A Kiss to Revive Me

The Magi Accounts #1.5

by Michele Notaro

A prickly mage has me under his spell, and I think I kinda like it.

The first time I met him, I knew I was in trouble, but I hadn’t known just how much. I hadn’t been looking for a relationship, hadn’t wanted one, but it seems that a stubborn little mage did it for me because he’s impossible to resist.

When the NHSO goes on a manhunt for an unregistered mage, I can tell it’s upsetting for Mads and Jude. It’s upsetting for me, too, but even more so when I find out exactly why Mads is so worried about this kid. The more I find out about Madeo’s past and his world, the more I realize how special he is. No one who’s gone through what he has should come out the other side sane, let alone as kindhearted as him. I just hope he wants this thing between us to continue as badly as I do. And I want it to. Bad.

A Kiss To Revive Me is a 30K word MM urban fantasy novella and meant to be read AFTER The Scars That Bind Us (The Magi Accounts 1). It’s from Cosmo's perspective and takes place between books 1 and 2 of the main series. This is a companion novella, NOT a standalone or the start of a new series.

*Intended for adults only. Please read the trigger warnings at the beginning of this novella.

Genres: M M Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Shapeshifters, Magic, Urban Fantasy, Romance

109 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 19, 2022

About the author

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

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

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Feel free to contact me. I’d love to hear from you.

Reviews

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this was such a great snippet, I absolutely loved this.

This is a short story from Cosmos pov and let me tell you, I felt for him. He is a real sweetheart and his loyalty to Mads is lovely ... and it is definitely not easy for him.

I loved to see how he viewed Mads and now really REALLY want the next book

This is a great follow-up to the first book, which I totally loved.
everyone who ever read one of my novella reviews knows, I normally don't like them ... so 4,5 stars should tell you everything

[Diane Dannenfeldt · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this is a short novella that takes place during The Scars That Bind Us & their first meeting, but from Cosmo's POV & much shorter version. You really need to read the first book before this one as it will make more sense. Even though you get the sense of how Cos felt for Madeo & his pride, you really get to see it here.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion

[Joyfully Jay]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.25 stars

This is a companion novella to the larger Magi Accounts series and, as such, is not meant to be read as a standalone. Here we get to see Cos’ POV, which is a treat to see after the first book. Though the prologue is Cos’ viewpoint of a scene we saw in The Scars That Bind Us, the majority of the story is after the events of that first book and setting up for the second (yet to be released) book. I liked that we get into Cos’ head here. He almost seemed too good to be true in the first book, and being able to see his thought processes helped flesh him out a bit more.

Mostly, we get to see just how good Cos is. As leader of his pride, he’s a caretaker, and that extends to everyone in his life whom he cares about. We also get to see his insecurities and how he’s working through them.

Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.

[HarriReadsRoMMance · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great follow up to book 1! I loved loved loved getting Cosmo’s POV because as much as I enjoy Mads and understand him after what we’ve learned so far about his upbringing, he really puts Cosmo through the wringer and so it’s nice to see what Cosmo sees and how he processes what he learns. And boy do they still have so much to learn about each other! It’s hard to discuss this novella and their relationship without dropping some serious book 1 spoilers but Cosmo is a real breath of fresh air and despite not having a sunny childhood he brings some light to Mads’ life and has such a positivity in him without naïve or unrealistic. It was also great to see more interaction within the pride and learning more about Cosmo’s pride mates, not just those on the team. Bring on book 2! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Demetra Roussakis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little novella that follow The Scars that Us and told from Cosmo’s point of view. I starts off with how both Cosmo and Madeo meet. Fast forward a few months and they are seeing each other. There is an adventure of finding a new undocumented mage, which, thankfully Cosmo’s and his team found. I loved it and cannot wait for the continuation of this series.

I received a copy of this book for my review.

[Nicole van Dongen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story has a lot of the same issues as the first in my opinion. Being told from Cosmo's POV did help, we didn't get any of the annoying pet names between Jude and Madeo. I really appreciated that we did get to see some turmoil in the relationship. I found it very strange in the first book that Cosmo was so accepting of the diad closeness. It would have been good to see some sort of struggle with the plot though. In both books the escape has gone somewhat flawlessly.

[Janet (iamltr) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook Review


I will be honest, I did not read the book before this but I was not lost. Some of the people I didn't know, but that was alright.

This is a very short interlude from Cosmo"s pov where he sees from the outside how Mads is and helps a magi get out of town.

The narration was awesome and I really enjoyed this one.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a delightful little extra! I loved seeing Cosmo's point of view. And so far I'm loving this world, so the more we get of it the better!

[Ronie Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

So mage are magically inclined humans. In the end is jealousy that a driving force. To be chosen. Huh!

Glad to read that Mad is opening up more. That Compound sounds like what cultists use for indoctrination. Making sure you know your place.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audio Book Review
This audiobook is a cute addition to Michele Notaro’s, The Magi Accounts. This story told from Cosmo’s perspective, is enlightening. It is interesting getting into his mind frame by understanding his motives and how much he cares for Madeo. This story is a summary of the first book only from Cosmo’s perspective. This story adds to the world Michele Notaro builds. Narrator CJ Storm does an outstanding job bringing the author's work to life. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Ebook Review
This book is a cute addition to Michele Notaro’s, The Magi Accounts. This story is told from Cosmo’s perspective. It is interesting getting into his mind frame by understanding his motives and how much he cares for Madeo. This story is a summary of the first book, just from Cosmo’s perspective. This story adds to the world Michele Notaro builds. I received this ARC from GRR for an honest review.

[Xanthe · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5*
This is a companion novel to book one in this series which I strongly recommend reading first as we dive right in with the couple and series into already in place.
I love that here we get the story from Cosmo's POV, giving us insight I go him as an alpha shifter, team and price leader, as well as Mads's boyfriend. We're shown how little shifters know about magi and how they're treated which, upon hearing another of Mads's memories, makes my heart hurt for him and other magi all over again. This time, a young, unregistered magi has come to light and the NHSO want the team to find and capture the young man so he can be grabbed and taken to the compound but if Mads and Jude have anything to do with it, they'll never get close to him. Cosmo and his pride really step up to the plate, showing how they are learning and coming to care for Mads, Jude and Logan.
There's a lot of strong emotion in this novella with mention of torture through a memory. It's interesting seeing the MC's relationship from a different perspective and seeing how much they mean to each other. I'm excited to see how things progress further in book two now Cosmo knows more of Mads and Jude's history.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
*Audio review*
CJ continues to narrate this series and does fantastic work with it. I love that all of this book is from Cosmo's POV. There's definitely that alpha quality to his voice that CJ provides and really brings him and his personality to life.

[JD Waggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since "The Scars that Bind Us" was told entirely within Madeo's POV, it was interesting here to get Cosmo's sense of things. I'm glad Notaro didn't spend a lot of time treading ground of "Scars" but had their first meeting and then went into post-"Scars" terrain so that Cosmo could comment on the developing relationship rather than rehashing the first book. We get a bit more of his sense of himself as alpha, though not a lot; as I've said before, novellas are so difficult because they have so little space and often quite a lot of character thoughts that can't fit there.

I mentioned in my review of "Scars" that I was really looking forward to how Notaro deals with the reality of Madeo and Jude within the context of Madeo and Cosmo, and this...kind of got there. Sort of. The limited viewpoint meant that we didn't get a lot of the Madeo-and-Jude side of the equation, only Cosmo's uncertainty, so I'm once again hoping that gets unpacked a bit more in book two. (Although, there were a couple of times where Madeo and Cosmos were having some Emotive Moments while doing a backstory trip and I spent the entire scene that should've been suitably heartwrenching thinking, "Where is Jude? He would definitely feel Madeo freaking out about this and come to see what's wrong. Why is there no Jude." So I think Notaro is still working out the patterns here.)

This focuses mostly on the search for an outed mage kid (I don't know why Notaro never seems to use that singular but calls everyone "magi" which is a plural but I'm aware that that's deeply nitpicky) and sets up Cosmo and his pride for demonstrating to Madeo and Jude (mostly Madeo) that they really aren't kidding about valuing their magi trio. It means that there's not a whole lot more worldbuilding/engagement outside of the pride, but it also means that we get a few more glimpses of just how awful it is to be a mage in this world. Watching Cosmo learn is so, so well done in terms of any comparatively-privileged class learning just how bad it is for the marginalized. A quote I highlighted about it: "How were these things not common knowledge? How was our government able to keep these things a secret for so long? Well...I suppose when they treat magi like they're the scum of the earth and teach everyone that they're dangerous and that you should steer clear of them, I suppose it makes sense that everyone else stays out of magi business" (56).

This had so many undertones of "to erase a people, first dehumanize them" that we see in anti-Semitism, homophobia, transphobia, racism, sexism, and all the historical genocides that began with "this group of people is not like you and is beneath you." And when people not in that group learn that these things are happening, there's that sense of horror; how could such a thing be hidden? I'd be very interested to use this series as a way to teach -isms in a book study or high school class or something because it nails that dichotomy of the bewildered anger vs. the marginalized's exhausted grief.

The writing of this was a little off because there were a lot of repetitive phrases (not quite the same kind of repetitive monikers of the first book) and, again, the still-unfolding reality of Jude, but I'm glad to "hear" Cosmo's voice and very much am looking forward to the next books.

[KJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I have read through the end of book three already before going back to this one. That being said, I do absolutely love when I’m able to see the main character (IE the POV I always see) in the POV of a different character. It was no different here. Although I think my favorite part of this companion piece is that Madeo is described by Cosmo so I finally have an idea of what he looks like! I don’t put too much stock in the ‘tiny’ part, which seems to be something authors love to do, but even just knowing his hair color is a huge deal for me. That being said, it was definitely lovely to see more of Cosmo’s background coming into this. I do, of course, wish there were a little more struggle in the plot, so that this companion piece really fits with the tone of the main series.


Would I go back in time and still read this book, knowing what I know now?
Certainly! Who knows, but it may have been nice to read this one before moving onto book 2, but I didn’t.


See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book


CHARACTERS: I appreciated the fact that Cosmo wasn’t perfect. We actually saw hints of ‘shadow’ emotions: jealousy, annoyance, ire, etc. It made him more complex than simply a wet dream love interest. Make no mistake, I love him as a character, so this was just an added bonus. I also appreciated his emotions in regards to dating someone so emotionally closed off but still trying as Mads is. And that he isn’t completely fine with the ‘dyad’ part. That was refreshing. It’s always nice to see more of Mads from a different POV as well, especially when we hear more about his past and why, brave as he is, there are some things he doesn’t do, because of what’s happened before. It’s super helpful, but also sad too.


PLOT: The plot here is not quite as dire or fast-paced as the main arc, perhaps to be expected. It very much sits between books 1 and 2, offering more information that ends up fleshing out their backstories a little bit more. There isn’t as much of a struggle to this one, however, not in the way we saw in book 1. But this is a quick read that is nice because it offers just that, more backstory.


EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.

2 out of 5/low. Especially in comparison to the events of book 1. Not bad, just don’t need to armor up in quite the same way. This reads a bit like an interlude.



CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled?

75%. Because we didn’t have as high of a struggle/consequences/or stakes, there wasn’t too much catharsis to be had. However, it didn’t end with anything not wrapped up, so that’s good. No frustration here.

[Maryann Kafka · Rating 4 out of 5]

“A Kiss to Revive Me” is the 1.5 book in “The Magi Accounts” series by Michele Notaro. It’s the POV from Cosmo Ono-Nais. He and Madeo are in a dating phase but Cosmo want’s more and he has a plan to put into motion.

Cos and the Pride have made a home that is safe, protected and filled with love and happiness. He’s ready to take a big step and prove his loyalty, protection and love to Madeo and his small family of Jude and Logan.

When Madeo Driscoll saved Cosmo Ono-Nails a unique connection developed between them. Even with this new connection, Madeo still keeps many of his thoughts and emotions hidden from Cos. Cos knows Mads had been through some terrifying abuse. As Cos continues to hear the stories of abuse and torture by the NHSO it’s still hard for him to realize,

Cos has already witnessed the fallout from the death of a teenage mage. Now an unregistered, teenage Mage is now falsely accused and hunted by the NHSO. It leads to Cos getting first hand experience with the plans that Mads and Jude will put into action to save the mage. Cos offers help from the Pride, but Mads is against it. Mads can’t risk too many knowing the secret of the Cloaked Freeway. He makes it clear to Cos of the danger and worse, that will come down on them if they are discovered.

“A Kiss to Revive Me” is a novella that gives an in-depth look at alpha Cosmo Ono-Nais. His loyalty to the Pride and the protection, shelter and understanding he provides to them all. It also, brings out more of the unique relationship growing between him and Madeo. His understanding of the connection Madeo has with Jude and Logan.

There’s a variety of emotions, banter and suspense with the rescue effort that involves the People’s Liberation Union and the Cloaked Freeway. It brings out more of the prejudice, hatred and corruption that exists In the NHSO. I’m still not sure about Captain Harriet Gray, she seems to not care about the abuse of the mages and doesn’t always share information.

All the great characters are back. The Pride: Charles, Dare, Zara, Kulani, River, Eva and Luce. As long as there is Madeo, Jude will always be there along with Logan. And Evan, who needed saving.

“A Kiss to Revive Me” is a short novella by Michele Notaro, that will lead into book two “The Shackles That Hold Us”.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrific Addendum to the first book!

Rating: 4.25🌈

A Kiss To Revive Me is a account of the events that occur in the first novel, The Scars That Bind Us, but from the perspective of Cosmo Ono-Nai , the alpha of the pride of shifters working with the dyad Mages, Madeo and Jude Driscoll.

This must be read after that first story or it won’t make any sense at all. For it jumps from event to event, and things that we know have already occurred, but this time, it’s viewed from Cosmo’s POV.

Whereas Mads stands in as the voice for not only himself but for Jude too, and all mages that endure all the brutal, inhuman treatment and abuse they’ve barely lived through to their status as government weapons, nothing more.

Cosmo and pride comes into the team thinking of mages much as the Government’s military campaign has made the population think of mages…as entitled beings, living a life of wealthy magicians. Covering up the truth and hiding the horrific tragedy and torture that’s continuing now.

Through Mads recounting to Cosmo of his past horrors, the abuse, the torture they endure if they don’t behave, the gruesome outcome of others that have tried to leave, Cosmo and the reader gain an explicit picture of what life as a magi means.

While the torture, abuse, and other horrors are committed off page, for those for whom this is a trigger, pls note and make the decision for your self if this is a story you are comfortable with.

For me, this was a terrific addendum to the first story, adding another essential layer to what’s going to be a raw, gripping battle and journey for a ever growing found family of shifters and magi in a terrifying world.

I’m eagerly awaiting The Shackles That Hold Us #2, out June 7, 2022.

Until then read them all in the order they’ve been written. I’m highly recommending them all to date.

The Magi Accounts:
🔹Our Hearts That Tie Us #0.5
🔹The Scars That Bind Us #1
🔹A Kiss To Revive Me #1.5
🔹The Shackles That Hold Us #2 - June 7,2022

[J.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I’m not sure whether this secondary novella is intended to be read as part of the full series, so I read it while taking both perspectives into account. Either way, I enjoyed getting a full story from Cosmo’s point of view, and I appreciate that the only territory Notaro retreads is the first time he encounters Madeo. The rest of the interactions between all characters happen after the first book’s events, while Cosmo and Madeo are still settling into a relationship despite the external barriers they face.

The external plot is a bit of a repeat of a secondary storyline from book 1, in which Madeo and his dyad Jude are determined to save a young mage from the abusive life in which they were raised. The significant difference here is that Cosmo is aware of their main goal and insists on helping (along with his pride). Along the way, Cosmo gets a huge wake-up call regarding the reality of living as a mage. I understand Madeo’s reluctance to share the past he’d rather keep locked away, especially when every new revelation of the dark underbelly of their society affects Cosmo like a punch to the gut.

Cosmo might be used to being a secondary member of their society as a shifter, but the gap between shifters and humans is minuscule compared to the chasm that further separates the mages. In this novella, he begins to learn how to deal with Madeo’s life on multiple levels. I think he’s getting there when it comes to Madeo’s life as a mage, and Notaro teases more of a further conflict as Cosmo realizes how close Madeo and Jude are bound with magic and what that might mean for a true romantic bond with him.

Even if this novella was not intended to be necessary reading for the full Magi Accounts series, I highly recommend that readers not miss it. I already look forward to seeing how elements of this story continue to thread throughout the next book and beyond.

[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Magical Purrfection! Great Story & Listen🎧

A Kiss to Revive Me
The Magi Accounts, Book 1.5
By: Michele Notaro
Narrated by: CJ Storm

This is a fabulous novella, a companion story to the first book of this amazing series, “The Magi Accounts” and should be enjoyed after the first book, “The Scars That Bind Us”, Madeo and Cosmo’s story, which I absolutely adored. Michele Notaro created something special in this series and the world she created, the characters are fantastic and so is the world building and character development. If you have not started this series yet, what are you waiting for? It is a fascinating paranormal urban fantasy that will captivate your attention from start to end. This novella brings us Cosmo’s perspective, and it is great to see things told from his point of view and his thoughts on other matters as well. I fell in love with him and Mads in the first book, but now I love them even more, especially Cosmo. Though I am still not loving the NHSO or how they treat Magi and hope to see changes for the better in future books. This is a treat of the story and it was great to revisit these characters again and I am looking forward to what comes next for them. Michele Notaro, thank you for another fantastic story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

🎧📚🎧 And for the fabulous narration, CJ Storm is a talented narrator and a versatile voice artist. He continues to do an amazing job of bringing these characters and their story to life. His portrayal of the characters and voice choices are spot on, and so is the consistency of his performance. I love how he takes each role, runs with it and makes it his own, sounding natural and believable in every role he plays. You could hear how much heart he puts into his work as he captures the characters’ emotions and projects them into his performance. CJ Storm is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another great listen.

[purely.romantic · Rating 5 out of 5]

*This review will include spoilers for the previous book in this series*

This lovely little novella was exactly what I needed to keep me from missing Mads and Cosmo too much. Michele Notaro gives us more glimpses into their relationship immediately following the events of the first book as well as a little prologue of their first meeting, all from Cosmo’s POV. We see our favourite characters in pursuit of an unregistered mage and find a way to sneak the young boy out of the country with the assistance of the Cloaked Freeway.

Ever since the Cloaked Freeway was mentioned in the first book, I have been fascinated by its existence and the role it plays in this particular world’s tense socio-political dynamics. Not only is it a way for Mads and Jude to make sure they can help at least some young mages escape the fate they suffered, but it also adds so many more stakes to the story. The consequences if they are caught would be dire and this is exactly what makes them so determined to participate. I hope this particular aspect of the story features more in future books as I sense there is much more to explore there.

The novella also lets us peek into Cos’s head as he adorably swoons over his budding relationship. We get to see through Cosmo’s eyes just how much Mads is still adjusting to the idea of being loved, but also being loved by a shifter. The moments in which he is vulnerable with Cosmo are heartbreaking and give us further insight into his and Jude’s difficult childhood. It’s also a steep learning curve for Cosmo who is still finding it hard to wrap his head around the reality his boyfriend and his dyad experienced.

This was a sweet and tender little interlude with so much cuteness from Mads and Cosmo, plenty of laughs and sass from their combined mage/shifter family and a little bit of action to tide us over until book 2 drops in a few months!

CW’s: discriminatory treatment towards those deemed second-class; recollections of past abuse and torture towards main characters.

[Garc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taking place between book one and two of The Magi Accounts, A kiss to Revive Me is a novella from Cosmo’s perspective, the Alpha pride shifter that Madeo falls for.

In fact while reading The Scars That Bind Us I did feel that Cosmo wasn’t as fleshed out as the Magi, meaning Madeo, Jude, and even Logan but it completely made sense given the rich and dark history regarding the Magi. Having Cosmo’s point of view adds to his character but also gives us a broader understanding of this world. Since Shifters, Magi, and Humans have been segregated it’s interesting to see how his perspective of their world is evolving by being around Mads. They’re learning about each as much as we are learning about them, and this story teases some potential changes in Cosmo’s future that I can’t wait to see happen.

This novella may start by retelling Cosmo’s pride arrival at the NHSO through the alpha’s eyes but it quickly its own thing, with an emotional case that affects all the parties involves, making it a great end-credit scene for book one and a good teaser for what’s to come in The Shackles That Hold Us (The Magi Accounts 2).

Review also posted on Worn out Spine | Instagram |

[Scatteredashes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a stand alone and should be read after the first in this series (which isn't really a shame since the first book is awesome). I loved that we get to hear from Cos' POV and we get to learn a bit more about some of the other Pride members. The prologue is Cosmo's view of his first meeting with Madeo but the rest of the story takes place a few months after the first one. The more Madeo opens up about his time at the compound, the tougher it gets to not want to wrap him up in blankets and not let anyone near him. There are some really dark and hard to hear stories that Madeo and other Magi have gone through. As this is from Cosmo's perspective, we're right there with him as he learns just how awful the situation really is. I also really liked that Cosmo is working on his insecurities in this story. From the first book, we don't really understand what Cosmo is emotionally going through as he tries to break down Madeo's walls along with accepting his relationship with Jude. Even though this one is short, there's a lot of emotion packed in and I really hope we get more from Cosmo's point of view.

[Guardian.angel54 · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, hopefully you read the first book: The Scars That Bind Us, because this book won't make much sense without that. However, if you did read the first book and are contemplating this one, all I can say is "What are you waiting for?"
This book jumps into the first one at the beginning of the story but quickly segues to about 3/4 of The Scars, and continues a little bit past the ending - all from Cosmo's point of view. The first book was in Madeo's point of view, and now we get to see things from his fluffy lion's side. I loved how these dual perspectives and I can totally see how trying to do both in one book would have resulted in a book that was hella long! It was great to get a deeper glimpse into the Pride and learn a little more about the characters there. That this book took us a smidge past the ending of the first book was a huge bonus and really helped to cement the dynamics of the characters going into the next book. I'm eagerly waiting for the next chapter in the Magi series and already it has become one of my favorites. But then again, it is by Michele Notaro, so I expected nothing less! Highly recommend!

[Bob Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful follow-up novella, to be read after The Scars That Bind Us which is the first book in Michele Notaro's new series, The Magi Accounts. This story is written from the perspective of Cosmo, the tiger shifter who develops a relationship with Madeo the mage. This is a 2.5 hour read as opposed to the 9.5 hour read of The Scars That Bind Us. In this book, the team is tasked with finding an unregistered mage. The Cosmo/Madeo story continues to build and Cosmo is given more detail about Madeo's nightmarish past.

As are all of Michele Notaro's novels, it is well-written with lots of snark and a moderate level of angst with occasional high levels of drama. These characters are delightful and the relationship continues to build in a believable way. The author skillfully knits the background storyline into the story of Cosmo and Madeo. In addition to the oppression of both mages and shifters, other storylines continue to develop. Like the first novel, this story has a lot of warm fuzziness in between the storyline drama. The second book is due soon and I for one can't wait to read it.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Kiss to Revive Me is a short story set after the first book, and it’s not to be missed. Centered around a missing mage and the Cloaked Freeway. Madeo and Cosmo, who are still slow burning this relationship, are determined to help get the missing mage out of the country. It was a feature of the first book, where Mads and his dyad Jude have been successfully getting mages out of the country with the Freeway for years. But this is the first time bringing anyone into the organisation, and bringing all of Cos’ pride into it is a bit scary.
It’s a very short story, but it’s such a good continuation of the series, and is really important to the overall story arc, so don’t miss it. Honestly, I just think this is an amazing world. The world building just continues brilliantly, and it’s something I just find so enjoyable to read.
Now for those who are curious, there’s no sex in this one. They’re dealing with a crisis, come on. But the emotional side of Mad’s and Cos’ relationship is developed really well, and continues to become stronger and more interesting.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.

[Gabbi Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to the series (an audio review)

The first book in this series was entirely from Madeo’s point of view. That made sense – he was the magi. This in-between book is from his lover’s perspective, Cosmo. Cosmo’s a lion shifter, making their mage/shifter alliance a challenge. Both are the ‘other’, but both have different rungs on the social ladder. It was heartbreaking to hear the pain and suffering afflicted upon the magi.

This story is a quickie – whetting my appetite for the next book in the series. And I got to know Cosmo a bit better as well. Their team is tasked to track down a previously unknown magi teenager. But Madeo knows what they’ll do to the kid if they send him to the magi academy. He needs to do something – but that could wind up their entire team in a heap of trouble.

I don’t want to give away too much – but I loved how the dénouement unfolded. And I can’t wait for the next big book. C.J. Storm gave a great performance and I hope he’s the narrator on the next book as well. Thoroughly enjoyed this one.

[Teeny · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars rounding down simply because I can't think of why to round up.

I'm glad that we got Cosmo's POV and I'm glad that this whole novella wasn't just a summary of what happened in the first book from his POV but we got a small glimpse of the beginning and then moved on to a bit beyond how the first book ended.

It's important to see things from Cosmo's POV because from Madeo's it seemed like Cosmo was okay with Madeo and Jude's relationship and with Madeo's declarations of Jude being his other half, which from his POV can see that that isn't the case and it's a constant struggle for him to not let it affect him, understand it, accept it.

Those two have a rough road ahead of them because although they have a soul deep bond they also have an abundance of trust issues and a lack of honesty when it comes to how they feel.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Jay A. Aulds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cosmos and Madeo connecting

When I read the first book, the Scars that binds us, I was totally heart broken on how the story set out with the magi, shifters and the whole distopia crap that happens along with hatred.
But seeing Madeo, a prickly magi (in which case he has every right to be prickly) to mellow with Cosmos in a eventual timeline in both the first book and this one. Makes me want to be like Cosmos and want to protect Jude and Madeo from the evil humanity. But alas, we can only follow along the plots, sub plots, character and world buildups.
This one deserves a 5 star rating because Icouldnot stop smiling with how Cosmos reacts with Madeo, Rivers, Charlie, Jude, Logan and some new character.
Madeo being a small statue magi and Cosmos being a big strapping lion shifter, yeah they're definitely perfect for each other. Can't wait for the next installment.
Love Michelle Notaro's works.

[Maijie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Kiss To Revive Me is a novella that takes place during The Scars That Bind Us. It is a much shorter and brief overview of some events that happened there and is told in the point of view of Cosmo. This adds more depth and some nice layers to the dynamics and relationship between the Cosmo and Madeo. It also brings additional dimension to the world building done on the first book. It was wonderful to revisit the sweet moments between the two as seen through another perspective.

My advise is to The Scars That Bind Us first before diving into this novella. It will definitely make a better reading experience. I'd say that this is a nice bonus if you love the first book.

This would be a 3.5 stars out of 5 stars for me.

I received an ARC of this book via GRR and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is told from Cosmo’s point of view. From the first time he met Madeo, he was entranced. The more he gets to know him the more he appreciates this stubborn little mage. When their team and the rest of NHSO is called in to search for an unregistered mage, Cosmo knows how much this upsets Madeo and Jude. Soon the entire team in on the hunt, especially after Cosmo learns why Madeo and Jude are so upset. It is a wonder that the two turned out as well as they did when forced to endure so much.

It was pleasure to read Cosmo’s viewpoint. He and his pride are not like the other shifter teams. They know and sense right and wrong and are not afraid to stand up for it. Madeo wants to give Cosmo more but knows it may not be possible. You can’t help but route for these two to find everlasting love. This series is so enjoyable, the next book is hopefully coming soon.

[Anne Barwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved book 1 of this series, and I enjoyed reading about Cosmo and Mads’ meeting from Cos’ perspective, and him finding out more about the reality of being a mage in this world.

I love the family/found family of this series, and I enjoyed seeing the pride from the inside, and them still settling into their new home. I also loved the confirmation of Cosmo and Mads’ connection, which I’d guessed reading book 1.

Although I already knew Cos, and his pride, are the good guys, this story totally confirms it, especially with his reaction to what Mads, Jude, and other mages have been, and are still going through. I loved his determination to bring about change, although I suspect it’s a long road ahead.

As the blurb says, this is a companion novella to The Scars That Bind Us, and I would recommend reading that first. I then wanted this one immediately, and read it in one sitting.

[S a n d r a · Rating 4 out of 5]

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Perfect novella for this story.

Not only the plot, saving an unregistered magi teenager, was interesting, but also having it told by Cos's POV marked the difference.

I like seeing Cos learn about the truth magi people live. It's sad and heart wrench every time he discovers a new horror, but it's important for him to really understand him.

Also, seeing how he feels about Madeo and Jude's relationship was nice. I hope there's not too much drama in regards of this particular topic in the future, but I liked seeing his jealousy and insecurities.