Guys, I had a reasonable expectation that I would enjoy this book. As you’ll have read above, I love April Asher’s Steele Ops series, which she writes as April Hunt. I know her writing style works for me and that she is adept at making her characters and stories come alive.

What I did not know was how addictive Not the Witch You Wed would be. Literally from the first chapter, I was enamored with this book. I messaged Julie, who also plans to read it, and basically demanded that she drop everything to read it with me. Then I proceeded to message her every few chapters to remind her that I couldn’t stop reading, that my work would not be getting done, that I couldn’t wait to get back to it, and so on.

She was probably sick of me by the end, but I have a feeling I’ll be getting the same messages from her when the time comes. I am 100% fine with that. Because Not the Witch You Wed is so, so good, my friends. Let me make a checklist for you of things that I adored about it, okay?

🖤 Enemies-to-lovers banter (including a snowball to the face)
💞 A second chance at love
🧹 Supernatural themed swearing
❤️‍🔥 Fake relationship with real (and really hot) feelings
👵🏼 A magically wonderful grandma who uses the word bae
🐺 A secretly soft-hearted Alpha
💛 Truly amazing friendships
🔮 A trio of supportive sisters
🪄 A strong, sassy, and completely lovable magicless witch

I think what I loved most about this book, though, is that all the elements worked so well together. (Read the book, then come back and enjoy that pun, BTW.) Nothing felt out of place or forced to fit—it flowed seamlessly from one page to the next, one scene to another—and the pacing was fast enough to be consuming but not so fast as to make one’s head spin. The balance was, for me, entirely on point.

I love this new world that April Asher is building in her Supernatural Singles series, and I truly cannot wait for more. More, more, more, please, and thank you—I will happily take any and all books I can get my hands on because I now know that April Asher’s foray into paranormal rom-com is going to leave me smiling.

Not the Witch You Wed
Rating: 5 stars!!
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC given through NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.

Not the Witch You Wed was such a wonderful and fun read!! We have witches who are trying to learn about where they fit and how to use their magic; Alphas that are trying to make a change for the better of their world. It follows fake dating and second chance at love tropes (which to be honest I am not really a fan of, but this one was very good).
Our two leads have known each other since they were kids and almost ran away together when they were 18, but Linc's father made sure that that didn't happen. 14 years later and Violet still holds a grudge and a battered heart. Because of supernatural protocols they are brought together and decide that to help each other out they will have to fake date. Their "business" arrangement does not go to plan because feelings happen.
Linc and Violet were a great couple. I loved their bantering and their chemistry was off the charts, but what I loved most about these two is that they helped each other out in dealing with their problems.
I really recommend this book and I'm looking forwards to the next in the series ( I hope it's a series)!! All secondary characters deserve their own book!!

Harlequin Junkie Top Pick!

The snark! The sass! The sexy attraction! The secrets! The many types of Supernaturals! Okay, I'm out of "S" words, but you get the point. Not the Witch You Wed was one laugh-out-loud scene after another, interspersed with lively banter and trouble galore.

I think I've just found my new favorite paranormal series–and a new author to stalk–I mean, follow. *wink* I had the best time reading Not the Witch You Wed and getting to know the incredible world April Asher built for this series. This had the comedic timing of Molly Harper and Darynda Jones (LOVE them) but was set in New York City so it also had a very modern, urban feel to it. And it worked on every level for me. Who knew a paranormal romantic comedy (a PNRC?) was just what I needed in my life right now?

Told from both Violet and Lincoln's POVs, this was a second chance romance that was not an easy sell to either of them. I adored them as a couple and thought their heat level was off the charts, even as they cracked me up continuously. They had a backstory filled with love and a powerful connection but then it turned to heartbreak and animosity unfortunately. There was a reason for what Linc did that broke them up in their late teens. Not that Vi ever found out. So I understood why it took a lot for her to trust him again. But honestly, that was half the fun, watching them reconnect, and with Vi giving Linc such a tough time–mostly in good fun–while he proved himself.

I think readers will have a blast with Vi's brand of feistiness and with how caring she was about others. She had a tight bond with her sisters of course, being that they were witch triplets. But she was kind and compassionate with everyone in her life. And Linc. *dreamy sigh* Talk about a sexy, sigh-worthy Alpha. He was one of the good guys–er, wolves, who was equally compassionate and truly tried to be there for every member of his pack. And I loved his vision for what he wanted things to be like in the future for Supernaturals, which played a big part in what happened between Linc and Vi.

3.5 stars rounded up: I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The synopsis seems very cheesy, but I truly enjoyed it. I mean it was a paranormal fake dating trope. What more could I have asked for?

I’m loving the rising popularity of witchy books in the last year, and I had really high hopes for this one, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. It felt like it was trying too hard to be funny and often ended up making me cringe (examples: overuse of sayings like ‘Hell’s spells’ and the heroine’s best friend saying things like ‘f*ck me with a dildo’ when surprised). I didn’t connect to or particularly care about the characters and I didn’t feel the chemistry between them.

This was a fast paced funny read. Just the right amount of banter and steaminess I’d like from my romance.

Violet is a dud for a witch. Aka a witch with no powers, which shocking coming from the most powerful line. Lincoln is the Alpha of the North pack, and the two have known each other since childhood. Both have been secretly in love with each other until an event happened that’s caused Violet to no longer trust Lincoln. That is until they bump into each other, and as fates would have it, they start fake dating to appease their councils. What starts out fake soon starts to get very real. Can they keep their feeling and emotions at bay?!

I love the characters and their struggles and the relationship. I love Violet finally showing her strength and powers. I love a good second chance, enemies to lovers, and the author provided that and more. The magic was easy to follow and the dual povs made it much more enjoyable. And all else I can add is the spice level is on point with this one.

What do you get when you add one magicless witch and one hot alpha wolf shifter who have a friends to lovers, to enemies to lovers, to a second chance romance AND a fake relationship with a whole cast of other supernatural beings? You get this amazing paranormal romance that has me grinning days after I’ve finished it.

I quickly dove into this book once it became available and from the first chapter I was hooked. I adored everything I was given about Violet and her sisters that make up the magical triad. I knew her mother would be a key player in anything negative and her grandmother would be a complete scene stealer. I LOVED Lincoln from the second he came on the page and his last words in that first chapter about letting Violet get away, hurt my heart. Violet is a trustworthy heroine who deserves the world and then some. After meeting these two in a few pages, I knew I had to dig in and keep reading to find out what happened in the past.

Violet Maxwell and Lincoln Thorne have been friends since they were young. When they were teens, their friendship grew into more and Violet was prepared to give up everything to be with Lincoln but something stopped him from running away with her. It’s something he literally cannot tell and something Violet has always needed to hear. When they run into one another 14 years later, they are given an opportunity to create a fake relationship to get the Supernatural Council off their back for Violet’s Witch Bond and Lincoln’s forced mating.

"Fate date our way to a fake mating?"

I love a fake relationship because you know it’s only a matter of time before the fake turns to real. With Violet and Lincoln, the real feelings are simmering beneath the surface along with a cauldron full of sexual tension that is nothing short of delicious. Have I said this book was sexy? This book is sexy. Have I mentioned Lincoln talks to his inner wolf and does that ridiculous sexy guy thing where they pull their shirt off by grabbing the back collar? What? It’s hot. How do guys do that? Is it something they’re taught?

This was a fast and enjoyable read. I really liked the take on the supernatural world and how it relates to the mortals. We don’t often get books where humans know witches, wolves, succubus and others exist so it was refreshing. The banter with basically everyone was comedic but between Violet and Lincoln, it was perfection. These two really are cruel to be kind and it’s their special flavor of foreplay.

I have so many notes and highlights from this book, so many moments that make me sigh, laugh or do that incredible hopeless romantic thing of putting my hand to my chest. If you know what I mean, you know what I mean. This was one of those books that make you happy and can’t we all use a bit of happy with our HEA’s.

This was fun and so romantic. I hope Olivia and Rose, Violet’s sisters get their own books and I would love to see Adrian, Bax and Harper find their mates too. I guess what I'm saying is I am not done with this world yet and I want more.

i've been loving the second chance trope lately and this one was great! I relly enjoyed this paranormal romance and loved how this book made me laugh out loud! it was so fun and i would definietly recommend to others interested in paranormal romances!

I was lucky to get an ARC of Not the Witch You Wed from NetGalley.

I loved this book! This was a funny, spicy and very entertaining read. Vi (magic-less witch) and Lincoln (Alpha shifter) have amazing chemistry, along with an interesting history that sucks you into their story. Vi and Lincoln make an arrangement to fake date to avoid the Supernatural laws that will require them to marry and buys Vi time to learn to tame her magic. But fake dating is always hard with real feelings. I flew through this book needing to know if Vi and Lincoln get their second chance at love.

The cast of characters in this book are all so fun. In addition to Vi's triplet sisters, her best friends are a guardian angel and a succubus.

This book was written in Dual POV (which I really like). If you liked the Ex-Hex, then you will love this read. I can't wait for the second book!!

WOW!!! This book took me by complete surprise... I LOVED IT! Definitely read this if you like the following:

🧙‍♀️ Witches and werewolves 🐺
🪄 MAGIC
❤️ Fake Dating trope
💋 Awesome chemistry and steam 🔥
💜 Fated Mates
👯‍♀️ Great sister and family dynamics
🏙 Urban Fantasy setting -- largely takes place in NYC and this book includes all different paranormal life forms (witches, demons, angels, vampires, werewolves)... just so fun!

This was just so much MORE than what I had expected it to be -- not just a romance, but a great story that revolved around not just our MCs, but also the world at large. Both MCs come from families that are high up in the supernatural organizations of power so there was a good amount of political aspects, as well.

Highly highly recommend if you are a paranormal/romance reader. Also, really hoping this becomes a standalone series with Violet's (our heroine) sisters!!

Rating: 4.5 stars!

4.25 ish stars

Ooh, yes. This one was fun (and funny) right from the beginning. It reads more like fanfic filled with romance tropes (second chances! enemies to lovers! fake dating!) than a piece of serious literature, but that’s exactly what I wanted- something fun, fluffy, and flirty. I enjoyed the references to shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Supernatural. I liked the characters, the reasonably predictable plot, and the new spins the writer put on some fairly classic ideas. I could tell partway through that she was setting this book up as the first in a series, and I’m pretty sure I’ll be checking out the next story, whenever it’s available.

Not the Witch You Wed is a delightful supernatural romp. April Asher introduces an interesting world of witches, shifters, demons, vampires, angels, and more and it was a whole lot of fun diving into it.

Violet Maxwell is the granddaughter of the current Prima and the eldest of a Magical Triad. By rights, Vi should be a super powerful witch; instead she’s a magicless witch known as the “Maxwell Dud.” Vi is happy with her life and there are definite perks to leaving the politics and society maneuvering of being the Prima Apparent to her sister. Except a run-in with Lincoln Thorne, Alpha wolf of the North American Pack, stirs something in her. Linc broke her heart when they were teens and she’s never forgiven him, but somehow his reappearance happens at the same time as her magic starts to make an appearance. When both of them run into a problem of arcane supernatural laws forcing them to find mates, Vi and Linc agree to put the past aside and fake date in order to buy time. Except there’s nothing fake about the feelings that never died between them…

Vi and Linc are fun, likeable protagonists who are easy to root for. Linc is noble, wanting to change shifter society to make it democratic, fighting to overturn arcane laws that take away people’s choices. He’s determined to do what’s right and I liked that about him a lot. Vi has also forged a path different from the one she was born into. But the sudden appearance of magic in her is causing chaos and she’s desperate to get a handle on it. She and Linc have instant chemistry when they’re reunited after years apart, but old wounds, secrets, and the con they’re pulling get in the way. I adored Linc and Vi together and wanted to see them get their happily ever after. They’re entertaining together and also really sweet with a nice dash of spice; it was easy to fall into their romance.

Vi and Linc are the heart of Not the Witch You Wed, but Asher introduces a world of supporting characters who not only flesh the story out but are interesting in their own right. I loved Vi’s relationship with her sisters, Rose and Olive, and ooh does Asher tease HEAs for them that have me eager for more Maxwell sister books. But I also loved Vi and Linc’s best friends and can’t wait to see more of them. Not the Witch You Wed is a zippy romance with magic, humor, heart, and a world I cannot wait to explore more.

A fun, sexy, dual perspective second chance at love, fake dating supernatural romance between a witch coming into her powers and an Alpha shifter forced to find a mate. I found this story a tad long, but overall filled with great chemistry and relatable sister and friendship bonds. Recommended for fans of the television show Charmed or books like The ex-hex or The fix-it witches series. Much thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for my advance reader's copy!

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I liked the characters and the fast pace. I also liked the supernatural elements and political aspects. The main relationship was cute but the primary conflict was just okay -- it could've been easily resolved by communicating. I also didn't like the main characters' nicknames of Princess and Wolfman -- a little creepy.

All of the characters are unique in this book! The protagonist is a bright and cheerful witch, and her ex-boyfriend is the exact opposite. This book is perfect for those who enjoy books that have the enemy to lovers trope!

Not the Witch You Wed follows Violet Maxwell, the oldest sister of a set of triplets and the only one who doesn’t have any magic. Content with her role as magicless black sheep of the family and letting her sisters having the spotlight of the magical community, the rug is pulled out from under her when the supernatural council orders her that, as the oldest sibling, magical or not, she has to find a mate right away. Lincoln Thorne, an alpha wolf shifter who broke Violet’s heart when they were both teens, finds himself in a similar conundrum. To remain the alpha of his pack, he needs to find a mate before his fast-approaching birthday. Struggling to find a partner, Violet and Lincoln agree to fake-date their way to a fake mating in order to give themselves time to find another solution. But when old feelings resurface—along with Violet’s unexpected magic—they both realise there’s nothing fake about their love. Yet with old secrets, family meddling and past hurt trying to tear them apart, can Violet and Lincoln find their way back to each other for real?

Can you hear my paranormal romance-loving heart beat like a drum? Not the Witch You Wed was, in a word, fun. There are so many elements in this book that just worked exceptionally well together: supernatural characters (and stereotypes that are turned upside down like the possessive alpha trope), relatable family dynamics (who hasn’t had their parents and siblings meddling in their love lives, honestly), a patriarchal (and super outdated) council and last but not least, a smart, sassy and savvy protagonist that neatly ties the narrative together.

There’s also something to be said for worldbuilding in this story. Without boggling down the narrative with too much information, Asher introduces the history of the magical community, the archaic power structures and the young generation’s struggle to create a new, more inclusive community and gives an outlook on what’s to come for Violet’s sisters. I also really liked how seamless the transitions were between the overarching romance and Violet’s relationships with her friends and her family, but most of all, her relationship with her self and her powers. Violet’s a genuinely kind character and it was interesting to see her invest so much time into other people and showing them how great they are while also battling her own insecurities, especially once her magic surfaced. Violet’s struggle to figure out her magic added so much to the story and seeing her friends help her any way they can was just so sweet.

I’m also willing to bet that it’s physically impossible not to be smitten by Violet and Lincoln’s romance. I’m a sucker for love interests that are devoted to their partner and Lincoln definitely delivered on that. Stories where the reader knows the reasons for a break up or someone getting their heart broken yet not the protagonist knowing it can be so nail-bitingly dramatic and that’s the case in this book. I loved how we got to see Lincoln try and make up for what he did and Violet giving him the pieces of the puzzle he was missing, and vice versa. The banter between Violet and Linc also just felt so genuine and even in the beginning stages when you know Violet just wants to tear his head off for how he broke her heart, there’s no denying their chemistry. From unexpected run-ins to downright heartwarming displays of affection, these two were explosive to follow.

While I won’t spoil the ending, I will say that I didn’t expect the outcome but genuinely wanted to cheer for the Maxwell matriarch who adds another layer of awesomeness (even in her eighties) to the story. Honestly, I’m so stoked to read the romances of the other Maxwell sisters!

A juicy cocktail of steam, snark, and secrets, Not the Witch You Wed is a playful paranormal second chance romance, perfect for fans of Charmed and The Ex Hex!

This was a good book which is about a Violet and Lincoln who are enemies but the Supernatural counsel forces them to find mates so they decide to fake date until secrets begin to unravel. I enjoyed the whole concept of the story where there are witches and wolves in modern society. This book has everything from magic, hot wolves to fake relationships which is one of bookstagram's top tropes. The writing was pretty good in a sense of world building, pacing and plot but I do have to say that the style of the writing was not it for me. It's hard to explain but it's like yes the plot was good but there wasn't much action and the smooth feeling of reading the book wasn't there. Everything else was well done but the thing I was looking for that I usually enjoy in a NA paranormal romance wasn't there.

The main characters in this book are Violet and Lincoln. I really enjoyed both characters and I ship them so hard. I feel related to Violet because at time she felt that she couldn't use her magic but started to believe in herself more. She is badass and is also a plus-size character! Then there is Lincoln, our alpha wolf who has feelings for Violet but he has done stuff in the past where it damaged their relationship. I love how he helps Violet and tries to get her powers. Both develop a lot throughout the story and I enjoyed their development. There are many side characters in this book that were very involved with the story like Violet's sisters and Lincoln's partner. The romance was very well done which was a fake relationship trope but I wish there was more to the enemies to lovers like it mentioned in the summary. There is also 2/5 level of steaminess.

The ending was well done with a happily ever after. I wonder if the author will write novels on Violet's sisters because I would totally be interested in that or Lincoln's best friend. Overall this book was greatly done but it was part of the writing style for me. I totally recommend this book if you are a fan of Fix it Witches series and The Ex Hex.

4.5

This was a fun and cute story about a witch with no powers fake-dating a werewolf. The author did a fantastic job at world-building without having the book be bogged down with too many supernatural terms. It was perfectly paced and omg, the chemistry between Lincoln and Violet was amazing. The premise itself is filled with my favourite tropes (second chance romance, fake dating, enemies-to-lovers) and was written so well that this book is anything but boring. Highly recommend.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I really don't read a lot of paranormal romances so this one was a bit of a stretch for me but I ended up really enjoying it! This was one of those cases where I didn't fully understand the world/paranormal system, but it didn't really detract too much from the book for me. I'm excited to see where this series goes. I think the side characters were particularly interesting and I hope that we find out more about them in future books.

Thank you St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I so wanted to love this book! This tics so many boxes for me. Paranormal beings, fake dating, some enemy vibes… unfortunately it was a bit over the top in pop culture references and the dialogue felt a little flat for me.