Title: Those That Burned
Author: Kaylee Archer
Publication date: September 16, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- M/F
- Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
- 1st person POV
- Wolf Shifters
- Witches
- Banter
- Arranged Marriage
- Enemies To Allies To Lovers
- Found Family
- Family Secrets
First Thoughts
This book is imperfect. It has flaws. I wasn’t the biggest fan of any of the characters. The pacing was odd and the ending was rushed.
But I loved it.
I really did. It took a few chapters for me to get into it but then I was completely hooked. I couldn’t put it down. The romance was romancing and the spice… oof. So well written.
The truth is regardless of any minor issues I had with the story, the romance was everything. And I was devoted to figuring out where it would all end. How do they get out of the mess they’re in? Who lives? Who dies? I didn’t realize how truly invested I had been until the end when all hell breaks loose. Is it a literary masterpiece? Probably not. But I was thoroughly entertained. If Witch of the Wolves is this author’s debut, I can only imagine how incredible her stories will be later on.
Minor spoilers ahead.
The Story
Cordelia is a witch. Bishop is the werewolf who kidnaps her. Her world is turned upside down when he delivers her to her father, who, shockingly, is also a werewolf. She is kept in the pack’s home for her “protection” while she gradually learns the truth of who her father really is.
When I say things get wilder and wilder as the story goes on, I mean it. There were so many shocking moments I wasn’t prepared for, all leading up to a very dramatic ending. I honestly have no idea what they’re going to do in book two, but I’m here for it!
The Romance
Hear me out, both of the main characters are pretty dull. But put them together? Sparks. Their banter was so entertaining, their yearning was enough to make my heart ache, and their tension felt like it could be cut with a knife.
However, I do have some critiques. I wish Bishop was tougher. I needed him to fight for her more than he did. I know he was trying to play her father’s game and bide his time, but it was so frustrating.
Final Thoughts
Witch of the Wolves is a great paranormal romance. I’m very excited to hear that it will be The Bookish Box’s November book! I can’t wait to see what they do with it! I’ll also be on the lookout for book two! Thanks so much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this ARC!
