Earth Wolf & Fire

Eliza Falls #2

by Maggie Francis

Tate

I’m not going to argue that I’m a gregarious and charming werewolf with a mischievous grin for everyone I see. The proof is in the pudding. Life in Eliza Falls follows a pleasing pattern of working at the Animal Rescue center and running the business side of the company I own with my brother Seb. Life is good, if a little lonely. Living with just my brother for so long, it now feels wonderful to be expanding our small Pack with Seb’s Mate and her family, planting roots in this kooky little town we now call home.

But something’s still missing.

Until the day my bestie welcomes home an old friend and my Wolf falls wildly in love. Finally my life clicks into place with a joy so fierce I barely contain myself.

When an unknown threat looms over my newfound happiness, I vow to do everything in my power to keep her safe, but will it be enough?

Ulla

Having magic that keeps me separate from my peers is just something I’ve gotten used to. The only friends I had growing up were my cousin and her best friend in the summers spent in a funny small town in the Pacific Northwest. It’s been so long since I’ve been back though, I’m not so sure where I fit anymore. My magic has increased since I left five years ago and it’s getting harder to hear my own thoughts over the whisper of the wind.



Running into a Very Hot Man my first week in town isn’t something I planned. The way the beast inside him shouts his affection at me? Plot twist! But not an unwelcome one. Can my new werewolf boyfriend settle the magic inside me? Or will my gifts be the key to unlocking happiness for both of us?

Earth Wolf & Fire is the second novel in the Eliza Falls series, magical small town romances with humor, high heat and guaranteed Happily Ever Afters. Fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Gilmore Girls and Practical Magic will enjoy this series!

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Shapeshifters, Fantasy Romance, Cozy Fantasy, Paranormal Romance

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2022

About the author

Maggie Francis writes cozy paranormal romance. What’s that you ask? Why, it’s a lot like if Buffy The Vampire Slayer and the Gilmore Girls had a sexy lovechild. We’re talking hunky werewolves, sassy witches and a cast of other supernatural side characters that make you laugh as you witness the shenanigans they get up to and enjoy the banter that comes along with an overactive imagination.

Maggie started writing as a way to joyfully escape into a world where magic is real, heroines save themselves and heroes come with a tall side order of Yes Please. Eliza Falls is a place to let the worries of the world fall away and let the romance of a fated mate and the cozy connection of a found family swoon you off your feet.

Maggie lives in Victoria BC with her own Happily Ever After, a couple of rad kids and a doodle dog. When she’s not writing her next ridiculous romp, she’s hunched over her jewellery bench like a sparkly gremlin listening to inappropriate podcasts and dreaming up beautiful things.

www.magpieandember.com
@maggie.francis.books

Reviews

[Jayne K. (Fyrefli Fictionary) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tate loves that his Pack has been growing but wants more. Ulla has been running from people and her magic her whole life. When they cross paths in Eliza Falls, sparks fly but can they keep the flames from burning them down? Let’s find out!

Read if you like: Adult paranormal romance, small town romance, Spicy spice, magical small towns, contemporary fantasy, dual POV, fast-paced novella, fated mates, witches and werewolves, a little mystery, a prophecy, slice of life, quirky/sunshine, awesome side characters, connected stories series, an odd couple with chemistry and cuteness for days.

For Tate, life is good. His brother Seb found his mate last year and Cora came with bonus Pack bestie, Desi and they’ve fallen into a comfortable pattern. But Tate wants more than his carefree attitude allows people to see. He longs for that true love bond. Ulla has always had an affinity for animals and nature that made it hard for her to fit in. Her one true home was in the forest around Eliza Falls where her two best friends live. She’s been living in the city to try and dampen her powers. But she feels a pull to return to her home and what she finds is so much greater than she expected.

This book is such a fun story. Magic lives just under the surface in the enchanted town of Eliza Falls. With our witchy and wolfy friends finding true love, its fun to see how unique magics and abilities makes the romance different for each couple. Tate and Ulla are an amazing extroverted/introverted pair that have a unique bond that levels up the ‘fated mates’ trope. The couple finding their new normal is the most adorably spicy thing ever. But the action is elevated with a cryptic prophecy that could change everything. Not even Desi’s visions can tell them how the future plays out.

It was really nice to have some extra drama in our slice of life story in this magical small-town romance. Ulla is so sweet and cautious that Tate really makes that slow burn worthwhile. The couple balance each other as perfect fated mates should but also make each other grow into their potential. In my normally greedy way, I wanted more. The length of the book made some things fly by and others get towed along. I wanted more of their getting to know each other, more nature magic info, and more tie in with the vision. Just more pages, please! All in all, I loved this book. It’s the perfect morsel if you need some sweet and spicy magical romance in your life.

Thank you to BookSirens and Maggie Francis for a copy of this book for review.

[Brianna Standerfer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Ulla and Tate's love story. It was refreshing to have a character that was open to love instead of freaking out over it. Sometimes love can be quick and fast but doesn't make it any less meaningful or true. I was glad we got the back story for Ulla but I think some things needed to be discussed a little more in depth. Just kind of confused by the big finale cause I wasn't quite sure how the puzzle fit together. I think just some more defining of characters would be helpful. But I'm looking forward to the next one! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Erin Geyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

3.5/5. I did enjoy the new character introduced to the series. I really hope there is a person for Desi, I have kind of become attached to her. Ulla and Tate are both golden retrievers and you cannot change my mind about it. The ending had me feeling so many emotions at the same time. That was quite the reveal at the end and I'm curious what would have happened if she had chosen differently. I am looking forward to see where the story goes as there is one in the group that is uncoupled. Also what happened to the parents?

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored the first book , so I’m glad to say I really loved this too, This covers Ulla and Tate , again mates which I love so much in these books, all the characters are just so delightful. So glad we got to see Cora and Seb and the rest of the characters from book 1, I lived that and I also really love the way Maggie Francis writes , it’s like I know these characters and it all feels like returning to friends

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nagma (Take A Look At My Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Earth Wolf and Fire was a quick, cozy, quirky fated mates, paranormal romance. This is the second book in the series and it can be read as a standalone. This was a refreshing read with amazing characters. The connection between the two was akin to soulmates. The pacing of the book felt a bit rushed at the end, but overall this was a great book. I enjoyed Earth Wolf and Fire and I’ll definitely be going back and reading the first book in the series!

Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Carol-Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit after reading the first book, I was a little disappointed the Tate didn't end up with Desi. Though the more I read the more I loved Ulla and was so happy for Tate. I didn't expect that big twist at the end. I honestly love these books

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Adriana | nannersreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Katie and Brey PA and Maggie Francis for providing me with an eARC of this book. This is my honest review.
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Listen. Sometimes you just need a quirky, cheesy paranormal romance to get you through the day. Earth Wolf & Fire did that for me. It was a fast read that was heavy on the cheese. I couldn’t look away. Paranormal pixie manic dream girls, wolf love, talking with animals, romps in the most inconvenient of places. If that sounds like a lot, that’s because it is. But Maggie Francis makes it work somehow. If you’re looking for a paranormal romance with a cozy feel, this might be the book for you.
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Earth Wolf & Fire is the second book in the Eliza Falls series. It is available for purchase in ebook and paperback format.

[Sarah Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

So sugary sweet!

This was a little too “insta-love” for my taste but I did still enjoy it.
These two were so syrupy sweet and cute it was adorable!
The first book is still my favorite of the two but I can’t wait to read the next one. Desi’s pet names for everyone are some of the best parts of these books and I can’t wait to read her love story!

[Gemma Best · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Eliza Falls series and it can be read as stand alone. Earth Wolf and Fire is a quirky and fun paranormal romance with a lot of cheesy moments but it all just somehow works. It was a fast read for me and if you like light read romances with a lot of spice then this is the series for you.

I received an ARC of this novel. This review is my honest opinion and is written voluntarily.

[My Emotional Support Story · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh man, did I ever love the FMC in this one.

Ulla is everything my neat logical little heart needed. She’s quirky, in tune with the earth, talks to the animals, and tackles every problem head on and without fear.

In short, I’d like to marry her.

Book 2 in the Eliza Falls series has us following Tate & Ulla’s journey.

Tate is a little (big) golden retriever of a werewolf, and he’s pretty content with his little pack with big brother Seb as the alpha. Until Ulla shows up in town and it’s all Tate can do not to faint at her *everything*.

Adopted at a young age Ulla’s parents have loved her like no other. They’re all a little quirky bringing home every stray creature that needs welcoming, and Ulla being able to chat with them. But Ulla has been lonely being the weird kid and rarely finding acceptance among peers. She returns to Eliza Falls where she spent most of her summers and is eager to reconnect with her summer besties Cora & Desi. Until Swoony McDreamwolf walks in and suddenly everything in Ulla’s life clicks into place.

I find the pacing in this series different to what I typically like. We’re getting dual POV and often minute by minute moments from each character. It would be delightful in a graphic novel playing out side by side, but in novel form it seems to slow down the progression during the early parts, and the big ending feels a little rushed. This isn’t a slow burn per se, but the deep 🌶️🌶️🌶️ takes time, mostly because of the aforementioned dual POV moments.

There’s twists and danger but rest assured we get our HEA, because task minded Ulla wouldn’t have it any other way.

Come join me as we continue our journey through Eliza Falls.

[Amy Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was wonderful to return to the cozy, adorable world of Eliza Falls! I often have a bit of trepidation reading the next book in a series,will the author have been able to recapture and sustain the things I loved in book one? The answer here is a huge Yes! This book is just as sweet, hilarious, magical and steamy as the first!

I loved positive, sunny Tate in book one,so I was excited to see him fall in love. I was a little sad he didn't stay with Desi but then Ulla comes in and I just loved her and really related to her. This is like the Hallmark movie storyline animal lovers have always wanted; a sweet guy who volunteers at the animal shelter meets a nature loving girl who also rescues wildlife and can speak with animals. As someone whose world revolves around animals and has taken animal communication courses, this was the perfect book.

I think there's a lot more steamy scenes and longing for them in this volume and I loved that! I was grinning like a dope and kicking my feet with excitement during all the romantic and swoony scenes. It's a very hot read for it's 'light hearted, happy romance' style. The library office scene with shoulder sitting...🥵

The climax introduces more magic and more types of fantasy beings which was really cool.

If you like spice and cute,funny stories with a strong sense of family and community, this is the perfect choice.

I recieved this ARC from BookSirens and am leaving a voluntary review.

[Kayla Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Earth Wolf and Fire: earth witch Ulla moves to Eliza Falls, the place she spent her summers growing up and the only place she has really felt comfortable. She reconnects with her life long (also witches! Desi and Cora!!) friends and meets the shifter man of her dreams.

Wonderful. Amazing. Hilarious. I loved the first book in this series and was not disappointed this time around. I had actually preordered this book but when an ARC became available I didn’t want to wait and snatched it right up. Ulla and her mate Tate are so wonderful. Everyone is just a delight to spend time with. Obviously I was so excited to catch up with Cora, Seb, and Desi from the first book. They continue to be adorable. I also really appreciate the way Francis writes dialogue and internal thoughts. It is all so natural and perfect.

Also this book is so spicy! Extremely spicy and so well done. There is such a good mix between hilarity, fantasy, and hot sex. I love this series.

Could the scene of danger or whatever at the climax have been bigger? Maybe. But that’s not what I care about with this series. That’s not why I read these books. I just want to spend time with everyone.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[The Reading Hammock | Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved seeing Tate, Seb, Cora, and Desi's pack grow with the return of childhood summer friend Ulla! Ulla's nature witch powers intrigued me so much, and watching how they grew so quickly once she was introduced to Tate as her mate! Their "audiences" were both hilarious and shocking. I can't imagine finding new "friends" every time I was getting busy (ok maybe I can--cats do hate closed doors). I was so here for how on board both Ulla and Tate were for their bond. Their internal monologues were hilarious as they just couldn't stay away from each other.

Desi's big vision was wild and spooky at first, and I appreciated the seriousness the whole pack took with it and trying to decode it's meaning to help Ulla. I loved the text banter among the group too; like I feel like I've had so many of those text exchanges!

Ulla's reveal at being a LITERAL fairy princess was a bit of a shock! I assumed that since she was adopted, her power as nature witch was entirely plausible; and I loved how wonderfully supportive her parents are, despite having no magical abilities themselves. But I did not see the Fae wars plot point coming at all but I'm here for it. I love Eliza Falls and the wonderful, magical small town vibe it has!

[Nikita Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful and magical read!!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I started it before bed and read 20 chapters until my eyes couldn’t stay open anymore, and then I promptly devoured the rest as soon as I woke up!

Eliza Falls is a delightful place to be, and the characters there (human/witch/shifter and animals) are wonderful.

The two main characters are swoonworthy, and the tensions that arose from their insta connection was intense!

The hero is a wonderful, goofy and totally sexy character. The heroine is a total surprise in the best sense, and fit perfectly with the hero.

This book is light-hearted with comedy, romance and spice (recommended for readers 18+ as the intimate scenes are graphic). It also has a beautiful story of growth and will incite both tears and warm fuzzy feelings!

This story is thoroughly enjoyable and should definitely be read! (Note that although it can be read as a standalone, it best to read the first book prior to this one for context, and also because it’s a great book, too!)

I was fortunate enough to receive a copy of this book from Booksirens and willingly leave this honest review!

[Bookish Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really great second book in this series! I loved being back in Eliza Falls meeting old and new friends. There is definitely a different vibe from the first book because Tate’s personality is so outgoing and charming. I loved getting the chapters in duel POVs because I got to see the inner thoughts of both main characters as their relationship grows. Even though this was a quick read, I did think that the beginning of the story was a little drawn out and repetitive. Then the ending happens so quickly and I wish there was more! It mentions at least twice, if not more, that Tate’s parents left but now he is slowly growing a new pack. It was also a little awkward to me that Tate and Desi have history, and I’m not quite buying the explanation that they are just best friends. But I don’t have magical seer powers. I loved the obscure Dutch Blitz reference though!! Woop woop!! A great series and I can’t wait to read more! I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.

[Janna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm in love with Ulla and Tate and the whole gang in Eliza Falls.
Earth wolf and fire is even better than the first book in the series. I love Ulla and Tate. I love the instant chemistry between them and the laughs and the special way they converse. I love that Ulla is instantly super close to Tate's wolf.
The plot is great. It's not full of mystery or plot twists or weird bad vibes. It's real life and falling in love and spending time together with family and friends. Of course, there's a bit of action in the end but that just makes Eliza Falls a more special place and I love it.
This book made me laugh and go "Aw" and it's a perfect heartfelt book for this autumn and I wish I could visit Eliza Falls for real.

*ARC received from BookSirens. Review written voluntarily and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Geraldine · Rating 5 out of 5]

dreamy!

I absolutely loved this book.
Ulla and Tate have instantly become one of my all time favourites.
The way Ulla is described by Tate on their first meeting made her like a pure dreamy beauty in human(ish) form.
Ulla is an exceptional character who I really connected with from first meeting. Her uniqueness was always shown in such a cute and positive way. The acceptance of her otherness was perfection.
I loved that the trees bent towards her and that she always ended up with a flower tiara because the plants wanted to crown her.
Such vivid imagery throughout. It was so sumptuous I drowned in it at times. And to top it off the spicy scenes were super hot too.

If the lighter side of Paranormal Romance is your thing, I would absolutely recommend this book and series.

[Jana Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gobbled up this book in two days like a delicious snack. I love the funny and relatable dialogue in the Eliza Falls series and I could not get enough of this fast burn tale of fated mates that just *get* each other. It was really a feel-good read with some serious spice throughout! I mean what's not to love; growly and protective werewolf meets his werewolf-whispering, unflappable mate? I loved these two characters and their little chosen family. I can absolutely picture this little small town vibe, zany parents and all. I will be keen to read book 3 when it comes out!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review which I am happy to provide; I genuinely had a blast reading this gem!

[Robin Perrtree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps even better than the first in the series. I love how Maggie Francis blends magic and werewolves with such intense emotions and steamy romance. The idea of instantly knowing your forever mate may be unbelievable in real life but she makes it work in these stories. I hope to see Desi get her chance at love next. I thought she and Tate were going to be together at the end of the first book but this second one explained that away and Ulla was so perfect for Tate. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[RL · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to be honest, when I started reading my expectations immediately lowered. Tate saying "m'ladies" in a serious context was awful and some of the eccentricities felt annoyingly over the top- does Desi really need a different aggressively flattening nickname for Ulla every single sentence?
But once we got more into the "lore" I guess I'll call it of how the characters work, things got interesting. The fact that she's nature witchy and so she can interact with his wolf differently than other people is actually a fascinating twist on things. And she can talk to his wolf without him knowing! Very cool, actually.
Then there's the way Tate talks about Ulla. Man is obsessed. You love to see it. Well, read it. But we really do get to read it since we get dual POVs! Obviously because of the whole Mate thing, there's instalove, etc etc. But at least we get an explanation for it. Plus they're honestly disgustingly sweet together so I can't even be mad it all started immediately. I happily read so many pages of them just being together and them having sex and them th inking about how great the other is.
My big criticism is that the climax of the story didn't do it for me. Tt was confusing and felt like it was out of nowhere and over too fast for it to feel satisfyingly concluded.
If you just want a feel good relationship, read this book! if you want, like, a well put together and engaging plotline, not so much. As someone who mostly just wanted the former, this was a cute read.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Molly Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Earth wolf and fire was a cute, cozy, cheesy paranormal romance. It was a quick read and a great palate cleansers for me. It is the second book in the Eliza Falls series but can be read as a standalone.


Thing I liked about the book:

- The cover is gorgeous.
- Tate’s and Ulla characters were really cute together.
- Loved that we could see Seb and Cora again.
- The spice was good, much better than that of the first book.
- I liked that it still kept the small town coziness.
- I loved all of the animals this book has.
- I liked how quick and easy to read the book was.


Thing I didn’t like:

- I didn’t like the insta love this book provides us but that’s because that is one of the tropes I dislike the most. For someone that loves this trope I can see them loving this book.
- The ending felt a little too fast paced for my liking and still left me with the same questions book 1 left me with although it didn’t leave me with an unsatisfied feeling.
- In book one I absolutely loved Desi character and hoped she would end up with Tate but that changed as I read the book. What I didn’t like was the change that I saw in her character, her personality got annoying pretty fast and I felt like all of the nicknames she continued to give Ulla and Tate were a little bit annoying and unnecessary.


Overall I saw a lot of improvement in the authors writing and I continued to like the world that the author created. I hope that she continues getting better in her next books and she can slow the endings a little to not make them so fast paced.

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

EARTH WOLF AND FIRE is the second book in the Eliza Falls series, although it can be read as a standalone. The couple from the first book, Seb and Cora, are in here but you don't need their story for this one to work.

Ulla is someone who has connected with Nature at a very young age. Unfortunately, children can be cruel and she paid the price. The only people she really sees as friends are Cora and Desi. She returns home to Eliza Falls and runs into Desi, sparking their friendship again. However, Cora and Desi are now part of a Pack. Through one thing and another, Ulla meets Tate and BOOM. There you go. Insta-lust in spades.

This is a great paranormal romance series, one that I am thoroughly enjoying. It is funny in places, spicy in others, and even the occasional hint of mystery. Ulla and Tate are just so goddamned cute together! AND you get it from both of their perspectives which makes it nicely rounded out.

All in all, this was a great addition to the series. I'm really hoping Desi is next, and with someone she doesn't see coming. Thoroughly enjoyed it and I have no hesitation in recommending it.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

[Lita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second book in the Eliza Falls series was very good. I really enjoyed the story and the mystical/magical aspects a lot. The main characters, Tate and Ulla were perfect for each other. Ulla was especially awesome with her powers as a earth witch. She prefers being barefoot as she's able to communicate with everything - trees, bushes, and all animals, including Tate's wolf. With her abilities, she sees his wolf from the very beginning and is able to talk to him. This opens up a whole new avenue for them making it so they basically can read each others minds. Unfortunately, all the animals are attracted to them whenever they try to get frisky essentially cock-blocking all their efforts to complete the mate bond. With a surprising twist towards the end of the story and a major fight between the two of them and a powerful Fae much is revealed about Ulla that she didn't know and a choice must be made.

I would have given this story a 5 star rating if it hadn't been for so many pages of sex between the two MCs. In spite of everything that kept them apart, once they finally got together and completed the mate bond, it was a sex free for all. I understand what the author was trying to convey but I think sometimes less is more. I found myself skimming over several pages to get back to the story more than once. However, I did thoroughly enjoy this book and look forward to reading more.

[Frances Law · Rating 4 out of 5]

When is an Earth Witch not an Earth Witch? To find out the answer you need to read this cute story about Ulla and Tate. There is a prior book in this series about the mythical town of Angel Falls. It becomes obvious that the residents are more than human but have different gifts. Tate and his brother Seb are Wolf Shifters. Desi is a seer. Cora has other gifts.

Seb and Tate have ended up in Angel Falls because their aunt lives here. Cora and Desi have lived here their whole lives. Ulla first came here as a lonely child just for the summer holidays and the three became inseparable. These were the only true friends that Ulla ever had because she scared away ‘normal’ children with her ability to hear the trees and attract animals to her. Personally, I would have loved to have a friend like that, which is probably why I’ve read so man thousands of books in my life. If you can’t find them in reality you can in fiction! LOL!

Ulla has now come to live permanently in Angel Falls because her parents have decided to retire here. To say that she is amazed to meet her mate within 24 hours of arriving is to say the least of it. And if she’s amazed, Tate is knocked for six!

Obviously all is not sunshine and roses or there wouldn’t be a story but Ulla’s delight in being settled in this magical place and her slow blossoming is magical. A nice light read that is good to relax to.

[Nit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute, cozy read! The relationship between Ulla, an earth witch, and Tate, a sensitive werewolf, was absolutely adorable. This story was both sweet and spicy in the best way, and although it was pretty corny, it definitely hit me in my feels.

Ulla and Tate are fated mates, so the romance was pretty insta-lovey, which is typically not my favorite trope. However, it did feel right with Ulla and Tate's relationship. Also, Ulla's character leaned heavily into the manic pixie dream girl stereotype, which I don't typically enjoy and was a little difficult for me to get past. Also, I will say that this story was not particularly plot-heavy and was very predictable.

The book overall was a very quick read and a great palette cleanser that has gotten me excited and ready to read more paranormal romance novels. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a cozy paranormal romance read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I like about series is their consistency. Usually you find the same characters and/or the same environment, the same genre and the same writing style. So I can choose according to my desires at the time and I'm always extremely disappointed when, as here, that's not the case; which partly explains the rating.

I confess to being particularly sensitive at times, and finding it hard to cope with certain stressful situations. A prophecy from Desi introduces a slight suspense which probably won't bother most readers, but which, for me, changed the atmosphere of the novel, enough for me to put the book aside for a good while.

This pause made me more sensitive to certain things that hadn't bothered me in the first volume. The werewolves' relationship with their wolves is as pleasant as ever, but in this volume I must admit I sometimes feared that we might fall into zoophilia. This is not the case at all, but the way certain passages were written made me uncomfortable.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Laura Jutras · Rating 3 out of 5]

So much to say about this book… overall I enjoyed the book. I enjoy wolf shifter, paranormal romance stories. The story of Tate and Ulla starts out strong. They find the mate that neither was looking for. While Tate is getting to know Ulla, he finds out about a prophecy that could affect their lifelong happiness. Their friends, the pack, all rally together to protect Ulla.

Once Tate and Ulla complete their mating bond, the story kind of stutters. The author became invested in many spicy scenes. And while I understand the importance of showing their mating bond, the story loses focus on the prophecy. The author then picks up the story thread and ties it up in the last 25 pages or so. I think a few less spicy scenes and a little more of the pack working together would have helped the story flow better.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Booksy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was okay. Ulla and Tate are the two main characters, they spend the majority of the book making cow eyes at each other and having a lot of inner monologue. When they are together it’s more inner monologue and very sweet talk. Ulla, is a blond, blue eyed and often blushing woman of color with brown skin. It’s mentioned often that she has brown skin, like the author searched the word skin and plopped brown in front of it. Supposedly she’s twenty-six but reads like she’s young, naive and grew up somewhere isolated. It’s mentioned that the male main Tate, slept with the female mains best friend. This is mentioned more than once but then never brought up to the female main or really fully addressed by the couple. There’s a bit of drama that is tied up solidly and neatly in a short amount of time.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this tale of Ulla and Tate finding their connection.

The tension between them was drawn out nicely and the resolution and ending was satisfying.

I get that Ulla's powers were supposed to be a mystery in order to make the story work, but as a result, I had very little sense of jeopardy for most of the story, which detracted a little from its ability to engage and draw in.

And again, like the first book in the series, it was shorter than I expected, and left me feeling like the story had just begun.

Apart from that, I enjoyed the writing style and gentle nature of the story and look forward to reading more from this author.

Note: I was provided with a review copy of this book free of charge, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Morgan Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a magical romance from start to finish - with quirky characters, pastry lovers, and animals all over the place.
Reading it was kinda like taking a breath of fresh air? So easy to read, and I loved the random thoughts that came from the main characters!

Ulla and Tate 😍
I could not get enough of their love for one another! Fated Mates always just hit me where it matters, and these two were no different. They connected on such a level, and having Ulla except Tate in such a manner - chefs kiss.

I did feel like the dangers and revelations at the end were a little rushed, but I’m very happy with the outcome!

I might be doing it out of order but I’m going to go read the first novel, Of Mates & Magic, now - I need to see more of Seb and all his grumpiness.