghosts, magic, suspense, humor, friends-to-lovers, day job issues, found family, Ms. Jackson, and Yo-Yos. HEA guaranteed!

The author recommends reading Seer before reading Medium for maximum enjoyment.

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, M M Romance, Friends To Lovers, Vampires

384 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 27, 2024

About the author

When Bix Barrow got an idea for her first book, it ended up turning into her second — and thus the first two stories in the Bent Oak, Texas series emerged. An aspiring author for most of her life, it took a foray into the MM romance genre to spark the steamy scenes and blazing banter Bix now weaves into her novels. Accompanying her on her writing exploits are her two dogs and multitude of cats (six at last count). An avid traveler, Bix has started to view her expeditions as interviews for her future home. Born and raised in Texas, she is eager to move somewhere with fewer politicians, hurricanes and flooding.

Reviews

[Merit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Medium had me hooked from the start! It's so full of adventure that my only - though very tiny - complaint about this book is that I would have wanted more time for romancing. I mean, the main characters are thrown together, but they don't exactly have time to get to know each other. But yeah, tiny complaint only, because the story is just so good!

Whereas in Seer the campaign and its players seemed a bit unorganized, in Medium there seems to be more structure and better communication. It was also less irritating than Seer because from the get-go all the main characters know about the paranormal world and are not left in the dark - and yeah, okay, Rory doesn't know everything, but he is already used to seeing ghosts so he quickly adjusts to the rest.
Also, the story doesn't contain too many characters! And I loved seeing hints about who the main characters of upcoming stories in this series will be. I cannot wait! (I discovered this author only recently and now I wish she writes faster.)

The story flows very smoothly and doesn't feel as long as it seems - I hardly ever read stories with over 280 pages so that says something about how well my attention was held. Also, for a MMM love story you really need to take your time.

This story has so much! And is so good! I never know how to convey that into a review so I might just leave it at this.

- Alternating POV's.
- Medium steam.
- Mind the content warnings.

PS. Bonus points to the author for recommending native plants in landscape designs.

[isthisakink · Rating 5 out of 5]

We should all aspire to be as “aight bet” as Rory. The level of truly unbothered it took to just fucking roll like that through everything happening was legendary, and I need to channel that same energy to continue existing in this timeline.

And while I wanted to (lovingly) lose my collective shit until all the men folk gave up on their need to do The Fucking Most, I adored all of them and their story. I loved their little quirks, I loved their ability to accept and embrace each other as they were, and I loved that they were all amazing examples of good partners/parents from the jump despite their insecurities and doubts. The side characters also remain fantastic, and the plot was solid and tied in nicely to the ongoing vampire sitch.

And goddamn if I’m not still hella in love with Ms. Jackson, and that’s just all there is to say about that. Shit.

5/5. I have to shut my mouth or I’m gonna wind up giving spoilers for days, and that’s just not my vibe. I already have some shit that toes the line. I loved it almost as much as I loved Seer, but you’ll pry my intense Cal worship out of my grabby hands fucking n e v e r, so that’s saying a lot. I’m so ready for my growing Simon obsession to have some time to shine.




**[I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews (GRR). All ratings, reviews, and opinions are my own.]**

[Elley Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Bix Barrow's contemporary romances, and this slight deviation into the hidden supernatural world that lives behind (or adjacent to?) her Bent Oak, Texas universe is amaaaaazinnnnnng! Medium, like it's predecessor Seer, is more plot driven, but there's still plenty of character development here. We get to see Shane and Ellis (the two rather bumbling DM's who messed up big time with Cal in book one) return, plus a new Cassandra, the Medium Rory.

In my review for Seer, I mentioned how Wonderfall related to Bix Barrow's Bent Oak, Texas much like Louisa Masters interweaves her Joy U and Franklin U worlds and characters in with the Ghostly Guardians and The Collective series. I think Bix heard me, because one of my favorite things about Louisa's Ghostly Guardians series is the side cast of wacky ghosts, and that's exactly what Bix Barrow weaves into this one. Rory's Grandpa and Shane's Grandma especially are a riot - adore them!

This is the second book in the Wonderfall series, and this series is best read in order. That being said, I CANNOT WAIT for book three, Wonder, and to see who Simon's mysterious love interest will be!!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review for (Wonderfall-2) Medium by Bix Barrow 

A fantastic 2nd book in the wonderful series Wonderfall by Bix Barrow. I was lucky enough to have read the first book to have the full picture up to now. This story is about a poly group of three men, Rory & Shane & Ellis. I felt Bix did this type of relationship fantastically. Once I started this book, I didn't want it to end. When I find a book or series that once I start it and don't want it to end, it tells me this series and author are ones I want to read more of. I love pretty much anything paranormal. This book hit all I look for in a book. This series by Bix Barrow was the first book I have read. All I can say is what a way to start reading this author through this series. I have been reading paranormal romances since I was 10. Yes, that is a lot of years, which I am not going to give a number of years, cause that will make me feel old lol. Just know it's a LOT of years of reading paranormal stories. I can't wait to see what Bix Barrow writes next. I know I have the 3rd book in this series to go to now, which makes me very happy that I was given the chance to read them.

Nicole Harvey

[Sarah☀️ Somerville · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, but it wasn’t quite as good as the first in the series.

Writing style, world-building and plot were still great. I liked the excerpts from Cal’s Campaign Compendium… because I could easily skip them rather than having to read infodumps in dialogue.

The relationship was more about figuring out the bond rather than figuring out a relationship, and I didn’t enjoy that. Also, having sex because they needed to bond rather than because they wanted to/it just happened? I am not here for that.

There were also sections where I felt the author was more interested in Simon than in this book’s main characters.

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Medium is the second book in the Wonderfall series. This book is best read after Seer the first book in the series. First let me say that I was so happy to get back to the Wonderfall series that I couldn't put this book down once I started it. This book follows Rory a medium, Shane a magic carrier and Ellis a magic carrier. It was so good to see the characters from Seer again and learn more about the world of wonders and magic. I loved this book as it has lots of action. These three make a perfect throple. This group had more to work through all their feelings and it felt very real. I truly loved watching these three parent the young girl that they rescued. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book and series as 5 star reads.

[Zoë Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

1st person, past tense, multi POV
Shane Costa (mid to late thirties-ish), DM of the Southeast Texas District of 'Wonders' / landscape design and yard crew supervisor
Ellis (mid to late thirties-ish), DM of the Northeast Texas District of 'Wonders' / corporate sales for a mobile phone company
Rory Blackbourne (25), medium / finance guy

I adored almost everything about this book. I didn't think it would be possible to top Seer, but here we are, it was damn near perfect.

Like the first book this is heavier on the story telling and lighter on the romance, but oh what a story is woven, and the relationship works well within it confines. It's actually on the longer side of what I usually read but it never felt like it dragged at all.

I adore nothing more than when characters have to work together to accomplish a task or achieve a goal. The way every one came together to help Pia, a dryad teenage who was the victim of Wonder trafficking, was such an engaging story. In helping her, Shane and Ellis meet Rory, and aspects of their relationship start to slot into place. I'm a pretty hard sell on fated mates, but this felt like it just worked. All three have complementary personalities, skills and attraction to one another. Did their bonding feel a little forced? Yeah, both literally and figuratively, but, and I know I'm probably in the minority here, it was actually the least important/interesting component of the story for me.

As with the previous book the lively (and deadly) cast of secondary characters helped to created an engaging story the drew the reader into the supernatural world and fully root for them. There are some new faces here that quickly wiggled their way into our hearts as well as some fan favourites who reappear, but while the cast was rather large I didn't find it to be overwhelmingly so.

While this book dealt with some serious and heavy topics they were paired well with moments of sweetness and levity, creating a very well balanced narrative that was a joy to immerse myself in.

If you are someone who likes everything tied up in a neat bow keep in mind that there is an overarching plot of this series that will ostensibly be wrapped up with Simon's story, Wonder: Wonderfall Book Three. It would have been my preference to have binged the series but I'm in it now and just can't stop, I'm not even be mad about it.

I was given an ARC and voluntarily wrote an honest review.

[Katriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read the first book in this series I was blown away by the uniqueness of the characters, along with the concept of the story itself. I was excited to dive into this book to learn more about this world Bix Barrow has created. And let me say, it was as amazing as the first one!

I will admit that the POV constantly switching did get confusing in the beginning, even though they were marked i got a bit lost in the beginning. But after I read more I was able to get fully into the story and I understood what was happening and who's perspective I was reading. Now onto the main story!

As I mentioned above I love how unique this world is that the author created. Each individual character is so unique and full of personality. All of the side characters are there for a reason, they provide dialogue along with adding a comedic undertone to the somewhat heavy (at times) plotline. They also help move the story along which I appreciated.

Pia is a sweetheart and I'm so happy that Rory, Shane, Ellis, and Ms. Jackson rescued her and took her in. They all formed their own little family and I adore them all. Ms. Jackson and Manny are tied for being my favorite characters. They both have such big personalities and quirks that make them who they are. I just absolutely loved any scene with them in it.

I enjoyed how there was more to this story than just romance. I liked how there was a mystery to be solved, how there were action scenes and battle plans, but how there was also scenes where Ms. Jackson, Pia, Manny, Ellis, Shane, and Rory spent time together as a family. The plot itself was really well done, I couldn't predict or figure out what was going to happen next, which I LOVED. I'm so excited for the next book in this series, I'm very eager to find out what's going to happen with Simon.

Something else I really enjoyed was the additions of each type of Wonder after a chapter. It was like having my own little dictionary giving me insight into the type of characters that might make an appearance. It really helped me learn about them and better understand those characters.

For those wonderful there are a few steamy scenes that occur throughout the story but it's not the main focus. (Which I really appreciated.) Overall this is a terrific MMM romance with a rescue, a mystery needing to be solved, plenty of romance, and a found family feeling.

[Megan McGrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rory, Shane & Ellis
Incredible second book in the series! I loved Seer, but Medium is in a league of its own. I was captivated after the first couple of pages and had trouble putting the book down long enough to do other things beyond reading. ❤️

I loved being reintroduced to the campaign through Rory's eyes. It was all brand new with Cal in Seer, but having some initial knowledge and then watching Rory experience all the facets of their magical world was really exciting to watch.

The slower burn of the relationship between the trio was also really interesting, because in many books, the trio/throuple is connected as one almost initially. In Medium, it was more of a fight to reach the full connection point for all three. And when you add in their magical bond to the story, it makes for a complex relationship, to be sure.

Pia! She was such a fun character to introduce to the series! Her interactions with Ms. Jackson were so sweet and fun. They connected as the best of friends and Ms. Jackson was so protective with Pia (rightly so, of course). I loved Pia's relationships with all of the characters in this story, and how much strength she showed for all the trauma and turmoil she had to deal with. A true inspiration and a real point of love between the three MCs as well.

Rory's ghosts were hilarious! I don't know that I'd want to have his power, unless I could have more control over the ghosts' sudden appearances, which it still appears Rory has to work on. That said, the ghosts provide a very real boon to the story with their capabilities . They may have all had very quirky moments, but they were serious when they needed to be.

I loved every nit picky little bit of Medium! It was a fantastic book full of drama, action, mystery, steamy scenes (the tension between them was insane!), and so much love, well beyond just the romantic level. This book had a real sense of family, both blood and found. It was incredible.

I received an advance copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.

[Marion]

This is the second book in the Wonderfall series and I really enjoyed it. This book should be read after reading Seer. While it can stand as a standalone read, you will miss out on all the connections and backstory if you don't read Seer first. This is the story of Rory, Shane and Ellis. Rory and Shane are both magic carriers. And both have gone into nesting mode meaning that they will soon meet their fated mate. And while they are both acutely aware of each other, they know that magic carriers aren't usually paired together. While wishing things could be different, they enjoy their time together until they find their respective mate. Did I mention the word usually. The two of them finally click and become mates. But their magic shows that there is a problem. Neither has any idea what to do to fix it. Then Ellis bursts into their lives. He needs their help to save a dryad he rescued. Ellis is not really up to speed on magic as he considers himself a psychic. And he can talk to ghosts one on one. After all the negative energy that his remaining family threw at him, Ellis doesn't consider himself noteworthy nor worth very much. While he feels a pull toward Rory and Shane, he would never disrupt an already established relationship. When all three of them finally get out of their own way, they realize that they are meant to be a trio. Rory and Shane have to show Ellis that they want him for him and he is not just an afterthought or outside piece of their relationship. It is then that their magic starts to work properly. Of course, while they are figuring it out, there is action aplenty. This is their story. The book is well written and easy to read. I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. I loved the interaction and dialogue between the characters. I read the book from cover to cover in one sitting. You will become immersed in the world of magic. I am looking forward to the next book in this series. It can't come fast enough for me.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

********** Contains Spoilers**********

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and they keep on getting better. I also thought that it was a good addition to the Wonderfall Series. I enjoyed immersing myself is this world that Bix has created. I’m glad that Cal decided to create a Campaign Compendium with all the information he got drip fed during his book, so any Cassandra can read all the relevant information at once. As we as readers were also drip fed the information along with Cal. I love Ellis, Shane and Rory, their relationship had more than a few teething issues but they eventually get their happily ever after. I love the addition of Pia, Ms Jackson and Manny as they make their family whole.

Ellis’s brother Arch is a work in progress but I believe he’ll get there. This book was definitely a wild ride. I really enjoyed getting to properly meet Simon, the friendly but lonely vampire and I’m really looking forward to reading about him getting his happily ever after during the next book, Wonder that I’ve already pre-ordered. I’m also looking forward to reading Bix’s Bent Oak, Texas Series books since I’ve finished all the books available in this series since it’s set in the same universe. I’d recommend this book, series and author to others.

******I received a complimentary copy of this book through GRR. I would still happily review this book even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******

[Sheena · Rating 4 out of 5]

- MMM
- slow burn
- low heat
- paranormal

This is part of the Wonderfall series, and it's so closely connected to Seer - the first book - it's really best enjoyed after that book. I'm normally quite picky about my MMM but went in to this with an open mind, and I'm glad I did. I am loving the world building Bix Barrow has done with this series, I like D&D themes, I like their version of the different paranormal and supernatural species, and I like the characters created in this world. I really enjoyed this story too - Shane and Ellis we briefly met in the first book but Rory is new. Rory is the medium of the title, and the paranormal world is mostly all new to him. I liked how quickly he took to it though, and the possibility of fated mates too. He's already poly when he meets Shane and Ellis although it takes Shane a little longer to come round to the idea of a poly relationship.

There's also the side plot of the trafficking of wonders and breaking up that ring drives the story forward and includes Ms Jackson again - who is growing by the word - and a posse of ghosts including Shane and Rory's grandparents. This story was gripping, fast paced and while the relationship was fast - almost instant - it worked for these three and I really enjoyed it.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[BookGeek1987 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll admit I got all three of the books in this series as an ARC, and after reading book 1 - not good at all - I was dreading reading book 2 & 3. Fortunately the series did get better but not amazingly so.

The issue I had in book 1 is that I felt like I had no idea what was going on, and this was resolved in book 2 due to Cal writing this awesome ‘guide’ that we got to read as he was writing this. It massively helped and I’ll admit was super interesting in general.

We have 3 x MCs in this book and I was hopeful they wouldn’t be as unlikeable as Greg from book 1. Fortunately they seemed more real. We had initial jealously going on where Shane and Ellis thought they’d be a twosome, but actually Ellis was straight off attracted to Rory when he cropped up, and hurt Shane’s feelings. It felt natural, like this would happen in real life.

But the plot, yes we learnt more on the vampire front and that progressed. However, we had serious topics - kidnapping/death of victims - and they just felt glossed over. Very surface level. Plus another shitty relative that made poor choices and they’re just forgiven and allowed to roam about, be part of the plot. Umm, what?

I’d give this a 3.5 as the relationship was better, and I didn’t feel as lost, but yeah, this author just doesn’t provide emotional depth for me.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rory Blackbourne sees ghosts. Too bad no one believed him, except his grandfather but he only believed after he died. The ghosts often come to him and ask for help. This time they want him to rescue a young dyad. She had been kidnapped and was dying unless they can save her. Buit now they need help for her. Shane and Ellis can provide that help. The three of them feel a pull to each other but none of them are sure they should act on that. Rory has no problem. Afterall, he is polyamorous after all. Then Rory’s nonmagical friend gets involved; someone messed with his memories; Ellis is kidnapped; they are attacked by fanged fog creatures; and he learns he needs to bond with Ellis and Shane or they lose one forever. And this is just the first week they met.

Medium has everything you want in a book – danger, heat, surprises, and just the right touch of humor. It is a new world to many of us. There are excerpts from Cal’s Campaign Compendium to help you. It was fun to watch them work out how their lives would mesh together. Of course, there were lots of doubts. The ghosts help a lot as do Ms. Jackson and Pia, the dryad. The plot was well done and the extra eccentrics really added to whole narrative. This is a captivating, intense story. Our thanks to Bix Barrow.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Mvm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Medium, the second installment in the Wonderfall series, picks up seamlessly where Seer left off, pulling readers back into a world rich with paranormal intrigue. The novel excels in blending fast-paced action with a compelling emotional core, largely due to its engaging plot, memorable characters, and expert storytelling. In this sequel, District Monitors Shane and Ellis deepen their connection, though it’s clear something remains amiss—until Rory, a Medium with the ability to communicate with ghosts, enters the scene in an unexpected and captivating way. Rory's discovery of a Wonder trapped against her will propels the story forward, as he teams up with spectral allies to free her and ultimately crosses paths with Shane and Ellis.

The reappearance of fan-favorite characters from Seer, especially the enigmatic Ms. Jackson, adds an extra layer of depth and familiarity, with Ms. Jackson revealing more of her transformative abilities and secrets. The romantic suspense makes Medium a page-turner with both emotional and supernatural stakes. This book not only lives up to the promise of its predecessor but exceeds expectations, making it difficult to put down and leaving me eager for the next installment.

[Mommysuz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what an incredible ride! Ghosts, mediums, vampires, action, and a touch of humor—this book had it all. From the very start, I was hooked.

The story kicks off with Rory being visited by the ghost of his grandfather, who tasks him with rescuing Pia, a dryad held captive. This mission sets off a whirlwind of supernatural encounters, introducing Ellis and Shane. Each character feels vibrant and unique, but special mention goes to Ms. Jackson and their Ouija board.  Eeks I love them.

The pacing was perfect, balancing action-packed scenes with heartfelt moments. The camaraderie between the characters and the way they all bring their quirks to the table make this story. And Manny, the mere mortal in this supernatural mix, was a delightful grounding presence. I’m really hoping to see him paired with Arch in the future. A grumpy/sunshine romance between them would be absolute perfection!

Knowing Simon’s story is on the horizon for 2025 makes the wait even more exciting. If you love a story filled with magical beings, compelling relationships, and a dash of humor, this book is a must-read. I can’t recommend it enough!

I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jack Harkness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cowboy Casserole, milk mustache, dèideag dìon, giant panda, Metal Drifter yo-yo, rayas, mek’leth

WOWZA! WOWZA! WOWZA! "Medium", Book 2 of the 'Wonderfall' series by Bix Barrow is EXCELLENT! It'll make more sense and enjoyable if you read "Seer", Book 1 first which is another excellent book. It's been a while since I've read a book this great.

You'll see the amazing and loveable Ms. Jackson again. And the ghosts are hysterical! It's an MMM paranormal romance featuring Shane, Ellis, and Rory. All three are Wonders. Shane and Ellis are District Monitors. And Rory is a medium; he can see, hear, and speak to ghosts in his proximity. They dance around their feelings for each other, but they make an awesome throuple. The imagery that Ms. Barrow evokes is spectacular and vibrantly descriptive.

A dryad, Pia, is a 13 year-old orphan and being held captive by a billionaire against her will. Because the billionaire doesn't know how nor is willing care for Pia. She's dying. With the help of ghosts, Rory rescues Pia. He's unaware of the existence of the Wonders and the Campaign.

The story is compelling and enthralling. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and I rabidly recommend it.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the continued world of seers, mediums, District Monitors (DMs), NPCs - you do not need to be into D&D to get the references to DM, etc. - these terms are explained in the context of the world that Bix Barrow has created (via Cal's compendium).
While I enjoyed the cameos of Cal and Greg, the story is mostly about Shane, Ellis (we met them briefly in Seer) and Rory. It was in turn funny, sweet, and poignant in some parts. Overall, the story is brilliantly executed with Ms. Jackson playing a major role - they are a force to be reckoned with - and Pia, the little girl that the throuple adopt. Shane and Ellis are DMs who find themselves bonding to each other, when they meet Rory, a medium. Rory comes with a whole host of ghosts who add a lot to the story. When the 3 meet, there is attraction but it is tempered with some uncertainty due to the bonding between Shane and Ellis. This gets resolved due to some dramatic events (no angst).
The throuple get their HEA, Ms. Jackson gets more surprising (I hope they feature in the next story), there are more characters to follow, though the overarching mystery is not yet resolved...yet. Simon's (the good vamp) story is next, can't wait!!

[Elizabeth D · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5 I decided to reread Seer before reading Medium, and I enjoyed the continuity and getting to see old friends again. It was nice to see Shane and Ellis and get to know them better from just being the idiots who freaked Cal out in book 1 (lol). I really liked Shane, Ellis, and Rory, though I found the first half of the book a bit angstier than I was expecting, as the relationship did more splintering than growing at that point. (And I prefer low-angst.)

I did like, however, that it showed that it still takes communication and work to make a relationship work, even if magic is giving some helpful nudges and nesting instincts. I loved Pia, Ms. Jackson, Manny, Simon, and all the ghosts. (And I'm kind of waiting for Arch to get his own book and become a real boy, lol.)

I enjoyed learning a lot more about Mediums and DMs (and I appreciated Cal's Compendium for helping keep track of the world-building). It's fun to see what I've figured out as a reader and what's becoming known lore or fact in canon.

It was nice to see this found family forming, and I'm definitely looking forward to Simon's book and seeing what all comes next!

I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.

[E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Medium” is the second story in the ‘Wonderfall’ series by Bix Barrow centers around Rory, who can communicate with ghosts, and two DMs (District Managers), Shane and Ellis, who must find a way to overcome preconceptions of acceptable behavior even as they work to shut down a terrible trafficking system and save the paranormals being targeted.

This adult paranormal gay romance is a delightful sequel to “Seer”, and I think it will be better appreciated if one has read that story. There is an ongoing thread occupied by the elven artifact that has self-identified as Ms. Jackson, and this being definitely steals the show in several places. I was a little frustrated by the (to me) unnecessary angst over the developments between Shane and Ellis and the jealousy that erupts, but once I got further into the story I was engaged by the action and developments. A bit more information is revealed about the mysterious vampires, and Cal, who starred in the previous book, shares more in-depth information about this world through his compendium. I look forward to revisiting this fascinating world and especially getting a chance to learn more about Simon, their unexpected ally.

A copy of this title was provided for review

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve just finished this second book in the Wonderfall series and I loved it! The author has crafted a beautifully detailed world, populated with characters that are full of life, and an engaging story that I found very hard to put down for any reason. Plus the addition of the Campaign Compendium between chapters was a great way to explain the world further.
This book focuses on District Monitors, Shane & Ellis, and the newly discovered Medium, Rory, and their evolving connection. Also while they get to know each other, we get to know some secondary characters even better and introduce us to some new ones as well. Furthermore, it continues the underlying storyline of tracking down the Vampires who are attacking the Wonders.
Their story is filled with ghosts, magic, suspense, intrigue, fun, a little angst and some heat, and after the teaser at the end of the book, I’m doubly impatient for the next instalment to be written. I can’t recommend this book highly enough.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Traci S · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
The author has managed to pull of a really lovely poly romance, wonderfully intricate world building, and a super fun and twisty paranormal ghost story. I loved it! Shane and Ellis are almost too good to be true, I loved how easily they embrace Rory’s ability- which has always been a source of suspicion for most. I’m not a big fan of slow burn but it totally works here, I liked that the author gives them time to adjust to the idea of being together. They are pretty great as a team throughout this wild ride of a book, and I loved seeing them grow closer. The plot was fun but the real stars of this series, for me, are the exceptional characters, which add so much to the world building. The author’s ability to create so many intriguing characters is pretty impressive - Simon, Manny and Ms Jackson were some of my favorites. A gripping plot, engaging writing, and a bit of romance- I loved spending time in this world!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book

[Tam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy this story of Rory who finds out about the paranormal world and managing to hook up with two of the district monitors. It's a rather complex book with lots of characters. The little dryad girl he rescues (and seems to adopt), the ghosts that Rory sees, the nasty family, how Rory's powers change after bonding, the evil vampires, the good vampire, the dryads who've adopted said vampire, the weird shape-shifting creature. So it's quite complex but if you've read the first one, it makes sense.

What I didn't enjoy was at the end of each chapter there is an explanation of different things. What is bonding, how the world works, what a district monitor is, etc. If you read book 1, you should have learned about 85% of this. It seemed more like a device to help people jumping in at book 2 to understand what was happening. So to be honest, I most skimmed them quickly to see if there was any new info, but mostly I saw them as a waste of space for me. Your appreciation may vary. I liked the parts in between those installments though.

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shane, Ellis and Rory and Pia and of course Ms. Jackson

Rory is a fun character that doesn’t know about other supernatural beings which allows Bix Barrow to introduce a lot more information into the story without having to have any lectures. Along with Cal’s notes on the supernatural that appear throughout the book we get a much fuller explanation of the supernatural system that Barrow has developed. I love polyamory in books and Rory, Ellis and Shane are really great together. More in the relationship, more spice! I like how they gradually realize how their relationship comes with extra for their powers and how that comes in really handy in a scene near the end. Even the yo-yos were worked into the story well. Pia is as sweet as a teenager can be and I hope we get more of her and Ms. Jackson in the future.

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't fall in love with this book as quickly as I did book one. The pining and longing between Shane and Ellis was a bit much. But the first chapter with Rory (and his grandfather) really hooked me. The in between chapters Cal's Campaign Compendium was a concise way of providing information without the characters man 'splaining. The three come together it's sizzle inside and out of the bedroom. Manny, Pia and Ms Jackson, great secondaries, round out this found family.
This is going to be a trilogy. With Simon getting his HEA next. I have an idea who I want his mate to be, and can't wait to see if it's yay or nay. Also, this book has the HEA for the mains and a cliffhanger for overall story arc.
My one complaint was, how many times was Barrow going to say polyamorous?
A quick, fun read. I received an advanced copy and this is my review.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not want this story to end. Excellent world building, I appreciated the pauses to identify terms. The characters, main and supportive are all amazing. The storyline is great. It was nice seeing Cal and Greg again. I really couldn't put the story down. The action sequences were riveting and I felt I was right there with the characters. Bix is an amazing author, storyline, mystery, action, sexy times, suspense, danger, friendships, loyalty, betrayals, great characters and hints for more to come. Wolves, Bears, Dragons, Mediums, Seers, Driads, Panthers, Tigers, oh my! Great story, well done! Excellent cover art! I look forward to Simon the vampire's story. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

“One of us hasn’t been kissed yet tonight. Just pointing that out.”
Rory’s smile turned naughty. He leaned toward me, but before he got close enough for our lips to touch, he turned his head toward Shane. “Well? Get in here. We can’t have him complaining later how he didn’t get the full experience.”

After reading and loving the first book, I was excited for book two. I was not disappointed. I loved this book. Great world building and wonderful characters. I loved Rory, Shane, and Ellis. Their world of magic and supernatural fascinated me. I loved how the three of them bonded- both figuratively and literally- and thought them very well suited to each other. I also really liked the supporting characters- both alive and dead. 5 stars.

[Kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the Wonderfall Series. It is not essential but recommended to read the series in order to fully capture the storyline.

Here we follow Shane and Ellis (the two District Monitor that screwed up in Book 1) where they meet Rory a Medium with a following of interesting ghosts. Rory’s Grandfather was a blast. I loved that the book had lots of going on and kept you guessing.

Bix Barrow is a relatively new-to-me author. I found her in the multi author series Love in Maplewood and went looking for the character’s brother in Bent Oak, Texas. You could say I fell down the rabbit hole and enjoyed it. The Wonderfall series is also in the Bent Oak Universe.

Tropes:
• MMM
• Found Family
• Forced to Bond
• District monitors/ Medium
• Kidnapped
• Friends to lovers

[L H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good story in this series. This time Rory, a medium, finds himself attracted to Shane and Ellis and glad to meet them because unlike some others they not only believe in his abilities they also bring some of their own abilities to the table and they want to be helpful. These three are very early in their getting to know you phase when all heck breaks loose and they have to work together to deal with it. This story was engaging and it grabbed me from the beginning. I especially liked the way this triad worked well as they not only complemented each other's special talents but also quickly saw their interconnected relationship evolve.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this world, and the people in it. Rory took all the massive changes to his life like a champ, Pia and the ghosts are totally bad ass, and Ms Jackson is an absolute hoot. It was hinted at in Seer that Ellis and Shane were mates, which seemed even more obvious in this book. And then when they got together and things were wonky, and then there was Rory, and a bit of angst but then they got it together and defeated the bad guys and adopted a vampire and got a family and oh my lord the levels of sweetness. Add all that to the use of DnD terminology to hide in plain sight, and this was just a really great read.