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Magic Emporium
Hexes and Horns
Ryan O’Byrne has rules: 1) no using his magic, 2) no getting dragged back into his family’s craziness, and 3) no dating supernaturals of any kind, especially shifters … in other words, nothing and no one who will tempt him to break rule number one.
But what if the gorgeous wall of muscle he can’t seem to stay away from just happens to be a shifter? Well, it is only a short-term thing, and he isn’t a master of denial for nothing.
Leo Holt can’t help it if he has a teeny tiny weakness for bad boys—not really bad, just a little prickly around the edges. Even for a unicorn, all sweetness and light, all the time, can get a little boring. But, falling for the eldest son of the dark witch family who runs his little West Virginia town might be getting his fingers too close to the fire, even for him.
For Ryan, it was supposed to be a simple trip back home to show support during a family crisis. But when hexes, secrets, a family demon, and the O’Byrne witches are involved, nothing is ever simple.
<Hexes and Horns, is part of the Magic Emporium Series. Each book stands alone, but each one features an appearance by Marden’s Magic Emporium, a shop that can appear anywhere, but only once and only when someone’s in dire need. This book contains explicit sex scenes, a muscular moonshiner, a reluctant witch, a spooky best friend, and a guaranteed HEA.
But what if the gorgeous wall of muscle he can’t seem to stay away from just happens to be a shifter? Well, it is only a short-term thing, and he isn’t a master of denial for nothing.
Leo Holt can’t help it if he has a teeny tiny weakness for bad boys—not really bad, just a little prickly around the edges. Even for a unicorn, all sweetness and light, all the time, can get a little boring. But, falling for the eldest son of the dark witch family who runs his little West Virginia town might be getting his fingers too close to the fire, even for him.
For Ryan, it was supposed to be a simple trip back home to show support during a family crisis. But when hexes, secrets, a family demon, and the O’Byrne witches are involved, nothing is ever simple.
<Hexes and Horns, is part of the Magic Emporium Series. Each book stands alone, but each one features an appearance by Marden’s Magic Emporium, a shop that can appear anywhere, but only once and only when someone’s in dire need. This book contains explicit sex scenes, a muscular moonshiner, a reluctant witch, a spooky best friend, and a guaranteed HEA.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 11, 2021
184 people are currently reading
490 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
April 15, 2021
4 Hearts
My favorite of the Magic Emporium series thus far!
As per the blurb, Ryan is called home to help with a dire situation, and he hates being there, adamantly suppressing his magical abilities and turning the other cheek in regards to his morally corrupt family. Ryan wants nothing to do with being a witch, nor does he want to mingle with any other supernatural or paranormal members of the community, but when he comes across the sunniest ray of shine named Leo, all of Ryan’s rules go out the window.
Here, McAllister definitely brings a different twist to her heroes. Most notable is Ryan’s background and personal struggles. Just because he’s a witch who has yet to fall into dark magic doesn’t mean he isn’t tempted. This contrasted wonderfully with Leo’s hippy laid back be-what-may attitude. It was a refreshing surprise regarding who Leo is as a shifter, and it’s that very secret that fuels the plot as his life is endangered by Ryan’s family.
Ensue a very organic progression as to how Ryan and Leo fall for each other, interspersed with some sweet flirting, funny banter, and nice smexy! Ryan is commendable in his determination to not do what comes magically easy and in how he fights his very nature. Leo was a dreamboat - kind, generous, all accepting, and honorable.
Though still easy breezy, in comparison to the first 4 stories in this loosely connected series, this had an appreciated depth to it. I’m keeping my hopes up that the next story from Maslow can continue this winning streak!
Thank you to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review
My favorite of the Magic Emporium series thus far!
As per the blurb, Ryan is called home to help with a dire situation, and he hates being there, adamantly suppressing his magical abilities and turning the other cheek in regards to his morally corrupt family. Ryan wants nothing to do with being a witch, nor does he want to mingle with any other supernatural or paranormal members of the community, but when he comes across the sunniest ray of shine named Leo, all of Ryan’s rules go out the window.
Here, McAllister definitely brings a different twist to her heroes. Most notable is Ryan’s background and personal struggles. Just because he’s a witch who has yet to fall into dark magic doesn’t mean he isn’t tempted. This contrasted wonderfully with Leo’s hippy laid back be-what-may attitude. It was a refreshing surprise regarding who Leo is as a shifter, and it’s that very secret that fuels the plot as his life is endangered by Ryan’s family.
Ensue a very organic progression as to how Ryan and Leo fall for each other, interspersed with some sweet flirting, funny banter, and nice smexy! Ryan is commendable in his determination to not do what comes magically easy and in how he fights his very nature. Leo was a dreamboat - kind, generous, all accepting, and honorable.
Though still easy breezy, in comparison to the first 4 stories in this loosely connected series, this had an appreciated depth to it. I’m keeping my hopes up that the next story from Maslow can continue this winning streak!
Thank you to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review
April 20, 2021
I've been in the mood for fluffy magic and fantasy lately, so when I found this series with a bunch of books by different authors set in the same world for free on KU??
Consider me intrigued...
This one was better than the last few I've read. Meaning, there was character development and a decent storyline. Believe me, that can be rarer than a unicorn sometimes.
But not this time!
The unicorn is totally here!
Ain't no party like a unicorn party...
So we have Ryan, a goth witch with an evil family. He goes to the Ren Fest because he wants to wear his floral crown on his head and dance the Fairy Dance with people in bad cosplay outfits.
Then we have Leo, a hot shifter who is a ray of goodness and sunshine and everything magical. He's not wearing a floral crown, but has a moonshine business at the festival along with his bff Death.
You're not the boss of me.... Or of this author!
It's lust at first sight, but there are secrets between them.
And I say, so what? Who doesn't have a few secrets from the hubs? He doesn't need to know everything. Sheesh! So what if I spend more on Amazon purchases than he knows about? So what if I have a secret stash of chocolate? So what if I have a giant ranch in a secret location with all of my book-boyfriend lovers? A little mystery and intrigue keep a marriage fresh. That's what my book boyfriends told me. They give remarkably good advice.
Anyway, this book was fun and I adored Leo. He's totally going to the ranch after I kidnap him. Ryan was a bit of a Debbie Downer, so he can stay behind. Go cry alone, Goth Boy!
Yeah, yeah. Over there.
Consider me intrigued...
This one was better than the last few I've read. Meaning, there was character development and a decent storyline. Believe me, that can be rarer than a unicorn sometimes.
But not this time!
The unicorn is totally here!
Ain't no party like a unicorn party...
So we have Ryan, a goth witch with an evil family. He goes to the Ren Fest because he wants to wear his floral crown on his head and dance the Fairy Dance with people in bad cosplay outfits.
Then we have Leo, a hot shifter who is a ray of goodness and sunshine and everything magical. He's not wearing a floral crown, but has a moonshine business at the festival along with his bff Death.
You're not the boss of me.... Or of this author!
It's lust at first sight, but there are secrets between them.
And I say, so what? Who doesn't have a few secrets from the hubs? He doesn't need to know everything. Sheesh! So what if I spend more on Amazon purchases than he knows about? So what if I have a secret stash of chocolate? So what if I have a giant ranch in a secret location with all of my book-boyfriend lovers? A little mystery and intrigue keep a marriage fresh. That's what my book boyfriends told me. They give remarkably good advice.
Anyway, this book was fun and I adored Leo. He's totally going to the ranch after I kidnap him. Ryan was a bit of a Debbie Downer, so he can stay behind. Go cry alone, Goth Boy!
Yeah, yeah. Over there.
April 6, 2021
3.5
To make it short and because she's much better at finding the right words: I support * A Reader Obsessed*'s review. I enjoyed watching Leo's laid back attitude slowly soothing Ryan's struggle with his magic and his dark witch ancestry. Yes, it's a light, easy read where even the possibly darker events fit in without much contradiction. The story arc's as organic as the growth of Leo's and Ryan's relationship – until the Magic Emporium is showing up and the subsequent conclusion of the family situation. I'm no fan of forced happy endings and that's what it was regarding Ryan's family. I can't help it but for me it was half-baked but the happy ending for the guys helped remembering that I enjoyed their story until that point.
To make it short and because she's much better at finding the right words: I support * A Reader Obsessed*'s review. I enjoyed watching Leo's laid back attitude slowly soothing Ryan's struggle with his magic and his dark witch ancestry. Yes, it's a light, easy read where even the possibly darker events fit in without much contradiction. The story arc's as organic as the growth of Leo's and Ryan's relationship – until the Magic Emporium is showing up and the subsequent conclusion of the family situation. I'm no fan of forced happy endings and that's what it was regarding Ryan's family. I can't help it but for me it was half-baked but the happy ending for the guys helped remembering that I enjoyed their story until that point.
March 5, 2022
A Sexy man witch and a unicorn walk into a bar...
Ok that's not exactly how this book starts but it does happen eventually in this book! Another excellent addition to this series! Not quite as impressive as 5 stars but nevertheless quite an incredible read! Really enjoyed these two MCs and their journey to love!
Ok that's not exactly how this book starts but it does happen eventually in this book! Another excellent addition to this series! Not quite as impressive as 5 stars but nevertheless quite an incredible read! Really enjoyed these two MCs and their journey to love!
February 21, 2021
I was quite intrigued with this multiple authors stand-alone fantasy/paranormal series -- and this is my first taste because, well, I like McAllister's books before. This one is another enjoyable book!
First of all, LEO IS A . HOW AWESOME IS THAT?!?! 😍 I love it when authors choose unique shifters than the usual canines and felines. I was so excited when I discovered Leo's 'animal' (I didn't really read the blurb; I took the chance because, like I said, I like her previous books).
The story was fun too - dark magic, , fairy folks - and despite the relationship taken merely days to form but it didn't feel as instant for me. Maybe because there was danger lurking, with the hexes and curses, and I genuinely liked these two men together.
I didn't completely understand the concept of the Magic Emporium though, but it didn't disrupt the whole story.
I wish there were few more pages with Ryan and Leo in the end, I want to know what Ryan is going to do that he decides to stay. Heck, maybe working with Leo with the distillery? Oh, and they haven't even used Leo's box of brushes!! I want that scene written on page 😆
After few last stories I read to be so-so, this one makes my reading mood happy. Thank you, book.
First of all, LEO IS A . HOW AWESOME IS THAT?!?! 😍 I love it when authors choose unique shifters than the usual canines and felines. I was so excited when I discovered Leo's 'animal' (I didn't really read the blurb; I took the chance because, like I said, I like her previous books).
The story was fun too - dark magic, , fairy folks - and despite the relationship taken merely days to form but it didn't feel as instant for me. Maybe because there was danger lurking, with the hexes and curses, and I genuinely liked these two men together.
I didn't completely understand the concept of the Magic Emporium though, but it didn't disrupt the whole story.
I wish there were few more pages with Ryan and Leo in the end, I want to know what Ryan is going to do that he decides to stay. Heck, maybe working with Leo with the distillery? Oh, and they haven't even used Leo's box of brushes!! I want that scene written on page 😆
After few last stories I read to be so-so, this one makes my reading mood happy. Thank you, book.
April 5, 2021
That was awesome!
This is my favourite book yet in what's turning out to be a quite excellent series.
I loved Ryan and Leo and their connection to each other was a truly sweet and steamy thing.
The pacing was perfect, the twists and turns worked brilliantly and when the Magic Emporium turned up, I got all super excited for what it was gojbv to give Ryan.
Loved the magic loved the premise, I'd love to read more!
This is my favourite book yet in what's turning out to be a quite excellent series.
I loved Ryan and Leo and their connection to each other was a truly sweet and steamy thing.
The pacing was perfect, the twists and turns worked brilliantly and when the Magic Emporium turned up, I got all super excited for what it was gojbv to give Ryan.
Loved the magic loved the premise, I'd love to read more!
November 16, 2021
So we have Ryan who comes from a family of dark witches, but he has turned his back on them as they are not good people. He comes back to town when his brother becomes sick & no one can find a cure for him. Leo is a unicorn shifter & moonshiner & lives on the mountain. While Ryan's bff drags him to a fairy festival, he meets Leo & sparks fly between the two. Ryan knows that he is only going to be there for a short time to help find out what is wrong with his brother & then he is going back home. What his twin brother & sister did, was inexcusable & they did not get the punishment they deserved.
March 13, 2022
Fun story.
This book was sweet. I couldn't pass up the opportunity because it is witches, demons AND unicorns. Throw in a harbinger of death and I was sold.
This book was sweet. I couldn't pass up the opportunity because it is witches, demons AND unicorns. Throw in a harbinger of death and I was sold.
February 11, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
I love a good paranormal story, and the premise of this one, and the entire shared world series of the Magic Emporium, really intrigued me. I really enjoyed the characters, MCs and secondary characters alike. There are some interesting and engaging things going on with the plot at large, and I was definitely sucked in. While I did feel there were a few problems with pacing throughout the story, overall I enjoyed it.
There’s a lot going on here though, and most of it stems from Ryan’s family. I don’t want to give anything away, though, so I won’t go into detail. There were definite twist that gave the story some weight, and I liked where the author took Leo’s storyline over all. There were some unique aspects here that lifted the story and that I really appreciated.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
I love a good paranormal story, and the premise of this one, and the entire shared world series of the Magic Emporium, really intrigued me. I really enjoyed the characters, MCs and secondary characters alike. There are some interesting and engaging things going on with the plot at large, and I was definitely sucked in. While I did feel there were a few problems with pacing throughout the story, overall I enjoyed it.
There’s a lot going on here though, and most of it stems from Ryan’s family. I don’t want to give anything away, though, so I won’t go into detail. There were definite twist that gave the story some weight, and I liked where the author took Leo’s storyline over all. There were some unique aspects here that lifted the story and that I really appreciated.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
May 4, 2022
The family ruined it for me. I liked both Leo and Ryan, although Ryan's rant when he found out the truth was a bit annoying. Curious about Angel. The relationship moments were sweet but the family were really awful. It was a surprise they got off scot free. I didn't like that the only one that got hurt was Leo. Felt like he should've just run for the hills.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2021
3.75 stars
A lovely addition to the multi-author series Magic Emporium, this one by an author whose written a couple of stories I've loved: We Met in Dreams and The Wanderer. Fun series!
A lovely addition to the multi-author series Magic Emporium, this one by an author whose written a couple of stories I've loved: We Met in Dreams and The Wanderer. Fun series!
March 6, 2021
A terrific magical read. Leo is an adorable character both in his kind hearted, hippy vegan personality and in his shifter form. His belief in Ryan when Ryan didn't believe in himself really helped solidify the relationship. And stopped the book feeling like insta-love, because even though they fell in love over a couple of weeks it didn't feel too quick. Which was probably due in part to the danger, uncertainty of who to trust, hexes, a curse or two, and sparkles.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
March 31, 2021
Totally absorbed
Ryan is pretty much the odd man out in his family, he doesn't use his magic and wants nothing to do with their legacy.
Leo is hiding what he is and wonders if he can trust that Ryan is really different from his family.
There's a fair amount of world building and plenty of twists and turns. Marsden's appears late on and I kept wondering when they were going to show up. Aside from that I was completely absorbed
Ryan is pretty much the odd man out in his family, he doesn't use his magic and wants nothing to do with their legacy.
Leo is hiding what he is and wonders if he can trust that Ryan is really different from his family.
There's a fair amount of world building and plenty of twists and turns. Marsden's appears late on and I kept wondering when they were going to show up. Aside from that I was completely absorbed
March 13, 2021
4.5 stars
I actually really like this one! I expected lots of fluff and it was quite a bit of fluff. But also it had substance which definitely added to this story. I love Ryan and Leo together. So adorable!
I actually really like this one! I expected lots of fluff and it was quite a bit of fluff. But also it had substance which definitely added to this story. I love Ryan and Leo together. So adorable!
February 18, 2021
i really enjoy these shared universes.. i enjoy seeing the same kinda subject and place but with different authors takes on it.. it is a lot of fun.. this was enjoyable and sexy and action packed.. very good story with good characters who made me happy and kept me curious to know what was next. very good
February 26, 2021
This was a good and readable story.
I felt there was slightly more that the author could have done with parts of the story. However in saying that, there were some surprises also.
While called back to help his brother, Ryan realised that by following his own rules, he was only living a half life.
Leo, knowing he has been hunted in the past, is very hesitant to tell anyone what he is.
It takes both together to save the day
I felt there was slightly more that the author could have done with parts of the story. However in saying that, there were some surprises also.
While called back to help his brother, Ryan realised that by following his own rules, he was only living a half life.
Leo, knowing he has been hunted in the past, is very hesitant to tell anyone what he is.
It takes both together to save the day
February 24, 2021
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I’m hooked. I loved Ryan and Leo’s story and its mix of sweet romance, magic, and action. I thought Marden’s Magic Emporium and the item in the save me sack were very cleverly used in this story, and the final showdown is wonderfully tense as they go up against a very manipulative evil.
I loved Ryan and Leo, and although this story might at first seem like an opposites attract, Ryan quickly, despite having a dark witch family, proves himself anything but. His family are not nice people, especially his younger siblings who are a good example why self-entitled people shouldn’t have any kind of power! His Gran might be the only one with any redeeming features, but she’s definitely got her own agenda going on.
Leo is sweet, and not just because he’s a unicorn. I loved how he and Ryan were drawn to each other, and the revelation as to their true relationship. I enjoyed them getting to know each other, and their realisation that their romance is way more than instant mutual physical attraction. I particularly liked the conversation between him and Ryan about magical natures not being defined by who your family is.
The world building is fabulous. I love how the magic works, and that the human world has no idea that the supes exist. I liked how there are several strong female characters in this story, including Kaia, Ryan’s friend, and Morag who is nothing like the reputation that precedes her. I liked her relationship with Leo and how protective she is of him. She’s clever too, and sneaky to boot. Although it’s Ryan who saves the day, he couldn’t have done it without Morag’s support or her idea of how to get rid of the bad guy, and reason behind his brother’s illness.
I enjoyed the ending. Go Ryan! I’d loved to read more stories set in their world.
I loved Ryan and Leo, and although this story might at first seem like an opposites attract, Ryan quickly, despite having a dark witch family, proves himself anything but. His family are not nice people, especially his younger siblings who are a good example why self-entitled people shouldn’t have any kind of power! His Gran might be the only one with any redeeming features, but she’s definitely got her own agenda going on.
Leo is sweet, and not just because he’s a unicorn. I loved how he and Ryan were drawn to each other, and the revelation as to their true relationship. I enjoyed them getting to know each other, and their realisation that their romance is way more than instant mutual physical attraction. I particularly liked the conversation between him and Ryan about magical natures not being defined by who your family is.
The world building is fabulous. I love how the magic works, and that the human world has no idea that the supes exist. I liked how there are several strong female characters in this story, including Kaia, Ryan’s friend, and Morag who is nothing like the reputation that precedes her. I liked her relationship with Leo and how protective she is of him. She’s clever too, and sneaky to boot. Although it’s Ryan who saves the day, he couldn’t have done it without Morag’s support or her idea of how to get rid of the bad guy, and reason behind his brother’s illness.
I enjoyed the ending. Go Ryan! I’d loved to read more stories set in their world.
March 6, 2021
4.5 stars
I absolutely loved this. It had amazing characters, a great story and awesome chemistry between the two main characters. This is my second book by Rowan McAllister and I really liked both of her books. I hope she will write more fantasy romance books.
I absolutely loved this. It had amazing characters, a great story and awesome chemistry between the two main characters. This is my second book by Rowan McAllister and I really liked both of her books. I hope she will write more fantasy romance books.
March 19, 2021
Fairly entertaining but unexceptional. Pretty much what I expected. 2.75*
February 11, 2021
So far, I think this is my favorite out of the whole series. I really do. And they’ve all been good. But this one just had that extra oomph needed to make it that much more spectacular. A witch, trying not to be a witch, a unicorn trying not to expose himself or fall in love with the wrong person again, a family hell bent on being evil, and children who should have been taken in hand a lonnnnnng time ago. All topped off with magical being everywhere and a demon bent on being free of the prison he’s been in for years, with a little trickery and naive children.
And honestly, that sums it up lol. I felt for Ryan and Leo from the get go. Ryan, for having to deal with that mess he calls a family. Who honestly needed someone to take them down a few pegs a long time ago. Leo, for having to hide who he is, just to survive. And having to face guilt everyday because the one person he wants to tell everything to, could end up turning into his worst nightmare. And does. It’s another one of those books that is a nail biter, because you don’t quite know who’s up to what and who to fully trust. But it’s also one of those books you wish you could reach into, to throat punch a few people for acting like the idiots they are.
But no good book is complete without a little bit of life, and idiots along the way to make life….interesting. But one thing I loved, is Leo and Ryan both learned, together they were better. They didn’t have to be bad, especially Ryan, like his family. They had their own paths to take. Their own lives to lead and it was together. They were stronger and they ‘sparkled’. Lol. You’ll get what I mean when you read it.
It’s a great book. I loved every minute of this book and am glad I got to read it.
https://lovebytesreviews.com/
And honestly, that sums it up lol. I felt for Ryan and Leo from the get go. Ryan, for having to deal with that mess he calls a family. Who honestly needed someone to take them down a few pegs a long time ago. Leo, for having to hide who he is, just to survive. And having to face guilt everyday because the one person he wants to tell everything to, could end up turning into his worst nightmare. And does. It’s another one of those books that is a nail biter, because you don’t quite know who’s up to what and who to fully trust. But it’s also one of those books you wish you could reach into, to throat punch a few people for acting like the idiots they are.
But no good book is complete without a little bit of life, and idiots along the way to make life….interesting. But one thing I loved, is Leo and Ryan both learned, together they were better. They didn’t have to be bad, especially Ryan, like his family. They had their own paths to take. Their own lives to lead and it was together. They were stronger and they ‘sparkled’. Lol. You’ll get what I mean when you read it.
It’s a great book. I loved every minute of this book and am glad I got to read it.
https://lovebytesreviews.com/
February 13, 2021
Hexes And Horns is as much a romance and mystery as it is family drama.
Ryan moved away from town to escape his family and magic he was born with but returns when they need him. During a moment of escape he runs into Leo, a man and creature he cannot help but be drawn to. As they decide to share some fun, but with an end date of when Ryan will return to "normal life", emotions develop as Ryan also tries to figure out what's going on with his family.
I enjoyed reading this though I think the relationship progressed faster than the storyline, if that makes sense.... The family drama with Ryan, his parents, grandmother and siblings is gets dark in moments and you really feel for the man as he doesn't feel comfortable there at all. However, Leo becomes his light whilst back in his home town and they are quick to spend a lot of time together, feeling more comfortable when the other is near. There is a really good cast of characters, both good and bad and I really enjoyed how things unfolded throughout the book as it keeps you thinking on what is going on.
A good addition to the Magic Emporium series and a recommended read.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Ryan moved away from town to escape his family and magic he was born with but returns when they need him. During a moment of escape he runs into Leo, a man and creature he cannot help but be drawn to. As they decide to share some fun, but with an end date of when Ryan will return to "normal life", emotions develop as Ryan also tries to figure out what's going on with his family.
I enjoyed reading this though I think the relationship progressed faster than the storyline, if that makes sense.... The family drama with Ryan, his parents, grandmother and siblings is gets dark in moments and you really feel for the man as he doesn't feel comfortable there at all. However, Leo becomes his light whilst back in his home town and they are quick to spend a lot of time together, feeling more comfortable when the other is near. There is a really good cast of characters, both good and bad and I really enjoyed how things unfolded throughout the book as it keeps you thinking on what is going on.
A good addition to the Magic Emporium series and a recommended read.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
May 23, 2021
3.5 ****
Ryan comes from a family of black witches, will stop at nothing to gain power and use that power, and he hates it. When his younger brother falls ill, he is summoned home t o help. This is not the chicken soup and provide tender loving care type of people. The family controls a demon, and they need Ryan’s power to help summon him.
Ryan meets Leo. He runs the local distillery, has a cute dog, his best friends with a hag, and is kind, gentle and easy going. Oh, he is also a shifter. Ryan can feel his magic but cannot pinpoint what type of shifter.
The book is good and I like world, rules of magic, and love Leo. He helps ground Ryan and helps him to see magic can be good. It is up to the user. But……..
For all this book has going for it, the action is slow. It takes several chapters for something big to happen.
Ryan comes from a family of black witches, will stop at nothing to gain power and use that power, and he hates it. When his younger brother falls ill, he is summoned home t o help. This is not the chicken soup and provide tender loving care type of people. The family controls a demon, and they need Ryan’s power to help summon him.
Ryan meets Leo. He runs the local distillery, has a cute dog, his best friends with a hag, and is kind, gentle and easy going. Oh, he is also a shifter. Ryan can feel his magic but cannot pinpoint what type of shifter.
The book is good and I like world, rules of magic, and love Leo. He helps ground Ryan and helps him to see magic can be good. It is up to the user. But……..
For all this book has going for it, the action is slow. It takes several chapters for something big to happen.
July 29, 2021
This was a really good read. Just enough romance and drama with a little surprise thrown in. It took a long time for Marden's Magic Emporium to show up. I was beginning to wonder if it ever would but it finally did and this time it didn't feel like an add on.
TAGS
-- fantasy -- witch/unique shifter (REALLY LOVED THIS) pairing -- magic -- demon -- good and evil -- insta lust -- intsa love (that actually worked) -- some sweet moments -- want to smack that family -- crazy old women -- light on sex -- LOVED the MCs... Leo & Ryan -- left with a few loose ends -- could use another book -- multi author series -- can definitely be read as a stand alone
February 20, 2021
The edgiest Magical Emporium novel so far. Lessons to be learned about dabbling with dark magics and demons - don't! Ryan a witch from a powerful family of witches meets and falls in love with Leo a changeling. If only it was a simple as that, except Ryan has to deal with his egocentric family and spoilt siblings. Having to atone for your family's mistakes is a real romantic damper. Like all previous novels the Emporium comes to Ryan and Leo's aid at a crucial moment. A good read.
October 25, 2023
I think this story had many things that should have worked for me, but they kind of fell flat. Ryan didn't like his familys ways of doing magic. Then he came back after years of not using his magic and met Leo. Who of course was super special. I thought that the evil of Ryan's family was kind of shallow like they were bad, but then a kinda wannabe vibe was there. Romance was super fast and I didn't quite get Leo as well.
March 30, 2025
4-⭐
This was an interesting urban fantasy tale with dark magic and unicorns. Ryan's family is insufferable but his battle between trying to distance himself from the darkness and still caring about his family makes a good story. And a unicorn shifter is just fun and cool, what can you do.
One thing that annoyed me was Ryan getting mad at Leo at all. And honestly, getting rid of the O'Byrnes would probably make the world a better place, so I didn't enjoy how they got off so easy.
This was an interesting urban fantasy tale with dark magic and unicorns. Ryan's family is insufferable but his battle between trying to distance himself from the darkness and still caring about his family makes a good story. And a unicorn shifter is just fun and cool, what can you do.
One thing that annoyed me was Ryan getting mad at Leo at all. And honestly, getting rid of the O'Byrnes would probably make the world a better place, so I didn't enjoy how they got off so easy.
February 17, 2021
A rating. I liked this one a lot.
March 3, 2021
What a fantastic, grab-you-by-the-feels, steamy, unconventional, completely unexpected, amazing, exciting, endearing, delightful, and totally awesome addition to this marvelous series. It had me hooked from beginning to end, and I would recommend getting this gem for yourself ASAP.
Read
March 21, 2021DNF 30%
January 15, 2022
Competent PNR with a witch unicorn pairing. Enough of a plot to give this a bit of bite.
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