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.

𝐀 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐛𝐲 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐬 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐲
A spellbinding tale about a witch and the secrets her own coven have been keeping from her. A love letter to anyone who carries the sprit of a witch inside their heart all year long.

An old tome shrouded in dark magic, a handsome man from her past and an even darker secret that comes to light. If any of these pique your interest then you’ll take to this book like a moth to a flame. A cosy fantasy with beautiful magic, darks secrets and a romance that will have you believing in fate. There is something about this book that will warm your heart and stay with you long into the night, when the stars come out and the moon appears in all her glory.

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲 𝐯𝐢𝐚 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐀 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐛𝐲 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐬 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐲

It gives autumnal Halloween vibes - perfect for those who love Practical Magic. Would love to read more stories that take part in the same universe.

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.

This was so good and so cozy that I felt like it was fall even though it’s the dead heat of summer. This will be perfect to read again come October. The main characters Katie and Matthew were so likeable and easy to follow. It has a unique plot but wasn’t overwritten or overdone just a cozy fun time. Will be adding to our library.

I Loved this book and will absolutely be buying it in October so I can read it again in the fall. The setting and the plot was so well written. The main characters Kate and Matthew were so fun to follow through this story. It was such a cozy fall fantasy book that I can't wait to see released!!

I had a good time reading this book. I really liked the protagonist Kate and her story. The setting and plot are both so cool. Great storyline and writing style. Warm, cozy fantasy

How dare there be a heat wave while I read this book!

All jokes aside, A Dark and Secret Magic is an absolutely delightful read that made me fully embrace the coziness of autumn even though it’s currently the first week of summer. There is magic, good and evil, present in our world hidden within those who live among us. We are completely unaware of the protection, love, luck, and joy that the coven pours over us mortals; not knowing that their magic is what keeps the world around us shimmering brightly.

There is darkness in these pages as well, but nothing that will induce nightmares or stick with you. Kate and Matthew’s story within these pages is enchanting.

I cannot wait to read this book again this fall!

It needs to be Halloween right now!

As soon as I saw A Dark and Secret Magic had Hades and Persephone vibe I knew I had to get my hands on it, and let me tell you I am not disappointed.

We start by meeting Hecate Goodwin, Kate, who has perfected her craft as a hedge witch, a craft that was chosen for her by her mother. Now this is not the norm, but Kate has taken to the role very well. Kate's mother has passed and we are getting close to her 31st birthday. The 31st is especially important because it's when a witch confirms their craft and lets go of any other magic. Leading up to this day, Kate experiences many concerning dreams and learns more about why her mother chose her craft for her. We even get to meet Matthew Cypher, who is a necromancer from another coven. Although he shows up seeking sanctuary, Matthew protects Kate more than we could have ever imagined.

Kate and Matthew were adorable! I loved their relationship.

This is an amazing book to pick up especially close to Halloween.

Thank you to Wallis Kinney, Alcove Press and NetGalley for the digital ARC provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!

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

A Dark and Secret Magic feels like the best of the fall days: when Halloween is on the cusp, the air smells like baked goods, leaves crunch under your boots while you pick pumpkins from a patch, and you drink hot chocolate to stay warm. I loved the slow burn romance and the complex family relations. This book felt real and true to life.

Hecate Goodwin, or Kate, was decided to be a hedge witch by her mother and her mother taught her everything she knew. This was not the usual way a magic specialty was declared in her coven, but it was Kate's. Her mother and father had both passed and her sisters had moved away. Kate stayed in the coven performing her hedge witch duties: a source of sanctuary and hope, offering shelter, aid and an ear to those who need it. After a series of strange dreams, one of which included a visit from a wraith of her mom's friend, an old friend from a different coven, Matthew Cypher, shows up on her doorstep requesting sanctuary. He practices necromancy, a practice forbidden by Kate's coven. Together they uncover something that puts Kate's coven in extreme danger. Together the two of them are determined to right the wrongs that come from dangerous secrets, but Matthew has some dangerous secrets of his own. With Samhain (which is also Kate's 31st birthday and Containment ceremony) coming up, will Kate and Matthew be able to save the Coven?

I would recommend this book to any witch looking for a cozy read, even if you're only a Halloween witch.

The beginning was pretty slow but the second half was nicely paced and it was overall very atmospheric! Definitely enjoyed the book although it took some time to get into it.

I 👏 loved 👏 it 👏.

I have to admit that when I read this description, I was unsure of it. There are a lot of good movies and books that give off the mystical feel of Halloween, with hints of lore and all things pumpkin spice.

As I was reading, I felt immersed in the story. I could hear (and see) the brown leaves rustling on the ground as the wind drives them a little further along. I could smell the crisp autumn air and see pumpkins on the steps of houses leading up to the front door. It was warm and inviting, cozy even. The cover alone seemed enticing.
It is hard to find a book that does this for me.

As the story progressed, there was food being prepared and sounded so delicious. With that said, the recipes in the back of the book tied it all together.

One should read a book and enjoy it. I was enraptured by the entire story. The plot moved along quite nicely.

5/5 🌟

Special thanks to #NetGalley and #AlcovePress for the #ARC to review. Publication date is set for October 8, 2024.

#ADarkandSecretMagic #WallisKinney #Magic #Secrets #Potions #PumpkinSpice #Pumpkins #Halloween

This story is such a fun little Halloween read! It gives Practical Magic vibes for me. The 3 sisters remind me loosely of the Archeron sisters. Miranda being like Nesta, Hecate like Feyre and Celeste like Elain. There isn’t a deep dive into each character but just the overall dynamic reminds me of them.

This story isn’t spicy but the relationship between Hecate and Matthew is really sweet. I love how proud Matthew is of Hecate’s achievements and his unwavering faith that she is powerful. Hecate is a relatable FMC with her cozy cottage, Merlin her cat familiar and her questioning of her life being stagnant. The quest to learn the secrets of her mother’s life and realizing her full potential is a great way to start the fall season. The FMC is also in her 30’s, another big plus for this story

"That's the great thing about being a witch, Mom. We get to decide what is true."

How could I not be captivated by the description of this book? A Hades and Persephone retelling mixed with Halloween, and the possibility to enjoy the autumn season in the middle of summer? I had to pick it up. I read the entire book in one sitting, which is a pretty good sign of how much I liked this story. I became invested almost immediately in Hecate's story, and the entire book just felt heartwarming.

I also have a strange passion for books where magic is connected to food and cooking, and the fact that all the recipes are described in detail made me appreciate it even more.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the perfect cozy story for the fall. The witchy, Halloween vibes mixed with the forbidden romance made for an all around fun read!

With the world building like Practical Magic, and a love like the Discovery of Witches, I was ready to be immersed from the first page, but found some problems.

Hecate is a cozy character, a witch in a small town getting ready to channel her powers to being purely a hedge witch, until strange dreams and long forgotten loves turn up on her doorstep. Matthew is the man from another coven who once betrayed her trust, but by asking for sanctuary Hecate must let him into her home, good idea or not. To top it off her absent sisters demand she get the house ready for the Samhein celebrations including Hecate's upcoming ritual to bind her powers. But returning to the house her mother called home Hecate finds a connection between her dreams and her recently deceased mother. A bargain and a changed fate leave Hecate facing a ferryman to the dead, the King Below, who's become obsessed with Hecate. She needs to trust in Matthew's knowledge of the dark arts, but may discover something else but trust beneath the surface. As the pair prepare for the night of Halloween more than one secret will be spilt between family, former loves, and a long unclaimed gift.

The story is richly written with many beautiful scenes of cottage core at their best and delightfully warming. These however were a bit heavy handed in the story themselves, leaving Matthew coming across as too much like the Matthew from a Discovery of Witches, lacking a depth that made the romance between the two a little hard to feel. There were also some snap character decisions that made no sense, one page stating Hecate was fine with Matthew's secrets and on the very next she was not. This left me feeling some things were rushed and some of the world building at the end not so clear. I feel as though some of those earlier scenes could be cut back to better build on both Matthew and the ending, including clarity and world building around the sisters and coven itself.

This was still a story richly written and Kinney's ability to make the reader feel as though Hecate was there and serving one of her special magic laden teas was what made this book a lovely witchy read.

Wowowowowowowow I really enjoyed this book! The story was amazing world building was amazing and the characters were amazing.

Thanks to the Publisher for the ARC copy of this book.
I found A Dark and Secret Magic a cosy and autumnal vibey reading. If you want to read something witchy and romantic that's the book to read next autumn. I really liked the main character and her journey of discovery tinted with a touch of mystery.
Though it wasn't perfect this book was really entertaining and very difficult to put down, I'm not an English native speaker but I read it like in 2 days.
Very recommended for a rainy autumn afternoon with a cup of tea and a cat to pet to try to feel a witch yourself!

2.25⭐️

ARC kindly provided by publisher via NetGally in exchange for an honest review.

a cute witchy fall read. nothing to wild or crazy to rave about on this one. a quick read that could be fun around halloween for some, but was just a bit slow.