April 24, 2023
Harper’s powerful, sapphic fourth Witches of Thistle Grove paranormal romance explores the lasting effects of trauma and rage. Following the events of Back in a Spell, Delilah Harlow is still suffering from an overblown oblivion spell and holding steadfast in her anger against its caster, her friend Nina Blackmoore, despite Nina’s remorse. Delilah loses large chunks of memory at inopportune times and struggles with both spellcasting and identifying household items. Having exhausted all natural remedies, she turns to dangerous dark grimoires. Before she gets too far down this path, however, she meets Catriona “Cat” Quinn, a new-to-town monster hunter whose timing is suspiciously good, especially after a series of monsters suddenly begin targeting Delilah. As Delilah and Cat grow closer, Delilah’s fear of intimacy drives her away from her friends and family, until her fate lies entirely in Cat’s hands outside the safe bubble of Thistle Grove. But can Cat be trusted? This addition to the series successfully unearths more mystery and intrigue beneath the surface of Harper’s paranormal world and adds layers to the ensemble of characters readers have grown to love. Newcomers may struggle to connect with Delilah without knowing her backstory, but series fans will not be disappointed. Agent: Taylor Haggerty, Root Literary.
June 1, 2023
In the next in Harper's popular series (following Back in a Spell), Delilah Harlow is still trying to recover her memory months after Nina Blackmoore destroyed it. Prickly and independent, Delilah resents relying on family and friends to remember simple spells and even what ordinary objects are. In a desperate bid to regain her memory and autonomy, Delilah casts a blood spell that returns her memory clearer than ever. Unfortunately, monsters also return to Thistle Grove and are out for Delilah's blood. The mysterious Catriona Quinn, a half-fae monster hunter, agrees to protect Delilah, and while fighting monsters and uncovering the town's secrets together, Delilah decides to put her faith fully in Cat's hands. When Cat betrays that trust, Delilah bares all to family, friends, and foes in an effort to right her recent wrongdoing. When Cat pops back into town, can Delilah extend her newfound charity to her? Although a hasty ending ties things up a bit too neatly between Delilah and Cat, fans will enjoy seeing thorny Delilah opening up to others. VERDICT Harper continues to bewitch readers with exciting plot twists, expanded magical worldbuilding, and steamy hot romance. Newcomers to Thistle Grove should start with Payback's a Witch.--Eve Stano
Copyright 2023 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
August 1, 2023
A witch goes to dangerous lengths to regain her memory and agrees to protection from a mysterious newcomer in the magical town of Thistle Grove. Six months ago, Delilah Harlow was hit with a powerful oblivion spell. Recovery of her memories has been arduous and made worse by the fact that she has to work closely with the witch who cast the spell. As a record keeper of Thistle Grove's occult history due to her ancestry, Delilah has access to books on many related subjects, including those on baneful magic that should never be used. Desperate to get rid of the fog in her brain, Delilah casts a forbidden spell that has the unexpected consequence of drawing all sorts of wicked and treacherous magical creatures toward her. Monster hunter Catriona Arachne Quinn, half fae, also appears in town and offers to act as a bodyguard to Delilah while they figure out what exactly happened. Sparks fly between the two women and their relationship deepens, but secrets have to be revealed if there's any hope for healing and happiness. Like the prior books in the series, this story delivers magical charm, evocative prose, and sexy relationship development. The lore continues to build, but the focus is on Delilah's exquisitely rendered emotional journey as she deals with anger, resentment, and frustration at having to rely on others. Even the romance mostly functions as an element of Delilah's personal growth, so Cat remains a side character and isn't as richly defined. This emotions-driven series continues to captivate.
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