romance annotation: not the witch you wed

Author: April Asher (aka April Hunt)

Title: Not the Witch You Wed

Genre: Romance

Publication Date: February 8, 2022

Number of Pages: 341 pages

Geographical Setting: New York City

Time Period: Contemporary/modern day (in an alternate reality)

Series: Supernatural Singles Series

Plot Summary: Violet, a magic-less witch, and Lincoln, an alpha wolf shifter, haven’t spoken since Lincoln broke Violet’s heart when they were teenagers. Now, both in their 30s and important figures in their supernatural communities, they find themselves forced by archaic supernatural laws to find a mate – and soon. To buy themselves enough time to push the boundaries and rewrite the laws for good, they decide a fake-dating-to-fake-mating plan will do the trick. However, neither counts on old feelings (and Violet’s latent magic) flaring up and complicating things.

Subject Headings: Witches – Fiction, Shapeshifting – Fiction, Wolves – Fiction, Paranormal fiction, Romance fiction

Appeal:

·       Tone: Lighthearted, Whimsical, Silly, Romantic, Steamy

·       Characterization: Violet is a bright, passionate, independent woman who suffers no fools but has a bit of a stubborn streak. Lincoln is a strong, snarky, man-of-action with brooding tendencies and a dangerous side you wouldn’t want to cross. This story alternates Violet's and Lincoln’s perspectives, and rounds out the cast with likeable, quirky, and relatable side characters.

·       Storyline: While the love story is the central focus, both characters are strong advocates of change within their communities, so their push for supernatural law reform is a crucial element. Generally considered a mixture of both plot- and character-driven. HEA guaranteed.

·       Language/style: Engaging and witty, this novel offers banter-filled dialogue and whimsical language.

·       Setting: Modern day New York City in an alternate reality where supernatural creatures of all kinds (angels, vampires, shapeshifters, witches, angels/demons) live among and are known to average humans.

·       Pacing: Medium-paced

·       Themes/tropes: Enemies-to-lovers, fake relationship, childhood sweethearts, second chance romance

**Content Warnings: sexual content, violence, bullying, misogyny, fire/fire injury, past references to an abusive parent**

3 terms that best describe this book: Lighthearted, Steamy, Whimsical

Relevant nonfiction:

·       Initiated: Memoir of a Witch – Amanda Yates Garcia 

     Moved by Violet’s journey to harness her latent magic well into her adulthood? You may find Yates Garcia’s own magical coming-of-age to be a compelling read. Although much darker in subject and tone than NTWYW, this deeply personal memoir recounts the, often painful, life experiences that would ultimately shape her into becoming the Oracle of Los Angeles, a professional witch and mystical life coach.

·       The Women's History of the Modern World: How Radicals, Rebels, and Everywomen Revolutionized the Last 200 Years – Rosalind Miles 

     For anyone inspired by Violet & her sisters’ fight to overturn an archaic marriage rule for female witches in the supernatural community, this “wickedly witty” exploration of often overlooked “extraordinary female rebels, reactionaries, and trailblazers who left their mark on history.” (Quotes taken from book's Novelist description)

·       Missing Witches: Recovering the True Histories of Feminist Magic – Risa Dickens & Amy Torok 

      If you couldn’t get enough of NTWYW’s feminist witches, read this exploration of history’s overlooked witches from across the globe with an “intersectional, contemporary lens for uncovering and reconnecting with feminist witch history.” As an added bonus, each chapter includes invocations, rituals, and offerings for practicing witches. If audio is more your speed, check out the authors' podcast of the same name.

Relevant fiction: 

·       The Ex Hex – Erin Stirling 

      Another funny, engaging paranormal romance, this book also stars a witch with minimal magical ability. Like NTWYW, the heroine transforms into a powerful woman in charge of her own destiny after joining forces with an ex-boyfriend who had wronged her in the past. Unlike NTWYW, the protagonists are breaking curses and saving their town instead of irradiating arcane supernatural laws.

·       Witcha Gonna Do? – Avery Flynn 

      Another steamy paranormal rom-com featuring a magic-less witch teaming up with her nemesis while resisting their explosive chemistry. Except in this book, both protagonists are witches and the unlikely duo must work together to undo a curse accidently placed on the heroine’s family. It also boasts an unconventional meta writing style, with characters breaking the fourth wall.

·       Written in the Stars – Alexandria Bellefleur  

      A lighthearted LGBTQ+ romance with two female leads, the only witchy element in this book is a main character’s love for astrology. Though lacking in the magic, it does offer another funny, heartwarming grumpy-sunshine fake-dating storyline sure to charm any contemporary romance lover. Plus, it’s inspired by Pride and Prejudice.