This story gave the perfect fall, cozy, witchy vibes! I really adore Hecate and Mathew’s relationship. The world building was special and magical. This book made me feel comfy and like it was already Halloween 🎃 I can’t wait to purchase a physical copy and I definitely recommend this to all my cozy fall loving people!

A huge thank you to Wallis Kinney, Netgalley, and Alcove Press for the ARC copy of A Dark and Secret Magic!

A Dark and Secret Magic is the best book I have read in a while! It is well written and has everything I enjoy in a good story: magic, witches, mystery, romance, and characters I can be invested in. I adore the cover. At first glance of this beautiful cover, I knew this was going to be a good book for me! I will be purchasing a copy when the book is published and may re-read around Halloween. This is the perfect read to get you in the cozy Halloween mindset.

Hectate and Matthew are fantastic characters. I enjoyed their relationship immensley as well as liked each character individually. Kinney did well with her character development as well as her world building. I could imagine the manor, Hectate's cottage, and the town of Ipswich.

I didn't want the story to end. I can't imagine a more perfect ending. While I'm sure this book is a stand alone book, I would love to read more of Hectate and Matthew's story together. I am hopeful this isn't the end of their story.

I am looking forward to reading more from Kinney. Perhaps in the future, we will have the stories of Hectate's sisters, Miranda and Celeste! I will be recommending and reviewing A Dark and Secret Magic on Amazon and Goodreads. I highly recommend this book to be added to your to read pile as soon as it is made available to purchase!

A Dark and Secret Magic follows Hecate Goodwin as her sister asks her to host the annual Halloween party. This book is a story of magic and family secrets with a little romance thrown in. There is a fun little twist in this book to keep you on your toes. Sadly, this book didn't really seem to keep me enchanted in any way. I only got through it in a day because I was excited to start my next book. Despite my critique, if you want a cozy Halloween read, it's not bad at all!

This quick and enjoyable read was a delightful escape, populated with well-written characters that felt fun and engaging throughout the story. The author's engaging prose and witty dialogue made for a captivating experience that left me wanting more. The fast-paced plot kept me hooked from beginning to end, and the satisfying conclusion left me with a warm and fuzzy feeling.

Plot: 4 stars
Characters: 3 stars
Execution: 3 stars
Romance: 3 stars

I was honestly very intrigued by the plot and blurb and really excited for the Halloween vibes in July. It’s a very cute and easy read but fell a bit flat in the actual story. A little lackluster in the events and the characters felt underdeveloped. I definitely feel they have the possibility of being much more and I was highly interested in the mystery of the book and what Hecate’s mother is hiding but… the relationship between her and Mathew felt too easy. Awkward and even a bit forced.

I like the idea behind all the different witches and covens. But I’m on the edge about the magic food, especially with those types of names. Part of me thinks it’s cute and another part feels it’s too childish. The writing was at times lovely and at others rather flat and the dialogue many times felt odd and unnatural. Too much telling and not enough showing. And I feel the idea it’s based on Hades and Persephone is… not quite right. Or at least very loosely based off that because I certainly didn’t feel it that much in here.

More than anything though, I like the possibilities enough that come October, I’d love to read the fully edited version and see the changes and improvements. So I give this a hopeful four stars because I can see what it’s capable of becoming.

₊ ⊹”you are the only person i’ve met who improves the silence.”₊ ⊹

*:･ﾟmy thoughts┊ well this was just the cutest thing!

this book was the perfect mix of a classic hallmark fall movie setting, paired with the complex female relationships within a family and a coven that resembles the movie <i>practical magic</i>, and a sweet love story that mirrors the myth of hades and persephone (without all the bad aspects.)

i really enjoyed my time reading this! i’ve been in such the fall mood since the end of june, and i’ve been desperately seeking out all media i can consume right now that helps appease that feeling. this was the perfect book for me to pick up, and i’m so thankful i received an arc of this!

hecate’s character was so soft yet willful, and seeing her grow into herself and her magic throughout this journey was so special! she felt like such a real character. i also adored matthew, how he’d been thinking about hecate for ten years since their first brief meeting. his wry humor and protectiveness over hecate made me swoon! they were a match made in heaven, for sure. the softness of the romance had me feeling so giddy; all of the little moments were so perfectly well done.

the plot was really fun to navigate, too! it did take me a moment to get into the book, but man. once i was in, i was in. there’s a bit of a mystery within the plot concerning hecate’s mother and the illusive king below, and it was really interesting seeing how everything unraveled at the end! i also loved how the end of the book features recipes to all the delicious-sounding food and drinks throughout the book; i will for sure be making that hot chocolate recipe when it starts getting colder!

i really enjoyed this book, and i will definitely be picking up a physical copy when it’s published! this is the perfect fall time read, especially if you’re looking for something not too complex and that gives you all the good warm feelings that are much needed in the fall time!

huge thank you netgalley and alcove press for providing me with an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review! ᡣ𐭩

This book gave me Practical Magic type vibes. I enjoyed reading it, and found myself unable to put it down at times. I love that the FMC was older, and she was very relatable. I also enjoyed the take on the different types of magic, and how each witch did their magic.

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the e-ARC!

read this if you like:
- Cozy fantasy
- Witches and magic
- Halloween vibes
- Mystery and romance

A fantastic choice for a fall read, particularly during the Halloween season! The Halloween atmosphere and food descriptions are impeccable, capturing the spirit perfectly. It's also less than 300 pages, making it a great fast read if you like cozy fantasy.

I really enjoyed reading "A Dark and Secret Magic." The book contains mystery, witches, and a touch of romance, which made it quite a thrilling read. Spending time with the main character on their magical journey was truly enjoyable, and the forbidden romance added an exciting element to the story. However, I was hoping for a bit more intensity in the romantic aspect.

Overall, it was an absolutely great read, and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a blend of mystery and romance in a magical setting!

*Thank you so much to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the chance to review an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

I loved this book! It is the perfect book to get anyone into the spooky season. It has a witch vibe with romance and pumpkins to keep your Halloween heart happy. I did find it a little slow for the first couple chapters, but after getting over that hump I could not put it down! I also loved how it ended, great read for the autumn season!

I absolutely loved everything about this beautifully written book. A Dark and Secret Magic bottled all of the things that make October special to me.

Hecate (Kate) is a hedge witch and is getting ready to celebrate Samhain (New Year) and her 31st birthday on Halloween. Days before Matthew, a hexan from another coven, shows up on her doorstep seeking sanctuary. As it gets closer to Halloween Kate begins to experience strange things and discovers her mother's secret journal. Matthew helps Kate discover what secrets the journal holds and what it means to Kate and her future in the coven.

It was a fun, cozy story that had me ready to celebrate Halloween. It's a must if you love stories about witches, sisterhood and a dash of romance. The recipes in this book sound amazing and I was thrilled to see that they were included at the end of the book.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!!

3.5*
Firstly, I love the cover! Parts of this book really had me in the mood for Halloween decorations and foods! Pumpkin and apple spices! Yum.
Unfortunately for me the story just didn't have me very excited. This was a cosy little read with cute witchy elements but for me it lacked context. I wanted a bit more power and magic!! More wow moments! This did however tick boxes for a slower,easier read that may be great for the younger audience.

Many thanks to the Author and Publisher through Netgalley for an ARC.

I received a temporary digital copy of A Dark and Secret Magic by Wallis Kinney from NetGalley, Alcove Press and the author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Hecate (Kate) Goodwin is a hedge witch in a small New England town surrounded by her ancestral home, friends and family. Miranda, her older sister, asks for Kate to host their coven’s annual Halloween gathering. Right before the gathering, Matthew Cypher, a former friend and heir to his coven, shows up at her doorstep asking for sanctuary. Being unable to deny his request as a hedge witch, Kate agrees, but has her guard up not knowing Matthew's true intentions. Kate must navigate her relationship with Matthew while dark magic is trying to take all Kate knows.

A Dark and Secret Magic was a fun Halloween/fall read. I did appreciate the choice of name for the main character most of all, but name-bias aside, the characters and pacing were great. Kinney does a good job creating the magic elements within the story and not complicating magical world despite having many layers.

Kate is a hedge witch with a life of solitude in a secluded cottage with her black cat. When her older sister, Miranda, asks her to host their coven's annual Halloween gathering. This event, which coincides with the witches' new year and Kate's birthday, brings a surge of pressure from her coven to make the evening unforgettable. The unexpected arrival of Matthew Cypher, a necromancer from Kate's past who seeks sanctuary at her cottage, causes Kate to reluctantly agree to help him, kicking off various events that will ever change her life. Kate must confront the hidden aspects of her mother's life and the dark magic she secretly practices. As Kate and Mathew work together, Kate has to reevaluate her perception of her mother and Matthew.

I instantly fell in love with Kate's character. She is a lot like me, and I get her compulsion for order and isolation. The evolving dynamics between Kate and Matthew add a layer of romantic tension and seem genuine. His presence brings tension and an air of unpredictability, challenging Kate's controlled life. The author's attention to detail in depicting witchcraft and the potion-making added to the narrative, thus making the magic elements feel authentic. This novel is a delightful addition to the cozy fantasy genre, offering a well-crafted story that keeps readers enchanted from beginning to end.

It made me want to wear a sweater, drink a latte, and get cozy. If I wasn't ready for Autumn, I was after. Also, the book talks about delicious food that will make you hungry. The author has included some recipes I want to make in the back.

I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley and Alcove Press.

"A Dark and Secret Magic" by Wallis Kinney is a ambient and dreamy brew of Halloweentown and Practical Magic. Perfect for this spoopy season weather in July

Hedge witch Kate is preparing for her 31st birthday and confinement to only practice what she knows of her hedge magic. With her parents passed and sisters living away from their small secluded town, she learns what she can and spends majority of her time alone. A childhood friend winds up on her doorstep and begins the unraveling of her coven's lies as danger creeps closer to the sleepy hollow cottage.

For the autumnal lovers and those who prefer the changing leaves to the heat, A Dark and Secret Magic was such a sweet surprise. An older protagonist, a dreamy love story, and world building that will have you reaching for all the cinnamon teas and cozy blankets. Pick this one up for your Halloween TBR for its release on October 8th. 4/5!

I have your next perfect cozy fall fantasy read! A Dark and Secret Magic by Wallis Kinney comes out on October 8th and gives you everything you need for a fall book. This story revolves around Hecate Goodwin, a hedge witch from New England, who is preparing for a Halloween ritual to seal her magic choice forever through a Mega Magic witch at her coven. After a visit from a wraith and a mysterious visitor on her doorstep, she is thrown down a path she never expected and she second guesses everything she thought she knew. This story has Practical Magic vibes, adventure, lots of fantasy elements, a very cozy settings and of course everything Halloween. This was a fun read even outside of fall. Add this one to your fall reading TBR and preorder it today!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

Is it October yet? Coulda fooled me.

What a cozy perfect witchy scrumptious bundle of fall vibes this was!

Really enjoyed the varieties of magics and just so much else about this fun little read. I hope the author does more with this universe!

"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. "

I defiantly think this book delivered on that! It's a gateway drug to the most beautiful time of year. So much so, half way through the book, I got out a few Halloween decorations and put a pumpkin scent in my wax warmer. I gave in, I embraced it fully.
Hecate's story was entertaining and delightful. It was more cozy than anything but that was ok. I was interested in what happened to her, Matthew and her sisters. I liked the varieties of witches in the book. There is all kinds of magics! In the blurb it says "echoes of the classic Hades and Persephone story" but the first thing that came to my mind upon finishing was the waxing and waning of the Wheel of the Year.
Anyways, I would read this again. If this becomes a series, I will read the next one and I would read more from this author. I would certainly buy this for a friend.

Oh my god did this book keep me hooked from the get-go! The magic, the atmospheric writing, the characters — everything was top-notch artistry. I’ve highlighted every time a particular dish was mentioned because all of those scenes were written so scrumptiously well and I wanted to come back to them later, but what made this experience even better was the inclusion of the recipes in the back! I was pleasantly surprised.
Coming to more technical aspects of the storytelling and flow, though I was enraptured by the magic systems and I loved how quick-paced the entire book was, with everything in the story happening in the same week, I also feel like it was because of this that I felt the last bit of the novel a little too rushed. Hecate and Matthew’s chemistry was off the charts, and I loved how their relationship progressed — love me a man who yearns for years & is at the woman’s every beck and call to be honest, so very personal preference here — but I also did not quite understand the ending (especially the character of the King Below, I feel that could've been explored a little more) and was quite disappointed by it, hence the lower rating. I enjoyed the familial banter that the Goodwin sisters had going on, and the descriptions of their practice were interesting additions! It was overall just very cozy and had the perfect mix of mystery and magic.
I’m glad I got to read this as an advanced copy though plans to reread during October are already on my future to-do list.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this book prior to release.

I can truly say this is my favorite read of the year so far. It was a beautiful combination of world building and character development. I absolutely adored the interaction between the characters, especially our hedge witch Hecate (Kate) and her very sassy cat Merlin. It has a wonderful storyline, that gives Hades and persephone towards the end which is always a win for me.

Hecate is our MC, living alone and being a hedge witch wasn’t what she expected in life but her choice was taken from her before she was even born. Never knowing the truth about why her mother did it and finding more secrets after her passing, has only brought out painful memories for Hecate and with her birthday a week away, like is about to become unpredictable. Weird dreams, feelings of uncertainty, and an evil presence….why now?

Mathew our MC, is the unknown variable and a childhood “friend” who has returned after a decade without a word. Him showing up at her cottage, seems strange but she is forced to give him sanctuary due to her role in the universe and life. Yet, his presence causes Hecate to become less sure of her current role as well as her own feelings towards him.

Combining forces, these two set out to unravel the mystery surrounding Hecate before Samhain.

As a huge mood reader, I figured I would read a few pages of A Dark and Secret Magic by Wallis Kinney to see if it fit my mood. Thirty-six hours later, I had devoured it!

Kate Goodwin enjoys her life as a hedge witch - helping her coven and town from her secluded cabin in the woods. When her sister asks her to host the coven’s Halloween celebration, Kate’s peace and quiet is gone. Things continue to change when Matthew, a handsome man from her past and practitioner of dark magic, seeks sanctuary and Kate finds a book of dark magic among her recently deceased mother’s things - a mother who hated all things related to dark magic. Together with Matthew, Kate tries to understand what this book is, why her mom had it, and what it means for Kate, all before the coven arrives for the holiday.

A Dark and Secret Magic kept me turning the pages: How could a mom who was so against dark magic have a book of blood magic? Why is Matthew always so evasive? What isn’t Kate’s coven telling her? Needless to say, I came up with tons of theories for each question and couldn't stop reading until I knew if any of them were right (only one was!).

Kinney does a great job exploring Kate’s complicated feelings. Although still grieving the loss of her mother, finding her mother's secret grimoire triggers both anger and confusion for Kate. I loved how believable this felt Kate is also understandably weary of Matthew, a man she had liked and trusted years before. I loved watching Kate overcome these fears, and how supportive Matthew was about everything that Kate faced.

I also loved the side characters. Ginny was the best - a sweet, bookish teen who really wants to help. While the story is about Kate’s journey, I would have loved to see more of Ginny, Rebecca, Celeste and Miranda.

A Dark and Secret Magic made me want to put on a cozy sweater and cuddle up with a cup of hot cider, even though it was 90 degrees outside. It comes out on October 8th, and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who loves the spooky season. Many thanks to Alcove Press, Wallis Kinney, and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.