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Roaring Twenties Magic #1
Proper Scoundrels
Don’t miss this standalone spin-off in Allie Therin's acclaimed Magic in Manhattan universe!
Their scandalous pasts have left them wounded and unworthy—and hopelessly perfect together.
London, 1925
Sebastian de Leon is adjusting to life after three years spent enthralled by blood magic. The atrocities he committed under its control still weigh heavily on his conscience, but when he’s asked to investigate a series of mysterious murders, it feels like an opportunity to make amends. Until he realizes the killer’s next likely target is a man who witnessed Sebastian at his worst—the Viscount Fine.
Lord Fine—known as Wesley to his friends, if he had any—is haunted by ghosts of his own after serving as a British army captain during the Great War. Jaded and untrusting, he’s tempted to turn Sebastian in, but there’s something undeniably captivating about the reformed paranormal, and after Sebastian risks his own life to save Wesley’s, they find common ground.
Seeking sanctuary together at Wesley’s country estate in Yorkshire, the unlikely pair begins to unravel a mystery steeped in legend and folklore, the close quarters emboldening them to see past the other’s trauma to the person worth loving beneath. But with growing targets on their backs, they’ll have to move quickly if they want to catch a killer—and discover whether two wounded souls can help each other heal.
Their scandalous pasts have left them wounded and unworthy—and hopelessly perfect together.
London, 1925
Sebastian de Leon is adjusting to life after three years spent enthralled by blood magic. The atrocities he committed under its control still weigh heavily on his conscience, but when he’s asked to investigate a series of mysterious murders, it feels like an opportunity to make amends. Until he realizes the killer’s next likely target is a man who witnessed Sebastian at his worst—the Viscount Fine.
Lord Fine—known as Wesley to his friends, if he had any—is haunted by ghosts of his own after serving as a British army captain during the Great War. Jaded and untrusting, he’s tempted to turn Sebastian in, but there’s something undeniably captivating about the reformed paranormal, and after Sebastian risks his own life to save Wesley’s, they find common ground.
Seeking sanctuary together at Wesley’s country estate in Yorkshire, the unlikely pair begins to unravel a mystery steeped in legend and folklore, the close quarters emboldening them to see past the other’s trauma to the person worth loving beneath. But with growing targets on their backs, they’ll have to move quickly if they want to catch a killer—and discover whether two wounded souls can help each other heal.
309 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 28, 2021
About the author
Allie Therin
8 books440 followersAllie Therin is the bicultural author of the internationally acclaimed debut series Magic in Manhattan. She also is, or has been, a bookseller, an attorney, a Parks & Rec assistant, a boom operator, and a barista for one (embarrassing) day.
A longtime fan of romance, mystery and speculative fiction, she now strives to bring that same delight to her readers. Allie grew up in a tiny Pacific Northwest town with more bears than people, although the bears sadly would not practice Spanish with her.
A longtime fan of romance, mystery and speculative fiction, she now strives to bring that same delight to her readers. Allie grew up in a tiny Pacific Northwest town with more bears than people, although the bears sadly would not practice Spanish with her.
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January 4, 2022A spin off of the Magic in Manhattan series. This weighted it a bit at first as there’s a detailed magic system and a lot of backstory that has to be conveyed, and we’re a quarter of the way through the book before the MCs meet. When they do, they’re lovely—Wesley the painfully emotionally stunted and magicless English aristo, Sebastian the warm-hearted traumatised mage. The slow burn romance is very sweet and caring, the characters are huge fun, and there’s a couple of excellent villains too.
The English setting is a bit shonky, with Americanisms plus a fair few geographical and cultural bloopers (at one point a character eats a pork pie with gravy, which caused me to make alarming cat hairball noises). Obviously this won’t matter in the slightest to most readers, but as a Brit it kept throwing me out of the story, which I regretted.
The English setting is a bit shonky, with Americanisms plus a fair few geographical and cultural bloopers (at one point a character eats a pork pie with gravy, which caused me to make alarming cat hairball noises). Obviously this won’t matter in the slightest to most readers, but as a Brit it kept throwing me out of the story, which I regretted.
January 24, 2022
“You helped me feel like maybe I can finally be me again,” he said. “And if I’m really free to go after the life I want, all I want is you.”
“I’ll certainly never wear your rose-colored glasses . But I will admit there is one tiny place in this godforsaken world that isn’t cold and miserable, and that’s the corner you light up.”
It took me a while to get in the right headspace to read this but this was lovely. Compelling, emotional, witty, steamy, and just so well written. I'll admit I haven't read the originaly trilogy, and seeing them be villains would probably have made me enjoy this even more, but I loved these two nonetheless. And that means you can comfortably read it as a standalone.
Overall the writing was wonderful, the pacing was great, and it held my interest, but where it really shines is the MCs. I loved both of them, they were very complex, and I loved how their dynamic evolved without having them alter their personalities, and I also loved how their relationship developed. I have a soft spot for reformed villains and morally gray, characters, and I loved how nicely this book does the "the grumpy one is soft for the sunshine one" trope, considering the sunshine one is well, a sulky scoundrel too.
It was a pretty slow burn, considering they're in such close proximity, but it was a delicious slow burn, with lots of tension and emotion along the way.
In the end, what really got to me, as it always does, is that Wesley and Sebastian felt like fated mates, and it was a wonderful experience seeing them find their way to each other. I definitely recommend this.
*I have received an ARC from Netgalley and Carina Press and I am leaving an honest and unbiased review.*
January 5, 2022
***4 Stars***
... to say it in Wesley's -umm, sorry, Lord Fine's- words (not that he would ever say them out loud, mind you) and to keep in line with the idioms I used to "review" the Magic in Manhattan series...:
I so do have the hots for a grumpy curmudgeon. 😂 My only complaint: it took ages for Wes (okayokayokay, Lord Fine) and Sebastian to meet. I have to admit, tho, the wait was totally worth it. 😊
... to say it in Wesley's -umm, sorry, Lord Fine's- words (not that he would ever say them out loud, mind you) and to keep in line with the idioms I used to "review" the Magic in Manhattan series...:
I got knocked flat on my a** by magic. 😉
I so do have the hots for a grumpy curmudgeon. 😂 My only complaint: it took ages for Wes (okayokayokay, Lord Fine) and Sebastian to meet. I have to admit, tho, the wait was totally worth it. 😊
November 27, 2021
I absolutely adored Allie's Magic in Manhattan Collection: Spellbound / Starcrossed / Wonderstruck with its 20s setting and a unique system of paranormal abilities and its Film Noir evoking mystery.
But this spin-off? OMG this spin-off is EVERYTHING. I am so in love with Sebastian and Wesley Collins aka Lord Fine.
Both men have been through some serious traumas and are dealing with the fall out. Sebastian was kept for three years as a prisoner through the use of blood magic and forced to use his abilities to harm others, he's suffering with serious PTSD (accurately referred to as Shell Shock here in this world) that he can't even acknowledge.
Wes was an officer during the War and a sharpshooter, he's done things, and ordered his men to do them, that he cannot forget.
On top of that, Wes was dumped by his lover Arthur (see Spellbound) for an antiquarian half his age (Rory you are utterly delightful) and he's only the Viscount Fine because his older brother was killed in the conflict.
He's prickly, rude, entitled, snobbish and oh so very much in need of someone to love.
Thrown together almost by accident, these two former "villains" of the previous series both feel like they can never atone - in Wes' case he really doesn't want to atone for kissing Arthur in front of Rory either 😁 ) but both will find that fate has other ideas in store.
Allie takes the reader to my part of the world - beautiful Yorkshire, York and its imposing Gothic Minster firmly on the horizon - and then leads them into a high-paced, tension-filled ride of an adventure which also brings some old faces along with it.
It was lovely to see Jade and Zhang too, both as committed to each other as they were in the previous books, and we get to catch up with Seb's cousin Isabel and her lover Molly, now both ensconced in Paris for the World's Fair.
The villain is truly villainous, his sidekick is mad as a box of frogs, and I loved how Allie took a mythology which has a very strong Yorkshire connection - that of Dracula - and made it into the basis for a twisted paranormal's very deadly power.
I won't spoiler anything about the actual plot itself, only to say that it had everything I want to read in a romantic suspense, and the relationship element of this book is even stronger than Arthur and Rory's.
It's also more steamy and I was so grateful for that. My one criticism of the previous series had been how the intimacy between Arthur and Rory was never seen on page, other than odd kisses and the beginnings of their amorous encounters, before fading to black.
Here we not only get some of the best UST I've read in a long time, but Wes is also a bit of a secret Dominant (not in a true kink way though, but he has a very powerful personality and a need to "take care" of someone) and Sebastian is all for giving himself over to someone else to make decisions for him.
Wes is an arse, he'll tell you that quite proudly, but his growth and change once he meets Sebastian is a wonderful thing to read. He doesn't change FOR him but BECAUSE of him.
Sebastian is the biggest (and most dangerous) cinnamon bun with a marshmallow soul, he's so desperate to atone for things which were beyond his control that you want to wrap him up in a fluffy blanket and never let the world hurt him any more.
The first time they finally kiss is stunningly effective in the narrative. It's an understandable slow burn but oh my lord, is it worth the wait! There aren't loads of sex scenes, the story doesn't really need it, but when they happen, they're beautifully written.
As you can tell, I absolutely adored this book. Allie has such a grasp on her plots that before you can blink, you've read half the book and it's gone midnight 🤣 I did not want to put this one down from the minute I started reading it and that's the mark of a wonderful writer.
I hope this isn't the end of this wonderful world Allie has created. I would happily while away more hours with this bunch of disparate people time and time again.
#ARC kindly received from the author via Carina Press on NetGalley in return for an honest and unbiased review
But this spin-off? OMG this spin-off is EVERYTHING. I am so in love with Sebastian and Wesley Collins aka Lord Fine.
Both men have been through some serious traumas and are dealing with the fall out. Sebastian was kept for three years as a prisoner through the use of blood magic and forced to use his abilities to harm others, he's suffering with serious PTSD (accurately referred to as Shell Shock here in this world) that he can't even acknowledge.
Wes was an officer during the War and a sharpshooter, he's done things, and ordered his men to do them, that he cannot forget.
On top of that, Wes was dumped by his lover Arthur (see Spellbound) for an antiquarian half his age (Rory you are utterly delightful) and he's only the Viscount Fine because his older brother was killed in the conflict.
He's prickly, rude, entitled, snobbish and oh so very much in need of someone to love.
Thrown together almost by accident, these two former "villains" of the previous series both feel like they can never atone - in Wes' case he really doesn't want to atone for kissing Arthur in front of Rory either 😁 ) but both will find that fate has other ideas in store.
Allie takes the reader to my part of the world - beautiful Yorkshire, York and its imposing Gothic Minster firmly on the horizon - and then leads them into a high-paced, tension-filled ride of an adventure which also brings some old faces along with it.
It was lovely to see Jade and Zhang too, both as committed to each other as they were in the previous books, and we get to catch up with Seb's cousin Isabel and her lover Molly, now both ensconced in Paris for the World's Fair.
The villain is truly villainous, his sidekick is mad as a box of frogs, and I loved how Allie took a mythology which has a very strong Yorkshire connection - that of Dracula - and made it into the basis for a twisted paranormal's very deadly power.
I won't spoiler anything about the actual plot itself, only to say that it had everything I want to read in a romantic suspense, and the relationship element of this book is even stronger than Arthur and Rory's.
It's also more steamy and I was so grateful for that. My one criticism of the previous series had been how the intimacy between Arthur and Rory was never seen on page, other than odd kisses and the beginnings of their amorous encounters, before fading to black.
Here we not only get some of the best UST I've read in a long time, but Wes is also a bit of a secret Dominant (not in a true kink way though, but he has a very powerful personality and a need to "take care" of someone) and Sebastian is all for giving himself over to someone else to make decisions for him.
Wes is an arse, he'll tell you that quite proudly, but his growth and change once he meets Sebastian is a wonderful thing to read. He doesn't change FOR him but BECAUSE of him.
Sebastian is the biggest (and most dangerous) cinnamon bun with a marshmallow soul, he's so desperate to atone for things which were beyond his control that you want to wrap him up in a fluffy blanket and never let the world hurt him any more.
The first time they finally kiss is stunningly effective in the narrative. It's an understandable slow burn but oh my lord, is it worth the wait! There aren't loads of sex scenes, the story doesn't really need it, but when they happen, they're beautifully written.
As you can tell, I absolutely adored this book. Allie has such a grasp on her plots that before you can blink, you've read half the book and it's gone midnight 🤣 I did not want to put this one down from the minute I started reading it and that's the mark of a wonderful writer.
I hope this isn't the end of this wonderful world Allie has created. I would happily while away more hours with this bunch of disparate people time and time again.
#ARC kindly received from the author via Carina Press on NetGalley in return for an honest and unbiased review
February 3, 2022
This book was sooo good!!!
It's the first time I read a story from Allie Therin and she knows what's up!!! What an interesting world and take on magic, me obsessed! ❤️🔥❤️🔥
The story was interesting, the mystery was on point, the characters all were beautiful and diverse, (there was even a heterosexual couple, who would have thought that was possible in MM, not me😳🙄).
I loved the magic and the way it works and I loved Sebastián and Wesley, like both of them, more one than other? NO, BOTH OF THEM!!! GOLD! GEM! LIFE. ❤❤❤
I adored them, they were perfect for each other. My heart ached at Sebastián penance and at Wesley loneliness. When they got together they cured each other and I just, couldn't get them together fast enough. I want another book from them, I want to see them again, I loved them *whines*.
Author are you writing the next one? 😢😢😢 So yeah, read this!
It's the first time I read a story from Allie Therin and she knows what's up!!! What an interesting world and take on magic, me obsessed! ❤️🔥❤️🔥
The story was interesting, the mystery was on point, the characters all were beautiful and diverse, (there was even a heterosexual couple, who would have thought that was possible in MM, not me😳🙄).
I loved the magic and the way it works and I loved Sebastián and Wesley, like both of them, more one than other? NO, BOTH OF THEM!!! GOLD! GEM! LIFE. ❤❤❤
I adored them, they were perfect for each other. My heart ached at Sebastián penance and at Wesley loneliness. When they got together they cured each other and I just, couldn't get them together fast enough. I want another book from them, I want to see them again, I loved them *whines*.
Author are you writing the next one? 😢😢😢 So yeah, read this!
May 4, 2022
I was not prepared.
Allie Therin has gifted the world with Proper Scoundrels, and we should all be thankful for it. A spin-off of the original Magic in Manhattan trilogy, Proper Scoundrels takes place soon after the events in Wonderstruck.
As far as Wesley (Lord Fine to those who say nasty but usually deserved things about him behind his back) is concerned, nothing has returned to normal because there was nothing amiss in his normal, aside from the nagging feeling that maybe he is a complete scoundrel. After all, in his last relationship he was replaced by a grouchy antiquarian that was practically half his height and none of his refined demeanor. You might be cranky, too. Nevertheless, Therin assures us, through an even hand and great character development, that Lord Fine has his own demons, the type that have a tendency to cling to a person after they've been forced to endure war. He's jaded, insufferable, and only ever attentive to those he feels earn his interest, but there's a depth and vulnerability to Wesley that he WOULD NEVER to admit to (and would be appalled at me even suggesting).
Then we have Sebastian de Leon. Sweet, atoning, wears-his-heart-on-his-sleeve Sebastian who is going through a grieving process that no one could ever know. He mourns not only the loss of control he had during the three years he was forced to endure under the control of blood magic, but each and every life he affected when he compelled to act against others.
What follows is an attempt to find a murderer that involves suspicion (on Wesley's part), complaint (also Wesley), verbal sparring (again, mostly Wes... sensing a pattern), and eventually not only a mutual appreciation for the other, but the reader being able to watch that appreciation grow exponentially. To see two characters, seemingly diametrically opposed, set on their arcs and growing together. I can't say enough positive things about this book. The characters were great, it was awesome to see Zhang and Jade, as well as a few other familiar faces (not all of them good). The plot and pacing are just stellar. The antagonist is awesome, the motivations and emotional depth is fathomless.
I cannot believe I'm saying this, and understand that I am 100% loyal to the Magic in Manhattan series, but Proper Scoundrels takes everything that was good in the original series and makes it better. If I could give this book six stars, I would.
Note: I received a complementary copy of this book via NetGalley and am leaving a voluntary review.
Allie Therin has gifted the world with Proper Scoundrels, and we should all be thankful for it. A spin-off of the original Magic in Manhattan trilogy, Proper Scoundrels takes place soon after the events in Wonderstruck.
As far as Wesley (Lord Fine to those who say nasty but usually deserved things about him behind his back) is concerned, nothing has returned to normal because there was nothing amiss in his normal, aside from the nagging feeling that maybe he is a complete scoundrel. After all, in his last relationship he was replaced by a grouchy antiquarian that was practically half his height and none of his refined demeanor. You might be cranky, too. Nevertheless, Therin assures us, through an even hand and great character development, that Lord Fine has his own demons, the type that have a tendency to cling to a person after they've been forced to endure war. He's jaded, insufferable, and only ever attentive to those he feels earn his interest, but there's a depth and vulnerability to Wesley that he WOULD NEVER to admit to (and would be appalled at me even suggesting).
Then we have Sebastian de Leon. Sweet, atoning, wears-his-heart-on-his-sleeve Sebastian who is going through a grieving process that no one could ever know. He mourns not only the loss of control he had during the three years he was forced to endure under the control of blood magic, but each and every life he affected when he compelled to act against others.
What follows is an attempt to find a murderer that involves suspicion (on Wesley's part), complaint (also Wesley), verbal sparring (again, mostly Wes... sensing a pattern), and eventually not only a mutual appreciation for the other, but the reader being able to watch that appreciation grow exponentially. To see two characters, seemingly diametrically opposed, set on their arcs and growing together. I can't say enough positive things about this book. The characters were great, it was awesome to see Zhang and Jade, as well as a few other familiar faces (not all of them good). The plot and pacing are just stellar. The antagonist is awesome, the motivations and emotional depth is fathomless.
I cannot believe I'm saying this, and understand that I am 100% loyal to the Magic in Manhattan series, but Proper Scoundrels takes everything that was good in the original series and makes it better. If I could give this book six stars, I would.
Note: I received a complementary copy of this book via NetGalley and am leaving a voluntary review.
November 29, 2021
4.25 stars
Well, well, well ... Wesley Collins, the Viscount Fine... apparently, you redeem yourself after being an annoyance towards Rory and Arthur in the previous books, because OMG, LORD FINE, you are DELIGHTFUL!! Wesley is cranky, jaded, rude (but always honest), and a curmudgeon to the very end. But I LOVE HIM SO MUCH!
And of course, reading about Wesley falling in love with the handsome Sebastian de Leon, who has a marshmallow heart, makes this book very charming indeed. Sebastian is kind and think only of others, and he doesn't think highly of himself, after the bad things he did for three years!! I mean, come on, Sebastian, you are UNDER BLOOD MAGIC!! You are practically prisoner of war!! But that is Sebastian -- he doesn't think like that. He thinks he deserves if people hate him. Which of course, frustrates Wesley, and entertains me *laugh*.
Sebastian gets under Wesley's heart of stone. Their romance progress in a lovely, tender, but also amusing way. I just LOVE them together so much!! Dare I say it, even more than Arthur and Rory 🤭
I liked that both Wesley and Sebastian get their time to shine during the battle with the villains, especially because Wesley is the only non-human, and Sebastian fears that his magic is disastrous. BUT I wish the final battle lasts a bit longer though - because my bloodthirsty self want the villains to suffer a bit more.
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
Well, well, well ... Wesley Collins, the Viscount Fine... apparently, you redeem yourself after being an annoyance towards Rory and Arthur in the previous books, because OMG, LORD FINE, you are DELIGHTFUL!! Wesley is cranky, jaded, rude (but always honest), and a curmudgeon to the very end. But I LOVE HIM SO MUCH!
And of course, reading about Wesley falling in love with the handsome Sebastian de Leon, who has a marshmallow heart, makes this book very charming indeed. Sebastian is kind and think only of others, and he doesn't think highly of himself, after the bad things he did for three years!! I mean, come on, Sebastian, you are UNDER BLOOD MAGIC!! You are practically prisoner of war!! But that is Sebastian -- he doesn't think like that. He thinks he deserves if people hate him. Which of course, frustrates Wesley, and entertains me *laugh*.
Sebastian gets under Wesley's heart of stone. Their romance progress in a lovely, tender, but also amusing way. I just LOVE them together so much!! Dare I say it, even more than Arthur and Rory 🤭
I liked that both Wesley and Sebastian get their time to shine during the battle with the villains, especially because Wesley is the only non-human, and Sebastian fears that his magic is disastrous. BUT I wish the final battle lasts a bit longer though - because my bloodthirsty self want the villains to suffer a bit more.
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
January 25, 2022
I've given this an A- at AAR, so that's 4.5 stars rounded up.
Allie Therin’s Magic and Manhattan series concluded earlier this year with Wonderstruck, leaving Rory and Arthur in a good place, disposing of the evil Baron Zeppler and nicely tying up the major plotlines. Despite a few quibbles, I enjoyed all three books, so I was pleased to learn the author was writing another novel set in the same universe, but featuring different lead characters and a different setting. In Proper Scoundrels the action switches from New York to London (and Yorkshire), and we catch up with Lord Wesley Fine – Arthur Kenzie’s former lover – and Sebastian de Leon, a powerful paranormal whose particular abilities made him a valuable asset to the bad guys - both of whom had major parts to play in Wonderstruck. Although Proper Scoundrels is a standalone novel, I would strongly advise anyone thinking about picking it up to read the Magic in Manhattan series first in order to understand the character backstories and magical systems and world the author has created.
The action picks up shortly after the end of Wonderstruck, where we find Sebastian living in London, where he’s retreated to lick his wounds after spending three years enslaved by the blood magic practiced by Baron Keppler. He’s weighed down by guilt for the things he was forced to do while under the Baron’s control and is desperate to find ways to atone. He’s damaged, scared and alone, having deliberately distanced himself from friends and family because he believes himself unworthy of affection, happiness or redemption.
Wesley, Lord Fine, is also back in London and is at something of a loose end. Like Sebastian, he feels like an outsider, his experiences of war putting him forever out of step with those around him. He’s a self-confessed scoundrel; jaded, cynical, arrogant and often deliberately rude, he despises nearly everyone and everything. Despite his involvement with the events of Wonderstruck, he has no idea of the existence of magic and the paranormal world - and no inkling that his Kensington home is under magical protection or that Sebastian regularly passes by to make sure that Arthur’s aristocratic friend [isn’t] in any danger owing to his association with Arthur and Rory.
One evening, Sebastian receives a note from Jade Robbins containing a list of the dates of three recent unexplained murders and asking him to meet her. He grasps the implications immediately - whoever is committing these murders is a paranormal; his conversation with Jade and her partner, Zhang, confirms this and also suggests the perpetrator may be the man responsible for the theft of a number of valuable and dangerous magical artefacts belonging to Sebastian’s family, the Earl of Blanshard. And among the guests at the last party the earl held at his Yorkshire estate was Wesley, Viscount Fine. Could he be the paranormal murderer’s next target?
Proper Scoundrels is superbly plotted and perfectly paced, and there’s what I can only describe as an overall air of confidence to the writing and storytelling that wasn’t quite there in the author’s previous work. The romance is given the time to develop and the attraction between Wesley and Sebastian made a lot more sense right off the bat than the romance between Rory and Arthur, who felt so very mis-matched until quite late in their series. Wesley and Sebastian may be polar opposites, but their relationship doesn’t suffer from the same feeling of inequality; the push-pull of their attraction, their individual trauma and coping mechanisms, and the amount of growth they go through as characters makes their romance – across one single title – very believable and deeply satisfying.
Wesley and Sebastian are as compelling as individuals as they are as a couple and I liked both of them very much – although it’s Wesley who really stole the show for me. I loved his sharp and very distinctive narrative voice; he’s under no illusions about himself – unless it’s about his hard-heartedness and inability to love – and his irritation with himself over his attraction to Sebastian is funny and leaps off the page. He’s every bit the arrogant, rude, snarky, cantankerous arsehole he was in the previous books, but there’s a depth and vulnerability to him that he’d never admit to, and he’s brave, open-minded, witty and generous to those few he truly cares about. I enjoyed watching him decide that maybe caring for someone – and allowing someone to care for him – might be worth it after all. Sebastian has been through a lot and is suffering from what we’d recognise as PTSD as a result, but he isn’t prepared to cut himself any slack and blames himself for all the things he did while in thrall to Baron Keppler, even though he had absolutely no choice in the matter. He’s unfailingly kind and considerate – Jade is spot on when she calls him a “dangerous marshmallow” – and will fight to the death to protect those around him – especially sharp-tongued, non-magical viscounts – but he’s no pushover. I just loved watching these two lonely, damaged men slowly growing closer and allowing the other to see things about themselves they allow no-one else to see. Their chemistry is off-the-charts and they light up the pages when they’re together, Wesley’s acerbity the perfect counterpoint to Sebastian’s sweetness.
Having bemoaned the fade-to-black sex scenes in the Magic in Manhattan books because I felt the author missed an opportunity to add depth to the romance, I was pleased at the inclusion of on-page scenes of sexual intimacy here. These moments between Wesley and Sebastian feel absolutely appropriate for the relationship and the characters and definitely add depth to their emotional connection.
While Arthur and Rory are namechecked a few times, they don’t actually appear on the page – which I think was the right decision, as this story belongs entirely to Wesley and Sebastian – I was delighted to see Jade and Zhang again; they’re terrific characters and I enjoyed their interactions with the two leads and seeing them playing important roles in the story.
Proper Scoundrels is my favourite of Ms. Therin’s books so far and I raced through it in a couple of sittings. The two leads are compelling, well-developed characters who grab the attention right from the start, the mystery plot is well-executed and overall, it feels as though the author has taken all the really good things from the first three books and made them even stronger. It’s my final DIK of 2021, and I have no hesitation in wholeheartedly recommending it.
Allie Therin’s Magic and Manhattan series concluded earlier this year with Wonderstruck, leaving Rory and Arthur in a good place, disposing of the evil Baron Zeppler and nicely tying up the major plotlines. Despite a few quibbles, I enjoyed all three books, so I was pleased to learn the author was writing another novel set in the same universe, but featuring different lead characters and a different setting. In Proper Scoundrels the action switches from New York to London (and Yorkshire), and we catch up with Lord Wesley Fine – Arthur Kenzie’s former lover – and Sebastian de Leon, a powerful paranormal whose particular abilities made him a valuable asset to the bad guys - both of whom had major parts to play in Wonderstruck. Although Proper Scoundrels is a standalone novel, I would strongly advise anyone thinking about picking it up to read the Magic in Manhattan series first in order to understand the character backstories and magical systems and world the author has created.
The action picks up shortly after the end of Wonderstruck, where we find Sebastian living in London, where he’s retreated to lick his wounds after spending three years enslaved by the blood magic practiced by Baron Keppler. He’s weighed down by guilt for the things he was forced to do while under the Baron’s control and is desperate to find ways to atone. He’s damaged, scared and alone, having deliberately distanced himself from friends and family because he believes himself unworthy of affection, happiness or redemption.
Wesley, Lord Fine, is also back in London and is at something of a loose end. Like Sebastian, he feels like an outsider, his experiences of war putting him forever out of step with those around him. He’s a self-confessed scoundrel; jaded, cynical, arrogant and often deliberately rude, he despises nearly everyone and everything. Despite his involvement with the events of Wonderstruck, he has no idea of the existence of magic and the paranormal world - and no inkling that his Kensington home is under magical protection or that Sebastian regularly passes by to make sure that Arthur’s aristocratic friend [isn’t] in any danger owing to his association with Arthur and Rory.
One evening, Sebastian receives a note from Jade Robbins containing a list of the dates of three recent unexplained murders and asking him to meet her. He grasps the implications immediately - whoever is committing these murders is a paranormal; his conversation with Jade and her partner, Zhang, confirms this and also suggests the perpetrator may be the man responsible for the theft of a number of valuable and dangerous magical artefacts belonging to Sebastian’s family, the Earl of Blanshard. And among the guests at the last party the earl held at his Yorkshire estate was Wesley, Viscount Fine. Could he be the paranormal murderer’s next target?
Proper Scoundrels is superbly plotted and perfectly paced, and there’s what I can only describe as an overall air of confidence to the writing and storytelling that wasn’t quite there in the author’s previous work. The romance is given the time to develop and the attraction between Wesley and Sebastian made a lot more sense right off the bat than the romance between Rory and Arthur, who felt so very mis-matched until quite late in their series. Wesley and Sebastian may be polar opposites, but their relationship doesn’t suffer from the same feeling of inequality; the push-pull of their attraction, their individual trauma and coping mechanisms, and the amount of growth they go through as characters makes their romance – across one single title – very believable and deeply satisfying.
Wesley and Sebastian are as compelling as individuals as they are as a couple and I liked both of them very much – although it’s Wesley who really stole the show for me. I loved his sharp and very distinctive narrative voice; he’s under no illusions about himself – unless it’s about his hard-heartedness and inability to love – and his irritation with himself over his attraction to Sebastian is funny and leaps off the page. He’s every bit the arrogant, rude, snarky, cantankerous arsehole he was in the previous books, but there’s a depth and vulnerability to him that he’d never admit to, and he’s brave, open-minded, witty and generous to those few he truly cares about. I enjoyed watching him decide that maybe caring for someone – and allowing someone to care for him – might be worth it after all. Sebastian has been through a lot and is suffering from what we’d recognise as PTSD as a result, but he isn’t prepared to cut himself any slack and blames himself for all the things he did while in thrall to Baron Keppler, even though he had absolutely no choice in the matter. He’s unfailingly kind and considerate – Jade is spot on when she calls him a “dangerous marshmallow” – and will fight to the death to protect those around him – especially sharp-tongued, non-magical viscounts – but he’s no pushover. I just loved watching these two lonely, damaged men slowly growing closer and allowing the other to see things about themselves they allow no-one else to see. Their chemistry is off-the-charts and they light up the pages when they’re together, Wesley’s acerbity the perfect counterpoint to Sebastian’s sweetness.
Having bemoaned the fade-to-black sex scenes in the Magic in Manhattan books because I felt the author missed an opportunity to add depth to the romance, I was pleased at the inclusion of on-page scenes of sexual intimacy here. These moments between Wesley and Sebastian feel absolutely appropriate for the relationship and the characters and definitely add depth to their emotional connection.
While Arthur and Rory are namechecked a few times, they don’t actually appear on the page – which I think was the right decision, as this story belongs entirely to Wesley and Sebastian – I was delighted to see Jade and Zhang again; they’re terrific characters and I enjoyed their interactions with the two leads and seeing them playing important roles in the story.
Proper Scoundrels is my favourite of Ms. Therin’s books so far and I raced through it in a couple of sittings. The two leads are compelling, well-developed characters who grab the attention right from the start, the mystery plot is well-executed and overall, it feels as though the author has taken all the really good things from the first three books and made them even stronger. It’s my final DIK of 2021, and I have no hesitation in wholeheartedly recommending it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2022
A fabulous historical fantasy romance with great magical hijinks and a genuinely fabulous romance with a lot of humor and so many moments of true sweetness. I loved it! (PS: It's a spin-off from an earlier series in the same 1920s world, but it stands alone perfectly well. I hadn't read most of the earlier books and it wasn't a problem for me at ALL. So you can go ahead and start here!)
January 28, 2022
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley
I fell in love with Therin's writing mere pages into Spellbound, the first book in the Magic In Manhattan series, and four books later, this series already feels like home.
"Proper Scoundrels" picks up where Wonderstruck left off, only this time we're following Lord Fine, Ace's British Nobleman of an Ex, and Sebastian de Leon, who we first met under less than pleasant circumstances.
Therin managed to make two very different characters absolutely made for each other.
I found myself attatched to both of them so deeply for different but no less special reasons.
Wesley's cynic jadedness, and his sharp edges to mask his loneliness and depression.
Sebastian's kindness through all the trauma he's lived through, his feelings of inadequacy and guilt.
This is a book filled with magic but it's humanity in its purest form.
With humor, beautiful prose, and some steam that will make you swoon, this might actually be my favorite Therin.
I fell in love with Therin's writing mere pages into Spellbound, the first book in the Magic In Manhattan series, and four books later, this series already feels like home.
"Proper Scoundrels" picks up where Wonderstruck left off, only this time we're following Lord Fine, Ace's British Nobleman of an Ex, and Sebastian de Leon, who we first met under less than pleasant circumstances.
Therin managed to make two very different characters absolutely made for each other.
I found myself attatched to both of them so deeply for different but no less special reasons.
Wesley's cynic jadedness, and his sharp edges to mask his loneliness and depression.
Sebastian's kindness through all the trauma he's lived through, his feelings of inadequacy and guilt.
This is a book filled with magic but it's humanity in its purest form.
With humor, beautiful prose, and some steam that will make you swoon, this might actually be my favorite Therin.
January 11, 2022
4.5 stars, rounded up because it was a lot of fun. I do think this one is better if you've read the Magic in Manhattan Collection: Spellbound / Starcrossed / Wonderstruck books. There are familiar characters, and magical worldbuilding and backstory that might be confusing coming into it cold. But the main characters are well-drawn and appealing and it might work. I took off the 0.5 for anachronistic language and Americanisms, especially in the narrative voice, which was occasionally jarring. But then, it's a paranormal, and AU, not true historical, so unless this is a big pet peeve, it shouldn't spoil your enjoyment of this fast-paced, entertaining adventure of a romance.
Sebastian de Leon was forced by blood magic to perpetrate acts of violence in the previous books. Now free of those magical bonds, he's trying to piece back together who he is and to learn to live with what he did. Because he's both a very soft-hearted man and one who's hard on himself, he's not having much luck with that. He's trying to protect Lord Fine, while keeping a distance and still seeing himself as a villain of the piece. And when they first meet, Fine agrees.
Wesley Collins, the Viscount Fine, was an annoying ex to our previous MCs, but here we see the man who has shut himself off from softer feelings, and yet whose every instinct is to be decent and kind. He begins the book having no idea magic exists, which leads him to blunders, but when he does find out, he redeems his past in a very satisfactory way.
Although both men go through a bit of "I'm not good enough for him" I didn't get too frustrated with it, because they had difficult pasts and stressful presents to excuse them. The magical action was fast-paced and yet easy to follow, the romance was slower and had a heart of sweetness, and the ending was satisfying.
Sebastian de Leon was forced by blood magic to perpetrate acts of violence in the previous books. Now free of those magical bonds, he's trying to piece back together who he is and to learn to live with what he did. Because he's both a very soft-hearted man and one who's hard on himself, he's not having much luck with that. He's trying to protect Lord Fine, while keeping a distance and still seeing himself as a villain of the piece. And when they first meet, Fine agrees.
Wesley Collins, the Viscount Fine, was an annoying ex to our previous MCs, but here we see the man who has shut himself off from softer feelings, and yet whose every instinct is to be decent and kind. He begins the book having no idea magic exists, which leads him to blunders, but when he does find out, he redeems his past in a very satisfactory way.
Although both men go through a bit of "I'm not good enough for him" I didn't get too frustrated with it, because they had difficult pasts and stressful presents to excuse them. The magical action was fast-paced and yet easy to follow, the romance was slower and had a heart of sweetness, and the ending was satisfying.
September 21, 2022
If I thought I couldn't love this author more, she came and wrote this beauty of a book and won my heart all over again. I went from thinking Lord Fine was, indeed, fine, after wanting to slap him a few times after what he did, to wanting to hug him for hours. He is cranky, he is a delight.
Sebastian, the dangerous marshmallow, really shone in this book. I loved both of their growth, but Sebastian's really got to my soul because he is a cutie and I wanted only the best for him.
No useless misunderstanding, no unnecessary drama. These two very different men found themselves working together to stop an evil magical man and the journey they embarked on showed them just how much they wanted the other to be part of their lives.
As usual, I loved Allie Therin's writing style. I could read her books for eternity and never get bored. I think I will keep smiling while thinking about sweet Sebastian and grumpy Wesley who says he isn't a cuddler but is instead the best cuddler there is!!
Sebastian, the dangerous marshmallow, really shone in this book. I loved both of their growth, but Sebastian's really got to my soul because he is a cutie and I wanted only the best for him.
No useless misunderstanding, no unnecessary drama. These two very different men found themselves working together to stop an evil magical man and the journey they embarked on showed them just how much they wanted the other to be part of their lives.
As usual, I loved Allie Therin's writing style. I could read her books for eternity and never get bored. I think I will keep smiling while thinking about sweet Sebastian and grumpy Wesley who says he isn't a cuddler but is instead the best cuddler there is!!
March 9, 2022
I've given this an A- for both narration and content at AudioGals.
Note: Although this is a standalone novel, it is linked to the Magic in Manhattan series; and as there are references to events that occurred in those books, there are likely to be spoilers for the series in this review.
When Allie Therin’s Magic in Manhattan series came to an end last year, I was pleased to learn that she would be writing a spin-off novel that would follow two different protagonists who had previously appeared as secondary characters in the main series. Proper Scoundrels is that spin-off, and I have to admit that much as I came to enjoy the series that spawned it, it is – so far – my favourite of the author’s novels. Plus – and this is a BIG plus – this book benefits enormously in audio from having the always excellent Joel Froomkin as narrator; the earlier series was (unfortunately) performed by a relatively inexperienced narrator who didn’t do it justice.
The action in Proper Scoundrels shifts from New York in 1925 to England later the same year, where we catch up with Wesley Collins, Viscount Fine, who is as prickly, cynical and irritable as ever. Even though he had a fairly large role to play in the events of Wonderstruck, Arthur, Rory and the gang were able to keep him in ignorance of the existence of magic – although unbeknownst to him, his Kensington home is now protected by a magical painting by the paranormal artist Isabella de Leon, which prevents other paranormals from properly seeing the house. As an extra precaution, her brother Sebastian – who has hidden himself away in London to lick his wounds after having been magically enslaved by the evil Baron Keppler – wanders past the place every so often, just to keep an eye out and make sure that Lord Fine is in no danger as a result of his connection to Arthur Kenzie and Rory Brodigan.
You can read the rest of this review at AudioGals .
Note: Although this is a standalone novel, it is linked to the Magic in Manhattan series; and as there are references to events that occurred in those books, there are likely to be spoilers for the series in this review.
When Allie Therin’s Magic in Manhattan series came to an end last year, I was pleased to learn that she would be writing a spin-off novel that would follow two different protagonists who had previously appeared as secondary characters in the main series. Proper Scoundrels is that spin-off, and I have to admit that much as I came to enjoy the series that spawned it, it is – so far – my favourite of the author’s novels. Plus – and this is a BIG plus – this book benefits enormously in audio from having the always excellent Joel Froomkin as narrator; the earlier series was (unfortunately) performed by a relatively inexperienced narrator who didn’t do it justice.
The action in Proper Scoundrels shifts from New York in 1925 to England later the same year, where we catch up with Wesley Collins, Viscount Fine, who is as prickly, cynical and irritable as ever. Even though he had a fairly large role to play in the events of Wonderstruck, Arthur, Rory and the gang were able to keep him in ignorance of the existence of magic – although unbeknownst to him, his Kensington home is now protected by a magical painting by the paranormal artist Isabella de Leon, which prevents other paranormals from properly seeing the house. As an extra precaution, her brother Sebastian – who has hidden himself away in London to lick his wounds after having been magically enslaved by the evil Baron Keppler – wanders past the place every so often, just to keep an eye out and make sure that Lord Fine is in no danger as a result of his connection to Arthur Kenzie and Rory Brodigan.
You can read the rest of this review at AudioGals .
August 15, 2022
proper scoundrels takes a minute to get going, but once wesley and sebastian meet things pick up exponentially. and can i just say, the way these two complimented each other is, *chef's kiss* 🥹
“well, you’ve made me believe in fairy tales, you arse,” he said, voice unsteady. “because I got a fairy tale when I got you.”
December 8, 2021
4 Stars
Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book via NetGalley. This has not influenced my review.*
I liked Wesley in the Magic in Manhattan series. He started off not so likeable, but by the end, I realized he wasn’t so bad after all, and I felt for him. So I was glad to see him get his own book and his own chance at love!
This was very sweet. Almost a little too sweet for my taste, in the sense that these two would often say things that were just a little too sappy and eloquent to be believable. But I enjoyed it! It was a lovely (and also sexy) romance between two characters who deserved it. I especially enjoyed the building tension between them before they crossed the line of admitting their attraction.
Both Wesley and Sebastian were easy to love. Yes, even Wesley. He may have been gruff and stone-hearted with previous lovers and a loner and kind of a jerk sometimes, but not really to undeserving people. It was more of a facade, a wall to hide behind and use to push people away, than anything. He treated his staff well, and he apologized when he realized he’d been rude to Sebastian. And Sebastian, well, he was just the sweetest, most compassionate, most kind-hearted person, still struggling with the guilt of what he’d been forced to do while under blood magic control.
This was mostly about the romance, but the non-romance story was good too and added a bit of tension and action. I think it also brought a bit more closure to the overall series.
The magic was fun. The author found a unique way to make a magic-dampening power interesting and fun, even when there was no other magic involved!
Overall, a sweet story about sweet characters that I’m sure fans of the Magic in Manhattan series will enjoy!
*Though this is a standalone story about some of the side characters, it is a spin-off from the Magic in Manhattan series, and you may be lost in regards to the world, magic, and backstory of the characters if you haven’t read that yet.*
*Rating: 4 Stars // Read Date: 2021 // Format: Ebook via TTS*
Recommended For:
Fans of Allie Therin's Magic in Manhattan series. Anyone who likes sweet m/m romance, paranormal abilities, and gruff characters finding the person who softens their heart.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book via NetGalley. This has not influenced my review.*
I liked Wesley in the Magic in Manhattan series. He started off not so likeable, but by the end, I realized he wasn’t so bad after all, and I felt for him. So I was glad to see him get his own book and his own chance at love!
This was very sweet. Almost a little too sweet for my taste, in the sense that these two would often say things that were just a little too sappy and eloquent to be believable. But I enjoyed it! It was a lovely (and also sexy) romance between two characters who deserved it. I especially enjoyed the building tension between them before they crossed the line of admitting their attraction.
Both Wesley and Sebastian were easy to love. Yes, even Wesley. He may have been gruff and stone-hearted with previous lovers and a loner and kind of a jerk sometimes, but not really to undeserving people. It was more of a facade, a wall to hide behind and use to push people away, than anything. He treated his staff well, and he apologized when he realized he’d been rude to Sebastian. And Sebastian, well, he was just the sweetest, most compassionate, most kind-hearted person, still struggling with the guilt of what he’d been forced to do while under blood magic control.
This was mostly about the romance, but the non-romance story was good too and added a bit of tension and action. I think it also brought a bit more closure to the overall series.
The magic was fun. The author found a unique way to make a magic-dampening power interesting and fun, even when there was no other magic involved!
Overall, a sweet story about sweet characters that I’m sure fans of the Magic in Manhattan series will enjoy!
*Though this is a standalone story about some of the side characters, it is a spin-off from the Magic in Manhattan series, and you may be lost in regards to the world, magic, and backstory of the characters if you haven’t read that yet.*
*Rating: 4 Stars // Read Date: 2021 // Format: Ebook via TTS*
Recommended For:
Fans of Allie Therin's Magic in Manhattan series. Anyone who likes sweet m/m romance, paranormal abilities, and gruff characters finding the person who softens their heart.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
January 26, 2022
Both of these main characters were introduced in the Magic in Manhattan series. Everything you need to know about this book is in this book, but I'm glad to have read the other series first. Jade and Zhang are important here, which I liked, and there are intriguing new characters too, including Sebastian's artist cousin Isabel.
Unlike the previous trilogy, this book has a few explicit sex scenes. I thought the scenes were very good as well as relevant to the plot. That really moved me.
This story handles some serious topics with sensitivity, and the pacing is very good. In reality, I'm sure I'd find someone like Wesley impossible to tolerate, but I do believe in this romance. They are both exactly what the other needs and I was cheering for their happiness. There's quite a lot of genuinely funny humor in this book, too; I really liked Wesley's rebellious servants.
So, I absolutely loved this, and I'm very excited to find out what Allie Therin does next.
Unlike the previous trilogy, this book has a few explicit sex scenes. I thought the scenes were very good as well as relevant to the plot. That really moved me.
This story handles some serious topics with sensitivity, and the pacing is very good. In reality, I'm sure I'd find someone like Wesley impossible to tolerate, but I do believe in this romance. They are both exactly what the other needs and I was cheering for their happiness. There's quite a lot of genuinely funny humor in this book, too; I really liked Wesley's rebellious servants.
So, I absolutely loved this, and I'm very excited to find out what Allie Therin does next.
January 13, 2022
Don’t miss this standalone spin-off in Allie Therin's acclaimed Magic in Manhattan universe!
Their scandalous pasts have left them wounded and unworthy—and hopelessly perfect together.
London, 1925
Sebastian de Leon is adjusting to life after three years spent enthralled by blood magic. The atrocities he committed under its control still weigh heavily on his conscience, but when he’s asked to investigate a series of mysterious murders, it feels like an opportunity to make amends. Until he realizes the killer’s next likely target is a man who witnessed Sebastian at his worst—the Viscount Fine.
Lord Fine—known as Wesley to his friends, if he had any—is haunted by ghosts of his own after serving as a British army captain during the Great War. Jaded and untrusting, he’s tempted to turn Sebastian in, but there���s something undeniably captivating about the reformed paranormal, and after Sebastian risks his own life to save Wesley’s, they find common ground.
Seeking sanctuary together at Wesley’s country estate in Yorkshire, the unlikely pair begins to unravel a mystery steeped in legend and folklore, the close quarters emboldening them to see past the other’s trauma to the person worth loving beneath. But with growing targets on their backs, they’ll have to move quickly if they want to catch a killer—and discover whether two wounded souls can help each other heal.
Review:
This is a spinoff from "Magic in Manhattan" series. Two secondary characters from those series - Wesley and Sebastian find love together . I was not sure if I wanted to give this book a try since the last book of "Magic in Manhattan" was not my favorite book in the series, but decided that I was curious enough to see if author can redeem Sebastian and was very happy to see that she managed it quite easily without rewriting anything. I hate when the villain is redeemed by rewriting all the bad things they did in the past books.
I think two things helped me to buy his redemption easily. It was made quite clear in the previous books that Sebastian did what he did in the previous books under blood magic. Granted we did not know the details of how it worked and we were not in Sebastian's head , but I did not doubt that he was forced to do things.
So in this book we do get to be in Sebastian's head ( third person limited POV switches between him and Wesley) and we see how much he regrets and upset over what he did and how much he wants to help and protect people whom he hurt in the past ( and those he did not hurt in the past). I finished the book thinking of Sebastian as a sweetheart, no less .
Wesley had sharp tongue before and he has sharp tongue now, he is very blunt and always says what he thinks and he is loyal and kind, no matter how grumpy he can be . I thought he and Sebastian had a great chemistry together once they dispersed with all the apologies :)
“No, Sebastian. You don’t owe me penance for anything that happened under blood magic, and you don’t get to say lovely things to me over chips and then expect me to tolerate this slander.” Lord Fine wrapped his hand fully around Sebastian’s wrist, over the tattoo. “This is not your fault. You suffered a terrible torture, and you need to give yourself time.” Sebastian bit his lip. “But I should be past this already. I literally have the magic to weaken other paranormals’ magic. I should be able to break this magic’s hold on me.” “Wouldn’t it be nice if our minds always behaved exactly how we wanted them to?” Lord Fine said dryly. Sebastian huffed. He rolled his eyes, but that had put a small, grudging smile on his lips.”
Their romance had the touches of hurt/ comfort for me and I have not read hurt/comfort for quite some time. I like it to a certain degree but I don't like when it is over the top and over done. I thought the author did it just right ( for this reader). Sebastian does not need to be saved all the time, he is certainly no damsel in distress , but there are times he needs help and a shoulder to lean on and because of what he went through it made sense to me. And Sebastian was a shoulder to lean on for Wesley too! Wesley had past relationship issues too and Sebastian I thought was the right partner for him.
There was a murder investigation they both were involved in, but I thought it was more a suspense than mystery and it worked for me too. I was kind of glad that relics felt less important in this story than in the original series, since at the end of the original series the relics did not really work for me . The author did not forget about those things, but I thought that way more significance was placed on the investigating murders , although magic was definitely present in this book too.
Grade: 4-4.5 stars
Their scandalous pasts have left them wounded and unworthy—and hopelessly perfect together.
London, 1925
Sebastian de Leon is adjusting to life after three years spent enthralled by blood magic. The atrocities he committed under its control still weigh heavily on his conscience, but when he’s asked to investigate a series of mysterious murders, it feels like an opportunity to make amends. Until he realizes the killer’s next likely target is a man who witnessed Sebastian at his worst—the Viscount Fine.
Lord Fine—known as Wesley to his friends, if he had any—is haunted by ghosts of his own after serving as a British army captain during the Great War. Jaded and untrusting, he’s tempted to turn Sebastian in, but there���s something undeniably captivating about the reformed paranormal, and after Sebastian risks his own life to save Wesley’s, they find common ground.
Seeking sanctuary together at Wesley’s country estate in Yorkshire, the unlikely pair begins to unravel a mystery steeped in legend and folklore, the close quarters emboldening them to see past the other’s trauma to the person worth loving beneath. But with growing targets on their backs, they’ll have to move quickly if they want to catch a killer—and discover whether two wounded souls can help each other heal.
Review:
This is a spinoff from "Magic in Manhattan" series. Two secondary characters from those series - Wesley and Sebastian find love together . I was not sure if I wanted to give this book a try since the last book of "Magic in Manhattan" was not my favorite book in the series, but decided that I was curious enough to see if author can redeem Sebastian and was very happy to see that she managed it quite easily without rewriting anything. I hate when the villain is redeemed by rewriting all the bad things they did in the past books.
I think two things helped me to buy his redemption easily. It was made quite clear in the previous books that Sebastian did what he did in the previous books under blood magic. Granted we did not know the details of how it worked and we were not in Sebastian's head , but I did not doubt that he was forced to do things.
So in this book we do get to be in Sebastian's head ( third person limited POV switches between him and Wesley) and we see how much he regrets and upset over what he did and how much he wants to help and protect people whom he hurt in the past ( and those he did not hurt in the past). I finished the book thinking of Sebastian as a sweetheart, no less .
Wesley had sharp tongue before and he has sharp tongue now, he is very blunt and always says what he thinks and he is loyal and kind, no matter how grumpy he can be . I thought he and Sebastian had a great chemistry together once they dispersed with all the apologies :)
“No, Sebastian. You don’t owe me penance for anything that happened under blood magic, and you don’t get to say lovely things to me over chips and then expect me to tolerate this slander.” Lord Fine wrapped his hand fully around Sebastian’s wrist, over the tattoo. “This is not your fault. You suffered a terrible torture, and you need to give yourself time.” Sebastian bit his lip. “But I should be past this already. I literally have the magic to weaken other paranormals’ magic. I should be able to break this magic’s hold on me.” “Wouldn’t it be nice if our minds always behaved exactly how we wanted them to?” Lord Fine said dryly. Sebastian huffed. He rolled his eyes, but that had put a small, grudging smile on his lips.”
Their romance had the touches of hurt/ comfort for me and I have not read hurt/comfort for quite some time. I like it to a certain degree but I don't like when it is over the top and over done. I thought the author did it just right ( for this reader). Sebastian does not need to be saved all the time, he is certainly no damsel in distress , but there are times he needs help and a shoulder to lean on and because of what he went through it made sense to me. And Sebastian was a shoulder to lean on for Wesley too! Wesley had past relationship issues too and Sebastian I thought was the right partner for him.
There was a murder investigation they both were involved in, but I thought it was more a suspense than mystery and it worked for me too. I was kind of glad that relics felt less important in this story than in the original series, since at the end of the original series the relics did not really work for me . The author did not forget about those things, but I thought that way more significance was placed on the investigating murders , although magic was definitely present in this book too.
Grade: 4-4.5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2021
4.5 Stars!
I love me some Allie Therin.
There hasn't been a single book of her's I've not enjoyed so when I saw this spin-off from her "Magic in Manhattan" series, I just HAD to read it.
Sebastian was a reformed "villian"(albeit an unwilling one) from the aforementioned series and was set on redeeming himself through his actions. He'd been through hell and was suffering the aftermath of his capture and he STILL wanted to help others. A veritable angel, I just wanted to wrap him up and keep him from anything that could harm him.
Wesley (a.k.a Lord Fine) was Arthur's friend/ex and someone we first encountered in less than pleasant ways especially with how he behaved towards Rory. It seems that wasn't one-off behaviour from Lord Fine.
Wesley was cantankerous, rude and prone to fits of fancy when things did not go his way. Simply put, he was unpleasant.
Fortunately for him he came into contact with Sebastian who managed to make Wesley turn a corner not by force but by being his gentle, sweet self. Lord Fine stood no chance against all of that even when he tried to be his usual grumpy self.
I absolutely enjoyed the writing. The pacing was perfect for the story and the characters even more so(especially the baddies who frightened and intrigued me in equal parts).
I enjoyed myself so much that I wasn't even ready for the story to end when it did. We got an Epilogue and I wanted a SECOND one. It was so good.
Definitely recommended. You won't regret it.
**eARC Provided by Publisher in Exchange for An Honest and Unbiased Review **
I love me some Allie Therin.
There hasn't been a single book of her's I've not enjoyed so when I saw this spin-off from her "Magic in Manhattan" series, I just HAD to read it.
Sebastian was a reformed "villian"(albeit an unwilling one) from the aforementioned series and was set on redeeming himself through his actions. He'd been through hell and was suffering the aftermath of his capture and he STILL wanted to help others. A veritable angel, I just wanted to wrap him up and keep him from anything that could harm him.
Wesley (a.k.a Lord Fine) was Arthur's friend/ex and someone we first encountered in less than pleasant ways especially with how he behaved towards Rory. It seems that wasn't one-off behaviour from Lord Fine.
Wesley was cantankerous, rude and prone to fits of fancy when things did not go his way. Simply put, he was unpleasant.
Fortunately for him he came into contact with Sebastian who managed to make Wesley turn a corner not by force but by being his gentle, sweet self. Lord Fine stood no chance against all of that even when he tried to be his usual grumpy self.
I absolutely enjoyed the writing. The pacing was perfect for the story and the characters even more so(especially the baddies who frightened and intrigued me in equal parts).
I enjoyed myself so much that I wasn't even ready for the story to end when it did. We got an Epilogue and I wanted a SECOND one. It was so good.
Definitely recommended. You won't regret it.
**eARC Provided by Publisher in Exchange for An Honest and Unbiased Review **
April 30, 2022
This is my new favorite! Magic, feels, sexy times, and thrilling adventure!!! I absolutely loved it to tears. Broody, uppity lord + tragic hero of need of hugs = 😍😍. Also Allie Therin finally took the intimate scenes up a notch! 🔥🔥🔥
Great standalone, but Magic in Manhattan series is still pretty awesome so I definitely recommend reading that. Sebastián de León is now free after 3 years of magical enslavement under which he committed terrible acts against his will. His current mission is watch over and protect Lord Fine (Wesley). Unfortunately the snipey and jaded lordling witnessed him kidnap a person previously and unaware of Sebastián's enslavement is convinced he is the most vile of villains. But as a particular dark magic caster sets his eyes on Wesley he slowly sees what an abused little marshmallow the man is. And when Sebastián's life is on the line Wesley is determined to save the marshmallow rather he feels worthy of saving or not!
Great standalone, but Magic in Manhattan series is still pretty awesome so I definitely recommend reading that. Sebastián de León is now free after 3 years of magical enslavement under which he committed terrible acts against his will. His current mission is watch over and protect Lord Fine (Wesley). Unfortunately the snipey and jaded lordling witnessed him kidnap a person previously and unaware of Sebastián's enslavement is convinced he is the most vile of villains. But as a particular dark magic caster sets his eyes on Wesley he slowly sees what an abused little marshmallow the man is. And when Sebastián's life is on the line Wesley is determined to save the marshmallow rather he feels worthy of saving or not!
December 4, 2021
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advanced copy of this book. I am providing a voluntary review. All thoughts and views are my own.
I've been in a life-induced reading slump lately and so, when I saw Allie Therin had a new book out, I all but fell over myself clawing at the proverbial book gods to get my hands on it. And I can honestly say, I was anything but disappointed. I'm going to start this review off by thanking the author for giving me a much-needed reprieve from a world gone upside down and topsy-turvy. Being able to dive head-first into her stories has always been a joy, but in our current climate, and enmeshed with my own personal demons, it was an absolute gift from the bookish heavens above.
We met both of our heroes in previous books, but Therin found a way to make their story fresh and one-hundred percent their very own. I'll admit I was a little disappointed that my boys from the previous story don't show their faces in this one, but in a way, it helped keep this story honest and true to itself. But don't let that fool you into thinking you won't see plenty of your favorite characters from the Magic in Manhatten series, because trust me, most of the rest of the cast of wondrous women and men make an appearance in one way or another.
Even if you haven't read the rest of Therin's Magic in Manhatten series, you could easily read this story as a standalone. But if you have read the rest of the series, you will be delighted by the way she weaves in her unique and creative lore from the previous tales. I want to sink into her world and never resurface.
Oh, and then there was the smexy, yummy, delicious bedroom times that I just... ho boy. Therin has certainly upped her game in that department with this book. Things are a little less fade-to-black and a lot more "oh my good god, get me a glass of water." You will not be disappointed. Trust and believe.
So, do yourself a favor... get your greedy little readerly hands on this book as soon as you can, and be sure to set aside plenty of time. Also, I wouldn't suggest drinking too much while you read, as you might forget even the simplest things, such as taking bathroom breaks. They become second in importance to getting to the next page and finding out what happens next.
I've been in a life-induced reading slump lately and so, when I saw Allie Therin had a new book out, I all but fell over myself clawing at the proverbial book gods to get my hands on it. And I can honestly say, I was anything but disappointed. I'm going to start this review off by thanking the author for giving me a much-needed reprieve from a world gone upside down and topsy-turvy. Being able to dive head-first into her stories has always been a joy, but in our current climate, and enmeshed with my own personal demons, it was an absolute gift from the bookish heavens above.
We met both of our heroes in previous books, but Therin found a way to make their story fresh and one-hundred percent their very own. I'll admit I was a little disappointed that my boys from the previous story don't show their faces in this one, but in a way, it helped keep this story honest and true to itself. But don't let that fool you into thinking you won't see plenty of your favorite characters from the Magic in Manhatten series, because trust me, most of the rest of the cast of wondrous women and men make an appearance in one way or another.
Even if you haven't read the rest of Therin's Magic in Manhatten series, you could easily read this story as a standalone. But if you have read the rest of the series, you will be delighted by the way she weaves in her unique and creative lore from the previous tales. I want to sink into her world and never resurface.
Oh, and then there was the smexy, yummy, delicious bedroom times that I just... ho boy. Therin has certainly upped her game in that department with this book. Things are a little less fade-to-black and a lot more "oh my good god, get me a glass of water." You will not be disappointed. Trust and believe.
So, do yourself a favor... get your greedy little readerly hands on this book as soon as you can, and be sure to set aside plenty of time. Also, I wouldn't suggest drinking too much while you read, as you might forget even the simplest things, such as taking bathroom breaks. They become second in importance to getting to the next page and finding out what happens next.
December 28, 2021
PROPER SCOUNDRELS was a great follow up from the MAGIC IN MANHATTAN series. Sebastian de Leon is still recovering from being controlled by blood magic for three years but as a paranormal who is dedicated to helping nonmagicals he can't look the other way at a series of mysterious deaths. The last thing he needs is an attraction to the cynical Lord Fine but when Wesley becomes a target Sebastian can't keep his distance.
I love Allie Therin's writing, there's just something so enjoyable about it. I felt immersed in the setting of 1920's London and I was pulled right into the story and the characters' journey. The world building, magic, and relics were well explained if you're starting out with this book but a lot of the current circumstances are direct results of the previous series so while this is technically a standalone I would highly recommend reading the original trilogy first.
From the start of PROPER SCOUNDRELS I was in love with Sebastian and I was ready to burn down the world to protect him. He had a such a gentle and sensitive heart and he was always ready to protect those in need; but his magical abilities made him incredibly dangerous to cross. I saw an online post from the author describing Sebastian as a "danger marshmallow" and it couldn't be more accurate.
While I loved Sebastian I was a little leery of Wesley and for the first 50% or so I wasn't sure I'd like him. Wesley was grumpy, blunt, harsh, and a bit entitled. He pushed everyone away, disliked most people, and believed he had no heart. He threw a few sharp verbal barbs at Sebastian when they first met and I hated seeing Sebastian hurting. But as Wesley got to know Sebastian more he started to soften and show a more vulnerable side, at least to Sebastian. I can't lie, I enjoyed seeing the prickly Wesley struggling with all the feels he was feeling.
As an added bonus I loved seeing so much of Jade and Zhang since I loved their budding romance in the other books. PROPER SCOUNDRELS was great and I'd happily read anything Allie Therin writes.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Content Warning: in the past Sebastian was imprisoned by blood magic which forced him to hurt others while under the control of another person; references to wartime violence and PTSD
I love Allie Therin's writing, there's just something so enjoyable about it. I felt immersed in the setting of 1920's London and I was pulled right into the story and the characters' journey. The world building, magic, and relics were well explained if you're starting out with this book but a lot of the current circumstances are direct results of the previous series so while this is technically a standalone I would highly recommend reading the original trilogy first.
From the start of PROPER SCOUNDRELS I was in love with Sebastian and I was ready to burn down the world to protect him. He had a such a gentle and sensitive heart and he was always ready to protect those in need; but his magical abilities made him incredibly dangerous to cross. I saw an online post from the author describing Sebastian as a "danger marshmallow" and it couldn't be more accurate.
While I loved Sebastian I was a little leery of Wesley and for the first 50% or so I wasn't sure I'd like him. Wesley was grumpy, blunt, harsh, and a bit entitled. He pushed everyone away, disliked most people, and believed he had no heart. He threw a few sharp verbal barbs at Sebastian when they first met and I hated seeing Sebastian hurting. But as Wesley got to know Sebastian more he started to soften and show a more vulnerable side, at least to Sebastian. I can't lie, I enjoyed seeing the prickly Wesley struggling with all the feels he was feeling.
As an added bonus I loved seeing so much of Jade and Zhang since I loved their budding romance in the other books. PROPER SCOUNDRELS was great and I'd happily read anything Allie Therin writes.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Content Warning: in the past Sebastian was imprisoned by blood magic which forced him to hurt others while under the control of another person; references to wartime violence and PTSD
December 29, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.75 stars
Proper Scoundrels is a delightful spin-off of Allie Therin’s incredible Magic in Manhattan series. It takes place some months after the events of the original trilogy and focuses on Sebastian and Wesley. We met both characters in the main series, with Wesley being Arthur’s ex and Sebastian one of the paranormals under the Puppeteer’s control. While series side characters Jade and Zhang play a big role in this book, Rory and Arthur do not appear here. Although the blurb describes this as a standalone, and it is in the sense that is not part of the main trilogy, I really think you need to be familiar with the Magic in Manhattan books to fully enjoy this one. There are so many callbacks to the trilogy, both in terms of past events, as well as the characters, I don’t think new readers are going to have an easy time following along with a lot of the details without it. I also think that while the backstory is explained, you need to have experienced the blood magic and the menace of the Puppeteer’s control to really understand what Sebastian went through and the residual guilt he faces.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.75 stars
Proper Scoundrels is a delightful spin-off of Allie Therin’s incredible Magic in Manhattan series. It takes place some months after the events of the original trilogy and focuses on Sebastian and Wesley. We met both characters in the main series, with Wesley being Arthur’s ex and Sebastian one of the paranormals under the Puppeteer’s control. While series side characters Jade and Zhang play a big role in this book, Rory and Arthur do not appear here. Although the blurb describes this as a standalone, and it is in the sense that is not part of the main trilogy, I really think you need to be familiar with the Magic in Manhattan books to fully enjoy this one. There are so many callbacks to the trilogy, both in terms of past events, as well as the characters, I don’t think new readers are going to have an easy time following along with a lot of the details without it. I also think that while the backstory is explained, you need to have experienced the blood magic and the menace of the Puppeteer’s control to really understand what Sebastian went through and the residual guilt he faces.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
January 10, 2022
After diving into Magic in Manhattan, I was really looking forward to this one and it didn't disappoint. Both Sebastian and Wesley appeared as sort of villains in previous books, so I was very glad that they got paired together. What a fantastic journey it was to start liking Wesley, the eternal grump, and Sebastian, a man riddled with guilt and responsibilities, and see them let go in each others arms.
The magic and the subsequent mystery involving other relics was interesting and kept me on the edge of my seat. I was happy to see Jade and Jianwei as a couple more as well. The author added more spice here with some explicit scenes which was a bonus. I liked Sebastian's and Wesley's depth of feelings and how their relationship progressed. The times Wesley put his foot in his mouth... hilarious and oddly endearing. I hope that the author decides to continue the story for these two, for I found myself charmed more than I expected.
The magic and the subsequent mystery involving other relics was interesting and kept me on the edge of my seat. I was happy to see Jade and Jianwei as a couple more as well. The author added more spice here with some explicit scenes which was a bonus. I liked Sebastian's and Wesley's depth of feelings and how their relationship progressed. The times Wesley put his foot in his mouth... hilarious and oddly endearing. I hope that the author decides to continue the story for these two, for I found myself charmed more than I expected.
October 31, 2021
First, I recommend reading the "Magic in Manhattan" trilogy, because it's amazing but also to understand the world building of this book and all the references.
Second, I loved this book. Allie Therin is so talented. And this books are so entertaining full of charismatic characters (even the grumpy ones) and a magical universe that I adore.
This time we have Arthur, as the grumpy character who hates everything. And Sebastian as the handsome and charming cinnamon roll that comes to melt Arthur's heart. In the background a magical mission with a lot of action.
Will I read everything Allie puts out in the future? YES
Second, I loved this book. Allie Therin is so talented. And this books are so entertaining full of charismatic characters (even the grumpy ones) and a magical universe that I adore.
This time we have Arthur, as the grumpy character who hates everything. And Sebastian as the handsome and charming cinnamon roll that comes to melt Arthur's heart. In the background a magical mission with a lot of action.
Will I read everything Allie puts out in the future? YES
November 30, 2022
"A bottle of whisky masquerading as a man".
Monotonous & insta-lust.
There was a big information dump at the start. Then it got extremely slow and told more than it showed. I liked the narration. The writing wasn't interesting and the dialogue was unnatural. The plot was predictable.
I didn't like the accent of Sebastian. Which is funny because the character later mentions that some people don't. All together, everything was just off to me.
Monotonous & insta-lust.
There was a big information dump at the start. Then it got extremely slow and told more than it showed. I liked the narration. The writing wasn't interesting and the dialogue was unnatural. The plot was predictable.
I didn't like the accent of Sebastian. Which is funny because the character later mentions that some people don't. All together, everything was just off to me.
January 17, 2022
Allie Therin kills it again with this spin-off of the Magic in Manhattan series - which I loved. Here we get to know Lord Fine, the misanthropic viscount who tried to rain on Arthur and Rory's parade in the trilogy. We also get to meet the real Sebastian De Leon, who we initially met as a bad guy. I am OBSESSED with Sebastian - he was the definition of a cinnamon roll and I couldn't get enough of him. Lord Fine was an asshole basically the whole way through, but him being soft for Seb was amazing. It's a grumpy/sunshine pairing of the highest caliber. The magic was cool, the ending satisfying, and it was a bit more explicit than Magic in Manhattan - in which everything happened off-page. Really enjoyed it. Can't wait to see what Therin does next.
March 23, 2022
It's hard to say why I didn't enjoy this book more, because so many of the right pieces were there but the execution just didn't land for me. I really liked the characters in theory, but sometimes their actions and dialogue felt more like leaning on tropes and archetypes than thoroughly developed characters. There were still lots of good character moments though, and I liked them and their romance.
The mystery(?) plot wasn't that interesting to me, and the ending dragged a bit with an overly long villain monologue and an imbalance of dialogue vs action. But I liked the historical-but-with-magic setting a lot and it was fun to see a book in this universe set in Europe. It's worth noting that although this isn't listed as part of the Magic in Manhattan series, I think it would be best to read that series before this book as there is a lot of worldbuilding and backstory that, although explained in this book, might be confusing for a new reader and I'm not sure I'd say that this fully works as a standalone.
The mystery(?) plot wasn't that interesting to me, and the ending dragged a bit with an overly long villain monologue and an imbalance of dialogue vs action. But I liked the historical-but-with-magic setting a lot and it was fun to see a book in this universe set in Europe. It's worth noting that although this isn't listed as part of the Magic in Manhattan series, I think it would be best to read that series before this book as there is a lot of worldbuilding and backstory that, although explained in this book, might be confusing for a new reader and I'm not sure I'd say that this fully works as a standalone.
November 14, 2021
I got to read the NetGalley ARC! Here's my review!
Sebastian is a worrying delight, and Westley is beyond grumpy. The hunt they're forced into is scary and creepy. To understand this world, you need to read the first two books, but it's well worth it, trust me.
Applicable tags: historical, slow burn, m/m, magic, danger, opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, PTSD
Sebastian is a worrying delight, and Westley is beyond grumpy. The hunt they're forced into is scary and creepy. To understand this world, you need to read the first two books, but it's well worth it, trust me.
Applicable tags: historical, slow burn, m/m, magic, danger, opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, PTSD
July 24, 2022
I’m a sucker for
World War I, class difference
slow burns, so this worked.
World War I, class difference
slow burns, so this worked.
February 11, 2022
How dare Sebastian and Wesley be so freakin' cute together? Sebastian is a total cinnamon roll; Wesley is a closet cinnamon roll. They both stole my heart and ran away with it, damn them.
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