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Demon Magic #2
Familiar Beginnings
Smart men quit while they’re ahead - they lay low and hope disaster blows on by them. Not me. Especially when disaster seems to follow me and my soulmate Havoc, a demon I bound to me 300 years ago with my magic.
The dark mage Geoff is back from the dead and creating chaos by devouring the hearts of people with magical abilities, giving him overwhelming power as his followers grow. And since I’m one of the strongest mages alive and am leading the resistance against him, he’s coming for me next. Oh, and it might have something to do with the fact that I was also the one who originally killed him. But you can’t blame me; the guy needed to die.
Havoc and I, along with our unlikely band of...(I don’t want to say heroes, I can’t give them that much credit) annoyances will stop at nothing to end the destruction. It doesn’t hurt that there’s a sexy demon by my side every step of the way. For the first time in 300 years, I’m finally with the person meant for me, and I will do anything to keep from losing him.
Familiar Beginnings is a 63k word sequel to Happy Endings. Contains a powerful mage who just wants to be left in peace, a mysterious curly-haired troublemaker, gargoyles that are literally dumber than stone, a river trip that doesn’t feel at all like a vacation, and a “cat” with some unusual features and deadly claws.
©2020 Alice Winters (P)2021 Alice Winters
The dark mage Geoff is back from the dead and creating chaos by devouring the hearts of people with magical abilities, giving him overwhelming power as his followers grow. And since I’m one of the strongest mages alive and am leading the resistance against him, he’s coming for me next. Oh, and it might have something to do with the fact that I was also the one who originally killed him. But you can’t blame me; the guy needed to die.
Havoc and I, along with our unlikely band of...(I don’t want to say heroes, I can’t give them that much credit) annoyances will stop at nothing to end the destruction. It doesn’t hurt that there’s a sexy demon by my side every step of the way. For the first time in 300 years, I’m finally with the person meant for me, and I will do anything to keep from losing him.
Familiar Beginnings is a 63k word sequel to Happy Endings. Contains a powerful mage who just wants to be left in peace, a mysterious curly-haired troublemaker, gargoyles that are literally dumber than stone, a river trip that doesn’t feel at all like a vacation, and a “cat” with some unusual features and deadly claws.
©2020 Alice Winters (P)2021 Alice Winters
7 pages, Audible Audio
First published March 26, 2020
402 people are currently reading
738 people want to read
About the author
Alice Winters
62 books2,721 followersAlice Winters started writing stories as soon as she was old enough to turn her ideas into written words. She loves writing a variety of things from romance and comedy to action. She also enjoys reading, horseback riding, and spending time with her pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 335 reviews
May 28, 2021
I loved, loved, LOVED this follow-up story to "Happy Endings", which left off with one bad guy dealt with, but the Major Big Bad still on the loose and out for blood.
While the first book took the MC's from a centuries-long, platonic, working partnership to a romantic relationship full of snark and banter, this story more firmly cemented their HEA -- if they could stay alive long enough to actually enjoy it.
This time around, to me at least, it seemed as if there were quite a few more touching moments, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
“You were the only thing I managed to care about. I’ve made your life difficult, I’ll admit that, but humans had lied to me and gained my trust so many times that it took me a long time to realize you were different. You were worth caring about. And only now do I realize how much I care about you. Even if you occasionally irritate me or sass me.”Another cool aspect of this story was how Miles used his ability to "push" some of his memories to Havoc to share those past events. I loved that concept, with both MC's sharing in the remembrance, instead of only one MC having an info-dumpy flashback.
“I like sassing you.”
“I’m aware."
One aspect of Alice's stories that her most die hard fans tend to enjoy is when she unleashes completely over-the-top humor and situations, which was also done here, but to a slightly lesser degree than in some of her previous books. They are definitely still there, though, so don't fret.
I especially liked the antics of the "cat???" that Miles inherited, and the reappearance of Marco, the egotistical, narcissistic angel.
“What could I do to get you to like me more?” Marco asks.While both steam and mild angst are present in the story, the happily took a slight back seat in comparison to the romance, action and intrigue, which made me very happy.
“You could stop harassing me, stop pretending like you’re better than everyone, and stop reminding me that you have a penis; that would be an amazing start.”
“Can you think of something easier?”
If I had to point out any possible shortcomings, I'm talking a gun to my head situation, I'd probably say that when The Big Fight finally happened, the Evil Asshole's defeat may have been over an itty bit quicker than I usually prefer.
But it was a great book and would absolutely love to get more books featuring either these MC's or some of the weird cast of side characters, so fingers crossed on that front.
4.5 “What the fuck are you riding?” stars.
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November 9, 2024
✅ Funny moments
✅ Characters
✅ Explicit smut (M/M)
✅ Pace
✅ Magic and supernatural creatures
✅🆗 Plot
✅🆗 Romance
🆗 Underwhelming “big battle” with the evil guy
🆗 Too many flashbacks
_______________________
Second read: Just like in the first book, I feel that the plot was rather shallow, and not many truly relevant things happened.
At 30% they established that Geoff was truly back, and then they walked and talked around in circles until 55% when they had a second confrontation with him.
_______________________
This book picks up shortly after the end of Happy Endings. Miles and Havoc are still trying to find Geoff and also to find a way to kill him, again. They are working with their little eclectic and funny group from the first book (aka “The Penetrators”), plus a few new additions and an evil cat. 🐈
The plot was a little predictable and still felt weak, sadly. Overall, I enjoyed the book, but I feel that not much happened, and suddenly it was over already. Another thing that I enjoyed less was the amount flashbacks… Even though they gave us an insight into Miles and Havoc’s past, I am not a fan of the whole “flashbacks being weaved into the plot every few chapters” writing style.
Menace, the evil cat, deserves a special mention. He was a very entertaining secondary character… I might also be biased because I have 2 cats and I love cats in general. I hope to see more of Menace in the next books because I think he was my favorite part of this sequel...
The “big finale” also felt a little anticlimactic. The final battle between Miles and Geoff was not that epic and when it was done I was wondering if there would be one final twist or if that was really it because the two books are a long build-up for this final confrontation and it ended up being underwhelming.
I think preferred the romance in this book than in the first one, but I preferred the plot in the first book... I struggled to get involved in Miles and Havoc’s relationship in the first book because of the weird way it happened. Havoc going from “I don’t really care about you and I bang every woman available” to “I’m addicted to you and can’t ever let you go” in the span of a few days felt weird and forced. The fact that Miles and Havoc are now in a committed relationship made it easier for me to enjoy their banter and cute moments together.
Overall, this is an entertaining and funny series so far, but I did not like it as much as the other series I read from Alice Winters. Maybe my expectations were too high, but this series, while being a quick and easy read, is not as good or well-developed.
0.5 Shadow's Origin ⭐⭐⭐
1. Happy Endings ⭐⭐⭐
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✅ Characters
✅ Explicit smut (M/M)
✅ Pace
✅ Magic and supernatural creatures
✅🆗 Plot
✅🆗 Romance
🆗 Underwhelming “big battle” with the evil guy
🆗 Too many flashbacks
_______________________
Second read: Just like in the first book, I feel that the plot was rather shallow, and not many truly relevant things happened.
At 30% they established that Geoff was truly back, and then they walked and talked around in circles until 55% when they had a second confrontation with him.
_______________________
“So the plan is for the Penetrators to flank them, right?” Iya asks.
“Please stop calling us the Penetrators,” I say. “I can’t even think when you say that.”
This book picks up shortly after the end of Happy Endings. Miles and Havoc are still trying to find Geoff and also to find a way to kill him, again. They are working with their little eclectic and funny group from the first book (aka “The Penetrators”), plus a few new additions and an evil cat. 🐈
The plot was a little predictable and still felt weak, sadly. Overall, I enjoyed the book, but I feel that not much happened, and suddenly it was over already. Another thing that I enjoyed less was the amount flashbacks… Even though they gave us an insight into Miles and Havoc’s past, I am not a fan of the whole “flashbacks being weaved into the plot every few chapters” writing style.
The cat, on the other hand, could be a disaster.
He meows.
“Yeah, I’m thinking about you.”
He lifts up his paw and extends one claw. The middle one.
“You’re such an asshole,”
Menace, the evil cat, deserves a special mention. He was a very entertaining secondary character… I might also be biased because I have 2 cats and I love cats in general. I hope to see more of Menace in the next books because I think he was my favorite part of this sequel...
“We need a new plan,” Johnson says.
I look across the table at him. “A new plan? We didn’t have one to start with.”
“We need a plan.”
The “big finale” also felt a little anticlimactic. The final battle between Miles and Geoff was not that epic and when it was done I was wondering if there would be one final twist or if that was really it because the two books are a long build-up for this final confrontation and it ended up being underwhelming.
Since he’s a demon, being a little grumpy, easily annoyed, and possessive are some of his character traits. He also loves power, which is how we became bonded. He’s a very handsome man that I’ve known for the past few hundred years. Just recently he finally told me he loved me, which should have been our happy ending. But of course, fate never goes that way. Especially when an ancient dark mage currently wants to eat my heart.
“Want me to kill it?” Havoc asks.
I turn to him in disbelief. “No! You don’t just start killing things! We just talked about this!”
Everyone in the room warily looks at Havoc before moving to the far side beside Sam and Johnson.
I think preferred the romance in this book than in the first one, but I preferred the plot in the first book... I struggled to get involved in Miles and Havoc’s relationship in the first book because of the weird way it happened. Havoc going from “I don’t really care about you and I bang every woman available” to “I’m addicted to you and can’t ever let you go” in the span of a few days felt weird and forced. The fact that Miles and Havoc are now in a committed relationship made it easier for me to enjoy their banter and cute moments together.
Overall, this is an entertaining and funny series so far, but I did not like it as much as the other series I read from Alice Winters. Maybe my expectations were too high, but this series, while being a quick and easy read, is not as good or well-developed.
0.5 Shadow's Origin ⭐⭐⭐
1. Happy Endings ⭐⭐⭐
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January 5, 2021
Alice Winters is sooo funny! She always gets me to crack up while reading.
This is a sequel book that contains all the magical creatures. They have become a supergroup like Cream or something, and are called "The Penetrators". Well, not everyone is a fan of the name, but it grows on you. It could always be worse.
And, at least they get to wear their own clothes.
Their goal is to kill the very bad guy who is so powerful that all of the Penetrators will have to use their magic and power. Luckily, they now have a ... cat(?).. Something like a cat. It's just as evil as a cat.
I kinda like Gizmo's style.
I don't have a lot to say about this book because if you didn't read the first one, you won't read this, so...
Do whatever the hell you want.
This is a sequel book that contains all the magical creatures. They have become a supergroup like Cream or something, and are called "The Penetrators". Well, not everyone is a fan of the name, but it grows on you. It could always be worse.
And, at least they get to wear their own clothes.
Their goal is to kill the very bad guy who is so powerful that all of the Penetrators will have to use their magic and power. Luckily, they now have a ... cat(?).. Something like a cat. It's just as evil as a cat.
I kinda like Gizmo's style.
I don't have a lot to say about this book because if you didn't read the first one, you won't read this, so...
Do whatever the hell you want.
September 5, 2025
Another super fun story from this series, I've enjoyed so much, the characters, the love, the friendship, the caring, the love making scenes, I had a really good time!
Not too long or too short, her books are the perfect size to just have fun and relax, I do believe the grand finale was a little bit rushed, but overall i'm really satisfied, easy readying, light plot, so much humorous moments! Good job Alice Winters!!!
I also have this book on Audible, kudos to Greg Boudreaux, really good performance, so committed to the acting, I was very pleased!!!
Congrats to Cate Ashwood Designs, beautiful cover!!!
4 ⭐️
Not too long or too short, her books are the perfect size to just have fun and relax, I do believe the grand finale was a little bit rushed, but overall i'm really satisfied, easy readying, light plot, so much humorous moments! Good job Alice Winters!!!
I also have this book on Audible, kudos to Greg Boudreaux, really good performance, so committed to the acting, I was very pleased!!!
Congrats to Cate Ashwood Designs, beautiful cover!!!
4 ⭐️
May 22, 2024
Reread/Relisten #3 May 2024
What a ride this book is, I just wish that Havoc had his POV in these stories.
Reread/Relisten: #2 September 2022
What a book haha, Alice Winters knows how to write a romcom haha I will honestly laugh out loud in some parts, soo probably not the best to read at work haha!
Greg Boudreaux does an amazing job with the narration! And now on to book 3!!! So excited! Can’t believe we got another book 😊🥰
Reread/Relisten #1 October 2021
Same as before love this series, I hope we see them again or Iya haha that would be quite a book lol
Original Read/Listen January 2021
Audio: 5 stars
Book: 4-4.5 stars
This was shorter than the first book, but didn’t take away from the overall book.
I wish like in the first book that this was dual POV, i wanted to know what Havoc was thinking.
I hope that there are more books in this series even if Havoc and Miles’s story is complete, or at least to me it feels like its a good ending.
I do wish the fight scene was longer, but that like the dual POV is nitpicky problems.
Overall to me Alice Winters can do no wrong with her books, they always keep me engaged and they are my brand of humor.
What a ride this book is, I just wish that Havoc had his POV in these stories.
Reread/Relisten: #2 September 2022
What a book haha, Alice Winters knows how to write a romcom haha I will honestly laugh out loud in some parts, soo probably not the best to read at work haha!
Greg Boudreaux does an amazing job with the narration! And now on to book 3!!! So excited! Can’t believe we got another book 😊🥰
Reread/Relisten #1 October 2021
Same as before love this series, I hope we see them again or Iya haha that would be quite a book lol
Original Read/Listen January 2021
Audio: 5 stars
Book: 4-4.5 stars
This was shorter than the first book, but didn’t take away from the overall book.
I wish like in the first book that this was dual POV, i wanted to know what Havoc was thinking.
I hope that there are more books in this series even if Havoc and Miles’s story is complete, or at least to me it feels like its a good ending.
I do wish the fight scene was longer, but that like the dual POV is nitpicky problems.
Overall to me Alice Winters can do no wrong with her books, they always keep me engaged and they are my brand of humor.
September 9, 2020
Have I mentioned that I love Havoc yet?
I love Havoc, so I made a thing :3
I love Havoc, so I made a thing :3
July 5, 2020
3.5
ME: THESE TWO ARE SO CUTE TOGETHER!!!
I think this series is so underrated
THERE WERE SO MANY LAUGH OUT LOUD MOMENTS!!
And trust me the humor did not feel forced or cringe worthy
What I liked the most was the chemistry between Havoc and Miles
Havoc (the demon) had a sarcastic sense of humor..
Pair him with the sweet and charming Miles (who is a Mage btw)..and you have the perfect pair!!!
The MC's are fabulous
The side characters add an extra punch to the story
The romance is swoon worthy...you root for these two to get their HEA
I would have rated this higher if the plot was less pretictable
But overall I enjoyed it
ME: THESE TWO ARE SO CUTE TOGETHER!!!
I think this series is so underrated
THERE WERE SO MANY LAUGH OUT LOUD MOMENTS!!
And trust me the humor did not feel forced or cringe worthy
What I liked the most was the chemistry between Havoc and Miles
Havoc (the demon) had a sarcastic sense of humor..
Pair him with the sweet and charming Miles (who is a Mage btw)..and you have the perfect pair!!!
The MC's are fabulous
The side characters add an extra punch to the story
The romance is swoon worthy...you root for these two to get their HEA
I would have rated this higher if the plot was less pretictable
But overall I enjoyed it
February 12, 2025
Still loving this series! The new characters are a blast, and while Havoc is still my favorite, Menace stole the show a few times. I even got teary eyed a couple of times, but it was still such a fun read! Every time Iya appears, I can’t help but smile, I wish we knew more about his relationship with Sam. And Miles, sweet Miles—he and Havoc deserve the happiest ending!
December 10, 2023
Ya Miles sabe a quien se enfrenta, pero todavía no sabe como lograran detenerlo, sobre todo porque no consigue averiguar quienes lo están ayudando y como lo trajeron a la vida. Y si, las cosas siempre se van a poner mas complicadas antes de solucionarse, pero ahora cuenta con un gran grupo de seres que pueden y desean ayudarlo a derrotar a Geoff. El problema radica en que es posible que el tenga que morir para poder liberarse del hechizo de Geoff, pero podrá regresar de entre los muertos? Podrá conseguir suficiente magia para derrotarlo? Podrá mantener a todos sus amigos a salvo?
En este libro vemos mucho mas de la relación Miles-Havoc, con diálogos super-sarcásticos, conocemos mas de su pasado y como llego Havoc a convertirse en el demonio de Miles. Pero también conocemos un poco de la historia de otros personajes, como Ettenie-Leo, o Ilya, entre otros. El autor nos abre mas aún el universo fantástico, donde un demonio puede andar en la calle libremente, un druida puede caminar vestido de plantas y un vampiro es el jefe de la policía.
La trama como tal, es bastante sencilla, y todo ocurre como se espera, pero eso no evita que la lectura resulte entretenida y divertida, y te haga pasar un buen rato.
En fin, voy a leer el último libro de la serie, a ver con lo que nos viene el autor para terminar con esta pareja. Espero que resulte igual de entretenido que los anteriores de esta serie.
En este libro vemos mucho mas de la relación Miles-Havoc, con diálogos super-sarcásticos, conocemos mas de su pasado y como llego Havoc a convertirse en el demonio de Miles. Pero también conocemos un poco de la historia de otros personajes, como Ettenie-Leo, o Ilya, entre otros. El autor nos abre mas aún el universo fantástico, donde un demonio puede andar en la calle libremente, un druida puede caminar vestido de plantas y un vampiro es el jefe de la policía.
La trama como tal, es bastante sencilla, y todo ocurre como se espera, pero eso no evita que la lectura resulte entretenida y divertida, y te haga pasar un buen rato.
En fin, voy a leer el último libro de la serie, a ver con lo que nos viene el autor para terminar con esta pareja. Espero que resulte igual de entretenido que los anteriores de esta serie.
March 31, 2020
I absolutely loved Happy Endings. Miles, Havoc and the whole posse of weird and wonderful creatures. And therefore I couldn’t wait for this book. I was up at midnight trying to download it and fell asleep at 1.30am with my kindle on my face.
It’s all my favourite characters from the previous book. Plus some interesting new ones. As Miles yet again takes on Geoff.
There’s humour of course and some fabulous moments. I just can’t get enough. And I hope we get more of the cute little cat. And more of all these characters.
Fingers crossed there’s more.
August 25, 2025
This series is absolutely ridiculous, and I can't get enough.
It has been grinning like an idiot, and occasionally literally laughing out loud.
I love all of the characters and find them adorable and silly.
I'm listening to the audiobook books, and Greg Boudreaux is wonderful as always.
As stated in the previous review, If you don't like dick jokes, don't read this series. lol
It has been grinning like an idiot, and occasionally literally laughing out loud.
I love all of the characters and find them adorable and silly.
I'm listening to the audiobook books, and Greg Boudreaux is wonderful as always.
As stated in the previous review, If you don't like dick jokes, don't read this series. lol
May 27, 2020
Wow! This was incredibly fun! I loved all the crazy side characters (my favourite is Iya, the sexually obsessed Minotaur) in this crazy world Alice Winters created. And I loved seeing Miles and Havoc’s relationship develop into this sweet intense love. You can feel the hundreds of years of caring for each other.
So much love for this book!
So much love for this book!
March 12, 2023
Miles and Havoc are really growing on me, but still not as funny as I expected of an Alice Winters series.
I do love Iya, Menace and Badrick though, I feel like they need some kind of ridiculous podcast of their silliness 😁
I do love Iya, Menace and Badrick though, I feel like they need some kind of ridiculous podcast of their silliness 😁
February 9, 2025
I really liked it. I really don't want to spoil anything so I'll just say that the turn the plot took surprised me, given that there's still books left in the series. I'm very curious how they'll turn out
April 10, 2020
Wow! I can't believe it took that long for this sequel to be released. Thank goodness I only found out about Book 1 just days ago and able to read it back to back.
Love, love, love the shenanigans between Miles, the powerful yet understated mage and his crazy and incorrigible demon, Havoc. They are now all coupled up and so in love with each other, yet they still bicker like always. Fun times. Even with the homicidal and back from the death Geoff didn't deter my enjoyment. My favorite part is always when Miles and Havoc shared a memories of their past. I could have read an entire prequel about them together when Miles was much younger.
A shout out to their magical group of friends that are pretty amazing too.
Love, love, love the shenanigans between Miles, the powerful yet understated mage and his crazy and incorrigible demon, Havoc. They are now all coupled up and so in love with each other, yet they still bicker like always. Fun times. Even with the homicidal and back from the death Geoff didn't deter my enjoyment. My favorite part is always when Miles and Havoc shared a memories of their past. I could have read an entire prequel about them together when Miles was much younger.
A shout out to their magical group of friends that are pretty amazing too.
May 13, 2020
4✨
I swear I don't have a dragon fetish.
Unless, maybe I do. :3
This book was a good follow up to the first one. I liked it, but it didn't make me laugh out loud like the first one did, so that's why it's rated just a little bit lower.
But this was a great conclusion to the story of Miles and Havoc. And the epilogue killed me.
I do wish the battle with Geoff was more climatic and I was expecting to have my heartbroken, but it never really happened. And again, it was lacking in the sex for me. But the humor was on point and the myriad of characters were great. Menace was a perfect addition.
I swear I don't have a dragon fetish.
Unless, maybe I do. :3
This book was a good follow up to the first one. I liked it, but it didn't make me laugh out loud like the first one did, so that's why it's rated just a little bit lower.
But this was a great conclusion to the story of Miles and Havoc. And the epilogue killed me.
I do wish the battle with Geoff was more climatic and I was expecting to have my heartbroken, but it never really happened. And again, it was lacking in the sex for me. But the humor was on point and the myriad of characters were great. Menace was a perfect addition.
May 16, 2020
**grm** (some spoilers)
Also this 2nd book was funny and with a charming plot. Miles and Havoc were just too cute and the cat(dragon) was a good addition to their family. We also found out that mages too can have familiars and Miles finally found his in the way of that sassy cat. We met a lot of new characters and also if we didn't really learn much about them, they still were essential to the story and interesting. I actually think that this series could end like this, we saw a lot of flashbacks about their pasts and understood many things, but who knows, maybe the author wants to add more books to it.
Also this 2nd book was funny and with a charming plot. Miles and Havoc were just too cute and the cat(dragon) was a good addition to their family. We also found out that mages too can have familiars and Miles finally found his in the way of that sassy cat. We met a lot of new characters and also if we didn't really learn much about them, they still were essential to the story and interesting. I actually think that this series could end like this, we saw a lot of flashbacks about their pasts and understood many things, but who knows, maybe the author wants to add more books to it.
July 27, 2021
[3.75] Whenever I have a craving for OTT sassy goodness and ridiculous situations, Alice Winters is my go-to!
The cast of characters was so bizarre yet so entertaining, and I found myself flying through each page as fast as Havoc in raven form. I do wish the final battle didn’t end so abruptly though. Part of me expected something more epic, but the little surprise twist was fun 🐱
May Miles and Havoc now enjoy life free of dark mages!
The cast of characters was so bizarre yet so entertaining, and I found myself flying through each page as fast as Havoc in raven form. I do wish the final battle didn’t end so abruptly though. Part of me expected something more epic, but the little surprise twist was fun 🐱
May Miles and Havoc now enjoy life free of dark mages!
April 7, 2020
A good follow up to the original book. Likable characters, some action & adventure, all made for a fun tale. Plot line felt a bit too rushed though. There’s a lot of build up to a climax that’s over in like 3 paragraphs. I’ll be honest, I was a little underwhelmed with this but can’t win em all
September 17, 2022
Reread 09/2022 review- 3〜3.25 stars??
Original 06/2021 review- 2.5〜3 stars?? I don’t know, I just didn’t really feel this one. 🤷🏻♀️ I’m also disappointed. Also, I hate flashbacks and this one had a ton of them😕
I did quite like meeting Etienne though 🥰
Original 06/2021 review- 2.5〜3 stars?? I don’t know, I just didn’t really feel this one. 🤷🏻♀️ I’m also disappointed. Also, I hate flashbacks and this one had a ton of them😕
I did quite like meeting Etienne though 🥰
April 10, 2023
Just gets better and better
I absolutely adore Miles and Havoc and the crazy bunch of misfits they've gathered around them.
With the evil dark mage Geoff (whose name has me howling every time I read it), still on the loose and more danger threatening our heroes, the plot gathers pace at a right old lick.
Another one I couldn't put down until I'd finished it.
I absolutely adore Miles and Havoc and the crazy bunch of misfits they've gathered around them.
With the evil dark mage Geoff (whose name has me howling every time I read it), still on the loose and more danger threatening our heroes, the plot gathers pace at a right old lick.
Another one I couldn't put down until I'd finished it.
June 29, 2022
4.5*
I only discovered Alice Winters last year, so I'm not one who has been waiting for this book for years, like some readers have- it's just been about 7 months for me! But as soon as I finished Happy Endings you can bet I was checking to see when book 2 was coming! And let me say, the wait was worth it.
Familiar Beginnings was just as fun and silly, if not more so, than Happy Endings was and I loved every word. It was action packed and also a little stressful, as Miles and Havoc once again had to go up against their old master Geoff, to hopefully send him, once and for all, back to his final resting place. This go 'round they had some additions to their merry band of "heroes" to help them- and it's true, not all heroes wear capes!
One of my favorite things about this book was getting the peek into Miles and Havoc's past, I really enjoyed seeing how it all started for them. I love their relationship- how they tease each other and are always bantering, but you can totally feel the love. They had me swooning so hard, seeing how much they cared about each other.
(A bonus was getting to see Miles first meeting with Iya, that made laugh outloud!)
Alice Winters writes such entertaining books, I honestly can't get enough of her wit and humor. I don't know if this is the last book she'll be writing for these characters, but I hope it's not. I think there's a lot of trouble out there for Miles and Havoc, and Menace, to get into!
I only discovered Alice Winters last year, so I'm not one who has been waiting for this book for years, like some readers have- it's just been about 7 months for me! But as soon as I finished Happy Endings you can bet I was checking to see when book 2 was coming! And let me say, the wait was worth it.
Familiar Beginnings was just as fun and silly, if not more so, than Happy Endings was and I loved every word. It was action packed and also a little stressful, as Miles and Havoc once again had to go up against their old master Geoff, to hopefully send him, once and for all, back to his final resting place. This go 'round they had some additions to their merry band of "heroes" to help them- and it's true, not all heroes wear capes!
One of my favorite things about this book was getting the peek into Miles and Havoc's past, I really enjoyed seeing how it all started for them. I love their relationship- how they tease each other and are always bantering, but you can totally feel the love. They had me swooning so hard, seeing how much they cared about each other.
(A bonus was getting to see Miles first meeting with Iya, that made laugh outloud!)
Alice Winters writes such entertaining books, I honestly can't get enough of her wit and humor. I don't know if this is the last book she'll be writing for these characters, but I hope it's not. I think there's a lot of trouble out there for Miles and Havoc, and Menace, to get into!
May 26, 2023
Audiobook Review
This story was much more like an Alice Winters story and I loved every moment of it.
Slight spoilers ahead
So this one picks up exactly where the last book left off, Geoff is running around after being brought back to life and still eating other people's magic and Miles and his growing merry band of found family are fighting to bring him down.
Since Havoc and Miles already got together, this one had them admitting feelings and becoming comfortable in their relationship. It also has a cat monster show up and claim Miles. Miles named him and kept it. We don't find out what he really is until the end.
I really liked the people surrounding Miles and would love more info about them. Like the new guy who has a demon in him and might have had a hand in bringing Geoff back. Or Sam, the cute cop being guarded by a demon, and Nico, the creepy vampire.
I know that there is one more book in the series, but I'm hoping Alice comes back and gives me more.
Greg Boudreaux did a much better narration in this one. Especially when he did the dumb lesser demons. They were awesome.
This story was much more like an Alice Winters story and I loved every moment of it.
Slight spoilers ahead
So this one picks up exactly where the last book left off, Geoff is running around after being brought back to life and still eating other people's magic and Miles and his growing merry band of found family are fighting to bring him down.
Since Havoc and Miles already got together, this one had them admitting feelings and becoming comfortable in their relationship. It also has a cat monster show up and claim Miles. Miles named him and kept it. We don't find out what he really is until the end.
I really liked the people surrounding Miles and would love more info about them. Like the new guy who has a demon in him and might have had a hand in bringing Geoff back. Or Sam, the cute cop being guarded by a demon, and Nico, the creepy vampire.
I know that there is one more book in the series, but I'm hoping Alice comes back and gives me more.
Greg Boudreaux did a much better narration in this one. Especially when he did the dumb lesser demons. They were awesome.
June 17, 2021
3.75 stars all around. The narrator was good but he did make Miles seem super weak. Some of his voices were to similar to each other. There are more characters in this one so maybe that's why. Idk.
Still enjoy the story. Love Miles and Havoc.
Still enjoy the story. Love Miles and Havoc.
July 11, 2020
Dragons are n...real
Miles and his crew of misfits are back at it again. They are on the search for Geoff the evil mage who is consuming magical hearts to build up his power. Miles beat him once before but can he do it again?
This was another solid read. My favorite parts were the growing love between Havoc and Miles. It really shines bright in this one.
Miles and his crew of misfits are back at it again. They are on the search for Geoff the evil mage who is consuming magical hearts to build up his power. Miles beat him once before but can he do it again?
This was another solid read. My favorite parts were the growing love between Havoc and Miles. It really shines bright in this one.
July 4, 2021
This was a good finishing book but there wasn't much more added. It was basically a conclusion to the first book. I enjoyed it but I definitely think this could have been longer to show more world-building but I was still happy with it. Greg Boudreaux was excellent as always.
April 2, 2020
Freaking amazing!!!!!!!!
And the cat 😂
So much fun reading!!!
And the cat 😂
So much fun reading!!!
March 27, 2020
So worth the wait! Miles and Havoc are even more hilarious than in book 1, and now that they're together, there is even more of a delightful mix of romance, banter, and some pretty intense protectiveness. I adore this couple, and the side characters are outstanding as always. There are some awesome new additions to the gang in this book, from a terrifyingly abnormal cat, to an adorably apologetic new friend who has no idea about his own powers. The world building and plot continues to be outstanding and well-paced, and the writing just had me in constant laughter. I really, really hope this is not the last we see of these characters! Although, if it is, the ending is pretty well-tied up and perfect.
Read
March 31, 2020Mulling over rating, but this one was very underwhelming and felt like such a disconnect in writing in comparison to the previous book, which was GREAT!! I'm leaning toward a 2.5 star rating at most, IF that, to be honest!!
September 2, 2022
It’s a mother fucking dragon!! I seriously love Miles and Havoc and Menace is a fantastic addition. Can’t wait for the audio of the third book!!!!
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