Perfect spooky season romance featuring Maple, who’s a “null” (a witch with no magical powers) and Rune, who’s the newly crowned Voodoo King, a title he didn’t want as it only passed to him on his beloved father’s death. These two are made to fulfill a marital contract between them that was brokered by Rune’s father and Maple’s family because the New Orleans coven is being decimated, ostensibly by rogue wolf shifters.
Of course secrets aren’t divulged by Maple or Rune until the coven and the couple are in the greatest peril. Can they get past hurts and misunderstandings and work together to save the coven and liberate the wolves?
The only criticisms I can offer is that I would’ve preferred a lot more steam, and the main villain is easily guessed at, but it’s still a very imaginative and entertaining story.
I was fortunate to have received an advance reader copy from the author and bookfunnel, and I’m pleased to share my honest review.
"What surged out wasn’t just fear or rage. It was everything—every ounce of magic I thought I didn’t have, every piece of myself I’d kept caged for years."
I was certainly under a spell while reading this because it was magical and gave me the worst craving for a good bowl of gumbo!
I have always had a soft spot for New Orleans, so when I saw that our story was taking place, it felt like I had found that baby in a king cake (IFYKYK).
New Orleans is magical, and this author transports you immediately with their descriptive writing.
This story follows a witch with no powers and a newly appointed Voodoo King who are forced into an arranged marriage (squeals with delight).
Together, these two are supposed to stop the terrible werewolves who keep killing.
This has delicious slowburn, the perfect amount of steam, and the will leave craving more than just beignets.
I really enjoyed this one, but it's not my favourite in the Bewitching Hour series. The love story was sweet, and Maple was a pretty adorable FMC who just wanted to be loved. The spice is minimal in this story too, but that didn't spoil it even though its a romance. I'm not usually one for slow burn but the pay off is worth it in this story!
I have such a love for New Orleans, especially the French Quarter, so I always enjoy books set there. Bewitched By the Voodoo King was such a fun read with lovable characters.
What a story this book was! I really enjoyed seeing all the elements of Cajun culture and NOLA magic throughout this story. It is evident that A Lonergan truly takes pride in what she writes and does her research to provide accurate and entertaining books. Bewitched by the Voodoo King is book 7 in the Bewitching Hour collection and I couldn’t read it fast enough.
I loved everything about the story! The world building was amazing and I truly felt transported to New Orleans as vivid imagery was described by Lonergan. The descriptive writing allows you to easily hear the French Quarter music, smell the food, see the eclectic people congregating, and feel the magic in the air. This being my first book by Lonergan I was beyond impressed with her ability to pull me into the world she created.
Maple and Rune shine! Being tossed into an arranged marriage, their dynamic creates beautiful tension. Maple unknowingly is supposed to save New Orleans, but she doesn’t possess the powers she is thought to have. Truly a girl who finds the silver lining, I was constantly impressed by her ability to not become jaded and bogged down. Rune, The Voodoo King, is going through his own struggles, but still helps Maple. She also helps him and they create magic together.
I will definitely be reading more books by Lonergan and this story is an excellent addition to the collection overall. I was captivated by every word, immersed in the NOLA culture with every description, and fell hard for our MCs. Any author who can do that, is definitely a must read author in my book!
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect: 🔮Laugh Out Loud Banter 🩶Found Family 🔮Self Discovery 🩶Grumpy x Sunshine 🔮Cajon Culture 🩶NOLA Magic 🔮Arranged Marriage 🩶Unavoidable Proximity
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out 5 stars 🌶️🌶️ -moderate spice sprinkled intermittently with some underlying longing and slow burn.
This book cast a curse over me and I could not put it down. This story is a paranormal romance with witches, werewolves, shadow magic and secret curses. There is shadow magic, longing and yearning, finding inner strength and breaking those chains that were cast upon you. The book is set in the heart of New Orleans. The author did a marvelous job of transporting you right into the scenes with vivid sensory filled descriptions.
Maple, the FMC, has always watched from the outside with a longing to belong to her coven and even within her own family but sadly is a null (a witch born with no powers). She is tossed into a contractual arranged marriage to the new broody Voodoo King , Rune the MMC. Maple is sent to New Orleans to be their savior unbeknownst to her and figure out a way stop the werewolves that continue to kill witches but no one knows she doesn’t have magic. Maple is the sweetest despite the constant let downs in her life she keeps her sunny disposition with a little bit of sass. Baking is her stress relief. Rune comes across as rude and brass at first but you are given insight to how he is reeling from the transfer of power and having to take up the mantle with all vexing responsibilities of being the Voodoo King. Secretly Rune has the inner core of a beignet dusted with shadow daddy energy. I love the found family aspect that Maple gets with the New Orleans coven with the addition of Rune’s mom and sisters. I would love for there to be follow books on Rune’s sisters This was one of my favorite books from the Bewitching hour series. Thank you for opportunity of the eARC
“You think it’s just your personality. But it’s more than that. It’s magic. Old magic. It pulls people in. It pulled me in.”
🔮 Bewitch by the Voodoo King by A. Lonergan🔮
Bewitched by the Voodoo King is another installment of the Bewitching Hour series, this one by A. Lonergan. If you love a meet cute with witches, magic and spooky vibes then this is for you.
“You occupy all of my thoughts. I wonder what you’re doing all day. I want to speak to you, hear you laugh.”
As soon as I started this book I know I was going to love it and I so did! I struggled to put this down. I absolutely loved the writing style of this book as well as the world building. I always love a witchy book and this really hit the spot!
“I want you more than I have ever wanted anything, and it scares me.”
Maple was such a relatable FMC. I felt for her and was routing for her the entire book. I loved her positive personality and how she finds herself and family/friends that she always wanted. Rune was a broody yet sweet MMC, I loved how he was with his family and coven. He was so protective and powerful when he needed to be. I really enjoyed the development between them and that ending 🥹
“You’re mine, Maple. Not because of a contract. Not because of this coven but because you chose me and I chose you.”
Great storyline, loveable characters, all the spooky witchy vibes you could ever want and a sprinkle of spice 🔥 also the artwork in this book is adorable! Cannot wait to add it to my shelves!
New Orleans, curses and baking - they’re all a part of the magic of Bewitched by the Voodoo King.
Maple is a null in a coven of witches. Despite her family’s best attempts, her lack of magic means she is an outsider and feels alone. Then her father drops a bombshell - he has arranged a marriage for her to save another coven in keeping with a vision from her grandmother.
Her introduction to the coven in New Orleans is a little rocky. On her arrival she discovers the old leader has just died and her betrothed is now in charge…and he’s not overly happy to have her there. His coven’s magic is failing, and they are under constant attack from the wolves - the last thing he needs is an arranged marriage.
Despite that, the attraction between them is strong. Will they be able to save the coven, or will Maple’s lack of magic ruin everything?
I loved this book. It takes a lot in a story to make me cry - but Maple’s story did it. Her feelings of exclusion were heartbreaking and had me ugly crying. I loved the strength she discovered in herself, along with the power to forgive.
This book owes a lot to the setting - New Orleans is almost a character in its own right. The mystique and history of the city create their own magic that enhances the story line.
This is a slow burn, open door book. IT deals with feelings of isolation and betrayal, and has some ex girlfriend drama.
I highly recommend this book to fans of PNR - just keep the tissues handy.
Bewitched by the Voodoo King has officially stolen the crown as my favourite in The Bewitching Hour series. This paranormal romance has everything. We’ve got an enchanting world that you can slip into with ease, an arranged marriage that keeps the tension simmering, a murder mystery to unravel, and of course—a slow burn romance that will have you kicking your feet.
Maple completely won me over. She’s smart, determined, and full of sunshine even when the world tries to dim her light. Then there’s Rune, the strong, grumpy counterpart who pretends he’s all stone and shadows, but you just know he’s hiding a heart of gold. Together, their dynamic is absolute magic. Every stolen glance, every sharp retort, every softening moment between them just made me melt.
What really hooked me, though, was the balance between mystery and romance. Following Maple on her journey of self-discovery, while piecing together the case of the missing witches, gave the story so much depth. It never felt like the romance overshadowed the mystery—or vice versa. Instead, everything wove together beautifully, making it impossible to stop reading.
I flew through this book in record time because putting it down simply wasn’t an option. The mix of danger, charm, and heart had me completely under its spell.
First off I would like to say thank you to the author for an ARC of this book and for their patience as I was moving and didn't get this out as fast as I normally would have.
My goodness what can I say though, this book is a captivating addition to the Bewitching Hour series, and one that truly stands out for its setting and atmosphere. I have always loved New Orleans, and it was refreshing to read a story so deeply rooted in the city’s rich culture, history, and mystique. The author does a remarkable job of weaving the vibrancy of New Orleans into the pages of this book while still making the setting feel like a character in its own right.
Also the relationship between these two is beautifully developed. Their dynamic is engaging and even though it didn't start how they probably would have wanted it sure was beautiful, and not only that but the the gradual build up of their romance feels just so wonderfully natural.
As with the other installments in the Bewitching Hour series, this book strikes an excellent balance between romance, atmosphere, and supernatural intrigue. Each book so far in this series has offered something unique, but this one, in particular, captured my attention in a way that makes it a personal favorite.
I will certainly be reading more by this author in the future!
What To Expect: - paranormal romance - arranged marriage - witches and werewolves - found family - curses/curse breaker - set in new orleans - outcast
4.5⭐️ so i rounded up
this was such a great read for this fall season! i will forever love paranormal romance and especially during fall. it just feels extra magical when you read paranormal during fall/spooky season nut that's just my opinion
normally the whole arranged marriage isnt for me but i really liked it in this story. rune and maple were so good together. maple never felt like she belonged anywhere and she finally found a home and people who liked her for her, and that was all with rune. there anfew times i did not like rune at all, he annoyed me during those times but even then, i still really liked him as a character.
i was torn between wanting to give maple a hug and being so envious of how no matter what she never gave up and let anyone tear her down. she was just a relatable and lovable character in general and i really loved her.
thank you so much A. Lonergan for giving me this opportunity to read and review this e-arc!
Bewitched by the Voodoo King is an interesting story with compelling main characters set in the both charming and spooky New Orleans. Having been there recently I could practically feel the powdered sugar that landed on my clothes. Maple didn’t fit in with her witch coven at home because she doesn’t have magic and is excluded from activities. Having come from a family that valued traits I did not possess, this resonated deeply with me. Maple is bewildered when they tell her that they’re send her to New Orleans, but to keep her lack of magic a secret. Rune isn’t prepared to receive Maple when she arrives. He’s dealing with his own issues. The chaos begins the moment Maple arrives and the New Orleans coven goes through many stages on their way to loving her. I loved how Rune’s mother took to her first. As things unfolded near the end, I was so angry on Maple’s behalf. I needed to put the book down for a minute and calm down before finishing it. The villain was a bit obvious, but I think the point was more that if Rune and Maple couldn’t get out of their own way, then the villain would win.
This was such a enchanting story! I really loved the New Orleans setting and the mystical feel to the story. Both Maple and Rune were great characters who showed tremendous growth and had a great undercurrent of passion between them.
I enjoyed the transformation in Rune as he fell under Maple's spell. He went from standoffish and grumpy to playful and jovial. She really brought out the best in him and helped him be his best to step into the leadership role.
I really liked Maple. She is such a bright soul and has such a sweet personality. I loved how much she wanted to help even knowing she was in over her head. She really matured as the story progressed and I just wanted her to finally be happy.
I loved that this story was about embracing your uniqueness and it's okay to be different. It held my attention all the way through and I didn't want to put it down. It was exciting, suspenseful and had an interesting mystery mixed in. It was a great story and I would definitely recommend it!!
Bewitched by the Voodoo King by A. Lonergan 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 2 spicy🌶️🌶️
What to expect: -Found family -Self-discovery -Arranged marriage -Cajun food and culture -Magic
This was my favorite of the Bewitching Hour series. I truly enjoyed how the story unfolded and was such a perfect spooky romance for this time of year.
We meet Maple, a null or a witch with no powers, who is sent to a coven in New Orleans to help with a problem and to marry the new Voodoo King named Rune. When she arrives, they don’t know that she doesn’t have powers, but it is not just her that has secrets. I enjoyed the story of Maple and her self-discovery of finding her place where she’s needed and loved due to how she felt back at her old coven.
The romance was so sweet without much spicy, but that didn’t bother me because the storyline was well done and integrating that it didn’t need it. It had plot twists and turns near the end that I wasn’t expecting, but kept me wanting to keep reading till the end to find out what happens.
This was a pleasantly spooky romance between Maple, a witch with no magic, and her arranged marriage to Rune, the Voodoo King of the New Orleans coven.
Maple doesn’t know why she was chosen as the Voodoo King’s bride, as she has no magical powers. I enjoyed seeing things through Maple’s eyes; feeling her pain at being on the outside of things and then being a stranger in a new place when she first arrives at the New Orleans coven.
Though Rune is a grump at the beginning, it’s easy to become sympathetic towards him when you realize how much of a burden he is shouldering for his family and his people. Maple and Rune’s chemistry is so fun to watch as they get to know one another and feelings come into play.
The vibe is sweet, cozy, mysterious, sensual, and a little spooky all at the same time. I really liked Rune and Maple’s story, and am so glad to have been lucky enough to read an advance copy of it.
An FMC with no magical power, family secrets and curses. An MMC brimming with shadow magic, newly crowned though not by choice, both forced into an arranged marriage. Together, they must join forces. We’ve got witches, werewolves, and a whole lot of magic. Oh, and baking. Say no more.
Lonergan truly transports you to New Orleans, immersing you in the sounds of the French Quarter, the scent of mouthwatering food - pass me those beignets, please!
While the steam level wasn’t exactly sizzling, it was the perfect definition of a slow burn. I personally would’ve loved a little more spice, but the tension built well for the plot pace. One of the standout elements for me was how Lonergan used the 'found family' trope - especially with Rune’s family and Maple. The connections she forms with his mother and sisters are heartwarming.
Like all the books in The Bewitching Hour series, this one brings something different and unique. It delivers an entertaining, cosy, seasonal read.
I loved reading Bewitched by the Voodoo King. It had it all, a relatable FMC feeling like she didn't belong and yearned to fit in. An arranged marriage, a curse and a lot of twists I didn't expect. The story itself had me hooked, what curse needed breaking and just what could our non magic Maple do? I was intrigued and I read with anticipated eagerness. I loved our main characters Maple and Rune. Maple was so relatable, I liked her attitude and how she didn't give up even though I know I would have done. Rune was a great character, you could see his inner turmoil over what he felt he should do and what he wanted to do. I loved the side characters too. I loved the writing style in this novel, it brought the story to life, I had pictures forming in my mind as I was reading. I loved how it eased me into the storyline and held me until the end. I loved everything about this novel.
This was a first for me- a book with a Voodoo King, and I really need some more in my life! This was a fantastic story- it was a little flirty and fun, an arranged marriage forcing Maple and Rune together, without ever knowing each other or knowing the whole truth on either of their sides. There's a bit of a magic murder mystery/ hunt of wolves down. I loved their dynamic- it was like fate, but fated mates was not apart of this story. But I think I am even loving the whole: she's light to his darkness- made them even more dreamy.
CHARACTERS: 🧙♀️ Maple- Has believed she had no magic and was negle ted in her coven, shes sweet, gentle and is easy to love. 🖤 Rune- He is the Voodoo King, all powerful with death magic and he is a bit of a cinnamonroll. He falls first, and he's a little possessive and throws around MINE like no one's listening.
Loved this book at first I wasn’t sure about the arranged marriage but I loved it. Maple is a witch without have magic and just wants to belong and Rune is the Voodoo King who is kind of a grump but it’s because he’s got a lot of people to protect! Their chemistry is off the charts but it’s even better when they start developing real feelings. They have their difficulties but they ended up really great together. Maple is incredibly relatable and easy to root for. Maple’s personality is amazing she embraces who she is and doesn’t let her limitations hold her back! This book was spooky, heartwarming, with just the right balance of tension, and a touch of magic. I’m so glad I got to read this book!
I was not expecting to love this story as much as I did, but Maple and Rune really stole my heart. Specifically Maple, I was so invested in her finding a space to be herself and come into her own with people who actually appreciated her, my heart hurt so much when anything bad happened to her in the book. I can't believe how she was treated at times. I loved that every time there was an argument or conflict, it was handled with so much care by the author to discuss the rights and wrongs of both parties and how forgiveness wasnt always as easy as a yes or no.
This book gave me all the magic of New Orleans along with witches and werewolves. I loved reading this and will definitely be looking into this author again.
Absolutely brilliant! I am in love with this author and her work, I will read and recommend everything she has!
This story is rooted in New Orleans, and you are really immersed into the world . The descriptions lay everything out for you and you can see it in your mind! I am so desperate to get there now to experience the things Maple did!
The characters are brilliant- they all know their minds and have a strength individualistic to each other. I really got behind Maple early I’m on in the story and I carried on rooting for her throughout.
A fantastic story that flows so well and weaves its own magic over you! A must read!!
Bewitched by the Voodoo King is an emotional, atmospheric paranormal romance set in the heart of New Orleans. Maple has always felt like an outsider without magic, but when she’s thrown into an arranged marriage with Rune, the broody Voodoo King, she suddenly finds herself caught between coven politics, a supernatural war, and a slow-burn romance that kept me hooked.
Lonergan writes with so much emotion that you can feel Maple’s pressure and anxiety right alongside her. The chemistry, the tension, and the lush setting all made this a page-turner. If you love magic, angst, and a romance worth rooting for—this one’s for you!
Bewitched by the Voodoo King is a fantastic addition to The Bewitching Hour series! I really enjoyed the writing style—it brought the story to life 📖, and the characters were well-developed and compelling 🌟.
The story follows Maple, a witch 🧙♀️ with no magic who just wanted to belong, and her arranged marriage 💍 to Rune, the Voodoo King 👑 of the New Orleans coven. Rune starts off as a grump 😠, but it’s because of the heavy burden he carries of protecting his people 🛡️. Their chemistry is so fun to watch 💫 as they get to know each other and real feelings start to develop 💞. I especially liked how both of them carried secrets 🤫, which added tension and depth to their relationship as the story unfolded.
Maple is incredibly relatable and easy to root for 🌿. I admired her attitude, her refusal to give up 💪, and how she embraced her identity as a witch without powers. She never lets her limitations define her—instead, she proved her worth to the coven through sheer determination, strength, and resilience 🔥.
Overall, this was a wonderfully spooky 👻, heartwarming 💖 romance with just the right balance of tension, tenderness, and a touch of magic ✨. I definitely recommend giving this one a read! 📚
Thank you, A. Lonergan, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
I LOVE Maple. She’s a cupcake 🧁 I couldn’t stand her family, I’m not even sorry. She may have been forgiving in the end but she’s better than me because I was not. Babette 🙄 girl bye. I really enjoyed this. I think it was super sweet 🥹🥹 the story itself was good too. It was definitely giving some original’s vibes which I LOVED! I’m not sure if that was intentional but love love love.
This is a really enjoyable book that has a touch of mystery, and spookiness. I like how I found out things the same time as Maple did, and how the mysteries unravelled. I think Maple is brave, but not confident. As the book went on her confidence in herself and what she has to offer grew as well. Rune can be a bit obtuse. If he had opened his eyes sooner, the weight of responsibility could have been shared. I like Maple and Rune’s chemistry. It is steamy and sexy, with a whole dollop of spice thrown in. This is a thoroughly entertaining read.
Bewitched by the Voodoo King by A. Lonergan ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️
Another great story in the Bewitching Hour Series! The story follows Maple a “null” or non-magical witch that is such a sweetheart and loves to bake and Rune the Newley appointed grumpy Voodoo King. The pair is thrown into an arranged marriage contract to save Runes coven. This is such a cute witchy story with little spice. Perfect easy fall read!
🪄 Found Family 🐺 Witty Banter 🪄 Arranged Marriage 🐺 Forced Proximity 🪄 Grumpy x Sunshine
Thank you again for trusting me with an ARC of your book! 💜
this book was a really good read. There is tension between the two main characters that is phenomenal. She is spunky and has a magical confidence issue until her Husband is threatened. Together; they unravel truths nobody was ready for. There was a huge betrayal of the coven by another member. Contract marriage that as of the moment it was signed started their marriage and she has no idea. She felt like her parents threw her away because of the secrets that are kept from her. Her husband is the Voodoo King and doesn't know until they meet because his father was murdered. He has to navigate grief, responsibility to the coven and the relationship between him and his wife.
Really enjoyed this paranormal mystery featuring a special girl longing to belong. It really shows how life can change in the blink of an eye, and what must seem for the worst at first might prove to be for the best. We must accept life for what it is and try to make the best of it, like the FMC did.
Well written, a good imagination, an interesting story and a few surprises make this book a good read.
I want my own personal Rune NOW! He is the dreamiest🥰🥰🥰
Maple is so freaking cute and Rune can be such a grump. I adore their dynamic so much. Maple struggles with her lack of powers, and I think this makes the story so much more relatable to people. Being born into something, but feeling like you are missing pieces to make it your own. And Rune has his own struggles, which makes them being together so much sweeter.