DE-WITCHED – Sophie H. Morgan
Toil and Trouble, Book 2
Harlequin Feature
ISBN: 978-1-335-14664-9
August 20, 2024
Fantasy Romance

Chicago – Present Day

Leah Turner co-owns a bar with two witches but very few people are aware that she knows about witches and warlocks because the magical beings walk among us, and she needs to keep their secret. One night a few weeks ago, Leah snuck into a witches and warlocks masked ball and met Gabriel Goodnight. He is everything she would ever want in a man; except he is a warlock. Weeks later, Gabriel shows up at the bar with the express idea that he will work there. He doesn’t recognize Leah but still charms her despite his churlish attitude. When his job at the bar ends up not being his forte, it is suggested that he work at the animal rescue where Leah spends time when she’s not in the bar. Surely he would get along better with animals than humans?

Gabriel doesn’t want to be here in Chicago, but his parents’ Will requires that he spend time working among and caring for humans. The other stipulation is that he can’t reveal that he is a warlock, and his powers will be reduced. In other words, he has to mostly live like a human. Gabriel is not a pet lover, but he soon becomes fond of the various dogs there. Of course, he still acts churlish at times with Leah, though she can see beneath the surface. He’s trying to hide the real Gabriel Goodnight. They are falling in love, though the chances of a warlock and human mating would cause a scandal in the witchery world. Is there any hope for them?

While DE-WITCHED is a fantasy, it is set in modern-day Chicago with magic in the background. Gabriel’s family owns a company that employs humans and he expected to become the CEO upon his parents' death. But they wanted him to be more like them—working with humans and helping them. Gabriel would prefer to be his usual debauchery warlock self but now he has to live amongst humans and act like them. While Gabriel and Leah met weeks before, it takes him just a little longer to realize who she is. One of the rules is that witches cannot reveal themselves to humans. Unbeknownst to the higher witch’s council, Leah knows about witches and warlocks since she co-owns the bar with two.

There are a few funny scenes in DE-WITCHED as Gabriel, who never had an animal, falls in love with those at the pet rescue. Meanwhile, he is growing more attracted to Leah. There is no future for them, especially since he will be gone in a month. The first thing Leah thinks of is to have a fling with her sexy warlock. Will Gabriel jump at the idea? What happens when the month is up? Readers will laugh and cry at the emotion and passion flowing between Gabriel and Leah. We also meet Gabriel’s little sister, as well as other characters, mostly from his group of friends/company associates.

If you love a bewitching tale about forbidden love with a touch of humor, then don’t miss DE-WITCHED. Readers will be rooting hard for our couple to have their happily ever after.

Patti Fischer
Romance Reviews Today

I loved the first book in the series and was excited to read the next one. This was an interesting read but I did not feel as invested in Leah and Gabriel as I was in Emma and Bastian’s story. The chemistry between our two leads was okay and it watching that connection build and develop and wondering how it would work out given the obstacles kept me reading. I liked that we got a glimpse of the mysterious high family. I really hope we get Tia’s story next as her experience and view of which society compared to Emma’s has it intrigued me and I want to know what the Henry of it all is. 3 🌟

📖: De-Witched, e-book, 273pgs.

🖋️: By Sophie H. Morgan-I read The Witch is Back gave it 4 ⭐

🗓️️: Publication 8-20-24, Read 8-16-24

💬 Summary: Leah Turner (28) is a human who co-owns Toil and Trouble bar with her witchy friends Tia and Emma. Gabriel Goodnight is set to inherit the family business Goodnight's Remedies. The board wants him to prove himself by living among humans with minimal magic.

⚠️: death of parents-H, estranged parent-h's father, human hate, arson, robbery, assault

Genre:
✨Paranormal/Contemporary Romance
✨Fantasy
✨Adult Fic

Tropes:
✨grumpy/sunshine
✨forced proximity
✨witches/magic
✨pet friendly/animal shelter

🤔My Thoughts: Leah was a tough cookie but knew what she wanted, and didn't care what anyone thought-especially Gabriel. Things started rocky between them but with the help of some rescue animals and good friends, Gabriel softened towards Leah. They went from a no strings attached affair to true love. I loved Melly and Gabriel's relationship and can't wait for Tia's book!


Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 3/5🔥🔥🔥

🙏🏽Thank you to Sophie H. Morgan, Harlequin-Romance, and NetGalley for this ARC 💜! As always, my review is my opinion and thoughts.

De-Witched is a witchy rom-com with plenty of grumpy/sunshine banter! The second in the Toil and Trouble Series.

Our main girl, Leah, is a human who happens to know the huge secret that witches exist—a knowledge that is forbidden. Gabriel is our broody and serious MMC who happens to be a warlock and believes that witches and humans are better off not interacting.

Leah sneaks into a high-society witchy masked ball with the help of some friends (characters from Toil and Trouble Book #1). While at the ball she steals a quick kiss with Gabriel (unbeknownst to him she is a human) before she is whisked away from the ball romanticizing about her handsome warlock.

Gabriel is set to take inherit his parent’s company but first he must jump through one large hoop—spend 3 months in the human world using little to no magic. When Gabriel manages to snag a job at Leah’s bar, sparks fly! Gabriel has no idea that Leah is the woman he kissed at the ball and Leah can’t understand how this stuffy, three-piece suit wearing snob is the same charming man she flirted with before.

The snarky banter between our love interests was hilarious to read! A cute, quick, witchy read.

Grumpy/sunshine
Extreme dislike to love
Paranormal
Forbidden love
Found family

This was such a cute story. Leah is so fun and spunky. She’s an easy character to love. Gabriel is your definitive grump to her sunshine. The angst. he has for life in general is palpable but watching her melt his icy heart is happy making. This is such a fun and whimsical story. I can’t wait to read the next one.

Leah Turner, human, animal lover, and co-owner of popular bar Toil & Trouble is fascinated by magic and Witch Society. The only problem, it’s against the witches laws for humans to know about the magical world and she’s been sworn to secrecy. When Leah’s friends give her the chance to attend a masked witch’s ball, she jumps at the opportunity to get a taste of the world she’s longed to be a part of. During the party, Leah makes a connection with an intriguing warlock, a man she will probably never see again. When her mysterious warlock unexpectedly turns up at her bar, Leah is surprised and delighted, until she realizes he is nothing like he seemed at the ball. Gabriel Goodnight is uptight and laser focused. As the heir to his high society family’s company, he must prove to the board that he’s capable of becoming CEO. After his parent’s deaths, Gabriel has been nothing but responsible, raising his younger sister and planning for the future. To convince the board, Gabriel agrees to live amongst the humans with limited access to his magic and Leah’s friends offer him a job at their bar. Gabriel doesn’t recognize Leah and the two immediately clash. Outgoing, romantic, kind hearted Leah is the exact opposite of stodgy, snobby Gabriel. While Gabriel unsuccessfully tries to live as human and hide his powers and Leah tries to hide her knowledge of Witch Society, their attraction and connection only grows stronger. Now they must discover if they can make peace with their differences and the secrets they’ve been keeping or if the obstacles in their path are just to big to overcome.

Sophie H. Morgan’s De-Witched is sweet, romantic and brimming with magic. A charming, witchy read. It’s a strong second entry in her Toil & Trouble series. Morgan expands and builds on the world she set up in The Witch is Back. She’s developed an interesting and creative magical society. The characters are well written and we get to peek in on some favorites from the first book. The strong family and friend bonds woven into the story are wonderful and real. I love a good opposites attract storyline and Leah & Gabriel are definitely opposites. Leah is pure sunshine and Gabriel is a stormy little thundercloud, yet they work perfectly together and bring out each other’s best qualities. They have a true partnership. By working on their relationship, they work on themselves which helps to heal childhood traumas for them both. A heartwarming story of love overcoming loneliness.

I received an advanced copy for review.

Chuck is the absolute BEST and I love him. He is the goodest boi. I am always a sucker for a dog in a book, but he's an elderly (young at heart) retriever and I just wanna squish his face.

Anyway.

We met Leah in <i>The Witch is Back</i> (def recommend, btw, this is such a fun series). She's the only non-magical in a trio of bar owners, her partners Emma and Tia are witches. Leah isn't supposed to know about witches and magic, but she does, and when she sneaks into a magical masquerade, she has a <i>moment</i> with Gabriel Goodnight. She never expected to see him again, but a few weeks later, he shows up to work at her bar.

Gabriel's life goal is to take over the business his parents left behind, but when the board declares he has to live as a human before taking over, he doesn't expect to find an infuriating woman as his boss. When Gabriel tries and fails to work at the bar, Leah suggests he work at the animal shelter where she volunteers, and there they grow closer until they can no longer ignore the sparks between them.

I really enjoy this series! I love a hidden magical society, and this hits a sort of fanficy spot (in a good way!) of a modern, magical AU. My favorite thing about De-Witched (Chuck aside) is Leah and Gabriel's bickering that turned to bantering. The cast of characters in this series is such a fun group, and I love their friendships! I can't wait to see who Tia will end up with! I'm betting she's next, but I hope we get a book for Kole too, because he is so obviously in love with our girl Leah, and she is OBLIVIOUS.

Also, A+ spice in this one. Excellent use of neckties 😉

Thanks to Netgalley, Harlequin, and Sophie H. Morgan for the ARC! This is my own opinion.

Gabriel Goodnight is a warlock, and the heir to his parents’ pharmaceutical empire. Leah is a human who co-owns a bar with two of her friends—who happen to be witches. In order for Gabriel to inherit his role at the company, however, he must satisfy a clause set forth by his deceased parents: spend three months living as and among humans. So, Gabriel finds himself unwillingly working at Leah’s bar, and the two are catastrophically antagonistic until the sparks ultimately begin to fly in a more romantic direction.

This companion to The Witch is Back features many of the same characters and settings as were introduced in that book, though this one can stand on its own, if desired. The story is told from the alternating perspectives of Gabriel and Leah in the third person, giving readers insight into each of their feelings about one another as the narrative progresses. Readers will appreciate the approachable nature of the storytelling and the casual blend of magic and reality throughout the novel, especially as the focus turns to how the two can work well together.

A romance novel at its heart, this book does not disappoint in its level of intensity and intimacy. Detailed descriptions of romantic interludes are included, and occasional profanity peppers the story, as well. While there are formulaic elements of the plot because of its nature as a romance novel, it is still fun to follow the characters from enemies to lovers, especially across the invisible barrier between warlock and human. Readers who enjoy paranormal romances will appreciate the heart and delivery of this book, and they will likewise enjoy the companion novel if they have yet to read it. This is a fun escape from daily life for mature readers in need of a little steamy romance.

A very delightful story that will surely draw you in until the end. A test of character rolls through the scenes as a human and a warlock have a battle of strong wills while opening cracks in the walls around their hearts. The evolution of the resistant warlock, Gabriel, is magical. Leah’s persistence is fabulous. Their connection will keep you captivated.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

De-Witched by Sophie H. Morgan is a charming and imaginative novel that cleverly combines elements of fantasy with contemporary themes. Morgan’s engaging narrative and inventive plot offer a refreshing and entertaining read, making it a delightful escape into a whimsical world.

Thank you to Harlequin for providing me with a copy of this book!

Unfortunately, I DNF'd this book around 30%. I had a hard time with the MMC and level of grump he exuded. It made it hard for me to read.

With this book being a continuation of book one (just focusing on different characters) it was hard for me as I read the first book so long ago. I wish there had been a bit more re-hashing done in order to get readers acclimated to the setting and characters before diving in again.

De-Witched is the second book in the Toil and Tr'ouble series and it follows Leah as she finds her Prince Charming. Well kind of. Leah isn't supposed to know about magic but her best friends are witches so she does. So when a handsome warlock, Gabriel, comes into her bar she recognizes him but he can't know she knows him. Gabriel is being forced to live among humans for three months to prove his worth. They are very much grump meets sunshine. De-Witched was cute but I didn't love Leah and Gabe as much I thought I would. It still fun to see all the different characters pop in and out the books.

My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Harlequin - Romance, Harlequin Feature. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Witchy Romance, Romcom, Contemporary Romance, Spicy Romance
Spice Level: High (sex on the page—too much for me to read, and I skipped)
Language: Some profanity

*DE-WITCHED* is a world where magic collides with the human world. It's particularly hard for Gabriel Goodnight, who has to dampen his powers and live in the human world to prove he's capable of running his family's business that works with humans.

If you've read book 1, you already know how Leah is fascinated with the magic world that's out of her reach. Even though Gabriel is a jerk to Leah, she's kind-hearted enough to work on finding him a position to fulfill the contract. He doesn't really see how she's helping him.

My 2 top funny moment to watch for:
- Toasters!
- Dogs

I think these will delight everyone.

The friends having such serious doubts about Gabriel is fun too because Leah sees a different side of him. It's wonderful to see how much others love Leah and want to help her.

There was a twist I didn't see coming. That's always fun too.

If you're a paranormal spicy romance reader, this book is for you!

Happy reading!

This was such a great follow up to The Which is Back!
Loved getting back to these characters and the witty banter. Just a light & easy read with some magic sprinkled in. Highly enjoyed this romcom.

Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Books for an eARC. Leah, a human, is friends with witches but must act like she is unaware of witches. Gabriel, a warlock, is working to take over his deceased parents company but must live among humans with little magic for three months to get the company. Leah and Gabriel meet and there is a spark. Leah ends up helping Gabriel adjust to the human world. Along the way of falling in love they both face feelings of not being accepted by others and family trauma. Included slow burn, banter and pushing each other out of their comfort zones, found family and a few spicy scenes. A cute witchy romance that made me smile.

4 Stars When I first read The Witch Is Back by Sophie H. Morgan, I was surprised and delighted by the fun witchy romance. In the second book from the Toil and Trouble series, De-Witched, I expected to be delighted once again and I wasn't wrong.

As a human, Leah Turner isn't supposed to know that witches exist. That doesn't mean she doesn't take some risks, like attending a masked witch high-society ball with her friends where she shared an almost-kiss with a warlock. Six weeks later, said warlock is the newest employee at the bar Leah owns with her witchy best friends. In order to become CEO of his family company, Gabriel Goodnight must give up his powers and live amongst humans for three months to prove his merit. Leah immediately recognizes Gabriel when he walks into the bar, but he has no idea who she is or that she knows about magic. The two grow closer as Gabriel's time with the humans ticks by and just because they can't be together doesn't mean they can't have some fun while it lasts...right?

This was such a fun, light read! A little predictable at times, but the perfect read if you are looking for a light-hearted, fun, and romantic read with some witchy vibes.

I absolutely loved this book! It was such a good slow burn witchy romance! The broodiness of Gabriel was the perfect companion to Leah’s happy sunshine personality. Gabriel’s character development and the growth of their relationship was heartwarming and so satisfying to see unfold. There were also many funny moments that made this thoroughly enjoyable to read. I highly recommend this to fans of cozy, slow burn romance with grumpy/sunshine and all the witchy vibes!

Sophie H. Morgan brings all the feels in this grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract witchy romance! The second book in the Toil and Trouble series features Leah, ray of sunshine, animal lover, and part owner of the human bar, Toil and Trouble. Leah's cheerful positivity is tested by Gabriel, known in magical society as the Warlock of Contempt, when he is forced to live for three months in the human world to be named CEO of his family's company.

I loved these characters! Leah is the sweetest! Gabriel's disdainful persona is no match for her determination to help him through his time in Chicago. Closed off emotionally to everyone except the younger sister he raised, Leah quickly gets under his skin with her selflessness and determined optimism. Gabriel's character development through his growing relationship with Leah and his work at the animal shelter she has dedicated so much of herself to made him an unforgettable mmc.

While you do not have to have read The Witch is Back in order to enjoy De-Witched, characters from that book play important roles in this book.

Trust, forgiveness, loyalty, determination, and risking it all, this book is everything I love in a romance. Put this on your tbr now!

Super cute! Dewitched follows Leah is a human but has friends as witches! The issue is she’s not suppose to know about them. She meets Gabriel at a ball but was disguised and quickly sees him again when he’s working at her bar. In order to inherit his family’s company Gabriel has to work among humans for 3 months and limit his use of magic.

This is a slow burn witchy romance, and pretty soon the two have to make a choice of what matters to them and can they balance both worlds.

De-Witched is the second book in the Toil and Trouble paranormal romance series, and features Leah Turner, the human friend of Emma and Tia, and part owner of the bar Toil and Trouble, and Gabriel Goodnight, a warlock who is thrust into the human world, without full use of his magic, in order to satisfy a condition in his parent’s will that would enable him to take over the family company.

Before I get any further, I’d like to mention that this is one of those books where the cartoonish cover really doesn’t convey the contents within the book. This book is darker, and sexier, than you’d expect if you were just to pick it up based on the cover art. There are several spicey open-door love scenes, and the backstory of one of the main characters has repeated mentions of parental death. Just a heads up.

When I finished the first book in the series, The Witch is Back, I kind of expected Leah and Kole, Emma’s warlock brother, to be paired in the series. So, imagine my surprise when I read the blurb and discovered that a new character would be introduced as Leah’s love interest. If you enjoy the opposites attract or grumpy/sunshine tropes this will be right up your alley.

Gabriel and Leah first meet on a balcony at Emma and Bastian’s betrothal announcement ball, where Leah is disguised so that the witches and warlocks attending don’t become aware that there is a human amongst them. She is quite aware of the magical world, but always kept on the outside (apart from this one occurrence) and protected by her BFFs since humans are forbidden from this knowledge. There is a connection, but Leah doesn’t expect to see the intriguing man again.

Gabriel Goodnight is a product of an old magical line, and heir to a company that is unique in his world as it employs and caters to both humans and magic users. He is uptight, cold, and pretty much hates humans when the book opens. Readers will learn the reason for this as his backstory unfolds. He has spent years working his way through the company, department by department, in order to gain the board’s approval and move into the role of CEO. Gabriel is blindsided when he is notified there is one last step he must complete before proving himself capable–live and work in the human world for three months, with limited use of his magic, without breaking any of the rules imposed. Despite his absolute disgust at being put into this position, he asks the owners of Toil and Trouble, for employment, unaware this this would put him in contact with the woman he met on that balcony months ago.

As someone who does enjoy the above-mentioned tropes, this book worked for me. I was already familiar with the world-building and character’s personalities and relationship dynamics, so it was easy to just dive right into book two. I do think you could read as a standalone but do think reading the first book in the series will enhance your enjoyment.

Leah and Gabe are a good match-up, one I enjoyed immensely. She is bright and sunny, a people and pet person more intrigued by than afraid of the magical world. Gabe is broody and aloof, determined to stay in his tight little bubble, despite being thrust into a world surrounded by humans. He wears suits to work, speaks only when spoken to, and doesn’t laugh or smile. Let’s just say his unraveling as he falls for Leah is a joy to behold. Their HEA is hard won, but lovely.

I am so intrigued by Tia and Henry. I’m convinced their second chance love story, because surely this author is saving them for the finale of the series, will be glorious. But first, I do believe Kole just might meet his forever person in book three. Regardless, I’m looking forward to whatever comes next.