Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for this ARC! All opinions are my own.

This book had all the underpinnings of a fleshed out magic world, a heroine who is hell bent on uncovering a secret (and learning more about her powers as a hedge witch!!) and a hot powerful shadow magic boyfriend. As someone who reads a lot of witchy romance books, I think it's important to figure out what makes this book different from the others - and I would say this leans into the fantasy over the romance, insofar as the magic system is clearly at the center. There's an element of darkness and mystery that makes it less fluffy than some of the witchy romances I enjoy reading (thinking of Erin Sterling.) If anything, this book feels reminiscent of Hazel Beck's series - there's that same rich, descriptive style of writing with a heroine coming into her powers and into her own with an attractive MMC who just wants to see our FMC find herself. The romance is slower to build, which makes sense given its second chance romance - and the author did a great job of interspersing worldbuilding with mystery at the start so that the book felt well-paced. Honestly, the perfect witchy book to cuddle up with a cup of tea when you're looking to dig in for a few hours.

My only gripe (which will not be impacting stars) is that the ARC was really poorly formatted for the kindle, and just had the tiniest font on NetGalley's app, and that definitely had me picking up and putting down the book over and over because I kept getting frustrated.

Thank you SO much to the author and NetGalley for this arc!

Let me tell you I've been in such a Halloween state of mind lately and this book brought me back to the magical fun essence of Halloween. I loved the storyline and it had the right amount of magic and fun, I would have loved more depth into the coven and more magic systems but I absolutely want to pick up a physical copy when this is released! I also LOVED the included recipes at the end of the book!

*** I received an e-ARC of this book from Alcove Press through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review***
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🍂🎃☕️ Oh my gosh. This book is a MUST read. Instant cozy vibes. And look at that cover 😍 My autumn loving heart was so happy. It has all things fall- a cozy cabin, witches, Halloween, Samhain, magic, evil, and love. I could not put it down and read it in one sitting. This should be at the top of your fall reading list!

✨ Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley.

And so it begins… The story of Hecate - Kate - Goodwin, hedge witch of her coven, 6 days before Halloween (loved the counter and foreshadowing that comes with it). The novel throws us into the cosiest cottage at the most wonderful time of the year. Autumn and Halloween are my fav seasons of the year and the book captures the atmosphere, the smells, the colours and the feeling in a particularly magical way!

The story as such is not outstandingly new, but the way it is told is just so calm yet exciting and somehow enemies to lovers? Because 10 years ago Kate had an encounter with a hexan from the Pacific Gate, a coven that is not necessarily on good terms with the Atlantic Key coven because they practise their magic in the forbidden dark arts. When Kate experiences an ominous and disturbing dream one night in which Mags, an old (and by then deceased) witch from her coven, tells her about a book written by her mother and the King Below, the mood is set for Samhain and the days to come, and when the aforementioned Pacific Gate hexan unexpectedly appears at her door and asks for shelter, things get really spooky (and, of course, tingly).

The story is cosy throughout, I can't describe it any other way. The recurring conflicts between Kate and her two sisters, as well as the bickering between her and Matthew, are lively and funny in a fresh way. I particularly liked the types of magic and how the coven works. As well as kitchen and hearth witches, there are also book witches, time witches, meta-magick witches, garden witches and more. They all have to pay a price for using their magic. Texts and books that Ginny (book witch) reads rub off on her personality and she can grasp the content in moments, but to truly internalise a book and absorb her inner library (which she can visit Sherlock-like to research), she must give up knowledge otherwise. ‘Like all crafts, their magic requires sacrifices’. I found these subplots incredibly interesting and they made Ipswich and the story so vivid.

I don't want to go into the big conflict and the family secret at this point, but it's eerie and mysterious. It’s also not groundbreakingly new, but I don't think well-told stories have to reinvent the wheel to inspire. It's clear from the start that Matthew didn't come to Ipswich entirely altruistically and that there have probably been some misunderstandings in the past, but it was still fun to watch him and Kate playing cat and mouse. I was surprised how little drama there was in some of the conflicts between Kate and her sisters. For Matthew mummifying Miranda's arm, she reacts quite calmly towards Kate. I mean, he killed part of her limb out of an overprotective instinct, but Miranda doesn't give Kate hell about it and the sisters get back together without too much tension and emotional disaster. I liked that very much. There were several of these situations that I found similarly terrific to Becky Chambers Wayfarer. The lack of exaggerated emotions leaves more room for action and relevant emotions and story.

For me, this was a wonderful read. I enjoyed it from the start and loved the setting and location. It was a bit ‘Wednesday’ and ‘Gilmore Girls‘, but in pumpkin spice and double cream. The next time I'll read the book will be just before 31 October, when hopefully all the trees will be orange-red and the weather a bit harsher. So if you like atmospheric, magical romance with charm and humour and a lively small town, Ipswich is the place for you!

Overall, this was a lovely, cozy, witchy read that would be perfect for spooky season, especially because it takes places in the days leading up to Samhain. It has an interesting magic system where each witch specializes in certain, different types of magic such as hedge, kitchen, book, etc.

The only issue I had was the speed of the main romance. While I liked both Matthew and Hecate and ended up liking them together, it just felt a bit rushed.

Definitely worth picking up for a quick cozy October read when it comes out!

Absolutely loved this. Hecate (Kate) is the first hedge witch in 200years and doesn't fully understand her power until a handsome hexan from another coven lands on her door asking for refuge.

This is a super cosy Samhain read with a slow burn romance & superb character growth and I love that there's recipes included at the end of the book.

I found myself enjoying this book a lot even though I wish I was able to read that in autumn - maybe for a reread - because it's giving very cozy fantasy, witchy october vibes! I liked the story itself even though the pacing could've been a bit faster at times and was pleasantly surprised by the ending of the book. The magic was great and I love myself a sweat romance and mystery book!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of A Dark and Secret Magic.

Perfect if you’re looking for a cozy, witchy, autumn read.

This story takes place in the days leading up to Halloween. Hecate/Kate is a hedge witch, living an isolated life in her cottage with her familiar. While coven tradition dictates a witch gets to choose her magic on her 13th birthday, Kate is declared a hedge witch by her mother when she was born. One night, Kate dreams of a coven witch telling her to find her mother’s book to know why she was named a hedge witch. From there, we follow a series of events that leads to the unraveling of coven secrets.

Overall, I enjoyed this story. It was filled with magic, a sweet romance, and mystery. As I got to the end, I was a bit worried about how this would play out but found myself satisfied with where everyone ended up. The only thing that took me out of the story a bit were the occasional spelling and grammatical errors.

The vibes in this book! Halloween, Samhain, magic, cozy cabin and witchy. It was a fast and very cozy read. And I loved the love story. The way Matthew adored Kate and would do anything for her. And the way Kate takes care of him and everybody.
The worldbuilding was very special and I liked the way the magic felt like home but with the potention to be dangerous at the same time.
This book made me feel as if It was already October and I loved it.

I was looking through NetGalley and the stunning cover of "A Dark and Secret Magic" caught my attention immediately. After reading the description, I just had to get my hands on it and luckily, I did! This book did not disappoint! It was everything I hoped it would be and more.

The autumn, Halloween atmosphere was written so excellently. Halloween is my favorite holiday and I've been missing it lately since the summer heat has been so relentless. "A Dark and Secret Magic" was the best escape! Pumpkin patch and cemetery visits, pumpkin carving, cider, caramel apples, rainy days, a spooky forest, an adorable black cat, and hearty fall recipes make this the perfect Halloween novel. I loved the characters too. Hecate and Matthew are now one of my favorite book couples. The magic system was interesting, and I would definitely choose to be a crystal witch. This book was overall very cozy, but also had a lot of mystery and some thrilling parts to it as well.

No spice which was so refreshing! Just some wonderfully written kiss scenes. Language was mild too - nothing explicit.

I will be buying this when it comes out and honestly, I might make this a tradition to read every October because I loved it that much.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

This wonderful story is perfection, I had to pace myself not to devour it so quickly, if I could give it ten stars I would. I can’t wait to add this book to my small favorites library, yes this is a top 5 for me. The autumnal Halloween vibe from this story was so well crafted. The characters came to life in my mind. One of the most important quotes that I loved “Intention is what feeds magick. The desire to have something done and then increasing the chances that it will happen, all through our intention.” Doesn’t that ring true for everything in our lives. And isn’t there a little bit of witchy energy in all of us.
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for allowing me to read this ARC for an honest review. Thank you Wallis Kinney for not just a great story, also some tasty recipes. If you love Halloween and witches, Buy the book, thank me later. Pub Date October 8, 2024 put it on your calendar. #NetGalley. #AlcovePress #ADarkandSecretMagic

| ❝ Part of me wants to tell her to rot. But even in the face of her selfish deeds, I can't punish her in such a cruel way. ❞

ʚɞ ✧˖° thoughts

This book is the perfect example of a fall witchy read. Grab your pumpkin spice latte, light your favorite fall scented candle, and cozy up under a blanket you're in for a helluva ride

This book is a page turner, I finished it within a day. I was caught up in the whimsical magick, what happened to Hecate in her past, what happened to her mom and why she only taught her half magick and what Matthew's true intentions were.. pure or not!

The descriptions and imagery throughout this book are absolutely breathtaking.

✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚ side note

I absolutely adored the witchy recipes at the end. I saved all of them for a later date. I can't wait to try them!

Thank you to NetGalley for this Arc!
I’m really starting to get into more ‘witchy’ books so this was a perfect fall read ( even though I’ve read it in this British summer )
the romance was so swoone worthy & some bits had me teary eyed! I’ve only recently started being a lover of Halloween as I’m getting older & this book was perfect! Was very Sabrina X Halloween Town 🎃

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!
A magical book that is perfect for those of us that are autumn-hearted. It was filled with magic, mystery, strength, and romance. I really loved the characters and their personal growth. If you love all things witchy and Fall, this is the book for you!

I'm a sucker for anything related to spooky season, particularly anything witchy. This was a great book and I felt that the fantasy/romance balance was pretty perfect. The atmosphere made me feel like I was in the book and I loved the characters as well.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC! I love anything witchy so this was very enjoyable. The fall vibes were immaculate and I wish I could've read it in season! I enjoyed the cozy cottage, the spells, the romance, and of course, Merlin. I would recommend this if you want a quick, magical book.

This was a fun read, reminiscent of Sabrina meets a grown up version of Disney’s Halloween Town with a little Hades & Persephone on the side. One of the best Romantasies I’ve read this year. Wallis Kinney masterfully balanced the romance plot against the fantasy plot, progressing both so naturally while sacrificing nothing from either. The mystery peppered just enough breadcrumbs to let you sink your teeth into solving it and the romance was swoon worthy. I adore a boy who’s sweet and committed from the jump.

(*pats book cover*) This bad boy can hold so many feels in it. I laughed. I teared up. I tingled. The whole time I was reading I wished for a cool, rainy day and some of the main character’s magical hot chocolate. I’ll definitely be re-reading this novel again come autumn when the Vibes are Vibing. (And I can’t wait to try some of the recipes at the back of the book!)

An easy 5/5 stars for me.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing the eARC of 'A Dark and Secret Magic' by Wallis Kiney in exchange for my honest review 💫

'𝐻𝑒𝑑𝑔𝑒𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑓𝑡, 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑠𝑡, 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑑𝑒𝑎𝑡ℎ 𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦. 𝐴 ℎ𝑒𝑑𝑔𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑡𝑐ℎ 𝑖𝑠 𝑔𝑢𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑛 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒.'

Are you looking for the perfect autumn witchy read? Get your pumpkin spice latte, light the candles, pick up your blanket and let me present you 'A Dark and Secret Magic'!

Hectate has always lived her perfect life just like her mother intented. Practicing hedgegraft and never leaving Ipswich. But now her mother is gone, and her 31st birthday is getting close, all she believed was true is crumbling away. It all starts when Matthew, a hexan who practises forbidden magic, asks for sanctuary. Hectate learns of forbidden dark magic and needs to reevaluate whom she can trust.

A Dark and Secret Magic was a really fun and quick read, and matched the weather perfectly (it may be spring, but I would believe you if it was autumn)! Combined with a lighted candle and a Hazelnut coffee, I imagined myself in the world of Hectate. When reading trough all of the delicious foods, I couldn't help myself, but get hungry.
The romance felt a little short for me (too quick, too soon). The book would be, in my opinion, better when certain parts would be more detailed. But all in all, it was a quick and cozy read, perfect for a rainy day! 🧡

Tropes:
🍂 Fall & witchy vibes
🧙🏼‍♀️ Evil witch
🎃 Halloween
☠️ Necromancy
🖤 (very loosely) based on Hades & Persephone

Rating:
3.5/5 🎃
2/5 🌶

𝐸𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑜𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑏𝑒𝑟 2024!

I cannot say enough good things about this book. I absolutely fell in love with the story, characters, and atmosphere. This book felt like stepping directly into autumn, regardless of the time of year I read it. Even though I read it at the beginning of a hot summer, I felt like I was transported by the words on the page to chilly Fall time and spooky Halloween. Reading this book felt so warm and cozy, and it really felt like all five senses were ignited. There was such amazing description woven in with the story about autumnal recipes, smells, Halloween decor, and even tiny details that romanticized the fall season.
The story was addicting and had me hooked from the beginning. I was so invested in the mystery and secrets Kate was trying to unveil. I felt so much empathy for her as she navigated the grief from losing her mother and learning more about the secrets she never told her while she was alive. The characters were so well developed and easy to fall in love with. I also loved how the romance between Kate and Matthew was weaved in so seamlessly with the rest of the story. It felt natural, but also swoon-worthy and romantic at the same time.
I can honestly say that I can see myself wanting to pick this one back up each year as Halloween nears, or even other times during the year when I need the comfort of my favorite holiday.

This book was such a warm & cozy, yet exciting read.

I really enjoyed it from beginning to end. I felt like each part of the plot all came together for a satisfying and meaningful end. I also loved the little details the author included throughout - the setting description, the ingredients, the touches of magic and so on.

The characters are all enjoyable in their own way & I would happily read more books from this world. Whether it was a different character or short stories about the MC.