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Ever Green #1
Out of the Blue
Detective Niko Spruce has a love-hate relationship with pain. That is, he hates that he loves it. His last case was a success, but it turned his life upside down and taught him some things he wishes he could forget. The best way to move on is to close yourself off and pretend it never happened, right? So when he’s called to the beach for a body they can’t trace to any of the Three Courts with a cause of death no one can explain, Niko thinks he’s set. An impossible case to disappear into.
Only then Cobalt Sincloud shows up. Appearing out of the ocean, Cobalt is gorgeous, powerful, and mysterious. He claims to know the victim and identifies himself as a Selkie. Which is weird because as far as any Fae know, Selkies aren’t real.
Cobalt is exactly the kind of guy Niko knows can give him the pain he craves. He’s also determined to find the killer and gets himself assigned to the case. Now Niko’s got a politically charged murder to solve and a distracting partner who’s more than a little interested in him. To make matters worse, the investigation drives them back into Niko’s past, this case inextricably linked to his last. Questions pile up, and if Niko wants answers, he’s going to have to face down demons he thought he’d buried. And as the tension mounts, Niko starts to wonder if he should stop punishing himself and let Cobalt do it instead.
The stakes are high; the unsteady peace of the Three Courts is on the line. Can Niko and Cobalt trust each other enough to solve the mystery? Or will the reality of the investigation bring more pain than even Niko can handle?
Out of the Blue is a 160,000 word erotic, mystery romance in a fantasy setting. It focuses on an m/m relationship with explicit sexual scenes (and glimpses of f/f, m/f, moresomes, etc). This novel features BDSM scenes, violence, coarse language, and relationships that are not always entirely healthy. For trigger warnings, see below. It is the first novel in a series and follows the events of the Worth Series and the Three Courts series. You do not, however, need to have read those books to enjoy this one. It has a bittersweet HFN ending with a sequel to come.
Trigger warnings and possible spoilers: Blood, edgeplay including knifeplay and erotic asphyxiation, discussions of sexual and physical abuse, sex trafficking, and issues of consent.
Only then Cobalt Sincloud shows up. Appearing out of the ocean, Cobalt is gorgeous, powerful, and mysterious. He claims to know the victim and identifies himself as a Selkie. Which is weird because as far as any Fae know, Selkies aren’t real.
Cobalt is exactly the kind of guy Niko knows can give him the pain he craves. He’s also determined to find the killer and gets himself assigned to the case. Now Niko’s got a politically charged murder to solve and a distracting partner who’s more than a little interested in him. To make matters worse, the investigation drives them back into Niko’s past, this case inextricably linked to his last. Questions pile up, and if Niko wants answers, he’s going to have to face down demons he thought he’d buried. And as the tension mounts, Niko starts to wonder if he should stop punishing himself and let Cobalt do it instead.
The stakes are high; the unsteady peace of the Three Courts is on the line. Can Niko and Cobalt trust each other enough to solve the mystery? Or will the reality of the investigation bring more pain than even Niko can handle?
Out of the Blue is a 160,000 word erotic, mystery romance in a fantasy setting. It focuses on an m/m relationship with explicit sexual scenes (and glimpses of f/f, m/f, moresomes, etc). This novel features BDSM scenes, violence, coarse language, and relationships that are not always entirely healthy. For trigger warnings, see below. It is the first novel in a series and follows the events of the Worth Series and the Three Courts series. You do not, however, need to have read those books to enjoy this one. It has a bittersweet HFN ending with a sequel to come.
Trigger warnings and possible spoilers: Blood, edgeplay including knifeplay and erotic asphyxiation, discussions of sexual and physical abuse, sex trafficking, and issues of consent.
423 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2018
41 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
About the author
Lyra Evans
14 books94 followersLyra Evans has been making up stories since she was a kid and writing them down since her best friends informed her that was actually a career. Though plot and fantasy are what drive her worlds, she's got a particular love for M/M romance that she can't quite kick (though who would want to?). She tries her best to mix those three elements in her novels. A lover of books, games, food, and travel, she's always excited to try something new.
For updates on her novels and what inspires her, follow her on Twitter.
If you'd like to receive an email alert every time one of her books goes live, you can subscribe to the newsletter here: eepurl.com/cm-Af2 (you'll only receive emails for new books, no spam).
For updates on her novels and what inspires her, follow her on Twitter.
If you'd like to receive an email alert every time one of her books goes live, you can subscribe to the newsletter here: eepurl.com/cm-Af2 (you'll only receive emails for new books, no spam).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 24, 2024
✅ Smut / Sexual tension
✅ M/M romance
✅ Characters
✅ Intrigue / Plot
✅ World-building
✅🆗 Pace
✅🆗 Action
❗️❗️ Trigger warnings: mention of sexual abuse and slavery, and explicit BDSM scenes (knife play and asphyxiation)
Niko, a detective at the Maeve Court Police Department, was not expecting to finish his day being teamed up with a Selkie to investigate the murder of the Selkie prince. First, because he just doesn't do partners, and second because selkies do not exist. At least they didn't until this morning. Forced to work with the gorgeous Cobalt, Niko will have to figure out who is responsible for killing Prince Indigo and why the selkies are disappearing. Of course, they will end up having to infiltrate a very private BDSM club (because why not?) and try to stay in their role while also dealing with their very real feelings for each other.
I learned after finishing this book that it follows two other series by the same author, set in the same world (Irons in the Fire and Worth a Shot). I have to say though that I had no problem reading this book as a first of a series. It is very easy to follow what's happening and to grasp the basics of the Three Courts politics and the workings of this fantastic world where witches, warlocks, faes, and werewolves (and now selkies) are living together. This book is also independent of what happened in the other series, there are no events or characters that are mentioned that we should know about before starting this book.
This is an M/M romance, although the romance takes the backseat in this book as it is more focused on the murder, disappearances, and investigation surrounding it all. The intrigue is well fleshed out, and I honestly had no idea of who was involved until the "big revelation". The beginning of the book is great and it sucks us into the magical world and crime investigation quickly, but I have to say that it did drag on a little near the middle. I was waiting for something to finally happen between Niko and Cobalt (because the sexual tension was intense!) and I felt like things were not really progressing, but the pace picked up again and the last stretch of the book was great. I had trouble putting it down.
Compared to some M/M books that I've read, this one does not have a lot of sex scenes, but there is A LOT of sexual tension, and some very heated and explicit BDSM sex scenes (read the warning at the beginning of the review). It's all well integrated into the plot though, it's not just sex for the sake of having sex, and I really liked that. I love smut, especially well done M/M smut, but I don't like it when it feels like the author is just trying to throw sex anywhere they can in the book just to add some heat and spice.
Niko and Cobalt are nice main characters, they are well developed and I loved the chemistry and sexual tension between them. Niko went through some traumatic events in his last undercover assignment and he now struggles with his self-esteem and intimate relationships. He's snarky and tries to keep everyone at arm's length while Cobalt is very understanding and tries his best to show Niko that he is a good and worthy man who deserves to be loved. They complete each other very well and I hope they will be able to stay together in the next book because the whole "I have to go back to my court but I'll be back before you know it" never really works out as it should. Something always happens and gets in the way so I'm anticipating obstacles in their relationship in the next book.
Overall, if you're looking for a well-done world-building with compelling characters and an engaging plot, and you don't mind the length of the novel (because some descriptions are rather detailed and long) or the explicit BDSM, then I would definitely recommend this book.
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✅ M/M romance
✅ Characters
✅ Intrigue / Plot
✅ World-building
✅🆗 Pace
✅🆗 Action
❗️❗️ Trigger warnings: mention of sexual abuse and slavery, and explicit BDSM scenes (knife play and asphyxiation)
Niko, a detective at the Maeve Court Police Department, was not expecting to finish his day being teamed up with a Selkie to investigate the murder of the Selkie prince. First, because he just doesn't do partners, and second because selkies do not exist. At least they didn't until this morning. Forced to work with the gorgeous Cobalt, Niko will have to figure out who is responsible for killing Prince Indigo and why the selkies are disappearing. Of course, they will end up having to infiltrate a very private BDSM club (because why not?) and try to stay in their role while also dealing with their very real feelings for each other.
I learned after finishing this book that it follows two other series by the same author, set in the same world (Irons in the Fire and Worth a Shot). I have to say though that I had no problem reading this book as a first of a series. It is very easy to follow what's happening and to grasp the basics of the Three Courts politics and the workings of this fantastic world where witches, warlocks, faes, and werewolves (and now selkies) are living together. This book is also independent of what happened in the other series, there are no events or characters that are mentioned that we should know about before starting this book.
This is an M/M romance, although the romance takes the backseat in this book as it is more focused on the murder, disappearances, and investigation surrounding it all. The intrigue is well fleshed out, and I honestly had no idea of who was involved until the "big revelation". The beginning of the book is great and it sucks us into the magical world and crime investigation quickly, but I have to say that it did drag on a little near the middle. I was waiting for something to finally happen between Niko and Cobalt (because the sexual tension was intense!) and I felt like things were not really progressing, but the pace picked up again and the last stretch of the book was great. I had trouble putting it down.
“In public I’ll molest you without your permission as much as you like,” Cobalt said, his voice gravelly. “But in private, where no one else can see, I’ll never treat you as anything less than you are.”
Compared to some M/M books that I've read, this one does not have a lot of sex scenes, but there is A LOT of sexual tension, and some very heated and explicit BDSM sex scenes (read the warning at the beginning of the review). It's all well integrated into the plot though, it's not just sex for the sake of having sex, and I really liked that. I love smut, especially well done M/M smut, but I don't like it when it feels like the author is just trying to throw sex anywhere they can in the book just to add some heat and spice.
“They’re—very nice,” he said, slightly strangled.
Cobalt appeared next to him, and when Niko looked up at him, it was to find Cobalt’s expression soft and somewhat mournful. “You don’t think you deserve them,” he said. It wasn’t a question. The Soul Stone in his chest pulsed.
“I haven’t earned them,” Niko muttered, and Cobalt squeezed his shoulder.
“You’ve earned them more than ten times over,” he said. “If only you knew it.”
Niko and Cobalt are nice main characters, they are well developed and I loved the chemistry and sexual tension between them. Niko went through some traumatic events in his last undercover assignment and he now struggles with his self-esteem and intimate relationships. He's snarky and tries to keep everyone at arm's length while Cobalt is very understanding and tries his best to show Niko that he is a good and worthy man who deserves to be loved. They complete each other very well and I hope they will be able to stay together in the next book because the whole "I have to go back to my court but I'll be back before you know it" never really works out as it should. Something always happens and gets in the way so I'm anticipating obstacles in their relationship in the next book.
Overall, if you're looking for a well-done world-building with compelling characters and an engaging plot, and you don't mind the length of the novel (because some descriptions are rather detailed and long) or the explicit BDSM, then I would definitely recommend this book.
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October 5, 2018Stopping at 51%.
It’s just dragging and I don’t feel like forcing myself to finish this.
Peace ✌🏻
It’s just dragging and I don’t feel like forcing myself to finish this.
Peace ✌🏻
May 29, 2019
4.5 Stars
So, while the cumulative rating seems to be about what I'd expect, the fact that fewer than 60 people have rated/reviewed this book is simply mind-boggling...and criminally depressing.
Was it perfect? No. It's Fantasy, so expect a lot of hand-waving (or magic) in the procedural aspects. There are some psychological issues that I hope are addressed with a bit more detail in the next installment - with not as much introspection from Niko as I'm used to from subs in really good BDSM titles (not the ones that play at BDSM purely for the kink-factor - no judgment, just an observation of how it's incorporated as a theme sometimes - nor the ones that use BDSM as some sort of curative because those I'm not fond of...and this is miles beyond better than that), and it definitely ends on more of a HFN than a solid HEA - which kind of fits the whole tone of the story. So reading the sequel is high on my To-Do list at the moment, especially since there is a major plot development near the end that HAS to be resolved. (I think it is part of the plot of the next one.)
BUT...
The world-building is top-notch, and though it's technically the first of a series that follows two other multi-titled series, it is absolutely a stand-alone. I had NO IDEA that there even were other books that tied in with this one until I got to the blurb for the story that starts everything off for this 'verse - it's THAT well-insulated from dependency on what came before. (I do have to admit that mentions of these other Courts, specifically the change in leadership for the Werewolf Court, did have me thinking I'd like to read about them if they existed, and hoping for more to come if not. Luckily, they DO exist: The Worth Series and the Three Court Series.) I can only imagine how much richer my experience would have been if I'd read those first. Actually, I'm going to start at the beginning and eventually re-read this to get the full effect. (If it matters; I'm not entirely sure it does. Seriously, the world-building is THAT good.)
It's also heavily plot-dependent; those looking for lots of sex scene will probably be disappointed. But the relationship building and romance does take a back seat, to some extent...so, this is more for the fans of murder/mysteries with a heaping side of smut.
Heed those warnings in the precis, though. While all of that is not necessarily portrayed on page*, what is there is definitely trigger-worthy. (Specifically knife-play & erotic asphyxiation; that part is pretty graphic.)
*What's not on page is part of what I think Niko needs to process a little more. The other part is related to the knife/tie scene. REALLY crossing my fingers that is addressed in the next one.
I'm immediately starting Worth a Shot, taking advice from a certain Sicilian, by going back to the beginning.
So, while the cumulative rating seems to be about what I'd expect, the fact that fewer than 60 people have rated/reviewed this book is simply mind-boggling...and criminally depressing.
Was it perfect? No. It's Fantasy, so expect a lot of hand-waving (or magic) in the procedural aspects. There are some psychological issues that I hope are addressed with a bit more detail in the next installment - with not as much introspection from Niko as I'm used to from subs in really good BDSM titles (not the ones that play at BDSM purely for the kink-factor - no judgment, just an observation of how it's incorporated as a theme sometimes - nor the ones that use BDSM as some sort of curative because those I'm not fond of...and this is miles beyond better than that), and it definitely ends on more of a HFN than a solid HEA - which kind of fits the whole tone of the story. So reading the sequel is high on my To-Do list at the moment, especially since there is a major plot development near the end that HAS to be resolved. (I think it is part of the plot of the next one.)
BUT...
The world-building is top-notch, and though it's technically the first of a series that follows two other multi-titled series, it is absolutely a stand-alone. I had NO IDEA that there even were other books that tied in with this one until I got to the blurb for the story that starts everything off for this 'verse - it's THAT well-insulated from dependency on what came before. (I do have to admit that mentions of these other Courts, specifically the change in leadership for the Werewolf Court, did have me thinking I'd like to read about them if they existed, and hoping for more to come if not. Luckily, they DO exist: The Worth Series and the Three Court Series.) I can only imagine how much richer my experience would have been if I'd read those first. Actually, I'm going to start at the beginning and eventually re-read this to get the full effect. (If it matters; I'm not entirely sure it does. Seriously, the world-building is THAT good.)
It's also heavily plot-dependent; those looking for lots of sex scene will probably be disappointed. But the relationship building and romance does take a back seat, to some extent...so, this is more for the fans of murder/mysteries with a heaping side of smut.
Heed those warnings in the precis, though. While all of that is not necessarily portrayed on page*, what is there is definitely trigger-worthy. (Specifically knife-play & erotic asphyxiation; that part is pretty graphic.)
*What's not on page is part of what I think Niko needs to process a little more. The other part is related to the knife/tie scene. REALLY crossing my fingers that is addressed in the next one.
I'm immediately starting Worth a Shot, taking advice from a certain Sicilian, by going back to the beginning.
February 24, 2025
A selkie and a fae, a Soul Bond that only one believes in, a budding masochist confused about his relationship with pain, and forced to be partners investigating a crime. Why did I wait so long to read this?!
Super fun, although I'm bummed books 2 and 3 are only available on Amazon.
Review later, this ended in tumultuous not really HFN...
This book is on Smashwords and free for Kobo+ subscribers, the next two books Amazon only.
Super fun, although I'm bummed books 2 and 3 are only available on Amazon.
Review later, this ended in tumultuous not really HFN...
This book is on Smashwords and free for Kobo+ subscribers, the next two books Amazon only.
October 9, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
I’ve been a fan of this author since reading the Worth series, and this book takes place in the same world as that series and as the Three Courts series. But you don’t have to have read them in order to understand this book. It stands alone just fine, and the author does a great job of filling in any blanks. For those of you who have read those series though, there’s an added layer of knowing things that have gone on in other courts, and how certain things have come to be. But believe me when I say that not knowing those things won’t detract from the story at all.
I love Evans’ world building, and it’s the main thing that draws me to the author again and again. The courts, the paranormal creatures, the magic and how things work…everything is so well done, fully fleshed out, and complete. I love that Evans’ has taken traditional mythos and given it its own spin. And here we get to delve into Maeve’s Court, that of the Fae. Not only is Niko Fae, but the whole way the territory works is clearly shown. I was drawn in and absorbed into the story, read it all in one sitting, and completely captivated.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
I’ve been a fan of this author since reading the Worth series, and this book takes place in the same world as that series and as the Three Courts series. But you don’t have to have read them in order to understand this book. It stands alone just fine, and the author does a great job of filling in any blanks. For those of you who have read those series though, there’s an added layer of knowing things that have gone on in other courts, and how certain things have come to be. But believe me when I say that not knowing those things won’t detract from the story at all.
I love Evans’ world building, and it’s the main thing that draws me to the author again and again. The courts, the paranormal creatures, the magic and how things work…everything is so well done, fully fleshed out, and complete. I love that Evans’ has taken traditional mythos and given it its own spin. And here we get to delve into Maeve’s Court, that of the Fae. Not only is Niko Fae, but the whole way the territory works is clearly shown. I was drawn in and absorbed into the story, read it all in one sitting, and completely captivated.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
September 28, 2018
4.5 stars!!
Wow! This was...intense! I feel like I’ve been sprinting for an entire marathon. The mystery was intriguing and I just couldn’t figure out the whodunit until the very end! The one person I did suspect was gosh...not entirely wrong but definitely not the mastermind.
I like this unique world of the Three Courts simply because each court is so different. The werewolves, the wizards and the fae. Each with their own political structure and unique characteristics. Very, very well thought out universe.
Then all of a sudden we have another court nobody ever knew about. Selkies!! I wish we had proper access to the selkie court but alas, we weren’t taken underwater. But the little glimpses was fascinating in itself.
I don’t know if I could say that the characters were layered and complex. It doesn’t really feel like it was executed to perfection. But not that they were particularly bad or anything. Just a little...bland? The author certainly wove a pretty complex backstory for each of them but I feel like the characters themselves were a little bit stilted. Niko tried so hard to be a grumpy mofo and Cobalt was just way too obliging at times.
I did enjoy this immensely... I just feel like it’s really, really long! Could do with some trimming down. And some grammatical errors were observed. So all in all, 4.5 stars rounded down.
I do hope there’s more from this universe though because the three, well now four, courts are just an awesome universe to be in!
Wow! This was...intense! I feel like I’ve been sprinting for an entire marathon. The mystery was intriguing and I just couldn’t figure out the whodunit until the very end! The one person I did suspect was gosh...not entirely wrong but definitely not the mastermind.
I like this unique world of the Three Courts simply because each court is so different. The werewolves, the wizards and the fae. Each with their own political structure and unique characteristics. Very, very well thought out universe.
Then all of a sudden we have another court nobody ever knew about. Selkies!! I wish we had proper access to the selkie court but alas, we weren’t taken underwater. But the little glimpses was fascinating in itself.
I don’t know if I could say that the characters were layered and complex. It doesn’t really feel like it was executed to perfection. But not that they were particularly bad or anything. Just a little...bland? The author certainly wove a pretty complex backstory for each of them but I feel like the characters themselves were a little bit stilted. Niko tried so hard to be a grumpy mofo and Cobalt was just way too obliging at times.
I did enjoy this immensely... I just feel like it’s really, really long! Could do with some trimming down. And some grammatical errors were observed. So all in all, 4.5 stars rounded down.
I do hope there’s more from this universe though because the three, well now four, courts are just an awesome universe to be in!
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February 25, 2019Freebie at the zon.com right now: https://smile.amazon.com/Out-Blue-Lyr...
March 18, 2019
I had a real hard time rating this book. I kept going back and forth between 3 and 4 Stars. I decided on 4 stars because Niko and Cobalt and such incredibly written characters and the plot is fascinating. So why would I even consider 3 stars? I read every word when reading a book. I don’t like skimming. Lyra Evans puts in so much detailed descriptions of every character and every situation that the book was a chore to read. On top of that it’s around 450 pages. I understand why some people gave up, but I wanted to know how it ended. Guess what, it was kind of a cliffhanger. I don’t know if I will read the next book or not.
May 3, 2021
4/4.5
What an absolute discovery this series and author is! I also cannot believe that it has so little reviews.
The world building is great. I was afraid they would be a lot of telling instead of showing (happens a lot with mm fantasy romance) but it’s the absolute opposite and it’s so refreshing.
It ends on a soft HFN, and I cannot wait to see how their relationship develops in the next book.
There is quite a bit of BDSM (specially sadomasochism). I adore it but I understand is not everyone’s thing. And read the TW
What an absolute discovery this series and author is! I also cannot believe that it has so little reviews.
The world building is great. I was afraid they would be a lot of telling instead of showing (happens a lot with mm fantasy romance) but it’s the absolute opposite and it’s so refreshing.
It ends on a soft HFN, and I cannot wait to see how their relationship develops in the next book.
There is quite a bit of BDSM (specially sadomasochism). I adore it but I understand is not everyone’s thing. And read the TW
December 22, 2025
4.25 Stars
So, this is my first book by this author, and even though it is the first in a trilogy (I believe it's a trilogy?) it does (I think) connect to other books/series set in the same world. So I was at a little disadvantage in that I had no idea how things in the "three courts" work, but it wasn't too difficult to catch up. The world building is complex enough to be interesting but not overly so. And I do have some questions about the magic system but they are small, and I have a feeling they would be answered if I go back and read some of the other three courts books-which I may do because WOW I really liked this.
This book started out a little dubious... Niko is a fae cop who specializes in undercover work investigating sex trafficking. Cobalt is a selkie who has emerged out of the sea to help investigate a recent murder because, as it turns out, the victim is a selkie prince and Cobalt is a royal guard. It also happens that everyone had thought selkies were "just a myth". Fae, werewolves, witches, wizards, all totally real in this world, but selkies? Laughable. Anyway... we also learn (and this is not a spoiler btw it happens in the very beginning) that selkies have a tradition of going on a "land walk" to mark their maturity. This involves them leaving the sea and showing up in a land court (fae, werewolf, or wizard/witch court... selkies choice) and just finding a place to live and checking it out without alerting anyone to their true nature. Okay.... seems sus but I'll allow it. But, this also includes the selkie PRINCE. He was on *his* land walk with essentially no protection, just took a few courtiers with him. AND, if that's not bad enough, the selkies don't really keep track of who leaves and when they return, and if they DON'T EVER RETURN, nobody worries about it, it is assumed that they chose to live in the land court of their choice for the rest of their lives.... umm? No one ever goes to check on them. Even their family. EVEN IN THE CASE OF THE PRINCE, no other selkies show up to cause a scene just this one royal guard?
And Niko and the Fae police just accept this pretty much right away and they take Cobalt immediately into their trusted ranks. Alright, whatever, that was hard to swallow, but I was intrigued, mostly because Niko has a near constant hard on for his new partner Cobalt.
Anyways, after those initial chapters that seem riddled with plot holes, the book improves considerably. The sexual tension is TOP NOTCH, there is a bit of a slow burn and when you finally get to the bdsm scenes they do not disappoint. The plot gets better too. There were still some questionable parts, yes, and some annoying typos as well, but overall it was interesting and engaging and the magic system is pretty creative.
The ending was good too, I thought it was rushed at first, until I realized there are two more books in the series. Now, I think it had a perfect ending, wrapping things up just enough that I feel excited for the next book but not, like, I'm going to die. Well done.
So, this is my first book by this author, and even though it is the first in a trilogy (I believe it's a trilogy?) it does (I think) connect to other books/series set in the same world. So I was at a little disadvantage in that I had no idea how things in the "three courts" work, but it wasn't too difficult to catch up. The world building is complex enough to be interesting but not overly so. And I do have some questions about the magic system but they are small, and I have a feeling they would be answered if I go back and read some of the other three courts books-which I may do because WOW I really liked this.
This book started out a little dubious... Niko is a fae cop who specializes in undercover work investigating sex trafficking. Cobalt is a selkie who has emerged out of the sea to help investigate a recent murder because, as it turns out, the victim is a selkie prince and Cobalt is a royal guard. It also happens that everyone had thought selkies were "just a myth". Fae, werewolves, witches, wizards, all totally real in this world, but selkies? Laughable. Anyway... we also learn (and this is not a spoiler btw it happens in the very beginning) that selkies have a tradition of going on a "land walk" to mark their maturity. This involves them leaving the sea and showing up in a land court (fae, werewolf, or wizard/witch court... selkies choice) and just finding a place to live and checking it out without alerting anyone to their true nature. Okay.... seems sus but I'll allow it. But, this also includes the selkie PRINCE. He was on *his* land walk with essentially no protection, just took a few courtiers with him. AND, if that's not bad enough, the selkies don't really keep track of who leaves and when they return, and if they DON'T EVER RETURN, nobody worries about it, it is assumed that they chose to live in the land court of their choice for the rest of their lives.... umm? No one ever goes to check on them. Even their family. EVEN IN THE CASE OF THE PRINCE, no other selkies show up to cause a scene just this one royal guard?
And Niko and the Fae police just accept this pretty much right away and they take Cobalt immediately into their trusted ranks. Alright, whatever, that was hard to swallow, but I was intrigued, mostly because Niko has a near constant hard on for his new partner Cobalt.
Anyways, after those initial chapters that seem riddled with plot holes, the book improves considerably. The sexual tension is TOP NOTCH, there is a bit of a slow burn and when you finally get to the bdsm scenes they do not disappoint. The plot gets better too. There were still some questionable parts, yes, and some annoying typos as well, but overall it was interesting and engaging and the magic system is pretty creative.
The ending was good too, I thought it was rushed at first, until I realized there are two more books in the series. Now, I think it had a perfect ending, wrapping things up just enough that I feel excited for the next book but not, like, I'm going to die. Well done.
January 7, 2020
4.5/5
I couldn't ask for a better book to start the year. This book just hit so many spots for me. *ahhhh*
Engaging story, compelling characters and an interesting world all weaved together with beautiful writing, the book was a just a perfect package.
Oh and let's not forget the consensual SM, yum. It's rare to see a good SM without the captor/captive plot haha.
I couldn't ask for a better book to start the year. This book just hit so many spots for me. *ahhhh*
Engaging story, compelling characters and an interesting world all weaved together with beautiful writing, the book was a just a perfect package.
Oh and let's not forget the consensual SM, yum. It's rare to see a good SM without the captor/captive plot haha.
Want to read
February 23, 20192/23/19 Currently FREE via Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07GSHNSR...
January 10, 2024
I loved this way more than I thought I would!
I absolutely couldn't put it down and even when I had to (oh, you know, because of the 9-5) I spent all day thinking about it - thinking about Niko and Cobalt, and the murder mystery, and everything else this book has going for it.
THINGS I LIKED
1. Everything (okay, okay...😊)
2. The world building (the different races didn't feel at all out of place and I really liked the concept of trades)
3. The characters
4. The murder mystery (yes, there's an actual murder mystery in this and I was just as invested in it as Cobalt and Niko's relationship, making the reading experience twice as good)
5. The writing style (did I highlight 99.99% of the book? yes, I did)
THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE
...
Why did I put off reading this?? From now on whenever I get the urge to put off a book I need to read it immediately because it's always the ones I put off that enjoy the most 😭
I absolutely couldn't put it down and even when I had to (oh, you know, because of the 9-5) I spent all day thinking about it - thinking about Niko and Cobalt, and the murder mystery, and everything else this book has going for it.
THINGS I LIKED
1. Everything (okay, okay...😊)
2. The world building (the different races didn't feel at all out of place and I really liked the concept of trades)
3. The characters
4. The murder mystery (yes, there's an actual murder mystery in this and I was just as invested in it as Cobalt and Niko's relationship, making the reading experience twice as good)
5. The writing style (did I highlight 99.99% of the book? yes, I did)
THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE
...
Why did I put off reading this?? From now on whenever I get the urge to put off a book I need to read it immediately because it's always the ones I put off that enjoy the most 😭
Want to read
September 4, 2018#Erotica #New #Release $3.99 #DarkFantasy #BDSM #MM
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2oCjfT3
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2wIPSD8
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2oEJTKY
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Merged review:
#Erotica #New #Release $3.99 #DarkFantasy #BDSM #MM
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2oCjfT3
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2wIPSD8
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2oEJTKY
Subscribe to our newsletter: https://goo.gl/SrUf3e
Or join our group: facebook.com/groups/TheDarkNewsletter/
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2oCjfT3
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2wIPSD8
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2oEJTKY
Subscribe to our newsletter: https://goo.gl/SrUf3e
Or join our group: facebook.com/groups/TheDarkNewsletter/
Merged review:
#Erotica #New #Release $3.99 #DarkFantasy #BDSM #MM
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2oCjfT3
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2wIPSD8
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2oEJTKY
Subscribe to our newsletter: https://goo.gl/SrUf3e
Or join our group: facebook.com/groups/TheDarkNewsletter/
January 16, 2026
I really enjoyed this book - the world building, the plot, the characters, the relationship.
For once I actually enjoyed the soulmates theme… because Niko just wasn’t buying it.
The BDSM was a bit disappointing - it was all a performance in this book, so the way it was written didn’t really interest me. I’m looking forward to the other books in the series - hopefully it’ll be more personal there.
For once I actually enjoyed the soulmates theme… because Niko just wasn’t buying it.
The BDSM was a bit disappointing - it was all a performance in this book, so the way it was written didn’t really interest me. I’m looking forward to the other books in the series - hopefully it’ll be more personal there.
May 1, 2019
4*para mi porque me mantuvo pendiente de la trama todo el rato y me gustaron mucho los MC.
Esperaba algo mucho más Dark debido a otras reviews, pero he de decir que yo, que no soy lectora habitual de éste tipo de libros, he sufrido más en otras ocasiones con cosas consideradas menos escabrosas. Quizás también puede ser que como es un libro de temática fantástica no empatizo igual con los personajes y con los hechos que en cualquier otro libro.
Esperaba algo mucho más Dark debido a otras reviews, pero he de decir que yo, que no soy lectora habitual de éste tipo de libros, he sufrido más en otras ocasiones con cosas consideradas menos escabrosas. Quizás también puede ser que como es un libro de temática fantástica no empatizo igual con los personajes y con los hechos que en cualquier otro libro.
September 24, 2018
I really love this fantasy world Lyra Evans has created, and this was another enjoyable addition to the 'verse. I really appreciate how the series can be read independently of one another, but they definitely add more and more layers and richness to the world here.
I loved the characters, and I thought the plot and backstory for both characters was super fascinating. The introduction of Selkies and their lore was super cool, and OMG the connection between Cobalt and Niko was fantastic. Really gripping, sexy read, and I cannot WAIT for the next books, which I'm 99% certain will be following this same pairing.
I loved the characters, and I thought the plot and backstory for both characters was super fascinating. The introduction of Selkies and their lore was super cool, and OMG the connection between Cobalt and Niko was fantastic. Really gripping, sexy read, and I cannot WAIT for the next books, which I'm 99% certain will be following this same pairing.
May 24, 2020
Not in the mood nor have the time for a proper review but : moody damaged Fae detective meets sexy mysterious Selkie. Feelings rapidly ensues (but not too quickly). Crime investigation, bits of BDSM, sex trafficking ring, evil criminals and more investigation.
All in all a good mm mystery novel with more than a side of luuuve and lust.
All in all a good mm mystery novel with more than a side of luuuve and lust.
October 11, 2018
Out of the Blue
HFN ending, on a pseudo-cliffhanger
^ That is something I always want to know
Very, very, very slow build. Lots of sexual tension, but very plot heavy. It’s a good read of paranormal fiction with some sex scenes thrown in.
Kinks worth mentioning: flogging, paddling, pseudo-blindfolds, an anal hook and ass play, and some light knife play (I say light because magic makes for insta-healing), oh and one moment of breath play.
If you are looking for massive, kinky sexy times, this isn’t really for you. If you are looking for a paranormal thriller type with m/m love interests and minimal (3?) sex scenes, this is your book.
HFN ending, on a pseudo-cliffhanger
^ That is something I always want to know
Very, very, very slow build. Lots of sexual tension, but very plot heavy. It’s a good read of paranormal fiction with some sex scenes thrown in.
Kinks worth mentioning: flogging, paddling, pseudo-blindfolds, an anal hook and ass play, and some light knife play (I say light because magic makes for insta-healing), oh and one moment of breath play.
If you are looking for massive, kinky sexy times, this isn’t really for you. If you are looking for a paranormal thriller type with m/m love interests and minimal (3?) sex scenes, this is your book.
August 22, 2025
4.25, great for fans of the big bad wolf series (but why would you name one character amber and a different character amberT 😫)
May 13, 2022
3.5
This book was very frustrating, because it was SO CLOSE, to being very good. But it needed a better editor, seriously. This book should have been cut by AT LEAST a 100 pages.
I mean I love details, sometimes they make you feel like you can smell the seaweed yourself or whatever, and it helps the book play out like a movie in your head, that you're invited into.
BUT..
I don't need to know how many straitions there is on every piece of wood you encounter,
what the pattern is on every wall you pass by, I don't need an exact description on every enviroment you walk through, and not all parts of a day need to be told.
Some parts NEED to be skipped over, or else the story starts to drag badly, which is a crying shame, when both the mystery and the romance are actually quite good!
Regarding the sentence structure, overall language, punctuation and so on, everything like that is on point. But this book just BADLY needed to be cut down on mundane nonsense that no-one cares about.
I was also a little over it halfway through the story with all the scents, I get it, he smells like the ocean?! Good for you?!
Go kiss an octopus, but do I have to read about it repeatedly?
I was a tiny miniscule dissapointed by the sex scenes, and I don't even know why. They where pretty evenly spaced out, they worked for the plot, they where explicit and not to short.. It was bdsm just like promised, and they didn't chicken out and make it too sweet, which is a common problem, there was even a little dirty talk.
I can't put my finger on why, but I just couldn't really feel it. It was SO CLOSE, but it felt like these was a thin sheet of plastic between me and any tingly emotions. I guess I just needed something more.
Some stories make you feel like what the characters feel, and it makes sparks race down your spine.. This was well written, but for some reason, I just didn't feel any fireworks?
But that might just be me. Overall this is a pretty good book, and it might seem like I'm dragging it, but that actually isn't my intention, I'm just frustrated that this could have been an awesome book, and instead it was just "good."
A few tweaks, and it would have rated much higher. But I will definitely check out some of her other stories, as I can tell that she is a talented writer.
This book was very frustrating, because it was SO CLOSE, to being very good. But it needed a better editor, seriously. This book should have been cut by AT LEAST a 100 pages.
I mean I love details, sometimes they make you feel like you can smell the seaweed yourself or whatever, and it helps the book play out like a movie in your head, that you're invited into.
BUT..
I don't need to know how many straitions there is on every piece of wood you encounter,
what the pattern is on every wall you pass by, I don't need an exact description on every enviroment you walk through, and not all parts of a day need to be told.
Some parts NEED to be skipped over, or else the story starts to drag badly, which is a crying shame, when both the mystery and the romance are actually quite good!
Regarding the sentence structure, overall language, punctuation and so on, everything like that is on point. But this book just BADLY needed to be cut down on mundane nonsense that no-one cares about.
I was also a little over it halfway through the story with all the scents, I get it, he smells like the ocean?! Good for you?!
Go kiss an octopus, but do I have to read about it repeatedly?
I was a tiny miniscule dissapointed by the sex scenes, and I don't even know why. They where pretty evenly spaced out, they worked for the plot, they where explicit and not to short.. It was bdsm just like promised, and they didn't chicken out and make it too sweet, which is a common problem, there was even a little dirty talk.
I can't put my finger on why, but I just couldn't really feel it. It was SO CLOSE, but it felt like these was a thin sheet of plastic between me and any tingly emotions. I guess I just needed something more.
Some stories make you feel like what the characters feel, and it makes sparks race down your spine.. This was well written, but for some reason, I just didn't feel any fireworks?
But that might just be me. Overall this is a pretty good book, and it might seem like I'm dragging it, but that actually isn't my intention, I'm just frustrated that this could have been an awesome book, and instead it was just "good."
A few tweaks, and it would have rated much higher. But I will definitely check out some of her other stories, as I can tell that she is a talented writer.
September 2, 2018
Starts off with a significant crime, drawing readers into the groove of the narrative - this book does a stellar job of setting a consistent tone throughout the narrative. I was puzzled by the character of Uriah at the start, although his exchanges with our protagonist, Niko, set the stage for the emotional turmoil ongoing inside Niko. Uri's motivations didn't make a lot of sense to me in how he was intending his interactions with Niko to go, perhaps highlighting the open-ended nature of emotional strife that a post-breakup scenario would likely involve.
Niko's struggle with trust really resonated with my own experience in relationships, and his desire to be dominated, controlled and bossed around made a lot of sense throughout the pace of the narrative. Cobalt's motivations were slightly less clear to me until the end, which was further exacerbated by the lack of vantage point granted to him from start to end. I had this sense that Cobalt's actions and emotional cues all was geared toward the fate-centric notion that they 'were meant to be together'. The latter was a problem in finding the way that the narrative turns out.
The mystery was extremely gripping, which flowed at a reasonable pace from beginning to conclusion. The twists involved in the climax also felt a little bit too convenient to have happened in the sequence that it played out. The lovemaking, however, was frequently a surprise and always unexpected in it's lyrical sense of intimacy. I moved to the edge of my seat every time a sex scene came around, especially given that most readers wouldn't anticipate the timing or the kinks involved. These were quite likeable, cementing our impression of the relationship between the protagonists. The mythical element of the plot didn't detract from the quality of the prose, which I'd recommend to anyone who doesn't mind a maddening cliff-hanger at the end. Eagerly looking forward to the upcoming sequel.
*Reviewed in exchange for an ARC provided by the author.
Niko's struggle with trust really resonated with my own experience in relationships, and his desire to be dominated, controlled and bossed around made a lot of sense throughout the pace of the narrative. Cobalt's motivations were slightly less clear to me until the end, which was further exacerbated by the lack of vantage point granted to him from start to end. I had this sense that Cobalt's actions and emotional cues all was geared toward the fate-centric notion that they 'were meant to be together'. The latter was a problem in finding the way that the narrative turns out.
The mystery was extremely gripping, which flowed at a reasonable pace from beginning to conclusion. The twists involved in the climax also felt a little bit too convenient to have happened in the sequence that it played out. The lovemaking, however, was frequently a surprise and always unexpected in it's lyrical sense of intimacy. I moved to the edge of my seat every time a sex scene came around, especially given that most readers wouldn't anticipate the timing or the kinks involved. These were quite likeable, cementing our impression of the relationship between the protagonists. The mythical element of the plot didn't detract from the quality of the prose, which I'd recommend to anyone who doesn't mind a maddening cliff-hanger at the end. Eagerly looking forward to the upcoming sequel.
*Reviewed in exchange for an ARC provided by the author.
August 8, 2020
THIS WAS SO MUCH MORE THAN I EXPECTED!😻
So, actually, I just read kinda the beginning of the plot and saw it was rated high and went “oooh, this is right up on my alley”, but then, I started reading and suddenly there were faes, werewolves, witches, selkies, and I was a goner. I love fantasy and I can’t believe I didn’t know about this series before.
This fantasy world the author created is fantastic. Really. It seems very complete and now I want to read everything she has related to this world. It was top notch. And something that I really liked is that as I was reading, there were things and attitudes that I didn’t understand and I thought of stopping mid through so I could read her other books and come back to this one with more understanding, but everything was explained as you got deeper into the story so I appreciate that. And I gotta say, the trades were awesome. Now I wish to be a freakin fairy LOL
As for the characters, I loooooved Cobalt. Like, he’s way too charming, caring and THE perfect match for Niko. I’m all in with him teaching Niko the “proper way” he should be treated. Also, I yearn to see Niko’s evolution. He has so much to offer and doesn’t show how a cutie he is, so I’m expecting a lot from the next book.
All in all, if you like crime fantasy BDSM books with a lot of space for care and growing, this is for you.
See ya!
So, actually, I just read kinda the beginning of the plot and saw it was rated high and went “oooh, this is right up on my alley”, but then, I started reading and suddenly there were faes, werewolves, witches, selkies, and I was a goner. I love fantasy and I can’t believe I didn’t know about this series before.
This fantasy world the author created is fantastic. Really. It seems very complete and now I want to read everything she has related to this world. It was top notch. And something that I really liked is that as I was reading, there were things and attitudes that I didn’t understand and I thought of stopping mid through so I could read her other books and come back to this one with more understanding, but everything was explained as you got deeper into the story so I appreciate that. And I gotta say, the trades were awesome. Now I wish to be a freakin fairy LOL
As for the characters, I loooooved Cobalt. Like, he’s way too charming, caring and THE perfect match for Niko. I’m all in with him teaching Niko the “proper way” he should be treated. Also, I yearn to see Niko’s evolution. He has so much to offer and doesn’t show how a cutie he is, so I’m expecting a lot from the next book.
All in all, if you like crime fantasy BDSM books with a lot of space for care and growing, this is for you.
See ya!
September 3, 2018
Mystery, intense attraction - Outstanding!
I started this book thinking that it was going to be similar to the Worth series which I thoroughly enjoyed but this book is nothing like it. The characters are well developed and so is the mystery, just loved it!
Niko is a detective and as a result of his last undercover op has discovered that he loves pain but is ashamed that it happened during the op. Cobalt is desired by everyone, mysterious and has his own agenda. They desire each other but are driven to solve the case.
This is a great mystery and the MCs are unbelievable together! I’m glad there’s going to be another book about Niko and Cobalt or I would have been screaming at the author. Loved it!
I started this book thinking that it was going to be similar to the Worth series which I thoroughly enjoyed but this book is nothing like it. The characters are well developed and so is the mystery, just loved it!
Niko is a detective and as a result of his last undercover op has discovered that he loves pain but is ashamed that it happened during the op. Cobalt is desired by everyone, mysterious and has his own agenda. They desire each other but are driven to solve the case.
This is a great mystery and the MCs are unbelievable together! I’m glad there’s going to be another book about Niko and Cobalt or I would have been screaming at the author. Loved it!
October 8, 2018
I've started writing this review a few times and get stuck on exactly what I want to say.
Out of the Blue is unlike any book I have read.
This book is of the same world as The Worth Series which I read and loved it and recommended it to a few good friends.
However, Out of the Blue is in another class of it's own. The writing is incredible and the storyline is out of this world (literally).
This book had me on the edge of my seat most night. It's a long book, but oh so worth the read. It wasn't an easy read as this story follows a heinous crime.
This book ends as a HFN, and suggest that there are more to come with Nico and Colbalt.
If paranormal is your thing, I would definitely suggest Out of the Blue.
Out of the Blue is unlike any book I have read.
This book is of the same world as The Worth Series which I read and loved it and recommended it to a few good friends.
However, Out of the Blue is in another class of it's own. The writing is incredible and the storyline is out of this world (literally).
This book had me on the edge of my seat most night. It's a long book, but oh so worth the read. It wasn't an easy read as this story follows a heinous crime.
This book ends as a HFN, and suggest that there are more to come with Nico and Colbalt.
If paranormal is your thing, I would definitely suggest Out of the Blue.
Want to read
September 5, 2021
Universe Order (?):
1. Worth series — Worth a Shot
2. Three Courts series — Irons in the Fire
3. Ever Green series — Out of the Blue
1. Worth series — Worth a Shot
2. Three Courts series — Irons in the Fire
3. Ever Green series — Out of the Blue
July 17, 2024
4.5 for sure
The world-building is amazing here. While reading this book I found out that there are two more series to this world, but I had no problem understanding what's going on in this one although it's technically the third series for this world if I understood correctly.
The magic system is pretty interesting and I want more of that.
The romance takes a backseat to the murder investigation and I didn't expect that. From the cover (yeah, I know never to judge a book by its cover but c'mon we all do) I thought it would be extra spicy and focused on relationships. I am delighted I was wrong.
The world-building is amazing here. While reading this book I found out that there are two more series to this world, but I had no problem understanding what's going on in this one although it's technically the third series for this world if I understood correctly.
The magic system is pretty interesting and I want more of that.
The romance takes a backseat to the murder investigation and I didn't expect that. From the cover (yeah, I know never to judge a book by its cover but c'mon we all do) I thought it would be extra spicy and focused on relationships. I am delighted I was wrong.
May 21, 2021
* Review for all 3 books in the trilogy
Wow. These books left me breathless. The world they are written in is vast, complex, detailed, and so compelling. The story was just fantastic. There is romance and sex and mystery in each novel with some turns and twists I just didn't expect. They are also long, over 400 pages each and each page seemed completely necessary for the tale. I understand that this is the third trilogy the author has written in this world and I will absolutely be going back to read everything else.
Wow. These books left me breathless. The world they are written in is vast, complex, detailed, and so compelling. The story was just fantastic. There is romance and sex and mystery in each novel with some turns and twists I just didn't expect. They are also long, over 400 pages each and each page seemed completely necessary for the tale. I understand that this is the third trilogy the author has written in this world and I will absolutely be going back to read everything else.
October 19, 2018
It was an okay read. Probably even pretty good, but I couldn't really get into the crime plot. Not because it was bad or anything, its just not myy favorite genre. Minor spoiler? I really didnt like the end. Like I need happy ends like I need air, and this was not only not an happy end, it wasnt even a happy for now. It was really rather open and just kinda not finished, even though it was already such a long read. Just not my cup of tea I guess.
Read
February 17, 2020What an amazing experience
I loved the world created in this book, along with the mystery surrounding Indigo's murder. Cobalt and Niko are complex characters and each hiding things from themselves and each other.. It was amazing to watch the complexity of the case and their relationship unfold.. I know I want more
I loved the world created in this book, along with the mystery surrounding Indigo's murder. Cobalt and Niko are complex characters and each hiding things from themselves and each other.. It was amazing to watch the complexity of the case and their relationship unfold.. I know I want more
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