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Pip and the Shadow Daddy: An M/M Romantasy Story
A great warrior and two decades of peace. All unraveled by a pair of sparkly shorts.
Pip
My life was mostly under control. Sort of. Okay, fine, I was working as an exotic dancer at a gay club in a strip mall in San Jose, but that was temporary. I had a plan... vaguely.
Then I fell through a mirror.
Now I'm being interrogated by a seven-foot wall of leather-clad muscle and threatened with a dungeon. Good thing I'm charming, because I was able talk him into a bedroom instead. But he's still intimidating. Very stern.
So stern he might even give me a spanking (here's hoping).
Side It was a mistake to tell them I was a twink. That joke did not land. At all.
Aeldryc
Qoksmere is at peace for the first time in centuries, and it is not boring. It's a relief. The borders are quiet, the people are settled, the Queen's elite Grey Guard is left with nothing but inconsequential matters to deal with. This a human who appeared out of nowhere, understands nothing, and refuses to be appropriately alarmed about anything.
He says he's a twink, and that he doesn't do magic. But surely there is some magic in him. After all, something is compelling me to protect him, keep him close, and... well, it wouldn't do to mention the other filthy urges I've been having.
I must get to the bottom of this before we're both in too deep.
Pip and the Shadow Daddy is Book 1 of the Twinkpocalypse series, about an ancient magical kingdom scrambling to deal with the repercussions of a magical portal that seems to be leaking twinks. It is a high-heat M/M romance about an irrepressible young man who just hasn't found his place yet, a cranky cinnamon roll warrior with misbehaving magic, and the very kinky fun they get into as they fall head over heels for each other.
Pip
My life was mostly under control. Sort of. Okay, fine, I was working as an exotic dancer at a gay club in a strip mall in San Jose, but that was temporary. I had a plan... vaguely.
Then I fell through a mirror.
Now I'm being interrogated by a seven-foot wall of leather-clad muscle and threatened with a dungeon. Good thing I'm charming, because I was able talk him into a bedroom instead. But he's still intimidating. Very stern.
So stern he might even give me a spanking (here's hoping).
Side It was a mistake to tell them I was a twink. That joke did not land. At all.
Aeldryc
Qoksmere is at peace for the first time in centuries, and it is not boring. It's a relief. The borders are quiet, the people are settled, the Queen's elite Grey Guard is left with nothing but inconsequential matters to deal with. This a human who appeared out of nowhere, understands nothing, and refuses to be appropriately alarmed about anything.
He says he's a twink, and that he doesn't do magic. But surely there is some magic in him. After all, something is compelling me to protect him, keep him close, and... well, it wouldn't do to mention the other filthy urges I've been having.
I must get to the bottom of this before we're both in too deep.
Pip and the Shadow Daddy is Book 1 of the Twinkpocalypse series, about an ancient magical kingdom scrambling to deal with the repercussions of a magical portal that seems to be leaking twinks. It is a high-heat M/M romance about an irrepressible young man who just hasn't found his place yet, a cranky cinnamon roll warrior with misbehaving magic, and the very kinky fun they get into as they fall head over heels for each other.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 19, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 24, 2026
This was super entertaining! From start to finish, it was funny, it had plot yaaay, it was hot (perhaps a bit much at some moments -there’s a scene in the middle that totally caught me off guard) Our mc Pip aka the Twink (it was very stereotypical 🤷♀️) suddenly find himself in a different world/dimension - who knows. He is in the kingdom of Qoksmere 😉 and taken by the Queens elite Grey Guard commander Aeldryc for questioning. While they try to discover the mystery why and how Pip got here, sparks fly! Now this is a fantasy and as such it was full of side characters, all of them very interesting and likeable, but I didn’t remember any of their names 😀 they were just so whimsical 🤷♀️ I am very intrigued by the Queen, what’s here story, why the kingdom was at war for 30 years - no answers in this book…also her adviser Frost, he came as super aloof and frosty, but when we got a bit of glimpse into his character, he might actually be pretty decent. Pip definitely was the heart of this story, so charming and good hearted, I really liked the guy, as for his shadow daddy well he was 🔥 Oh and the horses, can’t forget those, both Bram and Periwinkle had very distinctive personalities. I will patiently wait for book 2 hope we get one soon 🩷
Read
May 23, 2026Size difference
Huge age gap
Sunshine/Grump
Sharing
Instant lust
Smut with 🤏🏻 plot
Huge age gap
Sunshine/Grump
Sharing
Instant lust
Smut with 🤏🏻 plot
June 9, 2026
4.5 stars
This was an entertaining story about Pip, a human club dancer suddenly finding himself in a magical world after falling through a mirror. He is found by Aeldryc, the head of the Grey Guards, and taken back to the palace since his appearance could be considered threatening until more is learned about him. Pip is delightful, a self-proclaimed twink in sparkly pink short shorts, his clothing of choice. Very out of his element, he faces things with jokes as he gets used to his new surroundings. Aeldryc is responsible for him, keeping him close, and as attraction and sexual tension increase between them, Aeldryc turns out to be very caring and considerate toward Pip. While information is still sought to learn more about how Pip arrived, the physical connection between the two grows, leading to very explicit spicy escapades as Pip adjusts to his new situation and a growing relationship with his handsome guard. When word comes of another “twink” visitor arriving in the kingdom, the stage is set for the second book with the arrival of Pip’s friend, Sky.
The book focuses on Pip’s adjustment to his new life, his growing feelings for his captain, and on the spicy interactions between Pip, Aeldryc, and others, in a spicy series of encounters in and around the palace while the mystery of how Pip arrived is continuing to be pursued. It is an engaging romp with Pip creating his own chaos, Aeldryc trying to do the job his queen gave him while fighting the pull of his magic to this fascinating man and his odd fascination with short trousers. It’s funny yet endearing to see Pip navigate the challenges of his new location, the initial problems with communication, the challenges of horseback riding, and his interactions with the magical beings around him, finding a place that accepts him, and a person who cares for him and how he is feeling, keeping him safe and happy. Aeldryc and Pip have found the one who they resonate with (you’ll understand more when you read), so it will be interesting to see if that is what Sky will find in book 2.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was an entertaining story about Pip, a human club dancer suddenly finding himself in a magical world after falling through a mirror. He is found by Aeldryc, the head of the Grey Guards, and taken back to the palace since his appearance could be considered threatening until more is learned about him. Pip is delightful, a self-proclaimed twink in sparkly pink short shorts, his clothing of choice. Very out of his element, he faces things with jokes as he gets used to his new surroundings. Aeldryc is responsible for him, keeping him close, and as attraction and sexual tension increase between them, Aeldryc turns out to be very caring and considerate toward Pip. While information is still sought to learn more about how Pip arrived, the physical connection between the two grows, leading to very explicit spicy escapades as Pip adjusts to his new situation and a growing relationship with his handsome guard. When word comes of another “twink” visitor arriving in the kingdom, the stage is set for the second book with the arrival of Pip’s friend, Sky.
The book focuses on Pip’s adjustment to his new life, his growing feelings for his captain, and on the spicy interactions between Pip, Aeldryc, and others, in a spicy series of encounters in and around the palace while the mystery of how Pip arrived is continuing to be pursued. It is an engaging romp with Pip creating his own chaos, Aeldryc trying to do the job his queen gave him while fighting the pull of his magic to this fascinating man and his odd fascination with short trousers. It’s funny yet endearing to see Pip navigate the challenges of his new location, the initial problems with communication, the challenges of horseback riding, and his interactions with the magical beings around him, finding a place that accepts him, and a person who cares for him and how he is feeling, keeping him safe and happy. Aeldryc and Pip have found the one who they resonate with (you’ll understand more when you read), so it will be interesting to see if that is what Sky will find in book 2.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 7, 2026
What a hilarious and chaotic storyline that fully embraces its absurd premise and runs with it. What starts as a struggling dancer accidentally falling through a magical mirror quickly becomes a fish-out-of-water adventure packed with humour, heart, and unexpected romance.
Pip is impossible not to like. He's witty, optimistic, and completely unfazed by finding himself in a strange magical kingdom where everyone else seems far more concerned about the situation than he is. His playful personality is the perfect contrast to Aeldryc, the stern and duty-bound commander who finds himself increasingly fascinated by the human who appeared out of nowhere.
Beyond the romance, the story introduces an intriguing fantasy world filled with memorable side characters, political mysteries, and hints of a much larger story unfolding behind the scenes. The kingdom's history, the mysterious portals, and the growing appearance of humans from another world all add depth to what could have been a simple comedy.
Funny, charming, and delightfully eccentric, this is a fantasy romance that balances laugh-out-loud moments with genuine emotional connection. Readers looking for an entertaining blend of portal fantasy, opposites attract, found family, and plenty of magical chaos will likely find themselves eager for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Pip is impossible not to like. He's witty, optimistic, and completely unfazed by finding himself in a strange magical kingdom where everyone else seems far more concerned about the situation than he is. His playful personality is the perfect contrast to Aeldryc, the stern and duty-bound commander who finds himself increasingly fascinated by the human who appeared out of nowhere.
Beyond the romance, the story introduces an intriguing fantasy world filled with memorable side characters, political mysteries, and hints of a much larger story unfolding behind the scenes. The kingdom's history, the mysterious portals, and the growing appearance of humans from another world all add depth to what could have been a simple comedy.
Funny, charming, and delightfully eccentric, this is a fantasy romance that balances laugh-out-loud moments with genuine emotional connection. Readers looking for an entertaining blend of portal fantasy, opposites attract, found family, and plenty of magical chaos will likely find themselves eager for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 21, 2026
OOooooo I was caught off guard with this one. I love me some M/M romance stories, and this one has my whole heart. Poor Pip shows up in a medieval setting out of nowhere. One minute he's in a club in California, the next, he's in the middle of a field, trying to communicate with an old woman who clearly cannot understand him. Thankfully, the leader of the Grey Guard, Aeldryc aka "Shadow Daddy" shows up after he is told to investigate a disturbance outside of the city.
Pip is funny and endearing in the most over-the-top way, and Aeldryc isn't quite sure what to make of this strange new arrival. The story revolves around solving the mystery of where Pip came from, and how to return him home... and all the fun these two have together navigating a situationship where neither is sure what the other truly wants.
I laughed, I actually teared up, and I was sad when the story ended because I'd love for there to be more. I enjoyed the world built here, the gentle exploration of traumatic, lonely past, and most of all the dynamic of all the characters with one another. The story itself was good, and all the spice was relevant to building their relationship. I don't have words for how much I really enjoyed this!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Pip is funny and endearing in the most over-the-top way, and Aeldryc isn't quite sure what to make of this strange new arrival. The story revolves around solving the mystery of where Pip came from, and how to return him home... and all the fun these two have together navigating a situationship where neither is sure what the other truly wants.
I laughed, I actually teared up, and I was sad when the story ended because I'd love for there to be more. I enjoyed the world built here, the gentle exploration of traumatic, lonely past, and most of all the dynamic of all the characters with one another. The story itself was good, and all the spice was relevant to building their relationship. I don't have words for how much I really enjoyed this!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 27, 2026
*I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review*
This book is a great read! Lots of laughs, light-hearted despite many execution threats, a relatively refreshing world where the status quo is decent and reasonable, light on plot but that's clear from the blurb so if you chose to read it, you know it's clearly for smut and lots of fun. A very nice read after really intense, heavy reads. I'd classify this book as a fantasy, and I love it!
Poor Pip got dropped into another world. He put up a brave front and used denial and sassy honesty to delay the dread setting in. Despite Pip being completed foreign to their world, Qoksmere Queen did not go all kill-kill-kill, but treated Pip and his situation cautiously but fairly. Aeldryc was really sweet in trying to soothe and protect Pip as much he could while the Queen deliberated whether Pip posed a danger to her world. Loved seeing their relationship and trust in each other developing. Aeldryc definitely learned many jokes and sass from Pip and even got Pip multiple times!.
*I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review*
This book is a great read! Lots of laughs, light-hearted despite many execution threats, a relatively refreshing world where the status quo is decent and reasonable, light on plot but that's clear from the blurb so if you chose to read it, you know it's clearly for smut and lots of fun. A very nice read after really intense, heavy reads. I'd classify this book as a fantasy, and I love it!
Poor Pip got dropped into another world. He put up a brave front and used denial and sassy honesty to delay the dread setting in. Despite Pip being completed foreign to their world, Qoksmere Queen did not go all kill-kill-kill, but treated Pip and his situation cautiously but fairly. Aeldryc was really sweet in trying to soothe and protect Pip as much he could while the Queen deliberated whether Pip posed a danger to her world. Loved seeing their relationship and trust in each other developing. Aeldryc definitely learned many jokes and sass from Pip and even got Pip multiple times!.
*I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review*
June 16, 2026
I received an advance copy and this is my honest review.
4.5*
I shamelessly enjoyed the hell out of this one. It’s full on, wildly spicy, but also surprisingly romantic. There’s so much comedy and ridiculous behavior (99% Pip) layered in with sweetness and care (mostly Aeldryc). It’s exactly the book I wanted after the blurb charmed me into laughter and eye-rolls.
Around halfway, I forced myself to stop reading and go to bed, but I just sat there for a while thinking, “this is a hot frickin book.” 😂 The group scene is fiery, intense, and emotional, and then the incredible aftercare… Sheeeeesh. It takes some skill to make my heart flutter for a pair of MCs after their crazy spicy fantasy-fulfillment antics in a group scene. Nicely done, there.
The metal magic is its own form of seduction, expressing Aeldryc’s warmth, strength, and possessiveness. Metal hums and vibrates with his emotions when he’s around Pip. Aeldryc shapes metal like an extension of his body to tease, caress, comfort, and embrace Pip. It’s pretty wonderful and, at times, spicy. It’s also a symbol of their bond and I really enjoyed the additional sensations the metal magic gives to their scenes together.
I fully expected the last half of the book to roll in the angst or some major romantic interference, but it surprised me by focusing on character development. Pip has a lot to work through from his old life. He also has time to pursue his creativity and happiness in his new life. I like that Pip makes a home and a family for himself, in addition to what he has with Aeldryc. That feels pretty realistic and healthy for a fantasy romance.
I have to at least mention the horseback scene. 🔥😲 I don’t even know what to say other than, wow. 😂
As for that angst I expected, there’s a sunny afternoon of medium angst, and then all is well.
I devoured the book and had such a good time. 👏 It’s OTT and ridiculous and great. I'll read it again. Everything wraps up nicely with the pieces set for book 2 and a different MC. From the bits we get, it sounds cute and funny.
Pip is one lucky twink. 😘
4.5*
I shamelessly enjoyed the hell out of this one. It’s full on, wildly spicy, but also surprisingly romantic. There’s so much comedy and ridiculous behavior (99% Pip) layered in with sweetness and care (mostly Aeldryc). It’s exactly the book I wanted after the blurb charmed me into laughter and eye-rolls.
Around halfway, I forced myself to stop reading and go to bed, but I just sat there for a while thinking, “this is a hot frickin book.” 😂 The group scene is fiery, intense, and emotional, and then the incredible aftercare… Sheeeeesh. It takes some skill to make my heart flutter for a pair of MCs after their crazy spicy fantasy-fulfillment antics in a group scene. Nicely done, there.
The metal magic is its own form of seduction, expressing Aeldryc’s warmth, strength, and possessiveness. Metal hums and vibrates with his emotions when he’s around Pip. Aeldryc shapes metal like an extension of his body to tease, caress, comfort, and embrace Pip. It’s pretty wonderful and, at times, spicy. It’s also a symbol of their bond and I really enjoyed the additional sensations the metal magic gives to their scenes together.
I fully expected the last half of the book to roll in the angst or some major romantic interference, but it surprised me by focusing on character development. Pip has a lot to work through from his old life. He also has time to pursue his creativity and happiness in his new life. I like that Pip makes a home and a family for himself, in addition to what he has with Aeldryc. That feels pretty realistic and healthy for a fantasy romance.
I have to at least mention the horseback scene. 🔥😲 I don’t even know what to say other than, wow. 😂
As for that angst I expected, there’s a sunny afternoon of medium angst, and then all is well.
I devoured the book and had such a good time. 👏 It’s OTT and ridiculous and great. I'll read it again. Everything wraps up nicely with the pieces set for book 2 and a different MC. From the bits we get, it sounds cute and funny.
Pip is one lucky twink. 😘
June 6, 2026
Pip is a cage dancer at a newly to open California nightclub. Dressing in sinfully sparkly in the back bathroom before the grand opening. Pushing with his best friend Sky, Pip falls through an ancient mirror and lands on a dirt road in medieval somewhere. His rescue comes in the form of a seven foot tall captain of the guard who plucks Pip up to take him back to the castle to interrogate. Our poor captain has never seen anything like Pip in his scandalous shorts with a mouth that won’t stop and chaos as his middle name. The Queen instructs Aeldryc to make sure this apparition poses no threat to the realm so he brings Pip back to his quarters.
There is no secret about where this goes from here as anything from Holden Cox is going to be very spicy but this is novel length and I loved every minute of it. Lots of laughs, misunderstandings (intentional or not) and sweet bonding moments. Five stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There is no secret about where this goes from here as anything from Holden Cox is going to be very spicy but this is novel length and I loved every minute of it. Lots of laughs, misunderstandings (intentional or not) and sweet bonding moments. Five stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 10, 2026
Highlights:
-The chemistry is great
-Characters and plot are interesting
-There’s a cool Map
-It doesn’t take itself super seriously which allows for a lot of fun
-Spice 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
-Equal story to spice ratio
-Excellent for people who love shorts
Trigger warning
-Consensual partner swap
-Exhibitionism
This started off a bit slow but boy did it get exciting <3! The spice and romance take their time and then ramps up to be terribly hot! Aeldryc and Pip are interesting on their own but also have great chemistry and really care for each other. The conversations are smooth and don’t feel contrived. The other characters in the series are also a good time. There are never any forced miscommunications just to add Drama.
I have to say I really enjoyed myself. I’m excited to see where the series continues from here!
-The chemistry is great
-Characters and plot are interesting
-There’s a cool Map
-It doesn’t take itself super seriously which allows for a lot of fun
-Spice 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
-Equal story to spice ratio
-Excellent for people who love shorts
Trigger warning
-Consensual partner swap
-Exhibitionism
This started off a bit slow but boy did it get exciting <3! The spice and romance take their time and then ramps up to be terribly hot! Aeldryc and Pip are interesting on their own but also have great chemistry and really care for each other. The conversations are smooth and don’t feel contrived. The other characters in the series are also a good time. There are never any forced miscommunications just to add Drama.
I have to say I really enjoyed myself. I’m excited to see where the series continues from here!
May 26, 2026
Was having a grand old time until some of my personal icks popped up and entirely derailed the good time I was having.
All in all, great fun and would highly recommend for a good laugh,and some lovely spiciness, for me personally, I could have used some content warnings for some stuff, but it is what it is, I guess.
All in all, great fun and would highly recommend for a good laugh,and some lovely spiciness, for me personally, I could have used some content warnings for some stuff, but it is what it is, I guess.
May 27, 2026
An absolute delight. It is the silly, smutty story promised in the write-up, while also delivering a set of great characters and an interesting world. Pip was a hilarious agent of chaos introduced to Aeldryc’s carefully controlled life and it was lovely watching Aeldryc slowly loosen up in the face of Pip’s near constant joy. Pip fully embraced the adventure of exploring his new world with a smile, a lack of filter and a great pair of shorts. Here’s hoping the next Twinkpocalypse book doesn’t take too long to show up as I would love to read more about this world.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 21, 2026
Another story that fell in the excellent idea, poor execution category. It was very repetitious and disjointed. The shadow daddy description is a major stretch. There is a questionable safe word scene. It’s not exactly disregarded and what happens is absolutely consensual, but the initial safe wording and reaction was extremely off putting.
I also learned that this author uses virtual voice for their audible books. Under two pen names Holden Cox and Avery Cox. Which calls into question their other works, imo. There are various warning signs: book covers, no ai disclaimer, no online presence other than listed books.
I also learned that this author uses virtual voice for their audible books. Under two pen names Holden Cox and Avery Cox. Which calls into question their other works, imo. There are various warning signs: book covers, no ai disclaimer, no online presence other than listed books.
June 5, 2026
This was a fun, steamy read, with good world-building and characters. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I enjoyed the juxtaposition of Pip from the present and Aeldryc from a totally different universe with magic but not the technology we are used to. It led to a lot of funny moments, and Pip's reactions and over the top personality were great. Aeldryc's community was refreshing, full of various magical types and humans, and relationships between them regardless of gender.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.
4.5 stars
This was so dang adorable and hilariously funny. I never laugh at books but this one had me cackling. Pip is actually the funniest character I've ever read about lol.
But yeah I loved this. It was wholesome and quirky and incredibly unique. I hope book two comes out as soon as possible... I need more of the sunshine that this book provided to me.
4.5 stars
This was so dang adorable and hilariously funny. I never laugh at books but this one had me cackling. Pip is actually the funniest character I've ever read about lol.
But yeah I loved this. It was wholesome and quirky and incredibly unique. I hope book two comes out as soon as possible... I need more of the sunshine that this book provided to me.
June 16, 2026
This was such a fun story. It had a good dose of humour as well as spice and kink. The characters were great and I loved the relationship between Aeldryc and Pip.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Did Not Finish
May 21, 2026DNF @ 50% - This is sweet and funny (with a bit of kink), but it's pretty much just sex and there isn't much depth and I've just lost interest.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews