Wielder’s Bond

Lady Witch #2

by Melissa Mitchell

Trust may be the only magic that can save us...

I've done my best to leave my past behind, but Rixon? He’s still carrying the weight of his. His history has shattered his trust in the very bond that ties us together. It's clear that the memories of being manipulated still haunt him. He’s determined to control the magic that binds us, even if that means pushing me away.

But here's the thing: a witch and a wielder are bound for life.

As we journey through the demon-infested lands of Raeria, Rixon and I are forced to face the depths of our bond and what it really means to be partners, both in battle and in heart. Trust is the only weapon we have to survive the dangers around us, but can Rixon accept the power of our connection before it destroys us both?

Now it's my turn to fight for the bond we share.

Wielder’s Bond is the second novel in the Lady Witch Series, filled filled with passion, danger, and the kind of trust that can either heal or destroy.

Warning: This series contains explicit sexual content suitable for audiences 18+, adult language, and some demon-slaying violence.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Witches, New Adult

258 pages, Paperback

Published August 23, 2022

About the author

Instagram: @melissa.nicole.mitchell

Mrs. Mitchell is an author of young adult fantasy and paranormal romance. Her debut novel, Blood and Ballet, is a unique combination of two of her favorite things: vampires and ballet. She is currently working on a young adult epic fantasy series set in the fictional world of Dragonwall. You can purchase the first and second installments, Talon the Black and Reyr the Gold, through bookstores worldwide. Autographed copies can be obtained from her website store.

Mrs. Mitchell also has her Ph. D in physics with an emphasis in non-imaging optics; she is an illumination engineer for a large corporate lighting company in the United States.

She adores spending time with her husband and their three dogs (two Siberian huskies and an English lab). She also enjoys playing piano, reading, writing, baking goodies, eating chocolate, tea, wine, Prosecco, and especially bullet journaling.

Mrs. Mitchell offers “author reviews” for books that catch her eye, and you are welcome to submit your book request via goodreads messages. She reserves the right to leave messages unanswered if the book does not catch her attention.

Reviews

[JP · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is like crack. I just want to sit down and savor every single moment of this and then I think, “what will I read then?”
So yes, I love this book. It was good. I loved everything about it but mostly because of the romance. To be specific the man that I’ve fallen so hard for.

[Literary Drunk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wielder's Bond! OMFG! Magic and Spice and everything NICE!

Okay, so book two definitely has less demon action and WAAAY more...bedroom action. We're finally getting to dive into Rixon's past and...WTF! he's been holding out on us!! Can't wait for the next book because I imagine Mina is gonna hit the roof.

I'm not gonna lie, I preferred book 1 because I'm more of a less is more kinda girl when it comes to smut scenes. But those of you who live for the spice, bring your knives and forks and dive in, there's plenty to be had and you're gonna love it! Book 1 was...omg, it left me hugging my pillow. Wielder's Bond was awesome in a different way. They were both delicious, but one was less spicy and that's how I prefer my pad thai ;) mild, so I can savor the other subtler flavors.
Back to WB. When Rixon hurt my poor Mina, I wanted to bludgeon him with a dish cloth, emotional wound or not. That's another small gripe I have, I wish Mina had made him suffer a little more. But I guess that's just not in her character, and I respect that. I do. Not everyone can be a sulky vengeful hag like me. Mina really is the epitome of female strength and honor.

And wise too. I love how she handles Rixon's emotional wound. "That, I believe, is the metric by which I shall make my measurement of your trust."

I aspire to be as badass as Mina. Seriously! I have a MASSIVE girl crush! Mina has my WHOLE heart. Rixon has my aorta.

"He watched her pencil move as she spoke. Each stroke was a layer of life breathed into the page."

Once again, Melissa nails the flashbacks. I loved heading back in time a few years to see what Rixon went through with Ena and why he hates witches so much. Hated, I mean. Until Mina, of course. And then that last scene with the Bolrun ... *clamps hands over mouth* ... Okay, sorry, sorry, no spoilers. But let me just say, the climax (of the hair-raising, grab-your-sword kind ) towards the end had me hyperventilating. Literally on the edge of my seat.

I'm going to be diving into Wielder's Might sooner than expected because towards the end, there was some epic foreshadowing. Looks like Mina's tapping into some serious magic and I'm freaking here for it! Melissa has whetted my appetite for demon slaying and magic wielding. I think the politics are gonna be ramping up and the plot's about to get heavy. I'm girding the ole lady loins, and I'm heading in for book 3! Hold my beer!

[Sarah Gordon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved that these books are a super quick read, but oh how I longed for more plot outside of the smut and romance😭 Mina is the heroine I’ve been SEARCHING for, and I wanted to see her in action more. Despite that I adored how her and Rixon’s relationship grew in this one!

[Maui Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

You guys need to read this. This is definitely a book worth reading. If you're looking for something that would make you feel like you're in a fantasy world, this is it. The aesthetic, the feel, the vibes:1000/10. You will feel like you're with them in some medieval era. Don't even get me started with the main characters. They have so much chemistry that they tend to leave me speechless at times. Rixon, you're definitely rocking this moody vibes. And Mina, such a badass. Like damn.

Don't waste any more time guys. Add it on your TBR's list now.

[Christine Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw a review that says it’s “magic, spice, and everything nice” and YES - that perfectly describes this series. Heavy on spice and romantasy! Overall just good vibes

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh we are cooking with gas now

[Amanda.Laurieann · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️
4🌶

This series has a very strong hold over me. I can't stop reading these books!

During the first book you learn about Mina's backstory and her trauma. In this installment you learn more about Rixon's past. His backstory was very cringy, sad, and slightly depressing. Even though these are novellas and not that long, you really fall for these characters and their struggles.

Overall, I can't get enough of these books. The spice was even better and basically doubled from the first book. Also, the main story is very intriguing and I really want to know what is going on with the world and demons. And there was a small plot twist that I wasn't expecting which makes me even more excited for the conclusion of this trilogy.

[Ania_Gemma_Reads \ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wielder's Bond by Melissa Mitchell
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐⭐/5
🌶🌶🌶.5/ 5

SYNOPSIS:
Every witch needs a wielder. While Mina might have overcome her past, Rixon hasn’t. His scars are more than physical. He fears their bond. Once used as a tool to manipulate him, Rixon is determined to keep a tight hold on the threads that bind him. Even if it betrays his lack of trust.

QUOTE:
“No matter what,” he said, “you will always be the best thing that’s happened to me, Mina.”

MY THOUGHTS:
This book is everything that I want and more. I devoured the first book and this one was even better!

I love Mina, she is such a wonderful character, she knows she has to work through some of her issues and she is trying to openly communicate with Rixon about this which I love! For me personally a miscommunication trope is the worst evil in the bookworld! I think Mina knows that and even when she is hurt and has to process her feelings at the end she always does the right thing and talks about it! LOVING IT!!!

I loved Rixon from the beginninghe has the most delicious filthy mouth and he is tall, strong, broody and silent! I did not know I could love him even more... BUT WAIT... enter his tragic backstory that literally ripped me into pieces and then glued me back together! We get more of Rixon in this book and I am loving it. There was also an exploding bombshell waiting at the end that had me scream out loud!

I love the writing, the pacing is perfect, and the flashbacks int he beginning of each chapter are perfection! I am usually not a fan of them but Melissa did a phenomenal job with making them a perfect little foreshadowing for each chapter *chefs kiss!*

Do not worry I saved the best for last: SPICE (cue the little angels singing). The spice was soo good, and perfectly sprinkled throughout the book. The tension, the chemistry is fantastical! I love that Mina is coming out of her shell and really embracing all the good things that life.. or in this case Rixon has to offer and she is not shy about it, which I love. We also find out that Rixon was holding back a little bit on Mina, but he finally trusts her enough to show his "fun side" if you get my meaning!

Love this series so much and the only reason why I am holding back with starting the third book is because I DO NOT WANT IT TO END. *Cue the waterworks*

[Elianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a second book, I think this one had everything I could hope for and more! It was perfectly balanced with character development, romance, and world-building. Each part of this story just kept getting better and better, seriously!

I love how quickly Melissa’s writing can suck me in. She never fails to capture me from page one and keep me fully invested and immersed in the world she creates. I feel fully involved with the story because I can picture everything as she is describing it and it makes for such a wonderful reading experience!

Just like in Wielder’s Prize, Melissa uses flashbacks to help orient the reader to her character's backstories and this time, we get to see Rixon’s past. I always love getting a peak behind the curtain with male characters and I thought this was done very well. I loved how he came out of his shell with Mina in book one and throughout book two, we really get to see more of who he truly is and learn a bit more about why. I already loved Rixon, but after this book, I love him all the more. I mean how can you not when he is so incredibly protective of his Lady Witch. At the same time, Mina stands out as a woman who is not afraid to take charge. She knows the power she has and she knows what needs to be done and is willing to do it. She really embraces her role as a leader and I appreciated the confidence she showed in those moments.

We see Mina and Rixon’s relationship progress and hit a few roadblocks along the way. One of my biggest pet peeves with a lot of bookish relationships, is lack of communication that keeps the couple separated for an extended period of time and I applaud Melissa for not falling into this easy trope. Both Mina and Rixon handled those moments with maturity and it really made a difference for me in elevating their relationship.

I loved every moment of this book and I of course devoured it in a day because I could not get enough. I really need to work on savoring my reads, but this one was just too good to stop!

[Gaiainc · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK, my dear authoress, you left us in the middle of sexy times at the end of the last book which you did not pick up again at the beginning of this book. Why? Like seriously. We all know Rixon is hot and heavy for Mina (and she for him) and this book is basically them banging each other in between bits of plot. It’s clear they both like to be dominated and submissive. It’s also clear that Eva was horrible, Rixon has SERIOUS daddy issues, and both Mina and Rixon had a LOT of maturing to do.

For example, Mina whinging to Rixon about he made her feel when she triggered his trauma and he didn’t react well. Like seriously? Really? Are you effing kidding me? Also, all the talking about a team and pulling together and respecting him… we get it. We also know that Mina is a softie and Rixon is actually a softie deep down even if he is Growling and Menacing. Makes one wonder if he’s a wolf in disguise or something. In between banging each other stupid, Mina and Rixon also work to save an outpost from being starved to death. Of course all the people in the outpost love Mina and warm up to Rixon. I know you weren’t expecting that.

There were several typos in this book. The AI taking dictate made the wrong word choice more than once. Also I’m not sure if it’s Ferrah or Farrah. At least Jarrow remained an Akeron… who magically does not kind kids even though the previous book had Jarrow being nasty with everyone except Mina… and Rixon who bribed him with apples. Just saying.

And yet I’m going to keep reading. There’s just something about these two horny disasters that has me sucked in and I can’t stop. At least the sexy times are entertaining.

[FloofyMooseReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wielder’s Bond by Melissa Mitchell is the second book of the Lady Witch series, and is a new adult romantic fantasy that focuses on characters with a unique underlying plot. Every witch is bonded to a wielder and the story picks up when Aramina and Rixon head out again on their journey. Dual POV and dual timelines. Tropes include one bed, one horse, who hurt you, forced proximity and bodyguard (sort of). Do check trigger warnings before reading, and this is an adults only book.

The Lovely: Pretty much the same loves as book 1. This book explored more of Rixon’s background, in particular his time with his prior witch, Ena. And she was truly horrible. You could also see Mina growing more into her role as a leader, but still valuing Rixon’s input. The plot and tension was again stellar in this book. The final event didn’t disappoint. For a 262 page book, SO much happens and it’s written well.

The Mundane: My only meh item was I felt like some (not all) of the spice scenes were getting repetitive. I think some of those could have been switched to tender/angst/emotional scenes for more impact at the end of the book.

The Dreadful: Nothing

Rating: 5/5 Stars 4/5 flames

Recommendation: After quickly devouring and becoming obsessed with the first book in the series, I had to dive right into this second book. And I’ll be jumping into the third book tomorrow after work. The characters and the storytelling just make this an enjoyable and easy read. If you like high fantasy with witches and monsters, and a lot of spice with a fun relationship, I think you would like this book.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5

This is book two and, in this book, you will see the past of Rixon and get a better understanding of why he acts in book one. I liked that you got to understand more about Rixon in this book and see his character growth throughout the book on top of seeing more about the plot coming through.

I love these books because of how fast and how great of a read they are.

With Rixon's past it was very sad, and a little depressing but you will see the present time and see him trying to come out of the shell that he built around himself. I loved that you saw the changes in him, and you can tell even though they might be small at first how happy it makes Mina that he is trying.

I was not expecting the small plot twist that was thrown out in the middle of the book and at the end again. I cannot wait to see if I have it correct with who Rixon really is and what that will mean for him and Mina later in the book.

The spice level in this book was a lot more than the first one and I didn’t mind at all because it was done in a way that just added to growing attraction and love the characters have for each other.

I can’t wait to get more answers about the growing demons in their country and how these two will help destroy them completely.

Great for anyone who loves witches, demons, sexy protectors, and spicy scenes.

[Sarah G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another really solid addition to the Lady Witch series!

I feel like this series really is an ideal romantasy for those who like the spice above all else in their fantasy. It’s a fascinating world with interesting magical tensions, but the focus on Aramina and Rixon definitely supersedes all other plot aspects.

I enjoyed getting to know Rixon in this book and understanding why he is the way he is. His major twist was one I had secretly been hoping for and had my heart got all fluttery when it was revealed. I’m really curious to see where the next book goes with this twist in mind.

I also love the format to these books. I like that they’re short, concise, and rotate through perspectives and action. This one was heavier on the spice than the plot at times, but sometimes thats what you’re looking for.

Overall a quick and enjoyable read. I’ll definitely be finishing out this series, looking forward to seeing where it goes from here.

[123_Romantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
4🌶️

Spicy, spicy, spicy 🌶️ 🥵

The 2nd installment of this series truly kicked everything up a notch.

We continue to follow Mina and Rixon as they travel to their assigned post, but have been staying longer to help another outpost in the meantime. Attempting to close a rift not too far away.

The chemistry and dirty banter between these 2 is 🥵🥵🥵🥵 inducing. Rixon has one dirty mouth that I am here for!

Fast-paced, short, quick reads that has all the spice but still a story behind it.

[Karen G · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ A good 2nd book. An easy read.
Different from the first and a continuation of the relationship between Mina and Rixon. Things definitely heated up 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ BUT it got to the point that it was overtaking the story in places where I skimmed over it towards the end.
I still enjoyed watching the growth of Mina and her trust in him. He was an enigma that was thawing and I was happy to see his story.
I will be moving on to the next book to see what happens to them next.

[Cathie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up, it was interesting that this book was more from Rixon’s POV, considering both books had both POVs, but the first one was Mina this one was Rixon’s story. I enjoyed that as a novelty.

Got a bit sick of the thousands of orgasms a night, and frankly I’m surprised she doesn’t have a UTI. Got a bit sick of the romance, the fantasy was okay.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wielder’s Bond

Aramina and her Wielder is an interesting romance. The trials and tribulations they go through while trying to find their way closer to each other is enjoyable. I have enjoyed learning about this world they live in and the demons that they have to do away with before they can breathe and enjoy life together.

[Aly · Rating 1 out of 5]

The first book wasn’t great, but I read this one because I thought the plot had potential. Boy did this author take this series in a completely different direction than I was expecting. This book was very slow and boring, I just could not get through it. I stopped around 65% of the way through

[Lydia Fussell]

I DNFed on 33%. I just couldn’t take it seriously anymore. This author went from a long series of YA and no spice to this series with ALL the spice and I feel like it’s the main focus. I’d like this author’s works more if there was balance between action, plot, and intimacy between characters.

[Astraea Galanis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book!

[Rubz]

A few typos, we get Rixon’s back story in this one, an interesting world, and very steamy intimate scenes. Definitely going off to the next one.

Thank you Ms Mitchell!!

[Pancakes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like not much happened and it was a little repetitive

[Arelena Gostimirovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I might write a more in depth review later, overall amazing though, can't wait to discover more about Rixon's character in the next book 💫🤍

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t understand why book 1 & 2 weren’t just 1 book?

[C.M. Guidroz · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first book, I did not expect this one to have even MORE SPICE! I mean we are going at it every chapter, and I'm not mad about it!

The story picks up right where it left off and the progression of Mina and Rixon's relationship was just so fun and did I mention spicy?!

I love this series so much! I highly recommend it for fantasy romance lovers!

[Katherine Lee, IG: hummingbirdbookproject · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is HOT. I thought the relationship with Rixon and Aramina was super nicely built up, and of course their chemistry is amazing. I thought the magic system with the demons was super interesting too, I'm super invested now <3