A Simple Twist of Fate by April Asher delivers a delightful mix of paranormal romance, second-chance love, and small-town magic. When witch Harlow “Harry” Pierce returns to her magical hometown after thirteen years, she’s forced to confront both her past heartbreak and the town’s unraveling fate magic. Her reunion with shifter and former flame Jaxon Atwood reignites old feelings, even as they navigate town politics, magical chaos, and the challenges of helping Harry’s goddaughter control her powers.

Asher perfectly balances heartfelt romance with humor, strong friendships, and cozy paranormal worldbuilding. The chemistry between Harry and Jaxon is palpable, and their emotional journey feels earned, with just the right amount of angst and warmth. The supporting cast adds charm and depth, while the magical town of Fates Haven serves as a whimsical, fully realized backdrop.

While some plot points wrap up a bit conveniently, the story’s light, feel-good tone and swoon-worthy romance make this an enjoyable and satisfying read for fans of paranormal rom-coms. Asher continues to shine in this charming, magic-filled world.

𝗔 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗧𝘄𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗯𝘆 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝗔𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 @youhadmeathea 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬！

I adored this cozy paranormal, second-chance romance, with witches and shifters! The book felt cozy and fast-paced, while holding mysteries that reveal themselves as the story unfolds! I really appreciate stories such as this one, where there are subplots that add layers to the novel and make it a little bit more than just about the romance! Definitely grab this one if you are looking for an endearing paranormal cast, small-town romance with some really lovely found family vibes!

At eighteen, witch Harlow “Harry” Pierce fled Fates Haven after fate matched her boyfriend, Jaxon, with her best friend. Thirteen years later, she returns with her troubled goddaughter, hoping the town’s magic and Jaxon—now Alpha—can help. But with the town’s fate magic broken and no matches made in years, Harry’s return may be the key to restoring balance and confronting the past.

This was a cozy yet delightfully quirky fantasy book, and it was such a joy to read! The humor and banter were spot-on, and I found myself smiling throughout. I do wish there had been a bit more focus on the town itself, and I would’ve loved for the romance to take a more central role—but even so, I absolutely loved this read. The vibes were definitely vibing for me! I especially enjoyed the mystery surrounding Fates Haven and how seamlessly it wove into the overall story. Some of the twists were genuinely fun and surprising.

Harry and Jax’s relationship was adorable. I loved seeing them reconnect and get a second chance, even with a bit of miscommunication along the way. Harry’s character growth was really satisfying—she faced so many things from her past with strength and grace. Her relationship with Grace was also incredibly sweet, and I adored the found family aspect of the story. Overall, I highly recommend this book if you're looking for something fun, heartwarming, and full of charm!

Rating: 4.5/5
Spice: 2/5

Tropes:
Small Town
Second Chance
Slow Burn
Magical Creatures
Fated Mates
Found Family

Thank you to NetGalley, April Asher, and St. Martin’s Press for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

4 stars for A Simple Twist of Fate. I enjoyed this easy romcom romantasy immensely. The characters were relatable and just stubborn enough that it kept me hooked and once I started the book I couldn't stop. The plot had good pacing and I liked a lot of the side characters. I'm not a huge fan of the miscommunication trope but since it happened before the beginning of the plot I'll let it slide. I enjoyed this world and I hope we get to see more. I wish there was another chapter after the ceremony, maybe an epilogue 3 months later to see how all the characters were doing. The ending seemed a little rushed for me but it didn't feel unfinished. Can't wait to see more from this author!

I’m beginning to think this author’s books aren’t for me. I DNF’d this book at 43%. I struggled to get that far, as I was bored with the plot and the characters. Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for the eARC.

So adorable and fun!! I had a great time with this. Im always an april asher fan, and this is a bit different from her supernatural singles books, but very similar to the Glimmer Falls books i absolutely adore from Sarah Hawley. This is shaping up to be a (hopefully) super fun series, but if not, its also an ADORABLE standalone, and I had a great time!! Im really glad Harry and Jax werent pining over each other FOREVER, and that they were grown ups about most things. Obviously shit happened, and because of the past people couldnt always forgive and forget, but thankfully conversations happened and I appreciate the honesty and the way things were handled. Overall, yet again, April Asher kicked it out of the park!

Loved this book! I've been reading so much lately that some of what I've been reading has begun to feel like a slog. This book reminded me of what it's like to read something really fun and well-written. I love April Asher and this book did not disappoint me. I enjoyed the characters and the community, and the second chance romance had a proper reasoning behind the initial break-up and enough time had passed to make it all palatable. The one thing that I didn't really vibe with story-wise was the third-act hiccup (I can't really call it a break-up). I don't feel that the hurt and mistrust over the female lead's initial leaving of town was really delved into enough to make the reactions of her friends and family believable. They all wildly overreacted to a single sentence in a partially read text. She was 18 when she took off that first time, she's in her thirties now, please write characters who understand how growth and development happen. Otherwise, it was a fun, romantic romp and I look forward to reading more stories set in this magical town.

DNF @ 20%. I loved April Asher's Supernatural Singles series so, so much, but I am just not feeling "A Simple Twist of Fate." I have a hunch it is a "me" problem and has nothing directly to do with this book. The writing is fine, but I am just not enjoying the story all that much. Asher sort of drops you in the middle of this world and with these characters all of a sudden? It feels like it began way too quickly for some reason. I love a cozy romance, but I am finding that my mind is drifting every single time I start to read this one. I can feel the longing between Harry and Jaxon, so that's a plus, but it's not enough to keep my focus. Found family with a bratty teenager isn't my thing. There is a lot of lore and world-building all at once, and I think my mind is just not ready for that kind of book right now. All this to say, there is nothing bad about April Asher, her writing style, and the vibes of this book would be immaculate if I felt like jumping into a new world head-on without any notice.

Thank you to NetGalley, April Asher, St. Martin's Press, and St. Martin's Griffin for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

This was such a cute read. I had never read any of her books before so I was pleasantly surprised.

This felt a lot like Gilmore girls meets paranormal romance. It was such a small town, feel good, cozy vibe.

When Harry’s best friend takes off to find her daughter’s father she becomes her guardian. The problem is she’s developing powers and no one knows how to control them. So when things begin to get out of hand she knows she has to take her back to her hometown to find answers.

While she’s there she runs into her first love. Will they be able to rekindle the flames while helping her niece conquer her newfound shifting powers?

Super cute quick and easy read.

3.5/5 stars for me and I would definitely recommend!

I always enjoy stories from April Asher. Harry is a witch who left her magical Colorado town 13 years ago. She returns now as guardian of Grace, a teen shifter who needs help controlling her powers. Grace's mother is off searching for the father. Harry is surprised to learn that Jaxon Atwood, a cougar shifter, is now in charge of the Rocky Mountain Pack. Jax is the reason Harry left town originally after seeing that Jax was fated for someone other than her.

The story is a second chance romance but spends a lot of time on finding Grace’s dad and on the interactions of the friend group. The small town gives Hallmark vibes but with an R rating. I have the feeling that a lot of this book is setting the stage for future books in the series. There is also a lot of immature humor like naming the town bakery Sugar Tits but I expect this having read the author before. Jax is an alpha male type, which I don’t usually love. But where he is the alpha for his pack it fits. There is a lot of miscommunication that could easily have been cleared up with some honest conversations. I had fun with the story and like the small magical town setting. I do want to see where Grace’s story is going to go.
(3.5 Stars)

I loved the setting and the "vibes" of this book, but I can't explain exactly why I feel this way, but it just sort of felt as if I was thrown into the story with zero information? I know world building can sometimes be a negative if done in a way that feels heavy or forced, but a little bit would have been a positive in this case. It was definitely a cute paranormal read, but I didn't connect with either character which made it hard to get through.

⭐⭐⭐.5 | 3.5 stars rounded down

✔️ Cute witch x shifter romcom
✔️ Paranormal Stars Hollow-esque setting
✔️ Second-chance romance
✔️ Fated mates
✔️ Found family
✔️ Dual POV

I really enjoyed this book and all the quirky cast of characters and setting that came along with it. While there were opportunities to demonstrate a deeper emotional connection and yearning between Jax and Harry that I think the author missed, I still flew through it. Grace, in all her teen angst, was a very welcome addition to the story. A fun, lighthearted summer or autumn read for sure!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin for the eARC!

This was a really cute read! I love a paranormal, cozy rom com, especially in a fantasy setting. I also listened to the audiobook and enjoyed it as well! I wish there was a little more of the fantasy element with magic, but it was a decently fun read. I think if you enjoy quick reads similar to the Pumpkin Spice Cafe, this is along the same vein but with fantasy elements.

Thank you st Martin's publishing, Netgalley, & April Asher for this magical book! I truly enjoyed this book! My favorite sentence was: Because holy hexes in a baked bread basket.

This was a great story and I love that Harry's aunt understands what is happening before everyone else.

I like the way the story ended, but truth be told, I am hoping there will be more books that take place in Fates Haven. I love these characters and the town and I need to know what happens with some of these characters after this book ends. I will keep my fingers crossed that there are future Fates Haven books. :)

So stinking cute! I need more.
A Simple Twist of Fate by April Asher was a delightful surprise! I honestly didn't expect to enjoy it quite as much as I did. This book perfectly blends humor with genuinely swoon-worthy romance, creating a vibe that's part Hallmark movie, a dash of Halloweentown, a pinch of Gilmore Girls, and a touch of steam.
I absolutely adored this quick read. The chemistry between Harlow "Harry" and Jaxon "Jax" is incredibly cute, and they share moments that truly make your heart flutter. The scene where Harry imagines Jax's arms as her safe haven was just the sweetest thing. Their evolving second-chance relationship is a joy to witness, and it's easy to root for them from start to finish.

If you're looking for a charming, funny, and heartwarming romance with a touch of magic and a great cast of characters, you absolutely need to pick up A Simple Twist of Fate.

DNF'd at 50%. It was going well and then the whole plot went weird and inconsistent with the environment.

This adorable paranormal Rom-com is everything you are looking for in a standalone romantic fantasy book. Would definitely recommend to my audience.

I cannot put into words how much I loved this cozy fantasy romance. A witch and a shapeshifter along with a cute small supernatural town. Count me in. I am still hoping this is the first in a series and we get to see more of Fates Haven. Add in Harry's teenage god daughter who is half human and half shifter(literally the best character in the book) and you have a great hilarious novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for a honest review.

April Asher has become an insta-read author for me - every book is a win. I loved this paranormal romance and I hope we get more books set in this town. Asher does a fantastic job of setting up these paranormal worlds in a very natural way that isn't info-dumpy at all. I loved the family dynamics that were explored. I'm a bit of a hard sell for second chance romances, but this one hit all my very particular constraints and I loved it.