A Rebel Without Claws by Juliette Cross
Publisher: Union Square & Co.
Pub Date: 2/11/2025

Thank you Union Square & Co. for the free advanced copy. 

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Bad boy werewolf Ronan Reed moves to Louisiana to escape his troubled past, only to be captivated by Celine Cruz, a compassionate Aura witch with a knack for healing broken souls. As their forbidden romance heats up, Ronan’s dangerous world threatens to tear them apart, forcing him to protect the woman who’s become his greatest weakness.

A Rebel Without Claws is the first book in the Southern Charm series and features the second generation of the Stay a Spell universe. This story focuses on Celine (Evie and Mateo’s daughter) and her love interest, Ronan (Shane’s nephew). It was so much fun revisiting New Orleans, reconnecting with beloved characters from Stay a Spell series, and meeting the next generation. I enjoyed Celine’s interactions with her brothers and cousins as well as getting to know Ronan and witnessing his personal growth and development throughout the story. Some of the most touching moments were Ronan’s therapy sessions which added depth to his character. It was also heartwarming to see him embark on a journey of self-discovery, build a stronger relationship with his Uncle Shane, and find a sense of home with newfound friends. In terms of Celine and Ronan’s relationship, it developed too quickly and I wasn’t a fan of the instalove. However, I did enjoy other aspects of the book and found it to be a quick and engaging read. Now I can’t wait to see what other characters will have their stories told in future books of the series!