Once upon a time, the fate of three men was decided in a world where it was forever Christmas.A faerie forced to flee his homelandKaegan lives in fear of his vicious twin brother. Tormented and abused, his only option is to escape to the one place he knows he’ll be safe: Inverkillen, a haven of magic, eternal Christmas where he has the chance to live the life he craves. But leaving Faerieland … Faerieland means taking a huge risk.
A man searching for a second chance
Aiden’s world is broken. Life is a dark and wretched place—until a chance encounter with Kaegan gives him hope for a brighter future. But fate has never been Aiden’s friend. No sooner has Kaegan come into his life, than he’s gone. Aiden is resigned to loneliness, but after he makes a startling discovery, he takes a decision that could be the biggest gamble of his life.
An anguished soul ready to end it all
Pascal is afraid to love. He’s determined not to risk his heart when he knows everything can be snatched away in a single moment. A fateful meeting leads to a night of enchantment and passion, leaving Pascal hungry to know more about the mysterious Kaegan. But when morning comes, Kaegan is gone, leaving Pascal to follow the one clue he has to the beautiful stranger’s whereabouts.
Three men in search of a second chance, deep in a snowy wilderness. Will Christmas cast its magic to give them the greatest gift of all: their Happy Ever After?
Trigger warning – some domestic violence and cruelty to a child (not sexual)
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I would rate this 4.5 stars.
The first part of the book shows little snippets in the life of three different boys. During a traumatic event, Kaegan discovers Christmas. Over time, Inverkillen, in the Scottish Highlands, becomes his magical place where it is eternal Christmas. As his life becomes more and more unpleasant due to his twin Herne, he plots his escape from Faerieland to his new created home. Aiden’s childhood was horrible, and adulthood isn’t seeming much better, yet despite his disabilities and circumstances, he still has an open heart. The trauma Pascal suffered as a child has left him afraid to care too much about anyone or anything while depression wants to swallow him whole. Aiden is like a willow constantly blown over, while Pascal is like an oak struck by lightening. First Kaegan meets Aiden, but timing is everything. Then Kaegan meets Pascal and changes his life. Kaegan wants them both, thinks they could be happy together and invites them to his magical place. What will they think if they actually show up? But, Kaegan isn’t human and Herne continues to threatens his happiness.
Yes, it has insta-lust, but the love takes time to develop. Be warned it also contains violence, torture, domestic abuse, child abuse, attempted suicide, and addiction. There are parts of this that are all too real, and parts that are fantastical to give the reader a break from it all, to give us hope. I got a fortune cookie once that read, “say yes to something you would normally say no to.” I did, and it ended up being one of the favorite nights of my life. This book reminds me of that moment, when Aiden and Pascal say yes and actually reach for something different, even if it doesn’t seem like a good idea. If fact, it sounds crazy and ends up being quite dangerous.
The references to pop culture are very self aware. I have a friend who talks about how everything goes into his brain like a meat grinder and art comes out the other end. Through the unbelievable circumstances, what keeps this going are the thoughts they each have that the reader is privy to and the communication between them, which is real: funny, touching, sexy, at times bawdy. I laughed out loud several times. Having all three points of view enhances this story immensely. With all the things these men have experienced in their lives, there is a feeling of carpe diem, but also a longing for something good to last, to stay and the reader will want that for them. With Aiden’s scars and disabilities, his own doubts are heartbreaking, but he’s so likable because he usually doesn’t let them get in the way. As his trust is finally honored, he really shines. The sex scenes get hotter and hotter the more emotionally involved the men are, but there is also joy. As the deadline of New Year’s Day approaches, the tension is ratched up until the final confrontation with Herne. In some ways Pascal is more of a mystery than the other two; I think less time is spent in his thoughts, yet that is rectified at the end. While Aiden gets the plot twist, Pascal’s is the story of personal growth and second chances. Kaegan is the one I feel ends up with the least amount of resolution, it’s there, but it’s a whimper rather than a bang. Ultimately, his happiness is enough.
There was one thing that occurred to me: the reader knows Kaegan can’t read Aiden’s mind, but IF all fae can read minds like Kaegan, they would know Pascal wasn’t a creation of Kaegan’s. Happily the faeries seems to have differing degrees of power, so I can’t be sure and it isn’t brought up. There was also the part of the story that got bogged down a bit in the pacing, when Pascal is trapped in the village. While that is absolutely neccessary to the story arc of his character, it was not as captivating to read. I can see myself rereading this, but might have to skim that part now that I already know what happens. The plot is enchanting, with an emotional core that gives it much more depth than most holiday stories. It also has the best HEA I can imagine, given the plot. Overall I think this story did everything it set out to do; it was sexy, moving, and fun.
The cover design by is by B4Jay. I love when covers not only have actual significance to the story, but are integral. The darkness of the three figures echoes their lives. I like that the details aren’t there while they are still becoming their best selves with each other, with magic all around them.
This is an interesting mix of fantasy and reality. The characters are well developed throughout the story, and the writing is smoothly done. We have three very different MCs, with extremely different backgrounds and personalities, and yet they still find common ground.
Kaegan is a Faerie, the seventh son of a seventh son. This makes him very powerful, but also the target for his 3 hours younger twin’s anger, aggression, and retaliation. The laws say Kaegan cannot use his powers to harm another faerie, even in self-defense, but he accidentally harms his brother without magic, making him even more of an outcast than he was before. But one thing that event lead to was Kaegan learning how to create doorways into the human world; where he falls in love with snow and Christmas, and visits often over the years to come.
Pascal was a sweet boy who loved his family and Christmas. However, when a disaster struck too close to his heart, he began pulling away from anything he ever loved or that could hurt him if it was lost. He doesn’tdo relationships, but he has no problem interfering with his brother’s. An accident with his brother’s first love still holds him in guilt’s grasp, but he has no doubt about the mistake his brother is about to make now. Unfortunately, his family does not approve of his interference, and he is left feeling more alone than ever.
Aiden had a horrific childhood with an abusive mother who seemed to mutilate him for reasons that only she understood. He was born with weakness of the left side of his body, and his mother blamed him for everything that went wrong in her life. When Aiden grew up, he latched on to the first man who showed a real interest, and moved in quickly. The relationship soon turned ugly, but Aiden didn’t have the self-confidence to walk away.
Kaegan has finally decided to leave Faerieland to live in his home he has built in Scotland. Now all he needs is someone/someones to come keep him company in his Winter Wonderland where it’s Christmas all the time. He comes upon Aiden as he is sketching in front of the museum and waiting for his soon to be ex-boyfriend to come home so he can end things. They plan a date, but due to some awful and unexpected circumstances, Kaegan gets stood up.
But, this led to Kaegan being in the right place at the right time to distract Pascal from his downward spiral. This leads to an exciting evening for the two, but in the morning, a misunderstanding leads to the wrong conclusions, but Kaegan definitely makes an impact on those he sets his sights on.
Eventually, Pascal sets off to find the barely remembered home Kaegan whispered to him about on the only night they were together. He’s about to give up, but runs into a family with a little boy and his dog. However, a snow storm comes up out of nowhere, and he, the boy, and his dog get trapped in a very strange town that is not right at all.
Aiden finally gets his life in some sort of order, and uses his vacation time hoping that he hasn’t completely lost his chance with Kaegan after missing their date so many weeks ago. But, by the time he arrives at Kaegan’s house, something isn’t right. But, he decides to squat for a bit and see if Kaegan shows up.
You see, magical mischief and malicious intent has been used to hurt and bind Kaegan. It is up to Aiden to follow the clues; both from the stranger in the disappearing town, but also of the strange occurrences around the empty house. As he slowly figures things out, he learns Kaegan’s secrets as well. Eventually, Kaegan is able to bring Pascal to the house, and the three form a quick and special bond.
However, when the plan runs its course, they must face the music. Kaegan has had suspicions along the way, but never wanted to burden either of his men. Pascal must learn how to survive on his own for a bit, which he does, but not with much grace. Finally, after much drama and threats, traditions being “upheld,” the young lovers find their way back to each other and the new life they will create together.
Overall, though a little slow at times, and somewhat repetitive at others, I did enjoy the story. It was interesting to see how the men started out in life and their opinions of snow and Christmas, and see how life affected their lives and thought processes.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review. *
4 ½ Stars
I like the way the author introduces the reader to each of the main characters as children, then as adults with the defining moment that sent them all to this strange and wonderful place that Kaegan created.
They are, each of them, looking for acceptance in a world that has let them down.
Each has lived a hard life. For two of them, Christmas is a painful time;
Aiden with his awful mother, and Pascal with the traumatic event that made him withdraw from those he loves.
Kaegan dreams of Christmas as an escape from his malicious and dangerous twin brother.
He thinks it is the best, most perfect time ever. So he uses his magic to build his perfect Christmas town.
Kaegan and Aiden are both the victims of others. Pascal is the victim of himself.
The world-building is very well done. The richness of the environment is as beautiful as the emptiness below the facade is disturbing.
The way the author leaves them to get through the quest without having reacquainted themselves with each other is a novel idea for me. I enjoyed seeing them work their way through the problems they incur and then their reaction to each other when they are finally together. The interest and attraction are immediate, and it doesn’t take much for Kaegan to convince Pascal and Aiden to take a chance on the three of them being together.
There are several instances of abuse between Kaegan and his brother, and that doesn’t include the off-page mistreatment. I quickly developed an absolute loathing for the Faerie people as a whole due to their willful blindness where Herne and Kaegan are concerned.
I detested Aidens’ mother from the beginning.
It’s hard reading the abuse suffered at the hands of those who are supposed to love and protect them. I cried for them as children and as adults.
But, there is love, passion, acceptance, and hope for a future that gave me a warm swell of satisfaction and confidence in them having a full and rewarding life that feeds into their HEA.
I enjoyed this. I enjoyed this new world, these strong, engaging, and lovable characters, and I enjoyed the secondary characters who made the story that much more believable.
I look forward to more from this author.
I was captivated by this story from page one. Who can resist a fairy tale? Not me.
I loved how we met the men when they were boys and saw how they lived and what they were going through. I loved watching them grow up, from suffering children to troubled adults.
A Faerie Story is a magical and wonderous story that captures your attention and heart and makes you care about these characters and their fate. These three men are fantastic characters and their story is well written, descriptive and wonderful.
Barbara Elsborg is one of my auto-click authors and she did not disappoint with A Faerie Story.
A Faerie Story is such a unique Christmas-y story. It is a well written fantasy/paranormal book filled with angst, sadness, magic, hope and love.
The world building, the imagination, the character development is so very Mrs Elsborg that you’ll get sucked in from the very beginning.
A Faerie Story is about 3 guys. 3 broken, unhappy guys who are brought together in a fantastical world that is Iverkillen.
This book is not what I expected, in a good way!!!
I will admit this story really surprised me. It starts of a bit slow and drags in place (I felt it could have had a few things condensed to make it more precise as I felt some things were repeated a bit too much making the book too long) But this was a very intriguing story. A bit dark, bittersweet at times and sad at times it has a good happy ending.
I loved each character’s story and how the book was broken into views and easy to follow each man’s journey. My heart went out to Kaegan and Aiden and Pascal were one I loved to dislike. The blend of the three were perfect. There is excitement, tension and lots of hot man-sex. I recommend this if you like dark fantasy, fairies, twists, action, and threesomes.
This is a new author to me & I enjoyed reading this intensely, heartwarming MMM Christmas romance with a second-chance undertone. It starts off with glimpses of the main characters lives as children then the book really gets intriguing as they become troubled adults. The plot is beautifully well-written with good scene descriptions & world building. The characters are likable, well-developed & realistically flawed, they portray believable emotions while searching for a special someone & a sense of belong.
There is: a young male faerie from Faerieland (Kaegan), his despicable evil twin (Herne), a orphaned young man (Aiden) unwanted by his mother, his abusive boyfriend (James), a lonely young man (Pascal), his older brother (Etienne) & his conniving fiancé (Sabrina), twist & turns, intrigue, suspense, drama, faerie royalty, family issues, secrets, mystery, magic, threats, danger, violence, villains, conflict, memories, torture, abuse, anguish, loneliness, unhappiness, disagreements, deceit, betrayal, emotional turmoil, longings, jealousy, anxiety, heartache, manipulations, devious plans, disappearances, complications, misunderstandings, vengeful feelings, surprises, compromises, happiness, contentment, love, steamy scenes & a well-deserved satisfying ending.
O.M.G what a stunning, insanely good story!
Kaegan Aiden Pascal: a trinity pur sang
We got an enchanting introduction to the three men at the age of young boys.
Three, totally different stories, all quite heartbreaking.
Then the men grow up and we see how they are doing now.
After Kaegan finally escaped his home, he ends up in London.
Aidan is drawing and Kaegan is mesmerized by all the details he puts into it. Aidan is mesmerized by the way Kaegan sees him as no other ever did. They will have a date the next day, but Aidan never shows up.
“Physical limitations don’t define you. Only the way you think.”
Pascal meets Kaegan on top of a building where Kaegan convinced Pascal to come with him.
They have a passionate night. The next morning Pascal is gone.
“If you choose to say goodbye to the world, you should be sure you’ve seen all it has to offer.”
Kaegan is a faerie, he loves to live outside Faerieland, away from his brother who is always torturing him horribly. It’s forbidden, but Kaegan knows how to enter the outside world.
Now he found not one but two guys he’s attracted to with no luck so far of keeping them.
Miscommunication and circumstances ensured they miss out every time.
Somehow Aidan and Pascal, separately and unaware of each other, find their way to the place Kaegan secretly put in their minds, toward Inverkillen, to find Kaegan. They both end up in some kind of fairytale environment, where snow is falling in a magical way and where it’s always Christmas.
When Pascal get stocked in that place he meets Aiden, there is an undeniable attraction.
Aidan finds out he has the power to create certain circumstances, he tries with everything in his power to save Pascal. On this journey, they meet up again with Kaegan and the heat is on.
Be aware, I just put this down in a few lines but in reality, it is a wide story where a lot is happening. Where we get to understand the hard lives of the three men. I choked up more than once. We get to know the magic of the Faeries and the limitations of it. We can enjoy their steamy lovemaking, the fun they have, the love that is growing, also their characteristics gets more and more clear. I loved them hard.
Still, there is the revenge-seeking brother and of course Faerieland and the spell who will separate the three lovers or give them happiness.
A fabulous and widely written story with not one dull moment. The whole complicated plot was well thought out and understandably put on paper.
The awareness there was even more going on than at first sight was overwhelming.
As a reader I’m always amazed by an author’s gift to writing down what’s in their head, to write it down in a balanced and good structured way. When something like this journey is the result I’m just floored. I’m not sure where this comes from, it’s almost unnatural lol!
I loved this exceptional story very much!
Fairy tale or not,to me this was just like any other book I’ve read by Barbara Elsborg: an intense, heart-wrenching, emotional ride.
Kaegan,Pascal and Aiden are charming and endearing. I loved watching them grow up, from suffering children to troubled adults. And then,the way the author made them meet then loose each other, then meet again was brilliant. Making their three different personalities work together wasn’t easy, and I cheered for their healing and happiness.
is amazing. I loved everything about it, the setting,the characters and their romance. Definitely on my list of favorite books.
A Faerie Story by Barbara Elsborg is a magical and wonderous story that captures your attention and heart and makes you care about these characters and their fate. These three men are fantastic characters and their story is well written, descriptive and wonderful.
I received an advanced reader’s copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.