Ryker & Idalis: The Witch's Fate

The Lunaterra Chronicles

by Willow Winters

From Bestselling Author Willow Winters, comes a dark, spicy Romantasy.

A reclusive moon witch.
A cursed wolf shifter.
A spell gone horribly wrong.

After being trapped in her realm after a storm, fate pushes them together.

However, they’ll soon discover that magic isn’t the only thing dangerous...
desire is far more perilous.

And yes, there's only one bed.

The Witch's Fate is a complete standalone within the Lunaterra Chronicles World.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Paranormal, Forced Proximity, Magic, Novella, Paranormal Romance

202 pages, Paperback

Published July 31, 2025

About the author

Willow Winters is so happy to be a USA Today, Wall Street Journal and #1 Contemporary Best Selling Author!

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Willow started writing after having her little girl, Evie, December 2015. All during her pregnancy with Evie she continued to read and she only wanted to read romance. She was reading a book a day — sometimes two.

In January 2016 Willow was staying up late with Evie and just thinking of all these stories. They came to her constantly so she finally sat down and just started writing. She always wanted to do it so she figured, why not? Today Willow cannot be happier for making that decision!


Want to know how to read Willow's books? Get a FREE PDF download from Willow here: https://www.willowwinterswrites.com/o...

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This made my werewolf loving side so happy with this story. It’s short but with plenty of slow burn and plot to keep you going. Two magical beings with little to no hope of finding happiness, find each other in the midst of a storm they didn’t predict. The yearning, passion, and relief in finding love (fated mates) made me feel relieved and happy for the HEA. When the fire does ignite and they realize they are mated to each other the spice is 🥵. 5/5 🌶️ 5/5 ⭐️ 4/5 Characters and Plot only because I wished for more of the story!

[BONNIE SMITH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shut.
The.
Front.
Door.

What did I just read, and how can I wipe it from my brain so I get to re-read it again??
The Witch's Fate is a standalone novella within the Lunaterra Chronicles World by Willow Winters and hits all the marks for me:
-Witches
- Shifters
-Forced proximity
-ONE BED

Just do yourself a favor and prepare yourself for your new book boyfriend Ryker, and set him a place at the dinner table on July 31st when this becomes available!

[Chiara^•^ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Witch's Fate by Willow Winters
4/5⭐
3/5🌶️

It's been quite a while since I read a shifter romance, and this one reminded me just how much I adore them! The book is a quick read at only about 160 pages, making it perfect for finishing in one cozy sitting. Although it's short, it still packs a powerful punch. The storyline is simple, but you can feel the connection between the main characters—the longing, the sweet moments, and yes, some spicy scenes too! I had such a great time reading it.

Idalis is a witch who's lost her coven and now lives a quiet life all by herself in a secluded cottage. Then there's Ryker, a wolf shifter and soldier who thinks he's somehow cursed and can't find his mate. While on a mission to gather flowers for a wedding, his portal goes haywire, and he finds himself stuck. His only hope is to seek help from the witch.

The attraction between Idalis and Ryker is instant! At first, they can’t quite figure out why they’re drawn to each other, and there's some pining that makes their story even more enchanting. Both of them are lonely, and it sometimes tugs at the heartstrings. The chemistry and tension are off the charts! The spicy scenes are sizzling, but I also cherished the sweet moments they shared. The ending is just lovely, especially with how Ryker’s family supports him and is so happy when he finally connects with his mate. Overall, this book is a great pick if you're in the mood for a witch x shifter romance that’s quick, easy, and spicy!

[MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grab your best potion and spell as you’re about to become bewitched. When shifter Ryker gets stuck in a realm, he stumbles across the secluded cottage of a witch named Idalis to find help. What happens when this cursed wolf to never find a mate and a lonely witch find one another? Magic and love might be rewritten in the moon! This is an enjoyable short romantasy story. Told in first person and dual POV.

[Scarlett Kouyou · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ and 4🌶️

🖤Witch and Wolf Shifter
🖤Limited world building, very fast paced
🖤One Bed
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Viewpoints from both MCs
🖤VERY spicy - kicks in about halfway through

I’m going to be very clear here- the story is definitely here so that the smut can flourish. And it sure FLOURISHED. There’s no major world building, this isn’t some crazy high fantasy, heart breaking, epic thing… this is a short and sweet and VERY spicy read that sets you up for pages and pages of delicious spice.
With that being said, I loved the story as well. It was very well done and very cute and to be honest I only wished I could read more story between these MC’s.

Thank you to the author Willow Winters and to Hambright PR for an advanced readers copy of this read in exchange for an honest review.

[𖤓𝔐𝔦𝔰𝔞☽ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dnf at 63% I just couldn’t do it anymore. The beginning did have me hooked and the anticipation of them meeting was killing me. But then the book just dragged on and on and on and they didn’t even meet until the 30% mark. Which is a little ridiculous in a 150 page book…. there was no plot so there was nothing to really fill in that 30% besides the FMC talking about how lonely she was and the MMC complaining about picking flowers for a wedding and how he will never have a mate..
by the time they did meet I honestly did not care anymore and I tried to push through as you can see, but I just couldn’t do it anymore. Which sucks because I love the witch and werewolf trope.

[✨️Rush✨️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. Slow start but catches up later. Instant attraction, fated mates and some spice in the end. Overall a quick read.

[Emily Scotto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

This was such a quick, addictive read! The magic was rich and immersive, the pacing fast and engaging, and let’s be honest—who doesn’t love a good shifter love interest? 😍

The spice hit that perfect sweet spot: steamy without overshadowing the story. If you’re craving a romantasy that’s easy to devour in one sitting but still delivers on plot, magic, and heat, The Witch’s Fate is one to check out.

I’d definitely recommend it to fans of magical worlds, shifter romance, and fast-paced fantasy with just the right amount of spice.

[Heather Becht (fantasyromantasy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Novella!

I’m forever in my witchy era and this is such a fun little witchy novella. I love reading novellas for palate cleansers in between big series binges, and this did not disappoint!

Idalis enjoys a quiet and isolated life after her coven died, she makes her money by creating and casting spells for others. Ryker is a wolf who despises the thought of love. He gets stuck on her land after picking flowers there and the portal magic back to his lands messes up after a storm.

The lust and primal desire combined with the whimsical earthy and magical setting hit just right. I loved the how developed the story was in such a short book. I read it in a couple of hours because I couldn’t put it down!

𝓣𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓥𝓲𝓫𝓮𝓼:
✨ Dark Spicy Romantasy
✨ Standalone
✨ Witch x Wolf Shifter
✨ One Bed
✨ A Spell Gone Wrong
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ Fast-Paced Romance
✨ Fated Mates

[Leanna Streeter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short read, but so much longing is packed into it. It’s a slow burn with a lot of pining crammed into a tight page count and somehow it works perfectly.

The entire story takes place in a cozy witch’s cottage and the surrounding magical land, which adds such a comforting, atmospheric backdrop to all the tension.

Despite the length, the emotional impact is strong. Watching them fight their instant attraction, knowing they’re fated mates, makes the payoff so satisfying when they finally give in.

I loved this story. It was such a good read and had me flipping pages way too fast. Thanks to Hambright PR for the gifted ARC.

[Akku · Rating 5 out of 5]

✦ 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 4.8✨

✦ 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - July 31, 2025

✦ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
• witch x immortal
• fated mates
• enemies to lovers
• dark fantasy
• morally grey hero
• touch her and die
• forbidden love

✦ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
Idalis and Ryker completely stole my heart. From the very first chapter, I was hooked. Their story is full of magic, danger, and that intense kind of love you can’t look away from. Idalis is strong, stubborn, and full of fire. I loved how fearless she was, even when the whole world was against her. Ryker was dark, broody type who looks like trouble but would burn the world for her. I literally melted every time he called her “mine.”
The push and pull between them had me screaming inside. They were made for each other but fate wasn’t kind to them at all. And still, they kept fighting for love, for freedom, for each other. The vibes were witchy, dark, and sooo dreamy. I felt like I was inside a fairytale with a sharp edge. The tension, the romance, the secrets it was all written perfectly. And that ending was just left me breathless. I wanted to cry and smile at the same time. This story will stay with me for a long time.
Thank you so much hambrightpr and author for the free ARC!

[Pà · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This one was a really really good read. I didn’t expect to enjoy The Witch’s Fate this much but honestly, it had everything I wanted in a short read. It felt fast but full at the same time. The way the author mixed magic, romance, and a bit of drama just worked perfectly. I got hooked after only a few pages and then couldn’t stop reading. Idalis was such a strong character, with that quiet power I really liked. And Ryker was broody, wild, intense and of course I fell for him. Their chemistry was strong from the start, but it still had some nice emotional moments too. I loved their dynamic, it gave me all the tension and spice I was hoping for. The setting was also super cozy and magical. The pacing was quick but didn’t feel rushed. For a novella, it had depth and a satisfying ending. Easy to read, addictive, and made me feel something. 5 stars for sure. Thank you so much to the author and Hambright PR for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving an honest review.

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

No spoiler review:
Firstly, thank you kindly to WW & her team on the chance to be apart of the ambassador team.
This is my second outing into reading a Willow Winters book and I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
Though I’m not huge into witchy type vibes, I’ve recently started reading more Shifter type genres and can say it sucked me in from just that alone, so it was pretty easy for read me whilst I’ve been in the mood for it. Add in some spice and you’ve got me hooked!

This is a quick Romantasy novella, at only 160 pages so maybe took me about 2 & half to 3 hours in total (mid book coffee & biccy break not included lol)
I would definitely recommend this to those who enjoy the genre, want some tantalising forced prox, one bed, shifter MMC, witchy FMC, enough plot (which is sometimes an issue for novella’s but this didn’t have that problem), standalone for those who love to jump into quick reads often and a solid 3 🌶️’s read.

[thebeespot72 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5

I love that Willow Winters writes long romance stories that I can lose myself in and short novellas that are fast-paced, spicy, and end in a satisfying HEA. And that’s what I got from Witch’s Fate. At about 160 pages, readers will be thrown into a world of witches and shifters. Idalis is the reclusive witch who casts a spell that brings Ryker, a wolf shifter, to her. However, Ryker ends up being her fated mate.

Idalis’ dream, weaving into reality, and her connection with Ryker was touching. Witch’s Fate is steamy, sweet, and part of The Lunaterra Chronicles novella series written by various authors—each can be read as a standalone. I enjoyed it!

[Kelsey Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Hambright PR for the arc of The Witch’s Fate! This was such a quick and easy read with the most atmospheric witchy cottage vibes ❤️

At a short 151 pages, this tells a story of a recluse witch who believes her life of solitude suits her just fine. Until a raging storm possible brought by fate blows through, bringing a warrior wolf shifter onto her lands.

Their weariness turns to trust and lust and overnight, they find their happy endings.

Read this if you like:
🐺 wolf shifters
🧙 witches
❤️ fated mates
🛏️ one bed
🤝 forced proximity

[Julie Workman-Bookaholic Sisters Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Idalis is happy living her solitary life, she hides herself away from the outside world with her garden and her spells, that is until one stormy night Riker appears at her door and changes everything.
This authors mind is pure genius, I absolutely love Idalis and Riker 🥵 I could not put this down.
Spells, spice and shifters, what more could you want. 100% must read

[Ashley (andtheniwasbookish) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast-paced book that manages to fit in a lot of pining in such a short amount of time! I loved that this was kind of grumpy x grumpy but as soon as they each saw each other it was insta-attraction done right.

We know going into it that this is a fated mates trope, but what I really loved is how it was approached. There is such a fine line to walk between insta-attraction with fated mates and Willow Winters did it really well!

overall: recommend!
spice: open door

[Maya Mood Reads Romance]

Rtc

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

So yea - this was just an ok read for me.

It's a very quick read with very little going on. It's a simple, fated mates romance wrapped up in 150+ pages - that's it. That's all you really need to know. I say anything else and I pretty much tell you the book in quick synopsis.

There is some spice near the end and the ending comes at you hot and fast.

[Katya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucky enough to get an ARC even though I just now finished it. This is my first fantasy book by WW and I really enjoyed it! Fast paced yet a slow burn with fated mates, close proximity and one bed! Really want more expansion on this world and the magic structure!
Hoping to see more fantasy from her soon!!

[Jennifer Book Dragon · Rating 2 out of 5]

This read was a such a disappoint for me. For a book that is only 170 pages and the two main characters don’t even meet until 30% in there just wasn’t enough depth or time to make the story believable or the characters to have any depth. The book opens with our MMC warrior shifter on a mission to pick flowers for a wedding. Literally I think any other mission would have been a better choice. Our FMC spends the first 30% of the book on repeat explaining how alone she is. There is so much potential here with a powerful witch being a fated mate to a wolf shifter and it just fell flat. I needed more. It felt like an underdeveloped story board rather than a finished product.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Witch’s Fate” is the first book in the new spicy paranormal romantasy series, “The Lunaterra Chronicles” by Willow Winters. This short story has a cover-to-cover total of 162 pages, setting the stage for the series in a light read. Although it is listed as a spicy dark romantasy series, this book in particular felt light and cozy.

In terms of spice, “The Witch’s Fate” sits at a sizzling 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️. Ryker and Idalis are two people who almost immediately catch each other's eye the moment a storm brings Ryker to her door. At the book's climax, they clash together like a dam breaking loose- a no-holds-barred and cathartic release between two people who have been lonely for too long.

Winter adds various spells throughout the story based on an aspect of the story/where the characters are at the point in the story (sweet dreams, love spell, protection, etc.), and I found this to be a magical touch.

As stated earlier, this book felt light and cozy. Winters writes in a formal voice and slow pace that allows readers to settle in and steep in the story, which, to me, made the book feel longer than it was. It was a cozy romance; there was no major conflict or conflicting issues. Topics such as loneliness and isolation are discussed, but it felt tame. The dark aspect of the romantasy may come later as discussions of war are mentioned as looming issues. There are concerns/statements made that tell me they will resonate in later books, but were not handled here. The climax of the story is strictly in romance, not conflict, with the falling action tying up loose ends.

“The Witch’s Fate” asks the question, “Is it fate or magic?” that brought these fated mates together. With moments of our characters' future is made certain, their near future is anything but. War looms, and they don’t know where they’ll put down their roots.

Grab your blanket, curl into a comfy spot, and stay for a spell.

[Kassidy Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ AVAILABLE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED✨

One night a severe storm and broken portal brings a strong, handsome Shifter looking for help from the reclusive Witch’s help in repairing the portal. The Witch lives a very secluded life and is very cautious of letting him into her home, but feels a strange pull to him. They both felt they were destined to be alone forever, but as days go on the stronger they feel that they belong together. In this book you get tension, pining, magic, spells, fated mates, and one bed 🛏️.

This is a quick, fun read, close to 150 pages, with a happily ever after ending👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨. There is a lot of world building and inner dialog from both characters. Personally, the book left me with a lot of unanswered questions, but with that being said I am very hopeful that there will be a second book with these two characters to tie everything up in a pretty bow. This would be an exceptional series!

•❤️‍🔥MMC - Dark, ruggedly handsome, mysterious, Shifter🐺, with a “nothing can keep me from her” attitude.

•🖤FMC - Lonely, captivatingly beautiful, mysterious Witch 🔮who only wants to bring happiness to the world.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️

@willowwintersshouldbewriting

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this was not enjoyable for me. It was too short and wasted much of the book telling readers the same things over and over again, instead of building out the world. This was written like the readers had no brains and could not remember anything that was told to us ten pages ago. It was so frustrating! How many times can we hear about her missing her witch coven and him being unable to have a wolf mate...?
The main characters do not meet until nearly 30% into the novella, and it is not like the first 30% is used in a great way to set up the world and the story, nope. The world-building in this fantasy world was minimal.
Once our main characters met, there was immediate sexual attraction. I understand it is a mate thing, but it was so heavy-handed. The smut scenes were not for me either. She is a human witch, but you're telling me she came nearly ten times during one encounter, GIRL BFFR!
All in all, this was NOT for me. If you like a short, no-plot book, you might like this.
I read this for my first in-person book club; we have not had our meeting yet. I am unsure how to give my true thoughts without being mean, as this is a local author to me.

[Dominique · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a fast-paced, Romantasy with shifters, witches, and some spicy spice, this is it! 🎉

The Witch's Fate was such a fun, novella-length standalone. A reclusive witch who lost her coven and a love-jaded wolf shifter, cursed to never have a mate, meet in a fated romance that sets their worlds (and hearts) on fire. ❤️‍🔥🤌🏻

The draw between Ryker and Idalis was magnetic, and I loved how we got POVs for each of them. It really deepened the sense of loneliness they carried before fate brought them together…and dear lord they had the most explosive connection! Did I mention there’s a one-bed situation?!

We both sink farther into the kiss like two people who have been starving for touch. I have been starving, I realize.

I also really loved the inclusion of the spell recipes throughout the chapters. They tied in beautifully with the events of the story and give you all the witchy vibes. The book wraps up nicely with a happy ending and is told in about 160 pages, which makes it the perfect read when you need a breather from a long series or a super chonky or emotional read. Definitely for fans of fated mates and spice!

Thank you Hambright PR and Willow Winters for the eARC!

(3.75⭐s)

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞:
❤️‍🔥 Romantasy
🚪 Forced Proximity
👩🏼‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏼 Fated Mates
🛏️ Only One Bed
🐺 Shifter x Witch
🌶️ Spicy
✨ HEA

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up!

Little quick, sweet/spicy read!

Ryker and Idalis had me hooked from the very first page. As individual characters, they had such interesting pasts, and then you put them together? Perfect mix. I loved how it built 'slowly' (relatively slowly lol it's a novella after all). It didn't feel rushed or too insta-lovey because the bond played a part, but so did their attraction for each other, their curiosity.

I truly enjoyed the magical aspect, the spells, and the recipes were so cute.

I kinda did want more. I know it's short by definition, but that ending and how it opened up a door had me intrigued and left me with questions for the future.

Thank you, Hambright and Willow, for the opportunity to ARC read this baby, what a treat!

Quotes:

The sight of him...it does something to me I've never felt before.

If I had seen this woman in battle, I'd have died right there without striking another blow. Her beauty is a gift from the gods.

I have a duty to uphold the honor of my oath. And yet it all seems to shatter the moment I scent her mouthwatering fragrance.

This woman could be the death of me, and I would gladly welcome it.

All my senses sing, almost howling that she is a goddess. My goddess. The most perfect being I will ever touch. My powerful witch.

[Librarian Jessie (BibliophileRoses) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you willing to trust fate?

Rating: 6/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 2/5🌶️🌶️

Nicknames: (My) Little Witch 🧙‍♀️, Mate🐺

Scents:
Idalis- Flowers, Sugary Confections, Home 💐
Idalis’ Home- Mint, Lavender, Hearty Stews🥘
Ryker- Masculine, Home💪

Thoughts: Looking for a cottage-core breath of fresh air after all of those dark romance novels?
I can’t express enough how comforting this novel was to me. After a stressful month, this book came at just the right time I needed it. Giving you the warmth and comfort of a cottage during a dark storm both literally and metaphorically.
Idalis & Ryker’s relationship is nothing short of adorable & fluffy (well… minus there being only one bed🤭)! From their initial grumpy meeting to their desires to be open to one another in every way possible, every interaction between them felt like a comforting hug & a breath of fresh air.
I truly can’t recommend this novel enough!

*THIS IS AN ARC REVIEW*

[Nora Ellen (Nbbookery) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Were the hints of worldbuilding and fantasy elements enjoyable? Yes. Was it spicy? Absolutely! Did it reach out, dig its nails into me, and pull me under headfirst? ...not exactly. I did enjoy the story, but I couldn't help feeling like it was rushed and lacking depth in various places. There's not much explanation for why Idalis is isolated or what happened to her coven. Ryker isn't much in the way of mystery, but he comes across as shallow by design. There's not much given about him to give him characterization beyond a shifter soldier sans portal. The two of them definitely shake up each other's worlds, which I really enjoyed seeing. Their connection in the bedroom was definitely worth the read alone. If the rest of the story was as detailed, I would be begging for a second serving.

[Lauren Hitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a bewitching little novella this was!! ♥️💋

🌙A reclusive moon witch.
A cursed wolf shifter.🐺
A spell gone horribly wrong. 🪄
After being trapped in her realm after a storm, fate pushes them together. 💫

This was a short and sweet story with tons of spice, lots of spells and tension that is PALPABLE. I love a fated mate, I love a curse and I love a happy ending. Oh and a one bed trope. 🌶️

Definitely interested in reading more from this series even though The Witch’s Fate is a standalone in the world of Lunaterra! ⭐️

“My soulmate. My fated lover. Mine forevermore. My powerful little witch.”

[Kaija · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a quick read! Like I didn’t realize it was over and then I was sad!

Idalis is our witch who’s been alone for so many years it’s almost all she knows at this point, not to mention she’s incredibly powerful!
Ryker is our wolf who as fate would have it is brought to Idalis because he needs her help.

Whether it’s fate or a spell that brought them together it’s impossible to deny that they are meant to be, fated mates.

🧙🏼‍♀️ Romantasy
🚪 Forced Proximity
👩🏼‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏼 Fated Mates
🛏️ Only one Bed
🐺 Shifter
🌶️ Spice

Huge thanks to Hambright PR for this ARC!