The Telepath's Associate (Charmed Away Temp Agency Book 5) by Amy Padilla

A sweet and lonely telepath that is hurting himself in order to make others comfortable meets a traumatized battle mage that steps up to protect him in every way. Alistair surprises himself with how quickly he trusts Elijah, but knowing the sweet man has been hurt so much by the people around him, Alistair knows he is the man for the job of protecting Elijah no matter what.


From the blurb:

Alistair wasn’t the kind of man to let the bad keep him down. His ex-wife may have left and taken his kids, but when his little brother offered him a lifeline, he took it and pulled himself back up. He joined a temp company, started working again, and did what he could to heal after a military mission gone wrong. He doesn’t expect to face his issues so soon, but when Isaac asks him to help a friend, the least he can do is give the man a ride. Right?

Elijah just wants to help others. It’s all he’s ever wanted. But with powers like his, powers that unnerve people, he’s learned the best way he can help is by keeping his distance. But when a plumbing disaster leaves him homeless, he finds himself crashing with one of the few people he considers a friend, along with said friend’s grumpy older brother with arms like a fantasy and eyes full of shadows. And when the brother decides he needs protection? He can totally resist a man like that. Right?

Tags: Not all telepaths are bad, Elijah just wants to help, Alistair has hit rock bottom, it’s all up from here– right?, Alistair gets protective, some things aren't as they seem, give Elijah alcohol and hilarity ensues, accidental bonding, Alistair is okay with it, Guaranteed HEA


SNik's review:

Fifth in series (Charmed Away Temp Agency), can be read as a standalone but might be more fun if read in order. Paranormal. Close proximity. Hurt/comfort. Found family. Dual POV. 

Everyone keeps their distance from Elijah, being a telepath isn’t easy, but then he meets a protective mage that overcomes his own fears to help Elijah. Alistair is trying to get his life back on track, and when he realizes Elijah needs someone in his corner he is determined to be there for him, especially as feelings between them grow. 

Both Alistair and Elijah have had hardships to overcome and are still struggling, but somehow together they are stronger with each other's unconditional support. Alistair and Elijah are likable characters, surrounded by supportive friends and family, and fall immediately for each other in the sweetest way. I do wish we had more background about Elijah’s brother Hugo, and more time spent with Alistair’s kids. Overall, I enjoyed their quick courtship, their mutual acceptance and protectiveness, and how their story became an HEA.


Molly Otto's review:

The latest in the series delves into Elijah the Spellbounds telepath who does everything in his power to not read the minds around him. Alistair is home from being a battlemage for years and now dealing with the repercussions. When he and Elijah open up to each other they learn to trust and be truly accepted as they are. This one had quick love imo which worked for the characters yet I still felt it should have been at a slower pace due to their past trauma. I would have liked to have seen more interaction with Alistair and his children along with the others who to me should have protected him. The Spellbound team shows how loyal they are and it was nice to see them interact with one another as their mating bonds have settled throughout the series. I cannot help but wonder who is next to get a story from this universe.

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