Spellfire
by Agatha Willow
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Pub Date 23 Oct 2025 | Archive Date 27 Oct 2025
Avon Books UK | Avon
Description
Bryn swore she would never go back to Grimoire Academy. But when her beloved former Professor passes away and leaves her prize spellbook library to Bryn, she's forced to return.
Bryn isn't planning on staying long, but then she runs into former queen of Grimoire Academy, Amelia Hexford, now headmistress. When Amelia begs Bryn to stay and teach the former professor's classes, Bryn's so flustered by the beautiful witch, that she accidentally agrees to stay for the semester.
Amelia was always too cool for Bryn at school, but now, the staffroom is too small a place to hide in. As the unlikely pair spend more time together, Bryn and Amelia might just find themselves spellbound by something other than magic…
Tropes:
🌶️ Spice!!!
💖Second chance romance
💃 💃Found family
🧙🏻♀️🔮Magical shenanigans
Authors are loving Spellfire!'Fun and witchy!' Sarah Beth Durst, New York Times bestselling author of The Enchanted Greenhouse
'A feel-good and atmospheric story of magic, second chances, and belonging.' Jessica Gadziala, USA Today bestselling author of My Big Fat Vampire Wedding
'A sexy, hexy second-chance witchy romance that will sweep you off your feet (or broom).' Hazel Graves, author of Four Weddings and a Funeral Director
'Agatha Willow has invoked romance at a coven-worthy level.’ Sofia Shelley, author of Dead Poets Sorority
'Pure magic – a bewitching tale of romance and whimsy!' Carly Bloom, author of Hot Hex Boyfriend
'A sweet, witchy romance with cozy vibes and plenty of heat.' Susie Dumond, author of Bed and Breakup
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9780008779443 |
| PRICE | £2.99 (GBP) |
| PAGES | 384 |
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 173 members
Featured Reviews
Emma A, Reviewer
This was such a cute read. I really enjoyed this spicy second chance romance novels, its one of my favourite romance troupes. The story was easy to follow, had a good cast of characters and plenty of spice. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
Beth T, Reviewer
I’m giving this 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars. This was a fun quick witchy read. This was a great palate cleanser for me between some heavier books. Because of this, I feel like I enjoyed it quite a bit more than I normally would have. I loved the premise, but ultimately it fell a bit flat toward the middle/end of the book. I also found Bryn’s inner thoughts to be a tad much. I didn’t find it to be a big problem until the end with the flattest third act breakup and I lowkey wanted more miscommunication surrounding it which is crazy I know 😅
Thank you to Netgalley for providing this ARC.
Castles and magic and witches, oh my!
I'm always going to perk up at a new queer boarding school book—especially when, as is the case here, the boarding school is in a castle and the characters are witches. Here, Luna thought she'd put her school days behind her...until an unexpected inheritance puts her back on campus and the school head begs her to stay and teach for the term. Never mind that the school head is Luna's school crush...
Relationship- and romance-wise, this gets high marks from me. Luna and Amelia do a generally great job of speaking up and checking in. Just about every time it looks like they're going to go down the well-worn-to-the-point-of-overdone path of "both characters want something long-term but think the other only wants a fling!" one of them steps back and says hmm, actually, while it's okay if that's what you're looking for, I'm actually looking for something else. They even take the (far too unusual in romance) initiative to discuss the power imbalances and possible pitfalls of a head dating a teacher she's hired. And I love to see it.
Plot-wise, this gets...not so high marks from me. The stated conflict of the story is that the school is struggling, and the board is trying to make Amelia into a scapegoat. There are some interesting related points about the role of technology in a magical school, but—partly because so few students and so few other staff members are developed as characters—it doesn't really go anywhere. I wanted to know the names of more than three students; to know the names of more than three other professors; to learn more about the castle layout; the inherited library to come into play; Luna to try to get the ball rolling on ADHD testing for a student who is struggling in all the classes and thinks he does in fact have ADHD; the staff member who is awkwardly introduced two thirds of the way through to have a purpose in the story; the conflict to have a bit more of a *solution* rather than just...Amelia being impressive, I guess.
Three and a half stars. I should round down for plot, but I'm rounding up because I read this so quickly—and was so pleased by most of the communication—that it took me until close to the end to start being dismayed that the plot clearly wasn't going to go anywhere. A valiant debut effort, and if there's another book—there's potential setup for a romance between two other staff members—I will hope for more from it.
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
Ren H, Reviewer
Thank you to netgalley and Avon books UK for approving my request to read an arc of this book
If you loved Wicked but wanted it to be sapphic, then this is the book for you. Both former students, Bryn and Amelia meet again as headmistress and reluctant professor in this witchy romance. The two become closer as they work together to make the school everything they wish it had been for themselves when they were students.
Reviewer 1346045
a spicy second chance romance? sign me UP.
I think the spice was well done and the romance was believable.
Sarah B, Reviewer
3.75 stars rounded up to 4.
Firstly, thank you NetGalley and Avon books for this eARC,
This book is sooo good, witch school with old memories of being a former student and some very spicy scenes.
Bryn, the main FMC, discovers that her favourite professor has died leaving her the entirety of her vast library that she has to go and collect.
Amelia is Bryn’s childhood crush over which she had been humiliated whilst at school but is now head teacher.
I loved Bryn and her inner dialogue, the queer and non-binary representation was done well and also the way a non verbal child was handled so beautifully really made me love this story so much more.
This was a cozy, witchy sapphic romance and a lovely easy read, personally I found some bits rushed , the romance to spicy scenes and others needed more time, the world building, overall I enjoyed it.
Reviewer 1632035
A fun magical read. the atmosphere of this world was so fun and really gave me those Harry Potter vibes. The characters were very cute and had a lot of emotional depth to them.
I was invited by the publisher to review this book. Luna is a graduate from Grimoire Academy that recently received the spellbook from her favorite professor. Luna must return to the academy to retrieve the spellbook, even though she wants to avoid seeing Amelia. Luna had a crush on Amelia, but a problem arises and Amelia needs the spellbook. Amelia needs Luna to become a teacher to help save the academy, so Luna agrees. What she doesn't want to face are the lingering feelings between her and Amelia
This is a good book to read if you are looking for something light with witchy vibes, along with representation of the queer community. If you are not into something of an inner monologue, this book is probably not for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5
Bryn se graduó de la Academia Grimoire y nunca miró atrás, hasta que recibió una llamada sobre su querido exprofesor Herringbone, quien le dejó su preciada colección de libros de hechizos. Bryn se vio obligada a regresar al lugar que creía haber abandonado para siempre.
Amelia es la última bruja que Bryn quiere ver. Amelia, quien una vez fue su amor platónico en el instituto, ahora es directora y necesita desesperadamente la pericia de Bryn en libros de hechizos. Con el futuro de la Academia en juego, y a pesar de sus reservas, Bryn acepta a regañadientes convertirse en maestra.
Pero regresar a Grimoire significa enfrentarse a Amelia y a los sentimientos no resueltos que persisten entre ellas. Mientras trabajan juntas, Bryn descubre que la verdadera magia podría residir en la innegable conexión que comparten...
Gracias NetGalley por el ARC.
Magic and spice, what more could a reader want.
Spellfire is one of those feel-good stories that tugs at all the right emotions.
A great mix of lust and angst, combined with a quirky cast of characters that you really want to be friends with.
There's some great female energy coming from within the pages.
Strength and resilience shine through and I was left feeling brilliantly positive by the end.
Reviewer 1007374
Sweet, spicy and funny romantasy. I love the setting with magic. I love the characters. Both FMC are very funny and witty. A lovely read!
A beautifully written cosy sapphic romance, perfect for autumn reading! I thought the characters lacked a little depth but overall I enjoyed my time with this, the writing was captivating and well paced!
I absolutely loved this and the cosy vibes, definitely a good read for the coat seasons, I absolutely loved the characters and fell in love I can’t wait to read more from this author
Sweet, fun and a lovely read, Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC.
I read to 66% and couldn’t push thru. I loved it until that point but the characters confessing their love here felt very fast and not believable. There were a lot of spelling and spacing errors as well.
Lindsay O, Reviewer
Thank you NetGalley for the arc!
This was such a cute and quick read for me, and I absolutely love the witchy vibes. The inner monologue for Bryn was fun. And I really like the awkwardness between Amelia and Bryn when she first came back to the school at the beginning after her professor died. The mystery behind all of it. It was pretty easy to figure out, but that’s OK. Sometimes I like things complicated There were a few portions that fell just a little bit flat for me and that’s OK. That’s not a problem for me, but I still had a really good time reading this solid 3.75 ⭐️ out of five.
Overall, I did really enjoy this book. It was a cute, spicy second chance romance with a witchy, autumnal cosy vibes feel to it. I would recommend if you are looking for something easy going this autumn.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Spellfire was a charming and lighthearted read, perfect for a casual, low stakes, palate cleansing read. It didn't get too deep into world building or explain its magic system in detail, but it was still a fun read. Despite knowing each other in high school and having a crush on each other, the main characters reunited as adults and fell for each other all over again. There is an element of insta-love, and it does get a bit spicy. Overall, it was an entertaining read.
Sofia B, Reviewer
Cute cosy sapphic fantasy! Didn’t really care about the romance but I liked the main character and story
Such a cute book!
I absolutely loved the storyline and the characters. Looking forward to reading more books by this author.
Thanks Netgalley for letting me read this book for an honest review
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC
This was such a perfect spooky season book!
I loved this backdrop of a witchy gothic school , with cute cottages and hidden passages.
The chemistry between Luna and Amelia was scorching through the kindle screen.
The spice scene was the hottest Sapphic scene I’ve ever read.
I can’t wait to see what else this author comes out with
Spellfire by Agatha Willow is a cozy sapphic romance in a magical school where past crushes, spellbooks, and second chances spark something new (and steamy). It’s warm, charming, and low-stakes—perfect for an escapist read when you want magic and heart without the high drama.
Wow. This book put me on a broomstick and flew me to a magical school. Agatha willow brings the beauty and magic that meets whimsy in this beautiful sapphic story about two women who get a second chance at love. The characters are complex and lovable you find yourself rooting for even the grumpy old professor that gives “get off my lawn” vibes. And boy I was not expecting this book to be spicy but wow oh wow did it leave me yearning to not be alone in the middle of the night. It has the perfect amount of spice sprinkled through where it doesn’t overpower the story or the characters and it genuenly inhanced it in the best way possible. Highly recommend
Had a lot of fun reading Spellfire! It was cozy and sweet and a great read for the upcoming colder months.
Thank you to Jessica Whitehead at Avon Books for an early copy of this book!
If you are looking for a charming, sapphic, witchy romance this fall then this book may be a perfect fit! A cozy story of former classmates that for different reasons end up back at their school and find they have feelings for each other. The world is fun and magical, making this a light and enjoyable read!
Susie D, Media/Journalist
Spellfire is a sweet, witchy romance with cozy vibes and plenty of heat. If you love sapphic yearning, academic settings, and a dash of magic, this book is for you.
Reviewer 960193
Cute sapphic dark academia, this witchy novel is a delight. I loved the characters, the setting and the magic system. Really enjoyable!
Alayne E, Reviewer
I loved this sweet romance with witches and spells. A light-hearted read which I read in one sitting. Such a change form my usual genre. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
Chrislove S, Reviewer
Amazing book loved the characters and plot. I couldn't stop reading I stayed up all night. I loved the book so much thank you for the arc.
✨ Grumpy professor x headmistress, magical academia, second-chance sapphics!
Agatha Willow delivers a magical academia story that feels both whimsical and deeply heartfelt.
The worldbuilding is charming, full of enchanted details that make the academy come alive without ever weighing the story down.
What really stands out is the chemistry between the leads, their banter, tension, and quiet moments of vulnerability are addictive.
The pacing balances lighthearted magical mishaps with more emotional, reflective beats, keeping you hooked start to finish. It’s the kind of book that leaves you smiling, a little teary, and already wishing for more.
Gives me legend and lattes vibes - cosy low stakes and sapphic ✨
Thank you Netgalley and publisher!
I really enjoyed this book! I thought it was lighthearted and fun, with the setting of a magical school. I also loved that it wasn’t just about the romance, it was also about the importance of education and diversity. I feel like a story like this is especially appropriate right now.
As someone with mutism, it meant a lot to have some surprise representation for that in here, as well! That makes it the third time this year I’ve accidentally stumbled across mutism representation, it makes me happy every time I see it. I especially appreciated this being represented in a school setting to talk about the importance of including and accommodating disabled students. Speaking of disability, one of our MCs has ADHD as well, so that’s neat!
I think there was too much dialogue, though. On the one hand, I enjoyed it as we got to get to know them together more. I think that we don’t always get to see that when they’re connecting with each other. On the other, it meant that I didn’t truly feel immersed within the world and I would have loved to explore it a bit more.
For the most part, I had a good time, and helped with the vibes I’m looking for this pumpkin season!
Fi J, Librarian
This one really spoke to me - very light, but with adult relationships and the requisite communication which I always like to see. Very cosy autumnal vibes, and there's a surprising amount of narrative/discussion around education and more effective ways of teaching/learning which i love but might not be everyone's point of interest!
Read it quickly, and enjoyed the world - would recommend as a bit of a salve for an overworked brain, or at least it was for mine.
This was a really fun read - a cosy, yet spicy, witchy romance, perfect for spooky season! I believe this is a debut, and I can't wait to read more from the author in future!
Review: Spellfire by Agatha Willow
I was lucky enough to be accepted for this book from @netgalley. Thank you @avonbooksuk !
I really enjoyed this book and found myself invested in the lives of the characters. I'm not typically a romance girly but if it's sapphic and involves witches, I'll be there!
The first 50% of the book was super cute and quite slow burn, very much will they, won't they. Although predictable, I found myself rooting for the relationships to work and move forward. There is spice within this book, which hits around the 53/54% part of the book!
I found this book to be cosy, cute and it is a second-chance romance, which was just lovely, the sparks and chemistry were clear from the beginning.
I was so excited to read this book and it did not disappoint! I'm so glad I had plenty of reading time today as I read the majority of the book today (approx 70%)!
100% recommend for a cosy autumnal read!
4.25🌟
After the death of a her favorite professor, Bryn returns to Grimoire Academy to collect a spellbook she has inherited. While there she runs into Amelia, former queen b turned headmistress, who begs Bryn to take over the professors classes. Finding herself unable to say no, Bryn agrees, and as the semester progress sparks fly between her and Amelia.
Bryn and Amelia's story was pretty cute, not gonna lie. I do wish there had been more spice though lol
Kamaria N, Librarian
When Bryn goes back to her old school to teach after the loss of her mentor she reconnects with Amelia. They find themselves working together and working their way to love.
Thank you to NetGalley, Agatha Willow, and Avon Books UK for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
4.25 stars
This was such a cozy sapphic witchy romance. Even though this is a shorter read, I loved how Agatha Willow gives the reader a backstory of how the characters meet. We don’t always get that in romances. It made me feel more connected to the characters. Bryn and Amelia were such a cute couple. I appreciated that their romance didn’t have a lot of drama. It felt like a more believable romance. The spice scenes were well written. If you are looking for a quick sapphic romance set at a school, please pick this book up. I highly recommend it! I look forward to reading more from Agatha Willow in the future.
Thank you Avon UK for this ARC!
This was such a cute witchy romance!
I love second chance and found family, especially with sapphic characters.
Overall this was a lovely addition to spooky reading week!
I quite enjoyed this witchy book. The characters were lovable and the story interesting. Bryn is very insecure concerning many things in her life, may it be her 2nd book, may it be her surprise teacher position or Amelia. I would have wished for a little bit more self confidence for her, as that would have benefited the plot even more. But, she is very likeable and I liked to read about her and see her development as a character but also as a teacher. She approaches the task a little differently than a traditionally trained professor might have and that is refreshing. Amelia, the 2nd main character, is the type of character which I would have wished for Bryn. She is strong and insecure in some aspects at the same time. She knows what she has planned for the school is right and stands up for that. I liked the dynamic between her and Bryn.
The whole book was very heartwarming and perfect for the cozy season. It is great for curling up on the sofa with a cup of tea or hot chocolate and read a whole day. It was a rather quick read for me, which is perfectly fine and I appreciated the time I spent with the book. I found the theme of finding your true calling in life and supporting others with getting more comfortable with theirs a nice addition to an academy type trope and the 2nd chance romance which are the overarching themes. All in all cute and recommendable!
Julie B, Reviewer
This was soooooo cute! I love the premise of a magical school from the perspective of a teacher. And Bryn’s awkwardness around her longstanding crush Amelia was adorkably relatable. “Make a move, you useless sapphic” was definitely the reoccurring theme. Though at a certain point, it felt like neither of them were quite ready for a real relationship if they weren’t willing to openly discuss what they wanted or where they stood.
I would’ve liked a dash more world building on sirens—I still don’t know what they are other than magical in some way that doesn’t typically involve spell casting and accustomed to living near water. And while I normally enjoy any level of spice, in this particular book since Bryn and Amelia were both so shy, I felt a little like I was invading their privacy in the explicit parts. In this instance specifically, I would have preferred closed door or door slightly ajar. Other readers may feel differently.
Three and a half stars rounded up to four.
I received an advanced copy from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving this review.
J R, Reviewer
cute, cozy, book that really emphasizes the feeling of sorta floating in their story. for a lot of it it's not moving that much and is mostly just this cozy romance, though it does kick into some sort of gear later on, and I think that works really well for it! 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
Shannon C, Librarian
A light‑hearted, breezy fantasy romance for readers who crave a cozy, spell‑kissed atmosphere where the yearning for love and magical connection intertwines with witty, heartfelt moments.
A great book to get you in the holiday mood! I read it with my partner and it was just a wonderful time! Definitely try to get your hands on a copy!
This was exactly the witch lit I needed this fall season.
The Vibes:
Second Chance Romance
Witch Lit / Magic
Spice
Found Family
Sapphic / Queer Romance
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC. My opinions are my own.
Spellfire is cosy, witchy, and delightfully sapphic—like a warm mug of spiced cider with a spicy kick. Perfect for autumn nights when you want spells, spice, and soft queer longing.
Adie H, Reviewer
Probably my favourite read of the month! Spellfire totally captured my imagination and kept me reading late into the night!
This is a modern-day fantasy which sees siren witch Bryn reluctantly return to her old magical boarding school, where she has to work with her old crush Amelia, now the headmistress. It's cosy, so sweet, completely romantic, and absolute catnip to me - I love a school story, even from the perspective of the teachers, and the whole "you never noticed me as a teenager but now we're grown up" trope is a favourite too. I loved the world of Grimoire Academy and devoured this book in one sitting. Great for fans of Sangu Mandanna,
I mean… witches, academy and sapphics? My kind of sh*t. Love it love it love it love it. The book is funny and witty and the two of them are so adorable together. I’m in love!
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the arc.
A very sweet and heartfelt warning romance that is the best kind of read, especially for those who are romantics at heart.
Emma I, Bookseller
4/5⭐️
This was an adorable witchy sapphic Halloween romance! Reminiscent of Lana Harper and Ashley Herring Blake, Agatha Willow manages to squeeze all the fall, hallmark pumpkin spice goodness into one easy quick read with a healthy dose of witchy-ness and dark academia - love, love, love!
I absolutely adored this read, my new favourite witchy read of the year and I loved how it is Sapphic. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read this, I loved the overall background story of the school and the teaching the romance was just an added little bonus for me. Thank you for letting me have the opportunity to read this!
Reviewer 1151619
Spellfire by Agatha Willow
Oh my, what a beautiful and cozy witchy read. Perfect autumnal book. Thank to the author, NetGalley and publisher for the arc.
Spellfire by Agatha Willow was such a cozy, witchy delight. It’s a sapphic, second-chance romance set at a magical academy, and it gave me all the warm, sparkly feelings.
Bryn swore she would never go back to Grimoire Academy, but when her favorite professor passes away and leaves her a stack of priceless spellbooks, she has no choice but to return. She plans to grab the books and leave, but then she runs into Amelia, the headmistress who also happens to be her old crush. Suddenly she’s teaching again, surrounded by magic, and falling for the one person she never got over.
This book has all the witchy academia vibes. It is charming, funny, and spicy. Bryn and Amelia have the slow-burn chemistry, full of lingering looks, banter, and that “we definitely still have feelings” tension. The world is magical without being overly complex, which makes it super easy to sink into.
Tropes and vibes:
🧙♀️ Second chance romance
📚 Magic school setting
💖 Sapphic love story
🌶️ Sweet and spicy
✨ Found family
🪄 Cozy magic
Thank you Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
"She was trying to go into the experiment already having the outcome, which was folly, if nothing else, not to mention completely unscientific. She acknowledged that wanting a guarantee was natural, but refusing to take action without it... Well if she didn't act, she would fail no matter what.""
GENRE: Witchy Fantasy Romance
RATING: 3.5/5 (rounded to 4 in platforms with no quarter stars rating)
FORMAT: eBook Arc
Review:
This was a fun book but it took a while for me to get into it. I enjoyed a lot of elements in it, like the teaching and understanding the magic as it is explained to the students, the forming of the relationships between the MCs and learning how kids (& adults) that come from mixed types of families (sirens & witches...etc.) are impacted by the structure of the magic. I think the main issue is that we don't really dive into a lot of the different elements presented in here and this is more of a story of saving a magical school and changing it from it's old ways to it's new ways.
I think I would have loved to learn more about how being a siren defined MC's experience, what she gathered from her years there and while we do get to see some of what happened, we definitely need a lot more depth into Luna's background and how everything came to be as it is.
I did enjoy getting to see MC's struggling with something for the first time and how strange it is to her that she isn't automatically good at something. This was very relatable for a lot of us ND people who are labelled as gifted and suddenly struggle when life, reality and burnout hit. It was also nice to read about the exploration of finding a career that fits who you are rather than settling for something just because you started it. All in all, this was a good book but could have used a bit more refinement and sharpening to deliver the message and bring more depth into the MCs themselves rather than the magic, the school and the community
Thank you to the Author, Publisher and Netgalley for the eArc in exchange for my honest opinion
Reviewer 1059657
Wicked but make it WLW! sign me up. I love this book. The tension, the banter, the yearning! If you watched wicked and wanted them to kiss read this lol
Media/Journalist 1355341
Bryn and Amelia are fun main characters here, and the spicy sapphic romance is pitched just right. Lots of witchy whimsy which is increasingly popular with readers, though I’d have loved a little more narrative drive.
This was a quick fun autumn read and I enjoyed watching the characters develop. It was a joy to read and I hope this is the start of more accepting wizards schools in the literary world.
Bryn Delmar, a successful witch and author, has no intention of returning to Grimoire Academy. However, when her beloved former professor passes away and leaves her a prized spellbook library, Bryn finds herself back at the school. There, she reunites with Amelia Hexford, her former schoolmate and now the headmistress. As Amelia persuades Bryn to teach the professor’s classes, old feelings resurface, leading to a rekindled romance filled with magic and passion.
This was a quick, sapphic read, a delightful blend of romance and second chances. There’s no complex world or character-building, so if you’re after that this might not be the book for you, but sometimes the present moment is all that’s needed. It’s a fun and engaging light-hearted witchy romance.
Enchanting Setting: Grimoire Academy serves as a whimsical backdrop, rich with magical potential and quirky characters.
Chemistry: The rekindled romance between two characters is both sweet and steamy, with palpable tension and heartfelt moments.
Quick Read: At approximately 320 pages, Spellfire is a fast-paced novel perfect for a weekend binge.
I really enjoyed this story. It was the perfect book for spooky season. It had some mystery and suspense but also romance. Second chance romance. Luna and Amelia were well written and I really enjoyed their journey.
Thank you Avon and NetGalley for the ARC.
An excellent addition to the cozy fantasy romance genre, and a fun reclamation of wizarding schools as good and supportive places for queer people and kids, and I found the focus on supporting the students very heartwarming
Bookish K, Reviewer
🪄 Bookish Thoughts
This was such a cute witchy romance. It had all the cozy magical whimsy I love with a magical academy setting! I did not love the student club subplot because it felt a little too YA. But the relationship, magic, worldbuilding, and academy politics totally made up for it. I just wish we had gotten more of that side of the story. And I actually wished this book was a bit longer!
Also, the spice was 🔥🔥🔥
💜 What to Expect
• Witchy romance
• Magical academy
• Second chance romance
• Found family
• Sapphic Witches 😍
_ _ _
⭐ Final Score: 4.5
📅 Pub Date: October 23, 2025
📝 Thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
Reviewer 1305857
This book was pure cozy magic, from the first page, it gave me everything I want in a witchy romance:spells, secrets, second chances, and just the right amount of spice. The magical academy setting felt alive, full of charm and a bit of chaos, and I adored how it balanced whimsy with emotional depth.
received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an ARC of Spellfire from Avon Books UK, and honestly, I was hooked before I even started reading. Leni covers always catch my eye, but this one with a plus-size heroine front and center felt extra special. I do not get to see that often enough, and I it always makes me smile.
This book is cozy and magical and exactly the kind of story I love getting lost in. It has a little of that Harry Potter academia feel (without the baggage), a hint of Wednesday's darker charm, and a slow-burn sapphic romance that made me smile, swoon, and sigh all at once. Bryn’s return to Grimoire Academy and her run-ins with Amelia, the one person who has always gotten under her skin, were pure perfection.
The plus-size and sapphic rep felt authentic and easy. Bryn is layered, vulnerable, and confident in ways that feel real. She is allowed to take up space, to be tender and powerful, and I loved that for her.
This story spoke straight to my woo woo Scorpio heart. The yearning, the magic, the emotion, the little spark of chaos, it is all here. I will always show up for stories that are mystical, unique, spicy, and full of heart.
✨ Tropes:
Sapphic romance 🌙
Second chances
Academic rivals to lovers
Found family
Cozy magic
Intro/synopsis:
“Spellfire” was a fun witchy read for the season. It was set in the magical town of Grimoire with Bryn coming back to get an inheritance of books from a favourite teacher only to run into her school crush Amelia. Amelia is the headmistress now and needs Bryn to help her modernize the curriculum. Bryn begrudgingly agrees but they need to settle their past as Bryn’s crush also led to one of her biggest embarrassment and Amelia hadn’t stepped in to help. Can they resolve their past and build a better future for themselves and the school?
My thoughts:
As a teacher this was fun to read and had some great insights on the challenges of being a teacher. It was a spicy romance and Bryn and Amelia’s chemistry was burning up the pages. I found there was overall a lack of suspense that didn’t hook me as much as I wanted but I loved the world building and writing style. A nice fall read overall.
4 ⭐️’s
3 🌶️