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The Wizard's Desire
Kei has had enough of wizards and magic interfering with his life. A terrible accident in his childhood left his parents' memories ruined: they no longer remember him. In the years since, Kei has lived a normal life as a firefighter, keeping his relationships distant so he can't be hurt again.
But magic destroys and injures. On the run from his mistakes, Orion will do anything to escape his past—even isolate himself in a magical snow globe. When a desperate situation arises and Orion uses his magic to alter the walls of his snow globe, he accidentally opens a pathway to the outside world. Orion can't risk anyone entering... but he can't risk using his magic again, either.
Orion isn't prepared for the firefighter who falls into his snow globe. Kei is a balm to Orion's loneliness, and despite Kei's distrust of wizards, he begins to see the real person behind Orion's flirting—a brave man who protects those he loves. Unable to help himself, Kei falls in love... until he discovers that Orion's secrets may have everything to do with his own difficult past.
Slow-burn! Friends-to-lovers! The Wizard's Desire is a 100,000-word steamy, standalone gay romance novel. Domestic. Includes monster trees, whistling wood, magic theory, and a headstrong goat named Billy. Also includes some angst. HFN. No cliffhangers.
But magic destroys and injures. On the run from his mistakes, Orion will do anything to escape his past—even isolate himself in a magical snow globe. When a desperate situation arises and Orion uses his magic to alter the walls of his snow globe, he accidentally opens a pathway to the outside world. Orion can't risk anyone entering... but he can't risk using his magic again, either.
Orion isn't prepared for the firefighter who falls into his snow globe. Kei is a balm to Orion's loneliness, and despite Kei's distrust of wizards, he begins to see the real person behind Orion's flirting—a brave man who protects those he loves. Unable to help himself, Kei falls in love... until he discovers that Orion's secrets may have everything to do with his own difficult past.
Slow-burn! Friends-to-lovers! The Wizard's Desire is a 100,000-word steamy, standalone gay romance novel. Domestic. Includes monster trees, whistling wood, magic theory, and a headstrong goat named Billy. Also includes some angst. HFN. No cliffhangers.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2016
13 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Anna Wineheart
98 books566 followersAmazon-safe books: https://www.amazon.com/Anna-Wineheart...
Taboo books (banned from Smashwords and Amazon, but available on my website and Payhip):
Website: https://annawineheart.com/shop/
Payhip: https://payhip.com/AnnaWineheartBooks
Taboo books (banned from Smashwords and Amazon, but available on my website and Payhip):
Website: https://annawineheart.com/shop/
Payhip: https://payhip.com/AnnaWineheartBooks
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 27, 2016
I was provided a free advanced copy of this book by the author. That does not affect my rating.
DNF at 60% because life is too short and I feel either bored or annoyed 75% of the time while reading this (even just skim reading) and it’s the holidays and I would much rather read fanfiction of any kind or reread my faves.
First of all I want to address my rating: 2 stars for me means that a book is bad (for me) but that at the same time I think it CAN be good and enjoyable for someone else. I know that for many a DNF is automatically a 1 star but that’s one of the problems of stars-rating: everybody has their own rating system. Anyway, I have to stay true to mine even if this is a DNF.
The premise of this book sounded cool. Too bad I didn’t find myself invested in the story or the characters. What’s worse, I realized that it was perfectly okay to skim-read most parts and only focus on the dialogues, but a book shouldn’t be made just of dialogues alone. Speaking of which: the interactions between the characters were often awkward and sometimes even cringe-worthy.
Because the main focus of the book was the romance (sure, there’s some fantasy and magic too, but I still have no idea how it all worked –I could totally blame my skim-reading though), these interactions made the romance bad. Let me explain: if character A is constantly being very straightforward in his sexual advances with character B since the very first time they met, the result is that there is no sexual tension. No tension at all, in fact. Character B’s initial and insistent refusal of A’s flirting doesn’t make the tension. Frankly it’s 3 am and I probably shouldn’t try to list all the different things that create tension in a good romance. But I just know that I didn’t find many in this one.
Some of the situations were absurd and predictable and very clichéd. They were completely plot-device-y (mainly for the purpose of getting to the smutty parts). Now, the smut itself wasn’t too badly written(I really hope my mom never finds my GR profile), but I just couldn’t forget how the characters got in that situation. And to be honest, if I want to read something for its smut, then I might as well read a PWP fanfiction. this is so embarrassing I can’t even
DNF at 60% because life is too short and I feel either bored or annoyed 75% of the time while reading this (even just skim reading) and it’s the holidays and I would much rather read fanfiction of any kind or reread my faves.
First of all I want to address my rating: 2 stars for me means that a book is bad (for me) but that at the same time I think it CAN be good and enjoyable for someone else. I know that for many a DNF is automatically a 1 star but that’s one of the problems of stars-rating: everybody has their own rating system. Anyway, I have to stay true to mine even if this is a DNF.
The premise of this book sounded cool. Too bad I didn’t find myself invested in the story or the characters. What’s worse, I realized that it was perfectly okay to skim-read most parts and only focus on the dialogues, but a book shouldn’t be made just of dialogues alone. Speaking of which: the interactions between the characters were often awkward and sometimes even cringe-worthy.
Because the main focus of the book was the romance (sure, there’s some fantasy and magic too, but I still have no idea how it all worked –I could totally blame my skim-reading though), these interactions made the romance bad. Let me explain: if character A is constantly being very straightforward in his sexual advances with character B since the very first time they met, the result is that there is no sexual tension. No tension at all, in fact. Character B’s initial and insistent refusal of A’s flirting doesn’t make the tension. Frankly it’s 3 am and I probably shouldn’t try to list all the different things that create tension in a good romance. But I just know that I didn’t find many in this one.
Some of the situations were absurd and predictable and very clichéd. They were completely plot-device-y (mainly for the purpose of getting to the smutty parts). Now, the smut itself wasn’t too badly written
December 3, 2016
Anna Wineheart is a new author for me, but the blurb to this sounded very interesting! The story itself was fresh and intriguing, the writing was very well done, and it definitely took me on a journey as I was reading. If I could give 1/2 stars, I'd probably go 4 and 1/2.
Kei is a fireman that has a tragic past thanks to magic that has left his parents unable to remember him. The majority of the story takes place in a snow globe that Kei falls through - that's definitely different! Orion is living there with only an adorable goat named Billy and 2 hens for company, basically trying to avoid real life and escape his past and his own magic.
I loved the writing in this, how the author explained the globe, the wall, the trees, just everything. And I also loved how everyone was all connected to each other. I don't want to say anything to give the story away, but I loved all the connections between the characters. Although Kei and Orion were only in the globe for about 3 weeks, there is a kinda slow burn type of feel to this. Kei is unsure and doesn't really trust Orion at first but the two start working together to get Kei out. They don't just jump into bed together, despite Orion's attempts at flirting, they really get to know each other.
I will say, it was hard to get a feel for Orion even though chapters were from his POV. He was timid, a pushover, yet strongly flirted with Kei from the start. And although there were those hints of attraction, at the same time I don't know if I had that strong sense of chemistry between the two.
Overall, I thought this was a very strong story, I enjoyed the characters and storytelling in this, and I would definitely read something else from this author!
I received an ARC copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
Kei is a fireman that has a tragic past thanks to magic that has left his parents unable to remember him. The majority of the story takes place in a snow globe that Kei falls through - that's definitely different! Orion is living there with only an adorable goat named Billy and 2 hens for company, basically trying to avoid real life and escape his past and his own magic.
I loved the writing in this, how the author explained the globe, the wall, the trees, just everything. And I also loved how everyone was all connected to each other. I don't want to say anything to give the story away, but I loved all the connections between the characters. Although Kei and Orion were only in the globe for about 3 weeks, there is a kinda slow burn type of feel to this. Kei is unsure and doesn't really trust Orion at first but the two start working together to get Kei out. They don't just jump into bed together, despite Orion's attempts at flirting, they really get to know each other.
I will say, it was hard to get a feel for Orion even though chapters were from his POV. He was timid, a pushover, yet strongly flirted with Kei from the start. And although there were those hints of attraction, at the same time I don't know if I had that strong sense of chemistry between the two.
Overall, I thought this was a very strong story, I enjoyed the characters and storytelling in this, and I would definitely read something else from this author!
I received an ARC copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
December 11, 2016
I was gifted my copy of this book direct from the author.
OH!!! You know how, you start to read a book, and you see it going one way, and then totally goes another??
This one!!
I've no idea where I saw it going, to be totally honest, but I'm left feeling that it went off in another direction, and I need to say that. Brain is somewhat addled at the moment, but I will try to make sense!
Kei is not happy. The old woman in the flat upstairs has another leak and it's ruining his apartment. A neighbour gives him a snow globe from their holiday. When Kei touches the globe, he is pulled into Orion's world, where he has lived for the past decade or so. Orion did not mean to pull Kei in, but now he is here, they can make the most of it, right??
I love different, you know I do and this one is a prime example of that difference. I mean, a snow globe?? Cute, really really cute.
Both Kei and Orion have their say, and one or two others. It wasn't until Orion and Kei finally talked about Kei's dislike of wizards (because at that point it had been downgraded from hatred!) that I got the full picture too, and I love being made to wait for it. I love not seeing what's coming at me, as much as I love seeing it all laid out, right from the start. Because while some things I did not see, some I did.
I did, at points, get a little.....lost....in the trees, especially when said trees were somewhat active, but that might just be me and my addled brain.
All in all, a really great read. It leaves me wanting to read more by this author, AND more of Kei and Orion. I hope they appear in other books. I loved them together.
Thank you, to Ms Wineheart, for my copy, I really did enjoy this book.
OH! It does not seem the 346pages billed on Amazon. Which is a very good thing!
4.5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
OH!!! You know how, you start to read a book, and you see it going one way, and then totally goes another??
This one!!
I've no idea where I saw it going, to be totally honest, but I'm left feeling that it went off in another direction, and I need to say that. Brain is somewhat addled at the moment, but I will try to make sense!
Kei is not happy. The old woman in the flat upstairs has another leak and it's ruining his apartment. A neighbour gives him a snow globe from their holiday. When Kei touches the globe, he is pulled into Orion's world, where he has lived for the past decade or so. Orion did not mean to pull Kei in, but now he is here, they can make the most of it, right??
I love different, you know I do and this one is a prime example of that difference. I mean, a snow globe?? Cute, really really cute.
Both Kei and Orion have their say, and one or two others. It wasn't until Orion and Kei finally talked about Kei's dislike of wizards (because at that point it had been downgraded from hatred!) that I got the full picture too, and I love being made to wait for it. I love not seeing what's coming at me, as much as I love seeing it all laid out, right from the start. Because while some things I did not see, some I did.
I did, at points, get a little.....lost....in the trees, especially when said trees were somewhat active, but that might just be me and my addled brain.
All in all, a really great read. It leaves me wanting to read more by this author, AND more of Kei and Orion. I hope they appear in other books. I loved them together.
Thank you, to Ms Wineheart, for my copy, I really did enjoy this book.
OH! It does not seem the 346pages billed on Amazon. Which is a very good thing!
4.5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
December 12, 2016
I received a free copy of this book from the author, for my reading pleasure. This has in no way affected my review of this book.
Kei hates anything to do with magic, since a wizard ruined his childhood by erasing his parent's memory of him as their son, and his upstairs witch neighbour flooding his apartment does nothing to endear him to the magical folk neither does accidentally falling into an enchanted snow globe and being trapped there with a recluse of a wizard and a goat who despises him.
This story had a fun and interesting premise, but to me the pacing was too slow for the first half of the book and I had a trouble keeping interested. I never really warmed to either of the MC's, which for me makes it harder to love a story. I find Kei rather annoying and Orion was just so insecure that he came across as pathetic. I understand that his act's were kind of noble, but they just seemed cowardly to me.
After the halfway point though, the story and pacing picked up and I found it easier to keep interested. There was some lovely steamy scenes and the MC's redeemed themselves slightly, even if I never actually got around to liking them and rooting for them. I really liked Billy though. I did not, however, like the epilogue. That was not enough for me, I am not as forgiving a soul as Kei, it would seem.
All in all, an interesting premise and a sweet story, which was just lacking a little for me, others have loved it, so please do not let my review stand alone if you are considering buying it. I enjoyed the writing well enough, that I would still try another book from this author.
Kei hates anything to do with magic, since a wizard ruined his childhood by erasing his parent's memory of him as their son, and his upstairs witch neighbour flooding his apartment does nothing to endear him to the magical folk neither does accidentally falling into an enchanted snow globe and being trapped there with a recluse of a wizard and a goat who despises him.
This story had a fun and interesting premise, but to me the pacing was too slow for the first half of the book and I had a trouble keeping interested. I never really warmed to either of the MC's, which for me makes it harder to love a story. I find Kei rather annoying and Orion was just so insecure that he came across as pathetic. I understand that his act's were kind of noble, but they just seemed cowardly to me.
After the halfway point though, the story and pacing picked up and I found it easier to keep interested. There was some lovely steamy scenes and the MC's redeemed themselves slightly, even if I never actually got around to liking them and rooting for them. I really liked Billy though. I did not, however, like the epilogue. That was not enough for me, I am not as forgiving a soul as Kei, it would seem.
All in all, an interesting premise and a sweet story, which was just lacking a little for me, others have loved it, so please do not let my review stand alone if you are considering buying it. I enjoyed the writing well enough, that I would still try another book from this author.
May 11, 2017
This is a good story about a young wizard named Orion running from his problems by living in a snow globe. He doesn't have control over his magic and has caused a great deal of misery for those he tried to help. He figures living in a snow globe is safer for everyone. The other MC is Kei. He is a magic hating fireman who as a child was one of the victims of Orion's magical mishaps. I would really love to see this made properly into a big screen movie. Each MC is forced to face their issues and work together. There is also a goat named Billy who thinks she's the boss and is a bit of a bully.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2016
This is the first book I have read by Anna Wineheart and she didn’t disappointment me. What a clever idea to write a story around two men trapped in a snow globe! Who would have thought there could be so much action and danger to live in what appears to be a quiet peaceful sphere.
At least it was for Orion, the wizard who ran away from all the terrible damage he had done to so many people with his magic. The thing is the damages weren’t his fault as he didn’t do it to hurt people but to help. His magic always went astray causing more damage the more he tried to fix it. The last spell he did to help someone went so terrible wrong that he ran away and had a witch confine him to the snow globe to keep people safe from him.
Kei had had his own experiences with witches and wizards that destroyed his parent’s memories of him at a very young age and hated either one that crossed his path. Kei was a fireman by trade and loved his job. He was a lucky man when it came to fire and was less likely to be injured then his fellow comrades. His fire matched the anger inside of him.
The witch in the apartment overhead created an annoyance with her constant water dripping from above that Kei had pots and buckets scattered throughout his place to keep it from damaging the things in his apartment. Kei had many a fights with the hag and fumed at the witch to stop putting water all over her floors because it leaked into his apartment. She paid him no heed.
Kei’s neighbors had a teenage boy, Sam that helped him with emptying his pots and buckets and feed his lizard when Kei was at the fire station over night for many days. It was also Sam who gave Kei the snow globe as a gift when he came back from vacation with his parents from Italy. Kei accepted the globe not knowing what he would do with it but thanked him none the less.
It was after he received the globe that Kei fell into the snow globe and ended up trapped. When Kei meets the handsome wizard, Orion that lived inside the globe, Kei’s anger and mistrust is lit aflame. So starts the like/hate relationship between the two.
Orion is outright flirtatious with Kei and doesn’t mind telling the man what he wants and sex was the further thing from Kei’s mind at that moment and least of all with a wizard who he has sworn off. But the trials and tribulations that the two go through together and had to rely upon the each other brought them closer.
Anna Wineheart weaves a timid and frail relationship into one that grows into love and acceptance using humor to pave the way. Where there was wariness and mistrust grew into trust. Where hate was on Kei’s part, love grows. Where frail emotions and lack of self-esteem and caring for himself on Orion’s part he began a very slow process of accepting Kei’s belief in himself.
I can’t begin to tell you how much I loved this story. There were so many messages throughout about learning to trust other people and acceptance of oneself. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of the book.
At least it was for Orion, the wizard who ran away from all the terrible damage he had done to so many people with his magic. The thing is the damages weren’t his fault as he didn’t do it to hurt people but to help. His magic always went astray causing more damage the more he tried to fix it. The last spell he did to help someone went so terrible wrong that he ran away and had a witch confine him to the snow globe to keep people safe from him.
Kei had had his own experiences with witches and wizards that destroyed his parent’s memories of him at a very young age and hated either one that crossed his path. Kei was a fireman by trade and loved his job. He was a lucky man when it came to fire and was less likely to be injured then his fellow comrades. His fire matched the anger inside of him.
The witch in the apartment overhead created an annoyance with her constant water dripping from above that Kei had pots and buckets scattered throughout his place to keep it from damaging the things in his apartment. Kei had many a fights with the hag and fumed at the witch to stop putting water all over her floors because it leaked into his apartment. She paid him no heed.
Kei’s neighbors had a teenage boy, Sam that helped him with emptying his pots and buckets and feed his lizard when Kei was at the fire station over night for many days. It was also Sam who gave Kei the snow globe as a gift when he came back from vacation with his parents from Italy. Kei accepted the globe not knowing what he would do with it but thanked him none the less.
It was after he received the globe that Kei fell into the snow globe and ended up trapped. When Kei meets the handsome wizard, Orion that lived inside the globe, Kei’s anger and mistrust is lit aflame. So starts the like/hate relationship between the two.
Orion is outright flirtatious with Kei and doesn’t mind telling the man what he wants and sex was the further thing from Kei’s mind at that moment and least of all with a wizard who he has sworn off. But the trials and tribulations that the two go through together and had to rely upon the each other brought them closer.
Anna Wineheart weaves a timid and frail relationship into one that grows into love and acceptance using humor to pave the way. Where there was wariness and mistrust grew into trust. Where hate was on Kei’s part, love grows. Where frail emotions and lack of self-esteem and caring for himself on Orion’s part he began a very slow process of accepting Kei’s belief in himself.
I can’t begin to tell you how much I loved this story. There were so many messages throughout about learning to trust other people and acceptance of oneself. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of the book.
December 1, 2016
This was a really cool read. Where the majority of the story takes place at was really different and not something that I have ever read about before. I immediately felt sorry for Orion and wanted to just give him a huge hug. Kei, lordy let me fan myself, I love me some hot firemen. I felt so bad for him based on the accident that left his parents with no memory of him being their son. Based on this accident, he has no use for anyone that welds magic and is pretty vocal about it. I loved how his upstairs witch neighbor was driving him nuts with the overflowing water that was leaking into his apartment. I had a feeling about her, and I was right. Once he falls into Orion's world his distrusts turns to friendship and then finally to love. Orion's magic is a hot mess. He hasn't ever done anything malicious but his magic seems like it has a life of its own. Once Kei's feelings for Orion starts to turn to more than just friendship, an unknown secret just about ruins everything. I think the major turning point for him is when Orion was willing to make a huge sacrifice to save Kei and return him to his own world. Oh and I have to say, loved Billy!!! There is so much more that happens in this story and I highly recommend that you pick it up and read it for yourself.
This was a new author for me & I can't wait to read more by her.
ARC graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This was a new author for me & I can't wait to read more by her.
ARC graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 5, 2016
I really liked this book over all! The start is a little confusing but the writing really falls into place by page 80. The world building is amazing and the setting was my favorite part. The plot has a nice pace to it. The ending was perfect and left me happy with the book. The plot twists were predictable but in a way that make me smile, very thought out and clever. Not in a way that was annoying. I really like this book a lot and would definitely recommend to my friends.
February 4, 2017
This is the first MM Romance book that I’ve read and I must say I’m very glad I started with The Wizard’s Desire. This sweet love story takes place inside a snow globe, yes, a tiny magic snow globe… which makes it so different from other Fantasy Romance books, where the authors create and describe complete new universes (which I love too), but being confined to such a small place, really puts the writer’s imagination to a test and let me tell you, Anna made a fabulous job with it!
Orion and Kei’s story is a complex journey full of surprises, misunderstandings and compromises. They need to learn to allow themselves to open and know each other, with all their fails and insecurities, with all their fears and angers.
There was a lot of character development, changing, and growing, especially with Kei, which makes you really feel for them, both Orion and Kei are very lovable characters and you just want them to find a way to make it work, because they seem made for each other.
The fantasy and magic part of the story was perfect, for a fantasy lover like myself, it was what made me love the book even more, I think if it was based in a normal magic-less world, wouldn’t have had that impact in me. But it was the perfect combination, love, humor, magic and a lot of life lessons to think about.
I give it 5 stars, really enjoyed the book and will re-read it and recommend to my friends for sure. Great Job Anna! I’m looking forward to read more of your books.
Orion and Kei’s story is a complex journey full of surprises, misunderstandings and compromises. They need to learn to allow themselves to open and know each other, with all their fails and insecurities, with all their fears and angers.
There was a lot of character development, changing, and growing, especially with Kei, which makes you really feel for them, both Orion and Kei are very lovable characters and you just want them to find a way to make it work, because they seem made for each other.
The fantasy and magic part of the story was perfect, for a fantasy lover like myself, it was what made me love the book even more, I think if it was based in a normal magic-less world, wouldn’t have had that impact in me. But it was the perfect combination, love, humor, magic and a lot of life lessons to think about.
I give it 5 stars, really enjoyed the book and will re-read it and recommend to my friends for sure. Great Job Anna! I’m looking forward to read more of your books.
Want to read
March 15, 2017This book you were taken to place that 2 of the characters have fallen into. You see them both trying to overcome their problems with magic. You see the strong desire that Orion has for Kei and that make him work harder for something. Kei you see him build his character to overcome the past negative has had with magic that has cause him to lose his parents.
Orion was a character that will have you laughing with all his tricks in trying to get Kai to bed. You see them build a strong friendship with each other while they are within the snow globe. This was my first book by Anne Wineheart and I am really looking to read more in the future. Recommend this book if you like a different twist in paranormal book
Orion was a character that will have you laughing with all his tricks in trying to get Kai to bed. You see them build a strong friendship with each other while they are within the snow globe. This was my first book by Anne Wineheart and I am really looking to read more in the future. Recommend this book if you like a different twist in paranormal book
October 24, 2017
This was an ok read. I liked the unusual setting of the book in a snowglobe, I also liked the magical elements in the story. Kei hated wizards for a good reason and his reluctant warming up to Orion was believable. But I so wanted Orion to redeem himself, and fix what he did wrong to Kei’s parents but even after falling in love with Kei he still ran away from his mistakes. The ending fell flat for me because of that. 3.5 stars
December 26, 2016
After an accident with magic caused Kei to nearly lose his parents when he was younger--and left them unable to remember who he is--he decided to avoid witches and wizards at all costs. He's made a good life for himself as a firefighter. But when a witch moves in upstairs and starts causing him problems, he's not quite sure how much he can take. That is, until he finds himself magically inside of a snowglobe...
Orion is a wizard who never seemed to have the best of luck in controlling his magic. So for the safety of others, he agreed to be shut away inside a snow globe where he could his spend his days tending to his garden without anyone being hurt. And while it may be a lonely endeavor, he's understood the sacrifice that he must make for the good of others. So he's unprepared and a bit nervous when a mysterious new person shows up in the snow globe. A mysterious and very attractive person, that is.
Can Orion get his magic under control to find a way to help Kei get back out of the snow globe? And can Kei trust a wizard when he's never been able to before? Can their time in the snow globe bring them together? And if it does, what happens after Kei leaves and Orion stays behind?
I know the word unique is not the best descriptor. But dang it, that's exactly what this book is. There is a wonderful world and backstory created by the author here, and the two men whose lives readers get to glimpse are just as complex and realistic (well, apart from the whole use of magic thing). There are many layers to this story and to the characters. There's a lot for them to work through individually and with each other. And the author provides space for that to happen without belaboring any of it. It's actually a bit of a refreshing read. Also, Orion is a wonderfully cheeky character who deserves some additional attention in his own right...
I give this one a solid recommendation--especially for those who enjoy their m/m romance with a hefty dose of fantasy and just a small sprinkling of angst.
[Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.]
Orion is a wizard who never seemed to have the best of luck in controlling his magic. So for the safety of others, he agreed to be shut away inside a snow globe where he could his spend his days tending to his garden without anyone being hurt. And while it may be a lonely endeavor, he's understood the sacrifice that he must make for the good of others. So he's unprepared and a bit nervous when a mysterious new person shows up in the snow globe. A mysterious and very attractive person, that is.
Can Orion get his magic under control to find a way to help Kei get back out of the snow globe? And can Kei trust a wizard when he's never been able to before? Can their time in the snow globe bring them together? And if it does, what happens after Kei leaves and Orion stays behind?
I know the word unique is not the best descriptor. But dang it, that's exactly what this book is. There is a wonderful world and backstory created by the author here, and the two men whose lives readers get to glimpse are just as complex and realistic (well, apart from the whole use of magic thing). There are many layers to this story and to the characters. There's a lot for them to work through individually and with each other. And the author provides space for that to happen without belaboring any of it. It's actually a bit of a refreshing read. Also, Orion is a wonderfully cheeky character who deserves some additional attention in his own right...
I give this one a solid recommendation--especially for those who enjoy their m/m romance with a hefty dose of fantasy and just a small sprinkling of angst.
[Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.]
December 17, 2016
4 stars!
I was offered a free copy of this book from the author.
The summary was intriguing enough since I do love fantasy. It was an interesting world though I do have some questions such how much magic was part of the norm and how that integrated into society (were there schools? Was it common?). World building on that front wasn't much but the focus was not on that so I was fine.
The story focused mainly on Kei and Orion. There were few side characters (Alice, Sam and Kei's parents) of whom, Alice was the one most frequently seen. I didn't quite like her at the beginning but grew to accept the things she did towards the end
As for the main characters, I liked Orion more despite his issues. His past made it clear why he ended up in the snowglobe (and it was rather heartbreaking). Kei too had a heartbreaking past that explained why he hated magic. Together, I liked how domestic it was and that the romance was a slow burn. It wasn't the kind that just jumped straight into it the moment they set eyes on each other. On that note though, it was perhaps a tad too slow in the first half of the book though understandable and it was nice to see the relationship slowly building up over time. The second half of the book moved faster and certain startling things come to light that even I didn't see coming.
I wasn't too sure how the book could have ended after all that had happened but the ending was nice and sweet. Also, perhaps due to the length of the book, I really liked the flow of the book that didn't feel too rushed or anything. There were still some unresolved issues at the end but it seems like those, too, will be answered in the next book.
Although that said, I still have some questions like
Overall it was a nice sweet read!
I was offered a free copy of this book from the author.
The summary was intriguing enough since I do love fantasy. It was an interesting world though I do have some questions such how much magic was part of the norm and how that integrated into society (were there schools? Was it common?). World building on that front wasn't much but the focus was not on that so I was fine.
The story focused mainly on Kei and Orion. There were few side characters (Alice, Sam and Kei's parents) of whom, Alice was the one most frequently seen. I didn't quite like her at the beginning but grew to accept the things she did towards the end
As for the main characters, I liked Orion more despite his issues. His past made it clear why he ended up in the snowglobe (and it was rather heartbreaking). Kei too had a heartbreaking past that explained why he hated magic. Together, I liked how domestic it was and that the romance was a slow burn. It wasn't the kind that just jumped straight into it the moment they set eyes on each other. On that note though, it was perhaps a tad too slow in the first half of the book though understandable and it was nice to see the relationship slowly building up over time. The second half of the book moved faster and certain startling things come to light that even I didn't see coming.
I wasn't too sure how the book could have ended after all that had happened but the ending was nice and sweet. Also, perhaps due to the length of the book, I really liked the flow of the book that didn't feel too rushed or anything. There were still some unresolved issues at the end but it seems like those, too, will be answered in the next book.
Although that said, I still have some questions like
Overall it was a nice sweet read!
January 3, 2017
The Wizard's Desire is a little hard to put a star rating on. I very much liked the premise of the story. The story was very imaginative and really refreshing in its content and also the fact that the MC's took a little time to warm to each other. (the story takes place within a few weeks but it doesn't feel like insta-love the way it's told) I also liked the MC's, especially Orion. I enjoyed that the author followed through with his personality and quirks and didn't just start with him being insecure but then quickly and with no work have him get over all of his insecurities. And this will probably sound random, but because I know there are many out there like me, I love the fact that the author specified that Orion is intact (not circumcised) and described how awesome foreskin is! Too many Americans and American writers seem to be sadly unaware and it was such a delight to see that portrayed. The Wizard's Desire had some pretty sexy sex scenes that I'm still re-running in my mind. :)
Unfortunately despite how creative the story is and how much I wanted to love it, it was missing something or maybe had too much. Either too much superfluous detail or just not enough in the telling to make it really grab me. I was a bit bored and that honestly killed me because this has all of the elements to be a five star " it's amazing" or "I really liked it" but its inability to captivate me and keep me turning pages would make me have to say "I just liked it". With everything else, if it had just had that oomph it would have made me really like it bordering on "it's amazing". I would definitely like to read more by this author. I actually still think about certain scenes in this story which is usually a component of a five star for me. I just didn't walk away thinking "boy I'd like to re-read that really soon", because of the slowness of it.
I received an advanced readers copy and offered to give an honest review.
Unfortunately despite how creative the story is and how much I wanted to love it, it was missing something or maybe had too much. Either too much superfluous detail or just not enough in the telling to make it really grab me. I was a bit bored and that honestly killed me because this has all of the elements to be a five star " it's amazing" or "I really liked it" but its inability to captivate me and keep me turning pages would make me have to say "I just liked it". With everything else, if it had just had that oomph it would have made me really like it bordering on "it's amazing". I would definitely like to read more by this author. I actually still think about certain scenes in this story which is usually a component of a five star for me. I just didn't walk away thinking "boy I'd like to re-read that really soon", because of the slowness of it.
I received an advanced readers copy and offered to give an honest review.
December 4, 2016
*ARC received in exchange for and honest review*
First time reading a book by Anna Wineheart and I really enjoyed it, it's definitely different to the PNR books I've read in the past. Usually when I read a book I finish in one sitting but The Wizards Desire has a lot to take in and it really gives your imagination a thorough working over.
Kei...what to say about this man well apart from being a firefighter (don't know about any of you but for me any firefighter stories + MM = super hot) he has a quick temper and my god does he try the patience of saints and then there's Orion...sweet sweet Orion our wizard who had such a magical mishap in the past he literally removed himself from existence to live inside a magical snow globe as penance for what happened. He's so starved for human contact that everything out of his mouth has a sexual innuendo to it but when a close encounter with death occurs while they try to escape the snow globe Kei's feelings for Orion really start to smoulder:)
The Wizards Desire is a definite recommendation with a HEA for the MC's however there is a twist in their tale before they get to their ending ;)
I would also recommend that you read this over 1 or 2 (maybe more days) to fully enjoy this story
First time reading a book by Anna Wineheart and I really enjoyed it, it's definitely different to the PNR books I've read in the past. Usually when I read a book I finish in one sitting but The Wizards Desire has a lot to take in and it really gives your imagination a thorough working over.
Kei...what to say about this man well apart from being a firefighter (don't know about any of you but for me any firefighter stories + MM = super hot) he has a quick temper and my god does he try the patience of saints and then there's Orion...sweet sweet Orion our wizard who had such a magical mishap in the past he literally removed himself from existence to live inside a magical snow globe as penance for what happened. He's so starved for human contact that everything out of his mouth has a sexual innuendo to it but when a close encounter with death occurs while they try to escape the snow globe Kei's feelings for Orion really start to smoulder:)
The Wizards Desire is a definite recommendation with a HEA for the MC's however there is a twist in their tale before they get to their ending ;)
I would also recommend that you read this over 1 or 2 (maybe more days) to fully enjoy this story
February 9, 2017
The book had an interesting concept and I enjoyed its philosophy of magic. However, the characters were difficult to become attached to or concerned for. Perhaps it was a victory for the author as one of the main characters was constantly saying that he "wasn't worth" the interest or effort and as a reader, this feeling definitely rubbed off on me. The big reveal was definitely no surprise.
All that said, I'll likely read the follow up in the hopes that further development will make for a more engaging story.
All that said, I'll likely read the follow up in the hopes that further development will make for a more engaging story.
December 9, 2016
Wow. Not only is this book completely original, it is also completely incredible!
Anna Wineheart is a new author to me, and I was asked if I would be on her ARC team. I very excitedly said YES! I'm so glad I did!!
Who would have thought to have people trapped in a snow globe? Who would have thought that you could actually live, breathe, have a garden, a house with food, a Wizard and a Witch? AND a hot, hunky Fireman to boot?!?!
I found this book to be a little long, but not for one second was I ever bored, wanted to put it down or not finish it. There is so much going on, not only between the two men, but also the witch and killer tree (you'll have to read the book to find out what I'm talking about.)
This is not your standard wizard story. They don't fall in insta-love, they don't just all of a sudden live a happily ever after. They WORK for it.
Loved every second of this book and am really, really, really excited to have found a new (to me) author!
I received a copy of this book free for an honest review
Anna Wineheart is a new author to me, and I was asked if I would be on her ARC team. I very excitedly said YES! I'm so glad I did!!
Who would have thought to have people trapped in a snow globe? Who would have thought that you could actually live, breathe, have a garden, a house with food, a Wizard and a Witch? AND a hot, hunky Fireman to boot?!?!
I found this book to be a little long, but not for one second was I ever bored, wanted to put it down or not finish it. There is so much going on, not only between the two men, but also the witch and killer tree (you'll have to read the book to find out what I'm talking about.)
This is not your standard wizard story. They don't fall in insta-love, they don't just all of a sudden live a happily ever after. They WORK for it.
Loved every second of this book and am really, really, really excited to have found a new (to me) author!
I received a copy of this book free for an honest review
December 2, 2016
This book was hard for me to read. In the way that a lot of books just have people meet and they fall in love and mate or get married. Where everything can be completed in 115 pages and there is no issues or bad problems. This wasn't a quicky book.
The author Anna, puts the reader through regular everyday issues with both MC's and trying to fix their issue. There is no instalove. Maybe attraction but the MC Kei brings a lot of problems and stress to the story and can't let it go. Its clear that things are stressing out both characters and Orion barely hanging on
I think his attitude and the way he handles things helps Orion grow and take chances for a while. Orion is such a scared and timid person.. He rather just wilt away in a small globe than deal with problems that occur.
The author Anna, puts the reader through regular everyday issues with both MC's and trying to fix their issue. There is no instalove. Maybe attraction but the MC Kei brings a lot of problems and stress to the story and can't let it go. Its clear that things are stressing out both characters and Orion barely hanging on
I think his attitude and the way he handles things helps Orion grow and take chances for a while. Orion is such a scared and timid person.. He rather just wilt away in a small globe than deal with problems that occur.
December 7, 2016
*ARC received in exchange for and honest review*
This story is about a wizard called Orion who has banished himself inside a snow globe as punishment for spells he cast that went wrong and hurt people. Kei, a firefighter, hates magic as his family was ruined by it, his parents losing their memory of him as their son. Kei is given the globe by a young friend. Due to some magic a portal opens up in the snow globe and Kei falls in. What follows is the story of Orion and Kei learning about each other, Kei trying to escape the globe and Orion coming to terms with his magic.
I tried hard to get into the story but found it over long and sometimes speed read to move the story along. The premise was good but the story was too drawn out.
I enjoyed the antics of Billy, the nanny goat.
This story is about a wizard called Orion who has banished himself inside a snow globe as punishment for spells he cast that went wrong and hurt people. Kei, a firefighter, hates magic as his family was ruined by it, his parents losing their memory of him as their son. Kei is given the globe by a young friend. Due to some magic a portal opens up in the snow globe and Kei falls in. What follows is the story of Orion and Kei learning about each other, Kei trying to escape the globe and Orion coming to terms with his magic.
I tried hard to get into the story but found it over long and sometimes speed read to move the story along. The premise was good but the story was too drawn out.
I enjoyed the antics of Billy, the nanny goat.
December 11, 2016
I will have to say that it took me a couple times to get started. In the beginning I couldn't stand Kei and Orion I just couldn't connect with him. But I'm glad I stuck with it. I slowly started warming to Kei and I felt bad for Orion for all that he went through.
It is a magical story that weaves us through dimensions and a magical love.
I recommend this story if you enjoy magical creatures, and a love worth the struggle. This is a strong 3.5 Stars.
I was given this ARC book for my honest review.
It is a magical story that weaves us through dimensions and a magical love.
I recommend this story if you enjoy magical creatures, and a love worth the struggle. This is a strong 3.5 Stars.
I was given this ARC book for my honest review.
December 18, 2016
I liked the Wizard’s Desire. A snowglobe, Christmas, a little magic and a fireman. Great combination. Orion and Kei were interesting characters. The story was fast-paced, full of action and magic. I would recommend this book
January 5, 2017
Brilliant idea
Thoroughly enjoyed this. Fantastic idea. Kia and Orion were perfect. Flaws and all. It made me smile. Well worth the read.
Thoroughly enjoyed this. Fantastic idea. Kia and Orion were perfect. Flaws and all. It made me smile. Well worth the read.
March 25, 2017
One and a half stars
It was an okay book. Almost DNFed it.
It was an okay book. Almost DNFed it.
April 17, 2017
I always think I'm not fond of fantasy novels until I recall that most novels are fantasy without the extra magical stuff. I read this after noting a few people whose recommendations I read rated it fairly well--including Tiuri. I enjoyed it. It's as much a male-male romance as a story of wizards. In fact, wizardry is fairly minimal, but some male-male scenes are charmingly erotic--enough so that they keep the book's slower parts moving along. It's a quick read and an enjoyable one.
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