Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Arcane Hearts #4

A Velvet Glove

Rate this book
Jackson Pryde is too cool for school.

In the middle of shearing talking sheep, Jackson Pryde and Xander Wright are visited by Hecate and Freyja, queens of magical might within their pantheons. The goddesses have summoned Jackson for a meeting among immortals, a convocation of entities who wish to study the strange nature of his prismatic powers.

Jackson’s busy enough already. Work is underway for the rebuilding of the artificers’ guild. Rumors abound that his childhood hero is searching for a suitable assistant. And a chance assignment sees the boys visiting the heart of where their bitter rivalry truly began: the elite academy of Grayhaven.

Good thing a visit to Xander’s alma mater won’t unearth old grudges and ancient insecurities.

Right?


A Velvet Glove is a 70,000-word M/M urban fantasy romance with a HFN ending. Join a fast-talking artificer and a snarky sorcerer, childhood friends who become bitter enemies, then lovers, as they explore a world filled with strange flora, mythical fauna, and magical murders. If you like your urban fantasy with humor, horror, and a whole lot of heart, you’ve come to the right place. Experience A Velvet Glove today.

309 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 28, 2022

48 people are currently reading
119 people want to read

About the author

Nazri Noor

52 books397 followers
Hi, I'm Nazri, a Filipino-Malaysian author based in California. I’m trilingual, but I really only write in English. I can also speak just enough Sindarin and Valyrian to impress absolutely no one. My urban fantasy novels focus on realistic heroes who use wits, style, and their wildly unpredictable magic to (try) and save the day. Think sass and class, while kicking ass.

My influences come from horror and fantasy: HP Lovecraft, Anne Rice, George R.R. Martin, Chuck Palahniuk, Terry Pratchett, and Neil Gaiman. Growing up I was shaped by the Blood Sword, Fighting Fantasy, Lone Wolf, and Grey Star game book universes. I'm also inspired by video games, specifically the Castlevania, Final Fantasy, and Persona series.

TL;DR: I'm a huge nerd. And yes, that's my real hair. I try to donate it to the American Cancer Society as often as I can. Also, have you heard? You can get a free book at www.NazriNoor.com.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
212 (55%)
4 stars
123 (32%)
3 stars
42 (10%)
2 stars
6 (1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Caz.
3,283 reviews1,183 followers
April 25, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up

Best one of the series so far - we get to visit Greyhaven, Jackson meets an idol and the baddies finally make their plans known! Some great action set-pieces and terrific narration from Zachary Johnson.
Profile Image for Ami.
6,261 reviews489 followers
February 2, 2022
3.5 stars

I think, this is for the first time there's no on-going threat on page from the early on. I mean, the story mainly feels like an update on Jackson's life... he's building the Halls of the Making once again, he gets invited to Grayhaven where Xander is making a speech, he meets his Idol, he is called to meet the gods and other deities... it's like a "go with the flow" story, you know. Plus everything is pretty solid between him and Xander.

The Fractures do make a havoc near the end (along with the Fae) but it's not the main storyline. At least we know that the Fae is making a huge comeback plan.
2,872 reviews3 followers
April 2, 2022
fabulous fantasy

Rating: 4.75🌈

Such an outstanding series. Each story sees a increase in danger to the world our heroes live in from the Fae, the originators of the purple poison crystals that started off the series arc with some strange deaths.

But it’s not from the Fae alone that our characters and their deep relationship seem to face new obstacles and trials. Everywhere they turn, there’s daunting challenges to the path forward they are trying to tread.

For Jackson Pryde , it’s the gods and goddesses who have invited/told him to come to a meeting about his identity as a prism. It’s a element that’s still in development as to what it will eventually mean to Jackson’s life and relationship.

It’s a overlaying thread while Jackson deals with trying to rebuild the artificers’ guild, get approval for the plans (a fantastic section that includes Lore and a new character), and get ready to attend a gathering with Xander at Greyhaven, the magical school he was told he was never good enough for.

Nazri Noor has packed a couple of books worth of themes into one here and , while jammed full, it still flows smoothly. It’s incredibly suspenseful, full of so many emotionally laden issues for our main characters that we and them might be unpacking for the next book or three.

Idol/hero worship, adolescent expectations and the pain when reality mades life feel less important, doubts and insecurities. All while fighting a growing enemy bent on complete destruction.

New fascinating characters. Old enemies , the Fae, of Irish lore. Definitely not any friendly to humans, but capable of extraordinary cruelty.

Lore is exhibiting new growth and personality. I love him.

Noor gives us hints of enormous peril, loss, and just the hope of happiness. Have no idea where this is going but I’m on for the whole ride.

Just amazing stories but read them in the order they are written so you can understand the relationships and arc development.

I’m highly recommending them all.


Arcane Hearts series:
- [x] A Touch of Fever #1
- [x] A Stroke of Brilliance #2
- [x] An Iron Fist #3
- [x] A Velvet Glove #4
- [ ] Hand of Glory #5
583 reviews
October 14, 2023
and Noor KNOCKS IT OUT OF THE PARK!!!!

Yes, ladies and gentlemen and others, it’s a long high drive over left field and it’s GOING OVER THE BACK WALL!

Now THIS installment, folks, is what I’ve been talking about in previous reviews. Everything that has been missing from Noor’s writing before now has shown up in full force in this book!

Fir me it’s all about the quality of the writing. I like images that convey so much more than the surface of their words - as when Xander mimicked a cartoon character. I instantly understood a playful side to him that I wouldn’t have imagined. Here’s the quote, you’ll see what I mean.

“I kissed him back. “You be safe. Be quick, and be quiet.” He bent his knees and crooked his fingers, Xander’s idea of looking stealthy.”

And then later, that playful little imp showed up again as Xander is pumping Jackson up in a very well written ironic twist. Jackson’s musings in this are nicely reflective and more importantly are not used to repeat or recap info. As Xander offers his support you almost see the twisted grin at one corner of his mouth:

“I’m not sure why I’m acting like this when I know it’s going to be an adventure.” “Exactly,” Xander said, grinning. “And that’s what you told me when I was scared about exploring, too. Relax, Jack. It’s going to be an adventure, the same as always. You and me, getting into trouble, getting out of it again.”

There are so many other illustrative snippets throughout this book. I found myself catching one here and there quite literally on every other page, at the least - just really well written lines that show without telling.

The other thing is the way he handled the very strong emotional content of this book. There were even one or two points that actually moved me to tears. Now, I’m a sap, I’ll admit it. But, it’s not the events of a story that move me. The writing must evoke an empathetic link between me and the character experiencing an event. I want to feel with the characters, not be told what they’re feeling. And Noor really delivers here.

So…. Do you think I liked it? Lol

Enjoy!
Profile Image for Mandy (MP Book Reviews).
4,972 reviews45 followers
January 29, 2022
Artificer Jackson Pryde and Mage Xander Wright are working by shearing talking sheep when they are visited by the goddesses Hectate and Freyja who are summoning Jackson for a convocation of the immortals so that they can study and test his prismatic powers. Jackson is also busy as he is trying to rebuild the artificers' guild. Then he hears that his childhood hero is looking for a suitable assistant. Then Xander gets a chance assignment to return to where their bitter rivalry started many years ago - Greyhaven. How will that affect the relationship between the guys?

I loved this book. In it, we saw their relationship have a few moments of insecurity but overall strengthen into something that was solid and just as devoted as I could imagine. Jackson and Xander discovered more about the fractures and the way that Jackson's prism skill worked. Certainly, their relationship meant that Xander was the perfect person to feed magic into Jackson for dispersal. I loved the meeting with Jackson's hero and the fact that it reminds us all that sometimes our heroes are not quite as perfect as we remember or built them up to be. Lots of developments, lots of relationship challenges, lots of friendship and interesting developments around the fae and their fractures. I now can't wait to find out what happens next and wonder if a MM marriage is possible in the Arcane Hearts world? Easy to read and understand. Contains explicit sexual content.
Profile Image for Ethan.
96 reviews8 followers
October 11, 2022
Ok…. I contemplated reviewing each of these books separately. But considering that I listened to the first 4 on audio back to back with little more than 30 min between each one I decided to review these 4 together and then the next 2 or 3 after I read them since their audio isn’t out yet.

Honestly, this is the kind of series that I hate took me so long to get to. It was soooo good I actually couldn’t “put it down”. For instance, I listened to the audio while I was working outside in my garden and on more than one occasion actually just caught myself sitting on my ass staring at nothing, completely enraptured in listening to the story!

I love, love, LOVE, Jackson… and Xander. And the entire ensemble actually. But truthfully Jackson is such a deep character. He was really easy to connect to and I really wanted him to find happiness in artifice and his love for Xander, and i really feel like the books do him justice in giving him what he needs and deserves.

I wouldn’t classify this as a enemies to lovers but maybe more as a second chances since these two guys have a longer relationship that goes back to childhood.

I think that what really catapulted me to being a huge fan here was the narration. Zachary Johnson truly embodies these characters so well - especially Jackson! You can really feel his cockiness, confusion, happiness, sadness and all the other emotions that come to the surface throughout the story and it really does just take the series to a whole different level.

While I’ll be physically reading the last few books because I can’t wait on the audio, I’ll deff be listening to them when they do come out!
Profile Image for Barbara.
1,005 reviews8 followers
January 26, 2022
Jackson and Xander are deeper in love. Lore is becoming even more functional and his cookies are to die for. The reader is lead into another adventure with these three and their friends as new characters are introduced and become pivotal in this new tale. The "Fractures" are still among them as they find they are being used to teach the students at Greyhaven spells to destroy them. Jackson, Xander and the "Seer" don't think it is such a good idea and is dangerous to the school and the community. Jackson being a "Prism" intrigues the gods and goddesses and they decide his abilities need to be tested. The fae are building up for an assault on the human world and Beatrice is vying for a seventh position in the Guild of Needles. Unfortunately she must go through a trial of the "Veil of Razor's" to get the position. You think you can't absorb anymore, but wait! Jackson is moving forward in rebuilding the Guild of Artificers. By the time you reach the end of the story, you are wrung out but satisfied. You have survived another adventure and Jackson and Xander are stronger than ever. Hot sex and a lot of love between the two men gives sweet breaks between the danger, violence and magic that Jackson and Xander encounter throughout the book. This is a great read that only whets the appetite of the reader for the next one in the series. I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC book.
683 reviews13 followers
January 27, 2022
Nazri Noor’s A Velvet Glove is Book 4 in the Arcane Hearts series and is the very best so far. Humor. Action. Great characters.
And the beginning is just hysterical. I’ve never read a book that started like that. I really enjoyed the interactions between Jackson, Xander and the other characters. Who they are and why they act as they do is really coming together as read about them.
Finally we get to learn more about Grayhaven as Jackson and Xander visit for Xander’s speech. In general, everything that has happened in their lives seems to be settling down. Not that things are quiet for Jackson and Xander. And Lore is developing new skills every day. I could almost hear Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries playing in the background as Lore arrives at the bazaar to help.
To sum things up, I just love reading Nazri Noor’s books and am really looking forward to the next book. The plots are great, the characters are relatable and the prose just seems to flow effortlessly. You will love this book too!

Profile Image for L.D..
1,578 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2023
A Velvet Glove is the fourth book in the Arcane Hearts series. This series is part of the Arcane Underground universe which is a rich and lush paranormal world with a fascinating blend of magic, myths, and folklore. This series is best read in order otherwise it would be difficult to follow the storyline in this book.

Magical talking sheep – that’s how this book starts off – with Jackson and Xander shearing magical talking sheep. From this first moment, I knew I was going to love this book. This book has everything I love about the Arcane Hearts series – humor, action, the building mystery, and of course, Jackson and Xander’s beautiful romance. But, this book also showcased Beatrice in all her glory and what a treat that was. I loved the Beatrice small side plot and learning more about her guild.

The audiobook was narrated by Zachary Johnson narrated the audiobook and did a wonderful job like usual. I love how he voices each character keeps the performance exciting. The audiobook production was also well done.
Profile Image for Denise.
7,543 reviews138 followers
February 26, 2022
Jackson's dream of rebuilding the Halls of Making is finally one step closer to coming true, his relationship with Xander continues to deepen, and everything - for once - seems to be going pretty smoothly in his life. Until, that is, Freyja and Hecate make a reappearance and summon him before an assembly of immortal beings intent on studying how his powers work - and until a visit to Xander's alma mater Grayhaven throws yet more Fractures and fae into his path.

The overarching plot is moving forward as the fae finally make an on-page appearance and both Jackson and the reader get to experience his powers in action. Some of my favourite characters from earlier books were missing in this installment - quite frankly, I'd much rather have spent some more time with Kaoru and/or Ingrid than Beatrice, whom I have given up on trying to develop any liking for - but otherwise this was another highly enjoyable read. Now if only I didn't have to wait for the next one to be released...
Profile Image for Sharon .
223 reviews
July 5, 2025
Urban Fantasy. Fourth Book in series. First Person PoV. M/M romance. Spicey scenes. HFN ending. Readers should read the series in order, although this book avoids cliffhangers.

The book opens with talking sheep. Really.

Jack and Xander are an established couple. Jackson is continuing his work to rebuild his guild, Lore is becoming more sentient and the couple visit Grayhaven, the elite school of magic where Jackson meets his Idol, Eermengarde Frost, writer of a book about magical creatures. One type of magical creatures she wishes to study are the Fractures, which she keeps at the school for the students to study? Sound dangerous? It is.

We meet Madame Catherine Grayhaven, who is not what she seems.

And we finally encounter the Fae and learn the truth behind their 'invasion'.

Once again, entertaining escapist read.
501 reviews20 followers
June 29, 2022
Jackson and Xander have contracted to shear some talking sheep when a couple of Goddesses decide to intervene, but there's also the Artificer's Guild to restore, a situation at Xander's alma mater, and a dear friend facing a trial. In other words: business as usual.

As always, the pacing in this novel is excellent. The characters continue to reveal more of themselves, and continue to grow through their experiences. The world-building continues to be excellent.

I look forward to reading the next installment of the series!

I received a copy of this novel via the author.
Profile Image for Carrie.
2,052 reviews91 followers
May 3, 2023
4.5 B+ for the story
5 A for the narration by Zachary Johnson

Another fun, action-packed story. We get to visit Greyhaven, learn more about the crystals and the Fae's plans, watch Zander and Jackson's relationship develop, and more. I feel like this book pulled a lot of threads together instead of having one BIG problem to solve, and that worked really well.

Zachary Johnson's narration was excellent as always. His voice acting is top notch. He puts os much believable energy into his delivery. Recommended on audio.
Profile Image for echo1440.
177 reviews5 followers
February 12, 2023
A really solid addition to the series

The stakes in each book just keep getting higher and higher and somehow the author continues to balance humor and plot masterfully. This one even got me a little misty eyed a couple of times. It was also cool to see the Wispwood mentioned, even if only in passing, though if that means the books take place in the same universe it gives me some very interesting questions about the nature of the fae.
Profile Image for Levi Rivas Pratt.
220 reviews
September 7, 2025
Noor widens the scope—goddess-level meddling and the Black Market’s pulpy charm gives the book diverse, lived-in settings. The prose balances sharp banter and inventive imagery with emotional weight, the action throughout helps the emotional beats land with gravity. It’s a richly imagined, energetic installment with humor and heart.
107 reviews
March 8, 2022
Great read and hot

I’m so glad to read more about Jackson and Xander. Looking forward to more. Hopefully we will learn more about the relationships of Preston and Sedgwick and Reza and Nico in the next book.
Profile Image for Lee Hall.
1,258 reviews7 followers
September 13, 2022
A Velvet Glove

Again, Nazri Noor delivers a Wonderful story full of all the action, imaginative scenery and loving characters that I absolutely love. This is another huge win! Highly Recommended
103 reviews
January 28, 2022
Urban fantasy with romance on the side.

I really like this series and world. The characters and romance are strong and well balanced and blend well with the fantasy world.
Profile Image for Ronie Reads.
1,569 reviews29 followers
January 24, 2023
They keep battling against the guilds. Wonder why the humans haven't been attacked?
Profile Image for emily curtis.
1,110 reviews3 followers
July 30, 2024
Enjoyable story that is well written with likeable characters and good world building.
Profile Image for Chloe (ChloeReadsQueer).
1,058 reviews12 followers
February 7, 2023
3,5/5

Despite the fact there was no on-going threat on page from the early on and thus the story felt a bit like a slice-of-life novel for most of the book, I had a very good time. It felt like a breather by breaking from the same story formula than book 1 to 3 and I appreciated that.
This book also focused more on the characters (their relationship and growth) and one thing I loved about this series -and that I felt especially in this one- is the relatability of the characters, particularly Jackson.
The Fractures, along with the Fae, did cause havoc near the end and the story teased the Fae great comeback.
823 reviews5 followers
September 16, 2022
This is such a good series, and IMHO best experienced via audio. None of my inner voices did justice to the ebook. Zachary Johnson makes you feel as if you're right there with Jackson and Xander (and the rest of the gang)! The opening with the talking sheep - hilarious! And then I literally got chills when Jackson's idol Ermingarde (sp?) brought out the fractures at the Greyhaven Calling - like what the h*ll was she thinking???
I am also enjoyng the little UST between Nico and Reza :)
Again, there are mini stories within the overall arc (mystery of the chrysanthemists/fractures) - Beatrice vying for a position in her guild; the Fae wanting to attack, So much adventure, danger and of course, the love between Jackson and Xander.
Anyway, this is another brilliant addition to the series!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.