Haven't read the first book but I could still follow along pretty well despite that. I'm sure there is stuff I missed but it was coherent enough to be mostly stand alone.

It was a book with storylines in the multiple POV format, and I quite like that. It was all third person which is weird for a POV book but whatever. All the characters had their own agendas, lying to the people closest to them. Prospero hid Ellie's memories from her. Sondre loved Maggie but was part of the opposition. Even Dan felt guilty after he helped Prospero. I liked Sondre and Craig's talk, each wanted the best for Maggie.

The whole memory keeping away thing felt very Willow and Tara coded and I was not a fan of how the author tried to somewhat excuse what was done to Ellie. It felt very forced and I'm not a fan.

I really wanted to love this one more but just didn't. The first book was kind of hit and miss for me but in the end I got sucked into the drama and intrigue and ended up enjoying it for what it was. This book picks up immediately where the first left off which I appreciated since I was left hanging at the end of the first. I feel like with this one there was more struggle to find the hit. The romance between Prospero and Ellie was just not there for me and it was almost painful reading about Ellie throwing herself at Prospero while not knowing what she did to her. I feel like book one Ellie would have been really upset about it and in the end when she discovers it, she doesn't seem all that bothered. When it comes to Maggie and Sondre, there was some seriously weird energy between them. I never quite understood why Maggie would be with him after she understood everything that happened. Also, she was all about getting back to her son and then in this book he is there with her and pretty quickly she is okay with a whole plan of him moving away from her again with a complete stranger and only seeing him on holidays. SMH...I don't get it. Another annoying plot hole might be the whole I can tell when anyone is lying to me witchy super power. There are so many times that this seems forgotten because people are lying to each other throughout and their spidey senses never tingle. It even unravels the whole we don't know who is on what side because all you have to do is literally ask and you would be able to find out if they are lying to you. I feel like this one needed some more work before being published which I really hate saying because I know how much work and love goes into the whole process. I have read other books by the author and really enjoyed them but this duology maybe needed some more time in development.

I received an early digital copy of this book from NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book picks up IMMEDIATELY after the second and while that is satisfying in terms of pacing and for those who waited for this - the book has some issues. I found things to be a bit discombobulated and the side plots and characters somewhat under-baked. Things felt somewhat shallow and it relied SO heavily on the previously novel. I find that a good sequel furthers not only the plot but the characters and neither seemed to have much depth here.

Technically I switched back and forth between the audio and the ebook for this one because I just wanted to know what was gonna happen! This was a fun duology from one of my favorite authors, though that cliffhanger at the end of book 1 really threw me for a loop with how this one was gonna go. I loved both of the narrators for the audiobook; I thought the choice to have the male narrator read Scylla's POV was really interesting and definitely gave some more insight into her character, though I was a little sad that it only happened in that one chapter. I also loved that Prospero was quite torn with how to put things right after the end of Remedial Magic without breaking the rules she so prizes (though sometimes her strict adherence to the rules was annoying tbh). I do wish she'd given Ellie a little more to go on regarding their "issues" so that Ellie wasn't worrying that she'd done something horrible and then been made to forget it, but I get that she felt like she was duty-bound to follow Walt's edict no matter how it hurt Ellie.
I will admit that I found the resolution of their "fight" a little...abrupt, though that doesn't really feel like the right word. I get where Ellie was coming from in that she loved Prospero and wanted to forgive her even if she didn't remember exactly what she was forgiving her for and it did seem like Prospero had done enough self-flagellation, but to me it did feel a little rushed. Though then there was a great sex scene and I didn't care so much anymore :D. I enjoyed their relationship other than that slight blip in feeling like the main issue resolved a little too quickly and neatly, and I especially loved that Prospero learned to enjoy not being the only one in control all the time and being taken care of instead.
I also really loved the other two relationships in the book, Sondre and Maggie and Dan and Axell. Dan occasionally got on my nerves, mostly with his very black and white thinking when it came to Prospero and how he refused to even consider if there could be nuance in what happened during the end of book one (to be fair, what they made him take part of was very not cool and left him with a lot of guilt for hurting people he cared about, but it seemed like he never got that neither Prospero or Sondre were the ones calling the shots there. They were both forced into that situation like he was and were just as unhappy about being a party to it. But I could understand where he was coming from to an extent). I loved Axell, that sweet, open-minded Viking music man who just wanted to love Dan despite all of Dan's doubts and fears, and I did enjoy seeing him get through to Dan and all his insecurities. I do wish we'd had a little more time with Sondre and Maggie, especially as Sondre seemed to be suddenly in love with Maggie and it kinda left me wondering when exactly that happened. Don't get me wrong, they were very cute together and worked well together, and I loved how good he was with Craig, it just felt very quick even in book time. I did appreciate that she didn't feel obligated to immediately say it back though. Good for her.
All in all, this was a very cute series, the audio narration was very well done, that cliffhanger at the end of book 1 was a hell of a doozy, but thank goodness both books are out now so that you can read one right after the other and not be left hanging. This was a lovely, cozy fantasy with some slight mystery vibes, sweet romance, Queer rep, and some interesting things to say.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me access to the audiobook early in exchange for an early review. I was super excited to get to try out Marr's new series in my favorite format and this didn't disappoint.

I am such a big fan of Melissa Marr, and have been since I was in high school, and this one did not disappoint! I love the magical world of Crenshaw that she created and I hope she writes more characters in this world! The multiple points of view was fun and I loved all the different love/relationship types representation! This was released in early April and you should definitely read this duology!! Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for my digital ARC!! ❤️❤️

I really struggled with this book. I couldnt' connect with the characters and struggled with the writing style. Maybe it would have been better if I listened to the audiobook, but I couldn't get access to it.

I started reading this one but was "reluctant" pun intended to finish it. It definitely sounded like a book that I would enjoy and I have read Melissa Marr in the past but this one just fell flat for me.

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review,

The Reluctant Witch is a charming and magical read that blends humor, heart, and a touch of darkness. Marr crafts a relatable protagonist whose journey into witchcraft feels fresh and grounded, despite the fantasy elements. The story’s pacing keeps you engaged, and the side characters add warmth and color. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

This sequel takes everything up a notch. The chemistry is undeniable, but it’s the emotional depth of their relationship that really grabbed me. I also loved the way the magic system weaves through the plot; nothing is ever simple, and there are so many layers to uncover. The action is thrilling, the tension is nail-biting, and the characters are ones I can’t stop thinking about. I will definitely be recommending it.

Even without reading the first book of the series, this was still an enjoyable read. Ellie lost her memory and she is struggling to understand why her wife doesn't want to be with her. Her wife, Prospero, wants to be with Ellie but is struggling with the morality of erasing her wife's memories. They have to get past their issues if they want to keep their world in tact, literally. There was some very spicy scenes in the book that added to the tension. Thank you Bramble for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

SAPPHIC WITCHES ARE IT.
Honestly, this was so much more enjoyable than I was anticipating! I wish I hadn't read the first one so long ago, because I felt a little disconnected from the story since it picked up exactly where we left off. I definitely can't wait to dive into the third one!

Marr's examination of when a magical utopia may not be so utopian, and the political, practical, and romantic complications of her assorted characters' choices, couples with some HOT HOT HOT sexy scenes makes for a very satisfying duology and wonderful addition to the Bramble library!

While I liked the first book in this series and was excited for Reluctant Witch, I struggled to get invested in this story that had a lot of characters to keep track of and different worlds/realms. The audio narration was fantastic though and I'm sure others will enjoy it but I wasn't feeling this one sadly. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

Not bad but definitely a lot of POV’s which might appeal to a certain reader but felt a bit too much for me.

Regardless it was a great continuation to the first book!

Reluctant Witch is a quick, entertaining read with a fun mix of magic and romance. I didn’t read the first book, so there were a few moments where I felt like I was missing some context, but overall, I had no trouble following the story. The multiple POVs helped a lot, giving a well-rounded view of everything going on.

The pacing is great as moves along nice and fast and never drags—but the world-building and characters felt a little underdeveloped. While the story is enjoyable, it doesn’t really stand out in the crowded world of witchy fiction. It’s fun while you’re reading, but not the kind of book that sticks with you afterward.

That said, it’s still a solid choice if you’re in the mood for something light and easy. I’m planning to go back and read the first book to get the full picture, but as it stands, this one was just okay for me.
Thank you to Netgalley & Tor Publishing Group

This is the sequel to Remedial Magic. The story picks up right where the first book left off, with Ellie discovering her magical identity in the world of Crenshaw. Prospero, her wife, has altered Ellie’s memories, and the tension between them is captivating. The world-building is fantastic, and the complex relationships, including LGBTQ+ representation, kept me hooked. I appreciated the multiple POVs, which added depth to the plot, though it slowed the pace in some parts. The audiobook was quite good, narrated by Jeremy Carlisle Parker and Max Meyers. The narrators brought the characters to life. This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys magical worlds, romance, and intrigue.

this was just okay, this was my first book by melissa (i had to start with remedial magic when i realized this was the second book). something about it wasn't for me, i don't know if it was the writing or the plot, but something was missing. i think it was the pacing maybe? the magic system was intriguing but i often felt distracted and not rushing to pick up the book.

I loved Remedial Magic so I was very excited for this one and it kept me immersed just as much with how much the characters had developed.

A powerful sequel that has no shortage of suspenseful situations and intense romance and emotions. This novel is undeniably bold.

I liked this sequel better than the first book, and still enjoyed all of the perspectives. It was nice to see the character growth and more depth to the characters than was possible in the first due to the short length and so many characters. I loved how the story evolved, starting with Maggie and Ellie’s sheer will to not be controlled. The female characters were all very strong, whether good, evil, or morally grey. The ending felt a little quick though, and things became tied up in a neat little bow far too easily for all of the build up. I actually assumed that we would find out that the badger was not the right witch or something to set up another book, but then it all just ended. I still enjoyed it, but I think the ending should have been more than it was.