Nicole and Kyan
Forbidden Romance
Dark Academia

This book has left me speechless!! It is incredible!!!

This book is sooo unlike anything I've ever read before! The plot is fantastic!

I was captivated from the very start and I couldn't put it down!

I love the world building/character development in this one too 😍

I have no idea when the next book is due out but I cannot freaking wait!! 😍

A very charming read, i loved the setting and the atmosphere, as well as the references to the celtic culture and to the classic age, secret organisations and so many different supernatural beings.
The tension between Nicole and Kyan was so intense and palpable, especially during the last part of the book!
The downside was that during the central part of the book, the action was stalled by Nicole’s the inner monologues that were honestly quite repetitive and a bit boring😭
Besides this, i’ve loved reading about the fmc’s family and how much they cared for each other and I definitely can’t wait for some mysteries to be uncovered in the next book🥰

Really enjoyed this book by Megan Scott. I loved the writing style, the world building.
And the romance was written really well. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future :)

DNF quite early on. Unfortunately, this just wasn't for me. I wasn't able to connect with the characters or the overall setting. Still, the prose was excellent, and I look forward to more from this author!

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for a digital ARC copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

3.5 ⭐

Spice level: 🌶️🌶️/5
Fantasy, Dark Academia
*Trigger warnings listed at the bottom of this review (may contain spoilers)

This book has:
➤ Multi POV
➤ Supernatural beings, immortal beings
➤ M/F Romance, M/M secondary character
➤ Fated Mates
➤ Enemies to Lovers
➤ He falls first
➤ Forbidden Love

Let’s start with the good stuff.

I really enjoyed the romance in this book. The yearning between the MCs was great throughout. The MMC is swoon-worthy and the FMC is in a position where she has to pretend she is weaker than she is.

The ending was pretty satisfactory and is also clearly suggesting there is a lot more to come. If I end up reading the rest of the series, it will be for the yearning between the two main characters.

One thing that bothered me was how fast they fell in love with each other. There didn’t feel much build-up from when they first met. However, after they do, the romance is pretty great.

I also didn’t care much for the main plotline or really any of the other characters in the book. I actually found myself skipping parts of their interactions as they mostly felt unnecessary and I was bored by them. They are mostly there to help drive forward the fact that the FMC is family-oriented and that helps fill in some history.

The book also felt very predictable so if you’re looking for twists and turns, you won’t really find that here. However, if you’re looking for pining and possessive “mine” behaviours, you’re going to like this one.

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Trigger warnings:
➤ Kidnapping
➤ Possessive behaviours
➤ Body Horror
➤ Decapitation
➤ Discussion of medical experimentation
➤ Loss of parent

I enjoyed the lore of this world, it was like a throwback to 2005-2010 urban YA fantasy reminiscent of Twilight and the Vampire Diaries with art academia, secret organizations, and conspiracies thrown in.

The story is told from the POVs of our main characters Nicole and Kyan who each bring their unique voice to the story, adding more depth to the world and lore for the reader and so much angst to the forbidden romance storyline. The concept of the Empyreals was very unique and I liked that other mythical creatures were added to the story reminiscent of The Mortal Instruments. The magic system was very intriguing and I can't wait to see how much more is done with it in the following books.

It is very well written however, the pacing could be kicked up a bit especially in the middle.

My only gripe with this book is that it's marketed as YA, I believe it should be Upper YA/New Adult as some of the romance content is very steamy and I can only see it getting steamier as the story progresses.

This book is really refreshing, especially since the plot was a creative take against what's already out there. I did enjoy the writing and the world building was done nicely. I wish more happened in the middle though instead of the last 20 pages !

I really loved the concept for this one. A strong dose of imaginative urban fantasy added to a fairly bog standard PNR. The world building was great and the races the reader is introduced to are intriguing. However, I really don’t like the fated mates trope and this was not a good example of it. The romantic side of the plot really sagged and I was counting pages until I could get back to the mystery. It’s a promising start with lots of potential for development but the romance is not for me.

DNF @40%. I tried, I really tried so hard to like it. There were elements I did appreciate such as the supernatural creatures and their individual abilities. But between the slow pace, the overuse of the word “supernatural” in every third sentence and the glaring lack of survival instincts in the FMC, Nicole, I think it was best to conclude that this isn’t for me or perhaps too YA for me.

Nevertheless, special thanks to Harper Collins UK and Netgalley for providing me an advance copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the ARC.

This is a decent urban fantasy debut from Megan Scott, filled with an interesting lore on the supernatural creatures that live among humans and an intriguing conspiracy to unravel. The concept of an Empyreal, a creature that is instinctually compelled to transforms into other creatures' natural predators, feels unique to me. It holds so much potential to play around with, so I commend Scott for that. The strong family dynamics that the story's heroine, Nicole, had with her surviving parent and other siblings were great too.

That said, Temptation of Magic's biggest weakness is the romance that I couldn't help but skim through pages of once it became obvious this was the direction it was taking. Nothing feels like a forced romance to me like the Fated Mates trope, putting me through the eyeroll-worthy, completely unearned physical attraction between the two main leads despite them still being distrustful of the other. They weren't even blossoming friends yet! Am I suppose to find it romantic that guy Nicole is afraid will force her into the servitude of a fascist, shady organization gets her hot and bothered? While the mated bond does play a vital role in the story's climax, had Scott handle it differently in a way that doesn't indicate her two leads' attraction wasn't organically developed, I would be inclined to pick up the sequel. But now I've lost interest in a forced romance overshadowing an otherwise rather gripping plot.

I love the cover of this book, it is so beautiful! But I am sad to say that this is the best feature of it. We have a lot of interesting ideas, and I loved them all: Empyreals are a fascinating race of beings, secret messages hidden in paintings, a world populated by so many magical beings, and a conspiracy that is going on for soooo long! It all sounded amazing, and I was there for it!

The beginning was pretty good, I was invested in the story, and in Nicole and her passion for ancient paintings. I loved the idea that some paintings were really depictions of mythological beings that exist, even if humans are oblivious to the fact. I love art, and I love passionate MC, so I was all for it. And I was there for the mystery too. And Kyan. He is fascinating, in his own ways. And that’s all good, right?
Sure but… even if the beginning is interesting and we get to meet Nicole’s family, which is made up of really interesting people, especially Bell and Remi (and okay, Remi is not related to them, but she is Nicole’s BFF and they grew up together, or at least they were together as soon as Nicole and her family arrived in the town they currently are all living, and the two families are tightly linked so… they count as family too!), and we get to learn more about this fascinating world (that is our world but with mythological beings in it. And I loved them!) and we get a mystery or two to solve, well… the middle point wasn’t so great.

The story drags so much, and around the middle part I was just bored. I seriously thought about DNF this one, because I was just so damn bored! Nicole and Kyan are trying to capture Lynch, a Spectre who killed Nicole’s mentor and who has stolen a painting, that they need to take back. They have different reasons for this hunt, sort of, and they do not trust each other completely so we have a lot of dancing around because they are beginning to like each other, and to feel something too, but they do not really trust the other one, and they have an agenda (well, Nicole has an agenda, Kyan is clear from the start, but still…) so they keep some things secret and… and you are there screaming at them to just talk, that things will be easier! But this aside, they are going around hunting Lynch but… there is not a lot happening. It is all slow, and the “investigation” part is one of the most boring out there.

Things pick up again near the end when we meet Callum, who is a nice plus, and we finally have the confrontation with Lynch. At this point in the story, the pace picks up, we have action, we have things happening (finally!!) and the characters start to really speak to each other. It wasn’t boring anymore, but still, it wasn’t enough to make me fully enjoy this book, sadly.

To conclude, I was expecting more from this one. And I was not expecting to be so bored by it! I think that it has an interesting idea and that there are some good things in it, but all in all, I am not so happy with it, and I won’t continue the series.

This book feels like the start of something very special. Nicole and her family are in hiding as she and her brother are Emperyals - supernatural creatures designed to be the perfect protectors, who will be forced into the service of mysterious organisation the Wake if discovered.

The world building was beautiful and the book was so well written. I really enjoyed the different creatures, and the beautiful romance. I'll be eagerly awaiting the sequel!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Thank you NetGalley for approving me an ARC of The Temptation of Magic

When I first started this book it was entertaining enough but I was worried I wasn’t going to get much out of it. At around 40% in the plot really picked up for me.

I really enjoyed the over all setting and idea of the plot. Following Nicole along her journey in hiding her secrets from the Wake while trying to solve her mom’s mystery kept the story moving from one clue to the next.

I also really enjoyed watching Kyans personal growth journey. Having been a member of the Wake for as long as he can remember he has been living his life without asking questions, moving from one target to the next. So watching him slowly question the Wakes motives as he begins to know Nicole more, and ultimately wanting to do anything to protect her, even if that means lying to the Wake really had him gaining my respect. I can’t wait to see where his story takes him and hopefully learn more of his history.

The one thing I think that could have used improvement was the side characters. They were just kind of there and you didn’t know much about them besides a basic background that was enough to get you by. I would have loved for them to have a stronger personality. As well as the mention over and over of how much family meant to Nicole and how she would do anything to protect them, but you hardly actually seen that. There relationships where barely shown through the story more so just mentioned. I would have loved to see more interactions amongst Nicole and her family to really feel that bond.

The Temptation of Magic (The Empyreal series, book 1) releases on 8.27.24 and written by @meganscott_writer is a magical, mesmerizing, and emotional read. This book was beautifully written with excellent character and plot development. Written for lovers of romantasy, magic 💫, forbidden love, art fiction, hidden secrets, supernatural beings, and secret identities, this story is enchanting.
**Spoiler free review**
4.5 ⭐️
3🌶️ (the slow burn is real folks, and the spice is 🔥)

“What can I say, I guess I’m protective too.”
“He had a new allegiance, and she felt like home” 🫶🏼

I enjoyed this book so very much. This book is spellbinding and immersive. I loved savoring each chapter — it is a masterpiece. Nicole, the FMC character is fierce, loyal, and protective. She is dedicated to keeping her family safe, at all costs through uncovering her late mother's secret messages intended to provide more information on how to remain hidden from "The Wake" an organization that governs supernaturals. Without giving too much away, we learn more about the true motives of the Wake and its' methods. While taking art classes and searching for these hidden messages from her mother, Nicole meets another Empyreal, Kyan McCarter, sent by The Wake to investigate a murder. The story follows Nicole and Kyan's alliance and deepening relationship, while each character seeks to uncover mysteries (WILL NOT SPOIL !! :) ) While investigating together -- another dangerous creature becomes involved with its own mission. This is a journey of self-discovery, unearthing deeply held truths, discovering hidden messages, and the unexpected (but is it really ?!) connection of two main characters...Guys, this story is complex and effortlessly written. I am amazed this is Megan Scott's debut -- she is a descriptive story teller, interweaving different storylines that support the main plot...the character development is chefs kiss. This book is wonderful for those who loved 'A Discovery or Witches" by Deborah Harness, those who love romantasies with mystery, hidden secrets, magic, secret identities, and spice. This is a beautiful debut by Megan Scott -- I am floored this is her first book!!

I cannot wait for this book to release ❤️

Synopsis:

As an Empyreal, Nicole has the ability to kill any deadly supernatural. But if her power ever awakened, the Wake—the organisation that governs supernaturals—would force her to be their loyal huntress. Or kill her, like they did her mother.

To stay safe, Nicole hides in a small university town, convinced the mythological art collection at a local manor contains a final message from her mother. But before she can study it, Kyan McCarter, the Wake’s most skilled Empyreal, arrives on his own hunt. When they discover his prey has stolen a painting for leverage, they’re forced to work together.

As the creature threatens to expose Nicole’s powers, her tenuous alliance with Kyan threatens her heart. If her true identity is revealed, Kyan will hunt her next. No one disobeys The Wake and survives. Especially when the art they’re seeking unveils a conspiracy that would change the lives of creatures and humans forever...

But Nicole may only be able to resist one: her wicked impulses, or a love that could repaint their world.And after a life of hiding her true nature, who could resist the temptation of magic...


#thetemptationofmagic #bookstagram #netgalley #romantasy #fantasy #magic #readersupportingauthor #fantasy #beautifulwriting #descriptivewriting #fatedmates #romance #enemiestolovers #dualpov #powerfulfmc #hiddensecrets #secretidentities

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

I was drawn to this title for the Supernatural and Discovery of Witches similarities, and it absolutely delivered on the paranormal academic vibes. I had a bit of a love/hate relationship with the prose, which I found to be beautiful at times but unnecessarily complex at others. Ultimately this feels like reading a YA fantasy dark academia pinterest board!

I connected with Nicole and Kyan's characters, but I struggled with her family. We were constantly reminded how close they are, but I didn't get to experience those connections as much as I would have liked. Part of this may be my age, and I understand I'm not the target audience here, so I'll cut it some slack. In a similar vein, some dialogue and sentences were very YA, yet there were certainly more mature and intimate themes as well.

The plotline was intriguing, and the pacing provided for an earlier climax followed by some satisfying conclusions and setup for the next book. Overall I really enjoyed this title, and I'm looking forward to its release!

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 eARC Review |

This will be a 4-5* read for you if you love:

Art
Art History
Forbidden romance
History
Supernatural academia
Conspiracies
Strong familial ties
Fated mates

This book is a love letter to art history academics and casual fans alike. This is something for the supernatural romance lovers that also have an appreciation for art. There were plenty of references to real paintings and pieces and that really helped set the tone.

There was plenty I enjoyed about this read, primarily the fact it was set in the UK. It’s refreshing to have a story of this calibre set in the UK and I enjoyed understanding the setting, environment and culture the characters were a part of. Our main character Nicole was a breath of fresh air: clever, calculating but still afraid and unsure of herself, she felt real and relatable without being uninteresting. Kyan was great too, he is similar to most of the dark, big, broody men we’re all used to (if it’s not broken, don’t fix it) but he still has a personality of his own.

The storyline was interesting, and balanced action, research, relationships and mystery well.

That all said, this was a 3*- 3.5* (rounded this review up to 4* as couldn't decide) for me, though not down to the writing, story or characters - as they were all great. I’m just bored of massive age gaps (1000s of years is just not it for me) and fated mates. Both give me the ick so I struggled a bit rooting for the main couple.
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Thank you to Netgalley for the eARC!
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It was hard for me to believe that this is the author's debut book. The way she created the magical world was impressive, and it's interesting to read . In respect to those who haven't read the book yet. I won't go into too much detail, but it's worth mentioning in this review because it's essential. The book's plot is thoroughly exciting to me. One of the most enjoyable and shocking aspects of this novel is the author's ability to create such complex characters. Her mastery in character development is truly surprising, especially considering that this is her debut novel. It's impressive how she places these characters in an outdoor setting and brings them to life in such a captivating way. And the book's pacing is just perfect for what you're reading, so it's a well-balanced book.
Most of the time, this is my big trouble with novels of this gender that they can get so long and dragging that they become boring, but this book is not that I enjoyed. Plus, you have a little bit of a steamy romance, so I think it's a perfect combination for the people who like to read this gender and this mix-up. The Lord and the mythology depicted in this book are intricately crafted and thoroughly researched, making them some of the most compelling aspects of the story. Whether you're a seasoned fantasy reader or just getting started in the genre, I believe you'll find this book to be a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC!

I was highly anticipating this book ever since I heard about the very interesting premise and the potential relationships between the characters. I was not disappointed!

Kyan and Nicole relationship development was so intriguing and I appreciated the dynamic that they have. It definitely adds on to the already interesting plot, though like every fantasy, it does take time to build up. Nonetheless, I found the pacing to be acceptable and I'm very excited for the Fairyloot exclusive edition and also the sequel for sure!

DNF @ 25%

I simply could not get into this book and it took me a while to work out why. It's because the guy is the predator and the girl's side is "I hope he doesn't hunt me down" which is a dynamic I cannot get behind at all. She is HIS PREY (not his immediate one here but it is stated that she will be if he finds out what she is) and I'm meant to find him attractive when his presence is threatening and she has to hide her true self???? That's just red flag to run away from him and not be attracted at all.

I read this in one day, it was such an easy and fun read.

The world building was done so well, I was immersed from the first chapter. The mystery that is clearly leading into the next book kept me hooked throughout.

Kyan and Nicole were brilliant together. I love a fated pair and they worked really well together, making me route for them throughout the entire book.

Nicole's family and friends were brilliant additions to the story and I can't wait to hear more about Kyan's and the Empyreal's past. Also hoping we find out more about what Freya was up.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.