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Magical Misfits #2
Mates: Xander
He wished on a star. He clicked his heels together. But poor Xander still hasn't found a home—sweet or otherwise. With a human mother and a werewolf father, Xander Binnigas has never fit anywhere. His father wasn't keen on being saddled with a clueless cub. His mother hated when he drank out of the toilet bowl and marked mailboxes on their Sunday strolls. Even so, he survived to adulthood, his one desire never wavering. And like a wolf with a bone, Xander still longs to find a place to belong. But after years of working like a dog in hopes of officially joining the Manhattan pack, he realizes that he’s been barking up the wrong skyscraper. He’s no closer to his dream than he was his first day on the job. To make matters worse, he’s showing signs of fray—the mental decline to which all lone wolves eventually succumb. When the telltale tics become too prominent to hide, the Manhattan alpha discovers Xander's problem and forces his paw. But the solution the alpha suggests forces Xander to choose between his sanity and his friends. And how sweet can a home really be if you’ve sacrificed everything you love to find it?
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2022
12 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 29, 2024
This book was awesome ! I felt in the first book that I needed to know more about the characters and this book did just that. The supernatural take on Friends is such a good series where there are twist and turns you would never expect. I cannot wait to read the rest of it and answer all my questions!! I recommend this series so much !
May 18, 2024
This book "technically" features Xander (a half human, half werewolf outcast) as he begins losing grip on reality due to not having the bond of a pack. This book has MULTIPLE plot twists!
I say it "technically" follows Xander for book two because you really get equal POVs from all the characters! Reading this book feels like watching a tv show - each chapter is broken down into engaging snapshots of adventure, loaded with tons of banter between friends.
Goodness, this really hits you in the feels. I can guarantee there will be a character in this book that you relate too and "bond" with immediately.
If you liked Friends, New Girl, or Harry Potter... guess what?! This book is the perfect blend of all three while still magically remaining completely unique and with its own voice! This series is a must-read!
This book has been the find of the year for me!! Recommending it to everyone now.
I say it "technically" follows Xander for book two because you really get equal POVs from all the characters! Reading this book feels like watching a tv show - each chapter is broken down into engaging snapshots of adventure, loaded with tons of banter between friends.
Goodness, this really hits you in the feels. I can guarantee there will be a character in this book that you relate too and "bond" with immediately.
If you liked Friends, New Girl, or Harry Potter... guess what?! This book is the perfect blend of all three while still magically remaining completely unique and with its own voice! This series is a must-read!
This book has been the find of the year for me!! Recommending it to everyone now.
April 30, 2024
Fantasy + FRIENDS = Awesome!
This series really is a great combination of fantasy and friendship. I love how it takes a group of people that are so different from each other that they shouldn’t really get along, and shows what happens when true friendships take shape. It’s fascinating to have the point of view change among the characters so you really get to know each one. The little images on each new chapter give you a reminder clue as to whose point of view you're getting so there’s no confusion. I really loved book one (Minerva), so I had high expectations for Xander, and I’m happy to say Bridget did not disappoint! The characters and relationships continue to deepen, the plot lines continue to thicken, and the unexpected twists keep throwing me. I can’t wait for the rest of the series!
This series really is a great combination of fantasy and friendship. I love how it takes a group of people that are so different from each other that they shouldn’t really get along, and shows what happens when true friendships take shape. It’s fascinating to have the point of view change among the characters so you really get to know each one. The little images on each new chapter give you a reminder clue as to whose point of view you're getting so there’s no confusion. I really loved book one (Minerva), so I had high expectations for Xander, and I’m happy to say Bridget did not disappoint! The characters and relationships continue to deepen, the plot lines continue to thicken, and the unexpected twists keep throwing me. I can’t wait for the rest of the series!
April 30, 2024
If you enjoy the T.V. Show friends and fantasy, you are going to adore this series! This story picks right up from where the first one ended! Six friends and all the challenges that they face together, so good. You won't want to miss this one!
*Note - Series needs to be read in order
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
*Note - Series needs to be read in order
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
November 9, 2024
Wow. This was a ride!!! If you want to completely immerse yourself in a totally original paranormal fantasy saga, grab book one of this series.
As we start this installment with Xander, our half werewolf, my heart aches for him as a little wolf. Now, if you’re new to this series it is about a group of supernatural friends: a werewolf, a witch, a mage, a vampire, a demon-spawn, and a dragon.
I could not have imagined where this book would take us. Suppositions upended. Family and friends. Good and evil. A fantastical tale that has me caught in its web. It’s also funny! I kept laughing and my hubby would ask why…. Well…. I did explain one time: “the pigeon swallowed a magical firefly and then spit it out and it exploded on a vampire.” …. It’s just not the same when you say it out loud. Lol.
I’m so sad that the full series isn’t available yet, but I’m off to binge read the last one that is!
Content: One of our main characters is a lesbian. However, so far that piece is only mentioned occasionally in passing and no action has been undertaken. Innuendos and some language.
As we start this installment with Xander, our half werewolf, my heart aches for him as a little wolf. Now, if you’re new to this series it is about a group of supernatural friends: a werewolf, a witch, a mage, a vampire, a demon-spawn, and a dragon.
I could not have imagined where this book would take us. Suppositions upended. Family and friends. Good and evil. A fantastical tale that has me caught in its web. It’s also funny! I kept laughing and my hubby would ask why…. Well…. I did explain one time: “the pigeon swallowed a magical firefly and then spit it out and it exploded on a vampire.” …. It’s just not the same when you say it out loud. Lol.
I’m so sad that the full series isn’t available yet, but I’m off to binge read the last one that is!
Content: One of our main characters is a lesbian. However, so far that piece is only mentioned occasionally in passing and no action has been undertaken. Innuendos and some language.
October 24, 2022
Bridget Baker creates another amazing story in her series Mates. This time focused mostly on Xander and Of course the rest of his friends too. Once again we get to see what antics they get up to, the crazy twists and turns you never expect, all
The awesome supernatural paranormal fun and excitement and seeing how these friends all continue to pull together to create a family. This book dives deeper into all the mystery, characters and development of the story line and all you want to do is see what happens next. It’s another incredible story by Bridget Baker, one you won’t want to miss. It’s so so so good! I can’t wait for the next story to see what happens next. Get this book you won’t miss those hours of sleep you’ll miss reading this book, it will totally be worth it!
The awesome supernatural paranormal fun and excitement and seeing how these friends all continue to pull together to create a family. This book dives deeper into all the mystery, characters and development of the story line and all you want to do is see what happens next. It’s another incredible story by Bridget Baker, one you won’t want to miss. It’s so so so good! I can’t wait for the next story to see what happens next. Get this book you won’t miss those hours of sleep you’ll miss reading this book, it will totally be worth it!
October 12, 2022
Bridget again manages to tell 6 stories in 1, which is quite impressive. Obviously, this one is about Xander the most, as we find out more about his history, what the signs of freying are and whether he'll ever find a pack of his own. Very satisfying conclusion.
I love the pics of characters at the beginning of the chapters, so we can have an idea of them in our head :)
What a fun book, I devoured it quickly I enjoyed it so much. This series is great, a lovely universe with a loveable band of magical misfits :)
I can't wait for the next ones :)
I love the pics of characters at the beginning of the chapters, so we can have an idea of them in our head :)
What a fun book, I devoured it quickly I enjoyed it so much. This series is great, a lovely universe with a loveable band of magical misfits :)
I can't wait for the next ones :)
October 30, 2022
Book one was great but book two was even better! We carry on from book one and it’s as fun and exciting as we continue to follow this band of misfits in their incredible adventures. We get more depth and development not just in the story but also with the characters and the amazing world building continues to draw you in. Mystery, suspense, magic and friendship / family even when things appear to going wrong this fantastic paranormal family pull together to defeat the challenges in their path. I cannot wait for book three!
November 3, 2022
Oh wow! This series just keeps getting better, more interesting and intriguing. Spoilers ahead: Xander thinks he’s “fraying” but he isn’t and may have found a pack, Roxanna doesn’t go back home but ends up with a possible fiancé, Clark loses his job but may have another, Minerva is dating her dream guy and learns a secret about herself, Bettina descends another level for a good cause and has to fight off the demon-spawn, and Izaak gets an acting job as a villain and defies his mom. It’s all very exciting!
January 4, 2023
As much as I loved the first one, I like Xander’s tale even more. A werewolf puppy who fits in nowhere and doesn’t grow into a big scary alpha? (Or does he? Where’s the next book??) Again, this is just pure fun to read. I adore these characters. They really grow on you just like the group on FRIENDS. If you like a little magic/fantasy (this is set in more modern times, big city, so not a fairytale land) and the camaraderie and goofiness of FRIENDS, you really need to read this series!
October 26, 2022
If you enjoy the T.V. Show friends and fantasy, you are going to adore this series! This story picks right up from where the first one ended! Six friends and all the challenges that they face together, so good. You won't want to miss this one!
*Note - Series needs to be read in order
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
*Note - Series needs to be read in order
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
November 19, 2022
M•A•T•E•S: Xander was such a fast-paced read. I love wolf shifters and Xander is the funniest and sweetest wolf shifter. We learn some pretty big secrets about Xander and about Minerva and the romantic tension starts to fly. There is magic, mayhem and danger and I love every second of it. Giggles you are my favorite! I can’t wait for the next book!
October 24, 2022
A fun continuation of the first one. I didn't realize I was near the end and was sad I didn't get to keep reading! Luckily, Baker turns them out pretty fast and I'll definitely be reading the next one!
October 25, 2022
Once again I am in love with another of Bridget’s books. Xander and his crew give us more and more. Book 1 Minerva was great and this just made it awesome. If you are a Friends fan, you will love this book. Paranormal-Friends clash for a great read!
October 25, 2022
Really enjoyed the 2nd book in this series. Each one of the Mates stories is continued in this book. When things are falling down around them and the impossible becomes possible, these Mates rally together. What a fun story of friendship.
November 5, 2022
Book 2 was just as fun as book one! I loved following everyone on their adventures and misadventures! I’m not sure who is my favorite since I’m rooting and loving them all. You will not be disappointed with this series!
March 30, 2023
Much better than the first of the series, this book has a lot more character development and plot originality. There are still some pretty, predictable, plot points, well, most of it is pretty predictable, but in a cheerful, well loved way.
January 22, 2023
This is the second book in the series. Things are getting more and more interesting. This author likes to liven things up with revelations here and there. Love all the characters.
Read
May 2, 2023Harder to read than her other books, but still a great story!
June 12, 2024
First off, you have to read this series! I need more and pronto!!! Ok, I'll be patient but honestly, I'm really excited for the next book and to see which member of this friend group will be featured. Second thing, you have to read them in order. Even though each book features a different friend and is mainly from their POV (point of view), we get to read from the POV of each main character. I love it. If that sounds like it might be a little overwhelming because there are 6 friends, I promise it works and flows smoothly. The author did a fantastic job making it a smooth transition and keeping the story flowing.
The first book does a great job giving a good foundation for the characters and letting us get to know them but I loved how this book goes even deeper and continues to develop their backstories, especially Xander since he's the main focus for this book. These 6 magical misfit friends are so fun. I love their friendships and the strength they gain from each other. Their loyalty and true care and concern for each other. They each have some struggles and hard coming at them but I love watching them work together to figure it out!
Seriously such a delightful read! I laughed out loud many times at the wit and banter. And I loved the more serious moments as well. These are great well rounded characters that I can't help but cheer for and want to know more about. And get ready for some really great plot twists! Holy Cow Batman!!! Soooo good!!!
I loved the first book but I really love this one. Not that they are any better than the other but for the fact that we continue to see these characters grow and develop and we continue to learn more about them. My favorite thing about series is that we come to love characters from one book and then we get to continue seeing them in the next and this book/series is perfection for that reason I love series. I'm so happy that I don't have to wait for one book to the next to know what is happening to certain characters. I get to see them all in this book!
Content: This is a fantasy story with magic and magical creatures. There's no language. Some mild moments of peril. And no adult content. Just a fun and delightful story. I would happily let my teenagers read this book and series.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
The first book does a great job giving a good foundation for the characters and letting us get to know them but I loved how this book goes even deeper and continues to develop their backstories, especially Xander since he's the main focus for this book. These 6 magical misfit friends are so fun. I love their friendships and the strength they gain from each other. Their loyalty and true care and concern for each other. They each have some struggles and hard coming at them but I love watching them work together to figure it out!
Seriously such a delightful read! I laughed out loud many times at the wit and banter. And I loved the more serious moments as well. These are great well rounded characters that I can't help but cheer for and want to know more about. And get ready for some really great plot twists! Holy Cow Batman!!! Soooo good!!!
I loved the first book but I really love this one. Not that they are any better than the other but for the fact that we continue to see these characters grow and develop and we continue to learn more about them. My favorite thing about series is that we come to love characters from one book and then we get to continue seeing them in the next and this book/series is perfection for that reason I love series. I'm so happy that I don't have to wait for one book to the next to know what is happening to certain characters. I get to see them all in this book!
Content: This is a fantasy story with magic and magical creatures. There's no language. Some mild moments of peril. And no adult content. Just a fun and delightful story. I would happily let my teenagers read this book and series.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
September 30, 2024
This book picked up where the first one left off, chose a new character from the group, and followed his story for a bit. You could definitely read this without the first one, as the plot is independent, it's just the cast of characters that is the same, and whatever little bits of backstory needed are covered or easily picked up.
This series is a light-hearted, often comedic, urban fantasy and supernatural type (is that what we're calling "friendly monster" books?) that is very Friends/How I Met Your Mother-esque. Characters are all unique, well written, and have great interaction. This is very much a "found family" book at it's core with a happy ending!
This story follows the half human, half werewolf Xander, who doesn't have a pack of his own, and does freelance bodyguard work for New York's premiere werewolf pack instead. Of course, all wolves want a pack, but we learn that not having one is an actual issue that causes them to "fray" eventually, leading to them going mentally off the rails and becoming a danger to themselves and others. Poor Xander. :(
Along side The main story of Xander, we get info on an emerging overarching story with Minerva (MC from book 1) as well as character development with Bevin, who is a good half demon and Minerva's best friend, who is doing her best not to commit any sins and "descend" (become fully demon).
It's really rare that I find light-hearted books that aren't just fluff or that try too hard to be funny, but this book did really well! Both plot and characters are well written, it's just comedic to take the edge off, and still presented a good story. Just enjoyable read all around. Recommended!
Themes: friendship, family, chosen family, courage
This series is a light-hearted, often comedic, urban fantasy and supernatural type (is that what we're calling "friendly monster" books?) that is very Friends/How I Met Your Mother-esque. Characters are all unique, well written, and have great interaction. This is very much a "found family" book at it's core with a happy ending!
This story follows the half human, half werewolf Xander, who doesn't have a pack of his own, and does freelance bodyguard work for New York's premiere werewolf pack instead. Of course, all wolves want a pack, but we learn that not having one is an actual issue that causes them to "fray" eventually, leading to them going mentally off the rails and becoming a danger to themselves and others. Poor Xander. :(
Along side The main story of Xander, we get info on an emerging overarching story with Minerva (MC from book 1) as well as character development with Bevin, who is a good half demon and Minerva's best friend, who is doing her best not to commit any sins and "descend" (become fully demon).
It's really rare that I find light-hearted books that aren't just fluff or that try too hard to be funny, but this book did really well! Both plot and characters are well written, it's just comedic to take the edge off, and still presented a good story. Just enjoyable read all around. Recommended!
Themes: friendship, family, chosen family, courage
November 9, 2024
Wow. This was a ride!!! If you want to completely immerse yourself in a totally original paranormal fantasy saga, grab book one of this series.
As we start this installment with Xander, our half werewolf, my heart aches for him as a little wolf. Now, if you’re new to this series it is about a group of supernatural friends: a werewolf, a witch, a mage, a vampire, a demon-spawn, and a dragon.
I could not have imagined where this book would take us. Suppositions upended. Family and friends. Good and evil. A fantastical tale that has me caught in its web. It’s also funny! I kept laughing and my hubby would ask why…. Well…. I did explain one time: “the pigeon swallowed a magical firefly and then spit it out and it exploded on a vampire.” …. It’s just not the same when you say it out loud. Lol.
I’m so sad that the full series isn’t available yet, but I’m off to binge read the last one that is!
Content: One of our main characters is a lesbian. However, so far that piece is only mentioned occasionally in passing and no action has been undertaken. Innuendos and some language.
As we start this installment with Xander, our half werewolf, my heart aches for him as a little wolf. Now, if you’re new to this series it is about a group of supernatural friends: a werewolf, a witch, a mage, a vampire, a demon-spawn, and a dragon.
I could not have imagined where this book would take us. Suppositions upended. Family and friends. Good and evil. A fantastical tale that has me caught in its web. It’s also funny! I kept laughing and my hubby would ask why…. Well…. I did explain one time: “the pigeon swallowed a magical firefly and then spit it out and it exploded on a vampire.” …. It’s just not the same when you say it out loud. Lol.
I’m so sad that the full series isn’t available yet, but I’m off to binge read the last one that is!
Content: One of our main characters is a lesbian. However, so far that piece is only mentioned occasionally in passing and no action has been undertaken. Innuendos and some language.
September 6, 2023
Second book in Bridget Baker’s new urban fantasy series was another hit in my book. More questions are answered and some great twists and reveals happen in book 2. I didn’t expect most of them and loved that it wasn’t predictable. Someone asked if Mates meant friends or soul mates (like in other paranormal books) and it’s mostly friends with some possibility of more (no spoilers from me). Yes, 6 points of view can seem a bit daunting but Bridget does such a great job giving each character their own voice. I can’t wait for the next book to hear more of the antics of this merry band of misfits. There are some subtle Friends references you can catch if you’re a fan but even if you’re not you can enjoy this book and this whole series!
March 1, 2025
Love, love, LOVE this series!!! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ its supernatural “Friends,” and it is so much fun!
This book more or less follows Xander, although there are still POV chapters from all of the other characters. Xander begins to show signs of the Fray—a mental decline that happens to lone werewolves—and needs to find a pack willing to accept him in order to save his life.
Along the way there are plot twists and turns, and so much laughter. I just love these characters so much. I think I’m looking forward to Bevin’s book the most. It’s hard to pick a favorite, though.
The ending took me by surprise! It’s not a cliffhanger, exactly, but it was a big revelation that has left me very excited for the next one! Run—don’t walk—to get these books! 😃
This book more or less follows Xander, although there are still POV chapters from all of the other characters. Xander begins to show signs of the Fray—a mental decline that happens to lone werewolves—and needs to find a pack willing to accept him in order to save his life.
Along the way there are plot twists and turns, and so much laughter. I just love these characters so much. I think I’m looking forward to Bevin’s book the most. It’s hard to pick a favorite, though.
The ending took me by surprise! It’s not a cliffhanger, exactly, but it was a big revelation that has left me very excited for the next one! Run—don’t walk—to get these books! 😃
April 26, 2024
My Mongrel Pack is the second book in this Magical Misfits series. If you haven't read My Pigeon Familiar, go read that first because it's book 1 in this amazing Paranormal Urban Fantasy. My Mongrel Pack focuses on my favorite wolf, Xander. Xander is hilarious and so sweet. He has a lot going on and I just want to make it all better for him. We learn some big secrets about Xander and Minerva, too. It's a wild ride as secrets start to fly and the danger and action amps up. Also can I just say? I freaking LOVE giggles (iykyk) 😆 I can't wait for the next book! ❤️
April 26, 2024
Second book in Bridget Baker’s new urban fantasy series was another hit in my book. More questions are answered and some great twists and reveals happen in book 2. I didn’t expect most of them and loved that it wasn’t predictable. Yes, 6 points of view can seem a bit daunting but Bridget does such a great job giving each character their own voice. I can’t wait for the next book to hear more of the antics of this merry band of misfits. There are some subtle Friends references you can catch if you’re a fan but even if you’re not you can enjoy this book and this whole series!
June 3, 2024
This book is absolutely FANTASTIC! I am not usually a big fantasy fan, but this series is changing my mind. This group of six misfit friends are so loyal and always there for each other. I love how even though the book is about one main person we get to read about all the friends. I actually found myself laughing out loud at some of the things that happened. I was also surprised at some of the twists and turns. This is a wonderful, cute series. I really can’t say how much I loved this book and wish I didn’t have to wait for the next one!
April 30, 2024
As much as I loved the first one, I like Xander’s tale even more. A werewolf puppy who fits in nowhere and doesn’t grow into a big scary alpha? (Or does he? Where’s the next book??) Again, this is just pure fun to read. I adore these characters. They really grow on you just like the group on FRIENDS. If you like a little magic/fantasy (this is set in more modern times, big city, so not a fairytale land) and the camaraderie and goofiness of FRIENDS, you really need to read this series!
April 29, 2024
This book was awesome ! I felt in the first book that I needed to know more about the characters and this book did just that. The supernatural take on Friends is such a good series where there are twist and turns you would never expect. I cannot wait to read the rest of it and answer all my questions!! I recommend this series so much !
June 10, 2024
Oh my gosh! This was such a fun read! The book is primarily about Xander but I love the fact that we read it from the POVs of his closest friends as well. What a group of misfits! But the loyalty they feel for each other makes up for any shortcomings. So many secrets are revealed in this book and so many twists and turns. I can't wait for the next book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews