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Mercenaries and Magic #3
Toughest Deal
The occult group Aurora is closing in on the Edgeworths, and they are going to need Altun, the Sorceress of Istanbul, to help them if they are going to stay alive.
'Toughest Deal' is the third book in 'Mercenaries and Magic,' a fast-paced, contemporary fantasy series full of morally gray characters, found family, passionate romance, and dark humor.
Altun Baruk's shady past with the Aurora and her vengeful sister, Dee, have finally caught up with her. She needs the Edgeworths muscle to back up her magic, and a damn good artefact to use as bait, if she's going to have any chance of stopping Dee once and for all.
Julian Burbank is obsessive and curious by nature, and there’s something about Altun that he can't get out of his head. Julian likes to be neutral when it comes to other people's fights, but when Dee firebombs his office, all bets are off — and working closely with Altun again is a just delicious perk of the job. Julian loves a challenge, and he won't stop until Dee is in the ground and Altun is in his bed.
Julian and Altun both know a good deal when they see it, but working together and fighting their growing feelings for each other will be the toughest one they ever make.
'Toughest Deal' is' a contemporary fantasy romance series that contains graphic violence, swearing, and steamy sex scenes.
'Toughest Deal' is the third book in 'Mercenaries and Magic,' a fast-paced, contemporary fantasy series full of morally gray characters, found family, passionate romance, and dark humor.
Altun Baruk's shady past with the Aurora and her vengeful sister, Dee, have finally caught up with her. She needs the Edgeworths muscle to back up her magic, and a damn good artefact to use as bait, if she's going to have any chance of stopping Dee once and for all.
Julian Burbank is obsessive and curious by nature, and there’s something about Altun that he can't get out of his head. Julian likes to be neutral when it comes to other people's fights, but when Dee firebombs his office, all bets are off — and working closely with Altun again is a just delicious perk of the job. Julian loves a challenge, and he won't stop until Dee is in the ground and Altun is in his bed.
Julian and Altun both know a good deal when they see it, but working together and fighting their growing feelings for each other will be the toughest one they ever make.
'Toughest Deal' is' a contemporary fantasy romance series that contains graphic violence, swearing, and steamy sex scenes.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 3, 2023
122 people are currently reading
551 people want to read
About the author
Alessa Thorn
49 books975 followersAlessa Thorn believes that all monsters and villains deserve their happy endings. She prefers her clothes black, eyeliner winged and books full of hot romance. She thinks heroes are boring, so her first series 'The Court of the Underworld' centers around dark gods, monsters and villains from her favorite Greek Myths.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
January 8, 2023
Simultaneously the sexiest and most violent thing, I’ve read in a while… And I loved every second of it! That first intimate scene though! 👀🫦 I’m practically speechless. I highly recommend this entire series. Darkest Night, Sharpest Edge, and now Toughest Deal. 😈 Already preordered Deepest Cut (Dante & Leo’s book.) Alessa… How dare you end this on that cliffhanger?!?! I’ll probably cry once this delicious series is complete.
Please check TW if that’s a concern.
Please check TW if that’s a concern.
December 31, 2022
FIVE SCREAMING STARS. If I didn’t covet Darkest Night as my most prized possession this would’ve easily become my new favorite of the series.
One of the main things I love about Alessa’s books is that she makes her couples so damn intriguing & then keeps them ALL relevant in future books. She straight up pulled an Oprah in this one & said “YOU get page time & YOU get page time, YOU ALL GET PAGE TIME.”
It sounds like it would be absolute chaos giving so many storylines attention but seriously, it was executed FLAWLESSLY. She seamlessly fed us Kathena Kaos™️ (my special brand of h3ro!n), little Siz crumbs & furthered Deo’s dynamic in a way that has me FROTHING for their book.
All of this ^^^ was done while diving headfirst into the most unexpected couple of them all, Julian & Altun. I am completely obsessed with watching these two constantly try & out-top each other both physically & s3xually🤣
Altun is just the perfect mix of a reclusive, mysterious, sexy, ageless, mystic being who I can safely say no longer looks like mama odie in my head 💀🥵
I loved watching Julian break down her walls & girl boss his way right into her heart. The action, the character development, THAT FVCKING ENDING ALESSA.
All the stars.
One of the main things I love about Alessa’s books is that she makes her couples so damn intriguing & then keeps them ALL relevant in future books. She straight up pulled an Oprah in this one & said “YOU get page time & YOU get page time, YOU ALL GET PAGE TIME.”
It sounds like it would be absolute chaos giving so many storylines attention but seriously, it was executed FLAWLESSLY. She seamlessly fed us Kathena Kaos™️ (my special brand of h3ro!n), little Siz crumbs & furthered Deo’s dynamic in a way that has me FROTHING for their book.
All of this ^^^ was done while diving headfirst into the most unexpected couple of them all, Julian & Altun. I am completely obsessed with watching these two constantly try & out-top each other both physically & s3xually🤣
Altun is just the perfect mix of a reclusive, mysterious, sexy, ageless, mystic being who I can safely say no longer looks like mama odie in my head 💀🥵
I loved watching Julian break down her walls & girl boss his way right into her heart. The action, the character development, THAT FVCKING ENDING ALESSA.
All the stars.
January 22, 2023
To hot to put down
Another amazing adventure with the Edgeworths. Kon and Athena as always were just incredibly wild,Dante and Leo just the best, but Altun story was just beautifully wicked and full of emotions. I absolutely love her she is just bad ass. Julian is just melt worthy . Can not wait for book 4.
Another amazing adventure with the Edgeworths. Kon and Athena as always were just incredibly wild,Dante and Leo just the best, but Altun story was just beautifully wicked and full of emotions. I absolutely love her she is just bad ass. Julian is just melt worthy . Can not wait for book 4.
January 30, 2023
It was good, I don’t want this review to deter people away from reading these books!
2/5 stars 3/5 spice.
For 230 pages this was quick and efficient, the plot was there and it was a nice continuation from the first two books. It just was not characters that I really fell in love with. I think I just liked the first book SO much that the next two didn’t live up to that standard, for me.
Altun was a great character, she was easy to picture. A dark and threatening sorceress that just created this allure for Julian. As for Julian himself, I was just kind of bored? His sole personality was supposed to be this like nice guy with a dangerous undertone & for me that just kind of fell flat. I was bored by him being like a damsel in distress the whole time. He only had like one action scene and Altun was just always saving his ass. It wasn’t enough for me, his instant love was too quick.
Leo and Dante had their moment but its taken two books to get there and they are still at each other’s throats. I guess I just felt like this was the same story as the first two books but with new characters. The conflict resolution happened in one chapter after being so hyped up that Dee was this horrific villain.
Not sure if I will be moving on in this series.
2/5 stars 3/5 spice.
For 230 pages this was quick and efficient, the plot was there and it was a nice continuation from the first two books. It just was not characters that I really fell in love with. I think I just liked the first book SO much that the next two didn’t live up to that standard, for me.
Altun was a great character, she was easy to picture. A dark and threatening sorceress that just created this allure for Julian. As for Julian himself, I was just kind of bored? His sole personality was supposed to be this like nice guy with a dangerous undertone & for me that just kind of fell flat. I was bored by him being like a damsel in distress the whole time. He only had like one action scene and Altun was just always saving his ass. It wasn’t enough for me, his instant love was too quick.
Leo and Dante had their moment but its taken two books to get there and they are still at each other’s throats. I guess I just felt like this was the same story as the first two books but with new characters. The conflict resolution happened in one chapter after being so hyped up that Dee was this horrific villain.
Not sure if I will be moving on in this series.
January 4, 2023
Toughest Deal by Alessa Thorn
This MUST be Alessa's way of welcoming us to the big leagues!! Julian and Altun's story is the third in the Mercenaries and Magic series and wow it knocked my socks off! It was sen-bloody-sational!
The ancient magic, the tension, the deeper themes / healing arc, the secrets and betrayal has had me completely obsessed since I finished it.
What I loved the most about this book is that Julian plays the courting game like an adult. He knows when to push, how to be charming, when to pull the rug out from under Altun and he does it with SUCH finesse. Honestly the Sorcereress would be crazy not to be a full gone conclusion- however I love that she is faaarrrrrr from an easy win. The power play is so electrifying, yet simple and mature- it had me panting over the small details. Thorn pulled out every stop for these two- starting with their hard and jaded exterior, she then peels back each layer to find a gorgeous and heartbreaking love story. 1 trillion stars 🌟 just for them.
BUT that is not alll! The absolute- GODDESS- doesn't just give us a full length scorching, k.!nk unlocking read (see: sex magyck 🗝🔥, now at the top of my fantasy list!). BUT she weaves in moments for all of our favourite mercenary found fam. The relationship's between Kon and Athena, Silas and Iz, Leo and Dante get their own incredible time in the spot light. There is so much development in every relationship- we get moments of heat, raw feelings and heart wrenching betrayal as well as them coming together to just 💫be💫 the family you wish you were a part of.
*sigh* oh the Edgeworths.
Throw in family dynamics, the friendship between Julian and Silas and one hel of a mind blowing cliffhanger- you can see why I am encouraging you to immerse yourself in this deliciously fantastical world. I will never be able to express how much I loved this book!
@alessathornauthor you earned every damn star in the sky! This tops my comfort read pile.
This MUST be Alessa's way of welcoming us to the big leagues!! Julian and Altun's story is the third in the Mercenaries and Magic series and wow it knocked my socks off! It was sen-bloody-sational!
The ancient magic, the tension, the deeper themes / healing arc, the secrets and betrayal has had me completely obsessed since I finished it.
What I loved the most about this book is that Julian plays the courting game like an adult. He knows when to push, how to be charming, when to pull the rug out from under Altun and he does it with SUCH finesse. Honestly the Sorcereress would be crazy not to be a full gone conclusion- however I love that she is faaarrrrrr from an easy win. The power play is so electrifying, yet simple and mature- it had me panting over the small details. Thorn pulled out every stop for these two- starting with their hard and jaded exterior, she then peels back each layer to find a gorgeous and heartbreaking love story. 1 trillion stars 🌟 just for them.
BUT that is not alll! The absolute- GODDESS- doesn't just give us a full length scorching, k.!nk unlocking read (see: sex magyck 🗝🔥, now at the top of my fantasy list!). BUT she weaves in moments for all of our favourite mercenary found fam. The relationship's between Kon and Athena, Silas and Iz, Leo and Dante get their own incredible time in the spot light. There is so much development in every relationship- we get moments of heat, raw feelings and heart wrenching betrayal as well as them coming together to just 💫be💫 the family you wish you were a part of.
*sigh* oh the Edgeworths.
Throw in family dynamics, the friendship between Julian and Silas and one hel of a mind blowing cliffhanger- you can see why I am encouraging you to immerse yourself in this deliciously fantastical world. I will never be able to express how much I loved this book!
@alessathornauthor you earned every damn star in the sky! This tops my comfort read pile.
January 4, 2023
One of my favorite found families to ever exist! Another spectacularly chaotic and wildly entertaining book from Alessa. Each character is so wonderfully unique and has their own quirks and trauma to work through and Alessa always manages to execute it so perfectly. This book gave us a lot more insight to our mercs and the villains. Cannot wait for Book 4!
honorable mentions:
-Athena with a flamethrower (yeah, it's epic)
-Kon Turkish oil wrestling
- Every Dante x Leo scene but "my Beatrice" ????????? (brb crying)
- bath house massages
- dario (idk, but i already love him, & I won't explain)
honorable mentions:
-Athena with a flamethrower (yeah, it's epic)
-Kon Turkish oil wrestling
- Every Dante x Leo scene but "my Beatrice" ????????? (brb crying)
- bath house massages
- dario (idk, but i already love him, & I won't explain)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2023
I don't know whether it's my repertoire that's gotten bigger since I read the first two books of the series or if this is indeed the weakest one. The plot was all over the place and things were solved in a very underwhelming manner.
Julian and Altun made everything worth it, though. I could call Julian daddy anytime. However, even their relationship happened too easily, since they both had commitment issues. But they were hot, so I'll give it a pass.
Also, there's this thing that bothered me in the book. It's cool to see the other couples but I don't think that whole chapters solely for their smut are necessary, especially if they're not contributing to the plot. Make these bonus scenes, I don't know. The book is already short for a novel, IMO, so those chapters felt like a waste of space that could have been used for developing the plot of this book.
Julian and Altun made everything worth it, though. I could call Julian daddy anytime. However, even their relationship happened too easily, since they both had commitment issues. But they were hot, so I'll give it a pass.
Also, there's this thing that bothered me in the book. It's cool to see the other couples but I don't think that whole chapters solely for their smut are necessary, especially if they're not contributing to the plot. Make these bonus scenes, I don't know. The book is already short for a novel, IMO, so those chapters felt like a waste of space that could have been used for developing the plot of this book.
October 1, 2024
I can not get enough of this series.
I love that we get to see a new couple in each installment, but we’[re following the same overarching plot with Aurora. I find typically when a series does this, we kind of lose track of our previous couples and they really fade into the background, but Alessa Thorn did such a good job and keeping everyone so front and center that you never really lose sight of your favorite characters.
I have loved Julian since he appeared, and I was so happy that this book was about him. I was also pleasantly surprised at how much I loved Altun. They fit together so perfectly and seamlessly; their banter was bang on, and I can't tell you how many times they made me smile.
I'm so looking forward to Dante and Leo's story.
I love that we get to see a new couple in each installment, but we’[re following the same overarching plot with Aurora. I find typically when a series does this, we kind of lose track of our previous couples and they really fade into the background, but Alessa Thorn did such a good job and keeping everyone so front and center that you never really lose sight of your favorite characters.
I have loved Julian since he appeared, and I was so happy that this book was about him. I was also pleasantly surprised at how much I loved Altun. They fit together so perfectly and seamlessly; their banter was bang on, and I can't tell you how many times they made me smile.
I'm so looking forward to Dante and Leo's story.
January 29, 2023
Ebook. Purchased. Alessa blew every expectation I had for this book out of the water. This series and the Edgeworth clan/family continue to be an absolute blast.
CW/TW: past SA/rape (mentioned/off page), past parental death (mentioned/off page)
CW/TW: past SA/rape (mentioned/off page), past parental death (mentioned/off page)
January 18, 2024
before reading i was AGAIN so sure that this book would finally be about dante&leo. you know what happens when the pairing gets so overhyped and everyone is looking forward to it? the book about them comes out shitty and everyone is disappointed. at this point i think the author ensures that we follow the series so they put the most anticipated couple last. i thought better of them. also the shittiest thing is that dante&leo’s story in their povs is scattered throughout the series so you can’t miss a book. they had their first kiss in the second book, they had sex in this one. also julian&altun aren’t even in the close original circle, so i don’t understand why their story comes before.
this book got not one but two sex scenes of the greatest couples in the series. was the book so bad without them?🤔🤔🤔 i’m not complaining, just wondering what authors do to keep reader’s attention.
apart from my rant and if we only concentrate on julian&altun, their book was okay. second best in the series so far after the kon&athena’s story. they had chemistry, had cool and traumatic enough background. as far as i understood they didn’t resolve the little issue of altun’s immortality and julian’s inevitable death.
i didn’t like that their first sexual encounter was essentially altun selling herself for some important trinket to julian.
lol.
this book got not one but two sex scenes of the greatest couples in the series. was the book so bad without them?🤔🤔🤔 i’m not complaining, just wondering what authors do to keep reader’s attention.
apart from my rant and if we only concentrate on julian&altun, their book was okay. second best in the series so far after the kon&athena’s story. they had chemistry, had cool and traumatic enough background. as far as i understood they didn’t resolve the little issue of altun’s immortality and julian’s inevitable death.
i didn’t like that their first sexual encounter was essentially altun selling herself for some important trinket to julian.
lol.
“Altun insisted they cover their faces just in case their identities hadn't been made, and Athena had taken that instruction as an excuse to buy plastic kids masks of smiling kittens. Leo's was yellow and orange, and Altun couldn't stop her laughter when she saw them.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2023
It’s Friday night, I’m just sitting down to delve into this 3rd Book of the 𝘔𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤 series when I get to Chapter 3:
"𝘠𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘺, 𝘴𝘰 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘵?"
"𝘔𝘺 𝘢𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘦, 𝘈𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘯." 𝘑𝘶𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘩𝘪𝘨𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘨𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘺 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘭𝘴. 𝘏𝘦 𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦. "𝘛𝘸𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘺-𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘈𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘨𝘰𝘦𝘴."
𝘈𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘯 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵. "𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘳."
"𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘭"
I just knew this was going to be a good one.
We get magic, we get mystery, we get action and suspense. We also got so much 🌶️ from all our favorite couples. And can I just tell you how much I am looking forward to Dante & Leo’s book!
I love love loved Altun, almost as much as Julian loved her.
"𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 ����𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘴 𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵," 𝘑𝘶𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘥, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥. "𝘐 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘪𝘵."
We love a badass woman who can more than hold her own in a fight.
And Julian, brave enough to open up to her, and his offer to court her! 😍
𝘏𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘢𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴.
Anyway, I love these Edgeworths, and can’t wait for their last book!
What this book is giving:
✅ Age Gap-ish 👀
✅ Magic
✅ Sexual healing
✅ 🌶️ starts in Chapter 3!
✅ Dante & Leo POVs!
✅ Athena & Kon POVs!
✅ “Touch her OR him and die” vibes
Rating:
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ / 5
🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ / 5
"𝘠𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘺, 𝘴𝘰 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘵?"
"𝘔𝘺 𝘢𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘦, 𝘈𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘯." 𝘑𝘶𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘩𝘪𝘨𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘨𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘺 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘭𝘴. 𝘏𝘦 𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦. "𝘛𝘸𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘺-𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘈𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘨𝘰𝘦𝘴."
𝘈𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘯 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵. "𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘳."
"𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘭"
I just knew this was going to be a good one.
We get magic, we get mystery, we get action and suspense. We also got so much 🌶️ from all our favorite couples. And can I just tell you how much I am looking forward to Dante & Leo’s book!
I love love loved Altun, almost as much as Julian loved her.
"𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 ����𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘴 𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵," 𝘑𝘶𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘥, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥. "𝘐 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘪𝘵."
We love a badass woman who can more than hold her own in a fight.
And Julian, brave enough to open up to her, and his offer to court her! 😍
𝘏𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘢𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴.
Anyway, I love these Edgeworths, and can’t wait for their last book!
What this book is giving:
✅ Age Gap-ish 👀
✅ Magic
✅ Sexual healing
✅ 🌶️ starts in Chapter 3!
✅ Dante & Leo POVs!
✅ Athena & Kon POVs!
✅ “Touch her OR him and die” vibes
Rating:
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ / 5
🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ / 5
February 19, 2023
Alessa Thorn NEVER disappoints! I love the Mercenaries and Magic series and I’ve been waiting patiently for the next book!
Altun is the absolute, ultimate boss lady and I love it! She strives to get what she wants, when she wants and doesn’t take any sh*t whilst doing it. She has been such a mystery throughout this series and I’m so happy we finally have her book! Julian is such a simp for her (as well as being a total boss in his own right!) and he is so damn hot! Their interactions were just 🔥🔥🔥🔥. When you pick one of Alessa’s books up, you know you’re going to get some epic spice and tension and this delivers so, so well.
As always this is a spoiler free review so all I can say is, wow, the insight we get from Altun - the links to magicians and mystics from around the world and in time is epic. I love that it includes John Dee - one of my favourite Elizabethans (you know I’m a total history geek and the Elizabethans/Tudors are my favourite time period). This world is really starting to blow up and I loved learning more about it. I also adore that we get to see more of Athena and Kon in this book (I love them!). Lastly Hi Silas - I missed you!
Also - Leo and Dante! The teaser we get of these two 🥵. I need their book like I need to breathe!
Altun is the absolute, ultimate boss lady and I love it! She strives to get what she wants, when she wants and doesn’t take any sh*t whilst doing it. She has been such a mystery throughout this series and I’m so happy we finally have her book! Julian is such a simp for her (as well as being a total boss in his own right!) and he is so damn hot! Their interactions were just 🔥🔥🔥🔥. When you pick one of Alessa’s books up, you know you’re going to get some epic spice and tension and this delivers so, so well.
As always this is a spoiler free review so all I can say is, wow, the insight we get from Altun - the links to magicians and mystics from around the world and in time is epic. I love that it includes John Dee - one of my favourite Elizabethans (you know I’m a total history geek and the Elizabethans/Tudors are my favourite time period). This world is really starting to blow up and I loved learning more about it. I also adore that we get to see more of Athena and Kon in this book (I love them!). Lastly Hi Silas - I missed you!
Also - Leo and Dante! The teaser we get of these two 🥵. I need their book like I need to breathe!
February 24, 2023
This was so much fun to read! The series started in a purely "mercenary" way, and over the first two books, the "magic" part of this world was slowly introduced - this book blows it out of the water, with a lot of intense magic and fascinating new layers to the world we've been seeing so far. Plus the revelations into the past of the various characters and villains that helped shape the current events was so well developed, I am so excited to see how it'll all play out and conclude.
Altun girl-bossing through the book was >>>>
I loved Julian and Altun! Romance wise, they were more insta attraction/love compared to the other couples in the series, and the author has done a great job of writing their "fascinated with each other" to the wholesome "I will love you and stay with you and help you heal your scars" romance, and I was melting 🥲
I also loved the glimpses into Kon-Athena (chaotic as ever) and Leo-Dante (ANGST).
TWs - sexual assault faced my the MCs as children and as adults (past), domestic abuse (past), torture (past), PTSD (present)
Altun girl-bossing through the book was >>>>
I loved Julian and Altun! Romance wise, they were more insta attraction/love compared to the other couples in the series, and the author has done a great job of writing their "fascinated with each other" to the wholesome "I will love you and stay with you and help you heal your scars" romance, and I was melting 🥲
I also loved the glimpses into Kon-Athena (chaotic as ever) and Leo-Dante (ANGST).
TWs - sexual assault faced my the MCs as children and as adults (past), domestic abuse (past), torture (past), PTSD (present)
December 29, 2024
Toughest Deal
Mercenaries and Magic #3
Fantasy
Alessa Thorn
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• ʀᴇᴠᴇɴɢᴇ • ᴍᴀɢɪᴄ • ʟᴏᴠᴇ •
This book focused more on the POVs of Altun and Julian. While I liked them in the previous books, they haven't been my favourite characters so I wasn't sure if I'd like reading about them or not. I was surprised by how well they got along and their budding romance.
The pacing was a little slower than it was in previous books but I loved getting to know the characters even more.
Dee was set up to be a big, bad woman with powerful magic but it felt like she was caught and taken down far too easily. She had previously made a man's head expl*de after she possessed his body from thousands of miles away but in this book, she was caught after a short run and k*lled quite easily.
The bond between Kon and Altun was sweet and I was glad when Altun finally told Kon how she knew his parents before they died.
Even though this book wasn't quite as good as the previous ones, I'm still enjoying this series and I'm looking forward to the last book.
Mercenaries and Magic #3
Fantasy
Alessa Thorn
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• ʀᴇᴠᴇɴɢᴇ • ᴍᴀɢɪᴄ • ʟᴏᴠᴇ •
This book focused more on the POVs of Altun and Julian. While I liked them in the previous books, they haven't been my favourite characters so I wasn't sure if I'd like reading about them or not. I was surprised by how well they got along and their budding romance.
The pacing was a little slower than it was in previous books but I loved getting to know the characters even more.
Dee was set up to be a big, bad woman with powerful magic but it felt like she was caught and taken down far too easily. She had previously made a man's head expl*de after she possessed his body from thousands of miles away but in this book, she was caught after a short run and k*lled quite easily.
The bond between Kon and Altun was sweet and I was glad when Altun finally told Kon how she knew his parents before they died.
Even though this book wasn't quite as good as the previous ones, I'm still enjoying this series and I'm looking forward to the last book.
January 14, 2023
Another fantastic read by Alessa Thorn! I loved seeing all of the characters together again. We get a little bit of the couples from previous books, a little bit of the couple from the next book, and a lot of the current couple. The balance between all the characters was really well done. This series also has a mix of younger and older leads which is nice. The LGBTQ+ representation is beautifully done as well. Overall I have no complaints and highly recommend the entire series!
February 20, 2023
This one brought me back to the full magic and mayhem of the first book centered on Athena and Kon. Julian and Altun are the pairing that I didn’t know I wanted or needed. Mostly as background in the previous two books, they take center here with wit and fire and two strong personalities that just work. He is unapologetic in his pursuit of her, and Altun is just the sorceress that she is. It is her demon that their fighting this go round. But we still get solid representation and POV from some of our previous (and future) leads.
Chaos and battle magic and that perfect mix of Lara Croft and Indiana Jones. This series still manages to mix it all together into a fast, engaging story that crackles with energy. And the setup for Dante and Leo?! I am so ready for that one.
Chaos and battle magic and that perfect mix of Lara Croft and Indiana Jones. This series still manages to mix it all together into a fast, engaging story that crackles with energy. And the setup for Dante and Leo?! I am so ready for that one.
January 6, 2023
And as usual, this book took just some hours of this day; conclusion: Alessa did it again.
Ach, this series is getting more and more of my favourites. It has this awesome mix of story, characters and 🌶️ - Alessa is an absolute autobuy for me.
In this book we follow up of the story with focus on Altun & Julians story. I was shocked about the background stories of both of them and thus I understand Altun more: she simply wanted to protect Kon 😢 and herself. We are getting more and more informations about her part of the story. Also everything is getting clear. Shout out for the massive cliffhanger again; I need the other book asap.
Ach, this series is getting more and more of my favourites. It has this awesome mix of story, characters and 🌶️ - Alessa is an absolute autobuy for me.
In this book we follow up of the story with focus on Altun & Julians story. I was shocked about the background stories of both of them and thus I understand Altun more: she simply wanted to protect Kon 😢 and herself. We are getting more and more informations about her part of the story. Also everything is getting clear. Shout out for the massive cliffhanger again; I need the other book asap.
February 15, 2024
I’m back to my favorite mercenaries! Toughest Deal is the third book in Mercenaries and Magic.
Being back with this crazy found family was like being back home. Athena and Kon are still obsessed with each other. I loved the reaction of Athena when see pretty knives or when she was told she could use her flamethrower.
Altun, she is a queen, a goddess. She owns this book. She gives the badass bitch vibe, and I LOVE IT! Julian is so confident and it’s funny to read. He makes me laugh so much like when he talks with Silas about his addiction to Altun. He isn’t scared to worship Altun. They are two predators that understand each other.
We get another glimpse of Leo and Dante. Their book is going to be fire. Leo’s dark side makes me melt.
You will find in this book:
😈Touch her/him and die
🩹Sexual Healing
🖐️Multiple POVs
👪Found Family
💄Badass FMC
⚣MM relation
✨Magic
🌶️Spice
Excited and Sad to finish this amazing series next month.
Being back with this crazy found family was like being back home. Athena and Kon are still obsessed with each other. I loved the reaction of Athena when see pretty knives or when she was told she could use her flamethrower.
Altun, she is a queen, a goddess. She owns this book. She gives the badass bitch vibe, and I LOVE IT! Julian is so confident and it’s funny to read. He makes me laugh so much like when he talks with Silas about his addiction to Altun. He isn’t scared to worship Altun. They are two predators that understand each other.
We get another glimpse of Leo and Dante. Their book is going to be fire. Leo’s dark side makes me melt.
You will find in this book:
😈Touch her/him and die
🩹Sexual Healing
🖐️Multiple POVs
👪Found Family
💄Badass FMC
⚣MM relation
✨Magic
🌶️Spice
Excited and Sad to finish this amazing series next month.
January 4, 2023
Well. I read this in one sitting because I swear, each book gets better and better. ALESSA IS A GENIUS.
This series is addicting.
The plot arcs? Killer.
The characters and relationships? Melt me already.
The intricate history and myth? So cool.
Altun and Julian are pure ✨magic✨, pun intended.
I especially LOVED all the past characters’ involvement in this one. I coveted my babies Kon+Athena moments!
I am so excited to see where the rest of the series goes!
5/5, would recommend to anyone! (18+)
This series is addicting.
The plot arcs? Killer.
The characters and relationships? Melt me already.
The intricate history and myth? So cool.
Altun and Julian are pure ✨magic✨, pun intended.
I especially LOVED all the past characters’ involvement in this one. I coveted my babies Kon+Athena moments!
I am so excited to see where the rest of the series goes!
5/5, would recommend to anyone! (18+)
February 16, 2023
Better and better! Thorn never disappoints!
I am amazed at Thorns ability to get me invested in each love story so quickly. She creates a wonderfully balanced amalgamation of story telling, character development, magic system, interpersonal dynamics, family systems, friendships, romance, emotive without being angsty, bad@ss anti-heros you cannot help but love and root for, adventure, page turning plot, and sizzling steamy carnal cuddling.
I wish all romance books could be as satisfying as Alessa Thorn's.
I cannot wait for Leo and Dante's book!
I am amazed at Thorns ability to get me invested in each love story so quickly. She creates a wonderfully balanced amalgamation of story telling, character development, magic system, interpersonal dynamics, family systems, friendships, romance, emotive without being angsty, bad@ss anti-heros you cannot help but love and root for, adventure, page turning plot, and sizzling steamy carnal cuddling.
I wish all romance books could be as satisfying as Alessa Thorn's.
I cannot wait for Leo and Dante's book!
January 7, 2023
I’m so happy we’re back in the mercenaries and magic world!!! It’s been a while but was 100% worth the wait!!
We all knew it was going to be good but this is next level! The chemistry, the plot, the spice, the adorable moments it had it all.
The slow burn of Julian & Altun has been building with each book (just got back and read the first two and you’ll see it) and it’s explodes in all its wonderful delectable hotness and executed to the highest level.
You can clearly tell that Alessa enjoyed being back with her murd3r babies because we got to see all of them in action including Dante & Leo 🔥🫠 i NEED them asap!!!
Yet again my desire to be rescued / adopted by the Edgeworths it’s still strong and not going away anytime soon.
We all knew it was going to be good but this is next level! The chemistry, the plot, the spice, the adorable moments it had it all.
The slow burn of Julian & Altun has been building with each book (just got back and read the first two and you’ll see it) and it’s explodes in all its wonderful delectable hotness and executed to the highest level.
You can clearly tell that Alessa enjoyed being back with her murd3r babies because we got to see all of them in action including Dante & Leo 🔥🫠 i NEED them asap!!!
Yet again my desire to be rescued / adopted by the Edgeworths it’s still strong and not going away anytime soon.
January 10, 2023
"The Toughest Deal You'll Ever Make."
Now I know where the title of the book came from...
Oh how I adore Leo and Dante and fear the partnership of Julian and Altun...
And the Edgeworths' are the most fucking amazing family anyone could hope for...
The magic, the violence, found family, sorceress, arm dealers, assassins....and what not....
If you are reading this review...just know that this book will be your undoing...just read it...really...
Now I know where the title of the book came from...
Oh how I adore Leo and Dante and fear the partnership of Julian and Altun...
And the Edgeworths' are the most fucking amazing family anyone could hope for...
The magic, the violence, found family, sorceress, arm dealers, assassins....and what not....
If you are reading this review...just know that this book will be your undoing...just read it...really...
January 14, 2023
Before I read this book I thought I couldn't love this saga more than I already did, but I was totally wrong! I fucking loved this book! It has everything I ever wanted in a book: the spice, the adventure, and the best-found family ever written. But mostly I loved every single second of Dante and Leo together and I can't wait to read their book, even more after that cliffhanger!!!
Can I have the next book, like, right NOW!!! I need it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Can I have the next book, like, right NOW!!! I need it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 19, 2023
That cliffhanger
I love this series so much and how they all become family and each finding their own person to love. And the fighting is absolutely spot on. I love the whole mystery and continuation with the magic and kon and athena learning more. And how it all ties together for each character. I cant wait to read the next book and im assuming its going to be ablut dante and leo.
I love this series so much and how they all become family and each finding their own person to love. And the fighting is absolutely spot on. I love the whole mystery and continuation with the magic and kon and athena learning more. And how it all ties together for each character. I cant wait to read the next book and im assuming its going to be ablut dante and leo.
February 21, 2023
This one got to me on a personal level so it was a bit harder to read. It was a good book it was, but if you have traumatic experiences in your past I could see this series dragging that up.
It wasn't so much triggering as it reminded you other people have been through some s#!+ too and sometimes we just need someone to look past all of that.
General Points:
• Mercs
• Bad Ass FMC
• Trauma
• Magic
• Found Family
Ratings:
• Overall Rating: 3.6/5 ⭐
• Spice: 4/5 🌶️
• Setting: 3/5 ⭐
• Plot: 4/5 ⭐
• Engagement: 3/5 ⭐
• Characters: 4/5 ⭐
• Style: 4/5 ⭐
It wasn't so much triggering as it reminded you other people have been through some s#!+ too and sometimes we just need someone to look past all of that.
General Points:
• Mercs
• Bad Ass FMC
• Trauma
• Magic
• Found Family
Ratings:
• Overall Rating: 3.6/5 ⭐
• Spice: 4/5 🌶️
• Setting: 3/5 ⭐
• Plot: 4/5 ⭐
• Engagement: 3/5 ⭐
• Characters: 4/5 ⭐
• Style: 4/5 ⭐
January 4, 2023
Twisty Action Packed Romance
Again Alessa nails it. The character connections are requisite, the plot moves us along at a good pace, we get magic, historical Istanbul, and a few fun family trips to Greece. Will always recommend this series to anyone who asks. Magic and Mercenaries is flawless.
Again Alessa nails it. The character connections are requisite, the plot moves us along at a good pace, we get magic, historical Istanbul, and a few fun family trips to Greece. Will always recommend this series to anyone who asks. Magic and Mercenaries is flawless.
January 23, 2023
Alessa’s books are always an immediate purchase for me. This is the third book in the series and is the story of Altun and Julian. I loved this book so much! Each book of Alessa’s immediately becomes my favourite. She just gets better and better. There’s violence, banter and spice. Everything a good book should have.
January 26, 2023
Well this was an awesome instalment in this series.
I feel like it was different to other AT books because as much as it was focused around Julian & Altun as a couple we also got smutty goodness from Kon & Athena and Leo & Dante.
I don’t know what to share without giving away the book, so I’ll just say, it was excellent and I cannot wait for the last book now!
Bring on Leo & Dante’s story!
I feel like it was different to other AT books because as much as it was focused around Julian & Altun as a couple we also got smutty goodness from Kon & Athena and Leo & Dante.
I don’t know what to share without giving away the book, so I’ll just say, it was excellent and I cannot wait for the last book now!
Bring on Leo & Dante’s story!
February 19, 2023
I love Alessa and this world she created! While this book isn’t my favorite of the series, I still loved it! I liked that we got POVs of different characters and not only Altun and Julian! Their hot moments were… well… very hot! The only thing I wish was there was more happening throughout the book regarding the overlapping plot of the series!
March 3, 2023
Very good
This one was very good but it didn't hold my attention like some of the others. It just didn't work for me. Can't win them all right?
Plot was good
Characters were good
Steamy: check
Yes I will continue with this next book and this author, because one personal off the mark book doesn't ruin my faith in the author.
This one was very good but it didn't hold my attention like some of the others. It just didn't work for me. Can't win them all right?
Plot was good
Characters were good
Steamy: check
Yes I will continue with this next book and this author, because one personal off the mark book doesn't ruin my faith in the author.
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