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, Fiction, Werewolves

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

[Jaime Arkin · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book picks up literally the next day from where book one ended, which should have meant momentum right out of the gate. Instead, it felt like the story stalled almost immediately. So much of it just dragged -scenes that should have moved the plot forward instead felt like filler, and I found myself skimming just to get through chapters.

The spicy scenes were the most frustrating part. They felt randomly dropped in rather than earned or connected to what was happening in the story. It pulled me out of the book every time instead of pulling me in.

I finished it hoping it would turn around, but it never did. Unfortunately this is where I get off - I won’t be continuing the series.

Thanks to the publisher for the early copy.

[AnnaTheBookBabe · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 4/5

🐺 romantasy
🔮 witches & wolves (obviously)
🐺 clever & smart FMC!!!
🔮 he falls first
🐺 insta-lust (but I liked it)
🔮 forced proximity
🐺 arranged marriage
🔮 enemies(ish)-to-lovers
🐺 misogynistic society
🔮 plot twists
🐺 betrayals
🔮 banter!!!

I loved this book so much! Again, I have no idea why it took me so long to read it. Maybe because I haven’t seen much / anything about it online? A crime, really. It’s not overly complicated in its premise, and it’s all set in the UK, which is brilliant. There’s different packs of wolves scatted around the country and I love the real-world location referenced.

As far as the FMC and MMC….I LOVE THEM. They’re both so smart, perfectly matched, and passionate for one another. Yet again, we have a book with a love story that stays consistent and committed without any stupid and bullshit miscommunication issues. Both parties are intelligent and know when their feelings may or may not be hurt regarding something being done for the greater good. It’s fucking refreshing!

The ending, despite it being a little bit of a gut-punch, made me excited for the sequel. I REALLY can’t wait for Cordelia to actually learn more about her powers and become the baddie we all know she is. 💅🏻

Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for both the eARC and physical ARC of this book. It’s truly been a gift!

[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!

[Taylor Piatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers forgive me early access to this eARC.

4.0 stars. This book is a good follow up to the first book in the series. It follows where things left off in the previous book. We see Cordelia and Bishop fleeing the wreckage of their home pursuing new relationships to protect them against Cordelia’s grandmother.

I enjoyed this as a sequel. The beginning was slower than I would’ve liked, but the ending really picked up and I had a hard time putting it down. This is an easy, simple read.

I enjoyed the werewolf politics in this. I also appreciated the deepening connection between Cordelia and Bishop. The connections and relationships within this book continued to progress.

I definitely enjoyed this, and I’m interested to see where the next book goes.

[Kelly]

I'm so bummed about this book because I LOVED the first one. It's very slow, focused on pack politics and rebuilding which would normally be fine. This felt repetitive and as much as I love spice, it is haphazardly thrown in too often without substance. I tried to stick it out to the end but just can't do it.

[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.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC. Actual rating 2.5/5

Reading through the majority of this book, I thought it was a definite improvement from the first book. The issues that I had with the first book seemed to be addressed in this second one. We found out more about the history of the werewolves and even some lore about the witches as well.

One thing that I was not a fan of as far as the technique of the storytelling was that I felt like we were often presented with some action or event, and then the history of that character or the reason would be told to us after the fact via dialogue or monologue. The way it was done left me feeling confused because it didn’t seem to make sense or there was lack of build up to it.

I also felt like in the beginning of the book there are lengthy amounts of time spent on irrelevant things. For example, Cordelia goes on about the clothing that she loves, and they spend time talking about different outfits and materials, which again seems unnecessary and drags the pace of the story.

There is a lot of repetition stating how the different characters are related to each other, but it was a lot of names thrown out at once, making it confusing. I felt like a lineage tree should be available at the beginning or end of the book to help follow the family lines because everyone seemed to be related.

Overall, I felt like not a lot happened in this book. Alliances were made, but as far as progress with the overarching plot, we didn’t really see any advancement in that regard. At least the first 25% in the book just seemed like there was a lot of dillydallying and not much going on.

I did feel like this book was more focused in the plot points compared to the first one. The characters in general were a bit more consistent in their behavior. That is at least true until about 85% when there is a character plot twist that came up out of nowhere without any development and seemed completely irrational. That whole set of scenes felt very out of place and almost thrown in for shock value. At this point, I felt like we were reverting back to problems in book one where things occurred for the convenience of the story, but never really made sense.

Also, with realism to the story, there are things that don’t make sense. For example, why is Bishop having a speech when he needs to be chasing down somebody? Why is Cordelia having a lengthy monologue about wishing she had a proper dress when they are supposed to be fleeing?

I still don’t really feel like the characters have grown that much, nor do I feel overly attached to any of them. However, Rufus might be the most likable out of everybody in my opinion.

I think the idea and the premise for the series has a lot of potential. However, I think the execution of it could be done better.

The book ends on a cliffhanger for a third book.

[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.

[Caitlyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book 1 was so much better - what happened?

The first book in the series set the scene with lots of action and a deep romance that had me kicking my feet. I was invested in the characters, and I read the whole book in practically one sitting.

With book 2, it took me almost a week to finish, and by the end I was skipping pages left and right just to get the interesting parts. The cute romance was out the window. There were many short spicy scenes throughout the book at very awkward times. Cordelia and Bishop would have a life threatening experience and then immediately get frisky....like girl please. There was no banter or passion in the romance. Bishop felt like he was just there to throw money around and look pretty the whole book.

Book 2 also revolved around pack politics, not just inside the Albion pack, but with the two neighboring packs, the Cambrions and the Caledonians (why are the names so similar???) I found the whole thing so boring, honestly. There was a lot of traveling and filler information about how each pack operated. The problem I had was that even though we were learning more about the packs, there were many unanswered questions about the world that were not addressed. Why are there no wolves under the age of 18? With all this bloodshed, you think the packs would make sure there were replacements, you know? How do the wolves keep their identity a secret - live in the woods and hope no one wanders in? Additionally, Cordelia whips up a potion to help from not having children (because Bishop doesn't know how to cover it up). Then, she only takes it one time despite them getting down many times throughout the book without her taking more of the potion.

Compared to the first book where many people died and it was very emotional, I was expecting more to be at stake. The ending to book 2 has me intrigued, but I am on the fence on whether I want to pick it up.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[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!

[Ciara Hartman · Rating 4 out of 5]

📝 ARC Review: So I read book 1 of this series last year as a NetGalley ALC and enjoyed it overall, gave it 4 stars, same as this one. (This series does need to be read in order!)

In book 2, I was expecting lots of tense action and battles, based on how the first book ended. But actually, this story was much more tame and leisurely paced, at least for the first 75%. This story was more about the werewolves forming alliances to prep for a battle between them and the Cabal of scary witches that slaughtered so many of their pack in book 1. So I’m guessing all that action I was expecting, will finally happen in book 3!

That being said, I enjoyed how book 2 showcased the FMC as a stronger and more capable character than she seemed in book 1. I loved how her new husband, Bishop, let her stand up for herself and he boosted her strength, treating her as an equal. It also showed the depth of his character in how he went about the pack alliances in this story. How smart and just he was. - So overall, as with book 1, a few things that were disappointing, but also aspects that I really enjoyed! I’m definitely interested in seeing what happens in book 3, since this ended with a pretty significant event happening.

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Witch of the Wolves, Book 2
POV: First Person; Single
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/5
Release Date: September 1, 2026

Tropes 👇

- Werewolves, Witches & More!
- Newly Married
- Forming Pack Alliances
- MC’s that boost each other’s strengths
- Feminine empowerment
- Part Witch/part Lycan FMC
- Werewolf MMC
- Primal Play/Chasing

CW’s 👇

- Some prejudice against women
- Attempted drugging
- Violence/battles

Thank you to StMartinsPress and Goodreads Giveaway’s for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

#goodreadsgiveaway #stmartinspress

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.

I absolutely flew through The Wolf Queen's Curse. While the pacing is a little slower than the first book, I actually found myself reading faster because I was so invested in seeing where the story was heading.

One of my biggest surprises was how much more I enjoyed the FMC in this installment. I struggled to connect with her in book one, but the expanded world, higher stakes, and shifting relationships gave her a lot more room to grow. She felt more grounded this time around, and by the end I was genuinely rooting for her.

The worldbuilding was probably my favorite part of this sequel. The first book was fairly contained, so I loved getting to travel beyond familiar territory, meet new packs, and see more of the politics and dynamics of the wider world. It gave the story a much bigger feel and added an adventurous quality that kept me turning pages.

The romance continues to be one of the strongest aspects of the series for me. I especially appreciated how much emphasis was placed on choice, trust, and mutual respect within the relationship. The chemistry is definitely there, but it never overshadows the larger story unfolding around them.

I also really enjoyed the new characters introduced in this book. Several immediately caught my attention, and I'm hoping they'll continue to play important roles moving forward because they brought fresh energy to the story.

Overall, this was a fun, engaging sequel that expanded the world while deepening the character relationships. It's not an overly heavy fantasy, which honestly made it the perfect palate cleanser between some of the darker, denser books I've been reading lately.

The ending definitely has me curious about what's next, and I'll absolutely be picking up book three when it releases.

[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.

[Miranda • Darkenchantedchapters · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I chose the first time you looked at me and saw me, truly saw me, not as your captor or your enemy, but as me. What I didn't choose was how it went, forced into a marriage before I could convince you that you wanted one." - Bishop

"I want this, you. Us. I want you to call me your wife, your mate, and to feel no need to hesitate, because it's what I am. Mate to the Alpha of the Albion Pack." - Cordelia

REVIEW:
Where do I even begin on this one?

Well foremost Bishop is still in the top 5 list of book boyfriends, and he doesn't let us down in this book at all. Our girl Delia is something fierce as well and watching her character grow even more in this book was absolutely amazing. Actually, the growth of all our favorites from the first book was amazing. Kaylee really knows how to write her characters.

The Wolf Queen's Curse picks up exactly right where book one ends with the battle and aftermath of the battle. We are taken on an adventure with Bishop, Cordelia, Rufus, and Julis to find packs that will support Bishop and his plans to get his home and the packs home back. Along the way we have Ann join them and let me say I am so glad that her and Cordelia are getting along better. Delia deserves to have family that accepts her. After Ann joins them, we are introduced to Doyle and Jesse, along with Hanora. Doyle at first didn't rub me the wrong way it was Jesse but let me tell you what the shock that will come is something else. Jesse did a full 360 and proved me wrong, and Hanora well she won me over by trying to help our girl Delia find out the truth which we all knew that Delia would.

All in all, this book has lived up to my expectations and did not disappoint me at all.

[Jenny B (RhinoAGoodBook) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picking up where the first book left off, the Albion werewolf pack is left in shambles after an attack by a cabal of witches. To move forward, they must focus on forging alliances with the other werewolves in the area.

Another great fantasy romance by Archer!! This was such a perfect follow-up to the first book. It had plenty of its own action and storyline with the addition of some interesting new characters. It was wonderful to see Bishop and Cordelia's relationship continue to grow. I always love it when a strong man values an equally strong woman, and when he respects her opinion it makes reading along so much better. The mature communication between the two is so refreshing to read! I hate when romances get bogged down in miscommunication tropes, and that does NOT happen here! Cordelia is a likable FMC who is not afraid to stand up for herself and those in her found family. The focus in this sequel is more on the werewolf packs and less on the witchy cabal and threat of invasion. I enjoyed seeing the vast differences in pack life between the three main groups of werewolves. I also really liked getting to know Ann a lot better in this book, and the addition of Rufus is endearing. We are left impatiently waiting for the next book in the series to arrive!

Overall, this was a great sequel, a fun, enjoyable read, and I can't wait to read what comes next. I recommend it to all who like paranormal romance and adventure. There is some spice, including a chase through the woods, but it's not the majority of the story. I received this book as an eARC from Netgalley and the publisher for my opinions.

[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

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

When you open the book there's a recap summary of book 1 which is amazing and more authors and publishers need to encourage this. When you get to chapter 1 it's picking up where book 1 left off.

I wanted to love this story more, but unfortunately it didn't hit for me.

I had the same reaction I did with Book 1 when Delia said she had only been with the wolves for a week. All of that was only a week?!?! I'm not saying you can't have a book full of action in a short period of time but in book 1 the timeline had confused me so to find out it was just a week was shocking.

Due to the status of where things left off, the characters leave and do some traveling. I really enjoyed reading about them stopping in a town for Delia. I thought it was done well and added some nice scenes for Delia that weren't just focused on the Pack.

There are times with the writing that some things start to feel a bit repetitive. I think it's because its Delia's inner monologue, but sometimes I was like 'I don't need to hear this again'. I think it's a style of storytelling that I'm realizing isn't my favorite. I would say this is similar with the speeches. Before Bishop runs after someone he gives a speech and I'm like 'GO! What are you doing!?'

This story does have a twist in it and for me, it didn't hit. I actually felt confused based off the information we had all learned earlier. I found myself going 'but what about..'

The overall story as a lot of potential but seeing some of the same confusion I have from Book 1 carry over to this one I think really impacted my enjoyment.

[Aura C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved returning to this world. The Wolf Queen’s Curse feels less like a standalone adventure and more like the bridge that sets up something much bigger—and honestly, I didn’t mind that at all.

Cordelia continues to grow into one of my favorite heroines. She’s fierce, compassionate, and never loses herself, even when the weight of her pack rests on her shoulders. Bishop remains everything I wanted him to be. Their relationship is built on trust, communication, and mutual respect, which is so refreshing in romantasy. Instead of unnecessary drama, they face challenges together, making them one of the strongest couples I’ve read this year.

The expanded world-building was another highlight. Traveling beyond Trevelyan, meeting new packs, and learning more about wolf politics made the story feel much richer than the first book. I also enjoyed getting to know the new characters, many of whom I hope play even bigger roles in the next installment.

The pacing is definitely slower than book one, especially through the middle. At times it felt more focused on laying the groundwork than moving the plot forward, but I appreciated how much depth it added to the world and the characters. When the final portion of the book arrived, the twists, betrayals, and ending reminded me exactly why I’m invested in this series.

If you enjoy werewolf fantasy with political intrigue, loyal found family, mature relationships, and heroines who can hold their own, this series is absolutely worth continuing. I’m already counting down the days until book three.

[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.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

3.5 stars

One of my favorite things about this sequel was how easy it was to jump back into the story. I wish more authors did this! I continue to love Cordelia and Bishop's relationship. Their communication, trust, and mutual respect remain the strongest part of the series. Bishop's commitment to ensuring Cordelia always had the freedom to make her own choices was refreshing, and I appreciated that both characters approached difficult decisions with maturity and practicality.

This installment also expands the world significantly, diving deeper into wolf pack politics, supernatural history, and Bishop's lineage. Unfortunately, that deeper exploration came at the expense of the pacing. Although the story picks up immediately after the first book, the momentum quickly stalls, with long stretches devoted to travel, conversations, and exposition. The writing often tells rather than shows, making parts of the middle feel repetitive.

The final 20% finally delivered the momentum I'd been waiting for, including a twist I didn't see coming and an ending that sets up book three well. Overall, I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the first book, but I still appreciated the mature relationship, thoughtful characters, and expanded worldbuilding. If you loved Bishop and Cordelia in book one, I think you'll still enjoy this sequel

[Elia Winters · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the first book, I have been impatiently waiting for the sequel and it did not disappoint but NOW I have to wait until the 3rd book!!!!

While the story started a little slow for me, I was soon immersed in the England werewolf politics. I enjoyed the political aspect of the story and seeing how Bishop and Cordelia handled it along with their pack. There were a few twists and turns among the other packs but it all came together in a action packed and fulfilling way. Of course, the book could not end on that high note but while there was a cliffhanger, it was not tragic thank goodness and now I cannot wait for book 3.

I enjoyed seeing Cordelia blossom in this book, not as a witch not knowing her own heritage, and not as a prisoner of her father, but as a witch and lycan who has the freedom to make her own choices and is respected by her pack. I also loved seeing how her relationship with Bishop continued to grow and cement, they truly love each other and respect/trust each other, it was easy to cheer them on! I loved seeing more of Ann and her relationship with Cordelia grow and Rufus' addition was a welcome one!

As I said before the beginning was a bit slow but the story quickly picks up and when there is not action, there is political intrigue, making it impossible to put the book down!

*Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Kylee Archer for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[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!