A Relic of Magic and Myrrh

Relics and Legends #2

by H.M. Hodgson

Death comes for everyone. But you shouldn’t have to see your own.

Isadora Smith’s mother left her one gift - the sight of the future. When a vision of a missing powerful relic brings Isa into the world of the Templar Knights, she’s determined to prove her gift’s purpose.

Grayson, the icy, dangerous, Templar Knight in charge of the relic of myrrh, has zero time for a civilian on the team—especially his best friend’s little sister. However when Isa claims her visions can locate the myrrh, he grudgingly agrees. Because retrieving the deadly relic is his only priority - if it falls into the wrong hands, the entire human world could be destroyed.

But when their secret investigation turns deadly, and Gray and Isa are forced into a fake relationship to maintain their cover, Isa discovers the Templar’s sizzling side. And she makes the most of the opportunity - even if it is make believe - because when her secrets unravel, Gray will never want to see her again.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal Romance

378 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 30, 2023

About the author

Be sure to follow HM Hodgson on BookBub for the latest on sales and releases https://bit.ly/BookBubHMHodgson

HM Hodgson is an award-winning paranormal and fantasy romance author from Brisbane, Australia.

She writes about wicked romance (steamy scenes a must!), intrigue and magic. Magic that moves worlds and takes her to another place.

Keep in touch with HM Hodgson at:

https://linktr.ee/hmhodgson

Reviews

[Thais • tata.lifepages • · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fans of banter-filled romances will love this paranormal romance / urban fantasy! ❤️ It’s a series of standalones so each book follows the story of different characters but I totally recommend reading it in order as you will see characters from book 1 again 👀

Book 2 follows the story of Isadora, a young woman who has visions of the future, and Gray, a handsome and grumpy Templar knight. Gray is her brother’s best friend (love this trope!) and Isabella has been having vision about this mysterious man. They have no choice but to work together in order to find a powerful stolen relic by evil entities. The story is action packed and fast paced, just like book 1, which is one of my favorite elements of the authors writing style! We get right into the thick of things!

Since their first encounter you could feel the sexual tension between these two characters. Banter filled dialogues are my weakness. 🔥 The entire series gives a “The Da Vinci Code” vibe so I totally recommend it for those like me that love it. A fun read that you will binge in one or two sittings!

Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review

[Ve (ve_xo) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actual rating 4.5 stars

Perfect for lovers of banter, paranormal romance, standalone within a series. This is my first read by Hodgson and I absolutely enjoyed it! The grumpy sunshine element along with the fake dating are some of my favorite tropes in stories. It was great to see this one unravel and learn about the different aspects of the story. Gray and Isa are funny, their banter had me lol-ing throughout the book. There was a little bit of angst in the miscommunication part but nothing that stopped me from enjoying the story!

The magic was super interesting and the story was action packed. For those that enjoy stories with duo POV, different supernatural beings, prophecies, and teamwork to find the mysterious relic, I totally recommend. Huge thanks to the author for sending me a copy. Im looking forward to reading more!

All opinions are my own.

[Maria Elena | pagesofmaria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spice: 3 peppers

I’m so happy to be back in the world of the Relics and Legends series! Last December I read and adored book 1, A Relic of Magic and Gold, and got swept away by this world of magic within our own, with witches and Templars and a whole lot of intrigue and action. I had fun reading it, and I’m happy to say I had the same experience with the second book in the series.

A Relic of Magic and Myrrh follows Isadora, Raph’s Diviner sister, and Grayson, Raph’s Templar friend. I especially adored Isa in the first book and was happy to see her return, though the fact that she has a vision of her own demise kind of put me at the edge of my seat for the entirety of the book. Way to make things exciting, right? Because of her gifts, she starts working with Grayson to help him solve the case of the missing Myrrh, and saying I adored their banter is an understatement. The author excels at it, and they were no exception. Add to this a dash of fake dating during their mission, the intrigue and the action, I was hooked. I think I said it once before, and if that’s the case I’ll say it again for this book, too: these would make awesome movies—or a show, too! The action, the banter, the sexual tension and the high stakes would make for an awesome screen adaptation.

Loved the resolution of the book. A part of me thinks I should have seen it coming but I’ll be honest, I didn’t. Oh and it was nice seeing Raph and Eve again, too! Very excited to read the next book in the series.

Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.

[Chiara | wordsbychiara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beauty of series of interconnected standalones is that you can dive in at any time and find a new, addicting story without feeling any sort of pressure. A RELIC OF MAGIC AD MYRRH is my first book by this author, but definitely not the last, as I now plan to catch up with book 1 of this series! Diving into this was absolutely effortless, and I had no issues whatsoever with the world and the story as a whole, as the plot was that of a standalone!

Gray and Isa bring to the table some of my favorite tropes: grumpy/sunshine, age gap (10 yrs), brother's best friend, and even a hint of tragic lovers vibes. Isa is a diviner who has seen two things: a smexy man that haunts her fantasies, and her own death. She knows it's close, and yet she is determined to put her powers to use for good before her end. In comes Gray, templar night and aforementioned wet dream, who reluctantly gives her the opportunity to do just that by joining him on his mission.

This is a book that is nearly impossible to put down once you start it. There is so much action, so much interesting lore being introduced with witches and demons, and incredible romantic tension and banter. Gray and Isa were a delight, and there wasn't a single interaction between them that didn't have me screaming "Just kiss already!" The miscommunication was sometimes aggravating, but I was rooting for a happy ending for them, and I am so immensely satisfied with how their story ends.

Very excited for the next book in the series, and to catch up with Raph and Eve's story! Super recommended to urban fantasy readers.

Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.

[JACQUELINE GIBSON · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable liked the ideas of templars being some modern day force for good worldwide.

Really enjoy having a range of supernaturals within a story as was here and and the profession of the main characters interaction with each other was good.

I would likely have given it five stars if the ending (epilogue) here had not felt a bit rushed and unlikely given everything that was going on.

I would have also enjoyed a bit more backstory around some of the main characters, the high priestess, the demon, the watchers etc but I appreciate this may potentially be offshoot books in the future however I find a bit more details helps to understand each characters stance a bit more. However I’m chomping at the bit for the next instalment and wish I had read the earlier books in the series first.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[✩₊*Shelby ⋆ ☾⋆ LiteraryFaery ⁺₊✧ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Relic of Magic and Myrrh is the second book in the Relics and Legends series by H.M. Hodgson—a series of standalone paranormal romance stories each with their own HEA!!

This one sucked me right in and I could NOT put it down for the life of me. HM Hodgson has become a fast fave indie author of mine and I highly recommend this series for fans of PNR with lots of steam and fast-paced action and mystery!!

Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions expressed above are entirely my own.

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters were fleshed out nicely. The main plot line was intriguing and the side storyline melded into the story very well. I enjoyed the wit and humor and insight each character displayed. The story was easy to follow and interesting enough to keep you reading. Although the outcome was predictable, it was still an enjoyable read. Great book for a day at the beach or while sitting on the porch with a glass of wine.

[Tanya Nellestein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve devoured all of Hodgson’s books but this is her best! The second book of the series that explores what happened to the gifts of gold, myrrh and frankincense is a fast-paced, page-turning masterpiece. Isa and Gray sizzle on the page and their supporting cast combine to deliver a story that just won’t quit. Hodgson’s words are other-worldly and the world she creates is so real it plays like a movie in my head. I’m addicted to this series.

[Tati Alvarez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good interconnected stand alone series and I really enjoyed getting back into this world. There's spicy and witty banter, which leaves you wanting to turn the page to read more. Absolutely enjoyed the ending as well and can't wait to read more by the author.

[Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

"A Relic of Magic and Myrrh" by H.M. Hodgson is a dual POV paranormal romance told through the perspectives of Isadora (who has prophetic visions) and Grayson (a Templar Knight). Isa has been seeing visions of Grayson for years, and now fate is finally bringing them together as they must team up to search for a missing relic.

While the dialogue was well executed, I felt that there were not enough narrative details shared. I found myself feeling lost and confused about the setting/location, character descriptions, and the choice to skip scenes more than a few times.

[Natalie Pomeroy · Rating 2 out of 5]

That was painful. Overuse of the phrase batshit and it's "calm your farm".

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful adventure/treasure hunt to find the stolen relic of myrrh. The chemistry between Isa and Grayson in book one was off the charts, so I was already hooked to read their story.

Templar Knight Grayson doesn't want his best friend's little sister anywhere near his dangerous world, but after Isa has a vision of the relic Grayson is seeking, she insists on helping him out. Besides, what does she have to lose after a vision that tells her that her own death is nigh?

This was a great book with explosive attraction and hot banter. I enjoyed Isa and Grayson's story and look forward to the final mission to rescue the frankincense.

[Dogsandbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as good as the first one and reading the first one in the series first is highly recommended but not necessary. I liked the play off each other between Isa and Grayson and their impact on each other as their relationship develops. My only disappointment was that their fake relationship wasn't that big of a role in the overall story. I really want to find out what happens with the next relic now and who's the big bad villain. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tima · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Isadora (Isa), the female lead, has the uncontrolled gift of seeing visions of the future. On seeing her own death, she acts to make positive change with her gift, instead of hiding away. Going to help her brother (whose story is the first in the series), she meets Grayson (Gray), the male lead, who she has been having visions of since she was a teen. Caught up with him as he tries to keep safe relics that allow for control over the entire human population, she tries to balance her attraction with the obligations she’s trying fulfil. Gray is also balancing his attraction with his deep seated sense of responsibility and the tasks he must complete - humanity is genuinely at risk. With both human and daemon enemies after them for at least two reasons, is there a longterm outcome for them?

This story is dual POV, well written, and a fast-paced action romance. I enjoyed Isa’s developing gift and the confidence she had in it. I appreciated the secondary characters who helped her with her skills and safety. I enjoyed Gray’s devotion to his cause and his concern over its outcomes. I empathised with his history and his determination to keep himself safe. I enjoyed their relationship development and their intimate scenes. I enjoyed the integrated secondary characters. I appreciated that this story stands alone from the first, though it is enhanced by having read the first.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.

[Nit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an overall enjoyable read. This second book in the series follows Isa and Gray as they try to recover a missing relic. While I did enjoy the first book more, this was a cute light read.

The two main storylines were really intriguing, and it was nice to explore both Isa and Gray's points of view. The mystery and quest aspects of the story were definitely my favorite parts and what kept me reading. Also, I loved how Isa was such a badass and how she didn't let anything stop her from living her life to the fullest.

However, I do wish that the characters in this book were more fleshed out. I felt like I had a solid understanding of Isa as a character, but it was a lot more difficult to understand Gray and all the secondary characters. I also wish that there was more tension and buildup in Isa and Gray's relationship.

Overall, I had a fun time reading this book and learning more about this world.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be prepared to stay up late!

From start to finish I couldn’t put the book down! What a page-turner and a great addition to the series.

I loved how the characters unfolded throughout the storyline with both Isa and Gray’s personalities shining through plus a visit for our hero and heroine from the first in the series was just perfect.

Isa and Gray’s story is full of suppressed passion waiting to explode with an adventure that will take you from one country to another chasing the elusive relic they need to find with betrayal and danger around every corner.

Everything is not always what is seems and both and Gray need to start trusting each other with the truth before things come to a head!

Romance, steam, action, suspense, Witches, Daemons, Templers, and adventure not to be missed!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Templar Knight, a half-demon, and a relic…

This is a hot, sexy, paranormal story full of demons, witches, Knights Templar, stolen relics, and more. It’s interesting, full of action (of all kinds), and romance that you think will never happen.

Isa is the granddaughter of the lord of evil, but she lives in the human realm. Many want to control her because of her visions she gets of the future. Grayson would like nothing better than to stash her somewhere safe and forget about her - but his heart has other plans. The two of them work together to recover an ancient relic, but though their physical attraction is hot and fierce, Gray fights anything else because of his job as a Templar Knight.

This was an interesting read that kept me going from the beginning. Great world building, good characters, and a story that keeps you turning pages. Well done.

[(old.enough.for.fairytales) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a series of stand-alone fantasy romances, which I love! Sometimes I want a fantasy but don’t want to commit to a series or to cliffhangers. So this book was exactly what I needed 🙌 also it was SO FREAKING GOOD 😱 like, I loved the first stand-alone in this series, and it was a five star. But THIS BOOK. This book was even better. All the stars. It combined some of my fave tropes…fake dating, grumpy x sunshine, best friend’s little sister…with fantasy and magic and it was a DELIGHT. Def recommend this book and this whole series of stand-alones if you’re looking for a fun fantasy but don’t quite feel like committing to a series! It’s on KU, so try it asap!


Thanks to the author for gifting me a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jacqueline Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. I was swept into the intrigue and action from the very first page; H.M. Hodgson doesn't pull any punches when it comes to putting her characters through the wringer! Isa has seen her own death, so she doesn't give two f's about going after what she wants–she's making the most of the time she has left. And it just so happens that Grayson is what she wants. Phew! Hodgson knows how to add the sizzle to the sex scenes!
As always, the world-building in this series is fantastic. I've read book 1, but it wasn't necessary in order to enjoy this story (but I highly recommend it!). Bring on book 3!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow just finished 2nd book in series and it’s even better than the first. So action packed I was afraid to put the book down in case I missed something. Gray and Isa had to work so hard to find their way to each other it was wonderful. We finally get a second with mom and grandfather it just adds so much to the background. The world building is so well done so can see it becoming real. I never thought about the gifts what they did or were used for or could be used for. They became so much more real as appropriate gifts for The Child. This was a fantastic read very much enjoyed.
ARC copy with voluntary review.

[Lili · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting premise and a bountiful imagination take you on an edge-of-the-seat mission to save humanity, full of action and overlaying a love story between two strong, anonymous heroes.

Actually, both characters are stuff dreams are made of, but since books are my favorite way of escapism and one of my sources of hope is the goodness in people, I really liked this and will go ahead to finish the trilogy.

I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another entertaining story in the Relics and Legends series! There is lots of action, adventure, and some steamy times.

Isa gets her own story and her own adventure with a certain tall, dark, and handsome Templar worker, Grayson.

They get to work together to find and protect the next relic and get to know one another along the way. It's an entertaining tale with lots of action and adventure. I'm looking forward to the next one!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the weight of the world, literally, on his shoulders Grayson is forced to add a seer to his mission. The fact that she's gorgeous, smart, vulnerable and his best friend's little sister doesn't help. As the danger increases so does the heat and Gray and Isa are sizzling hot. This is a high speed thrilling adventure so fasten your seat belt. I received this ARC from Book Sirens and this is my honest review.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I loved book one so was super excited to read book two and it did not disappoint! Isadora and Graysons journey is exciting and gripping and you find yourself pulled back into this incredible world of magic, wonder, witches, daemons and the templers. Told with a dual pov, this fast paced, action packed, page turning adventure is full of humour and wit, romance and has chemistry that is off the charts as we join them to search for a missing relic. A great read that I didn’t want to end.

[MeggoMyLeggo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dissapointed with the romance, was Wayyyy too similar to the first book. Even had the same “we fell asleep next to each other and my hand ended up on her boob….whoops” moment. Also I get having a character who says loco instead of crazy but that can’t be every characters inner voice, everyone just starts seeming the same. The characters need to be more distinct in voice, internal and external, from each other to have it make sense.

[D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Isa and Gray’s story. I thought it was an interesting plot and had fun, unique characters, good and bad. I always appreciate when books are written with multiple characters points of view. I am anxious to read the next story in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Candice Willman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one I actually think loved more than book one and I adored book one. Fake dating. A touch of forbidden. The gift of sight. Templar knights. Some sizzling romance. End of the world epic visions. I devoured. Fast paced and definitely worth the read. If you love paranormal romance you’ll love this one.

[Astrid Rudloff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily review an ARC. This is the second book of the Three Gifts series, the books should be read in order.
Like the first part this is a mixture of treasure hunt, witchcraft and otherworldly elements and romance. James Bond meets Dan Brown.
I really enjoyed the banter and the different romance tropes - fake dating, grumpy, little sister.
Another recommend blockbuster.

[Charmaine Ohl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am at such a crossroad with this series. I keep wanting to read more of each couple, but I know the next book focuses on a different one. I love Isa and Gray and want more of "them", but I want to move to the next book as well, and also miss Raph and Eve.... grrrr 🤣🤣 need to detox at least for a bit before diving into book 3.

[Sissy Satterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isadora & Gray

This is another Fantastic standalone, that takes the reader for a wonderfully steamy and action packed ride! This story has so much that kept me engaged and interested, that I could not put it down. I Love this World!!! No Spoilers!