NOT THE WITCH YOU WED is the first book in April Asher’s “Supernatural Singles” series. This book has a lot of tropes for the romance fan to pick through – enemies-to-lovers, second chance-at-love, fake romance-that turns real, and probably a few more. Witch Violet Maxwell and Alpha wolf shifter Lincoln Thorne have a complicated history together. From Violet’s perspective, they had a competitive relationship when they were younger, which led to a disastrous turn at romance. From Lincoln’s perspective, Violet is “the one that got away”. In NOT THE WITCH YOU WED, Violet and Lincoln struggle to overcome their own fears and their different cultures that make for similar problems in order to find happiness together.

Because this story is told from alternating perspectives, the reader gets a better idea of the true feelings Violet and Lincoln have for each other, as well as their inner turmoil. In a family of female witchy power, Violet is known as the “Maxwell Dud”. The title, and her seemingly lacking in magical powers is something she’s resigned herself to, but it still stings now and then. Luckily for Violet, she has a support system that includes her magically powerful gran, her two sisters, and her two BFFs Harper and Bax. Because of his position as Alpha, Lincoln has to careful who he confides in, but his cheeky Second-in-Command Adrian fills that role. The villains in this story are a super shady, power hungry, and narcissistic Alpha from Europe, and the largely small-minded and exceedingly full of themselves organizations that are the Supernatural Council and the Elder Board. Valentin Bisset is the opportunistic Alpha who attempts to exploit the worst elements of these two groups in order to seize power. Violet and Lincoln try to change the groups so that jerks like Valentin can’t do as much damage if they get in power, and so supernatural citizens don’t have their lives dictated for them. As far as the actual romance that evolves between Violet and Lincoln - it all comes down to trust. There is plenty of sexual tension, flirty banter, and sizzling lip locks. However, Violet’s ability to trust Lincoln holds her back in their relationship, just as not trusting herself, holds her true magic back from manifesting itself in the way she’d wish it would.

NOT THE WITCH YOU WED is a fun character-driven story with a sexy bite to it. On a personal note, I loved Violet’s fluffy cat Mr. Fancy Pants, because he reminded me so much of my cat. I look forward to reading April Asher’s next book.