Thank you to Noel Bailey, Victory Editing, and Net Galley for this ARC!

⭐️- Personal Preference.
I’m currently sitting here, stunned. I am not a romance reader in the slightest. I picked up this book, thinking the premise was interesting, and that it was finally time I gave romance a real shot, and I am so thankful I did. As well as this, I’ve never read a “cozy” book before, and am now finding that I really enjoy it! This cozy magical town was the perfect atmosphere for my first true romance read! I’ve tried romance in the past before, and often found that I can’t appreciate either love interest, the plot is too cliche, or the romance is the only part of the book and everything else lacks. This, was everything I could’ve hoped for.

⭐️- World Building
The magic system is absolutely phenomenal! I love the idea of magical pocket towns sprinkled all over that you can visit. I would love to hear more about this and what it means for this who are magic who don’t live in these towns. I really loved Rhianna’s power, and would love to see more of the different types of magic in this town. The way her power was described was just as beautiful. I also wished that there was more of a pay off with the Head Warlock, Dean. He felt like a foreboding presence who slightly haunted the narrative, but there was never a pay off with him. I would have loved if he had a conversation or heart to heart with Eli, especially given their similar interests. I also really liked the idea of magic-infused foods! Every bit of this world felt thought out, I just wish we could’ve had even more of it!

⭐️- Plot
I was very pleasantly surprised that there was more than just romance in this book. These characters had wants, real obstacles, and people who they could connect to who were also dealing with their own stories, which was so wonderful. The way mythology was intricately woven into the story made my heart soar (the proper respect and correct usage of mythology is a direct way to my heart), the pacing was just as it needed to be. Was the story a bit cliche in its romantic beats near the end? Yes, but Bailey found ways to reinvent the wheel that felt so natural for the characters, and still unique for an audience! While I don’t normally love a miscommunication trope, this one felt more human and natural given the characters and their behavior, that I didn’t mind it as much as I would have.

⭐️- Character Development
I liked that this book took the classic Hallmark theme of a big city girl going back to her hometown and falling for the small town old friend, and almost reverted it on its head. While they hand’t previously known each other before and only one of them had ever lived in the town, it still felt like a refreshing lip to see the put together by-the-book man, fall for the quirky, humorous and intelligent small town girl. Eli is also the classic “man written by a woman”, but truly is in the best way. Often times a man written by a woman, doesn’t mean a man is written for a woman. This is the first time I’ve seen a man in a romance book written without the possessiveness and without the toxicity. I also appreciated that I felt like I could really relate and connect to both Rhianna and Eli, feeling like I’ve been ini both of their shoes in different experiences. Really, there were moments I felt myself putting down the book to smile or tear up over it. The only thing I didn’t appreciate was the sudden references to Elvis. I think cutting anything to do with Elvis out would also save anyone from relating Elvis’ problematic nature and history with the book (so slight point off for that).

⭐️- Writing
Normally, I really dislike first person. I have to admit, this book is necessary for a first person narrative, and works well in it. I certainly didn’t mind it this time around! I also appreciated the author’s voice and how beautifully illustrative and full of sensory imaging I found her descriptions, especially of magic. It made the entire story come more alive. This entire experience has made me want to read Bailey’s other books.

Thank you again for such a wonderful first real romance read! I’m honored to give this book high marks, and eager to say that this is one of my favorite books of the year, and is the best romance book I’ve read!

This was a cute and fun little quick read. I loved this book as much as I enjoyed the first one. It’s a magical romance that every bookworm would enjoy. Would definitely read again ❤️