Payback's a Witch by Lana Harper (English) Paperback Book

Description: Payback's a Witch by Lana Harper Chilling Adventures of Sabrina meets The L Word in this fresh, sizzling rom-com by Lana Harper.Emmy Harlow is a witch but not a very powerful one-in part because she hasnt been home to the magical town of Thistle Grove in years. Her self-imposed exile has a lot to do with a complicated family history and a desire to forge her own way in the world, and only the very tiniest bit to do with Gareth Blackmoore, heir to the most powerful magical family in town and casual breaker of hearts and destroyer of dreams.But when a spellcasting tournament that her family serves as arbiters for approaches, it turns out the pull of tradition (or the truly impressive parental guilt trip that comes with it) is strong enough to bring Emmy back. Shes determined to do her familial duty; spend some quality time with her best friend, Linden Thorn; and get back to her real life in Chicago.On her first night home, Emmy runs into Talia Avramov-an all-around badass adept in the darker magical arts-who is fresh off a bad breakup . . . with Gareth Blackmoore. Talia had let herself be charmed, only to discover that Gareth was also seeing Linden-unbeknownst to either of them. And now she and Linden want revenge. Only one question stands- Is Emmy in?But most concerning of all- Why cant she stop thinking about the terrifyingly competent, devastatingly gorgeous, wickedly charming Talia Avramov? FORMAT Paperback LANGUAGE English CONDITION Brand New Author Biography Lanais the author of four YA novels about modern-day witches and historical murderesses. Born in Serbia, she grew up in Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria before moving to the US, where she studied psychology and literature at Yale University, law at Boston University, and publishing at Emerson College. She recently moved to Chicago with her family. Review "The first book in the Witches of Thistle Grove series, Paybacks a Witch is the perfect choice if you want to try a contemporary romantasy—that is, it takes place in an off-the-map magical place within our actual world. This is a smart, sassy rom-com about queer witches, full of crackling sexual tension and sparkling dialogue thatll leave you cackling in delight."—People"Paybacks a Witch is the book Ive been waiting for all my life. A sexy, funny, charming romp of novel that scratches that witchy, autumnal itch just right. I read this story in one breathless, giggling sitting, and at the first fall nip in the air, I know Ill be reading it again. One of my favorite reads in years."—Emily Henry, New York Times bestselling author of Beach Read"Paybacks a Witch is like the first Halloween wind through the corn: brisk, breezy, and altogether refreshing. This is a sweet, charming read, absolutely designed to be enjoyed on a crisp fall evening. I want to go to Thistle Grove. My greatest regret about this book is that it isnt a five-season TV show that I can already sit down and just binge."—Seanan McGuire, New York Times bestselling author"A sexy, charming, and completely magical romance full of sparkling dialogue and loveable characters. Emmys quest to find out where she belongs is so relatable, with some spells and supernatural elements included to spice things up. And Emmys hometown, Thistle Grove, is so enchanting that I found myself wishing I could plan a visit! Reading Paybacks a Witch is like curling up with a big mug of cider on a perfect autumn day."—Kerry Winfrey, author of Very Sincerely Yours"No tricks, all treat! Lana Harpers debut Paybacks a Witch is a compulsively fun read."—Jacqueline Carey, New York Times bestselling author of the Kushiels Legacy series"The sexy Sapphic modern Gothic I didnt know I needed…fresh, sharp, and often frankly hilarious…a perfect winter read, highly recommended for one of the longest nights of the year."—The New York Times Book Review"Harper makes her adult debut with a queer rom-com that bewitches from the very first page...This magical joyride manages to feel both vibrantly current and timelessly mystical while avoiding the typical queer rom-com stereotypes. Combining John Tucker Must Die with a helping of an adult Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and a dash of Charmed, this addictive concoction begs for adaptation."—Publishers Weekly, starred review"Lana Harpers adult debut is a charming rom-com thats the perfect Halloween read."—BookBub"Harpers adult debut is gorgeous in every way. Its hilariously funny, deeply moving, powerfully uplifting and so glue-you-to-the-page engrossing that this reviewer literally did not put it down for the final hundred pages. The love story between Talia and Emmy develops beautifully, but the true romance is with the town and the community. The bonds of both family and friendship shine from start to finish, and Harper balances the different clans and captures how, together, they make Thistle Grove the magical place that it is."—BookPage, starred review"With relatable characters, a fun storyline, and some angsty romance, Paybacks A Witch will enchant you from the very first page...Charming, sweet, and magical, Paybacks A Witch is the perfect book to enjoy on a cosy autumn night."—The Nerd Daily"Its basically John Tucker Must Die meets The Craft, with an extra serving of queer relationships. The book is as fun as it sounds."—The Lesbrary"This supernatural romance is hilarious, moving and glue-you-to-the-page engrossing, and it has one of the most enviably cozy small-town settings youll ever find."—BookPage"Do you want to get punched in the face with Halloween vibes? This is the book for you. Its like Halloweentown or Hocus Pocus, but as a bisexual F/F adult romance."—BookRiot Review Quote " Paybacks a Witch is the book Ive been waiting for all my life. A sexy, funny, charming romp of novel that scratches that witchy, autumnal itch just right. I read this story in one breathless, giggling sitting, and at the first fall nip in the air, I know Ill be reading it again. One of my favorite reads in years."--Emily Henry, New York Times bestselling author of Beach Read " Paybacks a Witch is like the first Halloween wind through the corn: brisk, breezy, and altogether refreshing. This is a sweet, charming read, absolutely designed to be enjoyed on a crisp fall evening. I want to go to Thistle Grove. My greatest regret about this book is that it isnt a five-season TV show that I can already sit down and just binge ."--Seanan McGuire, New York Times bestselling author "A sexy, charming, and completely magical romance full of sparkling dialogue and loveable characters. Emmys quest to find out where she belongs is so relatable, with some spells and supernatural elements included to spice things up. And Emmys hometown, Thistle Grove, is so enchanting that I found myself wishing I could plan a visit! Reading Paybacks a Witch is like curling up with a big mug of cider on a perfect autumn day."--Kerry Winfrey, author of Very Sincerely Yours "No tricks, all treat! Lana Harpers debut Paybacks a Witch is a compulsively fun read."--Jacqueline Carey, New York Times bestselling author of the Kushiels Legacy series "Harper makes her adult debut with a queer rom-com that bewitches from the very first page...This magical joyride manages to feel both vibrantly current and timelessly mystical while avoiding the typical queer rom-com stereotypes. Combining John Tucker Must Die with a helping of an adult Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and a dash of Charmed , this addictive concoction begs for adaptation."-- Publishers Weekly, starred review "Harpers adult debut is gorgeous in every way. Its hilariously funny, deeply moving, powerfully uplifting and so glue-you-to-the-page engrossing that this reviewer literally did not put it down for the final hundred pages. The love story between Talia and Emmy develops beautifully, but the true romance is with the town and the community. The bonds of both family and friendship shine from start to finish, and Harper balances the different clans and captures how, together, they make Thistle Grove the magical place that it is."-- BookPage, starred review Excerpt from Book 1 The Prodigal Witch As soon as I crossed the town line, I could feel Thistle Grove on my skin. That I was in my shitty beater Toyota made no difference; maybe the town could sense one of its daughters coming home, even after almost five years away. A swell of raw magic coursed into the car, until the air around me nearly shimmered with potential, bright and buzzy and headier than a champagne cocktail. As if Thistle Groves own magical heart was pulsing eagerly toward me, welcoming me back. No hard feelings about my long absence, apparently. Made one of us, I guess. The onslaught of magic after my dry spell was so intoxicating that I hunched over the steering wheel, taking shallow breaths and wondering a little wildly whether you could overdose on magic after having gone cold turkey for so long. From the passenger seat, Jasper cast me a glinting, concerned glance from beneath his silvery fringe and shoved a clumsy paw onto my thigh. "Im okay, bud," I murmured to him through a thick throat, reaching over to stroke his warm neck. "Its just . . . a whole lot, you know?" That was the thing about growing up with magic. Until you left it behind for good, you had no idea how incredible it felt just to be around it. And it wasnt only the air that seemed different. Through my spattered windshield, the night sky had changed, snapping into Yber-focus like a calibrated telescope. Above Hallows Hill, the unlikely little mountain the town huddled up against, a crescent moon hung like a freshly whetted sickle. Waning crescent, my witch brain whispered, already churning up the spells best cast in this phase. Its silhouette looked like it could carve glass, impossibly perfect and precise, the kind of moon youd see in a dream. The constellations that surrounded it like a milky spill of jewels were arranged the same as on the other side of the town line but better somehow, more intentional, clear-cut and brilliant as a mosaic set with precious gems. So enticing, they made me want to pull the car over and tumble out, head hinged back and jaw agape, just to watch them glitter. This fucking town. Always so damn extra. With an effort, I resisted the temptation. But when the orchards that belonged to the Thorns appeared on my left, I gave in just enough to roll down my window. The night air gusted against my face, smelling like an absolute of fall; woodsmoke and dying leaves and the faintest bracing hint of future snow. And right below that was the scent of Thistle Grove magic, which Ive never come across anywhere else. Spicy and earthy, as if the lingering ghost of all the incense burned by three hundred years of witches had never quite blown away. A perpetual Halloween smell, the kind that gave you the good-creepy sort of tingles. And fallen apples, of course. The Thorns rows and rows of Galas, Honeycrisps, and Pink Ladies, sweet and cidery and indescribably like home. It all made the part of me that used to adore this place-oh, cut the shit, Emmy, the part of you that still does, the part that will never, ever stop-throb like first-love heartache. My eyes welled hot with sudden tears, and I knuckled them clear more violently than necessary, angry with myself for sinking into nostalgia so readily. Sensing my mood plummeting, Jasper gave an aggrieved snort, tossing his regally mustachioed snout at me. "I know, I know," I groaned, dragging a hand over my face. "I promised not to get too in my feelings. Im just tired, bud. From now on, itll be all business till we can get out of here." He huffed again, as if he knew me much too well to buy into my stoic crap. I might be back here only because Tradition Demands the Presence of the Harlow Scion, but nothing in Thistle Grove was ever that simple. Especially when it came to the heir of one of the founding families. Ten minutes later, I pulled into my parents oak-lined residential neighborhood, rattling onto their cobbled driveway. My chest clenched at the sight of my childhood home, fisting tight around my heart. It was a perfectly nice house, though not all that impressive as founding family demesnes go. The Blackmoores had their palatial Tintagel estate, the Thorns had Honeycake Orchards, and the Avramovs the rambling Victorian warren of a mansion they insisted on calling The Bitters, because they thrived on such old-world melodrama. And we, the Harlows, had . . . lo, a house. A stately three-story colonial almost as old as the town itself-though you wouldnt know it, to look at its magically weatherproofed exterior-Harlow House has never had a fancy name, thereby upholding the timeless Harlow legacy of being both the least pretentious and least relevant of the founding families. As always, a candle burned in every window; thirteen flames, for prosperity and protection. The flying owl weather vane spun idly in the night breeze, and the dreamcatcher windchimes hung by the front door clinked delicately against one another. A plume of smoke coiled from the brick chimney in a curlicued wisp before vanishing into the velvety dark above. It looked like a storybook house belonging to your favorite no-nonsense witch-which, come to think of it, sounded like both my parents. And it was all like I remembered, except that the thought of going inside made me feel painfully stripped of breath. There was an invisible moat of hurt surrounding my former home, years of unanswered questions. Restless water, teeming with the emotional equivalents of piranha and stinging jellyfish. I couldnt do much about the hurt, and "because Gareth Blackmoore ruined this town for me" still seemed like a shitty answer to the question all the others boiled down to, which was: Emmy, why havent you come home all this time? So I turned the car off and just sat with my head bowed, listening to the ticks of the engine settling and Jaspers low-grade whine, focusing on my breath. When Id collected myself about as much as I was going to, I lurched out of the car on travel-stiff legs and let Jas out to baptize the quiet street, then hauled my battle-scarred suitcase and gigantic duffel bag out of the trunk. By the time he came loping back, Id managed to wrestle everything up onto the columned porch with an admirable minimum of cursing. I still had my key, but it seemed horribly rude and presumptuous to use it after a five-year absence, so I knocked instead. When the door swung open, I managed to flinch only a little, blinking at the warm light spilling from within. "My darling," my mother said simply, stepping out to greet me. Her voice was characteristically composed, all British stiff upper lip, but her green eyes-my eyes-were suspiciously shiny. Glossed with the same stifled emotion that burst at my own seams. "Mom," I half whispered, a lump rising in my throat. It wasnt like we hadnt laid eyes on each other in five years, because this was the twenty-first century. Even a magical haven like Thistle Grove got decent reception and Wi-Fi most of the time, barring the odd magical tantrum disrupting coverage. But seeing her face on a screen wasnt the same, not even close. When I leaned forward to wrap her in a hug, it took all I had not to whimper at her familiar smell, lemon and wildflowers. Though we were nearly the same height, the years between twenty-six and six abruptly melted away. For just a moment, I was small again, and she was the mummy I used to call for in the night after a bad dream, who soothed me with her gentle hands and infinite catalog of lovely British-inflected lullabies. Then the awkwardness seeped back in between us, like an icy trickle of rain sluicing past your collar. When I pulled away from her, clearing my throat, she bent to offer Jasper the back of her hand. "A familiar, really?" she said, smiling up at me as he gave her a subdued sniff. "I confess, Im a bit surprised." "Ah, no, actually. Jas is just . . . your average cute pup," I said brightly, quelling a spurt of irritation that I somehow hadnt seen this coming. Only in Thistle Grove would your mother assume that your well-trained standard schnauzer must obviously be a familiar. "He usually has more pep to him, too, but hes a little wiped out. Actually, we both are, do you think we could . . . ?" "Right, of course," she said hurriedly, reaching over to wrench my back-breaking duffel across the threshold before I could stop her. "Youve both had a terribly long drive, havent you? Lets get you settled." Inside, the smell of home hit me like a sucker punch: lemongrass floor polish, tea leaves, the melting sweetness of beeswax candles. I abandoned my monster suitcase in the foyer, shedding my denim jacket and hooking it on the coat tree before trailing my mother to the darkened kitchen. Instead of switching on the overhead light, she flicked her hand at the clusters of pillar candles set on the table and granite countertop. Their flames sprang obediently to life, illuminating the cozy breakfast nook with its vase of peachy tulips, yellow curtains, and my old cat-shaped clock on the wall with its swinging pendulum tail. Lighting candles was a small, homey sort of magic, the kind even Harlows could easily do. The kind I used to be able to do almost without thinking before I left. But I hadnt been able to Details ISBN0593336062 Author Lana Harper Pages 336 Language English Year 2021 ISBN-10 0593336062 ISBN-13 9780593336069 Format Paperback Country of Publication United States Place of Publication New York Publisher Penguin Putnam Inc Imprint Berkley Publishing Corporation,U.S. Publication Date 2021-10-05 AU Release Date 2021-10-05 NZ Release Date 2021-10-05 US Release Date 2021-10-05 UK Release Date 2021-10-05 DEWEY 813.6 Audience General We've got this At The Nile, if you're looking for it, we've got it. With fast shipping, low prices, friendly service and well over a million items - you're bound to find what you want, at a price you'll love! TheNile_Item_ID:133309425;

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