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The Boundlands #2
Magpies & Mayhem
What happens when you stumble upon your childhood crush, only to discover that he’s been turned into a vampire?
I feel like I spend my whole life putting out fires. That's probably just part of the territory with being a magpie-shifter from such a chaotic family. All I want is to keep my loved ones safe and have some fun. I’ve never been cut out to be the responsible one.
And Jordan Houjin is still everything I remember … hot, sexy arrogance and smoldering smart mouth. Except now he’s angry at the world and disappears every time I run into him. But that’s fine because I want nothing to do with a vampire my family would never accept anyway. Don’t I?
Unfortunately, he’s the only one I know who can help me keep this dragon egg alive.
I feel like I spend my whole life putting out fires. That's probably just part of the territory with being a magpie-shifter from such a chaotic family. All I want is to keep my loved ones safe and have some fun. I’ve never been cut out to be the responsible one.
And Jordan Houjin is still everything I remember … hot, sexy arrogance and smoldering smart mouth. Except now he’s angry at the world and disappears every time I run into him. But that’s fine because I want nothing to do with a vampire my family would never accept anyway. Don’t I?
Unfortunately, he’s the only one I know who can help me keep this dragon egg alive.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2022
87 people are currently reading
1355 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
August 8, 2022
Elsie Winters writes the perfection combination of spice, humor, and emotion. I loved, loved, loved Levianthan's Song (Levi was just *sigh*), but Sidney really stole the scene every time she was on page and I was so eager for her book (although Grim's book has me panting in anticipation).
I was so curious about Jordan's story and how he and Sidney knew each other and was not left wanting with this story. Plus, the fun suspense/action subplot was brilliant and had me on the edge of my seat many a time. How can you NOT want to know more about a baby dragon, for heaven's sake.
Sidney's sense of humor and chaotic energy channeled for good paired with the somber, professional Jordan definitely did the grumpy/sunshine trope justice.
I always recommend this series for people who like their paranormal/monster romances to be a little tamer than some of the super explicit smut out there, but still want spice. Also, for fans of CM Nascosta because they really have similar world-building/character-building vibes.
I was so curious about Jordan's story and how he and Sidney knew each other and was not left wanting with this story. Plus, the fun suspense/action subplot was brilliant and had me on the edge of my seat many a time. How can you NOT want to know more about a baby dragon, for heaven's sake.
Sidney's sense of humor and chaotic energy channeled for good paired with the somber, professional Jordan definitely did the grumpy/sunshine trope justice.
I always recommend this series for people who like their paranormal/monster romances to be a little tamer than some of the super explicit smut out there, but still want spice. Also, for fans of CM Nascosta because they really have similar world-building/character-building vibes.
April 16, 2025
FMC is a shifter. MMC is a (turned) vampire. They knew each other in their teenage years, but lost contact. By chance they meet and get to know each other again.
It's a quick fun read, nothing too complicated. I had no problems reading this as a standalone without reading the first book beforehand.
I enjoyed the perspective of a magpie shifter instead of the usual wolf/dragon ones. Learned some things about birds, too, and that babydragons are cute.
It's a quick fun read, nothing too complicated. I had no problems reading this as a standalone without reading the first book beforehand.
I enjoyed the perspective of a magpie shifter instead of the usual wolf/dragon ones. Learned some things about birds, too, and that babydragons are cute.
July 2, 2022
The humour and romance in this book is immaculate 🤌🤌 All the meme references alongside Chuck Tingle and IPB made me wheeze so hard I think I passed away 💀
GRUMPY/SUNSHINE? ✔️
ONLY ONE CAVE? ✔️
BROODING VAMPIRE? ✔️
BABY DRAGON (equivalent to Toothless)? ✔️
Highly recommended ✨️
GRUMPY/SUNSHINE? ✔️
ONLY ONE CAVE? ✔️
BROODING VAMPIRE? ✔️
BABY DRAGON (equivalent to Toothless)? ✔️
Highly recommended ✨️
March 15, 2024
Chaotic FMC meets determined to be alone forever MMC
Jordan and Sidney were an awesome couple, with Sidney pushing his boundaries while respecting the big ones. Jordan had lost all his self confidence and I loved seeing him gain it back gradually with Sidney. Also, the baby dragon was utterly adorable and now I need a pet dragon.
This book was funnier than the previous one and had me cracking up at the stick courtship and Sidney’s inner monologue. I would have loved to hear more of Jordan’s POV, but Sidney was still engaging AF.
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: fire, burns, animal cruelty, infertility, physical assault while drunk (off page), victim blaming (off page), family estrangement, violence
Jordan and Sidney were an awesome couple, with Sidney pushing his boundaries while respecting the big ones. Jordan had lost all his self confidence and I loved seeing him gain it back gradually with Sidney. Also, the baby dragon was utterly adorable and now I need a pet dragon.
This book was funnier than the previous one and had me cracking up at the stick courtship and Sidney’s inner monologue. I would have loved to hear more of Jordan’s POV, but Sidney was still engaging AF.
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: fire, burns, animal cruelty, infertility, physical assault while drunk (off page), victim blaming (off page), family estrangement, violence
May 29, 2025
I love this series so much
June 29, 2022
This is the second in a series of fun, gentle, fantasy romances starring young adults in their early 20s living in Seattle or in the Boundlands nearby (between Seattle and the world of Deep Faerie) who happen to be magical creatures dealing with magical issues on top of all their normal work- and apartment-stuff. This one stars a fun magpie-shifter heroine, Sydney (who is horrified to realize she is CATCHING FEELINGS), a sweet but traumatized vampire, Jordan (whose PTSD about his involuntary vampirization is treated respectfully throughout), and a really adorable baby dragon they both end up looking after.
The book started a little bit slowly, but I hung on because I'd enjoyed Book 1 (Leviathan's Song) so much, and I'm really glad I did. I ended up loving the whole experience, and several bits were just hilarious.
Here's one snippet I highlighted from the couple's first trip to Jordan's office, as the others there react to their arrival:
"He comes in here with a dragon in a baby carrier and a bird on his shoulder like this is his normal Tuesday and no one but me bats an eyelash?" asked Tobias incredulously.
"Tobias, listen to me. We are vampires. When was the last time one of us had a normal Tuesday? Maybe this is what the youth are into these days." The lorelei didn't even bother to look up as he spoke.
"This isn't normal," insisted Tobias.
***
This is another of those books (like Lish McBride's A Little Too Familiar) where I regret that there's a habit in reviewing romance where "sweet" usually refers to "no sex on the page," because this book does have a few steamy sex scenes...but it's also an incredibly sweet story. I love the characters in this world, and I'm really looking forward to reading more in this setting.
The book started a little bit slowly, but I hung on because I'd enjoyed Book 1 (Leviathan's Song) so much, and I'm really glad I did. I ended up loving the whole experience, and several bits were just hilarious.
Here's one snippet I highlighted from the couple's first trip to Jordan's office, as the others there react to their arrival:
"He comes in here with a dragon in a baby carrier and a bird on his shoulder like this is his normal Tuesday and no one but me bats an eyelash?" asked Tobias incredulously.
"Tobias, listen to me. We are vampires. When was the last time one of us had a normal Tuesday? Maybe this is what the youth are into these days." The lorelei didn't even bother to look up as he spoke.
"This isn't normal," insisted Tobias.
***
This is another of those books (like Lish McBride's A Little Too Familiar) where I regret that there's a habit in reviewing romance where "sweet" usually refers to "no sex on the page," because this book does have a few steamy sex scenes...but it's also an incredibly sweet story. I love the characters in this world, and I'm really looking forward to reading more in this setting.
April 5, 2023
Loved it. Adorable. Also baby dragon 🐉
June 17, 2022
I absolutely adored this couple's story from beginning to end. From the heroine with a smart mouth and a tendency to burst into a flurry of feathers when agitated to the hero who lives in the shadows but secretly yearns for the sunlight from his past, this book had all the trappings of a delightfully entertaining romance. After the first book made my favorites list in 2021, I was itching to dive into the second book, and it did not disappoint! The heroines in each could not be more different, which is what made them so special. Where the first book featured a quieter heroine with a gentle demeanor, the second book featured her best friend and polar opposite, who had a mouth full of smart remarks and a temper that few can match. In fact, were this a contemporary romance, I could easily have seen her in a room full of people at a gym, challenging everyone bigger than her to a fight in the ring. She had confidence and the strength (mental and physical) to back it up. While I still have a special place in my heart for book one in this series, I will always look back at Sidney's character as one of my favorite heroines.
The last person Sidney expected to see at the movie night hosted by her best friend and her boyfriend was her childhood crush...and the last thing she expected when she saw him again was to realize he had turned into a vampire. Jordan Houjin was her older brother's friend, but they were never close as kids, with her being only 12 at the time. Still, her crush apparently lingered over the years, which caused her to erupt into her magpie form upon seeing him. And then shifting back to human form naked as the day she was born. Determined to keep her at a distance, Jordan avoids her, but Sidney has no intention of allowing him to treat her like she doesn't matter. He doesn't have a choice when she rescues a dragon egg and needs his help keeping it safe. They are soon forced into close quarters where their true feelings can't hide for long. But Sidney's family expects her to carry on her family line, and as a vampire, Jordan can't help her do that. Will family duty keep them from their happily ever after...or can love triumph over all things?
I have to say, besides Sidney's admirable persistence and drive to get what she wants, my absolute favorite part of this entire book was her dragon. He was the cutest pet I have read in a book in a very long time...perhaps ever...and he will make us all wish we could get a dragon egg of our very own. Not because we want to live out our dreams of being Daenerys (before she burned a city to the ground, of course) but rather because who wouldn't want a dragon who acts like a puppy with wings? Their relationship almost outdid the one between Sidney and Jordan...almost. Poor Jordan was such a sweetheart, with nerves of steel and a curious ability to withstand Sidney's temper. He was so calm and collected, a perfect contrast to Sidney, and it made for some fun scenes throughout the book. I also have to say that I loved how the topic of infertility was handled, as well as Jordan's backstory which may trigger some readers who are sensitive to abuse situations. The fact that Sidney was in his corner and was willing to fight anyone who hurt him made me love her even more. And the sex? Steamy...my goodness, Jordan's calm outward appearance hid quite a bit. You're in for a treat.
Grim's book is next!! And the premise sounds fantastic. I predict his book may be my favorite of the three...but we shall see.
**I received a free copy from the author and this is my honest review.**
The last person Sidney expected to see at the movie night hosted by her best friend and her boyfriend was her childhood crush...and the last thing she expected when she saw him again was to realize he had turned into a vampire. Jordan Houjin was her older brother's friend, but they were never close as kids, with her being only 12 at the time. Still, her crush apparently lingered over the years, which caused her to erupt into her magpie form upon seeing him. And then shifting back to human form naked as the day she was born. Determined to keep her at a distance, Jordan avoids her, but Sidney has no intention of allowing him to treat her like she doesn't matter. He doesn't have a choice when she rescues a dragon egg and needs his help keeping it safe. They are soon forced into close quarters where their true feelings can't hide for long. But Sidney's family expects her to carry on her family line, and as a vampire, Jordan can't help her do that. Will family duty keep them from their happily ever after...or can love triumph over all things?
I have to say, besides Sidney's admirable persistence and drive to get what she wants, my absolute favorite part of this entire book was her dragon. He was the cutest pet I have read in a book in a very long time...perhaps ever...and he will make us all wish we could get a dragon egg of our very own. Not because we want to live out our dreams of being Daenerys (before she burned a city to the ground, of course) but rather because who wouldn't want a dragon who acts like a puppy with wings? Their relationship almost outdid the one between Sidney and Jordan...almost. Poor Jordan was such a sweetheart, with nerves of steel and a curious ability to withstand Sidney's temper. He was so calm and collected, a perfect contrast to Sidney, and it made for some fun scenes throughout the book. I also have to say that I loved how the topic of infertility was handled, as well as Jordan's backstory which may trigger some readers who are sensitive to abuse situations. The fact that Sidney was in his corner and was willing to fight anyone who hurt him made me love her even more. And the sex? Steamy...my goodness, Jordan's calm outward appearance hid quite a bit. You're in for a treat.
Grim's book is next!! And the premise sounds fantastic. I predict his book may be my favorite of the three...but we shall see.
**I received a free copy from the author and this is my honest review.**
July 17, 2022
Magpies & Mayhem was the extremely solid follow-up to the pleasantly surprising, Leviathan's Song.
That said, there was a certain disjointedness to Magpies that Leviathan's Song didn't possess. I think this comes down to pacing and characterization. The pacing was a bit wonky and the two leads, while intriguing, left me feeling a bit apathetic when it's all said and done.
However, I love the world Elsie Winters has created and will therefore be pre-ordering/reading the next book in the series.
❝So let me see if I got this right. You burst into Jordan’s room, gave him a blowjob, and then ran away?❞
🅾🅺 Sidney (h) - magpie shifter (i had a hard time pinning down Sidney's character, this time around)
♥ Elara and Levi - protagonists of Leviathan's Song (their wedding scene, enough said)
🅾🅺 Jordan (H) - extremely broody vampire (similar to Sidney, i had a hard time pinning down his character)
❝What should we do?❞ he asked …
❝Get drunk and terrorize the neighborhood.❞
He made a disapproving sound. ❝I can’t get drunk.❞
❝Then stay sober and terrorize the neighborhood,❞ I amended.
🅾🅺 Plot - the baby dragon (resolved a bit quickly/felt a bit low-stakes)
♥ Worldbuilding - the void (i can't wait to explore even more of this world)
🅾🅺 Romance - insta-lust to the max (the romance had me so confused, ngl)
┍━━━━━━━━━━━━━┑
𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗦 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦
𝟭: 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻-𝗘𝘆𝗲𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 - 𝟮.𝟱 ✩
𝟮: 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻'𝘀 𝗦𝗼𝗻𝗴 - 𝟰 ✩
𝟯: 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗽𝗶𝗲𝘀 & 𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗵𝗲𝗺 - 𝟯.𝟱 ✩
𝟰: 𝗦𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗣𝘀𝘆𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗼𝗺𝗽 - 𝘁𝗯𝗿
┕━━━━━━━━━━━━━┙
That said, there was a certain disjointedness to Magpies that Leviathan's Song didn't possess. I think this comes down to pacing and characterization. The pacing was a bit wonky and the two leads, while intriguing, left me feeling a bit apathetic when it's all said and done.
However, I love the world Elsie Winters has created and will therefore be pre-ordering/reading the next book in the series.
❝So let me see if I got this right. You burst into Jordan’s room, gave him a blowjob, and then ran away?❞
🅾🅺 Sidney (h) - magpie shifter (i had a hard time pinning down Sidney's character, this time around)
♥ Elara and Levi - protagonists of Leviathan's Song (their wedding scene, enough said)
🅾🅺 Jordan (H) - extremely broody vampire (similar to Sidney, i had a hard time pinning down his character)
❝What should we do?❞ he asked …
❝Get drunk and terrorize the neighborhood.❞
He made a disapproving sound. ❝I can’t get drunk.❞
❝Then stay sober and terrorize the neighborhood,❞ I amended.
🅾🅺 Plot - the baby dragon (resolved a bit quickly/felt a bit low-stakes)
♥ Worldbuilding - the void (i can't wait to explore even more of this world)
🅾🅺 Romance - insta-lust to the max (the romance had me so confused, ngl)
┍━━━━━━━━━━━━━┑
𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗦 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦
𝟭: 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻-𝗘𝘆𝗲𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 - 𝟮.𝟱 ✩
𝟮: 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻'𝘀 𝗦𝗼𝗻𝗴 - 𝟰 ✩
𝟯: 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗽𝗶𝗲𝘀 & 𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗵𝗲𝗺 - 𝟯.𝟱 ✩
𝟰: 𝗦𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗣𝘀𝘆𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗼𝗺𝗽 - 𝘁𝗯𝗿
┕━━━━━━━━━━━━━┙
January 21, 2023
3.5
I had fun and I liked a confident, go-gettem heroine...but dang did our hero Jordan run for the hills or disappear every other second making Sidney have to chase his ass down.
I understood why he had his hangups but just kept thinking 'Welp there he goes again'
But hey we did get a cute baby dragon!
I had fun and I liked a confident, go-gettem heroine...but dang did our hero Jordan run for the hills or disappear every other second making Sidney have to chase his ass down.
I understood why he had his hangups but just kept thinking 'Welp there he goes again'
But hey we did get a cute baby dragon!
July 11, 2023
So if you fell in love with Sidney's snark and wild nature in Leviathan's Song, her and Jordan's book does not disappoint. I loved her Voider references to our modern world through books, video games, and movie quotes which were even funnier when no one around her got the jokes. I appreciated how much growth we saw in Sidney's character the more she learned of Jordan's situation and how he was turned into a vampire. He really challenged her by making her have to take stock of her deeply ingrained habits and mannerisms to work within his comfort level as he's still working to adjust to his own "new normal." But she never quite lost her Sidney-isms, especially as she teased Jordan by toeing the line of his boundaries and drawing him out of his shell to her throughout the book.
And how cute was Huck??? Oh my goddess, I want my own dragon hatchling! Though I though dealing with cats scratching my furniture was touch, I can't imagine also worrying that they could or would also set it on fire!! Every time he kept latching on to Sidney, all I could think of was the meme of the woman holding her partner while angrily pointing at a the third person as if to say "I'm watching you" or "Don't talk to me or my fire-breathing son again." (this one https://newfastuff.com/wp-content/upl...)
It was only a few chapters later in the book, but I loved that we got a bit of Jordan's POV, especially since he's so enigmatic and really tried to keep Sidney at arms length for so much of the book. Understandably so, given his vampire situation and dealing with trusting himself, but also the very real division of immortal vs. not that he's torn between.
I loved the slightly overlapping timeline of Leviathan's Song and Magpies & Mayhem, since it explains some of Jordan's caginess at the wedding and Sidney's dogged chasing of him also at the wedding. This book felt like it had slightly lower stakes implications for the larger political landscape of the Boundlands series, but the Phantoms were by no means an idle threat. And you know that is not the last we're going to hear from them, even if that's likely not going to be any kind of main focus of Grim's book.
And how cute was Huck??? Oh my goddess, I want my own dragon hatchling! Though I though dealing with cats scratching my furniture was touch, I can't imagine also worrying that they could or would also set it on fire!! Every time he kept latching on to Sidney, all I could think of was the meme of the woman holding her partner while angrily pointing at a the third person as if to say "I'm watching you" or "Don't talk to me or my fire-breathing son again." (this one https://newfastuff.com/wp-content/upl...)
It was only a few chapters later in the book, but I loved that we got a bit of Jordan's POV, especially since he's so enigmatic and really tried to keep Sidney at arms length for so much of the book. Understandably so, given his vampire situation and dealing with trusting himself, but also the very real division of immortal vs. not that he's torn between.
I loved the slightly overlapping timeline of Leviathan's Song and Magpies & Mayhem, since it explains some of Jordan's caginess at the wedding and Sidney's dogged chasing of him also at the wedding. This book felt like it had slightly lower stakes implications for the larger political landscape of the Boundlands series, but the Phantoms were by no means an idle threat. And you know that is not the last we're going to hear from them, even if that's likely not going to be any kind of main focus of Grim's book.
June 26, 2022
You are at serious risk for death by swooning with this book. I adored Sidney and Jordan and their story. Little Huck and their adventures to keep the baby dragon from burning the house down made me laugh out loud. There is so much great humor in Sidney’s voice. I found her to be an extremely charming narrator. Jordan is smoking hot, complicated, and traumatized. I wanted to hug him—carefully—at several points in the story.
And the sticks! I almost died from the cuteness.
This book can be enjoyed as a standalone, but I encourage you not to miss out on any of the others.
And the sticks! I almost died from the cuteness.
This book can be enjoyed as a standalone, but I encourage you not to miss out on any of the others.
July 28, 2022
I definitely think this book should be read in series order. I loved them. Their relationship. Their banter. Sydney’s inner monologue. The peak at all of the side characters we know and love. The dragon. Ugh. It was a delight.
May 30, 2023
This series is just too precious. And the way I cackled whenever the "nice sticks" were brought up 🤣💚
June 3, 2022
OK. So Grim is...
I'm joking, Elsie!
Magpies & Mayhem is the perfect amuse-bouche for readers who just love a little fantasy in their life.
M&M follows the story of Sidney and Jordan, a shifter-Magpie and a fire-elemental Vampire and the hilarity that ensues when you kind-of-sort-of adopt a dragon.
Sidney is the best friend of Elara from the last book and Jordan is a roommate of Levi's. I could not have pictured Sid and Jordan better than this cover already has!
Sidney's backstory has been crafted with such meticulousness that I'm in awe of how the story just makes sense. Literally every decision Sidney makes in the story can be traced back to a reveal or subplot in a previous chapter.
Her badass, protective nature, her choices, the care-giving side of her. They all have a reason and an explanation and I appreciate the thoroughness with which Elsie Winters has approached this story.
The author did Jordan's story equal justice and made him so loveable. Reading about how Jordan was rudely turned into the vampire that he is hurt me so much, only remedied by the fact that he has the perfect partner out there in Sidney. Jordan's story arc had everything for me - A little bit of longing for love, a lot of misery at the prospect of an lonely eternity, and just the right sprinkle of knowing your perfect woman will spend all your lifetimes by your side.
Sidney is so perfect for him that she can't even burn under the fire his fire elemental ass can dish out. They are MFEO and you can't convince me otherwise.
Little Huck has special mention because that not-so-little furball stole my heart.
They are just so dang cute together in their make-shift little family unit of 3 and their shenanigans gave me more than a few chuckles.
I loved everything about Magpies & Mayhem and I can't wait for more from this author. She knows exactly how to craft an intricate and wondrous world of fantasy and mystery.
The spice is great too! Just look at how hot Grim is standing there all Grim-like and you'll know what I mean. 😉
I'm joking, Elsie!
Magpies & Mayhem is the perfect amuse-bouche for readers who just love a little fantasy in their life.
M&M follows the story of Sidney and Jordan, a shifter-Magpie and a fire-elemental Vampire and the hilarity that ensues when you kind-of-sort-of adopt a dragon.
Sidney is the best friend of Elara from the last book and Jordan is a roommate of Levi's. I could not have pictured Sid and Jordan better than this cover already has!
Sidney's backstory has been crafted with such meticulousness that I'm in awe of how the story just makes sense. Literally every decision Sidney makes in the story can be traced back to a reveal or subplot in a previous chapter.
Her badass, protective nature, her choices, the care-giving side of her. They all have a reason and an explanation and I appreciate the thoroughness with which Elsie Winters has approached this story.
The author did Jordan's story equal justice and made him so loveable. Reading about how Jordan was rudely turned into the vampire that he is hurt me so much, only remedied by the fact that he has the perfect partner out there in Sidney. Jordan's story arc had everything for me - A little bit of longing for love, a lot of misery at the prospect of an lonely eternity, and just the right sprinkle of knowing your perfect woman will spend all your lifetimes by your side.
Sidney is so perfect for him that she can't even burn under the fire his fire elemental ass can dish out. They are MFEO and you can't convince me otherwise.
Little Huck has special mention because that not-so-little furball stole my heart.
They are just so dang cute together in their make-shift little family unit of 3 and their shenanigans gave me more than a few chuckles.
I loved everything about Magpies & Mayhem and I can't wait for more from this author. She knows exactly how to craft an intricate and wondrous world of fantasy and mystery.
The spice is great too! Just look at how hot Grim is standing there all Grim-like and you'll know what I mean. 😉
June 29, 2022
I have been (impatiently) waiting on this since I read Leviathan’s Song for the first time last year.
I think Elsie Winters really is iconic and can fucking WRITE. Like really, really write. Oftentimes I read fantasy or romance just because I want to feel something or because it’s hot but like these books I feel actually emotionally, physically and spiritually invested in. The characters feel real. The dialogue, the witty banter, all of it is not only funny but feels honest and organic. The scenes are so perfect I feel like I can picture them so clearly, like I’m watching some made for Netflix series. It’s just SO GOOD.
What was really fun to me while reading this installment of the series, is the HUGE difference between narrative and style with the last book. Elara was mature, emotionally developed, empathetic, thoughtful, and the narrative from her (it’s first person) really reflected that. M&M however is just as chaotic as I hoped it would be, mirroring our FMC Sidney’s kooky, spontaneous, and honestly really unique personality and worldview. I really loved her. Crazy ass magpie.
My only complaint is that it was short but honestly I didn’t feel like it was missing anything… I just wanted more 😢
I’m not going to go on and on, I think other reviewers really hit all the important points. I just wanna say Elsie makes me laugh out loud, throw my kindle, cry, and ALSO inspires me to create again, and that is what it really is all about. Thanks queen.
Anyways Elsie if you are reading this please god do not make me wait until 2023 to read my favorite tall dark and spooky Grim Reaper’s story. Thank you. Amen.
Edit: also the IPB reference… hysterical. Somebody let Ruby Dixon know her blue purring aliens are here in the boundlands too 😂❤️
I think Elsie Winters really is iconic and can fucking WRITE. Like really, really write. Oftentimes I read fantasy or romance just because I want to feel something or because it’s hot but like these books I feel actually emotionally, physically and spiritually invested in. The characters feel real. The dialogue, the witty banter, all of it is not only funny but feels honest and organic. The scenes are so perfect I feel like I can picture them so clearly, like I’m watching some made for Netflix series. It’s just SO GOOD.
What was really fun to me while reading this installment of the series, is the HUGE difference between narrative and style with the last book. Elara was mature, emotionally developed, empathetic, thoughtful, and the narrative from her (it’s first person) really reflected that. M&M however is just as chaotic as I hoped it would be, mirroring our FMC Sidney’s kooky, spontaneous, and honestly really unique personality and worldview. I really loved her. Crazy ass magpie.
My only complaint is that it was short but honestly I didn’t feel like it was missing anything… I just wanted more 😢
I’m not going to go on and on, I think other reviewers really hit all the important points. I just wanna say Elsie makes me laugh out loud, throw my kindle, cry, and ALSO inspires me to create again, and that is what it really is all about. Thanks queen.
Anyways Elsie if you are reading this please god do not make me wait until 2023 to read my favorite tall dark and spooky Grim Reaper’s story. Thank you. Amen.
Edit: also the IPB reference… hysterical. Somebody let Ruby Dixon know her blue purring aliens are here in the boundlands too 😂❤️
August 23, 2022
Fun fun fun! Ya gotta love a baby dragon sidekick named Huck. Jordan was smoking, and Sidney was a great heroine. I wish the beginning had a bit more pep in its step, but once I was in, I was way in. Sweet and hot, a great combo.
September 23, 2023
Love Jordan and Sidney!
October 23, 2022
Bird with boundary issues falls for a vampire with a lot of boundaries.
I was ready to cringe at how uncomfortable this was about to be, but the heroine quickly respected his limits and it was all rather consensual. Very cute pairing 💖
also there's cute baby dragons
I was ready to cringe at how uncomfortable this was about to be, but the heroine quickly respected his limits and it was all rather consensual. Very cute pairing 💖
also there's cute baby dragons
July 20, 2023
A perfect addiction to this series. I love the balance between lovable funny characters, good plot, steady action and the spice. Just perfection 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 can’t wait for the next one ❤️
I also love how Victor accidentally just knows things before others do as a Grim.😂 his reveals at the wedding were very amusing.
I also love how Victor accidentally just knows things before others do as a Grim.😂 his reveals at the wedding were very amusing.
July 2, 2022
WELL. I just loved this. The little dragon is really the icing on top of a very pleasant (albeit, not a 5-star for me) cake.
My sole issue with the first book was the world-building felt info-dumpy. With that out of the way, this book really shines. It settles into a comfortable familiarity with this world.
And. Baby dragon.
I really enjoy the diversity of the creatures in this world, and that this book managed to strike a good balance of involving the prior characters and devoting time to the new ones. I could've used a little more of Jordan - while Winters does switch to his POV occasionally, it's quite rare - and I just would like to know a little more about him. I am not much a fan of split-first-person-POV, but if it is there, I'd like it to be a little more robust. I was concerned that I wouldn't love Sidney, that she'd be a little too much of the paranormal romance heroine archetype, but I quite liked her and her family.
I am so excited to get Grim's book...really interested to see what mythos Winters creates for grim reapers!
My sole issue with the first book was the world-building felt info-dumpy. With that out of the way, this book really shines. It settles into a comfortable familiarity with this world.
And. Baby dragon.
I really enjoy the diversity of the creatures in this world, and that this book managed to strike a good balance of involving the prior characters and devoting time to the new ones. I could've used a little more of Jordan - while Winters does switch to his POV occasionally, it's quite rare - and I just would like to know a little more about him. I am not much a fan of split-first-person-POV, but if it is there, I'd like it to be a little more robust. I was concerned that I wouldn't love Sidney, that she'd be a little too much of the paranormal romance heroine archetype, but I quite liked her and her family.
I am so excited to get Grim's book...really interested to see what mythos Winters creates for grim reapers!
September 22, 2022
3-3.5
pros:
-same cool world and great characters as the first one but we got to focus on two of my faves
-new fun side characters
-this book overlaps with the first so we don’t miss anything
cons:
-a lot in this book is the same as the first one, but I don’t think you can read it without reading the first one. like the first half of the two books is very similar, plot-wise and there are even a few jokes that are the same.
-the pacing is sort of weird
overall:
-had a good time but just got a smidge bored here and there
pros:
-same cool world and great characters as the first one but we got to focus on two of my faves
-new fun side characters
-this book overlaps with the first so we don’t miss anything
cons:
-a lot in this book is the same as the first one, but I don’t think you can read it without reading the first one. like the first half of the two books is very similar, plot-wise and there are even a few jokes that are the same.
-the pacing is sort of weird
overall:
-had a good time but just got a smidge bored here and there
February 20, 2023
extremely slow burn book- so much so at first I was questioning if it was even a romance. They weren't together much in the beginning and I was really missing his POV- which we get in the very first chapter and then not again until much later in the book. Plus there was zero chemistry between them.
June 27, 2022
Magpies and Mayhem is an urban fantasy romance about a magpie shifter named Sidney, her childhood crush turned vampire named Jordan, the magic mafia, and lots of baby dragon shenanigans set against the backdrop of modern Seattle and a magical world called "The Boundlands."
I thought the world of M and M was interesting and fun. I liked that vampirism is a status that any race can contract. Vampire orcs, elves, merfolk/orc hybrids, etc was a fun and different take I was excited to read. I also thought the effects of the dragon mark was inventive. The world of the Boundlands is rich, and I'm interested to see what kind of information I missed out on from the first book. Huck was really cute, and I think Grim is a delight and will be a super interesting character to read about in the next installment. I also appreciate how nicely the story is written: clear, concise, flows well, and easy to breeze through while reading. Sidney and Jordan's banter is great, and I think they're a really fun couple.
I did struggle to really sink into M&M until 50% through, which is definitely where the momentum picks up. I feel like it was slow in the beginning, so I felt disconnected from all the characters until the action actually started. Once it kicked off, it was a really quick read.
I also went into this novel expecting a standalone within a developed setting, having not read the first book in the series. If you plan on going out of order like I did, you might feel pretty lost. I would assume there is a lot of background story I missed that would have probably heightened my enjoyment of this particular book. So I would definitely recommend reading Leviathan's Song before diving into this one.
I think my only issue is that I had a hard time suspending my disbelief when it came to Sidney's prior crush on Jordan. The "childhood crush" trope wasn't ironed out enough for me, and I didn't really believe that Sidney actually liked Jordan in school as much as she kept saying she did. I didn't feel the angst I was supposed to. I would've appreciated some anecdotes here and there from school, some reason why she liked him so much, some little story about how maybe he saved her from a bully or picked up her books one time or looked at her longingly once. Anything to convince me they had history.
Overall, I think the world of The Boundlands is super interesting and a different take on urban fantasy. I really like a lot of the world building, the magic, society, and the unique races. I'm not sure I really connected with Sidney and Jordan as a couple in this one, (even though I did like their characters), but I'm excited to see how Grim turns out in the next book.
4 stars
Disclaimer: I received an advanced reader copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
I thought the world of M and M was interesting and fun. I liked that vampirism is a status that any race can contract. Vampire orcs, elves, merfolk/orc hybrids, etc was a fun and different take I was excited to read. I also thought the effects of the dragon mark was inventive. The world of the Boundlands is rich, and I'm interested to see what kind of information I missed out on from the first book. Huck was really cute, and I think Grim is a delight and will be a super interesting character to read about in the next installment. I also appreciate how nicely the story is written: clear, concise, flows well, and easy to breeze through while reading. Sidney and Jordan's banter is great, and I think they're a really fun couple.
I did struggle to really sink into M&M until 50% through, which is definitely where the momentum picks up. I feel like it was slow in the beginning, so I felt disconnected from all the characters until the action actually started. Once it kicked off, it was a really quick read.
I also went into this novel expecting a standalone within a developed setting, having not read the first book in the series. If you plan on going out of order like I did, you might feel pretty lost. I would assume there is a lot of background story I missed that would have probably heightened my enjoyment of this particular book. So I would definitely recommend reading Leviathan's Song before diving into this one.
I think my only issue is that I had a hard time suspending my disbelief when it came to Sidney's prior crush on Jordan. The "childhood crush" trope wasn't ironed out enough for me, and I didn't really believe that Sidney actually liked Jordan in school as much as she kept saying she did. I didn't feel the angst I was supposed to. I would've appreciated some anecdotes here and there from school, some reason why she liked him so much, some little story about how maybe he saved her from a bully or picked up her books one time or looked at her longingly once. Anything to convince me they had history.
Overall, I think the world of The Boundlands is super interesting and a different take on urban fantasy. I really like a lot of the world building, the magic, society, and the unique races. I'm not sure I really connected with Sidney and Jordan as a couple in this one, (even though I did like their characters), but I'm excited to see how Grim turns out in the next book.
4 stars
Disclaimer: I received an advanced reader copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
June 19, 2022
I am honestly no good at reviews, but I absolutely LOVED this book, you should read it and here is why; the characters are wonderful, I literally LOLed, and I just found myself wanting to be a part of this world so much. I had a moment of being sad to not have as much “Lelara” content (our lovely couple from Leviathan’s Song) but I just fell for Sidney’s bubbly, protective, and witty personality. I’d like to say that I can relate to her, but let’s be honest, I’d never be as cool as she is. Jordan the vampire is the perfect closed off love interest for Sidney and watching them grow both as individuals and in their partnership is the actual best thing ever. Throw in Huck the dragon puppy and OMG <3 <3 <3 On top of having these great characters, the world building had the same quality as the other Boundland books. Elsie KNOWS how to tell a story, and you can tell she has a vision for this world. A world that I will come back to every chance I can get! Beyond the world building and the character development one of my favorite things about M&M was that rather than starting after the epilogue of book 1, Sid and Jordan’s story was woven in so we could fill some of the blanks. So it feels so much more like an expansion of this world rather than just an additional story! Ultimately, Elsie Winters has cemented herself as an instant buy author. I can’t WAIT to see what Grim has in store for us all next!!
September 16, 2022
MAGPIES & MAYHEM perfectly describes the second book in The Boundlands series. We met both Sidney and Jordan in book one. Sidney is the extrovert to Elara's introvert, and Jordan was Levi's roommate. Now they have their own story that includes a gorgeous little dragon named Huck.
Sidney is definitely on the chaotic good scale of things, and her shifting to a magpie whenever she is startled just helps to confirm that. Jordan, by contrast, is solemn (with reason) and thinks things through. This just means they make the perfect pair, balancing each other out and giving the other just what they need.
The story is smooth and follows along nicely from Elara and Levi's, who we also catch up with in here. The world- and character-building continue to give you all you need to know, whilst leaving you wanting more. For me though, Huck definitely stole the show.
A great addition to the series, I can't wait for Grim's story to see where we will go next. Absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sidney is definitely on the chaotic good scale of things, and her shifting to a magpie whenever she is startled just helps to confirm that. Jordan, by contrast, is solemn (with reason) and thinks things through. This just means they make the perfect pair, balancing each other out and giving the other just what they need.
The story is smooth and follows along nicely from Elara and Levi's, who we also catch up with in here. The world- and character-building continue to give you all you need to know, whilst leaving you wanting more. For me though, Huck definitely stole the show.
A great addition to the series, I can't wait for Grim's story to see where we will go next. Absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
July 2, 2022
Elsie Winters is on a ROLL! Literally in her Fantasy Romance bag!
I absolutely loved reading from Sidney's perspective! Her personality and humor really made this story so enjoyable. From her relationship to her friends and family to her being genuinely open to communicating with Jordan about things even when she was in denial of her own feelings.
And sigh Jordan you moody emo boy you! The way Elsie described him had me giggling and kicking my feet up. He definitely reminds me that my vampire loving phase is never over. He only had 2 or 3 chapters from his perspective but I ate em up.
And huck!! The cutest kid dragon son ever!! Loved everything about him and how chaotic he was sometimes! Def didn't think I would feel so attached to a baby dragon!
And there were probably 2-3 spicy scenes but WHEW they get the job done! And I def highlighted all of them and I WILL be back to reread them.
Overall this was great!! Definitely give it a chance if you want a fantasy romance where the romance is the main push and the mission they go on isn't too complicated and not hard to jump back into after cutesy couple moments.
I absolutely loved reading from Sidney's perspective! Her personality and humor really made this story so enjoyable. From her relationship to her friends and family to her being genuinely open to communicating with Jordan about things even when she was in denial of her own feelings.
And sigh Jordan you moody emo boy you! The way Elsie described him had me giggling and kicking my feet up. He definitely reminds me that my vampire loving phase is never over. He only had 2 or 3 chapters from his perspective but I ate em up.
And huck!! The cutest kid dragon son ever!! Loved everything about him and how chaotic he was sometimes! Def didn't think I would feel so attached to a baby dragon!
And there were probably 2-3 spicy scenes but WHEW they get the job done! And I def highlighted all of them and I WILL be back to reread them.
Overall this was great!! Definitely give it a chance if you want a fantasy romance where the romance is the main push and the mission they go on isn't too complicated and not hard to jump back into after cutesy couple moments.
June 3, 2022
Hero stars ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Heroine stars ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Pet Dragon stars ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Storyline stars ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
This is the story of Humphrey Herbert Hucklebee, the Fierce, a smuggled baby dragon hatchling, finding his forever home in Sidney Anvindr, a shifter-Magpie and Jordan Houjin, a fire-elemental Vampire. Huck, as he is affectionately known, finds a way to make Sidney and Jordan even more perfect for each other than they already were.
Huck is one of three Lesser Black Highlands dragon eggs smuggled by Phantoms for sale in the black market. He is discovered by Sidney, who takes on the care for this magical, fire-breathing creature.
As he grows and his fire-breathing powers increase, he needs to be taken into the desert where he wouldn’t be seen or accidentally burn down a house. Sidney recruits the aloof, fire-elementalist childhood friend of her older brother, Jordan, who has seen been turned into an immortal Vampire. Off to the desert they go, as a little family unit.
This is a wonderful love story at its core, with fantastical creatures that make it so much more than a regular garden-variety romance. The characters are fleshed-out, their actions and motivations consistently written. Whereas Leviathan's Song was, IMO, more universe-building and fantasy than romance, Magpies & Mayhem is a romance, and the characters just so happen to be non-humans.
Huck absolutely steals the show with his shenanigans and dog-like tendencies. Sidney is perfect as his foster mother–her need to take care of those around her is her most shining characteristic, something you could see even in Leviathan's Song.
Jordan, poor, lonely, hurt Jordan. The story of his transformation into a Vampire is so cruel and weighs oh so heavily on him and is reflected in all his actions. Sidney is just the right kind of sass, to break him out of his shell.
The characters aren’t just placeholders in this story. They are the way they are for a reason, and the story has been tailor-made to fit Sidney, Jordan, and Huck to a T. I love that in any book I read.
Now that Jordan’s story is out of the way, can I please have Grim’s book? Pretty please and thank you!
Heroine stars ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Pet Dragon stars ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Storyline stars ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
This is the story of Humphrey Herbert Hucklebee, the Fierce, a smuggled baby dragon hatchling, finding his forever home in Sidney Anvindr, a shifter-Magpie and Jordan Houjin, a fire-elemental Vampire. Huck, as he is affectionately known, finds a way to make Sidney and Jordan even more perfect for each other than they already were.
Huck is one of three Lesser Black Highlands dragon eggs smuggled by Phantoms for sale in the black market. He is discovered by Sidney, who takes on the care for this magical, fire-breathing creature.
As he grows and his fire-breathing powers increase, he needs to be taken into the desert where he wouldn’t be seen or accidentally burn down a house. Sidney recruits the aloof, fire-elementalist childhood friend of her older brother, Jordan, who has seen been turned into an immortal Vampire. Off to the desert they go, as a little family unit.
This is a wonderful love story at its core, with fantastical creatures that make it so much more than a regular garden-variety romance. The characters are fleshed-out, their actions and motivations consistently written. Whereas Leviathan's Song was, IMO, more universe-building and fantasy than romance, Magpies & Mayhem is a romance, and the characters just so happen to be non-humans.
Huck absolutely steals the show with his shenanigans and dog-like tendencies. Sidney is perfect as his foster mother–her need to take care of those around her is her most shining characteristic, something you could see even in Leviathan's Song.
Jordan, poor, lonely, hurt Jordan. The story of his transformation into a Vampire is so cruel and weighs oh so heavily on him and is reflected in all his actions. Sidney is just the right kind of sass, to break him out of his shell.
The characters aren’t just placeholders in this story. They are the way they are for a reason, and the story has been tailor-made to fit Sidney, Jordan, and Huck to a T. I love that in any book I read.
Now that Jordan’s story is out of the way, can I please have Grim’s book? Pretty please and thank you!
June 15, 2022
This is a story about a magpie, a vampire, a baby dragon, and a pidgeon.
Elsie does such a good job with her world building here in the boundlands. This is connected loosely with her other novels set in the same world and you see many familiar faces - so definately worth reading the others first!
Sidney is a magpie shifter who is a hilarious collector of shiny things who also is a vicious protector of who she loves. Being a shifter she has an affinity for creatures. She ends up being the caretaker of a baby dragon who quickly becomes the star of the book!
Jordan is a fire elemental turned vampire who knew Sidney back in his non vampire days. He is very grumpy to her sunshine which you learn his reasons when you learn more of his backstory.
This is faster paced than leviathans song - you get some spice much earlier in the story. The book is low spice - high adventure!
Definately read if you are into a supernatural animal rescue romance story!
Elsie does such a good job with her world building here in the boundlands. This is connected loosely with her other novels set in the same world and you see many familiar faces - so definately worth reading the others first!
Sidney is a magpie shifter who is a hilarious collector of shiny things who also is a vicious protector of who she loves. Being a shifter she has an affinity for creatures. She ends up being the caretaker of a baby dragon who quickly becomes the star of the book!
Jordan is a fire elemental turned vampire who knew Sidney back in his non vampire days. He is very grumpy to her sunshine which you learn his reasons when you learn more of his backstory.
This is faster paced than leviathans song - you get some spice much earlier in the story. The book is low spice - high adventure!
Definately read if you are into a supernatural animal rescue romance story!
June 17, 2022
4.5/5
Magpies & Mayhem is the second book in The Boundland’s series, and one of my most anticipated reads this summer!
M&M follows Sidney, a magpie-shifter, and her childhood crush, Jordan, a fire-elemental and recently-turned-vampire. This story is hilarious and sweet, with action, spice, and dragons.
We were introduced to these characters in Leviathan’s Song, but we really got to know them in more depth here.
Sidney is one of my new favourite characters - she’s sassy, chaotic, ready to do whatever to protect those she loves, and always has a comeback.
Jordan’s story was heart wrenching, and beautifully portrayed.
Ahhhh and little Humphry Herbert Hucklebee, the Fierce (a.k.a. Huck)! Gimme all the baby dragon content - he stole my heart.
I recommend if you’re looking for a fantasy read with romance, spice, action, and cute dragons.
Magpies & Mayhem is the second book in The Boundland’s series, and one of my most anticipated reads this summer!
M&M follows Sidney, a magpie-shifter, and her childhood crush, Jordan, a fire-elemental and recently-turned-vampire. This story is hilarious and sweet, with action, spice, and dragons.
We were introduced to these characters in Leviathan’s Song, but we really got to know them in more depth here.
Sidney is one of my new favourite characters - she’s sassy, chaotic, ready to do whatever to protect those she loves, and always has a comeback.
Jordan’s story was heart wrenching, and beautifully portrayed.
Ahhhh and little Humphry Herbert Hucklebee, the Fierce (a.k.a. Huck)! Gimme all the baby dragon content - he stole my heart.
I recommend if you’re looking for a fantasy read with romance, spice, action, and cute dragons.
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