The Wolf Queen's Curse

Witch of the Wolves #2

by Kaylee Archer

DELUXE EDITION - featuring gorgeous stenciled edges - In The Wolf Queen's Curse, the much anticipated sequel to Witch of the Wolves, Cordelia and Bishop must seek alliances with other packs and confront their Alphas in order to restore their beloved Trevelyan, no matter the cost.

The previously quiet life of Cordelia Levine, half-werewolf, all witch, has been turned upside down. Both of her parents are now dead, and her grandmother’s vicious attack on Trevelyan, her pack’s home, has left the Albion Pack fleeing and severely reduced in number.

As they recover and strategize a path forward, Cordelia is navigating her role in the pack as well as her feelings for her new husband, the Alpha. But even as their love grows stronger, the fate of the pack lies in their hands, and they must focus on finding a way to survive.

The pack decides that the only way to defeat the cabal and forge a path back home is to rekindle old alliances. The journey proves complicated, however, as each Alpha they encounter has an agenda of his own. But Cordelia and Bishop will stop at nothing to protect their pack – and reclaim their rightful home.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Paranormal, Witches, Werewolves, Fiction

384 pages, Paperback

Expected publication September 1, 2026

About the author

KAYLEE ARCHER grew up on tales of legend and lore, myth and magic. Her favorites were always werewolves and witches, and when she ran out of stories to read about them, she started writing her own. As she got older, the werewolves and witches stopped killing each other and started kissing. Okay, no, they still kill each other…but they also find plenty of time for kissing.

source: Amazon

Reviews

[Deirdre · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received and eARC from St. Martins Publishing Group via NetGalley and this is my honest review.

- ✌🏻book 2
- 🎟️ single POV
- 🙌 recap at the beginning about what happened in book 1
- ❤️ all about choice & autonomy
- 😉 he chases her in the woods 🏃‍♀️🏃🌲
- 🔥 slow build up to 🌶️
- 💪🏻 she’s assertive & takes what she wants

Overall, this was a 3.5 star read and I am rating up to 4 stars. I am looking forward to book 3, especially with how this book ended!

There was a recap at the beginning of the book that was incredibly helpful. Additionally, in the first 10% of the book, as the MFC communicated with the various characters that were in book one, we received a little recap of who they are. I really appreciated this.

The book immediately started with the MMC and MFC doing what they had to do to get food for the pack that had survived. I loved that the MMC was worried about how the MFC would react to him doing some shady things, but the MFC was only understanding and very realistic about what they had to do for survival. There were two factors that stood out about this that I really liked:

1) the theme of the MCs both understanding that they had to do some crappy things, including to other people. Their decisions were made with great thought and other options were explored before landing on the choice to do something that negatively affected another. Once they decided that they needed to do what they needed to do, they were not plagued with these thoughts and feelings of guilt. I only say this because many books get bogged down in guilt related internal dialogue. It is not the guilt in of itself that is the problem, it is the pages and chapters of internal dialogue that get repetitive to readers. Therefore, it was really wonderful to read about MCs who were very thoughtful and compassionate people, while at the exact same time, willing to do what they had to do, while minimizing violence, AND not feeling guilty for stealing food or whatever else they had to do.

2) These MCs were loyal to each other and stuck together, which is what I wanted to read! Truly throughout the whole book, there was such strong trust and honesty between the two MCs. There was even consent requested by the MMC from the MFC to hide things from her at times in which it would be best for her and/or the pack. The MFC agreed to this, and set her boundaries about what she would not allow to be hidden from her. I really loved the direct and honest communication all throughout this book.

The MFC continued to listen and not judge, also challenging the MMC to not judge. I really liked her more mature approach. As I mentioned in other reviews, I’m getting really frustrated with new adult books having main characters written like teenagers. It’s nice to have MC’s that have more thought and logic behind their behavior. Don’t get me wrong, I love emotions and how they can guide behavior, as often emotions are adaptive and very helpful. However, many MC‘s in this current genre are written as only emotional and impulsive. So, again, I really loved that this book had MCs that were more thoughtful in addition to having emotions. Sometimes, the MC’s would run with their emotions and be more assertively-aggressive, I also love that!

A major point that was threaded through the whole book was about choice. The MMC wanted the MFC to make a choice that was free of manipulation, coercion, and entrapment. The MMC was super mindful and respectful of the MFC, wanting her to experience things with free will and to make choices that were best for her, not him or the pack. The MMC was thinking about the long-term and, therefore, would make decisions in the short-term to prevent any influence on her in that moment that could decrease the chances of her obtaining the long-term goal that she wanted. The MMC was such a delightful and kind man, so thoughtful, insightful, respectful, and patient. The MFC was also very mature and respectful. I really appreciated the maturity brought to this book and these MC’s, it was very refreshing!

Something I found really cool was that the author included a few paragraphs about how wolves were hunted for a period of time before the witches were hunted and burned. Most books have included details about witch hunts; therefore, the author creating a narrative about wolves also having been hunted, just like the witches, was unique!

In regards to the pacing of the story, this book was much slower. At times, I did not mind this, as the slower pace took time to give so much more in-depth and contextual information about the witches, wolf packs, and others species, including how they functioned and their politics. We were given more detailed history about the world, where the different wolf packs were located, and how their pack navigated things. We were also provided more detail about the MMC and his lineage. I felt like I obtained the details that I had been wanting from book one! However, at other times, the pacing was so slow and not much was going on with the plot that I got bored.
I will say that, at around 80%, the pacing and plot picked up. There was a twist I did not see coming! Then, the ending happened in a way I expected, which set up book 3 well.

For readers who like spice, there is intimacy in this book, and some of it is described, but it is not described in depth, and it is more fade to black like.


Critiques:
- As noted, the pacing got slow at times and the plot lacked tension and action. Again, the last 20% picked up, but a good chunk of the book had very little happening.
- Second, this book had a lot of telling. Specifically, a lot of “this happened and then that happened and then this happened,” with very little detail.

[Unnamednonsense · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow I flew through this! The pacing is a bit slower in this book than the first, but that only made me read it faster to get to the meat of the story.

I didn’t really like the fmc in the first book, but the stakes have changed in this one, there’s new dynamics, and the characters feel more grounded in the world, so I found myself liking her more and more as the book went on. She ultimately grew on me. She still won’t be in a list of favorites, but I don’t dislike her like I did while reading the first.

I loved the new characters that are added to this book, as well as the exploration of the world. The first book is almost entirely in one place, so I loved being able to see more of this magical world and meeting the different packs. It feels very adventure novel, almost like Shield of Sparrows, and I really enjoyed that.

I’ll likely read the third book in this series upon its release. I had fun reading this. It’s not serious, it’s not heavy, and it’s a great pallet cleanser between some of the heavier fantasy books I’m known to read.

Thank you very much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Holli D.W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

From Petticoats & Propriety to Passion and Power 🐺


-Touch her and Die
-Found family
-Werewolves & Witches

This book picked up right after the exciting ending of book one. The pace was a bit slower, but we get the chance to experience Bishop and Cordelia truly embrace their relationship and all it has to offer.
Also getting a chance to get to know “side” characters more deeply than before. The banter is as cute as ever. I found myself grinning at my phone over and over.

Some of the dialogue over “Wolf politics” ran a bit long for Me, but the story had plenty of exciting and surprising moments. I am unsure how many books this series is slated to have, but there are two story lines in particular that I am crossing my fingers for on book 3 (perhaps?!)

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the chance to read this advance copy!

[rose ❀ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ slow paced but flows smoothly so i didn’t mind at all! it’s definitely not as brutal as the first book which made my stomach hurt so im glad about that lol. however this book didn’t fully grab my attention or interest. overall, an enjoyable and easy read

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to St. Martin's Griffin, NetGalley, and Kaylee Archer for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.

NOTE: Goodreads does not offer half stars. In the interest of fairness, I'm rounding this up to a 4. I would've given it a 3.5 had that been an option.

This review references events that took place in book 1, Witch of the Wolves. Spoilers begin in the next line.

Picking up immediately after the explosive cliffhanger of book 1, Cordelia and the remaining wolves must pick up the pieces of what remains of their pack and leave Trevelyan in smoldering ruins, on the run from Cordelia's aunt Beryl and the host of supernaturals she recruited to destroy them.

Cordelia, still reeling from these revelations, finds herself inhabiting a larger role in the pack than she ever could have dreamed. As Bishop's mate and possessing formidable magic of her own, she counsels him through heavy decisions that could immediately impact their future: should they form alliances? If so, with whom? Should they run and hide from Beryl, or form a strategy to defeat her? Is their new relationship solid enough to see themselves through the turmoil of danger and change, or should they go their separate ways?

All of these questions form the heart of the novel, which sees Cordelia, Bishop, and the remainder of the pack traveling to other parts of the United Kingdom in search of allies. Their first prospects, the Caledonian pack of Edinburgh, is run by an old and curmudgeonly Alpha, Hamish, who is busy fighting his own battles with a competing Welsh pack, the Cambrians, whose ranks have been partly formed by those who left the Caledonians. Hamish drives a hard bargain with Bishop: he will offer his support, but at a steep price, one that threatens to put the reeling Albion pack in more danger than they find themselves currently.

Bishop, Cordelia, Julius, and a cast of new characters who include Rufus, an old enforcer who has come back with unfinished business, find themselves untangling a web of secrets, lies, betrayals, and new revelations, all the while under the pervasive threat of Beryl looming in the distance. Like the first book, this one ends on a cliffhanger, setting up the reader for the final climactic battle that threatens to destroy everything that Bishop and Cordelia have painstakingly built.

What I liked about this book:
--Like the first book, this was a quick, easy, and enjoyable read. It's fast-paced with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. The addition of the new packs and the revelations of several of the core characters worked well to keep the plot from getting stale.

--Since the characters do a lot of traveling in this novel, it was enjoyable to discover new scenery and different settings. The first book primarily took place at Trevelyan, so seeing new places was a breath of fresh air.

--Ann's character growth. Ann acted as a foil for Cordelia in the first book, but we didn't get to see much of her own capabilities and backstory. This book shows her coming into her own, with her own motivations and buried trauma that makes the reader feel for the harsh exterior she projects.

While the book was enjoyable, I would've loved to see a little more character work with the key members of the pack, particularly Julius. The author drops tantalizing hints about his backstory here and there, but not enough to really get a read on him. I think the same is true of Felix and of Harry Cain; right now their characters are sketched in broad strokes. I'd love to see more of what makes them tick and how they relate to not only each other, but those outside the pack.

If you enjoyed the first book in the series, I think you'll find the second book equally enjoyable. The pacing, writing style, and twist-laden plot falls right in line with the first, and with the third act of the novel, we see new and exciting possibilities of where the story could end up going. This is the kind of book that you can devour in a few sittings, and I'll be waiting to see what happens in the series' conclusion.

[Literary Purrception · Rating 4 out of 5]

***ARC Review***

3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

The Wolf Queen’s Curse by Kaylee Archer picks up where Witch of the Wolves picks up; with the Albion pack in ruins. Cordelia and Bishop, newlywed, and now the alphas of the pack are responsible for putting the pieces back together while also knowing a great enemy is likely not far behind. Book 2 is going to follow Cordelia, Bishop, Julius, Ann, and an addition or two as they travel to rekindle old alliances; hopefully being able to insure their survival with an unavoidable future encounter with the formidable Levine cabal. Ultimately, the journey will have some curve balls and prove more complicated than initially thought as other werewolf alphas have their own agendas that may or may not align. Will the Albion Pack’s survival be at these alphas’ mercy, or will the newly appointed alphas find a way to make it through?

I had the pleasure of ARC reading Witch of the Wolves and I was incredibly excited to receive the advanced copy of The Wolf Queen’s Curse. Witch of the Wolves was one of my 2025 reads that has plagued my mind, living rent free there, so The Wolf Queen’s Curse did come with some expectation to live up to book one.

What I liked about the book:
- I LOVED the recap at the very beginning of the book. I feel like Kaylee Archer did a great job at giving us a mental refresher, so we weren’t immediately lost in the beginning of book two. I believe more series do need this, and they are more beneficial than harmful.
- The romance dynamics are refreshing. Both characters are emotionally mature, and we aren’t going through half a book of misunderstanding from lack of communication.
- The importance of a person’s ability to make a choice. This was also really nice to see. As we know, Cordelia in book 1 had many of her choices taken from her. Here in book 2 that is rectified and she is allowed to have the power of her choice back.
- The overall idea behind this series is great. I personally love the premise of it and feel as if it has a lot of potential.
- Loved the sprinkled history/lore throughout the book. It was refreshing and read as if it was coming from that world’s history and not just inputted in the story.

What I felt could use improving:
- The pacing of the first 50-60% was quite slow in this book. I can’t say the pacing gave me too much trouble that struggled to get through it, but it did hinder my ability to truly dive in and get invested.
- The plot lacked action and tension. While I understand that not every book needs loads of action, the plot left me wanting more.
- The amount of recapping that occurs throughout the book. While I whole-heartedly appreciated the recap in the beginning of the book, it is unnecessary to continue to recap what is occurring in book 2 while you are reading book 2. The book would have been better without it in my opinion. Especially because these weren’t little things that were being recapped that we may have missed. These were big moments that we should be able to remember as we just read them on the pages prior.
- The amount of detail. I feel like book 2 lacked the details of what was going on. You would be that “this happens and then this happened”, but without the details that would draw you in or make for a clearer picture. The lack of details also made me want more, especially out of the MMC. He felt relatively flat in a lot of private conversations with the FMC, and both parties just seemed to get what the other was saying without much real dialogue between the two.

Ultimately, I did enjoy The Wolf Queen’s Curse and I am really looking forward to book three; especially with how it ended. I just feel like for me it suffered from book two syndrome quite a bit. I definitely would still recommend anyone read this. I still believe this series has plenty of promise and am hopeful for a good delivery.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

***ARC courtesy of NetGalley***

Trope: Paranormal

Spice: 4/5

I was quite excited to have the opportunity to read this sequel and I am still excited about where it can go. What I thoroughly enjoyed from the first story was the emotional roller-coaster that the FMC went through. Her life was upended in a matter of hours and that entire story took place in one single week. We were given her thoughts and rationales throughout which I appreciated because sometimes I did not understand the motivation behind certain actions.

This sequel picks up exactly where book one leaves off and Kaylee Archer has thankfully provided a brief synopsis prior to page one. I greatly admire the side plot of the FMC's viriginity. She wanted to sleep with her husband, but his insistence on her freedom and choice was beautiful. That doesn't mean everything is off limits though! I toe the line between a 3/5 and 4/5 for the spice levels only because some scenes are more detailed while others leave actions to the imagination. That was a great balance in terms of reading because we know that there is a larger plot at play.

Currently, this book reads as an even tone or nothing spikes as high intensity. Especially regarding the final chapter, I would love to see/read the FMC's thoughts. She could react with extreme frustration, some sadness, some grief, literally anything instead of immediately jumping into rational thoughts and reactions. Again, I enjoy the way that this book is written as it reads as an unofficial journal. But there are times where I wish I was allowed to infer things for myself instead of seeing things explained on the page.

In reverse, the MMC was consistently scheming, as is his MO, but as a reader, we knew that we were never given a clear picture of his plan. Maybe that means we need a chapter from his point of view. Maybe that means we need less internal dialogue from the FMC on his ability to play all angles. Something needs to change for me to feel as if he may actually be challenged/in danger.

We were introduced to some new characters in this sequel, one leaving a larger impression than others. I hope that we see all of these new faces return in book three instead of having used them as a plot check point. I know that we as readers expect werewolves to be somewhat volatile and reactionary. These werewolves did not necessarily fall into those stereotypes. For the ones that did align, I wish there actions were heightened even more to further illustrate the difference between the MMC and everyone else.

I did enjoy this read and know that things can only improve between now and September. If you liked the snark and romance for book one, you will be pleased with this follow up story.

[Sierra (pokeypuddles) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the Publisher for sending me an eARC through netgalley for review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I wish I could give this six stars!

There are so many good things to say so I will try to lay it out for you!
The relationship between Bishop and Cordelia is *chefs kiss*. Not only do they actually communicate to each other, but they constantly tease each other and match each others wit in the most enjoyable banter. Bishop is an amazing MMC. He respects Cordelia and sees her as an equal while still protecting and spoiling her. Cordelia is probably one of my top FMCs. She is intelligent and extremely capable. All of the side characters are strong too. We get to see more of Ann (Cordelia's cousin) and while she can come off as abrasive. It is very much touched on that due to the things she went through she holds people at arm's length and all the other characters still love and respect her and know that's who she is. We are introduced to several new characters and even they were different and enjoyable.

Now for the plot. When I started this book I did not realize it would be such a "bridge" book to set up the next one. Even after I got around 50% and realized that, I did not mind it! This is the one time the "bridge" didn't get stale. There is so much happening and several twists and betrayals that I stayed so engaged. Even in the less intense parts like, the banter, atmosphere or just Cordelia's inner dialogue, I was still interested.

The only "bad" was the cliff hanger killed me! (not an actual bad thing unless you're like me and desperately need book three) The start of this book immediately picked up from the cliff hanger of book one so I can assume that will be the case in three, but I am ANXIOUSLY awaiting it! I most certainly will be buying this when the physical copy comes out and I will be praying and begging for an ARC of three!

[Carolyn Schaeperkoetter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Kaylee Archer for the chance to review this ARC!
This wasn't quite the werewolf story I thought it would be, but I figured that out from the first book. After the pack is ravaged and their home destroyed, we leave off with Bishop and Cordelia fleeing and picking up the pieces, forming allies with other packs to face off against an even greater enemy. But alas, there are several twists and turns as they find out there are many they cannot trust, as they have motives of their own who would seek to have the new untried Alpha and his bride destroyed. It's a game of wits and cunning, my friends!
I appreciate the feminist lens we see the story in through Cordelia's eyes, how she shows how women are treated in this time piece. In the same token, Bishop struggles with what it is to have her at his side as his mate, his equal, while facing off with what is expected of him as a man and Alpha.
Like the first book, we get heavily into werewolf politics than we do with the werewolf action, and many times I feel like I'm reading a Mafia/mob boss/crime family type of thriller. At times that politics drag on and I get kind of bored as I'm reading, but it's easy to follow along and sympathize with the characters. I enjoy reading into Bishop and Cordelia getting to know one another better and finding a place that's just for them. Here, Bishop wants to make sure Cordelia is respected without losing credibility of his own.
Now, this is a middle book of a trilogy, which means that here, things are slower and we get more into the meat of the matter, explaining the magic Cordelia has, explaining about the other werewolf packs and their politics, which of course drags at times, but it's very essential to the story, so I can forgive that. The twist ending sets us up quite nicely for the finale, and I can't wait to see how this plays out.

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC From Netgalley

The Wolf Queen’s Curse by Kaylee Archer
Witch of the Wolves #2

This sequel takes everything from book one and raises the stakes in the most emotional way. Cordelia is no longer just figuring out who she is… she is grieving, leading, and fighting to rebuild what was destroyed. With her pack shattered and alliances uncertain, this story leans hard into loyalty, power, and what it means to lead when everything is falling apart.

What makes this one stand out is the pack dynamic and political tension. It is not just about survival, it is about navigating other Alphas, fragile alliances, and hidden agendas while trying to reclaim home. My favorite part was watching Cordelia step into her strength… balancing her witch and wolf sides while also growing into her role beside Bishop. Their relationship feels deeper here, more earned, and grounded in everything they have lost and are fighting for.

🖤 Tropes & Vibes

🐺 pack politics and power struggles
🖤 witch x werewolf hybrid FMC
👑 alpha king and queen dynamic
⚡ forced alliances with hidden agendas
💔 grief driven leadership arc
🔥 protect the pack at all costs
🌙 paranormal world building
🛡️ battle for home and survival

📚 Read this if you like…

🐺 werewolf packs with strong hierarchy dynamics
🖤 romantasy with emotional stakes
👑 powerful couples ruling together
⚡ political tension and alliance building
💔 characters fighting through loss and grief

#ParanormalRomance #WerewolfBooks #RomantasyReads #FantasyRomance #BookstagramReads

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Wolf Queen's Curse is the second book in Kaylee Archer's Witch of the Wolves series. Unfortunately, I did not know I had the second book when I started reading. There are many series books that work well as standalone books. This is not one of them. I really need to read the first book for the back story.
Cordelia is a witch. She is also the daughter of a werewolf without the ability to shift but with other heightened senses and traits of the lycan. Apparently her werewolf alpha father gave her to Bishop, his chosen heir as his mate, without her consent. Then things happen that are spoilers if you haven't read the first book (The Witch of the Wolves).
Bishop is the alpha of the Albion pack, a pack that was almost destroyed by his mate's (Cordelia's) grandmother (Beryl). When the book opens the remaining pack members are on the run in search of help from other packs in the British Isles (setting appears to be Victorian England).
The first half of the book is a lot of telling and very little action. If I hadn't gone and read some other reviews, I might have been tempted to DNF this book. Although I do feel an obligation to finish a book if I have received it as a free eARC. It got considerably better in the second half. By the end I was engaged enough to want to find out what happens in book 3.
*Round up to a 3.5
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martins for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[QuirkyTofurkey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I think it’s time for me to accept that this author just isn’t for me, though clearly I’m in the minority and I’m glad. Reading is a very personal experience, and I’m happy the author has found her audience.

The storyline itself is very creative, but I struggle with the writing. I suspect many readers will connect with the author’s voice and find the story far more engaging than I did. I still love the concept behind the series. I just wish I loved the execution as much as I wanted to.

I found myself highlighting passages not because I loved them and wanted to revisit them later, but because I genuinely couldn’t quite believe what I was reading. In one intimate scene, the MMC literally pulls the FMC toward him by her breasts. Ladies. I’m all for a bit of cleavage appreciation, but using them as leverage to pull someone closer? Is that something people actually do? Am I just too vanilla? I’m suddenly questioning everything I thought I knew about sex.

I did enjoy the delightful addition of a little primal play, even if it seemed highly scandalous for the Victorian setting. But they’re werewolves. Running through the woods naked checks out.

But I digress. I do think this book will absolutely work for some readers, and I wish I were one of them. Unfortunately, I’m just not.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Kaylee Archer for the advanced reader copy. This review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.

[Monica Beard · Rating 5 out of 5]

And we're back! I loved Witch of the Wolves because it managed to pair an action packed romantasy with a lot of thoughtful critiques about gender roles. Which of the Wolves made a choice to echo the gender roles of the Victorian era it exists in instead of handwaving that werewolf packs are bastions of equality.


So while our heroine, Cordelia, is (mostly) happily married to werewolf Alpha Bishop, but the two of them are working together to rebuild the pack and face down their enemies: Cordelia's grandmother and her witches, as well as other werewolf packs. I will note that I did miss having more female characters. The other werewolf packs don't admit women, which creates a really interesting conflict for Cordelia, but does mean that we don't get to spend time with too many female characters. I did love the set up of Cordelia's grandmother as an understandable villain, one who has been burned by a patriarchal culture and no longer has any trust.

I really loved that we got to expand our world around the island of Britain, and I'm excited by mentions of a Hiberian pack (tied to the Irish independence movements of that time?), as well as as some hints of secondary character romances. The cliffhanger also leaves me excited for the next chapter. This one's for fans of The Rose Queen's mix of fantasy and historical romance. Thanks to St. Martin's Press for the early copy.

[Paige Wuerdemann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Kaylee Archer (for the physical ARC of the book), plus NetGalley and St. Martin's press for the eARC of The Wolf Queen's Curse.

I absolutely loved and appreciated the fact that we got a summary of book one to start off this one! It was a perfect refresher before diving back into the world of Cordelia and Bishop.

Compared to the first book this one is definitely slower with more political aspects of the wolf packs and how they adapt to changes in pack hierarchy. We got more of the history and in-depth information on witches, wolf packs, and others species, including how they functioned and their politics.

Stakes have changed from the previous book and the characters find themselves needing to do more shadier things in order to survive post attack on Trevelyan. They're also running from Beryl and the host of supernaturals she has coming after Bishop and his pack.

Cordelia helps Bishop through the tough decisions of who to turn to in their time of need. New alliances are forged while trying to gain more pack members before returning back to Trevelyan and building it back up. The problem with these alliances? Everyone is looking to benefit from it and not solely out of the goodness of their hearts.

Will the Albion Pack be able to survive the curveballs thrown at them?

After completing the book I am now on the edge of my seat because of the ending. I'm eagerly awaiting book three to see how the story continues!

[Angel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed returning to this world in The Wolf Queen’s Curse, the sequel to Witch of the Wolves. The story picks back up with Cordelia and Bishop as tensions rise, secrets unravel, and the past refuses to stay buried. There’s still that dark, moody atmosphere and emotional intensity that made the first book so engaging.

The highlight for me continues to be Bishop and Cordelia. Their dynamic is messy, layered, and full of tension in the best way. Watching their relationship evolve kept me invested, even when the story itself slowed down.

That said, the pacing struggled quite a bit. A large portion of the book is dedicated to explaining backstories and past events, and while some of it was helpful, it often felt overly detailed and repetitive. It broke up the flow and made it harder to stay fully immersed in the present storyline. I found myself wishing those elements had been woven in more naturally instead of pausing the narrative so frequently.

Still, when the plot does move forward, it’s engaging and pulls you right back in. The stakes feel higher in this installment, and there are definitely moments that remind you why you picked up the sequel in the first place.

Also… be warned: this one ends on a cliffhanger. A pretty sharp one.

Devour or Nibble?
Nibble. If you loved Bishop and Cordelia, there’s enough here to keep you invested—but be prepared for slower, exposition-heavy stretches that interrupt the flow.

[Chelsea Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wolf Queen's Curse is a gripping second installment that raises the stakes for Cordelia Levine and her pack. Following the devastating attack on their home, Trevelyan, this story leans heavily into the weight of leadership and the fragility of shifting alliances.

What I Loved:
Character Growth: Seeing Cordelia truly step into her power as both a witch and a wolf while navigating her new role as the Alpha’s wife was incredibly satisfying.

Deepened Romance: The relationship between Cordelia and Bishop feels much more earned here. Their bond is tested by grief and the constant threat of foreign Alphas, making their moments of connection feel more grounded and intense.

World-Building: The political tension between the different packs adds a layer of complexity that was missing in the first book.

Why Not 5 Stars?
The pacing in the first half is a bit slower as the pack strategizes their next move. While the second half is an absolute adrenaline rush, some of the political maneuvers felt a little dense compared to the fast-paced magic of book one.

Final Verdict:
If you enjoyed the "broody wolves" and gothic atmosphere of the first book, you’ll love the emotional depth Archer brings to this sequel. It ends on a major cliffhanger that will have you immediately checking for book three!

[shut.up.mamas.reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this ARC from St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. This is a sequel to Witch of the Woods. The main story revolves around the relationship dynamics of a Lycan\witch and a Werewolf. The book picks up right where the first one left off. There is a refresher in the beginning for all those that may have forgotten what happened last. I love this. I wish more authors would do this. This story focuses on the MMC, Bishop, attempting to lead as the new alpha of the Albion pack while trying to navigate his relationship with his new mate, Cordelia. In addition to that, they still have her grandmother witch after them. The pacing on this was a little slow and I found it difficult at times to continue on. I enjoyed the first book of the series more and I will likely still read the next installment to find out where the story goes. I just got bogged down in this one at times. I will say that if you get to the last third of the book the pacing changes and it is more enjoyable. Enough so that it redeems this to a 3.5 star read for me. I don’t know if others would have this issue with pacing, I just have difficulty with sequels setting up the next book. I need action the entire time. I would still recommend this if you loved the first book. The sequel ends with enough oomph to carry readers into the next book.

[Teena · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had very high hopes for this sequel as I loved the first book. This one was so disappointing. It started out right when book one ended and I loved how it pretty much recapped what happened. I also loved the setting and all the Scottish scenes, but that was it. I hated the romantic scenes so much. It was beyond cringy and if I never hear the word “trousers” again in my life, it will be too soon. Seriously, the author could have cut that word significantly. I got so tired of reading about Bishop’s trousers…:

I’ll try to give a synopsis soon for my NetGalley review.

Full review:

This is the sequel to the book Witch of the Wolves and it starts immediately where the first one ended. The beginning of the book is nice because it gives the reader a recap of what happened in the first book. I appreciated that as it has been a year or so since I read the first book. The first book is full of action, tension, and mystery and I loved every minute. This book continues with the romance and has some action, but fell flat for me. I was very disappointed and found so much of the traveling in the book boring and drawn out. The ending was good and makes you want to continue the series, though.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jessica Samuelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was a great continuation of Cordelia’s story. She has found herself in an unexpected position and is navigating her new circumstances to the best of her abilities. I love the relationship between Cordelia and Bishop and the steps they take to become true partners in a time when marriage typically held a distinct power imbalance.

This story explores different werewolf packs and how they function based on their leadership. There’s also a glimpse of what life is like for lone wolves. Personally, I really liked this aspect of the story. It made this world and it’s inhabitants feel more real. I also enjoyed several of the side characters, especially Ann, Julius, Oliver, Tabitha, and Rufus. I hope to see more of them in the next book.

It’s not as dark as book 1, mainly because the main tyrant from that book is no longer in power. It helps reinforce the benefits of having a worthy leader, which I appreciated.

Note: This book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. It’s book 2 in a series and should be read in order. Book 1 is Witch of the Wolves.


Romance Steam Rating: Full Boil [3 out of 5] (Open Door)

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an Advanced Reader Copy. ⁠

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

TRUE RATING: 3.5 Stars

The world of Witch of the Wolves grows exponentially in this riveting sequel by Kaylee Archer. The plot never stops moving, and is riddled with twists and turns that are impoossible to predict. It is a really fun read that is brimming with lovable characters that are being built on well in this book.

There are a few reasons why I couldn't give it a full four stars. Bishop became a little insufferable in this book for me. 3/4 of the book is him delivering exposition. This book definitely follows the trend of telling rather than showing the reader things, mostly through dialogue between Bishop and Cordelia and there was just something about it that irked me a little. I beg you authors, don't dumb your books down. MAKE people think and read and look between the lines. Show us. Don't tell us. Between this and his rousing speeches as a new alpha, Bishop is starting to come across as a character that likes to hear himself talk. I am really looking forward to Cordelia becoming the focus again. I don't want to hurt any feelings at all because I genuinely love thiis character, I just kind of wanted to tape his mouth shut and let other people talk for a bit once in a while!!

Otherwise, I really enjoyed the book and I am REALLY looking forward to the next one.

[Kaitlyn Cotton · Rating 2 out of 5]

I greatly enjoyed the first book in this series, so I went into this sequel with really high expectations. Unfortunately, this one just didn’t quite work for me. I found myself struggling to stay engaged for much of the story, and a lot of the chemistry, tension, and intrigue that made the first book so compelling felt missing here.

I think part of it comes down to personal preference — I tend to enjoy slower-burn relationship dynamics, and since the central relationship was already fairly established in this installment, it felt a bit too steady (even bland at times!) and lacked the emotional tension I enjoy. The plot also seemed more focused on setting up future events rather than telling a particularly compelling story on its own, so at times it read more like a bridge between bigger installments.

That said, the ending picked up for me, and I enjoyed the twists and turns in the final portion of the book. While this sequel wasn’t a hit for me personally, I can still see fans of the series enjoying it, especially readers who are invested in the larger story being built for future books.

Thank you to St Martin’s Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ Rounded up because of the ending!


🔥 I wish it were standard that authors give us a concise summary of book 1 at the beginning. 


The story: I will unfortunately admit that I did not find the first half of this as enjoyable as book 1, but the second half (or perhaps a little later than half) more than made up for it. Despite this I was happy that we learned a lot more about Bishop, the pack politics, and how this world works. The alliances and hidden agendas of various players all coming to light and set up for what I expect to be an exciting next book because the TWIST! I devoured the last 30% or so, what an ending!


The characters: I absolutely adore Bishop, he is just as clever, patient and compassionate as he was in book 1. And the way which he never pressured her knowing their situation was rather precarious had me swooninh. I still enjoyed Cordelia but there were times were she was focusing on clothing and fancy food and amenities like a spoiled princess and I found myself really bothered by that. Thankfully she usually admitted that these were just material desires and she has more important things to focus on but I still felt put off by it. 

[Jenn (burlingtonbiblio) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review
The Wolf Queens Curse by Kaylee Archer
PUB Date: Sept 1 2026
St Martins Press

What Its Got
✅ Lucan / werewolf / witch / vampire/ demons
✅ necromancer
✅ Pack politics
✅ witch coven and cabal
✅ Mated
✅ family drama and secrets
✅ Autonomy and choice

Thoughts
I loved the recap the author provided at the beginning- so helpful in a series
This book picks up right where we left off. It was easy to reconnect with Cordelia and Bishop , their chemistry is 🥵🔥.
I love how these 2 communicate- they lay everything out on the table, they are both blunt and not afraid to ask each other for what they need or what their expectations are in their relationship
We learn more about pack dynamics and roles, Alpha, Enforcer, Second etc and of course there is More drama. More secrets. More fighting. More obstacles to our MCs happiness.

Overall
The pacing was at times slow and the twist at the end was easy to predict but overall I am excited to see where this story goes and how it plays out.

Thank you to the author, netgalley and the publisher for my digital ARC in return for N honest review.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC provided for an honest review!

This picks up immediately where book one left off — literally the next morning — which made it really easy to dive right back in. It’s definitely more of a slow-paced installment, but I didn’t mind that at all. There’s a lot of plotting and scheming throughout, which I actually really enjoyed, and the spice (2.5/3 🌶️) delivered as expected.

For me, the main drawbacks were that the plot felt a bit predictable at times, and while there was plenty of setup, there weren’t many standout moments that pushed things forward in a memorable way. It reads a bit like a middle-book bridge, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but I did find myself wanting a little more.

I also felt a bit of a disconnect with the emotional depth. Everything was there on the page, but I didn’t always feel fully immersed in it. (Can you be immersed in a love story that happens within a week timeframe?) That said, I’m really hopeful book three will build on this and bring everything together in a bigger, more impactful way — I’m definitely excited to continue the series.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I liked this book a lot better than the first one, but it was just a so-so fun read. I just felt like everything was wrapped up and resolved so neat and tidy with both of these books. The two main characters - I liked them ok, but there just wasn't a lot of depth here. The FMC would be having her internal monologues about how the Victorian era in history wasn't friendly to women like her, and it was just all a little too construed for my taste. I mean, yay! Women Power, but that wasn't that time period at all. And then the violence would just come out of nowhere, and you're sitting there like c'mon I liked that actual character. I'm no shrinking violet, but the death and destruction here was just casually inserted and described as if no big deal. And then the leads were off again, as if that didn't just happen. That being said, I did want to see how the author finished all this and so these weren't a DNF. I don't know if I'd pick up another one of these books, but it wasn't bad. Fun reads with no thinking really needed, but wouldn't pick them up again.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

100% enjoying this series. This second book starts off with a recap(FABULOUS) and a little back story in the beginning. Definitely helpful for those with a goldfish brain, like myself. Although I did reread the last 20% of book one, because that’s how I roll.

It’s wild to me that so much happened in such a short amount of time. Book one takes place over basically a week and book two is about the same. We get a lot but yet not a ton. The last 20% or so is where the important stuff really happens. So I’ll probably reread that again before the last book.

I’ll admit some of this dragged a little but eventually things picked up. I really liked the romance aspect. Nothing crazy, definitely more closed door-ish, but there was tension galore. Tension is hot. Big fan.

All throughout this I really thought it was a duology, and then the ending happened….so here I wait for book three.

I’m so glad I took a chance on this series without knowing anything about it.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun book. It’s the second in a series by Kaylee Archer, filled with excellent world building and characters that are unforgettable. THE WOLF QUEEN’S CURSE picks up just where the first book ended, a pack of wherewolves has lost their home and must find ways to regain it. I read and loved the first book, but I must say, I had forgotten the characters and plot points by the time I received this second installment. Archer provides a quick summary before this new book begins, but for whatever reason, it wasn’t enough for me. I had to go back and re-read the first. Authors can’t be expected to churn out books like machines but the extensive world building and detailed plot make this a series that is difficult to remember clearly. I would encourage readers to read the first book before this one, otherwise the characters and plot are difficult to understand. With that said, I cannot wait for book 3, this was a joy to read.

[Lili · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked how every little detail is so well thought out, and how the conversations between the main characters present the options in a way that remains interesting without over-explaining. Every day brings new challenges, and the narrative navigates in a win some - lose some logic keeping the Albion Pack's fate on the edge of annihilation.
There's clever political intrigue and very interesting insight into the social and economic structure of the society of that time. I shudder to think how much the fate of women was determined by the norms and the benevolence of men, and how much the circumstances of birth influenced it. Very little democracy and close-mindedness were the norm.
I like the dynamic between the characters, the political intrigue, the keen negotiations and the human dilemmas of balancing the good for one against the good of all.

And that ending! I decidedly want to read what's next!

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley.

[Vice · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wolf Queen's Curse picks up right where Witch of the Wolves left off, with Bishop and Cordelia and the remainder of their pack on the run. The first book was surprisingly enjoyable for me, and book two met the same expectations.

Bishop and Cordelia have a nice dynamic of trusting each other, checking in, and talking through things as equals. The pack dynamics continued to be interesting, and expanded as more packs enter the storyline as the Albion Pack works to recover from the events of the first book.

The writing flows easily, and even though it leans towards the simple and tells a lot more than it shows, I was entertained throughout and the story never felt like a slog. The unfolding of events and character motivations and interactions with each other were believable, and this was nicely paced and a solid quick read.

Thanks to the author, St Martin's Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

[April Haas · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨️ Thanks to St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this ebook prior to publication ✨️

I love Cordelia and Bishop together. For each other. The amount of truly candid conversation they have—about their feelings, their history, their plans—is so refreshingly unlike so many romantic pairings. It truly gives the feeling of their being equals, and seeing one another as such.

While I did enjoy seeing some of the politicking and machinations between the werewolf packs that needed to happen in this book, it did feel slower than the pacing of the first book.

The worst part about being able to binge read book one and now book two is NOT having the rest of the story yet. 😅 The ending of this one definitely feels more tense than the end of book one, so be prepared for that when you dive in.

Such a fun series, and I can't wait to see how it plays out!