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Monster Magic Dating Service #4
Testing the Troll
While I peer into the future, it looks back at me and sneers. The universe loves to mock me.
Ximena’s visions of the future have helped her achieve fabulous wealth, but her mind cannot handle the strain. She hides in her remote home, living like a hermit in the hopes of not having any more of the dooming visions that push her to the brink. When her friend Andromeda tells her that she is needed to save magic, she’s not sure that she can help. All she sees is doom.
Martellus is a troll, a member of a dying breed. There are only ten trolls remaining in Dream, and no matter their power, their only hope for the future is finding compatible humans in the hope that something of their kind will be preserved. Equally important, at least to Martellus, is vengeance on those who trapped them in Dream at the start. Preserving all the races will spite them, and the woman the service matches him with can provide the power and wealth needed to do so, if she can be freed from the chains of her uncontrolled gift.
Both goals align, at least at this. Martellus has one convince Ximena to help them. But if she does, will it be to help his kind, or love of Martellus himself?
Ximena’s visions of the future have helped her achieve fabulous wealth, but her mind cannot handle the strain. She hides in her remote home, living like a hermit in the hopes of not having any more of the dooming visions that push her to the brink. When her friend Andromeda tells her that she is needed to save magic, she’s not sure that she can help. All she sees is doom.
Martellus is a troll, a member of a dying breed. There are only ten trolls remaining in Dream, and no matter their power, their only hope for the future is finding compatible humans in the hope that something of their kind will be preserved. Equally important, at least to Martellus, is vengeance on those who trapped them in Dream at the start. Preserving all the races will spite them, and the woman the service matches him with can provide the power and wealth needed to do so, if she can be freed from the chains of her uncontrolled gift.
Both goals align, at least at this. Martellus has one convince Ximena to help them. But if she does, will it be to help his kind, or love of Martellus himself?
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 8, 2023
40 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 21, 2023
This is book four of the Monster Magic Dating Service series and Shay Lucerno, real name Ximena, is a rare sibyl, a person with the magic to have visions of the future. She has made lots of money and has a comfortable life, but doesn’t see her family, as they want to use her for their own ends, to make them money! She finds it difficult to be around other people as she can’t control the number of visions that can come to her. Many of her kind were taken by others for their visions and forced to touch people, quickly wearing themselves out or going mad. The only person she has around her is her assistant Duncan, who has worked for her for some two decades, since she hired him whilst he was at college. She wants to go to the public meeting being held to announce the fact that monsters, those supernaturals who were originally banished to the realm of Dream, live amongst them all. She hopes it will go peacefully as anything that involves her, she can’t see the future of. In realm, the Troll King, Martellus, is also planning to attend, hoping to see Shay again, who he is very interested in romantically. Not a feeling she returns! He is one of only ten trolls left alive and they are dying off, as they are thought to only be able to have children with fellow trolls. Martellus is king to a wide assortment of supernaturals, who have joined under his protection as their numbers dwindled from the virus and war. Bran the Goblin king and Rey, would be leading the announcement with their human mates Roma and Cathy. They had some security there, with Bran’s personal guard on the sidelines of the stage.
When an attack occurs, the attackers injure Bran and he has to be whisked off to Dream, whilst the others try to put down the attack. The daemon Martellus believes behind the attack, Luce, is a powerful master of mind magic and other magic, which leaves the humans thinking the monster display of powers were just CGI, making Bran and Rey’s attempts to make humans see all monsters are mostly peaceful and real get ignored. Luce used to be the head of the Council and he has always coveted having the use of a sibyl’s abilities for his own use and power trip! The Council had a grand plan centuries ago of changing humanity and giving them all powers the Guild had subverted. A dangerous person to deal with and one to be wary of if your mind is not protected. Luce wants to speak to Shay, but Martellus won’t allow her to be taken by Luce, he is there to protect her, no matter what. When he takes Shay back to Dream to see Bran and her other friends, she grows in height and build, which amazes her! Martellus had tried the Monster Dating Service (MDS), but hadn’t found any women wanting to be matched with him and by strange coincidence, they get chucked out of a portal from Dream, right by the MDS building. The director walks out and has an envelope for Shay, but she isn’t interested in looking at it or getting involved with someone due to the visions she would get through touch. But she has found that holding Martellus’ hand as he pulled her to Dream, gave her no visions whatsoever! Getting to see how he is on Dream, the responsibilities he has and how he treats all the different people around him, soon finds her feelings changing as she allows her attraction to him to actually develop into more.
Some unexpected guests ask for a meeting with Cassie, Shay and Cathy, but the group aren’t sure if they should go to it or not. What they find are two people, Sean and Vanessa, who are apparently part of a Magical Interdimensional Investigative Bureau (MIIB), who liaise with populations on various planets, worlds and even dimensions, not just on Gaia or Dream. They know of the existence of the Alchemists, the Council, witch-blooded humans and all the monsters, and try to bring harmony to a variety of beings. They help to rearrange the press conference to reveal the existence of monsters, and this time they have a lot more real press attend, as the two have a lot of reach here. It goes well, but shortly after, a number of them find themselves held by Franklin Grady, Cassie’s former husband, who has proven himself to be pure evil and would have been better off killed by Roma, when she had a chance previously. He and some other dangerous people managed to escape their prison and were on the loose. Shay and the others will soon find themselves in their hands, with their families and all imprisoned. Shay doesn’t want any violence, having already seen multiple visions showing her all the possible outcomes of what is happening to them all. Shay had thought she wanted space from Martellus, but this will change her mind pretty easily! More discoveries about Dream and the person behind it as such, with Martellus wanting revenge against those that had set the virus and banished them to Dream. Some naughty elves are not quite to be trusted, but come good just as he needs them to and get a reward, but the MIIB’s need to get more evidence against Franklin, to see justice done, will change that reward and expectations. Takes a while to get back into, with a few unexpected discoveries along the way, as well as a few errors that will hopefully be gone by the time this comes out properly. Hope to see Franklin get what he deserves soon. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
When an attack occurs, the attackers injure Bran and he has to be whisked off to Dream, whilst the others try to put down the attack. The daemon Martellus believes behind the attack, Luce, is a powerful master of mind magic and other magic, which leaves the humans thinking the monster display of powers were just CGI, making Bran and Rey’s attempts to make humans see all monsters are mostly peaceful and real get ignored. Luce used to be the head of the Council and he has always coveted having the use of a sibyl’s abilities for his own use and power trip! The Council had a grand plan centuries ago of changing humanity and giving them all powers the Guild had subverted. A dangerous person to deal with and one to be wary of if your mind is not protected. Luce wants to speak to Shay, but Martellus won’t allow her to be taken by Luce, he is there to protect her, no matter what. When he takes Shay back to Dream to see Bran and her other friends, she grows in height and build, which amazes her! Martellus had tried the Monster Dating Service (MDS), but hadn’t found any women wanting to be matched with him and by strange coincidence, they get chucked out of a portal from Dream, right by the MDS building. The director walks out and has an envelope for Shay, but she isn’t interested in looking at it or getting involved with someone due to the visions she would get through touch. But she has found that holding Martellus’ hand as he pulled her to Dream, gave her no visions whatsoever! Getting to see how he is on Dream, the responsibilities he has and how he treats all the different people around him, soon finds her feelings changing as she allows her attraction to him to actually develop into more.
Some unexpected guests ask for a meeting with Cassie, Shay and Cathy, but the group aren’t sure if they should go to it or not. What they find are two people, Sean and Vanessa, who are apparently part of a Magical Interdimensional Investigative Bureau (MIIB), who liaise with populations on various planets, worlds and even dimensions, not just on Gaia or Dream. They know of the existence of the Alchemists, the Council, witch-blooded humans and all the monsters, and try to bring harmony to a variety of beings. They help to rearrange the press conference to reveal the existence of monsters, and this time they have a lot more real press attend, as the two have a lot of reach here. It goes well, but shortly after, a number of them find themselves held by Franklin Grady, Cassie’s former husband, who has proven himself to be pure evil and would have been better off killed by Roma, when she had a chance previously. He and some other dangerous people managed to escape their prison and were on the loose. Shay and the others will soon find themselves in their hands, with their families and all imprisoned. Shay doesn’t want any violence, having already seen multiple visions showing her all the possible outcomes of what is happening to them all. Shay had thought she wanted space from Martellus, but this will change her mind pretty easily! More discoveries about Dream and the person behind it as such, with Martellus wanting revenge against those that had set the virus and banished them to Dream. Some naughty elves are not quite to be trusted, but come good just as he needs them to and get a reward, but the MIIB’s need to get more evidence against Franklin, to see justice done, will change that reward and expectations. Takes a while to get back into, with a few unexpected discoveries along the way, as well as a few errors that will hopefully be gone by the time this comes out properly. Hope to see Franklin get what he deserves soon. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
September 14, 2023
Shay and Martellus . . .
Ximena Lucerno (“Shay”) has visions of possible future events that, despite making her wealthy, have put her under constant and uncomfortable strain. To avoid the difficult visions, she hides away from everyone. But sometimes the needs of others override her preference for solitude, as when Andromeda urges her to save magic. That task seems overwhelming since all she is seeing is not good.
Martellus is a troll whose people are dying out. They need to find human mates to continue on. He is matched to Shay, who doesn’t seem to like him, but he believes she might have the power and wealth to help his people if he can in turn help her manage the downside of her “gift” which makes her need to avoid others. Can he talk her into helping? And will she fall in love with him along the way?
There are many events going on in this storyline to keep the reader fully immersed. Be sure to grab your copy and enjoy the twists and turns that move us along to find out whether they face tragedy or happiness.
Ximena Lucerno (“Shay”) has visions of possible future events that, despite making her wealthy, have put her under constant and uncomfortable strain. To avoid the difficult visions, she hides away from everyone. But sometimes the needs of others override her preference for solitude, as when Andromeda urges her to save magic. That task seems overwhelming since all she is seeing is not good.
Martellus is a troll whose people are dying out. They need to find human mates to continue on. He is matched to Shay, who doesn’t seem to like him, but he believes she might have the power and wealth to help his people if he can in turn help her manage the downside of her “gift” which makes her need to avoid others. Can he talk her into helping? And will she fall in love with him along the way?
There are many events going on in this storyline to keep the reader fully immersed. Be sure to grab your copy and enjoy the twists and turns that move us along to find out whether they face tragedy or happiness.
September 13, 2023
This was great!
I really love this series, and this one was perfect. She get to learn more about Shay and Martellus. Shay is a sybyl which means she can see the future and it has made her life very difficult to be around other people. The one person she can seem to be around is Martellus who is the Troll King, except she cant stand him.
After a rally that turned bad quickly, one of her friends got hurt and they had to run back to dream quickly to help him. Over time, she and Martellus start a relationship, but there is someone else out there who wants to control her. They have to fight time and other beings to fix what had been broken.
Loved this so much!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really love this series, and this one was perfect. She get to learn more about Shay and Martellus. Shay is a sybyl which means she can see the future and it has made her life very difficult to be around other people. The one person she can seem to be around is Martellus who is the Troll King, except she cant stand him.
After a rally that turned bad quickly, one of her friends got hurt and they had to run back to dream quickly to help him. Over time, she and Martellus start a relationship, but there is someone else out there who wants to control her. They have to fight time and other beings to fix what had been broken.
Loved this so much!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 19, 2023
Our hero and heroine need each other to achieve their individual goals. They have a lot to overcome before they can work together and once they do, their original goals might just change.
This is book four of the series, but it works fine as a standalone.
This is a cozy mystery with a paranormal dating agency as the focus. The story is well written and easy to read with a intriguing cast and a fun setting. The dating agency provides a nice mechanism for setting up the story. The story itself moves at a good pace and includes plenty of action, intrigue and humor to keep things interesting. Overall, I rather enjoyed book and look forward to more in the series.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
This is book four of the series, but it works fine as a standalone.
This is a cozy mystery with a paranormal dating agency as the focus. The story is well written and easy to read with a intriguing cast and a fun setting. The dating agency provides a nice mechanism for setting up the story. The story itself moves at a good pace and includes plenty of action, intrigue and humor to keep things interesting. Overall, I rather enjoyed book and look forward to more in the series.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
September 5, 2023
This is Book 4 of Monster Magic Dating Service starring shay and Martellus. Holy hot potatoes man this one will keep you busy guessing what will happen next. I loved the drama and danger in this book. The characters just keep getting better with each book. These two are perfect together but the way they first meet had them at odds with each other. I loved how the each character seems to have a secret or two. This is a great adventures page turning Monster magic mating. I can not wait to see what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 8, 2023
This continues the series, and starts just after Vetting The Vampire. Shay and Martellus are the ‘fated mates’ in this book, though Shay seems to despise him and he doesn’t have time to waste on her. The rally is interrupted by violence as Bran gets shot. A trip to Dream to heal him and welcome Shay “home” as she learns more about Martellus and herself. A romantic interlude as Shay and Martellus are finally united. An audience with the King of England. A pregnancy! A kidnapping that goes seriously wrong for the kidnappers, bringing guns to a knife fight is a good idea, but guns vs. magic is not a good idea. The elves get a lot of unwilling ‘visitors’ to ‘entertain’.
September 21, 2023
Ximena (Shay) has visions of the future and when she gets asked to help save magic she gets worried because all she sees is doom. Martellus is a troll who needs to find a human mate in order to keep the troll breed going. These two are matching through the dating service and although they each have their own quirks they end up falling for each other. This is a great paranormal romance with interesting surprises, secrets, drama, suspense, magic, romance, and an entertaining storyline. Testing the Troll is a great addition to the Midlife Magic Dating service series and I look forward to reading the next book in this series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
September 26, 2023
I quite enjoyed all of the books in this series and this is no exception! This was lighter on the rom com and heavier on the action, but I believe it was necessary to keep the series moving. I did have a little struggle in the first have keeping everything straight. I think it was due to it being Shay and she has to see so many different possibilities of the future, so her thinking can be a bit hard to follow. Though once we started really moving in the second half of the book I didn’t have that issue anymore! After reading the teaser for the next book I’m super excited to read it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 10, 2023
Wow. This story was just surprise after surprise. It picks up hard on the heels of the previous one, and takes us on a wild ride. It was the perfect blend of romantic comedy and romantic suspense as Shay and Martellus snipe, snark, and spar their way to Happy for Now, because there’s still so much to do to save Dream, the monsters, and even Gaia. All the secrets that come to light in this book only make me more curious to find out what’s going to happen next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
September 9, 2023
conflicting loyalties and allegiances become apparent as the Monsters are revealed on Gaia/ Earth
connections to death, fear, betrayals and old foes and friends make things complicated as conflicts arise with new forces
Shay and the Troll navigate a challenging relationship for both of them amid the relative chaos in an action, drama and suspense filled setting that leaves me wanting and waiting for the next chapters of these adventures
connections to death, fear, betrayals and old foes and friends make things complicated as conflicts arise with new forces
Shay and the Troll navigate a challenging relationship for both of them amid the relative chaos in an action, drama and suspense filled setting that leaves me wanting and waiting for the next chapters of these adventures
October 4, 2024
Ximena's magic of being able to see the possibility of the future has made her wealthy but it comes at a cost. Many seek to exploit her and due to the nature of the magic she is often alone.
Martellus is a troll whose people are facing extinction and need human mates to further their species.
They meed through MDS and initially she's not into him but they eventuall develop a bond and relationship.
Martellus is a troll whose people are facing extinction and need human mates to further their species.
They meed through MDS and initially she's not into him but they eventuall develop a bond and relationship.
September 9, 2023
I was lucky enough to read the arc for this book. It is available for preorder currently and will be out September 13, 2023. I don’t usually read books like this but I’m really glad I gave this one a chance. The story was really good. Loved the characters. The ending was amazing. Some spicy parts included. I really recommend preordering so that you can read this book as soon as it is available.
September 9, 2023
Add one human plus one Troll and mix in a dating service and get another entertaining story in this series. Fun story, good characters and lots of laughter. Wanted to see if Martellus and Ximena would get what they wanted out of it all and how it would all end up. Some trouble, intrigue and lots of entertaining interaction by all with a side of danger. Enjoyed it all.
September 15, 2023
The big reveal of the monsters existence to humanity is planned, but there are a few hiccups - and finally a surprise summoning for Shay.
An interesting continuation with Shay finally finding her partner and a few unexpected surprises for both of them.
Entertaining and an interesting continuation of the series. I am looking forward to Book 5.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An interesting continuation with Shay finally finding her partner and a few unexpected surprises for both of them.
Entertaining and an interesting continuation of the series. I am looking forward to Book 5.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 29, 2023
Martellus, King of Trolls, has watched his brother kings find mates but feels no need for one of his own. Then he sees Shay, the Sybil, or seer, again, and starts to change his mind. It’s a fascinating world and Shay and Martellus are super sweet together, for a super powerful potentially deadly duo.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 30, 2024
A cozy mystery with a paranormal dating agency as the focus. Yes, indeed! I am here for it! Book four of the Monster Magic Dating Service series brings us back to the story of Shay and Martellus and their newly found feelings toward each other. Join Shay and Martellus and own unsuspecting /unexpected discoveries along the way.
March 20, 2025
Testing the Troll is book 4 in the Monster Magic Dating Service series by L.A. Boruff and Daphne Moore has more humor than the previous books which I quite enjoyed, I love a good Rom-Com! I look forward to reading more in this series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 7, 2025
Book 4 of the Midlife Magic Dating Service Series. This is Shay and Martellus’s story. While this seemed to have a slower start, it has a lot of conflict, both with humans and monsters. Lots of controlling magic and the idea of choice.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 7, 2023
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I'm glad Cassie gets someone of her own in Martellus. The ones trying to stop the monsters from coming don't know what they have unleashed with their latest move. I'm looking forward to the next book.
September 9, 2023
This is a great monster romantic comedy.. I loved it, and the pairing.. It is intriguing and entertaining, with fun-to-read storyline..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 11, 2023
This is an paranormal comedy romance novel this is book 4 in the series wow this is a great paranormal book it is a very fun well written page turner I really enjoyed this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 11, 2023
I loved Shay and Martellus. I'm glad she found her mate and Martellus found his in her. I love this series. I love all the different series this author has written. Look for to Evaluating the Elf.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 11, 2023
The fourth book in the Monster Magic Dating Service series, another great story. This series just gets better with each new book. I want to read the next book. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 12, 2023
This fourth installment of MMDS kept me laughing thanks to the entertaining characters and engaging story line created by this dynamic duo.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 12, 2023
This enthralling series continues and once again I found myself transferred to another world. Action, drama, adventure, comedy and romance in this entertaining dating monster series. Well paced, well written, exciting and fun, this is a fab continuation.
September 13, 2023
Ximena (Shay) has to deal sorting through multiple visions to help the best outcome for the future. She has trouble being around people due to the visions she gets so when she comes in contact with Martellus (a troll) it is a relief not to have to deal with constant visions.
September 18, 2023
Another enjoyable read in this series of Monster Magic Dating Service.
Did take me a chapter or two to get into it and connect with the characters on this occasion, but once got into it was as entertaining, exciting and enjoyed the rollercoaster ride of ups and downs of dating monsters!
If you liked the previous books you will definitely enjoy this read as on this adventure we get to discover courting and dating life of Shay a oracle/seer and Martellus a troll. Fun, exciting, romantic, vulnerable characters and add in mix of intrigue, mystery and adventure to create lovely paranormal mystery..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Did take me a chapter or two to get into it and connect with the characters on this occasion, but once got into it was as entertaining, exciting and enjoyed the rollercoaster ride of ups and downs of dating monsters!
If you liked the previous books you will definitely enjoy this read as on this adventure we get to discover courting and dating life of Shay a oracle/seer and Martellus a troll. Fun, exciting, romantic, vulnerable characters and add in mix of intrigue, mystery and adventure to create lovely paranormal mystery..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 14, 2023
This is Ximena and Martellus's story. Ximena has visions and Martellus is stuck. When they meet can they help each other? Can they avoid danger? What secretss do they hold?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 14, 2023
Loved it!
I really enjoyed this story! If was filled with different paranormal "monsters" and their mates, along with the evil enemies who are trying go either destroy them, use them, or send green back to Dream.
I really enjoyed this story! If was filled with different paranormal "monsters" and their mates, along with the evil enemies who are trying go either destroy them, use them, or send green back to Dream.
May 29, 2024
Testing the Troll
Shay is in for a whirlwind of an adventure. She has met Martellus and there seems to be a connection and he brings her calmness. Things are working out until they aren't. Good and bad news comes. Now what is next?
Shay is in for a whirlwind of an adventure. She has met Martellus and there seems to be a connection and he brings her calmness. Things are working out until they aren't. Good and bad news comes. Now what is next?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews