Mayhem is the most difficult, infuriating man I have ever laid eyes on. So why is it that all I can think about is laying…ahem…myself on him?
My sister thinks he and I are fated mates. I think she's taken one too many hits with a basilisk's tail.
Me, fated to a demon prince? Not a chance.
Not that it matters, especially with the impending beasties of doom invasion on our horizon. Then there's Discord, the final piece of the puzzle that could save everyone's lives. We can't summon him without some mystical amulet he lost in Salem four centuries ago.
Because that should be easy to find, right? Sheesh.
USA Today Bestselling Author Carrie Pulkinen has always been fascinated with things that go bump in the night. Of course, when you grow up next door to a cemetery, the dead (and the undead) are hard to ignore. Pair that with her passion for writing and her love of a good happily-ever-after, and becoming a paranormal romance author seems like the only logical career choice.
Before she decided to turn her love of the written word into a career, Carrie spent the first part of her professional life as a high school journalism and yearbook teacher. She loves red wine and chocolate, and in her free time, she likes to read, take pictures, and spend time with her family.
This is a well written book with strong characters in Mayhem and Ember. The author does a great job developing the story and painting her scenes. She takes you into their lives with chemistry and steam and kept me reading with all the action and suspense. She moves the story fluidly and delivers an intriguing story. Loved and recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
If there’s one thing I adore, it’s a story that mixes fiery chemistry with magical chaos, and Carrie Pulkinen’s Mending Mayhem delivers that and more in spades. This book, the fifth in the Fire Witches of Salem series, is an electrifying blend of humor, heat, and high-stakes magic that kept me utterly hooked from start to finish.
The protagonist’s struggle with Mayhem, the infuriating yet irresistibly alluring demon prince, had me grinning and groaning in equal measure. The banter between them is sharp, sizzling, and full of that delicious tension that makes you want to dive into the pages and see how it all unravels. I couldn’t help but relate to the protagonist’s inner conflict—how could someone so infuriating also be so tantalizing? It’s the kind of enemies-to-lovers tension that I absolutely live for.
And let’s talk about the idea of being fated to a demon prince—how could that not be thrilling? The protagonist’s skepticism and her sister’s certainty that they’re destined for each other create a delightful push-pull dynamic that adds depth to the romance. I found myself rooting for their fiery connection to finally ignite, despite all the obstacles thrown in their path.
But it’s not just the romance that makes this book a standout. The stakes in Mending Mayhem are sky-high, with an impending invasion of beasties of doom and the race to summon Discord, the one being who might be able to save them all. The hunt for a mystical amulet lost centuries ago adds an exciting layer of urgency and adventure to the plot. I loved how Pulkinen wove the historical mystery into the contemporary magical mayhem—Salem’s rich witchy history is the perfect backdrop for this story.
And then there’s the humor. Pulkinen’s witty writing and the protagonist’s sarcastic, no-nonsense attitude had me laughing out loud more times than I can count. It’s not easy to balance humor with high-stakes action and steamy romance, but Mending Mayhem does it effortlessly. The protagonist’s exasperation with her situation, paired with her undeniable attraction to Mayhem, creates a narrative that is both relatable and endlessly entertaining.
What really stood out to me is how the book managed to be both fun and emotionally engaging. Amidst the chaos and the witty exchanges, there’s a genuine exploration of fate, trust, and the struggle to embrace the unexpected. The characters are well-developed, and their relationships—especially the complicated one between the protagonist and Mayhem—are handled with care and depth.
In short, Mending Mayhem is a wild ride that blends the best elements of romance, fantasy, and humor into a story that’s impossible to put down. If you’re like me and love stories with strong, sassy heroines, maddeningly attractive anti-heroes, and a plot packed with magic and mayhem, then you need to read this book. Carrie Pulkinen has crafted a tale that’s equal parts thrilling and heartwarming, and I’m already eagerly anticipating the next installment in the Fire Witches of Salem series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book five of the Fire Witches of Salem and Ember Holland has cut off the head of the demon prince Mayhem, sending him back to his prison, having given him plenty of warnings about hurting her sister Ash. Fortunately, Mayhem is immortal and they will just have to summon him again, but he won’t exactly be as keen to freely help them to break the cures and get their sister Cinders back from the Underworld. Fate has brought Mayhem to Ember, just as it brought Chaos into Ash’s life, and they can’t summon Discord without a special amulet apparently. The amulet hasn’t been seen for four centuries and when they do find even a fragment of it, that still doesn’t help them find the rest. They must fight against all the other demonic beings managing to break through the weakened veil they caused trying to get their sister back. The library of a dark coven may have more clues to assist them, but it will be another dangerous trip to discover any leads. All they have left of Mayhem is his skull, but someone manages to break into their strongly ward home looking for the amulet or any clues towards its location and the chance of summoning Mayhem back again, is made so much more difficult!
Ember has to mellow her hate for a demon soulmate, being a white witch and never having thought she would be fated to a demon prince, but it seem the three sisters are fated to be linked with demon princes. Their future will not be a happy one, as the demon princes must go back to their side of the veil, to ensure it is closed properly. Attempts to sort out the issues with Mayhem’s skull, lead to ever more problems and a very angry Mayhem when he finally makes it back. But he finds himself experiencing lots of her emotions and inner feelings, which are so alien to his own, making him find his wish to love her so much easier to accept. He can’t refuse to listen to fate’s plans for the two of them and it changes how he acts going forward. Lots of magical action and demonic creatures to be fought, as well as coming up against others who want the amulet, brings loads to the pace of the storyline. Sacrifice is part of the sister’s lives life, but I can’t wait to see what will happen in the end.
I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout, and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
***This review is for the book and audiobook*** This series is about the Holland family. Ash, Ember, and Cinder Holland are Fire Witch sisters that live in Salem, Mass. The three sisters are fated mates to three Princes of Hell, or demons: Ash and Chaos, Ember and Mayhem, and Cinder and Discord. In the last book, Ember and Mayhem were starting to become a couple, but distrust caused Ember to chop Mayhem’s head off and vanquish Mayhem to Hell. The skull remained in Salem, but attempts to bring Mayhem back caused the skull to turn to ash. This book centers around the evolving relationship between Ember and Mayhem and the attempt to reunite Mayhem with his body and skull.
When the story begins, the witch coven meets to determine goals, which are to fix Mayhem, break the curse against the coven, find Cinder and Discord, and to keep fighting the beasties that are slipping through the veil, The adventure begins and it is a hilarious, fun trip. Along the way, Ash and Ember, who weren’t particularly close, have a breakthrough and become closer. Some familiar faces include Miles, Shade, Patrice, and others. This author’s books take me through multiple emotions, sometimes at once. Fear, elation, humor to name a few. The spicy scenes are very sensual. All I can say about the end is that it made me gasp!
The story kept me spellbound. I couldn’t stop listening because the story was so intriguing. Pulkinen’s books keep getting better as she finds ways to make each book in the series fresh, with new types of beasties, spells, demons, and other twists to the stories. As always, the snarky and witty banter is a highlight. I always enjoy the delightful Hollie Jackson as narrator, who with her pleasant voice was able to transform this book into a storytelling feast with her character distinction, pacing and rhythm, and emotional delivery. I really enjoyed the story and think the excellent narration added to the experience for me. If you are looking for a well-written, well-narrated paranormal romcom story full of interesting characters, I would recommend this book for you.
Ember is standing in the living room with a stunned look on her face. In her hand she's holding the head of the demon Mayhem. She warned him that if he didn't leave her sister alone she would behead him. Now she's questioning her rash decision. The only good thing was that she was saving her sister Ash's life. She takes his skull into her room. As she's trying to sleep she gets a call about a "ghost" in the library. After taking care of the bug that came through a rift they return to find Mayhem's skull smashed. After trying to put his skull back together it doesn;t work. Now they have to get him back fast before he is gone for good. Mayhem manages to return even without his skull. Ember called him. He needs a body to be able to reform so he goes to look. Now Ember needs to let him possess her to keep someone in her coven from dying. She's starting to believe what Ash and Chaos have been telling her..that she is Mayhem's soulmate. He won't kill her without killing himself. He is so angry. He knows she is his soulmate but then she destroyed his skull. As he is trying to find a host he feels his essence being pulled and thinks he's going back to his prison. Only he finds himself in Ember's head. Now the search is on for a spell that will help him reform. Only they have another side mission to go on back to Boston. Meanwhile Mayhem finally admits he wants all of Ember...her love, devotion, heart and soul. Is that so much to ask for? Will they find the spell and get Mayhem to reform? Will Ember and Mayhem figure out their dynamic? A fantastic story in the series that will keep the heart pumping!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book 5 in Carrie Pulkinen's Fire Witches of Salem series and really best when read in series order to get an understanding of the overall storyline. This book continues with main characters Mayhem and Ember along with others in Ember's Coven of Salem witches. I love that the chemistry between these two have heated up as both have come to realize what they are to each other. I also love the adventure, especially the intro of the new paranormal character towards the end of this book. Narration was great and brought the story and characters to life. A great addition and ends again with a cliffy so I'm eager for more on how this curse is to be lifted and family restored.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I voluntarily provided this review. *this review is based on the audio version of this read.
A roller coaster ride I hated to end - Mayhem's a little miffed that his witch mate vanquished him. But he understands 'cause he'd destroy the world to keep her from harm. She loves her sister no less. Magical amulets, dark witches and dangerous beasties are encountered as the coven and the demons continue their quest. Ember faces her softer emotions more than ever before, even as she has to dampen her demon's desire to wreak his name. Unless it's on her person, to bring her great joy. Fast-paced and action-packed with a bit of steam, this tale will leave readers on the edge of their seats. I can barely wait to find out what comes next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Fire Witches continue their adventures once again. The chemistry between Mayhem and Ember is obvious but she keeps denying it until she doesn't!! The veil continues to deteriorate and cause problems for our witches and their demons. They end up working, very briefly, with the Boston witches while they try to close yet another breach. A message from beyond the veil sends them on an urgent search for the rest of the amulet. But there is more danger on the horizon. Another exciting read from Carrie but beware she does leave us on a BIG cliffhanger in this one! I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and I voluntarily leave this honest review.
This series installment is a doozy! Ember's stubbornness to believe that Mayhem is her fated mate, doesn't hold out long. However, steamy bits aside, this is full of so much drama, intrigue and action. They are stretched to their limits. With the veil being so thin, they not only have to battle beasts coming through but also Fae. On top of that, they need to find an item that's been missing for sooooo long it won't be easy to find. If they find it though, it will break the curse and save everyone. No pressure, right? It's definitely a wild ride for them and the reader! I highly recommend this book. In fact, I recommend the whole series, and am patiently awaiting the next installment.
Audiobook review 4.5⭐️ This was even better than book 1 in the 'Mayhem' trilogy part of TFWoS!
I love the fore witches of salem series so far and this just gets better!
The narrator did a great job of this one, the characters had a lot of depth to them giving the narrator a lot to work with! Plenty of spice and angst, yearning and tension plus the forboding moments and drama of the main and sub plots!
I really enjoyed the relationship development between the main characters and the magic / witchcraft was well written and exciting!
The race is on to save Ember's life force from Donal but Mayhem and her team are determined to bring her back. It has stalled their search for the missing piece of the Amulet. They need Ember's powers for the auction. To fail will mean the end of the world.
Carrie Pulkinen has delivered a well-written paranormal action romance. Ember and Mayhem are perfect for each other; a fiery witch and a hell demon. Strong personalities and strong chemistry! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. I received a free copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.
God I love this story, it just keeps getting more and more exciting, you think they have handle one obsticle only for a new intriguing one comes along!
I love how we get to see a more feminin and sensitive side of Ember, we get to know her thoughts and bit more which gives a better understanding for why she act the way she does. And mayhem? Jesus, he is one hell of a force, i love his teasing smirking side cuz it makes the intimate parts between ember and mayhem more intense.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars because it is such a good and amazing book, but the story is at times a bit too slow and that is the only reason im giving it 4 instead of 5.
I can recommend this book to any witch x demon romance lovers.
Ember and Mayhem are keeping things exciting never a dull moment. This cliff hanger will have you impatiently waiting to see what happens next, I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for more. This book has some surprises you won't see coming, so far I love this series it's unique and fun!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ember and Mayhem’s arc of the Witches of Salem series continues as they search for the amulet to bring Discord and their sister back from the other side of the Viel on Samhain ( Halloween ). This storyline just gets better and better ! You root for both the Princes of Hell and the Coven, even when you know there is heartache ahead ! The twists and travails that the coven goes through is not for the faint of heart ! Love all the characters and the shenanigans they get up to ! 5 ✨’s
Ember is sure that Mayhem is not her fated mate, she barely can stand him, although she does admire his body. The sisters Ember and Ash, their coven and the demon brothers Chaos and Mayhem have plenty of troubles to sort through in this exciting addition to a great series. I loved the action/danger, scorching heat (between Mayhem and Ember) and the touching moments too. Hanging out for the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Well written, well paced, this exciting and action packed story had me hooked from start to finish. Ember and Mayhem are simply fantastic and have chemistry that is off the charts and their journey is fraught with intrigue, mystery and suspense. Twists and turns and there is always something going on as the hunt for the missing amulet commences. It’s a great read, steamy, fun and full of fantasy, romance, danger and it’s one hell of a ride.
3.5⭐️ Ember needs to man up and accept her feelings goodness- it was easier for the Demon for crying out loud to accept his and that’s saying something???? But fr Ember has so much on her plate and she’s a whole new meaning of strong to fight all the battles she has going on at once! Plus, the extreme chemistry between her & Mayhem???? GIMMIE MOREEEEE
these books are just fun and easy plus the whole thing about saving their world from these faerie bug ppl is very amusing
Ember & Mayhem I absolutely love this series! This fifth book is fantastic, read books 1-4 first! I was really surprised by the events and had to get to the end to stop, beware cliffhanger. This is a series, so one is to be expected. I Loved It, just the same!!! No Spoilers!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mending Mayhem is book 5 in the Fire Witches of Salem series and is a wild ride! Ember and Mayhem's relationship is sizzling hot and full of action!! I love this series and can't wait for the next book since this ends on a cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is Book 2 of Ember and Mayhem's story and Book 5 of the series. I loved it!! I was hooked back into the story and the character's lives right from the start and could not put it down. Exciting, Awesome read! I can't wait to read the next one. Well written. I am now hooked on this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book was so fun to read! Bit had a little bit of everything in it; humor, adventure, kick-butt fights, and my favorite, the paranormal just to mention a few. I couldn’t put this one down. I read it in a day and enjoyed every minute of it. It was easy to understand and read and the storyline was awesome! A must- read!
A well written story that will keep you engaged. I really enjoyed how Ember and Mayhem interacted with each other. I really enjoyed the action and how all the characters handled it. The book does end with a cliffhanger. I highly recommend you read this engaging and fun book. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow I really enjoyed reading this book this book is very well written I very much enjoyed reading this storyline I would Recommend this author to a book lover it is a great story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story - it is book 5 in the series. I really enjoy all of Carrie Pullman’s books, the characters are great and the banter is amusing. The situation Ember finds herself in with Mayhem is tricky, but makes for an entertaining read, and I really enjoyed Mayhems character
I received an advance copy of this book and just like the rest in this series it was fantastic although the cliffhanger always kills me! I need the next one pronto! Characters are strong and storyline is great! 😊
Cliffhanger ending- Need the final of the particular trilogy - like yesterday! I can say that I do recommend this series - 9 books - 3 story arcs; culminating I assume in breaking the family curse??? Let us hope that is how it goes! I am impatiently wanting more now.
This story picks up where Mayhem and Ember book 4 finished. The plot move quickly and the banter and chemistry between Mayhem and Ember is electric. Desperate for the next book. The narration is perfect.