Name: samantha lias's review of Payback's a Witch by Lana Harper
Item: Payback's a Witch
Rating: 4
Author: samantha lias

Lana Harper

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina meets The L Word in this fresh, sizzling rom-com by Lana Harper. Emmy Harlow is a witch but not a very powerful one--in part because she hasn't been home to the magical town of Thistle Grove in years. Her self-imposed exile has a lot to do with a complicated family history and a desire to forge her own way in the world, and only the very tiniest bit to do with Gareth Blackmoore, heir to the most powerful magical family in town and casual breaker of hearts and destroyer of dreams. But when a spellcasting tournament that her family serves as arbiters for approaches, it turns out the pull of tradition (or the truly impressive parental guilt trip that comes with it) is strong enough to bring Emmy back. She's determined to do her familial duty; spend some quality time with her best friend, Linden Thorn; and get back to her real life in Chicago. On her first night home, Emmy runs into Talia Avramov--an all-around badass adept in the darker magical arts--who is fresh off a bad breakup . . . with Gareth Blackmoore. Talia had let herself be charmed, only to discover that Gareth was also seeing Linden--unbeknownst to either of them. And now she and Linden want revenge. Only one question stands: Is Emmy in? But most concerning of all: Why can't she stop thinking about the terrifyingly competent, devastatingly gorgeous, wickedly charming Talia Avramov?

The Witches of Thistle Grove #1

Payback's a Witch

samantha lias

Berkley sent this to me for free during Pride Month but I saved it for October 🥰 and now I’m so excited because there are 4 more standalones in this series already out?! I have the next one on hold because I LOVE the magic system of this. I love the small town (shocking for me to say 😂) and the balance between mortal and witch. It makes me feel like maybe there is more to the plane I’m on I’m just being glamoured by a set of magical four founding families?! A girl can dream. 

I also loved how the revenge plot in this is pretty understated. The man bringing the 3 friends, old and new, together is a side note (as he should be lol) and the romance between our first POV main character back in town with the mysterious cool girl who never left has so much spark. And again the magic is so freaking cool, this is one of my favorite magical realism romances in contemporary times I’ve read. 

I was genuinely interested in the every 50 year competition between families (and trial plots sometimes drag for me but this one didn’t) and I also literally laughed out loud at one point reading this. Just across the board a perfect witchy read.

Abigail

Berkley sent this to me for free during Pride Month but I saved it for October 🥰 and now I’m so excited because there are 4 more standalones in this series already out?! I have the next one on hold because I LOVE the magic system of this. I love the small town (shocking for me to say 😂) and the balance between mortal and witch. It makes me feel like maybe there is more to the plane I’m on I’m just being glamoured by a set of magical four founding families?! A girl can dream. 

I also loved how the revenge plot in this is pretty understated. The man bringing the 3 friends, old and new, together is a side note (as he should be lol) and the romance between our first POV main character back in town with the mysterious cool girl who never left has so much spark. And again the magic is so freaking cool, this is one of my favorite magical realism romances in contemporary times I’ve read. 

I was genuinely interested in the every 50 year competition between families (and trial plots sometimes drag for me but this one didn’t) and I also literally laughed out loud at one point reading this. Just across the board a perfect witchy read.

Really solid read, i liked it. We started off on the wrong foot, but i started to like it more as i read on. It was very cosy, very cute, and surprisingly very emotional. Not intensely so, but more than i expected. I really liked the characters, they were a bit cringe sometimes but like, endearing cringe. I loved the story, i thought the magic system was really cute and it really suited the small town vibe. I also really liked the chemistry between the main couple, they actually seemed to really like each other and their conversations were fun and didn’t feel forced at all. Of course, unfortunately, there was the blasted third act argument that was entirely avoidable, which will never fail to ruffle my feathers. All in all, loved the vibes, loved the story, loved the characters. 

bel 

❓ #QOTD What's something from your family history you're proud of?❓

🦇 Emmy Harlow is a witch but not a very powerful one—in part because she hasn't been home to the magical town of Thistle Grove in years. When a spellcasting tournament approaches, tradition pulls Emmy back. On her first night home, Emmy runs into Talia Avramov—an all-around badass adept in the darker magical arts—who is fresh off a bad breakup...with the ex that encourages Emmy to leave in the first place. When she learns her best friend had her heart broken by the heir to the most powerful magical family in town as well, the three vow to take their revenge.

💜 Lana Harper's prose is enthralling from the get-go. If you're looking for some truly magical witch lit, this is it! Let's break it down. ⤵

✨ Characters: Our FMC, though a witch, is human in her desire to break away from the small town she's always known, from a legacy that seems to be holding her back, to chart her own path. The surrounding characters create a cast BRIMMING with possibilities (as evident by the continuation of this series, which follows different couples). I'm also glad the payback plot, nor romance, eclipsed Emmy's character development.

✨ Plot and Pacing: This story is the perfect balance of plot and romance, which keeps the pacing moving forward without an exhausting lull. However, I would have enjoyed seeing more of the magic at play, namely between the competitions. Also, give me a "ladies ban together for revenge against an ex" plots any day. 

✨ World-Building: Thistle Grove is, in itself, magic. Harper does a superb job at creating a cozy small town that doesn't RELY on magic to feel magical. I would have loved to learn more about each family's unique magic systems, but I'm sure the rest of the series delves into that. 

✨ Romance: From the moment Emmy describes Talia's translucent gray eyes (which make her look like a tundra wolf), the swooning starts. The chemistry between them is palpable yet sweet. Though Talia has a bad-girl exterior, I love her heart of gold and warmth.

✨ Mystery/Suspense: I will say the "mystery" regarding the founding families is a bit obvious. Notetakers and writers have more power than history ever gives them credit for. 

✨ Tone/Prose: Harper's prose gives this story its power. Though a light, playful read, the word choice is still detailed and captivating, drawing readers in to explore Thistle Grove and the secrets it keeps. 

💙 Unfortunately the story is a little predictable, from Emmy's family secret to the competition. It's Emmy and Talia's fight that bothers me most, though. They both stepped into the relationship knowing neither was willing to change their minds (Emmy about leaving, Talia about staying), without leaving room for a mature conversation on the subject or compromise. The third-act breakup felt juvenile, especially when the resolution is so quick and easy. I also don't love a villain without purpose. The ex-boyfriend is entitled, yes, but what else? His characterization was a little two-dimensional, when there could have been a hint of the pressure he was under from his family to carry the mantel. What about the Blackmoore family's plot to steal business from the other families? There's more there, and I hope the rest of the series delves into it all. 

🦇 Recommended to fans of John Tucker Must Die and Practical Magic. 

❝ “I’m in, witches. Let’s run amok.” ❞

❝ I shook my head, not trusting myself to speak. A dazzling smile streaked across her lips like a lightning bolt. ❞

❝ The girl who embraced darkness, tended and cared for the phantoms that lived within it, while shedding such a scintillating light that it was damn near impossible to look away from her. ❞

❝ "It’s like you fucked the sass right out of me.” ❞

❝ “You, Emmeline Harlow,” she said, eyes locked on mine, “are so extremely fucking beautiful it hurts my soul.” ❞

Jazelle H

🦇 Payback's a Witch Book Review 🦇

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

❓ #QOTD What's something from your family history you're proud of?❓
 
🦇 Emmy Harlow is a witch but not a very powerful one—in part because she hasn't been home to the magical town of Thistle Grove in years. When a spellcasting tournament approaches, tradition pulls Emmy back. On her first night home, Emmy runs into Talia Avramov—an all-around badass adept in the darker magical arts—who is fresh off a bad breakup...with the ex that encourages Emmy to leave in the first place. When she learns her best friend had her heart broken by the heir to the most powerful magical family in town as well, the three vow to take their revenge.

💜 Lana Harper's prose is enthralling from the get-go. If you're looking for some truly magical witch lit, this is it! Let's break it down. ⤵
✨ Characters: Our FMC, though a witch, is human in her desire to break away from the small town she's always known, from a legacy that seems to be holding her back, to chart her own path. The surrounding characters create a cast BRIMMING with possibilities (as evident by the continuation of this series, which follows different couples). I'm also glad the payback plot, nor romance, eclipsed Emmy's character development.
✨ Plot and Pacing: This story is the perfect balance of plot and romance, which keeps the pacing moving forward without an exhausting lull. However, I would have enjoyed seeing more of the magic at play, namely between the competitions. Also, give me a "ladies ban together for revenge against an ex" plots any day. 
✨ World-Building: Thistle Grove is, in itself, magic. Harper does a superb job at creating a cozy small town that doesn't RELY on magic to feel magical. I would have loved to learn more about each family's unique magic systems, but I'm sure the rest of the series delves into that. 
✨ Romance: From the moment Emmy describes Talia's translucent gray eyes (which make her look like a tundra wolf), the swooning starts. The chemistry between them is palpable yet sweet. Though Talia has a bad-girl exterior, I love her heart of gold and warmth.
✨ Mystery/Suspense: I will say the "mystery" regarding the founding families is a bit obvious. Notetakers and writers have more power than history ever gives them credit for. 
✨ Tone/Prose: Harper's prose gives this story its power. Though a light, playful read, the word choice is still detailed and captivating, drawing readers in to explore Thistle Grove and the secrets it keeps. 

💙 Unfortunately the story is a little predictable, from Emmy's family secret to the competition. It's Emmy and Talia's fight that bothers me most, though. They both stepped into the relationship knowing neither was willing to change their minds (Emmy about leaving, Talia about staying), without leaving room for a mature conversation on the subject or compromise. The third-act breakup felt juvenile, especially when the resolution is so quick and easy. I also don't love a villain without purpose. The ex-boyfriend is entitled, yes, but what else? His characterization was a little two-dimensional, when there could have been a hint of the pressure he was under from his family to carry the mantel. What about the Blackmoore family's plot to steal business from the other families? There's more there, and I hope the rest of the series delves into it all. 

🦇 Recommended to fans of John Tucker Must Die and Practical Magic. 

✨ The Vibes ✨
💜 Queer/Sapphic Rom-Com 
🌙 Bisexual FMC 
👻 Witch Lit
🍁 Small Town Romance
👻 Paranormal/Fantasy Romance
🌙 Magical Competition
💜 Part of a Series

💬 Quotes 
❝ “I’m in, witches. Let’s run amok.” ❞
❝ I shook my head, not trusting myself to speak. A dazzling smile streaked across her lips like a lightning bolt. ❞
❝ The girl who embraced darkness, tended and cared for the phantoms that lived within it, while shedding such a scintillating light that it was damn near impossible to look away from her. ❞
❝ "It’s like you fucked the sass right out of me.” ❞
❝ “You, Emmeline Harlow,” she said, eyes locked on mine, “are so extremely fucking beautiful it hurts my soul.” ❞

A young woman returns to her hometown after years in the big city focusing on her career to referee a traditional town tournament, where all the families are rivals. While all of this is going on, she gets revenge on her ex-boyfriend, finds romance in unexpected places and discovers the true meaning of home. Like a hallmark movie, but with way more witches and lesbians. 

Ally Perkins

Leticia Leal

This book taught me the term 'jagbag' and for that, I am eternally grateful.

if i never have to read the words “petal pink sashimi” when referring to salmon ever again, it’ll be too soon 

Great way to start off autumn and spooky season. I love me some queer witches. Only reason why it was a 4 star instead of 5 is that I have a hard time giving 5 stars to seasonal books. I can’t read them anytime if the year cause it just doesn’t hit the same yknow? Also I see what other reviews mean about the pop culture references, but honestly I didn’t mind them that much. 

Beside that, characters were great. They felt like real people and sucked me into the book even more. The plot was very well crafted. Loved the competitive aspect of it as well. I would definitely recommend it to a friend, or anyone who likes witchy fall vibe books. :)

Alice Perelta

Great way to start off autumn and spooky season. I love me some queer witches. Only reason why it was a 4 star instead of 5 is that I have a hard time giving 5 stars to seasonal books. I can’t read them anytime if the year cause it just doesn’t hit the same yknow? Also I see what other reviews mean about the pop culture references, but honestly I didn’t mind them that much. 

Beside that, characters were great. They felt like real people and sucked me into the book even more. The plot was very well crafted. Loved the competitive aspect of it as well. I would definitely recommend it to a friend, or anyone who likes witchy fall vibe books. :)

this was so unserious and heterosexual lmfao

Vicky

this book is definitely giving john tucker must die but without his brother’s subplot x the order of the phoenix but make both of those gay and witchy (i guess order of the phoenix is witchy, but this is like magical town masking as a tourist attraction in autumn witchy) 

anyway i really enjoyed it and it was a good reset + i will be picking up the other three books ✨

this book is definitely giving john tucker must die but without his brother’s subplot x the order of the phoenix but make both of those gay and witchy (i guess order of the phoenix is witchy, but this is like magical town masking as a tourist attraction in autumn witchy) 

anyway i really enjoyed it and it was a good reset + i will be picking up the other three books ✨

Cloudface

I should preface this by saying romance isn’t my favorite genre, although I’ve been trying to get into it now that I know there are lgbtq+ options out there. I thought this book was a nice easy read and the love interest was great. The humor didn’t land with me most of the time and the magic system was extremely vague, but I would recommend the book of you’re looking for a fun fall read.

Alexa M

2.5 

this could not hold my attention at  all . everything about this felt really corny to me. the magic/ "fantasy" part of this wasn't fully fleshed out and was extremely cheesy and then the romance also wasn't fleshed out. like if we can't have both as promised can we at least get one? i don't think is book is bad i just found it really boring. 
also the (grown ass) MC's nicknames are "peep" and "scoot" like how can i not physically cringe

grace richards

3.5,,, talia and emmy’s relationship fell a bit flat for me it felt like there was more emphasis on the tournament and what that entailed rather than emmy and talia. their relationship felt underdeveloped and i felt like i knew more about gareth than i did about talia

Krystal Karim

So, I’m kinda in love with this book✨


It’s an easy listen/read and a true magical, “comfort book.” Wow, I’m gonna be thinking of this story & characters for awhile. Makes me wish this could be the next “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina — TV series” I feel like there are so many stories that could be explored more in this lovely town🥰🥰

last note: bi witches? I’m always down, bb!!🏳️‍🌈

marilynn

2.5 stars

too many pop culture references and i didn't really care about the challenges but i loved the romance talia is so 😮💨

Wonko the Sane

Reasonably pacy and fun YA queer supernatural romance. Not my usual genre, but an enjoyable mystery book from How Novel.

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina meets The L Word in this fresh, sizzling rom-com by Lana Harper. Emmy Harlow is a witch but not a very powerful one—in part because she hasn't been home to the magical town of Thistle Grove in years. Her self-imposed exile has a lot to do with a complicated family history and a desire to forge her own way in the world, and only the very tiniest bit to do with Gareth Blackmoore, heir to the most powerful magical family in town and casual breaker of hearts and destroyer of dreams. But when a spellcasting tournament that her family serves as arbiters for approaches, it turns out the pull of tradition (or the truly impressive parental guilt trip that comes with it) is strong enough to bring Emmy back. She's determined to do her familial duty; spend some quality time with her best friend, Linden Thorn; and get back to her real life in Chicago. On her first night home, Emmy runs into Talia Avramov—an all-around badass adept in the darker magical arts—who is fresh off a bad breakup . . . with Gareth Blackmoore. Talia had let herself be charmed, only to discover that Gareth was also seeing Linden—unbeknownst to either of them. And now she and Linden want revenge. Only one question stands: Is Emmy in? But most concerning of all: Why can't she stop thinking about the terrifyingly competent, devastatingly gorgeous, wickedly charming Talia Avramov?

LOVED IT!! Super cute queer witchy romance. Such a fun, fast read. Perfect cozy reading for fall. 

Sophia 

Claire Murray

4/5 ⭐️ 

Emmy Harlow leaves the town of Thistlegrove and her witch life shortly after graduation due to the very human curse of heartbreak. 9 years later and she needs to return to fulfill her Harlow duties. Emmy runs into a captivating witch she knew from school at the bar and they create the ultimate plan of revenge on the man who destroyed them both. Will she return to her normal life? Or will something draw her back in to her old magical life?

I really enjoyed this book. The world building was so great and the way Lana Harper describes the setting really made me feel immersed into the town, the imagery was amazing. This book is a mixture of harry potter triwizard tournament with sabrina the teenage witch vibes. Where can you go wrong?? This book is the perfect fall read and made me jealous I never grew up in Thistlegrove.

Amelia Hruby

It was another nice light autumnal read. I wasn’t a big fan of the plot I don’t know the challenges for the gauntlet felt very simple to me like it should been much more extended in the book. I did like that it touched based on what and where Emmy really wanted to be in her life not just physically of course but her struggle to decide what she would want because she was unsure. 

Lizeth Esmeralda

emily

when will it be my turn to be a witch in a charming magical town with my sexy witch wife!!!!

Miranda Madden

I...hated this. So freaking disappointing! This was the Triwizard Tournament meets John Tucker Must Die with bisexual witches, and I truly don't know how a plot like that goes wrong. 

The romance was so boring, had no tension or excitement, and the dialogue was stiff despite an attempt to be quippy and trendy - it actually felt unnatural. I didn't really care about the revenge plot against Gareth, because we didn't really get to know much about him or what he did to make our character want to ruin his life. The book could have benefitted from some well placed flashbacks to encourage some connection with what happened to the characters. 

Overall, a huge bummer as I had high hopes for this one!

I'm genuinely so sad to DNF this book because I was so looking forward to reading it. What pains me the most is that I actually like this little world that has been created. I love the lore about the families, Thistle Grove itself, and I'm of course always excited about anything sapphic. For that itself, the book gets 2 stars instead of just one. I also like that it breezed through the competition portions at a good pace. I don't need 50 pages about how this fictional game has gone down.

The dialogue.. yikes. I feel like it didn't hit a wall for me until halfway through. It's just consistent "trendy" slang every other page.. AND it's used incorrectly in most instances?

"She was a deadass comedian." 
"Tell you what fam, I do not need to be in these woods tonight."
"That was a whole-ass hydra."

It just took me entirely out of the story every time it was used.. which was often.

Sophie 

Perfect for October! Harry Potter meets Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, sapphic & romcom

Caitlyn Baldwin

4.25 ⭐

I had my doubts as the story builds slowly, but I'm glad I stuck through to the end! The revenge plot reminds me of John Tucker Must Die, but with the twist of a Triwizard tournament-esque competition a la Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Cute LGBTQ representation while also tackling the struggle of being in your home town.

samantha lias &
Payback's a Witch by Lana Harper

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samantha lias &Payback's a Witch by Lana Harper

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samantha lias &
Payback's a Witch by Lana Harper