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The Witch of the Forest

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She's not the witch. She just lives next door to him.

Thorne doesn't do blessings. She doesn't do hexes. She doesn't even do polite small talk. She's a shadow nymph with a half dragon lizard named Pestilence and a reputation for being the wrong kind of girl to ask for a love spell.

But that doesn't stop people from knocking.

The worst offender? The actual witch of the forest—Sol, her annoyingly radiant neighbor who glitters when he's happy and insists on dragging her into his chaos. When a handsome, memory-wiped stranger shows up claiming he was sent by the witch to find love, Thorne is ready to slam the door on everyone. Until her touch starts unraveling his enchantment.

Now she's stuck on a rescue mission with Sol, unraveling ancient forest magic, royal secrets, and a very inconvenient crush. Turns out, she's not just the mysterious girl in the woods anymore—she might be the only one who can stop a fae uprising.

Darkness meets dawn in this swoony, spellbound adventure of forgotten bloodlines, reluctant heroes, and the kind of love that even fate didn't see coming.

450 pages, Paperback

First published September 20, 2025

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Ari Roper

13 books46 followers

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5 stars
22 (95%)
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1 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Rachael.
6 reviews1 follower
August 27, 2025
I was lucky to get this as an advanced copy and can honestly say I couldn't put it down!!

The characters were fantastic, so relatable and I like that it was something different from other books that have had me in a slump recently.

The story had loads of twist that kept me hooked only sad thing now is waiting to buy this and get hold of the next one!

Thank you

PS. now in the market for my own pestilence
Profile Image for Lex.
47 reviews2 followers
August 25, 2025
✨Chapter-by-chapter reader review✨

The whirlwind of an emotional rollercoaster this book took me on? It was wild. Crazy. Insane. So damn heartwarming. Absolutely obsessed. The cute moments? The sweet moments? The sass? The CONFIDENCE OF THORNE?!😩😩😩 goddamn that nymph could kidnap and torture me and I would thank her and ask for more🤭😏🫦 the style? The experience?🤭👀😏 Sol’s golden retriever energy? His complete awe of Thorne? Her sassiness and sarcastic personality? Literally everything about her and Sol, my girl crush was crushing haaardddd this book, I cried many times😭😩 the ups and downs and what the fucks that happened were insane.

Ari really knows how to throw you in a loop and take you for a wild crazy and dangerous adventure, leaving you guessing as to what happens next😑😳🤨🤯😱🫠🫨🥴😮‍💨😏😆🤭🫦 <— that was me, my range of emotions throughout the book…. Literally the entire book, I was going between, around and through all of these feelings… literally a rollercoaster of emotions going back and forth, I loved every second of it.

The way that Thorne teases Sol, and how he’s so damn shy and bashful, but also respectful asf, UGH I just want to squish him to death he’s so freaking adorable and sweet😆 and Thorne?? She’s the definition of a baddie😤😏 she gives off all the best vibes, her ability to take control and just always keep Sol on his feet? Shocking him at every turn and how he always overreacts in the best possible way? The humor and ability to see the humor in certain tense situations was👌

The PLOT TWISTS?! Yes twists as in MULTIPLE😱🫠🤯🫨 shocked me to my core… and pissed me off too… cuz GOOD GOD WTF WAS THAT ARI?! HUH?! WHYD YOU HAVE TO DO THAT SO. 👏MANY. 👏TIMES👏!?

If you want to know what those many twists and turns are, then you’re gonna have to read the book to find out😏😌 it’s worth it I promise🤭
Profile Image for jessi_reading_corner .
152 reviews5 followers
August 22, 2025
This was such a wonderful book, the writing phenomenal. The characters were relatable.
The shock and the horror that was thrown at me, the twists kept getting more and more twisted. The turns more turny. Just when you think you know whats going on Ari throws another hammer into the works.
I sobbed like a baby, I laughed, hard. The banter was top notch.
If you want a book that will give you all the emotions. This is it. Also, did I mention, it's spicy. Like the spice, SPICES. 😍👩🏽‍🍳😘

Ari has an amazing way with world building, the way the different cities were described, made me feel like I was there, seeing it all for the first time, I was definitely on this trip with Sol, seeing thing for the first time!

Thorne is such a powerhouse. She is strong, snarky, a badass, but also soft and hilarious, she loves hard.

Sol, loveable Sol is infuriating, hilarious and also loves hard. His banter is wicked! He knows what he wants and he will get it.

Caelum, Aeralis🖕🏽🖕🏽 we don't talk about you.

And Pestilence - I adore you!

I read this as a Chapter by a chapter read, and already given it 5 Star. It honestly can't get any better than this, can it? I can't wait to buy this book and have it as my book trophy. Look how gorgeous it is?!!! 😍😍😍
32 reviews
August 22, 2025
The Witch of the Forest by Ari Roper is swoony, spellbound perfection.
She’s not the witch, she just lives next door to him. Thorne, a sharp tongued shadow nymph with a dragon-lizard sidekick, wants nothing to do with magic or meddling neighbours. Sol, the radiant witch of the forest, has other plans. Add in a memory-wiped stranger, ancient secrets, and a fae uprising, and suddenly Thorne is in the middle of a rescue mission she never asked for, and a slow-burn crush she can’t ignore.
Ari Roper does it again: banter that’s *chef’s kiss*, a fierce FMC, a cinnamon roll MMC, political intrigue, and a grumpy x sunshine pairing that had me kicking my feet. The forced proximity and slow burn is delicious, and the chemistry and tension are written so well they practically smolder off the page. The romance is sweet with just enough spice (🌶️🌶️🌶️), and the worldbuilding is rich and immersive.
Equal parts cozy and heart-pounding, this book lingers long after the last page, and if you’re searching for your next grumpy x sunshine obsession, this is it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Hayleigh Huntley.
23 reviews2 followers
August 22, 2025
Okay this book gave me so many emotions that even after almost a week I am still recovering! I would give it a billion stars if I could, but sadly I can only give five😒

It follows the journey of a grumpy, reluctant girl named Thorne, who lives in a shady cabin in the woods. Only to be joined by her neighbour from across the stream, Mr. Damn sunshine himself, Sol.

Each characters is so filled to the brim with personality and development it makes you want it have them in reality! The story made me giddy, angry, sad. It gave me every emotion in the book, tore my heart out only to gently repair it.

It’s got magic, adventure, great characters, spicy scenes and a little side creature named Pestilence. What more is there to love!?

Once you start page one, you will not be able to stop reading the story of Thorne and Sol. 😍❤️❤️‍🔥
Profile Image for Anna Kratowicz.
149 reviews59 followers
September 21, 2025
Ari Roper’s mind is like no other author I’ve read. This is the second book of hers I’ve read and I am in awe at the creativity and adventure she creates.

This book had me thinking I knew what was happening so many times and then I was thrown for a loop.

The banter between Sol and Thorne is SO enjoyable! And once Caelum is participating, chefs kiss.

Sol is this dreamy golden retriever type. A little absentminded but just so full of love. Early in the story he talks about liking that he can use magic to make everyone’s daily life a little more enjoyable and I just love that.

Then Thorne…boy is she fierce. ULTRA guarded, but when you get to know her it makes sense. She fights with both weapons and sarcasm and thrives in the dark :) in more than one way.

If you love amazing characters and an incredibly magical crafted world with adventure and secrets, you’ll love this!!!
Profile Image for T || .
301 reviews9 followers
August 22, 2025
This booked ripped me apart and put me back together 💖💔 I rate it more than 5 ⭐️

Within the heart of a shadowed forest lives Thorne, a witch whispered about in rumour and fear. When Sol crosses her path, their meeting sparks a journey that challenges everything they thought they knew—about the forest, about magic, and about themselves.

Ari Roper’s The Witch of the Forest is a hauntingly beautiful tale of mystery, myth, and connection. Lyrical and atmospheric, it reimagines the figure of the witch not as a villain, but as something far more complex—and unforgettable.

Perfect for readers who crave dark fairytales, deep emotion, and characters who linger long after the last page.
102 reviews6 followers
September 24, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The MCs were so well written and so vastly different from each other, I loved the contrast.

The plot was engaging and the book was utterly unputdownable. I did not expect the ending for the book and there were a few twists that I didn't see coming!

Overall an excellent book and I thoroughly recommend it. Ari never fails to write such brilliant books!!!
Profile Image for PrettyBookish13.
395 reviews8 followers
August 31, 2025
⭐️4.75
Holy cow this book was incredible! The initial premise is super cute, the goth girl and the witch next door is a fabulous idea and I think I also saw the same meme that inspired Ari to write this masterpiece! But this is so much more than just quirky neighbours, I adored the journey Thorne and Sol went on, and all the things that got revealed along the way. The ending broke my heart but then put it back together again and I absolutely loved it!
106 reviews4 followers
September 17, 2025
This is the third book I've read by Ari Roper. Three books, all very different from one another, but three home runs for me.

That being said: That book had me smiling like a silly sunflower from all the cuteness, but it also took me through a whirlwind of emotions ... and I absolutely loved it.

I loved everything about this book... absolutely everything. From the characters who are instantly endearing, to the completely unexpected twists, and the raw, powerful emotions throughout. And the writing? It's extraordinary, so smooth and effortlessly flowing.

Thorne… what a perfect FMC. Selfless, with a hidden past that we slowly uncover as the story unfolds. I loved her sarcasm and the way she teased Sol. It was love at first sight for me ... a brutal crush on this grumpy little nymph.

And Sol ? The king of green flags. He's endlessly kind, charming, devoted, a bit naïve… in short, I really love him.

I went in thinking, "Oh wow, this is going to be a nice cozy little read", and then — boom: plot twist! And just when I thought I had it all figured out — more twists. The ending broke my heart… and then gently put it back together.

1000 stars for this book.
I highly recommend it to anyone in need of a sweet read filled with genuine emotions and real love but also a lot of twists and action.
4 reviews
August 29, 2025
Thorne our magical secret badass queen is everything you want her to be. Tough as nails, stands on her own, complex and deep, open and vulnerable when someone (Sol) puts in the work. Sol our soft and sweet ray of sunshine is everything you want from a partner. Ready to run into fire for you and fight for what’s right as best as he can but also ready to sneak you out the back like a runaway bride if you decide this isn’t for you.
Zero complaints vibes are top notch. Spice level isn’t high in my opinion but perfectly executed and love the emphasis on consent that ran throughout. Sol didn’t listen to hear he comprehended and saved every word to make sure he did the best by their relationship as he could.
If I had to knit pick for something I didn’t like/would possibly improve the story maybe slightly more world building. I was also dying for a little peak into Pestilence POV but I do understand by the end why we don’t get that.
All in all loved it and can’t wait to see what Ari does next !
Profile Image for Tonika.
342 reviews6 followers
August 26, 2025
if I could give this book more than 5 stars I would, its worth at least a 10/5, it is more than deserving for dragging me down in to its depths, laughing, crying, giggling, and then furiously typing asking why the author would wish to rip my heart out and stomp on it, to happy tears.

What can I say, Ari Roper does it again. An enchanting book that sucks you in and refuses to let you go. We have lost royals, the witch of the forest, a fae princess, lies & deceit, finding family, love found, and love lost what more could you possibly want, oh right spice, and this book has that too.

Thorne is the leader of the guard a tough as you can get lady, who is grumpy, sleeps in, and can get rid of you in a heart beat. Then across the stream lives the witch of the forest, Sol, who is all peace and love with sunshine and smiles, enough for everyone.

As the adventure starts, so do the backstabbers and plot twisters.

True to Ari Roper's other writings the end absolutely makes up for the utter devastation I faced when reading this book.

Key points in no particular order:
- Witch's
- Rebellion
- Dystopian
- Dragon
- Fae
- Magic
- Adventure
- Slow burn/Opposites attract
- Earth Shattering Kisses
- Grumpy vs Sunshine
134 reviews4 followers
September 26, 2025
Th Witch of the Forest was an unexpected surprise. I wasn't sure what i was getting into when I started, but Thorne and Sol were amazing characters. You have the prickly Thorne who just wants to be left alone, and the bright and shiny Sol who seems to live to get reactions out of Thorne. Sol tags along on Thorne's quest for redemption when a surprise from her past shows up. They traverse much more than just the distance to the city along their journey, and it's amazing to watch as they grow closer and Thorne lightens up toward the bright one. There is action, romance, twists and turns. You meet many people from Thorne's past, and so much happens that takes you on a roller-coaster of emotions. Ari makes you feel it ALL. I can't wait to see what she has in store for the next book!
57 reviews2 followers
September 25, 2025
This has been one of my all-time favorite reads this year - seriously! Ari Roper has a way of catching a reader's attention and keeping it until the final word. There were times I was crying and laughing at the same time. BUT I was on the edge of my seat and ready to throw my tablet on the floor and step on it in certain scenarios.

I love a good fantasy with a strong, independent FMC and a strong, faithful MMC. The world building and banter are wild in a good way. Secondary characters meet expectations - villains included!

_____

I am delighted to say I was included in a chapter-by-chapter read of this book.
Profile Image for Chloe Rowley.
278 reviews7 followers
August 31, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! The characters were incredible, and I felt such a strong connection to both Sol and Thorne. The story was fast-paced, intense, and completely addictive, I was hooked from beginning to end. I especially loved the dynamic between Sol and Thorne, and I can’t wait to see where their journey goes next.
Profile Image for Kashena Dykeman.
113 reviews1 follower
September 4, 2025
I really enjoyed this book!

I was getting kinda fantasy, boy next door vibes at first, but it did have a good adventure as well.

Grumpy x Sunshine, lost memories, lost heir, slowburn, a little spice... honest read it!
Profile Image for Stacey Hupperich.
86 reviews2 followers
September 9, 2025
WOW this book is truly amazing. I absolutely loved this book. Great world building and character building. Twists and turns that will keep you drawn in from the very beginning and will keep you saying "Just one more chapter" and not wanting to put it down. I highly recommend this amazing book.
Profile Image for jennifer taylor.
4 reviews
September 12, 2025
I have to say that I loved this book!! The world building was great, and I can always appreciate a strong heroine. So many times I found myself laughing while reading this story. Anyone who likes magic, forest creatures sarcastic comments with a happy ending will love this book.
Profile Image for Kim Puckett.
52 reviews1 follower
September 29, 2025
I have enjoyed every book that I have read from Ari Roper, and this one is no different. I couldn’t put this book down. It had adventure and mystery and romance and a little bit of thrill in it. This book gave me so many different feeling. I laughed, I cried, I got mad, and I was in the edge of my seat while reading it. I think this is her best book yet. It’s a must read!!!
Profile Image for Hannah.
46 reviews1 follower
September 16, 2025
Thorne is a baddie with a messed up past to say the least. Sol on the other hand, he is such a dorky, respectful, king 😍 The two of them make this story so much fun with all their banter. The gasp I gasped at the ending with Pestilence...girl I did NOT see that coming! He is a very funny little lizard 🦎 If you live for grumpy/sunshine, slow burn banter, some spice, and an action packed badass FMC, this book is definitely for you! I can not recommend Ari Roper's books and writing style enough ❤️ She'll leave you ready to scream and cry for Imaginary people while reading the last few pages, only to end up relieved with the final sentence 😂
Profile Image for Thea Marie.
Author 1 book11 followers
October 8, 2025
Ari is an auto-buy author for me. If she writes it, I'll own it and most likely in multiple formats.

The way she twists tropes in The Witch of the Forest is amazing!

First we have Thorne. A dark, broody, hates everyone, confident and fierce warrior. She lives in a house that you WOULD expect a witch living in the middle of the forest to inhabit. She's not the witch though, unfortunately for her…and all the people knocking on her door looking for him.

Meet Sol. The annoyingly bright, chipper, happy-go-lucky, optimistic about everything, witch. He, much to Thorne's chagrin, lives in a bright white and gilded cottage (let's be honest, it's practically a mansion) across from her. He's cocky and charming. His smile rivals diamonds. He's hot AF and knows it, but clutches pearls like a Victorian era grandma the moment he sees skin, hears anything even remotely sexual. Innuendos, hints, you name it. It is unbelievably easy to fluster him, which Thorne does. Mercilessly 😈

Thorne = Highly trained warrior.
Sol = Hasn't seen a single battle and screams when things seem to be going that way.

I seriously love everything Ari writes. It's all so different, and she brings such a uniqueness to her writing that you can just tell when something is written by her.

“Something on your mind?”
Yes. Always. You.

“I'd wait a thousand more nights if it meant one of them could be like this”

I lean forward again, pressing my forehead to hers. “You really do shine brightest in the dark.”

“I think you're the first thing in a long time I don't want to ruin.”

“You found me.”
“Always.”
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews