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Nudging Fate by E.J. Russell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was the cute fairy-tale m/m book that I didn't know I'd been wanting!

This first book in the Enchanted Occasions series is a wonderful start! The world that E.J. Russell builds is, as usual, exquisite. In a world - well worlds - where all the supernatural realms actually exist, and everything from Norse Gods to demons can roam the interstices - the place between worlds - anything can happen, including the somewhat frowned upon procreation with humans. These beings are called Aitchers, neither pure human nor pure blooded, and they tend to be looked down upon. But in a world where blood purity matters Enchanted Occasions Event Planners has made a name for themselves as being able to deliver the best event in any realm - Earth included.

Enter Anders Skuldsson, a half-Norn, who also happens to be male. The Norn are female, everyone knows that! Not so, poor Anders, or Andy as he prefers to be called, is the only half-norn male in existence and he's under strict orders from Odin himself not to meddle with Fate. Period. He also happens to have been specifically requested by the Queen of Faerie herself to oversee the mating competition of the one true prince of Faerie, and her only son - Prince Reyner. It's like an r-rated supernatural Bachelor competition where everything from dates to bedding can happen. The Prince has beings from across the worlds coming to compete for his hand in marriage and it's up to Andy to make sure things run smoothly.

Except catastrophe strikes thanks to a conniving elf and Andy is forced to play one of the suitors until the catastrophe has been averted. And then he meets Reyner and the prince is nothing like what his press and reputation make him out to be. And Andy finds himself falling for his client. Bad bad bad!

Conall of Odstone's is Prince Reyner's half brother and he has once again been suckered into impersonating his brother while Reyner enjoys his last few days of sweet freedom before his mother has him shackled - both magically and through marriage - to a mate he doesn't want. Not the first time he's played stand in for his half brother but this time... well he didn't expect to fall for one of the competitor's for his brother's hand.

This story has all the elements of A Midsummer Night's Dream and has humour, wit, and romance to boot. Thoroughly enjoyable and I'm off to read the 2nd book in the series!


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