Reviews

The Witch is Back by Sophie H. Morgan

faraway84z's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious fast-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

allibee's review against another edition

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4.0

To say "I enjoyed this book" is an understatement. It, literally, ended my romance hiatus! If you love an unrequited wallflower love trope and/or an arranged magical marriage (hex included!), you should snatch this one up!

Here's how I'm feeling:

Friendships: Obsessed with Emma's choice in friends. Tia is utterly hilarious and so protective of Emma. It a beautiful and sweet sisterly relationship. Leah, who is human (and forbidden to know about magic, but DOES), is nothing but sweet and loving toward Emma. They're always laughing and she's constantly rooting for her friend. The three of them own a human bar in Chicago and I loved reading how they managed it together. And don't think I didn't see the potential for the second and third book with these ladies, Sophie! Please, please, please write them... we NEED THEM! Especially Emma's brother! Eep!

Bastian: Oh Bastian. Gah! Bastian ended up being exactly what we all wanted for ourselves, and Emma. That's all I'm going to say. Pick this book up to find out more. Let's just say, telling-off the worst person in the world?? I'm still fanning myself.

Magic: Though I was hesitant to read this book because of the magic elements, I felt like it was just enough magic to keep me interested. Especially as someone who loves to travel. The idea of portaling to Egypt at a moments notice is a dream come true. I loved how it didn't over power the book, because they work and live in the human world, and how it was used to up the emotion factor a lot.

Cover: I was drawn to the cover but after reading the book? I don't think the cover fits. It was much more complex than the actually cover. I'd like to see them more mature and a little bit more of a "wild" Emma owning her bar, rather than Clarissa'a Emma, on the cover. Not to mention Bastian is WAY more hunkier and masculine in all our minds. He's practically a preppy warlock god.

I'm so thrilled I got to experience this book. A major thank you to Sophie H, Morgan, Harlequin, and NetGalley for this eARC. I cannot wait to see what else [a:Sophie H. Morgan|13650648|Sophie H. Morgan|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1671357223p2/13650648.jpg] writes!

* Review on blog will be out 06/29.

lvd92's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny sad tense 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

2.0

I am not sure how to rate it. Absolutely loved the back half, but the first third wrecked me. 

The first 120 pages or so were very difficult for me to read because of the abuse by Emma's mother and the main characters' hostility and distrust towards one another. I wish I had looked up the content warnings before (if there are none, the book should come with them). I was honestly thinking of DNFing it, because I got so triggered. I am especially done with reading about abusive parents in romance novels. So so done.
Another gripe - I am not sure though whether I believe Bastian did not realise sooner how important Emma was to him if he wrote her all those birthday cards and genuinely missed her.


That said, I am genuinely happy I stuck with it, because after the 1/3 mark, the story really took a much lighter turn. I loved the rest of the book. Loved the cast, the plot and the main characters. I also liked that it did not have the
overused, ridiculous, unbelievable, big gesture from the man.
... 

Anyways, I would recommend the book, but caution about the abuse and heavy first 1/3 of the book.

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witchesofmagicandmischief's review against another edition

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4.0

A surprising enjoyable read! I grabbed this one because it sounded so interesting when I read the back cover.
There is no shortage of tropes here- marriage of convenience mixed with forced proximity, childhood friends to lovers, second chance romance, opposites attract, it’s always been you, etc.

Emma owns Toil and Trouble bar in Chicago with a fellow witch friend and a human friend. Thinking life is going well when all of the sudden the former love of her life turns up and she’s forced to follow through with an engagement contract that neither of them has a say in. Bastian is charming, witty, and adorable. As they reconnect many new and old feeling come up for both of them. My favorite character is Emma’s adorable dog familiar.

fi_reading's review against another edition

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funny relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

beyondevak's review against another edition

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5.0

Quick Summary: A magical kindred spirits romance

My Review: The Witch is Back by Sophie H. Morgan was ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. It was perfect.

About the Book: Two friends who were once betrothed abruptly parted ways due to secrets, lies, betrayals, and upsets. When a second chance reconnection happened, no one really knew what would be revealed. Can two broken hearts survive and find true, unconditional love?

My Final Say: This was a diamond. I cannot say enough good things about this book. It will go in my keepers vault. It was a real tearjerker...in a great way. I was so not ready for that sacrifice at the end.

laroo's review against another edition

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dark emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

cole85's review

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Didn’t like the main character.

bookfortbuilder's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted 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

5.0

michellehenriereads's review against another edition

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5.0

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Harlequin—thank for the opportunity to read THE WITCH IS BACK. I'm voluntarily leaving a review, and all opinions are my own.

Genre: Romance, Paranormal Romance, Witchy Romance
Spice Level: Medium (one scene with an open door)
Tropes: Second Chance, R & R vibes, Enemies to Lovers, Forced Engagement

I loved the premise of this book!
Two families: one from the barely magical side and the other is powerful with an alliance for two children to marry. But when the time comes, HE does a runner.

Why?
Well, it's a convoluted mix of reasons that is central to the plot.
But Bastion really does have a solid reason for his reaction.

And the fallout for Emmaline? Terrible! Witches are the worst gossips in the paranormal world.
How could she ever forgive him or consider getting married? No way. No how. Even if he's hot and even if he's charming—it's a solid NO!
But then...there's more to the story that Emma learns.
Mind you, she's not about to fall in love with him again—it's just not possible.

I love how the families make matters worse—especially hers. And I love how she's actively trying to change her life and not be a doormat for her mom. Both Emma and Bastion grow through the story.

This is a refreshing romance that I think you'll love.

Yes! I recommend this book.

Happy reading!