Seducing the Sorcerer – Lee Welch
Published: 23rd September 2021
Source: Purchased
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, LGBTQ+
My Rating:
Homeless and jobless, Fenn Todd has nearly run out of hope. All he has left is his longing for horses and the strength of his own two hands. But when he’s cheated into accepting a very ugly sackcloth horse, he’s catapulted into a world of magic, politics and desire.
Fenn’s invited to stay at the black tower, home of the most terrifying man in the realm: Morgrim, the court sorcerer. Morgrim has a reputation as a scheming villain, but he seems surprisingly charming—and sexy—and Fenn falls hard for him.
However, nothing is as it seems and everyone at the tower is lying about something. Beset by evil hexes, violent political intrigue and a horse that eats eiderdowns, Fenn must make the hardest choices of his life.
Can a plain man like Fenn ever find true love with a scheming sorcerer?
Let's begin by saying Seducing the Sorcerer was 100% a Nick influenced purchase. I had seen her mention it on Twitter and as soon as I read her review of Seducing the Sorcerer over at The Infinite Limits of Love I knew I needed it in my life. It perfectly fit my reading mood and it was just such an easy read. It was exactly the perfect book for my mood as I've been reading a lot of fanfic after falling into a slight reading slump but the writing style and characters were lovely and it just perfectly fit my reading mood.
I wasn't certain at first as Fenn was a homeless drunk who seemed to have a weird obsession with horses. That is basically what you get from the first couple of pages anyway. I was seriously questioning what I was reading and if I was going to become invested. Luckily, after another couple of pages I swiftly retracted my initial thoughts as he wasn't a drunk, he simply got a bit caught up in his drink one night and made a the foolish decision to follow a fine looking horse. Who hasn't found themself drinking more than they intended? And he was homeless but, as I learnt later, it was because he couldn't allow himself to be restricted to a boring job stuck indoors which would suck the life out of him, instead he knew he needed to be out in nature. And I definitely know a few people who can relate to that job struggle. Fenn was simply a man down on his luck. He thinks his luck is becoming worse when he appears to have been duped after a hard days labour to be given a scarecrow of a horse made of sackcloth and sticks waiting for him instead of the knackered old horse he had been promised to be able to sell to the knackers yard himself for a bit of cash. He takes the cruel joke on the chin but that sackcloth horse had far more magic within than he realised and leads him off on a grand adventure to Morgrim's door. Fenn was easy to love as he might have appeared gruff and rough looking, he was an absolute sweetheart once you got to know him. He was so soft-hearted and any man who cared for animals as much as he did couldn't be anyone bad.
Morgrim should have been the grumpy one I was slow to warm to. He was the court sorcerer with a fearsome reputation as cold and uncaring, along with being scheming and manipulative. It was a reputation he was happy to nurture because having a reputation as such meant people would think twice about crossing him. I was suspicious of him taking Fenn and his magical horse in at first and did guess some of his reasons fairly quickly. But I could tell that his reputation was undeserved as he was so kind and he cared so much about people. He didn't become the court sorcerer to abuse his power but he wished to help people and give them the assistance he could and felt guilt over those he couldn't help when he felt he should. How could I not be charmed by him?
Fenn and Morgrim might have seemed like an odd couple. They had lead different lives until they met but they were both such kind men who did care about helping others. They balanced one another as well and I loved their slightly awkward courtship of being polite and making eyes at each other whilst Fenn went about simply fixing things and helping Morgrim with silly little tasks to show he could help care for Morgrim even if he wasn't what people would call a gentleman. Their romance seems like it should be totally sweet but they definitely had a little kink when it came to the bedroom with them exploring a little light BDSM. That was something I'd expected after reading Nick's review but it was something a little different to a lot of the romance I'd read lately. It was handled very well with frequent check ins between both of them to be sure they were comfortable with how things were progressing and boundaries were set which is always good to see. And did I mention that both Morgrim and Fenn were in their 40s? It's so refreshing to read a romance with older MCs it can be a little boring to continually be reading about young twenty something's off falling in love.
As for the plot and magic system, it wasn't overly complex. It was easier to understand and there wasn't the need for pages of world building, which I really appreciated because I think it would have slowed the book down and really detracted from the good things I read. I really enjoyed this and so I know this book won't be the last I read from Lee Welch.
Have you read this book or anything from lee Welch? And please give me some fantasy romance recs because that is obviously what I keep coming back to reading.
I took a week off and I won't lie, I did nothing productive. I have no excuse for not writing a Sunday post last week, i just didn't feel like it. It was the one weekend for the whole of October where I had no plans and so I decided to do absolutely nothing. Or, I actually spent a lot of time watching Squid Game and then finally finishing Run On. But it was nice to not make myself do certain things and just went where the mood took me. It was partially because I'd had a load of things through from my solicitor so it seemed like the house move could be imminent so i had a mad panic of making sure I had boxes and got all of my books packed up... and then there were more delays so the mad rush was for nothing. But also I am still in my book slump and I thought if I didn't pressure myself to blog during my one free weekend maybe I'd use the time to read. Didn't happen so I figured probably shouldn't avoid blogging and just suck it up to see when the reading mood will strike instead.
Listening
@ryanjondunn HOSPITAL + BEDROOM w @toni.lodge #toniandryan #lol #bedroom ♬ original sound - Ryan Jon
I’d normally feature music here but I’m actually a little obsessed with a new podcast and that requires me to listen. It’s called Toni and Ryan and it’s just two friends who are chatting away about whatever grabs their attention but they are hilarious. Laugh out loud funny so I don’t tend to listen to this out of the house so I don’t seem crazy. Great episode lengths for doing a bit of housework, though. I will say there is some swearing and I heard them from the ‘the things you can say in x and also in the bedroom series’ so I guess if you don’t find these funny maybe not for you.
Life
The past couple of weeks have pretty much revolved around house related things. Chasing solicitors and estate agents and general rubbish like that. And a whole heap of packing. I have boxes everywhere, it's as bad as when I first moved in. I'm hoping it's the last stretch and I can move soon because this has been dragging on. I just want to move and make my next house my own. I'm excited and nervous. I actually had a note through my door about the school having a bonfire the start of November and so there would be noise and fireworks and it really reminded me why I want to move. I do not want to live next to a school and I am fed up living here.
Other than that things have been quiet until this weekend. I went to the Birmingham Bierkeller and it's safe to say they put on a funny night with music, two Birmingham lads dressed up in their lederhosen pretending to be German and getting you to drink out of steins and do some German drinking songs (and many British ones too). There were loads of people dressed up for the show as well and one woman who there was even actually German and recommended a great beer festival to attend in Germany so now my friend wants to go next year (I don't even drink beer). But it was a funny night at a place I'd never even heard of before.
You'll all be pleased to hear I also sorted out my halloween costume. I decided I couldn't do anything scary or involving face paint because even as a kid I got annoyed with having my face painted so it needed to be easily recognisable. What did I decide on? Red riding hood. I know it's a little boring but I saw one of the buffy halloween episodes where she went as red riding hood and it's lovely and simple and I even have a basket already to carry with me. I'm glad to have it sorted and it didn't require me buying too much to get it right.
TV
Like I said at the start, I've been doing quite a bit of TV watching. I watched all of Squid Game in a couple of days and that was fantastic, highly recommend if you can get through the first episode. I was hooked but I know it might not work for everyone and obviously not recommended for children. I then decided I really needed to finish Run On because I've been watching that for weeks. I did finish but I realised I could only really watch one episode a day because it was such a light soft k drama which didn't lean into too many of the OTT elements you can have in some of the romance ones. But that meant it was almost too sweet if that makes any sense?
I've now moved on to finishing the third season of New Amsterdam as it's finally aired here. I'm trying to take it slow since I'm a little hesitant watching shows which heavily feature the impact of the pandemic because I almost want my TV to be my escape, but I've always enjoyed New Amsterdam so I'm watching. It is a heavy reminder how tough it's been for almost two years now.
Reading
As you can see, not a lot of reading has been done since my last Sunday post. I’m still reading some fanfic so that’s something, but I just don’t know what I’m in the mood for. Mood reading is the worst. Even my random number method has failed me… or not failed but highlighted I am really in a specific reading mood and can’t figure out what said mood that is. I’ll try rereading some favourites next. I thought Seducing the Sorcerer would fix my slump because I sped through it and it was exactly what I wanted to read when I started. But once i finished I was back to my confused search to find my next book. I borrowed All Systems Red from my library thinking maybe a quick listen would help get me in the reading mood and, again, loved it. Listened to it all in one sitting but still don’t know what I want to read next and the next two audiobooks are on hold but could take up to 4 weeks so can’t even listen to them. Lucky Shot and Chasing Impossible were a couple of random number picks… neither was great and considering Lucky Shot was like 25 pages are something stupid short I thought it would get me in the mood to read more Sarina Bowen books… it did not. And I love Katie McGarry books but I’ve realised there is a specific reading mood I must be in to read them otherwise I just roll my eyes at them so Chasing Impossible suffered as I wasn’t in the right reading mood. And now I am back to reading Drarry fanfiction and wondering what I want to read. I don’t think I’m in the mood for anything contemporary because I did pick up The Love Hypothesis but put it down after just a few pages.
I’m sure I’ll figure out my reading eventually. Just hope it doesn’t take another 6 months.
New To Me
Just one other book purchased other than Seducing the Sorcerer, which I read straight away, and that was The Prison Healer. It was in the monthly kindle sale and it sounded interesting so I figured I’d give it a read and promptly didn’t pick it up. I might try that next, at least if I hate it I can return it. But I tend to avoid doing that unless I genuinely hate a book or realise I bought the wrong book because I thought the cover looked like another books I wanted to read (it happens).
And that is my past couple of weeks. I’m off to figure out what I can talk about what I’ve not been reading much. At last I’ve finished a couple of books so there can be reviews. What books have you been reading lately?
What a month! I’ve just got back into blogging and already everything feels chaotic. I always forget how much time blogging takes up, as does reading. How did I ever find the time? Not that I’m going anywhere but I’m definitely around less than I used to be. I suppose that’s what we call a healthy life balance? Except for half of the time I'm not around as much as I'm either working through my lunch or working late before going out with friends so maybe I don't know the meaning of balance and need to sort myself out. I won't though, because I love doing everything a little bit half arsed and very much crossing my fingers and hoping for the best. Let's see if I can remember how to wrap up my life, although I swear I attempt to do that each month with little to no success.
Playlist
I would like to say for whoever has seen this post when it was posted why didn't you tell me I missed my September playlist? Looks like the embed code got removed when I was editing stuff, that is such a me error to have. I even read through the post and still missed my playlist disappeared.
This is a weird mix for my September playlist. I have also been listening to a lot of other Taylor Swift albums but I figured you didn't want my playlist of songs that I like to sing and annoy my neighbours with. Instead, these are the songs I searched out to listen to and a whole heap of Genesis because I have a new found love for them after seeing them live. I just worry I'll still be listening to the same songs when it comes to October.
Life
I feel like you've had my life highlights in my Sunday posts. I've even looked at my photos to see what I've been doing and it's mostly been convincing my mom to feed me when I go to hers, drinking, seeing friends, working, and trying to keep my Duolingo streak going (I'm at 479 days which is amazing! I will say that a lot of streak freezes have been utilised in that time and I am no closer to being good or even slightly fluent at German).
My month began with me staying at my mom's for a long weekend house sitting but mostly hanging out with Milo. It was a chilled weekend that didn't involve as much TV watching or reading as originally planned because my brother kept coming over to keep my company and then friends wanted to make plans at the weekend. I got my quality Milo time in, though, he remembered how awesome I was and I remembered how cosy he was at bedtime curling up with me. I did forget he is totally averse to a lie-in and that to him getting up late is staying in bed until half 7. The sacrifices you make for pets, right?
I also finally got back to blogging, I still feel rusty as hell and I am amazed I used to have time to blog hop, reply to comments, write new posts, and read some actual books. It was some actual witchcraft I was performing before my hiatus, now I'm amazed I ever have time to post anything. And I was doing it all while having an hour commute to work. I must have really used that commute time for reading because god knows when I fit it in. I also think I used to sleep less. But even now I am constantly tired and I'm getting the sleep in... sort of. Actually, maybe I just waste a lot more time now and have a shorter attention span.
What else? I've spent a lot of time going out and seeing friends, that's been marvellous. Although is it possible to revert in age? I turned 30 this year and I swear I'm going out as much as I used to when I was a student. I definitely blame that fact on the pandemic, now that restrictions have eased I think everyone I know is trying to fit in everything they've been missing. It's still weird to be going out but I do feel better about it now I'm fully vaccinated. I also went to see genesis, I've only mentioned it a few times. That was my first really crowded event. It's one thing going to a pub or a bar and having to go back to service at the bar but it's very different being in a big venue and seeing all of those people. It's an interesting people-watching experience to see how everyone acts and behaves.
I fully expect my October to be just as busy, I'm even planning to go out for Halloween (ideas for a Halloween costume would be much appreciated otherwise I will be something boring and half arsed. I also refuse to wear face paint, there are limits).
Blogging
Random Number Generator // WTF do I read next?
My favourite books of 2021 (so far)
Why am I so bad at finishing series?
My Thoughts // Kate Daniels series - My likes and dislikes
Reading
I was actually pleased with how much I read this month. 11 books with only one DNF is not bad going. After finishing the Kate Daniels series I did fall into a slump and then pretty much spend the rest of the month reading Drarry fanfiction but who is perfect really? I finsihed a series I've been meaning to finish forever and managed to clear a couple more books from my TBR, it's a win all around and no one can tell me otherwise.
And that was my September, a weird month but good. What did you read in September? What was your favourite book?
Any we are finally in October, I don't like it. New month's stress me out as I start thinking I need to get loads done and realise I did nothing the month before. I'm still not sure what I think I should be doing, though. I really need to stop drafting these the same day they need to be posted, but sometimes I am just too lazy to do them sooner.
Music
I actually haven't been listening to anything new this week. I think I’ve just been listening to Taylor Swift on repeat along with about 4 albums I’ve been obsessed with for months. One song I’ve been listening to a lot is Rumours by Lizzo and Cardi B. Honestly, it is such a tune and I kind of love it. I forgot I went through a phase listening to Lizzo on repeat and it got slightly renewed when I heard this song.
Life
It's been a full week of work for me this week, I don't think I worked a full week through the whole of September with various days of annual leave booked in so this week felt long! It's also the first week the weather has truly turned and felt like Autumn. I've been wrapped in blankets and have taken to having a hot water bottle around while I work, it's especially nice to keep my feet warm when I'm sat working because slippers just aren't enough, they aren't heated! I was trying to stay strong and leave the heating off until October but I had to give in eventually. It's not like I'm a student any more where we were constantly telling ourselves to put on another jumper. I spent a lot of my student years in bed to stay warm. Now, I just don't like turning the heating on too early as it feels like I'm giving in and once I do it will just be permanently cold weather. I never claimed to be a reasonable person.
I also bought a new phone this week, I'd been debating buying the new iPhone when they announced it since the battery on mine is becoming worse as time goes on but it seemed a bit excessive. Mine was still working I just have to carry a charger round with me if I'm out all day. But then my mom upgraded her contract and got one and the want became too much. I'm a little embarrassed to say I bought a new phone because I sort of wanted one but mostly I was jealous. I may be 30 but I'm still able to be petty and unreasonable. Don't worry, I'd got money saved away for a potential new phone anyway, but I'd been trying to stay strong. It's is very shiny and new, though. I love shiny and new tech and my old one is being sold so at least I'm not one of those people who hoards away a million old phones in their house. I suppose I should be allowed to treat myself to nice things, but I get the guilt like I shouldn't waste money in that way. It's strange, physical possessions I feel bad about buying but if it's a trip then it seems ok. Strange how brains work.
I had a fun night out on Friday, I was only going to the pub and then my friend was like do you want to go into town there's a band on and somehow we ended up out watching a band in a little bar I haven't been to since 2019 and it was awesome. I then woke up the next day a little worse for wear and then started feeling the going out guilt. Restrictions here have been eased in the UK with the government telling us to wear masks where we think it's sensible and social distancing isn't possible. It's such a wet blanket approach to things but I think because vaccine take up has been fairly high they're relying on that to keep hospital covid admissions down. Anyway, since that is our guidance most people are going about their business like we've not been living in a pandemic and I am functioning through the weird middle ground of doing normal things because they're allowed but then feeling guilty any time I do and constantly worrying I'm not wearing a face mask enough but then it's only effective if the person who is sick is wearing a mask. Basically, I don't think my brain is ready for complete normality and anytime I go out and do normal things I'm worrying. It's good for me to get out, though, and lateral flow testing is around for a reason.
I did spend yesterday feeling a little delicate, which is why I didn't do anything I planned to. Now I know I'll be spending my Sunday doing my whole to do list and doing nothing fun. I'm hoping I can start Squid Game this afternoon if I get laundry and cleaning done.
Reading
Look, I'm still in the slump and fanfic blackhole I entered after finishing the Kate Daniels series. I will get back to reading next week (I hope) but I don't know what I want to read. I ended up DNFing the novella collection I was trying to read last week because I'm just not with it. Although, it's not an official DNF I've more placed it to one side to go back to at a later date. I am listening to an audiobook of Bill Bryson's A Short History of Nearly Everything which is quite interesting. I fancies a non-fiction listen while I was working. I've had a hardback copy of that book on my shelf since uni and I am honestly never getting through it, sometimes stuff like that is easier for me to take in if someone else reads it to me. I've a little over halfway through so fingers crossed I finish next week and I can finally remove it from my shelf!
New To Me
Just one new book this week, I finally bought The Love Hypothesis and now I'm worried about starting it. With all of the hype what if I don't like it? I also don't know if I'm in the mood for a contemporary romance, but it's my ultimate romance trope so I know I need to read it. I'll get there, that can potentially be next week's read if I can get back in the book mood. I do normally get tired after a couple of weeks of binge reading fanfic so there's the chance I'll be back then.
What have you been doing this week? Any good book recommendations or songs I should be listening to so I don't just listen to the same 5 albums on repeat?
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