A lovely book which is so much more than a cozy magical read. There's so much emotion underneath the easy charm; the pressure to be perfect in order to be accepted by the 'mean girls', the loss of parents in childhood and the effects it can have, the value of true friendship and in being our genuine selves. This gives a welcome depth to a gorgeous, frothy read.

loooved this. so cozy with woodland cottages and lots of magic, perfect for autumn and in a way reminded me of ever after high

Lucy Jane Wood proves she’s got absolute staying power in cozy fantasy. For anyone who’s struggled with feeling the need to be perfect, is slightly in awe of teenagers and wants a man who loves animals. If you loved Rewitched you will be more than happy with her latest offering!

Thank you to NetGalley and Pan MacMillan for giving me an arc copy 🩵🧙‍♀️🧁

Uncharmed follows Annie, a certified little miss perfect, people pleaser who can do no wrong (quite literally). She accepts the tasks (because what people pleaser can say no?) of looking after troubled teenage which Maeve who has extraordinary powers. Suddenly Maeve’s powers are discovered by a a powerful source of witches and it’s Annie’s job to save her.

This book is adorable. I think I’m settling on a 3.75⭐️ very close to a 4. There was definitely some 5 start moments, I felt so seen by Annie’s character at some many points, the only thing that lacked for me was I didn’t feel like the romance developed. They sort of when from meeting to suddenly being in love, I didn’t feel them fall in love, it just happened out of know. Besides that, a wonderful setting, and I absolutely loved the bakery 🧁🍪🍩

In the last two or three years, I've found myself reading an increasing number of romantasy novels - from 0 in 2020 to about 60/40 now with my beloved gritty, Crime fiction. And novels such as the slow-burn, magical "Uncharmed" is exactly why.
The seemingly perfect Annie, is our protagonist and we soon learn that this incredible level of perfection is down to a tricky and dangerous spell that she performs nightly. And one that Annie is not willing to cease - for a number of reasons, including wishing to appear "perfect" to the horrible Sorciety and in general daily life. It's easy for a reader to relate to Annie in this regard. We may not be magical wotches, but we all understand pressure and perfection!
And the scenes between Annie and Maeve are hilarious as an adult I can relate to the adult Annie, but can recall only too well, what it is like to be a teenager.
As for the romance, this is a slow-burn and low spice, enjoyable element to the tale.
And of course, we have the ages old battle between good and evil which has an epic conclusion.

This was a lovely read, just as lovely as her first book. I enjoyed the angle, loved the characters (especially Maeve) and would love to see them come back in another book. From what I can tell, this is told before the events of Rewitched, which is a bit strange to me as it's the second book, but I wonder if both books will come together for a third with both protagonists featured. I would enjoy that!

Overall just what you expect from a cosy fantasy, some action but mostly enjoyable and lots of self discovery. Although I will say I think book 1 was slightly better for me! 4 stars.

Thank you to Netgalley and Pan Mac for a free review ecopy!

I really wanted to enjoy this. It has everything i could want, but the truth is I really struggled with it. It was just so slow, and felt like pulling teeth. I'm not new to the cosy fantasy genre, I know some of them can be slow, but I don't think this was a slow pace that was done well.

It was very clear the author was going for a 90s disney fairy godmother type of magic. With sparkly colorful visible magic, floating chores, etc.. however that story styles works better as a visual medium and didn't lend itself to a written format. That in addition to the very slow moving plot and limited world building, just made the reading experience unenjoyable for me. I think this would've been a much more effective movie (not something I usually say by the way).

Having said that, I did appreciate Annie's journey of self discovery and her relationship with Maeve. I just wanted it to be more engaging.
Other than Annie, all the other characters felt very flat. I usually enjoy a found family story, but outside of Annie and Meave coming to understand, learn from, and care for each other, I didn't understand who or why Hal was so important to the story, other than being a Good Man.

Thank-you NetGalley and Macmillan for allowing me to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.

This was such a charming and magical second instalment in the series—whilst it’s not the best thing I’ve ever read, it was a thoroughly enjoyable read and a lovely way to revisit this cosy witchy world. Lucy Jayne Woods blends warmth, humour, and just the right sprinkle of drama to make this feel like a perfect comfort read.

In Uncharmed, we follow Annie Wildwood—our pink-loving, perfectionist witch who runs the magical Celestial Bakehouse in London. Annie thrives on order, routine, and impeccable standards, even if the constant perfection takes a magical toll. But when her coven assigns her to mentor a rebellious teenage witch named Maeve, Annie’s structured life is completely upended.

Maeve is fiery, stubborn, and unpredictable—everything Annie isn’t. Their forced coexistence is further complicated when they move into a woodland cottage owned by Hal, the grumpy (but obviously hot) man who is less than thrilled to be sharing his space with two chaotic witches. Naturally, there’s a slow and subtle chemistry that simmers under the surface, and I enjoyed watching all three of them begin to bond despite their differences.

What stood out most to me in this one was the found-family dynamic. Annie’s journey from people-pleasing perfection to someone learning to prioritise her own heart was sweet and satisfying. Maeve’s vulnerability and power added depth to the story, and the hints at darker forces interested in her abilities gave the plot a bit of suspense and tension to balance the cosy vibes.

While the story didn’t completely blow me away, it was a solid and comforting follow-up. The pacing was steady, the characters were likeable, and the setting—between magical bakes and forest cottage vibes—was just adorable. I’ll definitely be continuing the series and seeing where Annie, Maeve, and Hal go from here.

Perfect for fans of soft magic, found family, and a little light grumpy/sunshine energy.

I loved Rewitched so much, so I was looking forward to this!
It didn’t disappoint and was such a good reading experience! It was chat, fun, sweet but didn’t shy away from tough topics!

There is something very endearing about a cosy vibes witchy reads. And this one is full of warmth, heart and sweetness.

The witchy vibes, the connections of the three MCs and the overall cosy vibes of this book was totally heartwarming.

It was the sort of book that you just fall into, the characters were easy to connect with and I found that the magical elements of this story were just so sweet.

I enjoyed the way the characters connected, and the magical conspiracy plot in this book. The ending was clever and wrapped up all the threads.

A really cosy, cute read.

Flew through it in 24 hours! I loved that it was still within the world of her first book but such a detailed and layered expansion! I like as well the male interest comes in nearly half way through the story and adds a lot to the story other than just being a love interest!

Uncharmed by Lucy Jane Wood is such a good story... I loved every single second of this book. 5 star read from me... I totally recommend everyone to read this book as fast as they can.

Lucy Jane Wood has genuinely outdone herself. Uncharmed is hands down my favourite cosy fantasy book ever!

Her writing is so tight, delightfully immersive and so well paced. Not to mention the characters! As a lifelong people-pleaser I saw myself in Annie and was rooting for her from the start. It was such a breath of fresh air to spend time in such a wonderful world again (though you definitely don't need to have read Rewitched first). Fair warning you'll want a steaming hot drink and a sweet treat on standby because her descriptions of baked goods is enough to make anyone ravenous.

Uncharmed has a slow start that really, really works to set the mood - it's like fluffing a pillow and putting on comfy socks before you settle in to read something good. I absolutely loved how late the slow burn romance came into it because it didn't detract at all from the primary plot and instead enhanced it, with a grumpy x sunshine vibe that never went overboard and felt so natural and organic.

Lastly, if you're just looking for good cosy fantasy vibes, you'll get that in spades but, equally, if you're looking for something a little deeper there is a satisfying thread of self discovery, and a people pleaser learning that putting herself first for once doesn't stop the world turning. Masterfully done in all aspects - Lucy Jane Wood is now on my instant buy author list!

With thanks to Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a slow start for me. That said, there’s so much I loved about this.
I thought Annie, the FMC, was brilliant. It soon becomes clear she’s always trying to be perfect. Maeve is also fantastic. It was refreshing to read a teenage girl who knew who she was. In the end this book is amazing.

Every bit as good as the author's first book Rewitched. Sweet, cosy and utterly charming, this is a book to curl up with when your faith in the world is low and your spirits need a lift. Found family, the pressures of perfection and the desire to belong are all at the heart of this book but it is filled with magical wonders, heavenly baking, animals familiars, hilarious snark and the sweetest love. I will definitely be picking this up again as the 'ber' months roll in, but it's a delight at any time of the year.

This was a slow start for me. I really enjoyed what I was reading, but it took a while for things to click—though I think that may be more of a *me* thing!

That said, there’s so much I loved about this. I thought Annie, the FMC, was brilliant. It soon becomes clear she’s always trying to be perfect—an asset, not a burden to others. From the crown of her perfectly be-spelled hair to her beautiful shoes, she’s all precision and poise.

At first, I worried she might fall into an overly polished archetype, but as her deeper need for love and connection emerged, I found myself relating to her more and more. She’s a bit of a poster child for the struggle of people-pleasing—something I think a lot of women will connect with. I definitely did!

Maeve, the troubled teen thrust into Annie’s whirlwind schedule, is also fantastic. It was refreshing to read a teenage girl who knew who she was. She’s got edges, but she stays true to herself—and that’s something I would have loved to read more of when I was that age.

Hal is adorable. Maybe too perfect? The man is a literal animal whisperer. Swoon. But honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing.

There are so many gorgeous, witchy magical touches—helpful woodland creatures, fairy rings, self-sweeping brooms—all balanced by the darker undercurrents of control, hierarchy, and quiet threat that surround Annie’s world.

Also: this book will make you CRAVE baked sweet treats like nothing else. I need one of Annie’s goodies, stat.

Uncharmed by Lucy Jane Wood is pure magic — heartfelt, hilarious, and quietly profound in all the right places. From the very first page, I was completely charmed (no pun intended) by its witty narrative voice, lovable characters, and the effortlessly cozy yet emotionally sharp tone.

Wood has a real gift for blending the whimsical with the relatable. The main character feels like someone you’d absolutely be friends with — flawed, funny, and so refreshingly real. There’s a strong thread of female friendship, self-discovery, and gentle witchy vibes that never feel forced or gimmicky.

The pacing is tight, the dialogue sparkles, and the emotional beats land beautifully. There’s also a quietly radical undercurrent about learning to trust yourself, especially in a world that often feels like it’s falling apart — and that message lingers long after the final page.

If you’re into heartfelt, slightly magical stories that make you laugh, reflect, and maybe cry a little, Uncharmed is a must-read. I already want to read it again with a cup of tea and a blanket.

A cute and cosy, heartwarming tale, of unlikely friendships and relationships, with magic and deliciously enchanted bakes thrown in!

Annie is a witch, working hard in her London bakery, ensuring everyone around her is happy. She does her upmost to be perfect, not for herself but for all those around her.
She works tirelessly and unable to say no, agrees to help young witch Maeve control her magic. Then along comes Hal, thrown into helping too. Just what will become of them all?

I’ll admit this did start off a little slowly for my liking but it definitely draws you in and the last third I couldn’t put down.
As much as I liked Annie’s character and how she was developing, the book really came into its own when Maeve and Hal came along. The chemistry between them all was great, Hal the father figure, Annie like a mum and teacher to a troubled young girl.

With lots of description and character development you will feel like you know the areas well and be able to see them in your minds eye. All in all a lovely read, definitely one to pick up and loose yourself in.

3.5stars

Uncharmed is a really enjoyable, cosy and heart-warming read. I felt it was initially a little slow but once the main cast of found family characters had been introduced I was completely absorbed in the witchy world and really enjoyed it. This is the perfect easy read for anyone looking for fun characters with lots of charm and a heartwarming storyline with just enough conflict to keep the story interesting and intriguing. Highly recommend to fans of Lucy's previous book or anyone looking for a cosy witchy vibe!

Lucy does it again!!! This was such a cozy, feel good book.

I will say the firs maybe 20-25% of the book was slow and I almost DNF'd at that point but it was definitely worth it once Maeve enters the picture.
Found family will forever be a trope that I love the most!