honestly, I DNFd this pretty early on. I think about 10-15%. I always struggle to get into this genre and if it doesn't hook me right away I won't be able to keep reading.

In this world, supernatural people of all kinds are thriving, doing what they do best, causing trouble. When Ember, a witch, stumbles upon a murder, she accidentally summons and binds a demon named Killian to her. And they both have one thing on their mind, and that's each other. Ember doesn't have the best reputation in the world, but neither does Killian, and this is their story together.

Set in Louisianna, the local Vampires throw a ball. Of course there was liquor involved, and Ember ended up getting wasted on imported fae wine. And who else would she meet there but Killian himself? The thing about being a witch, is that she's the only one in the family who's powers have been locked down. And that includes her grandmother, high priestess of the coven. Killian, however, is the devil's son himself, not just any low level demon. In line to take over his dads throne when the time comes, he has no time for relationships, but his feelings towards Ember start to betray him. He's in love with her, but it's better that she keeps on hating him for that reason.

That is, until Ember and her sister find a dead body. It's not their first time, but it is a witch in their coven. And it turns out to be none other than Rosalind Vasilyev, the Prince of the Vampire Mafia's cousin. And they happen to be offering a reward to anyone who can solve her murder. And Ember is determined to get that reward to gain some kind of power back, even if it comes in the form of respect from her fellow witches.

Though I am not a huge fan of written accents, I am a big fan of mysteries, and this is a good one. Though it's obvious for 18+ readers, it does have a ton of sex scenes, it is an exciting and really interesting book on its own. The story sucks you in, and the characters are easy to get attached to. The story is basically about a powerful witch growing into her unstable powers, and it's also a love story saying don't judge a book by it's grumpy, possibly ugly, cover. (Killian.) Definitely recommend checking it out if you get the chance.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I struggled getting into this and felt like the world building could have been better.

*Bewitched Shadows* by Autumn Blake is a captivating paranormal romance that blends mystery, magic, and sizzling chemistry. The story follows the protagonist, who discovers her latent supernatural abilities and is thrust into a world of danger, intrigue, and forbidden attraction. Blake’s writing is immersive, with vivid descriptions that bring her magical world to life, while the slow-burn romance keeps readers hooked. The characters are complex and relatable, with emotional depth that adds richness to the plot. While the pacing may be uneven at times, *Bewitched Shadows* offers an exciting and enchanting read for fans of paranormal romance and supernatural thrillers.

I thought the book was interesting. Who doesn't like a take charge woman? But I just couldn't get into it.

3/5 Stars

This felt all very surface level and super in your face. The fantasy aspect was basically a background character, I would've liked it to be more involved in the story than it was. I think I just wanted more of a fantasy read with romance, than a romance with some fantasy sprinkled in, I absolutely thing there is potential here, I see bones of a fun time but just needs to be built a little more, I will keep my eyes on the second book and decide if I want to continue on.

Quick Summary: A dark fantasy romance/mystery

My Review: Bewitched Shadows by Autumn Blake is book #1 in The Wicked Belles series. It was released in April 2023.

About the Book: A guilt-ridden witch who has not yet achieved the level of performance she should have realized engages with the Demon of Pride. The two enter into an agreement of sorts, in an effort to solve a murder. Despite the foes, magic, threats, and odds standing against them, they find something explosive together. Will the enemies to lovers be parted for all time, or will they forge their own path together?

Memorable Moment (coded, so as to avoid spoilers): Parting is such sweet sorrow.

My Final Say: This novel had a whole lot going on. It was a mix of everything plus ten times more. I had a difficult time with it, if I'm being frank. I did like seeing the initial tension between the two leads. It was intriguing. The up and down friction between the fated mates, however, came in ebbs and flows. This story was not quite my cup of tea, but it may be for others. There is something there to work with, regardless.

Other: The bonus content actually captured my attention. I might possibly be open to giving book #2 a chance. We shall see. The verdict is still out.

* I wonder if this would translate better as an audiobook. Should that option become available, I would consider revisiting it and giving it another chance.

Rating: 2/5
Recommend: +/-
Audience: A
Status/Level: M
Additional Remarks: Supernatural hierarchy, blood & gore/MDK, lasciviousness, guilt/anguish/avoidance, PTSD
Cover: +
Title: +

Appreciation is extended to the author/publisher and to NetGalley. Thank you for making a digital ARC of this title available for review.

I thought this had a well thought out premise going into the book, but I wasn’t enthralled and the characters didn’t get fully actualized in my mind. I think the plot was good, but I would have appreciated more world building.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and author for the copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

"Bewitched Shadows," the first installment in the Wicked Belles series, introduces readers to Ember Belle, a fiery witch with a penchant for trouble, and Killian Inferno, a cold-as-ice demon with his own secrets.

Ember's life is anything but ordinary, filled with wild parties, shifter packs, and avoiding her own magical abilities. However, when an opportunity arises to obtain a magical item that could change everything, Ember seizes the chance to take control of her destiny.

Killian, on the other hand, seeks freedom from his responsibilities as the future Lord of Pride and finds himself unexpectedly drawn to Ember, the amateur witch who has been haunting his dreams. Despite their differences, they must join forces to solve a murder and confront hidden enemies lurking in the shadows of New Orleans.

As Ember and Killian navigate their tumultuous relationship and uncover the city's secrets, they must confront their own pasts and unlock Ember's true magical potential. But with danger lurking at every turn, they must decide whether to trust each other or risk losing everything.

With its blend of supernatural elements, steamy romance, and thrilling mystery, "Bewitched Shadows" promises to captivate readers from beginning to end. Ember and Killian's journey is just beginning, and readers will eagerly await the next installment in this spellbinding series.

Great story with a good plot and amazing characters. The concept is right up my alley and this debut did not disappoint. I will be picking up the author's next book

I am sorry for the inconvenience but I don’t have the time to read this anymore and have lost interest in the concept. I believe that it would benefit your book more if I did not skim your book and write a rushed review. Again, I am sorry for the inconvenience.

I love anything demons and witches combine in the family in this book and i thought this would be right what I needed. Love the murder aspect. Overall i think I wasn't wowed but liked the premise. Decent read.

Autumn Blake’s debut novel is fast paced book full of Witches, Demons Werewolves, and Vampires. Told in dual narration, we follow stubborn Ember Belle, who’s irrational choices are something else. Wild and reckless, she’s struggling with internal turmoil, and her uncontrollable magic isn’t helping either. Swoon worthy demon, Killian is everything you could want. Cold, broody, and so charismatic who brings so much to the storyline. A book that hooked me from the beginning. The author does a wonderful job creating a slow burn romance, along with spiciness. Complex themes and vibrant descriptions add so much to the readers experience.

This was an okay read. I found it hard to connect with the main characters though the story was interesting.

A fiery witch...
Ember Belle is a total mess. When she's not partying with the local shifter pack or causing mayhem around New Orleans with her three sisters, she does anything to avoid confronting her out-of-control fire magick and the grief from losing her parents. However, when an opportunity arises to obtain a magical item that could solve all her problems, she decides to take her life into her own hands.

A cold-as-ice demon...
Killian Inferno's only desire is to spend his final weeks of freedom in New Orleans, away from his duties as the future Lord of Pride. What he doesn't expect, is to be summoned by the amateur witch who has been haunting his dreams. A seductress who needs his expertise to solve a recent murder by any means necessary. Even sorcery.

Ember now has no choice but to enter a demon pact with Killian. The terms are simple: remove the spell she may have cast on him before Samhain, or return to Hell with him, kicking and screaming. Can the two enemies set aside their animosity to uncover the city's secrets and unlock Ember's true magical potential, or will they be undone by the enemies they didn't see coming?

This reminded me of a mix between True Blood (the book series not the TV show) and Charmed. It was a cute romance, fantasy with some action and a mystery to solve. It is a definite slow burn in the romance, but it gets spicey when it does hit. I look forward to the second book this fall.

Thank you to Autumn Blake and Netgalley for for a digital copy of Bewitched Shadows.

Demons, witches, and a New Orleans setting.... what’s not to love? This book was right up my alley.

This book is a captivating romance blended with urban fantasy, set in the vibrant backdrop of New Orleans. It masterfully weaves an "enemies to lovers" and "fated mates" theme—truly sublime. The narrative sizzles with tension, a well-paced slow burn, and the perfect amount of spice to enthral without overwhelming. It's a diverse supernatural mix, spotlighting witches, demons, werewolves, and vampires. Ember, our lead witch, has challenges harnessing her powers but shines with her strong-willed, confident persona, especially in embracing her sexuality—a refreshing portrayal. Killian, on the other hand, is a brooding demon, exuding a rugged exterior but revealing a deep, touching vulnerability within.

- Romance/Fantasy, Mystery
- Dual POV
- Anxiety representation
- TW: murder, SA

Bewitched Shadows by Autumn Blake - 3.5/5
General Fiction (Adult) - Romance - Sci Fi & Fantasy

Bewitched Shadows is the first book in the Wicked Belles series, and I am eager to see what challenges the characters in this book have ahead of them in the next.
Bewitched Shadows is a dark fantasy read with some steamy romance between Ember, a fire witch, and Killian, a demon heir. I liked the chemistry between Ember and Killian, the world-building was done beautifully by the Author and the wide arrangement of supernatural characters was a nice touch. From witches, demons, shifters, and vampires.
My only con for the series was the amount of slut shaming and immature responses/reactions from some characters.

Thank you, NetGalley for the eARC.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and this is an honest review by me


DNF at 40%

I wanted to enjoy this. Had a decent start. Typical PNR vibes. Some squicky things that bugged me but three main things really made it not worth continuing.

-major specism/racism against the demon race. It was so uncomfortable. Like a character would bring up the word demon and it was immediate “DONT TOUCH DEMONS OR THEIR ILK THEYLL EAT YOUR SOUL” like okay that’s a BIT much.
-slut shaming of the FMC by literally everyone around her. At one point she pretended to feel sick to leave an a situation and her sister IMMEDIATELY was like “omg have you been taking your birth control?” like the only explanation for her not feeling well was she was pregnant. Because apparently she’s such a slut. Major ick vibes
-Harry Potter references. In 2023? Really?

I just can’t take any more.