Be a Magical Engineer, they say It’ll be fun, they say.
Yeah…not so much.
From the minute I graduated, my life was turned upside down. And things only got worse when I helped AMIA in their efforts to take down the resistance.
Now Logan, Theo, and I are at the rebel's mercy. They want us dead, but we’re determined to see another day.
All we have to do is find a way out of this hole, fight a bazillion rebels, And save the day, so I can go back to my men. No big deal, right?
If we live through this, and I get to see my men again, I'll be Ecstatic. And if I take down my psycho cousin while we’re at it, that’s even better.
A scientist at heart, T.S. Snow lives in a land far far away, secluded from most authors and readers (rumor has it that if you open your wardrobe you can find her hiding in there trying to take a nap). T.S. has a thirst for learning new languages, even if she is mostly worried about finding out new curse words in them. She has an amazing support system that include a loving boyfriend, her family, friends and her loyal - if completely lazy - dog. When she's not writing, T.S. can often be found causing complete chaos with her friends on social media, inhaling unhealthy amounts of coffee, or napping. Mostly napping.
Not so friendly reminder. TS Snow is the standard to which I compare all cliffhangers. She truly relishes in hurting her readers😭😭😭 though... this ending is relatively gentle🤣
"Bad behavior had to be punished early in the relationship, before we settled."😅
If that's not the most accurate statement about relationships I have ever read, I don't know what is.
Rejoining Char and the guys feels like a long time coming but I know it's just my fanatic, obsessed behind that was chomping at the bit for more.
Entering into Ecstatic, knowing we still get one more book not to mention the spinoff Arcane Mage World book (not so low key hoping it's Blair's story *I already think I know a love interest😍*), is a dream come true.
Favorite character? Hint: it's not who you think😂 Mrs. Alma. Obviously. I will now be directing all fashion, interior decorating, and life questions to her. *looks at TS* Still waiting on that drawing of her dino d***o decor. For research😏
Of course, I adore Char. She's manic and a hot mess at the best of times which endears her all the more to readers😍
Of the men, it should be NO surprise that Bast continues to be my main squeeze. Been saying it since chapter freaking one. Any other Bast fans can kindly get in line because he's mine.
In a slightly shocking turn of events, LOGAN is my second favorite. Oh boy. Praise me any time🥵
Andres is still amazing, don't get me wrong but he has to be conditioned😉😂 also. Jealous/possessive Andres is AMAZING😂
Blaze has some groveling to do... STILL🙃 boy cannot make any sort of good choice when it comes to Char. But he is on the right track. He just needs to gift her a few more Os and he should be fine🤤
Theo.... TS can keep him. He's so far in the doghouse I doubt he could find his way out at this point though I'm sure I'll be eating my words🙄 He needs to listen to Annie😒
I would actually love more of Christian. I know that's probably weird but ugh. I needs him.
Also..... Cara 🤬 Ricardo 🤬
Last, but not least. My new level to aspire to is "advanced octopi skills". Clearly my cuddles are lacking up to this point.
The harem finally started slowly growing more, and more of the heirs were willing to work with each other, but I still had issues with the excessive internal dialogue from the FMC Charisma, her badly timed clumsiness, and the very straightforward slow-paced plot with yet another cliffhanger. The relationship developments have been glacial throughout the whole series with barely any real action, and I miss the excitement and creativity with the world of Magical Engineers that made me interested in the series to begin with. There wasn't any real MET action or development at all. :(
It was overall an okay read with nothing too memorable, and I plan on finishing the series with the next release -- assuming that it will truly be the last book, since this book had originally been stated as the final book in the series in the previous one. ------ Ratings - completed series: #1 Chaotic: ★★★★★ #2 Hectic: ★★★☆☆ #3 Erratic: ★★★☆☆ #4 Frenetic: ★★★☆☆ #5 Ecstatic (this book): ★★★☆☆ #6 Charismatic: ★★☆☆☆
I love this world T.S. Snow created. I truly do. But...somehow it didn't feel like anything happened plot wise in this book. We had all the Blaze stuff in the earlier books and here he is again taking up a lot of screen time, which leads to the story developing very slowly. I basically feel like nothing changed from the end of book 4 to the end of book 5 (minus the kidnapping being resolved). I'm not sure if the plot seemed to be more fast paced in the earlier books, because I read the first three in a row (that could very well be the case) or if it is just slow in this one.
I even feel like the relationships with everyone are stagnating other than Blaze who I don't particularly care for. This book just seemed more like book 4.5 rather than book 5. Since nothing much happened I am also skeptical that Logan and Theo can be properly inducted into the harem and that the entire plot will be satisfactorily resolved in just one more book. This book just felt like an additional unnecessary build up that could have been, and should have been, more. I mean...e.g. in this book she interacted with Logan as much as she did in book 1. Maybe less. And they are basically still at the same point in their relationship even though they had gotten further in previous books. That's just odd.
I don't know. I was very excited for this one but it was just a bit...empty.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The reason I love this series is a really simple one - it brings me joy each time one is released. I end up smiling, laughing, cheering Char and the guys on, wanting to hug these characters when things get tough, gasping at the turns, and swooning over the relationships. I've been in and out of a book slump for months but I never have a problem getting immersed in Charisma's story. I'm also really happy that Ms. Snow announced that there will be six books in this series so she can focus on doing the relationship development justice and not rush anything.
Ecstatic picks up where we were left off before with Char, Theo, and Logan captured and in danger, while Bast, Andres, Blaze, and AMIA work to save them. Because of this set-up, the first part of the book is more plotting against the rebels and action-based with the latter part more of the relationship stuff, steam, and of course a small cliffhanger to end the book (some other folks thought it was a bigger cliffie but in comparison to others in the series, hey no one's in mortal danger for this one).
I still love Char and I feel like she's finding more of her groove. I also love each of the guys, even Theo, yes, that's right. This book had me just wanting to give Theo a hug and I'm looking forward to how some new info gets resolved and maybe changes feelings...purposefully vague. Logan slyly shows he's still interested and I'm waiting on him to really catch feelings to go along with his smoldering intensity. Blaze realizes what he wants and lays it out there. Of course Bast and Andres are firm in their awesome place of love and support. As this group dynamic takes better shape, there's bonding and communication and adjusting to how this whole harem life looks. There's still more action and growth to come, but that's why we get another book!
I'm looking forward to Blair's book (I thought I spied a hint of one of her guys in this book) and then the final one for Char!
3 stars only bc the overall plot was slow going, while the relationships plot took over. Charisma is taken and we spend some of the book with her dealing with that, but honestly nothing major or mega even happened there. There’s a ton that’s going on outside of her but we barely know the details of the investigation. We barely know what’s going on, Char has barely completed any METs, and by the end of the book we know Logan is interested but the two of them have barely spent enough on page time together to really get me wanting them together. I need more connection with them.
The ending was zero surprise to me at all. I suspected this was going to happen back when certain characters from that last scene were first introduced.
Still we spend a lot of pages with her boyfriends, and worrying about the relationships but idk there’s not enough progression in the way I want it to be. I’m still here though still want to see where this goes and how it turns out. I think a lot of her guys are really great though and I can’t wait to see more harem time.
Wish the book was longer bc the major plot about the kidnapping and in the information we find out surrounding that topic is really important but is maybe only a handful of pages if you were to pull them all together.
It always seems to get better when it’s ending, why do books do that?
More action. More RH-ing. More participation from the guys and the way they feel about Charisma. I think Logan still kinda came outta left field with the way he switches but Blaze is still my sexiest dude. Poor Theo. I didn’t like him a lot (still don’t) but I’m more sympathetic. Bastille just seems so perfect that it’s almost a negative against him to not have any flaws. But I love the steady support he gives Char.
The writing’s a lot better but there’s still some talkity-talk between simple passing lines and I personally just don’t think the monologues contribute to a whole lot, at least not with what a few lines could do. But that’s me.
Charisma, Theo and Logan are still prisoners of the rebels. However, Char is a princess who needs no saving. She knows how to protect herself and the people dear to her, so although she gets underestimated for being a magical engineer she has quite a few tricks up in her sleeves. Moreover, the rest of her harem is slowly coming to terms with the idea of all of them being in a relationship with Char, and I can't wait to see how the relationship develops.
What a ride!! There’s just something about this series that keeps you absolutely riveted! I am in awe of this series it keeps getting better and better a total must read for all those geeks and nerds!!
Brilliant novel The unique female main character is flawed, she's clumsy, babbles when she's nervous and highly intelligent. the world hand her a creapy deal and she out smarts them every time. this is a reverse harem novel. Each book adds another gorgeous man to her bed. very spicy.
This book was so good. I can’t wait to see what happens with Logan. How is she going to get away from her family obligation? Is Theo going to finally tell her the truth? So many questions still.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
WTH! I really thought this was the last book as I rule I try not to start a series that isn't already finished for probably fairly obvious reasons. How did I get this one so wrong!? It's been on my TBR list for a year and I thought it was a finished series when I added it then, the end of the book said that there is a book already written for Blair (witch honestly she should have been the main character from the beginning) But I don't see it listed on Goodreads is this book not written yet as the author said? I'll have to go investigate on Amazon.
So I get why the author didn't finish the series with this last book because the progress was really slow over the last few books I mean our girl hasn't even had 1 date with Logan yet not to mention Theo and her haven't even started working on their shit yet.
I'm frustrated with how lazy our characters have been with the whole fighting the resistance thing, I mean so many things probably could have been avoided if they had just followed up on leads instead of just putting it off and not following through with anything. Then the one time two of the guys get proactive and actually follow a lead they do it without alerting AMIA and get kidnapped. Kind of a useless bunch if you ask me.
The whole series I've heard about how Kickass Charisma is and how she may have low magic but she's one of the best fighters in the agency and is amazing in magical duels as long as she has her MET but I've yet to see her put any of those skills to use in real-life situations instead of just mock duels. Really Blair should have been the main character I'm not surprised the author plans to (or did?) write a book just for her.
I don't understand the bad guy's motives, not so much the resistance in general but Riccardo and mainly Char's cousin. I don't see the resistance following Riccardo when he stands for everything they are fighting against I don't think a single one of them would follow his orders so easily when they found out who he was and that he was only trying to get himself more power. I guess being power-hungry is the only motive we have for Riccardo and Char's cousin but that doesn't explain her personal vendetta against Char why does her cousin hate her so much when she already took everything from her? We had an opportunity to understand her motives better but all we got was that she's a crazy vain chick that wants to become Queen of the mages. I'm sorry but I think we could have done better than that it didn't seem believable to me at all.
Okay, the book was not all bad though. I enjoyed this one more than the last two mainly because the storyline finally started moving and there was a small attempt at some actual romance in this book at least Blaze tried to take Char on a date and Andres took her shopping for it. I have enjoyed Andres even when he's being ridiculous he brings a lot to the group dynamic with his jokes and I love his enthusiasm to have more brother-husbands lol. I really want to find out how Logan will mesh with the Harmen and of course I want to read how controlling he's going to be in the bedroom ;) I'm glad Theo had more of a reason for pushing Char away and not being able to tell her why his excuses and apologies were getting old so that was a good plot twist. I do like how the author has Char constantly zoning out in her head when someone's trying to talk to her I always found it annoying when reading a book that puts a long inner monologue in the middle of a conversation and you are supposed to believe that our main character had that long thought process in a matter of what should have been seconds, it doesn't seem plausible. So it's a fun way of writing to make it seem like our main character zones out a lot during these monologs instead of reading 5 paragraphs of inner dialogue while our characters are in the middle of a conversation. Oh, and I can't forget to mention Grandma Alma she's the best with her knowledge and attitude she does what she pleases and says whatever she likes I'm totally going to be her when I grow up :)
Sweet lord, did I just devour this book in 1 sitting…. Yes I did! Honestly this series is one of my faves and has been since book 1. Char is just a lead that I resonate with so much! TS’s writing style is like a breath of fresh air. The series keeps getting better and I literally am so happy TS has extended it for one more book and a spin off!
We start with the cliff from the last book with the group split and Char, Logan and Theo captured by the resistance. This book changes POVs quite a bit which tends to annoy me when we’re in the thick of things, but for this one it just worked, because while the party was split we needed all the different viewpoints to make it work!
The FMC! Oh my sweet, sweet mailbox possum. Char you are my spirit animal and I will always want to read your inner monologues and rambling. She’s really coming into her own in this book both in the relationship and what she wants in life and her relationships. She’s just an all around killer main.
The Guys! There is so much to unpack in this one! I thought that Logan and Theo would be the stars of this book, and while we do learn more about them, it’s really the harem dynamics between the guys and charlotte and then the guys themselves that take centre stage. It’s all in the build up for the final book.
The Smut! This book was heavy on plot but not as heavy on the smut. Now don’t get me wrong we still get the goods! Shower scene anyone?! But no crazy group. scenes in this one - we just have to wait for the final book for that!
Kind of the “Empire Strikes Back” of the series. It resolves the cliffy from the last book, but nothing new happens. There is some good relationship beholding with Andres and Blaze, but things only tread water with Logan. And not nearly enough Bast. Though there can never be enough Bast. I was kinda hoping for more spicy schmexy times after what happened in the last book. Unfortunately, while there were a couple hot scenes, I was hoping for more (in number and number). Overall, it was on-brand for the series, and Char is entertaining as ever, but the story didn’t actually move much.
Damn TBC endings! Recapping how this ended for the next book in July 2022.
Char’s harem is growing. She’s got 3 guys now with a 4th (Logan) showing interest. Char’s cousin, who her parents adopted to be their heir when Char’s magic wasn’t up to snuff and they disowned her, has been outed as working with the resistance and having kidnapped Char in the last book. At the very end of this book, Char’s parents ask her to visit and they drop the bomb that it’s time for her to come home and be their heir again, at least long enough for her to marry who they’ve chosen for her and pop out a baby who will then be raised appropriately and will take over the role as soon as it’s old enough. So yeah, the book ended with Char’s jaw in the ground. She’s either going to blow up at them and walk out, or their gonna do something heinous like drug her or whatnot. Thankfully one of her men knows where she went.
Also, the necromancers grandmother heard enough about Theodore’s odd behavior (the childhood friend and ex-bf who cut her out of his life and ghosted her for years, but now follows her like a puppy, threatens her boyfriends, but still acts like a dick to her). Grams asked to go see Theodore in the hospital where he was still recovering from being injured when he, Char, and Logan escaped captivity from the rebellion. She laid her hands on him and promptly announced that his grandmother (Esme) bound him to search for his soulmate but also bound him to stay away from Char. Grams ranted about how stupid this was, seeing how Char IS his soulmate. And the book ended there right as Char’s parents dropped their bomb.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I'm writing one blanket review for the five books I've read of this series because: 1. It's been a few weeks since I've read these. 2. My opinion of all the books is the same since they fundamentally follow the same pattern.
These books are almost... too quirky and light-hearted for me. The relationship development is slow, the main character is annoying at times, and the overarching plot is so spread out that by the time you've read five books you're still trying to figure out what the point of the series is and when the torture will end. The series and the characters are interesting initially, sure. Some funny moments and some action. But then it just goes ON AND ON, and I find myself wondering why I'm even continuing to read when every book I finish doesn't seem to actually get me that much closer to the finish line or to getting answers.
I don't think the story is THAT good or interesting that it needs as many books as it already has, let alone the additional books that will be released here. I notice this is a pattern with some of these paranormal books, where they just keep going and going and releasing books without giving you a strong exposition. It's just not for me and I'm obviously not a fan.
This is a VERY LOOSE 3/5 because I don't care for this series but I don't think it's that bad that it's a 2/5. It's just annoying.
With the previous books I always had a feeling that they were too short, but I loved them anyway. Charisma is a great and zany character and her story is quirky. This book didn't feel short, not that I would have minded if it was longer.
At the beginning of book 5 it follows on from book 4's cliffhanger, with Charisma locked up with Logan and Theo, threatened by her evil cousin, while Bastille, Andres and Blaze desperately try to find her.
This book is fast paced with action and relationship development. Overall, this series has been slow burn, but Charisma's harem is finally taking shape.
One of my favourite characters is definitely Bastille's grandmother Alma, she's always good for a laugh and a cringe.
I am so glad T.S Snow decided to write another book after this one as to cram everything into this would have felt really rushed especially from the relationship angle.
This book starts off from that little cliffie Book 4 left us on and we find out a bit more about the resistance in this one. I can't wait to find out what their actual end game is??
This one solidified another male into Char's harem which leaves two to go. One of which took an unexpected turn at the end there let's hope Gran can fix it, let's face it she's the best character ever.
I'm looking forward to Blair's book too as she's another great character, everything is now set up for the conclusion and I personally can't wait.
WARNING! Cliffhanger! This is a lesser cliffhanger, about a 3/5 on the trauma scale: no lives in danger, just some big issues.
Charisma, Theo, and Logan have all been captured by the rebels, and without Logan and Theo’s magic, they’re at a disadvantage. Meanwhile, the rest of Charisma’s men, plus the AIMA are searching for them…
Lots of stuff happening in this one, and some pretty big revelations too. Charisma has now cemented her bonds with three of the five men she find irresistible (kudos to the author for actually touching on a couple of the things I worried about in this harem, glad they’re actually acknowledged!).
All in all, this was a fast paced, action filled, magical RH urban fantasy tale, with an interesting premise and fun main character.
This is definitely an improvement from book 4 where I was frustrated enough to consider quitting the series. This did move a bit slow, and there seemed to be a lot less crazy unpredictable plot movement than the previous books in the series had, especially once Char, Theo & Logan are rescued. The overall development of relationships for the RH seem to move slower than I would have thought, with only Bastion, Andres, & Blaze being solidified into the RH. I totally get why there will be a book 6, since it didn't move fast enough for Logan & Theo to be absorbed into the RH yet. Or at least to not feel rushed or something. Or for the final plot to be move enough to show the RH being all the main houses of the Mages -as it's been hinted at all thru the series. I would have liked to have more emotional connection between the main characters. I really didn't feel the characters evolved into a "loving" relationship yet, that it's still based more on lust/chemistry at this point.
Char is so adorable, clumsy, and straight up horny lol. All things are coming together with finding out who is running the resistance and some other secrets that were revealed. Also I freaking love gran, she is awesome! Theo gives me a headache because he's such a creepy stalker but super stubborn. Oh and I was happy we got more of Logan in this book but I still would like to see more of him. With the relationship between char and her guys progressing things have steamed up a little but it still has more to go. This book had quite a bit more action and kept me more interested. Can't wait to read the last and see how this all concludes.
Holy! What a cluster of issues! I had no idea it would end like that and I’m amazing at guessing endings! How am I supposed to wait for the next book!? Once the trio was saved, I expected bigger issues near the end, but what we got was confusion, anger, wtf moments and of course the “aha” moments of Char! Char is endearing, her small quirks, her Independant attitude, her openness to the guys just made me fall in love with her character. Awesome book, horrible hangover of a cliffhanger, if you can get past the cliffhanger, your gonna love this book!
This book was yet another excellent installment of Charisma’s chaotic life. So many different things are brought to light in this book; from the resistance leader, to her cousin’s position in the resistance, as well as the bomb dropped by Logan and the unexpected twist with Theo in the end. This book had me on my toes from the beginning and I had a hard time putting it down. TS Snow has managed to create a series that is funny, sexy and keeps you guessing the whole way through. I’m anxious for more.
I'm not a huge reviewer, I have only ever written a few, but I loved this series I felt I must at least give a review. The series thus far is well written and I enjoyed the character development. Although I think too little time is spent on Logan and I find Theo a bit much with his woe is me attitude. I still very much love all the characters. The story is very captivating and keeps you entrance. I can not wait for the next installment and Blair's spin off. Kudos Miss. Snow Kudos!!
Absolutely love this series! This book was my least favorite so far but was definitely needed to get to some big stuff to come. I loved that we got to see the harem build a bit. I can’t wait for Char to unlock her potential and really face her future. It may have been a “building book” but a hundred percent worth the read. Awesome series. Great and hilarious characters. Praying the release date is moved up for the next Lol.
Is that even possible to have more than one cliffhanger at the end of a book? Yes. It is. This story is so amazing. You'll want to meet the characters. You will want to see the magic. The relationship building is spot on. (It's slow burn but not glacial.) It's soulmates but the romance happens organically. It doesn't feel forced or rushed. And the steam, ooooh yeah, it's hot!
"Argh. This was why I didn’t like leaving my mailbox. This was why I didn’t like interacting with people. Peopleing was hard."
I can relate to that!
T.S. Snow did it again! I love everything about this series, and Ecstatic didn’t disappoint. I was super happy as I read about Charisma and her boys. While this series isn’t all lightheartedness, the humor gets me. I laughed out loud so many times. I can relate to the clumsiness of Char, and I get so entertained by her antics and goofy charm. She’s a fantastic FMC. The relationship development with the boys continues, and it’s so sweet. I’m in love with the characters and the world that T.S. has created. It’s a world I can easily get lost in for hours at a time. The steam is YUM, but I would have loved to have more since we are in the fifth book, but it doesn’t detract from the story. I can’t wait to see where Char and the boys story takes them next! The Arcane Mage series is wonderful, it’s funny, it’s hot, there’s twists and turns and it will keep you guessing from beginning to end. Such a fantastic read! I can’t wait for the next one! 🖤
Really great continuation of this series! I’m glad this wasn’t the last in the series so the relationships have more time to really develop without being rushed! Especially For Theo and Logan, their slow burn relationships with Charisma would have felt too rushed otherwise. The writing is witty and the characters are all amazing. This is a great series and I’m excited for the final instalment and spin-off!