Secrets and Sorcery

The Warlock Prince's Guards #1

by Lori Whyte

Ever since her magics manifested, Avery Hawk was taught to hide her abilities from the Witch and Warlock world. After all, turning into a cat isn't exactly a typical magic. But when her brother is kidnapped following a black magic attack, she risks everything to find him, including turning to a man in the heart of the world she's always shunned. Mike Rosslyn epitomizes everything her mother warned her about. He's a warlock, he's powerful, and he's the head of the Dark Guards—a new and mysterious task force. And worse yet, he is sexy as all hell and way too tempting. And when her brother's attacker targets Avery, Mike is her only hope... even if his help comes at the cost of her secrets and her heart…

a surprising amount of fur, hissing, purring and growling for a book about witches and warlocks; a kidnapping or two; crashing into someone else's dreams (yes, those kinds of dreams); a mysterious warlock prince; sexy times; and a whole lot of chocolate (aka ambrosia). When North America's most prominent warlock prince creates a mysterious task force, rumors are inevitable. Some people call them the Dark Guards. Some people call them his own personal militia. Some people call them the first step toward making his own empire. The only thing everyone knows for certain is The Dark Guards are a fierce group of specialists with unique and powerful magics. And that seems like a pretty good reason to worry...

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy

394 pages, Paperback

First published March 30, 2020

About the author

I <3 writing sexy romances--sometimes with a dash of fantasy and magic!

Reviews

[Chanel]

DNF @ 56%. I got pretty far and I remember the role chocolate plays in this story but outside of that I can't remember why I stopped reading this book weeks ago. I picked it up to try to continue and it's not grabbing my attention at all.

[Susie · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free digital ARC via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.*

When everything you believe in is wrong

Avery, a cat shifter, has grown up believing that her magic is rare and that she should hide it at any cost. When her brother is recruited by the so-called Dark Guards because of his strong gifted and inherited magic, Avery is forced out into the open, something which she’s always been terrified of. Can she keep her secrets, and her sanity?

Mike is initially drawn to Avery wanting to uncover what she’s hiding. But he doesn’t expect to be drawn to her in other ways, too. When Avery’s brother goes missing in a surprise attack, it takes some time for Avery to trust Mike, but before long, they’re not only sharing a mission, they’re sharing a bed.

The connection between Mike and Avery is sizzling! This story has a “Fated Mates” edge to it, which can be seen as the dynamic between the pair increases. Not that Avery really wants to believe, let alone have anything to do with that. She’s grown up as one of “Castor’s Kind”, aka “human”, and was always taught that she should never mingle with the rest of WaW (Witch and Warlock) society, as she would be caught and tortured.

But the true secrets come out, turning Avery’s world upside down. Because, as it turns out, she’s not the only shifter around…

What I also found great about this book was the glossary at the back. I bookmarked it, and referenced it several times. Even though the terms are explained as the story goes along, having a list of them all in one place definitely helps if you forget a little! The entire story is based in the modern world with elements of Greek mythology thrown in. Everyone in the WaW world is gifted a magic by one of the Greek gods, and inherits a second, weaker, magic from one of their parents. Quite an interesting concept!

Although I must admit the ending disappointed me. It was weaker than the rest of the story. I understood that it was a lead-in to the next book, but I wasn’t so enamoured on it. However, it will be interesting following the stories of the other characters, definitely, and this book was more than enough to want me to read further.

Final rating: ★★★★☆ – Really liked

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (11/30/2022)! 🎁

[Debra Johnson]

November 30, 2022 Amazon purch

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one heck of a book, and it really is a must read.Lori Whyte has weaved a wonderful magical tale, that has twists and turns you dont see coming alone with Witches and Warlocks.. And those are the books i really enjoy the most. Her characters are the best, though i have to say i really loved Avery, she and her brother really are close. And its not till something happens to him that she will come out of her shell and trust the man who is her brothers boss.

Avery has a secret, that no one knows but her brother, and every time she is in a group of people she is nervous and has panic attacks. They are at a function and she is introduced to Mike, Jarets boss. But when they are about to go something drastic happens both siblings are attacked by some dark magic, Jaret is hurt, and the only person she can trust is Mike. Jaret is taken to the hospital, but after a short time he disapears, magic but who? Avery and Mike soon realise that they are mates, but whoever is behind all these attacks is trying to kill Avery, can Mike protect her?

[Melanie S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Itty Bitty Kitty takes on the Wolf
Secrets and Sorcery is full of both. Consider the heroine: she's a mind-walking magical powerhouse in the guise of a frightened kitten (shifter). Why has she been forced to hide her magic? Why is the world of Witches and Warlocks a mortal danger to her? How does her protective brother Jaret becoming a member of the Prince's Dark Guard threaten her? And who has used black magic to kidnap Jaret? She's got all the questions and no answers, until the Captain of the Dark Guard, wolf-shifter Mike, begins to investigate Jaret's disappearance. Lot's of suspense and crazy magical action - along with some kitty cat snuggles that turn into something much less innocent - will keep readers eyes glued to the pages. And the whodunit ending? You'll NEVER see this one coming! Read and enjoy! I am voluntarily leaving an ARC review.

[JodyL · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great and will keep you reading until the very end. I haven't read anything like it from this author before and am excited to read book two when it comes out.
Avery and Jaret are brother and sister. This world is filled with people who have "gifts" from the gods and normal humans called Castors. Avery has been raised as a Castor all her life because she has hidden her powers. When something heinous happens to Jaret and then he disappears Avery has to join up with Jaret's hot and sexy boss Mike in order to track him down.
Mike knows that Avery is his mate but she doesn't. With people dieing because of someone using black magic he has a reason to get close to her and earn her trust.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic start to a new series and I look forward to reading more of this series and this is Avery’s and Mike’s story. Avery is a kitten shifter who has been taught to hide her magic, Avery’s brother goes missing and someone’s using dark magic and the only person that Avery can trust apart from her brother is Mike who is a part of the Prince’s Dark Guard. I really enjoyed this story it’s action packed with plenty of danger and steamy scenes you won’t be able to put it down until the conclusion. Fantastic story I loved it and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.

[Stacey Rankin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets and Sorcery indeed, this story is brimming with them, add in some action, adventure and romance with plenty of twisting turns. Fantastic read, I absolutely loved it and couldn't put it down, I wonder what rabbit hole we will be going down with the next book which was nicely keyed up by the last chapter? Can not wait.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having to hide that shes a cat shifter Avery (FMC) has to rely on Mike (her brothers friend and the head of the Dark Guard the warlock prince's personal task force) when Jaret her brother goes missing. Which means she has to put herself in the hands of the people shes been avoiding her whole life. Secrets, lies and love all combine in this book to make for a great read. Loved Mike and Avery's story. Cant wait for Jarets Story as well as Sophies too

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets and Sorcery by Lori Whyte is such an awesome story that I have read. This is book number one in this awesome start to a brand new series that I can not wait to read the rest of this awesome series. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about warlocks, witches, shifters and paranormal romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written fast paced story full of danger, intrigue and steamy romance

This is a fab series opener and I found myself doing a 'one-sit read' to find out how everything would be resolved. I love when that happens! Interesting characters, a mystery, danger and scorching hot chemistry abound in this highly entertaining read and I look forward to the next book in the series.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of secrets, sorcery, shifters, lies, and love. This is a very entertaining read that is captivating. There are plenty of twists and turns along with adventure, action and romance. This is a fantastic start to a new suspenseful series. I cannot wait to read Jaret's story.

I am voluntarily leaving a honest, unbiased review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st book I've read written by Lori Whyte; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has started out as and interesting series you have Avery shes a castor her brother goes missing after and attack now she has only one place to turn her brothers boss Mike he has his own secrets there's a secret group at work behind the scenes and dangerous black magic. Witches and Warlocks secrets being kept and a very hot chemistry between Mike and Avery it helps that there fated for each other. Can they find Avery's missing brother is he hiding or dose the person that attacked her have him.

I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.

[DarcLibrarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets and Lies

Avery Hawk has a secret that must never be revealed but when her brother is targeted she has no choice. Her feline side gravitates towards her brother's new boss but can her human side believe in him. He is after all the head of the all powerful Prince's Dark Guards. As they search for answers Avery discovers that all is not what it seemed and that includes warlock Mike Rosslyn.

I thoroughly recommend this excellent paranormal romance with engaging characters and a rollercoaster of a plot.

[Vita_Nova · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read several books from this author. This was another great book, though different from what I've been used to from her. (My all time favorite is Mannix Dragons Shifters). However, this first book from this series is quite fascinating! Interesting characters and plot, action-packed and page-turner. I look forward to the next one :)

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa H · Rating 4 out of 5]

She’s got secrets to hide.

Avery is a feline magic shifter.
That’s a no-no. There’s witches and warlocks. And Mikhail “Mike” the head of a new task force.
Touching is a no-no.
But Mike definitely wants to touch Avery, take her home. But her brother Jaret is his recruit and she’ll need his help to save her brother.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read other titles by this author and this is just as good as those. The author did a great job with giving these characters life. The chemistry is undeniable and steamy. The storyline flows smoothly from beginning to end. Great start!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Drea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really great story with some great plot work and good characters. The lower rating is due to a personal dislike of the female lead.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book one in the Dark Guards a well written story that held my interest throughout, I want to read the next book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️. 📚. 👍. I received arc and loved this book. Lori is one of my favorite authors. She never disappoints with her reads.

[Reader03 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read full of suspense, action and romance with great chemistry between the two main characters. I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.

[Dawn Milligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! This is full of well written characters the story line is phenomenal and flows well I couldn't put this down!

[Lucia Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review

This book-I just couldn't put it down. Lori's new world is astounding. Avery and Mike are so cool. I love Avery's grandmother.

[Carole · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars - Heroine has too many TSTL moments for my taste. Some interesting back story plots and I would read the next series to see if that one improves my rating.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets and Sorcery

Holy shiznet!!! What a gr8 story. I truly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading the next. I recommend this read. 5 Thumbs up

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

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