I wanted to like this book. I loved the premise of it. I like a good witchy cozy romance. I’ve enjoyed other books by this author. This one fell flat for me.

This book reminded me of something out of Halloweentown. The high priestess is about to retire and instead of announcing her daughter, Lucinda, for recession, there’s another candidate. Lucinda’s childhood enemy, Benedict. They navigate how they will run this town together and their feelings for each other.

I expected more drama out of some of the other characters. Based on how they were written I feel like there were a lot of unfinished storylines.

Absolutely LOVED this and I just need more from this world that the author has built. The magic, the pining, everything!

A good witchy cosy fantasy: likeable characters, good romance, interesting world building
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

A whimsical, cozy, cute paranormal small-town fall romance. Accessible writing, consistent pacing, a quirky set of characters, and a fun blend of magic and romance. Overall, this was a fun time!

Thank you to NetGalley, BooksGoSocial, and Kate Callaghan for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was such a fun read! The story whisks you away to the magical town of Foxford, where Lucinda Hawthorne is set to become the next High Priestess—until her lifelong rival, Benedict Matherson, throws a wrench in her plans. A family spell gone wrong forces them into a magical binding on All Hallows' Eve, and their enemies-to-lovers journey is packed with witty banter and sizzling chemistry. If you're into witchy vibes, small-town magic, and a dash of spicy romance, this book is definitely worth checking out!

Four star read for Potions and Proposals!

This book was a super cute and cozy witchy romance. It’s perfect for fall and has a great small-town setting. The grumpy witch and sunny rival have a sweet romance. I wish there were more pranks or tension before they fell for each other. Overall, it’s a fun and charming read. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a cute story!

Review of Potions and Proposals by Kate Callaghan – 3.5 stars

Potions and Proposals by Kate Callaghan offers a fun, lighthearted read filled with magical mishaps and charming characters. The story centers on Lucy and Benedict, whose rivalry has escalated into a series of increasingly outrageous pranks. Their antics take a serious turn when their coven, fed up with the chaos, decides the best solution is a binding ceremony, forcing the two to cooperate or face being outcasted.

The chemistry between Lucy and Benedict is electric, and their banter had me giggling throughout. The progression from rivalry to reluctant teamwork was engaging, even if the plot sometimes felt a little predictable. It’s a perfect fall read, offering a cozy mix of magic, humor, and a touch of romance.

Overall, Potions and Proposals is a delightful escape for anyone looking for a charming, quick read with a magical twist. While I wished for a bit more depth in character development, the playful tone kept me entertained from start to finish.

I just love when a book about witches actually has magic! I know that is something very silly to get excited about, but it is shocking how many witch books have no magic.

This was a very cute witchy romance book that isn’t a long drawn out love/hate relationship! The characters and their development were so great too!

I will definitely be reading more of Kate Callaghan’s books!

Thanks NetGalley and publisher for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

I ended up DNFing this book. It felt too cringy to continue. I also think the name was a little too on the nose

A very fun and cute romance

In the mystical town of Foxford, Lucinda, a translator, is about to become High Priestess. However, an unexpected cover meeting reveals that her nemesis, Benedict, is also nominated for the position. They are presented with a choice: become magically bound to one another or risk a vote that could end badly for both of them. Both eager to lead, they reluctanctly agree to the binding. That's when Lucinda's family cast a spell that misfires and links their magics together unexpectedly...

I absolutely loved this story! The witchy vibe drew me in immediately, and the romance tropes and relatable characters finished to convince me: enemies-to-lovers, arranged marriage, fated-mates... Everything was there to keep me hooked from start to finish. It was fun, intense and cute, everything I love in a good romcom. Lucinda is a very inspiring FMC: she's determined, strong and powerful. As for Benedict, he makes for the perfect love interest: devoted, respectful and intense. The sparks they made were exquisite and the romance really stole my heart. The spice was just whats was needed and the "political" plot was very gripping as well, with all the magical issues that got everything tangled up. All in all, a very exciting and intense romance.

I recommend this amazing magical romance!

"There was no way he'd allow her heart to be won by another. Not before he had a chance to claim it for his own."

Im giving this book 3⭐ this book was really cute and was really nice to start this book in this month for this vibe this book is having for the Fall was over all cute and Witch kind of a vide which is good for this moment 😀

This was such a lovely rivals to lovers story. The pacing was lovely, the story well formed, and the characters likeable. This is a really great book for the fall/spooky season as it's cozy and fun.

This story transports you to the whimsical town of Foxford, where childhood rivals Lucinda and Benedict find themselves caught in a web of magical mishaps and long-standing grudges.

I’m typically not drawn to romance-heavy plots, but the mix of witches, vampires, and other magical beings added a fun twist that kept me engaged. The playful tension between Lucinda and Benedict was a highlight—watching them evolve from (kind of) enemies to something more was both heartwarming and entertaining. I felt a little more depth could’ve made the side characters presence stronger.

The cozy autumn atmosphere made this story feel perfect for fall, with nice imagery of Halloween festivities and small-town charm. Though the pacing occasionally slowed due to some wordiness in the writing, the blend of humor, magic, and romance ultimately kept me interested.

this was a perfect lighthearted, witchy read that wraps you in cozy vibes, perfect for spooky season!

I absolutely love this author. Kate can take you places that will have you enjoying the season. This is the perfect witchy book with all the fall/Halloween vibes. I can’t recommend her books enough!

This was a cute romance that starts out with rivals and ends in HEA. I kept waiting for some horrible reveal or unexpected twist, but this book delivers solid romance throughout.


Lucy and Benedict have been rivals since forever. They went to school in this small town where most residents are magical but they still mix with regular humans. That being said, they still managed to play magical pranks on one another all through their formative years. This let to a big buildup of resentment and probably a lot of misunderstandings. Lucy is in line for becoming essentially queen witch but all that goes up in smoke when a prank ends up smearing the town’s name in a bad way. Now she somehow she and Benedict need to accept an arranged marriage and co-lead. I know - it kind of forces the rivals to lovers to new speedy places.

These two (as expected) have had feelings for one another for a long time and now they just have an excuse to explore those feelings, especially when Lucy’s family ends up accidentally swapping their powers. These two have good chemistry and we get good payoff in the end, leading to a satisfying autumn themed romance read. There are enough fun paranormal introductions to build a world worth more books, but this one was pretty expected.

It seemed the perfect time for a witchy book and this was a cute, fun read. Benedict and Lucinda have pranked each other for two decades. Unfortunately the witchy powers that be have had enough, and come up with an interesting proposal. Lucinda’s family, trying to help get their magic wires crossed and Lucinda and Benedict have to deal with the consequences. Which forces them to be closer, which forces them to realise maybe they don’t dislike each other like they thought.
Overall I had a good time, my one critique is the story felt overly long. It was easy to read and kept my interest piqued.

It was cute. I think it definitely works great in the current fall season. I would loosely use the term “enemies” to lovers. It felt easy going. I would liken it to Legends And Lattes vibes.

Okay, I’m undecided with this one! This books was kinda more of a rivals to lovers but not really rivals?! I like the story and the plot, and especially the world building! Just couldn’t find chemistry between the two of them not even the side characters tbh… I think Lucy had more chemistry with her family than ben.. but overall it was cutesy and perfect for fall season!

Looking for a fun witchy romance to kick off your fall reading? We’ll look no further! Potions and Proposals is wholesomely wicked! It’s available now on KU and where you buy books!

Benedict and Lucinda have been enemies since they were kids. Each trying to outdo the other in their retaliation. But when things go too far and the security of the coven is threatened, everything is about to change for these two.

Now they are forced to work together to fix a spell gone wrong, not to mention “bound” in a forced betrothal designed to bring an end to their shenanigans.

I adored both Benedict and Lucinda and the chemistry between them is wonderful. The setting is cozy with just enough turmoil between the witches, the wolves and the humans to be interesting and have some stakes.
There is also:
One Bed
He falls first
Forced proximity
Arranged marriage
Extended family
Secret Grimoires
A grim reaper
Potions
And lovable pets

Don’t miss this one!
Many thanks for access to an ebook via @netgalley for review purposes. Opinions are my own.