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Wild Spirits #1

Spirit Called

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Wiser folk than me say that home is where the heart is, but my heart hasn’t had a place to belong in years.

As an empath with the ability to sense and influence emotions, this left me on the cusp of burnout and running low on hope. Add in a world that wasn’t ready to acknowledge the gifted, or anyone else with extra abilities as full citizens, I wasn’t sure how much longer I could go on without coming apart at the seams.

When a guest ranch in Montana offered me a place on their staff, I leapt at the opportunity to make a fresh start. I was not prepared for the wild magic that stirred in my blood the instant I arrived. The land itself recharged my spirit, the horses I had been hired to work with gave me purpose, and the three cowboys determined to charm me filled my heart to overflowing. Sharp Caleb, soft Tad, and reserved Oren made it impossible to choose between them, each deserving all of my devotion.

However, even my natural optimism wasn’t so naïve to think I could get everything I never let myself dream of without making some hard choices. When a company of sadistic hunters encroach on our newfound peace, we must band together to preserve the sanctity of our new home. As our closely guarded secrets are laid bare, will we all come together? Or will everything fall apart…

This series is intended for mature audiences. 18+ readers only! It contains language and sexual situations. This is a slow burn reverse harem where the girl gets all the guys. Why Choose?

186 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 6, 2021

122 people are currently reading
234 people want to read

About the author

Aeryn Havens

10 books41 followers

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5 stars
158 (42%)
4 stars
118 (31%)
3 stars
70 (18%)
2 stars
18 (4%)
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11 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for Sarah Anne.
1,881 reviews190 followers
did-not-finish
August 29, 2021
DNF @ 14%

I wasn't feeling the writing style and wasn't connecting to the characters.
Profile Image for Elo.
86 reviews2 followers
January 30, 2022
This book was odd in a few ways for me. I really enjoyed the calm way the author wrote, and I found myself wanting to keep reading for the soothing quality it had, even when nothing was happening.
Which was about what made it odd: the romance just did not hit for me, at all. The mc crying about it didn't affect me in the least. I couldn't connect to the characters hardly at all and didnt really care about their relationship progressing, but I still kept reading because I just enjoyed the tone so much.
I'd say this book is definitely worth a read, but don't expect to be hanging on the edge of your seat. You'll have a nice relaxing time, and you might connect more than I !

Now, to see if the author has other books to check out - because I'd love another book in this style, but perhaps in a different genre.
Profile Image for TipseyBookReviews.
1,442 reviews52 followers
August 5, 2021
, it wasn’t what I expected from the cover. The cover caught my eye, but seemed a little more light and fluffy. This story has depth. I loved Callie and her love of nature and the land. I loved that Callie and the guys owned their feelings and talked about them. They didn’t rush into the relationship. There is a subplot about hunters, but this story was really about Vallie’s relationships with the guys and also her bond with the horses. Being a horse-girl myself I loved it and can’t wait for book 2 :)
Profile Image for Flea.
340 reviews6 followers
May 12, 2022
I skimmed a lot. Technically, I didn't finish it. Nothing really wrong with the writing, just really easy for me to put down. I got bored...
9 reviews
May 7, 2021
This book is super well written and had my attention from the start. Watching Callie and her men form their relationship kept me hooked. I started reading it and did not put it down until I was done. Even though that ment I was up until 430 am! I highly recommend this book for anyone!
Profile Image for RLbooks (in and out).
1,012 reviews489 followers
May 28, 2021
This was an interesting set-up to a new series and characters, but something about the execution of the writing didn't resonate as well with me. There are several elements of Spirit Called that I really liked - characters are likable and well-detailed, overall a sweet story, no OW drama, slow burn but with nice tension, and the magic was intriguing. The guys have formed a supportive brotherhood that existed before they met the FMC, which is both great and causes tension over who they think should get the girl.

I struggled a bit with some of the details, word usage, and sentence flow because the book read slowish for me and I was not consumed by it. I'm not sure that makes sense and I've thought about how to phrase it because the story itself isn't an action story, it's character-driven, which sometimes does lend itself to being a slower pace.

I also was a little confused with some of the more complicated aspects of the FMC's magic. She's an empath but there's more to her magic than simply emotions. For example, there's a component called spirit and there's also energy transference that while they were detailed, I had a hard time wrapping my head around.

I do think that Ms. Havens shows a lot of promise with this debut. I'm planning on checking out the next book to see where the story goes. This first book doesn't end on a cliffhanger, but there are major plot points that are unresolved.
Profile Image for Taylor Z.
433 reviews8 followers
November 20, 2021
Pnr rh
Callie, Oren, Tad, Caleb

This was a cute read, though it's very, very slow. A lot is repeated and the storyline itself is slow. I loved the idea of it being on a ranch in Montana, and the three shifters that the men were. Her gift is a bit vague for me.

What truly bothered me was at 90% the writer thought it would be cool to basically flip everything upside down, make some silly shit up, and go on like it wasn't a big deal. I dunno. Land wights chose her and the men. Okay. The two that hired her knew about magic the entire time... I dunno. It just felt like it came out of no where, with no forethought and didn't fit the quiet, slow pace of the book. I'm not sure I'm going to continue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Janelle.
22 reviews
May 11, 2021
Well written, great characters, and a fascinating world!

I’ve never read RH before (reverse harem ie: polyamory) and I was wary but the premise of the story sounded intriguing (ranch, horses, shifters, count me in!) so I figured it was worth a try.

This story was sweet and sexy and all around fun. Callie, the MC, is smart and level headed. Such a relief in the realm of urban fantasy/paranormal to see. It’s clear the author knows horses/has spent time on ranches as it felt authentic and not Hollywood-ized. The personalities of the horses were well done, too!

This story has heart and gave a fun glimpse into what I expect will be an awesome series! Looking forward to the second book!
Profile Image for Amy Phoenix.
10 reviews1 follower
May 16, 2021
Horses, Hotties and Spirit

I won an ARC of this book in a FB reader group. The cover captivated me before I ever read the blurb. I wasn’t expecting to get so caught up in the story. Aeryn did an amazing job of building the characters especially Calli. Her “spirit” was felt through the pages. The guys are all well developed as well with traits that make each appealing in their own ways. I must admit my favorite is Tad. I look forward to the next installment and seeing where the spirit leads.
Profile Image for Heather Gilbert.
1,786 reviews85 followers
September 22, 2021
Sweet

This was an incredibly sweet and almost melodic tale of a woman, and her men, finally finding a place to call home - both a physical place and with each other. Emotional but little drama.

First person for FMC, but third for male POV. FMMM, no M/M, no actual intimacy though the potential is established by the end. It felt like a good ending, but it said it will continue in book 2…. So… a happy for now ending?
Profile Image for Sarz.
557 reviews11 followers
March 22, 2023
Slow burn loveliness

This book was so lovely. Maybe not a book I'd have expected to love, it's definitely a slow burner, but the FMC really is a beautiful soul and it spills over the pages. I'm nursing a book hangover now, as the 2nd one isn't available yet, and I'd like to gently encourage the author to _keep writing_ because I really want to continue this story ❤️
Profile Image for Casey.
357 reviews
January 19, 2022
Ok read

This was an ok read. Definitely a slow slow burn. This book was more of a will they won't they read rather than romantic. The drama was lacking a bit for me to. I needed something more with the hunters. It felt rushed.
Profile Image for Zoe.
169 reviews9 followers
October 13, 2021
Characters felt flat, the plot felt very coincidental, and the ending felt rushed.
Profile Image for Irene Kiew.
628 reviews66 followers
August 28, 2021
The story unfurls slowly. If you like fast-paced books, this isn't the book for you. There's a sort of lyricism to the writing which makes it lovely to read but also can sometimes be frustrating because things are hinted at but not fully explained. And, I felt that some parts were slightly repetitive due to certain thoughts that the characters kept reiterating (like how good of a cook Tad was, for example, or how amazing the guys' abs were).

The pace of the story had me dropping this book for a week or so and reading others in between. It wasn't that it was not good, just that I was in the mood for something that moved faster and was feeling a bit impatient. However, the pace fits Callie's character, an empath with a gentle, delicate, soft spirit. At the beginning we know she has some kind of magic that helps her communicate with animals. Later we find out more.

She meets three shifters: Tad, a bear, Caleb, a wolf, and Oren, a mustang. She doesn't know they're shifters, and they didn't know she was a witch either. But they are drawn to her and she's drawn to them. She works with Caleb and Oren around the ranch horses, and Tad is the ranch cook. For much of the story, she is torn by her attraction to all three of them, because she believes she has to choose one of them and doesn't want to hurt the others. The men wait for her to make her decision, because in the shifter world, the female has to pick her mate. Therefore, the reverse harem situation doesn't happen or solidify until almost to the end of the book. I wish it could have happened a bit earlier because the push-pull of "oh no, I have to decide" and "how could I choose?" became a bit annoying after being drawn out for so long.

I liked all three men. They had all served in the military together. Tad is the more outgoing and cheerful one and comes from a close-knit family. Oren is haunted by pain in the past, a mission gone wrong that has caused him to close up to people and prefer to be alone. Caleb is wary because he was the leader of their unit and he can't let go of that sense of responsibility, so he wants to tread carefully before making any decisions about Callie.

Callie has known pain and heartbreak too, although we don't know much about her story. We just know she has experienced rejection and that in the past, she had used her gifts with good intentions but went about it the wrong way and she feels guilty that her choice ended up causing harm. What kind of harm, we don't know, and what the situation was, we also don't know. But she still has hope that she will find a place to belong, and she's trying to carve out a new life for herself at this ranch. She's strong and brave, risking the fear of rejection to reach out to the men, and also being painfully honest with them, never flinching from the truth even if the truth is difficult. I admired her for that.

In the next book, I really want to hear Callie tell them her story and see them wrap her up in loving arms and take care of her. Callie has been alone for a long time and her gift of empathy has made her so vulnerable, yet she remains so loving. Her spirit is gentle and easily bruised. I love that whenever there was an incident with one of the men where something they did or said accidentally hurt her, it wasn't allowed to go on for long because she would bring it up and they would clear the air quickly. And none of them were ever intentionally or purposely unkind to her. They all recognised and appreciated her soft, sweet heart.

There was no sex in this book because they took so long to get to the #whychoose decision. A lot of long looks, teasing banter and general sexual tension, though. I'm looking forward to seeing more steam in the next book. However, there's unlikely to be M/M because Caleb has already said he draws the line at crossing swords!
Profile Image for blackwellknowledge.
104 reviews1 follower
January 31, 2023
This book was weird. It was entertaining enough but not really gripping.

I enjoyed the characters, especially Oren and Caleb but with Callie I couldn't really connect. It bothered me that I knew next to nothing of their world, with shifters being exploited by the military and hunted or hated by many humans, and Callie feeling shunned by her family but not really explaining why. I was lost how this all came about and what exactly happened to them that all of them (except for Tad iirc) felt unworthy of love and so broken.
The ranch and ranch life was easy to imagine, lots of details and the hustle and bustle was captured well - it was the rest of the world I had difficulty to picture. Callie's magic also confused the hell out of me. From what she explained it seemed like she didn't know a lot, her school librarian gave her a book about a horse whisperer and I think she met someone else that set her on some path to find her way as an empath but then she is also a witch talking to the moon goddess and has a spirit well she can use and fill and she knows how to share energy - I wasn't sold on the idea of her having so much knowledge when she tried to hide herself and her gift and didn't connect to people out of fear of being found out.
Haven's writing style didn't work for me either. I couldn't get used to her flow and there were a couple of misplaced words that threw me off.

I also discovered that maybe this whole cowboy setting is not my cup of tea. The whole time I felt thrown back to my teen years, sitting on the couch while my mom was watching McLeod's Daughters. Very weird. I didn't understand a lot of the vocabulary, cowboy hats are funny and calling a guy I have the hots for a cowboy is somewhat of a turn off. But that's all on me.

I still read on and was entertained by the development between Callie and her guys (even if her constant crying was really annoying). Maybe in book 2 I'll be over the weirdness of the cowboy setting.
496 reviews23 followers
May 29, 2021
Unique Witch and Shifter Story

This was a quirky and interesting story. It definitely held my interest and has several likeable characters.

The fmc has a beautiful relationship and empathy gift with all animals but a special bond with horses. Honestly, her interactions with the horses and our inside view into their personalities was the most fascinating part of this story to me.

The Heroes are also likeable. The trio are "Brothers in arms" having served together in the military. As you can imagine, they too would benefit from some empathic healing and care.

This was a sweet story with a fair amount of drama/trauma as you learn more about each characters back story.

Although this was a solid first release, I will say that some of the character interactions were awkward at times and there were some weird jumps in the pacing of the story, but the flow was fairly smooth, the editing was solid and it was definitely entertaining.

Ratings (out of possible 5)
Character building: ⭐⭐⭐ 1/2 (the characters are pretty well fleshed out bit the book is on the short side - it could have been even better with a bit more time getting to know each of the characters before the action/event that happens near the end)
World building: 🌎 🌎 🌎
Romance: 💓 💓 (this is a slow burn, which is my preference)
Heat/steam: 🔥 (not much of anything yet, but this is just book one, there is more of a sweetness to the characters getting to know each other in this first book)
Action: 🍿🍿
Suspense: 💣 💣
Drama: 👀 👀 👀 1/2
Dark: 💀 💀
Triggers: There are a few scenes that mention horrific animal abuse.
POV: Multiple
Pages: 180
Recommend: YES 👍
Profile Image for Jocelyn Sanchez.
678 reviews56 followers
October 30, 2021
I believe this book is the author's debut novel and I have to say, I'm a big fan now! This book was exactly what I needed to read right now, but didn't know I needed in my life. The book was slow-burn, which usually isn't what I gravitate towards, but the author made me love every small touch, caress, and tender hug. It wasn't overly s**ual and yet it somehow was more intimate than some fast-burns I've read in the past. That's good writing! Making me fall in love with the heroes slowly and honestly, it was a lot more realistic to real life love, so I'm happy with the slow-burn <3

It was also very adorable and the guys give me cowboy gentleman, but are possessive and know how to treat their girl like a queen. UGH! Obsessed! It healed a piece of my heart that was broken about a couple weeks ago and helped me get through something that was weighing me down. Callie was as broken as me when this book started - families really can break a person, a fact I know all too well - but I felt seen reading this book. As if I was healing along with Callie. I know, silly to feel this way over a book, but it really spoke to my heart and helped me have hope that somewhere out there I can find somewhere to put down roots and find someone(s) who can love me like Callie's man love her.

Overall, a solid debut novel and I'm eagerly awaiting for the second book (I didn't know it would be a series in retrospect, but I'm so excited we get more from these characters!!!)
Profile Image for Kat Nui.
11 reviews1 follower
February 1, 2023
This book dear reader was a challenge to figure out how to review - not because it isn't a great book, but because I felt like I wasn't done reading at the end of it. Fortunately for me, I have the next book in the series with me waiting for me to finish writing this review and get on with it, lol.

I related to Callie as someone who is gifted in certain ways, near constantly concerned about discussing it with people I don't know are Safe to do so. I loved her spunk, and the way she interacted with her guys and Tyler, one of the guests. I found it neat that "spirit" energy smells like lavender, because it hadn't occurred to me that such things would have a certain scent - possibly because I have no sense of smell to speak of. At some point I should reach out to Aeryn and ask her about it.

One of my favourite characters though is Bea - she's a side character, but I hope she gets her own story.

If you like wholesome stories about people learning to have healthy relationships, especially why-choose like me, that have magic and shifters and horses…then I strongly suggest this book, and probably the series. Aeryn herself is a self-identified squishkin, and from what I understand many of her books are the same general feel.
Profile Image for Darcy.
2,164 reviews25 followers
January 15, 2023
This is my first book by Aeryn Havens and boy was I impressed. It is a journey that is just as emotional as it is one filled with action, drama, and definitely some fun. I so loved Callie and how beautiful her soul is as it is felt throughout the story. The guys are just perfect. They are a little broken and a whole lot of caring and protective. The support characters that are mingled throughout the story are just as brilliant and they give so much depth to the story. The story is extremely well written and developed. We can feel each character’s happiness and pain as the journey and grow in this story. The descriptions are radiant and this only adds to the story so we can easily picture and understand the story better. The troubles and pain that each character has experienced in their lives is not completely explained but given in small pieces. I hope that as this series continues we will be given just a bit more. However, it does not make the story awkward or harder to read. It only adds to the tiny bit of mystery that surrounds the story. I absolutely loved the story and the originality of it. This is definitely a must read and does not disappoint.
Profile Image for Amanda Crossland.
1,194 reviews13 followers
June 24, 2021
Heartwarming tale

I loved this book. The build up of the characters felt so natural. The dif POV’s really opened up each character and their inner dialog matched their outer which I don’t see very often in books these days. This is a slow burn romance, it was built up so beautifully. The descriptions on how the fmc handles her horses were spot on which is great because it shows that the author did her homework. The hunters played a small role in the climax at the end of the book which felt odd as I expected it to be explosive but didn’t detract from the heartwarming story happening between the fmc and her guys. Lastly, even with a paranormal flare to the story, everything felt so natural and believable. The writing was flawless. I can’t wait for the second book!
Profile Image for Aisling Cousins.
Author 7 books265 followers
July 5, 2021
Refreshing

This was a beautifully paced book, and I love, love, love the fact that the MC doesn't become a blithering idiot because of the guys. She holds her own, gives tit for tat with the banter and the guys although they're alphas they're not crazy dominant or possessive.

I'm looking forward to book 2, seeing the relationship deepen between Callie and her men. Finding out more about Aspen Springs and seeing what happens with the Blutbad crew.

I'm British so the whole ranch/cowboy thing is something I have only ever read on books like this but this is definitely my favourite for the subgenre so far. I actually felt like I learnt something about horses during this book. The terminology and descriptions really brought another level of enjoyment.
Profile Image for Gabriela Zotou.
91 reviews5 followers
May 10, 2021
I loved this book because it has a strong female lead that gets shit done and no alpha a*holes. I'm tired of those. I appreciate that tha author took her time to develop an emotional attachment between the protagonists and things progress organically and smoothly.the relationship doesnt seam forced or unnatural like in other RH i've read. We can read the character development and it's clear that Aeryn took great effort in making them. I'm glad i discovered this book and marking out the authors name to check out for future books.
2,620 reviews15 followers
June 24, 2021
This is such an amazing story about Callie and her three guys, Caleb, Oren and Tad. Callie is a witch of sort and finds a job at a ranch where she meets the guys and they are her co-workers. The guys have secrets of their own and they all feel an attraction to Callie. When traveling with a group they noticed she made sure the horses and other animals are calm and leads them away from danger. She collapses and the guys help her. This is where things get interesting. The story is well written, the caracters amazing and I enjoyed reading this book very much!
Profile Image for Amber.
1,002 reviews15 followers
February 9, 2022
This book is everything

First of all, it is so hard to find decent fantasy featuring horses. Not only did this book feature horses, but it even included a horse shifter. Our heroine is an empath witch, which fits perfectly with her job as a horse trainer. Havens clearly knows her equine psychology and I loved it! Now, add in a picturesque Montana ranch and three gorgeous shifters and the sexual tension that comes with. And that's not even all of it, we even get a subtle building plot! It's so good. It's exactly what I wanted. All the stars to Spirit Called.
Profile Image for MichelleG.
413 reviews99 followers
June 10, 2021
Deliciously Slow Burn

This book was an absolute gem. The author really spent a lot introducing the characters, building their stories and setting the scene, describing the area, the magic and shifters, and really allowed the reader to become immersed in the story, while slowly working in the budding romance and building a delicious tension between the love interests. I would most definitely recommend this throughly enjoyable book!
Profile Image for TassjaAnn.
142 reviews23 followers
September 21, 2021
Something Different

This book was so good. It would seem like the same kind of PNR.... Empath and Shifters but it's not. It's a blend of smooth written words. You fall in love with all four MC. The words just flowing and the story just sailing along. Callie is More than a Empath. This story is more. Blended in with a western feel of cowboys and girls, horses and a dude ranch that sits on land that is literally magical. Book two can't come soon enough!
Profile Image for Heather Freeman.
915 reviews1 follower
November 19, 2021
There’s something really enjoyable about an empath MC. They’re usually more emotionally mature even when they find themselves in turmoil. Callie hasn’t had much luck with family or work in the past. Being so open to others emotions leads to people taking advantage of her kindheartedness. When she gets to the ranch for a new job she finds a peace and home she never expected. More so after Tad, Oren, & Caleb arrive. But these veterans may have too much past trauma to open themselves up
Profile Image for Stephanie.
356 reviews2 followers
July 8, 2022
What a book

This is the first book I e read by Aeryn Havens and I'm hooked. I loved how real she was when writing about horses, only a true horse person would be able to do. The storyline was easy to follow. The location easy to picture in my mind and the character development was perfect.
I'm okay with the slow burn romance forming between the main characters.
I can't wait to start the next book to see where she takes us.
313 reviews
December 2, 2022
Caliente!

This cover threw me for a loop, it’s gorgeous, I didn’t read the blurb though and was surprised it was about cowboys and a ranch. But, I loved it! Slow burn but it makes you feel like the FMC and guys all get to spend time together and know each other a little better. Doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, thank goodness, but it leaves you wanting to read book 2 and find out what happens next.
19 reviews2 followers
August 15, 2023
As an equestrian, I am in love with the book. The author clearly knows horses and I adore that. I can see how others might get bored, but I found it very grounding. I gravitate toward outwardly sassy, warrior type fmc but the quiet strength and wisdom this one holds was just amazing to me. The way the men showed interest and cared for her without being pushy alpha was a breath of fresh air. The slow burn, just wonderful.
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