Thank you to NetGalley, Pan Macmillan and author Stephanie Burgis for this eARC

I Loved This!

Wooing the Witch was an absolute delight to read.
This to me is peak romantasy. The plot was well though out and well executed but where this book shines is it’s characters.
Saskia is strong-willed and protective of her people while trying to live up to everyones expectations of her as Queen.
And the we have Felix. Felix, who has my whole heart! He is so strong without realising it yet so, so gentle and geeks out over fountain pens and he just deserves the world.
I loved how their romance developed - it felt very real and organic. I also loved our side characters, especially Lorelai!
Just overall a great book, one of my favourite reads this year!

Overall this was a very sweet and cosy fantasy romance with a hint of magical political intrigue!

I felt that the story moved a little too fast for my liking at the beginning and wished there was more time spent exploring the main characters before they meet. Kind of instant attraction but the romance itself was cute and definitely a slow burn with the hidden identity. I really appreciated the FMC being the more assertive one in the relationship and the MMC playing the more gentle role - I often find that in Romantasy books, relationship dynamics become a bit too same-y but this was refreshing! Bisexual queen and sensitive librarian boy? Love it x

Took me a little while to get hooked but once I was invested I never wanted to put it down! And it’s all set up for the sequel hehe…

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

A very pleasant book! I liked how the author reversed the grumpy/sunshine trope by giving us a soft, cinnamon roll hero and a somewhat grumpy heroine whom everyone is afraid of. Felix is truly a wonderful MMC. He’s a stationary enthusiast, befriends a raven, and works in a library. Can it get any better? Probably not. I love his banter with Saskia, who is also a fantastic character. The slow-burn romance is one of the best aspects of this novel. I also enjoyed the dynamics between the three queens of villainy, and I would happily read the next installments featuring the other two heroines.
The book isn't officially categorized as cozy fantasy, but it gives off exactly that vibe. I enjoy this subgenre, and overall, I found it an enjoyable read. However, I believe this story would have resonated even better—and perhaps been less predictable—in a slightly less cozy, more "adult fantasy" form. That said, it is still a lovely read for the autumn-winter months.

My opinion on the book is average: it did not particularly impress me, neither for a particularly brilliant plot nor for the characters, that remain quite anonymous during the reading, but it is an enjoyable book with a fun style, very light and not to be taken too seriously.
I found the resolutions quite banal and in general I noticed a basic superficiality that prevented me from fully appreciating the book. As a reader, for personal taste, I would not be interested in reading other books in the series.
Pros: fun style, light book
Cons: little depth, too simple plot, based a lot on the relationship and little on the facts

thanks for the ARC opportunity :)