Stray Magic

by Zile Elliven

From the author who eats plot bunnies for breakfast, comes another book that jumped the line and ruined hours of painstaking planning.





The utterly unremarkable and forgettable assistant for the Boston chapter house is having the best/worst day ever, and it just keeps going! He's either getting a monster boyfriend or getting eaten by one, and neither of them is sure which one they want more.



Throw in some missing kids, a mysterious, sentient tree, and a boat that refuses to sink, and Clayton has what he’d call a regular Tuesday.


***





The monster inside him just wants to eat people in peace and not get sucked into some bullshit wannabe guardian drama getting between him and a proper meal. Unfortunately for him, not only is Clayton’s misfiring magic constantly dragging Mal into his world, but the little asshole has the audacity to be attractive while doing it.



Also, why do kids keep following him around like ducklings? A monster has his dignity, okay?



This book can be read independently from any other book in the series because the author is a psychopath with no ability to follow traditional series rules. Perhaps one day they will, but so far, not so much.

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

339 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 25, 2026

Reviews

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to hear that Clayton would be the MC for the second book in the Guardians of Boston series. He wasn’t featured much in the first book but there was enough hinted at that he had to have an interesting history. I highly enjoyed reading this book but I found that there were parts that were sad. Clayton’s life wasn’t easy and he’s had to live through a lot. When certain aspects of his past are revealed it is a bit heartbreaking, so know that there are a lot of feels in this book. Mal is simply fun. He’s a character that’s supposed to be “bad” and a monster, but really isn’t, though he’s also not exactly good. Whatever he is, he is exactly what Clayton needs.

I loved seeing all the characters from the first book again. I like that they are in the book but don’t overwhelm it. The story is Clayton and Mal’s and is mostly told in their POV’s but there is a bit of perspective from another character. This other characters POV is kind of needed. It gives a perspective for a certain group of characters that are integral to Clayton and Mal. I actually hope that at sometime there could be more with that character since their POV was interesting. Another character might have had some huge revelations hinted at about them and I really hope they get a story about them because I need to know some things ASAP, darn it!

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

[SNik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second in series (Guardians of Boston), best if read in order. Paranormal. Found family. Mostly dual POV. Heed content warnings.

Clayton excels at assisting the Guard at the local chapter house, and is mostly happy, but when he’s asked for help he doesn’t hesitate, even if it leads to a monster he’s slightly attracted to and Clayton adopting his own assorted chaotic family. At first Mal wants to eat Clayton, and not in a nice way, but he soon realizes their connection runs deeper and he suddenly can’t bear to let Clayton or his found family go.

This story is filled with adventure and intriguing characters, lots of loyalty, acceptance, and love. On a mission to retrieve missing children, Clayton and Mal discover whole new realms, powers, and family. I really enjoyed how Clayton held his own against a powerful being like Mal, and his sassiness never wavered even as he had to quell his personal insecurities. I was expecting the second book in the series to be a continuation of Cym and Fourteen’s story, but this certainly did not disappoint as it was truly a fun and entertaining read. I enjoyed every moment Clayton and Mal were on page together, their special found family, and their ability to make each other stronger and feel wanted. 4.25

[Katriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't believe that this book almost didn't happen, it's hard to think that this book, and these characters, almost got scrapped. Clayton, Mal, and their found family are honestly so amazing and incredible! They are all so different and VERY chaotic, but they all make such a beautiful family together.

I loved how overtime we not only got to learn more about the various realms and magic, but we also got to see these characters grow and learn more about themselves and how to be a family. I really enjoyed reading this chaotic book, Clayton and Mal have my heart, and their kiddos are just absolutely precious!

All the twists and turns along with the unexpected surprises made this book so enjoyable and fun to read. I enjoyed reading this book from start to finish, and I also really adored the unicorn.. even if he is destructive...

This was a really fantastic magic filled, found family romance book! I'm so excited to see this series continue in the future!

~~I received an early copy of this book and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.~~

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Stray Magic" is as chaotic as Clayton's magic. Fun, but ever so strange. Clayton was raised and trained to be a Guardian, but his magic remains locked in him. Mal is a monster. A fixer of sorts. He solves most problems by eating the cause of the problem. In a side by side comparison, I don't know who is scarier, him or Fourteen.
With the Guardian team and his boss away, Clayton takes on a case for the denizens of Below Boston. He meets Mal, who considers eating him. Snarky banter and a rather unusual courtship follow. The folk they meet on their adventure, good and bad, add to the absolute craziness. The author juggles plotlines and red herrings with skill and humor. Mal is protective of his magic man as he and Clayton learn more about how they mesh powerwise. Accepted mates. The children who become their found family.
A quick read. Honestly, one that had me shaking my head with wonder. I can't imagine where we are going, but I can't wait to find out.
I received an advanced copy of this e book and this is my review.

[Janireadsmm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book, it's filled with such incredible story writing and world building. I absolutely fell in love with Clayton a clumsy, disaster man who is so forgiving and open and loving. This story was amazing to get lost in, equally funny and fantastical, it really reminded me on my love for fantasy stories, the writing is so encompassing it's incredible. I cannot highly praise this book and series enough, I love the world, love the people and the way Zile writes is incredible. One of my all time favourite authors, this was definitely a story led romance, but I loved every moment of it, their relationship was equal parts fun and crazy and all consuming. I actually need more of their crazy family life and hiccups, I want to watch Clayton grow into his magic and learn about his family. Cannot wait for more!

[Sarah☀️ Somerville · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was fun, but it was also a mess and not in a good way.

I liked the general plot and the characters. Relationships just happened rather than developing - I'm talking about all the relationships in the book, not only the main "romance", and since the idea of this book was the main character building his found family, that just didn't work for me at all.

Clayton/Mal could have been a lot more fun than it was. It started out promising, then the first sex scene was fun, then it was just kinda dull after that.

All the challenges the characters faced were resolved extremely easily.

I still have absolutely no interest in Marshall and the Guardians, and they brought this book down as well. Would've been better without them.

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stray Magic is the second book in the Guardians of Boston series. In my opinion this series is best read in order. This is the story of Clayton and Mal. A story that almost didn't happen, I'm so happy that it did. I loved all the characters and learning more about the other realm and magic was an added bonus. I loved the found family aspect of the story. I loved the rollercoaster ride of twists and turns of the story. I think Clayton and Mal aren't just 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.
received a review copy

[Elana Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Clayton works at the chapter house where the guardians in the area live. While they are all out, someone comes looking for help looking for missing items. Clayton is mistaken for a guardian but decides to help anyway. While on the job he meets Mal who is looking for missing children. They solve the case together and go their separate ways, only for Clayton's magic to call Mal back. Their relationship develops from antagonistic to lovers as they learn about each other and try to rescue the kids that were taken again. The development of their relationship is a little nebulous in my opinion but still cute. The plot was fast paced and entertaining. Spice level: 0.5

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clayton is full of magic though noone seems to know what kind and is support staff for the Boston Guardians. Mal works for the Benighted taking care of issues the Guardians don't, usually by eating them, knows it's chaos magic and wants to eat Clayton. That is until he finds out how delicious Clayton's fantasies are and decides Clayton is his to keep. The other Guardians don't realize what Mal is except for Jack who is delighted. The book is fantastical, originally creative and enthralls you with its imagination. You know Mal is a big bad but Clayton tames him as his Achilles weak point, that and children. You love this world.

[Lee Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mal and Clayton

Clayton has the worst luck which puts him in constant danger. It’s nothing for him to get stabbed with garden implements, requiring a magical patch or two. Mal is a nightmare, no really, just living his life when he comes upon an intriguing human who needs help.
I enjoyed reading this story and looking forward to reading more books in this world. Highly Recommended

[K-Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

What more can I say, how can you not love a story where one love interest literally wants to eat the other one? Clayton and Mal were absolute chaos but the romantic parts really balanced them out. I loved all the found family vibes, and I was glad things stayed on the lighter side with issues from the outside sources resolving themselves!

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic story

I absolutely loved this story. This was such a fun and fascinating story with some amazing characters and some fantastic world building. These two were so much fun to watch and I absolutely loved seeing Mal’s reactions to everything. I can’t wait for more from this world.

[Joscelyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Watching Mal fail completely at resisting Clayton was freaking fantastic. These wonderful character's story is a great addition to this highly entertaining series.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*

[Cory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my word, that was a joy to read. It was the best kind of hot mess, combining the ridiculous and over the top with big hearts, found family, and incredibly lovable characters - not just Clayton and Mal, but also the rest of the wonderfully drawn secondary characters.

[Jaclyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

a fun and sweet book

[DLB2572 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second book of this series was just as good as book one. I loved Clayton and Mal's story. It was so good.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

MAGICAL, TERRIFIC, AND GREAT READ!

This author writes stories that enchant the readers. I loved the story, the adventure of the read!This is an ARC review.