4 stars

I have been completely obsessed with this series since the first book Wolf Gone Wild. I don’t read many paranormal romances so I can’t find a comparison, but I absolutely love this dual New Orleans world. It’s somehow cosy and edgy at the same time.

The stories focus on vivacious witch sisters who work and live among humans, too-cool vampires, mysterious grims and uncontrollable werewolves. The author doesn’t bog you down with lore and complicated world building. Everything is revealed at a gentle pace and I know there are more strange things to come. Each book follows one witch as they try to fulfil their hopes and career while getting entangled with an annoyingly alluring supernatural. Wolf Gone Wild introduces werewolf drama; Don’t Drive And Hex (book 2) features an OP vampire-Bollywood sex symbol. I would recommend starting at the beginning of the series to understand all the tensions between the characters. 

This third installment follows Violet, a fierce no-nonsense tattoo artist meeting her match with Nico, a werewolf we met briefly in the first book. I loved the mysterious dynamic between the two which was revealed and explored fully in this book. Their relationship is explosive but there was a ‘fear-of-commitment’ angst that trailed a bit too long. In the backdrop is a continuing theme of prejudice and fear which ended with an exciting clash. Overall the story was both comforting and thrilling, and I can’t wait for more witchy antics!

A huge thank you to the amazing author who went out of her way to send me an advanced copy of this book. This series has soothed me through some troubling moments in our current times.

Full synopsis:

Get ready for a fun, flirty paranormal romance in the STAY A SPELL world:

• Friends to lovers
• Protective alpha werewolf
• Snarky, potty-mouthed witch
• Loads of pining
• Low angst, high humor
• Super steamy (and a magical supply closet)

Violet Savoie has a plan. A dream, rather. To open her own tattoo shop, which caters to supernaturals in need of permanent charms. As a powerful Seer, she has the potent magic to cast every kind of spell. Except the kind to give werewolves control over their beastly side. And her business partner Nico needs help in the worst kind of way.

Nico Cruz has a secret. A motive, rather. To subtly stalk and seduce Violet until she finally recognizes they are fated to be together. Ever since their heated encounter in Austin on New Year’s Eve two years earlier, he’s been dying to get his hands–and his tongue–back on her body. He knows a woman like Violet can’t be courted in the usual way. Luckily, Nico has no scruples about misbehaving to get what he wants.

But when his former pack roams into town, and an old friend is far too interested in Violet, his focus shifts to the threat venturing into his territory. Nico may come across as the quiet, broody one, but the intruders are about to regret stepping foot in New Orleans. And when Violet goes missing, no charm or spell can keep Nico’s wolf at bay.