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!

This is the perfect romance book for autumn. I loved everything about the book, from the small town to the relationship dynamics and to the characters. It was such a cute story. I don’t think I can call it an enemies to lovers trope, but something about the “I hate you, but I’m also obsessed with you” to “I am madly in love with you, and I think I’ve been in love with you from the start” trope gets me every single time.

I really liked how they were forced to walk in the other one’s shoes. It was really cute to see them helping each other navigate the elements so they don’t hurt themselves and the others. Again, very cute that Benedict wore the Hawthorne cloak at the binding and Lucinda wore the Matherson gown. It’s a perfect way to show that they are not changing themselves and losing their family ties, but creating a new one where they are equals and respect each other and their past. So, not fully becoming a Hawthorne or a Matherson, but creating a Hawthorne-Matherson line. Grams was hands down the best character. On that note, I don’t think what happened with the love potion was an accident. Grams is the best potion maker in the area and Mama Hawthorne is the leader of the coven for a reason, so I think it’s safe to say they knew what they were doing.

I try to highlight the parts I didn’t like as much as things I liked when I’m writing a review, but I don’t think there is one thing I didn’t like about this book. It was so well written. The characters are so well thought out. The conflicts are nicely resolved. Though I have to comment, I didn’t miss what’s happening with Peter and Faye. It was a safe 5 star read for me.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
🌶️🌶️ 2/5

Thank you to NetGalley and Kate Callaghan for allowing me to read this book early and share my thoughts with other readers.

I adored this book. If you, like me, have been in a Sophie Morgan "The Witch is Back" slump and have been dying to read something like it, this book is perfect for you.

The writing is addictive and everything moves along at the perfect pace, there's excitement and mystery throughout that always kept me on my toes. The dual POV was flawlessly executed. I agree with other reviewers that it wasn't a "true" enemies to lovers, given that Lucy and Benedict have more of a childhood teasing streak that follows them into adulthood. I loved the creative quirky pranks they play on each other! One of the most impressive elements of this book was the seamless ancestry and world-building subtly built in providing enough information at every turn to the reader so I never felt lost but never overwhelming with pages of backstory. I also loved the "star-crossed lovers" type element featured between rival families both on the council and how Lucinda and Benedict navigate this throughout all the events and challenges they face.

The spice was SPICY and again another element that was nailed perfectly (pun intended!). It was tasteful and well incorporated so that it didn't overshadow the plot or character development.

I would highly recommend this book for fans of a steamy, small town paranormal romance. If you love:
Enemies(ish)-to-Lovers
Opposites Attract
Pranks
Fated Mates/Betrothal
Arranged Marriage
Rival Families
Werewolves, witches and more

This book is definitely for you!

https://nicolettecavallaro.substack.com/p/book-review-potions-and-proposals
Review on Substack

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this review copy!

After her success in the Young Adult Fantasy space, it is refreshing to see Kate Callaghan thrive with Potions and Proposals, a new paranormal adult romance story. Through her detailed and eccentric storytelling, the author takes readers on a journey to Forford, a supernatural town reminiscent of Good Witch’s Middleton or Gilmore Girls’ Stars Hollow. It is a place where magic and mystery flourish, making the characters that call it home compelling and loveable.

There, Lucinda Hawthorne and her childhood enemy, Benedict Matherson, are in the midst of a magical prank war that hurts her chances of becoming the next coven leader. To end the pair’s destructive behavior, the group demands that the two either be bonded (the witchy version of marriage) and lead together or be forced to leave town.

Things go even more array when a love potion by Granny Hawthorne causes some nasty side effects — Lucinda and Benedict’s powers switch. Although there are plenty of reservations and hilarious arguments, the two become unwilling allies to regain their magic. With the magic of the Halloween season surging around them, it’s not too long before that aggregation turns into something more.

Although a little rushed, their ‘enemies to lovers’ romance is filled with sweet moments, good banter, some fiery jealousy, and a few ‘open-door’ mature content scenes. They may start off as combative, but watching them slowly realize their true feelings was such a treat.

My favorite part is Lucinda and Benedict’s elemental powers, water and fire, respectively. Their personalities match these gifts perfectly, with Benedict being compulsive, protective, and gritty, while Lucinda is more fluid, harmonious, and thoughtful. They balance each other well, making them strong leaders and perfect partners.

I also adore the small town setting and the All Hallow's Eve time. This makes it the perfect romance to read while curled up in a fall blanket, drinking pumpkin spice, and watching the leaves fall.

My main critique of the novel is that much of the world-building is told, not shown. Most background information about the town or families is provided in conversations between characters, which sometimes read like a monotonous history book, where it could have been weaved in other spots more naturally.

Overall, I rate Potions and Proposals a 4.5/5, and I definitely recommend it for this approaching Halloween season.

Potions and Proposals can be found on Amazon and is available on Kindle.

“Love and hate are horns on the same beast.”

This is a book perfect for autumn as it takes place in a small town full of magic, love and supernatural creatures (vampires, werewolves, witches).

Lucinda and Benedict are supposed to be rivals that compete for the same position, but I love the way they protected each other when needed.

The story has a dual POV and it is written in 3rd person, which gives a fairytale vibe. A love spell gone wrong makes them spend more time together and realize they work well together and have feelings for each other.

I am a romantic and this book charmed me.
There are some many quotes that I highlighed, including the binding vows.

“You bewitched me, body and soul, long before any spell or potion.”

Thank you Netgalley and the author for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I am looking forward to reading the story of Peter and Faye next.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing this book in exchange for an honest review. Potions and Proposals is a delightful introduction into the world of arranged marriage romance—a genre I hadn’t explored before, but now I’m hooked. This book is an enchanting blend of cozy and spooky, with a charming mix of witty banter and intriguing characters that brought the story to life.

Picture Halloweentown colliding with Gilmore Girls, and you’re halfway to imagining the whimsical fantasy world in which this story takes place. The main characters are wonderfully developed, and their journey together is both heartwarming and engaging. Though the early “pranks” had me momentarily puzzled, the playful, adversarial chemistry ultimately won me over.

I also have to mention the soundtrack—Kate Callaghan's playlist is a perfect 10/10, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the reading experience.

I curled up with this book over a chilly weekend, surrounded by Halloween decorations and some pumpkin candles. It was exactly the cozy, magical escape I didn’t know I needed!

Favourite Quote: "I never intended to annoy you. It's just my favourite. The food that makes me feel like I'm home"

This is the absolute perfect Autumn read. A binding of convenience between two of the most powerful families in a mgical safe haven small town. What is not to like?! I enjoyed how easy this was to read and getting to see how Lucy and Benedict's relationship turned from adolescent dislike to love. Adding in meddling families, spells gone wrong, and a nosy small community and it is the perfect combination to sit down with a hot drink and some Halloween treats.

4*

⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 3,5 stars

"There isn't a man alive who wouldn't want to kiss you."
"Then kiss me."
"You hate me."
"What does that have to do with anything?"
"You'll hate me."
"I tought we already established I do."
"I should take you home."
"You should shut up and kiss me."

Review:
The Hating Game meets Practical Magic.
This cozy read is perfect for fall season!

In a small town named Foxford, Lucinda Hawthorne is on the brink of assuming the prestigious role of High Priestess. However, an unexpected coven gathering reveals that her lifelong nemesis, Benedict Matherson, is also nominated for the esteemed position.
They are presented with a grave ultimatum: either become magically bound to one another on All Hallows’ Eve or there will be a vote and one of them has to leave Foxford for good.

I loved that this was a contemporary small town romance but with a magical twist!
The chatacters were well written, there were animal sidekicks and it really gave me the perfect Autumn vibes.
The book started really good with a very 🔥 scène and banter in the early chapters. Tough I felt missed that same vibe between the characters trough the rest of the book.
I would have loved a little more banter and tension.
This was also advertised as open door spice, I mean, it was there but I would give it only 1 🌶.

I still enjoyed reading it. So I think if you would like a cozy small town read, in a fall setting with Gilmore Girls and Practical Magic vibes. You will love this!

- Haters to lovers
- Small town
- Elemental magic
- Witches
- All Hallow's Eve
- Potion gone wrong
- Cozy
- Fall setting
- A little spice
- Urban romantasy
- Arranged marriage

Cute and cozy read for this time of the year, I enjoyed the banter and I always love an enemies to lovers trope.
3.5 stars

This is the perfect read for Halloween. This was such an adorable, cozy small town romance with all the paranormal vibes. I loved it so much!

This book follows Lucinda and Benedict who are both witches and each other’s nemeses. They have spent their entire lives playing pranks on one another, but when one prank goes too far, it jeopardizes their future. Lucinda is in line to be the next head of their coven, but with her last prank bringing a bad light to the town, some feel like she should not be given that right and that is should be given to Benedict. Instead, Lucinda and Benedict are given the option to be bound together (married) or one of them must leave town. They agree to the binding, but Lucinda’s family try and take matters into their own hands and create a potion to get Lucinda out of the binding via a loophole. This goes wrong and Lucinda and Benedict’s elemental magic abilities get switched. They are then forced to walk a mile in each other’s shoes, and will this bring them closer together or make them despise each other even more?

There are witches, vampires, werewolves and more in this paranormal romance. And all the characters are wrote to perfection. You really feel like you are right there with everyone with the way Kate writes the story. You won’t be able to put this one down! I will be recommending this book to everyone!