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Nocturne Falls Magic #3
Magic's Promise
Runaway bride Katya Dostoyevna escaped to Nocturne Falls ten years ago. She’s lived a quiet life since then, establishing a much-needed animal sanctuary. It’s good work for a shy witch who prefers to talk to animals, both supernatural and mundane.
Scorned groom Danil Leonov has finally tracked down the girl who fled from their arranged marriage. He doesn’t want to marry her any more now than he did then, but she left with something he desperately needs. The fate of the fae world depends on it.
But he’s not the only one after the microchip he developed. And after he and Katya connect, Danil starts to wonder if it’s the tech he really wants, or the woman he didn’t realize he loved.
Scorned groom Danil Leonov has finally tracked down the girl who fled from their arranged marriage. He doesn’t want to marry her any more now than he did then, but she left with something he desperately needs. The fate of the fae world depends on it.
But he’s not the only one after the microchip he developed. And after he and Katya connect, Danil starts to wonder if it’s the tech he really wants, or the woman he didn’t realize he loved.
84 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 26, 2017
76 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
Sela Carsen
29 books116 followersShort version:
Sela Carsen is an award-winning author of paranormal and sci-fi romance -- with or without sex and dead bodies. Your pick. She maintains a permanent nerd-on for fairytales and mythology, and openly hoards reference books about obscure folklore. Born a wanderer, she and her family have finally settled in the Midwest. Until they move again, at least.
Long and rambly, but funnier version:
In addition to writing, I’m a wife to a Darn Near Perfect Husband and mom to Two Great Kids. They used to be the Monkey children, but they seem to have settled down a bit. (That’s going to come back and bite me on the butt as soon as you read this!)
I have a BA in French (utterly useless, but fun at parties) and another BA in Communication. While I was getting the Communication degree, I wrote for my alumni magazine, dipped my feet into advertising, took want ads at the local paper and even wrote obituaries. I was also a reporter at a small-town daily, but soon realized I didn’t have a true journalist’s instinct.
After that, I was busy being married and having children, but when my youngest was about a year and half old, I was standing in the shower when a scene popped into my head. Why does that always happen when you’re in the shower and you can’t get a pen and paper? Anyway, I got the soap out of my eyes, dried off and headed straight for the computer where I wrote it all down.
And boy, did it stink. Whew!
I’d been reading romance novels for years so I figured I should be able to write one, right?
Are you done laughing? Let me know when you’re finished.
Ok, then. It took about twenty false starts and a work I now call The-Regency-That-Wouldn’t-Die before I finally got disgusted with myself and started writing this funny little scene in a Louisiana cemetery. That little scene became Not Quite Dead and it’s the first manuscript I ever finished. After much angst and rewriting on my part, I eventually sold it to Samhain Publishing, who released it in August 2006.
Since then, I’ve placed several other stories, but that first one will always be special to me.
I’m a member of Romance Writers Of America and can usually be found at the bar during national conferences.
Sela Carsen is an award-winning author of paranormal and sci-fi romance -- with or without sex and dead bodies. Your pick. She maintains a permanent nerd-on for fairytales and mythology, and openly hoards reference books about obscure folklore. Born a wanderer, she and her family have finally settled in the Midwest. Until they move again, at least.
Long and rambly, but funnier version:
In addition to writing, I’m a wife to a Darn Near Perfect Husband and mom to Two Great Kids. They used to be the Monkey children, but they seem to have settled down a bit. (That’s going to come back and bite me on the butt as soon as you read this!)
I have a BA in French (utterly useless, but fun at parties) and another BA in Communication. While I was getting the Communication degree, I wrote for my alumni magazine, dipped my feet into advertising, took want ads at the local paper and even wrote obituaries. I was also a reporter at a small-town daily, but soon realized I didn’t have a true journalist’s instinct.
After that, I was busy being married and having children, but when my youngest was about a year and half old, I was standing in the shower when a scene popped into my head. Why does that always happen when you’re in the shower and you can’t get a pen and paper? Anyway, I got the soap out of my eyes, dried off and headed straight for the computer where I wrote it all down.
And boy, did it stink. Whew!
I’d been reading romance novels for years so I figured I should be able to write one, right?
Are you done laughing? Let me know when you’re finished.
Ok, then. It took about twenty false starts and a work I now call The-Regency-That-Wouldn’t-Die before I finally got disgusted with myself and started writing this funny little scene in a Louisiana cemetery. That little scene became Not Quite Dead and it’s the first manuscript I ever finished. After much angst and rewriting on my part, I eventually sold it to Samhain Publishing, who released it in August 2006.
Since then, I’ve placed several other stories, but that first one will always be special to me.
I’m a member of Romance Writers Of America and can usually be found at the bar during national conferences.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 21, 2017
I really enjoyed this addition to the author's previous work in the Nocturne Falls Universe. I was quickly captivated and didn't want to put the book down. I particularly liked the characters and enjoyed seeing the others from previous books. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I received a copy of this manuscript from the publisher, my review has been voluntarily submitted.
I received a copy of this manuscript from the publisher, my review has been voluntarily submitted.
November 23, 2017
Absolutely beautiful story, this story has everything and so much more. Love our hero and heroine very much they're beautifully written for each other.
Most definitely one of my favourites even though I adore every single book in the Nocturne Falls Universe just when I think I have a favourite more come out it would be like trying to pick a favourite kid I'd never do that, but I can say I very much love it.
Thank you Sela another amazing story xxx
Most definitely one of my favourites even though I adore every single book in the Nocturne Falls Universe just when I think I have a favourite more come out it would be like trying to pick a favourite kid I'd never do that, but I can say I very much love it.
Thank you Sela another amazing story xxx
October 6, 2017
I loved this story! I wish I lived in Katya’s house. She has such wonderful and magical animals. My favorite is the hellhound. Her and Danil had an arranged marriage since childhood. They corresponded by mail like pen pals. One day she writes a final letter letting him know that she is leaving and no one can find her. After all, they both want to go their own way and go to college. Years later, when the spell that has shielded her disappears, he is able to locate her. She has something of his that he needs back because others are looking for it and would harm her. I love how the author used Russian/Slavic folklore throughout the book.
October 7, 2017
Danil has to right a wrong, he has accidentally put the woman his parents arranged for him to marry. The marriage never happened because she disappeared but they'd kept in contact through mail and had become friends. Katya has a life she is happily living, becoming her own person and not forced to marry according to her and Danils parents whims.
Katya and Danil were an interesting couple to read about. They were both so adamant they would never be together because they didn't want to be dictated to, however their attraction is intense. The drama had me tensing and hoping for the best. And of course Bubba the horse has to make an appearance in all the drama.
Katya and Danil were an interesting couple to read about. They were both so adamant they would never be together because they didn't want to be dictated to, however their attraction is intense. The drama had me tensing and hoping for the best. And of course Bubba the horse has to make an appearance in all the drama.
October 6, 2017
This is the third book by this author in the Nocturne universe by this author and it follows Magic's Song, which was a fantastic book and Magic's Fate, which was unfortunately not as good as the first one, so naturally, I was curious to see which way this book will go and I was not disappointed as this was the best one so far.
This is a story of Katya, a witch, and Danil, some kind of a mage and a former member of mythical Brotherhood of Mysteries. They knew each other as children, as their parents arranged for them to be married when they grow up. This did not happen as Katya fled their home town and hid with her aunt in Nocturne Falls.
What I liked most about this story is how two of them maintained a pan pal friendship independent from their families and the arrangements, since childhood until present, but neither one of them is interested in the marriage their parents arranged. Their friendship stood through the test of time, but it is funny how they underestimated their feelings for each other. This adds to the romantic development of the story.
There are trials and tribulations and evil people after them. The story is as exciting as it is romantic, and I enjoyed every page. I especially enjoyed the author's use of Nocturne Falls setting and the original characters of Nick and Ivan, as well a the characters created by the author in the previous two books, and additions to the Nocturne Falls world, which are all prominently featured in this story. The author develops the extras she created and unlike most of the other Nocturne Falls Universe books, her books do not resemble to standalone books within the Nocturne Falls Universe, but to an actual series within that Universe.
Nocturne Falls universe contains 25 books at the moment. Original Nocturne Falls series contains eight books and four short stories, as well as four books of the Jayne Frost spin off series. All of the series are great entertaining light read and I highly recommend them.
This is a story of Katya, a witch, and Danil, some kind of a mage and a former member of mythical Brotherhood of Mysteries. They knew each other as children, as their parents arranged for them to be married when they grow up. This did not happen as Katya fled their home town and hid with her aunt in Nocturne Falls.
What I liked most about this story is how two of them maintained a pan pal friendship independent from their families and the arrangements, since childhood until present, but neither one of them is interested in the marriage their parents arranged. Their friendship stood through the test of time, but it is funny how they underestimated their feelings for each other. This adds to the romantic development of the story.
There are trials and tribulations and evil people after them. The story is as exciting as it is romantic, and I enjoyed every page. I especially enjoyed the author's use of Nocturne Falls setting and the original characters of Nick and Ivan, as well a the characters created by the author in the previous two books, and additions to the Nocturne Falls world, which are all prominently featured in this story. The author develops the extras she created and unlike most of the other Nocturne Falls Universe books, her books do not resemble to standalone books within the Nocturne Falls Universe, but to an actual series within that Universe.
Nocturne Falls universe contains 25 books at the moment. Original Nocturne Falls series contains eight books and four short stories, as well as four books of the Jayne Frost spin off series. All of the series are great entertaining light read and I highly recommend them.
October 2, 2017
This is a great book; this books was written by Sela Carsen. This book is also part of the Nocturne Falls Kindle World which is written by Kristen Painter. I was so happy that these new books by new authors were asked to write a story in the town. Nocturne Falls is a town that celebrates Halloween every day of the year and also a place that paranormal’s can live and not have to hide what they really are. Runaway bride Katya Dostoyevna escaped to Nocturne Falls ten years ago. She’s lived a quiet life since then, establishing a much-needed animal sanctuary. It’s good work for a shy witch who prefers to talk to animals, both supernatural and mundane. Scorned groom Danil Leonov has finally tracked down the girl who fled from their arranged marriage. He doesn’t want to marry her any more now than he did then, but she left with something he desperately needs. The fate of the fae world depends on it. But he’s not the only one after the microchip he developed. And after he and Katya connect, Danil starts to wonder if it’s the tech he really wants, or the woman he didn’t realize he loved. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
October 5, 2017
Sela Carsen's third foray into Nocturne Falls was a quick, fun read. I feel some aspects of the love story felt rushed and forced which is why I marked the book down to 4.5 stars (rounded up to 5). Sela did a great job incorporating incidents from other author's works into this story. This is another story that cannot be technically classed as a standalone. I highly recommend first reading Magic's Song and Magic's Fate before this as well as The Falcon Finds His Mate by Candace Colt to get a full understanding of the issues referenced in the story. The Candace Colt story could be skipped but it adds depth to this story that is missing without. While most of the Russian in the book is explained, it became slightly tedious at one point as it felt as if the author was reading from a Russian/English dictionary to explain all the words that had been thrown out. We get to see all the characters from previous books in the Magic's series, as well as some of Kristen's newer additions to Nocturne Falls making the story wrap up the 3 books nicely.
September 24, 2017
Magic's Promise by Sela Carsen
A Novella from the kindle world of Nocturne Falls by Kristen Painter.
The third in this world by this author.
The hero and heroine are bond by a marriage promise when they are young. Once they meet, the magic helps make the connection complete. Touching.
“Danil didn’t care that it was some mystical bond making him feel this way. He only cared that the soft, sweet, fierce woman in front of him was responding in the way he’d dreamed about for years. Because the moment he saw her, his heart had recognized her.”
When danger comes to Nocturne Falls, neighbors rally. The assumption is that the reader remembers the characters from the prior novellas by this author but in the end, it's a community that pulls together to help their own.
A Novella from the kindle world of Nocturne Falls by Kristen Painter.
The third in this world by this author.
The hero and heroine are bond by a marriage promise when they are young. Once they meet, the magic helps make the connection complete. Touching.
“Danil didn’t care that it was some mystical bond making him feel this way. He only cared that the soft, sweet, fierce woman in front of him was responding in the way he’d dreamed about for years. Because the moment he saw her, his heart had recognized her.”
When danger comes to Nocturne Falls, neighbors rally. The assumption is that the reader remembers the characters from the prior novellas by this author but in the end, it's a community that pulls together to help their own.
October 22, 2017
Katya a witch that can communicate with animals runs away from home to escape an arranged marriage to Danil. The thing is he does not want to marry her either. She has a way to send him letters without him knowing where she is so she writes him often and he responds occasionally. Suddenly the barrier comes down and he knows where she is. He goes to her home not because he wants to marry her but he sent her a doll with a microchip. He was in a group called the Band Of Brothers but left when he realizes they are using him for the chip. They show up at Katya's home and Danil with the help of her friends fights them off. It was nice to see characters from other books. Great chemistry amongst everyone.
September 27, 2017
I loved this story! First I love Nocturne Falls and all the characters that live there. This story features Kayta and Danil who were betrothed to each other, Kayta runs from the arrangement to Nocturne Falls and opens an animal sanctuary. Not just a normal sanctuary but it also house magical creatures. Danil must find his run away bride, not to marry her but for the sake of the world. I loved Kayta and all her creatures! It was nice to see Bubba again! I wish this was a longer story as it was very intriguing!
October 2, 2017
ARC - I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest!
Katya didn't really knew if she wanted an arranged marriage.
She never even met the guy.
Danil also was not so sure about arranged marriages.
Until one gift put Katya in danger, then Danil had to save her.
When they met, the attraction was instantaneous
This was such a romantic story.
Whatever happened in their past did not matter.
When they get to know each other, it was like they already "knew" one another
Loved the storytelling !
Katya didn't really knew if she wanted an arranged marriage.
She never even met the guy.
Danil also was not so sure about arranged marriages.
Until one gift put Katya in danger, then Danil had to save her.
When they met, the attraction was instantaneous
This was such a romantic story.
Whatever happened in their past did not matter.
When they get to know each other, it was like they already "knew" one another
Loved the storytelling !
October 4, 2017
The premise of the story was so interesting. They both forced to get married, and both wasn’t willing to go through it just because they didn’t want to be dictated by others. However, Danil incidentally put Katya in crosshair, and he had to do all he could to rescue her. And that’s when things got interesting.
It was a quick, fun, and extremely enjoyable read. A nice addition to the whole Nocturne Falls Universe.
I was provided a complementary copy by the author / publisher, but this in no way influenced my thoughts or opinions.
It was a quick, fun, and extremely enjoyable read. A nice addition to the whole Nocturne Falls Universe.
I was provided a complementary copy by the author / publisher, but this in no way influenced my thoughts or opinions.
September 30, 2017
This is another installment to the Nocturne Falls Universe. This is a short story and fast read. It features Russian characters who were promised an arranged marriage when they were just children. The female character runs from the marriage and hides behind magic until one day the magic fades and her betrothed finds her. There is a bit of mystery and romance in this book. However, it did seem to be rushed in some areas. Overall, good read.
May 18, 2022
This is a sweet book. Despite them meeting for the first time and falling straight into chaos there is a sweet number of years in the background which build a very interesting picture. Fast paced and full of frustrations and idiots. I was very glad to see the connections to the falcons as well as the people in the town. Wish there was a little more to it but still a fun book with much love for the animals.
June 14, 2025
a little darker than others
Although the book stayed true to to the original people and places of nocturne falls. It was much more dark in the magic and the fighting. Also the amount of Russian words used in the story became annoying and I found myself skimming through entire sections to get past them. Had a happy ending but read more dark than the original series. Not for me
Although the book stayed true to to the original people and places of nocturne falls. It was much more dark in the magic and the fighting. Also the amount of Russian words used in the story became annoying and I found myself skimming through entire sections to get past them. Had a happy ending but read more dark than the original series. Not for me
September 19, 2017
This is Carson's third book in the Nocturne Falls Universe, following Magic's Song and Magic's Fate. The great joy in this is that all the characters from the two previous stories appear in this one! It's a delightful romp and so much fun!
September 29, 2017
This is Sela Carsen's third venture into the Nocturne Falls Universe and I'm happy to say this book holds up to the same standard as her other two. Also prior reading of the others is not necessary to understand and enjoy this book fully as a stand alone novel.
Four stars
Four stars
May 11, 2022
Kristen Painter realized that so man people loved the town of Nocturne Falls that she created a great place where lots of different authors could write short romantic stories about people in Nocturne Falls called A Nocturne Falls Universe. This is one of those books that I was happy to read.
September 25, 2017
I really enjoyed this one, loved Katya & Danil and all the others too! Great story and a fun read!
September 26, 2017
Great read! Could not put this one down, once I started reading, I had to finish. Nocturne Falls universe at its finest, enjoy!
September 30, 2017
This book was so good! Pulled at your heartstrings in parts but a really great storyline. I loved the interactions between Katya and Danil a great addition to the Nocturne Falls Universe .
November 16, 2017
Really enjoyed this one!
December 11, 2017
I loved this short addition to the NFU!! Even though I would’ve loved more, it was just the right amount of angst and hea! I look forward to more from this author!
August 18, 2018
So fun. I love these!
April 2, 2021
Well done
Great story with likable characters. Nice conclusion and a wonderful Russian feel for the people and the mystical critters. I recommend this story
Great story with likable characters. Nice conclusion and a wonderful Russian feel for the people and the mystical critters. I recommend this story
June 18, 2024
Entertaining and fun
June 21, 2024
Good but felt rushed
I like the long distance letters that spanned decades, that was sweet, it was also nice to see some old feces.
I like the long distance letters that spanned decades, that was sweet, it was also nice to see some old feces.
August 8, 2024
Danger and love
Danger brings two pen pals together. Promised by magical means to be wed, the bride to be flees. Danger is looming. No cliffhanger and hea.
Danger brings two pen pals together. Promised by magical means to be wed, the bride to be flees. Danger is looming. No cliffhanger and hea.
October 22, 2025
Magic's Promise by Sela Carsen is another great story in The Nocturne Falls Universe.
After a decade hiding from an unwanted arranged marriage, Katya finds her would-be groom on her doorstep. It turns out, not only was she off his radar for ten years, but his enemies couldn't find her either. Until the Magic went side-ways,Danil has to keep Katya safe. Can he keep them both safe, or will the Brotherhood track them down and end them?
This story was fast paced and kept you reading. This is a good addition to The Nocturne Falls Universe.
After a decade hiding from an unwanted arranged marriage, Katya finds her would-be groom on her doorstep. It turns out, not only was she off his radar for ten years, but his enemies couldn't find her either. Until the Magic went side-ways,Danil has to keep Katya safe. Can he keep them both safe, or will the Brotherhood track them down and end them?
This story was fast paced and kept you reading. This is a good addition to The Nocturne Falls Universe.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews