Cute almost cosy fantasy with a little steamy edge. Pleasant if predictable story but not much happens. MCs fight - have been “enemies” since childhood, are forced to marry, fall in love, the end. As nice as it was - it didn’t have any real depth to it or conflict even. Giving it 2.5 stars for readability - though the writing and editing needs work. Kept spotting errors that would throw me off.

I just had too many issues with this one. I understand this may become a series, but there was a lot of emphasis on side characters, which detracted form the development of the main romance. I would have liked a smoother transition from enemies to lovers. I felt like as soon as this magical binding happened. they changed their tune too quickly. I also felt like the pacing in the first and second halves were quite different, and I would have liked some further development of the worldbuiling.

I struggled to get into this book. I felt like the characters lacked depth and at times felt a bit childish. There was also a lot of world building which meant that the story got bogged down at parts which broke up the flow of the book. I thought that the banter between Lucinda and Benedict was good at parts and I did like some elements of the magic system but overall, this just wasn’t the story for me.

Although I loved rom coms as a child, I'm not a huge fan of them anymore. It's like there's always something missing, something to keep me hooked and invested, something I'm interested in. Luckily more and more magical romcoms are being released and when I came across this book on Netgalley I knew I had to request it (that badly that I accidentally requested, and got it, twice. Whoops!) and I was very happy when my request was granted.

This book was exactly what I had expected it to be. Lucinda and Benedict have been pranking each other, with their magic, ever since they were in the same class and now they're forced to magically bind themselves to each other to lead the local coven. Luckily it seems that they do not hate each other as much as they think and slowly they grow closer and closer until it's clear that these two people are made for eachother.

That's especially because the author did an amazing job giving them personalities that could clash, but could also support and complete each other. We see the clashing mostly in the beginning, but throughout the story we see them working with each other and compensating for each other's flaws. Their combined efforts are truly better than the sum of their individual ones and it's clear that underneath the pranks and initial hatred, there was also a lot of respect and admiration.

I also liked the setting and the side characters. The author could have focussed only on the main couple, but there is also quite some time for the side characters to have their own storyline. I was also very positively surprised, maybe it's a mild spoiler, that the author doesn't go with another possible love interest causing drama in the relationship that's quite clearly destined to be endgame. I was a little afraid of that at first, but I'm very happy the author chose a different route.

I'll for sure check out the next book in this series!

I received an advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

3.25/5

If you are looking for a witchy book to cuddle up with this fall, I recommend Potions and Proposals.

Foxford is a magical town where Lucina and Benedict live. They are rivals in the competition of who will become the High Priestess. Both Lucina and Benedict come from powerful families, so the current high priestess proposes a plan. If they will go through a binding ritual on All Hallows Eve and become married. The only problem is they must be in love for the binding to work. Throughout the book Lucina and Benedict must make a decision to try and find a way to love each other even if it through magic or let their dream go of being the High Priestess.

The first half of the book grabbed hold of me, but the last half fell short. I wish the last half ,in my opinion, needed to move along at a fast pace. In all I enjoyed the book and it gave me the witchy fall vibes that I was hoping for.

Very entertaining book!

Lucy Hawthorne and Benedict Matherson have known each other since they were kids; they are frenemies.. They are both witches from strong magical families. They have an ongoing "feud" with each other, they play harmless pranks around town. Only with the last prank played, others were the target. Lucy's next in line for inheriting the role of High Priestess in the coven from her mother, but due to their childish games, Benedict's mother nominates her son for the position as well. The duo are given an ultimatum, either become magically bound to each other on Halloween, or there will be a vote.

Lucy is a water witch, Benedict is a fire witch, they are both completely independent. But neither one of them wants to be banished from their beloved town either, so they both reluctantly agree to the binding ritual, When Lucy's Mom and Grams cast a love spell hoping fate intervenes before Halloween, (helping Lucy find her soulmate); things go awry. The following morning Lucy is wielding fire and Benedict is spouting water; shocking both of them.

Lucy and Benedict need to work together to hide what her family did, while Lucy spends time researching an old Grimoire to reverse the spell. Meanwhile, the couple are actually liking each other when they aren't at each others necks or busy plotting their next prank. Benedict has been in love with Lucy his whole life, he's shocked when her feelings for him begin changing. But Lucy doesn't know if it's because of the spell that was casted or not. So he'll be patient, he has been so far.

What will happen come Halloween? Can they fix the spell and will their elements switch back?

A must read!

*Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC.

3.5 stars rounded to 4.

Lucinda Hawthorne is the next witch in line to assume the role of High Priestess in the small, magical town of Foxford. Benedict Matherson, Lucinda’s lifelong rival, has also been nominated for the esteemed position.

The coven gives them a choice: be bound to one another on All Hallows’ Eve or risk a vote of banishment.

Lucinda and Benedict agree to the binding, but when a spell cast by Lucy’s family goes awry, the pair find themselves magically intwined in more ways than one.

Read if you like:
- enemies to lovers
- magical small town
- arranged engagement

Lucinda and Benedict are adorable and seeing them go from childhood pranksters to friends to more was a delight. The slow burn is worth it. The town itself seems like the perfect place to spend the fall season. This book is cute, cozy, and magical - it would be the perfect addition to your fall reading list.

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for a free digital copy of this book. This is my honest review. Publication date: August 24, 2024.

I give this book a strong 4.5 stars🌟

"Potions and Proposals" was such a delightful read! The story is set in the enchanting town of Foxford, where the air is filled with magic, romance and a tiny bit of mystery. It follows Lucinda, the town librarian (swoon!), and Benedict, the dark, brooding, and oh-so-handsome witch. Their journey from enemies to lovers is not only sweet but done in a very charming way.
The chemistry between Lucy and Benedict is so fun, and seeing them work through their childhood rivalries to discover a surprising mutual respect (and maybe a little more) was a treat. I adored the witty banter.

Foxford itself is a dreamy backdrop, and I felt like I was living in an episode of Gilmore Girls—only picture it with a mix of witches, vampires, and werewolves! The mystical beings in town added a lot of charm to the story.

Kate Callaghan’s writing is absolutely spot on—well-edited and engaging, making it a fast and compelling read. The cozy vibe makes this book an ideal choice for reading this autumn season. I couldn’t have asked for a more romantic and fun witchy read.

If you’re looking for a story filled with love, laughter, and magic, look no further.

Potions & Proposals, Village of Foxford Book #1

By ~ Kate Callaghan-new to me author

Rating ~ 5/5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genre ~ paranormal romance, fantasy

Setting ~ mystical village of Foxford

Publication date ~ August 24, 2024, Read ~ August 22, 2024

Est Page Count ~ 440 (40 chapters + epilogue 1mo. later)

POV ~ dual, 3rd person

Featuring ~ rivals to lovers, arranged marriage/binding, fated mates, small town romance, magical elements, family heritage, and opposites attract

Summary ~ Lucinda Hawthorne and Benedict Matherson have been rivals since childhood, and now will be magically bonded to each other to lead their coven. They become reluctantly entangled after a love spell gone wrong. They must politick, work together to get their elements back, and show they are leaders in the town.

🤔My Thoughts ~ I loved this witchy romance between enemies. They pulled pranks and made each other's lives miserable until they agreed to be bonded for life. They got to know each other realizing there were assumptions made and misunderstandings that kept them from becoming friends. Lucy's mother Wilhelmina (the High Priestess) and Gram meddled too much, but they didn't want her in a loveless marriage. Benedict and his mother Gwendoline have just been accepted back into society after his father and brother Peter's mistakes. He managed to turn Matherson Manor into a successful hotel and charmed those suspicious of his family's dark magical bloodline. I loved all the witty banter and potions and spells with a HEA. I would definitely read more in this world.

🙏🏽Thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for this ARC 💜! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Thanks for this opportunity. This was such a fun book, Love that it develops on a magical town and is a bit enemies to lovers. I really like how charming and easy to read was tge whole book. It leave you wanting more from this world

- Magical Small Town
- Elemental Magic
- Spell Gone Wrong
- Arranged Engagement

I have been craving witchy romances lately and this one scratched the itch for me. I loved the cozy, magical small town vibes. I personally wouldn’t call this an enemies to lovers, but more misunderstood rivals maybe. Overall I found Benedict and Lucinda’s story entertaining and sweet. I was left wanting more from the side characters as I felt like there were a lot of bread crumbs dropped on possible storylines to come. I am excited to see that the authors has more coming for the residents of Foxford in 2025.

I loved this book! It Lucy and Benedict are frenemies to lovers with moms who are best friends. It’s magical filled with pranks, spells, potions and love! I highly recommend reading this fall.

I enjoyed the book until the cuss words started happening. They didn't seem necessary to the story. Other than that I enjoyed the romance/fantasy aspect. While I'd be interested in seeing what happens to the characters, it is unlikely I'll read another.

Super cute fun small town rom-com with bickering rivals !

I loved the characters, they were really endearing and fun. The romance was very well done, you really grow to love the characters and their quirks as they do.
And also I loooved the magical small town of Foxford ! This made me want to pick up more witchy books !

I knocked a star out because there was an unused storyline with Emerson being secretive, or if it will continue into the next book there should have been more hints to it.

I will definitely pick up the next book in the series !

Potions and Proposals is the perfect october, cozy fantasy read! If you're looking for something that feels like a warm hug and reminds you of halloweentown then this book is for you! I felt like I was being transported back to my childhood while reading Potions and Proposals.

As an absolute fiend for marriage of convenience/arranged marriage this book hit the spot! The first half of the book is a ton of world building and often times I did wonder if there was a book before this one. But overall, I recommend for fantasy readers who are trying to get out of their intense reads and looking for something much more low key.

Tropes:
Small Town but make it halloween town
Witches, vampires, and werewolves
Arranged Marriage

I will be honest the first 10% of the book was awesome especially the Piranha incident.
Then from 10-50% it lost me a bit, nothing bad happened but also nothing happened really. The last half of the book was better. I will say nothing huge happened in this book it had aspects of a unique magical system but I felt like it wasn’t explored much but the rivals to lovers was really well done.

The characters were alright, they lacked growth and I felt like a lot of things just changed overnight with them. I did like the romance it was cute nothing to spicy though. By the end it felt like a nice cozy book.

*Potions and Proposals* by Kate Callaghan**

I didn’t know what I was getting into when I started reading this book.

I liked the plot and loved that the book exceeded my expectations. The small-town setting with magic was charming. I enjoyed watching the relationship between our main characters, Lucinda and Benedict, develop. They weren’t exactly enemies to lovers, more like magical rivals.

The side characters were also great, and I can’t wait to learn more about them in future installments. The author did a fantastic job balancing mystical creatures with elemental magic, potions, spells, romance, and even humor. It’s the perfect fall read.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author when I’m in the mood for something light, fun, and cozy. I am so ready for fall and Halloween now!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest and fair review.

"Potion and Proposals" takes place in the magical town of Foxford. The story centers on Lucina Hawthorne and Benedict Matherson, two rivals confronted with an ultimatum to bind themselves magically by All Hallows’ Eve. I enjoyed the charming atmosphere and breezed through the first half of the book; however, there were several aspects of the story that left me wanting, and ultimately, it fell short of my expectations.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *. read on for a more in-depth review .* :☆ﾟ. ───

✒️ the writing
⤷ The prose suffers from unnecessary verbosity, frequently providing information in a way that gives it an amateurish quality. Concise, direct sentences would be more effective than the drawn-out, passive ones that dominate the narrative, leaving little room for subtlety.

⤷ Even the dialogues are wordy, unnecessarily stretching out points that could be conveyed more effectively with fewer sentences. Moreover, several misspelled words and grammatical errors suggest the need for thorough editing before publication.

⤷ The world-building feels almost non-existent. Despite the presence of witches, hunters, vampires, werewolves, grim reapers, and more, we're given little background on them. The town itself is barely described, making it difficult to visualize. Even the magic system is poorly explained; characters have elemental powers, but also teleportation, object-charming, and who else knows what.

🎥 the plot
⤷ Despite the flaws in the narrative, I liked the cozy atmosphere and found myself constantly flipping pages, eager to uncover what would unfold next. But I finally hit a wall when I reached 60% of the book and realized nothing significant was happening. There was no climax. No real conflict. Nothing. I kept waiting for something big to happen, but it never came.

⤷ The majority of the book focused on "planning" how to switch back their elements, and it wasn't until near the end that any progress was made. Everything in between was uneventful and lackluster. The story would've been more engaging if Benedict and Lucinda had spent their time teaching each other how to wield each other's elements. The story appeared to lack careful planning, feeling more haphazardly written as it unfolded.

💗 the romance
⤷ They go from "enemies" to engaged to being in love with each other very quickly, without any significant build-up. Where was the tension? The angst? The pining? A few chapters in, we learn Benedict has been in love with Lucinda for a long time. Suddenly, he starts holding her hand, kissing her cheek, and acting jealous and possessive whenever she interacts with another man.

Lucinda swiftly reciprocates his feelings, and less than a month after their initial confession, they begin making grand declarations like, "I want to be with you in this lifetime and the next." It's puzzling and lacks the expected gradual development of their relationship. The abruptness makes their love story feel corny instead of sweet.

🧸 the characters
⤷ It would have made more sense if the characters were at least five years younger. In that case, the petty pranks they played on each other might have seemed less immature and more amusingly silly. However, given their proximity to thirty, I struggled to find any humor in their behavior.

⤷ Lucinda occasionally frustrated me. As the next high priestess, I anticipated more judicious decisions from her, as well as maturity. Instead of confiding in her mother (the most powerful witch in town) and her Grams, she took matters into her own hands and made several reckless choices, which didn't strike me as a wise move on her part.

⤷ Without dialogue tags, it's challenging to discern who is speaking because the characters lack distinctive voices and strong personalities. They all appeared too similar, with Peter being the sole standout character in the entire book. Everyone else was one-dimensional and utterly bland.

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈
bottom line: i expected more from this book, but it fell short in several ways. the characters lack depth, the plot lacks intriguing twists, the romance lacks development, the writing feels unrefined, and the world-building is severely lacking. i managed to overlook these shortcomings because of my anticipation for something significant to unfold, but it never came. nevertheless, i would recommend this book to anyone looking for a cozy fantasy read.

- Thank you to Kate Callaghan and Net Galley for the free ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Small town enemies to lovers romance with magic? Sign me up. This book did not disappoint, I loved Lucy and Benedict’s banter and the way they obviously care for each other without admitting it. The magic system is simple and easy to follow, which I personally prefer. The characters are fun and quirky without being distracting or unrealistic. This is a great cozy book for the end of summer / start of fall.

Dual POV, 1 Spicy Chapter, Arranged Marriage, Elemental Abilities, Witches & Magical Creatures, It Was Always You, Jealous MMC, Opposites Attract

A cozy, witchy slow burn romance featuring plenty of yearning, magical hijinks, and magical creatures. There's something about a jealous man that gets me every time and Kate Callaghan delivers Benedict Matherson who is willing to do anything to prove to Lucy that he's always wanted her for real and not just because of their arranged marriage including threatening anyone who looks at her the wrong way.