There was so much that I loved about this cozy, fae romantasy!

Half fae Luna, and old fae Vincent strike a mutually beneficial bargain to push forward their careers. Through Vincent's recommendation in their newspaper, Luna hopes to propel her inn out of the depths of despair before she's forced to part with her childhood vacation spot. These two knit themselves together in such a natural flow, and both of these characters see growth and healing throughout the story.

What struck me the most about this book was truly the communication. I have been plagued recently by miscommunication tropes/plots, and I was so pleasantly refreshed by this book. These characters conquered problems through open and honest communication, which made every piece of the romance in this book sweeter. The communication did not stop with them, as their transparency helped heal decades-long wounds of familial relationships.

As a romantasy, I was not bombarded by lore and world building that felt heavy or overbearing. The elemental magic and fae politics were easy to grasp, and that wind was a character in its own right.

The spice in this book shows up after a wonderful slow burn, and the characters have done such an amazing job connecting and supporting each other that you feel like they've earned every bit of it.

Thank you so much, Jillian Witt, for that breath of fresh air (and wind)!

A huge thank you to Victory Editing and Netgalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: 4.5/5
I received an eARC for my honest opinion

This is a standalone romantasy book in the Fae by the Bay series, set in the same world as Compass Points. You will be introduced to new characters and see how the characters across the Compass Points are doing now. I loved the cozy read, it was full of mystery, magic and romance. You will find characters that are likable, great plot, mystery and understanding of found family and acceptance. You will still find that there is still Fae who want to live by the old ways, and you will find in this book that most fae don’t mind the new changes to their world. You will meet Luna who has never cared about her fae side or does she have any magic. She believes what her mother had told her years ago that she was just human and that her father who was fae didn’t want anything to do with her. You will meet Vincent who is considered “old fae” but who could care less about it. He just wants to be writing for the newspaper and would love to write about something else that was important. Little does he know that he was writing important articles.

When Luna's estranged father offers her a chance to save the inn that she loves so much she jumps to agree, but she might have to strike a bargain with a very handsome fae journalist to get it done. In this book, as you get to know the characters more you will see that both are driven by their ambitions and good will, but at the same time they are weighted down by what society has told them for years and their own family dramas. With the help of each other and their friends they both get to see what understanding, acceptance, and support means and of course love. There is some spice in this book so don’t be picking it up thinking it’s going to be a closed-door romance. I loved the mystery of who was doing what in their town to take away the rights of half fae. I found the side characters to have been well developed, and I can’t wait to see who will be in the next book.

Overall, this was a cute, easy, fun read and I really enjoyed going back to the Compass Points world.

I want to thank NetGalley and Jillian Witt for the opportunity to review this book.

3.5 STARS!

This was a super cute cozy fantasy centered around two very different Fae who end up making a bargain for what they both believe to be their own benefit. The setting is more modern and integrates some of the well known attributes of the Fae and their heritage with real world situations such as prejudices, running businesses, the politics of powerful people, and how to navigate real relationships. I loved all of these elements.

The FMC has a great backstory and is not afraid to be herself, while understanding sometimes sacrifices must be made to accomplish your dreams. The MMC is afraid to be himself and go against how he was raised. They both bring out the best in each other and it's a cute slow burn. Loved the elemental magic, especially how it came out of the MMC (kind of outed him and his real feelings quite often).

Overall, would definitely recommend, especially if you love a good cozy fantasy. Will be continuing the series to see how the other standalones compare.

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the eARC and opportunity to review.

Bargains with Benefits is a heartwarming, low-stakes cozy romantasy that blends magic, slow-burn romance, and the comfort of found family into a charming and engaging story. Luna and Vincent’s relationship starts with a mutually beneficial bargain but quickly blossoms into something deeper. Their bond is sweet, genuine, and spiced with just the right amount of heat. The world-building adds to the book’s cozy appeal, with an inviting inn, a bustling tavern, and a close-knit town that feels like home. Themes of trust, healing, and chosen family are woven beautifully throughout, and readers will find themselves rooting for the lovable cast of characters. With its well-paced plot, adorable dynamics, this story is a perfect pick for fans of cozy fantasy with a romantic core. A delightful and quick read that leaves you eager to return to this magical community.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — A Cozy, Magical Delight

Bargains with Benefits is a heartwarming and enchanting tale that seamlessly blends cozy fantasy with slow-burn romance. Jillian Witt crafts a story that's both comforting and compelling, making it a perfect escape for readers seeking a feel-good read.

The story follows Luna, a determined half-fae innkeeper striving to save her beloved Cliff House Inn, and Vincent, a charismatic fae journalist with ambitions beyond his current fluff pieces. Their paths cross in a mutually beneficial bargain: Luna needs publicity to attract guests, and Vincent seeks access to Luna's estranged father for a groundbreaking article. As they navigate their deal, sparks fly, and their relationship evolves from reluctant partners to something much deeper.

Witt's world-building is immersive, with a magic system that's both whimsical and integral to the plot. Vincent's wind magic, which exhibits a personality of its own, adds a delightful touch to the narrative. The dynamics between fae and humans are explored thoughtfully, providing depth to the characters' personal journeys.

What sets this novel apart is its emphasis on character growth and emotional resonance. Luna and Vincent's interactions are filled with witty banter, genuine support, and a gradual build-up of trust and affection. Their journey is not just about romance but also about self-discovery and challenging societal expectations.

In summary, Bargains with Benefits is a charming and cozy romantasy that offers a perfect blend of magic, humor, and heart. It's an ideal read for fans of low-stakes fantasy romances with rich character development

Thank you Jillian Witt and Victory Editing for providing me with this arc through NetGalley! This was such a cute read and I’m so thankful I received a copy of it. If you’re looking for a cozy romantasy, this is it!

Luna is a half-fae who makes a bargain with a fae journalist. They both make a deal to help each other — he helps her by writing a recommendation for her failing inn and she helps him try to move up in his career by providing a source for an article. But have they both gotten more than they’ve bargained for? Bargains with Benefits will be a part of an interconnected standalone series.

There is found family, he falls first and hard, fae, magic, and his wind is obsessed with her! I loved how Vincent’s wind is personified and how cozy this whole book felt. It was perfect to read for the days we got some rainy weather and I just wanted something cozy.

There are about two open door scenes, so if that isn’t something you enjoy or are okay with skipping, then maybe this isn’t for you. But if you’re okay with that or fine with skipping two shorter scenes, where you don’t miss the plot, then you might enjoy this!

I’m already seeing who some of the next books might be about and can’t wait!

Thank you Jillian Witt, Victory Editing, and NetGalley for this ARC, in exchange this is my honest review.

Bargains with Benefits by Juilliard Witt is an okay, cozy romantasy.

Witt writes a world of fae, half-fae, and humans where they are just coming out of a deep sleeping curse and people are starting to travel again. Luna is the half-fae daughter of an old established fae family finally getting her chance at running her father’s inn, hoping the winter solstice festival can bring in much needed customers. Vincent is an old fae journalist who wants a chance at writing something more impactful than his advice column Benefits of Magic.

Vincent is given the opportunity to investigate Luna’s father about potential bribes against building a magic school where all will be welcome regardless of if they are fae of mixed fae heritage, or race. Luna wants Vincent to write about her inn so her father won’t sell it.

Honestly the writing was lack luster compared to the plot. There was a lot of repetitive lines “I felt my wind swirl/surge/(insert verb here) in me” (or something like that). Some of the side characters were honestly annoying (Daisy, I really found her attitude tiresome and irksome). The racism between humans and fae is an old used trope that Witt didn’t add anything new to. Also that fae look like humans but they are hotter is overused and also means they aren’t like humans inherently and that annoyed me some. The plot had opportunity and I didn’t feel it shine.

I felt very neutral towards this book in the end. The mystery element of the journalism. Vincent and Luna’s romantic pull. All potentially fun and cute, but the writing didn’t meet the expectation of the plot and honestly made it harder for me to enjoy. I didn’t hate this ARC, and I didn’t love it I just felt “meh”. Overall a 3/5 read for me. Bargains with Benefits is out now.

This story really drew me in with its adorable meet-cute and fun setup. I especially appreciated how both Luna and Vincent had complex relationships with their families, and the way their personal growth intertwined with those dynamics felt more thoughtful than what you usually see in half-fae stories.

The plot was on the simpler side and the pacing a little slow at times, but that actually worked in its favor! t’s the kind of book you reach for when you want a soft, comforting read rather than something high-stakes. The romance was sweet and straightforward, nothing too intense, but still enjoyable.

It reminded me a lot of Tessonja Odette’s fae series, so if you’re into that cozy, character-driven romantic fantasy vibe, this will hit the mark. I'm especially intrigued about where things go next. If the sequel follows Luna’s friend and a certain rival, I’m definitely picking it up.

Vincent and Luna were both easy to love. Their bargain-based relationship started with mutual suspicion, but watching it shift into trust and affection was really satisfying. I loved how Vincent’s wind magic added another layer to the romance, it was like his powers had their own feelings about Luna from the beginning, and that gave everything a whimsical charm.

The world has a gentle, regency-style feel to it, with light mystery, a dash of spice, and just enough intrigue surrounding Luna’s family and the inn she’s trying to save. The friendship between Luna, Evelyn, and Seraphina was another highlight, offering warmth and support throughout the story.

All in all, Bargains with Benefits is a cute, low-stakes fantasy romance full of likable characters and magical charm. It’s cozy, sweet, and just enough spicy to keep things interesting.

What a cute cozy standalone romantacy! I loved the story line with Luna and Vincent. I read this book quickly. I thought this book was absolutely a great time! If you like fae books, romance, enemies to lover vibes, fae bargains, opposites attract type books with spice—then this is for you!

This book was so adorable!!!! I really enjoyed the characters and their story! This was such a cute and refreshing read!

3.5 rounded up to 4

Luna and Vincent both need a break. She needs her inn to be successful, and he needs a story worthy of the front page. So they strike a bargain to help each other. Vincent will feature the inn in his recommendations column and Luna will get him access to her estranged father so Vincent can verify an anonymous tip. But this bargain may have more benefits than they anticipated.

Read if you like:
-Cozy Fantasy
-Elemental Magic
-Forced Proximity
-Mysteries

Bargains with Benefits was so cute! I loved the dual mystery of the inn and the anonymous tip. It was so much fun to see Luna and Vincent working together. And I love how Vincent's wind was practically it's own character. The only thing I wish was different was how much the book relied on Jillian Witt's other series for world building. If I hadn't already read those books, I would have been a little lost.

This was such a fun read. If you're looking for a cozy read with a regency feel, low stakes, and a swoony romance (with spice), then Bargains with Benefits will be right up your alley. Vincent and Luna were lovable characters and I loved the playfulness of Vincent's magic as a mechanism to show affection for Luna. This is a perfect quick read for those moods when you just need something charming and sweet.

I probably shouldn’t have accepted the arc for this. I didn’t mesh well with the setting of the author’s previous series, and I didn’t realize they were one and the same. It felt unrealized to me, with a lot of telling and not showing. I found the characters likable and developed. I’d probably still recommend it as a low stakes romantasy to others.

🇬🇧 A sweet, sweet, sweet and heartwarming story.

A tender tale that comforts and wraps around you like the embrace of a dear friend. I say this because I’ve just lost someone close to me, and taking refuge in a good book—in a magical world filled with characters who instantly feel like friends—has brought me real solace. Bargains and Benefits by Jillian Witt was exactly that: a gentle refuge.

This cozy romantasy has all the right ingredients: wonderfully crafted characters, a charming small-town setting where magical and non-magical people live side by side in true community spirit, and a plot that begins with a “bargain” meant to bring business success… but instead leads straight to a well-deserved happily-ever-after. Add a sprinkle of magic, a disastrous first impression, and a touch of mild spice—and you’re in for something truly special.

A quick glimpse into the story: Luna is a half-fae innkeeper trying to save the place she calls home. Vincent is a polished fae journalist from a wealthy pure-blooded family, chasing the biggest story of his career. It all starts with a bad first impression (a cocktail spill that’s not exactly accidental) and a reluctant bargain—but their relationship quickly blossoms into something much deeper and tender, especially once Vincent’s magic—a conscious, enchanted wind with a personality all its own—develops a soft spot for Luna… even before Vincent realizes he’s already fallen for her too (swoon!).

I really appreciated the critique of the fae caste system, and how Vincent stands up against the injustice of an elite school closed to those without “pure” blood.
And I absolutely adored Vincent’s wind—so drawn to Luna, unable to resist caring for her from the very first moment.

So yes—magical dates in whimsical nightclubs, cozy taverns, new and renewed family bonds, and—rare but oh-so-welcome—no unnecessary third-act breakup. Bargains with Benefits is a captivating and comforting read from start to finish.
I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who loves:
- Cozy Standalone Romantasy
- Opposites Attract
- Fae magic
- He — and his magic — fall first
- Bad First Impression (Darcy & Elizabeth Vibes)
- Found Family

Delightful and wonderfully cozy (with some spice).

I was familiar with the world through Jillian's Compass Points series but you do not have to read those first.

I loved the magic system and I loved the characters, Vincent especially. Can't wait to read the next in the series!

Bargains with benefits is a new cosy fantasy novel by Jillian Witt. With a magical, and misbehaved, inn to run, our main character has a lot of her plate. There are picky fae patrons to serve, magical doors to unlock and her estranged father to please. Or there would be picky patrons to help, if she had had a visitor in months. In order to keep her inn running, Lune turns to Vincent, a journalist and trusted by the people for his recommendations.

It's a tale as old as time, two people thrown together by accident decide to make a deal for their own benefits and then fall madly in love. This novel is a wonderful ray of sunshine (just like our main character) and a lovely bit of escapist fantasy. There are enough stakes to keep the reader invested, but our main characters are more interested in their own lives than saving the world.

If you want a cute, low stakes book with well-developed characters and a sweet romance, this is exactly that!

Cosy Fantasy
Standalone
Magic with personality
Spicy

An uncomplicated fantasy book that is light and cosy, perfect for a rainy-day read.
.
Luna strikes a bargain with an arrogant Fae with wind magic that has a personality of its own to rescue her beloved Inn. Vincent, the arrogant Fae needs Luna’s help to investigate her estranged father.
This is a fun filled easy read with adorable characters and heart-warming new relationships. This is a great book for fantasy lovers and the perfect book for anyone who wants to get into reading fantasy.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
A huge thank you to Netgalley and Victory Editing for this e-arc.

I love paranormal romance, it’s a genre I don’t seek out but if I come across one, I’ll immediately read it because I love the mix of cute romance stories with people with powers or other abilities. I love mixing in the magical world, but only to the point of adding complications to regular life things, rather than preparing for war, but those are fun too! This one follows Vincent and Luna who meet one night in a bar, and strike up a deal to help each other’s careers succeed. Vincent is researching Luna’s dad for bribing government officials against a half-fae school to teach magic, and that’s so scandalous. Luna needs help fixing an inn since her dad put a time limit on it’s time to succeed for her to inherit it, so they both hate him and can’t wait to make ti work for both of them .

As they spend time together trying to uncover family secrets and government corruption, they end up falling for each other. He understands her, takes the time to make her feel comfortable as a half-fae without powers in the old fae world and makes sure no one treats her wrongly it’s so sweet. Luna shows Vincent that someone will love him for who he is, not his ability to wield magic, or who his family is, and he deserves it with how much he fights back against his family name!

I left a lot of things out of the review just to avoid spoilers but go check this book out. So many side characters were introduced and I can’t wait to see what books and tropes come next!

Thank you to Jillian Witt and NetGalley for the ebook ARC!

Bargains with Benefits is a cozy fae romance that feels like a warm hug. There’s magic, mystery, banter, and a bit of spice. I loved seeing Luna and Vincent’s relationship develop as they worked together, and how their feelings affected their individual goals. The stakes are relatively low but still intriguing, and I really enjoyed how the story played out.

This is the first book I’ve read by Jillian, and it won’t be the last. I look forward to reading her Compass Points series and any spin-offs related to this one!

This is simply cute and enjoyable on all levels!! I absolutely can not wait for more books in this series! Character arcs are superb, plot is simple and enjoyable. This is a weekend cup of tea, low stakes romantacy read that is just plain fun!! I can't wait for more.