Month: August 2025

Love’s A Witch by Tricia O’Malley

On By TracyIn Contemporary, First Person Narrative, New To Me Author, Paranormal / Fantasy, Part of a Series, Rom Com, Romantasy, Tracy's Reviews, Young AdultLeave a comment

Love's a Witch (The Scottish Charms, #1)Love’s a Witch by Tricia O’Malley

Tracy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Series: The Scottish Charms, #1

Release Date: August 26, 2025

Centuries ago, Bonella MacGregor and her descendants, were unjustly cursed and forced from Briarhaven, leaving the family to never put down roots and to suffer from chaotic magic. But now Sloane MacGregor and her sisters have been summoned to Briarhaven by their grandmother who believes that the sisters are the key to finally breaking the curse.

Knox Douglas, the local golden boy of Briarhaven has reinvented the town into successful tourist destination yet has still managed to protect its magical community. So, when Sloane and her sisters return to town and Sloan’s chaotic powers emerge, Knox has no choice but to try and remove the MacGregors from town. Sparks will fly and his efforts are highly entertaining thanks to Sloane’s reactions.

This is a classic enemies-to-lovers romance with wonderful characters and plenty of witty banter. Add to that a bit of spice, magic, an adorable miniature Highland Coo, a grumpy cat and a loyal emberwolf, and you have the makings of a delightful fantasy rom-com. That said, I did find the use of dual first-person narrative detracted from my enjoyment, the shifting first person viewpoints made it harder for me to stay immersed in the story, and I would have preferred a third person narrative. Overall, this was a cute and quick read that starts off a new series nicely.

3.5 stars, rounded up

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

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My Best Friend’s Earl by Bethany Bennett

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820)Leave a comment

My Best Friend's Earl (Bluestocking Booksellers, #2)Barbara’s Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Series: Bluestocking Booksellers #2
Publication Date: August 12, 2025
Period: Regency
Length: 368 pages

Review:

Oliver and Connie are the classic case of opposites attract in this witty and entertaining Regency romance.

Oliver Vincent is everything calm, collected, and rule-following—a proper gentleman, if a bit rigid. Connie Martin, on the other hand, is spirited, impulsive, and delightfully chaotic. (Note: Connie clearly shows traits of ADHD, which adds nuance to her character.)

After breaking off her engagement, Connie is living under a cloud of social disgrace, working in her family’s bookshop, and carrying guilt more for her family’s suffering than her own actions. When her friend Amelia begs for help escaping her own unwanted engagement, Connie jumps at the distraction—even if it means meddling with the famously steadfast Oliver Vincent.

Oliver sees marriage as a transaction, and his betrothal to Amelia is nothing more than fulfilling an obligation. He’s far too honorable to back out on his own. What he doesn’t expect is the whirlwind that is Connie Martin—and the chaos she brings into his carefully ordered life.

Thoughts:
While I enjoyed the quirky charm and banter between Oliver and Connie, I didn’t fall completely in love with the story. The pacing dragged in spots, and the historical inaccuracies pulled me out of the setting—a personal pet peeve of mine with historical romance.

That said, the character dynamics were engaging, and the series concept (bookish heroines, anyone?) remains strong. I’m glad I read this one, even if I wouldn’t revisit it, and I’m definitely planning to pick up the next installment.

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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