.jpg)
Today I am reviewing an ARC, Pied, by Brooklyn Knight. Pied is book #7 in the Once Upon A Villian Series. They are stand alone books that do not need to be read in order. Reminiscent of the tv show, Once Upon A Time, this adult fairy tale has a second chance twist. What if the villains could change their destiny? Would they change their evil ways? Here is the blurb:
She cannot see me, but she can hear me; and that is all I’ll need to make her fall in love... with me.
Everything I’ve ever needed, is right here in my Paradise, including the whining brats I led away from their parents eons ago with my magical flute; but when that sorceress, Celeste Dubois, shows up and suggests that things need to change - that I need to change, I know she has lost her mind. That is, until she presents me with a brown beauty named Melodie, who awakens something deep inside me with her own music. I thought I had everything, but suddenly, I’m considering that maybe I don’t. I’m full of magic and music, but will those be enough to win Melodie’s heart? Especially when she learns that I’m the villain she despises from the folktales of old?
I can’t see him, but his music is like magic, and it restores my belief in true love.
Patrick appeared out of nowhere - not that I can actually see him, but the aura and the vibe he carries is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Sometimes, I think I can actually see his radiance, and when he plays that flute of his, the sound is like healing magic. But my son, Rafael, has reservations. He says he recognizes Patrick from somewhere, though he’s not totally sure. Rafael is my eyes. I want to follow his lead, the way I always do, but Patrick is like magic, and his music is beckoning me closer...
**READER ALERT**
This story contains extremely passionate and descriptive sex scenes. Not suitable for readers under the age of 18 years, or those who may be offended by somewhat graphic descriptions of sexual encounters. This story also contains scenes which include expletives. Brooklyn's characters exhibit real emotions and desires, and though she is their creator, she is also very sensitive to their needs and wants, and works in partnership with them to create their unique HEAs.
In Pied, the Pied Piper has a name, Patrick Piper. He seems to have it all, a cloaked magical kingdom, servants who wait on him night and day for centuries. Those servants being the children he led away from Hamlin for lack of payment for his services. A man should be paid for his work,right? I would be mistrustful of people too, if I was promised payment and then denied. However, taking the children as payment, hmm that was villainous and a low blow. Oh and get this, he hates kids! I would have just brought the rats back!
When he is offered a chance to redeem himself by the beautiful *mahogany enchantress,* Celeste Dubois, who was once evil too, Patrick is not so easily swayed. Yes, well I am already taken with this story as soon as Celeste came on the scene with her mate, Magnum, a dragon shifter of all things!
Celeste gives Patrick a peek into another world where he encounters another equally beautiful deep honey skinned woman, Melodie. She is a master flautist, a single mother and she is going blind. Patrick is transcended by the music Melodie is playing on her flute.
His reaction is primal and he has feelings he has not had in a long time for anyone. Patrick is now willing to go for his second chance in this place called New York, mostly because of Melodie.
However, Melodie whose son loves the story of the Pied Piper, is not so taken with Patrick. Their first encounter, Patrick went all in and kisses her, which makes Melodie fearful. Though the powerful magic, music and attraction between them has her seeing in colors while locked in his embrace, Melodie is not having it! Patrick could simply use his flute to make her fall in love with him, but he wants her to come to him on her own.
Patrick may be a bit bratty at times, but his awful past is revealed and we come to understand why he is the way he is. However, can loving Melodie redeem him from his wicked ways and heal his broken heart? Can she forgive his past and love the person he is with her?
I truly loved this story, the characters are beautifully written with depth. I have to admit, I was rooting for Patrick, despite his past! The comedy of him learning about cell phones and technology while trying to live in the concrete jungle of New York was realistic and truly believable. As a reader, I love stories that take me to places of wonder and magic and Pied by Brooklyn Knight, has it in spades!
I give this book, 5 hearts!
***Each book in the 'Once Upon A Villain' series is a standalone. This series does not have to be read in order. Be sure to read the other books in the series here.***
Publication Date September 13, 2019
Series Once Upon A Villain Book 7
Genre Multicultural & Interracial Romance, Paranormal Romance, Romance
Add To Goodreads TBR
PURCHASE LINK Amazon eBook
Review by Mahogany SilverRain
Mahogany's Place Blog