Luna needs to save her inn which leads her to make a bargain with a fae journalist. They both have something to gain! Luna is half fae and needs help with certain things, Vincent could help his own career by helping her. Their deadline is approaching and their attraction to one another is growing!

I love a good cozy fantasy! Lower stakes and good romance are such a fun time. I really enjoyed this story and the characters. I was also surprised by the spice. It wasn’t bad but I didn’t assume it would be in the story and it caught me off guard lol! I only wish that it wouldn’t have taken as long to get the story going. The first half dragged and the second half flew by. I’ll definitely continue the series!

Thank you so much to Netgalley, Jillian Witt, and Myth & Magic Book Club for providing this free ARC. This is my honest review! This published on June 3rd.

A cutesy low-stakes fantasy with a great cast of characters ✨ It was a little simple in terms of plot and character development, but still a quick and enjoyable read!

I really liked the premise of the story and it had a very strong start, but again, I think it was a bit too simple for me to become fully invested. I also thought the family situation was really interesting and at one point I was more invested in that than the romance 🤣🫣 Regardless, Luna and Vincent were adorable and I loved their interactions!

If you’re looking for a quick low stakes fantasy book, I would recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and Jillian Witt for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Luna is a half fae who makes a deal with a fae journalist to save the inn she cherishes so much. Luna is the headstrong FMC that you wish you were.

Vincent is a fae journalist who recommends fae establishments and has finally gotten his big break to do more for the paper.

They created a mutually beneficial bargain that will be more than they thought possible all while navigating complicated family dynamics.

This was such an adorable read. The plot moved along quickly and I was not left with any questions.

Minimal spice that did not take away from the story in any way.

Excited to see what happens next in the Fae by the Bay series.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this arc in exchange for an honest review.

"Bargains With Benefits" is a delightful and warm hearted, romantasy novel that completely lifted my spirits.
Bargains With Benefits tells the story of Luna (half-fae) and Vincent (fae) are deeply attracted to each other but there are numerous obstacles in their way and getting together will take both time and effort. Providing the reader with a lot of laughter along the way.
I'm looking forward to reading more of the Fae by the Bay series.

Une cosy fantasy toute mignonne dans la même vibe que the baby dragon café. J'ai beaucoup apprécié la lecture de ce roman.
J'aime beaucoup les deux personnages principaux et la manière dont leur relation se développe. Je trouve que ce livre permet de voir les fae sous un autre jour et c'est rafraichissant.
J'ai très envie de lire d'autres livres de cette autrice.

✨5 cozy, sparkly stars!✨

If you're looking for a low-stakes romantasy that feels like wrapping yourself in a magical quilt, Bargains with Benefits is it! Luna and Vincent stole my heart from the moment drinks flew (literally) and sparks flew even harder. Their opposites-attract dynamic was adorable without being cliché, and watching them fumble through their bargain—while clearly falling head over heels—was the best kind of slow burn.

Luna is such a warm, chaotic ray of sunshine with a touch of fae wildness, and Vincent? Total cinnamon roll trying to pretend he's a snob. His wind magic being all flirty on his behalf? Cutest magical wingman ever. 💨💕

Beyond the romance, I really appreciated the themes of identity, belonging, and breaking away from family expectations—especially with the fae/human dynamics at play. And the Cliff House Inn setting was enchanting; I wish I could book a room and stay forever.

This book is like sipping a honeyed cocktail by a crackling fire while the wind whispers sweet nothings—sweet, swoony, and just spicy enough. A perfect escape. I’m already counting down the days for the next book in the Fae by the Bay series! 🌙🏡🧚

Adorable low stakes, cozy fantasy with rivals to lovers and found family. I really enjoyed seeing Luna and Vincent’s relationship grow, especially with the added magic elements (iykyk!)

Bargains With Benefits is a feel good read, a perfect breather for me between more intense fantasy reads. Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the ARC!

What a cute fae romantasy!! I love when a fae romance takes place in a regency setting. This was such a cozy read and low stakes! You can't help but root for the characters and I really enjoyed the plot! What a fun read!

Bargains with Benefits is a sweet and cozy fantasy. Luna is a strong, persistent FMC, and I loved how grounded and real both she and Vincent felt—genuine, flawed, and emotionally complex. Vincent’s wind magic was a delightful touch, almost like a little companion, adding charm and whimsy (at least until the spice kicked in, that was a little unexpected!)

The worldbuilding was immersive and enchanting, I found myself wishing I could visit the inn Luna loves so much. While the plot moved a bit slowly and the stakes were low, that’s typical for a cozy fantasy, and it worked well for the tone of the story. It read very much like a YA novel at first, but the romance evolved into something sweet and tender, with just the right hint of heat toward the end.

Overall, this was a lovely, easy read perfect for fans of cozy romantasy stories that are character-driven!

Bargains with Benefits is precisely what I want in a book that is marketed as cozy fantasy romance. The characters have a meet-cute early on and quickly recognize they can use one another for their goals. The dual POV was perfect for their setup. There were enough things unsaid early on for some misunderstanding, but not anywhere close to a miscommunication trope (thank goodness). Instead of feeling like a slow burn with tension, their relationship blooming felt adorable and heartfelt. I internally wiggled multiple times over their cuteness. The non-romantic aspects of the plot hold emotional weight and lead both MCs to grow in their view of the world and themselves.

I like this book enough that I bought the Kindle and paperback to support the author further. There is another series by the author set in the same world that will be added to my TBR.

-Cozy Fantasy Romance
-Dual POV
-Magical Mystery
-Estranged Family
-Challenging Prejudice
-Adorable
-Cinnamon Roll MMC
-Confident, Self-Aware FMC

Such a cute, cozy fantasy, it was easy to be drawn into their magical world. Perfect for lovers of low stakes fantasy, with a sprinkle of spice and a plot to uncover family secrets…

The story was easy to read and there wasn’t intense background information to recap so you could really sit back and enjoy. The FMC and MMC were perfect for each other, the growth of trust and adoration between them was charming and a joy to read. I always love a duel POV as it gives the characters depth from the start as we get a less biased narrative, so I really enjoyed having their actions and choices explained throughout rather than a big reveal at the end.
They both have complicated relationships with their families and previous trauma connected with that, which made their bond stronger. They have healthy communication and handle each other so sweetly once they became more trusting, honestly so cute.

The side character friends are so supportive and I look forward to reading more into their lives later in the series…

Thank you NetGalley and Jillian Witt for the ARC edition.

'So, it's my magic you're after(...)
- You are magic to me. It has nothing to do with your element.'

In this book we meet Luna, half-fae who tries to find her place in the world, where being a 'half human, half fae' is not so ideal. Fae are very closed community and everything and everyone that doesn't fit into their frame won't be accepted. Even her own father despises her. Trying to save an inn she lives at (which she loves so much, despise there not being a one customer wanting to book a room), she strikes a bargain with a very well-respected fae journalist, Vincent, whos work she loves.
Both of them agree, that it could only be a bargain so each one of them will get what they want - but can you tell your heart to not feel anything? And more - could you be so sure that the life you living is not a lie?

I think it's a beautiful story about finding yourself and love, even if you are not trying to fit in societys standards, it is also about staying true to yourself, even tho it would be easier to try and 'fit'. I really enjoyed this book and loved all the interactions between both of the MC AND side characters too - i would love to get a next book about some other people we met here.

The only thing it was lacking of - i think i need more explaining of the magic system - how does it work? AND the spicy scenes were okay-ish, but not spectacular. for me they were more like 'sideway plot', felt a little bit rushed.

But anyways, i enjoyed it nonetherless and would recommend it.

Thank you NetGalley and the author for a copy of this book! i will definitely look out for more from Jillian Witt.



all of the opinions are my own.

First of all thank you Jillian Witt for giving me the chance to review the ARC!

It took me a while because I did not want it to stop. I had opinions at the 80% mark and could have given the review by then, but I wanted to finish the story.

This book is for people who wanted more from Legends & Lattes.

I will try my best not to spoil it; but again with the maybe daddy issues though? (you´ll just have to find out for yourself) but I´m not mad at this one though

while yes it´s a bit more spicy then Legends and Lattes, it gives you the fantasy you want with the spice you want from a romance book...oh did i mention it also has a sprinkle of mystery too?

everything about it made me feel all the cozy feels i felt, along with obsessing over Luna and Vince.....did i mention his powers has a personality? (is that a spoiler?) That part was so cute! Thank you again to Jillian and their publisher for giving me the chance to review the ARC!

I adored this book. It was everything I needed in a book right now. I knew almost immediately that it was one I’d love. Luna and Vincent were two halves that completed each other well! The twists and turns, though relatively predictable, were executed well, and everything had its purpose.

Bargains with benefits is a feel good cottage-core cozy fae romance.

Luna is a half-fae who runs Cliff House Inn, where business has not been booming lately. She is at risk of losing the Inn if she doesn't sell out all the rooms by Long Night. That's when Luna stumbles upon Vincent, a widely regarded journalist, whose opinions matter to the people.

Once they realize they both need something from the other-
He needs access to her family's home, to source info for his current article about her father. While Luna needs his glowing recommendation published about her inn in order to save it- They decide to strike up a bargain, access to her family in exchange for his recommendation. Only one problem, Luna and her father are estranged. She an Vincent will have to spend quite a bit of time together to complete their goals.. and it doesn't helps he finds herself attracted to him.

"Today wasn't feeling like a bargain."

"All I want is to be here for you, Luna. I won't leave unless you ask me to."


Thanks so much to NetGalley and Myth and Magic Book Club for this ARC.

This was my first Jillian Witt book but it will not be my last. Bargains with Benefits is a cozy romantasy that starts slow but builds into such a cute, easy to love, fluffy read. I absolutely loved watching Luna and Vincent fall in love. The magic system was great. I loved all of the elemental powers. This is a very low stakes story but I was just what I needed. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.


Thank you Jillian Witt and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this as an ARC!

📖 Title: Bargains with Benefits-Fae by the Bay #1

✍🏾 Author: Jillian Witt-new to me author

📅Publication date: 6/3/25 | Read 5/31/25

📃 Format: e-Book 312 pgs.

Genre:
*Fantasy
*Romance
*Sci Fi

Tropes:
*opposites attract
*fae/human
*family drama
*cozy inn
*magic

👆🏾POV: 1st person dual

⚠️TW: grief, death of a parent, estranged parent, blackmail/bribes


🌎 Setting: Sandrin

Summary: Luna works at the Cliff House Inn but hasn't had a guest in months. Vincent writes the "Benefits of Magic" recommendation column and is offered a career-defining assignment, but it involves investigating Luna's father. Vincent offers Luna a bargain if she can get him access to her father's house, then he will give her a more "old fae" makeover and write a feature about her inn. to boost occupancy.


👩🏾 Heroine: Luna Pierce- half-fae groundskeeper of the Cliff House Inn.

👨🏾 Hero: Vincent Andiveron-wind fae, from an "old fae" family. He works at The Bayside Times

🎭 Other Characters:

* Seraphina-owns the Parkview Tavern and works at the library
* Evelyn Knowles-fire fae but can't shift, an expert in blood magic, and a server at the tavern
* Darius Pierce-Luna's father
* Patricia-Vincent's editor
* Skye-Vincent's sister, owns a boutique
* Ambrose- a writer Vincent knows that can help magically open the door at Pierce House.

🤔 My Thoughts: I don't usually read a lot of fae novels, but this was done well. Luna and Vincent were easy to root for because they cared about each other and were always honest with each other. I loved the little twist with Luna and her father and Vincent and his parents. It was a satisfying HEA, and I hope Seraphina and Ambrose get a story.

Rating: 5/5 ✨
Spice level 4/5 🌶️

🙏🏾Thanks to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and Jillian Witt for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.

Fae bargains, forced proximity, and a slow-burn romance? Bargains with Benefits is a cozy romantasy that starts slow but builds into such a cute, spicy read. Luna’s trying to save her inn, Vincent’s a smug fae journalist, and their opposites-attract tension? Chef’s kiss. Sweet, magical, and full of heart with a satisfying HEA! ✨🌙💫

Thank you NetGalley and author Jillian Witt for the opportunity to be an ARC reader in exchange for an honest review!

Bargains with Benefits is a cute, cozy, fantasy romance about Luna who is a half-fae, but lives more as a mundane and an old fae, Vincent, who comes from a very traditional and private family but wants to be his own person. They don't hit it off initially, but come to make a deal as they both have something that can help the other.

Spice level: 3/5
Overall rating: 4/5

The author did a good job of folding the world building into the story. Witt has another series set in the same world, which I haven't read yet, but I had no problem understanding the setting and elemental magic in this book.

I immediately liked the female main character, but it took my some time to warm up to the male main character. The first half of the book was also a bit clunky at times, but I kept reading as I wanted to see where the story went. It started to come together around the halfway point and I couldn't get enough once the novel hit its stride.

The third act conflict in romance novels can be very hit or miss for me, but this one really made sense within the story and without giving anything away, was handled very well. It reflected the growth of the characters, particularly Luna, and fit their motivations.

I loved how the relationship developed between the main characters and where we ended up with their story. The side characters were also well developed; they are supportive of their main character friends but still had their own motivations and personalities and I'm interested to see who is featured in the next book in the series.

Overall I would recommend if you are looking for a cozy fantasy romance (aka romantasy) with some spice, great characters, and just the right amount of stakes to move the story along.

📖✨Bargains with Benefits ✨
🧚🏻‍♀️Jillian Witt
📚 Fae by the Bay #1

Are you suffering from a book hangover and don't know what to do next?
I have the PERFECT solution for you !!

This cozy romantasy with low stakes and happily ever after will definitely make you all giddy and giggly !

TROPES :
🍸 Fae Romantasy with Regency-esque setting
🗞️ Dual POV
🍸 Reluctant allies to Lovers
🗞️ He falls first
🍸 Swoon worthy Banter and Slow-ish Burn
🗞️ Opposites Attract
🍸 Cinnamon Roll MMC
🗞️ Cottage core vibes
🍸 Fae Bargains & Curses
🗞️ Sassy Sentient Wind magic
🍸 Hidden powers
🗞️ He takes care of her and fusses over her
🍸 Family Feuds and Resolutions
🗞️ Happily Ever After

I think I just found my new favourite author!! Jillian had me swooning and giggling all throughout the book and I loved every moment and every page of this beautiful masterpiece !

And dare I say my favourite character in this story was the MMC's "Wind magic" , forget shadow daddy , say Hi to WINDY DADDY 😏

I haven't read Compass point yet, but considering it's the same world as this one , m definitely reading it next !

I really enjoyed the whimsical world building, the cozy yet deep and meaningful plot, the lovable and understanding characters and the witty flirty slow burn romance 💞
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And yes , there's a Happily ever after which made my heart happy and fulfilled 🥰💕
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Thank you so much Jillian Witt and Netgalley for this Wonderful e-ARC .