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Magic in Manhattan #1-3
Magic in Manhattan Collection: Spellbound / Starcrossed / Wonderstruck
Spellbound
Arthur Kenzie’s life’s work is protecting the world from the supernatural relics that could destroy it. When an amulet with the power to control the tides is shipped to New York, he must intercept it before it can be used to devastating effects. This time, in order to succeed, he needs a powerful psychometric…and the only one available has sworn off his abilities altogether.
Rory Brodigan’s gift comes with great risk. To protect himself, he’s become a recluse, redirecting his magic to find counterfeit antiques. But with the city’s fate hanging in the balance, he can’t force himself to say no.
As Arthur coaxes him out of seclusion, a magical and emotional bond begins to form. One that proves impossible to break—even when Arthur sacrifices himself to keep Rory safe and Rory must risk everything to save him.
Starcrossed
Arthur’s continued quest to contain supernatural relics that pose a threat to the world captured Rory’s imagination—and his heart. Butwhen a group of ruthless paranormals throw the city into chaos, the two men’s strained relationship leaves Rory vulnerable to a monster from Arthur’s past.
With dark forces determined to tear them apart, Rory and Arthur will have to draw on every last bit of magic up their sleeves. And in the end, it’s the connection they’ve formed without magic that will be tested like never before.
Wonderstruck
Arthur's search to to destroy the powerful supernatural relic that threatens Manhattan has been fruitless . All it has done is keep him from the man he loves. But he’ll do anything to keep Rory safe and free, even if that means leaving him behind.
Rory is determined to gain power over his own magic. He can take care of himself—and maybe even Arthur, too, if Arthur will let him. An auction at the Paris world’s fair offers the perfect opportunity to destroy the relic, if a group of power-hungry supernaturals don’t destroy Rory and Arthur first.
As the magical world converges on Paris, Arthur and Rory have to decide who they can trust. Guessing wrong could spell destruction for their bond—and for the world as they know it
Arthur Kenzie’s life’s work is protecting the world from the supernatural relics that could destroy it. When an amulet with the power to control the tides is shipped to New York, he must intercept it before it can be used to devastating effects. This time, in order to succeed, he needs a powerful psychometric…and the only one available has sworn off his abilities altogether.
Rory Brodigan’s gift comes with great risk. To protect himself, he’s become a recluse, redirecting his magic to find counterfeit antiques. But with the city’s fate hanging in the balance, he can’t force himself to say no.
As Arthur coaxes him out of seclusion, a magical and emotional bond begins to form. One that proves impossible to break—even when Arthur sacrifices himself to keep Rory safe and Rory must risk everything to save him.
Starcrossed
Arthur’s continued quest to contain supernatural relics that pose a threat to the world captured Rory’s imagination—and his heart. Butwhen a group of ruthless paranormals throw the city into chaos, the two men’s strained relationship leaves Rory vulnerable to a monster from Arthur’s past.
With dark forces determined to tear them apart, Rory and Arthur will have to draw on every last bit of magic up their sleeves. And in the end, it’s the connection they’ve formed without magic that will be tested like never before.
Wonderstruck
Arthur's search to to destroy the powerful supernatural relic that threatens Manhattan has been fruitless . All it has done is keep him from the man he loves. But he’ll do anything to keep Rory safe and free, even if that means leaving him behind.
Rory is determined to gain power over his own magic. He can take care of himself—and maybe even Arthur, too, if Arthur will let him. An auction at the Paris world’s fair offers the perfect opportunity to destroy the relic, if a group of power-hungry supernaturals don’t destroy Rory and Arthur first.
As the magical world converges on Paris, Arthur and Rory have to decide who they can trust. Guessing wrong could spell destruction for their bond—and for the world as they know it
774 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 9, 2021
About the author
Allie Therin
12 books923 followersAllie Therin is a bicultural author of award-winning romance and urban fantasy. She also is, or has been, a bookseller, an attorney, a Parks & Rec assistant, a boom operator, and a barista for one (embarrassing) day.
A longtime fan of romance, mystery and speculative fiction, she now strives to bring that same delight to her readers. Allie grew up in a tiny Pacific Northwest town with more bears than people, although the bears sadly would not practice Spanish with her.
A longtime fan of romance, mystery and speculative fiction, she now strives to bring that same delight to her readers. Allie grew up in a tiny Pacific Northwest town with more bears than people, although the bears sadly would not practice Spanish with her.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 14, 2021
This series was a whole lot of fun. In 1920s Manhattan, Rory is twenty, on his own after the death of his mother and a time under the "care" of his religious father that was prison, not support. He ran away, faked his death, and now works for a lovely elderly woman who runs an antiques business.
The secret of their success is that Rory is a psychometric talent. He can hold an object, and look back into its past, watch it being made. This is very useful for detecting forgeries, and keeps the business in the black. Then one day, a high-hatted gentleman brings a big bundle of similar letters, asking for authentication. It smells like a test, or a trap, but the money is too good to pass up.
Arthur discovered the paranormal world during the war, when both his allies and his enemies turned out to be more than meets the eye. There is now dangerous magic afoot, attached to several relics appearing out in the world, and Arthur needs all the Talented folk he can work with to help contain the danger.
There's evidence that the proprietor at Brodigan's Antiques has more powers than just an eye for a forged brushstroke. And Arthur is determined to recruit her. Except when push comes to shove, the actual talent turns out to be a slim young man with a lot of power, a lot of pride, a head of wild curls and a face and passion that make Arthur (coming off a failed relationship with an English Lord) yearn for more than just a business partnership.
In 1920s New York, the dance around attraction is a bit of a slow burn, but the two men are hiding so much that hiding their nature isn't their biggest secret. What comes between them far more is the difference in their status, Rory's pride, and his genuine belief that no gentleman wants a street rat. They and some excellent magical allies deal with enemies, frenemies, dangerous powers, demanding family, magical relics, and the need to secure the safety of the world.
Both characters are excellent, with their own flaws and blind spots. The sexual tension is appealing, and although the heat is off-page I didn't miss the extended details. I empathized with both men, whose pasts are dark in different ways. I didn't adore them emotionally as much as I have some other characters, but I did really enjoy spending time with them. Rory's inability to see his own worth and his stubborn independence have to be set against an era with stronger class distinctions and far fewer safety nets.
The magical world-building was intriguing, and different enough to keep my attention, with limitations that worked to maintain tension. The historical setting was well done, with only a few anachronisms of language etc. The end of the trilogy is solid, slightly HFN from a plot standpoint, but fully HEA from a romance one. I'd happily read more - I know a spin-off is planned, but if the author decides to write further for these two, I'd happily follow them on new adventures.
The secret of their success is that Rory is a psychometric talent. He can hold an object, and look back into its past, watch it being made. This is very useful for detecting forgeries, and keeps the business in the black. Then one day, a high-hatted gentleman brings a big bundle of similar letters, asking for authentication. It smells like a test, or a trap, but the money is too good to pass up.
Arthur discovered the paranormal world during the war, when both his allies and his enemies turned out to be more than meets the eye. There is now dangerous magic afoot, attached to several relics appearing out in the world, and Arthur needs all the Talented folk he can work with to help contain the danger.
There's evidence that the proprietor at Brodigan's Antiques has more powers than just an eye for a forged brushstroke. And Arthur is determined to recruit her. Except when push comes to shove, the actual talent turns out to be a slim young man with a lot of power, a lot of pride, a head of wild curls and a face and passion that make Arthur (coming off a failed relationship with an English Lord) yearn for more than just a business partnership.
In 1920s New York, the dance around attraction is a bit of a slow burn, but the two men are hiding so much that hiding their nature isn't their biggest secret. What comes between them far more is the difference in their status, Rory's pride, and his genuine belief that no gentleman wants a street rat. They and some excellent magical allies deal with enemies, frenemies, dangerous powers, demanding family, magical relics, and the need to secure the safety of the world.
Both characters are excellent, with their own flaws and blind spots. The sexual tension is appealing, and although the heat is off-page I didn't miss the extended details. I empathized with both men, whose pasts are dark in different ways. I didn't adore them emotionally as much as I have some other characters, but I did really enjoy spending time with them. Rory's inability to see his own worth and his stubborn independence have to be set against an era with stronger class distinctions and far fewer safety nets.
The magical world-building was intriguing, and different enough to keep my attention, with limitations that worked to maintain tension. The historical setting was well done, with only a few anachronisms of language etc. The end of the trilogy is solid, slightly HFN from a plot standpoint, but fully HEA from a romance one. I'd happily read more - I know a spin-off is planned, but if the author decides to write further for these two, I'd happily follow them on new adventures.
June 30, 2025
06/30/2025 reread
I was charmed by Ace and Rory's adventurous love story again.
This year has been one enormous book slump for me. So, when I started this box set I didn't expect much. But to my amazement, I enjoyed it so much that I am ready for a reread! Yes, the intimate scenes were fade to black and, typically, I do not like it but here it didn't even phase me. I loved Rory, the grumpy one, and Arthur, the mother hen, so much. Their relationship was just the perfect gamut of emotions.
The magic and the world were so organically written and just right that I was never confused or needed to guess. The story flowed seamlessly and the pace was steady with spikes of adrenaline rush and periods of calm. I loved it. The author didn't skimp on details but also didn't overshare. It was the right balance of background and present that made me get into the story and not want to put it down.
The side characters were fleshed out and helped me see both MCs, Arthur and Rory, as kind and at times vulnerable men outside of the couple they were meant to be. I loved the subtle humor, the friendship between Rory and Mrs. Brodigan as well as between Zhang, Jade and Arthur.
Overall, this book pulled me out of my book funk and I am very glad I read it.
I was charmed by Ace and Rory's adventurous love story again.
This year has been one enormous book slump for me. So, when I started this box set I didn't expect much. But to my amazement, I enjoyed it so much that I am ready for a reread! Yes, the intimate scenes were fade to black and, typically, I do not like it but here it didn't even phase me. I loved Rory, the grumpy one, and Arthur, the mother hen, so much. Their relationship was just the perfect gamut of emotions.
The magic and the world were so organically written and just right that I was never confused or needed to guess. The story flowed seamlessly and the pace was steady with spikes of adrenaline rush and periods of calm. I loved it. The author didn't skimp on details but also didn't overshare. It was the right balance of background and present that made me get into the story and not want to put it down.
The side characters were fleshed out and helped me see both MCs, Arthur and Rory, as kind and at times vulnerable men outside of the couple they were meant to be. I loved the subtle humor, the friendship between Rory and Mrs. Brodigan as well as between Zhang, Jade and Arthur.
Overall, this book pulled me out of my book funk and I am very glad I read it.
November 16, 2024
4.25 stars. Adventure, magic, bad guys and great world building. Low angst, set in a time gone by, prohibition in America, which would be around the 1920/1930s and filled with social protocol, politeness and manners. Rich/poor, vastly different society class and illegal m/m relationship makes for a sweet, chaste story with some lip locking on page but everything else fading to black. While I like much more heat, the lack of spice worked in this time era and in this setting. The couple was sweet and affectionate on page, which made up for the lack of spice. Three book series following the same couple, a few friends and family to round out the cast.
Bingeable. I read all three books back to back and the stories flowed really well, was congruent and consistent and there was no tedious recapping
HEA, series, same couple, m/m, prohibition, America 1920/1920, rich/poor, no heat, fade to black, magic, paranormal.
Bingeable. I read all three books back to back and the stories flowed really well, was congruent and consistent and there was no tedious recapping
HEA, series, same couple, m/m, prohibition, America 1920/1920, rich/poor, no heat, fade to black, magic, paranormal.
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May 1, 2021Categories
20th Century Historical Romance, Paranormal Romance, Gay
20th Century Historical Romance, Paranormal Romance, Gay
June 17, 2021
This collection (3 books telling one complete story) is written by an author I had never read before but I will be reading again!! This trilogy is one of the best stories I have read in years! The writing is superb. (I will admit I felt it started out a bit slowly, but the pace picked up quickly) The technical aspects of the writing were top-notch, with very few - if any - grammatical/spelling/punctuation errors. But, it's not just the technicality that is excellent. The storytelling is fantastic! The author makes you feel the societal atmosphere of the time - the prohibition era of the mid-1920s in America, the veiled, taboo, same-sex romantic attractions, and clandestine activities - while weaving an intricate plot of paranormal activities and scenarios all leading up to the thrilling and satisfying climax in book three. It all seemed so authentic. The author brings the myriad cast of characters to life with multiple dimensions, especially Rory/Teddy and Arthur/Ace. You could honestly feel their attraction and developing fondness/love for each other without any insta-love or forced pairing. Of note: The series does not have any explicit sex scenes - all sex is alluded to with a preamble of passionate embraces and kissing - but no descriptive sexual activities, which I found extremely refreshing in a MM romance. But this series is not only the telling of a wonderful romance. It is supernatural/paranormal intrigue. It is finding family when you thought you would be alone forever. 5STARS!!!
November 10, 2022
This series took my favorite fiction genres and wrapped them up in a fast-paced, entertaining, touching story with a diverse cast of characters who are dealing with magical conundrums in New York. Although many interesting characters play a role, the books are definitely centered on Rory — a feisty young man who's scraping by and trying to stay under the radar to hide his magic — and Arthur — a slightly older, rich congressman's son who is mundane but wrapped up in the magical world — as they try to address the challenges both between them and around them.
There are so many things to enjoy in these books: witty dialogue, but not to the point of being outlandish; some characters who defy categorization as heroes or villains; many instances of people facing and working through issues of class, race, language, nationality, gender, and sexuality; the way prohibition, World War I, and other historical notes play a role in the plot; and a story that blends action and romance. It does have flaws here and there (like some pretty heavy exposition to get some of the backstory in the first book, a bit of a quick transition in the romance, and the use of some very fiendish, one-dimensional villains) but they didn't get in the way of me gleefully devouring the series. It may not be the most sophisticated story I've read this year, but it was great fun!
Read on Five Sentence Reviews
There are so many things to enjoy in these books: witty dialogue, but not to the point of being outlandish; some characters who defy categorization as heroes or villains; many instances of people facing and working through issues of class, race, language, nationality, gender, and sexuality; the way prohibition, World War I, and other historical notes play a role in the plot; and a story that blends action and romance. It does have flaws here and there (like some pretty heavy exposition to get some of the backstory in the first book, a bit of a quick transition in the romance, and the use of some very fiendish, one-dimensional villains) but they didn't get in the way of me gleefully devouring the series. It may not be the most sophisticated story I've read this year, but it was great fun!
Read on Five Sentence Reviews
January 23, 2025
*This is a review for all 3 books in the series as a whole*
I. LOVE. THIS. SO. MUCH.
What does this trilogy have?
- AMAZING WORLD BUILDING + PLOT
Although it’s set in about the 1920s in New York at the beginning, the way the author gradually builds up the entire paranormal world and arising dangers that are involved is so intricate and yet, not too complicated to understand. The moderately fast pacing of the plot, the mysteries (not to mention the number of PLOT TWISTS involved), completely captured my attention. The style of writing kind of reminds me of K. J. Charles’ writing, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
- The CHARACTERS and RELATIONSHIPS ARE JUST *chef’s kiss*
Rory and Arthur, for example, are just the right balance of protective/fluff/fierce/uncertainty in a relationship, and the amount of trust and the way they overcome the problems between them just gets my heart melting (awww) Not to mention, side characters? Amazing. They are very different from each other, and yet they still got me to root for them til the very end (including the ones that are morally grey and seem untrustworthy… sigh) Oh, excluding the villains. Yeah. No. They are not FIT to be mentioned.
Overall, this was a great trilogy, and it is DEFINITELY on my favourites list (the book hangover from this is probably going to pretty strong haiz)
I. LOVE. THIS. SO. MUCH.
What does this trilogy have?
- AMAZING WORLD BUILDING + PLOT
Although it’s set in about the 1920s in New York at the beginning, the way the author gradually builds up the entire paranormal world and arising dangers that are involved is so intricate and yet, not too complicated to understand. The moderately fast pacing of the plot, the mysteries (not to mention the number of PLOT TWISTS involved), completely captured my attention. The style of writing kind of reminds me of K. J. Charles’ writing, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
- The CHARACTERS and RELATIONSHIPS ARE JUST *chef’s kiss*
Rory and Arthur, for example, are just the right balance of protective/fluff/fierce/uncertainty in a relationship, and the amount of trust and the way they overcome the problems between them just gets my heart melting (awww) Not to mention, side characters? Amazing. They are very different from each other, and yet they still got me to root for them til the very end (including the ones that are morally grey and seem untrustworthy… sigh) Oh, excluding the villains. Yeah. No. They are not FIT to be mentioned.
Overall, this was a great trilogy, and it is DEFINITELY on my favourites list (the book hangover from this is probably going to pretty strong haiz)
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February 7, 2023I think the preview on this set will give you enough of an idea of whether this is for you or not (though there are some tragic backstories and nasty villains so I'd check the content warnings if necessary).
I liked meeting Rory and Arthur and all their friends. I love found family stories and this really leant hard into found family. I mostly enjoyed the setting, and how lots of the bits of the plot ended up fitting neatly together.
Some reviews have complained about the sex being off the page, but the bits I'm after: the risky display of vulnerable emotions, the awkward conversations, the strong & competent characters grudgingly admitting to soft feelings, is all on the page. Rory is an outrageous flirt. Arthur is over protective. It's great. I didn't particularly miss the physical expression of any of that. (If that is what you want then I recommend KJ Charles's *Slippery Creatures* trilogy)
I liked meeting Rory and Arthur and all their friends. I love found family stories and this really leant hard into found family. I mostly enjoyed the setting, and how lots of the bits of the plot ended up fitting neatly together.
Some reviews have complained about the sex being off the page, but the bits I'm after: the risky display of vulnerable emotions, the awkward conversations, the strong & competent characters grudgingly admitting to soft feelings, is all on the page. Rory is an outrageous flirt. Arthur is over protective. It's great. I didn't particularly miss the physical expression of any of that. (If that is what you want then I recommend KJ Charles's *Slippery Creatures* trilogy)
February 17, 2022
I devoured this series in no time at all. It's flies by and you will find yourself so in love with Rory and Arthur and the rest of the crew that you'll want to carry them with you everywhere you go. If your a big history buff, the modern language often used might throw you off in this 20s set book but personally, it made it an easy read and I won't complain about that! Don't just get the first book - you will want to immediately read all three since each books ends on a cliff hanger and flows seamlessly into the next. The ending of it all was a bit sappy, but in days like today, we all need a little sappy.
September 23, 2021
This was a fun trilogy, although sometimes a bit angsty & repetitive with regard to relationship development - although that may be a function of the fact that I read books 2 & 3 back-to-back. The world & magic were interesting, although not fully explained until the 3rd title - which always makes me wonder if the author knew either. Lots of room for spin-off stories.
June 19, 2021
What a brilliant series...
The whole series is brilliant! A great plot that spans three books, fully developed and interesting characters to boot! You cannot go wrong with these books. Excellent!
The whole series is brilliant! A great plot that spans three books, fully developed and interesting characters to boot! You cannot go wrong with these books. Excellent!
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October 24, 2021Made me smile
There's plenty of action and interesting world building, clever dialogue, a multicultural caste of found family, and a sweet love story. I felt myself smiling so often as I read.
There's plenty of action and interesting world building, clever dialogue, a multicultural caste of found family, and a sweet love story. I felt myself smiling so often as I read.
May 28, 2022
4.5 stars
I loved this pair even as I wanted shake the pride out of Rory so bad!! Rory is sweet but also brave and strong. Arthur is steadfast and loyal and adores Rory which is what he needs. There is action, danger, and betrayal but all ends perfectly.
I loved this pair even as I wanted shake the pride out of Rory so bad!! Rory is sweet but also brave and strong. Arthur is steadfast and loyal and adores Rory which is what he needs. There is action, danger, and betrayal but all ends perfectly.
January 21, 2022
Ngl, this is what I got, instead of getting them one by one, Lol.
April 11, 2023
Can't deal with unknown or surprise at the moment...or really concentrate...so revisited a favorite. And reread about 6x in a row.
August 18, 2023
DNF @ 12.58%
September 5, 2024
This is probably my 5th reread of the entire series and they continue to be my main comfort books 🥹🥹🥹 I love this gang so much
Want to Read
February 3, 2026Why was this never published in print??? I want to read it so bad. 😭
December 30, 2022
Magic in Manhattan Collection was a great trilogy/boxset. All three stories were engaging (and stressful at times), and I loved watching Rory and Arthur's relationship develop. I also liked Rory's growing friendships and his eventual understanding of how he was worthy of love and found family. The secondary romances, while not really developed, were quite sweet in some cases and intense in others and added to the stories.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews