This book hit it out of the park, stratosphere, and then out of the galaxy.

This book was so good I binged it!

It has one of the most unique and interesting magic systems. I’ve read about in a long time!

The author did not reinvent the wheel, but she definitely put such a new and interesting spin on the tropes in her book (clumsy/untalented witch, a competition with an inheritance involved, etc.) that it felt so refreshing to read!

She managed to tie in the romance aspect and plot so seamlessly that they really worked in harmony to make this book great!

I really really love the authors writing style. It was engaging and just very well done. I don’t know if this will turn into a series but I really hope so. I would love to return to this world.

perfect for anyone looking for a witchy rom com that gives them sarah hawley or erin sterling vibes

this was a tad bit drawn out and i wish the romance had been a bit more developed, but overall an entertaining ride

Aria is a walking disaster when it comes to her magic. She has no control over it, and it has cost her numerous jobs thanks to the way it just seems to blow up out of nowhere. It even got so bad she moved away from her home in the magical village of Charming Cove. But now, she has been called home because of a contest..... a contest that her Gran says she is destined to win, and is the only thing that will keep her shop open. No pressure, right? Add to that a mouthy badger familiar, and Callan Hawthorne, the sexy billionaire mage she has hated for years. Well this is going to be fun.... not.

This book was so much fun. I loved Aria -I mean, I always love a good underdog story, and I also loved that Callan redeemed himself. Oh, and the story was brimming with magical plants and animals that were just delightful - well, maybe not ALL of the plants. I really hope that there is going to be a sequel, because I feel like these characters have so much more story to tell, and Aria is just beginning to explore the boundaries of her powers, so it will be interesting to see how powerful she really is. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy fiction.

I ended up enjoying this book more than I thought I would. The premise seemed interesting (which is why I was interested in reading it) but had so much more to it than the description would have you believe. I loved Aria right from the beginning and loved following her journey to accepting herself and coming into her magic. She didn't need to be fixed, she just needed to understand herself better. And Boris won me over the second he flipped Aria the bird (you'll understand once you meet himself yourself). The characters of Tabitha and Gran were great as well. They were the perfect support system/cheerleaders for Aria. I also really liked getting Callan's point-of-view, it helped add more depth to his character. It was hard not to like him once you knew he saw how great Aria was (even before she fixed her wonky magic). My only complaint regarding his character was how many times the author felt it necessary to tell us he was gorgeous, it just got old after a while. The challenges for the competition were interesting on their own and never felt overdone or just filler in between the romantic moments. I wish a little more time had been spent on the sabotage towards the end of the novel - especially an explanation as to why they only went after Aria. But I did love how the aftermath of that showed Aria how much the town loved and supported her. I was so excited when I discovered this would be a series because I would love to return to this little town and see what else happens with these great characters. Maybe a little romance for Tabitha?

This was a nice story. All characters were nice, conflicts were solved in a nice way, and the competition over the magical garden was nice. Aria and Callan were mature adults who communicated and didn’t create unnecessary conficts. They genuinely wanted to help one another. There was no third act breakup. Sex was nice and it was over quickly.

All this made a nice but not a very passionate romance. The plot was more about the competition than romance anyway, although they worked seamlessly together. Aria had a nice growth arc. Callan was more a side-kick even with his own POV chapters.

Boris the familiar was fun, all main characters under thirty were orphans, and the rest were octogenarians, which made for a rather odd cast. Magic was able to do miracles with little or no cost. The world didn’t always feel English, but with magic in the mix, who can tell. All in all, this book left me feeling good and not terribly excited.

3.5-3.7 stars

I've been foiled again by the inability to give half stars.

Overall, I really enjoyed this! I liked the setting A LOT, I mean, a magic seaside town? Perfect! I'd love to live there. I liked the backstory of the town and I liked the magic system a lot, as well as the reveal that there can be different types of witches. I thought it was really clever and well-based in the natural world and the idea of spiritual energy, and I enjoyed that a lot. Aria's growth is also inspiring, and I really enjoyed seeing her grow into her abilities and overcome her past. I liked the focus on self-worth, and how Aria learns that her self-worth isn't based on what other people think of her. That's a hard thing for a lot of people to overcome, so I felt like it was an excellent message! I also really enjoyed the cast of side-characters, they were entertaining and witty and very interesting, even those who only had a chapter or so of page time. I think Boris and Mr. Sparrow were my favorites! But I loved how well-written Aria's family was and how they were there for her. It was a really good lesson about love and how it comes in different forms.

But, I felt like the plot was rushed at times, and there should have been more attention given to certain details, and that we saw too much of Aria's personal thoughts and not enough descriptive details of places or events. I know this is part of a series, so it's possible some of that will be filled in later, but I did struggle with it a bit. I also felt like Callan needed more backstory. It was hard to root for him as an MMC because it felt like his only motivation, aside from the short description about his father's legacy, was that he was pining after Aria. I think that, since some chapters are in his POV, that could have been explored more. But that's just me :)

But overall, I think that if you're looking for something fun with magic or a nice romcom, this is a great read and everyone should absolutely pick it up! I also think that, despite being witchy, the seaside setting makes it a perfect read for summer!

This book was a cute British romcom about a witch with wonky powers that she can’t seem to control. She entered a competition for her family to win a greenhouse that her family relied on for potion ingredients. No one told her that her nemesis, a rich guy who destroyed her grandfather’s tower years ago, was also competing.
Cue the enemies to lovers romance!
The book reminded me a little of The Ex Hex/The Kiss Curse but with enough of a different witchy vibe and setting. I loved the characters and the setting. Aria loved plants and she found her way into her magic with Callan’s help.
I definitely recommend this one for a feel good witchy romcom. It was adorable!

Happy pub day to The Modern Girl's Guide to Magic! I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Linsey Hall's latest and it was absolutely one of the cutest books I've read this year! It’s the first in a series of stand-alone romances set in the seaside village of Charming Cove. If Hallmark movies with a witchy vibe if your thing, then make sure to try this out!

The characters are simply delightful, managing to be both charming and funny. There is also a talking badger which I found to be a fun part of this book. The sweet love story feels like an Enemies to Lovers, but Callan has always liked Aria and is such a sweet, supporting MMC. The best part of this book is the relationship Aria has with her friends and family - warm and fuzzy no doubt!

This was the perfect, cozy read - if you love a small-town romance, with a magical twist, add this to your TBR!

Aria needs to save her shop, but she'll have to get her magic under control if she has any chance of succeeding. And it doesn't help that an infuriating competitor is making her feels things ...

An easy, witchy romance full of magic and excitement. Loved it!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
👫🏼🔮
First of all, I really loved the magical society. It was well thought out and I loved the Author's portrayal. It felt as if I should just fall into the book and experience what the characters were experiencing. The setting was top notch.
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Normally, I don't like the enemies to lovers/haters to Lovers, but I liked that the MCs were able to settle the issue by the time I was few chapters in and I really liked that. I also liked that Callan knew he wanted Aria and he went for her.
👫🏼🔮
I liked the competition in Garden of Enchantment and how Aria finally got her magic to work perfectly
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I also loved all the characters from the MCs to supporting characters, especially Catrina. I'd really love to visit this town and see the characters again(AKA, I'm hoping there'll be Tabitha's story)
👫🏼🔮
This book was very nice, I liked it and I'm sure you'll like it too.

This book made me so so happy. I loved every second of it and how it felt like a big cozy warm hug.

I devoured this book, from the moment I started I could not put it down. I am already getting ready for a reread! This book is warm, lovable, happy and just so easy to read and get pulled into the world, story and characters.

This book was an absolute masterpiece and delight! Aria is an amazing character and watching her grow was just wonderful. I absolutely loved Callan and my days, I need more from them asap.

It had everything I needed: enemies to lovers, friendship, a good challenge, MAGIC!!, wonderful, funny and beautiful characters that leave you desiring for more.

I can’t wait to dive back into this world and I bet it will be just a good as this one and it will feel even more cosy and happy.

Thank you so much NetGally, the author and the publisher for the ARC in return of a fair review.

GOODREADS REVIEW LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5591232698

3.8 Stars
One Liner: Lighthearted and fun

Aria is a magical disaster. She’s a witch but cannot control her magic, putting her in complex situations. She does her best to avoid using her magic but ends up messing things up anyway. When Aria’s granny asks her to come back home to Charming Cove to participate in a competition, Aria is sure she’ll fail.
However, she has to win the competition to save their shop, Seaside Spells. If only her magic would cooperate. Of course, things get annoying when Callan Hawthrone is back in the town and a fellow competitor. She hates this rich guy, even if it is not always ‘hate’.
Can Aria learn to control her magic, win the competition, and maybe find her HEA?
The story comes in the first-person POV of Aria (more %) and Callan.
My Thoughts:

After my previous read, I wanted something light and enjoyable. I couldn’t have picked a better book. This is sweet, lighthearted, entertaining, and fun. There’s nothing intense about the book, so go into it with the right expectations.
The small town setting is magical and beautiful. Witches are common here, and people have varying degrees of magical powers. Though we don’t meet a lot of the townfolk, those we come across are supportive and friendly (except for a mandatory person).
The book deals with topics like bullying, loss, self-worth, finding oneself, and love. However, almost everything is on the surface level. This is an advantage and a disadvantage. Only Aria trying to overcome her insecurities and understanding her magic is detailed.
There’s a sort of enemies-to-lovers trope, but it’s resolved too easily and is based on a weak misunderstanding, so it doesn’t really count. Callan is a sweet guy and easy to like.
The supporting characters, Gran, Tabhata, and Catrina are a treat to read. Catrina is my super favorite. Who doesn’t like a confident seven-year-old witch in two pigtails? I love this little girl.
My favorite part of the book is when Aria understands her magic and learns to work with it. The concept is so simple yet poignant. It aligns with the indigenous way of life, where people co-exist in harmony with nature.
The climax has some action but is resolved quickly enough to not feel boring. The ending has HEA of sorts, though we’ll see more of it in the coming books.
I’m not sure about Callan’s first-person POV. He has a few chapters, but I found it confusing to distinguish between his voice and hers. A limited third-person would have been better for him.
Though I wanted a lighter book, I still wish this one went a little deep to explore the character’s emotions. I couldn’t connect with the characters despite liking them. Things were a little too superficial.
However, the pacing is steady (surprising since Aria tends to ramble), and something or the other is always happening to keep the story moving.
Boris the Badger is fun (must say, authors are coming up with creative witch familiars), though I hope his arc won’t be restricted to eating, sleeping, and a few one-liners. The pinklings are cute, and I’d like to meet them again!
I like the fantasy elements and magic system in this one. While it’s not fully explained, I have an idea of how it works. Hoping the elements will be explored in detail in the coming books.

To summarize, The Modern Girl's Guide to Magic is a cozy, sweet, and simple witchy story set with a small-town feel. Grab it if you want a breather from heavy reads. There’s a mini mild steamy scene (just 2-3 paras).
Thank you, NetGalley and Bonnie Doon Press, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

I haven’t read anything similar to this book before, so I went in with an open mind. As soon as I started reading the first chapter, I knew I was going to love this book! The story was so wholesome and cute, and really enjoyed it.

The story is about Aria, a young witch from Charming Cove. She has never learned to control her magic, and she feels like a failure. Her number one rule is not to get involved with magic, and that’s why she moved from her hometown. When her grandma insists that she joins a huge magical competition to inherit Garden of Enchantment (the biggest magical fortune in England), she refuses. She later discovers that she can only save Seaside Spells (her family’s spell shop), if she wins the contest. She agrees to participate, only to discover that the sexy billionaire playboy Callan is also participating. She has hated him for so many years, and now she has to face him again...

I love how chaotic Aria’s character was in the beginning, and how she found herself in the end. My favorite character? Definitely Boris! You need to read the book to figure out who he is. I loved all of the side characters, especially Catrina. I’m not a huge fantasy reader, but this book had everything I like; enemies to lovers, forced proximity, rivalry, heartwarming friendship and family. I’m not giving it 5 stars, because I felt some parts were a bit rushed and I wasn’t content with the part where we learn about why Aria has hated Callan for all these years. The ending was really cute tho.

If you’re looking for a cute witchy romcom, you have to give this one a try!

𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀: As for trigger warnings, I didn’t pick up on anything. In my opinion it was pretty lighthearted and wholesome. Please do your own research 🖤

Overall, this book was an enjoyable read. There were a few iffy spots where I either lost interest or was slightly confused by which character was speaking because of the dialogue order. I think the overall storyline would still be the same if the age gap was removed or if the FMC’s age in the initial meeting was changed to early 20s. It made me a little uncomfortable that he still thought about the memory of her as a 17 year old. For the most part, the plot was easy to follow and made sense. This book would be great for readers who want a rom-com that has fantasy elements. I am thankful to have received an ebook ARC through NetGalley.

This was fun but not really for me. I didn't really know what to expect going into it and I did have some issues with the plot. I think, if you like witches, you'll have more fun than me!

Years ago, Aria chose to leave her home of Charming Cove, Cornwall behind after accepting that her magic wasn't as it should be. Whilst other witches had control, her magic seemed to have explosive consequences... for herself and those around her.

Imagine her surprise when her grandmother appears in her London apartment urgently calling her home: a magical competition has been announced and she has been selected to represent her family's potion shop Seaside Spells. At stake? The chance to win the coveted magical garden they rely on for their ingredients.

Aria soon discovers that 5 others have been selected to compete, one being the powerful mage Callan Hawthorne. He's known to be extremely successful but that isn't why Aria is dreading seeing him; they have a less than pleasant shared history.

Can Aria work through her magical blocks with the help of her family and community to win the garden? Or will she let her anger over Callan's past actions cloud her judgement?

I was provided this ARC by @linseyhallauthor @netgalley & @victoryeditingngc and all opinions shared are my own.

This was an extremely well written book and had me hooked from the first few pages. I wanted to know all about Aria, her magical home town and why she had left and I feel that every question was answered by the end of the book. The way that magic is described is a lot of fun and Catrina & Borris we're my favourite supporting characters (sassy and sweet!).

Aria's back and forth, second chance romance with Callan was well written and I enjoyed the tension that led to 🔥 scenes. In saying that, romance was in no way the focus of the book; it was very much a story of Aria working through what she needs to in order to unleash her full potential.

Happy publication day to Author Linsey Hall and I'll be reading the rest of the stand alone stories in the series 🥳

This was the epitome of a witchy rom-com. With that comes some plot issues. There were a few too many things happening instead of narrowing it down and focusing on one and really making it shine.
The relationship between Aria and Callan felt a forced. The chemistry felt awkward especially with Aria let go of her anger so suddenly. It felt a bit stilted.
Boris was everything you could want in a familiar and feisty side character.
This isn’t a book I will reach for again, but I will probably read the second in the series to see what continues to happen in Charming Cove.
Special thanks to Net Galley and Bonnie Doon Press for sharing this advanced digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

This was exactly what I needed to read right now! It was cute, light and full of magic. I loved the setting of this story and how easy it was to jump into the magic rules of this universe. I want to go and spend some time in Charming Cove! I absolutely love modern witchy romcoms and this was exactly what I’m looking for in them. I loved all the side characters in this book, I think they were funny and added to the story. I also loved how much joy was in this book, for the most part everyone was enthusiastic about what they had going on which was refreshing! I also enjoyed that Aria’s best friend was automatically happy to have her back in town even after she had disappeared on them for the better part of a decade. Everyone was rooting for Aria through out the story including Callan who is also competing for the garden. Their romance was super sweet and how much he wanted to help her unlock her magic was wonderful.

I really loved this story and I’m excited to see that this is the start of a series!

Thanks to NetGalley, Boonie Doon Press and the author Linsey Hall for providing me with a ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A magical surprise! Addictive tale of finding home and yourself with a wonderful cast of characters, a magical competition, and unexpected love. A real winner!

<b>I think this book is a good book for someone who is looking for romance book with some spice and very easy language. Dialogues are very simple and language is very modern.</b>

I dropped it at 35% as I could no longer stand how it's written and so romance focused. I expected fantasy to be more dominant then romance, but this book is romance with spice and only set in a world with witches. I would have totally read more or all of this book if I didn't find romance parts so annoying. Them being so dominant, then became hard to ignore.

In part I read, pretty much no magic happened and even rarely mentioned, and when it was, it was mainly her complaining how bad her magic is.
Major plot is starting and while I am curious how it goes, I can't stand stuff like: <spoiler><i>He leaned over me to see the riddle, his scent wrapping around me like warm embrace. I wanted to say it was unwelcome, but part of be liked it. Idiot. </spoiler></i>

I feel bad to leave not a good review, as it may be mainly due to my dislike for romance. For that reason, I chose to not leave any stars on goodreads and here 2 as I need to leave star rating.

Thank you NeGalley for providing me with ARC in exchange for review. I love doing this.