Very similar to April Asher's work so far but much more developed and enjoyable! I love these characters

An easy, adorable read. It doesn’t require any thinking — in fact, don’t think too hard. The world is wonderfully wonky and the beginning tosses you into it with some silly scenes, so embrace it lest you be confused.

The end is wonderfully heartwarming. Great for a snow day and a cup of cocoa.

Thank you #NetGalley for an ARC.

This book was really struggling to keep my attention the entire way through. Ultimately it was a cute romance with fantasy shifter elements but I just wish we got a little more of everything? I’d be interested in a second book about Grace and her parents

A Simple Twist of Fate is a lighthearted fantasy romance that weaves a magical world of witches, shifters, and fate. Set in the enchanting town of Fates Haven, the story follows Harlow and Jax, two destined lovers who have been separated for 13 years since she left town without a word.

The novel's strength lies in its charming, whimsical tone and fun, cozy setting. Fates Haven is brought to life with vivid descriptions that invite readers to immerse themselves in its magical atmosphere. The narrative carries a cheerful energy, making it an easy and enjoyable read. The romance between Harlow and Jax is the heart of the story, with their fated connection adding a layer of intrigue and emotional depth.

However, the book isn’t without its flaws. Some readers may find inconsistencies in the plot, particularly regarding the lore of shifters and the magical elements, which could use more clarity and cohesion. While there are moments of humor and banter, they don’t quite reach the level of Asher's previous works. Furthermore, the romantic tension between Harlow and Jax, though central to the plot, may feel underwhelming to those hoping for a deeper emotional connection.

Despite these shortcomings, A Simple Twist of Fate has potential. It offers an engaging escape for fans of lighthearted fantasy romance, even if it doesn’t fully deliver on every front. The world and supporting characters hint at possibilities for more dynamic storytelling in future books. While it may not immediately compel readers to rush into a sequel, it leaves the door open for continued exploration of Fates Haven.

If you’re in the mood for a fun, magical read with a feel-good vibe, this book is worth picking up—just temper your expectations for the romance and narrative depth. 3.5/5 stars

Thank you to April Asher, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 STARS!!
I had high hopes for this book because I’ve read this author multiple times. She always creates fantastic stories that include mythical creatures, witches, shifters, and more. This story was a little different, and I felt she had a lot going on that detracted somewhat.

We had a female main character disappear from her hometown for 13 years because of a fated match. This was actually something that I really couldn’t understand because she not only cut off her family and friends, but she struggled emotionally because of it.

We also have a teenage Goddaughter who is acting out and our main character has “custody” of her because her mother has disappeared, searching for the child’s father. I had mixed feelings about both of these characters.

Then we have the male main character, who I liked the best of all of the characters because he was pretty patient and kind, despite everything happening over the past 13 years. She hurt him quite deeply and didn’t really understand the depth until she got back to town.

The two together were fire and I loved their fiery connection. I wish we had more focus on them alone and maybe an actual epilogue after the fact that would allow us to become deeply involved with these two characters. I felt I wanted more with these two.

The author did develop a supportive community of which we get to meet many people. Multiple side stories took away from the actual main focus of the book which is the second chance romance.

Asher always writes her stories with deep imagination and entertaining aspects. Many pieces make you smile but there are also a few areas that left me with some mixed feelings.

A Simple Twist of Fate is loaded with friends and family interactions, fun, enjoyable scenarios, and the sweet happily ever after we crave.

There were aspects of this book I liked, and some I didn’t. Harry was a great FMC and I liked the second chance romance (and second chance everything, really). But I hated Cassie. Leaving your teenage daughter with your best friend to go searching for someone is too outlandish for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc ebook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I really enjoyed this book and i can't wait to see where the author goes in the future with their writing.

This was such a fun read, and I really enjoyed it.
We follow Harry who has to go back to her hometown, along with her best friends daughter, Grace, in order to get some answers about Grace's supernatural ancestry.
While there she crosses paths with her first love, Jax, who is now alpha of the local shifter pack and the one person who can help Grace figure out what's going on with her.
Of course sparks fly, old feelings are rekindled and Jax and Harry find themselves falling for each other all over again.

I loved the setting of Fates Haven and all the supporting characters surrounding Jax and Harry. There was lots of banter and reuniting of old friendship bonds, and ensuring shenanigans.

I was drawn to A Simple Twist of Fate by April Asher because the premise promised a blend of magical intrigue and second-chance romance, but the story didn't quite meet my expectations. The pacing felt off, and the narrative often lagged, making it hard to stay fully engaged.
The concept of a witch returning to her magical hometown after a long absence, coupled with the dynamics of her goddaughter's unique abilities, had so much potential. However, the execution didn't hold my interest. Key moments that could have added tension or excitement were overshadowed by the story's slower, less compelling sections.
While the small-town magic and themes of destiny were appealing, the uneven pacing made it difficult to connect with the characters and fully immerse myself in their journey. I wanted to love it, but it didn't come together.

Firstly, thank you to April Asher and her team for allowing me to read the ARC of this book. I loved the premise of this book and how there were numerous storylines that you couldn’t quite tell how they were all connected. While sometimes a second-chance romance can feel gimmicky or forced, this felt like a natural progression. I love the twist at the end and that I did not see it coming. I also very much enjoyed the change of perspectives between the lead characters throughout the chapters.

I really enjoyed this paranormal romance by April Asher. It was fast paced, and some of the tropes are fated mates, second chance, found family. I was engaged from the first page to the last! I loved all the characters and the storyline! I hope to see more about them in future books! Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the chance to read and review.

DNF at 24% - the plot was a bit of a mess, I didn't care about any of the characters, and the world building was pretty lacking. I've loved this authors other books so might try this via audio at some point but reading it with my eyes absolutely did not work for me.

A Simple Twist of Fate by April Asher is a captivating tale of a witch and a shifter who are given a second chance at love in this delightful paranormal romantic comedy. This novel is a perfect blend of humor, heartwarming moments, and sizzling chemistry keep me entertained from start to finish. With its modern twist on the classic love story, A Simple Twist of Fate is a wickedly delicious brew of juicy conflict, witty one-liners, and irresistible charm. Thank you to the publisher and author for allowing me to share my thoughts on an ARC copy of this book.

4 stars. A Simple Twist of Fate was such a sweet and cozy paranormal romance (with steam), and just so happened to be exactly what I was in the mood for. This one is a second chance, small town romance with a ton of magic and a ton of appeal. Honestly, I'm really glad that I was able to read this one now (in December), because it kind of reminded me of a Hallmark Christmas movie, but instead of the Christmas backdrop, you get PNR/ magic. And truly, that cozy Hallmark type vibe is EXACTLY what A Simple Twist of Fate delivered. And I mean that in the BEST way possible. Was it predictable? Yes. I literally knew exactly how the entire book would play out after only a few chapters. A little cheesy? Also yes. But you know what. I don't care. Because it was also damn enjoyable and easy to read. And I think there is a lot to be said for books that make you smile and deliver all of the warm and fuzzy feelings. You better believe that I will 100% be reading the rest of the books in this series, and Asher leaves the door wide open for several more installments.

All in all, a big thank you to Asher, SMP Romance, and netgalley for hooking me up with the ARC in exchange for my review. Truly, this book was exactly what I was looking for, and I am very grateful to have been given the chance to read it early.

I gotta say that this just wasn't for me- I like a lot of the premises of Asher's books, but unfortunately none of them have hit for me, despite trying over and over. I like the plot, the execution just doesn't do it for me.

I think one of the main issues is that it's so neat and tidy, babies ever after heterosexuality. It's very formulaic, so when I'm supposed to be surprised I just find it dull. It just also seems so underwritten, the main character's magic is interesting but her job seems like an afterthought and the life she has lived since leaving her home town seems to leave so little mark on her. I liked the fate witch thing and there were definitely good elements, but overall I found it to be lackluster.

Romance, magic, fate, and dragons with a great story line and an amazing cast of characters; what more could you ask for?? This book hits all the marks and makes you want more! I can't wait to see what else the author has in store for us In this world.

April Asher always delivers small town paranormal romance! A Simple Twist of Fate is second chance romance done right.

We have a bit of a Midnight's Summer Dream situation going on at the beginning of the book. Harry thinks her boyfriend is her fated mate but he actually turns out to be fated to someone else? Yikes! After this Harry leaves for 13 years and returning to town with her goddaughter in tow who needs help with her first shift. I really liked the second chance romance here and thought enough backstory was provided for readers to understand the reason for the breakup. I liked being able to feel the angst and tension between Harry and Jaxton. Their chemistry was great too. I really liked their romance.

This book also had found family vibes which I loved. All the other characters were a lot of fun. This was as funny as it was emotional.

A really fun read!

Read if you like:
Second Chance
Small Town
Found Family
Witches/Shifters
Fated Mates

This was such a cozy and charming read. I loved the mixture magic, romance and banter. I agree with others that is does feel a bit young adult but there is still some spice, it’s more of a slow burn but it does get THERE.

I do wish there would have been a little more explanation around the shifter lore… what was given left me with questions.

Overall, this was a lighthearted and easy read that you will fly through!

DNF.

Too much going on. Detailed but also somehow lacking world building.
Didn't feel connected to any of the characters. And it reads very YA/NA. Too wordy. Too much set up for future books with not enough depth or finesse.

This one was ok. I felt like some of the humor and banter I normally love from this author was missing. I just couldn't find myself able to get connected to the romance between Harry and Jax. This was an easy read, but it left me hoping for a bit more. Despite this, I do think that this new world and other characters has potential. I definitely will be willing to give the next book in this series a try.