I don't think this book was for me. I appreciate what it was trying to do, but it was the story I was anticipating and I found the writing to be juvenile.

I really enjoyed the plot line of this novel, with its different disciplines of magic and secrets that are slowly weakening the coven from within. I also enjoyed the aspect of dark or forbidden magic and the linked underworld that was uncovered as the story progressed.

I felt that the book could have been condensed to make it more readable and increase the pace of the plot. It was somewhere between a cozy fantasy and a dark mystery and may have been more cohesive if it stuck to one of these moods.

This is definitely a cosy read with minimal plot progression. The romance aspect was set up well, but felt that it could have been expanded in a bit. I enjoyed that the ending wasn’t conventional and it was fitting if a little bittersweet.

If you like cosy witchy reads, then this is the book for you!

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

The perfect fall read to get into the Halloween spirit. This book employs the witch trope beautifully and features many different types of magic. It’s a cozy read that I think makes a good palate cleanser between more intense books. The prose is elegant. The only thing that fell a little short for me was the romance aspect. It was a slow burn, but lacked as much tension as I would have liked. It almost burned a little too slow? Either way I still really enjoyed it and would recommend it to friends.

This felt like the perfect witchy, cozy fantasy for the autumn season! 🍁 although there was a major conflict throughout, this was just the coziest lil thing. If you’re a fan of any fictional witches across all media types, you’ll find that a ton of the names of the witches in the Atlantic Key coven are familiar to you. The major conflict was fun to follow, however all of the in-between with our main characters was what had me all giddy with this novel. Definitely the perfect book to pick up if you don’t want anything too spooky this Fall! Thank you NetGalley & Alcove Press for the advanced copy. ❤️

Hedge Witch and solitude-loving Hecate “Kate” Goodwin has her peaceful life upturned when her sister asks her to host their Coven’s annual Halloween gathering. The task comes with a huge amount of pressure to impress, and Kate’s still dealing with the loss of her mother. To further complicate things, a former friend, who just happens to dabble in forbidden magic, shows up on Kate’s doorstep and despite her own misgivings, as a Hedge Witch Kate is duty bound to take him in. When she uncovers secrets about her late mother and herself, Kate will have to confront her own past and carve her own future.

This book balances macabre and cozy while still putting in the time to make the characters believable. The Halloween-y atmosphere, which is seemingly the standard in these types of books, worked very well as the author wasn’t afraid to lean into the darker aspects of magic and death but also kept things grounded. The themes of family and duty were explored in a unique and fresh way, and though there were characters who I can’t say I agreed with, a lot of effort was made to explain their actions and portray them as three dimensional people.

In addition to the overall interesting characters, the romance was so well fleshed-out, and suited the “cozy but dark” atmosphere of the rest of the book perfectly. Much like the book overall balances between the two moods, the romance balances between sweet and sexy in an equally satisfying way. Hecate’s journey of self-discovery was also wonderfully written, and as a reader I felt very connected with her from start to finish. I would highly recommend this book for fans of witchy romance. Many thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for this ARC. This is my honest review.

5/5 Halloween-y, mysterious, and perfect for anyone who waits all year for Autumn.

A cozy fantasy story with a witch, black cat, perfectly Hallmark Halloween town, and a few mysteries a-brewing while she cooks up a storm. The description of the town and the apothecary are perfect. I personally identify with a lot of these cozily-inclined heroines, but the pacing is a bit slow. It’s not clear to me what Hecate personally wants or what the tremendous change she needs in her life, so I find it hard to connect to her. The descriptions of emotions with Matthew in the scene were a lot of outright telling vs. showing, which made it hard to visualize their interaction. I read a few chapters and skipped forward in the book, but wasn’t hooked enough to keep going. The cover is on point and the premise definitely caught my interest. Perhaps a good book for other cozy fantasies (Legends & Lattes), the Spellshop etc.

This is my witchy pick for fall! It has all the small town cozy magic you could want with a plot that actually MOVED!! I loved the romance and atmosphere.

This was exactly what I needed. I was pulled into those cozy & witchy Autumn vibes from the first page and reading this story felt like reading a love letter to Halloween. Beautifully descriptive and imaginative it has me yearning for October. The eerie witchy vibes were on point-my heart raced-and I was turning pages late into the night!
Kate has that quiet strength you admire while Matthew will drive you the good kind of crazy. The banter and swoon worthy moments were just..*insert wistful sigh*. I loved this book and can’t wait to read it again!

🎃 Supernatural romance
🎃 Enemies to Lovers
🎃 Young adult
🎃 Closed door
🎃 He falls first

Hecate Goodwin is a Hedge Witch. Although she is ostensibly accepted, she lives a quiet, isolated life on the fringes of her coven, the Atlantic Key.
She is conscientious about her role, providing healing care and sanctuary but her life is staid and her routine rarely varies. She is grieving the loss of her mother and protection she always felt.
Matthew Cypher, the heir to the dark Pacific Gate coven, may be a threat to Hecate's core beliefs, despite the fact that they bonded when they first met years ago., His practices are forbidden to her coven and she is instantly wary when he arrives on her doorstep right before Samhain.
But something is changing and bad omens abound. Matthew may be the only person who can protect Hecate against the coming battle.
This book is packed with seasonal vibes - perfect for getting into the spooky season. The descriptions of food and the recipes made me want to get into the kitchen and start some magic of my own.
The writing would definitely appeal to a young adult audience - my teenage self would have loved it.
The relationship between Matthew and Hecate (Kate) is innocently sweet. I liked Matthew as a character, but I didn't really connect with Hecate (Kate), so it wasn't obvious why Matthew was so drawn to her.
Kate's sisters were interesting characters and there was a reality to their dynamic which was appealing.
An enjoyable read.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Cozy, magical, and had great autumn vibes, but the plot was a little slow for me. I guess it's fine for a low-stakes fantasy, but maybe I've been reading too many of those because I didn't find this to be super engaging, not even in that quiet way you expect from cozy fantasies. It was middle-of-the-road for me, but I still think it's a great autumn read to curl up with.

I loved loved loved this book. It has very cozy vibes, Halloween themed, a very cool magic system and obviously, witches.

The action focuses on Hecate Goodwin, or Kate, and her life as a hedge witch (a branch of witchcraft she picked to learn which made her live her life in solitude, mostly, but she doesn't mind because she has many cute hobbies that she can practice in her cottage- if that's not cozy, idk what is). Everything happens around Halloween and there are many preparations to be made, because this event is a huge deal for witches. While preparing the manor for a grandiose party, she discovers clues about her powers and why she had to pick this one. Everything is starting to get a darker turn and my curiosity peaks. Eventually all pieces will fall into place and we get a clear picture of why things had to be this way, and it's quite a sad reason tbh.

While the vibes are very nice and fuzzy, they don't shadow the gravity of everything else, actually they balance pretty well, giving a pleasant experience.

Wallis Kinney’s A Dark and Secret Magic offers a charming blend of witchcraft, mystery, and romance set against the backdrop of the Halloween season. This novel stands out for its cozy, atmospheric portrayal of witchcraft and its seamless integration of personal and mystical conflicts, reminiscent of the beloved classics Practical Magic and Witch of Wild Things.

At the heart of the story is Hecate "Kate" Goodwin, a hedge witch who thrives in her tranquil, solitary life. Her peace is disrupted when she’s asked to host her coven's annual Halloween gathering, a responsibility that forces her to confront not only her own insecurities but also the secrets her coven—and her family—have kept from her. The plot thickens when an old flame, Matthew Cypher, arrives seeking refuge. His presence, coupled with the discovery of a dark, troubling tome inscribed with her late mother’s handwriting, sends Kate spiraling into a web of ancient magic and personal revelations.

Kinney excels in creating a richly atmospheric setting that captures the essence of autumn and the witching season. The descriptions of Kate’s cottage, the Ipswich forest, and the Halloween festivities bring a tangible, almost tactile quality to the novel, making it a perfect seasonal read. The book’s charm lies in its low-key, introspective approach, focusing on Kate’s personal growth and the mysteries surrounding her rather than high-stakes conflicts or dramatic twists.

However, while the novel’s cozy vibe is a major strength, it also means that the plot unfolds at a leisurely pace. Some readers might find the lack of a more dynamic narrative arc a bit underwhelming. The romance between Kate and Matthew, although sweet, sometimes feels underdeveloped, particularly given their past and the intensity of their current interactions.

In summary, A Dark and Secret Magic is a delightful, atmospheric read that will appeal to fans of witchcraft and autumnal settings. It’s a gentle, introspective story with enough mystery to keep readers engaged, even if it doesn’t always hit the emotional highs or dramatic lows of more intense fantasy novels. If you’re in the mood for a cozy, witchy escape, this book is worth your time.

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for providing this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

"A Dark and Secret Magic" is a captivating read that truly embodies the spirit of autumn. With its enchanting blend of witchcraft, dark secrets, and a touch of romance, it’s a perfect book to enjoy as the leaves fall and the air turns crisp. The atmospheric setting and intriguing plot make it an ideal companion for cozy autumn evenings. Highly recommended for anyone looking to embrace the season with a spellbinding story.

Full of fall nostalgia, witchy lore, and cautious acceptance, this was a great way to start off the fall season! I loved watching her try and figure out what Matthew really wanted, and it was great seeing her go back and forth on it.

Rating: 4 stars
Spice: 🌶️

Tropes:
🎃“Childhood” (they were 21, but it was 10 years ago, so…?) sweethearts
🎃Slow burn
🎃He fell first, and fell harder
🎃Witches and wizards (called “hexans” here)
🎃Perfect Halloween vibes
🎃Cozy cottagecore fantasy
🎃Some tension, but overall low stakes
🎃Some creepy, horror elements
🎃Hades/Persephone myth parallels

“A Dark and Secret Magic is a celebration of the Halloween season and a love letter to anyone who drinks pumpkin spice in August and carries the spirit of a witch inside their heart all year long.”

This book definitely lives up to its intent. It’s an ode to one of the most beautiful times of year, and that love is felt through every word and passage. It’s a very cozy, low-stakes, almost cottagecore fantasy vibe, with some elements of horror woven throughout to keep the stakes at a low simmer and hold the reader’s interest.

Hecate, Kate to her friends, was always going to be a hedge witch at her mother’s insistence, the first in over two hundred years. No one knew why her mother went against their coven’s conventions and picked Kate’s craft for her, but Kate herself is happy with the choice and resonates with it despite the solitude the role calls for. As Halloween draws near, Kate finds herself tasked with hosting their coven’s annual gathering—and almost simultaneously finds an old flame on her doorstep asking for sanctuary. As she slowly encounters more and more secrets of the past that her coven would see buried, she’s forced to confront some dark truths even about herself.

There’s not a whole lot going on in this book, and sometimes that’s exactly what we all need. This functions beautifully as a simple, witchy read for the holiday. The plot is straightforward and interesting enough, the characters lovable and feasibly well-fleshed-out given the brevity of the novel. The romance is adorable, though it’s a tiny bit hard to grasp that after such a short encounter ten years prior, Matthew has held a candle for Kate this entire time?? I also loved the sister side characters. There’s no huge crescendo of a climax or gut-wrenching emotion, instead we just sort of coast through the entire novel floating on those cozy vibes. If that’s what you’re into, you’ll love this like I did.

Thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review!

*Actual rating is 4.75 stars*

A Dark and Secret Magic is a standalone cozy fantasy that is the perfect fall read, as it has peak witchy vibes and Halloween atmosphere. It’s a loose Hades and Persephone retelling, filled with everything I love from my cozy fantasies. The main character Kate is soft yet strong and willful, while the love interest Matthew is a golden retriever man helping her find her true potential and grow as a witch. He could just breath and I would swoon over him. There’s long buried family secrets, sisterly love, and lots of cooking of delicious sounding food (and the recipes are at the end of the book, so extra points there). There’s death and darkness, but it only adds depth and some stakes without taking away the cozy vibes. My biggest complaint is that the book could have been longer, because I just wanted to keep reading about Kate and Matthew. Because reading about them made me happy.

This is the perfect read for the time leading up to Halloween (or whenever you want the Halloween vibes), when you want a nice book to relax with without too much complexity or high stakes. I'm looking forward to the authors next book.

This book is everything and more that I want in a cozy autumn read. It takes you and wraps you up in a soft, warm blanket while it bakes cinnamon and spice cookies in the next room. It snuggles on the couch with every beloved Halloween movie you have ever known while drinking warm apple cider out of your favorite mug. It scoops out all the pumpkin guts for you because it knows they give you the ick, but you still enjoy the carving part. I adored absolutely adored this book.

This book was so cozy and warm and fun! From the first page, it provided those perfect autumn vibes. The magic system was unique and easy to understand and the atmosphere managed to be both cozy at times and creepy at others. I loved the romance and felt like the tension and barricades between them being together were really believable. The recipes in the back were also a charming touch. I would highly recommend this for an October/spooky season read that’s on the lighter side!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Rating: 4.5/5
A wonderful, engaging read, that had me hooked from the beginning. "A Dark and Secret Magic" is the perfect mix of dark and cozy, with loveable characters and great worldbuilding. The magic system and the societal structure of the witches was really interesting, and the main characters fit into it so perfectly. A great witchy read.

A Dark and Secret Magic follows Kate, a hedge witch who recently finds a grimoire filled with dark, forbidden magic and seemingly belongs to her recently deceased mum. On top of that, a handsome, mysterious man from her past arrives at her door.

This is such a perfect autumn read and just the most perfect cozy fantasy to get me out of my reading slump. The romance in this was quite fast and slightly too quick for it to be believable but still cute nonetheless and I really enjoyed watching them fall in love.

The plot itself was okay, there were definitely a few plot holes and I had more questions at the end than answers. I wish we got to learn more about the other types of witches and other covens etc. but I guess there’s only so much you can fit in a 300 page book.

I also found that the villain in this was too easily defeated and the happy ending was too easily achieved. But I’m not too upset about it as this is more of a cozy autumnal fantasy than some 6-series complicated fantasy series.

Overall, I really enjoyed it. It was such an easy read and captured me straightaway. Definitely took me out of my reading slump and now I want to read more cute autumn books.