Payback’s a Witch

03 · Reader evidence

What the evidence says

What readers repeatedly liked

• Rich Worldbuilding. Thistle Grove feels like a real place with vivid descriptions that bring strong Halloween vibes and compel continued reading; Thistle Grove is well-crafted with personality, blending modern businesses like coffee shops and sushi bars with magical supply shops, rooted in four founding witch family dynasties; Thistle Grove is vivid, magical, and supported by legible rules. Supported by 4 sources (source 414, source 415, source 10864, source 10866).
• Character Growth. At its heart the story is about friendship and forgiveness, including forgiving others and forgiving yourself for past mistakes; Emmy’s movement from avoidance toward self-acceptance is strong and natural; Returning home lets Emmy recover powers and find herself. Supported by 3 sources (source 414, source 415, source 10864).
• Easy Comfort Read. Reader found it an easy read and really enjoyed it; The reviewer found the book comforting to read and the setting a place they would want to spend time in; Described as a quick, fun Halloween read for those who don’t want to be scared, full of magic and small-town charm. Supported by 3 sources (source 10861, source 10864, source 10866).
• Strong Prose. Reader liked the writing style, finding it modern and fun without being over the top; Reader liked the writing and found everything easy to visualize; Harper’s vivid descriptions effectively bring the Halloween vibes and make the setting feel real. Supported by 3 sources (source 411, source 10861, source 10864).
• Strong Chemistry. Reader loved the romance in the book; Emmy and Talia perfectly complement each other, with Emmy drawn to Talia’s competence, beauty, and wit, unable to stop thinking about a potential future together; The leads’ attraction is described as sizzling and palpable. Supported by 3 sources (source 414, source 10861, source 10866).
• Found Family. Reader loved how all the families supported each other and the Thorns felt like a cohesive, supportive group; The supportive families are described as a highlight. Supported by 2 sources (source 411, source 10861).
• Dark. The review frames the book as an atmospheric, spooky romance; The review presents a charming spooky-season witch romance. Supported by 2 sources (source 414, source 415).
• Humorous. Reader enjoyed the humor in the book; A reader explicitly enjoyed the humor. Supported by 2 sources (source 411, source 10861).

What readers repeatedly flagged

• Rushed Ending. Reader did not love the reunion at the very end, wanting more time for the couple to be together and at least an epilogue; The reunion arrives at the very end, leaving a reader wanting more time with the couple; Late resolutions grant Emmy too many sudden outcomes, undercutting her arc. Supported by 3 sources (source 411, source 414, source 10861).
• Flat Characters. Reader did not have a clear or memorable picture of Emmy as a character; Extended family members of the core competitors feel a little flat, though this did not detract from the story. Supported by 2 sources (source 10861, source 10864).
• Confusing Worldbuilding. Reader found the magical world and how powers were divided did not make sense and was hard to keep straight; A reader found the magical world and divided powers hard to make sense of. Supported by 2 sources (source 411, source 10861).

Where reader reactions differ

The current sources did not support a recurring split that could be reported confidently.

Individual observations

• Complex Characters. The romantic leads are relatable despite being witches, facing existential crises about identity and inherited family roles that mirror non-magical struggles.
• Strong Heroine. Reader found Talia’s character badass and sexy.
• Satisfying Ending. The reviewer really liked the ending, especially the final setpiece.
• Explicit Heat. The romance is described as sultry and sexy.
• Explicit Comparison. Reader found The Ex Hex subpar compared to this book, which boosted their rating of Payback’s a Witch.
• Uneven Pacing. The story takes a few chapters to kick into gear, initially feeling like it will revolve around animosity toward an ex, but then picks up as the boyfriend fades and the women take center stage.
• Well Paced. The romance is said to develop at neither a too-fast nor too-slow pace.
• Banter. The dialogue is praised for punchy banter.
• Emotional Intimacy. The relationship is described as natural and well developed through its ups and downs.
• Plot Forward. The witch tournament, rather than romance, is described as the book’s center.

Reader sources

1. Reddit discussion
2. smartbitchestrashybooks.com – Independent review
3. thenerddaily.com – Independent review
4. Reddit discussion
5. lesbrary.com – Independent review
6. thelesbianreview.com – Independent review