What happens when your ex comes back after leaving you before the wedding? It's complicated. It's fun. I really enjoyed this new take on the witch world. I hope to see more of this series and soon.

I found this to be an OK contemporary with a witchy vibe. While I really enjoyed some of it, overall it just wasn't a great fit for me.
The good stuff:
* I liked the witchy mythos, this seemed like a fun world to be in.
* The "old flame returns" trope is one of my favorites
* I love books where the magical world lives alongside the mundane
The not-as-good stuff:
* I did not feel chemistry between these characters
* All the characters were tropey even beyond what you kind of expect from the genre
* The conflict was literally non-existent outside of no one talking to each other like adults
All together it was a bog standard romance that you would expect from the genre/publisher. I wouldn't say its a "don't read," but I think this is for a romance reader whose tastes are simply different from mine.

I'm all for magical romcoms and this didn't disappoint me. With the added bit of mystery, this book was simply delightful. I'm going to be super disappointed if Morgan doesn't continue on in this world. I really need books that follow Tia, Leah and Sloane next.

For Libraries: If you have fans of paranormal romance (and what library doesn't?), then you will want this one.

Thank You to NetGalley and Harlequin for this eARC! The Witch is Back follows the story of two witches who were tied in an engagement when they were younger. That is until Bastian leaves before he could marry Emma. Seven years later, Emma owns a bar in Chicago but Bastian returns with his intent to marry her. When I first read the description it automatically caught my eye and intrigued me on what their story was. I’m a huge fan of stories that surround themselves around witches because I feel that every author is able to give it their own twist. In this book that’s something that I really enjoyed as it was different compared to others. For me I think the book fell flat on the characters and their romance. I felt like some of their actions were a bit alarming and didn’t make quite sense. If the characters were more built on I think i would have enjoyed the book way more!

I loved this book. The characters were relatable and flawed. The chemistry between Emma and Bastian felt true and not forced. The secondary cast of characters made me laugh and now I want to be friends with them all. Paranormal romances can sometimes be a hit or miss for me, but the magic system in The Witch is Back was thought out well and written seamlessly into the story. I would recommend this book to someone who doesn’t read paranormal romances or books with magic in them.

The story was paced perfectly and gave time for the reader to fall in love with the characters individually and together. The reader really begins to understand their motivations. The twist at the end too was delicious and I did not see it coming.

I want more books in the Emma/Bastian universe immediately! I didn’t want to leave their world.

5 stars and I will definitely be recommending this book to everyone!

Thank you to Netgalley for the arc!

Magical, Propulsive, and Heartfelt

I am so grateful for the digital ARC that Harlequin provided in exchange for this honest review.

Shy witch Emma is finally finding herself after her fiance ran out on her without a word 7 years previously. When he returns without warning, Emma and the long-elusive Bastian are both forced to reckon with their past as they look to the future. Sparks fly literally and figuratively in this magical romance.

I loved this story! Emma is likable, relatable, and funny and her chemistry with Bastian is apparent throughout. The duo faces many twists and turns throughout their reacquaintance and the rekindling of their relationship. I don’t love a miscommunication trope, but as Sophie and Bastian let each other in, their level of confidence in each other (and themselves) grows and the progression through internal and external conflicts feels natural. The ancillary relationships are also a delight: that of Emma and Sloane, Emma and her best friends, Emma and her brother, Bastian and his parents. They all give the reader a glimpse into the protagonists values and give a measure of stability as Emma and Bastian face so many challenges. The ending is wholly satisfying and left me with a tear in my eye and a smile on my face. You won’t regret picking up a copy of “The Witch is Back”

This was a fun read with an interesting plot and a dynamic between the characters that I really enjoyed! I love the tropes in this book and although cheesy, were just cheesy enough that the romance was felt! I enjoyed the "world building" aspect of it and I felt it did well with what little time romance books give to their authors to really build that world!

The Witch is Back by Sophie H. Morgan was definitely an enjoyable story.
It was a quick read and entertaining from the beginning.
A sweet, charming and witchy read with the best tropes ever from former childhood sweethearts to fake dating…. What’s not to love.?
This light-hearted romantic comedy stole my heart.
My first time reading Morgan’s work and I’ve gotta say I’m very pleased.
The Witch is Back was a funny, magical, and swoon worthy romance.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Thank You NetGalley and Harlequin for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

It felt like all of the character development was tied up in the world building, which was, in itself, clunky and protracted. Also most of the background people are just kind of gross and unlikable.

Magical, romantic, tense and heartwarming! 🔮 🖤 🐾 🥮 🍻
Sophie H. Morgan put a spell on me with this novel! I was hooked from first page and read it in one sitting. I loved learning about the magic system, family rankings and familiars while also trying to uncover the mystery of the curse. Super fun, quick read that will make you swoon!

Emma moved to Chicago after getting dumped by her fiancé’, and over the last seven years she has learned to be a stronger witch and a stronger woman. Her mother thinks she is still a disappointing daughter, but if Emma can avoid going home, then she can enjoy having two terrific friends and the developing relationship with her long-lost half-sister, and ignore the Wicked Witch.

Except one day, the bast… er, Bastion, that is, returns. The ex-fiancé. He “needs” to marry her. Not “wants”. And sadly, after explaining why, she may have to say yes. Dear reader, what follows is delightful storytelling. I adored this story and wish that there was magically more of the series ready to read, right this minute. I will be looking for Book 2!

I know your inquiring mind is wondering why I rated this four stars instead of five. The ‘he did this, she did that’ got a bit overlong. I felt like this rehashed some of the same story too often without breaking new ground. I, like Leah and Sloane, also would have liked to see more magic or more of the magic world on the other side of the portal. This is witches and warlocks and magic! Let’s see some magic! We did, but I would like more. Conversely, I appreciated the touch of the forbidden in knowing Leah and Sloane were not allowed to discuss magic or they were they were not supposed to know anything about that world.

Fun and easy romantic read! A shy innocent young witch, with an evil witch for a mother, has to learn to trust the warlock that broke off their engagement years before. Great for fans of the Ex Hex.

Seven years ago, mediocre witch Emma Bluewater escaped from the rigid, stifling, power hungry New Orleans witch society when her fiancé and best friend abruptly fled without leaving any explanations. Shy Emma has now found her place thousands of miles away in Chicago where she owns a bar with her two closest friends. She spends her time baking, volunteering at the animal shelter and hanging out with her younger half-sister. Everything in her calm, orderly life suddenly starts to unravel when her erstwhile fiancé Bastian Truenote waltzes back into her life. He desperately needs her assistance and requests that they resume their engagement in order to help cure his sick mother. But these former friends turned enemies are keeping some very big secrets, even as they start to realize they have some more than friendly feelings. Can they learn to trust each other and turn their engagement of convenience into something real or are they doomed to repeat their past mistakes?

This book was sweet, witchy goodness. Low angst, light, fluffy and fun! Emma is painfully shy, partly her nature and partly from years of mental abuse at the hands of her mother. She’s kind, loyal, fiercely protective of those she loves, but extremely distrustful of outsiders. Bastian is outgoing, a little flighty and irresponsible, funny and devoted to his family. Emma and Bastian balance each other out and bring out the best in each other. Morgan really shows how strong their bond once was and why they feel so deeply betrayed by the other. It’s great character development. Watching them change, grow and find their way back was magical. Morgan’s world building is strong and creative. I’d love to see a second book in the series where she can build on the foundations of the first.

Cute witchy romance. Former childhood friends, Emma and Bastian were arranged marriage fiancés until Bastian disappeared withoiut a word and broke her heart. Emma has built a new life for herself far away from witch society (and her controlling mother), until Bastian returns and begs Emma to honor their marriage contract. But both have secrets and trust issues, so it remains to be seen whether the pair can become friends again as Emma agrees to wed Bastian to save his mother from the curse clause activated when the pair didn't wed in time.

I really enjoyed this story, I like friends to lovers - especially when one secretly loves the other. And both leads were likable, even taking into account Bastian's abandonment. I also liked Emma's friends and wouldn't mind seeing another story set in this world.

ARC courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley, this is an unpaid review.

Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Witch is Back!

This was such a cute, witchy rom-com! The story was so intriguing and unique, and I absolutely devoured it. Emma and Bastian’s relationship was so charming and fun, and the romance was *chefs kiss*. I loved getting to see Emma’s character development throughout the course of the story, and I truly feel like all of the side characters added so much to the story.

This story features so many tropes, so there is definitely something in this book for you! The most note-worthy tropes are childhood-friends-to-lovers, enemies-to-lovers, arranged marriage, and second-chance. There’s also some spice!

I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a fun, magical witchy rom-com!

Morgan has created an amazing story that takes place in the worlds of witch high society in New Orleans and everyday humankind in Chicago. The Witch is Back has a supernatural mystery, childhood friends who are trying to figure out their relationship as adults and lots of family drama. Emma and Bastion grew up together and were committed by their parents to an arranged marriage. On the verge of an engagement, Bastion ran away with no explanation. When Bastion returns, Emma has created a new life for herself in Chicago outside the witch community. Both are bitter about the events leading to their separation and are reluctant to trust each other. Because supernatural contracts - including the one for Bastion's and Emma's engagement - are truly binding, they agree to move forward and, as part of the process, to live together. I really enjoyed these childhood best friends rediscovering what they liked about each other and appreciating how they have changed and grown up. Theirs is a true love story - including the need for compromise, loyalty and passion. The book is a page turner; I was unable to put it down until I finished.

I absolutely devoured this book! Read it in basically one sitting. I just couldn't get enough. Witchy rom coms are my soft spot and I thought this one delivered in all the right ways. It was sweet and charming and the characters were so relatable (even though they have magic). I would love for there to be other books following the other characters because I want more of this group of people!

Thank you to Harlequin and Net Galley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Witch is Back by Sophie Morgan!

I loved that this book had so many tropes: friends-to-enemies-to-lovers, second chances, and arranged marriages galore! I love a good witchy story, and this one was great. I loved seeing Bastian be so understanding of Emma and her personality. The world building was great, and the supporting characters added fun commentary, and I hope we can see their stories in the future.

Definitely recommend if you are looking for a fun, cute, steamy witchy read!

Great, well-written fantasy story! Emma is a shy witch with weak skills. Her mother is a mean bully. Bastion is the charming, magically powerful son of a socially desirable witch family. Their parents entered into a magically binding marriage contract for Emma and Bastion when they were young. Bastion later left their community suddenly with no explanation, leaving Emma to face the resulting gossip. Jumping forward, Emma escaped her mother and now lives in the human world. She owns a bar with two friends. Emma chose the location of the bar in order to develop a relationship with her secret half-sister. Bastion is eventually forced to return. Emma and Bastion agree to honor the marriage contract, to avoid the consequences of breaking it. Both of them keep secrets to themselves, as they rediscover their friendship and eventually fall in love. All of the plot lines weave together beautifully. The book has romance, magic, witchy politics, adult heat, family dynamics, cute animal familiars, some surprising plot twists and more. Highly recommended! I received an advance copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

I was excited about reading this book because I've been into witchy or paranormal romance books. The problem is that this book didn't have enough witch or paranormal elements for me. I felt like the magic components were a secondary part of the story. If the magical element was taken it, this could have been a story about an arranged marriage between two families. I really wanted more about magic, but it was really lacking.


I was really put off by the character of Emma's mom. I think that there should have been a warning about the abuse that her mom put on her. It was really difficult to read about how her mom locked her away and kept her from food when she was younger and she also constantly criticized everything about her. The mother's words were deeply upsetting. I also think that Bastian wasn't very kind to Emma. He called her stupid, more than once, and I couldn't get over that.

I couldn't see the connection between Emma and Bastian. It felt forced, and I wasn't really rooting for them. I wish that there was more of the side characters. Overall, I would have liked more romance, magic, and witch elements.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for an ARC of this book.