Genre: Paranormal Romance, MM Romance, Historical Romance
My Review - 5 Stars
Oh, just squeeing over this 1920s paranormal MM romance with magical relics and wonderful diversity! Rory was super antagonistic and not having it, while Arthur was completely smitten.
Rory’s abilities lie in psychometry. He can see an object's past by touching it, a rather valuable commodity for someone who works in an antique shop. But his abilities also have put him in danger so he’s essentially been hiding out the past few years while working for the kind Mrs. Brodigan. He can be surly and distrusting but for good reason. And yet, something about Arthur calls to him.
Privileged though he may be, Arthur was so aware of the power dynamics between them and I loved him for it. He was constantly checking in with Rory, to make sure he was on board and that Arthur wasn’t taking advantage of him. I thought it was a great touch for Arthur to not have any magical abilities—he may be wealthy and white but he can’t do the things his team does.
The banter between Rory and Arthur was top notch. Just look at this:
"'I made you smile.' Arthur's heart skipped a beat. If Rory still enjoyed flirting, Arthur could certainly do that, no strings attached. 'Sorry, wedding's back on.’
Rory's smile grew. 'Shut up.’
'It's your fault. You cook Italian food and you have an enchanting smile, that's how you get yourself middle-aisled.’”
I loved everything about how Rory and Arthur’s relationship evolved. It was so sweet and made my heart grow three sizes. The side characters are magnificent. I want to know more about all of them, especially Jade with her telekinesis. The story does a great job examining class differences and identity while whisking us along for a wild ride of a magical mystery.
In closing, I need book 2 right now.
FYI: This is closed door, a great option for those who prefer their romance to be less explicit.
CW: xenophobia, racism, institutionalization, abusive father, past death of a parent
Synopsis
To save Manhattan, they’ll have to save each other first…
1925
New York
Arthur Kenzie’s life’s work is protecting the world from the supernatural relics that could destroy it. When an amulet with the power to control the tides is shipped to New York, he must intercept it before it can be used to devastating effects. This time, in order to succeed, he needs a powerful psychometric…and the only one available has sworn off his abilities altogether.
Rory Brodigan’s gift comes with great risk. To protect himself, he’s become a recluse, redirecting his magic to find counterfeit antiques. But with the city’s fate hanging in the balance, he can’t force himself to say no.
Being with Arthur is dangerous, but Rory’s ever-growing attraction to him begins to make him brave. And as Arthur coaxes him out of seclusion, a magical and emotional bond begins to form. One that proves impossible to break—even when Arthur sacrifices himself to keep Rory safe and Rory must risk everything to save him.
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