Back in a Spell

4/5

This book was not what I expected at all, but I kind of loved it. Witchbound, more worldbuilding and non-binary characters! And even Gareth got a redemption arc, nice!

I actually loved that he regrets the way he handled his relationship with Lin, and that he's actually in love with her. I'm not usually a fan of a second chance romance, especially when cheating had been involved - but perhaps some reconciliation between those two would be possible in the future? If Lana ever writes the fifth book in the series, can it focus on Lin and Gareth? I loved his character development and Linden deserves to be happy too! Or at least a closure from Gareth which she hadn't received in the first book.

I kind of wish that more of that worldbuilding we got here was in the first book too, with what it means to be the Victor and Voice of Thistle Grove from Emmy's perspective, instead of us learning it from other characters while Emmy's in the background. I would love the first book more if this was actually explained in detail back then. But I suppose now those books make me appreciate the first book even more!

I loved Nina. She definitely grew on me as the book went on and I loved that she did the right thing in the end - even when she fucked up tremendously. I can't wait to read Delilah's book and see how she feels about it all, and working with Nina now. And I loved Lyonesse's fate, take that, bitch! Morty was amazing and his sheer delight in magic was so pure and amazing to read about. I love that we saw an ordinary person enjoying magic for a chance, which brings me to Jess - everyone needs a friend like her in their lives!

I didn't expect any goddesses or witchbouding (soulmates, yay!) to play any part in this book, but I enjoyed it.

I just finished Back in a Spell by Lana Harper, Book 3 in the witches of thistle grove series and here are my thoughts...

Nursing a broken heart, Nineve Blackmoore gets back in the saddle with a lot less grace than she is used to.... She uses a dating app.

There she meets Monty, the non-binary bar owner who has less than warm feelings for Nina's family, being that her family is trying to buy his bar out from under him. Leaving the date with a shudder and a lot more relief, Nina tries to put the unfortunate evening behind her.

That is until Morty comes to find her.... He is beginning to develop magical powers. Something that only happens when a mortal falls for a witch and is planning on joining the family. Nina has also noticed something odd with her own magic... She is more powerful than she has ever been and to top it off, stronger than anyone in her line. She must find out what is happening before it is all too late.

How cute was this book! So cute and how the author explains the magic... Genius. Nina is such a solid character for me and I love how she has developed over the course of the series. Kinda a little in love Monty! I loved how complex and vulnerable he came across. I found the connection between the two of them charming and even though it happened so fast, it worked really well within the book.

Storyline was executed with grace, class and spun some pure gold, plus pace was perfect for me. I giggled, I sighed, I felt my heart pang and I felt the world lift off my shoulders for a few hours!

What didn't I love? That it ended! Thank the goddess it's a series so I know more will be coming down the pipe. If you love a good witchy rom-com with LGBTQ rep.... This is the one to start the year with!

4.5 stars!

Interesting magically take in Thistle Grove. Enjoyable characters in this go around.