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sarahmaesavage's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
a_reader_obsessed's review
4.0
4 Hearts
My favorite of the Magic Emporium series thus far!
As per the blurb, Ryan is called home to help with a dire situation, and he hates being there, adamantly suppressing his magical abilities and turning the other cheek in regards to his morally corrupt family. Ryan wants nothing to do with being a witch, nor does he want to mingle with any other supernatural or paranormal members of the community, but when he comes across the sunniest ray of shine named Leo, all of Ryan’s rules go out the window.
Here, McAllister definitely brings a different twist to her heroes. Most notable is Ryan’s background and personal struggles. Just because he’s a witch who has yet to fall into dark magic doesn’t mean he isn’t tempted. This contrasted wonderfully with Leo’s hippy laid back be-what-may attitude. It was a refreshing surprise regarding who Leo is as a shifter, and it’s that very secret that fuels the plot as his life is endangered by Ryan’s family.
Ensue a very organic progression as to how Ryan and Leo fall for each other, interspersed with some sweet flirting, funny banter, and nice smexy! Ryan is commendable in his determination to not do what comes magically easy and in how he fights his very nature. Leo was a dreamboat - kind, generous, all accepting, and honorable.
Though still easy breezy, in comparison to the first 4 stories in this loosely connected series, this had an appreciated depth to it. I’m keeping my hopes up that the next story from Maslow can continue this winning streak!
Thank you to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review
My favorite of the Magic Emporium series thus far!
As per the blurb, Ryan is called home to help with a dire situation, and he hates being there, adamantly suppressing his magical abilities and turning the other cheek in regards to his morally corrupt family. Ryan wants nothing to do with being a witch, nor does he want to mingle with any other supernatural or paranormal members of the community, but when he comes across the sunniest ray of shine named Leo, all of Ryan’s rules go out the window.
Here, McAllister definitely brings a different twist to her heroes. Most notable is Ryan’s background and personal struggles. Just because he’s a witch who has yet to fall into dark magic doesn’t mean he isn’t tempted. This contrasted wonderfully with Leo’s hippy laid back be-what-may attitude. It was a refreshing surprise regarding who Leo is as a shifter, and it’s that very secret that fuels the plot as his life is endangered by Ryan’s family.
Ensue a very organic progression as to how Ryan and Leo fall for each other, interspersed with some sweet flirting, funny banter, and nice smexy! Ryan is commendable in his determination to not do what comes magically easy and in how he fights his very nature. Leo was a dreamboat - kind, generous, all accepting, and honorable.
Though still easy breezy, in comparison to the first 4 stories in this loosely connected series, this had an appreciated depth to it. I’m keeping my hopes up that the next story from Maslow can continue this winning streak!
Thank you to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review
teresab78's review
5.0
4.5 stars
It has a unicorn! What more do you want? Demons? Witches? Mortal peril? Sexy men? Love? Well it has that too. I loved Ryan and Leo. Ryan’s family not so much. I wouldn’t mind a sequel where they learn how to be decent.
It has a unicorn! What more do you want? Demons? Witches? Mortal peril? Sexy men? Love? Well it has that too. I loved Ryan and Leo. Ryan’s family not so much. I wouldn’t mind a sequel where they learn how to be decent.
sandidev's review
5.0
Great book
I really enjoyed this book. It’s part of a series but can be read as a standalone.
Ryan comes home to help his sick brother and finds Leo. This is a great low angst read that has a mystery and shifters and magic.
I really loved the relationship between Leo and Ryan and definitely recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s part of a series but can be read as a standalone.
Ryan comes home to help his sick brother and finds Leo. This is a great low angst read that has a mystery and shifters and magic.
I really loved the relationship between Leo and Ryan and definitely recommend this book.
jacqueleenthereadingqueen's review
4.0
I really liked this book in the Magic Emporium series. The power dynamics with Ryan's family and all the secrets really got me into wanting to read on to find out what was really going on. I loved how Leo was such a happy, kind person which was reflected by the fact that he was a unicorn shifter. Ryan's family were dark witches and he was so afraid of becoming like them that he moved away and stopped using magic entirely. Multiple times he questioned why someone so good and wonderful like Leo would be interested in him. His self esteem was not exactly high and that was mainly due to his crappy circumstances. You can't choose your family, even though sometimes one might wish they could.
The romance was definitely fast tracked, but I tend to not mind that so much in a paranormal setting. They were so cute together. Leo could see auras and he was fascinated by Ryan's. Whenever the two would come together their magic would meld and it was a comfort to both of them. It was really sweet. Ryan needed someone like Leo in his life to show him that not all magic is dark and it's what you do with it that matters, not your family history. In turn Ryan as a powerful witch was able to protect Leo when he needed him. As a unicorn shifter Leo is highly coveted and having a powerful witch as your partner would definitely do a lot in making you feel safer.
I figured out what was really going on about midway through, but it didn't diminish my enjoyment. It was still a guess until it was confirmed closer to the end. The time spent in the Magic Emporium store was fun and I loved the two fae who ran it and how quirky they were. It appears all the books in this series are by different authors and seem to be all standalones. This is the first time I've read this author but I enjoyed it enough I will likely check out their other works too.
4 stars
** This book was provided by GRR in exchange for an honest and unbiased review **
The romance was definitely fast tracked, but I tend to not mind that so much in a paranormal setting. They were so cute together. Leo could see auras and he was fascinated by Ryan's. Whenever the two would come together their magic would meld and it was a comfort to both of them. It was really sweet. Ryan needed someone like Leo in his life to show him that not all magic is dark and it's what you do with it that matters, not your family history. In turn Ryan as a powerful witch was able to protect Leo when he needed him. As a unicorn shifter Leo is highly coveted and having a powerful witch as your partner would definitely do a lot in making you feel safer.
I figured out what was really going on about midway through, but it didn't diminish my enjoyment. It was still a guess until it was confirmed closer to the end. The time spent in the Magic Emporium store was fun and I loved the two fae who ran it and how quirky they were. It appears all the books in this series are by different authors and seem to be all standalones. This is the first time I've read this author but I enjoyed it enough I will likely check out their other works too.
4 stars
** This book was provided by GRR in exchange for an honest and unbiased review **
toshi21's review against another edition
5.0
Swooning is required
I loved this book. The characters were fun and the story had enough of a hook of hurt comfort to keep me going and entertained.
Leo and Ryan were a delight to read. Leo kept his calm and focus as Ryan tried to understand everything about himself and his family.
I love the author’s writing. It’s evocative and page turning. You want to know more as they weave the tale of romance and magic.
If you like witches and shifters with a dash of angst, this is it.
I loved this book. The characters were fun and the story had enough of a hook of hurt comfort to keep me going and entertained.
Leo and Ryan were a delight to read. Leo kept his calm and focus as Ryan tried to understand everything about himself and his family.
I love the author’s writing. It’s evocative and page turning. You want to know more as they weave the tale of romance and magic.
If you like witches and shifters with a dash of angst, this is it.
b_nour's review
dark
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
xanthe87's review
4.0
Hexes And Horns is as much a romance and mystery as it is family drama.
Ryan moved away from town to escape his family and magic he was born with but returns when they need him. During a moment of escape he runs into Leo, a man and creature he cannot help but be drawn to. As they decide to share some fun, but with an end date of when Ryan will return to "normal life", emotions develop as Ryan also tries to figure out what's going on with his family.
I enjoyed reading this though I think the relationship progressed faster than the storyline, if that makes sense.... The family drama with Ryan, his parents, grandmother and siblings is gets dark in moments and you really feel for the man as he doesn't feel comfortable there at all. However, Leo becomes his light whilst back in his home town and they are quick to spend a lot of time together, feeling more comfortable when the other is near. There is a really good cast of characters, both good and bad and I really enjoyed how things unfolded throughout the book as it keeps you thinking on what is going on.
A good addition to the Magic Emporium series and a recommended read.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Ryan moved away from town to escape his family and magic he was born with but returns when they need him. During a moment of escape he runs into Leo, a man and creature he cannot help but be drawn to. As they decide to share some fun, but with an end date of when Ryan will return to "normal life", emotions develop as Ryan also tries to figure out what's going on with his family.
I enjoyed reading this though I think the relationship progressed faster than the storyline, if that makes sense.... The family drama with Ryan, his parents, grandmother and siblings is gets dark in moments and you really feel for the man as he doesn't feel comfortable there at all. However, Leo becomes his light whilst back in his home town and they are quick to spend a lot of time together, feeling more comfortable when the other is near. There is a really good cast of characters, both good and bad and I really enjoyed how things unfolded throughout the book as it keeps you thinking on what is going on.
A good addition to the Magic Emporium series and a recommended read.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.