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A Charm of Magpies #3.5
Feast of Stephen
A Charm of Magpies Christmas coda.
Stephen and Crane have finally got away on their long-awaited Christmas break, along with Crane’s henchman Merrick and Jenny Saint. A promised gift is made, and a request unexpectedly and magically fulfilled…
This story comes after Flight of Magpies and is not a standalone read. Download now in any format from Smashwords.
__________
Word count: 6,280
Stephen and Crane have finally got away on their long-awaited Christmas break, along with Crane’s henchman Merrick and Jenny Saint. A promised gift is made, and a request unexpectedly and magically fulfilled…
This story comes after Flight of Magpies and is not a standalone read. Download now in any format from Smashwords.
__________
Word count: 6,280
16 pages, ebook
First published December 19, 2014
10 people are currently reading
1187 people want to read
About the author
K.J. Charles
65 books12.1k followersKJ is a writer of romance, mostly m/m, historical or fantasy or both. She blogs about writing and editing at http://kjcharleswriter.com.
She lives in London, UK, with her husband, two kids, and a cat of absolute night.
Bluesky @kj_charleswriter.com
Join the lively Discord group at https://discord.gg/fmPTWSZfT6
Sign up to the (infrequent) newsletter at http://kjcharleswriter.com/newsletter
Please **do not** message me on Goodreads as I no longer check the inbox due to unwanted messages.
She lives in London, UK, with her husband, two kids, and a cat of absolute night.
Bluesky @kj_charleswriter.com
Join the lively Discord group at https://discord.gg/fmPTWSZfT6
Sign up to the (infrequent) newsletter at http://kjcharleswriter.com/newsletter
Please **do not** message me on Goodreads as I no longer check the inbox due to unwanted messages.
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December 19, 2014A free short (6Kish) Christmas present for Magpie readers. Stephen and Crane finally get their Christmas getaway, where stories are told, wassailing may happen, and a couple of promises made in Flight of Magpies come to pass.
This is Magpie 3.5, set after Flight, and thus full of spoilers and won't make any sense as a standalone. You have been warned.
Download now in any format from Smashwords.
This is Magpie 3.5, set after Flight, and thus full of spoilers and won't make any sense as a standalone. You have been warned.
Download now in any format from Smashwords.
December 22, 2014
I'm reading this at work right now and renamed the file 'International taxes' just to be on the safe side. I applaud my own sneakiness.
So I know that not everyone was convinced of the attraction between Stephen and Lucien in the first book. But I don't think anyone can get this far into the Magpie Lord series and still doubt the depth of their love for each other. This was a delightful short story in the spirit of the Holidays with its blazing fire, brandy, storytelling and magical midnight passion.
A treat for the fans.
And the last paragraph holds sweet promise.
So I know that not everyone was convinced of the attraction between Stephen and Lucien in the first book. But I don't think anyone can get this far into the Magpie Lord series and still doubt the depth of their love for each other. This was a delightful short story in the spirit of the Holidays with its blazing fire, brandy, storytelling and magical midnight passion.
“Lovely eyes,” Crane said soulfully.
“Lovely way with an execution order,” Merrick returned. “You like ’em dangerous,
that’s your trouble. If they ain’t leaving a trail of dead, you ain’t interested. No offence, Mr. Day.”
A treat for the fans.
And the last paragraph holds sweet promise.
November 29, 2018
I loathe that this is the last we'll see of Lucien and Stephen. I'm off to get Jackdaw. I don't want to leave this magical England yet.
A trip away from London to celebrate the new family's first Yule together. Stephen Day and Jenny Saint, guttersnipes elevated by Lord Crane's love for one and acceptance of the other, revel in fine new clothes, fine old brandy, and good company with many tales to tell.
But here's what you should really know: The entire series is about making what many of us, and sadly many QUILTBAG folk around the world, do not come with automatically: a logical family instead of a biological family. Crane and Merrick are closer than most people ever become, bonded by their adventures and their utter aloneness in the world. Day, always different, always apart and other, comes to bask in the inclusion he feels when he's with the two men. Now young Miss Saint, whose magical talent is never going to win her friends in the staid community of witches, comes at last to feel what the men are offering her.
She is home.
It makes the fact that we're not getting another tale with these four as its focus for...well...who knows. And that's okay.
(Actually no it's not okay at all and I'd like to take this moment to let Author Charles know that I have a voodoo dolly and a working knowledge of the operations of plantar fasciitis and I'm not afraid to deploy both in service of the need for more stories.)
A trip away from London to celebrate the new family's first Yule together. Stephen Day and Jenny Saint, guttersnipes elevated by Lord Crane's love for one and acceptance of the other, revel in fine new clothes, fine old brandy, and good company with many tales to tell.
But here's what you should really know: The entire series is about making what many of us, and sadly many QUILTBAG folk around the world, do not come with automatically: a logical family instead of a biological family. Crane and Merrick are closer than most people ever become, bonded by their adventures and their utter aloneness in the world. Day, always different, always apart and other, comes to bask in the inclusion he feels when he's with the two men. Now young Miss Saint, whose magical talent is never going to win her friends in the staid community of witches, comes at last to feel what the men are offering her.
She is home.
It makes the fact that we're not getting another tale with these four as its focus for...well...who knows. And that's okay.
(Actually no it's not okay at all and I'd like to take this moment to let Author Charles know that I have a voodoo dolly and a working knowledge of the operations of plantar fasciitis and I'm not afraid to deploy both in service of the need for more stories.)
May 27, 2016
This short story takes place after book 3. Crane and Stephan go on their infamous Christmas vacation and Merrick and Saint accompany them.
It was basically all of them dining together and telling stories from the past when Crane and Merrick were in China.
Although the writing is very good, this book had too much Saint and Merrick in it, leaving Crane and Stephen look like secondary characters. And the other part was storytelling.
Enjoyable but I would have loved more Crane and Stephen in it. The book is called after Stephen, but he isn't the MC in here.
3.5 stars
It was basically all of them dining together and telling stories from the past when Crane and Merrick were in China.
Although the writing is very good, this book had too much Saint and Merrick in it, leaving Crane and Stephen look like secondary characters. And the other part was storytelling.
Enjoyable but I would have loved more Crane and Stephen in it. The book is called after Stephen, but he isn't the MC in here.
3.5 stars
January 28, 2023
4.5 Stars!
Um, the only thing that this hammered home is the cold hard fact that I want a freaking TOME of Crane and Merrick’s misadventures - past and future!
I’m just too upset and indignant that it won’t ever happen so imma gonna be over there in my cups. Feel free to join me if you want to commiserate in mutually shared misery.
*hiccough*
Um, the only thing that this hammered home is the cold hard fact that I want a freaking TOME of Crane and Merrick’s misadventures - past and future!
I’m just too upset and indignant that it won’t ever happen so imma gonna be over there in my cups. Feel free to join me if you want to commiserate in mutually shared misery.
*hiccough*
April 4, 2019
If you kept wondering whether Lucien and Stephen ever got to go to the elusive hunting lodge, this short story is your answer.
We also get glimpse into Lucien and Merrick's rather adventurous past in China. Which reminds me: if anyone's seen a fanart of Lucien, in all his naked, tattooed glory, singing Christmas carols in the freezing cold, feel free to forward it. Sharing is caring, as you well know.
There's even a tiny bit of development in the Merrick and Jenny department. Mainly shown through Lucien and Stephen's perspective though, none of whom are keen to entertain deeper thoughts on the subject.
And finally, if you've read Jackdaw before this story, and feel that Jonah hasn't had a cruel enough self-pity session, there's some bonus sequences to be had at the end.
Score: 3/5 stars
For a book from a series dedicated to our two heroes' relationship, I would've preferred it to focus more on that aspect, instead of just using it as an excuse to talk about something else. Otherwise it was OK... even if I'll just be sulking in the corner.
==============
Review of book 0.5: The Smuggler and the Warlord
Review of book 1: The Magpie Lord
Review of book 1.5: Interlude with Tattoos
Review of book 2: A Case of Possession
Review of book 2.5: A Case of Spirits
Review of book 3: Flight of Magpies
We also get glimpse into Lucien and Merrick's rather adventurous past in China. Which reminds me: if anyone's seen a fanart of Lucien, in all his naked, tattooed glory, singing Christmas carols in the freezing cold, feel free to forward it. Sharing is caring, as you well know.
There's even a tiny bit of development in the Merrick and Jenny department. Mainly shown through Lucien and Stephen's perspective though, none of whom are keen to entertain deeper thoughts on the subject.
And finally, if you've read Jackdaw before this story, and feel that Jonah hasn't had a cruel enough self-pity session, there's some bonus sequences to be had at the end.
Score: 3/5 stars
For a book from a series dedicated to our two heroes' relationship, I would've preferred it to focus more on that aspect, instead of just using it as an excuse to talk about something else. Otherwise it was OK... even if I'll just be sulking in the corner.
==============
Review of book 0.5: The Smuggler and the Warlord
Review of book 1: The Magpie Lord
Review of book 1.5: Interlude with Tattoos
Review of book 2: A Case of Possession
Review of book 2.5: A Case of Spirits
Review of book 3: Flight of Magpies
December 21, 2014
Written December 21, 2014
4 Sparkling Stars - As alwaysfreezing freaking great to join these gorgeous men
Book #3.5
A free holiday mini telling us the tale when Stephen & Crane are on a long-awaited Christmas break, along with the faithful Merrick .
It is St. Stephen Day and an cold winter evening in the cottage. An evening to tell old memories in front of the crackling fire.
***********************************************************
The A Charm of Magpies series by K.J. Charles are very well-written historical suspense romances with some paranormal topics as well. — Main characters: Lucien Vaudrey, the Lord Crane and his beloved Justiciar (deals with magical malpractice...) Stephen Day. (Reviews: )
***********************************************************
...As a beautiful Christmas carol. Just go and get it. You don't have many more chances to meet this couple. ...sob!!!
I LIKE - yay, yay, yay !!!
********
Freebie to get at "Smashwords", see: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...
4 Sparkling Stars - As always
Book #3.5
A free holiday mini telling us the tale when Stephen & Crane are on a long-awaited Christmas break, along with the faithful Merrick .
It is St. Stephen Day and an cold winter evening in the cottage. An evening to tell old memories in front of the crackling fire.
“Two for joy.” It sounded like a wow.
“Two for joy,” Crane repeated softly. “And I am quite sure you owe me a kiss by now.”
“I don't think that will suffice." Stephen gestured with his free hand at the door. There was a audible click as the key turned, ...’
***********************************************************
The A Charm of Magpies series by K.J. Charles are very well-written historical suspense romances with some paranormal topics as well. — Main characters: Lucien Vaudrey, the Lord Crane and his beloved Justiciar (deals with magical malpractice...) Stephen Day. (Reviews: )
***********************************************************
...As a beautiful Christmas carol. Just go and get it. You don't have many more chances to meet this couple. ...sob!!!
I LIKE - yay, yay, yay !!!
********
Freebie to get at "Smashwords", see: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...
January 23, 2015
Cozy end with merriment and even a bit of magic. Devilish because as one book closes another is opened with a peekaboo tease as one of the dangling threads from an earlier Magpie story is tugged.
Favorite quote because for me it was tequila:
Favorite quote because for me it was tequila:
“We drank some shit in our time, but that—”
“My head still hurts in bad weather.”
May 9, 2018
3 Stars
This served as a sweet little final moment with this wonderful cast of characters.
And that little comment Crane made at the end?!?..
“I will wager anything you like, in a hundred years’ time, some distant Vaudrey relation is going to pick one of these (rings) up and think, Oh, what a lovely heirloom, and put it on, and the whole blasted business is going to start again.”
...YES!! What I wouldn’t give to have Charles write a modern day spin-off! Yes, please, and thank-you kindly.
This served as a sweet little final moment with this wonderful cast of characters.
And that little comment Crane made at the end?!?..
“I will wager anything you like, in a hundred years’ time, some distant Vaudrey relation is going to pick one of these (rings) up and think, Oh, what a lovely heirloom, and put it on, and the whole blasted business is going to start again.”
...YES!! What I wouldn’t give to have Charles write a modern day spin-off! Yes, please, and thank-you kindly.
December 23, 2025
Somehow, I jumped into this story blindly and was hoping for some quality time alone with Stephen and Crane. That wasn't the case.
But it was a surprisingly short and sweet addition, a nice epilogue with a super hot scene.
He took Stephen’s hand, felt the champagne fizz against his skin. “Whereas my problem, at this moment, is how to improve on what you just did to me with only natural ingenuity and twenty years of practice to call upon. So come here, witch, and let me try.” ❥♥️❥
But it was a surprisingly short and sweet addition, a nice epilogue with a super hot scene.
He took Stephen’s hand, felt the champagne fizz against his skin. “Whereas my problem, at this moment, is how to improve on what you just did to me with only natural ingenuity and twenty years of practice to call upon. So come here, witch, and let me try.” ❥♥️❥
December 9, 2021
Two for joy.
GAHHHHHHH
This was SO CUTE!
Lucian and Stephen are on vacations are there are RINGS!!!!! AND ANOTHER VERY IMAGINATIVE SEX SCENE!!
FAVE QUOTES;
"I love you," Stephen said softly. "I need you."
"And there's nobody in the world who can do this to you but me."
"Good God," Crane croaked. "If that's what a ring gets me, I intend to buy you a great deal more
jewelry. Possibly a tiara."
SWOOOOON
GAHHHHHHH
This was SO CUTE!
Lucian and Stephen are on vacations are there are RINGS!!!!! AND ANOTHER VERY IMAGINATIVE SEX SCENE!!
FAVE QUOTES;
"I love you," Stephen said softly. "I need you."
"And there's nobody in the world who can do this to you but me."
"Good God," Crane croaked. "If that's what a ring gets me, I intend to buy you a great deal more
jewelry. Possibly a tiara."
SWOOOOON
December 20, 2014
Loved these characters, loved the story. I read it while waiting to board the plane and I know my fellow travellers were glancing at me and wondering what was making me smile like the Joker. Perfection my airport buddies, I'm reading perfection. Be jealous.
October 15, 2021
A short but perfect Christmas epilogue. I don't mind that it's only 16 pages.😇😇
November 5, 2023
Loved this! I will miss these two so much! 😭
June 19, 2023
✰ 3.25 stars ✰
“That,” Stephen said. “It struck me when we were singing earlier. That’s what you do. When I’m with you, I can keep going. I’m braver. The whole world is warm for me because of you.”
His hand trembled as he threaded the larger ring over Crane’s knuckle, and then he put his own hand over Crane’s, interlacing the fingers.
“Two for joy.” It sounded like a vow.
“Two for joy,” Crane repeated softly. “And I am quite sure you owe me a kiss by now.”
Y'know, when I read the title, I really thought I was in store for a story that would be about a Feast of Stephen, like in the literal sense! 🤭🤭 Forgive my slanderous and dirty train of thought, but the title really is slightly misleading. 😉
What I got, however, was a charming (you didn't think I wouldn't take any opportunity to use this word, now, did you??), cozy story celebrating the day after Christmas, also known as St. Stephen's Day, where our lovely newfound family cozies up by their fireplace, exchanging stories of the past, cherishing in the present, and dreaming of the future. 💓
Stephen's reactions to Crane's past in Shanghai were hilariously priceless - Merricks' story-telling was unrivaled, Jenny being the dear that she was - was an absolute sweetheart, and Crane - well, he was his usual charming (overkill?) 😏 self, utterly smitten with Stephen, still haplessly entwined around his heart. This story had all the comfortable feels of Christmas and served a warm conclusion to the events of Book 3. 💟💟
“I love you,” Stephen said softly. “I need you.”
“And there’s nobody in the world who can do this to you but me.”
Not to say that K.J Charles would leave us without adding a little spice to Stephen and Crane's romantic life. But, it was off-set by such a beautifully tender moment of affection and the promise of happiness and the allure of magic still thrumming between them, regardless of where they were, that I was just happily satisfied with the little that we got. 🥰
“I can’t speak as you do. You can talk your way out of certain death. And then you do something like this and I..I don’t have the words.”
And uff, that ending - Jonah Pastern must you intrigue and hurt my heart so? 😢 Very much looking forward to reading your story and what past you're shouldering soon. ✨✨
“That,” Stephen said. “It struck me when we were singing earlier. That’s what you do. When I’m with you, I can keep going. I’m braver. The whole world is warm for me because of you.”
His hand trembled as he threaded the larger ring over Crane’s knuckle, and then he put his own hand over Crane’s, interlacing the fingers.
“Two for joy.” It sounded like a vow.
“Two for joy,” Crane repeated softly. “And I am quite sure you owe me a kiss by now.”
Y'know, when I read the title, I really thought I was in store for a story that would be about a Feast of Stephen, like in the literal sense! 🤭🤭 Forgive my slanderous and dirty train of thought, but the title really is slightly misleading. 😉
What I got, however, was a charming (you didn't think I wouldn't take any opportunity to use this word, now, did you??), cozy story celebrating the day after Christmas, also known as St. Stephen's Day, where our lovely newfound family cozies up by their fireplace, exchanging stories of the past, cherishing in the present, and dreaming of the future. 💓
Stephen's reactions to Crane's past in Shanghai were hilariously priceless - Merricks' story-telling was unrivaled, Jenny being the dear that she was - was an absolute sweetheart, and Crane - well, he was his usual charming (overkill?) 😏 self, utterly smitten with Stephen, still haplessly entwined around his heart. This story had all the comfortable feels of Christmas and served a warm conclusion to the events of Book 3. 💟💟
“I love you,” Stephen said softly. “I need you.”
“And there’s nobody in the world who can do this to you but me.”
Not to say that K.J Charles would leave us without adding a little spice to Stephen and Crane's romantic life. But, it was off-set by such a beautifully tender moment of affection and the promise of happiness and the allure of magic still thrumming between them, regardless of where they were, that I was just happily satisfied with the little that we got. 🥰
“I can’t speak as you do. You can talk your way out of certain death. And then you do something like this and I..I don’t have the words.”
And uff, that ending - Jonah Pastern must you intrigue and hurt my heart so? 😢 Very much looking forward to reading your story and what past you're shouldering soon. ✨✨
December 19, 2014
It's Christmas Charm of Magpie style. With jolly good stories -- involving China bandits!!! -- and lovely and magic and heated moments and the words "I love you" and magpie flying ... and Jonah (whose story is coming in February 2015).
Well, I'm raising my (imaginary) drink and say, "Hell THANKS for this KJ Charles. What a wonderful holiday present you've given your readers!"
Well, I'm raising my (imaginary) drink and say, "Hell THANKS for this KJ Charles. What a wonderful holiday present you've given your readers!"
July 30, 2016
Crane, Day, & Merrick,
*clears throat*
Babes, I love you so.
I want you to know,
That I'm going to miss your love the minute you walk out that door.
So please don't go.
Don't go.
Don't go away.
Please don't go.
Don't gooooo.
I'm begging you to stay....
*clears throat*
Babes, I love you so.
I want you to know,
That I'm going to miss your love the minute you walk out that door.
So please don't go.
Don't go.
Don't go away.
Please don't go.
Don't gooooo.
I'm begging you to stay....
December 20, 2014
Stephen and Lucien. siiiiiiiiiiiiiigh
What I love? That Crane calls Stephen "witch". I won't give away any of the reasons why in this particular story, but... yeah.
siiiiiiiiiiiiiigh ... Stephen and Lucien.
A never-ending imagination, Ms Charles has, and she utilizes it here again. Such delicious detail of place, and when, and who did what where and why. So much story told from a single, fire-lit, cozy drawing room in a warm and welcoming house in the middle of nowhere.
Stephen and Lucien... siiiiiiiiiiiiiigh
To say they know how to tease and delightfully torture each other, well, they both use every talent at their disposal. It hasn't been easy, but forever is their future now.
siiiiiiiiiiiiiigh ... Stephen and Lucien.
The reminiscing accomplishes its goal but felt a little drawn out, losing some focus. But I honestly don't care because...
Stephen and Lucien... siiiiiiiiiiiiiigh
The Charm of Magpies series is a mix of gritty paranormal, wonderfully imperfect relationships, fun mysteries and one of the most well written couples in fiction.
Yup, you know their names... ;)
What I love? That Crane calls Stephen "witch". I won't give away any of the reasons why in this particular story, but... yeah.
siiiiiiiiiiiiiigh ... Stephen and Lucien.
A never-ending imagination, Ms Charles has, and she utilizes it here again. Such delicious detail of place, and when, and who did what where and why. So much story told from a single, fire-lit, cozy drawing room in a warm and welcoming house in the middle of nowhere.
Stephen and Lucien... siiiiiiiiiiiiiigh
To say they know how to tease and delightfully torture each other, well, they both use every talent at their disposal. It hasn't been easy, but forever is their future now.
siiiiiiiiiiiiiigh ... Stephen and Lucien.
The reminiscing accomplishes its goal but felt a little drawn out, losing some focus. But I honestly don't care because...
Stephen and Lucien... siiiiiiiiiiiiiigh
The Charm of Magpies series is a mix of gritty paranormal, wonderfully imperfect relationships, fun mysteries and one of the most well written couples in fiction.
Yup, you know their names... ;)
October 24, 2015
Dammit, I'm going to miss these two!
Stephen and Lucien, along with Merrick and Jenny, are spending Christmas at Lucien's hunting box. While there, the four make merry and, presumably, begin a tradition of shared Christmases.
This free short has everything that fans have come to expect from the Charm of Magpies series. There's humour, some action (through storytelling), some feels, and a bit of hot smexytime to top it off.
'Feast of Stephen' also briefly features Jonah, and I can't wait to read his story in Jackdaw. I'm also really hoping that K.J. Charles continues to write shorts of Lucien and Stephen from time to time!
Stephen and Lucien, along with Merrick and Jenny, are spending Christmas at Lucien's hunting box. While there, the four make merry and, presumably, begin a tradition of shared Christmases.
This free short has everything that fans have come to expect from the Charm of Magpies series. There's humour, some action (through storytelling), some feels, and a bit of hot smexytime to top it off.
'Feast of Stephen' also briefly features Jonah, and I can't wait to read his story in Jackdaw. I'm also really hoping that K.J. Charles continues to write shorts of Lucien and Stephen from time to time!
December 22, 2014
A delightful little treat for fans of the series!!!
*sigh*...swept away to a cabin/holiday home to just share tales and enjoy each other. Loved it!
I'm still trying to get used to Merrick with a, um, lady friend. But, good on him. You go, Merrick...get your bad self some! :)
Yet, the highlight of it all...the LOVE and adoration and amusement and devotion between Stephen and Crane. GAH...how can this adventure-filled, supernatural, historical, mystery series manage to BE SO FREAKING ROMANTIC!?! Ms. Charles, I applaud you as usual...
And...a glimpse of Jonah...have I told you HOW MUCH I heart Jonah? (note to all: you MUST read Jackdaw)
Ok, enough gibberish...thanks for this nugget KJC! Happy holidays indeed!
July 29, 2016
"When I'm with you, I can keep going. I'm braver. The world is warm for me because of you."
Why they have to go?
Whhhyyyyyyyyyyy????
January 8, 2015
4.5 stars
“Christmastide by the fire. It’s a time for storytelling…”
Merrick and Crane regale Stephen and Jenny Saint with tales of their adventures in China. All in an attempt to welcome Jenny into the fold, into their little family. The tales all wrapped around one of my favorite Christmas carols, “Good King Wenceslas”.
And a lovely segue to Jackdaw at the end…
You have to read this little goody to see how it all threads delightfully together. Merry Christmas one and all.
December 19, 2014
Another delicious taste of Crane and Stephen, absurd, heated and sweet.
February 1, 2023
Una divertida historia corta sobre la navidad de Crane y Stephen, cuando por fin pudieron ir a la "Cabana de Caza" con Merrick y Saint.
Vemos como Crane intenta que Jane Saint se acostumbre a su ambiente, y como es la relacion de Merrick y Saint en esta nueva forma de vida.
Tambien nos cuentan otra historia de sus aventuras en Shangai, y como Crane siempre lograba salvarse de una forma u otra de las situaciones mas absurdas.
Vemos como Crane intenta que Jane Saint se acostumbre a su ambiente, y como es la relacion de Merrick y Saint en esta nueva forma de vida.
Tambien nos cuentan otra historia de sus aventuras en Shangai, y como Crane siempre lograba salvarse de una forma u otra de las situaciones mas absurdas.
August 11, 2024
A sweet scene between Merrick, Saint, Stephen and Lucien, and then a spicy scene between Stephen and Lucien. I really love this foursome. And, I hardly read MF anymore, but I would read Merrick and Saint's book in a heartbeat.
March 15, 2016
Christmas in July. How fitting.
The boys plus one decide to leave London for the holidays. In order for Lucien to get that plus one to relax he and Merrick tell a Chinese Christmas tale. This adorable sweet.
"When I'm with you, I can keep going. I'm braver. The whole world is warm for me because of you."
And more than a little spicy.
He was swearing in Shanghainese and English together, thrown back in the chair hands locked on its arms, and Stephen was everywhere, all over him, unstoppable.
"Tsaena. Shit. Stephen, please."
"I love you," Stephen said softly. "I need you."
'A Charm of Magpies' must read.
The boys plus one decide to leave London for the holidays. In order for Lucien to get that plus one to relax he and Merrick tell a Chinese Christmas tale. This adorable sweet.
"When I'm with you, I can keep going. I'm braver. The whole world is warm for me because of you."
And more than a little spicy.
He was swearing in Shanghainese and English together, thrown back in the chair hands locked on its arms, and Stephen was everywhere, all over him, unstoppable.
"Tsaena. Shit. Stephen, please."
"I love you," Stephen said softly. "I need you."
'A Charm of Magpies' must read.
January 30, 2015
any bits of Vaudry & Co are always good to have.
January 20, 2018
Ok, despite what I said in my previous review, it's only NOW that I've finished this series, really. You can't leave out a perfectly nice short story, can you?
Warm, cozy, funny, no murders. Despite the title and despite Stephen-the-character featuring in it, there is no pun here. Stephen is not feasted upon, neither by cannibals, nor by hungry warlocks, nor figuratively by Crane.
Warm, cozy, funny, no murders. Despite the title and despite Stephen-the-character featuring in it, there is no pun here. Stephen is not feasted upon, neither by cannibals, nor by hungry warlocks, nor figuratively by Crane.
June 27, 2015
3.5
A short Christmas story that reads like a lovely epilogue of Flight of Magpies.
There is a story within a story too (one of Crane and Merrick's adventures in China).
And that bitter-sweet ending featuring Jonah Pastern is a great way to make readers read Jackdaw.
A short Christmas story that reads like a lovely epilogue of Flight of Magpies.
There is a story within a story too (one of Crane and Merrick's adventures in China).
And that bitter-sweet ending featuring Jonah Pastern is a great way to make readers read Jackdaw.
July 29, 2016
I want all his tattoos back. :( But I loved this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 304 reviews