Potions and Punishments

Prisoners of Nightstone #1

by Helen Scott, May Dawson

Three strikes and you’re out? If only.

In my world, it’s more of a one and done situation, even if you get that one strike trying to do something good.

I’ve been on the run for years, never staying anywhere too long, never getting attached to anything or anyone because he will always find me.

Bane.

He’s the best bounty hunter in existence, and I’m the one that got away, well, keeps getting away. If he wasn’t so sexy I would hate him for it.

When the cat and mouse game turns more serious, I’m the one that ends up screwed, and not in the fun way.

I won’t survive in prison-not because I’m too delicate-but because my magic has always been tightly under control. Prison, though? When I'm surrounded by sexy shifters and drool-worthy vampires? That’s where it will all get unleashed.

Genres: Paranormal, Audiobook, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Magic, Shapeshifters, Vampires

207 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 10, 2020

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Helen Scott spends her time alternating between fantasy and reality. She likes to think she’d be sorted into Hufflepuff and would have been a Physical Kid from Brakebills. Her days are fueled by tea and cuddles from her four-legged kids and amazing husband in their home in the Chicago suburbs.

When not reading or writing, Helen can be found baking, enjoying a walk in the woods, crafting, or playing video games. She’s a lover of sushi and K-Dramas and is convinced there is magic in the world if you know where to look.

Whether paranormal or contemporary, Helen loves writing sassy, kick-butt heroines and drool-worthy love interests. She's the author of the House of Wolves and Magic series, the Cerberus series, and the Of Demons and Dragons series.

Subscribe to Helen’s newsletter for a free book to get started on the adventure today! https://geni.us/HelenScottNewsletter

Reviews

[Namera [The Literary Invertebrate] · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hate when all these RH books sound absolutely brilliant and then they turn out to be kind of a letdown.

This is one such book. There's a strong hook: the heroine is a criminal who has a cat-and-mouse relationship with her bounty hunter, Bane. She's also a witch who gets visions. Eventually he ends up turning her in, and at the prison she meets some other guys she ends up sleeping with (a vampire and a werewolf).

That's pretty much all I can be bothered to relate of the plot. Most of the heroes' POVs weren't differentiated enough from each other's for me to be interested in them, and I have a horrible suspicion that the heroine is just going to FORGIVE Bane for putting her in prison like that. No thanks.

[Blog] -

[Rhiannon Chillingworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a reasonable, if fairly typical RH book.

Insta love/lust, special MC etc etc.

I liked the beginning, and her dynamic with Bane, but she fell into things with Ambrose and Christian waaaaay too quickly for my liking.

So, this was just okay for me.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Spoiler Alert*
Bounty Hunter Bane has one bounty that keeps evading him - Witch Nasima (aka Nas FMC). Everytime theyre together sparks fly and then Nasima does a runner. That actually made me giggle at some of the ways she does that. Until her good luck runs out and lands her in Nightstone Prison. A place for Supernaturals. Where Nas is completely out of her depth. More so when she comes to the attention of Wolf - Ambrose and Vampire - Christian. Two sexy as hell supernaturals and both of them get Nas into some very steamy situations. Loved this first book so much and that ending was brilliant. Cant wait for the next book

[Berls · Rating 3 out of 5]

Something drew me to this book, despite it being a reverse harem - something I've read a few times but never truly loved. I have to say, I'm pleasantly surprised so far.

I think the reason this is better than the other reverse harems I've read is that, while there's definitely the relationships going on, there's a magical world that's really fascinating and a plot line that compels. I wish I better understood this magical world, now that I've finished book 1 I feel like I should have a fuller sense of it. But, what I do understand I really like. Magical people/creatures are recently out to humans (past couple decades?), but they have very strict laws that govern them in the US and it's very easy to compile strikes and end up in prison.

The heroine, Nasima, has complied enough strikes to be a wanted criminal and Bane, a bounty hunter, is after her - - but they have a flirtatious (and more) game of cat and mouse going.

It's very interesting and the more I see of the world the more I'm pulled in. So I'm really hoping to see more plot development in the next book. The sex works well enough and there were some particularly good steamy moments. But for the most part, it's what you'd expect.

The narration is quite good - May Dawson and Troy Duran complement each other well. And Troy Duran has a very deep, seductive voice that plays well for the male characters and somehow still does a good female voice.

Looking forward to seeing where the series goes.

[Daisy Sauceda · Rating 5 out of 5]

So we have Nasima who is a witch on the run? She has a bounty on her head! So we are in an era where humans know of magic. If someone with magic uses their magic it is somehow sensed and the police or black guard are on their way to arrest them. So what did Nasima do to be hunted by a bounty hunter? Oh said Bounty hunter is Bane, he sounds so yummy. I love these two but things take a turn with them. She ends up at Nightstone. Here she meets Christian and Ambrose, Alpha Vampire, and Alpha Wolf. Let me say so my self I would want them too. However, these two have a pull to Nasima and they know she is hiding something. Will they find out? Why are there people who are trying to kill her? It all gets pretty intense and then it ends. I cannot wait to find out what will happen next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[♏Vanessa♏ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked that one up because it's narrated by Troy Duran, and I'll listen to him reading the old yellow pages and still love it. However, this story surprised me how good it actually was. The unlikely couple (enemies to lovers - kind of) end, and she finds another 2 in the most unlikely place.
There is a mystery here and a bigger purpose to everything, but we will only find out in the next few books in the series.
Still, this one gives us lots of action (including of the spicy variety) and many different types of prn characters. Colour me intrigued.
Love the narration, too.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow how awesome is this? A Kick ass witch being chased by a hot and sexy bounty hunter, I love Bane and Nasima and their cat and mouse game but like all good things They must come to an end and Nasima ends up in prison! Not good but in this prison themed reverse harem romance there are plenty of thrills, magic, chills, suspense, drama, action, danger, hot and sexy times as well as some surprises and twists and turns! A fantastic collaboration that I cannot wait to read more from!

[✧ Elle Jae ✧]

I tried to like this... but in the end, this didn't do it for me.

[Karin Dirksen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple plot, but action packed, high heat and quick read RH.

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one of the Prisoners of Nightstone series and the main characters are Nas (Nasima) a witch who is also a seer, but has taken a potion for years to avoid having anymore visions, and bounty hunter Bane, who has tried numerous times to apprehend her. Magic is forbidden in public, witches can only use magic within the confines of their own homes and if they break these rules, they get a strike against them. Do it again and it’s an automatic prison sentence in the ‘supe’ prison, which is not exactly a nice place to end up. Nas has been doing odd jobs, cash in hand, ever since she earned her first strike for having a vision about a paedophile, who due to his wealthy status and powerful friends, got her ignored and blamed for using her magic. After that, she could never get a normal job and has been trying to survive and earn enough money to get out of town and across the border, where rules are not so strict!

Unfortunately, Bane is very good at her job and keeps tracking her down. Luckily, she always has a few tricks up her sleeve and she makes use of their intense sexual attraction to each other, to pull a spell or two to get away, until her luck runs out and he needs the payout, before someone else manages to grab her. Now he has gotten her placed into Nightstone prison for the supernatural, a maximum security prison, in a part of the prison which seems to be run by the prisoners themselves. Unless she can manage to get the ingredients she needs for her potion to subdue her visions, they will come back with a vengeance. Her introduction to the prisoner area is not a nice one and she soon finds out there is a strong vampire and shifter presence. Her first night sees her having vision after vision and making a lot of involuntary noises for all the other prisoners to hear.

Her immediate cell mate is a wolf shifter directly opposite her called Ambrose, who is the alpha, and who she has an immediate attraction to, with him being well built like Bane and very good looking and fit. She manages to knock herself out on the first night and Ambrose and the vampire ‘alpha’ Christian, come across her cell when the doors open in the morning. They are both attracted to her in their own ways, but have their reputations to consider and prison politics to consider. The main person in charge of their wing is an older witch called Nana and her thugs and all of them fear her. Vampires and shifters have their own areas in the prison wing, built to suit their specific needs and outsiders are not welcome!

Nas has a new life to get used to, she will most likely never have a trial and is unlikely to ever be released from the prison. She needs to learn whatever she can to survive there, but with her visions hitting her whilst she sleeps and even whilst she is awake, they are leaving her vulnerable to attack. Her magic is now unleashed and what will happen next is uncertain. The punishment for her use of magic may well lead to her death, which is more drastic than she expected. A great read which left me wanting more and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book. I didn’t put this down until I finished it, all in one go! I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Denise H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic! I could not put it down once I started reading.

I really loved the characters in this story. Nasima is charming, sweet, witty, fun, and along with being kind of a mess with potions and spells she is a witch with a rare, sought after talent. A talent that could give her great power and reward, if she could master it, or be used as a weapon to keep her a prisoner of anyone who knew what she was; this was why as a child her mother made a potion to suppress her gift after an incident occurred leaving her exposed, vulnerable, and with her face and name on a wanted poster. Now she’s on the run and in hiding from the local police, the Black Guard (supernatural police), and Bane (a bounty hunter), going from place to place trying to make enough money to survive all while looking over her shoulder waiting for danger to strike.

She’s had some close calls with the police but has enjoyed her cat and mouse game with her sexy bounty hunter with whom she has a complicated relationship with. He enjoys the chase just as much and they both benefit when he catches her (some sexy time) before she magically escapes him and the chase is on again. Even though they are both virtually strangers, they still share a connection and under different circumstances know they would be more than just bounty hunter and fugitive.

When Nasima’s luck finally runs out and Bane finally makes the decision to bring her in, she spills her guts sharing her secret (knowing what it could cost her) at the hope he will understand and let her go. However, Bane is in a tight spot and desperately needs the money for her bounty along with the fact that his reputation has taken too many hits by her many unexplained escapes he has to turn a deaf ear and stand strong. It churns his gut to turn her in but others depend on him and knowing Nas like does, he knows she will do just fine as long as she follows the rules and keeps her head down. Firm resolve in place, he turns her in and walks away…

When Nas arrives at Nightstone and is literally thrown to the wolves and every other supernatural they house behind the ominous walls of the prison she is terrified and has no clue what to expect; though after her wonderful welcome…she can only imagine it to go downhill from there. She is definitely thrust into chaos when bets are immediately placed on her survival and she’s threatened, attacked, and almost killed more than once upon arriving. And the hits just keep coming because she’s now trapped without her suppression potion and there’s no way she will be able to keep others from finding out what she is.

Yet, there may be hope for her in the form of two sexy powerful alphas that have definitely noticed her arrival. One is housed across from her cell – Ambrose, the grumbly wolf alpha whose wolf is drawn to her, though the man tries to stand back and the other on the opposite side of the prison - Christian, the charming unique alpha vampire who is extremely intrigued by her presence. Things definitely start heating up when these three get together – challenges, fights, life and death, secrets, bonds, and more and when they finally feel they are getting the upper hand, a shocking surprise is dropped at their feet, so to speak, and it will definitely cause more complications and a lot more heartache before everything is resolved.

There’s magic, suspense, drama, action, mystery, danger, funny moments, surprises, sexy times, and more to enjoy in this awesome new series. The writing style is wonderful and the characters leap off the pages. I cannot wait to see what is in store next for Nas and her guys.

[Brit · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm not entirely sure what I just listened to, but… ugh! It’s been a long time since I’ve come across something this bad. Looking back, I honestly have no idea why I forced myself to finish it, but what’s done is done. I really should have just stopped halfway.

To be fair, I should probably start by acknowledging that this book falls into a genre I’ve never explored before - and based on this experience, I don’t think I ever will again. I understand that some books are written with a spicier tone and cater to a specific audience, but even then, I expect at least some kind of story, meaning, or purpose. A goal that the narrative is working toward, even if it's part of a larger series. With this book, however, it was difficult to understand what was happening most of the time - let alone why it was even written in the first place.

So, what’s the plot? There’s a witch who has broken some laws and now has a massive bounty on her head. There’s a bounty hunter who’s after her, not just for the reward but also for… other reasons. More intimate ones. In the end, though, money wins out, and the witch is thrown into a prison for magical beings. While there, it’s revealed that she has the ability to see the future, which suddenly makes her desirable prey for the local alpha males - a vampire alpha and a werewolf alpha. And just when you think things can’t get any more ridiculous, guess who else ends up in the same prison by the end? That’s right - her former lover (aka the bounty hunter). The end.

The entire book is a mess, revolving around an unconvincing and, quite frankly, unlikeable protagonist. And to top it all off, she seems to have some serious nymphomaniac tendencies, considering that even after taking a brutal beating or suffering a head injury, her only concern still seems to be various forms of… mating. She talks big and wields sharp words, but none of it actually carries weight - especially when every other female character walks all over her (sometimes quite literally). And the so-called attractions? One look, and boom! Instant chemistry! It’s impossible to grasp the reasoning behind these relationships or their behavior. At some point, I actually started feeling bad for the vampire and the werewolf - their dynamic with each other was interesting, but as soon as the witch entered the picture, everything fell apart. And not in a good way.

Clearly, I am not the target audience for this book, which makes it difficult for me to recommend it to anyone. It felt like a chaotic whirlwind of random events with absolutely no deeper meaning. Even though most of the book is told from the protagonist’s POV, there are occasional POV shifts to some of the male characters. My personal opinion? Completely unnecessary. They added nothing to the story and only made the experience more frustrating. In fact, while listening to the audiobook, I was tempted to skip those parts altogether - the male narrator’s attempt at different character voices was downright cringe-inducing. Ugh!

In short? A total disappointment.

[Heather Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Rounded Up

Considering I love May Dawson's writing so much that I ARC for her, and I have already devoured just about everything Helen Scott has put out.... I knew I would adore this gem. Three chapters in and I realized I was wrong, it goes a bit beyond that - I'm obsessed.

Nasima, Nas to her friends, is a unique character that is driven simply to survive in a world that curtails magic and elevates humans to the top of this tenuous society. While power plays, sheer numbers win, and that makes those who hold paranormal abilities targets - to laws, the lawless and a society that fears them. When the chips are down and the truth falls out, Nas is finally captured by the one person she hoped wouldn't betray her like that, even though she knew his own sense of honor and personal duty would eventually force his hand.

Thrown into the maximum security section of the Paranormal Penitentiary, Nightstone Prison, Nas has to scramble to find allies, hide her abilities and just try to survive the night.
What could possibly go wrong?
Fast paced and heated, this book offers character dynamics that are as delicious as they are sometimes confusing. The plot is smooth and steady till it gets to the prison, then it jumps at times, pushing emotions that feel a touch misplaced, though wholly welcome. The introductions of Ambrose and Christian, and who they are behind those stone walls, adds layers to this narrative, though the relationships do happen quickly. One thing? The intimate scene towards the end is EVERYTHING!🔥

Overall, this was an enjoyable and captivating read, one I can't wait to continue in book 2.

*I received an ARC of this book and am thrilled to share my honest opinion*

Perspective
First Person, Multiple POV

Ending Type
Cliffhanger

Rating
Mature

Romantic Dynamic
MMMF (For now?)

Character Age Range
Adult

My Final Verdict on Potions and Punishments


Fast, hot and unique, this embodies the recent 'Prison Trope', but veers in a new direction, imbued with all the wit Scott is famous for and the heat Dawson has built a name on. Intriguing, captivating and thoroughly entertaining, this gem is free on Kindle Unlimited.

[Aimee Bower · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nasima has been on the run due to the bounty to her head. She has a unique relationship with the man chasing her. Nasima and Bane can't seem to keep their relationship they way it should be. When Bane finally catches her when she doesn't have her hidden tools. She tries to tell him why she has the bounty. Bane can't risk letting her go again, it is starting to effect his job. He has more on the line than she knows. He decides to look into what she has told him.
Naisma was taken to jail, the people running it will try to break her. Nasima tries to find a place to go besides her jail cell. She runs into a shift that scares her. He is in the cell across from her.
She is worried that her magic is going to come back. She spent so much time keeping them at bay.
When one of her visions causes her an injury, she wakes to find the shifter and vamp in her cell. They tell her what they found. She ends up going with the vampire Christian. Christian is going to take her to the vampire side. Before she knows it, she is attacked by another vampire. Christian is able to save her life.
Ambrose finally gets to see her, he sees the mark. He loses it, he thinks she choose sides. Ambrose goes outside, he has company. Nasima explains what happened and why she was marked. Ambrose decides to show her the shifter area.
Nasima tells both of the guys that she is a seer. She tells them what she sees. They will all work together to try to stay safe. Nasima has a few enemies in jail that want her out of the way or to use her. She also sees in a vision that Bane is coming to the prison and why. It will not be easy that he will be there with her.


This was an entertaining read, it moves at a really good pace. You have a cast full of characters in this book. The book does have steamy parts and is reverse harem. It really doesn't take away from the story. The first part of the book is her running from the bounty hunter, their unique relationship. It was weird he didn't know what she was charged with or even an idea. I believe you will enjoy reading this book

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nasima is a witch on the run. She's got powerful seer abilities that she works hard to suppress, which may be why she's unprepared when bounty hunter Bane finally catches up to her. Despite their history, he's unsympathetic to her pleas for release. Nasima doesn't deserve Nightshade prison, but that's where she finds herself. Just when her survival comes into question, she catches the eyes of Ambrose and Christian, the alpha shifter and the alpha vampire of the supernatural supermax. With them by her side, she just might be able to carve out an even better life for herself than she had when she was free.

Nasima was funny and spunky. Given the nature of her visions, it's no surprise that she considered being a seer to be a curse. Her strength and ingenuity really came across when she was alternately seducing and eluding Bane, but I felt like a lot of that spirit was missing after she entered Nightshade. Obviously, she would've needed spell components and whatnot to continue being a practicing witch, but it seemed like she never got to even try because Ambrose and Christian were always so quick to come to her rescue. Nasima got knocked around so much that it's a wonder she didn't start wearing a helmet.

The story didn't quite end on a cliffhanger, but there were certainly lots of dangling threads. Bane has some mysterious motivations and there's a shared past among the men that needs exploring. The ending seemed pretty abrupt, but luckily, the sequel will be out shortly. In the next book, I hope that Nasima will regain her agency and that a lot of the lingering questions will be answered.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

🐲🐲ONE SENSATIONAL TREAT🐲🐲
Blasted buzzard! This incredibly talented and impressive dynamic duo stirs one thrilling, hair-raising, frantically intense, kicking ass and dispatching foes, wrapping this baby up sleek shiny and tight. One action packed, hard hitting, nail-biting, adrenaline pumping, heart pounding, pulse racing, block buster, propelling this gem to life flawlessly. Bearing the burden and carrying the load, winding through broken paths and weaving revelations, raising the stakes and keeping it real, holding you riveted on a razors edge and frozen to your seat. Chicanery runs rampant and betrayal is rife, noting the drama, turmoil, intrigue, underlying threats, secrets, spiraling suspense and unnerving situations, along with a boatload of danger while dodging disaster, you have one mind-blowing masterpiece. Blurred lines and crossed boundaries, limitations are exploited and amplified, shifting this baby into overdrive, blowing it into a tailspin with astonishing impacts, putting our characters through their paces testing them in ways they could have never imagined. The raw magnetism, attraction and chemistry collides with such intensity, displaying the explosive emotions, drawing our characters closer until you feel the electrifying hum running rampant through your veins. The characters are complex and genuine with traits and qualities that add depth and diversity, transforming into charismatic personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels like you can just reach out and touch it. Remarkable job guys, thanks for sharing this little jewel with us.

[Leia A.K.A Glossimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook review
The story is really good. Medium spicy RH.
Troy Duran was the narrator god as always.
Now I’m going to say something that I have never done before. But Stephanie Rose narration was awful. She has the speech pattern of William Shatner as Captain Kirk. Oddly enough it’s heaviest with her FMC. And not as much with the male voices she does.
I know that audiobooks are very expensive to produce. But these authors are doing their fun series a great disservice with keeping Stephanie as a narrator. With having a powerhouse narrator, like Troy on cast, it just shows how bad her narration is. How choppy and robotic.
They should highly reconsider recasting and recording her portion before their audiobooks get plagued with awful reviews.
It would be be sad because the story of these shifters, magic users & vamps fighting for freedom in a unjust world from prison is really good and should be enjoyed and get good reviews and not get docked because of a bad Apple.
I never have shit talked a narrator like this before. Ever.
I listen to 5-9 books a week as well. And heard some bad narration. But I really felt like I should say something. And hope that the authors see this and maybe consider a change. But…. I’m just one person with opinion. But looking at others who took the time to write a review. I may not be the only one. 😬
Also this are very short books. It would be nice if they were in a bundle on audible. People would be more inclined to spend the money on them as well. Just an fyi.

[Andrea Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I normally devour everything that May Dawson Writes - seriously the woman is so talented i would read her shopping list an there is only a very select few that i pay that compliment to. Helen Scott is new to me but i will be going to look for more of her books as if this book is anything to go by she will be my new Obsession until i have read everything because this Book which has come out of their collaboration is Just brilliant!! Its been a while since i read a book from cover to cover without putting it down but My Sunday afternoon disappeared thanks to this beauty.
Nas is a great character - Mentally strong but her gift is debilitating and weakens her, Add to that the fact that everyone seems to be trying to kill her and that as a Witch with limited powers and absolutely no self defence abilities she has to be saved a lot by 2 strong Alpha’s – One is the Shifter Alpha and the other is in charge of the Vampires so at least her men are well placed to save her even if its her being close to them that put her in a pickle in the first place. I love her sassiness and snark.
Add in Bounty Hunter Blane who is definitely my fav so far as he is a hard man with a soft centre. Grumpy, Grouchy and sexy who initially turns her in for the bounty but then goes to investigate her back storey.
Full of twists and turns – definitely not slow burn so added sizzle from the beginning, Well written, Great world building. Draws you in completely – cant wait for the second book!!

[LadyBugJaz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Potions and Punishments takes you on a fast-paced journey into a world filled with magic, danger, and a persistent bounty hunter named Bane. Despite being a fun and easy read, the book falls a bit short when it comes to the relationships between characters.

The story follows a main character running away from Bane, a top-notch bounty hunter. The 'one strike and you're out' rule adds a cool suspense vibe, but the romantic parts lack the depth and time they need to feel real.

The love story feels a bit rushed and forced. The main character's attraction to Bane and the subsequent letdown doesn't get the emotional attention it deserves. It leaves you wanting more connection between the characters.

The main character's quick trust in other supernatural beings while in prison also makes the relationships seem a bit off. It makes you wonder if the main character is being too trusting or if the story isn't keeping things consistent.

There's also a bit too much of the main character getting knocked out and losing consciousness. It happens so often that it starts to feel more like a bother than something important to the story.

Even with these things, Potions and Punishments keeps you interested with its mix of romance, paranormal stuff, and a world full of vampires and magic. It has the potential to be a great story, but it needs more time on the characters and their relationships.

I won't be reading the rest of the books

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntatily reviewed a copy of "POTIONS & PUNISHMENTS" I love this new series that May Dawson & Helen Scott worked togther to bring a very interesting, entertaining, captivating, hot steamy scenes, intriguing drama filled storyline you can't out down until finished reading.
Nasima is a Witch who was cast our by Coven because she wasn't that great at much and had a bounty hunter Bane who was legendary after her she was trying to make some cash at the Vampire bar doing tarot readings without their permission didn't go well.
Nas needed her healing potion something she wasn't suppose to use the laws state no magic outside your home a problem for humans but she did her thing that's why she had the hot sexy as sin bounty hunter Bane after her their relationship was complicated.
Bane loved to play the cat & mouse game with Nas do he could pin her against a wall again and kiss her their chemistry was scorching hot.
Nas finally gets caught by the one person she hoped wouldn't betray her Bane and is put in the Nightstone Prison she has to survive the night needs to hide her abilities and me some friends to have allies she meets Christian and Ambrose their.
I definitely recommend to get this very interesting, entertaining book with such great characters it's an addicting read I do can't wait for the next book in this series.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a ton of stuff going on that will keep the reader riveted to the story to see what comes next! Nasima has always had her power tightly locked down. She has a secret that a potion keeps suppressed and hidden because her secret would be too powerful a weapon to unleash, and she would become a sought-after commodity. Now she is on the run from multiple law enforcement and paranormal agencies. She has become especially good at getting away from the sexy bounty hunter, Bane, but he needs the money this time and needs to fix his reputation which has taken hits due to her constantly getting away. Unfortunately, this time, he needs to turn her over to the prison authorities.

As a witch, she is sent to the paranormal side where she may not survive because her powers are locked down. Which also presents another problem – she now is without her suppressing potion and others will know what she is. Only two of her fellow prisoners, an Alpha wolf shifter and an Alpha vampire, might be willing to step up and help her get through this. Will they protect her? And how long can they keep others from discovering and abusing her power?

Step up to the danger, thrills, and magic in this fast-paced story that will pull the reader in and keep on moving! Great characters and lots of action to enjoy! Grab your copy and see what’s going on.

[Naurarwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a world where supernaturals are out of the closet to the humans and are treated as second class citizens, Nasima or Nas to her friends has found herself on the run from the law, or more specifically a bounty hunter called Bane. There are no second chances in this world and it's only a matter of time before Nasima finds herself behind bars.

I loved the take on this world, supernaturals seem to be closely monitored and instead of three strikes and you're out you have just one strike and once you get that strike you're pretty much done for. Nas was an interesting character from the start, as was Bane, the chemistry between the two was off the charts. I loved that the two already had a history, him as the hunter and her as the elusive prey that always manages to get away. But it isn't long before he finally catches her and she is thrown into Nightstone Prison, a place where she can't get the elixir she needs to stop her going crazy. And things are definitely not that simple in a prison where there are no guards and the strongest prisoners pretty much run the show.

The book is fast-paced, with brilliantly written characters from the start. Overall, it was a really enjoyable read and I can't wait to read book two in this series.

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very sexy intense read. Nasima/Nas a supernatural who has one to many strikes against her and if she’s caught and sent to prison there is a lot more at stake than just her freedom, she may go insane. Nas has a secret that many would love to abuse and use for their own gain.

Bane/Luca and Nas have chemistry to the max and when these two are together the world gets very steamy. Bane has a job to do and despite what he feels he has to turn Nas in and collect the bounty.

While Nasima is in Nightstone prison she catches the eyes and nose of a wolf shifter Ambrose and a vampire Christian, the alphas in both of their supernatural sections. As Nas tries to navigate her new world these two alphas find themselves creating a bond with the newest member of their prison system and form a steamy triad, while trying to help her stay alive and keeping her secret under wraps.

Just as things start getting a bit interesting the story ends with Bane coming back into the picture. Which the author had stated that it was a cliffhanger, I would have still read it I would have just been prepared for the ending better.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our heroine has a special gift that she keeps tightly under control for a variety of reasons. But when she is thrown into a prison for supernaturals, there is no way she will be able to keep it under control, which will lead to some very interesting times.

This is a paranormal romance of the reverse harem variety set in a supernatural prison (mostly). I am rather worn out on reverse harem stories, but this one sounded intriguing enough to give it a go and I am glad that I did. The story is well written, easy to read and packed excellent characters and a well detailed setting. While the setting is intriguing and I do want to know more, the characters are what really set the story apart for me. I love our heroine and the bounty hunter is quite fun as well. Our two other heroes are not my favorites, but they are steadily growing on me. Overall, the story is fast paced and full of mystery, intrigue and some steam making for a very enjoyable story. I look forward to the next book in the series.

Highly recommended

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nasima has spent plenty of time on the run from the black guard (paranormal police) and one hot bounty hunter Bane. All because of power one her mother suppressed long ago all she wanted to do was expose and awful man's secrets. But her time has finally run out Bane wont play there little game anymore hes got something more important to protect then her. And no matter how much she begs Bane won't budge even when he knows what will happen to her in prison.

Nas can only hope she can get what she needs in lock up because if others find out about her power its game over and with several people already trying to kill her and one crazy granny her cup runs over with fun and death good times for Nas. The only positive is the two unlikelest of ally who want her for more then her mind Alpha wolf Ambrose his wolf can't get enough and The Alpha King vampire Christian thats a whole lot of teeth looking to take a bite out of her but her party wouldn't be complete without a blast from her past.

I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.

[Missy Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy these two authors separate, but together they sure do know how to tell a good story. This was just what I was looking for in a good paranormal romance.

So the basis of the story is the female lead, Nasima a witch is on the run. Who is being chased by a bounty hunter named Bane. Their chemistry is hot which usually leads them to giving in to their desire. With Nasima on the run again and Bane chasing her. But when her luck runs out and Bane finally turns her in. But things are learned that maybe she was innocent. However wheels are already turning and Nasima lands in prison. There she meets two of her mates. Nightstone prison holds lots of secrets just like the inmates that reside in it.

So much happens here, and I honestly could not put Potions and Punishments down until the very end. What an ending it was too!! I cannot wait to read more!!

[Talarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brilliant surprise!

I found this book in amongst my long to-read folder in my kindle and was very pleasantly surprised.

Ever since Blindly Indicted by Katie May, I have had a thirst for prison based romances with monsters and the paranormal.

This book has vampires, werewolves, witches and elementals to say a few and did not disappoint in the romance department either 😉

Ambrose is the hunky Alpha shifter, Christian the suave Alpha vampire and Bane the human (I still have my doubts) bounty hunter.
A collection of delicious men to swoon over.

The storyline is intriguing but this book doesn't really set up a very complex plot so I will have to see in the next one.
I did enjoy all the elements of this book but like I said, I would like to see some purpose to the story now.

Here I come book 2!

[Ahima Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,25 stars for nasima and the guys.

I started this story early in the morning and while I am not a regular reader to reverse harem books I had my fair share.

This story peeks out for me for different reasons. Nasima is wanted for different strikes and bounce hunters try to get her. She is quite familiar with one of them, keeps slipping through his fingers until she is not. Now in a supernatural prison Nasima quickly develops more bonds and has to keep fighting with her very special ability.

It's not the usual plot. The world building was good and the characters were plausible. The change that started in the prison with nasima arrival was very fast but not unbelievable. I enjoyed the story very much, could work with nasima strength but also weakness. I just needed to get the next book immediately.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, where do I even start?!?! This new series will draw you in from the start. Nasima is cunning, witty, charming and has powers that others want to use her for. She gets the slip on her bounty hunter, Bane, over and over again until her luck runs out. She's drawn to Bane but can't explain the pull and even though he is drawn to her, he has a job to do. Once on the inside Nasima has to fend for herself but finds allies in two of the sexiest Alphas in the prison, Christian and Ambrose. Those connections strengthen and I can't wait to see what happens there. Then all of a sudden Bane comes in. I am intrigued with how the three men know each other and how all of these connections end up. I can't wait for the next book for some answers.

[Jessica Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

I could not put this book down!! From the first page Nasina is a female lead you can fall in love with. She has had to survive on the run for quite sometime and has gotten really good at finding crafty ways to escape her sexy bounty hunter Bane using tools as well as potion she creates as a witch. Just when she thinks she got away he manages to find her again not taking no for an answer this time so she goes to prison. As a witch she is sent to the paranormal side where she may not survive thanks to those already there. Thanks to two hot guys she just might make it. A captivating world full of surprises as well as plenty of danger. I totally loved it and cannot wait for Book two!!!