Add a small cozy magical town, pranks, frenemiew to lovers, forced proximity and you get a decent read for a rainy day. This book was entertaining and kept my attention. I love magical books especially lighter reads with decent protagonists and side characters and this delivered.
#NETGALLEY #PotionsAndProposals

I am incredibly grateful to have had a chance to read this witchy, cozy ARC as the leaves have started to turn golden, and the spooky season is just around the corner. Thank you to NetGallery, and Kate Callaghan (with the IBPA) for this opportunity to read and enjoy this story.

Potions and Proposals is a witchy enemies-to-lovers story, wherein Lucy and Benedict, are at war with one another, but, as their war spills over, they inadvertently threaten the reputation and thereby safety of their coven. They are then, in an effort of "damage-control', are forced into a "binding" [wedding] in an effort to force the pair to make amends and work together for the benefit of their home.

Right from the start, Callaghan spares no time in throwing us as the readers into the magical chaos of our two main characters; a prank gone wrong in the first chapter emanates both the bitter resentment and the vengeful glee that fuels the rivalry between our MMC and MFC. Flashbacks and anecdotal stories are thereafter peppered seamlessly throughout the novel as the plot grows; helping to bolster the history behind these two characters. I loved the familiarity that is cultivated so early on in the story, and how the two different perspectives from Benedict and Lucy quickly illustrate how misunderstandings can escalate; how Benedict and Lucy had struggled with pressures from various familial, political and cultural sources as they had grown up with one another in a small town that served as a haven to witches and other magical-humanoids. This allows for Callaghan to explore the dynamics of family status and how it can create rifts even among children at such a young age, with a backdrop of witches and werewolves to add some greatly appreciated fantastical elements.

I felt that an excellent central conflict was established early on as our two MC's are forced to work together despite wanting nothing to do with one another (barring some necessary suspension of reality), and yet, as the story continued, it felt that other sub-plots were sneakily being added into our story; and like side quests you come across in a video game, they were often started, but at the end of the storyline, were never fully completed. It felt that at times too many elements were being added into this story (like random witchy crone face-offs, suspicious tarot readings and werewolf altercations), perhaps to add further tension, or conflict, and yet because they were either very readily resolved or rather faded into the background without further exploration, these conflicts felt like obtuse easter eggs that left me feeling confused how some of these moments really supported our story and/or drove our character's arcs forward. As such, I felt a bit of a sentiment of confusion, at moments like this while reading, but it did not stop me from enjoying the main and central story line.

One of my favourite parts of our story's central plot, was the slow burn, as Benedict and Lucy (in a cute twist of a witchy Freaky Friday), are forced to live with the pressures of the other and are thereby able to empathize and better come to understand one another. I loved this, especially as the OG Freaky Friday was a movie I had grown up watching with my sister, and reading this witchy take on this beloved movie was a great, and comforting taste of nostalgia.

However, I did feel that the end of the novel had been a bit rushed, as numerous resolutions were conveniently slotted into place within the last 15% of the novel. Even the final climax between Lucy and Benedict (pardon the pun), had felt so brief after so much of the book building this slow-burning tension between them and this scene of them finally hooking up, just kind of fell flat as it was rushed through so briefly. It was as though the author preferred to skim over the context out of an interest of keeping with a comfy/cozy tone and yet it stands at odds with the extensive work put into building such hot and heavy tension between the characters. Its not that the scene needed to be explicit or graphic, but rather even just the emotional importance of the moment could have been drawn out; the feelings at such physical intimacy being achieved finally could have been fleshed out here. The lack of this, just kind of shocked me out of the whole romance of the scene.

Overall, I genuinely enjoyed this story and would curl up with a cup of tea late at night to read through a few chapters. I came to greatly look forward to this story, and seeing what shenanigans Lucy and Benedict would get up to while they struggled to stomach one another and get themselves out of a handful of botched experiences, while learning how to work alongside one another.

I have mixed emotions about this book. I was really excited to read it as an eArc and it started out promising but then I got really bored...like really bored and I had to force myself to keep going...then I began skimming and picking up details just to get to the end. I don't know if I wasn't in the head space for a romance, or if it was the book itself because I picked up a different magical setting book that was a sort of romance and I found it way more engaging and finished it before finishing this one. I think the writing itself was done well but I found the FMC & MMC too typical and their "problem" didn't grab me. It felt surface level. I might give this author another shot because I'm assuming the friend in this book might get her own book, so we'll see! P.S. this book is spicy!

I absolutely loved this book. The magical story with a wide range of magical creatures falling in love dealing with magical mistakes and magical politics. Forced proximity with arranged marriage and enemies to lovers but with miscommunication antics and magical mishaps! I loved the whole world within this story!
Would love a second book with follow up on a lot of the other characters so I’m keeping my fingers crossed! I read this book so quickly I loved all the characters! Definitely recommend

Absolutely brilliant book. I love kate's writing style. She has a way of making the characters really come to life.

I would say this is a cute, cozy, fall feeling fantasy romance. Benedict and Lucy have known each other their entire lives and have spent the majority of that time playing pranks on one another. At this point, they really are a bit too old for pranks and the town is done with their antics. Due to a magical mishap (is it?), they are thrown together in a way they previously have never allowed. A few tropes are listed with the book and I would modify one of them. This is more of a frenemies/rivals to lovers than a true enemies to lovers. One thing I didn’t love was there was a bit of the whole ‘I picked on you because I didn’t think I could have you’ feel. That isn’t my favorite trope. I do enjoy multiple POVs and you do see Benedict and Lucy’s thoughts. The book is set in a cute town, with side characters that could easily have their own book.

I did have a bit of an issue with some of the sentence structure. It was mostly a flow issue, where I had to re-read the sentence to comprehend or to get context.

Overall, this is a cute book that was a fun read.

Potions and Proposals offers a whimsical blend of romance and magic, perfect for readers looking to dive into a light-hearted tale this spooky season. The storyline weaves together enchanting elements with a hint of mystery, though some plot points may feel familiar. Character development is enjoyable, with charming interactions that keep the narrative engaging. Overall, it's a cozy read that captures the essence of autumn enchantment, making it a nice addition to your seasonal book list.

🔎 ARC Review

Potions & Proposals
Village of Foxfort #1

@katecallaghanwriter
@bookouture
@netgalley

Publication Date: July 24th, 2024

My Rating:
🌟 4/5

👀Read if you like
Enemies to Lovers
Forced Proximity
Magic

In the mystical town of Foxford, tenacious translator Lucinda Hawthorne is on the brink of assuming the prestigious role of High Priestess. However, fate has a mischievous twist in store for her: an unexpected coven gathering reveals that her lifelong nemesis, Benedict Matherson, is also nominated for the esteemed position. They are presented with a grave ultimatum: either become magically bound to one another on All Hallows’ Eve… or risk a fateful vote that could strip them of everything.

Both fiercely independent and driven by their unwavering desires to lead, Lucinda and Benedict reluctantly agree to the binding ritual. Unfortunately, the spell Lucinda’s family casts to thwart the coven’s plot misfires with surprising consequences, and the pair find themselves magically intertwined in ways they never could have foreseen.


🔎 My review
This was my first book by Kate and I can't wait to read book 2! It took me a few chapters to get into the book, but I loved seeing how Lucinda and Benedict's relationship came together. The side characters were also a delight and I feel like there will be more stories based on them. I gave it 4 stars because I still trying to find out a part of the book (dont want to give any spoilers)

Thank you @netgalley for the ARC

#books #bookreviews #bookstagrammer #bookworm #bookstagram #bookobsessed #romance #romancebooks #katecallahan #PotionsandProposals #NetGalley #magic

This wasn't a story for me. I wasn't able to become invested in the storyline. I don't think it's so much the reading as is what's going on in my life right now. I'm a mood reader and it affects books that I read as well. This may not be the best time for this story.

I may try and pick this one up at another day and time.

What a cozy reading.
This book is really adorable, I loved the atmospheres, the fall vibes and the characters.
It is definitely a book that I recommend, you should add it in your october tbr list.
Maybe the plot is a bit simple but the reading was still likeable.

Overall enjoyment: 4.5 stars ⭐️
Fall and witchy vibes: 5 stars⭐️
Romance: 5 stars⭐️
Plot: 3.5 stars⭐️
Spicelevel: 🌶🌶

Is it perfect? No, I have some issues with the overall plot. Maybe just because of my own expectations. I expected more of a bang in the ending, but it was satisfying nonetheless. I enjoyed reading every moment of it. It wasn't as obviously and annoyingly predictable as some other books in the genre. And some personal and serious issues were talked about. Look at that! Refreshing!
Low stakes, slow burn romance, childhood enemies to lovers.
Gives me the same feels as the ex hex did, but better. 😁
I highly recommend this to be in your october tbr! A must read in the fall🍁

Potions and Proposals by Kate Callaghan is the perfect cute witchy story that makes you think of falling leaves and autumn nights. I loved the story of Lucy and Benedit. They were rivals in their childhood who somehow fall for each other. It was a great story that offers just a little magic and romance for the reader! Thank you for NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

DNF at 10%
I wasn’t able to get into this one- I just didn’t gel with the writing. I find the prose to ‘tell not show’ and very info-dumpy.

This unexpected gem of a spooky season romance truly stands out in the realm of light and fluffy paranormal tales! The story revolves around childhood rivals Lucy and Benedict, both nominated to replace the retiring High Priestess. Faced with the choice of an arranged marriage or exile from their beloved town, their rivalry takes an intriguing turn after a spell gone awry. Together, they must navigate their feelings while searching for a way to reverse the mishap.

One of the highlights of this book is the well-crafted secondary characters that populate the charming town of Foxford. Lucy’s friendship with Rosie is heartwarming and adds depth to the narrative, while Benedict’s backstory—especially his relationship with his brother Peter—holds great promise for future developments.

The world-building is excellent, making Foxford a place I’d love to visit. While the pacing is a bit slow in the first half, it picks up nicely toward the end, delivering an engaging climax. However, I did feel the chemistry between Lucy and Benedict could have been stronger, particularly from Lucy's perspective. Their transition from rivals to partners felt like it could have been fleshed out more on the page.

With tropes like arranged marriage, small-town charm, and the classic frenemies-to-lovers arc, this book captures the essence of a cozy romance. There’s also some mild open-door spice that adds a nice touch without overshadowing the plot Overall, this was a delightful read perfect for the spooky season, and I can’t wait to see what comes next!

**Book Review: "Potions and Proposals"**

"Potions and Proposals" is a delightful blend of enchantment, rivalry, and unexpected romance set in the whimsical town of Foxford. This author has crafted a charming narrative that will resonate with fans of both *Gilmore Girls* and *Practical Magic*.

The story follows Lucinda Hawthorne, a determined translator on the verge of achieving her dream of becoming High Priestess. Just as she prepares to step into this prestigious role, her lifelong rival, Benedict Matherson, emerges as her unexpected competition. The stakes rise dramatically when a coven gathering reveals that they must either bond magically or face dire consequences. The setup is both intriguing and ripe for conflict, making readers eager to see how their relationship evolves.

The magical binding ritual gone awry serves as a clever plot device that forces Lucinda and Benedict to confront their feelings while navigating their animosity. Pankey's sharp writing brings to life the tension between these two characters, capturing the nuances of their rivalry and the slow, simmering attraction that develops amidst the chaos. The “enemies to lovers” trope is executed beautifully, with plenty of banter and emotional depth.

As All Hallows' Eve approaches, the atmospheric setting adds an enchanting layer to the narrative. The themes of elemental magic and the witchy coven provide a rich backdrop, immersing readers in the mystical elements of Foxford. The story balances humor and heart, ensuring that moments of levity punctuate the darker themes of magic and rivalry.

Pankey also does not shy away from mature content, seamlessly weaving in elements that elevate the romance without overshadowing the plot. The chemistry between Lucinda and Benedict is palpable, leading to some steamy moments that enhance the overall reading experience.

In conclusion, "Potions and Proposals" is a captivating tale of magic, rivalry, and unexpected love. Pankey’s blend of humor, enchanting settings, and well-drawn characters makes this novel a must-read for fans of paranormal romance. With its enchanting premise and compelling characters, this book will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a magical escape filled with charm and intrigue!

I thought this book was so cute! Lucinda and Benedict have known eachother all their life. They love to prank eachother and when a prank goes wrong, Lucinda sees her position challenged as taking over for her mother's position in the coven. Now the two see themselves "binding" in order to run the coven together. But when a spell goes wrong they must work together to fix it. They grow closer and realize maybe it is not so bad getting along and being together.

I loved this story, it was a cute read and perfect for the Fall season. I did have some lingering questions that I am not sure were fully answered, I do know there is a sequel coming out soon but I am still questioning some things.

Kate Callaghan masterfully crafts a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance set against a backdrop of elemental magic, witchy covens, and the looming pressure of leadership. The chemistry between Lucinda and Benedict sparks with each twist of fate, and their evolving relationship is both steamy and filled with moments of genuine emotional growth.

Be prepared for open-door spice and mature themes, including violence and magical discrimination, making this a captivating read for fans of adult romance with a paranormal twist.

For those who love their witchy romances filled with banter, magic, and undeniable chemistry, "Potions and Proposals" is a bewitching delight that will leave you rooting for this power couple until the final page.

This is a fun read with a unique plot in this genre. I adored the characters. There's a lot of humor. The romance is unexpected and swoon worthy. There is a lot going on in this book. I hope we get more stories featuring these characters. I wasn't ready for the book to end.

Unfortunately, this book did not work for me. I could not connect to the characters or the storyline. I was extremely excited for this book, so it's really unfortunate it was such a letdown. Thank you NetGalley for an ARC!

I loved this. Atmosphere on point and really well written. Just what you need if your after a cosy read.