Payback's a Witch

this was a fun read! i wish we got more of the 'john tucker must die' aspect, because i felt a little misled by the synopsis lol

A cozy witchy read, with a cute lovestory. Would love to read more adventures of the characters.

I liked it but it was a little contradictory at points, especially when it came to what exactly magic could and couldn't do. I mean, why are we wondering what the town founders would have wanted, when apparently, we can just call them up on the ghost mirror and talk to them? Idk. Concept was interesting, execution not my favorite but it was still a fun read.

“Payback's a Witch” unfortunately falls short in delivering an engaging narrative, primarily due to its sluggish pacing. From the outset, the story struggles to build momentum, making it increasingly difficult to stay invested in the plot and characters. Despite the promising premise, the slow development and lack of compelling action led to a lackluster reading experience, to the point where I was unable to finish the book. The pacing issues overshadowed any potential intrigue the story might have offered, resulting in a disappointing read that failed to capture and maintain my interest.

3.75/5

I enjoyed it but didn't love it. I liked the Thistle Grove and the witchy vibes and Talia and Emmy's relationship, but I had a few problems with this book.

First of all, why would Lin even entertain Gareth, knowing how he fucked her friend up. Secondly, it's been a decade, Emmy, you don't need to get into the pissing contest with him anymore. Also, the way they justified their means - saving Thistle Grove and Thorn's and Avramov's business from the Blackmoores - but it's not like Blackmoores were doing this maliciously, you know? They weren't winning only to destroy the competition and ruin the other families. They probably didn't even know that this was a side effect, seeing how self-centered they seemed to be.

IF The Blackmoores were doing this on purpose, it would have been very different.

Also, as much as I love Slavic representation in American books, I beg the authors to do some reachers. What was grating for me was Talia's last name Avramov. WRONG! In Russia, the female last names end with -va. So while her brother is Avramov, Talia, her mother, and her sisters are Avramova. It's as simple as that. And so seeing it spelled as “Talia Avramov” made my jaw clench.

Please, do some research first! Even Marvel did it with Black Widow. They anglicized her name to Romanoff, but every time someone said her full name, she was called Natalia Alianovna Romanova. Her Russian name, as you can see, ends with “ova” which is a correct term for women. So truly, Talia should have been called Avramova instead.

And tiny little thing since it was only mentioned twice when Emmy talks about Chicago and how she loves “pierogies”. OH MY GOD JUST GOOGLE IT THE NEXT TIME! Pierogi is a correct term! Pierogi is already plural (like ravioli), you don't need to add “-es”! And since pierogi is a Polish food, I, as a Pole, am annoyed by that.

Also, I'd love to read more about Harlow's family. I didn't even know Emmy had so many aunts and uncles until they all congratulated her for her win at the very end. I honestly thought it was only Emmy, her parents, Delilah, and Nana, since nobody else was mentioned throughout the book. I'd love to read more about Emmy and Delilah's friendship and Emmy's relationship with her whole family before she left and after. Like come on, show me some familial love too! Hopefully, it will be actually present in Delilah's book, but I'd rather have it here first.

Also, is Lin going to end up with someone? Hopefully, Rowan's book will shed light on her happily ever after!

It's nitpicky, perhaps, but it affected my reading experience.

This book taught me the term ‘jagbag' and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Highly enjoyable, good safic witch story.

Nice world building. Magic with a twist.

3.5 stars This was pretty good, though I thought it read more like YA than adult most of the time. Will definitely be reading the next one! YAY for sapphic witches!

This is a very cute entry witchy romance. It is very similar to Ex Hex in terms of set up, but it plays out differently. Personally I prefer this version. There is lady team ups and REVENGE. The main reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is A) some of characters didn't feel fleshed out to me and B) some of the plot points just felt too convenient and pat to me. The: “Well of course that's going to happen so we can have a happy ending.” affect. I'm all for HEA, the way this one was reached just didn't fully land for me. It's a very fun cute ready that I absolutely burned through.
Read this if:
-You want more queer romance that's bi-friendly
-You enjoy small towns
-Witches are your jam.
- You enjoy multi-part competitions
Do not read:
-If the revenge aspect is way more important to you than the romance part. Revenge plotting does happen but this book definitely leans into romance territory.
-If soft magic is going to annoy you
- If you've just read Ex Hex. They are similar and you will spend the entire time comparing. Luckily, while I have read Ex Hex it was several months ago
Enjoy and be merry!

3.5 rounded up!

I thought this was pretty good. The writing personally worked for me, I liked the town, and the background on the founding families. The actual tournament details were a bit boring to me though and the conflict in the romance seemed to go from 0 to 100 really quickly and I didn't quite buy that. Felt very out of character and just thrown in for drama.

Still, this was a fun ride and felt like a quick read which is a good sign

THIS WAS SO MUCH FUN.

4,75 stars! - here's my BookTube channel in case you're interested: https://bit.ly/3aDrENZ

I mean! If you're in the mood for some Feel Good Halloween vibes, this is your book: a fantastic blend between Halloweentown, Sabrina the teenage witch and Harry Potter and the goblet of fire- this book is fun, lighthearted and cozy!

Don't come to the book expecting something dark or incredibly complex! But rather something cozy!

I was pleasantly surprised by this book! I honestly thought it was going to be 100% predictable, full of cliches and kinda boring. BUT NO! I mean, yes it's predictable! but in a delightful way. Beyond that very engaging and with a very unique setting that made the read one of the best in October!

4,75 stars! - here's my BookTube channel in case you're interested: https://bit.ly/3aDrENZ

I mean! If you're in the mood for some Feel Good Halloween vibes, this is your book: a fantastic blend between Halloweentown, Sabrina the teenage witch and Harry Potter and the goblet of fire- this book is fun, lighthearted and cozy!

Don't come to the book expecting something dark or incredibly complex! But rather something cozy!

I was pleasantly surprised by this book! I honestly thought it was going to be 100% predictable, full of cliches and kinda boring. BUT NO! I mean, yes it's predictable! but in a delightful way. Beyond that very engaging and with a very unique setting that made the read one of the best in October!

Lovely and such a thril. Many revelations to boot.

I really enjoyed this book, I feel like it's perfect for the spooky Halloween season, thanks to all of the witchy vibes. Set in Thistle Grove, a town governated by witches, this book follows the story of Emmy Harlow and her old and new friends. If you like the competition trope in your reads, you're going to enjoy this one! Oh, and it's also an LGBTQ+ book - with a great relationship between ouyr main character, Emmy, and the gorgeous Talia Avramov.

Overall, the book was really enjoyable and I recommend it to everyone who likes witchy books.