Payback’s A Witch by Lana Harper | Book Review

I received this book for free from Library, Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina meets The L Word in this fresh, sizzling New York Times bestselling rom-com by Lana Harper.

Emmy Harlow is a witch but not a very powerful one--in part because she hasn't been home to the magical town of Thistle Grove in years. Her self-imposed exile has a lot to do with a complicated family history and a desire to forge her own way in the world, and only the very tiniest bit to do with Gareth Blackmoore, heir to the most powerful magical family in town and casual breaker of hearts and destroyer of dreams.

But when a spellcasting tournament that her family serves as arbiters for approaches, it turns out the pull of tradition (or the truly impressive parental guilt trip that comes with it) is strong enough to bring Emmy back. She's determined to do her familial duty; spend some quality time with her best friend, Linden Thorn; and get back to her real life in Chicago.

On her first night home, Emmy runs into Talia Avramov--an all-around badass adept in the darker magical arts--who is fresh off a bad breakup . . . with Gareth Blackmoore. Talia had let herself be charmed, only to discover that Gareth was also seeing Linden--unbeknownst to either of them. And now she and Linden want revenge. Only one question stands: Is Emmy in?

But most concerning of all: Why can't she stop thinking about the terrifyingly competent, devastatingly gorgeous, wickedly charming Talia Avramov?

It might not be fall anymore, but I am back on my witchy BS when it comes to books. Payback’s A Witch by Lana Harper kicks off The Witches Of Thistle Grove series. This book keeps my witch book pattern going strong and I LOVE it. Friends, I am so glad I picked this paranormal romance up. It was fun and cute with a little bit of competition. I was all over this book.

Payback’s A Witch follows Emmy Harlow who has returned to her hometown of Thistle Grove. Emmy is a witch who hasn’t really leaned into the whole witch thing. In fact, she curates one of those monthly subscription boxes for a Chicago based company. However, the return to Thistle Grove will have her accessing her witchy roots — particularly as she will be serving as arbiter for the town’s Gauntlet which determines who the next mayor is and gives the winning family a big dose of magic. While back in town, Emmy cozies up with Talia Avramov, one of the witches competing in the Gauntlet. Along with another family — the Thorns — the three team up to get revenge on Gareth, a witch who has been cavalier with Emmy, Talia and Emmy’s best friend Linden. Hijinks ensue.

I had a great time reading Payback’s A Witch. This book has characters who are diverse and interesting. Emmy is bisexual. Linden is Black. Talia has SWAGGER like you would not believe. The setting is perfect. This is the kind of book that deserves a hot beverage, a fluffy blanket and cool weather. That is to say — I loved the overall vibes. I find I am really looking forward to book two — From Bad To Cursed.

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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