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Who would’ve thought I, of all people, would be consorting with the enemy?

Every fae dreams of finding that one person to complete their soul, but I’ve waited for so long with no sign of my viramore—my soulmate—that I thought I wouldn’t be so lucky.

But then I find him.

And what a surprise he is. Never in a million years did I think my viramore would be on the other side of things. That he’d come from a place where only evil permeates. That he’d be a monster. That he’d be my enemy. Life’s full of surprises, right?

I don’t know what to do or how to fix the chasm between us. I don’t want to give up on him, but maybe this once, Fate is wrong. Maybe we aren’t perfect for each other. Maybe we aren’t two halves of a whole. But maybe, just maybe, being hunted by a common enemy will bring us together… or maybe he’ll be the death of me.

Talon is the fifth and final book in The Brinnswick Chronicles. This is Talon and Obidri’s complete story, but it’s recommended to read the series in order to get a better feel for the characters and the larger story arc. This 123K word MM fantasy romance contains explicit material and is intended for mature adults 18 years old and older.

424 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 21, 2021

60 people are currently reading
199 people want to read

About the author

Michele Notaro

76 books949 followers
Michele is married to an awesome guy that puts up with her and all the burnt dinners she makes—hey, sometimes characters are a bit distracting, and who doesn’t plot when they’re supposed to be cooking? They live together in Baltimore, Maryland with two little monsters, a three-legged princess, a four-legged goofball, and a cutie with giant ears (aka their two kids, their two cats, and their dog). She hopes to rescue another cat soon, and if her hubby wouldn’t kill her, she’d get more than one… and maybe a few more dogs as well.

She loves creating worlds filled with lots of love, chosen family, and of course, magic, but she also likes making the characters fight for that happy ending. She hopes to one day write all the stories in her head—even if there are too many to count!

If you would like updates on my new books or to be notified when a new book is released, please join my mailing list:
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Feel free to contact me. I’d love to hear from you.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
Profile Image for Dan.
1,733 reviews50 followers
September 24, 2021
Oh, this was good! A delightful conclusion to a delightful series. I'll admit, I had to google again what a drow is because I forgot since the last book. It's a dark elf, in case anyone was wondering. And since Obidri is a drow, that's kind of important.
The plot takes up around the end of last book, which is a bit of a variation in the brinnswick series. I really enjoyed how bith the plot and the ending played out. The excitement was steady throughout the whole book. I did have times when the amount of characters from past books was a bit overwhelming, but as everyone has a lover and a child or two it's natural. Especially so many books down the road.
The epilogue was a special treat for sure!
Profile Image for Emily Hernandez.
1,399 reviews19 followers
September 22, 2021
Talon and Obi's story was both everything I hoped it would be and also not at all what I anticipated. Their love was slow to grow, but wonderfully tender, with shared touches to melt my heart and heart-breaking separations that tied me up in knots. The storyline, the romance, and the incredible cast of characters combined into a journey that was as unexpected and perilous as it was captivating. I felt every ounce of Talon and Obi's emotions throughout this book--starting from their tense first meeting, through learning to trust each other and exploring their connection, past devastating lows and thrilling highs all the way to their happy ending. This being the series finale, I knew to expect an epic battle to rid the world of evil, but Michele impressed me once again with her creativity.

I was intrigued by the idea that Talon's viramore was a drow, but even knowing what I did about the other drow in this series didn't prepare me for Obi. More than anything, Obi reminded me not to villainize an entire race based on the actions of a corrupt leader. Yes, he had been brainwashed to believe his king's lies, but he was a genuinely good person at heart. It didn't take long for me to see that Obi's actions always had good intentions, and his willingness to listen and question the truth of what he'd been told showed me that he wasn't mindlessly following orders to hurt people. As I learned more about how evil the drow king was, my heart broke not just for Obi but every drow forced to endure those horrors. It was wonderful to see the way Obi relaxed under Talon's kind patience, and their connection was undeniably sweet. The slow build of their romance felt fitting for the two of them, and every small touch they shared made me feel like I was on top of the world.

Knowing how much suffering Obi and Talon had dealt with, it was even more stressful to follow along on their journey. The threat of the king's retaliation was always present in the back of my mind, and of course these men were too invested to sit back and let someone else take on the fight. Some of the situations they ended up in were utterly terrifying, and though I've always loved that Michele doesn't pull any punches I did want to scream any time something bad happened to Talon, Obi, and the rest of the Ellwoods. Their happy ending was hard fought and not easily won, but that only made their eventual victory feel more satisfying. I've never been so thrilled to know that everything turned out okay, and those wonderful mini-epilogues to wrap up not just Talon and Obi's story but every Ellwood we've adventured with couldn't have left me any happier.

**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
Profile Image for Devoted❤️Reader.
1,615 reviews31 followers
September 2, 2021
Pixie

Oh my heart, our wait is over and the incredible, hurts-so-bad-but-feels-so-good conclusion to the phenomenal Brinnswick series is here. There was a lot that happened in this book—intense action, heart-pounding suspense, nail-biting events and so much overwhelming and healing love—reading it was an emotional, mental and physical experience but I loved every single page of it. Did Talon and Obi go through h3ll? Yes, to the nth degree. But, to see them find one another and slowly but oh so sweetly build trust, fall in love in spite of it all, was quite breathtaking. I loved seeing all of Obi, from the understandably prickly moments to his protective, fierce nature and especially to the tender, open ones he only shared with Talon. And Talon, his unending patience and willingness to lay himself bare for the ones he loves made me cry.

I almost feel like I’m not worthy of reading about these two but I’m not willing to give them up. “‘I’ll follow you into the next life,’ he said without hesitancy. ‘Our souls were meant to be together, and I have no doubt that they will. In this life, and the next, and the one after that until the end of time.’” All the swoons and make no mistake, nothing compares to how beautiful these two are together. So all my love to this amazing and unforgettable pair, these lovable characters and family, this truly fantastic series, and of course, the talented author. A magical journey that wove an indelible spell around my heart.
Profile Image for Kyla.
94 reviews3 followers
September 28, 2021
I tried to like this, but I only made it to 36%. Like Jorah I felt there was way too much repetition. Every other page was the same thing over and over. And there was way too many sentences like "I will never hurt you." Blah Blah. And there were so many I'm sorry's and Thank you's. No one really talks like that. We already knew Obi was afraid we didn't need to keep hearing it. I really liked the Ellwood Chronicles and I liked the first 3 Brinnswick books, but these last 2 were not the same. I don't know if the author's writing style changed or I just never realized before that the other books were written in the same way. Anyway, I tried but I just couldn't get past all the repetitive mushy talking in circles stuff.
Profile Image for Mir.
1,119 reviews63 followers
January 17, 2025
I mostly enjoyed Talon and Obi’s story. It was a bit drawn out in spots and extremely repetitive. Early on the resolution to Talon kidnapping Obi and Obi believing his king has lied all these years came a bit too quick. Otherwise though, the romance was pretty good and the action scenes were as well.

The last bit of the book was not for me. It felt like extreme pro-natalist propaganda. Did Elon Musk write the ending and epilogues? Oprah was handing out kids like cars to these characters. It was exhausting. There are other happy endings you know? I started skimming. I felt like Talon and Obi’s ending was tossed away in order to make sure we knew that everyone except for one couple in the entire series had a million babies and all the female characters are pregnant and everyone’s whole world revolves around the BABIES.

All together I would not recommend this series, but I would recommend the Ellwood Chronicles series (the first one).
Profile Image for Xanthe.
2,531 reviews46 followers
October 5, 2021
What a faWhat a fantastic end to what has been to an amazing series from the Brinnswick world.
Talon is the last of the Ellwood coven to find his viramore and it comes as quite the shock to everyone when they turn out to be a Drow, the enemy that they have been fighting. Obidri is thrown in at the deep end when he comes to meet all of these people who he's been taught are the enemy.
Their worlds collide and not always in the best way as they fight for each other and the people who have become their families.
I'm so happy for Talon to finally have is story as he's always just been in the background. This is hard to read in moments (please read trigger warnings in the author notes) but the highs and lows come together to build up an amazing story that does justice to this series, Michele's writing and the fantastic supernatural world that she has created. It's one of those that is hard to put down as the momentum of the story is constant, things moving at a fast pace during fight and battle scenes along with emotional highs and lows with the relationship development.
Cannot recommend this story and series enough! It is one to be read in order with an ongoing series story arc but it's oh so worth it with the amazing characters that we meet and are folded into the Ellwood coven. I especially enjoyed the epilogue that fans will love.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,957 reviews16 followers
September 23, 2021
This is such an beautiful and amazing ending to this series. I am so happy for Obi and Talon's story. Their story definitely is heartbreaking that had my emotions everywhere but it is so beautiful. I just couldn't put this book book. I am so happy and sad at the same time. Sad because I just absolutely love these characters and will miss them. However so happy because this is such a perfect endings to an absolutely amazing world.
Profile Image for Alex.
1,162 reviews16 followers
August 28, 2022
in all honesty I don’t understand why the last two books have totally changed style compared to the first three. I still wanted to finish the series but I was disappointed. I just don't understand why the author strongly wanted to include all this violence and grim scenes (even in the other series there was the war but never told in these tones). many repetitions and a rather slow pace.

that said, I will miss the kids and this world.
Profile Image for P Leslie.
3,204 reviews17 followers
September 22, 2021
I’ve been looking forward to this one and it didn’t disappoint.

After reading the other books, I shouldn’t really be surprised that I completely broke down reading Obi and Talon’s story.

Fantastic conclusion to the series!
Profile Image for Danis  ❤️ MM.
810 reviews6 followers
October 21, 2024
The conclusion of this series. There's lots of twists and turns and an epic final confrontation with the big baddie The Drow King. There's lots of angst and again TW for torture and mentions of noncon. I always liked Talon so I was concerned when his viramore turned out to be an enemy that it would be one of those situations where I'd hate the enemy love interest character so much it would make me hate them both. That's happened to me with other books. Not pleasant to suddenly start disliking one of your favorite characters because they're acting sooo stupid around another individual. Luckily that didn't happen here. The author was quite good at painting Obi in a hostile, but not bad, light. There's some soul crushing angst at the end where I truly thought the author was shooting for a nonHEA ending but she resolved it well and it did end HEA which is a near must for me without too many exceptions. There was also a short epilogue that showed a snipped of all the couples lives so you could see how things ended for all of them which was nice. I hope to see side stories with these characters someday.
Profile Image for Sara Wenzel.
192 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2023
Now THIS . THIS is how you wrap up a series and spinoff series. Everyone has kids and lives and is happy and just. . Yes. I'm sad the Ellwood story has come to an end but I so very much enjoyed the ride.
177 reviews
August 29, 2022
This was an over-the-top yet underwhelming ending as things were repeated so often and the dialogue is the same as some of the other books. I got fed up with the threats the Ellwoods made in each book and in this one it was more of the same : "....I will fucking rip you to shreds" or "I will fucking rip your throat out" -_-. And like the threats, the apologies were annoying as fuck too. I thought the story started off okay but Talon was confusing, one minute he was like omg how am I gonna get Obi to trust me, he's beautiful omg I'm in awe and the next he's thinking that he won't trust obi ever and how could his viramore be a drow, like what? And why did Laiken even engage with Obi at the start of his imprisonment, it was obvious Obi was hostile so of fucking course he would insult Laiken and then Opal made cruel threats, nothing new for Ellwoods, but it was just fucking annoying.

I made it up to Cazimir getting locked up and then I started skimming because I got annoyed, but still as I skimmed it was convoluted as hell and of course there's another queen and of course we find out that Obi was important to that queen. EYE ROLL.

I was hoping Cazimir would actually find his viramore in the Ellwood coven but the author fucked up his storyline and made him a betrayer who got locked up for months and months. I felt bad for him the moment I knew he had taken a torturing because of Obi, why couldn't the author have turned his story into an interesting one, it just made Obi look like an idiot because he brought danger to the coven when he was so sure of himself, the dummy.

This was not my favourite series. Actually, I wouldn't ever recommend this. The repetition is on another level in all the books and after a while each character blends into one or two. I finished for the sake of finishing but also I was hoping Talon would be good because I saw good reviews and all I can tell you is I don't know what the fuck those people saw, maybe they're paid to write those glowing reviews, wouldnt be something new, but all I saw in this overly long book was dumbfuckery, repetition, cliches, cheesy fucking lines, disgusting violent threats over and over and more.
Profile Image for Jay A.  Aulds.
124 reviews1 follower
September 19, 2021
An epic finale to an amazing Brimswood Chronicle that sequal from the Ellwood Chronicle!
The heartstring pulling, the betrayal, the Good VS Evil mixup, and a whole lot of Ellwood hugging and support.

After so many years, Tallon finally finds his soulmate but to find out he's a member of the Order of Salvation that wants the Power of 3.
Will he find a way to convince his soulmate that things aren't hat they seem? or rather what his soulmate is being told are lies?
He fights his way in battles not only to protect his family and worlds, but also to his soulmate's heart.

Obidri having a great start in his early life only to be taken by the Order of Salvation and taught that witches were the evil ones.
Will he be able to believe in his soulmate's truth? or will he falls to his King's lies?
He must find a way to not only change his perspective on life, but his fear of abandment to being trusted, cared, loved by many.

I personally had to take some time after reading this final installment of the Brimswood Chronicle because Michelle Notaro is so evil to the point that I could NOT stop being emotional and flailing around like a baby. lol
I might not have follow Notaro's writing career from the start but It's been about a ear and half since Ifirst read the Enchanter's Flame , book 1 of the Ellwood Chronicle. and Ijust absolutely love Ailin and Sebastian and their ever growing family. It's rather bittersweet to get to this book, after what... 10 book and a few short stories? I'm truly happy to see that basically every member of the Ellwood coven find their ways to their soul mate. Not matter the speieces. Witches, Vampires, shifters, siren, Were-cyclop, Fi, Hunters, Nymphs, Drow, and so much more are mixed in this epic storyline.

If you are a fan of Hailey Turner, Gail Martin, Sammi Cee, Michelle Frost, and many others that write M-M Urban Fantasy, then this is definitely something to read on your down time. Just be sure have a box of tissue ready, y'all!

LOve you, Michell Notaro!!! Can't wait to ssee your next work!
Profile Image for Jeanette Waters.
2,013 reviews5 followers
September 16, 2021
Talon is not a sweet low angst tale. But after six Ellwood and five Brinnswick books, you shouldn't expect it to be. There will be tears. And heartache.
What you get is an exceptionally well written story. Talon is the last major character to find a mate. And what a mate he finds. A drow. And before he can claim his viramore, Talon has to keep him from killing him.
Obi has led a difficult life. On the run from the drow king, first his mother and then his father, along with the family sheltering them, is murdered. At 10 he becomes a prisoner of the drow king. He's trained, using abuse and torture, to be a sorcerer for the king's army.
Obi suffers from PTSD and an aversion to touch. The only way to reach him is with patience and Talon's determination to show him respect. It's slow going.
But the drow king isn't giving up Obi willingly. And if he can't have him, he'll destroy everything Obi holds dear. His one friend. And his viramore. It will take the entire Ellwood clan to defeat the king.
While the relationship is key, Notaro has a way with the action scenes. And her descriptive world building as she describes the Fae realm is topnotch.
A terrific read. Sad to see the series come to an end. Very happy with the epilogues. I received an ARC of this book for this review. Good trade.
Profile Image for Bethan.
186 reviews9 followers
September 21, 2021
Oh Michele has done it again. The books just get better and better!
Firstly, I absolutely love this series, and this book was so so good.

description

Talon dreamt of finding his special one, his viramore, to only find out that he was a monster, an enemy...
Obi and Talon's journey was so complex and really had me feeling every type of way. So many nail biting, extreme cuteness, emotional and amazing moments were really packed into this.

description

The relationship between them both was honestly so cute. I loved how they both developed throughout the story, as well as how the plot was woven in. I was honestly just cheering them on throughout.

I would one hundred per cent recommend reading this series. And if you've already started, you definitely need to pick up this book too.

Keep up the amazing work Michele!

Profile Image for E.Muddle.
1,400 reviews22 followers
September 22, 2021
I don’t think I was emotionally prepared for the conclusion to the phenomenal Brinnswick series. And boy was I right. Talon and Obidri’s story hurt so very good! Pretty much everything is thrown at them, so much so that I actually got worried they wouldn’t be able to find their happiness and peace with each other. But all that angst and pain - and not to mention the nail-biting suspense and action - makes their romance satisfying to your very core. I could feel the soul-deep connection between Talon and Obi, and honestly, it was so perfectly heart wrenching to watch them slowly fall in love in spite of everything. Individually, they are both beautiful souls, and together, they are pure magic. Talon’s patience, and his respect for Obi is truly something to marvel at. And Obi? Well, let’s just say he made me bawl my eyes out with how much he has suffered. It takes some very slow healing, a whole lot of tears and heartache, and some tenderly sweet intimacy to reach the HEA. An emotional roller coaster I will be riding again and again!
Profile Image for Kristin.
186 reviews3 followers
September 25, 2021
Epic ending to one of my favorite series!
Talon: Let me start with saying he was not at all what I expected. He has seemed a bit reserved and almost standoffish when he appeared in the other books. However in “Jorah” we got a little peek and I was intrigued. Talon has a depth of caring and a capacity for love that I didn’t expect. He has a fierce protective side not only for Obi but for his family. He was a delightful character who tied the series together.
Obi: I wanted to dislike Obi he was a part of the enemy! I knew Michele Notaro would never have someone truly evil belong with Talon but I didn’t expect to like Obi so quickly. He was willing to at least consider that his people were not who they say they are. He was so protective of Talon even when he doubted everything. And he is broken in ways that only Talon and the Elwood family can heal.
I am so sad that this series has ended but satisfied with the lives the beloved characters have.
The epilogue is a true gift and this is a series I will treasure and read over and over again!!
2 reviews
September 26, 2021
So the last and final book of the series it’s definitely a tearjerker it’s something you would have never seen coming the story is amazing and beautiful and lie and heavy and happy and sad definitely have tissues with you I feel like me and you like to spend the whole day finishing a book you started this is definitely a book for you and you definitely want to read it till the very end just because you hit the end doesn’t mean that it’s the very end it gives so much explanation too things it has its ups and downs but it’s just an absolutely beautiful book that I suggest everybody take the time to sit down and read and a fair warning you might get just a little bit mad at the author it’s for a good reason and it’s an amazing book but she’ll make you cry your eyes out in a heartbeat on this book
1,069 reviews
September 22, 2021
I wish I could give it more stars!

This is a paranormal fantasy suspense romance series, this is the final book in the Brinnswick Series which does need to be read in order and also after the entire Ellwood Chronicles. Notaro is a master at world-building and character development but I still was not ready for this book. I cried, every emotion was wrung out by the mid-point and I had to take a break. I walked away utterly destroyed and these two series have done something an author is rare to do: making me want to reread! Talon and Obi are beautiful souls, their stories are creative, well-written and even now, I cannot stop thinking about them; about all of the Ellwood Coven and their associates. Give these series a chance!
Profile Image for Read2escape  M.
251 reviews11 followers
September 25, 2021
my heart

I have yet to read a book in this series that didn’t make me cry atleast once !! Talon and Obi story is the beautiful conclusion to an amazing series and family ! While I have my favorite Ellwoods obi and talon manage to sneak in and steal my heart ! If you’re not familiar with the Ellwoods I would 100% recommend you starting with book one in the ellwood chronicles so you can fully appreciate what a magnificent ending this is
And those epilogue omg !!! I loved it and hated at the same time because it felt like saying goodbye to a family we’ve seen grow and grow !! Thank you Michelle notaro for giving us such amazing characters to connect with and love
Profile Image for Janet Hunt.
3,538 reviews46 followers
September 22, 2021
Epic!!! This was quite a ride the author took us on with The Brinnswick Chronicles. So much goes on in the story, it’s sooo hard to put down!! Happy tears and heartache go hand and hand with this story. Talon has been alone for many years when he finally finds his soulmate. Obidri is a member of the Order of Salvation, could fate have gotten it wrong? I absolutely adored this story and the whole series! The story is really well written, highly recommend. I am voluntarily leaving a review form an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
1,482 reviews5 followers
September 22, 2021
OMG this book has EVERYTHING! Michele Notaro has totally knocked it out of the park with the final book in this AMAZING series! I've been waiting for Talon's book and it was worth waiting for! The tears, heart break, joy and laughter are woven throughout this book and the action scenes are remarkable! Michele does such a beautiful job revisiting the previous characters while continuing to world build. Obi and Talon's story will make you cry, laugh, groan and cheer! ***10 stars**** I read an advanced copy of this book and this is my unbiased review!
1,478 reviews8 followers
September 28, 2021
I have loved this universe since the very first book and there is a part of me that hates to see it end. With that, Talon and Obi are the couple to have the series end with. There is so much in this book that you will find yourself ignoring everything else to simply read another page. You will smile, laugh, fan yourself, cry, then do it all over again.

To Michele Notaro: you are an amazing author with an imagination that lights up so many people's worlds. You provide your readers with an escape from our lives and there are not enough words to say thank you for that.
Profile Image for Chris Coleman.
101 reviews
January 13, 2023
This was a good ending for the series however I am not sure how well I liked the book. The hardship that they went through and the violence was a bit extreme to me. I felt it could have had the same result without and the epilogues left a lot missing. I know it needed wrapped up but it felt very "And they lived happily ever after" I am glad that everyone got there but I feel like we deserved more ofht ehappily journey and a little less heart break. It still is a very good book because I think that I am asking for is more.
1,488 reviews4 followers
September 23, 2021
The ultimate enemies-to-lovers love story!! It completely blew my mind. Full of amazing confrontations, heartwarming moments, a reluctant viramore and the best epilogue ever written. I cried a lot, but every tear was worthy for the result at the end. I don't want to spoil anything for you, but this wonderful book is a must read immediately if you are a fan of Ellwood and Brinnswick chronicles. Again, Ms Notaro showed us her genius in creating so huge world. Loved it!
Profile Image for Teresa.
3,941 reviews41 followers
September 21, 2021

Wow! What a journey it has been. It hasn’t been easy but so worth it. I didn’t feel I knew Talon well so wasn’t sure about his story but it was wonderful - sad and heartbreaking at times (i cried real tears) but wonderful. The worlds were well described and the feeling of love, family, and healing visceral. I loved the epilogue with the glimpse into the Ellwoods’ future. I’m sad to leave this world but happy for how it all turned out.

Profile Image for Jamilla Geter.
19 reviews3 followers
September 22, 2021
Stunning ending

I thought after Jorah there was nothing that could surprise me about this series. Boy was I wrong. For her final installment, Michele packs in all the angst, heartache, heartbreak and romance she can for Talon’s story. There’s plenty of laughter and crazy antics too. Plus a whole lot of love. What a wonderful ride, and a fitting end to a riveting series. I’m going to miss the Elwoods, but I’ll never forget them. Well done.
Profile Image for Jessica Coody kennedy.
97 reviews
September 24, 2021
Obi and Talon, the last wild ride in an amazing adventure! I'm struggling to find the words to express how much I absolutely loved Talon's story, his and Obi's journey. Their love and all they went through to make it to their happily ever after. It was amazing, dangerous, heart breaking, sexy and wondrous. To see the whole family together and happy gave me so many feels. I want to start the series over to experience it all again
730 reviews3 followers
September 21, 2021

I absolutely lost my mind with this book. I laughed, cried a river, threatened harm to the author (well in my mind I did). Oh my goodness this family has become my family. I am going to miss them so much. Talon was so wonderful to read and to finally get to know.man what a viramor he got. This series is a must read for sure.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews

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