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Artifact Hunters #2.5
The Unicorn's Tail
This novella is a Victorian romance with a steampunk twist. It compliments the Artifact Hunters series and is best enjoyed after reading NEFERTITI'S HEART.
Amy Hamilton is a good girl. She always did exactly as society demanded, kept her eyes downcast, never spoke out of turn, and hid the myriad of questions swirling in her brain. In return for shutting off her intellect she landed an abusive fiancé and was cast aside by the ton.
Disgraced, she seeks refuge at the Lyons' country estate. There she is given an artifact, a bracelet made from a unicorn's tail and told it contains enough magic to grant one wish. She knows what she wants, someone to love the true her, and not the shallow image that smiles back from the mirror.
She never expected the unicorn to send her two men…
Lachlan Hawke - dashing airship pirate and notorious rogue.
Jackson Jackson - the scarred henchman and enforcer for the Lyons Empire.
The two men have a bet, who will be first to win a kiss from the delicate rose? The loser to be tarred and feathered. Loki is sure of a quick victory and that Jackson will be impersonating a chicken by the end of the week. Jackson doesn't even know why he agreed to the stupid bet, the girl shudders whenever he enters a room.
Both men are about to learn you should be careful making bets when a unicorn is involved…
Amy Hamilton is a good girl. She always did exactly as society demanded, kept her eyes downcast, never spoke out of turn, and hid the myriad of questions swirling in her brain. In return for shutting off her intellect she landed an abusive fiancé and was cast aside by the ton.
Disgraced, she seeks refuge at the Lyons' country estate. There she is given an artifact, a bracelet made from a unicorn's tail and told it contains enough magic to grant one wish. She knows what she wants, someone to love the true her, and not the shallow image that smiles back from the mirror.
She never expected the unicorn to send her two men…
Lachlan Hawke - dashing airship pirate and notorious rogue.
Jackson Jackson - the scarred henchman and enforcer for the Lyons Empire.
The two men have a bet, who will be first to win a kiss from the delicate rose? The loser to be tarred and feathered. Loki is sure of a quick victory and that Jackson will be impersonating a chicken by the end of the week. Jackson doesn't even know why he agreed to the stupid bet, the girl shudders whenever he enters a room.
Both men are about to learn you should be careful making bets when a unicorn is involved…
101 pages, ebook
First published July 9, 2014
88 people are currently reading
641 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
July 17, 2020
I really liked this novella in the Artifact Hunters series. It was a nice look at a girl, Amy Holloway, who wanted to figure out who she really was and find someone to love her just for her. She meets some pirates and the rest is history...
January 18, 2021
I already loved Jacksons character and this story gave him some time in the spotlight. As usual for this series, I found myself absorbed and cheering for the characters. There isn't any artifact hunting in this one but there is a hint of magic and a blossoming romance between an unlikely duo (and some R-rated love scenes).
August 4, 2014
Cute enough. I was wondering what happened to Amy and her d-bag fiance. Did NOT expect this... and still wishing Loki would get his own story... but this was a nice standalone and well done for its short length.
September 12, 2014
Quite steamy :)
October 24, 2020
This was a nice short story addition to the artifice hunters series: I gives you the perspective of a new character Amy. Amy has chosen a life more like Cara’s after leaving London behind and her abusive ex fiancé because she doesn’t fit in society anymore. Throughout the book she stays with Cara and Nate, song side his workers in Lowestoft.
During her time there Amy tries to figure out who she is as a person and helps keeping busy by redecorating the old house and cottage on the estate. Loki and Jackson at the beginning of the book who can gain a kiss from Amy first. However it quickly becomes clear that Jackson starts to fall in love with her.
It gives a lot of depth and insight into Jackson’s character in this novel, like his wife and child were killed. Throughout the novel him and Amy get closer and closer and do up the small cottage together, which is for Jackson to live in.
Amy starts to discover who she is when an accident on the estate leaves a lad impaled with shrapnel and because the doctor is busy Amy decided to roll up her sleeves and perform surgery on him herself. She’s always loved and secretly studied medicine, seeing as her dad was a surgeon. This makes Amy’s mind up about who she wants to be.
Jackson wins the bet and gains a kiss from Amy however it when Loki informs her it’s a bet, she’s heartbroken and runs off. Jackson go after her as fast as he can however. Nate’s rival hunter has kidnapped her. I’m the end Jackson manages to save Amy unharmed and destroy Hunter and his lackeys.
Once Jackson confessed to Amy that he is in love with her and not just a bet they begin to make a life together in the cottage on the estate. While Amy now petitions for medical school to except a woman.
During her time there Amy tries to figure out who she is as a person and helps keeping busy by redecorating the old house and cottage on the estate. Loki and Jackson at the beginning of the book who can gain a kiss from Amy first. However it quickly becomes clear that Jackson starts to fall in love with her.
It gives a lot of depth and insight into Jackson’s character in this novel, like his wife and child were killed. Throughout the novel him and Amy get closer and closer and do up the small cottage together, which is for Jackson to live in.
Amy starts to discover who she is when an accident on the estate leaves a lad impaled with shrapnel and because the doctor is busy Amy decided to roll up her sleeves and perform surgery on him herself. She’s always loved and secretly studied medicine, seeing as her dad was a surgeon. This makes Amy’s mind up about who she wants to be.
Jackson wins the bet and gains a kiss from Amy however it when Loki informs her it’s a bet, she’s heartbroken and runs off. Jackson go after her as fast as he can however. Nate’s rival hunter has kidnapped her. I’m the end Jackson manages to save Amy unharmed and destroy Hunter and his lackeys.
Once Jackson confessed to Amy that he is in love with her and not just a bet they begin to make a life together in the cottage on the estate. While Amy now petitions for medical school to except a woman.
March 1, 2020
This short story is just a christmassy sop, enough of a distraction for a boring afternoon/evening, since it has little to do with the main series events, if not for involving some of the side characters we met in the first book, and being set in the future base of operations.
Amy has little sense to be the narrator, since she appeared just a couple of times in Nefertiti's Heart and not at all in Hatshepsut's Collar, so I can't really see her and Cara as being best friends.
The plot development is predictable since the beginning, Amy the perfect noblewoman, is not believable as a good manual worker, and it is also out of the victorian world to invite her and then leave her alone and unchaperoned all the time.
There is no mistery, and no misterious dangerous artifact.
We have the usual collection of misspellings, little inconsistencies and repetions - I'm starting to find the use of "an Aladdin's cave" for every filled room, in each book, really annoying.
Amy has little sense to be the narrator, since she appeared just a couple of times in Nefertiti's Heart and not at all in Hatshepsut's Collar, so I can't really see her and Cara as being best friends.
The plot development is predictable since the beginning, Amy the perfect noblewoman, is not believable as a good manual worker, and it is also out of the victorian world to invite her and then leave her alone and unchaperoned all the time.
There is no mistery, and no misterious dangerous artifact.
We have the usual collection of misspellings, little inconsistencies and repetions - I'm starting to find the use of "an Aladdin's cave" for every filled room, in each book, really annoying.
July 11, 2018
We were introduced to Amy in Nefertiti's Heart. This book does not need to be read with the others in The Artifact Hunters but there is good background of the characters in the other books. This story is only 100 pages and takes us into the desires of a young woman of 19th century London society who has done everything proper and expected only to be shunned. Now she has a chance for the first time in her life to decide what she wants and who she is. And as usual, there's an adventure and a love story. I found it a wonderfully enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.
July 3, 2019
This delightful story went by way too quickly and was filled with scheming villains, budding attraction, and unicorn magic. I was thrilled to see, given time, Amy was brave enough to discover who she really was and strong enough to love and embrace this new version of herself. Also, Jackson, with a little help from his special "angel", went a long way in reclaiming his life and daring to look forward to a future with Amy. All in all, this was more than just an exciting story to read. It was restorative and felt almost magical. I loved it!!!!!
August 7, 2018
Awesome story! As you read this book you will learn about changes to many relationships. Amy, Jackson, Nan, Nessy, Cara, and Nate even Frazier will go through many changes. Cara will get revenge for Amy and a new shadow who is a bit of a fashion freak. Such and excellent book! Lot of action, plot twists and stories will be told but lots of romance and humor! I highly recommend this book and series!
November 6, 2022
5.0
I love a good novella.
Because Jackson is one of my favorite characters and I love when an misunderstood person gets seen. This is a great story about a bet. Think 1999's She's all that, in the Victorian times, with steampunk, and spicery. This is a story of seeing the world as black and white through the eyes society gives you and then when those are removed, seeing the world has many greys and that society isn't always right or fair.
I love a good novella.
Because Jackson is one of my favorite characters and I love when an misunderstood person gets seen. This is a great story about a bet. Think 1999's She's all that, in the Victorian times, with steampunk, and spicery. This is a story of seeing the world as black and white through the eyes society gives you and then when those are removed, seeing the world has many greys and that society isn't always right or fair.
December 6, 2016
This was a nice story about, Cara's, friend, Amy. I did wonder what became of her after the first few books. I'm glad she's finally found herself for who she truly is and found someone that accepts her for that. Nice story to add to the overall series!
May 13, 2017
A fun short steampunk-ish romp through Cara and Nate's world. Jackson has finally found someone in Amy and I couldn't be happier. a nice filler inbetween books in this series. Read up to.book 3 first.
May 30, 2017
A novella between books 2 & 3 of this series, it focuses on Cara's friend Amy & her struggles for independence after being shunned by the ton. Little bit of steampunk, little bit of violence, little bit of whimsy, and a fair chunk of soft porn.
September 17, 2018
Side stories are the best
It takes a dedicated author to provide stories for the secondary characters, which only enriches a series. This Tail is no exception. The more of Exley I read, the more enamored I become with these stories. They are very creative.
It takes a dedicated author to provide stories for the secondary characters, which only enriches a series. This Tail is no exception. The more of Exley I read, the more enamored I become with these stories. They are very creative.
February 26, 2019
Interestingly exotic, yet...
Torn between whats expected and whats needed. Searching for true meaning. And finding it in the last place you would look. Truly an adventure in its own right. Highly recommended for a different look into our history.
Torn between whats expected and whats needed. Searching for true meaning. And finding it in the last place you would look. Truly an adventure in its own right. Highly recommended for a different look into our history.
July 20, 2017
Was fun to learn more of the others, poor Loki
November 21, 2017
There was an overuse of the endearment princess and the metaphor of rescuing said princess, but otherwise fun short tale.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2018
Enjoyed this tale immensely
March 16, 2019
A pleasant novella in the Artifact Hunters world, this one tells the story of Amy Hamilton, Cara's friend. A quick read and not too taxing!
May 27, 2019
Extremely predictable plot. Only gave it 3 stars because I like the overall series.
May 21, 2021
Has absolutely nothing to do with the rest of the series. It really is just a nice side (love) story.
October 19, 2021
Light, funny, romantic. Most enjoyable.
January 24, 2022
At first, I was thinking...Amy? Not Cara's friend Amy. Yes, that Amy. And you really get to see who she is in this novella. A very good interlude in the series.
March 8, 2023
I like this series. It was nice to hear (audiobook) a different perspective.
January 24, 2025
A cute novella. This side story takes place concurrently with book 3, but should technically be read after book 3 to avoid spoilers.
There wasn't much in the way of plot, I wish it had been longer so I could see a little more.
I did like the extra dimension added to the characters. But because the book was so rushed, there wasn't really time to explore it in a believeable way.
There wasn't much in the way of plot, I wish it had been longer so I could see a little more.
I did like the extra dimension added to the characters. But because the book was so rushed, there wasn't really time to explore it in a believeable way.
January 30, 2021
Such a good novella. I really liked that it is about finding common ground and believing in more than what you see. Sometimes, a person is similar to crème brulee, hard on the outside and gooey on the inside.
March 12, 2017
A bit on the sexy side, but good
This book was not what I thought / it would be like; it was much better. I liked all of the characters, especially Jack even if he got pretty crude in some of his sentences (to himself). The book's ending was both expected and different at the same time. It is a very good introduction to a new series.
This book was not what I thought / it would be like; it was much better. I liked all of the characters, especially Jack even if he got pretty crude in some of his sentences (to himself). The book's ending was both expected and different at the same time. It is a very good introduction to a new series.
March 13, 2017
Cute story. Completely anachronistic, but still fun.
March 11, 2017
Interesting
I am so glad the author took the time to expand on some of the lesser characters. Now that we know more about Amy and Jackson, I am ready to read the next part of the adventure.
I am so glad the author took the time to expand on some of the lesser characters. Now that we know more about Amy and Jackson, I am ready to read the next part of the adventure.
September 25, 2014
The Unicorn’s Tail takes place between Hatshepsut’s Collar and the upcoming book Nero’s Fiddle and focuses on Cara’s best friend Amy Hamilton. We do get to see her a few times in the previous books and we know that she was in a rather unfortunate situation with her fiancee, so needless to say I was really curious to see what became of her. This novella is not quite as solid as Exley’s previous books but it’s still quite good and I’m so really to dig into Nero’s Fiddle.
Amy had a douche-canoe of a fiancee in the previous books and I was kind of hoping to see her break free in them but we don’t get more details until Unicorn’s Tale. After her experience with her fiancee she is desperate to feel loved by someone who actually likes who she is, the only problem is that she isn’t sure who she is anymore. After bending to the will of the ton she feels a bit lost and The Unicorn’s Tail is just as much a story of self-discovery as it is a romance novella. I loved seeing Amy find out who she is under the guidance of Cara, Loki and Jackson…of course not all of it is good guidance *cough* Loki *cough*. There is a bit of an isosceles love triangle here, meaning it involves three people but it’s rather obvious which two are more invested in the relationship. The artifact portion of this is more subtle than the previous artifacts and while it clearly has an affect on Amy’s life it doesn’t become a HUGE part of the actual narrative.
I’m super excited that I got to learn more about Jackson, who is a rather gruff and stoic fellow but has a surprising tenderness about him that we don’t get to see very often. Then of course is Loki, who is still my favorite character even though he acted like a royal jerk at times in this. I’m so happy that I get to look forward to seeing Amy in the next book.
Amy had a douche-canoe of a fiancee in the previous books and I was kind of hoping to see her break free in them but we don’t get more details until Unicorn’s Tale. After her experience with her fiancee she is desperate to feel loved by someone who actually likes who she is, the only problem is that she isn’t sure who she is anymore. After bending to the will of the ton she feels a bit lost and The Unicorn’s Tail is just as much a story of self-discovery as it is a romance novella. I loved seeing Amy find out who she is under the guidance of Cara, Loki and Jackson…of course not all of it is good guidance *cough* Loki *cough*. There is a bit of an isosceles love triangle here, meaning it involves three people but it’s rather obvious which two are more invested in the relationship. The artifact portion of this is more subtle than the previous artifacts and while it clearly has an affect on Amy’s life it doesn’t become a HUGE part of the actual narrative.
I’m super excited that I got to learn more about Jackson, who is a rather gruff and stoic fellow but has a surprising tenderness about him that we don’t get to see very often. Then of course is Loki, who is still my favorite character even though he acted like a royal jerk at times in this. I’m so happy that I get to look forward to seeing Amy in the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews