Member Reviews
This book claims an enemies-to-lovers dynamic, but honestly, the "enemies" part feels more like a mild, neighborly rivalry. It's fine for a cozy paranormal story—just don't expect intense animosity between the leads. The storyline is charming and whimsical, making for an easy read that fits well into the cozy, witchy vibe. Both Lucinda and Benedict are endearing in their own ways, and while the romance is predictable, it's cute enough to keep you engaged. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s a fun, light read that makes for a perfect seasonal escape.
Thanks to NetGalley, The Author, and Publisher for the free e-book for a review!
What an adorable book! It took me quite a while to finish because it became my bedtime story. The romance is a wonderfully sweet ‘enemies to lovers’ trope. I really liked Lucinda’s character because she breaks the mold a bit, and I loved Benedict—he’s not someone with fragile masculinity and isn’t afraid to express his emotions. After realizing his past was a big misunderstanding, I appreciate that the author takes time to develop this aspect. The only downside is that, although beautifully developed, the book has quite a bit of filler, with some parts that don’t add much to the story. Since I read it slowly, it didn’t bother me as much, but it’s still something I didn’t enjoy. On the other hand, I like that their relationship isn’t solely based on the physical, even though their attraction is clear. Overall, it’s a perfect book to enjoy on a quiet afternoon, with a cozy cup of hot chocolate by your side.
This was a cute and very cozy paranormal romance. I really struggled with this book because I kept expecting a bit more of the characters and story and it fell a little flat. The side characters were also a bit confusing as I kept feeling like I was supposed to know these characters without having met them before. I did enjoy the world building and would have liked to have seen more of that. Overall this wasn't a bad romance but the pacing felt slow while romance felt rushed.
Potion and Proposal by Kate Callaghan is a perfect book for enemies to lovers romance readers.
Lucinda
✅ the high priestess to be
✅ the librarian
Benedict
✅ the Matherson manor’s owner
✅ the new candidate for high priestess position
Lucinda and Benedict always bickering and up to a mischief to each other since from when they in school. However, now that they were adults, their parents had it enough with their mischief. A binding ritual were thrown to their hand by their own parents.
✅ enemies to lovers
✅ magic and potion
✅ arranged marriage
✅ childhood crush
✅ a lot of mischief
✅ a lot of bickering
✅ high sexual tension
✅ spicy scenes 🔥🔥🔥
I’ll definitely need to read the next book by Kate Callaghan and hopefully it’s about Peter.
Who’s ready for All Hallows’ Eve? Potions and Proposals by Kate Callaghan is a delightful read, that is perfect for the spooky season.
The setting: the charming town of Foxford, where witches, werewolves, and vampires live among the magless, those without magic. It reads like the ideal place for fall festivities.
The main characters, Lucinda and Benedict, grew up together. The childhood rivals love pulling pranks on one another. One prank goes too far which leads to their coven giving them an ultimatum. Magical mishaps ensue which leads to their elemental magic being switched. It’s a fun read, as you follow the characters becoming closer and realizing that there is a lot more between them than just their pranks.
I loved the banter between the two characters. The tension is everything! The chemistry feels so real, which I adored!
If you love a paranormal romance with the enemies to lovers trope, magic, festive fall vibes, and witty banter, then this book is for you. The best part, there is no third act break up.
Personally, I am looking forward to visiting Foxford again to see what some of the other characters are up to.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kate Callaghan for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Kate Callaghan and NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own,
Overall this book was well done and very cute! This is more of a "dislike to lovers" (if even that?) of two childhood friends. The book gave off small town country vibes with a spooky halloween type twist (think witches, the grim reaper, werewolves etc) which makes for a great palette cleanser in between some heave spooky reads.
I did struggle with the writing style of this book. I found it hard to connect to the characters beyond their superficial conversations, I would have loved to have gotten more depth from both of their characters. I did really enjoy having bot Lucinda's (Lucy) and Benedicts point of views though. Often times books leave out this element so I was pleasantly surprised to see it done here!
I enjoyed the variety of adventures in the book but felt they were sometimes disjointed from the main plot points and I found myself forgetting what was happening or having no idea how we ended up where we were which made for some frustration while reading.
A solid 3 star read for me.
Potions and Proposals offers a charming blend of magic and romance, though it doesn’t quite hit the mark. The world-building is imaginative, and the potion-making details are intriguing, capturing the essence of a whimsical universe.
The characters are relatable but can fall into familiar tropes, which may leave some readers wanting more depth. The romantic subplot has its moments, yet it sometimes feels predictable. Overall, it’s an enjoyable read for those seeking light escapism, but it may not leave a lasting impression.
Potions & Proposals was a fun witchy read for October. I enjoyed the small town setting and learning about the two families who keep the traditions going through the generations. The elements of fire and water was a nice way to reinforce the enemies to lovers storyline with Lucinda and Benedict. While I enjoyed the journey that Lucy and Benedict took to find each other, the storyline was predictable and I felt it dragged on a bit in the middle. I felt my self thinking, "ok get on with it" - then when it got to the last few chapters, the pace picked up again.
Overall a fun read that gives all the spooky season vibes.
Thank you Net Galley and Kate Callaghan for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Potions and Proposals is a cozy, witchy story focusing on Lucinda and Benedict. They've known each other their whole lives, which I absolute loved. Their relationship was very enjoyable. Seeing them grow from 'enemies' (more like annoying each other all the time) to friends and more was really fun. The story itself was quite predictable, but I did enjoy all the side 'plots' happening (Rosie and Emerson, Peter, the wolves, ...), supernatural mentions and vibe of the story.
a fun Halloween read about witches. a different kind of story I usually read, but I enjoyed it very much.
3.5 stars! This book was an entertaining read; it is Halloweentown with an enemies-to-lovers romance. The male main character is incredibly self-aware and swoon-worthy, and the female main character is confident and bold. The setting is immersive, and I feel like I know the characters very well. I was constantly rooting for them as a couple and as individuals. Good writing with a fun plot!
Adorable! Magic and enemies to lovers!
Fun little amount of spice and perfect for Halloween!
Amazing little cozy witchy romance !
3.5 stars
I started this a while ago and put it down but picked it back up and finished it in one sitting. Overall i liked the story of the town and elemental magic and the romance. There were a lot of unfinished loose ends, which i understand is probably for a series but with so many open story lines left me more dissatisfied than anxiously awaiting the next.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy of this e-arc.
This book was really cut enas freon the get go I knew I would find it cute and cosy perfect for the month of corner.
Lucy and Benedict were the perfect couple who just needed to see they were meant for each other
This was a little different for me, I loved the blurb and also the cover so wanted to give it a go even though it is not normally something I would read and boy was I NOT dissapointed I just could't put this down and wanted to keep reading way beyond the last page. I found another author to add to my must read list and I can't wait for more.
A fun, witchy romance perfect for the Halloween season! Rivals to lovers, with lots of magical hijinks. The town’s filled with interesting side characters, and I look forward to more books in this series.
Spicy, male female, paranormal (witches!), small town, contemporary romance. Perfect for spooky season; I love books with magical towns! Potions and Proposals takes place in the small town of Foxford. Full of witches, vampires, shifters, etc. going about their lives. The main leads have an enemies to lovers relationship that includes arranged marriage. Entertaining with lots of humor and heart. The spice is nice but not overly graphic. A cozy enjoyable read.
I found Potion and Proposals to have a really cute premise where magic and rivalries collide in the enchanting town of Foxford. The story follows Lucinda Hawthorne and Benedict Matherson, two strong-willed adversaries who must bind themselves magically by All Hallows' Eve. The charming atmosphere of Foxford immediately drew me in, making it an enjoyable read, especially for the spooky season.
The author's vivid imagination shines through by creating a lively and engaging narrative. The dialogue captures the characters' personalities well which adds to the overall charm of the story. The mix of witches, vampires, and other magical beings creates a rich backdrop that adds to the intrigue of the plot. I especially enjoyed how Lucinda and Benedict’s relationship evolves from rivals to engaged partners, and their interactions were entertaining and fun. Their journey together was delightful, with plenty of playful banter that kept me smiling throughout the book. I appreciated the growth they experienced as they navigated their magical binding which made their relationship even more engaging.
Potion and Proposals is a cute read that combines cozy fantasy, romance, and humor. It's a perfect choice for anyone looking for a light-hearted escape into a magical realm, especially during the spooky season!
Benedict and Lucinda grew up together as rivals. They caused each other a great deal of trouble. In order to keep their town from complete disaster they must put their differences aside.
I thought this book was cute. I could not put my kindle down, I read the book in less than 48 hours. I highly recommend for this spooky season.
Thoroughly enjoyed this romance between Lucinda and Benedict. Perfect Autumn read to get you in the mood for some romance this Halloween. Love the whole enemies to lovers storyline and to fall in love with each character yourself. Perfect.