Getting back together with an ex is a bad idea. Especially when there could be a werewolf involved…
Only weeks after moving to Beane Isle for her dream job at the island's nature reserve, Ava is already struggling to resist falling back into the arms of her college sweetheart, Gabe.
Years ago, Gabe broke her heart when he left without an explanation. Ava always suspected he was hiding something… Unfortunately, he's somehow even more annoyingly attractive than she remembers—all sun-kissed skin, athletic muscles, and a smile that makes sensible decisions feel wildly overrated.
She's also trying to ignore the villagers' whispers about a werewolf in the woods… but then the reserve is vandalized. The only clues left behind are giant claw marks, strange tracks, and mysterious tufts of fur. Suddenly, the rumors don't seem so ridiculous.
Gabe insists it's all a prank, but every time Ava asks about the island's secrets, he dodges the question.
Someone clearly wants Ava off Beane Isle. Because the only other explanation—that werewolves and magic are real—is impossible… right?
Once again, Ava is forced to choose between trusting Gabe and protecting her heart. Last time, his secrets tore them apart. Now, if nobody will tell her the truth, she'll just have to uncover it herself…
With laugh-out-loud humor, swoon-worthy romance, and a good dose of magical chaos, the Fae Isle series is perfect for fans of paranormal romantic comedies like The Ex Hex and Rewitched.
Readers love the Fae Isle “Absolutely BLOWN AWAY by how amazing the book was!… I especially loved Pandora; her lively nature made the book soo much better! … Made me cry, first from sadness and then from joy… The worldbuilding was beyond excellent… I had soo much fun.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Perfect… I found myself laughing almost every other page. I love the whole Maine summer time setting and all of the characters… I ATE IT UP… bright and airy in a way that I've not read in a long time.” NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A joy to read. I enjoyed every second!… A delight. I love how the people of the island connect and support each other… brilliant… hilarious… the magical creatures have my heart!… An amazing read!!” reading. gems, ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Utterly delightful… filled with wit, magic, warmth, and romance… absolutely charming… simply swoon-worthy… heartwarming fantasy with a vibrant and lovable heroine.” NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Loved the dynamics between the islanders… had me chuckling… There was plenty of banter and the romance was swoony… a whimsical tale that had the right amount of depth, humour and shenanigans.” NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“What a lovely world!… Charming… cozy but with more character development and growth that makes this one really sparkle!” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lee Nichols is the author of five novels for adults, including the bestselling TALES OF A DRAMA QUEEN. She'll be making her YA debut in 2010 with DECEPTION: A Haunting Emma Novel. Follow her on Twitter at LeeXNichols or Friend her on Facebook at Lee Nichols. http://www.leenicholsbooks.com/
A second installment in a very cute, charming and underrated cozy paranormal romance series. We have here cozy staples like small town vibes, mc who is "new to magic" and discovers it, fae, found family and adorable animal companion. There's also a main plot of a second chance romance, and it's nice to see they act maturely around each other and the reason they broke up in the first time (therefore "second chance") was related to the secrets diving them (magic and all) rather than someone being a jerk. I always complain about second chance romances that either the break up reason was unforgivable, or it was forgivable but the characters in the present timeline are being jerks about it, making me not root for them, but this one sidestepped both issues nicely. It was understandable that Ava was considered an outsider and her shock at the truth was justified. It was a good mix of paranormal romance and cozy fantasy.
I loved being able to return to Beane Isle. Ava moves to the Isle to rekindle her relationship with Gabe, along with changing professions from real estate agent to director of the isle's nature preserve. Immediately I adored Gabe and Ava together! While Ava gets acclimated to the Isle, all of the characters that we met in the first book return for cameos and it was also fun to see them again. I enjoy all of the magic in these stories while also exploring the main mystery of the story. This book is a perfect read for any time of the year! The writing and the setting makes you feel like you are right there on the Isle too. Thank you to Second Sky for an advanced copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own!
Summary: Ava arrives back in Beane Island reunited with Gabe-her college sweetheart who inexplicably broke up with her. Ava has a new job directing the nature reserve. She knows something weird is going on with all villagers secrecy, but Gabe can't tell her without renouncing his faerie-kin. Ava is on a mission to find out what Gabe is hiding, yet is willing to lose her for keeping secrets.
Heroine: Ava Walker- Portland realtor turned director of the Beane Isle Reserve
Hero: Gabe-30, jewelry designer, descendant of faerie-kin-If he doesn't show a gift/ability, he will lose his memories, but Pandora can restore them.
Other Characters *Meghan-Ava's pregnant sister, married to Charlie *Shrig Shrigley-Gabe's BFF *Deja-Gabe's BFF and Shrig's twin sister, runs a herbal store *Mr. Kim-one man board of trustees, tourist bureau *Sheila-the Inn's chef *Pandora & Leo-Gabe's ex-gf/now BFF and her new boyfriend; Released ancient magic from a manuscript that caused goblins to rampage through the island *Grace & Frank Voss-Pandora's parents, Grace runs the Inn *Leora Carter-Leo's mother, a writer/photographer *Philip-rock removal guy for Ava, an artist *Hattie-owned the land of the reserve (deceased) *Cooper Barlow-an investor in Ava's reserve project *Richard-mysterious cat Gabe adopts
My Thoughts/Likes: *The picturesque island descriptions *all the wildlife/magical creatures *Gabe willing to do anything for Ava *Ava with the good hair! *HEA
Rating: 4/5 Spice level: 4/5
Thanks to Netgalley, Second Sky, and Lee Nichols for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ava, who has spent years working as a real estate agent, moves to the small and enchanting island of Beane to manage and develop a nature preserve. It is not only a new professional opportunity but also brings her back into the life of Gabe, the wonderful jeweller who broke her heart a few years ago. The islanders welcome Ava with open arms, her relationship with Gabe gradually becomes loving and intense, and working with nature feels deeply fulfilling to her. Yet she cannot shake off the feeling that everyone is keeping something from her. Then someone vandalises her garden, the trees start talking to her, and Ava begins to wonder whether she has really ended up in the right place. But how can Gabe explain to his unsuspecting girlfriend that Beane is home to descendants of the Fae – and that magic is simply an everyday part of life for them? This is such a charming story, full of warmth, humour, and magic. Every inhabitant of Beane is unique and lovable in their own way, and the romantic relationship between Ava and Gabe is built on deep love and mutual respect. The mysterious events surrounding an alleged werewolf in the woods add a touch of drama and suspense, while Gabe's magical cat is simply delightful. I had such a wonderful time reading this book that I already want to return to Beane. I'm especially happy to hear that a third book is planned. Cosy fantasy at its very best!
I loved my second trip to the Isle of Beane even more than the first, I love the secret faerie-kin magic and the small town romance vibe. The stakes are much higher in book 2 with Beanefoot the Beane Island Warewolf hunting in the woods and providing a more sinister antagonist than his name would suggest.
I really like Gabe and Ava, their second chance love story is really sweet, at first I didn’t like Cooper as a potentially problem between the two but his role was really well placed in the plot and I almost wanted to read again to look for clues on his motives.
I loved Richard. 🐈⬛ I loved his link with Gabe and his sassy attitude. I hope he and Gabe play as supporting role in the next book so we can see them work together.
I liked that Ava and Richard’s magic came from a different source. I really love the world Lee Nichols is building in this perfect palette cleanser series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Second Sky for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Note: my comfort read are Fannie Flagg's Elmwood Springs novels and this is how my review would sound if told by one of her radio spearers:
Well, isn't it nice when a book feels like spending an afternoon with old friends? That's exactly how I felt about Old Flames and Other Magic. From the very first chapter, I was happy to settle in, catch up with the characters, and see what kind of magical trouble was waiting around the corner. What I enjoyed most was the blend of mystery, magic, humor, and heart. The story moved along at a comfortable pace, with plenty of surprises, but it was the characters who kept me turning the pages. They are the sort of people I genuinely enjoy revisiting, and each new adventure leaves me looking forward to the next. This was a charming, cozy, feel good read with just the right touch of enchantment. The kind of book that leaves a smile on your face when you turn the final page. Highly recommended. Many thanks for this digital copy, all opinions are mine.
An amazing sequel to an amazing book!!! Ava and Gabe's story was so much fun to read. Gabe was already an interesting character in the previous book, and I loved getting to see more of him. Same goes for Ava; she was so wonderful and absolutely feisty and just an amazing FMC in general. Her crashout at finally know the truth about Beane Island was so valid, and her relationship with Shrig, Deja and all the other residents was heartwarming. Did I miss Pandora and Leo in this book? Yes, yes I did. It would have been nice to see Ava interact more with Pandora, especially since Pandora is such an important part of Gabe's life. Am I hoping to get Shrig's story next? Also yes. He's just such a likeable character and I really want to see more of him (And Deja too!) Love Beane Island and all it's residents, and can't wait for the next book!!
Oh to be on Beane Isle! It's a perfectly charming tangle of romantic temptation, supernatural secrets, and laugh-out-loud chaos!
Ava and Gabe’s second-chance romance crackles with chemistry, old wounds, and the delicious frustration of two hearts that haven’t quite learned to let go. Add in mysterious claw marks, whispers of werewolves, and island secrets waiting to be unearthed, and you unearth a wonderfully whimsical paranormal romance that’s as enchanting as it is entertaining.
Verdict: With swoon-worthy romance, a sprinkle of magic, and plenty of humour, this is a delightful escape into a world where love is complicated, secrets have teeth, and happily-ever-afters might just come with a little supernatural chaos. I loved the blend of romance and mystery, and I’m already eager for more Fae Isle magic!
The first 30% of the book was very slow and repetitive and I thought about giving up. I pushed through and I am glad I did as the rest of the book is full of banter, mystery and swooning moments.
I loved Richard the cat, all his crazy and mysterious moments : clearly the best character in this book.
The romance between Ava and Gabe tackles a burning issue for couple : the place of secrets and the importance of honesty and trust in a relationship. It was really well addressed.
This book contains very few pages of spice that I did not like. Nevertheless it is easy to skip it so it was not a problem.
Thank you NetGalley, the author and everyone involved for this ARC.
This was so fun and cosy, filled with magic, humour and joy.
I simply loved Gabe’s magical cat and wish I had one of my own!
To be honest I completely understand Ava’s small breakdown when she was told magic was real and so are all the magical creatures you grow up hearing about but never thinking they are real.
It was such a well written second chance romance, and it was truly wonderful seeing Gabe and Ava’s relationship blossom on the magical island.
This was such a great read and perfect as we are moving into the autumn season. A great one to read whilst curled up under the blanket with a cup of hot chocolate.
Loved reading the mesmerizing and spellbinding paranormal story. When Ava moves to Beane Isle to build a nature reserve, she feels like her boyfriend, Gabe, a fae, is not being totally honest with her, but when he tells her the truth, she doesn't believe him. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a must read riveting romance story.
This book was charming, hilarious and sugar sweet!
A second chance romance with an amazing setting and the cutest town. Ava & Gabe had a great story and i loved the 2nd chance romance aspect of it! This is my second book by this author and their writing is easy going and so fun to read.
Thank you Net Galley and Second Sky for the copy of this arc!
Such a cute and fun read! 🐺💚 I had such a good time with this one! The mix of romance, mystery and a little bit of magic was so much fun, and I loved the second-chance romance between Ava and Gabe.
It was just one of those books that was easy to get into and enjoy, with a bit of everything thrown in. Definitely a lovely, fun read if you fancy something cute with a little supernatural twist! ✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I have really been trying to get into this book, but nothing really happens. And by now I am over 30% in and I still feel like nothing is happening. So I will be dnf-ing in favor of other books on my tbr. I want to be honest rather than just give the book any (probably inaccurate) review.
I had so much fun with the first book, Second Chances & Other Magic and couldn't wait to return to the charm of Beane Isle. It was so worth the wait...
The atmosphere was warm, exuded cosiness, and had a spooky playfulness which made it the perfect transitional read.
It was narrated from the POV of Ava and Gabe, allowing me to become fully immersed into both sides of their romantic history.
Both characters were likeable, Ava relatable, and Gabe the charming lothario. Together they were dynamite!
🌶️🌶️🌶️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Dual POV HEA; Interconnected standalone - Book 2 of the Fae Isle Trilogy
Thank you Lee and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this ARC copy. *I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I enjoyed this story of fae kind and this magical island in Maine. Most of the romance had already formed when Ava and Gabe were in college and readers will feel it blossom and grow as they work their way back together. The characters are quirky and genuine. I loved how they embraced Ava because she mattered so much to Gabe. Ava is frustrated when she feels secrets are being kept and takes some convincing to totally embrace the magic in the island and herself. I need to go back and read the first of the series because I’m eager to do so but, it is enjoyable as a stand alone.