Reviewing these books has taken such a long time and I have no good excuse beyond I just haven’t been able to find the words to talk about one of them. But here we are, finally completing this dramatically overdue post. The three books we’re talking about today are Sweep of the Heart by Ilona Andrews (a winner on every level!), Not Your Ex’s Hexes by April Asher, and The Witch is Back by Sophie H. Morgan. Each of these books is already out and if you’re getting in the Fall spirit, I think each of these books will hit that spot for you. Oh, and thanks to Netgalley and the various publishers for the ARC copies! (I actually didn’t read any of them via the provided ARC, but you know, that’s my problem not theirs.) Now to actually dive in!
Sweep of the Heart
by Ilona Andrews
I cannot believe how long it took me to actually pick up this book. My love for IA is really boundless, tbh. I love them so much. Sweep of the Heart was a really fun installment in this series, but if you’re looking for a book that actually moves the overall plot forward, this one doesn’t really do that, until the very end. If you, like me, are just here for the vibes and the characters and the found family aspect of the Inn, then I think you’ll love this installment just like I did.
Also, the unique take on The Bachelor in this spousal selection concept was also interesting. I really loved seeing all of the unique aliens, but tbh, how do they come up with these things? They are so weird sometimes. I just find it fascinating. I really enjoyed getting to meet more characters, learning more about Caldania (no idea how to spell her name, oops) and just generally speaking, I enjoyed this book a whole bunch. Also, spending time with Gaston was a delight! (And the reason why we didn’t have time with George was honestly equally delightful.)
So, yeah, I loved this! So much. And I’m definitely looking forward to the next installment.
Not Your Ex’s Hexes
by April Asher
You know, even though the world building is completely ridiculous in this series, I really love that it is at least internally consistently strange. I really enjoy the world Asher has created and I’m loving all of these characters. I can’t wait to read book three in the series.
Not Your Ex’s Hexes is about Rose, who spent her whole life training to be the Prima and now that she no longer has to fulfill that role, she’s trying to figure out what exactly it is that she DOES want. What is it that she finds fulfilling? And the thing is, Rose doesn’t know that. But I really loved watching her sort of figure that out, even if I think that thread got lost a bit toward the end. Anyway, part of the journey of figuring herself out leads to her being thrown together with Damian Adams, whom she had an explosive one night stand with as well. The two of them have great chemistry, but he is so… buttoned up, honestly, that it winds up being really fun watching him slowly come undone. There are so many hijinks in this book that the plot sort of takes over the characters at times, but in a way that was largely really enjoyable.
I liked both the audiobook and the physical format of reading this book and would recommend either option!
The Witch is Back
by Sophie H. Morgan
The Witch is Back was a pretty quick read for me, but still one that I think had some pacing issues in the middle. It is one of the rare books where the characters are keeping huge secrets from one another that didn’t lead me to an immediate desire to DNF because too often I hate when characters do that. Essentially, this book follows a witch who has a terrible mother who has moved to Chicago and opened a bar where she works with a mundane and a fellow witch. She and her childhood best friend/ex-fiancé haven’t spoken in YEARS when suddenly he shows up and oopsies, he needs her to marry him. Then a whole lot of mystery and shenanigans spiral from there.
The beginning was quickly paced and engaging and the end was quick. In the middle, there was a lot of good and then a lot of just… too much. There is actually just a lot of plot in this book and I’m not sure if it’s that it got too inflated or if the pacing and my mood just weren’t working. But ultimately, for me, I thought this book was just a little bit too long. Regardless, I enjoyed the ride and think it’s quite likely that I’ll pick up the next in the series as I’m hopeful that the next book will improve.
Closing Thoughts
Have you read any of these books? What are your favorite things about speculative romance? Let me know!
xx
firewhiskeyreader 