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Coven of Desire #4

by Ellen Mint

They’ve found her.

Layla’s life is a mess. Thanks to Ink’s big mouth, Cal knows that she knows about the big red wolf, and he is pissed. She can’t find a way to bring Daniel back from death and even worse, Ink seems to think that’s the perfect time to dissolve their bond. Naturally, the second she’s abandoned by her guys, the witch hunters strike.

After yet another argument between his bond and her wolf, Ink’s grown exhausted with their arrangement. He has every intention to break their bond and return to his old hunting ways, until Layla goes missing at the hands of his greatest enemy. If they harm her, he’s on a one-way trip back to hell. Enraged, Ink enlists the help of both wolf and ghost to try and track her down. But the cursed hunters have learned. Anti-demon wards cover every surface of their underground lair. His only hope to save her is by wearing a cloak of mortality.

For the first time in his existence, Ink not only knows pain but the true threat of death.

When Layla arrives in the Witch Hunters’ bureau, Detective Stone comes to her not with a torch, but a job offer. If she doesn’t agree to work with them, then she’ll die. How will she escape from a trap-filled dungeon crammed with already captured monsters? Are her guys hunting for her, or is she truly alone? And why does Stone make her blood boil in all the wrong ways?

If she gets out of this alive, there will be hell to pay.

Reader advisory: This book contains scenes of violence, and a dream scene including dubious consent.

Genres: Paranormal Romance

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 21, 2022

About the author

Ellen Mint adores the adorkable heroes who charm with their shy smiles and heroines that pack a punch. She recently won the Top Ten Handmaid's Challenge on Wattpad where hers was chosen by Margaret Atwood. Her books, Undercover Siren and Fever are available at Amazon as well as a short story in the Lucky Between The Sheets anthology. Married, she lives in Nebraska with her dog named after Granny Weatherwax. Her hobbies include gaming, painting, and halloween prop making. The basement is full of skeletons because they ran out of room in the closets.

Reviews

[♥Milica♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Layla and her boys aren't doing so good at the start. Daniel's body's been discovered and he's dealing with that, Cal is off being a sourwolf because of pack politics and Ink wants to dissolve the bond. Add witch hunters on top and now the three men have to work together to save Layla before it's too late.

I said I was going to read this slow, and I failed. It was impossible not to read it fast because so much was happening and I really didn't want to put it down.

The best part is of course, Ink's PoV. I got super excited when I saw it, since Ink is my favourite little incubus in the whole universe and Cal got a PoV book too, so it only felt right Ink should get his.

I loved being in his head, and seeing him deal with Layla being in danger and not wanting to lose her while also experiencing some other mortal emotions courtesy of the cloak.

We also got Layla's PoV and both PoVs worked so well together, it's hard to say whose I liked more.

Then we have Detective Stone, who I also like (will Ellen Mint ever write a man I don't like? I doubt it), and I think it was a smart decision not to add him to the coven immediately, because they haven't fully worked out Daniel yet.

I actually wouldn't mind another book where Stone is just featured, but not added while we get to know Daniel more, and then Stone can join.

This is among my favourite books in the series now, tied with book one for first place if we're not counting the prequel. The prequel exists in its own category of awesomeness, okay? Okay.

Bonus points for all the creatures, especially Elpida.

*Thank you to the author and StoryOrigin for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

[Sonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each book in the Coven of Desire Series just keeps getting better and better. Just when things couldn’t get any worse Layla upsets Cal to the point that he walked away needing space, she neglected her Incubus to the point that he is ready to be released from their bond and she’s still unable to find a spell to bring her ghost lover back to life. If that isn’t bad enough; Layla has finally been captured by Witch Hunters who want her to work with them or suffer at the hands of death.

When it rains it pours. Being stripped of her magic and now at the mercy of Detective Stone and his fellow Agents; Layla is left with limited options for survival. Feeling heartbroken and defeated Layla is ready to just give up until she learns that her “Boys” haven’t given up on her and are fighting tooth and nail to rescue her. Ink, Cal and Daniel put aside their differences and come together to save their “Bond, Love, Heart” no matter the case. If you are a fan of “Ink” like I am this story is for you. Along with his usual humor and sarcastic banter; the reader has a chance to read and feel Ink’s pain, defeat, loss, confusion, love and determination. Demons are incapable of lying as they are incapable of love but Ink has proven otherwise. This demon became mortal and risked his life to save Layla. He didn’t care if he lived or died as long as he was able to bring her to safety. If that isn’t “Love” then I don’t know what is. Although he never uttered the words to Layla he definitely felt it.

Seriously; if you have not begun reading the Coven of Desire series by Ellen Mint you are missing out. Layla’s inner monologue alone will have you in tears. Cal’s obsessive brooding, affection, possessiveness and protectiveness is swoon worthy. Ink is just EVERYTHING. He is Layla’s every fantasy and desire wrapped up in a humorous, sarcastic, sexy, protective and possessive package and lastly Daniel the ghost is a sweetheart with a heart of gold even if he doesn’t have a body. Layla is the luckiest, unluckiest girl in the world to have a Werewolf, Incubus and a Ghost as boyfriends.

I can’t wait to see what else is in story for Layla and her boys.

This is my honest review and overall I give this book ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ as I am a fan of the Coven of Desire series by Ellen Mint

[Ingrid Vermeulen-Quakernaat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This part of Layla and her men is written from the POV of Ink, the incubus tied to the witch Layla.

When Layla is kidnapped by the hunters, none of her men is with her. Cal is upset because she has looked into his memories and Ink feels left out because of her love for Cal. Daniel waits until she may find a way to give him a body. But when Layla is gone, it turns out that none of the men can find her alone and they have to work together.

Layla is locked up in the meantime and her magic has been taken away from her. Can she get out of this unscathed if it turns out her men can't find her?

I thought this was a great part of this series. Funny to have a glimpse of the way Ink sees everything around them. How wonderful when he gains experience when he is human. And how great to see that the 3 men are doing everything they can to save Layla and thus gain more respect for each other. Realize that all 3 have a piece and get from Layla what makes her who she is and now know that all 3 belong to her and therefore together!

[Carol Rupprecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far Layla and her guys have been through one train wreck to another with little time in between to really focus on their relationship and the changes in it. Things are pretty rocky at the start of this book, especially with Cal and Ink in regards to their relationship with Layla. Cal is keeping secrets that he doesn't want to talk about and practically tantrums himself off, ignoring Layla for the most part. Ink on the other hand, is feeling neglected and an unnecessary part of Layla's group because all he can offer is the physical desires she needs met. Daniel, although experiencing trauma due to his body being found, is probably the most stable of the group at the moment but is in the predicament that he still can't really do anything in his ghostly state.

I think the best part of this book is that we finally got multiple POVs! I've been waiting for these for 3 books and I'm so happy Ellen Mint introduced them into this book. Honestly, it was pretty perfect timing considering everything going on between the group and with them being separated. I absolutely loved seeing the torment Cal and Ink went through being separated from Layla, like it all just suddenly clicked for them. Even though they were having a lot of communication issues, secrets, and mixed feelings, they knew Layla was it for them. This was a big epiphany for all characters, and especially for Ink. For an incubus who couldn't love, it sure seemed he caught some feelings somewhere down the line. I think this was a learning experience for everyone. To appreciate both the big and little moments between one another because you never know what could happen tomorrow.

It was a relief to see the guys work together towards a main goal and keep each other safe simply for the fact of Layla's happiness. However, the main star for me out of the group was definitely Ink. He hasn't necessarily been my favorite character throughout this series but I think I may be coming around. He showed some major character growth in this book. Dare I say he was selfless? The steps he took to come to Layla's rescue, even if a smidge for his own benefit of remaining alive, were admirable. We've never seen this side of Ink before and I'm hoping to see more of it in the upcoming book. This event changed something in him and maybe, just maybe, we will actually see more caring and generous actions from him towards Layla and less petty fighting with the others.

This book opened some new doors for Layla and her guys, revealed new information about Layla's ancestry and possible powers, and introduced us to someone new all while throwing our characters into emotional turmoil. I thought for sure Mr. White would be the next main issue coming up but I was pleasantly surprised with this whole kidnapping/recruiting scenario. It was unexpected but I think it set things up nicely for the next book. I think Layla and her guys will be needing all the help they can get and I don't see Stone giving up anytime soon.

[Ellen Mint]

This is the first book in the series with Ink's POV!

Want a little sample of that charismatic incubus's innermost thoughts? This excerpt is 🌶️🌶️🌶️
_______________

“Now you’ve done it.” The cursed specter slipped into the vacated seat, proving I was never afforded a moment of peace in this world. He managed to look smug despite being without a body and forced to stand in the aisle.

“What? You think he will challenge me to a duel? Even with two of his sturdiest gentlemen at his side, it will be nothing more than a jumping behind the pub.”

The ghost only stared ahead, not saying a word to me, but his eyes flickered to Layla who was quickly losing the thread of desire. That would not do. I had seen little of her in the past week, though I’d had more than my share of the vagrant ghost we’d acquired. Whenever I would reach for her, either the wolf or the dead man would be there first. Typically, I could work with such a scenario, but the ghost was without form and the wolf…

I sighed, staring askance at the man doing his best to ignore his own animalistic urges and the tenting in his trousers. What everyone needed was to break this tension with a day-long celebration of the joy only three bodies could bring. The ghost could sit and watch for all I cared.

“My bond.” I pulled aside her spirals and breathed heavily in her ear. That sent the heat rolling once more and she clenched her fingers tighter to my thigh. “Why hesitate?”

Her deep eyes opened wide and she stared as if in shock that I could yet read her mind. “I know…” Gently, I dropped my finger to the top of her cleavage.

“What you truly…” I swept it down between her breasts and over her belly.

Where her thighs split, I clutched onto her skirt, and began to raise it. “Desire.”

Layla squirmed in her seat, her eyelids heavy as she succumbed to my logical charisma. I abandoned any prelude of remaining in my seat and turned to press my cock against her thigh. She struggled to fight a gasp and I drew my touch up the hot spread of her underthings. I never needed to test if she was wet, but I quite liked the glide of the proof of my pull and how she flexed to let me in.

As I tugged aside the edge of her panties, I leaned into her ear. “Go on,” I whispered, toying with the succulent lady lip at my finger. “Tug on him.”

The wolf turned, his eyes blazing with a hunger I knew he too was fighting and failing to ignore. For him, it ran either burning red or muted yellow. Tonight, it burned hotter than the flames of Hades. Cal took Layla’s cheek and pulled her in for a kiss just as she reached for the waistband of his jeans…and slipped under. His groan trembled through my hunger, smelling of a feast but failing to satisfy. I paid it barely any heed, Layla’s response to him far more delectable.

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The whole crew is back again. Still together kinda. Ink is stirring up trouble that caused a significant riff and Layla and Cal's relationship. The turmoil of this on top of finding out her mother abandoned her, leaves Layla wrecked and seeking some short of connection that Ink and Daniel can't give her. She goes to the witch again in hopes of finding a spell to bring Daniel back after Ink has proclaimed that he is ready to be released from their bond. After leaving the Sylvia's shop, Layla is taken! Ink is nowhere around and her kidnappers have prepared for this with wards to keep demons out.

Detective Stone and Eve are back. They finally have Layla and the proposition is die or work for them to imprison the monsters of the other realms. It does not work like that for Layla. She only kills or harms her or her boys. Not all monsters are bad which readers will see in this book. Eve needs to go. She is all about the rules Director Zimmerman has laid out. Especially the one that will sentence Layla to death for killing other detectives.

Things are looking bleak when they figure out how to banish Daniel from Layla. With no contact, the only way the boys know that Layla is still alive is because Ink is still there. This book will have your heart in your throat. This is the first one that puts Layla in harms way that was not a situation of her making. Usually she has some semblance of control because they are able to plan the attack. This extraction is done completely on the fly with not a lot of happy outcomes to be had.

I can't wait for the next book. Mr. White makes another appearance. Who is that man and why is he after our beloved crew? I believe Detective Stone is going to pop up again. He seems to be drawn to Layla similar to the boys. I am here for adding one more to the Coven of Desire, if Layla can handle it. I believe that she can.

[Fiona McGier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Layla Leeland has just had the most exciting six months of her life! She turned twenty-five on Halloween, celebrating in a bar with her nursing-student study-buddies. Since that night she has been collecting men. There’s Ink, an incubus who must fulfill her every need until she learns to use her magic–because she’s a witch. There is Cal, the nursing student she’s been salivating over, who is not only a powerful werewolf, but he’s most gifted in the size department. While constantly on her guard against paranormal creatures bent on mayhem and murder, she encounters a ghost in the library.

When this book starts, her men are arguing yet again over having to share Layla. But an omission starts a fight between them, and the next thing she knows, Ink is insisting he wants to break their bond–even if it sends him back to hell. Cal throws a hissy fit and stomps off. Only Daniel, the ghost who can’t even touch her, remains by her side–for love–and because she wears a tiny fragment of his bones in a pouched bag around her neck. While in a witches’ store, seeking advice on how to help Daniel attain a corporeal form again, she ignores a man who seems more interested in her than he should be. Soon after, he and his cohorts corner her in an alley, drug her, chain her wrists together, and pull a bag over her head before throwing her into an unmarked van. Only too late does she realize they’re witch-hunters.

This is the kind of book you can’t put down!Through the use of varying viewpoints, Ellen Mint’s BADGE is either told from Ink’s point of view or from Layla’s. This worked very well to keep the action moving along. If you’ve read INK, followed by the three novels and the three short stories from this series, you will be as frantic as Layla and her men to reunite her coven. If you haven’t read the other books yet, you need to get them all right now! For new readers, this one will be somewhat confusing at first, but the story is excellent, and the voices of the coven members are strong. And once again, Ms. Mint doesn’t disappoint in the sexual heat she’s so good at–both before and after the kidnapping takes place. These are real people who just happen to also be paranormal characters. But when you care about someone, you’ll overlook minor flaws–like being an immortal incubus from hell–or a werewolf up to his hackles in pack politics–or a dead man. In my next life, I want to come back as Layla!

I received a copy of this book for an honest review. Fiona, Romance
Junkies.

[Victoria Golby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ink’s POV is fun

Layla and her coven of boys are developing cracks in this. Ghost Daniel is dealing with his body having been found, werewolf Cal is moody due to issues with his old pack and Incubus Ink is feeling unwanted and considering dissolving his bond with Layla. When she’s left on her own however the hunters strike and now none of the boys can reach or even sense her, as her magic has been stripped away.

This is full of fast paced action, seen from both Ink and Layla’s POV (the two POVs work well together). It’s great to see Ink’s POV, starting from when he began, which enables the reader to understand him more (and there’s a lot more to him) as demons can’t feel or love; can they? It was also great seeing the boys learning to work together whilst trying to work out what Layla was to all of them (Bond, Heart, Love).

We also see more of Detective R. Stone who we met briefly before. There’s definitely more to know about him and I enjoyed seeing how he adds to the spice of this series. I hope we will see him again another book.

We also meet some other great characters and I liked the siren, Valerie and Elpida particularly. I’m also hoping we might see them again.

I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the series! Very action packed with lots of things happening in Layla's life as she gets in trouble with hunters again. Although, it's not the most interesting thing happening in this book dare I say. That title would go to Ink who really surprised me multiple times throughout the story by his actions but also with his thoughts and feelings that we get a better understanding of in his POV chapters. Because yes, we finally get to have Ink chapters!! And they're great and funny and written in an old timey way, much the same as his speech.
Onto other surprising news, the guys are teaming up to save Layla from the hunters. Which is a big progress from their constant arguing and throwing insults at each other. There's also a new character that's introduced, Detective Stone. He's an intriguing one. We don't get much backstory, but I'm hoping we've not seen the last of him just yet!

[Hawkeye K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Layla and the boys are back and once again they do not disappoint. I think i have now absorbed every book about Layla, Ink and Cal and all the other's that have become part of her life. You could say that Layla has her own harem of misfits that though there is no love lost between them they all care deeply for her. And that is what makes this adventure fun, its now time for the guys to save and protect Layla. Having the story told from different POV's also helped in that it gives you a chance to see just what Ink and Cal think as well as what they are going through. When Layla is taken their eyes are open to how much they really love her and I loved how the story carried you on an emotional, action packed ride both serious and funny all at the same time. For me another good read of this group.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raul is so gone for Layla and I'm absolutely here for it 😍 man, that scene with the two of them.....nuclear! I need that man in this relationship, pronto.

I really wanted Layla to be a bit more upset with Cal and Ink for how they acted at the start. Her just forgiving them after everything was a little contrived to me. I definitely wanted her to forgive them, but I think she could've been hurt and upset for a bit. She was very entitled to at least that.

I enjoyed seeing all the new creatures in this book. We haven't really seen many different things up to this point, so I liked the glimpse into what else is out there in the world. Really interesting and creative!

Things are starting to come to a head and I feel like something's gotta give soon. Maybe in the next book? Time will tell!

[Nora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty book in the way that I like how the story flows but there is little time in the book for developing the relationships as there is always a fire to put out or something else happening. I feel bad for Layla as all she wants is some time but alas it isn't given. I am however happy with the changing of the POV's so yay for that. I always enjoy it when authors do this as it gives the story perspective. There is a strain on the relationships with several of the guys, feelings of unworthy, secrets and other stuff preventing them from continuing so there's going to be some groveling I hope. At least the guys are working together on one goal and that is keeping Layla happy.

[Cathryn Tipple · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a continuation of the Coven of Desire series, so previous books are needed to understand the story. In this book, Layla's life seems to be falling apart. She is trying to find a way to keep all of her guys, trying to figure out what it means to be a witch, and the witch hunters are on her trail. After some trials, Layla will have to figure out what she truly wants in her life. I loved the way these characters have grown from the first book, and I anticipate who will be the next to join the group. I have lots of high hopes for the future books. This book is great for someone who likes enemies to lovers, damsel in distress, burn down the world for her tropes.

[Lindsay Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve loved Ink since the beginning, but being able to see inside his head in Badge was an absolute treat. Not only did we get interesting sneak peeks into his past, and the expected outrageous comments/humor, but we also got to see the emotion that was a surprise to even the incubus himself.
Layla’s battles were mush more independent this book as she was separated from her men, but we still got to see her determination and quick thinking. Plus, another smoking hot guy… Is another being added to this ragtag group soon? I can’t wait till the next book to find out!

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Layla and her guys are back. They are still struggling at the beginning with their relationship. But they finally start coming together and working together especially when it has to do with Layla. Each character is so unique and well developed throughout the series we are always learning something new out all of them.
Her detective job and the case keeps things unexpected and exciting. While showing us just how strong an fmc she is. There was also pov charge from previous books which I enjoyed and was unexpected.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Layla and the group start to fracture at the edges from outside forces causing them to question their arrangement. Layla is still trying to help Daniel while the others all fight for time and attention. A misstep has Layla on a course to destruction that leads the group to bond together and take drastic action to save her. I loved the action and adventure in this party of the series. Curious if Stone will be in the next book and how that all plays out.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 4 in Mint's Coven of Desire series. Each book gets better and better in this series. A paranormal romance read that will captivate and thrill. Well written with great characters you'll just fall in love with. A storyline that flows wonderfully and is action packed but still has all the emotions. Loved this addition to the series and I can't wait for more on Layla and her guys!

I received a free copy of this read at my request and I voluntarily provided this review.

[Tonee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 4 gets better

After book 3 I wasn’t sure I wanted to read more about Layla. It seems her character became an insecure mess in the blink of an eye. And while she continued in the vein at the beginning of the book, she dug deep once faced with danger.
It was also refreshing to hear Ink’s voice. Getting more of his backstory and watching him grow made this installment in the series more interesting and entertaining. I think I can finish it now.

[Ams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised with Badge - the storyline was exciting from the start, reading from Inks point of view.
It is very action packed and a lot of varying emotions are displayed from all of the characters.
Ellen Mint has left me wanting to know more about Badge.

This is the 4th book in the Coven of Desire Series and you do need to read them in order to get a full understanding of this story.

Badge is written in Dual Point of View - Layla and Ink.

[Kristin Lindes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each book just keeps getting better and better. This book is emotionally charged and so gritty, realistic and relatable that it hits you right in the feels. With multiple POV, this book just goes to the next level and you're not ready for it. An expertly written book that entices and engrosses you until the very last page. You need this in your life.

[Ann Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really entertaining, action packed story in this wonderful series. Lots of emotion and tension between the characters. Ink was fabulous in this as we got to know more of his thoughts. I just love all these characters. I received a free copy for review and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Badge is my favorite addition to this series. I am loving all the growth that Ink has. I love the humor, swoon worthy moment and all the emotions. There were times I was testing up just at the inner monologues. There is alot that happens in the book and it is a story that will keep you hooked.

[Helena Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so good. There is so much happening. It is fast paced and there isn't a bad page in the book. Will layla learn how powerful she is? Will she find her mother? Will Cal be pack leader? So much to look forward to. Great read!!

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome paranormal romance in the Coven of Desire series. I liked it a lot! Lots of dangerous adventure, and emotional stuff from the guys.. especially Ink and Cal.

[Carlas Santana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read, amazing experience, fun, original, recommended

[Debbie W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book and series that’s a must read. Love Layla and her guys. They get into some amazing adventures and then some. Mr. White makes an appearance and wonder where that will go. ❤️❤️📚❤️

[Alyssa Longmire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ink starts off with his perspective, which I would say was refreshing, but I’m sure there’s a much fancier word to describe his rhetoric. I absolutely love that all of these books are in multi-POV. There’s so much action that some parts of the story like the Layla studying for college and Daniel being dug up by the police get pushed to the back burner, but I don’t mind that because I was sucked into the action. I like the realism this book has though with this unique polycule. Layla is one of the most badass FMC’s in my opinion, and I love how her character has developed so much from the first book.