Member Reviews
There was just something about the writing style of this that just didn't hook me. I just wasn't able to get into it.
Magic in the Air by Adrianna Schuh was a 3/5 star read for me.
The cover instantly captivated me and I adore witchy books so I was super excited to request this on NetGalley (thank you!). There are both good and bad things I personally found with this book. Starting with the good - our main fmc has Cerebal Palsy AND is a single mom. This book also has Latina rep and dives into that culture a bit. I adored seeing all of those things represented appropriately and talked about in a book. We follow along the story of Olivia who is a witch. She lives in a super small, low-key town where magic is allowed to be safely practiced regularly. This reminded me a bit of the ex hex and spookily yours with this aspect. Olivia works at a amazing bakery in town and has a super sweet son. She has her guard up due to her past relationship and in comes Draven, our mmc. He whirls into town and causes a stir with his bold questions. He has a past he needs answers to which led him back to this sleepy small town.
lets chat about a few of the things I didn't like,It's written in third person POV which doesn't usually bother me too much. However, I do feel the way this one was structured was confusing to the reader. There are a lot of side characters who are in regular conversation with the two main characters and the dialogue was confusing during conversations between them. I found myself having to reread the same page or paragraph again a lot to understand who was talking when. The other problem I found with this book was that the two main characters had zero chemistry. Draven, a stranger, shows up in town prying for answers. They run into each other literally like twice and then all the sudden its end game with no sparks??? It felt awkward to read their interactions at times.
Fun read for specifically the summerween season!
The cover gives off the cutest witchy vibes - I immediately requested it when I seen it thinking of Ex Hex :)
I loved Olivia Ayala - she is a fiercely independent single mom and a powerful witch who runs a magical bakery. I adored her strength and admired her challenges with her son, who has cerebral palsy. My only complaint was how the story lagged on forever.
This was cute. I loved the vibes: the beer, the town and the magical pastries! The dialogue felt a little stilted but still, I enjoyed it and loved the cerebral palsy representation.
There are some really fun elements of this book that are enjoyable. Some of those being A witchy small town and found family. This book also has cerebral palsy representation which is something I haven't read in a book before. My biggest issues with the book are dialogue and pacing. The dialogue between characters feels very stilted and the chemistry does not feel natural. The book also moved very slow and not much happened throughout.
I loved the cover and premise of this book but that's about it. I didn't enjoy the storytelling and the characters seemed a bit flat and childish to me (and they're adults so it's not really in character). The plot didn't seem to be thought through well and the book felt either very slow or rushed, which made it super unbalanced.
The concept behind the book is great but the book, as a whole, is just good. Many things feel either rushed or not developed enough to make sense.
Some characters are just not likeable. A good example of this is Jill. She behaves like a teenager when it comes to people liking/not liking eachother. Draven is, in my opinion, extremly childish and despite the fact that he tries, it's like listening to a kid screaming "IT IS NOT FAIR" when it is, indeed, fair.
Perhaps a bit more of thought should be given to the "insta-love" in order to give an explanation to why they felt conected and everything that came after because "magic did it" doesn't quite make it.
I struggled with the pacing of this novel. The premise was lovely and the close-knit small town was great. However it felt quite repetitive, and at times the inner monologue would go over a few pages.
Can’t express how much I loved this! I was a big fan of the Ex Hex so seeing that comp along with cerebral palsy representation immediately made me hit the request button. It didn’t disappoint. This was super cute and fun and worthwhile. I really hope everyone picks this up!
Magic in the Air by Adrianna Schuh was such a cute and cozy read! I loved the small town setting, witchy vibes, and disability representation. I thought the first half was kinda slow and drawn out, but it was super great once it picked up I liked the friendships she had. It will be a fun read this fall. I wasn't expecting some of the spicy scenes but you go Liv!!! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Magic in the Air by Adrianna Schuh is the perfect magical fall read for 2024. It has a beautiful setting and cozy atmosphere. It had a good amount of spice while still having very sweet moments. I loved Olivia’s relationship with her friends, the town she lives in and Draven. I give Magic in the Air 4.5 stars. I do wish I felt a little bit more connected to the characters overall but still really enjoyed this book and I loved the happy ending!
Thank you NetGalley, Rising Action Publishing and Adrianna Schuh for this ARC! 🖤
Magic In The Air is a cute and magical read, with delightful characters and such a charming setting. This enchanting fantasy book is both sweet and spicy, perfectly balanced to create a beautiful romance.
Olivia Ayala lives in the small town of Addersfield, Rhode Island. This cozy town is special, not only because it is home to her and her son, but because it is home to many other witches like herself. Olivia runs Sugars Spells Bakery with her partner and close friend Jill. These two, along with their other friend, Parker, protect Addersfield and all the magic that flows through the town.
Draven James is a journalist from NYC who ends up in Addersfield in search of answers to the questions he has about his mother. It wasn't until his mother died that he found out she was a witch, and unfortunately, one who had lost her magic after attempting to share it with someone. Addersfield has been his mother's home, and Draven feels the people of the town have failed his mother after she lost her magic and wants them to pay. He believes magic is the cause of all his problems, and if he can expose magic, better yet, destroy it, he will get his revenge. What Draven did not plan on, however, was to fall in love. When he meets Olivia, sparks fly, and it is the start of an internal battle within Draven. As bad as he wants to expose witches and magic, he also wants to win over Olivia, who has also sworn off love after she was rejected by her son's father for being a witch. Olivia, however, has her suspicions and knows she can not trust Draven, but she is not quite sure why.
This is a story of dealing with grief, the power of strength and love, as well as trust and betrayal. Draven and Olivia share an instant bond, but both have their secrets. It is not made any easier with Olivia having cerebral palsy. She is used to rejection, judgment, and being disappointed, and as a result, she always has her guard up. Draven is grieving, and it is hard for him to see anything but hate.
I loved watching both Draven and Olivia learn to be truthful and transparent and come to trust each other. The spice is definitely, however I felt the romance could have used a bit more building. The story also felt flat a lot of the time, dragging on a little more than I would have liked. The first half had a lot of constant comparison, with Olivia comparing Draven to her son's father and Draven comparing himself to Olivia's son, Daniel. It was a lot of comparison, and when we finally got past it, there was a lot of spice. A little too much in my opinion, considering how under-developed the story itself felt. The ending, however, was lovely! I love a well-deserved happy ending, which both Draven and Olivia got!
Thank you NetGalley, Rising Action Publishing, and Adrianna Schuh for such a magical ARC!
I loved this. I feel like sometimes when a character is a race other than a white American, their race becomes the whole plot which gets annoying and just ruins the story. As a latina myself, I've read books where the FMC is latina and it's just cringe how authors make them act like they only have a personality based on being latina. I don't think I described that right but oh well. Adrianna did a really great job which the characters and just loved everything. Definitely recommending to anyone and everyone
Title: Magic in the Air by Adrianna Schuh
Release Date: September, 17th, 2024
3.5 Stars
Get ready to be enchanted by Magic in the Air, a delightful blend of romance, magic, and the strength of community. This spicy romcom takes you on a whimsical journey through the quaint town of Addersfield, Rhode Island—a hidden sanctuary for witches since 1697.
In the enchanting town of Addersfield, Rhode Island, Olivia Ayala runs a magical bakery, crafting confections that delight both the senses and the soul. As a single mother and a formidable witch, Olivia has found solace and strength in her serene life, despite the challenges of raising a son with cerebral palsy. Yet, beneath her outward contentment, a hint of loneliness persists.
Enter Draven James, a charming and enigmatic newcomer with an uncanny ability to uncover hidden places. His arrival in Addersfield sparks a newfound excitement in Olivia's heart, awakening a desire she never knew she had. Draven's charisma and mysterious aura draw Olivia into a whirlwind of emotions, tempting her with the promise of a love as magical and unpredictable as the spells they cast.
But as Olivia becomes entangled in Draven's allure, doubts and questions emerge. What secrets does he conceal behind his charming façade? And could his past jeopardize the safety of their cherished sanctuary and the future Olivia envisions?
Magic in the Air invites readers to immerse themselves in the quaint streets of Addersfield, where everyday life intertwines seamlessly with enchanting magic. With a captivating cast of characters and a spicy romantic comedy vibe, this tale celebrates the power of love, the importance of community, and the resilience of a woman who embraces her inner strength.
Here’s what I absolutely loved about it:
* Captivating Protagonist: Olivia Ayala is a fiercely independent single mom and a powerful witch who runs a magical bakery. Her strength and grace, especially in navigating the challenges of her son’s cerebral palsy, make her a truly inspiring character.
* Charming Love Interest: Draven James, the annoyingly handsome and mysterious newcomer, brings a whirlwind of charm and secrets, sparking a romance that’s as wild and unpredictable as magic itself.
* Heartwarming Themes: The story beautifully explores themes of love, community, and resilience. Olivia’s journey from loneliness to finding love is both touching and empowering.
* Magical Setting: Addersfield, with its quaint streets and enchanting atmosphere, serves as the perfect backdrop for this spellbinding tale. The town’s magical history adds a unique and captivating layer to the story.
* Strong Community: The supportive and tight-knit community of witches in Addersfield is heartwarming, showcasing the power of friendship and solidarity.
Unfortunately, I can't rate this book higher because the story felt dragged out to me, and I struggled to fully connect with the characters.
But overall a cute, delightful read!
Thank you to The Publisher Rising Action Publishing | Rising Action ,The Author Adrianna Schuh & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.
Magic in the Air by Adrianna Schuh
Rating:3/5
Release Date: 17 September 2024
In the cozy town of Addersfield, Rhode Island, Olivia Ayala reigns supreme as the maestro of delectable delights in her charming bakery. Since 1697, it's been a cherished haven for witches, and Olivia, a fiercely independent single mother and a formidable witch herself, has curated a life of tranquility amidst the sweetness. Her journey, accompanied by her son and her graceful navigation of cerebral palsy's challenges, is a testament to her resilience. Yet, a subtle ache of solitude persists beneath her composed exterior.
Enter Draven James: magnetic, frustratingly handsome, and possessed of an uncanny knack for uncovering hidden realms. His arrival not only disrupts the tranquil air of Addersfield but also sets Olivia's heart alight, awakening a dormant spark within her. Draven's winsome grin and enigmatic past cast a bewitching spell over Olivia, tempting her with the promise of a love as unpredictable and enchanting as magic itself.
"MAGIC IN THE AIR" beckons you to lose yourself amidst Addersfield's picturesque streets, where enchantment intertwines seamlessly with the mundane, and love blossoms in the unlikeliest corners. Featuring a delightful ensemble of characters as captivating as the spells they cast, this spicy romantic comedy celebrates the transformative power of love, the solidarity of community, and the unwavering strength of a woman who embraces her own magic.
While I found this novel to be a pleasant read, there were moments when the pace felt sluggish and the characters somewhat unrelatable, which left the overall experience feeling a bit lacklustre. At times, I found myself merely pushing through to reach the end rather than fully immersing myself and relishing the story.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Rising Action Publishing, and the author, Adrianna Schuc, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.
Olivia trabaja en la panaderia, es huérfana, tiene un hijo, tiene parálisis cerebral y a causa de esto cojea, no tiene relaciones porque todas sus citas son un desastre y ellos se desaniman en cuanto se dan cuenta de su parálisis.
Graven esta de luto por la muerte de su mamá, leyó su diario y descubrió que ella era una bruja, entonces decidió conocer el pueblo natal en donde viven muchas brujas.
Es un periodista y quiere escribir sobre la magia por lo que ir a Addersfield para obtener pruebas de la existencia de las brujas. Esta enojado por lo de su mamá por eso quería atacar a quien sea y cuando leyó en el diario que le quitaron su magia decidió escribir su verdad porque según él le dieron la espalda.
No cualquiera puede entrar en Addersfield porque tiene un hechizo en el que sólo puede entrar perdonas que conocen sobre la magia, se lo contrario jamás encontrarán el pueblo.
No me gustó como se manejo cuando Liv se entero de la verdadera razón por la cual él fue al pueblo.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.