Isadora & Rowan are two witches tasked with solving a problem in their small, witch-filled, town of Thistle Grove, but first have to come to terms with their own issues. Picking up shortly after the end of book 1, this book builds on characters we briefly meet and goes much more in-depth into the stories/history of the towns families. You will fall in love with these characters and their love story! I enjoyed this book even more than book 1 and fully recommend checking this one out!

Thistle Grove’s annual Beltane celebration is disrupted when one participant is robbed of her magic and seriously harmed by a necromantic curse. As the victim’s cousin, Rowan Thorn is determined to find the culprit. The prime suspects are members of the Avramov family, who specialize in necromancy. To prove her family is innocent, Isidora Avramov, black sheep and demon summoner, reluctantly becomes Rowan’s co-detective. Unfortunately, Rowan and Issa have been archenemies ever since Rowan got Issa banished from volunteering at the local animal shelter. While the two hunt down clues together, their preconceived notions about each other, their families, and their magics are challenged, and both are unsettled to discover desire replacing animosity. When another necromantic curse almost kills Rowan, Issa saves him and opens up her heart and her secrets to him.

VERDICT Harper (Payback’s a Witch) continues “The Witches of Thistle Grove” series strong, delivering a second installment packed with mystery, danger, lots of love-to-hate-you foreplay, family drama, and an identity crisis thrown in. Sound like a lot? It is, but still oh so fun. Highly recommended.

LJ starred review

Thank you so much to Berkley for an advanced copy of From Bad to Cursed. This book was so good!

Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Pub Date: May 17, 2022

I can't believe I'm about to type this...but I liked From Bad to Cursed so much more than Payback's A Witch (and I really liked PAW!).

I thought the story in this one just flowed from start to finish, and the family feud aspects gave me Romeo and Juliet vibes that I loved. And, the chemistry between Issa and Rowan was intense and written to *chef's kiss* perfection. I thought the enemies to lovers aspect was thrown in in just the perfect way, and it kept me glued to the pages. If you're looking for something to binge read during Halloween, this series is the perfect choice.

If you liked ETL, fantasy, family feuds, etc, this book is for you.

Before I begin, I would like to start with a disclaimer that I have not read the first novel in this series. However, I found this book to be accessible to new readers, and, while reading the first book would likely have made this one easier to understand, it wasn't super hard to follow with limited background knowledge.

This is one of those books that gets better the longer you read it. At first, I really wasn't sure about it, but I slowly grew more and more invested in the plot. It was light and easy to read, and I ended up reading the whole thing over the course of a day. The pacing was nice and quick and the plot progressed smoothly. While the beginning was a bit of a drag, things picked up soon after and I felt more invested in the character and plot as time went on.

Though I found her to be cringe at times, I did relate to the protagonist, Isidora. I definitely connected with her on feeling as if you don't have a sure place in the world. In addition, I liked that she had anxiety and panic attacks –– the author's description of a panic attack was really spot on, in my opinion, and it is always wonderful to see good mental illness representation in books.

The absolute worst part was the constant use of modern references or conversational slang that just felt out of place/cringe-worthy. I cringed every time the families called each other "sis" or "coz" (and no, it's not better when they do it in Russian, because it just becomes ses). I don't think I've ever called my siblings "bro" or "sis" so I really don't know why this is a thing I've seen in more than one novel, not just this one. And there were SO MANY astrological references, like "oh, what a taurus thing to say" like?? Even Isidora's narration/thoughts as the book goes on is hard to read at points. It's a bit difficult to get through –– especially with phrases like "Holy f*cking spaceballs, Batman" –– but it wasn't so terrible that I couldn't read the novel, just that it took me out of the story a few times.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this one. If you're looking for a fun, easy-to-read romance with fantasy elements, then this is likely right up your alley. 3 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing the ARC.

The next installment in the Witches of Thistle Grove focuses on Issa Avramov and Rowan Thorn and how they come together to figure out the mystery behind who attacked the Thorn family before Beltane. For all intents and purposes, this is an enemies-to-lovers tale that focuses on not just overcoming a 'professional' rivalry but also a lot of deep-seated family history between the two as they uncover the mystery.

I think I actually enjoyed this book more than Payback's a Witch. I am a sucker for the enemies-to-lovers trope and watching two characters who seem so different find common ground. Rowan is so adorably straight-laced that it hurts sometimes, and Issa definitely plays a bit more fast and loose. I loved seeing that dynamic play out between the two of them. I loved Rowan's comforting nature and I loved how Issa shook up his rigid lifestyle.

Overall, decent read if you're into witchy things (which I am!) and steamy enemies-to-lovers books that leave little to be desired.

I liked this one slightly less than the first, partly because of places where I felt uncomfortable with the white author writing the Black characters using AAVE. Overall, I continue to enjoy the world Harper is building.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC

Exceedingly average follow-up to Payback's a Witch. I think the series is moving toward cookie-cutter romcom that does not appeal to me. Nothing about the mystery, characters or even the setting enticed me. I found the banter between Issa and Rowan to be cringey from the start which ruined my ability to invest. Suffice to say that in a couple days I won't be able to tell you a single thing that happened in this book.

I liked Payback's a Witch but I think I like From Bad to Cursed Better. I love Romeo and Juliet retellings and I consider this to be one! Issa and Rowan had enough chemistry to really carry it through and I love the further development of the Thorns and Avramovs, as well as more of Thistle Grove. This book was sooooo funny and honestly, the perfect rom-com within a cute fantasy setting. The murder mystery aspect of the book was just okay but I really wanted a quick and easy read as well as a dive back into this world so I was not disappointed! I love, love, love witchy stories and this is a nice springtime component to the Thistle Grove series whereas the other felt more like a fall/spooky season read! Thank you Netgalley and Berkley for this ARC!!

This delicious enemies-to-lovers romance successfully follows in the footsteps of its predecessor. Once again, Harper created all of the whimsical modern-day life problems of a contemporary rom-com wrapped delightfully in the intrigue of a paranormal romance and tied it up in a bow of fun characters that feel like real people that I want to be friends with. Not only is this book eminently readable, but every page is fun to read. Issa is a funny and fresh narrator and while (like most romances) the end was comfortingly predictable, the little foreshadowed hints about the mystery element were well done. Not only was the mystery well written, but so was the enemies-to-lovers plotline. Unlike many examples of this trope, the burgeoning romance between Issa and Rowan never felt rushed or out of left field, and clear communication and consent won the day (and my heart). The book was steamy but not overly explicit with the clear focus being on the characters' romantic feelings as they developed. Just as last October, I once again find that I am impatient for the next book in this lovely series. Harper's Thistle Grove continues to be a delightful, diverse, spooky paradise that I cannot wait to visit again.
I received an ARC of this book.

I feel so lucky to have been able to read this gem early. This book was everything I was looking for. It gave the perfect amount of autumnal vibes with all the witchy vibes. The main character Isidora is fierce, funny, and a little stubborn. She is so lovable because she isn’t perfect. She is fiercely loyal which I love. It also makes her the perfect match for her enemy Rowan who is equally stubborn and loyal. I just wish the book was longer I need more of Thistle Grove!

One of the things I most enjoyed about this was the fun dialogue between Isidora and Rowan. It was so funny seeing them roast each other. I also loved the representation, like Isidora’s panic attacks and how Rowan is Black with Irish history. He’s also so good with plants omfg I love guys who are soft gardeners.

I also think this was just as good as the first book in the series, especially as there were more mystery aspects mixed into the romance and the magical systems were brought up more in depth.

Overall this was very fun and cutesy but I think the incorporation of pop culture references and corny internet/Twitter-esque slang and the mention of Tiktok was kind of eh, but I understand what the author was trying to do with modernizing the witches and lifestyles!

I can’t wait to pester all my friends into buying this book. They’re going to be in for a treat (just look at that gorgeous cover!)

I was a huge fan of Payback is a Witch and to come back to Thistle Grove (EARLY!!!) was so exciting!!
I adored the characters so much and to see this one focuses on Issa and Rowan in a very tense and exciting enemies to lovers scenario had be craving more each day!!

I think this one even topped Payback is a Witch for me, and I can't wait to tell everyone to buy it when it's in stores. The witches of Thistle Grove honestly just keep on giving. I love all the characters and the atmosphere so much.

10/10

If there was ever a book that deserved a good ol' LiveJournal-era keymash of excitement, it would be this one. Issa is a delight; thorny, but soft, and eager to make something of herself. Rowan is kind and funny, yet protective. They work so well together. And Harper really lets the mystery shine over the romance, which makes this book even more fun.

This was a solid follow up to Paybacks A Witch. It was a little slower paced because the element of the tournament was taken out of it but it was nice to experience another season of the year in Thistle Grove. The back half of it really gripped me and it very much stuck the landing. I am really looking forward to more of this series and the expansion of Thistle Grove.

Enemies to lovers + forced proximity + witchy romance + one of my favorite book worlds ever = perfect recipe for an amazing book…and From Bad to Cursed does not disappoint!
Lana has such an enjoyable, sassy writing style that flows so naturally, her books make me so happy to read. I love the world of Thistle Grove SO much and fully enjoyed this return! Isidora is such a fun protagonist and pulls you into the story straight away. I adore Emmy but I think I related to Issa even more in many ways. She is the best balance of being sassy and strong while still being soft and vulnerable too. Her journey not just with Rowan, but within herself and finding her way to what she truly wants in life is so compelling and fun to read. The transition of Issa and Rowan’s relationship from enemies to lovers was done really well and felt like a completely natural shift. Also…the squirrel hex…I am STILL randomly thinking about this days later and cracking up, HILARIOUS!!
And I was so happy to see the sneak peek for the next Thistle Grove book at the end because I definitely want to see more of this wonderful world and all the fantastic characters and stories Lana spins within it!!

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for access to this title in exchange for an honest review.

Issa is daemonic summoner, clothes designer, a lover of astrology, and quotes from way too many crime TV shows. Roman Thorn, her archenemy, who’s super sexy?, loves animals!?, is a healer, and actually shows human decency??! He holds her while she has a panic attack?! A-freaking-dorable! Oh and she’s also a redhead which is my fave thing in books.

I love this series. I felt like I related a bit more to Emmy and Talia’s story a bit more than this one. And I enjoyed the plot a bit more. However, this one was super enjoyable and just had me smiling the whole time. This one goes into the magic world in a whole different way which is kinda fun. Also the fact that Lana makes many really fun Gen Z references is a plus. There may or may not be a Killmonger and Thanos joke. That one killed me. Oh also this one doesn’t have a third act breakup. Thank the freaking Lord.

Sometimes I did feel a bit lost with the plot and I wished for a bit more chemistry between the two love interests. But still a solid book and really enjoyed it.

Thanks!!:)

In this follow up to Harper's "Payback's a Witch," Issa Avramov's necromantic magic is paired with Rowan Thorne's green magic (initially a reluctant pairing for them both) to investigate a vicious attack on an innocent Thorne witch in the run-up to Thistle Grove's Beltane observances. As Issa and Rowan's investigation proceeds, their understanding of each other grows, even as the danger grows. This story is full of magical twists & turns, a bit of humor and a journey from enemies to friends to something more.

I’m happy to announce that I’m joining a blog tour for From Bad to Cursed, the sequel to Payback’s a Witch! I absolutely loved Payback’s a Witch and was desperate to dive into this one. It was nice being back in Thistle Grove and learning more about the characters!

This book follows Issa Avramov, Talia’s younger sister, and Rowan Thorn. The Thorn family is attacked and Issa and Rowan work together to figure out who did it and how to stop them, while trying to sort through their conflicting feelings for one another. I really enjoyed seeing the differences between the two families and getting to watch the two characters realize that they may have been wrong about one another in the past. The enemies-to-lovers trope is done really well in this one!

I also really enjoyed getting to see Talia and Emmy again. I think that the plot was a little weaker in this one, because I really enjoyed the one in Payback’s a Witch, but it was still enjoyable. There’s more diversity in this one, which I enjoyed, and I really liked both of the main characters!

This would be a fantastic Halloween read and I recommend it for people who liked the first book and people wanting a fun, witchy romance. Thank you once again for a copy! It comes out on May 17th.

A sequel that is better than the first instalment - and the first book (Payback’s a Witch) was one of the best books I read in 2021! Lana Harper has done it again. I loved how smart and fast paced the narrative is and how this book reintroduced characters that were on the sidelines of Payback’s a Witch and flushed out their stories - and revisited other characters we know and love from the first book! The sleuthing to determine who was casting dangerous hexes by team Avramov/Thorn was really well done - and the enemies to friends to lovers love story was straight up fire. This book could be read as a standalone book - but I would highly recommend reading Payback’s a Witch beforehand so you don’t miss out in an incredible start to the series. Thistle Grove is one of my favourite places and I loved that this book built out the whole Thistle Grove world. And like the first book, the descriptions of the characters, setting, sights and sounds, and magic is so well executed that I was watching the world come to life in my mind as I read. I can’t wait for this book to land so I can talk it up to customers and friends alike! And I’m thrilled to see that there is another book in the works!!

Thank you NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing for the eArc in exchange for an honest review.

From the first paragraph, I knew this book would be a good one. I immersed myself into the book from the first chapter and I cannot say enough good things about this book! Honestly amazing! The writing is incredible and the plot is just one to die for. I am absolutely obsessed with this book. My favorite part would have to be the character development throughout the book. Character development is something I look forward to and this book did not disappoint.