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With This Witch

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A marriage of convenience proves to be magically inconvenient, and no spell will get them out of it or calm their burning desires.

Being a legacy witch comes with expectations, and, unfortunately, when Gammy shares that she’s sick, Petra becomes the front-runner for the role of Premier Witch, a part she’s never really wanted. The inconvenient catch? Traditionally, the Premier Witch must be married, and a combative supernatural council member is only too happy to point out. Petra must now find a husband to prove she is serious about accepting the role. Oh, and she must do it in the next thirty days! If she fails, she loses everything.

Enter bar owner and current delicious demon representative on the council, Lachlan Grace. A close friend of Petra’s, Lachlan, has been drawn to her from the moment she walked into his bar. Battling his own demons from his past and tired of being just friends, Lachlan offers himself as an option for a marriage candidate. Will he be able to move out of the friend zone while also keeping his history in the past?

Now, thrust into supernatural politics with a looming deadline, Petra finds herself questioning what she wants in life, struggling with how to make her Gammy proud and keep in check the pesky feelings bubbling under the surface for a smoking hot demon at the same time. What’s a witch to do?

318 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 13, 2024

60 people are currently reading
414 people want to read

About the author

Isla Winter

4 books41 followers
Isla is an enigma - even to herself - and is figuring all this author's business out as she goes. She enjoys spending time with her husband and furry family of two cats and two dogs. When she's not reading or writing, she's likely playing Mario Kart.

Please note: I am anti-AI, and generative AI tools have never, and WILL NEVER, be used in my writing.

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5 stars
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56 (35%)
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40 (25%)
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13 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for Becca.
404 reviews8 followers
October 30, 2024
I walked into this book completely blind, and honestly can't say what I was expecting but this book blew me away. The writing was immaculate, and if you happen to love marriage of convenience? You will absolutely love this one.

This book takes place in a charming and incredible town of Leeside where there are a mix of magical folks intermingled with humans. Petra is the FMC and she is an interesting character, she's a witch but doesn't altogether seem very involved with that world - she has her powers but as a preschool teacher she does tend to prefer to do a majority of things without magic. Being a Rose, she is expected to take on a Premier Witch role upon her grandmother's passing - it's a family legacy and she is unable to really get away from it due to her strong history - and when her grandmother informs her that it will be sooner rather than later that she will be doing so, she's forced into the unknown and rush of preparing. Upon meeting with the magical council a stipulation is put into place - stating that she must get married within 30 days or she forfeits the rights of becoming the Premier Witch, and also looses her magical powers at the same time.

Enter Lachlan - a demon, and her long time friend and member of the council. He proposes that they get married in order for her to become the Premier Witch; he doesn't state that he may or may not have feelings for her as his only concern is making sure that she gets the promotion that she deserves. As they marry and grow together; learning to lean on one another moreso than ever before the feelings begin to change and the chemistry is undeniable.

Add in some delicious twists and turns, feelings and spice and this is the perfect book! It's an incredible fun book to read with the most perfect vibes for this season. Oh, and Lachlan? He just might be your new favorite book boyfriend as oh is he a dream!

Profile Image for Nathaniel.
Author 33 books282 followers
May 10, 2025
I was at a small author fair as a vendor and it was slow so I decided to pick this up from a nearby table and read it between customers. I'm glad I did. This was the perfect story to pass the day with. The characters were the standout part for me, but I also really enjoyed the plot and the writing. This book is definitely spicier than I normally read, but it was easy to skip/skim the scenes (I'm not reading that between selling books LOL). I hope to continue in this series at some point. Isla Winter sets up such a great cozy fantasy mixed with romance and it's delightful.
Profile Image for Halla.
51 reviews
December 21, 2025
bookclub set me up for failure but it was an interesting read to say the least
Profile Image for Turah Shaver.
153 reviews8 followers
October 25, 2024
Audible review. The only reason that I did not give this five stars is because my five star books consume every waking moment. This story was so cute and sweet and sexy. I absolutely love the development of the relationship. The magical aspects of it were very well constructed. The narration was spectacular. I will definitely be seeking out audiobooks from both the author and the narrator.
Profile Image for Noelle.
210 reviews13 followers
January 19, 2024
I honestly didn’t know too much regarding what this book was about so I didn’t know what to expect… but I really enjoyed With This Witch. I loved the magical world that author Isla Winters created… witches, demons, vampires, faeries, trolls, gnomes, werewolves, shifters, goblins and humans all living together in the little town of Leeside. Witch, Petra Rose, is destined to become Premier Witch after her Grandmothers death, however there are people who are opposed to her doing so. Those in opposition do all they can to prevent her from becoming Premier Witch, including setting forth a requirement that she must marry within 30 days time. Enter in long time friend and demon, Lachlan Grace to the rescue. What starts out as a marriage of convenience… turns into much more. Petra and Lachlan quickly find things heating up - it gets spicy - and must be honest with themselves and each other regarding their feelings. Only once they are working as a united team can they tackle the opposition to Petras becoming Premier Witch… that opposition they learn is much more troublesome and malicious than they ever knew. The underlying message of inclusion between the different magical communities and species was lovely as well. If you love tropes friends to lovers, marriages of convenience, he falls first, magic, touch her and die…. Then this book is one you won’t want to miss!!
Profile Image for Shiny Ruins .
382 reviews8 followers
May 21, 2025
The FMC's constant flip flopping was such a drag, get it together woman.

All in all, this was cute and spicy.
Profile Image for Ameesha.
13 reviews1 follower
August 18, 2025
I blame myself for picking up this book to read knowing very well it will be trash. It didn’t disappoint :(
Profile Image for Brianna Wright.
67 reviews4 followers
January 25, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

With This Witch was a spicy and fluffy open door romantasy about a witch and a demon getting wrapped up in a fake marriage of convenience. Petra Rose is destined to be the next Premier Witch, but the council demands that she marries before she takes over the role her sweet Gammy has served in for the longest. In steps her good demon friend, Lachlan Grace, who offers to marry her and help her secure her seat on the council, for which he also serves. Even after marrying, though, there are sinister forces at play trying to keep her from claiming the title, so they have to prove the legitimacy of their marriage bond. It turns out to be easier than they think, though, because they’ve already fallen deeply in love.

I found this debut to be such a fun, cozy read! The writing is very good. The author describes grief and nostalgia so beautifully. She also includes several supernatural and witchy phrases throughout that just made the story sing for me like, “Lachlan releases her hand, dropping it like a hot cauldron when Daisy turns around,” “Well, look what the broomstick dragged in,” and “Spill the dragon dung already.”

Petra has a sweet but grumpy cat companion named Morris that added some warmth and homeyness even if he has “murder mittens.” This book also has deep themes about acceptance and tolerance of those who are other as well as evolving and modernizing archaic traditions that are damaging. It handles it all in a pretty light and fun way, though.

Several of our favorite tropes are present: he falls first and HARDER, friends to lovers, dual POV, “Touch her and I will end you,” and “Good girl” & “That’s my girl.” Lachlan is my new book boyfriend, for sure. The way he advocates for healthy communication in their relationship is SO refreshing. He is also very encouraging and uplifting. I was getting hot every time he cooked something or loaded that dishwasher, too. 🥵

My only knock would be that it jumps right into the story. For some, this actually may be a good thing. I just almost feel like I need more of an intro to the characters and situation, but it’s the first in a series, so maybe I will get more of what I’m looking for in the next books. It did, however, make it a quick and easy fun read since there was no deep world building in the beginning.

You can pre-order this book now through @islawinterwrites ‘s Instagram bio link. It releases February 13, 2024, and I have already pre-ordered my copy! I want this book on my shelf forever, and I will likely reread in the future!
Profile Image for Chelsea Totten.
Author 2 books19 followers
February 13, 2024
My only complaint about this book is that it didn’t come out a few months sooner so that I could’ve read it on my trip to Salem.

Since the story focuses on a marriage-of-convenience between a witch and a demon, there was a lot of course a lot of magic and fantasy, but the author did such a great job balancing that with the romance in a way that made it a quick and really fun read. Even when there’s mention of more serious topics like grief, there will be a grumpy cat companion (Morris has major main character energy) to add some laughs and levity.

The chemistry between Petra and Lachlan was incredible! I always love a ‘he falls first’, but combine that with a man who calls you ‘good girl’ and is always willing to cook for you? Yeah, Lachlan is essentially my dream man. I also appreciated that Petra was a strong-willed FMC, who wanted to take agency in her own life and grow into her powers and family legacy. They complemented each other perfectly- which made for some really spicy scenes!

If you want a fun romantasy that’s not too heavy and is full of heart and humor, you’ll really enjoy With This Witch!
Profile Image for Nicole - Kauffee Table Books.
74 reviews5 followers
March 9, 2024
This Witchy read by Isla Winter was a perfect fun read this past February. I didn’t feel like I needed to read this during “spooky season.” This book is a hidden gem for sure with lots of steam and one of my favourite tropes; marriage of convenience.

When Petra finds herself at the hands of outdated laws by which she must marry within 30 days to be able to take her role of the Premier Witch. Longtime friend and demon Lachlan is up for the challenge and they end up in a marriage of convenience to ensure that Petra is able to take on this new role following her grandmother. This fantasy novel was so lighthearted and was totally fun. Isla created a world that I loved, with believable and loveable characters. I mean the romance was aso lit.

Thank you so much Isla for the opportunity to read and review your book. I hope others get this book because Lachlan *swoon* and for all the other goodness you packed into this story of overcoming societal standards that are stuck in the past.
Profile Image for Michaela.
245 reviews21 followers
October 23, 2024
Tapping three times because I enjoyed this book so much. From the end of fake date handshake to the [spoiler] it was so much fun. Give me a hot demon who gets super flustered when he offers to marry his friend who he's been in love with for years so she doesn't lose out on her birthright title of Premier Witch any day of the week.

I know small towns are breeding grounds for drama but the supernatural political drama in Leeside is off the chart! Counsellors with a grudge, conniving influential town families, adorable little human and supernatural tots, and so much more.

What starts out as a marriage of convenience spices up real quick when tension that needs release manifests in malfunctioning magic. Only it's not a one and down stress reliever. No it gets real freaking good and stays really great except for a few unfortunate times after a miscommunication.

Petra and Lachlan are so great but I cannot wait to read as the next two witches fall in love. When you meet them in this book, you'll be as shocked as I was to know they're the next to be thrown together!
Profile Image for Kristina.
133 reviews9 followers
October 18, 2025
4.5⭐️ rounded up

After reading (and loving) Hooked on a Demon, I knew I had to go back and start from the beginning of the Leeside Witches world and With This Witch did not disappoint. I read it in one day.

Petra and Lachlan’s story is the perfect mix of friends-to-lovers and fake marriage tension, wrapped up in small-town supernatural charm. I adored how their friendship felt so natural, full of teasing, affection, and those rotating nicknames Petra had ready as soon as they married. Their chemistry was undeniable from the start, and once things finally crossed that line… let’s just say the spice was spicing.

I also loved getting more of the Leeside world, this cozy little town where witches, demons, and humans all coexist. The supernatural politics added an entertaining layer of tension.

Petra’s bestie Daisy was so fun and I'm excitedto read her book, as well..

This was such a magical start to the series, full of heart, humor, heat, and just enough mischief to keep me grinning. Definitely recommend!
Profile Image for Santana Calo.
106 reviews2 followers
January 31, 2024
***I received an arc***

This is not a genre I usually read. I typically stick to fantasy with darker themes. Despite my preferences, I did enjoy the story. With This Witch is a nice, lighter read if you want the magic and romance in a fluffier setting.

At times, I felt like there was an unnecessary amount of information being given. We don't need to know all of the ingredients to a sandwich or how the teapot was held while tea was poured.

Another issue I had was with the ability to port. If Lachlan has the ability to pop wherever he pleases, why is he speeding around in a vehicle hoping to intercept Petra? He could have just appeared wherever he wanted to check for her.

The spice is nicely written. I'm a little disappointed we didn't get a full demon scene, but we still get a shadow daddy.

Grammatically, the editing is really good. It can be hit or miss at this stage, and thankfully, this one was a hit, which I appreciate.

I'm giving it 3.5/5
Profile Image for Hilary Delorey.
124 reviews13 followers
May 5, 2025
My first thoughts when reading this book? It kinda triggered nostalgia for me. As an adult who reads romance but also loves Halloweentown I feel like this was very on par with that. Just the description of the village with all the species and the political drama. I loved it.

Petra’s grandmother is fatality ill, and she is set to take over her role of Premier Witch. However, other counselors are against her, posing challenges like "you have to get married in 30days". This book covers the journey of well falling for her husband lol and conquering those against them.

Want to know the only thing I wish had happened?? I wish we had seen Laughlins Demon 😈 We really didn't see him in that form at all. Just his shadows and horns.

I know we get Daisy's POV next, but this world I feel like could continue on. We could easily get a book with Laughlin and Petra, I'm thinking his return to the underworld 🤭 So much potential!!!
Profile Image for Shotobhisha.
341 reviews
September 18, 2025
The world is cute and cozy and I liked the cozy fantasy vibe. I felt like I could picture this all in a video game really easily.
But this story was very silly - there is absolutely no conflict anywhere and it feels like this was written to be a vessel for tropes and spicy demon romance.
The main villain in this was like a cartoon bad guy who had no villainous motivations and everything in this story just kind of resolves itself? every time you think there's gonna be a conflict or a surprise, there isn't. when new characters are introduced, they're all always on the main characters' side.
I also found the writing a little too modern while trying to sprinkle in big words to sound impressive. The characters fell kind of flat to me.
The main standout to me was the world here and id love to read more stories set in this world but for actual stakes, I think I'd have to turn to something like Crescent City for a similar world but with conflict that has stakes.
Profile Image for Amanda.
133 reviews2 followers
February 7, 2024
An enjoyable read full of spice, romance, humor, life struggles & magic!

Petra Rose comes from a long line of witches who run the supernatural council in Leeside. As the frontrunner for taking over as Premier Witch from her sick Gammy, Petra finds herself fighting for the position that should be hers, even if she never wanted it.

Petra is forced into a marriage of convenience in order to show her commitment to the council. This is how she finds herself engaged to Lachlan Grace, the demon, council member, bar owner, and friend.

What follows is a spicy friends to lovers story filled with overcoming personal obstacles and grief as well as fighting for what you want. At times the story got a bit slow for me. It's a fluffier story than my typical reads, but I enjoyed it greatly!

Thank you to the author for an advanced reader copy!
Profile Image for Sara sara.reads.stuff.
214 reviews13 followers
February 28, 2024
I loooove a light-hearted witchy romance, so I *needed* to read this. I'm normally not a big friends to lovers fan which is what this is, but pair that with a marriage of convenience and I'm all in. We've got a witch and shadow-daddy demon getting married so she can take up her rightful place as premier witch. This book had great banter, solid spice, real friendships, and fun magic! As annoying as the council could be, I loved all the supernatural politics as well. I thought this had a great balance between the spice/romance and the main plot too! I'm very eager to read more in this world!

If you like the Witches of Thistle Grove series or A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon, I definitely recommend checking this out!
Profile Image for Cheryl.
6,575 reviews237 followers
February 10, 2025
Petra and Lachlan make a cute couple. Lachlan is a bit shy. Yet, he is a very supportive of Petra. A friends to lovers romance...Yes, please! I liked how well these two worked together. They balanced each other.

I really enjoyed this book. A slow burn romance with a cinnamon roll MC. Not that there is anything wrong with a cinnamon roll MC. I love a good guy that is sweet on the outside but hot and spice behind closed doors. After a few times of Petra telling Lachlan what she wanted, he was not afraid to then make moves.

I am excited to see that Daisy's story is next. The little bit that I got to know of her, I liked her. If you like romance sweet but with a hint of a spicy kick, you will want to pick up a copy of this book.
Profile Image for Hilary.
260 reviews12 followers
May 13, 2025
Other than vampires—my favorite being the Sookie Stackhouse books—I haven’t been this captivated by a supernatural world in a long time. This book brings together demons, witches, trolls, and more in a way that feels both fresh and nostalgic. Someone described it as Halloweentown for adults, and I couldn’t agree more!

Enter Lachlan—swoon—the ultimate cinnamon roll demon who’s as sweet as he is swoon-worthy. And Petra, the kind-hearted, Gammy-loving witch, completely won me over. Their story is magical, heartwarming, and so much fun.

I absolutely loved being introduced to this world, and I’m already counting down the days until Book 2. I can’t wait to dive into Daisy’s story and spend more time in this enchanting universe!
6 reviews
May 22, 2025
This wasn't terrible. If you like spicy romances, you'll love this. If you like marriages of convenience, you'll love this. I do like both of those things...however, there wasn't anything about this story that stood out to me to differentiate it from all of the other spicy marriages of convenience, even though it added a supernatural element to it. I think a lot of the plot was sacrificed for the romance and the spicy scenes, when I found myself more intrigued by the magical workings of the world. The biggest qualm I had with it is that Petra was a very boring MFC. Nothing about her intrigued me; she just seemed so bland. The biggest perk is that Lachlan sounds absolutely scrumptious and is a very interesting character. I wanted to know way more about him.
Profile Image for Melissa (Moon).
49 reviews7 followers
January 22, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I was immediately drawn into the story. Petra was a strong FMC, which I very much enjoyed. I loved that it showed her grow into her powers and her responsibility to her family name. I adored Lachlan! All the green flag, cinnamon roll but can put it down vibes you could want. I think he compliments Petra perfectly.

The spice was great! The book had a great balance of storyline and spice. The author did a great job of keeping you interested, and the story flowed/progressed nicely.

Overall, this was a cute, witchy, spicy, fantasy romance. I loved it! It's definitely worth a read.
.
Profile Image for SJ Gardner.
77 reviews2 followers
February 15, 2024
It's a cute, easy story. It is spicy, so be warned.

I enjoyed the plot but was honestly a bit surprised about the smut in it. It made sense, but for some reason, I didn't expect it. The plot and storyline alone made this novel fantastic for me. The smut was reasonable. Altogether, it was a very strong read.

I love stories about those overcoming the barriers in their life, which this did while also tapping into the idea of grief and loss (though important to the plot, these are not explored as much). I also like the idea of friendships blooming into more as long as it isn't forced and is discussed, which, again, this did well.
Profile Image for Dawn.
183 reviews7 followers
February 24, 2024
This is such a little gem; a fun, seriously steamy and cute witchy read!

Witch, Petra, and demon, Lachlan end up in a marriage of convenience when Petra must get married within 30 days in order for her to take on the role of Premier Witch that her dying grandmother is passing onto her. I don’t read a lot of fantasy so this was the perfect fun, light taste of fantasy for readers like me. I loved the magical world that the author created; the characters were really well written and likeable (I especially adored Gammy 🥹) and the romance was 🔥🥵

I believe there’s more to come from this series so I’ll definitely be picking up the next one in the series!
Profile Image for Michelle.
237 reviews1 follower
December 31, 2025
I loved it!
I really wanted to jump into the book and shake the hell out of Petra and Lachlan at times, though... I get that it's scary to admit your feelings for someone and you may not want to ruin a friendship, but life is WAY too short. You never know until you try. But if you don't? You have to live with wondering what might have been for the rest of your life. I'm really happy that they decided to finally admit to themselves what they really felt. The rest falls into place after that.
This book seems to have it all. Murder, mayhem, magic, sexy demons... I will definitely be looking for the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Gabrielle.
673 reviews1 follower
February 23, 2024
I was very excited for this book because I love the tropes and paranormal setting but this book was all over the place, first it's super childish high school vibes and then super spicy. Petra really pissed me off too she kept flip flopping and just being annoying to me. Just a hot mess of a book that had potential but sadly didn't deliver. The writing style was strange too to me.

Only pro for me was how ride or die Lachlan was but even he annoyed me at times with him not telling her how he felt and then disappearing when she has a trauma about that exactly.
Profile Image for Athena.
80 reviews
April 6, 2024
A perfect blend of romance and magic!

I loved the fantasy elements of this story but how it also gave major rom com vibes. It was truly the best of both worlds!
Witches, demons and trolls with witty banter, lots of spice and the best part… a cinnamon roll MMC.
I loved how the relationship between the FMC and MMC progressed, it felt very organic and smooth.
If you love a romance with fantasy elements, marriage of convenience and friends to lovers then you will love With the Witch!
Profile Image for Janelle Gianakopoulos.
29 reviews3 followers
April 14, 2024
This book was adorable and fun! Be aware there is a close family death in the book, I wasn’t aware (my fault, I did zero research haha) it was definitely necessary to the storyline and the author did a beautiful job with all of it.
Story: 5/5
Characters: 4/5 (I just wish we learned more information about their past. Pasts were brought up but I still have so many questions!)
Spice: 2/5 (I read a lot of spicy spice. So maybe don’t listen to this. It’s def open door and I loved every scene!)
All in all, it’s a great book and I look forward to reading the next in the series!
Profile Image for Amy.
67 reviews2 followers
September 4, 2024
I went into this book completely blind after seeing arc applications for Isla's next book Pushing Daisy.
And it really didn't disappoint. This was a fun, enjoyable, witchy story. A true friend to lover, marriage of convenience, the character dynamics where amazing throughout.
All I will say is Lachlan and Petra were made for each other right from the off. And made each other complete despite their complicated adventure and a very stubborn cat 🐈

Definitely a must read, recommend 100% for a cute fluffy supernatural romance with some spice 🌶
75 reviews
September 9, 2024
This was super cute with great spice! I really enjoyed the supernatural world that the author has created in the town of Leeside, and how humans, witches, demons, trolls, vamps and more co-exist happily (for the most part). I also thoroughly enjoyed the progression of Petra and Lachlan’s relationship and the way they learned to communicate. Without giving anything away, I totally bawled my eyes out during one particular scene, and if you can make me cry? 5 stars! Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
364 reviews6 followers
November 22, 2024
Loved the narration of Alex Raby, who brings the characters, spice and magic to your ears.

In the town of Leeside magical and humans live side by side. Petra is a witch and a preschool teacher. Who doesn't use magic all the time. When her grandmother dies, she has to take the Premier Witch . Her friend Lachlan, who is a demon proposes that they get married in order for her to become the Premier Witch.
The marriage starts off fake, but neither can fight the chemistry that is going stronger between them.
This book has heat, twists and turns. Great characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews

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