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Bound by Magick #1
Untamed Magick
His perfect match—or the woman destined to steal his soul?
Graelen Scott has lived his entire life under the shadow of a prophecy—a curse that gave him unlimited power guaranteed to seduce him to an early grave. When a Tarot historian shows up with stolen family cards and a theory of balance, all hell breaks loose. But his insatiable lust for the blue-eyed beauty clouds his judgment, making it difficult for him to separate fact from fiction.
Determined to understand the secrets that have plagued her for months, Rena Gallagher lands on Graelen’s doorstep in search of answers. When fantasy becomes reality and a remarkable power sparks between them, a deep craving to surrender to his raw sexuality is revealed.
Now Graelen and Rena must race to uncover the clues that will break the curse before the seductive magick can consume he and his brothers. And before the darkness drives the woman he needs away for good.
Warning: This book contains a hot demanding alpha who enjoys the wild and unexpected and will go to any length to satisfy his woman, including magick water sex and psychic voyeurism.
Four male witches. Two Sets of twins. Born with a dark curse. Unlimited power bequeathed to the four when used together. A seductive power that over time will destroy their souls. To fight the prophecy they are forced to live separately to save themselves.
**Previously published as The Bonding. This book has now been revised and edited for re-release.**
First of a series.
Graelen Scott has lived his entire life under the shadow of a prophecy—a curse that gave him unlimited power guaranteed to seduce him to an early grave. When a Tarot historian shows up with stolen family cards and a theory of balance, all hell breaks loose. But his insatiable lust for the blue-eyed beauty clouds his judgment, making it difficult for him to separate fact from fiction.
Determined to understand the secrets that have plagued her for months, Rena Gallagher lands on Graelen’s doorstep in search of answers. When fantasy becomes reality and a remarkable power sparks between them, a deep craving to surrender to his raw sexuality is revealed.
Now Graelen and Rena must race to uncover the clues that will break the curse before the seductive magick can consume he and his brothers. And before the darkness drives the woman he needs away for good.
Warning: This book contains a hot demanding alpha who enjoys the wild and unexpected and will go to any length to satisfy his woman, including magick water sex and psychic voyeurism.
Four male witches. Two Sets of twins. Born with a dark curse. Unlimited power bequeathed to the four when used together. A seductive power that over time will destroy their souls. To fight the prophecy they are forced to live separately to save themselves.
**Previously published as The Bonding. This book has now been revised and edited for re-release.**
First of a series.
106 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2008
65 people are currently reading
1141 people want to read
About the author
Eliza Gayle
142 books1,330 followersGRAB the first book in my USA Today bestselling Southern Shifters series in Kindle Unlimited. Click
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Eliza Gayle writes dragon romance and fantasy romance with unforgettable characters, fiery passion, and magical twists. A New York Times bestselling author, she’s created series like Dragon Lords and Southern Shifters that keep readers hooked from page one. (She also writes dark contemporary romance under E.M. Gayle) She currently lives on a small island in the Pacific Northwest (but was born and raised in Florida and then spent 10+ years in NC) and spends her days writing romance, wandering the beach, kayaking or defending her keyboard from her cat Salem.
Before her writing career began, she served in the Marine Corps and lived a crazy life of adventure. Then she read her first spicy romance novel and everything changed. So after years of thinking about writing she finally grabbed her laptop and wrote.
Latest Release: THE HEART OF THE DRAGON
Coming next: THE FATE OF THE DRAGON
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
April 14, 2010
From the blurb:
Four male witches. Two Sets of twins. Born with a dark curse. Unlimited power bequeathed to the four when used together. A seductive power that over time will destroy their souls. To fight the prophecy they are forced to live separately to save themselves.
Translation: A four book series, each focusing on one brother finding his soul mate who, in this universe, balances his power.
Eldest set of twins:
Graelen - in this book
Cash - Pentacles of Magick: The Burning
Youngest set of twins:
Noah - Pentacles of Magick: The Revealing
Dennison - Pentacles of Magick: The Healing
Apparently all four eBooks are also available as a paperback version of all four stories - Pentacles of Magick: The Collection. The paperback is 240 pages (assuming GR's records are correct). Split that in four.
Therein lies my first complaint - way too short. From the way this ends, I think it was one story broken into four, not four stories joined into a series. In other words, sucky marketing on behalf of Phaze.
Granted, this was a free eBook from All Romance eBooks, so I haven't checked out the relative prices of the different editions. But it is extremely annoying to get into a story to only have it end before it barely starts.
Other than that, I like the premise and I was intrigued enough at the end to want to find book two. The story is a little heavy on the erotic side for my tastes, but there is enough plot to intrigue.
There was a veiled possibility of a threesome with the twins (Graelen and Cash) sharing Rena, but that seemed to fizzle out. It was more Gracelen and Rena having sex, with Cash playing psychic voyeur. That was the hottest sex scene, in my personal opinion.
I was wondering for a moment there if it would be one woman for each set of twins, but no, they're going for the traditional m/f monogamous parings after all. *le sigh* Did I mention I've had a thing for m/f/m, or better yet m/m/f, lately?
So, ups and downs, but I still am curious enough to check out Cash's book.
Four male witches. Two Sets of twins. Born with a dark curse. Unlimited power bequeathed to the four when used together. A seductive power that over time will destroy their souls. To fight the prophecy they are forced to live separately to save themselves.
Translation: A four book series, each focusing on one brother finding his soul mate who, in this universe, balances his power.
Eldest set of twins:
Graelen - in this book
Cash - Pentacles of Magick: The Burning
Youngest set of twins:
Noah - Pentacles of Magick: The Revealing
Dennison - Pentacles of Magick: The Healing
Apparently all four eBooks are also available as a paperback version of all four stories - Pentacles of Magick: The Collection. The paperback is 240 pages (assuming GR's records are correct). Split that in four.
Therein lies my first complaint - way too short. From the way this ends, I think it was one story broken into four, not four stories joined into a series. In other words, sucky marketing on behalf of Phaze.
Granted, this was a free eBook from All Romance eBooks, so I haven't checked out the relative prices of the different editions. But it is extremely annoying to get into a story to only have it end before it barely starts.
Other than that, I like the premise and I was intrigued enough at the end to want to find book two. The story is a little heavy on the erotic side for my tastes, but there is enough plot to intrigue.
There was a veiled possibility of a threesome with the twins (Graelen and Cash) sharing Rena, but that seemed to fizzle out. It was more Gracelen and Rena having sex, with Cash playing psychic voyeur. That was the hottest sex scene, in my personal opinion.
I was wondering for a moment there if it would be one woman for each set of twins, but no, they're going for the traditional m/f monogamous parings after all. *le sigh* Did I mention I've had a thing for m/f/m, or better yet m/m/f, lately?
So, ups and downs, but I still am curious enough to check out Cash's book.
September 8, 2015
From the blurb:
Four male witches. Two Sets of twins. Born with a dark curse. Unlimited power bequeathed to the four when used together. A seductive power that over time will destroy their souls. To fight the prophecy they are forced to live separately to save themselves.
This is book one of a four book series featuring each of the brothers. Book one centers on Graelen.
Graelen Scott had lived his life under a cursed prophecy giving him unlimited power. He has worked hard to keep his magical powers under control. When a tarot card reader searches for answers, one touch seals his fate.
Rena Gallagher pays Graelen a visit determined to get answers to her many research questions. She speaks of a theory of balance. When sheer lust consumes them both, it takes everything she has to ward off enemies that want to stop her.
Graelen and Rena must work as one to combat the enemy and find answers about the curse before it takes all the brothers down. They must do this all while their lust for each other is off the charts hot! Whew! Eliza Gayle has a real knack for igniting the sheets!
What a good book! I listened to the audiobook version of this and thoroughly enjoyed it! The story is captivating and the narrator was out-standing. Her voice was spot on and I loved the nuances each character portrayed! I am a fan of Eliza's and I am looking forward to continuing to listen to the remaining books in the Pentacles of Magik Series!
4 stars/ 4 flames
Four male witches. Two Sets of twins. Born with a dark curse. Unlimited power bequeathed to the four when used together. A seductive power that over time will destroy their souls. To fight the prophecy they are forced to live separately to save themselves.
This is book one of a four book series featuring each of the brothers. Book one centers on Graelen.
Graelen Scott had lived his life under a cursed prophecy giving him unlimited power. He has worked hard to keep his magical powers under control. When a tarot card reader searches for answers, one touch seals his fate.
Rena Gallagher pays Graelen a visit determined to get answers to her many research questions. She speaks of a theory of balance. When sheer lust consumes them both, it takes everything she has to ward off enemies that want to stop her.
Graelen and Rena must work as one to combat the enemy and find answers about the curse before it takes all the brothers down. They must do this all while their lust for each other is off the charts hot! Whew! Eliza Gayle has a real knack for igniting the sheets!
What a good book! I listened to the audiobook version of this and thoroughly enjoyed it! The story is captivating and the narrator was out-standing. Her voice was spot on and I loved the nuances each character portrayed! I am a fan of Eliza's and I am looking forward to continuing to listen to the remaining books in the Pentacles of Magik Series!
4 stars/ 4 flames
June 28, 2016
For me this was 4.5 stars because while it was very good, it did not reach that higher limit, though not by much. Having never read this author before I was pleasantly surprised that it was as good as I had hoped. This was a very quick and enjoyable read that caught my attention from the first page. I found the characters to be interesting and able to elicit emotion for their plight even while making this very hot. The way they interacted with each other was perfect for what was going on in their world, though there should have been more conflict. Once I started, I could not put it down and read it right through the night.
The Scott family has lived under a curse/prophesy for centuries which tells of the destruction of the entire family. Two sets of twins each holding a magick which could corrupt and kill them all, they can never stay together for any extended period of time. It is said that a woman will be their eventual downfall and every man is wary any new woman coming into their lives.
Graelen Scott is rich, handsome, and a witch, he hides in his house wondering if he will ever be able to save himself and his brothers from the prophesy. Every day he fights the pull of the dark magick within him and he can feel himself weakening. Rena Gallagher is a researcher and historian at the Museum of Art History in San Diego, she also happens to be an empath. Rena has come into possession of Tarot cards which have been in the Scott family for generations and has come to Graelen to get answers she cannot find on her own, what she does not know is that they were stolen. Though she may hold his destruction Graelen is instantly drawn to Rena and she to him, and maybe the prophesy was wrong and she can be his salvation.
This book contains untamed desire, untamed rage, and of course untamed magick. Loved it and will be going on in this series.
* I listened to this for my second reading and it was a nice experience. Though I found the narrator to be good at giving voice to the characters she sometimes came off as just sounding like she was going for sultry. Still well worth the time.
Anger,greed, and lust, all luring them to the evil potential of their magick.
The Scott family has lived under a curse/prophesy for centuries which tells of the destruction of the entire family. Two sets of twins each holding a magick which could corrupt and kill them all, they can never stay together for any extended period of time. It is said that a woman will be their eventual downfall and every man is wary any new woman coming into their lives.
Graelen Scott is rich, handsome, and a witch, he hides in his house wondering if he will ever be able to save himself and his brothers from the prophesy. Every day he fights the pull of the dark magick within him and he can feel himself weakening. Rena Gallagher is a researcher and historian at the Museum of Art History in San Diego, she also happens to be an empath. Rena has come into possession of Tarot cards which have been in the Scott family for generations and has come to Graelen to get answers she cannot find on her own, what she does not know is that they were stolen. Though she may hold his destruction Graelen is instantly drawn to Rena and she to him, and maybe the prophesy was wrong and she can be his salvation.
This book contains untamed desire, untamed rage, and of course untamed magick. Loved it and will be going on in this series.
* I listened to this for my second reading and it was a nice experience. Though I found the narrator to be good at giving voice to the characters she sometimes came off as just sounding like she was going for sultry. Still well worth the time.
July 20, 2016
I have to admit to being mildly disappointed. I've read other books by Eliza Gayle and absolutely loved them. This one however just came across as rushed and half finished.
Pros:
It was hot. The characters are relatively likable. You can relate to why Cash is so protective of his twin. The motivation is clear and understandable.
Cons:
There is no back story given. There is no explanation given to why they're in this situation, how they came to be this way or why the brothers feel they must stay away from each other. And whereas this could be easily remedied, in this case it wasn't.
It was simply glossed over.
He doesn't know her, doesn't trust her, her very presence could mean the destruction of everything, but has sex with her anyway.
And most importantly absolutely nothing is resolved in the end. Leaving us with a huge cliffhanger.
So although the story has an interesting premise an a lot of promise, I can't say that it was enjoyable. Not without reading the other books that follow in the series or a prequel... something. Unfortunately for me, this particular one will have to be only a 2 star novella. Can't even call it a book because there isn't much to it.
Pros:
It was hot. The characters are relatively likable. You can relate to why Cash is so protective of his twin. The motivation is clear and understandable.
Cons:
There is no back story given. There is no explanation given to why they're in this situation, how they came to be this way or why the brothers feel they must stay away from each other. And whereas this could be easily remedied, in this case it wasn't.
It was simply glossed over.
He doesn't know her, doesn't trust her, her very presence could mean the destruction of everything, but has sex with her anyway.
And most importantly absolutely nothing is resolved in the end. Leaving us with a huge cliffhanger.
So although the story has an interesting premise an a lot of promise, I can't say that it was enjoyable. Not without reading the other books that follow in the series or a prequel... something. Unfortunately for me, this particular one will have to be only a 2 star novella. Can't even call it a book because there isn't much to it.
June 15, 2011
Untamed Magick is a quick, fun, sexy read. The concept behind this book, that of 4 brothers living with the legacy of a dark curse that could destroy them, is interesting and provides excellent storyline for this novella. I liked the characters immediately, the mysterious witch, Graelen and the very sweet empath Rena. When their paths collide, sparks fly. Rena gives Graelen a new perspective on the curse he is afflicted with, and gives new hope to Graelen and his brother. The sex is steamy, provocative, and well written.
The book is short, a novella actually. However, the plot is strong, as is the writing and the characters. With an intriguing concept, sexy, dangerous men, and magic mixed in Untamed Magick is a great read. Untamed Magick is book 1 in a series, and after reading it, I am looking forward to the next installment.
I would recommend this novella to fans of paranormal romance and erotic romance.
The book is short, a novella actually. However, the plot is strong, as is the writing and the characters. With an intriguing concept, sexy, dangerous men, and magic mixed in Untamed Magick is a great read. Untamed Magick is book 1 in a series, and after reading it, I am looking forward to the next installment.
I would recommend this novella to fans of paranormal romance and erotic romance.
October 6, 2011
2.5 stars in this one.
The book was disappointing to me. It just didn't deliver a good story. SEX...blah...blah...blah...witches...SEX...SEX...SEX...blah...blah...blah...evil...SEX. Get the picture? On and on this went. Grae and Rena have a sexual encounter pretty much when they first meet. Oh yeah, Grae doesn't trust her but he sure isn't opposed to dumping her in his bed and almost mauling her after she falls unconscious. I hate stories like this because it's just gratuitous sex with a little story thrown in. To me, the thrown in story wasn't enough to support all the sex.
There were just too many unanswered questions and things left unexplained. A book should be built like a sandwich...layer upon layer to create a masterful story . This story was a cheese cracker all the way. Nothing masterful about it at all.
The book was disappointing to me. It just didn't deliver a good story. SEX...blah...blah...blah...witches...SEX...SEX...SEX...blah...blah...blah...evil...SEX. Get the picture? On and on this went. Grae and Rena have a sexual encounter pretty much when they first meet. Oh yeah, Grae doesn't trust her but he sure isn't opposed to dumping her in his bed and almost mauling her after she falls unconscious. I hate stories like this because it's just gratuitous sex with a little story thrown in. To me, the thrown in story wasn't enough to support all the sex.
There were just too many unanswered questions and things left unexplained. A book should be built like a sandwich...layer upon layer to create a masterful story . This story was a cheese cracker all the way. Nothing masterful about it at all.
October 18, 2015
Graelen Scott has lived his entire life under the shadow of a prophecy--a curse that gave him unlimited power guaranteed to seduce him to an early grave. When a Tarot historian shows up with stolen family cards and a theory of balance, all hell breaks loose. But his insatiable lust for the blue-eyed beauty clouds his judgment, making it difficult for him to separate fact from fiction. Rena Gallagher lands on Graelen's doorstep in search of answers. When fantasy becomes reality and a remarkable power sparks between them, a deep craving to surrender to his raw sexuality is revealed. This was a short quick read that was ok and the sex scenes were really good. This book was well written. This is the first book in this series and I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
February 4, 2016
Pentacles of Magick: The Bonding is a good beginning to a novella series. This is the first time I’ve read erotica for the story itself and not for the sexual pleasure. (I know what you’re thinking, “Yeah right.”) If not for the interesting and fast-paced plot of elemental magick, danger, and the mystery of an unsolved family curse, I would not be reading this series at all. However, the hard, muscled, well-endowed witch brothers definitely had my full attention.
The brothers will discover a hidden secret in the family’s Tarot cards. If they can resist the use of dark magic, they may have found a way to break the Scott family curse that has been passed down for generations.
The brothers will discover a hidden secret in the family’s Tarot cards. If they can resist the use of dark magic, they may have found a way to break the Scott family curse that has been passed down for generations.
May 7, 2015
While some of the sensual scenes were enjoyable- particularly the one in which Graelan manipulated water into physical manifestations of multiple masculine body parts, which he used erotically to please his woman...the other parts of this story fell flat for me. The witchcraft mythology and history felt fragmented and not fully developed and I was not engaged enough to be left wanting more...instead I struggled to get through the book without skimming through the non-sexual scenes in order to complete the reading with the integrity of the full story intact. I feel the story had good, strong roots but was unable to flourish into the colorful creation I had hoped to find.
November 3, 2016
Not bad. The whole submission thing is a mood killer for me but it wasn't very heavy and it was pretty obvious Grae really liked her so it didn't come across as chauvinistic or anything like that and it was bearable if not exciting. I also liked Cash a lot. Too bad he didn't show up much. He definitely seemed to be more interesting than Grae.
I did find this awfully short and saturated with sex.
I did find this awfully short and saturated with sex.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2016
Quick and dirty
Loved the dirty parts but bummed by how quick it went. Graelen and Rena make a hot sexy mix. There's quite a bit of dominance and a metaphysical tnreesome scene in case you're not into that. The only issue I have is how fast the two bond, which was pretty much the same day as they met. Otherwise I loved the empath and witch mix.
Loved the dirty parts but bummed by how quick it went. Graelen and Rena make a hot sexy mix. There's quite a bit of dominance and a metaphysical tnreesome scene in case you're not into that. The only issue I have is how fast the two bond, which was pretty much the same day as they met. Otherwise I loved the empath and witch mix.
May 5, 2013
Its not PNR... its plain erotica. Not much a story. At least its free. :P
June 5, 2025
The transitions from scene to scene needed work. There were many times that it would just jump to a different scene with no indicators.
Also the background on the brothers and their curse was sorely missing / lacking.
This felt like a porno half the time (I get that it’s erotica, but this was lacking in any finesse). “Hi.” “Hi” “I’m here on business.” “Get the f*%# out of my house!” And then they are having sex.
We just had sex but I don’t trust you, so I’m going to tie you up naked to my bed and interrogate you.” “Don’t you know I want to help you?” And then they have sex.
Now they are in an intense committed relationship after several abusive red flags.
I can see the potential for a better story here, but it was just lacking in a lot of the actual story.
Song: Spellwork by Austra
Also the background on the brothers and their curse was sorely missing / lacking.
This felt like a porno half the time (I get that it’s erotica, but this was lacking in any finesse). “Hi.” “Hi” “I’m here on business.” “Get the f*%# out of my house!” And then they are having sex.
We just had sex but I don’t trust you, so I’m going to tie you up naked to my bed and interrogate you.” “Don’t you know I want to help you?” And then they have sex.
Now they are in an intense committed relationship after several abusive red flags.
I can see the potential for a better story here, but it was just lacking in a lot of the actual story.
Song: Spellwork by Austra
March 15, 2022
Just plain stupid. He was furious and tied her to the bed after having sex with her. He was her enemy all the sudden with his wolf accusations and she was restrained when she woke and then she fought the bindings and he caved and screwed her again. Just ridiculous.
May 11, 2019
I loved the storyline. I loved the idea of tarot cards revealing a story. Hated that the story was continued
June 16, 2011
Graelen Scott is one of four brothers - two sets of twins –all four are witches born under a family curse which forces them to live apart from each other. Rena Gallagher is staff historian at the Museum of Art History in San Diego specializing in tarot history. Rena has been commissioned to study an ancient deck of tarot cards, during her research she discovers a connection to Grae’s family and goes to his house to question him about it. From the moment Grae and Rena meet sparks fly, literally, and they soon discover their attraction to each other is something neither of them can deny. Grae discovers Rena is in possession of a deck of tarot cards that has disappeared from his family’s vault and is distrustful of her explanation as to why she has sought him out. Despite Grae’s misgivings he agrees to help Rena and their search for the truth behind the tarot cards leads them into a journey of dark danger and sensual delight.
From the very first paragraph of this novella you know you are in for a hot ride. Grae is obviously a very strong witch with strong desires and a bit over bearing. You should hate him for these traits but you just can’t help being attracted to him. Rena is a bit mousy at times and at other times she is strong as steal, she is intelligent and, oh by the way, a strong empath. You can’t help but feel sorry for her having to feel all of Grae’s emotions and want to tell her to just run away. There are a few secondary characters introduced, Grae’s brother Cash and eventually Rena’s mysterious client. We don’t get much background on anyone in the story but do find out Cash has anger issues and he’s not very likeable.
This is a short novella, easily read in a couple of hours and with enough of a story line to keep you interested through the whole thing. I have to admit I would have liked a little more background on the family curse and a little more depth of the characters, but it is a short novella and I understand that there just wasn’t enough time to give the reader more. This is semi-erotica but there is a story here, not just one sex scene after another one. The sex scenes are slightly explicit but not so much so that they overshadow the story. If you enjoy a good steamy story with a little bit of a mystery, you will enjoy this novella.
From the very first paragraph of this novella you know you are in for a hot ride. Grae is obviously a very strong witch with strong desires and a bit over bearing. You should hate him for these traits but you just can’t help being attracted to him. Rena is a bit mousy at times and at other times she is strong as steal, she is intelligent and, oh by the way, a strong empath. You can’t help but feel sorry for her having to feel all of Grae’s emotions and want to tell her to just run away. There are a few secondary characters introduced, Grae’s brother Cash and eventually Rena’s mysterious client. We don’t get much background on anyone in the story but do find out Cash has anger issues and he’s not very likeable.
This is a short novella, easily read in a couple of hours and with enough of a story line to keep you interested through the whole thing. I have to admit I would have liked a little more background on the family curse and a little more depth of the characters, but it is a short novella and I understand that there just wasn’t enough time to give the reader more. This is semi-erotica but there is a story here, not just one sex scene after another one. The sex scenes are slightly explicit but not so much so that they overshadow the story. If you enjoy a good steamy story with a little bit of a mystery, you will enjoy this novella.
August 19, 2014
2.5-3 stars
Overall this was an alright story. It's hard to me to review because it was more sex than plot and ended in a cliffhanger. This is the first book I've read by this author and based off this I'm unsure if I'll try more of her work in the future. (Thank goodness this was an Amazon freebie)
Rena is a historian that apparently specializes in symbols especially concerning the tarot cards. She was given an ancient set of tarot to research and she determined they were from Graelen Scott's family. Hoping to discuss with him some of the things she's found in the cards, Rena goes to see him.
Graelen is a witch, one of 4 brothers (2 sets of twins) that are all witches. They are the focus of an ancient curse that they all fear. Their powers have a dark taint to them and if combined, their powers could cause great damage. Due to their fears over the curse, Graelen and his brothers all live in far apart locations.
To be honest, there wasn't a lot of details about the curse but these's something in it about women being their downfall so the brothers distrust women. When Rena shows up, Graelen feels that she's the woman that the prophecy told about and he treats her like an enemy from the beginning. The fact that he's attracted to her is just more damning in his eye. Rena has no idea why he would have a problem with her and tries talking to him about things she found in the deck of tarot cards, things that told the story of the family curse. Rena is very attracted to Graelen but tries to focus on her research...at first at least. They're at odds for the first part of the book but that doesn't stop the sex that goes on...frequently. While this is going on, Cash (Graelen's twin) shows up and causes more issues just as Graelen is starting to believe that Rena may not be his enemy and may be able to help him. The story ends with Graelen realizing that Rena is supposed to be his and asking her to stay. She agrees but only for now so the story ends with a HFN, pretty much giving us a cliffhanger for both the romance and non-romance plot lines.
* note - I listened to the audio version of this and the narrator did a very good job.
Overall this was an alright story. It's hard to me to review because it was more sex than plot and ended in a cliffhanger. This is the first book I've read by this author and based off this I'm unsure if I'll try more of her work in the future. (Thank goodness this was an Amazon freebie)
Rena is a historian that apparently specializes in symbols especially concerning the tarot cards. She was given an ancient set of tarot to research and she determined they were from Graelen Scott's family. Hoping to discuss with him some of the things she's found in the cards, Rena goes to see him.
Graelen is a witch, one of 4 brothers (2 sets of twins) that are all witches. They are the focus of an ancient curse that they all fear. Their powers have a dark taint to them and if combined, their powers could cause great damage. Due to their fears over the curse, Graelen and his brothers all live in far apart locations.
To be honest, there wasn't a lot of details about the curse but these's something in it about women being their downfall so the brothers distrust women. When Rena shows up, Graelen feels that she's the woman that the prophecy told about and he treats her like an enemy from the beginning. The fact that he's attracted to her is just more damning in his eye. Rena has no idea why he would have a problem with her and tries talking to him about things she found in the deck of tarot cards, things that told the story of the family curse. Rena is very attracted to Graelen but tries to focus on her research...at first at least. They're at odds for the first part of the book but that doesn't stop the sex that goes on...frequently. While this is going on, Cash (Graelen's twin) shows up and causes more issues just as Graelen is starting to believe that Rena may not be his enemy and may be able to help him. The story ends with Graelen realizing that Rena is supposed to be his and asking her to stay. She agrees but only for now so the story ends with a HFN, pretty much giving us a cliffhanger for both the romance and non-romance plot lines.
* note - I listened to the audio version of this and the narrator did a very good job.
June 5, 2011
Review by Romancing the Darkside:
http://romancingthedarkside.blogspot....
Way too short but the story was just as engaging as the smut!
Graelen Scott is powerful male witch who has lived a solitary life away from his brothers, due to a dark curse plaguing his family. When a mysterious historian, Rena, shows up at his home claiming to have the means to ending the family curse, something sought after by his family for decades, Graelen is reluctant to believe her. He feels an immense attraction to Rena after just a few minutes of being in her presence and when they accidentally touch, Gaelen knows this woman could be his impending doom but is hell-bent on having her!
This is a fast-paced novella with action, suspense, steamy romance and elemental magic that keeps your attention from chapter one to the very last page! Rena is a fun heroine who I think lacked a little more character development for me to fully connect with but was still enjoyable. Gaelen on the other hand, is a sexy and powerful witch whose animal magnetism is hard to resist. While he starts off as an arrogant jerk, he more than makes up for it in his affection towards Rena. Just when you think you're smitten with Gaelen, in walks in the dark twin, Cash. His character is so intriguing you'll wish he made an earlier appearance! Without giving away too much, I wouldn't mind being in the middle of those two twins!
I must admit I usually read this type of short story for the smut factor and not for the storyline, but Untamed Magick's characters and world add a substance that becomes the main focus while reading with the sex being an added bonus. Is the sex hot and steamy? Of course, but the story will have you flipping the pages in anticipation. I could almost kill the author for the ending cliffhanger but will be reading the next installment as soon as possible to get my questions answered!
http://romancingthedarkside.blogspot....
Way too short but the story was just as engaging as the smut!
Graelen Scott is powerful male witch who has lived a solitary life away from his brothers, due to a dark curse plaguing his family. When a mysterious historian, Rena, shows up at his home claiming to have the means to ending the family curse, something sought after by his family for decades, Graelen is reluctant to believe her. He feels an immense attraction to Rena after just a few minutes of being in her presence and when they accidentally touch, Gaelen knows this woman could be his impending doom but is hell-bent on having her!
This is a fast-paced novella with action, suspense, steamy romance and elemental magic that keeps your attention from chapter one to the very last page! Rena is a fun heroine who I think lacked a little more character development for me to fully connect with but was still enjoyable. Gaelen on the other hand, is a sexy and powerful witch whose animal magnetism is hard to resist. While he starts off as an arrogant jerk, he more than makes up for it in his affection towards Rena. Just when you think you're smitten with Gaelen, in walks in the dark twin, Cash. His character is so intriguing you'll wish he made an earlier appearance! Without giving away too much, I wouldn't mind being in the middle of those two twins!
I must admit I usually read this type of short story for the smut factor and not for the storyline, but Untamed Magick's characters and world add a substance that becomes the main focus while reading with the sex being an added bonus. Is the sex hot and steamy? Of course, but the story will have you flipping the pages in anticipation. I could almost kill the author for the ending cliffhanger but will be reading the next installment as soon as possible to get my questions answered!
October 22, 2014
This is a very interesting story and loads of yummy steam. There is insta-lust that has connected feelings. I do not hate that aspect, it is just something you have to accept in this series.
The background story is spaced out in the book. It takes a bit to really get the gist of what is happening with the magic and the world that is being created. I expect more will be revealed as the series continues. With four brothers, two sets of twins, I am thinking things will be very connected.
Graelen is very dark and delicious!! He is a serious Alpha guy, oh good lordy! Rena really does not stand a chance against all that power and sex appeal. They are a great pairing, once they get past the distrust.
The steam is uber hot!! There are some very interesting moments here, a bit of a psychic menage, totally hot!!! There is also some BDSM type play, not serious protocols, but definitely tied down with ropes! For a short read there is a real smexy punch!
The book is mostly from the two leads POV, giving you great insights into their characters. There is also a brief moment of the bad guy's perspective. It is a great way to make the read more engaging.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Johanna Fairview, who does a great job with the read. She has a deeper raspy tone to her voice. It really works for the smexy scenes and the men's voices. She also added just the right touch of softness to the women's voices. When it comes to the energy of the smexy scenes, this narrator really gets into things! You can feel the action and tension of the moment in her enthusiastic narration!
I can not wait to jump into the next book, yummy twin brother Cash! Oh yeah, I expect plenty of heat!
The background story is spaced out in the book. It takes a bit to really get the gist of what is happening with the magic and the world that is being created. I expect more will be revealed as the series continues. With four brothers, two sets of twins, I am thinking things will be very connected.
Graelen is very dark and delicious!! He is a serious Alpha guy, oh good lordy! Rena really does not stand a chance against all that power and sex appeal. They are a great pairing, once they get past the distrust.
The steam is uber hot!! There are some very interesting moments here, a bit of a psychic menage, totally hot!!! There is also some BDSM type play, not serious protocols, but definitely tied down with ropes! For a short read there is a real smexy punch!
The book is mostly from the two leads POV, giving you great insights into their characters. There is also a brief moment of the bad guy's perspective. It is a great way to make the read more engaging.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Johanna Fairview, who does a great job with the read. She has a deeper raspy tone to her voice. It really works for the smexy scenes and the men's voices. She also added just the right touch of softness to the women's voices. When it comes to the energy of the smexy scenes, this narrator really gets into things! You can feel the action and tension of the moment in her enthusiastic narration!
I can not wait to jump into the next book, yummy twin brother Cash! Oh yeah, I expect plenty of heat!
May 23, 2013
4.5 out of 5 stars. Has adult content with Magick mystery and steamy sex scenes
Rena it's looking to start trouble. She's a Tarot Historian commissioned with a particular set of tarot cards that had been eluding her and her empathic abilities for months. Seeing no other options, she has decided to go to the source and find the family that the card originated from. Little does she know that following this path is leading her to a destiny of both passion and pain.
Graelen has hidden from his destiny his whole life. His family has be cursed for generations and he is just one of the next generation doomed to fall pray to the dark side. He and his brothers each born with the power for good, are cursed to fall to the dark side. This prophecy has dictated how his family has lived for generations and now he finds the possible final cause for his damnation in Rena on his doorstep.
Rena has a hard path ahead of her. Graelen and his brothers have been raised under the rules of this prophecy. Can he see past the fear and listen to Rena long enough to find a way out? There's also the small problem of the evil that follows her to his doorstep and starts to attack them. Then things get really intense once Graelen's twin brother Cash shows up.
This was a really steamy book with some intense sex scenes taking advantage of the fact that our main characters are an empath and male witch. This book definitely is the first of a series setting up for the next book with a major cliff hanger. Was well written so I don't mind saying that I wouldn't hesitate to keep reading the series.
Jamie K
juliesbookreview.blogspot.com
Rena it's looking to start trouble. She's a Tarot Historian commissioned with a particular set of tarot cards that had been eluding her and her empathic abilities for months. Seeing no other options, she has decided to go to the source and find the family that the card originated from. Little does she know that following this path is leading her to a destiny of both passion and pain.
Graelen has hidden from his destiny his whole life. His family has be cursed for generations and he is just one of the next generation doomed to fall pray to the dark side. He and his brothers each born with the power for good, are cursed to fall to the dark side. This prophecy has dictated how his family has lived for generations and now he finds the possible final cause for his damnation in Rena on his doorstep.
Rena has a hard path ahead of her. Graelen and his brothers have been raised under the rules of this prophecy. Can he see past the fear and listen to Rena long enough to find a way out? There's also the small problem of the evil that follows her to his doorstep and starts to attack them. Then things get really intense once Graelen's twin brother Cash shows up.
This was a really steamy book with some intense sex scenes taking advantage of the fact that our main characters are an empath and male witch. This book definitely is the first of a series setting up for the next book with a major cliff hanger. Was well written so I don't mind saying that I wouldn't hesitate to keep reading the series.
Jamie K
juliesbookreview.blogspot.com
November 8, 2013
Somewhere between 3 1/2 & 4... stay tuned!
Yeah.. I'm still not sure.
This one wasn’t very long, but it managed to pack a lot into less than 100 pages. Maybe too much? I’m only saying that because by the end I still wanted to know more about the history of the brothers. There were times that I felt like both the history behind who and what the brothers were and their curse along with the forming bond between Graelen and Rena were just skimmed over.
Still, I liked this story and the ground work that was put in place for the rest of the series. I’ve picked up one other book in this series and I’m more than intrigued. I like the characters and Rena and Graelen were a great couple to start with. There was plenty of smexy heat, danger, mystery and interesting mythology and world building. The next novella, Magick Ignited, is a little bit longer (99 compared to Untamed Magick’s 74) so hopefully the story won’t seem as rushed. Stay tuned!
Yeah.. I'm still not sure.
This one wasn’t very long, but it managed to pack a lot into less than 100 pages. Maybe too much? I’m only saying that because by the end I still wanted to know more about the history of the brothers. There were times that I felt like both the history behind who and what the brothers were and their curse along with the forming bond between Graelen and Rena were just skimmed over.
Still, I liked this story and the ground work that was put in place for the rest of the series. I’ve picked up one other book in this series and I’m more than intrigued. I like the characters and Rena and Graelen were a great couple to start with. There was plenty of smexy heat, danger, mystery and interesting mythology and world building. The next novella, Magick Ignited, is a little bit longer (99 compared to Untamed Magick’s 74) so hopefully the story won’t seem as rushed. Stay tuned!
July 19, 2015
It's kind of a cliffhanger...the characters don't fall in "love" despite a very strong connection and the last few paragraphs indicate that she is still unsure. It ends enough that you don't really worry about them getting together for good, but nothing is resolved. I would have liked it better if it had been a complete book, but part of a running plot line. That said, I think the writing is pretty great, although I think when the heroine is speaking to herself in her mind that it should be in italics, as the tense changes. The sex:story ratio was a bit high in favor of the sex and there's a bit of anal play. The threesome but not a threesome scene was quite interesting, I must say. Props for originality for that one.
August 14, 2015
Graelen knows that if he lets Rena in the door he's leading himself to his ruin. His family of witches knows that there is one woman who will destroy each of them and Rena is that woman to him. Rena has a mystery on her hands and knows that the Scott family can help her unravel that mystery. When a set of Tarot cards spills from her bag Graelen knows he can't trust her because that set was stolen from his home months ago. Rena didn't understand that they were stolen and only wants to understand the Scott family history. Because she feels like she is the key to his salvation. Will their attraction hinder their chance at a HEA? Good story that will offer full completion as the series continues. Leaves me intrigued to see what comes next!
August 15, 2012
This is book 1 in the Pentacles of Magick series.... It' about 2 sets of twins believed to be cursed forever...Grelen Scott is the oldest of the 1st set of twins (his twin is Cash) and a witch.... Rena is an empath on a mission.... She is a Tarot Historian and was given a set of tarot cards which were stollen from Grae's vault..... clueless of this fact she turns up at his door with a lot of questions and demands answers.... well so does Grae who doesn't trust Rena or his how she makes him feel
A good 1st book... I highly recommend this book
ENJOY :D
sorry for spelling errors i am on my phone
A good 1st book... I highly recommend this book
ENJOY :D
sorry for spelling errors i am on my phone
April 9, 2014
This is a well written novel and honestly it entranced me from the moment I started reading it, but I ended the book very confused. The story line was okay but it left me wanting something more of a conclusions, a climax anything besides....talk, sex, book done. It leaves an opening for another book but I'm not sure I want to go out an buy that if it ends like this one. For an Erotica this book was okay, but as a story it didn't explain everything and every time our main heroine was trying to explain it she was shut up by her domineering partner/match who instantly fell in love with her. The novel left me with more questions than answers.
August 16, 2014
The storyline was interesting with a family curse brothers with dark power about to destroy them and a prophecy, I just couldn't get past this like cheap porno feel it took me so long to finish this book I personally had no desire to finish it but it's only 80 pages or so. Not my particular style of reading I can't really express how to me it felt the way it did. It's definitely an erotic short story read and from the sounds of it only gets more erotic, if your interested in paranormal erotic mystery than you might find this to be the book for you. Characters are good female lead is smart and strong and very lustful, male lead is strong and affectionate.
April 28, 2013
Graelen and his brothers are some very hot.sexy..intimating witches with a curse placed on them. Rena is a historian and empathy Gaelen believes is their destruction. They can not deny the heat that sizzles between them but will it destroy or save Gaelen. Some very hot dominate scenes and the ability to entice you to come back for more. I immediately went on amazon to buy the series after getting the first as a free read on amazon kindle. Eliza has moved into my top five favorite hot read authors.
July 10, 2016
Short and Hot book!!
Four brothers that are living with a curse that is said to one day kill them all. They are waiting for the one woman that will set in all in motion. Once she shows up at the elder brothers home does he realize that their bond is more than the prophecy explained.
A lot of gaps in this book and it just moved too darn fast. The ending left you hanging as well as the last love scene. The writing was pretty good. I think the author had a mature hand. These books would do well to be longer.
I will not read the rest of these books. They are just too short!
Four brothers that are living with a curse that is said to one day kill them all. They are waiting for the one woman that will set in all in motion. Once she shows up at the elder brothers home does he realize that their bond is more than the prophecy explained.
A lot of gaps in this book and it just moved too darn fast. The ending left you hanging as well as the last love scene. The writing was pretty good. I think the author had a mature hand. These books would do well to be longer.
I will not read the rest of these books. They are just too short!
September 4, 2014
I read so many erotic books that, can not, for some reason mix adventure with sex. Soooo many move from hump to hump with no support from the adventure! Untamed was a pleasant surprise. Especially because it cost nothing! Most of the books offered for free, should be. I think Mz. Gayle should put a price tag on this one. The characters were engaging, the story moved flawlessly, and the adventure was__ THERE! Only negative...too short. Give me about 500 pages, I would make it 5 stars, and spend $10. - $12. Eliza!
May 10, 2013
I would not tell the story for it is all in the description.
The plot is somehow confusing for me. How would Rena be in any help to the twins? Is she destined only Graelen (a poorly chosen name for a hero) or for Cash as well? Instead of adding many sex scenes, the story should more focus on the plot and add more action scenes.
The ending is cut-off, without any answers to the needed question, and no confirmation if Rena and Graelen fell in love. The story keeps me hanging.
The plot is somehow confusing for me. How would Rena be in any help to the twins? Is she destined only Graelen (a poorly chosen name for a hero) or for Cash as well? Instead of adding many sex scenes, the story should more focus on the plot and add more action scenes.
The ending is cut-off, without any answers to the needed question, and no confirmation if Rena and Graelen fell in love. The story keeps me hanging.
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