When a spell causes Blair Thornrose to switch magical abilities with her arch nemesis, Devlin Ross, it's the worst thing that could possibly happen. Not only does she have agical witch balls to attend to look for a husband, she's also got to keep Devlin from abusing his newfound abilities. But trying to keep Devlin out of trouble is proving harder than she anticipated, and trying not to fall for him is proving nearly impossible. Can Blair stop herself from losing her heart as well as her magic?
Hey, I’m Amy, I write books for folks who crave laugh-out-loud paranormal mysteries. I help bring humor into readers’ lives. I’ve got a Pharm D in pharmacy, a BA in Creative Writing and a Masters in Life. And when I’m not writing or chasing around two small children (one of which is four going on thirteen), I can be found antique shopping for a great deal, getting my roots touched up (because that’s an every four week job) and figuring out when I can get back to Disney World. If you’re dying to know more about my wacky life, here are three things you don’t know about me. —In college I spent a semester at Marvel Comics working in the X-Men office. —I worked at Carnegie Hall. —I grew up in a barbecue restaurant—literally. My parents owned one. If you want to reach out to me—and I love to hear from readers—you can email me at amyboylesauthor@gmail.com. Happy reading!
Blair and Devlin’s second chance romance was everything I needed it to be! I loved this magical twist on a “freaky Friday” moment. Devlin and Blair were head over heels in love in high school, but then Devlin broke her heart and she’s hated him ever since.
When a meddling granny interferes with their magic, Blair and Devlin have to navigate living together while Blair tries to find a husband. The Thornrose magic is in danger of fizzling out if she and her sister’s don’t marry soon.
The spicy tension between the leads was so good! Devlin was a man absolutely obsessed. He had secrets that kept him from Blair all those years but it got harder and harder to fight his love for her.
I really loved Blair. She’s felt lost and unsure of her future ever since her older sister took over the family’s magical bookshop. Devlin was able to find her inner passion for potions and ignite it again.
If you love magical & spicy second chance romances, go add 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐰𝐢𝐭 𝐚 𝐖𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐀𝐦𝐲 𝐁𝐨𝐲𝐥𝐞𝐬, to your TBR today! This is the second book in the series and I definitely think they should be read in order! ✨
Second book in the Seven Suitors for Seven Witches series! Hate to love, Second chance love trope. Second sister has to find a husband! Freaky Friday magic swapping. Adorable Adam’s family vibed side character that is so funny. So digestible! Read in one sitting! On to book 3!
2.5 It was cutesy, but it didn’t quite hit the same as How to Fake It with a Fae. In that book, I felt like I truly knew the characters—like I understood their personalities, their motivations, their quirks. But here? Blair felt closed off. We got her thoughts about loving Devlin, but not much else. The story stayed surface level, and I wanted more.
The opening chapter with their high school text messages? That was gold. It actually made me feel their connection and history, which is why I wish we had more flashbacks to really cement their love and friendship. I needed to see why they loved each other so much, not just be told. Imagine getting a scene of Devlin actually seeing the vision of Blair getting hit by the car—it would’ve made their dynamic so much stronger.
Blair was such a strong, dynamic character in How to Fake It with a Fae that I expected to see more of that strength here. But instead, this book felt so Devlin-focused that Blair kind of faded into the background. We actually got more of his backstory than hers, yet his thoughts were mostly about loving Blair too. I don’t know—something was missing.
Overall, this was short, simple, and cute, but it lacked substance. It had potential, but it needed more meat on the bones to really make me feel their story.
»What exactly is obvious?« »That you're in love with her.«
★ ★ ★ ★
❥ 𝑩𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒓 𝜗𝜚˚⋆ She was confident, funny and overall a likeable character. Her magic is pretty interesting and I liked that she never abused her power.
❥ 𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒍𝒊𝒏 ࣪⋆✮ I‘m a little divided with my opinion about him. You can see that he loves Blair but he still remains a playboy and he broke her heart.
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 This was a cute and fun read. I loved coming back into this world and to Blair’s crazy family. This book kept me entertained and I laughed a lot. The plot is interesting with some twists and turns but all in all pretty predictable. Still this is an enjoyable read. Blair and Devlin have great tension and their banter was good. I‘m not a fan of this „she tries to dates someone else“ and „he dates a lot of other girls“ but is was well done it that book and it didn‘t irked me too much. As a reader it is obvious that these two were made for each other. I liked the idea that each of the seven sisters must marry to restore the family history and I think this could be fun in the future. In general the world building is interesting and the side characters are likeable with their corners and edges - nobody is perfect and this is what made everyone an individual.
𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 ᡣ𐭩ྀི₊ ⊹ fantasy, romcom, dislike to love, wizard x witch, magic swap, forced proximity, second chance, reformed playboy, one bed/room, black cat x golden retriever
How to Outwit a Wizard is a cozy, magical romcom with a touch of suspense and a large helping of heartache. As a mood reader who isn’t into thrillers or suspense that sucks the life out of you while reading, I prefer cute, fall vibes without the terrible jump scares. This read met that criteria while mixing in a “Freaky Friday” switcheroo. There is tension and a dash of spice. I enjoyed the ambience of the magical bookstore and the banter between Blair Thornrose (a potion loving witch) and Devlin Ross (a crafty and protective wizard). Jealous MMCs who fall first are so much fun! Throw in a mischievous Nana and an intriguing set of hands, which I still have questions about, and you’ve got yourself a good time.
Although this is book two in the Seven Suitors for Seven Witches series, I decided to read it as a standalone without having read book one first. I could tell there were a few nods to the first book, but it didn’t take away from the story. I also didn’t feel like I was missing important information. After reading reviews from the first book, it seems many people enjoyed that one even more. Adding it to my tbr now!
Following up on the incredible How to Fake It with a Fae, Amy Boyles has delivered yet another whimsical and heartwarming story in How to Outwit a Wizard. As the second book in the series, this installment shifts the focus to a new sister introduced in the first book, and let me just say—I fell even harder for these characters than I thought possible.
What I Loved
One of the things I absolutely adored about this book was how it seamlessly tied into the first. Having already been introduced to the characters in How to Fake It with a Fae, I felt an immediate sense of connection. I was genuinely excited to see familiar personalities return and watch their stories unfold in fresh, new ways. The groundwork laid in the first book made this sequel feel even more immersive and rewarding.
Amy Boyles has an undeniable talent for creating characters that leap off the page. Their quirks, their strengths, and their relationships all felt so alive, making it impossible not to root for them. I didn’t think I could love a sequel as much as the original, but How to Outwit a Wizard might just take the crown.
The One Thing I Hated
The only downside? It was impossibly hard to put down. I found myself completely absorbed, devouring the book in record time. There’s something bittersweet about racing through a story you love—it’s such a joy to read, but when it’s over, you’re left wanting more.
A Hope for the Series
This book left me with a glimmer of hope that Amy Boyles will expand the series even further. The sisters’ magical journeys are so captivating, and there’s so much potential for each of them to have their own story. I can already imagine diving into a new book for each sister and their unique adventures.
STEAMY Level & Where to Read
This book delivers on both romance and plot, with steamy moments that enhance the story without overpowering it.
STEAMY Level: 8/10 (Very steamy—definitely a stay-at-home-and-read kind of book!)
Why You’ll Love It
How to Outwit a Wizard is the perfect travel companion—easy to read, beautifully paced, and brimming with rich character development. Whether you’re on a flight, a road trip, or just curled up at home, this book will make the hours fly by. Boyles delivers a story filled with depth, magic, and humor, leaving you spellbound and eager for more.
Final Thoughts
Amy Boyles has truly created a series that feels like a cozy, magical escape. With How to Outwit a Wizard, she’s proven that sequels can be just as enchanting—if not more so—than the original. If you’re a fan of whimsical fantasy filled with heartfelt character development and a touch of humor, this series is an absolute must-read.
High school sweethearts get a second chance at love in this adorable, hilarious, small town, magical romance from Amy Boyles.
Blair and Devlin broke up in high school after a misunderstanding. Ten years later, they are thrown together and accidentally swap magical abilities. Could this be a way for them to walk in each others’ shoes…? 🤔😋 Come to an understanding after all this time?
With a hilarious cast of family characters, and southern colloquialisms to boot, I flew through this comfort read. Some nice spice, a third act twist, and furthering of the overarching series story with a magical bookshop, I know I would LOVE to visit Castleview.
I can’t wait for Chelsea’s story next! Addison’s story was first, and was such a treat! These are considered stand-alone, but was way more fun to read in order.
Hilarious moments I loved.. Deceased grandma comes back as a ghost to meddle and get her granddaughters married off. Devlin’s assistant is a pair of hands- literally. (Story behind that is explained.) 😂 Adorable dialogue related to their continual miscommunication. 🩷
I picked up this book directly after finishing book 1 - I was beyond eager to stay in this world and continue to be with these characters and this book did not disappoint either!
Blair was such an absolutely relatable and fun character - she was a bit out there and seemed a bit off-putting in the first book, but how she grew into her own in this one was a very welcome process. Her sister stepping into her own as the eldest sister really sent Blair into a tailspin and she wasn't quite sure how to handle it until Devlin re-entered her life and swept her off her feet.
Devlin is such a fun and enjoyable character! He's always loved Blair, but secrets and the past has kept them from being together. When they finally were able to truly reconnect their passion, their banter, and the tension was truly just next level. It was very well written and oh so fun!
I loved this book just as much as the first and can't wait for Chelsea's book next!
Disappointed the author “rewrote” Blair from book 1. She was so much more confident & sure of herself, from Addison’s point of view. I hope the author doesn’t continue with writing all the sisters with the same insecurities trope when they are the main characters. I spent a lot of time skipping the repetitive inner monologue. Seems to defeat the purpose to give each sisters specific quirks & personalities only to turn them into the same version of their older sister’s character in the prior book.
I didn’t like this book of the series, as much as the last. I’m probably rounding up, here. This felt very YA to me, but it wasn’t intended to be. The characters felt immature, though they were about 10 years out of high school. It was still cute. I don’t regret reading!
I'm frustrated by the "she can choose the right book for everyone" then really doesn't when it matters as a way to pull these two apart, even if only temporarily. So, I'm knocking this one down to ★★½. But, I liked the author's writing style and seeing what's to come for the remaining 6 siblings, so I'll continue with the series.
I adore this series. Each sister has her own path to love and it’s never easy but always worth it. Devlin and Blair have a history they can’t escape. Their powers get swapped and they are forced to work together as she tries to find a husband to help restore her family’s magic and he waits for a vision that will help with his new invention. I had the best time hanging out with the characters in Castleview. There was intense sexual tension and super steamy moments. This book gave me lots of joy and smile. A truly fun uplifting read.
Oh Blair, what a glorious disaster you are. High school may have ended over a decade ago, but when you spend your entire life in a small town/supernatural community, your old bullies only get nastier, the boy who broke your teenage heart just gets hotter, and your self-esteem keeps sinking lower.
But hey, it’s the south and why not toss in a series of balls to drum up a suitor to try to save her family’s failing magic… after all it’s a witchy tradition, whether the sister in question wants it or not. And Blair wants it… sort of.
The chaos begins when former first love, Devlin Ross, insists on coming, despite how much Blair insists she loathes him. Then the surprise of Storm Grayling, practically a celebrity in supernatural circles, arrives at her witch ball and looking for a wife. Not to forget Nana, her deceased grandmother decides to pop back in to check on things as a ghost. Never one to keep her nose out of things, Nana takes matters into her own hands to try and get Blair and Devlin back together that she takes their supernatural “gifts” and swaps them in the Freakiest Friday maneuver ever.
Gee, what could possibly go wrong?
A lot, and the humor never stops as we take these two former lovers and try to pump life back into their ruined romance.
I adore Blair, and it’s obvious why she believes her gift is really a curse in disguise. Devlin may appear charming and happy-go-lucky, but it’s his opinion that the power he received is really a dud… after all, it’s cost him everything he ever wanted, including Blair.
We have the wildly fun sidekick in Devlin’s assistant/friend, Hands, who is a handful to say the least. He may have no vocal cords, but he certainly has no problem getting his opinion heard. And Storm…. seriously, what a self-centered egomaniacal jerk. Do I still have some questions about this guy by the end? Heck to the yes, but someone has to be the dastardly villain, and Devlin is far too charming and ready to take the guy down a peg or two.
Yes, the steam has amped up a bit- these two are lime magnets, pushing and pulling our lead characters on a journey of will they or won’t they somehow kill each other before the week is done.
And now I am just going to have to wait another six-ish months for sister number three to claim her own happily ever after!
Again, I wish half stars could be a thing… I can’t tell if what I am reading has typos or if the odd wording choices are simply how the grammar gods work in New Zealand… but there are enough tossed in the storyline to be a annoying.
This series is one of my favorites! I couldn't get enough of this fun world and characters when I read book one in the series, How to Fake it With a Fae, and so when book two, How to Outwit a Wizard, was announced I came running!
Blair and Devlin have one of those off the charts chemistry while still "hating" one another. The cherry on top is that the hate is all one sided, because Devlin has only ever had eyes for Blair. (Who doesn't love a man who falls first and stays "down for the count"?!)
I won't recount the storyline because you can read the blurb while you buy the book 🤪 BUTTTTT what I will say about the book is this: 💃 More books need to have tango dance scenes in them!! It's soooo hot - good gracious if I was there watching Blair and Devlin dance there is no way I would've been able to control my giddy squeals of delight 🕺 Devlin is that playboy image but it's all just an image, which I ADORE!! I love, love, LOVE that he has only ever had eyes for Blair 🪄 Freaky Friday with magic!! Such a fun, unique twist that results in the beloved "forced proximity" 👋 Hands - I have never loved a side character more!
Favorite Quotes/moments 📖 Contrary to most Southern families, we don't showcase our crazy by putting them on the front porch with a fiddle and a spittoon. No, we hide our crazy away in the dark corners of our home. Just like it should be. Chapter 12
"Do you think that you're so easy to give up on? To forget about? You owned me. You still own me. I've just spent ten years trying to deny it." Chapter 28
"What are you thinking?" she asks as I hold her. "About the Roman Empire," I joke, referencing a pop culture phenomenon. I kiss her forehead. "I'm not thinking about anything other than you. What are you thinking?" Chapter 35
I know most of us are looking for "spooky" book recs right now (tis the season) so here you go 🥳 It can only be described as a "Must read romcomantasy!"
Blair Thornrose runs her family's bookstore that sends its reader into the book's world wherever that may be. I absolutely love this little magical bookstore. Literally every reader's dream! The bookstore has been losing its spark and the bookstore is running out of magic.
What's the solution? Blair must find a suitor to marry her. The only problem is that Blair has the kind of power that terrifies men. Everyone except her ex boyfriend, Delvin, from high school. He's an incredibly successful inventor now. Her family throws a witchy ball for Blair as a desperate attempt to find her a match. Delvin shocks Blair again by showing up and a revealing wish between them causes their powers to swap in a Freaky Friday situation.
Blair is more than furious as she has everything depending on her finding a suitor. Delvin promises to help Blair find her suitor only if Blair helps him with his world changing invention. He knows it risks her knowing the true reason to their break all those years ago, but it is worth it if he gets to spend a little time with her. Blair agrees knowing her family depends on her finding a suitor.
How to Outwit a Wizard is a fun cozy read and perfect for the fall. The characters are wonderful and the chemistry between Delvin and Blair even after so long is fantastic. Hands well . . . IYKYK. This is part of a series, but can be read as a standalone.
I was so pleasantly surprised when this book appeared in my kindle library - I had read the first book in the series (How to Fake It with a Fae) and eagerly preordered the second, and then forgot about it.
I found this book just as delightful as the first - if not more so, with it being a bit more lighthearted, or perhaps the conflict was a bit less heavy than in the previous book.
The magic in this universe is utterly delightful, and the characters are entertaining - most of all being the return of someone who, well, should not have returned, but she is here to stir the pot and I love it. This story combines second chance romance, magic, freaky friday, forced close proximity, and many other tropes that I have come to love, while being completely original and utterly intriguing.
For fear of spoilers, I will not delve too deeply into the characters except to say that you will be surprised by the heart of gold revealed to be held by one, and the strength and self-love that comes to fruition for the other.
I loved reading this and cannot wait for the next sisters' love story.
I think under normal circumstances, I would’ve given this book 4 stars, but knowing that the author is a PharmD, I’m taking off a star for the medical events at the end. Not only is it terribly cliche (and yes, I understand that we need Devlin to use Blair’s power for the sake of the plot), but I would expect a healthcare professional to depict critical care situations more accurately. For one, we do not simply stop feeding patients who are brain dead. And if it’s only been a week, we probably wouldn’t have started nutrition, whether enteral or parenteral, yet anyway. Two, if she really were brain dead, she wouldn’t have any consciousness to have the thoughts and experience that is more reminiscent of locked in syndrome. Three, if she were brain dead, family agreement wouldn’t be required to discontinue life support (at least in the states I’ve worked in, which admittedly doesn’t include Tennessee). Really not a fan of how the whole goals of care discussion was done, but I can let that slide because unfortunately some doctors do a terrible job like Dr. Jones did in the book. Overall, just disappointed that this author fell into romanticizing comas because we work so hard to counter these narratives in the inpatient setting since it sets up a lot of people for unrealistic expectations and ultimately harm for patients.
Otherwise I think it was a cute cozy read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I have loved Amy's books forever it seems, and the new Seven for Seven is not an exception. The premise is a take on an older movie, Seven brides for Seven Brothers. I watched it many time when I was younger and thought, while corny(I was yound and didn't really get it) it was funny and amusing. Amy puts a spin on it with a family of witches with Seven daughters who must marry to stabilize the family's magic, or it will go crazy and be lost. The first sister, Addison, has the first book and Blair, the second, has this one. Notice a theme? Yep! Sisters are named alphabetically in order of birth, which is neat. Blair has a secret and it's a doozy, she can influence someone. The nudge to do anything. She hates it. Free will is important. She's also a master potion maker. In a sense. You'll see. Her aunt is throwing a ball for each sister so suitors can come and woo them to save the magic. Blair has one of the most famous people in the world coming to hers. Just a teeny problem. Her ex, whom she loathes with all her being. Of course there's a twist and their powers swap and it's a freaky Friday deal. It's hilarious and laugh out loud funny all the way through. Well worth the read and purchase. I highly recommend it.