Magic Touch

by Jayda Marx

Indigo has a charmed life; he lives in a village with the other mages in his coven and is surrounded by family and friends. The only thing he’s missing is someone to share his life with. For weeks, a door has appeared to Indigo in his dreams. Every time he looks upon it, he’s engulfed by the feeling that it contains something life changing; that everything he desires is kept from him by two inches of wood. He tries everything to open it, from enchantments to brute force, but it stands firm. After nights of torment, the door finally opens, revealing to Indigo the most stunning man he’s ever seen. He’s both comforted and vitalized by his presence, and knows without a doubt that the man is his beloved; his match hand-picked by Fate. But his mate is human, which is unheard of in his magical world. Could the vision be a ruse, or a dream come true?

Puck has spent his whole life bouncing from one foster home to the next. He feels like a nobody from nowhere because he’s never stayed in one place long enough to form lasting friendships. Being the lonely, awkward gay kid made him an easy target growing up, and he’s carried his mistrust and insecurities into adulthood. One night, a man appears to him in a dream and fills him with emotions he’s never felt; comfort, acceptance, and love. When his dream man appears at his doorstep to whisk him away, could it all be a trick, or the beginning of the adventure of a lifetime?

Genres: M M Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal, Magic, Romance, Gay, Queer

280 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 30, 2020

About the author

I live in rural Ohio with my husband and two sons who drive me nuts, but I love them with all my heart. I enjoy reading and writing romance of all types, but gay romance is my forte and favorite! Twice the sexy men? Yes, please! My books tend to be low angst because it hurts my heart, but they do contain lots of heartfelt moments, steamy scenes and a healthy dose of humor. Thank you to everyone for checking out my page and I hope you enjoy my books. Happy reading!

Reviews

[Barbara➰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very sweet and low-angst story that we expect from Jayda Marx. As a couple, things are easy. No real relationship worries. There's some jealous outside forces and some evil outside forces but other than that, no other real conflict. Just an easy and sweet read.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really love sweet and sappy books. But I’m not always a fan of the two MCs only ever talking about how perfect the other one is. If there is no basis for the relationship, for the love they share, then I don’t buy it. Even if it’s a fated mates thing.

I mean, how can you constantly tell your new boyfriend how funny they are and how amazing, when you don’t actually know them or had a real conversation with them?

I’ve read a few Jayda Marx books I loved, but most of them suffered from the issue I just mentioned. Things just move too fast. And normally I actually like insta-love and I’m not put off by it at all. But the characters at least had to have had a conversation for me to believe in it. And that’s the part this author often skips.

They only ever say things like, I’m so glad I met you, I’m so glad you’re my mate. But if those are the only things they ever say to each other then I wonder why they think the other one is sooooo amazing.

This book definitely had potential and if things were just fleshed out a bit more than it would have been a 4 star read. But now it bordered on ridiculous and I can’t give it more than 3 stars.

[Lizzie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Jayda marx — bless her heart — seems like the sweetest soul.

But her books? They’re just too cheesy and usually too tacky for me to like very much.

And I feel terrible saying that, because have you seen her photo on her author’s page? She looks like a sweetheart and someone I’d probably love to pieces. 😢

I keep reading her books, because, well, I’m hoping they get less...cheesy. I love her clear attitude towards HEA and no cheating or sex with other people. I love how she views romance, but the execution of the overall story just isn’t there. 😕

This one had potential, but it fell very short. Towards the end, when I thought maybe this book would be okay, it got insanely tacky. I just...couldn’t.

Will I read more of her books? Yeah, I probably will because they’re easy and predictable. But not a favorite or even entirely interesting. ☹️

[~BookNeeds~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always Jayda writes a super sweet story. You can’t go wrong when reading her stories. Minus one star because the ending felt a tad rushed. Jasper deserved worse punishment. (Insert giggle)

[P Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Talk about insta love on steroids. I must have rolled my eyes countless times whilst reading this. If your in the mood for fluffy and sappy then you should give this book a try.

[vrstal · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5/5.

This is an instalove paranormal story about mages - people who have been blessed by the gods - and normal humans who have no idea about their existence. Mix in some real world religion allusions and fated mates, and you get The Magic Touch.

As far as the relationship - they’re cute. Indigo sweeps Puck away from an isolated, lonely life. They’ve got sweet words, are both verse with hot sex, and have a sweet bonding ritual. We also figure out how Puck is not so unskilled as people might originally think. There is a jealous friend who tries to get in the middle of it all, but love prevails.

However, my major criticism is the culturally appropriative references throughout. The nature and history of Wicca being culturally appropriative aside (Google, read Jewish and BIPOC especially indigenous voices on this), Jayda specifically refers to these mages (which, most of them are white) as “smudging” their homes. Smudging is a reference to a specific indigenous ritualistic practice and is not something just anyone can do. It would have been easy for her to use the word “smoke cleansing” or even come up with another word. She did not. They reference using palo santo, a sacred bark which is endangered by the commercialization of it being sold in many places, and often in the hands of cultural appropriation. Again, this was not necessary.

Throw in some references to the crusades - that the crusades were about killing these mages (and not the thousands of Jews and Muslims who died at the hands of Christians) and how then these mages turned on their own kind for their own crusade? Idk. It was bad vibes. Jayda can do better.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 5☆

I loved this book, beginning to end. The only thing better is if a baby were involved (maybe a part 2 *hint hint*). I love how they got "even" with Puck's former boss, as well as the two high school enemies. Priceless and yet beyond fair.

The story also has just enough suspense to keep you wanting to read just a little more, and then of course a little more. Even at the amazing ending, I wasn't ready for the story to be over. I'd love a part two or for his sweet old neighbor to find her an older mage.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Insert girly screeching here*

Oh man. So this was GREAT! Definitely 1 of 4 books that tie for first place on my favorites by the incomparable jayda marx.

It was a little rushed, I'll be honest. Not just the Insta-love aspect, which actually was a bit more choppy than usual; but the whole story really was rushed. IT DOESN'T MATTER. Rushed or not it was AMAZING! Indigo and puck were adorable and utterly fantastic. The story wasn't a head scratcher. You could pretty much are where it was going from space. IT DOESN'T MATTER!

Trust. If you are familiar with jayda Marx's work then you know that the sweetness will make your cheeks hurt and the hea will explode your heart. Trust me it does. If this might be your first marx book buckle up for a sweet fantasy romance that will turn you into goo.

Can't wait to read this book 30 more times!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

I truly enjoyed this trip to a very different magical world. Romance, humor, danger, action, secrets revealed made for a excellent tale. I would really like to read more stories set in this world.

[Leaundra · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars..

[Steph (semi-hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Literary greatness it is not. But, Jayda Marx is my go to when I don’t know what I want to read. I know exactly what I’m getting every single time.

[Tiuri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the characters but even though the author explains that relationships move fast amongst mages, moving in, saying "I love you" and meeting the parents all on the first day followed by a 'marriage' two days later, is really, really fast.

[TJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

For years I’d waited and watched for signs of my beloved. I’d visited other coven villages to see if contact with other mages would result in a spark of recognition and love. I’d lit candles and whispered incantations into the wind, but everything just led to disappointment. But now I had hope. - Indigo

Notable Tropes/Tags/Themes/etc.:
Fated Mates, Magic/Fantasy, MM Romance, Mage x Human, Good vs. Evil, Insta Love, Paranormal

My darling Puck, Your beauty surpasses even the rarest rose. My heart beats only for you. -Indigo

My Opinion:
I’ve read this twice now, and I loved it so much more the second time! Here, we have Indigo, a mage, who is elated to find out the mystery behind his dream, his fated mate. The crazy part… he’s human. This is absolutely unheard of in their world, but Fate does not make errors. Poor Puck has no one in the human world. Bouncing from foster home to foster home before settling into an apartment alone, acquaintances but no friends (except Mrs. Willoughby), waiting for what he doesn’t know. This is a fast paced, low angst, insta love story. While the steam was not crazy spicey or super frequent, the way Puck and Indigo loved each other still had the story come across as very intimate. There was the right balance of fun, sweet, and action. These are the kinds of stories that just beg for a series. The aftermath is neededddd. Also, I kept crying??? It could be hormones, it could be the Jayda Marx special, honestly I never know. All I know is I cried at the cupcake scene for both Indigo and Puck, Indigo’s reaction when he ran back to Puck, the coven gathering afterwards, the fucking CROWN, and the sad truth at the end?? Puck went through a lot of shit to get to Indigo, and he has earned his HEA. Oh and the double virgin aspect?? Did NOT think I would love it as much as I did, you don’t get that often, especially with characters who aren’t teens anymore.

"Finding their mate, or beloved, is the most important thing to my people; it means having a lover, partner and best friend for all time. Our souls are fragmented until we find the one person meant to complete us." - Indigo

Main Character Information:
Indigo: Mage, 29, long black hair, black eyes, son of the High Priest and High Priestess
Puck: Human, 21, dark blonde curls, blue eyes, waiter at a diner

“I promise to spend my life giving you a romance so sweet and passionate that you’ll never again crave the escape of those books.” - Indigo

Intimate/Spicy Moments Include:
Verse MCs, Virgin x2, Masturbation, Blowjobs, Rimming, Anal Sex, Handjobs, No Prep

”I’m here to share your burdens and your joy. You’ll never have to shoulder anything by yourself again; you’ll never be alone again.” - Indigo

Possesses:
1st Person, Dual POV
3rd Act Break Up: No
Slow-burn: Too Much Knocking LOL
HEA: Yesssss
MC Sex w/o Other MC(s): No

And though I was eager to try everything with him, I shared his desire tonight; I needed to plant my seed and claim him as my own. - Indigo

Ratings:
Spice: 2/5
Angst/Stress: 1/5
Fluff: 3.5/5
Structure/Format/Flow: 5/5
Overall: 5/5

After all this time, I finally had a family. And Indigo gave it to me. He plucked me from my lonely, troubled world and showed me magic and love. - Puck

[Hugo #freepalestine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just what you would expect from reading a jayda marx book, insta-love, no angts, predictable, and no worries (meaning you won't worry that you don't feel like there is any threat at all) I know that's why I read it tho sometimes It can be so frustrating with so much pining and angts so jayda marx is a safe choice for me but just like any other jayda marx books it lacks of emotional connection with the characters despite of the trauma and struggle being brought up, insta-love could work but it doesn't have to move so quickly I mean like yes you could called it love at first sight but you don't have to get married in the next 2 days and yes that did happened.

[Darina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Инсталав на стероидах: утром герои знакомятся, а в обед уже решают пожениться. По крайней мере автор честно признаётся, что ей нравится этот троп, и ты сразу понимаешь, что ожидать.

[Darkwinde · Rating 2 out of 5]

SPOILERS

This just wasn't up my alley. It's a very specific niche that some people might love, but the rest of us are just gonna be bored.

It's a pure orphan's fantasy. Here we have Puck. He's caring and giving and everything else anyone could possibly want in a True Mate. He's been in foster care since he was an infant (because healthy babies are notoriously hard to adopt out /s), never spending more than a few months at a time with any one family. Because of all this moving around, he has no friends, although he did pick up a couple of bullies in high school. He now works as a waiter for a horrible boss, and on the day we meet him, he has to wait on the two bullies who happen to show up in his restaurant. And then he goes home to celebrate his 21st birthday by himself with a store bought cupcake. Poor, sad Puck.

But, Surprise! The very next day he meets his one True Mate, a mage, who whisks him away from his life of drudgery to a literal paradise village where everyone (except the villain) immediately fully embraces him no matter that he is merely human. His Mate's parents instantly love him and call him son, and His Mate tells him that he no longer has to live in his small apartment or work for his awful boss, because he can move in to his Mate's house and have all his needs cared for. After a near-death from poisoning (because villains have to be villainous even if it makes no sense whatsoever), Puck and his mate have their bonding ceremony. Yay! Happy Ever After! Except, no, there's too much book left.
Suddenly, the villain is back, and he's brought the Big Bads that have been hunting our innocent mage coven for centuries. Turns out our poor little Puck isn't a human after all. In fact, he is the Super Powerful Mage that has been Prophesied to take out the Big Bads. His powers were just locked away until his life was in danger (apparently, the locking magic doesn't consider one of the deadliest poisons known to mages as a danger to his life). So the Prophesied One does his job and Yay! Happy Ever After!
Not quite. We have to wait just long enough for Puck's real parents to show up and explain how he wasn't an orphan, and they only gave him away to protect him because he was the Prophesied One.

It's all so perfect it sounds like a dream Puck has as he's dying from carbon monoxide poisoning in his apartment.

[Shawn Cha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just fricken WOW

I’ve honestly been putting this book aside for so long cause I thought it would be boring and not interesting but god was I wrong. When you read so many books on kindle you start to see a trend where the main protagonist is usually an arrogant guy who’s been with so many guys that even the state of California is less than the amount. But to read a book so pure so sweet really hit that spot where you feel it’s so genuine that you can’t help smiling.
Puck is so sweet and so pure even after every horrible thing he’s experienced it’s never changed his way of life nor how he interacts with people. He puts others feelings behind his.
Indigo is an amazing man who’s saved himself and waited all his life for his mate. He’s done everything possibly sweet for Puck.
It’s not just a sweet book but there are moments where your heartstrings are rugged and even moments you seem like a psycho laughing out loud reading. Not many books makes me laugh while I’m reading but this one does it. I hope to read more from this author even though I’ve read some of her books and I must admit they are really good.

[FairyG · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great plot and world building

A lovely story with some nice ideas and a beautiful happy ever after, the writing is however was a little too simplistic for me. The dialogue between the two main characters was where it disappointed me the most, although constant declarations are cute, a bit of banter or shared interest or getting to know each other dialogue could have added depth and substance to the relationship. I loved the parent characters they came across well. Lastly the villain of the story could have done with some actual motivation or background for his flip from friend to foe, it just came out of the blue with little backstory.

I enjoyed the book and would recommend to people looking for a light and fluffy read with insta romance and a decent happy ever after.

[Melissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

1 star

DNF at 23%

I had high hopes for this book, because I love the idea of soulmates, but this book was just creepy and unrealistic. The mage character sees the human character in a dream and proceeds to turn himself invisible and stalk him for an entire day, including going into his home. He leaves a secret admirer note with a bouquet of flowers. If it was me, I’d be creeped out that some stranger knows my name and address and is approaching me in a stalker way instead of just talking to me like a normal person, but the human MC loves the flowers. When the mage MC shows up on his doorstep the next day, the human MC is overjoyed to meet him and immediately invites him in. Like wtf?

[AllAboutThoseBooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good premise

Poorly executed. The dialogue is awkward and the writing is, for lack of a better word, immature. It reads like a teenager wrote it. I think the first person POV is part of the problem. There are issues with pacing, and the deus ex machina that is part of the resolution stops just short of a character yelling, "ta-da!" There is no plot point that goes unpunished. The author is going to resolve that, no matter how irrelevant it was to the rest of the story.

[Lanette Hopper]

Wow!

What a wonderful love story!
It was well written, characters were charming, and the story line was sickly sweet yet good. 😁
I enjoyed the magical side of the story as well.
Throughly enjoyed this book!
AND...For a change, unlike most Kindle unlimited books, it was actually edited!
If you want to read a sweet love story that will make you feel good, this is the book for you.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so eager and excited to read this book as soon as Jayda Marx released the cover art! Indigo and Puck are an amazing couple and the world she weaves is wonderful and magical. I kept having visions of A Midsummer's Night Dream during this book which I blame on the world she weaved for us. It was just magical with the portals and Indigo's mage powers. Puck discovers his true heritage after he ends up in Indigo's village. Jasper was a complete twat and I'm glad Puck blasted him in the end. I can't wait for more books from Jayda!

[Maria Clara · Rating 4 out of 5]

É um livro único que podia ter sido maior.

A história foi fofa, o casal era fofo, mas tudo podia ter tido mais impacto se as coisas tivessem acontecido com mais calma. A batalha final durou poucas horas e se passou em um capítulo só. Explicações vieram nos finalmentes e sentimentos brotaram do nada. Tinha potencial, mas faltou mais planejamento e habilidade na hora de contar essa história.

3,5 estrelas

[Tina Sharp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute

This story is cute, short and sweet. Puck is adorable and a little too perfect at times but it works for the purpose of the story. I also liked Indigo, who protects his mate from the beginning. There is intra-love, some action, a dramatic battle and quick conclusion. A good book for a quick summer read.

[Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wonderful world of magic! I want to live there.

Puck and Indigo are the cutest couple. Puck having grown up in foster care, thought he was all alone. That is until his twenty-first birthday. Oy what a surprise he got! This was a good story. Lots of love, an evil villain, and the surprise of his life.

[Reader Babe · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! This book was sweet and very sexy. I loved the spells and celebrations the mages had. I want to live in their magical world. This story had a message of kindness and acceptance which we all need right now.

[Amos24601 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how I loved Puck and Indy. So effing lovely together. We got a little bit of drama and a little bit of heat but overall, we got a great story!

I so enjoy the cotton candy fluffiness that is a Jayda Marx book. They never fail to leave me with a smile on my face.

[Katy Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unusual

I have to say it is not my usual choice of book first one base on Marge's i got a little confussed which does not take much to do. I am glad i gave this book a try but not not my favourite especially by this author.

[Alexia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read story

A wonderful easy read with little angst, lots of fluff, and an easy to determine plot. While the plot was pretty predictable, the read was still a fun one, and the characters are ones I hope we get to revisit!

[Timothy Tyrrel]

Love Magic

I'm falling in love with every cover I open and each page I turn from Jayda.
Thank you for each escape and mind bending fantasy envoked by your amazing work, and exquisitely woven words.