LOVED this book

Published 2024 by Dell

Soundtrack: You’ve Got The Love – Florence + the Machine

Thank you, Net Galley and Dell, for this free advanced copy! 

If you’re looking for a book that screams autumn with comfy cafe vibes, witchy  Samhain moments, and recurrent run-ins escalating into delectable spicy scenes with plenty of praise, this is your book.

Dina Whitlock owns a magical café where she embeds her teas, coffees, and baked goods with warmth, happiness, and coziness. One morning, Scott Mason walks in, and their connection is electric from their first meeting. Yet, Dina fights her growing attraction because she cursed and after miss using her magic in her youth 

Enter forced proximity, a wedding, a full moon, and a man who loves to please. It is spicy and funny, full of yummy baked goods and plenty of magic. The witch elements flowed well within the story, adding to the fall vibes.

I loved Dina’s complexities, including her insecurities and constant grappling with her identity as both a bisexual woman and Moroccan and having parents with “traditional” values. She had a bit of growth, and I enjoyed seeing her get there. 

In contrast, I felt Scott was less developed. While the reader still got plenty of his inner thoughts, they were mostly praise for Dina. I would have loved to explore his anxiety a bit more. 

The magical elements weave well into the plot, and symbols play a prominent role in the narrative. I enjoyed that there were references to both items used by Dina that were specific to North African identity (the Hamsa) and that Scott referenced the numerous stolen artifacts in Western museums! Also, the food descriptions were drool-inducing

Overall, this  is a captivating witchy debut, and I cannot wait to read her future work! It