Accidental Magic

by Mika Nix

Gargoyles are immune to Mage Magic, so why can I feel Rune in my veins?

Ever since the snarky mage kidnapped one of my fellow mercenaries, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about him. It’s like he’s under my skin somehow… or rather, under my stone.

Why did I have a dream about him being abducted if I’m not meant to save him? The problem is, the list of Rune’s enemies is a mile long, and no one else is all that broken up about his life being in danger.

I’m going to rescue him one way or another, even if it means getting myself caught in the process, even if he doesn’t really want to be saved, even if it’s the stupidest idea I’ve ever had.

The more I get to know him, the more I’m starting to think his sarcasm and bite is just a cover for the truth… he doesn’t trust anyone, and he has good reason not to.

As far as I know, gargoyles don’t have fated mates, and neither do mages, but the pull between us is undeniable. Maybe it has something to do with his magic or maybe fate has plans for us after all… but we need to find a way out of this prison before we can start to think about Happily Ever Afters…

Genres: M M Romance

228 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 6, 2026

About the author

Mika Nix is the combined paranormal alter egos of USA Today Bestselling authors of MM romance, K.M. Neuhold and Mia Monroe.

As Mika, this dynamic duo plans to light fire to your kindle with their upcoming series, Drake Security, featuring swoony brooding dragon shifter brothers as they discover their fated mates. It’s a guaranteed thrill ride.

In their spare time, they…oh let’s be honest. They’re always writing. Follow along to stay connected to their shenanigans.

Reviews

[Tammy Moldovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prickly perfect love

I loved this fated mates, mage-shifter, forced proximity romance. This well written story was delicious perfection and so good that I read it in one sitting. It included engaging dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and a captivating storyline with sweet moments, spicy spice, real life issues, imperfect characters, painful pasts, dangerous situations, evil actors, laughs, messy families, fate, supernatural creatures, and all the swoony love. Rune is a powerful human mage from a well-known bloodline but keeps to himself and has a few personal connections. Atlas is a gargoyle who is contracted as a mercenary to the demon Auri. Atlas, like all gargoyles, is driven to protect and defend. Rune and Atlas met in the previous book. Unfortunately, when Rune is kidnapped, he realizes his lack of connections means no one will be looking for him. But Atlas has felt connected to Rune since they met and knows that he’s in danger. When Atlas realizes Rune’s in trouble, there is nothing that will stop him from finding and rescuing him even if it means he’s trapped with Rune. To get to their HEA and escape from the magical prison, they’ll need to do some baggage unpacking, truth telling and take a leap of faith. Despite their differences these two are perfect for each other and their story made my heart so happy. I’m excited to read Roman’s story next. 4.5 stars.

[Sheena · Rating 4 out of 5]

- fated mates
- series
- forced proximity
- paranormal

This is the second in the Damned Mercenaries series, it's best read with first book but can be enjoyed as a standalone. I haven't seen many Gargoyles in paranormal romances, but the ones I have read, I've enjoyed. There is no preamble to this story, we are straight in with the action right from the start. I wasn't sure I liked Rune at first but I did come round to him once I found out his story. Atlas I did like from the start even if he did seem a little naive at times. I do love a good fated mates story and these two were a good match even if they didn't know each other all that well.

I liked the quiet moments with the two when they're together but I did feel that the bond was a bit out of the blue, especially when Rune never even wanted anything more than a one night stand and didn't even like Atlas before they were thrown together. It almost felt like he was using Atlas a little and I'm glad it didn't turn out that way because Atlas is super sweet and deserves everything good.

All in all I enjoyed the story, I liked being back in this world and really do look forward to more stories with this crew.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a pairing Atlas and Rune make. Atlas is such a sweet gargoyle and is the perfect match for the prickly, snarky and very powerful mage Rune who happens to find himself in a precarious situation. Atlas feels the slightest of connections to Rune after a previous encounter and after seeking help from other supernaturals to assist in locating him, finds himself alongside Rune and unable to escape. It takes a lot of magic, ingenuity and help from many others before Rune and Atlas find themselves enjoying freedom again. If they just so happened to discover they were fated mates along the way - bonus! There’s steam mixed with sweet, some drama and action and a well deserved HEA for these two wonderful characters. Of course the characters from the first book aren’t left out and we get a sneak peek as to who gets their story told next. This is a very relaxing and enjoyable read that entertained from start to finish.

[Molly Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun and unique take on the forced proximity trope. Atlas is a protective gargoyle who protects all those in his orbit including the snarky mage they encounter before Rune. Rune has been on his own since a falling out from a family that didn't deserve him. When Rune finds himself in trouble he realizes their is no one who will miss him, until Atlas comes onto the scene. Appreciated that they didn't connect immediately but they had an undeniable bond that they let build in their own backwards way that worked for them as a couple that let's be honest would not have worked for most couples. What goes from helping to being forced to face realities sets the stage for this fun forced proximity romance. With the help of old enemies and friends these two learn to work together and form a lasting bond. The found family that is the beings under Auris unique style of care. As these books continue it's nice to see more of Auri and I hope in time we will see him to find his match.