Spells and Spirits: A Sapphic Paranormal Cozy Romance Novella

by Violet Dawson

When magic and passion swirl, desire sparks into a bewitching sapphic paranormal romance...

Meet Andrea Gomez, a witch with a problem. She's been hired to banish the stubborn spirits haunting Willoughby House, but one beguiling ghost refuses to budge — Cecilia Morgan, a sassy flapper who died under mysterious circumstances. Cecilia’s got zero interest in crossing over to the other side, and she's driving Andrea crazy.

Determined to get her payment and push Cecilia into the light once and for all, Andrea sets up camp in the haunted house. Sparks fly and the connection between Andrea and Cecilia deepens, and soon an irresistible attraction takes hold. Magic and passion surge around them as they find themselves drawn together in delicious ways they never expected.

But can their love break the boundaries between life and death?

If you're longing for a cozy paranormal romance that will transport you to a world of love, magic, and passion, this short-and-sweet novella will leave you spellbound!

Genres: Romance, Paranormal

103 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 23, 2023

About the author

Violet Dawson writes fun, fantastical books with lots of heart and plenty of steam. When she's not crafting new stories, Violet can be found exploring the Midwestern United States, sipping coffee while curled up with a good book, or spending time with her family and beloved pets. (Sometimes, she does all those things at the same time, and it’s pretty great!)

With a natural talent for weaving captivating stories and creating characters that readers can't help falling in love with, Violet's books are sure to leave you smiling and feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written, sweet and sexy paranormal romance! Quick short read. One MC is a witch, born from a powerful witch family she no longer associates with. She is trying to make ends meet by helping ghosts move on from haunting. Her newest job being a mansion with several ghosts, all but one has now moved on. The remaining ghost is our other MC. She has been tied to this mansion/house for over a hundred years. Meeting her witch coincides with her ghostly powers changing and her becoming more corporeal which leads to lovely encounters ;). Recommend!


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spells and Spirits is short novella that gives us a look through a frosted window into the lives of Andrea Gomez, a witch hired to cleanse an old mansion of it’s haunts, and Cecelia Morgan, the haunt in question.

This book is heavy on spice and low on substance but, considering it is a novella, I cannot fault it for such. Still I wish there was more time spent with Andrea and her past - considering that this book was spent looking into Cecelia’s it felt a little heavy handed with her (I would have happily forgone one of the spice scenes to get a few more pages of character development.)

Overall there is some fun magic, interesting ghostly rules and lots of romance.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shimere Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Spells and Spirits" is a captivating and enchanting sapphic paranormal romance that weaves a spellbinding tale of love and magic. Andrea is a determined witch with a mission to banish stubborn spirits from Willoughby House, encountering more than she bargained for when she meets Cecilia, a sassy ghost.

The chemistry between Andrea and Cecilia is nothing short of adorable and lovable. Their interactions are filled with witty banter and undeniable attraction, making them a truly charming pair. The gradual deepening of their connection is beautifully portrayed, and their love story is a joy to witness.

What sets this novella apart is its unique blend of the paranormal and romance genres. The story takes unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers engaged and intrigued throughout. The whodunnit element adds an exciting layer of mystery that I wasn't anticipating, and the resolution at the end was both surprising and satisfying.

The author has crafted a world where magic and passion intertwine seamlessly, creating a rich and immersive reading experience. The story's brevity doesn't detract from its ability to transport readers into a realm where love transcends the boundaries between life and death.

"Spells and Spirits" is a delightful and heartwarming read that left me spellbound lol. The adorable characters, unexpected plot twists, and a satisfying resolution make it a must-read for fans of paranormal romance. If you're seeking a cozy and unique love story filled with magic and passion, this novella will enchant you from beginning to end.

[Maya Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a digital ARC of Spells and Spirits: A Sapphic Paranormal Cozy Romance Novella by Violet Dawson from BookSirens.

What a charming novella!! It was short and sweet, with a fair bit of magic and whimsy!!

I am not overly familiar with supernatural / paranormal romances, but I can say without a doubt that this was a wonderful one, as it had everything I really care for in a romance: genuine attraction to one another, healthy dynamics, and conflict not based (entirely) in their inability to communicate.

Speaking of conflict: this is quite the story of urgency. Andrea has one weekend left to rid the historic (and haunted) Willoughby House of its ghosts. This book begins after she has removed all save one. Cecilia, a sentient ghost from 1921.

Of course, this would not be a romance without, well, romance! We get both Andrea and Cecilia’s perspectives throughout, and watching them realize their feelings in such a short timespan is lovely (without spoilers; obviously, feelings are realized in a romance)!! Their interactions for the first few chapters are laced with tension (of a romantic / sexual kind), so when their feelings do come to light, it feels believable. I was initially skeptical of embracing their romance due to the timeline of the book, but the more I read, the more I enjoyed it!

Yeah, I pretty much just loved this!

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sadly, the latest from Violet Dawson was not my favorite. The premise was intriguing and I loved that it was a sapphic romance, but the characters were flatter than a crepe. I normally adore an instalove novella - a quick burst of happiness and low on angst - but I felt like we hardly got to know either of the main characters. I don't know why Andrea & Cece immediately jumped in bed together. One minute Cece didn't trust Andrea, the next they are making out in the foyer. So, Andrea is cool now because she's a good kisser? I just didn't get or feel the attraction between the two. Out of all of the characters in the book, I thought Andrea's dad and Malcolm were most interesting and deserved more page time.

The plot could have been so much more! I think bringing in Andrea's dad and the other powerful witches would have been very cool and added a lot of dimension. The solution to the murder mystery was lackluster and the ending was confusing and not 100% satisfying. I kept waiting for a big reveal or something shocking to happen, but it just wasn't there.

All that being said, I will continue to read Violet Dawson. Her Harthaven series is a cozy, instalove extravaganza perfect for fall.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lolly Timmo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was exactly what I was looking for in a ghost romance novella.

One of our heroines, Andrea, is a witch who's been hired to get rid of the ghosts in a haunted house so that it can be developed. But one ghost in particular just isn't budging - Cecilia, a ghost in a flapper dress who knows she died at a party in that house but doesn't know how.

I loved the setup - Andrea is literally being paid to move Cecilia on from being a ghost, but falls for her. There's a nice bit of intrigue with the house's history, and a little jeopardy too in the form of whether Andrea will manage to keep her finances afloat.

I'm always fascinated by the different ways that ghost romances manage steamy scenes, and this didn't disappoint on that front at all.

There were areas of the story and character development that could have been fleshed out more, but for a novella that's not surprising.

If you're looking for a short, steamy sapphic paranormal romance that's a little different then definitely give this one a try.

Thank you BookSirens for the free review copy. All thoughts are my own.

[Danelle Bradley (queerlygayoticreader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Novella Review

Spells and Spirits: A Sapphic Paranormal Cozy Romance Novella
By: Violet Dawson

I had the pleasure of getting an ARC for an honest review of this novella. Overall I give this cute novella 4 stars. This cute story about a witch named Andrea who is a ghost hunter who is trying to make a name for herself apart from her family name. The last ghost, Cecilila, left in her current assignment has seem to give her the hardest time but Cecilia has other plans than going into the light. I loved that they had interacting some prior to the start of the novella, their chemistry came in hot and heavy very quickly. The paranormal aspect just cranked up the spice to the next level. I just wish I had a little more relationship development, they fell in love VERY quickly for me, and Cecilia using “witchy poo” is not my favorite nickname. But I truly loved their chemistry together. Super happy feel good ending. Will be recommending!

[Kayla Hammons · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is such a fun, quirky, quick read! A true pallet cleanser that will make you want to binge read it in one sitting! Needing a shorter book to help get you out of a reading slump after reading a large, heavy book? This is the perfect fix and the book you are looking for!

Spells and Spirits is a cozy sapphic paranormal romance story between a ghost and the witch sent in to expel her from the property; so the owner can start renovations on the history home. With her job on the line, Andrea is pressed for time to solve the mystery of who murdered Cecilia, before her contract is up and she is forced to banish Cecilia with not any closing answers. Will she make it in time or will love blossom and a new questions begin…. Is there a way to keep Cecelia around and solve her murder?!


Thank you to Violet Dawson for providing me a complimentary copy of this book via BookSirens. It was a pleasure to read and review!

[Charmi Zielinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet Dawson did a great job at capturing a sapphic romance in this novella. It had the potential to be a full length novel if she intended it to be. There was room for more of the FMC Andreas background, and her family drama which was mentioned not explored. I would have loved to hear more about Andrea and Cecilia’s future, and how they manage being together. I enjoyed this quick read, and would love more on the characters. I loved how it was a witch tale written in a modern world, where witches used their phones as tools, it’s not something I’ve come across in any other book and I reading about it made this fantasy book seem more real and relatable. I received a free ARC of this book from BookSirens

[Amelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spells and Spirits is a short, sweet, sapphic paranormal romance where two women separated by time and death find each other and fall in love. I thought the premise was very original and the ending wasn’t perfect, but relatively realistic for the circumstances. Nothing brought this book to the next level for me, it was cute but lacked some substance and character development. This also felt very insta-love, which isn’t a trope I generally enjoy. This would be a good choice to read during Fall and doesn’t take much time or commitment to get through. Overall, it’s a very simplistic read I wanted a little bit more from.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

[Looby Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you do when a ghost refuses to stop haunting an old house and pass on? Move in with it. That’s what Andrea, a witch, does for the weekend when the deadline for getting the house ghost free is looming fast.

Ghost Cecilia, isn’t sticking around for the fun of it although once Andrea sets up camp that’s exactly what she’s going to get.

Good imagination used in bridging the void between the living and the dead.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lauren C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very sweet short story. The characters were fun and charming and I enjoyed reading them get to know each other. There is a detailed sex scene in the middle of the story, just something to be aware of. I found it well written, if a little long for such a short read. The book gave some details about Andrea's background and family and I think it would great to find out more about that. I also liked that it didn't end in the way you'd expect it to.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice short story about a witch and a ghost. I really wish that the book had been longer since there were so many different areas to explore with these two. Andrea is a witch and Cecilia is a ghost that refuses to leave the house so that Andrea can complete her task of clearing the ghosts out of a mansion for her client. I really liked the way the author kept the story the going with anticipation to the last page.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jamie (TheRebelliousReader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars. Cute and spicy little novella. I didn’t love it but it was fun. Andrea is a witch and Cecilia is a ghost. Andrea wants to free Cecilia’s spirit that’s been haunting the Willoughby House. I thought all of that was super interesting. I liked the main characters and their relationship was alright (could’ve done without the nickname ‘Witchy Poo’ the cringe) and the sex scenes were hot. They fall in love way too quickly but it’s fine, this is only a hundred pages so whatever and I found the ending to be a bit strange but I liked it. Overall, this was entertaining.

[Kristin Keele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, cozy, fun read. Andrea needs to get paid or she's not going to be able to stay in business. She takes a job clearing a large old mansion of its ghosts. But she didn't anticipate Cecilia. Can she save her love and her business? This is an adorable shirt romance with fun magical elements. My only wish after reading this is that we got more character development, but still very enjoyable. 

Thank you to book sirens for this ARC, which I am reviewing voluntarily and honestly. 

[Ridley Zarate · Rating 5 out of 5]

*insert disclaimer about how I got this book from booksirens and am leaving a review on my own, voluntarily and happily*
Bro. I'm so serious when I say I read the entire thing on my lunch break. Combining sapphic romance, which is the way to my heart, with the paranormal? Phenomenal.
also the SPICE omg. My only complaint is that it's over because I want a follow-up. I want to know if they figured out the answer. I want their happy ever after! This hurts me.

[Stephanie Ess · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet, steamy story! The plot was very interesting, and unexpected at several different points. Even though it was a short story, the character development was well-done and I felt like I understood the characters to the extent possible in a short story. My only complaint is that I didn't get nearly enough of the characters or the story's world - I'd love to read more about it all! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is heartwarming and cozy. I only wish it were a bit longer because the relationship between Andrea and Cecilia has developed faster than I prefer. Nevertheless, I find it very enjoyable, and it brings a big smile to my face. It's exactly what I need right now!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Serpina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and cute love story between a witch and a ghost. I was curious about the how/why, which cost the last star, but it works just fine without it.

Due to the short format, it's fast-paced, but not hectic. I really enjoyed it and recommend it to anyone who likes paranormal sapphic spice.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Perle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a super cute sapphic novella romance between a witch and a ghost.
It was cozy, spicy, funny. Everything you need. I only wish it was a little bit longer. I wanted to see more of Cecilia and Andrea’s love story.

I want to thank Booksirens and Violet Dawson for providing this ARC for free. I’m leaving this honest review willingly.

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 1 out of 5]

“Just because I can talk to dead people, that doesn’t mean I can read their minds, too.”

This book drags and I lost interest 30% through it Andrea is much better "drawn" than Cecilia. I really don't like the manipulation that is depicted. All in all, this book is very uncomfortable.

[ Disclaimer: I received this book from BookSirens and voluntarily read and reviewed it]

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different story for me. I did enjoyed the connection between the characters. I did enjoyed the story. The way Andrea worked to find out what happened. Cecilia the ghost and Andrea the witch. a good read

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Crystal Lobetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet short story about a witch who is hired to cleanse s mansion of spirits for the new owners. What follows is a sweet love story. I read it in one sitting. You should definitely read it.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[BA · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such an intriguing and lighthearted novella. It pulled me in from the start and kept me on the edge of my seat. Would love to see more of Andrea and Cecilia and get a better answer to the he dilemma at hand.

[Kay ❤️‍🔥 · Rating 2 out of 5]

do I think the plot has potential? Yes. Do I ever want to see the words “Witchy Poo” again? No.

[Andrea (looseleftlesbian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little story! I obvi wanted more and would love to see this as a novel!!