Holiday Magic

Isabella Hush #3·5

by Thea Atkinson

The holidays should be fun, not deadly. When Maddox lures Isabella out of the house on Christmas Eve with the promise of a job, she doesn't realize it will be at a Christmas party, and that the festivities are in the Shadow Bazaar. A place she told herself she would never visit again. She finds herself in the middle of a group of Kindred on the cusp of their most sacred and savage time of year. It's not a place for mortals. In fact, it's downright dangerous. But a special kind of power waits for her within the sliver of portal known as Scourge. She just needs to claim it before the things in the bazaar descends into chaos. If only she can do that without losing Maddox in the process…

Genres: Urban Fantasy

78 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 10, 2018

About the author

Thea is a NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling Author. She used to have a black lab at her feet when she wrote, warming up the calves. It can be cold in rural Nova Scotia. Now it's just a cuppa tea keeping her warm.

Her urban fantasy pulses with dark themes and action-packed intrigue. Her characters are always deeply wounded creatures struggling for redemption.

Hang out with her on Instagram or Facebook or follow her on Amazon. Grab a free book at her website.

Find her on the web:
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a special shout out to Brenda Levy Tate for the awesome author photo wherein I don't look too dog-lady crazy.

Reviews

[Cath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book four and a short Christmas story in the Isabella Hush series and has Maddox invite Isabella to a Christmas party, but one which is a very special one for Kindred and nothing like what she might have thought. For the Kindred, this Christmas Eve party is the one night of the year, where they can allow all of their most base desires to run rampart and desires are celebrated, where everything and anything goes! The party takes place in the Shadow Bazaar and is not a place for a human and only Maddox will really be able to keep her safe. The Kindred celebration is called Savages, so you can imagine how everyone there was behaving. At the witching hour, those baser instincts can overtake the Kindred. Maddox told Isabella that she was there to do a job, but there was a different reason that he wanted her there.
He wants her to figure out a way into the Scourge, to find a tiny gap in the space around the Scourge, to slip though the portal surrounding it. The only problem is that Maddox is having his own issues and has someone after him. If she doesn’t manage to get through the portal, she will lose the special power it can give to her. But if she allows herself to leave Maddox to his own devices, to gain whatever is through the portal for herself, he will lose much more and she can’t allow that to happen. She knows Maddox has sworn a vow of celibacy and whilst she found that hard to understand, when he looks as he does and even flirts a lot, she has come to understand how important that is to him! She should have been in more danger as a human at such a party, but it looks like she may be the one that will have to save the night from becoming a disaster. Nothing ever turns out how it should when Maddox has Isabella on a job! A nice short tale of the dangers of the Kindred and the Shadow Bazaar in the festive period. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Katheyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Holiday Magic”, the fourth installment in Thea Atkinson’s UF “Isabella Hush” series, which follows a talented thief, with an uncanny talent to getting into very strange situations, is in fact a short Christmas story that despite of its length (barely under 35 pages) offers a delightful plot set in the winter holidays, that can nevertheless be enjoyed at any time in the year, because who doesn’t need some Christmas spirit every once and then.

The story is fun and lively. Maddox drags Isabella to a Christmas party, under the false premise of a job interview. The problem being that the party takes place in the Shadow Bazaar and Isabella finds herself as the sole human in the middle of a group of Kindred celebrating their most sacred holiday. Isabella juggles the situation between helping Maddox, trying to utilize the power stored into the Scourge and surviving the ‘party’ in the process. A quick, entertaining short story for every season.

This series (which already started on a very high note) keeps on improving with any new instalment, thus – as always - expect the unexpected, wrapped into an action-packed adventure, with a captivating plot, a relatable no-nonsense main character, interesting secondary characters, a pinch of mystery and enough supernatural creatures to meet every urban fantasy fans taste. Well written, with a pinch of cynicism to go with it, that kind Bernard Shaw would call “power of accurate observation” 😉 and always wonderful, eerie descriptions that makes the world comes alive page after page, and the reader feel part of the action at all times.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our hero offers our heroine a break for the holidays, but that does not go exactly as planned. Big surprise there.

This is book four of the series, sort of a short story interlude. This one works better than most as a standalone.

This is an urban fantasy story with a very dirty and gritty feel to it. The story is intriguing and quick paced, with an enjoyable storyline and a fascinating setting. The characters are also nicely done and our heroine in particular continues to grow with each story, which I really like. This one is kind of an interlude or side story, which makes it rather fun, but it also has plenty of action so it makes for a quick read. I enjoyed this story quite a bit and look forward to her next adventure.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabella is depressed after the last adventure and not getting better. Maddox finds what he hopes is a way to make her better. And so Isabella finds herself at a Kindred pseudo Christmas party. Unfortunately for Isabella she learns too late that this is not the type party, or job, she expected. Lots of mayhem in a short period and Isabella has to help Maddox keep his vow. What are friends for? I recommend this read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tahnia Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maddox invited Isabella to an Eve aux Savages party. He wants Isabella to get her dream gift. from the Scourge he also invited. Isabella keeps grabbing drinks from a server and Maddox keeps taking them from her and chugging them down. This story is fun to read and has action when the time is ripe. Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Witch-at-Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this short story that has Isabella back at the Bazaar, this time during Christmas which is a different type of celebration to the Kindred and the most savage night of the year for them. Isabella is both confused and a bit terrified but the night holds great promise. I wish this was a full novel it was so good... I hate to leave this night behind!!! A must read for a fantastic series. Get it you won't be disappointed.

[William Vegvari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've loved all the stories so far in the Isabella Hush series and this short story was also a page turner.
I just love this character.
If your a Thea Atkinson fan you will also love this story.
It is a very quick read and is highly recommended

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shayay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining, fun short read! It’s part of the Isabella Rush series and takes place between books 3 and 4, so I’d recommend reading the previous books first. Love a bit of fun during Christmas! And of course, a dash of the magical! Things rarely go the way they are supposed to for Isabella, so it’s not surprising that Maddox’s attempt to cheer her up, don’t quite go as planned.

[Natalie Noblett · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely short story from the Isabella Hush series. Maddox takes Isabella to the kindred's version of a Christmas eve party. Their relationship is frustrating and complicated due to Maddox's vow but he still tries to show Isabella how much she means to him in his own sweet way. I really hope in future books they really can truly be together.

[Marilyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maddox want to help Isabella out of her depression by telling her that he’s got a job prospect for her. She goes but it’s to a Christmas Party at the Shadow Bazaar. They end up finding it more exciting than they thought! A great adventure for them!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shelby White · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic holiday treat involving one of my all time favorite series. Absolutely love this short but enchanting story involving Isabella and Maddox. Love the story and love the chemistry, wish it was just a little longer.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie Pederick · Rating 5 out of 5]

☆HOLIDAY MAGIC ☆ Book # 4 Isabella Hush Christmas Holiday Story☆ THEA ATKINSON ☆

In this short holiday novella, Maddox decides to snap Isabella (Izzy/Kitten) out of the funk she's been in since she killed her psychotic ex-boyfriend Scottie (but, boy, did he have it coming)!
Maddox tells her he has a job for her. Unbeknownst to our girl, it's not really a job but more of a gift, a Christmas gift from Maddox to Izzy, to show he cares despite his vow, but as always, nothing is ever that easy or as simple as it seems, and much goes wrong for both our characters. Will these two be each other's saving grace? Or will they succumb to the Savages?
This "job" is in the world of the Shadow Bazaar. An Eve aux Savages party hosted by Maddox for the Kindred. It's their equivalent of a Christmas party with some of the most fearsome supernaturals & creatures known to Maddox. A party where their true nature is brought to the surface at the Witching Hour. And this time, Maddox is in as much danger as Isabella is; he just doesn't know it yet.
Once again Thea Atkinson excels at her craft. I adore these Isabella Hush stories & all the characters from the main to the bit part players. They all make you feel some kind of way using the full range of your emotions. The characters are written with depth & feeling, which draws you in, and the world-building by this author drops you right into the scenes itself. Honestly, it makes me feel as if I am part of the novel itself. I love the dark nature in which Ms Atkinson writes. Thank you Thea for another great instalment & a holiday one at that.

I highly recommend this book, series & author.

I RATE HOLIDAY MAGIC 5☆ OUT OF 5!

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Maddox decides to do something to snap Isabella out of her depression following Scottie's demise, he tells her he has a job for and takes her to a not-Christmas party. The humans may be celebrating Christmas but the Kindred are celebrating Eve de Savages - a celebration of their basest desires. For one hour they get a chance to try to assuage their deepest desire of that year. Yep, no way this can go horribly wrong for the human in the room.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Annalisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of the Isabella hush books are magnificent and this one is no exception. The action and the drama is fierce. The world building is amazing and the plot was terrific. I just cannot seem to put this book down. I read it very quickly.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holiday Magic by Thea Atkinson is a fantastic read that I loved. This is book number four in this fantastic series that I have been so hooked on and can not wait to read the rest. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about urban fantasy and dark romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Crystal Bookreader Amason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smiling from ear to ear right now! Maddox and Isabella at Christmas time. And could she ask for a better gift! Wonderful short. And I suggest you really get to know Isabella starting with Rune thief, you won't be disappointed

[Heather Bane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really great holiday story. It was a quick read and very well written and enjoyable. The characters are likable and well written. (I received this book as an arc and am leaving a voluntary honest review)

[Vannessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story was a fun read and showed the developing friendship between Isabella and Maddox a lot more. As much as she wants him, she clearly respects his vows and will do anything to help him keep them, even if it means giving up something that could help her with her own issues.

[Suez · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always when Thea and Maddox are together there’s fun, danger and a lot of action. This book does not disappoint. It’s absolutely entertaining from beginning to end. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a different take on a Christmas story. It made me laugh and giggle at the mix of holidays and the hint of danger that came from left field. But a great story in the series and a good quick little read.

[Adriane Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. Thea Atkinson is one of my favorite authors. Great read. A good story to spend sometime on.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margolynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn in and kept there I was captivated by the characters and the storyline took me along on their journey. Can’t wait to read from this author

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cali Jewel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very quick yet highly entertaining, action packed, heart racing, thrilling adventure filled with dangerous and engaging charters, witty dialog, emotional twists and exciting turns. Heart racing holiday fun.

[Debbie Alvarado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect short holiday story!

I loved this short holiday story with Mattox and Isabella! It shows their friendship off to a new level. Such a great read! Only wish it was longer!

[Phthon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very poignant but still VERY Isabella. This exposed the source of the tension between Maddox and Isabella. I love this series.

[Evelyn Goughnour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome filled with magic and lots of different magical creatures. I loved it!

[Sissy Satterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great magical read. I love everything in the Isabella Hush world so this was entertaining for me. Great short read!!!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

so this short holiday story finds Maddox getting Isabella out of the house on Christmas Eve. Things get a little intense when things don't quite go as planned.

[Rachel Joi Maples · Rating 5 out of 5]

quick holiday read between Isabella and Maddox

[Dawn Milligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written story with some pretty amazing characters this has amazing story flow and I loved it!