This book was like a warm hug to your heart in the best way. It was the perfect queer cozy romantasy and it made me giggle and kick my feet so many times. The main cast of characters were all so loveable and the found family in this novel was just so sweet. The romance was AMAZING and there was so much angst and pining! I loved this book so much even if it was a bit cheesy at times, it did cozy fantasy so well!

This is an absolutely phenomenal sapphic cozy witchy read. Cottingham creates a unique magical system with witches and cursebreakers, set alongside and easy to follow but appropriately complicated political system. This book will pull you away from your day to day life and immerse you into the middle of a phenomenal found family. It felt like a warm hug and I absolutely loved it!

Thank you to Delacorte Press and NetGalley for an ARC!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. I LOVED this book so much. I am such a sucker for an adventure fantasy novel but add in found family, tension, magic, and it's sapphic?? It's a five-stars all around kinda book. The main characters all held their own within the story so well and I appreciated the communication and the bond building between them all throughout the story. While some of the plot points were predictable, I don't consider that a bad thing at all. Delilah's sometimes being a bit thick also never bothered me that much as I felt it was so true to her character in a way that also didn't have all the other characters always doing things for her. She still was able to hold her own with her knowledge of magic and her skills and I truly appreciated that. The magic system was also very intriguing to me and the twist for Briar was so very well done! This is the perfect cosy fantasy novel for autumn and I absolutely would recommend it.

This was such a lovely, cozy book and so perfect to read this time of year to gear up for all things witchy! I loved the found family in this so much and it was such a joy watching them on their journey together to break their curses. The romance was the cherry on top and this tale solidly lands in 5 star territory. I can’t wait to read more from this author!!

Thank you so much to Delacorte Press for this eARC. All opinions are my own.

If you’re looking for a cozy adventure YA sapphic fantasy then this one would be for you!
Comes with loveable characters, found family trope and interesting storyline, this book really captivate me from the beginning until the end.

A well-written stories about witches, curses, love, acceptance and friendship.
I really like the parts where we got to know each character’s background story, who they are before joining Kieran and his mission to break his family’s curse.

Overall, a really good heart-warming story that comes with a satisfying ending.
This will be the perfect read for the upcoming autumn/Halloween season!!
I’ll keep an eye out for more books by this author in the future!

⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: brief mention of child abuse

I LOVED this book so much!! This like-a-warm-hug but with high stakes (the best kind of YA!) witchy fantasy book is utter perfection for a nice autumn day. It's available now and you MUST read it. I insist.

I'm calling this a new subgenre of fantasy - cozy academia. While this does not take place in a formal school, it DOES have to do with witch's final exams (or Calling). The Pelumbra twins' dynamic is fascinating, and Cottingham does a great job creating tension between their curse-bound fates and Delilah’s ever-growing affection for Briar. Delilah is both adorably awkward and determined, making her a good choice to lead this little crew.

This has all the messy feelings that come with being a teenager trying to find your way in the world... but with spells and curses. The author has crafted a cozy yet high-stakes sapphic fantasy that perfectly balances enchanting world-building with relatable, deeply flawed, but lovable characters.

This has so much to love with curses, young love (or is it hate? probably hate, right? right??), and amazing LGBTQ+ representation. I devoured this book and I maybe shed a happy tear towards the end. This has a lovely story, amazing characters, and I am SO excited that we'll get to see more from this author in this world.

Thanks so much to TBR and Beyond Tours, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review. This review is based on a complimentary copy and it is voluntary. All opinions are my own.

I loved this book so much. Here is why: I loved all the characters, the fast-paced action is created by a deadline, it makes the reading exciting and hard to put down, and never confusing or rushed. A Witch's Calling is a quest to pass or fail, if Delilah fails, she loses her powers. Instead of making it about breaking her family's curse (everyone who falls in love with a Bea woman forgets them), Delilah will help Kieran save himself and his sister twin from a terrible curse. Or die. I love a team/groups/strangers on a quest because they often have to deal with their different temperaments, learn to know each other... understand their personalities, their choices, and their secrets. In the end, become loyal. Delilah will do all in her awesome power (and sometimes break a thumb punching an uncooperative character) to help the twins, in the meanwhile, she will fall in love with one of them... will Briar forget her?

This is a 5 plus for me. It will be there next to Kiki same vibe but with a more YA vibe.

This is my first contact with this author but loved the writing style, will check out previous works and keep an eye out for future ones. (Love the cover as well.)

This was such a cute, cozy read full of witches, magic, and curses. I loved following Delilah as she set out to help break another family’s curse in order to keep her own magic. This is the perfect witchy read with a found family story and an easy to follow magic system.

Practical Rules for Cursed Witches is a witchy, sapphic cozy fantasy.

The characters are endearing, albeit a bit flat. The protagonist, Delilah, is fierce, determined, and sassy but also very loyal and caring. Kieran is an absolute sweetheart who shows so much kindness to those around him despite how little was shown to him. Briar was less likeable as she's extremely prickly and often rude, but beneath it she has a good heart. Unfortunately, beyond those traits, there wasn't much to them so it was hard to truly care what they were going through and where they ended up.

The relationships formed between these characters were definitely the heart of the story, with Delilah and Kieran's friendship being my favorite. Their dynamic was so much fun to watch and I loved that Delilah– Kiernan's first ever friend– cared so deeply for him. The romance between Delilah and Briar, on the other hand, could've used more development. It seemed to be far more based on physical attraction than an actual emotional connection, especially since the two of them barely took the time to get to know each other. Their banter was also a bit boring, but they shared some cute moments and I found myself rooting for them more as the book went on.

The plot of this book was intriguing as it surrounded two curses, neither of which the characters fully understood. The mysterious nature and vague details regarding these curses piqued my curiosity and kept me interested in continuing to read but the slow paced writing didn't match the intensity of the circumstances the characters were in. Obviously, it's a cozy fantasy so it isn't supposed to have super high stakes or tons of action but a book– especially one that's over 400 pages– either needs to have deeply developed, complex characters or a captivating, well-paced plot if it's going to keep readers engaged. Sadly, this book had neither one, making for a cozy and sometimes cute but ultimately unremarkable read. If the plot really appeals to you or you're looking for a surface level but easy-to-read young adult cozy fantasy, it might be worth it to ,give this one a try. Personally, I just found that it was a bit too long for the story it was telling and it lacked the character/relationship development I need to connect to a book.

I loved Kayla Cottingham's previous release and I enjoyed this one just as much! What's not to love about a Sapphic Young Adult cozy fantasy with Bi rep, queer found family, witchcrafts, quests, curses, baking, banter and a happy ending.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This was such an excellent book!!

I liked her first book but I did not like her second book very much at all, so I was nervous to see how I’d like this one. I didn’t have to worry though because I loved this one! I think it’s safe to say that this is my favorite of hers! It was so well done.

The characters were so unique and cool and fun! Every character that is introduced is instantly loveable, which can be very hard to create. Even her mom was cool and so loving.

I loved the found family of it all. That was one of my favorite aspects of this book.

I fell in love with Delilah’s parents in one page, so that just shows she is a good writer. Even though Klaus wasn’t a good father, I couldn’t help but love him a little bit. He is a loser (derogatory) but there was something about him that I knew was a good guy. He showed up when it mattered. He has a lot to work on, but I could see him getting better. I’d like to think him and Charolette will get together in the end!

Even before she could talk I loved Adelaide. Even though Santiago and Ariel weren’t in it a ton they were also great characters as well!

I loved that Briar was more prickly off the bat and Kieran was super sweet and a loser (affectionate).

I am obsessed with Kieran. There was just something about him that was so sweet and kind. I felt so bad for how the curse affected him. I just wanted to wrap him up and hold him. I’m glad he found Ash, they were so cute together!

Delilah was a great main character to follow! She was a spitfire and spunky, cute and caring and funny. I loved her friendship with Kieran and I LOVED her relationship with Briar. They started off ribbing each other and kept that going even when they started to like each other. Their relationship felt so natural to me! I was eating it up.

Cottinghan needs to write a proper romcom because I was laughing out loud at so many of her lines! The banter was incredible.

I would love to have a second novel or even a novella to see all the characters and where they end up to catch up with their lives. The plot of this novel was really good but the characters was really what sold it for me! I can imagine how they all get their happy ending, but I’d still love to actually read about it.

This is such a cozy and wholesome read, I highly recommend picking it up! The banter is top notch, the relationship is incredible, and the friendships are everything. I wish I could have read this in the fall because it’s the perfect fall read, but it’s also worth it to read it at any time of the year!

This review will be posted on August 27, 2024 on Instagram and Goodreads.

Another cozy whimsical YA Fantasy read for the win. Practical Rules for Cursed Witches is centered around Delilah, a seventeen year old witch who must complete her Calling in order to keep her magic. Callings are a six-month challenge that witches must complete in order to keep and practice their magic. Delilah’s family has been cursed for generations to not be able to fall in love. If they do, the person they love forgets about them. Delilah is determined to break her family's curse as her Calling challenge. However, on the big day, Kieran, a son of a powerful aristocrat demands she break his curse instead.

This book was lighthearted read perfect for late summer and a solid four star read. It had a delightful cast of characters and had one of my favorite tropes which is a tough strong gruff character that turns out to be a big softie. I’m also a sucker for quirky magical systems and really enjoyed how Delilah used baking to use magic and also process emotions. I did struggle a bit with the pacing of this book and also wish the author would have given us a few more scenes with the twins reconnecting after being separated for their entire lives.

You should check this book out if you enjoy:

Found found
Magical quest
Sapphic romance
🏳️‍🌈 characters
Twins separated at birth
Curse breaking
Cozy fantasy
Grumpy/sunshine trope
Coming of age

Mini synopsis: Delilah is cursed, but she’s determined to break the curse. That is until Kieran Pelumbra waltzes in and takes over her plans bc he needs her to break his curse, and QUCIK! Adventure awaits!

This is easily my most anticipated book of the whole year bc This Delicious Death was my favorite book last year! And while it’s not my new favorite, i really liked this! If you’re looking for found family and magic, then look no further than this book! I loved this rag tag group of friends. They all had complex back stories & motives to root for. I loved the slow burn of the relationship 🥹 knowing that Delilah’s cursed made it to where they couldn’t be together made the stakes so much higher! The quest was fun to follow but I loved the ending at the masquerade ball, so much action! The ending was so sweet & I love this was a stand along sweet little story! 😍 this cements Kayla Cottingham as an auto buy author!!

Man, this was such a cute, cozy read! I loved the characters and the setting. Unfortunately I wasn't as much a fan of the pacing, so I can only give it four stars - but I'll definitely read more by this author!

"Practical Rules for Cursed Witches' was overall a very wholesome read with a fun plot. Unfortunately, the pacing of the book made the plot and relationships feel rushed and underdeveloped. It was a solid fantasy read and it would be enjoyable for anyone looking for a low-stakes book about witches.

I received a free copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children's | Delacorte Press; all opinions expressed are exclusively my own.

This was a quick and delightful read featuring lively, sparkling, sassy characters and banter set in a world that puts me in mind of Studio Ghibli. It's not without sadness or drama, but overall the experience is short and sweet.

For sensitive readers, this book includes depictions of abuse, neglect, body horror, and violence.

Unfortunately this is a DNF at 25%. I've had mixed results with Kayla Cottingham's books. I loved "My Dearest Darkest" while "This Delicious Death" was a big miss for me. Sadly this one had a lot more in common with "This Delicious Death" in terms of writing style and character development. As in, there were none.

The characters were very flat and the story is already very "tell instead of show." I absolutely love the idea behind the story, but the actual writing was younger than I expect from a YA book, bordering on middle grade instead. I just wish that I cared where the story was going, but I don't and that's why I can't continue in the book. I'm really hoping her next book will feel a little closer to YA than this one. My last point is that I just couldn't get a grasp on the world. it started off feeling very old-timey with no technology, small villages, etc, but then airships were brought up and other technologies that I wasn't expecting. It was just really jarring not really understanding the world in the book.

An interesting witchy drama and romance that has vibes of Harry Potter and Wizard of Oz. The characters were engaging and realistic, while the plot held a hint of mystery and drama.

Will Delilah succeed in breaking the Pelumbra curse and her own?

Delilah Bea, a seventeen-year-old young lady, is cursed to never find true love. So, she sets out to become a cursebreaker witch to break her mother's family's curse, and that is what she will do for her Calling. However, her plans change when Kieran Pelumbra interferes, and she must now break the Pelumbra generational curse. In each generation, the Pelumbra twins are cursed, with one draining the other of their life and magic. To fix this, they need Kieran's twin sister, and breaking the curse will prove to be no easy task, especially since some of the family members don't want the curse to be broken.

Within the fantasy realm of Celdywin, magic, and witches reign supreme. Witches possess unique magical abilities, with some being gifted with an extraordinary sense of smell, enabling them to detect the presence of magic. The text delves deeply into the intricacies of curses, portraying the profound emotional toll they inflict.

The protagonist, Delilah, exudes intelligence and compassion, often emanating a maternal aura. Kieran's endearing charm captivates those around him, while Briar's sharp wit is coupled with occasional moments of profound insight.

This enchanting tale is perfect for those who revel in richly detailed fantasies featuring genuinely relatable characters.

Happy Reading, Paige ❤️ 📚

I’m a big time fan of Cottingham and her YA thrillers. So you know I had to read her new cozy fantasy romance.
And y’all she did not let me down.
Practical Rules for Cursed Witches by Kayla Cottingham is a phenomenal queer cozy romantasy story.
And one I’ve been dying to read.
This sapphic romance has the perfect amount of romance, magic, curses and witches.
The world-building and magic system was so intriguing I was hooked.
I enjoyed the romance between Delilah and Briar. It is impossible not to fall for their chemistry.
Overall, I absolutely loved this book and I’m looking forward to see what Kayla comes up with next!

Thank You NetGalley and Delacorte Press for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!