Kate didn't disappoint again. Another book that gave all the feels. The atmosphere was on point. It was really well written and my first seasonal book for Halloween. It was perfect, would definitely recommend

4 ⭐️
1🌶️
“She had spent years perfecting her craft, but nothing had prepared her for the way one look from him could unravel all her careful plans.”

I found myself grinning and laughing out loud while reading Potions and Proposals. It’s the perfect mix of cute and cozy, making it a great fall read to snuggle up with in October. Picture fuzzy socks, a blanket, and a hot cup of tea—this book just set the mood! 🍂🍁

Now, let’s talk about Benedict. His point of view? LOVED it. Seriously, I couldn’t get enough. I mean, give me more of that!

I did say to myself, “Where’s the spice?!” but that’s just my personal preference (I like my magic with a little extra heat, if you know what I mean 😉).

The ending, though... it left me wanting a bit. The buildup had me bracing for something major, like a potion gone wrong or a wild plot twist, but it just didn’t hit me as hard as I expected. Don’t get me wrong—I’m not unhappy with how things wrapped up. I think I just wanted a little more drama, a couple more challenges for our magical duo to overcome. Maybe I’m just greedy for more trouble? 😅

All in all, if you're looking for a lighthearted, fun read to get into the spooky season vibes, this one’s a winner. Grab a blanket, light a candle, and enjoy the magic! 🧙‍♀️✨

Tropes:
⭐️All Hallow’s Eve
⭐️Arranged Marriage
⭐️Magical Small Town
⭐️Enemies To Lovers
⭐️Elemental Magic
⭐️Reluctant Allies
⭐️Open Door Spice
⭐️Witchy Coven


Thank you to NetGalley and Nicole Callaghan for allowing me to have an ARC for this book in exchange for an honest review.

While I enjoyed the small-town magic vibe of the story and some of the secondary characters, there were too many clunky interactions between the leads, situations that left me sighing in disappointment, and filler scenes that dissipated my enthusiasm for the whole read. The romance was also unfortunately all over the place. What tries to be a frienemies-to-lovers situation, came off as indecisiveness. At 80% the heroine still doubts and questions the hero's intention, when the hero has been fully clear with her since the 50% mark. Overall, the story could use another round of edits to tighten up the scene sequences and the romance.

[Netgalley ARC]

Pranks = unrequited love? Possible. Maybe. Yes.

Hehe. What a read this turned out to be. Funny, charming, mischievous, and magical. Everything I could ever want for a fall book. The characters, Lucinda and Benedict, are both hard-headed, don’t know when to call it quits, and well they are perfect for each other. They don’t see it right away but they do. Eventually.

Potions and Proposals is like a warm hug with a spicy kick! This book totally nails the academic rivals vibe, with Lucinda and Benedict's tension on fire. Their banter is hilarious, and you can feel the chemistry sizzling. The author mixes humor and heart perfectly, making their journey super engaging. It’s cozy, magical, and just the right amount of romantic. If you’re into witty dialogue and love stories that keep you smiling, this one’s a must-read for sure! Grab it!

3.5⭐️

This is a cute, cozy, fall read following Lucinda and Benedict. Spending their entire lives since childhood being rivals, playing pranks and one upping eachother but that all comes to a screeching halt when a prank goes too far and the town leaders give them the ultimatum. Get married or one of you leaves.

The world building was done well and you can follow what’s happening in the story without getting lost. The magic system was fun and written out well.

I do think it could have gone through editing one more time as there were some grammatical errors that made me pause. And there were a couple translations within the story that weren’t smooth and left some confusion on how we got there from where the last chapter had left off.

Overall 3.5 ⭐️ was a cute,cozy, witchy read


Thank you netgalley for the opportunity to arc read this book

Thank you Netgalley and Kate Callaghan for giving me the opportunity to read this book. This book is perfect for Halloween and gives such a cozy and Mythical vibe, I loved the town of Foxgrove and love all the creatures that reside there. Benedict and Lucinda story is such a cute love story and I think everybody should give this book a chance. I would say if you love the movie Halloweentown than you will love this book because that is the vibe the town of foxgrove gives.

**Potions & Proposals** by Kate Callahan
Rated 3.5/5

This book felt like a warm hug, just when you need it the most. Set in the town of Foxford, where there are all sorts of magical creatures, we are introduced to Lucinda (Lucy) and Benedict.

Now, I wouldn't agree that this is an enemies-to-lovers story, but instead a mild dislike-to-lovers one.
For years, the pair pulled pranks on each other until their families decided enough was enough and arranged for them to be magically bound (married, to us magless) and forced to work together to govern Foxford.

Unfortunately for Lucy and Benedict, they were the targets of a badly timed magical mishap, which caused their elemental powers to switch in a Freaky Friday-esque way. Working together, they try to find a way to get their powers back and end up falling in love at the same time.

If you're looking for a cozy paranormal romance, then you're in the right place. I really enjoyed this book, and I can't wait to read Peter and Faye's story when it is released.

Thank you to Netgalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

✨I received this as an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review✨
This was adorable! I had the best time. It took me a little bit to get into it, but once I hit my stride I gobbled this right up.
I’m a sucker for the academic rivals to lovers trope and this had it in SPADES. Normally I’m not a big fan of them pranking each other, which is one of the reasons it took me a bit to get into it, but that seemed to end once we got more into the main story.
Benedict and Lucy were the epitome of childhood friends/rivals to lovers. They were giving (for me personally) strong Anne Shirley/Gilbert Blythe vibes. They just had something about them that made me feel warm and fuzzy.
The first book in a series can be hit or miss, but this one really got me excited to see what the next book has in store.
In a surprise to absolutely no one, this is witchy and fun and magical and everything that I’m looking for. This is my favorite time of year because it’s acceptable to read witchy romances (as if I don’t read them year round). I’m really looking forward to getting a physical copy of this to display on my shelf, it was sweet and fun and magical.

If you're on the hunt for a fun fall read, Potions and Proposals is perfect! Benedict and Lucy are such a cute couple in this magical little town. The book had me laughing and even tearing up at times. Their relationship does feel a bit fast at the start, and it's not quite the classic enemies-to-lovers trope, but it still gives off cozy romance vibes. Kate Callaghan nailed the banter between them, and the forced marriage was a nice touch. There's barely any spice so you could recommend this to your grandma too! I also loved that there’s no third-act breakup drama—it keeps things light and enjoyable. Overall, I recommend it to anyone wanting a sweet, magical rom-com!

*Thank you to NetGalley, Kate Callaghan, CallaghanWriter, and Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titlesfor providing the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for a review, but all thoughts are my own*

⭐3.5

Tropes & Themes:
All Hallow’s Eve
Arranged Marriage
Magical Small Town
Enemies To Lovers
Elemental Magic
Reluctant Allies
Open Door Spice
Witchy Coven

I really enjoyed this book (eARC from NetGalley).

I was pretty excited to read this book but it was a bit hard for me to get into the book itself. I think what was the hardest for me was to connect to the characters at first, but after quite a few chapters I got a hold of them and enjoyed the story a lot!

Oh I didn't even realize I have multiple copies of this book and I am thrilled that I do! I love fun books that can be read in this season! Loved it!

Potions and Proposals by Kate Callighan


“Sometimes, it takes a nudge from fate to see what’s been right in front of you all along.”


In Potions and Proposals, author Kate Callighan weaves a tale of rivalry and reluctant partnership between soon-to-be High Priestess Lucinda and her childhood nemesis, Benedict. When fate forces them to collaborate on a task critical to their future, they must put aside their bitter past and discover a new perspective on each other. What begins as a battle of wills slowly transforms into something deeper.

For fans of slow-burn romances with a dash of magic, this elemental love story is as refreshing as a glass of cool water—and just as satisfying.

Enemies to Lovers ∘ Elemental Magic∘ Slow Burn ∘ Arranged Marriage ∘ Reluctant Allies

Happy Reading,

Alie

Rating: 💜💜💜💜💜
Spice: 🌶

"Potions and Proposals" by Kate Callaghan is the perfect cozy, autumn read that will wrap you in warmth and magic. Set in a charming small town, this book has all the witchy vibes you'd expect and more, making it an adorable escape into a world of love and spells.

Lucinda and Benedict, the main characters, share undeniable chemistry that brings the story to life. Both are lovable in their own ways, and their relationship is filled with playful banter, heartfelt moments, and just the right amount of spice to keep things exciting. The romance is woven perfectly with the witchy elements, adding a touch of magic that makes their connection feel even more special.

The pacing was spot-on, and the balance of cozy, fun, and spice kept me turning the pages. If you're looking for a fun, feel-good book with a dash of magic, this one is a must-read!

3.5 stars
Medium spice.

This is a paranormal romance set in the charming, if somewhat meddling small-town of Foxford. Lucinda and Benedict are foes since childhood, who are forced into marriage at the threat of banishment.

What I liked: The setting, including the preparations for the fall festival made me want to sip a warm cup of apple cider. The way the powers and elements were used was interesting and creative. Witches, werewolves, sirens and more were represented in really unique and modern ways.

What I disliked: I started and stopped so many times and would have DNF'd if it hadn't been an eARC. I kept waiting for something significant to happen, but it never did. All of the character development was surface deep, we could have learned so much more about these other characters. There was no real problem or resolution to a problem. The story was far too verbose. I read and read, but didn't really read anything.

This book style wasn't for me, but if you're looking for a low-stakes, cozy, fall witchy-romance, you'll enjoy this one!

Thanks to NetGalley, CallaghanWriter and Kate Callaghan for the eARC.

Potions & Proposals is a cute, witchy/monster romance. It’s not my typical genre but it’s a quick & fun read, especially for spooky season.

I loveddddd this book I was super happy to add it to my going into fall spooky season collection! Thanks for allowing me to read this book early on I can’t wait to get the physical copy!

Overall this is an easy, fun read. I liked the main characters and there was some fun world building happening (totally want to read more about the other characters in town and their stories). There were things mentioned in this book that didn't seem like they were necessary but potentially it was to give a hint to other character stories maybe?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️

Calling all my witches, this one’s for you! 🧙‍♀️🪄
This is the PERFECT Halloween read. So cozy!!!

Tropes:
•Arranged Marriage
•✨Magical✨ Small Town Romance
•Enemies to Lovers
•Witchy 🧙‍♀️

Lucinda Hawthorne (Lucy) is set to become the next High Preiestess in Foxford, a town full of magic. ✨ But little does she know her lifelong rival, Benedict Matherson has also been chosen as a candidate to be the next High Priest. The are given a choice by the coven: face a vote off OR bind themselves on All Hallows’ Eve. Will these rivals decide to accept the vote off or will something ✨magical✨ happen between them?!

Thank you NetGalley!!

This was my kick off into spooky season and it did NOT disappoint! I need more like this immediately!