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3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
This started out as kind of a slog for me, which I can neither justify nor explain—because once I got past some significant life things that interrupted my reading schedule (I graduated grad school! And went on vacation! And turned 29! In a two-week span!), as well as a GRS (Generalized Reading Slump), I couldn't put this one down! I LOVE THISTLE GROVE. It seems like there's an absolute flood of witch romances on the market these days, but the world of this series is my favorite by far. There's just something about it that feels very rooted in the archetypes of witches that we all know and love, while also breathing such a fresh gust of life into what can be, let's face it, a hard trope to make unique.
This second book in the series doesn't delve quite as deeply into that mythos, however: this is arguably an enemies-to-lovers buddy-cop story, as sworn enemies Isidora Avramov and Rowan Thorn are forced to work together to solve the mystery of a malignant force that's hurting the magic of Thistle Grove—and targeting members of Rowan's family. I loved that the bad blood between these two was written in a way that made sense: partly a past misunderstanding that evolved into deep dislike and mistrust, but partly also a familial legacy that's much bigger than either of them. The Thorns and the Avramovs don't like each other—the Thorns are healers, whose magic is the crunchy, flowering, earth-goddess kind, while the Avramovs are necromancers who work with the darker side of magic. (I will refrain from bringing up That Television Show again, but anyone who knows me knows that this is my SHIT RIGHT HERE!! THIS SHIT!! MY SHIT!!) The relationship between the two mended in a really organic way that was fun to read, too—Isidora is such a firecracker, whereas Rowan is such a sweet, gentle dude, but that's not the sum of either of them, and, much like their magic, they both contain multitudes, which feels like it was the core message of the book. Which was amazing! And I loved that we got little glimpses of Emmy and Talia from the first book throughout, too!
Bottom line: I love this series and I'm so happy there's going to be a third! And with a Blackmoore as the romantic lead??? Super curious where that one goes...
This second book in the series doesn't delve quite as deeply into that mythos, however: this is arguably an enemies-to-lovers buddy-cop story, as sworn enemies Isidora Avramov and Rowan Thorn are forced to work together to solve the mystery of a malignant force that's hurting the magic of Thistle Grove—and targeting members of Rowan's family. I loved that the bad blood between these two was written in a way that made sense: partly a past misunderstanding that evolved into deep dislike and mistrust, but partly also a familial legacy that's much bigger than either of them. The Thorns and the Avramovs don't like each other—the Thorns are healers, whose magic is the crunchy, flowering, earth-goddess kind, while the Avramovs are necromancers who work with the darker side of magic. (I will refrain from bringing up That Television Show again, but anyone who knows me knows that this is my SHIT RIGHT HERE!! THIS SHIT!! MY SHIT!!) The relationship between the two mended in a really organic way that was fun to read, too—Isidora is such a firecracker, whereas Rowan is such a sweet, gentle dude, but that's not the sum of either of them, and, much like their magic, they both contain multitudes, which feels like it was the core message of the book. Which was amazing! And I loved that we got little glimpses of Emmy and Talia from the first book throughout, too!
Bottom line: I love this series and I'm so happy there's going to be a third! And with a Blackmoore as the romantic lead??? Super curious where that one goes...
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I loved this story! Issa's growth and finding the confidence to tell her mom what she wants to do with her life was beautiful. I really enjoyed her and Rowan's connection. They were able to see past each other's exteriors.
It's like a light Romeo and Juliet vibe, but with witches!
It's like a light Romeo and Juliet vibe, but with witches!
This was the first book I’ve actually wanted to read in weeks. I wish there was a smidge more romance but it was adorable anyways.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-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
Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley books for the ARC. It hasn't affected the content of my review.
I liked this even better than the first one. I actually think what I like most about this series doesn't really have anything to do with the featured romances. I just like this world, and I like that Lana Harper is creating a fictional place that is not just full of eccentric townspeople and coziness, as one expects from a small town romance series, but also continues to flesh out the history of Thistle Grove, how the magic works there, and the dynamics between the four families. There is an actual fantasy plot in here, just like the first book!
Here, the romance is between Talia's sister Isidora Avramov, and Rowan Thorn, who are shoved together in an investigation after a Beltane ritual is sabotaged by dark magic. Issa has disliked Rowan intensely ever since her stint volunteering for the local animal shelter ended in her dismissal, and she was only volunteering. She knows that Rowan doesn't like her because she's an Avramov. And Issa is sick of feeling judged for being a "wicked Avramov", especially when she is feeling guilty for not wanting to be involved in the family business anymore. She wants to strike out on her own, but fears her family's reaction if she does.
I was surprised by how creepy this book was, and not that it was terrifying or super dark or anything, just much darker than I had been expecting. I liked the way the darkness here and the central mystery plot (Rowan and Issa are investigating who is sabotaging Beltane, after Rowan's cousin is seriously injured, magically and physically) lent the whole thing stakes. Especially since there were a couple of moments where the central pairing got less interesting for me, the plot and the town kept me intrigued even when other things were at more of a lull.
I am actually really excited for the third book, which will feature Nineve Blackmoore (who we meet in this book) and the genderqueer owner of the Shamrock bar, Morty. The premise on that one sounds super intriguing to me in a way the first two didn't, and I liked them quite a bit.
[4.5 stars]
I liked this even better than the first one. I actually think what I like most about this series doesn't really have anything to do with the featured romances. I just like this world, and I like that Lana Harper is creating a fictional place that is not just full of eccentric townspeople and coziness, as one expects from a small town romance series, but also continues to flesh out the history of Thistle Grove, how the magic works there, and the dynamics between the four families. There is an actual fantasy plot in here, just like the first book!
Here, the romance is between Talia's sister Isidora Avramov, and Rowan Thorn, who are shoved together in an investigation after a Beltane ritual is sabotaged by dark magic. Issa has disliked Rowan intensely ever since her stint volunteering for the local animal shelter ended in her dismissal, and she was only volunteering. She knows that Rowan doesn't like her because she's an Avramov. And Issa is sick of feeling judged for being a "wicked Avramov", especially when she is feeling guilty for not wanting to be involved in the family business anymore. She wants to strike out on her own, but fears her family's reaction if she does.
I was surprised by how creepy this book was, and not that it was terrifying or super dark or anything, just much darker than I had been expecting. I liked the way the darkness here and the central mystery plot (Rowan and Issa are investigating who is sabotaging Beltane, after Rowan's cousin is seriously injured, magically and physically) lent the whole thing stakes. Especially since there were a couple of moments where the central pairing got less interesting for me, the plot and the town kept me intrigued even when other things were at more of a lull.
I am actually really excited for the third book, which will feature Nineve Blackmoore (who we meet in this book) and the genderqueer owner of the Shamrock bar, Morty. The premise on that one sounds super intriguing to me in a way the first two didn't, and I liked them quite a bit.
[4.5 stars]
funny
lighthearted
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:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I was so indecisive about this book. At times I felt like my attention was drifting and I couldn’t focus. Then something would happen and I’d be dragged back in. I’m glad I finished it but I probably won’t be reading this one again
I was so indecisive about this book. At times I felt like my attention was drifting and I couldn’t focus. Then something would happen and I’d be dragged back in. I’m glad I finished it but I probably won’t be reading this one again
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
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:
No
The synopsis of this book seemed like it was something I would love, unfortunately I didn’t really feel this book caught my attention much. Plot was a good idea but I did loose interest at times. I didn’t really care much for the characters. I really wanted to like this book but unfortunately this book wasn’t for me.