An Accidental Faerie Tale: A Max Gilbert and Aiden Avery Love Story

by Kara M. Zone

When the trium perfectum calls, surrender to its magic—or risk being destroyed.

When brooding Max Gilbert meets Aiden Avery, the bright and charming twin brother of his best friend, he never expects to feel the pull of the trium perfectum—a powerful bond that promises connection yet threatens destruction if resisted. For months, Max ignores the bond, determined to keep his distance, but fate has other plans. When their paths cross again, the bond ignites in a

surge of magic that nearly tears Aiden apart, forcing them to confront the undeniable connection between them.

As Max and Aiden cautiously step into a relationship, they find themselves tangled in a web spun by Nicolas, a medical student with a dark fixation on Max.

To rescue Max, Aiden must journey into his mind, braving the storm of his darkest memories. But in facing Max's past, Aiden discovers secrets that could bind them—or break them—forever.

In a world where magic intertwines with desire, can they find their way back to each other before it’s too late?

An Accidental Faerie Tale is an MM romantasy that follows Max Gilbert and Aiden Avery on their journey to connecting their trium perfectum, battling an unfriendly foe, and finding that faerie tales can accidentally happen if your mom hires an unethical fae to keep you away from true love.

Genres: Magic

159 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 20, 2026

About the author

Kara M. Zone crafts tales of magic, mayhem, and mischief.

She is the author of the forthcoming new adult dark fantasy:

Book .05: An Accidental Faerie Tale
Book One: Cinders Burn at Midnight
Book 1.5: Even After...
Book Two: Ashes Fall at Dawn
Book Three: Only Embers Remain

Expanded Editions:
An accidental Faerie Tale
Even After

The Trium Perfectum universe includes 12 full-length novels in the Soverign City series; three novellas (to date); and a standalone Romance Series in Shadows Ridge (date TBD)

Stick around! You're in for a wild ride!

When she is not writing her own books, Kara works as indie publishing and writing consultant.​ Contact her at contact@karamzone.com

Reviews

[Rachel Emily]

I think I’m a bit confused with this book. It is listed as .05 - so this should be a prequel to the main series. However, I felt completely thrown into the story and there was no major world building or foundation for building an overall series. I saw one review said that this is meant to be read after books 1 and 2 - and like? That’s not how a prequel should work? LOL. Then it should be 2.5?

This is a blend of our world set at college, but where people have magic and abilities. When Max first meets Aiden they experience the “trium perfectum” - a type of mate bond where their magic responds to the other. Max is very resistant at first, not wanting to open his heart to inevitable heartbreak.

There are some overdramatic and rushed moments as Max fights the bond and refuses to even speak or be near Aiden - honestly, it’s all very childish? (I think these guys are 19?) I wish that Max’s constant fight against Aiden wasn’t so over the top, and also wish the story had taken more time for them to get to know each other. Max would flip like a switch from wanting Aiden to wanting to walk away. I also have to admit that I had a bit of a hard time keeping the two of them placed in my mind while reading of who was who in their chapter POVs.

Although this is listed as .5, it feels like we should already know these characters and we’re getting to see their origin story but should know what’s going on - and I didn’t? The ending felt very rushed and I know it’s setting things up for the main series, but a prequel I feel like should still feel like a solid story on its own, and this felt lacking for me.

I received a copy for an instagram tour.

[KMart Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars

This is a quick, charming entry point into the series, following Max and Aiden as they get pulled into a fated bond neither of them really asked for. What starts as resistance (on Max’s end, especially) quickly turns into something harder to ignore.

It’s light and very easy to fall into. Watching Max try to dodge the bond at the start was fun. Aiden was easy to love. His personality really balances out Max’s more guarded nature. The romance leans heavily into that fated, instant pull, which I know is a staple of the series. It’s not always my favorite trope, but here it felt a bit softer around the edges. I personally would have liked just a little more time spent on the emotional buildup before everything fully clicks into place. This is why fated bonds don't really work much for me, but I could forgive it. I also don't really enjoy the spice scenes because they went from awkward to intensely knowledgeable, but that's a personal dislike. I prefer spice when it makes sense and adds to the story.

If you’ve read the main series, this adds some nice context, and if you haven’t, it works well as an introduction. For me, it was nice to see the start of their love story since they're my favorites in the main series. All in all, this might actually be my favorite of the series so far. It’s sweet, a little indulgent, and clearly written with a lot of affection for these characters.

Thanks to the author and IRIS influencer society for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.

[Ivana Loustalot · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 ✨ 5/5 🌶️
Thank you Kara, for this advance copy! I loved this story! Aiden and Max were so cute! I loved each POV, how they met, their first interactions, the awkwardness, and the bond between them; everything was really cute and funny to read.. and spicy!! Damn.. 🔥 The pace and the plot were amazing, as were the hidden magic and secret identities! So much intrigue!
After finishing this novella, I was so happy that I had the next two books in the series!

This is what you'll find inside this short story:
🔥MM Romantasy
🔥Hidden Magic
🔥Broody x Teddy Bear
🔥Enemies to Lovers
🔥Fated Bond
🔥Mental Health Representation
🔥Secrets & Lies
🔥Spicy Scenes

[Kaitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first introduction to this series, and it follows two of the MMCs in a side story about how they first met and how their connection started.

One thing that immediately caught my attention was the magic system. It’s really interesting, and even in this shorter story you get a glimpse of the world that made me curious about the larger series. It definitely left me wanting to go back and start the books from the beginning.

Since the story itself is shorter, the relationship between the two MMCs develops pretty quickly. At times it did feel like their emotional connection progressed a little faster than I expected while they were still getting to know each other, though the bond between them helps explain why their connection feels so strong.

Overall, I really enjoyed this as a background story for these two characters. I do think it might have had an even bigger impact if I had already read the first one or two books in the series before picking this up, but even reading it first, it still made me excited to dive into the rest of the series.

[lizface · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much spicier than the first version of this novella 🥵
If you like spice DEFINITELY read the expanded edition.

If you’ve read Cinders Burn at Midnight this novella gives you a more in depth understanding of Max and Aiden’s relationship. Kara knocked it out of the park with the added spicy scenes as well as more of their relationship and conversations.
Max and Aiden meet when Finn wants his best friend to meet his twin brother. Lo and behold the two have a special connection that is very rare, Trium Perfectum. Max is not for fate choosing his future and immediately does not accept the connection. While Aiden has seen the connection himself and longs to have it. The two work through understanding each others views and their deep attraction to each other.

In a modern world with fae, shifters and more this series is one you won’t want to miss.

Thank you Kara for my eARC 🫶🏼
I can’t wait for more of this series.

[GheridenTheBookBard · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐ 4.5 out of 5 stars
🌶️ 2 out of 5

An Accidental Faerie Tale: Expanded Edition is such a fun, quick intro to the Trium Perfectum world. It blends dark fantasy, shifters, fae chaos, and an MM romance. The connection between Max and Aiden isn’t instant. One of them is hesitant and carrying a lot, which made their eventual bond feel earned instead of rushed.

There’s also C-PTSD rep woven into the story, and it felt handled with care without overwhelming everything else. Add in a mother hiring a fae to control and manipulate her son, and you’ve got drama from the start.

It’s short, emotional, a little spicy, and left me genuinely excited to the next book in the series.

[Rina's Crazy World of Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ****

This is a perfect prequel novella to the Trium Perfectum series!

Ever since reading "Cinders Burn at Midnight" I was wondering about Max and Aiden's story and here we have exactly this!

It was a very enjoyable, short read! Thank you so much to Kara M. Zone and IRIS for providing me with an ARC copy!

[Angela Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a spicy, sweet short story. I love this for Aiden and Max. Romance, tension and a little drama mixed in. A perfect little quick read.

[Danielle Stricklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was good! I read it after Cinders Burn at Midnight and Ashes Fall at Dawn. I was so excited to read this one. I was so intrigued by Max and Aiden and could not get enough of them. The plot was so good. Getting the story of them was so sweet. I can't get enough of Kara's books! They are absolutely amazing and I can't wait to get more. I highly recommend this series if you want an amazing romantasy series! I can't wait to read what you do next! Thank you so much @karamzone_writes for the opportunity to be a part of the ARC Team!!!

[Stephanie Skiffington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this prequel novella! I was so excited there was a novella for the backstory of Aiden and Max. There relationship was a little rocky and they had to go through some trials, but they finally got their in the end. A good amount of spice! This really flowed with the rest of the main story. I'm so excited for what Kara writes next!

[Jennifer Markowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of how Max and Aiden met and all the trials and errors that they experienced with navigating their new relationship. I’m not usually a big fan of MM romance books. But this one was well written and so it was a good read. Plus I wanted to know a bit more about Aiden and Max. There is a good amount of spicy scenes in this story. So be prepared for that if you choose to read it. This story fits in nicely with the rest of the series that we’ve seen so far. I’m excited for the next book.

[Melissa Mejia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of receiving this as an e-ARC and voluntarily will be giving my honest review. This was a very good read. Loved Aiden and Max! Love the multiple POVs and the banter was funny! The spice was spicing and this was a fast pace read and great plot with hidden magic and secret identities!! Chefs kiss Kara!!

“An Accidental Faerie Tale is an MM romantasy that follows Max Gilbert and Aiden Avery on their journey to connecting their trium perfectum, battling an unfriendly foe, and finding that faerie tales can accidentally happen if your mom hires an unethical fae to keep you away from true love.”

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second go-around of An Accidental Faerie Tale, and, once again, the novella--extended this time--did not disappoint.

Just like the first time, I flew through it, delighting in the banter between the three main male characters, especially Max and Aiden. Finn provides his usual adorable third party humour and golden retriever vibes, but he isn’t the focus of this love story.

The elements I love about this have remained, but it has also evolved in the expanded version, with additional and finessed details (holy, this version upped the spice game!) of Max and Aiden’s relationship, characters’ individual personalities, and the scent and feel of magic.

[Andrea Richmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun read. It helps give you some understanding to other characters in the Trium Perfectum Series. Max & Aiden's relationship pulls out all the emotions but you just want to keep reading. You won't want to put it down. The intensity between them is amazing.

[Theresse (Tess) Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

♡ “You don’t get it, Dove. Your beau? The lot of you? People don’t want you together. They’re afraid of what will happen to them when you are.” 🔥

🔥♡🔥---ARC Review---♡🔥♡

Going into this novella, I had already met Max and Aiden through Cinders Burn at Midnight and Ashes Fall at Dawn, so I came in with a general sense of who they were in the larger story. Because of that, I do wish I had read this novella before Ashes Fall at Dawn. It adds some extra background to certain events in that book that had left me a little confused at the time. That said, it isn’t essential to read it in a specific order since this portion of Max and Aiden’s story is largely separate from Kaitlin’s main storyline.

🔥 “It’s going to be okay. You’re not alone anymore. I’m not going to leave you.” ♡

What surprised me most was seeing how Max and Aiden’s relationship actually began. Based on the way they appear in the main books, I never would have expected their story to start or unfold quite like this…aside from the inevitable chaos caused by Lilith, who remains consistently frustrating in the way only a well-written antagonist can be. Watching the early dynamics between the characters unfold gave some interesting context to the people we see later in the series.

♡ “True love conquers all.” 🔥

One detail I particularly enjoyed was the parallel between Max and Kaitlin’s reactions to the Trium Perfectum bonds. Even though their motivations and feelings differed, the similarities between their responses was a fun connection to notice. This novella also delivered a surprising amount of spice, more than either of the first two books in the main series. Considering the tone of those books, I wasn’t necessarily expecting that level of heat here, but it definitely made the story memorable.

🔥 “If you so much as mention Aiden again, with any name, I’ll find a way to end you.” ♡

A small element that stood out to me was Finn’s portrayal. Since I had already gotten to know him through the main series as someone deeply devoted and loving toward Kaitlin, seeing him here felt a little different from what I had come to expect. It didn’t impact my overall enjoyment of the novella, but it was noticeable given the context I already had for his character. Nonetheless, this was a fun addition to the series that added extra context to the world and characters while providing a quick return to a story I’ve been enjoying. It helped fill the gap while waiting for book three, Only Ember Remains, which I’m definitely looking forward to later this year.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Spice: 3/5

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tropes:
♡ MM Romance 🔥
🔥 Best Friend’s Brother ♡
♡ Fated Bond 🔥
🔥 Complex Magic ♡

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such as cute little expansion of the world we love!

In Kaitlin's story (aka the main series), we see her learning about her magic, the corruption within her family, and her mother's actions to control her. We learn about how her older brother Max was genuinely her protector when she was young, to being cold towards her, to warming up to her again when she attends university. And now we see how exactly he warmed up.

I loved this insight into his own trium perfectum bond with Aiden and how much he tried to fight it. We also see how much he rejects what his mother represents, so much so that she tries to secretly interfere with his life at university. Now this is a novella so things move VERY fast between Max and Aiden. And while I wish we could've had more build up rather than them going from hate to lust in like 3 days to love 2 days after that, I can see how this bond would push them together that quickly as well, given their underlying powers literally pushing them towards each other. It truly seems like they don't have the option to discuss or talk it out, it's either sever the bond now or seal it. And either choice is permanent.

And I loved getting to see a different side to Aiden! In the main series, he seems very chill and friendly, especially compared to Finn being very uptight around Kaitlin at the beginning. In this prequel, they seem to have switched personalities, and perhaps it's due to the proximity of their trium perfectum bondmate that they get a little more twitchy.

Some favorite quotes:
Her smile widens, and I feel mine grow. I like being her protector.
He's a shifter of the canine variety and has loyalty down to the stereotype: Unwavering, annoying, and slightly growing on me.
"Sexual tension? He hates me." "Sure, lie to the dog."
...part of me knows that walking into Aiden's fire will only lead to a new kind of destruction, I seem to be a glutton for it.

If you love a quick little fantasy with LGBTQ rep, portal magic, shifters & fae, and falling for the brother's best friend, then make sure to read An Accidental Faerie Tale and the rest of the Trium Perfectum series!

I received an advanced review copy from the author. This review contains my honest opinion and is being left voluntarily.

[Aida Rivero · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Accidental Faerie Tale (Expanded Edition)
By Kara M. Zone
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have been a big fan of Kiara M Zone for a while now and when I heard that she was publishing an expanded edition of An Accidental Faerie Tale, my heart was doing summersaults. It still is!! I jumped at the chance to read this book while I wait for the third book in the series to come out.
Honestly, if you love MM fantasy with high stakes and an even higher emotional toll, you need this on your shelf. The tension between Max and Aiden is absolutely top-tier—I’m a sucker for the "brother’s best friend" trope, but Kara M. Zone takes it to a whole new level by throwing in a fated bond that feels both beautiful and terrifying. Watching Max struggle with his stolen memories and fragmented identity broke my heart, and I found myself rooting for him to find his footing in a world that felt like it was constantly shifting beneath him.
What really earned those five stars for me was the world-building. The way the fae lore is woven into the modern setting felt so seamless and gritty, especially with the "stalker vibes" from Nicolas adding that perfect layer of dark obsession. It’s not just a romance; it’s a story about found family and the messy, painful process of healing from trauma. I’ve read a lot of fated-mate stories, but the Trium Perfectum bond feels unique and earned. I’m officially obsessed with this series and can’t wait to continue the next book in the series.

10/10 Would recommend this book to all family and friends.

[Booksbubblesbiceps · Rating 5 out of 5]

•Magical bonds, delicious spice•

Oh, wow, this book is hot. An Accidental Faerie Tale is part of the author’s Trium Perfectum series, giving us the story of Aiden and Max and how they explore their magical and romantic bonds.

The trium perfectum bond is special in this world of magical and non-magical people, and neither male is sure if they should give in to its power. There is a push and pull between them, and when they decide to test out their romantic relationship . . . let’s just say it’s highly satisfying. But do they connect their magical bond?

Aiden’s brother (and Max’s best friend) plays a fun middleman in their relationship, and when Max’s mother causes trouble for him, they all work together against the enemies in their way.

After you finish this book, you will definitely want to read all the released books in the series for the full experience. Fortunately, you can read books 1 and 2 now, and more is on the way!

Thank you to IRIS Influencer Society and Kara M. Zone for the advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Jenna Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨

This was such a unique and emotional take on fated bonds. The concept of the trium perfectum added a really fresh twist to the story, blending magic with a deep, almost consuming connection that kept the tension high throughout.

Max and Aiden’s relationship was definitely the heart of this book. I loved the contrast between Max’s guarded, brooding nature and Aiden’s warmth. It made their dynamic feel intense and meaningful. Watching them struggle against (and eventually lean into) their bond was both frustrating and rewarding.

The darker elements, especially with Nicolas and the dive into Max’s mind, added an extra layer of depth and suspense that I didn’t expect. It made the story feel heavier and more emotional…though at times it did slow the pacing a bit for me.

Overall, this was a compelling and imaginative read with strong emotional stakes and an intriguing magical system. While a few parts dragged slightly, I was still fully invested in the characters and their journey.

[Bookish._.Banter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once upon a time… *cough cough* ahem, wait…this isn’t that kind of story but we do sort of get a “happily ever after”.

Max has a chip on his shoulder. His father abandoned him and his sister. His sister turned into his mother’s obedient pet. And he’s just angry. Now he’s got to deal with some asshole who makes his Trium Perfectum flare up.

Aiden, one half of the Avery twins, has been feeling the pull on his magic. But he can’t get the source to talk to him. Aiden just wants to figure it out. It doesn’t have to be romantic. It can’t, however, be ignored.

Finn, the other Avery twin, wants his best friend to meet his brother. Make a new friend. And stop being so damned broody. What he doesn’t know is that they already kind of know each other.

And when the pressure builds up - it makes things very interesting!!

Kara has turned up the spice level in this expansion of AAFT. Boy meets boy. Boy almost kills boy. Boy falls madly in love. (Cliff notes version).

[ReviewsByNic · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Accidental Faerie Tale: Expanded Edition by Kara M. Zone
4.5 out of 5 stars
ARC

Thank you, Kara and IRIS, for this early copy. All parts of this review are of my honest opinion 💚

An Accidental Faerie Tale: Expanded Edition is a .5 Novella to the Trium Perfectum series and is quite spicy 🥵

Having already read book one, I couldn’t help but wonder what story Aiden and Max have and how they came to be. This novella answers just that and it did not disappoint. I loved how the two became a couple and how it leads up to book one so well.

Both of these characters give so much insight into the world and themselves for us to store away for the other books. I'm so glad I was able to get to know them more and I am so excited to finish book 2! 🧡

If you like:
💏 MM Romantasy
🧸 Broody x Teddy Bear
💫 Fated Bonds
🥵 Spicy Scenes
🧠 Mental Health Representation

Then check out the series!

[Bevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

CW: referenced/implied child abuse, spice

Thank you to the author and IRIS Influence Society for the ARC! “An Accidental Faerie Tale” is available now.

Stuck it out, but could have gone either way.

Max wants nothing to do with the Trium Perfectum, a magical bond forcing him towards Aiden. Aiden was open to it, but one look at Max’s attitude has him reevaluating everything he expected from a bond.

I have to admit, I got to about 20% and really considered DNF’ing this one. I ended up finishing the book, and it was fine, but it just didn’t do a lot for me. This is a prequel novella that was expanded into the current size as a companion novel to the main body of the series (I did not read the original short story version). I will say that the suggested reading order lists this third, and I did not do that since it was releasing earlier than the other two books I’m slated to read for this review tour.

While I do acknowledge that suggested reading order has a lot of sway over how strongly a story may impact you (especially for a companion prequel like this one), I also feel that a book that contains its own story should be able to stand on its own. On its own, this book didn’t do that.

The pacing is rushed, the romance never gets a chance to establish itself (nor does it fall well into the insta-love category), and there’s an added antagonist/conflict that just doesn’t match up with the rest of the vibes. It felt out of place. There’s little to no explanation for the magical pull these two feel, and outside of that random conflict I mentioned (which didn’t have a particularly satisfying resolution), nothing really happened. The spice was solid, but that’s the only thing this story had going for it. It absolutely cannot stand on its own without the larger series propping it up, and that doesn’t work for me. Probably should have DNF’d and come back after reading at least book 1.

[Patience · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️ 3.75 Stars | A whimsical romance with heat and heart ✨🧚🏽‍♀️

An Accidental Faerie Tale by Kara M. Zone was such an enjoyable read. The writing flowed effortlessly, pulling me into the fae world while still grounding the emotional connections between the characters.

What really stood out to me was the development of Max and Aiden’s relationship. Their dynamic felt more layered and intentional, with clearer context that made their connection hit deeper. It wasn’t just romance—it felt earned.

And let’s talk about the MM romance 👀🔥—the spice was perfectly balanced. It added to the story without overpowering it, giving just the right amount of tension and payoff.

Overall, this was a well-written, immersive story that blends fantasy and romance in a way that keeps you engaged while still delivering those swoon-worthy moments.

If you like:
✨ Fae worlds
💫 Emotional character development
🔥 Well-done MM romance with just the right spice

This one is definitely worth the read.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicely done introduction to this captivating series. This quick read introduces readers to Finn, Aiden and Max, three characters of great importance in the series. I laughed several times at the antics between Aiden and Max. There was definately a love/hate thing going there for a bit. The familial backgrounds and upbringing between them are starkly different and those dynamics are deeply woven into the plot moving forward. It was nice to take a step back and get to know the boys before Max's sister, Kaitlin, entered rhe equation.
This story works perfectly as a prequel to the Truim Perfectum trilogy. It also works as a short standalone, though there will inevitably be some unfinished loose ends. Either way, I whole heartedly recommend reading it. I was gifted a copy and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all📚

[Dynisha Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are new to the world of the Trium Perfectum then Max and Aiden's story is the perfect introduction. The expanded edition does a great job of setting the stage with not only the characters that you meet, but setting you up to meet the rest of them as well. You also get a good amount of snippets of the past - which will be important when you get to book 1! You also get right into the action which is important in something short!

I do really enjoy the ways that the character's powers are interwoven into the narrative both as if its totally normal and so that it doesn't have to take you completely out of the story. Finn (because I read the first book before this and I know its not his book) is still my favorite.

Definitely would recommend reading before you get into Cinders Burn at Midnight BUT its not mandatory!

[Angiewagg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing story. Trium Perfectum is one of my favorite series. Max and Kaitlin were so close when they were young. What happened when they got older? You will need to continue this series to find out.
Max and Aiden did not want the Trium Perfectum bond. The more they fight it, the more they can not deny it. Aiden and Finn's parent's are there to help guide them through it all. But will the past allow them to stay together, or will it destroy them? Can they find their way back to each other?
When the trium perfectum calls, surrender to its magic—or risk being destroyed.
LOVED the sneak peek of Only Embers Remain - counting the days to the release.
I received an advance review copy at no cost and am leaving this review voluntarily.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Bari Mariani · Rating 4 out of 5]

MM romance
Shifters
Elemental magic
Fated mates
Hidden realms

This is a prequel novella to Cinders Burn at Midnight and it is Aiden and Max’s story!

I read book 1 first so it was interesting to get their backstory!

This was my first MM romance and it was nicely done! For such a short book ,there was so much tension between these two as they tried to navigate the Trium Perfectum bond between them. And let me tell you.. when that tension burst… it was electric.

As with book 1 I really like way Kara describes magic in the book. Using the senses makes it come to life as you’re reading it!

And we can’t forget our villian Lilith. She even has a villiany name. She is the absolute worst! I hope by the end of the series she gets what’s coming for her!

[Angel Tartaglia · Rating 5 out of 5]

OG Verison:

It was an easy 4 🌟 read for me. It does explain some lore about magic, which I took notes for the future reads of the series.

New expanded Version:

It is nice 5 ⭐️ read
What changed?
58 pages was added.

Max and Aiden’s relationship is now more detailed in this expanded version (even the spice). In addition, little details about scents and the world was elaborated upon. It was very enjoyable to see how an already great world was further flesh out. I am thriving for the increase of banter and teasing between them.

Overall, I am so happy for Max and Aiden getting there happily ever after. 🫰

Finn is still a silly but interesting lad.

😝 I am a sucker for great character personalities and world building.

[Michaela K · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review - 3.5 Stars

This was a quick magical novella that introduces the world of the series. While I had a few moments of confusion with the POV shifts and the backstory, the story itself was still cute and enjoyable.

The story jumps right into the trium perfectum (a fated mates concept) without much explanation. It wasn’t hard to follow, but I did wonder if reading the first book beforehand might have helped with some of the context.

I occasionally found myself unsure whose POV I was reading due to the frequent back-and-forth dialogue.

That said, the story includes annoyance to lovers, tension, magic, some spice, and a hidden enemy twist that surprised me.

I’m curious to see how the story develops and look forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Candace's_Book_Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew, KMZ, this is the story I did NOT know i needed! Getting the in depth backstory between Aiden and Max was everything. There was so much tension you could cut it with a knife! This was that slow-burn tension that will have you screaming at the pages to just get it on with! It takes a bit, but when they do... boy does it pop off! And omg it is hot! If you don't like mm slow-burn, light Enemies-to-lovers, (ummm..why?) then this won't be for you.

I love the little Easter eggs that are scattered throughout this book. The gentle hints at what is to come in their future. Meeting the characters on another level and hearing their entire story from beginning to end.

I feel like I'm rambling, but it truly was a cute. hot, quick read.