emjorgie's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was fun and cute. I liked the town and all the side character. I hope this turns into a series with companion novels because I need the rest of their stories!
leahsbooks's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you to Forever for sending me a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was really excited about this book, because it looked exactly like the kind of book that I would like, and it arrived just in time for my spate of paranormal October reads. But once I started reading … you know those books where you can already tell that you’re going to love it once you’ve finished the first chapter? This was one of those.
Martin sets this story in a town where witches, vampires, gnomes, and other paranormal creatures live harmoniously, out in the open, with no politics or conflict. The town is just widely accepted as a magical place, and it was really cool to see that for a change. The majority of paranormal stories involve secrecy surrounding the magical characters, and this one completely removed that aspect, allowing the romance and the central conflicts for the characters to shine.
Lucy is an enjoyable character. She’s settled in Freya Grove, where she’s lived her entire life. As a teacher and the eldest of three sisters, she’s the responsible one who lives a quiet, boring life. But as her 10-year reunion approaches and she receives an email requesting an update on her life, she realizes that nothing has really changed for her. And her sisters, cousin, and she decide to finally make use of their magic and wish for what they really want. Now she’s got to decide what it is that she wants:
“What do you want? Late-night calls. Kisses sweeter than honey. Someone that will stir my soul. Stupid inside jokes. Fun dates. Sharing hopes and fears. To feel safe and secure. A space of my own.”
Ultimately, she wishes for more excitement. And that is exactly what she gets. Suddenly she can’t refuse any exciting invitation that she gets, winding up participating in everything she never expected to. Even when she crosses paths with Alex, her old high school flame that never quite worked out, since he took off immediately after graduation.
We also get to see Alex’s POV, which was nice. Alex is a merman, which was really cool to see, since it isn’t a common thing to see, and especially because both of the characters are Black. Part of being a merman for him is having an intense wanderlust and being unable to stay put in one place, so being gifted a house is a problem, and not just because it’s directly across the street from Lucy. Since Alex moves so often, he keeps material possessions and emotional connections to a minimum, and that’s been his motto for all of his life:
“He lived under one rule: If you don’t keep anything, you can’t lose it.”
But as they get to know each other again, things clearly can’t be simple. With her cousin’s wedding looming, their class reunion getting closer every day, and Alex’s plan to leave at the end of the summer hanging over their head, along with Lucy’s ex seemingly popping up around every corner, the two of them wind up fake dating as Lucy decorates Alex’s house. You and I both know how that goes, and the fake dating doesn’t last long before things start to feel real and both of them catch genuine feelings for each other, feelings that never really went anywhere in the last ten years, but each of them know that they ultimately want different things, and neither wants to ask the other to give up on what they truly want:
“This distance between her and Alex seemed vast. It felt as if she and Alex were on opposite shores, separated by an invisible storm-tossed ocean; she couldn’t navigate the water alone, and he couldn’t cross over it to meet her.”
I adored this story. It’s a sweet romance, with some humor, some sparkles of magic, and a beautiful peek into these two people who felt incredibly real. I loved the sibling relationships between Lucy and her sisters, Sirena and Callie, as well as the way they related to their cousin, Ursula. This was one of those books that I had to read slowly just to savor it, because I didn’t want to rush through it. And while it’s rare that I read a book with absolutely no content warnings, it was nice to read a sweet and fluffy read with a happy ending.
I was really excited about this book, because it looked exactly like the kind of book that I would like, and it arrived just in time for my spate of paranormal October reads. But once I started reading … you know those books where you can already tell that you’re going to love it once you’ve finished the first chapter? This was one of those.
Martin sets this story in a town where witches, vampires, gnomes, and other paranormal creatures live harmoniously, out in the open, with no politics or conflict. The town is just widely accepted as a magical place, and it was really cool to see that for a change. The majority of paranormal stories involve secrecy surrounding the magical characters, and this one completely removed that aspect, allowing the romance and the central conflicts for the characters to shine.
Lucy is an enjoyable character. She’s settled in Freya Grove, where she’s lived her entire life. As a teacher and the eldest of three sisters, she’s the responsible one who lives a quiet, boring life. But as her 10-year reunion approaches and she receives an email requesting an update on her life, she realizes that nothing has really changed for her. And her sisters, cousin, and she decide to finally make use of their magic and wish for what they really want. Now she’s got to decide what it is that she wants:
“What do you want? Late-night calls. Kisses sweeter than honey. Someone that will stir my soul. Stupid inside jokes. Fun dates. Sharing hopes and fears. To feel safe and secure. A space of my own.”
Ultimately, she wishes for more excitement. And that is exactly what she gets. Suddenly she can’t refuse any exciting invitation that she gets, winding up participating in everything she never expected to. Even when she crosses paths with Alex, her old high school flame that never quite worked out, since he took off immediately after graduation.
We also get to see Alex’s POV, which was nice. Alex is a merman, which was really cool to see, since it isn’t a common thing to see, and especially because both of the characters are Black. Part of being a merman for him is having an intense wanderlust and being unable to stay put in one place, so being gifted a house is a problem, and not just because it’s directly across the street from Lucy. Since Alex moves so often, he keeps material possessions and emotional connections to a minimum, and that’s been his motto for all of his life:
“He lived under one rule: If you don’t keep anything, you can’t lose it.”
But as they get to know each other again, things clearly can’t be simple. With her cousin’s wedding looming, their class reunion getting closer every day, and Alex’s plan to leave at the end of the summer hanging over their head, along with Lucy’s ex seemingly popping up around every corner, the two of them wind up fake dating as Lucy decorates Alex’s house. You and I both know how that goes, and the fake dating doesn’t last long before things start to feel real and both of them catch genuine feelings for each other, feelings that never really went anywhere in the last ten years, but each of them know that they ultimately want different things, and neither wants to ask the other to give up on what they truly want:
“This distance between her and Alex seemed vast. It felt as if she and Alex were on opposite shores, separated by an invisible storm-tossed ocean; she couldn’t navigate the water alone, and he couldn’t cross over it to meet her.”
I adored this story. It’s a sweet romance, with some humor, some sparkles of magic, and a beautiful peek into these two people who felt incredibly real. I loved the sibling relationships between Lucy and her sisters, Sirena and Callie, as well as the way they related to their cousin, Ursula. This was one of those books that I had to read slowly just to savor it, because I didn’t want to rush through it. And while it’s rare that I read a book with absolutely no content warnings, it was nice to read a sweet and fluffy read with a happy ending.
smashingstars's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.0
spookyinthestacks's review against another edition
4.0
I was provided a copy of this book to read via NetGalley and it certainly did not disappoint. Lucy is such a delightful character and I found myself very sucked into the magical world, hidden within New Jersey, of all places -- a place I often frequent. I loved the references to places such as Jenkinson's Boardwalk in the book! I definitely enjoyed this little witch/merman love saga, and loved that this was very much a book about jumping outside your comfort zone and being your best self. Perfect end to 2022 and onward to 2023!
louise_lion's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
This book was not my vibe. However, if you love hallmark movies you’ll probably like this story. The only reason I didn’t DNF it is because I am already behind in my reading goal and I got too far to quit. Also I was running around doing things all day so it was easy to have something that I didn’t love on in the background.
briisbooked's review against another edition
4.0
First Thoughts:
Where's the magic?
Mini Review:
I read this book to end the month of October with something easy and light. The book delivered in that aspect. Where it became disappointing was when there wasn't a lot of magic going on.
Pros:
- Second chance romance, which is my favorite trope.
- MCs are Black and magical
- Small Town vibe
Cons:
- Ursula... enough said about that one
- Not enough magic
- The inconsistency with Alex's "mermanness," I wanted a full commitment from that and didn't receive it.
- Finally, the teasing of the sexual tension. I'm grown, this book is grown give me SEX! It doesn't have to be raunchy, but the little taste and then nothing gets on my nerves!
3.75/5⭐️
Where's the magic?
Mini Review:
I read this book to end the month of October with something easy and light. The book delivered in that aspect. Where it became disappointing was when there wasn't a lot of magic going on.
Pros:
- Second chance romance, which is my favorite trope.
- MCs are Black and magical
- Small Town vibe
Cons:
- Ursula... enough said about that one
- Not enough magic
- The inconsistency with Alex's "mermanness," I wanted a full commitment from that and didn't receive it.
- Finally, the teasing of the sexual tension. I'm grown, this book is grown give me SEX! It doesn't have to be raunchy, but the little taste and then nothing gets on my nerves!
3.75/5⭐️
dansydreads's review against another edition
3.0
This a cute modern setting fantasy with witches, mermen and gnomes. The story got a little convoluted with what exactly was happening with Lucy and her sisters' wishes, but as long as you don't take it too seriously it's a fun Halloween season read.
celiarecommends's review against another edition
5.0
Welcome to Freya Grove, filled with magical air, yet people gossip and cast hexes against each other behind closed doors.
Lucy learned earlier in life that she and everyone else in her family were special. She knew she was a witch. She stepped out for the Founders Day Festival. When Nana passed away, she trusted Lucy to watch over everyone and the witches' legacy. But Lucy didn't think she was fit for the job or couldn't think of doing as well as Nana did. In fact, all she could think of was how boring her life was.
Have you ever met a merman? Well, meet Alexander "Alex" Owen Dwyer. He's back in the town of Freya Grove, and everyone has something to say about his return. Alex's ego doesn't let him get too invested in anything, even with a persistent mum. But it's his 29th birthday, and it's okay to be at home and celebrate with family. At least for chocolate cake.
Everything seems fine, even after bumping into Alex again after a long time. That's until a wish becomes a spell, and Lucy can't say NO. Imagine what would happen if your wish was "I wish for excitement in my life."
When their paths cross again, they decide to help each other. In exchange, Alex helps Lucy fix his new house and put it up for sale, and he helps her find a soulmate. How would this merman and witch figure out what they're looking for is staring them right in the face?
1. Rom/Com
2. Witch & Merman
3. Diverse Characters
Lucy learned earlier in life that she and everyone else in her family were special. She knew she was a witch. She stepped out for the Founders Day Festival. When Nana passed away, she trusted Lucy to watch over everyone and the witches' legacy. But Lucy didn't think she was fit for the job or couldn't think of doing as well as Nana did. In fact, all she could think of was how boring her life was.
Have you ever met a merman? Well, meet Alexander "Alex" Owen Dwyer. He's back in the town of Freya Grove, and everyone has something to say about his return. Alex's ego doesn't let him get too invested in anything, even with a persistent mum. But it's his 29th birthday, and it's okay to be at home and celebrate with family. At least for chocolate cake.
Everything seems fine, even after bumping into Alex again after a long time. That's until a wish becomes a spell, and Lucy can't say NO. Imagine what would happen if your wish was "I wish for excitement in my life."
When their paths cross again, they decide to help each other. In exchange, Alex helps Lucy fix his new house and put it up for sale, and he helps her find a soulmate. How would this merman and witch figure out what they're looking for is staring them right in the face?
1. Rom/Com
2. Witch & Merman
3. Diverse Characters
keepingyouonread's review against another edition
3.0
My spooky reads are fun witches only - nothing too creepy, Witchful Thinking, a cute contemporary romance, is exactly that. Set in a fictional New Jersey shore town, Lucy and Alex had a crush on each other in high school but separated when Alex left to travel the world. He’s back in town and living across the street. Can they make it work a second time?
What I liked: The second chance at love and life angle, as well as watching the characters grow. Lucy has all these hopes and dreams but doesn’t act on them until she and her sisters/cousin cast a wish. Alex is too scared to keep anything he cares about because he may lose it. The will they or won’t they change kept my interest.
The nods to the real Jersey Shore - love the Jenkinson’s reference.
What didn’t work for me: I wish there was a bit more world-building and explanation of what each magical creature can and can’t do. More magic would have been nice.
Ursula’s storyline felt a little incomplete but I could also see it setting up another book.
Who should read it: You watched Charmed and loved the friendship angle (no scary demons in this book).
While I think this could be popular for fall (witches), the story is set in the summer giving it more of a beach read feel.
Thank you forever and netgalley for the gifted copy.
What I liked: The second chance at love and life angle, as well as watching the characters grow. Lucy has all these hopes and dreams but doesn’t act on them until she and her sisters/cousin cast a wish. Alex is too scared to keep anything he cares about because he may lose it. The will they or won’t they change kept my interest.
The nods to the real Jersey Shore - love the Jenkinson’s reference.
What didn’t work for me: I wish there was a bit more world-building and explanation of what each magical creature can and can’t do. More magic would have been nice.
Ursula’s storyline felt a little incomplete but I could also see it setting up another book.
Who should read it: You watched Charmed and loved the friendship angle (no scary demons in this book).
While I think this could be popular for fall (witches), the story is set in the summer giving it more of a beach read feel.
Thank you forever and netgalley for the gifted copy.
kjadoonath's review against another edition
4.0
I would read a dozen more books set in this cozy small town. Hopefully the unfinished side plots are resolved in future books set in this town!