Rogue Magic by Kit Brisby #BlogTour #LGBT #Review #Giveaway

Melissa reviews Rogue Magic by Kit Brisby Expected publication: January 30th 2017 by Riptide Publishing, 310 pages.

A copy of the book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

While trapped in a stalled subway train on his morning commute, PR rep Byron Cole flirts with Levi, a young waiter with adorable curls. But Byron’s hopes for romance crash and burn when Levi saves him from a brutal explosion—with outlawed magic.

When Levi is imprisoned, Byron begins to question everything he’s ever believed. How can magic be evil when Levi used it to save dozens of lives? So Byron hatches a plan to save Levi that will cost him his job and probably his life. If he doesn’t pull it off, Levi will be put to death.

Byron discovers that he isn’t the only one questioning America’s stance on magic. And he learns that Levi is stubborn, angry, and utterly enchanting. Time is running out, though. Byron must convince Levi to trust him, to trust his own magic, and to fight against the hatred that’s forced him to hide his true nature his entire life. The more Levi opens up, the harder Byron falls. And the more they have to lose.

Now available from Riptide Publishing.

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Why I read this book: I love books that deal with magic (I dream of having magical powers!), and after reading the blurb I was so excited I had to know how it all played out. Plus the cover really caught my eye.  Yeah, yeah – “don’t judge a book by it’s cover.” Pu-leaze!  LOL

I LOVED this book! And that’s basically where I leave you in my review because to say more will give away the story.

There is magic in the world, but instead of being treated with awe and respect, it’s feared and outlawed. All mages (those with magic abilities) must register with the government and then are forced to wear these wrist bands which prevent them from doing magic. If you do not register, and are found out, you are arrested (and if you have DONE magic, you can be executed – publically).

The world is a scary place for Levi, an unregistered mage, but he has only done magic a handful of times, fearing what could happen if he really explored his magic side. Byron Cole – well, he’s sweet and through unfortunate circumstances, had to be “raised” by his uncle who is like a complete sociopath. Cole Industries (which Byron’s uncle owns/runs) is the creator of the magic-stopping wrist bands – and so, so much more evilness than I can’t tell you about without spoiling the story.

As the blurb states, “Levi saves [Byron] from a brutal explosion—with outlawed magic,” and then is arrested for his “crimes.” Byron’s eyes have been opened, and he starts to question everything he’s been told to fear about magic and those who wield it. With the help of friends he devises a plan to save Levi. I can’t say their plan is real world plausible (I saw so many holes that I’m surprised it all worked, but hey, it’s fiction *shrugs shoulders*), but I was still anxious to see how it all unfolded.

I loved the world the author created and I really hope to see more books continuing the story. Yes, there is an HEA, but it’s more on the cusp of HFN. Through Byron and Levi’s efforts, the public opinion of mages has started to change, but it’s not over yet. There are so many other characters I would love to see get their own book and see how they help continue the fight.

I highly recommend you read this. It’s a very good story, well written, with characters I loved (or loved to hate). I was surprised by some of the events that happened, I was sad and angry about how Levi was treated once “captured” and I was ready to join the fight when they decided to rebel. I am going to keep an eye on this author; I’ve never read anything by Kit Brisby (first book that I am aware of), but I will certainly be following their career.

9.5 pots/4.5 stars (for a non-headache inducing action/adventure story). 😀

*****

To celebrate the release of Rogue Magic, one lucky winner will receive a yoga mat from Kit and a $15 Riptide credit! Leave a comment with your contact info to enter the contest. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on February 4, 2017. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. Thanks for following the tour, and don’t forget to leave your contact info!

Pre-order from Riptide Publishing and qualify for a chance to win Free Books For a Year!  Click to learn more.

*****

Kit Brisby lives in Tampa Bay, Florida, with her two young sons and two rescue dogs. A graduate of the University of Florida, she’s been writing professionally since 2002. Her career has taken her from writing think pieces on breastfeeding to writing erotica for the adult industry—and nearly everything in between. She works in digital marketing and helps businesses find and tell their stories.

Kit is always trying to find balance between working full-time, revisiting or writing books every night, and modeling badass behavior to her two boys. Sometimes the lure of Tumblr interferes with all of that balancing. She’s just old enough to still be utterly enchanted by animated gifs.

A single mom and aspiring yogi, Kit is open about her struggles with anxiety and the importance of self-care. She also advocates for neurodiversity and acceptance of those on the autism spectrum. Few things get her as riled up as bisexual erasure.

Though she lives in the South, Kit is a NYC girl at heart, and makes a point of traveling to the city as often as she can to catch a few shows and eat as much ramen as humanly possible.

She reads avidly, and gravitates toward historical queer romance and young adult fantasy, especially when the stakes are high. She’s a fan of awkward first dates unless she’s participating in them, and is outspoken about embracing kink and sex positivity.

Connect with Kit:

• Website: www.kitbrisby.com/
• Twitter: @kitbrisby