I don't think the characters fit the plot of the story. Things screamed YA to me because the main characters constantly pranked each other. To me, enemies-to-lovers means there's a valid reason they hate each other; this story didn't have it. This story was filled with fluff just to reach a certain word count. Issues weren't well thought out and the dialogue left much to be imagined. Hopefully, the follow-up for this will be better developed and executed.

Cute ans engaging, enemies and rivals to friends and lovers - the magical practical jokes are definitely chuckle worthy as is the banter. A fun and magical read!

Very slow start for me. I found the dual perspectives a little annoying at first due to the main characters attitudes. It was honestly a bit weird how quickly they went from mortal enemies to love interest. Usually a catalyst works fine but in this case ur didn’t really work for me. However, the book after a certain point really did pick up and became an easier more enjoyable read. But it did feel like the author was cramming too much into the book in anticipation of starting this series. In the end some things were just left hanging which was uncomfortable.

Thank you netgalley for this E-book!

What a great book to slide into spooky season with! I am so ready for those cosy, dark evenings of reading and this was the perfect book to get started with 🍂

Lucinda and Benedict have grown up in the magical village of Foxford, there are witches, werewolves, vampires, grim reapers, magical elements, secret vaults and so much more! Every time I thought I knew everything about Foxford something new was mentioned, which was definitely kept the book feeling exciting the whole way through. Lucinda comes from a long line of powerful and respected witches and is expected to assume the role of high priestess when her mum retires, however, due to a recent prank on long term rival Benedict her suitability for the role is brought into question. Does she really have everyone's best interests at heart? A solution is proposed: Benedict and Lucinda should be bound together eternally and lead the town with a united front! But, how could good girl Lucinda possibly trust Benedict? After all his family has a history of dark and dangerous magic...

I really enjoyed the development of the relationship between Lucinda and Benedict, particularly hearing about their past and interactions when they were at school. It was so sweet to watch their journey and especially some of the emotional moments surrounding Benedict's family. Whilst I did find the opening prank and catalyst for the main plot line a little bit juvenile, it sort of makes sense the further into the book you get.

This plot was fast paced and I was kept on the edge of my kindle the whole time, I feel as though the author really wove a thread of suspicion around certain characters and I have been left desperate to see what will be happening next 👀

Rosie and Peter were absolutely brilliant side characters, they were funny and made everything feel that little bit more real. I am very much looking forward to book 2!!!

There is some spice (1.5/5 on the scale), but it's definitely more plot/character driven and the 🌶️ has purpose within the book!

The enchanting paranormal romance Potions and Proposals by Kate Callaghan takes place in the mysterious village of Foxford. The plot is on competitors Benedict Matherson and Lucinda Hawthorne, who are compelled to enter a mystical bound on All Hallows' Eve in order to save each other from failing. They go from fierce rivals to hesitant allies through a series of practical jokes, supernatural mishaps, and startling discoveries.

The novel presents a warm, autumnal romance with a compelling enemies-to-lovers dynamic, although it is not always successful. Even though they are funny, the jokes sometimes have a childish air to them, and not everyone will enjoy the writing style. While the scenery and character development are interesting, readers may not be totally captivated by the storyline due to its predictability and certain clichés.

I ABSOLUTELY loved this book! There was just the right amount of banter between the characters, the enemies to lovers trope was on point! I was getting frustrated with the unresolved tension between the two characters, but it made the story all the better! I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone looking for something witchy, magical, with banter and enemies to lovers!

This was a pleasantly surprising book that I did not think I would like as much as I did since I've not been having a great experience with arcs lately. However, this book hooked me on page 1 and by around 14% through, I did not want to put it down.

This was a very cute, cozy fantasy romcom in the style of The Ex Hex and The Kiss Curse.
We follow our main characters Lucy and Benedict who have been pranking each other and landing the other in trouble ever since grade school. However, Lucy's latest prank went too far.

It was cute.
It was cozy.
It was a very fun time.
I loved the setting of the small town of Foxford which gave off perpetual fall vibes and the events of All Hallows Eve.
I loved how the plot evolved throughout the entire book. I did not feel like it was dull at any moment. I loved getting to know the main characters, as well as the entire cast of side characters.
I loved how our two main characters' relationship grew, and how they complemented each other at every turn. Their dialogue seemed mature-ish.
Also, HUGE brownie points for the author. Maybe it's a silly point, but this was the first book I read in a verrrry long time where the girl gets her period where she suffers from it, and it hinders her daily routine. I love to see mundane stuff in cozy books.

I honestly just really loved the vibe of the entire book and cannot wait for the next one in this series.

100% recommend this book for a cozy fall read.
If you love Gilmore Girls x Practical Magic, this book is definitely for you.

Thank you NetGalley and Kate Callaghan for this eARC!

Potions and Proposals was a cute, charming, witchy romance! I felt like the vibes were quite charming and it was definitely atmospheric, but the writing style wasn't my favorite.

I personally wouldn't have categorized this as enemies to lovers, rather a rivals/begrudging prank partners to lovers, but I did enjoy the dynamic Lucinda and Benedict have with each other. I thought that it was sweet, and fast paced! The side characters personally didn't leave a big impact on me, but I didn't dislike them either.

I would reccomend this for those who want a quick, fall/halloween themed read, and think its a great book to read in order to prepare for Halloween!

I absolutely enjoyed this cozy paranormal romance. The banter was so much fun. The characters were relatable and lovable. I would definitely recommend!

Potions and Proposals: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Level: 🌶️ (one bedroom scene, not very descriptive)
Content Warnings: bedroom scene, swearing, pranks, breaking and entering, bullying, death of family members, supernatural characters

Lucy and Benedict have been rivals since childhood and have been pranking each other ever since. When one of their pranks has a long reaching effect, they are given a choice, become magically bound, or one of them needs to leave town. Reluctantly agreeing to be magically bound to each other, Lucy and Benedict struggle with their forced binding. To make matters worse Lucy’s Grams and Mother try to help out by casting a spell on her, but it has surprising consequences, forcing Lucy and Benedict to rely on each other more than ever before.

This was such a fun fall read. I loved that it had a wide range of supernatural characters such as witches, werewolves, vampires, grim reapers, and more. This book is a classic enemies to lovers book with Lucy especially hating Benedict ever since they were kids. I loved reading about all the different pranks they pulled on each other, I kept laughing at their ingenuity. Watching their hate turn to like and finally love was gradual, but seemed real. Listening to the playlist created for this book added another layer of awesomeness to this book, I might have to keep this playlist in rotation.

⭐️ 3/5
🌶 2/5
🩷 3/5

📚 I enjoy a cosy witchy romance. This was a comfy read and I would recommend to anyone who likes banter, tension, and cosy romances.

Although I loved rom coms as a child, I'm not a huge fan of them anymore. It's like there's always something missing, something to keep me hooked and invested, something I'm interested in. Luckily more and more magical romcoms are being released and when I came across this book on Netgalley I knew I had to request it (that badly that I accidentally requested, and got it, twice. Whoops!) and I was very happy when my request was granted.

This book was exactly what I had expected it to be. Lucinda and Benedict have been pranking each other, with their magic, ever since they were in the same class and now they're forced to magically bind themselves to each other to lead the local coven. Luckily it seems that they do not hate each other as much as they think and slowly they grow closer and closer until it's clear that these two people are made for eachother.

That's especially because the author did an amazing job giving them personalities that could clash, but could also support and complete each other. We see the clashing mostly in the beginning, but throughout the story we see them working with each other and compensating for each other's flaws. Their combined efforts are truly better than the sum of their individual ones and it's clear that underneath the pranks and initial hatred, there was also a lot of respect and admiration.

I also liked the setting and the side characters. The author could have focussed only on the main couple, but there is also quite some time for the side characters to have their own storyline. I was also very positively surprised, maybe it's a mild spoiler, that the author doesn't go with another possible love interest causing drama in the relationship that's quite clearly destined to be endgame. I was a little afraid of that at first, but I'm very happy the author chose a different route.

I'll for sure check out the next book in this series!

3.5 stars. I enjoyed this book. It was a great cozy fall witchy read. I enjoyed the plot and the characters, but did think the pranks were a little childish.

Thank you to NetGalley and CallaghanWriter for this ARC!

Potions and Proposals is a picture perfect, cozy enemies to lovers set in the ideal town where people with and without magic and from all facets of fantasy can live harmoniously, as the town itself is a sanctuary. I enjoyed this book from the first page to the very last page. You will enjoy this book if you enjoy cozy, fun, romantasiea with an enemies to lover trope.

Lucinda Hawthorne is a Foxford’s local librarian with a knack for translating old grimoire’s. Lucy’s mother is the coven’s high priestess, which leaves Lucy as the obvious successor. However, Lucy also enjoys pulling (mostly) harmless pranks on her childhood nemesis Benedict Matherson. Benedict has been known to return the “favor.” Benedict’s family runs the Matherson manner which has been converted to a hotel for all, which means he has money and local power. Both of their lives are turned upside down when Lucy’s mom announces her retirement and Benedict’s mom nominates him to replace her. The coven determines it would be best for them to be bound (the magic equivalent of marriage) and lead together. A spell gone wrong later, their elemental magic is switched and they have to work together to fix it. The town prepares for the Autumnal Festival and Benedict and Lucy work to get out of their binding ritual. With all of this working together, will they end up staying together? Will they be able to put the pranks of the past behind them?

This was the perfect cozy spooky romance just in time for fall. It gives all the witchy and whimsical vibes of spooky season while adding swoon worthy romance and hilarious banter!

Lucy and Benedict have been rivals since childhood and when a harmless prank goes a little too far the coven orders they bind themselves together for the sake of the town. Soul binding is serious business and as they try to figure out a way around it , their true feelings for each other start to surface!

Lucy and Benedict’s story is true rivals to lovers. It’s magical and heartwarming and one I won’t soon forget. I fell in love with The Village of Foxford and the people who live there. I’m SO looking forward to more magic and love from Kate Callaghan!

4 ⭐
1 🌶️
Tropes: Small town, forced engagement, cozy, rivals to lovers, slow burn


Lucinda has known since birth that she would one day assume her mother’s role of High Priestess of her coven residing in the magical town of Foxford. Except when news comes that Wilhelmina is actually stepping down on All Hallows Eve, she discovers her lifelong rival, Benedict Matherson, is being floated for coven leader as well. They give her an ultimatum: marry Benedict and co-lead the coven, or face a vote and risk being cast out of the town.

Lucinda and Benedict reluctantly agree to the engagement, but fate still has some more tricks up its sleeves for them.

It took me a minute to really get into this story, but once I did I really enjoyed it. I loved the small town, cozy autumn vibes (I’m so done with summer!!) The pacing of the growing feelings between Lucinda and Benedict was really well done, and I especially enjoyed watching his protectiveness/possessiveness build. I also liked the side characters, and I’m looking forward to reading the next books in this series. It’s hard to write about things I enjoyed without giving spoilers!

I do have a couple of critiques, though. This book is written in 3rd person with dual POV but most of the chapters are focused on Lucinda- I wish there had been more focused on Benedict. Secondly, I get why Benedict asks for permission to kiss Lucinda, but after the second or third time it got annoying and just pulled me out of the story.

Finally, and I get this is my own personal issue and I promise I didn’t lower my rating because of it….I really wish the author had included Lucinda’s nickname (Lucy) in the blurb, because she is called that throughout most of the book. I have a close family member named Lucy and I usually avoid reading open door romance when a character has the same name as family. Even though this ended up being a 4⭐ read, I probably would’ve skipped this ARC had I known.

As I said, despite the name thing this cute and cozy witchy romance is well written and funny, and one I do recommend you add to your Autumn TBR!

I loved this book - Lucinda and Benedict had great chemistry, and there was just the right amount of romance and spice in the story line.
I also loved the B storylines, and it left me hoping for more instalments in the series to see where these storylines go.

I am labeling this a hallmark halloween novel, this was so cute!!! This had so many elements that I LOVE!! We had enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, magic town, spell gone wrong, so many amazing and fun pieces to the story! From the start, I found myself smiling and laughing at the antics between Lucy and Benedict, they had me hooked from the very first page! Lucy and Benedict are childhood nemesis who for years have been in a tit for tat prank war that they can’t seem to give up on. As Lucy’s mom is preparing to retire as High Priestess of their town, and Lucy is preparing to take over, the elder families of the town begin to doubt Lucy’s capabilities to lead due to the childish antics of the pranks. After Benedict is nominated as another candidate to lead, the two are presented with the plan their mothers have come up with. Lucy and Benedict are to be magically bound together, married, and lead the town together. If they refuse, a vote will be held and the loser will be banished from the town. Of course they accept this offer, and of course chaos ensues! It becomes clear to them pretty quickly that the line between love and hate is very thin! This was such a fun read as I begin to shift myself into the spooky season, yes there was drama but nothing too angsty or high stakes. Love love love!!!

4-4.5/5 stars! I received this book from netgally in exchange for an honest review. I really liked this book! It was a cozy witch read that is perfect for fall. I really enjoyed the enemies to lover story even though some of their antics were a bit childish. The world and story aren't very complex, but it still holds up on its own and is very enchanting. My only issue is that there wasn't much depth in the story but it's hard to really call this a negative because the story it's self is just supposed to a cozy read. I'll definitely will continue reading stories from this world and will looking into more books by this author!

Very cute, cozy romance. World building was excellent but the overall pacing was odd. Felt that some scenes (the crone, the werewolf) didn’t serve the overall narrative of the story. Overall would read more from this author but would like to see her tighten her plotting a bit more