Noelle Fontaine, the proprietor of Wafflelicious specialty waffle shop in Angel Cove, Florida, has loved the Christmas season her entire life. Her sweet, bubbly personality and effervescent optimism sees the good and love in everyone—no matter what the season—making her one of the Cove’s most beloved locals. And it doesn’t take long for the dimpled, golden-haired femme to sense a wounded soul hiding under the stoic, cynical exterior of Angel Cove’s newest and most guarded resident. Noelle decides a little dose of Christmas magic is exactly what Quinn Williamson needs to break out of her shell.
A recent transplant from Chicago, Quinn has moved to Angel Cove looking for a fresh start after her ex-girlfriend abruptly left her. Guarded, jaded, and accustomed to not expecting much out of life, Quinn takes a job as the local news and crime reporter journalist for the weekly Angel Cove Observer, a far cry from the big city daily papers she has labored on over the past twenty years. Taken aback (and slightly irritated) by Noelle’s constant cheerfulness at first, she is eventually stunned to realize she is actually settling comfortably into small town life—in no small part because of a golden-haired sprite who refuses to let an increasingly spellbound Quinn hide away from the camaraderie of the town any longer.
However, when Noelle discovers not long before Christmas that the building housing Wafflelicious is going to be sold to an out-of-town property developer—who plans to demolish the structure to make way for luxury condos—the usually optimistic shop owner finds the blow to her heart more than she can handle. Sinking into depression, Noelle cuts herself off from everyone in town as she mourns the loss of her lifelong dream, unable to deal with the devastation.
But the residents of Angel Cove, led by a grumpy journalist hell-bent on restoring the sunshine in Noelle’s soul, scheme to save Wafflelicious from the wrecking ball. Through grit, resolve, and a refusal to lose the charm of their seaside town to a greedy developer only concerned with profit, the Angel Cove inhabitants set out to prove the magic of Christmas and family can overcome even the most seemingly-impossible obstacles when fueled by pure love.
Sugar. Spice. And the Magic of Christmas vs. Scrooge in Paradise. A meet-cute, grumpy/sunshine, against all odds, heartwarming holiday novella.
Spellbound - hold the complete attention of someone (me) as though by magic. Apropos. I have adored, loved, and enjoyed all the books I've read by Tiffany E Taylor. This is no exception. With a co-writter of Lisa Caro, her first released book, I feel that amazing things will happen. I started reading it as soon as it hit my Kindle, and I have already read it twice. I can not get enough of the MCs. They have a vibrant chemistry that just felt like pure bliss. I enjoyed the instant love and connection. The story encaptured me throughout the day, I didn't want to walk away from this book. I just kept coming back to it at every free movement. It is a beautiful Christmas story full of hope and bringing the spirit of the holiday season. I went through the emotions both times I read it, and I am not a crier. However, both times, I did have tears running down my face. Grab a warm drink, wrap yourself in a blanket, sit back, and enjoy this fabulous holiday story. I know I will be enjoying it every holiday season for years to come.
My late spouse was a huge fan of those Hallmark Christmas movies, the ones where an unlikely pair end up falling in love because they happen to be in the same area and end up in a strange and sometimes precarious position. I always thought they were schlock, and I hated watching them. I think Mm late spouse would have approved of this book, but I do too because it is not schlock. The joy and the love and the serendipity that it takes to get these characters together somehow feels natural and feels very much like something that one would want to experience in their own life. The only problem with this book is that it ends. I'd love to live a little bit more with these characters, so I guess I'll have to reread it instead.
A terrific, heartwarming story to celebrate the season. The town of Angel Cove is close knit and as the new person in town, the town rolls out the charm to Quinn to welcome her. So much different than what she’s used to from Chicago, Quinn must adjust to the openness of her new community. Noelle is, in many ways, the center of Angel Cove. Always there for her fellow residents and business owners, Noelle brings love, happiness, and care to those around her. Quinn can’t help but be drawn to Noelle and the attraction is mutual. As Quinn settles into the community and their relationship grows, an interloper lurks in the shadows ready to change the face of Angel Cove forever. Spellbound is a wonderfully uplifting read that has well developed characters, a great community setting, a story that will keep you engaged, and a seemingly grumpy resident who finds a reason to reopen their heart to something more.
Spellbound offers us a sweet, cute, and humorous at times romance where we get to meet Angel Cove residents like Noelle, Franada, and others. We get to see what makes Angel Cove so amazing, as well as the tight knit community that cares for each other. Quinn, being new to Angel Cove, overhears residents talking about certain businesses and how they help others. Since she’s a local and a crime news reporter, she thinks residents would love to know about these kindly good deeds in the Observer; Angel Cove’s own newspaper. Unbeknownst to Angel Cove residents, the owner wants to sell the building that houses 4 important businesses. The potential buyer wants to put up luxury condos in its place. Quinn feels like she’s losing Noelle and decides to see what she can possibly do to help. When the residents hear about the potential sale, they band together to tell the city council to not let the sale go through. During this time, our effervescent Noelle, who owns Wafflelicious in the building that's in jeopardy, has lost her endearing spark since she’d lose her business. Now the question remains, do Quinn and Noelle get their happy ending or will it be dashed like ice dropped on the ground?
I absolutely love this line, “Scrooge has been vanquished, the angels in heaven are singing, and the magic of Christmas is evident everywhere as far as the eye can see.”
Well… what do you expect when two brilliant minds come together to write a holiday novella? Fireworks, right? 🔥🎄
Spellbound delivers exactly that- but wrapped in festive decorations and cozy small town vibes. The MCs are quietly captivating. From Quinn’s rocky relationship past and work hustle to Noelle’s sparkling presence and her role in keeping Angel Cove’s charm alive, the chemistry works.
It’s cute. A little too cute. But it’s the holidays- I let it slide.
The side characters? Just enough drama, nosiness, and heart to make this tiny town feel like home. A lot happens for such a short story, which makes it worth the read.
If I had one tiny bone to pick? There is just one spicy scene. It's holiday spirit and all.. but still.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for a cozy butch/femme romance with small-town vibes and feel-good energy, Spellbound belongs on your December reading list.
A sweet and delightful tale sure to inspire hope in this dark season. Quinn has relocated for a new start. She is pretty closed off and wounded. Noelle runs Wafflelicious a place dedicated to fun and looking like Sherwin Williams has exploded. These 2 are immediately attracted to one another and a hot and wonderful romance ensues. An awful developer wants to knock down the building that contains Waffleicous and several other businesses. How Quinn rallies the town at holiday time is inspiring. I really needed a feel-good story and this totally hit that mark!
Already a fan of Tiffany E. Taylor’s books, I was excited to read this first collaboration with Lisa Caro and it did not disappoint. Two very lovable butch and femme main characters, interesting supporting characters too and all set in a cosy small town where everyone knows everyone else’s business, but in a kind, supportive way. With romance, humour and tension, what’s not to like? Can’t wait for further books from both authors and any future collaborations. Well done.
I felt like I was actually there in Angel Cove with Quinn and Noelle. I loved how everyone helped each other. I also love how understanding Quinn was with Noelle during her troubled time. Even though Noelle's space, Quinn still found another way to make sure her woman was taking care of herself. I love the outcome. Tiffany E Taylor and Lisa Caro, this would make a great Sapphic Xmas movie.
Tiffany and Lisa have given us a magical story filled with engaging characters. Her description of Quinn in the beginning is spot on for many butches. Newly arriving in the Florida town, she begins exploring her immediate surroundings, a Cuban Restaurant and other businesses including the recommended Wafflelicious. She meets the owner, Noelle, and is intrigued. You will love watching their story unfold and how Quinn is supportive of Noelle during a highly stressful time. Highly recommend this book
I really enjoyed this book. Quinn has left Chicago to come to Florida area. She is a reporter and got a job with the local newspaper. Noelle is the owner of a restaurant called waffle licious. I found the plot very engaging, and the characters were wonderful. There was romance and drama, which made the story very readable. I recommend this book rather ones who like a great romance story.
Very likable sweet holiday read. This story has what I like in a sweet holiday story. A sweet romance . The town the story takes place is the perfect setting for a fun holiday story. I recommend this book for anyone who loves happy ending like I do. Thanks
Spellbound was a great holiday, small town feel-good romance, with a little spice thrown in. Quinn and Noelle were fabulous MCs, and Angel Cove is a town I'd love to travel to!