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Aztec Brides #1

Winter's Demon

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Wanda Winter is a witch with a demon problem—a demon with deep brown eyes, wavy black hair, and muscles for eons, to be specific.

Winter’s life as the least-talented witch in the Tucson coven is crumbling. A string of failures has her on the verge of expulsion, and she’s struggling to balance her magical duties policing demons with her day-job of running a supernatural bookstore. When her coven leader offers Winter a last chance to preserve her position by catching and banishing a demon, she jumps at the opportunity. Then she lays eyes on the hunky demon and immediately feels a connection—their fates are already tied in a way she can’t identify.

Max was once known as Texcatlipoca, the Aztec god of storms, but he sacrificed his divinity for the woman he loves. Now a demon, Max has been cursed to forget himself and his bride, except for a three-month period every hundred years when those memories come back to haunt him. If he can get his bride to remember her past life, to choose him again as she once did, he can break the curse and finally retake his place at his bride’s side. The moment he spots Winter in her bookstore, he knows her. The problem is, she not only doesn’t know him, she is out to banish him from earth.

Ridding the world of the demon Max would regain Winter’s standing in the coven, but her extraordinary attraction to him makes her search for a way to save them both. At the same time, Max must protect her from an unknown malevolent presence that’s orchestrating their separation and protecting the curse. Will Winter remember the love they once shared, and even if she does, will love be enough to save them? Their journey to freedom becomes a battle against time, destiny, and the sinister forces determined to keep them apart.

Join Winter and Max in a race against time, destiny, and sinister forces to break a curse, save their love, and find their freedom in Winter's Demon.

This book is a slow-burn romance with a HFN (Happily For Now) ending. It is the first book in the Aztec Brides series.

224 pages, ebook

First published December 12, 2023

12 people are currently reading
25 people want to read

About the author

Quinn Zamora

11 books14 followers

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5 stars
28 (51%)
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17 (31%)
3 stars
7 (12%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Carole.
2,117 reviews16 followers
December 20, 2023
Winter’s Demon is an engaging Paranormal Romance of witches, demons and magic that is immersed in a story of forbidden love.

This was an excellent first book in the series as the reader follows witch Wanda Winter who is on the brink of being expelled from her local coven and unaware she is part of a curse involving herself and Aztec God Texcatlipoca now called Max.

With good writing and imaginative world building the story leads the reader through an intrigue rich,haunting journey as Max fights to break the curse that will bring his lost loves memories of him back, and also safe from the evil elements surrounding them both.

Loved the story and look forward to continuing in the next book. HFN ending

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Anna.
364 reviews18 followers
October 13, 2024
You know when the heroine keeps taking just stupid decisions?
And she feels attracted and in love just because?

I read 3/4 and had enough.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Marianne.
7,268 reviews87 followers
December 16, 2023
Cool and fascinating paranormal romance.. I really enjoyed the story and banter between the couple.
2,639 reviews
December 14, 2023
Wow this was such a compelling read that I didn't want to put it down. This very unique tale had everything I love in a story- action, passion, emotion and intruige!

Such a wonderful read, highly recommended.
Profile Image for Sarah Noelle .
388 reviews23 followers
November 27, 2023
This novella had the same concept as one of my favorite books: she died and forgot, he lived and remembered. The idea of mates is one that appeals to me, I’m sure to many people these days. A man who was literally made for you? Perfectly matched to fit into all your odd angles. Add that to a man who has spent his entire life trying to get her back and you have a good man…demon.

Max just wants his wife back and Winter has no idea what’s going on. I liked the characters and they fit well together. I hate when it’s an immediate ‘I must mate with this person’ relationship and that it isn’t what happened here. Sure, winter immediately found him attractive but she wasn’t leaping over the counter to lick his abs (though I’m sure she wanted to). They barely even touch for the majority of the story. My main problem is that it was too short to go any deeper than the surface. I know enough about the characters and the backstory to get by but not as much as I’d expect from a full length book, which is why I don’t typically read novellas. Everything just felt shallow. I understood who everyone was but no motivations. Even till she disappeared, I had no idea what his sister was trying to achieve. She just seemed to enjoy messing with all the players of this game for little reason than that she was bored.

The end was also extremely abrupt. I wasn’t paying attention to page count towards the end and it was very much, ‘we’re in hell, look wistfully into the distance, the end’. I don’t know why I assumed we’d get some kind of resolution but you most definitely will not in this one. I’m hoping Zamora goes more into detail in the next one. I’m not familiar with Mexican/Aztec history and culture and I’d like to have read more about it, specifically what lead up to them meeting for the first time. She’s touched on Max’s family drama and I’d like more insight into that as well. I’m sure other readers won’t mind but I love a good backstory.

All in all it was a quick short read. I just think it suffered for length, something I find common in most books with less than 200 pages. I’m interested to see where the author takes it from here.

Thank you to Quinn Zamora and BookSirens for the chance to read this eARC for a completely honest review.
Profile Image for Cait Ireen | caitireenreads.
864 reviews164 followers
February 2, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5

Winter's Demon is a story about a witch who is in charge of banishing a demon, and how she slowly discovers that this might not be the first time their paths have crossed.

Winter is a sort of a bad excuse for a witch. She can't seem to get her magic to work most of the time, which comes to a head when she doesn't realize that an illegal tracking spell has been put on her by a demon.

Max is your typical demon: dripping in lust and hot as sin. We meet him as he's finally remembering his past, and realizing that he has a limited amount of time to reunite with his wife.

When Max seemingly puts an illegal tracking spell on Winter, Winter's coven threatens to throw her out unless he completes Max's banishment. Max maintains his innocence, however, so the coven gives Winter until the full moon, 25 days, to figure out who exactly was doing the illegal magic or risk her expulsion and Max's banishment. As Winter continues to hunt for the truth, she discovers more about herself and Max than she originally anticipated.

I enjoyed the pace of this story... it never slowed down, at times even moving too quick and glossing over what seemed like good opportunities to explore or further develop plot points. The tension between our FMC and MMC was quite delicious, and I, for once, was okay for a slow tension-filled burn!

I recommend this book! It was a super fast and fun read, I would be eager to see how Quinn Zamora plans to build out this world and tell the other stories.

Tropes in this story:
✨ Fated Mates
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ Some Slight Touch Her and 💀 Vibes
✨ Missing Memories/Discovery of Truths

I received an advanced copy of this book via BookSirens, but my review is all my own.
Profile Image for Tab_Reads.
147 reviews7 followers
December 30, 2023
4⭐️ 1🌶️
MOOD: adventurous, emotional, funny, mysterious
TROPES: amnesia, past lives, fated mates, slow burn
GENRES: paranormal romance
FAV QUOTE: "Surely a woman like you gets to be naughty before apologizing. What delightful thing are you sorry for?"

MAIN CHARACTERS: Wanda Winter; she goes by Winter (witch) and Max aka Mr. Max (demon)

THE GOOD: This is a great start to a new series. There's a multitude of characters that fill out this paranormal universe and that contributes to some nice worldbuilding. This is a slow burn and while that's not normally my preference, I am happy I read it because the characters were interesting, the created world had rules and structure, and it was interesting to read a story based on non-European history/mythos. No spoilers but there were a few B-plot twists that I really enjoyed
THE NEUTRAL: There were times when both Winter and Max got on my nerves and I had to put the book down. It wasn't quite a miscommunication trope but more that I - the reader - knew more information than the characters so their choices, especially some later in the story annoyed me.
THE MEH: It took me a while to get into it. Nothing was bad or wrong with the writing style but it wasn't until maybe chapter 5 that I knew I would continue to read it.

CW: Mentions of violence, missing/banished parents
DISCLAIMER: I received an advance review copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Michelle Peralta.
598 reviews7 followers
May 16, 2024
Step into the captivating world of Winter’s Demon, where witches, demons, and magic collide in a tale of forbidden love. In this enthralling paranormal romance, readers are introduced to Wanda Winter, a witch teetering on the edge of expulsion from her coven, unaware of her entanglement in a curse involving herself and the Aztec God Texcatlipoca, now known as Max.

With skillful writing and rich world-building, Winter’s Demon takes readers on a haunting journey filled with intrigue. As Max endeavors to break the curse haunting both himself and Wanda, the narrative unfolds into a spellbinding saga, fraught with danger and dark forces.

I was thoroughly captivated by the story and eagerly anticipate delving deeper into the series. Winter’s Demon sets a promising precedent for what’s to come, promising readers an enchanting continuation of Wanda and Max’s tale.
Profile Image for EGotay .
141 reviews1 follower
September 7, 2024
"Winter's Demon" Book 1 of Aztec Brides Series
by Quinn Zamora

I love a unique tale. I grew up loving reading about Aztec Gods Mythology for me, it's fascinating... And wicthes heck yeah!!! Count tme on!!!
So this series catch myself and do not disappoint me 🔥🔥🔥 Very well written and the world building was delightful and fascinating.
This series has me rooting for more. An amazing paranormal romance. It was a great start to a new series. I love the plot.. much more with her cat familiar 🤣 I caught ylva myself laughing hard.
There a lot of intrigue, drama and funny moments.
Such a wonderful read. 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Winter is a witch & Max is an Aztec God. He is curse and is trying to find a solution to stop that curse.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Ligia Wit.
Author 8 books81 followers
December 13, 2023
This was such a nice story in terms of not being just the usual PNR. Loved the plot (especially the white cat familiar), and I certainly fell in love with Max. He’s just swoony. That first chapter? Golden.
One of Quinn Zamora’a strengths is world building and I felt everything was clear and most importantly, meaningful. Loved the Aztec demons and the author’s interpretation of them, combined with witches and other supernatural creatures.
Narrative, something I always consider when reading, is also quite good. Such a fresh breath in PNR stories!
Max wakes up from his curse but he only has one moon to win Winter back, but she doesn’t remember and instead, she’s trying hard to banish him back to the demon realm.
I received an ARC and this is my personal honest opinion.
Profile Image for Fawn.
577 reviews3 followers
August 30, 2025
winter

Overall I really enjoyed this story. Some minor typos and a chapter (I for get which one but it is around 36% in) where the first two paragraphs are repeated, which was annoying. (Starts with “some demons could smell fear”). Out of the two I guess Max was my favorite. Without knowing too much about the curse he was self sacrificing to a fault. Winter… she was the blond in horror movies where you scream at them on the tv asking why are they being so blatantly dumb… but yay for HEAs… though cliffhanger being that the story is finished but not….? Not sure how this will all tie together, in the end, since we jump from Arizona (?) to Seattle in book two. So many questions left for the next three books to answer.
Profile Image for Marie-claire Charles.
61 reviews
January 23, 2024
It was quick and enjoyable. I loved the fact that it was about a culture i had no knowledge of. The characters meshed nicely.

So many unknown myths and stories that I did not know.

I look forward to the continuation of this series. If I sound blase, I don't mean to. It's just as I settled in for a good indulge it was over.

I am an avid reader and finish books too quickly so this irritant is solely my own and not the story.

I anxiously await the next installment.

***I received an advance review copy for free and really REALLY want the next installment. I am leaving this review voluntarily.***
Profile Image for Feeme Fatale.
217 reviews1 follower
March 1, 2024
Yooo I legit loved this! The idea of a witch and a demon has had me in a. Chokehold since Charmed! It was a really cool idea and I loved the development in the story and how there were twist and turns that you don’t see till the end. What I loved the most is how it ended so perfectly. It was warm, sweet and romantic- everything you want at the end of romantic books. The fact that they both sacrificed for each other equally is my fav kind of love story you don’t feel like anyone loved the other so much more but the obsession of each m is real! Im off to get the 2nd one chea 💃🏽

*i received this book for free and im leaving this review voluntarily *
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jess.
206 reviews12 followers
December 5, 2023
I received a ARC review of this book ,and I am giving a honest review. When I read the blurb for the book I was hooked ! It caught my attention right away that being said , I loved the idea of the book , the FMC tho I couldn’t understand her and she was a bit confusing for me , the beginning of the story could have a bit more of a explanation of the world and how it works . Like I said I loved the idea of the book , but I would rather it having more 300 pages , it seemed a bit rushed from middle to end .
Profile Image for Tracy Nakatani.
Author 6 books30 followers
December 13, 2023
Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2023
I really enjoyed this romance. It was a fun read, light, but with important stakes. Interesting plot that made sense and a nice slow burn romance.
The characters felt real and fully fleshed out, the writing was beautiful, and I just love the Aztec lore and demons. Not anything I've read before but I can't wait to read the rest.
This is probably a medium spice. No closed door hanky panky, you get to go on the full satisfying ride. I'd say this is more of a HFN and it looks like more books will follow soon. Can't wait to read them!
Profile Image for Nora Ellen (Nbbookery).
699 reviews20 followers
January 4, 2024
When I saw the summary for this story, I was immediately drawn in. Reincarnation, Aztec gods, and witches? Sign me up! Winter is struggling with her weak powers, but she definitely doesn't let that stop her from facing difficult challenges head-on. Like Max. He may be the most alluring demon she's ever seen, but she's wetting ground rules from day one. They had such chemistry, and the slow burn was agony! However, I was drawn in. What a great debut! I'm looking forward to more of these Aztec woven stories.
Profile Image for mel.
57 reviews
March 16, 2025
3,5

tbh this was way too short, I wish the story would have had more build up and would have been longer, with more depth. I really liked the premise and characters, and I wish I would have gotten more time with them. But I guess I will a bit in the following books? Unfortunately I started reading this already knowing how it was going to end, because the kindle reading sample I got for THIS book (like it had the correct book cover and everything) was the reading sample FOR THE SECOND BOOK 😭😭 but oh well, it still worked I guess because it made me want to read this series lol
67 reviews3 followers
November 23, 2023
The story flowed quite well, it wasn't fast paced, nor was it a task to read.

Rather interesting plot line, it's not part of an over done trope. The ending was rather unexpected, and I'm still not sure if it suited in that particular spot that it happened.

it felt like it was kinda an after thought, they had no real reason being there.

I rate this a 3.5, only because of the added extra at the end.
Profile Image for Alyssa Cieslak.
10 reviews
December 26, 2023
I really enjoyed the storyline of this novel, I enjoyed how unique it was, as I personally have not read a storyline similar to this. My one “complaint”, and the reason I didn’t give it 5 stars, was as the FMC. I personally enjoy my FMC to be stronger willed. She had her moments of redemption but overall, she fell short for me. I would definitely recommend it overall!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Caitlin Bohannon.
40 reviews
December 29, 2023
I enjoyed the combination of Aztec with the main plot and how the story carried through multiple timelines. I would have liked to see more of the history between Max and his siblings and why there was such a rivalry. I feel as though the characters needed more depth to them but overall I enjoyed the story and I felt it was very fluid and had no plot holes.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Genoveva.
1,521 reviews12 followers
March 7, 2024
The imagery in this book was truly amazing. You can feel yourself fall into this story and see the scenery. The back stories of winter and Max had me sucked in. I loved that there were things that I didn’t see coming. Don’t get me wrong I like stories that you kinda know what’s coming out at least have an idea but this one wrote stuff that had me with my jaw on the floor. Of course all in a good way.
87 reviews
May 18, 2024
This wasn't one of my favorite books to read, but if it finds the right person, they will love it. If you like Aztec mythology, the names are included and some mythos, I believe, are in here, so it might peek your fancy. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Sara Irons.
432 reviews7 followers
May 19, 2024
This is a beautiful love story of fighting against the odds to find each other over and over.

Winter has no idea that she has past lives. Until Max shows up and spins her into a twist of fate.

Can she believe Max? Or should she believe those that she thinks are telling the truth? Time is ticking …..

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
1,585 reviews14 followers
October 21, 2024
This book is a great start to the series. It sets the scene beautifully without giving too much away.
This book focuses on Winter and Max. I love how there are so many twists and turns and you think you know the story, but then and card is played.
This is at its heart a love story and it is an excellent read.
Profile Image for Allyse Reinauer.
199 reviews4 followers
November 29, 2023
I really liked this storyline. So much happens so quickly in this short read! I was impressed at the amount of detail she managed to pack into such a short novella.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
282 reviews1 follower
December 20, 2023
Paranormal mystery where no one is who they seem. Twists, turns, mystery, betrayals, manipulation, danger, surprises, slow burn romance. I enjoyed all the characters and their interactions, even the evil peeps! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
2,237 reviews28 followers
January 23, 2024
Wanda & Max

This was a different kind of read for me, she died but only he remembered. I loved the story, and think that the characters were well matched. I think that this is a Good PNR Read. The ending left me wanting more of this couple's story! I Loved It !!! No Spoilers!
2,083 reviews6 followers
August 1, 2024
A great start to a new series. It's a wonderfully crafted story with interesting aspects of the Aztec mythology. I look forward to the next installment.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Ann.
64 reviews1 follower
February 17, 2024
Ummm....WOW. An absolutely stellar start to what hopefully becomes a stellar series. Can't wait for the rest.
Profile Image for Stace.
298 reviews4 followers
March 16, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. It is fast paced and easy to follow. Great character build up. I did read this book for free and was a lucky find. I later found an arc to leave feedback.
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