🪄✨What a cute, endearing read! In this book, we meet the residents of The Serendipity apartment building in the first book in the Only Magic in the Building series!!

Archer left New York to start over and has purchased The Serendipity. The previous owner informs him the building has magic. He does not believe her, but on his first day there, he is started to find a woman in his closet. Willa, a resident, claims she was in her closet and then found herself in Archer’s!

The story follows Archer and Willa as the face many things: Archer and his dad’s trial; Willa and her ex-fiance coming back into town, trying to get her cookie business going, and working through an anxiety problem. The two didn’t start off on the best foot, but they developed a very sweet relationship.

I loved the character Bellamy! He was funny and mischievous and provided good comedic relief throughout the book. I found The Serendipity to be charming through the author’s description, and while authored by other authors, I am looking forward to reading the following books.
This book does focus on anxiety and panic attacks and handled it very well.

I recommend this book for a sweet, enjoyable read. Thanks Emma St. Clair, Net Galley and the publisher for a chance to read this eARC!!

This was fun, whimsical and something a bit different in the best way. The central grumpy/sunshine pair of Archer and Willa are great examples of those archetypes but also feel like well rounded and interesting characters, and the supporting cast was great: Bellamy almost steals the show, I really liked Sophie, Willa’s parents were adorable, and the building itself already feels like a character in its own right.

As the start of a series, this was the perfect introduction, and I’m definitely drawn in and wanting to read more!

4.5 stars

5 stars 🌟 I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in this series if book 1 was this good! I couldn’t put it down! Emma always delivers the best banter.

What to expect:
- grumpy x sunshine
- forced proximity
- magical realism 🪄
- slow burn clean romance
- billionaire MMC
- baker FMC
- dual POV

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Emma St. Clair for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

*Thank you, Emma, for this digital ARC!*
This book is such a great series starter! I’m so enthralled by this world and the magical elements. There was just enough that it felt whimsical but still realistic. The plot was adorable, and seeing Archer and Willa come together was so sweet. Their relationship felt real. They handled situations maturely and communicated with each other well. Willa was so bubbly and wholesome. I related to her so much. She had so much depth to her that I really enjoyed. I don’t want to say too much, but the anxiety representation was done tastefully, and I appreciated learning about her. Archer was great. His grumpy outside was balanced out amazingly with his caring inside. There was so much depth to him and his backstory. I wish it was explored more because he was so captivating to read about. I'm lowkey obsessed with his suits. 🤣 Bellamy was super sweet and hilarious. Watching him root for Archer and Willa was so lovely. The romance was impeccable. I’m such a sucker for grumpy sunshine, especially with an age gap, and this was IT. Archer and Willa balanced each other out so well and helped each other grow, which was very sweet. I loved seeing Willa open Archer up and seeing him happy. Seeing Archer become so protective over Willa was everything. May this love find me. 🧎🏻‍♀️ I would be lying if I didn’t have to put it down to scream because of their romance. I can’t wait to continue reading this series!!
There were a few passionate kisses and a brief anxiety attack.

Are you ready for a new, multi-author series? One that includes some fun whimsical magic. No spells, nothing over the top, just a building that has some magical properties and definitely likes matchmaking. I'm so excited for all of these books. I was wondering how the magic would feature and play out and thought it was quite enjoyable and well done. I can't wait to see what the building has in store for the other tenants in the other books. But Willa and Archer definitely had some fun adventures due to the building. Especially in regards to their first meeting. Hahaha! That had me giggling. They were both completely baffled. Especially Archer who had never heard of a building having magical properties. What in the world? He definitely was a skeptic, even when Willa kept showing up unexpectedly. But over time the building's little nudges help these two out and change their minds about being skeptical.

Both Willa and Archer have some issues from their past that they are trying to work through and figure out. It was sweet seeing how even though they didn't get off on the right foot with each other, when they finally saw past their initial impressions, they realized that they could be friends and help each other, then that built to more. They're pretty cute together! I loved watching them figure out their struggles together and encourage each other. There's a fun surprise at the ending and I loved it!

Content: Clean. One of the characters has agoraphobia (can't leave the town, it was interesting learning that it doesn't just mean not being able to leave one's home but can be a town/location as well). Another character deals with childhood neglect of a parent and loss of a mother. Some kisses but nothing further.

I received a copy from the publisher, Create If Writting LLC, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

I really enjoyed this book! A fun start to the Only Magic in the Building series and I will definitely be reading more. This was also my first Emma St. Clair book and really enjoyed it!!

The grumpy/sunshine dynamic was so cute and swoony and I really liked Archer and Willa together. There were several characters I met in the story that I really hope have stories later on! Also, shout out to Bellamy, loved him!

I always love a bit of magical realism in books—so this was right up my alley. And I appreciated Willa’s story/experience with agoraphobia and learning more about it.

Definitely pick this up for a light and sweet romance read. Can’t wait to visit The Serendipity again!

*Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an early digital copy!*

Willa and Archer could not be more different. He’s a billionaire who is hiding from the spotlight, and she is a baker who is struggling to make ends meet. But The Serendipity has a way of bringing people together.

After a rough meet cute- Willa and Archer both have attraction to each other, but don’t want to act on it due to their own personal issues.

It’s clear Willa wants to be a mom, she wanted to be a young mom, but that ship sailed four years ago. I found that I really related with Willa in the department. While I didn’t get married in my early twenties like I thought I would, I still very much want to be a mom.

Archer has never had a healthy family life, and I suspect he doesn’t have any experience with children, because he was never really allowed to be one in the first place. But after seeing Willa interact with a baby- he realizes he wants that with her. Despite Willa’s obvious desire to be a mom, I felt this was unresolved at the end of the book. But since this book is part of a larger series, I’m hoping for some sort of announcement or conclusion for her and Archer.

I loved seeing Archer soften towards Willa, he starts shedding his cold exterior around her, and she brings out something warm in him!
This book deals with a few different mental health issues, agoraphobia, anxiety, panic attacks, and I think these are all done well!

It’s refreshing to read a story where the two MCs realize their attraction for one another and don’t immediately go to the bedroom. Willa and Archer’s romance was high intensity and tension, but was kisses only! I loved the build up to their realization of love, and how they navigated their anxieties together!

My heart melted for Archer and Willa, and I can’t wait to read the next few books in the series!

3.5 stars

Alright, from the premise, The Serendipity has all the elements I would usually enjoy - a slight hint of magical realism, a grumpy billionaire, a sunshine baker and a potentially cute romance. I did enjoy the story and how everything was centred around a magical building. Unfortunately, the characters and the romance they shared fell a little bit short.

From the get-go, Archer doesn't seem likeable at all, and although we discover the reasons behind his behaviour, that first impression lingers. However, he does undergo growth as a character and I started liking him towards the end of the book. Willa was my favourite out of the two. She has been a long time resident of the small town that is Serendipity Springs, bakes delicious (and gorgeous-looking) cookies and is just a much nicer counterpart to Archer's grumpiness.

While individually these two are such great characters, their relationship felt a little bit dry. I couldn't really feel the chemistry between them, and I honestly think they needed a lot more growth (both individual and together) before they started dating.

Nevertheless while The Serendipity wasn't to my tastes, I'm sure there's people who will love this whimsical little book.

I really enjoyed this book! Both main characters were lovable and relatable- I thought the author did a great job with creating multi-dimensional characters within the grumpy/sunshine trope. Sometimes characters can feel flat or one note but not here, they both were working through things and it made their choices and actions make sense. The magic of the building was subtle and delightful and made me wish this building was real! I loved the side characters of Bellamy and Sophie and believe everyone should have a friend like them. I felt this book launched the series very well and I’m looking forward to reading the rest!

The Serendipity by Emma St. Clair is the first book in the Only Magic in the Building series - a low spice whimsical multi-authored romance series. The Serendipity introduces the town, building and some characters related to the series and it is a good start to the series. Sweet and cute romance. I look forward to the rest of the series.
I got the ARC from Create If Writing LLC via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are mine

This will be posted on Instagram @thereadingmom.ng on publication date

‘The Serendipity’ by Emma St. Clair is the first book in the ‘Only Magic In The Building’ series which will be releasing weekly on Kindle Unlimited starting from this Wednesday!

This book establishes the setting - a gorgeous historic apartment building in the cute small town of Serendipity Springs, recently purchased by billionaire Archer Gaines as a way to escape the drama surrounding his New York life and business. Initially determined to transform the lovable community created by the previous owner, who hadn’t raised rent in 25 years, into a shrewd investment, a sprinkle of magic brings resident Willa into his life, mind and heart…

This was a really sweet and good-natured read with characters who grew in depth throughout the chapters. Willa was totally loveable and I was rooting for her cookie baking business. I appreciated how both characters lived with anxieties and helped each other, and am always a fan of the grumpy-sunshine trope!

I’m really intrigued to see how the series develops since the magic in this instalment was a subtle but wonderful addition, and I’m excited to see what else the supernaturally helpful building will manifest for its residents.

This book gets a cute and lighthearted four stars from me!

I received an advance Digital Review Copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

ARC REVIEW

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC! The Serendipity is the first book in the Only Magic in the Building series—a delightful grumpy/sunshine romance with a touch of magic. Archer, a guarded billionaire escaping his past, and Willa, a free-spirited baker with a heart of gold, are thrown together by mysterious circumstances neither can explain. I absolutely adored these two! Willa’s warmth and cheer shine, especially as she brings out a softer, more vulnerable side to Archer. I also appreciated the thoughtful mental health representation and how both characters navigated their struggles in such an authentic way. If you love cozy small-town romances with a mischievous matchmaking building, this one is perfect for you!

I will also be posting the review on Instagram and TikTok on 3/4/2025. thank you so much for the opportunity! I really enjoyed this book.

Amanda DelPrince

The premise of the "Only Magic in the Building Series" was such a fun idea I was so excited to jump at the chance to read the first book in the series and I'm so happy I did. "The Serendipity" by Emma St. Clair is such a fun, whimsical story that sets up the rest of the 8 book series. When Willa finds herself transported from her closet to Archers and she has to try and explain this unexplainable circumstance...I was hooked.

Billionaire Archer and struggling cookie business owner Willa are such opposites - but opposites attract and these two individuals that struggle with different forms of anxiety are such a perfect pair and it's fun to read how their love story unfolds.

This is another fun, clean romance from Emma St Clair and it's just the perfect amount of romance and storytelling to keep this reader engaged. The anxiety representation was well done. I enjoyed both Archer and Willa's best friends as awesome encouragement to each of them and look forward to their respective stories later in the series.

Thank you to Netgalley and Victory Editing for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. Book publishes March 5, 2025.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
This was so very sweet, magical, and romantic! A building that has magic and is a matchmaker? Sign me up! This was a quick read and I am very interested in the rest of the series! I did not know until the end that each installment is written by a different author.

The Serendipity is a breath of fresh air when it comes to whimsical, sweet romance! I was hooked from the very start of my reading this and stepping into the quirky and admirable world of Serendipity Springs. I plan to read the other books in the series to follow and felt as if this was an amazing set-up for the series (as well as being well read an adorable stand-alone too).

Willa and Archer were opposites and boy, did they attract, lol, opposites attract! Willa was so cute and quirky, and all of her baking made me crave cookies like no other. While Archer (middle name: logic) was practical and very business-like, coming from New York. The love story of these strangers-to-lovers was such a fun journey to watch unfold and grow.

I loved Willa’s bestie, Sophie, and how they actually became friends over books! I also loved Willa’s family - her dad with the trains…and, excuse me, but Archer joining in on that hobby?! I MELT!!! Lastly, I can not skip out on mentioning Mr Bellamy, as he was one of my faves from this story that made me smirk and giggle throughout.

Read if you like:
🚪Whimsical, light “magical” elements
🦡Animal..um, run-ins
🍪Baker MFC
🫶🏼Grumpy businessman
😜Fun supportive characters
🩷Multi-author, closed-door romcom series!!!

I was immediately intrigued when I heard about the ONLY MAGIC IN THE BUILDING series - eight standalone closed door romance novels taking place in a magical building. The covers are gorgeous and I’m already familiar with a few of the authors whose books I loved.

THE SERENDIPITY is the first book in the series and is aptly named as it introduces us to the building. The Serendipity is a 60-unit apartment building rumored to help its residents find love.

Archer Gaines is the new owner of the building. He is a pragmatic, no-nonsense billionaire who is not interested in the building’s reputation. He sees it solely as his latest real estate investment. It’s also an escape from the black cloud hanging over his life.

Willa Smith is one of the Serendipity’s residents and a talented baker operating a struggling cookie business out of the building’s community kitchen. A native of Serendipity Springs, she is still rebounding from her last relationship. The building is her refuge; her safe place from the secret she’s carrying.

Archer and Willa meet when she suddenly appears in his closet. He is the grumpy. She is the sunshine. It’s time for the Serendipity to work it’s magic (with a little help from Bellamy, the true hero of this story).

This was the perfect kickoff to the series. Whimsical, heartfelt, and fun; THE SERENDIPITY is a wholly enjoyable book with just the right amount of magical realism. I’m more excited than ever for the remaining books.

Thank you to NetGalley, Emma St. Clair, and Victory Editing for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

I had the best time reading The Serendipity! It had me laughing out loud, the banter was so fun, and in my opinion, it represented anxiety really well. I loved Willa and Archer’s story! Grumpy-Sunshine is one of my favorite troupes and I really enjoyed reading this book.

Bellamy was hands down my favorite character and honestly the friend that everyone should have. (& finding out that there is a bonus scene with Bellamy on Emma’s website, honestly made my day!)

I also really enjoyed the magical aspect of the book. It was different than what I typically read, but a good different. I cannot wait to read the rest of the books in the Only Magic In The Building series!

Thank you so much for the advanced copy. All opinions expressed above are my own.

As an introduction to the multi-author series about the neighbors in the magically inclined Serendipity apartment building, this book does everything that I wanted it to do. It introduces a number of the main characters (including the delightfully named Galentine and Bellamy), sets the tone for the neighborhood, and then pulls us into a Narnia-like closet situation that is as hilarious as it is heart-warming.

Tropes include:
- Grumpy/sunshine
- Billionaire MMC
- Magic closets
- Neurodivergent main characters
- Boss/Employee romance

I appreciated the way that the book dealt with both Willa’s and Archer’s mental health struggles. They’re not too heavy, but they do inform our understanding of why the characters do what they do.

The grumpy/sunshine trope can be a difficult line to walk, because you don’t want the “grumpy” to descend into “toxic,” such that you dislike the character too much. Emma St. Clair handles that with her usual masterful touch in this book, and Archer’s stiffness of demeanor is explained and softened from the beginning by his friend Bellamy, so we know that there are reasons why he is the way he is. Discovering his story is one of the best parts of the book!

Likewise, Willa has a secret, and she has been struggling with it for years. Without spoiling the discovery of that, I will say that I loved the way Archer’s response to her struggles reveals his heart…that’s what ultimately won me over and convinced me to root for him!

Reading this book is a delightful way to spend an afternoon, and I’m eagerly anticipating the rest of the series.

The Only Magic in The Building series couldn't have a better start. A cozy magical realism, clean, romance series written by the greatest names of closed-door fiction. I couldn't be more excited.

In the first story, The Serendipity by Emma St. Clair, we follow Willa, one of the residents, as she is magically transported from her closet to Archer's, the billionaire who just bought the building. As you probably can assume by this quick description of the meet cute, this book has the classic grumpy-sunshine structure, with a touch of magic, but also deals with more deeper topics, such as toxic family dynamics and anxiety (please check the TW).

Even though there are snippets of chemistry between the characters, it wasn't until 50% into the book that I started to feel like they made sense as a couple. This kind of disappointed me, considering how much I love the way Emma builds the main characters' connection from page one.

The side characters were incredibly funny, especially Bellamy, who stole the show (BTW, at the end of the book you can find a link to a short story called Only Bellamy in The Building, which takes place during the epilog - you don't wanna miss it!) Sophie was the most lovely best friend ro Willa, and I can't wait for her story, Petals and Plot Twists by Jenny Proctor (available 03/19!).

The Serendipity was a great start to this series, and I can't wait to read the following books!

Thank you so much to the Netgalley and publishing team for access to this ARC. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

AVAILABLE 03/05 💙

This book didn’t really quite work for me. There wasn’t anything specific I didn’t like but I didn’t connect with the characters like I hope I would. There wasn’t really a build up to the romance either.