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Of Witches & Men #3
Of Poison & Pumpkins
Rynn
When the competition against other magical shops triples overnight, winning "Oakmar’s Best Business" award isn't just about staying afloat anymore. It's about supporting my best friend. My only problem? Elias, the infuriatingly handsome, suspender-wearing man from my past, has opened a rival shop across the street.
Sure, his pumpkin themed store is the talk of North Carolina, and maybe his golden retriever energy still sends a zing through my veins, but because of my secret side hustle, I can’t let his smile and charm distract me.
When my hidden enchantments are stolen right in front of his eyes, it’s Elias’ choice to turn me into the authorities or help me fix the problem I started.
One thing's for may the best Fuzer win.
Elias
Look, proving to my uncle that I deserve a place in the family business was supposed to be simple. I should’ve expected that opening a shop near the woman who stole my heart ten years ago would result in a massive disaster. Unfortunately, Rynn still stars in my daydreams.
But she’s not the same girl I knew in high school. In the shadows of her purple themed magical shop, Rynn’s been selling dangerous revenge curses to Fuzers targeting the Nerg community. Rynn's cozy shop might look innocent, but she harbors more secrets than a unicorn’s tail.
While Rynn's spellwork has taken a dark turn, I can't help remembering the girl who I would’ve turned my hair blue for just so she’d notice me. I only have a few weeks to choose whether to help her or focus on winning the award while fighting the urge to kiss that dangerous smirk off Rynn’s face.
In a town where magic meets modern day, some rules are meant to be broken. I just never thought I'd help break them on account of love.
When the competition against other magical shops triples overnight, winning "Oakmar’s Best Business" award isn't just about staying afloat anymore. It's about supporting my best friend. My only problem? Elias, the infuriatingly handsome, suspender-wearing man from my past, has opened a rival shop across the street.
Sure, his pumpkin themed store is the talk of North Carolina, and maybe his golden retriever energy still sends a zing through my veins, but because of my secret side hustle, I can’t let his smile and charm distract me.
When my hidden enchantments are stolen right in front of his eyes, it’s Elias’ choice to turn me into the authorities or help me fix the problem I started.
One thing's for may the best Fuzer win.
Elias
Look, proving to my uncle that I deserve a place in the family business was supposed to be simple. I should’ve expected that opening a shop near the woman who stole my heart ten years ago would result in a massive disaster. Unfortunately, Rynn still stars in my daydreams.
But she’s not the same girl I knew in high school. In the shadows of her purple themed magical shop, Rynn’s been selling dangerous revenge curses to Fuzers targeting the Nerg community. Rynn's cozy shop might look innocent, but she harbors more secrets than a unicorn’s tail.
While Rynn's spellwork has taken a dark turn, I can't help remembering the girl who I would’ve turned my hair blue for just so she’d notice me. I only have a few weeks to choose whether to help her or focus on winning the award while fighting the urge to kiss that dangerous smirk off Rynn’s face.
In a town where magic meets modern day, some rules are meant to be broken. I just never thought I'd help break them on account of love.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2025
2 people are currently reading
4033 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 10, 2025
3 to 3.25 stars
I wasn't sure about this one in the first few chapters. FMC Rynn is a little too prickly and rude for no reason (she pretty much takes out her childhood trauma on a little kid in Chapter 1), and MMC Eli is bit too sweet and comes on way too strong (major codependency vibes). Despite feeling this way about them, I don't feel like I was forcing myself to read this. It's enjoyable and a fun read, but if I hadn't already read another standalone in this world, I may not have finished this one.
For me, it's a little too instalove feeling, but both MCs have had crushes on each other since high school and neither knew the other reciprocated the feelings, so it's more like the slowest burn ever cleverly disguised as a second chance romance.
Tropes:
🍂 Second Chance
💜 Black Cat/Golden Retriever
🍂 He Falls First
💜 Autumn Vibes
I received a free advance copy of this book from the author.
I wasn't sure about this one in the first few chapters. FMC Rynn is a little too prickly and rude for no reason (she pretty much takes out her childhood trauma on a little kid in Chapter 1), and MMC Eli is bit too sweet and comes on way too strong (major codependency vibes). Despite feeling this way about them, I don't feel like I was forcing myself to read this. It's enjoyable and a fun read, but if I hadn't already read another standalone in this world, I may not have finished this one.
For me, it's a little too instalove feeling, but both MCs have had crushes on each other since high school and neither knew the other reciprocated the feelings, so it's more like the slowest burn ever cleverly disguised as a second chance romance.
Tropes:
🍂 Second Chance
💜 Black Cat/Golden Retriever
🍂 He Falls First
💜 Autumn Vibes
I received a free advance copy of this book from the author.
July 9, 2025
Of Poisons & Pumpkins is a fun, fantasy romance.
FMC Rynn owns a store that has all purple merchandise, "Purple Palooza" and she is looking forward to the best business competition that will win her enough money to give her employee and best friend a raise. But all of a sudden a new shop opens up, that sells pumpkin merchandise, and Rynn learns it is owned by none other than MMC Elias, someone she had a crush on when she was younger, and did not expect to see again. Also, he wears suspenders, with all his outfits, and somehow that makes him even more attractive. But, regardless of past crushes, he now stands in her way of winning that prize money, something she desperately needs.
MMC Elias, has secretly been crushing on Rynn for a very long time, and is not expecting the rather grumpy, competitive personality that Rynn now has. Will Rynn let down her walls and let Elias in?
Elias is the sunshine to Rynn's grumpy in this story. I like Elias's character, he is super upbeat all the time, and I love that he has a suspender collection! He also refuses to use actual cuss words, and instead says things like "fugnuggets." At one point in the story the characters visit a unicorn sanctuary and all I can think of is how much I want to visit a unicorn sanctuary! That would be amazing. There are also apparently mini unicorns, I can just imagine!! Rynn's character can be annoying at times, but she goes through a lot of growth as a character, and even learns things about her family that she had misperceived for years. Elias, even though he is such a golden retriever of a character, does have a secret kink...you will have to read the story to find out what it is!
Some fav quotes:
""Hhm, how to describe that man..." Tinsley strokes Momma's ear. "He's a brilliant sunset in September. A thick, delicious, addictive milkshake in suspenders.""
"Goddess he smells absolutely scrumptious, like pumpkin pie fresh out of the oven. Somehow, I know that for a fact that if I licked his skin, he'd taste like one too."
"As he rings out his shirt, his shoulders and back flex. My unspeakable parts want unspeakable things...He turns, and that makes everything worse. Because his pants are also wet, giving me a detailed outline of his yums."
"I can't concentrate on the rest of his poem; arousal does not describe what's happening to my body. I want to bathe in Rynn's delicious sounds and intoxicating scent."
"I long to grab onto his back and dig my nails into his skin. Mark him. Claim him as mine. My eyes meet his again, grounding me in the moment."
Thank you so much to the author for a copy of this book!
FMC Rynn owns a store that has all purple merchandise, "Purple Palooza" and she is looking forward to the best business competition that will win her enough money to give her employee and best friend a raise. But all of a sudden a new shop opens up, that sells pumpkin merchandise, and Rynn learns it is owned by none other than MMC Elias, someone she had a crush on when she was younger, and did not expect to see again. Also, he wears suspenders, with all his outfits, and somehow that makes him even more attractive. But, regardless of past crushes, he now stands in her way of winning that prize money, something she desperately needs.
MMC Elias, has secretly been crushing on Rynn for a very long time, and is not expecting the rather grumpy, competitive personality that Rynn now has. Will Rynn let down her walls and let Elias in?
Elias is the sunshine to Rynn's grumpy in this story. I like Elias's character, he is super upbeat all the time, and I love that he has a suspender collection! He also refuses to use actual cuss words, and instead says things like "fugnuggets." At one point in the story the characters visit a unicorn sanctuary and all I can think of is how much I want to visit a unicorn sanctuary! That would be amazing. There are also apparently mini unicorns, I can just imagine!! Rynn's character can be annoying at times, but she goes through a lot of growth as a character, and even learns things about her family that she had misperceived for years. Elias, even though he is such a golden retriever of a character, does have a secret kink...you will have to read the story to find out what it is!
Some fav quotes:
""Hhm, how to describe that man..." Tinsley strokes Momma's ear. "He's a brilliant sunset in September. A thick, delicious, addictive milkshake in suspenders.""
"Goddess he smells absolutely scrumptious, like pumpkin pie fresh out of the oven. Somehow, I know that for a fact that if I licked his skin, he'd taste like one too."
"As he rings out his shirt, his shoulders and back flex. My unspeakable parts want unspeakable things...He turns, and that makes everything worse. Because his pants are also wet, giving me a detailed outline of his yums."
"I can't concentrate on the rest of his poem; arousal does not describe what's happening to my body. I want to bathe in Rynn's delicious sounds and intoxicating scent."
"I long to grab onto his back and dig my nails into his skin. Mark him. Claim him as mine. My eyes meet his again, grounding me in the moment."
Thank you so much to the author for a copy of this book!
June 11, 2025
A super fun rom-com witchy fantasy. I loved the banter and the relationship between Rynn and Elias. It was so adorable with the physical changes of appearance and yet the same attraction from high school still there. It was mature, relatable, fun, lots of banter, and quite spicy scenes. In addition there is magic, unicorns, a magical virus, a curse, unwanted family reunions, all in a tiny town in North Carolina.
July 31, 2025
A fun end to the Of Witches & Men series!
In this last story, Rynn and Elias, former high school lab partners turned enemies find themselves owning rival shops a decade later… Rynn runs Purple Palooza, a shop that has purple everything - I would love to go shop there!! 💜 🛍️ Elias has opened up Peculiar Pumpkins across the street that sells… you guessed it! Pumpkin themed goods! 🎃
While the rivalry between the stores heat up, someone is going around targeting Fuzers (magical people) and it all seems to lead back to Rynn… what is going on?? I thought I knew who the villain was, but was wrong 😂
This magical mystery romcom was so fun to read, with found family vibes and also black cat (Rynn) x golden retriever (Elias).
In this last story, Rynn and Elias, former high school lab partners turned enemies find themselves owning rival shops a decade later… Rynn runs Purple Palooza, a shop that has purple everything - I would love to go shop there!! 💜 🛍️ Elias has opened up Peculiar Pumpkins across the street that sells… you guessed it! Pumpkin themed goods! 🎃
While the rivalry between the stores heat up, someone is going around targeting Fuzers (magical people) and it all seems to lead back to Rynn… what is going on?? I thought I knew who the villain was, but was wrong 😂
This magical mystery romcom was so fun to read, with found family vibes and also black cat (Rynn) x golden retriever (Elias).
October 12, 2025
Of Poison & Pumpkins is the second book in Cassie Swindon's Of Witches & Men series, and I have to say I liked it even better than the first. In the first book, I noticed the issues between the nergs (normals) and the fuzers (magic users); well, this book really focuses on the divide. MFC, Rynn is a fuzer who has had a lot of bad experiences at the hands of nergs, including her own family. Rynn is jaded and has had enough of the nergs' interference. So she fights back with a little side hustle of casting curses for fuzers. While I'm very sympathetic towards Rynn, she went about things the wrong way.
When her poisoned paint is stolen, her old high school crush, Elias, comes to her aid. Rynn and Elias were a missed opportunity in high school. She liked him, and he liked her, but they never got together. However, this time around, he's determined to win her over now. Elias was adorable with his trademark suspenders, upbeat personality, and weird quirks. He had his own hangups, but I was rooting for him. He obviously cares very much for Rynn. I was delighted by all his stunts to woo Rynn. Especially since he was right by Rynn's side through this whole adventure.
And what an adventure. From the mystery behind the theft and the incidents around town to the cute "dates" between Elias and Rynn, to competing stores for a major prize. There was always something happening. I especially enjoyed seeing the romance develop between Rynn and Elias. I was rooting for them for the entire book, so it was very satisfying to see them overcome the things that were keeping them back, and all while falling for each other. The plot twist was a doozy! Like, wow. Honestly, I didn't believe it until it happened. I was angry on behalf of both Elias and Rynn. It was kind of wild, but it made for great reading. I enjoyed the surprise ending, even if I was left with one question. Of Poison and Pumpkins was a fun read.
When her poisoned paint is stolen, her old high school crush, Elias, comes to her aid. Rynn and Elias were a missed opportunity in high school. She liked him, and he liked her, but they never got together. However, this time around, he's determined to win her over now. Elias was adorable with his trademark suspenders, upbeat personality, and weird quirks. He had his own hangups, but I was rooting for him. He obviously cares very much for Rynn. I was delighted by all his stunts to woo Rynn. Especially since he was right by Rynn's side through this whole adventure.
And what an adventure. From the mystery behind the theft and the incidents around town to the cute "dates" between Elias and Rynn, to competing stores for a major prize. There was always something happening. I especially enjoyed seeing the romance develop between Rynn and Elias. I was rooting for them for the entire book, so it was very satisfying to see them overcome the things that were keeping them back, and all while falling for each other. The plot twist was a doozy! Like, wow. Honestly, I didn't believe it until it happened. I was angry on behalf of both Elias and Rynn. It was kind of wild, but it made for great reading. I enjoyed the surprise ending, even if I was left with one question. Of Poison and Pumpkins was a fun read.
July 14, 2025
Of Poison & Pumpkins is part of Swindon's Of Witches & Men series. This book is part grumpy/sunshine, second-chance fantasy romance and part cozy-mystery. It features Rynn(lee) Pozinne and Elias Thoren.
Rynn is the owner of Purple Palooza, a store filled with pretty much any purple item you could want. She's aiming to win a business competition as she'd like to give the prize money to her best friend. She soon learns that she has a new competitor. The Peculiar Pumpkin has opened across the way. Elias just happens to be the owner of this new shop, and he too wants to win the business competition in order to win his father's approval.
Unbeknownst to Rynn, she's a big part of what drew Elias to town. The two of them were friends in school, and both crushed on the other but never said a word. Elias now wants to win her affections but Rynn, acknowledging her attraction to him, sees him as her competitor. No matter how upbeat and affectionate he is, she continues to push him away.
Rynn has a side business which she runs after hours and requires a code phrase for covert access to her illicit services. When a key element is stolen Elias is keen to lend a hand and help her uncover the thief's identity and stop their malicious practice. By sticking to her side, Elias hopes to not only help her solve this mystery but also to wear her down and allow him to take her out on a date.
This was an adorable witchy rom-com and I think my favorite of this series. I enjoyed Elias' quirky nature and his perseverance and determination. Rynn exudes black cat vibes; she is prickly but very loyal. She has her reasons for why she maintains her distance. I enjoyed seeing her character growth over the book and learning from her past mistakes.
I would definitely recommend checking this one out.
Rynn is the owner of Purple Palooza, a store filled with pretty much any purple item you could want. She's aiming to win a business competition as she'd like to give the prize money to her best friend. She soon learns that she has a new competitor. The Peculiar Pumpkin has opened across the way. Elias just happens to be the owner of this new shop, and he too wants to win the business competition in order to win his father's approval.
Unbeknownst to Rynn, she's a big part of what drew Elias to town. The two of them were friends in school, and both crushed on the other but never said a word. Elias now wants to win her affections but Rynn, acknowledging her attraction to him, sees him as her competitor. No matter how upbeat and affectionate he is, she continues to push him away.
Rynn has a side business which she runs after hours and requires a code phrase for covert access to her illicit services. When a key element is stolen Elias is keen to lend a hand and help her uncover the thief's identity and stop their malicious practice. By sticking to her side, Elias hopes to not only help her solve this mystery but also to wear her down and allow him to take her out on a date.
This was an adorable witchy rom-com and I think my favorite of this series. I enjoyed Elias' quirky nature and his perseverance and determination. Rynn exudes black cat vibes; she is prickly but very loyal. She has her reasons for why she maintains her distance. I enjoyed seeing her character growth over the book and learning from her past mistakes.
I would definitely recommend checking this one out.
July 23, 2025
3.5/5 ⭐️
Of Poison & Pumpkins is a standalone installment in the Of Witches & Men series. Elias and Rynn are high-school crushes who become rival shop-owners a decade later. The stakes are raised as someone uses Rynn’s magic in a curse that drains the town of life.
This is a cute, witchy romance! Seriously, the fall vibes are immaculate. 🎃☕️🍁 The small-town reminded me of Gilmore Girls as it brought a cozy, feel-good atmosphere.
I also LOVE the magic system in this series. It is unique & easy to understand. There are magical and non-magical folk who are often at odds. Law requires that those with magic are allowed one spell per month, which must be approved by the council. The main characters use their spells in interesting ways that actually end up driving the plot.
To get to the romance aspect…this is an eccentric read. The FMC and MMC had both been pining for each other for 12 years between high school and present day. When looking to open his shop, the MMC moves across the country to open one next to Rynn’s *after not speaking to her since high school*. I think it works for these characters, but definitely tows the line of being stalkery.
A few things took away from the story for me. The MMC does not curse - which is fine - but is constantly using distracting phrases such as “balderdashin fugnuggets” or “scurryfungus”. The FMC battles with eczema and is consistently worried about the MMC seeing her skin, but when he finally does, it is not addressed. A consistent storyline is that the FMC’s best friend relies on her for income and this is resolved when she mysteriously receives an inheritance in the last couple paragraphs 🤔. These are pretty minor things that just seemed to distract my focus from the story.
Overall, if you love romance, magic, and fall vibes, pick this one up! It is a cute and easy read.
Of Poison & Pumpkins is a standalone installment in the Of Witches & Men series. Elias and Rynn are high-school crushes who become rival shop-owners a decade later. The stakes are raised as someone uses Rynn’s magic in a curse that drains the town of life.
This is a cute, witchy romance! Seriously, the fall vibes are immaculate. 🎃☕️🍁 The small-town reminded me of Gilmore Girls as it brought a cozy, feel-good atmosphere.
I also LOVE the magic system in this series. It is unique & easy to understand. There are magical and non-magical folk who are often at odds. Law requires that those with magic are allowed one spell per month, which must be approved by the council. The main characters use their spells in interesting ways that actually end up driving the plot.
To get to the romance aspect…this is an eccentric read. The FMC and MMC had both been pining for each other for 12 years between high school and present day. When looking to open his shop, the MMC moves across the country to open one next to Rynn’s *after not speaking to her since high school*. I think it works for these characters, but definitely tows the line of being stalkery.
A few things took away from the story for me. The MMC does not curse - which is fine - but is constantly using distracting phrases such as “balderdashin fugnuggets” or “scurryfungus”. The FMC battles with eczema and is consistently worried about the MMC seeing her skin, but when he finally does, it is not addressed. A consistent storyline is that the FMC’s best friend relies on her for income and this is resolved when she mysteriously receives an inheritance in the last couple paragraphs 🤔. These are pretty minor things that just seemed to distract my focus from the story.
Overall, if you love romance, magic, and fall vibes, pick this one up! It is a cute and easy read.
August 2, 2025
This is an excellent romcom, with loveable, relatable characters and a unique magic system that develops and deepens in the second book of the series.
Our FMCs Rynnlee Eve Pozinne. She and her best friend Tinsley run a shop called Purple Palooza, and she has a side hustle selling poisons (contractually sold, used somewhat ethically, to only impact non-magic users.) One of her potions appears to be affecting lots and lots of people, and she’s got to figure out what’s going on so she can clear her name before her shop gets closed, and she’s arrested and jailed. Rynn’s high school crush has opened a shop nearby and though there’s mystery surrounding why and how, she decides to trust him to help her clear her name.
The MMC, Elias Gabriel Thoren, is a sexy golden retriever type with a penchant for cool suspenders and a thing for restraints. He has daddy issues, a younger half brother, and a crush on Rynn that he’s been nursing since high school. He moves to town to try to prove to his dad that he’s got good business sense and hopes to woo Rynn. He gets a lot more than he bargains for. Plus? He owns a great cat named Goosie.
There are a host of community and family characters, well written twists and unexpected revelations. It’s cozy, witchy, magical, sexy, adorable, sweet, and laugh out loud funny. The main characters were highly relatable and there’s mental health representation and scenes surrounding it that lead to emotional intimacy, feeling very authentic. Add this to your TBR!
Our FMCs Rynnlee Eve Pozinne. She and her best friend Tinsley run a shop called Purple Palooza, and she has a side hustle selling poisons (contractually sold, used somewhat ethically, to only impact non-magic users.) One of her potions appears to be affecting lots and lots of people, and she’s got to figure out what’s going on so she can clear her name before her shop gets closed, and she’s arrested and jailed. Rynn’s high school crush has opened a shop nearby and though there’s mystery surrounding why and how, she decides to trust him to help her clear her name.
The MMC, Elias Gabriel Thoren, is a sexy golden retriever type with a penchant for cool suspenders and a thing for restraints. He has daddy issues, a younger half brother, and a crush on Rynn that he’s been nursing since high school. He moves to town to try to prove to his dad that he’s got good business sense and hopes to woo Rynn. He gets a lot more than he bargains for. Plus? He owns a great cat named Goosie.
There are a host of community and family characters, well written twists and unexpected revelations. It’s cozy, witchy, magical, sexy, adorable, sweet, and laugh out loud funny. The main characters were highly relatable and there’s mental health representation and scenes surrounding it that lead to emotional intimacy, feeling very authentic. Add this to your TBR!
June 24, 2025
Of Poison & Pumpkins is book three in the Of Witches & Men series. It is a Paranormal Romance series that will consist of three books.
This story is pure spooky season vibes.
I absolutely love the unique magic system in this book! Magic wielders are known as Fuzers while non-magical folk are called Nergs (reminds me a little of Harry Potter where non-magical folk are called Muggles). I love the resemblance.
Fuzers get one magical ability every thirty days dependent on the approval of the Nergs. For example, you can have the magical ability to be a speed reader for thirty days! How amazing is that?! I want that magical power!
Our FMCs name is Rynn. She owns a small town shop that consists of all things purple. But that’s not all she does…Rynn has a secret side job where she sells potions/curses to customers. One small problem…the last potion she sold may have cursed the whole town. Rynn seeks Elias’ help to set everything right.
Our MMC, Elias is a sexy suspender wearing, golden retriever kinda guy who has been in love with Rynn forever. He moves back to town and opens a pumpkin themed shop right across the way from Rynn before everything goes awry.
This was such a fun witchy romcom filled with mystery, banter, magic, and small town drama with surprises along the way. It’s a great book to add to your Fall TBR!
🧡Witchy RomCom
🐈⬛Rivals To Lovers
💜Second Chance
🧡Magic Gone Wrong
🐈⬛Small Town
💜Golden Retriever MMC
🧡Shop Owners
🐈⬛He Falls First
💜Unicorns!
This story is pure spooky season vibes.
I absolutely love the unique magic system in this book! Magic wielders are known as Fuzers while non-magical folk are called Nergs (reminds me a little of Harry Potter where non-magical folk are called Muggles). I love the resemblance.
Fuzers get one magical ability every thirty days dependent on the approval of the Nergs. For example, you can have the magical ability to be a speed reader for thirty days! How amazing is that?! I want that magical power!
Our FMCs name is Rynn. She owns a small town shop that consists of all things purple. But that’s not all she does…Rynn has a secret side job where she sells potions/curses to customers. One small problem…the last potion she sold may have cursed the whole town. Rynn seeks Elias’ help to set everything right.
Our MMC, Elias is a sexy suspender wearing, golden retriever kinda guy who has been in love with Rynn forever. He moves back to town and opens a pumpkin themed shop right across the way from Rynn before everything goes awry.
This was such a fun witchy romcom filled with mystery, banter, magic, and small town drama with surprises along the way. It’s a great book to add to your Fall TBR!
🧡Witchy RomCom
🐈⬛Rivals To Lovers
💜Second Chance
🧡Magic Gone Wrong
🐈⬛Small Town
💜Golden Retriever MMC
🧡Shop Owners
🐈⬛He Falls First
💜Unicorns!
October 7, 2025
Looking for something Magical to read before Halloween? There's a little bit of drama, a bit of danger and suspense, a bit of a competition, then some silly, some dangerous, some fun and lastly some kind magic. And of course there is the all important love story. This tale is Elias searching for the girl he let go in high school but he's never been able to forget and now he's found her and is determined to keep her.
Rynnlee however has been trying to forget everything about high school not that forgetting Elias has worked, even though she won't admit anything he brings her a sense of calm.
However none of that matters when the community around them is in danger. Ryan is being framed and everyone she cares for is targeted.
I had so much fun reading this book, unicorns, magic, costumes and Halloween. What more could I ask for!
Of Witches and Men is definitely a series I will be revisiting.
I have voluntarily left this review.
Rynnlee however has been trying to forget everything about high school not that forgetting Elias has worked, even though she won't admit anything he brings her a sense of calm.
However none of that matters when the community around them is in danger. Ryan is being framed and everyone she cares for is targeted.
I had so much fun reading this book, unicorns, magic, costumes and Halloween. What more could I ask for!
Of Witches and Men is definitely a series I will be revisiting.
I have voluntarily left this review.
June 3, 2025
I loved Elias so much and his ridiculously funny personality. Plus, those suspenders... I mean, come on. Oh and don't even get me started on Goosie!!
I'm glad I got this ARC to read, but I wish I could've waited until it was closer to Halloween season since it had total autumn pumpkin vibes.
The magic system was simple and fun and the pacing felt appropriate for a small town, cozy story. It seemed like a perfect blend of romance and (modern) fantasy in this world where magical people are called Fuzers.
I didn't know about the short story prequel before this book, but I'm checking it out now.
I'm glad I got this ARC to read, but I wish I could've waited until it was closer to Halloween season since it had total autumn pumpkin vibes.
The magic system was simple and fun and the pacing felt appropriate for a small town, cozy story. It seemed like a perfect blend of romance and (modern) fantasy in this world where magical people are called Fuzers.
I didn't know about the short story prequel before this book, but I'm checking it out now.
June 30, 2025
I loved this witchy mystery rom-com book! The golden retriever mmc who doesn’t even curse was my favorite part. His not-swear words killed me. The FMC with her found family and trauma resonated with me. Their second chance love story was beautifully done. The magic lore in the story was interesting, not like any other book I’ve read. This is the first of Cassie Swindon’s books I’ve read, though of Toxins and Teacups has been on my TBR for a minute (no worries, I’m hooked and reading it now!).
dnf
July 9, 2025I unfortunately had to DNF this book because it felt like watching a movie from the halfway point. I realised (later) that it is part of a series and I think it would’ve helped to read them in order as I felt lost and just couldn’t get into the story. Once they are all released, I plan to read them in order and then come back and update this review.
Thank you to Cassie Swindon & NetGalley for providing an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Cassie Swindon & NetGalley for providing an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2025
This is a cozy read, great for the upcoming fall season. Elias was not my favorite character. He is a little too over the top and comes on too strong in my opinion. While he took away from the story for me I do have to admit he complements Rynn’s demeanor. The story arc is ok, if you are looking for an easy read this is perfect.
I received an ARC from the author for Of Poison and Pumpkins in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC from the author for Of Poison and Pumpkins in exchange for an honest review.
July 31, 2025
At first I really wasn't sure about this book, but the more I read, the more I fell in love with all the characters and their personalities. There were plenty of fun and banter between the main characters, even if the FMC was a bit prickly to begin with.
There was a lot of growth with the characters, especially towards the end of the book which was nice to see. Trauma slowly being healed and unexpected family reunions.
There was a lot of growth with the characters, especially towards the end of the book which was nice to see. Trauma slowly being healed and unexpected family reunions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2025
Lighthearted Romcom with witchy vibes great for spooky season. Grumpy/Sunshine in reverse with a Rivals to Lovers trope. This book has all the feels:
Witchy Vibes
Grumpy FMC
Sunshine MMC
Second Chance to make a 1st impression
Spell casting
Curses
Family Drama
Betrayal
Manipulation
Witty Banter
Spice
Witchy Vibes
Grumpy FMC
Sunshine MMC
Second Chance to make a 1st impression
Spell casting
Curses
Family Drama
Betrayal
Manipulation
Witty Banter
Spice
July 11, 2025
If I could reset my brain & read this book all over again for the first time I would! It took me a few days to stop being mad that it was over tbh 😂 I was sucked in, praying for kiddos bed time so I could curl back up & renter this world immediately. 10/10 PLEASE take my advice & read this book, because atp Cassie’s books will forever be an instant buy for me.
June 7, 2025
Ok Elias had me at the suspenders!
Halloween is the perfect time of the year to read this story.
I love small towns and cozy love stories.
I love Cassie and her stories.
I received an advance review copy at no cost and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Halloween is the perfect time of the year to read this story.
I love small towns and cozy love stories.
I love Cassie and her stories.
I received an advance review copy at no cost and am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 8, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Had a lot of plot and thought behind what was going on in this. Would love to read more from this author. Yhe romance that took place was not overshadowing the storyline it added and complemented it
June 18, 2025
Rynn and Elias banter was cute at some moments. There was some funny moments which I enjoyed.
June 19, 2025
This was a fun, cozy read with romance and mystery. Rynn and Elias are so cute and I love that they find their way back to each other. Thank you Cassie for my arc.
July 7, 2025
interesting read. enjoyed it very much. keep up the great writing. thanks again.
July 7, 2025
Just finished the ARC copy, thanks, Cassie!
This is a really cute rom-com with a tiiiiiny bit of kink spice, and a magical twist! You'll love it.
This is a really cute rom-com with a tiiiiiny bit of kink spice, and a magical twist! You'll love it.
October 7, 2025
*4.75 stars*
July 7, 2025
I was picked to read this ARC of Poison and Pumpkins. I am just a regular reader, love all the stories!
This is a story of 2 childhood crushes finding one another.
I wish Rynn's story was a bit more detailed. I really enjoyed Elias, absolutely loved his enthusiasm and banter.
It felt a little bit rushed to me. The family showing up and all of the drama was really unexpected, I did not feel that would have happened as they just touched on how their families disappointed them. The skin issue was sort of random, I understand the author showing us Rynn's vulnerable side, but then it just got dropped.
It was a quick read, with lots of laughs and i would read it again.
This is a story of 2 childhood crushes finding one another.
I wish Rynn's story was a bit more detailed. I really enjoyed Elias, absolutely loved his enthusiasm and banter.
It felt a little bit rushed to me. The family showing up and all of the drama was really unexpected, I did not feel that would have happened as they just touched on how their families disappointed them. The skin issue was sort of random, I understand the author showing us Rynn's vulnerable side, but then it just got dropped.
It was a quick read, with lots of laughs and i would read it again.
August 12, 2025
This was a 3.5 for me.
I definitely liked this one more than the first one I read. The MMC was a little weird in a cute way, but I can't stand the random facts that he says to calm the FMC.
I liked the storyline better for this one. The only thing I wish the reader got more of was the FMC's family background, like maybe an extra chapter of the FMC interacting with his siblings more.
I read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I definitely liked this one more than the first one I read. The MMC was a little weird in a cute way, but I can't stand the random facts that he says to calm the FMC.
I liked the storyline better for this one. The only thing I wish the reader got more of was the FMC's family background, like maybe an extra chapter of the FMC interacting with his siblings more.
I read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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December 27, 2025DNF. This series just isn't for me.
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