Warlock's Menace

Magical Usage Council Misadventures #1

by M.J. May

Warlock Nikodemus Holland is a master of his craft. Arrogant, powerful, and reserved, Nikodemus is the epitome of a warlock in every way save one—his love and commitment to his necromancer son, Erasmus Boone.

Hikaru is a seven-tailed kitsune still mourning the loss of his eighth tail and the betrayal that took it from him. Crafty, mischievous, and easily bored, Hikaru needs a distraction, and he needs it now. Lucky for him, he’s found the perfect candidate in a handsome and stuffy warlock. Hikaru just knows he’ll be oh-so-good for his Niki.

Returning from his son’s wedding, Nikodemus has acquired an unwanted tagalong kitsune that he just can’t shake. Walking through his front door, Nikodemus discovers Hikaru is the least of his worries when he finds a letter from the Warlock Council informing him that they’re investigating damning allegations and threatening to bind Nikodemus’s powers if he’s found guilty.

Someone’s been tampering with Nikodemus’s charms, turning them deadly. Nikodemus has no idea what the Warlock Council’s endgame is or what it has to do with the struggling Magical Usage Council. What he does know is that he’ll be damned if he sits back and allows himself to be framed, or worse, his loved ones threatened. Oddly enough, that category has expanded to include an ornery kitsune.

If pressed too far, the Warlock Council won’t just have a livid warlock to contend with, but the unleashed fury of a smitten kitsune. Nikodemus’s enemies are about to learn the word menace isn’t always an endearing sentiment but can be a vicious threat.

Genres: M M Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Shapeshifters, Romance

331 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 19, 2026

About the author

I've been a veterinarian for almost twenty years and have recently added published author to my resume. I've been writing for over fifteen years, most of those stories languishing on my computer. A couple of years ago my fear of never trying to publish my stories overcame my fear of failure. The result is my first book, "Sow What You Reap". It is the first in the Reaping Covetous series. The next book, "Dead Women Tell Tales" should be out by the end of October 2021.

I love supernatural, urban fantasy, paranormal, and mystery genres. I write both M/F and M/M oriented stories.

Please don't hesitate to ask me a question or two.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy my stories. I know I love telling them.

MJ May

Reviews

[... · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soooooo good! 😍 Seriously, this book was an absolute joy to read, and I'm beyond excited that we're delving into a whole new series that promises another wide variety of magical creatures falling in love. (I'm desperately hoping that eventually, that will include a book for Helios!)

Even though the author claims this can be a standalone, I really don't think it can be fully enjoyed without having read the previous two series for a full understanding of the background... and since it sounds like we'll have a few months to wait for the next one, I'm seriously tempted to treat myself to a reread from the beginning. 🥰

ALL the stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. I have loved this author since way back when this world is first introduced with Perfectly Imperfect Pixie where my heart absolutely broke for Phil. In that series, we have several pixies who find their mates and battle the “bad” guys. Then we were introduced to Erasmus, who is Nicodemus’ son, and he has his own series. We now have Nicodemus series, and I couldn’t have been happier. Niki, to only Hikaru, is heading home from his son’s wedding along with Hikaru who is a kitsune. There needs to be more pnr books featuring Kitsunes as I love them. Niki is an outlier in the warlock world as he appears to be the only warlock who didn’t turn his back on his necromancer son and truly loves him and want only the best. The Warlock counsel has been taken over by some very bad warlocks and they are out to destroy Niki. Hikaru was abandoned by his creator and raised by someone who turns out to be a very bad man. He set his eyes on Niki and nothing will get in his way, and no one will hurt what is his. I can’t wait for more in this series.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the expanding pixie universe

The magical world MJ May has crafted is one of my very favorites. This is a spin off series, and I would definitely recommend reading them in order. (Perfectly Imperfect Pixie series first, and then Necromancer Tales, before starting this series.) While this is a contained story with an individual HEA for the two MCs, there are a lot of references and backstory in this book that would leave a new reader lost.
I’m so happy the author is continuing to expand this universe by writing about different characters that have appeared beforehand. This book was very cute, sweet, and cozy, but also was filled with angst. I will definitely be adding this to my rotation of rereads, and I look forward to an audiobook version being available!

[Lisa Tobleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

a fun addition to the world of MJ May

I have a soft spot for Erasmus’ father “Niki” and the chaos incarnate Kitsune that decides to crash into and take over his life. I’ve read just about every book that has come out in this multi faceted world where folks find their one and only but might have to fight for it. My favorite of the books is still the police procedural series with Erasmus and his cop partner. While this book does fit within the other stories and it helps to have read all the others it is a stand alone. Looks like this one is going to be a different couple each book sort of like the pixi series.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nikodemus Holland, the man that you are.

The smut level in M.J. May's books can vary, and this is one of her tamer books. I really wish it wasn't, I wanted to read some of the nastiest things about Nikodemus, let me tell you.



Despite not getting page after page of absolute filth, I still enjoyed this book and getting to see behind the cold facade that Nikodemus wears. Honestly, I could take it or leave it when it comes to Hikaru.

I wish we knew more about the history between Lydia and Nikodemus; they were obviously not meant to be life partners, but Nikodemus is still very much protective of Lydia; not just because she's the mother of his son but because she means something special to him and he loves her without being in love with her. Their history was hinted at but we weren't treated to the full story.

[JILL Stock · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very worthy spin off or follow on from the necromancer series. Just brilliant and wonderfully written. Highly recommend can't not wait for the summer when the next book is due to be released.

[Nicole Laudenslager · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this series!

A beautifully complex and interesting world with fully fleshed characters. Stories that intermingle perfectly. You don’t want to leave. More, please!

[Ashley Matics · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely great start to a new series! Hikaru and Nikodemus are two excellent characters who mesh together fabulously.

[Krys (spicy.spine.breaker) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nikodemus Holland remains unmatched

[Kristara · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Shawna-Marie Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly hilarious and heartfelt

Absolutely loved reading. I found it hard to put down. Kit is such a dimensional and inspiring character. Thank you author.

[Rainydays · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, a must read.