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The Brinnswick Chronicles #2
Nikolai
For centuries, I’ve gone through life floating from one lover to the next, never tying myself down to anyone. But then Grayson walks into my life, and I can’t imagine spending it without him. Messing with the Warriors of Tempest isn’t my greatest move, but to ensure he can stay with me, I’ll do what I have to.
When Delaro seeks me out, the little witch makes my heart soar in new and unimaginable ways. Unfortunately, Delaro is an Ellwood, and his coven leader thinks I’m out to get him. Gray and I have to jump through hoops to even speak with Delaro, but we’ll do whatever we can because we both feel a pull to the man that’s turned our lives upside-down.
A shadowy figure starts terrorizing the land and threatens to destroy everything we’ve built and everyone I love. The three of us need to work together in order to conquer the new evil afloat in Brinnswick, but nothing is easy when something lurks in the shadows and around every corner.
Nikolai is the second book in The Brinnswick Chronicles and takes place in the same world as The Ellwood Chronicles, but can be read as a standalone novel. It’s a MMM that contains explicit material and is intended for mature adults 18 years old and older.
When Delaro seeks me out, the little witch makes my heart soar in new and unimaginable ways. Unfortunately, Delaro is an Ellwood, and his coven leader thinks I’m out to get him. Gray and I have to jump through hoops to even speak with Delaro, but we’ll do whatever we can because we both feel a pull to the man that’s turned our lives upside-down.
A shadowy figure starts terrorizing the land and threatens to destroy everything we’ve built and everyone I love. The three of us need to work together in order to conquer the new evil afloat in Brinnswick, but nothing is easy when something lurks in the shadows and around every corner.
Nikolai is the second book in The Brinnswick Chronicles and takes place in the same world as The Ellwood Chronicles, but can be read as a standalone novel. It’s a MMM that contains explicit material and is intended for mature adults 18 years old and older.
454 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2020
134 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
About the author
Michele Notaro
76 books957 followersMichele is married to an awesome guy that puts up with her and all the burnt dinners she makes—hey, sometimes characters are a bit distracting, and who doesn’t plot when they’re supposed to be cooking? They live together in Baltimore, Maryland with two little monsters, a three-legged princess, a four-legged goofball, and a cutie with giant ears (aka their two kids, their two cats, and their dog). She hopes to rescue another cat soon, and if her hubby wouldn’t kill her, she’d get more than one… and maybe a few more dogs as well.
She loves creating worlds filled with lots of love, chosen family, and of course, magic, but she also likes making the characters fight for that happy ending. She hopes to one day write all the stories in her head—even if there are too many to count!
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She loves creating worlds filled with lots of love, chosen family, and of course, magic, but she also likes making the characters fight for that happy ending. She hopes to one day write all the stories in her head—even if there are too many to count!
If you would like updates on my new books or to be notified when a new book is released, please join my mailing list:
http://eepurl.com/cseIXT
You can find me on Facebook here:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
Feel free to contact me. I’d love to hear from you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
June 1, 2020
Out of all the books about the Ellwood family this turned out to be the sweetest. There was so much love, cute and adorable moments between the MCs. Don't get me wrong, there was plenty gore and danger as well but Delaro, Grayson and Nikolai's romance and falling in love were absolutely enchanting. I like that Ms Notaro keeps presenting new species - somebody unorthodox and unusual. Delaro, Grayson and Nikolai were equals in all things in their relationship, and the author gave the men a chance to get to know one another. I mean Grayson was a completely new character and Nikolai's story was not widely known. Their past was seamlessly incorporated in the story. There was a bit of angst from all three MCs. Each man had heartbreaking moments as well as fun times while exploring each other. This was a steadily paced, slowish burn PNR romance. Many characters from previous books made appearances (Ailin and his shenanigans!). I enjoyed Ms Notaro's story telling.
May 27, 2020
3 stars!
This is the second book in this series which is a spin off from the Ellwood Chronicles.
Here we have Delaro, Gray, and Nikolai in an MMM relationship. I personally wasn't a fan of this dynamic. It didn't seem to flow well for me. I wanted to like them all together but I didn't really.
I also felt like the underlying story was minimal and not much was really solved. I would say out of all the books this one was a lot slower with far less action. For me that made it less great since I'm not a fan of all the mushy stuff but for others this might be a perk.
This all sounds like I didn't like the book but I'm just being critical since I had such high expectations. I really like this magical family and their magical hijinks.
Overall, this was a good, if not slow magical MMM.
This is the second book in this series which is a spin off from the Ellwood Chronicles.
Here we have Delaro, Gray, and Nikolai in an MMM relationship. I personally wasn't a fan of this dynamic. It didn't seem to flow well for me. I wanted to like them all together but I didn't really.
I also felt like the underlying story was minimal and not much was really solved. I would say out of all the books this one was a lot slower with far less action. For me that made it less great since I'm not a fan of all the mushy stuff but for others this might be a perk.
This all sounds like I didn't like the book but I'm just being critical since I had such high expectations. I really like this magical family and their magical hijinks.
Overall, this was a good, if not slow magical MMM.
January 14, 2025
I know I wouldn’t rate this as high as I have if I wasn’t already in love with the world and characters.
This was…not great. It is entirely missing the grit from the first series, and eventually becomes sickeningly sweet. In the first series, Nik has a personality. He is better fleshed out as a side character in Ailin’s books than he is in his own. Gray also had no personality. Del was a bit better but still, I had trouble differentiating whose POV I was in. Gray is an entirely new character who feels very much like an “insert-your-own-here.”
There is things to like though - I enjoyed the action sequences, all the scenes where Del was involved with ghosts, and most importantly any time Zig was on the page. What a scene stealer. Any scene Ailin was in as well. He’s so dramatic and such a dick in a loving way.
Honestly, the romance is nice too, there was just too much of it and it was too sweet. How many on page hugs and sweet touches do we need? I’m starved for it in 99% of books and here I was like, “oh my god again? Another cuddle pile?” My god go do something else.
I am still in love with the characters enough to keep going, but I’ve lost some steam and I could definitely see myself giving up if they continue on this sickly sweet track that Thayer’s book and this book are following.
This was…not great. It is entirely missing the grit from the first series, and eventually becomes sickeningly sweet. In the first series, Nik has a personality. He is better fleshed out as a side character in Ailin’s books than he is in his own. Gray also had no personality. Del was a bit better but still, I had trouble differentiating whose POV I was in. Gray is an entirely new character who feels very much like an “insert-your-own-here.”
There is things to like though - I enjoyed the action sequences, all the scenes where Del was involved with ghosts, and most importantly any time Zig was on the page. What a scene stealer. Any scene Ailin was in as well. He’s so dramatic and such a dick in a loving way.
Honestly, the romance is nice too, there was just too much of it and it was too sweet. How many on page hugs and sweet touches do we need? I’m starved for it in 99% of books and here I was like, “oh my god again? Another cuddle pile?” My god go do something else.
I am still in love with the characters enough to keep going, but I’ve lost some steam and I could definitely see myself giving up if they continue on this sickly sweet track that Thayer’s book and this book are following.
April 17, 2021
I never thought I'd say this, but this was almost too sweet. I mean, I love cute nicknames and declarations of love as much as the next guy, but I had hoped for more excitement too ...
But other than that I really liked the characters, and I especially loved getting to know Del better! So this was definitely not my favorite book in the series, but still worth reading.
Bonus points for Zig. I love that bastard.
But other than that I really liked the characters, and I especially loved getting to know Del better! So this was definitely not my favorite book in the series, but still worth reading.
Bonus points for Zig. I love that bastard.
August 26, 2020
I m thinking this series is loosing it s sparkle. The MC's are so ridiculously sappy, I lost count of how many times they were complimenting each other: You are beautiful, no, your are, you are the most beautiful, so beautiful. Nicknames like sweetness, sweets, sweetheart, darling, beautiful were just dramatically over used, they seemed like children not God damn adults. I love enderments but this book was so long for no reason and those were used too much. There was no plot to it for 70%, it was just sappy, silly lovey eyes. The only thing I enjoyed was the action and the danger which led to hurt/comfort
August 16, 2020
Dnf @50%, very boring, the characters were unimpressive - simpering fools with hearts jumping out of their eyes every three seconds and they read like girls, not like the strong warriors they are supposed to be.
January 4, 2026
Honestly this was a little flat compared to the rest of the Ellwood/Brinnswick books!
Not much happened throughout the 400 pages which was a little confusing. I thought because it was longer that a lot more was going to happen to progress the ongoing plot but maybe one or two things are discovered and the rest is kind of meh?
I felt bad for Delaro to begin with when it seemed like Ailin was basically ignoring him or treating him like a child, but we don't find out until almost the very end of the book that Ailin had a good reason for most of the things Delaro was unhappy about. I didn't appreciate the whole trying to make me dislike Ailin thing because he's my favourite character in this series and I will fight for him! Also, Del didn't speak up about what was actually bothering him and by the end of the book I kinda just though he was acting like a moody kid so no wonder he was getting treated like said moody kid?!
In the end, this book was mainly Del working, or him, Gray and Nik saying they were each other's viramore and that they love each other - cue sex scene! We get some of their backstories which ties in to the Power of Three plot line, but I found myself losing interest in these particular characters because they were pretty boring compared to everyone else. It feels mean to say but this book did just feel like filler content until we get Basil's story.
Not much happened throughout the 400 pages which was a little confusing. I thought because it was longer that a lot more was going to happen to progress the ongoing plot but maybe one or two things are discovered and the rest is kind of meh?
I felt bad for Delaro to begin with when it seemed like Ailin was basically ignoring him or treating him like a child, but we don't find out until almost the very end of the book that Ailin had a good reason for most of the things Delaro was unhappy about. I didn't appreciate the whole trying to make me dislike Ailin thing because he's my favourite character in this series and I will fight for him! Also, Del didn't speak up about what was actually bothering him and by the end of the book I kinda just though he was acting like a moody kid so no wonder he was getting treated like said moody kid?!
In the end, this book was mainly Del working, or him, Gray and Nik saying they were each other's viramore and that they love each other - cue sex scene! We get some of their backstories which ties in to the Power of Three plot line, but I found myself losing interest in these particular characters because they were pretty boring compared to everyone else. It feels mean to say but this book did just feel like filler content until we get Basil's story.
October 26, 2022
I'm always a little hesitant reading poly romances. I have been burned once where one of the three were actually feeling like the third wheel and since then I can't shake the feeling. But that's a me problem.
The relationship between Gray, Nik and Del is perfectly equal and so full of love it is beautiful. I questioned how Gray and Nik could deal seeing the other being intimate with other people before, but it somehow made sense that they instinctively were looking for their missing link and thus were open to their partner being with others. But after they saw and met Delaro they both knew that they had found what they were looking for and so were complete. It was rather interesting being in Gray's head, hearing him ponder the fact that where before he didn't mind seeing Nik with his group of lovers he now couldn't stand even the memory of it.
This book is a little slower than the other ones so far. For most of the book everything revolves about the three of them starting to get to know each other and deal with day to day problems like overprotective dad's (ehem... Ailin), ghostly interference, crazy cats and portals to other realms.
Well, it wouldn't be an Ellwood book, if there weren't some near misses in it, but although gory and bloody they didn't take up much time and space.
If I could wish for one thing, it would be that the characters of the three of them were a bit more IDK defined I guess. Sometimes I didn't feel as though they were separate entities, sure Delaro was extremely dedicated, but all of them were so similar in demeanor and tone.
The relationship between Gray, Nik and Del is perfectly equal and so full of love it is beautiful. I questioned how Gray and Nik could deal seeing the other being intimate with other people before, but it somehow made sense that they instinctively were looking for their missing link and thus were open to their partner being with others. But after they saw and met Delaro they both knew that they had found what they were looking for and so were complete. It was rather interesting being in Gray's head, hearing him ponder the fact that where before he didn't mind seeing Nik with his group of lovers he now couldn't stand even the memory of it.
This book is a little slower than the other ones so far. For most of the book everything revolves about the three of them starting to get to know each other and deal with day to day problems like overprotective dad's (ehem... Ailin), ghostly interference, crazy cats and portals to other realms.
Well, it wouldn't be an Ellwood book, if there weren't some near misses in it, but although gory and bloody they didn't take up much time and space.
If I could wish for one thing, it would be that the characters of the three of them were a bit more IDK defined I guess. Sometimes I didn't feel as though they were separate entities, sure Delaro was extremely dedicated, but all of them were so similar in demeanor and tone.
October 14, 2024
A definite 4 star.
I loved the chemistry between these three: Nik, Gray and Del. Nik, one of the fae that went with the Three into the faery realm and Gray, a former warrior and part werewolf/part cyclops are an established couple. Nik already has a harem, and brings Gray into this situation, but you don't see much of this because as of the setting of this book, Nik is moving towards something a bit more monogamous with Gray, even though Gray does bring home others for them to share on occasion. They both do this as they feel something is missing from their relationship. Then Gray brings home Del and everything clicks. They are all viramores, fated mates, and Gray and Nik were missing their 3rd fated mate. Who kinda unfortunately is an Ellwood, with a ridiculously protective (and quite the asshole) father who HATES Nik and shows up to drag his kid away from his viramores.
There's a bit of angst in this one. But its brief. I do love how self sufficient Del is, despite not having alot of power like the other witches in his family. And of course there's an underlying mystery of who is out to get Del and why.
I loved the chemistry between these three: Nik, Gray and Del. Nik, one of the fae that went with the Three into the faery realm and Gray, a former warrior and part werewolf/part cyclops are an established couple. Nik already has a harem, and brings Gray into this situation, but you don't see much of this because as of the setting of this book, Nik is moving towards something a bit more monogamous with Gray, even though Gray does bring home others for them to share on occasion. They both do this as they feel something is missing from their relationship. Then Gray brings home Del and everything clicks. They are all viramores, fated mates, and Gray and Nik were missing their 3rd fated mate. Who kinda unfortunately is an Ellwood, with a ridiculously protective (and quite the asshole) father who HATES Nik and shows up to drag his kid away from his viramores.
There's a bit of angst in this one. But its brief. I do love how self sufficient Del is, despite not having alot of power like the other witches in his family. And of course there's an underlying mystery of who is out to get Del and why.
May 26, 2020
All In
This book reminds me of a fae butterfly. Stunning all-around, fragile and wispy, it can strike when you least expect. I want to visit all these worlds we keep seeing but...maybe within a bubble and would love to see a Fae’lee ceremony, so precious and beautiful. I truly love this world and the people in it. It moved me seeing everyone grow closer even with A being his regular A-self. The Ellwoods really do need warning labels, especially Zig, but that’s what makes them so fun along with the nicknames, the love and yes, even the fights.
Gray, Del, and Nik are so special. They’ve all been through so much, individually and together, and for them to be able to find the love and connection they have is beyond amazing. “Before I met you, I thought I knew what love was...but none of that love was as full as yours, none of that love was as vast or deep. No one has accepted me, all of me, before the two of you...because I never trusted anyone as much as I trust you two.” Del is so fierce and tough, Gray is a giant growly marshmallow and Nikolai is so much more than what he shows people. I couldn’t help falling for them all. I am all in with these characters, this series and cannot wait to see what’s in store for Basil.
This book reminds me of a fae butterfly. Stunning all-around, fragile and wispy, it can strike when you least expect. I want to visit all these worlds we keep seeing but...maybe within a bubble and would love to see a Fae’lee ceremony, so precious and beautiful. I truly love this world and the people in it. It moved me seeing everyone grow closer even with A being his regular A-self. The Ellwoods really do need warning labels, especially Zig, but that’s what makes them so fun along with the nicknames, the love and yes, even the fights.
Gray, Del, and Nik are so special. They’ve all been through so much, individually and together, and for them to be able to find the love and connection they have is beyond amazing. “Before I met you, I thought I knew what love was...but none of that love was as full as yours, none of that love was as vast or deep. No one has accepted me, all of me, before the two of you...because I never trusted anyone as much as I trust you two.” Del is so fierce and tough, Gray is a giant growly marshmallow and Nikolai is so much more than what he shows people. I couldn’t help falling for them all. I am all in with these characters, this series and cannot wait to see what’s in store for Basil.
June 3, 2020
Knew that this book had come out and was really excited to read it. As I had only read 2 of the first Ellwood series, I re-read them and went on a massive binge to get to this one! I really liked this story and would definitely recommend a read. I did have a bit of a break from the book as got a bit bored, I felt it lacked some of the excitement or well thought out plots that the prior books had. The Ellwood series I loved and definitely marked them as my favourites, but I felt that these spin-off books and their plotlines were very similar to the previous books, with very similar occurrences. I think that was what made me lose interest, as I could tell what was going to happen.
But! That really doesn't make them bad books at all!! I think it may be my fault as I read the previous books all one after the other. I think if I had a few months break, my review would have been completely different, and I would have loved it 100%!
Keep up the great work :)
But! That really doesn't make them bad books at all!! I think it may be my fault as I read the previous books all one after the other. I think if I had a few months break, my review would have been completely different, and I would have loved it 100%!
Keep up the great work :)
June 11, 2020
This story was all about sweetness, these three were just adorable and always do whatever they can to make it better or easier for each other. Delaro had the hardest time accepting this as he has learned to be independent and not let anyone help him. I didn’t like that Nikolai was looked as a flighty lover when it really was farther from the truth, yes he has more than one lover but he loved them and took care of them.
I liked these three together but it just seemed like something was going wrong one right after the other and they never got a break and truthfully felt that I didn’t really get to see them build a relationship much and even though they talked about everything they didn’t often hit the hard stuff and it had to be dragged out of them.
I do like this family and look forward to seeing more of them find their mates.
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review.
I liked these three together but it just seemed like something was going wrong one right after the other and they never got a break and truthfully felt that I didn’t really get to see them build a relationship much and even though they talked about everything they didn’t often hit the hard stuff and it had to be dragged out of them.
I do like this family and look forward to seeing more of them find their mates.
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review.
June 19, 2020
This series, and the original trilogy have always been conflict driven, with an evil to vanquish, and a healthy dose of romance on the side. This one was all about Nik, Grey, and Del's relationship with a few pesky demons and whatnot every now and then. Not that I don't love the guys, and all that, but if I didn't already enjoy the Ellwoods and all their antics, I would have been bored during the majority of the book. There was a lot of nice relationship building and swoony moments, but the danger, excitement, and magic battles we're used to were just an afterthought. I have hope for things coming to a head with Basil in the next book, but I'm a little meh about this one.
May 27, 2020
Great story, needs editing 😔
I was soooo excited to finally read ‘Nikolai’, but was more than a little disappointed. The story concept is FANTASTIC, but {even for a 7+ hours long book} it felt rushed. There was too much going on to give adequate detail to each circumstance. Also, the book had SERIOUS proof-checking needs. I’ve never read a book by Michele Notaro with so many errors!!
I did enjoy the story, but wish she’d had someone paying better attention to story editing & fine details.
I was soooo excited to finally read ‘Nikolai’, but was more than a little disappointed. The story concept is FANTASTIC, but {even for a 7+ hours long book} it felt rushed. There was too much going on to give adequate detail to each circumstance. Also, the book had SERIOUS proof-checking needs. I’ve never read a book by Michele Notaro with so many errors!!
I did enjoy the story, but wish she’d had someone paying better attention to story editing & fine details.
September 21, 2020
Nikolai by Michele Notoro
Rating: 4 stars
I read this book after I finished Basil. I’m really glad that I did because this book was much better. I loved all three of the MCs. I thought they had great chemistry together and loved all of their interactions. I felt bad for Delaro because he felt so isolated from his family and got a bit lost in the shuffle of his large family, so it was nice to see him find his mates and get his HEA.
Rating: 4 stars
I read this book after I finished Basil. I’m really glad that I did because this book was much better. I loved all three of the MCs. I thought they had great chemistry together and loved all of their interactions. I felt bad for Delaro because he felt so isolated from his family and got a bit lost in the shuffle of his large family, so it was nice to see him find his mates and get his HEA.
September 14, 2021
Love!
There were many things to love about this story. Even at 400+ pages it didn’t feel long. I loved that they took things slow and got to know each other. I loved the affection and dedication they each had but loved seeing the rest of the Ellwoods again. I liked the mix of humour, action, drama, danger, and love. Although there were times I wanted to shake Delaro, I saw where he was coming from.
There were many things to love about this story. Even at 400+ pages it didn’t feel long. I loved that they took things slow and got to know each other. I loved the affection and dedication they each had but loved seeing the rest of the Ellwoods again. I liked the mix of humour, action, drama, danger, and love. Although there were times I wanted to shake Delaro, I saw where he was coming from.
September 24, 2020
Really didn’t care for this book, in fact couldn’t finish it. I enjoy any m/m, m/m/m stories but this was disappointing. I loved the Elwood Chronicles, but this book seemed rushed and forced, and way too much emphasis on mushy and gooey. I really hope Basil’s book is better.
September 17, 2020
~450 pages and ~300 of it were variations on hugging or snuggling. Meh.
January 14, 2023
**Trigger Warnings** - Some violence not too graphic
What I liked about this story: I LOVED that the relationship was a triad and that SO much love was shared between the three of them and the fact that Delaro had two partners didn't freak any of his (very large ) family put and everyone accepted his relationship as valid and something to be treasured. We need more stories like this. LGBTQ+, poly and monogamy with multiple partners. There are also characters that are non-binary and who use they/them pronouns and it all feels so. . .NORMAL. gosh I am such a fan of Mx Notaro ::swoon::
What annoyed me : sometimes the lovey dovey got a little much for me but I don't really see that as a drawback
Plot/ Character - driven /Mix ?: Mix
Is it part of series? Yes this was book 2 of the series The Brinnswick Chronicles. Which is a spin off of The Ellwood Chronicles
What ranking ? : So far, this book was my favorite of the Brunswick Chronicles, but I have 3 more to go, so who knows?
What I liked about this story: I LOVED that the relationship was a triad and that SO much love was shared between the three of them and the fact that Delaro had two partners didn't freak any of his (very large ) family put and everyone accepted his relationship as valid and something to be treasured. We need more stories like this. LGBTQ+, poly and monogamy with multiple partners. There are also characters that are non-binary and who use they/them pronouns and it all feels so. . .NORMAL. gosh I am such a fan of Mx Notaro ::swoon::
What annoyed me : sometimes the lovey dovey got a little much for me but I don't really see that as a drawback
Plot/ Character - driven /Mix ?: Mix
Is it part of series? Yes this was book 2 of the series The Brinnswick Chronicles. Which is a spin off of The Ellwood Chronicles
What ranking ? : So far, this book was my favorite of the Brunswick Chronicles, but I have 3 more to go, so who knows?
January 9, 2023
This was a good take on a loving relationship between three people.
I liked how it kept the relationship at the front while having an actual storyline that was a page turner. It has a good rollercoaster of excitement with a mix of love and compassion.
How can Nikoali find love in The Ellwood family after everything that has happened and the playboy fae and he really settle down with a mate? Two mates? Maybe.
I liked how it kept the relationship at the front while having an actual storyline that was a page turner. It has a good rollercoaster of excitement with a mix of love and compassion.
How can Nikoali find love in The Ellwood family after everything that has happened and the playboy fae and he really settle down with a mate? Two mates? Maybe.
May 30, 2020
Just a quick word of warning pre-review - this *can* be read as a standalone, but I'd personally recommend reading these books in order. So if you haven't read Thayer (the first book in this series) or the Ellwood Chronicles (the preceeding series), dive in...you won't regret it!
Michele Notaro's Brinnswick Chronicles continues with Delaro Ellwood's adventures with not one, but two viramores (soulmates). Del has struggled with his dad's overprotective smothering since three of his brothers disappeared to the Fae realm not to be seen for several years. He feels treated like a child still and consequently has become obsessed with proving he's an adult capable of making quality products and managing the business selling them...adamant he can look after himself. Then the one time he really needs his family they're not there for him, causing him inadvertently to not share some important information. Del already knows Nikolai as the fae responsible for helping keep the power the three brothers share pure. When they return from the fae realm he instinctively knows there is a connection between them. When he goes to Nik's bar to seek him out he meets Grayson, already Nik's lover and another connection is kindled.
There's so much to love about this book: the rich world-building (with each new book set in Brinnswick we get to see another physical area or alternate plane) and the perfect balance between action and romance, all wrapped up in a great fantasy plot. The storyline does take the reader on an emotional roller-coaster with peril lurking around several corners, while the action is interspersed with scenes so sweet I thought I might get a cavity. It's great to see the other Ellwoods and their family bond growing stronger than ever, but the three MCs are awesome. We already know Del and his family history from previous books (though, for people who haven't read them, there is some recapping whilst he's getting to know his fated mates, etc). Nikolai has always been a bit different and suffered for it as a child (though he was lucky to have his brother Talon on his side) and this has made him wary of trusting that people are genuinely attracted to him rather than his powers. He's dealt with a lot of the course of his very long life and all he wants to do now is care for his viramores. Grayson, too, was dealt a pretty horrible hand as a child. This and his experience in battle leave him feeling alone in the world until he meets Nik, and then Del. Inside his huge warrior exterior beats a huge heart and his greatest need is to protect those he cherishes. The three men are very different, but share some fundamental qualities - they're all sweet and love without reservation but they're all complete bad@sses when they need to be. I'm not sure I can put my finger on why, but I think Gray is my favourite main character.
Overall, I think Nikolai is a brilliant continuation in the Brinnswick Chronicles - an easy 5* rating. Bring on Basil's book!!
An ARC was provided by GRR in exchange for an honest review.
Michele Notaro's Brinnswick Chronicles continues with Delaro Ellwood's adventures with not one, but two viramores (soulmates). Del has struggled with his dad's overprotective smothering since three of his brothers disappeared to the Fae realm not to be seen for several years. He feels treated like a child still and consequently has become obsessed with proving he's an adult capable of making quality products and managing the business selling them...adamant he can look after himself. Then the one time he really needs his family they're not there for him, causing him inadvertently to not share some important information. Del already knows Nikolai as the fae responsible for helping keep the power the three brothers share pure. When they return from the fae realm he instinctively knows there is a connection between them. When he goes to Nik's bar to seek him out he meets Grayson, already Nik's lover and another connection is kindled.
There's so much to love about this book: the rich world-building (with each new book set in Brinnswick we get to see another physical area or alternate plane) and the perfect balance between action and romance, all wrapped up in a great fantasy plot. The storyline does take the reader on an emotional roller-coaster with peril lurking around several corners, while the action is interspersed with scenes so sweet I thought I might get a cavity. It's great to see the other Ellwoods and their family bond growing stronger than ever, but the three MCs are awesome. We already know Del and his family history from previous books (though, for people who haven't read them, there is some recapping whilst he's getting to know his fated mates, etc). Nikolai has always been a bit different and suffered for it as a child (though he was lucky to have his brother Talon on his side) and this has made him wary of trusting that people are genuinely attracted to him rather than his powers. He's dealt with a lot of the course of his very long life and all he wants to do now is care for his viramores. Grayson, too, was dealt a pretty horrible hand as a child. This and his experience in battle leave him feeling alone in the world until he meets Nik, and then Del. Inside his huge warrior exterior beats a huge heart and his greatest need is to protect those he cherishes. The three men are very different, but share some fundamental qualities - they're all sweet and love without reservation but they're all complete bad@sses when they need to be. I'm not sure I can put my finger on why, but I think Gray is my favourite main character.
Overall, I think Nikolai is a brilliant continuation in the Brinnswick Chronicles - an easy 5* rating. Bring on Basil's book!!
An ARC was provided by GRR in exchange for an honest review.
June 2, 2020
Michele Notaro is one of my favourite author's and Nikolai is another reason why. It's a character driven story as three men from very different backgrounds with a great range of personality and abilities who are a perfect as each other's viramores. Delaro has felt alone for a long time but as soon as he feels the connection to Gray and Nikolai, he knows that he always has two people there for him, always. Gray and Nikolai are already together but it takes just a moment with Delaro for them to realise who he is to them. It shines through how much they all mean to each other, especially as they take the time to have lunch dates and one to one dates allowing them to get to know each other as individuals as well as who they are in a poly relationship.
I would say they are the focus of the story over the drama plot, though everything that happens regarding that is packed with action, danger for the MC's and scary for the reader with the creatures in the ghostly plane going after Delaro, Nikolai and Grayson.
Healing occurs for some of the Ellwood family as they are still dealing with the repercussions of the events at the end of the Ellwood Chronicles series. They are such a great family - supportive, at times frustrating and wonderfully crazy but each one will go to battle for the others. Ailin again shows how much his family mean to him and have a couple moments of clarity when it comes to his relationship with Delaro and how he's grown over the last few turbulent years.
I cannot recommend this book and series enough. Fans of Brinnswick with love the character development and them getting their HEA. The blurb states that it can be read as a stand alone which is definitely possible but I'd recommend reading at least book one of this series, or the Ellwood Chronicles first as it provides history for the characters and the community and what it has been through.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
I would say they are the focus of the story over the drama plot, though everything that happens regarding that is packed with action, danger for the MC's and scary for the reader with the creatures in the ghostly plane going after Delaro, Nikolai and Grayson.
Healing occurs for some of the Ellwood family as they are still dealing with the repercussions of the events at the end of the Ellwood Chronicles series. They are such a great family - supportive, at times frustrating and wonderfully crazy but each one will go to battle for the others. Ailin again shows how much his family mean to him and have a couple moments of clarity when it comes to his relationship with Delaro and how he's grown over the last few turbulent years.
I cannot recommend this book and series enough. Fans of Brinnswick with love the character development and them getting their HEA. The blurb states that it can be read as a stand alone which is definitely possible but I'd recommend reading at least book one of this series, or the Ellwood Chronicles first as it provides history for the characters and the community and what it has been through.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
August 24, 2025
The second book in The Brinnswick Chronicles series is the story of a polyamorous relationship between Nikolai, Delaro Ellwood, and Grayson Munoz. This book has the magical fights, a ghostly plane, and the villain that a reader would expect of this series and its predecessor, The Ellwood Chronicles. However, his book focuses more on the destined relationship building between these three men. It was nice to get a deeper background for Delaro and Nikolai. Grayson was a great new character that was well written and seamlessly merged with the Ellwood family and their friends.
While this book is part of the The Brinnswick Chronicles series and has enough backstory included that it can absolutely be read on its own, I suggest reading the The Ellwood Chronicles series first. There is a lot of world building and character development in the first series that give this book even more depth.
The epilogue of this book has a two-year time jump and sets the hook for the next book. I’m really looking forward to reading Basil Ellwood’s story!
Rating Average = 4.0
1) Plot development propels reader forward: 4
2) Character development: 5
3) World building: 4
4) Fulfilling sense of drama-suspense-adventure: 4
5) Chemistry between main characters: 4
6) Romantic elements: 4
7) Consistency throughout: 3
8) Formatting and layout: 5
9) Editing/Grammar: 3
10) Wrap up loose ends: 4
While this book is part of the The Brinnswick Chronicles series and has enough backstory included that it can absolutely be read on its own, I suggest reading the The Ellwood Chronicles series first. There is a lot of world building and character development in the first series that give this book even more depth.
The epilogue of this book has a two-year time jump and sets the hook for the next book. I’m really looking forward to reading Basil Ellwood’s story!
Rating Average = 4.0
1) Plot development propels reader forward: 4
2) Character development: 5
3) World building: 4
4) Fulfilling sense of drama-suspense-adventure: 4
5) Chemistry between main characters: 4
6) Romantic elements: 4
7) Consistency throughout: 3
8) Formatting and layout: 5
9) Editing/Grammar: 3
10) Wrap up loose ends: 4
May 27, 2020
It was a beautifully work. The magic, challenge, love and action was masterfully created to offer an impressive world.
Nikolai, Grayson and Delaro complete each other and they have to fight for their happiness.
Nikolai is loved for his magic and even if he has many lovers is still lonely. Grayson was betrayed by his mother and sold to a life where he was feared and had to follow orders. Delaro was ignored and misunderstood by his family since his three brothers went missing for three years and he's independent and is very difficult to accept help from others.
Nikolai saves Grayson from his own life and their feelings evolves and deepen but there is still something missing.
Delaro makes an act of bravery when he goes to find Nikolai and everything falls in place when the three meet.
It was exciting and entertaining to see their relationship flourish and how they start to depend on each other and trust completely.
I really loved the book and I can't wait to read Basil's book.
Nikolai, Grayson and Delaro complete each other and they have to fight for their happiness.
Nikolai is loved for his magic and even if he has many lovers is still lonely. Grayson was betrayed by his mother and sold to a life where he was feared and had to follow orders. Delaro was ignored and misunderstood by his family since his three brothers went missing for three years and he's independent and is very difficult to accept help from others.
Nikolai saves Grayson from his own life and their feelings evolves and deepen but there is still something missing.
Delaro makes an act of bravery when he goes to find Nikolai and everything falls in place when the three meet.
It was exciting and entertaining to see their relationship flourish and how they start to depend on each other and trust completely.
I really loved the book and I can't wait to read Basil's book.
June 1, 2020
Delaro Ellwood is an Ellwood and Ailin's son... Nikolai is a fae and with his twin Talon, the guardian of the Three, Grayson is a half werewolf / Half cyclop and a former mercennarie.
The three of them aren't supposed to be together, they don't hava anything in common at first, but they're viramore and despite the odds they're perfectly match.
I adored this book, Nikolai, Grayson and Delaro are wonderful and full of surprise. In the previous book, Delarous seems fragile and quiet...he's a real little imp full of strenght and sass. Nikolai seems to be a fae full of confidence and lovers...He's more than that. Gray is a perfect match for them both.
I really loved them, they were complementary and perfect for each other.
I read the book in one day, I couldn't stop it until the end and i look forward for Basil... I can't wait to discover his viramore.
Well done Miss Notaro, you keep surprising me at each new book.
The three of them aren't supposed to be together, they don't hava anything in common at first, but they're viramore and despite the odds they're perfectly match.
I adored this book, Nikolai, Grayson and Delaro are wonderful and full of surprise. In the previous book, Delarous seems fragile and quiet...he's a real little imp full of strenght and sass. Nikolai seems to be a fae full of confidence and lovers...He's more than that. Gray is a perfect match for them both.
I really loved them, they were complementary and perfect for each other.
I read the book in one day, I couldn't stop it until the end and i look forward for Basil... I can't wait to discover his viramore.
Well done Miss Notaro, you keep surprising me at each new book.
June 10, 2020
This book was a lot of fun to read! I haven't read the first book in the series so I'll go back and do that, but I was able to piece together the events that got us to the point where we find our characters.
There are so many, and the plot moves so quickly, that you'll be amazed. I wish I had started a story map when I began the book. It would have helped. As would have a map of the family/coven land.
All of the characters are cleverly described so you're able to get a good feel on their physical traits and their personalities...as well as their talents and magical abilities.
The encounters our main characters...a witch, a cyclops/were, and a FAE...face with others in their world are varied and range from fierce fights to crazy cat encounters to poignant times with their varied families.
I heartily recommend this book.
There are so many, and the plot moves so quickly, that you'll be amazed. I wish I had started a story map when I began the book. It would have helped. As would have a map of the family/coven land.
All of the characters are cleverly described so you're able to get a good feel on their physical traits and their personalities...as well as their talents and magical abilities.
The encounters our main characters...a witch, a cyclops/were, and a FAE...face with others in their world are varied and range from fierce fights to crazy cat encounters to poignant times with their varied families.
I heartily recommend this book.
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July 25, 2020A solid read, but not extraordinary
I give this book a 3.5. It’s a light read with a decent amount of snappiness. For me personally, at some point it became a little too sappy. In the beginning I found it endearing but once I got to the middle of the book I was kind of over it. Overall I do think this is a solid romance with the right amount of plot and romance. For someone else I think they may really like this book. I do think the writing can be repetitive at times but I understand that there’s so many books in this universe so sometimes the little recaps are helpful. I felt like the ending dragged for a bit. There was a point where it got kind of stagnant then it sped up when it addressed an important plot point. Overall, this is a solid book, but after some point I just became sort of demystified by their romance.
I give this book a 3.5. It’s a light read with a decent amount of snappiness. For me personally, at some point it became a little too sappy. In the beginning I found it endearing but once I got to the middle of the book I was kind of over it. Overall I do think this is a solid romance with the right amount of plot and romance. For someone else I think they may really like this book. I do think the writing can be repetitive at times but I understand that there’s so many books in this universe so sometimes the little recaps are helpful. I felt like the ending dragged for a bit. There was a point where it got kind of stagnant then it sped up when it addressed an important plot point. Overall, this is a solid book, but after some point I just became sort of demystified by their romance.
May 13, 2022
The jealousy is these books is a bit iffy at times especially when there's jealousy over family members simply hugging but also when it's friends, etc but in this one, it all made me gnash my teeth, I didn't like Grayson's jealousy nor Delaro's nor Nikolai's, it was so annoying and I always wanted to side with the people they were jealous of and were growling at or threatening. I even wanted to stand up for Nikolai's harem, good thing they were chill-ish with the bad behaviour from others. I couldn't stand to be in their heads lol. I really don't think that's a good sign. And besides, the story was too long, I never really cared about Delaro who seemed too whiny or Nikolai who was always flirting and of course Grayson, who was a nobody and who I thought was unnecessary and uninspired and not interesting whatsoever.
July 20, 2021
A well-written suspense fantasy
This is a m/m/m paranormal fantasy suspense romance; it is the 2nd book in the “Brinnswick chronicles”, it should be read in order of this series, after the prequel and first 4 books of the “Ellwood Chronicles” series. I had this idea of extra who Nikolai was from the first series and boy was I wrong! There is so much more to him, I sincerely cried reading watching the story develop between him and his viamores. There’s so much trauma left over from the war, so much to heal from even as a new menace starts to make itself known to the power of 3 snd those who protect them!
This is a m/m/m paranormal fantasy suspense romance; it is the 2nd book in the “Brinnswick chronicles”, it should be read in order of this series, after the prequel and first 4 books of the “Ellwood Chronicles” series. I had this idea of extra who Nikolai was from the first series and boy was I wrong! There is so much more to him, I sincerely cried reading watching the story develop between him and his viamores. There’s so much trauma left over from the war, so much to heal from even as a new menace starts to make itself known to the power of 3 snd those who protect them!
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