This was such an enjoyable read! The fact that I zoomed through it on a holiday says a lot about the fun and cool story, and a bit about the curiosity caused because of the slow-ish burn.

“Fate can rather be amusing in that sense; sometimes a wrong turn can lead us to where we’re meant to be.”

Lucinda and Benedict’s witchy tale has made me want to pack my bags and move to Foxford, magless or not. If that isn’t possible, can Broomhilda send her cousin over, pretty please?

Thank you, NetGalley for the opportunity to witness the magic of Foxford before the world! Looking forward to more tales from the charming town 🧙🏻‍♀️

Potions & Proposals was a sweet and easy read filled with magical shenanigans and small town family history.

Fire and Water, color and neutrals, chaos and order: Lucinda and Benedict were the ever-classic opposites attract pairing. Constantly being a thorn in each other’s side since the time they were children, an impending change in town leadership, prank gone too far, and meddling mamas thrust the two of them into accepting an arranged binding come Halloween. One month to prove themselves and find a way out or be bound together for the rest of their lives.

Only of course it cannot be that simple: a mixed up spell cast by a well-meaning grandma (and mother) forces the two rivals to work together to get out of their predicament after swapping their elements. A lesson in understanding one another if I ever did see one.

✨rivals to lovers
✨opposites attract
✨arranged binding (like marriage but soul-deep
✨small town
✨family heritage
✨he falls first
✨forced proximity
✨romantic rival

There were a few times in the beginning when I felt the transitions were a little wonky (aka slightly jarring in the time switch) BUT overall the flow of the story was easy to follow. It was just the usual stutter of first-book syndrome introducing the new world and its characters. Once I got a decent way into the story, everything flowed so smoothly and I got sucked in to the rivals to lovers arranged marriage romance. Especially with the added drama of a potential romantic rival, meddling families, and small town celebration prep amidst the magical mishaps.

Something about a rivals to lovers story where one side has always had feelings for the other but the other couldn’t believe it and thought they were joking around really grabs me every time. Rivals know everything about the other person (or at least a ton about them) but Benedict paid attention to Lucy’s favorite books and made sure to read them all. He got her spell books when they were younger to help her when she couldn’t figure things out. He got her a hot water bottle for her cramps even at the cost of his own exam. He even asked her to the big dance when they were teens because he knew she wanted to go. But of course, misunderstandings got in the way of her seeing all of these gestures in the moment and led to their antagonistic relationship. Now with their circumstances, past moments come back to light and Lucinda is made to see Benedict in a different way. Not only that, but Benedict is made to confront the truth of his own feelings as well. Love it!

Definitely would recommend this one to people who like paranormal romcoms, small towns, magic, and rivals to lovers romances.

I found this fast paced romance to be incredibly entertaining and the connection between the two characters is undeniable. Everything about their story was cute and you couldn’t help rooting for them. There was some spice in the book though I wouldn’t label this as a spicy book overall. The love story was believable and really drew me one. I think this is definitely something to add to your spooky season reads!

This book will be apart of an interconnected standalone series. While the main two characters of this book’s story end I am looking forward to seeing where life takes the other characters.

Thank you to Net Galley for giving me a copy of this book. I loved the characters and setting of a magical town. I was quickly drawn into Lucy and Benedict's relationship and where it would go. I would love to see spin off books about the other characters in this story. A great fun read!

Kate Callaghan's *Potions and Proposals* is an enchanting blend of romance, magic, and tension set in the mystical town of Foxford. With its rich backdrop and compelling characters, this novel is a delightful treat for fans of witchy tales and the enemies-to-lovers trope.

At the heart of the story is Lucinda Hawthorne, a tenacious translator on the cusp of becoming the High Priestess. Her world is turned upside down when she discovers her long-time nemesis, Benedict Matherson, is also in the running for the prestigious position. The coven’s surprising ultimatum forces Lucinda and Benedict into a reluctant partnership: they must either bind themselves to each other on All Hallows' Eve or face a potentially devastating vote.

Callaghan excels at weaving tension and chemistry between Lucinda and Benedict. Both characters are fiercely independent, driven by their aspirations to lead. Their animosity is palpable, yet as the story unfolds, the layers of their relationship reveal a complexity that is both engaging and heartwarming. The initial spell meant to thwart the coven's plans backfires, binding them together in unexpected ways and setting the stage for a thrilling journey of discovery and transformation.

Foxford, with its magical small-town charm, serves as a captivating setting. Callaghan’s world-building is rich with elemental magic and witchy coven traditions, immersing readers in a vibrant and mystical atmosphere. The town and its inhabitants come to life through vivid descriptions and well-crafted details, making the magical elements of the story feel both authentic and enchanting.

The novel's pacing is brisk, driven by the looming deadline of All Hallows' Eve. As Lucinda and Benedict navigate their forced partnership, the veil between love and hate begins to blur, leading to moments of unexpected tenderness and passion. The open-door spice adds an extra layer of intensity to their evolving relationship, making their journey from reluctant allies to lovers even more compelling.

*Potions and Proposals* is more than just a romance. It explores themes of identity, power, and the courage to confront one’s deepest fears and desires. Lucinda and Benedict’s journey is not just about finding love but also about personal growth and the realization that true strength comes from embracing vulnerability and connection.

Callaghan’s writing is both witty and evocative, perfectly balancing humor, romance, and magical intrigue. The dialogues crackle with sharpness and wit, adding depth to the protagonists’ dynamic. The secondary characters, from family members to coven peers, enrich the story, providing both support and obstacles that further challenge and develop the main characters.

For fans of the enemies-to-lovers trope, magical small towns, and richly woven tales of love and rivalry, *Potions and Proposals* is a must-read. Kate Callaghan has crafted a spellbinding romance that delights and enchants from start to finish. This novel is a testament to the magic that can happen when love and hate collide, making it a perfect addition to any romance or fantasy lover's bookshelf.

Upon entering the town of Foxford, I fell in love with these characters.

I loved how the nickname Benedict gave Lucy was his favorite food. The thing he loved most. It was clear that he loved her from the beginning.

The slow burn made the wait so much better. I totally understand Lucy in thinking her feelings might be warped because of the poison.

The whole book gave the vibes of vampire diaries, it was really fun.

I can't wait for the next book in the series, I need to know what happens with Faye!!

A perfect witchy romance.

The relationship between Lucy and Benedict progressed naturally and sweetly.

I loved the magical town and the idea of safe havens for supernatural beings.

Excited to see more from the author.

This was cute! A very sweet rom com with fun magical elements and hijinks. I liked that the history of the town wasn't just some expositional dump but rather slowly integrated into the plot. I did think certain issues were resolved rather quickly but I liked that the romance grew slowly. It was a fun cute read for fans of Halloween and spooky or magical tales.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Lucinda and Benedict have played pranks on each so often then town has become tired of it. Forcing them to work together and become bound is not what they expected. A good mystical romance, although must admit the banter became tiresome at times. Might be since I am near 60, but otherwise enjoyed this one and would recommend.

Fun and enjoyable to read! Not very descriptive which is what I want, since I do better with characters talking instead of just describing what rooms look like. Very nice! Thank you! :)

This was a very cute and fun read. I typically like my fantasy books to be more deep but this was a refreshing take on fantasy. I genuinely loved both Lucy and Benedict and loved seeing them grow through each chapter. I felt like the world and system was written perfectly, not too overbearing in the beginning and simple enough to not feel overwhelmed. I enjoyed this much more than I thought I was going to.

3.25 ⭐️


Este libro tiene bruj@s, sirenas, vampiros, hombre lobos y más.

Lucinda y Benedict tienen una pequeña rivalidad desde hace años y su forma de molestarse es haciéndose bromas.

Lucinda heredará el cargo de su mamá y se convertirá en la líder de la ciudad, es decir, la suma sacerdotisa, pero la mamá de él aprovecha el tema de sus bromas y hace que Lucinda se vea inadecuada para el papel y porpone a su hijo como candidato. Al final decidieron vincularlos, pero la familia de ella para evitar que este atada a alguien que no ama hicieron un hechizo para que encuentre a su alma gemela y no tenga que vincularse con Ben, pero sale mal y terminan intercambiando poderes. Ahora tendrán que pasar tiempo juntos para que nadie se de cuentan del intercambio o resultará en la expulsión de la familia de Lucinda.

Ella no creía que él pudiera sentir algo por ella, pero le puso como apodo "calabaza" porque su pastel favorito es el de calabaza, para su hotel compro cosas de unicornios porque a ella le gustaban y leía libros de romance porque ella siempre traía uno.


Espero que Rosie y Emerson tengan su libro y también Peter y Faye



Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

𝙋𝙀𝙍𝙁𝙀𝘾𝙏 𝙁𝙊𝙍 𝙍𝙀𝘼𝘿𝙀𝙍𝙎 𝙒𝙃𝙊 𝙒𝘼𝙉𝙏:
• Witchy vibes with elemental magic and potions/spells.
• Charming plot with captivating MCs.
• Romance that is sweet and steamy but not spicy.
• Dislike-to-lovers.
• Happy endings.

If you are in the mood for a witchy romantasy and elemental magic, then look no further. You know when everyone can see when two people fit together perfectly but those people are the last to see it? That’s Lucinda and Benedict. The librarian and next coven leader versus the manor/inn owner who is a descendant of dark magic. ❤️🖤

The writing was great and gripped me... I needed to find out what happens with their love story. I loved the reluctant love story line, the banter between the characters, and the small-town vibes. I really liked it when the MMC turned more possessive/protective. Swoon!! 🔥 And his pet name for her! 🥰

Thank you for the ARC, @callaghanwriter and @netgalley!

If you’re looking for a cozy, romantic, witchy read - this book is for you! The banter between Lucy and Benny builds all of the romantic tension that you could ever want! Forced marriage + enemies to lovers + cozy witchy vibes = sign me up!

Title: Potions and Proposals by Kate Callaghan
Release Date: August, 24th, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

In the mystical town of Foxford, Lucinda Hawthorne, a determined translator, finds herself in a twist of fate when her long-time rival, Benedict Matherson, is also nominated for the prestigious role of High Priestess.
Presented with a grave ultimatum, they agree to a binding ritual on All Hallows' Eve to avoid risking their positions. However, a spell gone awry results in unexpected consequences, magically intertwining them.

As they navigate their newfound connection, the line between love and hate blurs, prompting them to confront their inner demons and explore hidden desires. With All Hallows' Eve approaching, Lucinda and Benedict must determine whether their rivalry masks a deeper longing to remain united.

I absolutely adored this book! It's like a magical rollercoaster ride through a fantastical romance realm.

Watching Benedict and Lucinda go from foes to friends was such a joy, especially given their complex history and the unexpected twist of fate that brings them together. The slow-burn romance is expertly crafted, and the charming town of Foxford provides the perfect backdrop for their love story to unfold.

The characters are so lovable, and seeing them grow and change over the course of the book was truly heartwarming. Overall, it's a spellbinding read that strikes the perfect balance between humour, romance, and fantasy.

Thank you to The Publisher BooksGoSocial ,The Author Kate Callaghan & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

Enchanting Premise

Kate Callaghan's 'Potions and Proposals' brews a charming blend of magic and romance, crafting a tale that sweeps readers into a world where love is as potent as the most powerful potion. The premise of a world where potions shape romantic destinies is fresh and imaginative, offering readers a delightful escape into a realm where love knows no bounds. This concept of magical elements influencing love can be seen in various folklore and mythologies, where love potions and spells play a significant role in shaping relationships. Callaghan's ability to weave this magical premise into a contemporary romance setting adds a unique and captivating twist to the genre.

Endearing Characters

The characters in the book are wonderfully crafted, each with their own quirks, desires, and magical abilities. From the spirited potion maker to the adventurous love seeker, readers will find themselves rooting for these characters from the start. This attention to character development mirrors the importance of well-rounded and relatable characters in storytelling. Just like in real life, readers are drawn to characters who face challenges, grow, and evolve throughout the narrative, .