I enjoyed this book, but it was a bit predicable. And I personally don't love the virgin trope in romance! That said, I know that this will do very well with book clubs, with folks picking up books for summer vacations, and for readers who are new(er) to romance. I will definitely recommend to the right audience.

Thank you to NetGalley and Carina for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

CW: death of a parent (past), toxic relationship with a parent, abuse by a parent (emotional and physical(past, briefly recounted)), grief, cheating (non-MCs), bullying, sick parent

I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)

-m/f paranormal romance
-second chance romance
-engagement of convenience
-forced proximity
-unrequited crush

This was such a fun and cute witchy romance. I really enjoyed how the world building was just built into the story for this one. Both Emma and Bastian escaped their witchy destiny's but a marriage contract from years ago has brought them back together.

I kept turning the page trying to figure out what happened between Emma and Bastien in the past and how they would overcome things in the present. These two definitely grew up and learned things about themselves to become friends and then lovers again. The bit of spice added some fun and I'm always here for animals in a romance book. I was especially here for Bastien standing up for Emma but also enabling for her to find her own inner strength and fight for what she wants in this world. Who needs a savior when you can have a partner instead?

There was plenty of witch dynastically family drama as these two struggled to fight a forced engagement to decide whether things could be real between the two of them. A great summer read.

Steam: 3.25
Disclaimer: the author and I share the same agent

This is such a fun witchy romance! It follows Emma and Bastian who had a contract to be married until Bastian mysteriously ran away. When Bastian shows up 7 years later asking Emma to marry him to save his mother, Emma reluctantly agrees. I really loved the dynamic between Emma and Bastian. Emma is shy and has major social anxiety which I related to. Bastian is a confident sunshine character. The magic aspect of this was also fun because it was always there playing a role but it blended with the story really well. I also liked how developed the side characters were. Tia, Leah, Sloane, and Kole were so fun and I would love to see future books about them! Now, can we talk about Emma's familair/emotional support dog. He was such a great addition to the story and was always there when Emma needed him. One major plot point in the book is that Emma and Bastian are both keeping secrets from each other. These secrets turned into the conflict in the book and I understand why they kept the secrets but some simple communication could have helped. Overall, this was a fun, spicy, second chance witchy romance!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for a review!

I tried really hard to like The Witch is Back, but ended up DNFing 19% in. I just could not connect with the story at all and didn't vibe with the writing style

This quick read was fun and flirty. While the ARC copy I had a chance to review had a few moments that seemed to still need editing (were his hands restrained or in her hair?), it met my primary need in a romance novel in that I had fun reading it. Emma's rough childhood could have made the book heavy, but it was handled in a way that added to the drama but still kept it light. The romance between Emma and Bastian had more miscommunication than I normally like, but I remained engrossed and eager for the resolution. The side characters play just enough of a role to keep me interested in them and their side stories, leaving room for additional books, but their moments didn't detract from the protagonists.

I was surprised by The Witch is Back. In the beginning I was prepared not to like Sophie H. Morgan's novel, but the author surprised me. I took a chance in reading this supernatural romance, and was initially afraid it would be light and fluffy, and not at all what I typically enjoy reading. But within only a few chapters, I was totally engaged by the two main characters, Emma and Bastian. Since I do not often read light romance, I was surprised that Morgan so easily sold me on this story.

The plotting for The Witch is Back is nicely done. The characters have some depth, and will likely develop even more complexity if this is the first book in a new series, as I suspect. There is some nicely developed sexual tension and some explicit sexuality, for those readers who want to be warned. Readers who enjoy this kind of romance novel will be enchanted.

Thank you to the author and to Harlequin for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review. I enjoyed The Witch is Back and look forward to more books by Morgan. Thank you also to NetGalley for listing this novel.

Last year I read quite a few quirky paranormal romances, by new to me authors and enjoyed myself so much. So when I saw The Witch is Back and read the blurb, I thought I’d try my luck once again. This was a sweet, second-chance, marriage of convenience, forced proximity romance that had me flipping pages well into the night.

Emmaline Bluewater was born into witch society, but her shyness and weak magic meant that she stayed in the shadows and away from the teasing and torment. Her one true friend was Bastian Truenote, heir to a powerful family, society darling, and her betrothed. But when he disappears without a word and stays away for seven years, Emma decides it’s time to take her life into her own hands and moves to Chicago, opens a bar with her two besties, and settles down into a quiet world surrounded by humans.

Then Bastian decides to come back to town and apparently, their wedding is back on.

Bastian Truenote ran away seven years ago for several reasons, the main one is that he discovered provisions in the marriage contract that would endanger his magic. But because of a silence hex, he can’t tell Emma anything. He’s back in town to get her to agree to marry him and help save his mother’s life. In the meantime, he’s hoping to figure out if Emma knows anything about those provisions and if she has any other secrets.

This was a fun read. The two main protagonists are easy to like and get to know. Understandably, their relationship starts out a bit hostile due to their backstory, with Bastian hesitantly turning on his charm to woo back his childhood friend and Emma standoffish and cold in his presence. She wants nothing to do with him, and he’s trying his best to get to know this new version of a woman who he hasn’t seen for seven years. They both have trust issues and secrets and as their friendship is reignited and I wanted them to just blurt out those secrets and work together to figure out a way forward, but I knew that wouldn’t happen and there would eventually be a BIG THING that would drive them apart until the eventual HEA. I did understand their motivations and hesitations in trusting each other again.

This is an open-door romance, and surprisingly sexy. I don’t know what I expected, maybe the cartoon cover through me off, but I was happy to see these two get down to the sexytimes. I did end up really liking the way this couple figured out how to overcome the provisions in the contract, prove themselves to each other, and find their HEA.

If there was one thing I side-eyed, it was a scene in the middle where Bastian is given a truth hex in his drink. I understood the other “betrayals” by them both that led to him leaving and her keeping secrets, but this made me uncomfortable.

They are surrounded by an interesting cast of characters amid a unique magical world. I enjoyed the friendships between Emma, Leah, Tia, and Sloane, which are supportive, loyal, and loving. Bastian’s parents, Emma’s brother add more support to this couple who desperately need it. There are hints of some possible romances to come within the group, that I’m looking forward to. Especially, between Tia and Henry. That should be a fiery relationship.

Grade- B-

My Thoughts

Emmaline Bluewater, Emma as she prefers to be called, had her dreams shattered at 18 when Bastian Truenote took off for parts unknown after backing out of their contracted marriage engagement.

She picked herself up and 7 years later is 3rd owner/partner in her bar Toil and Trouble located in windy city of Chicago.

Along with human best friend Leah and witch best friend Tia, her partners in the business, Emma is enjoying a life far different from the one she grew up with.

Now fully immersed in the world of humans Emma is happier for it, no witch politics or judgements to deal with.

Until inexplicably totally out of the blue Bastian Truenote returns and the real fun begins.

Magical mayhem, a sweet mutt named Chester, turbulent emotions, soul searching, secrets kept and secrets revealed, lies uncovered, multiple mistakes and miscommunications all within a rich tapestry woven together for a second chance long overdue.

Oh yeah mustn’t forget probably the scariest Mommy one could ever have, Emmas.

There are some trigger points in this story but remember we are talking about a paranormal world view that thinks differently than their human companions as to what is and is not acceptable behavior.

For me a fun read that worked out nicely.
[EArc from Netgalley]

A truly ~magical~ read! Easily one of the best childhood friends to lovers books I’ve read. Bastian and Emma are such lovable main characters and the supporting cast is just as good (hoping and pleading for sequels on Leah and Tia). The plot was well established and clear but I was still pleasantly surprised at the twists. The love scenes were steamy yet so sweet. And the HEA nearly had me in tears! Such a pleasure to read this book

This is a thought provoking book about betrayal, then learning to trust. The theme of trust, growing up, and learning to communicate is prevalent in this book. There are enough questions, such as who is this, and why did this happen, to make the story interesting.

A great start to a new romance/urban fantasy. This is much heavier on the romance than the urban fantasy; this book not only introduces our first couple but all the other couples that will (presumably) be featured in forthcoming books. Still, the witch/warlock society is a fun background to play in and Emma's and Bastian's romance hits all the right notes of young love reunited up to and including steamy sex scenes. I have to admit, Emma's shyness/passivity didn't do much for me, but I look forward to the next books in the series.

This story is about choice, abuse, and feminine power. I cheered and I was frustrated at times, and it was an easy read, but I"m not sure I loved it, or even mostly liked it, because there were so many issues I had with the relationships. Its a quick read, and I'd say a cozy beachy read would be my recommended.

"The Witch is Back" is engaging and enjoyable. It tells the story of a witch, Emma, who has always felt less than, never more so than when her contractual betrothed and chosen BFF Bastian abandoned her seven years earlier. Bastian is now back and seems to think he and Emma can just pick up where they left off. Emma tries to convince herself that she is not interested but she has never fully let go of her feelings for Bastian. And Bastian has always cared for Emma but needs her help now to save his mother.

The plot of this book was more intricate than I expected. As a lawyer, I loved all of the contractual shenanigans, even as far-fetched as they were. The romance was a little slow-paced and like many romance stories, many of the issues between the couple could have been resolved with just a bit more communication. Though to be fair, there is also a silencing hex involved.

I wish Emma had grown a backbone a bit sooner and grown even more of one overall. I did like how Bastian just wasn't there for her horrible mother. Overall, I recommend, especially if a reader is a fan of paranormal romance. Solid writing. 4 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complementary ARC of this book. The opinions herein are my own.

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

Content: Sexual situations,

This was a pretty good read! I loved the magic, the relationship between Bastian and Emma, the sinister mother, and the fact that this romance act has a pretty decent plot.

This is a clever, involved tale, complete with great characters and intricate plot. It’s so much more than I’d imagined it might be. I was surprised when I found myself unable to put the book down. The happenings between the pages are believable if you can suspend disbelief over paranormal beings.

When I was offered the opportunity to read this book, I hesitated, unsure of what I’d discover within. I’m so glad I took the chance. I loved everything about it. My big hope is that this is the beginning of a series. This book goes several steps beyond what’s offered in many of the paranormal romances that I’ve read, and the cover is gorgeous.

The Witch is Back will break your heart, but then magically put it back together and leave you smiling. This book definitely will leave you feeling happy and content at the end.

I loved the writing style and the fresh and clever phrasings used throughout the book. The author is highly skilled at her craft. I’d be delighted to read another book of hers.

If you enjoy paranormal romances, I highly recommend this book.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I thank all involved for their generosity, but it had no effect on this review.

Perfect for fans of : witchy, romance, romcom vibes, fantasy vibe in an urban setting, second chance romance.

I was pretty intrigued by this because it seemed similar to Not the Witch You Wed. At first it almost read like a fanfic of that book but it does get better and develop into its own. Unfortunately, I think the pace was way too slow. The FMC was hard to like and on top of that, hard to stay engaged with. I just wasn’t invested in her story.

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Five stars! I love this! This somehow managed to be a light romantic comedy with a lot of dark secrets. There was a twist that I didn’t see coming. I became truly invested in each of these characters and their growth. Miss Emmaline comes from a rough family life, and Bastion comes from a loving family; the way that has influenced who they are made for a compelling read in and of itself,. They were childhood besties in an arranged marriage. Emmaline was left at the altar, but not for the reason she thinks. I love that we get to see how each of these characters has grown, and we get to see them growing, even as we read and getting to know each other better and getting to know themselves and their motivations better. Excellent character development! I want to purchase this book because I know I’m gonna want to read it again and I would like a physical copy. I also hope that the two bffs Tia and Leah get their own books because I adore them as well. I think we might because I think we met their potential future love interests in this book. Also, there is some spice in this book, but it is not spice centric. I’d say just the right amount of spice.

Overall I really enjoyed this book!
I love the witchy rom-com with magic thrown in here or there. I will post a lengthier more detailed review on my Book Insta account one month prior to the august release date as requested on the publisher page.
Would read more from this author!

Such a charming witchy read, perfect for springtime! Featuring forced engagement, opposites-attract, and second chance romance. The cast of characters are delightful. The character growth amidst witch family dynamics was intriguing. This contemporary fantasy romance is perfect for those looking for something light and sweet!

Thank you Harlequin and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this story!

This book fell short for me. Inundated with new witch romance books, this one did not make the cut. It felt overdone and I've read this content in other books but done better by other authors.