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Twisted Luck #4.5
Joined
Dearly beloved, we are gathered here….
Weddings are never easy. But a wedding for your best friend has it's own certain brand of joy. Jo and Sable are getting married and I'm going to be their Person of Honor.
Easy, right?
Between defending my dissertation, dealing with wedding plans gone wild, freaking out brides, and my own miss givings, it's going to take a miracle to get us all to the altar.
But sometimes just loving someone is enough. If I have to use magic to make it perfect, I will.
This is a novelette set in the Twisted Luck series. It is best read between Inherited Luck and Drafted Luck. Get ready for some tears and remembering that love doesn't have a defined form.
Weddings are never easy. But a wedding for your best friend has it's own certain brand of joy. Jo and Sable are getting married and I'm going to be their Person of Honor.
Easy, right?
Between defending my dissertation, dealing with wedding plans gone wild, freaking out brides, and my own miss givings, it's going to take a miracle to get us all to the altar.
But sometimes just loving someone is enough. If I have to use magic to make it perfect, I will.
This is a novelette set in the Twisted Luck series. It is best read between Inherited Luck and Drafted Luck. Get ready for some tears and remembering that love doesn't have a defined form.
54 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2021
48 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Mel Todd
82 books210 followersHey everyone! I'm Mel Todd and I live in Atlanta, Georgia at this moment. I write mostly romance free urban fantasy, urban science fiction, and soon fantasy.
Here are 4 truths and one lie about myself.
1 - I know how to milk a goat.
2- I once propositioned Dean Cain.
3 - I had my picture taken with Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner.
4 - I have driven across the US.
5 - I have a library with over 2000 RPG books.
I'm working on the next book in the Twisted Luck series and have an duology I'm planning on writing for Nanowrimo in 2021.
Here are 4 truths and one lie about myself.
1 - I know how to milk a goat.
2- I once propositioned Dean Cain.
3 - I had my picture taken with Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner.
4 - I have driven across the US.
5 - I have a library with over 2000 RPG books.
I'm working on the next book in the Twisted Luck series and have an duology I'm planning on writing for Nanowrimo in 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 28, 2023
2023 bk 149 - I enjoyed this short telling of the wedding of our trio. When things start to go array, a Cathian mother is called in to help smooth things over and plan. One of the best decisions ever! This is certainly a wedding of the year story of what family means.
October 17, 2021
Nice interlude
Todd is an excellent writer and storyteller. Thisnis a wonderfully crafted novella and does a nice job of telling of an important circumstance in the main characters' lives while not pulling away from a larger story that from which this portion doesnt draw away attention.
I still take issue with the lack of denouement in her work though. (Warning, some spoilers below.) Wouldve been nice to have one more chapter, inviting the readers to the reception. We could've heard Papi's speech, or more about the family's appreciation of Cori's surprise and their awareness (or not) of that, along with descriptions of the first dance or dances with their fathers to set the stage. Cori could've had conversations with various people about how they and she feel about the joining and surprise of it all... she could've talked to Indira about their research a bit, overheard mami explaining to Esmere that the chicken dance isnt a game where some people act like prey for others to predate them, Tirsane doing the hokey pokey... the denizens could've follow up on Jeorgaz's earlier expressed concerns, or Cori talking about her expectations for the Draft... plenty of options here concluding with either the couple leaving the reception or Cori dropping them at the airport. That would've been a more fitting conclusion.
Just a personal pet peeve of mine that so many books today forget this kind of subsequent cause and effect wrap up for the story.
Todd is an excellent writer and storyteller. Thisnis a wonderfully crafted novella and does a nice job of telling of an important circumstance in the main characters' lives while not pulling away from a larger story that from which this portion doesnt draw away attention.
I still take issue with the lack of denouement in her work though. (Warning, some spoilers below.) Wouldve been nice to have one more chapter, inviting the readers to the reception. We could've heard Papi's speech, or more about the family's appreciation of Cori's surprise and their awareness (or not) of that, along with descriptions of the first dance or dances with their fathers to set the stage. Cori could've had conversations with various people about how they and she feel about the joining and surprise of it all... she could've talked to Indira about their research a bit, overheard mami explaining to Esmere that the chicken dance isnt a game where some people act like prey for others to predate them, Tirsane doing the hokey pokey... the denizens could've follow up on Jeorgaz's earlier expressed concerns, or Cori talking about her expectations for the Draft... plenty of options here concluding with either the couple leaving the reception or Cori dropping them at the airport. That would've been a more fitting conclusion.
Just a personal pet peeve of mine that so many books today forget this kind of subsequent cause and effect wrap up for the story.
December 25, 2024
This was a beautiful story to read!
At the end of 'Inherited Luck', Jo and Sable became engaged to be married and, here in 'Joined', it is their wedding day - and what a wedding day it is!
As usual, the creatures of the Realms, who have taken such an interest in Cori and, through her, with Jo and Sable, have decided to do something special for the occasion, and Cori is utterly surprised by the choices made, especially when Jo and Sable spring yet another surprise on her!
I have to confess this was so beautiful, it had me weeping - but as they were tears of joy, I didn't mind. Although I'm more of a weeper these days, than I used to be, the writing was so special, I couldn't have done any different, if I'd tried!
But, now that I've finished this second novelette of the Twisted Luck series, I'm off to start reading Book Five: 'Drafted Luck' and, once I've finished this, too, I'll catch you on the flip side, to let you know what I think of it all!
At the end of 'Inherited Luck', Jo and Sable became engaged to be married and, here in 'Joined', it is their wedding day - and what a wedding day it is!
As usual, the creatures of the Realms, who have taken such an interest in Cori and, through her, with Jo and Sable, have decided to do something special for the occasion, and Cori is utterly surprised by the choices made, especially when Jo and Sable spring yet another surprise on her!
I have to confess this was so beautiful, it had me weeping - but as they were tears of joy, I didn't mind. Although I'm more of a weeper these days, than I used to be, the writing was so special, I couldn't have done any different, if I'd tried!
But, now that I've finished this second novelette of the Twisted Luck series, I'm off to start reading Book Five: 'Drafted Luck' and, once I've finished this, too, I'll catch you on the flip side, to let you know what I think of it all!
August 6, 2021
This series is the best! (I'm leaving a review, which is rare for a book!)
I'm absolutely in love with this series. The direction it's gone in is interesting. Not what I expected from the first book, but it's been fascinating to follow along. I love the character's growth - this particular book shows that one character still has some growing to do, but I'm looking forward to that!! The descriptions of everything from the clothes to the emotions to the physical feelings that the main character has are really effective at drawing you into the world the author creates. I'm really looking forward to more from this author :)
I'm absolutely in love with this series. The direction it's gone in is interesting. Not what I expected from the first book, but it's been fascinating to follow along. I love the character's growth - this particular book shows that one character still has some growing to do, but I'm looking forward to that!! The descriptions of everything from the clothes to the emotions to the physical feelings that the main character has are really effective at drawing you into the world the author creates. I'm really looking forward to more from this author :)
August 29, 2021
I swear, Cory is dang near COMATOSE when it comes to relationships!
I am loving this series. I swear tho, Ms Todd, i would very much appreciate it if you were to allow all of us to take over the tedium of 'dealing' with Cory's whiney, rat bastard parents. Yes, i know, they're off in smug muggle ville....doesn't mean I can't dream
This is an excellent series. There is rich world building, complex characters, and the magic has some very firm rules....or at least, everyone else thinks it does.
Thank you for getting Jo and Sable married....and getting Cory all stirred in with them. It was a lovely ceremony, and i felt honored to be able to attend!
I am loving this series. I swear tho, Ms Todd, i would very much appreciate it if you were to allow all of us to take over the tedium of 'dealing' with Cory's whiney, rat bastard parents. Yes, i know, they're off in smug muggle ville....doesn't mean I can't dream
This is an excellent series. There is rich world building, complex characters, and the magic has some very firm rules....or at least, everyone else thinks it does.
Thank you for getting Jo and Sable married....and getting Cory all stirred in with them. It was a lovely ceremony, and i felt honored to be able to attend!
August 7, 2021
A tasty morsel
A bit sappy and saccharine, but it helps to fill in some spaces in the world of Twisted Luck. There are two critical events.
I also want to say THANK YOU to the author. The events here would have distorted any larger novel. Some tales need to be written, for complete-ness. But, they don’t ‘fit’ in a regular novel arc.
Professional grade prose.
Reading this is not truly necessary to understand the main series. I do wish this had been listed as “X.5”, to better place this within the series.
A bit sappy and saccharine, but it helps to fill in some spaces in the world of Twisted Luck. There are two critical events.
I also want to say THANK YOU to the author. The events here would have distorted any larger novel. Some tales need to be written, for complete-ness. But, they don’t ‘fit’ in a regular novel arc.
Professional grade prose.
Reading this is not truly necessary to understand the main series. I do wish this had been listed as “X.5”, to better place this within the series.
August 28, 2022
4 The Blessing Of Magic Stars
Joined is a side story in the Twisted Luck series by Mel Todd.
Oh, I so saw that coming. Cori is terribly focused, she tends to miss the more emotional connections around her. Sable and Jo were so obviously never going to allow her to be left out of their bond, because they understand her insecurities and abandonment issues.
I bet that was magic speaking.
Joined is a side story in the Twisted Luck series by Mel Todd.
Oh, I so saw that coming. Cori is terribly focused, she tends to miss the more emotional connections around her. Sable and Jo were so obviously never going to allow her to be left out of their bond, because they understand her insecurities and abandonment issues.
I bet that was magic speaking.
April 24, 2023
Who doesn't love a good wedding
Jo & Sable are getting married! Jo's mother is trying to plan it, as both women are occupied with their draft duties.
Except she's talking about purple & orange for the wedding colors. They ask their friend/sister for help. Except, she's studying to defend her dissertation. So she delegates. Was that a mistake?
No high stakes obstacles. No bridezillas. Just two people getting married.
Short & sweet, with a surprise at the end.
Jo & Sable are getting married! Jo's mother is trying to plan it, as both women are occupied with their draft duties.
Except she's talking about purple & orange for the wedding colors. They ask their friend/sister for help. Except, she's studying to defend her dissertation. So she delegates. Was that a mistake?
No high stakes obstacles. No bridezillas. Just two people getting married.
Short & sweet, with a surprise at the end.
August 2, 2021
Good
This novella is set in the Twisted Luck Universe, and features Josefina and Sable’s engagement, Cori’s dissertation for her PhD, and Jo and Sable’s wedding day.
This is a lovely story of love and friendship in this world, and has a small surprise at the end that I don’t want to spoil… BUT you will need to read this before Drafted Luck!
This novella is set in the Twisted Luck Universe, and features Josefina and Sable’s engagement, Cori’s dissertation for her PhD, and Jo and Sable’s wedding day.
This is a lovely story of love and friendship in this world, and has a small surprise at the end that I don’t want to spoil… BUT you will need to read this before Drafted Luck!
August 14, 2021
A beautiful ending and am anticipating a great future
A beautiful wedding and joining of the three female main characters. A lovely way to end the story to this point and setup for the draft. If you haven't read Ms Todd's novels you are definitely missing something. Fully recommended!
A beautiful wedding and joining of the three female main characters. A lovely way to end the story to this point and setup for the draft. If you haven't read Ms Todd's novels you are definitely missing something. Fully recommended!
September 24, 2021
Awww!
This short was really sweet, and made me tear up a bit. A good addition to the series. This advances the story quite a bit for the small word count, and would consider it an important part of the series. A lot of the time you can skip the novellas, but not with Mel Todd (which I consider a good thing).
This short was really sweet, and made me tear up a bit. A good addition to the series. This advances the story quite a bit for the small word count, and would consider it an important part of the series. A lot of the time you can skip the novellas, but not with Mel Todd (which I consider a good thing).
January 6, 2022
Another win from Mel Todd!
I love this whole series. It's so carefully written with absolutely outstanding world building and engaging characters. This novella is a sweet chapter in a generally action packed series. A nice little Valentine's read I would say. I don't think I'd recommend leaving this as a standalone though. Do yourself a favor and read the whole series ;)
I love this whole series. It's so carefully written with absolutely outstanding world building and engaging characters. This novella is a sweet chapter in a generally action packed series. A nice little Valentine's read I would say. I don't think I'd recommend leaving this as a standalone though. Do yourself a favor and read the whole series ;)
October 27, 2022
Magic and marriage
Cori is the special person who is assigned as a witness and an assistant to both Jo and Sable on their wedding day. But first, she has to face a review for her doctorate thesis. This is the culmination of all her studies. Once that is over and dusted it is time for a very magical wedding with some very unusual guests and a big surprise for Cori.
Cori is the special person who is assigned as a witness and an assistant to both Jo and Sable on their wedding day. But first, she has to face a review for her doctorate thesis. This is the culmination of all her studies. Once that is over and dusted it is time for a very magical wedding with some very unusual guests and a big surprise for Cori.
August 6, 2021
Twitterpation
Who knew that was the perfect word for anxious brides-to-be stressing out over wedding planning. Fun novella in the series leaving you wanting more. Looking forward to Drafted Luck.
Who knew that was the perfect word for anxious brides-to-be stressing out over wedding planning. Fun novella in the series leaving you wanting more. Looking forward to Drafted Luck.
August 24, 2021
Very enjoyable
I always enjoy the shorter stories about an event that important to the characters but is more focused on a single event. This was a happy event and I sort of feel like I was there.
I always enjoy the shorter stories about an event that important to the characters but is more focused on a single event. This was a happy event and I sort of feel like I was there.
November 24, 2021
Must read before book 5
This was so short but what a lovely scene it depicted. I'm so glad I was able to read this short novella before going on to book 5. I started to read the 5th book and I felt like something important was missing. This novella was very important!
This was so short but what a lovely scene it depicted. I'm so glad I was able to read this short novella before going on to book 5. I started to read the 5th book and I felt like something important was missing. This novella was very important!
February 16, 2022
A wedding short
Try to read this between books 4 and 5 in the series. The story is primarily about a magical wedding and will probably appeal to romantic minded readers but it is a nice addition to the Twisted Luck universe.
Try to read this between books 4 and 5 in the series. The story is primarily about a magical wedding and will probably appeal to romantic minded readers but it is a nice addition to the Twisted Luck universe.
May 22, 2022
Offshoot of the twisted luck series
Might be the best of the series. Ironically, there was no plot needed because you share the joy of the characters getting the rewards so rich!y deserved. Yet the ending plot produced by two of the main characters was amazing.
Might be the best of the series. Ironically, there was no plot needed because you share the joy of the characters getting the rewards so rich!y deserved. Yet the ending plot produced by two of the main characters was amazing.
February 4, 2024
The time is here! The wedding between Jo and Sable. Can Cori keep Jo and Sable from breaking down. Is Jo’s mother going to ruin everything? What will happen in the newest installment of the Twisted Luck series?
July 26, 2021
Sweet
I loved this story of Jo and Sable's wedding! Excellent addition to the Twisted Luck stories. Brought tears to my eyes.
I loved this story of Jo and Sable's wedding! Excellent addition to the Twisted Luck stories. Brought tears to my eyes.
July 29, 2021
Wonderful
At last a story where Cori is not attacked. Full of joy. Looking forward to the next chapter. Highly recommended.
At last a story where Cori is not attacked. Full of joy. Looking forward to the next chapter. Highly recommended.
August 1, 2021
4.5. Adorable and cute and ugh I want the next book to come out!
November 10, 2021
It was pleasant
December 31, 2021
A quick novella, free in Kindle Unlimited, about Jo and Sable's wedding, which has a surprise twist at the end.
January 3, 2022
Cute wedding novella
Even though they're a triad, I still hope Cori gets a romantic love interest. She keeps mentioning it so I want it to happen for her.
Even though they're a triad, I still hope Cori gets a romantic love interest. She keeps mentioning it so I want it to happen for her.
February 1, 2022
Happy tale
A great way to fill in some of life And daily routine was a very very happy occasion. I love this entire story Arc.
A great way to fill in some of life And daily routine was a very very happy occasion. I love this entire story Arc.
April 3, 2022
good
Not suspenseful but it was a continuation of the story line. I’m not big on romance but this was okay.
Not suspenseful but it was a continuation of the story line. I’m not big on romance but this was okay.
April 28, 2022
Delightful
I was disappointed that the wedding had been glossed over in the novels. I was very pleased to see it got its own novella. The whole thing was very realistic.
I was disappointed that the wedding had been glossed over in the novels. I was very pleased to see it got its own novella. The whole thing was very realistic.
June 3, 2022
No action
No action. Found it profoundly boring. Kept waiting for something to happen. I was at the end before I realized that was the whole story. SO disappointed!
No action. Found it profoundly boring. Kept waiting for something to happen. I was at the end before I realized that was the whole story. SO disappointed!
October 15, 2022
Beautiful
Im so grateful the author wrote this novella. It fills a missing piece within the series and deserved to be focused upon in this way.
Im so grateful the author wrote this novella. It fills a missing piece within the series and deserved to be focused upon in this way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews