Elemental Magick: The Donovan Coven Book 1, Jacki James

A new witch that doesn't know he's a witch, an ancient book, a canny owl, and a seriously hot stranger; combined with beautifully described romantic connections, stunning visuals of magical abilities and battles, and an engaging cast?  I'm a seriously happy reader.

Aaron's mind and existence are firmly planted on the normal, non-magical ground.  His extreme insistence on the ridiculousness of the supernatural becomes quite comical when the results of his little foray into reading the grimoire prove him completely wrong.  While it wasn't really realistic for him to not freak out ever and to be so accepting of all the changes, people, and perceptions he grew up with, I pretty much didn't care.  He was adorable and took to magic like a duck to water.  With his cuteness and comfort in the trust he has for Malakai I was happy to read a story that suspended reality (beyond the whole magic and magical creatures thing...) and granted the MC's the ability to find their perfect person and move right into the happily part of the Happily Ever After.

Malakai was great with the honesty, the insistence that Aaron was the one for him.  His admiration of the witchling and his considerable power never crept into suspicion, fear, or jealousy.  Instead, he enfolded Aaron into his heart and his family right from the start.  I loved his honesty the most.  There were no secrets kept back as a source of relationship conflict to be addressed later, the focus of the conflict was kept firmly in the realm of the outside forces wanting the grimoire and the lengths they'd go to get it.

Because the focus was kept simple it allowed the characters, both good and not-so-good, to be introduced in a way that enhanced the story and gave it a few someones to build on as well as capturing our interest to continue the series.  Light, sweet, and definitely magical, this story was a fantastic start for a series and I loved the complete lack of angst, the idea of soul twins, and I'm absolutely invested in the Donovan coven and can't wait for early next year when book 2 comes out!

*$2.99 on Amazon or FREE on KU!