Watch Me Burn

by Sarah Spade

Did you know magic was real?Because I sure as hell didn’t until the day I lost my temper and fire shot out of my hands.

Literally.

At first, I thought I was a walking-talking stereotype. Fiery redhead, you get it? But tell that to the smoke billowing around me as a second shadow, and the flames that nearly burnt the creep following me around to a crisp.

Turns out that he’s a witch-hunter, and he was sensing something about me that I had no clue about. His goal was to, well, hunt me—but if it’s a shock to learn that witches exist, that’s nothing compared to finding out my best friend is a vampire.

With Elise’s help, the two of us are shipped off to Dyea, Alaska, a former ghost town that is full of every type of supernatural creature you can think of. It’s hidden and quiet, and most of all, a retreat for supes with unexpected powers like mine.

When rumors spread that witch-hunters are searching for a rare fire witch, I resolve to keep my temper calm. In Dyea, I’m only here because Elise is. I’m her human blood donor, officially, and completely disregarded by the rest of the villagers… except for one.

Conall is gorgeous, but something about him has my palms heating up. Used to living in the Alaskan wild, he’s gruff and grumpy, and I’m convinced he’s a witch-hunter in disguise.

Nope.

He’s actually a lone wolf—and my fated mate…

Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance, Vampires, Shapeshifters, Paranormal Romance, Werewolves

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 4, 2025

Reviews

[TJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple, light, fluffy escapism.

[Ivy Deluca]

DNF @ 73% - I had to let it go. I wanted the premise to work but my lord the FMC is sooo obtuse I couldn’t stand it. And I tried to give her grace that it was new to her but at every step, even when told exactly what’s going on, she insisted on thinking it wasn’t. When stupidity is the only plot driver, I can’t.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars since Goodreads rating describes 5 stars as an amazing read. I can’t say this was amazing but I almost always enjoy books by Sarah Spade (over 20 so far)

Bridget somehow manages to live for 29 years with no inkling that she’s a witch. The aunt she’d been living with found romance so Bridget decides to take off on her own and lands in a vampire run community called Clarity. Of course Bridget doesn’t realize that supernaturals exist until a witch hunter tries to take her out and her power explodes out of her. (How did the hunter know she was a witch since Bridget didn’t?)

It turns out Bridget is an extremely rare fire witch and the head honcho wants her out of his town RFN. He consults with the leader of the nearest coven (Why didn’t the hunters go after them?) and she recommends sending Bridget to Dyea, a sanctuary in Alaska. Bridget’s roommate, whom she just discovered is a vampire, tags along.

The majority of the residents are prey supernaturals with an Alpha wolf for protection and predatory vampires that pretty much stick together without interacting with the others. Bridget starts searching nearby caves in a quest for a fire opal that she believes will quell her powers and allow her to be “just a human." This doesn’t work out quite the way she’d hoped.

Elise, the vampire roommate, is also having problems adjusting as there are no available humans for her to feed from. She makes do with some interesting substitutions, one which leads up to her story in the next book.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Your scent... your fire blazes inside of you. Makes you even more beautiful... You're still my 'Red', but, Bridget Hunt, you'll always be my 'baby'. And my mate."

3.75 stars

This was a snarky, slow burn shifter romance and my first by Sarah Spade. I wish we had gotten to see more of the romance build-up and connection develop between Conall and Bridget as the majority of the story focused on Bridget finding the fire opal and learning more about the supernatural world. I loved the last few chapters where Conall finally admits their connection and we get to see him go after his mate (and vice versa). The cliffy was a nice dramatic surprise, and I look forward to diving into Elise's book🖤

Tropes: fated mates, grumpy/sunshine, lone wolf hero, heroine-on-the-run, forced proximity, small shifter town, he's secretly courting her/she has no idea, found family, slow burn, steamy🔥

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bit of a rocky start, but since it was introducing a new series/duet, I suppose that’s par for the course. Small town urban fantasy vibes with a quick-tempered FMC learning she’s a witch in the most explosive way possible then getting shipped off to middle-of-nowhere Alaska with her bestie (whom she finds out is a vampire) to keep her safe and potentially find a crystal that will help control her powers. But what she finds instead is a small community of all types of creatures and a grumpy security guard who can’t seem to stay away from her, shadowing her like an extremely large grumpy puppy. Fated mates are a thing and this newfound witch is about to get a crash course on all things supernatural.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5)

[Annette Aguilar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Find the Answers

A fantastic adventure that leads to what her heart desires! She just needs to find what it is! When she is banished to Sanctuary her best friend goes with her! The adventure begins and ends in Alaska! She finds what she was searching for! Will be what she thought or is it too late? Will the hunted become the hunter to save her greatest treasure? The characters are unique, quirky, and delightful! The story will draw you into this magical world and keep you safe until the end!

[Wendy Mccrone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

I have read another book by this author before and I enjoyed reading it.
I chose to read this book because the book I had been reading before nearly threw me into a book funk (every reader's worst nightmare).
Love the dynamics between all the characters. Jenny made me giggle....her playing "dead" before coming back to life again. Poor Elise when I was reading the last part.
I would recommend this book if you are looking for something different to read.

[Krystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

a firery love story

Bridget and Mr Grump (adorable) have a lovely and firery relationship. Lots of miscommunication and different expectations. Love her vampire friend that she lives with. Some parts were drawn out where others might have needed it more. But overall a good story.

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so confused... This book moves so fast. The beginning felt meh.... And then the more I read... The more I became addicted to it. I was gonna DNF it at the start... But as soon as she moved... That's when it started to pick up for me. I actually want to read about the side characters too because they sound super interesting..... 4 stars👌

[KayCeeReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was ok. Kind of at a surface level. Bridget meets Elise in the prologue then in chapter 1, six months later, they are the best of friends. But we didn't see any of it. Later Bridget is in love 2 weeks after meeting him. It did keep my interest.

[Diz (Brandi) · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a person who hasn't read many romantasy type books... I was excited to read more. I could not put this book down!!! It was a quick 250, some read, but I didn't want to do anything else, but keep diving in!!! It's just one book from Sarah Spade, and I'm sure she has found herself a forever fan!!!

[Sherrie Westover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Watch me burn

Love it°!!!!!!!! Supes are so cool and Alphas? gotta love them too. A witch and a wolf? What a couple, story, what am imagination you have Sarah!! Keep up the amazing stories, onto Elises story....
Stay tuned.....

[Ashley Pflug · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute

This was cute. I felt the pacing was just inconsistent. It was slow for the first 50% then I felt like we just zoomed through the romance. The world in this was cool though. I liked that there were all kinds if different shifters. I liked the characters!

[Glynne Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it

I love Sarah’s books, always so entertaining and lively, filled with shifters, vampires and witches…and the occasional human:). This is another winner, looking forward to book two.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mmm bastante entretenido, sin mucha trama, cortito.

[Madalena Pereira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muito fofo!
Gostei como ela aceitou que era bruxa e ele é tão fofo!! E quando deixou os coelhos?!? Adorável

[Linda Atwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

About this book

Love this book and would recommend it to anyone who loves to read paranormal romance ❤️ and the Arthor is awesome 👌

[Deborah · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm glad other ppl like it. I'll find something else to read 👍🏿

[Jennifer McBain · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new series to binge!!

Loved this series but I also just love all of Sarah’s works and this is definitely a series I plan to follow.

[Marisa]

Dnf @34%

I really can’t read single POV’s anymore apparently

[fred jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one. A fun urban fantasy with great characters. The new fire witch and the lone wolf shifter. I will definitely be reading more of these stories.

[Alicia N I Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

super cute finished story, witches, vampires, shifters, dominant yet respectful alpha

[Illana Halliday · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun.

A light and fun tale of supernaturals in Alaska. A story of discovery and exploring your gifts. Friendship and love across the history and expectations

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story

Good plots,engaging characters fun to read can't wait until the next book comes out. Nice plot about predators and prey

[Manalye · Rating 4 out of 5]

MF, shifter romance, PNR, urban fantasy. Wolf shifter, witch but doesn't know it, vampire bestie, fated mates, exiled.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light, fun, and easy to read. Simple world building, adorable characters, and perfect for a feel good vibe.

[Shayde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

This was such a good book! And a quick read which was just what I needed to get out of my reading slump.

[Nicola Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

What a fantastic read Sarah! You have created interesting characters and the story was well written! I enjoyed every page and I look forward to reading more!

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story! Th ending made me want to read book 2

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hot read during a heatwave! Easy to read, quick finish, all the usual tropes but with a few twists on delivery and likeable characters carried the story along. Fun ending!