Charmed meets Practical magic is the perfect description for this new paranormal romance that has Holly reluctantly agreeing to be part of a ghosthunting tv show in order to help save her family's apple orchard. GREAT on audio, narrated by my very fav, Brittany Pressley, this was a standout fantasy/witchy forbidden, dual POV, love story that had emotional depth and a unique take on the traditional small town magical sisters romance story.

Filled with HEAT, heart, magic and ghosts, this was a captivating read that I couldn't get enough of!! I really hope that this was the start of a trilogy and we'll eventually get Holly's sisters' stories next. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!

Boy oh boy this one came out of nowhere and was SUCH a fun read!! It's got major Practical Magic elements (all the fun parts- the powerful sisters and their magical aunts, a haunting by a horrid man, New England in fall vibes) and so much more!!

Holly Celeste runs an apple farm in Maine with her twin sisters and their twin aunts. This apple farms catches the eyes and ears of the Grimm Brothers (no not those), Connor and Erickson, who host a paranormal ghost hunting show. As the show moves in and Holly and her family fight to keep things hidden, sparks fly, secrets are uncovered, and life as they all knew it starts to shift.

I absolutely ATE UP this book, from the incredibly intriguing Celeste family lore (names, powers, history) to the ghostly mystery to the beautiful connection (I'm still eyes emoji-ing some of it for some slightly more paranormal things if you catch my drift) between Holly and Connor. The way the world and the powers unfolded was fun, as I got to keep trying to guess- and then still had more to learn once I had uncovered one little piece of it!! I am so excited by this debut author's writing style and unique story-telling, and hope that we get a little bit more from this small town in Maine!

Thank you so much to Lindsey Lovise and NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review.

📔: Perfectly Wicked-standalone

✍️ By: Lindsay Lovise-new to me author

📃 Page Count: 304

🗓️ Publication Date: 9-17-24 | Read: 9-12-24

🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for this ARC💜! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Genre: Contemporary/Paranormal Romance, Adult Fic, Fantasy, Mystery

🌏Setting: Maine-an apple orchard farm

Tropes:
🧙🏽‍♀️witches/ghosts/magic
🧙🏽‍♀️Halloween
🧙🏽‍♀️ghost hunting TV show
🧙🏽‍♀️small town
🧙🏽‍♀️slow burn
🧙🏽‍♀️murder mystery
🧙🏽‍♀️opposites attract
🧙🏽‍♀️forced proximity
🧙🏽‍♀️enemies to lovers

⚠️ TW: murder, parental death

POV: dual

💭 Summary 💭 Holly's family business Wicked Good Apples is in financial trouble so when Connor from the TV show Grimm Reality approaches her about filming on her farm, she reluctantly agrees. Connor is a paranormal investigator and ghost hunter interested in the ghost story believed by the locals. Holly worries he will discover their family secret, so she joins the probe. The more time they spend together, they both have to decide over career and love.


Heroine: Holly Celeste-the oldest sister, runs Wicked Good Apples apple cider farm.

Hero: Connor Grimm-TV host of Grimm Reality who looks for supernatural happenings.

Side cast: Missy and Winter-Holly's twin sisters; Erikson-Connor's brother; Holly's twin aunts; the hedgehog sidekick; Stacy-Holly's nemesis who wants to buy the apple cider business.


My Thoughts: I requested this book for the beautiful cover, but I liked the cozy, fall vibes. I loved the sisterhood between Holly, her sisters, and aunts. I recently read Looking for Love in All the Haunted Places which had a similar premise, but the love story between Holly and Connor was a little more fleshed out. There was a 3rd act breakup, but I'll forgive it because of the setup for future books with Holly's sisters.

Range of emotions: 😬🤔🙄
🌶️: Spice 2/5
😭: Emotion 3/5
❤️: Couple 4/5
⭐️: Rating 4/5

I expected this book to be a classic cozy witchy romance, but it surprised me with a dark story and a few fresh twists I didn't see coming!

Perfectly Wicked is a supernatural romance perfect for those looking for something else to read this Halloween season. Holly and Connor have a satisfying enemies-to-lovers relationship and heads-up - lots of open door spicy scenes for those who are into that or looking to stay away. There are also spooky ghost scenes and mentions of traumatic supernatural events, so this one is firmly into adult territory. There's a definite sense of danger, so while there are cozy scenes I wouldn't call this cozy overall.

The magic system in this universe is fresh and interesting! The more I read about it the more things made sense and fit naturally with the story. It's a very well designed book, where even if you expect some developments, the way they are carried out will be a surprise. The story also sets up a bigger plot involving Holly's family and some newfound allies and enemies that sounds fascinating, so I'll be eagerly watching for more stories in this series.

If you're looking for a fun read this fall and you're a fan of witchy romances with a twist, you'll love this one.

✨ Disclaimer ✨ I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest review.

4.5 stars

Connor Grimm is the star of a hit ghost investigation show, but he's tired of ghosts, and wants to take his show to the next level. Holly Celeste's apple farm is the PERFECT setting because it's rumored to host more than just good cider: witchcraft. But are Holly and her family witches? Who's a friend, who's an enemy, and do Connor and Holly have a love that will last, or is it just a fling?

I ate up this book like a juicy apple. The author keeps the reader guessing about the motives of the characters, the reality of magic, the level of danger they're all facing, and the outcome of the love story. Holly and Connor are both strong and flawed, making for a compelling slow-burn love story. The "will they/won't they" kept me on the edge of my seat as much as the supernatural events and the dangerous situations. The spice was on point!! Connor was swoon-worthy.

I NEED this to be a series. Lovise hints at a rich backstory that must be told. I was fascinated by the way the author bent the narrative about witches that we take for granted. I also want to see Holly's supernatural sisters, Winter and Missy, as well as Connor's brother Erikson, get their happily ever afters. Fingers crossed for more books SO HARD. ❤️

Trigger warnings: death by poisoning, near-drowning, death of mother in car accident (before story begins)

I'd like to thank Alcove Press and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was the perfect autumn read. I loved the twist on the figure of the witch and the romance was adorable. There was some spice, but it wasn't over the top and didn't happen every two pages so I thought it worked well.

I was a little frustrated by some storylines that were left largely unexplored at the end (like the Shadow Council, the dynamics between different supernatural species and Winter's potential love interest) but it does open up the possibility for this to become a series, kind of like the Thistle Grove one? Not sure if that's the plan but I'd certainly love to read a whole book about each of the sisters, as well as Stacy and her family.

I was gifted a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you to the publisher and author!

If you are looking for a fall romance with a unique paranormal twist look no further! For people like me who love the idea of running an apple farm in rural Maine but also don't like to get up early or the cold this is the perfect way to experience it!

I really enjoyed Connor and Holly's dynamic. They had very opposite goals and it was fun to watch them end up liking each other despite it. I also enjoyed that they came to understand and respect each other's motivations.

I did struggle a bit with getting into this one. I felt like the beginning was a bit slow. I'm glad that I stuck with it though and I'm hoping the series will continue. It seems like Holly's sister and Connors brother might have had some chemistry so hopefully a sequel?

I listened to the audiobook of Perfectly Wicked and really enjoyed it! Brittany Pressley does the narration and I have really enjoyed other titles by her including the Seven Year Slip. This one is single narrator for dual POV so it that isn't for you maybe read with your eyeballs.

Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for the ARC.

When I saw the blurb for this book I was like yes this book is for me and I was right. It is a fun blend of ghost hunter tv shows, Charmed and the Practical Magic movie. If all of that wrapped up in a witty paranormal RomCom sounds up your alley then trust me you want to read this book.

This story follows Holly and her sisters who in an effort to save their struggling apple orchard agree to appear on a ghost hunter tv show that approached them after reports of a ghost in their orchard. I wouldn’t call Connor and Holly an enemies to lovers situation but they are opposite goals to lovers. Holly is determined to protect her family and save the orchard; Connor is determined to expose the supernatural things happening and possibly expose her family along the way.

Watching them fall into bed and then into love was so well done. Their struggles both personal and professional were relatable you know minus the hauntings. I try to stay away from spoilers but let’s just say if I don’t get more books for Holly’s two sisters and to expand on the world created I will riot. Ok well maybe cry internally because I am not much of an actual rioter but I would think about it.

Run to grab this book and find out what it means to be Perfectly Wicked.

"Because you're not just something, Holly, you're someone, and I don't think the world is ready for what you're about to tell me."

🍎The perfect cozy witchy romcom to start Autumn with! The apple farm setting, the hot ghost hunter and the moody witch come together for a cute, funny (and spicy) story.


"And if you ever call her a slut again, I'll knock your fucking teeth out."

I had to speed read this one because of external factors but it still got me involved and interested in the story, which some books fail to do even with my full undivided attention. The characters were all useful to the story and some of them really cool, I just wish we heard / knew more about the aunt with the deadly hands👀

Let me conclude with a 👹quote of shame👺. I had to pause after reading this and looked at the invisible camera because if someone ever said that about me I'd cut all contact with civilization and disappear in the woods only to never be heard from again :

"Winter and Missy were both small, *compact* women"

[Review posted on Goodreads and another version on Instagram]

Perfectly Wicked is a perfect fall read. Lindsay Lovise combines an opposites attract, forced proximity romance with a dose of mystery and wicked, witchy goodness that all come together into one great story.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Holly Celeste and Connor Grimm seem to have opposing interests. Holly runs her family’s apple orchard while keeping the magical qualities of their secret cider recipe under wraps. But Connor can’t wait to feature Wicked Good Apples on his ghost hunting reality show, and isn’t above taking advantage of the orchard’s dire financial woes to make it happen. But once he and Holly get to know each other better, neither can deny their growing bond. Can they build a relationship while working towards opposite goals?

Look, I’m a longtime fan of supernatural stories, from Charmed to Buffy, so I had a feeling I’d like this book just based on the description. Lovise takes characters with seemingly opposite motives and does a great job showing just how alike they really are. Both Holly and Connor are incredibly likable, and their dedication to their siblings is a nice touch. While Connor would love to publicize all the magical qualities of Wicked Good Apples, he listens to Holly when she explains why that’s not ok. And is there anything hotter than a MMC who hangs on his lover’s every word?

The mystery that goes along with the romance is great too. And the world building includes intriguing secondary characters, like Missy, Winter, and Erikson, who I hope to see more of in future books.

I really enjoyed this sweet and steamy romance with a dash of supernatural intrigue. If you are looking for a charming book to set the ideal fall mood, pick up Perfectly Wicked.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is perfect to read for Fall/Halloween! This was very reminiscent of the movie Practical Magic which I love so I loved this.

The characters interesting and the plot was entertaining. I really liked Holly and her family. They are a group of strong, proud women who are not going to let anyone get in their way. Connor was such a gentleman. I loved how he was protective without being controlling or overbearing. The romance between Holly and Connor was a sweet slow burn with great chemistry. I loved their dynamic (reverse grumpy x sunshine). I thought they had great tension and romantic moments between them. This is not very spicy but what we got was very nice.

The plot was a lot of fun. There's paranormal entities (or are there?), an investigative paranormal TV show, magic and some suspense. I was never bored while reading this. This was fast-paced and I had to keep reading.

This is the perfect book for the Fall/Halloween season. Highly recommend!

What do you get when you mix an apple orchard business barely keeping afloat, supernatural happenings, and a ghost hunting TV show? A recipe for the strange, with a side of romance thrown in. Are the owners of Wicked Apples witches or something else magical, and why is a ghost haunting them, claiming their ancestor murdered him? Of course, a ghost hunter with a TV show wants to investigate all paranormal and possibly prove the existence of witches, despite the reluctance of the orchard's owners to have anything to do with drawing attention to themselves. It was an enjoyable read.
I received an ARC copy of the book from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to Alcove Press and NetGalley for this eArc!

I love nothing if not a witchy romance, but unfortunately this one has missed the mark for me. I immediately wasn’t all that interested in either of our MCs, but I hoped the apple orchard setting and witchiness/paranormal investigation would offset it. The scene is set nicely, but the vibe doesn’t really hold that fall, paranormal feel I was chasing. I also wasn’t invested in the romance, I found that it developed at a weird and overall unbelievable rate and pace. I felt like the characters attraction to one another was forced and unnatural. I also wanted more witchy antics in general, which aren’t actually introduced to the story at all for quite some time.

Some folks might still enjoy this, it just didn’t have the vibe I was hoping for going into the fall season. It was a fun premise with little payoff for me.

This is a perfect fall read for anyone who loved Practical Magic! The apple orchards are the perfect atmospheric backdrop for this mysterious and slightly supernatural romance story.

Fun paranormal romance, with a new twist!

This book has a lot of fall vibes (though it mainly takes place in the spring). Something about apple orchards just make you feel fall-ish!

There are a lot of layers to this book, and it really sets up the series for future books. The author did a great job of introducing the lore and giving us a solid background, with the characters learning along the way with the reader.

I’m definitely looking forward to more books by this author.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
I first heard about Lindsay Lovise thanks to people talking about her historical romance, which sounded promising. But while I haven’t read that yet, I was also drawn to the premise of Perfectly Wicked, in spite of the fact that paranormal/witchy romcoms tend to be very hit-or-miss for me. But I found this one rather charming, with a great balance of fun and more serious elements.
The world building and lore, while peppered throughout and not immediately obvious, was a highlight. I particularly liked the subversion on the “witch” concept, with there being two distinct, but related beings, Wickeds and Witches. I appreciated how the text explained the distinction and how they were conflated. This also ties into the history which plays a role in the plot as the story goes on.
Holly is the more intriguing of the two main characters, being the eldest sister of the Celeste family, and they are Wicked and also run an apple cider business that is powered by a magical secret ingredient. I particularly liked the fun family dynamics, and look forward to the other sisters getting their own books.
Connor is interesting due to his paranormal investigations. His curiosity, first about the happenings around the farm, and then about the secrets Holly and her family are keeping, spur him on. He’s not the deepest love interest I’ve read about, but he makes for a nice foil for the more prickly Holly.
And indeed, the romance is a lot of fun. While there is distrust at first, I enjoyed seeing them get to know each other and Holly let her guard down.
The mystery with the ghosts tying to the Celeste family history was also compelling and kept me invested in how it would be resolved, and I was satisfied with how it all came together.
This was a fun read, and I am hopeful for more in this vein from Lovise. If you’re looking for a lighthearted, fairly fast-paced paranormal romcom, I’d recommend checking this one out!

This book is the exact not-witchy rom com you need for fall. I absolutely loved the setting on the apple farm in rural Maine, definitely not everyone’s go-to setting but it worked perfectly. The whole paranormal element was just so uniquely crafted compared to many others I’ve read recently in the genre. I loved our MMC being a ghost hunting tv star working on solving the mystery of our FMC and her family’s wickedly good cider. The dynamic was just so much fun, while we did get a bit of insta-love I’m choosing to see this as more insta-lust which I’m always giddy for.

I loved our definitely not a witch FMC and her spunky sisters and aunts, it was a twist on the paranormal powerful character trope that I wasn’t expecting. I was dying to solve the mystery as much as our MMC was. And then to learn about the balancing forces living just nearby - it really came together well for me. I’ll also promote stories with actual adult characters that have actual adult jobs and thought processes, even if we know adults can still make silly or petty decisions when emotional. I think the character’s doubts and fears about each other/relationships were well formed and who doesn’t love a meddling family when our main characters are just being a bit too stubborn for their own good?!

I loved that the miscommunication trope was quickly adverted as soon as our FMC could step back and breathe through her emotions and talk to the MMC like a rational human. And is it really a third act breakup when our characters are very adamant that they aren’t actually together? Either way I’m a sucker for HEAs, or at least happily for nows. Mostly I’m just looking forward to getting a book from our strong and sassy sister Winter because there’s still another hunky ghost hunter that needs to get a little wicked!

I really enjoyed this story!

I found that the story was really well written and it was certainly a book that had me hooked.

It was romantic and sexy, a totally addictive read that I didn't want to put down.

A ghost hunter finds more than he could have wished for.

It is 4 stars from me for this one - highly recommended!

This book was archived before I could start reading it! Bummed I missed the download date, because I was excited to review it! I guess I will just have to buy a copy :)

Series Info/Source: This is a stand alone book. However, after reading it I think it has potential to be expanded in to a series. I got a copy of this on ebook to review through NetGalley..

Thoughts: This was an absolutely adorable paranormal romance and would be the perfect autumn read. The setting and characters were amazing, and I hope we see additional books set with this unique family of sisters. I read this in one night because I could not put it down. I do feel like there will be additional books in this series because we get hints around one of the sisters, Winter, starting a relationship with another character.

Holly runs Wicked Good Apples orchard, but the orchard is not making a profit. Holly has always had to tread a careful line between keeping her odd family out of the spotlight and keeping the orchard profitable. However, she may have done too good a job with keeping things around the family quiet because the orchard is going under and she needs to do something about it. A competitor orchard offers to buy her out, but she can't give up the family orchard. Then another option arises: Connor Grimm (a famous paranormal investigator with a TV show) wants to come film some of his ghost hunting episodes at the orchard. The money from Grimm could keep the orchard afloat for another couple years at least....

This book has some paranormal elements, a ghost hunting theme, and a broader society based around the paranormal elements that is hinted at. It is set on an amazing orchard in a fun small town. I loved Holly and her magical family and the rapport that they developed with Connor Grimm and his team. Holly and Connor end up in a sizzling hot enemies to lovers situation that was fun to read about and well balanced.

I haven't been reading much PNR lately because a lot of it just feels the same. This was a refreshing and fun read and got me excited about the genre again. It's a more cozy take on the genre, and I love autumn, so I enjoyed the wonderful setting.

The writing was very engaging, easy to read, and full of humor. The description was wonderful; at times, I could almost smell the crisp autumn air and taste the apples. This is one of those books that almost reads itself, it flowed beautifully and was impossible to put down. I ended up reading it all in one night, which was not my intention when I sat down to read this. This book seems to be building out a broader paranormal world, so even though it wasn't advertised as a series I hope we see more books in this world.

My Summary (5/5): Overall I absolutely loved this cute and cozy, humorous paranormal read. I loved the characters and the Celeste family and enjoyed the supernatural aspects of the story. This was just such a fun read with mystery, romance, and paranormal aspects. I would recommend to those looking for a cozy autumn paranormal romance. I hope we see more books in this world soon!