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The Royal Street Witch
Aster Wildes is the last true witch of New Orleans. Behind the walls of a French Quarter speakeasy, Aster sells magic potions to a family of vampires. It’s not a glamorous job and barely pays her mortgage, but Aster knows what her coven expects of her… Create elixirs that allow vampires to survive, don’t fraternize with said vampires, and never, ever conduct business on the side. Despising vampires makes these rules easy to follow until Bastian Delacroix reappears. And after years of being absent, does he really have to smile at Aster the way he does? Doesn’t he know he’s supposed to act like the other vampires—exude doom and gloom rather than rakish charm? With the nerve to propose a secret deal, Bastian requests that Aster concoct a potion that allows vampires to walk in the sun, and in return, she’ll be handsomely rewarded for her crime. Although Aster knows better than to trust vampires, she finds herself giving in to the allure of financial freedom . . . and to him. The two embark on an illicit journey, allowing Aster to see a new side of Bastian, one that’s charismatic and tender. When business inevitably mixes with pleasure, they find themselves carried away by a romance as forbidden as the potion they’ve created. But there are stakes in the bayou where witches have burned for treason, and when Aster is in danger of being exposed, she knows she will have to make a choice—Bastian or the coven her blood is tied to.
It’s a predicament no amount of magic can solve.
It’s a predicament no amount of magic can solve.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 28, 2023
285 people are currently reading
2263 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
October 24, 2023
*Note: this book does end on a cliffhanger*
This book had such a strong start - and I do think you will probably like it if you like vampire/witchy stories. The items I took most issue with were just personal deal breakers for me, and I was a serious non-fan of the MMC. For example - I got the strong impression that the MMC was a manipulator and also very immature. I've discussed this more in the spoiler section below. My biggest criticism of the book over-all - is that there were many elements introduced that just needed to be flushed out better. I feel like a little more depth in the world-building or a little more clarity on the magic and it's rules and limitations would have been awesome. Unfortunately, I'm not going to continue on with the series because of the MMC - I just don't jive with him and if I can't love him, it's hard to care about the story.
I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone personally. If you want a great witchy vampire book and haven't read Discovery of Witches yet - highly recommend that one instead.
This book had such a strong start - and I do think you will probably like it if you like vampire/witchy stories. The items I took most issue with were just personal deal breakers for me, and I was a serious non-fan of the MMC. For example - I got the strong impression that the MMC was a manipulator and also very immature. I've discussed this more in the spoiler section below. My biggest criticism of the book over-all - is that there were many elements introduced that just needed to be flushed out better. I feel like a little more depth in the world-building or a little more clarity on the magic and it's rules and limitations would have been awesome. Unfortunately, I'm not going to continue on with the series because of the MMC - I just don't jive with him and if I can't love him, it's hard to care about the story.
I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone personally. If you want a great witchy vampire book and haven't read Discovery of Witches yet - highly recommend that one instead.
October 25, 2023
There’s a vampire speakeasy, it’s set in New Orleans on Bourbon street, and there’s a forbidden romance between a witch and a vampire. How could you not want to read this?
If you were a fan of the TV show “The Originals,” I think you’d love this too because it gave me the same vibe.
The story takes place in a world where vampires and witches HATE each other. They have laws against fraternizing with each other - and if they’re broken, their own people would kill them.
However, they also need each other to stay hidden in plain sight from humans, so they have a business arrangement. Witches create potions that allow vampires to feed from humans and then heal immediately so there isn’t a massive body count in the city. In exchange vampires pay witches substantially which is used to support the coven.
In this story our witch FMC is secretly hired by a vampire to create an illegal potion - one that will allow him to walk in the daylight without dying. In the process of making this illegal potion and committing treason by secretly working together, they fall in love and have a forbidden romance - breaking ANOTHER law amongst the supernatural community.
We follow them attempting to make this potion, falling more in love, dealing with supernatural politics, and trying to keep it all a secret.
I will warn you, this book ends on an unhappy, cliffhanger ending. Book 2 is supposed to come out in March of 2024. It does leave you with hope for the characters though.
I absolutely ate it up and read it super fast because it was so fun and entertaining, especially during spooky season.
This story isn’t dark in my opinion, but it’s not light and fluffy either.
As far as the spice, I’d say it’s a 3/5🌶️ It’s not super fancy as far as the spicy scenes, but there were several of those scenes and it compliments the story well.
I’d recommend this book to everyone. I absolutely loved it!
Trigger warnings for death, grief, and addiction.
If you were a fan of the TV show “The Originals,” I think you’d love this too because it gave me the same vibe.
The story takes place in a world where vampires and witches HATE each other. They have laws against fraternizing with each other - and if they’re broken, their own people would kill them.
However, they also need each other to stay hidden in plain sight from humans, so they have a business arrangement. Witches create potions that allow vampires to feed from humans and then heal immediately so there isn’t a massive body count in the city. In exchange vampires pay witches substantially which is used to support the coven.
In this story our witch FMC is secretly hired by a vampire to create an illegal potion - one that will allow him to walk in the daylight without dying. In the process of making this illegal potion and committing treason by secretly working together, they fall in love and have a forbidden romance - breaking ANOTHER law amongst the supernatural community.
We follow them attempting to make this potion, falling more in love, dealing with supernatural politics, and trying to keep it all a secret.
I will warn you, this book ends on an unhappy, cliffhanger ending. Book 2 is supposed to come out in March of 2024. It does leave you with hope for the characters though.
I absolutely ate it up and read it super fast because it was so fun and entertaining, especially during spooky season.
This story isn’t dark in my opinion, but it’s not light and fluffy either.
As far as the spice, I’d say it’s a 3/5🌶️ It’s not super fancy as far as the spicy scenes, but there were several of those scenes and it compliments the story well.
I’d recommend this book to everyone. I absolutely loved it!
Trigger warnings for death, grief, and addiction.
September 25, 2023
⭐️: 5 of 5
🌶️: 3.5 of 5
📚: 333 pages
Read it if you like:
✔️ Romantasy with slow burn
✔️ Enemies to lovers
✔️ Wicthes and vampires
✔️ Powerful FMC
✔️ Secret society
✔️ Forced proximity
🖤 I'm wholeheartedly attached to this story! Aster (FMC) is literary the witch boss b!tch of New Orleans (yep, this book it set to today's times) but struggling financially and to meet her coven's expectations. And she gets surprised when seeing that Bastian (MMC), the bada$$ vampire that used to hang out with her, is back in town after 15 years gone. He makes a business proposal to her: she would create a potion that allows vampires to walk in the sun in exchange for money, that she needs desperately so yes, she accepts it and so this beautiful journey begins.
This story is so addicting, a real page turner! I could not put it down and read it in two days. Jenna does such an amazing job, this story is magical and it ignited something in me (maybe because I'm a witch at my heart, maybe because Aster is so amazing, maybe because these two are everything. that they cannot be). I'm absolutely enchanted and in love with this book and in desperate need of the sequel!
Thank you again Jenna for sending me the e copy of your book 🖤
🌶️: 3.5 of 5
📚: 333 pages
Read it if you like:
✔️ Romantasy with slow burn
✔️ Enemies to lovers
✔️ Wicthes and vampires
✔️ Powerful FMC
✔️ Secret society
✔️ Forced proximity
🖤 I'm wholeheartedly attached to this story! Aster (FMC) is literary the witch boss b!tch of New Orleans (yep, this book it set to today's times) but struggling financially and to meet her coven's expectations. And she gets surprised when seeing that Bastian (MMC), the bada$$ vampire that used to hang out with her, is back in town after 15 years gone. He makes a business proposal to her: she would create a potion that allows vampires to walk in the sun in exchange for money, that she needs desperately so yes, she accepts it and so this beautiful journey begins.
This story is so addicting, a real page turner! I could not put it down and read it in two days. Jenna does such an amazing job, this story is magical and it ignited something in me (maybe because I'm a witch at my heart, maybe because Aster is so amazing, maybe because these two are everything. that they cannot be). I'm absolutely enchanted and in love with this book and in desperate need of the sequel!
Thank you again Jenna for sending me the e copy of your book 🖤
June 2, 2024
This book had so much potential. A golden retriever/black cat relationship with the vampire being the golden retriever was something super different that I really appreciated. However, it ended up falling kind of flat for me.
I got the ick whenever Bastian had last seen Aster when she was like 10 and was basically like “you’re not a little girl anymore 😏” like yuck! The author could’ve done something different there. Also his brother being like “I crave young blood but I can resist it” double yuck.
I also had the hardest time wrapping my brain around how this entire book took place over like one single month and they were so disgustingly in love after like only two weeks?! Which seemed kind of nuts. Then she walks in on him sexually feeding on the inside of some beautiful woman’s thigh and is like “it’s fine bc he’s sick and needs blood <3” absolutely not 😭 gave me the ick.
I will probably still read the second book since the cliff hanger was absolutely unhinged.
I got the ick whenever Bastian had last seen Aster when she was like 10 and was basically like “you’re not a little girl anymore 😏” like yuck! The author could’ve done something different there. Also his brother being like “I crave young blood but I can resist it” double yuck.
I also had the hardest time wrapping my brain around how this entire book took place over like one single month and they were so disgustingly in love after like only two weeks?! Which seemed kind of nuts. Then she walks in on him sexually feeding on the inside of some beautiful woman’s thigh and is like “it’s fine bc he’s sick and needs blood <3” absolutely not 😭 gave me the ick.
I will probably still read the second book since the cliff hanger was absolutely unhinged.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️
this book screams the originals. the magic of new orleans, witches & vampires in a truce. our main fmc is a powerful witch & the last of her bloodline, forced to take care of her coven until she spawns her own child. our mmc just wants to save his brother from his internal depression, this is where they meet & collide. lots of magic, speakeasy’s, but set in modern times.
at times it felt abit slow or a lack of chemistry, but i feel myself entering a book slump so it’s probably just me 😅 other than that it was a great story and i found myself loving the whole thing!
tropes:
🩸slow burn
🩸Enemies to lovers
🩸Witches
🩸vampires
🩸Forced proximity
🩸powerful fmc
thanks jenna for giving me this ebook in exchange for an honest review!
🌶️🌶️
this book screams the originals. the magic of new orleans, witches & vampires in a truce. our main fmc is a powerful witch & the last of her bloodline, forced to take care of her coven until she spawns her own child. our mmc just wants to save his brother from his internal depression, this is where they meet & collide. lots of magic, speakeasy’s, but set in modern times.
at times it felt abit slow or a lack of chemistry, but i feel myself entering a book slump so it’s probably just me 😅 other than that it was a great story and i found myself loving the whole thing!
tropes:
🩸slow burn
🩸Enemies to lovers
🩸Witches
🩸vampires
🩸Forced proximity
🩸powerful fmc
thanks jenna for giving me this ebook in exchange for an honest review!
November 4, 2023
This was fun and campy and made me excited to go to New Orleans
July 24, 2024
This book gets very bland very quickly, and whoever says this is a slow burn romance with a fast-paced plot is a dirty liar! It's not bad, it's just pretty boring, and all characters have the tendency to just not use their brains. It's also very predictable, and I anticipate that the one real surprise in this book will be undone in an infuriatingly nonsensical way in the sequel. Cassius is the only character making sense, and I just wish the main characters would acknowledge that at least once. Also I skipped a lot of pages, so I cannot really be sure about this one, but it feels like Cassius' 'surprise' reveal at the end (we all saw it coming, right?) doesn't really work. But that might be on me for not paying attention to the relationship timeline. The cover is great tho!
April 8, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
This book had so much potential. Magical setting of New Orleans. Forbidden love of a witch and vampire? Making potions and a cute cat? The vampire hierarchy reminded me of true blood. I was so unbelievably intrigued!
However execution wasn’t there.
Unbelievably repetitive. The romance was talked about but not shown. The spice was just bad.
And that ending?!
This book is giving the all souls trilogy but without any of the finesse.
Prob won’t read the second
This book had so much potential. Magical setting of New Orleans. Forbidden love of a witch and vampire? Making potions and a cute cat? The vampire hierarchy reminded me of true blood. I was so unbelievably intrigued!
However execution wasn’t there.
Unbelievably repetitive. The romance was talked about but not shown. The spice was just bad.
And that ending?!
This book is giving the all souls trilogy but without any of the finesse.
Prob won’t read the second
April 9, 2024
Forbidden Love between a Vampire & Witch, what could go wrong?!
This was such a fast, easy and enjoyable read and if you love vampires & witches- think The Originals TV series. It is labeled as an Enemies to Lovers, but I definitely got more the Grumpy x Sunshine & Forbidden Love vibe.
We have a strong FMC, Aster, who's a Witch - a Wildes Desendent Witch no less - & we have a Vampire MMC, Bastian, who's a family first type of guy set in NOLA.
Disclaimer: it ends with HALF a HEA & a small cliffhanger... Book #2 isn't out yet and I cannot wait!
This was such a fast, easy and enjoyable read and if you love vampires & witches- think The Originals TV series. It is labeled as an Enemies to Lovers, but I definitely got more the Grumpy x Sunshine & Forbidden Love vibe.
We have a strong FMC, Aster, who's a Witch - a Wildes Desendent Witch no less - & we have a Vampire MMC, Bastian, who's a family first type of guy set in NOLA.
Disclaimer: it ends with HALF a HEA & a small cliffhanger... Book #2 isn't out yet and I cannot wait!
March 26, 2025
i didn’t know whether to love this book or hate this book.
yes, it was repetitive and yes, all of the problems throughout were resolved far too easily and yes, it was cringe… but did i kinda love it? yep, yep i did.
i have no regrets and i will be reading the sequel!
yes, it was repetitive and yes, all of the problems throughout were resolved far too easily and yes, it was cringe… but did i kinda love it? yep, yep i did.
i have no regrets and i will be reading the sequel!
August 4, 2023
When I read the synopsis on this, I just knew I was going to enjoy reading it!
Now that I've finished it, I am happy to say that this is a book I will be recommending to every one of my book friends!
This book has forbidden love, a secret deal, an amazing magic system, and a few twists at the end that left me happy, so sad that I was sobbing, and also excited for the next book!
Now that I've finished it, I am happy to say that this is a book I will be recommending to every one of my book friends!
This book has forbidden love, a secret deal, an amazing magic system, and a few twists at the end that left me happy, so sad that I was sobbing, and also excited for the next book!
October 31, 2023
This adult Paranormal Fantasy Romance between a witch and a vampire is one of my favorite reads of the year. 🦇
Set in New Orleans, this hauntingly atmospheric read is filled with secret societies, secret deals, magic, and a forbidden 'he falls first' enemies-to-lovers romance.
I really loved Aster (witch) and Bastian's (vampire) story. The characters were so well done, and it was fun to watch their personalities and love story unfold. This was bingable and well-written with so much more to explore in the next book(s). I am so excited for whatever else Jenna publishes and will be anxiously awaiting book two since book one ended on a cliffy.
Tysm for letting me be an ARC reader!
Set in New Orleans, this hauntingly atmospheric read is filled with secret societies, secret deals, magic, and a forbidden 'he falls first' enemies-to-lovers romance.
I really loved Aster (witch) and Bastian's (vampire) story. The characters were so well done, and it was fun to watch their personalities and love story unfold. This was bingable and well-written with so much more to explore in the next book(s). I am so excited for whatever else Jenna publishes and will be anxiously awaiting book two since book one ended on a cliffy.
Tysm for letting me be an ARC reader!
August 31, 2023
Not sure how to feel about this book. Aster is… ok? Nothing irritating but nothing outstanding as well. Bastian is… too much? Super perfect and unrealistic for any male character, more so for a vampire. I mean, overall the journey was nice but I kept anticipating something bad is going to happened any moment and then it happened, I couldn’t believe it. The ending… went to the weird territory for me. Not sure who to recommend it, read at your own risk.
May 17, 2024
DNF @ 28%
This was so poorly written it was actually difficult to read? It felt so juvenile.
This was so poorly written it was actually difficult to read? It felt so juvenile.
October 29, 2023
2.5⭐️
Tengo sentimientos encontrados, así que no sé si en unos meses mi opinión cambie pero por ahora, esto es lo que siento:
Por un lado, la premisa me atrapó desde el inicio, y para ser honesta, hasta el 65% del libro estaba segura que sería un 4. Pero luego, al final del segundo acto y definitivamente todo el tercer acto sentí todo muy desordenado y me dije ”Oh no”
Quiero decir, es de esperarse que en el tercer acto todo se rápido, llegues al climax de la historia y todo sea acelerado, pero para mi fue un desenlace muy apresurado. Y cuando llegamos al epílogo, en lo único que pude pensar fue “Hice toro este llanto por nada”. (Si, estoy citando a Nikki Minaj). En otras palabras, lloré con el final, solo para después quedarme indignada y decir “Pa’ eso?”
Aster y Bastian me parecieron adorables, y no dejaba de sonreír como estúpida con cada cosa linda que se decían, con cada interacción, con cada todo. Pero no voy a negar que hay un par de redflags en esa relación. Bueno, no eran perfectos, pero eran lindos, y aprendí a quererlos mucho en esta historia. Es por eso que estoy indignada.
Y oigan, soy fan de vampiros, brujas y nueva Orleans, y la autora supo plasmar NOLA hasta cierto punto, pero no siento que la ambientación compense el hecho que había mucho potencial sin aprovechar para la historia.
Bueno en conclusión:
Soy irracional y estoy alterada
Pero hablando enserio, siento que tuvo mucho potencial pero no fue para mí.
¿Lo recomiendo como una lectura para pasar el rato? Diría que si. Tiene factores rescatables. Solo porque no fue para mi, no significa que mi palabra sea ley.
Tengo entendido que es el debut de Jenna, y aunque hay cosas que pulir, no me negaría la oportunidad de leer otro de sus libros, veo potencial. Y si se le ocurre una continuación para este libro, lo recibiré con los brazos abiertos, porque los personajes necesitan desesperadamente justicia.
Trigger Warnings: Luto, mommy issues, problemas de abandono, sangre, muerte, adicción, final abierto/ambiguo/cliffhanger (?
Tengo sentimientos encontrados, así que no sé si en unos meses mi opinión cambie pero por ahora, esto es lo que siento:
Por un lado, la premisa me atrapó desde el inicio, y para ser honesta, hasta el 65% del libro estaba segura que sería un 4. Pero luego, al final del segundo acto y definitivamente todo el tercer acto sentí todo muy desordenado y me dije ”Oh no”
Quiero decir, es de esperarse que en el tercer acto todo se rápido, llegues al climax de la historia y todo sea acelerado, pero para mi fue un desenlace muy apresurado. Y cuando llegamos al epílogo, en lo único que pude pensar fue “Hice toro este llanto por nada”. (Si, estoy citando a Nikki Minaj). En otras palabras, lloré con el final, solo para después quedarme indignada y decir “Pa’ eso?”
Aster y Bastian me parecieron adorables, y no dejaba de sonreír como estúpida con cada cosa linda que se decían, con cada interacción, con cada todo. Pero no voy a negar que hay un par de redflags en esa relación. Bueno, no eran perfectos, pero eran lindos, y aprendí a quererlos mucho en esta historia. Es por eso que estoy indignada.
Y oigan, soy fan de vampiros, brujas y nueva Orleans, y la autora supo plasmar NOLA hasta cierto punto, pero no siento que la ambientación compense el hecho que había mucho potencial sin aprovechar para la historia.
Bueno en conclusión:
Pero hablando enserio, siento que tuvo mucho potencial pero no fue para mí.
¿Lo recomiendo como una lectura para pasar el rato? Diría que si. Tiene factores rescatables. Solo porque no fue para mi, no significa que mi palabra sea ley.
Tengo entendido que es el debut de Jenna, y aunque hay cosas que pulir, no me negaría la oportunidad de leer otro de sus libros, veo potencial. Y si se le ocurre una continuación para este libro, lo recibiré con los brazos abiertos, porque los personajes necesitan desesperadamente justicia.
Trigger Warnings: Luto, mommy issues, problemas de abandono, sangre, muerte, adicción, final abierto/ambiguo/cliffhanger (?
January 6, 2024
This was the last book I picked up in 2023, but since I finished it on January 1st, it officially counts as my first read of 2024! I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better read to start the new year with because it was just so enjoyable.
I was immediately drawn to Aster’s character. Her burden of being the last full witch of New Orleans and the dangerous business of having to create potions for vampires (even when they are natural enemies) just made me want to follow her life. She's a relatable character just trying to figure out how to keep her family’s legacy afloat. Money is tight, bills are piling up, and in comes this sunshine vampire who is asking for an impossible potion in return for the economical stability she desperately needs.
So what happens when a grumpy witch teams up with a sunshine vampire to make a forbidden potion that will allow vampires to walk under the sun? Definitely catastrophic consequences, particularly when they also fall in love.
With great characters, paranormal creatures, and a dazzling setting—The Royal Street Witch is the kind of enemies to lovers/forbidden romance book I love (heartbreak and all). I am very much looking forward to book 2 because I do need to know what happens next!
**Huge thanks to the author & MTMC Tours for the review copy!**
I was immediately drawn to Aster’s character. Her burden of being the last full witch of New Orleans and the dangerous business of having to create potions for vampires (even when they are natural enemies) just made me want to follow her life. She's a relatable character just trying to figure out how to keep her family’s legacy afloat. Money is tight, bills are piling up, and in comes this sunshine vampire who is asking for an impossible potion in return for the economical stability she desperately needs.
So what happens when a grumpy witch teams up with a sunshine vampire to make a forbidden potion that will allow vampires to walk under the sun? Definitely catastrophic consequences, particularly when they also fall in love.
With great characters, paranormal creatures, and a dazzling setting—The Royal Street Witch is the kind of enemies to lovers/forbidden romance book I love (heartbreak and all). I am very much looking forward to book 2 because I do need to know what happens next!
**Huge thanks to the author & MTMC Tours for the review copy!**
April 26, 2025
Fast-paced witch meets vampire story line that uses New Orleans as a fantastic backdrop to this story. I loved the vibes that this story brings -- this The Originals meets The Magicians. The story ends with one hell of a cliffhanger and I am already racing to see what happens in the next book.
September 24, 2023
Amazing debut novel!
January 14, 2025
15/10 - Adored this book!
March 4, 2025
Absolutely loved this one! Was not expecting the ending, and the cliffhanger!! 😱
June 9, 2025
I feel bad for all the people who will no doubt get duped by the 5 star reviews only to be irritated and disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2024
The plot line and ideas were so good but sadly poorly executed:( Will not be reading the next one in the series.
October 31, 2023
This amazing, unique, and fascinating story is a debut book by Jenna Walker.
I can't believe it's her first book 😳
The story is so damn complex and gripping, I was enchanted by the story from the first page.
I loved this book from the beginning ❤️
The book is an enemies-to-lovers romance that brought out all kinds of intense emotions in me.
It's a nerve-wracking, gripping, action-packed story about a beautiful forbidden love between a witch and a vampire.
Yes, it even made me cry 😭
It's a wonderful suspense-packed dramatic romance that is a must-read for all romance lovers.
There is so much drama, so many raw feelings 😭
I can't wait to read the next book by this author. It'll probably be the prequel to this book because damn the ending was an exciting and thrilling promising cliffhanger 😳
I can't believe it's her first book 😳
The story is so damn complex and gripping, I was enchanted by the story from the first page.
I loved this book from the beginning ❤️
The book is an enemies-to-lovers romance that brought out all kinds of intense emotions in me.
It's a nerve-wracking, gripping, action-packed story about a beautiful forbidden love between a witch and a vampire.
Yes, it even made me cry 😭
It's a wonderful suspense-packed dramatic romance that is a must-read for all romance lovers.
There is so much drama, so many raw feelings 😭
I can't wait to read the next book by this author. It'll probably be the prequel to this book because damn the ending was an exciting and thrilling promising cliffhanger 😳
August 29, 2023
I thought I was safe, everything was good and everyone was happy… this book has given more trust issues than I already have 😂😂 I am trying so hard not to cry right now, literally devastated. I saw myself a lot in Aster and all the hesitation she had towards Bastian. While I guessed part of the ending, I did not expect the actual ending. I am in a bittersweet state and I need more. Bastian and Aster’s banter and tension had me in my feels. Seeing him break down her walls and giving her what never got was beautiful. I am devastated at where I am at now and I need more, that cliffhanger has me reeling and needing the next book like yesterday.
September 1, 2023
What a hauntingly beautiful story. …I eat this book up from the beginning. After finishing it I wanted to read more about Aster 💜 I fell in love with her character … I would highly recommend this wonderful book 📕🥰
October 28, 2023
I’m stuck between 2 and 3 stars. The beginning had me intrigued but as the book went on things were happening that just didn’t make sense. The relationships between Aster and her coven were so poorly built but they all banned together to kill Franklin? The math ain’t mathin
March 24, 2024
Could not get into this- the romance was so fast and for something that was forbidden they were taking a ton of risks.
Also - if you need a happy ending in a book apparently this doesn’t have it and there is a cliffhanger.
Not my cup of tea
Also - if you need a happy ending in a book apparently this doesn’t have it and there is a cliffhanger.
Not my cup of tea
July 6, 2024
WTF was this
June 26, 2025
My overview:
- Is it a fun story?
Yes. I loved this book so much! It’s one of those books where you feel immersed in the world. You aren’t just “watching the movie in your head”, you are there with the characters and smell, see, feel what they do in such a delightful way. I loved the characters, their magic and backstories, their hopeful futures - everything about this book.
- Is it a good book?
Yes - it has good pacing, a vivid setting, knows when to show and when to tell, has well-developed main characters and a world that is explored throughout the book (not front loaded, drowning in info).
- Did it make me cry?
Yes, both happy and sad tears
- Did it make me laugh out loud?
Yes, multiple times
- Were there editing issues?
No, it was very well written
- Did I get sucked in, 5 senses-style?
Absolutely. I feel like I share lived memories with the characters and that is the BEST reading experience.
- Did I want to put it down at any time?
Yes - at the HBIC/HWIC moment, when Chantal was twerking on the counter, AND near the end when Bastian dies because I felt betrayed and pissed. HOWEVER, I think the second book could be a huge come-back in a way that is authentic for this book and its characters, so I am still very bought in to this series.
-Did I like the ending as a stand-alone?
No. The last page is like the end of a heist movie where the main character says something badass and it cuts to black. As a stand-alone, I say no BUT as a set up for book 2? ABSOLUTELY. I have book 2 at the top of my “to buy” list. Literally spot #1
-Did I have to talk to someone about this book while reading it?
Yes, my best friends got plot updates as they happened.
-Would I recommend it to other readers?
YES, PLEASE READ THIS IF YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF A SLUMP
My very picky and subjective dislikes:
- When one of the vampires calls her the HBIC and she corrects him by saying head witch in charge (HWIC is said twice) it took me out of the world and turned me into a reader again
- Everyone is winking at each other a lot over cheeky things, which might be a southern thing (where I live, winking is mostly creepy or non-existent so I was hyper-aware about every wink and there are a lot)
- There is some use of modern language, which feels appropriate since this is a modern book. BUT I do love timelessness (like if the author says long dress instead of maxi-dress, then your brain can fill in the dress no matter when in time you are reading with some trendy long dress - the character never goes out of fashion). Some examples of modern references from the book: Funkos, twerking, “it’s a jam” (referring to a song), maxi-dress, etc.
-“I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding” makes one appearance and it did make me laugh and pulled me out of the story momentarily
- I wish she didn’t want a baby the whole book since she started that way. The old “but what if you meet the right man and change your mind” train of thought didn’t sit right with me. BUT I understand in the context of the story itself it makes sense why she would need one. I do wish she decided to remain childfree and there was another way to carry on the Wildes lineage.
- I wish Bastian didn’t know her at all as a kid, as it raised my defenses a bit and took me out of the story for a moment to make sure there was no creepy vampire grooming happening (there isn’t). If there was, it would have been an immediate DNF for me, and so I was anxiously reading hoping that line was never crossed. I am relived it wasn’t at all, but it felt unnecessarily stressful as a reader the few times it came up.
OVERALL- loved it, recommend it, looking forward to the next book!
- Is it a fun story?
Yes. I loved this book so much! It’s one of those books where you feel immersed in the world. You aren’t just “watching the movie in your head”, you are there with the characters and smell, see, feel what they do in such a delightful way. I loved the characters, their magic and backstories, their hopeful futures - everything about this book.
- Is it a good book?
Yes - it has good pacing, a vivid setting, knows when to show and when to tell, has well-developed main characters and a world that is explored throughout the book (not front loaded, drowning in info).
- Did it make me cry?
Yes, both happy and sad tears
- Did it make me laugh out loud?
Yes, multiple times
- Were there editing issues?
No, it was very well written
- Did I get sucked in, 5 senses-style?
Absolutely. I feel like I share lived memories with the characters and that is the BEST reading experience.
- Did I want to put it down at any time?
Yes - at the HBIC/HWIC moment, when Chantal was twerking on the counter, AND near the end when Bastian dies because I felt betrayed and pissed. HOWEVER, I think the second book could be a huge come-back in a way that is authentic for this book and its characters, so I am still very bought in to this series.
-Did I like the ending as a stand-alone?
No. The last page is like the end of a heist movie where the main character says something badass and it cuts to black. As a stand-alone, I say no BUT as a set up for book 2? ABSOLUTELY. I have book 2 at the top of my “to buy” list. Literally spot #1
-Did I have to talk to someone about this book while reading it?
Yes, my best friends got plot updates as they happened.
-Would I recommend it to other readers?
YES, PLEASE READ THIS IF YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF A SLUMP
My very picky and subjective dislikes:
- When one of the vampires calls her the HBIC and she corrects him by saying head witch in charge (HWIC is said twice) it took me out of the world and turned me into a reader again
- Everyone is winking at each other a lot over cheeky things, which might be a southern thing (where I live, winking is mostly creepy or non-existent so I was hyper-aware about every wink and there are a lot)
- There is some use of modern language, which feels appropriate since this is a modern book. BUT I do love timelessness (like if the author says long dress instead of maxi-dress, then your brain can fill in the dress no matter when in time you are reading with some trendy long dress - the character never goes out of fashion). Some examples of modern references from the book: Funkos, twerking, “it’s a jam” (referring to a song), maxi-dress, etc.
-“I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding” makes one appearance and it did make me laugh and pulled me out of the story momentarily
- I wish she didn’t want a baby the whole book since she started that way. The old “but what if you meet the right man and change your mind” train of thought didn’t sit right with me. BUT I understand in the context of the story itself it makes sense why she would need one. I do wish she decided to remain childfree and there was another way to carry on the Wildes lineage.
- I wish Bastian didn’t know her at all as a kid, as it raised my defenses a bit and took me out of the story for a moment to make sure there was no creepy vampire grooming happening (there isn’t). If there was, it would have been an immediate DNF for me, and so I was anxiously reading hoping that line was never crossed. I am relived it wasn’t at all, but it felt unnecessarily stressful as a reader the few times it came up.
OVERALL- loved it, recommend it, looking forward to the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2024
4/5 ⭐ 2/5 🌶️
This was a hard book to rate, and ultimately it's a vibes rating... And I don't want to give spoilers but I think I'll have to, and will warn you in advance for it. Overall, I was having a really enjoyable time with this book! The plot was engaging and you get caught up in a forbidden whirlwind romance with a powerful witch and a sunshine vampire. The setting in New Orleans was steeped in magic and I loved it!
A little detail that was fun for me, personally, is that there was a scene in the Santa Cruz Beach boardwalk because I grew up going there! As soon as the description of the rollercoaster was mentioned I immediately knew what it was before we were told 🤭.
The love story in this was made for me. The fierceness and almost insta love was filled with emotion. And knowing it was forbidden, and doomed, and she was trying so hard to keep herself from falling because she knew it would end badly, kept me hooked! I also enjoyed the twist that witches blood was poison to vampires and so he could not feed from her. However... I also felt like that took away from them connecting fully, especially when he preferred attractive women to feed from (that was unnecessary). SPOILER- when he was so sick and needed to feed, the scene when she walks in on him seductively feeding from a woman's inner thigh was hard to process. And I get why she was ultimately okay with it, but also no! It felt way too close to the line for me 🫣
There were things that missed for me, but overall, I think it was just a good time and a strong love story!
*SPOILERS FOR THE END!!!! 👇*
I am still reeling from that ending!!! But why does he have to die?!?!?!? Yes, the MMC dies. But it felt so unnecessary... the 3rd act conflict was resolved, they were getting their HEA, and then we get blindsided! There was also a plot twist of her finding out she is pregnant after he dies (vampire's can't reproduce but something happens) which I saw coming a mile away. And it is set up for her to do a forbidden necromancy spell to bring him back to life in the next book.
This was a hard book to rate, and ultimately it's a vibes rating... And I don't want to give spoilers but I think I'll have to, and will warn you in advance for it. Overall, I was having a really enjoyable time with this book! The plot was engaging and you get caught up in a forbidden whirlwind romance with a powerful witch and a sunshine vampire. The setting in New Orleans was steeped in magic and I loved it!
A little detail that was fun for me, personally, is that there was a scene in the Santa Cruz Beach boardwalk because I grew up going there! As soon as the description of the rollercoaster was mentioned I immediately knew what it was before we were told 🤭.
The love story in this was made for me. The fierceness and almost insta love was filled with emotion. And knowing it was forbidden, and doomed, and she was trying so hard to keep herself from falling because she knew it would end badly, kept me hooked! I also enjoyed the twist that witches blood was poison to vampires and so he could not feed from her. However... I also felt like that took away from them connecting fully, especially when he preferred attractive women to feed from (that was unnecessary). SPOILER- when he was so sick and needed to feed, the scene when she walks in on him seductively feeding from a woman's inner thigh was hard to process. And I get why she was ultimately okay with it, but also no! It felt way too close to the line for me 🫣
There were things that missed for me, but overall, I think it was just a good time and a strong love story!
*SPOILERS FOR THE END!!!! 👇*
I am still reeling from that ending!!! But why does he have to die?!?!?!? Yes, the MMC dies. But it felt so unnecessary... the 3rd act conflict was resolved, they were getting their HEA, and then we get blindsided! There was also a plot twist of her finding out she is pregnant after he dies (vampire's can't reproduce but something happens) which I saw coming a mile away. And it is set up for her to do a forbidden necromancy spell to bring him back to life in the next book.
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