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Witch You Would
When a young witch gets a life-changing chance to compete in a magical reality show, sparks fly as she’s partnered with a man she can’t stand.
In a Miami where enchantment is just another college major, the magic of television could change two lives.
Penelope Delmar, a broke salesgirl, has been chosen to compete on Cast Judgment, a spellcasting reality show. The winner gets a big cash prize, and for extra hype, this season is the Spellebrity every contestant will be paired with a celebrity teammate. Unfortunately, her partner, Leandro Presto, is best known for his goofy viral spell videos, not his skills.
Gil Contreras, alias Leandro Presto, has been crushing on his pen pal Penelope for months. Now they’re working together to win a contest that could save his grandfather’s charity—except he has to stay in character the whole time, so his dream girl thinks he’s a total loser.
Can they beat snobby rivals, fix spells gone wrong, and survive increasingly dangerous sabotage attempts to win the grand prize—and each other’s hearts? Or will Gil’s secret make both their magic and romance fizzle out?
fake datingsecret admirersenemies to loversmistaken identity grumpy sunshine
In a Miami where enchantment is just another college major, the magic of television could change two lives.
Penelope Delmar, a broke salesgirl, has been chosen to compete on Cast Judgment, a spellcasting reality show. The winner gets a big cash prize, and for extra hype, this season is the Spellebrity every contestant will be paired with a celebrity teammate. Unfortunately, her partner, Leandro Presto, is best known for his goofy viral spell videos, not his skills.
Gil Contreras, alias Leandro Presto, has been crushing on his pen pal Penelope for months. Now they’re working together to win a contest that could save his grandfather’s charity—except he has to stay in character the whole time, so his dream girl thinks he’s a total loser.
Can they beat snobby rivals, fix spells gone wrong, and survive increasingly dangerous sabotage attempts to win the grand prize—and each other’s hearts? Or will Gil’s secret make both their magic and romance fizzle out?
fake datingsecret admirersenemies to loversmistaken identity grumpy sunshine
365 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2025
108 people are currently reading
20793 people want to read
About the author
Lia Amador
1 book97 followersLia Amador is a Miami flower transplanted in Georgia with her husband and kids. When she isn't writing kissing books, she's typically juggling too many other duties as assigned. She also writes science fiction and fantasy stories as Valerie Valdes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 651 reviews
October 13, 2025
witch i hadn’t
September 3, 2025
3.5 Stars
One Liner: Quite cute
Miami
Penelope Delmar, a broke salesgirl, gets a chance to participate in Cast Judgment, a spellcasting reality show. She could do with the winner’s cash prize. To add some excitement, the producers are pairing participants with a celebrity. Penelope’s teammate is Leandro Presto, who is more famous for his viral videos than spellcasting skills.
Gil Contreras, alias Leandro Presto, has a crush on his pen pal, Penelope. But now he has to work with her to win the contest and stay in his ‘internet character’, letting her think he’s a total loser.
As if sabotages and wonky spells weren’t enough, the duo has to fight their attraction for each other and win the contest.
The story comes in Penelope and Gil’s first-person POVs.
My Thoughts:
I grabbed this more for the Cuban rep than the witchy plot or the TV show trope, since the latter is not a favorite.
The premise is cool, and the story has a decent pace. Thanks to the dual POV, we know both characters and their thoughts.
This is also a cozy witchy romance, light on angst. That is exactly how I like my reads these days, so it fits my requirements well.
The narration is a bit informal with a lot of slang, possibly for the local Miami vibe. But the characters are in their late-ish 20s, so the lingo makes them sound a lot younger, kinda like teens. Also, I don’t think all Spanish words were translated. I didn’t check.
The main characters had some baggage and things they had to work through, which they did during the filming of the show and all that.
The concept of having a TV contest for casting spells is fun. I liked that both characters come from normal/ regular backgrounds, so they are not used to all the BTS (behind-the-scenes) drama. The contests were also interesting.
Where the book falters is the magic system, or the lack of it. It’s set in an alternate reality of sorts where spells and magic are common. So far, good. However, we don’t know how a lot of that magic works. They mention spells, chants, ingredients, and some technical terms, but it’s just too vague and whimsical. This is a book where you have to wing it instead of wondering about the whats and whys because there aren’t many details.
Things come together well at the end, and I like that there are no miracle wins. It’s realistic growth and better opportunities. However, the ending was a bit abrupt and made me wonder if there’ll be a book two. If not, that kind of ending can be a hit or a miss for the genre. It’ll work better for short stories.
To summarize, Witch You Would is a light and cozy romance with some poignant themes. The cast is diverse, and the characters are easy to like. If only the world-building were a bit more detailed!
Thank you, NetGalley and Avon, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley
One Liner: Quite cute
Miami
Penelope Delmar, a broke salesgirl, gets a chance to participate in Cast Judgment, a spellcasting reality show. She could do with the winner’s cash prize. To add some excitement, the producers are pairing participants with a celebrity. Penelope’s teammate is Leandro Presto, who is more famous for his viral videos than spellcasting skills.
Gil Contreras, alias Leandro Presto, has a crush on his pen pal, Penelope. But now he has to work with her to win the contest and stay in his ‘internet character’, letting her think he’s a total loser.
As if sabotages and wonky spells weren’t enough, the duo has to fight their attraction for each other and win the contest.
The story comes in Penelope and Gil’s first-person POVs.
My Thoughts:
I grabbed this more for the Cuban rep than the witchy plot or the TV show trope, since the latter is not a favorite.
The premise is cool, and the story has a decent pace. Thanks to the dual POV, we know both characters and their thoughts.
This is also a cozy witchy romance, light on angst. That is exactly how I like my reads these days, so it fits my requirements well.
The narration is a bit informal with a lot of slang, possibly for the local Miami vibe. But the characters are in their late-ish 20s, so the lingo makes them sound a lot younger, kinda like teens. Also, I don’t think all Spanish words were translated. I didn’t check.
The main characters had some baggage and things they had to work through, which they did during the filming of the show and all that.
The concept of having a TV contest for casting spells is fun. I liked that both characters come from normal/ regular backgrounds, so they are not used to all the BTS (behind-the-scenes) drama. The contests were also interesting.
Where the book falters is the magic system, or the lack of it. It’s set in an alternate reality of sorts where spells and magic are common. So far, good. However, we don’t know how a lot of that magic works. They mention spells, chants, ingredients, and some technical terms, but it’s just too vague and whimsical. This is a book where you have to wing it instead of wondering about the whats and whys because there aren’t many details.
Things come together well at the end, and I like that there are no miracle wins. It’s realistic growth and better opportunities. However, the ending was a bit abrupt and made me wonder if there’ll be a book two. If not, that kind of ending can be a hit or a miss for the genre. It’ll work better for short stories.
To summarize, Witch You Would is a light and cozy romance with some poignant themes. The cast is diverse, and the characters are easy to like. If only the world-building were a bit more detailed!
Thank you, NetGalley and Avon, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley
June 10, 2025
The cover art is absolutely stunning—it’s what first caught my eye and drew me in. The synopsis made it sound right up my alley, and while it wasn’t amazing, it wasn’t too disappointing either. This is a fun, easy read with a really intriguing magical reality show premise.
The magic system had some cool ideas, but I found myself wishing it had been explored in more depth. It felt a bit underdeveloped at times, but the story still had plenty of charm. I really enjoyed the Miami setting and the infusion of Cuban culture, with all its spicy and sweet notes woven throughout.
Both main characters had personal traumas to work through, and their love for their grandparents gave the story a warm emotional core—which stood out in a lovely way. The dual POV worked well, and I enjoyed the adorable chemistry between Penelope and Gil. Side characters were fun and memorable without distracting from the main storyline.
The writing style was a bit hit or miss for me—some parts flowed nicely, others didn’t quite click. The ending felt a little abrupt, so I’m hoping there might be a second book. Also, the slang and lingo occasionally felt overdone and pulled me out of the story.
Honestly? This book is a little bit charming rom-com, a little bit telenovela, full of heart, and totally low-stress. It’s the perfect quick read to pick up when you’re in between heavier books or just feeling stuck in a slump. No, it wasn’t a top-tier favorite—but it was enjoyable enough to finish, and I had a decently good time with it.
- 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘈𝘷𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘝𝘰𝘺𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘳 | 𝘈𝘷𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦-𝘈𝘙𝘊. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.💐ᡣ𐭩
The magic system had some cool ideas, but I found myself wishing it had been explored in more depth. It felt a bit underdeveloped at times, but the story still had plenty of charm. I really enjoyed the Miami setting and the infusion of Cuban culture, with all its spicy and sweet notes woven throughout.
Both main characters had personal traumas to work through, and their love for their grandparents gave the story a warm emotional core—which stood out in a lovely way. The dual POV worked well, and I enjoyed the adorable chemistry between Penelope and Gil. Side characters were fun and memorable without distracting from the main storyline.
The writing style was a bit hit or miss for me—some parts flowed nicely, others didn’t quite click. The ending felt a little abrupt, so I’m hoping there might be a second book. Also, the slang and lingo occasionally felt overdone and pulled me out of the story.
Honestly? This book is a little bit charming rom-com, a little bit telenovela, full of heart, and totally low-stress. It’s the perfect quick read to pick up when you’re in between heavier books or just feeling stuck in a slump. No, it wasn’t a top-tier favorite—but it was enjoyable enough to finish, and I had a decently good time with it.
- 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘈𝘷𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘝𝘰𝘺𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘳 | 𝘈𝘷𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦-𝘈𝘙𝘊. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.💐ᡣ𐭩
May 17, 2025
Witch You Would is a cute, fun rom-com read. If you love puns, you will laugh a lot.
Penelope is a serious, hardworking salesperson who helps other people fix their broken spells. She is broke and very stressed. Gil is an adjunct professor, and on the side, he has a secret persona, Leandro, who makes goofy spell content on a social media site. Penelope and Leandro are paired on a reality TV show where they compete to make the best spells. Gil has to stay in character as Leandro during filming. He wants to take the competition seriously, but Leandro's whole persona is an unserious himbo.
What I liked:
- Very little miscommunication; the main characters actually talk to each other!
- Funny
- Entertaining side characters
- Believable love story
What I didn't enjoy:
- Slang was overused and took me out of the story
- The ending was abrupt and felt like an awkward setup for a second book
Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager, Lia Amador, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Penelope is a serious, hardworking salesperson who helps other people fix their broken spells. She is broke and very stressed. Gil is an adjunct professor, and on the side, he has a secret persona, Leandro, who makes goofy spell content on a social media site. Penelope and Leandro are paired on a reality TV show where they compete to make the best spells. Gil has to stay in character as Leandro during filming. He wants to take the competition seriously, but Leandro's whole persona is an unserious himbo.
What I liked:
- Very little miscommunication; the main characters actually talk to each other!
- Funny
- Entertaining side characters
- Believable love story
What I didn't enjoy:
- Slang was overused and took me out of the story
- The ending was abrupt and felt like an awkward setup for a second book
Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager, Lia Amador, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
June 23, 2025
DNF @ 10%, rating 1 star
I found the constant puns really distracting and off-putting. I might have enjoyed the humor more if it was 2009/10, but now it felt outdated and corny to me. The concept of a magical realism romance had potential, but the writing leaned heavily on corny, millennial-style jokes that didn’t help the dialogue. Overall, the tone felt forced and just didn’t work for me.
Thanks to Avon, Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for providing the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
I found the constant puns really distracting and off-putting. I might have enjoyed the humor more if it was 2009/10, but now it felt outdated and corny to me. The concept of a magical realism romance had potential, but the writing leaned heavily on corny, millennial-style jokes that didn’t help the dialogue. Overall, the tone felt forced and just didn’t work for me.
Thanks to Avon, Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for providing the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 20, 2025
Cute spooky season romcom. Some parts were a bit too cheesy for me, but overall it was still a fun read and I’m glad I got around to it this year!
November 9, 2025
I give this book 3.5 stars which rounds up to 4.
I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher (Avon Books) for promotional purposes.
This was a cute witchy romance!
The premise is super fun. It’s about two witches who fall in love during a spell casting reality show competition. The competition parts were very entertaining to read.
The romance aspect worked very well. The two leads, Penelope and Gil, made a great couple. I loved their dynamic and their chemistry. The story was told in dual POVs which I’m a huge fan of in romance books. I always love knowing what both people are thinking as they connect and fall in love.
I also really loved the Cuban and Miami representation. I haven’t encountered much Cuban representation or read books set in Miami, so I found that refreshing and different.
The pacing was off at times so the story did drag in some parts. Also, the magic system was a little confusing. The book never fully explained how spell casting worked. I wanted to know more about it.
The ending was slightly strange. It ended on a random cliffhanger that I could have done without. The ending potentially sets up a sequel but the cliffhanger felt forced and unnecessary.
Overall, despite a few flaws in its execution, I still enjoyed this one. If you like romances with a hint of magic, give this one a try!
I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher (Avon Books) for promotional purposes.
This was a cute witchy romance!
The premise is super fun. It’s about two witches who fall in love during a spell casting reality show competition. The competition parts were very entertaining to read.
The romance aspect worked very well. The two leads, Penelope and Gil, made a great couple. I loved their dynamic and their chemistry. The story was told in dual POVs which I’m a huge fan of in romance books. I always love knowing what both people are thinking as they connect and fall in love.
I also really loved the Cuban and Miami representation. I haven’t encountered much Cuban representation or read books set in Miami, so I found that refreshing and different.
The pacing was off at times so the story did drag in some parts. Also, the magic system was a little confusing. The book never fully explained how spell casting worked. I wanted to know more about it.
The ending was slightly strange. It ended on a random cliffhanger that I could have done without. The ending potentially sets up a sequel but the cliffhanger felt forced and unnecessary.
Overall, despite a few flaws in its execution, I still enjoyed this one. If you like romances with a hint of magic, give this one a try!
October 2, 2025
3.6 ⭐
❁ dreamy magic tricks
❁ fun magical competition
❁ entertaining MCs
❁ cute love story
This book was the perfect evening entertainment with the first hot herbal tea of the season!
It was actually funny and entertaining to listen to and I do recommend to give it a try BUT I am sensing a personal and general indifference even for the good books lately... am I in a sort of stubborn slump where I can't enjoy books like before but stubbornly continue reading??!
❁ dreamy magic tricks
❁ fun magical competition
❁ entertaining MCs
❁ cute love story
This book was the perfect evening entertainment with the first hot herbal tea of the season!
It was actually funny and entertaining to listen to and I do recommend to give it a try BUT I am sensing a personal and general indifference even for the good books lately... am I in a sort of stubborn slump where I can't enjoy books like before but stubbornly continue reading??!
October 11, 2025
A cozy romance with enchantments in the style of Bake Off. I feel like I wouldn’t be duped by safety goggles though.
June 14, 2025
I LOVE the concept of a magical realism romance story but overall this just wasn’t a hit.
I struggled to get into the story. The dialogue did not feel natural to me and I had a hard time rooting for the characters to be together.
Thank you Avon/Harper Voyager for the ARC
I struggled to get into the story. The dialogue did not feel natural to me and I had a hard time rooting for the characters to be together.
Thank you Avon/Harper Voyager for the ARC
November 1, 2025
Penelope lands a spot on a magical competition show and if she wins she receives the job of her dreams and a cash prize. Life lately has been hard on her as she was recently fired, her landlord is raising rent and her pen-pal crush has yet to make a move. This competition is her chance at solving most of her problems. She is focused, confident and feels like she can win, that is until she finds out her celebrity partner is a Leandro Presto. He is known for spells gone wrong and making everything a joke. Can they find a way to work together? Will they take home the prize?
It was cute! However, it made me feel really old. It laid heavily into the Gen Z vibe. I'm unsure if I got used to it or if that type of language eased up towards the mid point but it did become a better read as it progressed. My other issue is that the two MC's were so immature. They were 28 years old and I felt like they should have been college students. I did enjoy the spells they created, they were described in detail so I was able to visualize the demonstrations. They seemed pretty cool. The characters were fun and their spark definitely had a bit of magic to it. There were a few moments that were utterly delightful but overall Witch You Would was just okay.
It was cute! However, it made me feel really old. It laid heavily into the Gen Z vibe. I'm unsure if I got used to it or if that type of language eased up towards the mid point but it did become a better read as it progressed. My other issue is that the two MC's were so immature. They were 28 years old and I felt like they should have been college students. I did enjoy the spells they created, they were described in detail so I was able to visualize the demonstrations. They seemed pretty cool. The characters were fun and their spark definitely had a bit of magic to it. There were a few moments that were utterly delightful but overall Witch You Would was just okay.
August 31, 2025
ARC Audiobook Review: Witch You Would by Lia Amador
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3 out of 5 stars)
Tropes & Vibes
- Magical Rom-Com
- Cooking show-style competition
- Pen pal crush meets real-life tension
- Secret identity / influencer subplot
- Slow-burn with light steam
Witch You Would is charming, low-stakes listen that leans into the plot of a magical romance without asking too much of the reader emotionally. It’s the kind of story that feels like comfort food sweet, a little quirky, and easy to digest. If you’re in the mood for a rom-com that stays on the surface and doesn’t dive too deep, this one fits the bill. And honestly, sometimes that’s exactly what we need.
The setup is clever: a magical cooking competition where spellwork is treated like culinary flair, and the romance unfolds between two witches with a complicated past and a secret penpal connection. The banter is light, the steam is present but never overwhelming, and the pacing keeps things moving without dragging.
That said, I found myself wishing for more emotional depth. Penelope’s grief over her Abuela and her desire to decode the spellbook offered a beautiful opportunity for introspection and legacy building but those threads were left mostly unexplored. Gil’s influencer subplot had potential to comment on identity and authenticity, but it stayed in the realm of plot device rather than character growth. Even the magic system, while fun, felt like it skimmed the surface of what could’ve been a richer world.
It’s not that the book lacked heart it just didn’t linger long enough in the places that could’ve made it truly memorable. Still, there’s a sense that this is just the beginning. The story hints at more to come, and I’d be curious to see if future installments dig deeper into the emotional and magical layers that were only lightly touched here.
As an audiobook, it’s an easy, enjoyable listen. The narration is solid, capturing the playful tone and character dynamics well. I liked it, even if I didn’t love it and I think readers who enjoy rom-coms with a magical twist and a breezy vibe will find plenty to enjoy.
I received this audiobook for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3 out of 5 stars)
Tropes & Vibes
- Magical Rom-Com
- Cooking show-style competition
- Pen pal crush meets real-life tension
- Secret identity / influencer subplot
- Slow-burn with light steam
Witch You Would is charming, low-stakes listen that leans into the plot of a magical romance without asking too much of the reader emotionally. It’s the kind of story that feels like comfort food sweet, a little quirky, and easy to digest. If you’re in the mood for a rom-com that stays on the surface and doesn’t dive too deep, this one fits the bill. And honestly, sometimes that’s exactly what we need.
The setup is clever: a magical cooking competition where spellwork is treated like culinary flair, and the romance unfolds between two witches with a complicated past and a secret penpal connection. The banter is light, the steam is present but never overwhelming, and the pacing keeps things moving without dragging.
That said, I found myself wishing for more emotional depth. Penelope’s grief over her Abuela and her desire to decode the spellbook offered a beautiful opportunity for introspection and legacy building but those threads were left mostly unexplored. Gil’s influencer subplot had potential to comment on identity and authenticity, but it stayed in the realm of plot device rather than character growth. Even the magic system, while fun, felt like it skimmed the surface of what could’ve been a richer world.
It’s not that the book lacked heart it just didn’t linger long enough in the places that could’ve made it truly memorable. Still, there’s a sense that this is just the beginning. The story hints at more to come, and I’d be curious to see if future installments dig deeper into the emotional and magical layers that were only lightly touched here.
As an audiobook, it’s an easy, enjoyable listen. The narration is solid, capturing the playful tone and character dynamics well. I liked it, even if I didn’t love it and I think readers who enjoy rom-coms with a magical twist and a breezy vibe will find plenty to enjoy.
I received this audiobook for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 9, 2025
truly being generous giving this book 1 star…
September 1, 2025
I received an ARC from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Witch You Would is a paranormal romcom set in our world, except magic is something you can learn and get a degree in. Penelope is a broke salesgirl who gets the chance of a lifetime: to compete on a spellcasting reality show. But she gets paired with Leandro, an influencer known for his goofy spells, not his skills. What she doesn't know is that Leandro is an alias, and that Gil, the man behind the character, is actually her penpal crush.
So we're dealing with a bit of a Clark Kent situation here—a competent magician disguised as a goofy magician whose spells are specifically crafted to go wrong for that viral effect. He has the black framed safety glasses ✅ the vibrant shirts your uncle wore back in the 80s ✅ curly hair slicked back ✅ and a curly moustache like Mr. Pringles ✅ Penelope has no idea that this goofball is her penpal crush 🤭 Meanwhile, Gil is devastated that he has to stay in character as a goofball in front of his crush.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. There's a lot of tropey goodness here, like a secret identity, an epistolary romance, and the cherry on top: a showmance! I liked the characters and they had good chemistry together. The setting of a spellcasting competition was also brilliantly executed, with a cast of diverse contestants and a potential saboteur lurking in the shadows 👀
There's a bit of a funny and silly miscommunication in the third act, but it gets resolved quickly and dramatically. The climax was also dramatic and I liked the unveiling of the saboteur à la Scooby-Doo 😂 The ending does set up a potential second book in the series for Penelope's sister, Emelia. I like this world a lot, so I'm definitely on board for more stories.
P.S. The way Felicia only comes to life when kdrama is the topic of a conversation. Same, girl.
Witch You Would is a paranormal romcom set in our world, except magic is something you can learn and get a degree in. Penelope is a broke salesgirl who gets the chance of a lifetime: to compete on a spellcasting reality show. But she gets paired with Leandro, an influencer known for his goofy spells, not his skills. What she doesn't know is that Leandro is an alias, and that Gil, the man behind the character, is actually her penpal crush.
So we're dealing with a bit of a Clark Kent situation here—a competent magician disguised as a goofy magician whose spells are specifically crafted to go wrong for that viral effect. He has the black framed safety glasses ✅ the vibrant shirts your uncle wore back in the 80s ✅ curly hair slicked back ✅ and a curly moustache like Mr. Pringles ✅ Penelope has no idea that this goofball is her penpal crush 🤭 Meanwhile, Gil is devastated that he has to stay in character as a goofball in front of his crush.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. There's a lot of tropey goodness here, like a secret identity, an epistolary romance, and the cherry on top: a showmance! I liked the characters and they had good chemistry together. The setting of a spellcasting competition was also brilliantly executed, with a cast of diverse contestants and a potential saboteur lurking in the shadows 👀
There's a bit of a funny and silly miscommunication in the third act, but it gets resolved quickly and dramatically. The climax was also dramatic and I liked the unveiling of the saboteur à la Scooby-Doo 😂 The ending does set up a potential second book in the series for Penelope's sister, Emelia. I like this world a lot, so I'm definitely on board for more stories.
P.S. The way Felicia only comes to life when kdrama is the topic of a conversation. Same, girl.
dnf
September 8, 2025DNF @19%
I liked the premise (set in our world but with magic; mmc and fmc are paired on a competition show; they’ve been email pen pals but she doesn’t know it’s him), but the writing was not to my taste. I don’t want pages of descriptions of sets, locations, etc. For the most part, it’s useless information of places we’re only going to be at one time. I could tell this author was from Miami and wanted to put in lots of details, but the average reader probably won’t care. Nothing wrong with this from what I read-just not to my taste.
I liked the premise (set in our world but with magic; mmc and fmc are paired on a competition show; they’ve been email pen pals but she doesn’t know it’s him), but the writing was not to my taste. I don’t want pages of descriptions of sets, locations, etc. For the most part, it’s useless information of places we’re only going to be at one time. I could tell this author was from Miami and wanted to put in lots of details, but the average reader probably won’t care. Nothing wrong with this from what I read-just not to my taste.
August 17, 2025
Thank you to Avon Books for the e-ARC.
The way this book fired allllll of my serotonin and joy receptors! I’ve said before that there is a formula to a really good romance. But, a great author is one who really takes a step back and analyzes their calculations to ensure the right balance of plot, character, humor, emotion, and stakes to deliver a truly beautiful and believable HEA.
Lia Amador did this perfectly!
Which You Would took the cozy comfort feel of Great British Bake Off and layered literal witchcraft and a hefty dose of Cuban sazón to bind it all together. It was wonderfully satisfying. I loved the FMC Penelope, and oh man was my girl going through it. Stuck in a job where she’s under paid, under appreciated, and in too deep with a little online crush with a witch blogger she’s never met. Penelope is pinning her hopes on a long shot by winning Casting Judgement, a magic reality tv competition where, if she wins, she can finally have some financial security and focus on her witchy ambitions to honor her abuela. The catch? She has to win while paired with goofy, derpy, internet persona Leandro Presto. While at first Penelope is convinced he’s going to ruin their chances, Leandro (real name Gil) has more skin in the game than meets the eye. If you like a MMC who’s a bit of a clown but also a secret charmer with BDE…you are going to ADORE Leandro/Gil.
I loved seeing these two work how to be casting/spell partners and learn to trust one another. They shared beautiful moments of vulnerability, heaps of punny, goofy banter, and such electric chemistry that you could just tell they were going to be explosive. And oh wow was the slow-ish burn worth it! It was kind of heartbreaking to see how the reality show plot line pans out, because you are honestly cheering for these underdogs for the entire book. The stakes here are high, both internally in terms of emotions and externally when it comes to everything Penelope and Gil risk if they don’t win the show. Everything in Witch You Would comes together so well. The descriptions of a contemporary Miami alt universe and the magic and spell work is vivid and easy to understand/visualize, making this an approachable read for the novice PNR/fantasy reader.
I hope there is more from Lia Amador to come.
Tropes:
Hidden identity
Online meet cute
Big 🍆 clown
Close proximity
Reality TV setting
Miscommunication
Slow burn
The way this book fired allllll of my serotonin and joy receptors! I’ve said before that there is a formula to a really good romance. But, a great author is one who really takes a step back and analyzes their calculations to ensure the right balance of plot, character, humor, emotion, and stakes to deliver a truly beautiful and believable HEA.
Lia Amador did this perfectly!
Which You Would took the cozy comfort feel of Great British Bake Off and layered literal witchcraft and a hefty dose of Cuban sazón to bind it all together. It was wonderfully satisfying. I loved the FMC Penelope, and oh man was my girl going through it. Stuck in a job where she’s under paid, under appreciated, and in too deep with a little online crush with a witch blogger she’s never met. Penelope is pinning her hopes on a long shot by winning Casting Judgement, a magic reality tv competition where, if she wins, she can finally have some financial security and focus on her witchy ambitions to honor her abuela. The catch? She has to win while paired with goofy, derpy, internet persona Leandro Presto. While at first Penelope is convinced he’s going to ruin their chances, Leandro (real name Gil) has more skin in the game than meets the eye. If you like a MMC who’s a bit of a clown but also a secret charmer with BDE…you are going to ADORE Leandro/Gil.
I loved seeing these two work how to be casting/spell partners and learn to trust one another. They shared beautiful moments of vulnerability, heaps of punny, goofy banter, and such electric chemistry that you could just tell they were going to be explosive. And oh wow was the slow-ish burn worth it! It was kind of heartbreaking to see how the reality show plot line pans out, because you are honestly cheering for these underdogs for the entire book. The stakes here are high, both internally in terms of emotions and externally when it comes to everything Penelope and Gil risk if they don’t win the show. Everything in Witch You Would comes together so well. The descriptions of a contemporary Miami alt universe and the magic and spell work is vivid and easy to understand/visualize, making this an approachable read for the novice PNR/fantasy reader.
I hope there is more from Lia Amador to come.
Tropes:
Hidden identity
Online meet cute
Big 🍆 clown
Close proximity
Reality TV setting
Miscommunication
Slow burn
September 25, 2025
4.0
If you love The Great British Baking Show then you will love this cozy rom-com! I had such a fun time reading about the challenges and the magical world the author created. The romance between the main characters was adorable with a touch of spice. All the characters were well developed and overall it was a really enjoyable read.
My only minor critique is the occasional spanglish being hard to understand due to lack of context clues. I live in Florida, so I appreciate the addition of spanglish and Miami slang, but for some of the sayings/words, I didn't have enough context to piece together what it meant. There were also a few times during a Gil POV that I would forget it was his POV and not Penelope's.
Thank you to William Morrow and Avon for the ARC (Giveaway Winner!!). This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
If you love The Great British Baking Show then you will love this cozy rom-com! I had such a fun time reading about the challenges and the magical world the author created. The romance between the main characters was adorable with a touch of spice. All the characters were well developed and overall it was a really enjoyable read.
My only minor critique is the occasional spanglish being hard to understand due to lack of context clues. I live in Florida, so I appreciate the addition of spanglish and Miami slang, but for some of the sayings/words, I didn't have enough context to piece together what it meant. There were also a few times during a Gil POV that I would forget it was his POV and not Penelope's.
Thank you to William Morrow and Avon for the ARC (Giveaway Winner!!). This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
October 2, 2025
3.75 stars rounded up
August 28, 2025
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to William Morrow for choosing me.
I really thought I would love this book, but I just didn't connect to it. I grew up in Miami so I will say I enjoyed being back in that setting, other than that I just couldn't get into it.
It wasn't for me, but I hope it finds its audience elsewhere.
I really thought I would love this book, but I just didn't connect to it. I grew up in Miami so I will say I enjoyed being back in that setting, other than that I just couldn't get into it.
It wasn't for me, but I hope it finds its audience elsewhere.
May 21, 2025
4.5⭐️ This book was so endearing! It was definitely a page turner as I didn’t want to put it down when I had to actually “adult”. Magical realism is a comfort read for me. I loved the magic system of sorts that the author created and seamlessly slipped into the real world. I also loved the wave of Cuban culture that was heavily peppered throughout the book but in such a fluid way.
This book is an adult romance but it read a bit like YA but in the most positive way. It also had a touch of mystery involved and Ms Amador did a great job weaving everything together.
One thing that i appreciated so much is that it did the miscommunication trope right. It was a perfectly realistic miscommunication but was rectified in a reasonable time frame. It’s what separates a book like this from romances that would be described as “hallmark-esque”
My biggest “complaint” was the ending was sort of abrupt. However, it did come to a resolution but did leave it where a series could easily be made.
This book comes out September 2, 2025 just in time for spooky/ witchy season and this is the perfect book for some witchy romance fun.
I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary eARC from Avon Harper Voyager through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.
My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars
⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again
This book is an adult romance but it read a bit like YA but in the most positive way. It also had a touch of mystery involved and Ms Amador did a great job weaving everything together.
One thing that i appreciated so much is that it did the miscommunication trope right. It was a perfectly realistic miscommunication but was rectified in a reasonable time frame. It’s what separates a book like this from romances that would be described as “hallmark-esque”
My biggest “complaint” was the ending was sort of abrupt. However, it did come to a resolution but did leave it where a series could easily be made.
This book comes out September 2, 2025 just in time for spooky/ witchy season and this is the perfect book for some witchy romance fun.
I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary eARC from Avon Harper Voyager through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.
My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars
⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again
September 19, 2025
Thank you @avonbooks and the Epic Tastemakers program for the gifted print copy! #epictastemakers
Penelope Delmar spends her days grinding long hours at a Miami spell shop, barely making ends meet. When she earns a coveted spot on the reality TV show Cast Judgment, it feels like her chance to finally change her life - the winning prize money would be transformative. The catch? This season pairs amateurs with celebrity spellcasters, and Penelope is stuck with none other than Leandro Presto, the internet’s favorite magical disaster.
But behind Leandro’s bumbling persona is Gil Contreras, an academic and highly skilled spellcaster who just happens to be Penelope’s secret email crush. Gil has been falling for her for months, but on the show he’s trapped in his Leandro role. When Penelope finds herself pulled toward both sides of the same man, the tension builds…all while the cutthroat competition heats up and whispers of cheating swirl through the set.
Hidden identity tropes are my kryptonite, and Witch You Would delivers all the charm, humor, and slow-burn tension I love in a witchy romance. Penelope and Leandro’s push-pull dynamic had me hooked, while Penelope and Gil’s deeper emotional connection made the payoff so satisfying. I also adored the vivid friend groups, the fun chaos of the reality show setting, and the way each magical contest pulled the characters closer together. A perfect cozy-season, magical rom-com read!
🎧 Audiobook Thoughts: Produced by @harperaudio, Stacey Gonzalez and Gary Tiedemann shine in dual narration. They capture the snark, heart, and hilarity of these characters beautifully. Runtime: 10h 50m.
Penelope Delmar spends her days grinding long hours at a Miami spell shop, barely making ends meet. When she earns a coveted spot on the reality TV show Cast Judgment, it feels like her chance to finally change her life - the winning prize money would be transformative. The catch? This season pairs amateurs with celebrity spellcasters, and Penelope is stuck with none other than Leandro Presto, the internet’s favorite magical disaster.
But behind Leandro’s bumbling persona is Gil Contreras, an academic and highly skilled spellcaster who just happens to be Penelope’s secret email crush. Gil has been falling for her for months, but on the show he’s trapped in his Leandro role. When Penelope finds herself pulled toward both sides of the same man, the tension builds…all while the cutthroat competition heats up and whispers of cheating swirl through the set.
Hidden identity tropes are my kryptonite, and Witch You Would delivers all the charm, humor, and slow-burn tension I love in a witchy romance. Penelope and Leandro’s push-pull dynamic had me hooked, while Penelope and Gil’s deeper emotional connection made the payoff so satisfying. I also adored the vivid friend groups, the fun chaos of the reality show setting, and the way each magical contest pulled the characters closer together. A perfect cozy-season, magical rom-com read!
🎧 Audiobook Thoughts: Produced by @harperaudio, Stacey Gonzalez and Gary Tiedemann shine in dual narration. They capture the snark, heart, and hilarity of these characters beautifully. Runtime: 10h 50m.
May 24, 2025
I received an advanced copy of Witch You Would from NetGalley and Harper Collins Publishing in return for an honest review.
I LOVED this book!! It was such a unique and fun take on a romcom, very unlike anything I’ve ever read before.
Witch You Would is set in real-world Miami but with magical elements, where the two main characters are contestants together on a magical competition show.
The magical elements are fun and whimsical, and it’s fun how the author created all this magic, genuinely making it sound like real science.
My husband and I watch a lot of Food Network and competition cooking shows, and this competition felt like a behind-the-scenes look of a cooking competition show (but with magic), and whether it was accurate or not, it was neat to see behind the curtain.
And the characters were so fun!!! They’re adorable people but with a little unexpected edginess, and I loved their chemistry. I also thoroughly enjoyed the little twists and little mystery elements that are incorporated throughout the book.
This was a seriously fun read, and I would recommend it to anyone that loves a light-hearted romcom!
I LOVED this book!! It was such a unique and fun take on a romcom, very unlike anything I’ve ever read before.
Witch You Would is set in real-world Miami but with magical elements, where the two main characters are contestants together on a magical competition show.
The magical elements are fun and whimsical, and it’s fun how the author created all this magic, genuinely making it sound like real science.
My husband and I watch a lot of Food Network and competition cooking shows, and this competition felt like a behind-the-scenes look of a cooking competition show (but with magic), and whether it was accurate or not, it was neat to see behind the curtain.
And the characters were so fun!!! They’re adorable people but with a little unexpected edginess, and I loved their chemistry. I also thoroughly enjoyed the little twists and little mystery elements that are incorporated throughout the book.
This was a seriously fun read, and I would recommend it to anyone that loves a light-hearted romcom!
July 19, 2025
A cute little romance that would be satisfy a sweet lover girl’s heart. Now, unfortunately the millennial dialogue and the “milady’s” did NOT land correctly with me. When books date themselves with using lines like ‘have you lost your ability to even’— you lost me. Character chemistry was fine, but again, I personally don’t want to hang out with these people. Sweet, easy to read, but I take my bubble tea at 25%
Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager for an advanced reader digital copy of this novel is exchange for my honest review.
Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager for an advanced reader digital copy of this novel is exchange for my honest review.
July 21, 2025
A very abrupt and out-of-nowhere ending (?), but otherwise a cute, quick, witchy rom-com! As a millennial Latina, I also appreciated the Cuban rep and that the characters were closer to my age. ♡
Website | Bookstagram | BookTok
Website | Bookstagram | BookTok
November 3, 2025
I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ARC provided by Harper Audio and Avon.
In a Miami where enchantment is just another college major, the magic of television could change two lives.
Penelope Delmar, a broke salesgirl, has been chosen to compete on Cast Judgment, a spellcasting reality show. The winner gets a big cash prize, and for extra hype, this season is the Spellebrity Edition: every contestant will be paired with a celebrity teammate. Unfortunately, her partner, Leandro Presto, is best known for his goofy viral spell videos, not his skills.
Gil Contreras, alias Leandro Presto, has been crushing on his pen pal Penelope for months. Now they are working together to win a contest that could save his grandfather’s charity—except he has to stay in character the whole time, so his dream girl thinks he is a total loser.
Can they beat snobby rivals, fix spells gone wrong, and survive increasingly dangerous sabotage attempts to win the grand prize—and each other’s hearts? Or will Gil’s secret make both their magic and romance fizzle out?
I loved the setup of this one. A magical cooking competition where spellwork is treated like culinary flair, and the romance unfolds between two witches with a complicated past and a secret penpal connection. Yes please. But I found myself wishing for more emotional depth.That said, I found myself wishing the story had dug deeper beneath its enchanting surface. Penelope’s grief over her abuela and her longing to uncover the secrets of her grandmother’s spellbook were both moving concepts, yet they never fully blossomed into the introspective or intergenerational story they could have been. I wish we got to know the side characters more as well. While the magical system itself was imaginative and delightful, it often felt like it skimmed the surface rather than immersing the reader in its full potential. And the pacing was a slower than I would have liked and it did quite drag in some parts. I personally do not think the book lacked heart it just did not linger long enough in the places that could have made it truly memorable. With a little more emotional weight and worldbuilding detail, this story could have transcended its charm and become something truly unforgettable.
In a Miami where enchantment is just another college major, the magic of television could change two lives.
Penelope Delmar, a broke salesgirl, has been chosen to compete on Cast Judgment, a spellcasting reality show. The winner gets a big cash prize, and for extra hype, this season is the Spellebrity Edition: every contestant will be paired with a celebrity teammate. Unfortunately, her partner, Leandro Presto, is best known for his goofy viral spell videos, not his skills.
Gil Contreras, alias Leandro Presto, has been crushing on his pen pal Penelope for months. Now they are working together to win a contest that could save his grandfather’s charity—except he has to stay in character the whole time, so his dream girl thinks he is a total loser.
Can they beat snobby rivals, fix spells gone wrong, and survive increasingly dangerous sabotage attempts to win the grand prize—and each other’s hearts? Or will Gil’s secret make both their magic and romance fizzle out?
I loved the setup of this one. A magical cooking competition where spellwork is treated like culinary flair, and the romance unfolds between two witches with a complicated past and a secret penpal connection. Yes please. But I found myself wishing for more emotional depth.That said, I found myself wishing the story had dug deeper beneath its enchanting surface. Penelope’s grief over her abuela and her longing to uncover the secrets of her grandmother’s spellbook were both moving concepts, yet they never fully blossomed into the introspective or intergenerational story they could have been. I wish we got to know the side characters more as well. While the magical system itself was imaginative and delightful, it often felt like it skimmed the surface rather than immersing the reader in its full potential. And the pacing was a slower than I would have liked and it did quite drag in some parts. I personally do not think the book lacked heart it just did not linger long enough in the places that could have made it truly memorable. With a little more emotional weight and worldbuilding detail, this story could have transcended its charm and become something truly unforgettable.
August 28, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ story
5 🌟 narration
I read this in one sitting. Even though I'm generally not a huge contemporary romance or cozy fantasy reader, I do occasionally enjoy them with the season or between heavier books. I'd classify this as a cozy magical realism romance. And since it revolves around witches and spells, it's perfect for fall!
I LOVED that this book had POC representation with Cuban main characters, and bits of Spanish and culture sprinkled throughout. It also had mental health rep with ptsd, panic disorder and complex ptsd from childhood family trauma that I felt was done well, and not overly dramatic--stayed with the tone of the book.
The characters were believable witch nerds who acted their age. Our FMC was capable and bold, despite some insecurities. There was an interesting angle in this book where the MMC took on the role of being under appreciated for his intelligence, and was constantly judged by his appearance. It was refreshing and made me pause to consider in real life.
The relationship conflicts felt authentic and true to real life. There was a strong plot line to the story that enhanced the romance.
This is one of the best cozy seasonal romances I've read and I would definitely recommend! Especially if you love this genre. I plan to pick up her next release.
Thank you NetGalley for an early audio copy of this book! All opinions are my own.
5 🌟 narration
I read this in one sitting. Even though I'm generally not a huge contemporary romance or cozy fantasy reader, I do occasionally enjoy them with the season or between heavier books. I'd classify this as a cozy magical realism romance. And since it revolves around witches and spells, it's perfect for fall!
I LOVED that this book had POC representation with Cuban main characters, and bits of Spanish and culture sprinkled throughout. It also had mental health rep with ptsd, panic disorder and complex ptsd from childhood family trauma that I felt was done well, and not overly dramatic--stayed with the tone of the book.
The characters were believable witch nerds who acted their age. Our FMC was capable and bold, despite some insecurities. There was an interesting angle in this book where the MMC took on the role of being under appreciated for his intelligence, and was constantly judged by his appearance. It was refreshing and made me pause to consider in real life.
The relationship conflicts felt authentic and true to real life. There was a strong plot line to the story that enhanced the romance.
This is one of the best cozy seasonal romances I've read and I would definitely recommend! Especially if you love this genre. I plan to pick up her next release.
Thank you NetGalley for an early audio copy of this book! All opinions are my own.
September 3, 2025
Audiobook 4.5 stars!
If you're looking for a fun and cozy witchy romance book with a game show twist, this is the book for you! The main characters, Penelope and Gil, start out as pen pals who both shared a passion for spellcasting and "nerdy" magic things. But Gil has an alternate alias, a goofy himbo who purposefully messes up magic for prank videos. They both enter a reality TV show and get paired together but as Penelope (the knowledgeable spell caster) and Leandro Presto (Gil's not so serious alias).
Both characters have their own reasons for participating in the reality tv show and soon become not just great partners, but friends. Secrets are soon revealed and their friendship blooms into a romance.
I loved the Hispanic background of the characters and the Miami setting! It was nice to read about that representation, especially in a witchy rom com. I thought the chemistry between the characters was great and not too rushed or too angsty.
As for the narrators, I liked both, however I found the female narrator's voice during the spicy scenes to be too quirky and joyous instead of sultry which made their scenes feel a little odd.
I was sent a copy of this book for review purposes through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
If you're looking for a fun and cozy witchy romance book with a game show twist, this is the book for you! The main characters, Penelope and Gil, start out as pen pals who both shared a passion for spellcasting and "nerdy" magic things. But Gil has an alternate alias, a goofy himbo who purposefully messes up magic for prank videos. They both enter a reality TV show and get paired together but as Penelope (the knowledgeable spell caster) and Leandro Presto (Gil's not so serious alias).
Both characters have their own reasons for participating in the reality tv show and soon become not just great partners, but friends. Secrets are soon revealed and their friendship blooms into a romance.
I loved the Hispanic background of the characters and the Miami setting! It was nice to read about that representation, especially in a witchy rom com. I thought the chemistry between the characters was great and not too rushed or too angsty.
As for the narrators, I liked both, however I found the female narrator's voice during the spicy scenes to be too quirky and joyous instead of sultry which made their scenes feel a little odd.
I was sent a copy of this book for review purposes through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 14, 2025
So picture this: a spellcasting competition meets a magical reality TV show where contestants are paired with internet-famous “Spellebrities” to win $100K and a dream internship. Already I’m in. I don’t even know what I’d do with a magical internship (rebrand myself as a potion influencer? finally fix my posture?), but I’m applying emotionally. This book felt like The Bachelor meets Hogwarts, but make it Latinx, magically spicy, and deeply wholesome.
We have Penelope, our no-nonsense, hardworking witch with a healthy skepticism for chaos and men who go viral for magical bloopers. And she’s paired with Leandro Presto (that’s certainly a name), a.k.a. the magical world’s chaotic good himbo, whose “oopsie!” spellcasting has made him famous online. But plot twist: Leandro is just a persona. His real self? Gil. Sweet, thoughtful, spreadsheet-loving Gil. And guess who Penelope’s been emailing with for months without knowing it? It’s so cute.
We’ve got:
• Fake dating.
• Secret identities.
• Spell-casting showmance.
• A golden retriever MMC who absolutely logs your favorite coffee order in his Notes app.
• And some genuinely tender conversations about family, culture, and identity that sneak up on you mid-giggle.
Honestly? This book is a little bit rom-com, a little bit telenovela, and a lot of heart. It made me laugh, then feel things, then question if I should try dating a nerdy warlock with a soft smile and a trauma-informed therapy plan.
Things I loved:
• The infusion of Cuban culture and family dynamics, especially the grandparent relationships. Give me abuelas in every romance novel, please and thank you.
• The way Penelope’s arc resolves—there’s actual growth here. This woman isn’t just here to flirt and sparkle; she’s got goals, trauma, and boundaries. I wasn’t expecting much from a fluffy rom-com but this book was able to go deep when it counted.
• Communication! These two actually TALK. They have misunderstandings, sure, but instead of descending into the black hole of third-act miscommunication, they behave like emotionally intelligent adults. Revolutionary. The directness was really refreshing and mature.
Things that didn’t work as well for me:
• I would’ve loved just a smidge more worldbuilding. The magic system is fun, but I had questions! Who gets magic? Is it genetic? Did someone just vibe-check your bloodline? Tell me more! I get that it’s more of a romance with fantastical elements but I still wanted those elements a bit more fleshed out.
• The slang and Gen Z-isms occasionally took me out of the moment—especially when paired with steamier scenes. Sometimes it felt a little incongruous.
Final Spell Score: 4.25 out of 5 stars. A cozy, clever, culturally rich rom-com that made me laugh, swoon, and immediately look up whether magical internships are a real thing (they are not, rude). Would definitely read again, preferably with cafecito and a love potion brewing in the background.
…………………………………..
Thank you to Netgalley, HarperCollins, and the author for the eARC!
We have Penelope, our no-nonsense, hardworking witch with a healthy skepticism for chaos and men who go viral for magical bloopers. And she’s paired with Leandro Presto (that’s certainly a name), a.k.a. the magical world’s chaotic good himbo, whose “oopsie!” spellcasting has made him famous online. But plot twist: Leandro is just a persona. His real self? Gil. Sweet, thoughtful, spreadsheet-loving Gil. And guess who Penelope’s been emailing with for months without knowing it? It’s so cute.
We’ve got:
• Fake dating.
• Secret identities.
• Spell-casting showmance.
• A golden retriever MMC who absolutely logs your favorite coffee order in his Notes app.
• And some genuinely tender conversations about family, culture, and identity that sneak up on you mid-giggle.
Honestly? This book is a little bit rom-com, a little bit telenovela, and a lot of heart. It made me laugh, then feel things, then question if I should try dating a nerdy warlock with a soft smile and a trauma-informed therapy plan.
Things I loved:
• The infusion of Cuban culture and family dynamics, especially the grandparent relationships. Give me abuelas in every romance novel, please and thank you.
• The way Penelope’s arc resolves—there’s actual growth here. This woman isn’t just here to flirt and sparkle; she’s got goals, trauma, and boundaries. I wasn’t expecting much from a fluffy rom-com but this book was able to go deep when it counted.
• Communication! These two actually TALK. They have misunderstandings, sure, but instead of descending into the black hole of third-act miscommunication, they behave like emotionally intelligent adults. Revolutionary. The directness was really refreshing and mature.
Things that didn’t work as well for me:
• I would’ve loved just a smidge more worldbuilding. The magic system is fun, but I had questions! Who gets magic? Is it genetic? Did someone just vibe-check your bloodline? Tell me more! I get that it’s more of a romance with fantastical elements but I still wanted those elements a bit more fleshed out.
• The slang and Gen Z-isms occasionally took me out of the moment—especially when paired with steamier scenes. Sometimes it felt a little incongruous.
Final Spell Score: 4.25 out of 5 stars. A cozy, clever, culturally rich rom-com that made me laugh, swoon, and immediately look up whether magical internships are a real thing (they are not, rude). Would definitely read again, preferably with cafecito and a love potion brewing in the background.
…………………………………..
Thank you to Netgalley, HarperCollins, and the author for the eARC!
December 7, 2025
Goodreads really has to step up their game with these bookmark challenges. I feel like some of the books are in there because the authors have paid for the publicity.
Although the book seemed to have a good start, it soon took a turn. It seems to not have been edited in any way, containing multiple linguistic mistakes.
Other than that, the plot didn’t flow at all and the character development was disappointing.
Although the book seemed to have a good start, it soon took a turn. It seems to not have been edited in any way, containing multiple linguistic mistakes.
Other than that, the plot didn’t flow at all and the character development was disappointing.
October 8, 2025
This was so fun! A magical reality tv show featuring a famous YouTuber and a quirky shop owner paired together in a magical competition and I was invested! This was very light but I felt the plot was engaging and well paced. I liked the lighthearted banter and chemistry between Gil and Penelope and found myself flying through this book! A great spooky read for October!
4 stars 🌟
4 stars 🌟
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