Season of the Witch by Sophie H. Morgan

On By TracyIn Christmas, Contemporary, New To Me Author, Paranormal / Fantasy, Part of a Series, Romantasy, Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Season of the Witch (Toil and Trouble, #3)Season of the Witch by Sophie H. Morgan

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Toil and Trouble, #3

Release Date: September 2, 2025

When her family’s potion company merges with another company, Celestina “Tia” Hightower’s worst nightmare came to life and now she is not only vying for the same job, but is sharing an office with Henry Pearlmatter, her ex. Tia and Henry’s families are part of Higher society and are Legacy Witches, so this merger has put them in society’s crosshairs with everyone watching to see what they will do. They broke up 8 years ago and Tia has gone out of her way to avoid him, until the merger forced them together again – much to their mothers’ delight. But when a bet to woo a potential investor goes very wrong and Henry loses his memories, Tia will be spending a lot more time with Henry and if that wasn’t bad enough, the investor believes they are a couple and insists they both spend a month at his English estate to celebrate the holiday season. Tia does her best to hold on to her anger, but amnesiac Henry reminders her of the Henry she loved, and as they say, there is a fine line between love and hate. Can she trust him with her heart again or would that just make her a fool repeating the same mistake?

Henry Pearlmatter, unlike Tia, is happy to be forced to share space with her. He has never stopped wanting her and isn’t even really sure why they broke up. But when he pushes her too far and ends up losing his memory, he finds himself falling in love with her all over again. As they spend time together, his memories start to return, but that is something he keeps from her, hoping for more time to win her back. Too bad she is intent on keeping her heart locked up and when she learns the truth, she is determined to believe the worst. And when their secret is exposed and her family’s reputation is threatened, Henry sees his chance for HEA with the only woman he has ever loved slipping away. Will he be able to prove his love or is history doomed to repeat itself?

I really enjoyed this well-written, nicely paced story, Tia and Henry are wonderfully stubborn, relatable characters, with big personalities and amazing chemistry. The story is filled with emotion, magic, fantastic banter, great secondary characters, secrets, shocking revelations, a bit of heartache, new friendships, sparks, lots of steam, forgiveness, compromise and a second chance for HEA. This is the third book in the series, and I didn’t read the previous books, yet I had no problem following the story and now want to read those books! If you are looking for a fun, steamy, enemies-to-lovers, second-chance romantasy, the search is over – this is the book!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

A Moment’s Shadow by Anna Lee Huber

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Historical Mystery, Interwar Period (Nov 1918 - Sep 1939), Part of a SeriesLeave a comment

A Moment's Shadow (Verity Kent Mysteries, #8)Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Verity Kent Mysteries #8
Publication Date: 8/26/25
Period: Post World War I – Ireland (1920)
Number of Pages: 368

A Gripping, Emotionally Charged Historical Mystery

This intense, nail-biting, heart-wrenching story has everything it needs to hold your attention and keep you turning the pages. The author masterfully evokes the fear, tension, and emotional complexity of a turbulent, war-torn time. I’m always cautious about how writers handle stories set during politically sensitive eras, but Ms. Huber treats both the British and the IRA with fairness and nuance.

Verity and Sidney remain in Dublin, racing against time to locate the deadly phosgene gas cylinders before the arch-villain Lord Ardmore unleashes devastation. They don’t know whether he intends to use it against the Irish or the English—only that the danger is imminent and widespread. With Lord Ardmore’s influence reaching deep into the police and government, Verity and Sidney are on their own, navigating a minefield of danger, betrayal, and uncertainty. Will they find the gas in time? Will they bring Ardmore down—or walk into a deadly trap?

The story grips you from the very first page and doesn’t let go—not even after the cliffhanger of all cliffhangers at the end. Days later, I’m still thinking about the suspense and emotional stakes. I especially love Alec, whose divided loyalties add another compelling layer to the narrative, and I’m hopeful for a positive turn in his arc as the series continues. Sidney and Verity are facing greater danger than ever, and the uncertainty of their fate makes this a truly unforgettable read.

If you love a well-paced, immersive mystery with rich historical detail and morally complex characters, this book is for you. A thoroughly excellent tale!

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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