The Accidental Sereph

by Maci Aurora

When Atlas Black, a bad boy with a reputation in Carran Hollow, walks into The Hole-in-the-Wall bar investigating a demon sighting, it’s mostly business as usual until he comes face-to-face with his calix—his fated-mate. Except Ivy Day, oblivious to the world of serephs and demons, thinks she’s stranded in Carran Hollow because a stupid bus has broken down. She just needs a ride to get to the next bus in order to get to her sister across the country. While the guy in the bar hitting on her is hotter than any human has the right to be, unless he’ll give her a lift, she doesn’t have any patience for anything else. But little does she know, Atlas is about to take her on the ride of her life—that is, as long as they can get through the demons.

Genres: Paranormal, Romantasy

174 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 6, 2024

About the author

Maci Aurora also writes as CL Walters, the author of several published books for YA readers. She’s been writing stories since she was a child. At eleven, she fell in love with reading Sunfire Historical Romances about girls who made a difference in their lives and still fell in love. Then in high school, a friend introduced her to Lavyrle Spencer and Judith McNaught, and those stories cemented her writing journey to telling stories about love. Maci writes in Hawaiʻi where she lives with her husband, their children, and their fur-babies. This is her 8th novel.

Reviews

[Anne Hartley Pfohl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Smut, smut, smutty smut! A romping good romantasy with lots of smut and no real plot. Fun but nothing compelling here. There will be more in this series, and for me one is enough.

[☽｡⋆ Shells (jlreads_) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

▪︎

The angel/ demons plot points definitely are the main aspect that sold me this novella other than the author. I'm pretty excited and intrigued with this new universe.

I would say this series reminds me of the Reapers series by Donna Grant in terms of the serialisation. While the Reapers series is more on fae, this one is more on the angel/ demons trope plus the new version of fated mates. This is also an insta-lust/ insta love.

I think the parts where I think I need to improve along the developments of this series are probably the characters, I would love them to be more of having depth and personalities.

For a starter novella for this brand new series, it's quite good. Did a fine job in intriguing me more. I would definitely be following this series ✨️


Thank you, author Maci Aurora, for the e-arc opportunity ♡

[Melanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Accidental "Sereph" by Maci Aurora is about Atlas and Ivy finding each other, realizing there is a mystical connection between them, and saying a variation of f word 247 times in 166 pages.

The book was entertaining and I finished it in one sitting, so there's that. However, the writing was not good, I mean even the title on the cover of the book and on goodreads has a typo, it is "Seraph" not "Sereph." If you like a quick smutty romp and don't mind immature writing, you would love this book. I was not really a fan but that's just personal preference.

Thank you to Edelweiss, Mixed Plate Press, and Maci Aurora for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Riniya · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately this book wasn’t for me.

Personally I felt the writing was juvenile. It’s less than 160 pages and the word “fuck” is used in multiple variations 229 times. I just feel like it’s all I was reading, there wasn’t much depth with the writing and everything was overly simple.

The dialogue felt forced and didn’t flow that well. I didn’t really connect with the main couple, feeling like they were dancing around each other the entire time before randomly connecting. Our MMC wanted the bond to be something real, our FMC only wanted the bond to find her sister and sure it gives a decent tension between them but I didn’t feel that our MMC would have actually just bonded with her to bond. It didn’t line up.

Not to mention he kept telling her that he would be honest, and multiple times we find that he left stuff out conveniently. It felt like he was saying one thing and doing the other.


The overall plot was decent but I wish that it was fleshed out a bit more. This book could have gone at a slower pace, letting us delve into the characters and the world in more than 160 pages and I probably would have liked it more. It felt like 100 pages of world building with 50 pages of smut and 10 pages of resolution.

Unfortunately I won’t be continuing with this series.

[C.L. Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read, super spicy and super fun.

[bookhunter_at_night · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Accidental Seraph - Maci Aurora

•First of all, I would like to thank the author for the ARC•

3⭐️/5 ~ 🇪🇸
Esta es una reseña difícil, porque los libros anteriores de la autora me gustaron mucho. Éste, sin embargo, parece que no lo ha escrito ella. He de decir que, después de leer su nota al final del libro, he comprendido el cambio. Si no he entendido mal, esta historia la escribió (o la empezó) como una actividad de escritura; así que no tiene un ritmo pausado ni nada por el estilo.
~A pesar de entender eso, hay algo que he odiado mucho, y es lo mal que hablan los personajes. No me malinterpretéis, no me importa que en ciertos momentos digan palabrotas (porque lo hace más real), pero en este caso la FMC no dice otra cosa. No he leído tantos “f*ck o f*cking” juntos en una frase en mi vida, y de forma constante. Horrible.
~La trama sin más, el MMC sin más (porque al ser un libro corto no hay mucho desarrollo ni de la relación, de los personajes, ni nada), pero básicamente le he puesto 3 estrellas porque el final no está mal y porque sí que me apetece leer la historia siguiente, la de su hermano Samson.

•••••
3⭐️/5 ~ 🇬🇧
This is a difficult review, because I liked the author's previous books very much. This one, however, doesn't seem to have been written by her. I have to say that, after reading her note at the end of the book, I understood the change. If I understand correctly, she wrote (or started) this story as a writing activity, so it's not a leisurely pace or anything like that.
~Despite understanding that, there's one thing I really hated, and that's how badly the characters speak. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind if they swear at certain times (because it makes it more real), but in this case the FMC doesn't say anything else. I haven't read so many "f*ck or f*cking" together in one sentence in my life, and consistently. Horrible.
~The plot is neither good nor bad, the MMC the same (because being a short book there's not much development of the relationship, the characters, or anything), but basically I gave it 3 stars because the ending is not bad and because I really want to read the next story, the one about his brother Samson.

[Joanna- LifeWithPrinceMan · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ PRINCEMAN REVIEW ✨

📝 The Black family has always protected the citizens of Carran Hollow. To everyone, these five brothers come across as tattooed, motorcycle riding, bad boys. But, they are so much more than the image the whole town sees. One day while Atlas is monitoring the town, his calix (fated mate) comes into view. This connection is rare and special, and one that all the brothers dream of having. But will Ivy accept the bond? Or is this world too different than the one she's always known.

What I 🤍:
🌎 Intense World Building
🔐 Fated Mates
🏍️ Bad Boy Hero
🗡️ Demon Hunter
🥃 Small Town
💞 Found Family
🧠 Mind to Mind Communication
⬇️ Under 200 Pages

This book was so entertaining! I sat down meaning to read a few chapters and ended up reading the whole book. Right away, you're sucked into the world of Andellesia. The world building in this story is insane, and I can see so many more stories coming out of this world from these characters. To me, Atlas stole the show. He's your classic protective hero, yet he's also really respectful towards his mate. Ivy is a tough cookie with a strong exterior shell. At first, I struggled to connect with her because she said the F-word about every sentence. But then, I grew to love how protective she is over the people she loves. Together their passion was HOTTTTT! 🥵

Prince's Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Passion: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Read If ➡️: You love SPICY Romances with Morally Grey Characters
CW ⚠️: Abduction, Death of Parent, Violence, Profanity

Overall, if you loved Cassandra Clare's Shadowhunter series and you Twilight's Quileute Wolf Tribe, this is for you. This would basically be their book baby! Please know, the F-Word is used ALOT in the beginning by Ivy, but after the first few chapters, there is little to no profanity. But, the SPICE HEATS UP! I absolutely adored this book. I'm only mad it's over so quickly! I can't wait to read Lia and Samson's story next!

Thank you so much to Maci Aurora for an advanced copy of this book!

[Jess (lostinparchment) · Rating 1 out of 5]

An ARC Book Review

Rating: ⭐
Genre: Fantasy Smut
Tropes: Fated Mates
Spice: Yes from the get go, HIGH levels of spice
Triggers: Yes: Explicit language and sexual scenes

Review

Unfortunately, this book was a DNF for me. The book was very short, and I only got about 20% of the way through before hitting a point where I couldn't continue. Things were getting too spicey way too fast for me, and it felt like I was missing out on important plot details in order to read smut.

The writing was actually nice, and the concept of the book, being witches and magic, demons and demon slayers, a fated mates bond and spice, really appealed to me. But it definitely felt like a lot of the world building and character development was replaced by a lustful need to get into each others pants from the second they met. I understand the common concept of bonds in the Fantasy world, but this one focused too much on the sexual desire between the FMC and MMC that it made the relationship feel forced and almost teetering on non consensual. The continuous use of the word "f*ck" also made this difficult to read, as it felt like I was in the mind of a teenager who just learnt what the word meant instead of a fully grown 25 year old woman as the FMC was described.

I feel like my decision to DNF this book is on a personal level, and I encourage people who are looking for a smutty fantasy novella to pick up this book and give it a go! I just prefer my Fantasy's with a bit more of a slow burn and a side of spice, not the other way around.

I received this eARC through NetGalley

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn’t love a quick PNR read that checks all the boxes? I could gobble up a handful of these and still be ready to read more.

This, assuming it’s the first of the “Curran Hollow Fated Mates” series, introduces us to the brothers Black, a group of Serephs who protect a very specific territory from demons. Because they have the power to hide what they do, they basically just look like bad boy bikers who start fights for no reason. It would probably lead to a very solitary existence except for the promise of finding your fated mate, subsequently getting wings, and oodles of sex. Atlas is the star of this particular installment and heads out to see if any demons are swinging by the local pub when all hell breaks loose.

Ivy is on the bus to try to rescue her kidnapped sister when she runs into Atlas and is immediately bowled over by his magnetism. Demons spoil their awkward introduction and Ivy is force to learn things in the moment, which she does miraculously well. It was neat to see the dynamic, learn the lore, and meet all the characters in rapid succession. The book has great pacing and even though we jump into bed quickly, it somehow didn’t seem weird (or weirder than this world expects). There is a nice HEA with enough loose ends to tie up for future books as everyone finds/re-finds their mates.

[Paola · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Accidental Sereph is crack. The fast paced narration made it impossible for me to stop reading. It is simply unputdownable.
The way the author describes the supernatural elements of the story makes it really easy for readers to follow the plot. And what about the love story?! I am Atlas and Ivy biggest fan. Ivy is sassy, strong, brave, and she is not afraid to tell people where they can take their bs. Atlas is audacious, caring, kind, sweet, flirty, sexy, and naughty. Sparks fly from the moment they meet and their chemistry, desire, sexual tension, and lust is soooo palpable! You know what that means?! It means the spicy scenes in this books are pure gold! As a matter of fact, I think it's safe to say Atlas momentarily turned me into a woman who forgot about independence and feminism. I am telling you: I am now waiting for a morally gray character to claim me as his. So, please, someone send Atlas or one of his brothers my way. Thank you.
So, if you are into paranormal fantasy, morally gray characters, and fated mates romantasy, I think you've just found your next read.

[Erisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️.5
(or 🌶️🌶️🌶️ depending on your spice tolerance)


I really loved it! I always love the character this author writes, and most of her books or standalone series. This one does have more smut and it’s definitely fast paced, but it’s expected from a standalone Novella. The story has to progress rather quickly. But is still packed with great characters! Start of a good series🖤🖤🖤

Even though a lot of details of the world is left out, that’s how it usually is with stand alone series, eventually it all gets put out as you read the other characters stories. There are some intriguing plots and unanswered questions that were presented, I have to read on!!

As with anything, the context of the book you are reading is important. If you are hoping for a fantasy with a larger world building and political intrigue, that is also a standalone series, try reading her other books, the Fareview Fairytale series 🙌🏼

🖤Angels and Deamons
🖤He falls first
🖤Fated Mates
🖤Novella
🖤Dual POV
🖤Brother fighting together (and they ride motorcycles)

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the author for the ARC read. Overall I would say I enjoyed this book, I quite literally read it in one night. Its fast paced, with an interesting world and I wasnt able to put it down. But for me it was just too short, it focused less on the characters and exposition and more on the romance. Some readers may have found that enjoyable, but its not what I look for in fantasy books. While I understand this book was an exercise for the author that she ended up publishing, to me it felt more like fanfiction instead of the start of a promising series. Im interested in reading the next book, Im just hoping theres more character development and world building, because this author has a unique idea that I would like to see expanded upon more

[Rae Quigley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an e-galley of this book through NetGalley.

I'm really torn between a 2.5 or a 3 star read, and what's so frustrating is that *because* I enjoyed the premise so much and Maci's writing ability is why I'm considering *lowering* the rating.

Because it had so much potential, and the plot was intriguing to me, I wanted more of it. Instead, this was a short smut-induced novella which worked, but I would have preferred it with more world building. I feel like it was just complicated enough that I was frustrated having answers, and found the smut a diversion to the story that I actually wanted to read about.

I'm interesting in reading other stories from Maci, and I'll be grabbing the sequel to this too.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was nuts. But it was fun? And so unserious.

This is for the paranormal and fated mates girlies 100%.

Atlas hunts demons. While patrolling a bar for demons, he stumbles upon his mate, Ivy, who was raised as a normal human. She has no knowledge about his kind or demons. Apparently the demons want to kill all the mates to stop Atlas’ kind from existing. Anyway, Atlas and Ivy go on the run. Insta lust ensues because of the mating bond.

It’s a super quick, under 200 page book. It’s dual POV, first person, very chaotic, and lots of swearing. They also love announcing “I’m coming” almost every time. Which is just hilarious.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for my advanced digital copy!

[Maci Aurora · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Accidental Sereph follows Atlas Black as he discovers his fated-mate, Ivy Day in his small town of Carran Hollow when her bus breaks down. He knows immediately that she is his fated-mate, but she has no clue about the world of angels and demons. This novella follows their whirlwind romance as they save her sister with the help of his brothers. If you want a quick, fast paced, spicy paranormal romance set in a small town with fated-mates, mild horror and adventure, then this is for you. It's short, and the first of a new series a kind of introduction into this new world.

[Annie James Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. I needed something fast-paced, something that would keep my attention, and something to pull me out of the stress of everyday life. This book was it. Lovable characters despite their “human” flaws, a back-and-forth chapter setup that propels the story faster than the characters’ romance, and honestly… just fun. Fantasy/romance is such a sweet spot for Maci Aurora. Couldn’t put this one down!

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Atlas Black and his brothers, along with the whole serephs among us plot, gave me major Hush, Hush saga vibes - if the Hush, Hush novels had lots of spice and even more profanity. I found The Accidental Sereph to be a quick read, but Aurora managed to pack quite a bit of action into the shorter amount of pages.

I was engaged with the plot from start to finish. Atlas and his brothers definitely held my attention throughout the story, and I'd love to see books/HEAs for each brother. I could totally get behind Ivy's story, and while she was more of less thrust into Atlas's world, it was easy to sympathize with her story and the journey she went on.

I really liked Aurora's take on fated mates. It was a little different, but I enjoyed how it brought a whole new element to the story. It definitely made the story spicy, and I thought the story really picked up once Ivy accepted the world of serephs and demons and her place in that world.

The Accidental Sereph was fast-paced, with great world building and the kind of insta-love you only find in a fated mates romance. I could've easily read another hundred pages of Ivy and Atlas's romance, and I can't wait to see what comes next from this family of serephs.

[Carol Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Maci Aurora books. This book was slightly different than her last series but it is awesome. I was drawn into the town of Carran Hollow immediately. The interaction between the brothers is great and the series is going to be amazing!

[Queenie2023 aka Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok this was a quick, very fun and spicy read ! Kinda reminds me of supernatural with the whole demon fighting vibe and brothers fighting them in the beginning. Highly recommend !!!

[Lo · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

This was okay. It needed stronger editing, and was a bit over the top for me.

[Shandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

For such a short story this had so much packed into it. But I never felt overwhelmed with world or character building. Everything flowed so smoothly. Also I stayed up a bit later than I had planned to finish this in one sitting. I really liked Ivy and the dynamic between her and Atlas. As a first in the series I think it sets the stage beautifully for this series. And I cant wait to read more.

Rating 4 stars
*I received a review copy from the author for my voluntary and honest review

[Cathy Brockman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Book 1in the series
Though at times it felt like a book 2.
Only because of some comments about one of the brothers nothing that really hurt this story.
There's nice explanation of what the brother’s are and what Ivy is or is becoming.
It's interesting with monsters and demons and toss in the Angels that are not what you'd think they are.
Now, there us a lot of sex and usually that's a turn off for me but in this case it's almost like it's another character. It's a big part of the story.
I really enjoyed the book and can't wait for Tate and Hazel's story.

[CR · Rating 2 out of 5]

Spice over Plot is the theme of this story and for me it wasnt what I was looking for. I don't mind spicy and sexy in my stories but I am still there for a good story.