Perfect romance read for the spooky season!

Thing book was everything I wanted in a magical romance.

I loved watching the story and the relationship unfold between Emma and Bastian…..really hope this turns into a series, I love to read about more of the characters

A bit late but better than never. As soon as the book started I could literally feelthe chemistry coming from it. When they were talking about doing the marriage then leaving each other I was expecting them to get married, he finds out about Sloane and leaves but them realises how he messed up then goes back. I was hoping that there would be no breakup but it worked out perfectly for them. Loved the scene where Tia gives Bastion the truth potion definitely my favourite moment. He was in the bad books at the start for leaving her and only coming back for his mother. I would have liked to see more of the fantasy side and the witches more about the covens and things like that. I was so sad about that I was convinced she was going to die but I am glad she didn't . Overall I liked this book but It just wasn't for me. I think it was the fact that it was a little bit fantasy with mainly a contemporary Romance but I am not quite sure.

A sweet second chance Witchy vibes romance.

What a cute read. The Witch is back is an adorable book with second chance romance, forced proximity and marriage of convenience tropes all wrapped up in a cute magical package.

I adored the two main characters Emma and Bastian and the friends circle in this book. Even the dog and the three legged cat added to the comfort hug that this book was.

It was sweet seeing these two reconnect after Bastian returns having run out on their planned arranged marriage seven years ago. Watching their banter, romance and and how they each dealt with hidden secrets was lighthearted enjoyment.

This is a fun, adorable read that's perfect for when you want a feel good book. Perfectly sweet, romantic and sassy!

Thanks to the netgalley for my copy of this book.

4⭐️ A cozy, witchy second chance romcom that’s as much about self-love as it is romantic connection- perfect for fans of The Ex Hex🔮

Thank you so much to author for gifting me a physical arc and to the publisher for an earc via netgalley. This is my honest, unbiased review🥰

First up here’s a quick round up of what you can expect:
💙Spicy Second-Chance Romance
💖Marriage of Convenience
💚Found Family who love to meddle
💜Friends to unrequited love to enemies to lovers
💙Magical Contracts, Curses & Secrets
💖Witch/Warlock High Society who love to look down their noses at humans
💜An introverted FMC who learns to love herself and embrace her magic in the face of a toxic parent & a gorgeous golden boy MC who would do anything for those he cares for
💚Magical Cocktails, Unconventional familiars & Plant Magic

Sound good? That’s because it is!!

I loved the magical world the author created and how it coexisted with ours, the glamourous but vicious witch society and how the characters challenged the prejudiced and snooty opinions they have of humans. The main characters were loveable, Bastian was a dream and the mortal, with just a hint of magic, bar, Toil & Trouble, our fmc co owns with her besties (Including Leah, a human who wishes she was a witch but absolutely definitely does not know anything about magic or witch society👀👀 I LOVED her) was a cozy place I would definitely want to visit for a cocktail or two.

A light hearted and very romantic paranormal romance.
It's the type of book you want to read when You need to escape reality and feel good.
I rooted for Em and Bastian, had fun, and enjoyed the plot and the world building.
An entertaining and compelling story
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

A fake relationship, an arranged wedding, a second chance to love, curses, spells, hexes, secrets, and a cast of wonderful characters: I loved The Witch Is Back!

Seven years ago, Emmaline “Emma” Bluewater was preparing for her wedding to her best friend, the Witch High Society golden boy Bastian Truenote, but then Bastian left without a word, just a note to his parents (so, at least, they knew he hadn’t been kidnapped or murdered!), and she hadn’t heard from him ever since. Her mother, and the entire Society thought that Bastian’s leaving was Emma’s fault, after all, why would he marry the gentle witch who can barely yield her own powers? So, humiliated and heart-broken, Emma packed her things and she moved to the human world (meaning Chicago) where she now runs her own cocktail bar with her two best friends and lives happily amongst the humans. And then, on her birthday, Bastian returns with barely a reason for leaving her and a request to resume their arranged engagement to break a curse and save his mother. Bastian had his own reasons to leave all those years ago, but now he doesn’t know if he can trust Emma who has her own secrets to protect.

The Witch Is Back is a fun and entertaining story which I read in one day. I loved that there is a dual POV, Emma and Bastian, as we see both characters develop throughout the story. They grew up together, best friends since they were children, he the extroverted sunshine boy everyone loved and she the shy introverted girl who is afraid to speak in public (or to her overbearing and bully mother) and everyone pitied. Their marriage was agreed by their parents with a witch contract when they were still too young to understand their feelings for each other. Now, they agree to help each other, but, as it always happens, old and new feelings start to surface and things get more complicated… and steamier!

Full of witty banter and romance, The Witch Is Back is a wonderful witchy read!

A fun, easy-to-read witchy romcom that’s full of second chances, cute companions and magic.

Emmaline Bluewater has never felt like she fit into witch society. The last born child in her family with little magical powers and incredibly shy. Eager to marry her childhood best friend, Bastian Truenote, to whom she’s bound via a marriage contract. Then Bastian runs off, without leaving Emma a note, and her days of trying to fit into society are over. She stands up against her wicked mother and moves to Chicago, where she runs a bar, Toil and Trouble with her friends Tia (witch) and Leah (human). She’s content with her ordinary life, until seven years later when Bastian shows up again… Faced with the reality that they’d got to go through with their marriage proposal, Emma tries to learn to have him in her life again.

Secrets, betrayal, spicy romance, loyal friendships, toxic families, and enemies to lovers all feature in The Witch is Back. I thoroughly enjoyed this witchy romance, my first delve into the genre!

The character growth and development in this is incredibly strong, and I rooted for the main character Emma the whole way through. I loved that she didn’t just suddenly become confident and a completely different person, but instead still struggled with shyness, anxiety and knowing what to say. It felt real and relatable, even with all the magic weaved in. Emma’s friends were also a wonderful highlight. Sweet, hilarious and protective of their dear friend. I’d love to see more books in this series featuring them, pleaaase!

This didn’t make it to the full 5 stars, based purely on the fact that I’d have liked more world-building. Perhaps that’ll happen in the second book Sophie? *hint hint*

Super easy read and only took me a couple of days. I recommend it if you like second-chance or paranormal romances! It wasn’t overly fantasy, and more on the romcom side, with a dash of witchy vibes added in.

Thank you so so much to Sophie H Morgan, Mills and Boon and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy. Happy publication day!!

Second Chance Romance. Forced Proxemity. Fake Relationship. Arranged Marriage. Witchy Romance.

I won't lie, this was a solid 3 star for the first half of the book. I was struggling to connect to the Relationship of Emma and Bastian, I just couldn't warm to the way he dropped back into her life and the way she seemed to accept with very little fight.

But sometimes a romance can grow on me, and grow it did.

Emma found her voice and Fire, where Bastian found his warmth and heart. And together, they set the roof on fire.

I loved Bastians parents, a stark contrast to Emma's cold mother. Chester was a favourite, a dog symbolising how Emma often felt but was the most beloved canine.

The ending is what truly sealed my heart, a simple yet perfect end to the romance. I would love to see more from her companions, Tia particularly, so I definitely think this could lead to more books.

This has put me right in the mood for autumn and more witchy reads! What a fun read!

I really loved the whole story and there were still lots of little twists even towards the end - including one that had me give a big ‘oh damn’ which was fun! And while I really liked Bastian as a character, he was super over dramatic about certain things towards the end! And tbh I think Emma wasn’t dramatic enough after Bastian just upped and left the way he did, regardless of his reasoning!

But the romance was super cute (though if I was Emma, I definitely would’ve let him suffer for longer)! My favourite character was obviously Leah - I’m praying for a sequel about her and Kole? Oh and Kole totally just reminded me of Kol (yeh the name but also the personality) from The Originals (once he’s met Davina and is in his cutie pie phase) and so I definitely need a full story with him, thanks!

I feel like we all need a cute witchy romance read now and again, and this hit the spot perfectly!

Give me a witch book any day and I will love it! This book did not disappoint. Not only did we have some enemies to lovers, forced proximity, and some rivalry happening, but we also got to be immersed in the world of witch politics and how some families needed to interact to get what they wanted. Emma was such an easy character to like and want to root for and boy did I root for her. my first book by Morgan and I am excited for the next.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Emmaline Bluewater may be a witch, but she's never been happier than living in a human town, working in the bar she co-owns with her best friends. When her fiancee left her 7 years ago, she was devastated and embarrassed, and no one in her home town let her forget that she wasn't enough for the perfect Bastian Truenote, especially not her mother. So seeing Bastian walking into her bar, begging her to go through with the marriage to fulfil the betrothal contract before it harms his family. Bastian knows it won't be easy to get Emma's forgiveness, no matter how important the reason he left her was, but he'd do anything to convince her to give him another chance.

I wasn't expecting to be drawn into this book as much as I was, and it's stayed with me so much since reading it. Emma and Bastian were betrothed as children, both from powerful witch families, and uniting the Bluewater and Truenote powers would be unlike anything experienced before. They had grown up as friends, something which Emma needed more than anything, due to her mother's hateful words, and treatment of her only daughter. However, Bastian discovered that the betrothal contract could cause harm to himself if he and Emma married, and not knowing who to trust, he fled, and only returned when it was clear that the contract couldn't be broken. I loved how obvious it was that Bastian cared for Emma, even loved her (though he tried to fight it), but he couldn't be open about why he left due to the magic placed on him. Emma had always been quiet, shy, and introverted, but Bastian had brought her out of his shell. She was overjoyed when she learnt they would marry, and had loved him since early childhood, so the loss of him hurt her more than anything. I do think she gave in a little soon, considering how hurt she'd been, but there were some reasons which sort of explained it. The main villain of the piece was by far and away Emma's mam, who was wicked, and cruel, and Bastian was perfect in standing up for her. Such a lovely witchy read, and Emma and Bastian's romance is one of the best I've recently read!

Thoroughly enjoyed this witchy rom com! There was so much to like - childhood friends to enemies to lovers, second chance and an arranged betrothal that brought forced proximity - this was delicious! I enjoyed the dual point of view from the couple, their developing banter and slow burn steam.

As well as the romance plot I did enjoy the complex politics of the witchy world, their class perceptions and arranged marriages - the background theme of family gave the characters some added layers and depth. Emma’s friend group were also great fun - I easily imagine some spin off stories there, especially with Tia - she was such a personality!

Overall a great lighthearted romance for Rom com lovers - definitely one for Halloween tbrs!

Thank you to Netgalley and Mills & Boon for my earc

An absolutely charming story of two witches destined to be together!

Emmaline (Emma) Bluewater thought her life was back on track. She had her bar which she ran with her two closest friends, Tia and Leah. Her ‘somewhat unusual’ familiar Chester and her half sister Sloane. That was until the man who jilted her and broke off their engagement without even a goodbye seven years ago, Bastian Truenote turns up out of the blue, looking to pick things up where they left off, including the marriage. But everything isn’t quite what it seems…

I really enjoyed how the characters were written because my first opinion of Bastian was ‘I hate him immediately’, but he had a strong character development as the story got deeper. I loved his redeeming arc, especially the dinner at Bluewater mansion scene where he stood up for and defended Emma against her vile power hungry mother Clarissa.

Told in a dual POV format, we see Emma and Bastian thrown into a close proximity, fake dating scenario when it is revealed that the only way for Bastian’s mother (who is currently extremely ill) to recover is for the marriage to go through. But through their time spent together, although sparks do eventually start to fly, it seems that both parties are holding back their secrets.

The addition of an unexpected twist was a welcome surprise and it had me questioning whether the unexpected character had been the villain all along!

Overall a good witchy read, full of second chance romance, the right amount of spice and supportive side characters which is perfect for the upcoming fall season!

I absolutely adored this book. I could not put it down, I was hooked.

It’s a wholesome witchy read with a second chance romance.

It was so lovely to see Emma and Bastian reunite and get to know each other as adults after growing up together and not seeing each other for years. I hope we get to see more of them.

I would definitely recommend this for fans of the Ex Hex 🧙‍♀️ or anyone who loves witchy romance, second chance, forced proximity, or marriage of convenience.

A enchanting, supercute witchy romcom with a dash of spice.

I have to admit I did not like Bastian at first! I mean, he couldn’t even get her name right, even though she had corrected him multiple times! I wasn’t even sure he was the love interest to start with!

Whilst the second chance/engagement of convenience and friends to lovers tropes are what we expect from an easy to read romance novel, it would be a disservice to the book to just focus on the lighthearted aspects of this story. The underlying themes of betrayal and abandonment provides just enough insight into past actions that you start to question everyones motives but throw in some miscommunication and the challenges start to emerge. There’s no denying Emma and Bastian have great chemistry though and I enjoyed the dual POVs.

Having to deal with an abusive parent and the pressures of witch society, fuels a lot of the drama and tension so the characters have a lot to overcome, both individually and together.

I love it when a character is written in such a way that you find yourself wanting to physically scream at the book - I absolutely detested Clarissa so I was super chuffed when someone finally stood up to her!

Overall a super fun flirty read :)

4.25⭐️
Thank you for this ARC NetGalley & Mills and Boon.

OK, so I wanted to get in a witchy romance as the weather in England has felt pretty autumnal, and I really did love this book.

The story is about a Witch, Emma & Warlock Bastian, who were childhood best friends, and due to a political/arranged marriage, their parents signed a contract for them to marry once they were 21. Something happens, and Bastian ends up running away before the wedding and suddenly comes back after 7 years as he now needs Emma to marry him to save his dying mum.

This book had friends turnt enemies to lovers, forced marriage, great side characters, and a decent level of spice.

There was a lot more to the plot than just why Bastian needed to marry Emma, and it kept developing throughout. I enjoyed the main twist towards the last 15%.

Emma, somewhat reformed doormat and occasional magical rebel lovers her bar in Chicago and her human customers. Sure, she'd rather just bake her cakes and stay in the background than serve customers but we all have our peeves! When her former fiancé wafts back into town declaring they have to fulfil the arranged contract between their families, she's blindsided. He left her 7 years ago and run off. NOW he wants to get married???

Bastian needs to know once and for all if Emma was involved in the curse what was hidden in their marriage contract. The curse that is slowly killing his mother. He didn't count on her being more than the Emma he left behind. This Emma is less affable, less adoring, less starstruck and a lot more snarky - even in her still shy shell!

Emma is brilliant mix of vulnerable and naïve, she is a rebel and spitfire by turns. Bastian is a reformed man. He's no longer looking for the easier path. He's willing to stay the course and accept that their marriage may never be the big romance but they could be friends hopefully. But then the feeling get caught and his plans go up in smoke.

If miscommunication/fake relationships/marriage of convenience are not your tropes then this may not be the book for you. However, Emma and her friends are #girlsquad goals and Sloane as the impressionable but eager to learn half witch-half human sibling. The complicated family of Emma and her love/hate relationship with her mother are great dynamics in the story. I prefer my baddies to have no redemption and Clarissa really does not disappoint on that front!

I really enjoyed visiting this world and I'd be happy to read further books in the series!

Key Points:
Dual POV
3rd Person
Standalone

Tropes:
Second Chance Romance
Fake Dating
Paranormal (witch)
Forced Proximity
Childhood Crush
Marriage of Convenience
Miscommunication

Let’s just take a moment for that STUNNING cover

The Witch is Back is a marriage of convenience, second chance romance with a magical, witchy twist!

This book had a really fleshed out storyline. The plot was really intriguing and kept me on edge to find out the truth! I found this book really light and easy, nothing too harsh or hard to follow. There was a few spicy scenes which fit perfectly in with the romance.

Sophie really had me hooked from the start with a great plot & a fabulous writing style!

If you’re interested in adorable, fantasy rom-coms then go check this one out!

The witch is back by Sophie H. Morgan is a sci-fi fantasy second chance romance novel.
I absolutely adored this second chance romance witchy read from the very first chapter. Former childhood sweetheart's, Emma and Bastian fake a relationship. She was happy with her life until Bastian says that he wants her back.
Bastian had his reasons for leaving, but he can't tell Emma what they are. He has to get through Emma, her dog and her best friend to win her back.
I absolutely enjoyed this witchy romance novel and I would highly recommend it. It had everything that I wanted in a romance novel and more.
❤️The witch is back is released on ebook on 15th August and paper back on the 12th October.
❤️ Thank you to netgalley, mills and boon and the author for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

Thank you to Mills & Boon and NetGalley for the ARC!

This was an enjoyable little romp, and if you're looking for a cute fantasy rom-com then this is the perfect read. It's a second chance, arranged marriage love between a lowborn witch and a highborn warlock.

Emmeline, or Emma, was born to a family just on the fringes of high witch society - unthinkable to her horrible social climber mother, Clarissa. To solve this, Emma's parents signed a contract that meant she would marry the only son of a higher family, Bastion. Only Bastian up and leaves before the wedding, saying only that he can't marry Emmaline. Cue the outrage and laughter from witch society and the rage from Clarissa.

Emma moves to Chicago and opens a bar with her witch best friend and her human best friend (who isn't supposed to know she's a witch). Seven years later...Bastian turns back up and the wedding is back on, despite Emma's feelings.

Emma was a relatable character - she was shy, quiet and thoughtful. This couldve easily translated into a character who felt like a wet blanket, but she had backbone. It was just hard to come out. She was sassy and funny, and so loyal.

Bastian was funny and completely aware of his own worth. But he was also very loyal to his family, and his realisation about what him leaving meant to Emma is a good character arc. He comes to terms with the fact that he was selfish, even if he had a good reason, and that his leaving left Emma in an awful position.

The supporting characters were all great and fleshed out - from human Leah and her desire to be in witch society to Chester, the adorable familiar. Clarissa was a piece of work and I'm happy for everything that happened to her.

Overall, this was an easy read that I'd recommend to anyone wanting something light and fun!