5.2.2025 | Friday

Wolf Gone Wild

Item: Wolf Gone Wild
Rating: 5
Author: Kim

category: Book Reviews
tag(s): adult
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title: Wolf Gone Wild
author: Juliette Cross
series: Stay a Spell #1
published: 1.14.2020
publisher: self-published
genre(s): paranormal, romance
pages: 387
source: Kindle Unlimited
format: eBook
buy/shelve it: Amazon | B&N | BookBub | BookHype | StoryGraph | Goodreads
rating:

| series rating:

the 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.

a few notes

trigger warning: ❗some graphic violence❗

POV: 1st person; dual
setting: New Orleans, Louisiana
keywords/phrases: magic, witches, werewolves, family, betrayal
tropes: evil antagonist, magical artifacts, high stakes, unlikely allies
spice: 5/5 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
language: 5/5 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

cover notes: cozy and cute
mood reading: in the mood for witchy stories, quirky characters, and steamy romance.
bonus points: Fred the Rooster and Z the Cat, and Evie’s hilarious T-shirts

my review

I love female characters that are powerful in their own ways, as well smart and sassy, and Evie is all of that. She’s a proud, unabashed fan-nerd, and I love her enthusiasm for it. She’s not created to be perfect, which is something I appreciate. Mateo is full of hidden depths, even as he struggles with a mysterious hex. He’s desperate to break it, going so far as to seek out the most powerful witches he’s heard of, even knowing they don’t deal with people of his kind. There is an underlying theme of bias, even in the paranormal world, where some paranormals are held in less esteem than others. I don’t know if it was intended, but it was an interesting parallel to the real world. That bias made it difficult for Mateo to seek help, but it becomes the basis for change and acceptance.

The romance between Evie and Mateo simmers from the beginning, although neither wants to acknowledge it. But it bubbled beneath the surface, growing as they became closer. The chemistry between them was incredible, even as Mateo fought it, terrified of his trapped werewolf. The build-up between them was set at a perfect pace!

The paranormal side of the story was fantastic. The author created an interesting magic system, much of which I’ve never seen before. The mystery behind Mateo’s hex was so engrossing, with lots of twists and turns from beginning to end. For much of the book, I was convinced I knew who was behind it, and I was completely wrong. And I LOVE being surprised!

About Juliette Cross

JULIETTE is a multi-published author of paranormal and contemporary romance, including the best-selling STAY A SPELL series. As a native of Louisiana, she lives in the heart of Cajun country with her husband, four kids, and sundry animals. When she isn’t working on her next project, she enjoys binge-watching her favorite shows with her husband and a glass (or two) of red wine or whiskey.