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When I was young, I used to dream of finding my viramore—my soulmate—in all these crazy and amazing scenarios. But then my ex-girlfriend hired a mind-bender to mess with my memories, and well, it’s no surprise that romantic notions flew out of the window for me.
I guess it’s fitting that the first time I meet my viramore, he points a crossbow at my head and threatens to kill me if I don’t get out of his way. Thing is, I’ve always liked a good challenge, and Hiro is nothing if not challenging. He’s kind of a jerk, but I guess I’m glutton for punishment because I can’t seem to stay away.
When dark forces threaten to take away everything Hiro and Basil care about, will they be able to work together or will they let anger, speculations, and fear hold them back?
Basil is the third book in The Brinnswick Chronicles and takes place in the same world as The Ellwood Chronicles, but can be read as a standalone novel. This MM romance contains explicit material and is intended for mature adults 18 years old and older.
I guess it’s fitting that the first time I meet my viramore, he points a crossbow at my head and threatens to kill me if I don’t get out of his way. Thing is, I’ve always liked a good challenge, and Hiro is nothing if not challenging. He’s kind of a jerk, but I guess I’m glutton for punishment because I can’t seem to stay away.
When dark forces threaten to take away everything Hiro and Basil care about, will they be able to work together or will they let anger, speculations, and fear hold them back?
Basil is the third book in The Brinnswick Chronicles and takes place in the same world as The Ellwood Chronicles, but can be read as a standalone novel. This MM romance contains explicit material and is intended for mature adults 18 years old and older.
361 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2020
99 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
About the author
Michele Notaro
76 books950 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 95 reviews
January 5, 2026
Basil and Hiro are officially my second favourite couple in the Ellwood coven!
I loved how the viramore bond wasn't immediately accepted for the first time! I mean, Seb was reluctant with Ailin, but Hiro's animosity toward witches was like ten levels more extreme. Both of them having to really fight for their bond was refreshing and it felt more solid because of it.
Basil being upset did hurt to read though. He's my second favourite character after Ailin and I'm ridiculously attached to both of them so I definitely had leaky eyes a few times in this one.
Also I about burst with happiness when Basil called Ailin 'Dad' 😭😭😭 so fucking sweet!! I also love how Basil became a parent too, like he's embodying the values Ailin instilled in him and it felt very full circle.
I'm so curious about Jorah's story next and I'm assuming it's mainly going to take place in Faela rather than Brinnswick, which would be an interesting change of scenery. It's still so weird to think Jorah is in his mid to late twenties now with the time jump at the end of this book and about to fall in love! I remember him being a kid in the prequel novella where Ailin and Emrys was still a thing 😂
I loved how the viramore bond wasn't immediately accepted for the first time! I mean, Seb was reluctant with Ailin, but Hiro's animosity toward witches was like ten levels more extreme. Both of them having to really fight for their bond was refreshing and it felt more solid because of it.
Basil being upset did hurt to read though. He's my second favourite character after Ailin and I'm ridiculously attached to both of them so I definitely had leaky eyes a few times in this one.
Also I about burst with happiness when Basil called Ailin 'Dad' 😭😭😭 so fucking sweet!! I also love how Basil became a parent too, like he's embodying the values Ailin instilled in him and it felt very full circle.
I'm so curious about Jorah's story next and I'm assuming it's mainly going to take place in Faela rather than Brinnswick, which would be an interesting change of scenery. It's still so weird to think Jorah is in his mid to late twenties now with the time jump at the end of this book and about to fall in love! I remember him being a kid in the prequel novella where Ailin and Emrys was still a thing 😂
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January 15, 2025DNF 40%
Justice for Basil oh my god. Nothing could redeem Hiro in my mind in this book.
Also, single dad? No thanks ONCE AGAIN. Dead wife? UGHHHHH. 37 years to 24 years age gap? Gross. But worst of all, Basil is awesome and I love him and Hiro is actual trash. This series has really collapsed for me.
Honestly Basil has been so excited for his soul mate all these years and he gets saddled with that asshole? Ugh
Justice for Basil oh my god. Nothing could redeem Hiro in my mind in this book.
Also, single dad? No thanks ONCE AGAIN. Dead wife? UGHHHHH. 37 years to 24 years age gap? Gross. But worst of all, Basil is awesome and I love him and Hiro is actual trash. This series has really collapsed for me.
Honestly Basil has been so excited for his soul mate all these years and he gets saddled with that asshole? Ugh
July 23, 2020
This book was such a joy to read! I only discovered this series a few weeks ago, but I'm completely obsessed with the Ellwoods and the incredible magical world they live in. One of my favorite parts of a series like this is how familiar the main characters are to me now--I love being able to dive headfirst into each new adventure without getting caught up in unfamiliar names and places. Basil and Hiro took me on one crazy, steamy ride and I loved every second of it!
What struck me most about Basil is how different he is from the sullen, troublemaking teen I saw in earlier books. After getting inside his head I can't believe I was fooled by the facade he puts on--he's actually such a sweetheart with the softest, squishiest heart. I couldn't have picked a better man for him than Hiro, and it was so entertaining to see them fight and bicker in the beginning. Once feelings got involved, they were such an emotional disaster that I wanted to beg them to just hurry up and be in love already. I was simultaneously melting from sweetness as they fell for each other and wanting to strangle both of them for making this so hard! I honestly could not have predicted where their journey would end--Michele always manages to surprise me with unexpected twists and turns, and I love it!
In addition to the fantastic romance and steamy sex, I'm getting so invested in this mysterious Order of Salvation. I can tell these books are building up to something big, and I'm torn between curiosity and extreme worry about how it's all going to turn out. Jorah's book is up next, and I can't wait to find out what's waiting for him up north. Maybe I'll finally get some answers to all these questions!
**I received an ARC through Facebook. My review was requested but not required, and all opinions are my own.
What struck me most about Basil is how different he is from the sullen, troublemaking teen I saw in earlier books. After getting inside his head I can't believe I was fooled by the facade he puts on--he's actually such a sweetheart with the softest, squishiest heart. I couldn't have picked a better man for him than Hiro, and it was so entertaining to see them fight and bicker in the beginning. Once feelings got involved, they were such an emotional disaster that I wanted to beg them to just hurry up and be in love already. I was simultaneously melting from sweetness as they fell for each other and wanting to strangle both of them for making this so hard! I honestly could not have predicted where their journey would end--Michele always manages to surprise me with unexpected twists and turns, and I love it!
In addition to the fantastic romance and steamy sex, I'm getting so invested in this mysterious Order of Salvation. I can tell these books are building up to something big, and I'm torn between curiosity and extreme worry about how it's all going to turn out. Jorah's book is up next, and I can't wait to find out what's waiting for him up north. Maybe I'll finally get some answers to all these questions!
**I received an ARC through Facebook. My review was requested but not required, and all opinions are my own.
July 24, 2020
I was honestly so so excited when I got to read this early, because the blurb already had me so excited weeks back. And I can tell you now, this book did not disappoint. I legitimately would have made this review earlier, but ended up staying up until 2am last night to finish this.
I love Michele Notaro's work as always, but I honestly think this is one of my favourites. The fact that all of the characters are so individual with their own unique personalities, really draws you in. I honestly loved Basil before this, he was one of my favourites with his sass, so I was so so happy that Hiro was chosen as his other half. Because honestly, we know Bas needs someone to keep him on his toes.
It was so funny reading these two interact and I love a good frenemies trope, especially when it comes with buckets full of humour, which this most certainly did!
If you've never read anything from this author before, I would one hundred per cent recommend Michele's work, and if you're looking at this book to read, or are just as excited as I am for it to come out, I can say you won't regret it.
Release date 28th July, preorder now!!!
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ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
I love Michele Notaro's work as always, but I honestly think this is one of my favourites. The fact that all of the characters are so individual with their own unique personalities, really draws you in. I honestly loved Basil before this, he was one of my favourites with his sass, so I was so so happy that Hiro was chosen as his other half. Because honestly, we know Bas needs someone to keep him on his toes.
It was so funny reading these two interact and I love a good frenemies trope, especially when it comes with buckets full of humour, which this most certainly did!
If you've never read anything from this author before, I would one hundred per cent recommend Michele's work, and if you're looking at this book to read, or are just as excited as I am for it to come out, I can say you won't regret it.
Release date 28th July, preorder now!!!
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ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
September 9, 2020
I really loved „the ellwood chronicles“ and i always found Basil an intriguing character, so of course i had to read this book.
And all in all it was a pretty decent read, but... oh i don‘t know. Maybe my expectations were just too high?
The love story was interesting. Hiro and Rasha were absolute lovable and the Ellwood bunch was funny like always.
The whole „who killed the witches“ part was just somewhat lacking in my opinion. It resolved pretty abruptly with some questions unanswered.
I mean I am glad to have read it, i just had hoped for more.
And all in all it was a pretty decent read, but... oh i don‘t know. Maybe my expectations were just too high?
The love story was interesting. Hiro and Rasha were absolute lovable and the Ellwood bunch was funny like always.
The whole „who killed the witches“ part was just somewhat lacking in my opinion. It resolved pretty abruptly with some questions unanswered.
I mean I am glad to have read it, i just had hoped for more.
September 1, 2020
Basil was never one of my favorite characters from this universe but I was fairly curious about his book. Turns out it was a mess.
See, I just couldn't like Hiro. He is a good father, but that's about it. When it comes to his relationship with Basil he only does the bare minimum, and sometimes not even that - his mistakes and shitty behavior are too easily forgiven, especially considering he never properly apologizes for, well, anything. Their bonding felt rushed and forced, and I saw more chemistry and genuine fondness in those few pages featuring Basil and Rebe than in the entirety of this book.
I can't say I understand how Hiro gained the Ellwood's trust so fast, because it's not like he deserved it or worked for it being so rude and untrusting himself. His mistrust of Basil was justified in the beginning but completely unreasonable in the course of the story. It was tiring, really.
Besides, after realizing what Hiro was to him, Basil became kind of... generic? Sometimes I honestly couldn't recognize him, it felt like his pov's could belong to anyone, which didn't happen in his siblings' narratives. There was no charisma. Maybe that's because I never truly connected with him, idk.
So I can't say I liked this installment, and I still have the same issues as before regarding the whole possessiveness thing between viramores, but I also like Jorah even more now and want to see what Michele Notaro has in store for him.
See, I just couldn't like Hiro. He is a good father, but that's about it. When it comes to his relationship with Basil he only does the bare minimum, and sometimes not even that - his mistakes and shitty behavior are too easily forgiven, especially considering he never properly apologizes for, well, anything. Their bonding felt rushed and forced, and I saw more chemistry and genuine fondness in those few pages featuring Basil and Rebe than in the entirety of this book.
I can't say I understand how Hiro gained the Ellwood's trust so fast, because it's not like he deserved it or worked for it being so rude and untrusting himself. His mistrust of Basil was justified in the beginning but completely unreasonable in the course of the story. It was tiring, really.
Besides, after realizing what Hiro was to him, Basil became kind of... generic? Sometimes I honestly couldn't recognize him, it felt like his pov's could belong to anyone, which didn't happen in his siblings' narratives. There was no charisma. Maybe that's because I never truly connected with him, idk.
So I can't say I liked this installment, and I still have the same issues as before regarding the whole possessiveness thing between viramores, but I also like Jorah even more now and want to see what Michele Notaro has in store for him.
June 16, 2022
DNF @ 72%
My review goes against popular opinion who liked this book the best compared to the others. I get that this one starts off much more exciting with the enemies to lovers trope in the beginning but as I got closer to the 30% mark of the book I really hated Hiro. His whole personality and attitude towards Basil was horrible and an asshole. Although Basil can be an asshole too, his demeanor changed as he got to know that Hiro was his viramore. Hiro on the other had just kept being emotionally abusive in someway that really hated and I kind of couldn't get over. Even when I read his backstory and how his view on witches did a 180 after accepting Basil, it didn't make up for the fact that his personality towards Basil didn't feel genuine or loving. It felt possessive and sexual like most other viramore couples, but I didn't feel love the way the other couples had. Take what I say with a grain of salt bc people could've found this one more exciting than the fluffier other stories. I just didn't like the toxic feeling that this relationship gave me especially in the beginning. So after they did get somewhat agreeable, I was uninterested in their progress bc Hiro as a character was soured.
My review goes against popular opinion who liked this book the best compared to the others. I get that this one starts off much more exciting with the enemies to lovers trope in the beginning but as I got closer to the 30% mark of the book I really hated Hiro. His whole personality and attitude towards Basil was horrible and an asshole. Although Basil can be an asshole too, his demeanor changed as he got to know that Hiro was his viramore. Hiro on the other had just kept being emotionally abusive in someway that really hated and I kind of couldn't get over. Even when I read his backstory and how his view on witches did a 180 after accepting Basil, it didn't make up for the fact that his personality towards Basil didn't feel genuine or loving. It felt possessive and sexual like most other viramore couples, but I didn't feel love the way the other couples had. Take what I say with a grain of salt bc people could've found this one more exciting than the fluffier other stories. I just didn't like the toxic feeling that this relationship gave me especially in the beginning. So after they did get somewhat agreeable, I was uninterested in their progress bc Hiro as a character was soured.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2020
This book kept me up till 4 in the morning and the only reason I stopped reading was because the words started blurring together.
Basil, Hiro and Rasha were so good. I admit I spent the first 40% cursing Hiro for the way he treated my boo Bas. Bas had already been through so much and yet he kept hoping Hiro would just like him and that broke my heart.
Once Hiro got his head out of his a** though, I fell in love with him too and watching the two of them navigate their relationship was awesome.
I'm so looking forward to Jorah's story and getting to see more of Faela.
Basil, Hiro and Rasha were so good. I admit I spent the first 40% cursing Hiro for the way he treated my boo Bas. Bas had already been through so much and yet he kept hoping Hiro would just like him and that broke my heart.
Once Hiro got his head out of his a** though, I fell in love with him too and watching the two of them navigate their relationship was awesome.
I'm so looking forward to Jorah's story and getting to see more of Faela.
October 14, 2024
Another solid 4 star.
Basil is an asshat. So of course his viramore, or fated mate, would be another asshat. Hiro is exactly like Basil, gruff, cocky, irritating and irritable. But just like Basil, he has a softer side and once he starts showing that to Basil the Power of Three witch is all in. It will take some convincing, as Hiro has a rather traumatic past with witches in particular, but Basil is more than willing to put in the effort. While they're trying to save Hiro's sick kid, a secret organization is hunting the Power of Three and getting close as well.
Basil is an asshat. So of course his viramore, or fated mate, would be another asshat. Hiro is exactly like Basil, gruff, cocky, irritating and irritable. But just like Basil, he has a softer side and once he starts showing that to Basil the Power of Three witch is all in. It will take some convincing, as Hiro has a rather traumatic past with witches in particular, but Basil is more than willing to put in the effort. While they're trying to save Hiro's sick kid, a secret organization is hunting the Power of Three and getting close as well.
July 23, 2020
Ok so I love absolutely everything by this author, but I can say that this series so far is my FAVORITE!!!! Now this book is my absolute favorite in this series so far. It draws you in right from the start and the main characters are the most adorable ever!!!!! I am 1000% in love with this book. If you like supernatural kinda books and love you some amazing and sexy kinda chemistry between two people then you HAVE to read this book!!!!!!
January 27, 2025
I think my favorite from the series, so far.
July 30, 2020
Easily one of my favourites. Fans of the series have been waiting on Basil's story and it does not disappoint. Attitude, action and family are the main that stand out for me, all big parts of both Basil and Hiro.
The two meet again and again as they go after the same suspects but Hiro is a hunter as opposed to Basil working for the Brinnswick supernatural police. They continually butt heads and Hiro especially has reasons to dislike Basil purely based on his history with witches. It's very entertaining to read as they go from having a strong animosity, confusion as to developing feelings and then the struggles that they both have with trust, specifically Hiro with all that his family went through eight years ago. There's so much tension between the men for a long time and it takes an ages for Basil to worm his way under Hiro's defences but, of course, it's ohhhh so worth it! Family is again a huge part of the story with Basil's Power of Three connection with Thayer and Jorah as well as the rest of the Ellwood coven. It's also wonderful learning how he really feels towards Ailin after the attitude he was never scared of dishing out to his brother/father figure. Hiro's family is much smaller but no less important with a lot of stress due to health and money worries.
The main bulk of the story focuses on their relationship but there is also an underlying plot of witches being killed. There's a big mystery as to what's happening as well as the danger that it poses to the witch community.
I was gripped right from the start of the book and had to finish in one sitting and cannot recommend it enough. It can be read as a standalone but for perspective on a couple of things, I would read the series in order, all of which I also recommend :-) So happy to read the guys getting their HEA's and get more invested in the overall story arc of the series.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
The two meet again and again as they go after the same suspects but Hiro is a hunter as opposed to Basil working for the Brinnswick supernatural police. They continually butt heads and Hiro especially has reasons to dislike Basil purely based on his history with witches. It's very entertaining to read as they go from having a strong animosity, confusion as to developing feelings and then the struggles that they both have with trust, specifically Hiro with all that his family went through eight years ago. There's so much tension between the men for a long time and it takes an ages for Basil to worm his way under Hiro's defences but, of course, it's ohhhh so worth it! Family is again a huge part of the story with Basil's Power of Three connection with Thayer and Jorah as well as the rest of the Ellwood coven. It's also wonderful learning how he really feels towards Ailin after the attitude he was never scared of dishing out to his brother/father figure. Hiro's family is much smaller but no less important with a lot of stress due to health and money worries.
The main bulk of the story focuses on their relationship but there is also an underlying plot of witches being killed. There's a big mystery as to what's happening as well as the danger that it poses to the witch community.
I was gripped right from the start of the book and had to finish in one sitting and cannot recommend it enough. It can be read as a standalone but for perspective on a couple of things, I would read the series in order, all of which I also recommend :-) So happy to read the guys getting their HEA's and get more invested in the overall story arc of the series.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
July 29, 2020
Back in Brinnswick and loving it!
Another amazing installment in this series and world. I love his this series connects to the previous one, with the world-building, concepts, favorite characters...all are familiar and love seeing them in each book. But I also really enjoy that there is a slightly lighter feel to these books, maybe because the overall big bad threat isn’t out there, though there is still action, creatures, and danger in each. The time line has given some of this generation time to grow up a bit too which gives the stories a nice maturity yet still balanced by the family/brotherly dynamics including humor and teasing, but always love and protectiveness.
I loved Hiro & Basil. There was some confusion and not a little angst between them but they figure things out, not an easy task between a strong-yet-vulnerable witch and a fierce but caring hunter who has never met a good witch. Well done showing the back and forth and both points of view of these hardheaded men. I liked that there was some conflict both internally in the growing relationship and externally from other threats but it was never annoying or overdone.
Rasha was completely unexpected but much enjoyed, and I wasn’t expecting how they figured out her situation. I’m also left with an insatiable curiously about Jorah’s story and will be eagerly awaiting what comes next!
Another amazing installment in this series and world. I love his this series connects to the previous one, with the world-building, concepts, favorite characters...all are familiar and love seeing them in each book. But I also really enjoy that there is a slightly lighter feel to these books, maybe because the overall big bad threat isn’t out there, though there is still action, creatures, and danger in each. The time line has given some of this generation time to grow up a bit too which gives the stories a nice maturity yet still balanced by the family/brotherly dynamics including humor and teasing, but always love and protectiveness.
I loved Hiro & Basil. There was some confusion and not a little angst between them but they figure things out, not an easy task between a strong-yet-vulnerable witch and a fierce but caring hunter who has never met a good witch. Well done showing the back and forth and both points of view of these hardheaded men. I liked that there was some conflict both internally in the growing relationship and externally from other threats but it was never annoying or overdone.
Rasha was completely unexpected but much enjoyed, and I wasn’t expecting how they figured out her situation. I’m also left with an insatiable curiously about Jorah’s story and will be eagerly awaiting what comes next!
July 28, 2020
First of all I was a little apprehensive starting this book. Although apprehensive is a strong word because I had no doubt that I would enjoy any book in this series. I love this world the Michele Notaro has created. Basil however was never a favorite character of mine. I totally underestimated the ability truly gifted authors have to show us what is behind the facade the character puts forth.
Basil: I had low expectations for him. He seemed closed off and prickly. I could not have been more wrong. Sometimes you fall into the role that you feel like you need to be in your family. He has a deep capacity for love and nurturing. He took me by surprise and has joined the rank of my favorite characters.
Hiro
OK so he fit the bill more of what I was expecting from Basil. Here we have the character that I wanted to smack repeatedly and often in the beginning. However once he stopped and really listened and gave Basil a chance things changed for me. So much makes sense when get to see more of his life, who he really is, and why he was so closed off.
Basil is another fabulous installment in this amazing series. I will be re-reading the previous books and will be looking at Basil through new eyes!
Basil: I had low expectations for him. He seemed closed off and prickly. I could not have been more wrong. Sometimes you fall into the role that you feel like you need to be in your family. He has a deep capacity for love and nurturing. He took me by surprise and has joined the rank of my favorite characters.
Hiro
OK so he fit the bill more of what I was expecting from Basil. Here we have the character that I wanted to smack repeatedly and often in the beginning. However once he stopped and really listened and gave Basil a chance things changed for me. So much makes sense when get to see more of his life, who he really is, and why he was so closed off.
Basil is another fabulous installment in this amazing series. I will be re-reading the previous books and will be looking at Basil through new eyes!
July 28, 2020
Duct tape, dimples & shadows
“We protect our own.” If I could have a wish come true, it would be to become an Ellwood. They’re crazy, they’re frustrating, but wow do they know how to love and to forge a family. Basil and Hiro took me on a magical, emotional rollercoaster and I want to ride it again and again. They’re beautiful, amazing, stubborn, silly, and are two of my most favorite people in this series. I’m in awe of them and their innate strength.
“My life has been turned upside-down...and I couldn’t have asked for anything better.” That’s how I feel about Hiro, Basil and this series. Each time I read one of these books it takes a piece of my heart but leaves me with so much more. A fantastic, brilliant, stunning journey that will capture your heart and leave you feeling otherworldly.
“We protect our own.” If I could have a wish come true, it would be to become an Ellwood. They’re crazy, they’re frustrating, but wow do they know how to love and to forge a family. Basil and Hiro took me on a magical, emotional rollercoaster and I want to ride it again and again. They’re beautiful, amazing, stubborn, silly, and are two of my most favorite people in this series. I’m in awe of them and their innate strength.
“My life has been turned upside-down...and I couldn’t have asked for anything better.” That’s how I feel about Hiro, Basil and this series. Each time I read one of these books it takes a piece of my heart but leaves me with so much more. A fantastic, brilliant, stunning journey that will capture your heart and leave you feeling otherworldly.
September 21, 2020
After going back and reading Nikolai, I decided to lower my rating of this book a bit. Seeing the love and care that the three mates showed each other from the beginning, brought home to me how much I really disliked Hiro as a character and I thought Basil deserved better.
Rating: 3.5 stars
I almost gave up on this book really early on. Mainly because I didn’t like Hiro and wasn’t too fond of his interactions with Basil. I’m glad I decided to stick with it because once the story got going it was really good. I loved that we got to see Basil and Hiro interact with the rest of Basil’s coven. I loved little Rasha. My only complaint was I would have loved more time dedicated to the ‘who is killing the witches’ subplot. I felt that the resolution was a bit rushed and anticlimactic. All in all, a highly entertaining read.
Rating: 3.5 stars
I almost gave up on this book really early on. Mainly because I didn’t like Hiro and wasn’t too fond of his interactions with Basil. I’m glad I decided to stick with it because once the story got going it was really good. I loved that we got to see Basil and Hiro interact with the rest of Basil’s coven. I loved little Rasha. My only complaint was I would have loved more time dedicated to the ‘who is killing the witches’ subplot. I felt that the resolution was a bit rushed and anticlimactic. All in all, a highly entertaining read.
July 31, 2020
Magical MM Romance
3 stars!
This book was ok for me. It started off with lots of action and an enemies to lovers story. I've said it a million times but it rings true here- Enemies to lovers takes a fine balance to get right. This story made Hiro into too much of a Jerk. I felt bad for Basil having such a rough go and then getting saddle with this awful mate.
The plot felt a bit anticlimactic to me too. It was like a bunch of build up for kind of irritatingly simple solutions.
I wouldn't say this book was bad because it had a good pace but the romance was not loving enough for me and I didn't really mind the name calling and threats but when real moments are happening and the guy is a jerk I can't get behind that.
Overall, I would say meh.
3 stars!
This book was ok for me. It started off with lots of action and an enemies to lovers story. I've said it a million times but it rings true here- Enemies to lovers takes a fine balance to get right. This story made Hiro into too much of a Jerk. I felt bad for Basil having such a rough go and then getting saddle with this awful mate.
The plot felt a bit anticlimactic to me too. It was like a bunch of build up for kind of irritatingly simple solutions.
I wouldn't say this book was bad because it had a good pace but the romance was not loving enough for me and I didn't really mind the name calling and threats but when real moments are happening and the guy is a jerk I can't get behind that.
Overall, I would say meh.
July 25, 2020
If wizards and muggles lived together....
I started these chronicles in the middle with Basil and Hiro's story but I didn't need the other stories to throughly enjoy this book. Fun, easy read. Perfect for a lazy rainy day. I definitely need to read the others books. Great series.
Michelle Notaro's magical realm is full of magic and whimsy, good and evil, mythical creatures and creatures from hell and beyond.
Basil is a powerful witch and Hiro is a human bounty hunter who hates witches. But no matter where the he goes to get his mark, Basil is always there.
Slowly Hiro see Basil isn't like the witches he grew up with but it that enough to let him in to his life...
I started these chronicles in the middle with Basil and Hiro's story but I didn't need the other stories to throughly enjoy this book. Fun, easy read. Perfect for a lazy rainy day. I definitely need to read the others books. Great series.
Michelle Notaro's magical realm is full of magic and whimsy, good and evil, mythical creatures and creatures from hell and beyond.
Basil is a powerful witch and Hiro is a human bounty hunter who hates witches. But no matter where the he goes to get his mark, Basil is always there.
Slowly Hiro see Basil isn't like the witches he grew up with but it that enough to let him in to his life...
July 28, 2020
I really think Basil and Hiro's book is my favorite out of them all now! I give it a billion stars, getting to see Basil's softer, not so much a trouble maker side was a huge treat. Hiro was such a sweet, but totally bada** guy that turned Basil's world upside down in a good way. I won't be able to say much without spoiling things, but do not miss out on this book! I read straight through the night and I don't regret a moment of missed sleep. So excited for Jorah's book and then Talon I honestly think I would be fantastic if the series just kept going on and on lol.
July 29, 2020
I received an ARC of this copy and I loved this friends to lovers book. I just love the world that Michelle has created. These 2 characters are like oil and water but somehow they are perfect for each other. At times I wanted to jump in there and smack some sense into them and other times I laughed myself silly. Truly inspiring to read. I can't wait for more in this world. I was certainly upset when the book ended . 2 stubborn men and one adorable little girl who catches your heart .You would not want to put this one down
July 27, 2020
I cannot get enough of this magical world and it's amazing characters. Basil and Hiro's were absolutely wonderful characters and their story was another one that had me up all night because I just could not stop reading. It grabbed me at page one and didn't let go until the end, I was doing the zombie shuffle the next day and I regret nothing. LOL
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
May 31, 2021
4.5 rounded up XD that was good!
Reviewing soon!
Reviewing soon!
August 1, 2020
DNF 28%
Hated Hiro. Poor Basil...
Hated Hiro. Poor Basil...
June 5, 2025
4.5 stars
Everything I’ve come to expect from this world. I loved the characters, danger, action, and snark. Hiro and Basil were good together.
Everything I’ve come to expect from this world. I loved the characters, danger, action, and snark. Hiro and Basil were good together.
June 12, 2023
Was this actually the best book in the series or is Basil just my favorite character? 🤔
May 6, 2025
Es war unaufgeregter und es war mehr Zeit für die Beziehung der Beiden. Hat mir etwas besser gefallen als die anderen.
January 15, 2023
Another hit out of the park for Michele Notaro. It was sweet, it was suspenseful but also gave a cozy feel (but yanno, with murder)
July 31, 2020
It was great to get to know Basil more in this book. This is the third book in the Brinnswick Chronicles, which is a spin-off to the Ellwood Chronicles. You don’t have to read the previous books, but you’d probably get more enjoyment out of Basil if you did, and this book also spoils some stuff from previous books.
I was very excited to read about Basil more, as he was definitely my favorite of the kids from the Ellwood Chronicles. It was exciting to see how he’d grown, and who he ended up with. Hiro is great. They start out as rivals, and since friends to enemies is a trope that I love when it’s done well, I loved the progression of their relationship. Michele Notaro did the trope well. It was a believable development, with Hiro gradually getting over his animosity towards witches. It wasn’t just, they have sex and now everything’s all good and they love each other. They had problems that they were working out throughout the entire book.
While the relationship development was well done, I felt that one strand of the plot was a bit weak. A bit of a spoiler warning from here until the next paragraph. So there was an underlying mystery of witches being murdered by a serial killer that started out as what was driving Basil to follow Hiro around, since he thought he was the serial killer. And while it’s mentioned throughout the story that more witches were being found dead, the characters didn’t seem to start investigating it until the end and the resolution felt sudden and a bit rushed. It was prominent in the beginning, then fell to the wayside in the middle, and then the story ended with it being suddenly solved. I would have liked to see it more integrated since it felt kind of separate from the rest of the story. That was my only problem with the plot, I liked all of the other plotlines, and there were a lot of cute moments, especially with Rasha. I loved her in the epilogue too.
Overall, it was great to revisit the world and characters. I’m really excited for Jorah’s story up next. I received a free ARC from Facebook. My review was requested, but not required, and all opinions are my own.
I was very excited to read about Basil more, as he was definitely my favorite of the kids from the Ellwood Chronicles. It was exciting to see how he’d grown, and who he ended up with. Hiro is great. They start out as rivals, and since friends to enemies is a trope that I love when it’s done well, I loved the progression of their relationship. Michele Notaro did the trope well. It was a believable development, with Hiro gradually getting over his animosity towards witches. It wasn’t just, they have sex and now everything’s all good and they love each other. They had problems that they were working out throughout the entire book.
While the relationship development was well done, I felt that one strand of the plot was a bit weak. A bit of a spoiler warning from here until the next paragraph. So there was an underlying mystery of witches being murdered by a serial killer that started out as what was driving Basil to follow Hiro around, since he thought he was the serial killer. And while it’s mentioned throughout the story that more witches were being found dead, the characters didn’t seem to start investigating it until the end and the resolution felt sudden and a bit rushed. It was prominent in the beginning, then fell to the wayside in the middle, and then the story ended with it being suddenly solved. I would have liked to see it more integrated since it felt kind of separate from the rest of the story. That was my only problem with the plot, I liked all of the other plotlines, and there were a lot of cute moments, especially with Rasha. I loved her in the epilogue too.
Overall, it was great to revisit the world and characters. I’m really excited for Jorah’s story up next. I received a free ARC from Facebook. My review was requested, but not required, and all opinions are my own.
September 7, 2020
This is the third book in the Brinnswick Chronicles and where we get to see Basil, the latest of the Ellwood offspring, meeting his viramore and trying to build a relationship with him. Hiro's past hurts and current responsibilities don't make it easy for them, though; nor does the treatment Basil has had at the hands of others in the past. These men have a lot of issues to work though before they can accept their bond for the gift it is, Hiro especially; but once they do it's obvious that they are perfect for each other. Their particular brand of snark-filled saltiness is fun, but when their underlying vulnerabilities peak out they're both very sweet.
As with The Ellwood Chronicles, the further we get into the series, the greater the feeling is that the plot is building to something momentous. The witch murders in this book are significant and the tension around the investigation is palpable so I can't wait to see what's in store next for the Three. Overall, I loved Basil as an enemies to lovers story, with wonderfully perfectly imperfect characters. The writing style and world building are absolutely on point, as usual for this author and, although this probably can work as a standalone, I definitely recommend reading the series in order. An easy 5* from me.
As with The Ellwood Chronicles, the further we get into the series, the greater the feeling is that the plot is building to something momentous. The witch murders in this book are significant and the tension around the investigation is palpable so I can't wait to see what's in store next for the Three. Overall, I loved Basil as an enemies to lovers story, with wonderfully perfectly imperfect characters. The writing style and world building are absolutely on point, as usual for this author and, although this probably can work as a standalone, I definitely recommend reading the series in order. An easy 5* from me.
September 13, 2020
I absolutely adore this series along with the main Ellwood series of books and this release hits it out of the park for me. Ever since Basil's introduction from the main series I've desperately wanted to know who he was along with the other Ellwood kids and boy did Michele deliver. It was very interesting to see the contrasting personalities of the 2 brothers and how they approach their relationships with their vitamores (I love the fact that Basil is in his 20s but due to a previous incident in the main books there's something that's just missing in the beginning). Hiro makes for a great counterpart for Basil's character in terms of contrast to his personality, and frankly it was amusing to read all the banter conversations the two of them had (along with the streamy scenes to boot too). Overall absolutely solid release and I can't wait to read about Jorah next and see what's in store for the next brother in this massive family!
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