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Coven Ties #2
Out of The Wild Night
In a world filled with magic, where everybody is born a submissive or a Dom…
Mason might no longer hate being a submissive, but life has taught him his dynamic puts him at a disadvantage. Neglected in childhood, abused by the first Dom he ever trusted, he knows to keep his heart guarded.
Mason’s skill in Animal Magic allows him to move from coven to coven—never settling down. Never opening up to anybody.
The Meliora coven was supposed to be no different.
Mason has learnt the hard way not to fall for the kindness of strangers, but the people here are different. Charlie, the Dom Mason works with, is different. Joyful, teasing, caring—Mason’s icy suspicion can’t help but start melting.
Will it be so bad if he gives in and starts scening with Charlie? To get on his knees and beg for what he really wants?
Can he learn to trust again?
Content The beginning of this book deals with child abuse, grooming of a minor, and sexual abuse. It is not between the main characters but is on-page and may be distressing to read.
Mason might no longer hate being a submissive, but life has taught him his dynamic puts him at a disadvantage. Neglected in childhood, abused by the first Dom he ever trusted, he knows to keep his heart guarded.
Mason’s skill in Animal Magic allows him to move from coven to coven—never settling down. Never opening up to anybody.
The Meliora coven was supposed to be no different.
Mason has learnt the hard way not to fall for the kindness of strangers, but the people here are different. Charlie, the Dom Mason works with, is different. Joyful, teasing, caring—Mason’s icy suspicion can’t help but start melting.
Will it be so bad if he gives in and starts scening with Charlie? To get on his knees and beg for what he really wants?
Can he learn to trust again?
Content The beginning of this book deals with child abuse, grooming of a minor, and sexual abuse. It is not between the main characters but is on-page and may be distressing to read.
249 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 30, 2023
51 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
About the author
Marina Vivancos
29 books879 followersWhen Marina was a child she couldn’t sleep. Night after dissolving night she just couldn’t sleep. Nothing much worked – until she started making up stories in her head. Suddenly, the transition into unconsciousness was a smooth dive into calm waters.
Marina is currently in a period of sleepless upheaval, and she hopes writing down the stories in her head will cast the same spell it did years ago.
You can find her being malhumorada on Twitter.
Marina is currently in a period of sleepless upheaval, and she hopes writing down the stories in her head will cast the same spell it did years ago.
You can find her being malhumorada on Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
May 31, 2023
first of all, read tws and take them seriously, because i feel like this might be hard for a lot of people. it’s not only descriptive, but it’s also pretty long. i’m not triggered by these things, but it was starting to feel like a lot even for me.
and i don’t think all of that was necessary. this is hurt/comfort, i get it, but that part could’ve been shorter. especially because we definitely could’ve spent more time on the MCs relationship.
the chemistry wasn’t there. like at all. nowhere to be found. and this always makes it so hard for me to enjoy a book. i wouldn’t even call them friends and they’re fucking, why? did i miss something? i mean, probably, but it was still weird.
they should’ve talked a fuck ton more. sure, they were talking, but not about the things that mattered. every time i thought about all the things that i knew about mason and all the things that charlie didn’t know i would get mad.
spoilers ahead, read at your own risk, but know that i’m so mad that i rank this lower honeythorn (and i hate honeythorn)
you know it’s bad when i switch to italian in my notes, because the english language doesn’t have enough swear words.
could someone, preferably marina, explain to me why mason felt the need to scene with another person at 79%? sure, he stopped before hardly anything happened and he and charlie weren’t exclusive. i don’t give a fuck about labels, at a certain point in a book i don’t want to see that. i simply don’t. and the most unsatisfactory thing is that charlie didn’t even get mad. useless.
oh and by then mason didn’t even share his past trauma with charlie. it’s more important and interesting to talk about roman’s cooking for the third time in a single chapter. you never know when you need to whip up some savory croissants on the fly and you need some good fillings options! that’s useful!
(for the sake of honesty i’m not sure that it was the croissants, but i’m sure that they were present in the never ending food mentions we got.)
writing this out has had the opposite effect and now i want to give this one star and i’m mad again.
also, what the fuck is that title supposed to do with the book????
please do keep in mind that i either love or hate this author’s books.
(and now i’m going to hide)
and i don’t think all of that was necessary. this is hurt/comfort, i get it, but that part could’ve been shorter. especially because we definitely could’ve spent more time on the MCs relationship.
the chemistry wasn’t there. like at all. nowhere to be found. and this always makes it so hard for me to enjoy a book. i wouldn’t even call them friends and they’re fucking, why? did i miss something? i mean, probably, but it was still weird.
they should’ve talked a fuck ton more. sure, they were talking, but not about the things that mattered. every time i thought about all the things that i knew about mason and all the things that charlie didn’t know i would get mad.
spoilers ahead, read at your own risk, but know that i’m so mad that i rank this lower honeythorn (and i hate honeythorn)
you know it’s bad when i switch to italian in my notes, because the english language doesn’t have enough swear words.
could someone, preferably marina, explain to me why mason felt the need to scene with another person at 79%? sure, he stopped before hardly anything happened and he and charlie weren’t exclusive. i don’t give a fuck about labels, at a certain point in a book i don’t want to see that. i simply don’t. and the most unsatisfactory thing is that charlie didn’t even get mad. useless.
oh and by then mason didn’t even share his past trauma with charlie. it’s more important and interesting to talk about roman’s cooking for the third time in a single chapter. you never know when you need to whip up some savory croissants on the fly and you need some good fillings options! that’s useful!
(for the sake of honesty i’m not sure that it was the croissants, but i’m sure that they were present in the never ending food mentions we got.)
writing this out has had the opposite effect and now i want to give this one star and i’m mad again.
also, what the fuck is that title supposed to do with the book????
please do keep in mind that i either love or hate this author’s books.
(and now i’m going to hide)
April 26, 2024
⭐️4 stars ⭐️
This series keeps on giving.
Let’s add Mason to the broken boys club, ‘cause damn, was his story tough to get through without crumbling to pieces.
His past was heartbreaking, not only what he had to endure with his mom and the Doms she brought home, but fucking Ben.
Mason’s story felt a little more graphic than Roman’s. With Roman, we could extrapolate what happened to him, sometimes there were flashbacks or nightmares, but we never actually lived his trauma alongside him. Whereas with Mason, we’re right there. So please be careful, check trigger warnings, and take care of yourself.
The romance was, like in book one, sweet and tender and loving. Charlie was a sweet teddy bear. Very soothing and patient and kind. The spice kicked up a notch from the previous installment, with a little more of the kink I was expecting from a Dom/sub world. Not entirely in love with the off page scenes, the glimpses of smut. If you’re gonna mention cock-warming at least let me see it.
What I loved the most was seeing a beautiful friendship blossom between my two lovely broken boys. The new bromance between Roman and Mason was everything I didn’t know I needed.
This fantastical world of Doms and subs and magic gets more intriguing and complex with each installment and I’m loving it. I can’t wait to get to Cross’ story next.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Scenes of domestic violence
- Grooming of a minor (on page)
- Sexual abuse (on page, not between MCs)
- Childhood neglect
- Found family
- Strict top/bottom
- Restraints
- Edging
- Toys
- Breath play
- Spanking
- Sensory deprivation
«And then Mason arrived, a guarded creature covered in spikes. Charlie knew wounded animals bit the hardest. It was Mason that taught him that even under a hard exterior, a soft heart could beat true.»
This series keeps on giving.
Let’s add Mason to the broken boys club, ‘cause damn, was his story tough to get through without crumbling to pieces.
His past was heartbreaking, not only what he had to endure with his mom and the Doms she brought home, but fucking Ben.
Mason’s story felt a little more graphic than Roman’s. With Roman, we could extrapolate what happened to him, sometimes there were flashbacks or nightmares, but we never actually lived his trauma alongside him. Whereas with Mason, we’re right there. So please be careful, check trigger warnings, and take care of yourself.
«Love hurts, his mom had said, and his heart felt too bruised by life to risk any further.»
The romance was, like in book one, sweet and tender and loving. Charlie was a sweet teddy bear. Very soothing and patient and kind. The spice kicked up a notch from the previous installment, with a little more of the kink I was expecting from a Dom/sub world. Not entirely in love with the off page scenes, the glimpses of smut. If you’re gonna mention cock-warming at least let me see it.
“I could eat you up,” Charlie whispered close to him, words round and thick, syllables slipping into each other. There was nothing he’d like more than to disappear into Charlie’s mouth, bite by bite.
What I loved the most was seeing a beautiful friendship blossom between my two lovely broken boys. The new bromance between Roman and Mason was everything I didn’t know I needed.
«For the first time in a long, long time, Mason felt as though he’d found a kindred spirit. He hadn’t gone through the same horrors as Roman, but they each had scars the other could understand.»
This fantastical world of Doms and subs and magic gets more intriguing and complex with each installment and I’m loving it. I can’t wait to get to Cross’ story next.
«All his life, Mason had thought love would jump out at him. That it would be savage and rendering. That it would steal everything he had. It wasn’t like that at all. Instead, out of the wild night a creature crept out. And that creature was love.»
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Scenes of domestic violence
- Grooming of a minor (on page)
- Sexual abuse (on page, not between MCs)
- Childhood neglect
- Found family
- Strict top/bottom
- Restraints
- Edging
- Toys
- Breath play
- Spanking
- Sensory deprivation
May 23, 2024
yoooo who tf is cutting onions😭😭😭 fuck this hurt sooo good….i’ve said this a thousand times before, but marina is the queen of abused characters….like this was fucking masterful, tears were flowing like mason is so special to me, i love him, i feel seen, and fucking charlie is the biggest bestest sweetheart on planet earth💘💘💘 5 stars simply for making me cry so good!!!! it’s official, me and marina are besties for the resties i swear my girl can do no wrong!!!🤞💖🫶✨
May 29, 2023
Well, excuse me while I go cry my eyes out.
Marina Vivancos does it again, my fellow book lovers: every single one of her books has been majestic and "Out of The Wild Night" is no exception.
This dream of a book, oh my god. It's emotional and moving and delicate and sexy and sweet and lovely. I loved it to absolute bits: Mason and Charlie's romance was precisely what I expected from Marina Vivancos' pen, but at the same time, it still surprised me, how subtly gut-wrenching and heart-stopping it was. I don't know how she does it, but seriously, there's no one who can do hurt/comfort quite like Marina does: every single one of her books has been an emotional ride like no other, and I feel like I need a week or two to recover.
"Oh, Sacred Dark" was slightly tougher to get through, because of the relentless trauma Roman went through, but "Out of The Wild Night" was still pretty heavy, especially the first few chapters. Even though Mason's traumatic experiences are less recent than Roman's were, they still come through, loud and clear, through his prickly and constant self-preservation. His heart is still pretty bruised, but seeing him slowly come back to life was wonderful: Mason, thanks to the Meliora coven, learns that he is as worthy of love and respect and joy as every single living being and I thought that, as usual, Marina handled this, and everything that came before his time in the coven, with astounding thoughtfulness.
Another thing I loved about this book (and I noticed this when reading book one too!) was the fact that although Mason's the only POV, his love interest, Charlie, is given room to be vulnerable and needy, despite him being a Dom. Marina challenges the usual, and unrealistic (if fun), D/s dynamics where the Dom is only there as the possessive protector. Instead, Charlie is an absolute joy of a man: he's cheerful and cheesy and flirtatious, but also so damn charming and soft and sweet. I loved him so damn much: I literally spent half of the book swooning.
Mason, on the other hand, comes across as a little prickly and judgemental, but like his co-workers and his soon-to-be-friends at the coven, the reader learns to love him: he has the right to be jaded and sharp and complicated. And oh god, his character arc! It's the thing of beauty.
Obviously, his relationship with Charlie literally gave me life: their dynamic is fun and loving and affectionate, and a whole lot of steamy. This second book is definitely more explicit than the previous book! *fans herself*
“I could eat you up,” Charlie whispered close to him, words round and thick, syllables slipping into each other.
Mason’s knees shook. There was nothing he’d like more than to disappear into Charlie’s mouth, bite by bite.
I also completely adored Mason's friendship with Roman (THE CUTEST BFFS EVER!!!) and, surprisingly, Cross. Now, that man is a complete mystery and he broke my heart: I can't wait to see what kind of book his will be, and what kind of sub will finally give him his so well-deserved happiness.
Anyway, read this book and this series.
Scratch that, read Marina's entire backlist. I still have a few more of her books to devour myself, so I'll probably do that while I wait for her next masterpiece.
TWs/CWs: grooming, child abuse, past domestic abuse (with sexual abuse; on page), violence, emotional abuse.
Thank you GRR for the ARC. I received it in exchange for an honest review.
Marina Vivancos does it again, my fellow book lovers: every single one of her books has been majestic and "Out of The Wild Night" is no exception.
This dream of a book, oh my god. It's emotional and moving and delicate and sexy and sweet and lovely. I loved it to absolute bits: Mason and Charlie's romance was precisely what I expected from Marina Vivancos' pen, but at the same time, it still surprised me, how subtly gut-wrenching and heart-stopping it was. I don't know how she does it, but seriously, there's no one who can do hurt/comfort quite like Marina does: every single one of her books has been an emotional ride like no other, and I feel like I need a week or two to recover.
"Oh, Sacred Dark" was slightly tougher to get through, because of the relentless trauma Roman went through, but "Out of The Wild Night" was still pretty heavy, especially the first few chapters. Even though Mason's traumatic experiences are less recent than Roman's were, they still come through, loud and clear, through his prickly and constant self-preservation. His heart is still pretty bruised, but seeing him slowly come back to life was wonderful: Mason, thanks to the Meliora coven, learns that he is as worthy of love and respect and joy as every single living being and I thought that, as usual, Marina handled this, and everything that came before his time in the coven, with astounding thoughtfulness.
Another thing I loved about this book (and I noticed this when reading book one too!) was the fact that although Mason's the only POV, his love interest, Charlie, is given room to be vulnerable and needy, despite him being a Dom. Marina challenges the usual, and unrealistic (if fun), D/s dynamics where the Dom is only there as the possessive protector. Instead, Charlie is an absolute joy of a man: he's cheerful and cheesy and flirtatious, but also so damn charming and soft and sweet. I loved him so damn much: I literally spent half of the book swooning.
Mason, on the other hand, comes across as a little prickly and judgemental, but like his co-workers and his soon-to-be-friends at the coven, the reader learns to love him: he has the right to be jaded and sharp and complicated. And oh god, his character arc! It's the thing of beauty.
Obviously, his relationship with Charlie literally gave me life: their dynamic is fun and loving and affectionate, and a whole lot of steamy. This second book is definitely more explicit than the previous book! *fans herself*
“I could eat you up,” Charlie whispered close to him, words round and thick, syllables slipping into each other.
Mason’s knees shook. There was nothing he’d like more than to disappear into Charlie’s mouth, bite by bite.
I also completely adored Mason's friendship with Roman (THE CUTEST BFFS EVER!!!) and, surprisingly, Cross. Now, that man is a complete mystery and he broke my heart: I can't wait to see what kind of book his will be, and what kind of sub will finally give him his so well-deserved happiness.
Anyway, read this book and this series.
Scratch that, read Marina's entire backlist. I still have a few more of her books to devour myself, so I'll probably do that while I wait for her next masterpiece.
TWs/CWs: grooming, child abuse, past domestic abuse (with sexual abuse; on page), violence, emotional abuse.
Thank you GRR for the ARC. I received it in exchange for an honest review.
June 4, 2023
Enjoyable sequel featuring a new pairing in the same coven--I actually thought the way characters from the previous book were woven into this one was done really well and didn't feel shoved down my throat, and neither did what is likely to be one of the characters featuring in the next book.
We got a bit more world-building, which I appreciated, though I maintain that I continue to wish the author would dig a bit deeper into her characters. I enjoyed the pairing here well enough, but I did think that the pacing here was really off. There's a lack of tension, particularly towards the end, so the last 20% or so just reads like one extended epilogue and I kept waiting for something interesting to happen to justify the story continuing...
Quite looking forward to Cross's book, though!
We got a bit more world-building, which I appreciated, though I maintain that I continue to wish the author would dig a bit deeper into her characters. I enjoyed the pairing here well enough, but I did think that the pacing here was really off. There's a lack of tension, particularly towards the end, so the last 20% or so just reads like one extended epilogue and I kept waiting for something interesting to happen to justify the story continuing...
Quite looking forward to Cross's book, though!
December 31, 2023
I want my own sweet gorgeous strong protective Charlie. Please.
May 30, 2023
Another homerun, at this point I'd expect nothing less from this brilliant author. Best hurt/comfort storyteller there is
August 5, 2023
I really missed having Charlie’s POV, but Mason is a fantastic character and I loved him.
Trigger warnings:
Mason is statutory raped on page in the beginning when he was 16 by a 28 year old. Later on in that “relationship”, I believe he was raped again, having said no multiple times and being forced into being penetrated even though he had a fissure and infection from improper prep. I found these scenes really fucking difficult and hope to warn others because I was definitely not prepared.
Trigger warnings:
Mason is statutory raped on page in the beginning when he was 16 by a 28 year old. Later on in that “relationship”, I believe he was raped again, having said no multiple times and being forced into being penetrated even though he had a fissure and infection from improper prep. I found these scenes really fucking difficult and hope to warn others because I was definitely not prepared.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2023
3.5/5
Good but I didn’t enjoy it as much as book one
Good but I didn’t enjoy it as much as book one
June 9, 2023
4.5 stars, rounding up - This one starts off with a lot of trauma for the young Mason. I could appreciate how one type of abuse could lead you into another form, thinking it can’t be abuse bc it’s not X or it’s not as bad as being physically hurt. It made me think about this world and how important it is to have frank discussions about the difference between sexual and non-sexual scenes and consent. It threw me again with real world media references, but this time I chuckled when they all agree The Big Lebowski is a five star film as a former attendee of Lebowski Fest (but still, I think there would be different stories being told).
I was grateful for the time jump to twelve years later when Mason is 28 and using his Animal Magic to work with horses and other animals. He comes to the coven/farm we know from the first book and meets Charlie, who is a Dom with very weak magic. They start as friends and eventually start to scene together, with Mason trying to keep Charlie at arm’s length. What I loved about this book was Mason’s journey to really become part of the coven and its community, even more than he realizes at first. The romance is there, and it is very sweet (no 3rd act break, but rather a wake-up call when Mason tries to scene with a former lover and finds he can’t go through with it), but even more than than seeing Mason get a best friend (Roman) and help out Cross (who I am very intrigued to see his story; he’s got a lot to work through) and just integrate himself in a way he’s never let himself before.
I really liked that this book had a different emotional arc/flow from the previous one; it is much more Mason's story than a back and forth between him and Charlie. But I did appreciate the epilogue from Charlie's POV.
I also loved seeing Roman and Tyler feature somewhat prominently (though not overshadowing Mason and Charlie), because it was wonderful to see how far Roman has come.
I don't know that I'd say the worldbuilding is substantially expanded upon (which is fine for me bc too much worldbuilding and lore overwhelms me), but we do learn more about the types of magic and how the covens are organized, which I appreciated. If there was too much of that exposition, it wouldn't feel like a Vivancos book, if that makes sense. The feels are always at the core, and this story is no exception. If pressed, I think I prefer book 1 just a hair more than this one, but they are both books I am happy to round up to five stars.
I was kindly provided an advanced copy from Gay Romance Reviews.
I was grateful for the time jump to twelve years later when Mason is 28 and using his Animal Magic to work with horses and other animals. He comes to the coven/farm we know from the first book and meets Charlie, who is a Dom with very weak magic. They start as friends and eventually start to scene together, with Mason trying to keep Charlie at arm’s length. What I loved about this book was Mason’s journey to really become part of the coven and its community, even more than he realizes at first. The romance is there, and it is very sweet (no 3rd act break, but rather a wake-up call when Mason tries to scene with a former lover and finds he can’t go through with it), but even more than than seeing Mason get a best friend (Roman) and help out Cross (who I am very intrigued to see his story; he’s got a lot to work through) and just integrate himself in a way he’s never let himself before.
I really liked that this book had a different emotional arc/flow from the previous one; it is much more Mason's story than a back and forth between him and Charlie. But I did appreciate the epilogue from Charlie's POV.
I also loved seeing Roman and Tyler feature somewhat prominently (though not overshadowing Mason and Charlie), because it was wonderful to see how far Roman has come.
I don't know that I'd say the worldbuilding is substantially expanded upon (which is fine for me bc too much worldbuilding and lore overwhelms me), but we do learn more about the types of magic and how the covens are organized, which I appreciated. If there was too much of that exposition, it wouldn't feel like a Vivancos book, if that makes sense. The feels are always at the core, and this story is no exception. If pressed, I think I prefer book 1 just a hair more than this one, but they are both books I am happy to round up to five stars.
I was kindly provided an advanced copy from Gay Romance Reviews.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2023
I didn’t connect with the Mason as much as I did with Roman from book one, but there were still things that I enjoyed. The hurt/comfort trope is obviously a theme in this series and I love reading about an emotionally damaged protagonist accepting love for the first time. I just think book one did it a little bit better.
The sub/dom dynamics are an interesting aspect to the series and since this subgenre of romance is new to me, it makes the more intimate scenes feel refreshing and creative. And this author really loves a praise kink, which you will never find me complaining about.
I don’t have the same criticism that I did for book one because the world building is expanded a bit more in here and some of the side characters are actually growing on me. (Cross in particular. Fingers crossed his book is next!)
The reason for my rating is Mason and Charlie just didn’t really excite me as characters, so I wasn’t super invested in their relationship. I think the way they talked to one another prevented me from feeling connected to them. I loved the praise kink, like I mentioned, and I think this author’s dialogue normally sounds very natural, but occasionally in this series it sounds like a character is reading straight off a pamphlet they took from a therapist’s office. I didn’t mind it in book one because the protagonist literally was in therapy, but in this book it felt a bit forced.
Also the set up for Roman and Tyler’s relationship from book one was just more to my specific romance tastes with the way they had an extreme forced proximity thing going on, which is one of my favorite tropes. In this book the couple has a friends-with-benefits set up, which is a trope I feel very indifferent towards.
Anyways, all that being said, this book wasn’t a home-run for me, but I liked it enough and this series still has me intrigued. I would definitely pick up book three if the series is being continued. I would love to read about a role reversal with the Dom being the more damaged one and the sub being the one to get them to open up. It seems like that’s being set up with Cross and I hope I’m right.
The sub/dom dynamics are an interesting aspect to the series and since this subgenre of romance is new to me, it makes the more intimate scenes feel refreshing and creative. And this author really loves a praise kink, which you will never find me complaining about.
I don’t have the same criticism that I did for book one because the world building is expanded a bit more in here and some of the side characters are actually growing on me. (Cross in particular. Fingers crossed his book is next!)
The reason for my rating is Mason and Charlie just didn’t really excite me as characters, so I wasn’t super invested in their relationship. I think the way they talked to one another prevented me from feeling connected to them. I loved the praise kink, like I mentioned, and I think this author’s dialogue normally sounds very natural, but occasionally in this series it sounds like a character is reading straight off a pamphlet they took from a therapist’s office. I didn’t mind it in book one because the protagonist literally was in therapy, but in this book it felt a bit forced.
Also the set up for Roman and Tyler’s relationship from book one was just more to my specific romance tastes with the way they had an extreme forced proximity thing going on, which is one of my favorite tropes. In this book the couple has a friends-with-benefits set up, which is a trope I feel very indifferent towards.
Anyways, all that being said, this book wasn’t a home-run for me, but I liked it enough and this series still has me intrigued. I would definitely pick up book three if the series is being continued. I would love to read about a role reversal with the Dom being the more damaged one and the sub being the one to get them to open up. It seems like that’s being set up with Cross and I hope I’m right.
May 23, 2023
This series has easily become one of my favs. Marina knows how to write such a relatable character and you can feel their pain and the way they slowly start to accept love.
The little coven found family is everything. The way they take care of their own. Mason being skeptical of Connie, Charlie, Cross, Roman, and Tyler at first but he slowly started to open up and accept them.
“Some families you were born into. Others, he was realising, you found.”
Mason and Roman’s friendship was everything. Neither one of them having that friend to rely on and ask for advice or just hang out with. I’m glad they found that in each other 🥹
Even Mason’s friendship with Cross was so simple but he some how knew that Cross just needed someone to be there even if they sat in silence.
Charlie and Mason though🥴
After Mason’s rough childhood, he swore off relationships and love and he always felt like he was not deserving of anything more. But wow Charlie was there to show him that he deserved so much and he was there to give it. Top tier.
“I love you so much. I love you with everything I have, Mason. Nothing in this world is unlovable, and you least of all. All the proof you have is that you are so very fucking loved, darlin’.”
I received this arc in exchange for an honest review
The little coven found family is everything. The way they take care of their own. Mason being skeptical of Connie, Charlie, Cross, Roman, and Tyler at first but he slowly started to open up and accept them.
“Some families you were born into. Others, he was realising, you found.”
Mason and Roman’s friendship was everything. Neither one of them having that friend to rely on and ask for advice or just hang out with. I’m glad they found that in each other 🥹
Even Mason’s friendship with Cross was so simple but he some how knew that Cross just needed someone to be there even if they sat in silence.
Charlie and Mason though🥴
After Mason’s rough childhood, he swore off relationships and love and he always felt like he was not deserving of anything more. But wow Charlie was there to show him that he deserved so much and he was there to give it. Top tier.
“I love you so much. I love you with everything I have, Mason. Nothing in this world is unlovable, and you least of all. All the proof you have is that you are so very fucking loved, darlin’.”
I received this arc in exchange for an honest review
April 26, 2024
finished while laid up with covid and it feels like a five star right now, might revise in the future when I'm off cold meds!
June 2, 2023
~4.5
Loved:
◇ Hurt/comfort at its best
◇ Mason's story - heartbreaking and real, Mason's character growth, Mason learning to trust and to belong, Mason becoming a part of the coven and the community, Mason falling in love
◇ Charlie - the sweetest and kindest Dom out there with his own scars and insecurities. Charlie never pushing Mason and always being there for him
◇ Friendship between Mason & Roman, and even more - friendship between Mason and Cross
◇ Found family
Niggles:
Worldbuilding is still very limited, and additional details are even more confusing. Read this one for all the feelings 😀
Loved:
◇ Hurt/comfort at its best
◇ Mason's story - heartbreaking and real, Mason's character growth, Mason learning to trust and to belong, Mason becoming a part of the coven and the community, Mason falling in love
◇ Charlie - the sweetest and kindest Dom out there with his own scars and insecurities. Charlie never pushing Mason and always being there for him
◇ Friendship between Mason & Roman, and even more - friendship between Mason and Cross
◇ Found family
Niggles:
Worldbuilding is still very limited, and additional details are even more confusing. Read this one for all the feelings 😀
May 25, 2023
Mason was born submissive and hated it having had bad experiences with Doms. He used his animal magic to escape his toxic environment and finally moved on to the Meliora Coven. It was beautiful to read of his magic and philosophy with horses. This is the second book of the series though it does standalone. I love this world Marina has built with Mason so stubborn and determined to be alone. Charlie is perfect, patient and so ready to give Mason peace in his subspace through gentle or sexy means. The coven is such a welcoming and giving community that all find a place there. I received a copy of this book through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my voluntary opinion.
December 30, 2023
This was okay, but a bit of a letdown after the first book in the series. The pacing didn't work for me, the start was very slow and the latter half of the book felt like a slow simmer that didn't really go anywhere. The d/s scenes just didn't hit right either, and I ended up skimming most of them when they should have been a highlight of the book.
June 6, 2023
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3.5
This one was definitely different from what I was expecting, but that's not necessarily a bad thing, is it?
I have many things to say, and I tried giving myself some time before writing this review as to try to get my mind clear and organize my ideas. But it didn't quite work, so let's see what I can pull out.
For starters, something I didn't like: this book was solely told by Mason's POV. And yes, I will say it's not terrible since we kinda easily understand Chalier without his POV. But I did miss it. I think a couple chapters here and there told by this POV would have added to the romance. To us feeling Charlie fall in love, to feel how deep his feelings for Mason run. We do get the epilogue told by him, but it felt like too little for me.
That being said, it was not terrible not having Charlie's POV. i mean, would I'd prefer to have at least a bit of that? Definitely. Not having it made me feel like something was missing? Not quite.
Something I liked but I guess at the same time could make other readers not love this story so much, was this not being as much about Mason finding romantic love but about Mason finding love. Just love. And accepting it doesn't have to hurt. And about him trusting others enough to love and be loved. To not keep others at a distance. To allow himself to be vulnerable.
And even though yes, this is in fact a romance, I feel like this wasn't about Charlie and Mason but mostly Mason. Which... I would usually say: bummer! But I won't, since it was not a bad thing.
The story starts with Mason being a kid, and we see him grow up into the man he is now. I'm not gonna lie: the first 20% of the book is not easy to read and you should definitely check the TW if you have issues reading about certain things. Mason grows in an abusive environment and ends in an abusive love dynamic that makes him wary of love, of alphas and of trusting others.
When he arrives at the Meliora Coven, which we know from the previous book (and yes, you should read them in order since then you won't understand what happened to Cross and Roman) he meets people he can't resist, and even though he's lived his life keeping other at a safe distance, there's something in the people there that make him fall for them.
This book, as usually happens with this author, has a huge hurt/comfort component I loved. Much more considering this comes from love, yes, but not so much from a romantic love. And don't get me wrong, Mason and Charlie share a beautiful love story and I loved them. And yes, Charlie helps Mason in many ways; he supports him, he loves him, he takes care of him, he makes him feel safe, treasured, cared for. But I feel Mason's biggest support was Roman.
Roman, the MC of the first book, a guy who has gone through his own traumatic past and found a safe space in the Meliora coven. Mason and Roman click easily and become fast friends. Not only they spend a lot of time together, they find a confidant in the other, someone who understands them and who they can talk with.
It was beautiful seeing Mason opening to Roman, and how whenever he had an issue he went to him for advice. The relationship they develop is beautiful and even though it doesn't come from romance, I believe this relationship was as important as the one Mason has with Charlie.
Maybe this was the reason why the author didn't include Charlie's POV, because this is more about Mason with all of them than about Mason and Charlie and then the others. Mason is the main focus, him finding love not only in Charlie but also Roman, Connie, Cross, Tyler and every member of the coven.
With all, I still wish there was at least a couple of chapters by Charlie's POV hahaha Mostly because I believe it would have given me a deeper insight into the romance, into Charlie's side of the romance. The epilogue kinda made it up for it since he recaps some situations with Mason, but I wish we had more.
I could be saying many more things, but I don't want to extend. I can't wait to read Cross's book and I'm decidely intrigued by whom could be his sub and how will they meet.
3.5
This one was definitely different from what I was expecting, but that's not necessarily a bad thing, is it?
I have many things to say, and I tried giving myself some time before writing this review as to try to get my mind clear and organize my ideas. But it didn't quite work, so let's see what I can pull out.
For starters, something I didn't like: this book was solely told by Mason's POV. And yes, I will say it's not terrible since we kinda easily understand Chalier without his POV. But I did miss it. I think a couple chapters here and there told by this POV would have added to the romance. To us feeling Charlie fall in love, to feel how deep his feelings for Mason run. We do get the epilogue told by him, but it felt like too little for me.
That being said, it was not terrible not having Charlie's POV. i mean, would I'd prefer to have at least a bit of that? Definitely. Not having it made me feel like something was missing? Not quite.
Something I liked but I guess at the same time could make other readers not love this story so much, was this not being as much about Mason finding romantic love but about Mason finding love. Just love. And accepting it doesn't have to hurt. And about him trusting others enough to love and be loved. To not keep others at a distance. To allow himself to be vulnerable.
And even though yes, this is in fact a romance, I feel like this wasn't about Charlie and Mason but mostly Mason. Which... I would usually say: bummer! But I won't, since it was not a bad thing.
The story starts with Mason being a kid, and we see him grow up into the man he is now. I'm not gonna lie: the first 20% of the book is not easy to read and you should definitely check the TW if you have issues reading about certain things. Mason grows in an abusive environment and ends in an abusive love dynamic that makes him wary of love, of alphas and of trusting others.
When he arrives at the Meliora Coven, which we know from the previous book (and yes, you should read them in order since then you won't understand what happened to Cross and Roman) he meets people he can't resist, and even though he's lived his life keeping other at a safe distance, there's something in the people there that make him fall for them.
This book, as usually happens with this author, has a huge hurt/comfort component I loved. Much more considering this comes from love, yes, but not so much from a romantic love. And don't get me wrong, Mason and Charlie share a beautiful love story and I loved them. And yes, Charlie helps Mason in many ways; he supports him, he loves him, he takes care of him, he makes him feel safe, treasured, cared for. But I feel Mason's biggest support was Roman.
Roman, the MC of the first book, a guy who has gone through his own traumatic past and found a safe space in the Meliora coven. Mason and Roman click easily and become fast friends. Not only they spend a lot of time together, they find a confidant in the other, someone who understands them and who they can talk with.
It was beautiful seeing Mason opening to Roman, and how whenever he had an issue he went to him for advice. The relationship they develop is beautiful and even though it doesn't come from romance, I believe this relationship was as important as the one Mason has with Charlie.
Maybe this was the reason why the author didn't include Charlie's POV, because this is more about Mason with all of them than about Mason and Charlie and then the others. Mason is the main focus, him finding love not only in Charlie but also Roman, Connie, Cross, Tyler and every member of the coven.
With all, I still wish there was at least a couple of chapters by Charlie's POV hahaha Mostly because I believe it would have given me a deeper insight into the romance, into Charlie's side of the romance. The epilogue kinda made it up for it since he recaps some situations with Mason, but I wish we had more.
I could be saying many more things, but I don't want to extend. I can't wait to read Cross's book and I'm decidely intrigued by whom could be his sub and how will they meet.
June 8, 2023
This is Masons story. Leaving his coven after years of abuse he travels the country and gets a job working with horses. When he then moves on again to get a job with Connie using his animal magic.
This is a slow burn story. Charlie is a dom also working for Connie and gradually he gains Mason's trust and they begin scening.
There is quite alot of input from Roman , who becomes Mason's best friend.
For me, this wasn't as sad as Roman's story, I didn't cry but his past was sad.
This is a slow burn story. Charlie is a dom also working for Connie and gradually he gains Mason's trust and they begin scening.
There is quite alot of input from Roman , who becomes Mason's best friend.
For me, this wasn't as sad as Roman's story, I didn't cry but his past was sad.
July 24, 2024
Another great book by MV. I loooooove the concept for this series. I also love that with this authors books you get a diverse cast of characters and it’s not just default white like the majority in this genre.
These books feel like therapy for a total bargain of included in my KU membership. I literally squealed when I saw the epilogue was Charlie’s pov.
At times I wanted Mason to trust Charlie faster but he stayed true to his character in that respect.
Can’t wait for Cross’s book!
These books feel like therapy for a total bargain of included in my KU membership. I literally squealed when I saw the epilogue was Charlie’s pov.
At times I wanted Mason to trust Charlie faster but he stayed true to his character in that respect.
Can’t wait for Cross’s book!
July 6, 2024
Rating: 4.5
Steam: 2
PoV: single, 3rd person
Marina Vivancos truly excels at writing her own brand of hurt / comfort and Out of the Wild Night was no exception! I really enjoy these character driven stories, and Mason and Charlie were absolutely perfect for each other.
The first few chapters were really tough to read, I mean, I read the trigger warnings but I still wasn’t prepared for it. Mason‘s backstory really hurt, and I just wanted to hide him away from the world and protect him. It was definitely a relief when he ended up at the Meliora coven.
I adored Charlie, he was so sweet and gentle with Mason. So patient and understanding. Mason’s hurt ran so deep, and he had such a twisted view of himself, while also keeping his distance to everyone. With Charlie though, it was easy to see from the start that they had a deeper connection, and their chemistry was great. And once Mason let Charlie in, it was beautiful to finally see him trusting a Dom, feeling safe enough to fully let go during their scenes.
I really like the universe that Marina has created with this biokink series, and while I still wished for a bit more insight into the magic and how it works, Out of the Wild Night was an amazing story. I loved the hurt / comfort, and it was overall a truly compelling story that I couldn’t put down.
I’m becoming very fond of this coven, and seeing Roman and Mason turning into friends was absolutely precious. I’m already excited for the next book, and I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for it to be Cross’ story!
Steam: 2
PoV: single, 3rd person
Marina Vivancos truly excels at writing her own brand of hurt / comfort and Out of the Wild Night was no exception! I really enjoy these character driven stories, and Mason and Charlie were absolutely perfect for each other.
The first few chapters were really tough to read, I mean, I read the trigger warnings but I still wasn’t prepared for it. Mason‘s backstory really hurt, and I just wanted to hide him away from the world and protect him. It was definitely a relief when he ended up at the Meliora coven.
I adored Charlie, he was so sweet and gentle with Mason. So patient and understanding. Mason’s hurt ran so deep, and he had such a twisted view of himself, while also keeping his distance to everyone. With Charlie though, it was easy to see from the start that they had a deeper connection, and their chemistry was great. And once Mason let Charlie in, it was beautiful to finally see him trusting a Dom, feeling safe enough to fully let go during their scenes.
I really like the universe that Marina has created with this biokink series, and while I still wished for a bit more insight into the magic and how it works, Out of the Wild Night was an amazing story. I loved the hurt / comfort, and it was overall a truly compelling story that I couldn’t put down.
I’m becoming very fond of this coven, and seeing Roman and Mason turning into friends was absolutely precious. I’m already excited for the next book, and I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for it to be Cross’ story!
June 22, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Out of the Wild Night is the second book in the Coven Ties series and follows the Meliora coven. Mason’s story is new to this book, but the coven and the side characters were introduced in the first book, Oh, Sacred Dark, and I preferred that I had read them in order.
I liked Mason from the start, as we meet him as a young teen. While he lives with his mother, he is mostly on his own. The world here is built on people being dominants or submissives. Mason is devastated he is a submissive and fights his own nature, as he has no guidance of a healthy relationship.
The book is told from Mason’s point of view and we get a great sense of who he is and how guarded and traumatized he is. But, without Charlie’s point of view, it was difficult to know what Charlie needed.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Out of the Wild Night is the second book in the Coven Ties series and follows the Meliora coven. Mason’s story is new to this book, but the coven and the side characters were introduced in the first book, Oh, Sacred Dark, and I preferred that I had read them in order.
I liked Mason from the start, as we meet him as a young teen. While he lives with his mother, he is mostly on his own. The world here is built on people being dominants or submissives. Mason is devastated he is a submissive and fights his own nature, as he has no guidance of a healthy relationship.
The book is told from Mason’s point of view and we get a great sense of who he is and how guarded and traumatized he is. But, without Charlie’s point of view, it was difficult to know what Charlie needed.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
August 20, 2024
Quieter and softer than the previous book in the series, this story centers a sub who was groomed and abused as a minor and has absolutely closed himself off to the idea of love or home. Mason has been bouncing around, sceneing occasionally but keeping his emotions locked down, but now he is in this sweet little coven in New Hampshire and people are nice? They care about each other? Naturally, he doesn't trust it. Why would he? Everything he has been through has proven that you can't trust Doms.
But Charlie is kind. He's sweet, and soft, and open, and never pushed Mason to do anything he doesn't want to do. And Mason can't help but start falling. He tries to stop, oh boy does he try. This doesn't have the same emotional punches that the first in the series does, but these are different characters telling a different kind of healing story. And just like everyone tries to stop Mason from comparing his trauma to something more extreme like Roman went through, it's hard for him to accept that. So too with this book. It's doing the important work of showing a different kind of abuse, different fallout and a different kind of healing trajectory. Neither is better or worse, and both are valid.
I always feel so cared for by Marina. There are a few authors that I would trust to handle just about any subject carefully, and she's on the list for me. This is so good. And quite a bit sexier than the first one, which had a lot more emotional intimacy to build before they got there. The brilliance of a good author is letting the characters dictate what their relationship progression looks like and not trying to fit them into any specific arrangement.
I'm excited to read Cross's story next, and it was such a treat to see Roman and Tyler from the first in the series feature so prominently here. Roman and Mason as besties warmed my heart.
But Charlie is kind. He's sweet, and soft, and open, and never pushed Mason to do anything he doesn't want to do. And Mason can't help but start falling. He tries to stop, oh boy does he try. This doesn't have the same emotional punches that the first in the series does, but these are different characters telling a different kind of healing story. And just like everyone tries to stop Mason from comparing his trauma to something more extreme like Roman went through, it's hard for him to accept that. So too with this book. It's doing the important work of showing a different kind of abuse, different fallout and a different kind of healing trajectory. Neither is better or worse, and both are valid.
I always feel so cared for by Marina. There are a few authors that I would trust to handle just about any subject carefully, and she's on the list for me. This is so good. And quite a bit sexier than the first one, which had a lot more emotional intimacy to build before they got there. The brilliance of a good author is letting the characters dictate what their relationship progression looks like and not trying to fit them into any specific arrangement.
I'm excited to read Cross's story next, and it was such a treat to see Roman and Tyler from the first in the series feature so prominently here. Roman and Mason as besties warmed my heart.
May 28, 2023
Oh man, I can’t say how much I adored this book! I’m generally a huge fan of Marina Vivancos’ books and this book (and whole series so far!) did not disappoint.
The first book is this series, Oh Sacred Dark, was absolutely heartbreaking and beautiful and I loved it so so much. Out of the Wild Night was just as beautiful and just as heartbreaking but with a totally new and unique story. I loved that Oh Sacred Dark had alternating POVs, it was what Roman and Tyler’s story really needed. So when I started this book I expected the same. I thought we’d get both Mason and Charlie’s POVs and it’d be my favorite sort of story.
Out of the Wild Night is actually a single POV so the reader is with Mason for the whole story (except the delightful epilogue from Charlie’s POV!). I was honestly a bit disappointed by that at first but by the end of the book I realized that it was exactly what this story needed. Mason is the one whose overcoming the trauma and healing. Charlie has put in the work and while he definitely had things come up to work through he’d already come out on the other side. Mason had not. And gods, it was so fucking gorgeous to watch him have room to heal.
I mean, all of Mason and Charlie’s scenes together just ripped my heart out. And Charlie’s patience with Mason and just his unwavering self were absolutely perfect, and gosh when he calls Mason “darlin’” or “sweetheart” while telling Mason how he’s a good person just destroyed me. Ughhhh, I love it.
This book also sets us up for the next book in the series, which I think is Cross’s. Cross was a quiet character who didn’t have much to say but always said the right thing to Roman in the first book. But Mason started breaking into who Cross is and I cannot wait for his story.
I know I just fangirled real hard all over this book, but I loved it so so much. Thanks so much to Gay Romance Reviews for the copy of this book!
The first book is this series, Oh Sacred Dark, was absolutely heartbreaking and beautiful and I loved it so so much. Out of the Wild Night was just as beautiful and just as heartbreaking but with a totally new and unique story. I loved that Oh Sacred Dark had alternating POVs, it was what Roman and Tyler’s story really needed. So when I started this book I expected the same. I thought we’d get both Mason and Charlie’s POVs and it’d be my favorite sort of story.
Out of the Wild Night is actually a single POV so the reader is with Mason for the whole story (except the delightful epilogue from Charlie’s POV!). I was honestly a bit disappointed by that at first but by the end of the book I realized that it was exactly what this story needed. Mason is the one whose overcoming the trauma and healing. Charlie has put in the work and while he definitely had things come up to work through he’d already come out on the other side. Mason had not. And gods, it was so fucking gorgeous to watch him have room to heal.
I mean, all of Mason and Charlie’s scenes together just ripped my heart out. And Charlie’s patience with Mason and just his unwavering self were absolutely perfect, and gosh when he calls Mason “darlin’” or “sweetheart” while telling Mason how he’s a good person just destroyed me. Ughhhh, I love it.
This book also sets us up for the next book in the series, which I think is Cross’s. Cross was a quiet character who didn’t have much to say but always said the right thing to Roman in the first book. But Mason started breaking into who Cross is and I cannot wait for his story.
I know I just fangirled real hard all over this book, but I loved it so so much. Thanks so much to Gay Romance Reviews for the copy of this book!
May 23, 2023
This book was beautiful to read. The world it’s set in is fantastical, people have pre defined predilections when it comes to their biological bent to being a dominant or a submissive and manifesting a core magic.
Expect:
* Slow burn
* D/s
* Hurt comfort
* Intense world building
* Size difference
* Found Family
* Healing
* Fantasy Romance
* Kink: Praise kink, edging, bondage, impact play, service kink, breath play, c*#k warming, sensory play
While the world is fantastical, the book focuses on the MCs facing core issues of trauma and abuse, healing and love. It’s the story of Mason who has Animal Magic and is a sub enduring a painful past, eschewing all connection, landing in the Meloria coven and meeting Charlie, where he finds the space to heal and thrive.
Mason is a prickly, protective, kind, sensitive man and Charlie who has his own past is still full of humour, joy, kindness and strength. They have a magnetic pull and their chemistry is off the charts hot, despite Mason’s reservations. To watch these two find their way to each other was beautiful.
While it isn’t a long story it’s told almost entirely from Mason’s POV detailing relational milestones over years and building a strong intimacy with the character. You feel his pain, isolation and neglect, his lack of self worth, being pulled into and then bursting out of an abusive cycle and then contracting into himself, functioning on survival.
You also get to experience him feeling the gentle pull of belonging, the soft balm of acceptance, the scorching heat of being seen and being tended to and the sublime discomfort of wanting and being wanted.
Story:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Swoon: ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Angst:❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Content Warning: The beginning of this book deals with child abuse, grooming of a minor, and sexual abuse. It is not between the main characters but is on-page and may be distressing to read.
Expect:
* Slow burn
* D/s
* Hurt comfort
* Intense world building
* Size difference
* Found Family
* Healing
* Fantasy Romance
* Kink: Praise kink, edging, bondage, impact play, service kink, breath play, c*#k warming, sensory play
While the world is fantastical, the book focuses on the MCs facing core issues of trauma and abuse, healing and love. It’s the story of Mason who has Animal Magic and is a sub enduring a painful past, eschewing all connection, landing in the Meloria coven and meeting Charlie, where he finds the space to heal and thrive.
Mason is a prickly, protective, kind, sensitive man and Charlie who has his own past is still full of humour, joy, kindness and strength. They have a magnetic pull and their chemistry is off the charts hot, despite Mason’s reservations. To watch these two find their way to each other was beautiful.
While it isn’t a long story it’s told almost entirely from Mason’s POV detailing relational milestones over years and building a strong intimacy with the character. You feel his pain, isolation and neglect, his lack of self worth, being pulled into and then bursting out of an abusive cycle and then contracting into himself, functioning on survival.
You also get to experience him feeling the gentle pull of belonging, the soft balm of acceptance, the scorching heat of being seen and being tended to and the sublime discomfort of wanting and being wanted.
Story:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Swoon: ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Angst:❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Content Warning: The beginning of this book deals with child abuse, grooming of a minor, and sexual abuse. It is not between the main characters but is on-page and may be distressing to read.
June 7, 2023
Magic Doms, Subs, Covens and Love
OUT OF THE WILD NIGHT Marina Vivancos
‘It felt like finding shelter, after being out in the wild.'
This is how Roman, a sub and Mason's new friend, describes what it was like the first time he scened with his Dom, Tyler.
In this world Vivancos has created, there is magic in everybody and comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes.
Young Mason has 'animal' magic and can heal and work with animals. The other aspect of this society, is everyone lives in different covens under a High Witch. And as a child hits puberty, their magic and whether they are sub or Dom, is revealed to them.
At thirteen, Mason is told to his horror that he is a sub. After all, he's seen plenty of Doms destroy his mom's life with physical or emotional abuse, and as a sixteen to seventeen year old, he finds to his detriment that some Doms can play at being nice, but are actually abusive narcissists.
Unfortunately being a sub, Mason has to scene regularly to keep his body and magic balanced and stable. But he just does the bare minimum to get by, to survive, by holding back from complete subspace and loving no one.
When he gets a job at a new coven looking after horses and meets Connie his boss, Roman and Tyler plus handsome Southern Dom, Charlie, he's at first suspicious and holds himself back.
But this strange coven seems to care for its members and gradually he relaxes.
This is a slow burn magical BDSM romance and just as slowly, Charlie is working his way into Mason's heart, as is the sweet sub Roman who has experienced awful abuse at his previous coven.
Linking elements of the kink scene to magic is something interesting and new. Mason is a strong character and the writing is solid.
There's sweet moments, funny, dark and sexy.
A different take on the BDSM genre and it's great to have a main character who is POC.
Very enjoyable world building.
OUT OF THE WILD NIGHT Marina Vivancos
‘It felt like finding shelter, after being out in the wild.'
This is how Roman, a sub and Mason's new friend, describes what it was like the first time he scened with his Dom, Tyler.
In this world Vivancos has created, there is magic in everybody and comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes.
Young Mason has 'animal' magic and can heal and work with animals. The other aspect of this society, is everyone lives in different covens under a High Witch. And as a child hits puberty, their magic and whether they are sub or Dom, is revealed to them.
At thirteen, Mason is told to his horror that he is a sub. After all, he's seen plenty of Doms destroy his mom's life with physical or emotional abuse, and as a sixteen to seventeen year old, he finds to his detriment that some Doms can play at being nice, but are actually abusive narcissists.
Unfortunately being a sub, Mason has to scene regularly to keep his body and magic balanced and stable. But he just does the bare minimum to get by, to survive, by holding back from complete subspace and loving no one.
When he gets a job at a new coven looking after horses and meets Connie his boss, Roman and Tyler plus handsome Southern Dom, Charlie, he's at first suspicious and holds himself back.
But this strange coven seems to care for its members and gradually he relaxes.
This is a slow burn magical BDSM romance and just as slowly, Charlie is working his way into Mason's heart, as is the sweet sub Roman who has experienced awful abuse at his previous coven.
Linking elements of the kink scene to magic is something interesting and new. Mason is a strong character and the writing is solid.
There's sweet moments, funny, dark and sexy.
A different take on the BDSM genre and it's great to have a main character who is POC.
Very enjoyable world building.
May 31, 2023
You can always expect Marina to make it hurt a little before you get to feel good and this book was no exception. The beginning really sets up how Mason has come to be who he is by the time he makes it to the Meliora Coven, and while it's hard to read, it's so important to understand why he is the way he is and what motivates his character (just really pay attention to the TW if you need them). But luckily there is Charlie, who is just an absolute delight of a character. He's sugary sweet, and just such a steady presence. Marina could not have written a better counterpart for Mason. There's a ton of growth in this novel, and it's hard not to fall in love with Mason and Charlie. I also really really enjoyed the friendships Mason made with Roman and Cross from book 1. Just all over such a good one.
June 1, 2023
i found the relationship between the MCs a bit boring and i'm disappointed we only get charlie's pov in the epilogue, it would be better if it was like book 1, where we get regular povs of the two MCs.
mason and roman friendship was cute tho ❤️🩹
mason and roman friendship was cute tho ❤️🩹
did-not-finish
April 28, 2024DNF @ 16%
The entire first 15% of this book is graphic DA & SA. I was trying to push through it, but I think it’ll be too hard for me to continue.
The entire first 15% of this book is graphic DA & SA. I was trying to push through it, but I think it’ll be too hard for me to continue.
December 10, 2024
Such a good hurt/comfort book. Loved both of the main characters and the communication they had, no miscommunication third act break up thank god.
June 5, 2023
**4.5 stars**
I am an unabashed Marina Viviancos fan. Her writing style, her deft touch with her characters, her witty and easy dialogue…all up my alley. Her latest series, Coven Ties, has magic covens and sub/Dom generic designations, which are not not among my favorite tropes. Despite this, I devour her books and then anxiously wait for the next one…
This novel initially hooked me from the beginning, but in a not fun way. The MC, Mason, has an abusive home life and ends up dating an older man. The way it’s written, you don’t immediately get red flags from the boyfriend. Like Mason, we slowly get the reality of the situation revealed, piece by piece. The relationship hit a little close to home and I almost had to DNF.
Thankfully, Mason gets away, but also locks up his heart and never gets close to anyone. In the Meliora coven, he meets Charlie. Charlie is steady and kind and just lovely. It takes a bit for Mason to realize what a good person Charlie is, but the payoff is wonderful and hard won.
This book was a lovely slow burn of Charlie slowly breaking down Mason’s walls. There’s not a ton of plot, just life on the coven’s farm and Mason learning to trust the members and Charlie. I can only give 4.5 stars because it felt not very different from the first book, though book 1 had much higher stakes. There’s a pattern in the first two books of “newcomer to the coven has a damaged sense of self and the coven is so great it helps them heal” and I think the third is going to be more of the same, except Cross is a Dom. I’m not complaining, but I can see the plot getting a bit old after three or four of the same type of books
Overall, Vivancos has charmed the hell out of me again. I absolutely will be reading her next book, whether they are in this series or not.
***I received this book as an ARC and this has been my honest review.***
I am an unabashed Marina Viviancos fan. Her writing style, her deft touch with her characters, her witty and easy dialogue…all up my alley. Her latest series, Coven Ties, has magic covens and sub/Dom generic designations, which are not not among my favorite tropes. Despite this, I devour her books and then anxiously wait for the next one…
This novel initially hooked me from the beginning, but in a not fun way. The MC, Mason, has an abusive home life and ends up dating an older man. The way it’s written, you don’t immediately get red flags from the boyfriend. Like Mason, we slowly get the reality of the situation revealed, piece by piece. The relationship hit a little close to home and I almost had to DNF.
Thankfully, Mason gets away, but also locks up his heart and never gets close to anyone. In the Meliora coven, he meets Charlie. Charlie is steady and kind and just lovely. It takes a bit for Mason to realize what a good person Charlie is, but the payoff is wonderful and hard won.
This book was a lovely slow burn of Charlie slowly breaking down Mason’s walls. There’s not a ton of plot, just life on the coven’s farm and Mason learning to trust the members and Charlie. I can only give 4.5 stars because it felt not very different from the first book, though book 1 had much higher stakes. There’s a pattern in the first two books of “newcomer to the coven has a damaged sense of self and the coven is so great it helps them heal” and I think the third is going to be more of the same, except Cross is a Dom. I’m not complaining, but I can see the plot getting a bit old after three or four of the same type of books
Overall, Vivancos has charmed the hell out of me again. I absolutely will be reading her next book, whether they are in this series or not.
***I received this book as an ARC and this has been my honest review.***
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