Texas Magic by Lyn Gala

Title: Texas Charm

Series: Aberrant Magic 06

Author: Lyn Gala

Genre: Fantasy, Romantic, Multicultural

Length: Novella (178pgs)

Publisher: Lyn Gala (August 16, 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 4 1/2 Hearts

Blurb: Detective Zach Johnson never resented his lack of magic, although he hated that as a mundane he had no power to stop a corrupt Talent council from stealing the resources of the magical community. However, the return of the ancient ifrit guides led a blood-thirsty hummingbird to choose him as a partner. Now he can be a true equal to his shaman lover, Art Lammas, and the two of them can take on the council and the entire community if need be.

Art Lammas loves Zach’s enthusiasm and sense of justice, but the Talent community is much more complex than he assumes. Not only does El Paso struggle under the corrupt leadership of the council, but it stands at a place where three different traditions clash: the Vatican-trained shamans from Mexico, the Egyptian-trained shamans of mainstream America, and the Native Peoples traditions, which are far more complex than Art can possibly describe. Art would far rather focus on solving their cases. More than that, Art fears that Talent might be the one force in the universe that could drive a wedge between them. Art would happily burn all the magic out of the world before allowing that to happen, but he may not have that choice.

ISBN: B07GL72BMK

Product Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: I adored Zach and Art in this story. They have a solid relationship with the other as they work their cases. I loved how well they worked together and how the story evolved. The continuation of the series was apparent as struggles over power and the many different shamans are prevalent in this continuation.

There is not a lot of action in the story it’s more an explanation of different things that overall add to the series as a whole in the understanding of things happening. Art tries his best to stay out of the magical situations when they pop up.

I simply loved this addition to the series. I am looking forward to the next installment where we will hopefully find out who the evil ifrit is.

Great read.

Mafia and Magics by Lyn Gala

Title: Mafia and Magics

Series: Aberrant Magic 05

Author: Lyn Gala

Genre: Mystery & Suspense, Fantasy & Paranormal, Urban Fantasy

Length: Novella (175pgs)

Publisher: Loose ID (September 26, 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Angel Zamora has always looked out for numero uno, even after getting sent to prison for robbing a convenience store at knife point. But now two crazy feds show up to tell him he has undeveloped magic. And they want him to inform on a group that has been recruiting and disposing of magic users. When Angel agrees, he expects to play the feds until he can make his own escape plans.

However, once he’s inside the mafia and developing his Talent, he starts to realize that he’s not as concerned about his own skin as he is young Matteo. The only son of the mob boss Mr. Luschese, Matt is even more trapped than Angel. His hot temper, disdain for authority, and deeply in-the-closet attitudes are all so familiar that Angel aches for the young man. A relationship that starts with Angel seeking one more potential advantage quickly turns into Angel’s worst nightmare–a deep sense of commitment to another human being. Escape routes are closing, and Angel fears he is going to end up one more body dumped in the river…and if Angel plays this wrong, Matt could die with him.

ISBN: 978-1-68252-417-6

Product Link: Loose Id | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: I loved this new couple. Don’t get me wrong I loved Kavon and Darren but at the same time I was getting bored reading about only them as the mc’s so this was refreshing.

Angel, an ex con is recruited by Darren and Rima to be an informant. His task, to infiltrate the Luschesces mafia group that recruits the talented and if they refuse, kill them. This is where he meets Matteo, the mob boss’ son.

I really enjoyed watching these two men traverse in a dangerous world they are in. Some scenes are cring worthy as Angel adjusts to his magic and is tested in his new abilities by the mob. Matt for his part is nothing like his father which I found refreshing.

All in all it was a wonderful start to new characters and new aspects.

Great read.

Divergence by Lyn Gala

Lyn Gala - Divergence CoverTitle: Divergence

Series: Aberrant Magic # 3

Author: Lyn Gala

Genre: Multicultural, Urban Fantasy

Length: Novel (231pgs)

Publisher: Loose ID (August 30, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Kavon and Darren believe they finally have the life they want—a lead on O’Brien, a better understanding of the failures that have plagued the team, and time to nurture the bond between them as shamans and lovers. However they’ve gotten involved in magical politics, and that has consequences that neither of them could foresee. Magic is changing, and Kavon and Darren are in the center of a coming storm. 

In the past, Kavon’s only fear was that he might inadvertently damage Darren, and he is painfully aware that he has hurt his lover before. He’s vowed to never make that mistake again, but new forces threaten their relationship and pose a special threat to Darren. With the danger growing more intense, Kavon struggles to find a way to protect the ones he loves and Darren realizes that the magic that gave him his heart’s desire could take everything away just as quickly. Magic is a two-edged sword and the two lovers have to find a way to wield the weapon before it becomes the instrument of their death.

ISBN: 978-1-68252-209-7

Product Link: Loose Id | Amazon UK | Amazon US | Amazon DE

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: Kavon and Darren are adjusting to their new lives as a couple with all that entails. They are not without their struggles as is with all pairs. Amid this is their continuing investigations of cases that are not closed yet. 

There was a lot going on in this story. I liked the explanations regarding the magical world as it gave me a better understanding. Some answers from the first two books are given as well. 

Yet I felt like the book was incomplete at the end. There were still questions left unanswered as well as some new characters thrown into the mix that left me feeling like maybe there will be another book in the future. 

Aside from this it was still a great read with plenty of mystery for all. Great read.

Derivation by Lyn Gala

Lyn Gala - Derivation CoverTitle: Derivation

Series: Aberrant Magic # 2

Author: Lyn Gala

Genre: Multicultural, Fantasy & Paranormal, Urban Fantasy

Length: Novel (224pgs)

Publisher: Loose ID (July 26, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Darren and Kavon have committed to each other, but magical rules are changing and that tests the strength of their bond. The death of a prominent Egyptian shaman and the shadowy remains of O’Brien’s conspiracy to kill adepts and steal their magic also pressure the new couple. Kavon is determined to protect his partner through these storms, but he is also painfully aware of his own tendency to hover. And as Darren is quick to point out, he is an armed federal agent who won’t allow Kavon to keep him off the front lines.

Making the relationship even more difficult, the spirit guides who offered their loyalty have their own hopes and needs. The world is changing, and Darren’s spirit guide pushes them to find the right path to navigate. However, Kavon has never enjoyed being pressured, and he is particularly uncomfortable walking into a situation he doesn’t understand. Worse, the longer he knows Darren and his guide, the more confused Kavon becomes about how magic even works. The two men must pull together or the forces moving in the shadows threaten to destroy them before they have any chance at happiness.

ISBN: 978-1-68252-177-9

Product Link: Loose Id | Amazon UK | Amazon US | Amazon DE

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: While I enjoyed the deepening relationship between Darren and Kavon my main focus was on the spirit guides. I found them fascinating and intriguing.

At times the ifrits seem to turn the story dark with their unique abilities. The change in dynamics for Kavon was amazing. I loved how he tried to understand what was going on and go with the flow. Darren seemed to grow as he grew accustomed to his new powers.

The overall feel of the book was a great story with magical and dramatic elements that made for a nice addition to the series. Looking forward to reading the third book and what happens next.

Great read.

Deductions by Lyn Gala

Lyn Gala - Deductions CoverTitle: Deductions

Series: Aberrant Magic # 1

Author: Lyn Gala

Genre: Multicultural, Fantasy & Paranormal, Urban Fantasy

Length: Novel (225pgs)

Publisher: Loose ID (June 21, 2016)

Heat Level: Low – Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Darren is proud of his work on the FBI’s magical Talent unit. However, his own lack of magic means he can never be with Supervisory Special Agent and Shaman Kavon Boucher. The shamanic magic poses a real danger to any mundane who gets too close, so Darren tries to hide his attraction and keep a professional relationship at work. That resolve begins to crumble when a new man sets his sights on Kavon and Darren can’t control his resentment.

Now they have a brutal new case of a suspect targeting magical adepts. Darren tries to keep focused on that crime, but when he starts to show signs of his own magic, he hopes that maybe he can not only be a more effective part of the team but also a real partner to Kavon. He might have a second chance at love if only Kavon can learn to trust his new and unpredictable magic that has changed the rules of the magical game. 

ISBN: 978-1-68252-159-5

Product Link: Loose Id | Amazon UK | Amazon US | Amazon DE

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: Darren is a mundane with no magical capabilities, until they start manifesting, that serves as a go between for his unit. Kavon, Darrens boss, shoots down Darrens advances because of the shamans ability to drain the life from humans. There is a lot of drama when a new guy is entered into the mix.

I loved all the explanations of the magical sense. Although at times I felt bogged down by it I still felt grateful. It was a magical story about cops, animal spirits and the beginning of a relationship though the relationship aspect really does not go far until the end.

The mystery was intriguing and the investigation in depth. I was enthralled in the case and the way it unfolded. I am looking forward to seeing what else happens in the next book.

Great read.