I don't normally read YA but the plot caught my interest via netgalley. I recieved an arc and I'm so glad I gave it a try.

This is such a cute romance set in a magical society world that runs along side the human world (think HP muggles). I won't give much away but both main characters had so much personality that it made the insta love so worth it. Give it a try!

The Wycherlys is not my first Annaliese Avery read. I loved The Immortal Games, and jumped to pick this one up!

A twisty, magical story, which reads to be a tale of holding true to one’s self. Aurelia Wycherly is cursed. Those that perform magic with her fall ill. Jules Nightly’s ancestor cast the curse - on the Wycherly he knew, for it to follow the family line. One Wycherly woman will have that curse at any given time.

Despite the circumstances of Aurelia’s curse, Jules Nightly is not afraid. In fact, Aurelia becomes a beacon of light for him, as the two of them search for a way to keep their magic - for them, and for Jules’ sister, Evelyn (who was snubbed just before tethering - the only way to keep magic).

This has everything. Family’s feuding, love, an accelerating timeline. A council who wish to prevent Aurelia from keeping her magic. A boy who would tear it all down for her. I LOVE their teachers (no, not Kit) and how they have faith in their students. There are so many lovable characters in this one, and Annaliese’s writing has grown since The Immortal Games. This is addictive.

For fans of … Magic, romantic subplots, historical, secret plotting. Cape and wand magic. I adore this.

The Wycherleys is a light, magic filled YA romance with plenty of fluff. It was cute and easy to read, but not one I'd go back to although I enjoyed it whilst I was reading it.

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

THE WYCHERLEYS is a delightful read. It has so much to love - character, tropes, magic, debutantes looking for magical matches!

I loved the way this book take on magic. From wandlets (bracelets that turn into wands), to choosing a broom, to magical pairings, it takes many familiar ideas and puts Annaliese Avery's own spin on it.

Add to that the magical debutante angle! In this book, the debutantes (who are male and female as this is a gender equal society, all of whom are called witches) are searching not for a partner for marriage but a partner for their magic, and they only have three years to do so or their magic fades forever. There are of course love and relationships in the air, but these do not have to be with the same person as their magical match. It's a nice way of making the debutante story feel different.

Aurelia and Nightly are such a good pairing. I love fake dating as a trip and his proposition to do so to annoy his mother sets them off down a merry caper. Their dates are all criminal activities (forging, breaking and entering, etc) which are fun of themselves but the way they embrace the criminal potential of the rises really helps build their relationship by having secrets in common, binding them together.

It's a lovely relationship too, seeing the other clearly and full of chemistry. Their families are rivals, so there's a lot of external pressure on them to stop seeing one another, but also Aurelia's cursed magic hurts those who she touches, meaning she doesn't want to form a relationship with him because it will hurt him. I really liked how so many things naturally kept them apart.

I am really looking forwards to the sequel!

4.5.

This was such a cute and charming YA fantasy romance, just brimming with magic and manners and a darling cast of characters.

I am a very big fan of fusing regency romance with fantasy; funnily enough, I only enjoy regency/manners/polite society romance when it's in a fantasy novel. It's presented as Divine Rivals meets Bridgerton, and I think it lives up to both of these very well, while very much standing on its own two feet.

The Wycherleys features some fantastic relationships, whether it be between brother and sister, two friends, parents and children, and of course, rivals. The bond that Aurelia shares with her brother is so charming and lovely; siblings don't always have to be considered rivals, they can simply look out for one another. I also really enjoyed Aurelia's relationship with Constance; in a world full of people who want to ostracise Aurelia for her cursed magic, it's so nice and refreshing to have someone that fully backs her up. The two of them share a really beautiful friendship.

I can't talk about relationships without mentioning the best of all: Aurelia and Jules! Their sizzling chemistry was palpable from their very first meeting. They form such a sweet and endearing relationship; they don't jump straight into dramatic hate or firey romance, they build something of a partnership and friendship first. I really liked this way of forming their relationship, as they really got to know each other better.

I really enjoyed the magic system; magical bonds and tethers is a really simple (in a good way - not unnecessarily complicated and convoluted) and cohesive magical system, and one that works really well within the story.

It features some of the best tropes: enemies-to-lovers, fake-dating, he falls first, forbidden love. And they all work in tandem so fantastically.

Something I very much enjoyed in this book, is the undercurrent of murder mystery, and a crime to solve. It's not grizzly or off putting, in the best way possible it's kinda sneaks up on you. You think you're settling into a lovely, charming fantasy novel set in a regency/manners universe and BAM! You're suddenly unravelling a mystery and attempting to solve twelve murders of witches. It's such a fantastic addition to this book, and I think separates it from being a simple YA fantasy romance. It gives it a bit of bite.

firstly, I’d like to say thank you to netgalley and the publisher for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

THIS WAS SO GOOD! I read this so quickly, it was so easy to read, fun and gripping! there were so many great elements to this book that made it as good as it was.

I absolutely LOVED the setting of this book. the regency vibes? immaculate! I’m a sucker for regency books and with the witchy vibes too? perfection! the magic system and way the witch system was set up was soooo interesting and I loved learning more about the history of the world as we read on. I also think the tethering in specific is super unique and adds a different layer to the story!

the relationships in this book were so lovely to read AHH. the friendship between Constance and Aurelia and the different sibling relationships were so well done and I just loved reading about them. AND OF COURSE…Aurelia and Jules oh my gosh? I love them. their romance was perhaps slightly quick to grow BUT I don’t care because it was so cute and I loved seeing it develop regardless of its speed!

but the romance wasn’t the only star of this book - the plot was AMAZING! so many different strands of mystery all weaving together made for such an intriguing plot, keeping me engaged and desperate to keep reading! there’s definitely space left for a sequel and I would EAT one up…but I also think it was wrapped up nicely if it was left as a stand-alone. but because I love this world and characters I definitely want a sequel!!!!

I would highly recommend this! such a fun, enticing YA romantasy with the best vibes all round!

Thank you to the publisher & Netgalley for approving me to read this book, I’m rating it 4.5 stars.

I really loved this book, it had a unique magical story with a mystery to unfold that links the past, present and future for all witches. At the heart of the story with Aurelia and Jules we get such a complicated and heartwarming connection that seems so unlikely, but as they navigate the secrets and excitement that surround debutante season we get to see what the pair are truly made of.

I highly recommend this for an interesting and magical YA fantasy with a little forbidden romance.

A magical read from start to finish. Rival magic families are such a good niche that we should embrace more of every time. Avery writes an egmatic duo, both flawed, both searching to help their families. We are drawn into a narrative of power struggles and a regency - esque era where even with magic class and power systems are still major forces. This extra ordinary tale really does leave you spellbound. I would read more of this world in a heartbeat!

Thought I was really going to love this one but just couldn't get into it. Not for me unfortunately.

I almost felt guilty for loving this so much. It creates an intricately built world of imagination and magic, not to mention romance. On top of all that there is an elaborate world of fashion and magical objects that are so well plotted that I cannot imagine there not being many more books in this series, or what a waste of hard work. It does have hints of Bridgerton, but this is a world I’d be delighted to also share with my young-teen daughter. If this isn’t the next big thing, then I don’t know what malevolence has taken over the world!

The Wycherleys is a fun story for young teens who are starting out in the fantasy / romance genre. It is low angst, the plot moves along quickly without too much danger. The main characters are fun and likable. It gives YA Bridgerton vibes with lots of balls, costumes and a sprinkling of magic thrown in.

Such a fun read, I really enjoyed the mystery surrounding the characters as well as Aurellia and Nightly’s letters, and her friendship with Constance. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read an ARC.

Absolutely loved this sweeping, simmering romance with all its mystery and intrigue.. Bridgerton but with witches, they said, and this book definitely delivered. Loved the world-building, the magic system, twisted plot, the love story! Breathtaking in every way - I'll never forget how the author describes tethering and using magic together. Mesmerisingly beautiful. I need the next installment immediately!

From forbidden love and rival enemies, this story cast a spell on me and I couldn't put it down. The world building is incredible and so rich and immersive. It's a breathtaking adventure with plenty of danger, rivalry and romance. Really hoping for a sequel!

The most magical YA fantasy exploring my favourite magical beings, witches! I adored this story, the romance, the depth, the characters, the magic and lore of Witches!

I absolutely loved Aurelia and Nightly - the fake dating and forbidden ish romance aspects of them both being from bloodlines whose family ties have long existed. The Wycherleys and the Nightlys family history was one of the most exciting parts of this story along with the worldbuilding and the romance!!

The plot almost felt like a Witchy version of Bridgerton where the characters have to find a match and tether with another witch to maintain their magic and the magical world. The romance was my favorite between Aurelia and Jules Nightly because they explore the connection between them so well- this is the most interesting Witchy YA fantasy I've ever read and everything I've been looking for in YA witch stories.

Annaliese Avery’s The Wycherleys is a spellbinding YA fantasy that combines witches, romance, and a thrilling mystery in an alternate Regency-era London. With its unique magic system, richly imagined world, and a cast of compelling characters, this book is a delightful read that will captivate fans of magical adventures and historical fantasy alike.

The story is set in a world where witches live parallel to non-magical society, attending their own schools and following their own rules. In this world, young witches must find a magical partner, or “tether,” within three seasons to retain their powers. Aurelia, the protagonist, is burdened by a family curse that prevents her from tethering, dooming her to lose her magic. Desperate to find a solution, she teams up with Jules, a member of the family responsible for her curse, who is equally determined to break free from the constraints of tethering. Together, they embark on a journey filled with danger, discovery, and unexpected romance.

Avery’s world-building is both imaginative and immersive, blending the elegance of Regency London with the intrigue of a hidden witch society. The concept of tethering adds a fresh twist to the magical romance trope, while the parallel witch community evokes a sense of nostalgia for fans of magical school settings like Harry Potter. The pacing is brisk and engaging, with every scene driving the plot forward. The inclusion of a criminal mystery—a series of witch murders in London—adds an extra layer of tension and intrigue, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting series.

Aurelia and Jules are wonderfully crafted characters, each with their own motivations and vulnerabilities. Their dynamic, which starts as reluctant allies and evolves into something deeper, is both sweet and believable. While their romance develops quickly, it feels authentic for teenage characters navigating their emotions in a high-stakes situation. The supporting cast, including Aurelia’s brother Voughan and her friend Constance, adds depth and charm to the story, ensuring that every character feels real and memorable.

What sets The Wycherleys apart is its balance of romance, action, and mystery. The romance is an important part of the story, but it doesn’t overshadow the plot, which stands strong on its own. Avery’s writing is vivid and engaging, making it easy to lose yourself in this magical world.

An immensely enjoyable read, perfect for fans of Cassandra Clare. Overall, The Wycherleys masterfully blends these moods to create a story that is both enchanting and gripping, with moments of lightness and depth that will resonate with readers.

Having read a fair bit of romantasy lately, I liked that this book was a bit different. Set in an alternate regency period England, where magic and witches exist, we had debutantes, seasons and balls with a magic twist. Rather than looking for love, young witches need to meet someone to tether with so they don’t lose their magic. Aurelia, our heroine, ends up working with Jules, from a rival family, to try to find a way for witches to keep their magic without tethering. As they research they discover an old magical system and a dark plot.

It’s quite an easy read, a bit slow at the start but does gain momentum. Some really interesting bits around the magic and how it works. There was some repetition though of the explanations of the magic system and a lot of repetition of Aurelia’s stormy eyes- please give me descriptions of them. The enemies to lovers romance didn’t entirely ring true for me and I think it was more the declarations of love. I did like the main characters and I am glad they ended up together.

I’m going to guess that there will be a sequel as there are still a lot of things to discover and evil again to be defeated. I look forward to reading it.

This was such a fun and immersive YA fantasy book, I couldn't put it down from the moment I started and loved everything about it. From the plot, to the narrative and the characters it all was written so beautifully and in a way that kept you engaged and intrigued with such a refreshing storyline, the ending was so satisfying but also makes me excited to read the next book.

The sweet romance between the two main characters was one of my favourite things and I loved that while miscommunication could have happened as their relationship developed it thankfully never went down that path which made it so much more enjoyable as a reader. Highly recommend to anyone who loves YA fantasy.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review this book before publication, these are my honest thoughts and opinions.

As someone who is not a mega-fan of Bridgerton (Yes, I know. I’m sorry, it’s just not my cup of tea), I had a fear that this book would come across a cheesy and cliché. Well, wasn’t I WRONG?! Perhaps it’s my own super-enjoyment of magic and fantasy, or these particular characters, but I almost forgot all of the factors of this type of this setting that make me dislike Bridgerton. Annaliese Avery’s storytelling is so engrossing and consuming that I had to continue the adventure and I’m so glad I did because this is one of my favourite reads of the year.
 
One thing Avery has done absolutely perfectly is the YA romance elements. Oftentimes I find them too immature or too mature, whereas The Wycherleys hits the sweet spot that I would easily recommend this to any YA or older reader. Aurelia and Jules, Aurelia and Sebastian, Constance and Vaughan, Kit and Evelyn, Kit and Cora, all of the relationships are so well-crafted and I was very happy with the journey and outcome of each and every single one. I was invested and, with so many couples with varying success and dynamics, that is successful storytelling.

The lore-building in The Wycherleys is second to none, also. There is a whole world here that I feel like The Wycherleys is the tip of the iceberg of. Whether Avery chooses to explore other parts of this world beyond the Wycherleys series or not is obviously her choice, but by reading this book you’ll see that she knows every chasm of this world. As a fantasy lover, there’s nothing that pulls me in more than an author who knows their world inside and out and in 2025, we’re seeing a lot of this so to stand out means the world is epic and Avery has achieved this.
 
Without spoiling too much of the plot, the ending of this novel was nowhere near where I thought it was going to end whilst reading the first 75% of the book. And even when I got closer to the end and I thought I had it figured it, there were plenty of elements that surprised me still. Again, I adore this because it shows Avery knows exactly where she’s going in book 2 and laid down the foundations perfectly with such craft that it reads as if it were effortless (although it likely did not feel that way during writing for Avery).
 
All in all, The Wycherleys is a genre merging book ideal of any romance, fantasy, romantasy lovers and Bridgerton and non-Bridgerton lovers alike (I know Bridgerton is going to be thrown around in this book’s press tour a LOT). If I had to debut in one society, I would hope it would be this one and I would LOVE a wandlet around my wrist any day…

This was a cute, witchy romance with non-complicated magic, which makes it a great intro to fantasy/witchy reads for someone newer to the genre. The writing was simple and made it fly by IMO. I enjoyed the whole debutante season aspect and the way they are paired together. Poor Aurelia was so determined to get rid of her curse and sweet but grumpy NIghtly tried so hard to help his girl out. Overall enjoyable palate cleanser.