Kaboom. The cannon explodes as Lisa Kessler gets her Sentinels of Savannah series started right in this novella. Pirates in the modern world! It’s too much fun. In this quick read we’ve got Skye Olson, psychic, who can read Tarot for anyone else but doesn’t seem able to read and trust the cards thrown for herself, which led to a disastrous relationship she just recently exited. And there’s the cursed pirate, Colton Hayes, who hasn’t aged in about two hundred years and is determined to protect Savannah from the also cursed captain of their ship. He’s been on the lookout for Skye for a long time (can’t tell you why without spoilers). Skye and Colton’s relationship heats up super quick in this story. If it was a bit longer of a read I’m sure they would’ve taken more time to develop their connection, but have no fear, it worked. We’ve got a lot of action, romance and super sexy moments packed into the pages that kept me up late reading. Can’t wait for the next in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Skye Olson is a psychic who runs a fortune telling shop in Savannah. The shop and the abilities have been in her family for generations. She is upset over a mistake she feels she should have seen coming.
Colton Hayes is the owner of a pirate ship in the harbour. The "Sea Dog" might be a replica but he is not. He was Quarter master on the original.
Our hero and his crew mates have a big secret that could be about to cause them many problems, especially when they find out they are not so hidden as they believed.
A lovely, lighthearted, magical romance. It is the start of a series, and while you can read it as a stand alone, the story will carry through to the next book.
Fun characters that I fell in love with at first sight.
Really good fun, I can't wait to read the rest.

Colton Hayes is determined to protect Skye Olsen, especially since she's the one that could change his life for the better. However, he knows getting the captain of his once mortal pirate crew to nix his plans isn't going to be easy. Will Colton find a way to help Skye, so they have a chance to be together forever; or will Colton's secrets send Skye running once she learns the truth?

This was such a quick and fascinating read, which I loved from start to finish due to the main characters back stories and their journey to happy ever after. Will Skye ever be able to put her trust in another man again? The way this story started drew me in immediately, as the heroine needs to see what she's doing through, otherwise she'll never be able to heal from the pain her ex has caused. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time where this story really comes alive because the heroine is feisty and isn't afraid to say whatever is on her mind.

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories and I couldn't help but sympathize with the pair, as both have been through so much. Will the hero be able to restore the heroine's faith in men? Moreover, the heroine is strong, brave, independent and I liked how she handles herself when it comes to dealing with difficult men that think money is everything. I also liked that she took a chance on the hero, even though it isn't easy for her to do after what her ex did. While the hero, he's a good guy, confident, charming and I liked how determined he is to protect Skye from being taken advantage of. No way will he allow the captain to get his way. I also liked the heroine's determination to win Skye over because she's the one for him; the one that will make life all the more interesting and exciting for him.

Overall, Ms. Kessler has delivered a really good read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was strong from the moment they meet and just keeps getting stronger the more they interact; the romance was nicely-detailed and had me loving these two together; and the ending had me worried for this couple's happy ever after because some things are just too hard to handle. Will the heroine put her trust in the hero? However, it was the last chapter that wrapped this story up nicely, as the hero and heroine are so happy together and have many more adventures to look forward to in the future, especially when there's so much at stake. I would recommend Magnolia Mystic by Lisa Kessler, if you enjoy the opposites attract trope, paranormal romance or books by authors Heather McCorkle, Juliette Cross, Nina Croft and Shelli Stevens

I do so love when a author I read releases another morsel for me to enjoy. This one is a double treat for me because it also has pirates too. This also happened to be in a series I have read one other from it so triple delight. This one centers around Skye and Colton. They are each unique in character that will snare you into their story from beginning to end. This author takes a bit of magic, stabbed with a curse and sprinkled with romance to give a whirlwind adventure pirate style of a high caliber but mixed with modern times. This will be one adventure that will not be soon forgotten.

Magnolia Mystic by Lisa Kessler is the first of a new series. I was thinking as I read it that this story was familiar. I found it in the Magnolia and Moonshine Series of books that was books published by different authors. What all of the stories had in common is that they took place in Savannah, GA. I am thrilled to see that Ms. Kessler has expanded her story from the series with this novella becoming the introductory book.

Short but giving a satisfying HEA to immortal pirate, Colton and glimpser of the future, Skye along with meeting several other colorful members of Colton’s former crew. The world building is excellent especially as I see Savannah through their eyes as well as the past and present seeming to collide. What I thought would be the main overarching theme may not be. You can count on Ms. Kessler to throw in a few twists and turns which she does expertly this time as I still can’t decide after finishing the novella if the Captain is a good guy deep down or a true villain. So of course, there is a cliffhanger plus one with an important artifact. However, I loved getting acquainted with the crew and look forward to more of this exciting series.

I have yet to pick up a book by this author and not be completely satisfied. To let you know what I mean by that, I don’t generally read straight romance as it is not one of my go-to genres, even the paranormal romances. Yes, I do read them from time to time, but this author is one that I know that no matter what I read, I will find a sweet, loving, caring romance that is well-written, has an engrossing plot, and with never a dull moment even if romance isn’t something I really look for in a book. I love the characters in this book, and I love how individual they all are. This is a novella to the start of a new series, and I for one can’t wait to see what each of the characters we were introduced in this one are going to get up to to find the stolen treasure and true love. You can’t go wrong with this one if you love great romance! Highly recommend! I was provided the e-book which I voluntarily reviewed.

We’re introduced to the colourful crew of the Sea Dog in the opening novella to Lisa Kessler’s Sentinels of Savannah series, and if Magnolia Mystic is any indication of what’s to come, I’m on board.

“He’d been twenty-nine years old when he drank from the grail in 1795, and he hadn’t physically aged another year since.”

As is often the case with shorter reads, there’s not a great deal I can divulge without dropping spoilers but what I will say is psychic, Skye Olson may have sworn off men, but when Colton Hayes walks into her life her willpower soon flies out of the window and they waste little time acting on the chemistry zipping between them.

“You do make a sexy pirate.”

Outside of the romance the foundations have been laid for an ongoing storyline as this group of men—who have already displayed a fabulous rapport—go on the hunt for the missing relic that granted them their immortality. Looking forward to seeing where their travels lead them.

Prepare to set sail on another adventure from Lisa Kessler! This quick read was fun and did the perfect job of setting the backdrop for the series.

I just loved Skye and Colton. Skye is suffering from a crisis in confidence. She’s always had faith in her psychic abilities, but after a bad ending with her ex, she is doubting herself, especially in matters of the heart. Colton has been going through the motions, he’s alive but not really living…until he recognizes Skye as the woman who may be the one that a witch prophesized about years ago. These two were all sorts of fun together, especially when Skye would get Colton all flustered and/or hot and bothered and he would forget his modern-day persona and slip back into his pirate life.

There were so many things throughout this book that had me wondering how things will play out in the series. The author always does a fabulous job setting up future books and adding just enough “hmmm, wonder how that will factor into this” moments when she writes, and I’m certain that will be the case with this series as well. There seems to be quite a few things that connect Skye to this group of pirates, and knowing there must be more to the story with Colton and the crew and their old captain has me looking forward to unraveling all the secrets in this series.

I’ve not read many pirate books and love the idea of bringing this group into current day times and the lore that surrounds that happening. There wasn’t a lot of surprise that Colton and Skye would end up together, but all the supporting parts of their story did a great job laying the foundation for all the twists and turns that I expect this series to have. Add in the wonderful writing and character dialogue that I have come to expect from Lisa Kessler, and this is definitely a series I am 100% invested in already!

This is a very short read that leaves a lot of unanswered questions, but the main characters do get their HEA within the series arc that has been set up. Another great read from Lisa Kessler that I highly recommend.

This was a fun read… we have a psychic who doubts herself and an immortal pirate who is the champion of Savannah, GA. It doesn’t get any better!

Skye is having a severe case of self-doubt after a relationship gone wrong. She is trying to swear off men, but there is something about Colton she can’t quite put her finger on. She likes that he gets to do what he loves and that is playing the role of a pirate. What she doesn’t know, he’s a real-life pirate! Who didn’t want to be a pirate growing up?! Colton, as quartermaster, has made it his mission to protect the city of Savannah against his former captain, Ian Flynn, who wants to build a hotel in the city. The only thing stopping Ian is Skye. She owns the last piece of property he needs to purchase in order to make his dream a reality. Can Colton get to Skye before Ian? What will happen when she finds out who they really are?

Colton, the handsome devil, has a heart of gold, and up until meeting Skye, he let every day just pass him by. Skye can’t seem to trust herself after her last relationship. Skye can't seem to trust herself after her last relationship. Her previous relationship left Skye wary of all men, but Colton was a breath of fresh air. This is a whirlwind romance that will keep you tuned into the story. My only complaint, it was too short! I needed and wanted more, however, it does make me want to read what happens next. What would be great while waiting for the next book, is finding a prequel! I can’t wait for either or both! (Preferably BOTH!)

The Delight
Romantic Immortal pirates living and working in Savannah, Georgia. Need I say more? I ddn’t think so!

Review

When Lisa Kessler asked me if I would be interested in reading her new book, I jumped at the chance. Her Moon series about a group of wolf and panther shifters is a favorite of mine and I was sorry to see it end.

Skye Olson is a psychic in Savannah living and working in a building that has been owned by her family for generations. When she visits an old time reproduction of a pirate ship in Savannah’s harbor, she meets Colton Hayes. It will prove to be an auspicious meeting for both, although neither thinks so at first. Colton’s been waiting for a woman with violet eyes to enter his life for an extremely long time. Told by a seer that it would change his life, but to expect it at some point, he is thrown to finally meet her. The fact that both of them are attracted to each other is beside the point or maybe not?

This was a short novella at only one hundred pages, but still managed to capture my imagination and keep me reading. I enjoyed the characters, the romance, the seer’s warning, and the side story of someone trying to get Skye to sell her building-which she isn’t about to do. Was it an almost love at first sight story? It wasn’t exactly that, but close enough-especially since it’s such a short story. As far as the reason for the immortality, I’m not even going there.

Novellas aren’t always a favorite by readers because they usually don’t add that much to the series, unless it’s from a much beloved series. In this case, this novella sets up a new series in Kessler’s installment in the Sentinels of Savannah series. I say Kessler’s because I believe other authors will be writing different books in the series. At this point I’m not sure if they will all be novellas or not.

I enjoyed this novella and fully plan on reading more of this series. The reader was introduced to several more immortal pirates and one in particular has me wanting to read his story. Recommended to adult paranormal romance readers. Good read for a lazy afternoon.

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Lisa Kessler is one of my ‘go grab her book quickly’ authors - I’ve loved every book I’ve read by her and this is no exception. In this story psychic Skye Olson is questioning her own abilities after a traumatic break up with the man who had been her fiancé. Now she’s determined to put it behind her - and get rid of his ring but this leads to an encounter with Colton Hayes, who is determined to protect the port of Savannah from the aspirations and manipulations of his old Captain, a real estate tycoon. When the Captain’s plans impact on Skye, Colton is also determined to protect her, too. However, there are other worries for Colton and his crew as their secrets are starting to be uncovered and danger lurks in the shadows, ready to pounce on the unwary.

This may be a novella but it certainly packs a lot of action, great characters and plenty of intrigue to keep the reader turning pages, engrossed in the story. The connection between Skye and Colton is palpable and reading of its development, the breaking down of barriers and formation of trust are all key to this story. There’s an added mystery, a stranger coming to call and excitement around every corner. I have absolutely no hesitation in highly recommending this paranormal romantic novella to anyone who enjoys these genres, I’ll definitely be looking out for more books in this series being released.

I requested and was given a copy of this book, via NetGalley. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.

Actions have consequences. Colton Hayes spent his mortal life plundering royal ships with his pirate crew until he and his crew steal an object that curses them with immortality. Sure it gives you time to build a fortune and learn new and wonderful things but what is life without love? When psychic Skye Olson becomes a bone of contention between Colton (he wants her as a woman) and the captain (he wants her property) maybe she will end up being their redemption. A sweet fun escape that will leave you longing for the high seas.

This was a new writer for me but I very much enjoyed her writing! The story was fast passed, sexy and had likable characters!!

Fun!

A sweet, sexy and fun short story. I like the potential for where the story is going and am looking forward to more.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

4 - "You do make a sexy pirate..." Stars!

This novella absolutely stinks, and the pungent aroma wafting from it is the strong smell of potential. I got tingles reading Magnolia Mystic the introduction to Lisa Kessler’s Sentinels of Savannah series, because I think it could be the beginning of something absolutely epic.

A woman with violet eyes will signal the beginning and end of your life…

Modern day New Orleans is the backdrop for Mystic Skye and Quartermaster Colton’s story, and although it’s all sorts of ‘insta’ between them, Colton and his crew have been men about town for a few hundred years now, their days of pillaging and plundering on the high seas well past due to modern advancements. Their reason for longevity a closely guarded and what they thought a well hidden secret.

"Never can be a very long time…"

You are introduced to the rest of Colton’s crew in this one, and with what happens to the relic they were closely guarding I can envisage the direction the series will take as well as happily anticipate the adventures that going to be had along the way, and with the first full book; Pirates Passion due for release later this year, it’s not a long wait either.

"I thought you only had eyes for your ship..?"

"…Until I met you."

This is a bright and entertaining story! This book is right up my alley because I love paranormal romance with a hint of suspense. Colton and Skye are perfect together and I was cheering for them to the end.

This author has a smooth and easy way of writing which pulls you right into the story and keeps you interested in the story. Her plots are interesting and her characters are well developed even in such a short novella. I have read her stories for along time and always find her reads fascinating.

I received this book from NetGalley and I am reviewing it voluntarily

I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. I never really thought about being a pirate, but I loved this tale that was woven around me. I have little to complain about this story. I do have one and that it was far to short. I love Colton's strong way of leading his crew and taking pride in all he has ever known. It was kind of funny when he told Skye his secret and she just flips out. I can understand that with all that she has been through, but why would sound give you a coin from that era and the tell you something like that if there was not something to that. There was just enough drama and steamy moment to keep me reading it. My favorite character so far is Bob. I think because he gives good and advice along with what sounds like amazing food. I wanted seafood after reading this on a short car ride. I highly recommend it. So grab a copy and drive right in and search for lost and stolen treasures.

Skye is on board a tourist attraction of a pirate ship in Savannah, GA. When she steps away from the group, ready to throw her engagement ring from her crooked ex into the water, she is stopped by Colton, the owner and captain of the ship. Little does she know that he is over 200 years old. As a tarot reader, she has some insight, but not all, and for him she is the response to a statement from a witch years ago, that someone with violet eyes would be the start of the end. Good story and quick, with a bit of a cliffhanger at the end. I am guessing more of the crew will find love, and the quest to find the stolen cup will continue. Fun story and a great summer read. Highly recommend this book and author.

A really short opener for what could be a fun series involving immortal pirates. This admittedly quick read has all the imaginative touches that I expect from this author. There’s clearly a connection between Colton and Skye and as the story begins Colton believes it’s due to a prophecy but as a reader I can’t help but wonder if there’s more to it as when we meet Skye she’s a psychic living and working in a building with connections to the ship that Colton sailed on over two hundred years ago.
Perhaps not as swashbuckling as I’d hoped but the romance was front and centre with enough suspense written in that I’m really curious to see how things proceed. Yes there is obviously more to come with lost relics and those who are perhaps not as immortal as they thought but with wicked Captains, mutinous pirates and steamy romance I say buckle up me hearties and set sail for Savannah!
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

Magnolia Mystic was captivating. It was so easy to fall in love with Skye and Colton. Their love felt timeless and each character stole my heart. I just want to get on a ship and ride off!