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‘A unicorn walks into a bar….’
That is not a joke.
Look, I’m a bartender, I have nothing to do with the xenos. I don’t care if it’s an elf or a vampire--as long as they don’t bother me, I steer clear. I have my reasons--you can see them in the scars on my neck.
I never wanted to get involved. But my life changed for the second time when I saved the life of a unicorn. I made an enemy of something old--old and evil, and whatever it was, it’ll be back for another try. I also made a friend when I decided to help March. He’s only been a human man for a day. I’m responsible for him now. He’s my friend…and maybe something more. Maybe a lot more.
It doesn’t matter to me that he isn’t magical anymore. I don’t care if he’s not PURE.
But he does.
That is not a joke.
Look, I’m a bartender, I have nothing to do with the xenos. I don’t care if it’s an elf or a vampire--as long as they don’t bother me, I steer clear. I have my reasons--you can see them in the scars on my neck.
I never wanted to get involved. But my life changed for the second time when I saved the life of a unicorn. I made an enemy of something old--old and evil, and whatever it was, it’ll be back for another try. I also made a friend when I decided to help March. He’s only been a human man for a day. I’m responsible for him now. He’s my friend…and maybe something more. Maybe a lot more.
It doesn’t matter to me that he isn’t magical anymore. I don’t care if he’s not PURE.
But he does.
Audible Audio
Published January 1, 2018
80 people are currently reading
801 people want to read
About the author
Kim Alexander
23 books327 followersKim Alexander grew up in the wilds of Long Island, NY and slowly drifted south until she reached Key West. After spending ten undocumented years in the Keys, she moved to Washington DC, where she lives with two cats, an angry fish, and her extremely patient husband. She began writing when she ran out of authors to interview (and they pulled the plug on her channel, Sirius XM Book Radio.)
Kim was in her twenties when she finally read a book not prominently featuring spaceships and/or wizards. Turns out Jane Austen was pretty funny!
THE SAND PRINCE is Kim’s first novel and begins a fantasy series called THE DEMON DOOR. Her husband tells her she needs to write at least ten more books if she intends to retire in Thailand, so thank you for your patronage.
Kim was in her twenties when she finally read a book not prominently featuring spaceships and/or wizards. Turns out Jane Austen was pretty funny!
THE SAND PRINCE is Kim’s first novel and begins a fantasy series called THE DEMON DOOR. Her husband tells her she needs to write at least ten more books if she intends to retire in Thailand, so thank you for your patronage.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
January 4, 2022
4 stars
April 11, 2020
1.5 stars This was free and short, real short. And whilst it was readable, I was rather troubled by it once I hit the final page.
First off, being free and really short - it screams clickbait prequel. And why not? with that excellent first line in the blurb .... a unicorn walks into a bar. Except, the unicorn doesn't walk into a bar. Our heroine, Ruby, who works in a bar has just finished her shift, is on her way home and stumbles on some poachers trying to kill a unicorn and saves the day.
As first chapters go, I will say, it was a pretty good start (even though, technically, the author has now lied to me in the blurb)
The plot? Is simplistic, bordering on nothing much of anything. Bad guys/gals appear, disappear with almost no explanation, only not to ever appear again in most cases... huh?
There are a heap load of coincidences and connections b/w the characters that are just lazy and left field. March knowing the shrink?
The characters? Ruby is cool, but I just don't know much about her, despite getting her backstory, Why is she alone? Why work in a bar and travel home in the dark? Given her case history?
March, our Hero... nah, I've got nothing. His thought patterns are suitably non-human but that just makes him indecipherable. Does he have emotions? Does he have empathy?
And then there is the romance.... what a lazy effort it was on behalf of the author. Because of who he is, everyone is attracted to March. They want him happy. Ruby can even see others react to him like this, but never questions why she, after not having a relationship since before her attack, so eagerly hops into bed with him. After like two days of knowing him. Like I said lazy.
There is no mention of love, does March even know what love is?
Then after the great night of sex, Ruby has this bizarre possessive temper tantrum when she discovers March had been attempting to track down Gaia. So much so, she storms off and puts herself in danger... TSTL moment badly shook the foundations of this novella.
The author cuts serious corners, we don't know how March returns to his true form. How he defeats Barbara - there is an explosion of light and Ruby wakes up home.... seriously? That is not fair to the reader. The gesture with Marly was great. But what does it mean for March? Does it weaken him? Change him?
And March disappears from Ruby's life - yes, no cliffhanger, he just slips away and our Heroine wonders where he is and the author hints that though Ruby's heart is breaking, their adventures will continue in book 2 et al.
First off, being free and really short - it screams clickbait prequel. And why not? with that excellent first line in the blurb .... a unicorn walks into a bar. Except, the unicorn doesn't walk into a bar. Our heroine, Ruby, who works in a bar has just finished her shift, is on her way home and stumbles on some poachers trying to kill a unicorn and saves the day.
As first chapters go, I will say, it was a pretty good start (even though, technically, the author has now lied to me in the blurb)
The plot? Is simplistic, bordering on nothing much of anything. Bad guys/gals appear, disappear with almost no explanation, only not to ever appear again in most cases... huh?
There are a heap load of coincidences and connections b/w the characters that are just lazy and left field. March knowing the shrink?
The characters? Ruby is cool, but I just don't know much about her, despite getting her backstory, Why is she alone? Why work in a bar and travel home in the dark? Given her case history?
March, our Hero... nah, I've got nothing. His thought patterns are suitably non-human but that just makes him indecipherable. Does he have emotions? Does he have empathy?
And then there is the romance.... what a lazy effort it was on behalf of the author. Because of who he is, everyone is attracted to March. They want him happy. Ruby can even see others react to him like this, but never questions why she, after not having a relationship since before her attack, so eagerly hops into bed with him. After like two days of knowing him. Like I said lazy.
There is no mention of love, does March even know what love is?
Then after the great night of sex, Ruby has this bizarre possessive temper tantrum when she discovers March had been attempting to track down Gaia. So much so, she storms off and puts herself in danger... TSTL moment badly shook the foundations of this novella.
The author cuts serious corners, we don't know how March returns to his true form. How he defeats Barbara - there is an explosion of light and Ruby wakes up home.... seriously? That is not fair to the reader. The gesture with Marly was great. But what does it mean for March? Does it weaken him? Change him?
And March disappears from Ruby's life - yes, no cliffhanger, he just slips away and our Heroine wonders where he is and the author hints that though Ruby's heart is breaking, their adventures will continue in book 2 et al.
October 18, 2021
3.5 fun light quirky romance !
July 31, 2022
Good idea but poor execution. Romance was instalove but mostly one-sided. Paper thin reasons on attraction. I really enjoyed the world building, hence the two stars. I think if this hadn't been so romance heavy and just an urban fantasy, I'd have rated higher.
October 3, 2017
I can see the headline now: "Woman arrested for unicorn kink."
Okay. PURE isn't quite like that, but the comedic opportunities inherent in such a tale are not overlooked by author Kim Alexander.
Ruby is a brave bartender who's been though some tough times thanks to the magical creatures that are now out and proud. One night, she saves the life of a unicorn. Everything changes when March shows up and turns out to be said unicorn in human form. March is magical, in and out of the sack.
Although I'm a big paranormal romance fan, my favorite part of this novel was the voice. Ruby is hilarious, never once missing the opportunity to make an off-color joke. There are moral qualms, too, especially when Ruby starts falling for March.
With unicorn hunters, witches, and vampires running amok, is there any hope for this oddly compatible duo? Read and find out.
Okay. PURE isn't quite like that, but the comedic opportunities inherent in such a tale are not overlooked by author Kim Alexander.
Ruby is a brave bartender who's been though some tough times thanks to the magical creatures that are now out and proud. One night, she saves the life of a unicorn. Everything changes when March shows up and turns out to be said unicorn in human form. March is magical, in and out of the sack.
Although I'm a big paranormal romance fan, my favorite part of this novel was the voice. Ruby is hilarious, never once missing the opportunity to make an off-color joke. There are moral qualms, too, especially when Ruby starts falling for March.
With unicorn hunters, witches, and vampires running amok, is there any hope for this oddly compatible duo? Read and find out.
August 22, 2025
Pure is an urban fantasy, unicorn shifter romance with grumpy x sunshine vibes and vampires.
After Ruby's shift at the bar, she saves a unicorn from a group of poachers. The unicorn shifts into a man, and Ruby takes him home. Ruby makes a new friend, and a couple of old and powerful enemies.
I was really into the first chapter. Afterward, it fell flat for me. Neither the characters nor the story caught or held my attention.
It's a super quick read/listen. If you're into unicorn shifters and vampires, give it a chance!
contemporary fantasy • contemporary romance • fairytale • grumpy x sunshine • magic • magical realism • novella • paranormal romance • romantasy • shapeshifter • spicy • supernatural • unicorn • urban fantasy • vampire
After Ruby's shift at the bar, she saves a unicorn from a group of poachers. The unicorn shifts into a man, and Ruby takes him home. Ruby makes a new friend, and a couple of old and powerful enemies.
I was really into the first chapter. Afterward, it fell flat for me. Neither the characters nor the story caught or held my attention.
It's a super quick read/listen. If you're into unicorn shifters and vampires, give it a chance!
contemporary fantasy • contemporary romance • fairytale • grumpy x sunshine • magic • magical realism • novella • paranormal romance • romantasy • shapeshifter • spicy • supernatural • unicorn • urban fantasy • vampire
May 6, 2017
Captivating Quick Read
Fantasy/Romance/Mystery writers, move over in a big way for the new kid on the dark street who can write plot and dialogue as clever and quick as Nora Roberts', and whose characters are as strange and sexy as the best of Sherrilyn Kenyon's. "Pure" is a unicorn-cum-hunk who is everything BUT pure, until he is challenged, entangled and changed by bloody circumstances and an earthly woman who becomes his protector and partner in a wild, fantastical chase that will keep you turning pages at a furious pace, and yearning for more at the end. Happily, the word is out that there will be a sequel, so high expectations are in order! You'll be caught up in the first page, and it only gets better from there. Great Reading, Everybody!
Fantasy/Romance/Mystery writers, move over in a big way for the new kid on the dark street who can write plot and dialogue as clever and quick as Nora Roberts', and whose characters are as strange and sexy as the best of Sherrilyn Kenyon's. "Pure" is a unicorn-cum-hunk who is everything BUT pure, until he is challenged, entangled and changed by bloody circumstances and an earthly woman who becomes his protector and partner in a wild, fantastical chase that will keep you turning pages at a furious pace, and yearning for more at the end. Happily, the word is out that there will be a sequel, so high expectations are in order! You'll be caught up in the first page, and it only gets better from there. Great Reading, Everybody!
December 12, 2021
This was a 'Blame It On The Cover' read, an old TBR for me and I am trying to randomly read a few of the books that are over 3+ yrs old (as I just keep adding more). In addition to having the ebook, I found the audiobook on Scribd and tried it because I had a migraine. I do not recommend the audiobook due to the poor narration/narrator, but otherwise it was a short read.
Book (story) - ⭐⭐⭐
Audiobook (narration/narrator) - ⭐⭐
Book (story) - ⭐⭐⭐
Audiobook (narration/narrator) - ⭐⭐
Want to read
January 25, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/10/2020)! 🎁
January 1, 2024
A Unique Unicorn Story
I don't think I have ever read a unicorn story like this one before. It's about a unicorn who turns into a man named March. And he is being hunted by vampires - plus a few other things that go bump in the night. And its up to bar keep Ruby to save him.
So I found this was a quick fast read. The story was interesting and the world was well developed too. It in the Xenos (various magical creatures) have come out of hiding into the open and mankind has to deal with it. But unicorns are still very rare. And their horns are worth a fortune.
I definitely liked the characters. And there were some unexpected surprises about a few of them too. But this story was very short. And it was leaning towards being a romance between a woman and a unicorn in human form. In fact that's exactly what it was...
I realize that in "The Last Unicorn" the unicorn had turned into a young woman but I still think it's a tad odd? I guess I want the unicorn to be an equine and not to be a man? Why do so many of these books have all sorts of creatures turning into men? A dragon is supposed to be a dragon and not a man...
So this is actually more a story about a man than about a unicorn. But the author did put much thought and effort into how a unicorn thinks and sees the world.
Still, while the story was entertaining, I think something was missing? I feel that Ruby was just propelled along by the actions of others? At the moment I have absolutely no interest in reading the next book in the series. And I think it has something to do with the characters. They just do not interest me enough. And while Ruby did many things in this story and even fought battles, she has not really struggled? I never felt she was in danger, her or March. In fact while reading this I even checked how far along I was on the page count. So something in here is lacking.
Also I found it hard to believe that Ruby didn't realize who March was. Even I had figured it out right away...
Ruby clearly has a good soul. Perhaps that is why she saw the unicorn.
I don't think I have ever read a unicorn story like this one before. It's about a unicorn who turns into a man named March. And he is being hunted by vampires - plus a few other things that go bump in the night. And its up to bar keep Ruby to save him.
So I found this was a quick fast read. The story was interesting and the world was well developed too. It in the Xenos (various magical creatures) have come out of hiding into the open and mankind has to deal with it. But unicorns are still very rare. And their horns are worth a fortune.
I definitely liked the characters. And there were some unexpected surprises about a few of them too. But this story was very short. And it was leaning towards being a romance between a woman and a unicorn in human form. In fact that's exactly what it was...
I realize that in "The Last Unicorn" the unicorn had turned into a young woman but I still think it's a tad odd? I guess I want the unicorn to be an equine and not to be a man? Why do so many of these books have all sorts of creatures turning into men? A dragon is supposed to be a dragon and not a man...
So this is actually more a story about a man than about a unicorn. But the author did put much thought and effort into how a unicorn thinks and sees the world.
Still, while the story was entertaining, I think something was missing? I feel that Ruby was just propelled along by the actions of others? At the moment I have absolutely no interest in reading the next book in the series. And I think it has something to do with the characters. They just do not interest me enough. And while Ruby did many things in this story and even fought battles, she has not really struggled? I never felt she was in danger, her or March. In fact while reading this I even checked how far along I was on the page count. So something in here is lacking.
Also I found it hard to believe that Ruby didn't realize who March was. Even I had figured it out right away...
Ruby clearly has a good soul. Perhaps that is why she saw the unicorn.
January 30, 2022
pure rubbish
July 11, 2020
Ah the rare unicorn shifter. Ruby runs across one and it brings complete chaos and danger to her life. Really liked this story.
April 18, 2017
The thought of what the life of a unicorn would be like never actually occurred to me. This rendition of a unicorns life is so believable for those that believe in unicorns that is. Have a unicorn cross paths with a snarky bartender and you end up with a fantastic short story that has you smirking till the end. I really enjoyed Ruby's rough edges as well as March's blind innocence and perceived indifference. I flew through these pages so easily! This writer did a stellar job building these characters and swiftly putting them in motion. Loved every word. This voluntary review is based against a Kindle Unlimited copy.
April 14, 2017
An interesting story about a unicorn that discovered the real meaning of being pure.
I enjoyed the story and all the Magic. I do wish it would've been longer and more in depth but it was still good.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc from the author.
I enjoyed the story and all the Magic. I do wish it would've been longer and more in depth but it was still good.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc from the author.
July 20, 2020
Pure reads as if your best friend found herself taking a vacation in a fairytale world and was telling you the story over a bottle of bourbon. Super easy to read and compelling.
Highly recommend it, especially to those who grew up with fairytales and loved The Last Unicorn.
Highly recommend it, especially to those who grew up with fairytales and loved The Last Unicorn.
April 30, 2022
This is what happens when one of my audiobook apps decides I've spent all my listening hours for this month and needs to wait 2 days to proceed or upgrade. I go to the next app and find some other braindead story to read.
This had the premise to be a Netflix's Bright meets reverse The Last Unicorn - I am so sorry Peter S. Beagle, your book does not deserve my disservice and I fully retract that statement because that was absolutely not what I was given..
So, the story centers around Ruby who is a dull, near-no-background, bland pushover chick who bartends in New York, which is apparently home to several supernatural creatures or xenos - namely vampires (or "vamps"?) and one Mr. Unicorn who turns into a handsome, nude human man. You know, all that jazz. And the idea was good ..just really poorly executed altogether.
I guess there's her trauma with vampires and her group therapy sessions just to spice her up a little. But that's about it.
Then there's the unicorn, lazily named March who has little to no interest in our heroine whatsoever, and who - as I said - becomes human after killing a person. Which, in racist unicorn, means unclean and/or lesser than. It's a rather entertaining notion since he claims to have arrived in the big city to enjoy human entertainment such as music and food.
The language is extremely obnoxious, uses stupid nicknames for literally everyone whose name the main character is unfamiliar with, and is just generally full of bad pop culture references (i.e. pitying Twilight fans as vampires apparently aren't as sparkly and handsome as the Cullens or how the unicorn has never heard of the Kardashians because that's important, right?)
There's not much plot other than "figure out how to turn the unicorn himbo back into a unicorn" and it is straight up boring. Suddenly we're in legit every rom-com that ever existed; they travel to a cabin in the woods and, surprise surprise, like all your sex fantasies wills it, this cabin has ONE bed. Next to the fireplace. Hot dog! And of course they brought beer to their little getaway weekend because who cares about the mission?
The relationship between Ruby and March is so awkward with zero chemistry between them. They've just met by her car in the middle of the night and, like any sane girl, she brings him to her apartment. Did I mention he's nude? But apparently that's reason enough to trust a stranger not to rob, murder or worse you in your sleep because Ruby's libido is on high alert around this handsome unicorn man. She constantly thinks about sex around him and how much she wants to kiss him. Bear in mind, they've known each other for less than 24 hours.
So of course there's gonna be sex scenes and it's so cringe it physically hurt me. March recites sex poetry and it's barfy, though thankfully over very quickly.
After a bunch of semi-magical nonsense, Ruby being super jealous and insecure, March being an ignorant prick, an actual interesting plot twist that did nothing to save this trainwreck, we finally FINALLY get to the ending. I can't tell you what happens though, I'm not exactly certain myself other than the unicorn leaves and thank God for that.
I decided to listen to the audiobook, which was both the better and the worse choice. First off, I would never have been able to get through this mess if I had ro read it myself. However, the audiobook is complete horsesh*t (pun intended) too. The narrator sounds inexperienced and robotic, as if she's reading through a recipe rather than a novella, and I half wanted to drop it on the spot. Can absolutely not recommend!
This had the premise to be a Netflix's Bright meets reverse The Last Unicorn - I am so sorry Peter S. Beagle, your book does not deserve my disservice and I fully retract that statement because that was absolutely not what I was given..
So, the story centers around Ruby who is a dull, near-no-background, bland pushover chick who bartends in New York, which is apparently home to several supernatural creatures or xenos - namely vampires (or "vamps"?) and one Mr. Unicorn who turns into a handsome, nude human man. You know, all that jazz. And the idea was good ..just really poorly executed altogether.
I guess there's her trauma with vampires and her group therapy sessions just to spice her up a little. But that's about it.
Then there's the unicorn, lazily named March who has little to no interest in our heroine whatsoever, and who - as I said - becomes human after killing a person. Which, in racist unicorn, means unclean and/or lesser than. It's a rather entertaining notion since he claims to have arrived in the big city to enjoy human entertainment such as music and food.
The language is extremely obnoxious, uses stupid nicknames for literally everyone whose name the main character is unfamiliar with, and is just generally full of bad pop culture references (i.e. pitying Twilight fans as vampires apparently aren't as sparkly and handsome as the Cullens or how the unicorn has never heard of the Kardashians because that's important, right?)
There's not much plot other than "figure out how to turn the unicorn himbo back into a unicorn" and it is straight up boring. Suddenly we're in legit every rom-com that ever existed; they travel to a cabin in the woods and, surprise surprise, like all your sex fantasies wills it, this cabin has ONE bed. Next to the fireplace. Hot dog! And of course they brought beer to their little getaway weekend because who cares about the mission?
The relationship between Ruby and March is so awkward with zero chemistry between them. They've just met by her car in the middle of the night and, like any sane girl, she brings him to her apartment. Did I mention he's nude? But apparently that's reason enough to trust a stranger not to rob, murder or worse you in your sleep because Ruby's libido is on high alert around this handsome unicorn man. She constantly thinks about sex around him and how much she wants to kiss him. Bear in mind, they've known each other for less than 24 hours.
So of course there's gonna be sex scenes and it's so cringe it physically hurt me. March recites sex poetry and it's barfy, though thankfully over very quickly.
After a bunch of semi-magical nonsense, Ruby being super jealous and insecure, March being an ignorant prick, an actual interesting plot twist that did nothing to save this trainwreck, we finally FINALLY get to the ending. I can't tell you what happens though, I'm not exactly certain myself other than the unicorn leaves and thank God for that.
I decided to listen to the audiobook, which was both the better and the worse choice. First off, I would never have been able to get through this mess if I had ro read it myself. However, the audiobook is complete horsesh*t (pun intended) too. The narrator sounds inexperienced and robotic, as if she's reading through a recipe rather than a novella, and I half wanted to drop it on the spot. Can absolutely not recommend!
December 16, 2018
A delightful urban fantasy with heart and humor!
5 stars overall, 5 stars story, 5 stars narration
I had never before read or listened to any book by Kim Alexander, but I immediately found that I was in for a treat. I love this story! It rivals the best urban fantasy books that I have ever read. I plan on listening to this audiobook again in the future because it was so entertaining, and I can’t wait for the next one in the series. This short (2.25 hours) audiobook is the first installment in the “New World Magic” urban fantasy series. It is set in an alternate version of our modern world in which “Xenos” (paranormal beings) made themselves known to humans about 8 years ago and mostly live peacefully together.
It was so refreshing in an urban fantasy to have as a heroine a human woman without any psychic or magical abilities. Ruby just has her wits, courage, and garlic hot pepper spray. She is pragmatic, warm-hearted, and sometimes vulnerable. The story is told from Ruby’s first person perspective, but she thankfully does not sound egotistical at all. March, a guy who used to be a unicorn, exudes the right combination of naivety and otherworldliness. All of the characters are distinctive and vibrant.
There is a romantic element to this story, but it is still an urban fantasy in format. The dialogue was marvelous, funny, and witty. FYI, in there is some bad language, a few moderately graphic bedroom scenes, and a little bit of bloody violence. I think that there was the right amount of all three of these things, not overdoing anything.
The author Kim Alexander was also the narrator, and she did a perfect job! I am very impressed. She is as excellent at narrating her own book as Neil Gaiman and Bryan Cranston. Kim Alexander brings the story to life with vigor, humor, and great pacing. Her voice is very pleasant. She is awesome at both male and female voices. She talks rather fast, but she enunciates very well so that every word is intelligible. She is equally adept at evoking the different flavors of action, introspective, or romantic scenes. I can’t wait to listen to her narrate future audiobooks!
I received a free advanced copy from the author, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
5 stars overall, 5 stars story, 5 stars narration
I had never before read or listened to any book by Kim Alexander, but I immediately found that I was in for a treat. I love this story! It rivals the best urban fantasy books that I have ever read. I plan on listening to this audiobook again in the future because it was so entertaining, and I can’t wait for the next one in the series. This short (2.25 hours) audiobook is the first installment in the “New World Magic” urban fantasy series. It is set in an alternate version of our modern world in which “Xenos” (paranormal beings) made themselves known to humans about 8 years ago and mostly live peacefully together.
It was so refreshing in an urban fantasy to have as a heroine a human woman without any psychic or magical abilities. Ruby just has her wits, courage, and garlic hot pepper spray. She is pragmatic, warm-hearted, and sometimes vulnerable. The story is told from Ruby’s first person perspective, but she thankfully does not sound egotistical at all. March, a guy who used to be a unicorn, exudes the right combination of naivety and otherworldliness. All of the characters are distinctive and vibrant.
There is a romantic element to this story, but it is still an urban fantasy in format. The dialogue was marvelous, funny, and witty. FYI, in there is some bad language, a few moderately graphic bedroom scenes, and a little bit of bloody violence. I think that there was the right amount of all three of these things, not overdoing anything.
The author Kim Alexander was also the narrator, and she did a perfect job! I am very impressed. She is as excellent at narrating her own book as Neil Gaiman and Bryan Cranston. Kim Alexander brings the story to life with vigor, humor, and great pacing. Her voice is very pleasant. She is awesome at both male and female voices. She talks rather fast, but she enunciates very well so that every word is intelligible. She is equally adept at evoking the different flavors of action, introspective, or romantic scenes. I can’t wait to listen to her narrate future audiobooks!
I received a free advanced copy from the author, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
February 3, 2022
ℂ𝕒𝕟 𝕀 𝕤𝕒𝕪 𝕀'𝕞 𝕚𝕟 𝕝𝕠𝕧𝕖 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕀 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕤𝕞𝕒𝕤𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕓𝕣𝕚𝕝𝕝𝕚𝕒𝕟𝕥𝕝𝕪 𝕨𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕥𝕖𝕟 𝕦𝕣𝕓𝕒𝕟 𝕗𝕒𝕟𝕥𝕒𝕤𝕪 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕒 𝕥𝕨𝕚𝕤𝕥😍😍
💕🅱🅾🅾🅺 🆀🆄🅾🆃🅴🆂 💕
“𝙒𝙚 𝙫𝙞𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝙒𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙘𝙠 𝙖 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙙.”
𝙈𝙮 𝙥𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙛𝙛.
????!!!!!
𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙙. ¯\_(ツ)_/ ¯
🆆🅷🅰🆃 🆃🅾 🅻🅾🅾🅺 🅵🅾🆁🆆🅰🆁🅳 🆃🅾: 😍😍
🏷️A FREAKING UNICORN FOR A HERO
🏷️A Spitfire and freaking hilarious with her mind talks for a heroine
🏷️A perfectly balanced fantasy ride mixed with dollops of suspense
🎟️🅱🅾🅾🅺 🅿🅻🅾🆃 🆂🆄🅼🅼🅰🆁🆈 🎟️
When Ruby is walking down the street after been done with her shift working at the bar, a unicorn walks past her and she is both dazzled and confused as she'd heard about such creatures in the news and all as vampires, fairies and werewolves existed now in their world, but never had she seen such a unique creation.
But suddenly when the unicorn is attacked she takes upon herself to save it. Next thing she knows a naked man is leaning against her car and she doesn't know where he came from.
She takes him to her home. March is the Unicorn but it seems he's lost his powers and also she realises the people who tried to steal him are behind him and together March and Ruby have to get to the bottom of things before the thief people find them.
In a World of Vampires and other creatures, be ready for a magical ride.
🅼🆈 🅵🅴🅴🅻🅸🅽🅶🆂 : 🥰
I was totally hooked right from that first crazy encounter and I have to say I was smiling and snickering every time on the way ruby talked and her crazy inner thinking.
But she's of good heart even after going through a past trauma as she helps March.
I felt for March as he feels lost without his identity and has no idea if he'll ever get his original form back.
Also, Ruby's friends were awesome. And that ending... AHH.. I definitely need more of this series. What a crazy ride. Loved this one. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
💕🅱🅾🅾🅺 🆀🆄🅾🆃🅴🆂 💕
“𝙒𝙚 𝙫𝙞𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝙒𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙘𝙠 𝙖 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙙.”
𝙈𝙮 𝙥𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙛𝙛.
????!!!!!
𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙙. ¯\_(ツ)_/ ¯
🆆🅷🅰🆃 🆃🅾 🅻🅾🅾🅺 🅵🅾🆁🆆🅰🆁🅳 🆃🅾: 😍😍
🏷️A FREAKING UNICORN FOR A HERO
🏷️A Spitfire and freaking hilarious with her mind talks for a heroine
🏷️A perfectly balanced fantasy ride mixed with dollops of suspense
🎟️🅱🅾🅾🅺 🅿🅻🅾🆃 🆂🆄🅼🅼🅰🆁🆈 🎟️
When Ruby is walking down the street after been done with her shift working at the bar, a unicorn walks past her and she is both dazzled and confused as she'd heard about such creatures in the news and all as vampires, fairies and werewolves existed now in their world, but never had she seen such a unique creation.
But suddenly when the unicorn is attacked she takes upon herself to save it. Next thing she knows a naked man is leaning against her car and she doesn't know where he came from.
She takes him to her home. March is the Unicorn but it seems he's lost his powers and also she realises the people who tried to steal him are behind him and together March and Ruby have to get to the bottom of things before the thief people find them.
In a World of Vampires and other creatures, be ready for a magical ride.
🅼🆈 🅵🅴🅴🅻🅸🅽🅶🆂 : 🥰
I was totally hooked right from that first crazy encounter and I have to say I was smiling and snickering every time on the way ruby talked and her crazy inner thinking.
But she's of good heart even after going through a past trauma as she helps March.
I felt for March as he feels lost without his identity and has no idea if he'll ever get his original form back.
Also, Ruby's friends were awesome. And that ending... AHH.. I definitely need more of this series. What a crazy ride. Loved this one. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
July 6, 2020
31/2 out of 5 stars
Well its Monday again and its time for some unicorn love . Today I have a new author and her novella PURE by Kim Alexander
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Welcome to Ruby's life , a bartender and someone who just wants to stay clear of all things paranormal . Until the night she sees a unicorn in trouble and she saves his life and stirs up trouble with something ancient and evil . March has only been a man for a day but what a day it has been . He is Ruby's responsibility and she could want more . He doesn't have his magic but hey he can be so much more .
Well who knew that the characters in a short novella could be so interesting. Ruby is well she is a character that has some rough edges but deep down she is a sweet woman that only wants to have a good life . She is really snarky sometimes and it is such fun to read . She doesn't have any super natural powers all she has is her wits , some garlic pepper spray March is an unicorn shifter and suppose to stay pure . He is so innocent and such a sweet man . They are a fun couple to read and you will like them
This is a short book that you will have done in an afternoon . The author has us rolling on the floor with the antics of the two main characters . The story is new to me haven't read anything about unicorn shifters and this was a fun way to start . There was one thing that i felt , yes I know its a novella but I felt like the characters could of been a little bit more flushed out . I just felt it kind of fell flat in a couple of spots . Over all i did enjoy the book and will continue to read this author. If you want a book that you can read poolside check it out .
Well its Monday again and its time for some unicorn love . Today I have a new author and her novella PURE by Kim Alexander
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Welcome to Ruby's life , a bartender and someone who just wants to stay clear of all things paranormal . Until the night she sees a unicorn in trouble and she saves his life and stirs up trouble with something ancient and evil . March has only been a man for a day but what a day it has been . He is Ruby's responsibility and she could want more . He doesn't have his magic but hey he can be so much more .
Well who knew that the characters in a short novella could be so interesting. Ruby is well she is a character that has some rough edges but deep down she is a sweet woman that only wants to have a good life . She is really snarky sometimes and it is such fun to read . She doesn't have any super natural powers all she has is her wits , some garlic pepper spray March is an unicorn shifter and suppose to stay pure . He is so innocent and such a sweet man . They are a fun couple to read and you will like them
This is a short book that you will have done in an afternoon . The author has us rolling on the floor with the antics of the two main characters . The story is new to me haven't read anything about unicorn shifters and this was a fun way to start . There was one thing that i felt , yes I know its a novella but I felt like the characters could of been a little bit more flushed out . I just felt it kind of fell flat in a couple of spots . Over all i did enjoy the book and will continue to read this author. If you want a book that you can read poolside check it out .
October 10, 2017
What an awesome read! Kim Alexander took what could of been a full size novel and turned it into a short story. Nothing was spared by paring it down. Every thing was there and it held my attention right from "The Unicorn walked right past me." Now how many stories start like that?
Taking place in DC, there is nothing "Pure" about this city. But as Ruby was about to learn that "Pure" comes in many forms, such as a Unicorn who turns into a human named March. March is being hunted for his horn by a virgin and vampires. Ruby stepped in and saved March the unicorn from having his horn taken. March did something he shouldn't of and was punished, a forever human.
March and Ruby has to find the creature that told him that one of his own was looking for him, then they will know who ordered the poachers to take his horn. A lot went down between Ruby and March and Margaret the virgin and her vampire dudes. But in the end, both Ruby and March discover that "Pure" isn't always what you think.
Kim Alexander is a new author to me. I really enjoyed her short story. It ended in a way that she could add to it if she likes and if not, it was complete as is. She gives you a mystery, surprises, fantasy mixed with today's world and kind of a little love story in there at times.
I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.
Taking place in DC, there is nothing "Pure" about this city. But as Ruby was about to learn that "Pure" comes in many forms, such as a Unicorn who turns into a human named March. March is being hunted for his horn by a virgin and vampires. Ruby stepped in and saved March the unicorn from having his horn taken. March did something he shouldn't of and was punished, a forever human.
March and Ruby has to find the creature that told him that one of his own was looking for him, then they will know who ordered the poachers to take his horn. A lot went down between Ruby and March and Margaret the virgin and her vampire dudes. But in the end, both Ruby and March discover that "Pure" isn't always what you think.
Kim Alexander is a new author to me. I really enjoyed her short story. It ended in a way that she could add to it if she likes and if not, it was complete as is. She gives you a mystery, surprises, fantasy mixed with today's world and kind of a little love story in there at times.
I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.
May 18, 2020
"A unicorn walks into a bar..."
That is not a joke.
Look, I'm a bartender, I have nothing to do with the
xenos. I don't care if it's an elf or a vampire. As long as they don't bother me, I steer clear. I have my reasons. You can see them in the scars on my neck.
I never wanted to get involved. But my life changed
for the second time when I saved the life of a unicorn. I made an enemy of something old--old and evil, and whatever it was, it'll be back for another try. I also made a friend when I decided to help March. He's only been a human man for a day. I'm responsible
for him now. He's my friend...and, maybe something more. Maybe a lot more.
An OK read for fantasy fans but not my cup of tea.
It doesn't matter to me that he isn't magical anymore. I don't care if he's not PURE.
But, he does.
From best-selling author Kim Alexander comes a modern fairytale of magic, love, and redemption.
That is not a joke.
Look, I'm a bartender, I have nothing to do with the
xenos. I don't care if it's an elf or a vampire. As long as they don't bother me, I steer clear. I have my reasons. You can see them in the scars on my neck.
I never wanted to get involved. But my life changed
for the second time when I saved the life of a unicorn. I made an enemy of something old--old and evil, and whatever it was, it'll be back for another try. I also made a friend when I decided to help March. He's only been a human man for a day. I'm responsible
for him now. He's my friend...and, maybe something more. Maybe a lot more.
An OK read for fantasy fans but not my cup of tea.
It doesn't matter to me that he isn't magical anymore. I don't care if he's not PURE.
But, he does.
From best-selling author Kim Alexander comes a modern fairytale of magic, love, and redemption.
February 2, 2022
The audiobook narrator on Scribd made this book very hard to enjoy. This story was probably pretty good, but I felt like it was being narrated by Amazon's Alexa. Every sentence had the exact same cadence no matter what was happening. I know being an audiobook narrator is hard work but I have friends who have read small novels aloud who I much prefer. This genuinely confused me because I thought it actually was a text to speech situation, not a real person narrating.
Anyway.
There's instalove in this story but it's one-sided and about what you'd expect.
We don't have any information about the narrator's background other than that she works for a pub, had a traumatizing vampire experience, and is presumably a monogamous straight woman who isn't okay with just being a fling.
The ending of an, "I'm always ready for him to come back" is a let down too. It didn't show character growth really.
Anyway.
There's instalove in this story but it's one-sided and about what you'd expect.
We don't have any information about the narrator's background other than that she works for a pub, had a traumatizing vampire experience, and is presumably a monogamous straight woman who isn't okay with just being a fling.
The ending of an, "I'm always ready for him to come back" is a let down too. It didn't show character growth really.
November 20, 2025
3.5 stars. Cosy with very moderate spice. Novella audio introduction to a fantasy series. Read expertly by the author herself. It felt to me as though she was the main character just having an engaging conversation with the listener, quite laid back.
Alternative urban setting, with some interesting supernaturals and fairy tale characters. Ruby the main character works in a bar, and goes out of her way to rescue a unicorn. And her troubles start as she finds herself the centre of the bad guys search for said unicorn. Maybe it’s all a bad dream, probably not. But a fairytale twisted ending might yet be in store.
Just in time for the start of book 2. This book can be read as a stand alone, complete story, if you want.
The ending seemed a little squashed to be ready for that book 2 start. Which should explain the star rating.
Thank you to Kim Alexander for the audio ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
Alternative urban setting, with some interesting supernaturals and fairy tale characters. Ruby the main character works in a bar, and goes out of her way to rescue a unicorn. And her troubles start as she finds herself the centre of the bad guys search for said unicorn. Maybe it’s all a bad dream, probably not. But a fairytale twisted ending might yet be in store.
Just in time for the start of book 2. This book can be read as a stand alone, complete story, if you want.
The ending seemed a little squashed to be ready for that book 2 start. Which should explain the star rating.
Thank you to Kim Alexander for the audio ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
November 1, 2017
Pure starts off with a ummmmm... BANG! Or a struggle. Ruby is walking down the streets of DC when all of a sudden a Unicorn crosses her path. A UNICORN! While magical creatures are not a rarity in the world that Kim Alexander created but Unicorns are rarely seen.
Ever since the Unicorn walked passed her and a handsome raven-haired stranger named March walks into her life, everything explodes to life. The adventure begins now!!!
Kim embraces the writing style of Ilona Andrews and Jeaniene Frost with snarky heroines, exciting plotlines and of course mythical creatures. Regardless, of the length, Kim was able to pack all the vital aspects needed for a full-filling novel. I look forward to reading more from Kim. Especially if she continues this series.
5 stars and a tip of my Nerd Girl hat
**This review was done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
Ever since the Unicorn walked passed her and a handsome raven-haired stranger named March walks into her life, everything explodes to life. The adventure begins now!!!
Kim embraces the writing style of Ilona Andrews and Jeaniene Frost with snarky heroines, exciting plotlines and of course mythical creatures. Regardless, of the length, Kim was able to pack all the vital aspects needed for a full-filling novel. I look forward to reading more from Kim. Especially if she continues this series.
5 stars and a tip of my Nerd Girl hat
**This review was done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
May 19, 2024
Did this as an audiobook. This was fun and easy to follow. It was narrated by the author which I found was amazing and allowed the reader/listener to really understand the tone and feelings of each character in their verbiage and dialog. This story starts strong with an attack and FMC saving a man who she finds outside her car. Turns out the man she saves is also the unicorn she saved from kidnapping and attack. When she attempts to help him in his current predicament, she finds out more about her world and the mythical creatures around her.
This was a fun story and I really enjoyed the narration and how the progression moved forward. It keeps well on tract with a small amount of time the story is read. I am curious to how this will play out in book 2
This was a fun story and I really enjoyed the narration and how the progression moved forward. It keeps well on tract with a small amount of time the story is read. I am curious to how this will play out in book 2
June 27, 2024
I would consider this book as a good idea and a good attempt, but not very well executed.
That maybe because it was the first in the series and a lot would develop over time, but somehow things got confusing for me.
I wish there was a better build up of the magical world and of Ruby's background, instead everything felt rushed. I also wish that the romantic aspect was more drawn out, which seemed a little more lustful than emotional.
I did like Ruby's character, and I expect she would be a complicated person with lots of internal turmoil going forward. I hope the other books in the series also focus on the Unicorn's feelings or lack of them.
I received an advance copy of the book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
That maybe because it was the first in the series and a lot would develop over time, but somehow things got confusing for me.
I wish there was a better build up of the magical world and of Ruby's background, instead everything felt rushed. I also wish that the romantic aspect was more drawn out, which seemed a little more lustful than emotional.
I did like Ruby's character, and I expect she would be a complicated person with lots of internal turmoil going forward. I hope the other books in the series also focus on the Unicorn's feelings or lack of them.
I received an advance copy of the book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 14, 2025
I enjoyed the heck out of this, probably because I was more than ready for a story set in an urban environment. I’ve been buried in fantastical realms far too long.
So, a unicorn walked into a bar. Not really but it was on the street nearby. He was accosted by baddies wanting to cut off his horn. Ruby, our FMC, rescues him. When she returns to her car she finds a naked man (guess who?) whom she brings home.
Supernaturals are not unknown to humans and they sometimes interact. Some are more benign than others. Ruby has more reason than most to know all about vampires (who knew they smelled like garbage?)
She and March, the unicorn turned into a man, hide out for a short time before returning to her home. Bad move.
So, a unicorn walked into a bar. Not really but it was on the street nearby. He was accosted by baddies wanting to cut off his horn. Ruby, our FMC, rescues him. When she returns to her car she finds a naked man (guess who?) whom she brings home.
Supernaturals are not unknown to humans and they sometimes interact. Some are more benign than others. Ruby has more reason than most to know all about vampires (who knew they smelled like garbage?)
She and March, the unicorn turned into a man, hide out for a short time before returning to her home. Bad move.
November 20, 2024
A delightful short story
I enjoyed this - the main characters, the ideas, the flow of the story - and I liked the underlying themes (especially not to write people off for not conforming to some third party's ideas of "what is right").
This should really be 4.5 stars [9/10] however it left a few too many things unexplained. Whilst I suspect some would be filled in by the subsequent books in the series, I felt that there should have been a little more "completeness" to this one.
(This criticism is only a minor one and I'd still recommend people to try it themselves to see how *they* view it.)
I enjoyed this - the main characters, the ideas, the flow of the story - and I liked the underlying themes (especially not to write people off for not conforming to some third party's ideas of "what is right").
This should really be 4.5 stars [9/10] however it left a few too many things unexplained. Whilst I suspect some would be filled in by the subsequent books in the series, I felt that there should have been a little more "completeness" to this one.
(This criticism is only a minor one and I'd still recommend people to try it themselves to see how *they* view it.)
October 9, 2017
I was given a copy by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is a new author to me and I did enjoy this story. My only complaint would be I would have like a little more. Other than that this was a wonderful story at the look into the life of a unicorn. The author did an amazing job with the story and the characters. It was a great quick read and I would love to read more of her work.
This review was done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our fan site at http://www.facebook.com/nerdgirl.ng
This is a new author to me and I did enjoy this story. My only complaint would be I would have like a little more. Other than that this was a wonderful story at the look into the life of a unicorn. The author did an amazing job with the story and the characters. It was a great quick read and I would love to read more of her work.
This review was done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our fan site at http://www.facebook.com/nerdgirl.ng
April 30, 2018
When you see an Unicorn walking down the street and you just left the bar you must have had a few too many but Ruby is the bartender and wasn't drinking. This is how this book starts and it does not have one dull moment in the entire read. I loved all of the paranormal creatures in this book, bad and good. There is a balanced amount of drama and romance. The characters were awesome. You will love them. There were a few characters that were a surprise. It you want a modern fairy tale blended with paranormal then this is a read for you.
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