Walking in a Witchy Wonderland features 5 short stories in the Stay a Spell world by Juliette Cross. Every story in this anthology is amazing. I devoured the entire thing in a couple days.

I love Juliette Cross’s writing style and the way she tells stories. Her ability to create paranormal stories with romance, action and a solid plot is what keeps me coming back. I can't wait for the next book in the series - or any book from Juliette Cross.

Fans of the Stay Spell series will not want to miss this anthology.

While I do not often gravitate toward short stories in the romance genre, I could not pass up the opportunity to read the collection in Walking in a Witchy Wonderland (Stay a Spell #3.5) by Juliette Cross (2021; 288 pgs) featuring characters I enjoy spending time with.

If you are in the mood for steamy romance of the supernatural variety, than this short story collection might be just for you! The stories made a nice change of pace when I needed a break from the more academic nonfiction reading I have been doing over the past months. It was hard not to want to read this book straight through though.

This collection of stories was a mixed bag for me, but overall I enjoyed my brief time with the Savoie sisters. I love the world building in the series and how different the sisters are from one another, personality and skill wise--and yet how they are so loyal to each other.

In the first story, "Bewitch You a Merry Christmas", someone seeks Evie out for help breaking a hex his neighbor put on him while Evie's boyfriend Mateo strategizes how he and Evie can spend some much needed quality time together. I always enjoy Mateo and Evie but admit I wished the hex breaking storyline had been a bit more fleshed out than it was.

"Rockin' Around the Hexmas Tree" was a lot of fun--and very steamy. Devraj and Isadora are my favorite so far of the couples in the series and so any extra time spent with them is a plus. This story centers around a hex that has been put on a gift, particularly the fallout and the resolution.

I was happy to come across "Jingle Bell Jock", featuring Charlie and JJ. Finally! The chemistry has been there for awhile in the full length novels and it is good to see them finally find their way to each other. I enjoyed getting a closer glimpse into the lives of these two side characters.

I have been wanting to read a story involving one of the grim reapers since the first novel in the series came out and so excitedly read "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grim", featuring Gareth Blackwater and Livvy Savoie. I have to say, compared to the other stories in this collection, this one was such a tease! I enjoy a good enemy to lover romance and the sparks certainly fly between Gareth and Livvy in more ways than one. Their rivalry during the competition made quite the entertaining read. This was one of those short stories that I found myself wishing for more at the end.

In "Jingle Spells", Nico and Violet share their first babysitting experience. I really enjoyed this light hearted story about Nico, Violet, and their nephews and niece. Mateo is quite the protective father. I think many parents would be able to relate to his frequent check ins and long list of instructions. Usually that role is cast on the mother and so I appreciated that Juliette Cross put the dad in that position. Nico and Violet will make great parents someday. Their interaction with the triplets and the joy they took in even those more frustrating moments had me chuckling and brought back memories of my own. It was also nice to get a peek into the magic the triplets may possess!

There's a lot of heat in each of these short stories and so you may need to have a fan nearby or avoid reading them in a public place if you blush easily. The author gives the readers an idea of where in timeline each of the stories falls in the series, which was a nice touch. There were a few "Aha! So that's why . . . " moments as I recalled scenes from the novels in which some of these stories could easily be placed, which enhanced my enjoyment of the stories.

Thanks to netgalley for providing me with this arc in exchange for an honest review.

When I started this, I thought itll be like Once More Upon a Time, a magical read that'll fill me with warmth and happiness. But unfortunately it didn't deliver.

Initially it felt like I was reading about The Wrath and The Dawn, a version of it and since I dnfed that I didnt and couldn't read a book that felt exactly like the it.
I did however skim through and read the next story since I thought lets give the other story a try but even that disappointed.
It didn't captivate me, I wasn't invested in any of the stories and I didn't really care for the characters.
I really wanted to like it but it just didn't work for me

Walking in a Witchy Wonderland by Juliette Cross was wonderful! I haven’t read the other books in this universe, but they’re at the top of my TBR now! Set in New Orleans this one contains several short and magical romances about the Savoie Sisters! I loved the Christmas theme tied in perfect for this time of year. They were spicer than jambalaya and perfect for unwinding.

This series of spicy witch stories is exactly what you need to warm up during the cold autumn months. These five stories (shorts based on the author’s other works) are quick and fun reads. Definitely recommend for a night of sitting by the fire and reading with a spiked hot chocolate!

⭐⭐⭐

I am not sure how I didn't realize that this was a romance book. I mean, it says right in the synopsis "five sexy stories" 👀 In any case, it was a quick and cute read. I probably would have enjoyed it more had I read the other books in the series.

**ARC Via NetGalley**

No book hits me like a Savoie sister book - seeing as we share a surname, I feel like we're family. I can't get enough of the Stay A Spell series and this was just the right way to start my holiday spirit off in the right mood. Definitely a must-pick-up if you're a fan of Cross' other books. I devoured it and I love Juliette Cross.

Five stories set in the world of Stay a Spell series. It was good to catch up with couple we already met and have a peek at a new one.
It's funny, well written and I enjoyed it.
It's not the best book if you never read this series.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I recently finished WALKING IN A WITCHY WONDERLAND by Juliette Cross. This is a collection of holiday novellas in the Stay a Spell series. Delicious paranormal romance.⁠

Now I know, I know, it’s not quite holiday reading time for some of you. I mean, I’m still knee deep in my Fall-ish gothic stories myself. But there’s lots of amazing holiday books starting to come that you should definitely put on your TBR for the holiday season. ⁠

While I think this is best enjoyed if you’ve read the series (and you should do that immediately because it’s so good) I still think it can work for a new reader of the series.⁠

Bewitch You A Merry Christmas:

This is Evie and Mateo’s story. But honestly I actually wanted more about the two neighbors that were having a dispute and that Evie had to break a hex. Turns out a witch hexed her surly neighbor and he went to Evie for help. Those two had plenty of chemistry and I would’ve loved to see a novella about what happens after this. Maybe in the future?

Rockin’ Around The Hexmas Tree:

Dev and Isadora gets a sexy time boost. This one was super steamy. And honestly that fit them so well as a couple because I also feel that their book was the most sexy of the series so far.

Jingle Bell Jock:

Charlie and JJ finally act on their feelings for each other. We saw a bit of this in Witches Get Stitches and I was certainly excited to see what went down between them. Always love a good friends to lovers romance when they finally realize they want each other.

You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grim:

I was most excited for this one. I’m so interested in the grims of this series! It wasn’t one of my favorites of this anthology but I loved seeing more about the grims for sure. This is Gareth and Lavinia.

Jingle Spells:

We get to revisit Nico and Violet soon after their HEA in the previous book. This is certainly the sweetest of the bunch here. There’s adorable kids and some exploding ovaries. Love these two.

What’s my favorite one? You may think it’s all the Alpha time we get, and I did love that. But honestly, my favorite one is the Charlie and JJ story because I reeeealllly wanted to see the behind the scenes of that one! ⁠

This book has a a bit of everything. Hot and spicy steam with ROCKIN’ AROUND THE HEXMAS TREE, to full on googly eyed sweet with JINGLE SPELLS. I’m ready for the next one.

An anthology of witchy Christmas tales that have a perfect amount of spice and holiday cheer!

My only thing is I didn’t know they were sequels to other books so occasionally I felt a bit lost BUT overall fun stories and perfect for the season!

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ out of 5
This was the perfect little injection of paranormal Christmas cheer that I needed in my life! This series can do no wrong in my eyes and all paranormal romance lovers should get on board.

This is a collection of 5 short stories from the 3 couples who have already had their stories in the previous books and 2 couples I’ve been dying to hear about. Each short story is perfectly full of sweetness, heart and steaminess.

I’ve loved this series since the very beginning- about a family of witches with each sister getting their own story and each book has left me completely satisfied. But seeing little snippets of their lives after their HEA? Yes yes yes! These little short stories were perfect! But I recommend reading the rest of the series first to fully enjoy seeing these couples live their HEAs.

Such a cute installment to this series. The Charlie and JJ story was by far my favorite of the bunch, so happy for them finding love with each other. The other stories added just a little extra to the already established pairings and has made me more excited for the next full length book.

WALKING IN A WITCHY WONDERLAND is a collection of stories set in Juliette Cross’ “Stay a Spell” series. These stories are best for readers who are already familiar with this series, since each story takes place after or during one of the main books in the series. Three stories focus on couples from the previous books, one is a friends-to-lovers story about recurring characters in the series, and one story is what seems to be a prequel to an enemies-to-lovers story that will come out in the future. Each story has a super steamy scene for readers to enjoy along with some humor.

Bewitch You a Merry Christmas has witch Evie Savoie helping a man who has been hexed by another witch. Marcus has been hexed to embody certain holiday-themed physical characteristics at the drop of certain festive words or sounds. Evie’s mate (and hot werewolf) Mateo Cruz acts as her shadow as she tries to mediate between grinch Marcus and witch Tia. It soon becomes abundantly clear to Mateo that a big part of the friction between these two, is sexual frustration. I love the sizzling scenes between Mateo and Evie. They were always one of my favorite couples in this series because it was kind of a friends-to-lovers romance, and Mateo is just so devoted to Evie in all her geeky witchy glory.

Rockin’ Around the Hexmas Tree is a fun story about love, lust, and well-meaning sisters. Isadora Savoie and vampire Devraj are blissfully dating but, after a family White Elephant party, their normally healthy sex life kicks up a few notches. This story was as amusing as it was smoking hot. Besides the magic-enhanced passion, Juliette Cross hints at a love story for Clara Savoie, in addition to the near crippling sexual tension between Jules Savoie and vampire big shot Reuben. I don’t know which story I’m looking forward to more. Clara’s possible love interest seems like it might be a fun opposites-attract kind of thing, but I NEED to have Jules and Reuben hash things out between them. I am way emotionally invested in these characters.

Jingle Bell Rock has one of my favorite tropes – friends-to-lovers. In the past few books, it was evident to just about any of the other characters, as well as readers, that Charlie carried a torch for his BFF JJ. What was not evident until this story, told from alternating perspectives, was that JJ cared for Charlie a little more than he had always thought. An episode of jealousy has JJ wake up and look at Charlie with new eyes. JJ is something of an emotional wreck as he sorts out his emotions – first trying to deny them, before finally accepting his feelings but grappling with the right approach in expressing himself to Charlie. Charlie’s bafflement at JJ’s sudden change in behavior, and his amazement at finally getting what he’s always wanted, is adorable.

You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grim is a possible prequel to Livvy Savoie’s eventual romance with grim Gareth Blackwater. I’m not quite sure how I feel about this not-quite-yet romance. I’m much more a friends-to-lovers kind of chick rather than an enemies-to-lovers chick (except for Jules and Rueben – I need that story like yesterday). It’s good that the author provides alternate perspectives, because they both try to heavily mask the physical attraction they each have for the other. I guess I’m interested in seeing how it plays out. Hopefully Gareth might do a little groveling in Livvy’s direction.

In Jingle Spells, Violet Savoie and her honey (and werewolf) Nico Cruz, babysit for Evie and Mateo’s young triplets. Paranormal baby hijinks abound in this tale. It’s cute seeing this couple in the role of substitute parents. There is a mix of cute and funny with the actual babysitting, before the pair go home, and the baby-making is epic and highly erotic.

This was such a fun and sexy romp with my favorite characters and some new ones!

First, we revisited Matteo and Evie. Alpha was, once again, laugh-out-loud funny and made the story. The chemistry between them was scorching and they are so sweet! So far, I think they’re my favorite couple.

I also really hope we get either a novella or a full novel of Marcus and Tia’s story. I was very intrigued by them.

Next, we spent time with Izzy and Devraj. Wow, they are sexy as hell together! Phew! *fans self* This short story was 🔥 and still very, very sweet. Their love for one another was almost palpable and they lit up the page.

Now, we took a bit of a break from revisiting couples we already met in previous books. We first got the story of JJ and Charlie getting together! It was hinted at, but we got to see it on page! They were so very sweet and sexy together.

Next, we got a preview of Livvie and Gareth’s story. I’m sufficiently intrigued and I’m so excited for their story!

Lastly, we fast-forwarded to Nico and Violet as they babysit Matteo and Evie’s triplets. I loved everything about this, from getting to see super protective dad Nico to the scorching scenes (after the babysitting) between Nico and Violet. I also NEED a spin-off series about the next generation of Savoie sisters!

All-in-all, I enjoyed every moment of this and am already re-listening to the audio. ♥️

I came across Juliette Cross a few years ago and I am so thrilled that I found her work. When she started this which series I knew the world was in for a treat and I was not wrong. Stay a Spell is hands-down one of my favorite Witchy series and this compilation of novellas was SO fun to read. Revisiting the sisters and getting a sneak peak of future tales is always so exciting and I am on pins and needles waiting for the next full length book!

This was just the perfect little epilogue! If you loved the Stay a Spell series you’ll love this! It’s so lovely to see the characters again, but with a fun holiday twist! This book contained 5 short novellas. It centered around all the couples we know, but also a new couple as well!

Walking in a Witchy Wonderland is an holiday anthology that is part of her wonderful Stay a Spell series. This is a holiday short stories featuring different Savoie Sisters (witches) and their steamy relationships. I will break this down for each story, which are quick reads

Bewitch You A Merry Christmas: This story revolves around Evie and Mateo (a wolf), with Mateo’s inner wolf Alpha also playing a big part in this story. Seems Mateo/Alpha is not happy that Evie has been very busy, especially with the holidays, and they are determined at any cost, to get alone time with her. But Evie must remove a hex another witch put on a customer, and find the witch who put that curse on. Of course, once she removes the hex, Evie is whisked away to spend some very steamy time alone with Mateo (& Alpha)

Rockin’ Around The Hexmas Tree: This one is centered around Isadora and Devraj (a vampire). It is Christmas season, and the sisters have a party exchanging gifts, and one ornament ends up with Isadora. What they didn’t know was the ornament had an added lust hex, that made for mind blowing steamy sex, which neither could stop. A wild time was had before they realized what was causing the super-hot enhanced desires.

Jingle Bell Jock: JJ is the bartender at the Savoie Sisters place. Charlie has lusted over his best friend JJ for a long time, with no reaction. On New Year’s Eve, he meets another guy, who expressed interest in Charlie, and they decide to go out with each other. When JJ sees his buddy dating someone else, his jealousy arises, and he realizes that he wants Charlie for himself. When JJ finally makes a move on a confused Charlie (JJ never expressed interest, other than as a friend), the hot chemistry between the two of them escalates into a wild steamy lustful desires, filled with the love they felt for one another.

You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grim: Livvy meets the grim reaper, Gareth Blackwater, and immediately dislikes him. Gareth comes across as cold, but at the same time, he feels a major case of lust toward Livvy. She also feels the attraction to Gareth, but will she allow herself to be involved with a Grim. We know very little about the mysterious Gareth, which I’m sure a book about them should come soon enough.

Jingle Spells: This was a riot, as we get to see Nico and Violet babysit Mateo and Evie’s triplets. The babies are already hard to handle, but though it is fun and challenging, it was lots of laughs. Nico and Violet start feeling maternal instincts, as they think about what will be in the future. By the time Evie and Mateo come home, everything is in order, and they are exhausted. LOL
Walking in a Witchy Wonderland was a fun and steamy anthology, with 5 great short stories revolving around our wonderful Savoie Sisters. Juliette Cross always blows us away with her fantastic and hot romantic paranormal stories, and I absolutely love this Stay a Spell series.

I’m so happy I was able to get this ARC only a few months after I finished Cross’ latest book in this series, Witches Get Stitches. I was able to immerse myself in this universe again AND it was a holiday themed book which made me get even more into the holiday spirit. Each short story gives you a taste of the characters from past, recent, and future books and it makes me want to read the whole series again! I seriously can’t wait for the next book with Lavinia and Gareth, NEXT YEAR NEEDS TO GET HERE ASAP!

*Thank you to @netgalley for my advanced free copy. All opinions are my own.*

This was such a sweet collection of holiday themed short stories set in the Stay a Spell series. We got follow ups on the couples in the first three books, some great romantic setup for the sisters who haven't gotten their own book yet, and a wonderful romance for JJ. It was super fun return to these characters.

A beautiful sight, we’re happy tonight, Walking in a Witchy Wonderland!
Walking in a Witchy Wonderland by Juliette Cross is a collection of five short stories set within the Stay a Spell world that will give readers unexpected holiday delight with a heavy amount of spice. Each short story is a snapshot in the lives of the featured couples with a seasonal twist.

“It was like a French cologne ad had sex with a rock video. And their baby was standing at my door, giving me a you’re-going-to-go-up-in-flames-in-my-bed-tonight look.”

Evie and Mateo’s short story will have you simultaneously giggling and fanning yourself. I love that Alpha makes a reappearance and that he and Mateo are determined to get some alone time with their lady. Evie makes her man (and wolf) work for her attention as she juggles a neighbor dispute and a party for her sisters.

Isadora and Devraj’s interlude is naughty, oh so nice, and full of spice! This one had me saying “Ho Ho Ho-ly Smokes!” After a game of White Elephant, these two can’t keep their…hands… off each other. What’s a couple to do with a bunch of meddling sisters? This one will have you speed reading and re-reading because you absolutely need this spicy holiday short story!

“My love,” he said softly with a little raspy darkness, his eyes glinting silver. “It isn’t wise to look at me that way. Unless you’re sending me an invitation.”

Charlie and JJ’s story is the one that I most anticipated! Through the first three books of the Stay a Spell series, we get glimpses of their simmering friends to lovers romance. This is the goods, folks! Their short story is full of hope, full of longing, and full of all the goodness that is a great friendship brought to the next level. I adored this M/M romance and I can’t wait to read more about JJ and Charlie in future books!

What’s so grim about the holidays? Nothing at all, unless you’re an actual Grim and you’ve entered into a competition with a Savoie sister. Gareth and Lavinia are pitted against each other to pitch their marketing skills for a new job opportunity…only to find themselves on the same team. Their short story is only the beginning! This is a tease for their upcoming full-length novel and I absolutely cannot wait for all the enemies to lovers goodness that will no doubt have us all swooning.

He paused, and I couldn’t breathe as his faze dropped to my mouth. “But the watcher knows that if he ever made his fantasy a reality, if he touched those stars, he’d be scorched to nothing but ash.”

To wrap up this Holiday party, Nico and Violet are tasked with babysitting for their nieces and nephews! While these two are totally happy on their own, Violet can’t help but notice how wonderful Nico is with the kids. Violet is helpless against Nico’s dad vibes and who can blame her? It definitely won’t be me. Nico and Violet’s short story is the perfect sweet note to wrap up this gift from Juliette Cross to her readers!

If I could be adopted into a fictional family, I would want to be a Savoie sister. Walking in a Witchy Wonderland has just enough teasingly delightful glimpses into each of the sisters that should allow us all some breathing time before clamoring for the next Stay a Spell book.

Walking in a Witchy Wonderland is live today! Be sure to grab your copy or if audiobooks are your jam—the narrated version is live today as well! Happy Release Day, Juliette Cross!