Elementals

Universe #1

by Lynn Michaels

WARNING: Sexy m/m romance adventure with hot bounty hunter and dangerous elemental mages.

Party-boy mage Kelly O'Malley has a bounty on his head. Graham, the bounty hunter after him, is a hard rider that likes his women, booze, and his Harley. Picking up O'Malley changes him in ways he could never anticipate, changes his heart and changes the world...

"Think about the drive, not about that green-eyed, hot-bodied, trickster." -Graham

Genres: Fantasy, M M Romance, Paranormal, Magic, Romance

82 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 23, 2014

About the author

Lynn Michaels lives and writes in Tampa, Florida where the sun is hot and the Sangria is cold. When she’s not writing she’s kayaking, hanging with her husband, or reading by the pool. Lynn writes Male/Male romance because she believes everyone deserves a happy ending and the dynamics of male characters can be intriguing, vulnerable, and exciting. She has both contemporary and paranormal titles and has been writing since 2014. Her stories don’t follow any set guidelines or ideas, but come from her heart and contain love in many forms.

Reviews

[Kaylee · Rating 1 out of 5]

This cover is so much worse than the version that I have...

But this story, though... I don't even know where to begin. So many things just didn't make sense. Contradictions all over the place, OTT behavior/character's behavior literally making no sense, insta-love, time jumps maybe...?

Let's not forget all the freakin' typos. I dunno if there could have been more if they tried. It was bad. Real bad. (Understatement.)

But seriously, why did they even look at another twice besides they found each other hot and were horny? We are not given any actual reason. Maybe this world has fated mates...?
Why was this Kelly O'Malley different? Yes, please tell me.

I strongly dislike the "villain's" POV being inserted into any book I read as is and it is especially worse here. Especially with Wessex's interactions in general especially with Zolex.

Okay, I'm going to just list some things cuz... ugh:
-No one questions them in the diner when Kelly's in handcuffs?
-Kelly's attempt at rescue
-Graham still turning Kelly in
-After turning Kelly in, Graham proceeds by getting piss drunk and then driving
-Graham and Kelly fuck again while captive
-Why did Zolex "bending O'Malley to his will" get Graham as well...?
-The end, though. Wtf. One of the worst I've read in my life

To top everything else off and possibly the worst offense since it decreased any enjoyment possible from the smut which... meh with everything else going on:
Kelly licked and slobbered all over his cock.
Kelly lost it, spurting into his lover.

[Pati · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel horrible having to give this only a two star rating. I do believe it had potential but it just fell short. Things were just way too rushed.

For example: One three sentence paragraph he starts to sob because he's really upset. Beginning of the next paragraph he says, "Oh, God, Graham!" Then he's suddenly being felt up and he's kissing him two sentences later. WTH?! Then the first sex scene.... no prep, no lube, nothing.

Another example.... Start a battle, retreat.... no one comes after him.Then he just walks right in expecting them to reason with him .... then they just let him walk away again.

Ultimately, it all just left me not caring about the characters or what happened to them.

[Tessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was OK. It was a very short novella that honestly could have been fleshed out more. When I read the description I was like hell yeah bounty hunters and magic that sounds like a winning combo. But I think that it was just rushed in certain places too much in the book. I did like the characters and the plot was interesting. Just flesh it out a little and it would be perfect! I will continue to read the rest of the series and see where it goes. Hopefully, some of the plot points will be fleshed out and explained.

[Maddy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Could have been worse? I knew going in that it would not be a literary masterpiece and it really wasn't. I guess it was okay? It is very.. shallow. Like there is a lot happening, a lot of meaning and different aspects in it, but it is all very shallow and only superficially described. It is like a quick drive-through instead of a full-course meal. Not bad per se, but not all that impressive either. The idea was interesting, but execution was too superficial to fully develop its potential.

**I was provided an ARC of this book from the GRR for an honest review**

[Denise GremoryKohta · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world created is amazing. Complex and vibrant. From the start you are led on an exciting journey while not only you but Kelley and Graham learn new things. I can’t wait to see where the author leads us next.
I have just finished reading the updated version. Still the same amazing story. You can tell the author thought everything out and paid attention to detail and consistency. I loved many things about this but the ending was my favorite part. The visuals I got while reading it were so bright and colorful. I felt the energy leap off the page. Definitely a series worth many re-reads.

[Sreberko · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won't lie, this is exactly what I expected. I decided to read this book, and I didn't have any big expectations.
It's not good. It's written… not that bad, but neither the plot nor any resolutions to obstacles make any sense.

But I knew what I'm signing for. It was a quick read, with a couple of hot scenes, and two-dimensional characters. It didn't make me too sad, and it didn't take too much of my time. It ended abruptly, with… hm. If you look at blurbs for the following books, you will know what happens.

Was it weird? Yes.
Was it insta love? Yes.
Did it have not one, but two pairs of characters? Yes (and I think it should be addressed in the blurb because not everyone likes to read the POV of the "villain").
Was it bad? No, but only because I knew what I will find there.

It's a story that makes me think of a game. I could totally see the characters in the romantic version of Fallout, driven by their love or rage; having sex in different places, and finding a sudden solution to even more surprising bosses. We even had a talk in the pub!
I'm sure it would be more enjoyable to play as Kelly, than just reading his thoughts.

If you just want to spend an evening brainless, ignoring logic, and focusing on nice pictures of sexy men doing sexy things, you will have fun. I did. Just… don't expect more.

I received an ARC of this book from the Gay Romance Reviews, and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.

[Kkhmonrai · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was merely ok for me. It's short, fast-paced, and then just ends. Since there are more books in the series, I guess that makes it a cliffhanger ending, which is not forewarned in the book description. I liked the elements of the book (no pun intended), but the world-building and characters need more development. Since the book was first published in 2014, I would imagine the author has already heard this complaint unless she doesn't read reviews. Regardless, I liked Kelly and Graham as a couple, although the pace from adversaries to in lust/love to lovers was just too fast to be believable, even by instalove standards. And there was just insufficient background about these two and Kelly's adversary for me to understand or really be engaged in the struggle. It was enough to pique my interest, maybe enough to pick up the next book and hope it has more details.

I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hot scenes of love, but rushed.

So I won this book from a contest that the author did, and I was interested in reading it because I do like male male Romance, however while the romance was indeed hot, the build-up and story line kind of plateaued.

As a few other of the reviewers have stated the storyline felt rushed, especially the first time that the characters have sex. It's almost as though the author wanted to get it out on page as quick as possible.

I feel a little bit more world-building and character development should have been in this first part. And let the romance come later. It is a nice start to the series, so I may be interested in Reading further in the future.

[Devoted❤️Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love is power

It's an interesting world we're introduced to with the beings in power, The Elementals, holding sway over magical law. Kelly, a clever mage, is out clubbing and gets picked up by Graham, a sexy bounty hunter, under some mysterious circumstances. For such a short book, it still manages to pack a lot of into it. It has one of my favorite vibes with forced proximity and yummy sexual tension but also the added spiciness of danger, intrigue and villainy. Plus, Kelly’s magic adds a fun aspect to the romance. I loved watching Graham and Kelly bond. They have an intense connection and are faced with a horrible dilemma. I will say they both had their faults but ultimately they fought for each other. I don't want to spoil anything so read the book and enjoy this magical world!

[Raven and Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay

This book wasn’t great but the premise itself was interesting. Graham is a bounty can’t resist the numbers on Kelly’s head. Kelly however has never done anything wrong and is tried and convicted by people who are afraid and jealous of his potential magic. You also get some chapters from the villain’s point of view and it was a little jarring in a story of this length to me. And this being a novella, I didn’t think some of the points were expressed well enough. Anyway, it’s a decent book and worth a free read on KU but not sure I would read it again. It does end with a cliffhanger but the other books are out so you don’t have to wait to find out what happens next.

[Amy Dahmen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this story was decent and I would consider reading on to see what happens next. I did like the combo of Grahm the bounty hunter and Kelly the hand mage who is apparently so much more. The love story was interesting and enjoyable. However it seemed really rushed with the chapters and pov switching back and forth very fast. It has great world building but I wish it had come with more character definition and dynamics. I would say this story is worth checking out if you like short reads from magical worlds, however the end really just leaves you hanging as it ends very abruptly in what seems like the middle of the story line. So this is decent but nothing that really will wow you.

[Edga · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story.

A cute story, full of myth and magic. I really like Kelly's devil may care attitude, Graham kept referring to to as a minx, and he was so right. Poor steadfast Graham, really didn't stand a chance. The romance and intimacy that developed between the two was both sweet and scorching.

The story developed nicely, but I would've liked more details about the backgrounds of the two MCs. There was so much potential for more, the adventure was fun, but a little rushed. I'm hoping that in the next book that we'll get more background, and see a HEA for Kelly and Graham, and not the HFN, we got at the end of this story.Three and a half stars.

[Joanne Mccorkell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book has the promise and potential to be more.
It felt like a rough first draft, the author laying outhow thet wanted the chapeters to run, To be fleshed out with some character development.

Graham had never been with a man, but suddenly this hot, little vixen, hand mage, bounty, got him hot and bothered. They have sex at the side of the road

Kelly falls in love with the man bringing him to certain doom.

Yet the bad guys, seem to have a plan that not even half "the law" are involved in.

I think there is much more to the story and could be brilliant with a bit more to it. Currently has a novella feel or unfinished prequel.

[Janet Hunt]

Sooo good!! This was fairly short, novella length. Kelly is a mage out clubbing when he picked up by Graham, a bounty hunter. I loved the forced proximity vibe, one of my favorite troupes, along with hint of excitement and danger. The only thing I wished for was a little more length, some things felt rushed. Overall, a really good read! The story was really well written, the pacing flowed smoothly, highly recommend. The story kept me engaged, I literally could NOT put it down. I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received. My review is solely based on my thoughts and opinions.

[Honeygirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perfect mix of mythology and suspense

First, I just want to clarify why I gave this book 3 stars. There are a good bit of grammatical errors and some spelling errors. Overall though, a very accurate and enjoyable read. I'm a huge mythology buff, so that was a nice element of this book for me and the romance and intimacy between Kelly and Graham was beautiful and so very scorching!

[SFBookReviewer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elementals is the first book in the series and follows the story of Graham, a bounty hunter, and Kelly a Mage. The book has a really interesting premise and different feel about the world and characters that makes it a nice change. However, the book feels too rushed and suddenly ends in a cliffhanger. The book does have some intrigue and hot scenes but just falls short of being really good. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jamey A Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book. A thrilling adventure. Kelly's life forever changes in the moment that bounty hunter Graham captures him. The Elementals believe Kelly is a powerful witch that must be destroyed. They have issued a bounty for his capture. Thus begins a thrill ride. A motorcycle, two men caught in an ever growing attraction. Feelings begin to grow. Graham doesn't want to turn in Kelly to The Elementals. Can love save the day and give the two men their HEA? I highly recommend.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of 2022 edition. As a first book in a series, this one did just what I wanted it to do - give me an interesting world I want to revisit in future books, give me two main characters who are interesting and have a hot relationship, let both characters grow and change from meeting each other and finally check off a trope or two. Here, the bounty hunter Graham captures the mage Kelly and as they are forced to travel together both learn things about themselves they never suspected.

[T Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is strangely seductive. Kelly and Graham make for an unusual couple. Magic and mayhem follow them, actually it’s part of Kelly. The book moves along quickly making for a fast paced romance but ends abruptly leaving you wondering what comes next for these heroes. Interesting indeed. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty short read, but was a good series beginning. The story was interesting and the premise unique, but it definitely lacked depth seen in most really good fantasy’s of similar content. If you’re looking for a shorter, lighter fantasy read this would be perfect. I think this would really appeal to people who like to read serials.

[Lexi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This seems to be a good start to what I hope will be a very good series. I do wish I had been a lot longer to get more of the character development and their story. I am curious to see what will happen next and how things will progress. It’s all a bit fast and I wish it had been slowed down more but it’s a very interesting plot and I’m still rather curious.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He is a party boy who has a bounty on his head and he needs to stay one foot ahead of the bounty hunter that is after him. The bounty hunter loves women and booze but when they get him in their hands, things may just change. How will they change? Will they turn him in? How will it all go? Follow them to see

[Rebecca Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelly ❤️ Graham

This was a very fast paced but sweet story! The elements are divided & they don’t even know it! Kelly loves graham so much protecting him is his number one priority! I’m not a fan of cliffhangers but this book sucked me in and I can’t wait for book 2! 😀❤️

[Natasha Lynn Harris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Super Speed Read

Way too fast paced to even get a grasp on the characters, the world, or anything. It doesn't take time to explain anything just go go go, and the ending was confusing to me.

[CMLH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kelly and Graham do not immediately fall in lust but the way they make their way there? It's a fun, interesting read that gives you ideas of what this series will be like. I really enjoyed the action that was involved and it balanced well with the rest of the story so nothing was too much.

[Sandi Devlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this and think it’s a good start to the series. I loved Kelly and Graham. Their relationship started off bumpy and I loved seeing them get together.

This is a short story but there is a lot packed in and I can’t wait to read the next one!

[Rachwithheadinabook · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5* for me

Can I firstly say that I did like reading this, but I didn't get enough information, the world building was subtle and if you blink then you miss it, I believe that the story and overall the series will be good, the heat between the characters was ok but for me and this is just my opinion it was rushed, I would have liked more. Not sure if I will read the other books, I'm reserving judgement.

[Charneen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick short read, nice for a few minutes when you have few.

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This an interesting story which has some twists and turns over what happens and how love wins. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Gema Rodríguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was entertaining and I liked the characters, but I think it ends too abruptly. I know it's a first book in a series but, I don't know, it felt rushed.