THIS. WAS. AMAZING. You start a cute little romance thinking, aw this will be sweet and fun, and BAM. Not only do you get the cute, sweet, fun romance, you get spice, you get a fun spin on the old witches' tale, and you get sassy, loveable characters. This is definitely a contender for my top ten this year, I cannot stress enough how much you NEED to read this book. Thank you so much, NetGalley for gifting me this ARC of my romance reader dreams.

Oh my god!!! Lindsay Lovise has truly worked her magic with Perfectly Wicked, creating a must-read paranormal romance that combines an apple orchard, enchanting sisters, and a charming ghost hunter.

The story follows Holly Celeste and her sisters, Ivy and Willow, are the proud owners of Wicked Good Apples, a renowned apple orchard in the small town of Willowbrook. Known for their exceptional apple cider, the Celeste sisters have worked tirelessly to maintain the success of their family business.

However, their idyllic life takes an unexpected turn when a competing orchard, owned by the conniving McAllister family, threatens to steal their customers and ruin their reputation. Determined to keep Wicked Good Apples afloat, Holly faces numerous challenges and obstacles, from a sudden apple blight to a dwindling customer base.

Just when things seem hopeless, a ghost hunting TV host named Connor Grimm arrives in town, drawn to the rumors of supernatural occurrences at Wicked Good Apples. With his rugged good looks and undeniable charm, Connor quickly becomes a source of intrigue for Holly. As they team up to investigate the mysterious happenings, Holly finds herself torn between her growing attraction to Connor and her duty to protect her family's legacy.

As Holly and Connor navigate through ghostly encounters and undeniable chemistry, they find themselves falling in love amidst the apple trees. Their relationship blossoms against the backdrop of the enchanting orchard, where the scent of ripe apples fills the air and the magic of the supernatural lingers.

But it's not just the romance that captivated me. Perfectly Wicked is also filled with heartwarming family dynamics, as the Celeste sisters support and uplift each other through thick and thin. Their bond is strengthened by their shared love for their orchard and their determination to overcome any obstacle thrown their way.

Adding to the charm of the story is a lovable pet hedgehog named Bramble, who becomes an unexpected companion for Holly. Bramble's quirky personality and adorable antics bring moments of levity and warmth to the narrative, endearing him to both the characters and me!

Set against the captivating backdrop of New England, Lindsay Lovise paints a vivid picture of the picturesque town of Willowbrook, the setting adds an extra layer of enchantment to the story. Readers will feel transported to this magical world, where love and mystery intertwine.

Although, I did have some complaints and the major one was that the magic system wasn't explored in depth until the very end of this book. Otherwise, a pretty solid read!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc!

Perfectly Wicked by Lindsay Louise
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 17 September 2023
Tropes:

Perfectly Wicked is a cute and easy read. I can’t fault much on it. If you like a small town romance with magical elements then this book is for you.

Holly Celeste runs an apple cider business in Maine with her sisters. Struggling to keep up with the costs of the business she allows a ghost hunting show to film their series on her farm. However, there’s one problem. Holly is terrified that Connor Grim, the shows host, will uncover her family’s hidden secrets.

The story is fun and whimsical, as is an easy one to just get swallowed up by.

If you’re a fan of Erin Sterling or Kate Johnston, then I would recommend this book for you.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Alcove Press for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this book.

This was such a fun little romp! I think of it as Practical Magic meets Ghost Hunters. The characters are fun and engaging. The setting is rich. There's humor. It's a great book to curl up with and read as you drink tea. I didn't want to put it down and actually stayed up all night reading it!

Holly Celeste and Connor Grimm give me all the warm feelings.
Perfectly Wicked was the ideal blend of cozy, paranormal romance and mystery.
We follow Holly and her sisters as they run a failing orchard- enter Connor who has bulldozed his way into their lives to film a few episodes for his reality tv show following paranormal activity. Convinced things are not as they seem, Connor investigates the haunted orchard and the Celeste women.
The setting here was perfect for this type of story, the orchard was so vivid in my mind, I felt like I could imagine myself there as the hauntings and mysteries unfolded.
This felt like Charmed meets Supernatural and I adored every minute of it. Nothing can compare to a good spooky romance book.
I hope that we see more stories in this world!

4.5 stars

Thank you to Lindsay Lovise and Alcove Press for this ARC! This is such a cute novel. Everything from the close knit family, characters, story line, and the fall feel was so cozy! Perfectly Wicked is like Charmed meets Ghost Adventures. While reading, I pictured Connor as Zac Bagans and I cannot unsee it.

Lindsay’s writing was easy to read and made this a very quick read. I am always a sucker for fall themed, witchy reads with a bit of ancestral mystery.

What I liked:
- the close family with strong ties
-ancestral magic
- mystery
- elemental magic
- Zac Bagans MMC

What I would like to see more of in a sophomore novel:
- why is Conner described as an alpha type?
- winter’s story
- maybe a prequel? Love the ancestry here.

#PerfectlyWicked #NetGalley

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

Solid 3.5 star read for me and I truly hope there is a 2nd book involving Winter.

What I liked:
-the cozy setting of an apple orchard reminded me of growing up in the Midwest
-Holly's specific powers
-the ghost hunter aspect

What I didn't like:
-the use of outdated language like "totes, adorbs" I could not tell how old the FMC was supposed to be and if we know I forgot, but people do not use those words anymore
-I am confused by Mr. Connor Grimm, multiple times in the book it is briefly mentioned that he has an "alpha wolf" thing going on and he mentions his "inner wolf" so that made me think maybe he is a werewolf...but that's not the case. Just seems odd to bring those things up
-grammatically just a LOT of exclamation points for no apparent reason

Agin I will definitely read more books in this series if the author has more, I found the sister's to be very charming and reminiscent of one of my favorite shows growing up, Charmed.

"Perfectly Wicked" by Lindsay Lovise is an enchanting and captivating read that seamlessly blends romance, mystery, and a touch of magic. Set in the charming backdrop of Wicked Good Apples orchard in Maine, this book sweeps readers away on a journey filled with secrets, intrigue, and unexpected romance.

From the very first page, the author skillfully draws readers into the world of the Celeste family and their mysterious orchard. The vivid descriptions bring the setting to life, immersing readers in the lush landscapes and tantalizing scents of the apple orchard. Lovise expertly crafts an atmosphere that is both magical and mysterious, leaving readers eagerly turning the pages to uncover the secrets hidden within.

At the heart of the story is the captivating romance between Holly Celeste and Connor Grimm. Their chemistry is palpable from their first encounter, and their banter and interactions are filled with tension and undeniable attraction. As they navigate the complexities of their budding relationship amidst the backdrop of Connor's paranormal investigation, readers are treated to a swoon-worthy romance that will leave them rooting for this unlikely couple.

The plot is intricately woven, with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. As Connor delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding Wicked Good Apples, secrets are unearthed, and the stakes are raised, leading to a thrilling and satisfying conclusion. Alongside the mystery, the themes of family, loyalty, and acceptance add depth to the story, making it a truly engaging and rewarding read.

Overall, "Perfectly Wicked" is a delightful and enchanting novel that will capture the hearts of readers. With its charming setting, compelling characters, and captivating storyline, it's a must-read for fans of romance and mystery alike. Lindsay Lovise has crafted a truly magical tale that will leave readers spellbound from beginning to end.

4.75

This was realy well done - well paced, fleshed out characters, action and romance with a bit of spice.

As a fan of Practical Magic, Supernatural & Grimm this was right up my alley.

An apple orchard, magically wicked sisters, and a charming ghost hunter make for a quirky, bewitching paranormal romance. Lindsay Lovise works her magic with Perfectly Wicked making it a must-read!

Holly Celeste and her sisters own Wicked Good Apples, an apple orchard. They are known to have the town's best apple cider and everyone wants to know their secret. With droughts and other obstacles that the competing orchard experiences, it just doesn't make sense. However, business isn't doing great. Holly doesn't want to let her family down and won't ever sell. She just has to find a way to keep the orchard running. Never did she think her miracle opportunist would come in the form of a ghost hunting TV host, Connor Grimm. He is easy on the eyes, but she won't allow herself to be fooled or tricked into revealing her family's secrets.

There has been a rumor of a ghost that appears at the orchard which is one of the reasons for the decline in customers. Connor also knows that something unexplainable or paranormal is happening at Wicked Good Apples. He has a feeling Holly knows more than she is letting on and will do his best to expose the truth. Along the way of interviews, ghost observations, and hilarious banter they fall in love. It's unexpected but the sparks are electric. Even though their feelings are developing quickly, there's no way they can have a future. How will Holly ever be able to be completely honest with Connor? Can Connor ever put a relationship above his job?

I will definitely be re-reading this closer to spooky season because it's full of spooky and witchy vibes. It's magical, exciting, romantic, and spicy. It is so quirky and will quickly become a comfort read for many readers. I am crossing my fingers for book 2 because I want to read about Winter and Erikson!

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.

I loved this! If you like witches, spicy romance, and humor, you'll enjoy it too.

The characters are all well written, and I love Holly, her sisters, and her aunts. They are the epitome of girl power.

Holly goes on Connor's paranormal show to help save her family and their home against her better judgement. She knows he wants to investigate for ghosts, but she's worried about that he will uncover her family's secret.

I'm really looking forward to the possibility of a second book. I need to know more about her sisters, and would love a prequel about the aunts, too!

This was a cozy, lighthearted read absolutely perfect for fall.

Holly is trying to save her family's failing apple farm when a paranormal reality show, hosted by Connor Grimm, reaches out in response to the growing amount of ghost sightings coming from the farm's patrons. Connor wants nothing more than to expose the supernatural, but Holly has dedicated her life to protecting her family's biggest secret.

I enjoyed the romance in this book, I thought the Holly and Connor were both well developed characters and had good chemistry. I also really enjoyed the mystery behind the ghost lingering in the apple orchard. I thought it had a good ending that tied everything up nicely while definitely leaving the door open for another book, maybe focused on one of the other sisters. I would definitely love to see one centered around Winter and Erikson.

This book was a bit slower paced than I typically enjoy, and small things, like the way that the pieces of media from the 1800s were written in modern day english, did take me out of the story a bit.

I would put this in the same cozy, witchy genre as books like The Ex Hex, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, and Payback's a Witch.

3.5 stars rounded up! I don’t normally read romance, but this book was fun! If you enjoyed The Ex Hex, you might like this one. I liked it almost as much. There are a lot of autumnal vibes in this book but it actually takes some place primarily in the spring/summer. I honestly think it would be the perfect book to transition from summer to fall. There are so many adorable elements to the story, the close knit family, a pet hedgehog, the New England setting, and of course the Apple farm. The history of the Celeste family and mystery element to the story kept me reading at all hours of the night along with the wonderfully written yearning between the FMC and MMC. While I did enjoy this book, it wasn’t perfect. Some of the word usage made me cringe (ex: totes, adorbs, uber). The male love interest was always on the edge of losing self control to the point of fixating on the FMC skin that was exposed by her ripped jeans. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the fact that the magic in the story wasn’t explained till the 75 percent mark but I could also argue that that is what kept me turning pages. The story did wrap up nicely with no loose ends. I could definitely see there being another book based on one of the other sisters. I would definitely be interested in reading another book in this world, especially if it involves Holly’s sister, Winter!

First of all, I'm totally rereading this during spooky season. It's got everything:Spice, romance, mystery and paranormal. All the cozy vibes of fall with a little heat. I was in a total reading slump and this book helped me get out of it! I won't give too much away so you'll just have to read for yourself. I don't normally give 5 stars but I was just so in love with this book.

When a ghost hunter comes to film at their family apple orchard, Holly must work hard to keep him away from family secrets. I thoroughly enjoyed their relationship which neither expected. The ghost haunting the farm adds significantly to the story and how the family history shaped their present. I read this book in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. I read this on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I LOVED this book. Connor and Holly had such great tension and their journey was super believable. I loved the worldbuilding, the concept of Wickeds and Witches and the Shadow Council. It seems like the author is setting up for a series following the other sisters and fleshing out the world a bit more - I really hope that’s the case and can’t wait to read more about the Celeste women.

I really loved this book. The setting was perfect and I could not put this book down! I would highly recommend this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for this ARC!

I love a good witchy romance set in the contemporary world and this was exactly that! Our world stars a cozy apple orchard, run by our three sisters and aunts who are desperate to keep their home afloat. Holly is forced to work with Connor Grimes, a TV ghost-hunting host - who I surprisingly liked a lot more than I thought, given my bias about a lot of these supernatural hunting shows and celebrities in general. We have a lovable cast with mysterious powers, with each woman in the family having their own set of lore. We also have a rival family that is...not so rival after all? (which I actually loved, because I'm tired of the woman cat fights in romance books.)

Holly needs to find a way to both keep her family's secret while pandering to Connor and his TV show hijinks, intent on discovering the story behind a ghost haunting the apple farm. Connor is portrayed as this very astute man, uncovering secrets...but I did ultimately find that one big reveal to be a huge letdown. The chapter ended with the classic, "That's when it hit me..." and I, as the reader, was left in the dark. I think it would've been wise in that lead-up (the mysterious German book!) to make it clearer to the reader when literally all other hints and facts have been dropped (ooh, stormy weather and Holly is upset! Whatever could that be???)

Ultimately, such a cozy sweet romance where we could root for both Holly and Connor respectively, and was intrigued enough by the plot to keep going. I read this all in one sitting! Think I'll be giving this a 3.75 stars, with a 2 for spice. I'm really excited for the next book, hopefully centered around second sister, Winter -- I loved her character in this book, to be totally honest, and the ways in which she dropped mysterious hints, and would love to know more about her vision and stone-cold badassery.

Title: Perfectly Wicked By Lindsay Lovise

Release Date: September ,17th, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars

"Perfectly Wicked" by Lindsay Lovise is a delightful romp through the supernatural realm!

Holly Celeste and her sisters run an apple cider business in Maine, powered by a magical ingredient. Struggling to keep their orchard afloat, Holly agrees to let a ghost hunting series film on their farm. However, she's terrified that the show's host, Connor Grimm, will uncover their family's biggest secret. Meanwhile, Connor aims to explore supernatural occurrences on the farm to boost his show's success. Despite their initial animosity, Holly and Connor work together, and Holly begins to develop feelings for him. However, their relationship is complicated by Connor's nomadic lifestyle and Holly's reluctance to reveal her true self. As their bond deepens, secrets are revealed, forcing Connor to choose between his career and love for Holly.

With its quirky characters and whimsical storyline, this book is a charming escape from reality. While it didn't quite cast a spell to earn a perfect rating, it certainly left me enchanted. Lovise's imaginative world-building and witty dialogue kept me entertained from start to finish. I will be adding more of Lindsay’s work to my tbr.

If you're looking for a fun and quirky read that's perfect for a cozy night in, "Perfectly Wicked" is the one!

Tropes:

Supernatural Romance
Small Town Secrets
Forbidden Love
Witty Banter
Cozy Mystery


Thank you to Alcove Press, The Lindsay Lovise & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

This was a spooky little delight to read. Apples and witches and hauntings oh my! All characters were aptly named in a very spooky manner, and Charlotte was serving Penelope Garcia Criminal Minds realness. I think I would say the only thing I disliked about this book was the sort of primal play tropes and the painting during sex. Not really my thing, but sign me the hell up for a good spooky book (with a hedgehog!!)