This was such a fun, light-hearted witchy cozy fantasy! While there are three books in the series, they can be read as standalones. I actually read the second book as an ARC a couple of years ago and loved it so much that I knew I had to go back and read the first book.

I absolutely adored the cozy, magical seaside town where this story takes place. Though the setting is during the summer, the lush descriptions of plants, flowers, animals, and nature give it the perfect cottagecore aesthetic, making it an ideal read for both spring and summer.

The story is a bit of a slow burn, and it took me about 30% of the book to fully get invested in the characters and plot. But once I did, I had such a great time! This is an enemies-to-lovers romance—not usually my favorite trope—but when done well, it can be really enjoyable, and this book delivered. I loved getting to know Aria and Callan. The dual POV format was a great choice, allowing for deeper character development and a stronger emotional connection. They start off as “enemies,” but when circumstances force them to work together (plenty of forced proximity), their chemistry sparks, and their relationship gradually blossoms. While the romance is predictable, the journey to their happily-ever-after is utterly charming and swoon-worthy. There’s just the right amount of tension and buildup, leading to a very satisfying conclusion. There is a little bit of spice that I would rate PG-13 and some language.

Aria’s family was another highlight for me. Her grandmother (who, for some reason, I imagined with Angela Lansbury’s voice!), her cousin, and her cousin’s daughter were all so lovable and supportive. Their warmth and strong family bonds added another cozy layer to the story.

I also really enjoyed the plot. Sometimes, witchy books can feel slow or uneventful, but that wasn’t the case here. Once the magical contest began, with contestants facing different challenges, the story became so much fun. There’s a great mix of elements—mean-girl drama, the tension between Aria and Callan, personal insecurities both characters must overcome, and the high stakes of Aria wanting to win the magical garden to save her family’s potion shop. It all kept me engaged and eager to see how everything played out.

Paranormal romance isn’t usually my go-to, but this book completely hit the spot. It was enchanting, charming, magical, cozy, and so sweet. Now, I can’t wait to dive into the third book and finish the series! If you’re looking for a cute paranormal romance with lovable characters, an engaging plot, and a cozy small-town setting by the sea—sprinkled with plenty of magic—then this book is for you. Highly recommend!