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The Witch and The Spare
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Expected 3 Nov 26Win a free kindle copy of this book!
8 days and 05:38:22
100 copies available
U.S. only
"That's what they do to people like us," her mother had whispered. "That's what fear makes them become."
Eleanor was seven the first time she watched a woman hang for witchcraft. She was eleven the night her own magic rose to answer her father's hands, and a priest in crimson robes stepped out of the mob to claim her before anyone could light the kindling.
He called it salvation. Then he burned her village to the ground so no one could call it anything else.
Now she is Wren: silent, watched, quietly extraordinary. The secret instrument of a Royal Confessor whose ambitions reach far past the crown he serves. Only one person in the palace sees her clearly: Prince Kaelen, the second-born son with nothing of his own but a gift for noticing what everyone else overlooks.
What begins as stolen friendship deepens into something that could destroy them both. Because Father Thaddeus has spent seven years sharpening Wren toward a single moment, and when it comes, in a cathedral draped in wedding silk, the only weapon that can stop him is the one he forged himself.
A slow-burn romantasy of faith, power, and the long, patient work of becoming unbreakable.
Eleanor was seven the first time she watched a woman hang for witchcraft. She was eleven the night her own magic rose to answer her father's hands, and a priest in crimson robes stepped out of the mob to claim her before anyone could light the kindling.
He called it salvation. Then he burned her village to the ground so no one could call it anything else.
Now she is Wren: silent, watched, quietly extraordinary. The secret instrument of a Royal Confessor whose ambitions reach far past the crown he serves. Only one person in the palace sees her clearly: Prince Kaelen, the second-born son with nothing of his own but a gift for noticing what everyone else overlooks.
What begins as stolen friendship deepens into something that could destroy them both. Because Father Thaddeus has spent seven years sharpening Wren toward a single moment, and when it comes, in a cathedral draped in wedding silk, the only weapon that can stop him is the one he forged himself.
A slow-burn romantasy of faith, power, and the long, patient work of becoming unbreakable.
462 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 3, 2026
About the author
S.B. Logue
4 books19 followersS.B. Logue has been building worlds since she was old enough to roll a d20, first around kitchen tables in Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, then in the margins of an English degree she earned mostly so she could keep reading fantasy on purpose.
She writes fantasy and romantasy: intricate magic systems, stubborn women, messy romance, and neurodivergent characters who get to be the heroes of their own stories. Her books return to found family, the slow work of figuring out who you are, and the push and pull of power, both magical and human.
She lives on Canada's west coast and writes from the Shawffice, a she shed full of Lego builds and too many plants, with a dog underfoot and a kid never far behind.
She writes fantasy and romantasy: intricate magic systems, stubborn women, messy romance, and neurodivergent characters who get to be the heroes of their own stories. Her books return to found family, the slow work of figuring out who you are, and the push and pull of power, both magical and human.
She lives on Canada's west coast and writes from the Shawffice, a she shed full of Lego builds and too many plants, with a dog underfoot and a kid never far behind.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 29, 2026
“You're not cursed child. You're chosen. Chosen in a way that could change kingdoms.”
✨ Friends to lovers
✨ Slow burn
✨ Duty vs desire
✨ Witchy magic
This was such a sweet read. I really loved Wren’s journey throughout this. After everything that happened to her, watching her slowly reclaim her identity and figure out who she actually is was such a satisfying part of the story.
She’s spent years being shaped by someone else’s plans for her, so seeing her start to take back that control, while also coming into her own with her magic, was such a good part of the story.
“Your magic saved you, Wren. And even then, even terrified and lashing out, you were the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen.”
And then there’s Kaelen. Their relationship starts with friendship and gradually becomes something more, and I really loved how sweet they were together.
There’s also a lot of that duty vs desire conflict, with Kaelen having to navigate what’s expected of him as a prince versus what he actually wants for himself.
“This is what it means to be a prince... We dont get love stories. We get strategic alliances and carefully arranged marriages and the knowledge that our personal happiness matters less than grain shipments and trade routes.”
Even with all the time they spend apart, that connection between them never really disappears.
“So much time spent apart and she could still read him like her favourite book.”
And despite being a slow burn, there was enough happening around the romance to keep the story moving.
“No mask could ever hide those eyes. You do realize you've ruined the colour green for me, don't you?”
Chaos, vibes and opinions are all my own ✨ please give credit if you share.
✨ Friends to lovers
✨ Slow burn
✨ Duty vs desire
✨ Witchy magic
This was such a sweet read. I really loved Wren’s journey throughout this. After everything that happened to her, watching her slowly reclaim her identity and figure out who she actually is was such a satisfying part of the story.
She’s spent years being shaped by someone else’s plans for her, so seeing her start to take back that control, while also coming into her own with her magic, was such a good part of the story.
“Your magic saved you, Wren. And even then, even terrified and lashing out, you were the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen.”
And then there’s Kaelen. Their relationship starts with friendship and gradually becomes something more, and I really loved how sweet they were together.
There’s also a lot of that duty vs desire conflict, with Kaelen having to navigate what’s expected of him as a prince versus what he actually wants for himself.
“This is what it means to be a prince... We dont get love stories. We get strategic alliances and carefully arranged marriages and the knowledge that our personal happiness matters less than grain shipments and trade routes.”
Even with all the time they spend apart, that connection between them never really disappears.
“So much time spent apart and she could still read him like her favourite book.”
And despite being a slow burn, there was enough happening around the romance to keep the story moving.
“No mask could ever hide those eyes. You do realize you've ruined the colour green for me, don't you?”
Chaos, vibes and opinions are all my own ✨ please give credit if you share.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.25 stars. This is a lovely story with character struggles that many of us can relate to: pressure to fit in, to make ourselves smaller or less to be viewed as acceptable. A love story interwoven with learning to reclaim one's own identity and finding one's own path in life.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I got the is as a ARC read. I loved this book! The characters felt so well written. The story kept drawing you in and was fast paced. The world was fleshed out very well and the descriptions made you feel like you were there. I loved the main character Wren she seemed so kind and smart just someone you would love to hangout with and get to know. Kaelen the main guy was just as well written the depth to his character was amazing. I cannot say enough how amazing this book is. You will be rooting for these characters from the first page to the last page.
September 9, 2026
Review of Advance Copy received from Author. All thoughts and ratings are my own.
Right from the beginning, the opening
scene had me HEARTBROKEN for our FMC. And the writing in that first scene especially was GOLDEN and felt so immersive!
One of my favorite parts of the story was watching the relationship between the FMC and MMC develop. I really enjoyed seeing their dynamic evolve throughout the book, and there were definitely some moments that had me invested in them. 👀❤️
And the plot twists?! There were two BIG ones that I genuinely did not see coming. I love when a book can actually surprise me, and these definitely did!
The story had a great mix of heartbreak, romance, and everything else that kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next. Overall, it was a really enjoyable read and one I’m glad I got the chance to read as an ARC!
The one thing keeping this from a 5⭐️ for me was that some of the descriptions felt a little repetitive throughout the book. It wasn’t enough to take away from my enjoyment of the story, but I did notice it enough that it kept me from giving that extra star.
And that ending… 👀
This book is VERY nicely positioned for a potential book 2 if the author decides to continue the story, and I would absolutely be interested in reading it!
Right from the beginning, the opening
scene had me HEARTBROKEN for our FMC. And the writing in that first scene especially was GOLDEN and felt so immersive!
One of my favorite parts of the story was watching the relationship between the FMC and MMC develop. I really enjoyed seeing their dynamic evolve throughout the book, and there were definitely some moments that had me invested in them. 👀❤️
And the plot twists?! There were two BIG ones that I genuinely did not see coming. I love when a book can actually surprise me, and these definitely did!
The story had a great mix of heartbreak, romance, and everything else that kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next. Overall, it was a really enjoyable read and one I’m glad I got the chance to read as an ARC!
The one thing keeping this from a 5⭐️ for me was that some of the descriptions felt a little repetitive throughout the book. It wasn’t enough to take away from my enjoyment of the story, but I did notice it enough that it kept me from giving that extra star.
And that ending… 👀
This book is VERY nicely positioned for a potential book 2 if the author decides to continue the story, and I would absolutely be interested in reading it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book has so much potential, the story is good and the main characters, whilst a little 2 dimensional, are likeable.
It is, however, let down by the constant and infuriating repetition of phrases and events from earlier in the book. I almost walked away from it several times, but as it was an ARC, I wanted to be able to give my honest opinion.
Additionally, it is riddled with small inconsistencies and contradictions from one paragraph to another that a good editor should have picked up. I found myself wondering towards the end if hasty rewrites had taken place without checking that the plotline remained completely intact, as there were gaps that I felt were not explained.
The supporting characters are sparse and mainly one dimensional, which is disappointing as I think exploring those relationships would have been the better option to fill out the book rather than the tedious repetitions.
The author has a great story here and I enjoyed her style of prose - the final showdown scene was brilliant, 5 stars for that! With more refinement I could have awarded this book more.
I think with more experience we will see some spectacular work.
It is, however, let down by the constant and infuriating repetition of phrases and events from earlier in the book. I almost walked away from it several times, but as it was an ARC, I wanted to be able to give my honest opinion.
Additionally, it is riddled with small inconsistencies and contradictions from one paragraph to another that a good editor should have picked up. I found myself wondering towards the end if hasty rewrites had taken place without checking that the plotline remained completely intact, as there were gaps that I felt were not explained.
The supporting characters are sparse and mainly one dimensional, which is disappointing as I think exploring those relationships would have been the better option to fill out the book rather than the tedious repetitions.
The author has a great story here and I enjoyed her style of prose - the final showdown scene was brilliant, 5 stars for that! With more refinement I could have awarded this book more.
I think with more experience we will see some spectacular work.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is my new favourite romantasy book. The slow burn friends to lovers gave me all of the good feels and I found myself smiling and kicking my feet through several sweet moments.
The yearning felt so real as Wren and Kaelen faced struggles that were compelling enough to propel the story forward and hold my attention from start to finish.
Kaelen is the second son of the king, constantly torn between duty and desire. I actually cried for him when he had to make difficult choices that went against his heart.
Wren is a witch in a world that condemns magic and is used and manipulated by other people who see her more as a tool than a person.
Wren and Kaelen only ever feel truly seen by each other while the rest of the world tries to force them into being what they ought to be: the witch and the spare.
I was rooting for these characters from start to finish.
Thank you to the author for the ARC.
The yearning felt so real as Wren and Kaelen faced struggles that were compelling enough to propel the story forward and hold my attention from start to finish.
Kaelen is the second son of the king, constantly torn between duty and desire. I actually cried for him when he had to make difficult choices that went against his heart.
Wren is a witch in a world that condemns magic and is used and manipulated by other people who see her more as a tool than a person.
Wren and Kaelen only ever feel truly seen by each other while the rest of the world tries to force them into being what they ought to be: the witch and the spare.
I was rooting for these characters from start to finish.
Thank you to the author for the ARC.
September 19, 2026
This was such a beautiful read.
We follow Wren and Kaelen as they meet in tragic circumstances, as children, and stay with them as they grow together.
We see their struggles, wren, as a child witch in a land where magic is outlawed and she is under the thumb of the church, and Kaelen, the second born prince, as he comes to terms with life as the ‘spare’ and what his royal duties mean.
We see them struggle with their individual lives and with the forces that are destined to pull them apart.
Their story is beautifully written, totally endearing and completely gripping
I honestly got cross that I had to put my kindle down and adult! It was awful 😂
If the gorgeous cover and the quotes on the last slide don’t sell this book to you, I don’t know what will!
Both Kaelen and wren would burn the world down for eachother… my heart is melting for them!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am an avid reader and quite critical of what I read….
And this book was such a joy to read, it was one of those books you never want to put down and keeps you up later than you’d like to read just one more chapter!
The characters truly feel real, are unique and their dialogue is superb!
The story keeps you guessing and on edge at all the right times…
The love story is sweet and lingering and well crafted…
It’s a world with characters I am truly sad to leave and that will linger with me forever.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy, romance, witches, medieval storylines, and simply wants a fun adventure.
If it was an option to rate between stars I’d give this one a 4.3 as there were some typos and a few points here and there I’m going to be overly critical over as a fellow writer-things that could have been easily caught and removed by an editor, but a 4.3 is higher than what I would give a lot of other books I’ve read that are massively read and ultra popular, and some New York Times bestsellers.
Amazing job to this author, and thank you for the opportunity to be an early reader :)
And this book was such a joy to read, it was one of those books you never want to put down and keeps you up later than you’d like to read just one more chapter!
The characters truly feel real, are unique and their dialogue is superb!
The story keeps you guessing and on edge at all the right times…
The love story is sweet and lingering and well crafted…
It’s a world with characters I am truly sad to leave and that will linger with me forever.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy, romance, witches, medieval storylines, and simply wants a fun adventure.
If it was an option to rate between stars I’d give this one a 4.3 as there were some typos and a few points here and there I’m going to be overly critical over as a fellow writer-things that could have been easily caught and removed by an editor, but a 4.3 is higher than what I would give a lot of other books I’ve read that are massively read and ultra popular, and some New York Times bestsellers.
Amazing job to this author, and thank you for the opportunity to be an early reader :)
Review of advance copy received from Author
Every so often I'm reminded I'm a glutton for emotional devastation in my books. The Witch and the Spare delivers intensely on it, but also in a beautifully, painfully yearning romance that spans the main character's childhood to early adulthood. S.B. Logue crafts a breathtaking Romantasy that places the question of duty over love front and centre, with heart wrenching, emotional writing that left me in tears multiple times. With an intriguing magic system, deeply unnerving villain, and Wren and Kaelen being two characters you can't help but want to win, The Witch and the Spare should be on your list of romantasy to watch for.
Thanks to author for ARC
Thanks to author for ARC
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you want rich world-building, slow-burn childhood friends to lovers and a villian with a twist, then put The Witch & The Spare on your TBR list ready for its release in November.The two main characters are bound by duty, but are drawn together despite a truly horrible villian twisting the world around them. This story will keep you guessing till the end - my only issue is I now want more from these characters!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this book! The character development is so beautifully written.
This book is well written, engaging and very memorable!
The plot kept me hooked from the first chapter
Friends to lovers
Forbidden romance
Slow burn tension
Duty vs desire
Villan I hated!!
All up my street loved every minute of this book
This book is well written, engaging and very memorable!
The plot kept me hooked from the first chapter
Friends to lovers
Forbidden romance
Slow burn tension
Duty vs desire
Villan I hated!!
All up my street loved every minute of this book
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you S.B Logue for the early copy of your book. The characters were well developed and story line of good and evil. You go through the trials of both Wren and Kaelen as they fight for their love and the evil that tries to destroy their world.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book has everything you need for an easy read. Love, laughter, friendship and a villain you love to hate!
The friendship aspect of this book is what makes this truly special and you can really see where the relationship develops.
I look forward to reading the next installment!
The friendship aspect of this book is what makes this truly special and you can really see where the relationship develops.
I look forward to reading the next installment!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I got this book as an arc read and I am so in love with these characters. This is a beautifully written story with many twists and turns that keep you from wanting to put the book down.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Received arc from author.
DNF, writing style was not enjoyable for me.
DNF, writing style was not enjoyable for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Beautifully written story with great character development. The evolution of the relationship between the two MC's will have you both laughing and sobbing. Thoroughly enjoyed this and hope to read more from this author!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Witch and the Spare is a story filled with magic, suspense and a longing to belong and be one's true self in a world filled with societal pressures. Shawna's vivid, immersive descriptions bring the story to life, while the compelling plot keeps you on the edge of your seat. A thoroughly enjoyable read!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews