I came to the hidden monster town of Ever for one reason—my nieces.
I definitely didn't expect Connall, the quiet, authoritative shifter male, whose intense stare follows me everywhere I go. And I sure didn't move for the hilarious, snarky elemental who floats outside my bedroom window at night. Is cozy stalking a thing? Because that's what Dirk does.
But it turns out my nieces are thriving, those badass bitches. They don't need to be saved. So when Dirk asks me out on a date and casually mentions we should also be dating Connall, I surprise everyone by agreeing. Really, though, who could say no to that?
One steamy date turns into another, and before I know it, I'm living the double-teaming life of my dreams. Things aren't all hunky dory, though… I've never been that lucky. First, I start seeing a dead guy nobody else can see. Then someone starts attacking my friends, leaving them paralyzed and unhealable by even the brilliant local doctor.
I worry that I'm somehow the genesis of what's happening. Yet my quest for answers leads me in circles that have me wondering if I'll get to keep my happily ever after, or have to deny Dirk and Connall in order to protect them.
Slaying with Sylphs is a cozy but very steamy MMF monster romance. Come for the snacks and stay for the happily ever after. Contains mature content. A complete list of content warnings can be found on the author's website.
Hazel Mack writes small town cozy but scorching monster romance. High heat but lots of sweet is the name of the game. She lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with Mr. Mack, Baby Mack and a dog named Andy. Hazel Mack is the sticky sweet alter ego of dark(ish) romance author Anna Fury.
This one was brutal. I was leaning two stars but thinking back on the rest of the series so far (the troll book being rated a two)- this one was worse. I almost DNF’ed but just HAD to hate finish it.
This should’ve been m/m only. Louanna did not add anything to this relationship, except for the fact that she was just there. And involved in the plot. I’m not sure how you can make a throuple boring, but the author did it. I was SO BORED. We know nothing about the characters outside of their looks and superficial traits. There was way too much plot happening for no reason. The sex was boring (which I know sounds crazy, but TRUST me, it was!!)
I had high hopes for this (especially with a were-shifter again after Richard’s book hit so hard), but I was let down big time.
Dirk was such a lovable shit who had some interesting mating tendencies, like stalking. Connall was the ginger giant cinnaroll. Lou was sassy and dealing with a lot of trauma from previous books. Together, they were absolute horn dogs who learned to respect one another’s boundaries and support each other the way each partner needed. I would have loved more of Dirk’s shit stirring to have carried over to later in the book. Don’t get me wrong, he’s still bratty AF, but I liked the beginning shenanigans.
Spice: 5/5
Triggers: death and severe illness/curse, possession, grief, PTSD responses, stalking, nonconsensual voyeurism, violence, threat to life of child
I've been looking forward to this book for quite a while, but I was nervous to pick it up, too. This series has been quite the rollercoaster for me, with some titles being all-time faves while others left me wanting a lot more from them. This one was somewhere in the middle, with a ton of great moments but a lot of writing choices that left me feeling frustrated as well.
There were so many scenes we were teased about that never came to fruition, and the ending felt incredibly rushed. There were moments that should've been important but were totally glossed over, while other scenes earlier in the book were total filler and could've been left out to keep the page count reasonable.
I think, once again, this author's potential for absolute greatness was hindered by rushed writing and editing (also see: multiple continuity errors, like a character removing their shirt twice in the same scene). That said, I really loved how the polyam rep was written and was blown away by how sweet the connection between Dirk and Connall was, specifically. I started the book unsure how those two would mesh, but Mack surpassed all of my expectations there! Overall, I had a good time and I'm looking forward to the final two books in the series.
The Haven Ever After series is just such a unicorn for me - and I am so sad we are almost at the end.
📕 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Slaying with Slyphs by Hazel Mack
📙 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: Haven Ever After by Hazel Mack
📗 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀: E-book ARC on Kindle. 🆓️ on KU.
📘 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Paranormal romance
📔 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: MMF, bi-awakening, fates mates, golden retriever.
📖 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Dirk's always known the newest resident of Ever is his mate - and he's been pursuing Lou as such since the start. But when he realizes the second-in-command of the shifters, Connall, also has his eye on Lou, he realizes there's meant to be more than just two in their mating.
🌟 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: It's no secret I am obsessed with this series. I've read every book. I've begged for ARCs. When I need a book to get out of a reading slump, they're there for me. When I need a guaranteed solid read, they're there for me. When I need to disassociate, they're there for me.
I have every one of these on my shelf complete with spicy art. They're just THAT good.
Slaying with Slyphs is the second-to-last book in this series (don't remind me, I might cry when this is over). Lou, Connall and Dirk all have been fixtures in the haven, and I am so happy to read them getting their happy ending. This one was pretty adorable - Dirk is 100 mph, all gas no brakes on making them into a throuple. There's an underlying story that definitely keeps the book pacing well, and of course the spice is spicing.
Only one note - that as this series starts to peter out, the books are much more reliant on you reading the entire story from the start. I wouldn't just jump right in on this episode. Good news? They're all so good you won't mind at all.
This was another buddy read with Destiny as well as Malli. I've been enjoying this series overall but some of the books are better than the others and this was one of the really good ones. It's been a while since I read a book in this series that had me feeling giddy while reading it. I loved the romance the spice the characters honestly there wasn't anything about this one that I didn't enjoy.
Going into this I knew I’d love Connall. A ginger wolf shifter covered in ink? Sign me up immediately. As a sylph, Dirk intrigued me. I’ve not yet seen an air elemental represented in a paranormal or monster romance, but would his flirty vibe drive me insane? And Lou…the girl has been through a lot in the last few books, but I had yet to get a read on her.
I’m here to say I’m a FULL CONVERT OF THIS ENTIRE TRIO.
As a baseline, the world (haven) of Ever is so unique and magical. The wraith motel was a highlight this time! The spice is also going to be really really hot 🥵
In this story I particularly loved Dirk’s total commitment to his mates, and the moments where the controlling, lascivious sylph showed insecurity and vulnerability. Connall’s bi-awakening and how thoughtful and open he was with his growing feelings for Lou AND Dirk was so well done. And Lou’s snark, sarcasm and strength made her a favorite, her journey through grief and guilt was lovely.
I did however feel like the book ended with a surprising amount of unfinished business? There are two more books in the series, so many they’ll get addressed…some of them though pertain to the throuple. Of course maybe that’s just because I love them so much I’m fully insatiable for them 🤣 I’m still excited for Daddy Betmal next!
Fook! THIS LIVED UP TO THE HYPE AND SO MUCH MORE. I had to put my paperback down a couple times to process what was happening, and to cool off🥵. Dirk is utterly obsessed (same bro), and I loved it. I am so happy we got the HEA between all 3 of them. HOWEVER, we did get a taste of Lou>Dirk>Connall all at once, it was only a tease! I am a greedy girl and needed MORE!
There was more Iggy content, though! Woot woot! I am excited and scared for Amatheia’s story! I have a feeling I will cry more than in this book. This book packed TOO MANY FEELINGS. Sad... happy... horny...
That ticket to Ever is in the mail .. right? RIGHT?!
--- Initial review: WHAT A ROLLERCOASTER !!!!! 😭 I love all these characters so much. They are my comfort
"You came here to rescue us, and now you're gonna get double-teamed by two hotties. Things have a way of working out."
FINALLY! I've been feral for Lou's book for what seems like ages. And it was just as lovely and sexy and chaotic as I expected. She's the perfect woman to handle those two mates of hers. They were all what the others needed.
I loved reading how devoted Dirk and Connall were to Lou, and eventually each other. It was so sweet when they finally realized their feelings and could voice them. Dirk had me cracking up with his antics and flirting. And Connall....wooo had to fan myself quite a few times.
And of course we couldn't have a Hazel romance without a few tears. She definitely got me in the feels, and it was totally unexpected.
I love going back to Ever and we got so many more characters to love in this one! I'm so excited after reading that teaser chapter for the next book!
Read this review if you can. But be aware of spoilers.
The book is supposed to be a throuple romance but it felt like the author first attempt to this kind of storyline.
Lou, the girl in the relationship, seems to be in love with only one of the guys, Connall. Since the beginning, she is always thinking about him, wishing to be close to him, to kiss him, etc. Her interest in the other guy, Dirk, was so superficial it felt like the lightest sexual attraction that only came out when she had Connall there too. Although she had tons of sexual and romantic scenes with Connall alone. The situations where they were all together she leaned more to Connall while most of the time Dirk watched or kissed her neck 🤦🏻. This kind of stars to feel more boring and annoying when Lou starts to behave like a brat with the guys, what the author was trying to pass out as sexy, but it felt forced and made the character seems younger and immature, very different from the way she behaved with everyone else.
Dirk, although, a bit wild with his actions and words, had always showed how much he loved Lou and Connall. Always trying to be there for her even though she never really thought or considered him with the same feelings, trust and closeness she directs to Connall. As for Dirk and Connall relationship, it was the only thing actually resembling a romantic relationship for Dirk. It took Connall a while to come into peace with being with a man but their interactions and feelings were growing fast. They were the only real reason I forced myself to finish the book.
Connall, felt like the one the author wanted to center the throuple relationship in. It made sense that he wanted the girl more at the beginning since he didn't know he could be with a man and he fell for her before falling for the Dirk. But contrary to the superficial and almost nonexistent feelings Lou had for Dirk, Connall actually developed strong romantic feelings for Dirk too, not only for Lou.
By the end of the book I felt as if the story could have been about Connall and Dirk OR Connall and Lou. That's why I gave 2.5, the throuple dynamic didn't caught up with me. I felt so bored I had to ignore the existence of the FMC to enjoy a bit of what could be saved from the story.
Comparing to the other books in the series, this one was weak. Still trying to understand all the 5 stars it got here 🤨🤔
Hazel Mack really stepped it up with this next installment in the Haven Ever After series!
We meet our FMC, Louanna, in book two, Tangling with Trolls, when she moves to Ever to be with her nieces. Finding out she has no magic and is just human, Louanna spends most of her time working and being stalked by the blue sylph, Dirk. Now, we have her book where she finds out not only is she mated with Dirk, but also Ever's shifter pack's second-in-command, Connall.
I'm not going to lie, I was really looking forward to Lou's book, but I wasn't excited for Dirk. I haven't liked him since he showed up, but he grew on me in this book! It only took five and a half books to like him, but I'll take it. I didn't have too many opinions on Connall, so at first I was really just reading this book to get through the series and for Lou.
I had only gained interest in this series for book four, which is why I read them all in the first place. When I finally read book four, I was so attached to the world and the characters that I figured I should give book five a shot, and it was SO GOOD. From Mack's writing to the formatting, it showed so much more maturity and growth as a writer. Immediately when I started reading this book, it felt so much 'better' and 'professional' than the others!
Overall, I had lots of fun and both the romance and plot are great! I only had a couple problems with this book that were minor nitpicks. 1) The scene where Connall half-shifts into his wolf and has a wolf snout and eats her out was giving me beastiality energy and I'm not for that 2) Dirk is Scottish, and listen, I don't know Scottish people, but Mack writes his voice in his dialect. I don't normally get along with it, and I don't mind when it's written that way when he speaks, but it was not consistent. When we were in his POV, sometimes his inner voice was Scottish, other times it was straight English, and other times he would only use certain slang words in Scottish. I wanted more consistency with it.
As I said, I'm normally not a fan of when the dialect and way people speak is written out just because it's personally harder for me to comprehend and read, but I'm trying my best to get over it because that's how people talk!
Side Tangent: I'm planning on getting rid of my Target bookcases and hopefully building custom floor-to-ceiling ones that are L-bracketed into the wall! When/ If I do, I'd love to finally get myself physical copies of this series! I don't read monster romance, but this cozy series will always be my comfort read/ guilty pleasure.
Every single book just reinforces the fact that I can’t help but devour everything Hazel Mack writes. And no, I’m not talking about Anna Fury, because they’re different people, and whoever says otherwise is wrong… I don’t care! Hazel Mack has this incredible ability to create the perfect blend of cozy, spicy paranormal romance with just a hint of mystery, and I am here for it. These books are like a warm blanket on a cold day—comforting, addictive, and impossible to put down.
I’ve been waiting for Dirk and Lou’s book for what feels like forever, and it did not disappoint. Connall is the perfect addition to their dynamic, and the way their relationship unfolds is everything I could have hoped for and more. The chemistry between the three of them is perfect, and I loved how the story explored a bit of a bi-awakening in what felt like the most natural and heartwarming way possible... taking into account we're talking about fated mates here! It’s not just about the spice (though there’s plenty of that), but also about the emotional connection and the way these characters grow together. I just love these books so much.
The cozy yet steamy vibe of this series is exactly what I look for in a paranormal romance. It’s got all the elements I love: strong, relatable characters, a touch of mystery to keep things twisty in all the best-yet-slightly-unsettling ways, and a romance that’s equal parts tender and scorching hot. Hazel Mack has a way of making you feel like you’re part of the pack, and I never want to leave this world!
If you’re a fan of paranormal romances with a side of mystery, found family vibes, all in a small -magical- town setting, and with a whole lot of spice, this series is a must-read. Dirk, Lou, and Connall’s story is everything I wanted and more, and I’m already counting down the days until the next book. The last book in this series *tears up*. Hazel Mack, if you’re reading this, please reconsider stop writing these—I need more books like this in my life!
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 - This book is spicy in the best way. The intimate scenes are well-written, steamy, while still carrying some emotional depth. The dynamic between Dirk, Lou, and Connall is scorching, and the bi-awakening aspect is handled with such care, while also making it known, and letting Connall know in no uncertain terms that Dirk is in it to win it - lol. If you’re here for the heat, you won’t be disappointed!
⭐️4.25. I am absolutely in love with this magical world. This story includes a hunky werewolf, an Irish elemental, and a bratty human woman (with interesting abilities...). I always love the trope of fated mates, and having this be an MMF made it even better. I love how the town is connected together, and even if it's a small part, everyone is involved in each story. and as with most small town magical monster books, they are just so sweet! I will say that while there were steamy scenes, I found they lacked a little? I wanted a little more pizzazz maybe? or maybe the last book just knocked my socks off with the spice....
Love this series so much! I say this about every book I read, but this one is my favorite!
This is for you if you love: *Hidden magical monster small town *MMF romance where the boyfriends are boyfriends *Human x wolf shifter x elemental sylph *Healing from past traumas together and with therapy *Hidden powers
Slaying with Slyphs took me back to one of my favorite fictional havens, Ever. Hazel Mack did an amazing job portraying and exploring the throuple dynamic between Louanna, Dirk, and Connall. Dirk has this lovable turn around throughout this series he has grown to be one of my favorite Evertons. I want to experience “therapy-lite” with Connall. All while being Louanna’s best friend. This book kept a beautiful blend of character development, the spiciest of smut, and a plot line that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I cannot express what an amazing addition this was the series!
Ugh This was such a great read. I was expecting Connall to be the extra sweet one, but Dirk is so sweet he will give you a cavity.
Our Auntie Lou gets her happy ever after with this one, and it’s everything. Lou and Dirk kept breaking my heart with their backstories, and Connall was their steady rock.
Content/Trigger Warnings: Talk of accidental death (off page, in the past), loss of a sibling (in the past), grief, trauma/PTSD, stalking, light violence, explicit sex scenes
This was absolutely everything and I regret reading this book off for so long! This has been the number one relationship I've been waiting for in this entire series and it was everything! After not loving the last book in this series, I was really nervous and worried of how the polyamorous rep was going to be handled, and this got pushed off to the back burner due to that.
However, it filled my heart so dang much to see such a heavy emphasis on communication, setting boundaries and limits, talking about safe words, addressing things as a team, and all of that good stuff. It was literally everything I was hoping the author was going to do and more. The chemistry, the pining, the amount of love between all three characters was so good. I will say, I only had two issues with this book. My first issue was Lola and Richard. I honestly think both of those characters are ruined for me and now every time I saw them in this book, it just leaves a bit of a sour taste in my mouth. My other issue has to do with Lou and her BIG REVEAL. I think that could have, should have, happened a lot sooner than waiting till almost the 75% mark in the book. It felt rushed and like there wasn't enough time to see all of that especially the new character we got introduced to.
Overall, I freaking loved this book and even though there were some things that I wish we saw more of and had more time with, I loved this book so much! I regret putting it off for as long as I did, but we're here now! Even more excited that we got to see the female lead of the next book in this story! I'm even more excited for that!
“Grinning, I follow, staring at his gorgeous ass the whole way. I deserve that ass. I really, really do. And I’m gonna get it, no matter what.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
What you’ll find in this book: - A Hunter, a Therapist and a Sassy, Protective Human - Cozy Stalking and Copious Spying - Sarcasm and Banter for Days - Bi Awakening - Unusual Power and a Dash of Danger - MMF - The Boyfriends are Boyfriends, but the Girlfriend a the Center of attention - Monster Romance - Cozy Goodness - Small Town Vibes
Hazel, Hazel, Hazel, you’ve only gone and done it again! I’ve said it so many times before but I’ll say it again, this series is good dust. Just when I think it can’t get any better you pull an absolute blinder, and blow me away yet again with another incredible story full of spice, healing and heartfelt moments. The whole Haven Ever After series are such comfort reads for me, and this book was no exception. I adored following the story that centres around Lou, Dirk and Connall, as well as of course revisiting Ever and it’s inhabitants both old and new. This book is part of an interconnected series that definitely need to be read in order, and they are perfect if you’re looking for a blend of cozy, spicy and heart warming all wrapped up in a small town monster romance.
We begin this story with Louanna and her life in Ever following the events in previous books and the guilt she holds regarding previous events (no spoilers here). Quickly Dirk and Connall joins the picture, with Dirk absolute adamant about courting Lou. Initially hesitant with her feeling split between the two she agrees to start dating Dirk, only for Connall to then join the fray and before you know it both the males Lou has been pining after are vying for her attention. However, when Lou starts seeing a dead guy that no one else can see, and then her friends start being attacked and paralysed she is pushed into action. The question is can she unravel the mystery of what is happening in ever, protecting everyone she loves including Dirk and Connall, and find her happily ever after?
Hazel has an absolute gift for creating the most gorgeous and powerful characters. I of course loved getting to read more about characters we have already met, but absolutely adored getting to know Lou, Dirk and Connnall. They each bring something so different to the story, with Lou bringing her bratty, sassy nature, while Dirk is cheeky and determined with Connall being that steady, constant yet domineering presence. Their interactions were coated in the spiciest tensions at points, while also having the sweetest moments where the protective nature of each of them shines through. Reading as Lou works through her guilt and trauma felt so pivotal, and was handled in the most delicate and caring nature, it was beautiful to read. Being supported by both Dirk and Connall we are treated to a story where Lou finds herself while working towards her happiness.
During the story we get to learn more about elementals as well as other monsters and creatures that reside in and around Ever, as well as the magic that they utilise and the powers that they have. We also got to visit some new locations in Ever which was one of the highlights of this book for me, I will always be hungry for more of this series and these characters. The storyline felt like such natural progression for the characters and the series as a whole, which meant that the pacing was absolute *chefs kiss. This book was such a beautifully easy read that sweeps you up and takes you on such a wonderful journey. If you have not picked up this series, please do, it is such cozy small town monster romance perfection.
Thank you so much to Hazel Mack for sending me an e-ARC to read and review.
Author: Hazel Mack Series: Haven Ever After Series Publisher: Independently Published Release Date: February 12th, 2025
"My approach to Lou is the same way I'd approach an injured hellhound—carefully and ideally with snacks in my pockets."
What to Expect MMF Bi-Awakening Golden Retriever Stalker No 3rd Act Break-up
This series holds a special place in my heart. Each book has become my favorite for the month I read it. Two of these books have even claimed the title of my favorite read of the year for the past two years. I'm biased, but that's the beauty of sharing my thoughts in this review.
I've been waiting for Lou's book since she showed up in Haven, and once Dirk and Connall appeared very interested, I became absolutely feral. I love seeing Lou's journey and how she deals with the things that happen to her that are beyond her control. Her moments with Iggy are my favorite because there is no way to not love Iggy.
Dirk is so open with his love for Lou and Connall, and when you add in his golden retriever energy, he is the chaos that balances them out. Yes, he stalks his mates, but it's not creepy, and he respects them when they ask him not to. I'm also just a sucker for an accent, so Dirk ticks all the boxes! An added bonus is that he can quickly dry your hair in his air form.
If Dirk represents chaos, then Connall is the stabilizing force. He's a dependable figure, always there for them. While I loved seeing his relationship with Lou grow, I was beyond happy to see how his relationship with Drik developed. I'm ready to sign up for some 'therapy-lite' sessions because, yes, please.
Anna/Hazel always delivers on spice, and picking a favorite is always hard. If I were to pick one, I think just because of the voyeur aspect alone, I would have to go with Lou and Dirk spying on Connell's alone time in the woods. Connell being with Dirk also provides some great moments, but I like the lead-ups to those because you can see how he becomes more open to their connection. I love that Lou is a brat because it was unexpected, so it was fun getting to see that side of her.
This book was an enjoyable entry to the Haven Ever After series, but it wasn't my favourite.
I enjoyed the plot and am looking forward to seeing how it continues on through the remaining books in the series, but I wasn't a massive fan of the throuple featured. Considering this is a romance book, it definitely made it difficult for me to get into the book properly.
If you enjoy sassy/bratty FMCs, you'll love Lou. I personally found her to be a bit grating and she came off as immature to me, but I can see how others might like it. I do think I would have enjoyed the story more if Lou had not been included in the relationship and it had been an entirely Dirk/Connall focused book.
My biggest complaint with Dirk is that his Scottish accent was overdone. The written out accent was over the top and took me out of the story at times. I also wasn't a huge fan of him stalking Lou and Connall and the fact that it was just forgiven. However, it is clear that he truly cares about the others and I did enjoy how charming his character is overall.
Connall was the standout character for me. He's a cinnamon roll with a dominant streak that I really enjoyed. I loved the chemistry between him and Dirk and wish there had been more one-on-one scenes with the two of them.
My biggest gripe with the book overall is that the ratio of smut to plot was off--I usually enjoy spicy scenes in books but there were multiple times that I found myself thinking "really, again?!" when the characters started getting it on. However, I do acknowledge that this could be because I wasn't a huge fan of the throuple in this book.
Overall, I do think this was a good addition to the series. I think if you're looking for a MMF romance that features sword crossing with an interesting plot but also a good amount of smut this would be a good book to pick up.
I’ve loved all of this authors books that I’ve read. The plots she comes up with always feel fresh and new. And I’ve been simply adoring this monster series she did, I don’t ever want it to be over!!
I’ll be honest though, I was a bit hesitant to start this one even though I have been wanting Lou’s book so bad! I guess it was because m/m just isn’t usually what I go for, and I saw someone say this wasn’t very spicy… but that wasn’t exactly true. It does get really spicy and hot! It’s just… there was some smut left on the table. For example, there was only one accidental thrust of the knot and that’s all we saw. But I don’t feel like I can give it a much lower spice rating because what was there was really good. It’s a conundrum. I also want to add that the m/m scenes were really well done. They built up to it well and felt pretty natural and not shoved down your throat. And since this is an MMF romance I liked that all characters were pretty well included.
And the characters omg! The main characters were top freaking notch!! I’m not even going to go in because I could talk about them all day! They were all so individual and I loved each of them equally!
I did think a few things were going to have more depth, like Lou’s therapy with Connell, the smut obvi, and I thought we’d see more of the triplets. But honestly? Even with a few unmet expectations, I really looked forward to getting back to this book every time I put it down. Plus there was a ton packed into this little book, and I’m grateful it wasn’t a million pages long lol. Overall, it was awesome!
And no, I don’t know why I wrote so much in this review when I know no one is going to read it 🙃
Lou is going through a tough time. The consequences of her actions, of feeling used, make her feel like she’s not the same person anymore. However, it’s Dirk who stands by her side, bringing joy and reminding her why she wants to live. He has always been clear about his intentions, but the problem is that Lou is torn between him and Connall, the second werewolf. So, she doesn’t choose either of them… until, in an unexpected turn of events, Dirk calls both Lou and Connall together to reveal that they are his mates—and that he’s going to court them both. From that moment on, nothing is the same, and Lou realizes that sometimes, happiness comes in threes.
Slaying With Sylph is a refreshing break in the saga. It’s one of those books where the plot doesn’t have high stakes (at least, not compared to the previous ones), and you just enjoy the romance. I was always a little worried about how this trio’s story would unfold, but the author handled it with a natural flow and skill that surprised me. Sure, she had already written a throuple in a novelette before, but that was different—those characters already had a backstory, a history. Dirk, Lou, and Connall, on the other hand, didn’t. So she had to build their entire dynamic from scratch—and she absolutely nailed it. Not only in terms of their relationship but also the plot. She found the perfect balance, making sure I was never bored while reading. The pacing is fantastic, and the supporting characters are an absolute delight.
Deep down, I hope this book series never ends so I can keep reading about Ever ever and ever again.
💙Honest Review Time💚 Slaying with Sylphs by Hazel Mack @hazelmack
Overall rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
If I could give this book six out of five stars, I’d do it in a heartbeat. Honest to gods—I cannot remember the last time I was this excited about a book!
Welcome to Ever, an enchanting monster haven in Massachusets. (And since I never got my letter to Hogwarts, this is my official application to live there. Please?)
So many firsts here—the biggest being the first book I ever read about a throuple with a bi awakening.
And man. Was it ever good. I was hooked from the first page. The characters a distinct, well-rounded, and immediately likeable. No beat was missed in the plot, romance, or characters arcs. Attention to detail is exquisite and I was surprised to find myself laughing out loud at the snarky banter.
With sarcastic gnomes, sentient houses, and lots of steam, anyone who’s a fan of Holly Black or Cassandra Clare would eat this up like crazy.
Is it weird that the titles of the Haven Ever After series bring me back to the nostalgia of grade-school monster books I devoured?
This was my first time reading anything of Hazel Mack’s, and now I’m struggling to pace myself and not inhale the whole series. Would 200% recommend.
And hey, if you want to find me, full disclosure: I’m chilling in Ever.
I'm really glad to have read this, and this being the one after the older x younger dynamic is so welcome. But maybe that's also because I HATE AGE GAP (between dad figure mmc x daughter but not daughter fmc) Romance for the most part.
This was interesting given Connall initial "I'm scared of dating men" thing that he got over very quickly lol. I also appreciate it because having homophobia is just so out of character for what we know of their established characters.
I'm not a big fan of where the plot is going in terms of total overarching plot, but it should be interesting depending on how the author develops the next plot.
I did like the overall action, smut, and funny moments better than the last book. I also wasn't expecting that Abe's DAD would be the next subject of the next book with the mermaid princess. I'm hoping it isn't another DDLG type book, but I'll most likely pick it up since this author is pretty good writing wise outside of age gaps lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I really enjoyed this installment in the Haven Ever After series. While the books are interconnected standalones that can be read separately, this one ties in heavily with several others, as the main character is the aunt of three previous FMCs. All three main characters in this MMF book have appeared as side characters in past books, and their interactions serve as foreplay—I mean foreshadowing—for this story.
The human FMC, Lou, quickly becomes entangled with Dirk, the sylph (elemental) MMC, and Connell, the wolf shifter MMC. Their chemistry is super spicy and exciting, while there’s a dangerous mystery unfolding around town that Lou gets caught up in.
This is a hot and steamy addition to the charming Haven Ever After series, setting up the next book (or possibly more) by expanding on side characters. I can’t wait for the next one, Making Out with Mermaids, which is scheduled for release in April 2025.
Spice: 5/5 Plot: 4.5/5 Writing: 4.5/5 My Enjoyment:4.5/5