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A Faerie Story
Once upon a time,
the fate of three men was decided in a world where it was forever Christmas.
A faerie forced to flee his homeland
Kaegan lives in fear of his vicious twin brother. Tormented and abused, his only option is to escape to the one place he knows he’ll be safe: Inverkillen, a haven of magic, eternal Christmas where he has the chance to live the life he craves. But leaving Faerieland means taking a huge risk.
A man searching for a second chance
Aiden’s world is broken. Life is a dark and wretched place—until a chance encounter with Kaegan gives him hope for a brighter future. But fate has never been Aiden’s friend. No sooner has Kaegan come into his life, than he’s gone. Aiden is resigned to loneliness, but after he makes a startling discovery, he takes a decision that could be the biggest gamble of his life.
An anguished soul ready to end it all
Pascal is afraid to love. He’s determined not to risk his heart when he knows everything can be snatched away in a single moment. A fateful meeting leads to a night of enchantment and passion, leaving Pascal hungry to know more about the mysterious Kaegan. But when morning comes, Kaegan is gone, leaving Pascal to follow the one clue he has to the beautiful stranger’s whereabouts.
Three men in search of a second chance, deep in a snowy wilderness. Will Christmas cast its magic to give them the greatest gift of all: their Happy Ever After?
the fate of three men was decided in a world where it was forever Christmas.
A faerie forced to flee his homeland
Kaegan lives in fear of his vicious twin brother. Tormented and abused, his only option is to escape to the one place he knows he’ll be safe: Inverkillen, a haven of magic, eternal Christmas where he has the chance to live the life he craves. But leaving Faerieland means taking a huge risk.
A man searching for a second chance
Aiden’s world is broken. Life is a dark and wretched place—until a chance encounter with Kaegan gives him hope for a brighter future. But fate has never been Aiden’s friend. No sooner has Kaegan come into his life, than he’s gone. Aiden is resigned to loneliness, but after he makes a startling discovery, he takes a decision that could be the biggest gamble of his life.
An anguished soul ready to end it all
Pascal is afraid to love. He’s determined not to risk his heart when he knows everything can be snatched away in a single moment. A fateful meeting leads to a night of enchantment and passion, leaving Pascal hungry to know more about the mysterious Kaegan. But when morning comes, Kaegan is gone, leaving Pascal to follow the one clue he has to the beautiful stranger’s whereabouts.
Three men in search of a second chance, deep in a snowy wilderness. Will Christmas cast its magic to give them the greatest gift of all: their Happy Ever After?
254 pages, ebook
First published November 1, 2019
27 people are currently reading
379 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Elsborg
100 books1,677 followersBarbara Elsborg lives in Kent in the south of England. She always wanted to be a spy, but having confessed to everyone without them even resorting to torture, she decided it was not for her. Volcanology scorched her feet. A morbid fear of sharks put paid to marine biology. So instead, she spent several years successfully selling cyanide.
After dragging up two rotten, ungrateful children and frustrating her sexy, devoted, wonderful husband (who can now stop twisting her arm) she finally has time to conduct an affair with an electrifying plugged-in male, her laptop.
Her books feature quirky heroines and bad boys, and she hopes they are as much fun to read as they are to write.
After dragging up two rotten, ungrateful children and frustrating her sexy, devoted, wonderful husband (who can now stop twisting her arm) she finally has time to conduct an affair with an electrifying plugged-in male, her laptop.
Her books feature quirky heroines and bad boys, and she hopes they are as much fun to read as they are to write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
October 30, 2019
4.5
Utterly charming.
Snow globes+Faeries+Christmas+Snow+Three adorable men (who I absolutely fell in love with)
Barbara Elsborg certainly knows to craft a story.Things are never dull,never the same in her world.
.This one pulled me in from the beginning and never let go.
It's kind of centered around Christmas but I wouldn't say it's just a Christmas story at all.
Let's begin then,although I'm not giving much away.
Three men who are definitely destined to be together.I'm not normally a fan of MMM but this was just delightful.
The story opens when they are young boys and their stories make for uncomfortable reading at times.Honestly my heart hurt for Aiden so many times.But it's important to get their back stories because they've definitely made them the men they are today.
So,what's a Fearie to do when life in Fearieland gets unbearable? Go to a happy place where it's Christmas all the time and he can create anything his heart desires.
He didn't envisage meeting two totally different men who would change his life forever.
I loved these men for different reasons but my favourite character was Aiden without a doubt.I just loved his determination,resilience,and dry humour.You know when you just connect to a character from the beginning of a book?
I have such a fondness for books from this Author.I absolutely love how she writes,creates such fascinating characters who are far from perfect but always loveable and her stories are never the same....but always enjoyable.
A Christmas story with a difference...
Recommend.
Review copy.
This review is posted on DirtyBooksObsession
Utterly charming.
Snow globes+Faeries+Christmas+Snow+Three adorable men (who I absolutely fell in love with)
Barbara Elsborg certainly knows to craft a story.Things are never dull,never the same in her world.
.This one pulled me in from the beginning and never let go.
It's kind of centered around Christmas but I wouldn't say it's just a Christmas story at all.
Let's begin then,although I'm not giving much away.
Three men who are definitely destined to be together.I'm not normally a fan of MMM but this was just delightful.
The story opens when they are young boys and their stories make for uncomfortable reading at times.Honestly my heart hurt for Aiden so many times.But it's important to get their back stories because they've definitely made them the men they are today.
So,what's a Fearie to do when life in Fearieland gets unbearable? Go to a happy place where it's Christmas all the time and he can create anything his heart desires.
He didn't envisage meeting two totally different men who would change his life forever.
I loved these men for different reasons but my favourite character was Aiden without a doubt.I just loved his determination,resilience,and dry humour.You know when you just connect to a character from the beginning of a book?
I have such a fondness for books from this Author.I absolutely love how she writes,creates such fascinating characters who are far from perfect but always loveable and her stories are never the same....but always enjoyable.
A Christmas story with a difference...
Recommend.
Review copy.
This review is posted on DirtyBooksObsession
December 28, 2020
Wow, this story had a bit of everything *and* the kitchen sink going on, but not in a bad way.
In addition to the really great world building, the book had tons of great characters, including the three MC's.
First, we learned about Aiden and his awful childhood, raised by an abusive, cruel mother who never wanted him. In the very first chapter, when hearing about what his "best Christmas ever" consisted of, GAH, that shit broke my heart in two right down the middle.
Then we were introduced to Kaegan, a powerful seventh son of a seventh son of a seventh son, which gave him extraordinary faerie powers, earning him hatred and torture from his evil, twin brother.
And lastly we met Pascal, who'd suffered a childhood trauma from which he'd never fully recovered, leaving him guarded, fearful, and with no regard for the value of his own life.
Yet, in spite of all that, the three men completed one another in a way none of them had ever known before.
During the course of the book, not only were their pasts covered in a good bit of detail, but also a magical royal ball, enchanted snow globes, imprisonment with a five-year-old and his dog, long ago secrets of true identities revealed, and plots of devious siblings overcome.
I loved several of the side characters, with a few others fully earning my genuine contempt and hatred, but they all added to the overall plot arc, so they felt relevant, instead of only being added as filler.
The story had some humorous moments, thanks mostly to Aiden, but I wouldn't really categorize it as a funny or snarky read.
The angst was fairly moderate, with a few moments of "less moderate", and there was a good bit of steam, without spiking the ball so often in The Dick Zone that I was constantly reaching to throw some bitches their panties back.
The story ended with a full-on, fantasy-level HEA and an epilogue from a year later, which may or may not have approached being sappily sweet, but it didn't bother me.
My one major issue with the book was that, although Goodreads reports the book's length at 254 pages, according to my usually-accurate eReader app, the *actual* length was closer to 350+ pages.
So by the time that I got to around 75% in, I was freaking DYING for the story to be wrap up, so that I could move on to my next read.
As a rule, I don't mind longer books, but the pacing of this story felt a bit mired in quicksand, while I wanted events to transpire more quickly.
I'd rate this book at around 3.75 stars and recommend it to fantasy readers with a taste for longer-feeling stories.
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My ARC copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
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November 9, 2019
I never really know what I’m going to get when I open a story by Elsborg but I do know it will be an incredible time. A Faerie Story is a perfect example. This story has a lot going on though as the pages flipped by one golden thread glistened brightly. Fate. True Love. Happily Ever After. Fate brought these souls together and demonstrated the power of true love which consequently delivers their happily ever after. Yes, I’m repeating this for it bears echoing. There is a magnificent HEA. Because I won’t sugarcoat and tell you this adventure is carefree or easy. There is pain and suffering and torment. As we are introduced to these three we are given an adequate history and I thought the first backstory was dreadful. Then we discover the next and my heart began to crack. And as the final addition was made I clutched my heart to keep it from splintering into pieces. Owie. Yet, no matter what was thrown at them, they endured…they survived. And most importantly, they loved and were loved. As we can officially kick off the holiday season (“it’s time!”) I can’t think of a more enchanting story to start with. I love the holidays and I loved this impressive trip into a winter wonderland.
What's to like: Magic. This spellbinding story takes us many places, including the improbable but splendid snow-kissed world of snow globes. Kaegan is a fairy and quite powerful. Sadly his reality is filled with jealousy and pain. His solution is to create an “otherworld” to escape to. His dreamland. To access his safe haven he must cross into the human realm. As fate would have it, he also intersects paths with two men that instantly captivate him. He wants them. He wants to help them change their stars. But even if they want him in return, could they want each other as well? It’s too much ask. Or is it too good to be true? On the other hand, maybe all their Christmas wishes are destined to come true?
What's to love: I am the first to admit I am very selective when it comes to ménage. I want to know that each part of the trio is necessary. I don’t want them to compliment each other…I want them to complete one another. I want them to click and fit together, each individual an integral piece that binds them. And Elsborg grants all my heart’s desires. I loved how they loved each other. I loved how they enhanced each other. I loved how the empowered each other. I loved how…happy they made each other. I could almost taste their relief and feel the pulsing serenity that surrounds them. Nothing could ever make what each of them experienced better. Yet I felt their acceptance and contentment that the roads they traveled brought them to each other…and they wouldn’t have it any other way. They came alive on the pages and I wanted to dry tears and laugh in the snow with them. I loved how special each individual was. Each brought something essential to their circle. Humor, passion, and tenderness. I was entranced and I believe, if you give them a chance, you will see their glamour too.
Beware of: Triggers aplenty. Abuse, loss, betrayal are just a few that top the list. I hated how they suffered…each of them hitting rock bottom. But in turn, I relished how they rose above and soared. Their fall was great but their rise was glorious. Some seriously sexy moments that left me savoring the snowflakes. Barb’s proven it’s possible to be scorching hot in a snow storm!
This book is for: If you are searching for a powerful tale of three paths brought together and intertwined till they were one, this emotional romp in faerie land is exactly what you need.
*4.5 striking-searing-snowbound stars*
Book UNfunk
What's to like: Magic. This spellbinding story takes us many places, including the improbable but splendid snow-kissed world of snow globes. Kaegan is a fairy and quite powerful. Sadly his reality is filled with jealousy and pain. His solution is to create an “otherworld” to escape to. His dreamland. To access his safe haven he must cross into the human realm. As fate would have it, he also intersects paths with two men that instantly captivate him. He wants them. He wants to help them change their stars. But even if they want him in return, could they want each other as well? It’s too much ask. Or is it too good to be true? On the other hand, maybe all their Christmas wishes are destined to come true?
What's to love: I am the first to admit I am very selective when it comes to ménage. I want to know that each part of the trio is necessary. I don’t want them to compliment each other…I want them to complete one another. I want them to click and fit together, each individual an integral piece that binds them. And Elsborg grants all my heart’s desires. I loved how they loved each other. I loved how they enhanced each other. I loved how the empowered each other. I loved how…happy they made each other. I could almost taste their relief and feel the pulsing serenity that surrounds them. Nothing could ever make what each of them experienced better. Yet I felt their acceptance and contentment that the roads they traveled brought them to each other…and they wouldn’t have it any other way. They came alive on the pages and I wanted to dry tears and laugh in the snow with them. I loved how special each individual was. Each brought something essential to their circle. Humor, passion, and tenderness. I was entranced and I believe, if you give them a chance, you will see their glamour too.
Beware of: Triggers aplenty. Abuse, loss, betrayal are just a few that top the list. I hated how they suffered…each of them hitting rock bottom. But in turn, I relished how they rose above and soared. Their fall was great but their rise was glorious. Some seriously sexy moments that left me savoring the snowflakes. Barb’s proven it’s possible to be scorching hot in a snow storm!
This book is for: If you are searching for a powerful tale of three paths brought together and intertwined till they were one, this emotional romp in faerie land is exactly what you need.
*4.5 striking-searing-snowbound stars*
Book UNfunk
November 4, 2019
*3,75 stars*
Fairies are nice, right?
Don’t we all have Tinkerbelle-type creatures in our minds when we hear about them?
You can certainly throw that image right out of your head for this book!
Yes, the fairies are all incredibly beautiful, just as you would expect, but unfortunately that beauty stays on the outside for most of them.
Kaegan is one of the few exceptions in this book who has a moral compass and innate goodness. As for the rest …
They are self-absorbed and heartless, arrogant and narrow-minded, not to mention their brutal, highly debatable laws. So, if you think you’re in for some harmless fairy enchantment, think again!
But, to be honest, what bothered me most is the first half of the book.
A good part deals with the guys' past. And it’s a tough read, to say the least. Worst was, no doubt, the child and domestic abuse of Aiden. It made me feel sick with disgust and horror. And then there’s the physical and psychological bullying of Kaegan by his brother. Both went on and on and on, with seemingly no way out.
I wanted to shout STOP at the author. Enough is enough. As a result, I almost DNF.
So, if these issues are in any way triggers for you, do not go there!
I also found the narrative in the first 50% overwhelming. For me there was too much detail about what happens to Pascal and Aiden and it went on for too long. All three MCs meet only after 50%! I admit to skimming quite a few pages of that first part.
However, after the halfway mark, things get way more interesting. Usually very careful when it comes to m/m/m I LOVED how these three guys click and each man starts to blossom in the safety of their relationship, something that translates into their sizzling sex scenes.
The plot also accelerates at this point with lots of tension building in a no way-out situation.
Glad to say there is a way out, although the author probably takes a fairly easy route. I was just happy and relieved that things do work out, and the epilogue's certainly delightful!
My main niggle has to do with the fact that some parts of fairie power are never explained, particularly
I had a long think how to rate this. I really enjoyed some aspects of this, but the extended cruelties in the first half were simply too much for me. Still, the writing is excellent and the whole idea with the snow globes is original and intriguing.
Fairies are nice, right?
Don’t we all have Tinkerbelle-type creatures in our minds when we hear about them?
You can certainly throw that image right out of your head for this book!
Yes, the fairies are all incredibly beautiful, just as you would expect, but unfortunately that beauty stays on the outside for most of them.
Kaegan is one of the few exceptions in this book who has a moral compass and innate goodness. As for the rest …
They are self-absorbed and heartless, arrogant and narrow-minded, not to mention their brutal, highly debatable laws. So, if you think you’re in for some harmless fairy enchantment, think again!
But, to be honest, what bothered me most is the first half of the book.
A good part deals with the guys' past. And it’s a tough read, to say the least. Worst was, no doubt, the child and domestic abuse of Aiden. It made me feel sick with disgust and horror. And then there’s the physical and psychological bullying of Kaegan by his brother. Both went on and on and on, with seemingly no way out.
I wanted to shout STOP at the author. Enough is enough. As a result, I almost DNF.
So, if these issues are in any way triggers for you, do not go there!
I also found the narrative in the first 50% overwhelming. For me there was too much detail about what happens to Pascal and Aiden and it went on for too long. All three MCs meet only after 50%! I admit to skimming quite a few pages of that first part.
However, after the halfway mark, things get way more interesting. Usually very careful when it comes to m/m/m I LOVED how these three guys click and each man starts to blossom in the safety of their relationship, something that translates into their sizzling sex scenes.
The plot also accelerates at this point with lots of tension building in a no way-out situation.
Glad to say there is a way out, although the author probably takes a fairly easy route. I was just happy and relieved that things do work out, and the epilogue's certainly delightful!
My main niggle has to do with the fact that some parts of fairie power are never explained, particularly
I had a long think how to rate this. I really enjoyed some aspects of this, but the extended cruelties in the first half were simply too much for me. Still, the writing is excellent and the whole idea with the snow globes is original and intriguing.
October 22, 2019
That was different and nothing at all like what I was expecting - and in a completely brilliant way.
What I'd been expecting was a Christmas-themed MMM romance with a sweet ending. What I actually got was an amazingly complex, beautifully developed world in which Faeries are real and where three men find happiness after fighting hard for it.
On the way there was magic, there were dastardly deeds, there were acts of heroism, a cute kid and dog, a bit of a creepy Westworld-style village in the Scottish Highlands and secrets galore.
Each of the three main characters was unique, with their own faults and flaws and I liked each of them for different reasons, but Aiden was my favourite. A soul burdened with a hard life but who had never given up hope.
There should be trigger warnings imho, as this book contains some serious subjects including an incident of domestic violence (short but on page).
This book isn't your typical Christmas romance but it's a wonderful story of love all the same and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
What I'd been expecting was a Christmas-themed MMM romance with a sweet ending. What I actually got was an amazingly complex, beautifully developed world in which Faeries are real and where three men find happiness after fighting hard for it.
On the way there was magic, there were dastardly deeds, there were acts of heroism, a cute kid and dog, a bit of a creepy Westworld-style village in the Scottish Highlands and secrets galore.
Each of the three main characters was unique, with their own faults and flaws and I liked each of them for different reasons, but Aiden was my favourite. A soul burdened with a hard life but who had never given up hope.
There should be trigger warnings imho, as this book contains some serious subjects including an incident of domestic violence (short but on page).
This book isn't your typical Christmas romance but it's a wonderful story of love all the same and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
November 11, 2019
3.75 Stars!
I felt like the pacing of this one was off.
The 1st half of the book was rather slow and drawn out. It's not until 60% that we get any storyline with all three guys in the same place.
And it's a LONG book, clocking in at over 6,000 kindle locations. I get that part of it was necessary in order to get the back story on all three characters. But damn some of that was really hard to read about it. Definitely heed the trigger warnings.
I enjoyed the last 40% quite a bit more. The pacing picks up. I found the premise interesting, though a bit far-fetched. Of course, this is a book about faeries so....
I'm also not sure I really believed in their quick connection. But all three MCs were likable and I enjoyed their dynamic together. I felt like Aiden's character had quite an abrupt personality change once he was in Inverkillen. Much more confident and funny compared to his former self. He was the main one to bring the banter.
Combined with the pacing and the overall "hmm" feeling throughout I'd say I liked this one but didn't love it. Still, Barbara Elsborg is a definite auto-buy author for me.
I felt like the pacing of this one was off.
The 1st half of the book was rather slow and drawn out. It's not until 60% that we get any storyline with all three guys in the same place.
And it's a LONG book, clocking in at over 6,000 kindle locations. I get that part of it was necessary in order to get the back story on all three characters. But damn some of that was really hard to read about it. Definitely heed the trigger warnings.
I enjoyed the last 40% quite a bit more. The pacing picks up. I found the premise interesting, though a bit far-fetched. Of course, this is a book about faeries so....
I'm also not sure I really believed in their quick connection. But all three MCs were likable and I enjoyed their dynamic together. I felt like Aiden's character had quite an abrupt personality change once he was in Inverkillen. Much more confident and funny compared to his former self. He was the main one to bring the banter.
Combined with the pacing and the overall "hmm" feeling throughout I'd say I liked this one but didn't love it. Still, Barbara Elsborg is a definite auto-buy author for me.
November 3, 2019
It probably seems strange to a number of readers that someone reads a Christmas story, it's also a fairy tale, when it isn't (really near) Christmas, but I don't get snow here in Australia at Christmas. It's summer. I usually swim. Pretty much every Christmas tale I've ever read is centred around snow and the Northern Hemisphere so I can read it at any time and just think - snow, pretty, cold, different for me.
A Faerie Story has snow as a central element of the story, that and snow globes. Is the snow pretty? Sure. Does it mean good things for all involved? Hmm, not necessarily. There is Aiden though, and he finds the good in everything. I also happen to love snow globes but I'll look at snow globes with a completely different perspective from here on in.
When three men were boys, the prologue, sets the scene for Boys become men, chapter 1. Two ten year old boys and one five year old grow up to become two thirty year olds and one twenty five year old.
Barbara Elsborg is good at delivering fully realised, three-dimensional characters, ones who make you experience everything they do. All their emotion and interactions. Hurt, fear, passion, love, protectiveness, fighting for a place in the world, the right to be loved. My heart bled for Aiden. I was angry on behalf of Kaegen, and Pascal's story, much like Pascal's heart, isn't fully given until further along. Stick with him.
The world building of Inverkillen, Faerie, and outside is superb, and all of it, no matter where they are, has a fairy tale quality to it - remembering that fairy tales are often a mix of dark and light.
“Money never runs out. Food never runs out. Utopia except no one comes here—not until you. No one leaves. We’re trapped.” Pascal’s voice shook.
This is a longer story than some Christmas reads, but shorter than some fairy tales, and it's well worth every bit of time spent within the pages. Kaegan, Aiden. Pascal. Loved. Them. Together they are one. They slot together like a jigsaw. This fairy tale, this Christmas story - like all the good ones - is memorable.
Aiden had assumed kissing two men at the same time would be difficult, unbalanced and inevitably doomed because with three mouths, there’d be an odd one out and that odd one out would be him. Because that was the way it always was. Not that he’d even been in this position. But he’d been mistaken. He wasn’t the odd one out. He was the one in the middle and that felt like the perfect place, sandwiched between two hard, hot guys.
Blog podcast review at-
A Faerie Story has snow as a central element of the story, that and snow globes. Is the snow pretty? Sure. Does it mean good things for all involved? Hmm, not necessarily. There is Aiden though, and he finds the good in everything. I also happen to love snow globes but I'll look at snow globes with a completely different perspective from here on in.
When three men were boys, the prologue, sets the scene for Boys become men, chapter 1. Two ten year old boys and one five year old grow up to become two thirty year olds and one twenty five year old.
Barbara Elsborg is good at delivering fully realised, three-dimensional characters, ones who make you experience everything they do. All their emotion and interactions. Hurt, fear, passion, love, protectiveness, fighting for a place in the world, the right to be loved. My heart bled for Aiden. I was angry on behalf of Kaegen, and Pascal's story, much like Pascal's heart, isn't fully given until further along. Stick with him.
The world building of Inverkillen, Faerie, and outside is superb, and all of it, no matter where they are, has a fairy tale quality to it - remembering that fairy tales are often a mix of dark and light.
“Money never runs out. Food never runs out. Utopia except no one comes here—not until you. No one leaves. We’re trapped.” Pascal’s voice shook.
This is a longer story than some Christmas reads, but shorter than some fairy tales, and it's well worth every bit of time spent within the pages. Kaegan, Aiden. Pascal. Loved. Them. Together they are one. They slot together like a jigsaw. This fairy tale, this Christmas story - like all the good ones - is memorable.
Aiden had assumed kissing two men at the same time would be difficult, unbalanced and inevitably doomed because with three mouths, there’d be an odd one out and that odd one out would be him. Because that was the way it always was. Not that he’d even been in this position. But he’d been mistaken. He wasn’t the odd one out. He was the one in the middle and that felt like the perfect place, sandwiched between two hard, hot guys.
Blog podcast review at-
December 9, 2019
O.M.G what a stunning, insanely good story!
Kaegan 🧡 Aiden 🧡 Pascal: a trinity pur sang
We got an enchanting introduction to the three men at the age of young boys.
Three, totally different stories, all quite heartbreaking.
Then the men grow up and we see how they are doing now.
After Kaegan finally escaped his home, he ends up in London.
Aidan is drawing and Kaegan is mesmerized by all the details he puts into it. Aidan is mesmerized by the way Kaegan sees him as no other ever did. They will have a date the next day, but Aidan never shows up.
“Physical limitations don’t define you. Only the way you think.”
Pascal meets Kaegan on top of a building where Kaegan convinced Pascal to come with him.
They have a passionate night. The next morning Pascal is gone.
“If you choose to say goodbye to the world, you should be sure you’ve seen all it has to offer.”
Kaegan is a faerie, he loves to live outside Faerieland, away from his brother who is always torturing him horribly. It’s forbidden, but Kaegan knows how to enter the outside world.
Now he found not one but two guys he’s attracted to with no luck so far of keeping them.
Miscommunication and circumstances ensured they miss out every time.
Somehow Aidan and Pascal, separately and unaware of each other, find their way to the place Kaegan secretly put in their minds, toward Inverkillen, to find Kaegan. They both end up in some kind of fairytale environment, where snow is falling in a magical way and where it’s always Christmas.
When Pascal get stocked in that place he meets Aiden, there is an undeniable attraction.
Aidan finds out he has the power to create certain circumstances, he tries with everything in his power to save Pascal. On this journey, they meet up again with Kaegan and the heat is on.
Be aware, I just put this down in a few lines but in reality, it is a wide story where a lot is happening. Where we get to understand the hard lives of the three men. I choked up more than once. We get to know the magic of the Faeries and the limitations of it. We can enjoy their steamy lovemaking, the fun they have, the love that is growing, also their characteristics gets more and more clear. I loved them hard.
Still, there is the revenge-seeking brother and of course Faerieland and the spell who will separate the three lovers or give them happiness.
A fabulous and widely written story with not one dull moment. The whole complicated plot was well thought out and understandably put on paper.
The awareness there was even more going on than at first sight was overwhelming.
As a reader I’m always amazed by an author’s gift to writing down what’s in their head, to write it down in a balanced and good structured way. When something like this journey is the result I’m just floored. I’m not sure where this comes from, it’s almost unnatural lol!
I loved this exceptional story very much!
Kaegan 🧡 Aiden 🧡 Pascal: a trinity pur sang
We got an enchanting introduction to the three men at the age of young boys.
Three, totally different stories, all quite heartbreaking.
Then the men grow up and we see how they are doing now.
After Kaegan finally escaped his home, he ends up in London.
Aidan is drawing and Kaegan is mesmerized by all the details he puts into it. Aidan is mesmerized by the way Kaegan sees him as no other ever did. They will have a date the next day, but Aidan never shows up.
“Physical limitations don’t define you. Only the way you think.”
Pascal meets Kaegan on top of a building where Kaegan convinced Pascal to come with him.
They have a passionate night. The next morning Pascal is gone.
“If you choose to say goodbye to the world, you should be sure you’ve seen all it has to offer.”
Kaegan is a faerie, he loves to live outside Faerieland, away from his brother who is always torturing him horribly. It’s forbidden, but Kaegan knows how to enter the outside world.
Now he found not one but two guys he’s attracted to with no luck so far of keeping them.
Miscommunication and circumstances ensured they miss out every time.
Somehow Aidan and Pascal, separately and unaware of each other, find their way to the place Kaegan secretly put in their minds, toward Inverkillen, to find Kaegan. They both end up in some kind of fairytale environment, where snow is falling in a magical way and where it’s always Christmas.
When Pascal get stocked in that place he meets Aiden, there is an undeniable attraction.
Aidan finds out he has the power to create certain circumstances, he tries with everything in his power to save Pascal. On this journey, they meet up again with Kaegan and the heat is on.
Be aware, I just put this down in a few lines but in reality, it is a wide story where a lot is happening. Where we get to understand the hard lives of the three men. I choked up more than once. We get to know the magic of the Faeries and the limitations of it. We can enjoy their steamy lovemaking, the fun they have, the love that is growing, also their characteristics gets more and more clear. I loved them hard.
Still, there is the revenge-seeking brother and of course Faerieland and the spell who will separate the three lovers or give them happiness.
A fabulous and widely written story with not one dull moment. The whole complicated plot was well thought out and understandably put on paper.
The awareness there was even more going on than at first sight was overwhelming.
As a reader I’m always amazed by an author’s gift to writing down what’s in their head, to write it down in a balanced and good structured way. When something like this journey is the result I’m just floored. I’m not sure where this comes from, it’s almost unnatural lol!
I loved this exceptional story very much!
November 29, 2022
A wonderful, magical romance. Barabara Elsborg crafts a tale like nobody else, and A Faerie Story is one of her best. These characters are so unique, beautifully three dimensional and real.
I can't wait to re-read it.
I can't wait to re-read it.
October 30, 2019
“Is that what you’re searching for? Happiness? Peace?”
“Aren’t we all?” I want to be needed, loved. That would make me happy, give me peace.
Barbara Elsborg is and has been an unsung hero in our eyes for almost a decade now, the way in which she writes her characters and their stories never fail to completely and utterly consume us. Especially when it comes to her male characters who always have such intriguing, vulnerable and compelling character traits. We literally feel like we know them inside out by the time we’ve finished their journey, with and alongside them. It’s an incredible talent to be able to write characters in such a flawless way which enables us readers to form an instantaneous connection. It is faultless, and it is an outstanding skill. Another thing this Author writes so brilliantly, is Faeries. In the world of the paranormal Faeries are perhaps not one of the most coveted of mystical beings, however the way in which Barbara Elsborg writes them they should be. She has a way with shaping her characters which makes them about so much more than just what they are, set in a world of ‘normality’ as is the case in ‘A Faerie Story.’ She is a gift to readers like us who love paranormal romance.
‘They didn’t need magic to find love, to fall in love, to stay in love. It was here.
“This is just the beginning.”
A Faerie Story by Barbara Elsborg is like three stories in one, we say that because the three male characters; Keagan, Aiden and Pascal had such immense stories to tell that it felt so comprehensive it was not just about one man’s journey. It was three journeys which culminated into one epic story. As per usual Barbara Elsborg throws down the gauntlet on how many agonising rounds of pounding your heart can take before it shatters. There is not one single character who doesn’t bring an emotional story to the mix. Rather, each character carries internal or external scars as well as burdens from their past, with one or two more horrific than the other. We cried so many tears.
“So can I persuade you?”
“To do what?”
“To continue to look for beauty in the world.”
“Why bother when everything is black?”
“You’re wrong. There is beauty. You haven’t looked hard enough. You haven’t wanted it enough. Don’t run from it, run towards it.”
Combining a story of paranormal and mystical settings with an intense love affair between three men is quite the feat. It felt so real and tangible, it was as if we were there. And oh how we wanted to be. We wanted to gather these three lads up and bring them home. We have to say, we had a real soft spot for Aiden especially and understood wholeheartedly why Keagan and Pascal seemed to surround him and protect him until he was completely enveloped in the safety of their arms. His story truly broke us. Saying that, we fell in love with them all for very different reasons and as a whole they just worked so perfectly. One soul, three broken hearts, learning to heal through love.
“You were…are magnificent. Brave. Unique. Gorgeous. And you have no idea.”
The setting….spectacular, just what we love- Christmas and snow, loads of snow! The world-building was flawless and the concept of snow globes and the way in which they feature in this story, genius. Barbara Elsborg has a knack of staying away from just writing a ‘simple’ story, rather there is always so much going on, yet somehow it all always comes together perfectly, and everything no matter how minor or seemingly irrelevant at the time, has a place in a story that feels so all encompassing. And this is why Barbara Elsborg is one of the unsung heroes, in our hearts!
“Physical limitations don’t define you. Only the way you think.”
Available to purchase below
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Come and say hi, at:
✲ TotallyBookedBlog
✲ TBB on Facebook
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✲ TBB on Pinterest
May 13, 2024
✰ 4 stars ✰
“Tá ár gcroí i duit. Our hearts are in you.”
I think I've rarely used this term to describe a book, but I'm going to use it now - A Faerie Story was lovely. 💞💞 Lovely in the sense that I felt how connected the three young men became with each other. How unfortunate circumstances led them to one another and then drew them apart, but still with the power of Christmas and the enchantment of a snow globe, they were led back to each other. ❄️❄️ Lovely that the heartache and pain French native Pascal and orphaned Aiden were feeling that Kaegan wanted to take away that painful heartache away from them was visceral - 'These two that he’d found, lost then found again'. Lovely that although the first half of the story was the building blocks to provide enough reasonable explanation behind the enchanting allure of the faerie land of they had inadvertently entered, it was that mounting anticipation of what was to come when their paths would cross that kept my heart waiting with bated breath of how they would react together - as one. 👍🏻👍🏻
“One day, there would be someone who’d care, someone who’d look past the broken, damaged parts, and see just him and like what they saw.”
There is a gentleness even to the sadness, a softness to the loneliness that exudes from all three of them - Aiden, especially. But, that scene after their first time together, when Kaegan hugged him close and Pascal kissed the wounds from his scars - it was so tenderly done - just this warm level of trust and honesty - this relinquishing of one's complete self to the other - without judgment or fear. It was present in the way Aiden allowed himself to indulge in the simple pleasures of youth that he was not allowed to have - made richer by how Pascal and Kaegan cherished how easily he indulged himself and let himself be free. ❤️🩹❤️🩹 'Whatever happened, he’d had a chance for this moment of happiness, of being wanted, for him to want others, and he’d be forever grateful.' When they shared with each other the things that broke their heart and then, that they opened up about their doubts and vulnerabilities with an aching sadness, those that warmed their heart. I just - I just felt enveloped in so much love - such a true feeling of love and acceptance that all three were feeling for each other. 🥰🥰
Is it the enchantment of the wonderment of Inverkillen in which they found themselves trapped in that made their affection seem so sincere? Is it the deliberate if not delicate way Kaegan never pushed them to act upon their attractions, despite how desperately he hoped that two could be three - seeing how much he cared so strongly for both of them - even before their stars aligned - even before their paths crossed. 😔 I think that is what made their emotions resonate so much deeper with me - how Kaegan was the pull they both shared on separate occasions, but still ultimately entwined that when Pascal and Aiden met - it just fit. 'It would have to be someone special for me to let my guard down.” He smiled. “It was someone special. Two someones.' The gentle way they could tease and comfort each other felt so real that it just melted my heart at how smoothly, if not harmoniously they were with each other. 🫠🫠
Is it unrealistic to think that it could work so well? Maybe; but then again, the entire premise is pretty unbelievable, too, but somehow, it was just so heartwarming to see how they being together also helped them change a part of themselves - for the better.
“I want both of you so much and I want you to want me.”
That Pascal recognized his flaws of a human that he was before he was trapped - when his selfish and inconsiderate rash mistakes cost him his family and his time - he was determined to make things right if he ever was released. Friendless and soulless - 'he wished he had someone who’d miss him. Someone who cared. Someone who’d stop him jumping. Because I don’t fucking want to.'. 😞 He had never sought out a long term connection, never wanted that tether to anyone of a responsibility, and now he would do anything to keep these two close. And for Aiden - Aiden, who 'had so much love to give and no one to give it to' - this precious broken perfect person - who has suffered so greatly since his childhood - that all his beautiful qualities were suppressed and ridiculed - that he could never live as he chose, stuck in a horrible relationship that crushed his spirit - till Kaegan and Pascal unleashed that inner part of himself that lived up to his name - little fiery one. 🥲 How he was so much more vibrant and carefree - soaring with confidence that had been lying dormant under a mountain of hurt and scars that he never could have a voice for himself. Till the two of them showed just how perfect he was - how beautiful he has always been. 🫂🫂
All the villains of their lives who tormented them, whose actions caused them to second-guess themselves - that made them be misjudged for their way of thinking and actions - I loathed them. 😤 I loathed how much each of their lives has been such a tragic one - happenings not even in their control, and yet forcibly punished for it. It was so heartbreaking that for a faerie who has been oppressed all his life, for him to offer words of courage and comfort to them both - to be so thoughtful and kind to them - it was just so beautifully if not, naturally done. 'You find beauty in everything. You’ve no idea how much I admire that.' Even if there were a few bouts where the hesitant insecurities washed over them - the uncertainty of whether this was real and could last - I never doubted that there would be a Christmas miracle. That, somehow, everything would fall into place. 🥺🥺
“They didn’t need magic to find love, to fall in love, to stay in love. It was here.”
So, yeah, did I enjoy reading this MMM? Yes, I did. It felt odd reading a Christmas-themed story in the April heat, but what can I say? I have been feeling slightly daring in my book selections, and well, this intrigued me. The writing was with Elsborg's signature style of humor, complete with the usual quirky quips and endearments laced with so much affection and want and an overwhelming feeling of caring. It never felt impulsive or lustful what they felt; there was a sincerity to it, deepened by how they had first met and how easily they were able to confess so openly to each other their thoughts and secrets. 'He felt love in every kiss, saw it in their faces.' 🥹🥹 And I love how seamlessly Elsborg incorporated the faerie storyline into their dynamic. It does play an integral part, but other than how much time was invested in setting up the scene - which, fair, is the reason why it did not win me over entirely was how much time was spent on that - but, it made the stakes even higher for how much more necessary it was to savor all the time they had. 💟💟
All three characters were very likeable with distinct personalities from different backgrounds, but still brought something unique to their relationship. Whether it was just a simple caress or their heated make-out sessions, the lighthearted flirting to the scorching comments, they were intent on making the most of it. 'It can be made simple. Take a chance. Seize the moment. Open your mind to possibilities.' They never felt that their situation was a complicated one, only one they wanted to savor for as long as they could, considering how the odds were against them. 😥 Time was fleeting - ephemeral as the snow that Kaegan could summon with the flick of a finger - as lost as the evanescent possibility that not only could this all be a dream, but this beautiful sanctuary could never be theirs. The tension was ever-present throughout, which made their happiness shine even brighter - sprinkled with a bittersweet hope that this could be theirs forever. 🩵🩵
“Life wasn’t about yesterday or even tomorrow—it was about today and what happened now.”
There is also an underlying message to the story, which I really liked how it was touched upon. How so slowly, if not ever so gently, Kaegan reminded the two of them of how important it was to love life for what it is and not let the bad thoughts overpower the good in their hearts. 'There is beauty. You haven’t looked hard enough. You haven’t wanted it enough. Don’t run from it, run towards it.' 🤍🤍 The potential for happiness when it comes; it was present in the way the faerie folk challenged their existence, it was in the way Pascal and Aiden's lives were so wrought with self-inflicted loathing and sadness that the spirit of Christmas did not only shine with how it was forever in their world, but how they embraced it as the opportunity to finally live. 💛💛 Live and celebrate what they have been blessed with and share it with the people they treasure most. It really was a lovely story, and if she ever considered revisiting it again, because I kinda felt there was a possibility that it could, I would not mind returning for a faerie story. 🧚🏻♂️
“Tá ár gcroí i duit. Our hearts are in you.”
I think I've rarely used this term to describe a book, but I'm going to use it now - A Faerie Story was lovely. 💞💞 Lovely in the sense that I felt how connected the three young men became with each other. How unfortunate circumstances led them to one another and then drew them apart, but still with the power of Christmas and the enchantment of a snow globe, they were led back to each other. ❄️❄️ Lovely that the heartache and pain French native Pascal and orphaned Aiden were feeling that Kaegan wanted to take away that painful heartache away from them was visceral - 'These two that he’d found, lost then found again'. Lovely that although the first half of the story was the building blocks to provide enough reasonable explanation behind the enchanting allure of the faerie land of they had inadvertently entered, it was that mounting anticipation of what was to come when their paths would cross that kept my heart waiting with bated breath of how they would react together - as one. 👍🏻👍🏻
“One day, there would be someone who’d care, someone who’d look past the broken, damaged parts, and see just him and like what they saw.”
There is a gentleness even to the sadness, a softness to the loneliness that exudes from all three of them - Aiden, especially. But, that scene after their first time together, when Kaegan hugged him close and Pascal kissed the wounds from his scars - it was so tenderly done - just this warm level of trust and honesty - this relinquishing of one's complete self to the other - without judgment or fear. It was present in the way Aiden allowed himself to indulge in the simple pleasures of youth that he was not allowed to have - made richer by how Pascal and Kaegan cherished how easily he indulged himself and let himself be free. ❤️🩹❤️🩹 'Whatever happened, he’d had a chance for this moment of happiness, of being wanted, for him to want others, and he’d be forever grateful.' When they shared with each other the things that broke their heart and then, that they opened up about their doubts and vulnerabilities with an aching sadness, those that warmed their heart. I just - I just felt enveloped in so much love - such a true feeling of love and acceptance that all three were feeling for each other. 🥰🥰
Is it the enchantment of the wonderment of Inverkillen in which they found themselves trapped in that made their affection seem so sincere? Is it the deliberate if not delicate way Kaegan never pushed them to act upon their attractions, despite how desperately he hoped that two could be three - seeing how much he cared so strongly for both of them - even before their stars aligned - even before their paths crossed. 😔 I think that is what made their emotions resonate so much deeper with me - how Kaegan was the pull they both shared on separate occasions, but still ultimately entwined that when Pascal and Aiden met - it just fit. 'It would have to be someone special for me to let my guard down.” He smiled. “It was someone special. Two someones.' The gentle way they could tease and comfort each other felt so real that it just melted my heart at how smoothly, if not harmoniously they were with each other. 🫠🫠
Is it unrealistic to think that it could work so well? Maybe; but then again, the entire premise is pretty unbelievable, too, but somehow, it was just so heartwarming to see how they being together also helped them change a part of themselves - for the better.
“I want both of you so much and I want you to want me.”
That Pascal recognized his flaws of a human that he was before he was trapped - when his selfish and inconsiderate rash mistakes cost him his family and his time - he was determined to make things right if he ever was released. Friendless and soulless - 'he wished he had someone who’d miss him. Someone who cared. Someone who’d stop him jumping. Because I don’t fucking want to.'. 😞 He had never sought out a long term connection, never wanted that tether to anyone of a responsibility, and now he would do anything to keep these two close. And for Aiden - Aiden, who 'had so much love to give and no one to give it to' - this precious broken perfect person - who has suffered so greatly since his childhood - that all his beautiful qualities were suppressed and ridiculed - that he could never live as he chose, stuck in a horrible relationship that crushed his spirit - till Kaegan and Pascal unleashed that inner part of himself that lived up to his name - little fiery one. 🥲 How he was so much more vibrant and carefree - soaring with confidence that had been lying dormant under a mountain of hurt and scars that he never could have a voice for himself. Till the two of them showed just how perfect he was - how beautiful he has always been. 🫂🫂
All the villains of their lives who tormented them, whose actions caused them to second-guess themselves - that made them be misjudged for their way of thinking and actions - I loathed them. 😤 I loathed how much each of their lives has been such a tragic one - happenings not even in their control, and yet forcibly punished for it. It was so heartbreaking that for a faerie who has been oppressed all his life, for him to offer words of courage and comfort to them both - to be so thoughtful and kind to them - it was just so beautifully if not, naturally done. 'You find beauty in everything. You’ve no idea how much I admire that.' Even if there were a few bouts where the hesitant insecurities washed over them - the uncertainty of whether this was real and could last - I never doubted that there would be a Christmas miracle. That, somehow, everything would fall into place. 🥺🥺
“They didn’t need magic to find love, to fall in love, to stay in love. It was here.”
So, yeah, did I enjoy reading this MMM? Yes, I did. It felt odd reading a Christmas-themed story in the April heat, but what can I say? I have been feeling slightly daring in my book selections, and well, this intrigued me. The writing was with Elsborg's signature style of humor, complete with the usual quirky quips and endearments laced with so much affection and want and an overwhelming feeling of caring. It never felt impulsive or lustful what they felt; there was a sincerity to it, deepened by how they had first met and how easily they were able to confess so openly to each other their thoughts and secrets. 'He felt love in every kiss, saw it in their faces.' 🥹🥹 And I love how seamlessly Elsborg incorporated the faerie storyline into their dynamic. It does play an integral part, but other than how much time was invested in setting up the scene - which, fair, is the reason why it did not win me over entirely was how much time was spent on that - but, it made the stakes even higher for how much more necessary it was to savor all the time they had. 💟💟
All three characters were very likeable with distinct personalities from different backgrounds, but still brought something unique to their relationship. Whether it was just a simple caress or their heated make-out sessions, the lighthearted flirting to the scorching comments, they were intent on making the most of it. 'It can be made simple. Take a chance. Seize the moment. Open your mind to possibilities.' They never felt that their situation was a complicated one, only one they wanted to savor for as long as they could, considering how the odds were against them. 😥 Time was fleeting - ephemeral as the snow that Kaegan could summon with the flick of a finger - as lost as the evanescent possibility that not only could this all be a dream, but this beautiful sanctuary could never be theirs. The tension was ever-present throughout, which made their happiness shine even brighter - sprinkled with a bittersweet hope that this could be theirs forever. 🩵🩵
“Life wasn’t about yesterday or even tomorrow—it was about today and what happened now.”
There is also an underlying message to the story, which I really liked how it was touched upon. How so slowly, if not ever so gently, Kaegan reminded the two of them of how important it was to love life for what it is and not let the bad thoughts overpower the good in their hearts. 'There is beauty. You haven’t looked hard enough. You haven’t wanted it enough. Don’t run from it, run towards it.' 🤍🤍 The potential for happiness when it comes; it was present in the way the faerie folk challenged their existence, it was in the way Pascal and Aiden's lives were so wrought with self-inflicted loathing and sadness that the spirit of Christmas did not only shine with how it was forever in their world, but how they embraced it as the opportunity to finally live. 💛💛 Live and celebrate what they have been blessed with and share it with the people they treasure most. It really was a lovely story, and if she ever considered revisiting it again, because I kinda felt there was a possibility that it could, I would not mind returning for a faerie story. 🧚🏻♂️
November 30, 2019
I'm not gonna lie, the beginning was so utterly bleak and brutal that I actually considered stopping reading. And on top of this, it's m/m/m, which is never my favorite. But it is Barbara Elsborg, so I decided to keep reading. Best decision ever.
It's not that things get any better for these guys right away, but once Kaeden, Aiden and Paschal have found thier way to each other, they deal with everything together, and that makes all the difference. I loved how they grew and changed just from the support of each other and how determined they were that none of them would face anything alone. They fought for each other.
And holy wow, was this smokin' hot! Great story, tremendous character growth and just a terrific holiday story from a favorite author! Also, a much appreciated gift from Sneaky Elf, I loved it! <3
****
This is a super sweet gift from Sneaky Elf and I can't wait to read it! Thank you so much! xx
It's not that things get any better for these guys right away, but once Kaeden, Aiden and Paschal have found thier way to each other, they deal with everything together, and that makes all the difference. I loved how they grew and changed just from the support of each other and how determined they were that none of them would face anything alone. They fought for each other.
And holy wow, was this smokin' hot! Great story, tremendous character growth and just a terrific holiday story from a favorite author! Also, a much appreciated gift from Sneaky Elf, I loved it! <3
****
This is a super sweet gift from Sneaky Elf and I can't wait to read it! Thank you so much! xx
October 29, 2019
“Is that what you’re searching for? Happiness? Peace?”
“Aren’t we all?” I want to be needed, loved. That would make me happy, give me peace.
Barbara Elsborg is and has been an unsung hero in our eyes for almost a decade now, the way in which she writes her characters and their stories never fail to completely and utterly consume us. Especially when it comes to her male characters who always have such intriguing, vulnerable and compelling character traits. We literally feel like we know them inside out by the time we’ve finished their journey, with and alongside them. It’s an incredible talent to be able to write characters in such a flawless way which enables us readers to form an instantaneous connection. It is faultless, and it is an outstanding skill. Another thing this Author writes so brilliantly, is Faeries. In the world of the paranormal Faeries are perhaps not one of the most coveted of mystical beings, however the way in which Barbara Elsborg writes them they should be. She has a way with shaping her characters which makes them about so much more than just what they are, set in a world of ‘normality’ as is the case in ‘A Faerie Story.’ She is a gift to readers like us who love paranormal romance.
‘They didn’t need magic to find love, to fall in love, to stay in love. It was here.
“This is just the beginning.”
A Faerie Story by Barbara Elsborg is like three stories in one, we say that because the three male characters; Keagan, Aiden and Pascal had such immense stories to tell that it felt so comprehensive it was not just about one man’s journey. It was three journeys which culminated into one epic story. As per usual Barbara Elsborg throws down the gauntlet on how many agonising rounds of pounding your heart can take before it shatters. There is not one single character who doesn’t bring an emotional story to the mix. Rather, each character carries internal or external scars as well as burdens from their past, with one or two more horrific than the other. We cried so many tears.
“So can I persuade you?”
“To do what?”
“To continue to look for beauty in the world.”
“Why bother when everything is black?”
“You’re wrong. There is beauty. You haven’t looked hard enough. You haven’t wanted it enough. Don’t run from it, run towards it.”
Combining a story of paranormal and mystical settings with an intense love affair between three men is quite the feat. It felt so real and tangible, it was as if we were there. And oh how we wanted to be. We wanted to gather these three lads up and bring them home. We have to say, we had a real soft spot for Aiden especially and understood wholeheartedly why Keagan and Pascal seemed to surround him and protect him until he was completely enveloped in the safety of their arms. His story truly broke us. Saying that, we fell in love with them all for very different reasons and as a whole they just worked so perfectly. One soul, three broken hearts, learning to heal through love.
“You were…are magnificent. Brave. Unique. Gorgeous. And you have no idea.”
The setting….spectacular, just what we love- Christmas and snow, loads of snow! The world-building was flawless and the concept of snow globes and the way in which they feature in this story, genius. Barbara Elsborg has a knack of staying away from just writing a ‘simple’ story, rather there is always so much going on, yet somehow it all always comes together perfectly, and everything no matter how minor or seemingly irrelevant at the time, has a place in a story that feels so all encompassing. And this is why Barbara Elsborg is one of the unsung heroes, in our hearts!
“Physical limitations don’t define you. Only the way you think.”
Available to purchase below
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Come and say hi, at:
✲ TotallyBookedBlog
✲ TBB on Facebook
✲ TBB on Instagram
✲ TBB on Twitter
✲ TBB on Pinterest
April 1, 2020
This was not a typical Christmas book. Yeah it was released around the holidays and had some association with Christmassy things but it was so much more!
This book was intense. It followed three individuals who'd been through literal hell and still somehow managed to find the strength to overcome. It was brutal and held no punches when it came to the cruelty and suffering that our guys went through so brace yourselves for that(ESPECIALLY Aiden and Kaegan-talk about horror stories *sad sigh*).
However, in spite of all of that, these men still managed to find joy in being together and overcoming all that evil nastiness and that made this book so great.
So, do not go into this hoping for fluff and hearts and singing animals. You will be woefully disappointed but don't worry, what you'll get is a solid book, with solid characters, and a solid HEA. Enjoy!
This book was intense. It followed three individuals who'd been through literal hell and still somehow managed to find the strength to overcome. It was brutal and held no punches when it came to the cruelty and suffering that our guys went through so brace yourselves for that(ESPECIALLY Aiden and Kaegan-talk about horror stories *sad sigh*).
However, in spite of all of that, these men still managed to find joy in being together and overcoming all that evil nastiness and that made this book so great.
So, do not go into this hoping for fluff and hearts and singing animals. You will be woefully disappointed but don't worry, what you'll get is a solid book, with solid characters, and a solid HEA. Enjoy!
November 24, 2019
I’m not quite sure how to rate this. I liked it, but it also felt overly long. I actually started skimming parts and never felt like I missed anything since the inner musings could go on and on.
At first I started this and put it down for about a week. The suffering of these guys was a bit too much. Now, I LOVE hurt/comfort in my books, but when all 3 guys had this hard a life I can’t help but wonder if they’ll ever be able to give each other some comfort.
And while I love a good background story, here it was a bit too extensive. It did pick up after they all met properly. But I was still a bit disappointed how sad the story felt. They didn’t know if they would all survive and if they would end up together. So that kind of felt like a thundercloud hanging over the romance the entire time.
So I did like it, and I really wanted to know how it ended. But it exhausted me a bit and I don’t think I’ll ever reread it.
At first I started this and put it down for about a week. The suffering of these guys was a bit too much. Now, I LOVE hurt/comfort in my books, but when all 3 guys had this hard a life I can’t help but wonder if they’ll ever be able to give each other some comfort.
And while I love a good background story, here it was a bit too extensive. It did pick up after they all met properly. But I was still a bit disappointed how sad the story felt. They didn’t know if they would all survive and if they would end up together. So that kind of felt like a thundercloud hanging over the romance the entire time.
So I did like it, and I really wanted to know how it ended. But it exhausted me a bit and I don’t think I’ll ever reread it.
December 29, 2020
3.5 stars
April 30, 2023
This book had me in knots the entire time. I love abused characters getting a HEA and finding a partner to love them unconditionally and treat them right, but the abuse in this book was so OTT and I wanted to scream at the characters to stand up for themselves 🤬. I mean, parents taking a blind-eye to abuse, parental abuse, sibling abuse and just shit people in their lives was way too much.
Of the three, Aiden was my favorite. His bright outlook on life despite his upbringing and childhood had me smiling. Pascal was just meh to me. I never really understood why he as such a shit in the beginning. I liked Kaegan but I didn't love him. Again, why not force your father, to whom supposedly you are his favorite, to see what is going on with your brother?
The relationship between the 3 didn't really work for me. I felt like Aiden and Pascal never really jived. I didn't feel the connection like I did with Aiden and Kaegan or Kaegan and Pascal. Maybe it was because Pascal and Aiden didn't meet until after they were at Inverkillen. And the fact that it's at least 60% before they all 3 do get together. I don't know...I just didn't feel it.
So this didn't really live up to my expectations. These characters are not Jonty. I'm not sure anyone can live up to him 🤷♀️
Of the three, Aiden was my favorite. His bright outlook on life despite his upbringing and childhood had me smiling. Pascal was just meh to me. I never really understood why he as such a shit in the beginning. I liked Kaegan but I didn't love him. Again, why not force your father, to whom supposedly you are his favorite, to see what is going on with your brother?
The relationship between the 3 didn't really work for me. I felt like Aiden and Pascal never really jived. I didn't feel the connection like I did with Aiden and Kaegan or Kaegan and Pascal. Maybe it was because Pascal and Aiden didn't meet until after they were at Inverkillen. And the fact that it's at least 60% before they all 3 do get together. I don't know...I just didn't feel it.
So this didn't really live up to my expectations. These characters are not Jonty. I'm not sure anyone can live up to him 🤷♀️
September 30, 2019
I received an ARC for an honest review, so here it is:
This is a lovely and very steamy Christmas story and it was a 4 star read for me! I loved the concept, and the house, Inverkillen (I wish there was a Christmas village like that to visit!), and the ice castle were fantastic! The author's imagination obviously knows no bounds when it comes to picturesque settings! I also very much liked the way Aiden blossomed, especially under Kaegan's and Pascal's attentions, even though I did not really buy into him transforming from an abused shy and stuttering introvert into a self-confident non-stuttering sex maniac in the blink of an eye, but hey: he's a guy (and I immensely enjoyed the wild ride after he did!). I am also officially in love with Kaegan (the pointed ears and that blue-tipped hair? Swoooon!), even though he seemed a bit weak when it came to confronting his brother (a rather stereotypical brute) and the other fairies. But he made up for it with improvisation talent :-) Pascal was sweet in his care of Benjie, but his irrational behaviour at other times made me want to shake him. But in the end he came through - and that's what matters, after all.
Their HEA was well deserved (as all three had been put through various types of grinders earlier on in life) and I am planning a trip to Scotland now :-) I am also desperately hoping for plenty of snow this winter - and in the meantime I will be thinking of these guys when shaking my snow globes!
This is a lovely and very steamy Christmas story and it was a 4 star read for me! I loved the concept, and the house, Inverkillen (I wish there was a Christmas village like that to visit!), and the ice castle were fantastic! The author's imagination obviously knows no bounds when it comes to picturesque settings! I also very much liked the way Aiden blossomed, especially under Kaegan's and Pascal's attentions, even though I did not really buy into him transforming from an abused shy and stuttering introvert into a self-confident non-stuttering sex maniac in the blink of an eye, but hey: he's a guy (and I immensely enjoyed the wild ride after he did!). I am also officially in love with Kaegan (the pointed ears and that blue-tipped hair? Swoooon!), even though he seemed a bit weak when it came to confronting his brother (a rather stereotypical brute) and the other fairies. But he made up for it with improvisation talent :-) Pascal was sweet in his care of Benjie, but his irrational behaviour at other times made me want to shake him. But in the end he came through - and that's what matters, after all.
Their HEA was well deserved (as all three had been put through various types of grinders earlier on in life) and I am planning a trip to Scotland now :-) I am also desperately hoping for plenty of snow this winter - and in the meantime I will be thinking of these guys when shaking my snow globes!
November 1, 2019
Wow just wow. This story just pulled me right in and so hard to put it down. I have come to love Barbara work and wouldn’t expect anything less coming from her ❤️. Such a wonderful fairy tale with snow globes, Christmas, and snow.
I loved how we met the men when they were boys and saw how they lived and what they were going through.
These three guys were perfect for each other and made each other even better. My heart broke for each of the guys but how they were able to mend each other.
Come on this wonderful journey of learning to love. Receiving and giving love and finding their HEA
I loved how we met the men when they were boys and saw how they lived and what they were going through.
These three guys were perfect for each other and made each other even better. My heart broke for each of the guys but how they were able to mend each other.
Come on this wonderful journey of learning to love. Receiving and giving love and finding their HEA
October 6, 2019
3 men, some Mortal and some Faerie ....
3 very different people, all sad and lonely...
3 men all with various, strong feelings for Christmas...
They don't know it, but they are all destined to meet, but how?
Once upon a time at Christmas ...
The opening chapter where we meet Kaegan, Pascal and Aiden
as they are young and unhappy is sure to break your heart.
Each child lives through events that will change them for good.
Abuse, bullying, neglect and near fatal disaster.
One way or another all 3 men have been let down by their families ,
they all grow up to be misfits with no anchors to keep them in their present lives.
Inverkillen in Scotland, is a village like no other.
They seem to celebrate Christmas with so much exuberance and enthusiasm.
Pascal , Aiden and Kaegan all end up in this magical place, where it seems be
snowing constantly, almost like it was in a snow globe.
They all have to end up battling with demons, goblins, invisible force fields
evil faeries, strange humans and so much more.
The author has created such a charming world , where anything can, and does
happen , nothing in this story is as it seems. Nothing is predictable and the only
true thing is the feelings keeping these 3 men tied to each other.
Their love and lust for each other is lovely to read, but against all odds
will they be able to overcome magic and find a way to stay in each others lives?
Magic seems to work both ways...
This story is absolutely delightful, and lovely to read.
The author has managed to weave such a charming world full of Christmas
and magic and broken, yet strong men .
3 very different people, all sad and lonely...
3 men all with various, strong feelings for Christmas...
They don't know it, but they are all destined to meet, but how?
Once upon a time at Christmas ...
The opening chapter where we meet Kaegan, Pascal and Aiden
as they are young and unhappy is sure to break your heart.
Each child lives through events that will change them for good.
Abuse, bullying, neglect and near fatal disaster.
One way or another all 3 men have been let down by their families ,
they all grow up to be misfits with no anchors to keep them in their present lives.
Inverkillen in Scotland, is a village like no other.
They seem to celebrate Christmas with so much exuberance and enthusiasm.
Pascal , Aiden and Kaegan all end up in this magical place, where it seems be
snowing constantly, almost like it was in a snow globe.
They all have to end up battling with demons, goblins, invisible force fields
evil faeries, strange humans and so much more.
The author has created such a charming world , where anything can, and does
happen , nothing in this story is as it seems. Nothing is predictable and the only
true thing is the feelings keeping these 3 men tied to each other.
Their love and lust for each other is lovely to read, but against all odds
will they be able to overcome magic and find a way to stay in each others lives?
Magic seems to work both ways...
This story is absolutely delightful, and lovely to read.
The author has managed to weave such a charming world full of Christmas
and magic and broken, yet strong men .
November 12, 2019
Recommend!
October 25, 2019
More accurately, it's 4.9 stars.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been originally posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
I guess I’m a bit thick or maybe just in dire need of holidays (your pick), but after having read the blurb, it took me several chapters to realize this was an MMM romance (feel free to say, “Duh!”). Maybe I simply got drawn in by the promise of strange, imaginary worlds, faeries, and magic. I got this, alright, but with the additional MMM-thingy, something I’m not very keen on—more about this later, though. Because whatever the reasons for me to start reading this book, I enjoyed the journey Barbara Elsborg took me on.
The blurb, in fact, is quite self-explanatory. There are three main characters who take turns in narrating the story (for those who don’t like first-person-narrators: in third person): Kaegan, the young faerie from Faerieland; orphaned Aiden; and lonesome Pascal. The three have several things in common, mainly their being gay and a childhood traumatism they’re still struggling to cope with. If you’re looking for an anguish-free, untortured, nice ‘n’ smooth back-story there, don’t pick up this book! We get horrid child abuse by a druggie mother, an accident that almost costs one of the narrators and his whole family their lives, and an abusive, sly brother tormenting his twin. The author starts by giving us an insight into each one’s early years before starting the story proper (they’re all roughly in the late twenties/early thirties then).
I have to say, some of the described scenes are rather hard to bear with, but I’m no feeble-hearted reader and understood very well that the very bleakness of each narrator’s life is used (very efficiently) to create a stark contrast to what they’re all searching: love, happiness, as well as a place and one (or several) person(s) to call home. The town in a forlorn part of Scotland that Kaegan has magically created and where Christmas is always just around the corner symbolizes exactly that (and how well did I get this—yes, I’m a childlike sucker for anything Christmassy). And as little as I believe in MMM-stories that work out in real life, as much I was surprised to discover that in this novel, things fit and came together in a logical, plusible way. All three are simply made for each other, are meant to be, and are meant to be a threesome. IMO it takes a forceful, skilled writer to pull this through so that even sceptical me believes in it—better still: not only did I believe in their story, but I sincerely wished, no, I gagged for them three to get their well-deserved HEA. But the road till that ending is long and filled with heart-breaking twists and turns that made this an unputdownable book for me.
What was really odd is that Barbara Elsborg has found the magical means to stray from one of the major rules of creative writing: show, not tell (which goes to show that if you’re sure you can do it and create something powerful, you should always break the rules). For there was a lot of telling going on in this novel. And with the telling, by the telling, so many things were shown that it felt sometimes really akin to magic. The plot unravels at a steady pace, in solid, unpretentious, self-assured words that open three worlds to the reader, who cannot help but be sucked in (this reader, at least, couldn’t). A powerful book, in short; a book about love, about resilience, about the importance of never giving up, of never stopping to look for your Significant Other(s), and to accept it when you’ve found him/her/them, whatever he/she/they turn(s) out. Absolutely recommended read!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been originally posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
I guess I’m a bit thick or maybe just in dire need of holidays (your pick), but after having read the blurb, it took me several chapters to realize this was an MMM romance (feel free to say, “Duh!”). Maybe I simply got drawn in by the promise of strange, imaginary worlds, faeries, and magic. I got this, alright, but with the additional MMM-thingy, something I’m not very keen on—more about this later, though. Because whatever the reasons for me to start reading this book, I enjoyed the journey Barbara Elsborg took me on.
The blurb, in fact, is quite self-explanatory. There are three main characters who take turns in narrating the story (for those who don’t like first-person-narrators: in third person): Kaegan, the young faerie from Faerieland; orphaned Aiden; and lonesome Pascal. The three have several things in common, mainly their being gay and a childhood traumatism they’re still struggling to cope with. If you’re looking for an anguish-free, untortured, nice ‘n’ smooth back-story there, don’t pick up this book! We get horrid child abuse by a druggie mother, an accident that almost costs one of the narrators and his whole family their lives, and an abusive, sly brother tormenting his twin. The author starts by giving us an insight into each one’s early years before starting the story proper (they’re all roughly in the late twenties/early thirties then).
I have to say, some of the described scenes are rather hard to bear with, but I’m no feeble-hearted reader and understood very well that the very bleakness of each narrator’s life is used (very efficiently) to create a stark contrast to what they’re all searching: love, happiness, as well as a place and one (or several) person(s) to call home. The town in a forlorn part of Scotland that Kaegan has magically created and where Christmas is always just around the corner symbolizes exactly that (and how well did I get this—yes, I’m a childlike sucker for anything Christmassy). And as little as I believe in MMM-stories that work out in real life, as much I was surprised to discover that in this novel, things fit and came together in a logical, plusible way. All three are simply made for each other, are meant to be, and are meant to be a threesome. IMO it takes a forceful, skilled writer to pull this through so that even sceptical me believes in it—better still: not only did I believe in their story, but I sincerely wished, no, I gagged for them three to get their well-deserved HEA. But the road till that ending is long and filled with heart-breaking twists and turns that made this an unputdownable book for me.
What was really odd is that Barbara Elsborg has found the magical means to stray from one of the major rules of creative writing: show, not tell (which goes to show that if you’re sure you can do it and create something powerful, you should always break the rules). For there was a lot of telling going on in this novel. And with the telling, by the telling, so many things were shown that it felt sometimes really akin to magic. The plot unravels at a steady pace, in solid, unpretentious, self-assured words that open three worlds to the reader, who cannot help but be sucked in (this reader, at least, couldn’t). A powerful book, in short; a book about love, about resilience, about the importance of never giving up, of never stopping to look for your Significant Other(s), and to accept it when you’ve found him/her/them, whatever he/she/they turn(s) out. Absolutely recommended read!
November 7, 2019
The author has weaved her magic once more. The way we are introduced to the three MC as boys, each living their own nightmare of a life. Each needing to be loved. All three men are struggling with their lives.
I loved each character’s love and strength they have shown, which shines through as they accidently meet one on one in London, not knowing that their lives will be changed for ever in the near future.
Keagan is a fairy that has left fairyland to escape his evil brother and mother He first meets Aiden in London who is escaping his kind of boyfriend. Then he stops Pascal from jumping off a building after he has been sent away from his home. Keagan is a playful fun-loving person who wants to experience the perfect Christmas, so builds a magical snow village using his magical powers.
Aiden has been severely abused both physically and mentally by his drug addict mother until the age of ten, until she dies of an overdose. Like Keagan he has not had the privilege of a Christmas, unless you count the time, he stole a snow globe as a present to himself. Being disabled life has been hard and all Aiden wants is a perfect Christmas and to be loved.
Then there is Pascal, who has never been in loved and mostly only thought about himself, but all that changes when he is trapped in a snowy village and must care for a young boy and his dog who are also trapped with him. Whilst he is trapped, he learns so much about himself and for the first time he truly must put someone else first.
Fate introduces them to each other and then to them as a group, but Keagan’s jealous brother is set out to destroy everything Keagan has planned for him, Aiden and Pascal.
This is a true modern adult fairy-tale, it is full of hope magic, warmth and love. And the evil jealous family member set out to spoil everything good out of greed and revenge.
The authors story world is amazing as we have come to expect from her. The characters are well developed with their unique personalities and quirks. The story has everything you could want in a story, Fun, danger, happy and sad time, and most of all lots of love.
There is so much I could write about this book, but I don’t want to spoil the story. All I will say is whenever I see a snow globe I will remember these three men and smile.
I loved each character’s love and strength they have shown, which shines through as they accidently meet one on one in London, not knowing that their lives will be changed for ever in the near future.
Keagan is a fairy that has left fairyland to escape his evil brother and mother He first meets Aiden in London who is escaping his kind of boyfriend. Then he stops Pascal from jumping off a building after he has been sent away from his home. Keagan is a playful fun-loving person who wants to experience the perfect Christmas, so builds a magical snow village using his magical powers.
Aiden has been severely abused both physically and mentally by his drug addict mother until the age of ten, until she dies of an overdose. Like Keagan he has not had the privilege of a Christmas, unless you count the time, he stole a snow globe as a present to himself. Being disabled life has been hard and all Aiden wants is a perfect Christmas and to be loved.
Then there is Pascal, who has never been in loved and mostly only thought about himself, but all that changes when he is trapped in a snowy village and must care for a young boy and his dog who are also trapped with him. Whilst he is trapped, he learns so much about himself and for the first time he truly must put someone else first.
Fate introduces them to each other and then to them as a group, but Keagan’s jealous brother is set out to destroy everything Keagan has planned for him, Aiden and Pascal.
This is a true modern adult fairy-tale, it is full of hope magic, warmth and love. And the evil jealous family member set out to spoil everything good out of greed and revenge.
The authors story world is amazing as we have come to expect from her. The characters are well developed with their unique personalities and quirks. The story has everything you could want in a story, Fun, danger, happy and sad time, and most of all lots of love.
There is so much I could write about this book, but I don’t want to spoil the story. All I will say is whenever I see a snow globe I will remember these three men and smile.
March 21, 2021
Kaegan is a faerie who escapes from his home. He ends up in London where he separately meets Aiden and Pascal. It takes a while, but after leaving hints of where to find him, they both make their way to his earthbound home in Scotland. There is drama surrounding Kaegan's brother, Pascal gets trapped in a magic world, and lots is found out about Aiden's past. Together, though, they find comfort and love with each other, and it was beautiful.
This was an interesting story but seemed very long. GR says 254 pages, but the number on my kindle was over 6000 (which is much bigger than 254). I don't mind long books if the pace is faster, but this was slower than I would probably like. That said, I do think that the slow beginning of learning about the past of the characters was awesome and helped really understand where they were coming from and why they were able to find love together. Three guys from different worlds (almost literally), yet very similar. I loved having all three of them come together. There was no drama surrounding them coming together or being together, and I loved that.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
This was an interesting story but seemed very long. GR says 254 pages, but the number on my kindle was over 6000 (which is much bigger than 254). I don't mind long books if the pace is faster, but this was slower than I would probably like. That said, I do think that the slow beginning of learning about the past of the characters was awesome and helped really understand where they were coming from and why they were able to find love together. Three guys from different worlds (almost literally), yet very similar. I loved having all three of them come together. There was no drama surrounding them coming together or being together, and I loved that.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
October 30, 2019
Fairy tale or not,to me this was just like any other book I've read by Barbara Elsborg: an intense, heart-wrenching, emotional ride.
Kaegan,Pascal and Aiden are charming and endearing. I loved watching them grow up, from suffering children to troubled adults. And then,the way the author made them meet then loose each other, then meet again was brilliant. Making their three different personalities work together wasn't easy, and I cheered for their healing and happiness.
𝗔 𝗙𝗮𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 is amazing. I loved everything about it, the setting,the characters and their romance. Definitely on my list of favorite books.
Kaegan,Pascal and Aiden are charming and endearing. I loved watching them grow up, from suffering children to troubled adults. And then,the way the author made them meet then loose each other, then meet again was brilliant. Making their three different personalities work together wasn't easy, and I cheered for their healing and happiness.
𝗔 𝗙𝗮𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 is amazing. I loved everything about it, the setting,the characters and their romance. Definitely on my list of favorite books.
November 4, 2019
Complex, beautiful, heartbreaking and inspiring, magic and love create a perfect fairy tale. This is a memorable and touching story of finding worth, acceptance, learning trust and accepting love. The characters were well developed and the story-line was solid. I laughed, cried, hoped and celebrated their journey.
I so enjoyed this Christmas Fairy Tale because it was creative, meaningful and it flowed beautifully. Kaega, nAiden, Pascal are amazing together and this will be a re-read for me! I really loved the touch of the snow globe!
I was gifted this book from Signal Boost Promotions and i freely give my honest opinion and review.
I so enjoyed this Christmas Fairy Tale because it was creative, meaningful and it flowed beautifully. Kaega, nAiden, Pascal are amazing together and this will be a re-read for me! I really loved the touch of the snow globe!
I was gifted this book from Signal Boost Promotions and i freely give my honest opinion and review.
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November 12, 2019Unfortunately this book didn't vibe with my vibes.
WHY do any poly books I read include damaged MC's? Why can't there just be some regular Joe's just wanting to be in a multi-committed relationship? I really couldn't get through all the drama, ESPECIALLY with Kaegan's brother Hernes. It was to OTT for me.
So this is a DNG for me, with no rating because I don't necessarily think it was bad, just not for me.
WHY do any poly books I read include damaged MC's? Why can't there just be some regular Joe's just wanting to be in a multi-committed relationship? I really couldn't get through all the drama, ESPECIALLY with Kaegan's brother Hernes. It was to OTT for me.
So this is a DNG for me, with no rating because I don't necessarily think it was bad, just not for me.
December 8, 2019
I took one star off for the beginning. I hate to say it but I almost dnf. I was not liking it at all there for the first two hours of reading. If it had not been a buddy read I would have gave up on it. I am glad I didn't. It is a book that made me cry buckets and hurt me so much. Just ended up loving all three.
November 17, 2019
What a charming, a bit over the top but totally unexpected story.
I admit, I expected something different. But I got a real fairy tale, with all the makings from bad mothers to love so bright, it really blinds you. Be prepared for slow burn though ;)
I really loved reading this story.
I admit, I expected something different. But I got a real fairy tale, with all the makings from bad mothers to love so bright, it really blinds you. Be prepared for slow burn though ;)
I really loved reading this story.
December 23, 2019
3.5 stars. A fun holiday story read.
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