I just LOVE April Asher's books! Her world building is so fun, and this is no different. I'm hoping this is the start of a new series set in the same town. It definitely sets itself up for more books, and I'm just not ready to leave Fates Haven! The romance was sweet and the banter was fun. This is definitely one of my favorite cute, quick reads of the year! Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for my digital ARC!!

Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this story.

Overall it was and was not how I expected. It was fun hallmark-y story but with a supernatural twist. The characters were fun and it really felt like we were hopping into someone’s ongoing story not just starting it. The characters were introduced in a way that first made me think “is this a sequel?” But as I was reading it felt so organic and that I was re-meeting people just like Harry.

My one qualm is that the cover completely gives Grace’s shifter away. From the moment they said they didn’t know I knew.

I hope this becomes a fun little series that I can read during the spookier months.

I'm always here for an April book and this one sounded a lot of fun.

First off, there are a lot a lot a lot of characters here and most of them are supernatural. At times it did feel a bit overwhelming to keep track of everyone, but here we are.

Harry and Jax have history and chemistry galore and they spend a good portion of the book ignoring both. It was fun reading them figure things out and actually have a damn conversation. Grace might have stolen every scene she was in and was a damn delight.

Plot wise, due to the above mentioned eleventy billion characters there are the same amount of moving pieces. Somehow it all worked for me and I was basically grinning the entire time I was reading. I definitely wanted more at the end because it felt sort of unfinished.

Overall, this was a fun book and I'll just be over here hoping there's more.

**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing a DRC of this title for review.

I don't know that I completely connected with the characters or the author's voice in this one, but I'd still definitely recommend to my patrons looking for a fun romantasy romcom!

3.5 stars/5.

The magical and shifter aspects of this story were cool. I really enjoyed the mystery behind Grace’s power and the town’s issues. The competitions were a lot of fun, as well!

4 stars because it took awhile for me to get into the story—the beginning was a little slow for me.

A Simple Twist of Fate is a cute, magical little second chance romance. I would recommend this to fans of Wolf Gone Wild, A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon, The Ex Hex, etc. It’s lighthearted, a little spicy, and fun.

There is an actual plot, and it was engaging enough, but the ending did feel a bit rushed. I could have read at least 20 more pages. I hope this will turn into a series of interconnected standalone books, because the side characters (especially Elodie/Silas and Cassie) have my attention. This was the palate cleanser that I desperately needed.

3.75 ⭐️

I'm always game for a good paranormal romance. And I like it even more when the paranormal aspects are common place and blend in/are part of normal everyday life. Add in a magical small town setting and you have a the pillars for a great story.

The book as a whole was a fun read. I think one of my favorite things was the wide cast of entertaining characters. I loved the competition and banter between the Big Bads and the Fearsome Four. As well as the spins put on the town events. The lack of communication that caused the 13 year rift between the two MC's was quite infuriating though. A simple conversation could have saved a lot of heartache for a lot of people. I also called Grace's shifter animal and twist, but enjoyed seeing how they got to those conclusions. I also look forward to hopefully future book featuring Elodie and Lenny and their fated matches.

Read this book if you like:
- fated mates
- paranormal aspects
- shifters, witches and vampires
- second chance romance
- childhood sweethearts
- found family
- small town

3.5 stars rounded up to 4

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martins Press for my advanced copy in return for an honest review!

A Simple Twist of Fate is everything I want in a paranormal romantic comedy. April Asher brings together heart, humor, and just the right amount of magic in a story that feels both whimsical and deeply emotional.

Harlow "Harry" Pierce is an unforgettable heroine. Her relationship with her goddaughter Grace is one of the most touching parts of the book. The way Harry loves and protects Grace, while helping her figure out where she belongs, made my heart ache in the best way. Their bond feels real and earned, and I loved every moment they shared.

The second chance romance is so satisfying. Jaxon is gruff and guarded but his chemistry with Harry practically jumps off the page. Their shared past gives their reunion so much weight. Watching them reconnect, work through old wounds, and slowly fall back in love was incredibly rewarding.

Fates Haven is the kind of magical small town I wish I could visit. The side characters are charming, the magical hijinks are laugh-out-loud funny, and the emotional moments hit all the right notes. This book made me smile, tear up, and believe in the power of second chances.

Quick Summary: A rip roaring, good time, paranormal romance deluxe

My Review: A Simple Twist of Fate: A Novel by April Asher is a 2025 fantasy romance. It will be officially released on 5/13/25.

About the Book: "...something is stirring in Fates Haven, Colorado... A witch and a shifter get a second chance at love..."

The Hook: "At the bright-eyed age of eighteen, witch Harlow “Harry” Pierce attended her first Fates Haven Finding Ceremony certain the Blue Willow Wisp would lead her to her Fated match, her cougar shifter boyfriend, Jaxon Atwood. But Fate had other plans, guiding her best friend to him instead."

The Draw: Magic, fated mates, diverse representation among supernaturals, second chance at love, angsty teen, quirky aunt, The Trouble Trio

In My Own Words: Fate, fantasy, family, friends, fire, fun, and "Sugar Tits & Treats." Oh my!

My Favorite Character: Harry 😎

Honorable Mention: Those pesky gnomes 😂

My Favorite Hot Guy: It's a tie between Jax and Maddox. 😍

My Favorite Ha ha Hoot (coded, so as to avoid spoilers): The Chocolate Drop 😝

My Favorite Yum yum: Cinna-Boob Buns 🍬

My Favorite Concepts (coded):

- The Crossing Call 🌟
- The Blues 👥
- The New It Couple 💖

My Final Say: I loved this story so much! I was thoroughly entertained. The characters, the community, the conflicts and dilemmas, the banter and tension, the bakery - all of it grabbed hold of me. It was a hoot and then some.

As I was reading, I kept thinking that this would be fantastic as an audiobook. Can you imagine?! All I have to say is sign me up!!! Better yet, book me a trip to this magical place.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:

Easy-to-read
Entertaining
Funny
Great world building
Happily Ever After
Original
Page-turner
Witty
Wonderful characters

Other: Readers who enjoy cozy, cute, hilarity and supernatural hijinks with hotness will totally jive with this book. It is a gem.

Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Status/Level: 💎

Enthusiastic appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin), and to NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to review this highly entertaining work. It was an absolute pleasure. I very much look forward to reading more books by this writer.

This book was a heartfelt and emotional ride from beginning to end. The chemistry between the main characters was electric, and their relationship felt both real and deeply moving. With just the right balance of sweetness, tension, and heartfelt moments, it’s the kind of love story that lingers long after the final page. Perfect for romance lovers!

A really intriguing premise and an innovative idea! The writing was also excellent. I did not finish in time but I thoroughly enjoyed what I did read! Really looking forward to finishing this.

I love a good witch/shifter romance and "A Simple Twist of Fate" is exactly that. FMC and witch Harry left Fates Haven more than a dozen years ago when she thinks her beloved, shifter Jax, has been fated to another. Harry is now back with her chosen niece Grace in tow, seeking assistance with addressing Grace's unpredictable and growing shifter powers.

This book has chemistry and banter galore (not just betwen our main couple) and lots of funny moments. There is good character development of both primary and secondary characters, and the book speaks not just to romantic love, but also familial love and love among friendships. Some of the plot points are resolved almost too quickly and/or predictably but I am still looking forward to reading the next entries in this new series.

4 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a complimentary copy of this book. These opinions are my own.

This book gave me Gilmore Girls vibe but in a paranormal sort of way. The fantasy aspects took a lot pimento understand in the beginning of the book, but once I got in all I started to really enjoy this book. It is a second chance romance between Harry and Jax who lost 13 years of their love for a stupid reason. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because the book had a little too much humor that just wasn't my style.

“A Simple Twist of Fate” by April Asher was one of those books that I could not put down. It has been a long time since a book hooked me like this one did, which is a surprise because second chance romances are not normally my favourite trope. Harlow, Harry, is bringing her god daughter back to the small town she fled at 18 when the love of her life was fated to her best friend. Jax, her childhood boyfriend, is now the Alpha in the small town and the only one that can help her god daughter figure out what type of shifter she is. All the while Harry will need to figure out how to make amends for leaving, how to fix the magic in the town that seems on the fritz and survive being so close to Jax.

The chemistry between Jax and Harry was incendiary, I loved the banter between the two and the way they were drawn to each other even though they both were scared of getting hurt. The hot and cold treatment Jax gave Harry was frustrating at times but it only made me more invested in finding out how they got together in the end. I loved the side stories between their friend group and with Grace who is struggling as an adolescent shifter. The small town setting was so fun and the festival competition they were participating in as they tried to figure everything out had me laughing out loud. Such a fun book and I can’t wait to read more about these characters if the series continues.

I absolutely adored this book! A Simple Twist of Fate was such a charming paranormal romance. I loved the small town charm, Fates Haven was such a cozy magical town with lots of quirky characters. I also really enjoyed the humor and snarky banter between characters. Yes, it was pretty predictable but it was an easy fast-paced read that was very delightful.


Thank you NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for this ARC!

I flew through this! I’m not typically one for second chance romances, but this one was so sweet and even had a bit of mystery in it as well. I loved every characters unique personalities and they really stood out, even when it came to the “side” characters.
Never been disappointed by an April Asher book!

This is such a sweet second chance romance! Harlow is a witch, and has recently come home with her goddaughter, where she is faced again with a face from her past. Jaxon realizes this for the opportunity it is, and the story that unfolds is too sweet!

If you like your paranormal romance heavy on the worldbuilding and fantasy vibes, this book is for you. Fates Hollow is a fun supernatural town with witches, shifters, vampires, angels, demons, and more. A witch returns to town with her goddaughter whose shifter side is a mystery. The local alpha is her ex-boyfriend who she left behind 13 years ago. So now with a mutual project and lots of sexual tension we get to ride along and see what happens...

The romance is cozy, some miscommunication that once cleared up everything falls into place.  No high drama or 3rd act breakups, just two people who are right for each other clearing away some misunderstandings and getting right back to it.

A nice little cozy second chance romance with a bit of a mystery as well.

I devoured this book in about 1 day, I'll admit, I am a sucker for second chance romances.

Harry left her hometown years ago, nursing a broken heart, but returning to the town she ran from may be the only option she has to help her goddaughter, Grace. A goddaughter who has been having some growing pains with explosive results. Help in the form of Jaxon, the exact person she wants to avoid at all cost.

Shifter Jaxon is our male lead here, the Alpha in the town's pack, getting used to running one of the largest packs after his mother retired. Oh, and Harry's old flame. He's funny, he's smart, and he's running away from Harry just as much as she is him.

Lots of fun banter, lots of funny moments. I can see where April Asher is going with the possible next couples in the series, but while the side (and probable future main) characters are there, they don't over power Harry and Jaxon's own story. Even with the mystery behind Grace there is enough focus on everyone to be an enjoyable and satisfying read.

Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for the arc to review.

I am not against second chance romance, in fact, if can be really cute. However, the reason for Harry. leaving just didn't make sense to me. It seemed like a throw away reason to justify the time gap in them knowing one another. As a child-free adult, I'm not really about parent/guardian stories, but understand that at a certain age in romance- you get that. There were parts of this book that really worked for me and others that were meh. I always love Asher's writing style, though. I love her mix of real world and paranormal. I like the spice, tension, and romance she writes. I enjoy her character growth and building, also. Her pacing is chef's kiss.