Aster Wildes is not only a witch on a mission, she’s about to be a mother.
In one tragic event, Aster lost everything she treasured most—the home she fought so hard to keep and the vampire who had stolen her heart.
But Aster is no quitter. Her house can be restored, and once her daughter is born, she’ll risk everything by attempting to resurrect her vampire. She’s aware of the dangers involved, that resurrection could mean her burning at the stake, but bringing back the vampire who is the father of her child, is well worth it. Despite no guarantee such a forbidden spell would even work, Aster would never forgive herself if she didn’t at least try.
Just when she believes she’s found her footing, an unexpected twist of fate upends her entire plan, leaving her running from New Orleans to California just weeks before giving birth. It’s there she must create the most forbidden, and perilous spell of her life. Because if her coven found out the truth about her child, the women she was raised to believe would protect her at all costs, could turn their back on her in a heartbeat. Aster is already toeing a very fragile line, and hasn’t forgotten that there’s still an enemy lurking, but how close are they?
Will Aster be able to bring Bastian, the vampire that craved the sun, back to life? What will happen when her coven discovers her unforgivable sin? With all roads leading to her death, Aster must attempt to defy the impossible to break the toxic pattern of her ancestors and create the life her child deserves.
Update: After 7 months, I’ve finally managed to finish this book. While I loved book one, and I adore these characters and their love, this book was beyond difficult to get through. It’s one of those books where you mostly read inner monologue from the FMC with little to no action, dialogue, or scenes. I could only get through a little bit at a time because it was so boring. But I LOVE the characters and had to see how it turned out. It’s such a bummer though when you love book one in a duology and the second lets you down. I’m so sad about it.
First review: Finally just going to DNF this for now because it’s been 2 months and I’m still only 45% through, but I’d like to finish it at some point to know how the story wraps up.
Here are my thoughts so far:
The vibes weren’t quite the same as book one. It takes place in California so you don’t get the cool New Orleans vibes. The main character is also pregnant, so the whole first half of the book is basically her just thinking about how she’s pregnant and how she feels about it, which is painfully boring.
So much time was spent reading how the main character FELT, and there wasn’t much happening in the story. I eventually had to look ahead and spoil things for myself so I could know when the action was starting.
It was also way too predictable. You could guess every single plot twist. The author will say, “This NEVER happens. This is IMPOSSIBLE.” Which just means, it’s exactly what’s going to happen next in the story.
On a positive note, I do think the author did a good job of doing a recap of book one, which I was happy for. By the time book two came out and I finally got around to reading it, I pretty much forgot everything that happened.
I think I wouldn’t have had as difficult of a time with this one if the second one had been out already and I didn’t have to wait over the year before continuing the story. I still would have been disappointed, but I bet I could have at least finished it.
Oh well, someday I’ll know how it ends. But today is not that day. Finally DNFing so I can just mentally move on and stop trying to force it.
The Royal Street Witch ended with SUCH a cliffhanger that I was inching to read the Child of Rue Royale. We pick up right where we left off which I love. It immediately put me back in the story and I dove right in.
The Child of Rue Royale is a great follow up to Royal Street Witch. Aster is a great FMC and her grief over losing her vampire soulmate Bastian, while pregnant with his child had me in tears reading. The story of Aster and Bastian tied up flawlessly in the end. If the author decides to write a story about Cassian and Marlowe or Chantel I would definitely continue reading.
Thank you Jenna Walker and Social Butterfly PR for this ARC in exchange for a honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Jenna…JENNA!!! This was more than I thought going in. What a wonderful way to finish Aster and Bastian’s story. Well, start it. I took my time with this. Tried not to rush through. Key word TRIED.
I’m not going to say much, I don’t want to give anything away but I do want to say how fun it was getting to see this side of Cassius!
If you read the first one you need to read this one too. You need this ending! Trust me!!
⭐️:5 of 5 📚: 373 pages 🌶️: 3 of 5 💬: ''I don't want to be called your partner. I want your soul tied to mine forever. I want everything that's mine to be yours''
Read it if you like: ✔️ Paranormal romance ✔️ Witch FMC X Vampire MMC ✔️ Grumpy X Sunshine (she's the grumpy) ✔️ Fated love ✔️ ''My wife'' ✔️ Toucher her and him and unlive
Blurb: ''Aster lost everything she treasured most—the home she fought so hard to keep and the vampire who had stolen her heart. Will Aster be able to bring Bastian, the vampire that craved the sun, back to life? What will happen when her coven discovers her unforgivable sin? With all roads leading to her death, Aster must attempt to defy the impossible to break the toxic pattern of her ancestors and create the life her child deserves.''
My thoughts: It's rare for a debut to be perfect but a sequel AS flawless? Dude... Jenna knocked this one out of the freaking galaxy! Yes, I'm a fan and will read and love anything she writes but in all seriousness: THIS WAS THE PERFECT SEQUEL! (I'm not saying perfect ''ending'' because who knows? maybe we will get side stories from other characters in the future hehe *just throwing it out there in the universe*). FIRST things 1st: I'm not spoiling anything but this book made me cry insane amounts (some happy, some sad tears) and I love being destroyed like that because it means the story spoke to me and this story has been speaking, connecting and carving its way into my heart since book one. I love every single aspect about it: the forbidden feelings, the fear and desire, the supernatural elements, the ethereal vibe, the love and smut, the action packed scenes, the found family development, the female RAGE and empowerment, the setting in New Orleans and NorCal (I simply MUST visit the French Quarter next year. Jenna: meet me there?) and last but definitely not least: I love how this book made me love LOVE above all... it made me appreciate the ones I have with me (& the ones gone) even more, because truly, ''you never know when it's the last time you'll see a person or place'' and this book inspired me to love always, love hard and love unapologetically, we all have magic in us and what is that if not just pure love?
💫”I am the last true witch of New Orleans who fell in love with the forbidden vampire. “💫
💚”The Child of Rue Royale “ By Jenna Walker
5⭐️ 2.5🌶️
💚This book picks up right after the major cliffhanger in the first book “The Royal Street Witch “ so I would advise you read the first book before diving into this beautiful story.
💚This book definitely gives off some “A Discovery of Witches” vibes with the forbidden love between a Witch and Vampire . And a baby that could carry the magic of a Witch , the curse of a Vampire or is just Human. Family secrets and lies , Witches vs Vampires, and forbidden love and child.
💚Aster Wildes once again stole my heart as the strong female witch who will stop at nothing to find love , have a family and break away from her unconventional witch coven.
💚 Her strength and resilience is just hopeful and heartbreaking and she will stop at nothing to protect her family and to be with her eternal love “Bastian” the sweetest vampire I ever read about!
💚This book is classified as “Paranormal Romance “ but to me it’s more on the lighter side of a dark paranormal romance. It has more of a found family, fated mates, lighthearted romantic side to it. There’s magic and paranormal beings but it centers more around the forbidden romance between a Witch and a Vampire .
💚Loved a lot of the secondary characters in this story as well! Like the witty and vampire hating “Chantal ” who is Aster’s cousin and biggest supporter through her pregnancy .
💚Overall I just loved the conclusion to Aster & Bastian’s forbidden love story and hoping the next book will feature “Cassius & Marlowe’s” love story and hoping it will be little more darker then the first two books in the series!
💚Thank you Jenna Walker & Social Butterfly PR for the opportunity to ARC read this book in exchange for a honest review!
This was a beautiful edition to *The Royal Street Witch*. The first book I couldn’t ever stop thinking about, and to finally be able to read the second one? I am in absolute awe. It was full of heartbreak, forbidden love, passion, betrayal, rage, and vengeance.
If you are unsure about this series, then let this review be the reason you start it. It’s full of vampires, witches, and humans. It takes place in New Orleans along bourbon and royal street, as well as the French quarter. Not sure if those are all the same but hey I’m not good with geography. It’s seasoned with rich culture that Jenna brought to life that really brought this story to life.
Aster is a “bad witch” (not literally, you just can’t cuss in reviews). She is strong, powerful, and oh so inspiring. The heartless witch really grows in this book but I won’t give you much more because I can’t spoil it for you.
Bastion is every girls dream guy. He dotes and really shines light on the world and everyone around him. He is so easy to fall in love with. He brought so much fire and life into asters life upon that first initial meeting. He really is nothing but sunshine. (READ THE FIRST DANG BOOK, WHY ARE YOU STILL HERE.)
Anywho! I hope you give this series a chance. There is possibly more to come, and I hope you love it as much as I do.
The themes explored in The Child of Rue Royale—identity, family, and the search for truth—are handled with nuance and emotional depth. Walker weaves these elements into a tapestry of suspense, unexpected twists, and heart-wrenching moments that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Each character feels fully realized, with their own desires, flaws, and secrets, adding layers of complexity to the story. At the heart of the story is a deeply compelling protagonist whose journey of discovery and resilience drives the narrative forward. Her personal struggles and triumphs resonate deeply, creating a powerful connection that keeps readers invested from start to finish. Walker’s ability to balance moments of quiet introspection with intense, dramatic revelations is masterful, making the story both poignant and thrilling.
It is bittersweet to bid farewell to these beloved characters, but their story concludes in a way that feels both satisfying and heartfelt—a truly perfect ending. I eagerly anticipate the brilliance Jenna Walker will bring to her future works
🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆 I think there are ways to write grief in a way that doesn't get repeatative but this didn't do it for me. It felt like I was reading the same thing over and over for about the first half of the book. As for the ending, everyone in Aster's coven just being cool with all the rules she broke seems a little far-fetched. Everyone got their happy ending though so I'm doing alright.
🅀🅄🄾🅃🄴 “Nightmares and death have nothing on us. You and me. Through love and infinity, through sorrow and rapture. We are eternal.”
🅃🅁🄾🄿🄴🅂 Touch them & Die; Vampires & Witches; Grumpy Sunshine; Forbidden Romance; Found Family
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series so far and am beyond impressed with this author. I am an official top fan. What I also love is this book is set in New Orleans, and I have been OBSESSED with the French quarter my whole life. It's on my bucket list, so this was an immediate draw for me.
The feminine rage and strength in this book was absolute perfection. The character development was written so beautifully that this book will take you on an emotional rollercoaster of forbidden desire, love, found family, and all the action you need, nicely wrapped up in a supernatural package. And let's not forget the spice 👌What more can you ask for?
I had no idea what I was walking into with this sequel. I had hopes.. and Jenna surpassed them. I can’t exactly say what I want to without spoiling the book for you, so go out and get yourself a copy. If you love witches, vampires, magic, and have no icks about certain tropes (just look at the title), then you’ll enjoy this!
Normally, I take issue with flashbacks, but these flashbacks actually served a purpose. You get several glimpses into the past, betrayals come to light, and a new path is paved for the future. I just- I loved this. I loved it all.
This one was so slow and unnecessarily repetitive. The longer it went the more tired I got of hearing the FMC whine about missing the MMC, then after she brought him back it was going on and on about how much she loved him. We get it....now can the actual storyline progress?
The spice scenes were, again....terrible. They were boring, the scenes were too short, and the same thing happened every time.
Honestly, I was more interested in Cassius and Marlowe's story than the MCs in this one.
Jenna single handedly tore my heart out with the first book! So, of course, I had to read the second 😊
Aster and Bastian's story holds a special place in my heart ❤️ I fell in love with the aestethics of their story, and I didn't regret it once!
If you're looking for a forbidden love story with tragedy, happiness, and heartbreak, all mixed into 2 books, this is the duology for you! Plus, who doesn't like a witchXvampire love story 🤭
Book 1 left off with a huge cliffhanger that left the door open for many outcomes. Book 2 picked up right where book1 left off. This book had me in my emotions and crying. Aster is strong and loves even stronger. Her love story is beautiful and is pushing boundaries. I loved the found family vibes that this book had. This duology will forever be my favorite especially since the author brings the story to life in such an amazing way. I am looking forward to whatever comes next.
I loved this story! I was immediately sucked into this world with Aster. Life has changed for her, and she is willing to do whatever it takes to bring her love back to her. She can't live without him, and she refuses to give up on their love. Her and Bastian's story is ever changing, so romantic, undying, and everything that makes you swoon. I love a forbidden vampire and witch coupling! This was a wonderful ending to an epic, forbidden love story!
I have read many books with happy ending but this one OMG this one tops them, I got super emotional and my eyes got super watery my eyelash came off hahaha but in a serious note one of the best ending I have read! I loved it! Read the first book thinking okay I’ll give it a go and got hooked so fast I had to purchase the second one half way into reading the first, most definitely did not disappoint. GREAT BOOK
This was my most anticipated read of the year after the cliffhanger the last book ended on and it did not disappoint!
I loved following the storyline of Aster and Bastian, and reading how Aster dealt with her grief and the determination she had throughout. I wish I could read about these two forever!
Absolutely loved this book, the writing was fantastic and the story line amazing!!!! The journey she takes of reclaiming what was lost is astonishing! This book pulled me in from the very first chapter and I could not put it down. If you love witchy stuff and a mother set to reclaim what is hers despite what it might cost her, then you should definitely add this to your shelf!
I thoroughly enjoyed this read! Thanks so much, Jenna, for trusting me with an ARC copy! I had a blast reading the continuation of this beautiful story between Aster and Bastian. You painted motherhood with grace and displayed the true realities of coping with loss. The plot twists also got me. And Jenna sure does know how to write some luscious smutty scenes. Highly recommend!
A great sequel on how sometimes family dynamics change when we get older and the power of letting go. It was paced really well. It was a fun and emotional read and I hope this story continues! Which it sounds like it might? Loved getting to know more of the side characters. Waited all year for this to come out and it did not disappoint!
This is the perfect prequel, really, it fills up all the gaps left on the first book and it’s a masterpiece. It had me holding onto the edge of the seat the whole time. It’s really, really good. It has a perfect balance from suspense, to action, to fluff, to smut. It’s easy to follow and it engages you fast.
i’m so glad i embraced the cringe of the first book and decided to read this one. aster’s inner coven is so fun and so supportive of her despite her absolutely screwing up everyone’s lives but we love a delulu girly and her delulu coven.
on a more serious note, the development and fleshing out of the characters in this book was done really well and i did really enjoy how the story ended.
I love this book. Seeing Aster grow in this book and Bastian what to say about him? I loved how in this book you got to know a few supporting characters a bit more. IMO this was just as good a the first book.
I could not put this book down. It is a great read. The storytelling was wonderfully written the twists and turns of the plot were executed beautifully and I cannot wait for Jenna Walker‘s next book.
I thought the first book was awesome, this one was outright amazing. The spice was a 🌶️🌶️🌶️, and the ending blew me away. I can’t wait to read the next book. I definitely recommend it to everyone.
This one was a bit maternal for me. I loved the places it is set as I’m a huge NOLA and Santa Cruz fan! Bastian also infuriated me as a MMC. The pacing was also a little off. A LOT happened in the last 15% but the first 60% of the book felt slow to me.