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The Russian Witch's Curse #3
My High Horse Czar
Adriana’s stuck between a rock and a very hard, very dangerous place. It’s not the first time she’s ever been in trouble, but it is the worst.
When her twin sister Mirdza calls and tells her she’s going to be killed unless Adriana surrenders herself in half an hour, Adriana figures she doesn’t have much to lose.
But she has no idea how much excitement her future holds, or whose protection she’s about to awaken.
The scrappy fighter who has vowed never to date or marry is about to meet her match in the highest horse-shifter in existence—the displaced Czar of Russia himself, Alexei Romanov.
When her twin sister Mirdza calls and tells her she’s going to be killed unless Adriana surrenders herself in half an hour, Adriana figures she doesn’t have much to lose.
But she has no idea how much excitement her future holds, or whose protection she’s about to awaken.
The scrappy fighter who has vowed never to date or marry is about to meet her match in the highest horse-shifter in existence—the displaced Czar of Russia himself, Alexei Romanov.
378 pages, Paperback
Published October 13, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 26, 2023
Warning: this review contains spoilers for My Queendom for a Horse and My Dark Horse Prince, Book 1 and 2 of the Russian Witch’s Curse series, so don’t read this review if you plan on reading those books first.
My High Horse Czar by Bridget E Baker is a strange book. This series is really unique in terms of both the premise and the details, but ironically the books are starting to get quite repetitive. So whilst I loved elements of this, it's not hitting the mark. So it’s three stars from me.
Adriana is a very different character to the first two female leads of this series. She gambles, she's in debt to a loan shark, she throws races to make them money, and she even thinks of herself as a selfish person. But she's also direct, and gutsy, which I did like about her, and she's not in near denial the way her twin sister was in the previous book. But when her twin sister calls her in real trouble, Adriana tries to help - and lands herself in mortal danger. This, of course, triggers the awakening of the third Russian horse-shifter mage from his cursed sleep, because she's his fated love much like her sister and friend were to the first two - but this guy is the most powerful of the three, and was once Czar of Russia before the murder of his family, Alexei Romanov.
So in book 1, Kristina freed Aleksander from his cursed sleep, raced him in a big race as a horse and falls in love. In book 2, Mirdza frees Grigoriy, rides him in a big showjumping competition and falls in love. And in book 3… Adriana frees Alexei, rides him in a race and falls in love. You can see how the format is getting repetitive, and the scenarios are feeling more and more contrived in order to have the guys stay as horses for a while for some high stake competition (which becomes a real anti-climax in this book actually). And the problems the girls have... Adriana is the second of them to be in major debt and need to be monetarily rescued by her magic man, and the man swooping in to save the girl thing is starting to feel a bit anti-feminist if I'm honest. But what’s frustrating is contrasting all of this with how unique the premise is.
I absolutely love how this series is mainly set in Latvia. We get Latvian horse culture, Latvian people and places, and the relationship between Latvians and Russians too. The use of language is a reality for Latvians but something I really enjoyed reading about. And the cursed Russian horse-shifter mage thing, especially pulling in the Czardom, is just unlike anything else I've ever read. And Baker's depiction of a disabled woman in the second book is excellent and realistic. So it's really frustrating that as a series it's starting to feel repetitive and samey, because it's also so unique!
Also, this book has probably the most outrageously fourth-wall-breaking quote I’ve read in a novel this year:
“I really shouldn’t sing any more of the lyrics. I mean, if this was in a book, for instance, the author might get sued for using actual song lyrics. But also, you don’t know the song anyway. So, never mind.”
Baker, did someone sue you? It seems hugely specific this comment. I really want to know where it came from!
It sounds awful to say it, but another big problem with this book is that it’s not the last one in the series. Three magical horse shifter guy friends, three horsy girl friends/sisters, three books, you’d think. But no - we have a fourth, and whilst I can see from the setup at the end of this one where it’s going, and it will involve another new romance most likely, it’s starting to feel like it’s all being dragged out - it comes back to the repetitiveness again. I really thought it was being wrapped up here, and it’s definitely not, and this book therefore felt like a lot of filler without really moving the overall series plot forward.
The good news about this book is that it has my favourite male lead of the series so far. Aleks was arrogant and smug, and Grigoriy aggressive and overbearing - Alexei instead is clever and sweet and charming without throwing his weight around. In my opinion he's the most attractive and least problematic male lead of the series so far - I genuinely just want to squish him. Baker describes him as a 'golden boy' that everyone loves, and honestly I agree with her, I love him too.
But maybe it's horrible of me to say... but the way he's portrayed does actually make me agree that Alexei deserves someone better than Adriana. If he hadn't been fated to wake when she was in trouble, and fell in insta-love with her at first sight, would these two have made a good couple with an equitable relationship? I don't think so. And his expressed feelings after the exciting climax don't convince me otherwise.
The setup for the next book in the series indicates that the next couple are both characters we don't really know, or even know much about. So I'll definitely give one last shot to this series. But considering how much My Queendom for a Horse got me excited, My High Horse Czar was a comparative letdown unfortunately.
This series is for you if you like determined, powerful men who fall first, and are determined to get their way. And if you like horses and can't get enough of the 'big important competition I must win' vibe.
My High Horse Czar by Bridget E Baker is a strange book. This series is really unique in terms of both the premise and the details, but ironically the books are starting to get quite repetitive. So whilst I loved elements of this, it's not hitting the mark. So it’s three stars from me.
Adriana is a very different character to the first two female leads of this series. She gambles, she's in debt to a loan shark, she throws races to make them money, and she even thinks of herself as a selfish person. But she's also direct, and gutsy, which I did like about her, and she's not in near denial the way her twin sister was in the previous book. But when her twin sister calls her in real trouble, Adriana tries to help - and lands herself in mortal danger. This, of course, triggers the awakening of the third Russian horse-shifter mage from his cursed sleep, because she's his fated love much like her sister and friend were to the first two - but this guy is the most powerful of the three, and was once Czar of Russia before the murder of his family, Alexei Romanov.
So in book 1, Kristina freed Aleksander from his cursed sleep, raced him in a big race as a horse and falls in love. In book 2, Mirdza frees Grigoriy, rides him in a big showjumping competition and falls in love. And in book 3… Adriana frees Alexei, rides him in a race and falls in love. You can see how the format is getting repetitive, and the scenarios are feeling more and more contrived in order to have the guys stay as horses for a while for some high stake competition (which becomes a real anti-climax in this book actually). And the problems the girls have... Adriana is the second of them to be in major debt and need to be monetarily rescued by her magic man, and the man swooping in to save the girl thing is starting to feel a bit anti-feminist if I'm honest. But what’s frustrating is contrasting all of this with how unique the premise is.
I absolutely love how this series is mainly set in Latvia. We get Latvian horse culture, Latvian people and places, and the relationship between Latvians and Russians too. The use of language is a reality for Latvians but something I really enjoyed reading about. And the cursed Russian horse-shifter mage thing, especially pulling in the Czardom, is just unlike anything else I've ever read. And Baker's depiction of a disabled woman in the second book is excellent and realistic. So it's really frustrating that as a series it's starting to feel repetitive and samey, because it's also so unique!
Also, this book has probably the most outrageously fourth-wall-breaking quote I’ve read in a novel this year:
“I really shouldn’t sing any more of the lyrics. I mean, if this was in a book, for instance, the author might get sued for using actual song lyrics. But also, you don’t know the song anyway. So, never mind.”
Baker, did someone sue you? It seems hugely specific this comment. I really want to know where it came from!
It sounds awful to say it, but another big problem with this book is that it’s not the last one in the series. Three magical horse shifter guy friends, three horsy girl friends/sisters, three books, you’d think. But no - we have a fourth, and whilst I can see from the setup at the end of this one where it’s going, and it will involve another new romance most likely, it’s starting to feel like it’s all being dragged out - it comes back to the repetitiveness again. I really thought it was being wrapped up here, and it’s definitely not, and this book therefore felt like a lot of filler without really moving the overall series plot forward.
The good news about this book is that it has my favourite male lead of the series so far. Aleks was arrogant and smug, and Grigoriy aggressive and overbearing - Alexei instead is clever and sweet and charming without throwing his weight around. In my opinion he's the most attractive and least problematic male lead of the series so far - I genuinely just want to squish him. Baker describes him as a 'golden boy' that everyone loves, and honestly I agree with her, I love him too.
But maybe it's horrible of me to say... but the way he's portrayed does actually make me agree that Alexei deserves someone better than Adriana. If he hadn't been fated to wake when she was in trouble, and fell in insta-love with her at first sight, would these two have made a good couple with an equitable relationship? I don't think so. And his expressed feelings after the exciting climax don't convince me otherwise.
The setup for the next book in the series indicates that the next couple are both characters we don't really know, or even know much about. So I'll definitely give one last shot to this series. But considering how much My Queendom for a Horse got me excited, My High Horse Czar was a comparative letdown unfortunately.
This series is for you if you like determined, powerful men who fall first, and are determined to get their way. And if you like horses and can't get enough of the 'big important competition I must win' vibe.
May 3, 2025
I am loving this series! Adriana is a piece of work, but I loved how flawed and human she was. Alexei was an intriguing mystery, and I reeeeeaaaallly wanted his POV in this book. Anyway, I'm off to the next book in the series!
April 13, 2024
⭐ ⭐.5
The worst book of the series so far. The h is really unlikeable, the H doesn't make sense, the plot twists are ridiculous, and it ends on a cliffhanger!
The worst book of the series so far. The h is really unlikeable, the H doesn't make sense, the plot twists are ridiculous, and it ends on a cliffhanger!
October 24, 2023
This third installment to the Russian Witch Series was a book I just couldn’t put down. Quick recap of the first 2 books in My Queendom for my Horse Kristiana meets Alexandr in his black stallion form known as Obsidian Devil when he is being mistreated at a race track where she was only found to win enough money to pay back the debt her father made with gambling. In My Dark Horse Prince Mirdza, best friend of Kristiana, meets Charlemagne when she gets thrown off a moving train for standing up for a woman who is being mistreated. Charlemagne or better known under the name of Grigorio is the best friend of Alexandr. But they both mention that they used to be dear friends with the Czar of Russia. Cue Book 3.
And here we are in book 3 with Adriana, who is Mirdza’s not so good twin sister. Adriana believes that she doesn’t deserve the nice things in life because she is bad. When something benefits her and makes her life easier she will always take the shortcut out of any predicament. This is exactly what she is thinking when she agrees to help her sister out, but little did she know that she was trading her bad situation in for a worse situation. But when push comes to shove even bad girl Adriana realizes she has some good in her and with the help of some trust in the universe that she might get another chance. Her answer is a gray stallion.
Alexei, just like Alexandr and Grigorio is a magic horse shifter that has been cursed. But has he been woken up because his ‘mate’ was in trouble? As Quicksilver, Alexei is stubborn and doesn’t seem to like it if other people are near him, but as Alexei he is curious and kind of full of himself.
Once more Bridget has managed to overcome the notion that sequels are not great because no matter what you might have thought they just keep getting better. This book is action packed with bad guys, twists and turns, deceivement and trust issues. This book also comes with a big heart, forgiveness, and romance. I sure hope Book 4 is going to be out sooner than promised because I don’t think I can wait that long.
And here we are in book 3 with Adriana, who is Mirdza’s not so good twin sister. Adriana believes that she doesn’t deserve the nice things in life because she is bad. When something benefits her and makes her life easier she will always take the shortcut out of any predicament. This is exactly what she is thinking when she agrees to help her sister out, but little did she know that she was trading her bad situation in for a worse situation. But when push comes to shove even bad girl Adriana realizes she has some good in her and with the help of some trust in the universe that she might get another chance. Her answer is a gray stallion.
Alexei, just like Alexandr and Grigorio is a magic horse shifter that has been cursed. But has he been woken up because his ‘mate’ was in trouble? As Quicksilver, Alexei is stubborn and doesn’t seem to like it if other people are near him, but as Alexei he is curious and kind of full of himself.
Once more Bridget has managed to overcome the notion that sequels are not great because no matter what you might have thought they just keep getting better. This book is action packed with bad guys, twists and turns, deceivement and trust issues. This book also comes with a big heart, forgiveness, and romance. I sure hope Book 4 is going to be out sooner than promised because I don’t think I can wait that long.
November 6, 2023
Having read the 2 previous books in the series, I was really looking forward to reading this. And it didn't disappoint! We meet up with our original friends Mirdza, Adriana and Kristiana plus their delicious men/mounts (not a typo, you REALLY need to read these books) Aleks and Grigory, along with a new encounter, Alexei. Things get real. We are taken for an adrenaline ride, dealing with Russian mobsters, power-hungry, evil men. The team have to work together to avoid being enslaved. And the start of it was a few misplaced bets and a debt to an unforgiving bookie. Bridget has so cleverly woven solid 3-dimensional characters and their everyday problems into a story that includes magic and ancient powers that will have you gripped. She has spanned their lives of grinding poverty and incredible wealth with such detail you can believe you are there, seeing it too. I thought this was the final book in a trilogy and although the story comes to a close, it wasn't the tight ending I thought would do it justice .... And then I found that there is another book to come! It's a quadrilogy! My heart is singing and my "pre order" button has been clicked.
October 24, 2023
My High Horse Czar had me on the edge of my seat the entire book and I read it in one day. I only wanted to throw my phone across the room a few times while yelling at Adriana to make the right choice and stop being stubborn. She might be my favorite so far even though I wanted to shake her a few times. She is dealing with some ruthless people and I was certain someone might die...Bridget likes to rip my heart out sometimes...lol But everything turned out ok. I want to know more about this cryptic curse and the witch that caused it. We get more answers but not all of them. Somehow the powers are connected but I can't figure out how. Anyway, you'll have to read to see what I mean. 😉 I'm so ready to learn more about Katerina. She has a bit of mystery to her and I know her story is going to be good. I love how Bridget introduced her to us and hooked us at the end. I can hardly wait for book 4.
December 20, 2023
WOW! Could NOT put this down! This may be my favorite of the series so far. Poor Adriana feels she is about as good as a wrapper with used chewing gum smashed in it. But she owns her flaws and selfishness. She decides to do something semi-selfless for once and let herself be called out to meet some bad guys in her sister’s place. She had no idea what she was signing up for although she was thinking it had to be better than her current desperate life. (Oops, a bit of a miscalculation there!) After a crappy stint in captivity, literally, she decides to give God a chance and musters up a prayer of sorts. More a bargain, but she kind of intends to keep her promises she made. Things fall in place and she escapes, finds a wild stallion who only calms for her hand, and ends up living a life she would not have believed a few months earlier. She’s the most stubborn of the characters introduced so far. By the end you will end up rooting for Adriana the underdog, too.
October 18, 2023
Bridget has done it again! I love all her stories and especially the fantasy ones set in our world. The fact that she writes clean, closed door shifter romance books just makes me happy. This story was focused on Adriana, Mirzda’s sister (heroine of the second book). She is the “bad girl” of the trio and doesn’t really think much of herself. Seeing her redemption arc in herself was my favorite part. Is the plot follow a similar one to the previous books, yes, but also very different in the details. I love that Kris and Aleks are still part of things but they don’t take up a ton of story. I really enjoyed this book, along with the others in the series and have already pre-order my copy of the fourth and final book.
February 19, 2025
This is a thrilling series! It is just kisses, clean romantasy with horse shifters, Russia, a curse, magic, and more. I am absolutely loving it and I can't wait to dive into the next book! This book had a reluctant heroine and I adored how our Czar hero took his time with her and didn't push. All of our heros so far have been total Alpha Males, but they are also SO gentle with the heroines! This isn't the possessive alpha male who is a misogynist, it's the possessive and protective alpha male who is also so totally pro-woman and all of that. It's great. I'm loving the locale, the suspense, and the overarching mystery and problems that they are all facing. I just with that the whole series was available right now!
May 13, 2025
Was not happy about a cliffhanger.
I read all three books. The first two were great. The third was darker and it didn't end just sequences into a drawn out cliffhanger with the bad guy winning and the good guys making stupid mistakes.
You can only watch so many heroines walk into a dark basement before you get frustrated.
The heroes knowing they are pursued make a last minute idea to show up at villains house. They know he has two men with powers. They have no plan to take care of that. The Baba Yaga curse was great but needed some conclusion.
Book four could have happened.
I read all three books. The first two were great. The third was darker and it didn't end just sequences into a drawn out cliffhanger with the bad guy winning and the good guys making stupid mistakes.
You can only watch so many heroines walk into a dark basement before you get frustrated.
The heroes knowing they are pursued make a last minute idea to show up at villains house. They know he has two men with powers. They have no plan to take care of that. The Baba Yaga curse was great but needed some conclusion.
Book four could have happened.
April 28, 2024
From Russia With Love - Again
A damsel in distress makes an end to his sleep and the grey horse awakens to run to her rescue. She is thankful, but it should end right there! Of course, and fortunately, it doesn’t. Their road to happiness is filled with potholes – misunderstandings and lies. And forgiveness. And caring. And brave people against an evil usurper, who wants to take all the power. Politics enter the story, Russian politics, which gives an extra layer to everything that is going on.
Really enjoyed the book, I am ready for the fourth one.
A damsel in distress makes an end to his sleep and the grey horse awakens to run to her rescue. She is thankful, but it should end right there! Of course, and fortunately, it doesn’t. Their road to happiness is filled with potholes – misunderstandings and lies. And forgiveness. And caring. And brave people against an evil usurper, who wants to take all the power. Politics enter the story, Russian politics, which gives an extra layer to everything that is going on.
Really enjoyed the book, I am ready for the fourth one.
August 13, 2024
🎲My High Horse Czar🃏 is taken to an even higher level? I don’t even know how that happened (how can you top getting thrown out of a train)? The first chapters were intense on the mind and the soul providing a scary insight on what villains can do. We get more lore, and we are given more details on where the story was going. The relationship between the two characters was very back and forth, but still superb writing!
Repost of Review from Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/C-k367dP8...
Repost of Review from Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/C-k367dP8...
October 18, 2023
Absolutely loved this book! Book three of this series and you just want more. This book, like the others, is a page turner. You get to know a little more about the characters from the first two books and get to really know Adriana and Alexei. From the twists and turns to the love story of the three couples… I am in love! Cannot wait for book 4 to find out who is next! I kinda have a hint but don’t wanna spoil that for whoever doesn’t already know!
October 18, 2023
Book three and this time we focus more on Adriana the bad girl of the three sisters. It’s as exciting and captivating as the first two books as we find ourselves drawn back into this incredible fantasy world. Action, adventure, romance and twists and turns that will have you gripping the edge of your seat and holding your breathe! It’s such a great read and the author does a fantastic job with the character development and storyline and I am eager to read more.
February 22, 2025
Way too dark for my taste. I don’t find these characters relatable, really. Who invites enemies to their wedding? In the book the heroine tells the hero that he doesn’t understand women when he asks her that. Well I am a woman and I would never invite someone I don’t like to anything! Also the last two books ended on suspenseful notes. I guess this is more dark fantasy than romance. Romances are supposed to have guaranteed happy endings!
October 18, 2023
My High Horse Czar was incredible. It's just as action packed as the others in the series, but it shows a softer side to the horse shifters that I really enjoyed. Alexei is such a fun character and the way he treats Adrianna was so cute! I love that Bridget has underlying themes of overcoming trauma without losing the go, go, go we live in fantasy.
October 20, 2023
This is another great book by Bridget E Baker. When faced between the choice of a monarchy and a democracy, what will the Russian people choose, as two men with royal bloodlines both turn up unexpectedly. Will Adriana choose love for the first time? Will she trust her heart to the horse shifter who saved her life? Find out what happens in this book. You won’t be disappointed.
September 3, 2025
Horse Shifter & Stubborn Jockey.
Adriana and Alexei Romanov’s story. Alexei Romanov has power over water and loves Adriana in spite of her stubborn pride. Adriana finally lets people into her life, including Alexei. In spite of her bad decisions, she escapes danger and finds love. This story contains lots of action and amazing world building, but also contains crude comments on amorous desires.
Adriana and Alexei Romanov’s story. Alexei Romanov has power over water and loves Adriana in spite of her stubborn pride. Adriana finally lets people into her life, including Alexei. In spite of her bad decisions, she escapes danger and finds love. This story contains lots of action and amazing world building, but also contains crude comments on amorous desires.
November 9, 2025
3.75 - Upped a quarter star because I quite like Adriana. She's much less Mary Sueish than her sister(s) and I am a big fan of mouthy protagonist with slightly grey morals but big hearts. The pacing was a little slower than the first two books, however, and I am a little disappointed about the fate a particularly excellent villian.
October 18, 2023
Start at book 1 or you might be a little lost on some specifics but this book is amazing. Funny (I straight up cackled at one scene!), intrigue, characters waking up to their own insecurities, action, it’s got a lot packed into it! And it leaves us wanting the last book!!!!
October 20, 2023
It's hard life
I have just finished reading this set of stories and I have enjoyed them one and all,I hope your next set are just as good as these.I would like to say thank you for all your hard work and may fortune smile 😃on you always 😁a bookworm
I have just finished reading this set of stories and I have enjoyed them one and all,I hope your next set are just as good as these.I would like to say thank you for all your hard work and may fortune smile 😃on you always 😁a bookworm
October 24, 2023
This has been such a fantastic read. I have always loved horse stories. This series has been interesting and I have laughed and smiled and cried so much. I love stories that make you feel like you are a part of the story. I am so looking forward to the next book.
November 22, 2023
fun read
What a fun book! There is some nudity and violence, but no sex. I’d rate it PG13. I like how the characters have to respond to the things that happen to them as the story unfolds, and how they grow as a result.
What a fun book! There is some nudity and violence, but no sex. I’d rate it PG13. I like how the characters have to respond to the things that happen to them as the story unfolds, and how they grow as a result.
November 27, 2023
I think this is my favorite book in the series so far! Hooked from the first page I didn't want to put it down! Worth the loss of sleep!
*note - this series should be read in order
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
*note - this series should be read in order
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
February 15, 2024
Adriana and Alexi
Adriana is kidnapped by a Russian guy with magic powers. She escapes and saved by a horse, who is actually a Russian Prince. He and his two other Russian friends try to save the Russian people from Leonid, but he gets the upper hand.
Adriana is kidnapped by a Russian guy with magic powers. She escapes and saved by a horse, who is actually a Russian Prince. He and his two other Russian friends try to save the Russian people from Leonid, but he gets the upper hand.
March 15, 2024
A disappointing third book.
I am getting sick of the fact that the villain of this series always wins every conflict with the series protagonists, especially when he really shouldn’t have. It is dispiriting.
I am getting sick of the fact that the villain of this series always wins every conflict with the series protagonists, especially when he really shouldn’t have. It is dispiriting.
April 13, 2024
Whewww, what a ride!! I really liked this tale. I really liked the characters and the plot. the ending had me sitting on the edge of my seat. I can't wait to read the next installment from this very talented storyteller.
June 19, 2024
My High Horse Czar is a fun adventure romance with a horse shifter. The characters can be a bit annoying, and I’m not a fan of the ending. However, it definitely sets you up for the next book. This is part of a series and really ought to be read in order even if it can stand alone.
July 4, 2024
Nice!
I have enjoyed all these books so far. They focus more on the heroines than the men, and they are scrappy women! Looking forward to the next book (which I have already downloaded!)
I have enjoyed all these books so far. They focus more on the heroines than the men, and they are scrappy women! Looking forward to the next book (which I have already downloaded!)
June 20, 2025
is one moved faster than the first 2 which I like. I like how the characters are not the same women over and over. I kinda got lost on the czar thing but it's a good story. no outright sex scenes, it happens off camera. and the sweetness and wit is excellent.
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