Allie Therin’s Magic and Manhattan series concluded earlier this year with Wonderstruck, leaving Rory and Arthur in a good place, disposing of the evil Baron Zeppler and nicely tying up the major plotlines. Despite a few quibbles, I enjoyed all three books, so I was pleased to learn the author was writing another novel set in the same universe, but featuring different lead characters and a different setting. In Proper Scoundrels the action switches from New York to London (and Yorkshire), and we catch up with Lord Wesley Fine – Arthur Kenzie’s former lover – and Sebastian de Leon, a powerful paranormal whose particular abilities made him a valuable asset to the bad guys – both of whom had major parts to play in Wonderstruck. Although Proper Scoundrels is a standalone novel, I would strongly advise anyone thinking about picking it up to read the Magic in Manhattan series first in order to understand the character backstories and magical systems and world the author has created.

The action picks up shortly after the end of Wonderstruck, where we find Sebastian living in London, where he’s retreated to lick his wounds after spending three years enslaved by the blood magic practiced by Baron Keppler. He’s weighed down by guilt for the things he was forced to do while under the Baron’s control and is desperate to find ways to atone. He’s damaged, scared and alone, having deliberately distanced himself from friends and family because he believes himself unworthy of affection, happiness or redemption.

Wesley, Lord Fine, is also back in London and is at something of a loose end. Like Sebastian, he feels like an outsider, his experiences of war putting him forever out of step with those around him. He’s a self-confessed scoundrel; jaded, cynical, arrogant and often deliberately rude, he despises nearly everyone and everything. Despite his involvement with the events of Wonderstruck, he has no idea of the existence of magic and the paranormal world – and no inkling that his Kensington home is under magical protection or that Sebastian regularly passes by to make sure that Arthur’s aristocratic friend [isn’t] in any danger owing to his association with Arthur and Rory.

One evening, Sebastian receives a note from Jade Robbins containing a list of the dates of three recent unexplained murders and asking him to meet her. He grasps the implications immediately – whoever is committing these murders is a paranormal; his conversation with Jade and her partner, Zhang, confirms this and also suggests the perpetrator may be the man responsible for the theft of a number of valuable and dangerous magical artefacts belonging to Sebastian’s family, the Earl of Blanshard. And among the guests at the last party the earl held at his Yorkshire estate was Wesley, Viscount Fine. Could he be the paranormal murderer’s next target?

Proper Scoundrels is superbly plotted and perfectly paced, and there’s what I can only describe as an overall air of confidence to the writing and storytelling that wasn’t quite there in the author’s previous work. The romance is given the time to develop and the attraction between Wesley and Sebastian made a lot more sense right off the bat than the romance between Rory and Arthur, who felt so very mis-matched until quite late in their series. Wesley and Sebastian may be polar opposites, but their relationship doesn’t suffer from the same feeling of inequality; the push-pull of their attraction, their individual trauma and coping mechanisms, and the amount of growth they go through as characters makes their romance – across one single title – very believable and deeply satisfying.

Wesley and Sebastian are as compelling as individuals as they are as a couple and I liked both of them very much – although it’s Wesley who really stole the show for me. I loved his sharp and very distinctive narrative voice; he’s under no illusions about himself – unless it’s about his hard-heartedness and inability to love – and his irritation with himself over his attraction to Sebastian is funny and leaps off the page. He’s every bit the arrogant, rude, snarky, cantankerous arsehole he was in the previous books, but there’s a depth and vulnerability to him that he’d never admit to, and he’s brave, open-minded, witty and generous to those few he truly cares about. I enjoyed watching him decide that maybe caring for someone – and allowing someone to care for him – might be worth it after all. Sebastian has been through a lot and is suffering from what we’d recognise as PTSD as a result, but he isn’t prepared to cut himself any slack and blames himself for all the things he did while in thrall to Baron Keppler, even though he had absolutely no choice in the matter. He’s unfailingly kind and considerate – Jade is spot on when she calls him a “dangerous marshmallow” – and will fight to the death to protect those around him – especially sharp-tongued, non-magical viscounts – but he’s no pushover. I just loved watching these two lonely, damaged men slowly growing closer and allowing the other to see things about themselves they allow no-one else to see. Their chemistry is off-the-charts and they light up the pages when they’re together, Wesley’s acerbity the perfect counterpoint to Sebastian’s sweetness.

Having bemoaned the fade-to-black sex scenes in the Magic in Manhattan books because I felt the author missed an opportunity to add depth to the romance, I was pleased at the inclusion of on-page scenes of sexual intimacy here. These moments between Wesley and Sebastian feel absolutely appropriate for the relationship and the characters and definitely add depth to their emotional connection.

While Arthur and Rory are namechecked a few times, they don’t actually appear on the page – which I think was the right decision, as this story belongs entirely to Wesley and Sebastian – I was delighted to see Jade and Zhang again; they’re terrific characters and I enjoyed their interactions with the two leads and seeing them playing important roles in the story.

Proper Scoundrels is my favourite of Ms. Therin’s books so far and I raced through it in a couple of sittings. The two leads are compelling, well-developed characters who grab the attention right from the start, the mystery plot is well-executed and overall, it feels as though the author has taken all the really good things from the first three books and made them even stronger. It’s my final DIK of 2021, and I have no hesitation in wholeheartedly recommending it.

Grade - 4.5 stars / A-

I don’t have adequate words for how delighted I was by this book! I didn’t think anything could top Roy and Arthur but Sebastian and Lord Fine just might. The proper scoundrel and the tropical flower marshmallow; the combination we never knew we needed. I had been wanting a book for Wesley since we first met him and this was more than I could have hoped for! On the surface he’s a curmudgeon, a scoundrel and a heartless viscount, but underneath all of that he’s a brave, honorable man starved for affection and love whether he knows it or not. Then we have Sebastian. Sweet, loveable, marshmallow Sebastian. The unwilling villain in the previous series, he gets the redemption he so richly deserves. I completely understood why he was so hard on himself, but it broke my heart that he couldn’t see the good in himself. The relationship between Wesley and Sebastian was a slow burn that developed beautifully and with so much mutual respect I could burst with happiness from it. The two of them help each other to see the good in themselves, to grow and become better not only together but apart as well. We also had the added bonus of lots of Jade and Zhang and meeting Sebastian’s family more in depth. I always enjoy the magic and the backdrop of the World’s Fair and the villains they were trying to stop only added depth to an already wonderful story. I haven’t been so enamored and wrapped up in a story in a long time and I never wanted it to end. I truly hope we see more of this delightful duo in future books!

Once again, I'm amazed that I enjoyed a historical romance. The world building from the previous books continued and yet it could be deemed a stand alone which is unique in paranormal universes. I really enjoyed the characters and they mystery in how the problems were resolved. A fun story with the perfect amount of magic and historical references to make this romance an enjoyable read.

4,5* rounded to 5
I was a huge fan of Magic in Manhattan and loved this spin-off
It's an entertaining and gripping story that kept me turning pages and I enjoyed catching up with characters from the main series.
Wesley was not a very likeable characters in the first half of the book: arrogant, entitled and grumpy. It's possible to see the under the mask but I wasn't a fan at the beginning.
I loved Jade and Sebastian and appreciated the character development.
The world building and the magic system are as good as always, the plot is well crafted and the storytelling excellent.
I can't wait to read the next book by this author.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I did not meet Wesley or Sebastian earlier, in the “Magic in Manhattan” series (an omission I plan to remedy). Both men are hurting at the beginning of this book, for different reasons, but neither is eager to connect with others, except in the most fleeting way. Wesley has come out of his years of service in WWI apparently even more embittered and standoffish than he went into the war, while Sebastian was imprisoned, tortured for years, and forced to commit terrible acts against other paranormals.
So, both men have issues at the outset of this story, and how they slowly dismantle their fears, reservations and anger takes much of the story, while they also have to find someone intent on seriously hurting paranormals.
I like this world, and its protagonists, who are mostly paranormals of some sort or the other. The romance between the pair is pretty sweet, and though I found Wesley pretty abrasive and difficult at first, he really grew on me. Sebastian is totally a sweetheart—his caring for kittens and protecting a yappy dog made me smile.
I’m going to have read about the time between “Spellbound” and this book right quick.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Harlequin - Carina Press for this ARC in exchange for my review.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley.

I enjoyed this author's Magic in Manhanttan series, so I was curious about this spin-off book. One of the main characters in this book is the ex from one of the main characters in the other series, so I was curious how the author would handle that. I was pleasantly surprised by this book, it feels familiar and fresh. The world and some side characters are familiar, and it has that same magical historical feel. The romance dynamics and main characters are different from the first series and make it feel fresh. It's fun to see the recurring world and characters from the first series, but there's also enough explanation that I think it should be easy to read without the first series too.

I really enjoyed this book, it has a great blend with an engaging plot and romance, as well as plenty of magic and a historical setting. I liked how the plot was established early on with a big bad guy whose causing trouble. And then progresses throughout the book as the characters try and figure out how to stop him. Then there is a lot of getting to know the characters and seeing their relationship develop. It made for an engaging read.

Proper Scoundrels follows two characters we already knew from the first series, but I think it's easy to follow even if you haven't read that one yet. Wesley and Sebastian have both been through a lot, but both are very different characters. Wesley is grumpy, a bit rude at times and very straightforward. Where Sebastian is still very caring and wanting to help non-magicals, feeds stray cats and believes in the good in people. I liked how they were so different from the other and seeing those two personalities together was great.

I really liked the romance in this book. Their banter is great and I liked the slow burn that then turns into more. I also liked how this time the steam isn't fade to black as I felt it progressed their relationship and it was nice to read those scenes. I like how Sebastian made Wesley's world brighter. I liked how Wesley was there for Sebastian. They were so sweet together.

I also liked how we get to see Jade and Zhang again. These two were two important side characters in the first series and I liked seeing them here again. It also made sense why they where in this book. There are a few other side characters, like Sebastian's sister and brother and a few others.

It was great being back in this world and following two new characters around. I like how one of them is familiar with magic and the other isn't, which gives a different perspective on the world. It was interesting to see Wesley discover magic exist and how he dealt with it. And how Sebastian was already familiar with this world. There is more magic, more relics and more danger.

To summarize: I had a great time reading this one. It's the first book in a spin-off series, but I think it works great if you haven't read that one too. I enjoyed being back in this world for a new adventure. I liked reading about Wesley and Sebastian, they are so different, but so good together. I liked their banter and the nice slow burn romance that then turns into more with some steam as well. I liked getting to know these characters and follow them along as they try and stop the bad guy causing trouble. I really enjoyed this book!

I’ve been hoping for a book about Lord Fine ever since he showed up in Starcrossed, because he’s exactly the sort of sarcastic and jaded character I love. I’m happy to say that I thoroughly enjoyed Wesley’s story, which also brings back Sebastian de Leon from the earlier books as his love interest.

The title of the book is Proper Scoundrels, but even though that’s how both Wesley and Sebastian repeatedly refer to themselves, it’s of course not really a fitting term for either of them. Sebastian comes closer to filling the role, since he helped kidnap Rory and engaged in other criminal activities in the past. That was all done under magical duress, though, and Sebastian’s eaten up with guilt over it because he’s an extremely tender-hearted person. (He cares for stray cats! Enough said.) In my opinion, Wesley isn’t any kind of scoundrel, but he does see himself as coldly cynical and possessing a heart of stone. So, he’s Sebastian’s exact opposite.

We all know what happens when the grumpy one meets the sunshine one, and much of the fun of this romance is seeing Wesley go properly soft over Sebastian. It’s almost impossible for Wesley to resist Sebastian’s charm, and when he gives up the fight, it’s pretty sweet. Wesley would surely take offense at being referred to as “sweet,” but no other term fits a man who can come out with lines like: “Well, you’ve made me believe in fairy tales . . . Because I got a fairy tale when I got you.” I mean, that’s just pure sugar right there. 😊

In terms of the plot, I didn’t find it to be quite as compelling as in the previous books. However, even though it was clear from the beginning who the villain was, the author worked in enough twists and turns that she kept my interest engaged. As a plus for the fans of the series, Jade and Zhang also play a role in the story, and readers even get a glimpse of what’s in store for them in the future, too.

So, this is another winner from Allie Therin. I’m not sure whether she’ll continue writing in this world or not, but whatever she comes up with next—I’m in!

A copy of this book was provided through NetGalley for review; all opinions expressed are my own.

Proper Scoundrels by Allie Therin

LOVED this story and returning to the magical world created by this author!

What I Liked:
* The post WWI era and setting in England
* The atmosphere: filled with magic and suspense
* The romance between Sebastien and Wesley
* That both men had been to war and were battle scarred
* That I felt both men were suited to one another in more ways than one
* Sebastien: paranormal, difficult backstory, a bit of a marshmallow though also deadly, cat lover, sensitive, caring, gorgeous…I really liked him
* Wesley: Viscount, curmudgeonly at times, somewhat stern, outspoken, cutting, wealthy, has inner depths he may not realize he has…I really liked him
* Seeing Zhang and Jade from the previous series
* The tie-in of characters and stories with the Magic in Manhattan series
* Isabel, Molly & Mateo – relatives and friends of Sebastien
* That the bad guys were found and dealt with
* That good overcame evil
* That there was a HEA for more than one couple
* Hoping that there might b another spinoff in the future…do like this world the stories are set in

What I Didn’t Like:
* Blanshard & Mercier: corrupt, evil, wicked men that were easy to hate
* Having to say goodbye to the characters on the last page

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin – Carina Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

I have been waiting for Lord Fine to get his own book ever since his first memorable appearance as a secondary character in Therin’s Magic in Manhattan series. Finding out that Sebastian, who also appeared as a secondary character, was the love interest, made me even more excited. Needless to say, this book was 100% worth the wait.

This is a delightful “enemies to lovers” romance. Wesley and Sebastian spend most of the book loathing each other, so it’s extra satisfying when they give in to the attraction they’re trying to ignore. Either way, their banter is top notch both, making for many funny moments throughout the book.

As this is a spinoff, starting with the Magic in Manhattan series is not a requirement, but the paranormal goings-on will make more sense for readers who are familiar with the dynamics of this magical world. Also, as a fan of the series, I appreciated the opportunity to delve deeper into Wesley’s character and discover that there is so much more to him that the snob who used to date Arthur. I also liked that so many of the secondary characters from the main series appeared here as well.

I would absolutely recommend Proper Scoundrels. The main trilogy wrapped up nicely, but I was not quite ready to say goodbye to the Magic in Manhattan world. This book was a much-needed extra helping of one of my favorite series. I read the whole thing in about two days, which is hardly a record, but it brought me such happiness in the middle of my hectic life, and I am so grateful for the respite from the real world. I’m not sure what Therin has coming up next, but I’m already excited for it.

I received a digital ARC of this book from Carina Press/NetGalley.

4.5 Stars!

I love me some Allie Therin. There hasn't been a single book of her's I've not enjoyed so when I saw this spin-off from her "Magic in Manhattan" series, I just HAD to read it.

Sebastian was a reformed "villian"(albeit an unwilling one) from the aforementioned series and was set on redeeming himself through his actions. He'd been through hell and was suffering the aftermath of his capture and he STILL wanted to help others. A veritable angel, I just wanted to wrap him up and keep him from anything that could harm him.

Wesley (a.k.a Lord Fine) was Arthur's friend/ex and someone we first encountered in less than pleasant ways especially with how he behaved towards Rory. It seems that wasn't one-off behaviour from Lord Fine.

Wesley was cantankerous, rude and prone to fits of fancy when things did not go his way. Simply put, he was unpleasant.

Fortunately for him he came into contact with Sebastian who managed to make Wesley turn a corner not by force but by being his gentle, sweet self. Lord Fine stood no chance against all of that even when he tried to be his usual grumpy self.

I absolutely enjoyed the writing. The pacing was perfect for the story and the characters even more so(especially the baddies who frightened and intrigued me in equal parts).

I enjoyed myself so much that I wasn't even ready for the story to end when it did. We got an Epilogue and I wanted a SECOND one. It was so good.

Definitely recommended. You won't regret it.

“Proper Scoundrels” is a spin-off from Allie Therin’s brilliant Magic in Manhattan series. It focuses on European paranormals from the prior series who had helped Americans find and neutralize magical objects to protect them from misuse. And though “Proper Scoundrels” can read as a standalone, “Spell Bound,” “Star Crossed” and “Wonderstruck” were luminescent, plus their background adds depth to the current plot.

Why such high praise? Firstly, Allie Therin is a consummate world-builder. She creates unique paranormal phenomena for each character, much of which I hadn’t encountered in prior novels. Since these individuals’ magic can counteract, the crosses and double-crosses bring a special thrill.

Secondly, Allie Therin’s heroes, Sebastian de Leon and Lord Wesley Fine perfect the process of self-loathing. We all know folks like them. Sebastian is lost in trauma from three years trapped in “blood magic,” bound to an evildoer who forced him to attack friends, mortals and himself. Lord Fine is a mortal, a sharpshooter who engaged in lengthy combat during WWI and hasn’t adjusted to civilian civilities.

When several people who have interacted with paranormals are found exsanguinated, a vampire is suspected. Unfortunately, Lord Fine almost becomes a victim. And since Lord Fine helped Sebastian’s paranormal friends in the prior series, he feels duty-bound to offer protection. This galls Lord Fine, super-shot and Captain Extraordinaire.

Each man has chosen to deal with his traumas differently. While overly-responsible Sebastian believes he’s not good enough to be friend, family or lover to anyone, Lord Fine doesn’t care who he offends. Can opposites find solace in each other while protecting mankind from evil?

These two are deliciously flawed and I delighted in every moment. As when Lord Fine is rude to a fellow peer, who looks shocked. I barked as Lord Fine completes the burn. “Oh, I’m sorry, was I supposed to say something tritely polite?” he asks the sputtering fellow. In contrast, all Sebastian can do is run away whenever he believes he has upset the cranky Lord. Yet when they close their chasm, it is for reasons and in a manner that feels natural and genuine.

Allie Therin handles language as a consummate pro with smooooth dialogue. For example, here’s how Sebastian eventually states his feelings for Lord Fine. “I think you’re the witch, because when I’m with you. I remember how to be free.” Oh my, yes. Love as freedom, not ball and chain.

The novel is even approachable to those who have been traumatized. Here’s a sentiment that suffuses “Proper Scoundrels,” rendering it upbeat despite its heavy sense of foreboding. “Maybe grace could be stronger than shame. Maybe he could have a complicated past but still deserve a happy future.”

“Proper Scoundrels” has it all, evil-doers and heroes, tension and gentle romance, thrills and humor, all wrapped in an exquisitely sensory experience, where Allie Therin’s words dance into images. If I regret rating all three Magic in Manhattan novels five stars, it is only because “Proper Scoundrels” is subtler, more refined and far more soulful. I sure hope there are further installments.

Allie Therin creates fabulous characters who bounce off each other like nobody's business, and this jerk/marshmallow spinoff from her Magic In Manhattan series is a stellar showcase for her talent. Wesley and Sebastian are dynamic, lemme-see-more-of-you people on their own, and once they meet the book becomes impossible to put down. I loved it and dearly hope she'll return to this setting, and her wider cast of characters, again.

If I thought I couldn't love this author more, she came and wrote this beauty of a book and won my heart all over again. I went from thinking Lord Fine was, indeed, fine, after wanting to slap him a few times after what he did, to wanting to hug him for hours. He is cranky, he is a delight.
Sebastian, the dangerous marshmallow, really shone in this book. I loved both of their growth, but Sebastian's really got to my soul because he is a cutie and I wanted only the best for him.

No useless misunderstanding, no unnecessary drama. These two very different men found themselves working together to stop an evil magical man and the journey they embarked on showed them just how much they wanted the other to be part of their lives.

As usual, I loved Allie Therin's writing style. I could read her books for eternity and never get bored. I think I will keep smiling while thinking about sweet Sebastian and grumpy Wesley who says he isn't a cuddler but is instead the best cuddler there is!!

If there’s such a thing as a meet-disaster, then Allie Therin has written one that’s tension-laden perfection in Proper Scoundrels. Fans of the Magic in Manhattan series have plenty to celebrate in this spin-off novel that carries on with the mayhem and magic when readers are swept away to England with Sebastian de Leon and Wesley, Lord Fine, in their search for a killer wreaking havoc and dispatching of his victims in entirely wicked and frightening ways.

Therin captures the 1920s so beautifully, in just enough detail to transport readers back in time and allowing us to become absorbed in the historically significant events. In this case, the climactic scene where everything rides on the survival of a multitude of unwitting spectators happening at the Paris world’s fair, and the villain monologuing while the fate of so many, including Wesley and Sebastian, hangs in the balance, is anxiety-inducing perfection. I’m not sure the anticipation of the pivotal moment when good confronts evil could have worked my nerves any harder, and I loved how absorbed I was in that moment. But that was only one moment among many when I was fully and utterly captivated by this story.

The de Leon family has a long and storied history as guardians of magic, and Sebastian’s history in particular lends itself to some poignant moments as he struggles through the aftermath of the events that led him to New York City and propelled him into the act of treachery that first delivered him into Wesley’s proximity. It was a situation that is seared into Wesley’s memories. Even if he never saw Sebastian’s face, he’ll never forget his voice, and it’s that memory that dominates when Wesley encounters Sebastian for the first time in England. That was the meet-disaster, but extenuating circumstances being what they are—predominantly that Wesley has no idea magic exists and that he’s come in close contact with a danger he has no real-world concept of—Jade and Zhang are thankfully there to help negotiate a path to Wesley not only believing magic exists but slowly coming to realize Sebastian is not evil incarnate.

An incident that drives Wesley and Sebastian together and delivers readers that forced closeness we love is the accelerant on the spark of attraction and begins the journey to not only identifying a killer but to discovering where the origins of that killer’s extreme and improbable power lies. Therin lays this story out in a perfect marriage of romance and action and suspense, and not only that but also crafts a union of opposites that allows Wesley to be just that little bit softer and offers Sebastian leeway to forgive himself for his past. The moment Wesley finds common ground and empathizes with Sebastian in something like a shared experience was a poignant foundation on which to build their relationship.

Proper Scoundrels has come in at the eleventh hour and effortlessly propelled its way onto my list of favorite books of the year. I’m not sure if it’s due for a sequel, but I’d love if Allie Therin gave us more from this world.

Proper Scoundrels by Allie Therin is a magical romantic read that will send readers on a roller coaster ride of emotions.

I had not read the trilogy but I found that this title stood in its own well. I loved the magic, I loved the characters. I immediately read the trilogy and now I want more!

Proper Scoundrels was such a fantastic. heartwarming ride! As a huge fan of the Magic in Manhattan series, I was really looking forward to a new story set in this world, and I think I enjoyed it even more than the original trilogy! It began with a hook and I enjoyed every page. Sebastian is described as a "dangerous marshmallow" -- a kindhearted individual who has been through a lot. Wesley, aka Lord Fine, doesn't care for anyone's feelings, that is until Sebastian. I couldn't help but smile almost constantly while reading this book because of the tender moments between them. I enjoyed the overall plot, which combined action, magic, and romance. I highly recommend reading this book!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I have received an ARC of this book by NetGalley and Carina Press, and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review. The Pub date of the book is December 28, 2021. I will post this review on my Goodreads, Facebook page and Instagram.
I want to rate this book with more than five stars, as in my opinion, it deserves at least a ten. I cannot explain the joy and well-being that this book brought me. It's one of those stories that we get so caught up in and in love with that, it's hard to let go. We want to know the ending, but we want to prolong the book because it's perfect. That is how I feel.
The main characters of this story had already appeared in the "Magic in Manhattan" trilogy and had very peculiar roles. Seeing them here was a fantastic adventure. Appearances are deceiving - it's one of the main points with these two.
Sebastian and Wesley don't start on the right foot by any means, but every step they take throughout the book is together and at the same pace. Both have wrong opinions of themselves, but they are always trying to improve each other's self-esteem, and in doing so, discover that what they are is more than what they think they are.
I love the importance of the cultural difference that the author uses in her books, but even more so here. I love all the conversations, the Spanish language, the expressions, and the seduction. The magic involves the relationship between the two characters and the story itself—the path to your resolve to try to save the world.
I liked that even though Wes was a "non-magical" character, it was as valuable or more than the magic itself. His aggressive and grumpy manner, good memory, ability to think fast - all this made him a more fantastic character than the appearance we had previously seen. And Sebastian, despite being incredibly strong and powerful, is in a dilemma between reality and sacrifice and must be rescued, so he doesn't get lost in the guilt he feels. Also, he loves animals, especially cats, so all my love for him.
All in all, it's a beautiful book. The story of magic goes on, but what I liked most above all was how the author builds a relationship that seems utterly improbable and impossible - without ruining the beauty of love. It's not something crazy and illogical; it's made and worked and flawed. It is wonderful.
I'm in love and loved every page. It's Top 5 of my favorite books and one of the best this year. I will reread this story several times, and I've already pre-purchased the book. I want it on my shelf.

This book is an excellent spin off from Allie Therin's Magic in Manhattan series. While it is a stand alone book, the major characters are all part of the previous books, and I highly recommend reading them first. Also, they are great reads, so you won't regret it.

This book was interesting as both of the heroes are struggling. Sebastian basically has PTSD from his time held under blood magic, and Wesley is alone and angsty. Wesley does not trust Sebastian, and really, he does not trust himself. Their romance develops slowly and has a great payoff. (There are some awesome romance tropes like only one bed.)

The magic and mystery elements of the book are fun too. If you enjoy paranormal historical gay romance, you should love this.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher.

Included as a top pick in bimonthly December New Releases post, which highlights and promotes upcoming releases of the month (link attached)