Twisted Fate: Leilani's Prequel Novella

Supernaturals of Mystic Oaks #1

by Shana Vernon

She’s a witch with a target on her back…
… He’s a prince from a powerful dark coven.
Can she accept his help while denying the sizzling chemistry between them?

I should have known my life would come crashing down when I met a mysterious masked man in the gardens of the ball, and kissed him. Or rather… he kissed me. Passionately. Before I had a second to catch my breath, we were attacked by rogue witches.

And his mask slipped.

Only my luck would reveal the prince of the Hawthorn coven, notorious for dark magic. He offers his protection from the assailants, and with danger around every corner, I accept. Albeit, a bit ungraciously.

The heat between us is nearly irresistible, but can I truly trust the prince of a dark coven?

If I don’t, I might find myself dead before the week is over.

Twisted Fate is set in the Supernaturals of Mystic Oaks universe created by Shana Vernon, and if you like fast-paced, action-packed, paranormal romance, this story is for you!

Genres: Romance, Witches, Fantasy

51 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2022

About the author

Be sure to follow Shana to receive alerts whenever a book goes on sale! -> https://www.bookbub.com/authors/shana...

Reviews

[Sonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

An orphaned Witch, a Wolf Shifter who doesn't shift and a Hunter walk into a bar. Sounds like the opening of a funny joke but its the Girl Squad of 3 besties Leilani, Akira and Greer who all live in Mystic Oaks the home of various supernatural beings.

Leilani is a witch who doesn't really know what magic she possess because she was never taught as an orphan. Working as a tattoo artist she's able to imbue magic into her tattoo art as well as use her own personal tattoos to activate her magic. I'm certain once she learns how to harness her magic she will be totally bada**.

Leilani life changes the evening she crossed paths with Kieran who happens to be a Prince and Heir to the Hawthorne Coven; the most powerful Coven in existence. Talk about being in the wrong place at the wrong time and getting caught doing the wrong thing. Lol. One kiss and now she has a target on her back from Kieran's enemies. In an effort to keep Leilani safe; Kieran has moved Leilani in into his home to protect her.

Leilani may have bitten off more than she can chew when sparks continue to fly between her and Kieran. This prequel was a good intro into The Supernaturals of Mystic Oaks series. I'm looking forward to what's in store for Leilani and the reaction the other members of her Girl Squad will have about her new relationship with Kieran as well as the danger that is lurking in the shadows as a result of it.

[Jess - Reader of Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Who is she?”
“Someone I didn’t even realize I was searching for.”

Hello Leilani! I’m Jess and I can’t wait to see the places you will go.

This is a prequel novella of an upcoming series where we get to see how our MCs met and… fell for each other.

But it ends with a promise. A promise the cards kept telling Leilani… Kieran will break.

Quick, 🌶️ and swoony. This novella is just what one needs to get all excited about The Supernaturals of Mystic Oaks. I read it in one siting so yeah 😎😁

What’s inside:
🖤paranormal romance
🖤prequel novella
🖤sassy FMC
🖤instalove
🖤forced proximity

Adult. 4 stars ⭐️ thank you so much @authorshanavernon for this e-novella 🤗

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leaves you hanging again

These books have an ongoing theme of leaving you hanging and not finding out what happens with the couple. Frustrating.

[Dusty · Rating 4 out of 5]

RATING: 4 STARS

I received a copy of this short story through the author Shana Vernon’s newsletter, and I’m so so happy that I took the time to download it. For the record (and for those who may not want to subscribe to a newsletter), this story is also available through the Season of the Witch anthology from Panthera Publications that was released at the end of October 2021.

Despite the short length of the story, the author did a lot to set up the worldbuilding for Mystic Oaks. The magic system is really cool - I want a magical tattoo! I’m desperate to read more about Kieran and Lani after seeing how much chemistry they have. Overall, after finishing Twisted Fate, I’m excited to read more stories that are set in the same universe. I can’t really comment on the plot too much without risking spoilers or parroting information from the blurb, but definitely one of my favorite short stories of 2021. I would recommend this story to urban fantasy and paranormal romance fans who love action-packed, fast-paced page-turners.

[Nessa (Tell the Books im Home) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eeeep, I can't for this series to come out!

I really love novellas when it comes to introducing a series; it's a fast read, and when done right, you know immediately if you wanna spend more time with the characters of this story.

And boy oh boy, do I!
Leilani is an orphaned witch who uses her magic on her tattoo designs (now, how cool is that?), and one night at a ball, she meets a stranger who's about to change her future.

MmmMmm, yes yes.
Forced proximity, that little sting of betrayal, fight scenes, amazing chemistry and spice and an unbelievable world of supernatural beings and magic?

You best believe I'm itching for Hidden Magic, that just so happens to release on February 1st.

[Andrea Morgan -Bookaholic Sisters blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this short story and I can definitely say I'm very excited for what's to come!
Shana Vernon has written a fast paced story that keeps you throughly engaged, turning the pages as fast as you can to see what's coming next, the wit and banter between characters is fantastic and highly amusing 🤣

Twisted Fate is a story full of magical intrigue and mystery and a romance that I can see is definitely going to sizzle

"There's something about you, Leilani. I can't put my finger on it right now, but I can tell our futures are meant to intertwine"

I cannot wait to see how this story unfolds!!

[charlene ✿ · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars  

★★☆☆☆

awful. garbageee fire.
hilariously empty.

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[Ashley Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. Getting to know Leilani in this fast paced tension filled short story was a great ride. My only qualm was that it ended too soon and I was left wanting more.
Shana has a way of writing that is endearing and so relatable it's difficult to not love.
I'll be stoked to see where Lani's story takes her.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun novella and although it may be short it’s is so so good! The world building is fantastic, the storyline exciting and thrilling and the characters are just brilliant with fantastic chemistry. It’s a great introduction to this world and has twists and turns galore!

[cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was really interesting cant wait for more

[B.L. Callaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, magical short story.
Vernon sets up this new world of hers wonderfully in this novella, introducing us to an incredible magic system, and amazing characters.
I loved the humor and sass here, and although the story is super quick, I can already tell that the relationships are going to be epic. The friendships were great, the budding romance was so good, and the world-building hinted at something phenomenal.
Can't wait to read more!

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a ARC from Sana Vernon newsletter in exchange for a honest review.

This is my first ARC and I am happy it was a short story, and has bad ass witches.

Leilani is a Witch that has no coven to represent her (there’s power in the numbers) and a orphan so this is kind of a social suicide for her in this world. She doesn’t have any serious magic training but is able to channel and do extraordinary things with creating magic tattoos. She makes a bargain with a bounty hunter friend that needs a favor to be her plus one to this super preppy witch party, in exchange for a percentage of her bounty and extra movie snacks.
At the party she's finding herself at a table solo, meeting a mysterious hunk who smells divine and has a strong magic signature. Kisses the mysterious gent, and then her existence in danger, just for letting loose.
Horny Rich boy form a wealthy coven suddenly finds himself attracted to the double scent and magic of this masked mysterious woman stealing the stems of saffron flowers and just goes for it cus damn, this witch smells weird and her magic signature is something he’s attracted to. It’s a masked ball after all so the excitement of the mystery is there, as well as danger and deception!

I read this short story in one sit, for me it was a page turner. It is not smutty,(PG13), has action, magic and flirting, opposite attract to each other. I liked it.
I give it 4 stars because some situations were predictable for me. Didn't finish in a cliff hanger but I absolutely want to know more about these characters, because I'm chismosa.

[Jenny Garza · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I am just not the target audience for this read. I feel like it's far too short for me to care. I don't get any time with the cast, who all act, talk, and are described the same with no differentiation or true character design, so I couldn't connect with anyone. It reads very rushed and slapdash, as though this is part of the attempt for self-pubbed writers to just keep pushing out as much content as possible without actually having substance. Just meh. This is what happens when you don't spend time on your work; you get flat, boring writing with little care for an actual plotline or even building real romance. I don't know, I expected more. Just telling me two people are suddenly in love does nothing; you have to build that, and this wasn't there.

It is written somewhat well, which is a good thing. The other books by this author are much stronger though and I will keep my eye out for future books. This just wasn't for me. Hopefully the next book is better.

[Idalia Helaena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lei thought she could have one moment, one dance, with a devastatingly attractive stranger she��d never seen before. Unluckily for Lei, she got attacked, and the handsome stranger was revealed to be none other than Kieran Hawthorn, a dark prince who’s totally out of her league. Lei has no choice but to accept Kieran’s offer of shelter, but she doesn’t have to like it. Now she just has to see how long she can ignore the sparks flying between them.

This was a really fun little novella! I really liked the character of Lei; she was fun and quirky and sassy, all of which are qualities I love in a main character. Kieran. He’s a bit of a goofball, but I sense that he has a lot of power and wouldn’t be afraid to use it to protect those he cares about. I also think he wants to be there for Lei, but she just has to let him in. I’m excited to see where their relationship goes, because their chemistry is scorching hot!!! All in all, this was an enjoyable read!

[Nez · Rating 4 out of 5]

"𝘐𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤, 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦."
.
Twisted Fate is a new novella set in the Supernaturals of Mystic Oaks Universe. It's a fast paced, action packed paranormal romance. Leilani is a witch, an orphan with mixed witch blood. She is a tattoo artist that imbues her tattoos with magic. She does her friends a favour and takes her to the Samhain ball. Whilst there she gets caught stealing some saffron by a mysterious masked man. They dance and kiss but get interrupted by an attack of rogue Witches. During the attack, his mask slips and his true identity is revealed. He offers protection against the attclers and Leilani goes to his private home. There is clearly a spark between them and I can't wait to find out more!

[Kir Reads Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

(I got this book for free)

This was a cute novella. Since it is a novella, you get a teaser taste for the story that’s to come. Every character that’s introduced is designed to make you want more, leaving you with questions that you’ll want answered so you’re more likely to pick up the next novel.

The book has a FMC who seems to be the shy gal but is also sassy. While the MMC is painted at first as mysterious.

There seems to be all sorts of magical beings though it’s only vaguely touched on.

It’s an easy read. Things happen quickly and there’s a bit of a falling in love at first glance kind of vibe. I think it does do a good job of setting the stage/giving the background for the next book.

[Shaniah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great start!!

I received an Arc of this novella and was immediately sucked into this world. We learn some of Leilani's background but you can tell we are only touching the surface. I'm excited to see some of the mystery behind her past and her powers be brought to light. Kieran is intriguing. From the description we get about all the Hawthornes' his character and Rue seem very different from the reputation their family holds. I can't wait to see more of Rue, I loved her easy banter with her brother and Lani. There is a lot going on in this prequel and I'm excited to see what will happen next.

[Tifany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leilani, a witch of unknown origin, runs a tattoo parlor in town, injecting her brand of magic into each one. A friend convinces Leilani to attend the witches’ masquerade ball, where Leilani shares a dance with a masked stranger. That is, until some rogue witches attack, and the stranger’s identity is revealed.

What a rollercoaster of a novella! Twisted Fate is the perfect teaser to the Supernaturals of Mystic Oaks series. I need to get to know more about Leilani, her badass girlfriends, Kieran, and all the supernatural goodness that lies within.

Looking forward to the release of book 1 in this series!

[Anshul (stories.buddy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another one is added to my favourite list. I love reading supernaturals and these days witches are my target. Lani is an incredible character with mixed blood and an outcast in her own community of witches. I love how she carries herself and seeing from where her magic boosts are just phenomenal. Tobias/ Kieran is the witch prince, I love both the names- the real name and the alias used. A glimpse of the major story coming in Shana Vernon’s new series is a perfect attraction. Short and intense this story is, I’m already in need of the actual ones.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could NOT put it down. I honestly didn’t realize that I would only get a small snapshot of this series. Shana did a brilliant job. Lani (MFC) feels like she would be one of my best friends, love her attitude and appreciated her view of her world and how she felt/feels like an outsider in her own magical community. Also…Grey sweat pants…give me more! Haha Kieran…not sure how I feel about him yet so cannot wait to continue reading this series. This world of Mystic Oaks has the potential to be the next most talked about world, I know I’ll be marking my calendar for more from this author!

[V P Allasander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got an ARC of this novella. Though I might be late to the party, I am leaving this review now... coz, better late than never. This is Leilani's story. Always interesting to know about this character... Writing is simple and easy-to-read... Hooking. Makes you wanna keep reading the story. A short read, I actually read it within a day in one sitting. Pick it up if you're into exciting stories, supernatural, or a fluid writing style. Kudos to the worldbuilding and character development though :) Can't wait to read more of this world.

[Sharon Mariampillai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Read

This was an enjoyable read. It was a entertaining, and fast read. This is an novella of the Supernaturals of Mystic Oaks series. I wanted to read this book before I started reading the first book of the series from Hidden Gems. I thought the story could have been a bit longer and given more details about the heroine’s past. Also, I would have liked to learn more about Kieran as well and his past. They were both great characters. Can’t wait to see where the series takes me. Overall, a great read.

[Richard Goodrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introduction to Leilani and her little corner of the world. Keiran's not such a bad guy either. I enjoyed meeting Akira and Greer as well. I wonder where the tale will lead.

Action-packed. Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Page-turner. Romantic. Scary. Twisted. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.

I received a review copy of this book from a third party. This is my honest review.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It was fast-paced, a bit too fast for me. The love story between Kieran and Leilan makes a sudden jump. His "betrayal" is none, and the misunderstanding would have been solved if she would have talked to him for a second. Over all, she behaves like a stupid teenager and it's annoying.
The story and characters have potential, but it was too rushed for my liking.

[Desiree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leilani helps her friend into a witch party not knowing that this party will change her life, when she meets an unknown man and ends up running for her life. Leilani's Prequel Novella is awesome I can not wait to find out what happens between her and Kieran Hawthorn. I couldn't put it down I think I read it all in an hour.

[Natalie Mummasbooknook · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun magical short story to set up a new world for a new series!
Already I like Leilani, I think she's going to be a lot of fun, and now I really want a magical tattoo! We meet a few characters and already have a love interest which I can't wait to get more of!
Looking forward to learning more about the magic systems and all the paranormal beings! What a great start!

[Krista Haske · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just like the title says. This book will suck you in and leave you wanting for more. The world building and story is so enticing and juicy that as soon as you get a bite, you will finish and want another. You won't be disappointed in this book.

I have received an ARC of this novella and this is my honest review that I left willingly.

[Fawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great start to what will hopefully be a very good story. Not sure if it will be HR but has the makings of becoming one. Has several little plot teasers to follow and setting the overall plot quite well. A few minor plot issues to be found but hopefully will be shored up in the story to come. Four stars due to the potential the next book has.

[Megan Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first thing I’ve read by this author. It was well written. It has twists and allows you to feel the tension and chemistry between the main characters. I’ll have to read Hidden Magic to see if the cliffhangers in this short story are being answered, but I’m excited to learn more about this created world.

[Angel Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely amazing

This story was amazing it drew me in from the very beginning and I was unable to put it down until it was finished. I found myself dieing with anticipation when I realized the book was over, I literally cannot wait until the next book comes out so I can find out what happens next!