Review: Season of the Witch by Sophie H. Morgan

 

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Title: Season of the Witch

Author: Sophie H. Morgan

Genre: Romantic Fiction, Contemporary Fiction

Where I Got It: New York Public Library 

Buy it here: Amazon or borrow from your local library 

Recommend: Yes

⭐️ Rating: 3/5

Synopsis

It was a passion neither could forget—until he did.

Tia Hightower isn’t sure how she went from being a powerful witch to fake dating her ex at a winter house party.

For eight years, she has refused to speak Henry Pearlmatter's name unless it has been to curse it. Now, with their family businesses merged, she and her insufferable ex must pretend to be together to secure a wealthy warlock’s investment. Sharing a room—and a bed—with Henry is bad enough. Even worse is that Tia might have had a small potion mishap…and accidentally erased Henry’s memories of her.

Henry might not remember his ex, but it’s clear there’s still something between them. Whatever went wrong in the past, he intends to figure it out. Faking feelings for Tia isn’t exactly difficult, but one thing’s for certain: starlight carnivals and mulled-wine kisses can't change history.

With the threat of Henry’s memories hovering over every stolen moment, their time together is running out. But a little bit of Christmas magic and the snow-melting heat between them have Tia wondering if it’s time to risk her heart once more, even if it's with the warlock who once broke it…

And if he kept quiet and paid attention, he might actually understand why they’d ever broken up.

Characters

• Tia Hightower – Her confidence and dominance aren’t just personality traits; they shape how she navigates the magical world, especially among other high witches and the expectations of her family. Her stubbornness drives the conflict with Henry and with herself—because she refuses to admit her feelings or vulnerabilities, the story’s tension grows. Her sharp tongue and assertiveness make her intimidating, yes, but they also reveal how isolated she can be emotionally. Her struggles with pride and fear of losing control are central to her arc—her growth isn’t about external events but about learning to reconcile strength with vulnerability. Understanding this makes her more than “stubborn”—she’s a character whose choices have consequences that ripple through both her personal and magical life.

• Henry Pearlmatter – His arrogance and flirtatiousness initially make him frustrating, but they also set up his growth in a way that feels earned. He starts as a classic “annoying ex” figure, which heightens the tension with Tia, but we also see hints of cleverness and loyalty beneath that exterior. His ability to shift from shallow and self-absorbed to thoughtful and emotionally aware is vital—without his growth, the romance arc would feel flat. His evolution also balances Tia’s stubbornness, pushing her to confront her feelings and insecurities. Henry isn’t just comic relief or a foil; he’s a catalyst for Tia’s self-reflection and the story’s emotional stakes.

• Isabella Castello – A high witch from a prominent magical family, Isabella carries authority and influence in the magical community. She meets monthly for tea with Leah and Emma, keeping herself connected to Tia’s inner circle. She isn’t at the center of the main conflict or the romance, but she influences the story by offering guidance, perspective, and subtle pressure on the decisions of those around her. Her presence also highlights the expectations, politics, and hierarchy of the high families, giving Tia and Henry’s choices context within the larger magical world.

• Lord Sedelley – He’s a high-ranking witch with money, power, and influence in the magical world. He’s not part of the main romance, but his actions and expectations put real pressure on Tia and Henry, forcing them to make choices they might not otherwise make. He shows how the rules, politics, and hierarchy of the high families can affect even personal relationships. He isn’t just background—he’s the kind of presence that reminds the characters (and the reader) that their world has rules they can’t ignore.

• Gloria Hightower – Tia’s mother and the matriarch of the Hightower family. She’s strong-willed, proud, and expects nothing but excellence from Tia. She’s not just a parent in the background—her presence and expectations shape a lot of how Tia acts, thinks, and reacts. She’s the kind of parent who can push someone to succeed but also make them feel trapped under all that pressure.

• Richard Pearlmatter – Henry’s dad. He’s quieter than Gloria but still important in shaping who Henry is. He’s part of the reason Henry grew up confident, a little arrogant, and used to getting his way. He's also part of the reason why craving his father's approval. Even if he isn’t directly in the story a lot, his influence on Henry’s personality and behavior is always there, showing how family shapes the kind of person he starts as and how he grows. 

Run while you can, Tia. Henry’s always been good at catching you. - Isabella Castello

My Thoughts

If you love magical mishaps, high-stakes family drama, and a little spicy romance, Season of the Witch will keep you entertained—but fair warning, it comes with a Tia-sized headache.

Let’s start with Henry. At first, he’s flirty, cocky, and downright obnoxious—the kind of ex you’d want to shake—but he grows on you fast. He’s clever, persistent, and actually tries to get Tia out of her own way, even when she’s creating chaos everywhere she goes. He’s impulsive and occasionally infuriating, but you can’t help rooting for him. He’s the grounding force in a story that could otherwise spiral into nonsense.

Tia, though… ugh. She’s exhausting. From start to finish, she’s her own worst enemy. Stubborn, defensive, and constantly sabotaging herself, she refuses to face reality or take responsibility until almost the very end. I spent half the book yelling at her to just stop being so dramatic. Honestly, Henry deserves better—no contest.

The plot itself is entertaining, chaotic, and at times ridiculous—but in a good way. Henry and Tia are thrown together at their family’s merged business, forced to win over Lord Sedelley, a high-profile investor whose approval could determine the company’s future. Between office politics, magical misadventures, and family expectations, the story is full of tension, witty banter, and chemistry. Parties, meetings, and magical gatherings keep the pace moving, and there are plenty of funny, romantic, and spicy moments to enjoy. Tia’s stubbornness makes things frustrating—but it also fuels the drama that keeps the story alive.

And then there are the enablers. Leah and Emma, Tia’s “best friends,” seem supportive at first, but they’re just as guilty of feeding into Tia’s drama, gossiping, and blindly taking her side. Her parents? Also enablers—Gloria constantly corrects Tia’s behavior but also wants her with Henry, while Henry’s mother nudges him in the same direction. Everyone around Tia seems to enable her nonsense… except Isabella Castello.

Isabella is a breath of fresh air. A high witch from one of the top families, she’s sharp, witty, and unapologetically honest. She doesn’t sugarcoat, she doesn’t play favorites, and she refuses to enable Tia’s nonsense. Her honesty forces Tia to confront herself and adds a layer of humor and reality to a story otherwise full of chaos. In a sea of enablers, Isabella stands out—and I loved every scene she was in.

Overall, I gave Season of the Witch three stars. The story is fun, magical, and a little spicy, with charming secondary characters and a romance that can’t help but pull you in. But Tia’s constant self-sabotage and refusal to grow drag the story down. Henry and Isabella are what make this read worthwhile, but if you can’t handle a stubborn, frustrating heroine, this one might test your patience.

⭐️⭐️⭐️