How 1 witch and 1 werewolf come together to save a city. The werewolf has dimples. Great read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

I really love the world building in this story but I also feel like the author need to add more definition to the world. The characters are beautifully written and you really come to fall in love with Jo. The character building needs more to it but that will come with time. I love the plot thou.. I would recommend this to others

An interesting premise, but this book feels very much like a debut and would benefit from editing.

There are entire sections that are over written and others that aren't examined at all. Since it's dual POV there are times when both characters monologue for pages about the exact same thing, but that Jasper dislikes a witch on the Council - just because. The pacing is all over, with somehow an entire renovation happening before the Plot A resuming, but is also only a few weeks? I also have an issue with there being a fairly large magical community but two extremely strong witches go undetected their whole lives AND then both purchase major magical strongholds without ever interacting with other magical beings? How?

I think the last third of the book showcases what the book could be with editing, and as the writer grows. I do think this series reminds me a lot of Seana Kelly's Sam Quinn series so maybe that put this book on the back foot for me. I do think this has kernels of what can become a great series, and unique author with some more work and growth.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book.

This book was intense, sweet, and romantic.
I really liked Jo and her journey to coping with what happened to her and learning more about her abilities and strength. She is very strong and independent but is smart when making decisions.
Booker is super cute and a great pairing for Jo. I liked that throughout the first half of the story he let Jo get to know him and gave her space as needed but gradually became more protective of her.

Pacing wise the story is definitely slower paced with a relatively slow burn romance. There is spice but it comes a lot later in the book which gave it a more slice of life and day to day feel. It made for a more comfortable and cozy read, considering all the dark aspects of the story ( included in trigger warnings ).

Overall it was a good read for those looking for their next werewolf /witch romance that has zombies, evil warlocks, gods and goddesses ,and a council of magical creatures all set within a modern urban St. Louis.
I am super excited for the next book to see where Jo and Booker’s story goes.

Trigger warnings:
Non consensual acts
Kidnapping
PTSD
Death

Mirror Witch was such a surprise to me!

It should, by all rights, be grim and dark, set as it is against a backdrop of horrific violence and cruelty.
But the story of Jo, the witch who uses her powers to create a sanctuary for herself and others in need, and Booker, the werewolf sent by the Council to track her down, is full of warmth and love and humanity, with glints of wacky, snarky humor and interesting bits of information about tarot and witchcraft.

The characters are wonderful. Jo, despite her past trauma, is brave and strong and funny and always uses her powers for good. (despite the occasional and completely understandable desire to poison the more obnoxious customers of her occult shop). She has a loyal and equally strong and likeable friend and ally in Kate, another witch she's known since they were teens.

Booker is the wolf who falls hard for Jo and quickly turns from bounty hunter to partner, bent on protecting Jo at all costs from whatever/whoever is trying to kill her. Booker is tall and strong and knows he's attractive, but in the hands of Phoebe Walker, he's not obnoxiously cocky. He recognizes and respects Jo's strengths and abilities every bit as much as her...other assets. Walker draws Booker with a deft hand, giving him especially endearing qualities like the curiosity of a pup, the desire to pace or shake himself when emotions are strong, and the ability to smell/sense fear and distress in the woman he loves.

Together Jo and Booker are a swoon-worthy team and a formidable pair, fiercely protective of each other and the ones they love..

5 stars.
NOTES:
Those who have triggers should check Phoebe Walker's website for content warnings. Parts of this story are harrowing.
I read an earlier draft of Jo & Booker's story. When ARCs became available, I requested on in exchange for my honest review.