Dryad's Treasure

Magical Usage Council Misadventures #2

by M.J. May

Treasure is in the eye of the beholder and the soul of those who secret it away, its siren song too tempting for a will-o’-the wisp like Grayson Delarue to ignore.

Called to the Magical Usage Council, Grayson is amazed by the myriad melodies competing for his attention. Is there such a thing as too much treasure? Before walking into the Magical Usage Council, Grasyon would have said no. Now he’s not so certain, and the type of treasure singing to him could tear his fragile wisp form apart.

Planted within the soil of the Magical Usage Council compound, Martin Durand, as an oak dryad, can’t physically leave his birth soil for long stretches of time. Stoic, sturdy, and solid, Martin will support what’s left of his family—those members the former director, Tenzen Huxley left alive. Even when the decision of one of his closest friends brings an untrustworthy will-o’-the-wisp into their lives.

Treasure isn’t always what it seems, and some treasure’s value is found in its destructive force. Dryads and will-o’-the-wisps have a long-standing tradition of well-earned animosity. Martin soon finds he needs to set aside that animosity to stabilize Grayson’s wisp form in order to find the dangerous treasure Huxley hid within the depths of the compound.
Each discovery is more disturbing than the last. Tenzen Huxley’s betrayal reaches beyond his slumbering grave, threatening those who remain.

Martin has always wondered what a dryad can do to protect those he loves. The answer might destroy him, but the sacrifice is worth the cost to protect the wondrous will-o’-the wisp he’s come to love—his very own treasure.

Genres: M M Romance, Fantasy, Magic, Gay, Romance, Found Family, Paranormal

319 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 3, 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

[Cadiva]

Getting better each time

Suspicioned aside, this one really helps to drive the overall story arc further along as the Magical Usage Council continues to deal with the machinations of its former leader.

Martin's stoicism is the antithesis of Grayson's free spirited ways and they shouldn't work at all, but they do.

I loved the narrative ideas for this book, using a will-o-the-whisp to search out Huckley's hidden secrets was an excellent hook to hang everything on.

There's so much potential for more in this universe and I like that we still see guest visits from former characters too.

[Kimbot the Destroyer]

Cozy with enough mystery and lore to keep it moving. The seeds planted here make it clear that the next books are going to be even more fun.

[Elena Rodríguez]

Segunda entrega de este segundo spin-off. No me esperaba para nada quien sería el interés amoroso del protagonista y se me hizo un poco simple la historia de amor. A pesar de ello, no me voy a quejar. Me gustó y eso es una de las cosas que más necesito últimamente.

[Jessica Frances]

I love this world May has created. She has this ability to create characters that attach themselves to the reader and hold on tight. Every book is a roller-coaster of emotions and Dryad’s Treasure was no different. Full of deep pain and emotional healing, this book very much continued dealing with the fallout of past hurts. I adored Martin and Gray, and enjoyed watching their connection with each other blossom to what we got by the end of the story. And I am absolutely sat and excited for what is to come next. I think this next one will be utterly crazy and fun. Highly recommend this book, series, and world to readers who enjoy m/m stories that have a cozy feel but with depth and love.

[Grace]

I thought the concept of the pairing here was really interesting, but the execution didn't totally work for me. I thought Will-o-Wisp lore was cool, but then a lot of it just wasn't utilized and the character came across a little overly perfect, without any of the species traits that could be viewed more negatively. Bummer because it really reduced all tension. And, speaking of, the tension between the MCs resolves almost immediately and then we're in very insta-love territory. Interested in the pairing for the next book, and the overarching plot in general, but this one was kind of meh.

[...]

I love this author's worlds and the way it's so easy to get fully immersed in them, and that was absolutely true for this book. What it lacked was in the romance department. For the majority of the book, Gray and Martin were on-page mouthpieces for exposition, not actually having a romance of their own. It was disappointing, and while I was and am fully invested in the world, I wasn't at all invested with either of them or their pairing. I tried, but they just weren't present in the story in any way that made me care about them. The author DID plant two in-your-face teasers for future pairings, and I am VERY invested in both of those... and also a little leery now that this book was so "meh" in the romance department. I'm not mad I read it although it's the one and only time I can remember almost DNF'ing on this author out of boredom, but I AM crossing my fingers that when we get Kier's book, which I assume is next, or Helios's book, which I am SALIVATING for, she does the romances justice by putting them front and center to the storylines.

[Jandee]

Dryad's Treasure

The magic in this story is incredible. Martin is so grounded. I could practically feel the peace he radiated. Grayson's honesty and loose filter were entertaining. He's so funny.
I love their story of falling in love and having each other's backs. They're adorable together. I love that they found their treasure. Gray's mischief and Martin's solid stalwart manage to blend perfectly.
I love enemies-to-lovers.
I cried my heart out when some of these characters were willing to lay down their own life for their friends. I'm so happy with how everything worked out. I was feeling overly protective of all these characters. 😆
I hope we get a Helios and Jima book. I want to read about them! I'm intrigued.
I'm so excited that Kier's story is shaping up too. He's going to be a cute daddy.
I love Elvira and Tabitha and Henry. It's fun to get to visit characters from the previous books like Hikaru and Niki. They're so cute. I love this found family.

I have loved every book I've read or listened to by this author. MJ May is a talented storyteller.

[Lee Hall]

Magical Usage Council

The Magical Usage Council is supposed to be a help to those in need, but a dark magic user used it to do horrible things. What’s left is a group of people’s trying their best to do the right thing. They hire a will o the whisp to find out what Huxley hid in the walls of the council headquarters. A Dryad is helping him and they find some more stuff that they have to help figure out what to do with it.
I love this series and would definitely recommend it to anyone!!

[Lynda]

Brilliant book - really enjoying this new series and looking forward to the next ones as we get through the Magical Usage Council folks!

I really enjoyed as Gray and Martin got to know one another and then the romance moved along. Subtle romance and plot heavy as are this authors other books which i really enjoy.

Has set the scene for the continuation of the series as we find out more of what Tenzen was up to.

[Tiffanie Bankosky]

so good! Cant wait for the next one!

I loved this sequel and learning more about different magical species. I loved how Martin and Gray (mostly Martin) were trying to make this an enemies to lovers but then they realized that the only enemy was their prejudice and stereotypes. I loved that Gray could be grounded with Martin and Martin could grow and explore with Gray.

Anyways, I am so looking forward to Keir’s and Lazurus’ story next. I can’t wait!

[Sarah A]

great sequel

Continuing on with the Magical Use Council, now that Tenzen is gone, those who survived must rebuild and recover and apologize a lot.
They have to also work out just how bad Tenzen left things, are there other mysteries hidden within the council’s compound. They call in a will o’the wisp to find the « treasures » and the usual romance and adventure continue as the mighty oak tree dryad Martin has to deal with the untrustworthy wisp.

[juli✨]

Martin’s treasure didn’t feel neglected. It felt loved and appreciated. Martin’s soil was akin to a love ballad.

While I liked Dryad's Treasure I have to admit I was more excited by the hints at a possible future pairing … *cough* a certain djinn and ferret *cough*

[Nicole Laudenslager]

great characters and stories

This universe just gets better and better with engaging characters and well-executed plots. This particular story shows the pain of betrayal and loss. You feel for this community. The resilience of those left behind and crazy is always inconvenient. A new complex couple that is so sweet, and brave. Can’t wait to read more.

[Alisa]

An interesting pair

I am so glad Ms. May is continuing her series in this world. It’s fun meeting new characters of different species. This was an inspired pairing. I also enjoyed the breadth of treasures that Gray found. The book could do with a bit of proofreading, but it wasn’t egregious.

[Michelle]

The ever expanding pixie universe

This story was very cute! Martin was a bit of a different MC than previous ones, being more reserved and insecure. Grayson was a bit like Hikaru, tbh, but that didn't bother me.
I really am enjoying the world building, that as more books have been written, we learn more about this universe. I can't wait for the next book!

[Rachel]

Error for Correction

Chapter 31. The ground below my feet was soft as a cloud and my strides were just as airy. Walking down the hall, I refused to release Keir’s hand.

The should read Martin instead of Keir.

[JILL Stock]

Adeadly character is no longer in play but echos of his deeds still remain, a very delicious plot. Truly worth the read. Roll kn the next book.

[Ashley Matics]

Absolutely incredible addition to this series. Fell in love with all the characters right away and was definitely emotionally invested in them all!

[Heather]

2.5 Stars

Not my favorite. Martina and Gray were meh. I'm really kind of sad I haven't liked this series as much as the other two.