This is the second book in the Belle sister's series by Autumn Blake. I really enjoyed the first book, and was looking forward to reading this one.

I knew from the first book that Jade was not my favourite sister. I found her hard to relate to and a little petty. From the first chapter of the book that impression prevailed, however, I found myself warming to her through this book. Vampires and Witches have a contentious history so it's a little problematic that the Prince of Vampires, Alexei, is Jade's (the eldest sister of a prominent witch family from New Orleans) mate. Not that Jade believes in that sort of thing.

Alexei definitely does though, so when they get a chance to take a trip together to Spooky Supernatural Business, Jade finds it hard to resist his charm.

Apart from the attraction Jade is hiding from Alexei, there seem to be plenty of secrets, untruths and half truths that these two tell each other and others - even their own family. At times I did find it a little distracting.

Although I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first I am looking forward to Audra's story. I have found, like with Ember in the first book, I find her character more interesting.

A good witchy fix for October but not my favourite from this author.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Blood Enchanted by Autumn Blake to be self-published 10/30/23. Book #2 of the Wicked Belles series that can be read as a standalone.
Thanks to NetGalley and Autumn Blake for this ARC 💚! I voluntarily give my honest review and all opinions expressed are my own.

This is a paranormal romance between an earth and spirit witch and an exiled vampire. Jade Belle and Alexei Vasilyev are enemies but are working together at Alexei's coven. Jade is his mystical guide, while he has been exiled for ten years from Slovenia to Crescent City by his father Alistair Vasilyev. His father hates witches and dislikes Alexei's involvement with the Council-made up of different supernatural creatures. Jade has been trying to practice dark magic with cursed talismans. Alexei is missing a powerful talisman and tells Jade he needs her help to find it. He already knows that Jade is his mate, and he wants her close. If he doesn't drink blood from her soon, his hunger will make him dangerous.

Jade's grandmother Rebecca sends her to Salem to train for the position of High Priestess with her great aunt Lilane. There she connects with a new coven of women, and ghosts who need to be exorcised. Alexei goes with her, and he suspects his father's general Trystan Dubois, is the talisman thief. He gets his second Silas and friend Henry Thompson involved in his coup. While learning about spirit magic, Jade comes across a ghost who knew Alistair and Alexei. The ghost- Blanca- reveals Alistair treachery against the Bled witches. There are some nice scenes between Jade and Alexei alone-on the balcony and in the botanical garden. Jade just doesn't trust the "prince of pleasure's" reputation.

When Alexei is betrayed, his nemesis Trystan attacks the Salem coven. They kidnap Jade and imprison her in Alistair's dungeon. Alexei and Jade's family head to Slovenia for an epic rescue and showdown between the vampires and witches. I liked the dual POV with the hero and heroine because Alexei is murderous when he sees Jade injured. Jade uses the amulet she's been hiding to avenge all witches. Once Alistair and Trystan are defeated, the ghosts of Alistair's victims can pass on. Alexei and Jade decide to part so Alexei can take over as King, and Jade can be with her family.

I liked this installment of another Belle sister, but this could have been a hundred pages less. It had some slow parts (a lot of the Salem coven stuff). The hero and heroine don't spend much time alone, but the time we get is full of Alexei and Jade's angst. They deal with feelings of being a failure to their families. Alexei has done nothing but defy his father and become the prince of pleasure. Jade blames herself for a previous attack on her own sisters because she is the oldest and High Priestess in training. Her grandmother Rebecca is hard on her until they sit down and have a heart to heart. Alexei talks to his mother Mariana, who encourages him to change their leadership and get Jade back.

Rating 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐