Author: Juliette Cross
Series: Book 1 in the Stay a Spell Series
Category: Paranormal Romance
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
"'Eveleen Marielle Savoie. Hear me know. We're going to help this guy because it's our job. But you are not to get emotionally attached to this Mateo.'" - Jules, Evie's sister.
Look, I didn’t know I was missing the psychotic ramblings of a horny, rage-thirsty werewolf in my shifter books, but I have seen the light and I don't ever want to go back. Seriously, drop what you are doing and pick up this book!
I could end my book review there, but I can keep gushing about this story because I loved this one to death.
We got the best of both worlds in Mateo; a kind, considerate, and caring MMC along with his very dominant wolf Alpha, complete with lots of dirty talk and dark gazes. The difference between these two sides, both in personality, voice, and priorities, was a unique take on the relationship between a shifter and his wolf. Alpha was practically a devil sitting on Mateo's shoulder, voicing primal thoughts, none of which were more tempting than taking Evie for themselves. While he was sweet, Mateo was also bossy and protective of Evie, especially once their relationship developed.
"'Hey. I can be gentle. Go get that red-haired witch, and I'll show her how gently I can smack her ass.' - Alpha
'Fucking hell. Save me.' - Mateo
Evie was such an understanding character, and I enjoyed how open she was with Mateo. Even while she constantly second-guessed herself, Evie portrayed a confident witch and reliable sister. I loved her nerdy self and her quirkiness and obsession with Marvel were endearing.
"She was magnetic. Fun, flirty, beautiful, hypnotizing. I was so far gone, I hadn't even noticed how it happened." - Mateo
Mateo's confidence in Evie and his steadfast presence in her life was just what she needed to branch out and reach for her dreams, without the paralyzing fear of failing to hold her back. He really lifted her up and showed her how special she was, while reassuring her that he would support her no matter what.
"I'd never failed at breaking a hex, but I'd failed in other areas. And failed to chase my dreams for fear of failure. Yeah. That f-word was the only one that made me wince." - Evie
The sexual tension between Mateo and Evie was fabulously delicious. Their relationship was a semi-slow-burn, and while there was an immediate attraction between them, the characters gradually went from strangers to friends and then to red-hot lovers. And once they crossed that line, they couldn't seem to keep their hands off each other.
"Well, Doc, apparently I get turned on by being pinned down and helpless, with a bloodthirsty werewolf's hands around my throat and on my pussy without my permission. Is this normal?" - Evie
I was easily drawn into the world of magic, shifters, vampires, and grim. The Savoie sisters are a force to be reckoned with and are clearly such a tight-knit family. I am ecstatic that they each have their own book in the series, and even better, they're all available now!
Epic storyline and characters, I loved everything.
Tropes and Themes: Fated Mate, Wolf Shifters, Witch, Magic, Sisters, Vampires, Slow Burn, Friends to Lovers.
Blurb
What's the worst thing that can happen to a werewolf? Unable to shift for three months, Mateo Cruz knows all too well. His wolf has taken up residence in his head, taunting him night and day with vividly violent and carnal thoughts. Convinced he's cursed, he needs the help of a powerful witch before he literally goes insane.
Evie Savoie has always obeyed the house rules of her coven — no werewolves. They're known for being moody and volatile. So, when a distempered, dangerous werewolf strolls into the bar and almost strangles one of her late-night customers, she's ready to bounce him through the door. But the desperation in his eyes when he begs her to help him softens her heart and convinces her to bend the rules.
What Evie doesn't know is that Mateo's wolf has a mind of his own. And now that she's in his sights, he wants only one thing. Her.
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