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Magic and Claws #2

Concealed Magic

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Mages almost destroyed my pack … how can one be my mate?

Dylan fought in the war between my pack and his mage clan … and now the wolf inside of me wants to claim him. I can’t bind myself to a man who was once my people’s enemy. Regardless of the pull between us, I know that fate must be wrong.

But Dylan is determined to help us fight our coming battles, and despite his prickly nature I can’t keep away. And when he dedicates himself to training and protecting me, my heart is lost. I’m going to do what it takes to win him over and claim him.

Danger looms on the horizon and dark visions torment my mate. An ancient enemy is waking and if we’re not ready to fight everything we hold dear will be destroyed. We’ll have to work together if we’re going to succeed, but even the combined forces of shifters and mages may not be enough to defeat our fiery foes.

170 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 31, 2020

105 people are currently reading
141 people want to read

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Liam Kingsley

75 books286 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
Profile Image for Claudia.
2,977 reviews109 followers
October 10, 2020
This was so much better than the first book. Dylan and Aidan are complex characters where we really get to see why they are as they are.
Loved how the relationship develops as we really have time for that and it makes sense. They weren't just fated mates but worked on it and fell in love naturally.

Curious where the next books will lead us
Profile Image for tara.
227 reviews11 followers
May 23, 2022
wow i enjoyed this much more than the first one!

but this was more loving than angsty that i was expecting, bc Dylan.

also.. i wish the introducing of Harper was better here? he felt like a cardboard character for the next book instead, which was really bad.

but *patiently waits for the third book* where..... where are you
Profile Image for S a n d r a.
1,339 reviews191 followers
May 30, 2020
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4.5 🌟

I liked this one a lot better that the first! And I so love it when this happens, because it's unexpected and amazing, right?

Dylan and Aiden star the second book of this series, that takes off right where the first finished. In the exact same moment: the barbaque organized at Zac and Leo's home.

I liked a lot more the developement of this couple than Zac's and Leo's, it was more believable, more touching. Dylan, being more than 100 years old, has lived through a lot of things and has learned to guard his heart; discovering his tether is none other than a shapeshifter wolf it's shakening for him. And Aiden's reaction? Wow, everything between this two is pretty intense.

The romance, in general, was a lot more to my liking. Even though I really liked Zac and Leo as characters, Dylan's and Aiden's dynamics are much better. And although the structure of the story is the same (in regards of the tether/mate discovering, I mean), the rest has enough differences so the two books don't look like the same.

If there's something I didn't like too much is the duality of Dylan's character. I mean... sometimes he's cool and distant and gives and adult and mature vibe, and then he's innocent and cute and kind of... vulnerable. I get the it was the author's idea for this to happen, the before and after of his character (first closed off to the world and then open to love and all that), but it felt a little bit off sometimes. Like sometimes Dylan gave off more of a Zac vibe than a Dylan vibe.

Aiden was my favorite character. He has some backstory with his family and some personal issues that add to his personality, and he grows after he meets Dylan. I'd say his the character with more depth of the series and he is just absolutely adorable. Can't help to fall in love with him.

Action wise, the improvement is impressive. This side of the first book seemed pretty lacking for me, kind of... chaotic. This time we keep the plotlike that the epilogue set with Dylan's visions, and our characters must train and come with a plan to protect those who they love from the threat that approached them.

The ending is truly epic and the prospect of the third book has me on edge. I hope we don't have to wait that much for it to be out, because I need to know more.
Profile Image for Patricia Hoffstaetter.
3,160 reviews39 followers
June 5, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this fascinating MM shifter romance with a slight “enemies to lovers” undertone. There are character crossovers from the first book “Forbidden Magic” & I would suggest reading that book first to fully understand the underlying story-line. The plot is interesting, & well-written with good scene descriptions & world building. The characters have with complex personalities & display believable emotional feelings when placed in unexpected situations although one of them is inclined to be rather distrustful at times.
There is: a male mage (Dylan) with memories of betrayal decides to approach his alpha male wolf shifter mate (Aiden) with a rather unusual offer but Aiden is not too impressed with the suggestion as it feels as if he is being rejected once again, wolf shifters, mages, dragon shifters, covens, fated mates, visions, adventure, action, twists & turns, drama, intrigue, suspense, secrets, memories, betrayal, emotional turmoil, anguish, magic, mystery, hostility, attractions, danger, threats, enemies, destruction, violence, confrontation, conflict, attacks, compromises, bonding, steamy scenes, contentment & a satisfying conclusion with a interesting ending that could be paving the way for the next book in this series. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy reading this genre.
Profile Image for Leelah&#x1f341;♋️ Orion.
1,399 reviews49 followers
July 9, 2022
so good

This was so good. I love it when it’s not insta mate. Where they know they are mates but they actually get to know each other before the mate pull gets them. When the your mate is the a group who took your family away can you let your walls down to love them. This with the push pull was such a great story. The greater story in the background is really good too. The writing was amazing, smexy was nice and side characters are cool. Looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for AND 1515.
1,276 reviews15 followers
May 26, 2020
Sometimes Fate Has A Terrible Sense of ....
by and1515

After a long cold winter the weather today was warmer in fact spring was practically around the corner.
Leo and his mate had decided to invite nearly everyone to enjoy tons of barbecue.
Landon might not be my nephew by blood but I'd do anything to protect him.
I saw my parents and the look of disapproval on my mother's face said everything but quite frankly I didn't care anymore. However the way she reacted when Leo and his mate made their appearance proved they didn't trust Zac.
And after everything those two faced in the last year they deserved to be happy.
Okay something felt really weird I'd thought I was use to the feel of magic but this was almost similar but different.
And my wolf was wide awake adding his own two cents worth.
Aiden kept starring at the new mage in front of him, Zac's uncle when one word came flying out of him mouth.
Meeting Aiden didn't exactly surprise me but that one word he uttered in front of me nope I really didn't have any use for an overbearing wolf and all his stupid protective instincts. I'd hoped my other half would have been human but at last we don't always get what we want.
I honestly did owe Aiden a few minutes of my time so he'd understand exactly what my expectations were in regards to their situation.
I felt like fate had just punched me in the face of all the people in the whole freaking world I ended up with a cold an unemotional jerk who simply left me turned off and extremely disappointed.
I'd grown use to my dreams waking me up usually covered in sweat trying to control my rapid heartbeat. My dreams were a warning but I still couldn't figure out exactly where the danger was coming from and after last year when they'd faced dark mages who'd had wanted to kill Zac.
Aiden honestly wasn't one for riddles he had enough on his mind and didn't need the added pressure.
Yeah stay true to himself and not to give up on someone who didn't even want to try all he'd wanted was the equivalent of a business arrangement.
I knew when it came to my nephew I'd be pushing my luck Zac had a knack for deciphering bull crap and he wasn't one to let things slide. We truly needed to train and be prepared for whatever beast showed its stupid self here and It really wasn't a matter of if but when.
I hated dinners at my parents the moment my brother showed up I cease to exist everything was about him.
But I knew my mother would hound me to no ended if I didn't make an appearance.
The look on his face said it all he'd reminded me of some poor puppy who'd been kicked one to many times.
But I couldn't do that to him as well somewhere my desires changed and as much as I would love to run like a bat out of Hades I needed no wanted him just as much as he wanted me.
Staying is hard letting someone in is even harder but here I was faced with so many choices and deep down I knew which one the old me would have jumped at without a single qualm.
I honestly should have realize that they'd be really angry with me especially after the stupid stunt I'd just pulled on all of them but honestly I should have had more time but that's when it hit me we had none our time was up everything had changed in a blink of any eye.
Dylan desperately wanted to keep his true half safe from the danger about to hit them like an atomic bomb because he wouldn't survive if he lost him.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Leslie A Smith.
45 reviews3 followers
July 7, 2020
Concealed Magic, written by Liam Kingsley and Jill Haven, is the second installation of the Magic and Claws series. I didn’t have the opportunity to read or listen to book one of the series, but I was given a copy of Concealed Magic for an honest review of the audiobook. From what I gather, the Magic and Claws series is about mages and wolf shifters, two enemy species, coming together to fight for the greater good. This series also focuses on fated mates/tether bonds between the wolves and mages.

Dylan is a mage and the uncle of Zac, the mage mate of the wolf pack’s alpha, Leo. Aiden is the wolf pack’s second in command. Dylan and Aiden cross paths during a barbeque at Zac and Leo’s home. It’s immediately obvious that there’s a connection between the two men pulling them together. The problem is Dylan doesn’t want a true mating with Aiden. Instead, he proposes he and Aiden have a sexual arrangement only. That would feed Aiden’s inner wolf’s needs and help strengthen the tether and Dylan’s magic.

Aiden’s been overlooked by his parents his entire life. They’ve favored his older brother, who can do nothing wrong in their eyes. Because of that, Aiden has always felt like he’s not good enough. So, when Dylan only wants Aiden for sex, Aiden feels like Dylan is just one more person who doesn’t feel like he’s good enough. That absolutely broke my heart. As a person, I struggle with self-esteem issues and crippling self-doubt which means Aiden’s feelings hit my heart hard.

I understood Dylan not wanting to get too close to another person, especially a shifter. He’d given his heart to a wolf shifter in the past who ripped his heart out and betrayed him in the worst way possible. It made Dylan put walls around his heart to protect himself. But, the way he dismissed Aiden as a human being with feelings and emotions made me so mad. It was just a bad situation. Aiden didn’t want to be used or treated like he was only good for sex. Dylan doesn’t want his heart hurt again. It was just a sad situation for two emotionally scarred men.

Despite not seeing eye to eye, Dylan and Aiden have to come together to fight against a common enemy. Both Dylan and the pack’s Seer have a vision about the trouble to come regarding the reawakened dragons, a common enemy for both mages and wolves. Together, the mages and wolves have to train to prepare for the upcoming fight. That preparation leads to Dylan and Aiden becoming closer until they open up about their feelings, pasts, and struggles.

I thought this book was great. They fight with the dark mages, battle the woken dragon, and saved a young man that looks an awful lot like a relative of both Dylan and Zac. Together with Zac, Leo, Harper, and the young man they save, they were able to overcome the antagonist of the book for the time being. It was such a good read. I was very much captivated by the audiobook and the way the narrator, Joseph Thorson, read the book.

I would honestly recommend this book to anyone interested in fantasy m/m romance novels. There are good mages, shifters, and dark mages. There are hints of more boiling under the surface for the overall series arc that makes me want to read the first book and the rest of the series to come. If you’re a fan of Liam Kingsley, Jill Haven, and/or Joseph Thorson, I’d say give this book a go. It’s worth the time.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.5k reviews354 followers
May 31, 2020
Aiden Thompson joined his best friend and the Alpha of the Porters Peak wolf pack, Leo, at a BBQ in the backyard. Landon Easton, Leo’s eight-year-old son, ran out of the back door to greet him. Aiden was second-in-command of the wolf pack and greeted everyone he saw. Last fall, Leo and Zac, a mage, had found out they were mates, and together they’d fought against the mages who used dark magic. So even though the threat from mages was over, it was still ingrained in the pack inner circle to always be on the lookout for danger. Mages with no ill intent toward them were accepted, but sometimes not very easily by all of the shifters. Aiden’s mother was one of those who curled her upper lip when Zac walked by. But Aiden’s parents had always been judgmental.

Suddenly sensing magic and an electric shock running through him, Aiden looked around for the source. He was used to Zac’s mage magic, so it felt familiar, but the scent was calling his own shifter magic as well. Emotions were all over him and his wolf was going crazy. Zac waved and a tall, blond man walked toward them. Zac introduced him to Dylan, who was Zac’s uncle and also a mage. Aiden’s wolf scratched and growled at him to do “something”, but he had no clue what! He looked at Leo to see if he sensed something going on, but Leo just stared at him like he was crazy. Then he remembered when Leo and Zac first met, and he growled out “Mine!”

Dylan had been having visions of this man, and he was even more gorgeous up close. This was his tether, his mate! Dylan could feel the mistrust of the other shifters, but Leo assured him he had nothing to fear from his pack. He heard Aiden growl, all protective of his “mate”. But Dylan was a powerful mage and had no fear for his welfare here. Zac was confused as to his uncle’s coldness toward Aiden, though. Aiden asked Dylan to answer some questions and Dylan jumped right in when they were alone, wanting to make things clear before they went further. He told Aiden what they have would be nothing like Leo and Zac; there would be no love. Love was a fairy tale. Dylan has no interest in a mate, but they could help each other by settling Dylan’s magic and calming Aiden’s wolf through their physical relationship, stated with the indifference he was trying to project. His own blood boiled as he looked at his tether, but he attributed it to ancient instinct and deliberately ignored it. He had been in a relationship before and refused to get hurt again. If Aiden wanted him, they would create their own destiny and not succumb to love. Fate would not control him.

This was an outstanding story, as I am coming to expect from these authors. Aiden was always taught that finding a mate would be deep and soul-changing, absolute love – not a cold business transaction. He wants much more from his mate, but he will have to have patience. Knocking down the walls Dylan has put up will take time and love. Will he change Dylan’s hard heart, or will he be forced to give up and walk away empty?
2,019 reviews4 followers
June 1, 2020
What happens when your mate ends up not being what you expected?

AIDEN - Second in command to Leo and a wolf shifter. Surprised to see that shifters could mate outside of their fellow wolf packs. Always taught about traditional mate pairings, love, commitment, happiness, and support.

DYLAN - Mage, natural enemy to shifters, Zac's uncle and his only remaining family. Definitely a powerful streak of independence. A true loner. Not one to trust anyone and his past speaks volumes as to why.

Mages and wolves have a dangerous and violent past. Yet, they went from fighting one another to inevitable mates/tethers.

Dylan had this reserved feeling of not wanting to be claimed so he'd hoped his tether would be a human. No such luck. That coldness towards his tether spilled out in front of Zac and Leo. In his mind, their pairing was nothing more than a necessity. The traditions of the usual mating would not happen. "Don't expect to fall in love. That won't happen. That's a fairy tale. This is real life, and I'm a realist." So his offer was personal needs met as a deal to Aiden. A strengthening and control of distinctive wolf and mage powers.

Aiden was not at all settled with what was being offered. It was heartbreaking, actually. Being raised with witnessing happiness and bonding among mates, Dylan's callous offer seemed to tear at him all while his wolf was clawing the surface to get to his mate. "This isn't how things work with mates." Aiden went from shock to seeing his mate as self-centered.
Here is a man contemplating his future if the near impossible, loveless, and disturbing arrangement, yet there was an initial voice of reason - Zac - who said just to give him time and he'll come around. A reminder that Zac was not initially on board with being Leo's mate either.

Not one to give up, Aiden continued to reach out to Dylan. He wanted his mate to see what love and intimacy can be. Not the pain and heartbreak he's endured.

With all the ups and down, they managed to pull through for one another. There were many times I did not think that would happen. Of course, I should known better. An HEA was in order and was not disappointed.



**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
Profile Image for AshPenny37 .
1,003 reviews3 followers
June 1, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed Concealed Magic, the second book in the Magic And Claws series, which focuses on the relationship between Aiden and Dylan. The storyline picks up pretty much where the first book left off, so we still get to see Leo and Zac on-page, too, which is nice. It's worth mentioning here that, although this book can be read as a standalone, I'd recommend reading Forbidden Magic first to get the most out of the continuing themes.

So, our MCs for this installment in the series are Aiden - 2nd in command to Leo (the Porter's Peak Alpha) and Dylan - uncle to Leo's mate, Zac. For different reasons, both men are carrying emotional baggage from the past (some very recent past in one case!), leaving them with feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness or the inability to be open and vulnerable with people.

There are similarities between Concealed Magic and the previous book in that the MCs try to resist the mate/tether bond, but obviously work it out in the end; however I feel that the drama between Aiden and Dylan works better for me generally. On the one hand we have Aiden, the wolf, who wants nothing more than to look after his mate (even though he does think Dylan's a surly jerk to start with) and on the other we have the mage who's so determined not to get close to anyone he completely disrespects the special nature of the tether/mate bond. Both men do some soul searching and experience some character growth over the course of the story and are able to be open about their feelings.

Romance aside, the action in Concealed Magic is very good. A new threat is introduced which means mages and wolf pack must work together to defend those the care for the most and avoid disaster. You can genuinely feel the jeopardy as the dark forces come out to wreak havoc in some sections of the storyline.

Overall, I love the yin and yang of Aiden and Dylan's characters as well as the pacy plot which has a great twist at the end, leaving us primed for the next book in the series...bring it on! 4.5* rounded up.

An ARC was provided by GRR in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ghost.
85 reviews6 followers
November 1, 2020
This book was difficult to rate for two reasons, I loved it and yet there was some little things that bothered me to appreciate the story to the fullest.



ONCE again all those critics doesn't mean that this is a bad book. It's only my opinion and my experience while reading this book. It is a good book and a good story (that's kind of why I read the two books haha), I will absolutly follow the author's works and I can't wait to read the third book!

Ghost.
Profile Image for Mikki James - Peters .
196 reviews4 followers
June 1, 2020
This is a novel you don't want to miss! It is best to read following Forbidden Magic because this book has a continuation of the storyline and the characters overlap.

This novel picks up from the previous book only this time we get to hone in on Dylan and Aiden's love story. Dylan has been on his own for years after a devastating betrayal by his lover and his brother, he has drifted throughout life trying to find his purpose. Along the way he has steadily been a support to his nephew, putting his needs and others before his own. All of this changes when he sets eyes on Aiden. Aiden is Dylan's tether, something that a mage has to tie them to and help control their magic, and Dylan is Aiden's mate. But given Dylan's rocky past he doesn't want anything to do with Aiden and insists that they both bury their urges and try to move past this calling of fate. However fate has other plans, and Dylan's visions are getting more sinister, he may need to turn to Aiden before its too late.

I was captivated by the magic and mayhem of this novel. Dylan was such a mysterious character in the previous book, so it was very interesting to see the man behind the mask so to speak. He is a stoic and cold individual on the outside, but it's only to protect that vulnerable and lovable man on the inside. I loved Dylan and Aiden together. I think they both complimented each other really well and it was amazing to watch Aiden pull Dylan out of his stand-offish persona and into this character with so much hidden depth and complexity. I also really enjoyed the ending of this novel, it had a surprise twist with even more magical and fantasy elements and it definitely left me ready and excited for the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Nix Buttons.
1,979 reviews41 followers
July 10, 2021
Gosh, sometimes I just want to punch the people writing the blurbs.
"Dylan fought in the war between my pack and his mage clan … and now the wolf inside of me wants to claim him. I can’t bind myself to a man who was once my people’s enemy. Regardless of the pull between us, I know that fate must be wrong."
The blurb of the first book wasn't exactly right. Then there is this blurb, which I knew before even starting this book to be utterly wrong, at one point in the first book Aiden had even stated that he would be okay with a mage mate. Idiot blurb writers.
Aiden would have been elated to meet his mate, if said mate didn't do his best to distance himself. He only ever wanted to be loved and cherished. Dylan has a complicated history with shifters and he lost everyone he ever loved aside from Zac, to death or betrayal. He doesn't want to open himself up for fear of having his heart broken again, one way or another.
Now they have to work together as the threat of dark mages and dragons loom over them.

The reason why I rated this 3.5 stars and didn't round it up is that not much actually happens in this book. Most of the time is spend training with Dylan resisting feelings and Aiden slowly wooing him. I really liked it and liked their relationship more than Zac and Leo's, but I wanted more plot, more action, more stuff happening.
Were the next instalment already published, I probably would have read on.
Profile Image for Fran.
1,045 reviews11 followers
June 3, 2020
Hot emotions aplenty.

One betrayed by a lover and one fighting to gain his family's recognition.

Dylan is Zeb's uncle and both are the only survivors of their pack which was decimated by dragons. It is suggested that one read the first book, Forbidden Magic, to get a better understanding of the plot of this story. Various characters reappear here and lend much to this plot. Dylan has been closed off for years from emotion, connection with others, but when Porter Pack alpha Leo (young mage Zeb's wolf tether) has a BBQ his 2nd in command Aiden is there when Dylan comes. And to the consternation of both Aiden and Dylan the word "Mate" calls to both. Aiden finally having his mate is his life's fulfillment but for Dylan having a mate for his tether is disastrous. Dylan was betrayed long ago; he won't go through that heart ache again even though having a tether would strengthen his magic considerably. The awakening of the sleeping dragons changes circumstances for both the Porter's Pack and these two remaining mages. Betrayal, magic, kidnapping and torture, discovery of reemerged black magic mages, attraction denied and desired, all lead to a curious ending that hints of a 3rd book in this series. A read I enjoyed even more than the 1st in this series but both worthy of reading. This is my honest and voluntary review for the ARC I got.
1,188 reviews8 followers
June 7, 2020
Mages and dragons and wolves... Oh my!

This is a great second book in the Magic & Claws series. It basically picks up where the first book ends. I was reunited with my old friends Zac, Leo, and Dylan. One threat defeated, another on the horizon. There is intrigue, courage, strength, and an unexpected & unwanted bond. But Fate always wins. You are going to love this book!
Dylan was betrayed by the man he thought might be his tether. His heart is cold and locked away. That is until he meets his fated tether...a persistent & patient wolf shifter. What's a mage to do? Aiden is second- in- command of the Pack. Although his pack alpha Leo is mated to a mage, Zac, Aiden never expects his mate to be Zac's uncle Dylan. He must use all his skills to break down the barriers surrounding Dylan's heart and truly becomes his mate & tether.
Dylan's visions will take them all on a mission to save a boy, and defeat a dragon. They are trained, but will their combined strength be enough? I love this book!
This story continues in the next book. I can't wait to see what happens! I recommend reading the first book. You will be glad you did.
This book contains adult themes and language, mm sex and is intended for mature readers only.
Profile Image for Beth.
2,843 reviews23 followers
June 8, 2020
**That blurb is wrong, doesn’t even have the names right. Not sure who wrote it but disregard it.**

This is book two in the series and while the story stands alone there are things that will make more sense if you read book one first.

This book revolves around Dylan, a powerful mage and Aiden, the second in command of the Porter wolf pack. As the story begins Dylan realizes Aiden is his tether and Aiden realizes Dylan is his mate. But Dylan blows Aiden off saying he wants nothing from him but perhaps they can hook up so he can use his as a tether to help with his magic. Aiden is wounded and insulted and then angry. But Dylan has some serious baggage and he’s trying to protect his heart.

The story and the relationship move along at an uneven pace. There are parts I wish moved along quicker as they didn’t seem to add to the story and parts that I thought would have benefitted from some more depth. As the relationship grows and we see the impact the two men have on each other and what it does to heal each of their inner wounds it ties in nicely with the storyline as the growth in their relationship mirrors what they need to move the action elements forward.

The crisis scenes and the action are compelling…both exciting and emotional. There are some interesting twists and the book ends on an intriguing cliffhanger that make me really look forward to book three.
Profile Image for Marcella.
358 reviews16 followers
June 1, 2020
Aiden has always felt like a burden. His parents always overlooked him and he was overshadowed by his can do no wrong older brother. Despite being second in command of his pack he just felt like wasn’t good enough. He always put on the happy go lucky facade but deep down he just wanted to matter to someone. When he finally found his mate he thought fate was playing another trick on him. His mate was a mage, an enemy of the wolves.

Dylan fought along side his mage clan in the war with the wolves. He was betrayed and he hardened his heart to the idea of love. But fate had other plans. He finally met his tether after over a century of giving up on the idea. His tether was none other than a wolf and the second in command of the wolf pack.

Aiden and Dylan fought fate as long as possible. Dylan was determined to help Aiden and the wolves fight a powerful threat to not only them but all of humanity. They just couldn’t fight fate. There were obstacles along the way but when fate speaks you listen.

This is a very entertaining series. I’m looking forward to continuing on this journey with this pack and the mages that come along.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for Miriam.
928 reviews
June 11, 2020
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I highly recommend reading the first book in the series prior to reading this one. There is a lot of background revealed in that book that impacts this story.

Dylan has his reasons for not really trusting the wolves or wanting a relationship, but when he realizes that Leo's second in command is his tether and mate, he might have to trust fate to save his growing family. I wish we had gotten just a bit more depth with Dylan's background, I felt it was a bit piecemeal. I also wish we had gotten to see more of the time that was spent in Dylan and Aiden's training. That time is mentioned, but I felt like it went by a bit too fast to really feel like Dylan really had time to change his mind about his relationship with Aiden. I did like seeing Aiden with his family, it gave a better feel for who he is and why he reacts the way he does in certain situations (I really liked the last family dinner, it truly showed how he had changed). I really liked that both Dylan and Aiden had to grow and overcome the emotional issues of their past to really get together. They didn't have an easy time getting together, but it made the eventual relationship all the better.
Profile Image for Claudia Lezár.
1,409 reviews38 followers
July 17, 2020
3,5*

PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!

To my ratings:
A 3,5* is clicked with a 4* but in review marked as 3,5*:

5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like ‘Jesse's Smile’ or ‘Joey’ from Angelique Jurd, ‘Save the the kids’ series
from EM Leya, ‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or ‘Liberty’ from Seth King),
it's like an A+

4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books and Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A

3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+

3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader (2-3 times a year),
it's like a B

2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (I wouldn't recommend it heartily, but it was ok)
It's like a C-, D

1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an absolute NO-GO). It's like failure in the
whole line, dismissed, repeat the class
985 reviews5 followers
June 12, 2020
This is a fantastic book and second in the Magic and Claws series. Once again we have a mage and wolf who find they are fated mates. However, neither is excited by the prospect. Dylan has been solitary ever since his entire coven, with the exception of his nephew, were destroyed by wolves, and the pain of betrayal from his lover and brother still stings. Aiden also remembers the mage wars and resists the attraction, but his wolf is insistent. Maybe you can fight fate. The two men certainly try. There is evil afoot, however, and Dylan and Aiden must work together to fight it. This is another well-written story by these two authors. The characters are developed and relatable, and there is plenty of emotion and angst. You could read this book as a stand-alone novel, but I recommend reading Book 1 of the series first or you will not completely understand what happened to the other characters in the story. I really enjoyed it and am eager for more of the series.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
Profile Image for Maureen.
1,446 reviews27 followers
May 31, 2020
Wow this series is certainly heating up, and its as exciting as to keep reading this suspence filled book with more to come. This is book two and it is Aiden and Dylans story, and i have to say it certainly wont disappoint you at all.
Dylan is a mage and is used to going anywhere any time he wants, but when he visits his nephew he sees Aiden and knows he has found his tether and in the shifter world Mate. But he is weary of going into a relationship as he has been hurt once before. So when both Aiden and himself get a chance to talk, he puts his proposal to Aiden. But Aiden will have none of it, its not the way things are surposed to go. So when he gets a call from Leo that the Elder has words for him, to stay strong and stay true to himself.Things soon heat up when Dylan gets more visions, visions that see Aiden dying. These two must work together to find out what is the source of the danger..... Unfortunatley they both think dragons!!
Profile Image for Latecia Jennings.
2,255 reviews10 followers
June 1, 2020
I am loving this series so far. This book is centered around Dylan and his tether/mate Aidan. We were introduced to Dylan in the last book. He is a powerful mage with a lot of attitude and likes to do things on his own with no help from others. There is also danger (it seems like) always lurking in the background and they have to work together to eliminate the threat to the pack. Dylan and Aidan introduction to each other was kind of cold and you would never have thought these two would be friends even more so mates but both felt the pull. With all the danger and the ominous visions, the two found a way to work together while forming a united bond that will ultimately lead to Dylan feeling free to love and trust and Aidan feeling worthy of that love and trust. What a lovely book and I'm dying to read the next chapter in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,659 reviews18 followers
June 1, 2020
To know him, is to love him. Aiden is loyal to Leo, Alpha and loves him like a brother. He considers himself the best Uncle ever to Landon. He will gives his live to protect Landon and Zac, Leo's mage mate. At a bar-b-que, he feels an enegy, a tingle and realizes Dylan, Zac's uncle is his mate. Dylan has known for awhile that Aiden was his tether. He just told himself that he wasn't a man for romance or relationships. His past lover, Cayson betrayed and shredded his heart. He offered Aiden sex only. Aiden has been made to feel not good enough his entire life by his family. He has heavy baggage and Dylan's rejection does not help. Can they find their balance before the upcoming battle? Can Dylan find his heart? Will Dylan sacrifice victory by rejecting his tether? Good story. Excellent follow-on. Character development is amazing. Dylan's growth is key. Absolutely exciting! I received an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
345 reviews2 followers
June 9, 2020
Dylan is a mage determined to help Aiden's pack defeat an upcoming ages old evil--dragons. Dragons have been imprisoned for centuries by mages & wolves, and there's a group of mages determined to wake them up to take out all wolves. Aiden knows that Dylan is his fated mate, but Dylan keeps refusing the connection even knowing Aiden is his magical tether--the one person who can help him control his magic. Aiden wants to fight it, but he knows he won't ever be truly happy unless he can be with Dylan. When Dylan finally agrees to help Aiden learn to fight, Aiden takes the chance to get under Dylan's skin as only a mate can. When one of Dylan's visions shows Aiden dead, he knows he has to protect Aiden at any cost, even their own happiness.

I love how Liam creates his characters. They are in-depth with each having a different personality. Great world building, with lots of action & HEA. Includes steamy scenes.
Profile Image for Dixiecowgirl.
1,437 reviews25 followers
June 11, 2020
Complex story-line with action, magic, werewolves and so much more.   i was so looking forward to this story and it so exceeded my expectations.   The writing was great and the characters were so well crafted.  The pacing of the story was reality good and i could not put this book down.  

Dylan and Aiden are amazing.  I loved how Aiden brought out the true nature of Dylan.  We saw him in the last book as this really closed off and almost cold person and in this story we see the truly amazing man behind the facade.  Dylan was so concerned about protecting himself and Aiden that he had a lot of work to do to fix what he almost broke. These guys together really is special and you will fall in love with them.  

This is book two of the Magic and Claws series and really should be read in order.  You will miss too much of the story and characters if you start with this book.  

I was gifted this book from the author and i freely give my honest opinion and review.  
Profile Image for Jacqueleen the Reading Queen♡.
1,503 reviews104 followers
July 29, 2020
I wanted to love this one as much as the first, but alas I did not. I liked it, I just didn't love it. It took a bit to get into, especially because Dylan just wasn't likeable to me. He was such a dick to sweet Aidan in the beginning and I kinda wanted to punch him. Even when he did a complete 180 and decided ok maybe he does want Aidan in his life as more than just a fuck buddy he continued to keep secrets and act all lone wolfish. Ironic considering Dylan was a mage, and Aidan was the one who was a wolf.

We are set up to see the characters in this big battle by the end which appears to be put off til next book. We do get to see Zac and Dylan stretch their magical fingers in a fight, just not the fight ya get me.

The next couple is introduced and I gotta say I am intrigued with these two, especially with the itty bitty cliffhanger we are left with. Even though this wasn't my favorite of the two in the series, I definitely plan to continue on.
Profile Image for John-Torleif  Harris.
2,719 reviews12 followers
May 27, 2020
Wow! This book was just awesome! While the dark mages are still the main enemy, they’ve decided to up the ante and re-introduce an old enemy that really seems to be quite short sighted, on their part. I loved that Dylan had been so shattered by his past experiences with love that he built up walls to keep Aidan at a distance; and yet, Aidan refused to be put aside and fought for what he knew they should be. While the pack & the Cole’s did everything that they could to thwart the dark mages, it was interesting that neither side really got what they wanted, however, I would have to think that we ended this round with a slightly more hopeful situation for our heroes than the villains. But the bombshell that dropped at the end of the epilogue, will, I predict, be a game-changer.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
382 reviews1 follower
June 6, 2020
Aiden is shocked to find out his mate is a mage and all this mage wants in their bond is sexual relief. He's struggling as he has always been second best and never good enough for the people in his life. Dylan has lost so many people that he has learned to shield and protect his heart. He is used to being alone and relying on himself. But now that he has found his tether, can he get the magic stability he requires to face the emerging danger without getting his heartbroken? Will they succeed if they don't trust in fate? The characters are broken from their past, determined to protect themselves, and yet resilient in how they move through life. The storyline is emotional, suspenseful, and filled with action and passion. Great read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
567 reviews3 followers
June 1, 2020
I loved the first book in the series and I am happy to say that Concealed Magic exceeded my expectations. I was mesmerised from the first page. I loved Aiden, he is such a strong and loyal friend and his issues with rejection just made my heart hurt for him and of course Dylan's attitude made me want to hit him because it hurt Aiden even more than he already had been but once you start learning about Dylan's past you understand more about why he has reacted the way he has with meeting his tether but you can't help but feel for Aiden. The characters are wonderful and the story has a lot of intense emotion, action, danger and two people learning a lot about not just themselves but each other as well.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,488 reviews4 followers
June 12, 2020
Dylan and Aiden story is intense, with many emotions happening at the same time, fear, hate, desire, love, etc, all around a complex plot about betrayal, intolerance, magic, destiny and faith. Even if some parts are difficult to read, causing some angst and a few tears, the way the story continued in this amazing world created by the authors, caught me since the beginning and I couldn’t stop until the very end. I loved especially how the twists and turns made some parts of the book unpredictable. I strongly recommend to read the book in order to fully understand the interaction between the characters. And the unexpected revelation at the end of the book? Priceless!!! I can't wait for book 3!!
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