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Mages and Mates #3
Under a Spell
Not yet published
Expected 24 Mar 26Leothius Hollen arrives in Presque Isle, home of the dragon rulers, to investigate the murder of the mage ambassador. The last thing he expects is to run into the sexy-as-sin guy who stood him up months ago. Well, really the last thing he expects is the guy is actually King Gundhram. Wait, nope, the absolute last thing he expects is that Gundhram is his mate. What did he do to the universe that the guy who humiliated him, turns out to be the guy he has to spend the rest of his life with?
Gundhram never wanted to rule, but the death of the mage ambassador left his sister in a bad spot, and he returned to Presque Isle to help her deal with the mage inquisitor sent to investigate the murder. How much did karma hate him that the inquisitor turned out to be the guy he'd rejected months earlier, but couldn't get out of his thoughts? Finding out they were mates, however, was the ultimate payback. Before they settle into the whole mate thing, someone tries to murder Gund's sister, and Leo nearly dies trying to save her. They discover the attempted murder was just a diversion for the real threat. When they try to prevent that threat, they learn there is an even bigger one waiting in the wings. With all the threats emerging, spending the rest of their lives together might not even be long enough to have a proper date.
Contains mature themes.
Gundhram never wanted to rule, but the death of the mage ambassador left his sister in a bad spot, and he returned to Presque Isle to help her deal with the mage inquisitor sent to investigate the murder. How much did karma hate him that the inquisitor turned out to be the guy he'd rejected months earlier, but couldn't get out of his thoughts? Finding out they were mates, however, was the ultimate payback. Before they settle into the whole mate thing, someone tries to murder Gund's sister, and Leo nearly dies trying to save her. They discover the attempted murder was just a diversion for the real threat. When they try to prevent that threat, they learn there is an even bigger one waiting in the wings. With all the threats emerging, spending the rest of their lives together might not even be long enough to have a proper date.
Contains mature themes.
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First published March 26, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 14, 2024
Not as strong as the first two books. The way the relationship happens felt weird. From the beginning of the book you know the guys met once 10 months ago and nothing happened. Then a LOT happens in the first 1.5 days they are together, in the plot and also as a couple. Both realize they are mates in this period of time so they are sharing ILY by the second or third day they are together. I get it, fated mates and mind reading and what not but still. Felt like they go zero to sixty in two days emotionally but physically not until past the half way point of the book.
Also resolution of the mystery was kind of iffy? Everyone (and I mean everyone, from previous books too) comes together at the dragon castle to solve the problem but one of the MCs runs on his own to do it. It’s just that a lot of time is spent bringing all of the other characters in for basically nothing, pad the word count maybe?
It seems like two more books to go. I will still read them as I am interested in the underlying plot.
Also resolution of the mystery was kind of iffy? Everyone (and I mean everyone, from previous books too) comes together at the dragon castle to solve the problem but one of the MCs runs on his own to do it. It’s just that a lot of time is spent bringing all of the other characters in for basically nothing, pad the word count maybe?
It seems like two more books to go. I will still read them as I am interested in the underlying plot.
April 2, 2024
fabulous storytelling and amazing characters
Rating: 5🌈
Well, that was one fabulous romp through a fantasy romance! Mages and Mates has turned into a fantastic series, full of great characters, dynamic relationships, and an intriguing overall series storyline that’s continuing to bring new mysteries and magical elements with each novel.
Under a Spell starts with a murder investigation. A mage ambassador has been killed at the estate of the ruler of the dragons, a mysterious and deadly case for political and magical ramifications.
Sent by the Mage Council to run the investigation is two of the Hollen brothers, diplomat Otto Hollen and mage, Leothius Hollen. We’ve met both before, primarily Leo, but now, since the events of previous books, he’s matured and grown more serious about his profession.
Gallo’s ability to grab the reader’s attention starts immediately. It’s dramatic scenes, engaging personalities, and instant sizzling rapport between Leo and Gundhram, King of the Dragons. They go from awful first impressions to worse second impression and high drama to an unexpected twist that arises from slow revelations .
It’s such a wild and fast paced ride. Gallo weaves a fabulous romantic story with an ever growing darkness that threatens not just those present but the entire world.
It’s black magic, and ancient Guardians waiting to be replaced with their newly discovered counterparts, and the truest villain, who’s always eluding discovery. Gallo’s imaginative, hair-raising storylines weave great characters with high energy and a lot of suspense towards an ending where everything points to even more disaster and chaos coming quickly for the remaining unbound Hollens and Guardian pairs.
It’s an extraordinary series and a fabulous tale. I highly recommend this and the series. Read them in order for events and relationships development.
Mages and Mates:
- [x] Spell It Out, prequel
- [x] Break the Spell #1
- [x] It Spells Trouble #2
- [x] Under a Spell #3
- [ ] Cast a Spell #4 - Nov 26,2024
Rating: 5🌈
Well, that was one fabulous romp through a fantasy romance! Mages and Mates has turned into a fantastic series, full of great characters, dynamic relationships, and an intriguing overall series storyline that’s continuing to bring new mysteries and magical elements with each novel.
Under a Spell starts with a murder investigation. A mage ambassador has been killed at the estate of the ruler of the dragons, a mysterious and deadly case for political and magical ramifications.
Sent by the Mage Council to run the investigation is two of the Hollen brothers, diplomat Otto Hollen and mage, Leothius Hollen. We’ve met both before, primarily Leo, but now, since the events of previous books, he’s matured and grown more serious about his profession.
Gallo’s ability to grab the reader’s attention starts immediately. It’s dramatic scenes, engaging personalities, and instant sizzling rapport between Leo and Gundhram, King of the Dragons. They go from awful first impressions to worse second impression and high drama to an unexpected twist that arises from slow revelations .
It’s such a wild and fast paced ride. Gallo weaves a fabulous romantic story with an ever growing darkness that threatens not just those present but the entire world.
It’s black magic, and ancient Guardians waiting to be replaced with their newly discovered counterparts, and the truest villain, who’s always eluding discovery. Gallo’s imaginative, hair-raising storylines weave great characters with high energy and a lot of suspense towards an ending where everything points to even more disaster and chaos coming quickly for the remaining unbound Hollens and Guardian pairs.
It’s an extraordinary series and a fabulous tale. I highly recommend this and the series. Read them in order for events and relationships development.
Mages and Mates:
- [x] Spell It Out, prequel
- [x] Break the Spell #1
- [x] It Spells Trouble #2
- [x] Under a Spell #3
- [ ] Cast a Spell #4 - Nov 26,2024
March 20, 2024
The third book in the Mages and Mates series continues the story of the Hollen brothers. Leo is an Investigator for the Mage Council and is sent to the Dragon Court to investigate the death of the Council's ambassador. At the Court, he meets his mate, Dragon King, Gundhram. They have an adversaries to friends to lovers relationship.
Great expansion to the worldbuilding from the two earlier books. There's lots of snark in Gund and Leo's relationship with lots of heat as well. Sizzling chemistry between the pair. Strong secondary characters.
The storyline of a shadow group of dark mages wanting to destroy the Great Seal between magic/paranormal world and the Demon realm continues to build. Lots of edge of seat action, lots of tension as the shadow group sets in place a perfect plot for destroying the seal.
The book is fast paced. It grabs your attention and holds it throughout. Some angst, some violence. Book three measures up very well to books one and two. A few more brothers and one sister to mate off, so more books in the future. A big yay to that.
Besides the enemies to lovers trope, there's size difference, city boy/country boy and sunshine/ grumpy elements in this fated mates story. A quick, enjoyable read.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my review.
Great expansion to the worldbuilding from the two earlier books. There's lots of snark in Gund and Leo's relationship with lots of heat as well. Sizzling chemistry between the pair. Strong secondary characters.
The storyline of a shadow group of dark mages wanting to destroy the Great Seal between magic/paranormal world and the Demon realm continues to build. Lots of edge of seat action, lots of tension as the shadow group sets in place a perfect plot for destroying the seal.
The book is fast paced. It grabs your attention and holds it throughout. Some angst, some violence. Book three measures up very well to books one and two. A few more brothers and one sister to mate off, so more books in the future. A big yay to that.
Besides the enemies to lovers trope, there's size difference, city boy/country boy and sunshine/ grumpy elements in this fated mates story. A quick, enjoyable read.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my review.
April 11, 2024
It's elementary
I dreaded this book because of the description. I'm not typically a fan of enemies to lovers tropes. Indeed, I wasn't a fan of the beginning. Gund makes no sense. He's a century old, raised to be king, but he dresses like a biker? He insults a person he had been flirting with to put him off?
And Leo is a Hollen. They're taught diplomacy in diapers, but he thinks nothing of creating a scene in a royal court?
We are told repeatedly that these two are perfect for each other, but I'm not sure I agree or find either of them particularly sympathetic. In addition, their sex life is a little kinky (light dominance/submission) in a way that hit me wrong.
Other than the relationship, the book was good. Leo is sharp, like Sherlock Holmes level smart and observant. The bad guys are always three steps ahead, and strike multiple times in the book, offering a lot of action. There is some resolution, but a bigger challenge awaits our heroes in future books.
I dreaded this book because of the description. I'm not typically a fan of enemies to lovers tropes. Indeed, I wasn't a fan of the beginning. Gund makes no sense. He's a century old, raised to be king, but he dresses like a biker? He insults a person he had been flirting with to put him off?
And Leo is a Hollen. They're taught diplomacy in diapers, but he thinks nothing of creating a scene in a royal court?
We are told repeatedly that these two are perfect for each other, but I'm not sure I agree or find either of them particularly sympathetic. In addition, their sex life is a little kinky (light dominance/submission) in a way that hit me wrong.
Other than the relationship, the book was good. Leo is sharp, like Sherlock Holmes level smart and observant. The bad guys are always three steps ahead, and strike multiple times in the book, offering a lot of action. There is some resolution, but a bigger challenge awaits our heroes in future books.
March 27, 2024
I didn't remember anything about this series when I pick up this book and I enjoyed it without any trouble.
It's true that while reading I started to remember some about Jannick and Bart and that Guardian business, but not much.
A new Guardian pairing with two great characters, Leothius and Gundharm. They have some history they have to work, but soon are working together to protect their world.
In every book by Andy Gallo that I have read I meet amazing characters, not only the MCs but all the cast is very well developed and necessary for the story. The overarching plot is quite interesting without taking away the focus from the story in this novel.
Well written and easy to read I highly recommend this book!
It's true that while reading I started to remember some about Jannick and Bart and that Guardian business, but not much.
A new Guardian pairing with two great characters, Leothius and Gundharm. They have some history they have to work, but soon are working together to protect their world.
In every book by Andy Gallo that I have read I meet amazing characters, not only the MCs but all the cast is very well developed and necessary for the story. The overarching plot is quite interesting without taking away the focus from the story in this novel.
Well written and easy to read I highly recommend this book!
April 1, 2024
This is book 3 in the series and you will need to read in order for the overlapping arc. This one features Leo and Gund. They met 10 months earlier when Leo helped Jan in the gryphon territory. Gund turned him down and Leo was very upset that it happened. When he was assigned with his brother Otto to go to Maine after the death of the mage ambassador he meets Gund again. When he blurted out what Gund had said to him in front of the whole court, he left. Gund tracked him down and let him know the real reason why he left. After being forgiven, they arranged to go on a date. Their real started from there where they both realized they were mates. Great world. Jilting as they figured out who killed the mage ambassador and saved the dragons. Love this world and cannot wait to see who is next,
March 21, 2024
Under a Spell is the 3rd book in the Mages and Mates series.
This is not a standalone as it continues a story ARC that goes through the series. I was so pulled into the story that I couldn't put the book down once I started it. This is about Leo an inquisitor for the Mage Council and Gundhram the Dragon King. This is an intense story because all that happens in the book. I loved watching these two figure out how to have a relationship. This book has lots of action, intrigue, steam, and snark. These two are just so perfect for each other. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book and series as 5 star reads.
This is not a standalone as it continues a story ARC that goes through the series. I was so pulled into the story that I couldn't put the book down once I started it. This is about Leo an inquisitor for the Mage Council and Gundhram the Dragon King. This is an intense story because all that happens in the book. I loved watching these two figure out how to have a relationship. This book has lots of action, intrigue, steam, and snark. These two are just so perfect for each other. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book and series as 5 star reads.
February 15, 2025
It’s just so fucking good. So good. And I don’t have enough brain power available for my use to wax poetic or essay it up, but it keeps getting better and better and I’m so obsessed I’ve put everything else on the back burner to continue to devour the entire series as quickly as possible.
I will stage a very angry riot if I don’t get more Roderick ASAP. I DEMAND THAT PRECIOUS BB BE HAPPY AND LOVED UP IDC WHO YOU PUT HIM WITH.
4.5/5. Should be 0/5 because I know I have to wait for the last book once I finish the next one. I’m salty because I’m needy and childish, not because I’m rational or an adult. I mean, that should be fairly obvious, but this is me, so…
I will stage a very angry riot if I don’t get more Roderick ASAP. I DEMAND THAT PRECIOUS BB BE HAPPY AND LOVED UP IDC WHO YOU PUT HIM WITH.
4.5/5. Should be 0/5 because I know I have to wait for the last book once I finish the next one. I’m salty because I’m needy and childish, not because I’m rational or an adult. I mean, that should be fairly obvious, but this is me, so…
March 26, 2024
Wow!
This book was absolutely gripping! I simply could not put it down until I finished. Now, I want to read it over again lol! That cover is absolutely stunning, too. At the very beginning, I wasn’t too sure whether I would like Leo or not as he seemed a bit immature, but holy cow did he prove himself! His analytical skills were truly next level. The entire book moved along at a great pace with well defined secondary characters adding to the overall experience. I simply cannot wait until we get Otto’s book next as I find him extremely intriguing.
This book was absolutely gripping! I simply could not put it down until I finished. Now, I want to read it over again lol! That cover is absolutely stunning, too. At the very beginning, I wasn’t too sure whether I would like Leo or not as he seemed a bit immature, but holy cow did he prove himself! His analytical skills were truly next level. The entire book moved along at a great pace with well defined secondary characters adding to the overall experience. I simply cannot wait until we get Otto’s book next as I find him extremely intriguing.
April 9, 2024
Exciting and well-written!
Lots of books start out with a great first chapter and go straight down hill from there but this book just gets more exciting as it develops. Expect cataclysmic battles with mages, dragons and strange monsters! Also an extended epilogue which is always a must. 😁
Lots of books start out with a great first chapter and go straight down hill from there but this book just gets more exciting as it develops. Expect cataclysmic battles with mages, dragons and strange monsters! Also an extended epilogue which is always a must. 😁
August 3, 2025
what a thrilling series!
I can’t put the books down since I started. It’s the perfect mix of sexy, intriguing, the world building is perfect, and all encompassing emotions drive it easily to one of my favorite reads ever. You won’t be sorry, make sure to get this series in every form available! Great author!
I can’t put the books down since I started. It’s the perfect mix of sexy, intriguing, the world building is perfect, and all encompassing emotions drive it easily to one of my favorite reads ever. You won’t be sorry, make sure to get this series in every form available! Great author!
April 9, 2024
Under a Spell
Every one of these books have been amazing! The characters are always well written, the action and suspense is incredible and the sex is off the charts! I’m really looking forward to reading more in this series!! Highly Recommended
Every one of these books have been amazing! The characters are always well written, the action and suspense is incredible and the sex is off the charts! I’m really looking forward to reading more in this series!! Highly Recommended
June 4, 2024
The Hollow brothers keep up with expectation.
The dragons are a bit skimmed over, we don't get to see much of their way of thinking if not for Leo's struggle to assert himself as protector.
We got a deep dive into the War to come and the dramatic twist rise its head.
The dragons are a bit skimmed over, we don't get to see much of their way of thinking if not for Leo's struggle to assert himself as protector.
We got a deep dive into the War to come and the dramatic twist rise its head.
March 30, 2024
a nice book
April 10, 2024
Wonderful addition to the series
Back once again in this amazing world.
This time there's murder, mystery, mayhem, fast paced action and lots of snarky banter and steamy scenes.
Back once again in this amazing world.
This time there's murder, mystery, mayhem, fast paced action and lots of snarky banter and steamy scenes.
April 20, 2024
I REALLY LOVE THIS SERIES
April 28, 2024
so glad Michael encouraged Andy to write again!
I love this series! Bart, Cas, Jan, Con, Leo, and Gund have truly grabbed my heart. I can’t wait for Otto’s book.
I love this series! Bart, Cas, Jan, Con, Leo, and Gund have truly grabbed my heart. I can’t wait for Otto’s book.
June 6, 2024
Book 3 has a mage and a dragon shifter, these are fun stories!
January 12, 2025
Good balance between romance and action, perhaps the characters needs a little bit more one to one interaction to establish their connection as it was a bit insta love/fate.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews