Lovers' Reunion, Dangerous Secrets

Jules Savoie and Ruben Dubois, once lovers, are drawn together again by a force neither can deny. Their chemistry is electric, but beneath the surface, old wounds and dangerous secrets simmer. Jules, a powerful witch and Enforcer of New Orleans, is wary of the risks of loving a vampire overlord. Ruben, centuries old and fiercely devoted, is determined to win her back, but both are haunted by the past—by betrayals, by the threat of vampire toxin psychosis, and by the knowledge that their union could endanger everything Jules holds dear. Their reunion is as much a collision as a coming together, setting the stage for a story of love, power, and peril.

Wedding Tensions and Old Flames

At her sister Isadora's wedding, Jules is surrounded by family, friends, and the supernatural community she protects. The event is joyous, but Jules is unsettled by Ruben's presence and the unresolved tension between them. Old flames flicker as they're paired together in the wedding party, and jealousy rears its head when other suitors show interest in Jules. The wedding becomes a crucible for Jules's emotions—her longing for love, her fear of vulnerability, and her sense of duty. Ruben's possessiveness and Jules's resistance create a charged atmosphere, hinting at the storm to come as they prepare to travel together on a mission that will test their limits.

Boundaries Erode, Temptation Grows

As Jules and Ruben work together on a campaign to secure werewolf rights in the High Guild Coven, the boundaries Jules has built begin to erode. Proximity and shared purpose reignite their passion, but also their fears. Jules is tormented by memories of Ruben's past lovers and her own inability to let go. Ruben, meanwhile, is unwavering in his pursuit, making it clear he will do anything for her. Their mutual obsession is both intoxicating and terrifying, threatening to consume them. The tension between surrender and self-preservation becomes the heart of their struggle, as they edge closer to a love that could either heal or destroy them.

Family Ties and Witch's Rounds

Jules finds solace and strength in her family, especially her sisters, who gather for a witch's round before her journey. The ritual is both a source of comfort and a harbinger of danger, as visions and cryptic warnings surface—vines strangling statues, stones cold with blood. These omens foreshadow the trials ahead, hinting at threats not just to Jules, but to the balance of the supernatural world. The round also reveals the deep bonds of sisterhood and the sacrifices Jules has made as the eldest. As she prepares to leave, the love and concern of her family become both shield and anchor, reminding her of what's at stake.

Jealousy, Confessions, and Warnings

On the road to Houston, Jules and Ruben confront the ghosts of their past—jealousy over former lovers, misunderstandings, and the pain of separation. Ruben reveals he's been faithful, while Jules confesses her own regrets. The air is thick with unresolved longing and the threat of outside interference, as rivals and enemies circle. Ruben's possessiveness is both a comfort and a warning, and Jules's struggle to trust herself and him is laid bare. Their journey is as much emotional as physical, with every mile bringing them closer to a reckoning with their history and their hearts.

Road Trip Revelations

The journey to Houston becomes a crucible for truth. Ruben dispels Jules's fears about his loyalty, revealing the lengths he's gone to avoid hurting her. They confront the pain of past betrayals and the manipulations that kept them apart. As they present their case to the High Guild, their partnership is tested and strengthened. The success of their campaign is a victory, but also a reminder of the power they wield together—and the dangers that come with it. Their growing intimacy is shadowed by the knowledge that greater threats await, and that trust, once broken, must be rebuilt one confession at a time.

Renaissance Surprises and First Dates

Ruben surprises Jules with a day at the Texas Renaissance Festival, culminating in a concert by her favorite singer. The outing is playful and romantic, a chance for them to experience joy and connection outside the pressures of duty. Yet even in this idyllic setting, the past intrudes—old hurts resurface, and the line between pretending and reality blurs. Their first date becomes a microcosm of their relationship: laughter, longing, and the ever-present risk of heartbreak. The day ends with confessions and tears, but also with the hope that love, if given a second chance, can be even sweeter.

Ghosts of the Past

Haunted by memories of their breakup, Jules and Ruben are forced to confront the reasons they parted—ambition, mistrust, and the fear of losing themselves in each other. Flashbacks reveal the depth of their connection and the wounds that never healed. Jules's fear of being consumed by Ruben's power, and Ruben's struggle to respect her autonomy, are laid bare. Their reconciliation is hard-won, built on the ashes of old pain and the promise of a new beginning. But the ghosts of the past linger, threatening to sabotage their future unless they can finally let go.

Power Plays in Salem

In Salem, Jules and Ruben navigate the treacherous waters of supernatural politics. They face resistance from entrenched powers, misogynistic vampires, and ambitious rivals. Their campaign for werewolf rights is met with skepticism and hostility, forcing them to rely on each other and their allies. The discovery of dark magic and the presence of dangerous enemies raise the stakes, as visions and omens from the witch's round begin to manifest. The line between friend and foe blurs, and the cost of victory becomes ever more apparent. Their love is both weapon and vulnerability in a world where power is everything.

London's Shadows and Alliances

Arriving in London, Jules and Ruben are drawn into a web of intrigue and shifting alliances. They meet powerful figures—some friends, some foes—and must navigate the politics of the High Guild. The city is a place of both opportunity and danger, as old grudges and new ambitions collide. The masquerade ball at Wulfric Tower becomes a focal point, a gathering of the supernatural elite where nothing is as it seems. As they prepare for the vote that could change everything, Jules and Ruben must decide who to trust—and how far they're willing to go to protect each other.

Masquerade of Monsters

The masquerade at Wulfric Tower is a spectacle of decadence and danger. Beneath the masks, alliances are forged and betrayed, and the true nature of the guests is revealed. Jules and Ruben are swept up in a tide of glamour, seduction, and black magic. The party is a battleground for power, with hidden enemies plotting in the shadows. As the night unfolds, the line between pleasure and peril blurs, and the cost of desire becomes clear. The masquerade is both a celebration and a trap, setting the stage for a confrontation that will test the limits of love and loyalty.

Blood, Betrayal, and Black Magic

Betrayed by those closest to them, Jules is kidnapped and subjected to a horrific blood spell designed to strip her of her will and bind her to a madman. Ruben, desperate and enraged, races against time to save her, enlisting unlikely allies and unleashing the full force of his power. The battle is brutal, with lives lost and secrets revealed. The true extent of the enemy's depravity is laid bare, and the cost of victory is steep. Jules's strength and sacrifice are tested to the breaking point, and Ruben must confront the darkness within himself to bring her back.

Sacrifice, Survival, and Awakening

Trapped in a magical sleep, Jules's spirit journeys through a liminal realm, holding onto Ruben's heart as her only anchor. Visited by her sister Isadora, she is reminded of love, family, and the ties that bind her to the world. Her struggle to return is a battle of will and memory, a testament to the power of love to heal even the deepest wounds. As she awakens, the trauma of her ordeal lingers, but so does the hope of a new beginning. Ruben's devotion and her own resilience become the foundation for a future built on trust, forgiveness, and the promise of forever.

Healing, Homecoming, and Hope

In the aftermath, Jules and Ruben find healing in each other's arms and the embrace of family. The wounds of the past are tended, and the future is bright with possibility. Their engagement is celebrated by all, and the promise of marriage and children brings joy and hope. The campaign for justice and equality continues, but now with the strength of true partnership. Surrounded by love, Jules and Ruben are finally free to claim the happiness they fought so hard to earn. Their story is one of survival, sacrifice, and the enduring power of love to conquer even the darkest magic.

Characters

Jules Savoie

Jules is the eldest Savoie sister, a powerful witch and the Enforcer of New Orleans. She is fiercely protective of her family and community, often sacrificing her own happiness for their safety. Jules's psyche is marked by a deep sense of responsibility, a fear of losing control, and a longing for love that doesn't require her to diminish herself. Her relationship with Ruben is both her greatest joy and her deepest vulnerability. Over the course of the story, Jules evolves from a woman haunted by fear and regret to one who embraces her power, her desires, and her right to happiness. Her journey is one of self-acceptance, trust, and the courage to love without reservation.

Ruben Dubois

Ruben is a centuries-old vampire overlord, commanding respect and fear in equal measure. Beneath his polished exterior lies a man tormented by longing, regret, and an unwavering devotion to Jules. Ruben's psyche is shaped by his immortality, his need for control, and his fear of losing the woman he loves. His possessiveness is both a strength and a flaw, driving him to protect Jules at all costs but also to risk overstepping her boundaries. Ruben's development is a journey from arrogance and ambition to humility and partnership, learning to trust Jules as his equal and to let love, not power, define him.

Isadora Savoie

Isadora is Jules's sister and a gifted healer, both magically and emotionally. She provides a safe haven for her family, offering wisdom, comfort, and support. Isadora's relationship with Devraj and her own journey to happiness serve as a mirror for Jules, showing that love and power can coexist. Her role in Jules's recovery is pivotal, guiding her back from the brink and reminding her of the strength found in vulnerability and connection.

Gabriel Stonebridge

Gabriel is Ruben's right-hand man, a vampire whose loyalty is ultimately revealed to be a mask for ambition and resentment. His betrayal is rooted in a belief in vampire supremacy and a desire to see Ruben fulfill what Gabriel sees as his true potential. Gabriel's actions are both a personal and ideological betrayal, forcing Ruben to confront the dangers of blind trust and the corrosive power of prejudice. Gabriel's downfall is a cautionary tale about the cost of ambition without empathy.

Edmund Stonebridge

Edmund is the overlord of the northern UK, a vampire obsessed with power, legacy, and control. He is charming, cunning, and utterly ruthless, using black magic and blood spells to achieve his ends. Edmund's desire to possess Jules and remake the world in his image is a manifestation of toxic ambition and entitlement. His downfall is both a personal and symbolic victory, representing the triumph of love, justice, and equality over tyranny and abuse.

Tatiana

Tatiana is a powerful and dangerous witch, skilled in glamour and black magic. She is Edmund's consort and accomplice, using her abilities to manipulate, seduce, and destroy. Tatiana's motivations are complex—part ambition, part devotion, part nihilism. She represents the seductive allure of power without conscience, and her eventual defeat is a testament to the resilience of those who choose love and integrity over domination.

Sal

Sal is one of Ruben's most trusted men, providing both muscle and levity. His flirtatious nature and easy charm mask a deep loyalty and courage. Sal's near-death and recovery highlight the stakes of the conflict and the bonds of chosen family. He is a reminder that even in the darkest times, humor and friendship are vital to survival.

Roland

Roland is Ruben's enforcer, a vampire of great strength and quiet wisdom. He is fiercely loyal, protective of Jules, and unafraid to challenge Ruben when necessary. Roland's presence is grounding, offering stability and perspective. His actions in the final battle are crucial, and his unwavering support is a testament to the power of true friendship.

Magnus Sutherland

Magnus is the alpha of the Highland werewolf pack, a man of strength, integrity, and pragmatism. Initially wary of involvement, he becomes a key ally in the fight for justice and equality. Magnus's willingness to step into a leadership role on the High Guild is a turning point, signaling a new era for werewolves and the supernatural community. He embodies the possibility of reconciliation and progress.

Isadora's Sisters (Violet, Livvy, Clara, Evie)

Jules's sisters each bring unique gifts and personalities to the story—Violet's seer abilities, Livvy's influence, Clara's aura magic, and Evie's hex-breaking. Together, they form a network of love, support, and power that sustains Jules through her trials. Their presence is a constant reminder of the importance of family, the strength found in unity, and the healing power of unconditional love.

Plot Devices

Dual Perspectives and Alternating Narration

The novel employs alternating first-person perspectives, allowing readers to experience the emotional landscape from both Jules and Ruben. This duality deepens the psychological complexity, revealing misunderstandings, hidden desires, and the evolution of trust. The shifting viewpoints create dramatic irony, as readers are privy to secrets and motivations the characters themselves must discover, heightening tension and empathy.

Magical Realism and Supernatural Politics

The supernatural world is a mirror for real-world issues of power, prejudice, and social change. The campaign for werewolf rights, the structure of the High Guild, and the use of blood magic all serve as allegories for inclusion, equality, and the dangers of unchecked authority. Magic is both a source of wonder and a tool of oppression, its use and abuse reflecting the characters' moral choices.

Foreshadowing and Prophetic Visions

Prophetic dreams, witch's rounds, and cryptic warnings foreshadow the trials to come. These devices build suspense and create a sense of inevitability, as characters struggle to interpret and respond to omens. The visions are both literal and symbolic, reflecting internal conflicts and external threats, and their fulfillment is both a source of dread and a catalyst for action.

Masquerade and Hidden Identity

The masquerade ball is a central plot device, symbolizing the duality of appearance and reality. Beneath the masks, characters reveal their true natures—desire, ambition, vulnerability, and malice. The party is a crucible where alliances are tested, secrets are exposed, and the boundaries between pleasure and peril dissolve. The motif of the mask recurs throughout, underscoring the theme of authenticity versus deception.

Sacrifice and Survival

The climax hinges on sacrifice—Jules's willingness to endure agony to protect her loved ones, Ruben's readiness to unleash his darkest powers to save her. The ordeal of magical sleep, the battle against black magic, and the struggle to reclaim memory and will are all metaphors for the trials of love and the resilience of the human (and supernatural) spirit. Survival is not just physical, but emotional and existential.

Healing, Homecoming, and Hope

The resolution is marked by healing—of bodies, hearts, and relationships. The return to family, the celebration of love, and the promise of a future together are the rewards for enduring darkness. The story ends not with the defeat of evil alone, but with the affirmation of hope, the power of community, and the belief that love, once found, can be reclaimed and cherished.

Analysis

Resting Witch Face is a lush, emotionally charged romance that uses the supernatural as a lens to explore themes of power, vulnerability, and the redemptive force of love. At its core, the novel is about the courage to trust—oneself, a partner, and the possibility of happiness after trauma. Jules and Ruben's journey is a testament to the necessity of confronting the past, owning one's wounds, and choosing to love not in spite of, but because of, the risks involved. The story interrogates the dynamics of power—between lovers, within families, and across communities—showing how true partnership requires both strength and surrender. The political subplot, centered on the fight for werewolf rights, is a clear allegory for social justice, challenging readers to consider the costs of exclusion and the transformative potential of inclusion. The use of magical realism, prophetic visions, and the motif of the masquerade enrich the narrative, offering both suspense and symbolic depth. Ultimately, Resting Witch Face is a celebration of resilience, the healing power of family, and the belief that love—when chosen and fought for—can overcome even the darkest magic.

Last updated: October 19, 2025