Yup, I loved this book! Absolutely brilliant, highly entertaining + unique storyline — with all sorts of villainous characters and questionable behavior creating a fun, fast read that I didn’t want to put down. Plus, I’m always thrilled when essential oils, Prosecco, crystals, yoga, and meditation make it onto the pages. ✨🔮💫

I enjoyed reading this book. It was unique, contains an enemies to lovers trope, MC's coming from two rival families and lots of magic. It was really something new and refreshing. The romance was one major part of the plot but there was some mystery too and I'm sure a lot more is left to uncover. Sadie & Gabriel were both reprehensible characters but that's what made them both so distinctive. I was really hooked by how their relationship slowly developed and I was lost in the settings too. The town of Mannith was beautifully described. So the book is definitely worth reading if you're into fantasy romance!

Thank you NetGalley for providing me the Arc of this book.

I'll start by saying that I'm really excited to see where Sophie Williamson goes as a writer in the future. This novel has a really strong premise that hasn't been done before, as far as I know. I love the mixture of witchy world, law, etc... There's also a really good balance between telling you enough to keep you invested, while leaving enough mystery for you to want to keep reading. I struggled most during the dialogue between characters, not getting the sense of chemistry & connection that I really craved for how much I otherwise loved the characters. Even if you are not into this book, it will be worth watching where Williamson goes as they continue to grow as an author.

First and foremost: thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book prior to release.

Unfortunately, this book wasn’t for me for so many reasons.
For starters, the writing style read much more YA than adult to me, and the overuse of contractions in the beginning was driving me batty; but those things felt minuscule in comparison to the plot holes that peppered this book.
Initially I felt like it had potential, but I found myself questioning what I had just read at the end of so many chapters. The storyline didn’t make sense here, or the reaction of the characters didn’t make sense there…and don’t even get me started on Sadie and Gabriel.
The “relationship” between Sadie and Gabe was one of the most confusing and maddening things I’ve read to date. I felt like there could have been so much potential in their storyline, but it just went haywire.
The scene with Gabriel and Leah was the sinking ship for me; any hope that I had for liking whatever was going on between Sadie and Gabe sizzled out in that moment and it just wasn’t believable from there.
This is one of those books that any missing piece or questions you may have in the beginning are answered at the very end- but the problem for me was that the answers didn’t always make sense, and the pieces didn’t quite fit.

Enemies to lovers/forbidden love interest with witches? Perfection!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the relationship between Sadie and Gabriel had me kicking my feet. The romance and chemistry between them was incredible. Since the beginning I was rooting for them even though I probably shouldn’t have considering the rivalry. Both characters being morally grey also added so much depth to their interactions.

The magic system and the world-building were great and I could really imagine what it was like in Mannith (the main setting). It was slow to start because of the first part being mainly background, but as soon as the second part began, the story took off! I felt that the dialogue was a bit choppy sometimes, but the story was so engaging it didn’t really affect me much. The courtroom scenes were some of my favorites and I thought the pacing for them was perfect (just enough but not too much).

Thank you the NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC!

When I first looked into The Twisted Mark, I was almost positive I would be sold on this book. I’m a big fantasy and witchy romance reader so upon reading the synopsis I was super excited to read this one. This book had all the perfect pieces to create a great story, a dark and broody love interest, a witty female lead, family ties, and a dark secret, but the execution was a little rushed. There were so many interactions between characters and plots that would’ve thrived if they had been given more time. There were so many characters I wanted to learn about and so much more to the history of this town that could’ve been explored. Some of the backstories were just briefly brushed over but in a real scenario they could’ve added to the story. Now all that being said I didn’t dislike this book. I definitely think it has potential. The plot line was gripping and the basis of each character is enough to draw a reader in. It definitely held my attention throughout and kept me invested, which I’m sure it will do to any reader who picks it up. I will definitely invest in the next book for sure and I hope to see more of Sadie and Gabriel’s backstories explored!

Mobster witches when power and loyalty mean everything. Two families vying for control of their magical community. Rivalry and emotions run high with a murder, family secrets and choices.

This alternative modern fantasy world is governed by witch magic with strict laws, what happens when you skirt those rules? Our leading lady, Sadie chose family devotion and owes a debt to Gabriel the heir to the rival witch family. A lot of undertones run amok in the plotline pulling the reader along into deeper water and forces each page to continue to turn. The book has so many things going for it: obsession, passion, family politics and loyalty, trust, honor, feuds, and questioning agency.

It's an entertaining read with a unique take on magic and debt, on family and choices. Sophie is an endearing character doing her best, while the morally grey Gabriel is hot, yet needs to do some changing. Add in a deranged family and community, and you watch as her choices lead to consequences. Spicy level leads the main characters to some intimate scenes, so beware. It was almost a five-star rating, but the ending was a little anticlimactic (or I could be biased).

Wow the way this book hooked me. It started off slow, I wasn't sure if I liked the first person tense but once Sadie was Sadie in the court room, I was all in. I could not put it down.

First, the magic system is playful, simple, and easy to understand, but powerful and, cooly, connected to the earth. I think if I were able to choose a magic, from a book series (you know, to live with and use) it would be this one. Second, I love when a book makes me root for someone but also want to punch them in the face. The characters are wildly imperfect and it made me giddy and frustrated at the same time. Third, the romance is enemies to lovers in a way that is predictable but still had me gasping. They flip-flopped from enemies to lovers to enemies to lovers so much that while its obvious they love each other, I truly don't know what is going to happen with them.

I was so pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this and can't wait for the next one. Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This was a refreshing take on a Witchy story and I’m adding book 2 to my TBR right now.

Sadie is a powerful practitioner hiding from her past, not using her powers. After leaving Mannith, her home, 6 years ago, she moved to London where she’s made a life for herself and became a lawyer.

When a night of fun, turns into a message from her family to come out of hiding, return to Mannith, and help her brother who is on trial for murder, she’s faced with a difficult choice. Return home, help her brother, and risk facing what or who she’s been hiding from or stay in hiding and continue to not use her magic.

This book has it all.
- Unique Plot
- Strong FMC
- Family drama
- Enemies to Lovers
- Betrayals

This book was absolutely fantastic! As the first in a series, it started off a bit slow as the author built the world for the characters and provided the backstory to the reader to set the scene for the current book, but once that was done, this book was action packed and I couldn't put it down! The characters were developed beautifully, they were all multifaceted and complex enough that no one was totally good or totally bad, which made the story even more compelling. I loved Sadie and Gabriel individually and loved them even more together and I absolutely cannot wait to read the next book in the series!! This was my first Sophie Williamson book, but it definitely will not be my last.

Loved the magic system, loved the spice. The enemies to lovers was great, tied up in a long time family feud. Really fall in love with the main character Sadie and she is faced with such moral dilemmas; should it really always be ‘everything for the family’?

Thank you to Sophie Williamson and NetGalley for this ARC of The Twisted Mark

Despite being unconvinced that I would enjoy this in the first pages of the book, this was 4/5 stars.

How can you not enjoy good old enemies to lovers, with multitudes of morally gray characters, and its fair share of plot twists?

2.5/5
First of all, thanks to NetGalley and the people at Storm Publishing for allowing me to read this book in advance.
When I read the blurb I was 99% sold on this book. I thought I'd finally found a book that I'd like. But that was precisely what I didn't like about this book. The story has great potential, something different from what's being published recently (every book seems to be about fae while this focussed on witches) however the story didn't seem connected. There wasn't enough backstory for me to care about the characters and their relationships, and everything seemed thrown onto the paper just because. He was obsessed because his mom told him she'd be perfect for him. That's not enough of a backstory for me. I'm sure that if there's going to be a second book, this will be highlighted more. But it's simply not enough for me.
In short: this story has/had potential, and I hope it will be saved from the next book. The author had a great plotline in their head, I just wished the story was delivered better. It was a quick read and pleasant at times.
Once again, thank you for the opportunity given me for reviewing this book early.

This book is INSANE. I loved every moment. The tension between Sadie and Gabriel was *chefs kiss*
I found myself sympathising with the Sadlers and then getting increasingly frustrated with them as the book went on, their lack of concern for Sadie - especially her brother Bren, that plot twist 🤯🤯
But Gabriel.... he started out the absolute baddie, Sadie was literally terrified of him but it just goes to show first impressions and reputations can't always be trusted....
100% 5-star and I cannot wait for the next instalment... the ending left me craving more!!

The Twisted Mark is original, enjoyable, fun, easy read. It's an enemies-to-lovers tale centered around the rivalry between two powerful witch families.

There was true character development throughout the book, and the protagonist was likable. None of the characters were fully "good" or "bad" and the major mystery throughout the book had a satisfying conclusion.

*I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A thrilling first book in an action packed, sexy romance fantasy book. This a story of family ties, of manipulation, of battling with magical strength and of finding the truth. Twisted Mark has a beautifully twisted story line to entertain and thrill. It can be read as a stand alone, but good news a sequel is due to be published in the near future. Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

Enemies to lovers, rival families, morally gray characters, magic spells and lots of secrets.

Who is the real villain? What are their reasons? It keeps you guessing until everything is revealed.

I really enjoyed te story, the romance was an active part of it but there is definitely more to it.

I am really looking forward to knowing what happens next and where the adventure takes.

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing.

Thank you NetGalley for gifting me a copy of this book.

I am pleasantly surprised! I enjoyed this book and the tensions in it. Sadie was a great main character, with a lovely personnality and set of values.

I wasn't planning on reading the next book but with this ending, I'll need to!

I would also disagree with the "dark fantasy romance" description...

Title: "The Twisted Mark" by Sophie Williamson - A Captivating Blend of Magic and Romance

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Quick Review:
"The Twisted Mark" by Sophie Williamson is a delightful novel that successfully combines magic, romance, and well-developed characters. With its interesting magic systems and the enticing enemies-to-lovers trope, this book will appeal to fans of character-driven stories. While the plot could have been further enriched, the overall reading experience is satisfying and engaging. Sophie Williamson's talent for crafting relatable characters and immersive worlds shines through, making this book a worthwhile addition to any fantasy lover's collection. Specifically those looking to be bewitched ;)


Review:
"The Twisted Mark" by Sophie Williamson is a captivating novel that effortlessly weaves together intriguing magic systems and a character-driven narrative. This enchanting tale explores the delicate balance between enemies and lovers, delving into the forbidden romance that emerges when a dark bad boy collides with a protagonist destined for a different path. With its engaging plot and well-developed characters, this book offers a delightful reading experience.

One of the strengths of "The Twisted Mark" lies in its magic systems, which are both fascinating and intricately crafted. Williamson introduces a unique magical world, where the rules are both imaginative and believable. The exploration of these systems adds depth and excitement to the story, making it an enthralling read for fantasy enthusiasts. The author's attention to detail in developing the magic elements is commendable and enhances the overall world-building.

What truly sets this novel apart is its focus on character development. The main characters are intriguing and multi-dimensional, evoking a strong emotional connection with readers. The enemies-to-lovers trope is skillfully executed, providing a tension-filled dynamic that gradually transforms into a passionate and forbidden romance. This aspect adds an alluring layer of complexity to the story, making it compelling and engaging throughout.

Sophie Williamson's writing style is accessible and fluid, making "The Twisted Mark" an easy read. The prose flows smoothly, allowing readers to immerse themselves effortlessly in the narrative. The pacing of the plot is well-balanced, providing a mix of action, romance, and introspection. While the story leans more towards being character-driven than plot-driven, the plot still maintains a strong sense of direction and purpose.

However, the dialogue sometimes felt awkward but nonetheless, the story remains engaging, providing an enjoyable experience from beginning to end.(I.e. I read this all night and didn’t want to put it down)

WHAT A RIDE! This dark fantasy was thrilling! I was sucked in from the very start and constantly shocked with all the turns this story took. It gave me serious Romeo and Juliet vibes that hooked me!

I was drawn in with the Sadler family and rooting for them the entire time. A good family bond will always be your strongest tool.

I connected with Sadie on so many levels. I am also in the legal field and love love love a good defense. The "anything for the family" mindset she has reminded me of my own family. Our families may be nuts, but they are all we have.

Sadie's connection with Gabriel was so strong and very undeniably present. I loved watching their story unfold. The spice between these two...

Overall, I absolutely loved this book! Strong characters, spicey romance, and a little bit of violence :) I can't wait for the second book!