Book Review – Brewed in Magic by Jenna Wolfhart
4/5 *
So I like to believe I don’t read much outside of my chosen genres but I think that’s a lie, especially when I come across a book with a cover as beautiful as this.

It was a little outside of my comfort zone but that’s only because I’m not a “true-love” kind of reader. I like some action or drama of sorts, but this book was warm and cosy. It’s a great little pick-me-up after a long day and you want to relax and just fall in love with the characters.

Wolfhart done a fantastic job with her descriptions throughout the book and kept me wanting to read more, my only disappointment; there wasn’t much character development. They were all very set from the get-go, they were interesting to read about but there wasn’t much going forward.

It is the 2nd book to a series, which of course I didn’t realise at the time, but is very easily read as a standalone. Unsure if book 1 is based around the same character and maybe that’s where all the development happens. Don’t hold me to that. I will get round to reading book 1 at some point.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publishing team for allowing me to read this ARC. This review is from my own, honest opinion.

3.5 ⭐️

This was a super cosy read, which was exactly what I wanted. The characters were loveable, but I do wish they had a little bit more depth to them, the relationships could've done with a little bit more filling g out, but I do recognise that this was a short and sweet cosy book so I'm not mad about it.

This is my first read from Jenna Wolfhart and I am definitely keen to read more of her work, as I did really get on with the writing style and the pacing of it!

Brewed in Magic is the second book in the Falling for Fables series but reads as a standalone. The author genuinely makes this book feel like a standalone. There are appearances from characters in the first book and small mentions to the world building that was more detailed in the first book (such as how the Magic of the islands works) but not knowing any of these small tidbits wouldn’t take away your enjoyment at all.

I enjoyed the plot of this story and the romance. Lilia is a wandering tavern owner that brews her own beer and has to team up with a new brewer, Ragnar, to save Yule after brews and food are stolen. Oh and there is a dragon!

This book was cozy, fun, face-paced and a good read that I usually wouldn’t pick but I enjoyed it for a refreshing light-hearted read.

"Brewed in Magic" was a sweet, wholesome read, quick and easy to follow. You're travelling with the MC Lilia to the yearly Yule Festival where she sells her home-made ale. Her ale is always a hit however during this year's festival there is a newcomer, Ragnar, also trying to sell his ale. Things go awry and they are forced to work together to save Yule. I wasn't overly fond of this one, as I found it a little cringe and cliche at times, however did appreciate the coziness of the read. It hasn't put me off reading more Jenna Wolhart novels so will keep an eye out for them when I come across them.

This book delivered exactly what it set out to. It was fun, cosy and I loved it all. It’s not usually the type of book I read but I’ll have to change that as I had so much fun with this story.

A fantastic read, everything I wanted from this and more, everyone recommended Jenna’s books to me and I’m so glad I listened, its wonderful, comforting and fully immersive, fully recommend to everyone
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was such a delightful read! I'm loving the "cozy fantasy" genre which is really just books with heart, humor, and romance in a fantasy setting. Think- small town romance vibes with elves and you'll love Brewed in Magic (and the first book in the series)!

We met Lilia in the first book as the sister of the hero. It's been a few years since then and we get to see Lilia's life on the road when she meets Ragnar and there are immediate sparks.

There's a light-hearted mystery here that bring our couple together after they find out they're competing tavern owners at the local festival.

I really liked how Wolfhart is developing the world while keeping its charm. I'm hoping for more books set in the world!

And currently hoping Jenna Wolfhart's other books are this vibe because I enjoyed it so much!

Feat: rivals to lovers, small-village shenanigans, fantasy world (elves, orca, dwarves, dragons, demons)

4.25 stars
1.5 spice

3.75 stars

Look, I really enjoyed the first book in this series, which caused me to have higher expectations for this book. However, Brewed in Magic falls short in recreating the magic of its predecessor. I am not saying the book was bad; in terms of the writing and the world-building, it was really good. I especially enjoyed the writing style. However, I had a harder time connecting to the main characters in this book. Lillia and Ragnar felt underdeveloped as a whole and it was just hard to see any chemistry between them. Honestly, I think the speedy pacing of this book was a let down for me.

However, I still think, for people who prefer faster paced books, Brewed in Magic would be a good pick for their next read

Jenna Wolfhart is an author I discovered last year and loved.

Brewed in Magic is the perfect cozy fantasy book that I needed in my life. We have an enemies to lovers storyline that is played out so well between these characters. I love when you can genuinely believe the characters initially couldn’t stand each other and gradually develop feelings and come to love each other as the story develops.

This book is such an entertaining read. There’s quite a lot that happens in the latter third of the book which is great but maybe could have been spread out a bit more throughout the book as the pace seemed to really pick up at the end but that didn’t get in the way of my enjoyment.

This is such a cosy, heart warming and whimsical read with just a dash of spice on the side.

Thank you to NetGalley and Jenna Wolfhart for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a really cute hallmark-style fantasy romance read. The problems are trivial, but that's why we often turn to these comfort stories because the stakes are low.

Brewed in Magic was the perfect blend of cosy mystery, fantasy and romance. This book was such a refreshing read compared to some of the heavier books I usually read. I love to read these cosy mysteries in between. This was a fairly quick read and I was able to read in just a few hours.
I really enjoyed the authors writing style and felt in flowed really well in this book. I enjoyed the world building and especially liked the descriptions of the fantasy aspect such as the different species.
I enjoyed all the characters we met and some of the side characters too, especially the dragon Reykur!
I look forward to reading more from this author as well as more stories from this series.

Thank you to Netgalley, the Author and the Publisher for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

If Jenna wolfhart writes I READ. Because ur going to tell me I can’t live in a fantasy world with dragons brewing tavern and serving it to all creatures while have the most cozy romance ever?

It makes me sad but also so warm and fuzzy inside. She manages to encapsulate coziness so well that I literally cannot what for book 3.

**Thank you to Victory Editing Netgalley Co Op and Jenna Wolfhart for this ARC in exchange for an honest review**

Need a quick and heartwarming romance filled with magic, a teenage dragon and good ale? We’ll look no further.
This book was one of those books that made you feel warm inside. A short and sweet rivals to lovers story, wrapped up in a magical cozy mystery.
Lilia is a spirited elf with a serious case of wanderlust, traveling all around the island she hails from with her traveling tavern. With only a Dragon as company, Lilia feels as if it’s her destiny to wander the world alone.
Meeting a handsome and mysterious stranger on the road of the winter festival, she finally feels as if she has found a kindred spirit. That is, until he leaves at first light and she later discovers he has taken her spot in the festival!!
Matters take a turn for the worse when her ale is stolen and she is sure that he’s the culprit.

I enjoyed the banter between characters. Not to mention, the antics of one teenage dragon who was incredibly impatient. Adding to that, Wolfhart created such a unique and magical world. This book is my first exposure to the series and it’s the second. It definitely made me want to read the first.

Brewed in Magic gets a 4/5 stars from me!

Loved this! Brewed in Magic is a low stakes, cosy fantasy romance with a dash of spice and dragons!!
Lilia and Ragnar were so cute with their little rivals to lovers moment
Reykur, the cheeky dragon, has such a sweet nature and I truly loved his part in the book.
This is perfect for those looking for a relaxing, fun time between their bigger fantasy books or heart wrenching romances.

I loved this world so much in Forged by Magic and even more so going back in Brewed in Magic! This book was like reading a cozy holiday hallmark movie with dragons and magic! It was such a nice palette cleanser from all of the heavy fantasies I’m used to lately.

DNF at 34%

I'm so sad about this because I absolutely adored the first book but unfortunately I just couldn't get into this one. I really didn't vibe with either of the main characters and didn't feel any chemistry between them.

Brewed in Magic is a delightful romantic escapade set in a fantasy world. The story revolves around rivals turned lovers engaged in a friendly competition at the Yule festival. As they navigate a sweet mystery together, sprinkled with a bit of angst, the narrative leads to a heartwarming happily ever after. I'm hooked on Wolfhart's writing; this book only fueled that obsession.

Lilia, a standout character from the first book, continues to shine in this sequel. Her relationship with Rangar evolves from rivalry to partnership, revealing her unwavering loyalty and independent spirit. The book captures their flirty banter, innuendos, and charming competitions, highlighting Ragnar's efforts to break down Lilia's walls.

Approach this book for its cozy vibes, witty banter, low-stakes plot, and the endearing romance between two rival tavern owners navigating a winter festival as reluctant allies. It's a perfect read for anyone interested in a heartwarming and occasionally spicy tale. Get ready for a dose of feel-good shenanigans!

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC, but my preorder arrived before the review copy, so I read that. I really like this cozy fantasy series, in which a magical island is home to a diverse population of creatures. It's a perfect read for a winter long weekend. For mystery crossover fans, "Brewed in Magic" has a bit more of a who-done-it vibe than "Forged by Magic". Recommended for fans of "The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy".

5/5 Stars
3/5 Spice

Oh my goodness, this was such a sweet and comfy read.
I am now a devoted fan of Jenna Wolfhart.

Ragnar & Lilia are so romantic and lusty, and sweet on each other, it just melted me and I burnt straight through this read. I'm sad that I missed the ARC for Forged By Magic.

I now 100% recommend this for any romance reader of fantasy, paranormal, and monster.