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Enchanted Occasions #1
Nudging Fate
Listening Length: 6 hours and 34 minutes.
With his heart’s desire at stake, can he resist giving Fate a little nudge?
Half-norn event planner Anders Skuldsson is under strict orders from Asgard not to meddle with Fate. But with Enchanted Occasions’ latest booking - the competition for the hand of Faerie’s one true prince - crashing around his ears, it’s really, really, really difficult to toe that particular line. So...if Andy just happens to pose as a contender for the prince? It’s an emergency, damn it. Besides, it’s only temporary, so Odin can hardly blame him. Right?
If Conall of Odstone hadn’t sworn a blood oath to protect his half-brother, Prince Reyner, he’d murder the idiot himself. Rey was supposed to be here, choosing a mate before being crowned and wed. Instead, he’s disappeared, leaving Con to impersonate him. Again.
But when Con meets Andy, his anger turns to desire...and despair. Even if Andy forgives him for pretending to be someone he’s not, how could a man as appealing and accomplished as Andy - a man who’s eligible for a prince’s hand, for pity’s sake - settle for the court outcast?
As for Andy, his burgeoning feelings for the prince are both unfortunate and hopeless because hello? Half-norn? Faerie prince? Not exactly a match made in Valhalla.
When the Faerie Queen herself hands down an ultimatum, the double deception isn’t their only obstacle. Unless Andy makes the right decision, both their fates could be sealed by...well.... Fate.
Nudging Fate is a 54,000-word paranormal rom-com featuring mistaken identity, royalty in disguise, interfering coworkers, an iron knight with a soft heart, a temperamental goblin chef, and a guaranteed HEA.
With his heart’s desire at stake, can he resist giving Fate a little nudge?
Half-norn event planner Anders Skuldsson is under strict orders from Asgard not to meddle with Fate. But with Enchanted Occasions’ latest booking - the competition for the hand of Faerie’s one true prince - crashing around his ears, it’s really, really, really difficult to toe that particular line. So...if Andy just happens to pose as a contender for the prince? It’s an emergency, damn it. Besides, it’s only temporary, so Odin can hardly blame him. Right?
If Conall of Odstone hadn’t sworn a blood oath to protect his half-brother, Prince Reyner, he’d murder the idiot himself. Rey was supposed to be here, choosing a mate before being crowned and wed. Instead, he’s disappeared, leaving Con to impersonate him. Again.
But when Con meets Andy, his anger turns to desire...and despair. Even if Andy forgives him for pretending to be someone he’s not, how could a man as appealing and accomplished as Andy - a man who’s eligible for a prince’s hand, for pity’s sake - settle for the court outcast?
As for Andy, his burgeoning feelings for the prince are both unfortunate and hopeless because hello? Half-norn? Faerie prince? Not exactly a match made in Valhalla.
When the Faerie Queen herself hands down an ultimatum, the double deception isn’t their only obstacle. Unless Andy makes the right decision, both their fates could be sealed by...well.... Fate.
Nudging Fate is a 54,000-word paranormal rom-com featuring mistaken identity, royalty in disguise, interfering coworkers, an iron knight with a soft heart, a temperamental goblin chef, and a guaranteed HEA.
7 pages, Audible Audio
First published May 15, 2018
166 people are currently reading
442 people want to read
About the author
E.J. Russell
54 books412 followersE.J. Russell –grace, mother of three, recovering actor–writes romance in a rainbow of flavors. Count on high snark, low angst and happy endings.
Reality? Eh, not so much.
Reality? Eh, not so much.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
April 11, 2020
3.5 Stars
An interesting premise to a new series.
As per the blurb, both Andy and Con are operating under a lot of subterfuge. Andy, the stressed out event coordinator, must pretend to be a candidate vying for the role of prince’s consort since extenuating circumstances has rendered all others temporarily indisposed. Con, half brother to the fairy prince, agrees to magically impersonate Rey because Rey can’t be bothered to sit through the “competition” to weed out who would fit him best.
What ensues is obviously a ton of deception on both sides, so for those who hate that sort of thing, beware big time. This did drag a bit, and as these two fall for each other, they fret understandably as to how it will or will not work out in the end.
Points for a well written story. The set up is not my usual cup of tea, but the conclusion was different and a nice surprise/detour from the typical obligatory forgone conclusion.
Good enough. This was overall, a Beyond win!
An interesting premise to a new series.
As per the blurb, both Andy and Con are operating under a lot of subterfuge. Andy, the stressed out event coordinator, must pretend to be a candidate vying for the role of prince’s consort since extenuating circumstances has rendered all others temporarily indisposed. Con, half brother to the fairy prince, agrees to magically impersonate Rey because Rey can’t be bothered to sit through the “competition” to weed out who would fit him best.
What ensues is obviously a ton of deception on both sides, so for those who hate that sort of thing, beware big time. This did drag a bit, and as these two fall for each other, they fret understandably as to how it will or will not work out in the end.
Points for a well written story. The set up is not my usual cup of tea, but the conclusion was different and a nice surprise/detour from the typical obligatory forgone conclusion.
Good enough. This was overall, a Beyond win!
March 12, 2020
3 Stars
Imaginative, charming, and probably one of the better written stories I’ve encountered in the Dreamspun Beyond line, Nudging Fate was a quick and easy read full of magical beings, secret identities, forbidden romances and royal intrigue.
However, this whole premise is based on themes of deception, which didn’t sit well with me. Even when presented as a sort-of comedy of errors, with characters that were well-meaning (for the most part), I still disliked a lot of the dishonesty and miscommunication that played out here. It all left me feeling anxious and annoyed, bothered by how the MCs chose to behave, hiding pretty pivotal things from one another as they seemingly fell in love.
I did find this to be a well-executed story, though – one that weaved Norse myths and legends into an otherwise completely unique and intriguing fantasy tale. And I will admit, the ending had a bit of a kick to it that amped up my overall enjoyment before all was said and done.
Imaginative, charming, and probably one of the better written stories I’ve encountered in the Dreamspun Beyond line, Nudging Fate was a quick and easy read full of magical beings, secret identities, forbidden romances and royal intrigue.
However, this whole premise is based on themes of deception, which didn’t sit well with me. Even when presented as a sort-of comedy of errors, with characters that were well-meaning (for the most part), I still disliked a lot of the dishonesty and miscommunication that played out here. It all left me feeling anxious and annoyed, bothered by how the MCs chose to behave, hiding pretty pivotal things from one another as they seemingly fell in love.
I did find this to be a well-executed story, though – one that weaved Norse myths and legends into an otherwise completely unique and intriguing fantasy tale. And I will admit, the ending had a bit of a kick to it that amped up my overall enjoyment before all was said and done.
January 22, 2019
Will review in the morning...
January 3, 2019
This story was just delightful! A crazy mix of Norse gods and legends, pretty much every sort of supernatural creature you could think of, magic and fate, TWO cases of mistaken identities, and that happy fairy tale feeling.
Andy is an event planner and has been put in charge of a major one - making sure the prince of the Fae selects a consort from the people selected by his mother. What Andy doesn't know is that Rey - the prince - is really Con, the prince's half brother. And what Con doesn't know is that Andy is NOT one of the candidates, but works for the event planning company. See?
I loved the world building in this - there's the human world and there are also all sorts of other realms that these magical and mystical beings hail from. There are pureblood beings and half-beings, or aitchers, and I loved how they all had their quirks and abilities. I think there is so much that the author can do in this world with different pairings - I'm getting ready to start the second book which features a couple of characters introduced in this story.
I enjoy this author's world building and quirky, fun characters (the Chef that almost kept going into a berserker rage b/c people weren't eating his food, the armored Knight that would love nothing more than to behead and bathe in the blood of his enemies, but now is told not to and squeaks and needs WD40) and look forward to what she has planned for us this year.
Very sweet, fun, light on the heat factor, but that works for this setting and this type of book that DSP is releasing. Very enjoyable!
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Andy is an event planner and has been put in charge of a major one - making sure the prince of the Fae selects a consort from the people selected by his mother. What Andy doesn't know is that Rey - the prince - is really Con, the prince's half brother. And what Con doesn't know is that Andy is NOT one of the candidates, but works for the event planning company. See?
I loved the world building in this - there's the human world and there are also all sorts of other realms that these magical and mystical beings hail from. There are pureblood beings and half-beings, or aitchers, and I loved how they all had their quirks and abilities. I think there is so much that the author can do in this world with different pairings - I'm getting ready to start the second book which features a couple of characters introduced in this story.
I enjoy this author's world building and quirky, fun characters (the Chef that almost kept going into a berserker rage b/c people weren't eating his food, the armored Knight that would love nothing more than to behead and bathe in the blood of his enemies, but now is told not to and squeaks and needs WD40) and look forward to what she has planned for us this year.
Very sweet, fun, light on the heat factor, but that works for this setting and this type of book that DSP is releasing. Very enjoyable!
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
July 5, 2020
3.25 stars
In a word: Adorable.
In a word: Adorable.
March 18, 2025
Folks! That's why only one cook or chef is needed in the kitchen
September 26, 2022
Another fab paranormal from E.J.
I loved this new paranormal romance from one of my favourite writers in the genre
It's got a great mix of humour and hijinks, although disappointingly it's a fade to black situation with the sexy times, which is ehy I've docked a star.
I vastly prefer to at least have the first sexual encounter take place on page because otherwise the reader is missing out on the emotions and vulnerability which comes through intimacy.
Still, it's a minor niggle, the rest of the story was fab and I have to say one incident which occurs actually had my jaw dropping because I would never have thought the plot would go there!
I'm looking forward to reading more in this world, which I'm not sure whether it's connected to the Mythmatched Universe.
I loved this new paranormal romance from one of my favourite writers in the genre
It's got a great mix of humour and hijinks, although disappointingly it's a fade to black situation with the sexy times, which is ehy I've docked a star.
I vastly prefer to at least have the first sexual encounter take place on page because otherwise the reader is missing out on the emotions and vulnerability which comes through intimacy.
Still, it's a minor niggle, the rest of the story was fab and I have to say one incident which occurs actually had my jaw dropping because I would never have thought the plot would go there!
I'm looking forward to reading more in this world, which I'm not sure whether it's connected to the Mythmatched Universe.
December 13, 2020
The author describes this book as I Love Lucy crossed with Supernatural and she wasn't wrong - the crazy madcap zaniness had me chuckling throughout. Personally - I felt this fluffy, romantic and delightful paranormal had all the hallmarks of those 1940s Ealing Studios screwball capers where mistaken identities and frantic exits/entrances abound; and then blending in elements of The Bachelor -a perfect recipe for a few hours of diversion in these trying times.
The book features a plethora of fantastical and endearing characters - starting with Andy, a male half-Norn (gasp!) events co-coordinator, whose ability to pull off an event under extreme duress conflicts with his natural urges to tweaking other people's fate. The other MC is Con - an illegitimate half-fae, whose father happens to be the faerie Queen's pet-wyvern (long story), and whose stoic good-naturedness is prevailed upon by all and sundry. Their attraction is 'insta' but the author deftly stretches out the romance arc til waaay past mid-point of reading.
The secondary characters surrounding these two are funny and interesting (the author infuses them with a great deal of personality!) - intrepid half-fae EO staffers Brooke, Smith, Forrest and OMG - Chef!!! (my favorite character in the entire tale - I wish the author would give us a book featuring Chef - Gordon Ramsey eat your heart out!). Don't get me started on Talus, whose singular attitude toward dispensing justice was warmly fleshed out by unintentionally humorous asides and pronouncements.
I had already rated this at 4 stars but with an unexpected shout-out to Diana Wynne Jones - this automatically earned another half star to 4.5!
The book features a plethora of fantastical and endearing characters - starting with Andy, a male half-Norn (gasp!) events co-coordinator, whose ability to pull off an event under extreme duress conflicts with his natural urges to tweaking other people's fate. The other MC is Con - an illegitimate half-fae, whose father happens to be the faerie Queen's pet-wyvern (long story), and whose stoic good-naturedness is prevailed upon by all and sundry. Their attraction is 'insta' but the author deftly stretches out the romance arc til waaay past mid-point of reading.
The secondary characters surrounding these two are funny and interesting (the author infuses them with a great deal of personality!) - intrepid half-fae EO staffers Brooke, Smith, Forrest and OMG - Chef!!! (my favorite character in the entire tale - I wish the author would give us a book featuring Chef - Gordon Ramsey eat your heart out!). Don't get me started on Talus, whose singular attitude toward dispensing justice was warmly fleshed out by unintentionally humorous asides and pronouncements.
I had already rated this at 4 stars but with an unexpected shout-out to Diana Wynne Jones - this automatically earned another half star to 4.5!
October 9, 2023
4.5 stars
This was madcap fun. I enjoyed every minute of it. I read Best Beast prior (though you don’t have to to enjoy this) and really liked the world then. This expounds on it without going into too much detail. Light easy read!
This was madcap fun. I enjoyed every minute of it. I read Best Beast prior (though you don’t have to to enjoy this) and really liked the world then. This expounds on it without going into too much detail. Light easy read!
December 27, 2020
"Cinderella" at the ball, disguised as a suitor (but really the wedding planner), falls head over heels in love with the "Prince and the Pauper". Lovey, dovey, goofy fun involving faeries, Fates and romantic fallouts. An entertaining read with nods to "Charmed Life" and "A Little Romance".
September 22, 2021
Enjoyable read.
maybe
February 20, 2019Freebie at the zon.com right now: https://smile.amazon.com/Nudging-Fate...
July 31, 2019
Cute, but rather monotonous until the last quarter or so.
3.5 stars.
3.5 stars.
May 26, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
This was a charming and cheerful fairy tale with demons and dragons, angry goblins, flower faeries, arrogant elves, and a bewildering variety of other odd creatures. There’s more whimsy than world building in this book with many of the creatures being more set dressing than actual people, but I didn’t mind it. This is a fluffy romance between a prince and a party planner and I enjoyed it for what it was. However, there was one sour note that kept this from being a better story, but this is — again — a fairy tale that’s more frosting than cake.
The staff of EO are all half human, called half-and-halfs or ‘aitchers’ if you’re inclined to be insulting, and the boost in reputation they would gain by pleasing the faerie queen would give them the chance to do more magical occasions rather than the human weddings, birthdays, and shindigs that have been paying their bills. It also means that if they screw up, they might never have the chance at anything but human events. EO exists in a realm between the human world and the non-human realms around it, which allow it to posses both magical and mundane conveniences, like wi-fi, magic gardens, and indoor plumbing.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
This was a charming and cheerful fairy tale with demons and dragons, angry goblins, flower faeries, arrogant elves, and a bewildering variety of other odd creatures. There’s more whimsy than world building in this book with many of the creatures being more set dressing than actual people, but I didn’t mind it. This is a fluffy romance between a prince and a party planner and I enjoyed it for what it was. However, there was one sour note that kept this from being a better story, but this is — again — a fairy tale that’s more frosting than cake.
The staff of EO are all half human, called half-and-halfs or ‘aitchers’ if you’re inclined to be insulting, and the boost in reputation they would gain by pleasing the faerie queen would give them the chance to do more magical occasions rather than the human weddings, birthdays, and shindigs that have been paying their bills. It also means that if they screw up, they might never have the chance at anything but human events. EO exists in a realm between the human world and the non-human realms around it, which allow it to posses both magical and mundane conveniences, like wi-fi, magic gardens, and indoor plumbing.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
September 16, 2019
Oh, this was lovely! I love the writing, I love the world building, although admittedly, we don’t really see much of it. We do get introduced to many different species of supernatural creatures though. Some of which I haven’t even heard of!
I do like Andy here. Both Andy and Con aren’t what I’d call naive but they’re both so earnest. So very kind and always striving to do the best for everyone that it was very endearing. Watching them navigate getting to know each other while simultaneously harbouring at least one secret was so adorable 🥰
I loved this world. I loved this couple. Wish it was longer though!
I do like Andy here. Both Andy and Con aren’t what I’d call naive but they’re both so earnest. So very kind and always striving to do the best for everyone that it was very endearing. Watching them navigate getting to know each other while simultaneously harbouring at least one secret was so adorable 🥰
I loved this world. I loved this couple. Wish it was longer though!
Read
June 6, 2018 5 Hearts
Anders “Andy” Skuldsson, our half-norn event planner, has a job to do and that’s to produce “The Courting, Coronation, and Handfasting of His Royal Highness Reyner of Maidencourt, the One True Prince of Faerie”… or as us humans would call it; a supernatural version of The Bachelor that parades a line of consorts in front of the prince so that he may to choose his life partner. Andy’s job basically rides on this as there has been a few mishaps with Enchanted Occasions Event Planning.
Conall “Con” of Odstone has been a fool for his half-brother’s games all their lives and the one Rey likes to pull the most is the spell that allows Con to look exactly like his brother though they aren’t twins. When Con is waiting for Rey to show up so he can claim his consort, he’s begged by his brother to let him have a few moments of freedom (aka Vegas) before he is chained to a relationship he doesn’t want and frankly never will having seen what the mating vows and magically enforced fidelity for eternity had done to his father. Of course Con agrees, he’ll do anything for his brother and sends Talus, the legendary Iron Knight to fetch the first possible consort to meet the “prince.”
But when Andy is about to round up the list of eligible consorts, he finds they have all gone a bit green down to the last nasty one of them and Talus arrives, Andy is the only suitor left available and so begins our romantic deception.
I am such a sucker for the false identity story when it comes to romance. The idea of being with someone you thought you knew based on hearsay and then getting to know the real person who literally isn’t who you thought makes me happy. I can’t explain it, it’s just this feeling of getting to be yourself and have someone fall for the real you even though you aren’t really you? You know? The internal struggle to tell the truth is so angsty that I eat it up. This book gave me so much and I am so happy that I have found Russell’s form of fantasy because I am hooked and now a fan.
When Andy and Con meet… let’s just say I squeaked because you see, we get both POV’s in this story and it was great being able to see them react immediately to the other and know they are smitten from the start. Of course, I am a fan of insta anything as long as it’s written well and this was written so well.
I have to say that Russell’s world building is my new jam. Goodness. I loved the whole idea of Faerie and its stunning beauty and the thought that Portland is its equal on Earthside makes this girl grin. Each supernatural creature was unique with a blend of old world and technology that seems like it wouldn’t fit and yet it did. While the world building was above and beyond what I didn’t even expect, the romance with Con and Andy is what sells this book. It’s fluffy but with a bit of depth that had me falling and falling hard.
Wow. I am getting to rambling status right now aren’t I and I haven’t even said much. I can’t help it I just adored the holy heck out of this story. It was so much fun watching Andy teach Con about technology and them just honestly getting to know one another though they both kept secrets. Even when it’s revealed who Andy is and Con has all sorts of hope… sigh. Then we get the whole utterly beautiful chaos at the end that had my hand on my chest and my eyes glued to the page because OMFG!! So freaking good.
Nudging Fate, that title has true meaning to the story and of course I loved it when I made the connection. Con, Andy and this incredible world have owned me with a beautiful tale of fantasy and romance and I can’t stop smiling or rambling so.
I’m done.
Le Freaking Sigh.
He’s a prince. He’s the client.
Anders “Andy” Skuldsson, our half-norn event planner, has a job to do and that’s to produce “The Courting, Coronation, and Handfasting of His Royal Highness Reyner of Maidencourt, the One True Prince of Faerie”… or as us humans would call it; a supernatural version of The Bachelor that parades a line of consorts in front of the prince so that he may to choose his life partner. Andy’s job basically rides on this as there has been a few mishaps with Enchanted Occasions Event Planning.
[…]Con had agreed to the idiotic, gods-be-damned spell that would make Con identical to Rey whenever the two of them chose— and Rey chose far too often for Con’s peace of mind.
Conall “Con” of Odstone has been a fool for his half-brother’s games all their lives and the one Rey likes to pull the most is the spell that allows Con to look exactly like his brother though they aren’t twins. When Con is waiting for Rey to show up so he can claim his consort, he’s begged by his brother to let him have a few moments of freedom (aka Vegas) before he is chained to a relationship he doesn’t want and frankly never will having seen what the mating vows and magically enforced fidelity for eternity had done to his father. Of course Con agrees, he’ll do anything for his brother and sends Talus, the legendary Iron Knight to fetch the first possible consort to meet the “prince.”
But when Andy is about to round up the list of eligible consorts, he finds they have all gone a bit green down to the last nasty one of them and Talus arrives, Andy is the only suitor left available and so begins our romantic deception.
Would Andy be attracted to Con once this masquerade was over and Con was no longer decked out in the trappings of royalty?
I am such a sucker for the false identity story when it comes to romance. The idea of being with someone you thought you knew based on hearsay and then getting to know the real person who literally isn’t who you thought makes me happy. I can’t explain it, it’s just this feeling of getting to be yourself and have someone fall for the real you even though you aren’t really you? You know? The internal struggle to tell the truth is so angsty that I eat it up. This book gave me so much and I am so happy that I have found Russell’s form of fantasy because I am hooked and now a fan.
When Andy and Con meet… let’s just say I squeaked because you see, we get both POV’s in this story and it was great being able to see them react immediately to the other and know they are smitten from the start. Of course, I am a fan of insta anything as long as it’s written well and this was written so well.
“We’re getting to know one another. That’s what this is all about, right? No one can fault either one of us for that.”
“You’d think.”
I have to say that Russell’s world building is my new jam. Goodness. I loved the whole idea of Faerie and its stunning beauty and the thought that Portland is its equal on Earthside makes this girl grin. Each supernatural creature was unique with a blend of old world and technology that seems like it wouldn’t fit and yet it did. While the world building was above and beyond what I didn’t even expect, the romance with Con and Andy is what sells this book. It’s fluffy but with a bit of depth that had me falling and falling hard.
Wow. I am getting to rambling status right now aren’t I and I haven’t even said much. I can’t help it I just adored the holy heck out of this story. It was so much fun watching Andy teach Con about technology and them just honestly getting to know one another though they both kept secrets. Even when it’s revealed who Andy is and Con has all sorts of hope… sigh. Then we get the whole utterly beautiful chaos at the end that had my hand on my chest and my eyes glued to the page because OMFG!! So freaking good.
“We had a good time when I was… well… pretending to be someone I’m not. I’m willing to see if we can enjoy ourselves when I’m being me too.”
Nudging Fate, that title has true meaning to the story and of course I loved it when I made the connection. Con, Andy and this incredible world have owned me with a beautiful tale of fantasy and romance and I can’t stop smiling or rambling so.
I’m done.
Le Freaking Sigh.
March 19, 2019
I’m glad to get to go back and see how this all started. Andy wasn't a part of book 2, but they, of course, intertwine, and now I see how. It's a good series.
Andy is 'in charge’ of this event. Being a norn, he's been told not to interfere with fate. He keeps telling people he's not allowed, but, of course, no one believes him. But before the 'competition’ can even get started, there's problem? Some jackass has poisoned all the competitors and everyone is sick. Except for the one who did it. Bit someone gave him a bit of justice and now he is too. There is no one for the Prince to meet. Until one of his colleagues pushed him into it. He does, thinking it will only be for one time, but things keep happening and to keep the peace, Andy keeps having to see the Prince. What Andy doesn't know is the Prince has secrets of his own. The Prince is actually Con, Rey’s brother (actual prince). The Faerie Queen has an agenda of her own as well. And it seems no one may be happy with how things turn out. Especially now when Con and Andy are learning the truth, and it's about to get ugly.
Poor Andy couldn't catch a break with anything. Everyone thinks he plays with fate, when he doesn't. This event has been a disaster from the first minute, and now the man he's fallen for, isn't really the Prince. Even though, he couldn't be with the Prince anyway. It's awful too, because he really does want someone to love, but no one believes he didn't 'make’ them do it.
Con couldn't catch much of a break either. Rey conned him into being him all the time. Con did it because he felt guilty after what happened with their parents and births, but he was sure tired of the messes he got stuck in because of Rey. And even while helping Rey, Rey has always been so selfish. What about what Con wants and desires. When is it his turn?
The good thing is justice gets served a lot. But the turmoil was insane. Every time you turn around, someone was doing something to someone else. But it makes for a good story!
http://lovebytesreviews.com
Andy is 'in charge’ of this event. Being a norn, he's been told not to interfere with fate. He keeps telling people he's not allowed, but, of course, no one believes him. But before the 'competition’ can even get started, there's problem? Some jackass has poisoned all the competitors and everyone is sick. Except for the one who did it. Bit someone gave him a bit of justice and now he is too. There is no one for the Prince to meet. Until one of his colleagues pushed him into it. He does, thinking it will only be for one time, but things keep happening and to keep the peace, Andy keeps having to see the Prince. What Andy doesn't know is the Prince has secrets of his own. The Prince is actually Con, Rey’s brother (actual prince). The Faerie Queen has an agenda of her own as well. And it seems no one may be happy with how things turn out. Especially now when Con and Andy are learning the truth, and it's about to get ugly.
Poor Andy couldn't catch a break with anything. Everyone thinks he plays with fate, when he doesn't. This event has been a disaster from the first minute, and now the man he's fallen for, isn't really the Prince. Even though, he couldn't be with the Prince anyway. It's awful too, because he really does want someone to love, but no one believes he didn't 'make’ them do it.
Con couldn't catch much of a break either. Rey conned him into being him all the time. Con did it because he felt guilty after what happened with their parents and births, but he was sure tired of the messes he got stuck in because of Rey. And even while helping Rey, Rey has always been so selfish. What about what Con wants and desires. When is it his turn?
The good thing is justice gets served a lot. But the turmoil was insane. Every time you turn around, someone was doing something to someone else. But it makes for a good story!
http://lovebytesreviews.com
May 16, 2020
Sometimes matches not made in Valhalla are exactly what Fate ordered, as this story sets out to prove. It all begins in an Interstitial pocket – a realm between Faerie and our reality where both magic and technology work. The only prince of Faerie has been told in no uncertain terms that he needs a consort, so the Faerie queen sets up a competition unknowingly modeled on The Bachelor. It is organized by Enchanted Occasions, and the already-in-trouble half norn Anders is in charge. Apparently a norn is the Norse equivalent of the Fates and I imagine getting on his wrong side might be a problem. From the start it is obvious that ‘Nudging Fate’ is not just a brilliant title for what is to ensue, but also the description of a comedy of errors that had me laughing out loud more than once. There are numerus stumbling blocks the main characters have to overcome before they can hope to get their happy ending: not just one but two mistaken identities, hilarious misunderstandings, secondary characters with their own agendas getting in the way, and more than one surprise.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
September 6, 2020
Fairy Enchanting
I wish I could have an event organized by Enchanted Occasions. They make everything so magical. Really I just want to meet the people in this series: Andy, his colleagues and of course, Con and his knight. I adore them all and had so much fun reading this amazing, incredible adventure. It has magic, intrigue, friendship and a love that’s meant to be. Andy and Con are swoony, dreamy and sizzle. “We all nudge Fate every day, with every choice we make.” I’m so glad there’s more in store for us in this world. It must be my fate that we don’t have to say goodbye.
I wish I could have an event organized by Enchanted Occasions. They make everything so magical. Really I just want to meet the people in this series: Andy, his colleagues and of course, Con and his knight. I adore them all and had so much fun reading this amazing, incredible adventure. It has magic, intrigue, friendship and a love that’s meant to be. Andy and Con are swoony, dreamy and sizzle. “We all nudge Fate every day, with every choice we make.” I’m so glad there’s more in store for us in this world. It must be my fate that we don’t have to say goodbye.
July 24, 2020
Loved it
I loved how delightfully silly the whole ‘Bachelor’ fiasco turned out. Glorianna was amazingly soulless, and yet, for all of her machinations, she was also amazingly clueless.
I loved that it truly was simple circumstance that kept pushing Anders and Con together. Though I sort of wish that we got to see the events of Anders’ tribunal rather than simply be told about it.
I loved how delightfully silly the whole ‘Bachelor’ fiasco turned out. Glorianna was amazingly soulless, and yet, for all of her machinations, she was also amazingly clueless.
I loved that it truly was simple circumstance that kept pushing Anders and Con together. Though I sort of wish that we got to see the events of Anders’ tribunal rather than simply be told about it.
March 8, 2021
Read for a group challenge. Short but not so sweet with a HEA. This was a case of woman scorned and shouldn’t be a parent. I felt sorry for Con but I liked his relationship with Talus. I did feel a little sorry for Rey, but it was expected given how he hadn’t done anything princely. I liked the EO staff, it was sad how they were treated. Andy and Con were cute together, especially with the earth side stuff. Curious about Smith. Favourite character was Chef.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2020
Awww, that was really sweet! Just what I needed.
TAGS
-- Quick easy read -- Paranormal -- Fae -- Royalty -- posing as a Prince -- really sweet -- made me laugh -- loved the MCs... Andy & Con -- insta love -- first love -- read in one sitting
July 21, 2022
I enjoyed it. Then again, I enjoy most, if not all, of the books in this extended universe. I'm a bit confused over if this faerie queen is the same one from other novels (it seems the same universe, but a different personality). Plus de addition of the norse people is interesting
July 21, 2021
3.5 stars
May 15, 2020
Sometimes matches not made in Valhalla are exactly what Fate ordered, as this story sets out to prove. It all begins in an Interstitial pocket – a realm between Faerie and our reality where both magic and technology work. The only prince of Faerie has been told in no uncertain terms that he needs a consort, so the Faerie queen sets up a competition unknowingly modeled on The Bachelor. It is organized by Enchanted Occasions, and the already-in-trouble half norn Anders is in charge. Apparently a norn is the Norse equivalent of the Fates and I imagine getting on his wrong side might be a problem. From the start it is obvious that ‘Nudging Fate’ is not just a brilliant title for what is to ensue, but also the description of a comedy of errors that had me laughing out loud more than once. There are numerus stumbling blocks the main characters have to overcome before they can hope to get their happy ending: not just one but two mistaken identities, hilarious misunderstandings, secondary characters with their own agendas getting in the way, and more than one surprise.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
March 4, 2019
It's actually easier, for me, to review a bad book than a book like this one which starts and develops very well only to disappoint in its last part.
The author throws in every possible supernatural creature and deity known to mankind but she does it matter of factly, avoiding long explanations and boring world-building scene.
Her aim is clearly that of building a romance where the supernatural adds spice to the narration and is the source of much of its humour. She succeeds, regaling us with a very (very, very, very) light entertainment until the last fourth of the novellette (approximately where the Faery Queen appears):
from there narration gets clumsy, confused and the characters lose focus and consistency spoiling all the fun.
The author throws in every possible supernatural creature and deity known to mankind but she does it matter of factly, avoiding long explanations and boring world-building scene.
Her aim is clearly that of building a romance where the supernatural adds spice to the narration and is the source of much of its humour. She succeeds, regaling us with a very (very, very, very) light entertainment until the last fourth of the novellette (approximately where the Faery Queen appears):
from there narration gets clumsy, confused and the characters lose focus and consistency spoiling all the fun.
May 30, 2018
Full review available at: https://optimumm.blog/2018/05/15/revi...
Nudging Fate is the first book in the Enchanted Occasions series by E.J. Russell and the twentieth book in the Dreamspun Beyond series. For me, this book was a collection of all the pieces making the book the success that it was. You know how some books only focus on the main characters and then there are the supporting characters that sometimes enhance a story. Well with this book I loved the supporting characters just as much as I loved the main characters and I don’t think the book would have been as entertaining without them. I do have to say that I wasn’t expecting what happened at the end of the book, but I loved how the book was resolved.
Anders Skuldsson is Half-norn (half human-half paranormal or as the purebloods call them aitchers), event planner who is related to the big three, the Norns who tended Yggdrasil, who have forbidden him from interfering with fate. However, if he’s caught nudging fate, then he has to answer to Odin and return to Asgard. He works for Enchanted Occasions and has a whole staff of half-norns. After a mishap with their last event, they haven’t been hired in over a year. Then the Faerie Queen hires Enchanted Occasions for the Courting, Coronation, and Handfasting of his Royal Highness Reyner of Maidencourt, the One True Prince of Faerie and specifies that Andy is to be the person in charge. Andy will do anything in his power to make the event a success. And he will be tested at every turn with the special requests and limitations made by the candidates for being the Prince’s Consort. When something happens that makes all of the candidates indisposed for the first date with Prince Reyner, Andy does the only thing that he can think of—he pretends to be one of the candidates and goes on the date with the prince. He had no idea that the prince would be so handsome and that they would have such powerful chemistry. It’s only supposed to be one time, but circumstances keep pushing them together, so what’s an event planner supposed to do? You’ll have to read it to find out.
Conall of Odstone is the half-brother of Prince Reyner, but his life has never been as easy or fun as his half-brother’s life. Conall is a half-norn, which means that he is pretty much beneath anyones notice and makes him the court outcast. He’s the product of the Faerie Queen’s consort and the court herbalist. Conall and Reyner were conceived on the same day, born on the same hour, and named in the same ceremony. Although Reyner’s naming day gifts of charm, wit, and beauty were a far cry to Conall’s inconvenient gift of responsibility. However, he wouldn’t even have gotten that one if it wasn’t for a wand’s misfire.
Conall did get three things out of his birth, his mother, Reyner, and Talus (an old world Knight made of squeaky Iron who will make you laugh). With the help of a spell, Conall can look like his half-brother and impersonate him and go to the functions that Reyner doesn’t want to go to. Which just happens to include the event that his mother has planned. Reyner is supposed to pick out his consort from the candidates that his mother has picked, but as Reyner is a bit of a playboy and has already slept with all of them except for one, he tells his brother just to pick whichever one he wants. Reyner doesn’t care since he doesn’t love any of them and doesn’t have much of a choice. So posing as the prince, Conall goes on his dates, but he isn’t expecting to be so attracted to the candidate, Andy. Conall didn’t plan on falling for Andy and even if Andy forgives him for his imposture, how could someone eligible for a prince’s hand settle for the court outcast? And unless Andy makes the right choice, their fates could be sealed by, well, Fate.
I can’t wait to read more books in the Enchanted Occasions series. And I still haven’t been disappointed yet by any of the books in the Dreamspun Beyond series.
***The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book ***
Nudging Fate is the first book in the Enchanted Occasions series by E.J. Russell and the twentieth book in the Dreamspun Beyond series. For me, this book was a collection of all the pieces making the book the success that it was. You know how some books only focus on the main characters and then there are the supporting characters that sometimes enhance a story. Well with this book I loved the supporting characters just as much as I loved the main characters and I don’t think the book would have been as entertaining without them. I do have to say that I wasn’t expecting what happened at the end of the book, but I loved how the book was resolved.
Anders Skuldsson is Half-norn (half human-half paranormal or as the purebloods call them aitchers), event planner who is related to the big three, the Norns who tended Yggdrasil, who have forbidden him from interfering with fate. However, if he’s caught nudging fate, then he has to answer to Odin and return to Asgard. He works for Enchanted Occasions and has a whole staff of half-norns. After a mishap with their last event, they haven’t been hired in over a year. Then the Faerie Queen hires Enchanted Occasions for the Courting, Coronation, and Handfasting of his Royal Highness Reyner of Maidencourt, the One True Prince of Faerie and specifies that Andy is to be the person in charge. Andy will do anything in his power to make the event a success. And he will be tested at every turn with the special requests and limitations made by the candidates for being the Prince’s Consort. When something happens that makes all of the candidates indisposed for the first date with Prince Reyner, Andy does the only thing that he can think of—he pretends to be one of the candidates and goes on the date with the prince. He had no idea that the prince would be so handsome and that they would have such powerful chemistry. It’s only supposed to be one time, but circumstances keep pushing them together, so what’s an event planner supposed to do? You’ll have to read it to find out.
Conall of Odstone is the half-brother of Prince Reyner, but his life has never been as easy or fun as his half-brother’s life. Conall is a half-norn, which means that he is pretty much beneath anyones notice and makes him the court outcast. He’s the product of the Faerie Queen’s consort and the court herbalist. Conall and Reyner were conceived on the same day, born on the same hour, and named in the same ceremony. Although Reyner’s naming day gifts of charm, wit, and beauty were a far cry to Conall’s inconvenient gift of responsibility. However, he wouldn’t even have gotten that one if it wasn’t for a wand’s misfire.
Conall did get three things out of his birth, his mother, Reyner, and Talus (an old world Knight made of squeaky Iron who will make you laugh). With the help of a spell, Conall can look like his half-brother and impersonate him and go to the functions that Reyner doesn’t want to go to. Which just happens to include the event that his mother has planned. Reyner is supposed to pick out his consort from the candidates that his mother has picked, but as Reyner is a bit of a playboy and has already slept with all of them except for one, he tells his brother just to pick whichever one he wants. Reyner doesn’t care since he doesn’t love any of them and doesn’t have much of a choice. So posing as the prince, Conall goes on his dates, but he isn’t expecting to be so attracted to the candidate, Andy. Conall didn’t plan on falling for Andy and even if Andy forgives him for his imposture, how could someone eligible for a prince’s hand settle for the court outcast? And unless Andy makes the right choice, their fates could be sealed by, well, Fate.
I can’t wait to read more books in the Enchanted Occasions series. And I still haven’t been disappointed yet by any of the books in the Dreamspun Beyond series.
***The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book ***
March 4, 2021
There was a time when I read as many mm romance books as I could get my hands on. I didn’t review those books, or even write down the titles. Which means that every once in a while I come across a book that sounds familiar, but that I don’t remember much about. This is one of those books.
I got the short story Best Beast for free from the Winter Wonderland giveaway, and the mention of Enchanted Occasions rang a bell. When I looked up the author, I saw that I had read several of her books in the past. All I remembered about Nudging Fate was that I liked it, so I decided to reread it. I’m glad I did, and not just because it has a better cover now.
There are so many things I enjoyed about this book, from the idea of the interstitial spaces where magic and technology from all the worlds can coexist at the same time, to the fact that all of the Enchanted Occasions staff are less typical supernatural and mythical beings. No offense to vampires, werewolves, and dragons, but sometimes it’s nice to get other types of beings.
I also thought the situation surrounding Con and Rey’s birth was interesting, as was the Faerie Queen’s plans for her son. The idea of gathering a bunch of people together and having the prince choose one as a spouse is something I’ve seen in a number of books, but there are enough unique occurrences to make it enjoyable.
Both Con and Andy were great guys and the romance was super sweet. No smut, but it worked for the story. The whole thing felt light and fluffy, as well as being low angst. There was some tension and drama in the last few chapters, but that was to be expected.
My biggest complaint was the lack of world building. While enough information was given to flesh out the immediate story, there’s huge gaps about things that are tangentially related. The realm of Faerie was mentioned a lot, but other than saying that it didn’t allow any human technology, it wasn’t described at all. Neither were Con’s fey powers, though it was hinted that he had them. To be fair, the story worked fine without this info, but I love world building, so I noticed its absence.
In a way, that lack of world building made the ending feel a little unsatisfying. I have no idea what kind of life awaited Con and Andy. No idea where they lived or what they did or how many things changed for the both of them. And while I think their romance is strong and was handled well, I do have questions about their situation. I would happily read a story where Con and Andy play a strong supporting role to another couple’s romance. This way we’d be able to see what happened to them and how they’re adjusting to their new lives.
Finally, I have to give a shout out to the side characters. Especially Talus, who I liked right from the beginning. I’m glad that the next book is about Smith, especially since there were some lingering questions about him. Rey will probably get a book of his own, but the glimpse I saw of him made him seem like a spoiled brat. But I’d still read his book.
Find the original post, complete with list of likes and dislikes, at Love is Love Reviews
I got the short story Best Beast for free from the Winter Wonderland giveaway, and the mention of Enchanted Occasions rang a bell. When I looked up the author, I saw that I had read several of her books in the past. All I remembered about Nudging Fate was that I liked it, so I decided to reread it. I’m glad I did, and not just because it has a better cover now.
There are so many things I enjoyed about this book, from the idea of the interstitial spaces where magic and technology from all the worlds can coexist at the same time, to the fact that all of the Enchanted Occasions staff are less typical supernatural and mythical beings. No offense to vampires, werewolves, and dragons, but sometimes it’s nice to get other types of beings.
I also thought the situation surrounding Con and Rey’s birth was interesting, as was the Faerie Queen’s plans for her son. The idea of gathering a bunch of people together and having the prince choose one as a spouse is something I’ve seen in a number of books, but there are enough unique occurrences to make it enjoyable.
Both Con and Andy were great guys and the romance was super sweet. No smut, but it worked for the story. The whole thing felt light and fluffy, as well as being low angst. There was some tension and drama in the last few chapters, but that was to be expected.
My biggest complaint was the lack of world building. While enough information was given to flesh out the immediate story, there’s huge gaps about things that are tangentially related. The realm of Faerie was mentioned a lot, but other than saying that it didn’t allow any human technology, it wasn’t described at all. Neither were Con’s fey powers, though it was hinted that he had them. To be fair, the story worked fine without this info, but I love world building, so I noticed its absence.
In a way, that lack of world building made the ending feel a little unsatisfying. I have no idea what kind of life awaited Con and Andy. No idea where they lived or what they did or how many things changed for the both of them. And while I think their romance is strong and was handled well, I do have questions about their situation. I would happily read a story where Con and Andy play a strong supporting role to another couple’s romance. This way we’d be able to see what happened to them and how they’re adjusting to their new lives.
Finally, I have to give a shout out to the side characters. Especially Talus, who I liked right from the beginning. I’m glad that the next book is about Smith, especially since there were some lingering questions about him. Rey will probably get a book of his own, but the glimpse I saw of him made him seem like a spoiled brat. But I’d still read his book.
Find the original post, complete with list of likes and dislikes, at Love is Love Reviews
March 10, 2023
Nudging Fate is the first book in the ‘Enchanted Occasions’ series. It stars Anders ‘Andy’ Skuldsson, a half-norn event planner, and Conall of Odstone, half-brother to Prince Reyner. This is told in third person from Andy and Con’s pov.
First the cover. The image on the cover I have, is the old image of the dark-haired Conall. The new cover has the blond Andy, on it. I think the new cover fits the story better.
The blurb gives the basic plot of the story. It revolves around Con having to impersonate his brother the Prince, again, because Rey is off partying. Mishaps happen with the careful planning laid out by Enchanted Occasions, and Andy ends up having to take up the slack. Meaning, he’s the one going on dates with the fake Prince. Wackiness happens while each side is keeping secrets from the other and as Con and Andy fall in love. In the meantime the Faerie Queen has plans of her own.
I have to admit I was lost for the first twenty-five percent of this story. I don’t usually read fantasies about fairies and Norse mythology, plus a plentitude of other types of fantasy creatures. Add in names of the attendees and their relationship to each country, and Prince Reyner, and I was lost. I didn’t find the first quarter of the book to be pleasant reading. Once some of the characters were disqualified or shuffled off into the background and narrowed to the main characters, it was easier to keep track of what was happening.
I liked Andy and Con. Both were half-human and since they weren’t purebloods, they were either scorned or ignored by the pure-bloods of their kind. Andy was part norn. And from what is explained, norns can influence events and a person’s fate, so they are even more scorned. Con is the bastard son of the Fairie Queen’s consort, and he was given the gift of ‘Responsibility’ when he was born. Which in the end, serves him well, because his half-brother, like all the fairies and other royalty, think only about what is best for themselves and not what is the best for all and Faerie. Andy is also very responsible and competent at his job as organizer, although he is a bit high-strung as he rushes around to keep things on an even keel. He does however have a gift for calming a situation down. Which makes him and Con, a perfect pair. I could believe in them as a couple.
There’s the hint of a future book between one of Andy’s employees who is part demon, and one of the prospective grooms who withdrew from the competition. That sounds like it might be an interesting story.
Overall, Nudging Fate was romantic and humorous. I could believe in Andy and Con as a couple. However, I found the first quarter of the book confusing, but that may be a me problem, and not a problem for people who read more fairy fantasy stories than I do. I give this book, 3 Stars because it took too long for me to find my footing on what was happening so I almost put the book aside.
First the cover. The image on the cover I have, is the old image of the dark-haired Conall. The new cover has the blond Andy, on it. I think the new cover fits the story better.
The blurb gives the basic plot of the story. It revolves around Con having to impersonate his brother the Prince, again, because Rey is off partying. Mishaps happen with the careful planning laid out by Enchanted Occasions, and Andy ends up having to take up the slack. Meaning, he’s the one going on dates with the fake Prince. Wackiness happens while each side is keeping secrets from the other and as Con and Andy fall in love. In the meantime the Faerie Queen has plans of her own.
I have to admit I was lost for the first twenty-five percent of this story. I don’t usually read fantasies about fairies and Norse mythology, plus a plentitude of other types of fantasy creatures. Add in names of the attendees and their relationship to each country, and Prince Reyner, and I was lost. I didn’t find the first quarter of the book to be pleasant reading. Once some of the characters were disqualified or shuffled off into the background and narrowed to the main characters, it was easier to keep track of what was happening.
I liked Andy and Con. Both were half-human and since they weren’t purebloods, they were either scorned or ignored by the pure-bloods of their kind. Andy was part norn. And from what is explained, norns can influence events and a person’s fate, so they are even more scorned. Con is the bastard son of the Fairie Queen’s consort, and he was given the gift of ‘Responsibility’ when he was born. Which in the end, serves him well, because his half-brother, like all the fairies and other royalty, think only about what is best for themselves and not what is the best for all and Faerie. Andy is also very responsible and competent at his job as organizer, although he is a bit high-strung as he rushes around to keep things on an even keel. He does however have a gift for calming a situation down. Which makes him and Con, a perfect pair. I could believe in them as a couple.
There’s the hint of a future book between one of Andy’s employees who is part demon, and one of the prospective grooms who withdrew from the competition. That sounds like it might be an interesting story.
Overall, Nudging Fate was romantic and humorous. I could believe in Andy and Con as a couple. However, I found the first quarter of the book confusing, but that may be a me problem, and not a problem for people who read more fairy fantasy stories than I do. I give this book, 3 Stars because it took too long for me to find my footing on what was happening so I almost put the book aside.
January 29, 2019
3.5 stars rounded up
With one last chance to redeem Enchanted Occasions as a successful event planning option for the supernatural community, Anders Skuldsson is over-worked and over-stressed. As half-Norn, his abilities to manipulate the fate of others seems like it would be useful in this situation, except not only is he morally opposed to using it, he's under strict orders from Asgard not to. Having the fate of the fae prince's marital selection in his hands isn't helping either. And when a series of unfortunate mishaps put him in a candidate's spot, it's his fate that could be in trouble too. For Con, Prince Reynard's half-brother, it's a dream come true when Anders is presented. But with meddling contenders, growing feelings, deceptions, and the fae queen herself, they might not have the chance to face their own fate together.
I found Con charming and pitiable always getting the short end of the stick. I was increasingly frustrated by everyone's neglect and treatment of him when he'd reminisce about life at court and was so charmed by his joy in simple things. Watching him grow closer to Andy because of their shared love of the simple, of the human half of their identity, was so very sweet. I wanted things to work out for them sooner than they did.
It's not much of a story, though, to have everything work out half-way through, is it? In this case, there were quite a few things in the middle that were humorous as well as frustrating. One thing that bothered me was Andy's obliviousness. He was so focused on the quickly deteriorating event and his own emotional turmoil that he seemed unfit for his professional role. I wasn't a fan of his blindness to his own staff and friends as well. There were lots of times he picked up on small details for a few characters around him, but the actions, observations, and situations of those closest to him were bypassed with negligent dismissal. It seemed inconsistent from the person we first met when the story opened.
The story itself, though, was all over the place in a good way. There were a lot of amusing, tender, and interesting parts to it that definitely kept me reading. Drama was certainly the name of the game when it came to the coronation as well. Completely surprising things occurred and it was a great moment because it was mostly unpredictable, not the outcome of it, but the things leading up to it once the ceremony began. Having Andy's response and the following epilogue really benefited the story, especially their relationship. They were much more believable and it was a great decision that felt right. I'm eager to get to know a few more characters in much more detail as the series continues with Devouring Flame...very excited.
With one last chance to redeem Enchanted Occasions as a successful event planning option for the supernatural community, Anders Skuldsson is over-worked and over-stressed. As half-Norn, his abilities to manipulate the fate of others seems like it would be useful in this situation, except not only is he morally opposed to using it, he's under strict orders from Asgard not to. Having the fate of the fae prince's marital selection in his hands isn't helping either. And when a series of unfortunate mishaps put him in a candidate's spot, it's his fate that could be in trouble too. For Con, Prince Reynard's half-brother, it's a dream come true when Anders is presented. But with meddling contenders, growing feelings, deceptions, and the fae queen herself, they might not have the chance to face their own fate together.
I found Con charming and pitiable always getting the short end of the stick. I was increasingly frustrated by everyone's neglect and treatment of him when he'd reminisce about life at court and was so charmed by his joy in simple things. Watching him grow closer to Andy because of their shared love of the simple, of the human half of their identity, was so very sweet. I wanted things to work out for them sooner than they did.
It's not much of a story, though, to have everything work out half-way through, is it? In this case, there were quite a few things in the middle that were humorous as well as frustrating. One thing that bothered me was Andy's obliviousness. He was so focused on the quickly deteriorating event and his own emotional turmoil that he seemed unfit for his professional role. I wasn't a fan of his blindness to his own staff and friends as well. There were lots of times he picked up on small details for a few characters around him, but the actions, observations, and situations of those closest to him were bypassed with negligent dismissal. It seemed inconsistent from the person we first met when the story opened.
The story itself, though, was all over the place in a good way. There were a lot of amusing, tender, and interesting parts to it that definitely kept me reading. Drama was certainly the name of the game when it came to the coronation as well. Completely surprising things occurred and it was a great moment because it was mostly unpredictable, not the outcome of it, but the things leading up to it once the ceremony began. Having Andy's response and the following epilogue really benefited the story, especially their relationship. They were much more believable and it was a great decision that felt right. I'm eager to get to know a few more characters in much more detail as the series continues with Devouring Flame...very excited.
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