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The Buchanans #1
Fumbling for Affection
It’s a fine line between love and hate, but what’s a witch to do when he tackles her heart?
Maggie Buchanan, a reluctant, mediocre, energy-shifting witch, runs Brewster’s, a local, cozy coffee shop she’s managed for years. Her dreams crumble when Lucas Rodriguez, a charming nuisance from college, tries to butter her up by entering the baking contest she needs to win to finance her rise to success.
As a star NFL center, Lucas always fumbles in winning Maggie’s heart. Determined to prove himself, he joins the baking contest, uncovering her secret desire, and creates a recipe for disaster.
Fumbling for Affection kicks off the magical Buchanan series. It perfectly mixes closed-door romance, witty banter, and a sassy talking cat with a scoop of second chances and a dash of a close-knit family, all kneaded together with the magic of love.
Maggie Buchanan, a reluctant, mediocre, energy-shifting witch, runs Brewster’s, a local, cozy coffee shop she’s managed for years. Her dreams crumble when Lucas Rodriguez, a charming nuisance from college, tries to butter her up by entering the baking contest she needs to win to finance her rise to success.
As a star NFL center, Lucas always fumbles in winning Maggie’s heart. Determined to prove himself, he joins the baking contest, uncovering her secret desire, and creates a recipe for disaster.
Fumbling for Affection kicks off the magical Buchanan series. It perfectly mixes closed-door romance, witty banter, and a sassy talking cat with a scoop of second chances and a dash of a close-knit family, all kneaded together with the magic of love.
475 pages, Paperback
First published November 28, 2023
17 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
December 11, 2023
Overall, I enjoyed this book. This was a quick read that spanned an entire year with our main story points hitting on the major holidays throughout. Both MC's are likable, however, I have some recommendations of what would have made their storylines a bit richer.
Maggie is a intelligent, caring, and ambitious MFC who also happens to be a witch. I feel that the 'witchiness' doesn't play as large of role as it should. At times, I feel that the witch subplot it tacked on for the trope. I'm expecting more 'practical magic' but instead I've got 'the good witch'. Gildersleeve has provided the space within the world to delve further into the Buchanan's individual magical gifts and how they work separately and together. As there are 3 sisters, there should be more of an ingrained storyline like 'charmed' or 'the craft'. Here it feels underdeveloped and a little 'also ran'; like, Maggie dreams to own a cafe, works hard to help her family farm, is a struggling serial dater… oh, also has the power to heal. I'm sorry, you need to LEAD with that.
Lucas is sweet but I'm not entirely sure what he's enamored with when it comes to Maggie. It's not that she's not worth the admiration, we just aren't given much to go on as to why he's been infatuated since junior year of high school. They attend college together, and as a confident adult, Lucas still can't express his feelings for her in a healthy manner. It's a bit confusing. This leads me to one of my main issues with the novel.
This is touted as an enemies to lovers novel, but we get none of what happened to make it so. Also, one half of the couple doesn't even realize that the other hates them. We have years of caustic interactions that are alluded to be never described. When we meet Lucas and Maggie in present date, I'm not clear as to the reasoning behind the animosity on her part. Again, this seems tacked on, almost as if a book sells with the trope of enemies to lovers, so it's jammed in to fit. We need more backstory to feel connected to both characters.
Lastly, I know I laid out a lot of negatives, but there's plenty to enjoy about this book. The small town feel works well here, and I think there's lots to explore in regard to the family dynamic going forward. A bit more depth of character and storyline and there's a charming paranormal small town romance series here.
Maggie is a intelligent, caring, and ambitious MFC who also happens to be a witch. I feel that the 'witchiness' doesn't play as large of role as it should. At times, I feel that the witch subplot it tacked on for the trope. I'm expecting more 'practical magic' but instead I've got 'the good witch'. Gildersleeve has provided the space within the world to delve further into the Buchanan's individual magical gifts and how they work separately and together. As there are 3 sisters, there should be more of an ingrained storyline like 'charmed' or 'the craft'. Here it feels underdeveloped and a little 'also ran'; like, Maggie dreams to own a cafe, works hard to help her family farm, is a struggling serial dater… oh, also has the power to heal. I'm sorry, you need to LEAD with that.
Lucas is sweet but I'm not entirely sure what he's enamored with when it comes to Maggie. It's not that she's not worth the admiration, we just aren't given much to go on as to why he's been infatuated since junior year of high school. They attend college together, and as a confident adult, Lucas still can't express his feelings for her in a healthy manner. It's a bit confusing. This leads me to one of my main issues with the novel.
This is touted as an enemies to lovers novel, but we get none of what happened to make it so. Also, one half of the couple doesn't even realize that the other hates them. We have years of caustic interactions that are alluded to be never described. When we meet Lucas and Maggie in present date, I'm not clear as to the reasoning behind the animosity on her part. Again, this seems tacked on, almost as if a book sells with the trope of enemies to lovers, so it's jammed in to fit. We need more backstory to feel connected to both characters.
Lastly, I know I laid out a lot of negatives, but there's plenty to enjoy about this book. The small town feel works well here, and I think there's lots to explore in regard to the family dynamic going forward. A bit more depth of character and storyline and there's a charming paranormal small town romance series here.
December 10, 2023
Maggie has worked at Brewster’s for some time, having worked her way up from Barista to Manager, and has been saving hard to purchase it when her boss, Jack Brewster retires.
Lucas has been in love with Maggie since he first saw her at a school event, but she had no time for him and shunned him every time he came near.
He’s now playing football in the same team as Maggie’s brother, and is also a roommate of his.
Cal, Maggie’s brother, arranged a hike with his roommates Lucas and Bash, as well as Maggie and her sister Penny.
Maggie is not impressed when she sees Lucas is part of the group.
This is a very enjoyable story, well plotted, and with believable characters, which include family members of both Maggie, and Lucas.
I loved the way Lucas’ tenacity towards getting closer to Maggie played out, and how she very slowly came to accept his friendship.
There were many pitfalls along the way, with Maggie’s plans being forced to change, and her telling Lucas her biggest secret, and his reaction to it.
This was my first time reading anything by this author, and I hope it’s not the last.
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Lucas has been in love with Maggie since he first saw her at a school event, but she had no time for him and shunned him every time he came near.
He’s now playing football in the same team as Maggie’s brother, and is also a roommate of his.
Cal, Maggie’s brother, arranged a hike with his roommates Lucas and Bash, as well as Maggie and her sister Penny.
Maggie is not impressed when she sees Lucas is part of the group.
This is a very enjoyable story, well plotted, and with believable characters, which include family members of both Maggie, and Lucas.
I loved the way Lucas’ tenacity towards getting closer to Maggie played out, and how she very slowly came to accept his friendship.
There were many pitfalls along the way, with Maggie’s plans being forced to change, and her telling Lucas her biggest secret, and his reaction to it.
This was my first time reading anything by this author, and I hope it’s not the last.
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
December 30, 2023
Just not witchy enough for me
I had so looked forward to reading this. The book description sounded so good, right up my alley! But then, the writing style, third person, was done in such a way that the story seemed to be about Maggie and not from her (or Lucas, in his POV). That created a disconnect, a distance. Maybe it’s inexperience, maybe just the style, but it didn’t quite work for me. I didn’t connect with Maggie, but then came Lucas’s POV and I did like him better, for some reason. Somehow, I did connect with him more. But sadly never to the point where I felt it really sparked my interest. At first, I didn’t like the communication between Maggie and Lucas, but that got much better when Maggie decided to be better to him, and all’s well that ends well, right? Still, I had expected more witchiness and a bit more witchy fun. So no, it wasn’t bad, not bad at all, just not the book for me.
I had so looked forward to reading this. The book description sounded so good, right up my alley! But then, the writing style, third person, was done in such a way that the story seemed to be about Maggie and not from her (or Lucas, in his POV). That created a disconnect, a distance. Maybe it’s inexperience, maybe just the style, but it didn’t quite work for me. I didn’t connect with Maggie, but then came Lucas’s POV and I did like him better, for some reason. Somehow, I did connect with him more. But sadly never to the point where I felt it really sparked my interest. At first, I didn’t like the communication between Maggie and Lucas, but that got much better when Maggie decided to be better to him, and all’s well that ends well, right? Still, I had expected more witchiness and a bit more witchy fun. So no, it wasn’t bad, not bad at all, just not the book for me.
January 11, 2024
I thought that Fumbling for Affection was a super cute, easy read and I really enjoyed it. Maggie and Lucas were such enjoyable characters and I thought they were really cute together. I enjoyed the plot, and I'm excited to see what the rest of the series has in store for us.
January 14, 2024
This 100% may be a case of wrong book/wrong time for me!
Adorable cover & super cute concept - will definitely be checking out more from this author in the future.
*I received an advanced copy from BookSirens 📚
Adorable cover & super cute concept - will definitely be checking out more from this author in the future.
*I received an advanced copy from BookSirens 📚
March 6, 2024
The idea was there. Honestly, it sounded so cute in the description and I would not say no to talking cats and witchy vibes, but the actual execution was lacking.
The witch aspect is highly alluded to in the premise, but it's forgotten for a large portion of the book. When it does come into play, it has little-to-no history, and therefore seems extremely random and weird. The few scenes it's in feel sporadic and random, and does little to further the plot or character(s).
I personally didn't mesh with the writing, as it felt a little too clunky for me. The characters and pacing were inconsistent and unrealistic, and I was not a fan of the love/hate thing Maggie had for Lucas. We flip from her pov where it's nothing but "I hate this man he ruined my life" to Lucas' pov where he thinks "I've wanted to be with her for years and she wants me too".
When the two were together, it was extremely sweet and sometimes funny, but there could have been a lot more depth and finality to a couple of things. Especially regarding Lucas' family; I felt like that could have been further explored and concluded, and what we did get was a little bit of a letdown.
The idea was fun, but it could have been a little better.
thank you HiddenGems for the arc
The witch aspect is highly alluded to in the premise, but it's forgotten for a large portion of the book. When it does come into play, it has little-to-no history, and therefore seems extremely random and weird. The few scenes it's in feel sporadic and random, and does little to further the plot or character(s).
I personally didn't mesh with the writing, as it felt a little too clunky for me. The characters and pacing were inconsistent and unrealistic, and I was not a fan of the love/hate thing Maggie had for Lucas. We flip from her pov where it's nothing but "I hate this man he ruined my life" to Lucas' pov where he thinks "I've wanted to be with her for years and she wants me too".
When the two were together, it was extremely sweet and sometimes funny, but there could have been a lot more depth and finality to a couple of things. Especially regarding Lucas' family; I felt like that could have been further explored and concluded, and what we did get was a little bit of a letdown.
The idea was fun, but it could have been a little better.
thank you HiddenGems for the arc
January 17, 2024
This is a really cute romance story about a girl who thinks the cute guy hates her, and, meanwhile, the guy is convinced she is interested. You know, like real life.
I have a bit of an issue with Lucas' character, though. Maggie tells him multiple times to go away and leave her alone, and he still thinks she is just mad and is interested in dating him. At this point in the story, she doesn't even know he is interested in him, and, yes, she is angry at him for something beyond his control (he was trying to help her and do charity work and it went wrong) but it doesn't matter. In real life, we would be telling our friends to walk away. Red flags all over the place. Sure, we can see everything work out and that Lucas really is a nice guy. However, I just don't like it. Romance novels should be showing the men that have all the green flags.
Not alot of witchcraft, but that isn't a big deal. Just was thinking it would be more of a plot point.
Really did enjoy the book, just kept thinking about what a walking red flag Lucas would be in real life
I have a bit of an issue with Lucas' character, though. Maggie tells him multiple times to go away and leave her alone, and he still thinks she is just mad and is interested in dating him. At this point in the story, she doesn't even know he is interested in him, and, yes, she is angry at him for something beyond his control (he was trying to help her and do charity work and it went wrong) but it doesn't matter. In real life, we would be telling our friends to walk away. Red flags all over the place. Sure, we can see everything work out and that Lucas really is a nice guy. However, I just don't like it. Romance novels should be showing the men that have all the green flags.
Not alot of witchcraft, but that isn't a big deal. Just was thinking it would be more of a plot point.
Really did enjoy the book, just kept thinking about what a walking red flag Lucas would be in real life
June 27, 2024
A little backwards?
I did the unfortunate thing of reading the series out of order. However, it's not one of those series that would throw the reader out of the storyline. I have loved Beth's writing in the first and second book and will continue to read more of her writing. She is a wonderful author who knows when to throw humor into the mix and integrates realistic aspects of familial relationships concisely. For me, Beth's writing is refreshing because it leaves the reader with the knowledge that there is spice/chemistry in the romantic relationships, but doesn't make the scenes detailed spicy "interactions." The light incorporation of magic and intimacy was fantastic as well as seeming as if it was something that people could logically do now with a hint of fairy dust.
Thank you to #BethGildersleeve and #BookSirens for providing the opportunity to read Beth's fabulous writing.
I did the unfortunate thing of reading the series out of order. However, it's not one of those series that would throw the reader out of the storyline. I have loved Beth's writing in the first and second book and will continue to read more of her writing. She is a wonderful author who knows when to throw humor into the mix and integrates realistic aspects of familial relationships concisely. For me, Beth's writing is refreshing because it leaves the reader with the knowledge that there is spice/chemistry in the romantic relationships, but doesn't make the scenes detailed spicy "interactions." The light incorporation of magic and intimacy was fantastic as well as seeming as if it was something that people could logically do now with a hint of fairy dust.
Thank you to #BethGildersleeve and #BookSirens for providing the opportunity to read Beth's fabulous writing.
March 4, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I hoped this book would have more magic and witchiness. It was one of the things that drew me to this book in the description, but I found the witches/witchiness to be such a small part of the book. It was such a small role, that when it was brought up again in the book I realized I had forgotten that was a component of the book entirely. I really wanted more from this.
Lucas and Maggie was likeable characters, but I'm not buying why Lucas has had a crush on Maggie for years. I would have liked to see more substance there.
Overall this was an easy, quick read.
I hoped this book would have more magic and witchiness. It was one of the things that drew me to this book in the description, but I found the witches/witchiness to be such a small part of the book. It was such a small role, that when it was brought up again in the book I realized I had forgotten that was a component of the book entirely. I really wanted more from this.
Lucas and Maggie was likeable characters, but I'm not buying why Lucas has had a crush on Maggie for years. I would have liked to see more substance there.
Overall this was an easy, quick read.
April 19, 2025
Cute romance. The paranormal aspects are pretty light, which was right up my alley. For that matter, the football aspects are pretty light, too. The focus was mostly on Maggie and her drive to save enough money to buy Brewster’s. It took me a while to warm up to her; I didn’t understand why she was so rude to Lucas at the start. Her behavior did not seem like a mature almost-30-year-old. Lucas didn’t give up, he just kept trying to win her over and of course that makes him oh-so-sweetness! He had enough self-confidence to let her barbs roll off him, which was interesting considering his family backstory. I enjoyed getting to know this couple!
August 13, 2024
Fumbling for Affection is an entertaining, small town, sports romance with family and a touch of magic. It is a good thing that Lucas does not fumble the Football as often as he fumbles trying to get Maggie’s attention! I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading this sweet romance. I actually read book 2 before I read book 1 but as the two books occupy the same time frame, it worked! This is a well done series that should delight many readers.
January 16, 2024
This story was decent. The magical aspect as very minor, till it was a conflict point. Why Maggie disliked Lucas wasn't explained, so she comes off as a hard to root for B. Lucas was pretty sweet. Overall, an underwhelming story. *I received an ARC of this book from Hidden Gems and this is my voluntary and honest review.
January 21, 2024
Fumbling for Affection was an extremely enjoyable read! I loved the cozy coffee shop and the cute small town feel.
The characters were fun, witty, and easy to connect with! I adored Maggie and Lucas, and it was a treat to watch their story unfold! I definitely recommend reading this sweet romance!
The characters were fun, witty, and easy to connect with! I adored Maggie and Lucas, and it was a treat to watch their story unfold! I definitely recommend reading this sweet romance!
February 26, 2024
Lots of story wandering
First I kept reading to see where it was going. Then I was 1/3 way thru and I got curious, at 2/3 I figured lets see what happens next, then I had to finish it. Yes, lots of fumbling. Not sure if I want to read another.
First I kept reading to see where it was going. Then I was 1/3 way thru and I got curious, at 2/3 I figured lets see what happens next, then I had to finish it. Yes, lots of fumbling. Not sure if I want to read another.
July 15, 2024
the book was a fun read but a little bit on the half-baked side for me. there could have been more of a cohesive writing style to marry the pov and the story. i felt a bit distanced from it that i couldn't super get into it. but it was still nice.
July 25, 2024
recipe for entertainment
Maggie and Lucas had me rooting for them right from the start, I loved the combination between paranormal elemnents and sports romance and joining a baking contest to win your love´s heart is just a wonderful idea.
Maggie and Lucas had me rooting for them right from the start, I loved the combination between paranormal elemnents and sports romance and joining a baking contest to win your love´s heart is just a wonderful idea.
January 13, 2024
The witch stuff just came out of left field. He’s been smitten with her since high school and is just now pursuing her?
April 26, 2025
great cozy romance
Great and easy cozy romance with a touch of fantasy. As a baker and sports romance enthusiast I loved the the blend of the two
Great and easy cozy romance with a touch of fantasy. As a baker and sports romance enthusiast I loved the the blend of the two
May 29, 2024
What can I say, the decision to read this book was caused by me feeling attracted to the book cover design. But imagine how disappointed I was when that Llama only got a minor role to play in this new witch romance novel written by Beth Gildersleeve.
Attention, perhaps the following paragraph will be of no interest for you, because it is related to a more general topic, namely cover design: Besides my maybe ill fated try at humor above, I must tell you, that cover pictures are more important than a literary agent or a marketing expert at a publishing house sometimes might think. Remember all those romance book covers which have big hunky guys with oiled upper body parts and a lot of extended muscles on them? Sometimes captured in nearly compromising positions with a sparsely clothed, obviously very smitten woman in their arms? Maybe a good part of women readers like those overdone pictures and that’s totally ok. But there are also a few of us, who think about those pictures as stereotype clichés of the gender specific role distribution topic and there is another big part of women who will think that these kind of cover pics are so interchangeable and therefore simply boring.
The cover of this novel is pleasantly different from those ones mentioned above and so much better, because it makes us readers curious about what will happen in the novel. And I think a good book cover needs to be mentioned and must be included in an assessment, too.
But back to my review of this first novel in a new romance series. The plot itself is not new: two people who are attracted to each other, but are denying their attraction (partly) and are not able to communicate open and clearly, so that they have to overcome unnecessary misshappenings and misunderstandings.
While reading I also thought for a long time, it could be, that I inadvertently had gotten the wrong book, because there were no witches and nothing unusual happened for a long while. I must admit, I also found myself a bit distracted: at first by the many characters who appeared from the start of and during the book (I suppose, they had to be introduced into the series, because they will be important for the future books) and second, sometimes by situations which finished without a conclusion, or the conclusion happened to follow at a much later point of the story.
I also wasn’t enjoying some of the dialogues between the characters, which seemed to be a bit stealthy to me sometimes and I was close to giving up on reading when something changed and I finally could find the flow. From then on I really enjoyed the book!
I recommend the novel for fans of series, who enjoy their romance novels with sprinkles of well-intentioned witchcraft included.
I received a free ARC of this novel and am voluntary leaving my honest review here.
Attention, perhaps the following paragraph will be of no interest for you, because it is related to a more general topic, namely cover design: Besides my maybe ill fated try at humor above, I must tell you, that cover pictures are more important than a literary agent or a marketing expert at a publishing house sometimes might think. Remember all those romance book covers which have big hunky guys with oiled upper body parts and a lot of extended muscles on them? Sometimes captured in nearly compromising positions with a sparsely clothed, obviously very smitten woman in their arms? Maybe a good part of women readers like those overdone pictures and that’s totally ok. But there are also a few of us, who think about those pictures as stereotype clichés of the gender specific role distribution topic and there is another big part of women who will think that these kind of cover pics are so interchangeable and therefore simply boring.
The cover of this novel is pleasantly different from those ones mentioned above and so much better, because it makes us readers curious about what will happen in the novel. And I think a good book cover needs to be mentioned and must be included in an assessment, too.
But back to my review of this first novel in a new romance series. The plot itself is not new: two people who are attracted to each other, but are denying their attraction (partly) and are not able to communicate open and clearly, so that they have to overcome unnecessary misshappenings and misunderstandings.
While reading I also thought for a long time, it could be, that I inadvertently had gotten the wrong book, because there were no witches and nothing unusual happened for a long while. I must admit, I also found myself a bit distracted: at first by the many characters who appeared from the start of and during the book (I suppose, they had to be introduced into the series, because they will be important for the future books) and second, sometimes by situations which finished without a conclusion, or the conclusion happened to follow at a much later point of the story.
I also wasn’t enjoying some of the dialogues between the characters, which seemed to be a bit stealthy to me sometimes and I was close to giving up on reading when something changed and I finally could find the flow. From then on I really enjoyed the book!
I recommend the novel for fans of series, who enjoy their romance novels with sprinkles of well-intentioned witchcraft included.
I received a free ARC of this novel and am voluntary leaving my honest review here.
October 28, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️/5
Fumbling for Affection is a cute, feel-good, lighthearted romance.
Maggie is a slightly anxious, organized witch with a strong penchant for baking, who is basically running the day-to-day operations of a local coffee shop.
Lucas is a linebacker on the local NFL team who is close friends and teammates with Cal, Maggie’s brother. He's been nursing as crush on Maggie for a while, and is under the impression she knows it and reciprocates his feelings. That theory, however, is quickly squashed.
Maggie has known about Lucas since high school. Scratch that, she’s been thoroughly annoyed with Lucas since high school, someone she’s claimed has made her life miserable. After a reunion that goes less than stellar, Maggie and Lucas continue to run into each other, building tension and some fun yearnin’-burnin’ along the way.
I really like the development of Maggie and Lucas’ relationship… it’s hard for me to dislike when a MMC knows what he wants early on! I seriously love a supportive and determined partner. Minimal spice, was pretty PG-13.. could have done with a bit more of it!
I wish that the ‘witch’ portion of the story was more present. I realized that 50% of the way into the story we had only heard a tiny bit about that, which made me wish it either was more at the forefront of the story or wasn’t a part of the plot at all.
Overall, this story was an easy read that had nice tropes which weren’t overbearing. I recommend it as a read!
Tropes in this story:
✨ Grumpy FMC / Sunshine MMC
✨ He Falls First
✨ Enemies to Lovers (in a very slight sense, since she claims he’s ‘her own personal dementor’ but he REALLY doesn’t give off those vibes.. more just oblivious boy!)
✨ Best Friend’s Sister (though this one isn’t at the forefront)
✨ Sports Romance (though, again, not at the forefront, this is just so happens to be his career)
I received an advanced copy of this book via HiddenGemsBooks, but my review is all my own.
Spice: 🌶️/5
Fumbling for Affection is a cute, feel-good, lighthearted romance.
Maggie is a slightly anxious, organized witch with a strong penchant for baking, who is basically running the day-to-day operations of a local coffee shop.
Lucas is a linebacker on the local NFL team who is close friends and teammates with Cal, Maggie’s brother. He's been nursing as crush on Maggie for a while, and is under the impression she knows it and reciprocates his feelings. That theory, however, is quickly squashed.
Maggie has known about Lucas since high school. Scratch that, she’s been thoroughly annoyed with Lucas since high school, someone she’s claimed has made her life miserable. After a reunion that goes less than stellar, Maggie and Lucas continue to run into each other, building tension and some fun yearnin’-burnin’ along the way.
I really like the development of Maggie and Lucas’ relationship… it’s hard for me to dislike when a MMC knows what he wants early on! I seriously love a supportive and determined partner. Minimal spice, was pretty PG-13.. could have done with a bit more of it!
I wish that the ‘witch’ portion of the story was more present. I realized that 50% of the way into the story we had only heard a tiny bit about that, which made me wish it either was more at the forefront of the story or wasn’t a part of the plot at all.
Overall, this story was an easy read that had nice tropes which weren’t overbearing. I recommend it as a read!
Tropes in this story:
✨ Grumpy FMC / Sunshine MMC
✨ He Falls First
✨ Enemies to Lovers (in a very slight sense, since she claims he’s ‘her own personal dementor’ but he REALLY doesn’t give off those vibes.. more just oblivious boy!)
✨ Best Friend’s Sister (though this one isn’t at the forefront)
✨ Sports Romance (though, again, not at the forefront, this is just so happens to be his career)
I received an advanced copy of this book via HiddenGemsBooks, but my review is all my own.
December 19, 2023
Fumbling for Affection is book one in The Buchanans series by Beth Gildersleeve and is a paranormal sports romance.
Maggie is the manager of a coffee shop in Cascade City, and is hoping to buy the shop, when her arch nemesis, Lucas comes back to town. Lucas is a professional (American) football player, and is not only her brother's teammate, but also his roommate, and has been masking feelings for Maggie for years.
I'm not a big fan of sports, and as such also not a huge fan of sports romance, but this book caught my attention and I thought I would give it a try. I found that although one of the main characters was a professional football player, the story was not heavy on the sports side of things, so I really enjoyed the story. It was much more focused on the relationship between Maggie and Lucas. In fact, there was much heavier emphasis on Maggie's business interests, than there was in Lucas's being a professional football player.
Likewise, although Maggie is a witch, there was not a heavy emphasis on the paranormal in this book either. It was a nice balance of contemporary romance with a hint of paranormal and sports tossed into the mix.
The romance in this book is on the sweeter side, with no real steamy scenes. Much of the initial conflict between Maggie and Lucas revolves around Maggie's misunderstanding Lucas's motivations from their early years, but thankfully that misunderstanding is resolved well before the end of the book, and isn't dragged out interminably.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. I liked the characters and the setting and may look for further books in the series to see if they follow the same type of format.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Maggie is the manager of a coffee shop in Cascade City, and is hoping to buy the shop, when her arch nemesis, Lucas comes back to town. Lucas is a professional (American) football player, and is not only her brother's teammate, but also his roommate, and has been masking feelings for Maggie for years.
I'm not a big fan of sports, and as such also not a huge fan of sports romance, but this book caught my attention and I thought I would give it a try. I found that although one of the main characters was a professional football player, the story was not heavy on the sports side of things, so I really enjoyed the story. It was much more focused on the relationship between Maggie and Lucas. In fact, there was much heavier emphasis on Maggie's business interests, than there was in Lucas's being a professional football player.
Likewise, although Maggie is a witch, there was not a heavy emphasis on the paranormal in this book either. It was a nice balance of contemporary romance with a hint of paranormal and sports tossed into the mix.
The romance in this book is on the sweeter side, with no real steamy scenes. Much of the initial conflict between Maggie and Lucas revolves around Maggie's misunderstanding Lucas's motivations from their early years, but thankfully that misunderstanding is resolved well before the end of the book, and isn't dragged out interminably.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. I liked the characters and the setting and may look for further books in the series to see if they follow the same type of format.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 27, 2023
I’d have to say it was more of a 2.5 for me. I wanted to like it and there were parts I really enjoyed but it just seemed all over the place.
The ‘witch’ subplot felt randomly thrown in about half way into the book. I had to re-read an entire chapter to see if I had missed something or imagined that she was suddenly talking to her cat- and more that he was answering. And the random re-charging with her sisters came out of nowhere.
Her love/hate rollercoaster with Lucas was a little whiplashed for me. Mid-kiss she pushes him away and yells “I need space, leave me alone!” Even his NFL life seemed unrealistic. I wanted to like them more as a couple and cheer for them.Maybe if I understood the reasons of her despising him more…?
I did love the family support and connections with the Buchanans. I loved the hard work and development of individual talents and hobbies. I enjoyed the ‘found family’ aspect, and the generational relationships.
The relationship with Lucas and his family seemed rushed and needed more than the occasional ‘we need money’, in my opinion. Maybe more depth will come in future books.
Overall it has some fun ideas and concepts. I guess I just would have like more details and depth in some places and less in others. I don’t think it’s a true closed-door romance, but that is just my opinion.
I received a free ebook for my honest opinion- and truly did enjoy parts of this book.
The ‘witch’ subplot felt randomly thrown in about half way into the book. I had to re-read an entire chapter to see if I had missed something or imagined that she was suddenly talking to her cat- and more that he was answering. And the random re-charging with her sisters came out of nowhere.
Her love/hate rollercoaster with Lucas was a little whiplashed for me. Mid-kiss she pushes him away and yells “I need space, leave me alone!” Even his NFL life seemed unrealistic. I wanted to like them more as a couple and cheer for them.Maybe if I understood the reasons of her despising him more…?
I did love the family support and connections with the Buchanans. I loved the hard work and development of individual talents and hobbies. I enjoyed the ‘found family’ aspect, and the generational relationships.
The relationship with Lucas and his family seemed rushed and needed more than the occasional ‘we need money’, in my opinion. Maybe more depth will come in future books.
Overall it has some fun ideas and concepts. I guess I just would have like more details and depth in some places and less in others. I don’t think it’s a true closed-door romance, but that is just my opinion.
I received a free ebook for my honest opinion- and truly did enjoy parts of this book.
December 15, 2023
Rcvd an advanced reader copy from booksirens for giving my two cents. We meet Witch Maggie who had dreams of buying the coffee store she has worked at for a number of years. She has a plan to buy it it starts with a baking competition. Maggie and her sister Penny decide to go hiking with their pro-footballer pro Cal and his new roomies...what Maggie didn't expect was thr guy who made her life miserable wt college...Lucas...ugh...why does he have to be so handsome and annoying. Lucas has wanted Maggie since the 1st time he saw her and he is determined to do so...but at a pace that doesn't scare her off. Maggie is getting frustrated as Lucas shows up everywhere...her work, the market, her family's farm...why does he have to be so infuriating? Maggie's dreams are squashed when the baking competition takes a different turn. Then she finds out Brewster was sold and she'll be out of a job at the end of the year. Somehow Lucas has worn her down and she is enjoying his company. What Maggie doesn't know of that Lucas' family bought her dream. Lucas is tired of his family only wanting him for his money, his dad and older brother constantly tell him the farm is no concern of his. Lucas has more of a family with Maggie than his own. What will happen when Maggie finds out he is the reason Brewsters was sold?
December 27, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a dual-POV enemies to lovers story following Maggie and Lucas. Maggie is a witch who is a barista looking to buy her current workplace. Lucas is a professional football player. The two have known each other since school and reconnect because Maggie's brother plays football and lives with Lucas.
I'm giving this book 3.5 stars. I really enjoyed Lucas's character, but Maggie was a bit frustrating. That may be on purpose though. I thought there would be more magical realism, but the magic wasn't mentioned heavily until the final 100 or so pages. I was really hoping for more. However, the scenes with Maggie and the animals were really cute.
This was interesting because from Maggie's POV it was more enemies to lovers but from Lucas's POV it was more second chance romance/childhood friends to lovers. I enjoy both tropes!
There are a lot of different sub-plots, which were fun, but occasionally the story was hard to follow and I had to re-read some parts.
This is a dual-POV enemies to lovers story following Maggie and Lucas. Maggie is a witch who is a barista looking to buy her current workplace. Lucas is a professional football player. The two have known each other since school and reconnect because Maggie's brother plays football and lives with Lucas.
I'm giving this book 3.5 stars. I really enjoyed Lucas's character, but Maggie was a bit frustrating. That may be on purpose though. I thought there would be more magical realism, but the magic wasn't mentioned heavily until the final 100 or so pages. I was really hoping for more. However, the scenes with Maggie and the animals were really cute.
This was interesting because from Maggie's POV it was more enemies to lovers but from Lucas's POV it was more second chance romance/childhood friends to lovers. I enjoy both tropes!
There are a lot of different sub-plots, which were fun, but occasionally the story was hard to follow and I had to re-read some parts.
February 7, 2024
This was a cute story. I enjoyed it. Maggie, focused on buying the coffee shop she managed and incorporating her baking, was not pleased when her college nemesis (and a current professional football player) reappeared in her life. “Lucas was like a horrid game of whack-a-mole. She didn’t know where he’d pop up to torture her next.” For his part, Lucas had always been drawn to Maggie and just wanted to spend time with her…though she badly misinterpreted his actions and intentions. Poor Lucas and his good intentions. “Rock, meet hard place.” When Lucas, with the unwanted help of his family, inadvertently roadblocks Maggie’s goals, it doesn’t help his cause. Add in that Maggie and her sisters are witches, and things get complicated. The magic elements don’t really become a significant part of the story until later in the book, but they present an interesting facet to the story. This is a fade-to-black story with innuendo. There is a middling amount of moderate harsh language.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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December 14, 2023Maggie desperately wants to buy Buchanan's but is lacking the funds. Lucas is the pro football player who has always had a crush on Maggie but fumbles when he tried to make a move. Now their worlds collide while Lucas rooms with her brother and he is in town. Trying to win her heart and make her dream of owning the coffee shop come true, he helps Maggie gain self confidence to be in a baking contest. Then another fumble when the football team also enters two baking teams. Fun to watch the relationship develop and the fumbles along the way. Maggie and her two sisters being witches is not used other than a quick mention here and there. While it is a backstory, it could have been used a bit more. Maybe in future books in the series. All characters were believable and most I wouldn't mind being friends with. I received an ARC and I am voluntarily reviewing it. Now I have to wait for the next book to find out what happens to the other sisters
January 7, 2024
Book 1 in Gildersleeve's new series The Buchanans. I found this to be an overall cute and quick read that delights with it's main characters Maggie - a witch who runs coffee shop Brewster’s and star NFL pro Lucas. Told in dual point of view, these two main characters have great banter and chemistry. Maggie enters a baking contest to win the money she needs to buy the coffee shop she manages which has always been her dream but now Lucas has entered too, he did so to ingratiate her since he's always been half in love with her. A sweet spell of a read that mixes sweet romance with second chances and wonderful character dynamics. I very much enjoyed this start to a new series and look forward to what's to come next!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 12, 2024
I enjoyed this as a romance but the billing of Maggie as a witch left me wishing for more magic. I actually forgot for a big chunk of the book that she was even supposed to be a witch! I don't think it really added anything to the story. This story could have been a cute romance without Maggie being a witch OR there could have been MORE magic and it could have been great that way too (since Maggie was noted to be a low-level witch we could have seen more magic from her sister or family). But as it was the magic seemed like it was just thrown in as a gag or to lure more readers without satisfying.
Similarly, this was supposed to be an enemies to lovers romance but Lucas never realized that Maggie was annoyed by everything he did?? Too many troupes that were never really fleshed out. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Similarly, this was supposed to be an enemies to lovers romance but Lucas never realized that Maggie was annoyed by everything he did?? Too many troupes that were never really fleshed out. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 12, 2024
2,5 stars from me.
It was off to a great and promising start. A droven young woman working towards her dream with a close knit family. I loooved her family. Along came a boy, Lucas, she has always rivaled with. The rivalry was fun, I liked how they explained the intentions after certain act. But the book made a sudden change of heart in such an unrealistic drastic way.. it kind of ruined the book for me.. also, I was expecting and hoping for witchyness. It was just thrown in a couple times but it definitely could’ve dived deeper into that. I liked the book all in all, but it’s wasn’t exactly my cup of tea.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
It was off to a great and promising start. A droven young woman working towards her dream with a close knit family. I loooved her family. Along came a boy, Lucas, she has always rivaled with. The rivalry was fun, I liked how they explained the intentions after certain act. But the book made a sudden change of heart in such an unrealistic drastic way.. it kind of ruined the book for me.. also, I was expecting and hoping for witchyness. It was just thrown in a couple times but it definitely could’ve dived deeper into that. I liked the book all in all, but it’s wasn’t exactly my cup of tea.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
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