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New Protectorate #0.5
Fragile Beings
In the first volume of the New Protectorate stories...
Fate can't be contained.
#376: A fey Changeling is rescued from captivity by a reluctant demon on a quest to find his fate. Of course Dom expects trouble, but he is shocked to discover his fate is tied to an imprisoned fey woman. Charlotte's a kicking, spitting, hissing little Changeling — and she’s his.
A dragon's kiss burns cold.
Astray: When Paloma Contreras, arrant scientist, accidentally dooms a rogue dragon to death, she'll do anything to save his life. If that means giving up the mountaintop she's called home her entire life, so be it. Too bad Artem Aždaja has no plans to steal her roost. He only wants one thing: her.
Desire fogs the mind.
Weathering: Elise Sasini, an intrepid reporter and weather witch, sets out to uncover the story of San Francisco's legendary sentient fog and gets a lot more than she bargained for. The mysterious elemental agrees to tell his story in exchange for a taste of the life — and the woman — he craves.
Three stories. Three couples. One world. The world is fractured, but love knows no boundaries.
In the first New Protectorate stories collection, get a taste of a magical near-future. This collection contains three paranormal novellas full of heart, steam, and supernatural intrigue!
For those who want them, content warnings can be found in the back of the book and on my website.
Fate can't be contained.
#376: A fey Changeling is rescued from captivity by a reluctant demon on a quest to find his fate. Of course Dom expects trouble, but he is shocked to discover his fate is tied to an imprisoned fey woman. Charlotte's a kicking, spitting, hissing little Changeling — and she’s his.
A dragon's kiss burns cold.
Astray: When Paloma Contreras, arrant scientist, accidentally dooms a rogue dragon to death, she'll do anything to save his life. If that means giving up the mountaintop she's called home her entire life, so be it. Too bad Artem Aždaja has no plans to steal her roost. He only wants one thing: her.
Desire fogs the mind.
Weathering: Elise Sasini, an intrepid reporter and weather witch, sets out to uncover the story of San Francisco's legendary sentient fog and gets a lot more than she bargained for. The mysterious elemental agrees to tell his story in exchange for a taste of the life — and the woman — he craves.
Three stories. Three couples. One world. The world is fractured, but love knows no boundaries.
In the first New Protectorate stories collection, get a taste of a magical near-future. This collection contains three paranormal novellas full of heart, steam, and supernatural intrigue!
For those who want them, content warnings can be found in the back of the book and on my website.
404 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 12, 2022
96 people are currently reading
594 people want to read
About the author
Abigail Kelly
11 books225 followersAbigail Kelly is a writer of alternate histories, love stories, and women with drive. Her work is heavily influenced by both her modest family roots and her passion for history. A former illustrator, she is now a bookseller at an independent bookshop where she gets to badly influence impressionable young minds and put her favorite books in eager hands. She is also the host of the Kingdom of Thirst podcast, a show all about romance novels and why they matter.
Her favorite authors are Shirley Jackson, V. E. Schwab, Ursula K. Le Guin, Kresley Cole, Nalini Singh, and just about anyone who writes about the weird and wonderful. She lives in San Francisco with her dog, Babs, who remains stubbornly illiterate.
Her favorite authors are Shirley Jackson, V. E. Schwab, Ursula K. Le Guin, Kresley Cole, Nalini Singh, and just about anyone who writes about the weird and wonderful. She lives in San Francisco with her dog, Babs, who remains stubbornly illiterate.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
September 2, 2023
Three stories. Three couples. One world. The world is fractured, but love knows no boundaries.
All three had the perfect amount of plot, world building, and romance!
Story one: A fierce, sensitive demon meets his tiny counterpart. He has a shadow, and he knows how to use it.
“My shadow isn’t just magic, Charlotte. It’s my soul.”
Story two: Possessive dragon boyfriend wants to spoil his treasure.
“This isn’t an exchange, treat. This is a done thing. You are mine. I am yours. A dragon doesn’t Choose twice.”
Story three: San Francisco virginal fog man who caused the 1906 earthquake.
One hundred and thirty-nine years old, and he had only ever kissed her.
Loved each story. Highly recommended for fans of fantasy, pnr, size difference, shifters, broody and possessive heroes. Graphic intimacy in each story.
All three had the perfect amount of plot, world building, and romance!
Story one: A fierce, sensitive demon meets his tiny counterpart. He has a shadow, and he knows how to use it.
“My shadow isn’t just magic, Charlotte. It’s my soul.”
Story two: Possessive dragon boyfriend wants to spoil his treasure.
“This isn’t an exchange, treat. This is a done thing. You are mine. I am yours. A dragon doesn’t Choose twice.”
Story three: San Francisco virginal fog man who caused the 1906 earthquake.
One hundred and thirty-nine years old, and he had only ever kissed her.
Loved each story. Highly recommended for fans of fantasy, pnr, size difference, shifters, broody and possessive heroes. Graphic intimacy in each story.
August 9, 2022
4.5 stars
Fragile Beings is Ms. Kelly's debut book and is a collection of three novellas that each follow a couple in her new world. The final novella also sets the stage somewhat in the background for her full length novel. The novellas are written in third person, dual POV. No ow/om drama, there's a mix of experience with the characters but one of the males is a virgin, bc not mentioned that I can recall.
Each story has a character in need in some way and the plots are very different, which I enjoyed. This collection has possessive, non-human heroes who are cinnamon rolls for their ladies. That said, each hero is distinct. We also get heroines who are vulnerable, smart, and strong, also in varying ways. Steamy times are included, but I'd categorize each story as slow burn I think.
While these do have some angst, I thought they were overall light and quick reads, even when some of the circumstances of the characters had bits of darkness. There's fascinating world building with lots of possibilities and side characters introduced that I wanted to have their own stories. The plots also had some suspense and danger, but the focus was on the relationship building. Each story ended with a jump ahead in time HFN technically, but another of those clearly HEA.
Overall, I really enjoyed the writing style and the flow of the stories. There were times when something veered into repetitive territory and other times where I had to think about the world building I'd read so far, but I thought this was a really well-done debut that I wouldn't have guessed was a first book. I absolutely recommend giving this new author a chance!
At the end of the book is a glossary with detailed descriptions of the world and the beings mentioned in the book, which I always like and I wish I'd realized before the end because I think it would have helped with the times I needed a nudge about the world building. Also, a pronunciation guide for character names. Trigger warnings were also listed in the back of the book, which I wasn't as big a fan of.
Fragile Beings is Ms. Kelly's debut book and is a collection of three novellas that each follow a couple in her new world. The final novella also sets the stage somewhat in the background for her full length novel. The novellas are written in third person, dual POV. No ow/om drama, there's a mix of experience with the characters but one of the males is a virgin, bc not mentioned that I can recall.
Each story has a character in need in some way and the plots are very different, which I enjoyed. This collection has possessive, non-human heroes who are cinnamon rolls for their ladies. That said, each hero is distinct. We also get heroines who are vulnerable, smart, and strong, also in varying ways. Steamy times are included, but I'd categorize each story as slow burn I think.
While these do have some angst, I thought they were overall light and quick reads, even when some of the circumstances of the characters had bits of darkness. There's fascinating world building with lots of possibilities and side characters introduced that I wanted to have their own stories. The plots also had some suspense and danger, but the focus was on the relationship building. Each story ended with a jump ahead in time HFN technically, but another of those clearly HEA.
Overall, I really enjoyed the writing style and the flow of the stories. There were times when something veered into repetitive territory and other times where I had to think about the world building I'd read so far, but I thought this was a really well-done debut that I wouldn't have guessed was a first book. I absolutely recommend giving this new author a chance!
At the end of the book is a glossary with detailed descriptions of the world and the beings mentioned in the book, which I always like and I wish I'd realized before the end because I think it would have helped with the times I needed a nudge about the world building. Also, a pronunciation guide for character names. Trigger warnings were also listed in the back of the book, which I wasn't as big a fan of.
October 23, 2023
4.5 stars. I didn't realize this was three novellas set in the same world. Loved them all.
26% - the first story was so good. But way too short. I loved how these characters adored each other pretty quickly and were committed and caring.
But, there's so much I want to see about their lives and it ended so quick, I didn't get a chance! I had heard this was a novella, but I didn't realize this book was a series of novellas.
62% Another really cute novella that felt too short. I liked this one a lot, but wish the author had left out the reference to the hero "fucking" other women. It was so unnecessary.
I loved the third novella. This one has an inexperienced hero who knows that he wants her.
I love all three stories so much. Really fun world building. I especially enjoyed that the author kinda uses our world with a twist. This story was set in San Francisco and has the hero being born in 1906.
All three made me want more of this world.
26% - the first story was so good. But way too short. I loved how these characters adored each other pretty quickly and were committed and caring.
But, there's so much I want to see about their lives and it ended so quick, I didn't get a chance! I had heard this was a novella, but I didn't realize this book was a series of novellas.
62% Another really cute novella that felt too short. I liked this one a lot, but wish the author had left out the reference to the hero "fucking" other women. It was so unnecessary.
I loved the third novella. This one has an inexperienced hero who knows that he wants her.
I love all three stories so much. Really fun world building. I especially enjoyed that the author kinda uses our world with a twist. This story was set in San Francisco and has the hero being born in 1906.
All three made me want more of this world.
August 16, 2022
Feel like I’m getting in on the ground floor of the next big thing. This series of novellas was all bangers, no skips. And don’t even get me STARTED on the world building LETS GO
July 3, 2022
Full review to come but I just finished this book with teary eyes. That ending was so beautiful and I’m so honoured to have read this.
ADD IT TO YOUR TBR IMMEDIATELY
The writing had me snorting with laughter from the very first page. I cared and enjoyed every single moment of our three unique stories. I began increasingly intrigued by the entire world and was so excited to explore more of it by the end of each individual story.
ADD IT TO YOUR TBR IMMEDIATELY
The writing had me snorting with laughter from the very first page. I cared and enjoyed every single moment of our three unique stories. I began increasingly intrigued by the entire world and was so excited to explore more of it by the end of each individual story.
March 10, 2025
Trigger warning? Yes! Found at the end of the book.
346
Safety?
No ow/OM.
I don’t think either are virgins. No past partners mentioned.
Any extra notes?
Absolutely love Charlotte and Dom’s story, after all the shit she had experienced Charlotte truly deserved someone who would love and defend her with all of his might.
Also love how mischievous Dom’s grandma was to send him in the direction of his mate while keeping him in the dark about it.
THE WAY DOM NICKNAMED CHARLOTTE GLOWBUG. AMAZING. I was so endeared, and even with how much she didn’t like it…well I love it.
Ashtray
Safety?
No Ow/Om. An ex of the FMC did try and get back with her, but there was absolutely no interest on her end.
Neither FMC or MMC is a virgin, MMC seems to have more experience than the FMC though.
Any extra notes?
I love me some lonely-isolated-a-bit-touch-starved FMC. That’s exactly what Paloma was for me, and Artem came in like a wrecking ball and made his choice. I love how the fates worked out for Paloma to be the one who chose Artem without even knowing what she was doing.
It was sweet to see her melt into his affection and spoiling, and their bond solidify after years of being alone for her.
Not going to lie, I don’t like negligent parents, and the trauma Paloma’s dad left her with after emotionally neglecting her for years made me want to start swinging(at him).
The way Artem just casually bumped out Paloma for taking care of the hens, and “his girls” reference made me melt. They listen better to him and everything, it felt truly like fate that Paloma chose him.
Weathering
Safety?
MMC is a virgin. FMC is not.
No OW/OM.
Any extra notes?
AH. AH. I absolutely love grumpy-elemental Cal. Love him to pieces.
I also love how quickly Elise decided she wouldn’t take advantage of Cal, but how determined Cal was to give his history to her in exchange for her affection. He wasn’t able to put his emotions into words as easily as Elise and that didn’t cause a smidge of miscommunication but the book is so short that it’s straightened out before I knew it.
The way Elise helped him move throughout his trauma, and was so thoughtful when it came to his happiness and mental health was so sweet.
Overall I love all of the novellas and they left me excited to move onto the other books in the series!
346
Safety?
No ow/OM.
I don’t think either are virgins. No past partners mentioned.
Any extra notes?
Absolutely love Charlotte and Dom’s story, after all the shit she had experienced Charlotte truly deserved someone who would love and defend her with all of his might.
Also love how mischievous Dom’s grandma was to send him in the direction of his mate while keeping him in the dark about it.
THE WAY DOM NICKNAMED CHARLOTTE GLOWBUG. AMAZING. I was so endeared, and even with how much she didn’t like it…well I love it.
Ashtray
Safety?
No Ow/Om. An ex of the FMC did try and get back with her, but there was absolutely no interest on her end.
Neither FMC or MMC is a virgin, MMC seems to have more experience than the FMC though.
Any extra notes?
I love me some lonely-isolated-a-bit-touch-starved FMC. That’s exactly what Paloma was for me, and Artem came in like a wrecking ball and made his choice. I love how the fates worked out for Paloma to be the one who chose Artem without even knowing what she was doing.
It was sweet to see her melt into his affection and spoiling, and their bond solidify after years of being alone for her.
Not going to lie, I don’t like negligent parents, and the trauma Paloma’s dad left her with after emotionally neglecting her for years made me want to start swinging(at him).
The way Artem just casually bumped out Paloma for taking care of the hens, and “his girls” reference made me melt. They listen better to him and everything, it felt truly like fate that Paloma chose him.
Weathering
Safety?
MMC is a virgin. FMC is not.
No OW/OM.
Any extra notes?
AH. AH. I absolutely love grumpy-elemental Cal. Love him to pieces.
I also love how quickly Elise decided she wouldn’t take advantage of Cal, but how determined Cal was to give his history to her in exchange for her affection. He wasn’t able to put his emotions into words as easily as Elise and that didn’t cause a smidge of miscommunication but the book is so short that it’s straightened out before I knew it.
The way Elise helped him move throughout his trauma, and was so thoughtful when it came to his happiness and mental health was so sweet.
Overall I love all of the novellas and they left me excited to move onto the other books in the series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2023
“Because you remind me of a firefly. You’re pretty and small and light up the darkness. I want to cup you in my hands and keep you close. Is that so bad?”
of the three stories i'd say my favorite novella was, a dragon's kiss burns cold. the way artem was so in love with paloma 🥹🥹 moreover, i loved how artem inverted the grumbly possessive trope that we usually see with dragon fated mates. also, not paloma choosing him first 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹
my second favorite story was, of course, fate can't be contained. dom and charlotte were fantastic together. if anything, i wish wish WISH their story had been a full length novel.
also, shoutout to elise and her fog man! he may be literal fog, but you know … that can be hot too lol
all in all, fragile beings was a fantastic introduction to the new protectorate series. i'm excited to see what abigail kelly has in store for us next!
March 20, 2023
#376 : eh this was 3 stars
Astray : 4 stars ✨ possessiveness looks good on dragons 🔥
Weathering : ugh 5 stars isn't enough?!!! this made me feel things 🤨 he's the sweetest thing i don't believe someone can contain this much cuteness🤭🤭
Astray : 4 stars ✨ possessiveness looks good on dragons 🔥
Weathering : ugh 5 stars isn't enough?!!! this made me feel things 🤨 he's the sweetest thing i don't believe someone can contain this much cuteness🤭🤭
July 25, 2022
Don't you just love it when you fall in love with a story? Or in this case, three different stories, all in the same world but three different characters. Then the attractive cover, piques your interest and pulls you in?
We have Charlotte the fey changeling and Dom the shadowy demon who go on the escape from a window ledge terrarium road trip and fall in love and basically introduce us into this world. 4 out of 5 stars. She didn't want to be alone and Dom was there to defend her to the death if be.
Dr. Paloma the weather scientist who happens to save the lost Artem, with science and care. And they basically bring us closer to the ruling dragon clan. 3 our of 5. Why? Because Artem was a bit of an overbearing character and while I liked that eventually, they meshed and they complemented one another, initially he was just like you are mine by default of the saving fire and in the end Taevas is the one who actually saved them...so.
Finally my favourite couple, Elise the reporter/author and Cal the weird fog guy. They were cute and Cal was heartbreaking and I loved that she was considerate of the fact that he was very naive and that he needed to be touched. Touch was his love language. 5 out of 5.
So, question, please tell me Kaz gets his own book? Who caught the new elemental in story 2? Please let them also have a book because that background scene is in my forefront. Then, obviously, I am looking forward to Teddy+Margot's story.
The one thing that annoyed me? The word godsdamned and its frequent use. It is in all 3 stories. It just grated on my nerves.
I loved the writing, it flowed/was can I say melodious/poetic (there is a feeling it invoked in me, just forgotten how to put it). Then, you get so innocently introduced to a chapter then the story unravels but at the same time some chapters were bogged with inner monologues/contemplation, but each chapter was sufficiently thick.
So, loved it, looking forward to the next book.
We have Charlotte the fey changeling and Dom the shadowy demon who go on the escape from a window ledge terrarium road trip and fall in love and basically introduce us into this world. 4 out of 5 stars. She didn't want to be alone and Dom was there to defend her to the death if be.
Dr. Paloma the weather scientist who happens to save the lost Artem, with science and care. And they basically bring us closer to the ruling dragon clan. 3 our of 5. Why? Because Artem was a bit of an overbearing character and while I liked that eventually, they meshed and they complemented one another, initially he was just like you are mine by default of the saving fire and in the end Taevas is the one who actually saved them...so.
Finally my favourite couple, Elise the reporter/author and Cal the weird fog guy. They were cute and Cal was heartbreaking and I loved that she was considerate of the fact that he was very naive and that he needed to be touched. Touch was his love language. 5 out of 5.
So, question, please tell me Kaz gets his own book? Who caught the new elemental in story 2? Please let them also have a book because that background scene is in my forefront. Then, obviously, I am looking forward to Teddy+Margot's story.
The one thing that annoyed me? The word godsdamned and its frequent use. It is in all 3 stories. It just grated on my nerves.
I loved the writing, it flowed/was can I say melodious/poetic (there is a feeling it invoked in me, just forgotten how to put it). Then, you get so innocently introduced to a chapter then the story unravels but at the same time some chapters were bogged with inner monologues/contemplation, but each chapter was sufficiently thick.
So, loved it, looking forward to the next book.
July 12, 2022
Fragile Beings ushers us into an incredibly lush new fantasy/paranormal romance series and world populated with all kinds of supernatural beings living in uneasy alliance with one another inside an alternative landscape version of the United States. Each of these novellas introduces new characters and new elements of the world that build upon one another as we move through the collection.
A bite out of the larger world, each novella takes us exploring through different territories and different species, each with unique mating bonds and approaches toward romance. Artem, the dragon hero of the second novella, ASTRAY, is super intent upon building his newly discovered (and not really aware of what's happening exactly) human mate a luxury nest, with only the finest bedding and pillows, and Dom from #376 has a seasonal rut hanging over his head, complicating his courtship of fey changeling Charlotte--and the fey don't generally perma-mate, either. Then there's poor Cal, an elemental fog-man, who barely even understands the concept of what finding a mate means at all, but he's ABSOLUTELY SURE he wants to find out, with the weather-witch who has come knocking on his metaphorical door. The variation keeps each story fresh and fascinating, mixing up the journey from meet-cute to HEA, and giving us different struggles and dynamics to chew on along the way.
There's a favorite couple and character for everyone (I'm team Dom and Charlotte, though I also EXTREMELY appreciate Artem and Paloma, and Elise and Cal, in their own turns!! Paloma is going to be keeping Artem on his TOES, no question, and Cal and Elise BOTH are going to have their hands full with one another) in this trinity of novellas, and I HIGHLY recommend diving in and getting familiar with this new world Kelly's built because trust me when I tell you--it's just going to keep getting better from here!
If you're a fan of Thea Harrison's Elder Races, love Kresley Cole's IAD series, or got on the Morning Glory Milking Farm hype train, you ABSOLUTELY want to get your hands on this collection, and pre-order Consort's Glory while you're about it, too!!
Abigail Kelly is a fresh, fantastic new voice in the PNR/Fantasy Romance genre and I've absolutely devoured every piece of her fiction that I can get my hands on, and held out my hand again begging for more. The novellas that make up FRAGILE BEINGS are no exception, and I cannot wait to see what else Kelly gives us in the New Protectorate series, going forward.
A bite out of the larger world, each novella takes us exploring through different territories and different species, each with unique mating bonds and approaches toward romance. Artem, the dragon hero of the second novella, ASTRAY, is super intent upon building his newly discovered (and not really aware of what's happening exactly) human mate a luxury nest, with only the finest bedding and pillows, and Dom from #376 has a seasonal rut hanging over his head, complicating his courtship of fey changeling Charlotte--and the fey don't generally perma-mate, either. Then there's poor Cal, an elemental fog-man, who barely even understands the concept of what finding a mate means at all, but he's ABSOLUTELY SURE he wants to find out, with the weather-witch who has come knocking on his metaphorical door. The variation keeps each story fresh and fascinating, mixing up the journey from meet-cute to HEA, and giving us different struggles and dynamics to chew on along the way.
There's a favorite couple and character for everyone (I'm team Dom and Charlotte, though I also EXTREMELY appreciate Artem and Paloma, and Elise and Cal, in their own turns!! Paloma is going to be keeping Artem on his TOES, no question, and Cal and Elise BOTH are going to have their hands full with one another) in this trinity of novellas, and I HIGHLY recommend diving in and getting familiar with this new world Kelly's built because trust me when I tell you--it's just going to keep getting better from here!
If you're a fan of Thea Harrison's Elder Races, love Kresley Cole's IAD series, or got on the Morning Glory Milking Farm hype train, you ABSOLUTELY want to get your hands on this collection, and pre-order Consort's Glory while you're about it, too!!
Abigail Kelly is a fresh, fantastic new voice in the PNR/Fantasy Romance genre and I've absolutely devoured every piece of her fiction that I can get my hands on, and held out my hand again begging for more. The novellas that make up FRAGILE BEINGS are no exception, and I cannot wait to see what else Kelly gives us in the New Protectorate series, going forward.
January 13, 2023
The second one was def my favorite out of these three stories. I lovedddd the dragon guy, he was so silly and cocky.
May 22, 2023
#376
4 stars
#376 is the first novella in FRAGILE BEINGS and it was a very interesting introduction to the world of the New Protectorate. I am definitely intrigued by this world and I can't wait to see more of it's inhabitants.
As for the romance, Charlotte and Dom were really cute together and I loved that Dom, the giant shadow demon, was a big marshmallow on the inside. He's gone for Charlotte from the beginning and he's so sweet and mindful of Charlotte's trauma after being locked up for a year.
Content Warning: captivity, fatphobic language
Favorite Quote:
“You are perfect for me. I’m going to try every day to be perfect for you. You just have to agree to be my mate, glowbug. Nothing else matters.”
--------------------
ASTRAY
3 stars
ASTRAY introduces dragons and a little bit of the elves and I enjoyed seeing some of the other inhabitants of this magically altered world. I liked Paloma and Artem as a couple, especially Paloma's compassion and Artem's gentle care taking.
While I liked the romance side of the story, I found the plot surrounding the storm to be kind of boring. It was a cool concept but just didn't grab my attention.
Favorite Quote:
It was pleasure, but it was more than that, too. It was like he’d seen inside her lonely soul and said, No, that space is for me now. You don’t have to feel that way anymore.
--------------------
WEATHERING
DNF
Unfortunately WEATHERING just couldn't hold my attention. I wasn't interested in the story or the characters so when things started off really slow, and stayed that way, there was nothing to encourage me to stick with it.
My biggest problem is that the characters were in their heads way too much. There would be pages of introspection between each character speaking and I was losing track of what the actual conversation was since it was taking so long to get through it.
4 stars
#376 is the first novella in FRAGILE BEINGS and it was a very interesting introduction to the world of the New Protectorate. I am definitely intrigued by this world and I can't wait to see more of it's inhabitants.
As for the romance, Charlotte and Dom were really cute together and I loved that Dom, the giant shadow demon, was a big marshmallow on the inside. He's gone for Charlotte from the beginning and he's so sweet and mindful of Charlotte's trauma after being locked up for a year.
Content Warning: captivity, fatphobic language
Favorite Quote:
“You are perfect for me. I’m going to try every day to be perfect for you. You just have to agree to be my mate, glowbug. Nothing else matters.”
--------------------
ASTRAY
3 stars
ASTRAY introduces dragons and a little bit of the elves and I enjoyed seeing some of the other inhabitants of this magically altered world. I liked Paloma and Artem as a couple, especially Paloma's compassion and Artem's gentle care taking.
While I liked the romance side of the story, I found the plot surrounding the storm to be kind of boring. It was a cool concept but just didn't grab my attention.
Favorite Quote:
It was pleasure, but it was more than that, too. It was like he’d seen inside her lonely soul and said, No, that space is for me now. You don’t have to feel that way anymore.
--------------------
WEATHERING
DNF
Unfortunately WEATHERING just couldn't hold my attention. I wasn't interested in the story or the characters so when things started off really slow, and stayed that way, there was nothing to encourage me to stick with it.
My biggest problem is that the characters were in their heads way too much. There would be pages of introspection between each character speaking and I was losing track of what the actual conversation was since it was taking so long to get through it.
June 23, 2022
I am speechless at how amazing this book is! Getting to follow three couples in the three short stories, whose experiences are vastly different in this rich, beautiful world is SO wonderful.
Dom's gentleness and attentiveness to Charlotte makes me 🥺 So is Artem's love for Paloma, making her feel loved with his actions and adoration for her. Elise's kindness to Cal definitely made me gush 😭😂 I ship these two so much.
I'm looking forward to reading Consort's Glory as Margot and Theodore had made their appearances in this collection 👀👀 Can't wait to meet these two!
Dom's gentleness and attentiveness to Charlotte makes me 🥺 So is Artem's love for Paloma, making her feel loved with his actions and adoration for her. Elise's kindness to Cal definitely made me gush 😭😂 I ship these two so much.
I'm looking forward to reading Consort's Glory as Margot and Theodore had made their appearances in this collection 👀👀 Can't wait to meet these two!
January 20, 2023
3.75 ⭐️
This is a collection of three novellas. Even though I originally picked it up because I was interested in the second novella (the dragon) I ended up surprising myself and I liked the other two way more.
The stories are actually surprisingly complex for being so short. I enjoyed it a lot but I think each one would’ve benefited from being longer. The mmc’s give a new definition to insta-love which I feel could’ve been portrayed more realistically in longer books but alas.
This is a collection of three novellas. Even though I originally picked it up because I was interested in the second novella (the dragon) I ended up surprising myself and I liked the other two way more.
The stories are actually surprisingly complex for being so short. I enjoyed it a lot but I think each one would’ve benefited from being longer. The mmc’s give a new definition to insta-love which I feel could’ve been portrayed more realistically in longer books but alas.
March 2, 2024
3.5 stars for some really creative writing. Its interesting to read the other reviews and perspectives- which ones of the 3 short stories they enjoyed and why. All 3 are too 'insta' for me, Spoilers ahead:
4 stars- I liked the 1st one the best. Not only that it felt unique (being shrunk and stuck in a terrarium) but she put up some kind of a fight and resisted her captor. Loved her foot to his face :):
“Thanks.” Her voice cracked, the hard edge of desperation blunted as she breathed out a long, shuddering breath. Cradling the phone with two hands, she swallowed hard before adding, “I’m Charlotte, by the way.”
Charlotte. A strong name for a fierce little fey. His mate, Charlotte. He smiled, showing off his own set of fangs — larger and duller than hers, meant for crushing rather than tearing, but fearsome in their own way.
“Domhnall,” he answered. “But you can call me Dom.”
----------
Charlotte was woman enough to admit when she’d made a misjudgment. Not aloud, obviously, but within the privacy of her mind? Sure, she could admit it.
----------
She’d never had much of a preference for rough, I-work-with-my-hands-and-drive-ten-foot-high-trucks men before, but she was starting to see the appeal.
----------
“What happens if you find out I’m annoying? Or incredibly high maintenance?”
Dom cracked a tiny, breathtaking smile. “I already know those things.”
Charlotte hissed and gave his knee a tiny pinch. “I am not high maintenance!”
and I appreciated the way this was phrased:
“I just remembered something.”
When he didn’t immediately continue, Charlotte let out a long sigh. “…Are you gonna tell me, or are you going to let my anxiety speculate?”
*
2 stars- The 2nd one with the dragon:
Speaking directly against her heart, he said, “A dragon only Chooses once, Paloma. We can’t help it. It’s like a space opens up inside of us when we Choose, but it’s a space that only fits one person.”
*
2.5 stars- I can see why the 3rd one was popular but it just did nothing for me unfortunately. To have your hero be Fog? I appreciate how cleverly the author handles this but it was just a complete miss for me. I guess I am not attracted to Fog, lol.
Cal:
Cal wasn’t used to wanting. He didn’t care for it. Certainly, wanting and yearning had never helped him before. It only caused more pain. Better to accept the ache of loneliness than to make it worse with the never-ending hunger of hope.
If I was in a different mood, this could have been heart-breaking:
Cal made to follow her retreat, chasing her lips with his own, but she turned her head away.
“Cal, we need to talk about—”
His lips, wet and swollen from her kisses, trailed over her cheekbone to press against the shell of her ear. “Don’t take this from me, witch,” he rasped, mistaking her protest for a rejection. “A deal is a deal.”
He paused, breathing hard, before he begged in a broken whisper, “Please don’t take this from me.”
Her fears were completely justified but at least Cal was ALL IN.
4 stars- I liked the 1st one the best. Not only that it felt unique (being shrunk and stuck in a terrarium) but she put up some kind of a fight and resisted her captor. Loved her foot to his face :):
“Thanks.” Her voice cracked, the hard edge of desperation blunted as she breathed out a long, shuddering breath. Cradling the phone with two hands, she swallowed hard before adding, “I’m Charlotte, by the way.”
Charlotte. A strong name for a fierce little fey. His mate, Charlotte. He smiled, showing off his own set of fangs — larger and duller than hers, meant for crushing rather than tearing, but fearsome in their own way.
“Domhnall,” he answered. “But you can call me Dom.”
----------
Charlotte was woman enough to admit when she’d made a misjudgment. Not aloud, obviously, but within the privacy of her mind? Sure, she could admit it.
----------
She’d never had much of a preference for rough, I-work-with-my-hands-and-drive-ten-foot-high-trucks men before, but she was starting to see the appeal.
----------
“What happens if you find out I’m annoying? Or incredibly high maintenance?”
Dom cracked a tiny, breathtaking smile. “I already know those things.”
Charlotte hissed and gave his knee a tiny pinch. “I am not high maintenance!”
and I appreciated the way this was phrased:
“I just remembered something.”
When he didn’t immediately continue, Charlotte let out a long sigh. “…Are you gonna tell me, or are you going to let my anxiety speculate?”
*
2 stars- The 2nd one with the dragon:
Speaking directly against her heart, he said, “A dragon only Chooses once, Paloma. We can’t help it. It’s like a space opens up inside of us when we Choose, but it’s a space that only fits one person.”
*
2.5 stars- I can see why the 3rd one was popular but it just did nothing for me unfortunately. To have your hero be Fog? I appreciate how cleverly the author handles this but it was just a complete miss for me. I guess I am not attracted to Fog, lol.
Cal:
Cal wasn’t used to wanting. He didn’t care for it. Certainly, wanting and yearning had never helped him before. It only caused more pain. Better to accept the ache of loneliness than to make it worse with the never-ending hunger of hope.
If I was in a different mood, this could have been heart-breaking:
Cal made to follow her retreat, chasing her lips with his own, but she turned her head away.
“Cal, we need to talk about—”
His lips, wet and swollen from her kisses, trailed over her cheekbone to press against the shell of her ear. “Don’t take this from me, witch,” he rasped, mistaking her protest for a rejection. “A deal is a deal.”
He paused, breathing hard, before he begged in a broken whisper, “Please don’t take this from me.”
Her fears were completely justified but at least Cal was ALL IN.
October 14, 2022
“Magic sang in her veins, crowing a possessive, age old song she’d never heard before: He’s mine.”
How can I fully detail my intense love for these three novellas? These were stunning! I couldn’t put this book down. I think I highlighted 70% of this novel - parts I loved, worldbuilding that I couldn’t want to learn more about, characters that I want to get their own story. Each couple left me wanting to read a hundred more pages simply about their life - and I’d like my own Artem please and thank you!
How can I fully detail my intense love for these three novellas? These were stunning! I couldn’t put this book down. I think I highlighted 70% of this novel - parts I loved, worldbuilding that I couldn’t want to learn more about, characters that I want to get their own story. Each couple left me wanting to read a hundred more pages simply about their life - and I’d like my own Artem please and thank you!
July 19, 2022
Short, sweet monster romance novellas with some spice and only a little angst! To me, they read like a combination of the Hunger Games (all the different Protectorates) mixed with ACOTAR (some magic and feys) mixed with some of CM Nascosta's Cambric Creek series (multiple types of species all interacting and dating).
December 26, 2023
This collection of 3 prequel novellas was great. I loved the three live stores depicted and got a somewhat better sense of the Protectorate series world. I really enjoy Abigail's writing style. It's very poetic and unique while still being understandable and not overly pretentious. The world she builds is unique to other magical systems set in what is recognizably an alternative earth. I also like how she plays with known magical creatures types, using some well worn tropes but mixing them up just enough to be refreshing. Plus the stories themselves are lovely and the characters adorable. You find yourself rooting for the strong, intelligent women and their devoted mates. There sure are fairly low angst and the spice is present but mild.
July 11, 2022
A great series of short stories and the start of a really interesting world. Super cute and fun for those who love monster romance or fantasy!
Side note: this is one of the prettiest covers ever and I’m looking forward to the main series.
Side note: this is one of the prettiest covers ever and I’m looking forward to the main series.
August 18, 2022
Each story fed so well into the next one and each was a warm hug of a tale.
July 13, 2025
I don't usually like novellas, but I thought these were all super cute. My fave was def the second one.
Plot (#376) - 3.5 stars:
- h is a fae changeling that has been captured into a tiny terrarium to be used as a magical siphon
- H is a demon whose grandmother and head of his clan told him to go to a location
- when he arrives, he sees that h has been imprisoned and he steals her
- when he breaks open the terrarium, he finds out that h is his mate
- at first h is overwhelmed with finally being free and then thought of being trapped as H's mate
- however, she grows to trust him and ends up wanting to be his mate
Plot (Astray) - 4.5 stars:
- h is a scientist who tracks the weather for dangerous magical clusters that could destroy her town
- she spots a dragon, but is horrified when the rest of the town wants to execute him
- she decides to make a bonfire burn blue like dragonfire to draw the dragon in and save him
- H has been in the wandering sickness and is at the brink of exhaustion and dying. However, when he lands at h's roost, he determines that she has Chosen him, and she's his Chosen one.
- h has a hard time trusting his intentions bc her father was an absentee single father and she has never really known true love or affection
- As h develops feelings for H, she grows terrified on getting used to him and then him leaving. Needing space, she goes into the town for groceries, which causes H to fly into town bc he woke up and didn't know where she was. H realizes that he hasn't properly assured him in the midst of his recovery, and they come to a deeper level of understanding.
- h detects a magical cluster heading their way, but its in the middle of a blizzard so a lot of her communications are down. H decides to fly to the nearest station for help, but he gets captured midway bc the townspeople spotted him. H begs to let them warn them. Meanwhile, h learns that H has gotten captured, so she contacts H's cousin (leader of the dragon lands), and he diffuses the magical explosion.
Plot (Weathering) - 3 stars:
- h is the daughter of a famous reporter and a weather witch. She decides she wants to write a book on the elemental of the fog and tries to make contact with him.
- He agrees to tell her his life story if she'll be his mate for the duration of the book writing process.
- However, they both begin to develop real feelings. h doesn't want to actually publish this book as she starts to recognize him as hers, and wants to be with him forever. Meanwhile, H won't let her out of the deal bc he wants to keep her forever.
- They finally communicate through their misunderstandings and HEA
Plot (#376) - 3.5 stars:
- h is a fae changeling that has been captured into a tiny terrarium to be used as a magical siphon
- H is a demon whose grandmother and head of his clan told him to go to a location
- when he arrives, he sees that h has been imprisoned and he steals her
- when he breaks open the terrarium, he finds out that h is his mate
- at first h is overwhelmed with finally being free and then thought of being trapped as H's mate
- however, she grows to trust him and ends up wanting to be his mate
Plot (Astray) - 4.5 stars:
- h is a scientist who tracks the weather for dangerous magical clusters that could destroy her town
- she spots a dragon, but is horrified when the rest of the town wants to execute him
- she decides to make a bonfire burn blue like dragonfire to draw the dragon in and save him
- H has been in the wandering sickness and is at the brink of exhaustion and dying. However, when he lands at h's roost, he determines that she has Chosen him, and she's his Chosen one.
- h has a hard time trusting his intentions bc her father was an absentee single father and she has never really known true love or affection
- As h develops feelings for H, she grows terrified on getting used to him and then him leaving. Needing space, she goes into the town for groceries, which causes H to fly into town bc he woke up and didn't know where she was. H realizes that he hasn't properly assured him in the midst of his recovery, and they come to a deeper level of understanding.
- h detects a magical cluster heading their way, but its in the middle of a blizzard so a lot of her communications are down. H decides to fly to the nearest station for help, but he gets captured midway bc the townspeople spotted him. H begs to let them warn them. Meanwhile, h learns that H has gotten captured, so she contacts H's cousin (leader of the dragon lands), and he diffuses the magical explosion.
Plot (Weathering) - 3 stars:
- h is the daughter of a famous reporter and a weather witch. She decides she wants to write a book on the elemental of the fog and tries to make contact with him.
- He agrees to tell her his life story if she'll be his mate for the duration of the book writing process.
- However, they both begin to develop real feelings. h doesn't want to actually publish this book as she starts to recognize him as hers, and wants to be with him forever. Meanwhile, H won't let her out of the deal bc he wants to keep her forever.
- They finally communicate through their misunderstandings and HEA
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2024
So glad I came back to this series! I randomly read one of the later novellas (Faraway) a few months ago but at the time I didn’t think to start back at the beginning, and I was in a bit of a contemporary phase. This collection of 3 short stories so beautifully introduces this really unique fantasy world. I felt more enthralled with each story! Elise and Cal were definitely my favorite though! I want so much more of them but also I felt the story was perfectly paced and gave exactly enough to really excite me for the first full length novel. The UTA clearly has issues, conflict and a rough history but is also such a neat alternate world with all these magical beings figuring out how to coexist.
Highlights: Dom’s shadow around Charlotte’s ankle, Dom letting her call her parents right away and earning her trust, Paloma making fake dragon fire to lure in the dragon not understanding what it really would mean to him or the consequences, Artem making a nest in the living room and dragging Paloma into it, Artem trying to make her feel the blankets, Paloma calling the dragon leader for help, the dragon leader and the elf captain’s interaction, Cal saving Elise from the water, Elise dropping her book plan and just trying to show Cal love, Cal demanding their mates to Elise’s parents, Cal dematerializing in the bar, Kaz being a good friend, Elise’s manuscript moments, their confession.
Highlights: Dom’s shadow around Charlotte’s ankle, Dom letting her call her parents right away and earning her trust, Paloma making fake dragon fire to lure in the dragon not understanding what it really would mean to him or the consequences, Artem making a nest in the living room and dragging Paloma into it, Artem trying to make her feel the blankets, Paloma calling the dragon leader for help, the dragon leader and the elf captain’s interaction, Cal saving Elise from the water, Elise dropping her book plan and just trying to show Cal love, Cal demanding their mates to Elise’s parents, Cal dematerializing in the bar, Kaz being a good friend, Elise’s manuscript moments, their confession.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2022
Abigail Kelly quickly became one of my favorite, go-to authors. After I read 'Consorts Glory', I fiendishly went to download whatever other books she had available😈.
*Sigh*, I LOVED this one so muuuuchhh.This book was 3 seperate novellas, set in the same world, but with three different couples. It introduces us to more of the beings living in the UTA-demons, fae, dragons, humans, elementals and a weather witch. I loved how each story gave us a different flavor/perspective of life in this world. We get a grumpy sunshine demon, an adorably arrogant himbo dragon, and Cal, CAL😭, who has the SADDEST origin story💚. I don't even think I can pick a favorite....you can't make me!
Our first demon was just the most adorable mountain man, and I loved seeing him grumble and fumble his way into our traumatized fae FMCs heart. In the second story, our dragon MMC, Artem, grabbed me IMMEDIATELY with his hilariously arrogant ways 🤣. I'm a sucker for an arrogant dragon, and he's definitely on the top of my list. And then we have Cal😭. The original sad broken man, the man who has been used and abused by the world, but who desperately just wants to be loved. Cal DESTROYED me, in all the best ways 😭💚. I cried, that MAN....just I can't even put it into words, I'm a melted pile of goo. I lied, Cal is my favorite 💚.
Seriously don't sleep on this book, I highly, highly recommend 💚.
*Sigh*, I LOVED this one so muuuuchhh.This book was 3 seperate novellas, set in the same world, but with three different couples. It introduces us to more of the beings living in the UTA-demons, fae, dragons, humans, elementals and a weather witch. I loved how each story gave us a different flavor/perspective of life in this world. We get a grumpy sunshine demon, an adorably arrogant himbo dragon, and Cal, CAL😭, who has the SADDEST origin story💚. I don't even think I can pick a favorite....you can't make me!
Our first demon was just the most adorable mountain man, and I loved seeing him grumble and fumble his way into our traumatized fae FMCs heart. In the second story, our dragon MMC, Artem, grabbed me IMMEDIATELY with his hilariously arrogant ways 🤣. I'm a sucker for an arrogant dragon, and he's definitely on the top of my list. And then we have Cal😭. The original sad broken man, the man who has been used and abused by the world, but who desperately just wants to be loved. Cal DESTROYED me, in all the best ways 😭💚. I cried, that MAN....just I can't even put it into words, I'm a melted pile of goo. I lied, Cal is my favorite 💚.
Seriously don't sleep on this book, I highly, highly recommend 💚.
December 4, 2023
These three short stories are a great introduction to the New Protectorate Universe. Each of the stories is a free standing romance with very different characters and setting. The culture and mythology of Kelly's universe are some of the best things about her work, although her writing is excellent, and seeing different parts of the world from the perspectives of disparate characters is very engaging.
The characters include a fey changeling, a demon (depicted in this universe as just another ethnic group, rather than a quasi-religious archetype), a non magical character (called "arrants" in this universe), a dragon, an elemental, and a witch.
All three of the stories are good, but the most likeable and engaging pair for me were Elise and Cal in Weathering. Cal's complex history mixes tragedy, geopolitical intrigue, science, and magic and Kelly very successfully does the heavy lifting of creating a sympathetic, quirky character out of all the layers. The story also includes a charming a cameo by an important character in the later books.
The characters include a fey changeling, a demon (depicted in this universe as just another ethnic group, rather than a quasi-religious archetype), a non magical character (called "arrants" in this universe), a dragon, an elemental, and a witch.
All three of the stories are good, but the most likeable and engaging pair for me were Elise and Cal in Weathering. Cal's complex history mixes tragedy, geopolitical intrigue, science, and magic and Kelly very successfully does the heavy lifting of creating a sympathetic, quirky character out of all the layers. The story also includes a charming a cameo by an important character in the later books.
July 26, 2022
big kisses to this book <3
i saw it on KU and had like no great expectations or anything and i was pleasantly surprised :) just so sweet and filled with the best tropes (slay). three little sweet paranormal romance novellas with a sprinkling of smut and lots of fun lore drops :D this book as an intro into the world - yeah, a stroke of genius. it’s safe to say i am v excited for consort’s glory!! the writing is also so good!! (or maybe i simply think this because i’m a bit of a first person hater)…
still i loved all three of the novellas so much, a variety of characters (that didn’t feel like just a repeat of the last). 376 was definitely my favourite!!! it really scratched an itch for me that i didn’t know i had
i saw it on KU and had like no great expectations or anything and i was pleasantly surprised :) just so sweet and filled with the best tropes (slay). three little sweet paranormal romance novellas with a sprinkling of smut and lots of fun lore drops :D this book as an intro into the world - yeah, a stroke of genius. it’s safe to say i am v excited for consort’s glory!! the writing is also so good!! (or maybe i simply think this because i’m a bit of a first person hater)…
still i loved all three of the novellas so much, a variety of characters (that didn’t feel like just a repeat of the last). 376 was definitely my favourite!!! it really scratched an itch for me that i didn’t know i had
July 28, 2022
PNR/Fantasy isn’t my usual read, but after receiving a copy of Fragile Beings for my honest review, I am a fan! Abigail Kelly’s three novellas are packed with action, entertainment, sex, conflict, and end with happy ever afters that will leave a reader more than satisfied 😜.
Just when I thought I couldn’t love a story (or characters) more, the next one(s) blew it out of the water. Well written, and at times soulful, the author’s imagination gripped me instantly. I will never look at fog in the same way.
Highly recommend for all PNR/fantasy readers and for all readers craving a HEA romance and delightful stories!
Just when I thought I couldn’t love a story (or characters) more, the next one(s) blew it out of the water. Well written, and at times soulful, the author’s imagination gripped me instantly. I will never look at fog in the same way.
Highly recommend for all PNR/fantasy readers and for all readers craving a HEA romance and delightful stories!
August 18, 2022
I enjoyed the flashes of humor in the 3 short stories. All of the stories were very romantic with grand gestures of love. I loved how obsessed the heroes were.
Astray (dragon hero) keeps trying to make her a nest and get her to sleep in it with him.
#367 - hero with antlers with shadows he can manipulate and a heroine with wings who can glow. He keeps trying to get her to trust him and she's like I want my parents. So he says ok I'll drive you. Also takes care of the people who imprisoned her in a...permanent way.
Fog story- hero is the fog in San Francisco. So obsessed with her.
I will definitely re-read all 3 stories.
Astray (dragon hero) keeps trying to make her a nest and get her to sleep in it with him.
#367 - hero with antlers with shadows he can manipulate and a heroine with wings who can glow. He keeps trying to get her to trust him and she's like I want my parents. So he says ok I'll drive you. Also takes care of the people who imprisoned her in a...permanent way.
Fog story- hero is the fog in San Francisco. So obsessed with her.
I will definitely re-read all 3 stories.
March 10, 2023
Three novellas set in a well drawn, intriguing paranormal world (San Francisco exists, but the 1906 disaster wasn't an earthquake, but the birth of an elemental being, etc.) filled with every kind of magical being you can imagine. Elves are kinda assholes, sexy dragons are extra sexy, demons just wanna be left alone (but when Nana says go on this quest, you gotta do what Nana says), and sentient fog is the sweetest virginal touch-starved cinnamon roll who ever was.
Each dual-pov story touches on the various species's version of fated mates/mating rituals with most of the conflict stemming from external forces. Appealing characters and great worldbuilding. I dig it!
Each dual-pov story touches on the various species's version of fated mates/mating rituals with most of the conflict stemming from external forces. Appealing characters and great worldbuilding. I dig it!
September 6, 2022
So I absolutely love this author and this world that she’s built. This book includes 3 stories that are sweet and fairly low angst, and set in the same world as “The New Protectorate” series. The stories occur prior to “Consort’s Glory,” and it does have some nice world building that I think would have helped before I read CG. It includes a sneak peak of those main characters as well. Overall I just loved it and highly recommend it.
October 12, 2022
love this world.
Fantasy and paranormal and vague hints of a post apocalyptic world are built around 3 novellas that all tell us of the universe that Abigail Kelly has created and the rich details she chooses to fill it with. The stories are truly beautiful- with demons and dragons and fae and elementals and witches all imagined differently than I’ve encountered them before and I can’t wait to soak up more of this universe.
Fantasy and paranormal and vague hints of a post apocalyptic world are built around 3 novellas that all tell us of the universe that Abigail Kelly has created and the rich details she chooses to fill it with. The stories are truly beautiful- with demons and dragons and fae and elementals and witches all imagined differently than I’ve encountered them before and I can’t wait to soak up more of this universe.
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