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Synopsis
Back in a Spell is the third installment of A Witches of Thistle Grove series. It’s been a year since Nineve Blackmoore was dumped by her fiancée and she is now ready to get herself out of the dumps by trying something completely out of her comfort zone – a dating app. Nina is hesitant to commit to this online dating experience, but with a little help from her best friend Nina decides to give Morty Gutierrez, the non-binary, spunky co-owner of the Shamrock Cauldron a shot.
What was potentially just an awkward, terrible online date turns into something worse when Morty discovers what family Nina comes from (the same ones trying to take Morty’s business from his family). Nina and Morty thought they ended the night by parting ways forever, but, when Morty discovers that he has gained magical powers they are brought back together.
Once reunited, Morty and Nina realize they have an intense, and unexplainable, attraction and connection to one another that is soon linked to a power surge in Nina.
What I Loved
Harper has consistently created stories and characters that deal with complex issues all while delivering intricate fantasy and steamy romance. In this book, the protagonist, Nina, must face the fact that she must come to terms with knowing that she does not wish to be like her family or fill the mold they designed for her. Dealing with difficult family dynamics and embracing the person you are supposed to be can be scary. I appreciate how Harper was able to portray these dynamics while ensuring the characters stayed true to who they are and who they are supposed to be.
I would describe the characters in this story as bold and colorful, and the emotions I felt while reading this book ranged from dejected to delighted and everything in between. I love the fact that when I pick up a Lana Harper book, I know I am going to be entertained from start to finish, have some sort of epiphany on life, and be able to enjoy a contemporary rom-com story.
What I Would’ve Changed
While I appreciated the creativity of the spell that kept Nina and Morty connected, certain aspects of this premise made me think twice. I’m not so sure how comfortable I feel with the idea that two people were forced together by an unknown power that caused them to be attracted to one another, and because of this unknown force, they realized they loved each other. This set-up feels like two people are forced to be together without consenting to the relationship (because if a spell/hex/unknown power is causing you to do something, can you really say yes or no?).
However *SLIGHT SPOILER* in the end Nina and Morty do decide to stay together without the help of their magical love connection. So, does this happily ever after (HEA) make the fact that they were together initially because of certain magical powers acceptable? I’m not sure, but maybe I’m being too much of a cynic about this point.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for some powerful, steamy, and equal parts plot and character-driven witchy romances, go pick up this series!
A Witches of Thistle Grove series in order:
Payback’s a Witch – This made it into my top reads of 2022. Described by Bookshop.org as “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina meets The L Word.” *Insert thirsty emoji here*
From Bad to Cursed – an opposites attract style rom-com!
![There are times that you need to reach for a book that can help you address the more sorrowful feelings that bubble up in times of grief 📚️
Here are a couple that have come across our desk:
📕Tending Grief: Embodied Rituals for Holding Our Sorrow and Growing Cultures of Care in Community by Camille Sapara Barton (@natlanticbooks)
"An embodied guide to being with grief individually and in community—practical exercises, decolonized rituals, and Earth-based medicines for healing and processing loss"
📘I Promise It Won't Always Hurt Like This: 18 Assurances on Grief Clare Mackintosh (@sourcebooks)
"Inspired by a viral Twitter thread Clare wrote on the anniversary of her son’s death, this book offers 18 short assurances that are full of compassion. This book is for the loved ones offering support but don’t know what else to say and for the grieving who are searching for answers and a kind voice to turn to."
Do you have a book that you've read that helped address getting through grief?
[alt text: two books on a white table with a green plant in the corner]
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