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Alaric Denman is determined not to let himself care for another human, especially not one like Ezra Forsberg. Ezra is a rich playboy without ambition, someone he could never respect. Why he’s intensely attracted to the man is beyond his understanding—but he is. So much so, it’s affecting his job to protect him.
Ezra isn’t sure who’s trying to kill him, but he has a pretty good idea. After growing up in one crime family and being forced to marry into another, his guess is his ex. He hires a bodyguard and gets a sexy elf. Yeah, he can see past the elf’s glamour, despite Alaric’s attempt to hide those elegantly pointed ears. But Alaric irks him with his stoic nature and he can’t resist poking at him.
While they’re busy clashing, a two million dollar price goes out on Ezra’s head, which brings out powerful preternaturals. Someone really wants Ezra dead, so it’s time they work together to figure out who.
Elf is a MM paranormal romance long novella with a reluctant elf, a snippy-mouthed human, and a soulmate passion that takes them both by surprise. It’s the second in the Mystic Guardians series, but can be read as a stand alone.
Ezra isn’t sure who’s trying to kill him, but he has a pretty good idea. After growing up in one crime family and being forced to marry into another, his guess is his ex. He hires a bodyguard and gets a sexy elf. Yeah, he can see past the elf’s glamour, despite Alaric’s attempt to hide those elegantly pointed ears. But Alaric irks him with his stoic nature and he can’t resist poking at him.
While they’re busy clashing, a two million dollar price goes out on Ezra’s head, which brings out powerful preternaturals. Someone really wants Ezra dead, so it’s time they work together to figure out who.
Elf is a MM paranormal romance long novella with a reluctant elf, a snippy-mouthed human, and a soulmate passion that takes them both by surprise. It’s the second in the Mystic Guardians series, but can be read as a stand alone.
139 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 4, 2025
85 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Rinda Elliott
66 books426 followersI write urban fantasy, paranormal romance and romantic suspense. Okay, and some space opera and post-apocalyptic menage as Dani Worth. I'm a lover of all kinds of romances! Some of mine (so far) are M/F, M/M/F and M/M.
Currently, I'm focusing on M/M romance because that's been my favorite for many years. I finally took the plunge in 2015 along with my good friend and co-writer, Jocelynn Drake. We are releasing long M/M romantic suspense right now (Unbreakable Bonds) and are already planning another series as well--possibly one that combines our love of MM romance with our love of urban fantasy.
I enjoy unusual stories and credit growing up in a family of curious life-lovers who moved all over the country. Books and movies full of fantasy, science fiction and romance kept us amused, especially in some of the stranger places.
I do get questions about the open series out. Beri O'Dell, Crux Survivors, The Kithran Regenesis and The Brothers Bernaux are unfortunately all on hold. That publisher is in the midst of closing so I don't know what will happen with them yet. Also, they weren't selling very well either, but I'm hoping I can self-publish the last of the stories in them at some point for the fantastic fans they do have. I'm sorry for the delay.
I’m represented by Miriam Kriss of the Irene Goodman Agency.
You can find me at http://rindaelliott.com, http://www.deadlinedames.com.
I also write erotic books as Dani Worth-http://www.daniworth.wordpress.com
And for more info on my co-authored M/M series with author, Jocelynn Drake, http://www.drakeandelliott.com
Currently, I'm focusing on M/M romance because that's been my favorite for many years. I finally took the plunge in 2015 along with my good friend and co-writer, Jocelynn Drake. We are releasing long M/M romantic suspense right now (Unbreakable Bonds) and are already planning another series as well--possibly one that combines our love of MM romance with our love of urban fantasy.
I enjoy unusual stories and credit growing up in a family of curious life-lovers who moved all over the country. Books and movies full of fantasy, science fiction and romance kept us amused, especially in some of the stranger places.
I do get questions about the open series out. Beri O'Dell, Crux Survivors, The Kithran Regenesis and The Brothers Bernaux are unfortunately all on hold. That publisher is in the midst of closing so I don't know what will happen with them yet. Also, they weren't selling very well either, but I'm hoping I can self-publish the last of the stories in them at some point for the fantastic fans they do have. I'm sorry for the delay.
I’m represented by Miriam Kriss of the Irene Goodman Agency.
You can find me at http://rindaelliott.com, http://www.deadlinedames.com.
I also write erotic books as Dani Worth-http://www.daniworth.wordpress.com
And for more info on my co-authored M/M series with author, Jocelynn Drake, http://www.drakeandelliott.com
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 9, 2025
Another fun paranormal novella from Rinda
I'm liking this series from Rinda Elliott. They're easy reads with a fated mate element that doesn't necessarily mean "insta-love" between the two men at the heart of the narrative.
Here Ezra, the human soulmate, comes across as a bit of a dick, but it's definitely a defence mechanism to protect himself from a family of jerks and a dangerous ex-husband.
Alaric's also guarding his heart, but that's because he's having to come to terms with his human best friend reaching the end of her life.
There's a spark between the two from the off and while these are long novellas, there's still enough done in order for the reader to believe in the feelings growing stronger.
It's relatively steamy for the length of the book, but it doesn't overwhelm the main plotline.
I'm very much enjoying this new world that the Mystic Guardians are inhabiting.
I'm liking this series from Rinda Elliott. They're easy reads with a fated mate element that doesn't necessarily mean "insta-love" between the two men at the heart of the narrative.
Here Ezra, the human soulmate, comes across as a bit of a dick, but it's definitely a defence mechanism to protect himself from a family of jerks and a dangerous ex-husband.
Alaric's also guarding his heart, but that's because he's having to come to terms with his human best friend reaching the end of her life.
There's a spark between the two from the off and while these are long novellas, there's still enough done in order for the reader to believe in the feelings growing stronger.
It's relatively steamy for the length of the book, but it doesn't overwhelm the main plotline.
I'm very much enjoying this new world that the Mystic Guardians are inhabiting.
May 21, 2025
Elf is the second book in Mystic Guardians series by Rinda Elliott, and like the first book, it left me with mixed feelings.
What worked for me is that the world-building is very well done, and the setting feels vivid and well thought out. Elliott does a great job of creating a magical world that’s easy to get lost in. And the way she sets the scenes there’s a clear sense of place and atmosphere throughout.
But the character work and dialogue didn’t quite work for me. The dialogue often felt choppy and unnatural. It just didn’t flow the way real conversations do, and that made it hard to stay in the moment and connected to the characters. The characters also didn’t seem to develop much throughout the book. There were hints and sense of interesting personalities and backstories, but they were never fully developed.
Also, one thing that stood out in a “not so great” way was how certain scenes felt missing. There are instances in the story were we jump from one moment to the next without showing the in-between scene when it comes to character decisions. For example, Alaric would suddenly engage with Ezra despite the previous scene making that seem unlikely, but then that would happen without any explanation or transition scene. So you are left questioning how or what just happened.
The plot had some really interesting ideas, and I kept hoping it would take off, but it never quite did. There were many moments where I could see the potential, but that potential either didn’t go anywhere or just didn’t feel fleshed out enough. It was really frustrating because it felt like the book was always on the verge of becoming something more, but it just never got to it.
Elf has the world that is imaginative, the tone is well-set, and there are some sparks of good ideas. But the storytelling seriously lacks the depth and refinement needed to make it a great book. And just like the first book in the series, this book is full of untapped potential that simply went to waste.
All in all, not bad, but not satisfying either.
What worked for me is that the world-building is very well done, and the setting feels vivid and well thought out. Elliott does a great job of creating a magical world that’s easy to get lost in. And the way she sets the scenes there’s a clear sense of place and atmosphere throughout.
But the character work and dialogue didn’t quite work for me. The dialogue often felt choppy and unnatural. It just didn’t flow the way real conversations do, and that made it hard to stay in the moment and connected to the characters. The characters also didn’t seem to develop much throughout the book. There were hints and sense of interesting personalities and backstories, but they were never fully developed.
Also, one thing that stood out in a “not so great” way was how certain scenes felt missing. There are instances in the story were we jump from one moment to the next without showing the in-between scene when it comes to character decisions. For example, Alaric would suddenly engage with Ezra despite the previous scene making that seem unlikely, but then that would happen without any explanation or transition scene. So you are left questioning how or what just happened.
The plot had some really interesting ideas, and I kept hoping it would take off, but it never quite did. There were many moments where I could see the potential, but that potential either didn’t go anywhere or just didn’t feel fleshed out enough. It was really frustrating because it felt like the book was always on the verge of becoming something more, but it just never got to it.
Elf has the world that is imaginative, the tone is well-set, and there are some sparks of good ideas. But the storytelling seriously lacks the depth and refinement needed to make it a great book. And just like the first book in the series, this book is full of untapped potential that simply went to waste.
All in all, not bad, but not satisfying either.
May 14, 2025
I’m enjoying this series!
This is the second book in the Mystic Guardians series and while it can be read as a standalone it gives you some good background if you read book one first. Characters from that book are referenced here. But if you haven’t read book one this story is self contained and you can still fully enjoy it without reading the first book.
Ezra is a crime lord’s son though he has nothing to do with his father’s business and in fact his father doesn’t even like him. After his father is killed and Ezra is attacked he hires a body guard who comes in the form of Alaric, an elf. All of the employees of the Guardians agency are preternatural beings. Alaric is shocked that Ezra can see through his glamour and that gives us all a clue something different is happening here. Alaric doesn’t like the obnoxious and rude spoiled rich kid and yet inexplicably he is drawn to him and wants to heal him.
As they search together for who put out a price on his head, and then doubled it they learn more about each other and their bond grows. The villains are people you just want to see awful things happen to. The ending is sweet and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
This is the second book in the Mystic Guardians series and while it can be read as a standalone it gives you some good background if you read book one first. Characters from that book are referenced here. But if you haven’t read book one this story is self contained and you can still fully enjoy it without reading the first book.
Ezra is a crime lord’s son though he has nothing to do with his father’s business and in fact his father doesn’t even like him. After his father is killed and Ezra is attacked he hires a body guard who comes in the form of Alaric, an elf. All of the employees of the Guardians agency are preternatural beings. Alaric is shocked that Ezra can see through his glamour and that gives us all a clue something different is happening here. Alaric doesn’t like the obnoxious and rude spoiled rich kid and yet inexplicably he is drawn to him and wants to heal him.
As they search together for who put out a price on his head, and then doubled it they learn more about each other and their bond grows. The villains are people you just want to see awful things happen to. The ending is sweet and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
February 9, 2025
fated mate series w/potential but continued character development issues
Rating: 3🌈
Elf is the second of Rinda Elliott’s novels in her Mystic Guardians series and honestly I’m at a loss here with the series. It’s a series that contains a fated mate/soulmates relationship between preternaturals and humans who can see through their glamour because somewhere in their family history is a preternatural connection.
The Guardians, all preternaturals of various species, work for a powerful sorcerer, where they track heinous criminals and solve horrific crimes.
I like the preternaturals. Mostly. It’s an interesting group and the first novel, Basilisk, was very enjoyable. I did note that the human fated mate character there ,Clive, felt under developed, especially with his special needs. He’s barely mentioned here.
That aspect of the series continues here with Ezra Forsberg, the human main character of Elf. While Alaric, the elf who works for ancient sorcerer, Xavier, is well defined in terms of personality, magic and capabilities. His is a layered storyline in a way that cannot be said for Ezra.
Elliott’s Ezra has a number of troubling elements in his character’s life and story that’s addressed facetiously, especially for their topic. Ezra has been basically sold off by his crime family to another in marriage and for the past 3 years had been living with a murderous psychopath. He’s just escaped from that marriage prison and falls into immediate danger.
Ezra’s answer to extreme violence, trauma, tragedy, everyday betrayal, family emotional abandonment? He either throws up or he’s just sad. He’s just not particularly believable as a victim of the types of abuses and inflicted horrors that the author has written for him. Elliott writes that he’s been affected but never makes any case for it in the slightest. Ezra as a character and his family or his history with his husband just doesn’t make sense.
Nor does it make sense that it’s the boss blurting the sensitive news to Ezra about fated mates instead of Alaric.
This story came very close to a much lower ranking.
If the author was to layer a character with all these aspects to his storyline, then give the narrative ample room to fully explore the necessary details and plot points to make it and him feel believable.
For me, this didn’t happen. It’s the second time the human being got the underdeveloped part of the story and undermines the book.
I give it one more chance.
Mystic Guardians:
Basilisk #1
Elf #2
Rating: 3🌈
Elf is the second of Rinda Elliott’s novels in her Mystic Guardians series and honestly I’m at a loss here with the series. It’s a series that contains a fated mate/soulmates relationship between preternaturals and humans who can see through their glamour because somewhere in their family history is a preternatural connection.
The Guardians, all preternaturals of various species, work for a powerful sorcerer, where they track heinous criminals and solve horrific crimes.
I like the preternaturals. Mostly. It’s an interesting group and the first novel, Basilisk, was very enjoyable. I did note that the human fated mate character there ,Clive, felt under developed, especially with his special needs. He’s barely mentioned here.
That aspect of the series continues here with Ezra Forsberg, the human main character of Elf. While Alaric, the elf who works for ancient sorcerer, Xavier, is well defined in terms of personality, magic and capabilities. His is a layered storyline in a way that cannot be said for Ezra.
Elliott’s Ezra has a number of troubling elements in his character’s life and story that’s addressed facetiously, especially for their topic. Ezra has been basically sold off by his crime family to another in marriage and for the past 3 years had been living with a murderous psychopath. He’s just escaped from that marriage prison and falls into immediate danger.
Ezra’s answer to extreme violence, trauma, tragedy, everyday betrayal, family emotional abandonment? He either throws up or he’s just sad. He’s just not particularly believable as a victim of the types of abuses and inflicted horrors that the author has written for him. Elliott writes that he’s been affected but never makes any case for it in the slightest. Ezra as a character and his family or his history with his husband just doesn’t make sense.
Nor does it make sense that it’s the boss blurting the sensitive news to Ezra about fated mates instead of Alaric.
This story came very close to a much lower ranking.
If the author was to layer a character with all these aspects to his storyline, then give the narrative ample room to fully explore the necessary details and plot points to make it and him feel believable.
For me, this didn’t happen. It’s the second time the human being got the underdeveloped part of the story and undermines the book.
I give it one more chance.
Mystic Guardians:
Basilisk #1
Elf #2
April 21, 2025
Ezra Forsberg braucht Hilfe. Dringend! Ausgerechnet am Abend nach der Beerdigung seines Vaters will ihn jemand ermorden. Sein bester Freund sorgt sich um Ezra und kümmert sich um einen angemessenen Schutz. Und so endet Alaric Denman als Bodyguard in Ezras Wohnung. Und dort überlebt der Elf eine große Überraschung. Denn Ezra weiß um die Existenz der paranormalen Wesen und es fällt ihm leicht durch den Glanz, den sich diese Wesen eigentlich überwerfen, zu blicken.
Für Alaric ist Ezra eine ziemliche Herausforderung. Denn ein netter und liebenswürdiger Zeitgenosse scheint er nicht zu sein. Eher ein arroganter Nichtsnutz ohne Ziele. Doch hinter Ezras Fassade verbirgt sich ein ganz anderer Mann. Ein Mann, der durchaus Ambitionen und Träume hatte. Doch Ezra wurde in eine reiche, mafiöse Familie geboren und wurde dann auch noch an einen anderen Kriminellen verheiratet.
Von diesem hat Ezra sich getrennt und Ezra glaubt auch, dass sein Mann für diesen Überfall verantwortlich ist. Denn auf Ezras ist ein fast schon obszön hohes Kopfgeld ausgesetzt. Und wenig später wird die Summe weiter erhöht.
Die Geschichte wird sehr humorvoll und kurzweilig erzählt. Von Ezra hätte ich gern ein wenig mehr erfahren. Alaric hingegen ist recht gut beschrieben und man lernt auch seine große, laute Familie kennen. Und auch noch einer Frau, die Alaric schon seit Jahrzehnten als Freundin betrachtet und der er jetzt beim Sterben zusehen muss. Denn sie ist ein Mensch und Alaric spürt, wie das Licht ihres Lebens mehr und mehr verblasst. Dieser Erzählstrang hat mich besonders berührt.
Obwohl Ezra am Beginn der Geschichte nicht so sympathisch erscheint, fällt es dem Leser nicht schwer ihn zu mögen. Seine Familie ist wirklich schrecklich und so ein Leben, egal wieviel Geld da im Spiel ist, wünscht man wirklich niemanden.
Eine schöne Fortsetzung, wenn auch ein paar Seiten zu kurz geraten. Gerne mehr davon.
Für Alaric ist Ezra eine ziemliche Herausforderung. Denn ein netter und liebenswürdiger Zeitgenosse scheint er nicht zu sein. Eher ein arroganter Nichtsnutz ohne Ziele. Doch hinter Ezras Fassade verbirgt sich ein ganz anderer Mann. Ein Mann, der durchaus Ambitionen und Träume hatte. Doch Ezra wurde in eine reiche, mafiöse Familie geboren und wurde dann auch noch an einen anderen Kriminellen verheiratet.
Von diesem hat Ezra sich getrennt und Ezra glaubt auch, dass sein Mann für diesen Überfall verantwortlich ist. Denn auf Ezras ist ein fast schon obszön hohes Kopfgeld ausgesetzt. Und wenig später wird die Summe weiter erhöht.
Die Geschichte wird sehr humorvoll und kurzweilig erzählt. Von Ezra hätte ich gern ein wenig mehr erfahren. Alaric hingegen ist recht gut beschrieben und man lernt auch seine große, laute Familie kennen. Und auch noch einer Frau, die Alaric schon seit Jahrzehnten als Freundin betrachtet und der er jetzt beim Sterben zusehen muss. Denn sie ist ein Mensch und Alaric spürt, wie das Licht ihres Lebens mehr und mehr verblasst. Dieser Erzählstrang hat mich besonders berührt.
Obwohl Ezra am Beginn der Geschichte nicht so sympathisch erscheint, fällt es dem Leser nicht schwer ihn zu mögen. Seine Familie ist wirklich schrecklich und so ein Leben, egal wieviel Geld da im Spiel ist, wünscht man wirklich niemanden.
Eine schöne Fortsetzung, wenn auch ein paar Seiten zu kurz geraten. Gerne mehr davon.
September 6, 2025
I'm not sure if people really read this book for them to say that Ezra was "horrible" or "bad". What's pleople talking about? This book brainwashed y'all into hating Ezra for no valid reason. During the first 30% we only know that Ezra comes from money and likes to indulge in the good things of life, that's it. But the author for some reason wants us to find him superficial and an asshole despite the fact that he doesn't mistreat anyone during the whole book (verbal or physically) unlike mr holier than thou Alaric, who thinks the worst of Ezra for basically no good reason since they don't know each other. Alaric is very professional but finds no problen in talking shit about him with Finn and at the perfect distance for Ezra to hear. And 5 seconds later is super in love of Ezra and whants a relationship with him. And his apology was weak as hell.
December 1, 2025
Dangerous places leading to love
Another little read of one of the bodyguards in the Mystic Guardians world that brings together an unlikely pair. This involves an elf who doesn't want to settle down and a rich boy who acts like he doesn't want anything to do with anyone. The elf is more open to love than he realizes and the rich boy is very secretly looking for love and acceptance and family.
The mystery of who is behind the threat to Ezra (the rich boy) isn't that difficult to track down, and Alaric (the elf) does appropriately take help in doing so. The romance was definitely the central focus to the story and did truly carry it along. The pairing was good, took some appropriate time and development, and had an excellent resolution. It was a quick read but very good.
Another little read of one of the bodyguards in the Mystic Guardians world that brings together an unlikely pair. This involves an elf who doesn't want to settle down and a rich boy who acts like he doesn't want anything to do with anyone. The elf is more open to love than he realizes and the rich boy is very secretly looking for love and acceptance and family.
The mystery of who is behind the threat to Ezra (the rich boy) isn't that difficult to track down, and Alaric (the elf) does appropriately take help in doing so. The romance was definitely the central focus to the story and did truly carry it along. The pairing was good, took some appropriate time and development, and had an excellent resolution. It was a quick read but very good.
February 8, 2025
Good read! I was happy Alaric got his story and found his soulmate Ezra even though Ezra was an a**hole at first, but my heart still heart for him, his family, grrrrr… Poor Ezra had a hard life then someone tries to kill him so he hires a bodyguard, Alaric( an Elf) , which Ezra could see he was and always saw pre-naturals. Alaric was surprised he could see the real him and asks him, then gets to know him, then one thing leads to another throughout the chaos of someone trying to kill Ezra, then one thing fall in love and find the person trying to kill him, heartbreaking and sick… A page turner for sure! I can’t wait for next book!!
February 9, 2025
So happy to be back with the Mystic Guardians. Ezra, the poor little rich boy is in trouble. Someone wants him dead and so he enlists the help of Protective Solutions, the preternatural security company. Alaric is hurting, his best friend of 60 odd years is dying of old age and there's nothing he can do to help her. He doesn't really want to be a bodyguard for a brat, but fate has other plans. This was a sweet story, Alaric is afraid to love and Ezra is completely love starved. They made a great couple and I really enjoyed their interactions. The plot was solid and it was nice to catch up with the other guardians a little.
February 18, 2025
3.5☆ - I liked this one better than the first in series and didn't skim nearly as much. Having said that, though, the chemistry all around is still pretty lackluster. Far more tell-not-show than I expected from this author (but maybe that's because I've previously read her as part of an author-duo collab, so 🤷♀️)
March 7, 2025
Wonderful Story!
Alaric and Ezra were so good together! Alaric is an elf bodyguard and Ezra comes from a mafia family. Someone is trying to kill Ezra and Alaric is assigned to protect him.
This is the second book in the Mystic Guardians series and it’s just as amazing as the first one! Highly Recommended
Alaric and Ezra were so good together! Alaric is an elf bodyguard and Ezra comes from a mafia family. Someone is trying to kill Ezra and Alaric is assigned to protect him.
This is the second book in the Mystic Guardians series and it’s just as amazing as the first one! Highly Recommended
July 9, 2025
Good story, several twists
This one probably could have been longer as Alaric and Ezra warmed up to each other quickly, given how the started. There was one odd continuity thing: several times we heard that preternaturals can’t be photographed but then Ezra was taking family photos at the end. Would like that explained if it wasn’t just a goof. Looking forward to the next book.
This one probably could have been longer as Alaric and Ezra warmed up to each other quickly, given how the started. There was one odd continuity thing: several times we heard that preternaturals can’t be photographed but then Ezra was taking family photos at the end. Would like that explained if it wasn’t just a goof. Looking forward to the next book.
May 12, 2025
It began as a job protecting his client, but as time went on, he discovered who placed a large bounty on his client life, leading to betrayal and hatred. Without any glamour, their slow journey led to soul mating.
February 9, 2025
Loved it
I do enjoy a good story especially if it involves shifters, mages, otherworldly beings. This story had all that and angst. So I give it a high recommendation.
I do enjoy a good story especially if it involves shifters, mages, otherworldly beings. This story had all that and angst. So I give it a high recommendation.
February 10, 2025
Another interesting short . Ezra and Alaric are a good match and I like the snippets of other characters. Hope we get Xavier’s book.
February 17, 2025
This was a lovely, short read with lots of feelings and some action too. The change in dynamic between the lovers was a little too abrupt, but otherwise, the romance was very good.
March 2, 2025
3.5 stars
April 17, 2025
*2.5 stars
July 23, 2025
Rating: 4 stars
This book was just as good as the first one in the series. It was a bit predictable. I saw the ending coming a mile away but still very enjoyable.
This book was just as good as the first one in the series. It was a bit predictable. I saw the ending coming a mile away but still very enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews