Ritual Dues

Witch of the Demesne #2

by B.L. Brown

That witch doesn't kill you...Milla is a witch who deserves a break.

After saving the women of St. Augustine from a soul-sucking Loa, she and Darkly head south in search of some peace of mind and a chance to navigate their budding relationship.

But once again, C.R.O.W. has other plans for the formerly wicked witch.

Her Way has gone weird, and she’s stuck hiding in a swamp while Darkly tends to the aftermath of their battle at the Fountain of Youth.

When a spate of mysterious rituals backed by a power suspiciously similar to hers wreaks havoc across the southeast, Milla must team up with a coven of Enforcers, the witches she despises, to clear her name and stand once again for the Forbidden and Foule.



Ritual Dues is book 2 of The Witch of the Demesne series, an epic urban fantasy romance perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Jeaniene Frost.

The Witch of the Demesne series is an adult urban fantasy romance and features scenes and topics intended for a mature audience.

Genres: Magic

603 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 13, 2024

About the author

B.L. Brown is a writer of paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and fantasy. She loves a good slow burn but recognizes that sometimes two characters collide with explosive chemistry that must be acknowledged. And boy, is it fun to read.

Random musings appear on Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram.

There's also a newsletter that releases new material with less frequency than George R. R. Martin.

https://brittawritesthings.com/contact/

Reviews

[Bookwyrm_in_KC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Returning to Milla and Darkly's story was just what I needed this week. I needed powerful women kicking ass and the men who love them supporting them and Ritual Dues delivered.

Things started out a bit rocky for Milla and Darkly because Milla was still struggling with trust issues (for good reason) and Darkly was still keeping secrets. But as the stakes rose again, they were able to work things out and work together again.

I can't wait for book 3 because though the bad guys were stopped, several got away and clearly haven't gotten over their evil ways.

Thanks you B.L. Brown for letting me read an advanced copy. 💜

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the privilege of receiving an ARC for @brittawritesthings new release, Ritual Dues. I love the dynamic between Milla and Darkly. They are clearly tied by fate as they navigate being witches of the Forbidden and Foul in a world where their Ways would cause a literal witch hunt.
#bookreview #indieauthors #paranormalromance #bookstagram #witchyvibes

[Lady Azulina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot. This universe is one I enjoy delving into, and that feeling only grew stronger during this journey.

Who would have thought that running from the consequences of your actions for years would ever catch up to you? It delighted me to see how Milla’s past, including the first book of the series, came rolling back on a long list of dues. The witchy world has its own rules and laws, and it seems like taking care of what you let out isn’t enough anymore (first book’s issues, wink, wink). I swear to you, so funny.

What surprised me was finding the lawful side of C.R.O.W. Dunno why. But it was also refreshing, at the same time. “The witches are not only fetching ingredients for their rituals or using their powers in self-defense; they also need defendants and lawyers, and there’s a judge judging everything you have ever been.” Something like that. All that whole PR nightmare was fun for me to watch unfold.

There was also a whole trust theme, and from a trust issues girly, knowing also Milla is, became a side-eye glance immediately. Never trust the person telling you that you should trust them; it’s a lie, it’s always a lie. If you’re something like me, you won’t either trust someone who can easily blend in the background; fire the alarm instead.

We knew (by name) some of the new characters here, but the rest of the team was fresh. The secret of one is not that hidden; you may pick it up from the moment you meet them. You would think you know everything about another one, for it to shatter at the very end of the book (I need to know MORE!). I had no interest in one of them, but the person they’re related to (gimme backstories!). I wasn’t interested in another but became an appreciated ally. I mean, it was a rollercoaster. And I actually didn’t want to hop down.

I see in my future a marathon of the series, just let me get my physical copies first.

[* Crissy * crissys_book_addiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. Book 2 was amazing. I am officially hooked on the Witch of the Demesne series. If you haven’t started it you need to now. Milla and Darkly make one powerful witchy couple. I am totally vested in their wild adventures together. Let’s also talk about their hot romance. Where is it going ? I need to know! The character build up in this series is phenomenal. I want to know what is next for Milla, Darkly, Diego, and the others. Also I am now intrigued by this new character Stefan. I feel like there is a lot more to learn about him. What is he really up to? This is a fantastic urban fantasy romance series that will have you on the edge of your seat the whole time. There is never a dull moment following the story of these witches. You will not be disappointed with this read. I will be anxiously awaiting the 3rd book to see where they are going next.

[Mrs McN · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spicy, male female, paranormal, contemporary fantasy. This is the second book in the Witch of the Demesne series. You need to read Ritual Income first. Great worldbuilding and character development. This is a really engrossing (and steamy) urban fantasy. I am really looking forward to the next installment!

[Cindy Kriek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Milla and Darkly's stories. The book has strong character with emotional growth. It has magic, adventure, romance and of course defeating the bad guys. I recommend this book to urban fantasy romance lovers.

[Diana Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ritual Dues is a solid second book in the Witch of the Demesne series, on par with the first book but with more steam. A little hard for me to get into at first, and a little easy for me to predict, but overall a good read!

[Sonjie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a spellbinding mix of romance, adventure, and emotional depth, with a dash of bad ass witch Ritual Dues is a must-read!

[Robin Kristina Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great follow up to the last book. I really enjoyed all the twist, turns, and chaos. Milla truly is a chaotic neurodivergent witch AND I AM HERE FOR IT. Loved it!!!!

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid

Continues to be a solid story, but not as many twists as the first book. At least, not as many were revealed. Still don't know if I want to continue the series.