5⭐️ 3🌶️
MOOD: lighthearted, emotional, funny
TROPES: fake dating, fated mates, forbidden romance
FAV QUOTE: He's just too gods-damn gorgeous. I need to know more about your lickable boyfriend - who I will not lick, of course, because he's yours.

It seems like every time I struggle with reading I have a new Folk Haven book to read :). Another great addition to the series.

THE GOOD: Anthony, a witch who denies his magic, and Zara, a harpy who knows what she wants and has been hurt in a past relationship, might be my new favorite Folk Haven couple. Both Anthony and Zara are interesting on their own - each with their own past & baggage. Their back and forth was really great and allowed for both moments of seriousness and humor without it feeling forced or outside the character's behavior. I found Anthony's innate magic really interesting while still being in line with what we already know about the Shelly family and their powers.
I also really enjoyed that there is an effort at more representation in Folk Haven. It is made very clear that Zara is proud of her heritage as both a mix-raced and mix-myth species individual. Anthony's sexuality is not defined, or a plot device, but he is queer. There is also a brief mention of a Deaf character.

THE NEUTRAL: I'm not a fan of miscommunication and late story breakups but that being said, those tropes/ideas can serve a purpose and I think they do in this book.
THE MEH: I'm used to these books being 2 POV and there were a few more thrown in. I understand why but I found it a little disruptive to the flow of the story.

CW (provided by author): discrimination, drugging, breaking and entering, physical assault, racism & microaggressions, pregnancy, possible infertility, loss of a pet, parental neglect & abuse

DISCLAIMER: I received this ARC and am providing my honest review.