Resting Witch Face

Stay a Spell #5

by Juliette Cross

Twelve years ago, Jules Savoie ended her relationship with the vampire overlord of New Orleans, Ruben Dubois. For good reasons. A woman in power must often make sacrifices to protect others. She knows the truth of it down to her aching heart.

When Ruben watches his best friend Devraj get married, a stinging realization hits him hard…he’s done waiting. They say time heals all wounds. In this case, it merely sharpened the pain and made one fact crystal clear. Jules Savoie is his soulmate, and nothing would keep him from her. Not anymore.

Forced to work side by side to fight for the werewolf cause, they campaign together at covens from New Orleans to London. The reignited spark burns hotter than ever before. But when a power-hungry vampire sets his predatory sights on Jules, will their love be strong enough against black magic? Or will he lose her again? And this time, maybe…for good.

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Vampires, Witches, Second Chance

365 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 31, 2022

About the author

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JULIETTE is a multi-published author of paranormal and contemporary romance, including the best-selling STAY A SPELL series. As a native of Louisiana, she lives in the heart of Cajun country with her husband, four kids, and sundry animals. When she isn’t working on her next project, she enjoys binge-watching her favorite shows with her husband and a glass (or two) of red wine or whiskey.

Follow JULIETTE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliettecro...

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Follow JULIETTE on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Juliette__Cross

Reviews

[romancelibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Resting Witch Face is my most anticipated book of the year. I've been waiting for Jules and Ruben since Wolf Gone Wild and somehow, Juliette Cross managed to exceed my high expectations. In my opinion, Resting Witch Face should not be read as a standalone. We get glimpses of Jules and Ruben's relationship throughout the series and their dynamic together continuously evolves until we finally get to Resting Witch Face. I recommend fans to re-read Jules and Ruben's interactions in the previous books for a quick refresh before they start Resting Witch Face.

Twelve years ago, Jules Savoie broke up with Ruben Dubois when she was on the cusp of being the youngest female Enforcer in New Orleans. Their relationship dynamic changed post-breakup and it continued to evolve as they worked together to fix the problems that came up in the previous books, starting with Mateo's hex. After everything that transpired in the series, Jules and Ruben must now travel together to campaign for the werewolf cause.

The angst. The tension. The push and pull. THE PINING 🤌🏾 THE FEELS 😩 This is exactly what I was expecting for Jules and Ruben's angsty second chance romance. I had butterflies in my stomach whenever Jules and Ruben were forced to spend time together in close proximity. My heart clenched more than once because of the pain and angst. And when Jules and Ruben finally got back together? I squealed and swooned my way through it. I basically went through a rollercoaster of emotions with these two. Their romance was so worth the long wait 🥺

The pining here is definitely mutual, but it's a lot more intense on Ruben's side—his POV is such a delicious treat. The way this man pines 😩🤌🏾 The way he's obsessed with Jules 😩🤌🏾 The way he's so incredibly aware of Jules and her every movement and expression 😩🤌🏾 The way he is tortured over Jules 😩🤌🏾 And when Jules finally gives in, Ruben's reaction is every bit as satisfying as I was expecting it to be 🥵 The pining and angst tortured me. The steam obliterated me 🥵 Trust me when I say that the payoff for all the pain and tension and angst is completely worth it 🔥🔥🔥

Now, going back to the breakup—in my personal opinion, Jules had realistic reasons for breaking up with Ruben. Her reasoning makes complete sense to me, especially since her decision was primarily based on a pattern of behaviour that Ruben didn't realize was problematic. As heartbreaking and angsty the separation was, it allowed Jules and Ruben to work together as platonic partners and build a new level of trust between them. The separation also gave Jules and Ruben time and space to grow. It made perfect sense to me why the breakup happened in the first place and why now was the time for them to finally get back together. Jules and Ruben's respective character arcs merged together in a way that felt cathartic and satisfying. Their journey as a couple is truly special and their HEA is hard-won and well deserved.

I found Jules to be incredibly relatable. Fear of failure, fear of opening up, fear of being vulnerable, fear of trusting others. Not sharing her feelings with people and not wanting others to carry her burdens. It's like looking into a mirror. There is a supernatural element weaved into her fears, but at the core of it all, Jules's fears are very much human.

Another thing I loved was the road trip. The author made the best creative choice by pulling Jules and Ruben away from New Orleans, so they are forced to spend time together in close proximity. Jules and Ruben are given the chance to work things out in privacy without any interference. More importantly, they are given the chance to relax and chill for a bit. It was so nice seeing Jules relax for a little while, since she is always so busy taking care of everyone else. It was especially nice seeing Ruben take care of Jules and motivating her to relax and have fun 🥺

One thing to note about the road trip—Jules and Ruben are traveling to meet with other supernatural leaders to convince them to join their werewolf cause. So, it makes sense that a lot of new characters get introduced. It can feel a bit daunting trying to remember all these new characters, but it's very easy to keep up with who's on the good side and who's on the wrong side.

The plot has this eerie vibe that is slowly built up and foreshadowed from the beginning. The final act feels particularly creepy and atmospheric because there's a vampire masquerade that takes place in a gothic castle. The story takes a completely wild turn when this creepy feeling finally explodes during the climax. All this to say that Resting Witch Face is the perfect book to read this spooky season. You get the best of both worlds: delicious romance that gives you all the feels and creepy storyline that gives you all the goosebumps. There's also a historical romance vibe to this book that I loved—Jules and Ruben's romance had all my favourite lush details that are usually found in historical romance books 😍

The stakes in Resting Witch Face are higher than ever, which shouldn't come as a surprise since this is Jules and Ruben's book. Everything comes together really well in the end. The main characters, their arcs, the plot, the romance—they are in sync with each other, and all the threads are nicely tied up together. I'm excited to see how the Stay a Spell series will conclude in the final book, but I am not ready to say goodbye to these characters. Excuse me while I continue to obsess over Jules and Ruben 🥲

[Dab · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe it’s me, but I wasn’t necessarily bewitched by this one.

This is the fifth book about the Savoie sisters. I have read the previous books a few months ago, all in a row, and loved them. Remembering that, I had high expectations for this one, especially since Jules and Ruben romance had been brewing in the background since the beginning of the series.

And yet somehow it didn’t have the same magic… Maybe it’s because I wasn’t immersed in this world anymore and had forgotten some things? Or maybe my expectations were too high? Or maybe both?

I don’t mind possessive heroes, but the fact that Ruben had been spying on Jules when they were not together anymore was a step too far. Then the thing about him staying celibate for twelve years?? I don’t know, it was supposed to be romantic, and twelve years for a 300 year old dude is probably nothing anyway, but it was another overkill for me. I need my vampires and witches to be credible, dammit!

The ending was eyerolly in a B movie kind of fashion. It went like this: ‘it’s dangerous, don’t ever leave my side! So uhm - just stay here for a moment (ALONE in this DANGEROUS place) while I go around and gather my people’. 🤯😱 Use your fuckin’ PHONE you moron, it’s an urban fantasy, you have a jet and a smartphone!! 🤦🏻‍♀️

Having said that, it was a cute second chance romance, the love story was beautiful and there was a lot of vampire smut, so it was probably my fault that I was not really feeling it.🤷🏻‍♀️

3 stars

(but I may change my rating if I ever reread it)

——

Need me some vampire vibes

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Resting Witch Face is book five in the Stay a Spell series by Juliette Cross. It’s nearly bed time when I am typing this. I just finished this book a few minutes ago. My heart is still beating out of my chest so I had to go ahead and put these words down to try to settle myself. To once again tell you about the magical powers of Juliette Cross’s words. She may write witchy characters but I’m convinced she uses some sort of magic in her words as well to weave a spell around all of us as we read.



I have been waiting for Jules and Ruben’s book throughout this entire series. We’ve seen the tension between them, known there was some sort of past but didn’t know what it was. Now we finally get to find out.

Juliana (Jules) Savoie is the oldest of the Savoie sisters, the care giver, the fixer of everything. She is also the head of all supernaturals in New Orleans. I don’t want to share too much about what we learn about her past with Ruben. I want you to find out when you read the book. But they do have a history that Jules walked away from, but never emotionally recovered from. For the last several years, Jules and Ruben have been increasingly needing to work together, slowly finding their way back to a somewhat friendly relationship. But it was her sister, Isadora’s wedding to the love of her life, Devraj, that finally set their futures into motion.

“It was finally time to make Juliana Savoie mine.”



Ruben Dubois is the most powerful vampire in New Orleans. He and Jules share a belief that the werewolves deserve a seat on the High Witch Guild, that they deserve a say in things. So they are going to share in the campaign to make this happen which will require them to travel to England. Ruben strongly believes in their campaign but he also sees this for the opportunity that it is, time with Jules to finally win her back. To convince her that their futures are destined to be shared together. That she is truly the only one for him and always will be.



But, there is someone else in England that also believes that Jules should be his. Someone that is using dark magic to make sure he gets what he wants. Will Ruben be able to keep his Juliana safe? Is their love strong enough to overcome the darkest of magic? Or is their time together destined to only be short lived?



As usual, Juliette Cross slowly weaves a story, building and building to a peak that nearly gave me a heart attack! I kept telling myself, this is a romance, there will be a happy ever after! But that didn’t help during the intense scenes that stole the breath right out of me. Can you read this as a stand alone? Technically yes since each book is about a different sister and their mates. BUT, the sisters are all present in each other’s books and you would get a much deeper enjoyment of the story if you have a connection to the entire family. I loved that we finally got to meet their parents. The final book in the series will be Clara’s book, the youngest of the family. Book six will be Grim and Bear It. It can’t get here fast enough.

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[Shrimp Mo]

If I wouldn’t get Jules and Ruben book earlier than 2023 I’m gonna start a revolution!

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread for 2022 Favorites
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I sit at the end of another entry to the Stay a Spell series and I feel at a loss for words. I just don't know how a book can both fully meet all the expectations I had, yet be nothing I expect and STILL blow me away. Juliette Cross consistently manages to up her game for this series. I can tell she poured her heart and soul into this couple and I could FEEL it.

Jules and Ruben have been at the back of my mind since Wolf Gone Wild. I happened to have reread that book recently and the distance and coldness isn't lingered on... but we know something happened. Now diving into their story and seeing why that distance is there and yearning to have it removed.. I was fully invested and ready for the ride. I can speak only for myself when I say I feel fully satisfied by what I received. Honestly, I don't know a single thing that I would change. I am a simp seven ways to Sunday and I don't care who knows it.

Second Chance Romance is actually one of my favorite tropes, but I don't have too many on my favorites list. That's because it's very hard to pull off in a believable manner. The way Jules and Ruben were before is NOT who they are now. They just need to believe that they have changed enough and realize the gift they have in each other. (This is mostly Jules who needs to see that, but I don't blame her.) There was a more serious tone to this one than previous books but I think it needed that. Jules and Ruben both have responsibilities and they both carry the weight of their past mistakes. They are also taking on a serious duty with unforeseen dangers and roadblocks in their way.

Learning about their past and what they faced before.. I can understand how things got so complicated. It hurts and it seems unfair, like maybe there should have been a simple answer but that's just not how life works. Watching them work through that and come to a new understanding and appreciation for their bond was beautiful.

And of course.. the steam, the tension, the chemistry... that is always a strong suit for this series. The intimate scenes were very charged and passionate between these two, especially since they know each other so well... there were some truly beautiful love scenes that had my eyes watering a time or two.

I think some people may be surprised by the 3rd act of this one and feel like it is abrupt or out of the blue. I thought it was terrifying and I was so nervous about what the consequences of the situation were going to be. However, these books have never been about the outside forces so much as having our characters come to find their mate. I just don't have a problem with how it plays out and the subtle hints and warnings are there to see upon hindsight.

In conclusion, the Savoie Sisters and their mates just bring me so much joy. I sometimes wish I could forget them all just to meet them again for the first time. I'm already sad that there is only one left to come out but I'm so excited for Clara and Henry to get their time to shine.

Honestly, I would just like to run off to NOLA and find my own supernatural mate to love me forever. If only it were that easy. ;)

6 stars
4 on my spice scale

*Thank you to the author for an ARC of this title.*

[Juliette Cross]

There will be biting…

⭐️ Second chance romance
⭐️ Forced proximity
⭐️ Only one bed
⭐️ Vampire Masquerade
⭐️ Mutual pining





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[Kat valentine ( Katsbookcornerreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantabulous book in the Stay A Spell series!!!! This is the long awaited book of two of my very favorite characters from this series Ruben the handsome and sexy as fuck head vampire of New Orleans and the beautiful and witchy Juliana Savioe!! The book started with a bang! And I do mean Ruben banging jules!!!! Wow!!! What a way to start a book Juliette!!! When Ruben told Juliana at the wedding of her sister "Times Up" I knew it was on! This book had me hot and horny but it also made me laugh and a couple of times even made me cry. This was a second chance for Ruben and Juliana and the true backstory was done magnificently well and the reason for the break up not what you would think. Their was loads of emotional angst and hurt not just with jules but with Ruben as well and with a little help from someone close to both a betrayal that they didn't see helped to keep these soulmates apart. But when they leave to campaign for all supernatural to have a seat on the high council including the werewolves forced proximity leads to flirting and then fighting and then some really steamy fucking!!!!! Lord I do so love a insatiable vampire!!! The things they can do and do! Is phenomenal and Jules is so fucking lucky!!! This book had a great storyline and some very interesting new vamps and a really great villain vamp. One of these vamps is Edmund Stonebridge a very old vampire who's ancestry goes back to the first Anglo saxon vampire invaders he is power hungry with illusions of grandeur and his beautiful witchy mistress smells of black magic and death and things just aren't adding up at Wulfric tower with shadows around every corner and werewolves howling in the night and whispers of bad things happening their and a vampire masquerade that gets out of control Ruben needs to get juliana out of their fast but before he can she is taken!!! I have to admit that I was on the edge of my seat with the last couple of chapters!! I was like hell no!!! With my heart racing I couldn't turn the pages fast enough! You never know if a writer is going to leave it with a cliffhanger! Juliette Cross has never done this but she is a evil genius!!!! 😂Ok not a evil genius but a damn good writer! Like the others in this series it is a standalone. One more thing before I wrap up this review. I loved the kids also making a appearance! I hope they each get books down the line too!! Celine vomiting all over everyone and laughing about it had me busting a gut and Joaquin with his knowing looks and his little hand reaching out to Jules through the laptop screen tugged at my heartstrings. I love this whole family so much! When I read these books its like going home again and I feel like one of the family. Until next time Luv's💕💋

[Crystal's Bookish Life · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for Jules and Reuben's story since I first read Wolf Gone Wild in 2020 haha! They just had SUCH chemistry even when they were only featured on a few pages of other characters stories. And the mystery surrounding why they were never together anymore even though they clearly wanted to be was VERY intriguing.

We get our reveal here and we get some really excellent flashbacks to tell the story as well. I loved everything about this book and I'm sad that now it's completed! But I have re reads to look forward to!

I loved Reuben's protectiveness which Jules mirrored as well (love seeing that in heroines because usually we don't). I loved seeing them get their second chance, and I loved seeing past characters show up and still be so happy and in love! Like Isadora and Devraj's wedding!

This book was VERY steamy and also very swoony and it was a wonderful read. Highly recommend this series!

I received an ARC for review

[Warda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s always so nice to get back into this world. Each instalment in the series seems to be solidifying how much I’ve enjoyed each book, how much I enjoy this series. I love the characters, the world, the found family that has been build since book 1 and of course, the romance.

We’ve been awaiting Ruben and Juliana’s story from the beginning and their story did not disappoint. I always love second chance romances and these two had a gorgeous second chance. My heart feels so full! 🥹 Each interaction between them two had me dying! And I love that Juliette Cross included a forced proximity element in this, making their interactions that much more intense.

It was delicious. There was so much yearning and pining. 🫠

And the ending? So fuckin’ sweet! And cheesy. But I loved it!! This is one world I’d happily live in.

4.5 ⭐️

[❤️Court - Villains Do It Better❤️ · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 Stars
*Safety spoilers*

So much potential wasted 😭

This was lowkey so boring. All that building tension from the previous books completely evaporated at the start of this book. Why have such a long separation just to bypass all the tension and burn just for them to have sex right away? The separation literally felt pointless with how quick they get back together. Where is the longing? The sorrow? The BURN?!?! We got nothing. And was this even the Ruben and Jules we know? They literally don't act or even think like they did in the previous books. Jules was weak, Ruben was bland, and I was so ready to Dnf. This might as well have just been a standalone apart from this series with different character names. The magic as seen in the previous books was just gone.

Lastly, I applaud the author for not going the cliche route of making the heroine frozen and the hero becoming a slut, BUT I was so over him guilt tripping her for trying to move on. That was Lowkey gross and immature of him. ESPECIALLY when he tried to move on too!! Sure, he only briefly dated and kissed someone once before realizing Jules is his mate and stopped what he was doing with the ow, but he STILL tried to move on! If he was in Jules shoes, not realizing they were mates, he would have done the exact same thing as her, so he's a hypocrite, and pretty awful for constantly guilt tripping her. Also, how touchy he gets with women he drinks from wasn't that innocent either. The only redeeming quality he has is besides the kiss, he was faithful to Jules during the whole separation, and he is possessive🤌.


Safety:

No cheating?

Om drama- none except for mentions of the guy she slept with one time during their separation.

Ow drama- wannabe ow that hero has drank from before is obsessed with him and causes some drama (mainly off page)

12 year separation- heroine I think dated 2 guys, slept with one, one time. Hero tried dating a girl, kissed her once. No other partners.

No virgins/manhoes (altho hero may have previously been one seeing as vampires are sexual.)

Some exhibitionism from other vampires at basically a orgy masquerade. Was pretty gross but I'm glad hero wasn't really into it.

[AvidReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart is bursting now! Juliette Cross could never write a more beautiful story than this for our beloved Jules and Ruben.
Wow, what a journey it was.
Buckle up guys, this review is going to be loooong!

Where do I even start? I loved EVERYTHING about this book. The cover, title, pace, the plot, the characters, mystery, places, dialogues, details (omg the details!), the forced proximity, second chance romance, one bed trope, reason for their breakup….EVERYTHING.
I started this book with great trepidation as Jules and Ruben have already broken up and I knew it’s going to hurt. And what a sweet hurt it was.
Their breakup scene eviscerated me. I felt both of their pain. Especially Ruben’s. My heart wept at that single tear he shed. In the interim he stole a piece of my heart. I loved his possessiveness, longing, pining, loyalty and love. He was powerful and honourable. He also loved Jules like none ever could.

The prologue electrified me. It was sensual, hot and everything in between. It was also an insight to their relationship in the past.
I also respect both Jules and Ruben because they communicated with each other and worked through all of their problems. There was so much hurt between them and both of them took responsibility for it, apologised and fought for their love.

The plot thickened in the second half and I loved the spooky vibe it had. Epilogue was cute abd I can’t wait to read Clara’s and Henry’s book. A great addition to this spectacular series.

Could be read as standalone but I highly recommend reading this series in order to get full scope of this couple.

Safe and recommended.

Special thanks to the author for providing ARC of this book. This is my honest review.

[juli✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

“You’ve always been my queen, Juliana. You always will be.”

Well that was a touch disappointing. The way I was looking forward to Juliana and Ruben's romance …

What I expected:
~enemies-to-lovers vibes
~mutual pining
~sexual tension
~chemistry out the wazoo
~push/pull
~huge arguments leading to wall fucking

What I got:
~none of the above


Basically, what I'm trying to say is … All of the buildup to Jules and Ruben's second-chance romance went out the fucking window in their actual book. For some reason, Resting Witch Face starts with Jules and Ruben both in a place of wanting to reconcile. Hence, all the tension that was once there evacuating the building immediately.

Cause, imo, the best part of a second-chance romance is either A. when both parties don't realize they're currently living in their second-chance, or B. when one person is set on getting the other back but the other party is fighting it like hell.

Also, is it just me or was their break-up so anti-climatic? Like … bruh. It was so weak that I'm confused as to why it took them a whole ass DECADE (and some change) to get back together. Idk, I was expecting something more from this book.

Jokes on me, though … I already pre-ordered the next book 🤪

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️ I am OBSESSED with Ruben and Jules!


"Since the day I realized you were my whole heart, I've never stopped loving you. Not for one painfully paralyzing minute."


WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ paranormal romance
✨ witch x vampire
✨ he's a 400 year old, sexy vampire overlord of New Orleans
✨ she's the youngest witch Enforcer of New Orleans
✨ second chance
✨ they have to travel together for work
✨ forced proximity
✨ pining/ longing
✨ fated mates
✨ age gap
✨ size difference
✨ ‘touch her and die’
✨ 3.5/5 🌶️
✨ kinks: biting, primal, light dom/sub, praise, voyeur scenes
✨ Savoie sister cameos
✨ witch rituals
✨ dual POV
✨ HEA
✨ TW: torture, blood, gore


My Thoughts:

I've been waiting for Jules and Ruben's story for ages and this did not disappoint! At this point, I think they're tied for my favorite couple along with Isadora and Devraj (apparently I've got a thing for vampires lol)!

As someone who's really picky about second chance romances, this was done perfectly! The reason for their break up 12 years prior completely made sense, as for the reasons why they stayed away from each other. While their separations makes me sad, it needed to happen so they could come together once they've grown and matured.

I truly love Jules and Ruben as individuals and as a couple. Both are badass and impressive on their own, so I loved reading about two such strong characters. They're also both a bit more reserved with everyone, but they have a soft spot for each other. I just love that these strong, independent individuals finally found someone they saw as equal who they could confine in. The love, respect, and adoration they have for each other is just so damn beautiful.

The spice was so incredible! I think it might be my favorite on the series! The lust was fucking heavy between these two and when they finally have sex, things are (quite literally) explosive! It's heavy on the primal side - at one point he makes her wear his cum out so all the supernatural creatures know he's claimed her. There's also light dom/sub and it was just done so well. Oh, and Ruben is a GIVER. 🐱

"What do you want?"
"Your cum and your blood down my fucking throat." 🥵


I really enjoyed the storyline. Ruben and Jules travel across the US and UK to different High Guild Councils in an effort to make changes in how werewolves are seen in the community. This is a continuation of the overarching series plot and I enjoyed watching these two in full actions as leaders of their community. It was interesting learning more about vampires/witches and their ways of life beyond New Orleans. I definitely saw the plot twist coming, but that doesn't mean it was any less enjoyable. Shit really hits the fan during the 3rd act, and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.


My only complaints . . .


I didn't love some of Ruben's modern 'cursing'. At one point he refers to someone as 'Mr. Fuck-face' and uses the word fucksticks, and that just seemed so out of place for this 400 year old vampire. He's usually super refined and formal so him using those kinds of words seems at odds with what we know of him.

There were some things that happened that weren’t explained very well in relation to previous world building or if there is an explanation, it wasn’t realistic or palpable for this world. For example . . .

1. Jules not knowing her and Ruben were mates didn't make sense. Not only is she one of the most intelligent, powerful witches of her time (she's the enforcer of New Orleans for goodness sake), she herself felt this maddening connection to him but she never once thought to investigate why she had this biological draw to Ruben? Her sister Isadora is also mated to a vampire, so it's not like Jules was ignorant of matehood.

2. What's the point of Violet's visions? The little good they do when every single time she's had them, they're never interpreted correctly and shit always hits the fan. I just don't really understand how it's even useful to be aware of the future when they don't really even prepare for it.



**SPOILERS AHEAD**



3. When Ruben is betrayed, he says he doesn't mourn the loss of his friend. What?! You're telling me he wouldn't be devastated by a betrayal like this when he's known the guy for 100 years??? No way. He would definitely have conflicting feelings. I felt like his reaction downplayed the entire situation.

4. Isadora being able to bring Jules out of her witchy coma sleep because "my husband, Devraj, and your mate, Ruben, are so close and we've both ingested their toxins, so I was able to find you here" was such a weak, random reason. This is just thrown in there as a quick way to get Jules to wake up but it made absolutely no sense.

5. It also wasn't really explained fully how Jules was able to fight the toxin and not lose herself during the ritual. Sure, she gave her own blood, but like, what about that reversed the black magic?



Overall, I did love this book so much and can't wait for a re-read! My enjoyment was 5-stars but because of continuity issues / world-building plot holes, I have to give it 4-stars. Okay, maybe 4.25-stars.


-

Stay A Spell Series + Ratings:

1. Wolf Gone Wild: 4 ⭐️
2. Don't Hex and Drive: 4.5 ⭐️
3. Witches Get Stitches: 2.5 ⭐️
3.5: Walking in a Witchy Wonderland: 4 ⭐️
4. Always Practice Safe Hex: 3.5⭐️
5. Resting Witch Face: 4 ⭐️
6. Grim and Bear It: 4 ⭐️

-

Favorite Quotes:

Obsessed, stupefied, besotted. None of them quite measured up to the truth, to the emotion that had wrapped an iron fist around my heart at the sight of her tonight. I wasn't sure there had been a word yet created that could define what I felt for Juliana.
_______

Her laugh - one of the sounds that brought me the greatest joy. Equal only to the sound of her screaming my name as she came on my cock.
_______

"Still spry for my years, darling," he teased. "Don't worry. I can still handle a young one like you."
_______

"You've always been my queen, Juliana. You always will be."
_______

"I'll take anything you'll give me." Maddening desire radiated from every part of him. Then he dropped to his knees, his hand gripping my hips. "I'll beg at your feet for a pathetic glance, a simple touch. I'll be your slave. Anything you want, Juliana. Just put me out of my goddamn misery."
_______

"This fine body, this brilliant mind, this tender soul, it's all fucking mine. And no man will ever touch you again."
_______

"I'll never let you forget how special you are, Juliana."
_______

[Christi (christireadsalot) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You’ve always been my queen, Juliana. You always will be.”

Resting Witch Face is book 5 in Juliette Cross’ Stay a Spell paranormal romance series, and a book I’ve been waiting for since book 1 in the series. I was so excited to get to Jules and Ruben’s story and their second chance delivered!

I don’t even know where to start with this book. If you have read the Stay a Spell series, then you know Ruben and Jules have a complicated past. In this book we finally found out what separated them all those years ago and all the thoughts and feelings that have been between them for the 12 years apart! Jules is a very powerful Siphon witch and the Enforcer of New Orleans, she’s always been the one to protect and care for everyone else around her. Ruben is an almost-400 year old vampire overlord who resides in New Orleans as well, he owns a vampire den and a rare bookstore, and for the past couple years has been working closely with Jules on some paranormal-political type things. Jules and Ruben end up taking off for a road trip, even traveling to the U.K. to meet with High Guild councils to allow werewolves to have a place amongst their leaders. Ruben decides he’s tired of giving Jules time and space and he’s ready to win her back!

I loved the prologue, we jump right into a flashback scene of Jules and Ruben in the past….and whew, was that up-against the wall scene hot! 🔥 We learn a lot in this book about the vampire and werewolf histories, also about paranormals being “fang-spelled”, we get a lot of road-trip scenes with Jules and Ruben, when a stay with only one room/1 bed setup! I loved seeing Devraj and Isadora’s wedding and the rest of the Savoie sisters. I loved seeing how easily Jules and Ruben fall back into their deep connection and familiarity while traveling together. They both needed that time apart to grow into themselves, especially Jules since when they got together in the past she and her powers were young and she was still trying to find her foothold as a new leader in New Orleans. I loved that they were both still possessive over one another. Ruben is ultimate book boyfriend-hero material, the way he remained loyal to Jules for yearssss apart was so good. I really understood Jules too and loved seeing her finally let someone else care for and protect her, seeing her having a partner to help with some of her burdens was so nice. I especially appreciated that the 3rd act conflict was an external conflict for the couple. Oooh and the biting, chef’s kiss! 🔥 I could go on and on about this book and couple. I just love this series and family and I’m so excited for Clara’s book next!

Thank you to the author for an e-arc, all thoughts in this review are my own. Resting Witch Face has a publish date of October 31, 2022.

[❀ Rose ❀ · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔹 Overall feelings:
〰 This series is crack. That’s literally the only way I can describe it. You know what’s fascinating to me? That Cross managed to take a trope that’s not really my fav (second chance romance), put it in a book with a couple that I wasn’t super excited about (Jules and Ruben) and somehow turned this into my favorite installment in the series. What is this witchcraft?!? So without further ado, here’s a messy review of everything I enjoyed in this book.

🔹 Plot, World & Secondary Characters:
〰 I think I’ve mentioned this before in my reviews for the other books in the series, but I’ll say it here again. These books are the definition of guilty reads for me (although I’m not in the least guilty about enjoying the hell out of them lmao). What I mean by that is; although the plotlines of these books are not riveting, you just can’t help but enjoy these stories nonetheless. I think of them as the perfect escapist reads.

〰 As I said, the plot is meh. We’re mostly following Jules and Ruben as they try to get people to give a crap about werewolves. They meet many people among the way and the ending as well as the whole formula of this book is pretty similar to the previous installments (I feel like these poor heroines keep getting kidnapped left and right lmao). But you know what? I.did.not.care. Not in the least. I will explain why a bit later in my review.
〰 The secondary characters are well developed and I enjoyed them all. Not much to say in this section so let’s move on and talk about…

🔹 The Separation:
〰 This is technically part of the plot but I decided to give it a section of its own. For many reasons. Firstly, I have to say that second chance romances are usually not my favorite because I’m always of the opinion that:
A) If you broke up, it’s for a reason and I very rarely find that the reason can change which is why I’m against the characters getting back together.

Or

B) If you broke up because of a misunderstanding or because one of the characters is toxic, then I don’t want you getting back together. The miscommunication trope means you’re immature and the toxic trope means you’re not good for each other.

〰 So why did the separation in here work so well for me? Because Juliana had some very real and valid reasons for breaking up with Ruben. His behavior was problematic (he didn’t realize it though) and her own journey demanded that she not be with him. So, while I usually don’t like second chance romances because the breakups are always stupid, this book handled this aspect wonderfully. The long separation (12 years) was also absolutely necessary for us as readers to believe in Ruben’s change of character. So I really applaud this author on the way she went about this side plot.

🔹 The Goddamn Romance:
〰 More specifically, Goddamn Ruben😍 This man. This man right here should be your only incentive to pick up this book. Because let me tell you, no one does pining and longing quite like this gem of a vampire 🤌🏼 Accurate description of my reading experience:
Ruban: *opens his mouth*
Me: *dies*.

〰 I will be including a whole section on the pining aspect just to share a few of the quotes that made me swoon. Anyway, I think this is my favorite book so far because it did such a good job at showing us the utter love and devotion that these two characters had for each other (especially Ruben). I highly recommend y’all read the previous installments just to experience the whole buildup to their relationship because once these two get together… 🤌🏼😭 This was a swoon fest istg. The domesticity, the declarations of love, the complete obsession with each other just made me ignore all the problems I might have had with the plot of this book to simply rate it based on the romance.

〰 Even Jules, who was certainly not my favorite in previous installments managed to win me over. We see a whole new side of her in this book and you know what? She had a great character development. By the end, I was in love with her myself. Also, I can’t help but respect the crap out of her for breaking up with Ruben when she did. Finally a character who recognizes the problematic behavior of the man she’s dating, decides to ignore her heart and use her head instead. Queen behavior, honestly.

🔹 The Longing and Pining:
〰 This review is already pretty long so I’m just going to share some of my favorite quotes here. If these don’t encourage you to pick up the book, then I don’t know what will.

“Obsessed, stupefied, besotted. […] I wasn’t sure there had been a word yet created that could define what I felt for Juliana. The worst part of all is she had no idea.”
“You’ve always been my queen, Juliana. You always will be.”
“You’re going to regret this,” he repeated. “But I hope you never feel even half the pain I feel right now.”
“His expression—aching and adoring and severe—belied the calm tenor of his voice when he said, “I’ve been bleeding inwardly for over a decade.”
“I renamed it The Green Light so that my longing had a tangible place in my life. So that it could be a constant reminder of what I lost and what I still wanted.”
“Since the day I realized you were my whole heart, I’ve never stopped loving you. Not for one painfully paralyzing minute.”

〰 Ok, these are just a few quotes, but you get the gist lol.

🔹 Clara and Henry:
〰 I need their book more than… anything. I’m legit so excited about this couple it’s not even funny. I was really hoping we’d see more of the Savoie sisters in this installment but that didn’t happen. It’s ok though cause in one of the scenes that we see Clara, this happens:

“That’s because I don’t understand why Henry doesn’t just admit that he likes me.”
“Perhaps you should be the one to ask him out, Clara.” “Hmm.” She thought a second then smiled. “Maybe you’re right, Jules.”

〰 Looks like Clara is going the one to start this relationship and I can’t wait to see how she does it😂 Also, at the end of the book we have a sneak peek of Grim and Bear it. It’s like, barely two pages max and yet, it somehow made me fall in love with Henry. That little munchkin deserves the world.

🔹 Final thoughts:
〰Read it. I’ll feel sorry for you if you miss out on the loveliness that is Ruben. And the swoon worthiness that is his relationship with Juliana. This was a great installment and I can’t wait to see what Cross does with the finale. Also, the fact that I couldn’t wait for this to drop on KU and just bought the e-book instead tells you all you need to know about this series. Anyway, happy reading you guys!!

[Noi (in & out) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.65~

- Second chance
- I miss the sisters
- Forced proximity
- The smut is still bad
- This has the best writing so far
- The ex thing & Juliana crying stuff - Too extreme and cringe
- The breakup from the past made me think less of Ruben (by how he reacted)
- Slow burn considering we got snippets in past books & the first smut scene is about halfway in
- more stuff I'm to lazy to add

I read the 1st like 5 months ago and kept thinking if I should come back for Jules and Ruben. I decided to read the 2nd, then the short stories to see if I wanted to read the others. I decided to skip 3 and 4 to get to this one. It was indeed the best one out of them (in my opinion). I don't care about 6, but I *might* go back for the 4th (Always Practice Safe Hex).

What I can say is that I did not like the smut in ANY of them so take that as you will.

[Mica Santos ⇢ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ★ ⇢ Buenísimo. Definitivamente mi favorito de esta serie ya que tiene mucha intriga y acción.

Palabras que me vienen a la mente cuando pienso en esta historia: melancolía, nostalgia, suspenso, pasión, fuerza, inteligencia y un amor inquebrantable.

[Mindy Lou's Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been wanting to know what happened to Jules and Ruben since the beginning. My curiosity was killing me. I knew it wouldn't have been cheating so what could possible have this couple, who is meant to be, break up and stay that way for 12 years??

I gotta say, the author did a fantastic job of explaining the divide and making it make perfect sense. In fact, I never thought I would say this, cause I hate couple separations, but the reason behind this one felt right and real. Jules and Ruben are a better couple for having that time apart.

Once they got back together...whoa! The intensity and the love between them is a beautiful thing to read and feel. I love how much they fought for each other. It's everything they deserve after all that sacrifice.

This family of witches and their individual stories of love has been so fun to read about. I'm sad that we only have one more sister to go, but she is the one I am most excited to read!

[rania]

I can't wait! Something tells me this one is going to be my favourite, and it's torture to wait for it this long. Jules and ruben are so good together

[Aisling Zena · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

What can I say about this series and this author by this point?! A simple " I love it" can't be enough surely! I love this world and all it's characters and there's nothing I'd enjoy more than visit again and again! I only lament I never get the time to review and update timely and with detail. Life keeps kicking my free time..



17/7/22

[Carvanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, this book is a prime example of second chance romance! Ruben wins hands down as the most intense, dedicated, alpha hero ever! Jules is pretty freaking amazing in her own right but for me, this was all about Ruben. His journey to win Jules' heart had my own heart aching for him. My own journey through the story as things are slowly revealed had me turning the pages when I needed to get back to life. This book is the reason I will always read anything this author writes.



Dual POV
Safe no om drama that separates this couple; ow drama 12 years ago but not after they reunite; h not a virgin; H not a manwhore; H celibate during their years of separation; h was with one man for one night during the years of separation
Triggers no apparent triggers
Steam 5 /5; explicit; safe sex talk after the first time back together

[jakira · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 🌟's.

📝 tropes: PNR, witch heroine x vampire hero, second chance, road trip, forced proximity, only one bed, possessive/jealous hero
🌶 spice: 3.7/5 (as always, JC's heroes are so hAWTTTT + we got some vampire biting action so)
❌ CW: misogyny, violence, blood/gore, noncon vampire drinking, kidnapping

oof y'all. i really had higher expectations for this as it was one of my most anticipated romances; i've been dYING reading ab these two's tension from book 1 and it all built up!!!... only to fall down :/

what i liked: i absolutely adore this world, these characters, and the writing - JC never disappoints on those fronts and i love seeing the glimpses of previous couples and what they're up to. i aLSO was screaming and dying over the steam in this book because if there's one thing JC can 100% guarantee, it's that her heroes will be ✨sexy delicious hot men who love to please their partners✨ since Ruben's a vampire..........the biting!! the possessiveness!! the jealousy!! UGH, ate that shit up🥵
**will come back on release day to insert my fave..✨QUOTES✨ teeheheh** not only is this man fine as hell, Ruben's obvious fucking DEVOTION to Jules over the entirety of their relationship (12+ years) was just.. slaying. this man is officially on the book bf list bc wow... he truly is IT. the absolute head over heels love he has for Jules is BREATHTAKING. **again will return on release day to include quotes to exemplify what i mean**

now for what i didn't like: so. oh man, ok. the build up of their enemies to lovers romance with all the tension mixed with second chance angst within the previous books did nOTTT deliver how i wanted it to in this😭 i wanted more of them back in their hometown with the rest of the crew + seeing more of their enemies interactions there because then it could've continued and also fit with how their animosity was built up in the previous books ya know? but it wasn't that much.. there was a hint of it and then bam, we basically moved into him courting her/winning her back. i wanted there to be more push and pull, more angst, maybe even flashbacks to the past beyond the prologue. i wanted there to be like GUT WRENCHING second chance but there was such a big portion of this where they were just together?? and i just felt like there needed to be more before they got together ya know????? it was overall v disappointing since i didn't expect their book to be like this.. the entire time they were basically on a road trip and doing like coven stuff which.. i was also bored by and felt like decreased the fun that previous books had when it was placed inside their hometown instead - bc that way we got multiple characters ya know? lots of fun interactions and stuff. this was just these 2, ruben's close guards and like political figures whom i cud care less about.

ANYWHO. this was my v ranty review bc i had high expectations/hopes but they weren't met and i am. sad. ALAS. i am awaiting my bebe faves clara and henry's book bc HOLY SHIT i need them together now.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to the author for the e-ARC. Releases October 31st, 2022!

[Lea Bookjoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

French & English reviews

ENFIN LE TOME DE RUBEN ET JULES !!

Je crois que c'est un des livres que j'attendais le plus ce mois-ci voire cette année ... Et je l'ai adoré !

Ce que j'ai particulièrement adoré :

- l'univers toujours aussi riche ! J'ai adoré ici la dimension internationale qu'on a pu voir avec les différentes factions politiques dans d'autres pays =)

- l'intrigue qui m'a passionnée du début à la fin ! On est parti d'un simple voyage d'affaire à un complot avec magie noire et mégalomanie à profusion (la scène où Jules se fait capturer ... OMG j'ai tellement flippé !! Et pleuré ><) J'avoue j'avais un peu vu venir "la" trahison mais j'ai quand même beaucoup aimé toute l'intrigue (j'adore les méchants malaisants =))

- les personnages que j'adore =) C'était vraiment intéressant d'avoir le point de vue de Jules parce qu'on la d��couvre sous un nouveau jour et j'ai adoré voir son côté vulnérable mais aussi joueur ! Et bien sûr Ruben qui était tellement romantique et étrangement "mignon" >< (mais chut xD) Petit coup de cœur pour Sal qui m'a beaucoup fait rire xD

- la romance ... PFIOULALA !! Je savais que ça allait être intense avec Ruben et Jules vu tout leur passé mais j'ai adoré la façon dont on voit l'évolution de toute leur relation !

- cette fin beaucoup trop mignonne ><

Bref, un tome que les fans de la série vont adorer mais aussi les fans d'urban fantasy et de romance =)

PS : j'ai tellement hâte d'avoir le livre de Clara ! L'extrait à la fin ... *O*


*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*


AT LAST THE BOOK OF RUBEN AND JULES !!

I think it's one of the books I was most looking forward to this month or even this year ... And I loved it !

What I particularly loved :

- the ever-rich universe ! I loved here the international dimension that we could see with the different political factions in other countries =)

- the plot that fascinated me from beginning to end ! We went from a simple business trip to a conspiracy with black magic and megalomania galore (the scene where Jules gets captured... OMG I so freaked out !! And cried ><) I have to admit I kinda saw "the" betrayal coming but I still really liked the whole plot (I love creepy villains =))

- the characters that I adore =) It was really interesting to have the point of view of Jules because we discover her in a new light and I loved seeing her vulnerable but also playful side ! And of course Ruben who was so romantic and strangely "cute" >< (but hush xD) Little crush on Sal who made me laugh a lot xD

- the romance... PFIOULALA!! I knew it was going to be intense with Ruben and Jules given all their past but I loved the way we see the evolution of their whole relationship !

- this very cute ending ><

In short, a book that fans of the series will love but also fans of urban fantasy and romance =)

PS: I can't wait to have Clara's book ! The excerpt at the end ... *O*

[Antonella · Rating 3 out of 5]

all the tension from previous books is gone, and this is just them wanting to get together and then finally doing just that

2,5 stars

[YT · Rating 2 out of 5]

[ BOOK INFO ]
tags: f/m romance, contemporary, forced proximity, witches, vampires, werewolves, mutual pining, second-chance romance

Pages: 365
Chapters: 27 (excluding prologue and epilogue)
POV(s): Jules & Ruben


<< Includes >>
+ a sneak peak of ‘Grim and Bear it’ (book 6 of Stay a Spell)
+ Spotify playlist you can listen to while reading
+ an artwork of the 2 protagonists

------------------------------------------

[[ CONTENT WARNINGS ]]

+ blood/gore
+ torture
+ death/murder
+ kidnapping/abduction
+ dugging
+ misogyny/sexism
+ Agism
+ some level of classism
+ sexually explicit scenes (including masturbation)
+ open/public displays of sex and blood biting
+ BDSM (especially dominant/submissive dynamic)
+ mental illness (based on the book’s magic system. Specifically, ‘Fang-mania’: can randomly happen when vampires drink form other supernatural beings. Causes the blood-host to become obsessed with the vampire and their toxin, forgetting all else )


------------------------------------------
[[ Q's ]]

Q: sexually explicit scenes/sex scenes?
yes, many, often stretching pages and mentions of seeing and hearing others having sex

Q: love triangle?
no, though the author does use jealousy as a plot device.

Q: HEA? (Where both characters end up together?)
If you’ve read the previous books in this series you probably already know but yes. They do end up together.

Q: Betrayals?
yes. A character that was part of the main cast betrays them. Who: Gabriel Stonebridge

Q: violence/ traumatic experiences? See content warnings

------------------------------------------
[[ PERSONAL COMMENTS ]]

In summary, my face for the majority of this book looked like this: 😑
I liked how Jules was portrayed in the previous books which is why I was excited to read this one but I was disappointed.

(possible spoilers ahead)

< < General > >

📖 the whole ‘being ashamed’ about dating someone else after having already broken up with Ruben years ago was just…no. Also, it’s written as Jules expressing shame over dating (to the point of crying and apologising) but not Ruben (who also tried dating after they broke up) who says ‘it never got that far' and pushing that she should be ashamed of dating other people while they were not dating.

Ruben may have decided not to date after breaking up with Jules but he had no right to say she has to do the same thing.

📖 they only have a conversation about having not using condoms after sex and there was this whole scene about STDs and the fact Ruben couldn’t have an STD because he hadn’t had sex with another person since Jules (which was supposed to emotional and romantic) but…do they know how how STDs work?

Some STDs can be transferred through skin-to-skin contact, blood-to-blood contact (Eg. When vampires suck blood from their blood hosts) and other bodily fluids.

📖 this could just be me, but the author’s habit of mentioning characters as ‘Asian woman,’ ‘southern women’ and ‘Scottish werewolf’ just kind of rubbed me the wrong way.

📖 the author makes a very clear distinction between friend and foe (excluding the one surprise antagonist) which honestly just undercut the tension of the climax of the book.

📖 the amount of killing done by the main characters to the antagonists in the end is just brushed off so the protagonists could have their happily ever after.

I would have expected there to get a debate about drawing a line and how ‘good’ can’t use ‘evil’s playbook’ and only killing when absolutely necessary…but no. All of that just went out the window and so they suffer no consequences for intentional mass murder. And show no regret or guilt for all the people they killed.

📖 the character’s hypocritical views about werewolves had me raising an eyebrow at the irony. Their whole goal for this book is to change the stereotypes that werewolves are violent beasts, yet when they hear werewolf howling in the distance, instead of checking if they need help, the main characters lock their windows and doors (essentially barricading themselves in their room), Ruben even calling them ‘rogue’ and ‘essentially feral beasts.’

It just felt like the entire time, while they were critiquing others for their backward views, they were actually saying: ‘werewolves are violent, feral beasts unless they receive magical treatment from a witch to "control their wolf"' Not to mention the previous decision to track all werewolves without their consent to prove others don’t need to be afraid of them.


< < Characters > >

📖 Beverly is portrayed as this desperate and shallow ex-like character who followed Ruben to New Orleans after losing her job (because she got ‘fang-mania’ after being his blood host) begging him for a job. It was toyed with a couple times how Ruben would would ‘fire her and kick her out onto the streets’ because Jules was jealous of her.

Then she actually does get fired and exiled from his coven (because Jules thinks her and Ruben are in a relationship and he ‘couldn’t have that’) but the entire time it’s framed as a good thing. And then it’s never talked about again.

📖 throughout the book Ruben hints at having Gareth (his employee) follow and gather information about Jules (while they were broken up) which is written off as an endearing quirk rather than what it actually is: stalking

📖 the whole book (and series in fact) fixates on the supernaturals’ (other than the witches + warlocks) need to conquer and control which is used to excuse morally ambiguous actions (Eg. Vampires driving witches out of their homes or what they do during sex—often without having a proper conversation)

Then there was this scene about ‘scent’ (you can probably guess where I’m going):
“He shivered as he slid his thumb free of me then smeared his cum all over my slit, pressing some back inside me, his gaze fixed on where he spread his seed.
Both of us panting, he spread the cum on my stomach all over my skin and my breasts. He took a dry towel to wipe some of the excess, leaving behind a thin, sticky sheen.
“I’ll need another shower,” I said, still catching my breath.
“No, you fucking won’t.”
Which is just…eww. If she wants to take a shower after sex then she should be able to have a goddamn shower.

📖 how Ruben and Jules were described just didn’t match their thoughts and actions while reading from their perspective.

E.g, Jules was described as mature, put-together, responsible and thoughtful, who owns and reads multiple non-fictional books and spends her time at night in a quiet room while sipping red wine from a glass.

But, none of that comes through in this book. It has the same tone as all the previous books and none of the writing matches the specific personalities of each character.


< < Relationship > >

📖 it felt like the author used sex and sex appeal to ‘fix’ their relationship while the emotional conversations and about the past (why they broke up and their own internal conflict) was pushed to the side and felt incomplete and off.

It was also a bit off-putting when Ruben would mention very sexually explicit things they had done while having the ‘even after all we’ve been through’ conversation. Like this conversation:

“You’re going to pretend you didn’t love every second I was inside you, fucking this cunt that is mine.” He was raging, spitting cruelty in malicious words. “You’re just going to forget how you begged me to fuck you, over and over again. That you screamed and cried for me”

📖 them trying to restart their relationship happened way too quickly and after that, it was like the past breakup never happened (other than the whole ‘I can’t loose her again’ thing at the plot climax)

📖 the fact that Ruben just decided they were back together without actually talking to her about it and acts like she is his in front of others. It put her in an awkward spot and if she hadn't actually wanted to get back together with him, could have felt pressured by other people into not denying it even if she felt uncomfortable.


[[ CONCLUSION ]]
The tone of this book is exactly the same as the others in this series, so if you liked those, you'll probably like this. Quite a few problematic things and personally just found it hard to root for any of the characters. Although, it is fun seeing all the crossovers which is why I've continued with this series. I'm hesitant to read the next book but for the sake of continuity I might.

[Robin (Bridge Four) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Stay a Spell series follows a family of witches as each of the sisters with their unique talents finds their perfect someone. The eldest sister’s story has been set up bit by bit and is ready to be told. Jules is the enforcer to the magical community. When some magical creature gets a little out of hand she steps in and nulls their magic until they can be given a trial and judged. It is a position that comes with a lot of responsibility and she has taken care of both her family and New Orleans for years. Now it is time for Ruben to figure out a way to take care of her.

Jules and Ruben were together for a brief time right as Jules took over her new position. She was trying to establish herself in her appointment and make sure she was taken seriously. She was the youngest enforcer ever and had some boundaries to establish and be able to prove herself. Ruben was a distraction; Ruben was strong and confident in his power and Ruben didn’t see when he stepped over lines. Jules left him and now 12 years later he has found the window he needs to get back into her life.

As Jules and Ruben travel to various Covens to campaign to have the Werewolves added to the counsels he will find a time to make his shot as he is tired of living life without his mate and he is ready to make sure she feels the pull between them too. They just have to also keep each other safe will in England because something isn’t right in the largest coven there and they are going to find out what it is soon.

I enjoyed this second chance story. You could see why Jules made the choices she did when they were first together and you could see the changes that Ruben had made to his thinking over the last twelve years. They had both grown and you could tell it was their time to come together. I really enjoyed the mysterious black magic part of the plot and how it worked.

Overall this was another great stepping stone in the overall series and the entire magical community in it.

[Diane (Books and Tequila Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Resting Witch Face is book five in the Stay A Spell series. Each book tells the story of one of the Savoie sisters and while they are all stand-alones, you get a richer story when all are read in order.

I have been waiting with bated breath for Jules and Rubin’s story since first reading book one and getting glimpses of their chemistry throughout the series and I was not disappointed at all.

“…telling her that she was my true mate—my soulmate, my bloodmate—would’ve terrified her even more and sent her running even farther from me.”

RWF delivers with all the swoon and emotion, add in the angst, danger, suspense and an exciting storyline … I didn’t want to put the book down from the moment I started reading!
-5+ Stars!-

[Angela Hates Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Rules so much. And I reaaaaally love the lack of third act break up in Juliette Cross’ books 💕🥹

Jules and Ruben have some history and serious tension the last few books and YAY that’s finally put to bed (literally) in this book! It has all the fated mates possessiveness that I absolutely love and a HEA that these two both deserve.

The only thing about this book is I don’t think it brought the second chance romance angst that I enjoy. It just kinda seemed like…oh you guys already love each other. I missed the falling in love part, it just kinda appeared and there it is. We basically started the book with them both deciding to get back together on their own and it wasn’t much of a journey. But! Still love Rules and their fated mate ways!

[Sadie Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was everything I wanted and more for Jules and Ruben.

TL/DR Review
Stars: Five Sparkling Brilliant Stars
Series: Stay a Spell book 5 - really should be read in order
POV: dual first
Steam: high - stars with a bang, deeply intimate, biting for all the best reasons, lots of walls and desks involved…
Tropes: fated mates, second change, us against the world, always only you, competence kink, pining (Ala Gatsby for Daisy but less annoying)
For Fans Of: Juliette Cross - honestly shows her darker side and also the best of Stay a Spell
Theme Song: The Mummer’s Dance by Loreena McKnight
Subgenre: paranormal
CW/ TW: bloodshed on the page, paranormal violence, misogyny

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story unfortunately didn't meet my ridiculously high expectations, but it was still great. It's just...I wanted to love it, you see, and in the end, I just really liked it 🥺

So what did I find hot, and what was not? Here's a short rundown:

***SPOILERS AHEAD***

💎🩸 Ruben's pining and their chemistry 🩸💎

“You have no idea what I’d do for you.”

Look, at this point it's no secret, but I love me a good, pining man (or a vampire, whatever!). And Ruben so deliciously delivered:

“I know, darling(...) You said it already. We weren’t together. You’d broken up with me. But I’d never broken up with you.”

In "real life" this would raise so many red flags for me, you know with a man who refuses to acknowledge it's over, but a 400-year-old vampire living like a monk for 12 years because waiting for his girl to be ready to give their relationship another go?

H.O.T. 🔥🔥🔥

I also loved how he gave Juliana her space when she needed it, but then when an occasion rose for them to work together, he took full advantage to convince her they are not over, he was so relentless, I ate it all up.

And it was so funny too, because this was Ruben: "I was a patient hunter. I’d waited this fucking long, so I was going to do this right. No spooking my prey. No sudden movements to let her get away. I’d wait in the underbrush, let her get comfortable with my presence and my intent, let her circle and draw closer by small degrees. It would be a slow, deliberate seduction so that once she was within my reach, she’d be ready for me."

Also Ruben @Jules literally 5 seconds later: "I changed my whole life and my feeding habits, because it made you sad that I fed from women, it was all for you Juliana, I looooove youuuuu."

That man tried so hard to convince himself he was in control, but he literally had no chill when it came to Jules, it was so funny 😂😂💀

And, you know, Jules and Ruben's chemistry together was just sizzling, there was this powerful energy in some of their scenes, and it made for a hypnotizing read (although not always, but more on that later).

💎🩸 Bloodsharing 🩸💎

Ruben's vampire nature and his need for blood, and the utterly erotic nature of feeding were a huge obstacle for this couple. When it comes to vampire lore, bloodsharing is honestly one of my favourite things, and I did enjoy how it was tackled here. When it finally happened between the two, it was not only utterly sexy, it was also an expression of love and utter trust between Ruben and Juliana. It was beautiful.

"I trailed my fingertip along his lower lip then slipped it inside, tracing one long sharp canine to the tip. I slid the pad of my finger to the point and pressed until it stung and a droplet of blood pooled. His eyes slid closed, nostrils flaring, his chest heaving faster as a single drop of toxin poured into my bloodstream. I moaned at the ecstasy that sizzled through me, my hips pressing up with want. Trailing my bloody finger over his bottom lip, I coaxed my vampire out to play."

💎🩸 Let women have their orgasms!!! 🩸💎

Miss Juliette Cross was doing so good here, was doing me so proud. Ruben living chaste for 12 years cause he only wants Juliana? Couldn't get hotter! Then we also get info that Juliana had other relationships during that time? Could get better, right?

Wrong. **Le Sigh™**

"Being with another man had sickened me, shamed me. So much so that I never even tried with anyone else."

Mates or not, soulmates, bloodmates yada yada, whatever, I don't care what trope you're writing, putting words like this into your heroine's mouth is what sickens ME. I said that many times before and I will say that again - let your female characters have their orgasms guilt-free! What does it say about you as a writer if you think you cannot make the connection between your mains "special" and "life-alternating" without cheapening and bad-mouthing heroine's other relationships? It's just lazy, that's that it is. I know some of you will say romance has its rules or whatever, but to me some of these rule are stupid and outdated. Magical soulmates or not, people stop being together and move on, and an unattached woman having sex is no cause for shame. Shame on you for still writing shit like this.

***tries to calm down***

💎🩸 So how old is Ruben again??#(%@?? 🩸💎

While we're on the topic of things that drove me nuts - this is an absolutely "me" thing, overall I don't think it's THAT big of a deal...but gods, I hate it when authors can't keep their facts straight. The smallest indication of some inconsistency, and my obsessive brain latches onto it, and once it does, there's no going back. I will trace all the quotes that point out to discrepancies. I will try to wrap my head around it and make sense of it.



Things that didn't check out here:

1) Ruben's age: one time it's mentioned that he was born in the early 1600s (so he must've been born between 1600-1609, unless the author meant the whole century - tho wouldn't she then say "XVII century" which would be more correct?), then one time it's said he's 300-years old, then that he's almost 400-years old or that he's over 300-years old, and then he says he was born roughly 100 years after Henry VIII (who was born in 1491), so my question is, HOW OLD IS HE AGAIN, TELL ME EXACTLY SO IT MAKES SENSE

2) Sal's (a vampire side character) age: at the beginning of the book Ruben states that Sal clearly has a wish to die before his 100th birthday, then at the end of the book Sal tells a story of him seducing a circus artist in 1800s, which again DOES NOT CHECK OUT, since it's confirmed that the present story takes place in XXI century

3) There's a vampire side character called Mr. Abrams, who is identified through the whole story as Ruben's father's friend - then in the epilogue, when we're in Jules' pov, she calls him "HER father's friend" - I assume JC forgot which pov she was writing in, but damn, do small things like this take me out of the story!

💎🩸 Ruben's friend betrayed him, so what? 🩸💎

This is me going more and more nitpicky here, but this "plot twist" at the end, where Gabriel - Ruben's second in command and a close friend for over a hundred years - betrays Ruben and takes his evil brother's side fell so, so flat to me. For one, we could kind of guess that Gabriel would do this, though not through means of subtle hinting, more like powerful hits to the head.

Secondly, I did not find it in me to care. Why? Because the story failed to make me care about that friendship. Ruben and Gabriel maybe share a single one-on-one scene together at the beginning, and it's far from meaningful. There is hardly any mention of what he means to Ruben. Gabriel is hardly in many scenes with Ruben, Jules and the rest of the vampires they take on their trip overseas, and when he is, it's still not to build any rapport with Jules or anything emotional. He spends time with his soon-to-be-revealed-to-be-evil brother. So when the betrayal happens, there are no emotional stakes built that would make me go "oh no, sucks for Ruben, this hurts". I'm like, "ok, figures, let's move on".

💎🩸 Angst, where thou? 🩸💎

I must be entering an angsty era in my life, I guess, because all the books I've read lately disappointed me on that front. And unfortunately this is one of them. Firstly, I want to underline this fact once more: I liked this book lots and had a great time reading it, and I loved Jules and Ruben together. That being said, I have to admit one thing - as far as second chance romance goes, this was not it, I'm sorry but it wasn't.

While there were many great scenes between Ruben and Jules trying to piece their relationship back together, it lacked a certain tension. Why? Because basically after 50 pages or so, Jules was already behaving like it was a foregone conclusion that she and Ruben would be together.

I wanted tension, I wanted pining on BOTH sides, I wanted them tortured sleeping in the same bed and longing for one another thinking they can never have it back. Again, this is a very "it's not the book, it's me" thing, but I'm apparently in the mood where the reunion that Ruben and Jules had was too mild at times, too...rational? Just...look, is it even a second chance romance if you don't have the couple arguing their hearts out and then ending it in a mindless, passionate kiss and hate sex?

WHERE WAS IT I ASK YOU, WHERE

At the same time, after they get back together, I was happy to see at least SOME of that tension back, with issues like bloodsharing still unresolved. So to be fair, there was some tension. To be honest, I guess I'm just a little butthurt that after all this teasing in the last four books, this didn't pan out exactly how I imagined it would 😅😅😬

💎🩸 Creepy, action-packed ending 🩸💎

Last, but not least though, I was also happy with the third act. Once Ruben and Jules get to England with their mission, the creepy atmosphere and the sense of impending doom set in. Especially once they travel to Edmund's castle. The rumours of disappearances, whispers of black magic being at work...all that made for a great build-up of this stifling atmosphere and fear of what's to happen. The vampire masquerade scene was written perfectly, and I loved the mention of "Lullaby of Woe" being sung (though a song doesn't come from the tv show originally, it's from the Witcher games, again keep your facts straight lol).

💎🩸 Final thoughts 🩸💎

I deeply regret that this was not a 5-star read for me in the end. Like I said at the beginning, I'm probably only disappointed because my expectations were so high, but then again, I think I'm allowed to have those expectations from all the build up from previous books. No matter what though, I still loved Jules and Ruben, and they do have an epic connection between them. I just wanted them to suffer a bit more before they got together 🤨😈

"The monsters desperately wanted to take him away from me, but I couldn’t let that happen. I’d never let that happen again. They didn’t understand. No one would take him away from me. He was mine, and I was his, and nothing could sever us again."