Touch of Magic: Mages of Ravenshire Book 1, Stella Rainbow

 

This was a really cute story and I'm always a sucker for the idea of fated mates.  To believe there's someone out there that matches your soul, it's beautiful.  What made this different from most insta-love situations between fated mates is the emphasis on them building on their bond by getting to know one another, connecting on a level that's more than just physical.  By adding that slightly unique take on the common magical trope we get a much more well-rounded relationship development that's truly believable.  I mean, we're dealing in forever here, and starting off strong with both commitment and genuine affection is a great place to start.  Building that into a love that can stand the eons before them and it's even better.

Jai is very sweet and so very sick.  I liked the dose of reality, that he didn't try to overwork himself just because he didn't like the body fated him, but he saw his limitations clearly.  Even though those limitations isolated him, he didn't let them take away from the things that did bring him joy.  His relationship with Padfoot was cute, as with his little brother, Joy.  Finding Raph was a miracle and a blessing, both for his health, but for the heart that wasn't meant to be alone.  He had so much care to give and Raph was the perfect recipient.  And seeing him grow into a fierceness I wasn't sure was there made him that much better.

Raphael was similar in his isolation, except his was a far deeper wound because he was rejected and reviled by the family that was supposed to love and support him no matter what.  Unfortunately it led to a self-imposed exile from a home he loved, but even tragedy can lead the way to freedom.  For him it came in the forms of a saucy squirrel and the mate of his soul.  If not for the bad, he wouldn't have found his true self and his forever.  Raph was a very sweet man and even though he's described as goofy I didn't see that side of him at all, even the cheesy lines he threw at Jai weren't what I'd say was goofy.  His charm is in his giant heart and will to do good despite his circumstances.

I honestly can't wait to delve back into their town to learn all about and more of Cass, the fire mage that comes to everyone's rescue.  The kidnapping bit in the story served as a way to bring him over from Ravenshire, but I can't say that it was a great element in the story.  It brought about three good things: bringing Cass, showing Jai's fierceness, and making Raph realize his own cowardice...but something about the whole thing just didn't truly fit though I can't exactly put my finger on why.  It was kind of out of left field and I felt like something else would have suited the story better and still have done those three things.

Overall this was such a sweet story with really great characters, perfect "pets", and an introduction to a world I'm looking forward to getting back to.

*$3.99 on Amazon

Fate always has a plan...

Jai:
I've lived my whole life with a terminal illness, knowing I'd never be "normal." I basically just existed, one day at a time with my dog as my sole, faithful companion. Then one day, Fate intervened and an encounter with a beautiful man gave me something I'd never had before: Hope.
Could I really have the life I never thought I would have? Could I have all the things I'd only ever dreamed of having?
Health, happiness, a full life...love?

Raphael:
I was always the black sheep of the family, the mage with faulty magic. I'd lived for a hundred and fifty years being taunted and put down, and I'd had to take it all with a smile.
When I'd finally had enough, I left my home in Ravenshire and moved to Mistvale. Fate intervened when I was least expecting it and a chance encounter with a beautiful man tipped my world on its axis, and I discovered things I hadn't known about myself.
Could Jai really be the answer to all my questions?