Category: First Person Narrative

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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A Tale of Mirth and Magic by Kristen Vale

On By TracyIn First Person Narrative, Historical Paranormal/Fantasy, New To Me Author, Paranormal / Fantasy, Romantasy, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

A Tale of Mirth & MagicA Tale of Mirth & Magic by Kristen Vale

Tracy’s Rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Release Date: August 5, 2025

Elikki, a feisty jewelry making elf with chaotic magic and commitment issues. Barra, a sweet half-giant who instantly falls hard for the emotionally distant Elikki. He should forget about her, but when trouble comes for her and she is forced flee, he can’t let her go alone.

I so wanted to love this book – it sounded amazing in theory, but in reality, it is a Dual POV, first person narrative with an instalust trope and not much more. To be fair, I don’t care for FPN, and I hate dual POV – it makes for a confusing read and pulls me out of the story with each change of view – so consider me bias. I also felt like this book was just too formulaic and the author was just checking off boxes; Magic – Check, Diversity Representation – Check, Spicy Love Scenes – Check, Miscommunication – Check, Happy Ending – Check. This book was just not my cuppa – I might have liked it more if it was written in the third person, but I doubt it.

*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. *