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A Heart On A Sleeve
Olive Bowman has a penchant for discovering old stories as long as they aren't her own. When a position opens in a place where fall leaves decorate the ground with whimsy and a witchy past lurks around every corner, she can’t say no to the job opportunity or the chance to live close to her best friend. There’s only one problem—since her first day of work, the town’s favorite tattoo artist won’t leave her alone.
Sam O’Reilly is a Mage Hollow local. He loves his hometown and is proud to own a small business. But the one thing he’s never really understood is the magic. Everyone is obsessed with it, but nothing even remotely enchanting has ever happened to Sam—until he's flashed by the new-to-town debutant that insists on driving him crazy with her accent and attitude.
In an attempt to show her friends she’s finally opening up, Olive agrees to lock lips with someone at the infamous Hollow Hearts Festival kissing booth. But when a certain tattoo artist interupts her plans, she’s had enough. Feeling desperate, Olive turns to a tarot reader for insight. But the woman with an air of enchantment doesn't predict her future, she alters it by forcing Olive to wear her heart on her sleeve in more ways than one.
In Mage Hollow, a single sip from a cauldron can change everything. And for one believer, and one non-believer, it just might.
Sam O’Reilly is a Mage Hollow local. He loves his hometown and is proud to own a small business. But the one thing he’s never really understood is the magic. Everyone is obsessed with it, but nothing even remotely enchanting has ever happened to Sam—until he's flashed by the new-to-town debutant that insists on driving him crazy with her accent and attitude.
In an attempt to show her friends she’s finally opening up, Olive agrees to lock lips with someone at the infamous Hollow Hearts Festival kissing booth. But when a certain tattoo artist interupts her plans, she’s had enough. Feeling desperate, Olive turns to a tarot reader for insight. But the woman with an air of enchantment doesn't predict her future, she alters it by forcing Olive to wear her heart on her sleeve in more ways than one.
In Mage Hollow, a single sip from a cauldron can change everything. And for one believer, and one non-believer, it just might.
385 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 5, 2025
45 people are currently reading
598 people want to read
About the author
Kelli Cooke
3 books68 followersCorporate Girl turned Author, Kelli Cooke writes vibrant, funny, and authentic love stories. As a hopeless romantic, Kelli strives to bring a creative twist on what love looks like in real life infused with the kind of comedy that will keep you laughing long after finishing her books. While comedy is the star she also focuses on threading in raw emotion and hopes to impact hearts for years to come.
When she’s not writing, she can be found chasing around her two kids or binge watching a show with her husband. Kelli never expected to become an author but has embraced harnessing her creative ability and adores sharing her vibrant tales with her readers.
When she’s not writing, she can be found chasing around her two kids or binge watching a show with her husband. Kelli never expected to become an author but has embraced harnessing her creative ability and adores sharing her vibrant tales with her readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
September 5, 2025
YES YES YESS YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
August 5, 2025
Rating - ⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice - 🌶
Trope - age gap, strangers to lovers, rich FMC, tattoo artist MMC, beauty queen, grumpy × sunshine, magic, hocus pocus vibe, found family, he falls first, festive vibe, romcom, small town, HEA
I just want to give a big shoutout to Kelli for sending me this ARC! Thank you so much! I have read about witchcraft in general, but never in romance fiction and damn, I liked the whole magical vibe it created. I was enamoured.
The opening scene had been cackling so bad - what a beginning. Our boy was gone from the get-go. One flash - pun intended- and he wanted all her attention and time.
Their banter and constant back-and-forth were so hilarious. Their relationship was intriguing and cute. Those small efforts and moments Olive and Sam shared were just beautiful.
I genuinely enjoyed the first half, but the second half was too emotionally charged for me. The constant argument and doubts were just a mood killer. I am not a fan of the misunderstanding or major fights between the couple trope.
Side characters and plot -
1. The boyfriend group was something I wasn't expecting. It was so good to see healthy masculinity for once.
2. The friendship and found family were amazing
3. Olive's family plot felt a bit rushed, and before I could feel any anger, the scenes were over.
4. Ari was the best person I could think of to be Olive's best friend. Her constant support and love kept reminding me of what friendship is all about. I'm kinda intrigued by how her relationship with Howard will go forward.
The ending was good - but I wanted a bit more - at least for the lost times' sake.
Regardless, it was a good book with a great plot and jazz.
Overall 3.5/5.
Spice - 🌶
Trope - age gap, strangers to lovers, rich FMC, tattoo artist MMC, beauty queen, grumpy × sunshine, magic, hocus pocus vibe, found family, he falls first, festive vibe, romcom, small town, HEA
I just want to give a big shoutout to Kelli for sending me this ARC! Thank you so much! I have read about witchcraft in general, but never in romance fiction and damn, I liked the whole magical vibe it created. I was enamoured.
The opening scene had been cackling so bad - what a beginning. Our boy was gone from the get-go. One flash - pun intended- and he wanted all her attention and time.
Their banter and constant back-and-forth were so hilarious. Their relationship was intriguing and cute. Those small efforts and moments Olive and Sam shared were just beautiful.
I genuinely enjoyed the first half, but the second half was too emotionally charged for me. The constant argument and doubts were just a mood killer. I am not a fan of the misunderstanding or major fights between the couple trope.
Side characters and plot -
1. The boyfriend group was something I wasn't expecting. It was so good to see healthy masculinity for once.
2. The friendship and found family were amazing
3. Olive's family plot felt a bit rushed, and before I could feel any anger, the scenes were over.
4. Ari was the best person I could think of to be Olive's best friend. Her constant support and love kept reminding me of what friendship is all about. I'm kinda intrigued by how her relationship with Howard will go forward.
The ending was good - but I wanted a bit more - at least for the lost times' sake.
Regardless, it was a good book with a great plot and jazz.
Overall 3.5/5.
August 5, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
A Heart On A Sleeve
By: Kelli Cooke
“I’ve never believed in love at first sight or that magical connection people reference, but something happened when I saw her this morning. It’s like my brain rewired itself, and now after one flashing (which she handled like a champ) and a three-minute conversation, she’s all I can think about. It’s unsettling.”
“I know she tries to keep her emotions close to her chest, to not become too much for me to handle. But from my perspective, I want everything about her. I want her funny sarcasm, her too-fancy-for-Mage wardrobe, her messed-up mother, her wild friends, all of it. The good, the bad, the ugly.”
Olive comes to a new town for a fresh start away from her parents. When Sam sees Olive for the first time he’s gone. He does all these little acts of kindness for Olive and even decorates her porch for her for fall because she said she hasn’t had time to. Olive is more timid with her feelings and after a curse is put on her by a witch she doesn’t know what to believe.
Kelli did a great job of setting the scene for Mage Hallo, a small witchy town! I kept getting flash backs to my trip to Salem in October, that’s how well she did! This book made my fall loving heart so happy! It’s spicier then our favorite PSL and more delicious than warm apple cider. A cozy fall read that I love so much!
Tropes:
Small Town
Found Family
Witchy Vibes
Gilmore Girls x Hocus Pocus
He Falls First
Age Gap
Spice starts at: 55%🔥
Spice: 2/4🌶️
Stars: 5/5⭐️
Available on Kindle Unlimited August 5th
A Heart On A Sleeve
By: Kelli Cooke
“I’ve never believed in love at first sight or that magical connection people reference, but something happened when I saw her this morning. It’s like my brain rewired itself, and now after one flashing (which she handled like a champ) and a three-minute conversation, she’s all I can think about. It’s unsettling.”
“I know she tries to keep her emotions close to her chest, to not become too much for me to handle. But from my perspective, I want everything about her. I want her funny sarcasm, her too-fancy-for-Mage wardrobe, her messed-up mother, her wild friends, all of it. The good, the bad, the ugly.”
Olive comes to a new town for a fresh start away from her parents. When Sam sees Olive for the first time he’s gone. He does all these little acts of kindness for Olive and even decorates her porch for her for fall because she said she hasn’t had time to. Olive is more timid with her feelings and after a curse is put on her by a witch she doesn’t know what to believe.
Kelli did a great job of setting the scene for Mage Hallo, a small witchy town! I kept getting flash backs to my trip to Salem in October, that’s how well she did! This book made my fall loving heart so happy! It’s spicier then our favorite PSL and more delicious than warm apple cider. A cozy fall read that I love so much!
Tropes:
Small Town
Found Family
Witchy Vibes
Gilmore Girls x Hocus Pocus
He Falls First
Age Gap
Spice starts at: 55%🔥
Spice: 2/4🌶️
Stars: 5/5⭐️
Available on Kindle Unlimited August 5th
October 16, 2025
This was a great fall read! We have an adorable small town (Gilmore girl vibes) with witchy vibes (Hocus Pocus) with an FMC who is afraid to wear her heart on her sleeve, and a swoon worthy MMC willing to be the one to break down her walls.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from Kelli!
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from Kelli!
August 3, 2025
Cozy fall vibes, amazing friend group!
Olive and Sam definitely both had some growing to do before they could find their way to each other truly. But the book was lighthearted and fun.
Enjoyed my ARC from Kelli Cooke
Olive and Sam definitely both had some growing to do before they could find their way to each other truly. But the book was lighthearted and fun.
Enjoyed my ARC from Kelli Cooke
August 11, 2025
Are you ready to trade the summer heat for cozy autumn nights? A Heart on a Sleeve by Kelli Cooke is the perfect book to curl up with—a warm blanket, a fall-scented candle, and a glass of cider (or wine) highly recommended. Welcome to the crisp, magical breeze of Mage Hollow.
Olive is determined to break free from her mother’s control and the picture-perfect life she’s been forced into. She leaves her family’s money behind and starts over in Mage Hollow, where her best friend Ari lives. Sam, the town’s tattoo artist, is smitten the moment he sees her (which happens to be the day she accidentally flashes the town—oops). He knows she’s special and is determined to prove it, but Olive isn’t sure if her feelings are real… or the result of a witch’s curse.
One of my favorite things about this story? Olive’s support system. Ari and Howie are with her through every decision and every tough moment—who wouldn’t want friends like that?
This book is the ultimate fall romance: golden-retriever hero who falls first, found family, meddling mom, and just the right amount of magic. I loved every page.
✨ Thank you to Kelli Cooke and Luna Literary for the ARC! I can’t wait to return to Mage Hollow.
Olive is determined to break free from her mother’s control and the picture-perfect life she’s been forced into. She leaves her family’s money behind and starts over in Mage Hollow, where her best friend Ari lives. Sam, the town’s tattoo artist, is smitten the moment he sees her (which happens to be the day she accidentally flashes the town—oops). He knows she’s special and is determined to prove it, but Olive isn’t sure if her feelings are real… or the result of a witch’s curse.
One of my favorite things about this story? Olive’s support system. Ari and Howie are with her through every decision and every tough moment—who wouldn’t want friends like that?
This book is the ultimate fall romance: golden-retriever hero who falls first, found family, meddling mom, and just the right amount of magic. I loved every page.
✨ Thank you to Kelli Cooke and Luna Literary for the ARC! I can’t wait to return to Mage Hollow.
September 19, 2025
3.25-3.50
Insta Love, cozy, and witchy!
Insta Love, cozy, and witchy!
August 3, 2025
A Heart On A Sleeve by Kelli Cooke
Quote: “He acts like I’m the shiniest penny, the special toy everyone wants, and that’s just not true. I’m just a regular person, and I’m afraid when he figures it out, I’ll be in too deep.”
4.75🌟🌟🌟🌟 💫
Cozy small town romance with a magical feel 💕
Oh Sam the MMC - I am in love - he owns a tattoo studio, is tall, tattooed and gorgeous- he falls first and he is genuinely a nice guy. Olivia (Ollie, Olive, Princess) the southern belle here to try to claim her own life away from her debutante like life and wealthy parents in a small Salem like town where her best friend lives. She is young and scared of relationships and letting anyone in but you can’t truly resist Sam. I laughed, I cried and although I don’t love third act breakups this one was absolutely perfect. Olive truly believes she is unlovable because she has never lived up to her mother’s standards and she believes she makes matters worse when she meets an old witch Irina, who “casts” a spell of wearing a heart on her sleeve, so she can’t hide her emotions in the form of a tattoo. Although she keeps the “spell” hidden from almost everyone, she tells Sam. As Sam falls in love with her - Olive can’t quite figure out if her feelings are real or is it all the spell? Is their relationship “magical” or “manipulation”?
Grab this cozy romance, you will not be disappointed!
Quote: “He acts like I’m the shiniest penny, the special toy everyone wants, and that’s just not true. I’m just a regular person, and I’m afraid when he figures it out, I’ll be in too deep.”
4.75🌟🌟🌟🌟 💫
Cozy small town romance with a magical feel 💕
Oh Sam the MMC - I am in love - he owns a tattoo studio, is tall, tattooed and gorgeous- he falls first and he is genuinely a nice guy. Olivia (Ollie, Olive, Princess) the southern belle here to try to claim her own life away from her debutante like life and wealthy parents in a small Salem like town where her best friend lives. She is young and scared of relationships and letting anyone in but you can’t truly resist Sam. I laughed, I cried and although I don’t love third act breakups this one was absolutely perfect. Olive truly believes she is unlovable because she has never lived up to her mother’s standards and she believes she makes matters worse when she meets an old witch Irina, who “casts” a spell of wearing a heart on her sleeve, so she can’t hide her emotions in the form of a tattoo. Although she keeps the “spell” hidden from almost everyone, she tells Sam. As Sam falls in love with her - Olive can’t quite figure out if her feelings are real or is it all the spell? Is their relationship “magical” or “manipulation”?
Grab this cozy romance, you will not be disappointed!
August 2, 2025
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Overall: Olive Bowman has been seeking to be her own person free from her exhaustingly perfect mother. On her first day in her new town, a wardrobe malfunction brings Sam O’Reilly into her orbit. On the outside he is everything her mother would disapprove of but inside he is everything that a woman wants in a man. When Olive is struggling with her emotions a witch curses her to wear her heart on her sleeve but are these truly a reflection of her heart or just what she is cursed to think?
Y’all this is Fall in a book!! Ms. Cooke completely passed the vibe check. Her detailed scenery really set the tone without consuming it. I am 100% confident this book should be the fall read of 2025. I will absolutely recommend to anyone looking for a cozy, fall, witchy vibe book. My expectations with most ARCs are pretty low but this blew it OUT OF THE WATER.
As for the plot, I hit a moment where I got really frustrated with Olive. Like ma’am please just love this amazing guy. He’s perfect. But I truly understand her hesitation. The spice was not over the top and dominating but what there was of spice was so delicious. I mean a semi public scene?! 🥵🥵 okay ma’am.
If you are looking for a fall read, I IMPLORE you to check this banger out.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Overall: Olive Bowman has been seeking to be her own person free from her exhaustingly perfect mother. On her first day in her new town, a wardrobe malfunction brings Sam O’Reilly into her orbit. On the outside he is everything her mother would disapprove of but inside he is everything that a woman wants in a man. When Olive is struggling with her emotions a witch curses her to wear her heart on her sleeve but are these truly a reflection of her heart or just what she is cursed to think?
Y’all this is Fall in a book!! Ms. Cooke completely passed the vibe check. Her detailed scenery really set the tone without consuming it. I am 100% confident this book should be the fall read of 2025. I will absolutely recommend to anyone looking for a cozy, fall, witchy vibe book. My expectations with most ARCs are pretty low but this blew it OUT OF THE WATER.
As for the plot, I hit a moment where I got really frustrated with Olive. Like ma’am please just love this amazing guy. He’s perfect. But I truly understand her hesitation. The spice was not over the top and dominating but what there was of spice was so delicious. I mean a semi public scene?! 🥵🥵 okay ma’am.
If you are looking for a fall read, I IMPLORE you to check this banger out.
September 3, 2025
Think Gilmore girls meets hocus pocus and popped out a baby! What would you get? A book that would be cozy and filled with magical romance set in Mage Hollow. 🍂 (ugh! Now I need to rewatch Gilmore girls and transport back to stars hallow!)
Olive Bowman is determined to step out from her mother’s shadow and start fresh. What she doesn’t expect? A wardrobe mishap introducing her to Sam O’Reilly. He’s the tattooed, broody small-town artist who falls first and falls HARD!! From sarcastic banter to unexpected sweetness, their chemistry is undeniable. 🔥
What makes this story shine is the vibe. Think crunchy fall leaves, pumpkin spice, and a town brimming with witchy secrets. The Hollow Hearts Festival had me wishing I could buy a ticket IRL 😩 and the tarot twist that literally forces Olive to wear her heart on her sleeve was such a clever magical element. 🪄
Tropes you’ll love:
🍂 Grumpy x Sunshine
✨ Age Gap
🍂 Found Family
✨ He Falls First
🍂 Witchy Vibes
✨ Small Town Romance
I adored Sam’s quiet acts of care and Olive’s journey toward letting herself truly be seen. Yes, there are a few frustrating miscommunication moments, but honestly? The payoff is worth it. That semi-public spicy scene? 👀
This book gave me all the fall feels and kept me hooked from page one. Honestly this will be a fall book I recommend over and over again!
If you’re craving a cozy, witchy romance to curl up with this fall, then A Heart on a Sleeve should be at the top of your list. 🍎🧡
Olive Bowman is determined to step out from her mother’s shadow and start fresh. What she doesn’t expect? A wardrobe mishap introducing her to Sam O’Reilly. He’s the tattooed, broody small-town artist who falls first and falls HARD!! From sarcastic banter to unexpected sweetness, their chemistry is undeniable. 🔥
What makes this story shine is the vibe. Think crunchy fall leaves, pumpkin spice, and a town brimming with witchy secrets. The Hollow Hearts Festival had me wishing I could buy a ticket IRL 😩 and the tarot twist that literally forces Olive to wear her heart on her sleeve was such a clever magical element. 🪄
Tropes you’ll love:
🍂 Grumpy x Sunshine
✨ Age Gap
🍂 Found Family
✨ He Falls First
🍂 Witchy Vibes
✨ Small Town Romance
I adored Sam’s quiet acts of care and Olive’s journey toward letting herself truly be seen. Yes, there are a few frustrating miscommunication moments, but honestly? The payoff is worth it. That semi-public spicy scene? 👀
This book gave me all the fall feels and kept me hooked from page one. Honestly this will be a fall book I recommend over and over again!
If you’re craving a cozy, witchy romance to curl up with this fall, then A Heart on a Sleeve should be at the top of your list. 🍎🧡
August 2, 2025
5🌟
3.5🌶
Thank you to Kelli Cooke for the chance to read an advance copy of this perfect fall story! This book was the literary equivalent of a gooey cinnamon roll next to a warm pumpkin spice latte with extra whipped cream on a crisp fall morning 🍂 If you're looking for Practical Magic, Hocus Pocus, or Charmed vibes then look no farther than Mage Hollow!
Olive builds walls to guard her heart from feeling the pain of disappointing others, but she is lonely. Sam wears the facade of a grumpy bachelor, but deep down he wants to find the kind of magic only love can create. Will a witch's curse bring these two togther, or will their fears set their dreams a flame?
Cooke writes these characters (side characters included) in such a way that the reader feels each emotion as if it's our own. The pain of rejection, the fear of disappointment, and the fluttering butterflies of love and acceptance. I couldn't help but resonate with Olive's fear of letting anyone get close enough to hurt her or reject her by leaving. Her need for self preservation through self-reliance hit so close to home. Then Cooke throws Sam, a complete cinnamon roll of a man wrapped in a protective Doberman shell, into Olive's path. The sheer determination that man has to show Olive she is worthy of love left me melting like a marshmallow over a campfire.
✨A Heartwarming Small Town
✨Found Family
🧙♀️Witchy Vibes
🪄Magic (Only One Curse)
♥️He Falls First
🌶️Open Door Spice
🍁Fall Leaves & Pumpkins Aplenty
✨A Meddling Momma
"I don’t fall for anyone, even if deep down I want to find my soulmate, to have that profound and unwavering love that my parents have shared for more than thirty years."
"I’d love to be open to it, to wear my heart on my sleeve."
"If you want the life you deserve, you must claim it.”
"Those small things are what matter, the moments that are so insignificant you’d never know they were important until they’re gone."
I received an advanced copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The above opinions are my own.
3.5🌶
Thank you to Kelli Cooke for the chance to read an advance copy of this perfect fall story! This book was the literary equivalent of a gooey cinnamon roll next to a warm pumpkin spice latte with extra whipped cream on a crisp fall morning 🍂 If you're looking for Practical Magic, Hocus Pocus, or Charmed vibes then look no farther than Mage Hollow!
Olive builds walls to guard her heart from feeling the pain of disappointing others, but she is lonely. Sam wears the facade of a grumpy bachelor, but deep down he wants to find the kind of magic only love can create. Will a witch's curse bring these two togther, or will their fears set their dreams a flame?
Cooke writes these characters (side characters included) in such a way that the reader feels each emotion as if it's our own. The pain of rejection, the fear of disappointment, and the fluttering butterflies of love and acceptance. I couldn't help but resonate with Olive's fear of letting anyone get close enough to hurt her or reject her by leaving. Her need for self preservation through self-reliance hit so close to home. Then Cooke throws Sam, a complete cinnamon roll of a man wrapped in a protective Doberman shell, into Olive's path. The sheer determination that man has to show Olive she is worthy of love left me melting like a marshmallow over a campfire.
✨A Heartwarming Small Town
✨Found Family
🧙♀️Witchy Vibes
🪄Magic (Only One Curse)
♥️He Falls First
🌶️Open Door Spice
🍁Fall Leaves & Pumpkins Aplenty
✨A Meddling Momma
"I don’t fall for anyone, even if deep down I want to find my soulmate, to have that profound and unwavering love that my parents have shared for more than thirty years."
"I’d love to be open to it, to wear my heart on my sleeve."
"If you want the life you deserve, you must claim it.”
"Those small things are what matter, the moments that are so insignificant you’d never know they were important until they’re gone."
I received an advanced copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The above opinions are my own.
July 22, 2025
First off i would like to thank Luna Literary & Kelli for the opportunity to read & review this gifted E-Arc.
Olivia & Sam
I honestly don't know what magic went into this book but it was absolutely so freaking good. I absolutely adore this book and the vibes it gives off from the jump. I absolutely loved Olivia and was so excited that she wasn't afraid to take life by the horns and live it her way & to watch her grow into the beautiful person she always was but couldn't see for herself. Sam my man. From the moment he laid eyes on Olivia he was hooked and obsessed. (I mean who could blame him 😂) i loved watching him push his way into Olivia's life and be her biggest fan. I loved that he knew exactly what he wanted in his life and who he wanted by his side and fought to make it happen. The banter between them was so good. Also all the little details was so good and helped paint the bigger picture.
5/5 Recommend this book. Kelli absolutely did something so different with this story in the best way possible. If you like the Gilmore girls aesthetic but also want just a touch of Hocus Pocus vibes then this one is for you. I really enjoyed the play of reality meeting magic in a way.
Olivia & Sam
I honestly don't know what magic went into this book but it was absolutely so freaking good. I absolutely adore this book and the vibes it gives off from the jump. I absolutely loved Olivia and was so excited that she wasn't afraid to take life by the horns and live it her way & to watch her grow into the beautiful person she always was but couldn't see for herself. Sam my man. From the moment he laid eyes on Olivia he was hooked and obsessed. (I mean who could blame him 😂) i loved watching him push his way into Olivia's life and be her biggest fan. I loved that he knew exactly what he wanted in his life and who he wanted by his side and fought to make it happen. The banter between them was so good. Also all the little details was so good and helped paint the bigger picture.
5/5 Recommend this book. Kelli absolutely did something so different with this story in the best way possible. If you like the Gilmore girls aesthetic but also want just a touch of Hocus Pocus vibes then this one is for you. I really enjoyed the play of reality meeting magic in a way.
July 26, 2025
Solid 4⭐️Read, 2 🌶️ Level
Tropes:
✨ Small Town
✨ Found Family
✨ Magical Realism
✨ Cozy Feels
✨ Sweet Romance
✨ Sassy/Unsecure FMC
✨ Sexy Tattooed MC
I have to say that “ A Heart on a Sleeve” is a wonderful small town cozy story. I read it in one sitting. The FMC is sassy and fiercely independent but some personal issues she needs to address. The MMC is hot, tattooed, and business owner. They both come from completely different styles upbringing and background.
With some Witchy help (or not so help) they find their path to each other. At one point I was frustrated with the FMC cause she was blinded by her insecurities. However, I am glad she came to her senses. 😉
I throughly enjoyed this book and I hope that this just the start of this series. I would love to see some of the supporting characters within this book get their own story.
Tropes:
✨ Small Town
✨ Found Family
✨ Magical Realism
✨ Cozy Feels
✨ Sweet Romance
✨ Sassy/Unsecure FMC
✨ Sexy Tattooed MC
I have to say that “ A Heart on a Sleeve” is a wonderful small town cozy story. I read it in one sitting. The FMC is sassy and fiercely independent but some personal issues she needs to address. The MMC is hot, tattooed, and business owner. They both come from completely different styles upbringing and background.
With some Witchy help (or not so help) they find their path to each other. At one point I was frustrated with the FMC cause she was blinded by her insecurities. However, I am glad she came to her senses. 😉
I throughly enjoyed this book and I hope that this just the start of this series. I would love to see some of the supporting characters within this book get their own story.
August 21, 2025
ARC Review 🎃
How can simply reading a book make you want to bust out your coziest fall outfit and jump into a pile of leaves, pumpkin spice latte in hand? Kelli Cooke created a beautifully magical atmosphere that captures the spirit of the season, and throws in a sweeeet love story for good measure. The main characters have lovely chemistry and flirty banter, the story is a lighthearted exploration of vulnerability and opening oneself
to the endless possibilities, making this a perfect weekend read to welcome the changing season.
Thank you to Kellie Cooke and Luna Literary for the advanced readers copy!
How can simply reading a book make you want to bust out your coziest fall outfit and jump into a pile of leaves, pumpkin spice latte in hand? Kelli Cooke created a beautifully magical atmosphere that captures the spirit of the season, and throws in a sweeeet love story for good measure. The main characters have lovely chemistry and flirty banter, the story is a lighthearted exploration of vulnerability and opening oneself
to the endless possibilities, making this a perfect weekend read to welcome the changing season.
Thank you to Kellie Cooke and Luna Literary for the advanced readers copy!
July 21, 2025
If Gilmore Girls and Hocus Pocus had a spicy little book baby, A Heart On A Sleeve would be it. Cozy? Check. Witchy? Check. Overflowing with fall vibes, small-town charm, and a hero so swoony you’ll want to hex your ex just to make room for him? Triple check.
Let’s talk about Sam...hot, patient, emotionally available (a unicorn, truly). And Olive? She’s relatable, a little guarded, and packing a plot twist I absolutely didn’t see coming but now want more of. Their worlds collide in the best kind of way: messy, magical, and full of tension that had me screaming just kiss already every other chapter.
Kelli really said, “What if I wrote the perfect autumn rom-com with just the right amount of spice and sorcery?” And then did that. The side characters? Iconic. The plot? Twisty enough to keep you guessing but not so twisty you need a flowchart. The vibes? Immaculate.
This book had me in a chokehold, and honestly, I'm so ready for Halloween. Someone call Netflix because this deserves a movie deal and a Sam casting ASAP. Until then, I’ll just be here, forcing everyone I know to read it.
Let’s talk about Sam...hot, patient, emotionally available (a unicorn, truly). And Olive? She’s relatable, a little guarded, and packing a plot twist I absolutely didn’t see coming but now want more of. Their worlds collide in the best kind of way: messy, magical, and full of tension that had me screaming just kiss already every other chapter.
Kelli really said, “What if I wrote the perfect autumn rom-com with just the right amount of spice and sorcery?” And then did that. The side characters? Iconic. The plot? Twisty enough to keep you guessing but not so twisty you need a flowchart. The vibes? Immaculate.
This book had me in a chokehold, and honestly, I'm so ready for Halloween. Someone call Netflix because this deserves a movie deal and a Sam casting ASAP. Until then, I’ll just be here, forcing everyone I know to read it.
July 26, 2025
This book was such a cute cozy magic infused romance that will be perfect for the fall vibes. I loved the characters in the story, loved the vibes and had a great time with the book. I enjoyed the practical magic vibes from the book, it's one of my all time favorite movies so to get that feel from the book but with a lighter tone was a nice touch. I loved the relationship of Olivia and Sam. The friendships they had with Ari and Howie were also fantastic. I also adored Sam's family, they were amazing in this book.
I received this book as an ARC thanks to Luna Literary and Kelli Cooke but all opinions are my own.
I received this book as an ARC thanks to Luna Literary and Kelli Cooke but all opinions are my own.
August 11, 2025
This book was everything!! I expected something light and cute, fall related Gilmore girls vibe BUT this book made me cry!! The vulnerability!! The love Olive and Sam share. It’s literally so perfect. Just read the book!!
Favorite quote: “I will love you for the rest of my life and the one beyond this existence. I will love you with every breath and fiber of my being, every version of you, in every lifetime. You can’t take that away from me. But I know now that I can’t make you love me back,” Sam says, no louder than a whisper.
Favorite quote: “I will love you for the rest of my life and the one beyond this existence. I will love you with every breath and fiber of my being, every version of you, in every lifetime. You can’t take that away from me. But I know now that I can’t make you love me back,” Sam says, no louder than a whisper.
August 17, 2025
This was so good! Olive and Sam! This had all the fall vibes. I love a small town vibe especially set in the fall and add the whole tattoo curse I was sold on this story. It definitely had that hocus pocus / Gilmore girls vibes. Olive just moved to town deciding to start a new chapter in her life. Sam is a tattoo artist and you would think the bad boy type but he’s just the sweetest and him falling first was the best! I loved the side characters as well. I love the found family and friendships in this book. I really liked that we got to know about them separately, their feelings about everything. Olive and her mother had an interesting relationship and so her dealing with her own feelings really went into play with her life. This was a really great story! I’m excited for what’s next!! I definitely recommend!!
August 22, 2025
This was such a cute fall romance. This book kept me turning the page to try and find out more on Irina. I think most people who also have struggled with not feeling good enough will be able to relate to Olive in some way shape or form, and Sam is just top tier (he falls and he falls hard <3). This book also has me craving fall, which I know is right around the corner so if you want to want to get into the fall mood, read this. If you looking for the perfect fall book to read in October? Read this one!
July 24, 2025
Charmingly magical and full of all the autumn Salam vibes I desperately wanted to jump into this perfectly crafted world I could feel the magic vibrating thru the pages! Sam definitely is on a list of top bookish boyfriends 🫶🏻 Olive is definitely a bestie I’d love to have and both of them together just make perfect sense. With love and a little bit a magic these two find themselves together. I can’t wait for my next trip to Mage hollow and maybe run into Irina or one of her sisters
July 29, 2025
Truly loved this book so much! I received it as an ARC and it was just a good read.
I loved all the magic aspects of the story, the character development, the love story, the friendships, all of it was so wonderfully written and I enjoyed every second of it!!
I loved all the magic aspects of the story, the character development, the love story, the friendships, all of it was so wonderfully written and I enjoyed every second of it!!
August 4, 2025
What a wonderful read by the Author. I enjoyed the small town vibes. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline and really liked this authors way of writing. Sam & Olive’s story will stay with me awhile. Such a cute story.
August 11, 2025
I LOVED IT. I cried and cried, I cried happy tears, I cried sad tears, and I even cried just because I finished it and it was amazing!!! I couldn’t asked for a better story to read to start off the Halloween season and absolutely adore Sam and Olive’s story.🧡🖤💜
August 11, 2025
the best book for fall
This book was everything!! I expected something light and cute, fall related Gilmore girls vibe BUT this book made me cry!! The vulnerability!! The love Olive and Sam share. It’s literally so perfect. Just read the books!
This book was everything!! I expected something light and cute, fall related Gilmore girls vibe BUT this book made me cry!! The vulnerability!! The love Olive and Sam share. It’s literally so perfect. Just read the books!
July 31, 2025
If you are looking for the perfect fall book then A Heart On a Sleeve is the one to read! It’s got the pumpkin spice and Gilmore girls vibes. I love the main characters and the book was just so well written! Thank you for letting me ARC read!
August 16, 2025
Olivia and Sam are such a cute couple. They are so relatable and fun to read. I love how they are so humorous with each other and their friends. The title of this book is just about relatable to a lot of people. We do wear our hearts on our sleeves a lot.I enjoyed this book so much, it was light hearted, fun and just full of love. The tattoo that slowly changes with Olivia just show us how emotions can change and we can act different. Our hearts can sometimes just be too much for us to deal with at once. And our heads can trick us as well.
August 19, 2025
Cute, funny fall read.
Olive is the new girl in town that catches the eye of Sam. She is afraid to disappoint; he falls hard and fast. Is the magic there, or is it a curse from the start?
I loved this story from the very start.
Olive is the new girl in town that catches the eye of Sam. She is afraid to disappoint; he falls hard and fast. Is the magic there, or is it a curse from the start?
I loved this story from the very start.
August 5, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Heart on a Sleeve by Kelli Cooke
Olive is starting over in Mage Hollow on her own terms. For too long, she has lived under the ridiculous expectations of her mother. She's determined to make it on her own, without the help of her father's money. She has a job she's excited about, and her best friend also lives here. Her first trip into town was a bit embarrassing thanks to a crosswind. Luckily, there was only one witness. It just happened to be Sam, the towns golden "bad" boy. They keep running into each other, and there is obvious chemistry. Sam is immediately all-in, but Olive is going to need some convincing. She never lets anyone get too close or get to know the "real" Olive. Things are looking up until she meets a psychic during one of the towns festivals. Turns out, she's not a psychic, but the ghost of Irina, one of the witches who founded the town with her sisters. With a request to wear her heart on her sleeve and a little witches brew later, Olive's life is turned upside down. She has to figure out what's real and what's happening due to the curse, all with a looming deadline of Halloween. Can she find Irina and get the spell reversed in time? Is Sam's love for her real? Are her feelings true?
Find out in this easy to read, fast-paced, cozy romance. There's an awesome friend group and total found family vibes. The banter is witty, and there's a bit of spice, too. Mage Hollow is the perfect fall town, and I need to move there immediately! I really hope this is a series because I need to know what happens with everyone else!
I received an ARC of this book, but these opinions are my own. I would like to thank the author, Kelli Cooke, and Luna Literary for allowing me the privilege of reading her work. ❤️
A Heart on a Sleeve by Kelli Cooke
Olive is starting over in Mage Hollow on her own terms. For too long, she has lived under the ridiculous expectations of her mother. She's determined to make it on her own, without the help of her father's money. She has a job she's excited about, and her best friend also lives here. Her first trip into town was a bit embarrassing thanks to a crosswind. Luckily, there was only one witness. It just happened to be Sam, the towns golden "bad" boy. They keep running into each other, and there is obvious chemistry. Sam is immediately all-in, but Olive is going to need some convincing. She never lets anyone get too close or get to know the "real" Olive. Things are looking up until she meets a psychic during one of the towns festivals. Turns out, she's not a psychic, but the ghost of Irina, one of the witches who founded the town with her sisters. With a request to wear her heart on her sleeve and a little witches brew later, Olive's life is turned upside down. She has to figure out what's real and what's happening due to the curse, all with a looming deadline of Halloween. Can she find Irina and get the spell reversed in time? Is Sam's love for her real? Are her feelings true?
Find out in this easy to read, fast-paced, cozy romance. There's an awesome friend group and total found family vibes. The banter is witty, and there's a bit of spice, too. Mage Hollow is the perfect fall town, and I need to move there immediately! I really hope this is a series because I need to know what happens with everyone else!
I received an ARC of this book, but these opinions are my own. I would like to thank the author, Kelli Cooke, and Luna Literary for allowing me the privilege of reading her work. ❤️
August 11, 2025
tattooed man, new girl in town, fall season, and a dash of magic...really what else could you ask for in a book?
A Heart On a Sleeve is seriously such a fun read. The charcter building was top tier. The plot was mindblowing. The spicy scenes? well you just have to read it and be the judge of that. 🥵
I absolutely loved this book so much! Make sure to add this to your Fall/Halloween TBR!
thank you so much to the author and Luna Literary for the ARC. 🩷
A Heart On a Sleeve is seriously such a fun read. The charcter building was top tier. The plot was mindblowing. The spicy scenes? well you just have to read it and be the judge of that. 🥵
I absolutely loved this book so much! Make sure to add this to your Fall/Halloween TBR!
thank you so much to the author and Luna Literary for the ARC. 🩷
August 16, 2025
ARC review 🖤
This book was such a great read! I loved the cozy autumn vibes 🍂—from the witchy energy 🧹 to the fun family moments ✨. The banter had me laughing, the romance had me swooning, and the small-town feel made me want to pack up and move there immediately ❤️.
If you love:
✨ A Heartwarming Small Town
✨ Found Family
♀️ Witchy Vibes
🪄 Magic (Only One Curse)
♥️ He Falls First
️Open Door Spice
🍁 Fall Leaves & Pumpkins Aplenty
✨ A Meddling Momma
…then this book is definitely for you!
This book was such a great read! I loved the cozy autumn vibes 🍂—from the witchy energy 🧹 to the fun family moments ✨. The banter had me laughing, the romance had me swooning, and the small-town feel made me want to pack up and move there immediately ❤️.
If you love:
✨ A Heartwarming Small Town
✨ Found Family
♀️ Witchy Vibes
🪄 Magic (Only One Curse)
♥️ He Falls First
️Open Door Spice
🍁 Fall Leaves & Pumpkins Aplenty
✨ A Meddling Momma
…then this book is definitely for you!
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