Raven in Midwinter

Raven of the Woods #3

by Mary Calmes

Sometimes the most frightening thing is not the wind howling through the trees…but what’s lurking there.

Xander Corey is certain that what his husband, Lorne MacBain, the chief of police in their little town of Osprey, is seeing outside their kitchen window is nothing to worry about. It’s concerning that whenever Xander looks, there’s nothing there, but really, it could be anything. Why borrow trouble and assume the worst? Besides, it’s midwinter, after all, and everything is sleeping.

Or should be.

And while during the deep, dark days and even darker nights, things can get spooky, that’s not to say that logical minds won’t prevail, even when tested at the most vulnerable time. Remaining steadfast in the face of danger is what guardians do… and staying alive would certainly help as well.

Genres: M M Romance, Paranormal, Magic

163 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 23, 2025

About the author

Mary Calmes believes in romance, happily ever afters, and the faith it takes for her characters to get there. She bleeds coffee, thinks chocolate should be its own food group, and currently lives in Kentucky with a six-pound furry ninja that protects her from baby birds, spiders and the neighbor’s dogs. To stay up to date on her ponderings and pandemonium (as well as the adventures of the ninja) follow her on Twitter @MaryCalmes, connect with her on Facebook, and subscribe to her Mary’s Mob newsletter.

Reviews

[Achim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still have my difficulties to warm up to this series. Somehow I'm still curious about Mary's unique take on witchcraft (as long as it doesn't look too esoteric) but I'm easily irritated when the 3rd book in a series still has the need for detailed explanations and definitions and that even before the story starts to evolve into time travel with the usual issues about changing the past. Then there's also that I'm still not sure if I like Xander. There's – of course- a lot of Jory in which I usually enjoy but this time something doesn't add up and I still don't know what.

[Rissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 but I rounded up because Argos for the win, lol.

This book felt more personal and had a more horrible villain than the last two probably because of Giles who was truly evil and that's what was really scary because he was family 😔.

I love that we get to meet all these different gods and goddesses and I truly love that Lorne and Xander talk and explain since it helps me understand! ❤️

I really love that we got to meet a descendant of Amanda in a roundabout way!

Great addition to the series!!

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like Lorne and Xan

So glad to revisit a couple and setting I really love. Sadly as it's slightly shorter we see Amanda less, but she does appear, do not fear.

Interesting story this time regarding something I thought about more than once: what happens to the others in the the family who aren't Corvus's protectors? Well, this story give some information about this XD

Happy reading!

[Rhonda Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good, but the ending…

This is probably just me, but as usual, Mary Calmes’ stories are a rollercoaster of emotions and I felt like I needed a little more closure on this one. A little more time to come down from the high emotions of “we’re gonna die god blessed thrice over witch” to the calmer cozy vibes of Xander as “friendly neighborhood green witch”. All in all, great story, just not as much of a soft cozy ending as normal.

[may · Rating 1 out of 5]

this series should have ended with book 1 this couple has no chemistry they are so painfully bland

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've enjoyed all three of these, but this one's like an action-adventure magic whirlwind. So, yeah.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hauntingly Beautiful

This series has never disappointed, I have been invested from the very beginning. This is not a stand alone. If you don't read the first two you'll be missing some absolutely beautiful beginnings

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first in this series is still my favourite; however, I’ll happily reread this one. The mid-winter setting is day dream fodder when I’m sweltering following summer solstice. I loved Amanda’s new tradition to fight deep winter sadness.

[Cindy Deporter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raven of the Woods

I love revisiting Xander and Lorne and all their friends family. Xander and Lorne are faces with one of Xanders nutty relatives that moves time and through realms. He wants Corvus’s power and is determined to destroy it.

[G. Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome!!

First off, please read the whole series from the beginning first.. all in all this is another banger from Mary! Totally awesome, action packed.. and full of power and love!! What more could you ask for in a paranormal romance!!

[Sharon Kerton · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEST CHRISTMAS GIFT

As usual, another wonderful story from Mary Calmes. Wonderful characters, exciting action , and a guaranteed happily for now. I could not receive a better Christmas gift than being able to immerse myself in a book from the Raven of the Woods series!

[Nicole Laudenslager · Rating 5 out of 5]

unexpected holiday gift! thanks, Mary!

Wow! I loved this book. It went in so many different directions with interesting characters. Tested Xan’s faith in himself, and made for a great read!

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love spending time on Corvus with Xander and Lorne. This novella is filled with all the deliciousness that imbues these stories and makes them unforgettable. I really want a sentient cottage. Sigh.

[andrea moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

raven of the woods

I love witchy Mary stories but they typically get better the second read due to all the new world building and mythology. This was a fantastic addition to the Raven of the Woods series with Xan and Lorne having to fight for the land they protect

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the middle of winter when Corvus is sleeping mysterious things begin to happen.
We enter a time shifting period with the men going back to 1799 in an attempt to solve the mystery.
I have to admit I did get a little lost with the time shifting but a good story none the less.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

Mary Calmes has done it again what a wonderful addition to this series. Xander and Lorne are magical ;) their love story and connection to the land is unshakable. What a beautiful story!

[Kelly Gress · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Addition to Series

I enjoyed this slice of life episode with the MCs. I wish the story was longer and hope that the author gives us readers more stories from this world. I'm totally invested in the witch and the sheriff.

[Forest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yeah

I love these two men and the world they live in. If possible may their story continue a long time.

[Robbin Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book.

[Kristy Maitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's too short but still very welcome story plot.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Xander and Lorne

Time travel - or not - from a black sheep of the Corey family.

[Theresa M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an Excellent Series!!!

I absolutely love this series! Mary has done it again. I hope she continues with this series. I highly recommend these book. Thank you Mary.

[Sniege · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love magic in this series

[Sybil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just lovely.

[ReviewerLarissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn’t like this one. The plot was contradictory and outlandish.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely

This series must be read in order. The main characters are perfect together and the secondary characters add interest. This author always delivers great stories.

[Kobie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy this author's writing, but didn't love the magic...or maybe it was the antagonist...too evil?