Third book in a trilogy starring witch triplets

Though each book in this series can stand alone, because it has no cliffhangers, if you read these three books out of order, this book contains spoilers for the first two books.

Olive Maxwell and her sisters, Violet and Rose, are part of a Magical Triad, a set of triplets, who were born 34 years ago and are part of a powerful witch lineage. A Magical Triad is a rare phenomenon that has always before led to extraordinary powers in the first-born, who ultimately becomes a Prima Witch. Olive’s grandmother, Edie Maxwell, was born as part of a Magical Triad 74 years ago, with 41 years between these two triads. However, before that, there had not been a Magical Triad for nearly 150 years. As Prima Witch, Edie sits on the Supernatural Council and was personally responsible for the Supernaturals’ stepping out from the shadows fifty years ago when she was only in her early twenties. She has also been instrumental in preventing numerous wars, both human and supernatural, and her magical power is so enormous, it could light up the entire Northeast electric grid. As the first-born (by just minutes) of herself, Rose and Olive, Violet was destined to be a Prima. However, up until a year ago, during the events of Book 1 of this series, Violet had never shown any signs of magical abilities. As a result, Rose was trained for many years to be the successor to Grandmother Edie. After Violet suddenly manifested some spectacular magical talent, she took over as the Prima successor, and Rose was free, for the first time, to explore any options for her life that she chose. Her adventures occur in Book 2 of this series, in which she falls in love with a half-Demon veterinarian, who runs an animal sanctuary, and becomes a part-time, magical bounty hunter.

In this novel, we get Olive’s story. Similar in looks to her sisters and her grandmother, Olive has a pretty face and is short and plump. After graduating from law school in her twenties, she initially worked at a prestigious firm, but some years back, she left the law to become a college professor. She accepted an offer to become head of the Department of Supernatural Studies at NYU (presumably an alternate-reality version of New York University), where she was the youngest person to ever be appointed as a department head. Unlike Violet and Rose, Olive is not interested in practicing magic. Other than hanging around with other supernaturals from time to time, and teaching regular humans about supernaturals, Olive mostly lives like an ordinary human.

Bax Donovan’s age is not stated, but he is presumably around Olive’s age. He has been employed for an unspecified number of years at Guardian Angel Affairs, an angels-only organization that his family has worked at for generations. Bax heartily dislikes his job, and he is so incompetent at it, he is about to be kicked out of the organization if he blows his last-chance assignment, guarding Olive. The problem is, he is hugely attracted to Olive, who has just become his roommate.

Bax and Olive have been part of a close circle of friends for a long while. During the years they have been acquainted, both have had relationships with many other people and, in spite of both being strongly physically attracted to each other all this time, neither has ever made a move to push the two of them out of the friend zone. But living together, and with Bax suddenly, for no reason Olive can fathom, constantly spending time with her, their mutual attraction becomes more and more overt—and impossible to resist. Unfortunately, as Olive’s guardian angel, Bax is forbidden to have a romantic relationship with her.

Unlike her two kick-ass sisters, Olive’s cautious personality is not conducive to the exciting, action-adventure type of plot of the first two novels in this series. And though Bax has a lot of tattoos, body piercings, and is tall and ripped, he is a “cinnamon roll” hero rather than an Alpha hero. In his job as a guardian angel, Bax is basically an unpaid, woefully unprepared bodyguard. He has no magic to draw upon except wings—which he is too agoraphobic to use except as a last resort. He has no weapons, magical or non-magical, and there is no indication he has been trained to be a competent fighter in close, hand-to-hand combat. Similar to Olive, he looks human and lives like an ordinary human, except for his job, a job which I could not understand or believe in. His employer, the GAA, makes little sense, and there is no attempt in the story to motivate its functions. How does the GAA decide who merits angelic protection? Who foots the bill for all the expenses incurred in offering this protection, including salaries for the guardian angels? The persons being guarded aren’t paying anything, because they aren’t even supposed to know they are being guarded by an angel. Why are so many narcissistic jerks being offered protection? What is the criteria for selection? There certainly don’t seem to be enough angels to go around, such that, potentially, every human or Supernatural could be guarded by one. Do they use a lottery system?

In general, the author has created a very strange take on the whole concept of guardian angels (which are an important feature of the religions, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam), and many crucial questions are left unanswered. First, we are presented with very little information about Bax’s lineage. Do angels only marry angels? If they marry humans—or in the case of his HEA with Olive, marry a witch—which supernatural species predominates in the genes of their children? What kind of education do angels get? Do they have their own schools or attend human schools, as Olive and her sisters have done?

Basically, on the surface, in the other two books, Olive and Bax had potential to be interesting, but in the execution of this story, they are both simply too laid back and magically uninteresting in comparison to the protagonists of the other two books to be anything but a big letdown. It is also hard to imagine what would reasonably hold the two of them back for years from pursuing a relationship if either had a spark of initiative. To me personally, it is not very impressive that only the convenience of propinquity could inspire the two of them to finally, at long last, take their relationship to another level.

Finally, I had two pet peeves about this book. First, there is no “cauldron” in this book, so it makes no sense to put that in the title. Second, I found it extremely odd and off-putting that Bax, an actual angel, would choose as an endearment for Olive the word, “angel.” It would be like Olive choosing, as an endearment for Bax, the word, “witch.” But even if Bax had chosen another endearment, such as honey or sweetheart, the way he employed this endearment toward Olive, especially in their first scenes together, as she is moving into his apartment, comes off as smarmy and borderline creepy, as well as obnoxiously patronizing.

I found out after starting this one that it was the third in a series. With that being said, it absolutely can be read as a standalone book and I loved it.

I loved the entire friend group, and I loved the chemistry and relationship between Bax and Olive. It was a witchy, supernatural, friends to lovers with tattoos and piercings, mutual pining, and just a really sweet story all around!

Quick, witty and romantic. This funny rom com didn’t fail at keeping me entertained with every flip of a page. This novel does not quite have that magical fun the other books thus far have had. There were points where they did some supernatural magic things, but was few and far between and it didn’t play a significant role here.

Olive and Bax, though, we’re adorable! I loved their connection and chemistry. I loved the run ins with previous books characters as well. The characters didn’t quite feel deep enough this time around and if anything — i wish there were more supernatural shenanigans in it

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin for an eARC of Not Your Crush’s Cauldron!


This was such a cute book. Funny, witty and romantic! I loled quite a bit and enjoyed the romantic parts. Great read. It’s also and easy read. I loved this witchy romcom!

I loved the first two books in the Supernatural Singles Series by April Asher, and I was so excited to read this book. I was disappointed in this one, and I didn't enjoy it as much as the first two books. One of the main reasons is because it was lacking in magic and the supernatural fun of the first two books. Olive is the third member of the Maxwell triplets, and she is a professor of Supernatural studies. The male main character, Bax, is a guardian angel, but he doesn't want to be one.

He and Olive are now living together, and they have feelings for one another, even if it's just a crush at this point. When Bax gets assigned to be Olive's guardian angel (which is a major part of this story), it just doesn't make any sense. Why does she need protection? Olive encourages her students to complete tasks that are outside of their comfort zone, and she makes her own list. While completing the list, Bax helps her so he can protect her and keep her safe. The problem is that there's nothing to keep her safe from.

I kept hoping for magic to play role, but it didn't happen. Olive and Bax are supernaturals, but it didn't really impact the story. He flew her a few times, but other than that, they didn't really use magic.

I loved the appearances by Lincoln and Vi, Harper, Adrian, and Rose and Damian. This story was also missing the fun of Grandma Edie! She was severely missed. I was happy to see Vi become Prima, but we didn't get much of the exchange ceremony.

My favorite parts were the parts with the friend group because they are a found family. I liked the chemistry between Bax and Olive. I liked their forced proximity as roommates, and I liked that Bax and Olive completed the activities on Olive's list together.

I'm always happy to revisit the Maxwell sisters, and I'm really hoping that my favorite character, Harper, gets her own love story! In my opinion, she's the best character of the series, and I want to learn more about her!

Thanks to NetGalley and SMP for an ARC of this book.

Not Your Crush’s Cauldron is the third book in the series. You could read this as a stand alone but I would recommend reading the books in order.

Bax did not like the idea of Violet’s roommate having random people to her apartment at all times of day and night so he offers her his spare bedroom. After Violet moves in he gets a new guardian angel assignment which happens to be his new roommate. He can’t tell her she’s his new job and now has to make sure she doesn’t do anything that can cause her or endanger herself.

At this time Violet decides to take on a project to push her comfort zones. This happens to push Bax’s as well.

Personally I think I liked book 2 the most. Not Your Crush’s Cauldron was good and had some face palm, shake your head laughing moments (especially anytime Harper is involved).

I was so ready for Olive & Bax’s story after reading Vi & Linc and Rose & Damian’s stories. But something about their story just missed the mark for me, and I can’t put my finger on it. By no means a bad story, I just wasn’t as invested as I was in the others. Also, if I can suggest doing a proofread printing.

It was very predictable but I still loved it! There was two spelling errors that jumped out at me but everything else was perfect. I loved the ending of this one more than Not Your Ex’s Hexes and I wish we could see them in their elements later on with Bax doing tats on the regular! The classroom scene was chef’s kiss and I loved the docket idea so much!

‘Not Your Crush’s Cauldron’ by April Asher— REVIEW

Thank you SO MUCH April for the opportunity to be a part of the ‘Cauldron’s Coven Crew’ ✨

Wow.

I thought I loved Violet and Lincoln. ‘How could I love any of the other books as much?’ I thought naively…

Then I was blown away by Rose’s story and character arc. YES! So much redemption. (And also… puppies!)

But Olive and Bax? It hurts to say but they MIGHT be my favorite. I’ve LOVED Bax from book one. Such a fantastic friend- true guardian angel. And Olive has always intrigued me, I thought I’d relate to her most. Their personalities, their chemistry, their adventures— AMAZING.

Read this book, trust me ✨

I'm surprised this book got published, honestly.
It is so poorly written that it's painful to read. The main character, Olive, is superficial, that poor angel guy with a boner every two chapters makes me cringe every time he opens his mouth, sisters and friends are annoying af. What's the point? A bunch of words put together, mixed with sexual references don't make a good "steamy" romance.
1 star for the cover, that is cute.

If there's anything I've learned in the last few years it's that the quality of these witchy romances are quite hit or miss for me - but April Asher's series keeps delivering hits! This is the third book in this series and follows Olive Maxwell and guardian angel Bax. This series is light and fun and everything I want out of a witchy romance.

I had a predictably great time with this! I really loved Olive and Bax together - I think this is friends to lovers done really, really well. It was spicy and sweet and I loved seeing Olive challenge herself with her "Dare I Docket"

Read this for:
- Friends to Lovers
- Roommates
- Piercings and Tattoos
- Fun friend group
- Nickname

My one minor complaint is that there's a lot of telling vs showing and certain scenes are just skipped over and we hear about it afterwards (like the Prima ceremony among others).

Love this series and crossing my fingers for a fourth book with Harper!!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press/St. Martin's Griffin for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Olive Maxwell the third Maxwell sister finally gets her book. As a professor of supernatural studies she has created an assignment for her students to push them outside their comfort zone. Soon introverted Olive decides to join them in creating her own list of adventurous items.
Bax is a guardian angel with the GAA and has several strikes against him after a failed assignment. Soon after Olive moves in with Bax he is assigned as her guardian angel and begins completing her list with her. The usual characters from the previous two novels appear in this book as well. If you like friends to lovers with a supernatural twist this is a book for you.
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the arc.

This is the third book in the series and I had already read the previous two. I had been looking forward to this one because I had grown fond of the characters from the previous books. But, I admit this one was a slow read for me. There were also times where character choices created plot holes in the story, which was frustrating. I still think readers interested in a fun paranormal romance, especially between a Witch and a Guardian Angel, will enjoy it. Can be read as a stand alone, but will be better enjoyed if you read the previous two books first. (Thanks to St. Martin's Griffin and Netgalley for the ARC)

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin for an eARC of Not Your Crush’s Cauldron!

Equal parts witty and hilarious and utterly romantic! I was so blessed to be an ARC reader for Not Your Ex’s Hexes and absolutely adored Not The Witch You Wed. The series focuses on three sisters and, in Not Your Crush’s Cauldron, we finally get to read Olive’s story! The chapter titles, as usual, made me giggle out loud and the romantic scenes made me blush. I love a good witchy rom com and April Asher writes the most delightful witchy rom coms I’ve had the pleasure to read!

This was a super cute installment of Asher’s Supernatural Singles series. I enjoyed Olive in the other books and loved her so much more in her own book. She was so relatable and I love her growth and personality in this. Bax was such a great character. I loved the banter and chemistry between them and I love how easily they clicked together. I hope Harper gets her own book because she’s definitely one of my favorite characters.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

This was really good! I was pulled in from the very beginning. I couldn't put this down. I love the development of the story and characters. I have been reading a lot of fantasy recently, and getting into a romance really brought me back and reminded me why I love them. I thoroughly enjoyed April's other books and I fell in love with this one too! I loved it. If you enjoy romance or paranormal romance, definitely grab this one!

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the eArc in exchange for an honest review. I began this book not realizing it was the third in a series. After taking a break to read the first two, I returned to Olive and Bax’s story. Overall I liked this story the least of the three Maxwell sister stories. I didn’t feel invested in either main character, predicted the relationship challenge at the end, and was slightly annoyed by Olive’s need to make herself less predictable based on other people’s catty remarks. I also don’t think that the reason Bax is assigned as Olive’s Guardian Angel is very strong as none of her “heart-pounding stunts” seemed all that daring.
I am curious as to whether or not Harper will get her own book in the series and would read it if the author writes Harper her own story.
I am glad I completed the series and I would recommend this series to readers looking for a lighter supernatural romance.

Honestly April could write like 500 books to this series and I’d read them all. They’re SO fun and I’m just collecting book boyfriends at this point, they’re too good. Friends to lovers is basically my cat nip so I absolutely devoured this one. I believe a 4th is coming in the series and I cannot WAIT.

Here’s what you’re getting:

✅ Dual POV
✅ friends to lovers
✅ wings
✅ magic
✅ guardian angels & witches
✅ Book 3 in a series with 3 sisters and you do need to read the other two to get a sense of what is going on.

I’ve really enjoyed this whole series and book 2 has been my favorite so far. I’m fairly certain there’s a 4th one coming and I can’t wait!

This book was exactly what I didn't know I needed! I recently picked up a novel by an amazing author who writes VERY HEAVY books and it plunged me into a book strike. I couldn't read anything (please tell me I'm not the only one this happens to?)

This engaging, light, and funny little series with it's newest book, pulled me right up. I just adore the Maxwell sisters, their men, and more importantly, their dynamic. I can officially say that I am already looking forward to the next one

Thank you Netgalley, for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5768351477