Things I love: Broody professor types, witty leading ladies, cozy witchy vibes, zingy persiflage, and heists.

And as it happens, Avery Flynn’s “Witcha Gonna Do?” – the first novel in a new series – delivers every single one of those things.

The story follows Tilda Sherwood, a member of a powerful family of witches who seems to not have any powers at all, and Gil Connolly, the very hot, very powerful with the local matchmaker keeps setting her up with, but whom she can’t stand. But when a magical accident occurs at the Sherwood mansion, Gil and a few of Tilda’s friends set off to steal a book from the Sherwoods’ sworn enemies.

This book is a ton of fun and I absolutely adored both Tilda and Gil. Flynn does drop you right into the story, so though this is the first in a series, there isn’t a lot of worldbuilding or drawn-out character introductions – you just learn as you go, which is intriguing, but also sometimes left me feeling as if I was missing something (though I wasn’t!).

Even so, this fast-paced book really got its hooks in me when the heist planning began in earnest, even more so when things began heating way, way up with our main characters, and I knew I’d be sticking around the series when a couple of members from the Sherwoods’ rival family came into the picture.

Overall, this is quick, fun read full of quippy dialogue that lead to laugh-out-loud moments, and characters that quickly feel like friends. And I’m looking *very* forward to the next book!

3.75🌟
1.5🌶️

With a Gonna Do? is the best witchy rom-com I’ve ever read. I honestly didn’t expect to love it so much but oh my I’m so glad I did!

Being the first book I’ve read from Avery Flynn, it’s also my introduction to her writing and I adored it! She makes you feel as though you’re casting spells with the characters and getting into all sorts of troubles. It’s witty, full of delicious tension and has an incredibly delightful cast of characters. It’s fast to read and if you’re not careful you’ll be done in a second. But make sure you enjoy every second of it because it’s just that good!

Matilda Grace Sherwood is a witch with no powers. Not only that, but she is the only member of a powerful family of witches who is considered an outré to her people. But while Tilda's magical life is less than stellar, she hopes to find someone who will love her for herself, and not the influence of her family...

Gil Connolly drives Tilda absolutely crazy... he's full of himself, too sexy for his own good, and Tilda has made it very clear that she wants nothing to do with him... so why has she been set up with him on her last THREE blind dates???

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Witcha Gonna Do? was a super cute, quirky and fun, opposites attract romance! Tilda and Gil may be nemeses, but while they keep running into each other, keeping their lips to themselves just keeps getting harder and harder. And when Tilda needs Gil's help... she may just discover way more than she was ever bargaining for...

Tilda came to accept her lack of witch powers a long time ago, but living a life under the watchful eye of Witchington is a constant struggle. Her accident-prone existence is constant fodder for social media, and just once, Tilda would like to be seen for being more than the black sheep of her family. 

Gil may have his reasons for seeking out Tilda, but they have nothing to do with wanting her exposed. Working as a double agent between the council and the resistance, the lives of Gil's parents are at stake... and Tilda's unusual lack of powers just might be the key to saving his family...

This book was such an entertaining and fun read! I loved Tilda and Gil's antagonistic relationship, and the discoveries they make about each other along the way. With a slightly suspenseful plot twist, Tilda is in for a big surprise when it comes to her role as the weakest member of her family...

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.

Tilda loves her family but at time she feels alone as although she may be a witch like them, she doesn’t share their gifts. Her romantic life isn’t going much better as she has been told her perfect match is Gil but based on what she knows about him they couldn’t be more wrong.

Gil is a man with an agenda who is trying to do what is best for those he loves even if it means that Tilda gets caught in the middle. When Tilda’s spells goes sideways, and her family is jeopardy he realizes that working together is the only way out of the situation they find themselves in.

The romance between Gil and Tilda was endearing as they found themselves in some humorous situations as they realize they make better partners than adversaries.

Enemies to more, a heist, and a magical predicament - Witcha Gonna Do is fun, charming, and spicy!

Tilda is part of a powerful witch family, but lacks magical powers (an outré). Why does she keep getting matched up with Gil on blind dates? Gil may be handsome, but he’s rude and so not her type. What happens when two opposites are forced to work together to solve a magical conundrum that could have long-reaching impacts if not solved?

I adored Tilda and Gil and their messiness together! I’m a big fan of Avery Flynn’s work and this series is a great addition to her repertoire. The end indicates a second book in the series - I can’t wait!

Note: I received an advanced reading copy,receipt of which did not influence my review.

I wanted to like this one so bad. I was so excited when I finally got approved. However, I just could not stand the way the story was told ( narrator style/4th wall?). As someone who actually enjoys pop culture references I also could not seem to get past the witchy instagram used. The cheese factor was to much for me in this one.

This is the first book in a series called Witchingdon by Avery Flynn. There have been a lot of witch romances lately but this is one that I would highly recommend. The heroine is Tilda who happens to be a member of the most powerful which family in her town but unfortunately she has no powers. She runs the family social media and we find her having her third blind date with the same person who is now in her mind her nemesis Gil. Unfortunately Tilda causes a spell of her sisters to glitch which curses her family and she must now use girls help in order to save her family.

I really enjoyed the world building in this book. There were a lot of characters who had interesting quirks and the banter between Tilda and Gil was highly entertaining. It was fun to see as we slowly found out who the big bad in this world was and how they were secrets about Tilda and her lack of powers. There was definitely mystic communication because Gail was hiding information initially from Tilda but it did not hamper the romance at all.

All in all I felt there was good chemistry between Tilda and Gil and I found the world of Witchingdon to be highly entertaining. I’m looking forward to books about Tilda’s sisters.

* 3.5/5, rounded up to 4/5 stars *

Thanks so much to the author, Berkley Publishing Group, Valentine PR, and Netgalley for the gifted advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts and participation in this blog tour. { partner } All opinions are entirely my own. All of my reviews can also be found on Instagram @Tackling_TBR and on my blog at tacklingtbr.home.blog

I was so excited to receive an early copy of this book to review! People who have seen my Instagram or my recent books on Goodreads know that I LOVE a cozy, witchy romcom. Honestly, if they could make up my entire reading list from September through November, I would probably be content. And while I haven't read anything by Avery Flynn up until this point, I've heard really fun things about her books from my fellow romance readers.

All of that to say, that I had really high hopes when I started this book a few days ago. And I really did enjoy the book quite a bit, but there were just a couple of small things that kept it from being a 5-star read for me.

To get this bit out of the way, let's talk about our characters. I thought that Tilda and Gil were really fun as our leads - they were interesting characters in their own right, and I enjoyed their chemistry together. What can I say - I'm a sucker for an enemies-to-lovers storyline. I also really think that the secondary characters shine in this story, obviously the group of The Misfits that we spend most of the book with, but also some of Tilda's more colorful family members. (I'm looking at you, Griselda).

The one thing that I will say I didn't love with this romance was that with enemies-to-lovers, a lot of what typically makes that work is the big conflict or misunderstanding in the two characters' shared past that makes them both think that they were wronged, and it's why they've hated each other for years, and blah blah blah. We didn't really get any of that explanation or backstory in this case, and I do feel like I was missing it. It didn't fully keep me from feeling invested in the relationship or anything that dramatic, but I want to know why you're so opposed to being together. And we didn't get that this time around.

Another quirk about this book is that with the dual POV, we also get both of the main characters breaking the fourth wall and talking directly to you as a reader. Think the style of a 90s sitcom, or the main character/narrator in a Disney Channel Original Movie. I think that this bit in particular will be a bit divisive with readers, and already is in some of the reviews that I've seen. While this doesn't seem to have been a favorite for a lot of folks, I actually enjoyed it. I thought it was a fun way to get some of the characters' (especially Tilda's) sense of humor, but I can definitely see how this device wouldn't be for everyone.

I will say though, while on the topic of the dual POVs, that I don't know that the two characters had different enough voices. Every once in a while I had to flip back to the start of the chapter to remind myself whose head I was inside of, because I couldn't really tell from the writing. This is something that could still change in the final edit, though, so take that with a grain of salt.

Oh okay, one last thing about the character voices and the writing. They say "fuck" a lot. Like, A LOT. And I am someone that swears pretty freely and frequently, so I definitely don't mind some adult language in my books. But these characters used this one particular curse word about as frequently as a teenager trying to show how mature and grown up they are by swearing, you know? I don't mind it being in there, but I think that it could maybe have been dialed back the tiniest bit. Even if only for one of the characters - another opportunity to make the POVs feel separate.

Okay, now on to the last point. The last thing that kept me from really fully loving this book. It felt a bit like the book was confused on what age it was being written for. Like I said earlier, at times it felt almost DCOM-like with the fourth wall breaking narration and some of the sillier shenanigans that the two characters get into together, so there was once or twice that I looked back at the listed genres to see if it was a YA book and I just didn't remember. But then about halfway through the book the slow-burn romance turns to full on, spicy, sex on the page scenes, that definitely keep the book squarely in the adult column.
Again, I enjoyed the comedy that these narrations could provide, and it's no secret that I'm not afraid of some spicy scenes in my books. But it just felt at times like these two aspects of it were meant for different books, and they just got unceremoniously combined in the editing phase.

Okay one more thing worth noting - this book is downright silly at times with the way the witchy world was built for the reader. We don't get a ton of traditional world building that you would expect from a full blown fantasy novel, but we do get little glimpses into it. And from what I was able to gather, it is a witchy-version of our current world, where they still watch the Superbowl and Daniel Craig 007 movies, but they use Witchygram instead of Instagram.

All of that being said, I would still overall recommend this book to my friends and fellow readers, and I'm looking forward to the continuation of the series.
I don't think that it's perfect by any means, but not every book needs to be! It was still a fun, fairly light, quick read. But my words of wisdom would be that if you are going to read it, really lean in to the sillier sides! I think you've got to if you're going to really enjoy it.

Thank you to Berkley and Netgalley for sending me an early copy of this book! All opinions are my own!

Right from the very first page, this book is just a ball of fun and humor! It's so adorable and heartwarming and the way it is written gets you absolutely hooked. I can sometimes get confused when it's dual POV written in first person, but I think this was really well done and the way that both characters are written makes it really easy to get into both of their POVs.

The romance was really sweet and cute, I just don't particularly usually enjoy insta-love or ultra attraction like the magic in this book lends, but I do think this was well done. I particularly enjoyed the way that the book focuses on self-worth and confidence and the way that every person has their own strengths and value. It was a depth that really balanced out the humor and sweetness of the rest of the book.

If you're looking for a feel-good book, definitely check this one out!

ARC Review. Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was absolutely delightful. Spooky season year round I say. We love powerful women over hear, and I loved that Tilda was powerful even without magic, and that her loved ones knew it all along and loved her so much.

Gil (even tho I find it hard to find that name sexy) is such a dreamboat. I’m obsessed with snarky men with facial hair and the things his mouth can do 🥵

I didn’t love the occasional fourth-wall break, it kind of took me out of the story, so that’s why I couldn’t give it 5 stars. However I did love that there wasn’t a huge implosion between Tilda and Gil when she found out the secret he’d been keeping from her.

A fun, charming read that was quick, low-stakes, and sexy. I hope we actually do get the rest of the Sherwood sisters stories because I am invested.

This one was really fun and funny.

I really enjoyed the voices of both main characters and liked getting their perspectives. It was fun to see the story progress with Tilda and Gil going from (kinda) enemies to lovers. There were a few steamy scenes as their relationships developed.

Overall very enjoyable and would definitely recommend.

I actually listened via PRH audio. It was a great listening experience.

"Witcha Gonna Do" is the first book in the "Witchington" Series, written by Avery Flynn. In this magical world, Tilda Sherwood, member of one of the most powerful magical families in all of Witchington, has zero powers. So, she uses her natural creativity to manage the social networks of the family. Tilda has always accepted her non-magical status, but lately weird things are happening. One example is the multitude of "blind dates" she keeps finding herself with Gil "super hot jerk" Connolly. But worst of all, was the glitch she caused in her sister's spell that cursed her entire family. She needs help and fast, but the only person who seems to be inclined to lend her a helping hand is Gil "obnoxiously hot" Connolly. Can she fix her mistake while keeping her feelings for Gil under control?
This was the first book by Avery Flynn, and I quickly fell in the rhythm. The direct lines to the reader, similar to movies/tv series when the actors speak directly to the camera for their viewers, were a very funny subterfuge to quickly connect both parties. I certainly felt more involved with the characters and the storyline. I appreciated all the small details that distinguished our non-magical world from Witchington, with Witchygram being one of my favorites. I laugh so much at some of the more ridiculous antics Tilda and her band of misfits performed. The action throughout the book was very enticing and it kept me firmly enthralled in the story. I'm very curious to see what happens next!

I LOVED this witch rom-com! It had a lot of sass, heart, and romance that made this reader extremely happy. I was drawn in by the cover, but the book itself was so entertaining, I couldn't put it down. The chemistry between the two main characters was both funny & steamy all rolled up into a great storyline that had me captivated the entire time. I love when the female main character of romances are not leggy blonde model types, but rather quirky and lovable women who are true to themselves and find love because of it, not in spite of it. Avery Flynn is now a new auto-buy author me.

This was adorable. She's a witch who thinks she has no powers and who is a member of the most potent witchy family in town. He's also a witch who is power-filled in his own right but has ulterior motives for getting closer. We have as side characters a family who loves our heroine, a godmother who is crafty and reads tarot cards along with being cryptic, a bookstore owner who is a unicorn with a bad attitude, a best friend who is allergic to her spells, and another bestie who can't quite get his spells right. There is a secret to Tilda, and even Tilda doesn't know her secret, but it's a biggie. With accidental spell mishaps, a crazy train ride, and more shenanigans, this book is a fun-filled giggle of witchiness, romance, and spice from beginning to end. I enjoyed the heck out of this read, and I cannot wait for the next book of witchy happenings from the Sherwood family of witches.

I loved it, so, so much! I loved both the MCs, this new world of Witchingdom, the Sherwoods (omg the end!) and a certain bird (I love animals and I cant wait to meet some more.)

I liked how it was magical, but yet grounded (is that the word?) In this world. Wait until you read about the social media.

Tilda was caring, fiesty, and happy in her own skin. Which is always a plus for me.

Gil was damaged, had too much on his plate, and HOT!

It was spicy and fun. When i was reading towards the end, The Mummy popped in my head. Idk why but for some reason it reminded me of it. In a good way!

So if you like magical, romance, comedy, kick butt witches, get this book!

Avery Flynn and witches!

Matilda (Tilda) Sherwood is from one the most important magical families in the Witchingdom as an outré with absolutely no power. But strange thing are happening when she is paired by a matchmaker with Gill Connolly for three straight dates.

Gill Connolly is investigating Tilda for the Council that rules Witchingdom with investigative dates because they can’t believe she has no power by using their dates to also meet with the Resistance because he’s double agent.

But is Tilda a true outré or is she something more?

If you want a fun and witchy romance that in the usual Avery Flynn style that will make you laugh at all the things that happen between Tilda and Gill and the rest of the Witchingdom!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author, Valentine PR and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I'm sadly going to have confess that this wasn't my favorite book to read this year. I think that there was a lot of really good ideas in this book, but a lot of it just felt very cheesy to me. I thought that Tilda and Gil were okay as characters, but I disliked the introduction to Tilda.

I think that my favorite character was Vance, because of him not only being a unicorn shifter, but not putting up with any bs.

I also didn't like that Tilda was kept in the dark about her powers, because it felt disingenuous. It felt particularly weird that her mom only would accept an apology for the spell going awry if Tilda accepted her apology for not telling Tilda about her powers. I don't think that they were in any way equivalent and I think that Tilda's mom should've apologized more.

The only reason why I'm giving this book a 3 ⭐️ instead of 2 is because I enjoyed Vance and some of the plot points with the Svensen family (Cy and Erik particularly).

This had so much potential, but fell so far short... and I'm pretty disappointed.

𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲: Enemies-to-lovers, fantasy romance

📖 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Tilda has no powers, but is part of the most powerful witch family around. When she meets Gil, she's put off by his smug behavior. But the she keeps running into him, over and over, until she realizes things happen for a reason.

🌟 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: Man, was I so into the possibility of this book. The cover? Absolutely gorgeous. The storyline? Great potential. But I struggled hard not to DNF this a few times.

Even when reading it, I kept getting frustrated at how much potential it had. The main characters were cute, but had absolutely no backstory or growth. The friends and family were much of the same.

But the actual book itself was just poorly edited. There's huge story flaws and plot holes. The entire book is based in a world that's not explained at all, and in a magic system with no real definition. As a reader, I struggled through understanding what was going on and why.

Which sucks, because Tilda and Gil could have been a great story.

🔮 𝗙𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝗲: Not easy. As I mentioned, the magic system isn't defined or examined. The world they live in isn't outlined. It's all very haphazardly done and leaves you with more questions than answers.

𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 2/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 3/5 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗱: These are definitely more spicy, but I loved the Souls Trilogy by Harley Laroux.

𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘.

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Thanks for the ARC International Publicity Penguin Random House.

I really wanted to read this book, I really liked the synopsis and all the magical vibes it transmitted was super interesting, but it wasn't for me.

Personally I don't like characters talking to the reader, and that was the first thing that hit me and it was an “Oh no”. I was going to stop reading there but I said "well, it doesn't have to be that bad, maybe later this won't be so noticeable" and although it is so, this talking to the reader is diminishing, I don't get to connect at all.

The idea of ​​the magical together with the urban is interesting, it has potential, but the magical world that the author created is not very explained, I feel that she presented it very suddenly, that it was like pumpam this happens like this and that's it and that's it. And I admit that I like that certain things are well developed.

The romance did not move or please me, I felt everything very meh.

I liked that it had the two points of view of the protagonists, that gave dynamism to the story and in itself the chapters are brief.

I don't think it was the right book for me, I felt that it was very adolescent but that the author wanted it to be for adults, there were things that didn't fit quite well.

I haven't read anything else by the author but I'd like to give it another try.

I liked the characters in this book and the setting of the small witching town they live in. The love and hate relationship with Tilda and Gil was cute and I liked how it ended.

I had thought this was a young adult fantasy, but there are a few graphic and steamy sex scenes you might want to be aware of when deciding who you think this book is appropriate for.

Overall, I look forward to more books in this series.