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Fragments of a Unicorn's Soul

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Content with his life, Elek Keros never questions the ways of the Unicorn. Until one night the sense of something coming awakens him from a deep sleep. He breaks Unicorn law by leaving the enchanted glade his kind lives in to search for what is calling to him. Each night he returns home without answers, but he cannot stop entering the forest day after day to find what he seeks.

The answer lies in a small child Elek rescues. Over the years, he watches over the boy, learns all that he can about the human and steadily falls in love with him. But how can the love he feels possibly breach the divide between their two worlds?

Previously published by Silver Publishing.

39 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2011

7 people are currently reading
106 people want to read

About the author

J.R. Loveless

18 books372 followers
J.R. Loveless began her adventure in writing romance at the young age of twelve. Her foray into creating her own worlds and telling her characters’ life stories was triggered by her own love of reading. She currently resides in South Florida with her dog and two cats, volunteers for an animal rescue in her spare time, and works as a manager for a financial lending institute. Someday she hopes to begin writing as a full-time career and bringing more of her ideas to life.

Her journey into gay romance began in 2005 when she began posting her original fiction on a forum for feedback and readers’ pleasure. In 2010, a good friend urged her to submit to a publishing company, and the day she received the acceptance and contract was the best day of her life. Since then, she has been noted to be one of the most purchased audio books after Fifty Shades of Grey on Audiobook.com, received best gay romantic fiction for Touch Me Gently in the 2011 TLA Gaybies, and even received an award for Chasing Seth in 2012.

J.R. adores her fans and loves hearing from them.

Please subscribe to her website for Newsletters, Blog Post updates, and more! Receive a free short friends to lovers novelette titled White Rain just for subscribing! www.jrloveless.com

Also, if you're on Facebook, her reader group receives exclusive first looks, exclusive WIP snippets, and general interaction with polls, questions, pics, and even some giveaways! http://www.facebook.com/groups/justre...

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5 stars
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28 (23%)
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45 (37%)
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19 (15%)
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for SheReadsALot.
1,862 reviews1,265 followers
April 10, 2016
THREE HEARTS--I think it's safe to say, if you put a unicorn in a story, 9 times out of 10...I'm reading it. I like the horns.



Pop that top, Unicorn!

Actually, let's not pop that unicorn chaser top. It'll just cause me to go on about unicorns, a subject I could probably gab about all day. Let's talk about one specific unicorn, shall we?

J.R. Loveless re-released Fragments of a Unicorn's Soul, a story where unicorn meets the other half of his soul unexpectedly. Elek the unicorn lives in the magical world of...well, where exactly, I'm not too sure. It's in a forest in America, six hours from present day San Diego. Unicorns used to live out in the open in the human world but due to humans trying to harm and steal unicorns' immortality, the magical beings had to enchant a part of a forest with a veil, not visible to humans, to survive and hide their herd.



The story is basic - unicorn sees his child mate - waits for him to mature - does something about it when the mate's legal. Jonathan, the three year old Elek saves in the forest grows into a college aged teen. The years do nothing to destroy their connection. The story isn't squicky, it's more sweet and calm. I do think the idea was cool but for the length, too condensed to give the story full body. I think some more pages to show how the unicorns came to be, rather than have it told to the reader in a paragraph would have been fun. Or even a couple of section breaks wouldn't have hurt, the story zoomed over a decade in sentences.

My fave part is reading Elek's reactions to humans - their words, their modern ideas and inventions, their everything.And learning that the unicorns aren't shifters but unicorns was cool. Their history was also interesting.

There was sex but if there weren't any, I wouldn't have minded. I don't think it truly added to the men's connection but it was okay. *shrug*

I like this story but it didn't leave a lasting impression. This unicorn has read a number of unicorn tales to be discerning. Maybe if this story is expanded in the future, I might revisit.

Recommended to readers who like sweet little unicorn filled nuggets, don't want to be bothered with anything too deep and like a quick HEA.


A copy provided for an honest review.
Profile Image for ☆ Todd.
1,443 reviews1,587 followers
April 6, 2016

I'd seen this short story around since 2011, but never read it, so when I saw it was being re-released, I decided to give it a go.

I really enjoyed how the story began, with a unicorn finding a 3 y.o. boy in the forest during a severe storm, protecting him, then seeing him safely returned to his parents.



And as the years went by, the unicorn, Elek, continues to watch the boy, Jonathan, grow into a young man, with his feelings growing deeper as the years pass. But never again showing himself to the boy.

Many parts of the story did work for me, especially the parts where Jonathan came home from his first year away at college and he sees a glimpse of Elek watching him from the forest, leading to the two meeting again and developing a very close friendship, which lasts over a couple of summers.

However, unlike shifter stories, where we know that the animal can shift into human form, Elek's intense romantic love for the young man felt a bit odd for me. I mean, it's essentially a horse in love with a man. They can't exactly rent an equine-friendly one bedroom apartment and adopt rescue labradoodles together.



So is there some magical way for them to truly be 'together' together? Well, this is fiction, so of course there is. When I found that out, I began enjoying the story a bit more again, pesky squicked-out thoughts finally put aside.

The story had plenty of 'almost' feels and 'almost' moments, but I really wish that this redo of the original work had significantly more pages to expand on the framework that was already in place.

Instead, I think this short story missed out on a few decent opportunities to engross the reader more deeply than what it did, so I'd rate this one at around 3 *good-but-not-great* stars.

------------------------------------------------

My pre-re-release copy of the book was provided by the publisher in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
Profile Image for ☆ Todd.
1,443 reviews1,587 followers
April 6, 2016

I'd seen this short story around since 2011, but never read it, so when I saw it was being re-released, I decided to give it a go.

I really enjoyed how the story began, with a unicorn finding a 3 y.o. boy in the forest during a severe storm, protecting him, then seeing him safely returned to his parents.



And as the years went by, the unicorn, Elek, continues to watch the boy, Jonathan, grow into a young man, with his feelings growing deeper as the years pass. But never again showing himself to the boy.

Many parts of the story did work for me, especially the parts where Jonathan came home from his first year away at college and he sees a glimpse of Elek watching him from the forest, leading to the two meeting again and developing a very close friendship, which lasts over a couple of summers.

However, unlike shifter stories, where we know that the animal can shift into human form, Elek's intense romantic love for the young man felt a bit odd for me. I mean, it's essentially a horse in love with a man. They can't exactly rent an equine-friendly one bedroom apartment and adopt rescue labradoodles together.

So is there some magical way for them to truly be 'together' together? Well, this is fiction, so of course there is. When I found that out, I began enjoying the story a bit more again, pesky squicked-out thoughts finally put aside.

The story had plenty of 'almost' feels and 'almost' moments, but I really wish that this redo of the original work had significantly more pages to expand on the framework that was already in place.

Instead, I think this short story missed out on a few decent opportunities to engross the reader more deeply than what it did, so I'd rate this one at around 3 *good-but-not-great* stars.

------------------------------------------------

My pre-re-release copy of the book was provided by the publisher in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
Profile Image for James Cox.
Author 59 books308 followers
May 20, 2015
I enjoyed this book a lot. Unique story. Great characters.
Profile Image for Gabbi.
395 reviews2 followers
August 30, 2012
I admit I love fantasy romances. There is really something magical and fairytale-ish about them that I’m immediately drawn too. In the novella Fragments of a Unicorn’s Soul, it gave me everything I love about this romantic genre and more.

Elek is a unicorn who lives in a magical place somewhere in the forest. Because of the danger to his kind, Elek and his kind are forbidden to go out of their glade and into the realm where humans exist. But for the past few years Elek has felt restless and had a strong feeling that there is something outside his home that is calling to him. Unable to push these feelings aside, Elek leaves his home to explore the forest, and to hopefully understand these restless feelings inside of him. When he comes across a small boy taking shelter from a rainstorm against a tree, Elek instinctively knows he must come to the young boy’s aide. To help the young boy, Elek immediately shelters him from the storm with his body until it is over. Elek is ecstatic when the young boy does not seem to be afraid of him, but instead, seems to be as fascinated with Elek as he is with the young child. Elek soon takes the young boy home safely and knows that there is something truly special between the both of them.

As the years pass, and in secret, Elek watches the young boy, Jonathan, grow into a man. Elek’s heart and soul longs to be with Jonathan, but he always keeps out of the man’s sight. One day, Jonathan spots Elek in the forest and immediately chases after him. Since Elek is unable to deny Jonathan anything, he allows Jonathan to catch him, and a deep friendship and love develop between them. But soon many problems arise between them. Jonathan is leaving for an internship, and both of their hearts are breaking because they both know that there is no way for a human and unicorn to ever be together. When Jonathan leaves, Elek is distraught and heartbroken and decides to do whatever is necessary, no matter the sacrifice, to have the greatest love he’s ever known in his life.

I loved this book! I loved the creative and well-told storyline, and I absolutely adored Elek! I thought the chemistry between both Elek and Jonathan was a very strong one and I immediately became fascinated with the amazing connection between them. Elek truly has a pure and innocent heart that I adored, and I loved his determination to follow his heart and do what he must, so he and Jonathan have a shot of a happy life together.

Jonathan was also a hero I really loved. Because he’s in love with Elek, he feels conflicted and confused by his feelings for the unicorn. Although he instinctively knows there can be nothing between them, he still can’t help but fall for the sweet unicorn who has also become his best friend. I loved every moment Jonathan and Elek had together and I rejoiced at the happy ending at the end of the story.

Ms. Loveless did an excellent job at bringing a mystical creature come to life within the pages of her novella. I loved the fairytale-ish quality this story had, and the sweet and loving romance between Elek and Jonathan lived long in my heart after I finished reading it. My only gripe is: I selfishly wish the book had been longer! I loved both of these heroes and their story so much I truly hated to see it come to an end. I hope one day Ms. Loveless will write more about them. It would be great to see how they adapt in their new life together. But at least I’ll have the pleasure of reading this highly romantic novella over and over, so I’ll be able to enjoy this story and these unique and amazing characters again.
Highly Recommended!
Profile Image for Sara .
1,545 reviews154 followers
Read
April 1, 2016
I had no idea what I would get when I opted to read this for a review. I thought, “Hey, I like Unicorns so I will give it a shot”, but what I got was amazing.

This is a short story so this will be a short review.

Elek is a Unicorn and totes okay with being one living with his kind. One day he gets a feeling, something that he can’t ignore and he heads toward it, not knowing his fate. When he arrives, he sees a young boy who is crying in the rain without shelter. Elek feels a pull toward the boy and an immediate rush of emotion covers him from horn to tail and he and the boy, who we quickly learn is named Jonathan, bond.

Elek knows he shouldn’t mess with humans but there is something about Jonathan he cannot let go of so, he secretly watches Jonathan from a far as he grows up to be a young man. Then one day, he isn’t quick enough to get back to the veil where the unicorns belong and Jonathan sees him and chases after him.

From this moment, we get the sweetest tale of Elek and Jonathan, both knowing that what they feel should not be happening but they can’t fight it for the emotions are too strong.

“There is another legend, my friend. A legend that hasn’t been told in over five hundred years. One that speaks of the unicorn becoming human.”

I loved that Elek questioned everything, from the complex of why he felt the way he did for Jonathan to needing to know if he could talk to the human. I adored how strongly he felt when Jonathan would be leaving him and the length that he goes through to risk it all.

This had a sort of The Little Mermaid feel to it and that, for me, it never a bad thing. The folklore and fantasy of the fragmented unicorn soul was beautiful and is what I am coming to love with fantasy related stories and the fates that seal two beings together.

Though the POV’s switched oddly a few times mid scene, ( I would have loved more of Jonathan’s POV when he begins his friendship with Elek) this was a lovely story of magic and love, becoming real when you take the chance to believe.
Profile Image for Rachel Emily.
4,495 reviews385 followers
September 10, 2011
This was a very sweet story, I liked it...I think for the number of years the book had to cover, it was a bit short and rushed through, but it still made me smile after finishing this.
Profile Image for ManOhMan.
269 reviews
October 5, 2011
Reviewed by Kristen: What a beautiful story.I was drawn into the world JR Loveless created, where unicorns exist and roam the world.

While I loved the main characters and the setting, there was a definite drawback for me.

Considering the years that passed in the story it was just too short.I would have been happier if the story would have been longer and the conflict maybe a bit more. It just gets resolved too fast.

Still, I hope to maybe read a sequel to this story.

B
Profile Image for Craig Sharp.
41 reviews5 followers
March 4, 2012
Fragments of a Unicorn's Soul by J.R. Loveless is a great fantasy short story with an unusual context.
3 reviews
May 28, 2020
Loved it!!

This story had me captivated from the start! I love stories about soul mates and if you do too then this is a must read! The author did an amazing job telling the story of the way these two met and fell in love. This was a great quick read that I will definitely read again. My only wish is that I could read about how they ended up later on, but I have zero complaints about the happy ending for them.
Profile Image for Mstay.
859 reviews1 follower
March 22, 2021
Cute and short

This was a nice short even though some parts are definitely not happy moments. It’s the kind of story that makes more nice lunch time story to read.
Profile Image for Ariel The Tempest.
112 reviews11 followers
November 17, 2025
Fragments of a Unicorn’s Soul is a whimsical and sweet fantasy novella that blends the magic of unicorns with a poignant romance, making it a perfect read for fans of light, heartwarming tales. Elek, the unicorn protagonist, is a mystical creature who harbors a unique connection to Jonathan, a human boy he saves during a storm. Their bond is instant and grows as they silently watch each other across the years. Elek, forbidden to openly interact with humans, navigates his complex feelings for Jonathan with patience and devotion, adding a layer of depth to the story.

One of the strongest aspects of this book is the emotional connection between Elek and Jonathan. Their bond is tender and slow-burning, with both characters grappling with the impossibility of their love. I particularly enjoyed how Loveless introduces a mythical twist, Elek, despite being a unicorn, can eventually find a way to be with Jonathan, and it’s here that the story becomes both magical and romantic in the truest sense. The concept of the unicorn’s soul being "fragmented" and needing to reunite with its counterpart is both beautiful and meaningful, and it really elevates the story's emotional stakes.

The writing itself is light and accessible, which makes it an easy read, though some readers might feel the narrative could have benefited from more depth. The story touches on a lot of interesting concepts like unicorn lore and the veiled magical forest they inhabit, but these are sometimes told in passing or summarized quickly rather than explored in greater detail. A bit more world-building would have helped flesh out the setting and added weight to the magical backdrop that Elek and Jonathan are a part of.

Though I appreciated the story’s overall pacing, it did feel somewhat rushed in parts. The years fly by in just a few sentences, and some transitions between key events could have been expanded to give more emotional weight to Jonathan’s growth and their changing dynamic. The romance, while sweet and tender, could have used a bit more space to develop naturally, especially as it moves from innocent attraction to something deeper.

The ending, though satisfying, left me wishing for more, especially as I grew so attached to Elek and Jonathan. This is definitely one of those stories where I found myself wanting an extended version, maybe a full-length novel to explore their world and their love in more detail. Still, as a novella, it does an admirable job of balancing sweetness with fantasy and leaves a lasting impression, especially for fans of magical creatures and slow-burn romance.

In conclusion, Fragments of a Unicorn’s Soul is a delightful, if brief, escape into a world of magic and heartfelt connection. While it may not leave a long-lasting impression in terms of plot complexity, its gentle nature and the love between Elek and Jonathan make it an enjoyable read for those looking for something light, sweet, and enchanted. If you’re a fan of magical realism, fantasy romance, or stories that prioritize emotion over action, this one’s definitely worth checking out.
Profile Image for Mari  Cardenas.
2,298 reviews26 followers
April 3, 2016
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie in exchange for a fair and honest review. ***

Elek has never questioned the rules all unicorns must follow, but when he feels the pull to go into the forest, he's unable to resist. He goes out day after day seeking for that elusive something, until the day he finds a small boy and rescues him.

He watches the boy grow up and turn into a man, slowly falling in love with him. However, with him being a unicorn and the boy being human, there's no way they'd ever be together, or is there?

I absolutely adored this book! It was so sweet, with some light angst, a few twists and a lot of heart. Elek was amazing and definitely my favorite of the two. I wanted to slap Jonathan a couple of times, although I did understand his reasons and he kind of grew on me in the end. I would've liked to see a bit more of them together, but I was satisfied with how it all played out.

Very recommendable!

Rating: 4.5 Stars!!!
Profile Image for Mandi.
695 reviews41 followers
November 18, 2011
2.5 stars. Great beginning, but the story was much to short to do the plot justice. I felt like the ending was rushed which ruined my enjoyment.
Profile Image for L-D.
1,478 reviews64 followers
August 30, 2012
I thought this was a very enchanting story about a unicorn who falls in love with a human and gives up all he knows for the possibility of love. Very nicely done.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews

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