Payback's a Witch
Ratings31
Average rating3.8
15
Ratings31
Average rating3.8
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. 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. While home, she runs into Talia Avramov - an all-around badass adept in the arts of divination. Why can't she stop thinking about the terrifyingly competent, devastatingly gorgeous, wickedly charming Talia?
Featured Series
4 primary booksThe Witches of Thistle Grove is a 4-book series with 4 primary works first released in 2021 with contributions by Lana Harper and Lana Harper. The next book is scheduled for release on 8/20/2024.
Reviews with the most likes.
this was a fun read! i wish we got more of the 'john tucker must die' aspect, because i felt a little misled by the synopsis lol
This is a very cute entry witchy romance. It is very similar to Ex Hex in terms of set up, but it plays out differently. Personally I prefer this version. There is lady team ups and REVENGE. The main reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is A) some of characters didn't feel fleshed out to me and B) some of the plot points just felt too convenient and pat to me. The: “Well of course that's going to happen so we can have a happy ending.” affect. I'm all for HEA, the way this one was reached just didn't fully land for me. It's a very fun cute ready that I absolutely burned through.
Read this if:
-You want more queer romance that's bi-friendly
-You enjoy small towns
-Witches are your jam.
- You enjoy multi-part competitions
Do not read:
-If the revenge aspect is way more important to you than the romance part. Revenge plotting does happen but this book definitely leans into romance territory.
-If soft magic is going to annoy you
- If you've just read Ex Hex. They are similar and you will spend the entire time comparing. Luckily, while I have read Ex Hex it was several months ago
Enjoy and be merry!
The focus of the story is on three families' heirs competing in magic skill-testing for honor and glory, with a fourth house nerd serving as the referee. I've already forgotten the name of the competition, so let's call it the Tri-Witch Tournament. Each family vies for the title and prize of a huge ruler in their town. Contestants must take on magical challenges to prove their worth. In the end, only one family will win.
The author attempts too many things in this book. An unrealistic fantasy with a flimsy plot straight out of Harry Potter; and a sapphic love story that focuses too much on mediocre men. Harper's first adult novel shows both a struggle with tone and character development. Emmy appears very unsympathetic: she's childish, selfish, and petty that no real woman would. If this plot was set in high school, it might be fun, but I can't believe three grown adults would waste their time plotting revenge on a guy whose worst sin was being a mildly shitty boyfriend.
I also found the dialogue to be very YA, and I didn't find it to be a good thing. The constant use of social media slang and forced banter between characters made me cringe. I don't like it when authors use hashtags and internet acronyms in their writing, especially when they swear a lot to make up for the immature language.
Despite the charming setting and theme of family love, the romance, villains, and resolution disappointed me.
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