Perfect for readers who like a little more romance than fantasy. Not for those who are more fantasy readers. I think the premise was great, who doesn’t love a magical school? I just felt the execution fell a little flat for me. I was hoping for more of a fantasy first story and this just didn’t deliver for me. I was also very put off that he was obsessed with her from the beginning (yes I I understand that they’ve known of each other for longer) but just the forced proximity when he’s already obsessed just doesn’t work for me.

I’m very thankful to have gotten an early release version of this book.

This enchanting fantasy romance delivers a satisfying mix of cozy magic, royal intrigue, and slow-burning tension. The setup of a magical academy combined with a frosty heroine and a fiercely loyal dragon shifter makes for an irresistible pairing. Alina is determined, clever, and more than capable of standing on her own, which makes her forced partnership with Raelan all the more fun to watch unfold. His internal struggle between duty and desire adds emotional depth to their growing bond, creating a dynamic that’s both swoony and high stakes.

As secrets unravel and danger creeps closer, the story picks up intensity without ever losing its heart. The world of Coven Crest is vividly drawn, full of magical traditions, hidden agendas, and a touch of royal drama. The romance walks a fine line between sweet and steamy, with just enough spice to keep things interesting while staying grounded in the emotional journey of the characters. With themes of trust, destiny, and self-discovery, this is a captivating start to a magical new series that leaves you eager to return for more.

After finishing the book I felt satisfied and overjoyed with the ending the characters were given. The plot was very engaging, I was glue to my chair never wanting to put down the book when I had too. The story line kept me hooked. I very much enjoyed the writing style of the writer, I got a very descriptive picture of the setting and what was happening in the scenes without over describing. I loved the characters Raelan and Alina. I felt that I really connected with them.

Dragons and witches at a magical academy? Yes please.

This book was such an enjoyable read. The pacing was quick and the story was an easy read. There was just the right amount of chemistry between Alina and Raelan to make me interested right from the beginning. Their relationship definitely made the book fit the “cozy romance” genre.

The world development of this book was also pretty good. I enjoyed the use of magic in the story, but I do wish the familiars were more involved. The magical academy setting was lovely and I’m looking forward to returning to it with future books in this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Emberly Wyndham for the ARC opportunity. I definitely recommend this book!

This was an entertaining read and the story had me turning pages…. This one tended more towards romance with fantasy not fantasy with romance and my preference falls in the latter so it felt a bit more relationship heavy than I preferred. And I wanted more dragon for sure!

I may read the others in this series.

Thanks for the chance to read early

Witches, magic, and dragon shifters. This book was sweet and cozy with an engaging enemies to lovers romance with a little bit of spice. The world plot felt a little unsatisfying near the end but since this is the first book I expect the overarching plot will be picked up in the next book. Still, a little cliff hanger or some more information would have felt more satisfying.

Overall I enjoyed it, it was an easy read and the romance was satisfying.

Witches, dragons, and magical drama? Say less—I was all in.

This book was such a blast! It gave me everything I wanted from a magical academy story—sassy spells, mysterious secrets, a touch of danger, and a dragon shifter love interest I could not get enough of. The chemistry? Electric. The banter? So good. The vibes? Immaculate.

The pacing was quick, the magic was fun, and the world felt like somewhere I wanted to move into immediately (minus the chaos… maybe). And our witchy main character? Loved her. Smart, bold, and not afraid to challenge the rules—even when it got messy.

Pure magical fun with just the right amount of spice and swoon.


*thank you for an early copy of this book*

This book was SUCH a fun ride! A Witch and Her Dragon is like the perfect mix of magical academy chaos, forbidden chemistry, and all the fantasy tropes I secretly (okay, not so secretly) love. The moment I met the dragon shifter love interest, I knew I was done for.

There’s drama, danger, spell-slinging, and just enough romantic tension to keep your heart racing. Plus, the academy setting? Totally immersive. It gave me all the nostalgic magic school vibes—but with a fresh, feisty heroine who’s not here to play by the rules.

If you’re into magical secrets, dragon boys, and sassy witches who don’t back down, you’re gonna love this one. It’s fun, fast-paced, and left me dying for book two.

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

Thank you NetGalley, Victory Editing, and author Emberly Wyndham for this ARC of “A Witch and Her Dragon.” I received this ebook for free and am voluntarily leaving this review.

This story is the definition of a cozy romance in a magical setting. I literally can picture readers curling up with a blanket on a rainy day, drinking tea or coffee, and eating a scone (or croissant 😉) while reading this book! The plot heavily focuses on the relationship between the FMC Princess Alina (a witch with frost powers), and our internally struggling MMC, Raelan. Raelan is an elite knight in the king’s guard, but he is also a rare Dragon Shifter and Alina’s fated mate (unbeknownst to her but fully known to him). In the beginning of the novel, Raelan becomes Alina’s bodyguard (not by choice), while she enjoys her first year at Coven Crest Academy (a college for witches to help hone their magical powers).

What I loved most about this book was the relationship between our two MCs. I could feel the tension, desire, and love between them. There was some romantic angst and slow burn (but not too slow) in the beginning that was well written. I enjoyed learning Raelan’s backstory and family dynamics, which we see play heavily in his approach and struggles with Alina. I also enjoyed the dual POVs. Lastly, I loved the whole fated mates trope and the struggle that Raelan goes through because of that. His character is so protective of Alina, even to the detriment of his own physical and mental health.

Some minor critiques, which didn’t take away from the core focus of the story, was that I would have liked a little more world building about the Academy, Alina’s Kingdom, and the Shadowfall Court - as well as more character development regarding Alina and Raelin’s family members, Alina’s roommates, and one of the main antagonists. That’s just my personal preference- other’s may read this book and find that the information given was enough. The danger element, which happens later in the novel, was wrapped up quickly. We don’t see much, in the way of information, on who was truly behind the action and why it really transpired. There are more books to be written, as this is book 1 of an interconnected standalone series. I am hopeful that in the future novels, we will gain more information about the antagonists.

Overall, I enjoyed reading “A Witch and Her Dragon.” I am rating this story as 4 stars, under the category of a cozy-lighthearted read. There is some fantasy and minimal danger elements in this novel; however, the focus of this story is mostly about the romance between the MCs and their mate bond versus an intense fantasy plot - which is great if that is the vibe you are looking for! Personally, I had just read a very heavy Romantasy saga. I was wanting to read a quick romantic standalone novel based in a magical setting that included angst, spice, and a guaranteed HEA. This novel definitely fit that narrative!

I would recommend this book to fellow Romantasy lovers of the following tropes/vibes:
*cozy magical vibes but not heavy on lore or abilities
*dragon shifter MMC
*enemies to lovers
*fairytale vibes with a HEA
*fated mates
*forced proximity
*magical academy
*spice 🌶️🌶️.5
*quick standalone that’s more romance focused

The book centers on Alina Ravenscroft, a determined witch aiming to graduate from Coven Crest Academy and join the king’s elite coven. Her plans are complicated by a royal decree: she must be accompanied by a knight. Enter Raelan Ashvale, an elite knight and secret dragon shifter, assigned as her bodyguard. Unbeknownst to Alina, Raelan is her fated mate, and he's been resisting the pull between them for years. As they spend more time together, the tension escalates, especially when threats to Alina's safety emerge, forcing Raelan to confront his secrets and desires. If you love a good dragon romance this is for you

Thank you to NetGalley, Emberly Wyndham and the publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy in exchange for a honest review.

I found this to be a very easy read. Definitely would describe this as fitting the cozy romance vibe. Alina’s character was well developed as well as Raelan. I like the trope of him falling first, forced proximity, and dated mates. The world development was pretty good in this book. Dialogue between characters was well written. It sort of reminded me of Harry Potter with the setting of classes and the magical Coven Academy.

Definitely would recommend this story to others!

3.75 ⭐️
Thank you NetGalley and Emberly Wyndham for the eARC.

Enjoyable easy read and fits the “cozy romance” genre well. Alina Ravenscroft is princess and heir to kingdom who dreams of attending magical Coven Crest academy to master her magic. Raelan is knight assigned to guard her and just so happens to be secret dragon shifter and her mate.

Easy cozy romance that hits some typical tropes (not in bad way). Definitely gives off a bit of Harry Potter vibes a bit in the academy setting/classes but that’s small part.

-he falls first
-fated mates
-magical academy setting
-forced proximity

One non-spoiler complaint is I wish the companion animals had bigger role. Their mostly just there and I feel should either have been expanded part or weren’t really necessary.

Spoilers below
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The book was overall enjoyable but I have some issues more with the non-romance side. We got all of the info about why dragon shifters are valuable and apparently a whole war (the dragon wars) at the very end during/after Alina’s rescue. Same goes for the veiled hand and whoever hired them which isn’t resolved. Also what they wanted raelan for (to kill him or try to enslave him). Also other than being princess there’s no real background as to why she would need bodyguard at school (rival kingdom, civil unrest, etc). So I just feel the world could have been built out a little more.

A strange mix of The Vampire Knitting Club, Harry Potter, and ACOTAR. A light and entertaining read, although I would have liked it if the fact that they're mates hadn't been implied in the first chapters, but rather more veiled and generated intrigue.

Una mezcla extraña entre The Vampire Knitting Club, Harry Potter y ACOTAR. Lectura ligera y entretenida, aunque me hubiera gustado más que el hecho de ser compañeros no quedase implícito en los primeros capítulos, si no que fuese más velado y generase intriga.