Once Upon a Blue Moon

by Avery Arujo

Hazel Thornton is a small-town witch with a knack for brewing potions, botching spells, and annoying her grumpy werewolf neighbor, Blake Carter. But when a magical mishap leaves them trapped in each other’s bodies, working together becomes the only way out, whether they like it or not.

To make matters worse, Moonridge is on edge. Wolves are acting strange. Magic is going haywire. And beneath Hazel’s apothecary, something old and dangerous is waking up. As Hazel and Blake stumble through spellwork, supernatural politics, and a suspiciously perfect wellness guru with a shady agenda, one thing becomes this body swap isn’t their biggest problem.

As Hazel and Blake race to reverse the spell, they uncover secrets that could tear the town apart. But the deeper they dive into the mystery, the more they realize their biggest problem might not be magic... it might be how much they’re falling for each other.

Magic, mystery, and enemies-to-something-much-sweeter collide in this paranormal romance full of heart, humor, and hexes

These books are best enjoyed in Book 1: Once Upon a Blue MoonBook 2: Date Night With DeathBook 3: Right Place Wrong Time

Genres: Romance, Magic, Witches, Halloween, Paranormal, Fantasy, Werewolves

354 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2025

Reviews

[Dani (Daniiireads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

A walking disaster of a witch and her very grumpy werewolf neighbor accidentally have a Freaky Friday moment thanks to a spell gone haywire.

Now reluctant allies, Hazel and Blake scramble to find a way to reverse the spell and along the way stumble across some sinister secrets that the town of Moonridge has been hiding.

The more time spent together has Hazel and Blake seeing each other in a new light, and sparks fly!

Once Upon a Blue Moon is a super cute and clean romance that had me giggling and kicking my feet so many times! This was just too adorable!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

~

After her breakup, witch Hazel Thornton, needing a little pick me up, performs a simple enchantment spell. But one botched spell later she finds herself in the body of her grumpy werewolf neighbor, Blake Carter. Trapped in each other’s bodies, Hazel and Blake work to reverse the body swap as magic and the local werewolf population go out of control, putting the town of Moonridge in danger. With a darker force at work, they have until the full moon to uncover the town’s secrets and put an end to the plans threatening drive Moonridge apart.

This was my first time reading a book with the body swap trope and I can say that I completely enjoyed it. The author wrote the story in such a way that the overall concept was not weird. There were no weird or overly sexual comments about the bodies they were trapped inside. The book has no spice, which I am thankful for considering their predicament. The romance progressed naturally and they got to learn about each other and their pasts without becoming too overwhelming for me as the reader. I loved the way they learned to appreciate and admire each other for what they did each day, despite their earlier dislike for each other. Additionally, there was quite a lot of character development and introspection that added to the story and made me more appreciative of the characters.


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

[Chelsea | Mrs Viking Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay first of all - WITCH. WOLF. BODY SWAP. I didn’t even read the rest of the blurb before diving in because that alone sold me. And let me tell you, I was not ready for the sheer amount of ✨chaos✨ this book served.

Hazel is that messily loveable, potion-spilling, mildly cursed witchy girlie who has never once had a normal Tuesday in her life. And Blake? Grumpiest werewolf to ever grump. Like if “leave me alone” was a person but secretly cared way too much.

I came here for light witchy fluff and some steamy shifter vibes. What I got was an actual magical mystery unraveling under an apothecary basement, creepy cultish wellness vibes, and me holding my breath because something ancient and mad just woke up. Moonridge, sweetie, are you okay??

AND YET. The banter?? Top tier. The romance?? Slow burn but emotionally devastating in the best way. Like they’re both so bad at feelings and yet somehow perfect for each other?? Kill me.

🌶️ level: Barely a simmer. This is cozy romance land, not full-blown feral werewolf territory. But honestly, didn’t miss it - the tension and world-building totally carried.

Final verdict: If you love chaotic witches, grumpy wolf boys, magical shenanigans, and the kind of enemies-to-lovers that starts with “I hexed your plants” and ends with “I would burn down the forest to keep you safe,” Once Upon a Blue Moon is your new bestie!

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Now I know someone who thinks my magic is amazing.

3.5 ⭐

The core of this story is very entertaining. A magical town filled with endless interesting characters, complicated dynamics, and just the right blend of hijinks and emotional complexity. While I do think that the paranormal lore is a bit surface level it didn't really take away from my enjoyment of it. A body swap between two future romantic partners as they slowly fall for each others whilst literally walking in the other's shoes truly never gets old. There's definitely a lot of fun moments as they learn to function in the other's body. Them both wondering where the line was between their consciousness and the bones of the body, in terms of the truth of their burgeoning feelings, was quite compelling. The commentary on instilling fear about those who are different manages to parallel real life situations very effectively. These damaging viewpoints slowly infiltrate communities in ways that only the affected notice and by the time anyone else cares it's already too deeply seeded to quickly reverse course.

The prose itself got a bit too repetitive at times where ideas were already made clear previously but then are subsequently talked directly about in dialogue. There were many times where I already came to a conclusion that was later talked about like it just occurred to the characters themselves. There needs to be a greater trust in your audience that they will understand the quite evident conclusions because the first mention of it in your writing is strong enough to portray it. With some more editing the story would feel streamlined into something undeniably charming even moreso than it already is.

With all of this said, the last third of the book truly shines. The stakes are higher and the pacing is quicker. While the investigations around town were compelling enough to hold my interest throughout, it's at this point where so many intertwining pieces become impossibly knotted in the most satisfying way. Although I do wish that we could spend more time with Hazel and Blake as main characters, I am definitely looking forward to returning to this world for the next installment!

Thanks to NetGalley, AA Lit, and BookBuzz for the arc!

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

📖 Title: Once Upon a Blue Moon-Welcome to Moonridge #1

✍🏾 Author: Avery Arujo-debut

📅Publication date: 7/1/25 | Read: 7/10/25

📃 Format: eBook 337 pgs.

Genre:
*Paranormal Romance
*Mystery

Tropes:
*small town
*body swap/Freaky Friday
*enemies to lovers
*witch/werewolf pairing
*magic
*grumpy H
*forced proximity

👆🏾POV: 1st person, dual

⚠️TW: death of loved ones, experiments on children. mind manipulation

🌎 Setting: Moonridge

Summary: When magic goes haywire while Hazel is casting a beauty spell, her and Blake -the local pack leader- are body-switched. They live each other's lives while reversing the spell and later must save the town.


👩🏾 Heroine: Hazel Thornton-27, has unpredictable magic & owns The Blue Moon Apothecary

👨🏾 Hero: Blake Carter- 28, leader of wolf pack & construction worker

🎭 Other Characters:

* La 'Tasha-Hazel's BFF, a great researcher
*Calvin-Blake's brother
*Mina Cartwright-B&B owner
*Evan-Hazel's ex-boyfriend, dated 3 yrs. just broke up
* Agnes Thorton-Hazel's grandmother (deceased)
* Ben Harlow-the local sheriff
*Bianca Mayweather/Ravena Blackwood -wellness guru who believes wolves are dangerous. Her alias is an immortal and dangerous witch trying to control the town.
*The Wolfsbane Amulet-keeps peace between witches and wolves
*Coco Montoya-an unfocused yet powerful witch


🤔 My Thoughts: I loved how Hazel and Blake got to walk in each other's shoes, literally! They grew an appreciation for each other as well as learned the history between witches and werewolves in town. It was hilarious when they first body-swapped, adjusting body movements, strengths, and weaknesses. I thought Hazel prejudged Blake more because she dismissed him as a grumpy, aggressive, werewolf. I loved the century old story about Rose, Samuel, and Adeline compared to Hazel, Blake, and Ravena. The side characters such as Mina, Coco, and Calvin were corky and even kept me interested. I will definitely read more in this series.

Rating: 4/5 ✨
Spice level 1/5 🌶️ clean romance-kissing only

🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, AA Lit, and Avery Arujo for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.

[Maggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

📚✨ ARC REVIEW ✨📚
Once Upon a Blue Moon by @averyarujo
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.75/5 stars)

Hazel is a witch still coming into her power. She's been known to make a spell go awry when she is upset.

Blake is the leader of the local werewolf pack. His life is all about control. Control control control.

When Hazel tries to use magic to get back at her ex, things go wonky, and she ends up body-swapped with Blake. Soon, the rivals discover that the swap was the result of darker spell work that threatens to split their small town apart, pitting witch against werewolf. It will take the two working together and learning to understand each other to save the town.

I thought this was a very cute supernatural romance. Hazel and Blake were great foils, each with an unspoken childhood crush on the other that they masked with teasing and petty arguing.

Hazel could have easily become a stereotype of a bumbling witch, but this was subverted by having her as a respected figurehead in the witch community. My favorite aspect of her personality was the magical pranks she pulled on people who angered her. They were low-key hilarious.

Blake is my favorite kind of MMC - an alpha hero with secret tenderness. The way he protects his pack and later Hazel is swoon-worthy.

I love the idea of a body swap, but I wish it hadn't happened so early in the story. I didn't feel like I had a real sense of who Hazel and Blake were beyond first impressions before they were swapped.

The villain was great, and their reason for using blood magic to take over the town was well-developed. I love a good research scene, and this book delivered on that, providing context and motive.

That being said, I felt mixed about how La'Tasha, Hazel's BFF, was used for what felt like mostly exposition. She seemed to pop up to give a research dump and then disappear until more info was needed. This went on until the last 20% of the book. In contrast, Blake's brother Calvin and B&B owner Mina were well-utilized. Their interactions with the main characters contributed to their emotional development and advanced the plot.

I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys cozy small-town romances.

[Hennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher (BookBuzz ) for the E-ARC.

Once Upon a Blue Moon is exactly the kind of charming paranormal rom-com I love sinking into. A werewolf and a witch swapping bodies—especially when they weren’t exactly friends in the first place? Sign me up. It immediately reminded me of a certain Korean drama I adored (Meteor Garden, anyone?), and luckily, the contents of the book did not disappoint. Avery Arujo casts a spell that’s hard to resist.

Hazel is a delightfully messy potion-brewer with a big heart and zero chill, and Blake is her surly, brooding werewolf neighbor who just wants peace and quiet. Naturally, the universe decides to trap them in each other’s bodies—and the results are magical mayhem. From awkward spellwork to unexpected emotional growth, the body swap trope is used in the best possible way: to challenge the characters, deepen their connection, and spark plenty of banter.

The chemistry between Hazel and Blake crackles from the start, and their evolution from annoyed neighbors to reluctant allies to something sweeter was an absolute treat. I especially loved the moments of introspection and vulnerability that came through as they began to see each other in a whole new light—literally.

The supporting cast was just as lovable. Coco brought charm and humor to every scene she was in, and Calvin’s dynamic with Hazel felt organic and genuinely heartwarming. Even the villains had flair, adding tension without ever dragging the tone too far from cozy.

Pacing-wise, the book struck a nice balance—sometimes brisk, sometimes lingering in the emotional beats—and it worked well for the story. And while there’s no spice in this one, the romantic tension and soft moments still deliver the feels.

With its small-town magic, swoony slow-burn romance, and a plot that hits the sweet spot between cozy and adventurous, Once Upon a Blue Moon is a delightful start to a series I’ll definitely be continuing.

[Shakera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5 stars

If you are looking for a small-town cozy romance, this is the book for you. There’s humor, drama, and mystery. It gives small-town vibes where everyone knows everyone.

The story begins with Hazel struggling to cope with a breakup with a guy who didn’t deserve her. He wanted someone… “normal.” In an attempt to cast a spell, Blake storms in. As you would guess, things go awry. They swap bodies, and things get real. While in each other’s bodies, they saw how the other lived and operated—revealing the level of care they deserved, as well as their biggest fears and insecurities. And because no one knew about the swap, they learned how others saw them.

The villain was easy to figure out: who the villain was, what she was, and what motivated her. It also wasn’t hard to guess what her plans were. However, she was well-written. You properly disliked her. I enjoyed the secondary characters: Mina (the bed and breakfast owner who will also be the MFC in book 2), CoCo (the intern working in the shop with Hazel), and Calvin (Blake’s brother) were great, and they helped move the story along. I do take issue with the usage of the Black best friend, La’Tasha. She would pop in for what felt like a research info dump, and then you wouldn’t see her again until the next time some research was needed… but she ran the shop with Hazel. This happened for most of the book.

One of my favorite aspects of this book was Hazel’s level of pettiness. The pranks she played on the townpeople, especially her ex-boyfriend (although, technically, that was Blake, but it was fantastic). If you love a romance with a witch and wolf shifter with cozy, small-town romance vibes, you’ll enjoy this.

This is available on Kindle Unlimited. Alternatively, you can borrow it from your local library, or you can support your local indie bookshop.

[Madalyn Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Upset with myself

I received an early copy of the sequel to this book (Date Night With Death) several months ago, and I made the mistake of waiting a long time to read it, simply because I wasn’t in the mood to read the prequel first (this book).
And that was A MISTAKE.
This was FANTASTIC. I’m genuinely so upset with myself for waiting so long to read these books!
The premise is that two long-time enemies, a witch and a werewolf, accidentally become body-swapped, and then it’s up to them to save the town from an evil force.
It’s such a unique premise, and the body-swapped enemies-to-lovers experience was a lot of fun!

I read a lot of paranormal/supernatural romances, and this book was top tier. The writing was really well done, fast-paced, easy to read, and the author made the whole book make sense.
It’s easy for supernatural books— which tend to also be steeped in mystery, suspense, and world-building— to become confusing or convoluted, but Once Upon A Blue Moon was always easy to follow and made sense throughout the entire story.

There is zero spice, but that’s actually okay! It could have existed within this book, but it’s totally okay that it didn’t— it never felt like anything was lacking just because there weren’t intimate scenes. And the romance in Once Upon A Blue Moon is a lot of fun and really sweet.

I devoured this book, and I cannot WAIT to jump right into the Date Night With Death!
I will absolutely be recommending this book to anyone that enjoys small town supernatural shenanigans. ❤️

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hazel Thornton es una bruja caótica de veintisiete años con una tienda de magia llamada The Blue Moon Apothecary en el peculiar pueblo de Moonridge. Después de ser dejada por su novio por no ser lo suficientemente normal, Hazel intenta recuperar su confianza con un hechizo de belleza aparentemente inofensivo. Pero cuando el hechizo sale mal, provoca una explosión mágica que la hace intercambiar cuerpos con su enemigo de la infancia: Blake Carter, el alfa de los hombres lobo del pueblo.

Hazel y Blake no podrían ser más distintos: ella es impulsiva, emocional y abiertamente mágica; él es práctico, reservado y rehúye su lado sobrenatural. Ahora, atrapados en los cuerpos del otro, deben mantener las apariencias, enfrentar las tensiones entre brujas y licántropos, y lidiar con un antiguo amuleto mágico que amenaza con desatar el caos justo antes de la luna llena.

Mientras intentan revertir el hechizo, ambos comienzan a entender la presión y el dolor que el otro carga, y una chispa inesperada comienza a crecer entre ellos. Pero con el pueblo al borde del colapso, viejos enemigos al acecho, y secretos que salen a la luz, deberán decidir si pueden confiar el uno en el otro… y en lo que sienten.

-

Me encanto, no pude soltarlo hasta terminarlo.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest

[Sara Beatriz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Avery Arujo’s writing is warm, witty, and quietly clever in all the right ways. This book struck a good balance between cozy escapism and emotional sincerity. The atmosphere is soft and a little whimsical, without ever slipping into cliché, and the emotional arc is surprisingly grounded. I found myself grinning at the banter one minute and unexpectedly touched the next.

What stands out most is how the romance unfolds with a quiet kind of intimacy. It’s slow, thoughtful, and full of little moments that feel earned rather than forced. There’s chemistry, yes, but also emotional growth, vulnerability, and a deepening sense of mutual respect that makes the payoff all the more satisfying.

That said, it does suffer a little from the more modern tendency to tell the reader how to feel rather than letting the emotions unfold naturally. It’s not constant, but it’s noticeable at times, and I did find myself wishing for more “showing” instead of being told what a character was feeling or why a moment mattered. There’s also a bit of repetition here and there, though thankfully it’s not overwhelming or distracting.

It’s the kind of story that doesn’t need to shout to be heard. There’s charm here, and heart, and a subtle undercurrent of self-reflection that gives the whole thing weight. Perfect for when you want something magical but emotionally real, comforting but not hollow.

[Taryn Bertalan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.40 (3 stars)

This was fun, slightly interesting, and the characters were well fleshed out. I have very few complaints but the book just felt 'ok' so that's why it's getting 3 stars.

Hazel was fun, though I would have preferred to see more of her when not influenced by her inhabitancy of Blake's body.

Blake was... ok? Not my favourite love interest, I found him a bit boring and the switch from grumpy to sappy just didn't feel like it fit his character, it sort of felt like it was forcing the relationship from there.

Honestly I'm kinda glad that book 2 isn't about Hazel and Blake, I don't think I'd be carrying on with the series if that were the case. La'Tasha, Mina and Coco were such good side characters that if there was no romance and just a book about those 3 and Hazel I'd have loved it more.

I didn't hate the writing, but it also didn't stand out too much either - I'll probably make a more concrete decision on that when I read book 2 which I have the arc for.

I think the most enjoyable thing about this book was the world building (the take on magic and witchcraft was refreshing and not the usual recycled shit), and the side characters.

I'm going into book 2 with higher hopes.

[beccasbookscapes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

The story kicks off with Hazel single and casting a beauty spell, when her werewolf neighbor Blake shows up to complain about the smell of it. Next thing they know, they’re trapped in each other’s bodies.

The book then goes down a twisty paranormal mystery with just the right amount of romance. I really enjoyed that the focus wasn’t solely on the romance but also on the characters learning to navigate each other's powers, working as a team, and uncovering something sinister happening in their town. The something sinister was really intriguing shout of to the historian in the book for keeping really good records.

The world-building was a highlight for me. It’s not just about Hazel and Blake, but about the whole community other witches, werewolves, and the hidden secrets of the town’s history. The slow-burn romance felt natural and balanced well with the mystery and magic.

Pick this one up if you’re in the mood for a cozy paranormal romance with heart, humor, and a dash of danger!

[tori g · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and author Avery Arujo for this ARC for my honest review below:

This was actually a very enjoyable read! It was the type of book you should read on a crisp fall day curled up in a blanket with the smell of falling leaves all around and something tasty cooking in a crock pot and a hot drink in hand . It is just one of those cozy fall reads that is so easy to pick up and finish in a single day. Is this a book that will change your life forever, no. But not every book should. This is the perfect amount of cozy, mixed with romance and magic, set in a town we all wish actually existed. I can absolutely see how this will become a series following all the magical, mundane, and paranormal inhabitants we have already met that live in this quaint little town of Moonridge. Pick this up and you won't be disappointed with a quick and easy enjoyable read that just leaves you feeling like you just got to have a quick escape and a sprinkle of magic mixed into your day!

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect book for me. I always know it’s a sign when I can’t put a book down but at the same time I’m begging the pages to never end. I loved everything about it. The witchy magic was done so well, I could clearly picture the flames sparking from Hazel’s hands as she worked her spells. I felt the friendship between her, La’Tasha, and Coco, and I loved how they held their own as supporting characters. They felt like real best friends and coworkers, complete with hilarious banter and one-liners.

The body swap with our wolf Blake felt believable and you really felt for both of them as they navigated it. Their relationship unfolded naturally and realistically, with no insta love or over-the-top nonsense. The tension in the town added so much to the story, and the villain was outstanding. She was pure evil and every reveal kept me hooked.

This book blended magic, humor, friendship, and romance in a way that felt seamless, and I enjoyed every second of it.

[Destiny · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5✨ (Rounded Up To 5)

🐺Werewolf | Witch 🧪🌸
🖤Enemies To A Sweet Romance💕
✨Magical Mishaps and Mayhem✨
🌇Cozy Small Town

This was such a fun, cute and cozy read! I binged it cover to cover in under 24 hours and will definitely be continuing on in the series when book two is released!

The plot is packed with magical mishaps, a bit of mayhem and an enemies to romance storyline that was incredibly sweet. I really enjoyed seeing Hazel (FMC) and Blake (MMC) start as unlikely alias working together and end as something much more.

I think this would be a really great addition to everyone's Fall TBR and look forward to reading more from this author in the future!

Thank you Avery Arujo, Net Galley and AA Lit for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Ashley Bidon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once Upon a Blue Moon was a highly unexpected read and I am loving it! Blake and Hazel’s story starts out as two enemies who become friends in order to save their beloved town. These two embark on a journey with their siblings and other close friends to protect their town from an evil witch and blood magic that is affecting the citizens of Moonridge.

This was a 4.5/5 ⭐️ read for me. I loved the banter back and forth between Hazel and Blake but I also lived for the sweet moments when they took the time to get to know one another and the struggles they faced in their earlier years. Being able to get to know each other while in each other’s bodies was a huge part of the story falling into place. This book will absolutely make you laugh out loud, gasp with fear and concern, and heart melt with the love that is shown!

[Cait · Rating 3 out of 5]

Avery Arujo has a rock-solid premise in Once Upon a Blue Moon, with enjoyable characters and a a plot that rockets along. It ticks the boxes for a "clean" romance, but never quite surpassed the basics for me.

My biggest issue was the writing style--it was very "tell" rather than "show," which became ever-clearer as the climax approached and the emotional stakes continually fell flat for me and the real physical/magical stakes felt stilted. I can see this writing appealing to some, especially those transitioning into adult romance or adult paranormal fantasy books. However, for me, it work.

I always feel bad not being able to enthusiastically praise a debut, indie author and book. I want them to be successful, and I think Arujo has the building blocks for a good book, but ultimately, it wasn't for me. Thanks to NetGalley and AA Lit for the ebook ARC. All opinions are mine alone.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hazel and Blake's story was so sweet to read.

The coziness of the town and the comforting setting of the magic shop was amazing. I loved watching Hazel and Blake become closer and realize that they had been misjudging each other. I thought the switching of the bodies was such a clever way of having these two characters start to relate to one another and discover more about their histories and daily challenges.

The mystery aspect of this book was good too. It felt a little simple at times, but I liked the extra mystery element to the romance.

Overall, a good read that would be perfect to read in front of the fire while it's raining outside.

[Sheri Bolinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing and different take on grumpy/sunshine and enemies to lovers trope. Hazel, a witch, and Blake, a werewolf, are constantly at odds with each other. Their snark is so fun to read! Then, they get body swapped and the hilarity is beyond side-splitting! It was great! Amongst the hilarity though is a mystery, a horrible villain, a pack to save, a town to save, witches to save, possible love, all while having to figure out how to put on a bra! The balance of fun and serious was perfect! I was enthralled from the beginning to the end. I can't wait to read more about this town!

[David and Susan McConachie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was absolutely fascinated by the blurb of a werewolf and a witch swapping bodies - especially when they were not exactly friends in the first place. The contents of the book did not disappoint - I was on tenterhooks as I read - would Hazel and Blake manage to swap back so they were in their own bodies, and if they did - what would happen to their new feelings for each other. Of course, like every good book there is a baddy or two to make life even more difficult for Hazel and Blake. I loved reading this book.
I read an ARC or Once Upon a Blue Moon

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witch, please—this book is spellbinding chaos in the best way! 🌕

Hazel’s a hot mess with a spellbook, and Blake’s a brooding werewolf with attitude—so yeah, of course I devoured Once Upon a Blue Moon like a bag of cursed gummy bears. This body-swap madness had me laughing out loud and rooting for their magical mess to turn into something swoony. If you love awkward romance, magical oopsies, and grumpy-sunshine energy with claws, this book totally brings it. It’s like Halloween and Valentine’s Day had a baby. 🐺💜🧙‍♀️

[Abigail L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once Upon a Blue Moon is a cozy paranormal delight with the perfect mix of snark, suspense, and slow-burn romance. I really liked how the author balanced Hazel’s quirky magic mishaps with a deeper mystery unfolding beneath the surface—especially as she and grumpy neighbor Blake navigate their magical body-swap mess. The banter was sharp, the plot twists were solid, and I genuinely enjoyed how both characters grew through the chaos. This was a super fun read that gave me both laughs and a little swoon.

[Kayla Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A grumpy werewolf and a sunshiney witch switch bodies and have to safe their town, Moonridge, from destruction!? So fun! This was such a cute, fun, quick read. Blake and Hazel absolutely hate each other, but when they switch bodies, they learn how difficult the other's life really is and they grow to appreciate each other. This is a romance as well, but definitely a closed door romance for those who don't want any spice! This is the beginning of a Moonridge series and I can't wait for the next book to come out! Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for my digital ARC!!

[Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

A witch and a werewolf body swap? Heck yeah! This is a recipe for paranormal delight.

Take two beings (the witch and the werewolf).
Add a helping of “I can’t stand you” type of conflict.
Mix with a huge amount of mysterious villain out to take over the town.
Fold in the feelings of admiration and care that the witch and werewolf begin to feel for each other.

Simmer over heat.

Yield is a delightful story that got better and better as I proceeded through the book. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Annica Fourie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was... wow!
It's not a literary masterpiece, but it is exactly what I was in the mood for and I binged it all in basically one sitting.
I loved the main characters, Hazel and Blake, but also the side characters. And the concept is so much fun!
I have to say, I usually feel that body-swap books are repetitive, but this was not that at all.
I highly recommend and cannot wait for the second book.

[Paige Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witch, Please! Sparks Fly in This Spellbinding Body Swap

Once Upon a Blue Moon is a sassy, magical romp with potion blunders, snarky banter, and a witch-werewolf duo so full of chemistry I was rooting for their happily-ever-after even before the full moon rose!

[Katherine Hayward Pérez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Hazel and Blake's story, as well as the small town atmosphere. The plot and magic was interesting in this book.

Thanks to Avery Arujo

4 stars

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Grace Gless · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok so very unique premise for this one, with a cross gender (and cross species!) body swap romance. Sounds like it shouldn’t work but it honestly did. The complete lack of spicy scenes helps keep this from going from wacky to icky. The storyline was interesting with the formulaic aspect I would expect from a YA book which this essentially is even with characters in late 20s. I enjoyed it overall, ancient prophesies and grudges and hilarious spin on forced proximity/enemies to friends to lovers. I will be reading the second book in the series as well; Mina was an awesome character and I’m looking forward to her story!

Thank you AA Lit for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Gabrielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

So much repetition insane slow burn that lasted almost entire book and childish behavior from late 20s mcs