Bargains with Benefits was exactly the kind of book my heart needed. From the very first chapter, I was hooked on Luna’s world—her charming little inn, her hidden half-fae heritage, and that perfect balance of magic and everyday warmth. The writing made me feel like I’d stepped into a magical coastal town I never wanted to leave.

Luna and Vincent’s dynamic was adorable—awkward at first but filled with chemistry and genuine connection. I loved how their relationship unfolded naturally, full of banter, respect, and just the right amount of sizzle. It gave me major comfort-read vibes, but with enough intrigue and tension to keep me turning pages late into the night.

This book felt like a hug in story form. Wholesome friendships, a cozy setting, a bit of fae mischief, and a slow-burn romance with heart—what more could I ask for? I absolutely can’t wait for the next book in the Fae by the Bay series!

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

What a cute, cosy romantascy read! Having not read the previous series I went in to this a little unsure of whether I’d understand the background but Jillian Witt does a fantastic job of covering the basics at the beginning and slowly embedding the facts along the way.

Luna Pierce is a half-fae working at her fathers inn and her best friends tavern when she finally gets the chance she’s been waiting for all her life - the opportunity to run the inn herself. Vincent Andiveron is from an old fae family and trying to make his own way in the world. What starts as a business bargain between the two, quickly leads to more in this enchanting read.

My only nitpick is I feel the insta-love trope is getting a bit overdone, I’d rather an insta-like situation especially when we know we’re going to see these characters in further books.

I’m looking forward to picking up the next book in the series and I’ve already added the previous series to my TBR!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC!

What a fun, cozy, low-stakes read! Sometimes I need to get away from the high fantasy worlds and tension filled romances and this hit the spot. The friendships are wholesome, the cardinal magic is interesting, and the family dynamics were realistic when you get beyond the magic. After I got through the info dumping at the beginning of the book, pretty much necessary in a fantasy world within a shorter novel, the story made me want to check out all the recommendations in Vincent’s articles and visit Sandrin (staying at Cliff House Inn of course).

This is the first book I have read by Jillian Witt and it has me wanting to check out her previously published books in addition to anticipating the next in the Fae by the Bay series.

Thank you Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.

Such a fun, low stake enemies to lovers!! From the get go I was obsessed with the relationship of Luna and Vincent and the writing style. It was SO captivating, fast and fun to read! Definitely a good cozy read & will be reading more from this author! I really loved the use of dual pov as well and that we got to see their journey from each of theirs experiences and got to know their personality!! It was done so uniquely!! This also really reminded me of my love for divine rivals!!!
Thank you so much net galley for the opportunity to read this book early!!
Review will be posted on TikTok later in the week to keep my posting schedule!

”Luna was fae and human. Half of each, and wholly perfect. I wished she’d had more people in her life who made her feel that way.”

“My gaze met his, and those deep brown eyes were my calm in the storm. I knew he was trying to communicate with me.”


GENRE: Cozy Romantasy
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
FORMAT: eBook Arc

Would I recommend to others?: I definitely would, especially if you need a tale to make your heart feel lighter and brighten up your day, if you need some hope that you can find a partner to love you the way you are and stand by your side

Long Review:
Bargains with Benefit takes us on an adventure of finding love despite previous betrayals. It takes on a journey of building a new community with people that appreciate us for who we are.

This is a take where humans and Fae live side by side but are at odds. Of course, the in-betweeners are the half-fae and our FMC, Luna, is one! Our MC, Vincent, is Old Fae. Despite being part of a group that wasn’t sure of their footing, when Vincent saw Luna, he thought:
”She seemed so sure of her place in that moment. My wind surged with longing, like a squall in my chest. It must be nice. I might be old fae, but I no longer knew where I fit in this city.”


The fact that Vincent did not know where he fit in is something he will then find he has in common with Luna AND Luna will show him how it is for someone to be so sure of themselves in a world where they do not fit in anywhere perfectly
“I was decidedly uncomfortable, but I liked that about her. She didn’t hide herself from the world like I did. She was unapologetically her in everything she did. Her curiosity was intoxicating. How she spoke whatever was on her mind had me hanging on her every word. And her energy—the confidence she exuded simply by being herself—was more attractive than I was prepared to ignore.”


Luna is a colorful, strong personality, in which the fire shines behind her eyes. The first time Vincent sees her, she is wearing a sweater that allows her to “fit in” and Vincent immediately could tell it wasn’t her and saw her for who she is:
“Seeing the top on the bartender, I regretted it further. The sweater was all wrong on her. It seemed too timid, too reserved for someone whose eyes still raged like a summer storm.”

“My heart beat rapidly as I watched her go. She was the sea retreating from the shore it bore down on, and I feared she took a piece of me with her when she left.”


Not only is Vincent slowly becoming obsessed with Luna but his magic, which is Wind, is also becoming obsessed with her and comes out unprovoked in relation to Luna and (A BIT OF A SPOILER AHEAD:
We find out that Luna and Vincent’s magic goes hand in hand:
“Wind wrapped around me as I did. It was lovely how well the wind and water worked together. Some might think they were constantly competing for control, but I thought they had more of a partnership than we realized. The wind circled tighter, bringing an uncommon warmth that took me a moment to recognize. When I did, I glanced over my shoulder to see Vincent standing at the bottom of the steps.”


And in regards to magic, in this magic based Fae community, each Fae family has their own elemental magic and in recent years, there have been developments to incorporate Half-Fae & humans together. Luna moved to this town after losing her mother, as her dad lives in the area. BwB deals with building a relationship with a parent that was never around:
“I’d like to think the city taught me how to deal with all manner of people, those who liked me and those who believed me not worth their time. The one person I never learned how to deal with was my father.”


As we go through the story, we start to learn more about Luna’s human mother and Fae father. Luna’s mother being human pushed Luna away from her dad and she didn’t know the whole truth. Now, her dad (Darius) is trying to fix their relationship:
“Part of me wanted to hear his side of the story. The pain of his absence wouldn’t disappear, but we could only start fresh once I understood his perspective of these childhood events.”


In the end, Benefit with Bargains shows the importance of every relationship in our life. Not only that, it shows how we are whole as a person and our partner is someone who stands with us, beside us, rather than someone who completes us as we are not lacking in anything.
“When everything I knew collapsed like a house of cards, Vincent refused to let it fall—his wind would hold every piece in place until I was ready for my next move. He was solid ground, even as the continent tilted beneath my feet. Maybe he made me feel safe, too.”

“The image of a partner with whom to share my burdens. A friend with whom to share my joys. And a lover with whom to share my heart.”

“I knew Vincent was with me. We may have started this relationship with our own goals and desires, but they’d merged somewhere along the way. A joint desire to stand with each other. To support each other. To partner together through whatever life brought. It was intoxicating to know someone was as focused on my pleasure as I was on theirs.”


This is a story of two beings with a scent of: Moonflower x Juniper with Leather x mint with Vincent’s Wind loving Luna just as much as Vincent does:
“You are magic to me. It has nothing to do with your element.” His wind swept in and wrapped around us even as he said it.

“Your element might have something to say about that.” He glanced over his shoulder like his magic was a physical thing perched there.

“We’re still in a heated debate about which of us brings you more pleasure.” He winked.”


Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the eArc in exchange for my honest review

A spicy little surprise with real heart beneath the heat

Bargains with Benefits might sound like a trope you’ve read before—fake relationship with benefits attached—but Jillian Witt makes it feel fresh, fun, and way more emotional than expected. It’s sexy, yes, but it’s also about two people learning how to be vulnerable in the middle of what was supposed to be just a convenient arrangement. Spoiler: it’s never just that.

Pros:
• The chemistry is off the charts. Like, “I should not be this invested in a fake fling” levels of tension.
• The emotional beats land harder than you’d expect—this isn’t just smut with fluff; there’s substance in the way the characters open up to each other.
• The banter is chef’s kiss—playful, sharp, and genuinely funny.
• Pacing-wise, it keeps things moving without dragging or feeling rushed. The steamy scenes are balanced with real growth.

Cons:
• Some side plot threads didn’t get quite the payoff they hinted at—there’s potential there, but it felt a little surface-level in places.
• A few tropes leaned toward predictable (especially around the third-act conflict), though they were still well-executed.
• If you’re not into explicit scenes, this one might be a bit much—it leans spicy, and it knows it.

Overall, this is the kind of rom-com-meets-sizzle that’s easy to devour in one or two sittings. If you’re into fake dating with real feels and don’t mind some heat, Bargains with Benefits delivers exactly what the title promises—and then some.

A very cute and cozy read when looking for something easy and fun. Starts with an almost enemies to lovers vibe but very low angst which is always great. Fun world of magic and light touch of emotions dealing with opposing family views.

Thank you Victory editing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read in advance for my honest review

Luna and Vincent were so fun to meet. I loved this cozy romantasy with magic and high fae. Low stakes and perfect. I had the best time with the banter and slow burn.

A very cute and cosy romantic fantasy!

I really liked the different characters and the development of the relationship between Luna and her father, Darius.

Brilliant!! Absolutely loved it!!This book was such a blast! It’s got that perfect mix of magic, sass, and slow-burn tension that had me hooked from the first chapter. The fae world is full of secrets, bargains, and just enough danger to keep things exciting, but it’s also surprisingly cozy and full of charm.

The main characters have amazing chemistry—there’s banter, stubbornness, and just the right amount of “will-they-won’t-they” energy. I loved how the romance built slowly while the magical plot kept things moving. Plus, the setting (fae magic meets the modern Bay Area) is totally unique and fun.

It’s a great start to what feels like a series I’ll definitely be following. If you like snarky heroines, hot fae love interests, and magic that comes with a price, Bargains with Benefits is 100% worth the read.

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

I have no prior experience with cozy fantasy and fantasy romance books, because I've avoided them most of my life, but this looked so enticing (I mean, look at that beautiful cover) and I'm trying to broaden my horizons, so here we are.

I love the concept of fae, even though I have no idea what exactly they are and never bothered to check that. It's just an awesome word, every version of it. I'm pleased to report that I have not been let down by the fae in this book.

What could I say? I enjoyed getting to know a certain old fae with a wild wind and a half-fae girlie finding her place, doing what she's always wanted. It was wholesome, sweet, a bit spicy, and everything else it promised to be. I'm very pleased.

Honestly, I half-expected it to be boring, but it really wasn't. I loved all the plot points, and it provided me with a much-needed feeling of peace and calm, while also letting me follow an interesting storyline.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read it!

Oh to read this book! I totally recommend Bargains with Benefits for everyone that loves cute fantasy books! This one I had the time of my life reading it! 5 stars from me!

Bargain with Benefits is a charming and surprisingly layered romance that delivers much more than its title suggests. Jillian Witt crafts a story that’s both heartwarming and quietly suspenseful, blending opposites-attract chemistry with a thread of mystery that keeps you turning the pages.

What stood out most to me were the characters - flawed, real, and genuinely compelling. Their differences don’t just create tension; they become the very things that draw them together, showing how unexpected connections can lead to something deeper. The plot moves at a great pace, balancing romantic development with a subtle intrigue that gives the story a unique edge.

If you're looking for a romance with heart, depth, and a dash of mystery, Bargain with Benefits is a great choice.

this was such a sweet & cozy book. i am so thankful i got to pick this up!! i really enjoyed it -it was a book i wouldnt have picked up otherwise so I am so thankful i got to pick it up!

Thank you Netgalley

This was such a beautiful book.

I read this in one evening as I was so engaged in this. A very cozy, sweet read.

I loved the romance and the characters in this. Will definitely look out for more from this author :)