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Raven Investigations #3
Electric Heat
Ancient magic has been unleashed into the world. It’s willing to do anything to survive, even if it means war. Only one woman can kill it...or set it free.
The local witches’ coven offers Raven a trade: Surrender herself to them for one week or give up a member of her pack. She thought they wanted to study her, but Raven discovers something far worse—murder. To save her pack, Raven must make the ultimate sacrifice…her freedom.
Witches are being drained of power and killed using a wild magic that’s been dormant for centuries. Tasked with locating the one responsible for releasing it, Raven soon finds herself the prey rather than the hunter. The more lives the magic claims, the stronger the killer becomes. As she and her pack scramble to unravel the secrets of the coven, her own beast starts to wake, and she’s not sure which is more dangerous…the killer or her beast. But one thing is sure, if the coven and pack don’t learn to work together, none of them will survive the coming storm.
The local witches’ coven offers Raven a trade: Surrender herself to them for one week or give up a member of her pack. She thought they wanted to study her, but Raven discovers something far worse—murder. To save her pack, Raven must make the ultimate sacrifice…her freedom.
Witches are being drained of power and killed using a wild magic that’s been dormant for centuries. Tasked with locating the one responsible for releasing it, Raven soon finds herself the prey rather than the hunter. The more lives the magic claims, the stronger the killer becomes. As she and her pack scramble to unravel the secrets of the coven, her own beast starts to wake, and she’s not sure which is more dangerous…the killer or her beast. But one thing is sure, if the coven and pack don’t learn to work together, none of them will survive the coming storm.
300 pages, Paperback
First published February 25, 2015
140 people are currently reading
850 people want to read
About the author
Stacey Brutger
42 books1,303 followersStacey Brutger lives in a small town in Minnesota with her husband and an assortment of animals.
When she's not reading (from the towering stack of books she can't resist buying), she enjoys creating stories about exotic worlds and grand adventures...then shoving in her characters to see how they'd survive. She enjoys writing anything paranormal from contemporary to historical.
~~~~~*****~~~~~*****~~~~~*****~~~~~
Where the fanged, furry and spell slingers fight the darkness inside their soul for a chance to claim the one they love.
When she's not reading (from the towering stack of books she can't resist buying), she enjoys creating stories about exotic worlds and grand adventures...then shoving in her characters to see how they'd survive. She enjoys writing anything paranormal from contemporary to historical.
~~~~~*****~~~~~*****~~~~~*****~~~~~
Where the fanged, furry and spell slingers fight the darkness inside their soul for a chance to claim the one they love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
February 11, 2020
It took me three books to finally describe the heroine in a way that justifies her.
Raven in narcissistic, querulous, ignorant, contradictory, cowardly control freak in denial, with a martyr and God complex.
Nobody but a narcissist would believe that they are responsible for every single thing or event that occurs and feel constant guilt for events that clearly beyond her control. Her constant complaining and being whiny about everything, drew me to the wall. Her ignorance shows in each action that she thinks is her mistake and later regrets them. Everyone but her knows what is going on. She is supposed to be a super Alpha, which clashes with her always running away from all kind of situations. She is afraid of everything - her beast, the guys, her magic, the witches, other shifters, of dying, of living etc. She unsuccessfully tries to control every situation, against her better interests and advice.
I know the conflict of character sells well, but this book just takes it too far. Her denial about her situation, the pack and what she is drawn out. And what part of she is the Alpha does she not understand? She dies, her pack dies. Still, she wants to become a martyr and commit suicide to protect her pack!? And man! Does she have a God complex! She keeps trying to save everyone, even if she keeps worsening the situation and they don't need saving.
This is me giving up on the series.
Raven in narcissistic, querulous, ignorant, contradictory, cowardly control freak in denial, with a martyr and God complex.
Nobody but a narcissist would believe that they are responsible for every single thing or event that occurs and feel constant guilt for events that clearly beyond her control. Her constant complaining and being whiny about everything, drew me to the wall. Her ignorance shows in each action that she thinks is her mistake and later regrets them. Everyone but her knows what is going on. She is supposed to be a super Alpha, which clashes with her always running away from all kind of situations. She is afraid of everything - her beast, the guys, her magic, the witches, other shifters, of dying, of living etc. She unsuccessfully tries to control every situation, against her better interests and advice.
I know the conflict of character sells well, but this book just takes it too far. Her denial about her situation, the pack and what she is drawn out. And what part of she is the Alpha does she not understand? She dies, her pack dies. Still, she wants to become a martyr and commit suicide to protect her pack!? And man! Does she have a God complex! She keeps trying to save everyone, even if she keeps worsening the situation and they don't need saving.
This is me giving up on the series.
April 21, 2015
This is definitely one of my favourite series. A great and diverse range of characters, with constant new introductions. Witches, wizards, shifters, werewolves, magic and serious kick arse action.
August 15, 2019
Well, I think this was it for me. No growth, the worst heroine ever, still no real info about anything, and no progression in relationships - she has still barely kissed anyone. We haven't spent any time fleshing anyone out and we just keep dumping more shit into the mix. It's stupid and contradictory and I'm annoyed with myself for reading 3 books.
Adios.
Adios.
November 20, 2018
In the third book of the Raven Investigations series, Raven is required to spend the week with the Witches. They want her help to figure out who is killing the Witches, but Raven may be in a lot more danger than she realizes. Not only does she have to deal with this, but she also must deal with the price of Taggart being different, and not seeing much of him until she gets back. This may all turn out okay in the end, or it could be the end for all of them.
This book was okay. I didn't like it as much as the previous books, but it was still enjoyable. I kind of hated the fact that Taggart, and Jackson weren't in it very often. But I hope the next one we get to see more of them. I also loved learning about what Raven is, even though I still have questions about it.
This book seemed more of a filler type of book, then one that actually added more to the story. But now I'm more excited for the next one.
This book was okay. I didn't like it as much as the previous books, but it was still enjoyable. I kind of hated the fact that Taggart, and Jackson weren't in it very often. But I hope the next one we get to see more of them. I also loved learning about what Raven is, even though I still have questions about it.
This book seemed more of a filler type of book, then one that actually added more to the story. But now I'm more excited for the next one.
October 19, 2020
Still needs editing
The story is great, but book though needs some beta readers to point out minor spelling issues and fix and pacing or and editor.
Still for what we have happening eve told in a telling way I’m on board with what’s going on.
I did figure out what her creature might be, long before she figured it out.
I am not a huge fan of how the world works here but it seems like Raven is trying to fix that, one stray person at a time I think.
Everyone tells her she is naive but doesn’t actually tell or explain why she is. There’s been a few times where the audience is just supposed to pick up on subtle clues or something but I had no idea how or what happened sometimes when the men glance at each other or explain but without explaining mostly in a vague way. It was somewhat annoying because it kept happening and there was no explanation.
Still, I plan to read the rest may just need a break.
The story is great, but book though needs some beta readers to point out minor spelling issues and fix and pacing or and editor.
Still for what we have happening eve told in a telling way I’m on board with what’s going on.
I did figure out what her creature might be, long before she figured it out.
I am not a huge fan of how the world works here but it seems like Raven is trying to fix that, one stray person at a time I think.
Everyone tells her she is naive but doesn’t actually tell or explain why she is. There’s been a few times where the audience is just supposed to pick up on subtle clues or something but I had no idea how or what happened sometimes when the men glance at each other or explain but without explaining mostly in a vague way. It was somewhat annoying because it kept happening and there was no explanation.
Still, I plan to read the rest may just need a break.
February 27, 2015
okay i admit it i am totally spineless with no willpower at all, I gave up on all my jobs to hide in my room to devour this book in one sitting. As a result I can be relied upon to give a completely biased review of this book which i just luuuuuved!!!!!
I thought that I had an idea of where the story line was going and boy was i wonderfully wrong, here we see Raven still reeling from the effects of what happened at the end of the previous book (so yes that means you have to have read the other books) and been thrown into the deep end of an investigation of the murder of witches of a local coven. I admit to have been a bit worried at the beginning of the book at how Raven was still dealing with her pack, her relationships as well as her inner wild beast, it still seem to continue along the same lines as the prevous book, with her being indesicive bordering on slightly whiney, but I am glad to say that her personal integration improved as the story continued. As the investigation deepens we find most of the pack taking a back seat in the case except for Durant (tiger) and Rylan (vampire), with new members being drawn into the family, there is still hints of sexual tension between certain members without any clear resolution. I think Stacey is going to have to be careful here and keep a tight leash on this aspect of the storyline, because we all know the train smash that is Anita Blake.
Anyway, we are introduced to wild magic, humans plotting for war and we find exactly what Raven is , which I think was the only thing I saw coming. So to sum up a great action packed read with a bit of murder, magic and a bit of furry luve, overall a great read.
I thought that I had an idea of where the story line was going and boy was i wonderfully wrong, here we see Raven still reeling from the effects of what happened at the end of the previous book (so yes that means you have to have read the other books) and been thrown into the deep end of an investigation of the murder of witches of a local coven. I admit to have been a bit worried at the beginning of the book at how Raven was still dealing with her pack, her relationships as well as her inner wild beast, it still seem to continue along the same lines as the prevous book, with her being indesicive bordering on slightly whiney, but I am glad to say that her personal integration improved as the story continued. As the investigation deepens we find most of the pack taking a back seat in the case except for Durant (tiger) and Rylan (vampire), with new members being drawn into the family, there is still hints of sexual tension between certain members without any clear resolution. I think Stacey is going to have to be careful here and keep a tight leash on this aspect of the storyline, because we all know the train smash that is Anita Blake.
Anyway, we are introduced to wild magic, humans plotting for war and we find exactly what Raven is , which I think was the only thing I saw coming. So to sum up a great action packed read with a bit of murder, magic and a bit of furry luve, overall a great read.
January 29, 2016
Could be Great if...
There were things I loved about this series, but there were somethings I couldn't get past. I understand having the main character be flawed, but you expect growth and some of those insecurities to finish as the series progresses. I started book 4 and she is still waffling with acceptance and being close to anyone. It was driving me crazy I had to take a break. Her powers have progressed but her ego for lack of a better word still hasn't. I also find it hard that to swallow that she is some badass investigator of paranormal but knows so little about them.
All of that aside the plots are fantastic, and her co characters well fleshed out. This could be a five star series if the heroine could not be so angsty and fickle. I will finish book four but I need a breather
There were things I loved about this series, but there were somethings I couldn't get past. I understand having the main character be flawed, but you expect growth and some of those insecurities to finish as the series progresses. I started book 4 and she is still waffling with acceptance and being close to anyone. It was driving me crazy I had to take a break. Her powers have progressed but her ego for lack of a better word still hasn't. I also find it hard that to swallow that she is some badass investigator of paranormal but knows so little about them.
All of that aside the plots are fantastic, and her co characters well fleshed out. This could be a five star series if the heroine could not be so angsty and fickle. I will finish book four but I need a breather
October 5, 2020
Kindle Unlimited.
This is actually the strongest of the three books. We, reluctantly, get a few answers! Of the three books in this series so far, it seems like this is the first one that had an arc laid out in advance. The other two felt like wandering through the woods without a compass as a guide.
I don't think I will continue with this series, but if this is the pattern of the other books, then it probably gets good.
This is actually the strongest of the three books. We, reluctantly, get a few answers! Of the three books in this series so far, it seems like this is the first one that had an arc laid out in advance. The other two felt like wandering through the woods without a compass as a guide.
I don't think I will continue with this series, but if this is the pattern of the other books, then it probably gets good.
December 15, 2017
Seriously, does this woman every get a minute to herself? So far it feels like the grand total of time that has passed with the first three books is about three weeks! This book alone takes place in about one week!
I miss knowing what she would be like if she had some days to just chill. I'd like there to be some lightheartedness in between all this life-and-death stuff.
Hope she has more luck in the next book.
Also - what she is was revealed in this book, and it was probably what all of us expected, but none the less very awesome.
I miss knowing what she would be like if she had some days to just chill. I'd like there to be some lightheartedness in between all this life-and-death stuff.
Hope she has more luck in the next book.
Also - what she is was revealed in this book, and it was probably what all of us expected, but none the less very awesome.
October 12, 2016
This is the 3rd story in the Raven Investigations series. I really enjoyed this story and the characters. I have to say that the editing and review process as I caught myself trying to figure out who was speaking at times but despite the issues and typos the story was really good. I'm actually disappointed that it takes this author so long to turn out her stories.....I want more!
December 8, 2015
I must say I had a feeling about what she truly was from the beginning of the first book and by the end of this book, I was so totally right. Awesome, can't wait for the next!
June 28, 2020
2.5 Stars/5 Stars
Electric Heat is the 3rd book in the Raven Investigation Series. It was slightly better than the second in my opinion. It had a much more focused plot, even if those darned witches annoyed the snot out of me, well them and Raven which sucks because I adored her in the first book. But the continued self-blaming, self-sacrificing with so many complexes I'm not even going to touch has been really exhausting.
I don't know how else to say it, when she blames herself at every turn, goes back and forth, doesn't listen to what anyone is saying (for more than a page), how she's in her head she needs to save everyone and she's a threat to the entire world. She's a walking contradiction. She wants to save her pack, but constantly throws herself into situations where she's at risk (which would mean the pack would die anyway). If she dies, the pack dies. Simple. Except for miss martyr here, determined to protect everyone (even those who don't need/want it) and even from herself. Yet she knows pretty much nothing about herself or whats going on half the time.
I will say it does seem she's coming to terms with her beast but it's just been too dragged out. We did get some more development with Rylan and Durant in this book which I appreciated but we also got introduced to a slew of other characters (mostly unimportant, many without names who are undoubtedly never going to show up again). I think I'm just burned out on the series. It made some progress, but Raven herself while she made some progress has drained me. I think I'm done with the series for the foreseeable future, perhaps I'm just not in the right mood or headspace to read it right now. Maybe I'll come back to it one day, I'm pretty sure I can predict the ending .
Trigger Warning:
POV:
HEA:
Sexual themes:
Cliffhanger:
Electric Heat is the 3rd book in the Raven Investigation Series. It was slightly better than the second in my opinion. It had a much more focused plot, even if those darned witches annoyed the snot out of me, well them and Raven which sucks because I adored her in the first book. But the continued self-blaming, self-sacrificing with so many complexes I'm not even going to touch has been really exhausting.
I don't know how else to say it, when she blames herself at every turn, goes back and forth, doesn't listen to what anyone is saying (for more than a page), how she's in her head she needs to save everyone and she's a threat to the entire world. She's a walking contradiction. She wants to save her pack, but constantly throws herself into situations where she's at risk (which would mean the pack would die anyway). If she dies, the pack dies. Simple. Except for miss martyr here, determined to protect everyone (even those who don't need/want it) and even from herself. Yet she knows pretty much nothing about herself or whats going on half the time.
I will say it does seem she's coming to terms with her beast but it's just been too dragged out. We did get some more development with Rylan and Durant in this book which I appreciated but we also got introduced to a slew of other characters (mostly unimportant, many without names who are undoubtedly never going to show up again). I think I'm just burned out on the series. It made some progress, but Raven herself while she made some progress has drained me. I think I'm done with the series for the foreseeable future, perhaps I'm just not in the right mood or headspace to read it right now. Maybe I'll come back to it one day, I'm pretty sure I can predict the ending .
Trigger Warning:
POV:
HEA:
Sexual themes:
Cliffhanger:
February 16, 2026
While the first two books in this series were more focused on the characters, I feel like the character growth has slowed down a lot at this point. We get more of the urban fantasy world and the Witches and Wizards in book three, but while more characters are introduced, those we already know stay on the same level. I’m missing a bit of character growth for the men, or relationship building to feel like they’re all getting somewhere. I’m hoping their planned vacation in book four will help with that.
That being said, I still like the storyline in this series. Every book has an interesting plot, and it keeps the suspense and action at a high level. A lot can be said about Raven, but what I like about her is how she doesn’t just agree with the status quo. She fights established rules to ensure other people’s quality of life, and that is admirable. Yes, she has a tendency to do her own thing and to put herself in harms way doing it, but for me that fits with some things we learn about her in this third book. So overall, I’m still enjoying this series, and I will continue with book four.
That being said, I still like the storyline in this series. Every book has an interesting plot, and it keeps the suspense and action at a high level. A lot can be said about Raven, but what I like about her is how she doesn’t just agree with the status quo. She fights established rules to ensure other people’s quality of life, and that is admirable. Yes, she has a tendency to do her own thing and to put herself in harms way doing it, but for me that fits with some things we learn about her in this third book. So overall, I’m still enjoying this series, and I will continue with book four.
May 30, 2018
Wicked as a witch
Raven has to serve her week with the witches or lose Taggert to them as a familiar. She knows, however, that this isn't just about them studying her abilities, they need her investigative services.
Someone is killing witches and they aren't able to work out who on their own. However, their devious and desperate need to keep their own secrets means that she has to go at it practically blindfolded.
A dangerous magic is in play and if it's not stopped now, it will grow to destroy the whole world.
Raven has to serve her week with the witches or lose Taggert to them as a familiar. She knows, however, that this isn't just about them studying her abilities, they need her investigative services.
Someone is killing witches and they aren't able to work out who on their own. However, their devious and desperate need to keep their own secrets means that she has to go at it practically blindfolded.
A dangerous magic is in play and if it's not stopped now, it will grow to destroy the whole world.
March 21, 2019
Yes!
So exciting! After book 2, I worried that the witches were using her 1 week of captivity as a means to experiment on her or siphon her energy like in the labs. I am so happy that the story didn’t go in that predictable direction at all. It was infinitely more interesting and exciting. And the last page where she discovered what her beast was... I knew it! Or at least, I hoped for it back in book 2 :-) So excited (I’m using that word here a lot, I know) to see what will happen next.
So exciting! After book 2, I worried that the witches were using her 1 week of captivity as a means to experiment on her or siphon her energy like in the labs. I am so happy that the story didn’t go in that predictable direction at all. It was infinitely more interesting and exciting. And the last page where she discovered what her beast was... I knew it! Or at least, I hoped for it back in book 2 :-) So excited (I’m using that word here a lot, I know) to see what will happen next.
July 7, 2019
3.5*
Interesting book but not sure will continue with series... Story is starting to be a bit redundant. Not many new elements... still only kissing without much else in terms of sexual action
And I swear if author uses the phrase: « A light trail of hair on his abdomen led downward as if to invite further exploration » I’ll kill myself 🙄
I like my leading character to be a little bit more take charge... she’s obviously attracted to these guys but is still hesitant to go any further than kissing after 3 books ... yes you read me correctly: 3 books...
Interesting book but not sure will continue with series... Story is starting to be a bit redundant. Not many new elements... still only kissing without much else in terms of sexual action
And I swear if author uses the phrase: « A light trail of hair on his abdomen led downward as if to invite further exploration » I’ll kill myself 🙄
I like my leading character to be a little bit more take charge... she’s obviously attracted to these guys but is still hesitant to go any further than kissing after 3 books ... yes you read me correctly: 3 books...
June 16, 2023
The first half of this book was frustrating - I am so tired of hearing the mistrust on the creature, the inconsistent magic, her self-doubt constantly, and it was filled with Durant lecturing her again on the same issues beaten to death in the previous two books. At least the witch story was pretty interesting and we finally do get the vampire from the first book back for a visit, an interesting development with Randolph and the sword, but then the end makes her so overly super powered with yet another development that it's overdone.
April 22, 2021
What a Bunch of Witches!
Awesome book! Raven is forced into working with the witches in their coven/academy. And those witches are evil! Raven is torn between her ideals and supernatural laws that she is learning on the fly. Very well written and creative. Great story lines and plot. Epic battles and vivid descriptions.
Awesome book! Raven is forced into working with the witches in their coven/academy. And those witches are evil! Raven is torn between her ideals and supernatural laws that she is learning on the fly. Very well written and creative. Great story lines and plot. Epic battles and vivid descriptions.
August 7, 2023
Fantastic read
Raven is now at the mercy of the witches, who need Ravens help but they are doing everything they can not to be helpful and get in Ravens way.
Wild magic has been set free and Raven may be the only one to control it that’s if the witches can learn to trust and work together
Fantastic read
Raven is now at the mercy of the witches, who need Ravens help but they are doing everything they can not to be helpful and get in Ravens way.
Wild magic has been set free and Raven may be the only one to control it that’s if the witches can learn to trust and work together
Fantastic read
June 27, 2017
It just gets better every time
I have no real words for this series.. Besides the fact that when I think the author can't make the story any better.. She some how manages to do so. These books just have a way of dragging you into the story and then not letting you go.
I have no real words for this series.. Besides the fact that when I think the author can't make the story any better.. She some how manages to do so. These books just have a way of dragging you into the story and then not letting you go.
December 21, 2017
I love this series!
I honestly haven't been able to put down these books . I stumbled across the series and thought I would give it a try , and then I was immediately sucked in and have remained there and now have no desire to leave at all.
I honestly haven't been able to put down these books . I stumbled across the series and thought I would give it a try , and then I was immediately sucked in and have remained there and now have no desire to leave at all.
September 17, 2018
Review
I loved this series so much that I reread the first them books before getting the next in line so that I will on pins and needles to start them, especially since I am getting ready for a road trip.
I loved this series so much that I reread the first them books before getting the next in line so that I will on pins and needles to start them, especially since I am getting ready for a road trip.
March 23, 2019
I knew it
I guessed correctly at what type of creature Raven has inside of her. She can control lightning, use magic, and is a dangerous predator. There just isn't a lot of possibilities.
This is a great urban fantasy series.
I guessed correctly at what type of creature Raven has inside of her. She can control lightning, use magic, and is a dangerous predator. There just isn't a lot of possibilities.
This is a great urban fantasy series.
December 16, 2019
Book 3 of 6
I was wrong. I had a guess part what through book two of what might be beneath Raven, but I was wrong. This book finally gave me answers right at the end. And I am finally understanding what all is going on feeling less and less lost the more I read.
I was wrong. I had a guess part what through book two of what might be beneath Raven, but I was wrong. This book finally gave me answers right at the end. And I am finally understanding what all is going on feeling less and less lost the more I read.
November 24, 2023
Wowza
I really just keep getting surprised with every book! I literally cant stop reading this series. The fmmc is so strong! She doubts herself allot but is getting more confident with herself in this book and she came together with herself and her pack.
I really just keep getting surprised with every book! I literally cant stop reading this series. The fmmc is so strong! She doubts herself allot but is getting more confident with herself in this book and she came together with herself and her pack.
January 8, 2018
I did not think this series could get better.
But - I am pleased to admit when I proved wrong and could nit put it down.
Highly recommended.
Now for book 4
But - I am pleased to admit when I proved wrong and could nit put it down.
Highly recommended.
Now for book 4
December 26, 2018
Marvel
This story is a true marvel. Loving it, every word and every page. Read it and enjoy what a truly good storyteller can do.
This story is a true marvel. Loving it, every word and every page. Read it and enjoy what a truly good storyteller can do.
October 5, 2020
Awesome
Omg another amazing addition to this series, bit that is not surprising with this author. I have not been disappointed yet by one of her books!! On to book 4!!
Omg another amazing addition to this series, bit that is not surprising with this author. I have not been disappointed yet by one of her books!! On to book 4!!
April 4, 2021
Good
Lots of action in this one. Some definite tears. Some progression with her relationships, but I’d have liked to see more. And she’s figuring out her creature stuff.
Lots of action in this one. Some definite tears. Some progression with her relationships, but I’d have liked to see more. And she’s figuring out her creature stuff.
May 7, 2021
Enjoyed
Wow this was another amazing book. I kinda figured out what she was. I was half right and I’m looking forward to the next book.
Wow this was another amazing book. I kinda figured out what she was. I was half right and I’m looking forward to the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews