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Ashcroft: MM paranormal romance, snarky humor, warlock and familiar
Reversed the bond, witch and familiar trade places in the dark.
Kai Ashcroft is a necromancer cosplayer with crippling stage fright, latex armor that's seen better days, and absolutely zero interest in actual magic. He performs at conventions, not summoning circles. He scripts his panels down to the last joke because control is the only thing standing between him and a full-blown panic attack.
Until Onyx crashes through a tear in the Abyss mid-demonstration at the GraveCon. Five-foot-three of black wings, fang-tipped smirk, and old-world arrogance. The ancient vampire bat lands directly in Kai's lap and bonds to his soul before either of them can process what's happening. The bond is permanent. Non-negotiable. Soul-deep in ways Kai's untrained death magic can barely comprehend.
And apparently prone to catastrophic body-swapping when death magic gets involved. Now Kai's navigating life with wings and a vampire bat's predatory instincts. While Onyx gleefully explores his warlock’s body (respectfully... mostly) and takes over his cosplay gigs with the kind of devastating confidence Kai's spent his entire life faking.
To break the swap, they'll need to perform a syncing ritual that requires trust, intimacy, and surrender. Three things Kai has built his entire identity around avoiding, but the city’s undercrypts are stirring with the ghosts. The prophecy carving itself in bone claims their union might be the key to something far darker than either of them imagined.
The Gates of the Abyss are stirring. The veil thins, and Kai will have to
Stay hidden behind his cosplay armor and scripted performances, safe but alone, or trust the ancient vampire bat familiar who's seen every piece of him. The chaotic magic beneath. The messy, vulnerable, terrified parts he's never let anyone close enough to witness.
Because if they can't sync their magic by moonrise, the bond will choose for them.
And neither of them may survive what it decides.
Kai Ashcroft is a necromancer cosplayer with crippling stage fright, latex armor that's seen better days, and absolutely zero interest in actual magic. He performs at conventions, not summoning circles. He scripts his panels down to the last joke because control is the only thing standing between him and a full-blown panic attack.
Until Onyx crashes through a tear in the Abyss mid-demonstration at the GraveCon. Five-foot-three of black wings, fang-tipped smirk, and old-world arrogance. The ancient vampire bat lands directly in Kai's lap and bonds to his soul before either of them can process what's happening. The bond is permanent. Non-negotiable. Soul-deep in ways Kai's untrained death magic can barely comprehend.
And apparently prone to catastrophic body-swapping when death magic gets involved. Now Kai's navigating life with wings and a vampire bat's predatory instincts. While Onyx gleefully explores his warlock’s body (respectfully... mostly) and takes over his cosplay gigs with the kind of devastating confidence Kai's spent his entire life faking.
To break the swap, they'll need to perform a syncing ritual that requires trust, intimacy, and surrender. Three things Kai has built his entire identity around avoiding, but the city’s undercrypts are stirring with the ghosts. The prophecy carving itself in bone claims their union might be the key to something far darker than either of them imagined.
The Gates of the Abyss are stirring. The veil thins, and Kai will have to
Stay hidden behind his cosplay armor and scripted performances, safe but alone, or trust the ancient vampire bat familiar who's seen every piece of him. The chaotic magic beneath. The messy, vulnerable, terrified parts he's never let anyone close enough to witness.
Because if they can't sync their magic by moonrise, the bond will choose for them.
And neither of them may survive what it decides.
193 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2026
About the author
Jennifer Carter
95 books59 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 31, 2026
Ashcroft is the fourth installment in Jennifer Carter’s Mystic’s Familiars series, and it stands out as the most compelling entry in the series to date.
As the author notes, these are interconnected standalones that are best enjoyed in order, and the way the overarching prophecy unfolds in this volume is brilliant.
The story follows the bond between the warlock Kai Ashcroft and his familiar, Onyx—who happens to be a vampire bat. The dynamic between them is incredibly engaging, but the true highlight of this installment is the skillful execution of the body-swap trope.
Having the familiar inhabit the warlock and vice versa forced a level of raw honesty and vulnerability that felt earned. Through these quiet, intimate moments, we gain profound insight into Kai’s inner world, finally understanding the reasons behind his tendency to retreat into a calculated, diminished version of himself following his accident.
I have always been drawn to these types of characters, and the use of magic is always interesting to play with. Integrating shadow magic only enhances the depth of the world, providing a perfect complement to Kai’s multifaceted personality.
I particularly enjoyed the contrast between his outward-facing stage persona and his quiet, internal desire to fade into the background. It is a slow-burn romance, but the payoff is well worth the wait.
Watching Kai go from being a rigid planner to bonding with Onyx—completely outside of his comfort zone—was incredibly satisfying. Carter’s world-building continues to impress me, and the way the prophecy unfolds in this installment keeps the stakes high.
From the magic and the cosplay aspect to the deep emotional growth of the leads, Ashcroft hits all the right notes. It is a spectacular addition to the series, and the epilogue does a fantastic job of setting the stage for Zane’s story.
I highly recommend Ashcroft and the entire Mystic’s Familiars series to anyone who loves MM romance that blends high-stakes magic with deep, character-driven bonds.
As the author notes, these are interconnected standalones that are best enjoyed in order, and the way the overarching prophecy unfolds in this volume is brilliant.
The story follows the bond between the warlock Kai Ashcroft and his familiar, Onyx—who happens to be a vampire bat. The dynamic between them is incredibly engaging, but the true highlight of this installment is the skillful execution of the body-swap trope.
Having the familiar inhabit the warlock and vice versa forced a level of raw honesty and vulnerability that felt earned. Through these quiet, intimate moments, we gain profound insight into Kai’s inner world, finally understanding the reasons behind his tendency to retreat into a calculated, diminished version of himself following his accident.
I have always been drawn to these types of characters, and the use of magic is always interesting to play with. Integrating shadow magic only enhances the depth of the world, providing a perfect complement to Kai’s multifaceted personality.
I particularly enjoyed the contrast between his outward-facing stage persona and his quiet, internal desire to fade into the background. It is a slow-burn romance, but the payoff is well worth the wait.
Watching Kai go from being a rigid planner to bonding with Onyx—completely outside of his comfort zone—was incredibly satisfying. Carter’s world-building continues to impress me, and the way the prophecy unfolds in this installment keeps the stakes high.
From the magic and the cosplay aspect to the deep emotional growth of the leads, Ashcroft hits all the right notes. It is a spectacular addition to the series, and the epilogue does a fantastic job of setting the stage for Zane’s story.
I highly recommend Ashcroft and the entire Mystic’s Familiars series to anyone who loves MM romance that blends high-stakes magic with deep, character-driven bonds.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’d rate this a 3.5 but round up to a 4 due to how I read this which is not the author’s fault at all. I had decided to go into this without reading the previous Mystic Familiars books just to see how well I could follow along. There will definitely be some confusion without reading the rest but you get the main gist of the story. I will definitely be reading them all after this. It was still a fun book, cheeky banter, and a whole ride. Loved the switching.
I did at points feel the chemistry was missing some depth because we are mostly told the situation, told their feelings, not shown their feelings and less of their actions. Many times, the mains cut each other off so we don’t get a whole point across but I understand that is supposed to be due to their bond. They’re in each others heads, feelings. But I feel the audience gets less of the whole bonding and relationship because of that, we don’t get to see the actual depth (except during the ceremony, that was described really well). A lot of sentences, phrases and ideas were repeated but that may be due to how they communicate through their bond. They mostly say Okay to each other. I also would have loved a ton more descriptions! How exactly did they look like, how they move, angles, even heights. I want to be able to see it in my head. This has very minimal spice, maybe 0.5.
I thought Kai was clever and bratty, I mean who doesn’t love a brat!? And Onxy was this unshakable, reliable, calm anchor that could also be a brat in his own right. The were a great pair and one thing you could definitely understand is that they are stronger together. I got teary eyed when Onyx had shared his past. So overall, it’s a fun book. Definitely go through them in order. And I’ll be reading the rest. (I’ve had the Bite Me series in my kindle forever so will read that as well)
Book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️ 0.5
I did at points feel the chemistry was missing some depth because we are mostly told the situation, told their feelings, not shown their feelings and less of their actions. Many times, the mains cut each other off so we don’t get a whole point across but I understand that is supposed to be due to their bond. They’re in each others heads, feelings. But I feel the audience gets less of the whole bonding and relationship because of that, we don’t get to see the actual depth (except during the ceremony, that was described really well). A lot of sentences, phrases and ideas were repeated but that may be due to how they communicate through their bond. They mostly say Okay to each other. I also would have loved a ton more descriptions! How exactly did they look like, how they move, angles, even heights. I want to be able to see it in my head. This has very minimal spice, maybe 0.5.
I thought Kai was clever and bratty, I mean who doesn’t love a brat!? And Onxy was this unshakable, reliable, calm anchor that could also be a brat in his own right. The were a great pair and one thing you could definitely understand is that they are stronger together. I got teary eyed when Onyx had shared his past. So overall, it’s a fun book. Definitely go through them in order. And I’ll be reading the rest. (I’ve had the Bite Me series in my kindle forever so will read that as well)
Book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️ 0.5
Review of advance copy received from Author
I new I was going to recieve this as an ARC, so I bought all the pevious books, read those, and then this one.
First, this books gave me a totally different vibe, then the others in this series, but I kinda liked it.
Normally, if you have interconnected books, they have overall the same feel, this time I was pleasantly suprised.
Second, I am a littlte bit confused by some of the timeline. Not just in this book, but in the whole series. Was the rift at the cosplay event on stage twice or was it just a few minutes for Kai but for Onyx it felt like month? Serious question, because I am really confused....
But overall, I like the dynamic of Onyx, the familiar bat-shifter and Kai, the cosplaying necromancer, who is afraid of his own magic. The have this pull between them, Onyx is very old and understand more of the situation and dynamic, he knows he has found his true partner in Kai. He also understands that Kai has some serious hang-ups about his magic, this is why he refuses to even use it. In a very dramatic body swap Kai gets to see, that his magic is not this instrument of death and destruction that he thinks it is. In the end they not only safe their town, with the help of their friends and coven.
I would have liked to know more about his magic, in most of the series so far I know there is magic, but except for wards and summonings I do not really know what the characters do with their different types of magic.
First, this books gave me a totally different vibe, then the others in this series, but I kinda liked it.
Normally, if you have interconnected books, they have overall the same feel, this time I was pleasantly suprised.
Second, I am a littlte bit confused by some of the timeline. Not just in this book, but in the whole series. Was the rift at the cosplay event on stage twice or was it just a few minutes for Kai but for Onyx it felt like month? Serious question, because I am really confused....
But overall, I like the dynamic of Onyx, the familiar bat-shifter and Kai, the cosplaying necromancer, who is afraid of his own magic. The have this pull between them, Onyx is very old and understand more of the situation and dynamic, he knows he has found his true partner in Kai. He also understands that Kai has some serious hang-ups about his magic, this is why he refuses to even use it. In a very dramatic body swap Kai gets to see, that his magic is not this instrument of death and destruction that he thinks it is. In the end they not only safe their town, with the help of their friends and coven.
I would have liked to know more about his magic, in most of the series so far I know there is magic, but except for wards and summonings I do not really know what the characters do with their different types of magic.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Frequent ARC Reader Club
First of all, I would like to say I've been ARC reading for Jennifer for quite a few books (and series) now. I love all the worlds she creates through her writing. This book holds.
This is the fourth book of the Mystic's Familiars series. A MM romance that includes the bonds of warlocks and their familiars.
This book picks up where the last ended, with the next step of the prophecy coming to light and triggering.
I think this is by far my favourite of this series. I love Kai and Onyx. From their individual characters to their overall dynamic. Not to mention this step of the prophecy involves the body swap trope. Familiar becomes warlock and warlock becomes familiar. Not to mention, Onyx is also a vampire bat familiar.
I have always loved necromancer-type characters; death magic is always interesting to play with. Add in shadow magic, and you can't go wrong. I think I like Kai more due to his overall character flaws that he has, the need to suppress and make himself feel smaller due to the accident. Plus throwing in the necromancy and the cosplay aspect. It's no wonder this is my favourite book of the series by far.
The familiars are getting more interesting as the series continues. The epilogue leads into the next book. This next one with Zane is going to be a very interesting ride that I'm ready for.
First of all, I would like to say I've been ARC reading for Jennifer for quite a few books (and series) now. I love all the worlds she creates through her writing. This book holds.
This is the fourth book of the Mystic's Familiars series. A MM romance that includes the bonds of warlocks and their familiars.
This book picks up where the last ended, with the next step of the prophecy coming to light and triggering.
I think this is by far my favourite of this series. I love Kai and Onyx. From their individual characters to their overall dynamic. Not to mention this step of the prophecy involves the body swap trope. Familiar becomes warlock and warlock becomes familiar. Not to mention, Onyx is also a vampire bat familiar.
I have always loved necromancer-type characters; death magic is always interesting to play with. Add in shadow magic, and you can't go wrong. I think I like Kai more due to his overall character flaws that he has, the need to suppress and make himself feel smaller due to the accident. Plus throwing in the necromancy and the cosplay aspect. It's no wonder this is my favourite book of the series by far.
The familiars are getting more interesting as the series continues. The epilogue leads into the next book. This next one with Zane is going to be a very interesting ride that I'm ready for.
June 1, 2026
Body swapping between a necromancer & vampire bat familiar
This is the fourth book in the Mystics Familiars series and while they can be read alone I would recommend starting at the beginning as it has an overlapping story.
I think was the most interesting take for these familiar bonds. Kai is a necromancer who has Bern suppressing his power and instead just does pretend with cosplay. When accidentally lets Onyx into the world and they immediately bond without choosing it.
I loved the body swapping and them both needing to open up completely to fix things. Both of these characters are ignoring parts of their pasts and they must be confronted and accepted.
I did feel like there was no chemistry in this book. In the others you felt the connections, desire and chemistry but this one missed those. While they accepted each other it never felt like a relationship to me.
I can't wait for the next book after that little hint at the end. I love a skeptic finding undeniable proof.
This is the fourth book in the Mystics Familiars series and while they can be read alone I would recommend starting at the beginning as it has an overlapping story.
I think was the most interesting take for these familiar bonds. Kai is a necromancer who has Bern suppressing his power and instead just does pretend with cosplay. When accidentally lets Onyx into the world and they immediately bond without choosing it.
I loved the body swapping and them both needing to open up completely to fix things. Both of these characters are ignoring parts of their pasts and they must be confronted and accepted.
I did feel like there was no chemistry in this book. In the others you felt the connections, desire and chemistry but this one missed those. While they accepted each other it never felt like a relationship to me.
I can't wait for the next book after that little hint at the end. I love a skeptic finding undeniable proof.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Continuing on with this series, another warlock and another part of the prophecy. Kai Ashcroft is next to get his familiar and he does it spectacular.
Kai is a necromancer, but if you saw him perform, you would not know it was real. Kai was a juxtapose, he performed on stage, but wanted to blend into the background on the outside looking in, he was a planner and every decision was calculated.
Bonding with Onyx was not in the plan and from the start Kai was out of comfort zone. The swap enabled them to be honest with themselves and each other and through those quiet moments we learn more about them, why Kai was how is was.
This is slow burn but worth the wait.
With Zane being the next warlock I cannot wait to see his shock
Kai is a necromancer, but if you saw him perform, you would not know it was real. Kai was a juxtapose, he performed on stage, but wanted to blend into the background on the outside looking in, he was a planner and every decision was calculated.
Bonding with Onyx was not in the plan and from the start Kai was out of comfort zone. The swap enabled them to be honest with themselves and each other and through those quiet moments we learn more about them, why Kai was how is was.
This is slow burn but worth the wait.
With Zane being the next warlock I cannot wait to see his shock
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a fast paced book in a series of several books.
Kai was in the middle of a performance when the abyss opened up and a familiar fell directly onto him. Within the first night something happens to them both.
Over the next few weeks their bond grows as they discover more about themselves and discover a love for each other.
I enjoyed learning about their bond and Kai finding more about him self and recommend anyone that believes in familiars that bond with us to helps guide us.
Kai was in the middle of a performance when the abyss opened up and a familiar fell directly onto him. Within the first night something happens to them both.
Over the next few weeks their bond grows as they discover more about themselves and discover a love for each other.
I enjoyed learning about their bond and Kai finding more about him self and recommend anyone that believes in familiars that bond with us to helps guide us.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Jennifer Carter, could you... maybe... make the books longer. I get cozy with my tea, open the book, tea goes cold, book is done. And then I want more. I suppose if I increase the font size, there'd be more pages. Or read slower.
I have a soft spot for necromancers, real, cosplay, whatever. Ever since 1976's Freaky Friday came out (I can not forget Barbara Harris pitching softball in a velour track suit!), I love body swapping stories. Authors should do more of that. (OK, Mark Twain).
The Mystic's Familiars series have adorable/chaotic warlock/familiar characters. But Kai and Onyx take the cake. Absolutely the best. Meet cute, body swap.
Kai is a bit angsty, anxious, adorable. Onyx is so, so self confident. Sometimes cringingly so. Learning to trust the magic and each other made for some fun reading.
I never know where Jennifer Carter will take us next. I'm packed and ready!
I received an advanced copy of this ebook and this is my review.
I have a soft spot for necromancers, real, cosplay, whatever. Ever since 1976's Freaky Friday came out (I can not forget Barbara Harris pitching softball in a velour track suit!), I love body swapping stories. Authors should do more of that. (OK, Mark Twain).
The Mystic's Familiars series have adorable/chaotic warlock/familiar characters. But Kai and Onyx take the cake. Absolutely the best. Meet cute, body swap.
Kai is a bit angsty, anxious, adorable. Onyx is so, so self confident. Sometimes cringingly so. Learning to trust the magic and each other made for some fun reading.
I never know where Jennifer Carter will take us next. I'm packed and ready!
I received an advanced copy of this ebook and this is my review.
June 2, 2026
This was a fast-paced and yet very cute read. How Kai and Onxy interacted was dry, humorous and really rather sweet.
The familiar bond, how they could not only feel each other but pick up so much that was hiding, well that Kai was hiding. Seeing Kai with Onxys help overcome the past and finally accept himself was awe inspiring.
Great read, now I want to see how the three headed snake goes finding his Warlock.
The familiar bond, how they could not only feel each other but pick up so much that was hiding, well that Kai was hiding. Seeing Kai with Onxys help overcome the past and finally accept himself was awe inspiring.
Great read, now I want to see how the three headed snake goes finding his Warlock.
June 1, 2026
Self discovery
Kai is a necromancer and Onyx is his familiar.
Kai doesn't really want a familiar but fate has other plans.
Such as body swapping and forcing them both to truly see themselves and figure out how to be true to themselves.
There's lots of healing and acceptance along with some hilarious hijinks.
Kai is a necromancer and Onyx is his familiar.
Kai doesn't really want a familiar but fate has other plans.
Such as body swapping and forcing them both to truly see themselves and figure out how to be true to themselves.
There's lots of healing and acceptance along with some hilarious hijinks.
June 1, 2026
I love all things paranormal. But there is something about necromancy that just intrigues me.
This is a very interesting story and it caught and help my attention from the beginning.
Vampires, necromancy, veils & danger - yes this was my kinda book.
I received an advance review copy at no cost and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a very interesting story and it caught and help my attention from the beginning.
Vampires, necromancy, veils & danger - yes this was my kinda book.
I received an advance review copy at no cost and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ashcroft is the 4th book in the Mystic's Familiars series. As stated by the author "Each book is an interconnected standalone and is highly recommended to be read in order. This is the story of Kai and Onyx. I loved watching these two together. I loved the body swap aspect of the story. The world building that Jennifer Carter has put into this series is outstanding. The overarching plot is moving along as each part of the prophecy is reached. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book and series.
received a free review copy
received a free review copy
June 1, 2026
She writes, I read. Totally sweet and romantic, they complement each other. When they have a body sawp was hilarious and sweet how they had to trust again.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews