The Magic That Binds (Haelan #1) by A.J. Sherwood

The Magic That Binds is the first in a new series, slow burn MMM romance set in a magical world. 

From the blurb:

All Dag Gates wants is a place to call home. (And to practice magic freely.)

All Stefan Bjorne wants is peace in his adoptive country. (And less paperwork.)

All Mikkel Vinters wants is both of them. (No, really, he could do wedding bells.)

So why, pray tell, is half the magical community set on denying them all their wishes?

Tags:

Urban fantasy anyone?, slow burn, Mikkel is dying its so slow, pray for him, age gap, millionaire CEO is loose with no limits, cinnamon roll protection squad assemble!, polyamory at its best, Dag wants to eat all the things, all, magic, healing, childhood trauma, who’s chasing who is the question, Dag’s shy, Stefan’s a little insecure, thankfully Mikkel is neither, there is far too much food in this book, short but mighty, rules are established, Mikkel’s type in men is sexy and dangerous, it hasn’t killed him yet, accidental husband acquisition, magical bindings, shenanigans shall now commence

Sheena's Review:

The Magic That Binds is the first of a new series, set in a completely new world (although I'm pretty sure there was more than one Easter Egg in there). This is our world but one where magic exists and is regulated by a magical governing body in tandem with regular law enforcement. Dag, Mikkel and Stefan are all very different, but I think that's why it works.  

Dag I loved right away, he's been through far too much in his short life and my heart truly went out to him, I wanted him wrapped up and treated well and given a chance to flourish. I took a little longer to warm up to Stefan and Mikkel, although I did like them both initially too. I am very picky about MMM books but I love the way A.J. Sherwood writes them, and this was no exception. Only Mikkel is poly at the start, the other two have never been anything but monogamous before and it's all new to them. I loved this magical world building too, the cast of supporting characters is wonderful and rich and I look forward to meeting them all again.

The heart of the story though is Dag, and specifically Dag, Mikkel and Stefan. Dag is the heart of that trio though, the other two are ridiculously protective of him and it's sweet. Dag is no shrinking violet though and I loved that he was the one to actually bring them all together as a cohesive unit. It's a great story too, with some peril and some truly odious antagonists who I truly hope get what they deserve.  It's satisfying, not going to lie.

I loved this, it's a slow burn by necessity and it works the better for that.  

I look forward to more from this series.  

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Dez's Review:

AJ Sherwood does it once again! The dynamic between Dag, Mikkel, and Stefan is nothing short of swoon worthy. I need someone to look at me they way Mikkel and Stefan look at Dag 😮‍💨. Dag’s character tugged a few heartstrings and made me want to beat anyone who hurt him! Stefan needs a big hug although he’d probably light my ass on fire lol and Mikkel, whew, the best bad boy (not really lol he’s also just as mush as Stefan and Dag). 

The world AJ has built is wonderful and I want to be in it; I really just want to meet Mommo lol. Talk about a fierce woman.  The three men go through several trials and setbacks to right a wrong that should’ve never happened and along the way they find something in each other that they couldn’t have imagined. 

Anyway, AJ never ceases to amaze me and make me fall in love with the characters she creates! I’ve been looking forward to the release of this book! Let me tell ya, I read the original chapter AJ posted on her website a few years ago and have been crossing every finger and toe in anticipation of her fully fleshing out this story and she did not disappoint! If you’re a fan of AJ’s other works then you’ll fall head over heels for this first installment in the Haelan series! 

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Miki J's Review:

Brilliant....just feckin' brilliant. From the opening prologue, this book will ensnare you and then you are catapulted into another world filled with magic, mayhem and morons.  

This book is more about the characters and the action and suspense. There is romance in the plot... but it's very very slow burn. Don't get me wrong, it doesn't detract from the story at all!!  

I loved each character and they complement each other beautifully - sweet storyline with touches of humour. Loved the Nordic touch as well!!! 

Brilliant start to new series - this author is an autobuy for me, that's for sure!!

Rating: 5 Stars

Nicole's Review:

AJ Sherwood has created yet another world that can suck the reader into and hold their interest from start to end! I really liked the combination of magic with modern day technologies.  

Dag's story is so heartbreaking, especially for such a sweet and kind hearted character. I really loved that Mikkal was the first to realize his true feelings, as he was definitely the player of the triad. I really hope we get to learn more about Stefan's past relationships, as it was a major contributor to the relationship development in the story.  

This was definitely an excruciatingly slow burn, but it was worth the wait. I can't wait for more in this world, and hope it doesn't take another 3+ years to come to fruition!

Rating: 5 Stars

The Magic That Binds is available to buy as an ebook or to read with Kindle Unlimited subscription.