Reviews

Such a cute sapphic witchy fall romance! Reminiscent of the These Witches Don’t Burn series and Payback’s a Witch (only YA). Rhia and Valerie were both lovable, well-rounded characters, and their romance was very sweet (a dash of enemies to lovers with a touch of forbidden romance). Ultimately though, it was Quinn, Valerie’s non-binary roommate, who stole my heart. I would love to see a novel or novella devoted to them because they’re the best.

Overall I really loved the magical system, especially the earth magic (I really enjoy seeing witches utilize plants a la Poison Ivy or Flowridia from The Fallen Gods series). I do wish there’d been a little more clarity about the secrecy from non-magical people. It’s never explained why non-magical Tristan is allowed to know about magic or why throwing a festival for non-magical folk that includes a fortune teller is okay, but doing tarot reading for those same non-magical folk is forbidden.

While there was one point where I was yelling at a character not to do the thing they were explicitly told not to do, which often irks me as a reader, at least it seemed true to character in this case.

I received an advanced copy from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving this review.

valdezzy's review against another edition

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medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

Thanks to NetGalley, Wattpad Books and Philline Harms for providing me with this advanced review copy of Love and Other Wicked Things.

This book was an incredibly cute sapphic young adult romance with a fun paranormal plot line. Love and Other Wicked Things follows Valerie and Rhia, two young witches as they figure out life after high school, friendships, magic, family drama, and of course, falling in love. There were three main plot lines: Valerie trying to figure out what happened to her mother, Rhia’s struggles with anxiety/control and how that effected her magic, and naturally how those two things impacted their relationship. The magic system was easy to understand and clearly well thought out by the author which made for a fun read. Valerie and Rhia were both very loveable characters and they were supported by a cast of likeable and diverse characters. Overall it was a 4.5 star read.

Content Warnings

chanelslibrary's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This story follows Rhia, a third generation witch who practices earth magic, and has always been told to keep her magic a secret to protect the humans in her small hometown, Oakriver.

Meanwhile Valerie, who is new to Oakriver, is a fiery, bold presence that has no problem attracting attention with her fire magic while she tries to find answers about her long lost mother who disappeared in the sleepy town years ago. Will these two opposite elements be able to deny their attraction, or will forces greater than these witches keep them apart?

I absolutely ADORED this book! Rhia and Valerie were such real and compelling characters. They both had journeys to go on and still there was a cute love story as well. It truly was a five star read, and I will read anything Philline puts out in the future!! (Imitating Bill Hader) This book has everything!

Read if you love:
🍂Fall VIBES!
🔥Witches with elemental magic
🌈LGBTG+ representation
✊🏽Black/Brown representation
🐱Cats
💕Opposites Attract
🤫Family Secrets
🧹 100+ references to witches in pop culture!

cryleemick's review against another edition

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4.0

This is such a cute book and I loved how despite the small town setting there was so much diversity, although it was a little off putting how it seemed like all the characters were giving their pronouns when they introduced themselves.

Valerie & Rhia were great characters & I loved their chemistry, even if I didn’t totally love the instant love between their characters.

I definitely recommend this book, it’s the perfect thing to read over a chilly fall weekend.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.

ccwingreads's review against another edition

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lighthearted medium-paced

4.0

Thank you to NetGalley and Wattpad Webtoon Book Group for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This is a fairly quick read that is predictable but charming. I like the elemental nature of the magic alongside tarot, crystals, and divination. The town is very accepting in a casual way, and the characters are pretty diverse. There are darker elements as the story progresses. I like the pacing, the way Oakriver is described, and the focus on family.

The very mild dislike to love still feels a little too much like insta love, but this makes a bit more sense later. There is some miscommunication but it doesn't drag. Rhia and Valerie are sweet (although I don't personally love pumpkin as a pet name) and they do balance each other out. Quinn is a great side character with their own mini journey, and I would love to read more on them.

Bonus points for being pretty clear on sexuality: lesbian, queer, and pansexual are all mentioned on page. Quinn is nonbinary (they/them pronouns). There are discussions of acceptance but most characters have a positive experience. I'm always looking for books with queer joy!

If you're looking for some autumn, sapphic, witchy vibes, I would recommend!

bookshelvesandtealeaves's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Huge thanks to Wattpad Books and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

I LOVED this book! Sapphic witchy books are my jam and this absolutely hit the spot.

Rhia and Valerie are complete opposites, and I kinda love how much that worked for them. I loved the prickly tension between them at the start, the way Val was drawn to Rhia immediately, the way Rhia resisted so hard but then fell so fast. I love the way these two balanced each other, with Rhia teaching Val to be more careful and Val teaching Rhia to let loose and open herself up a bit more. They just complemented each other so perfectly and I am soft for them.

I also loved Quinn! They were such a fantastic side character and I highkey need a book focussing on them! I’d love to watch them develop their magic and reconnect with their heritage and maybe fall in love themself.

The plot was engaging, if predictable (I don’t mind predictable). There were a few plot points that seemed a little silly or convoluted and that’s really the only reason this isn’t a full 5 stars. Keeping big important dark family secrets is bad - who’d’ve thought!

Nevertheless, this one’s a great read, especially with spooky season just around the corner.

jazzyjbox's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

Such a lovely story about magic and family!

Rhia and Valarie are witches - with affinities for earth and fire, respectively. Rhia grew up in Oakriver and is working in a bookstore cafe for a while before she starts college. Oakriver was Valarie's mother's hometown, so Val returns to find out what happened to her while studying art at the local college. Is it fate when Rhia and Val meet? It's definitely magical.

I love Val and Rhia together, and their character arcs are both really good. All of the characters have depth and exist as more than just to help Val and Rhia move their stories along. Quinn is a wonderful friend, and I'm pretty sure I'd be envious of their blue hair. I also really liked the witchy elements and the healing care. Would absolutely read another book by the same author, if not the same town.

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