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Caiden Ironwood has been multitasking as a Unit Leader and Elder for so long, that when his father resumes his responsibilities as Elder, Caiden is left feeling restless, with too much time on his hands. Tensions are running high in the city and the amiable peace with Éire Danu has been shattered. Yet, despite his worries, he eagerly awaits the arrival of the mate he has been dreaming of. Over the decades he has cared selflessly for the units and his family, it’s finally his turn to have something just for himself.



Genevieve Taylor is living her best life. The contents of her entire world fit into a Sprinter van that she drives around the country to record videos for her food review vlog. She wasn’t expecting for the most mouth watering thing she has ever experienced to come in the form of a six-foot-three self taught cook.



When an isolated city begins to turn on the unit warriors, can the warmth of hearth and home be enough to remind them of the important things in life?

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 26, 2025

191 people are currently reading
167 people want to read

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Alanea Alder

31 books3,622 followers

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5 stars
1,131 (72%)
4 stars
287 (18%)
3 stars
111 (7%)
2 stars
23 (1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
Profile Image for anna.
1,064 reviews12 followers
August 26, 2025
I liked that about 80% of the book focused on Meryn and the main plotline. By now it’s clear that the “new couple every book” approach is getting repetitive and tiring. I didn’t really care about Caiden and Genevieve—who fell in love after five minutes—and I’ll probably forget them by the time the next book is released.

What I didn’t like was that this felt like a filler book. Nothing was solved, not even a small local problem as in previous installments. Since these books only come out once a year, this one felt especially underwhelming.

PS: There are so many characters at this point with similar names that even my spreadsheet doesn’t help me keep track.
Profile Image for Nyxie.
279 reviews8 followers
August 27, 2025
so many mixed feelings - they were back home for weeks but we didn't get any of that story.
Colton was barely mentioned

Meryn, while I love her quirkiness, its getting old that she is still acting like no one could ever actually love her & seriously, at times she comes across ( and is treated ) a bit like shes mentally slow - but in the next instance is praised for seeing things no one else can.


Caiden & Genevieve's love story were even more of a side note than normal. insta love - one sex scene and boom they're now together forever....
Will we even remember them ?
There's no major depth to their joining like there was with other warriors

Nothing major happens in this first book of Storm Keep until the last couple of chapters.

oh and my huge complaint :
Alanea has now discovered how to make everyone say f**k .... just ugh

I really like the series &
I'll definitely keep reading it, but these last few books have not been as captivating as the others.
Profile Image for Ashley Anderson.
207 reviews
August 26, 2025
This series is starting to sprint hard. We’re getting close to the conclusion so a lot of things from the overarching series are getting wrapped up. This means it’s a little less about the couple the “story is about”. But I really loved this. I’m loving where it’s going. I’m just sad I have to wait for the next one….
Profile Image for Katyana.
1,821 reviews291 followers
September 7, 2025
I love this series and I will always gobble up a new one in it. This was no different.

I think I've mentioned this on previous reviews, but just in case someone is here out of the blue, this series is very much a YMMV series.

The main character of the series is Meryn. In every book. She's definitely a mary sue, but imo not so much so that I can't stand reading it - I love the little nut. But she's got probably at least half the page time in each book after hers, so you should think of it as one long book that's Meryn's story. It's got a complex, intricate plot that I deeply enjoy, and each book after the first introduces a new couple that become secondary characters in the ongoing series...usually a woman finding herself swept into this crazy magical world due to a spell the Elders cast to bring the warrior's mates to them (this world has fated mates, and so all that progresses quickly in an insta-love way).

In the series so far, we've made our way through 3 of the 4 pillar cities of the supernatural world - we began with the shifter city, then to the vampire city, and we just wrapped up the fae city. Now we're in the witch city for the first book, and after untangling the chaos in the other cities, we now know that this place is the source for all the diabolical, evil shit that's been going on. It feels like the series is moving towards a wrap up, which makes me sad because I love it, but happy because the progression of the plot is part of why I love it.

However, 16 books in, we have such an enormous cast of characters (aside from Meryn's core group) that it becomes really hard for me to remember who everyone is. So usually, when a new book comes out, I read it because I am super impatient, and just muddle through as best I can. And then jump into a series re-read to get all the details straight...which I believe I'll do right now. :)
5 reviews
August 26, 2025
Not a lot of plot development

First off, I want to state that I love the series. That is the only reason I gave 3 stars. The love story was minimal, we can all appreciate an insta love. But thestory felt rushed and not well executed. Don’t want to give anything away, but expected more plot development for the first book in the storm keep series. Overall I feel really disappointed
1 review
August 27, 2025
Story dragged

Love this author and this series but this story dragged on too much. Still goid storyline but wait between books is too long
2 reviews
August 27, 2025
Loved the story, but seemed too short. Why did we not see Darian's coronation? A missed opportunity. Why do we need to wait for a full year for the next story??
Profile Image for Lisa Ogan.
16 reviews
August 27, 2025
Disappointed

I truly love this series and the characters. Love the story line and the build ups but it seems each book is getting shorter and shorter. I’ve waited excitedly for each book to come out. Sometimes up to almost a year. Only for the release and then have them read in a few hours. As far as the book it was a good read till the end. It was more than a cliff hanger. It was like the book just stopped. This was more like a mini book to refresh you about the characters than an actual story. I’ve waited for this book and was just disappointed when I read it. Actually was surprised when I turned a page and it was the end of the book. So enjoyed the story but hated how it just ends.
Profile Image for Myra Rose .
8 reviews
August 27, 2025
Can't wait for this book and it's nearing by birthday. I'm so happy and calmly waiting 🎂😊💐❤️💐🎂😊🎂❤️

27/8/2025 - Read the book. Honestly I think it's to short and not worth waiting a year for this book.

This book probably scored 3/10 (in my opinion only) out of all book in these series.

Anyway maybe next book (next year) will be better provided I'm still in the land of the living while waiting for the next book
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.5k reviews542 followers
August 28, 2025
These book are always filled with chaos and this one is no different. Meryn really brings a different way to look at things and it's fun to see her disrupt everyone's way of thinking with her quips and just doing things. But as this series goes on, they all see the good of doing things in a crazy way, a way that makes people stop doing stupid shit. This time around it was Caiden taking Meryn's advice when something happened to Genevieve. Was it over the top? Yes, but it really needed to be. Even the actions afterwards were over the top, but it seems like these actions have been a long time coming, especially if they want to get to the root of what is happening in Storm Keep. I look forward to reading about the fall out of this one.
14 reviews
August 26, 2025
So good!

Better than I imagined. I need more immediately. The first of the storm keep books and it's started with a bang. Easily devoured, read all the books... Again and again. They get better each time
2,518 reviews16 followers
August 28, 2025
awesome book

Another fantastic instrument in one of my favourite ever paranormal series. Love seeing old characters but enjoy getting to know new ones too the imagination this Author employees is superb. I cannot wait to see what big plot is a foot in the next book and the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Knjiga i Kavica.
169 reviews11 followers
August 27, 2025
ovo je vise kao novela nego cijela knjiga..uzurbano. nepovezano bez napetosti i detalja koje smo ocekivali iz prijasnjih knjiga. mozda ce biti bolje u sljedece 4 knjige.
1 review
August 27, 2025
Seemed to be missing a love story

This was the first book by Alanea that I didn’t enjoy. It felt like there was no true love story just a set up for the rest of the Storm Keep books.
Profile Image for Hailey.
252 reviews
August 26, 2025
“People only find magic when they look for it.”

We’re back, but this time the journey takes us to Storm Keep! This interconnected series truly ages like fine wine—the writing and storytelling have only gotten stronger with each book. Alanea Alder’s worldbuilding continues to impress, weaving together shifters, vampires, fae, and witches into four hidden cities while balancing the human world beyond.

“My sweetest love, I will always give you what you need… I give everything that I am into my mate’s keeping, let my love protect and guard our joined souls.”

It’s complex without ever being overwhelming, and now we’re treated to the atmospheric setting of Storm Keep, a city that feels like Edinburgh with a touch of Hogwarts magic. In this story, Caiden finally meets his fated mate, Genevieve, and their story blends Alder’s signature insta-love with a sharper, more dangerous edge thanks to the tension with the witches’ council.

“Dark stone, buildings lining both sides of the street. Mismatched architecture mixed up with an earthy sort of cottage core. Cramped but cozy.”

Caiden is an absolute dream—sweet yet strong, secure in his masculinity—and Genevieve is exactly what he needs. Together, they match so perfectly it feels like “fate knows best.” Add in Meryn’s unforgettable antics (and discovering what she’s been up to since we last saw her), and you’ve got both humor and heart.

“I think if a person’s feelings are that shallow that a moment of vulnerability makes them turn from you, they weren’t meant to be in your life anyway. That being said, those adorable moments make you more real to me, like I’m meant to be in your life to see them.”

There’s foreshadowed grief in this book that makes you a little nervous for what’s to come, but it’s impossible not to fall in love with the world, the couples, and the secondary characters. You root for them all to get their happy ending, even while knowing the path ahead won’t be easy. And let me just say—when Caiden finally stood up to the council, I was cheering, “Finally! Kick their butts!”

“ I want you, I want that! I want everything with you!”


Rating: 5/5
Profile Image for Dusty.
371 reviews5 followers
September 28, 2025
My Haven" by Alanea Alder, the sixteenth book in the Bewitched and Bewildered series, is another great example of found family and paranormal romance. Meryn and the others have finally made it to the city of witches, Storm Keep, met the Irownwood brothers, and are ready to finally take on whoever the villainous mastermind(s) is there. The oldest Ironwood and unit leader, Caiden, also finds his mate, and that was a very unique and fun pairing.

As this book is the first of an (expected) five books in the Storm Keep arc, a lot of the major action is just being set up. The Witches council has been introduced, the clash between the Witches council and the Elders council is coming to a head, and we're starting to be introduced to more characters who may have a role in the conflict. I am so excited to meet the mom of the Ashleigh brothers and the Ironwoods. I also really liked Mr. Compton's character, and I feel like he'll be a big help going forward.

Caiden and Genevieve were a really fun pairing. The way Meryn sets up their meeting was ingenious, and I thought the comment about how both of their love languages are (at least partially) based in food was a nice touch. The side mating of Arlo (Genevieve's pseudo brother/best friend) was hilarious in how it came together, and I'm curious to see how Troy will play a part in the action going forward.

Overall, another excellent book. I highly recommend this series to those that enjoy books that are a cross between paranormal romance and urban fantasy, and that are filled with moments of humor and heart (especially considering the strong emphasis on found family). Best to read the books in order for the optimal experience.
Profile Image for Michelle Delp (Fazio).
269 reviews6 followers
September 2, 2025
I loved it!

I have to give this 5 stars because I love Alanea Alder and the world that she has created. And, everytime I jump back into one of these books I honestly feel like I’m greeting old friends while simultaneously making new ones. It’s a true, nostalgic feeling for me considering I’ve been reading this series since 2019.

However, if you are looking for this book to be as long as the previous ones you’ll be a little disappointed, it was quite a bit shorter at 240 pages. Whereas, her others have normally been in the 300-400 page range. So, parts of this book felt really rushed to me. Again, I know the culmination of this entire story will be coming now that they’re in Storm Keep, so I get it, I just wished it was longer.

Caiden and Genevieve I thought were really well matched. Caiden is incredibly sweet and loves to feed people as his love language while Genevieve loves to eat and make the most nutritious meals for people as her love language. Even though they didn’t get a lot of time together on the page I still thought they were well matched.

The essence of this ongoing story still remains the same and true for me and, I think it’s okay to love other books in the series more than others. But, the love she fits into these pages? It’s so sweet, I was bawling by page 21. The laughter and banter? It’s so well done. When Pip says “Good morning, b***h” to Meryn, I was dying laughing. So all of these things that I recognize and love made it a 5 star read for me.

We still don’t know who the big bad actually is but, now that we’re in Storm Keep, the final pillar city, I know we’re going to find out soon. The witches council? Obviously part of it, they screamed danger as soon as they were on the page so I’m anxious to know more about what’s going on behind the scenes. All in all, I’ve loved it and I’m on my second re-read to pick things up I might have missed. Happy reading all!

Aiden smiled softly. "I've said it before and will say it until I die, she is the best part of me."
Profile Image for Dhwani.
2 reviews6 followers
August 28, 2025
I finished reading the book on the same day it was published, but I was waiting to write a review because I knew I would include some spoilers.

We are moving towards the last arc of the series. So, even though it was a full-length novel, I feel I have read only the beginning of the book, like the first quarter of the longer story. It is all about the big picture now, which is fine for the most part.

I liked that Genevieve is not automatically ready to live in a trouble-infested city on the verge of exploding with unknown dangers. She came around as expected of her as an FML. Caiden was way more chill and somewhat inexperienced than I thought he would be. I thought he would be like Kendrick and Thane. It was a nice surprise. It also showcases how younger siblings see their older siblings in a larger-than-life setting.

Meryn was exceptional, and I would have liked to know what her reaction to those douchebags meant, but I can be patient... somewhat...I swearies...

I wish I could go in the future and read all the books together, but unfortunately, I am limited by the science of today.

Anyway, it was a well-anticipated read. I had hoped for more, as you can guess from my rating. Last book was on another level, I was looking for the same amount of action and story moving, but alas. I think it might be a good decision from the overall story's perspective, but we as readers are left waiting and wanting.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Alice.
28 reviews
August 29, 2025
One of the most amazing book series that ever been released, a must read.

So obsessed with this amazing series, this is one of the most interesting, funny, hilarious, intriguing, and captivating book series I’ve ever read, and I read tons. Every single book of this series has been worth reading, from beginning to end. Every story captures your attention from page to page chapter to chapter leaving you wanting more and anxiously waiting for the next book to come out. I adore the Character Meryn, I’ve never came across a character like her, and I’m always amazed reading about what she will do next. I think anyone who is a fan would love another book centered around her alone. What I would say though there has to be some more depth when it comes to Meryn, she's about to have a baby and yet her character comes off sometimes as a child; there should be some growth that has developed over time, more developments when it comes to her.. I love that each book centers on a couple, butt. I also feel like this book lacked a lot of what the previous books had. There was not much to the plots not much of anything going on that was interesting. It felt rushed. And Meryn seems to be pregnant forever.I can’t wait for the next book. Please come out soon and let it be longer.
1,156 reviews18 followers
August 30, 2025
This series would definitely get five stars except for one thing. There are a really large cast of characters who gravitate around the star of the series Meryn, now as I have been saying for about ten books now a short synopsis as well as a character guide at the beginning of each new book would help a lot. But my pleas fall.on deaf ears (or my reviews are not read which is more likely) The premier for the series is brilliant, the vampires, fae , shifters and witches each run a capital ciry, the four groups send their men to serve in a type of military service where they are split into teams of five members known as Unit Warriors. There is an enemy attacking from outside the Pillar cities (as they are called) but there are also enemies within each city disrupting and destroying the peaceful existence of those residing within. The Car especially have been hit the hardest with a substantial loss of life. But, the Unit Warriors along with their newfound mates as constantly fighting back. Meryn, the heroine from book one, is invaluable in this fight back and is the emotional centre for the series. The romances are almost secondary to the overarching story but I have to say every book I finish in one go I so enjoy reading them.........I just sometimes get confused over who's who.
1 review
August 29, 2025
So close!

You need to read all the other books so you can understand all the dynamics and the characters in this book. You will not be disappointed! They are well worth the time to read. I often go back and reread the whole series because they are just that good.
Now, my next plea is please don't make us wait to long for the next book! What happens at Storm Keep and the councils? So many questions I want to ask. It would be neat if Genevieve's sister was a warriors mate also. The story was kind of short, but it still makes me excited to read the next one. So excited for when it finally comes to the time for Meryn to give birth. This feels like the longest pregnancy ever, but I love Meryn and everything she gets up to. She is absolutely the best FMC ever! Not gonna lie, I am hoping for twins. A mini Meryn and an protective brother to watch over her. If only! 😉
Profile Image for Starla.
952 reviews
August 29, 2025
Page Turning Excellent!

This series has so many layers of great things going for it. First and foremost the character development is excellent. The main characters since book one continues to be important in all the books in this series. Menace from book 1 is hilarious but also vulnerable. She is strong, intelligent as well as street smart. And adorable. I will not describe the characters of this book as I do not want to give anything away. The story that has began in this book looks like it will be quite the ride as it continues to develop over the next few books. If you love paranormal characters, human characters, suspense, romance, gorgeous muscle.men and laughing as your this series is for you. Start from the beginning when Menace is introduced and see how she earns her nickname.
448 reviews2 followers
September 1, 2025
I wanted to give 4 1/2 stars, but we can't.

I have been looking forward to this book for what fealt like forever. Why I wanted to give it only 4 1/2 stars is because it didn't have quite the punch of the other books so far. I know that not all books in a series can be dominant as you need the calmer books to level things out from time to time. Our characters were still well developed and appealing, and of course, we still get to see the other characters grow and develop. I think its the storyline in this book that didn't have me at the edge of my seat, but as I said they can't all be fly by the edge of your seat reads, every now and then you need to be brought down to prepare for the next big event. The book fits in perfectly to the series, but please remember that you need to read this story in order for the best enjoyment.
Profile Image for Erin Gagabuan.
6 reviews3 followers
August 27, 2025
Unsure of how I feel

First I need to state that I LOVE this series. I've read the books multiple times and enjoy it. This book however felt rushed. I struggled making sense and following how the beginning of the book with interactions of Meryn and her family. I was left with questions of the backstory of Genevieve. I feel as if she and Maiden were cheated out of the building of their love story that the other unit warriors got in previous books. I feel like there was not much development of the characters or the plot. I do however look forward to the next book I'm hopes that the book was written this way on purpose. I plan on rereading again to see what I missed as many other readers are giving 5stars.
73 reviews1 follower
September 5, 2025
I love the Bewitched and Bewildered series. And I cannot stress enough how great these books are.
In this installment of the series we are now in Storm Keep and Caiden are meeting his mate(with the very much needed help from Meryn) and we get more intel on the Witches Council and how Storm Keep are running. We are getting closer to the end, but we still have so many questions unanswered and as always this book is fast paced with action, mystery, love, family and a great deal of Meryn- shenanigans! I cannot wait for the next one! I don't know how Alanea Alder does it, but these books are an absolute treasure for everyone who love PNR! We get spice, paranormal elements mixed with Meryn-shenanigans, politic, love, family and a great deal of mystery and you just cannot stop reading!
Profile Image for Laura.
1,135 reviews
August 26, 2025
At this point in the series my issues have been so frequent that it's basically white noise- the books are framed as individual romances but they aren't. They're still Meryn's books. We don't actually meet Genevieve until a third of the way through the book. The romances can come across as superficial because of the shortened time span and insta-love.
So why am I still reading? Because I liked the initial vibe of the series and I need to know how it ends damnit! I need to know Keelan's ending, especially when you throw in Meryn's premonition.
I like the series less as I read on, but there's something about Miss Alder's stories that keep bringing me back for more.
509 reviews1 follower
September 10, 2025
I was so excited they were finally going to Storm Keep. New players as usual. Genevieve and Arlo. Caiden was different than the first time he was introduced to us. Caiden and Genevieve’s story was not that exciting and Arlo’s was definitely rushed, but i absolutely love Arlo. Hilarious. We missed so much, which disappointed me. The coronation. Their return home. Colton. We didn’t even visit with Keelan, Gavrial or Bethy. I loved the war counsel, but missed the women not being there. Oron wasn’t even there and he’s Darian’s guard. Even with my disappointments, I feel that we’re headed toward civil war and the return of King Julian. Can’t wait.
Profile Image for Rossana Sasso.
25 reviews21 followers
October 26, 2025
This felt like fanfic of the worst kind tbh. If you cut out all the introductions of characters and repeat explanation of who everyone is, you're barely left with a book.
Meryn is the worst type of Mary Sue.
The couple is completely forgettable and trite and I had no investment in them. No stakes to the romance at all, because this book is not a romance. It disappoints on the very promises of the genre.
It's also not advancing the series arc enough.
A developmental editor would go a very long way. I'm not sure if the author is just surrounded by "yes men" at this point, but no one analysed this to try to make it good.
Profile Image for Jessica.
966 reviews15 followers
August 28, 2025
I’m having some issues with the story. In book 13, it was mentioned that Mikel was out on a mission for ten years and that Zoe was trying to reach him during that time. However, suddenly, he becomes a witch unit leader in Storm Keep. If he really held that position, why wouldn’t he go to his sister and take care of her? No one has mentioned that.

I would have enjoyed the book more if we had seen the king and queen being sworn in. Additionally, I felt the book was a bit short.

I’m also curious about what the squire was going to say. I have two or three theories about that, but I’ll need to wait a bit longer to see how it unfolds.
Profile Image for Francesca.
868 reviews36 followers
August 27, 2025
My all time favorite series

We are at the last pillar city Storm's Keep ruled by the Witch Council which has a hidden agenda for a very long time. They even pushed out the Elder Council which every other pillar city has.

We meet Caiden's mate who is a food reviewer on YouTube. I like her personality and her friend Arlo. He's very hilarious and he also finds his mate in the city.
I will always like reading this series as it's hilarious, and such a comfort read for me. 4 more books are left, I think it'll be 4 more years. I can't wait for the next book which is Hunter's.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews

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