I am really sad to say I was not a fan of this book! I love Juliette Cross - her books are magical and her characters are so genuine and relatable. But this heroine...I just can't get behind her. I felt she was very immature, especially when you find out she is almost 30 years old. She acts like she's in high school! At one point she talks about an ex who broke up with her because she wasn't serious, and I'll agree that he was so not someone I would want to be with. BUT he was right that she's not a serious person. At all. I felt like I was reading a YA book, maybe with a 16 year old heroine (at most, 16) and a college guy. It was just not appealing to me.

I LOVED Alpha, the hero's wolf side. He is awesome, even if he is super dirty minded. The parts of the book I liked best were when he was talking. I wish I would have liked the heroine, because then I think this book would have been amazing.

Not my cup of tea, but I will still be promoting this book once it's released! Juliette Cross is an author to watch, even if you don't like every book she writes.

I feel like this book could not decide whether it wanted to be a funny, lighthearted romance or be taken seriously as a mystery within a paranormal world. But for me, it ended up neither and left me feeling dissatisfied.

The setup was pretty good and (combined with the pretty cover), the reason I picked it up in the first place. A group of sisters running a coven and a bar, each with their own powers and personality? Sign me up.

I was most disappointed by the setup of the curse. I don't feel it was very well explained, nor did the curser have a good enough motive in my opinion. Mateo, especially, ignores his problem most of the time and is not concerned at all what might happen if it doesn't get resolved soon. We are treated to awkward interactions and dates instead, which felt juvenile and ill-timed considering the problem at hand.
Mateo's wolf side, Alpha, served no purpose at all but was more an excuse to be a dick and/or have lustful thoughts about Evie. I wanted more from a werewolf plotline. Why is his soul split, was it the same before? Alpha seemed more like a horny voice inside Mateo's head which annoyed me pretty early on. He also offers nothing to the storyline except for cheap punchlines.

I can barely explain the rules or the magic system this world is a part of. New information is added at random or at convenient times to further to explain what is going on; you can't really figure out the mystery of the curse yourself because you don't have all the information.
It was very clear immediately which characters and couples would feature in the following novels, this book does not do subtlety.

This book reminded me of the Sookie Stackhouse series, which I adored. There are a few similarities (and a lot of differences) but it never feels like it's trying to copy Charlaine Harris' work. My point is it has a similar vibe to that series and that was a great thing for me!

I enjoyed this story a ton, from the very first page to the last. There are witches, werewolves, vampires, and other supernatural beings. There's a lot of magic, and a lot of steam! Once things started heating up, I couldn't put it down!

The only reason I'm not going with a higher rating despite how much I liked it is, the writing could have been better. It's not bad, but with such a strong storyline and interesting characters, there could have been richer language, and more depth to the dialogue.

I highly recommend this for readers of paranormal romance.

I tried so hard to get into this book, but I just couldn't. While the premise was great, the delivery was trite and rather bland. I so wanted this book to be better than it was! In the end, I couldn't finish it.

This book was a fun, fast-paced read that brought me into New Orleans filled with paranormal magical creatures and people all hidden in plain sight.

I loved the characters of the Savoie sisters and am intrigued to continue reading their stories.

I was a little surprised by the graphic nature of some of the sex scenes as I wasn't expecting them, and there were moments where the relationship between Evie and Mateo felt a little forced. The constant pop culture references grew a little wearing after a while. I think that the highlighting of that aspect of Evie's personality - her 'nerdiness' was a little overdone.

I found the character of Evie to be an interesting, fun narrator - strong willed and feisty. Mateo for me was a weaker character, and I found the fact Evie seemed so accepting of Alpha a little at odds with her persona.

There were points where Evie and Mateo's relationship felt less like that between two adults, and more two teens, perhaps due to the language chosen.

Overall I enjoyed this story and would certainly continue to read this series.

Wolf Gone Wild is the first book in the new Stay A Spell series by Juliette Cross and a story I was eager to read after a sneek peek of Evie &Mateo in the Bewitch You a Merry Christmas story from the Christmas After Dark anthology.
I took to Evie instantly, which doesn't happen often to me, with female lead characters. She's caring and determined as well as having a nerdy side that matches my own. We bonded over our StarWars/Marvel love lol.
Ah Mateo, my heart went out to him completely, years of reading shifter based pnr has given me the knowledge of how dangerous & destructive being unable to shift can be, but adding in a black magic cause, took his torment to a whole new level.
I really enjoyed the fact that Alpha is so upfront & present in Mateo's life, that was new to me and I loved their interactions and conversations. I'm so glad Alpha doesn't fade completely at the end of this story. He's become an important character in his own right for me.
I'm now looking forward to seeing where this series goes as it progresses. I want to know more about the Savoie sister witches and hopefully catch up with Evie and Mateo along the way.
Juliette Cross, you've caught me with this series :)

5 stars!

Wolf Gone Wild is a refreshing departure from the oftentimes dark and angsty paranormal romances set in New Orleans. Evie - a comic-crazed, hex-breaking witch - and Mateo - an artist wolf-shifter and loner - made a unique pair, especially with the addition of Mateo's wolf - Alpha.

Something is blocking Mateo from going furry once a month which causes his inner wolf to invade his everyday thoughts. So much so, that he fears Alpha taking over completely! Mateo seeks the help of a renowned hex-breaker and member of the Savoie witch coven - the ruling entity of New Orleans.

I love a good nerdy heroine, and Evie is so charmingly obsessed with Marvel and Star Wars - so many references to pop culture. Their budding relationship and Evie's bubbly influence on the broody werewolf were delightful, but it's Alpha who really steals the show.

Mateo's inner wolf is hilariously primal - thinking in terms of kill or be killed, and lusting so hard after Evie that it's driving Mateo insane. Every interaction between Mateo and Alpha is gold and I couldn't get enough of them.

Wolf Gone Wild is book one of the Stay a Spell series and sets up the world nicely for future installments. There's definitely a few teased relationships simmering in the background. I can't wait to see which of the Savoie sisters is next!

Well written Paranormal Romance, about a wolf shifter and sculptor Mateo, who has been blocked in some way from being able to shift. He is getting desperate, as his wolf alter ego Alpha is getting very aggressive, so he seeks help from the local paranormal community, and ends up asking the local witches coven to help him. Eveleen (Evie), is the hex breaker of a coven of 6 sisters, known as the Savoie sisters, who also run a local bar and restaurant, called The Cauldron; natch; together.

I really liked this book because of the developing relationship between Mateo and Evie, he really made an effort to get to know her, and unusually in these type of shifter romances, there wasn’t too much of a D/S theme. Mateo was always respectful and mindful of Evie, and there was no troubling instances of not respecting Evie’s choices. I liked the way he was open to her passion for comics and Star Wars etc, and the fact they are both artists, gives them a nice connection.

I also liked the glimpses we had of some of the other sisters, Jules the Siphon, a controlled older sister and talented cook, fighting her connection to Ruben the overlord of the local Vampires, Violet the aggressive scryer, who is attracted to Nico, Mateo’s cousin, and Clara, who feeds the homeless and has an afternoon tea book club with lots of older ladies, and seems to be attracted to one of the Grims that guard the paranormal in the district.

The problem with Mateos hex is well handled, and although I managed to work out the plot twist, it was only just before it happened. So all in all well written and enjoyable read, and I am intrigued to seek out the forthcoming books in the series.

There were a couple of spelling/grammatical errors in my ARC, hopefully they have been picked up, one I remember is the use of the word ‘flare’, when the correct usage is ‘flair’, as in having a flair for something.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and all opinions are my own.

Also posted on Goodreads.

Werewolfs,witches, hexes. Oh My!

Such a fun read, Wolf Gone Wild is book one in a brand new series by Juliette Cross, Within this series you are going to meet the Savoie sisters, that just happen to be witches who live in New Orleans.

Mateo Cruz has always had control over his wolf except during his shift. But something is blocking Mateo from being able to shift. What could it be?

As these two spend time together, they form a bond. Juliette Cross never fails to amaze me and that’s just what she did with this new series.

Wolf Gone Wild by author Juliette Cross was an entertaining read that kept the smiles and intrigue flowing from start to finish. Evie's character was a stand out, and equally the secondary characters of her sisters. The smoulderingly troubled Mateo did not disappoint either. I cannot wait for the author to write more books in the series. Wolf Gone Wild was an unmissable beginning to what is sure to be entertaining reading in the Stay a Spell series from Ms Cross.
Review copy received from the Publisher via Netgalley

Any story set in my favorite city of New Orleans is a win! This one doesn’t disappoint. Nothing better than witches and werewolves in one of the most haunted and beautiful cities in America. The ambiance of the setting and chemistry between the leading characters make this a 5 star romance read. Enjoy!

This is such a quick and fun read with lots of sexiness and supernatural creatures. It's super refreshing to read chick-lit paranormal romance for adults without being too heavy on the supernatural. I loved it!

I’ve never read a werewolf romance, so I didn’t know what to expect, but this was SUPER fun. Even in the darkest moments, the conflict was external to the couple, who communicate about their feelings super well and consistently (which I love). Mateo was a total babe, and Evie and her awesome witch sisters were so cool. I absolutely adored the world building and I can’t wait for the rest of the series. This is perfect if you love: pop culture, witches, wolves, art—both sculptural and comic-based, sisterhood, bars that sound like a dream come true, steamy scenes, ancient cats, Louisiana, Star Wars, Thanksgiving dinner, growly heroes, hit lists, or love magic.

Who doesn't love reading about witches, vampires and werewolves? This was a great paranormal romance! I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC

Mateo has quite the problem lately. He has unmeasurable urges, wild desires and filter-less thoughts. He can barely contain himself anymore and it's all because the "wolf" part of him has not been able to come out. Trapped in his own body Mateo is having a hell of a time dealing with everyday life. He eventually becomes so desperate he seeks guidance from a very powerful witch family in the neighborhood. These witches however, have a secret pact of never helping werewolves due to their past and their nature. However, it is clear Mateo needs serious help and Evie Savoie decides to risk more than just her life to help him.

I wasn't quite sure what to think of this book when I started it. It seemed innocent enough getting into but does it take quite a turn. I should have known from the title that it was going to be rather sexually charged. This novel does have a lot of humor to it, the wolf character "Alpha" does bring a few laughs to the table. I think a lot of women who like the cheesey werewolf-vampire scene will really enjoy this book. It personally wasn't my best cup of tea, but I didn't mind reading it.

Rate: 2.5/5
Fiction
Author: Juliette Cross

Wolf Gone Wild is not only the first book in Juliette Cross` new Stay A Spell series, but it also my very first read by this author. A wonderful mix of paranormal creatures grace the pages of this story and provide readers with a fun filled, laugh out loud, and sexy story of hexes, and uncooperative wolves. As a lover of paranormal romance, I was intrigued by the bevvy of different characters and quickly engaged in their dire circumstances. Mateo and Evie are obviously front and centre as the primary characters of this story, but there are certainly many more exciting personalities set to grace the pages of future books in the series. Don’t expect something deep and profound from this story, as that isn’t what you’ll get. This is a fun, light and fantastical read that is designed to let you escape the reality of life and all its daily drama.

Enjoyed everything about this books! It's so hard to find a really good paranormal romance but, this one checked all my boxes. The chemistry between Evie and Mateo was so amazing. Loved that is was a somewhat slow burn romance. Also that we will get more books following the sisters.

Excellent read. Mateo, a werewolf, seeks out Evie, a witch, to break the hex surrounding Mateo that prevents him from shifting into his wolf. A bit of a different take on werewolfs as Mateo isn't part of a pack and isn't ostracized for being a 'lone wolf'.

Mateo and his wolf, Alpha, have these conversations in Mateo's head as Mateo is living his daily life. The writing between the too is funny and highlights the inner turmoil Mateo has as it is not normal to have this type of ongoing discussion. The relationship between Mateo and Evie is a slow building, slow burning one. Alpha has decided that he wants Evie and is constantly pushing Mateo to make his move. Mateo is concerned that Alpha will be too aggressive and hurt Evie.

Evie has an epiphany about her feelings for Mateo. "Even in jeans, I could feel the heat of him, the magnetic pull of his touch, of his gaze, of his body, of his mind, heart, and soul. It was true. He'd caught me. Reeled me in with kind words and soft touches and hard kisses. And it wasn't enough. I wanted more. I wanted it all. I wanted everything." Awesome imagery of how Evie feels for Mateo, a dominant guy with a sweet side.

"Then I spotted the devastatingly fine man walking across the room straight toward me, and I knew why. Not just a man, a werewolf among witches. My werewolf. And sweet baby Jesus in a basket, Mateo in an all-black, well-tailored suit, striding through the parlor with prupose, his beautiful face set in a dangerous express as it flicked to Derek behind me." The writing is so descriptive, without going overboard, that I can picture this scene perfectly in my mind.

Of course Mateo and Evie get their HEA. A bit of a twist to discover how the hex/curse and unwinding of it occurs. There's also some foreshadowing for likely pairings of Evie's sisters in future books.

Bummer that this is the first in a series so that there's nothing for me to pick up to read. Definitely will be on the 'authors to watch' list.

Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4. This is book one of the Stay A Spell series, and the series has a lot of potential. The six Savoie sisters live in New Orleans, are witches, and are the ruling faction. There are also vampires, Grims, and the occasional werewolf living in New Orleans. They are part of a bigger region with other witch familie and a fairly organized system of communication/gatherings.

This particular story focuses on Evie Savoie and Mateo Cruz. Mateo is a successul artist who sculpts. He owns a gallery. He's also a werewolf who hasn't been able to shift for three months. His snarky wolf, Alpha, is constantly in his head and trying to influence his choices and it's driving Mateo crazy. Mateo wants to go back to the way things were- where he shifts once a month, the wolf gets to be a world, and then Mateo is back in charge. Mateo is convinced someone must have put a hex on him, so he seeks Evie out even though it's rumored that the Savoie sisters don't work with werewolves. Evie Savoie is a witch that can break hexes and might be able to help Mateo, assuming her family will allow her to work with him.

Mateo and Evie have a nice chemistry; there is lots of fun dialogue and laughter. There are also a lot of comic book/ Star Wars references which is different and fun or distracting depending on your perspective. Personally I enjoyed it. I think there was a missed opportunity for more mystery and sleuthing about where the hex came from. I'm hoping the next stories in the series will have continued back story and world building.

Thanks to NetGalley and Juliette Cross (publisher and author- Go Girl!) for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

DNF; the setup and writing isn't working for me unfortunately but YMMV. Check out the excerpt and other reviews to see if the book interests you.