This is a second chance at love romance. Emma Blueswater is a such who wants to leave her witchness firmly in the past. She was never a particularly a good witch. Spells were never her thing. She much prefers running a bar called Toil and Trouble in Chicago with her two best friends, Leah who is human but wants to be a witch and Tia who is also a witch. Her dog and three legged cat are an adorable aside to the plot line. Bastian Truenote, her best friend since childhood, deserted her when they are making plans for their arranged marriage seven years ago. Despite the complicated marriage contract being signed when they were children he suddenly disappeared without trace. She is humiliated and the mystical/ magical society, especially her mother, blame her as she is not a very good witch. She escapes to the human world where she has lived happily with her friends. He turns up years later in Emma’s bar begging her for a second chance and for the marriage to go ahead as otherwise his mother will die. Bastian is unwilling to share the reasons why he fled in the first place. They go through with the marriage but will they be able to recapture the happiness and love of their youth.
Although this is a mystical romance many of the split lines are firmly based in reality. Emma is an introvert, Bastian an extrovert. Emma was bullied by her mother when she was a child to the extent that she hates speaking in public. Their characters develop and grow, showing how toxic family life, betrayal and loyal friends can shape a relationship.loyal friends.
This is my first witch/ spells/ paranormal romance and I wasn’t disappointed. Although the basic romantic storyline isn’t by any means unique the way that that the characters, witches and spells were interwoven and shape the dynamic and direction of the storyline made it a very enjoyable read. I never read any of the original Nocturne series, but going by the front cover alone, this new iteration of witchy romance is not as dark and intense but instead toned down, more fun, verging on rom-com with a twist of witch.
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I received this book via Netgalley and Mills and Boon in exchange for a honest review. I am a #MillsAndBoonInsider #netgalley #gifted
