Hecate (Kate) Goodwin has curated the perfect life as a hedge witch, living in a secluded cottage in the Ipswich forest. She spends her days foraging herbs, gardening, and creating tinctures to sell at the apothecary she owns. Her evenings are spent with only a black cat for company, an arrangement she quite prefers. Kate’s solitude is thrown into disarray when her older sister, Miranda, reaches out and orders her to host their coven’s annual Halloween gathering. The day marks the beginning of the new year for witches and is also Kate’s birthday. The pressure from her coven to make the evening memorable mounts as the event draws near. To complicate things further, a handsome man from Kate’s past turns up at her cottage, asking for sanctuary. It is Kate’s duty as a hedge witch to honor this request, much to her dismay. Matthew Cypher is no ordinary lost soul–he’s a practitioner of forbidden magic who’s tricked Kate once before, and her guard is up. As she juggles Matthew’s arrival and the preparations for Halloween, Kate comes across an old tome shrouded in dark magic. She is horrified when she realizes the blood-red inscription is written in familiar handwriting: her recently deceased mother’s. Afraid to even touch the dark magic her mother secretly studied, Kate can turn only to Matthew for help. Her idealized memory of her mother begins to distort, and as she and Matthew grow closer, Kate has to reevaluate whom she can really trust.

This book was ok. At times it almost felt like the story was just a basic romance novel and at the last minute a few witchy details were thrown in to make it a book about witches and magic. Overall, this seems more of a cozy fantasy read.

This might be my favorite fall read so far this year.
It has everything you could want: New England fall weather, fall festivities, a cozy warm cottage, hedge magic, a handsome mysterious shadow hexan *COUGHnecromancerCOUGH*, and a cute black cat.

As Kate reaches her 31st birthday and the containment ceremony that will bind her to perform only hedge magic, she’s dealing with hosting the Samhain celebration, the still-fresh grief of her late mother, and some serious coven secrets. But when, Matthew, her old crush from the rival coven, shows up on her doorstep claiming sanctuary, she’s bound by her craft to let him in.
(But he is so obviously hiding something.)

This book was the PERFECT book for October! The vibes were immaculate and made me want to curl up under a blanket and read the whole thing in one sitting. I loved that it was cozy witchy vibes and that there was a sweet romance in it as well. The whole book just brought the coziest vibes and I loved every minute of it!

Such a perfect cozy witchy read for Halloween! It’s Practical Magic meets Hades and Persephone in all the best ways. I absolutely loved Kate and Matthew’s bond and relationship and seeing Kate with her sisters come together despite their differences was so sweet and amazing. If you’re looking for a perfect Halloween/autumnal read look no further, curl up with a blanket, hot drink and sink into this lovely story!

Publishing 10/8/24

Thank you so much to Alcove Press and NetGalley for providing me with this eARC in exchange for my honest review!

4.5 ⭐️ rounded up! Wow wow wow! This is my favorite ARC that I’ve read so far. It combined everything I love: coziness, the nostalgic feeling of Halloween, magic, and romance. I loved the main character Hecate and all her quirkiness and her love for cooking. This book genuinely made me so hungry several times while reading - the hot chocolate ☕️, 🍝, 🫖, and pumpkin pancakes!

It combined Gilmore girls, practical magic, and any horror movies with the devil/witches. If you are looking for a spooky and fun book to read this Halloween - let it be this one. You won’t regret it.

4.5 ⭐
1 🌶️

A Dark and Secret Magic was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I consumed this book in one sitting. I was immediately drawn into the coziness of the atmosphere, but there was a chilling undertone that went along with it. The mysteriousness of the members of the coven's behavior and their disdain for another coven's members only added to the mystery. It was exciting to watch as the truth was slowly revealed to the FMC Kate. Even more enjoyable was the budding slow-burn relationship between Kate and Matthew was *chef's kiss*. This was spooky while remaining somewhat cozy (or that could have been because I enjoyed scenes of Kate cooking or using her hedge magic, and it made me feel cozy); nevertheless, it was a heck of a fun read. I don't know if we will get books about Kate's sisters, but even if we don't, this was good all by itself. It's perfect time to read it, too!

Thank you, NetGalley and Alcove Press, for the eArc. These opinions are mine.

This is absolutely the vibes needed for October. It’s magical and cozy with vibes that remind me of “Practical Magic”. I felt the last few chapters were anti-climactic but it was a good ending to a good book. I especially enjoyed all the food and recipes sprinkled throughout. I thought it was a fun way Hecate’s mother, a kitchen witch, was still incorporated during the story since she’s passed just before the events of the book take place.

In A Dark and Secret Magic, the reader is drawn into a world where witchcraft and mystery seamlessly blend with cozy, autumnal charm. Set against a backdrop that feels tailor-made for the fall season, this fantasy novel creates a perfect atmosphere for those who enjoy curling up with a book as the leaves turn golden. While the novel exudes a warm and comforting vibe, it doesn’t shy away from high-stakes drama, making it a compelling read for fans of both cozy and high-fantasy genres.

One of the most captivating aspects of the novel is the intricate and detailed magic system. Unlike some witchy tales where magic is used primarily as a plot device, here it feels deeply embedded in the characters' lives, culture, and history. The novel presents magic not just as a tool, but as a vital aspect of identity—one that shapes the relationships and the tension within the coven and family structures. The witchcraft is portrayed with a richness that feels immersive, and the darker edges of magic add complexity and raise the stakes, making the narrative more than just a comfortable escape.

The characters are another standout feature, especially the main character and her love interest. Both are richly developed, with believable chemistry that unfolds organically throughout the story. Their relationship feels authentic, full of tenderness but also tinged with the tension that arises from the secrets and mysteries surrounding their families and the coven. The familial secrets add depth to the narrative, bringing intrigue and suspense that keeps the reader invested.

Beyond the romance and magic, the setting of A Dark and Secret Magic is brimming with fall charm. From the crisp autumn air to the festive gatherings and harvest elements, the novel effortlessly weaves in the beauty of the season, enhancing the cozy atmosphere. The setting serves as more than just a backdrop—it becomes a character in its own right, providing an almost tangible sense of warmth and tradition, while still leaving room for the darker, more mysterious forces at play.

What makes this book truly engaging is how it balances these cozy elements with higher stakes. While the festive fall vibe and the romance could have led to a lighter, more whimsical story, the presence of darker magic grounds the plot, giving it weight and tension. The threat of this darker force not only amplifies the personal stakes for the characters but also raises the larger implications for the coven and their world.

In sum, A Dark and Secret Magic is a captivating blend of romance, mystery, and witchy magic. It strikes a perfect balance between the cozy, fall aesthetic and the suspense of a story with real consequences. For readers who love detailed magic systems, richly drawn characters, and the perfect combination of cozy and high-stakes fantasy, this book is an enchanting read. It invites you to explore a world where magic is both a comfort and a danger, making it the ideal novel for the autumn season

To say I’m obsessed is an understatement. Did I feel like SOME people were over here hiding things? Yes. Did I see all the twist coming? No. Am I IN LOVE with the ending?! 1000% yes. Between the cool magic concept while still being in a more modern setting I was obsessed. I loved Kate(I’m a little biased by the name I know😉) and Matthew?! GOOD LORD. This was such a good spooky magical read and was perfect for October. I ate this book up and cannot thank Netgalley and Alcove Press enough for letting me read this as an Arc!

This was an interesting read to me. The plot was different and had some really fun and clever ideas in it, the worldbuilding worked quite well for me. There were a couple of bits of magic that felt slightly like they belonged more in a children’s book, which surprised me, as the magic in general felt quite dark and ‘grown up’. But overall I really liked how witchcraft in this world worked and I liked how they worked alongside the wider plot. There were a lot of twists and turns in it that I didn’t see coming and I thought the ending was very exciting and everything resolved satisfactorily.

The romantic element of this book did work for me, too; it was quite sweet and I thought they had good chemistry. Matthew’s feelings in particular were very clear even though we never got his POV, so that worked for me. I will say that I thought this book felt like more of a fantasy than a full romance; I did think the plot was more heavily focused on the external plot than it was their relationship. I also thought the ending itself, focusing on their romance only, was a little blunt and I would have liked a bit more resolution.

But ultimately this was a solid fantasy romance with some really fun ideas in it. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book.

Content Notes: Death of a parent, blood, scenes of injury, violence, body horror, death, grief, sexual harassment.

Perfect book for spooky season!

This book is about Hecate Goodwin “Kate” who is a hedge witch. Hecate is part of the Atlantic Key coven. This book was both cozy and pulled me in! I wanted to know more about Hecate’s life and journey as a hedge-witch. I wanted to transport myself right into this book. If you’re looking for a cozy book about covens, black cats, and a little bit of 🌶️ this spooky season this is it.

Thank you NetGalley and Wallis Kinney for this ARC!

3.7 Stars
One Liner: A good debut; cozy read

Hecate Goodwin aka Kate lives in a cozy cottage near the Ipswich forest in the same compound as her family house, Goodwin Manor. As a hedge witch, she prefers solitude and the company of her black cat, Merlin.
Suddenly, Kate is bombarded by nightmares, strange messages, her older sister Miranda, and Matthew Cypher, a man who once tricked her. Kate has to host the annual Halloween gathering while dealing with what would occur on her birthday (the same date). Matthew’s arrival complicates things as he comes from a coven that practices forbidden magic.
However, Matthew may be the only one to help her when the truth of her dead mother’s dark magic practices comes to the front. Turns out, Kate’s mother hid many secrets. Whom should Kate trust? What should she do?
The story comes in Kate’s first-person POV.

My Thoughts:
Isn’t that an adorably cozy cover? Despite the word dark in the title, the book doesn’t get too dark or dive deep into scary elements. It has a few scenes and some danger but the overall vibe is pretty much comfy.
The setting is atmospheric, be it the forest, the cottage, the manor, or the little bits of village we get to see. I could feel the mist and the darkness of the shadows lurking around and waiting for the FMC.
A lot of space is taken up by routine activities like cooking, eating, etc. This is another reason for the cozy vibe. The story progresses a little during these scenes but not all readers will enjoy it.
Kate’s arc is decent (she has her flaws) but the others are pretty straightforward. Matthew gets some sort of grey shades but then we know he is the hero, so it’s only Kate and others doubting his intentions. I do wish at least the main side characters had a little more depth.
This is a romance with some paranormal danger thrown in. While I did like the possibly enemies-to-lovers (at least for Kate) trope, the love happens too fast and some of it feels unbelievable.
The blurb calls this a celebration of the Halloween season, which is an apt description. Shaman is a big day for the witches, and the preparations start early. There’s a lot of pumpkin as well (carving, latte, etc.).
The pacing is steady. It may feel slower at times but I think the momentum sustains pretty well.
An epilogue would have been nice too. It was needed as I had a few questions about some motives, etc.
There are recipes at the end (yay) for the various dishes mentioned in the book. I like a couple of those and might try them one day.

To summarize, A Dark and Secret Magic is a cozy witchy romance with a touch of darkness and danger. It is a good debut work (and no kitchen sink). I look forward to reading more books by the author.
Thank you, NetGalley and Alcove Press, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

This is a perfect autumnal fantasy read. There are so many Halloween vibes, from pumpkin picking & carving to kids trick-or-treating. And to top it off, you get the best witchy cottagecore vibes as well! I truly loved everything about this - though I am a bit sad we didn’t get an epilogue to show how the resolution plays out. I may actually try some of the recipes at the end!

10/10 will read every spooky season.

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

The perfect witchy book for fall! In the days leading up to Halloween, Hecate Goodwin (Kate) is getting ready for her birthday and the annual coven gathering. Normally happy to live a life mostly of solitude as a hedge witch, Kate is shocked when a man from her past arrives asking for sanctuary. Matthew Cypher is from the Pacific coven and practices magic forbidden in her coven. As they grow closer and some strange things start happening, Kate learns more about her own magic and a dangerous deal her mother made.

For fans of Practical Magic or A Discovery of Witches, it is fantastically cozy, mysterious, and romantic.

I don't even know where to begin. A Dark & Secret Magic is a magical book. Full of love, danger, the unknown, family, spells, and deceit.

Hecate, preferring to be called Kate, is the middle Goodwin sister. Her mother passed this year, taking her magic and a lot of secrets with her. Kate is a hedge witch. Born to heal and help. Miranda, the oldest sister, is a sea witch. Celeste, the youngest, is a celebrity witch. She's a master of the tarot.

Samhain is upon us and with it will come the usual celebrations for a witches' new year. But a surprise appears on Kate's doorstep prior to Samhain. Matthew Cypher. Matthew disappeared from Kate's life a decade prior when he was found alone with Kate. He has come to request sanctuary. With him come so many questions. Is he good, is he bad? But what Kate feels most of all is the pull of love.

As Samhain approaches, Kate starts having fearful nightmares. Matthew is there to try to help her navigate the days before her 31st birthday when she will fully give herself over to being a hedge witch and relinquish her other powers. But as the day approaches, Matthew tries to convince her that containment is not the answer, she must embrace her other half. Kate is torn. Does she believe Matthew, a shadow hexan, or her coven? And with her mother gone, how will she move forward?

Truly an amazing book. I was mesmerized by every little detail. It's such vivid writing. So intriguing and engaging. Honestly, this would be a series I would follow for the days to come. I want to know more. Everything. An amazing read.

A cozy magical autumnal romance with a touch of Practical Magic and Hades x Persephone as a hedge witch discovers an old love and a dark family secret. Hecate Goodwin is the only hedge witch in centuries and as Halloween nears and her containment ceremony to cut off some of her magic nears... things take a turn. Halloween marks both Kate's birthday and her coven's Halloween gathering and she in charge of it. Yet suddenly Matthew Cypher appears at her door asking for shelter, and as a hedge witch it is her duty to oblige despite how much she does not want him near her after their falling out as teens. Matthew is a practitioner to forbidden magic and the boy who tricked her all those years ago. Matthew is as handsome as he is tricky. He says he's here to get away from his family but he keeps breaking down her guard with his kindness and how much he cares for her. Kate doesn't know what to make of this version of him and to make matters worse she discovers that her mother has a dark magic book that is related to Kate's own fate... and that a dark entity is coming after her. The more Kate digs into her mother's past and with Matthew's help the more she is beginning to question everything she's ever known. With Halloween looming and romance slowly happening, Kate needs to find her magic and her courage to save both herself and all those she's loved. This was an absolutely delightful cozy romantic read, filled with autumnal vibes and witchy romance. I absolutely fell in love with this book and would highly recommend this for anyone looking for a cozy witchy autumn read filled with romance and all you could ever want in an autumn book. The romance builds so well and the magic in the world was just a delight to read. I will absolutely be recommending this book to everyone this autumn!

Release Date: October 8,2024

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Alcove Press for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

A Dark and Secret Magic, by Wallis Kinney is the perfect cozy fall read! I loved everything about this book, so I read it in one sitting. The world building, the plot, and above all the characters make this tale rich, and inviting.

4.5 stars. What a sweet, witchy, cozy read! A Dark and Secret Magic by Wallis Kinney is reminiscent of practical magic with strong themes of family, magic, and a sense is belonging.

This is the first witchy book I’ve read that delves deep into actually explaining different types of witchcraft. While I may not know if it’s accurate, the descriptions of the different types of witches - hedge, shadow, kitchen, etc - were fascinating. The “world building” in this modern setting was excellent.

The story was cute with a few high stakes moments, but overall a perfect cozy fall read. Hecate is 30 year old hedge witch who is set her routine until a hexan from the notorious Pacific Gate coven, Matthew, shows up seeking sanctuary. Hecate is charming. Matthew is mysterious and precious. The overall story explores the idea of how the choices we make us who we are meant to be. The story wraps up nicely after some pretty tense moments.

The author uses the same descriptive words often, especially the word “bemused.” That’s really the biggest issue I had. It was a fun book and I will recommend it all October!

Thank you NetGalley and Alcove for the eARC!

This book was really good, a perfect book to read during fall. The witchy atmosphere and magical world were very well written, as it blended well with the mundane. I had trouble at the beginning getting into the book, but once I did I couldn't put it down. The characters were kind of cliche but I loved the banter between the two main characters.

I am loving this cozy witchy read! The unique magic aspects, the intriguing FMC and the curious dreams she's having- all keeping me vested in the storyline. Great addition to any fall TBR!