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The Kriegspiel Witches #1
The Wicked Witch of Kriegspiel
He’s a rake. She’s his “just deserts.” Or maybe just dessert?
Witch Erin Green seeks freedom far from the controlling machinations of her uncle, a priest. Becoming a professor at the University of Kriegspiel was supposed to be her fresh start, but the Church of the Cloth is at it again. To encourage the compliance and regulation of witches the church will utilize pairing ceremonies to bind these free-spirited women in marriage to their priests.
To make up for past misdeeds, Chancellor Ren Boaz steps in to help the beguiling new professor remain unwed. After all the hearts his rakish ways have left broken, will the Wicked Witch of Kriegspiel turn out to be Ren’s delicious comeuppance?
Fantasy Romance ◆ Gaslamp ◆ Forced Proximity ◆ Mature Characters ◆ Steamy
Witch Erin Green seeks freedom far from the controlling machinations of her uncle, a priest. Becoming a professor at the University of Kriegspiel was supposed to be her fresh start, but the Church of the Cloth is at it again. To encourage the compliance and regulation of witches the church will utilize pairing ceremonies to bind these free-spirited women in marriage to their priests.
To make up for past misdeeds, Chancellor Ren Boaz steps in to help the beguiling new professor remain unwed. After all the hearts his rakish ways have left broken, will the Wicked Witch of Kriegspiel turn out to be Ren’s delicious comeuppance?
Fantasy Romance ◆ Gaslamp ◆ Forced Proximity ◆ Mature Characters ◆ Steamy
200 pages, Paperback
First published July 9, 2021
67 people are currently reading
410 people want to read
About the author
S.L. Prater
21 books333 followersS. L. shares her home with three wild little girls and a husband so handsome he makes everyone else look like a potato. In no particular order, she fills her time reading fiction, eating tacos, and serving her community as a child welfare social worker. At night she writes magical kissing books. Sign up for her newsletter at: https://slprater.carrd.co/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
March 4, 2022
This was very unique. But I was pretty confused. It's a style I'm not really used to, but it was a good time.
3.5 stars
3 on the spice scale
TW: loss of a pregnancy and previous domestic abuse.
3.5 stars
3 on the spice scale
TW: loss of a pregnancy and previous domestic abuse.
September 11, 2021
A handsome but world weary priest and a sexy sassy witch in a world where witches are best paired with priests to keep their magic under control, to keep them tamed. It's an intriguing premise and with a priest like Ren and a witch like Erin, it makes it an irresistible story as the chemistry between the two of them simmers and burns throughout the banter, throughout the danger to the explosion we know that is going to come. Great, fun read filled with undercurrents and threads that give promise for the books to come.
July 14, 2021
This was a great book and I enjoyed reading it. The characters and storyline were great.
did-not-finish
February 7, 2025DNF at 22%.
I am not interested in reading about a self-professed "rake". I don't want to hear that he's slept around. The authors writing is beautiful as always but I hate the idea that he wants exclusivity with her but was willing to sleep around with randos.
I am not interested in reading about a self-professed "rake". I don't want to hear that he's slept around. The authors writing is beautiful as always but I hate the idea that he wants exclusivity with her but was willing to sleep around with randos.
January 17, 2022
You know what it's like when you start a new job and your boss is super hot, and then it turns out that you're sharing the same suite in the faculty dorm. Oh and you can both do magic and in fact, all of society probably thinks you should get married because only a (hot) (magical) priest like him can keep your witchy tendencies under control.
Oh you don't know what it's like? Then read this book to find out!
OK also, despite the fact that this review was written implying that you're going to read from the female MC's POV, you actually read it all through the understanding of the hot priest. It's a fun one, check it out!
Oh you don't know what it's like? Then read this book to find out!
OK also, despite the fact that this review was written implying that you're going to read from the female MC's POV, you actually read it all through the understanding of the hot priest. It's a fun one, check it out!
July 5, 2021
I really enjoyed it. I loved Erin and Ren. They are a great couple and this is a sweet romance with some angst thrown into it. It's point on. There's not anything extra though. I would've loved it with some more world building. Ren and Erin's backgrounds are in it and that establishes why they are who they are. However, I feel like Lesedi and Gilda are also important characters. They're researching disease but there's no research. It's just randomly thrown in there and it's an integral part of the story. After the discovery at the end I feel like the cure for Influenza is what will really change the treatment of witches for the better. It's that positive note at the end of a story that gives hope for the future.
I received an ARC and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.
November 20, 2022
Sucked in right away and instantly fell for the chemistry between the two main characters. Plus, the spice was perfect. Dark academia, witches, romance... all the things I love in a good read.
July 6, 2022
Ren is a priest and the Chancellor at the university and Erin is a witch determined to not fit in.
The attraction is instant and the characters fight for their wants and beliefs until the very want.
I really enjoyed the banter between the main characters and the development of this imperfect world and the amazing characters.
The story entranced me and I could barely put it down in order to sleep.
The attraction is instant and the characters fight for their wants and beliefs until the very want.
I really enjoyed the banter between the main characters and the development of this imperfect world and the amazing characters.
The story entranced me and I could barely put it down in order to sleep.
July 11, 2021
An absolutely wickedly delightful read. Loved it!
July 11, 2021
This was an easy read. It wasn't stressful; there were no twists and turns. If you want a little bit of sexiness, but mostly day-to-day descriptions of life and relationships with a predictable plot, then this book is for you. It makes it sound like I didn't enjoy this book - I did. There is something rather comforting about knowing exactly what will happen and just enjoying the ride. That said, if this book were any longer, it would lose a few stars.
July 12, 2021
Wicked Witch of Kriegspiel is an excellent tale! The storyline is fast-paced and well written, filled with magic and mayhem, witches, steamy sex scenes, danger, intrigue, subterfuge, politics, adventure and romance. The characters are well developed and engaging. I loved reading more about Ren, having met him in The Street Witch series. Overall, a very good read that will keep you turning pages well past bedtime.
September 9, 2021
The best kind of romance
I'm not often as in love with characters as I am with Ren and Erin. They're just so unapologetically themselves, full of life and love and self-doubt and trauma and all the things that make people human. And the banter between them is outstanding. I want mooooorreeee
I'm not often as in love with characters as I am with Ren and Erin. They're just so unapologetically themselves, full of life and love and self-doubt and trauma and all the things that make people human. And the banter between them is outstanding. I want mooooorreeee
July 21, 2021
A fabulous book with straightforward storytelling and characters. It is delightful and a treat to read.
July 22, 2021
Both Ren and Erin are cursed with terrible pasts. All they need to heal are each other… if only they can risk giving themselves completely to each other.
THE BLURB
Ren Boaz has a past that’s riddled him with guilt. He’s recently stepped down from his seat of Bishop after he aided witch-kind. As a rake he’s relatively used to women wanting him… and so when he meets his newest employee Erin he’s a bit flustered.
Erin Green is a witch. As a more mature woman (at aged 30), in a victorian style world she’s practically a spinster. Still, she has no plans to marry, ever. Even when Ren’s smile captures her attention whole-heartedly.
TONE OF THE BOOK
The Wicked Witch of Kriegspiel is a neutral toned novel, shifting slightly towards lightheartedness.
I love the way that Stephanie sprinkles humour into tight and tension filled scenes. Her characters suffer as needed (usually before a revelation or solution), but the story doesn’t dwell unnecessarily on negative emotions.
SENSITIVE TOPICS
The Wicked Witch of Kriegspiel does feature topics that some might disturb some readers. Several of the characters, including a main character, has a back history of physical violence. Women, specifically witches, are not treated well with the world (though much of the story is focused on how they are working towards situational improvement).
SERIES SYNOPSIS
The Wicked Witch of Kriegspiel is the first novel in the Stephanie Prater’s new series The Kriegspiel Witches. It does have ties to her second novel Warrior Witch within the Street Witch series, where the hero Ren is primarily introduced (and I highly recommend reading up to the second book in that series first).
The novel is 150 pages long, making it shorter than most romance novels (at 300 pages). However it has so many exciting events that you won’t find the story lacking.
The story has a happy ever after for the hero Ren and heroine Erin. So far I believe each novel in the series will focus on a new couple.
REVIEW
The novel is about healing, compassion and working together to find compromise. No relationship is complete when only one individual is happy, and The Wicked Witch of Kriegspiel highlights how a couple’s happiness is built, not found through luck or magic. Though sometimes magic can help save the day.
Stephanie has a way of writing truly dynamic and 3-dimensional characters. They have goals that they work towards, flaws that hold them back, and will even respond to their environments in such a realistic manner that will leave you thinking that perhaps these scenes couldn’t possibly be from imagination but the author’s experience. Truly many of the character’s conversations and actions are vividly rendered, highlighting her superb writing skill.
I am kind of hoping to read more about the tough-love witch friend Lesedi wielding her automations. Who knows, maybe her arguments with Byron will highlight a feisty relationship.
FINAL WORD
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Wicked Witch of Kriegspiel. The novel is slightly steamier than Street Witch series, and the story line is just as excellent with events that keep you turning the page.
RECOMMENDED BOOKS AND AUTHORS
Meljean Brook’s Iron seas series is a bit more action-packed, but still has a number of steampunk/gas-lamp elements that will keep you interested. Each novel in the series follows a different couple, many of which have over-lapping relationships and friendships.
I also recommend Bec McMaster’s London Steampunk series. It’s full of intrigue, action, political plots, betrayal and supernatural beings like vampires and werewolves. It feels quite similar to the world that The Wicked Witch of Kriegspiel is set in… supernatural beings aside.
July 11, 2021
This is a new author for me. I usually go for quirky female leads with much snark and this story has a strong female in it but she isn't the lead. The lead in this story is the man of the tale. Which is an interesting perspective. He is smitten, struck blind and bewitched by this witch. The author certainly weaves a strong world where witches use a natural magic that is frowned upon as unseemly, mind you this isn't just women with it, there are men with it as well but still unseemly. The religious leaders of this world have a different magic that is more orderly and deny the natural magic within themselves. They are so repressed magically. Though our male lead is a serious rake. It is a well built world and the characters both major and minor are turned out with a skilled hand by our writer. This is what I would call a pure romance. There is little plot outside the boy and girl getting together but somehow you don't really mind. Our Lady has had a rough life, she has scars she must work through. Our Man must prove his worth and his difference from the men in her past. It really is a very good good book, there is wonderful banter between the two romantic leads. It has funny moments, charm, whit, and sexy times. While I usually like more of an adventure in my books this story was a nice pleasant read with a wonderful chase after the girl. I received my copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2021
Erin Green wants to stay independent, but being a professor at the University of Kriegspiel isn't the escape it was supposed to be. Church of the Cloth wants to regulate witches by marrying them to their priests. Chancellor Ren Boaz is willing to help Erin, even with his rakish past.
We start off with a list of content warnings, which is a great touch for readers who need to be aware of them. This situation forces proximity between our heroine and the hero, and I enjoy the snark between them. It's a welcome antidote to the paternalistic misogyny that is so rampant among the provost and priest characters other than Ren. I was so angry with them on Erin's behalf, especially the High Priest that condoned abuse as "discipline" to control a witch's "wild nature."
Ren and Erin together was wonderful to read, though. Ren is caring and thoughtful as well as quick witted, and his rakish past that is alluded to is more that he's a romantic and falls in love whole heartedly. He takes her wishes into account and helps her, as any hero in a romance would. It's about her needs as well as his, and is perfectly rendered in this story.
We start off with a list of content warnings, which is a great touch for readers who need to be aware of them. This situation forces proximity between our heroine and the hero, and I enjoy the snark between them. It's a welcome antidote to the paternalistic misogyny that is so rampant among the provost and priest characters other than Ren. I was so angry with them on Erin's behalf, especially the High Priest that condoned abuse as "discipline" to control a witch's "wild nature."
Ren and Erin together was wonderful to read, though. Ren is caring and thoughtful as well as quick witted, and his rakish past that is alluded to is more that he's a romantic and falls in love whole heartedly. He takes her wishes into account and helps her, as any hero in a romance would. It's about her needs as well as his, and is perfectly rendered in this story.
December 31, 2022
Enjoyable!
This book was solidly enjoyable. There were some holes in the plot that were easy enough to ignore. I know that it's a romance book, but I did take issue with how marriage seemed to be the "only" way to solve the conflict in the book, despite the fact that Erin spent the whole book not wanting to be married. I don't think that steamy romance should ultimately HAVE to include a monogamous marriage, but I can concede that, for the setting of the story, it makes sense, even if I don't like it.
Erin, for her part, is quick witted, funny, and self confident in a way that I adored.
This book is supposed to be a Steam punk set romance (I think??) but it does miss out on some of those elements, with the exception of one or two specific moments. But I did love the mix of that steam punk style with fantasy style magic! I found that to be unique!
Overall, I did really enjoy it! The spicy bits were well placed and diverse! ill definitely be reading the rest of the series!
This book was solidly enjoyable. There were some holes in the plot that were easy enough to ignore. I know that it's a romance book, but I did take issue with how marriage seemed to be the "only" way to solve the conflict in the book, despite the fact that Erin spent the whole book not wanting to be married. I don't think that steamy romance should ultimately HAVE to include a monogamous marriage, but I can concede that, for the setting of the story, it makes sense, even if I don't like it.
Erin, for her part, is quick witted, funny, and self confident in a way that I adored.
This book is supposed to be a Steam punk set romance (I think??) but it does miss out on some of those elements, with the exception of one or two specific moments. But I did love the mix of that steam punk style with fantasy style magic! I found that to be unique!
Overall, I did really enjoy it! The spicy bits were well placed and diverse! ill definitely be reading the rest of the series!
February 7, 2022
Ticks all the boxes!
This story ticks all the boxes for things I love in books. Main characters who are adults, with well defined career paths, fully flushed out personalities and just enough past trauma to make them believable. Ren and Erin have amazing banter when they are together. I absolutely love how Ren dealt with Erin’s past. He uses a smaller version of the 5-4-3-2-1 method for anxiety and I always applaud real life techniques used in books! Overall this was a great book find and I definitely recommend it. I will for sure keep reading this series! Solid 4.5 stars from me.
This story ticks all the boxes for things I love in books. Main characters who are adults, with well defined career paths, fully flushed out personalities and just enough past trauma to make them believable. Ren and Erin have amazing banter when they are together. I absolutely love how Ren dealt with Erin’s past. He uses a smaller version of the 5-4-3-2-1 method for anxiety and I always applaud real life techniques used in books! Overall this was a great book find and I definitely recommend it. I will for sure keep reading this series! Solid 4.5 stars from me.
June 21, 2022
Ren Boaz is still a priest and now chancellor at the Church of the Cloth's Kriegspiel University. He meets the witch Erin Green, a professor there. They verbally spar, and develop feelings for each other. Just as in the Street Witch series, the Church of the Cloth distrusts witches and their magic, tries to control them. Their preferred method, force them to marry priests. At one time, Erin's uncle Leon forced her to marry a priest, a priest who with the Church's blessing, locked her in a room, refused her food. She escaped, earned her college degree and became a professor. The uncle finds her, tries to bring her back. With Ren's help, along with Professor Lesidi ( also a witch ), and Ren's sister Gilda Muller, Erin tries to find a solution.
November 25, 2022
I read this in one day
Was this better than street witch??? Maybe but also I think it was just cuz I loved Erin so much. I very much hope that we actually get to hear from her in other books but this one was fabulous. Wayyy more spice and the street witch series and that was appreciated. This had sooo many tropes in it too. One horse, enemies to lovers(kinda), sick loved one to fret over, forgetting magic, touch her and you die, I will kill for you, marriage of convenience, and probably sooo many more that I forgot cuz I read it so fast and didn’t have time to think on them. Very much enjoyed this one !
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥.5
Sweetness: 💗💗💗
Was this better than street witch??? Maybe but also I think it was just cuz I loved Erin so much. I very much hope that we actually get to hear from her in other books but this one was fabulous. Wayyy more spice and the street witch series and that was appreciated. This had sooo many tropes in it too. One horse, enemies to lovers(kinda), sick loved one to fret over, forgetting magic, touch her and you die, I will kill for you, marriage of convenience, and probably sooo many more that I forgot cuz I read it so fast and didn’t have time to think on them. Very much enjoyed this one !
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥.5
Sweetness: 💗💗💗
January 24, 2022
a problematic heroine
I loved the world Prater set up in this book, with highly gendered roles in a society of witches and priests, and where priests held control in marriages. I liked the general characters of Ren and Erin as protagonists. But I struggled a great deal with a particular action of Erin’s.
Trying not to spoil it, let’s just say that Erin does something, repeatedly, that’s a variant of control that was forced on her. I struggled with reconciling her furious need for independence and management of her life with what she did. For me, it really undermined the character and moved her into the realm of hypocrisy.
Ren is a great hero, but his ability to drop everything for Erin over and over seemed not to fit with his demanding job of university chancellor. He was perfect for Erin, and I enjoyed the lightness and joy she brought to his life.
I’d read more by Prater because I loved the world established in The Wicked Witch of Kriegspiel. I hope in future books the characters’ actions make better sense to me.
I loved the world Prater set up in this book, with highly gendered roles in a society of witches and priests, and where priests held control in marriages. I liked the general characters of Ren and Erin as protagonists. But I struggled a great deal with a particular action of Erin’s.
Trying not to spoil it, let’s just say that Erin does something, repeatedly, that’s a variant of control that was forced on her. I struggled with reconciling her furious need for independence and management of her life with what she did. For me, it really undermined the character and moved her into the realm of hypocrisy.
Ren is a great hero, but his ability to drop everything for Erin over and over seemed not to fit with his demanding job of university chancellor. He was perfect for Erin, and I enjoyed the lightness and joy she brought to his life.
I’d read more by Prater because I loved the world established in The Wicked Witch of Kriegspiel. I hope in future books the characters’ actions make better sense to me.
July 14, 2021
This was a flirty victorian gaslit romp that had me laughing out loud multiple times. Prater's descriptions are thoughtful and detailed, and Erin and Ren were truly made for each other. The atmosphere was palpable and permeated the whole story. Highly recommend for gaslamp romance fans!
July 13, 2021
Witchy goodness
I freaking cried!! I loved all of this book. I’m going to go cry again lol
Such an amazing book and very well written. I loved Erin’s sass and her strong will.
I freaking cried!! I loved all of this book. I’m going to go cry again lol
Such an amazing book and very well written. I loved Erin’s sass and her strong will.
January 22, 2022
What a beautiful and brilliantly crafted tale. I loved every minute of it. Ren and Erin are both amazing characters. Her strength and determination is inspiring. His patience and dedication is a beautiful thing. I can't wait to read more of this amazing world.
July 22, 2022
I loved the story and the approach to life Erin the strong female protagonist takes. One thing frustrated me with her but that's also what made for a good read. The romantic tension in this can't be beaten either and the way it turns out isn't disappointing. Ren's pursuit of Erin is what makes him book boyfriend worthy. And per usual of this author, the witchy writing is fabulous.
Want to read
July 19, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/19/2022)! 🎁
October 7, 2022
Please tell me... how is this possible? I just cried, got flustered and blushed with less than 200 pages. A steamy witchy historical romance!
👶 ~ NA ( cuz steam 🌶 and physical and physiological abuse)
🌶 ~ I grown up in a Catholic country, people! Priests were not supposed to be scoundrels that do boxing and get hungry for their women! 🥵 And I love when a witch is so sensitive to her natural needs 🥵 like walking bare foot and other things 🌶🥵🔥🧯♨
👑 ~ I have learned that I love scoundrel priests. There, I said it! Specially when they get possessive for the first time! Oh Ren! 🤤
I probably love even more when a witch shows such an inclination to the natural calling 🥵
Erin did frustrated me a bit, but damn! I fell for her 😭
⚔ ~ Erin is ostracized for being a woman and a witch. Will she keep her independence, be respected for her research and still feel free to love a man? All this without being forced to be paired as the church demands?
🌎 ~ Welcome to a Gaslamp romance series! Where each book focuses in a different couple 😎 HEA for all!
📖 ~ I certainly learned many new words and I'm not mad!
👶 ~ NA ( cuz steam 🌶 and physical and physiological abuse)
🌶 ~ I grown up in a Catholic country, people! Priests were not supposed to be scoundrels that do boxing and get hungry for their women! 🥵 And I love when a witch is so sensitive to her natural needs 🥵 like walking bare foot and other things 🌶🥵🔥🧯♨
👑 ~ I have learned that I love scoundrel priests. There, I said it! Specially when they get possessive for the first time! Oh Ren! 🤤
I probably love even more when a witch shows such an inclination to the natural calling 🥵
Erin did frustrated me a bit, but damn! I fell for her 😭
⚔ ~ Erin is ostracized for being a woman and a witch. Will she keep her independence, be respected for her research and still feel free to love a man? All this without being forced to be paired as the church demands?
🌎 ~ Welcome to a Gaslamp romance series! Where each book focuses in a different couple 😎 HEA for all!
📖 ~ I certainly learned many new words and I'm not mad!
January 10, 2023
—[[ BOOK INFO ]]———————————————
—<< ✨3 stars ✨>>—————————
Pages: 194
Chapters: 12 (excluding epilogue)
Main shelves: Fantasy Romance, f/m, Gaslamp, Forced Proximity, staff romance
👤POV(s): singular: Ren Boaz
📝Ending: HEA (Happily ever after)
📚Series? Yes but can be read as standalone. Each book follows different characters
<< Includes >>
• blurbs for other books by S.L Prater
• trigger warning section
………………………………………………………………………………
[[ CONTENT WARNINGS ]]
………………………………………………………………………………
Main plot: Erin and Ren's romance and their conflict over marriage with circumstances that don't leave much other choice.
Side plot: about finding the cure to Influenza which plays a role in the ending. Not accurate and very much made up with a fantastical cure.
………………………………………………………………………………
[[ Q’s ]]
Q: Sex scenes?
Q: Love triangle?
Q: unrequited love?
Q: virgin trope?
Q: Character death? (of those in main cast)
………………………………………………………………………
[[ PERSONAL COMMENTS ]]
contains spoilers
📓 loved the banter between the 2 characters and how each responded to different situations (eg. Ren having given Erin his only key is lock out so he’s forced to throw rocks at the window to get her attention)
📓 Interesting world building. Didn’t info dump. slipped into conversations though there are some things about the magic and ‘saints’ they pray to that aren’t fully explained
📓 interesting side plot about Influenza which plays an interesting role in the ending and relationship of the two main characters (Ren and Erin).
📓 a lot of the book is about their disagreements about marriage. Most of which comes from her trauma and opinions of marriage which is being used to control witches, particularly women.
👤 Erin:
👤 Ren:
This conflict continues even after they are forced to marry. While he is marrying someone he loves, she feels like she’s given up her freedom for life. Which is why on the day of the marriage, she's crying (and not the happy type of crying) and looks defeated then says: 'I married you, Ren. You win. Checkmate.' This is somewhat resolved but it just feels like it wasn’t fully addressed by the end.
📓 They argue a lot (particularly about marriage) which is to be expected but what had me hesitating was the fact that a lot of their arguments just ended in sex but nothing was solved.
📓 Erin admits to have stolen Ren’s memories on two occasions. It wasn’t addressed properly. The first time she admitted it, he asks her about what happened in the memory she took away to ‘even out’ that action but it just feel like enough. She promises not to erase his memories but she admits to have done it again in the epilogue and it’s brushed off.
📓 loved the ending of chapter 12/12. Someone from the very start that had been on the opposite side of the conflict asks for their help with his daughter sick with Influenza leading to a new possible ally and symbolic of the possible shift in opinions of witches among those in the church.
………………………………………………………………………
[[ CONCLUSION ]]
the majority of the book I’d say was about their conflict over marriage. Due to that, there was quite a few scenes that did feel controversial. I loved their relationship at the start but when their main conflict was introduced, it was harder to root for them by the end because I honestly just didn’t know how I felt (especially seeing how Erin, on the wedding day, was crying at giving up her freedom which later spirals into another argument moments after).
—<< ✨3 stars ✨>>—————————
Pages: 194
Chapters: 12 (excluding epilogue)
Main shelves: Fantasy Romance, f/m, Gaslamp, Forced Proximity, staff romance
👤POV(s): singular: Ren Boaz
📝Ending: HEA (Happily ever after)
📚Series? Yes but can be read as standalone. Each book follows different characters
<< Includes >>
• blurbs for other books by S.L Prater
• trigger warning section
………………………………………………………………………………
[[ CONTENT WARNINGS ]]
………………………………………………………………………………
Main plot: Erin and Ren's romance and their conflict over marriage with circumstances that don't leave much other choice.
Side plot: about finding the cure to Influenza which plays a role in the ending. Not accurate and very much made up with a fantastical cure.
………………………………………………………………………………
[[ Q’s ]]
Q: Sex scenes?
Q: Love triangle?
Q: unrequited love?
Q: virgin trope?
Q: Character death? (of those in main cast)
………………………………………………………………………
[[ PERSONAL COMMENTS ]]
contains spoilers
📓 loved the banter between the 2 characters and how each responded to different situations (eg. Ren having given Erin his only key is lock out so he’s forced to throw rocks at the window to get her attention)
📓 Interesting world building. Didn’t info dump. slipped into conversations though there are some things about the magic and ‘saints’ they pray to that aren’t fully explained
📓 interesting side plot about Influenza which plays an interesting role in the ending and relationship of the two main characters (Ren and Erin).
📓 a lot of the book is about their disagreements about marriage. Most of which comes from her trauma and opinions of marriage which is being used to control witches, particularly women.
👤 Erin:
👤 Ren:
This conflict continues even after they are forced to marry. While he is marrying someone he loves, she feels like she’s given up her freedom for life. Which is why on the day of the marriage, she's crying (and not the happy type of crying) and looks defeated then says: 'I married you, Ren. You win. Checkmate.' This is somewhat resolved but it just feels like it wasn’t fully addressed by the end.
📓 They argue a lot (particularly about marriage) which is to be expected but what had me hesitating was the fact that a lot of their arguments just ended in sex but nothing was solved.
📓 Erin admits to have stolen Ren’s memories on two occasions. It wasn’t addressed properly. The first time she admitted it, he asks her about what happened in the memory she took away to ‘even out’ that action but it just feel like enough. She promises not to erase his memories but she admits to have done it again in the epilogue and it’s brushed off.
📓 loved the ending of chapter 12/12. Someone from the very start that had been on the opposite side of the conflict asks for their help with his daughter sick with Influenza leading to a new possible ally and symbolic of the possible shift in opinions of witches among those in the church.
………………………………………………………………………
[[ CONCLUSION ]]
the majority of the book I’d say was about their conflict over marriage. Due to that, there was quite a few scenes that did feel controversial. I loved their relationship at the start but when their main conflict was introduced, it was harder to root for them by the end because I honestly just didn’t know how I felt (especially seeing how Erin, on the wedding day, was crying at giving up her freedom which later spirals into another argument moments after).
February 20, 2024
Good read, the writing was well done, lots of drama, never a dull moment in the plot. I didn't read the other books related to this series but the author did a good job of world building so I felt like I didn't miss out on anything in the world. The magic system was interesting; it wasn't overwhelming so I appreciated that.
So I really did enjoy this book and the drama was a literal rollercoaster but I had issues with both of our MCs. I know it's better for the story to have such messy circumstances but I'm too mentally unstable to handle the lack of logical actions performed by our characters. (I.e. Why no revenge. I NEED BLOOD SPILLED)
Okay rant below, I tried not to rant but I'm in a mood after finishing this book.
Erin is annoying and so fucking prejudiced that I lost my sympathy for her (even though I completely understand why she is like this, it was such a pain in the ass to witness). And most importantly, she should have totally taken revenge. She rightfully deserves justice. Honestly, the lack of justice is why my opinion of her dropped so low. I mean, good for her for sticking to her morals but let's be honest, murder is okay against rapists.
Ren was alright. He wasn't even that possessive for a man (in that type of society) in love with a woman who was determined to not be with him (in better words, he was normal). I couldn't even see him as being a bad guy for pushing marriage to Erin without her approval because he has full intentions of trying to help her, he wouldn't mistreat her, he does respect her, he would give her the freedom she wants in her life, and her other option was her rapist. He was literally trying to save her (FROM. HER. RAPIST. WHO. SHE. WOULDN'T. NAME.) and give her everything she wanted even though it was a "marriage" 🙄. I also fully respect that he didn't take revenge per Erin's wishes but I will always think that he should have at least sent the letter and let the king dude enact justice at least. It's not even against the law to turn him in.
Anyway blood thirstiness aside, I read a lot of dark romance books so the toxicity of these characters felt pretty tame imo LOL.
In the end, this book was really well written, I enjoyed the story, it's a great pallet cleanser, and I am excited to read the next two books in this series. Since it has different characters, I'm sure the adventure they have will be better.
So I really did enjoy this book and the drama was a literal rollercoaster but I had issues with both of our MCs. I know it's better for the story to have such messy circumstances but I'm too mentally unstable to handle the lack of logical actions performed by our characters. (I.e. Why no revenge. I NEED BLOOD SPILLED)
Okay rant below, I tried not to rant but I'm in a mood after finishing this book.
Erin is annoying and so fucking prejudiced that I lost my sympathy for her (even though I completely understand why she is like this, it was such a pain in the ass to witness). And most importantly, she should have totally taken revenge. She rightfully deserves justice. Honestly, the lack of justice is why my opinion of her dropped so low. I mean, good for her for sticking to her morals but let's be honest, murder is okay against rapists.
Ren was alright. He wasn't even that possessive for a man (in that type of society) in love with a woman who was determined to not be with him (in better words, he was normal). I couldn't even see him as being a bad guy for pushing marriage to Erin without her approval because he has full intentions of trying to help her, he wouldn't mistreat her, he does respect her, he would give her the freedom she wants in her life, and her other option was her rapist. He was literally trying to save her (FROM. HER. RAPIST. WHO. SHE. WOULDN'T. NAME.) and give her everything she wanted even though it was a "marriage" 🙄. I also fully respect that he didn't take revenge per Erin's wishes but I will always think that he should have at least sent the letter and let the king dude enact justice at least. It's not even against the law to turn him in.
Anyway blood thirstiness aside, I read a lot of dark romance books so the toxicity of these characters felt pretty tame imo LOL.
In the end, this book was really well written, I enjoyed the story, it's a great pallet cleanser, and I am excited to read the next two books in this series. Since it has different characters, I'm sure the adventure they have will be better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2025
I was introduced to Ren Boaz in the "Street Witch" series, and I ended up having a crush on him (I usually don't like rakish MMC's). So I was thrilled that he was the main character in another book. I already knew he got married from the third book of the "Street Witch" series which was a complete shock. So of course I wanted to know all the events that led to the nuptials. It was good to go back to that world, but in a different region..and I think reading the "Street Witch" books first helped a lot in understanding the history between the Church and witches, the magic systems, the locations, etc.
I admit I initially was jealous of Erin. I know it's ridiculous. I had absolutely no issues when Ren was pursuing Marnie in the "Street Witch" series. I really liked Marnie. As for Erin, I could only picture her as a stereotypical feisty redhead Disney heroine. I forgot that she was older sometimes. I'm not really sure how Erin is any different..why Ren felt like Erin is his "fated mate." He seemed just as enamored and intrigued by Marnie (FYI, I'm happy Marnie and Bran are together. I didn't think it would work out between Marnie and Ren anyway). Erin did make a good point that Ren was hypocritical when it comes to exclusivity.
Back to the story...my interest wasn't as high. I was hoping to get more insight on academic life, ongoings outside of campus, the side characters...any kind of break from Erin and Ren's tiring relationship drama. I did find the whole curing influenza very interesting as well as Ren accepting his natural magic, but that was near the end of the book. Eventually my crush for Ren became weaker. He just seemed more charming in "Street Witch."
I've enjoyed all the other books I've read by the author, and gave them high ratings. I won't stop reading their work just because of one book I wasn't in love with.
I admit I initially was jealous of Erin. I know it's ridiculous. I had absolutely no issues when Ren was pursuing Marnie in the "Street Witch" series. I really liked Marnie. As for Erin, I could only picture her as a stereotypical feisty redhead Disney heroine. I forgot that she was older sometimes. I'm not really sure how Erin is any different..why Ren felt like Erin is his "fated mate." He seemed just as enamored and intrigued by Marnie (FYI, I'm happy Marnie and Bran are together. I didn't think it would work out between Marnie and Ren anyway). Erin did make a good point that Ren was hypocritical when it comes to exclusivity.
Back to the story...my interest wasn't as high. I was hoping to get more insight on academic life, ongoings outside of campus, the side characters...any kind of break from Erin and Ren's tiring relationship drama. I did find the whole curing influenza very interesting as well as Ren accepting his natural magic, but that was near the end of the book. Eventually my crush for Ren became weaker. He just seemed more charming in "Street Witch."
I've enjoyed all the other books I've read by the author, and gave them high ratings. I won't stop reading their work just because of one book I wasn't in love with.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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