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Bet on the Waif
Magic thrives in the heart of the city… and so do its dangers.
Merritt Vale is the last of her kind, a Leshbolg trying to carve out a new life in Little Avalon, the paranormal haven hidden in Brooklyn. Baking by day and embracing her magic by night, she longs to belong in a world teeming with fae, werewolves, and ancient mysteries.
When an old legend resurfaces—a relic of King Arthur’s time—Merritt is drawn into a tangled web of secrets and power. Friends stand by her side, yet shadows lurk in the alleys, and unseen forces plot in the dark.
The city hums with magic, but not all of it is kind.
To claim her place and protect those she loves, she must step beyond the safety of the life she’s built. The path ahead is uncertain, the enemies are relentless, and the cost of failure is more than she can bear.
Will she unlock the truth of her past and wield her magic before it’s too late? Or will the forces hunting her snuff out her light forever?
Dive into Bet On the Waif today and uncover the magic, mystery, and danger waiting in the shadows of New York City!
Merritt Vale is the last of her kind, a Leshbolg trying to carve out a new life in Little Avalon, the paranormal haven hidden in Brooklyn. Baking by day and embracing her magic by night, she longs to belong in a world teeming with fae, werewolves, and ancient mysteries.
When an old legend resurfaces—a relic of King Arthur’s time—Merritt is drawn into a tangled web of secrets and power. Friends stand by her side, yet shadows lurk in the alleys, and unseen forces plot in the dark.
The city hums with magic, but not all of it is kind.
To claim her place and protect those she loves, she must step beyond the safety of the life she’s built. The path ahead is uncertain, the enemies are relentless, and the cost of failure is more than she can bear.
Will she unlock the truth of her past and wield her magic before it’s too late? Or will the forces hunting her snuff out her light forever?
Dive into Bet On the Waif today and uncover the magic, mystery, and danger waiting in the shadows of New York City!
- GenresFantasy
345 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 20, 2025
419 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Renée Jaggér
84 books71 followersA long time ago I was born in Los Angeles. That's where I spent many of my formative years. After I became an adult, I moved around for a bit before ending up in a small town in Oregon, very similar to Bailey's hometown. Greenhearth is fake, if you haven't already Googled that, but it's like many small towns with less than 1,000 people.
My pets...
I love animals, especially my two even if they do create havoc in my daily life. I have a cat, named Snowstorm, Storm for short. Then I have a rescue, Josephine. She's a Labradoodle - I think. It's hard to say but it's the best I can come up with.
What I'm working on...
I'm already working on the next book in the series - was working on it before Bad Attitude came back from editing. And now that it has released, need to stay on track with A Bit Aggressive.
For the latest and greatest about me and what I'm working on, check out my website: reneejagger dot com
My pets...
I love animals, especially my two even if they do create havoc in my daily life. I have a cat, named Snowstorm, Storm for short. Then I have a rescue, Josephine. She's a Labradoodle - I think. It's hard to say but it's the best I can come up with.
What I'm working on...
I'm already working on the next book in the series - was working on it before Bad Attitude came back from editing. And now that it has released, need to stay on track with A Bit Aggressive.
For the latest and greatest about me and what I'm working on, check out my website: reneejagger dot com
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 18, 2025
Merritt Vale is the last Leshbolg, her family and her race destroyed by dastardly Mordred in the Great War. Magical Council member Merlin reaches out to Val, who rules the community of little Avalon to find out if the orphaned adult Merritt can fit into the paranormal group there and make a true home for herself in Val’s duchy, and of course, Val says yes.
As a lost soul wandering from foster home for centuries, Merritt has given up on herself, but she actually begins to slowly make friends start with new roommate Damian and then Tess, who is Liam’s fiancée’, one of Val’s closest team members, and things begin to improve for her. SpMerritt even begins to slowly ease around Tetra the fairy who terrifies her - learning how to accept others different from herself.
The biggggg blip for Merritt is that she is basically a nature shapechanger with no control of how that works and its emotion based. And Merritt is terrified to share that with others, since it has ended with her thrown out of every other foster home placement because they could not handle it.
So living in NYC is her last chance for a home. Merritt desperately wants a home and also wants to protect the downtrodden, so opportunities to practice shape changing control with Shadow her new dog friend help, with other new friends along the way helping her learn to control her natural giant shape and use her powers safely and wisely - and of course take down the real villain who is attempting to take over their community and destroy everything they love.
Merritt, Val, trusty hybrid of bear Shadow and their paranormal friends are a magical show and throwdown of firepower and magic - the villains are going down, it’s thrilling and a totally worthwhile read
As a lost soul wandering from foster home for centuries, Merritt has given up on herself, but she actually begins to slowly make friends start with new roommate Damian and then Tess, who is Liam’s fiancée’, one of Val’s closest team members, and things begin to improve for her. SpMerritt even begins to slowly ease around Tetra the fairy who terrifies her - learning how to accept others different from herself.
The biggggg blip for Merritt is that she is basically a nature shapechanger with no control of how that works and its emotion based. And Merritt is terrified to share that with others, since it has ended with her thrown out of every other foster home placement because they could not handle it.
So living in NYC is her last chance for a home. Merritt desperately wants a home and also wants to protect the downtrodden, so opportunities to practice shape changing control with Shadow her new dog friend help, with other new friends along the way helping her learn to control her natural giant shape and use her powers safely and wisely - and of course take down the real villain who is attempting to take over their community and destroy everything they love.
Merritt, Val, trusty hybrid of bear Shadow and their paranormal friends are a magical show and throwdown of firepower and magic - the villains are going down, it’s thrilling and a totally worthwhile read
May 6, 2025
outstanding storytelling and character
Rating: 5⭐️
This outstanding series continues with Bet on the Waif, a story that continues with Merritt’s journey towards discovering more about their own species. This storyline has become a deeply compelling one, especially in a scene here. It also makes its way into the narrative through Merritt’s interactions with an older reclusive baker, an absolutely emotionally memorable part of the story.
The baking and recipes will make you drool, so have snacks handy. Just letting you know.
There’s new characters to embrace, moments of joy, grace, gratitude and ferocity.
Bet on the Waif shows Merritt developing trust and confidence in those around them and in the fact that, finally, Merritt might be home.
Merlin, who I have wanted to smack more often than not for his abrupt treatment of Merritt somewhat redeems himself here. I get it, he’s all powerful but that’s a traumatized child he’s been dealing with for years in a manner that’s borderline dismissive.
Sigh. Anyway. Love the characters here, and the growing community. So I’m heading directly to the next book in the series.
Another great cover.
Highly recommended for all lovers of fantasy fiction and fantasy adventures.
Outstanding covers and artwork. One of the things that drew me to this book.
Cover by Mihaela Voicu
Merlin's Waif (4 book series):
Little Waif Justice #1
Bet on the Waif #2
Waif Too Much #3
No Waif Out #4
Related/preceding series:
Valerie Stonehold (9 book series)
Rating: 5⭐️
This outstanding series continues with Bet on the Waif, a story that continues with Merritt’s journey towards discovering more about their own species. This storyline has become a deeply compelling one, especially in a scene here. It also makes its way into the narrative through Merritt’s interactions with an older reclusive baker, an absolutely emotionally memorable part of the story.
The baking and recipes will make you drool, so have snacks handy. Just letting you know.
There’s new characters to embrace, moments of joy, grace, gratitude and ferocity.
Bet on the Waif shows Merritt developing trust and confidence in those around them and in the fact that, finally, Merritt might be home.
Merlin, who I have wanted to smack more often than not for his abrupt treatment of Merritt somewhat redeems himself here. I get it, he’s all powerful but that’s a traumatized child he’s been dealing with for years in a manner that’s borderline dismissive.
Sigh. Anyway. Love the characters here, and the growing community. So I’m heading directly to the next book in the series.
Another great cover.
Highly recommended for all lovers of fantasy fiction and fantasy adventures.
Outstanding covers and artwork. One of the things that drew me to this book.
Cover by Mihaela Voicu
Merlin's Waif (4 book series):
Little Waif Justice #1
Bet on the Waif #2
Waif Too Much #3
No Waif Out #4
Related/preceding series:
Valerie Stonehold (9 book series)
June 4, 2025
good
There is definitely a lot of action in this book. The FMC is learning a lot more about how to channel her powers in this book. She’s still afraid to tell her friends about her other form, even though she has showed it to quite a few people. Not only is the FMC pursuing how to improve her baking, but she seems to have good people skills and tries to help people even when nobody else thinks they deserve it. The FMC and Liam are also helping to find who has been practicing black magic in the city. I will be reading the next book in the series.
There is definitely a lot of action in this book. The FMC is learning a lot more about how to channel her powers in this book. She’s still afraid to tell her friends about her other form, even though she has showed it to quite a few people. Not only is the FMC pursuing how to improve her baking, but she seems to have good people skills and tries to help people even when nobody else thinks they deserve it. The FMC and Liam are also helping to find who has been practicing black magic in the city. I will be reading the next book in the series.
April 1, 2025
Tons of action and feel-good accomplishments. Merritt continues to thrive in Little Avalon as she grows not only as a para but also as a baker and friend. The fight against good and evil continues with Val and team (sort of in the background) with periodic paras helping Merrit out. Focuses on Damian, Shadow, Liam, and even Merlin in this book. Great shout out (very emotional) for the park and memorial at the Twin Towers site.
April 13, 2025
Better and better
Second book in series (2nd spinoff series) evolved the story and depth of characters. I really appreciate that Val and Julie and characters from their series continue to appear, without taking focus from Merrick. The humor😅! Quite a few times just bust out laughing. Sadly, I wait for a quiet weekend to read…and then read the entire book! Now…wait patiently for the next one.
More please!
Second book in series (2nd spinoff series) evolved the story and depth of characters. I really appreciate that Val and Julie and characters from their series continue to appear, without taking focus from Merrick. The humor😅! Quite a few times just bust out laughing. Sadly, I wait for a quiet weekend to read…and then read the entire book! Now…wait patiently for the next one.
More please!
December 8, 2025
I have always like Merlin. Merritt, His special case, the last member of a magical species is trying her best to fit in where Merlin places her, but nothing has taken till she moved to "Little Avalon" in Brooklyn. Here, she has been put in charge of designing and building a 28 acre park including a pond, flowers, a garden and a woody area. She rescues a clan of Tiny Folks from Black magic and hunts down a Black magic Mage with help of course. I highly recommend this book.
March 30, 2025
Dark magic
Merritt is loving her new life in Little Avalon. She spends her time baking and helping Val and her friends keeping the city safe. When they find out that dark magic is showing up in their city, it will take all of them, and Merritt's newly discovered powers too keep it safe. Love, love this world that Renee and Michael have made and can't wait for more.
Merritt is loving her new life in Little Avalon. She spends her time baking and helping Val and her friends keeping the city safe. When they find out that dark magic is showing up in their city, it will take all of them, and Merritt's newly discovered powers too keep it safe. Love, love this world that Renee and Michael have made and can't wait for more.
April 10, 2025
D%&$ I really like these characters!
The humor that these books contain tickles me. Maybe a 68 year old man shouldn't be enamored by these books and the characters within, but I am. Any paranormal out there want to indoctrinate me into your world? It has to be fascinating especially if it works like this author 's world. What does LMBPN stand for anyway?
The humor that these books contain tickles me. Maybe a 68 year old man shouldn't be enamored by these books and the characters within, but I am. Any paranormal out there want to indoctrinate me into your world? It has to be fascinating especially if it works like this author 's world. What does LMBPN stand for anyway?
April 10, 2025
Just what I needed!
After a Spring break from Hades this book was perfect. Fast paced mayhem interspersed with
Merritt's journey to figure out who and what she is. By building friendships, finding her inner warriors and learning that Little Avalon brings out the best in her she just might find HOME.
After a Spring break from Hades this book was perfect. Fast paced mayhem interspersed with
Merritt's journey to figure out who and what she is. By building friendships, finding her inner warriors and learning that Little Avalon brings out the best in her she just might find HOME.
November 14, 2025
Fun magical ride with a strong female lead
This story brings together magic, heart and self discovery. The adventure brings in new and old characters. A fun world where magic in ny city has good triumph over evil.
This story brings together magic, heart and self discovery. The adventure brings in new and old characters. A fun world where magic in ny city has good triumph over evil.
March 21, 2025
Merritt gains control over her magic
She knows how to make herself smaller or larger, but not always when she wants it. Shadow helps her learn control.
She knows how to make herself smaller or larger, but not always when she wants it. Shadow helps her learn control.
March 22, 2025
A great new series
I am really enjoying this series and can't wait to read the next book. Merritt is a wonderful character and just makes you want to cheer her on.
I am really enjoying this series and can't wait to read the next book. Merritt is a wonderful character and just makes you want to cheer her on.
March 22, 2025
Merritt rocks
She is learning more and more. Not just about baking but also about her powers and friendship. Can't wait for the next book.
She is learning more and more. Not just about baking but also about her powers and friendship. Can't wait for the next book.
April 2, 2025
Excellent
the strength and good in this young woman is awesome and to exhibit such compassion and strength is awesome to read about. Wonderful. Beautiful writing skills.
the strength and good in this young woman is awesome and to exhibit such compassion and strength is awesome to read about. Wonderful. Beautiful writing skills.
April 18, 2025
Bet on the Waif
The books in the series get better . I love the characters, the community they have built. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
The books in the series get better . I love the characters, the community they have built. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
April 19, 2025
Another Literary Banger
As the series continue, it’s getting better and better. Go read the series guys!! Renee Jagger and Michael Anderle is a literary genius duo.
As the series continue, it’s getting better and better. Go read the series guys!! Renee Jagger and Michael Anderle is a literary genius duo.
April 23, 2025
Excellent continuation of a brilliant series. Taking all the characters and really running with them. A definite must read. Looking forward to the next one.
May 24, 2025
Merritt Vale is a new kind of hero
The orphan with amnesia Is starting to come into her own as a new kind of hero in little Avalon.
The orphan with amnesia Is starting to come into her own as a new kind of hero in little Avalon.
September 8, 2025
great book
I love how she is coming into her own. How she overcomes odds and solves things in a unique way.
I love how she is coming into her own. How she overcomes odds and solves things in a unique way.
November 30, 2025
Fun series
This has a great storyline with a cool characters . I'm glad the author included many of the characters from the val.Dwarf series of books
This has a great storyline with a cool characters . I'm glad the author included many of the characters from the val.Dwarf series of books
December 7, 2025
Totally enjoyed it! This is a well written and has well developed characters. The story is catching and with the strong characters makes for a very enjoyable read. Great Reading Everyone!
April 5, 2025
This book continues from A Little Waif Justice. It is a quite read worthy book that putters along in a fairly moderate pace.
Merritt learns more about her powers, she starts to fit in to Little Avalon, she disposes of some ruffians and gangbangers etc. etc.
It is a nice and enjoyable read but personally I think the author spends too much on the mundane side of things. Especially Merritt’s baking “adventures” and other “social” stuff.
Thus the ratings for this book stays at three stars.
Merritt learns more about her powers, she starts to fit in to Little Avalon, she disposes of some ruffians and gangbangers etc. etc.
It is a nice and enjoyable read but personally I think the author spends too much on the mundane side of things. Especially Merritt’s baking “adventures” and other “social” stuff.
Thus the ratings for this book stays at three stars.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews