Review: Romantic & Action-Packed Start To a New Series
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 26, 2013
Excuse My Fairy is the first book in a new paranormal series entitled Misbehaving Magics and my first time reading a Kinley Baker book but won't be my last experience with this author in either case.  Excuse My Fairy is the delightful beginning to what promises to be an intriguing series set in the world of the fae and other creatures amidst political and metaphysical intrigue as the banished daughter of the Fairy King becomes the first pawn in a game taking place in a changing world.Dray was always considered a failure by her father for her lack of abilities and banished due the embarrassment this causes him.  Raised with her beliefs she too feels like a failure and sets herself apart from others to keep herself safe.  She's lonely though because she rarely lets others in which leaves her with a less than sparkling personality and few experiences with men.  This leads to an awkward first meeting and rocky beginning with the man Fate has decreed as her mate.  Barrett too has had his share of embarrassment at the hands of a woman and is caught off guard by the instant soul-grabbing attraction he feels toward Dray, even though he's not sure if he likes her.  I love these two together!  They're both strong on their own and don't easily give in to what Fate wants.  Their back and forth banter lets the sexual tension build steadily as they come to appreciate each other more fully.  Their admiration, and a near death experience, ultimately lead them to a fiery sexual encounter that bares each other's souls in a satisfying interlude that feels like a reward after all the trauma they went through.  Their romance isn't the main focus of this book but is nicely intertwined with the bigger issue and is still romantic and swoon-worthy.  The overall pace of the story moves along steadily until the latter part that feels a bit rushed and an ending that feels complete....but not quite.Political intrigue is a big part of this story and the events taking place here set the framework for what promises to be an action-packed read with life or death consequences.  Those seen as week before are gaining power and with a Fairy King becoming more dangerous there's a wave of change just being hinted at here.  Bringing about that change, along with Barrett and Dray, are a few intriguing secondary characters that are introduced under mysterious circumstances and who will take center stage as this series continues.The world created here is one of danger and inequality with moments that feel futuristic with a dash of steampunk.  It was easy to get immersed in the story with its wonderful writing, likable characters, old-fashioned romance, and hint of intriguing.  This is a compelling start to what promises to be an exciting series and I look forward to where Ms. Baker plans to take us readers next.