Agency of Extraordinary Mates: Finding Magic

Lester and Tady are the complete opposites of one another. Lester is a large man, whilst Tady is a very small Elf. Lester is used to being in charge; the sucker rather than the suckee, the pounder rather than the pounded. As for Tady, he is most often in the submissive position. But with their relationship Tady manages to pull a role reversal which leaves Lester highly sensitive, submissive and practically begging for more. They quickly fall in love, but to be together and be completely happy, they decide they need to get their employers together, who unbeknownst to them have already met – and not in the most pleasant of first meetings either. Will they succeed in their matchmaking attempts and have the happy ever after they both dreamed of?

Amanda Carlisle is a thirty-eight year old ‘aging’ Hollywood actress. Having done three movies back to back with a fourth lined up to start in a few days, Amanda finds herself burnt out. The latest film she has done is her worst performance ever. She believes she has lost the magic that made her such a sought after and famous actress. Lester, her best friend, personal assistant and bodyguard, persuades her to take a vacation. She has received an invitation to go to the island of Chimera – a place that can only be visited by invitation only. Situated in the Bermuda Triangle, its existence is not well known. Few humans are invited. Amanda plans a carefree time, relaxing and trying to recover the magic she has seemingly lost. With fewer roles coming her way, she is facing a huge decision. Whilst on a cliff top, picturing herself throwing all her troubles away into the sea, she is ‘saved’ from falling over the cliff by the most gorgeous man she has ever seen. Too bad he is so...smarmy. She finds his attitude extremely offensive and gives him the cold shoulder. But with her reaction to him stronger than any reaction she has ever had towards a man, will she be able to resist his magnetic lure? Who is this man she feels so drawn towards?

Lorcan is the Crown Elven Prince of the Northern Realm, Dragon Clan. He is not human, though his appearance when not in dragon form is exactly like a human apart from his pointed Elven ears. He is on Chimera to escape his mother’s matchmaking attempts. All the eligible females she introduces him to are rather ineligible, to Lorcan’s mind. Besides, when he meets his Chosen One, he’s certain he will know. Besides, these things cannot be forced. Since Lorcan likes playing the field, he’s bewildered that he can’t get Amanda out of his mind. He even turned down the beautiful twins he had been pursuing before he met Amanda. When he turns to his manservant, Tady, for advice, he ruefully acknowledges the truth of Tady’s words: he is far too used to getting his own way and getting the girl no matter his attitude. Furthermore, he always manages to tell the female involved about his aversion to committed relationships. To have a chance with Amanda, this Prince is going to have to apologize for his highly objectionable behavior – something he never does and won’t find too easy. But will Amanda give him a second choice? Why is he so drawn towards her? Is it possible that this human female is his Chosen One?

Finding Magic is the first Agency of Extraordinary Mates story in the series that I have read – and I say bring on the others! If this story is anything to go by, this series, written by various authors, promises to be excellent, intriguing and original. The island of Chimera is a mystical place where different mystical creatures mix together, relax and find love. I absolutely adore this concept. This fantasy story has a touch of the paranormal, with magic, dragons and other animals of myths and legend mixed into the plotline. The first I have read in the fantasy genre, this kept me engrossed and extremely interested in reading more, both of this genre and the others in the series, in addition to other tales by Kate Douglas. Amanda is a woman who is looking for something, but doesn’t know what. Lorcan is a man intent on avoiding the very thing he should be actively seeking out. Both characters, as well as the secondary characters, are very well written, with the story being told from all of their points of view. This story does contain M/M scenes, which in my opinion adds to the story. Without them, I doubt Finding Magic would be the brilliant tale that it is. Considerable thought has been put into the writing of Finding Magic, with the result being a very successfully written romance of two couples, each as important as the other in the plot, on a magical island we would all like to believe exists. Thoroughly enjoyable, highly unusual and a breath of fresh air, this is one that fantasy lovers should devour and others should most definitely try out.

Reviewed by: Elizabeth