The Castle of Fire and Fable

Briarwood Witches #2

by Steffanie Holmes

Five beautiful witches … one painful choice.

Now that the secrets of Maeve’s past have been revealed, she begins to embrace her newfound powers. Being a witch and a science geek makes her head hurt at times, but luckily she’s got Corbin, Arthur, Flynn, Rowan, and Blake to awaken her powers and tend her broken heart.

The only way the coven will be strong enough to battle the fae is if Maeve chooses a consort. But how can she choose when each of the guys need and want her? How can she accept only one when they all fill the empty void inside her?

Maeve is still reeling from the death of her parents when another tragedy strikes. This time, she must face her grief head on, and find strength in her bond with her five broken witches to battle an impossible foe.

The Castle of Fire and Fable is the second in a brand new steamy reverse harem romance series by USA Today bestselling author, Steffanie Holmes. This full-length book glitters with love, heartache, hope, grief, dark magic, fairy trickery, steamy scenes, British slang, meat pies, second chances, and the healing powers of a good cup of tea. Read on only if you believe one just isn’t enough.

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Magic, Fae, Witches, Fantasy

388 pages, ebook

Published May 3, 2018

About the author

Steffanie Holmes is the author of steamy historical and paranormal romance. Her books feature clever, witty heroines, wild shifters, cunning witches and alpha males who get what they want.

Before becoming a writer, Steffanie worked as an archaeologist and museum curator. She loves to explore historical settings and ancient conceptions of love and possession. From Dark Age Europe to crumbling gothic estates, Steffanie is fascinated with how love can blossom between the most unlikely characters.

Steffanie lives in New Zealand with her husband and a horde of cantankerous cats. Learn more about Steffanie at her website: www.steffanieholmes.com. She also writes dark science fiction under the name S C Green.

Want to be informed when the next Steffanie Holmes paranormal romance story goes live? Sign up for the mailing list! http://eepurl.com/ZrowD

Reviews

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

It doesn't happen that often that I remember where and when I read the first book in a series. I do remember when I read the first book in this series though. I was doing a course. Online. Via teams. It was incredibly tiring and exhausting, but every thirty minutes we had a five or ten minute break and I used that time to read a chapter. By the end of the day I finished the book. It took me shamelessly long to get to the second book, but better late than never, right?

I don't really understand though why it took me this long to get to the second book. As soon as I started with this second book I had trouble putting the book down. Holmes has an amazing writing style. It's gripping. It feels very natural. It fits the characters and the story. It's most of all the perfect mix between descriptions of surroundings and action and very emotional and touching moments. It never moves too fast and it never drags.

Since the characters are really allowing us readers into their minds we get to know them pretty well. Especially reading the backstories of the guys, what they've been dealing with and what kind of lives they had, was a great way to make me feel connected to these guys. During the book I really started caring more and more about them and I also understood what our heroine actually saw in them, apart from a way to increase her powers.

I also really enjoy our heroine's journey. She's even more of a science girl than I used to be, the kind of girl having trouble believing something if she can't observe it or experience it herself. Ever since she discovered she's a witch she's been confronted with magic and with the impossible. It's not always easy for her to just go with it, but I like how she's growing into her role, her magic and her future. I can't wait to see what's waiting for me in the next book!

[Angel G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be a little less enthralling than the first. Everyone is kinda floundering with the new power dynamics and trying to find their new place in the coven and that comes across in the storytelling. It's well-done but can come across a little disjointed when reading. There's a few plot points that, while its understandable and makes sense to the plot, I just don't love. You have one character who has a more intimate knowledge of the situation and potential solutions but is keeping it to himself. I get that the coven is still building trust and you have this new dynamic but it does come across a bit much like a deus ex machina. The original members of the coven are stuck and can't find a solution and here comes someone with intimate knowledge of the big bad and contacts who know the answers to all their questions. Yes, it doesn't help in the end but didn't love it as part of the plot.

Also not a fan of Maeve basically abandoning her younger sister with (known) abusive adults. She's got a lot going on and, let's face it, 5 hot guys can be quite the distraction, not to mention saving the world from the unseelie. But how do you abandon your sister after losing your parents and knowing she is living with her abusive, overly controlling, and heavily conservative uncle??

[Katyana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mmmmm, I liked this one less than the first one. Maeve did some stupid things - particularly regarding her sister - and I also dislike how she's pressuring Arthur.

Look, here's the thing: he said he didn't want to. She (rightfully) demands that everyone respect her choices, but then shits on his choices and makes this all as hard for him as possible. I don't think that is fair. If the genders were the other way around - if he was the one pressuring her despite her repeated insistence that she did not want this - people would be up in arms at what is honestly sexual harassment. It makes me deeply uncomfortable as she just slowly whittles away at him.

Also, whereas the first book was probably ... 70% story, 30% sex, this book is pretty much the reverse. I may be in the minority, but I actually like story. This is feeling a bit Merry Gentry to me, and that's just not my thing.

And lastly, the townsfolk - in this day and age - being all "burn the witches!" is a bit much. I mean, I get that the uptight members of the community would be rude or cold to them, but they are a baby step away from torches and pitchforks here, and that's insane. I'm hoping there's a compelling reason (as in, the fae are messing with them), as opposed to way over-the-top prejudice. It's too much.

[Tracy Smyth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marvel is starting to come to terms with her powers. Things are heating up in the romance area. Looking forward to the next book

[Noxwitchbooklife · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got into this as soon as I finished book one and the drama did not disappoint!

It has been years since I read this originally and I'd forgotten just how dark both mentally and physically this book went.

I really liked getting more into the fae part of the story in this book and the relationships between Maeve and the guys changing a lot.

The story hurtles on very quickly in this and it still has the odd comedic moment in amongst the darker parts.

I want to get on with book 3 again quickly!

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book left me in a knot of emotions. I am not sure if I want to hug the author, or tackle her. I was looking forward to Blake joining the harem after The Castle of Earth and Embers, I was not disappointed. It was interesting to view the new dynamic while getting caught up in the plot. This series will be going in my reread folder. There were a few excessive term/word usages, but it in no way detracted from the story for me. I recommend.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2. And it starts where book 1 left off.

The storyline is excellent and it will grab you from the start to the very end.

Each of the MC's has a truly unique character. Where the spicy element of this story is fun, and there is plenty of spice, is that the High Priestess Maeve gains her magical strength from a good session, and the more taking part, the better and stronger the magic!

But it is not all wonder and light with Maeves tenants and coven members. All bar one is more than happy to share Maeve and be part of her hareem, but that one is such a sad case as the story progresses. Poor old Arthur. Is all he going to shoot all story is fire? He loves Maeve, but wants her as a girlfriend and is not willing or able to share. His issues as those of all the MC's come out at various parts of this book.

There are wonderful issues and build up to conflict between Daigh and the Fae in his world and Maeve and her Coven members, and hell, the world. I still wonder sometimes if Blake is onside, or not. All appears good with him, but I will always be ready for that cliffhanger, and as for Liah - the apple of Blakes eye.

In this book we learn more of Maeves past and her relationship with Kelly, her sister. There is such a good sub plot here that will have your emotions run riot. But no spoilers from me, it is such an interesting and well written sub-plot that needs to happen in front of you.

Then there are the intersections between Sarah and Connor, Maeve, Dora, and Sheila. Just as you think things are working out - BAM. And that is all I will say about that.

This story has a great pace, there is something there for everyone. As for Maeve, who would not want to be a member of her coven? Just live for the moment and go with the flow. Just how many people will be involved with her by the end...

There is so much covered in this story, but so much left open, so many possibilities going forward and such a great cliffhanger.

I, like many I would think will be left speechless and gagging for the next episode.

A superbly written book written in Steff’s style. It is undoubtably one of her books and delivered in the unique way that her regular readers will know full well. After only a few pages in, the comfort of a Steffanie Holmes story is with us.

Pick up a copy, and enjoy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shawna Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌶️ Yikes, the stakes just got higher for the Briarwood witches and adding Blake to the mix isn’t making for the smoothest sailing amongst the boys.

I really am not a big fan of the witchcraft genre (if a witch happens to be in the story at some point, fine, but not as main characters) but this series is turning that onto its head with all these broken characters that are slowly being exposed- I want to know why Rowan spent time on the streets and his mental health issues, what is up with Arthur’s self cutting, Flynn’s inability to have a meaningful relationship, why Corbin has to try and save everyone at the risk of his own health and will Blake ever start trusting people with his secrets?

Even Maeve is of interest, when it would be far too easy to label her as a greedy and selfish character… which is surprising.

The one gal/many guys thing (“reverse harem”) is certainly not my jam at all (not to sound like a prude, but monogamy has always felt more honest to me, but to each their own, and I couldn’t fathom standard harem stories either), but I get the idea behind it here, something I struggled with a bit for the Neverwhere Bookshop series, though I did enjoy the characters from that series a lot, or the trio of suitors in the Graveyard series).

Here I worried that if I struggled with a gal with three guys then how would I handle five of them. Again, still not what floats my boat, but I am willing to cut this series more slack than the other two.

Mostly I want to know how in the world this coven is going to protect the world from the fae breaking free… I don’t expect the coven to survive intact, and it’s already causing me some concern about who we may lose along the way. I’m also curious how Maeve’s sister, Kelly, is going to fit in with Maeve’s new lifestyle going forward.

On to book three to see where it’s going to go.

[Lene Blackthorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The distrust and enmity between Fae, Witches, and partially humans seem to have no end. It is even more difficult with a Fae prince on the witches' side.
The Briarwood coven desperately needs intel on what's going on in the Fae realm, and what do they really want to achieve. It is very dangerous, but Blake decides to risk it and secretly hunt for information. However, the cost is substantial...but definitely worth the knowledge. Moreover, Jane is not safe with Connor until he gets baptized - which is very hard to achieve with her past. Dora has now turned on the coven, too, and if that was not enough for Maeve to think about, her magic and the situation with her sister certainly occupy her mind.
I very much appreciate the balance in the space given to every male member of the witch coven. No one feels pushed to background or overlooked, and with five of them around, this is no easy task. Watching Maeve adapt to English society is entertaining, and watching her grow into her powers is totally fascinating, with all the walls that are torn down. It might be a bit uneasy read for religious people, with the attitude of the characters towards all things connected to God and religion, but the characters' background calls for a strict opinion, and sometimes even harsh actions. The plot grows more intriguing with every page, and I loved the way I got to get to know the world building better with each new fact revealed. I even understand the Fae more (not that this theme wasn't used many times, but many differ in small details). I am looking forward to the next book in the series, and hope to have it in my hands soon.

[Kathleen Kimpton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drama, drama, drama in the second instalment ‘The Castle of Fire and Fable’. It’s fast paced, with a character driven plot that follows Maeve and the harem (opps sorry coven :)) along an entertaining storyline filled with secrets, magic and surprising twists…. And did I mention the hot sizzling romance.

As you learn more about the ‘boys’ and how they are who they are, you can’t help but become vested in what’s going on for each of them. I did however have some love hate moments with Maeve with some of the actions/decisions she’s chosen….. but she has had alot going on lately so I’m cutting her some slack till the next book.

The distrust between the Fae, Witches, and humans can be a bit intense and isn’t for the faint hearted (or the religious) but the hatred between them lends itself to the plot so I can’t wait to see how it all plays out.

Final note is if you want to understand what’s going on, grab the first book and devour it before starting this one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christina]

Made it 68% before I had to stop. I actually started reading this around the time I finished the first one but just couldn't get into it initially and would find myself reading a chapter or two here and there. And now, here we are.

I don't think I can finish this book. It started to get too preachy to me and while I agree with some of the points in the book (people should love whomever they wish without fear of persecution), it just became too much. Especially when Liah came into the picture. Someone who was never mentioned before (that I can remember. Maybe I'm wrong). To me, it became the Supernatural effect. The "Do you remember our dad's-best friends-cousins-boyfriend-we-met-when-we-were-kids-once? Yeah. They're important to the plot now." I hate books that bring in characters that were never a part of the original and mesh with the group as if we should absolutely know them because the MCs knew them from such a pivotal part of their life and yet never mentioned once.

Or maybe I'm the problem.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book's fire was a little weak (KU borrow)

I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this new series, and eagerly anticipated the second book. But I found that this book's fire didn't burn white hot for me like the other one had. However, there were times when it certainly became a raging inferno, and I didn't want to put the book down to do my adult things. But unfortunately, there are times when I was more than willing to put the book down and have to convince myself to pick it back up. Why? There were way too many things going on at one time: there's Maeve's grief, her romance with all the boys, all their individual stories, the fight with the Fae, the addition of Blake and whether he's good or bad, and then the Corbin/Rowan love interest going on, and then trouble with Kelly. Wow! My brain is in overload right now. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book, and I borrowed this book through the Kindle Unlimited program too.

[Danyelle La Pookette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fae-tastic!

** Cliffhanger Warning! ** I love this book. It's the second part of a fantastic series, so I recommend reading these books in order. There's still plenty of suspense, fast-paced action, funny moments, and steamy hot, reverse harem romance. This book starts immediately after the end of book 1, Castle of Earth and Embers, so there's no time jumping. I'm still enjoying all the world building, conflicts between characters, plot twists, and the overall problem with the Fae trying to destroy humanity.

I kind of agree with them, but do all humans have to die? No, we don't. Mass murder is never a good thing. So that's just one thing that adds to the amazing story going on at the castle. I also am intrigued by the how and when this evil plot will come.

Even though there's still a ton of typos and grammatical errors, this series is excellent. The story and characters are keeping me up late reading.

I'm excited to see what happens next!

[Missy Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you liked The Castle of Earth and Embers then you will really enjoy The Castle of Fire and Fable. We get more details on the characters that we have come to like. Maeve is learning more about the Fae, and magic, while preparing for the next battle. All the while with the help of her men Arthur, Rowan, Flynn, Blake and Corbin. Each are unique and bring different things to the table. Seeing their individual relationship with Maeve build and the guys trying to figure out how to make it work as a group dynamic. Ms. Holmes has a way of building this world, so graphic, and keeps you on your toes about what is going to happen next. What betrayal is coming, who is the enemy, with a what the heck just happened moment and just good writing weaves an interesting read for the paranormal RH fan.

[Adrianna Heaney-velu · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Castle of Fire and Fable,” by Steffanie Holmes

Maeve is living with many attractive witches, all wanting to be the one she chooses. Fighting with the Fae when a Fae portal opens, and a mysterious man comes through, and Maeve doesn’t know what to think of him. Trying to protect everyone she loved that’s left has her conflicted on what she needs to do.

I loved book 1 of the Briarwood Witches series and this one didn’t disappoint. I’m so invested in their relationship, and I really want to know what’s going to happen in the future. This book has more of a deep dive into the boys’ backstories and I loved it so much. I liked how characters are struggling with realistic issues to like mental illness and dealing with trauma. 5 out of 5 stars, so good.

-Witches
-Fae
-Reverse Harem/ Why Choose
-Friends To Lovers
-Multi POV

Thank you for the ARC, Booksprout.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Castle of Fire and Fable is book Two in the Briarwood Reverse Harem Series.
Since this continues the story of Maeve you do need to read the previous book to fully enjoy this one. In addition, this does end with a cliffhanger to set us up for the next installment in her story.
This book stars just as they are back and Blake has now returned with them. So Blake is added to the mix of men. Along with training Maeve to fight and get read for another battle we see the group trying to work out what they are to each other. Maeve powers are increased with contact from the men and she can't choose between them. Also a family emergency happens setting up more upset for Maeve.
Exciting hot story for sure.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the second book in the series which ended on a big time cliffhanger. Grr. I guess that is what you get for reading a continuing saga, lol.

Maeve has added another guy to her harem, one who came from the fae world and who might yet prove to be a problem for them all. The book is action packed and I will not try to you about everything that happens as you need to read it for yourself. Suffice it to say that there is some hot sex and some hairy (no, not that kind of hairy, well that too) scenes that will leave Maeve questioning herself and her choices. Her guys are always there to support and assist her though. There is even a little trip back to Arizona that heats things up in more ways than one.

I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.

[Ronel Janse van Vuuren · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot more steamy than the first book, if that’s even possible. More twists with fae magic and what they’re up against with an exciting cliffhanger ending.

Maeve comes up against fundamentalists who use religion as an excuse to persecute anyone different. Her own religious upbringing is in stark contrast: her parents were loving, tolerant people who accepted her just as she was. Arthur explains it brilliantly when he says that she kept the best parts of religion while the people who hate and fear her (and some others in the book) have forgotten what religion (specifically Christianity) is all about.

I like how there are layers to this book and that even the sex scenes further plot and character growth.

[Audrianna Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was fast paced from beginning to end. We start off right with our coven of men and Maeve heading into a fight! That’s the way to get me interested to read the rest of a book. I love that we get more invested in each man’s differences in this book. However, Maeve did put me off a bit with her decisions in some parts. But hey we all make rash decisions in hectic times?!?
This does have a repeated Fae, witch, human hatred theme, but the author does make it stand out from other similar novels. Watch out for the cliffhanger ending, if you aren’t a fan of those, read this when you know the next installment is coming soon!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elisa Lanzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️4🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

A Castle of Fire and Fable was a great sequel novel that continued to incorporate spice into the storyline as an important part of the unique magic system that the author has created. The novel continues straight on from the events of A Castle of Earth and Embers as Maeve continues to learn more about her magic and the threat the fae are wanted to bring to the human world. With her coven growing she starts to also really learn how to overcome her grief after the loss of her parents in book and become the leader of her coven. I will definitely continue to read this series!

-reverse harem
-witchcraft
-fae.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jessica Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

Book two in the Briarwood Reverse Harem series which I can admit I am now addicted to. Maeve is really coming into her powers now that she is embracing what she truly is. Things are getting fun with guys as they all try to figure things out while she struggles with choosing only one of them. Just as he is finally making an awesome decision life throws a huge curve ball in her way that she has to deal with and things are really going to change now. I cannot wait to see how much and in what direction when we get book three. If you like paranormal reverse harem novels then you should really try this book/series. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.

[Geneva Handleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I started with book two in this series. It was easy enough to follow, with the right amount of missing information to make me want to go back and read that first book. I wasn’t lost, just very curious! The action in this one grabs you right away and has you racing through the pages! The sex scenes are hot and steamy and mystical, full of magic and power.

As an independent reviewer for Romance Authors that Rock, I gave this one the full five hearts as some of the history for these guys left me heartbroken and misty-eyed. I can’t wait to go back and see how they all got together to begin with!

[Sharon E. Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maeve's world just keeps getting more chaotic in this second book of the series! Banned from their favorite pub. The local folk are out to get her. A situation with her sister takes her back to Arizona. But she finally embraces who she is. The guys finally get on board with her not choosing ONE of them as her Magister, and the spice turns up a notch. It ends on a cliffhanger, and I can't wait for the next book to see what happens next.

If you like Paranormal Romances with Witches and Fae and Reverse Harem/why choose lovers, you need to give this series a read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Levine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book in the series is even better than the first. You really get to know the characters so much better in this second part.

I really like that the author moves from character to character giving them a chance to tell their story. You really see them all building a relationship as well. The action is building too and you know something is ready to explode at any moment.

The ending is a big cliffhanger and I am eager for the next book.

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sigh...I don't even know what to say. There is so much happening and will be happening. I do not want to discuss spoilers.

The coven/main characters are building ties with each other while dealing with angsty broken bits of themselves, life, and spicy time, bio mom is still trying to reach out, the villagers are filled with disrespect, the fae are still up to no good for humankind, etc. Lots of moving parts and worries for the future.

How am I meant to wait for the next book?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[The_neurospicy_bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing novel from the author. I am loving this series so far and cannot wait to read book 3. This one has even more spice than the last book but it didn't take away at all from the story and even added to it which surprised me as normally the spice could be skipped over and you wouldn't miss anything but in this you needed to read certain parts in order not to miss part of the plot which was a nice change. It was thrilling with lots of emotional ups and downs and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time.

[Jacque Gostas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The exciting tale continues in book 2 of this 4 book series. I am really enjoying the action packed story line - it's nice to have some plot with your smut! LOL. Speaking of, IMO, this one was smuttier than the last... dripping with smut. So reader beware or reader happily anticipate that little fact. The character development is also great- just an all around great read. I'm chomping at the bit to see how this is going to pan out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laure · Rating 5 out of 5]

I mentioned before that this series is a reread for me and will admit that I am loving it as much as I'm sure I did the first time.
Mauve is an all-American girl and a science nerd with dreams of attending MIT, but that dream is shattered. Instead, she moves to England where she inherited a castle, and finds out she is a witch.
These are wonderful, and beautifully flawed characters. They each have secrets, and some of them could be deadly. If you enjoy sizzling hot, paranormal reverse harem romance you need to read this book. There is plenty of steam, some exciting action, magic, and surprising twists in the plot to keep a reader engaged in the story. I am a big fan of this author so I may be a little prejudiced, but I highly recommend this book to fans of this author and this genre but have to add that you will need to read the first book in order to follow events in this one.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall rating: 4.8 (advance copy)
Book 2 definitely had me reeling! Got hooked into storyline quickly and my emotions were everywhere! This author did a wonderful job breathing life into these characters and I totally ignored the real world flipping pages of this book instead! Everything fantastical exists in this tale, including sizzling hot scenes for adults. Can’t wait for more by this author! This review has been voluntarily written.

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really, really need Corbin and Rowan to realise their love for each other and kiss. I have to admit I'm way more invested in the relationship drama than the stopping-the-evil-fae plotline.
Many hot multiples sexytimes, though I'm kind of meh about Maeve's relationship with Arthur and Flynn as individuals (though I am enjoying Flynn's budding bromance with Blake.) But mainly I'm here for the Corbin and Rowan. SO MANY ANGSTY BROKEN BOYS. I love it.