Author: Lana Harper
Narrator: Jeremy Carlisle Parker
Title: Payback's a Witch
Series: The Witches of Thistle Grove #1
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, LGBT
Format: Audiobook
Published: October 5, 2021
Where I Got It: Library
Summary:
Emmy Harlow is a witch but not a very powerful one—in part because she hasn't been home to the magical town of Thistle Grove in years. Her self-imposed exile has a lot to do with a complicated family history and a desire to forge her own way in the world, and only the very tiniest bit to do with Gareth Blackmoore, heir to the most powerful magical family in town and casual breaker of hearts and destroyer of dreams.
But when a spellcasting tournament that her family serves as arbiters for approaches, it turns out the pull of tradition (or the truly impressive parental guilt trip that comes with it) is strong enough to bring Emmy back. She's determined to do her familial duty; spend some quality time with her best friend, Linden Thorn; and get back to her real life in Chicago.
On her first night home, Emmy runs into Talia Avramov—an all-around badass adept in the darker magical arts—who is fresh off a bad breakup . . . with Gareth Blackmoore. Talia had let herself be charmed, only to discover that Gareth was also seeing Linden—unbeknownst to either of them. And now she and Linden want revenge. Only one question stands: Is Emmy in?
But most concerning of all: Why can't she stop thinking about the terrifyingly competent, devastatingly gorgeous, wickedly charming Talia Avramov?
Review:
Thanks to Libby (my library app), I found this little gem. I was digging and looking for a paranormal romance with an LGBTQ+ couple. I felt like it would be a good way to end the spooky season! Witches and love...oh my.
Here we follow Emmy, who is back home in Thistle Grove. She has been gone for a long time, but with reason. She wants to forge her own life and leave behind the town she grew up in. However, she has to come back for the spellcasting tournament that her family serves as arbiters for. Through tradition and rules....it is her turn to take the lead. She plans to do her duty and spend time with her family and friends. Nothing more. Her life in Chicago is waiting for her. However, on her first night back, she runs into Talia. It comes out that they all have had their hearts broken by Gareth. What is the best way to get revenge? Work together so his family doesn't win the Thistle Grove tournament.
This was a pure delight. I loved this whole Tucker Must Die meets magic was so fun.
I loved the town. How fun!
The tournament was a lovely touch.
I liked Emmy, but I didn't fully understand her not wanting to come back to town, especially because their magic pretty much disappears if they don't stay in town. Sure, I get going away for college and away from the asshole who broke her heart....but it felt....overdramatic to punish the whole town, her family, and her best friend. I feel like Emmy was kinda cruel for this. Don't get me wrong. I did like Emmy, but her decisions had rubbed me the wrong way.
Talia was very sweet in a dark way. Emmy and her balanced each other well.
Spoiler, not spoiler, there is a fight between the two of them, and they make up. I felt like....it needed more time for them to talk it out. There were a LOT of hurtful things said.
But I loved the ending. It was lovely. I love this town, and this couple was cute. I might check out book 2 if it is at the library.
In the end, I'll give this 3 stars.
Reading Challenges
- Audiobook #47
- Library Love #30
- Reading Romance Challenge #23 (LGBTQ+)
