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Huckleberry Hollow #1
Witching and Scheming
Death was the only card drawn on the day Penelope was born....
If Penelope Ophelia Odenberry could make a list of all the things she hated it would be: Sunshine, running out of coffee, her initials spell Poo, bullies, skinny culture, zealots of any kind, people in denial about being zealots, student loan debt, when her dad wears his kilt in a wind storm, having to move home to the bassackwards town of Huckleberry Hollow, Idaho where despite the array of magic and creatures living there, only the old white witch men make decisions... the list goes on.
A much shorter list would be the things she loved... which is basically just coffee, dogs, cloudy days and her unfortunately sunshine-y best friend but he can't remember-Artemis Nita-Nusi, the half-bear, half-demon shifter.
Now that they're both back in Huckleberry Hollow, nothing is quite as it seems. Between the sketchy Council and the even sketchier Alpha, Artie’s dad, they don’t know who to trust... which might include each other. Now that Artie knows about Penny's memory spell, her attempt to protect him from her fate, he's glued himself to her side in a fake dating plot to break the spell, trick the Council and see Penny without any clothes.
Can a bumpy past and a sketchy future lead to a HEA, or will this newfound lust burn them up before fake dating can become real love?
Witching and Scheming is the first novel in a standalone Witchy RomCom series magic, good v. evil, light (and dark) humor, awkward interruptions, and a family dynamic that will make you feel good about your own.
If Penelope Ophelia Odenberry could make a list of all the things she hated it would be: Sunshine, running out of coffee, her initials spell Poo, bullies, skinny culture, zealots of any kind, people in denial about being zealots, student loan debt, when her dad wears his kilt in a wind storm, having to move home to the bassackwards town of Huckleberry Hollow, Idaho where despite the array of magic and creatures living there, only the old white witch men make decisions... the list goes on.
A much shorter list would be the things she loved... which is basically just coffee, dogs, cloudy days and her unfortunately sunshine-y best friend but he can't remember-Artemis Nita-Nusi, the half-bear, half-demon shifter.
Now that they're both back in Huckleberry Hollow, nothing is quite as it seems. Between the sketchy Council and the even sketchier Alpha, Artie’s dad, they don’t know who to trust... which might include each other. Now that Artie knows about Penny's memory spell, her attempt to protect him from her fate, he's glued himself to her side in a fake dating plot to break the spell, trick the Council and see Penny without any clothes.
Can a bumpy past and a sketchy future lead to a HEA, or will this newfound lust burn them up before fake dating can become real love?
Witching and Scheming is the first novel in a standalone Witchy RomCom series magic, good v. evil, light (and dark) humor, awkward interruptions, and a family dynamic that will make you feel good about your own.
391 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2024
About the author
Noelle Rider
6 books9 followersNoelle Rider is the romantic half of Perry Dog Publishing. Though E. N. Crane books always have a romantic subplot, Noelle Rider gets to fully explore spice, connection, letting go, and learning to trust. They are awkward, funny, and never sweet.
Like all books she writes, Noelle continues her dedication to plus-size, caffeine addicted, sarcastic, neurodivergent characters under this pen name and would never let them tell their story without an animal sidekick that steals the show. Currently exploring fantasy romance, the available titles are filled with magic, tyranny and a healthy dose of social and political commentary.
She currently lives in Boise with her C-suite canines and unpaid husband intern.
Like all books she writes, Noelle continues her dedication to plus-size, caffeine addicted, sarcastic, neurodivergent characters under this pen name and would never let them tell their story without an animal sidekick that steals the show. Currently exploring fantasy romance, the available titles are filled with magic, tyranny and a healthy dose of social and political commentary.
She currently lives in Boise with her C-suite canines and unpaid husband intern.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 2, 2024
This book was so much fun to write. I enjoyed skipping the miscommunication trope and the third act break-up. When they got hurt feelings, they talked to each other like people. It might not be for everyone but fat rep and grown adults behaving that way will always be my jam…. Also this is under my other pen name, but transparency- I’m both E N Crane and Noelle Rider.
March 9, 2025
While I appreciated the content warnings, I wish there had been a few more. Including the one where the author describes the MMC's sexual activity with people other than the FMC, even if its off page. It's one of the things that would turn me away from a book and turn me off one.
Now, I know he is part succubus.... But I just don't need to know. Its not my thing.
The FMC was cute, but I felt that the prose really prolonged everything and not in a good way. Majority of the pages could be summarised, making this book more tolerable. The first chapter was a great one. However, when they jumped to 15 years later there was no real explanation to whatever was happening. It felt like the author was describing everything but the plot.
The spice was okay. But, for me, I can't forget the things I read at the beginning of the book to really care. She had been pining over this guy for so long, had to hear him hook up with so many people including people who were horrible to her. And then what? He falls for her? After he has slept with the whole town? No thank you. Big ick. But thats just my preference in romance novels.
All-in-all this book could be improved with more of a clear storyline from the beginning and more condensed descriptions for everything else. Not for me. Not for me.
Received an ARC on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Now, I know he is part succubus.... But I just don't need to know. Its not my thing.
The FMC was cute, but I felt that the prose really prolonged everything and not in a good way. Majority of the pages could be summarised, making this book more tolerable. The first chapter was a great one. However, when they jumped to 15 years later there was no real explanation to whatever was happening. It felt like the author was describing everything but the plot.
The spice was okay. But, for me, I can't forget the things I read at the beginning of the book to really care. She had been pining over this guy for so long, had to hear him hook up with so many people including people who were horrible to her. And then what? He falls for her? After he has slept with the whole town? No thank you. Big ick. But thats just my preference in romance novels.
All-in-all this book could be improved with more of a clear storyline from the beginning and more condensed descriptions for everything else. Not for me. Not for me.
Received an ARC on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 16, 2025
New for me author. Was well written and I enjoyed reading 📚 it. Some spice. I'll be continuing the series.
April 30, 2025
Copy prived by netgally
Sadly I was unable to finish this book, as I found it difficult to get into. A lot of the conversations felt very repetitive and like exposition, but again information to each other that they'd already know. We get told multiple times that Penny is cursed over and over but never anything different about that just she was born and someone said she was cursed and that's it; and this is told to us over and over again like the author is afraid we didn't read it or forgot in the last two paragraphs.The prologue also felt completely unnecessary the scene of her deciding to leave and hex her friend I feel it wouldve been better pacing if we just started at chapter one and that information was told to us while we were reading so it didn't feel like it was tacked on to the start.
Penny herself doesn't feel like a 33 year old woman with a degree she comes across as a honry teenage girl with a tumblr. She repeatedly makes pop culture references in her inner monologue and when talking to people and frankly I'd prefer the author make their own joke or convey the mood in their own way rather than oh this is bad because she compared ut to being like voldermort. It also felt a bit cheap to make Harry Potter references and have characters talk about it, then just have one of them slip in oh yeah fuck the author though, if the author actually felt strongly about it she wouldn't make cheap references in the first place.
Her motivations are also confusing because we can't be shown a prologue where she talks about the horrible bullying and treatment she recovered growing up only to cut to 15 years later when she's come back because her mother, who also relentlessly mocks her asked her too. It doesn't make any sense and makes Penny look like a doormat. I understand that that is probably a character flaw she needs to overcome however when this is the first in a series set in this same town why would I want to keep reading about these people who I know are horrible bullies.
I found the romance hard to get into when our first proper interaction between them is just sexual innuendo and then for no apparent reason she passes out. She's meant to be his best friend who at the start has never done anything physical or romantic with Artmeis even if he doesn't remember, but she never says anything of value about him she talks about him like he's a sad adonis sex doll which makes Penny feel the same as anyone else who only uses him for sex. It wouldve been nice if Penny liked him beyond how good looking he is and the fact he's a succubus but with how sexual heavy Penny's thoughts were makes me think the rest of the book would just be sex with little else.
Sadly I was unable to finish this book, as I found it difficult to get into. A lot of the conversations felt very repetitive and like exposition, but again information to each other that they'd already know. We get told multiple times that Penny is cursed over and over but never anything different about that just she was born and someone said she was cursed and that's it; and this is told to us over and over again like the author is afraid we didn't read it or forgot in the last two paragraphs.The prologue also felt completely unnecessary the scene of her deciding to leave and hex her friend I feel it wouldve been better pacing if we just started at chapter one and that information was told to us while we were reading so it didn't feel like it was tacked on to the start.
Penny herself doesn't feel like a 33 year old woman with a degree she comes across as a honry teenage girl with a tumblr. She repeatedly makes pop culture references in her inner monologue and when talking to people and frankly I'd prefer the author make their own joke or convey the mood in their own way rather than oh this is bad because she compared ut to being like voldermort. It also felt a bit cheap to make Harry Potter references and have characters talk about it, then just have one of them slip in oh yeah fuck the author though, if the author actually felt strongly about it she wouldn't make cheap references in the first place.
Her motivations are also confusing because we can't be shown a prologue where she talks about the horrible bullying and treatment she recovered growing up only to cut to 15 years later when she's come back because her mother, who also relentlessly mocks her asked her too. It doesn't make any sense and makes Penny look like a doormat. I understand that that is probably a character flaw she needs to overcome however when this is the first in a series set in this same town why would I want to keep reading about these people who I know are horrible bullies.
I found the romance hard to get into when our first proper interaction between them is just sexual innuendo and then for no apparent reason she passes out. She's meant to be his best friend who at the start has never done anything physical or romantic with Artmeis even if he doesn't remember, but she never says anything of value about him she talks about him like he's a sad adonis sex doll which makes Penny feel the same as anyone else who only uses him for sex. It wouldve been nice if Penny liked him beyond how good looking he is and the fact he's a succubus but with how sexual heavy Penny's thoughts were makes me think the rest of the book would just be sex with little else.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
March 4, 2025Es un desastre. Sé que es un ARC y que puede tener algunos errores, pero esto es una grosería. No hay continuidad: los personajes aparecen y desaparecen de la escena según cuando la autora los recuerda. Además, hay un exceso de pensamientos internos.
Estuve varias veces a punto de abandonarlo.
Artemis siempre será un súcubo y tiene que alimentar al demonio. Entonces, ¿por qué antes Pen no fue suficiente y decidió acostarse con cualquiera menos ella, pero ahora sí lo es? No tiene sentido. Se supone que en el pasado estaba enamorado, pero aun así se acostaba con personas que la molestaban… eso sí, no los besaba porque tenia limites. 🙄
“You know I only joined the league to feed the beast,” he paused and seemed to study me. Whatever he saw there didn't comfort him. “Maybe you don’t. I just needed a ready supply of men and women willing to feed me their pleasure without any real attachment or reason for them to force one. I’m not sure I even enjoy the sport anymore, or if I ever enjoyed it beyond the physical exertion and the challenge. No challenge anymore when my demon can sense their weaknesses and exploit it.”
“I can’t have been,” I gasped out. “You were already with Timmy.”
“He and I didn’t kiss, Peep. Other stuff, but we didn’t kiss…”
“Why didn’t you…”
“Because it didn’t feel right. After what an asshole he was to you… I needed the pleasure, but he didn’t deserve kisses."
La autora parece tener una obsesión con Pen y la saliva. Habla y se le escapan gotas, duerme y se le escurre, se ríe y empieza a salpicar, simplemente está parada y se ahoga. En cada capítulo, se menciona al menos dos veces la palabra "saliva".
Es como una mala historia de Wattpad.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
July 3, 2025
Mixed feelings
Penny has been called home to the magical town of Huckleberry Hollow and she has run into her old friend Artemis, but things aren’t as simple as they sound as she had put a memory spell on Artemis when she left to make him forget her but now she needs his help and she can’t reverse the spell
I really liked Penny as a character, she seemed human and flawed unlike many characters and parts of her character reminded me of me which I think helped me bond with her however at times she did also really annoy me and act in ways that didn’t always seem so relatable. I went back and forward on Artie but the main things that helped me bond with him as a character where the sections of story written from his point of view and his devotion and attachment to Penny, even when he couldn’t always remember why
Pennys magic was the kind of magic that I had always wanted as a kid, the kind that could magic things to herself but also cast things like protection spells and spells that stop people hearing things that she is saying which I liked
There is a lot of sexual tension in this book and at times it gets a bit much, there were sections that I did just skim read because it was the same things over and over and it was that repetitiveness that started to annoy me and made me not enjoy the book as much as I would have done
I did enjoy this book and the various storylines and the overall theme and I would have liked to have seen more of what happened to Penny and Artie after the conclusion of the main story, there is a chapter at the end but it didn’t really give me the closure that I was looking for but it has made me want to read more by this author and the next book in the series
I would recommend this book to those who enjoy a magical romance with dark undertones and a lot of sexual tension that will keep you reading long past bedtime
Penny has been called home to the magical town of Huckleberry Hollow and she has run into her old friend Artemis, but things aren’t as simple as they sound as she had put a memory spell on Artemis when she left to make him forget her but now she needs his help and she can’t reverse the spell
I really liked Penny as a character, she seemed human and flawed unlike many characters and parts of her character reminded me of me which I think helped me bond with her however at times she did also really annoy me and act in ways that didn’t always seem so relatable. I went back and forward on Artie but the main things that helped me bond with him as a character where the sections of story written from his point of view and his devotion and attachment to Penny, even when he couldn’t always remember why
Pennys magic was the kind of magic that I had always wanted as a kid, the kind that could magic things to herself but also cast things like protection spells and spells that stop people hearing things that she is saying which I liked
There is a lot of sexual tension in this book and at times it gets a bit much, there were sections that I did just skim read because it was the same things over and over and it was that repetitiveness that started to annoy me and made me not enjoy the book as much as I would have done
I did enjoy this book and the various storylines and the overall theme and I would have liked to have seen more of what happened to Penny and Artie after the conclusion of the main story, there is a chapter at the end but it didn’t really give me the closure that I was looking for but it has made me want to read more by this author and the next book in the series
I would recommend this book to those who enjoy a magical romance with dark undertones and a lot of sexual tension that will keep you reading long past bedtime
March 3, 2025
Unfortunately, this book wasn’t quite to my taste. The biggest issue for me was the pacing—I often felt like I was waiting for something to shake up the rhythm and make the story more engaging. While the protagonist has a strong, snarky voice, the secondary characters lacked depth, making it harder to connect with them or feel invested in their arcs.
That being said, there was an element I genuinely enjoyed: Grim, the familiar, was absolutely delightful—a loyal, adventurous companion who brought warmth and charm to the story.
Tropes:
Friends to Lovers – Slow-burning tension with a history between the leads.
Bi Half-Shifter Sunshine MMC – Artemis is a charming, warm presence with a flirtatious and playful personality.
Forced Proximity – Circumstances keep the characters together, fueling tension and unresolved feelings.
Spicy and Awkward – Moments of heat laced with humor and chaotic energy.
Dog Familiar – Grim, the real star of the book, is a fantastic and lovable companion.
Overall, while Witching and Scheming has an interesting premise and a bold narrative style, the pacing and character development didn’t fully work for me. However, readers who enjoy sarcastic protagonists, contemporary fantasy, and a mix of humor and spice might still find it worth a read.
-
I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
That being said, there was an element I genuinely enjoyed: Grim, the familiar, was absolutely delightful—a loyal, adventurous companion who brought warmth and charm to the story.
Tropes:
Friends to Lovers – Slow-burning tension with a history between the leads.
Bi Half-Shifter Sunshine MMC – Artemis is a charming, warm presence with a flirtatious and playful personality.
Forced Proximity – Circumstances keep the characters together, fueling tension and unresolved feelings.
Spicy and Awkward – Moments of heat laced with humor and chaotic energy.
Dog Familiar – Grim, the real star of the book, is a fantastic and lovable companion.
Overall, while Witching and Scheming has an interesting premise and a bold narrative style, the pacing and character development didn’t fully work for me. However, readers who enjoy sarcastic protagonists, contemporary fantasy, and a mix of humor and spice might still find it worth a read.
-
I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 21, 2025
Cawpile rating: 2.5 rounded up to 3 stars.
I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I want to like this book. Between the body positivity and the supernatural witchy story line it honestly should have been a slam dunk for me. However, overall I was left confused and super frustrated.
The pacing was incredibly jarring in this book. You're kind of thrust into a tense situation with no idea what is happening and it never really gets cleared up. Next thing we know we are jumping forward in time and there are more things happening with no explanation as to what is happening. It honestly makes no sense.
The characters should have been engaging and fun to follow but often being in Penny's perspective left me trying to decipher exactly who or what she's talking about because there was zero context.
I wasn't the biggest fan of the second hand embarrassment that I got from a few of the scenes in this book. It left a weird taste in my mouth.
Lastly some of my problems could have been a matter of taste. I think the book could have been a 3 or 4 star book with more editing for flow and clarity, but I also know there are people who potentially will enjoy the sweetness of the story and could really enjoy Noelle's writing style. It just wasn't for me unfortunately.
I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I want to like this book. Between the body positivity and the supernatural witchy story line it honestly should have been a slam dunk for me. However, overall I was left confused and super frustrated.
The pacing was incredibly jarring in this book. You're kind of thrust into a tense situation with no idea what is happening and it never really gets cleared up. Next thing we know we are jumping forward in time and there are more things happening with no explanation as to what is happening. It honestly makes no sense.
The characters should have been engaging and fun to follow but often being in Penny's perspective left me trying to decipher exactly who or what she's talking about because there was zero context.
I wasn't the biggest fan of the second hand embarrassment that I got from a few of the scenes in this book. It left a weird taste in my mouth.
Lastly some of my problems could have been a matter of taste. I think the book could have been a 3 or 4 star book with more editing for flow and clarity, but I also know there are people who potentially will enjoy the sweetness of the story and could really enjoy Noelle's writing style. It just wasn't for me unfortunately.
August 21, 2025
Gleeful Goblin Review: I have mixed feelings on this book. There are some great aspects to it such as wonderful body positivity, Grim who is the best dog familiar ever (I would read an entire book from Grim's perspective tbh), and the witchy backdrop all made me want to like this book. Where I struggled was in regards to pacing, not always having enough context to understand some situations, and sudden jump forwards in timeline that all felt jumbled.
Overall I liked Penny for the most part. She felt like a relatable person, very Perpetual Outsider In Small Town type archetype which I'm always a sap for, and I loved her magic style. I struggled a lot with our MMC Artie though. The reasons why I didn't dig him might not be a big deal for others but for me I struggled with having too much insight into who all Artie's been with as a consequence of being what he is. Nothing is explicitly on page but there was enough directly about those situations that it bummed me out. Artie himself is very sweet and full of charisma so the behavior and fallout from his other entanglements aren't malicious thankfully.
I think it's still overall a decent book and I think the author has a good feel for setting and can write a dynamite animal companion so I'll probably try out the next book in the series.
Overall I liked Penny for the most part. She felt like a relatable person, very Perpetual Outsider In Small Town type archetype which I'm always a sap for, and I loved her magic style. I struggled a lot with our MMC Artie though. The reasons why I didn't dig him might not be a big deal for others but for me I struggled with having too much insight into who all Artie's been with as a consequence of being what he is. Nothing is explicitly on page but there was enough directly about those situations that it bummed me out. Artie himself is very sweet and full of charisma so the behavior and fallout from his other entanglements aren't malicious thankfully.
I think it's still overall a decent book and I think the author has a good feel for setting and can write a dynamite animal companion so I'll probably try out the next book in the series.
March 11, 2024
** warning: contains adult language and adult situations, like on page sex scenes, talk of bullying, physical harm, suicide, magic, and violence. There is also a bare assed Scotsman (kilt included) and the use of imagery of a former and possibly soon to be again political leader as a means to kill sexual desire. **
So now that I’ve posted the warnings, I pretty much don’t need to write a review. Seriously. Either you stopped reading the warnings, and shook your head that someone could write such a book, or you’ve already started screaming “ take my money, please”
I received an advance copy of this book.
Penny is an outsider her whole life, and decides to leave Huckleberry Hollow, Idaho after turning 18. As a last ditch measure, she casts a memory spell on her best friend, so that he will forget her and be happy. So every time she runs into him again, it’s like it’s a new day.
On top of dealing with her feelings toward her best friend, something is just not right in Huckleberry Hollow, and Penny is likely to be the only one to sort that out.
This author is a master of deflecting and de-escalating awkward situations with humor, particularly what would be physical humor in a sitcom. (Think Dick Van Dyke tripping over the ottoman)
So now that I’ve posted the warnings, I pretty much don’t need to write a review. Seriously. Either you stopped reading the warnings, and shook your head that someone could write such a book, or you’ve already started screaming “ take my money, please”
I received an advance copy of this book.
Penny is an outsider her whole life, and decides to leave Huckleberry Hollow, Idaho after turning 18. As a last ditch measure, she casts a memory spell on her best friend, so that he will forget her and be happy. So every time she runs into him again, it’s like it’s a new day.
On top of dealing with her feelings toward her best friend, something is just not right in Huckleberry Hollow, and Penny is likely to be the only one to sort that out.
This author is a master of deflecting and de-escalating awkward situations with humor, particularly what would be physical humor in a sitcom. (Think Dick Van Dyke tripping over the ottoman)
Did Not Finish
April 7, 2025thank you to the publishers and author for allowing me to get a chance at reading this in advance on netgalley!
as much as this story is up my alley with the best friends to lovers trope, fake dating, and being able to get back at the town that hurt her and underestimated her, i couldn't bring myself to go any further. the plot had its merits because i love fake dating and i love witches and werewolves and whole town of them, but the way we were introduced to everything felt like it was being thrown on me. and the friendship nor the closeness between the two characters seemed natural. and from what i got into her getting back to town, penelope's voice did not sound like she grew at all from the girl in the prologue, despite the time jump. i might give it another chance, but it felt a little forced.
i wish this was more show than tell and more shown naturally than just in your face told with the bullying and the way the town hated her. and i wish a little more research was done on the tarot cards aspect because in my small knowledge, the biggest misconception is taking the cards at face value without researching the other aspects of the card. and it seems disrespectful to tarot, whether one believes in it or not, to do so. the same with using any tarot card as a threat.
as much as this story is up my alley with the best friends to lovers trope, fake dating, and being able to get back at the town that hurt her and underestimated her, i couldn't bring myself to go any further. the plot had its merits because i love fake dating and i love witches and werewolves and whole town of them, but the way we were introduced to everything felt like it was being thrown on me. and the friendship nor the closeness between the two characters seemed natural. and from what i got into her getting back to town, penelope's voice did not sound like she grew at all from the girl in the prologue, despite the time jump. i might give it another chance, but it felt a little forced.
i wish this was more show than tell and more shown naturally than just in your face told with the bullying and the way the town hated her. and i wish a little more research was done on the tarot cards aspect because in my small knowledge, the biggest misconception is taking the cards at face value without researching the other aspects of the card. and it seems disrespectful to tarot, whether one believes in it or not, to do so. the same with using any tarot card as a threat.
March 23, 2025
I will definitely be reading more books by Noelle Rider. For the first book in a series she had a lot of world building and characters to introduce. That is my only reason for my rating.
I love that the FMC, Penelope, is on the larger size while the MMC, Artie, is literal eye candy with tattoos and rock hard abs.
For those criticizing the author about off page sex of the MMC, did you read the prologue or any of the other times she mentioned his demon half was a succubus? You could have stopped reading at the prologue.
There are some dark themes in the book, men in robes who rule over the town and other creatures who do their best to snub them even in tiny ways. Oh, and a spell gone awry that was cast out of desperation 15 years ago.
I love that they talked to each other like adults, once Artie convinced Pen he wasn’t going anywhere. Yes this book has spice.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I love that the FMC, Penelope, is on the larger size while the MMC, Artie, is literal eye candy with tattoos and rock hard abs.
For those criticizing the author about off page sex of the MMC, did you read the prologue or any of the other times she mentioned his demon half was a succubus? You could have stopped reading at the prologue.
There are some dark themes in the book, men in robes who rule over the town and other creatures who do their best to snub them even in tiny ways. Oh, and a spell gone awry that was cast out of desperation 15 years ago.
I love that they talked to each other like adults, once Artie convinced Pen he wasn’t going anywhere. Yes this book has spice.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
May 17, 2025
Witching and Scheming introduces readers to Penelope Ophelia Odenberry, a sharp-witted witch returning to her quirky hometown of Huckleberry Hollow, Idaho. The narrative is infused with humor, magic, and a touch of romance, as Penny navigates complex relationships and town politics.
The story delves into themes of body positivity, autonomy, and challenging patriarchal structures, all while maintaining a light-hearted tone. Penny's dynamic with her best friend, Artemis Nita-Nusi—a half-bear, half-demon shifter—is both endearing and entertaining, especially as they engage in a faux romance to outwit the town's council.
While the novel offers a delightful blend of comedy and fantasy, I have noted areas where character development and plot depth could be enhanced. Nevertheless, the book's charm lies in its eccentric characters and the whimsical world-building that sets the stage for future adventures in the series.
The story delves into themes of body positivity, autonomy, and challenging patriarchal structures, all while maintaining a light-hearted tone. Penny's dynamic with her best friend, Artemis Nita-Nusi—a half-bear, half-demon shifter—is both endearing and entertaining, especially as they engage in a faux romance to outwit the town's council.
While the novel offers a delightful blend of comedy and fantasy, I have noted areas where character development and plot depth could be enhanced. Nevertheless, the book's charm lies in its eccentric characters and the whimsical world-building that sets the stage for future adventures in the series.
March 15, 2025
Penelope Ophelia Odenberry is hilarious, strongly independent, utterly unapologetic and a Witch! She is reunited with her bff Artemis after having parted ways when they were teens. Penny now has a medical degree in psychology and reuniting with Artemis is causing her many feelings, emotions, sensations and lots of sexual urges. Between dealing with her strongly opinioned mother, her town, racists, sexist council (who are also Witches) she will navigate the town and her powers and her feelings for Artemis like a good strong and very opinionated Witch with an overactive and hilarious imagination.
Witching & Scheming will have you laughing out loud with it's dry, witty, sarcastic and humorous story telling.
Thank you Netgalley and Perry Dog Publishing for this sexy witchy rom-com.
Witching & Scheming will have you laughing out loud with it's dry, witty, sarcastic and humorous story telling.
Thank you Netgalley and Perry Dog Publishing for this sexy witchy rom-com.
July 23, 2025
I rated this book 3.5 stars and rounded up to 4.
Witching and Scheming was a super horny book about a witch that created a spell to make her best friend forget about her when she was fleeing her town after high school. It reminded me a bit of 50 First Dates. I liked the book, but felt that it was a bit scattered and could have benefited from more outlining. For example, Penelope wanted to avoid her best friend and love interest, Artemis, one minute and the next minute she was dry humping him. I think the book would have been a bit better if Artemis was more than super hot ex-bff that is in love with her even though he cant remember her. I liked how he was half incubus, half bear shifter and would have been interested more in that side of him.
Witching and Scheming was a super horny book about a witch that created a spell to make her best friend forget about her when she was fleeing her town after high school. It reminded me a bit of 50 First Dates. I liked the book, but felt that it was a bit scattered and could have benefited from more outlining. For example, Penelope wanted to avoid her best friend and love interest, Artemis, one minute and the next minute she was dry humping him. I think the book would have been a bit better if Artemis was more than super hot ex-bff that is in love with her even though he cant remember her. I liked how he was half incubus, half bear shifter and would have been interested more in that side of him.
April 4, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 💕
DNF @ 15% A trope I can not get past: insta love/lust. With the time jump this book took, the insta lust was, well, insta, but also so one sided. She loved and was obsessed with him so quick but he, was so mean and rude to her. Besides this, there was so much going on at times in the book I found myself re-reading many paragraphs, going back several pages, or even just re-reading sentences several times before I figure out what was going on. I love a witchy woman story, but this one was not the one for me, but could be for you.
DNF @ 15% A trope I can not get past: insta love/lust. With the time jump this book took, the insta lust was, well, insta, but also so one sided. She loved and was obsessed with him so quick but he, was so mean and rude to her. Besides this, there was so much going on at times in the book I found myself re-reading many paragraphs, going back several pages, or even just re-reading sentences several times before I figure out what was going on. I love a witchy woman story, but this one was not the one for me, but could be for you.
April 12, 2025
This book had so much potential to be a fun, cozy romantasy but honestly I was just confused? There were so many situations where things were happening and I just couldn’t picture it or I didn’t know how it was fitting into the story (maybe that’s a me problem though lol.) The world building was also all over the place and the modern references (Trump, Taylor Swift, etc.) took me completely out of the story. On top of that, I wasn’t really invested in Penny or Artemis, both individually or as a couple. Their characters didn’t have enough depth. Overall this one just really didn’t do it for me 😞
May 17, 2025
Witchy RomCom, sign me up! I love just about every book with a little bit of magic. This one was no exception. With a whole town of witches and werewolves, what's not to love!
This was a cute well written story with a just hint of spice. This book is really funny, and I genuinely mean that. it's bit awkward at times and I found myself getting embarrassed.
I thought this book actually a somewhat unique storyline with loveable characters and shockingly avoided a 3rd act miscommunication trope like most of these romcoms have which I appreciated.
Overall I recommend this book!
Thank you to NetGalley for the copy of this book!
This was a cute well written story with a just hint of spice. This book is really funny, and I genuinely mean that. it's bit awkward at times and I found myself getting embarrassed.
I thought this book actually a somewhat unique storyline with loveable characters and shockingly avoided a 3rd act miscommunication trope like most of these romcoms have which I appreciated.
Overall I recommend this book!
Thank you to NetGalley for the copy of this book!
May 8, 2024
Meh...
I won this through Goodreads. I read it as a 'pallet cleanser' between other books.
Needs a heavy handed copyediting to get the story and characters straight.
I'm all for big girl leading ladies, but how about some clear back story and consist character building. If this is 'romance writing' , no wonder I dislike that type of book. I love my 'p##n', but this story was too much. Messy, hard to follow, won't be reading anything by this author again.
I won this through Goodreads. I read it as a 'pallet cleanser' between other books.
Needs a heavy handed copyediting to get the story and characters straight.
I'm all for big girl leading ladies, but how about some clear back story and consist character building. If this is 'romance writing' , no wonder I dislike that type of book. I love my 'p##n', but this story was too much. Messy, hard to follow, won't be reading anything by this author again.
March 9, 2025
It was a quick and easy read. While it wasn’t entirely my cup of tea, I did enjoy certain parts—especially the FMC, whose personality and snarky comments I really enjoyed. However, the pacing felt off at times, either moving too fast or too slow. I did love the witchy aspect’s tho! Im always a sucker for those.
Overall, if you’re looking for a fun, witchy read, this could still be enjoyable despite the pacing issues!
Overall, if you’re looking for a fun, witchy read, this could still be enjoyable despite the pacing issues!
June 22, 2025
"Witching and Scheming" by Noelle Rider is an enjoyable, if unremarkable, read that earns 3 stars. The novel follows a plus-sized witch, Penelope (or Penn), navigating a magical world, and while the premise had potential, it didn't fully deliver for me.
I found Penn likable enough, but the constant focus on her weight felt excessive and reductive, turning it into a personality trait rather than a facet of her identity. This overshadowed her development and made the story feel repetitive. Similarly, the political commentary woven throughout came across as heavy-handed, reflecting the author's views more than the character's, which pulled me out of the narrative.
The plot had moments of intrigue, but the buildup to key events fell flat, leaving me unsatisfied. Nothing stood out as particularly memorable, and the story didn't leave a lasting impression. That said, the writing was decent, and the magical elements were fun, even if they didn't break new ground.
Overall, "Witching and Scheming" isn't a bad novel, it just wasn't for me. Readers who enjoy light fantasy with social commentary might find more love here than I did.
I found Penn likable enough, but the constant focus on her weight felt excessive and reductive, turning it into a personality trait rather than a facet of her identity. This overshadowed her development and made the story feel repetitive. Similarly, the political commentary woven throughout came across as heavy-handed, reflecting the author's views more than the character's, which pulled me out of the narrative.
The plot had moments of intrigue, but the buildup to key events fell flat, leaving me unsatisfied. Nothing stood out as particularly memorable, and the story didn't leave a lasting impression. That said, the writing was decent, and the magical elements were fun, even if they didn't break new ground.
Overall, "Witching and Scheming" isn't a bad novel, it just wasn't for me. Readers who enjoy light fantasy with social commentary might find more love here than I did.
May 3, 2024
Enjoyed the book overall
The dynamics between the 2 main characters was great. Also between Pen, her dog and her few good friends. Some parts of the book I felt were covered multiple times, while others not enough. The reason for the star deduction was because this happened during the ending, it seemed very rushed to me. But overall the book was enjoyable.
The dynamics between the 2 main characters was great. Also between Pen, her dog and her few good friends. Some parts of the book I felt were covered multiple times, while others not enough. The reason for the star deduction was because this happened during the ending, it seemed very rushed to me. But overall the book was enjoyable.
May 2, 2024
I just could not get into the story. Couldn't quite figure out was going on and bowed out at about 10%.
July 29, 2024
I really enjoyed this world of withes and magical beings. I look forward to more by this author!
April 12, 2025
I really liked this. I think it was worth my time of reading and although not the most individual story I think it was still a very cute story and worth the read
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