Crone of Oria

Oria-verse #2

by Stephany Simmons

What if A Discovery of Witches was set in East Texas with a midlife heroine and a fated mate bond too powerful to deny?

I came to Oria looking for answers. What I found was power, passion, and a mate I never saw coming.

Now my so-called hot flashes are shaking ley lines, the coven whispers I’m the Moon Woman of legend, and the town’s dangerously handsome Alpha werewolf can’t seem to stay away.

He says I’m his fated mate. I’m starting to believe him.

Crone of Oria is a witchy, small-town paranormal romance about second-act power, protective love, and a bond strong enough to save us all…or shatter everything.

Read free in Kindle Unlimited.

Genres: Magic

568 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 28, 2025

About the author

Raised on a healthy mix of Scooby Doo and Dark Shadows, it's no surprise that she grew up writing about the things that go bump in the night.  Stephany Simmons is the author of Voodoo Dues, Vampire Blues and the upcoming Black Magic. She crafts an urban fantasy series filled with magic, mayhem, and a touch of humor. With a passion for creating rich, supernatural worlds and unforgettable characters, Stephany draws readers into thrilling adventures where the ordinary meets the extraordinary. She finds great joy in turning convention on its ear, twisting tropes and adding her own spin to conventional ideas.When she’s not writing, she’s usually exploring thrift stores, studying folklore, or working on her skoolie.

Reviews

[Katterine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midlife magic ✔️

Prophetic destiny ✔️

A romance that howls ✔️

Crone of Oria is a masterfully intertwined paranormal romance that exhales fresh life into the genre through the lens of a midlife protagonist striding into her untapped power.

Theo Swann is everything readers didn’t know they desired in a protagonist; she’s tall, curvy, a couture designer, and still pressure at this stage in her life. She is grieving her late husband and attempting to make sense of eccentric supernatural fluctuations in her body. Her arrival in Oria, a town pulsing with ley lines, witches, and wolves, is destined to bring ripostes. What she finds instead is Michael Stillwater, Oria’s alpha mayor and a protective, moody shifter with secrets and a wolf that instantly distinguishes Theo as his predestined mate.

The chemistry between Michael and Theo is electric and pleasingly well developed. Simmons blends passion, comicality, and sentiment into a story that acclaims feminine authority, sensualness, and personal reawakening after loss. The magical elements ley lines, Moon Woman prophecies, and eerie frost storms tied to Theo’s emotional state build pressure without overwhelming the emotional core. Simmons got bonus points for the robust collaborative troupe, especially the hilarious and meddling pack members, and the unapologetically witchy Baba Vi.

Lastly, though Hacked by the Beast stands on its own, after reading Crone of Oria after it, I wish I had read it before Hacked by the Beast, as it augmented my perspective. It offers a rich backstory and layered emotional context for Oria’s supernatural ecosystem. Theo and Michael’s relationship and the mysterious awakening of Moon Woman magic set the stage for more profound revelations in Hacked by the Beast. You’ll walk into the that book with greater emotional investment and a fuller understanding of Oria’s magical dynamics, character hierarchies, and the stakes behind the brewing darkness.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved an arc I recieved titled hacked by the Beast by Stephany Simmons so much that I had to read crone of Oria because Stephany's writing just hooks me

We have Theo who is a 50 year old widow with hot flashes so severe everyone around her feels them. Theo travels to Oria and forms an instant connection with Michael the mayor and Alpha of his pack. Strange things start happening in this little magical town as Theo has a magical awakening, Theo and Michael need to work together to figure out what's happening in the little town.

The instant connection these two had was primal and raw and grew into something magical and beautiful.

I loved all the characters and thoroughly appreciated having older MCs. Don't get me wrong I love young adults in the books I read but being 37 sometimes I just want to read about older MCs. I also appreciated the diversity of Theo she was very tall very statuesque not built like most fmc. And to top it all off she was confident in herself. Heck yes thank you Stephany.

I don't think I've annotated this much in a while! It was like every page I needed to highlight to remember!

If you like magic and prophecies, spicy primal claiming, small town and found family, and fated mates with a soul bond then no further you've got to add this to your TBR!

And come on if you judge a book by its cover how could you not add this solely on that.

[Leigha Lennon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stephany Simons delivers a beautifully atmospheric story in Crone of Oria, a small-town paranormal romance filled with ancient magic, destined bonds, and a heroine stepping fully into her power later in life. Theo Swann’s journey is refreshingly grounded in experience—gritty, emotional, and quietly triumphant.

Theo’s arrival in the mysterious town of Oria sets off a chain of revelations: a dormant power awakening within her, a town wrapped in secrets, and a magnetic bond with the local alpha werewolf, Michael Stillwater. Their connection simmers with intensity, but what makes it shine is its emotional depth—built on mutual respect, personal growth, and hard-won trust.

Theo isn’t your typical fantasy heroine—she’s older, wiser, and more reluctant to leap into destiny’s arms without a fight. That makes her arc incredibly satisfying to follow. Michael, with his quiet strength and fierce protectiveness, complements her in every way. Their bond feels fated but earned.

The world-building is immersive, filled with mystical lore, hidden dangers, and a town that feels alive with secrets. However, the one area where the book falters slightly is in the underdevelopment of the antagonistic forces. The threat beneath Oria feels present but never fully realized or fleshed out, which weakens some of the story’s tension and urgency.

[Madie Yuen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I thought I'd enjoy this book much more than I actually did. A few good things that stood out about the book was the beautiful cover and the unique female main character. I was initially attracted to the book because the cover is beautiful and I do still think it's very beautiful! I've never read a werewolf book where the FMC is in her later years and it was a refreshing change of pace. I also liked how our character had already lived a full life before meeting our MMC which made their romance more of an "I choose you" rather than "We are fated."

Mainly what made me not enjoy the book was the pacing of the plot and romance. Our main couple gets together in the first 100 pages and we're left with 250 pages to move through the rest of the plot. To me, it felt like the author wanted to make our characters get together so she could focus on the rest of the actual plot but I would've appreciated if we had more of a slower-paced relationship that coincided with the plot. Outside of that, the pacing of the plot felt very slow for about 300 pages and then extremely quick for the last 50 pages. I really liked our author's style of writing and the ideas for the story, I just wish the pacing made more sense.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Calypso✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨This one snuck up on me. The story is soft, magical, and full of emotional depth. Michael and Theo’s bond feels earned and real❤️‍🩹. It’s refreshing to have Theo who’s older, wiser, and finally stepping into the power she never knew she had. 🤌🏽And Michael is the perfect blend of protective alpha and patient partner, and watching their bond slowly grow was one of the best parts of the book.🥹

💖I loved the small-town setting and the way the magic is quietly woven through every page. It’s not flashy or fast-paced, but it’s deeply emotional and empowering. 🫶🏽A solid read if you’re craving a softer kind of fantasy romance, one that doesn’t rush the magic or the love.💕

⭐️While the pacing is slow, especially in the beginning but it gives the story room to breathe and the characters space to evolve. I would’ve liked a bit more urgency or conflict early on, but overall, the emotional journey and the cozy, witchy atmosphere made it a really satisfying read.❤️‍🔥

🩵I would recommend reading if you’re in the mood for a mystical small town, a fated connection, and a story that feels grounded in both magic and maturity, this one’s a gem.🙌🏽

Thank you to the Author Stephany Simmons and Book sirens for the opportunity to read this ARC!❤️

[Paola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished Crone of Oria by Stefanie Simmons.

It’s your human-meets-werewolf story, but Theo is not just any human. From the start she’s different; not a pushover, but a woman with history, personality, and plenty of sass. Michael, the town’s Alpha, may be old and wise, but even he isn’t immune to her charms.

The moment they meet, sparks fly. Michael tries to hold back, while Theo allows herself to lean into who she really is, turning into someone stronger, freer, and more powerful.

Oh, and she’s in her fifties. The synopsis hints at it, but I didn’t quite catch on before diving in. At first I was skeptical, but it works perfectly with the story. She’s a crone and once you connect it with the lore, the myths, and how the book uses it, her age makes sense.

There’s spice (quite a bit), plenty of fun, and no single “bad guy.” Instead, the conflict comes from strange forces, secrets, miscommunication, and the struggle of holding back from your true self. Friendship, family, and love all play a big role, and ultimately love and chosen family shine through.
The writing flows easily, the story carries deeper meaning, and a few times I wanted to slap Michael (which kept me hooked).

[Kiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unsuspecting Crone and her Wolf-shifter mate.

Thank you to Stephany Simmons and Booksirens for the ARC of this book which i received for free and im leaving this review voluntarily.

I was excited to grab this ARC after I read Hacked By The Beast. Theo and Michael show up in that book and I was curious about their story. I really enjoyed the instant connection they had. I liked seeing how Michael fought with his wolf side for control over his emotions. I liked how Theo had no idea why she was reacting so strongly to Michael, but went for it anyway (my kinda lady).
The only issue i had with this book was it felt like there was two plots, Theo coming into her powers and then the town needing to be saved. I think this couldve served better if they were happening concurrently instead of it seeming like the powers were sorted out and then they focused on the town. Otherwise it couldve been two books long to flesh out both plots.
Either way I very much enjoyed this story. It was a different vibe from Hacked By The Beast, but still enjoyable.
I would recommend and I will continue to read books set in Oria.

[Alison Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

For fans of supernatural romance and second chance romance, the two come together beautifully in The Crone of Oria by Stephany Simmons. Widowed Theodora Swann is drawn to the enchanted town of Oria looking for something to explain the strange feelings that have been plaguing her - hot flashes that affect everyone within a 50 ft radius of her being only a minor example. In Oria she meets Michael Stillwater, mayor and Alpha of the resident werewolf pack. However, the pair quickly learn there is more beyond their intense attraction; ancient, corrupted powers are threatening the town’s very existence. The novel follows the pair’s romance and understanding of Theo’s emerging powers and how their bond, if they can fulfill it, might be the only thing to save Oria from destruction.

Simmons delivers a steamy romance with lots of spice and magical challenges sure please fans of the genre. Great for the beach or beside a glowing campfire or wherever the spirit leads you.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Holli D.W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ (rounded up)
Crone of Oria is a modern supernatural mystery, that includes strong ties to the past. Magic always has a price. The town this story takes place in has many strong ley lines, and is very touristy. There are multiple supernatural characters with quirky wares for sale and this adds to the whimsy of the story. I think fans of supernatural mystery and romance will enjoy this story.

The unique aspects of this story include the fact that the female main character is a woman in her 50’s, coming into supernatural powers. And rather than a typical magical bond snapping in place, it allows the bonded to choose to give themselves to one another fully.

For me the story was a bit too long winded and while I wouldn’t say I was bored, I did wish to reach the climax and resolution much sooner.

Thank you BookSirens for the advanced review copy, I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remembering Roots

The follow-up to Echoes of Oria. This story gave a lot of background into the town of Oria, Texas. A town of supernatural beings and happenings. Again, I was hooked from the start. The take on Wolf Shifters and their connection to the Moon Woman was great. The pull of the wolf within the man, and the separate aspect of the will and desires between the two. The idea that we, as people of modern times, have forgotten our history and where we come from, and how the loss of that knowledge is hindering our future. Perhaps, if we embrace our past, our ancestry, we could thrive in the world more than we currently are. There are so many old traditions that are lost because people don’t want to stand out. We need to evolve, but we need to remember where we come from.

[Darla Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theo came to Oria, a small town in East Texas, looking for answers. Instead she found power as her magic awoke along with passion as Michael, the werewolf she meets, claims she's his mate. Now Theo is being called the Moon Woman and she must form a bond with Michael which can either save them or shatter them.

This was a fantastic paranormal romance with an "older" couple. I love that Theo is in her 50's and that she grows as she learns more about her power. She and Michael have a rough road ahead of them, but the relationship is a good one. I was hooked on this tantalizing tale from beginning to end. I really enjoyed the story and appreciated the deep bonds of family and friendship. This was an excellent read and I look forward to more from the series. I highly recommend both book and series.

[ThatsSomeGoodSmut · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for a copy of this audiobook

I enjoyed coming back to Oria for this second book. It feels layered and lived-in, full of ley lines, whispers, and just a bit of weirdness. I went in curious about the premise, but what really kept me reading was Theo herself. A midlife heroine dealing with grief and a destiny she never asked for, with her late blooming magic. Theo has lived. She questions things. She hesitates.

The heart of this story is not the external threat so much as identity, power, and choosing a second act for yourself. The conflict surrounding Oria felt more atmospheric than urgent, which worked for the cozy, witchy tone. If you’re in the mood for fated mates with maturity, a magical small town, and a story about stepping fully into who you are later in life, Crone of Oria is well worth the read.

[Emilia (mbooksv)]

3.5 stars (ARC reader)
Thanks to BookSirens and Stephany Simmons for the free copy, here's my review!

I liked this! It's a good one. I was looking for a good werewolf - mate book and this fulfilled my wishes.
I liked the characters, liked the world building, liked the FMC. It's very strange to find a book about a 50 year old woman making a new way in her life, and i loved that for her. Get your wolf, ma'am.
I think I lost my focus a few times and the final part was a little too rushed for me. But i loved the main couple, they had chemistry and no really big arguments. They were just scared, but never stopped them for loving each other.
Now i HAVE to read Cora's book, i loved her a lot. And i can't wait for my girl Elena to get her love story too, she's my favorite.

[Eren Valentine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had me engrossed for awhile. I enjoyed it and the story it gave from the town of Oria. I previously read Hacked by the Beast and LOVED IT. I enjoyed that rather than this be a typical just fated mate's kind of story it was also an I choose you. Not allowing fate to entirely dictate what would be which was nice. I did like that it's an older FMC which gave it a different feel for sure. I'm excited to read the other Oria-verse book after enjoying the second one I've read (evidently backwards but that's fine). If you're looking for a story with an older FMC and MMC, shifters, witches, midlife change with a twist, and fated mates that still have a choice then I'd recommend reading this book.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story and the interactions of Theo and Michael. Loved that Theo is older and loved the idea that at 50 she is a strong woman that ends up with her life totally changed when she experiences changes that are magical in nature and ends up in Oria and meets Michael. then the fun really happens. I laughed, groaned and wanted to slap Michael at times but it made for a great read. Plus some drama, Theo's magic mystery and then there was Oria itself and its mysteries. Plus loved seeing old characters from the town and meeting new ones. Easy to read and hard to put down. As you can see.. I really liked the story.

[Chelsea Tomedragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

After a few days I've decided on 4 stars. I started with an ARC of Hacked by the Beast, a fast five star read for me, and after being swept away so quickly I HAD to read this one.

As expected of an interconnected standalone series I had no problem falling into this story. It does come before Hacked by the Beast - so I knew how it would end.

I LOVED the hot flashes and the older FMC - huge selling point. The beginning of this book was fast, hold on to your seat fast, so when it pumped the breaks as hard as it did I was a bit whiplashed.

This has some pacing issues and mixed with a miscommunication trope I hit a mid book slump. The ending was a bit rushed. However, I think it still has some stellar points pushing it from 3 stars to a 4.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the story line but oh my the actual book was so far and away one of the best books ve read in a long time. I will be looking for the other books fro this author.

Theo is fantastic she’s a tall large woman and not afraid to put herself out there thd cllothing sounds like something I would love t wear. And Michael he is a stand alone hero through and through but, put them together and they become and unstoppable force for good and they are strong enough to stand for everyone in their town. Spectacular read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Hacked by the Beast, I was very willing to accept this book and learn more about Oria.

This was great! A little town that attracts supernatural beings. So full of stories and history. Every one seems to have something that is uniquely them. I enjoyed learning about Theo and Michael's story. Their beginnings, history, motivations… When reading, I have a habit of assigning the appearance of a character already familiar to me to each person, and I couldn't help but seeing Michael as John Redcorn, and the Clementines instantly became Tweedle-dee and Tweedle-dum… I'm going to read Echoes of Oria next. I'm dying to hear Davis and Cora's tale!

[Abi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Theo is a recently widowed dressmaker on vacation in Oria. Michael is mayor of Oria and alpha of the pack. When the two meet in the coffee shop he owns, sparks fly. As the two develop their relationship they also balance new powers and ancient history. The basis of this book is great! We love a strong powerful woman and couples being equals in this house! I think my main issues were with the structure. This book was almost 500 pages and probably 150-200 of those were repetitive. I think this just needed a final edit to flow better. I also didn't realize it was a sequel until like 3/4 of the way though lol!

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 stars!

It was a very magical journey and I absolutely loved the connection between our FMC and MMC, Oria feels like such a magical place and the worldbuilding was done really nice! It was also really refreshing to have a FMC that's older and has already lived quite a life before coming to Oria.

The only downside for me was that the pacing of the book was quite slow until the last couple of chapters where everything went by so fast, I was a little thrown off.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Melissa Denton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theo lost her husband about 15 years ago. She is looking for answers for gifts that she has inquired in magic. She decides to go to the town of Oria to find not just magic, but she meets Michael who is a wear wolf and the mayor of aria. The chemistry between Theo and Michael are undeniable. Michael’s wolf senses Theo’s magic, the two are faced with challenges through the town. The story was good, I recommend for all romance readers. I thought the characters were well explained, and grew through out the story. Over all a very good book

[Lindsey K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I have nothing but good things to say about Oria. This book was a little slower moving in the beginning, with a bulk of the action saved for the last 10-20%. I loved the FMC, as a tall (6’1”) woman, I felt a kinship with her immediately. I loved the fated mate aspect but with the later-in-life spin. Other than the pacing being off for me personally, I really loved this book. I will continue reading these for the foreseeable future!

[Yesilovesreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m rating this 4.5 stars!

I loved Theo and Michael’s story. There was some tension and at one point I was mad at Michael! I know ridiculous but such an insecure man lol. Their relationship moved so fast I had a bit of whiplash. But considering my girl Theo is 50 and coming in to some powers she never expected giving her hot flashes that affect a whole room full of people lol I don’t blame her. Stephany Simmons I love your creative thinking! I’m forever a fan of your books.

[BusyMommiesBookClub · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was beautifully written. I absolutely love Theo and Michael's chemistry. He is a non-toxic Alpha werewolf and is so gently and loving with her.

Theo is a strong independent woman who's powers only enhance her amazing talent of fashion design.

The ending gets wrapped up a little quickly but overall an amazing read.

‼️there are some mildly spicy scenes. sensitive and quirmish readers may not want to read‼️

[Gaby Vromans · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was beautifully and easy to read. I finished the book in two days. The author wrote it in such a way that I wanted to keep reading. I liked that. Personally, I felt everything moved a little too quickly and could have a deeper story about the leylines also more fantasy would make it better for me. But that of course is my personal opinion.

But after all it was a pleasant and good book to read.

[Bridget Book Dragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5 ⭐ A midlife magical awakening into a crone is a refreshing take on a woman coming into her powers. Theo and Michael, the alpha wolf shifter, have an instant bond that blooms into a highly charged romance. This sequel could pretty much be read as a standalone. It touches on some elements of the first book but it is sufficiently it's own story. It felt more consistent in the storyline and you can see the author's growth. Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC for my candid thoughts.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

While I did enjoy this book overall, some parts felt like they could have been shorter or less repetitive & the ending battle could have been longer, that part felt a bit rushed.

I do like Theo coming into her power later in life & the chosen family vibes of the book along with the teaser for a later story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Baba Vi is still my fave & will read more by this author.

[TJ Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may not have supernatural hot flashes, But, damn, I can totally relate! I love the chemistry between Theo and Michael. This book was a lot of fun. If you haven’t visited Oria yet, you really should!

...but start with Echoes of Oria!

I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Monica C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the fight that Michael and Theo went through to accept their fated match and flourish. Yes, there was insta attraction and pull, but they were cautious and didn't just accept, but question. I'm enjoying this series, these residents of Oria, and look forward to reading the next.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing addition to a fantastic series!

I truly love this series. Each book is very much its own tale. This story is beautifully written. The interplay between Michael and Theo is so hot it was off the charts. That was true even before the first kiss! It was so enjoyable seeing Theo come into her own as she learns her power. I highly recommend this book and this trilogy.