Mateo thinks he's been cursed with a hex so he's not able to shift into his wolf form and his inner wolf is in his head all the time. Mateo's inner wolf, Alpha is a mean, viscous animal who wants to fight all the time. He's constantly pushing Mateo to hit people and it's driving Mateo crazy so he asks a witch for help.

Evie and her sisters are witches but they usually don't help werewolves because they are dangerous predators. But it turns out that Mateo is more dangerous if they don't try and help him because his inner animal is unpredictable.

Evie and her sisters research a way to help Mateo but it's taking some time and Mateo realizes that his wolf, Alpha is calmer when Evie is around so he asks to spend a few hours a day with her and she agree's. The only problem with that is Mateo and Evie both start lusting after each other which makes things a little awkward.

Evie and her sisters try to remove the hex but it turns out to be more powerful than anything they've ever come up against. So while the sisters do more research, Evie and Mateo spend more time together and finally give in to their mutual attraction. Mateo and Alpha are sexy as hell and even though Evie knows she should be afraid of Alpha, she finds him to be sexy with his dominance and gruff nature. The fact that Alpha can actually speak through Mateo when he comes to the surface is different and I really liked it.

I did not know who the villain was in this story until right before we see for ourselves. I actually thought it was someone else and for other reasons and I was wrong which was fun. I like being surprised. This was such a fun book to read and I loved the characters. I love all the sisters and am really looking forward to reading more of this series now.

Disclosure: I was given an ARC of this book via NetGalley but all opinions and thoughts are my own.

In the words of a friend, "so now werewolf PNR is getting illustrated covers too?"

Yes, my friends, werewolf PNR is now getting illustrated covers, too. But there's a reason!

This is a paranormal romantic comedy. I have no idea if it hits the traditional movie rom-com beats, but it made me laugh several times and generally avoided the gore and violence so common in PNR. I have some content warnings, but overall I'd recommend it to people who are looking for something a little different. No private investigators, no police, no soldiers or vivisection on page.

Wolf Gone Wild is set in New Orleans and pairs Evie, a hex-breaker witch with Mateo, a werewolf with a curse. He hasn't been able to shift for three months and his inner wolf is getting more and more difficult to control. Even though witches don't fraternize with werewolves, Evie agrees to help him because well, she's not about to turn away someone who needs her particular magical specialty. But of course they have off-the-charts chemistry and fall in love despite themselves.

Both are artists. Evie works at a bar and her sister's magic shop, but in her off hours she's creating a comics series. She's a massive Marvel and Star Wars geek and introduces Mateo, a metal sculptor, to fandom. Mateo, sweetheart that he is, brings her to his friend's DC-themed restaurant and sets up a Star Wars-themed picnic for them and is generally the nicest. His inner wolf? Not the nicest. I'm sure there's something to be said for man's base urges and inner devils vs. their efforts to be better and shed the trappings of toxic masculinity, but it's also just really funny to read the internal banter between Mateo and his wolf. His struggle for self-control leads to lots of unsatisfied sexual tension, which was also run to read.

Wolf Gone Wild is the first in a series, so we're introduced to siblings and other people in the community, but it didn't feel too overwhelming. Do I remember anyone's names? Nope. But do I remember that Evie has a bunch of sisters who have love interests (I assume) for future books? Yes. I don't want to spoil the ending, so I'll just say that there's some violent stuff at the end of the book when we find out who has cursed Mateo and why.  Though it ran a bit long, I enjoyed the story and I look forward to reading the next.




Note: There are some copyediting errors in this review copy, I'm not sure if they're in the final version or not. Mostly dropped words or words that appear to be auto-correct errors. Also Mateo's surname is Cruz and he's supposedly Latino but I would have no idea if not from his name.

Content Warnings: repeated use of the words crazy, insane, schizophrenic in regard to Mateo's inner struggle with his wolf, bad ex, past: parental death




Suzanne received a copy of this book from the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Wolf Gone Wild was a fun read but had a slow start for me.

Both Evie and Mateo are well developed characters who I liked a lot. Mateo’s conversations between himself and Alpha were hilarious. I really enjoyed Evie’s family as well. Her sisters were highly entertaining. However, it took me quite a while to connect with this story for some reason. I wanted to get pulled in by the sizzling tension between Evie and Mateo but it took over half of the book for me to get swept away by the story. I’m glad I stuck with it because by the end I needed to know what happened next. I enjoyed the writing style and would definitely read another book by this author in the future.

set in new orleans, wolf gone wild kicks off a new paranormal world for the stay a spell series, in a city filled with magic and blood and sex. mateo is cursed, a werewolf who can't shift, is a werewolf in trouble. he's lucky to have as much control as he does over his wolf. but he's beginning to see a point where that control will snap. so he seeks out one of the savoie witches who rule new orleans. specifically the one they say is a hex-breaker, evie.

from the moment they meet there's a spark of connection. mateo knows it. evie knows it. and so does mateo's wolf, alpha.

so here's what you need to know about mateo. for a werewolf, he's seriously a good guy. there's none of that hyper or toxic masculinity. he's gentle and even-tempered. he's a creative soul who makes metallic sculptures for a living.

his wolf, alpha is a total horn dog.

and the contrast between the two is both startling and hilarious.

this story is atmospheric and suspenseful and sexy, but its also genuinely funny. and just a delightful mix of fun and intense to make for an enjoyable read.

**wolf gone wild will publish on january 14, 2020. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/juliette cross in exchange for my honest review.

I’m smiling the biggest smile I’ve probably smiled in the longest time ever after finishing this book. I almost didn’t rate it because five stars does not do this book justice. When I first saw the cover I thought, okay this is going to be a sweet middle grade book.. obviously someone didn’t read the summary. Something about the cover just drew me in and even when I was thinking it was going to be middle grade, I already loved it but starting this book, it was beyond words phenomenal. I cannot remember the last time that I read a supernatural rom com or if I ever have for that matter because this book is on its own pedestal.

Evie and Mateo (Top Book Boyfriend Charts btw 😍) captured my heart from the moment I read about them, both artists in their own rights they fall in love despite the raised eyebrows since Evie is a witch and Mateo a werewolf. Mateo, a metal sculpting artist searches for Evie a part of seriously badass family of sister witches.. to help him break a hex that does not allow him to shift into his wolf form. Throughout this we also meet Alpha, Mateo’s wolf and ladies.. trust me when I say you NEED Alpha in your lives.

I have no words for how much I loved and adored this book, I already know that this book, no this series will easily become one of my absolute top favorite reads. Just reading about Evie’s sisters in this book makes me SO anxious for the next installment. I practically bit my nails for the entirety of this book because all my emotions were going haywire, I didn’t know what to do with myself because I was smiling so much because of how much I loved this storyline.

This was my first book by this author and like Evie with her comic book love, I’m already top notch fangirling because Juliette Cross is simply amazing!! As for the rest of you... GO READ THIS RIGHT NOW!

WOLF GONE WILD is the first instalment in Juliette Cross’ contemporary, adult STAY A SPELL erotic, paranormal romance series focusing on the Savoie sisters. This is witch, waitress and aspiring artist Eveleen ‘Evie’ Savoie, and werewolf/ metal sculptor Mateo Cruz’ storyline.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Mateo and Evie) WOLF GONE WILD follows the building relationship between witch, waitress and aspiring artist Evie Savoie, and werewolf/ metal sculptor Mateo Cruz’. Mateo needs help. Someone has cast a spell, and our hero is unable to shift thusly allowing his blood lust to build to extraordinary levels. Hoping the Savoie sisters of New Orleans are able to help, Mateo approaches the witches in an effort to get the ‘hex’ removed. Enter Evie Savoie, witch and Hex-breaker, and the woman with whom Mateo will fall in love. What ensues is the slow building romance and relationship between Mateo and Evie, as Evie and her sisters struggle to unravel the hex that has spelled Mateo into something he’s not.

Evie Savoie is a powerful Hex-breaker but struggles with the spell surrounding the man that she loves. Unable to break through the layers of magic, Evie, along with her sisters Jules, Clara and Violet go in search of something else, a book that quite possible holds the cure to what ails Mateo Cruz. Mateo Cruz is a renowned metal sculptor who owns his own gallery in New Orleans but someone or something has bound Mateo’s powers, powers that are slowly tearing him apart, from the inside out.

The relationship between Mateo and Evie begins as a business arrangement as Evie is forced to work with a man she considers dangerous and dark. Witches and werewolves do not get along but something about Evie calls to Mateo when his Alpha demands Mateo make Evie their mate. The $ex scenes are limited but intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to three of Evie’s sisters Jules, Clara and Violet; their mother Serena Savoie; Mateo’s assistant Missy; his cousin Nico; fellow artist Sandra; ancient vampire and overlord Ruben Dubois; witch and seer Beryl; numerous employees at the family run bar the Cauldron; Bam, the comic store owner, as well as Mateo’s alter ego-the Alpha; Z and Fred the bow-time wearing rooster.

The world building introduces the Savoie sisters-their personalities, their powers, and the individual specialities, as well as the different supernatural beings that inhabit New Orleans, Louisiana.

WOLF GONE WILD is a story of power and control; of betrayal and vengeance; of family, friendship, romance and love. The premise is imaginative and engaging; the characters are sassy, fun and flirty-there is plenty of non-stop back and forth between Evie and her sisters, as well as between Evie and Mateo, and Mateo and the Alpha; the romance is heart warming and energetic. WOLF GONE WILD is an animated and sensual introduction to Juliette Cross’ STAY A SPELL paranormal, romance series.


THE READING CAFÉ: http://www.thereadingcafe.com/wolf-gone-wild-stay-a-spell-1-by-juliette-cross-dual-review/


GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2738116342


AMAZON. COM: https://www.amazon.com/review/R39AJ34RZVWWRY/ref=cm_cr_srp_d_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B083H41JPW


BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/541800326


B&N (Sandy_thereadingcafe) posted

CHAPTERS/INDIGO (Sandy_At_the_Reading_Cafe) posted

Publications: Goddess of Books Blog and Goodreads
Review Date Published: January 14, 2020 (Publication Date)
Review Links Attached

Rating: ★★★ (3/5)
SPOILERS AHEAD

Wolf Gone Wild by Juliette Cross is book one in a new romance series by the author. The book takes place in the fantastical city of New Orleans and features all manner of supernatural creatures from vampires to werewolves. It follows Mateo, a wolf cursed to be unable to shift, who seeks the help of a hex-breaker witch. He finds who he's looking for in the powerful family and coven of the Savoie sisters, key among them is Evie who specializes in the kind of magic he's seeking.

The book is a darker telling of supernatural creatures that lurk in the shadows of a well-known city. The detail the author puts into the world of witches. werewolves, vampires, and grims is, pardon the pun, magical. There's definitely a rough way about the writing that adds to the overall ambience we experience. The author demonstrates such a creative take on the, admittedly, oversaturated werewolf genre we often see in fiction.

Saying that, there's a disconnect between the writing and the story that just doesn't perfectly click. The writing style is very direct and lewd in some instances. Nothing is left unapproached and is done so with the subtlety of a jackhammer. Ultimately the issue arises in that the writing contains a lack of cohesion.

As Mateo struggles with his inner wolf, he is initially shown as a character with sharp and jagged edges that make him hard to get a handle on. There's a gruff tone to the perspective of Mateo that is exuded from every word he says and thinks. Later on we discover his more tender and courteous nature, the exact opposite of his wolf. Honestly it's hard to understand the relationship between wolf and man as they battle for control.

The dialogue between wolf and man in the singular body of Mateo is unusual but isn't entirely out of place. The reader struggles to tell how much of the somewhat repulsive thoughts from the wolf should be attributed to Mateo - if at all. And, while at the beginning the inner wolf dialogue is presented alright, later on it becomes juvenile in a way that doesn't fit right as you read this romance between two adults. If a back-and-forth internal monologue isn't your thing this may not be the read for you.

Evie, while a likable enough character on her own, truly comes to life in the company of her sisters. Their coven consists of the sisters Evie, Jules, Clara, Violet, Isadora, and Livvy - two of whom are sadly not present for most of the book. But the remaining sisters more than make up for it with the unique personalities and gifts they bring to the table. The most grounding part of the story revolves around their sisterly bond and witchcraft. For the most part, their dynamic carries the story, not the predominant romance that takes up a significant portion of the reading time.

Side characters have quite a strong presence that makes them feel more involved in the story. A few characters can fall a little flat at times, excluding my appreciation for the sisters. Many of the characters' dialogue can be superficial to the point of annoyance. Aside from that though you can still empathize with them in some regards. Sadly, though, there seems to be an over abundance of characters that could have been trimmed significantly - even excluding the sisters from this.

Wolf Gone Wild contains more aspects of world building and development compared to other romances I've read. Information is more thorough in what could have been a very vague world. Rules for the world set in place provide a strong outline for the events that take place. In some moments, though, the world building, while ambitious, does become unclear. It's definitely a romance novel but it also has hints of a traditional fantasy style setup to it.

In my experience reading Wolf Gone Wild, I found the immediate affection and trust between Mateo and Evie to be unrealistic in that it is practically instantaneous. The romantic tension was too much too soon. The romance and the emotions associated with it can jerk you around a bit. They kind of direct the reader through their own emotional whiplash that flips on a dime.

Despite that there is an underlying intensity to the romance even if some elements may fall a little short. Once the relationship between Mateo and Evie is founded, it flows much better
Moments of pure romantic bliss are spread throughout to keep the reader attached to continue into the book with an actual caring for what is blossoming between Mateo and Evie.

Sex and general intimacy are well written to understand the connection between Mateo and Evie. There sensuality shines through in these scenes with a balance that is well done between Mateo and Alpha, his wolfish alter-ego. These scenes are easy to breeze through and enjoy. While there aren't necessarily an abundance of sex scenes, which could be a good or bad thing depending on who you ask, the author makes them count.

Chapter beginnings are a bit jumpy for the duration of the book but somehow that makes them even more intriguing. There's a lot of amusing pop-culture references that bring the work into a very current mindset. Sequences of events can feel a bit too fast paced though. Background knowledge is thrown haphazardly into the reader's face. Sometimes it feels like the author just put in information at the last minute to justify an already established point.

Scenes meant to be cute and fluffy deliver on their promise as being fun to read. Conflicts can be perceived as vain and surface-level which changes the seriousness one views them with. Sentences and thoughts can be downright cheesy to read. Some of the dialogue becomes a bit redundant in its endless repetition. It just doesn't come across as smoothly as the reader would like.

The mystery of it all keeps the reader contented but not enough clues are given to make the reader invested in solving it. Learning about the witches and their abilities as they work on a solution to Mateo's curse proves to be an interesting read. The twist, while I didn't see it coming, could have been better established with more interactions between the people involved. The climatic scene is very intense but the issue arises in that it happens too suddenly with little buildup. In the end leading into the epilogue, the writing felt abrupt and unfinished.

Wolf Gone Wild by Juliette Cross is definitely a book I think anyone can pick up and have a different reaction than mine. It was a good book, undoubtably, but there were some instances where I just didn't find it to fit what I wanted it to be. But it can be a genuinely entertaining book, it's just about finding the hidden gems of scenes and moments along the way and I'm sure some other readers will find these to be well worth it.

IT been a while since I read such a good paranormal romance. Half way through this book I looked up the author to see when the next book is coming out( I cant wait :), I enjoyed both the world building and the story about the Mateo and how he was going crazy due to the fact he could not change to a wolf. He went looking to the witches of New Orleans and meets Evie. I enjoyed the mystery and not sure who the bad witch was till almost the end. I great new series which i will be add to my library collection.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.

The cover of Wolf Gone Wild is what initially drew my attention, but it was the characters that kept me turning the pages. I felt a connection with Evie, and was sympathetic towards Mateo. About halfway through, I just wanted to know who'd cursed Mateo and why (honestly this part was a little underwhelming). Additionally, Evie and Mateo were well into adulthood (he's in his 100's and she's in her 30's), but there was still something childlike about their personalities. Sometimes it was sweet and endearing, and other times it was eye-rolly and mushy.

I did have a few issues with this one, and a big frustration was the book's backstory. The evil plot never thickened, and there was very little action and adventure. I would've liked seeing the two of them play detective together, instead of making googly eyes and having lusty thoughts. I wanted to know more about Mateo and where he came from (his family in particular), how the curse had impacted his day-to-day life in the months leading up to Evie, and what his plans for the future were.

Evie is a girl after my own heart. She loves Star Wars, reads comics, and gushes about her love for Reylo and Wolverine. I could relate to this side of her, but her enthusiasm was a little over-the-top for me at times. It was like she was screaming, "Hey! Look at me! I'm into nerdy things!" I wish that aspect of her personality had been less of a focal point, since it kept us from really getting to know Evie as a person. Her character development felt stunted in some ways.

The story itself was pleasant, but maybe a little too convenient. Evie and her sisters were presented with a problem (in the form of Mateo and his caged wolf), and that's what they focus on the entire book. Everything slowly clicked into place, and I didn't feel like the characters had to fight for their ending. It was almost too easy the way things worked out. I'm not saying being unable to shift was enjoyable for Mateo, but once Evie started hanging around (and sharing her skin-to-skin contact), Alpha was no longer a constant issue. He wasn't really all that threatening, to be honest. It was clear he wanted Evie from the start (lust at first sight), and he saw her as "theirs" long before Mateo acknowledged his feelings for her.

Alpha's way was purely predatory and physical, but Evie didn't complain. If you're not into rough sex, or women being touched without their permission, this book might not be for you. Evie says she "understands" Alpha's needs and methods, but that doesn't make her body any less hers. She both likes and dislikes Alpha's aggressiveness, and mentally debates whether that's a good thing or not. A guy grabbing you without your permission, regardless of how or why they do it, is not okay. I know he's a werewolf, but that doesn't excuse his roaming hands or objectifying thoughts. "He wouldn’t stop yammering about her smell, her skin, her pretty ponytail that he’d like to grip while he took her from behind." (This is a very mild example.)

Possessiveness is not adorable, and I hated that Evie let him get away with it because of what he was. She should have cared more about who he was. "'I don’t think your boyfriend would like that.' 'My boyfriend?' I glanced at JJ again, then tossed my head back and laughed. 'He’s not my boyfriend.' Mateo’s scowl softened only slightly as he glared toward the bar. 'I think he wants to be.' That was it. He was adorable. And all my anxiety vanished like morning mist."

Then there's the language. It took some getting used to, but that might just be my age showing. People say "hella" now, right? Evie is in her 30's, but she spoke and acted like a hormonal teenager. "But…hot, melty, lickalicious sex with Mateo?" Her thoughts were often dirty when he was around, and ironically mimicked Alpha's desires. She thought her immediate attraction was ridiculous, and they both spent a large portion of the book believing their feelings were one-sided. Comments and gestures were often taken the wrong way, because they weren't communicating (ugh).

Lastly, there are things that happen -- very important things -- that Evie chooses to keep to herself. If you're trying to break a curse, and something weird happens, please tell someone. "...and I wasn’t going to worry them for nothing." That's a big bookish pet peeve of mine. Don't try to do everything yourself! Talk to the other characters in the book!

Overall, Wolf Gone Wild was a quick read that I found mostly entertaining. A few tweaks and I would have enjoyed it more, but that's me. I want women to be treated with respect and have hot sex. I also think this book would have benefited from having stronger secondary characters, and ones that played a larger role within the story. However, if you're looking for a rough and furry romance, this might be the book for you! 🐺😉

Originally posted at Do You Dog-ear? on January 4, 2019.

Wolf Gone Wild is the first book in a brand new series by Juliette Cross. The book stars the Savoie sisters, witches in New Orleans. Of course, with Juliette being one of my favorite authors, there was no doubt that I would devour Wolf Gone Wild!

I absolutely loved Wolf Gone Wild! Mateo Cruz is a werewolf who's unable to shift and Evie Savoie is a witch who isn't supposed to help him. Yet, here they are, growing closer everyday as Evie and her sisters try and figure out exactly what happedn to Mateo three months ago. The path to releasing Mateo's wolf is wrought with conundrums, impossibilities, twists and turns, and vexing revelations.

The budding romance is a slow-burn but not so slow you wonder if we'll ever get there. The author did a spectacular job with Evie and Mateo. His inner wolf was naughty but he knew he wanted Evie from the start; he just needed to convince Mateo. Evie was a bit harder to convince but only because she belonged to a coven that had strict rules against fraternizing with werewolves. Well, I'm a firm believer that you can't help who you love. Denying Evie a chance at love just because of what Mateo is would have done more harm than good.

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.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

While I've moved on to contemporary most of the time, my first love will always be paranormal/fantasy. That's why I was so excited to dive head first into this ARC!

Mateo and Evie were a fantastic couple that I couldn't get enough of. Mateo is a werewolf who finds himself desperate for help when magic leaves his inner wolf ("Alpha") trapped, unable to surface the way he needs to. The confinement has left his wolf irate, and his thoughts are intruding upon Mateo's own thoughts. Man and wolf are locked in a power struggle that neither enjoys.

Evie is one of the most powerful witches in New Orleans ... a renowed hex-breaker, Mateo knows she is the only one who can help him. Despite her family having a strict no-werewolf policy, Evie pledges to help him.

Her favor to him quickly expands when Mateo discovers that her presence leaves his inner wolf calm and relatively quiet. She soothes them both so much that they begin to spend more time together while she figures out how to break his hex.

Mateo and Alpha are almost instantly attached to her, and their loyalty and fidelity to her are formed quickly and they remain resolute. While there is a bit of a struggle with their relationship due to her sisters' stance on werewolves, it isn't enough to keep them apart, and soon her family comes around when they see the dedication that shines between them.

Wolf Gone Wild is a riveting paranormal romance set against the backdrop of the mesmerizing city of New Orleans. The story grabs your attention from the first page and forces you to hold on tight while it introduces you to the underworld of witches, werewolves, grimes, and vampires - and takes you on a roller coaster of mystery, intrigue, and love.

Wolf Gone Wild is the first book in the new Stay a Spell series by Juliette Cross. Set in New Orleans, it's centered around the Savoie sisters, a powerful coven of witches, each known for a different kind of magic. Evie Savoie is a well known hex breaker, perhaps the most powerful in North America. She spends her days making art, obsessing over Star Wars and Wolverine, and helping at her sister's shop and her nights waiting tables at her oldest sister's restaurant. She and her sisters share a house where the only house rule is no werewolves--they're temperamental, moody, and generally not worth the trouble they stir up.

Mateo Cruz is a drop dead gorgeous local artist who also happens to be a werewolf (because of course he is) and he needs Evie's help. He has heard the rumors about the witch who can break any hex and knows he can count on her to help him remove the magic that has had his inner wolf--who refers to himself as Alpha--bound up for over three months. With no where to go, Alpha has invaded Mateo's psyche and is providing increasingly aggressive running commentary about everyone and everything he encounters. Mateo knows it's only a matter of time before he loses control and he is determined to convince Evie to help him before it's too late.

From the very beginning of this story, I was charmed by all of the Savoie sisters. They're kind, smart, and sarcastic and so supportive of one another. I had a lot of fun getting to know Evie who is bursting with enthusiasm about the things she loves, and struggling with self confidence despite being talented beyond belief in both her art and her magic. She knows she should turn Mateo away when he comes to the restaurant where she works to seek out her help, but the extreme remorse he feels after losing control with one of her customers forces her to reconsider.

After receiving the blessing from her eldest sister Jules to help Mateo despite his werewolf status, the two start spending more time together. The chemistry between them is instantaneous and electric and Evie's presence even seems to calm Alpha. (Side Note: I couldn't help but hear the voice of the Hormone Monster from Big Mouth anytime Alpha spoke.) Alpha is carnal, crass, and unfiltered to Mateo's sensitive, respectful and controlled nature. The banter between the two of them as Alpha tries relentlessly to get Mateo to give into his carnal urges is absolutely hilarious.

It soon becomes clear that whatever is keeping Mateo from shifting is far more complicated than anyone originally thought and they have to work with their friends and family to find answers. Mateo does not want to get too close to Evie until the hex is broken because he is afraid of what could happen to her if Alpha gains control of him, but the two find it impossible to stay away from each other. The intimate friendship and subsequent romantic relationship that develops between them is full of sweet and tender moments and scorching love scenes that had me swooning and blushing in equal measure.

I won't say anything more about this plot because the mystery of what's actually going on with Mateo kept me turning the pages well past my bedtime and trying to puzzle it out was half the fun. Along the way, Cross introduces us to Evie's sisters (she has a lot of them) and some of their potential future love interests, including a vampire, a grim, and another werewolf. I cannot wait for the second book in this series and I'm crossing my fingers that we get to read Jules' story sooner rather than later. If you are into the paranormal and enjoy a sexy, witty rom com full of naughty banter, Wolf Gone Wild is definitely for you.

Thank you to Juliette Cross and Netgalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review!

I have so many good things to say about this book, I'm struggling to figure out how to form them into a coherent review. Romance, and paranormal romance in particular, can be really subjective and I can definitely get pretty picky about it; though I've been reading a lot of contemporary romance recently, I had yet to find a new paranormal romance author I loved in recent years until I picked up this book.

Wolf Gone Wild follows Evie,  who works with her sisters and fellow witches at the bar and magic shop they own in New Orleans, alongside ruling over NOLA's magical community as their most powerful faction. Evie is a witch with a specialty in breaking hexes, and she's also an unapologetic, delightfully nerdy aspiring comic book artist whose insecurity from a past relationship is keeping her from sharing her skills with the public. Mateo Cruz is a werewolf, and also a metalworking artist/gallery owner, with a very urgent problem--he's been put under a hex that forbids him from shifting with the full moon and unleashing his wolf on a regular basis, so now his wolf is talking to him. Like, all the time, and it's driving him crazy. When Evie starts working with Mateo to help him break his curse, Evie finds herself drawn to Mateo--and both Mateo and his wolf are drawn to Evie. But the hex is more complex than it first appears, and it's going to take help from Evie's sisters, and a whole lot of forced proximity, to help Mateo and his wolf find balance again.

OK, so as I alluded to before, there are so many great things to talk about with this one. Let's start with the romance, which manages to be both cute and steamy, and lacks so many of the miscommunication tropes that tend to frustrate me. Evie and Mateo are both genuinely good people, with art as a shared interest, and I really loved how their relationship slowly developed over the course of the book. I also loved how Mateo's wolf side was handled--because of the hex, his wolf presents as a secondary entity in his mind that argues with him and constantly urges him to give in to his werewolf instincts (I saw one review comparing this to a Venom scenario, and I think that's pretty apt) which adds a secondary level of interest to Evie and Mateo's dynamic, and also presents a genuine obstacle in their getting together.

One of my other favorite aspects of Wolf Gone Wild was the side characters, and more specifically the plethora of opportunities for the next books in the Stay a Spell series. Evie has five sisters, all of whom are witches with different abilities and very distinct personalities, and we also meet several of their potential love interests over the course of the book. (Juliette Cross, if you're reading this for some reason, I'm very much hoping that book 2 focuses on Evie's older sister and badass head witch Jules, and intriguing vampire leader Ruben, but honestly, I'll read any book you come out with next in this series.) The side characters never feel gratuitous or underdeveloped, and Evie's family dynamic of a group of sisters who may disagree but ultimately love and support each other is so much fun to read about.

But I think my absolute favorite aspect of this book was its message. Yes, it's a stellar romance, and very fun to read, but it's also a really inspirational story about learning to have confidence in yourself and embrace and nurture your creative aspects, and not to be afraid to share them with the world. It's a message that I, as an aspiring writer, really needed to hear at this exact moment, and there are quotes from this book I know I'll return to again and again when looking for inspiration. 

Other things I loved (yes, we're just listing them at this point): the New Orleans setting, which is perfect for a paranormal romance series (and also happens to be one of my favorite places to read about); the multitude of Star Wars discussions; all of Evie's hilarious T-shirts; and the world-building surrounding the different supernatural entities, including the twist on werewolf mythology where each has a creative talent in addition to their wolfy curse.

To summarize: read this book. I think it'll appeal to fans of paranormal and contemporary romance alike; it's very modern, very fun, and also has a lot of heart.



I received an eARC of Wolf Gone Wild from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Wolf Gone Wild by Juliette Cross is the First book in the Stay a Spell Series. This is the story of Eveleen 'Evie' Savoie and Mateo Cruz. Evie is one of the well known Savoie Sisters in New Orleans by the supernaturals. Mateo has a hex/curse put on him that is causing issues between him and his wolf and he can't take it anymore. So Mateo is set on getting the Savoie sister to help him. This leads him to met Evie who is the Hex-breaker of the family. But the Savoie Sisters don't deal with Wolves which is something Mateo is. Evie and Mateo end up starting a friendship of sorts but both are attracted to each other but try to hold that in check for reasons of their own. But of course the sparks take over.
This book had me drawn in from the start. Ms. Cross has a way with her writing that draws you so much into the book. I loved the characters..not just Mateo and Evie. I hope to read more from this author and of course this series. Loved it!

I received this eArc from NetGalley for an honest review. All opinions are my own. If you love this book and genre, please remember everyone has different taste.

Sadly, this wasn't for me.

I always try to give honest opinions and this might be a case of vague/misleading synopsis.

The blurb pulled me in. I have read my fair share of fantasy, paranormal, and romance novels and I even tried the erotica genre just to see what all the fuss was about (meh). FYI this is actually the latter: Sandra Brown, but with a witch and a werewolf, but without much magic or supernatural events.

What I liked:

Premise: having a wolf as a ‘second personality’ seemed very intriguing.

The sisters: they have unique personalities and lives outside of the main plot and I looked forward to find out what Ruben’s deal was (sadly not in this book!). Their interactions felt genuine and realistic. - -

Mateo's hilarious, dirty dialogue with his wolf – the best part.

Evie's geekiness - so refreshing to have a female MC with passions and personality (other than generic badass lady, dainty flower, bland cut-and-paste-yourself-here).

The focus on art and craftsmanship.

What I disliked:

Pacing: the first 3 chapters were promising, then the story quickly flatlined. Nothing happened until the very last 10 pages.

Generic physique: everyone is beautiful and stunning. And perfect. Perfect is and always will be boring.

Tropey : everyone is lusting over Evie – uninspired. Literally every single man not related to her showed interest in her.

Overwhelming sexual content: I don't mind a bit of spice in my fiction, however, waves of nausea kept rolling over me. Being inside these characters' minds was so jarring, constantly thinking about each other, their body parts, their amber eyes and their curves. Inane, repetitive and plain boring. I understand obsessing over someone, I even understand it from the wolf's perspective. But I am a reader and I need to be more engaged by a story. 

Male Red Flag: I didn't appreciate Evie mocking Mateo for being clueless about comics, entertainment and other geeky past times, it was borderline bashing/ bullying. I am a geek myself, but I'm very aware that when I discuss my passions with casual person, they are completely clueless. (btw, nobody gets sucked into a fandom that quickly and memorizes lines.)

Female Red Flag: I felt completely disgusted and violated on behalf of Evie when Mateo snooped on her art. I do admire how he supported her and his arguments for her making her art public, but that doesn't excuse the lack of respect for Evie's privacy, and her quickly letting it go.

Poor translation: The lame translation of the only Romanian line. If your job is to write and you decide to include a foreign language, it better be correctly translated. The first result on Google translate cannot be blindly trusted (yes, I checked!).

Light spoilers ahead:

Unrealistic romance:  When Mateo declared Evie as his girlfriend, I rolled my eyes so hard, I pulled a muscle. Wow. Delusional. And told her he loved her a week later. This is someone's fantasy, not a realistic representation of how relationships evolve and certainly not how men think. 

Inconsistent magic rules: Werewolf crashes witches-only event and he is permitted to stay because "they don't have bouncers". Turns out a building full of powerful witches is actually a complete waste of space.

Overall this didn't work for me. I struggled to finish it and I dislike leaving negative reviews. From the description I thought this would be a fun cheeky fantasy book with werewolves. It's very reminiscent of True Blood / The Charlaine Harris novels (which I loved btw), but in 2020 this feels dated (even with the random newer pop-culture trivia chucked in there).

Am I the only one who didn't immediately get the reference in the title to "Girls gone wild"?

P.S: Ladies, word of advice. If you ever have the misfortune of bedding a man and he tells you he's "clean and wants nothing between you" (cough cough protection), run like hell.

Wolf Gone Wild, book one in the Stay A Spell series by Juliette Cross is the first book I have read by this author. I enjoyed it immensely and was delighted see that she’s written lots more books for me to read. The story is friends to lovers trope with a fabulous combination of magic, fantastic creatures, art and comic book nerdom. Sculptor Mateo Cruz is a seriously hot werewolf who has had a hex put on him so that he cannot change to wolf and it’s causing him problems because his wolf Alpha is present in his head all the time and it’s affecting his ability to create sculptures and he fears Alpha taking over completely. He seeks the help of the delightful Evie Savoy, a witch and comic book artist who specialises in hex breaking. The chemistry between these two is steaming and the story is told with the perfect blend of humour and angst. I can’t wait to read the stories of Evie’s sisters and highly recommend this book. I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. I believe this book will be available on Kindle Unlimited starting January 14, 2020. #NetGalley #WolfGoneWild #JulietteCross #FantasyNovel #Bookstagram

What a fantastic paranormal romance! It has been a little while since I've read this genre and this was a perfect book to get back into it. From a sexy, creative werewolf to a cute, comic loving witch this book had me hooked.

Mateo Cruz, a lone werewolf sculpter, is trying to find a way to get rid of the hex that has trapped his werewolf inside. No longer able to shift and satisfy his inner wolf's blood lust Mateo searches out one of the Savoie sisters...who are witches. Witches that have a number of rules, one of which is NO WEREWOLVES! Evie Savoie, a comic, Star Wars and Wolverine loving Hex Breaker witch agrees to help despite the rule.

I laughed out loud numerous times while reading Mateo and Alpha's inner dialogue. I think that was my favourite part along with Evie introducing Mateo to Star Wars and comic books while they spend time together. The introduction of Evie's sisters, Mateo's cousin, Grims (I seriously want to know all about that cigarette smoking Grim) and the vampire Ruben have me so intrigued I can't wait for the rest of the series.

This was my first book by Juliette Cross and I will definitely be checking out her back list. Loved this one!

Juliette Cross is one of those authors whose blurbs always draw me in, but everytime I try reading one of the books it is just okay for me. The potential to be mindblowingly amazing is there, but it just never comes to fruition for me.

This new series by Juliette Cross is the beginning of an absolute hit. The storyline is rich with potential for a whole new universe that I’m going to completely lose myself in and then count down the days till the next book is out. Evie and Mateo May have started this new voyage for me but I’m already looking forward to the books for Jules & Ruben and Violet & Nico. And I’m really hoping that Clare is paired with that mysterious grim. Oooh, that one is going to be amazing!

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ out of 5⁣
Holy. Wow. This book was pure paranormal romance perfection 👌🏻. This book reminded me of the paranormal books I first started reading in their glory days (think the beginning of Immortals After Dark by Kresley Cole). This book has a lightness that so frequently gets eclipsed in current paranormal romances but still doesn’t scrimp on the intensity. So thank you JC for reminding me why I love paranormal romance!⁣
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Our hero is a werewolf who has been hexed to not be able to shift so he approaches a powerful hex-breaking witch (our heroine). Of course this was never going to be simple, but spending time with our heroine calms our hero’s inner beast like nothing else, so he wants her around all the time!⁣
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First of all I couldn’t get enough of our artistic hero, and his inner beast who has running dialogue in his head the whole time! Then our geeky heroine who is especially obsessed with Star Wars and Marvel? A girl after my own heart. There was an incredible connection and chemistry between the two main characters that kept building and building with such a wonderful friendship at the heart of their relationship. This is book 1 in a new series and I’m ready like YESTERDAY for the next book!⁣
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