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Evermoss #1
Potions and Perils
After years of being the disappointing daughter of the Guardian of the Swamp, Eshail finally escaped.
She’s got her dream, a village to nurture, a town witchery to run, and a crush on the town Herald.
Unfortunately, winter has been unreasonably harsh, and Lushwood is struggling. Her store, usually full of herbal remedies and alchemical magic, is bare. And Evelyn, the town Herald, won’t give her the time of day.
Everything changes when Yates, a gorgeous merchant from the East, arrives. The Eastern Empire’s hatred of witches is widely documented, but the woman’s wagon is full of the supplies the village needs to outlast the winter. The price? Only the secret Eshail’s been hiding from everyone for the last three years.
There's a chance for salvation... but at what cost?
Potions and Perils is a cozy, sweet FF romantasy. If you enjoy Travis Baltree’s Legends and Lattes or Rebecca Thorne’s Can't Spell Treason Without Tea (Tomes and Tea), you’ll fall in love with the ladies of Evermoss!
She’s got her dream, a village to nurture, a town witchery to run, and a crush on the town Herald.
Unfortunately, winter has been unreasonably harsh, and Lushwood is struggling. Her store, usually full of herbal remedies and alchemical magic, is bare. And Evelyn, the town Herald, won’t give her the time of day.
Everything changes when Yates, a gorgeous merchant from the East, arrives. The Eastern Empire’s hatred of witches is widely documented, but the woman’s wagon is full of the supplies the village needs to outlast the winter. The price? Only the secret Eshail’s been hiding from everyone for the last three years.
There's a chance for salvation... but at what cost?
Potions and Perils is a cozy, sweet FF romantasy. If you enjoy Travis Baltree’s Legends and Lattes or Rebecca Thorne’s Can't Spell Treason Without Tea (Tomes and Tea), you’ll fall in love with the ladies of Evermoss!
244 pages, Paperback
Published August 5, 2024
23 people are currently reading
4494 people want to read
About the author
Reck Well
2 books17 followersReck Well writes books for the impostors of the world—anyone who’s failed upward, fumbled a quest into fame, or accidentally befriended a banana slug. Their stories blend humor, heart, and the occasional stat sheet. A real-life chaos goblin, Reck spends most days wrestling prose, battling demonic spreadsheets, pretending worldbuilding isn’t just anxiety-fueled procrastination, and min-maxing their diet cola intake.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 21, 2024
My first ARC read and it was such a great experience!
Y’all NEED to read this when it is released on August 5th! Do yourselves a favour!
This was such an easy and enjoyable book! Warm and cozy witchy fantasy vibes, exactly what I needed for the winter! With aspects of found family, romance, slow-burn, queer romance, and a bit of high stakes towards the end, there were aspects for everyone!
Eshail and Yates stole my heart by the end of this book and I am so excited to read the next one!
I would consider this YA safe and PERFECT for teens/preteens as well as adults!
Well done to Reck Well for writing such a cozy and special story!
Y’all NEED to read this when it is released on August 5th! Do yourselves a favour!
This was such an easy and enjoyable book! Warm and cozy witchy fantasy vibes, exactly what I needed for the winter! With aspects of found family, romance, slow-burn, queer romance, and a bit of high stakes towards the end, there were aspects for everyone!
Eshail and Yates stole my heart by the end of this book and I am so excited to read the next one!
I would consider this YA safe and PERFECT for teens/preteens as well as adults!
Well done to Reck Well for writing such a cozy and special story!
July 31, 2024
I feel like this book is between 3.5 and 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received this book as an ARC and I’m leaving a voluntary review.
I enjoyed this book, and felt connected to some of the characters, especially Eshail the witch. I’ve recently come across these cosy fantasy books and I find I really connect with them. The book was pretty well written, and I was really pleased to find the description did match the book.
I liked the flow of the story, how the characters developed throughout the book, and I found it an interesting storyline. I really felt for Eshail and Yates throughout, how they really grew as people and the friendship they built together.
Overall pretty pleased I read this book, and I’m looking forward to the next one being released this winter!
I received this book as an ARC and I’m leaving a voluntary review.
I enjoyed this book, and felt connected to some of the characters, especially Eshail the witch. I’ve recently come across these cosy fantasy books and I find I really connect with them. The book was pretty well written, and I was really pleased to find the description did match the book.
I liked the flow of the story, how the characters developed throughout the book, and I found it an interesting storyline. I really felt for Eshail and Yates throughout, how they really grew as people and the friendship they built together.
Overall pretty pleased I read this book, and I’m looking forward to the next one being released this winter!
July 30, 2024
This was the first Arc I’ve read and it was super cute!! The sapphic romance was very low stakes, kind of enemies to lovers, and you want the best for the characters. It felt very similar to “Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea” just not very plot heavy. This would be a super cute Halloween read!
August 1, 2024
Amazing cozy fantasy novel. I cannot wait to read the rest of this series!! If you love magic, witches, and all things cozy this is a book for you!
July 12, 2024
Thank you to Dragon Tomes Publishing for an early-review copy of this book!
I had such a wonderful time reading this. The stakes do get pretty high for a cozy fantasy, but I never had any doubt that our main character, Eshail, and her friends would find a solution.
This book has a wonderful blend of real-world modern witchcraft with invented fantasy elements that pays real respect to the importance of honoring the earth in your practice. The thoughtfulness and attention to detail for this part of the story felt very meaningful for me.
Eshail may be one of my favorite characters in fantasy - she feels like such a real person to me, and she is so relatable in many ways. It was a delight to go on this adventure with her.
With very human characters, a unique setting, and a lot of heart, Potions and Perils is a book I would certainly recommend. A great read for any fantasy or romance lover!
I had such a wonderful time reading this. The stakes do get pretty high for a cozy fantasy, but I never had any doubt that our main character, Eshail, and her friends would find a solution.
This book has a wonderful blend of real-world modern witchcraft with invented fantasy elements that pays real respect to the importance of honoring the earth in your practice. The thoughtfulness and attention to detail for this part of the story felt very meaningful for me.
Eshail may be one of my favorite characters in fantasy - she feels like such a real person to me, and she is so relatable in many ways. It was a delight to go on this adventure with her.
With very human characters, a unique setting, and a lot of heart, Potions and Perils is a book I would certainly recommend. A great read for any fantasy or romance lover!
November 15, 2024
Potions & Perils has all the ingredients for a cozy slice of life experience one might expect from a Studio Ghibli film. Down to the valuable life lesson about love, connection and intentions.
In the beginning I struggled a bit to get hooked on the story. The problem of the long winter felt a bit repetitive and it was hard for me to connect with the main characters. I do see the irony, as this turned out to be one of the main obstacles Eshail is dealing with.
After the introduction of the Blight the story grew on me, as did its characters. Themes of belonging, the urge to prove yourself and stepping into one’s true potential really made the story for me. I had a couple of laughs at Druff’s attitude and the epilogue made sure to answer any questions (or wishes) I might have had after the main story.
A feel good, YA sapphic cozy fantasy that is perfect for those who like foraging games, slice of life anime’s and stories with a dash of magic.
I received this book as an eARC for free courtesy of BookSirens and I voluntarily leave an honest review.
In the beginning I struggled a bit to get hooked on the story. The problem of the long winter felt a bit repetitive and it was hard for me to connect with the main characters. I do see the irony, as this turned out to be one of the main obstacles Eshail is dealing with.
After the introduction of the Blight the story grew on me, as did its characters. Themes of belonging, the urge to prove yourself and stepping into one’s true potential really made the story for me. I had a couple of laughs at Druff’s attitude and the epilogue made sure to answer any questions (or wishes) I might have had after the main story.
A feel good, YA sapphic cozy fantasy that is perfect for those who like foraging games, slice of life anime’s and stories with a dash of magic.
I received this book as an eARC for free courtesy of BookSirens and I voluntarily leave an honest review.
September 17, 2024
I wholeheartedly recommend Potions and Perils to those readers who enjoy a cozy, slow-paced read in fantasy that's a lot about character relationships and internal conflict. If you like T. Kingfisher and Ursula Vernon or are looking for light magic, romance, and introspection, then you'll totally love this book.
Potions and Perils: An Evermoss Cozy Fantasy by Reck Well, written in 2024, is a great plunge into the world of cozily fantastic stories. Set within the village of Lushwood, it tells the story of a witch, Eshail, who tries to balance normal potion-making with the complicated obligations of common life. In the story, as winter overstays its welcome, Eshael finds herself fighting-not only against depleting supplies but also rising feelings for Evelyn, the herald of the town-when an impending blight threatens the land. It is a new combination of magic, personal reflection, and small-town life, with an undercurrent of romance.
Plot and Themes:
It's honestly more of a romance wrapped in Eshail's relationship with her witchy duties and the encroaching danger of the Blight. The plot brings very personal self-discovery, treads the thinnest line of complicated relationships, and clashes in a fight for the preservation of home and heart. The pacing is slow, but that perfectly fits into the cozy style of the genre. Comforting read. Also, there is at the same time an underpinning romantic tension, especially between Eshail and Evelyn, that gives tenderness to the more magical elements in the plot.
It's a story of solitude, of self-sufficiency, of community. Eshail's position as an outsider-a witch who serves but is somewhat feared by the villagers-echoes other themes of acceptance and finding one's place. The romance, not at all in the forefront, is beautifully interlaced with the bigger themes of companionship and support. The Blight can be read metaphorically for the pressures from without, against which harmony-personal and communal-is threatened.
Character:
Eshail, the protagonist of this story, is three-dimensionally developed. The way she struggles inside between the responsibilities of being a village witch against her desires for some sort of personal connection lends so much to relatability. Loneliness peppered with humor and self-reflection made her both endearing and complex. Her relationship with Druff, her cat familiar, was almost whimsical and grounding in its own right.
Evelyn is equally interesting in her steadiness, her inner vulnerability. Their shared love tenderly burns brightly, created with subtlety to make it all so credible and warm. This multi-layered relationship, built up by use of duty, attraction, and difficulties with respect to village life, speaks to the emotional texture of this novel. Other characters, too, such as Yates and Tarwa add more layering into the plot with their personal dilemmas, echoing some of the main themes in this novel: sacrifice and love.
Writing Style:
Reck Well's writing is smoothing, cozy, and full of atmosphere; in every scene, it's descriptive, yet simple and warm. Well effortlessly balances the magical and mundane while whisking readers away to a world where a cup of tea is as monumental as a spell. The pace of everything is leisurely-never hurried, never rushed-and yet much can be packed into it, in the ways of deep character building and rich world-building, without burdening the reader. Some of the more comic interludes are filled with the hum of Eshail's musings with her cat, Druff; it is from the more serious reflective moments, however, that weight is lent to the emotional tone.
First-person point of view drew the reader close to Eshail's thoughts and feelings, making this an intimately told story. The figurative language used, such as comparing her mood to a shift in seasons, has been put to suitable use in reflecting emotional character arcs.
Potions and Perils is just such a sweet, sentimental novel that really encompasses the cozy fantasy genre. Reck Well does a great job with the world-building of common magic use, but it's really the relationships and inner turmoil that take center stage. The concepts of love and community, and that balance beam of independence and connection, are just so satisfying. Fans of gentle, character-driven fantasy will find much to their liking herein-especially those who appreciate the mingling of magic, subtle romance, and village life.
Richly fleshed-out characters; nuanced relationships make this story pop. The writing is descriptive and immersive. It's a really engaging read about loneliness, love, and a sense of belonging. Weaknesses include the following:
Pacing - though perfect for cozy fantasy, it is slow to some readers.
Some secondary characters can be fleshed out a bit more.
The cozy magical atmosphere that permeates every page of T. Kingfisher's Swordheart, or the gentle wit found within Terry Pratchett's Witches series, makes Potions and Perils a real treat for readers who enjoy their fiction wrapped in magic. It is notably different for the genre because of its fixation on potions, small-town relationships, and slow-burn romance.
Evaluation:
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆
Writing Style: ★★★★☆ The cosy warmth is great, but maybe the pacing could be more dynamic at times.
Characters: ★★★★★ The relationship of Eshail and Evelyn is done really nicely.
World-Building: ★★★★☆ The village of Lushwood does come alive, though a couple of the magical elements could be fleshed out a bit more.
Triggers: Loneliness, loss of loved ones, isolation, community pressure.
Potions and Perils: An Evermoss Cozy Fantasy by Reck Well, written in 2024, is a great plunge into the world of cozily fantastic stories. Set within the village of Lushwood, it tells the story of a witch, Eshail, who tries to balance normal potion-making with the complicated obligations of common life. In the story, as winter overstays its welcome, Eshael finds herself fighting-not only against depleting supplies but also rising feelings for Evelyn, the herald of the town-when an impending blight threatens the land. It is a new combination of magic, personal reflection, and small-town life, with an undercurrent of romance.
Plot and Themes:
It's honestly more of a romance wrapped in Eshail's relationship with her witchy duties and the encroaching danger of the Blight. The plot brings very personal self-discovery, treads the thinnest line of complicated relationships, and clashes in a fight for the preservation of home and heart. The pacing is slow, but that perfectly fits into the cozy style of the genre. Comforting read. Also, there is at the same time an underpinning romantic tension, especially between Eshail and Evelyn, that gives tenderness to the more magical elements in the plot.
It's a story of solitude, of self-sufficiency, of community. Eshail's position as an outsider-a witch who serves but is somewhat feared by the villagers-echoes other themes of acceptance and finding one's place. The romance, not at all in the forefront, is beautifully interlaced with the bigger themes of companionship and support. The Blight can be read metaphorically for the pressures from without, against which harmony-personal and communal-is threatened.
Character:
Eshail, the protagonist of this story, is three-dimensionally developed. The way she struggles inside between the responsibilities of being a village witch against her desires for some sort of personal connection lends so much to relatability. Loneliness peppered with humor and self-reflection made her both endearing and complex. Her relationship with Druff, her cat familiar, was almost whimsical and grounding in its own right.
Evelyn is equally interesting in her steadiness, her inner vulnerability. Their shared love tenderly burns brightly, created with subtlety to make it all so credible and warm. This multi-layered relationship, built up by use of duty, attraction, and difficulties with respect to village life, speaks to the emotional texture of this novel. Other characters, too, such as Yates and Tarwa add more layering into the plot with their personal dilemmas, echoing some of the main themes in this novel: sacrifice and love.
Writing Style:
Reck Well's writing is smoothing, cozy, and full of atmosphere; in every scene, it's descriptive, yet simple and warm. Well effortlessly balances the magical and mundane while whisking readers away to a world where a cup of tea is as monumental as a spell. The pace of everything is leisurely-never hurried, never rushed-and yet much can be packed into it, in the ways of deep character building and rich world-building, without burdening the reader. Some of the more comic interludes are filled with the hum of Eshail's musings with her cat, Druff; it is from the more serious reflective moments, however, that weight is lent to the emotional tone.
First-person point of view drew the reader close to Eshail's thoughts and feelings, making this an intimately told story. The figurative language used, such as comparing her mood to a shift in seasons, has been put to suitable use in reflecting emotional character arcs.
Potions and Perils is just such a sweet, sentimental novel that really encompasses the cozy fantasy genre. Reck Well does a great job with the world-building of common magic use, but it's really the relationships and inner turmoil that take center stage. The concepts of love and community, and that balance beam of independence and connection, are just so satisfying. Fans of gentle, character-driven fantasy will find much to their liking herein-especially those who appreciate the mingling of magic, subtle romance, and village life.
Richly fleshed-out characters; nuanced relationships make this story pop. The writing is descriptive and immersive. It's a really engaging read about loneliness, love, and a sense of belonging. Weaknesses include the following:
Pacing - though perfect for cozy fantasy, it is slow to some readers.
Some secondary characters can be fleshed out a bit more.
The cozy magical atmosphere that permeates every page of T. Kingfisher's Swordheart, or the gentle wit found within Terry Pratchett's Witches series, makes Potions and Perils a real treat for readers who enjoy their fiction wrapped in magic. It is notably different for the genre because of its fixation on potions, small-town relationships, and slow-burn romance.
Evaluation:
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆
Writing Style: ★★★★☆ The cosy warmth is great, but maybe the pacing could be more dynamic at times.
Characters: ★★★★★ The relationship of Eshail and Evelyn is done really nicely.
World-Building: ★★★★☆ The village of Lushwood does come alive, though a couple of the magical elements could be fleshed out a bit more.
Triggers: Loneliness, loss of loved ones, isolation, community pressure.
August 20, 2024
I was a little confused by the synopsis and the cover of the book. It seems to hint at a sparking love between Evelyn, Yates, and Eshail. It is, however, not a poly romance at all. In fact the romance that does pop up in the story is very minimal and somewhat rushed. It goes from barely tolerating each other to sudden attraction to outright love in no time at all. In fact the epilogue is completely surprising considering the sequel set to tell the story of Yate's return home. Despite all that, it is a fairly good cozy fantasy story. Not a lot of action, not a lot of romance, a bigger focus on the small moments and the day-to-day of the MC's life.
Elaish was a really great character. She felt so real in her motivations and emotions. I really felt the deepest connections with her in her moments of despair and loneliness though. It's something a lot of us can empathize with. The person that she shares the deepest connections with doesn't want her the same way. The person she comes to have feelings for leaves seemingly easily. Her greatest magical gift she finds to be a curse. The story could have definitely become a lot greyer than it did. Her love for her home, her village, and familiar really keep her going and keep her on an even keel.
This isn't really a romance, so there isn't really a third act breakup. In fact the two of them don't actually get together until the epilogue. I would love, though I am not hopeful, that the sequel will spend more time with Elaish and Yates being together.
Elaish was a really great character. She felt so real in her motivations and emotions. I really felt the deepest connections with her in her moments of despair and loneliness though. It's something a lot of us can empathize with. The person that she shares the deepest connections with doesn't want her the same way. The person she comes to have feelings for leaves seemingly easily. Her greatest magical gift she finds to be a curse. The story could have definitely become a lot greyer than it did. Her love for her home, her village, and familiar really keep her going and keep her on an even keel.
This isn't really a romance, so there isn't really a third act breakup. In fact the two of them don't actually get together until the epilogue. I would love, though I am not hopeful, that the sequel will spend more time with Elaish and Yates being together.
December 9, 2024
"Potions & Perils" is an evocative and heartfelt tale that weaves magic, love, and healing into a compelling narrative. Eshail, a reclusive witch burdened by self-doubt, discovers her true power lies not just in her potions but in her ability to foster connection. The Blight—a dark, consuming force—mirrors the themes of despair and isolation, making Eshail’s discovery of a cure a triumph of both magic and humanity.
The relationships in the story, particularly between Eshail and Yates, are poignant and layered. Their bittersweet farewell is a testament to the sacrifices and fleeting nature of true connection. The vivid world-building, combined with the emotional depth of the characters, makes the story both immersive and resonant.
Potions & Perils is more than just a fantasy novel—it’s a reflection on the power of intention, the beauty of connection, and the courage it takes to let go. Perfect for readers who enjoy stories that blend magical adventure with profound emotional growth.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The relationships in the story, particularly between Eshail and Yates, are poignant and layered. Their bittersweet farewell is a testament to the sacrifices and fleeting nature of true connection. The vivid world-building, combined with the emotional depth of the characters, makes the story both immersive and resonant.
Potions & Perils is more than just a fantasy novel—it’s a reflection on the power of intention, the beauty of connection, and the courage it takes to let go. Perfect for readers who enjoy stories that blend magical adventure with profound emotional growth.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 28, 2024
"Potions and Perils" by Reck Well is a cozy and magical book that feels warm and comforting. It starts off a bit slow, and the long winter is mentioned a lot, which got a little repetitive. But once the story gets going, the characters become more likable. I found Eshail, the main character, pretty easy to relate to.The world-building is really nice. The town of Lushwood is described in a way that makes it easy to picture. Eshail’s familiar, Druff, was a lot of fun, and I kept thinking of my own cat, Salem, whenever Druff showed up.I also liked the interactions between Eshail and Yates. Their relationship added a sweet touch to the story. The ending felt a little rushed, but it still wrapped up nicely with a happy ending.Overall, if you like witchy stories, foraging games, and a sweet, cozy read, "Potions and Perils" is a great choice. It might take a bit of patience to get into, but it’s worth it for the charming world and the good vibes.
September 26, 2025
This was super cute!
I was actually hoping for a bit more of the romance, but that's okay.
It was fun, cute, cozy, and an all around good time.
I loved the magic involved and the potion-making. And the processing of plants. Also I loved the sapphic vibes throughout and how the issues were handled. That not every place is the same, was great.
The mystery and how everything falls apart was great, but it also never felt like the stakes were too high. Yes things happen, but it is cozy fantasy. Yes, there is fear and worry, but it felt in keeping with the vibes. I was here for the coziness. The way the mystery/ harm was solved at the end was heartwarming and it felt meaningful.
Also, the ending gives you all the feels you needed.
I was actually hoping for a bit more of the romance, but that's okay.
It was fun, cute, cozy, and an all around good time.
I loved the magic involved and the potion-making. And the processing of plants. Also I loved the sapphic vibes throughout and how the issues were handled. That not every place is the same, was great.
The mystery and how everything falls apart was great, but it also never felt like the stakes were too high. Yes things happen, but it is cozy fantasy. Yes, there is fear and worry, but it felt in keeping with the vibes. I was here for the coziness. The way the mystery/ harm was solved at the end was heartwarming and it felt meaningful.
Also, the ending gives you all the feels you needed.
March 5, 2025
Wonderful, heartwarming story!
I absolutely loved this book! The characters are well-rounded and have great stories, and I’m hoping to find more of them in the future. I always love companion characters, and I was thrilled to see the care with which you crafted Druff. The storyline is well-thought out, with lots of detail. There is plenty of foreshadowing to keep the pages turning. Character growth is wonderful. An all around great read! Can’t wait for the next book to come out!
I absolutely loved this book! The characters are well-rounded and have great stories, and I’m hoping to find more of them in the future. I always love companion characters, and I was thrilled to see the care with which you crafted Druff. The storyline is well-thought out, with lots of detail. There is plenty of foreshadowing to keep the pages turning. Character growth is wonderful. An all around great read! Can’t wait for the next book to come out!
June 19, 2025
This was such a lovely cozy fantasy, I finished it in one sitting!
I found the characters very likable, especially Eshail. Her search for love and connection was really moving. I loved watching her grow as a person.
The romance was a little bit of a slow burn. The relationship between Eshail and Yates was well-written and believable. I found them and their adventures cute!
The world building was really interesting and I would love to know more about other witches and the desert. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
I found the characters very likable, especially Eshail. Her search for love and connection was really moving. I loved watching her grow as a person.
The romance was a little bit of a slow burn. The relationship between Eshail and Yates was well-written and believable. I found them and their adventures cute!
The world building was really interesting and I would love to know more about other witches and the desert. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
August 11, 2024
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily to share my honest opinion.
I enjoyed this story quite a bit. An unsung hero typically feared or considered an outcast by many, but needed to keep the town healthy and safe. An outsider who unknowingly starts chaos because they want to appease their family instead of being their true self. An overbearing mother figure who is never satisfied and isn’t afraid to tell her disappointment.
I think we can all relate to a character in this story or know someone like them. In the world’s climate today it’s so easy to judge people for their differences and never really know what people are capable of until we give them a chance to show their true selves. You don’t always get the love that you want or crave from the people in your life but you get the love you need and deserve in the end from what you put out into the world. That is the best way to describe this book, a story of finding your place in the world and finding yourself and the love you need by what you give.
I am curious to see where this series goes, so I will for sure be looking out for the next book.
I enjoyed this story quite a bit. An unsung hero typically feared or considered an outcast by many, but needed to keep the town healthy and safe. An outsider who unknowingly starts chaos because they want to appease their family instead of being their true self. An overbearing mother figure who is never satisfied and isn’t afraid to tell her disappointment.
I think we can all relate to a character in this story or know someone like them. In the world’s climate today it’s so easy to judge people for their differences and never really know what people are capable of until we give them a chance to show their true selves. You don’t always get the love that you want or crave from the people in your life but you get the love you need and deserve in the end from what you put out into the world. That is the best way to describe this book, a story of finding your place in the world and finding yourself and the love you need by what you give.
I am curious to see where this series goes, so I will for sure be looking out for the next book.
September 28, 2024
*** I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. ***
I enjoyed every bit of this book and cannot wait for the next book to come out later this year! The characters were great and so easy to relate to. I love how the author was able to write this story in a way that I could really envision being in the Evermoss alongside the characters.
This book isn't heavy on romance or spice but it is a great cozy fantasy to curl up with this fall.
I enjoyed every bit of this book and cannot wait for the next book to come out later this year! The characters were great and so easy to relate to. I love how the author was able to write this story in a way that I could really envision being in the Evermoss alongside the characters.
This book isn't heavy on romance or spice but it is a great cozy fantasy to curl up with this fall.
August 17, 2024
Eshail, a witch, has always struggled with feelings of inadequacy. This year's never-ending winter has devastated the town of Lushwood, leaving her shop empty and her desperate for a solution. The arrival of a stranger from the East only makes matters worse. This story boasts a compelling plot and well-developed characters, with unexpected twists and turns.
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.
September 5, 2024
I received this as an ARC, I leave this review voluntarily.
This book started out a little slow while we got to know the characters, once we did the book turned into a smoother read. I love how Eshail grew into her self by the end, and also how the friendship between her and her should be enemy Thayatesh (Yates) grew.
A cozy little read. Just what I needed before I dive into my next series.
This book started out a little slow while we got to know the characters, once we did the book turned into a smoother read. I love how Eshail grew into her self by the end, and also how the friendship between her and her should be enemy Thayatesh (Yates) grew.
A cozy little read. Just what I needed before I dive into my next series.
Read
October 15, 2024A cozy, and sweet story that blossomed into a satisfying fantasy and a bit of a love story. Eshaile is ethical and kind, even in the face of many unkindnesses. Her back story made her 3-dimensional. The stories within the story were absolutely wonderful. It was a book that felt original, yet comfortable. Well done to Reck Well and Dragon Tomes publishing!
August 14, 2024
This whole year I've been in the mood for wholesome and cozy things and books like these just keep hitting the spot!
Eshail is the standout in this, she's so relatable. The story was a bit slow to start for me but once you catch on and the plot starts plotting I was in. This was read in one sitting, I did not put it down and I heavily recommend it. The love story was also very lovely.
My only wish is that I was able to read this in the autumn but I am not complaining too much since I got the ARC in the first place!
I received an ARC from Booksirens and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to both Booksirens and the author.
Eshail is the standout in this, she's so relatable. The story was a bit slow to start for me but once you catch on and the plot starts plotting I was in. This was read in one sitting, I did not put it down and I heavily recommend it. The love story was also very lovely.
My only wish is that I was able to read this in the autumn but I am not complaining too much since I got the ARC in the first place!
I received an ARC from Booksirens and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to both Booksirens and the author.
December 7, 2024
Reck well has become one of my fave authors because he gave the witches a really genuine feel! Normally witches are throwing magic all over the place with lots of unbelievable powers. And it's all high fantasy and unrelatable. This however is almost like a day in the life of a true witch, with authentic wording, credible potions and spells, and believable magic powers. There was great respect for witches written into this cozy fantasy, from the descriptions of the foraging and preparing ingredients to the witches tools and home. It really felt like all of this could be happening on the next town over.
The story itself was well written and had great descriptions and included a few unusual words include like a cantrip? I had to Google it as I'd never heard that before. (It means a small trick.)
I enjoyed the small swamp town where they lived and I enjoyed getting to know the people that lived there, we also learned of life in the east where they still burn witches (and worse).
The book was an ARC read and one I truly enjoyed, however I'm pretty sad because up until the epilogue it was going to be a 5star read! Then I read a boring, standard, thrown together ending that rushed through the loose ends tying them all up like they weren't even Important. I truly loved this book and I'm angry that the ending is so rubbish! It's like it was written by a different person altogether because its just so different in language and pace.
I'd love to read more about this town and these characters, I read this one in 1 day and although it's advertised as a romance it's really not, it's unrequited love throughout the entire story. I did enjoy that it represents lesbians and bisexuals and promotes strong friendships and there is a touch of will they, won't they, but with it being such a cozy read I was hoping for at least some romance...
The ending was predictable but it read well and worked, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story itself was well written and had great descriptions and included a few unusual words include like a cantrip? I had to Google it as I'd never heard that before. (It means a small trick.)
I enjoyed the small swamp town where they lived and I enjoyed getting to know the people that lived there, we also learned of life in the east where they still burn witches (and worse).
The book was an ARC read and one I truly enjoyed, however I'm pretty sad because up until the epilogue it was going to be a 5star read! Then I read a boring, standard, thrown together ending that rushed through the loose ends tying them all up like they weren't even Important. I truly loved this book and I'm angry that the ending is so rubbish! It's like it was written by a different person altogether because its just so different in language and pace.
I'd love to read more about this town and these characters, I read this one in 1 day and although it's advertised as a romance it's really not, it's unrequited love throughout the entire story. I did enjoy that it represents lesbians and bisexuals and promotes strong friendships and there is a touch of will they, won't they, but with it being such a cozy read I was hoping for at least some romance...
The ending was predictable but it read well and worked, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 17, 2025
Small town witch has injured jerk foreigner dumped in her lap. Can she heal her, live up to her mom’s high expectations, and save her village from a mysterious threat?
Read for: Sapphic romance & witches
Avoid if: A socially ostracized MC feels a little Too Real for you
Read for: Sapphic romance & witches
Avoid if: A socially ostracized MC feels a little Too Real for you
October 4, 2024
A good book that I liked reading. The character of
Eshail is really good. Lushwood made a good town.
Enjoyed reading...
Eshail is really good. Lushwood made a good town.
Enjoyed reading...
October 6, 2024
I absolutely loved this read. Well has created a beautiful fantasy landscape. You can't help but love all of the characters.
tbr
October 16, 2024RTC
I want to say thank you for the copy. Although I was a giveaway winner it was wrapped in cute purple paper, twine, and wax stamped with the publishing company logo.
I want to say thank you for the copy. Although I was a giveaway winner it was wrapped in cute purple paper, twine, and wax stamped with the publishing company logo.
July 4, 2025
An awesome book!
I love this story! I love how her primary magic that cured the swamp! I also love how she got her happy ending!
I love this story! I love how her primary magic that cured the swamp! I also love how she got her happy ending!
July 27, 2025
Wiches
Not the kind of book l normally read but I enjoyed it never the less. I really got into the story and found it kept t my interest
Not the kind of book l normally read but I enjoyed it never the less. I really got into the story and found it kept t my interest
January 7, 2026
A real page turner
I thoroughly enjoyed this book I love the characters interactions. What an imagination the author has! I am so looking forward to more.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book I love the characters interactions. What an imagination the author has! I am so looking forward to more.
August 11, 2024
This book the first time I picked up, I wasn't in the right head space to give it justice, so I asked for more time to read it, and so glad I did, this book had me in the feels hard, I was cheering on the happy ending all the way. It's a tournamented love story of an MFC that falls first. The other FC fights her feelings, but the happy ending we all want, you'll have to read it to find out. But trust me you won't be disappointed, the world building makes you feel like your there with the characters even in a muddy swamp, when they laugh, you will laugh, when they cry you will cry also.
I got this given to me as an ARC
Troupes:
It's a slow burn
LGBTQI?
FF&FF
Enemies to lovers
Witchcraft
I got this given to me as an ARC
Troupes:
It's a slow burn
LGBTQI?
FF&FF
Enemies to lovers
Witchcraft
August 12, 2024
3,5/5 stars.
I felt like the story started out a little slow, getting to know the Main female character and her trade. But as soon as there was more contact and connections with other characters the story picked up a bit.
It was a very nice and cute story, perfect for the (slowly) shortening days.
I really liked the 'witchy' vibes and when the story got rolling really felt connected with Eshail and her struggles in her world.
All in all I will definitely reread it closer to the spooky season for a shot of cozy witchyness.
I felt like the story started out a little slow, getting to know the Main female character and her trade. But as soon as there was more contact and connections with other characters the story picked up a bit.
It was a very nice and cute story, perfect for the (slowly) shortening days.
I really liked the 'witchy' vibes and when the story got rolling really felt connected with Eshail and her struggles in her world.
All in all I will definitely reread it closer to the spooky season for a shot of cozy witchyness.
August 5, 2024
Potions & Perils is a great choice for all you cozy fantasy lovers. I loved the reframing of our FMC intentions, what a wonderful way to twist one thing into another. I did not love how quickly the ending was wrapped up. I wish we had some more time with our love interest. Overall, this is a solid, cozy read.
Thanks to BookSirens, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thanks to BookSirens, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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