I really enjoyed this book! It was the perfect mixture of cozy Halloween vibes with high stakes. I really liked the family secrets and mystery behind the mmc. I would definitely read more from this author!

I absolutely loved this book so much!! It was such a good witch-y read. Parts that I really enjoyed in this book:
-the herbal magic
-the cozyness
-the liminal line between life and death
-the mystery

I also love Merlin. He was one of my fave parts. Also, I love how necromancy was incorporated into this book. The romance was also sublime! I was invested in this story.

A Dark and Secret Magic

Thank you @netgalley , @crookedlanebooks and @alcovepress for the free digital copy!

Let me just say: if witches, dark magic, and “fated” mates, read this immediately this fall.

A dark and secret magic is a perfect seasonal read. While has some romance, I would say the plot is the driving factor for the love of this book. Following hedge witch Hecate Goodwin as she prepares for her coven’s Halloween celebration as well as her birthday, a blast from the past shows up on her doorstep out of the blue. While Kate is navigating planning the celebration, preparing for her birthday, and providing shelter for the wayward but handsome Matthew, she also begins to learn more about her past, her destiny, and the secrets that bind both together.

I liked the approach to magic in this story. The whole book takes place in the span on 10 days, but there’s a lot that happens and fits in during that time. It was interesting to see Kate come to terms with the secrets she uncovers- the way the stories are woven and the ends are tied was very satisfying. While on the surface it’s a story about family and the lengths people would go to save the ones they love, but deeper than that, it’s about letting fear influence decision that cause repercussions for generations.

The romance was lovely- there was very little (if any) spice, but it wasn’t exactly wholesome either. It did have a “fated” mates vibe, and the way it ended was the only way I feel it could have. I would highly recommend if you’re looking for a romance/contemporary fiction hybrid book with interesting family dynamics, magic, and set in the one place witches would thrive- Ipswich, MA.

This is a pitch-perfect autumnal successor to 'Practical Magic,' and the writing style and narrative voice are equally cozy and as immersive as a warm blanket and cup of tea.

A Dark and Secret Magic by Wallis Kinney is a magical and cozy romantasy.
 
Kate is a hedge witch, and she is very connected to nature, living and working with the forest and being accompanied by her black cat. This was perfectly reflected in the absolutely beautiful cover. She has to host this year‘s Halloween celebration for her coven and that is a big step for her. And all of that gets even more stirred up when a handsome man asks for refuge.
 
Matthew practices dark magic and seems very shady at first. Kate also has an unpleasant past with him, and this creates great tension. I was quite skeptical of him at first but when these two had to work together, I did appreciate Matthew and started to like him.
 
This story is mainly focused on magic, and I really liked that. It shows magic in different forms and that was very interesting to see. It’s not only magical, but also very cozy and perfect to curl up with. Only the romance was very subtle and had slight Hades and Persephone vibes, but I would have loved to see more of that.
 
A Dark and Secret Magic is a love letter to Halloween and all things witchy and it’s a perfect autumn read. 4 stars.
 
(ARC kindly provided in exchange for a review.)

This book is the perfect cosy Halloween read. It’s witchy vibes and delicious food and heartwarming romance. Beginning to the end this book is so wholesome. There’s a little bit of spooks and danger, but it’s not over the top or particularly scary. What’s better to read on Halloween than a book that takes part on Halloween?

Kate’s magic has been suppressed for years and her mom only taught her how to use half of her powers. When Matthew returns to her life and shows her that theirs more to her then she thought at first she doesn’t believe him. As Matthew shows her the darker parts of her magic and how powerful she really is Kate questions everything about her life.

I loved the magic and I loved the romance in this novel. The magic is very kitchen witch meets shadow witch and I loved it. There’s some recipes at the end of the book that I saved that I would love to try and make for myself someday. The shadow magic is related to the dead and it adds this extra creepy cool layer to Kates healing magic.

‘A Dark and Secret Magic’ is the perfect mixture of creepy and cute. There’s everything I love about Halloween in this book. I am so happy that I read this book in October. I will recommend this book every Halloween!

"Echoes of the classic Hades & Persephone story," but Practical Magic coded? Count me in. These are two things I didn't know I needed together. 'A Dark and Secret Magic' perfectly captures the essence of the fall season with its blend of cozy witch aesthetics and spine-tingling mystery filled with all the Halloween season fun. The story balances its spooky elements with warm romantic undertones, as hedge witch Kate manages to navigate both a slow-burn romance on top of disturbing revelations about her mother's involvement with dark magic. This is a richly atmospheric tale that explores complex family dynamics and those spookier themes while not losing it's grip on the cozy season vibes it was going for. It is an ideal fall read for cozying up with some warm apple cider, a fluffy blanket, and a book.

The most perfect book to cozy up with at night in your favorite comfy place; doused in warm light, with a piping hot mug of herbal tea, cuddled up underneath buttery soft blankets, and allow your mind escape to the magical cottage at the edge of the Ipswich forest. All during festivities of Samhain, the witches new year; When the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest and both light and dark secrets, wisdom, and foretelling of the new year from our ancestors pass through. Hexans and witches shadow walk as above and so below, unknowingly of what deep, dark secrets will be revealed.
This year, Hecate Goodwin, a hedge witch oblivious to her powers and full duties, due to the forbidden black blood magick her dead mother practiced, is not so lucky as the King Below is on her tail.
Thank goodness Matthew Cypher, a handsome necromancer shows up just in time from across the country to help Hecate both face and battle the demons her mother left behind.
Among the traditional candy apples, Samhain rituals, lit jack-o-lanterns, little kids in costumes, and the celebration of Halloween in Ipswich, there is an evil demon lurking…waiting for the right time to cross the veil to take what’s his

This was an enjoyable read, especially during the Halloween season. I was caught up in the story of the main character, and the love story that evolved. I wish that the relationships between Kate and her sisters was fleshed out more. In the same vein I was also looking for more in terms of her stature in the village and her dealings with non-witch people and her coven. This part of the book felt just a tad cold and made me wanting more. The plot of the King Below was engaging. I liked the climax and the ending was satisfactory. In Goodreads I gave this a 3.5, so that's my rating here, too, although you can't give decimal points.

I loved the cover of this novel! Definitely made me want to read this book.

Thanks for sending this to me through NetGalley.

I received the ebook as an Arc from NetGalley. Thank you NetGalley!!

This story screams fall!! A hedge witch lives by herself in the cottage she renovated and fills her days with crocheting, cross stitching, cooking, wandering the woods, and making her healing salves and tonics. I mean it screams fall!!! Hedge witches live mostly solitary lives on the edges of society by design so our FMC doesn’t interact with many people. She has family and a friend as well as her coven but she doesn’t spend time with them all that much. This all changes when she gets a visit from a man that hurt her heart several years ago and many members of her family/coven. All of this is going on as she is also finding out that her mother didn’t tell her everything she needed to know and “dark” magic isn’t as evil as she was told. The witchy, cozy vibes with the 2nd chance love story at just the right time of year makes me beyond happy!

Overall, I’m giving the book a 4.5 rounded up

I was able to read this because NetGalley provided with an arc. I loved this romantasy. Great Read. I would read more by this author.

Such a great fall read. Put me right into Halloween mood with all the magic witches and spooky vibes. A fun read perfect for spooky season.

I was initially drawn to this book because of its stunning cover and this book was everything I’d hoped it would be!

This story follows Hecate “Kate” Goodwin, a recluse hedgewitch who is content with her quiet life. When Kate’s sister asks her to host their coven’s upcoming Halloween gathering, Kate strives to make the festival as perfect and memorable as possible, working to recreate every detail just as her late mother had done in previous years. As a hedgewitch, Kate also must provide temporary accommodations for anyone seeking sanctuary, so when Matthew, a handsome practitioner of forbidden magic, shows up at her door, Kate must juggle Matthew’s unexpected presence and her duties around prepping for the upcoming event.

When Kate begins to set up her family manor for Halloween, she comes across an old tome enveloped in dark magic... that belonged to her recently deceased mother. As she works to uncover why her mother was in possession of a tome containing dark and forbidden magic, Kate enlists Matthew’s help and Kate is forced to reevaluate who she can really trust.

I loved the atmosphere of this novel! It was the perfect read for autumn/Halloween. This is a book I will likely be rereading during future spooky seasons—the vibes were so cozy and I just couldn’t get enough of Kate and Matthew. I loved that there was a romantic element to this story, but it focused primarily on Kate’s journey of discovering the truth around her family as well as her own abilities.

If you are at all a fan of fantasy, witches, magic, cozy vibes, and romance, this is a must read.

Thank you so much to the publisher and to NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A Dark and Secret Magic is the perfect cozy witchy read, especially for the autumn season. The story follows Hecate "Kate" Goodwin, a reclusive hedge witch who’s quite content with her quiet life. She spends her days foraging herbs, working at her apothecary, and enjoying the solitude. But everything changes when her older sister, Miranda, asks her to host their coven’s annual Halloween gathering, which also happens to be Kate's birthday. As the pressure builds for the event, Kate's carefully constructed world begins to unravel when a familiar face from her past, Matthew Cypher, arrives seeking sanctuary.

The plot is wonderfully character-driven, focusing on Kate as she’s forced to confront the dark secrets her mother kept from her, as well as her complicated history with Matthew. The tension between them simmers nicely, and I found Matthew to be a swoon-worthy love interest. Their romance adds a great layer of warmth to the story.

Overall, A Dark and Secret Magic is an enchanting read, blending the cozy feel of a witch's life with a mystery that kept me hooked. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy stories of magic, secrets, and a touch of romance.

A Dark and Secret Magic is an enchanting blend of fantasy, mystery, and romance that immediately drew me into its richly imagined world. The story follows Hecate, a hedge witch who discovers her coven has been keeping secrets from her. Kate thought she knew the extent of her magic until a handsome necromancer, Matthew, helps her access her untapped power. With immersive writing, Kinney expertly balances moments of tension with poignant character development. Kate whips up so much delicious food in the story and I was thrilled to find the recipes at the end of the book. This cozy little gem is THE book of autumn!

Perfect book for autumn reading! The setting is perfect and so autumnal, the characters are likeable, and the story was pretty interesting and kept me engaged. All in all, I have no complaints as far as a seasonal romance-driven paranormal book goes.

I think what I loved the most was how cozy and warm the settings are in this book. The main plot of family secrets and dark magic is fun and it did keep me reading because I wanted to know what was actually going on, but I was really reading it for the cozy feelings. The cottage with its inviting kitchen was where I wish I could transport. I also loved the recipes and details used; it just made it seem more like “realistic” in a sense and I appreciated that. It seemed like the author took their time and actually did some research! Other than that, this is a super cute story that is perfect for October.

this book was EVERYTHING needed to get into the Halloween spirit! While there were still enough stakes, everything felt calm, warm, and nostalgic. 10/10 for the vibes and could see myself rereading every fall season

If, like me, you were a bit disappointed by the Ex Hex, I’ve got the Halloween book for you. “A Dark and Secret Magic” is everything I wanted the Ex-Hex to be, but even witchier and with a stronger plot. I really enjoyed the Samhain-centric setting, the rival covens, and the foreboding feeling of “something is not quite right here”. If you’re the type to watch Practical Magic every year to get into the Halloween spirit, then you might enjoy this book’s mix of cozy and spooky vibes. 4 stars from me!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

"A Dark and Secret Magic" is an unexpected beautiful and cosy novel perfect for fall and raniy days, especially when Halloween is approaching. I read this book in the best time of the year and the homely and warm atmosphere carried me in the little town of Ipswich with Kate and Matthew, surrounded by magic and love.

This novel narrates Hecate "Kate" Goodwin's life one week before Halloween. Kate is a hedge witch, her craft is a mysterious and rare one and after her mother's death, she finds herself all alone in her cottage, trying to prepare her old manor to host the annual Halloween party for her sisters and her coven, But contingencies don't stop there, for a hexan named Matthew Cypher requests her aid and as a hedge witch, Kate has no choice but host him into her house. In the meantime, dangerous forces reveals themselves and cast a different and terrifying light upon Kate's mother when a grimoire filled with dark magic is found.

"A Dark and Secret Magic" isn't a mere romance novel with a magical background. The magic system, Kate's powers in particular, is the main focus of this story. The author deals with every aspect of being a witch and the magic included in this book is well-described and it perfectly blends with the atmopshere and the plot itself. The villain, who only appears toward the end of the book, and his story remainded me of Hades and Persephone, but at the same time it's something different and innovative. I really liked the ending, I didn't expect such a finale, and yet it felt like the only plausible closure to the story.

The main characters are Kate, the entire book is narrated from her poin of view, and Matthew. Even though the latter doesn't have a pov, he instantly reached my heart. I really loved him throughout the entire novel, he's the kind of male character I love reading about. He's charming, caring, loving, funny, and respectful. What more can I ask for?
On the other hand, Kate was a easily lovable protagonist and narrator. I enjoyed reading this novel from her point of view and I felt extremely connceted to her. Kate is torn between what her mother taught her and all the secrets her magic keeps hiding, she's the middle sister and she doesn't complain about her elder sister's behaviour. I wanted to read more about the Goodwin sisters and I craved to see Kate show more backbone.

The romance was my favourite part. Even if Kate and Matthew has only one week to build a proper relationship, the author did a wondeful job by making it belivable. It didn't feel rushed or forced. Matthew and Kate are made to be together and their bond is born and it grows stronger as the story proceeds. I'm talking about a toe-curling love story that will keep you awake at night reading and rooting for these two..

However, you should totally give " A Dark and Secret Magic" a chance and read it during Halloween!

*Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for an ARC of this book!*

This book was the perfect read for the Fall/Halloween season. The magic system was easy to grasp and it just felt so cozy. The author gives such beautiful and real descriptions. Also I think this is the hungriest I’ve ever been reading a book!! I need to try everything they cooked in this book immediately.

I loved Hecate and Matthew so much. I was absolutely wounded at the way I thought things would end but thankfully it wrapped up beautifully.

I fear after this book however I must somehow figure out how to become a real witch. There is no way a world like this can be only fictional, I refuse to believe that.