Careful What You Witch For

by Emma Jackson

Sometimes you need to be careful what you witch for...
Becca Ashworth's family is in trouble and with their magical legacy under threat, it puts their small village of Biddicote at risk too. So going against the witching tenets to summon an ancestor for help seems like a small price to pay to fix the problem...at first.
Connor Lynch is the Witches Council's secret weapon and he's just been deployed to find out exactly what the Ashworths are up to. But how he ends up posing as Becca's fake husband at a magical inn in Cornwall as they hunt down a magical artefact is just as perplexing as the cheerful witch herself.
When their attraction for each other grows, Becca and Connor question everything they have been taught - and soon the missing artefact isn't the only thing they are searching for. As love collides with duty, it's clear that sometimes you need to be careful what you witch for...

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Ebooks, Fiction, Paranormal, Fantasy Romance

Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2024

About the author

A devoted bookworm and secret-story-scribbler since she was 6 years old, Emma joined the Romantic Novelists’ Association on their New Writers’ Scheme at the beginning of 2019, determined to focus on her writing. She has been overwhelmed by the encouragement given by the published authors and fellow NWS members who are part of the RNA and highly recommends joining to any romance writers looking for support and friendly guidance (there are some bursaries available).

When she’s not running around after her two daughters and trying to complete her current work-in-progress, Emma loves to read, bake, catch up on binge-watching TV programmes with her partner and plan lots of craft projects that will inevitably end up unfinished. A MISTLETOE MIRACLE was her bestselling debut novel, published by Orion Dash, followed by SUMMER IN THE CITY and ONE KISS BEFORE CHRISTMAS will be released this November 2nd.

Also writes fantasy under Emma S. Jackson. THE DEVIL'S BRIDE was published by DarkStroke in February 2020.

Reviews

[Faerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐3.9

⚝ Plot:
Cosy and heartfelt, 'Careful What You Witch For' weaves a charming tale of slow-burn supernatural romance, healing, and self-discovery. Set in the quaint village of Biddecote, a clandestine society of magical practitioners operates under the watchful eye of a strict witches' council, notorious for upholding a stringent code of conduct - one that leaves little room for deviation. The story introduces charismatic rule-breaker Becca Ashworth who finds herself embarking on a secret mission with the feared and distrustful abrogator, Connor. While engaging from the outset, the narrative deepens with unpredictable twists and turns. From the enchanted pub in Cornwall with its protective charms to the warmth of the Ashworth family's history, the world-building offers just enough detail to captivate. The plot is tight and cohesive, with no gaps or inconsistencies, ensuring a seamless reading experience.

⚝ Writing:
The prose is polished, accessible, and immersive, striking a balance between whimsical, atmospheric descriptions and authentic dialogue. Though the pacing may be slower in the initial chapters, this deliberate approach allows tension and emotional depth to build gradually.

⚝ Characters:
The romantic leads are thoughtfully developed and entirely endearing. Becca’s warmth, optimism, and quirky nature complement Connor’s initially gruff demeanour - prompting him to tentatively reveal a surprisingly considerate, tragically heroic side. The romance is refreshingly organic, an opposites-attract dynamic built on a healthy foundation of mutually evolving trust and respect. Their relationship blends tension with tenderness, resulting in a rewarding emotional arc. Even secondary characters serve a meaningful purpose within the story.

⚝ Impact:
The cosy atmosphere of the plot is juxtaposed with more serious themes, ensuring the reading experience remains both comforting and thought-provoking. The novel tackles psychological and emotional abuse, exploitation, and personal healing with nuance and sensitivity. These weightier elements are presented in a balanced manner, never becoming too dark or overwhelming, while maintaining an underlying sense of hope.

⚝ Overall:
Magical, character-driven and emotionally resonant, this is a satisfyingly grounded slow-burn supernatural romance. Engaging, reflective, and ultimately heartwarming, 'Careful What You Witch For' provides a delightful blend of gentle humour and character growth - perfect for those seeking a soothing autumnal read!

⚝☽⚝☽⚝☽⚝☽⚝☽⚝☽⚝☽⚝☽⚝☽⚝☽⚝☽⚝☽⚝☽⚝☽⚝☽⚝

Quote:
"It was nearly eleven o'clock at night and Connor was processing the fact that this probably wasn't even going to be the end of this very long fever dream of a day."

Genre:
☽ Supernatural Romance

Tropes:
☽ Witches
☽ Opposites attract
☽ Slow burn
☽ Fake dating
☽ Forced proximity
☽ Grumpy/Sunshine
☽ Healthy romance
☽ Magical mission
☽ Secret identity
☽ Tragic hero

Spice:
🌶️🌶️🌶️ (infrequent)

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Brooke 𝜗𝜚 · Rating 3 out of 5]

—— 𝟹.𝟽𝟻 ✰ ꜱᴛᴀʀꜱ. 🔮☀️

❝ it's ᥲᥣwᥲყs worth tᥲkiᥒg fivᥱ miᥒυtᥱs to rᥱmᥱmbᥱr whყ it's woᥒdᥱrfυᥣ to bᥱ ᥲᥣivᥱ. ❞

📖: 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐲 𝐄𝐦𝐦𝐚 𝐉𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬𝐨𝐧
ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ★★★.75
ꜱᴘɪᴄᴇ: 🌶️🌶️
ꜱᴇᴀꜱᴏɴ: ☀️
ᴘᴀɪʀ ᴡɪᴛʜ: ʀᴇʜᴇᴀᴛᴇᴅ ᴘɪᴢᴢᴀ 🍕
ɴᴏᴡ ᴘʟᴀʏɪɴɢ: ᴅᴀʏʟɪɢʜᴛ ♪ ᴛᴀʏʟᴏʀ ꜱᴡɪꜰᴛ

ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ʟɪᴋᴇ:
🔮 ᴏɴᴇ ʙᴇᴅ
☀️ ᴡɪᴛᴄʜᴇꜱ
🔮 ꜱʟᴏᴡ ʙᴜʀɴ
☀️ ꜰᴀᴋᴇ ᴍᴀʀʀɪᴀɢᴇ
🔮 ɢʀᴜᴍᴘʏ x ꜱᴜɴꜱʜɪɴᴇ

❝ bυt if bᥱᥴᥴᥲ wᥱrᥱ thᥱ ρriᥒᥴᥱss, hᥱ ᥴoυᥣdᥒ't sᥱᥱ ᥲ kᥒight gᥱttiᥒg ᥲ ᥴhᥲᥒᥴᥱ to sᥲvᥱ hᥱr from ᥲ drᥲgoᥒ. shᥱ'd hᥲvᥱ tᥲmᥱd it ᥲᥒd tᥲkᥱᥒ υρ ridiᥒg bᥱforᥱ ᥲ sword ᥴoυᥣd ᥱvᥱᥒ bᥱ ρυᥣᥣᥱd from thᥱ sᥴᥲbbᥲrd. ❞

✎﹏ This book was super cute. I loved the magic system, the world, the characters. The fmc, Becca, was a headstrong, determined witch who fought for her loved ones. I loved her & the mmc, Connor. Tall, big hands, black hair. He was giving Adam Driver & I’m a sucker 🥵 The slow burn was burnin’ & the banter between the two of them was *chef’s kiss* 🤌🏼 Only reason I didn’t rate 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙒𝙞𝙩𝙘𝙝 𝙁𝙤𝙧 higher was because I started to get a little bored during the middle of the book when Becca & Connor were at the hotel investigating. It felt too drawn out for me & not much was happening. The ending made up for it though with it with all of the action that went down. This is the second book in a series, which I had no idea, but you could definitely read it as a stand alone & enjoy it. Unfortunately, if you’re looking for fall/Halloween vibes, this ain’t it. It definitely gave me more of summer vibes, which is fine, just wasn’t what I was looking for this time of year. The mood reader in me was disappointed at that aspect.

❝ ᥲ shᥲdow wᥲsᥒ't somᥱthiᥒg to fᥱᥲr, ᥲftᥱr ᥲᥣᥣ. it wᥲs jυst ᥲ sigᥒ thᥲt thᥱ ᥣight wᥲs wᥲitiᥒg ᥲroυᥒd thᥱ ᥴorᥒᥱr. ❞

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohhh I loved this deliciously fun rom-com! It’s Book 2 in a loosely connected series, and while Book 1 was great, I loved this one even more, because I adored generous, reckless, and always-determined Becca, the witchy heroine, SO MUCH - and Connor turned out to be a hero well worthy of her.

Poor earnest, responsible, and socially awkward Connor was NOT born to a witchy family, so his experience as a kid at a school of magic was horrible, and ever since then, he has been made to believe that his own kind of magic is monstrous and he can’t hope for any more in life than to do the dirty work he’s ordered into. But that all makes him the most hopeless possible person to be sent to spy on Becca Ashworth’s family - and I loved every hilarious moment from then onward as warm, fun Becca sweeps him up immediately into her own schemes, teaches him how to be playful and have fun, and they end up having to be fake-married in a hidden hotel for secret witches.

The sweetness and fun made for SUCH a fabulous combination - and the romance was just SO swoonworthy. I absolutely gobbled up this book and hope for many more magical rom-coms from Emma Jackson!

[Sarah Kingsnorth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma Jackson - Careful What You Witch For.

What an absolute gem this book is!

Put down your wand and let the cauldron stir itself. You owe it to yourself to make time for this gorgeously magical tale of love and all things witchy.

Becca and Connor are complete opposites. She is feisty, happy-go-lucky and brave, while he is a little less confident, socially awkward, a bit of a grump and an awfully sensible chap.

When the Witches Council send Connor to spy on Becca and her family, he basically gets dragged into their madness and finds himself on a mission with Becca that leads to all sorts of adventures.

If you enjoy a witchy read, a sunshine v grumpy love story, and a light hearted cosy mystery, you will love this book.

#CarefulWhatYouWitchFor made me properly belly laugh. I oow’d and ahh’d at all the squishy romance and totally fell in love with this quirky, heart squeezer of a book.

I’m off to read more of Emma Jackson’s books. Now where’s my black cat and my pointy hat?

#CarefulWhatYouWitchFor is fresh, funny and thoroughly uplifting.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Gaialy · Rating 4 out of 5]

So it’s really 3.5 stars, but I enjoyed it. A good magical story, a semi-original concept that is well writtten.

[Nessa’s Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Careful What You Witch For by Emma Jackson

Release Date: August, 1st, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

Hold onto your broomsticks, because Careful What You Witch For by Emma Jackson is a magical whirlwind of romance, adventure, and spellbinding surprises!


Becca Ashworth's family is on the brink of disaster, and with their magical legacy in jeopardy, the fate of their quaint village of Biddicote hangs in the balance. Desperate times call for desperate measures, so Becca defies witching rules and summons an ancestor for help. What could go wrong, right?

Enter Connor Lynch, the Witches Council's undercover operative, dispatched to investigate the Ashworths' suspicious activities. Posing as Becca's fake husband at a charming magical inn in Cornwall, Connor is just as baffled by the cheerful witch as he is by their unexpected mission to retrieve a lost magical artifact.

As sparks fly and their attraction intensifies, Becca and Connor start questioning everything they've ever known. Suddenly, the missing artifact isn't the only thing they're searching for. With love and duty clashing head-on, they quickly learn that sometimes you really need to be careful what you witch for...

Why I Loved It:
✨ Enchanting Romance: The chemistry between Becca and Connor is palpable, making for a delightful and heartwarming enemies-to-lovers story.
✨ Magical Misadventures: From summoning ancestors to searching for magical artifacts, the plot is filled with whimsical and thrilling twists.
✨ Charming Setting: The magical inn in Cornwall and the picturesque village of Biddicote create a cozy and enchanting backdrop.
✨ Witty Banter: The playful and humorous exchanges between Becca and Connor keep the narrative light and entertaining.
✨ Deep Themes: Beyond the magic and romance, the story explores themes of family legacy, duty, and the courage to defy expectations.


Careful What You Witch For is a delightful blend of magic and romance that kept me hooked from start to finish. Emma Jackson weaves a tale that's as charming as it is enchanting, with a cast of characters that are endearing and relatable. Becca's determination and Connor's stoic resolve make for a dynamic duo whose journey is both humorous and heartfelt.

The plot's twists and turns kept me guessing, and the growing attraction between Becca and Connor added a layer of warmth to the magical escapades.
The book strikes a perfect balance between light-hearted fun and deeper emotional moments, making it a thoroughly enjoyable read.

If you're in the mood for a bewitching romance with a dash of mystery and a sprinkle of humour, Careful What You Witch For is the perfect spell to cast. It's a story that will leave you smiling and believing in a little bit of magic.

Thank you to The Publisher Orion Publishing Group | Orion ,The Author Emma Jackson & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

[RomanceByTheBook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Careful What You Witch For is a delightful and fun witchy rom-com.

Tis the season for all the witchy books to start coming out, and I am not mad about it. Careful What You Witch For is my first witchy book of the season, and I have to say it was a great read. This is book two in a loosely connected series, but if you are like me and haven’t read the previous book, don’t worry. I never felt lost. Emma does a great job catching readers up to speed, and the world she has created is easy enough to understand without overwhelming you. This is an easy, breezy book to read, and I spent my Sunday getting lost in its pages. I loved the world and characters Emma has created, and I will be downloading the previous book in the series after I am done writing this review.

This book was a lot of fun to read. It’s this wonderful blend of adventure, romance, and of course, spellbinding magic. Everything comes together beautiful to create this entertaining and addictive read. Becca’s family is in trouble, and out of pure desperation, Becca decides to summon one of the family’s ancestors to help solve this crisis. But as you can imagine, things don’t go as planned, and before you know it, our hero, Connor, finds himself drawn into the mess and posing as Becca’s fake husband. Chaos and sparks fly, and I just loved everything that happened on the pages of this book. There is definitely a lightness to this book that really gives it this cozy romance feel. But don’t think this book is just all fluff. Emma does tackle some tougher issues around family issues, toxic relationships, and childhood trauma. I devoured the magical world that Emma created. It was just so interesting, and I loved exploring it.

I am a sucker for a good grumpy-sunshine-forced proximity romance. And the chemistry between Becca and Connor is magical in the best possible way. I love it when characters are forced to work together to accomplish a goal, and the stakes just feel higher in this book, heightening all those wonderful emotions floating around. The banter between Becca and Connor was chef-kiss perfection. It was fun, light, and fast. These two were just great together. It’s always a lot of fun watching two very different characters work together and eventually fall in love with one another.

Careful What You Witch For is a fun, magical romance romp, perfect for anyone looking for a witchy romance book to read this fall.

Click on the link to read more of our books on our website: https://romancebythebook.com/book-rev...

[Bryanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

"'Goddess forgive me, I summoned the Nigel Farage of our ancestors,' Becca lamented with a wince."

As soon as I read this quote, I knew this book was a winner! Careful What You Witch For is a cozy witchy romantic mystery that will have you smiling and smirking from start to finish - this book is adorable, intriguing, and perfect for those who like a strong romance sub-plot.

Becca comes from an old witch family that holds a lot of respect as well as responsibility. When a worrying illness that affects the heir of the household wreaks havok on her uncle and cousin, she decides to break the rules and summon a spirit that can help reveal the cause. Unfortunately, this use of her medium powers coincides with the appearance of another worrying presence... Connor, the Abrogator. How will this sunny witch and grumpy 'secret weapon' cope when they are suddenly thrown into a recovery mission together?

Careful What You Witch For is a charming book filled with snarky banter, charged glances, and hidden magic. There were so many moments it made me laugh out loud or grin to myself - it's just such a delightful read and I found myself unable to put it down. However, it's not just all fun and games. The book also deals with childhood trauma, family pressure, toxic relationships, and the importance of respecting yourself.

It also contains a mystery which is well done, as hints about the eventual reveals are dropped frequently yet subtly so the answers make sense but are not predictable. It also helps build tension despite the stakes being fairly low, and it's filled with a sense of adventure. The ending felt a little rushed though, and it would have been nice to have a little more space to enjoy the resolution as so many important events were solved so quickly.

Romance wise, this does have some spice towards the end, but overall it is a slow progression which makes the chemistry and relationship development feel natural and rewarding. What starts as a forced proximity trope builds into something less predictable. I loved the respect they both show for each other, and their trust and humour is so enjoyable to see play out.

Although it is apparently part of a series, it's definitely a stand alone and can be read out of order (which is what I did - and now I can't wait to read the first book as this one was such fun!)

Definitely an entertaining book, and one for fans of witchy romances and cozy mysteries!

[Aminah Ahmad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahh this was such a fun and cute little grumpy x sunshine romcom with a hint of paranormal as it's about witches! I saw the title on netgalley and was intrigued, so I requested an ARC and I'm glad I did because I really enjoyed it!

Becca is light-hearted and has learnt to roll with the punches, always in a chipper mood. In contrast, Connor is used to being grump, isolated and for the most part, alone.

'You smiled at her. That's practically a declaration of love for someone like you.'

Connor has been sent by the Witches Council of the UK to figure out what the Ashworth's are hiding and in doing so, he ends up being dragged on a mission with Becca which lands them in a 'sharing a bed' situation.

I love how Becca's big heart slowly begins to show Connor what he's been missing out on, alongside all the little pockets of humour.

'You know what they say. Act in haste, repent at leisure.'
'That's meant to be a cautionary saying, not an aspirational quote.'

Funnily enough though, this actually did include a few good quotes which I did find really aspirational lol!

'I thought you were in a hurry.'
'This is five minutes. It's always worth taking five minutes to remember why it's wonderful to be alive.'

The storyline kept me engaged, and although it's superrr slow burn, Connor and Becca are so cute together and they have good chemistry. The side characters were all good additions too, and I loved the relatable small town British humour throughout. Plus, the easy inclusion of characters of colour who just existed and didn't have to have a huge storyline related to some form of racial abuse was perfect!

Emma was a new to me author, but I realised at the end that two of the more prominent side characters we see in this already have their own book, so I'll definitely be going back to read that at some point! 4.2*

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

[L Powers (Bookish_Mum) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Careful What You Witch For by Emma Jackson
Rating:4/5
Release Date: 1 August 2024

Becca Ashworth's family faces a crisis, endangering not only their magical legacy but also the quaint village of Biddicote. Desperate to remedy the situation, Becca defies witching norms by summoning an ancestor for aid—an act with unforeseen consequences.

Connor Lynch, a covert operative for the Witches Council, is tasked with investigating the Ashworths' activities. Yet, he finds himself unexpectedly playing the role of Becca's faux husband at a magical inn in Cornwall, embarking on a quest to locate a mystical artefact alongside the spirited witch.

As their mutual attraction intensifies, Becca and Connor begin to question the principles they've been taught. Beyond the search for the missing artefact, they find themselves searching for something more profound—love. But as duty clashes with desire, they realise that meddling with magic comes with its own set of risks.

The enchanting world-building and the sparkling chemistry in the love story captivated me.

While I adored Harry Ashworth from the previous book, I never expected to love Connor as much. Yet, his portrayal was flawless, and I thoroughly enjoyed witnessing his character evolve throughout “Careful What You Witch For”.

The delightful blend of sweetness and amusement created an absolutely fabulous experience, especially paired with the swoon-worthy romance. I devoured this book and eagerly anticipate more from Emma Jackson in the future!

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Orion Publishing Group | Orion, and the author, Emma Jackson, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

[Kirsty (BookBlogger) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Careful What You Witch For by Emma Jackson

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Sometimes you need to be careful what you witch for...

Becca Ashworth's family is in trouble and with their magical legacy under threat, it puts their small village of Biddicote at risk too. So going against the witching tenets to summon an ancestor for help seems like a small price to pay to fix the problem...at first.

Connor Lynch is the Witches Council's secret weapon and he's just been deployed to find out exactly what the Ashworths are up to. But how he ends up posing as Becca's fake husband at a magical inn in Cornwall as they hunt down a magical artefact is just as perplexing as the cheerful witch herself.

When their attraction for each other grows, Becca and Connor question everything they have been taught - and soon the missing artefact isn't the only thing they are searching for. As love collides with duty, it's clear that sometimes you need to be careful what you witch for...

My Opinion

I am not sure what appealed to me more about this book - the cover or the title. I simply adored this book, it was a delightful escape and will definitely make for a great book to read in the run up to Halloween. From the title you can guess that this is a paranormal book, but there is so much more going on. I enjoyed following Connor and Becca as they went on their magical hunt - it was fun to see how the pair learned to work together.

This is only the second book I have read by Emma Jackson and I am not sure why I haven't read more. I will be checking out my local library to see if I can pick up anymore.

Rating 4/5

[Keka Mondal · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌟BlogTour Book Review: "Careful What You Witch For" by Emma Jackson 🌟
💖 Genre: Witchy RomCom / RomCom
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

"Two complete strangers. One life-changing spell." With this enchanting premise, Emma Jackson’s "Careful What You Witch For" offers a delightful blend of magic, romance, and mystery.

💖 Why You'll Love It:
🔥 Spellbinding Chemistry: The dynamic relationship between Becca and Connor sizzles with magical sparks. Their fake marriage quickly transforms into a heartfelt connection, making for a captivating romance.
🧙‍♂ Magical Mystery: The search for a magical artifact is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Emma Jackson weaves a tale that seamlessly blends magic with suspense.
👩‍❤‍👨 Compelling Characters: Becca's fierce determination and Connor's protective instincts make them a perfect pair. Their growth and evolving relationship add depth to this enchanting story.
💍 Fake Marriage Trope: This beloved trope is given a fresh twist with a magical backdrop, making it even more exciting and unpredictable.

🎯 Perfect For:
✨Fans of magical romances and cozy mysteries.
✨Readers who enjoy charming, slow-burn love stories.
✨Anyone looking for a spellbinding, heartwarming read.

Dive into this magical romance and let the enchanting world of Becca and Connor sweep you away. Happy reading! Thanks to @rachelsrandomresources and @netgalley for the #ARC #BlogTour

#BookReview #CarefulWhatYouWitchFor #EmmaJackson #MagicalRomance #FakeMarriageTrope #FantasyRomance #RomanticMystery #ReadersOfInstagram #IGReads #InstaBooks #Bookstagram #Bookstagrammer #BookstagramCommunity #Netgalley

[artemis5 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, this was sooooo much better than the first book. For one, the main characters were actually interesting and I take back what I said about Harry and how he should've had a bigger role in this storyline. Instead, there should've been no book 1 or at least Harry and Kay should've been more interesting or perhaps they could've had more influence on the Ashworth drama.

Becca, unlike Kay, was actually interesting to be in her head. She felt like a fleshed out character and she wasn't a typical "sunshine" character. I also really liked Connor and thought his backstory really gelled well with the overall story and with Becca. All his actions made sense as he essentially had been brainwashed since he was 15.

I didn't see Sam coming as the third Ashworth. I recognised a few hints but for sure thought her mum was still alive... Idk how I got to that conclusion. I also thought that the ghost cat was her lost mum or the lost family member but it literally was inconsequential. Unless the ghost cat comes back for Sam's story. I thought that the mysterious person was just going to be someone they hadn't interacted with but Sam makes so much sense. I liked the twist though.

All in all, this was the perfect way to wrap up the anchor plot line. Becca and Connor as the heroes of the story worked so well. I don't really know what else to say... but that's mainly because I'm not used to writing positive reviews on goodreads lol. And I guess the plot of book 1 makes sense for setting this book up but that first book was soooo boring and the characters were so boring that I'm glad they weren't more involved with this storyline.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that made me buy the previous set in this world as I had a lot of fun. I also cause some serious sleep deprevitation because the night etc but it's also a good moment to read.
My brain is sure that the role of Connor is Abhorsen but that's another series even if Connor could be an excellent MC in a high fantasy novel.
I suppose that we can classify this novel as romantasy, or whatever the genre is called, but I loved how the author did an excellent job in balancing the fantasy and the romance part.
There's a complex and well-developed world building, there's a magical system, and there's rule that could bring to very serious punishment.
The situation could be dire for Becca and her family as they are not the greatest fan of the Witch Council, the governing organ of witches, and they have other issues in their family.
Connor is sent to investigate and when he and Becca fall on him, literally, it's the beginning of a very entertaining and well plotted story.
I'm not the best person to evaluate the spicy level (Queen of Skipping sex scenes as I found them boring) but I can say that it's an excellent romantasy.
The conclusion is that it's the perfect summer read as it will make you laugh and have fun while rooting for Becca and Connor
Many thanks to Orion and Rachel's Random Resources for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this, I think I might have loved it even more than the first book in the series. I should mention, although it’s a series you don’t need to read these in order or even read the 1st to enjoy this one, totally as a standalone.

Becca is absolutely 100% one of my favourite witchy heroines, she was so much fun and I loved as she got Connor involved in her schemes, there was so much fun and humour in this. Connor, what can I say about Connor bless him, he’s so lovely and didn’t get the best start in the magic world so when he’s sent to Becca’s family it’s just so much hilarity.

I loved Emma Jackson’s humour so much, their were so many brilliant one liners worthy a stand up here and everything felt natural not forced humour. Probably why I loved Becca so much, I think if I ever met Emma she’d have me in tears of laughter. I should add the romance is completely gorgeous and totally sigh inducing swoon (this is a romance not just funny)

If your looking for a story to tickle the ribs as well as melt your heart, that you won’t want to put down and will definitely leave you in a much happier and brighter place than when you started, Careful what you Witch for is a book I can wholeheartedly recommend.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nicki Kendall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starting off my witchy era of October with a heartfelt contemporary witchy read, this book weaves a charming slow burn supernatural romance along with journeys of self discovery. We have a clandestine society of magical practitioners operating under the watchful eye of a strict witches' council, who are notorious for upholding a stringent code of conduct - one that leaves little room for deviation. Our main character, Becca Ashworth who can be a bit of a rule breaker, finds herself embarking on a secret mission with the feared and distrustful abrogator of the council, Connor. I loved both of these characters and found both them and the overall storyline to be a very engaging and cosy read. Along with the cosiness there were some more serious themes, that kept me wanting to read just one more chapter. Along with the slow burn romance, this book also tackles psychological and emotional abuse, exploitation, and personal healing with sensitivity and relatability. I loved the interspersed humour from Becca it was a magical and very enjoyable read. #carefulwhatyouwitchfor #emmajackson #orionbooks #tea_sipping_bookworm #goodreads #fable #getlitsy #thestorygraph #bookqueen #bookstagram

[LJ (ljwritesandreviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Careful what you witch for is a witchy romance with a little mystery and adventure thrown in there.

I love this new wave of witchy romances that I've been seeing lately and couldn't wait to dive into Careful what you witch for.

While it's a paranormal/witch story, there's still some romance tropes blended seamlessly into the story, like one bed, forced proximity and fake dating.

Becca and Connor were the classic grumpy x sunshine pairing. Becca is always the optimist, with more than a few people pleasing tendencies. Connor has had a rough time of it, letting no one get too close to him and distrusting most people. The pair had such wonderful chemistry, and I was practically cheering when they finally got together.

I usually love a slow burn romance, but I'll be honest, I was dying for these two to get past their issues and find her family's amplifier. I got a little impatient having to wait for them to finally get it together.

A fun magical romance with likeable lead characters and an entertaining storyline.

[Asia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75/5

I love it when I'm right. I knew this girl would be an old friend and who the real villain was. It was fun to be right about it!

It was a fun read although I had to force myself to focus on the book at times. I liked the characters and their relationship, although the plot dragged on, and then too rushed at the very end to tie loose ends. I didn't like it.

It was a fun idea and I didn't hate the book, but I didn't love it either. I don't know, I guess it wasn't really my thing even though I love a good old fake dating trope.

I realized (around 25%) that it was the second book in the series (shame on you, Goodreads for not letting me know beforehand - I mean you have the option to assign books to the series. And this is book 2!) but I didn't feel the need to read book 1. Even if I liked Harry and Kay.

Although now I really want to know if there are any mentions of Samantha or forgetting someone in the first book. But not enough to read it.

[Sara Oxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a five-star read that you could wish up like a star. This is number two in the series, but I haven’t read number one and didn’t feel like I missed anything out. Becca will captivate you, she has a personality that brings people to her, unlike Connor who is the darkness to her light, but the more you get to know Connor and as the story unfolds you realise that maybe he isn’t as dark as he appears, and anyone cast in the shadows will appear that way. This was a great story with lots of hidden depths and wonder, it was a little slow to start, but then when I got used to the characters and got into the story, it was something I couldn’t stop reading until the last page and I am so excited to hear more from this author and also go back to the first story.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

This is a fun contemporary romance with a paranormal theme. The two main characters, Becca and Connor, were fun to read about. I found Becca quite humorous, and initially, Connor seemed rather grumpy, but that just made him all the more loveable. Some of Becca and Connor’s exchanges made me laugh out loud, and I enjoyed the witchy theme.

I also felt the writing had a lovely cosy quality, which is great if you read to escape, as I do. I began to feel very much at home with these characters. If you like paranormal romance, give this a try.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.

[Christina Cardwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

With her family at risk and their magical legacy under threat, Becca Ashworth must work with the one man who could take her magic away forever.

This novel felt like so much more than a rom-com to me. The author is truly adept at weaving romance with some really poignant moments, giving the book so much heart. The humour between the characters is effortless and genuinely laugh out loud funny. The characters are well fleshed out, likeable and relatable - even if their direct situation isn't. One of my favourite reads this year.
Thank you to the author/publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy.

[Isabelle D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 (Witch You Weren't Here) was one of my favourite reads of 2023, and for 2024 this second book is bound to also make top 10 (out of 100+) because I absolutely loved it too.
The magic system is still fascinating to read about, I already liked Becca since we met her in book 1 as Harry's cousin, and I quickly get attached to Connor, who has a very rare, highly feared gift and usually keeps away from other witches but now finds himself in a "fake relationship/only one bed" situation with Becca. Plus there's a mystery (an important magical artefact has disappeared) and, of course, the romance - a really good mix, perfectly dosed. 👍

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Careful What You Witch For is the second in a series by Jackson that's connected by the Ashworth family. I'm yet to read the first book, but found this one easily to read as a standalone.

I'm a huge lover of both romcoms and witchy reads, so to have them both wrapped up into one was perfection! It's a fun, lighthearted read full of romance, mystery and Magic. AND it comes with my favourite enemies to lovers trope too, which pleased me immensely.

The characters are absolutely adorable and so relatable. The views of Biddicote are enchanting adding to the aura of everything magical.

Magical, spellbinding and an absolute joy to read.

[Sapphyria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Careful What You Witch For is the second book in this series by Emma Jackson. I've not read the first one, but book two stands alone. Of course, there are some of the characters from book one but I didn't feel lost, having not read Witch You Weren't Here.

I was engaged from the start of Careful What You Witch For. Becca's determination to help her family began the story, drawing me in. I enjoyed the mix of romance and magic. Becca's dynamics with Connor are phenomenal and I enjoyed their grumpy-sunshine trope.

Careful What You Witch For is an amazing novel. I can't wait to go back and read book one.

[Sie · Rating 5 out of 5]

CarefulWhatYouWitchFor

#netgalley

@emma_s_jackson

@orionbooks

I received a pre realease copy of Careful What You Wish For from Netgalley and Emma Jackson in exchange for an honest review..

I absolutely loved this book. It had so much magic, mystery and romance. It is the perfect Romantasy.

It can easily be enjoyed as a standalone but best read after Witch You Weren't Here as the characters featured are from both books.

❤️Romance❤️
🧙Witches🧙
👨‍👩‍👧‍👧Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
👯Friendships👯
🌞Sunshine vs grumpy😐
🌶️Spice🌶️
😵‍💫Forced proximity😵‍💫
🥰Fake dating 🥰

[amys_books0 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a slow start. I couldn’t really get into it in the beginning but the more I read the more I enjoyed. I love all witchy books and my favourite trope is Grumpy X sunshine so when I seen this book that had the both, I knew I had to read. It’s an entertaining story and a fun read and I definitely recommend to people who are looking for a witchy read for October !

*Thank you NetGalley and Orion publishing group for providing me this Arc in return for an honest review*

[Leonie Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! The world-building is so charming and the love story sparkles with chemistry. I loved Harry Ashworth from the first book so much that I never thought I'd love Connor as much, but he was just perfect and I really enjoyed his character development as the duty-bound abrogator. Loved it!

[Amy McLaughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice book but felt a bit too long. There was a lot of chapters about being at the Inn but not a lot was actually happening story wise or interesting enough for it to go on for that long, could have cut a bit out and the story wouldn’t have been affected in my opinion. Good characters and the individual powers were cool

[Susanne Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a very magical read!
I really enjoyed the connection between Becca and Connor, there was some proper sparks between them, even on their first fateful meeting! I was completely invested into finding out how they would get on together and if they would clash over the rules of witchcraft.
Becca is a really likeable character, she is spunky and brave, willing to bend the rules to help her family.
Connor is quiet and reserved, he tries to follow the rules, and he worries about his own magical abilities too much and lacks in confidence about his future and his place in the magical world. It was great to see him become more confident and happy with his abilities and to find himself able to interact with other witches.
It was fascinating seeing these characters working together, building up their friendship and solving some mysteries along the way.
A wonderfully fast paced story that was hilarious at times and had some lovely romance elements too!
A perfect magical combination!

[Aimee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was so cute! A very cosy witchy romcom!

I was the title and cover on Netgally and thought it looked like a really cute read! It did not disappoint! Loved the story, relationship building, banter and witchy vibes throughout!

Can’t wait to read more by this author!