This book. This was so atmospheric and magical. Transformed me straight into the autumnal mood with its beautiful description of the scenery and its cozy witchy aspects. It was also a little spooky with the King Below and the dark magic. It felt a little bit insta love but it worked. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.

What a perfect fall read! A Dark and Secret Magic is absolutely delightful and ideal for Spooky Season. I had to dive into this ARC earlier than I planned due to the upcoming archive date next week, and I’m so grateful to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the opportunity to read this eArc. This book gave me serious Charmed meets Gilmore Girls vibes—spooky, wonderfully Halloweeny, and with just the right touch of romantasy. I can see myself returning to this one every fall.

Set in the week leading up to Halloween, the story follows our main character who turns 31 on the big day, exploring all the significance of such a milestone for a Hedge Witch. It’s filled with the cozy, atmospheric fall elements we love—crisp weather, crackling fireplaces, autumn festivals, and of course, witchy charm. I also loved the inclusion of fun fall recipes sprinkled throughout the narrative (and included in the Recipes in the end of the book)—a perfect touch. I adored this book and will definitely be adding a physical copy to my shelf. Don't miss it—Pub Day is October 8th!

Ooooh, just look at that cover! It brings all sorts of spicy, spooky goodies to mind.

A Dark and secret Magic is a sweet story, but definitely leaning towards the YA side. A cosy and cute witchy story with a bit of romance thrown into the cauldron for luck.

3 sparkly, magical stars!

Read this book if you like:
- Witchy vibes
- Samhain aesthetic
- A dreamy MMC
- twists and turns
- Hades and Persephone
- slow burn
- he fell first
- he will literally kill and die for her
- cottagecore
- mystery

A Dark and Secret Magic is pure enchantment. From the moment Kate, our beloved hedge witch with a black cat named Merlin (MERLIN MENTIONED) and a crochet hobby is introduced, I was hooked. Wallis Kinney has crafted a world that is both cozy and mysterious, where magic is as tangible as the herbs Kate forages. The Ipswich setting, with its proximity to Salem, adds an extra layer of charm and intrigue.

Kinney's descriptions of the natural world and the witchy craft are exquisite. The sensory details of the forest, the food, and the people are so vivid, it's as if you're right there with Kate. The inclusion of the recipes at the end was a delightful touch that added depth to the world-building and made me crave pumpkin spice everything.

I was utterly captivated by the slow burn romance and the complex development of the characters. Matthew, with his dark allure and troubled past, is a perfect foil for Kate's grounded and practical nature. Their relationship evolves naturally, filled with both tension and tenderness. The villain was chillingly effective, and the plot twists had me gasping out loud.

A Dark and Secret Magic is more than just a witchy read, it's an experience that lingers long after the final page. I know a book is good when I can't stop thinking about the characters for days afterwards, which is why I usually leave my reviews for a little bit after finishing. Kinney has created a world I wish I could stay in forever.

Thank you to Netgalley, Alcove Press, and Wallis Kinney for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

A Dark and Secret Magic is an enchanting blend of Halloween ambiance, Samhain rituals, magic, and witchy aesthetics. From the first page, the book envelops you in a world brimming with mystical charm and seasonal warmth. It’s a fast, cozy read that wraps you in a warm, magical hug, making it the perfect escape as the days grow shorter and the nights longer.

Hecate "Kate" Goodwin, a hedge witch, enjoys her secluded life with her black cat, foraging herbs and selling tinctures from her apothecary. Her solitude is disrupted when her sister, Miranda, asks her to host their coven’s annual Halloween gathering. As Kate prepares for the event, a man from her past, Matthew Cypher, arrives seeking sanctuary. Matthew, a practitioner of forbidden magic, once deceived Kate, making her wary.

While juggling Matthew’s arrival and the Halloween preparations, Kate discovers a tome of dark magic with an inscription in her deceased mother's handwriting. Unsure whom to trust, Kate turns to Matthew for help. As she learns more about her mother's secret studies, Kate must reevaluate her memories and whom she can rely on.

So grab your broomstick and get ready for a magical adventure that will leave you bewitched! Whether you’re a seasoned witch or a newcomer to the world of magic, A Dark and Secret Magic promises a journey that’s as heartwarming as it is enchanting. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to add a touch of magic to their reading list and embrace the spirit of Halloween all year round.


Thank you to #NetGalley and #AlcovePress. All opinions are my own.

Necromancy, dark magic, mist, pumpkins, and skeletons, oh my! A witchy romance that finally feels like it was written for adults. Mature characters and darker themes. No on page spice, so if you are looking for that look elsewhere.

I felt the urge to light a spiced candle and drink an earl grey latte while reading this. The October release date is the perfect time to read this for all those autumn vibes.

Fans of the One Dark Window books by Rachel Gillis may like this. I liked this book more than those two because One Dark Window has more of a YA tone and this reads more mature.

4 to 5 stars. Kate makes a couple wild decisions in this book, but overall I enjoyed the witchy ride.

This title was chock full of witchy details! It was a little slow in the beginning, but once I started to get further into the story I couldn't stop! I love the recipes, and the way the protagonist utilizes her green thumb to further her magical plans. It has a good romance element, but I didn't see the darker plot at first - and definitely didn't foresee the ending! Will definitely recommend this title to other readers - perfect for the autumn season!

A solid 3.5 stars debut from author Wallis Kinney.

What I loved:
- the witchy vibes
- Merlin <3
- cozy Halloween atmosphere
- beautiful food descriptions - give me all the pumpkin spice, making me sad I was reading this in 90 degree August and not 50 degree October.

What didn't work for me:
- the first person, present tense narration
- the romance (instalove)
- worldbuilding breadcrumbs.

This cozy book follows Hecate (Kate) Goodwin, a 30-something hedge witch in a small town along the Atlantic Coast of the United States. Still grieving the loss of her mother, she is trying to prepare for upcoming Samhain celebrations and rituals, including a major life-altering decision that will impact how she uses magic for the rest of her life. To her surprise and dismay, Matthew Cypher, a member of a rival group of magic users shows up at her door and Kate is plunged into intrigue and mystery surrounding his sudden appearance, mysterious dreams and uncovering family secrets.

While the book deals with "dark magic", overall much of the action is pretty low stakes. I really enjoyed the way Kinney presents how different witches specialize in different magics, and found some of the specialities unique, such as book witches, who can recall anything theyve ever read, but at the cost of those books or meta-magick witches, who can control and influence other witches magic. That said, I felt like the world building around how the covens were arranged/operated, how different witches decided to specialize and why were not fully explained. It is presented that witches should only practice magic in their given specialities, but at the same time, Kate is constantly using kitchen magic from her mother's book, making the distinctions between these types of witches even more confusing.

The romance just didn't do it for me - I'm really supposed to believe that Kate and Matthew spent one afternoon together 10 years ago, and that is enough to have sparked a devoted romance? Her initial dislike and ire at Matthew when he first show up also feels overdone - yes he kind of lied to her about who he was, but they also only spent a few hours together. I feel like this set up would have worked better if they had actually had some kind of short fling, like over a few weeks or a summer in that past, enough time where those lies/omissions would have actually made a difference. Over the course of the story, the romance is generally sweet, but ultimately unconvincing for me.

Finally, this book is written in first person, present tense, which I found a little awkward, especially at first. While I didn kind of get used to it, I feel like this presentation made everything seem a little too matter of fact, and the story didn't have as much narrative tension. This could entirely be a personal preference, but is worth noting as I don't see many books written this way.

Thank you to Alcove Press/NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the PERFECT read for anyone wanting to get into the fall season. Or if you are like me want to have fall year round. I absolutely loved this book and I did not want to put it down. If you like witches, Halloween, and magic this book is for you. I loved seeing mention of different types of witches in this story instead of just one or two. Would definitely recommend as a must read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the early ARC in exchange for my honest review.

If Partical Magic and Hocus Pocus had a baby it would be this book. I enjoyed this book, a lot. I loved all the Halloween elements, the witchcraft, and the plot. I was not expecting the ending at all. To top it off the food recipes at the end were the icing on the cake! I was wanting to eat all the food talked about it the book, and can’t wait to make some of them. And I can’t wait to fill my house with the smells of the stove top simmer.

EPITOMY of spooky season. This book is now one of my favorite cozy fall reads. I loved how the main character was a hedge witch, and the author did a great job using descriptive language to transport us to October with baking and foliage all around. Also quite a cute love story.

This is PERFECT for anyone wanting those cozy, spooky vibes of fall! This is a love letter to Halloween and for those who embrace their magic all year long. I definitely recommend this to anyone who loves a witchy romcom! I was very entertained!

If you’re looking for a book for fall/halloween season with a mature feeling to it then I would recommend this! It’s a warm, cozy witchy read. I really enjoyed it and it had me wanting to get all my Halloween decorations out and drink some apple cider or hot chocolate.

There is no on page spice but the romance was cozy and sweet and I loved seeing the relationship between Matthew and Kate grow and how they were both protective of each other.

I loved all of the characters, especially Merlin. Every witch needs a black cat and he was the perfect addition to this book.

All of the different magic was interesting to read and learn about. If there ever is a second book to this I would love to continue with these characters and learn even more!

The recipes at the end were a really nice touch and its something I’ve not seen done before.

This is a solid 4-5 stars for me! Perfect for anyone who loves fall/witchy vibes and wants a nice cozy read.

Thank you NetGalley and the author for the ARC.

Spooky vibes is the way to go with this book. Made me in the mood for fall!! Definitely recommend to anyone who loves magic and Halloween. :)

“A Dark and Secret Magic” by Wallis Kinney is a book that enchants from the very first pages thanks to its excellent writing style. The author manages to create a magical and engaging atmosphere, making the reading smooth and enjoyable.

The characters are very interesting, especially the protagonist, Hecate Goodwin, a witch who lives in an isolated cottage. Each character is well-defined and has a depth that makes them realistic and fascinating.

The cozy and super autumnal setting is one of the book’s strengths. The story takes place in a small village immersed in nature, with detailed descriptions that evoke the warm and welcoming atmosphere of autumn. It is the perfect book to read with a cup of hot tea and a blanket.

The plot is fascinating and original, with a mix of magic, mystery, and family secrets. The discovery of an ancient tome of dark magic and the connection with Hecate’s deceased mother add an element of suspense that keeps the reader glued to the pages until the end.
“A Dark and Secret Magic” is a must-read for those who love witch stories, autumnal atmospheres, and plots rich in mystery and magic.

Instagram post and StoryGraph review coming soon <3

This book is perfect for a crisp day, a warm blanket and a hot beverage!

It gave me practical magic vibes at times and had tons of magical components, secrets, a little mystery and some action.

The plot was easy to follow and enjoyable as were the characters!

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC!

If you are looking for a book to read with a warm blanket, cup of coffee or hot chocolate on a crisp day this fall- this is the book to pick up.

It has magic, mystery, secrets and some action as well as a sweet love story

It very much gave me practical magic meets Pirates of the Caribbean at Worlds End (all because of one outcome)

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC!

A Dark and Secret Magic is the perfect read for fall lovers!

The story follows Kate, a hedge witch, approaching her 31st birthday and Halloween. She is still grieving the loss of her mother and preparing for the annual festivities when someone from her past shows up seeking sanctuary. Things take a turn when she finds her mother's old tome that is covered in dark magic. Not sure who to trust, Kate is determined to find out more about her mother's past and the secrets her coven has been keeping from her, and Matthew might be the only person who can help her.

This was fun, easy to follow, and well paced. The story has witchy elements, mystery, and a touch of romance. The romance is reminiscent of Hades and Persephone. I do think their connection could have been developed a little more but I still thought it was cute.

If you are in the mood for something quick and fun to get you in the mood for fall/Halloween then add this to your TBR!

At the end of the book the author included recipes mentioned throughout the story. I thought it was a cute touch and I want to try some!

Thank you to Alcove Press for the ARC

A very solid 3.5⭐ for Wallis Kinney's debut! Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for the ARC.

Other reviews have raved about the IMMACULATE autumnal vibes of ADaSM, and I'm happy to say this lives up to the hype if you're looking for a novel this coming Halloween. Vibes aside, I'd say the best thing about ADaSM is introducing the different types of magick that witches here practice. I would devour more standalones set in this universe just exploring the powers of a book witch and a sea witch, for one. The conspiracy revolving around protagonist Kate's coven was also well done and resolved very satisfactorily for me,

The romance between Kate and Matthew was sweet but mostly serviceable. Their growing bond that's supposed to be Ride or Die level technically did happen over a few days, after being reconnected from their ONLY first meeting about a decade ago. There just wasn't enough time for it to be as convincing as it could've been. Matthew's countless thoughtful acts were very swoonworthy though; it made me quickly forget how annoying he was when we were introduced to him.

Last thoughts: I do like reading Kinney's prose and am looking forward to more from her. Oh, and less usage of "smirk". It was used often enough that I actually noticed!

I thoroughly enjoyed this story! Kinney is a wordsmith, crafting a warm and intriguing world with cozy magic, family secrets, and long-lost magic. With plenty of cooking, gardening, recipes, and family bonding, the story was cozy, but it also had a good mystery and exciting climax. Kate was a sympathetic and spellbinding character, with relatable flaws and fears, while Matthew was the perfect Darcy-meets-Hades love interest. I’m looking forward to more from Wallis Kinney!