An Embrace to Hearten Me

The Magi Accounts 3.5 (The Magi Accounts Companion Stories)

By: Michele Notaro

Narrated by: Zachary Zaba

I can’t seem to choose between the two shifters who mean the world to me… but what if I can have them both?

Trying to navigate my feelings has never been easy. Growing up, I had to keep my emotions locked down and hidden from the world or suffer the consequences. But now, well, now I’ve had a taste of freedom, and with it, my heart has been running wild.

Between trying to find witches—members of the Red Cloth—at work and sifting through my overwhelming emotions, I’m a mess. And two certain shifters seem happy to help sort me out, which is great, but it’s making all these feelings hit me at once.

How in the world can I tell River and Kulani that I… that I like them? Both of them. At the same time. This is going to end in disaster with one, two, or three hearts broken. But what if it doesn’t? What if there’s a way for all three of us to get what we want?

An Embrace To Hearten Me is a MMX (male/male/nonbinary) urban fantasy romance companion novel meant to be listened to AFTER A Purpose That Restores Us (The Magi Accounts 3). This is Jude, Kulani, and River’s story and takes place between books 3 and 4 of the main series. It’s meant to be listened to as part of the series, not by itself, although the love story is resolved in this book.

©2023 Michele Notaro (P)2025 Michele Notaro

Love Jude, Kulani, and River

I just love these characters! Jude’s story is everything that I could hope for. Kulani, River, and Jude are perfect for each other. The three take some time figuring out that they will work as a trio, but they are so beautiful once they get there.
The story begins with some history about Kulani and River and what made them who they are. We already know about Jude’s past, but we need to learn about the other two’s backstories. Going as far back as before they came to the pride, it was fascinating to discover what they’ve been through (and what they still struggle with). There are new problems and situations that come up, and the three learn to lean on each other to get through everything.
I would love to just live in this world! With every new book in this series, Ms. Notaro cements herself as one of my favorite authors.
Zachary Zaba is a great narrator. He really gives the story life and pulls you into the world you are reading about. He changes his voice when the different characters are speaking, and he does well conveying emotions with his tone as well.
I highly recommend this book and this series.

so so good

An Embrace To Hearten Me is book 3.5 of the The Magi Accounts and is part of The Magi Accounts Companion Stories. This series is best read in order because it contains an ongoing story ARC. We finally get Jude's story which I have been waiting for. I love that we have a throuple here with Jude, Kulani, and River. It took a while for the three to figure things out but that just made the emotional buildup better. If you get the audio narration, Zachary Zaba does a wonderful job of narrating this series. He makes the change in characters seamlessly. I can't wait to listen to the next book. I would definitely recommend this book and series.

Jude's story

Story: Be patient. There is a lot of back stories for each of these three guys. And as a result, you have a bit of a slow burn. I was expecting to jump into their relationship but there is a build up to it. But they are each in their own amazing and will continue to be quite the triad. I look forward to seeing them progress back in the main story as well. While their relationship was building, we still progress the Red Cloth storyline. All in all, it was so great to get more from Jude. He's such a sweetheart.

Audio: I'm so glad Michele Notaro is now working with Zachary Zaba. He does a fabulous job at bringing these characters to live. And for a series I absolutely adore, I will most definitely listen to his wonderful voice again and again in the future.

a long time coming!

This story is one I have been looking forward to ever since the first hint. It is finally time for Jude, Kulani and River to fall in love! This story is wonderful but as it’s numbered as 3.5 and considered more of a companion story, it does not move the main plot forward too much, the main focus of the story being the romance. This is a slow burn romance between 3 wonderful characters who all unfortunately have a pretty tragic backstory so the slowburn makes a lot of sense. There is so much sweetness and heart as they make the slow jump from best friends to lovers. The epilogue was absolute perfection! The side plot was moving and heartbreaking and I had tears in my eyes. If you’ve been following this series, you will not be disappointed to see Jude, Kulani and River finally get their HEA!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this audiobook.

Wonderful

This is a great series and I’m so glad Jude got his own story. The narration was very well done.