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Druid's Curse #2
A Flicker of Hope
Kegan Tulach already knew that monsters were real. He’d faced them. Watched in horror as they killed those he loved. Then run from them. It was his response for the past two years. But now, on his twenty-first birthday, running wasn’t an option. He had no where to go. It was time for him to face his worst nightmare.
There weren’t many people who could do what Bjorn did. Fight monsters and live to tell the tale. It was a job thrust upon him as a kid. If he had known the true hell that would be cursed upon him, he would have preferred to die even though he’d only been fourteen at the time. Now, years later, he had hope that the curse would come to an end. The question was, would he choose the death he’d so desperately craved for more than a millennia, or would he do the one thing he swore he’d never do? Choose love.
If Kegan and Bjorn can find a way past their fears, they may discover something worth living for - each other.
This is a stand alone with an HEA, but reading the first book is recommended for full enjoyment.
There weren’t many people who could do what Bjorn did. Fight monsters and live to tell the tale. It was a job thrust upon him as a kid. If he had known the true hell that would be cursed upon him, he would have preferred to die even though he’d only been fourteen at the time. Now, years later, he had hope that the curse would come to an end. The question was, would he choose the death he’d so desperately craved for more than a millennia, or would he do the one thing he swore he’d never do? Choose love.
If Kegan and Bjorn can find a way past their fears, they may discover something worth living for - each other.
This is a stand alone with an HEA, but reading the first book is recommended for full enjoyment.
138 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 29, 2019
17 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Shea Balik
155 books264 followersBestselling author of the Cedar Falls Series, Hart Medical Center Series, Miracle Series, and Paranormal Wars Series, Shea Balik has always had a vivid imagination with stories running around in her head. Often her stories are taken from observations of other people with her own spin.
Traveling is one of her favorite ways of fulfilling her passion of people watching. You never know, one day you may spark her imagination for her next book.
Whether at home or traveling she is usually in front of her computer writing or curled up with a good book.
Traveling is one of her favorite ways of fulfilling her passion of people watching. You never know, one day you may spark her imagination for her next book.
Whether at home or traveling she is usually in front of her computer writing or curled up with a good book.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 13, 2019
Sassy and sarcastic! Another fun addition to this magical series filled with ancient curses, fae and druids.
May 19, 2021
I liked it! It does seem to me like the druids got the short end of the stick and the vikings could've used more help to protect them. I like Keegan. He seems like a very relatable person
June 4, 2019
Oh my word do I love Kegan! The smart ass in him calls to me like a spirit animal lol. Yes, it’s a defense thing, but it’s still funny as hell. Even when terrified, he lets it rip and definitely makes things interesting. This has been a good series so far. I love the whole immortal thing and the fae. Druids and curses. Each character has such a personality and it’s been fun watching them all try to mesh while trying to survive.
After two years, Kegan figures he’d be used to the nightmares that is the Unseelie. After seeing his family ripped to shreds, especially his brother, who was his best friend. But nothing can get him past those images forever burned in his mind. And now it’s his 21st birthday. Time for his ritual and power. And admitting he’s terrified is putting it mildly. He bought a gun to keep with him, but it don’t do much good if he can’t use it. He goes out to do his ritual anyway, and is faced with the horrors of his nightmares. The Unseelie pets. Out of nowhere, some gorgeous behemoth of a man comes to help and save him, but Kegan doesn’t know how to fight. Bjorn is trying to get him to use his power but he doesn’t know how and believes he doesn’t have it. He does and uses it twice, unbeknownst to him, but it doesn’t save them. He is injured and Bjorn does all he can to get them to safety and to get Kegan healed. Kegan almost dies, but eventually gets better and now it’s time for the truth of everything and time to train. Time to put the stories he’s been told his whole life to use and use the rituals that have been handed down as well. Time to save the world. But each time they got to do a ritual, it seems more monsters are coming out, and they don’t know if this time they will survive.
Even being told stories of your heritage your whole life, never prepares you for the actual reality of what to face. I couldn’t imagine seeing the stuff of nightmares standing in front of you, ready to deliver your death. And nightmare is putting it mildly. These suckers put ugly to shame. I don’t blame Kegan a bit by freezing up or being scared. It’s terrifying to face your own mortality. But what made the scary parts not quite as scary, is that in the face of being scared or something, Kegan is a smartass with a capital S. And it is funny as hell. He goads Bjorn like you wouldn’t believe, goes toe to toe with a fae that could easily kill him and he doesn’t blink. It’s hilarious. He even goes toe to toe with the other smartass of the group, Arne, and believe me, it has you laughing your head off. It’s not easy what they are trying to do. Being injured the way he was, he’s already discouraged, and then being told constantly he will never be ready, just adds to the disappointment in himself.
But that’s where Bjorn is perfect. Bjorn is fighting the pull of the curse with all he has, but he can’t deny he’s falling for the little shit. He’s proud of how well Kegan is trying to keep it together, even when all he does is complain. But what’s great about Bjorn, too, is he is a natural nurturer. Each of the immortals have their own little things that make them the strong group they are, and Bjorn is a nurturer. You’d think not as big as the man is. You’d think he’s scary as hell, and when it comes to fighting, he is. But anywhere else, and most of the time, he’s a huge teddy bear. Which is funny all things considering. You’ll see what I mean when you read it.
It’s a good series. I’m really enjoying it. The one I’m waiting for, though, is to see who Arne gets stuck with. Because that is going to be the funniest of all.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
After two years, Kegan figures he’d be used to the nightmares that is the Unseelie. After seeing his family ripped to shreds, especially his brother, who was his best friend. But nothing can get him past those images forever burned in his mind. And now it’s his 21st birthday. Time for his ritual and power. And admitting he’s terrified is putting it mildly. He bought a gun to keep with him, but it don’t do much good if he can’t use it. He goes out to do his ritual anyway, and is faced with the horrors of his nightmares. The Unseelie pets. Out of nowhere, some gorgeous behemoth of a man comes to help and save him, but Kegan doesn’t know how to fight. Bjorn is trying to get him to use his power but he doesn’t know how and believes he doesn’t have it. He does and uses it twice, unbeknownst to him, but it doesn’t save them. He is injured and Bjorn does all he can to get them to safety and to get Kegan healed. Kegan almost dies, but eventually gets better and now it’s time for the truth of everything and time to train. Time to put the stories he’s been told his whole life to use and use the rituals that have been handed down as well. Time to save the world. But each time they got to do a ritual, it seems more monsters are coming out, and they don’t know if this time they will survive.
Even being told stories of your heritage your whole life, never prepares you for the actual reality of what to face. I couldn’t imagine seeing the stuff of nightmares standing in front of you, ready to deliver your death. And nightmare is putting it mildly. These suckers put ugly to shame. I don’t blame Kegan a bit by freezing up or being scared. It’s terrifying to face your own mortality. But what made the scary parts not quite as scary, is that in the face of being scared or something, Kegan is a smartass with a capital S. And it is funny as hell. He goads Bjorn like you wouldn’t believe, goes toe to toe with a fae that could easily kill him and he doesn’t blink. It’s hilarious. He even goes toe to toe with the other smartass of the group, Arne, and believe me, it has you laughing your head off. It’s not easy what they are trying to do. Being injured the way he was, he’s already discouraged, and then being told constantly he will never be ready, just adds to the disappointment in himself.
But that’s where Bjorn is perfect. Bjorn is fighting the pull of the curse with all he has, but he can’t deny he’s falling for the little shit. He’s proud of how well Kegan is trying to keep it together, even when all he does is complain. But what’s great about Bjorn, too, is he is a natural nurturer. Each of the immortals have their own little things that make them the strong group they are, and Bjorn is a nurturer. You’d think not as big as the man is. You’d think he’s scary as hell, and when it comes to fighting, he is. But anywhere else, and most of the time, he’s a huge teddy bear. Which is funny all things considering. You’ll see what I mean when you read it.
It’s a good series. I’m really enjoying it. The one I’m waiting for, though, is to see who Arne gets stuck with. Because that is going to be the funniest of all.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
October 3, 2019
very good story.. good characters.. good plot.. interesting and sexy and so much fun. i enjoyed the storyline and fiestiness and love .it was all around fun.
September 18, 2019
Another great add to the series. Kegan and Bjorn are a perfect mix of differences. This series keeps getting better and better, Kegan is sassy and hilarious. Bjorn has a harder shell that takes time to get to know him and love him as much. I loved how these two met and how the push and pull made their connect even more sexy. This was filled with personal struggles and more bad guys that need to fight against. Can't wait for the next. I voluntarily reviewed an 'Advance Author’s Copy' of this book.
September 12, 2019
A Flicker of Hope is the second book in the Druid's Curse series by Shea Balik. In this book we get to meet another couple who has a part to play in the overall plot arc. Kegan and Bjorn are an interesting couple and thier story is filled with drama, humor, romance and slimy bad guys. This book did a great job of pumping up my interest for more books in the series.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
September 3, 2021
Great book 2 of a great wonderful captivating series. Fae, witches and 1000 year old Vikings come together to stop the evil fae from gaining entry to our world and taking over. Through in an ever expanding understanding if how it all started and you felt drawn further and further into the whole set of books. Read it and enjoy.
August 21, 2019
Excellent
This series keeps going strong. Kegan's feistiness was a perfect balance to Bjorn's reticence. I loved that they needed to spend so much time alone t together to really get to know each other before making it to the compound in Colorado.
This series keeps going strong. Kegan's feistiness was a perfect balance to Bjorn's reticence. I loved that they needed to spend so much time alone t together to really get to know each other before making it to the compound in Colorado.
September 20, 2019
Loving this series
I loved Kegan and Bjorn were very likable, engaging characters and their story is a great second installment in the Druid's Curse series. I can't wait to jump into book 3.
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book*
I loved Kegan and Bjorn were very likable, engaging characters and their story is a great second installment in the Druid's Curse series. I can't wait to jump into book 3.
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book*
September 17, 2019
I Readed the first one and how the second one. And again I enjoyed them both greatly. And again I couldn't put it down. Shea tell a story so great. You'll be hooked.
July 27, 2020
I am really enjoying this series so far. Well written with well developed characters.
October 19, 2020
Bjorn and Kegan’s story continues the series. Bjorn finds Kegan in a fight for his life. Injured Kegan does what he can to help but ends up passing out. Bjorn takes Kegan and flees. Recuperating in different areas the two finally make it Bjorn’s home.
I liked the entire story. Each of stories contain a different element at play and I was intrigued by Kegans gift. Bjorn was tough yet sweet. I am looking forward to reading about who else in Bjorn’s group finds their mate as well as what the druid’s power will be when they find them.
Fantastic read.
Reviewed for mmgoodbookreviews.com
I liked the entire story. Each of stories contain a different element at play and I was intrigued by Kegans gift. Bjorn was tough yet sweet. I am looking forward to reading about who else in Bjorn’s group finds their mate as well as what the druid’s power will be when they find them.
Fantastic read.
Reviewed for mmgoodbookreviews.com
July 1, 2020
Rating: 3.5 stars
I liked this book better than the first one in the series. Mainly because I liked the MCs better. I really liked Kegan and his sarcasm. Bjorn was a bit annoying in the beginning, but I soon warmed up to him. It was good to see them both interact with the characters from the first book. I especially liked Kegan’s and Meghan’s interaction during their car trip. I also am confused because in this book Bjorn tells Kegan he’ll be immortal after claiming but I could swear they said in the first book that the druids wouldn’t be immortal until after the final ritual. So while not perfect, I did enjoy the book and will read more in the future.
I liked this book better than the first one in the series. Mainly because I liked the MCs better. I really liked Kegan and his sarcasm. Bjorn was a bit annoying in the beginning, but I soon warmed up to him. It was good to see them both interact with the characters from the first book. I especially liked Kegan’s and Meghan’s interaction during their car trip. I also am confused because in this book Bjorn tells Kegan he’ll be immortal after claiming but I could swear they said in the first book that the druids wouldn’t be immortal until after the final ritual. So while not perfect, I did enjoy the book and will read more in the future.
April 3, 2024
Bjorn and Kegan are SO HOT!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews