This book is part of a series, and I think each book follows a specific couple (or throuple?). I'm not sure if they're fully standalone; It's hard for me to say because this is the first book in this series that I've read. There were things that I didn't completely follow, and I'm not sure if it's because part of the story existed in a previous book. If so, then fans of the series will probably be really happy. As a person new to this series, I'm not quite sure how I feel.

So supposedly, Gabriel and Annabelle had met in Paris, three years prior and had quite the love affair for a few months before Gabriel disappeared. We don't see any of that happening, however. Instead we start with them after three years apart when something happens that brings them back into each other's orbit. Since we don't get to see them when things were really hot, and I struggled to find chemistry between them.

The other element in this book is time travel, though, we don't see a lot of it in this book. I'm not the biggest fan of time travel because it doesn't really make sense. How do people in the present know that other people in the present have to go back in the past to make the present the present. If those people do go back to the past, that's going to change the present, and the people in the current present wouldn't know about it. <<< See? Not logical.

Ugh, I can't really describe it very well, and I think that inability exemplifies how confused I was by the plot. On a surface level, however, I was able to read it. The author writes well; i just didn't fully gibe with the story. Other characters are introduced that will probably be the heroes in subsequent novels, but I don't find myself particularly interested in reading their stories.

Oh, also, wolves and witches.

I know for some reviewers, three stars is considered a reasonably high rating. For me, I give three stars to well-written that just don't wow me.

I received an ARC of this book for free from the publisher and Netgalley. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks.

Gabriel, a werewolf, left Annabelle, a witch, without a word - on Christmas, on the streets of Paris, three years ago. Now, fate brings them back together on a business meeting between her coven and his pack. Neither has been entirely honest about their past … or themselves. But the witches discovered a powerful time-traveling spell and need to cooperate with the werewolves to change the course of history and save the lives of thousands of witches across medieval Europe.

The concept of shifters, witch magic and time travel has great potential, and I enjoyed the historical twist and the seasonal setting. The powerplays in the coven added tension, though at times the plot felt rushed and I wished for more detailed descriptions and explanations.

While the romance develops quickly - and relies heavily on the „mating bond“ trope- it still offers satisfying chemistry. That said the FMC‘s shift from anger to desire and love felt a bit too fast and the relationship could have used more emotional build-up.

This is an open-door paranormal romance with spice appearing fairly early on, so beware if you are not comfortable with that.

All in all it is a straightforward fast-paced festive read with a solid setup for future installments. I will likely pick the next one up and will probably read the connecting series „The Wolves of Langeais“ too.



Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc in exchange for an honest opinion.