The Witches of Scotland Romance Series: Byres Road

The Witches of Scotland Romance #1

by Steven P. Aitchison

🔮 Seven witches. Seven stories. One powerful destiny. 🔮

In the heart of Glasgow’s West End, seven women unknowingly carry the legacy of an ancient sisterhood. Each of them, the descendant of a long-forgotten coven, has built a life for herself—running bookshops, cafés, florists, and patisseries—blissfully unaware of the magick woven into their blood.

Until now.

When Isla Macrae, a sceptical bookseller, stumbles upon an old grimoire and a series of cryptic messages left by her late grandmother, she unlocks a mystery that has been hidden for generations. As she and her newfound sisters begin to awaken their dormant powers, they must navigate love, self-discovery, and a growing danger that threatens not just them, but the city itself.

Each book in The Witches of Scotland series follows one of the seven women as she discovers her place in the coven, her unique magickal ability, and the romance she never saw coming. With cozy witchcraft, slow-burn romance, and the enchanting backdrop of Scotland, this spellbinding series is perfect for fans of paranormal romance, magical realism, and found-family stories.

✨ Love, magick, and fate are calling. ✨

📚 Perfect for readers who
✅ Witchy romance with a touch of mystery
✅ Small-town vibes with a Scottish twist
✅ Strong, independent heroines finding love and power
✅ Slow-burn and fated mates romance
✅ Hidden legacies, ancient magic, and a dash of danger

Start the journey today with The Witches of Byres Road!

Genres: Romance, Fantasy

152 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2025

About the author

Steven Aitchison is an author of magick fantasy with his 9 book series The Witches of Scotland https://geni.us/hFD1N about astral projection, an energy magic system and Witches from the West end of Glasgow.

He has a degree in Psychology and has one of the longest running personal development blogs.

He loves a good conspiracy theory but more than that, he loves reading, writing and spending time in his own magickal worlds inside his head.

Sign up for his newsletter at https://www.stevenaitchison.co.uk/fiv... for ARC opportunities, bonus content, and new releases or follow him on TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram for frequent updates.

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Reviews

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Katie Roper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was enjoyable, perfect for cosy spooky season. Excited to be introduced to some characters and hear more from them as it develops.

[Margaret McGinty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it and the characters I’ve never wanted to go to two imaginary shops more in my life five stars

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an urban fantasy romance series set in Glasgow, Scotland and centers around seven witches. Periodically, an ancient evil raised its head in Glasgow and a new generation of witches are awakened, whose magic flies through their bloodline, to unite and defeat the negative forces.

The author provides intrigue at the overarching storyline with just enough information breadcrumb the reader along, as well as hooking you incredibly well with a heaping helping of emotional investment in the history and relationship between FMC Isla and her departed grandmother. There is a grimoire that is consistently changing and revealing clues as it’s being read, which was provided by a mysterious and attractive gentleman who knew the Isla’s grandmother. There’s a neighbor who also knew the members of Isla’s grandmothers coven. Another witch is introduced in this first book, Cat, and she quickly becomes a trusted friend, and she is a great balance to Isla. She owns a coffee shop while Isla owns a bookstore.

I really like the way this book is written, the characters and the setting are very richly described. It’s a novella length book and was over way before I was prepared for it to be. I dove straight into book two!

[Kay Pealstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an especially good series. My only complaint is that they are each short books. Even I had this first book in my library for a few days, once I started, I read them all in a day. I could not put them down. I am hungry for more of their stories. I will be watching for more of Aitchison's series, even as I wait to hear more of the 7 Magickal Sisters.

Byres Road kicks off the series laying out the premise of the 7 who will become a Coven and that there is another world besides the one we live in - the tick-tock world of noise, and busyness, constant kaleidoscope of interactions - pulling us away from the quiet, thoughtful thinking we all need.

I wasn't ready for each book to end. This first one was abrupt, but actually the intersection of the next Scottish Witch that will grow the 7. Each that continues the stories, was close to their grandmothers, each learning bits of magick without the naming of them.

Try the first 2 and you will be hooked.

[Alisa Lund · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars - Ok. The beginning was rough. I honestly had to look up if this was an AI written book. I think a few spellings were missed in editing, and yes, I get it's written in UK terms. But still. And a coffee shop opening up at 9am? For people going to work? Not realistic. But ... I got past that and continued reading. It's not horrible. Writing is simple and it's a fast read.

But, the book is not a stand alone book like most in a series. It's more a really long chapter. But I will continue on to "book" 2.

1 star for the beginning, but felt it grew to 3 stars by the end.

[Carla · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't get into it. I thought there was a lot of unnecessary info, for ex: she always thought about turning part of the bookstore into a coffee shop but never did anything about it. This is right after a stranger hands her a seemingly important, glowing, mysterious tome. It didn't make sense to me why she never noticed, in her small shop, that the largest section was the occult section. Didn't care for how much we talked about her body in the first 10% of the book.

[heather stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Byres Road

Thoroughly enjoyed this first book of a series of newly discovered witches and looking forward to reading the next one. Maybe some of the previous characters in Steven P Aitchison's previous Witches of Scotland books will turn up in this series!
If you liked The Witches of Scotland books you will enjoy this one.

[Daniel Laughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romaance and Intrigue

Another magical series filled with intrigue with an added bonus. Reminds me of a Nora Roberts novel, which means that after book one, I'm already loving this series! I'm happy to see the author go down this path. Two of my favorites - witches and romance! And it's not smutty. Perfect for adults and young adults. Now on to book two!

[Jacqui Bound · Rating 5 out of 5]

witches of Scotland romance series book 1

As we learn about Isla her gran and the journey as her powers awaken , her meeting with a man her new friend Cat also now awakening, we discover the grimoire love friendship and just as they’re about to discover their true power darkness can creep in

[slsmitty25 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was drawn into the story by the thought of finding out later in life that there was something so much more to oneself. I really liked the main character Isla, the bookkeeper, though I may be biased as a Librarian. She is smart, skeptical, intelligent and yet able to suspend disbelief when needed. Isla shows strength of character even when she is afraid and not sure what is going on around her.

[Rick Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you fell in love with The Witches Of Scotland and then the Edinburgh files. you are sure to fall in love with the Romance series. the characters come to life from the first page, looking forward to book two to find out what has happened to Cat? also, how Isla copes with her new life as a witch.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

what the heck

Having read the other witches of Scotland I was totally unprepared for this one. I'm not usually a romance reader and this is so very different, so much fun. Loving it

[Margaret lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glasgow

What a brilliant start to a new series! I loved the first book it was riveting I have already downloaded the next book , great characters and great storyline a well deserved 5 stars

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice and easy read for me! It took me straight into the heart of Glasgow, which I loved. However, I do feel as though the plot was rushed. By the time our MC finds out who she is, it’s almost immediately that she starts to dissect what brought her to this point.

[Jodioren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the concept of the book and the characters well enough but it feels like a YA book and doesn’t really end - it’s just chapter one and you need to read book 2 to get the story. And probably book 3 and 4….

[Deborah Grundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting story. Written well and entertaining.

The book has a life of its own. The author pace is thoughtful and building. Subject is bought forth in wonder and self awareness. Great read going to book two.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved it!

Good book, very interesting. I have to say though, all the mentions of "trembling hands" just seemed a bit ridiculous!
And man, whiplash at the very end!! Totally leaves you hanging!

[L. Christina Witherspoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting story line

I enjoyed the book. I was worried it would be all kissy. But not. It wad too short. At least the next book is ready.

[Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was just okay. I guess I would have to read all the other books to get involved with the story but I did not find it interesting enough to move forward with other books in the series.

[Rachael · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just couldn't get into this.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick fun read.I already like the characters and the story

[Kate Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving the characters! now for book 2

[Rachel Boss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, but I probably won’t read more.

[Rae Frazer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had goosebumps all throughout the book

I loved reading this cute, light story about magic. It seemed every other page or so, I popped out with goosebumps, Delightful read.

[MARY ANN BELLICO · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting but it ended too soon..

[Kirsten Conley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth it!

Great, quick read! It is just what i needed. Call it luck or magick but bring on book number two

[Nicole Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story.

Hooked from beginning to end. Will definitely be going on to the next book in the series. Can't wait for more.

[Jennifer Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good quick read

This one doesn’t take long to read… but the story is good and I am ready for book 2. Give it a try.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

Draws you in can’t wait to read the rest Character are real you feel like your on the edge of something big