There’s nothing I want more than a life with him… but my past is the world’s worst wingman.
For a big chunk of my life, I expected to die along with the rest of my species. Nobody thought we’d make it, and I did my best to live in the now and enjoy every second of precious life.
Now that’s coming back to bite me in the ass.
Because the impossible happened, and we got our second chance. A safe home. A tomorrow worth planning for. And a future I want to spend with Dáithí.
He’s amazing—sassy, clever, the kind of guy who can cut you down with one eyebrow and still make you laugh. We’ve known each other a long time, and convincing him to date me was one of the best wins of my long life. Convincing him to be my boyfriend? That’s a fight I might not win.
Because the reputation I earned when I was living life to the fullest has stuck, and Dáithí’s convinced I’m only in this for a good time, not a long time. He’s protecting his heart from future damage by keeping things casual between us… even though they’re not.
LOUISA MASTERS started reading romance much earlier than her mother thought she should. While other teenagers were sneaking out of the house, Louisa was sneaking romance novels in and working out how to read them without being discovered. She’s spent most of her life feeling sorry for people who don’t read, convinced that books are the solution to every problem. As an adult, she feeds her addiction in every spare second, only occasionally tearing herself away to do things like answer the phone and pay bills. She spent years trying to build a “sensible” career, working in bookstores, recruitment, resource management, administration, and as a travel agent, before finally conceding defeat and devoting herself to the world of romance novels. Louisa has a long list of places first discovered in books that she wants to visit, and every so often she overcomes her loathing of jet lag and takes a trip that charges her imagination. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, where she whines about the weather for most of the year while secretly admitting she’ll probably never move.
I absolutely love it when an author takes an unusual approach to a romance and presents me with a different take on two people falling in love.
Here Eoin and Dáithí are already seeing each other in what's referred to as a situationship and while that might put off people, thinking they won't get to see a relationship building, I'd say ignore your fears!
Instead, what you get is two men who already have caught feelings and one of them, Eoin, being willing to do anything to prove his commitment to the other.
While you might feel Dáithí is a bit of a dick for expecting such a thing, it's not hard to understand why he is as he is once you uncover the reasons behind why he's so afraid of losing his heart to Eoin.
See in all those thousands of years the elves lived on their previous planet, Eoin's only ever had casual relationships and Dáithí got badly burnt by a manipulative ex who played a long game to get him to let his guard down and begin a relationship with him, having previously had a similar player reputation.
Then they spent 50 years together and Dáithí discovered he'd been cheated on for almost half that time and was ceremonious dumped with an accusation of the relationship becoming boring.
So I got where he was coming from with his unwillingness to believe that Eoin genuinely meant it when he said he wanted them to commit and be boyfriends.
What we then get is the optimistically coined Summit of Love whereby TeamBro (led by Hellhound Alistair) set out a series of tasks for Eoin to perform and demonstrate his commitment to Dáithí.
It's hilarious, heart-warming, smoking hot and just a genuinely fun ride to follow along as Eoin proves beyond any doubt he's boyfriend material at the same time as Dáithí wakes up to the fact that he shouldn't even be asking him to do so.
I loved seeing how Dáithí gradually realised that he needed to work out his own issues and fears and not continually be waiting for a sense of doom to descend that might never happen.
I'm always really happy to spend any time in Louisa's Hidden Species world and I'm definitely looking forward to the third book in the series!
#ARC kindly received from the author, I am voluntarily leaving a review
It was a nice change to have a relationship that pre-existed the book, and the Summit Of Love challenge was really funny, but I'm glad we also got Daithi's more serious backstory too.
Eoin was so calm and certain of himself and his love for Daithi and the way he just naturally thought about what was important to Daithi was so sweet. I loved when Eoin had to cover the reception desk the most though! That water spray would have come in handy at a few of my previous jobs....
I also loved that the Bro's played a big part in this story. Caolan and Noah are quite possibly my favourite character's in this story universe and even though they're total opposites they both entertain me so much.
The set up for Ari and Felix's book was intriguing and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens there.
Gah! I loved it! If you have read Wooing The Wiccan (and if not, get to it!)
And if you have, you know the sparks between Dáithí (Dah-hee - you're welcome!) and Eoin (Owen), and I was wanting more.
And what we got was so much more than I expected.
Dáithí's walls when it comes to more than their... situation. Eoin wanting more. Wanting to prove he is more than his past.
But it wasn't just the tests that were set for Eoin that got me. It was the "Support Teams" for both guys that got me.
Oh my gosh, they were brilliant and hilarious and truly supportive.
I was a bit "but why is Dáithí like this?" as he did come aross a bit dickish at times, but we all have our baggage to deal with, and it was more understandable as we learn more about his.
Eoin is so true to his feelings towards Dáithí, that you can't help but love the heck out of him from the get go.
Thoroughly enjoyable read, and I would love more in this world in the future.
Very funny, all her books are funny but also there’s an underlying sadness to it as well. Daithi had walls and walls built around his heart from getting hurt and lied to from his past and Eoin was never giving up or letting go. I loved Eoin and I was mad at Daithi a lot but I understood. It was a really good story. It was funny, happy, sad, and romantic. I loved all the other characters popping in from other series. It’s like seeing and visiting with old friends. And I can’t wait for Ari and Felix’s book. Great series so far. I definitely recommend reading it. Come to think of it one should read all of Louisa Masters books. I have never come across one i didn’t love.
One of my favorite Louisa books to date! And I think I enjoyed this one so much because it had so many good side characters. I just love the community of species, the dragons, and the elves. I laughed so much and even cried a bit.
Daithi and Eoin have been in each other's orbits for centuries and that makes it hard for Daithi to believe Eoin has truly changed. Eoin will do whatever it takes to prove to Daithi he will be a loyal and lasting partner, including tests set by Team Bro. So many laughs mixed in with tender moments showing why Louisa excels with this style of writing. With past characters making appearances to remind you why you love and want to strangle them at the same time I great nostalgic read of past reading. A fun addition to this Elf series set in the CSG universe.
My heart!! This is a sort of established relationship but not really because they've been "dating" casually for a year, they're exclusive, but the label can't be put on their relationship due to both of their pasts getting in the way. Luckily there's no angst, just a little heartbreak but mostly because of what one of the characters went through that's making him doubt the possibility of having a happily ever after without a heartbreak. It was really sweet seeing the love challenges and seeing the characters from other series being front and center. Team Bro never misses an opportunity to be nosy and I love them for it. They're already unofficially together so there's not a first kiss or first time, but that doesn't mean there are no first for them, because there are and it helped them have a stronger foundation for the relationship they both clearly wanted to have. I am really looking forward for the next book!
Nobody does paranormal romcom better than Louisa Master.
This book is the ultimate comfort read, just what I needed to escape for a while. The meddlesome hijinks are on another level, and the author packs in so much fun and energy that I found myself smiling through most of the pages. The trials and antics the one character has to go through to prove his commitment make the entire journey a delightful experience.
What really stoo d out to me was how thoughtfully everything was written. The romance and chemistry between the characters felt so real, and the little moments of insecurity made them both vulnerable and incredibly relatable. It’s the kind of story that makes you root for the couple and believe in their connection, all while handling their issues with sensitivity.
Honestly, I could read about this universe forever and not get bored. Every time I return to it, I find something new to love, and it never loses its charm. If you’re looking for a book that feels like a cozy blanket, this is definitely the one.
All in all, this story is a warm, joyful escape that always leaves me smiling. I can’t recommend it enough to anyone needing a feel-good read.
This is a bit like coming home - we know exactly what we are getting. A cute, sexy and funny lovestory with a bit of drama but not too much, a tremendos cast of loveable side characters, fun and more fun with some sexy times. I love this "world", I loved all books so far. For new readers - despite this being a complete story, this should never be read as standalone. It's part of a whole universe and enjoyed best if you start with the Hidden Species series.
I don’t normally write reviews but I kinda want to vent. My rating is for Eion only, otherwise the rating would be lower.
(Quick note: I own all the audiobooks in this universe and they have been my comfort reads for over a year now—I have read all of them through then instantly go back to the first in the universe and start again literally as soon as I finish. I’ve listened to all of them several times within a week at times. I have literally read them so many times now, I couldn’t even guess how close to 100x or more it is…I’ve had some irl stress going on for a while, and familiar fun HEAs help a lot. That is probably why I want to vent about this one, I suppose.)
I wish I never read this book.
It ruined Daithi for me. His character was flipped from the confident, no-nonsense secondary character we all loved to an insecure, head-in-the-sand guy who wouldn’t even admit he was insecure. His thoughts toward Eion were unfair, considering how long-lived they are as a species. Refusing to believe someone can change their dating habits after 1,000s of years of life is a ridiculous notion, considering everything that threatened their dying realm (gives YOLO a new meaning). In addition to that, Daithi projected a past relationship onto Eion, and denied it for nearly the entire book.
For me, Daithi came across as lowkey cruel. He wasn’t openly or outwardly cruel. But even he himself thinks of himself that way because he goes along with Eion’s idea that he test him to prove he can be boyfriend material. To have so little trust in someone and still claim (only to himself) that he loves Eion makes him a bad partner.
Tbh, at barely 20%, I was literally saying out loud “I don’t think I can read this,” I was getting that mad at Daithi. I was literally getting anxiety over it. I read it anyway. I was hoping that things would change fast enough for that feeling to change. It didn’t.
Unfortunately, I think Eion deserves better. Which is shocking for me to say because I don’t like “former playboy” love interests, and I thought I was going to be in Daithi’s corner. I think what made this different is that we get their relationship 18 months in, and Eion makes no secret of the fact that Daithi’s the only one for him. It’s different than the typical “I changed my playboy ways for you” plots. That said, it felt like Eion did nothing but give and bend over backward to “prove” that he wanted a relationship, while Daithi let Eion essentially embarrass himself in front of their entire office cohort just to be “worthy.”
I skipped any s e x scenes because they felt unearned and I didn’t feel like they made a good couple. The whole thing felt wrong. Even hearing some of their flirting made me uncomfortable due to the situation.
Anyway, I’m going to attempt to bleach this story from my brain because I want to like Daithi again, but it’s probably too late to go back.
The set up for what I assume is the next book also already has me feeling like I might be done with the entire Elf arc. Book 1 already felt “off”, and this book is certainly a “no thank you,” so it’s no surprise that the set up for Felix and Eion’s second-in-command already has its own weird vibe. Dragons are always called the “dramatic” ones, and yet here the elf books are, being high school level emotional plot drama. Probably because there’s no real plot affecting “real world” situations like in the previous series; these ones are only about life drama, not the safety of the community. They don’t have a goal, such as the Demons-in-Law series, either.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was a quick, easy read and okay if you don't think about it too much. I got a little bored in places and did start thinking about it too much, which pretty much revealed the scant characterization of both characters except where Eoin is a misunderstood Mary Sue (can't remember what the male equivalent is) and Daithi is a fairly unlikable character. I also started thinking about how all the characters across the multiple series of this world are white, and why doesn't the community of species have any diversity? That was giving me the ick more than anything. I'm pretty sure Australia has some diversity, so surely the author has heard of it. Even if she hasn't, the US definitely does, and since the books are set here, it's really weird to have everyone be white.
Everyone needs Eoin for a boyfriend… and Dáithí for a best friend! ❤️
Enticing the Elf is the second book in Elf Magic series, and while not necessary, it's best to read them in order. That said, back to the review…
After reading Wooing the Wiccan, I wondered how Eoin and Dáithí’s story would progress and what kind of fun “torment” Louisa would put them through. I’m happy to say that this book hits the sweet spot between comfort read and laugh-out-loud moments. Since Eoin and Dáithí are already in an established “situationship,” this is not a slow burn...just “slow to admit the feelings are already there.” It’s very clear (to everyone!) that they truly care about each other, and the real journey in this book is watching them work through their doubts and letting themselves have something real (Dáithí, I’m looking at you).
As already stated, Eoin should be everyone’s boyfriend, it’s just impossible not to love him. He’s all in, completely smitten and sure about Dáithí, and it warms my heart to see just how hard he’s willing to try to prove himself. While at first I wasn’t happy with Dáithí, his hesitation makes sense once we learn why. He has some really high walls up, but knowing his experience, his fears are real (if not logical). It was lovely watching him realise that they both deserve happiness just as much as Eoin deserves a chance.
And while Eoin and Dáithí are adorable together, this book wouldn’t be half as fun without Team Bro. Their help with the “Summit of Love” (*chuckle*) challenge could have easily turned into a ridiculous mess, but it’s a testament to Louisa’s creativity and writing that it ended up being a fun and really well-thought-out challenge from the most unlikely people in that universe. The support teams are absolute chaos in the best possible way. They are nosy, interfering, hilarious, and also ride-or-die friends. 🥹🩷
All in all, Eoin and Dáithí’s romance feels genuine, and there’s never really a sense of forced drama. The story is full of humour, but there’s also a lot of tenderness and vulnerability. It’s cozy, fun, and uplifting. And I can’t wait for Ari and Felix’s story!
I received a copy of this book from the author, and this is my unbiased review.
"'Get ready to wave your situationship goodbye and say hello to commitment!" What a disturbing promise."
These two 🙄😉...working against one another at almost every turn while the both of them wanted to be continue to be together, desperately. It was hard watching Eoin pine so much for Dáithí and having Dáithí keep pushing him away due to his own insecurities, but disguising/misunderstanding them as Eoin's. Though I will say bringing in Team Bro was a hilarious way to bring back some previous Community characters, and add that certain level of chaos that just exists with all of them. Alistair... enough said, although there is some room in there for Andrew.
Dáithí & Eoin loved each other fully the entire length of this book, but it looked as though they had never admitted it to one another until after they addressed the pertinent issues in their ongoing relationship. They had so many wonderful moments together, and it was kind of like watching Dáithí fall in love with Eoin anew and observing all of his incredible qualities with a fresh perspective. And Eoin's persistence to prove to Dáithí that he was in it for the long haul was beautiful to see as well. He approached each of his known challenges with an open mind and a good imagination. And he completely smashed (in the good way) the challenges that were a total mystery to him, because he was showing his love for Dáithí through his full participation in their lives with the utmost care. He never questioned if those moments were part of his tasks because he would have done all of it anyway. Their relationship may not have truly needed the challenges to prevail, but they did bring Dáithí & Eoin much closer together while exploring the tasks and truly understanding their loving feelings for one another.
Enticing the Elf was a fantastic and entertaining read, as are all books Louisa puts together for characters in her Community. I love that we're getting the chance to explore more of the elves' lives now, since we had a whole series for the dragons before. The cameos and continued participation from past MCs are high entertainment and a welcome sight. Dáithí & Eoin were another perfect couple you were rooting for even while knowing the book has an HEA.
I received an authorized copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
I have no idea how Dáithí had the willpower to wait as long as he did to commit to Eoin because based on this book I would have locked that elf down well before it happened. It was obvious to every single person with eyes that Eoin was gone for Dáithí. Hell, I think even Dáithí knew the truth, but he was determined to pretend he didn't for reasons known only to him at the time.
Meeting Dáithí in book 1 was definitely a highlight and made me excited for his story. I do have to be honest here though and tell you that I spent much of this book alternating between loving him and being angry with him. Loving him because his personality is just so fun. All that SASS!! The squirt bottles! Just hilarious to me. But I was angry at him for making Eoin even feel the need to prove his commitment. Maybe it's because I am human with a human life-span, but I feel like 18 months of monogamy where they basically spend every day together is pretty solid evidence their relationship can work.
Of course everyone, including both the King and the Wing Leader, have to stick their noses into the situation. It turns out, deciding on a way to prove your worthiness as a long term partner isn't as easy as one thinks. And nothing made me smile bigger than when the hired "experts" arrived to detail their plans to Dáithí. I think he knew he was cooked as soon as he realized who took on the job to help.
I was happy when we finally learned the background reasons for Dáithí's hesitance. Him acknowledging it out in the open was a good first step in working on letting the past go. It also led to him doing some soul searching of his own and realizing how unfair it was to Eoin to make it seem like he didn't know his own desires. Thankfully, with a bit of help from some old favorites, these two finally turned their situationship into the wonderful relationship they were meant to have.
Enticing the Elf is the second book of Louisa Master's Elf Magic series. More importantly, this is part of Louisa's wider Hidden Species universe. You probably could read this as a standalone - I read another book in one of the connected series with zero background and loved it, which is how I got into the rest of the literary universe.
I'm not sure whether to call this story a friends to lover, or if acquaintances to lovers is the most fitting description for this romance, but this is what we get. Dáithí is a sassy elf that has popped up from time to time in the Hidden Species, Here Be Dragons and now in Elf's Magic series. He may have unconventional ways, but he knows how to hold back the chaos at the Dragon Elf Alliance (DEA) headquarters and is a receptionist that puts fear in the most fierce of beings. Eoin is an elf warrior, and when he and the other elves and dragons faced losing their world and their life before being saved and brought to the earth realm, he lived his life to the fullest. He was passionate about his job and he was essentially a serial monogamist. Now that he and his species are safe and they can plan for a fulfilling future, the one man that he wants and is falling for won't give him the time of days because of his past reputation.
Eoin and Dáithí have been dancing around each other for years now, but Eoin is ready to prove himself. It just so happens that some of their friends - including dragons, hellhounds, vampires and elves - get involved, because like the wonderfully meddlesome beings they are, the other members of the DEA and CSG want nothing more than to bring Eoin and Dáithí together.
For fans of the Hidden Species universe, Louisa satisfies us with plenty of cameos, especially from the bros Alastair (arguably the most important), Andrew, Noah and Caolan, along with other members of the dragon and elf alliance. As always, I am always eager for the next story!
It's hilarious, sweet and just a pure joy to read.
I have adored the sassy Dáithí as a side character in other books in this series and the related series - so glad to see him and Eoin finally get their story! This feels like a much more low key/low stakes/low angst book than most of the others in this multi-series world of Louisa Masters'. The focus is entirely on the relationship between these two elves, without any focus on external happenings. I was obviously Team Success from the get-go. :)
I positively ACHED for poor Eoin, desperate to turn his "situationship" with Dáithí into a real relationship, but battling both his own personal dating history (or lack thereof, lol) as well as Dáithí's personal baggage. The chemistry between them is SO sweet and Eoin is just... perfect. The amount of swoon in the repeated examples of great communication, treating your partner with care and respect, patience and love... *dreamy sigh* Can't we all just have an Eoin please?
This is the second book in the Elf Magic series, and while it could be read as a standalone there is a LOT of participation from the cast of Elf Magic book one (Wooing the Wiccan) as well as the usual cast of rascals from Louisa Masters' other series this one is related to (Hidden Species and Here Be Dragons). You're probably best off just reading these series in published order (Hidden Species then Here Be Dragons first. Then you could probably skip Demons-In-Law before reading Elf Magic, but it's also a great spin-off series and you're not going to want to miss it!)
I really enjoyed this read. I was a little afraid at first with the premise as I thought I would be annoyed with Daithi and just want him to get over it already but Louise did a good job with the reasons for him being scared to commit and the whole Summit of Love and Team Bro involvement was just so fun. We got such a great ensemble cast of characters with this one and I think that’s one of the reasons I enjoyed it so much.
Eoin was great and so patient. He was set on Daithi and was prepared to do anything to prove his love, loyalty and commitment. I love a tenacious character and Eoin delivered in spades. It would have been so easy to take the hurt/rejected road Daithi provided but he didn’t. He provided a solution to help Daithi see he could be trusted with his heart.
Daithi was a hoot of a receptionist. He runs that front desk with an iron fist and I loved his squirt bottle approach for unruly guests, lol! He also had great character development. He knows what he’s asking of Eoin isn’t sitting right and as time goes on, with the help of an unlikely ally, he really does the work to analyze himself and his feelings and opens up to Eoin on the root of his fears.
I really enjoyed their journey to their HEA and I can’t wait for the fireworks I know are going to be popping off in Ari and Felix’s story!
For many years things were dire for the elves and dragons, and Eoin never expected to live to see a better future therefore he lived everyday to the fullest, with lots and lots of people, but the impossible happened and they were given a new home - a second chance. However now his past is what is keeping his future from happening as his reputation as a ‘player’ means Dáithí, the one he wants to be with for the rest of his life, refuses to see him as anything more than a good time for a short time. In a desperate attempt to stop him from ending their relationship - even if Dáithí refuses to call it that - he offers to prove to him he really wants to, and can, commit to him. With the help of the bros (did anyone else really miss them as much as me??) and Eoin’s team plans are made and like everything in this world it is a lot of fun with people who refuse to not put their two cents in and make it into a much bigger thing than it began. I really loved how it starts with it appearing that Eoin is a hounddog, and Dáithí is rightfully wary but as the story progresses it becomes clear that Dáithí is the victim of past trauma impacting the present, and that Eoin is actually a really amazing partner. There are cute bunnies, sexy times, dates that are honestly masterfully planned and pulled off, and two characters who grow together and learn that love is worth the risk but with the right person there is very little to worry about.
Enticing the Elf was a romantic joyride, a comedic urban fantasy journey of love.
Rating: 4.5🌈
The second book in Masters’ Elf Magic series, Enticing the Elf was a romantic joyride, a comedic urban fantasy journey of love. That’s a phrase I’m sure those bros would appreciate!
This is Dáithí and Eoin’s story, characters we’ve grown to love and appreciate throughout this series and stories from the Hidden Species universe. It’s a couple that have been seeing each other, so no insta-love but realistic obstacles and struggles that they face that are keeping them from a committed relationship.
Immediately I like the story better than the first. The groundwork is there, the characters are well defined, and Masters’ plot hilariously allows for many of our favorite characters to shine in supporting roles to bring Dáithí and Eoin to their HEA.
It’s got comedy, romance, realistic relationship discussions and heartwarming moments. And bunnies!
Plus we get a setup for the next book and couple to watch for.
Dáithí and Eoin turn out to be #relationshipgoals. What a happy ending and fabulous story.
Highly recommended.
Cover Photo: Wander Aguiar Model: Ryan Cover Design: Booksmith Design
What an absolute pleasure to be back in this fantastic world with elves Dáithi and Eoin. Dáithi and Eoin, who have been introduced in previous books, are in a relationship that’s best described as a “situationship” as Dáithi doesn’t feel that Eion can fully commit to a romantic relationship. Even Eion admits he was known for a good time not a long time prior to being with Dáithi but desperately wants a true committed relationship with the elf he loves. This is where Team Bro comes into the picture! Yes - Team Bro is back in all its glory with all the skills to assist Eoin in his quest for Dáithi. It’s also worth noting that King Raôulfr and Brandt also take a major interest in the quest also. I love how earnest Eion is in showing Dáithi in all manner of ways how his commitment to their relationship is solid and real whilst Dáithi can acknowledge that he does carry some trauma from his past which has an effect still. This very enjoyable and entertaining read contains plenty of steam balanced with sweet, Dáithi in all his snarky, sassy gossiping glory balanced with his sensitive side, the spray bottle appearances and of course a heartwarming HEA which still makes me smile.
Eoin and Daithi's romance was an utter delight to experience. The whole concept of The Summit of Love designed to prove to Daithi that Eoin was ready to commit to a relationship was gold, and I had so much fun seeing the events unfold. Eoin was so head over heels for Daithi that I never doubted he would give his all to the elf, and it was especially sweet seeing how he won Daithi over and soothed all his concerns. From planning dates to acts of service to doting on Elsking, Eoin went in with the confidence of a winner and swept every task. Along the way, Daithi had to work through his fear of being left with a broken heart, and I was happy to see him talk it out with friends and realize he was projecting his past unfairly onto Eoin. With each day that passed, I only grew more certain that these two were ready to take the leap into love together. I was so engaged in the storytelling that I soared through the chapters of the book until the grand finale, Summit of Love review session, and sweet love declarations. Can't wait to see where this series is headed next!
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
Enticing The Elf by Louisa Masters is the second book in the Elf Magic series and I loved loved loved seeing these two come together and overcome everything to trust in themselves and in another! So good!
Daithi is chief snark giver, loyal to a fault, extremely protective of his heart, and can't help but be drawn to Eoin, even as he fights it. Their magnetic pull and connection to one another ripples across the pages.
Eoin is so ready to give everything and more to the one person he can't get off his mind, and doesn't want off his mind, and yet his past and some of his actions, though at times completely out of his control, have made things seem one way, even if he desperately wishes them to be another way.
Loved seeing so many familiar faces, all doing what they do best, which is sticking their noses in other people's business and trying to help, which isn't always as successful as they think it'll be! Definitely kept me chuckling, kept me smiling, and kept me rooting for everyone to get their just desserts and HEAs!
P. S. So flipping excited for Ari and Felix to have their story!!!!!!!!!!
Dáithí and Eoin. This is a romance that’s about letting go and just accepting you can’t control the future. This is done with Eoin telling Dáithí to test him and he did with the heap of Team Bro. I liked that everyone questioned this hard. I liked that they all wanted it to stop even Dáithí, but Eoin is a stubborn arse and wouldn’t let him. I like how we got to see how they suited each other so well, because they’d been together for a while at this point and so we got to see what the romance looked like.
The problem for me, no matter all the good points I just couldn’t get behind the story, I thought I’d be able to, but it was really hard for me to finish this book, and though I somewhat enjoyed the parts the overall idea of plot of the story held me back. Maybe I should have skipped this one, but honestly, I couldn’t get myself to no read it.
Troupes: Work Colleges Situationship to Partners Team Bro Shenanigans Love Competition Stubborn MCs Interfering Friends
This is the second in the Elf Magic series, it's set in the same world as some of the other series so there are a lot of recurring characters. This is finally Eoin and Dáithí's story. While the two have been together for around a year at the point their story starts, it's not a relationship (at least in Dáthí's mind). Eoin wants more than a 'situationship' and Dáthí is reluctant due to Eoin's loooong history of - shall we say - not settling down and playing the field. Dáthí himself has been burned in the past and is more than a little wary of being hurt again. Enter Team Bro and the Summit of Love. AKA Eoin's idea to pass some tests to show Dáithí that he's changed and is relationship material.
There is the usual Team Bro shenanigans which never fail to be hilarious, and of course Brandt and the King get involved too, adding to the general chaos. What follows is actually just the sweetest romance of Dáithí realising nobody knows him quite as well as Eoin does, and gradually coming to trust that, and come round to the idea of happy ever after with Eoin. The dates are romantic as heck, and I'm here for it all, this is just what I wanted for Dáithí and I'm so happy he got it.
I love this world and the characters in it, and can't wait for more. I loved this story and look forward to the next, greatly. (Felix please!)
It's always a great pleasure coming back to the world of the Hidden Species books and this one was no different! Since way before, I have been especially intrigued with the snarky receptionist Dáithí and am happy that he and Eoin got their story. Dáithí thinks he is very self-reflected and open, while also not being able to realise he has some trauma to carry and which is heavily impacting their relationship. This leads to him constantly pushing Eoin away and not taking his feeling serious. To convice Dáithí to not break up and give him a chance, Eoin convinces him it is a good idea to do a challenge. This involves the Bros and many other known and loved characters and it was great to meet them all again! I really enjoyed the challenges and Eoin's attitude throughout it all. The two of them are meant to be together, fit well and were just too sweet sometimes. :D I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to book #3!
I received a an ARC from the author, but this is my honest opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
4.5/5 I’ve been anxious for Dáithí and Eoin’s story since the last book, and this didn’t disappoint. I found myself a bit upset at the beginning with Dáithí, and very uncomfortable the way he was essentially telling Eoin how he felt/would feel, but it wasn’t far into the book before it became apparent to me (and almost everyone else) that this was actually about *Dáithí*, and “testing Eoin” was how he needed to frame it in his head. It was so clear the feelings were there on both sides, but fear was holding Dáithí back.
I really liked the two of them together, and I enjoyed and Eoin’s determination to show how good they could be together. He was so thoughtful and caring, and he knew Dáithí really well. Team Bro was silly and mostly helpful (and I loved the love of presentations, lol). Elsking and Butterscotch were adorable, and the tasks were entertaining.
Really looking forward to Ari and Felix’s book!!
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
This is the second book in this series but I always love any story that takes me back into the Hidden Species world too because who doesn't want to see snippets of some of their favourite characters (perhaps even a certain hellhound bringing plenty of laughter and meddling). Eoin and Dáithí’s relationship doesn't start from scratch since they are already 'seeing' each other from the start but I enjoyed how the affection and, ultimately, trust in each other developed throughout the story. There were moments of angst and reflection and there were times when I was frustrated with both of them even when I knew the reasons behind their actions but more often than not it was the humour and hilarity of some of the conversations and actions that stuck with me. It's entertaining, sweet in all the right places and I'm glad they got their HEA together. I'm looking forward to more in the series.
I love the author’s community stories, and this latest book which was a lot of fun, especially once Team Bro and others get involved. The banter is wonderful, and I liked catching up with characters from previous books.
I loved the Elf perspective on this world, especially as they, and the dragons, are more recent arrivals. Dáithí’s hesitation about their relationship makes a lot of sense considering his history. I loved how far Eoin went to in The Summit of Love to prove his love, and the resolution to that part of the plot.
It’s always fun when Alistair and his friends get involved, and I loved that both the elf and dragon leaders joined in too. The tasks were sweet, and wonderfully romantic. I loved the inclusion of Elsking and the friendship between Dáithí and Jared.
I liked the set up for the next book. I’m looking forward to reading Ari’s story and learning more about him and Felix.