Magic's Muse by Ann Barwell

Title: Magic’s Muse

Series: Hidden Places 02

Author: Anne Barwell

Genre: Contemporary, Fantasy

Length: Novel Plus (289pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner (27th August 2012)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Tomas and Cathal have escaped from Naearu, Cathal’s mystical homeworld, but happily ever after is never as straightforward in real life as it is in books. Then again, most people don’t deal with the complication of a lover who’s magically bound to a tree or have an interfering cat for a cousin.

With Naearu’s police force, the Falcons, still after Cathal, he can’t go home. Now that he and Tomas have consummated their relationship, Cathal’s abilities are evolving and changing to the point that Tomas can sense them. And until the oak portal closes, Cathal—and his new life with Tomas—are in limbo, as Cathal can’t expect Tomas to stay with someone who can never venture past the property line. Will he and Tomas ever get to follow through on their engagement?

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3190

Review: This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Tomas and Cathal are together and as happy as they can be with the portal still open and their enemies still after them. Cathal also has the problem of the tether that is tying him to the oak tree, because with the portal still open he is still held by the spell. Tomas also has things to deal with as now he is starting to feel Cathal’s emotions, his sister is coming to visit, he still dislikes Christian and they are dealing with the emotional fallout from Christian’s family.

Cathal and Tomas have a lot of emotional fall out in this book as does Will, Christian, Wynne and Mikey. Cathal and Will have to deal with the ramifications of finally being free, but facing never being able to return home again, while Christian is facing losing the love of his life and missing out on all the years of his sons’ life. Wynne and Mikey are dealing with Christian finally being back and Mikey receives distressing news from Edward (Mikey’s dad) and that is just the tip of the iceberg for them all. Tomas and Cathal struggle slightly when Cathal’s abilities become stronger and start to affect Tomas, and they all worry about the portal and how long before the enchantment is broken and what will happen when the enchantment is broken.

I found this to be a relaxing read; it flowed well and quite easily. There are references to what happened in the previous book, but in this book it is mainly about the, what if’s and what now’s, what are they going to do if Deryn sends the Falcon’s after them? What are they going to do if the portal never close’s? What are they going to do if it does close? There’s a lot of emotional turmoil for everyone and emotional conflict, with tempers being raised and depression lingering for some. Tomas and Cathal have some working out to do as they become closer as a couple. Cathal is used to keeping secrets and Tomas being self-centered, both of them are learning that there is someone else they have to think about and trust.

I will recommend this to those who love contemporary fantasy, sweet loving, two men settling into a relationship, emotional conflict and finally for Cathal and Tomas a very happy ever after.