I really enjoyed this book. It's not the most original of plots but it is just a nice cosy read. It's not one to be taken too seriously.

I really enjoyed the relationship between Alina and Raelan. I liked his grumpiness but softness towards Alina. I liked the back and forth in their relationship. However, I will say there was a bit of an odd contrast over the spice in the book and how immature Alina seemed at times. I wonder whether this book would have been better as a YA book.

I really enjoyed the setting of the magical academy and Alina's friends. I hope we see more of them in future books. I would also have liked a bit more world-building. I loved Yuki and the concept of the spirit animal companions but they weren't explained much and didn't appear too much. I would have liked more of them.

The plot of the book was very enjoyable. I felt like it was just a cosy fantasy read. It's not supposed to be hard-hitting or dramatic and it was just really nice and gentle. It's definitely not high-stakes which is what I wanted to read at this point in time.

I would highly recommend this book for cosy fantasy fans. This book was released on 3rd June so make sure you check it out.

Thanks to NetGalley, Emberly Wyndham, and Victory Editing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

A cozy, romantic read with just a touch of magic! While the story is set at a magical school, the spotlight is definitely on the slow-burn romance between Alina and her dragon shifter bodyguard. If you’re into fated mates, protective knights, and light fantasy with a little more than a dash of spice, this one’s for you.

She's the frost to my fire, the earth to my sky. Shes my mate. And destiny got it just right !

Don't be fooled by the cover this book is more than romance, it's spicy 🌶️🥵 the tension between the fmc and mmc is crazy jealous... It's giving hp and Hogwarts but its coven crest academy instead. Princess Alina has to have a knight with her at all times in the Academy by kings orders.. that knight just so happens to be Raelan who has to fight the Dragon from escaping him....

A blue haired frost witch..... a moody Knight ! A dragon, friendships, with that sugar and spice.

A Witch and Her Dragon was such an enjoyable read! As someone who doesn’t always gravitate toward fantasy, I was surprised by how quickly this book pulled me in. The magic, the love story between Alina and Raelan, and the cozy vibe made this a really comforting experience. It’s definitely on the lighter side for fantasy—the worldbuilding isn’t overly complex, which actually made it feel like the kind of an easy read you can devour in one sitting.

That said, while I loved the book, it did feel a bit superficial at times. The romance really takes center stage, and I found myself wishing for more depth in the storyline, especially when it came to Alina’s powers and her background, her relationship with her roommates, the story of this magical world. A little more development could’ve made the world and characters even more compelling.

Still, I couldn’t put it down and I absolutely loved the author’s writing style. I’m excited to check out the upcoming books in the series. Definitely a great pick for anyone looking for a soft, light fantasy romance that’s warm, magical, and sweet. :)

I am not sure I was expecting the book I got when I requested this book. It was far more spicy and romancy than I thought, but I really should have read the summary. It is still a cute, cozy, witchy book, but this focuses about 75% on the burning relationship between Alina and her bodyguard, shapeshifter, dragon, Raelan.

Some of the things we do get before diving into the relationship, is a magical school, friends who can see past Alina as the princes, and Alina, herself, who just wants to be normal and finally do something that doesn't hinge on her being :the princess". I suppose when your grandfather is the ruling monarch, it is hard to find people who don't fawn over you as being part of the royal family. Though Raelan doesn't "care" she's the princess, he knows it is the biggest reason they shouldn't pursue each other. Even after he tells the reader in the first or second chapter, she is his fated mate, so he just plans to stay single since no one else will ever be her. I thin this is some significant foreshadowing to events in the future.

Their relationship starts with Alina barely knowing Raelan's name while he on the other hand has already acknowledged she is his "fated mate". When Alina applies to a magical school, her grandfather allows her to go with the one condition that she brings a bodyguard of his choosing, which happens to be this same dragon shifting knight. I am certain I do not have to tell you the juicy details. If this book already sounds like it is your cup of tea, then I recommend you read it.

This book was great! I thought the plot was incredibly interesting. I think it does a good job of capitalizing on the popularity of fantasy and romance while delving into a concept I haven't seen before. Recommending this to everyone!

Slow burn
Reluctant Fated Mates
Enemies to lovers
He falls first
Dragon Shifter
Frost Witch Princess

Raelan is a knight in the Kings guard. He is dragon Shifter but has had to hide this fact from everyone save the King and his mother. He has known for 3 years that Princess Alina is his fated mate but to protect her he fights the bond.

Alina is a Frost Witch who has trouble controlling her magic. She is given the opportunity to study at Coven Crest academy and her grandfather, the king, agrees to let her attend with the stipulation that Sir Raelan must accompany her for protection. Neither of them is happy about the situation but they both agree. Will Raelan be able to fight the bond or will Alina and his dragon wear him down?

This book had me captivated from start to finish. I am a sucker for reluctant fated mates and Emberly Wyndham did not disappoint on delivering. I give this book a solid 4.5 stars.

A Witch and Her Dragon has so many delicious tropes to sink your teeth into: princess and bodyguard, dragon shifter and fated mates, forced proximity, and touch her and die.

Princess Alina Ravenscroft, granddaughter to the king, has had her heart set on going to Coven Crest Academy to learn how to master her magic for as long as she can remember. Unfortunately for her, the king will only let her go if she brings along one of his knights as her bodyguard. All hopes she had of being able to blend in as a regular student are dashed now that she has a babysitter following her around.

Sir Raelan Ashvale, the knight assigned to watch over Alina while she’s at Coven Crest, has been harboring a huge secret. Not only is he a dragon shifter, Alina is his fated mate. Ever since finding this out, he’s done his best to stay away from Alina and to maintain control of his dragon that desperately wants him to claim her as his own. Now he has to face this inner turmoil daily as he is forced to spend more time in such close proximity to Alina.

I loved the dual POV of this book, I thought it did a lot to help build the tension between Alina and Raelan. It gives you a really in depth look at Raelan’s struggle to resist the pull he feels to her. What his heart and his dragon want are very at odds with the duty he feels like he has to the king and his desire to protect Alina from any potential danger his dragon may cause.

The setting of Coven Crest Academy not only gave us a great look at the magic system in this world, but it introduced us to some really great side characters. I loved that we got to see some really strong female friendships and they all had very differing but clearly developed personalities.

The only reason it’s a 4 star read instead of a 5 star for me was because I felt like, while intense and edge of your seat exciting, the conflict in the second half of the book was not fully resolved. I was still asking myself “well why did that happen?” at the end.

Huge thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC.

Received an arc from Net Galley in exchange for a honest review. I am a sucker for dragons so I love the mmc was a dragon shifter plus he was her knight?! Love it. It was enemies to lovers but he knew she was his mate since the beginning it was barely enemies to lovers. I do like the school setting! I know there is a sequel but I feel like their story was kinda done unless the sequel is about their classmates. It gave cozy fantasy vibes as everything was tied up in one book and short.

This is a fun, entertaining, cosy read. Raelan is definitely pining over Alina and it takes Alina way too long to realize that he likes her… as someone who’s experienced that myself, I fully understand Alina’s ignorance.
This is the definition of a romanatsy – remove the romance and the story struggles. This is evident in the world building, at times Wysteria sounds like a small town, but then it’s also described as a kingdom. They walk an awful lot for it to be such a large city.
I’d love more details about Alina and her dreams, such as the Shadowfall Court, and why it’s now accepted for her to study when her mother was denied the same opportunity. And her roommates – its stated her grandfather selected them, but then no details are provided as to why these were suitable companions for Alina.

This was such a sweet, fun, cozy read. I flew through it in just a couple of sittings, and it gave me exactly what I needed.

Princess Alina Ravenscroft is on the brink of something incredible—she's been accepted into Coven Crest Academy. It’s her chance to finally prove herself and gain control over her magic. She wants nothing more than to spread her wings and fly… if only her grandfather, the king, agreed. He allows her to attend, but not without assigning her a knight protector. And not just any knight—the glowering, infuriating, and devilishly handsome Raelan Ashvale. Sigh. This is going to be a long year!

Raelan Ashvale has a secret. As a rare dragon shifter, he owes everything to the king—the one who took a chance on him, kept his secret, and helped protect his family. So when he’s given the most important assignment of his life—traveling with the princess to keep her safe—he can’t refuse. The problem? His pull toward Alina is powerful, an all-consuming. His dragon knows the truth: she’s his fated mate, and he wants nothing more than to claim what’s his.

I adored this story. It was fun, playful, and spicy. I was so engaged I tore through the pages. I loved Raelan and Alina—Raelan, with his fierce love for his family and selfless devotion to protecting Alina, and Alina, with her determination to be more, to prove herself, and maybe even find a little normalcy. Their connection was slow-burning, tense, and beautiful.

This was such an enjoyable, satisfying read… and let me tell you—the spice was spicing! I’m also a total sucker for a good girl crew, and I’m absolutely looking forward to the rest of their stories!

Thank you for the opportunity to review this ARC and give feedback, Emberly Wyndham and NetGalley!

I really enjoyed this cute cozy romantasy. The characters were relatable and I enjoyed the quick pacing of the plot. I loved that the FMC was able ot make a solid group of supportive girlfriends without conflict. I am looking forward to reading more books in this series!

If you enjoy the following, you’ll enjoy this book:
-Cozy Romantasy
-Forbidden romance
-Witch Princess FMC x Dragon Shifter Knight MMC
-Possessive/Protective MMC
-Fated Mates
-Cozy Academia
-Spicy

Thank you for this arc in exchange for an honest opinion.

I really liked the concept of this book. A forbidden royalty romance in an academic setting paired with a dragon mmc sounded like something I needed to read.
Alina was a great fmc who fought for what she wanted. Reading about her friendship with the other girls was great (the power of female friendships!!!) and I was especially intrigued by Lyra – she was such a hilarious and energetic character.
Raelan was amazing😍🐉his struggle between his duty to the king and his dragon’s instincts was very well-written. I liked that he fell first and how intense the tension between him and Alina was.
I wasn’t aware that this was a cosy romantasy and as a reader of Sarah J Maas, Carissa Broadbent and Rebecca Yarros, I was constantly stressed and afraid something bad would happen to the characters😂but don’t worry because this is the first book in a quartet of standalones and has a happy ending 🥳

Overall, I enjoyed this spicy cosy romantasy, but wish there had been a stronger focus on the academia element of the story with the academy itself, the subjects and the exams. I can't wait for Lyra's book!!

Review – A Witch and Her Dragon by Emberly Wyndham

A Witch and Her Dragon is a cozy, romantic fantasy set in a magical academy that immediately gave me strong Hogwarts vibes. The worldbuilding feels familiar in the best way, with an academic setting that’s rich in magical details and structure. I especially enjoyed the type of magic explored and how it was woven into the characters’ lives.

Alina, the protagonist, is both sweet and determined—she’s compassionate and kind, but also willing to stand up for what she wants, especially when it comes to love. She doesn’t fade into the background like many "gentle" heroines; instead, she becomes more assertive as the story progresses, and I really appreciated that.

Raelan, the male lead, was another highlight. I loved the dragon shifter element—it gave his character an added layer of emotional tension, especially in how he struggles with his power and his responsibilities. He has that brooding, protective energy, and while he makes some frustrating decisions, he never stops caring deeply. His journey is very much about learning to let others in and trust that love doesn’t make him weaker.

The romance is definitely the heart of this story. It leans into fated mates and has strong cozy energy—romantic, tender, and with a bit of angst. The push and pull dynamic between Alina and Raelan can be a little repetitive, but I loved how Alina didn’t just wait around—she actively tried to understand him and fought for their connection. That made the romance feel more grounded, even if it didn’t always have emotional depth.

And that’s the main issue for me: while the love story is sweet, it’s not particularly deep. The characters don’t really get to know each other in ways that go beyond the fated mates bond, and I missed more meaningful, vulnerable conversations between them. Similarly, while both protagonists are likable, they could have been developed further on an emotional level.

Still, this was an enjoyable, light read—especially if you go into it more for the romantic fantasy vibes than for character complexity. If you're in the mood for a magical, romantic escape with cozy energy and a touch of dragon lore, this will definitely hit the spot.

If you are looking for a Romantasy book that is more cozy than heavy, a good palette cleanser, look no further than the story of Alina and Raelan! Alina, a princess with ice magic and a talking arctic fox spirit animal is the fated mate of Sir Raelan, a knight sworn to protect her but also a secret dragon shifter. Their journey through Coven Crest Academy and discovering what they are to each other is enchanting with a mysterious villain. This story had so many of my favorite tropes - frenemies (not quite enemies in my opinion) to lovers, he falls first, and touch her and you-know-what. I read through this book in just a few days! I loved the journey and the spice was just right :-) Definitely add this novel to your TBR! P.S. Emberly, we need more of the spirit animals!

What a great read! I read this across two sittings and if I didnt have work I would have stayed up all night and read it in one go.

I really enjoyed this gorgeous romance between Alina and Raelin. Not only does she get a gorgeous arctic fox, ice powers, a gorgeous boyfriend but also a dragon!? Urgh, im jealous.

Definitely gives the warm, fuzzy, kick your feet feels.

“A Witch and Her Dragon” by Emberly Wyndham takes readers on a magical journey full of cozy fantasy vibes, charming characters, and a slow-burning romance at its core. The story follows Princess and witch Alina Ravenscroft, who receives an acceptance to the prestigious Coven Crest Academy—a dream come true. However, her royal grandfather insists she be accompanied by a personal guard, Raelan Ashvale, who harbors a secret of his own: he’s a rare dragon shifter and Alina’s fated mate.

One of the standout elements of this novel is its enchanting setting. The magical academy nestled within a castle, the warm and welcoming town with its cozy bakery, charming tailor shop, and even a magical sports field—all paint a vivid and immersive world that feels both whimsical and comforting. The world-building is rich with potential, especially for future installments.

The cast of characters is endearing, with friendly human classmates and delightful animal companions that add warmth and humor. The writing style is light and accessible, making the book a quick and enjoyable read. There’s also a touch of spice that adds just enough tension without overpowering the story.

That said, I personally found myself wishing for a bit more depth in certain areas. While Alina and Raelan are likable, their personalities occasionally felt limited, with a strong focus on their internal struggles—Alina dealing with the burden of her royal identity and societal prejudice, and Raelan resisting the pull of their bond. Their relationship is undeniably sweet, but the journey toward it often involved repeated miscommunication that made them feel younger than their age suggested.

Although the overarching plot isn’t overly complex, this book functions well as a cozy romantic fantasy. It may not have hit all the notes I was hoping for, but I can see it being a comforting and delightful read for fans of light academia-style fantasy, magical creatures, and fated mates tropes.

Such a super adorable, cozy sweet lil book, with a lil dose of spice and a fun plot. Burned right through it in one day. I enjoyed the characters and looooved the cozy details. I felt as though I was at the academy myself. Looking forward to the next installments and to learn more about the other characters!

Thank you NetGalley for this eARC.

📖 Title: A Witch and Her Dragon-Coven Crest Academy #1-a standalone

✍🏾 Author: Emberly Wyndam-new to me author

📅Publication date: 6-3-25 | Read 6-1-25

📃 Format: eBook 350 pgs.

Genre:
*Romance
*Fantasy

Tropes:
*enemies to lovers
*magical academia
*forced proximity
*fates mates
*royal romance
*cozy
*dragon shifter/witch H&h

👆🏾POV: 1st person dual Alina and Raelan

⚠️TW: virgin h, parental abandonment, shifter attack-past, kidnapping

🌎 Setting: Mysteria-Coven Crest Academy (CCA)

Summary: When Princess Alina is accepted to a magical academy, the King (her grandfather) agrees to let her go under one condition, Raelan must go with her. He doesn't want to do it because it would expose his secrets that may be dangerous for Alina.

👩🏾 Heroine: Princess Alina Ravenscroft-18, a frost witch who wants to become a part of the King's coven of witches Shadowfall Court

👨🏾 Hero: Raelan Ashvale-part of the King's elite knights turned Alina's personal guard

🎭 Other Characters:

* The King- Jorvick Ravencroft
* Raelan's family- his mother Soraya + 2 little sisters Clarice and Glinda
* Alina's roommates- Lyra, Poppy, and Maeve
* Princess Rowena-Alina's mother
* Tristan- a fire warlock/CCA student, likes Alina
* Aric-Poppy's older stepbrother, attends CCA
* Yuki- Alina's spirit companion


🤔 My Thoughts: I had Harry Potter and Camelot vibes, but this was more adult. Alina accepted Raelan after discovering his secret, but Raelan rejected her to protect his family. Both miserable being apart, Alina was abducted and betrayed. Raelan was willing to sacrifice himself to get Alina back.

Rating: 4/5 ✨
Spice level 4/5 🌶️ open door, explicit

**Thanks to NetGalley and Emily Wyndham for this ARC! I am leaving this review of my own accord. All thoughts are my own. **

A Witch and Her Dragon is a wonderfully cosy romantasy.

The focus on Alina and Raelans relationship without any other major plot points allowed the book to have an intimate feel.

I loved the dynamic between Raelan and the dragon inside him which created the perfect yearning for Alina which we get to experience fully with the dual POV!

I also loved the world building, I felt fully immersed into the story between the wind tunnel in the palace, the streets of Wysteria and the stained glass windows of Coven Crest Academy!

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I can't wait to find out what's going on with the Minotaur groundskeeper in the next book!