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Druid's Curse #7
Tears of Life
Mingus had one true love in life, animals. None of them were off the list, although, if he were completely honest, his favorite was his cat, Pretty Baby. He never imagined one day he might have to put someone else first. Not just anyone, but the man who has stolen his heart.
For centuries Oluf has dreamed of finding the one destined to be his. He’d even anticipated the need to woo him by becoming a chef. After all, according to his mother, the way to a man’s heart was through his stomach. What he hadn’t expected was that he would come in second to a cat with sharp claws, who seemed to enjoy using people as her personal scratching post.
As Mingus, Oluf, and their friends get closer to Samhain, the Fae will try to stop them using everything at their disposal. It means finding a way to work together, even if it takes shedding a few Tears of Life to do so. But in the end, will the fate of the human world come down to a cat?
For centuries Oluf has dreamed of finding the one destined to be his. He’d even anticipated the need to woo him by becoming a chef. After all, according to his mother, the way to a man’s heart was through his stomach. What he hadn’t expected was that he would come in second to a cat with sharp claws, who seemed to enjoy using people as her personal scratching post.
As Mingus, Oluf, and their friends get closer to Samhain, the Fae will try to stop them using everything at their disposal. It means finding a way to work together, even if it takes shedding a few Tears of Life to do so. But in the end, will the fate of the human world come down to a cat?
- GenresLGBTM M Romance
188 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2019
14 people are currently reading
25 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 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 20, 2021
The devil works hard, but apparently the fae work harder. The fate of the world is about to come to a head, and it's up to our (nearly complete) team of druids to solve it, along with their viking companions. Mingus, our unfortunately named protagonist, is an absolute cinnamon roll and deserves all the good stuff Oluf is down to bestowing.
They need to save the world first, though.
They need to save the world first, though.
October 17, 2019
I’m getting sad. One more book and it’s all over. And things are getting hot right now. Seelie and Unseelie both are using every trick and everything in the book to stop the Veil from closing and to kill the druids.
This is Oluf’s story. He’s been a bit jealous of seeing everyone paired up. He and Brandt both, as they are the last two without their mates. But when Oluf sees Mingus, he knows this is the one for him. It’s even harder for him when Mingus is hurt by a Seelie, with a knife of all things. But when they are finally able to be home, it’s frustrating Oluf because the passion he had for cooking is being ruined because he can’t spend time with his new man. Everyone is being demanding of him in the kitchen. And when Mingus realizes what’s happening, he tried to help Oluf as much as he can so they can be together. To the point, Mingus puts his foot down. Everyone is going to help with food chores so Oluf isn’t slaving away all damn day. But the tension from the Fae are making things worse. First the Seelie showing up ready to cross the Veil in armies, then the Unseelie trying to come as a peace offering only to discover they were being distracted while others were trying to kidnap Tess. Unfortunately for the Fae, they have no idea how strong Tess really is or has become. To make matters worse, they were enthralled this time. And even though they broke it, it hit Kayleigh hard. Too hard. And they all agreed that maybe it was time to get her some counseling to help her. The hard part is finding someone who won’t try to put them all in a padded room. But the women they found and thought they could trust with Kayleigh, has either betrayed them all or has become a victim herself. Because Kayleigh is gone. The fae have got her and have given the druid’s a choice. Stop the ritual and save Kayleigh or keep going and she dies. And the only one left to make the right choice, is Mingus. Who is now dealing with the grief and guilt. Is she still alive? Can they save her? And if not, how do they go on? It’s getting to close to Samhain for the final ritual and all bets are off. It’s a fight for survival.
Mingus hasn’t exactly had the best of times with things. He knows and has known about the rituals and all it entails from the time he was a kid. He didn’t know the story of the Vikings or the immortality and such but he’s learning. And his magical power is amazing. His love for his ugly little kitty, has touched the hearts of everyone when they hear it and realize how compassionate he really is. But he’s had to make some tough choices since coming to be with the rest of them. And it’s all riding on his shoulders. He’s never had to make such hard decisions and the fact that it makes him cry, just shows how compassionate he really is. But it makes him feel weak. Which is so far from the truth it’s not even funny. And that’s where I love Oluf all the more. Oluf has done everything as a perfect gentleman for Mingus. And it has made Mingus feel more alive and more cherished than he has his entire life. He’s perfect for Mingus. Showing Mingus the decisions he had to make, while hard, were correct and the right thing. And Mingus has give Oluf, basically a new life. He feels whole and happy. Especially since Mingus stands up for him. Which no one has ever done.
I’m anxious for the last book to see how this is going to end. It’s been a rough journey for all involved and with the end in sight, it’s more frightening than ever. Because all the stops are being pulled by the Fae. But it’s been one hell of a ride. I’ve truly enjoyed this series. I hope you guys have too, and if you haven’t read it, then give it a shot. It’s really good.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
This is Oluf’s story. He’s been a bit jealous of seeing everyone paired up. He and Brandt both, as they are the last two without their mates. But when Oluf sees Mingus, he knows this is the one for him. It’s even harder for him when Mingus is hurt by a Seelie, with a knife of all things. But when they are finally able to be home, it’s frustrating Oluf because the passion he had for cooking is being ruined because he can’t spend time with his new man. Everyone is being demanding of him in the kitchen. And when Mingus realizes what’s happening, he tried to help Oluf as much as he can so they can be together. To the point, Mingus puts his foot down. Everyone is going to help with food chores so Oluf isn’t slaving away all damn day. But the tension from the Fae are making things worse. First the Seelie showing up ready to cross the Veil in armies, then the Unseelie trying to come as a peace offering only to discover they were being distracted while others were trying to kidnap Tess. Unfortunately for the Fae, they have no idea how strong Tess really is or has become. To make matters worse, they were enthralled this time. And even though they broke it, it hit Kayleigh hard. Too hard. And they all agreed that maybe it was time to get her some counseling to help her. The hard part is finding someone who won’t try to put them all in a padded room. But the women they found and thought they could trust with Kayleigh, has either betrayed them all or has become a victim herself. Because Kayleigh is gone. The fae have got her and have given the druid’s a choice. Stop the ritual and save Kayleigh or keep going and she dies. And the only one left to make the right choice, is Mingus. Who is now dealing with the grief and guilt. Is she still alive? Can they save her? And if not, how do they go on? It’s getting to close to Samhain for the final ritual and all bets are off. It’s a fight for survival.
Mingus hasn’t exactly had the best of times with things. He knows and has known about the rituals and all it entails from the time he was a kid. He didn’t know the story of the Vikings or the immortality and such but he’s learning. And his magical power is amazing. His love for his ugly little kitty, has touched the hearts of everyone when they hear it and realize how compassionate he really is. But he’s had to make some tough choices since coming to be with the rest of them. And it’s all riding on his shoulders. He’s never had to make such hard decisions and the fact that it makes him cry, just shows how compassionate he really is. But it makes him feel weak. Which is so far from the truth it’s not even funny. And that’s where I love Oluf all the more. Oluf has done everything as a perfect gentleman for Mingus. And it has made Mingus feel more alive and more cherished than he has his entire life. He’s perfect for Mingus. Showing Mingus the decisions he had to make, while hard, were correct and the right thing. And Mingus has give Oluf, basically a new life. He feels whole and happy. Especially since Mingus stands up for him. Which no one has ever done.
I’m anxious for the last book to see how this is going to end. It’s been a rough journey for all involved and with the end in sight, it’s more frightening than ever. Because all the stops are being pulled by the Fae. But it’s been one hell of a ride. I’ve truly enjoyed this series. I hope you guys have too, and if you haven’t read it, then give it a shot. It’s really good.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
October 31, 2019
this was sooo sexy and interesting and fun. oluf is just adorable.. and his pairing with mingus made me happy. they are so sweet and cute.. and it was all around a good story and very well written. loved it
October 19, 2020
I loved Mingus and Oluf’s story. A lot takes place in this exciting addition as the group once again begin to make plans for the ritual. I was impressed by Mingus and was awed when his ability made itself known in a huge way. Mingus’ cats story was so sad it brought tears to my eyes.
The Unseelie and Seelie both made it known what they wanted in different ways. But it was the near the end that both broke my heart and angered me at what happened to Kyleigh and what of Fin. I hope to find out more about them in the next book and to see all eight druid’s in action.
These books must be read in order to enjoy them fully as each picks up where the last leaves off. I highly recommend this intriguing series with it’s colorful characters a well as their unique abilities in each book.
Each story is brought to life with an amazing cast of people as well as an epic plot that has evolved from book one.
Fantastic read and highly recommended.
Reviewed for mmgoodbookreviews.com
The Unseelie and Seelie both made it known what they wanted in different ways. But it was the near the end that both broke my heart and angered me at what happened to Kyleigh and what of Fin. I hope to find out more about them in the next book and to see all eight druid’s in action.
These books must be read in order to enjoy them fully as each picks up where the last leaves off. I highly recommend this intriguing series with it’s colorful characters a well as their unique abilities in each book.
Each story is brought to life with an amazing cast of people as well as an epic plot that has evolved from book one.
Fantastic read and highly recommended.
Reviewed for mmgoodbookreviews.com
October 5, 2023
Fantastic story of a set of 8 books
October 17, 2019
Tears of Life is the seventh book in the Druid's Curse series by Shea Balik. The immortal Vikings and their Druid mates and family continue their battle against the unseelie/fae in this story and another fated pairing is made.
Mignus and Oluf are amazing characters and I'm in love. Oluf is adorable loveable, protecting his made, trying to woo his mate with food... I was swooning. And Magnus standing up for his mate and making others respect his worth more was great. These two are perfect.
The story was exciting, fun, and entertaining, there is the danger aspect, dealing with everything that has happened, fear for what's to come, love of the group, and the sweet and steamy mate pairings. I can not wait for the eighth book to come out and see what comes next.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
Mignus and Oluf are amazing characters and I'm in love. Oluf is adorable loveable, protecting his made, trying to woo his mate with food... I was swooning. And Magnus standing up for his mate and making others respect his worth more was great. These two are perfect.
The story was exciting, fun, and entertaining, there is the danger aspect, dealing with everything that has happened, fear for what's to come, love of the group, and the sweet and steamy mate pairings. I can not wait for the eighth book to come out and see what comes next.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
November 1, 2019
Wow, this ending is heartbreaking
I was going to only rate this book at three stars, but that ending was dramatic, tragic, and heartwrenching. It definitely earned a star all on its own.
Unfortunately, the rest of the book was merely ok. Mingus and Oluf got remarkably little screen time, in their own book, and it all felt very abbreviated and clipped. Almost all of their initial time getting to know one another happened in the background and each would know things about the other's past that I could only assume they had give over during those tines. Added to that, I thought that Mingus' parents did a disappearing act like in the last book for as little as we hear or see them in this story. I was only proven wrong at the very end, when they're suddenly brought up again.
I was going to only rate this book at three stars, but that ending was dramatic, tragic, and heartwrenching. It definitely earned a star all on its own.
Unfortunately, the rest of the book was merely ok. Mingus and Oluf got remarkably little screen time, in their own book, and it all felt very abbreviated and clipped. Almost all of their initial time getting to know one another happened in the background and each would know things about the other's past that I could only assume they had give over during those tines. Added to that, I thought that Mingus' parents did a disappearing act like in the last book for as little as we hear or see them in this story. I was only proven wrong at the very end, when they're suddenly brought up again.
October 20, 2019
Another great add to the series. Mingus and Oluf are adorable; I love this Universe more and more with each book. These two were so sweet and you felt their connection from the start. I can't wait to see what happens next for this series. I voluntarily reviewed an 'Advance Author’s Copy' of this book.
October 20, 2019
Another great addition to the series. Things take a turn for the darker and desperate in this second to last book leaving me highly anticipating the last one. I enjoyed the characters and loved watching their relationship develop. I definitely can’t wait for the conclusion!
October 24, 2019
Can this get better, will yes they can. Each book is enjoyable, each book pull you in. Each book is different. This one made me cry, and smile. I think I enjoyed this one the most. I can't wait for the next book to come out.
February 4, 2020
Mingus and Olaf must work together with friends to fight back. The action unfolds between the romance and makes for a hell of a read.
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April 5, 2024
Omri takes Kyleigh through the veil and Mingus is the only one left whose will is strong enough to close it, trapping her with Omri, forever. Did the new druid, Rowan betray them? Or is something else going on that gave Omri access to Kyleigh. Mingus and Oluf, now mated, swear revenge.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews