Love and Other Wicked Things

by Philline Harms

Sometimes love is the strongest magic of all

Nineteen-year-old Rhia Greenbrook has lived in the sleepy town of Oakriver in a house with three generations of witches her entire life. Rhia draws her magic from the earth and likes to spend her time amongst plants and nature. Her practice is gentle, sacred, and—per her family’s tradition—secret.

New-to-town witch Valerie Morgan is looking for answers about her mother’s disappearance from Oakriver seventeen years ago. Without her mother’s guidance, Valerie has cultivated her fire magic on her own and she makes no effort to keep her powers hidden. Although Rhia is immediately annoyed by Valerie's blatant use of magic, she can’t deny the instant magnetism between them.

But amidst their magical connection, a dark presence looms over Oakriver. Unsettling visions from Rhia’s grandmother and dangerous sleepwalking episodes throw into question Valerie’s past and what role her presence plays in the strange happenings. And as Valerie gets tangled up further into the darkness, it’s up to Rhia to tap into the full potential of her power in order to save the town she loves and the girl she’s fallen for.

Genres: Fantasy, Lesbian, LGBT, Romance, Queer, Young Adult, Witches

371 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 22, 2023

About the author

Philline Harms is a writer of queer contemporary YA romances. When she’s not working on a novel, she can be found analysing her friends' birth charts, drinking her body weight in tea, or crafting obscurely specific Spotify playlists—sometimes simultaneously. Living in Germany, she is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Psychology.

Reviews

[river ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

happy publication day! love and other wicked things is about rhia greenbrook, an earth witch brought up in a family of witches, and valerie morgan, a fire witch who's been searching for her mom. the story takes place in a small town named oakriver, where valerie is going to college (it's also where her mom was born and raised) and where rhia lives.

the writing style in this book was really beautiful and the highlight was definitely rhia's relationship with her family. there were multiple family members who were important characters (like her sister and her cousin) and showed up frequently throughout. (also, i am in love with the names of her cats (elphaba! circe! salem!) and her earrings sound so cute!)

now, the plot. for the most part, the plot was pretty good and interesting, but i did notice that there was no real explanation given for why the "evil" side did what they did. their motivations seemed unclear and i'm still not super sure why/when they "turned evil" and against the others. the magic system was also not the most original idea ever (witches, elements, spells), but it was explained well, and there were a couple new phrases like the threefold rule (three times whatever magic you put out into the world will come back at you) and obscura (a shop that only those who are magical can see and enter).

on to the romance! in my experience, published wattpad books tend to have great banter, and while that wasn’t exactly true here, it was a nice, solid romance that i enjoyed reading about. there was a kind of unnecessary third-act break-up, but there was also a super cute i've-been-wearing-your-sweater-the-whole-time scene, so i'll forgive it this time :))

there were also a couple features in the book (unrelated to the writing) that i loved!! first of all, there's a soundtrack with a song for every single chapter! the only thing i wish is that this was at the front of the book, instead of the back, because i only saw it after i had finished the book. and secondly, there are tarot cards at the beginning of each chapter (divination comes often in the story) which set the tone for what is going to happen in that section of the book.

this book also convinced me that "found family is hands down the best trope". i actually wrote that down right after i finished haha. valerie's roommate in college is quinn, who is probably my favorite character! they were super sweet and valerie & quinn had some great platonic moments (like the little hair-dyeing session<33).

and now, for my random thing: rhia works in a coffee shop/bookstore where the books are arranged by mood, which i think sounds amazing!


-----

haven't read a wattpad book in a longg time, but hoping this is good! i remember liking another book from this author a while ago.

e-ARC provided by Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group, Wattpad Books via Netgalley

[Anniek · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of my first autumn-themed books I've read this fall, and it has the perfect autumn vibes. Sapphic witches, autumn and Halloween traditions, family, friendship and romance, what more could you want? This was such an enjoyable, cosy read, full of queer characters, and I thought the romance was so sweet. Highly recommend putting this on your fall TBR!

[Jessica Rush · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🕯🃏🔥🌱🌊

Wow. This book. Witches, Sapphic, Non-Binary, found family, family secrets, drama, cuteness, and magic. This book has it all.

This book is so well written that I didn't want to put it down. I want to read it again again and again. The plot was fantastic, the characters were amazing and the writing was just magical.

Self identity, family connections and love is a high focus. Accepting who YOU are, not just who your family is. I dont normally put quotes in m reviews because spoilers, but this one is too impotant not to mention. My favourite quote is:
“Discovering new things about ourselves can be frightening, but in the end it’s these moments that bring us closer to who we truly are . Once you embrace the process and accept the uncertainty, it’s really quite lovely.”
And there are so many more.

Recommend to all.

Thanks to Netgalley, Wattpad Books and Philline Harms for a copy of the ebook. This review is left voluntarily.

[emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much for letting me read the ARC of this great book! I really enjoyed reading this, I thought the writing was very vivid and I was able to picture everything like the characters and the setting perfectly in my mind which made this book really enjoyable to read and super easy to get into. I also loved the characters and how the two main character's relationship progressed from hate to love, which was so pure and tender. I also loved how it wasn't always sunshine and rainbows and how the two main characters developed themselves both outside of and within their relationship. Also, the book in general had such good fall/spooky vibes so I would really recommend reading this during the fall season to fully immerse yourself in the story and the atmosphere! Overall really loved the book and would love to read more by this author! 5 stars from me!

[Liz Seasalt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riah Greenbrook grew up in a family of witches. Her specialties are earth and kitchen magic and her baked goods are to die for. In her gap year she's working at Sugar & Spice, the local café. Oakriver is buzzing with magic and whilst she's never been far removed from it, the one thing she really can't do is divination, unlike the rest of her family. When her grandmother predicts the arrival of a new witch in town who will cause chaos, she is advised to stay far away from that particular bit of trouble.
Valerie Morgan is new in town and enrolled at the local college to study art, but that's not the only thing that brought her here: her mother, whom she's never met, is from Oakriver. She desperately hopes to find out some things about her, but in the meantime the cute waitress at Sugar & Spice has caught her eye.
This is a really cute, cozy fall story - I really loved the general plot and the characters, especially Riah. The queer love story was absolutely the show runner on this one and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who's still looking for a witchy fall read that's not too dark or harsh. I'm kind of not too fond of the twist at the end, but I think that just comes down to very personal taste. All in all, this book felt like sipping a warm mug of apple cinammon tea.

[acorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ✨

Rhia is an earth witch who lives with her loving family and enjoys tending to her plants and going on autumnal walks in the woods. Valerie is a fire witch who just moved to town and enjoys painting passionate figures. Their relationship slowly transforms from untrusting to loving but it also stirs up darkness…

I adored the romance in this book!! The chemistry and descriptions are perfect. The cast of characters and found family troupe was so endearing. I liked the tarot chapter titles too. The plot was a bit predictable but it didn’t bugs because the story was sweet. It is the perfect autumnal sapphic romance. 🥰🌹🧿

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good read, the magic system was simple but interesting and well explained, I loved the whole family of witches plot which hit the right spot for someone who grew up on charmed. Rhia and Valerie were a cute couple whose relationship development was paced very nicely. There was also some nice and well-executed representation, including ace and non-binary. All in all, I enjoyed it a lot and it's definitely one I would hand-sell to customers - though I think the reading experience would be much better with a physical copy, just because I always enjoy cozy atmospheric books more when I have them In my hand.

Thank you Netgalley and Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group for providing me with an e-arc of this book in an exchange for an honest review.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another slam dunk of a sapphic paranormal YA romance. My Pride Month reads keep getting better and better. Rhia and Valerie's tale is no exception. I was thoroughly enraptured by the mystery as well. No spoilers from me. Read it for yourself. Highly recommend.

Thank you to Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group, Wattpad Books, and NetGalley for providing an eARC for a honest review.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about sparks flying!

This amazing found family book is a dual POV that follows Rhia, an earth witch and Valerie, a fire witch. They are opposing forces in every way, but drawn to each other like moths to flame. Their chemistry is literally explosive, as they discover more things about each other, themselves, as well as their amazing friends and family. Which this book has such loveable side characters that I adored just as much as Rhia and Valerie. This book not only has great varying sexuality rep, but also some of the best non binary rep I’ve personally read to date. I loved that these characters were pivotal to the plot and we get so much of them as well. It was such a cute, wholesome read, with some fantastic humour. All while still being dark and tugging at your heartstrings.

I received a free copy of this book from netgalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group for providing me with an e-arc of this book in an exchange of an honest review.

Love and other wicked things by Philline Harms revolves around 19-year-old Rhia, an earth with, and the new to the town fire witch Valerie, who is on her search for her mother. At first, they seem to hate each other but it might turns into something more.

This freaking but oh so amazing book took me by surprise. It literally a perfect mix of a cozy, whimsical, comforting book with a hint of mystery. It was really easy to get into the story, which is always a huge thing for me, because as a mood reader I was captured right away. We get introduced to the amazing Greenbrook family, who lives together in a comfy and witchy house. The characters are absolutely adorable and likable from the start. I couldn't help myself but fall in love with them. If I could chose a family to be with the rest of my life it would be the Greenbrooks. I also enjoyed the LGBTQIA+ representation. It was on point and I hope to see more of it in other books too. The story and the plot twists were kind of predictable, but it didn't ruin the reading fun at all.

There is probably more to gush over this book, but for now I think that's all I have to say. I absolutely enjoyed this book and hope to get more from Philline Harms in the future. This book was an absolutely needed warm hug - cozy and comforting.

[Kali · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!!! Such a cute sapphic romance and I was not expecting the little twist at the end at all. The magic system was really well explained and seems to be very respectful as well as not rooted in weird stereotypes. The representation in the book was also really great. I will say however, sometimes the over-inclusiveness was too much. For example, people in normal conversation don’t usually immediately introduce their pronouns is such a big way. Even as a gay and nonbinary person that was a little much for me.


Thank you NetGalley and Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review.

[jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

honestly better than i thought it would be! i felt like it was a good balance of romance + plot and the characters are sweet

[Indira · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book sheds light on grief and the wicked things people will do because of it, as well as the power of love. ik it sounds cheesy but there isn’t anything more important than the love and support of friends and family. this book dove into deep issues that every human experiences. grief, confusion, loss, hurt, happiness, etc. everyone can find a piece of themselves in the pages. even though the book a while to get into motion(like halfway through), it was worth it.

one quote that really spoke to me was, “i’m just scared that ill forget…”
“Maybe you will. but that’s nothing to be afraid of. we might forget their voices or the exact shade of their eyes, but never the important things. never the love”

people will often say “books are just books”. they don’t understand the things books can do for people. for me this book offered a new insight into dealing with the grief of loss. round of applause to you Miss Harms

[kaitlyns_library · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good witchy sapphic read that had good foundations. I’m sure this is one that people will absolutely adore reading, but I just couldn’t vibe with it as much as I wanted to. This could’ve been because of the writing style or I wasn’t up for reading when I did pick this up.

[Kate Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know why I don’t see more people talking about this book! It is the perfect fall read: witchy, queer & gripping. I did not see some of the plot twists coming, and I loved the cast of characters!

[Rackel Inglis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love it. Definitely recommend

[Joni Polzin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect for fall kinda slow but decent witchy vibes

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS WAS SOOOOO GOOD! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟⭐️

[Mar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cozy, magical and sweet sapphic story with beautiful writing and lovable characters

[Rivea · Rating 4 out of 5]

sapphic witches, with a touch of fall in the backdrop. what else could a girl ask for?

[Lauren Wheaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very cute seasonal read! The characters are all endearing and the threads of found family & acceptance throughout are heartwarming.

[Bethany Valente · Rating 5 out of 5]

the dreamy wlw witchy book of my DREAMS—so cute and so well written! the vibes were immaculate—I couldn’t put this down!

this kinda reminded me of the haunting of bly manor but in such a healing way 😭 definitely want to purchase a copy to have in my personal library 🫶

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy from Wattpad Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Oakriver is a quiet town that secretly houses a magical community. Rhia is from the latest generation of Greenbrook witches in town, and she is one of the many who are gifted with Earth magic. When her grandma has a vision about a dangerous unfamiliar witch coming to town, Rhia doesn’t think much about her warnings. Why would she hang out with whoever this dangerous witch is anyway? Then she meets Valerie Morgan, a fire witch who is reading Tarot and using magic out in the open. She’s going against every rule Rhia has grown up with, and it’s getting on her last nerve, but she can’t help but feel a connection to this new witch in town. By the time Valarie gets caught up in a dangerous web of magic while trying to get closer to her mom, Rhia is too invested to let Valarie or Oakriver go down in flames.

I absolutely loved this book. We follow Rhia and Valerie, who are both witches, but they are witches with very different backgrounds. Rhia has grown up in a family who openly practices magic and is very loving and accepting while Valerie’s dad is not accepting of her fire magic. At all. In fact, he won’t even call it what it is! To top things off, she really just wants to learn more about her mom, but her dad has spent her life acting like her mom never existed. The only thing she knows about her mom is that she died in her hometown: Oakriver.

We have an excellent cast of characters. Other than Rhia and Valerie, we have Rhia’s family and Valarie’s roommate. We mainly get to know Rhia’s sister, Sage, and her cousin, Holly. I absolutely love them. They’re such fun and sweet characters that I wish they were members of my own family. There’s also her longtime friend, Tristan, who is hilarious and doesn’t possess any magic of his own. Plus, Valarie’s roommate, Quinn. I loved them from the start and I wish we got to see a little more of them, but I’m happy with how much they appeared in the story. I love that each of these characters are so realistic that they could easily walk in through the door, but they also have a touch of magic for the story.

The story itself is fun. It’s a slow burn kind of story that is mainly carried by the characters. For some reason, I thought it was building up to something way bigger than what it was actually building up to after I read the summary, but that was my own fault. It turns out I took the saving the town part of the summary and built it up in my head somewhere between reading the first page and getting to the halfway point of the book! However, even then, I was very happy with the book and enjoyed every minute of it. I do think what happens with Valarie toward the end of the book and how that’s resolved could’ve been much bigger, but otherwise, I’m happy with how the story turns out.

All in all, this is an excellent story with a wonderful cast of characters. There’s magic, a little bit of mystery, and a lot of platonic and romantic love. The overall story is cute and fun, but there is a little bit of trauma and confusion along with a big secret hiding just around the corner. All in all, it was an excellent read and I’m looking forward to checking out the author’s other works.

[abru · Rating 3 out of 5]

(ESP) Un libro súper bonito, con vibras otoñales, brujas y una muy buena trama.

Lo primero que me gustaría destacar es la pluma de la autora: la novela está muy bien escrita y permite que imagines todo lo que está sucediendo. El ambiente y el pueblo en el que se ambienta la historia me parece precioso y me encantaría vivir allí.

Las protagonistas estuvieron bien construidas y logré encariñarme con ambas, sus personalidades son tan diferentes pero a la vez encajan tan bien la una con la otra que me hace quererlas mucho. Si bien al principio me imaginaba que su relación iba a empezar con ambas odiándose, esto sucede sólo un momento. Hacen una pareja hermosa y se complementan a la perfección.

La trama y el sistema de magia estuvieron muy bien construidos y, aunque la historia fue algo predecible en ciertas ocasiones, estuvo bien llevada a cabo. Además, tiene varias frases que te llegan al alma y tiene una reflexión sobre quienes somos realmente.

Por último, me encantaría agradecerle a NetGallery por la copia del libro y por la oportunidad de leer esta maravillosa historia.

3/5⭐️

(ENG) A super nice book, with autumn vibes, witches and a very good plot.

The first thing I would like to highlight is the author's pen: the novel is very well written and allows you to imagine everything that is happening. The environment and the town in which the story is set seems beautiful to me and I would love to live there.

The protagonists were well constructed and I managed to get attached to both of them, their personalities are so different but at the same time they fit so well with each other that it makes me love them a lot. Although at first I imagined that their relationship was going to start with both of them hating each other, this only happens for a moment. They make a beautiful couple and complement each other perfectly.

The plot and magic system were very well constructed and, although the story was somewhat predictable at times, it was well carried out. In addition, it has several phrases that touch your soul and reflect on who we really are.

Lastly, I would love to thank NetGallery for the copy of the book and for the opportunity to read this wonderful story.

3/5⭐️

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

NOOOO IM SO DISAPPOINTED IN THIS BOOK 😭 i was so excited when i saw a physical copy in my
bookstore but it was so boring 😭 plotwise literally nothing happens until like 70% of the book, and honestly i can forgive that if the romance is at least good but it was so mid 🤧 their relationship felt rushed and i hated their pet names and fjdndmskd i was gonna give this book 3.7 but then the last 60 pages of the book made me go down to 3.2 😐

[Rachael BP · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustration of the book is beautiful. The characters' images are what I carried with me throughout the book.

Sapphic witch romance... yes, please, and thank you. 😊

Our mains , Valerie and Rhia, were very easy to love. Together, they had a sizzling chemistry. Alone, they had their own unique vulnerability.

I have to mention something I found wonderful. How the elements can communicate with the witch at one with that element. Rhia being an earth witch, branches would clear the path for her or playing pull at her clothes. A particular scene that really made me chuckle was when a plant whispered water, so she sprays it and (metaphorical speaking) stands up tall. She puts her fingers in the pot soil and basically calls it a drama queen.

All the side characters equally in their own way were great.

Great YA romance, not to much drama , quite tranquil to read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it that I hope there is a book 2 in the works.

Thanks to netgalley and the author for an arc copy.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a cozy, autumnal read with a hint of angst that will have you shaking your head every time the characters are being oblivious, this is the book for you!
I went into this with no expectations and was subsequently blown away. The writing was fantastic, extremely visual and easily digestible- if i hadn’t been so busy, this would have been finished in one sitting for sure.

The characters were all loveable and unique, though I felt a connection with Quinn the most, they each hold an important message that conveys nicely through the storyline.

I will definitely be re-reading this in the autumn time, it’ll be an annual event i’m sure.

Thank you to Netgalley for gifting me this book!

[✭breanna✫]

DNF I just cannot handle the cringey dialogue and every time someone introduces themselves they say their pronouns I can’t 😭😂 love the inclusiveness but…wow it’s doing too much

[abigayle hynes · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute and fun but nothing too special about it.

[Eef Berkers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute,sweet,magical, adventurous novel loved the Ephilogy to see were Valeria and Rhia how they continue