What do you think?
Rate this book
Win a free print copy of this book!
21 days and 13:22:39
10 copies available
U.S. only
Clover Lake #3
Take a Chance, Sasha Sinclair
Not yet published
Expected 29 Sep 26Win a free print copy of this book!
21 days and 13:22:39
10 copies available
U.S. only
Legacies and hearts collide when a woman embarks on a film project about an extraordinary family’s rich history in this bewitching romance by USA Today bestselling author Ashley Herring Blake.
Sasha Sinclair is used to being alone. Her parents, successful documentary filmmakers, died in a car accident three years ago, leaving her with a legacy she’s been unable to live up to. Instead, she spends her time with casual hookups and odd jobs as she travels around the country. But she can’t stop thinking about her parents’ dream project and is determined to make it a the story of Alice Bishop in Blair Mountain, North Carolina.
Margot Bishop is not a witch, despite the town’s century-long suspicion about her family. When her ancestor Alice Bishop showed up to Blair Mountain in 1901 and opened Thornrose Apothecary, the town was flummoxed by this strange enigma of a woman, calling her the Rose Witch. Now, the Bishops also run Ghostlight, an occult-themed amusement park that fully leans into the rumors.
Despite the draw of the Rose Witch and the haunted Thornrose Woods where Alice had lived, however, the Bishops’ businesses aren’t doing well. When Margot’s mother comes up with a solution—a documentary film about their family—Margot can’t get on board, not when her family’s legacy is at stake. Even worse, she’s deemed the point person for Sasha, the charming, peppy wannabe-filmmaker. But as they spend more time together, diving deeper into the true story of Alice Bishop, the ice slowly melts and their relationship turns into a heart-fluttering rollercoaster ride, one they aren’t sure they want to get off.
Sasha Sinclair is used to being alone. Her parents, successful documentary filmmakers, died in a car accident three years ago, leaving her with a legacy she’s been unable to live up to. Instead, she spends her time with casual hookups and odd jobs as she travels around the country. But she can’t stop thinking about her parents’ dream project and is determined to make it a the story of Alice Bishop in Blair Mountain, North Carolina.
Margot Bishop is not a witch, despite the town’s century-long suspicion about her family. When her ancestor Alice Bishop showed up to Blair Mountain in 1901 and opened Thornrose Apothecary, the town was flummoxed by this strange enigma of a woman, calling her the Rose Witch. Now, the Bishops also run Ghostlight, an occult-themed amusement park that fully leans into the rumors.
Despite the draw of the Rose Witch and the haunted Thornrose Woods where Alice had lived, however, the Bishops’ businesses aren’t doing well. When Margot’s mother comes up with a solution—a documentary film about their family—Margot can’t get on board, not when her family’s legacy is at stake. Even worse, she’s deemed the point person for Sasha, the charming, peppy wannabe-filmmaker. But as they spend more time together, diving deeper into the true story of Alice Bishop, the ice slowly melts and their relationship turns into a heart-fluttering rollercoaster ride, one they aren’t sure they want to get off.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 29, 2026
About the author
Ashley Herring Blake
18 books8,692 followersAshley Herring Blake is a reader, writer, and mom to two boisterous boys. She holds a Master’s degree in teaching and loves coffee, arranging her books by color, and cold weather. She is the author of the young adult novels Suffer Love, How to Make a Wish, and Girl Made of Stars (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt), the middle grade novels Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World, The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James, and Hazel Bly and the Deep Blue Sea (Little, Brown), and the adult romance novels Delilah Green Doesn't Care and Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail (Berkley). Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World was a Stonewall Honor Book, as well as a Kirkus, School Library Journal, NYPL, and NPR Best Book of 2018. Her YA novel Girl Made of Stars was a Lambda Literary Award finalist. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram at @ashleyhblake and on the web at www.ashleyherringblake.com. She lives in Georgia.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
2026
July 23, 2026Pride TBR
Valentine's Day TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley
Valentine's Day TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley
June 2, 2026
I love you Sasha and I loved this book what beautiful fun witchy gay vibes
June 1, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review the Advanced Reader Copy!
I’ve been feeling a little wary of Herring Blake’s “Clover Lake” series, as I had felt that it wasn’t giving me what I really loved about the previous trilogy. However, this one really won me back. I loved the context of this meet-cute. I loved both MCs finding their voice and working through their pasts to find each other more authentically. I found myself swept up in the romance of it all. The rose and poppy in the ending scene? Absolutely gave me those romcom butterflies. I did enjoy the unlikely historical B-plot of Alice and Rose, though I knocked a star off for historical inaccuracies and the letters/journal entries that did not read at ALL like they were written in circa 1901. I mean, that was laughable. Overall, though, this is my favorite book in this series. It’s a very good cozy autumn read, great to read around Halloween. Would recommend picking up a copy this fall!
I’ve been feeling a little wary of Herring Blake’s “Clover Lake” series, as I had felt that it wasn’t giving me what I really loved about the previous trilogy. However, this one really won me back. I loved the context of this meet-cute. I loved both MCs finding their voice and working through their pasts to find each other more authentically. I found myself swept up in the romance of it all. The rose and poppy in the ending scene? Absolutely gave me those romcom butterflies. I did enjoy the unlikely historical B-plot of Alice and Rose, though I knocked a star off for historical inaccuracies and the letters/journal entries that did not read at ALL like they were written in circa 1901. I mean, that was laughable. Overall, though, this is my favorite book in this series. It’s a very good cozy autumn read, great to read around Halloween. Would recommend picking up a copy this fall!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Ashley Herring Blake has always excelled at writing characters who are searching for where they belong, and Take a Chance, Sasha Sinclair may be one of her strongest explorations of that theme yet. At its heart, this is a story about legacy. Margot Bishop has spent her entire life haunted by her family’s legacy in Clare Mountain, a town that has spent generations mythologizing the Bishop women. Meanwhile, Sasha Sinclair has spent the last three years trying to outrun the grief left behind by the death of her parents, never staying in one place for long and avoiding anything that might require her to put down roots. When she decides to take on the documentary project her parents always dreamed of making about the Bishops, she believes she is honoring their legacy. Instead, she finds herself becoming part of one. What unfolds is also a story about what happens when people stop running and allow themselves to want things. For Margot, that means loosening her grip on a carefully structured life, giving herself permission to explore her sexuality in a way that goes beyond casual hookups, as well as opening up and telling her story. For Sasha, it means opening herself up to being seen and loved after a lifetime shaped by movement and impermanence. The door to her heart may have cracked open when she became friends with April Evans, but it is the Bishops who ultimately show her that the rewards of love and family outweigh the risks that come with caring deeply for someone.
One of my favorite aspects of the novel was the way Blake weaves generations of queer women into the Bishop family history. Alice Bishop’s story—and her relationship with Rose Halyard—forms the emotional backbone of the documentary, but the novel never treats queer history as something confined to the distant past. The family tree is filled with women who loved women, resisted expectations, and carved out lives for themselves despite the limitations of their times. I especially loved learning about Birdie’s history: how her mother took her to the 1963 March on Washington, protested Jim Crow, and advocated for desegregation, experiences that shaped Birdie into the outspoken advocate she becomes later in life; which includes her speaking out against book bans in front of the school board she ws once a part of.
The novel repeatedly returns to the idea of “queer women trying to make it in a world that was not made for them,” and the power of that theme is evident when Margot and Sasha dance together at the town’s Halloween celebration. Margot reflects on how Alice and Rose never had the opportunity to share a moment like this publicly, while Sasha thinks about all the queer people whose resistance and sacrifices made that dance possible. It is a beautiful scene, but it is also quintessential Ashley Herring Blake: deeply romantic while remaining conscious of the larger history surrounding her characters. Blake has an incredible talent for crafting moments that land with emotional force, and there were several passages that made me stop reading just to sit with them. The one that hit me hardest was Adeline’s heartfelt acknowledgment of what Margot had been carrying all these years. Her reminder that Margot deserves not only strength but softness—deserves to hurt, cry, and fall apart when she needs to—felt like something every queer child wishes they could hear from a parent. Reading that scene during my lunch break was a mistake because I had only a few minutes to pull myself together before returning to work.
I also had a great time with the romance itself. Blake clearly delights in allowing Margot to explore parts of herself she has never fully embraced, and the intimacy between Margot and Sasha reflects that sense of discovery. Their chemistry feels playful, warm, and rooted in trust, and I appreciated that Blake gave them room to experiment and have fun together. The only portion of the novel that pulled me out of the story was the inevitable breakup. Miscommunication is one of my least favorite romance tropes, and Sasha knowingly says the one thing she understands will hurt Margot the most. Even so, the aftermath allows both characters space to grow, and that growth ultimately makes their reconciliation more satisfying. If I have one lingering complaint, it is that I could have done without the final chapter set a year later. What I was most curious about was the long-term impact of the documentary on the Bishops, Thornrose Apothecary, and Ghostlight. I wanted to know how Clare Mountain responded to the truths that were uncovered and whether the film changed the family’s fortunes. Still, that is a relatively small quibble in a novel that gave me so much to think about and feel. By the end, I found myself reflecting on grief, family history, queer resilience, and the courage it takes to stop running long enough to build a life with other people.
One of my favorite aspects of the novel was the way Blake weaves generations of queer women into the Bishop family history. Alice Bishop’s story—and her relationship with Rose Halyard—forms the emotional backbone of the documentary, but the novel never treats queer history as something confined to the distant past. The family tree is filled with women who loved women, resisted expectations, and carved out lives for themselves despite the limitations of their times. I especially loved learning about Birdie’s history: how her mother took her to the 1963 March on Washington, protested Jim Crow, and advocated for desegregation, experiences that shaped Birdie into the outspoken advocate she becomes later in life; which includes her speaking out against book bans in front of the school board she ws once a part of.
The novel repeatedly returns to the idea of “queer women trying to make it in a world that was not made for them,” and the power of that theme is evident when Margot and Sasha dance together at the town’s Halloween celebration. Margot reflects on how Alice and Rose never had the opportunity to share a moment like this publicly, while Sasha thinks about all the queer people whose resistance and sacrifices made that dance possible. It is a beautiful scene, but it is also quintessential Ashley Herring Blake: deeply romantic while remaining conscious of the larger history surrounding her characters. Blake has an incredible talent for crafting moments that land with emotional force, and there were several passages that made me stop reading just to sit with them. The one that hit me hardest was Adeline’s heartfelt acknowledgment of what Margot had been carrying all these years. Her reminder that Margot deserves not only strength but softness—deserves to hurt, cry, and fall apart when she needs to—felt like something every queer child wishes they could hear from a parent. Reading that scene during my lunch break was a mistake because I had only a few minutes to pull myself together before returning to work.
I also had a great time with the romance itself. Blake clearly delights in allowing Margot to explore parts of herself she has never fully embraced, and the intimacy between Margot and Sasha reflects that sense of discovery. Their chemistry feels playful, warm, and rooted in trust, and I appreciated that Blake gave them room to experiment and have fun together. The only portion of the novel that pulled me out of the story was the inevitable breakup. Miscommunication is one of my least favorite romance tropes, and Sasha knowingly says the one thing she understands will hurt Margot the most. Even so, the aftermath allows both characters space to grow, and that growth ultimately makes their reconciliation more satisfying. If I have one lingering complaint, it is that I could have done without the final chapter set a year later. What I was most curious about was the long-term impact of the documentary on the Bishops, Thornrose Apothecary, and Ghostlight. I wanted to know how Clare Mountain responded to the truths that were uncovered and whether the film changed the family’s fortunes. Still, that is a relatively small quibble in a novel that gave me so much to think about and feel. By the end, I found myself reflecting on grief, family history, queer resilience, and the courage it takes to stop running long enough to build a life with other people.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Ashley Herring Blake remains firmly planted on my auto-buy, auto-read, auto-"cancel my plans because I have priorities" list, and Take a Chance, Sasha Sinclair is exactly why. The woman simply refuses to miss. Give me sapphic romance, complicated family dynamics, a cozy small town with suspiciously witchy vibes, and emotionally unavailable women learning to communicate, and I am already sold.
I have been waiting for Sasha's book ever since she swaggered into the Clover Lake series, and I am thrilled to report that she was absolutely worth the wait. Sasha and Margot had fantastic chemistry from the start, and I loved watching their relationship develop alongside the mystery surrounding the Bishop family and the legend of the Rose Witch. Honestly, if someone offered me a trip to Clare Mountain, I'd pack my bags immediately. Cozy? Check. Magical? Check. Haunted by generations of queer women and family secrets? Even better.
One thing Ashley Herring Blake consistently does better than almost anyone else is write characters who are trying to figure out where they belong. Margot has spent her entire life carrying the weight of her family's legacy, while Sasha has basically made a career out of emotionally speed-running grief by never staying anywhere long enough to put down roots. Naturally, forcing these two into each other's orbit works out exactly how you hope it will.
The Bishop family completely stole the show. I loved how Alice and Rose's story was woven throughout the novel, and I especially appreciated that the book celebrates queer history without treating it like something frozen in the past. Every generation of Bishop women added another layer to the family's story, making it feel rich, emotional, and deeply lived in. The Halloween dance scene? Yeah... good luck getting through that one without getting a little emotional.
And then there's the romance. It was sweet, playful, and full of the kind of emotional intimacy Ashley Herring Blake writes so well. Watching Margot slowly let herself want more than the life she'd carefully planned for herself was incredibly satisfying, and Sasha finally allowing herself to be loved felt equally rewarding.
Now, would it even be a romance if there wasn't a breakup that made me want to lovingly shake both characters? Probably not. Miscommunication remains one of my least favorite tropes, and there was definitely a moment where I wanted to yell, "Absolutely not. We're using our words today." Thankfully, the payoff was worth it, even if I would've happily traded a little less third act drama for a little more time seeing how the documentary changed Clare Mountain and the Bishop family afterward.
At the end of the day, this book has everything I want from an Ashley Herring Blake novel: lovable characters, emotional depth, a romance worth rooting for, found family, queer joy, and just enough witchy folklore to make me wonder if I, too, should go open an apothecary in a tiny mountain town. If cozy sapphic romances are your thing, this one absolutely deserves a spot on your shelf.
I have been waiting for Sasha's book ever since she swaggered into the Clover Lake series, and I am thrilled to report that she was absolutely worth the wait. Sasha and Margot had fantastic chemistry from the start, and I loved watching their relationship develop alongside the mystery surrounding the Bishop family and the legend of the Rose Witch. Honestly, if someone offered me a trip to Clare Mountain, I'd pack my bags immediately. Cozy? Check. Magical? Check. Haunted by generations of queer women and family secrets? Even better.
One thing Ashley Herring Blake consistently does better than almost anyone else is write characters who are trying to figure out where they belong. Margot has spent her entire life carrying the weight of her family's legacy, while Sasha has basically made a career out of emotionally speed-running grief by never staying anywhere long enough to put down roots. Naturally, forcing these two into each other's orbit works out exactly how you hope it will.
The Bishop family completely stole the show. I loved how Alice and Rose's story was woven throughout the novel, and I especially appreciated that the book celebrates queer history without treating it like something frozen in the past. Every generation of Bishop women added another layer to the family's story, making it feel rich, emotional, and deeply lived in. The Halloween dance scene? Yeah... good luck getting through that one without getting a little emotional.
And then there's the romance. It was sweet, playful, and full of the kind of emotional intimacy Ashley Herring Blake writes so well. Watching Margot slowly let herself want more than the life she'd carefully planned for herself was incredibly satisfying, and Sasha finally allowing herself to be loved felt equally rewarding.
Now, would it even be a romance if there wasn't a breakup that made me want to lovingly shake both characters? Probably not. Miscommunication remains one of my least favorite tropes, and there was definitely a moment where I wanted to yell, "Absolutely not. We're using our words today." Thankfully, the payoff was worth it, even if I would've happily traded a little less third act drama for a little more time seeing how the documentary changed Clare Mountain and the Bishop family afterward.
At the end of the day, this book has everything I want from an Ashley Herring Blake novel: lovable characters, emotional depth, a romance worth rooting for, found family, queer joy, and just enough witchy folklore to make me wonder if I, too, should go open an apothecary in a tiny mountain town. If cozy sapphic romances are your thing, this one absolutely deserves a spot on your shelf.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Read This Book If…you’re still figuring out where you belong!
Legacies and hearts collide when a woman embarks on a film project about an extraordinary family’s rich history in this bewitching romance.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Take a Chance, Sasha Sinclair by Ashley Herring Blake
Genre: Queer romance
Series: Clover Lake # 3
Setting: small towns in NC, MA, NH
POV: dual, 3rd person, past tense
Spice Level: 4/5🌶, 3-4 explicit scenes, kink introduction
Tropes: insta hate, forced proximity, one bed, road trip, no strings attached, “good girl”
My Thoughts:
What a lovely send-off to the Clover Lake crew! I wasn’t sure how this book was going to work since Sasha was just passing through in book 2, but I loooooved how it was handled!
Documentary maker Sasha is used to being on the move (one might say to the point of running away) and is happiest when alone. Or so she thought. Enter apothecary shopkeeper Margot and everything is flipped on its head.
All of AHB’s books have emotion, but this may have the most! Both ladies are struggling with the legacies placed upon them and haven’t quite found where they belong. The answer is, of course, together!
The witchy town of Clare Mountain was fun, although I would have loved even more scenes there. The cast of characters was very interesting, but I would have loved a Bishop family tree - there were a lot of ladies to keep track of!
The spice in this series has leaned kinkier than her previous books and I really enjoyed it! While this one didn’t get too far into that world, Margot is exploring her kinks for the first time and Sasha is more than willing to help.
While I wouldn’t classify this as a witchy or paranormal romance, there’s definitely a touch of magic and plenty of love!
Memorable Quote: “I think sometimes people mistake my strength of invisibility. And I don’t think that’s what strength truly is.”
Thank you to Berkley for my advance copy! This book will be available September 29!
Legacies and hearts collide when a woman embarks on a film project about an extraordinary family’s rich history in this bewitching romance.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Take a Chance, Sasha Sinclair by Ashley Herring Blake
Genre: Queer romance
Series: Clover Lake # 3
Setting: small towns in NC, MA, NH
POV: dual, 3rd person, past tense
Spice Level: 4/5🌶, 3-4 explicit scenes, kink introduction
Tropes: insta hate, forced proximity, one bed, road trip, no strings attached, “good girl”
My Thoughts:
What a lovely send-off to the Clover Lake crew! I wasn’t sure how this book was going to work since Sasha was just passing through in book 2, but I loooooved how it was handled!
Documentary maker Sasha is used to being on the move (one might say to the point of running away) and is happiest when alone. Or so she thought. Enter apothecary shopkeeper Margot and everything is flipped on its head.
All of AHB’s books have emotion, but this may have the most! Both ladies are struggling with the legacies placed upon them and haven’t quite found where they belong. The answer is, of course, together!
The witchy town of Clare Mountain was fun, although I would have loved even more scenes there. The cast of characters was very interesting, but I would have loved a Bishop family tree - there were a lot of ladies to keep track of!
The spice in this series has leaned kinkier than her previous books and I really enjoyed it! While this one didn’t get too far into that world, Margot is exploring her kinks for the first time and Sasha is more than willing to help.
While I wouldn’t classify this as a witchy or paranormal romance, there’s definitely a touch of magic and plenty of love!
Memorable Quote: “I think sometimes people mistake my strength of invisibility. And I don’t think that’s what strength truly is.”
Thank you to Berkley for my advance copy! This book will be available September 29!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
[arc review]
Thank you to Berkley Publishing for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Take a Chance, Sasha Sinclair releases September 29, 2026
2.75
“She felt as though they’d swiped their hands through a watercolor painting that hadn’t quite dried, mixing every color and removing every line, everything that made the picture what it was.”
Sasha’s late parents’ dream project as documentary filmmakers has brought her to one of the most haunted towns in America: Clare Mountain. This small town unabashedly feeds off the lore of the Rose Witch — a descendant of the Salem Witch Trials.
While it’s rumoured that Alice Bishop’s ghost still haunts the area, Sasha hopes to be the first to uncover the Bishop family legacy by compiling their interviews into a documentary. But will Sasha be able to charm the eldest daughter who wants nothing to do with the film?
Cozy, seasonal, and sapphic. The sexual chemistry between Sasha and Margot was hotter than the Sahara Desert, but I fear the plot relied too heavily on the use of forced proximity. Going from one tent, to a road trip, followed by only one bed in such a short time frame was extreme and kind of took away from the emotional resistance and enemies-to-lovers vibe that I was hoping to get more of.
Overall, a fun romp, though I’m left feeling like the kink overshadowed the finer development of the Bishop lore and the day-to-day that comes with filming a documentary in a small town.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Take a Chance, Sasha Sinclair releases September 29, 2026
2.75
“She felt as though they’d swiped their hands through a watercolor painting that hadn’t quite dried, mixing every color and removing every line, everything that made the picture what it was.”
Sasha’s late parents’ dream project as documentary filmmakers has brought her to one of the most haunted towns in America: Clare Mountain. This small town unabashedly feeds off the lore of the Rose Witch — a descendant of the Salem Witch Trials.
While it’s rumoured that Alice Bishop’s ghost still haunts the area, Sasha hopes to be the first to uncover the Bishop family legacy by compiling their interviews into a documentary. But will Sasha be able to charm the eldest daughter who wants nothing to do with the film?
Cozy, seasonal, and sapphic. The sexual chemistry between Sasha and Margot was hotter than the Sahara Desert, but I fear the plot relied too heavily on the use of forced proximity. Going from one tent, to a road trip, followed by only one bed in such a short time frame was extreme and kind of took away from the emotional resistance and enemies-to-lovers vibe that I was hoping to get more of.
Overall, a fun romp, though I’m left feeling like the kink overshadowed the finer development of the Bishop lore and the day-to-day that comes with filming a documentary in a small town.
August 12, 2026
I had tears running down my face several times during this one. We all know Sasha Sinclair had a gooey heart underneath that tough facade (especially April Evans!).
I loved how this one explored queer love stories in a a generational way. It was heartbreaking and hopeful. Love persists. This theme really was a highlight of the book.
While I loved both Sasha and Margot, I found their relationship sometimes to be very frustrating and hard to root for. They were just so horrid to each other, Margot especially to Sasha, and I hated the back and forth. They’d have these massive arguments, with cutting words and then five minutes later would be holding hands and throwing the word ‘trust’ back and fourth. While I get they found a safe place in each other to hash all of it out, initially this was not that and I think the book suffered because of it. I’d have liked to have had these conversations developed more, not then just brushed over.
As always, I love seeing the characters from the previous books return and it was a delight to have them quite present in some parts of the book. I do hate how it’s become the royal ‘we’ though, particularly with Ramona, who, like in the last book just seemed to become one with Dylan.
Overall, I enjoyed this and I look forward to the next trilogy that Blake (hopefully) writes.
Thanks to Little, Brown Book Group UK | Piatkus for the e-arc via Netfgalley
I loved how this one explored queer love stories in a a generational way. It was heartbreaking and hopeful. Love persists. This theme really was a highlight of the book.
While I loved both Sasha and Margot, I found their relationship sometimes to be very frustrating and hard to root for. They were just so horrid to each other, Margot especially to Sasha, and I hated the back and forth. They’d have these massive arguments, with cutting words and then five minutes later would be holding hands and throwing the word ‘trust’ back and fourth. While I get they found a safe place in each other to hash all of it out, initially this was not that and I think the book suffered because of it. I’d have liked to have had these conversations developed more, not then just brushed over.
As always, I love seeing the characters from the previous books return and it was a delight to have them quite present in some parts of the book. I do hate how it’s become the royal ‘we’ though, particularly with Ramona, who, like in the last book just seemed to become one with Dylan.
Overall, I enjoyed this and I look forward to the next trilogy that Blake (hopefully) writes.
Thanks to Little, Brown Book Group UK | Piatkus for the e-arc via Netfgalley
July 31, 2026
Dare I say this might be tied with Astrid Parker as my favorite book from AHB?! Oh how I loved this book and what an incredibly beautiful, deeply emotional journey it was. I felt like my heart was in my throat and there were tears threatening to spill over the entire time. AHB seamlessly weaves together paranormal and historical fiction elements within this contemporary romance that centers around love, grief, loss, and found family, while also celebrating queer joy and love and honoring those who broke barriers and paved the way so we could love out loud today.
This book is incredibly special as it contains multiple love stories - familial, sibling, friendship, and romantic - and will have your heart bursting with ALL THE FEELS. Something I love most about AHB’s books is how there is always a kick-ass found family full of queer women ready to rally for the family they’ve chosen and built, and to see April, Daphne, Ramona, and Dylan support and surround Sasha with love took my breath away.
Like with AHB’s previous books, sex plays an integral part in character work and Margot’s journey of self discovery while exploring kink, was flawlessly executed, and I loved seeing her blossom and learn to embrace her voice and come out of the shadows.
I have loved spending time with the queer badass women of Clover Lake and hope we get to see them in future AHB universe books!
This book is incredibly special as it contains multiple love stories - familial, sibling, friendship, and romantic - and will have your heart bursting with ALL THE FEELS. Something I love most about AHB’s books is how there is always a kick-ass found family full of queer women ready to rally for the family they’ve chosen and built, and to see April, Daphne, Ramona, and Dylan support and surround Sasha with love took my breath away.
Like with AHB’s previous books, sex plays an integral part in character work and Margot’s journey of self discovery while exploring kink, was flawlessly executed, and I loved seeing her blossom and learn to embrace her voice and come out of the shadows.
I have loved spending time with the queer badass women of Clover Lake and hope we get to see them in future AHB universe books!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ashley Herring Blake is basically an auto-read author for me, and Take a Chance, Sasha Sinclair reminded me why. This book gave me everything I love about her writing: sapphic romance, complicated family dynamics, small-town charm, and characters trying to figure out where they belong.
Sasha and Margot had great chemistry, and I really enjoyed watching their relationship grow while digging into the mystery surrounding the Bishop family and the legend of the Rose Witch. The setting was one of my favorite parts of the book. Clare Mountain felt cozy, magical, and like a place I would happily spend more time in.
The story also explores grief, family expectations, and legacy in a way that felt emotional without becoming too heavy. Ashley Herring Blake always does a great job creating characters who feel real, messy, and easy to root for.
If you enjoy cozy sapphic romance, you will enjoy this book!
Ashley Herring Blake is basically an auto-read author for me, and Take a Chance, Sasha Sinclair reminded me why. This book gave me everything I love about her writing: sapphic romance, complicated family dynamics, small-town charm, and characters trying to figure out where they belong.
Sasha and Margot had great chemistry, and I really enjoyed watching their relationship grow while digging into the mystery surrounding the Bishop family and the legend of the Rose Witch. The setting was one of my favorite parts of the book. Clare Mountain felt cozy, magical, and like a place I would happily spend more time in.
The story also explores grief, family expectations, and legacy in a way that felt emotional without becoming too heavy. Ashley Herring Blake always does a great job creating characters who feel real, messy, and easy to root for.
If you enjoy cozy sapphic romance, you will enjoy this book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
☆ℕ𝕖𝕥𝕘𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕖𝕪 𝔸ℝℂ ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨☆
Hands down my favourite of the Clover Lake series!! All of the books are so good, but I loved the witchy, magical, mystery that was the baseline of this story.
I absolutely adored "fuckboi" Sasha in GOIAE, she was unapologetically flirty and fun but I knew she had some depth to her, and it definitely came through here. She has such a heartbreaking history and i just wanted to hug her and let her flirt with me with one of her signature crooked smiles 🤭
Margot was her perfect match, immune to her charms and finally making her face her demons and finally fall in love.
I loved how AHB delves into the history of witches in America, and gave us a badass family of women! I also loved the slightly paranormal, spooky side of Alice helping out her family using the roses and a few scary shouts in the dark.
Just absolute perfection 🤌🏼🩷
Hands down my favourite of the Clover Lake series!! All of the books are so good, but I loved the witchy, magical, mystery that was the baseline of this story.
I absolutely adored "fuckboi" Sasha in GOIAE, she was unapologetically flirty and fun but I knew she had some depth to her, and it definitely came through here. She has such a heartbreaking history and i just wanted to hug her and let her flirt with me with one of her signature crooked smiles 🤭
Margot was her perfect match, immune to her charms and finally making her face her demons and finally fall in love.
I loved how AHB delves into the history of witches in America, and gave us a badass family of women! I also loved the slightly paranormal, spooky side of Alice helping out her family using the roses and a few scary shouts in the dark.
Just absolute perfection 🤌🏼🩷
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Rating: 4.25 stars
Sasha has been on the run since she lost her parents 3 years ago, never staying anywhere long enough to love or be loved. Margot grew up in the shadow of a legacy that made her feel isolated and alone in her small town, but with a severe case of oldest daughter syndrome, she learned to lock her heart up and put one foot in front of the other. Enter Sasha into Margot's life and their ability to keep each other at arm's length is put to the test. Their chemistry is undeniable and I was invested from the start.
The story revolves around fall and witchiness and I loved the hint of the paranormal. It's cozy and charming and tender. It also weaves together generations of queer love in different forms, which provided a background plot that I loved watching unfold.
Thank you Berkley for the arc!
rep: lesbian fmc | bi fmc
Sasha has been on the run since she lost her parents 3 years ago, never staying anywhere long enough to love or be loved. Margot grew up in the shadow of a legacy that made her feel isolated and alone in her small town, but with a severe case of oldest daughter syndrome, she learned to lock her heart up and put one foot in front of the other. Enter Sasha into Margot's life and their ability to keep each other at arm's length is put to the test. Their chemistry is undeniable and I was invested from the start.
The story revolves around fall and witchiness and I loved the hint of the paranormal. It's cozy and charming and tender. It also weaves together generations of queer love in different forms, which provided a background plot that I loved watching unfold.
Thank you Berkley for the arc!
rep: lesbian fmc | bi fmc
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book had everything I love about an Ashley Herring Blake romance: quippy dialogue, nuanced characters, a rich community of queer characters, and plenty of spice. This time, though, we ALSO got a teeny tiny dash of a speculative element (a family of possible witches, unexplained ghosty voices, and flowers that bloom out of nowhere) which, of course, means I LOVED IT!
Sasha's experiences of grief were so relatable (even if very different from my own), and I loved how Ashley wove the main love story alongside the story of Margot's ancestors. It may be my favorite of the series?? It's so so good.
Sasha's experiences of grief were so relatable (even if very different from my own), and I loved how Ashley wove the main love story alongside the story of Margot's ancestors. It may be my favorite of the series?? It's so so good.
May 27, 2026
Reading advance copies of books means you’re always a little out of step with the season. So this crisp fall breeze of a novel feels slightly strange in May, but only because it’s making me crave cozy sweaters, bright leaves, and a mug of cider.
This is a bit of a departure for Blake, as there’s some possibly witchy magic mixed in with her usual blend of small town found family and queer friendship. Like everyone else reading the Clover Lake series, I’ve been waiting for cocky but sweet bartender Sasha to get her own book, and this did not disappoint.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for the ARC to review. All opinions are my own.
This is a bit of a departure for Blake, as there’s some possibly witchy magic mixed in with her usual blend of small town found family and queer friendship. Like everyone else reading the Clover Lake series, I’ve been waiting for cocky but sweet bartender Sasha to get her own book, and this did not disappoint.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for the ARC to review. All opinions are my own.
August 10, 2026
🏳️🌈queer romance
🧙witchy
🍂fall time vibes
🌶️spicy/graphic content
🕰️unique historical elements
Ashley always nails sapphic romances IMO. Haven’t read several of her previous books, I can confirm she’s amazing at it, and this one is no exception. I looooved the history that was tied into the plot, showing how historical has changed (and has not), and our MCs figured themselves out.
I haven’t read the previous books in this series, so I’d say you can easily read it as a standalone, but there are several cameos of characters from book 1 and 2 that you might enjoy more if you read them first.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
🧙witchy
🍂fall time vibes
🌶️spicy/graphic content
🕰️unique historical elements
Ashley always nails sapphic romances IMO. Haven’t read several of her previous books, I can confirm she’s amazing at it, and this one is no exception. I looooved the history that was tied into the plot, showing how historical has changed (and has not), and our MCs figured themselves out.
I haven’t read the previous books in this series, so I’d say you can easily read it as a standalone, but there are several cameos of characters from book 1 and 2 that you might enjoy more if you read them first.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Take a chance, Sasha Sinclair is a beautiful story about love. Love in the form of grief, love for family that doesn't understand you but still loves you, romantic love, family love and love for yourself.
We follow Sasha as she gets to realize her deceased parents dream, make a documentary about the Bishop family. The small town they live in believes they are witches, as they come from the line of a woman burned in Salem, but we discover there's more to the tale of a family of only women.
The chemistry between Sasha and Margot is explosive, they clash immediately upon meeting because Margot is against having their family story made into entertainment by Sasha, but as they get closer and start to understand each other everything changes.
Like I said this is a story about love, and what we discover about long gone generations of Bishops is a powerful story. It brought me to tears in multiple instances.
I loved this book a lot.
Thank you Netgalley and Berkley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
We follow Sasha as she gets to realize her deceased parents dream, make a documentary about the Bishop family. The small town they live in believes they are witches, as they come from the line of a woman burned in Salem, but we discover there's more to the tale of a family of only women.
The chemistry between Sasha and Margot is explosive, they clash immediately upon meeting because Margot is against having their family story made into entertainment by Sasha, but as they get closer and start to understand each other everything changes.
Like I said this is a story about love, and what we discover about long gone generations of Bishops is a powerful story. It brought me to tears in multiple instances.
I loved this book a lot.
Thank you Netgalley and Berkley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
I've really loved all of Blake's other books, but this one just didn't work for me. I honestly skimmed a lot of this. I can't pinpoint exactly why, but this one just kind of bored me.
Sasha has been a wanderer since her parents died. They were documentarians and there was one story they sought and were never able to tell: the Bishop witches. Now Sasha has been able to convince them to let her tell their story. But she'll have to convince Margot Bishop, the biggest holdout.
Sasha has been a wanderer since her parents died. They were documentarians and there was one story they sought and were never able to tell: the Bishop witches. Now Sasha has been able to convince them to let her tell their story. But she'll have to convince Margot Bishop, the biggest holdout.
July 20, 2026
Overall, I enjoyed this book and its autumnal vibes a lot! I would actually rate it 3.5 stars. I loved this witchy family and the history the author created around them. I also really connected to Sasha and her navigation of grief/loss throughout the book. There were some portions where the book dragged a bit for me and I would have appreciated some parts being shortened but ultimately, it was a nice Fall read with emotional depth and a strong storyline. Definitely pick this one up when it comes out to get you into the Fall spirit!
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for this ARC!
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
For fans Trill of The Chase by Kathryn Nolan due to the backdrop of queer familial historical research
This book does forget itself at times, for example in the beginning there's mentions of whispering voices on the wind in the woods and roses blooming around them overnight in October but then nothing else supernatural happens until the very end.
However as far as relationships depicted by the author in other books this is probably #2 after Delilah Green
This book does forget itself at times, for example in the beginning there's mentions of whispering voices on the wind in the woods and roses blooming around them overnight in October but then nothing else supernatural happens until the very end.
However as far as relationships depicted by the author in other books this is probably #2 after Delilah Green
June 20, 2026
I have been waiting for this book ever since Sasha showed up in Clover Lake. It did not disappoint! I adored Sasha’s story! Margot was also such a compelling character and the whole Bishop family made this book so strong. The way Rose and Alice’s story was woven into the narrative was so beautiful. I loved this book. I was provided an advanced copy of this book which has not affected my review.
June 7, 2026
I loved the meet cute that led so some very interesting work related conflicts of interests. Sasha and Margot had such immediate chemistry that was very hard to ignore and suppress. It was a very cute witchy, romcom with all the feels and I enjoyed this read.
May 16, 2026
3.5 stars
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC.
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 rating!
July 15, 2026
a very cute, very gay witchy story perfect for cozy fall reading. 3.5 rounded up
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for the arc. This was so fun and cute. I love the historical aspect of it!
Read
July 21, 2026tbe
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
more romances with butches and masc lesbians, please! there aren't enough! thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the arc, review to come <3
.
.
.
.
.
got the arc of this. happy pride month to me :') hashtag blessed.
.
.
.
.
.
got the arc of this. happy pride month to me :') hashtag blessed.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
AHB’s recent releases had missed the mark for me until April Evans, so I was cautious going into this one, but I’m happy to say that it’s easily the best in the series!
The book follows Sasha, a filmmaker wanting to create the documentary her late parents never could, and Margot, who resents the version of her family history that the small town of Clare Mountain clings to. The two have immediate chemistry from their first meeting at the bar, which sets the tone for a fun, emotional, and *spicy* story. The progression of the romance had me kicking my feet and giggling (one tent? one bed? i love it!!!), but I also really liked their individual growth as characters, with Sasha facing the grief she’s been trying to outrun and Margot navigating her feelings about the legacy she was born into. And as always, AHB never disappoints when it comes to spice. Not only was it hot, but I loved seeing Margot explore that part of herself.
I was initially wary about the inclusion of supernatural and historical elements, but they ended up being what stood out to me the most. Alice and Rose’s story is beautifully written, a reminder of the people who came before us and what they had to endure. I was honestly just as invested in their relationship as I was in Sasha and Margot’s. Without spoiling too much, I just want to say: the Halloween party ❤️🩹
I could’ve done without the third act breakup (like always), but that’s to be expected in a romance novel. The whole gang from Clover Lake also makes an appearance, which is always nice to see.
Overall, this was a cozy read that’ll be perfect for the fall season when it releases, and a nice way to wrap up the series. I’m curious to see what’s next for AHB!
The book follows Sasha, a filmmaker wanting to create the documentary her late parents never could, and Margot, who resents the version of her family history that the small town of Clare Mountain clings to. The two have immediate chemistry from their first meeting at the bar, which sets the tone for a fun, emotional, and *spicy* story. The progression of the romance had me kicking my feet and giggling (one tent? one bed? i love it!!!), but I also really liked their individual growth as characters, with Sasha facing the grief she’s been trying to outrun and Margot navigating her feelings about the legacy she was born into. And as always, AHB never disappoints when it comes to spice. Not only was it hot, but I loved seeing Margot explore that part of herself.
I was initially wary about the inclusion of supernatural and historical elements, but they ended up being what stood out to me the most. Alice and Rose’s story is beautifully written, a reminder of the people who came before us and what they had to endure. I was honestly just as invested in their relationship as I was in Sasha and Margot’s. Without spoiling too much, I just want to say: the Halloween party ❤️🩹
I could’ve done without the third act breakup (like always), but that’s to be expected in a romance novel. The whole gang from Clover Lake also makes an appearance, which is always nice to see.
Overall, this was a cozy read that’ll be perfect for the fall season when it releases, and a nice way to wrap up the series. I’m curious to see what’s next for AHB!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Charming! If you like Ashley Herring Blake's other works, I have to imagine you'll like this one, too. Fun, witchy vibes, sexy and romantic and unapologetically queer. I'm a sucker for "queer people have always existed" as a theme in fiction. I maybe would have liked to spend more time at the amusement park, but that's just a personal interest.
I was a little worried about Margot's tights-girl, they make durable tights now, you don't have to live like this!!!
Thanks to NetGalley for early access!
I was a little worried about Margot's tights-girl, they make durable tights now, you don't have to live like this!!!
Thanks to NetGalley for early access!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews