Thirteen years after having her heart broken at the Fates Festival Finding Ceremony, Harlow “Harry” Pierce, a witch with muted powers, returns home to the magical small town where she grew up. She never expected to return there again, but her teenage ward is exhibiting shifter behavior and needs guidance stat. With the mother off searching for the girl’s father, Harry seeks help from the Alpha shifter of the pack back home.

She just isn’t expecting that Alpha to be Jaxon Atwood, her longtime flame who was fated to another all those years ago.

At a glance:
- Dual POV
- Paranormal (Witches and shifters and vampires, oh my!)
- Second chance
- Opposites attract
- Guardian to a teenage shifter
- Magical small town with diminishing magic along the ley lines
- Fated mates
- Steamy
- Book 1 in a new series

When I pick up an April Asher book, I know I’m going to get humor, heat, and found family, and A Simple Twist of Fate delivers all those things here. I enjoyed this one, but there’s something about it that felt maybe not as developed as I would have liked. That said, though, I am intrigued about the relationships between the other characters in this friend group and will gladly read whatever comes next in this series.

3.5⭐️

I received an advance copy of the ebook from St. Martin’s Press. All review opinions are my own.

A Simple Twist of Fate is a small town, paranormal fantasy second chance romance. Harlow and Jax seem like the perfect teenage couple in their small town of Fates Haven. Jax is a cougar shifter and Harlow is a witch, paranormal people and towns are common in this world which explains why there are angels, demons, vampires and seers all in their friend group. At a local festival Harlow is heartbroken when a Fated Mate ceremony reveals that Jax is actually fated to be with Elodie, one of Harlow's best friends! Of course the only thing Harlow can do it run away from home and throw down an anti-locator spell so that no one can ever find her. Thirteen years later Harlow must take her roommates daughter, Grace, home to Fates Haven for help from the town Alpha to figure out just what kind of paranormal shifter Grace might be,
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin Griffin for the opportunity to read and review this book which I am giving 2.5 stars.
Unfortunately with this book it is a case of the bad outweighing the good.
What I did like:
All that delicious angst that goes with a second chance romance. There wasn't enough of it for this book in my opinion.
The female bonding and rebuilding of friendships between Harlow and her two abandoned friends in Fates Haven.

What I didn't like:
Way too many pop culture references, Yes this even includes the Buffy the Vampire Slayer references, by the time those started to happen it was too late.
The massive infodump of characters and abilities within the first three chapters. I understand the set up of multiple characters in a small town, but this all happened at once with an avalanche to retain immediately. Characters can be introduced more organically that this and in a way that allows a reader to retain who people are and what their abilities are before 10 more are added to the pile.
The wheelbarrow manure scene.
The inclusion of the Fey/shifter Fey.
The PCOS part. Not sure exactly what the author was going for here especially in the scene it was mentioned in. Was Harlow trying to say that she is overweight because she has PCOS? Is she saying something about her body hair? Its is also implied that its safe to not use protection during this scene because she has PCOS so its not like she can get pregnant. I'm not sure what the intent was with this, but it was a miss.

This book definitely had potential especially as a start to a new series, but it ended up not working for me.

This new love story from April Asher was fun and sweet. Our protagonist, Harlow “Harry” Pierce, has been away from her hometown of Fates Haven for thirteen years after her boyfriend was seemingly fated for someone else. Since then, she has found herself as a second mother to Grace, the daughter of her best friend Cassie who is trying to find Grace's father. Grace has powers that are developing out of control, as so Harry brings her to Fates Haven as a last resort.
I really liked this. At first I was uncertain, as the writing style wasn't something I loved, but once the story got underway at about the 20% mark, I was hooked. The chemistry between Harry and Jax was phenomenal, and Jax seems like such a sweet person (or shifter, technically). I really liked that Asher didn't throw Grace's story to the side to focus on the romance. As much as this is a love story between Harry and Jax, this is also a story about magic being on the fritz in Fates Haven and Grace's powers being a mystery. This was a fast paced, fun, and intriguing read. I'm curious if Asher will expand this into an interconnected romance series, given what is revealed about some side characters in the end.

I was immediately drawn to A Simple Twist of Fate by the promise of magic and romance. But, the story fell flat and didn't quite meet my expectations. The narrative laggedmaking it hard to stay fully engaged, and some of the situations in the book were annoying to me(I hate admitting this in a review).
The execution and the main plot didn't hold my interest. I really really wanted to love this book but unfortunately it couldn't come together for me.

Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC of this book. The thoughts and review above are in exchange for the ARC of this book.

Very similar to April Asher's work so far but much more developed and enjoyable! I love these characters

An easy, adorable read. It doesn’t require any thinking — in fact, don’t think too hard. The world is wonderfully wonky and the beginning tosses you into it with some silly scenes, so embrace it lest you be confused.

The end is wonderfully heartwarming. Great for a snow day and a cup of cocoa.

Thank you #NetGalley for an ARC.

This book was really struggling to keep my attention the entire way through. Ultimately it was a cute romance with fantasy shifter elements but I just wish we got a little more of everything? I’d be interested in a second book about Grace and her parents

A Simple Twist of Fate is a lighthearted fantasy romance that weaves a magical world of witches, shifters, and fate. Set in the enchanting town of Fates Haven, the story follows Harlow and Jax, two destined lovers who have been separated for 13 years since she left town without a word.

The novel's strength lies in its charming, whimsical tone and fun, cozy setting. Fates Haven is brought to life with vivid descriptions that invite readers to immerse themselves in its magical atmosphere. The narrative carries a cheerful energy, making it an easy and enjoyable read. The romance between Harlow and Jax is the heart of the story, with their fated connection adding a layer of intrigue and emotional depth.

However, the book isn’t without its flaws. Some readers may find inconsistencies in the plot, particularly regarding the lore of shifters and the magical elements, which could use more clarity and cohesion. While there are moments of humor and banter, they don’t quite reach the level of Asher's previous works. Furthermore, the romantic tension between Harlow and Jax, though central to the plot, may feel underwhelming to those hoping for a deeper emotional connection.

Despite these shortcomings, A Simple Twist of Fate has potential. It offers an engaging escape for fans of lighthearted fantasy romance, even if it doesn’t fully deliver on every front. The world and supporting characters hint at possibilities for more dynamic storytelling in future books. While it may not immediately compel readers to rush into a sequel, it leaves the door open for continued exploration of Fates Haven.

If you’re in the mood for a fun, magical read with a feel-good vibe, this book is worth picking up—just temper your expectations for the romance and narrative depth. 3.5/5 stars

Thank you to April Asher, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 STARS!!
I had high hopes for this book because I’ve read this author multiple times. She always creates fantastic stories that include mythical creatures, witches, shifters, and more. This story was a little different, and I felt she had a lot going on that detracted somewhat.

We had a female main character disappear from her hometown for 13 years because of a fated match. This was actually something that I really couldn’t understand because she not only cut off her family and friends, but she struggled emotionally because of it.

We also have a teenage Goddaughter who is acting out and our main character has “custody” of her because her mother has disappeared, searching for the child’s father. I had mixed feelings about both of these characters.

Then we have the male main character, who I liked the best of all of the characters because he was pretty patient and kind, despite everything happening over the past 13 years. She hurt him quite deeply and didn’t really understand the depth until she got back to town.

The two together were fire and I loved their fiery connection. I wish we had more focus on them alone and maybe an actual epilogue after the fact that would allow us to become deeply involved with these two characters. I felt I wanted more with these two.

The author did develop a supportive community of which we get to meet many people. Multiple side stories took away from the actual main focus of the book which is the second chance romance.

Asher always writes her stories with deep imagination and entertaining aspects. Many pieces make you smile but there are also a few areas that left me with some mixed feelings.

A Simple Twist of Fate is loaded with friends and family interactions, fun, enjoyable scenarios, and the sweet happily ever after we crave.

There were aspects of this book I liked, and some I didn’t. Harry was a great FMC and I liked the second chance romance (and second chance everything, really). But I hated Cassie. Leaving your teenage daughter with your best friend to go searching for someone is too outlandish for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc ebook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I really enjoyed this book and i can't wait to see where the author goes in the future with their writing.

This was such a fun read, and I really enjoyed it.
We follow Harry who has to go back to her hometown, along with her best friends daughter, Grace, in order to get some answers about Grace's supernatural ancestry.
While there she crosses paths with her first love, Jax, who is now alpha of the local shifter pack and the one person who can help Grace figure out what's going on with her.
Of course sparks fly, old feelings are rekindled and Jax and Harry find themselves falling for each other all over again.

I loved the setting of Fates Haven and all the supporting characters surrounding Jax and Harry. There was lots of banter and reuniting of old friendship bonds, and ensuring shenanigans.

I was drawn to A Simple Twist of Fate by April Asher because the premise promised a blend of magical intrigue and second-chance romance, but the story didn't quite meet my expectations. The pacing felt off, and the narrative often lagged, making it hard to stay fully engaged.
The concept of a witch returning to her magical hometown after a long absence, coupled with the dynamics of her goddaughter's unique abilities, had so much potential. However, the execution didn't hold my interest. Key moments that could have added tension or excitement were overshadowed by the story's slower, less compelling sections.
While the small-town magic and themes of destiny were appealing, the uneven pacing made it difficult to connect with the characters and fully immerse myself in their journey. I wanted to love it, but it didn't come together.

Firstly, thank you to April Asher and her team for allowing me to read the ARC of this book. I loved the premise of this book and how there were numerous storylines that you couldn’t quite tell how they were all connected. While sometimes a second-chance romance can feel gimmicky or forced, this felt like a natural progression. I love the twist at the end and that I did not see it coming. I also very much enjoyed the change of perspectives between the lead characters throughout the chapters.

I really enjoyed this paranormal romance by April Asher. It was fast paced, and some of the tropes are fated mates, second chance, found family. I was engaged from the first page to the last! I loved all the characters and the storyline! I hope to see more about them in future books! Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the chance to read and review.

DNF at 24% - the plot was a bit of a mess, I didn't care about any of the characters, and the world building was pretty lacking. I've loved this authors other books so might try this via audio at some point but reading it with my eyes absolutely did not work for me.

A Simple Twist of Fate by April Asher is a captivating tale of a witch and a shifter who are given a second chance at love in this delightful paranormal romantic comedy. This novel is a perfect blend of humor, heartwarming moments, and sizzling chemistry keep me entertained from start to finish. With its modern twist on the classic love story, A Simple Twist of Fate is a wickedly delicious brew of juicy conflict, witty one-liners, and irresistible charm. Thank you to the publisher and author for allowing me to share my thoughts on an ARC copy of this book.

4 stars. A Simple Twist of Fate was such a sweet and cozy paranormal romance (with steam), and just so happened to be exactly what I was in the mood for. This one is a second chance, small town romance with a ton of magic and a ton of appeal. Honestly, I'm really glad that I was able to read this one now (in December), because it kind of reminded me of a Hallmark Christmas movie, but instead of the Christmas backdrop, you get PNR/ magic. And truly, that cozy Hallmark type vibe is EXACTLY what A Simple Twist of Fate delivered. And I mean that in the BEST way possible. Was it predictable? Yes. I literally knew exactly how the entire book would play out after only a few chapters. A little cheesy? Also yes. But you know what. I don't care. Because it was also damn enjoyable and easy to read. And I think there is a lot to be said for books that make you smile and deliver all of the warm and fuzzy feelings. You better believe that I will 100% be reading the rest of the books in this series, and Asher leaves the door wide open for several more installments.

All in all, a big thank you to Asher, SMP Romance, and netgalley for hooking me up with the ARC in exchange for my review. Truly, this book was exactly what I was looking for, and I am very grateful to have been given the chance to read it early.

I gotta say that this just wasn't for me- I like a lot of the premises of Asher's books, but unfortunately none of them have hit for me, despite trying over and over. I like the plot, the execution just doesn't do it for me.

I think one of the main issues is that it's so neat and tidy, babies ever after heterosexuality. It's very formulaic, so when I'm supposed to be surprised I just find it dull. It just also seems so underwritten, the main character's magic is interesting but her job seems like an afterthought and the life she has lived since leaving her home town seems to leave so little mark on her. I liked the fate witch thing and there were definitely good elements, but overall I found it to be lackluster.

A paranormal shifter romance that was just what I needed to get out of a reading slump. I have read one book previously by April Asher and it wasn’t my favorite but this book definitely changed my opinion on her. I adored the fated mates and found family found in this story. I hope she writes more in this world. Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the E-ARC.