A Simple Twist of Fate feels like if Hallmark wrote fantasy; light, fun, and full of magical small-town charm. The romance is sweet and slow-burn, but the story leans more into a subplot about magical self-discovery. I loved the cozy, found-family vibe, though I wished for more to flesh out the world and deepen the romance. A feel-good read with just enough magic to leave you wanting more.

This book was unforunately a dnf for me. I couldnt get into the story and it wasnt gripping me enough to keep reading- I did try to push through but in the end I had to pause my time with this story.

Since I chose to DNF this book- I will not post reviews on goodreads, amazon or make posts solely focused on this book on my instagram.

As a millennial who grew up watching Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Charmed, Gilmore Girls, The Vampire Diaries, and The Originals--and continued to love similar, more recent show series like the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina & School Spirits (now as an adult in her 30s), I cannot believe that A Simple Twist of Fate was my first paranormal romance. Truthfully, I lost touch with my love for reading nearly a decade ago and only recently rediscovered my passion for reading again, so I knew I had to sign up for this opportunity on Net Galley when I had the chance. What I didn't know was how much I'd love this small town, second chance romance, shifter x witch, cozy paranormal romantasy from the get go.

Now, weeks have passed (because life happens) and I'm finally catching up on quite a few overdue ARCs. While I feel guilt-ridden about this, it also gave me the opportunity to enjoy my favorite type of reading experience: immersive (audiobook + ebook). It's so underrated and I enjoyed it so much more this way! The audiobook narrators did an excellent job bringing this funny, charming, and unique story to life.

Some of my favorite aspects of the book:
🍂 small town vibes reminiscent of Stars Hallow x Halloweentown
🥧 hilariously unhinged chapter names (more authors need to bring back table of contents & chapter titles!!)
🧸 the most lovable & whimsical side characters
🤎 the chemistry between Jax and Harry

I've never read anything like this before, yet it brought me so much comfort to read about the characters of Fates Haven. I had a good time and really wish the author would gift us with a little epilogue of sorts, for those of us who didn't get enough :')

Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read the ARC. As always, all opinions expressed are my own.

This was a super sweet, fast paced paranormal romance novel. I especially enjoyed the fact that it was NOT just werewolves, witches, and vampires. This novel included angels, shapeshifters like mountain lions and dragons, witches, vampires, and fae.

There was one moment that I became frustrated, but the author/characters quickly righted themselves. I adored the childhood friends plus her “niece” playing in the Games. I think that was a great bonding moment not only for Harry and Grace, but for all of the girls.

Overall, I rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars.

✨ Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this enchanting story before its release!

A Simple Twist of Fate is a charming and whimsical read that gave me total adult Halloweentown vibes—in the best way. With a sprinkle of magic, a dash of romantic spice, and a whole lot of heart, April Asher crafts a world that’s both cozy and compelling.

The characters were fun, well-developed, and easy to root for. I found myself genuinely enjoying their dynamic and witty banter. The balance between romance, fantasy, and humor was just right, making this a perfect feel-good read for fans of paranormal rom-coms.

If you’re looking for something magical, romantic, and delightfully quirky, this one’s for you!

A Simple Twist Of Fate by April Asher, Harlow who goes by Harry is taking care of her roommate and best friend’s daughter Grace while her best friend Cassie is in search of the one night stand that got her pregnant with the moody teen shifter. It seems Gracie is a shifter but she also has fire coming out of her hands and she cannot control it something that has become a problem and it caused her to be kicked out out of her school and now their apartment. This is why Harry finds herself heading back to Faith Havens, Colorado to stay with her aunt Nora. Harry is a little nervous because when she left 13 years ago she put a spell where no one could follow her and the only person she didn’t stop speaking to was her aunt Nora. The last thing she wants to do is run into her friends but especially her ex cat shifter jacks this is why she also told her aunt not to throw a parade a party or any kind of get together so instead her aunt through a faith Haven‘s meet up in the local park. unfortunately seeing Jack’s is just the first of many awkward situations because she’s also there to help Grace find out what type of shifter she is. this book proves how sometimes you have to leave home just a realize how great home can be. Harry is not only welcome back as if she didn’t leave but Gracie is also welcomed as if she belong there. Besides the romance there are many sub plots and if I’m not mistaken lots of crumbs left that may or may not lead to other books and I hope that it does because this was one of the best witchy romance stories I have read and has a rich backstory, a well put together magical world, with lots of great characters to root for from a warrior angel, a fay psychic, a shifter, a demon and even a human and it all makes for a great read, awesome romance and an all around laugh out loud funny story. It’s an awesome and definitely a five star read for any sci-fi romance fan. Once again thanks to Net Galley, I have found a new author whose books I cannot wait to download this was an absolutely awesome book it was so super funny they do have one sex scene in the book but I found they talk just as much during the sex scene as they do during the rest of the book so if that’s your jam it’s there if not it’s still worth reading because it is a quick way and Bam and onto the next they have so many twist and reveals in the book it’s like a book that just keeps on giving an awesome awesome read… I know I said that already. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #AprilAsher, #ASimpleTwistOfFate,

This was just the light magical read I needed as I was slumping. It was cozy and a quick easy read and I found it fun and delightful.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC.

Paranormal romance and small town vibes…what’s not to love? This book absolutely delivers. Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for a copy of this eARC!

April Asher writes perfect feel-good, slump-buster romances. I loved it! The way all of the pieces came together was absolutely a blast. Can't wait for more in this series.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the advance reader copy. These opinions are my own.

First: do not read the synopsis. It includes spoilers that go way too far into the book. It annoys me when publishers spoil their own books.

But I absolutely loved the book itself. It introduces a brand new town and series. And that town is known for having fated matches until Grace's love Jaxon matches with her best friend. She fleas, but years later she's back and needs his help.

I really enjoyed the characters, most especially Grace's goddaughter, a brooding teenager. With fire power. There are great friend circles and a competition. And the whole book is a mix of fun and steamy with lots of paranormal magic. I am so excited to read about every couple foretold in this book.

4.5 stars rounded up

I loved this one 🥰

A Simple Twist of Fate is such a sweet book! I loved all the paranormal aspects in here: there are witches, shifters, seers, angels… just to name a few! Then it has some great tropes, like second-chance, fated mates, and a small (and magical!) town. The romantic scenes are open-door, and spice lovers should be satisfied! I ate this one right up. I really hope that more books will be coming set in this same universe/town because I’d love to come back!

𝑾𝒉𝒐 𝑰'𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒐:
Paranormal romance fans, or any romance fans that don’t mind some fantasy too.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the full cast of characters! The second-chance romance was perfect. April has a way of creating very real feeling characters, almost like you are reading a friend's love story. The whole cast had distinct personalities and I really felt like I was just a silent addition to each friend group; giggling, cheering, planning, and getting into mischief with them. The setting also felt very real and I really wish I could visit Fates Hollow and the annual festival or movie nights.

If you are looking for a found family, searching for your destiny, and a second-chance romance, this is the book for you! I definitely had some teary eyed moments, kick your feet moments, and a few 🥵🫠 moments too.

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.