So I love PNR witchy romance but this one was just okay. With the influx of PNR I feel like some of the stories just fall flat and don't keep you engaged. While this was cozy, I don't think I would continue this if it became a series.

First of all, thanks to the publisher for the free copy to read in advance.

I love urban fantasy. It's one of my favorite genre and the idea to have witches among us is always something appealing to me, so I was very curious and intrigued about this novel, that promised also an interesting enemies to lover story.

Unfortunately, even if the general idea is good, the rest bored me. I couldn't connect with the main character and the reason she hates Callan is fragile as a glass cup. The rest follows the same problem, with too many of clichés. I missed some depht and/or more original aspects that could make me involved in what I was reading.
I'm really sorry but I don't think I'll read the rest of the series.

THIS BOOK WAS SO COZY AND CUTE AND MAGICAL!!!!!! Requested the eARC on NetGalley because of the cover and title - I was not disappointed! If you want a cute, quick, closed door romance fantasy read this one's for you. It reads like a rom com and there's even a hilarious familiar who will eat you out of house and home! We have second chance romance and enemies to lovers. Overall I recommend this read and can't wait to return to Charming Cove for more standalones in this series!

A fun read. Aria has always struggled with her magic, and the latest incident loses her job for her. When she returns home and ends up competing against Callan will it keep them together or drive them apart. A great book, and I liked how it was told from both points of view.

I loved this! Aria is a witch living away from her home and family and can’t control her magic. Her grandmother asks her to come home to save the family business, and along the way she learns how to control her magic and reconnects with her community and friends. I cannot wait for book 2!

Fluffy, YA, romance read. The book is easy to read and has a nice feel to it. It's advertised as 'adult' but I would say it's more YA. The characters are sweet towards each other and show a lot of compassion, which I loved. It did start off a bit slow but it was such an easy read I wasn't that worried. I definitely would have liked to have seen a bit more character building, particularly with Aria to see her become more confident in herself.

This had YA enemies to lover feel, with a romantic comedy edge. There is a slight age gap where Aria is 17 and Callan is 21 (at the beginning) - this didn't really bother me but I probably would have just made her 18 so as not to cross that underage line. Especially considering Callan was sexually attracted to her at this age (he didn't act on it though).

The story was engaging and interesting, with a lot of fluff. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Modern Girl’s Guide to Magic by Linsey Hall is a delightful read set in England with competition, witches, magic and love.
The protagonist Aria is a great character with a good backstory and difficulty with her magic. The love interest Callan is the billionaire mage but not what one would expect from a typical young and famous guy. I loved the supporting characters and even the mean girl Lilac, which happens to be my daughter’s name.
The story is set in Charming Cove in England and as an American reader, I could tell there were some different words and phrases that I am no familiar with. I had to look up the Edinburgh Tattoo. It did not take away from the story, and I could still get the gist of what was meant. I loved the description of the garden and Gran’s shop.
The romance was tame but sweet. I did like the build up of Aria and Callan, especially how things end without any major upsets or unnecessary drama.
Overall I enjoyed this book, it was the perfect length, the story progressed nicely and I found myself hoping the book would not end. I recommend it for anyone who wants a quick refreshing read.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bonnie Doon Press for this ARC!

- This book was exactly what I have been looking for!! It’s so cozy and fun to read and I loved all the characters!
- I loved the whole concept! The magical world with a sleepy, seaside magical town full of cozy magical shops!!! I have been daydreaming about the places in this book constantly since I finished it.
- I was a little concerned when I started, and there were a few places where it could’ve used a little editing. These were easy for me to get past because of how much I enjoyed the book!
- I have always loved books with plant magic, and this book really did that phenomenally! The description of gardens and the magical tasks full of strange plants and odd creatures had me so engaged. I will devour every book in this series, and I will likely reread this one!

DNF @30%

If you want something quick, easy and cheesy, then you'll probably enjoy this. I just didn't care about the characters and didn't think they had any chemistry.

4/5

This book was a fun romp with a different take on magic and characters, if you liked the ex hex this is up you’re alley for sure.

The story of Arya who’s really messed up her magic her whole life and comes home to the town she’s abandoned at her grandmas request. When a love interest turned enemy returns, and a challenge commences can she overcome to win it all?

It was a light easy plane read to distract from all the disasters of the world. Will read more in the series for sure.

This book was definitely not what I expected… Maybe I am not a “modern girl?” I give kudos and points to the author for a unique, interesting premise, but I had a hard time finishing this… It didn’t hold my interest.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A cozy and cute paranormal witchy romance! Will definitely be re reading this in October for the witchy vibes

This was an easy and cute read! Although marketed as enemies-to-lovers based on a past misunderstanding, the romance felt more like insta-lust due to how quickly the main characters got together. I would have preferred more development in this area since this is a romance but the plot focused more on developing the storyline.

Our main characters are in a rivals in a magical competition, the female main character in it to save her family store and the male main character essentially for fun to bring more recognition to his company, which he really doesn't need if he made his fortune in the four years since they last saw each other. I'm sure his billionaire status does not need help from this game, so I'm not convinced by his motivation.

The competition focused around plant magic, but the competitors were allowed to support each other, so I was also not sure what kind of competition this was when one character was clearly carrying the entire game. The conflict of the book also was rather stressless so I didn't feel any impending issues at any point, and was a little let down at the unraveling of the story.

It felt like the standard happenings of a magical person's life. Nothing too exciting, but if you come in with base expectations, it should be an easy 3 star read.

📚 BOOK REVIEW 📚 The Modern Girl's Guide to Magic by Linsey Hall

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️
Length: 316

Aria's a bit of a magical disaster. A witch by bloodline alone. It's exactly why she's sworn off magic and left her hometown for good. That is until her Gran comes along claiming she's the only one who can save the family business.

Aria reluctantly heads home to help but her old flame, a man she now hates, happens to be back for the exact same reason: enter the local competition to win the largest magical fortune in England. Will she win and save the family business or will Callan get the best of her again?

This was such a cute and whimsical read! It was different than most of my fantasy and witchy books and that it didn't have any darker undertones. It was all light and fluffy and just super enjoyable.

It was fun watching Aria grow as a witch and as a member of the family. I loved her niece Catrina, she was such a cute and strong personality. And when Boris, Aria's animal familiar, was on the page he stole the show.

I definitely recommend this if you're looking for a light, witchy read. It would be great as a pallet cleanser after a heavy or long book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for allowing me to read and review the ARC!

Available now in paperback, ebook, audiobook, and FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

This book is way different than the other books I have read from Linsey. While it was enjoyable to read I found the adventure lacking. Linsey Hall is still one of my favorite Kindle Unlimited authors so I will continue to read everything she writes, I just wish there was more action and that the series was actually a series and not a series of books in the same place...

Aria is a magical disaster. Unlike her magic-wielding friends and family, she cannot seem to do simple magic without it ending it catastrophe. Her only saving grace is her connection to plants, which seem to thrive in her company.

Defeated, Aria moves to London and unsuccessfully works a string of mundane jobs. Until one evening when she gets an unexpected visit from her dear Gran who explains that her hometown’s enchanted garden is up for grabs as the current owner, Mr Sparrow will be stepping down from his role and passing it on to someone young and capable. To choose this new owner, a competition will take place. Aria knows that her Gran’s magic shop relies on that garden as its main source of produce and ingredients. Without it, their livelihood would be in jeopardy.

Aria reluctantly agrees to join the competition in order to save her family’s magic shop, only Gran left out the part where she’ll be competing against not only her high school bullies but Callan Hawthorne; The arrogant, playboy billionaire mage that destroyed the sacred space she shared with her Grandfather’s spirit.

This was pure joy from beginning to end. I fell in love with Charming Cove, the seaside town full of friendly, magical folk. The characters, including side characters were fully developed and charismatic. I particularly liked Boris the badger (Aria’s animal familiar with a lust for bacon sandwiches.) The story had scatterings of cheeky humour throughout and was an altogether wholesome witchy romance.

This was a fun read! I liked the unique story of a hidden magical village. Reminded me of Harry Potter and all the secrets hidden from muggles. I loved Aria’s relationship with her Gran and her best friend Tabitha 😭 the love they all had for one another had me in my feels. Don’t even get me started on my bestie Boris! I want that little badger so bad 😫he is the goofiest and funniest little fur ball.
Aria coming into her magic was super heart warming. As someone who grew up feeling like an outsider and struggled to fit in, this hit home. I liked this book a lot it was a fun read the romance however was eh. I loved the interactions between Aria and Callan they were cute but when it came to the moments where their relationship was advancing those moments always felt rushed. Loved everything else tho! The competition for the garden was interesting and fun. I’d recommend!

I’ve posted this review on Goodreads, Instagram and Amazon.
The review is live as of today June 11, 2023

Updated from 3 to 4 stars because I can't stop thinking about this book. The story was so cute.

This was the coziest of romance novels with a sprinkle of magic. I loved the relationships the female main character had not only with the male main character, but with her family and everyone she encountered as well. She was so sweet and likable.
The misunderstanding part of this was a little weak and the ending felt a bit rushed, but overall this was a really cute read.

Favorite quote: You look like a sunrise after a decade of darkness. 🥺


Note: My review is posted to Goodreads already. I do not have a blog or other socials.

A cozy, magical romance set in the (ahem!) charming town of Charming Cove, secretly home to many of England’s witches.

Aria has never been able to control her magic, but now she has to come home to Charming Cove to compete to inherit the town’s magical gardens – and save her family’s magic shop. Oh, and she hates Callan Hawthorne. Callan is the wealthiest – and most powerful – mage in Britain, and he wants to win the garden to make it the jewel of his real estate empire. Coming back to Charming Cove to see Aria, the alluring witch he can’t stop thinking about after meeting her years before, of course has nothing to do with it. Not at all!

[book:The Modern Girl’s Guide to Magic] is sweet, fairly light on conflict, and delightfully full of fascinating magical plants and animals. Aria pretty quickly gets over her anger at Callan and the two rather quickly fall for one another. Being competitors for the garden is only a minor obstacle to the expected romantic conclusion.

[book:The Modern Girl’s Guide to Magic] by [author:Linsey Hall]
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️💫 3.5 stars rounded up
🌶️🌶️ Magical undressing, but not magical birth control
🦡🥞 Boris the badger familiar was the best character in this book
🌱🌳🌻🪻 Can’t hate a story about a plant witch
🤷🏻‍♂️ One of these times, I’d like the dude to be the hot mess who doesn’t know how to use his magic

<i>Thanks to NetGalley and Bonnie Doon Press a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.</i>

What a really cute frenemy romance with oodles of magic thrown in! As the start of a series, I’m eager to check out where this takes us.

Aria has always had issues with her magic. This means she was constantly bullied in her hometown by other more magically adept folks. Eager to get a fresh start, she tried living as a normal person, but ironically her magic ended up showing up in unexpected ways, leading to her getting fired repeatedly. Lucky for her, the local owner of a magical garden has decided to host a competition to identify his successor and Aria got an invite!

Callan, her crush/enemy from their teenage years, is also on the invite list. He’s now a successful developer and accomplished mage, but he still yearns to right the wrongs from before. While this book doesn’t jump right into bed, we get a nice slow burn with some payoff along the way. I loved everything about this town the wild cast of characters, the magic, and (of course) the romance. There are a few twists but luckily we don’t go too far into the “misunderstanding” trope that usually comes along with a romantic paranormal read. This couple was cute and the magic was irresistible!