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Mack's Marvelous Manifestations #1
Brandon's Very Merry Haunted Christmas
When Brandon Havili gets recruited by the FBI, he’s immediately assigned to shadow his brother and the psychic Donovan’s anchored to. Brandon doesn’t mind this in the slightest. He loves his brother, Jon seems cool, and it’s a great way to learn how to be an anchor, which is what the FBI wants him for. It’s supposedly three weeks of just following people around and observing.
But there’s a hitch in the plans. Brandon accidentally picks up a hitchhiker of the ghostly variety. Donovan is NOT pleased. Jon is amused to no end.
Dealing with the ghost means going back to the place Brandon accidentally got it from, Eureka Springs, Arkansas. They expect to meet up with an FBI medium, exorcise said ghost, and go home again.
FBI Medium Mackenzie Lafayette is not at all what Brandon expects. And for once, he’s quite happy to ditch the plan. Returning to Nashville can wait. He’s got a sexy medium to figure out first.
Tags:
Donovan’s not so romantic Christmas, he does not approve, Brandon took over, the little snot, I have no idea how that happened, exorcisms, ghosts not being spooky, ghost busting, healthy relationships, Mack figures out how to seduce a Havili very quickly, bisexual character, gay characters, mothers being awesome, is it possible for something to be sappy and horrifying at the same time, because that’s what we’re going for here
But there’s a hitch in the plans. Brandon accidentally picks up a hitchhiker of the ghostly variety. Donovan is NOT pleased. Jon is amused to no end.
Dealing with the ghost means going back to the place Brandon accidentally got it from, Eureka Springs, Arkansas. They expect to meet up with an FBI medium, exorcise said ghost, and go home again.
FBI Medium Mackenzie Lafayette is not at all what Brandon expects. And for once, he’s quite happy to ditch the plan. Returning to Nashville can wait. He’s got a sexy medium to figure out first.
Tags:
Donovan’s not so romantic Christmas, he does not approve, Brandon took over, the little snot, I have no idea how that happened, exorcisms, ghosts not being spooky, ghost busting, healthy relationships, Mack figures out how to seduce a Havili very quickly, bisexual character, gay characters, mothers being awesome, is it possible for something to be sappy and horrifying at the same time, because that’s what we’re going for here
112 pages, ebook
First published December 11, 2019
348 people are currently reading
779 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Sherwood
80 books1,988 followersAJ Sherwood believes in happily ever afters, magic, dragons, good men, and dark chocolate. She often dreams at night of delectable men doing sexy things with each other. In between writing multiple books (often at the same time) she pets her cats, plays with her dogs, and attempts insane things like aerial yoga.
She currently resides in Tennessee with aforementioned cats, dogs, and her editor/best friend/sister/partner in crime.
She currently resides in Tennessee with aforementioned cats, dogs, and her editor/best friend/sister/partner in crime.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 294 reviews
November 2, 2020
My family went on a walking ghost tour last night for Halloween so I was into a book about ghost hunting. Of course, our tour guide was trying a bit too hard to get us to believe in actual paranormal stuff and showed us tons of "photographic evidence" of the ghosts people saw on her tours (blurs and lights). We liked seeing the tree where witches were hung and the bullet hole from where Bonnie and Clyde robbed a bank, so the history lesson was worth it, but getting any of us to be afraid of something otherworldly? Yeah, that is not going to happen. We are science nerds who wouldn't believe in a ghost if it came up and introduced itself to us. We'd be looking for the real explanation, and probably would offend it tremendously within minutes.
Slut-shaming ghosts is the most effective way to get them to leave you alone.
This book was light and cute, but totally had a case of insta-love. I mean, wow, it was like lesbians on a second date - yes, a u-haul was in play. (Just joking. Don't get mad at me, lesbians. I am your ally.... and I'm a little afraid.)
Our heroes are Brandon and Mack. Brandon is a giant Tongan guy who is basically a sexy teddy bear. Mack is a medium-twink. Not medium sized - the ghost whisperer kind. They both are working for the paranormal division for the FBI and are partnered up. Because, yes, the truth is out there. Apparently.
How much of my tax money is going to this FBI "task force"? Unless it's zero, it's too much.
They fall in love about 20 seconds after meeting and make life-long plans the next day. They also do some ghost busting. It was short, light, fluffy and fun.
The next book should have them working a case, and I'll read it.
Slut-shaming ghosts is the most effective way to get them to leave you alone.
This book was light and cute, but totally had a case of insta-love. I mean, wow, it was like lesbians on a second date - yes, a u-haul was in play. (Just joking. Don't get mad at me, lesbians. I am your ally.... and I'm a little afraid.)
Our heroes are Brandon and Mack. Brandon is a giant Tongan guy who is basically a sexy teddy bear. Mack is a medium-twink. Not medium sized - the ghost whisperer kind. They both are working for the paranormal division for the FBI and are partnered up. Because, yes, the truth is out there. Apparently.
How much of my tax money is going to this FBI "task force"? Unless it's zero, it's too much.
They fall in love about 20 seconds after meeting and make life-long plans the next day. They also do some ghost busting. It was short, light, fluffy and fun.
The next book should have them working a case, and I'll read it.
July 14, 2023
3.5
I think I actually prefer Mack and Brandon to Jon and Donovan!
I'm not usually that interested in stories with ghosts, maybe because it's a paranormal I actually believe in so I like to give ghosts a healthy dose of respect 🤔, but this was entertaining and a good introduction to Mack, so I'm looking forward to the next book.
I think I actually prefer Mack and Brandon to Jon and Donovan!
I'm not usually that interested in stories with ghosts, maybe because it's a paranormal I actually believe in so I like to give ghosts a healthy dose of respect 🤔, but this was entertaining and a good introduction to Mack, so I'm looking forward to the next book.
December 14, 2019
I was really excited we were getting Brandon's story and apparently him and Mac will have their own upcoming adventures. This is just the beginning of their relationship. I loved both characters and loved them together but I didn't quite get the "spark" that I got with Jon and Donavan. I'm hoping it will show in future books.
Just a side note...this wasn't really Christmasy. Other than the beginning with the snow globe, it all takes place after Christmas. Bummer.
Just a side note...this wasn't really Christmasy. Other than the beginning with the snow globe, it all takes place after Christmas. Bummer.
December 13, 2021
Excellent start to what looks to be an incredible series!
Have to say this is more of a series opener than a full fledged Christmas story. It takes place during the Christmas season but that is the setting rather than the story. I adore this cast of characters! I cannot wait to continue to get to know them better. The story is filled will plenty of humor, a boatload full of paranormal stuff including a number of ghosts. This was at on of fun to read and I can't wait to read book two!
Have to say this is more of a series opener than a full fledged Christmas story. It takes place during the Christmas season but that is the setting rather than the story. I adore this cast of characters! I cannot wait to continue to get to know them better. The story is filled will plenty of humor, a boatload full of paranormal stuff including a number of ghosts. This was at on of fun to read and I can't wait to read book two!
January 14, 2020
Interested to see what happens next.
This ends a little abruptly, and I would have like to have seen them settled in Nashville and actually becoming partners, but what's here is pretty solid. Once again I really like AJ Sherwood's world building, Jon and Donovan both make an appearance which made me wildly happy, and love that Brandon is turning out to be just as much of a teddy bear as Donovan.
Dual POV, with a HFN ending, it'll be interesting to see whether this becomes an offshoot side series, or gets integrated into the Jon's Mysteries series. Either way I certainly hope for more Mack and Brandon.
This ends a little abruptly, and I would have like to have seen them settled in Nashville and actually becoming partners, but what's here is pretty solid. Once again I really like AJ Sherwood's world building, Jon and Donovan both make an appearance which made me wildly happy, and love that Brandon is turning out to be just as much of a teddy bear as Donovan.
Dual POV, with a HFN ending, it'll be interesting to see whether this becomes an offshoot side series, or gets integrated into the Jon's Mysteries series. Either way I certainly hope for more Mack and Brandon.
December 13, 2019
OMG I love the Havili family :D These gentle giants are just such wonderfully good men, and I loved getting Brandon's story. He and Mack were just adorable, sweet, flirty fun together, and I completely loved reading this story.
I also loved getting more of Jon and Donovan, seeing how solid they are together. And I loved Donovan and Brandon together giving each other crap and all the teasing. Such brothers!
Can't wait for more with these two, I just love this series. So fun, creative, and sweet!
I also loved getting more of Jon and Donovan, seeing how solid they are together. And I loved Donovan and Brandon together giving each other crap and all the teasing. Such brothers!
Can't wait for more with these two, I just love this series. So fun, creative, and sweet!
March 11, 2020
More please ...
2.75 stars
A short spin off introducing new characters, Mack & Brandon. Mack is a medium who communicates with ghost. He is currently going through training for the FBI when a ghostly snowglobe is brought to him by Brandon. Brandon also happens to be training for the FBI. These two hit it off and decide to team up together.
It was a good short read. Look forward to reading a more in depth story with these two as this one barely scratches the surface.
2.75 stars
A short spin off introducing new characters, Mack & Brandon. Mack is a medium who communicates with ghost. He is currently going through training for the FBI when a ghostly snowglobe is brought to him by Brandon. Brandon also happens to be training for the FBI. These two hit it off and decide to team up together.
It was a good short read. Look forward to reading a more in depth story with these two as this one barely scratches the surface.
December 28, 2019
I was so excited to get Brandon's book and while I liked it a lot, I didn't love it like I wanted to. But it was still humorous, hot and a little bit scary.
December 15, 2019
I enjoy Jon's Mysteries, and this one started off well. We got an introduction to Brandon Havili, Donovan's brother, and he was just as cute and cuddly as Donovan. The whole trouble with haunted snow globe was adorable. I liked Mack the medium. He was quirky and sweet. This book was very mellow and positive, but somewhere in the middle my interest fizzled out. I was not into the ghost hunting they had planned, so I just skipped the second part of the story mostly. It was a well written book with a bit of fun and lots of cutesy moments, and I wish I enjoyed it more.
January 30, 2024
I was reading the Jon series and got to the fourth book and it mentioned Brandon and Mack, so I paused that and hopped over to this series and I'm glad I did.
This was so freaking adorable.
I loved Brandon and Mack immediately. A gigantic sexy man and a tiny twink? Sign me up.
In this one Brandon accidentally gives Jon a haunted snow globe for Christmas which needs a medium to help the ghost move on. So Jon, Donovan, and Brandon head to Arkansas to meet up with Mack, who is a medium. He is also in need of an anchor, which is what Brandon is training to be with the FBI.
Thus starts the new spin off from Jon's series.
I'll be starting the next book immediately.
This was so freaking adorable.
I loved Brandon and Mack immediately. A gigantic sexy man and a tiny twink? Sign me up.
In this one Brandon accidentally gives Jon a haunted snow globe for Christmas which needs a medium to help the ghost move on. So Jon, Donovan, and Brandon head to Arkansas to meet up with Mack, who is a medium. He is also in need of an anchor, which is what Brandon is training to be with the FBI.
Thus starts the new spin off from Jon's series.
I'll be starting the next book immediately.
March 15, 2020
3.5 stars
The more I read by A.J. Sherwood the more I notice how her writing feels a bit simplistic to me at times. I would love a bit more show and a bit less tell.
These books are incredibly fluffy, and while I mostly love fluffy, these books do tend to bore me a bit. I think Jon's Downright Ridiculous Shooting Case is still my favorite.
The more I read by A.J. Sherwood the more I notice how her writing feels a bit simplistic to me at times. I would love a bit more show and a bit less tell.
These books are incredibly fluffy, and while I mostly love fluffy, these books do tend to bore me a bit. I think Jon's Downright Ridiculous Shooting Case is still my favorite.
Review of advance copy received from Editore
breve ma, come tutti gli altri volumi della serie, davvero leggero e carinissimo
August 24, 2021
Short, fast and very much an extension of the Jon's mysteries series. I can't wait for more.
September 25, 2020
This is the first book in the series but the story starts after Jon's Spooky Corpse Conundrum where Donovan's (the MC's brother) was obviously uncomfortable with supernatural elements. I don't recommend starting this before starting Jon's mysteries series. It added a lot more humor and insights on the dynamic between Donovan and Jonathan's relationship which was mentioned a lot of times in this book. A very entertaining short read between Brandon and Marc. I like the supernatural elements and humor in this book and there's definitely no angst here. funny read and definitely a recommended read for those who enjoyed Jon's Mysteries series.
June 28, 2023
Another series
This is the first book in this series that is a spin off of another. While I have read some in the second series, it took me a bit to connect the dots. However I think this book works as a stand alone. I found it humorous and different. Though it’s supposed to be Christmas themed, only the first chapter has anything to do with the holiday. Jon could have received the snow globe for any occasion and the story would work so I’m not sure it fits in the Snow Globe Christmas collection. I would like to see more stories with these characters; to see their relationship progress.
This is the first book in this series that is a spin off of another. While I have read some in the second series, it took me a bit to connect the dots. However I think this book works as a stand alone. I found it humorous and different. Though it’s supposed to be Christmas themed, only the first chapter has anything to do with the holiday. Jon could have received the snow globe for any occasion and the story would work so I’m not sure it fits in the Snow Globe Christmas collection. I would like to see more stories with these characters; to see their relationship progress.
December 22, 2021
Meh. "Oh, I just met you. Let's change our entire lives around for each other." *eye roll*
Also, don't advertise something as a Christmas story when the only Christmas is in the opening chapter. Bah humbug.
Also, don't advertise something as a Christmas story when the only Christmas is in the opening chapter. Bah humbug.
January 28, 2022
I've had variable luck with this author/series, but I needed something short yesterday and was curious about the spin-off. Cute, more Jon/Donovan than I wanted because I've been annoyed with them from the other series, but I do really find this world interesting and it was fun to learn more about mediums.
February 8, 2021
3 stars
This is a spin off from Jon’s Mysteries which involve Donovan’s brother and a medium. It’s definitely a standalone but if I read this without reading Jon’s Mysteries, I would have found this way too sickly sweet and “perfect” in the sense that everybody is just so unbelievably nice and perfect and definitely rose-tinted glasses. Would NOT have enjoyed it.
But because it’s an offshoot of series I enjoy, I think it’s ok 😆
This is a spin off from Jon’s Mysteries which involve Donovan’s brother and a medium. It’s definitely a standalone but if I read this without reading Jon’s Mysteries, I would have found this way too sickly sweet and “perfect” in the sense that everybody is just so unbelievably nice and perfect and definitely rose-tinted glasses. Would NOT have enjoyed it.
But because it’s an offshoot of series I enjoy, I think it’s ok 😆
June 15, 2021
With this book we get more with Brandon, Donovan's brother. I liked that there was a lot with Jon and Donovan too, it made a great way to introduce the new series and with the way that Jon was see into people he helped Brandon and Mack along. I look forward to reading more about them.
January 22, 2022
3.5 stars
February 6, 2022
3.5 stars
March 13, 2020
A spin off from Jon's series. This focuses on Donavons brother, Brandon as he enters the FBI and meeting his partner, Mack.
Nice
Nice
January 2, 2023
What's not to love?
Honestly, what's not to love about this book? We get Jon and Donovan, Donovan's hunky brother Brandon, plus a cute and funny new medium named Mack.
I laughed out loud at this one more than once, and I think Brandon and Mack are pure sweet.
Honestly, what's not to love about this book? We get Jon and Donovan, Donovan's hunky brother Brandon, plus a cute and funny new medium named Mack.
I laughed out loud at this one more than once, and I think Brandon and Mack are pure sweet.
May 2, 2020
3.5 stars ... cute, sweet, low angst & fluffy. A warm read hat makes you smile - ahhh love at first sight 👍
October 13, 2024
Set in Eureka Springs, AR! Too cute!
November 2, 2022
An unexpected detour
Ok, so what no one thought to mention ANYWHERE I could find written down is... this book seems to follow directly after book 3 of Jon's Mysteries series, but before book 4. That would DEFINITELY have been helpful information to know.
That being said, I was nervous about starting a new series. As much as I loved Jon's Mysteries, that doesn't mean I'd like this. I often don't enjoy spin offs, as I just want to get back to the main pair, and stop messing around with side characters. This wasn't that.
The book starts from Jon's perspective, and then switches to Brandon and Mack's for the rest of the book, but Jon still features prominently throughout. Books 2 and 3 of Jon's Mysteries switched perspective between Jon and Donovan, and this felt like a continuation of that.
It helped that Brandon is just as likeable as his older brother, and Mack is a surprisingly interesting character too. He has elements to his personality that mirror aspects of Jon's. I feel that we are only scratching the surface of whatever trauma he is carrying around with him, and honestly, I'm interested to know more about his back story.
The Havili insta-attraction strikes again, with even less basis than Jon/Don had... but, by this point, I'm ready to suspend my disbelief and just roll with it. It was cutesy, it was all a little to smooth sailing, and I think there is trouble brewing in future books, but for now, I'm content to wait and see.
The book didn't really have a proper case, and ended fairly suddenly. It was also a lot shorter than the previous books. It's quite obviously just a stepping stone along the way to later books, but heck if I'm not in it to enjoy every step of the way.
Life sucks at times, and sometimes a fairy tale happily ever after is good for making the world a little less bleak. This book genuinely made me laugh and smile. It wins points for that alone
Ok, so what no one thought to mention ANYWHERE I could find written down is... this book seems to follow directly after book 3 of Jon's Mysteries series, but before book 4. That would DEFINITELY have been helpful information to know.
That being said, I was nervous about starting a new series. As much as I loved Jon's Mysteries, that doesn't mean I'd like this. I often don't enjoy spin offs, as I just want to get back to the main pair, and stop messing around with side characters. This wasn't that.
The book starts from Jon's perspective, and then switches to Brandon and Mack's for the rest of the book, but Jon still features prominently throughout. Books 2 and 3 of Jon's Mysteries switched perspective between Jon and Donovan, and this felt like a continuation of that.
It helped that Brandon is just as likeable as his older brother, and Mack is a surprisingly interesting character too. He has elements to his personality that mirror aspects of Jon's. I feel that we are only scratching the surface of whatever trauma he is carrying around with him, and honestly, I'm interested to know more about his back story.
The Havili insta-attraction strikes again, with even less basis than Jon/Don had... but, by this point, I'm ready to suspend my disbelief and just roll with it. It was cutesy, it was all a little to smooth sailing, and I think there is trouble brewing in future books, but for now, I'm content to wait and see.
The book didn't really have a proper case, and ended fairly suddenly. It was also a lot shorter than the previous books. It's quite obviously just a stepping stone along the way to later books, but heck if I'm not in it to enjoy every step of the way.
Life sucks at times, and sometimes a fairy tale happily ever after is good for making the world a little less bleak. This book genuinely made me laugh and smile. It wins points for that alone
September 16, 2020
This was a follow-up read to the Jon's Mysteries series, because I really enjoyed the world that Sherwood created there.
This was a really cute novella, and I really enjoyed the introduction of the new characters. Brandon is just different enough from Donovan to be his own, distinct character, and I really loved Mack.
I also really enjoyed the introduction to the wider world that the characters reside in, with a proper introduction to mediums and ghosts in this one.
I really enjoyed the characters here. Brandon feels like a big kid with his enthusiasm for all things spooky, but at the same time, he's as supportive as an anchor (or prospective anchor) should be. Mack's much more gun shy, but he's confident in his own abilities, which makes him a really interesting character that I'm looking forward to get to know.
While it didn't get much page time - probably partly because of the length constraints of a novella, I'm guessing - I also really liked the storyline of Brandon's realisation of his sexuality and coming out as an adult. It was nicely handled, with an acknowledgement that even having the most supportive family in the world doesn't change the fact that coming to grips with your sexuality is still a big thing, especially when you're rethinking it as an adult who thought he knew himself for years.
The other thing that I'm really happy about it what seems to be the slow addition of Tongan culture into the series. So far it's been deeply limited despite Donovan being Tongan, but it looks like we're approaching things differently now, and I'm intrigued.
Also! Love the fact that it looks like this series is going to be more steamy than Jon's Mysteries - never a bad thing, IMO!
4/5 stars for me!
This was a really cute novella, and I really enjoyed the introduction of the new characters. Brandon is just different enough from Donovan to be his own, distinct character, and I really loved Mack.
I also really enjoyed the introduction to the wider world that the characters reside in, with a proper introduction to mediums and ghosts in this one.
I really enjoyed the characters here. Brandon feels like a big kid with his enthusiasm for all things spooky, but at the same time, he's as supportive as an anchor (or prospective anchor) should be. Mack's much more gun shy, but he's confident in his own abilities, which makes him a really interesting character that I'm looking forward to get to know.
While it didn't get much page time - probably partly because of the length constraints of a novella, I'm guessing - I also really liked the storyline of Brandon's realisation of his sexuality and coming out as an adult. It was nicely handled, with an acknowledgement that even having the most supportive family in the world doesn't change the fact that coming to grips with your sexuality is still a big thing, especially when you're rethinking it as an adult who thought he knew himself for years.
The other thing that I'm really happy about it what seems to be the slow addition of Tongan culture into the series. So far it's been deeply limited despite Donovan being Tongan, but it looks like we're approaching things differently now, and I'm intrigued.
Also! Love the fact that it looks like this series is going to be more steamy than Jon's Mysteries - never a bad thing, IMO!
4/5 stars for me!
December 11, 2019
Mediums, a hotel and a snow globe?
This last book in the SnowGlobe series was utterly adorable.
We get to see Jonovan from a different perspective and we FINALLY get to meet Brandon properly.
The mystery is a cross between the Shining, Supernatural and other more lighthearted Scoobydoo mysteries.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the by play between Brandon and Donovan was fun. Brothers who act like brothers.
The relationship aspect of this book was just as fast as Jon and Donovan. Brandon and Mack knew right away. In other series, this insta love might not have worked but because Donovan introduced us to his protective ways, it works for Brandon.
I think this book was a little light on details (considering Jon’s mysteries) but being a novella, I’m okay with it.
If you haven’t read Sherwood’s Jon’s mysteries, this is a good jump off point.
This last book in the SnowGlobe series was utterly adorable.
We get to see Jonovan from a different perspective and we FINALLY get to meet Brandon properly.
The mystery is a cross between the Shining, Supernatural and other more lighthearted Scoobydoo mysteries.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the by play between Brandon and Donovan was fun. Brothers who act like brothers.
The relationship aspect of this book was just as fast as Jon and Donovan. Brandon and Mack knew right away. In other series, this insta love might not have worked but because Donovan introduced us to his protective ways, it works for Brandon.
I think this book was a little light on details (considering Jon’s mysteries) but being a novella, I’m okay with it.
If you haven’t read Sherwood’s Jon’s mysteries, this is a good jump off point.
December 19, 2021
I expected a Holiday read and got a story that just starts with a haunted Christmas present. I expected a ghost story and got a story with some ghost sightings and a lot of explanations about psychic types and the nature of ghosts. Anyway, I also got cute characters, a nice world building and a story that burbles along happily. So it was nice while it lasted but maybe only I'm a bit too demanding these days.
November 27, 2020
I liked this, but I don't think it's necessarily true that you can read it without reading the other series. There were a lot of characters running around we're supposed to be familiar with, I think. But I liked this one enough I think I'll probably give that other series a try at some point.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 294 reviews