befthhh's review
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
*I received an eARC of this book via NetGalley*
A truly ~magical~ read! Easily one of the best childhood friends to lovers books I’ve read. Bastian and Emma are such lovable main characters and the supporting cast is just as good (hoping and pleading for sequels on Leah and Tia). The plot was well established and clear but I was still pleasantly surprised at the twists. The love scenes were steamy yet so sweet. And the HEA nearly had me in tears! Such a pleasure to read this book
A truly ~magical~ read! Easily one of the best childhood friends to lovers books I’ve read. Bastian and Emma are such lovable main characters and the supporting cast is just as good (hoping and pleading for sequels on Leah and Tia). The plot was well established and clear but I was still pleasantly surprised at the twists. The love scenes were steamy yet so sweet. And the HEA nearly had me in tears! Such a pleasure to read this book
gj2298's review against another edition
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
mariaapimentel's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
ashley_a_reads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
scienceworks's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
fantasybeforereality's review against another edition
4.0
3.5⭐️
Emmaline Bluewater is the definition of a wallflower; shy, demure, and would truly rather be anywhere else. But growing up in a witch society gave her little reprieve from the judging stares and endless whispers. Seven years ago, her attempt at fitting in ended when the man she was contracted and desperate to marry left town without a word. Despite the initial heartbreak and embarrassment brought to the Bluewater family, Emma has found a happier life in Chicago with friends, family, and owning her bar, 'Toil and Trouble.' That is until her estranged fiance, Bastian Truenote, returns and wants her back. Emma is determined not to fall for Bastian's charms again, even if seven years later, their marriage of convenience is a matter of life or death.
The Witch is Back is a charming and corny second-chance romance. The introduction to the witchy world and characters was a bit heavy-handed initially but I found that the book hit its stride about halfway through. This book is very trope-y, which leans into the lightheartedness of it all. I loved the setting and magical elements. One of my biggest complaints is that Emma's mother deserved far worse than she got- let's hope for a sequel with Leah and Sloane to really destroy what that wretched woman was trying to build. This book was low stakes, low angst, light, and sweet. I loved watching our two main characters learn and grow to find their way back to one another.
Thank you, Netgalley and Harlequin Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Emmaline Bluewater is the definition of a wallflower; shy, demure, and would truly rather be anywhere else. But growing up in a witch society gave her little reprieve from the judging stares and endless whispers. Seven years ago, her attempt at fitting in ended when the man she was contracted and desperate to marry left town without a word. Despite the initial heartbreak and embarrassment brought to the Bluewater family, Emma has found a happier life in Chicago with friends, family, and owning her bar, 'Toil and Trouble.' That is until her estranged fiance, Bastian Truenote, returns and wants her back. Emma is determined not to fall for Bastian's charms again, even if seven years later, their marriage of convenience is a matter of life or death.
The Witch is Back is a charming and corny second-chance romance. The introduction to the witchy world and characters was a bit heavy-handed initially but I found that the book hit its stride about halfway through. This book is very trope-y, which leans into the lightheartedness of it all. I loved the setting and magical elements. One of my biggest complaints is that Emma's mother deserved far worse than she got- let's hope for a sequel with Leah and Sloane to really destroy what that wretched woman was trying to build. This book was low stakes, low angst, light, and sweet. I loved watching our two main characters learn and grow to find their way back to one another.
Thank you, Netgalley and Harlequin Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
adkwriter15's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5