Midnight Rules

Forbidden Entanglements #2

by April Kelley

When a series of break-ins lead to a murder, who gets blamed? The only lone wolf thief in town, of course. It should be an easy case to solve, but nothing is easy when your main suspect is your fated mate.
Iven is a busy sheriff. After solving one case, he’s right back to it when a series of break-ins leads to a murder. When the evidence leads to a lone wolf who’s new to town, Iven has no choice but to put him at the top of his suspect list. The only Marric Ransome is Iven’s fated mate.

Marric is in a heap of trouble. He might be a thief but he’s not a murderer. Someone is trying to frame him, and he needs to find out why.

It’s a game of cat and mouse in which Marric is the mouse, running from a killer hell bent on making him pay. Can he trust the sheriff to save his life?

Midnight Rules is the second book in the MM Paranormal Romance Forbidden Entanglements series. It features a bad boy thief who needs to be tamed and a warlock sheriff who can’t have a criminal for a fated mate if he wants to get reelected. If you like an age gap, forbidden love, knotting, a small town filled with secrets and a murder mystery, then you’ll love this sensual romance. This is a Fortune Falls Novel.

Buy Midnight Rules and find out how Iven gets Marric to follow the rules.

Genres: Magic, M M Romance, Romance, Shapeshifters, Werewolves, Paranormal

189 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 2, 2025

About the author

Living in Southwest Michigan, April resides with her husband and two kids. She has been an avid reader for several years. Writing her first story at the age of ten, the characters in her head still won't stop telling their stories. If April isn't reading or writing she can be found outside playing with the animals or taking a long walk in the woods.

If you wish to contact her email authoraprilkelley@gmail.com.

Please visit her website at authoraprilkelley.com

Reviews

[Trefoil · Rating 3 out of 5]

dnf 40% not sure, just lost interest

[Julie Underhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midnight Rules by April Kelley is the second book in her Forbidden Entanglements series. It is the story of the son of a pack alpha who has been given a curse that can kill him, and his mate, the sheriff, who helps him find the cure. Marric Ransome is the heir to the Timestone Pack. He is both a wolf and a witch, as is his sister Emery which is quite unusual. His father, Kinnison, wants to create a dynasty and had been going to use their older sister, Victoria, but she was killed. Now it fell on him and Emery and he didn’t want any part of it which has caused tension with his father. All he wants is to farm their land. Plus, most packs elect their leaders and this has caused some strain with the pack members which plays into the events in this story. One night a bloodied 5 year old comes to their barn. They know he is a powerful witch with dark magic and has been abused. They want to keep him and Marric becomes his Papa and Kinnson his grandfather, but they can’t tell anyone about him because he could be taken away from them. Shortly after his arrival both Marric and Emery start to feel sick with fevers, chills, and sweating that leads to days in bed and they know it is some kind of spell. So Marric becomes a burglar, entering witches’ homes to see if they have some kind of spell book that would help them end the one they have. During one of the burglaries that take place in the Fortune Falls, he finds a dead witch at the bottom of her stairs. He doesn’t know what to do but he can’t leave her so he calls the sheriff, who he knows is a good man. Iven Palmer, a warlock, is that sheriff of Fortune Falls and he has heard about Merric from his deputy Cass and his mate who is also his son, Riley. When he gets there, he discovers that Marric is his mate and Marric knows this too. He gets what details about what happened from Marric and then sends him to his car. When he finally gets back there, he finds that Marric is having one of his fevers and takes him home, summons his ex-wife, Zinny and grandmother Maggie who are both witches and know healing ways. They discover that he has a curse but in order to cure it they have to know what kind it is. This starts their investigation to find a cure because they can see that both Marric and Emery are getting sicker. They go to the local college archives to find information and are given a book and as they talk Marric tells him more information about his family, how his mother died, which is suspicious, but won’t tell him about Regan. Iven asks him out on a date and tells him they will bond after they get to know one another. Marric asks him not to hide from him and let him in which leads to a kiss. When Regan comes out of the barn Iven is not happy he wasn’t told about him but then they find out more information that may lead them to who made the curse. They have a very hot scene where they bond and then say I love you but it also has severe consequences for Marric and it becomes imperative that Iven finds out who is behind the curse and ends it or Marric could die. This leads to an epic scene involving Kinnison, who wasn’t very happy about their bonding but sees how they are with each other, Iven, Merric in his weakened state, Cass, Riley, and Griffen who is Iven’s other son, and members of both packs as well as their covens and head witches, and it comes out who made the curse and why and how they are going to end Kinnison’s family. But luckily Iven has called the state police who are all members of the council and Zinnie has come up with a plan to disable the wolves and they can finally end the curse and save Marric just in time. I really enjoyed this book. This paranormal world in it is full of witches, warlocks, wolves, and magic as well as pack politics which is the problem, and the story line kept me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out who was behind the curse and what it was doing to the wolf/witches. Merric is young but knows what he wants and is sometimes sassy about it and he is very caring of his family. He doesn’t understand why they were cursed but wants to do everything he can to stop it so he can help Emery. He loves Regan and only wants a good life for him. And he his happy when he discovers Iven is his mate but worried about what will happen if the curse gets worse or kills him. Iven was intrigued by Merric, even before he met him. He is a very fair sheriff and loving to his sons and once he finds out Merric is his mate he will do anything for him and wants to find and end the curse. The packs, Riley, Griffin, Emery, Regan, Zinnie, Maggie, and especially Kinnison play a big part in the story and why they were cursed and in curing it. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like stories involving paranormal characters, solving murders, ending curses, and fated mates finding and saving each other on their way to love.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
I enjoyed this book, once I got a handle on all the characters. I did not read book 1 ( I didn’t see a suggestion to that effect), but it would have clarified who some of the prominent supporting characters were from book 1 that carried over into book 2. Our MCs this time are Marric, a wolf shifter and witch, and Iven, his fated mate. There is no meet cute, but there is a somber meeting amid all the other things going on to create some chaos in both their lives. That being said, the book has a magical mystery needing to be solved amid unexplained illnesses, pack problems, witch covens, an overbearing Alpha with his own agenda, a wolf/witch victim and sleuth, a warlock sheriff, shifters that shift into “third forms????”, and a bit of chaos all around. The bare bones are in the blurb, but it’s the fleshing out that makes this book so engaging and the characters themselves ones to root for as the story unfolds. It kept me involved and I read it in one sitting. I do need to go back to read book 1 for the back story on Riley and Cass in particular, and I look forward to Everett’s story in book 3 later this year. If magic and mysteries are your thing, I think you would enjoy this book. It’s a bit quirky with spells I hadn’t read about, and that mysterious “third form” that wasn’t clear to me — not clear what “second” form would be, maybe just a shifter. Anyway, maybe you’ll get it where I didn’t. Either way, you would be in for two or three hours of an entertaining read.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.

[Kurohagi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this second installment in the Forbidden Entanglements series. Marric and Iven's story is moving, funny and tragic. I really enjoyed discovering the two characters, seeing Iven in a new light as a lover and not just a father.
The characters are terribly endearing. I loved the character of Marric, whom we discover for the first time in this volume. Young but down-to-earth, he knows what he wants but is also extremely kind.
As always, the author delivers a precise story full of twists and turns and emotions, with just the right amount of hot scenes.
A real pleasure to read, and I can't wait to read the next volume.
I recommend it without hesitation!

---

J'ai adoré ce deuxième volet de la série Forbidden Entanglements, L'histoire de Marric et Iven est émouvante, drôle et tragique. J'ai beacoup aimé découvrir les deux personnages, voir Iven avec une nouvelle facette celle de l'amant et pas uniquement celle du père.
Les personnages sont terriblements attachants. J'ai adoré le personnage de Marric qu'on découvre pour la première fois dans ce tome. Jeune mais les pieds sur terre, il sait ce qu'il veut mais est également d'une immense gentillesse.
Comme toujours l'auteur nous sert une histoire précise et pleine de rebondissements et d'émotions, avec juste ce qu'il faut de scènes chaudes.
Un vrai plaisir à lire et j'ai hâte de lire le prochain tome.
Je recommande sans hésitation !

[Steve Pardue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Midnight Rules is the second enticing installment in the MM Paranormal Romance series, Forbidden Entanglements. This book is filled with a vivid mix of witches, werewolves, and warlocks, intricately woven with mystery and action. Through engaging storytelling, the author introduces us to a world where supernatural beings navigate complex relationships and face intense challenges.

The characters in Midnight Rules stand out, displaying a captivating blend of personalities that clash and connect. Readers will appreciate their humor and sassy interactions as these relationships add complexity to the narrative. The camaraderie among the characters contrasts beautifully with the overarching tension of a looming betrayal—a werewolf alpha facing an insurrection from within his pack.

As the plot unfolds, the alpha struggles against dark forces fueled by witchcraft and black magic, raising stakes that keep you on the edge of your seat. Alongside him, a coven of witches and another clan lend their aid, creating alliances that enrich the story. Law enforcement is also in the mix, introducing an unexpected twist that amplifies the urgency of the unfolding murder mystery. It’s a thrilling ride that concludes with just the right dose of romance and a heartwarming happy ending.

If you enjoy stories brimming with action, nuanced character dynamics, and a touch of humor, Midnight Rules is a thrilling read worth exploring!

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new series set in April Kelley's paranormal universe? Oh yeah. I'm reading the Forbidden Entanglement series out of order, having just started book one (Midnight Whispers), but had no issue reading Midnight Rules first. Rules can be read as an enjoyable standalone.
In this book, another Palmer warlock finds his mate. Iven Palmer is the sheriff of Fortune Falls. His mate Marric Ransome, is the heir apparent to the Timeston Wolf pack. Marric is a witch/wolf hybrid, an abomination according to the Timeston pack and coven, and the thief responsible for several break-ins in the homes of the Fortune Falls coven When Marric stumbles upon a murdered witch during his most recent B&E, he calls his warlock mate for help.
The story has a curse which is killing Marric and his sister, and unrest in both the Timeston and Fortune Falls wolf packs. Lots of plot, good pacing and nice worldbuilding. When he isn't unconscious with a fever, Marric is a bit sassy. Iver is a bit of a stereotype, stoic and patient. The sizzle between the two is nice and spicy.
I'm really enjoying the new town, covens and packs. The next book features the last Palmer warlock, and I'm hoping that Kelley will continue the series. Lots of fodder for stories with the unresolved pack issues, a decimated (it was their own doing) coven. And a college that attracts a lot of paranormals.
A quick, fun read. And I want more.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.

[Cindi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice addition to the Forbidden Entanglements series. I liked Iven and Marric, but like in the first book, everything happens lightning fast. In this case, it happened so fast that I had a hard time feeling a whole lot of chemistry between them.

There's a bit of a mystery, with Iven and Marric's father trying to find out what's making Marric and his sister sick. It's much more of a mystery than the first book because that one was just WAY too obvious.

Everything comes together nicely at the end, but there are still a few things left unresolved. No doubt they'll be settled in future books.

Next up is Griffin's, Secrets at Dawn. Griffin is my favorite character in the series so far, so I'm sure I'll enjoy it.

Full review can be found at -

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice fated mates romance. Marric is the "witchy wolf" son of a pack alpha who has no desire to take over from his father. He just wants to cure the sickness that is killing him and his sister while watching over the dark witch child that has wandered onto their farm. Iven is the local sheriff investigating a series of house break ins that seem to be targeting rare books. These two worlds collide when Marric happens upon a murder scene during one of his break ins and calls the police. Once the two lay eyes on each other they know they are mates. They will have to overcome Marric's father's objections, the potential awkwardness of their age gap, deadly curses, and war between the two packs. It's a really fast paced story that keeps the action coming. I loved the interactions between the MCs, very sweet and spicy. I enjoyed it and would recommend.

[Hannah Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this next installment to the series! I did read the first one and definitely prefer this one, the author appears to have taken the reviews from the previous one and improved things.
Marric was a great character and I really felt his despair from everything that was happening. I really loved the addition of Regan and his love for him despite everything showing it doesn't matter who you are you deserve love. The ending was great with all the secrets finally being revealed even though it was heartbreaking for the family. I still havent really warmed to Cass and Riley as a couple I just dont feel the love there sadly.
Glad I read this and can't wait for more.
DISCLAIMER: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was nice. I think this is my first with this author and I was not disappointed. Eventhough I hadn't read the first book in this series, I was not lost at all and yeah past characters did show up and they were definitely a delight to the story. Marric a young wolf/witch has plenty of stuff going on in his life when he finds his fated mate with the out of town sheriff Iven who is much older and also does magic. Their bonding is put on hold until mysteries are cleared up. A little murdery and mayhem ensues...some angst...flirtation and banter galore and sweet sexy times. I really enjoyed this unique PNR and I'm most definitely want to continue with this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Manon Lavoie · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I could give 0 star, I would !!!
The insta-love is just ridiculous, the age gap between Iven and Marric is as big as a canyon !! Iven's son is the same age as Marric !!!
Marric's father is the Alpha of Timeston. He is a dictator who refuses to abdicate his leadership in favor of a democratic vote by his pack. He clings to his power and wants his son to become the next alpha.
So, naturally, the pack rebels against him. An epic battle ensues that ends up with multiple deaths in the pack.
It's a big f***ing mess !! Many characters from the previous book participate in the killings and it is written of as if it's totally normal and ok to murder people !! WTF !!!

I do not recommend !!!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midnight Rules, Forbidden Entanglements Book Two, by April Kelley, is the second installment following the small town of Fortune Falls, where various members of the supernatural community co-exist. As seen in the first book, Midnight Whispers, the wolf shifter community is finding fated mates among the warlock community. It follows nicely in sequence with the first book, and we enjoy the initial characters (from Midnight Whispers) again as more than a token nod with the focus solely on the new pair. It’s a fun read, and I’m looking forward to the next story in this series. DISCLAIMER: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[stardragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iven a warlock is the sheriff of Fortune Falls, his deputy is Cass a wolf shifter. They have had a series of burglaries and a murder in their area, but no suspects. Kinnison is the alpha of the Timeston pack nearby, but he has been consumed with his two children who have been plagued with fevers that incapacitate them for days. Marric his adult son and Emery his daughter have no idea what is happening. They find out they have been cursed, and that Iven is Marric’s fated mate. The adventure is intense as Iven, Kinnison and others try to find a cure. Unfortunately pack politics are heating up in both the Fortune Falls and Timeston pack. Truly enjoy this series.

[Jeanine Beaulieu St Pierre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book now I have to buy the first book because this is the second one,,,in this book,Iven is the sheriff and he has to solve the problems with a thief in his town and then there’s Marric Ransome he is part wolf and part witch but he has been the thief until he breaks into a house and finds something terrible and has to call the Sheriff,,there is a lot more in this story but I know once you start reading it you won’t put it down,,,I read this book for this author through BookFunnel for my honest opinion

[Book Hoarder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warlock Sheriff Iven is still adjusting to his 18 year old son finding his fated mate in Iven’s Deputy Cass. In book two of Forbidden Entanglements, Iven meets his own much younger fated mate, a witchy wolf who happens to be dying. The rush is on to find a cure for the curse affecting Marric and his sister and stop a war between the witch coven and Marric’s father’s wolf pack. Nice storyline and character carryover from book one in this continuing series, April Kelley as always keeps you hoping for the next in series.

[Ryan Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelley’s new novel addresses the ‘GB’ of LGBTQIA as well as MM Romance and the paranormal. What’s not to love? If someone commits a crime but it’s for the benefit of all, is it still a crime? Who takes care of the caregiver? The novel contains packs, covens, witchcraft, magic, lycanthropes, spells, potions, wards, domes…to name a few. What is a third form? What are fated mates and what do age differences have to do with it? Who is really the Alpha? This is a great read and it makes me look forward to the next novel in this series. Enjoy!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to the series!

I loved Midnight Rules by April Kelly. It's the second book in the Forbidden Entanglement series. I loved Marric and Iven. I loved the age gap between them and that they both have kids. Iven's are full grown and Marric's is soon to be adopted. Reagan is adorable. I'm glad they were able to stop the curse before it killed Marric. I look forward to reading the first book in the series and the next one when it comes out.

I read this book using the Kindle unlimited app.

[deborah lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the rare times that I’ll start by saying you need to read these books in order. I was so lost and confused for the first third of this book, but then, suddenly, I was hooked. I love the way this family pulls together to overcome their adversaries and rebuild. Iven and Marric’s love story is classic, but the love flowing through the entire found family shows what can be built if you just talk to each other. It’s wonderful worldbuilding, I just need to catch up on what happened in the rest of the world.

[Rhonda Boone · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an amazing wild ride Marric and Iven's story was. Paranormal Romance throw in an Age Gap, a curse, witches, warlocks, werewolves, small town vibes, secrets, murder, action and mystery. Their story was engaging and characters fascinating and entertaining with some humor and good banter to keep you captivated in the story. As your trying to figure out the dynamics another mystery developed and keeps you mind guessing!! Definitely recommend!!

Received as an ARC and leaving my honest review.

[Joscelyn Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iven and Marric's meet-cute was...a murder scene. I really enjoyed watching them navigate the pack expectations while trying to solve the case and find the cure. Wonderful characters and an entertaining storyline made this a great addition to the series.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*

[Ana Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m loving how this series is developing. In book two, Iven finds his own fated mate, a younger, witchy wolf named Marric who’s dying from a curse.

There’s a lot of tension, magic, and a looming war. I couldn’t put it down. April Kelley sure knows how to keep me coming back for more.

Can’t wait to see what happens next.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! This book is about Marric and Iven. Marric and his sister are sick and he is doing everything to figure out how to cure what ails them. This brings Marric and Iven together. They then join together to find a cure and this takes them on journey that keeps you captivated until they manage to clear up the mystery behind the illness that Marric and his sister have.

[Jocelyn Whaley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Midnight Rules is the second book in the Forbidden entanglement's series by April Kelley. Trying to solve a series of murders, Iven is shocked to find out that his fated mate is not only a wolf but also a thief. Marric will do anything to save his family, even breaking in to steal a magic book. This is a wonderful story. I loved watching the interaction between Iven and Merric. This is the first book I’ve read by April Kelley in a long while. I’m glad to have gotten the arc. This is a definite read.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

I am absolutely loving this series. This is the second book in the series and really needs to be read in order. The world building is amazing and the characters are so fascinating. I can’t wait for more from this series.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marric is sick and he is breaking into houses to look for the cure. He meets Iven the sheriff and the 2 are fated mates.
This was a story about witches and werewolves and a not s great Alpha, who I think by the end of the book has learned his lesson.

[K-Me · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marric felt he had to do what he had to do for his family. Turned out a bad thing was a good thing because he met his mate Iven. I enjoyed that Marric was a wolf, and a lot of the story involved previous characters and overarching theme. I understood marric's dilemma. Marric was feeling desperate and Iven helped him find his footing. They had a pretty simple romance given their situation.

[J.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

No spoilers of any kind included.
So all I will say about Midnight Rules is I thought it was a good story and I’ll leave it at that.
So yes I do recommend this book.

[shirley tish · Rating 5 out of 5]

i am loving this series.

[Eyzhip · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love love love mm pnr fated mates books! I like that this one is a little different than the cliché love story. I can’t wait to read the next one!

[Claire Louisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come