What do you think?
Rate this book
The Kriegspiel Witches #3
The Widowed Witch of Kriegspiel
He’s supposed to catch her husband’s killer, not fall for the widowed witch.
A priest has been murdered. Inspector Bas is selected to lead the case, but he quickly discovers the military has no interest in justice. They have their sights set on the murder victim’s widow: the legendary witch known as the Phoenix.
Bas met her in the army ten years prior when Fiona, the Phoenix, was already paired in marriage to a priest against her wishes. Now he could have a second chance with her, but she doesn’t seem to remember him. If he’s unsuccessful in finding the true killer, the blame for the murder will be placed on Fiona to coerce her back into service.
He pursues Fiona to the University of Kriegspiel where she’s enrolled as a student. Bas aids her through the mandatory pairing ceremonies on campus, but every effort to win her heart only makes her more suspicious. She conceals information that the inspector needs. To save Fiona he’ll have to regain her trust, solve the murder, and ignore his duty.
A priest has been murdered. Inspector Bas is selected to lead the case, but he quickly discovers the military has no interest in justice. They have their sights set on the murder victim’s widow: the legendary witch known as the Phoenix.
Bas met her in the army ten years prior when Fiona, the Phoenix, was already paired in marriage to a priest against her wishes. Now he could have a second chance with her, but she doesn’t seem to remember him. If he’s unsuccessful in finding the true killer, the blame for the murder will be placed on Fiona to coerce her back into service.
He pursues Fiona to the University of Kriegspiel where she’s enrolled as a student. Bas aids her through the mandatory pairing ceremonies on campus, but every effort to win her heart only makes her more suspicious. She conceals information that the inspector needs. To save Fiona he’ll have to regain her trust, solve the murder, and ignore his duty.
ebook
Published July 19, 2022
12 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
S.L. Prater
21 books333 followersS. L. shares her home with three wild little girls and a husband so handsome he makes everyone else look like a potato. In no particular order, she fills her time reading fiction, eating tacos, and serving her community as a child welfare social worker. At night she writes magical kissing books. Sign up for her newsletter at: https://slprater.carrd.co/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 9, 2022
First of all, look at that cover. Gorgeous.
I got to read an early copy of Prater's manuscript and I have nothing but good things to say about this story. The characters were lovely, sweet, and authentic. The story was fun and well-paced. The star of the show was clearly Elsie the turtle, but Bas and Fi were amazing too. Loved it.
I got to read an early copy of Prater's manuscript and I have nothing but good things to say about this story. The characters were lovely, sweet, and authentic. The story was fun and well-paced. The star of the show was clearly Elsie the turtle, but Bas and Fi were amazing too. Loved it.
July 11, 2022
The books in the Kriegspiel Witches series are always enjoyable, and The Widowed Witch of Kriegspiel is not an outlier. The series is set in a patriarchal world where women's magic is seen as out of control and needing a male "priestly" husband to act as the guardian. This book is a spin on a second-chance romance: Bastion and Fiona fell in love eight years earlier when they were in military training together but never acted on it because she was married. Interestingly, one of the things that pushed them apart was Bas's insistence on respecting what Fiona sees (correctly) as unfair and discriminatory social practices.
Now they've been thrown back together because on the same night Fiona's husband was murdered, she was viciously attacked miles away. Bas's objective is to discover the threat to Fiona's life. To do this, he moves into her suite at the university. (We all love a little forced proximity, amirite?) Also because of their shared history, he knows how best to communicate with her. Their relationship, and especially Bas's deep respect and affection for her - not just tolerance of her "quirks" - is the highlight of the book.
As usual, Prater's content warnings are comprehensive, so check them out before reading. This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
Now they've been thrown back together because on the same night Fiona's husband was murdered, she was viciously attacked miles away. Bas's objective is to discover the threat to Fiona's life. To do this, he moves into her suite at the university. (We all love a little forced proximity, amirite?) Also because of their shared history, he knows how best to communicate with her. Their relationship, and especially Bas's deep respect and affection for her - not just tolerance of her "quirks" - is the highlight of the book.
As usual, Prater's content warnings are comprehensive, so check them out before reading. This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
July 26, 2022
I loved this witchy romance, it was basically unputdownable!
- second chance romance
- forced proximity
- loads of pining and angst and grovelling
- love letter exchanges over ten years
- so many swoony lines
- neurodivergent rep
I also loved the references and characters from the first two books of this series! Still laughing at some of the stuff they all got up to together, lol.
TWs - sexual assault by husband, coercion and sexual assault, physical abuse, drugging women against their will, harassment of women, people calling a neurodivergent person peculiar (for the last one, the author has written a much better content warning at the beginning)
- second chance romance
- forced proximity
- loads of pining and angst and grovelling
- love letter exchanges over ten years
- so many swoony lines
- neurodivergent rep
I also loved the references and characters from the first two books of this series! Still laughing at some of the stuff they all got up to together, lol.
TWs - sexual assault by husband, coercion and sexual assault, physical abuse, drugging women against their will, harassment of women, people calling a neurodivergent person peculiar (for the last one, the author has written a much better content warning at the beginning)
June 23, 2022
A honest review for a arc read.
I finished the book in one setting, I couldnt and wouldnt stop before I was through this book.
Fair warnings before you start reading. For me it didn't feel like and needed them, it was not that bad.
I love Fi and the writing about and around neurodivergent, the reactions given by Bas, sublime. I really liked this story, around the same age as me, adventure and oddness.
Truth to be told when the plot unfolds I was why didn't I think of that?
It took me a little bit to understand how their magic works and how to make this visual for me. I didn't mind that, I havent read the other books, maybe it was already explained. This was book three but I didn't feel missed out, you can read this without reading the others. I will read the others now as I want to know more about Kriegspiel.
I wished I had more time with Fiona and Bastion, the end went a little fast but it worked.
I finished the book in one setting, I couldnt and wouldnt stop before I was through this book.
Fair warnings before you start reading. For me it didn't feel like and needed them, it was not that bad.
I love Fi and the writing about and around neurodivergent, the reactions given by Bas, sublime. I really liked this story, around the same age as me, adventure and oddness.
Truth to be told when the plot unfolds I was why didn't I think of that?
It took me a little bit to understand how their magic works and how to make this visual for me. I didn't mind that, I havent read the other books, maybe it was already explained. This was book three but I didn't feel missed out, you can read this without reading the others. I will read the others now as I want to know more about Kriegspiel.
I wished I had more time with Fiona and Bastion, the end went a little fast but it worked.
July 19, 2022
This month has been a year, amirite? I've felt a bit disenfranchised when it comes to my rights as someone of the lady persuasion. It’s absolutely no wonder I’ve been watching a lot more Dateline and sad documentaries as of late. And drinking wine. ALL the wine.
I am thrilled to say that The Widowed Witch of Kriegspiel, the third novel in the Witches of Kriegspiel serie, by S.L. Prater gave me the kick I needed to launch me out of my self-deprecating funk. Could it possibly be the kick ass heroine that can literally kill someone with her thumb, or the tiny band of witches that can bring an entitled man to his knees with just their words, or a hero that not only defers to, but protects, his partner and the rights of witches overall? All of the above? Abso-fucking-lutely.
Side bar: Now that I’ve brought up the idea of taking someone down with just a thumb, I’m now wondering logistics… Right now I’m just thinking…eye sockets…nostrils…? If we are getting creative, what about someone wearing a catwoman claw on just their thumb?
I’ll ruminate on the subject… Wait! Why am I doing this?
Not the way in which I want to meet Keith Morrison.
A Little Bit of Plot
As the third installment of the Witches of Kriegspiel series, we have been gradually moving to a larger female presence at Kriegspiel University, where since time immemorial, priests have studied and presided. In this world, not only does magic exist, it varies by the type of user; witches employ their natural magics, which, as the term would suggest, come from not only the world around us but within us intrinsically. Priests, however, mostly utilize spells and runes; considering natural magic akin to blasphemy. Please someone correct me if I’m wrong.
We meet Fiona Boaz, sister of Ren Boaz (the hero from Wicked Witch) who flees to Kriegspiel after both she is attacked and her husband murdered the same night. Inspector and priest, Bastian Mueller, has been appointed to the case and as protection for Fiona while she attends classes. Slight little tidbit about Bas that you should know, he’s been in love with Fi for over 10 years and has been pining for her from jumpstreet. Unfortunately, their initial meet cute coincided with Fiona's pairing to her disgusting and abusive (not sorry he’s cold in the ground) husband. Throughout their time apart, the couple penned beautiful letters to one another, however, if as they say, time makes the heart grow fonder, will 10 years be too much space between or will they find their happily ever after? Plus, MIGHT SOLVE A MYSTERY! (or rewrite history..) :sorry: I literally had to, I have a sickness.
The Compliment Sandwich
The Top Bun (The Pro)
The Magic
I know, I know, this was my pro on the Secret Witch review - get over it. I absolutely adore how Prater describes the magics in this world; in essence they become their own characters. Completely sentient most of the time, we have scenes in which characters are forced to rein in or quell their magics. For Fi and Bas, it's as if their own magics are also simultaneously falling in love. “His magics liked her touch. They responded, twining with hers, a sign of mutual attraction between two magic users that made Fi’s face hot”.
We also learn early on that speaking plainly and nuance is difficult for Fi; furthermore, when she’s uncomfortable or aggravated she often tends to stutter. Magic allows her to express herself without words, illustrating her moods without non verbal cues.
Fiona is an exceptionally brilliant inventor, fighter, and magic user. Although she comes off as meek, her abilities set her apart and many in this world attempt to exploit her. The extent to which she is capable is quite amazing. And you know what else is amazing? Bas just supports her - he doesn’t second guess her abilities (with the exception of one badly thought out decision about visiting a local town), and he acts as the heavy when he needs to. He also knows that she can, again, KILL A MAN WITH HER FUCKING THUMB!
That’s it - just be supportive guys, that’s all we’re asking for! THE BAR IS ON THE FLOOR.
The Meat (The Con)
I’m having a hard time with this one. I loved this book and this series so much. If I have a gripe (and it’s not..) I wanted more David and Ana. I just,
But that’s it.
The Bottom Bun (The Pro)
We are building up to something here…
With the larger presence of women on the Kriegspiel campus; especially in teaching positions, this book feels like we are on the precipice of a shifting political climate. I could be completely wrong, and feel free to tell me if I am, but it feels like Fiona’s character is integral to the usurping of male power in this world. We discussed this with S.L. when she was kind enough to guest on the podcast - about how the real wielders of power in this world are the women and the men have spent centuries devising ways in keeping them oppressed. The moments of rebellion that are depicted in this book, albeit small, are powerful in the larger picture.
For instance, Prater introduces a subplot involving what I can only describe to be a marital bed ruffie, called Tranquility. The drug is administered to the, let’s say, more ‘spirited’ wives on their wedding night to make them more pliable and submissive. Horrible? Absolutely. From a different perspective, however, is the fact that the only way in which the husband can overpower his wife is by slipping the drought in her food. She can literally rip off a ding dong with just her magic so the only way in which these weasels can get some is by subduing them first. Sounds to me like if you get a band of witches together, train them in some general self defense and martial arts, blast Run the World (Girls) from a loudspeaker, and we have a very different hierarchy when the smoke clears.
In this same vein, we have 3 heroes (Ren, David, and Bas) that are protective without being coddling. Being priests, they understand the law and the overall lack of rights afforded to witches, therefore, utilize their own position in society to propel their wives agendas forward. That’s sexy as hell, yall.
Plus, hot sex. Loooooots of hot sex.
On a side note, I bet y’all thought my bottom bun was going to be the epistolary element of the book. I mean, yes, that’s awesome, especially for one scene in particular, but the female empowerment of this just lightened my mood so much.
This is a must read - I would also encourage you to read them in order. At this point in the series, some of the characterization builds from each book and would be lessened if read as a stand alone. Plus, come on, dudes, it’s more hot sex and who doesn’t want that? Plus pick up S.L. Prater’s other series, Street Witch and A Witchly Ever After.
Vive la révolution sorcière!
To read more reviews and learn about the podcast visit: my link text
I am thrilled to say that The Widowed Witch of Kriegspiel, the third novel in the Witches of Kriegspiel serie, by S.L. Prater gave me the kick I needed to launch me out of my self-deprecating funk. Could it possibly be the kick ass heroine that can literally kill someone with her thumb, or the tiny band of witches that can bring an entitled man to his knees with just their words, or a hero that not only defers to, but protects, his partner and the rights of witches overall? All of the above? Abso-fucking-lutely.
Side bar: Now that I’ve brought up the idea of taking someone down with just a thumb, I’m now wondering logistics… Right now I’m just thinking…eye sockets…nostrils…? If we are getting creative, what about someone wearing a catwoman claw on just their thumb?
I’ll ruminate on the subject… Wait! Why am I doing this?
Not the way in which I want to meet Keith Morrison.
A Little Bit of Plot
As the third installment of the Witches of Kriegspiel series, we have been gradually moving to a larger female presence at Kriegspiel University, where since time immemorial, priests have studied and presided. In this world, not only does magic exist, it varies by the type of user; witches employ their natural magics, which, as the term would suggest, come from not only the world around us but within us intrinsically. Priests, however, mostly utilize spells and runes; considering natural magic akin to blasphemy. Please someone correct me if I’m wrong.
We meet Fiona Boaz, sister of Ren Boaz (the hero from Wicked Witch) who flees to Kriegspiel after both she is attacked and her husband murdered the same night. Inspector and priest, Bastian Mueller, has been appointed to the case and as protection for Fiona while she attends classes. Slight little tidbit about Bas that you should know, he’s been in love with Fi for over 10 years and has been pining for her from jumpstreet. Unfortunately, their initial meet cute coincided with Fiona's pairing to her disgusting and abusive (not sorry he’s cold in the ground) husband. Throughout their time apart, the couple penned beautiful letters to one another, however, if as they say, time makes the heart grow fonder, will 10 years be too much space between or will they find their happily ever after? Plus, MIGHT SOLVE A MYSTERY! (or rewrite history..) :sorry: I literally had to, I have a sickness.
The Compliment Sandwich
The Top Bun (The Pro)
The Magic
I know, I know, this was my pro on the Secret Witch review - get over it. I absolutely adore how Prater describes the magics in this world; in essence they become their own characters. Completely sentient most of the time, we have scenes in which characters are forced to rein in or quell their magics. For Fi and Bas, it's as if their own magics are also simultaneously falling in love. “His magics liked her touch. They responded, twining with hers, a sign of mutual attraction between two magic users that made Fi’s face hot”.
We also learn early on that speaking plainly and nuance is difficult for Fi; furthermore, when she’s uncomfortable or aggravated she often tends to stutter. Magic allows her to express herself without words, illustrating her moods without non verbal cues.
It wasn’t an uncomfortable silence. Their magics got reacquainted between them. Normally, he kept his subdued as best he could, in the way of a priest, so that the natural essences that favored him hovered along his legs. Hers left her person to circle him. Curious, it twined with his magics, encouraging them to speed up their movements. Hers chirruped like happy sparrows. His whispered back. He felt the warmth of them through the wool of his trousers. A pleasant warmth.
Fiona is an exceptionally brilliant inventor, fighter, and magic user. Although she comes off as meek, her abilities set her apart and many in this world attempt to exploit her. The extent to which she is capable is quite amazing. And you know what else is amazing? Bas just supports her - he doesn’t second guess her abilities (with the exception of one badly thought out decision about visiting a local town), and he acts as the heavy when he needs to. He also knows that she can, again, KILL A MAN WITH HER FUCKING THUMB!
That’s it - just be supportive guys, that’s all we’re asking for! THE BAR IS ON THE FLOOR.
The Meat (The Con)
I’m having a hard time with this one. I loved this book and this series so much. If I have a gripe (and it’s not..) I wanted more David and Ana. I just,
But that’s it.
The Bottom Bun (The Pro)
We are building up to something here…
With the larger presence of women on the Kriegspiel campus; especially in teaching positions, this book feels like we are on the precipice of a shifting political climate. I could be completely wrong, and feel free to tell me if I am, but it feels like Fiona’s character is integral to the usurping of male power in this world. We discussed this with S.L. when she was kind enough to guest on the podcast - about how the real wielders of power in this world are the women and the men have spent centuries devising ways in keeping them oppressed. The moments of rebellion that are depicted in this book, albeit small, are powerful in the larger picture.
For instance, Prater introduces a subplot involving what I can only describe to be a marital bed ruffie, called Tranquility. The drug is administered to the, let’s say, more ‘spirited’ wives on their wedding night to make them more pliable and submissive. Horrible? Absolutely. From a different perspective, however, is the fact that the only way in which the husband can overpower his wife is by slipping the drought in her food. She can literally rip off a ding dong with just her magic so the only way in which these weasels can get some is by subduing them first. Sounds to me like if you get a band of witches together, train them in some general self defense and martial arts, blast Run the World (Girls) from a loudspeaker, and we have a very different hierarchy when the smoke clears.
In this same vein, we have 3 heroes (Ren, David, and Bas) that are protective without being coddling. Being priests, they understand the law and the overall lack of rights afforded to witches, therefore, utilize their own position in society to propel their wives agendas forward. That’s sexy as hell, yall.
Plus, hot sex. Loooooots of hot sex.
On a side note, I bet y’all thought my bottom bun was going to be the epistolary element of the book. I mean, yes, that’s awesome, especially for one scene in particular, but the female empowerment of this just lightened my mood so much.
This is a must read - I would also encourage you to read them in order. At this point in the series, some of the characterization builds from each book and would be lessened if read as a stand alone. Plus, come on, dudes, it’s more hot sex and who doesn’t want that? Plus pick up S.L. Prater’s other series, Street Witch and A Witchly Ever After.
Vive la révolution sorcière!
To read more reviews and learn about the podcast visit: my link text
July 18, 2022
The Widowed Witch of Kriegspiel by S.L. Prater
The Kriegspiel Witches #3
Loved this story! Returning to this imaginary world is always a treat. Even when the situations faced by the characters in the book are not always happy…the happily ever after endings always satisfy.
What I liked:
* Fiona: witch, widow, ex-military, turtle owner, a hero, puzzle solver, inventor, protective, has a secret, has loved a man not her husband for over a decade, has some quirks that endear her to one man in particular
* Bastion: priest, warden, ex-military, conflicted, on a case that involves finding out who murdered and attacked Fiona, has lived by the law that prevented him from claiming the woman he has always loved, a woman with quirks
* Ren: Chancellor of the college, Fiona’s brother, protective, husband, father…great seeing him and Erin again
* Seeing how Anna and David of a previous book are doing
* Immersing myself in this fantasy world that parallels ours in some but not all ways
* The letters that begin each chapter
* Elsie: a box turtle, pet, friend, and companion that soothes Fiona’s quirks
* The magics: how they manifest differently and mingle with one another
* That justice was served in more than one instance
* That there was a happy conclusion for a long delayed pairing between Fiona and Bastion
* Wondering who will star in the next book of the series
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* The misogynistic attitude and behavior of many males in this fantasy world
* Having to wait for the next book
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Definitely
Thank you to the author and Book Sirens for the ARC – this is my honest review.
5 Stars
The Kriegspiel Witches #3
Loved this story! Returning to this imaginary world is always a treat. Even when the situations faced by the characters in the book are not always happy…the happily ever after endings always satisfy.
What I liked:
* Fiona: witch, widow, ex-military, turtle owner, a hero, puzzle solver, inventor, protective, has a secret, has loved a man not her husband for over a decade, has some quirks that endear her to one man in particular
* Bastion: priest, warden, ex-military, conflicted, on a case that involves finding out who murdered and attacked Fiona, has lived by the law that prevented him from claiming the woman he has always loved, a woman with quirks
* Ren: Chancellor of the college, Fiona’s brother, protective, husband, father…great seeing him and Erin again
* Seeing how Anna and David of a previous book are doing
* Immersing myself in this fantasy world that parallels ours in some but not all ways
* The letters that begin each chapter
* Elsie: a box turtle, pet, friend, and companion that soothes Fiona’s quirks
* The magics: how they manifest differently and mingle with one another
* That justice was served in more than one instance
* That there was a happy conclusion for a long delayed pairing between Fiona and Bastion
* Wondering who will star in the next book of the series
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* The misogynistic attitude and behavior of many males in this fantasy world
* Having to wait for the next book
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Definitely
Thank you to the author and Book Sirens for the ARC – this is my honest review.
5 Stars
July 18, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
There is so much to love in this "the one that got away " This book very first caught my eye because it features a neurodivergent Witch. The FMC, Fi was written wonderfully and I enjoyed SL Praters's writing style. It took me a bit to understand the magic system. But I enjoyed the uniqueness of it. It felt very wild west steampunk vibes. I enjoyed the MMC overcoming the archaic way of thier priests normal behavior. The absolute brutal honesty from Fi made me grin ear to ear several times. I was also curious about the blindfold as well when I saw the cover. That one is for the spicy bits which are very well written. Chapter 11 is in the catalog of favorite spicy scenes ever. I loved the devils Bargain wrestling. Super hot. This is book 3 in the series but can be read as a stand alone which I did. I will for sure be reading the others now. This book has trigger warnings!
🌶🌶🌶
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
There is so much to love in this "the one that got away " This book very first caught my eye because it features a neurodivergent Witch. The FMC, Fi was written wonderfully and I enjoyed SL Praters's writing style. It took me a bit to understand the magic system. But I enjoyed the uniqueness of it. It felt very wild west steampunk vibes. I enjoyed the MMC overcoming the archaic way of thier priests normal behavior. The absolute brutal honesty from Fi made me grin ear to ear several times. I was also curious about the blindfold as well when I saw the cover. That one is for the spicy bits which are very well written. Chapter 11 is in the catalog of favorite spicy scenes ever. I loved the devils Bargain wrestling. Super hot. This is book 3 in the series but can be read as a stand alone which I did. I will for sure be reading the others now. This book has trigger warnings!
July 23, 2022
Beautiful steamy second chance romance. After many years apart a priest/detective Bastion and a witch Fiona meet again when she is attacked and her husband murdered - both on the same night yet an impossible distance away. By putting Fi in protective custody Bas is able to work at both the barriers between them and look for the murderer. I love his attentiveness towards Fi and his ability to communicate with her in a way that she understands. I love Fi's bluntness, honesty and struggles. Her strength is amazing. I received this ARC and this is my honest review.
July 25, 2022
I really enjoyed this second chance romance! The world and magic are interesting, I loved Fi & Bas, the plot was great and very well paced and of course some great spice! Definitely recommend! I’ll be checking out the other books in this series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 19, 2022
Another fantastic, steamy novel from S.L. Prater!
The magic system and the setting are intriguing, and I like how Prater explores power dynamics and systems of oppression. One of my favorite parts of this book was seeing an autistic protagonist with power and agency. I look forward to reading more of Prater's work!
The magic system and the setting are intriguing, and I like how Prater explores power dynamics and systems of oppression. One of my favorite parts of this book was seeing an autistic protagonist with power and agency. I look forward to reading more of Prater's work!
July 14, 2022
A fantastic witchy take on 'the one that got away'.
A widowed neurodivergent witch and a love struck priest who could never forget her. Throw in a few puzzles and a pet turtle for good measure.
This is the type of book that has you laughing, gasping in shock and shouting at the pages in delight.
Recommend checking the trigger warning.
A widowed neurodivergent witch and a love struck priest who could never forget her. Throw in a few puzzles and a pet turtle for good measure.
This is the type of book that has you laughing, gasping in shock and shouting at the pages in delight.
Recommend checking the trigger warning.
July 1, 2022
The Widowed Witch of Kriegspiel is the newest addition to the Kriegspiel Witches series. Prater has created an interesting world full of colorful characters who face daily challenges just to live and love as they want. The witches are feisty and their men love that about them.
I enjoy Prater's writing style, though it does take a little while to get into the story. There always seems to be a deluge of information before the plot really picks up. Her characters are well rounded and nuanced and it's always fun to see what shenanigans they get in to.
The only real issues I have is that there doesn't seem to be any rules for the magic system really. Fi has some advanced skills in this book, but the possibility isn't even mentioned in other books. I was also disappointed to find that this book had the same overarching theme as the others. I was hoping for more variety.
I would recommend this book to anyone that loves a good romance and anyone that loves witch books. I also recommend Of Heists and Hexes if you want to give the author a chance before commiting to a full length book. It's a fantastic twist on the Robin Hood legend.
I enjoy Prater's writing style, though it does take a little while to get into the story. There always seems to be a deluge of information before the plot really picks up. Her characters are well rounded and nuanced and it's always fun to see what shenanigans they get in to.
The only real issues I have is that there doesn't seem to be any rules for the magic system really. Fi has some advanced skills in this book, but the possibility isn't even mentioned in other books. I was also disappointed to find that this book had the same overarching theme as the others. I was hoping for more variety.
I would recommend this book to anyone that loves a good romance and anyone that loves witch books. I also recommend Of Heists and Hexes if you want to give the author a chance before commiting to a full length book. It's a fantastic twist on the Robin Hood legend.
July 9, 2022
The Widowed Witch of Kriegspiel, book 3 in S. L. Prater's The Kriegspiel Witches collection, will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. The widow was attacked the same night her husband, the Caption, was murdered. Can Inspector Bastion keep her safe while he investigates? Meanwhile, witches are being persecuted on campus. But Fiona is a force of nature, one the likes they have never seen before. She is determined to put a stop to the bullying. Can Bastion keep Fiona out of trouble long enough to help her? Will the love they once shared be enough to get them through all of this, and out the other side in one piece? Overall, The Widowed Witch of Kriegspiel is an excellent addition to this fantastic collection! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
July 1, 2022
The Widowed Witch of Kriegspiel by S. L. Prater
Absolutely LOVED The Book… Held My Attention From The Very First Page Till The Last Sentence. Read and See. Much Enjoyed and Highly Recommended. I Voluntarily Reviewed An Advanced Copy Of This Book.
Absolutely LOVED The Book… Held My Attention From The Very First Page Till The Last Sentence. Read and See. Much Enjoyed and Highly Recommended. I Voluntarily Reviewed An Advanced Copy Of This Book.
June 26, 2022
This is the third book in a series, but can be read as a standalone, which is what I did. There is enough back story told to make it easy to follow, but please suspend your reality and absorb the Fantasy Setting. You won’t regret it.
This is a “second chance for love” set against a university background featuring witches, priests, and military personnel. The author has included a list of possible triggers that may upset some readers, but there was nothing overly graphic in the content, in my opinion. The book is well written and edited, and I enjoyed it very much.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a “second chance for love” set against a university background featuring witches, priests, and military personnel. The author has included a list of possible triggers that may upset some readers, but there was nothing overly graphic in the content, in my opinion. The book is well written and edited, and I enjoyed it very much.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 24, 2022
Whodunit with murder and magic. Ren Boaz is back, his sister Fiona ( Fi ) has been attacked, and her estranged priest-husband has been murdered. Fi and her husband were attacked on the same day, even though they lived far apart, indicating a group conspiracy. He was not well liked, she has many admirers. The detective Bastion (Bas) assigned to the case knew her 10 years ago and he remembers Fi, she doesn't remember him. In chapter 5, there is an interesting exchange of ideas between Fi and the high priest. This is the third book in the series, which probably means it's the last. A shame, because I really enjoyed the stories of Kriegspiel University.
June 29, 2022
This is a brilliant and lovely tale by S. L. Prater that will entertain and enthrall the reader from beginning to end. Romance and mystery mixed with action to make a very good book.
June 23, 2022
wonderfully done third entry in the Kriegspiel Witches series, it had what I enjoyed from the previous books. The characters were great and I enjoyed where this series is going.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 24, 2024
✨The Widowed Witch of Kriegspiel✨
Once again, another fun and steamy gaslamp romantasy! A stand-alone but set in the same world as The Secret Witch AND old characters come back to see us!!
This installment happens after The Secret Witch and follows two POVs. First, Bastion, an Priest and Inspector following a case that concerns his forbidden love’s attack and the murder of her husband. Secondly is said witch, Fiona, who has been tied to an abusive husband and forced to do despicable things in the military. They have been passing letters for 10 years of unrequited love until Fi just stops answering. Will being close to Fiona again help solve his case? Will it resolve any feelings or make those feelings return? Will the fact she doesn’t seem to remember him allow him to woo her once more now that they have a chance since she’s widowed?
I LOVED LOVED LOVED how Prater wrote this story with a beautiful neurodivergent character, her POV, and a cast who took the time to care for her wants and needs in an empathetic way. Bastion was INCREDIBLE with Fiona. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to be in her head. And I really appreciate how kind and intentional Prater represented the spectrum. It was so charming and well done.
Tropes you might find in TWWOK are gaslamp fantasy, forced proximity, neurodivergence rep, please check trigger warnings on abuse, witches and priests, feminine rage, strong FMC, a cute turtle, second chance love, murder mystery, low stakes, moderate language, and spice 3/5.
Another enjoyable read that allowed me to just bask in a precious romance.
Once again, another fun and steamy gaslamp romantasy! A stand-alone but set in the same world as The Secret Witch AND old characters come back to see us!!
This installment happens after The Secret Witch and follows two POVs. First, Bastion, an Priest and Inspector following a case that concerns his forbidden love’s attack and the murder of her husband. Secondly is said witch, Fiona, who has been tied to an abusive husband and forced to do despicable things in the military. They have been passing letters for 10 years of unrequited love until Fi just stops answering. Will being close to Fiona again help solve his case? Will it resolve any feelings or make those feelings return? Will the fact she doesn’t seem to remember him allow him to woo her once more now that they have a chance since she’s widowed?
I LOVED LOVED LOVED how Prater wrote this story with a beautiful neurodivergent character, her POV, and a cast who took the time to care for her wants and needs in an empathetic way. Bastion was INCREDIBLE with Fiona. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to be in her head. And I really appreciate how kind and intentional Prater represented the spectrum. It was so charming and well done.
Tropes you might find in TWWOK are gaslamp fantasy, forced proximity, neurodivergence rep, please check trigger warnings on abuse, witches and priests, feminine rage, strong FMC, a cute turtle, second chance love, murder mystery, low stakes, moderate language, and spice 3/5.
Another enjoyable read that allowed me to just bask in a precious romance.
June 29, 2022
There is so much to love about this book. Steamy romance. Morally grey characters. Witchy writing you can sink your teeth into. Revenge. But it is so much more than that. The witchy female protagonist is utterly imperfect which makes her splendidly fun and her male interest is the perfect man not to tame her but support her. Its a fantastic witchy read in a university setting you'll fall in love with if not want to attend just so you can become friends with the brave witches roaming the halls. -I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 31, 2022
First of all, I wat to precise that I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
For this reason, I kind of stumbled upon the third volume of the series without having read the first two volumes.
In this novel, we follow the story of an inspector who has to investigate the murder of the husband of a former flame of his. Her being a widow might be a chance for him to rekindle said old flame.
I enjoyed this novel quite much. I liked how the love story was depicted and the characters were also pretty interesting. It really made me want to read the first two volumes as there were allusions (I think) to the characters of the other stories. The world Bastion and Fiona were living in seemed to be also pretty rich and intriguing and I am now curious about it.
I can't rate it higher however as I felt that the investigation of the murder was lacking compared to the love story. I would have liked it to be more developed.
All in all a good read from a pretty talented author.
For this reason, I kind of stumbled upon the third volume of the series without having read the first two volumes.
In this novel, we follow the story of an inspector who has to investigate the murder of the husband of a former flame of his. Her being a widow might be a chance for him to rekindle said old flame.
I enjoyed this novel quite much. I liked how the love story was depicted and the characters were also pretty interesting. It really made me want to read the first two volumes as there were allusions (I think) to the characters of the other stories. The world Bastion and Fiona were living in seemed to be also pretty rich and intriguing and I am now curious about it.
I can't rate it higher however as I felt that the investigation of the murder was lacking compared to the love story. I would have liked it to be more developed.
All in all a good read from a pretty talented author.
August 21, 2022
Thank you Book Sirens and S.L. Prater for this ARC.
What a beautiful second chance romance. I now must go and read the previous two.
I was hooked from the beginning and read in two days.
Now that it's also on KU, I encourage others to read.
What a beautiful second chance romance. I now must go and read the previous two.
I was hooked from the beginning and read in two days.
Now that it's also on KU, I encourage others to read.
July 20, 2022
Title: The Widowed Witch Of Kriegspiel
Author: S.L. Prater
Synopsis: A priest has been murdered. Inspector Bastion is selected to lead the case, but he’s got more on his mind than justice. Ten years prior, he lost his heart to the victim's now-widowed wife—but she'd already been paired in marriage against her will.
Now he could have a second chance with the legendary witch, but Fiona doesn’t seem to remember him or the affection they once shared. Distrustful of the constabulary, she's refusing to answer any questions that could solve her husband's murder or the attack on her that same night.
In an attempt to lower her guard and win her heart, Bas pursues her to the University of Kriegspiel, where she’s enrolled as a student. But his efforts only make the widowed witch more suspicious ... With a murderer still at large, will Bas win Fiona's trust before it's too late?
Review: I adored the romance in this book! The two main characters Bastion and Fiona as characters! I was rooting for them! The spice was perfect! The whole world is interesting but it angered me with the way the priests would treat the witches! I didn’t know until after I started reading it that this is part of a series and I haven’t read the first two but now that I have read this book I defining want to read the others!
Author: S.L. Prater
Synopsis: A priest has been murdered. Inspector Bastion is selected to lead the case, but he’s got more on his mind than justice. Ten years prior, he lost his heart to the victim's now-widowed wife—but she'd already been paired in marriage against her will.
Now he could have a second chance with the legendary witch, but Fiona doesn’t seem to remember him or the affection they once shared. Distrustful of the constabulary, she's refusing to answer any questions that could solve her husband's murder or the attack on her that same night.
In an attempt to lower her guard and win her heart, Bas pursues her to the University of Kriegspiel, where she’s enrolled as a student. But his efforts only make the widowed witch more suspicious ... With a murderer still at large, will Bas win Fiona's trust before it's too late?
Review: I adored the romance in this book! The two main characters Bastion and Fiona as characters! I was rooting for them! The spice was perfect! The whole world is interesting but it angered me with the way the priests would treat the witches! I didn’t know until after I started reading it that this is part of a series and I haven’t read the first two but now that I have read this book I defining want to read the others!
November 28, 2022
They’re all my new favorites
Was this better than the last?
Probably but also I like double POV better and I like Fi a lot. Bas was okay.
I really hope this isn’t the end of this world for me. I could read more.
I do have to say I didn’t even bother to read what this book was about before I started to read and when I read the first letter and it was a Fi Boaz and her father forced her into marriage I closed my kindle so quickly because I was angry at Ren and worried about Erin. After a little more reading I realized it was Ren’s sister and not his daughter who shares the name.
I loved the rep in this book of a autistic witch. It seemed real and dark and it was great. This book does have trigger warnings and they are stated well.
I loved the forbidden love, touch her and you die, touch him and you die, it was all there and it was great. Spiciest book yet and also the most lovey I feel. Not sure that makes sense but it does to me.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Sweetness: 💗💗💗💗
Was this better than the last?
Probably but also I like double POV better and I like Fi a lot. Bas was okay.
I really hope this isn’t the end of this world for me. I could read more.
I do have to say I didn’t even bother to read what this book was about before I started to read and when I read the first letter and it was a Fi Boaz and her father forced her into marriage I closed my kindle so quickly because I was angry at Ren and worried about Erin. After a little more reading I realized it was Ren’s sister and not his daughter who shares the name.
I loved the rep in this book of a autistic witch. It seemed real and dark and it was great. This book does have trigger warnings and they are stated well.
I loved the forbidden love, touch her and you die, touch him and you die, it was all there and it was great. Spiciest book yet and also the most lovey I feel. Not sure that makes sense but it does to me.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Sweetness: 💗💗💗💗
September 6, 2025
All three of these books were quite similar. They followed the exact same pattern, with some of the exact same pieces. Such as (but not limited to), a teacher-student relationship, abuse from a priest, refusal to marry, and reading past letters.
While there are moments of each book that are kind of plot heavy, overall, there is very little storyline to any of these books… and basically zero change, growth, or resolution to the way witches are treated. These were very romance first, sex second, plot third.
After reading the Street Witch series, where the world was a lot more detailed and there was so much more development, this series really felt like it lacked and left me wanting more background, more world building and more explanation of the magic system.
I loved that Fiona was neurodivergent. It's really not very often that you see a main character written in this way. For the most part, she was really well written, but it did seem like the author kept adding more and more just to make it clear that she wasn’t typical. There were times it also felt like Bastion treated her more like a child than he was being “understanding” of her personality.
Fiona believing Bastion didn’t remember their past, Bastion secretly pining over her and neither of them speaking of their history was my favorite plotline of the three books and I swooned, so much, it was so sweet and heartwrenching.
While there are moments of each book that are kind of plot heavy, overall, there is very little storyline to any of these books… and basically zero change, growth, or resolution to the way witches are treated. These were very romance first, sex second, plot third.
After reading the Street Witch series, where the world was a lot more detailed and there was so much more development, this series really felt like it lacked and left me wanting more background, more world building and more explanation of the magic system.
I loved that Fiona was neurodivergent. It's really not very often that you see a main character written in this way. For the most part, she was really well written, but it did seem like the author kept adding more and more just to make it clear that she wasn’t typical. There were times it also felt like Bastion treated her more like a child than he was being “understanding” of her personality.
Fiona believing Bastion didn’t remember their past, Bastion secretly pining over her and neither of them speaking of their history was my favorite plotline of the three books and I swooned, so much, it was so sweet and heartwrenching.
July 19, 2022
A war hero witch is attacked the same day her husband is murdered. Inspector Bastion is assigned to investigate who attacked her and who is the murderer. But our inspector is more interested in his second change... 🤯😏🥵
The Widowed Witch of Kriegspiel (The Kriegspiel Witches #3) by S.L. Prater
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📖 @ ARK (this is my honest review)
👶 ~ Adult. Read the triggers identified by the author (the best place). And know that you are in very good hands.
🌶 ~ Ok! So! This book is spicy, it is. But! I was too focused on every Bastion's reactions to Fi. This man is sexy!
⚔ ~ Fi is a war hero that leaves the army after her husband dies. Her brother is able to give her a place in Kriegspiel's University and after being forced to marry and go to the army, Fi is just looking for a second chance in life. But she never thought that her second change in love would come by the hand of her husband's murder investigator. And oh boy does he delivers justice!
👑 ~ Fi and Bastion... this is where by mind blown up 🤯I'm not a reader that looks for representation. Because, I don't enjoy when the romance is described to happen despite the said representation. But this romance happens because Fi is neurodivergent and because Bastion is the man he is (and he's a S L Prater's authority figure... they tend to be too hot, it's a fact). Meaning, this is a period where autism spectrum disorder isn't known, so Fi isn't neurodivergent, she is different and charming in the eyes of Bastion, even in the bedroom 🥵🌶️
🌎 ~ Welcome to SL Prater's Victorian Gaslamp world! Where the patriarchy imposed by priests believe that free spirited witches and children are a commodity to be used and abused. But book by book, we see it crumble apart... by the hands of witches and sexy male figures 🥵
📖 ~ I just love when S L Prater starts with old letters in her chapters!
Lows ~ N/A
The Widowed Witch of Kriegspiel (The Kriegspiel Witches #3) by S.L. Prater
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📖 @ ARK (this is my honest review)
👶 ~ Adult. Read the triggers identified by the author (the best place). And know that you are in very good hands.
🌶 ~ Ok! So! This book is spicy, it is. But! I was too focused on every Bastion's reactions to Fi. This man is sexy!
⚔ ~ Fi is a war hero that leaves the army after her husband dies. Her brother is able to give her a place in Kriegspiel's University and after being forced to marry and go to the army, Fi is just looking for a second chance in life. But she never thought that her second change in love would come by the hand of her husband's murder investigator. And oh boy does he delivers justice!
👑 ~ Fi and Bastion... this is where by mind blown up 🤯I'm not a reader that looks for representation. Because, I don't enjoy when the romance is described to happen despite the said representation. But this romance happens because Fi is neurodivergent and because Bastion is the man he is (and he's a S L Prater's authority figure... they tend to be too hot, it's a fact). Meaning, this is a period where autism spectrum disorder isn't known, so Fi isn't neurodivergent, she is different and charming in the eyes of Bastion, even in the bedroom 🥵🌶️
🌎 ~ Welcome to SL Prater's Victorian Gaslamp world! Where the patriarchy imposed by priests believe that free spirited witches and children are a commodity to be used and abused. But book by book, we see it crumble apart... by the hands of witches and sexy male figures 🥵
📖 ~ I just love when S L Prater starts with old letters in her chapters!
Lows ~ N/A
January 21, 2024
Again as with the previous book in the series: the writing is compelling and I was pulled into this world, but the solutions(s) to fighting the patriarchy left me sad and unsatisfied. The heroes in these stories are limited in their ability to change the system, but I wanted more from them: not just more effort, but more understanding and compassion for the oppression these heroines endure. The heroes are focused on protecting the heroines, and while they’re more enlightened than the vast majority of the other men in this world, I was left with the impression that they did not fully understand the heroines’ need for autonomy and freedom of choice. Maybe it’s just a realistically disappointing portrayal of the challenge in changing an entire society. Annoyingly, a lot gets glossed over so that we can move into sexy times. Are we all slaves to hormones and chemistry (or magic, in this world)?
March 11, 2024
The widowed witch
This is the 3d book of the Kriegspiel witches of S.L. Prater. I've read all of them . The 1st one was really nice refreshing sth different which I really enjoyed the 2nd one was somewhat flat for me, repetitive exploiting the same tropes using the same pattern of her other books exchanging letters for example which was good one in the original but repeatedly is quite annoying. Nevertheless this one was interesting one the plot was satisfying with turns and twists. The heroine was different neurodivergent which was adding in the plot and I really loved. The growing relationship was taking steps and you ve got to see the anguish and the troubles for both of them. She was strong but in the same time vulnerable. The hero was ĺovingly sweet ready to take action for his woman. Repetent for remaining strictly in his early beliefs as a priest and not acting for saving his love for her. But you have to read it it's really worth it.
This is the 3d book of the Kriegspiel witches of S.L. Prater. I've read all of them . The 1st one was really nice refreshing sth different which I really enjoyed the 2nd one was somewhat flat for me, repetitive exploiting the same tropes using the same pattern of her other books exchanging letters for example which was good one in the original but repeatedly is quite annoying. Nevertheless this one was interesting one the plot was satisfying with turns and twists. The heroine was different neurodivergent which was adding in the plot and I really loved. The growing relationship was taking steps and you ve got to see the anguish and the troubles for both of them. She was strong but in the same time vulnerable. The hero was ĺovingly sweet ready to take action for his woman. Repetent for remaining strictly in his early beliefs as a priest and not acting for saving his love for her. But you have to read it it's really worth it.
June 10, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️ hot and spicy
- neurodivergent rep and done so well
- completely different FMC, fierce, sensitive, strong
- completely different MMC, kind, caring, patient
- long lost love reunited
- magic and bossy witches
- interesting magic system
- great pacing
- BANTER UNLIKE ANYTHING ELSE
- forced proximity
- only one bath ❤️
- one of three, but easily a standalone read
HOLY SMOKES THIS ONE IS DIFFERENT. This is just SO DIFFERENT from the other books I’ve read and I just loved every page ♥️ The FMC is neurodivergent, but done in a way that is to true to those with sensitivities and sensory needs, and her love. BAS. This man right here is the hero you and I need with the compassion and fire for her to end the ages. I cannot with this couple - they are perfection. The story is so great, a mystery with twists and turns and vengeance and passion. Pacing was fabulous and it never dulled. NOT ONCE. You’re gonna love this book, I tell you, and I’m in for a re-read in my future.
🌶️ hot and spicy
- neurodivergent rep and done so well
- completely different FMC, fierce, sensitive, strong
- completely different MMC, kind, caring, patient
- long lost love reunited
- magic and bossy witches
- interesting magic system
- great pacing
- BANTER UNLIKE ANYTHING ELSE
- forced proximity
- only one bath ❤️
- one of three, but easily a standalone read
HOLY SMOKES THIS ONE IS DIFFERENT. This is just SO DIFFERENT from the other books I’ve read and I just loved every page ♥️ The FMC is neurodivergent, but done in a way that is to true to those with sensitivities and sensory needs, and her love. BAS. This man right here is the hero you and I need with the compassion and fire for her to end the ages. I cannot with this couple - they are perfection. The story is so great, a mystery with twists and turns and vengeance and passion. Pacing was fabulous and it never dulled. NOT ONCE. You’re gonna love this book, I tell you, and I’m in for a re-read in my future.
March 3, 2025
I have for a few years now been wondering if I am on the autism spectrum, and this book really felt like it was helping me to confirm that speculation (as have many other books and experience with newly-diagnosed ASD adults). I loved the FMC, who seemed to have many ASD traits (at times I was wondering if there were too many), and her self-awareness of them. The silent observations of the MMC and how he knew how to take care of her. I'm trying to teach my husband how to be a little more aware of my sensitivities because I feel like he just doesn't get how it feels to be in my body sometimes and this book showed me a lot about what I need: announce when you're walking into a room or going to touch me suddenly being a big one - he always says when I am startled by him coming into a room that "he's the only one in the house." Like yeah, I know, it's that I'm not expecting you.) Anyway this is more a journal entry than a review but I love SL Prater books. There, that's the review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews