This book wasn't what I expected, not in a bad way either.
Doreen didn't want to go along with her family. She wants to find love, but was cursed to never have it. Part of the curse is to marry by her 30th birthday or to die. She refuses both options and tries to break the curse.

When you read that Doreen has to break a family curse, I anticipated more magic but I liked that this book makes her go through trials with Ambrose (the person who cursed her family).

Some parts felt a little dragged out to me, so sometimes it was difficult to keep reading. To find out about the trials, it was a bit confusing. The last thing for me was that I wanted each section with the new characters' perspective to be labeled.

This ARC was given to me in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press.

This was such a fun one! I loved the way the magic was set up and designed, and the generational aspect was really interesting as well!

The MacKinnon family line was cursed three centuries ago never to be able to find love after Ambrose fell in love with, and lost, a MacKinnon witch. Ambrose was captured kept alive, and tortured all these 300 years until Doreen MacKinnon sets him free and they go on a quest to break the curse. Doreen and her cousin are of the 13th generation, making them special and Doreen is the only one who can free the MacKinnon's from the curse.
I liked this premise, and I liked the characters, for the most part, in this story. I say that, but they are also a little flat while being these great and powerful witches. A lot is happening in 300 pages and it could have used more pages to flush the story out. We have a case of insta-love, though the characters spent weeks together, you never see them fall in love, they are just in love. There was so much that could have used more explaining, we have these two powerful witches that have abnormal powers but they rarely use them and that isn't even explained beyond they are the 13th generation. There is a great story here, but it feels rushed and we are missing pieces to get the full picture, leaving the reader confused and wanting more. That ending though was pretty on point and makes me wonder if we are leading into another book, which would be great so we can get some answers on how this world works.

Interesting plot. There's quite a bit of build up, but once it's formed the story progresses well.
Doreen and Margot's connection was solid. Ambrose and Doreen felt a little more miscommunicators to lovers with slow burn, but actually a quick turnaround.

Thanks to Netgalley an St Martin’s Press for the ARC. This was 5 stars and I can’t wait to read it all over again when it comes out! This was amazing & was a horror- thriller witchy vibe had me on my toes wondering what was going to happen next.

**Review of *A Circle of Uncommon Witches* by Paige Crutcher**

*A Circle of Uncommon Witches* is a captivating tale that weaves together elements of romance, adventure, and magic, all anchored by a rich family curse that spans centuries. The story follows Doreen MacKinnon, a powerful witch who is determined to break her family's generational curse—one that ensures that she and her ancestors are doomed to die of a broken heart.

From the outset, Doreen's character is beautifully developed; she is both strong and vulnerable, embodying the complexities of a woman who has inherited a heavy legacy. Her quest to break the curse leads her to release Ambrose MacDonald, the very witch who cast the curse on her family centuries ago. The dynamic between Doreen and Ambrose is electric, charged with tension as they navigate their complicated past and shared desires. Ambrose’s thirst for vengeance adds an intriguing layer to the story, making their partnership fraught with conflict and potential betrayal.

The author expertly constructs a world filled with rich lore and enchanting settings, taking readers on a journey through mystical landscapes—from the haunting cliffs of Scotland to magical castles. Each trial that Doreen and Ambrose face not only tests their abilities but also forces them to confront their own desires and fears. The blend of adventure and romance is skillfully balanced, ensuring that neither element overshadows the other.

Crutcher's writing is immersive, with lyrical prose that evokes vivid imagery and deep emotional resonance. The exploration of themes such as love, sacrifice, and the weight of familial expectations is poignant and relatable. As Doreen grapples with her identity and the sacrifices required to break the curse, readers are prompted to reflect on the nature of true love and what it means to truly be free.

The chemistry between Doreen and Ambrose is palpable, and as their relationship develops, the stakes are raised. Doreen's internal struggle—balancing her growing feelings for Ambrose with the potential consequences of his quest for revenge—creates a compelling tension that keeps readers invested in their journey.

In conclusion, *A Circle of Uncommon Witches* is a beautifully crafted novel that enchants with its blend of magic, romance, and adventure. Paige Crutcher delivers a story that not only entertains but also prompts readers to consider the complexities of love and the cost of breaking generational curses. This book is perfect for fans of fantasy and romance alike, and it will leave you eagerly anticipating Doreen’s next chapter. Prepare to be swept away in a tale that celebrates the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit.

I can't resist a witchy book. It's not a cozy slow burn but a quest and journey to break a curse and find true love. I care only and love the elements that are not romance, or noticing that he is well fit although he was veing tortured for centuries. I like the idea of trials, the count down to her death and urgency to find a solution (their curse: who doesn't marry dies at the age of thirty. ) makes a fun read.

yes yes yes! this fantasy-adjacent(?) witchy story was perfect for spooky season and i read it in one day!!! i love the writing and will absolutely be reading more from her, and the love story had me in absolute shambles, they are perfection

The Circle of Uncommon Witches is pure magic. Paige Crutcher’s writing pulls you in with its lush, atmospheric style, making every page feel like you’re walking through a misty, enchanted forest. The emotional depth is breathtaking; Doreen’s loneliness is palpable, and Ambrose’s simmering vengeance adds layers of complexity to the romance. The backdrop is stunningly crafted, from Scottish castles to mystical realms, creating a world that feels both real and otherworldly. This is the kind of book that grips you with its heart and refuses to let go. Absolutely mesmerising!

I requested this book from Netgalley and the publisher, as I love reading books with witches. I read until the end, but. I was a little disappointed as it did not grab me and draw me in as I wished it would. It was a very slow read for me as I just couldn't find any of the characters, to me liking. Casting spells to compel someone to love you, and then punishing witches from other families for not allowing a love match. Both families are punished, One witch imprisoned for 300 years and the other for interfering.

A perfect fall read. Well written and captivating. The relationship unfolded well and the writing was lush and easy to read. Pick this one up and settle in for an awesome witchy read!

Exciting, suspenseful and the characters are well rounded. The journey that Doreen and Ambrose embark on is fantastical and harrowing at the same time. I thoroughly enjoyed going along with them both.

Ok I want to say I enjoyed the book. I kept putting it down due to what felt like an extreme info dump from the beginning, hoping to pick it back up and be drawn more in. I loved the storyline and idea of what was on the page but feel this needs to be tightened up a bit. I can feel where this book wants to go but it isn’t quite there yet. A lot of confusing moments in the book as I felt like I was eavesdropping on a conversation I arrived at halfway through.

I also really loved the idea of the characters so I wanted to be able to feel more connected and invested in them. A lot of parts could be shortened too. The setting of the book was very beautifully worded! Looking forward to reading the final publication edition!

Thank you NetGalley and St Martin’s Griffin New York for this opportunity!

I really loved this read!
When it first started I felt like we were thrown in a bit abruptly and wasn't sure how I felt about the writing style but as I learned about the characters and the magic system I connected more with the writing and ended up really enjoying the way Paige Crutcher wove the story.
I loved the development of the characters and the relationships between them! Margot and Doreen had such a great relationship and it was nice to see an author put emphasis on that sisterly connection. Ambrose and Doreen were both such well written and enjoyable characters. Their interactions and banter had me devouring this story and I adore the way things progressed as the story went on. I do wish there had been more of a resolution between Doreen and Stella but I understand that the focus of the story wasn't on that relationship.
Ada as a character was so incredibly interesting and I think the dynamic between here and the other characters in the novel was my favorite part. The plot development made it so difficult to put this down!
Highly recommend if you are looking for a good romantic and witchy novel for fall!

For fans of romantasy, A Circle of Uncommon Witches might be right up your alley. I enjoyed the overall storyline, and the McKinnon family. I struggled a bit with the switching POV, and I wish that the author had delved a bit more into why Stella was the way she was and why she treated Doreen and Margot the way she did. Overall, this was an enjoyable story, and a good entry into romantasy if you're not familiar with the genre.

I love anything witch related and this was no different! This was such a great read - you have witches and friendship and romance and just the perfect cozy fall read. Will be adding to our library 100%!

A Circle of Uncommon Witches had its moments, but overall, it was a bit of a mixed bag for me. I loved the concept of a secret society of witches living among us and the potential for magic and adventure. The found family trope was heartwarming, and the characters had a certain charm to them.

However, the plot felt a bit predictable and formulaic at times, and I struggled to connect with the main character. The pacing was uneven, with some sections feeling rushed while others dragged on. The ending, while satisfying in some ways, left me wanting more closure on certain plot points.

Overall, A Circle of Uncommon Witches is a decent read for fans of romantasy. It's a light and easy read with some enjoyable moments, but it didn't quite leave a lasting impression. If you're looking for a quick and fun escape into a world of magic and sisterhood, this book might be for you.

When I read the blurb, this book seemed right up my alley. I love anything to do with magic. However, I did not love this as much as I hoped. While I understood Doreen's motivation to break the curse, I wasn't pulled in (as evidenced by the fact that this took me five days to read and I read three other books while reading this one). The constant shift of POV felt disjointed. I wanted more explanation about why her aunt treated her and Margot the way she did and what she hoped to accomplish with the treatment. Their relationship still felt very up in the air at the end. The relationship between Doreen and Ambrose felt very rushed. Why would he fall for her? Why would she fall for him?

I loved the premise for the book, but the execution just seems lacking in something that I can't quite articulate.

A Circle of Uncommon Witches is a fantasy with romantic elements. A young witch sets out to break a family curse with the 300 year old male witch who cursed her family. So much of this story felt like it was part of a series that I went and looked up all the authors other books to see if it was a continuation. It is a standalone novel. So much of the premise sounded familiar that it leaves the story feeling like you have been dropped into the middle of a timeline. The characters are likable enough and the romantic elements felt inevitable. The story just left me feeling like I was missing something. The book was an okay read over a but feels somewhat rushed over or just incomplete overall. My unbiased, voluntary, and non-mandatory review is based upon a review copy from NetGalley.

Unfortunately, this one is not for me. I was excited about the premise, but it just didn’t do much for me cause I am just not in the right mood for this! Might try again with the audiobook! Sorry!! The premise was great, the characters seemed fun, and I got like 30% way through and just wasn't in the mood for it anymore!