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The Love Potion
Can a love potion help her find real love—or just make her see what’s been there all along?
Ally Hawkins has never had a Valentine’s Day date—but this is her year. She can feel it in her endlessly optimistic heart. So when she stumbles upon a love potion at a county fair, she figures…why not? It’s silly, it’s smelly, and she’s a grown woman. But then—bam—the very guy she’s been crushing on asks her to lunch. Coincidence? She thinks not.
But while Ally’s busy swooning, her office BFF Josh Wise starts acting weird. Distant. Not his usual flirty, funny, charming self. And Ally realizes she might miss him more than she expected. Maybe the potion isn’t magic at all, maybe it’s just opening her eyes.
Now she’ll have to figure out what (or who) she really wants…before the spell wears off for good.
Ally Hawkins has never had a Valentine’s Day date—but this is her year. She can feel it in her endlessly optimistic heart. So when she stumbles upon a love potion at a county fair, she figures…why not? It’s silly, it’s smelly, and she’s a grown woman. But then—bam—the very guy she’s been crushing on asks her to lunch. Coincidence? She thinks not.
But while Ally’s busy swooning, her office BFF Josh Wise starts acting weird. Distant. Not his usual flirty, funny, charming self. And Ally realizes she might miss him more than she expected. Maybe the potion isn’t magic at all, maybe it’s just opening her eyes.
Now she’ll have to figure out what (or who) she really wants…before the spell wears off for good.
Audible Audio
First published April 21, 2021
217 people are currently reading
383 people want to read
About the author
Becky Monson
22 books1,305 followersBy day, Becky Monson is a mother to three young children, and a wife. By night, she escapes with reading books and writing. In her debut novel, Becky uses humor and true-life experiences to bring her characters to life. She loves all things chick-lit (movies, books, etc.), and wishes she had a British accent. She has recently given up Diet Coke for the fiftieth time and is hopeful this time will last... but it probably won't.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
May 9, 2021
Short, sweet, and very, very satisfying, especially after a day of hard work. I absolutely adored Josh, and Ally was quirky in an attractive and endearing way. I also liked the fact that she did some growing up in the course of the story, even though it was only a novelette. Well done, Ms Monson. And I was so chuffed when I realized there was a character in there (Chase) who is the hero of another novel by this author which I really liked (The Accidental Text)! The events of this story happen more less at the beginning of the other one, so if you like tie-ins, you might check it out as well.
December 23, 2021
This one was so sweet. I loved it and Ally- poor oblivious Ally- with a cute sense of style in her retro dresses. I really wanted more of this book and I definitely would have loved an epilogue to see that Valentine's date with Josh! The kissing gave me goosebumps. A few instances of mild swearing.
I read this as part of the Love In The City collection. 4.5 stars, rounding up!
I read this as part of the Love In The City collection. 4.5 stars, rounding up!
February 19, 2022
Super cute rom com and perfect for Valentine’s Day season!
January 29, 2025
I wasn’t expecting this level of cuteness!
Surprise, surprise—I didn’t hate the love triangle. I know, who am I? I think it’s because even though Monson structured a love triangle, Mr. Right was obvious.
This was pure fluff and cuteness. I can’t say there was a real theme or deep message… unless it’s don’t be oblivious to what’s right in front of you or be so focused on positivity you miss the signs of your best friend’s struggle with depression.
So, if you’re in the market for a fluffy Valentine’s Day read featuring a 1950s fashionista heroine, a friends-to-lovers office romance, an alleged love potion, and a cake fight of the century—check this one out!
Content: mild language; mentions of cheating (not the MCs)
Surprise, surprise—I didn’t hate the love triangle. I know, who am I? I think it’s because even though Monson structured a love triangle, Mr. Right was obvious.
This was pure fluff and cuteness. I can’t say there was a real theme or deep message… unless it’s don’t be oblivious to what’s right in front of you or be so focused on positivity you miss the signs of your best friend’s struggle with depression.
So, if you’re in the market for a fluffy Valentine’s Day read featuring a 1950s fashionista heroine, a friends-to-lovers office romance, an alleged love potion, and a cake fight of the century—check this one out!
Content: mild language; mentions of cheating (not the MCs)
April 23, 2021
This one was adorable. Ally is a positive, cheerful MC who thinks her life has been changed by a love potion she bought at a flea market. When Dylan, a handsome coworker, starts paying her attention after she wears it, she is sure she will have her first Valentine. But Josh, her friend and next-door coworker, has a beef with Dylan for some reason, and he won’t tell her why. Is her dream about to come true, or will everything come crashing down around her? Are love potions real? This story is super cute. Love Monson’s romances. They’re funny, clean, and swoony.
March 7, 2022
Cute Novella
This is a sweet romance about how sometimes love is right in front of you if only you look for it. I am not sure which came first, this book or The Accidental Text, but it doesn't really matter which one you read first. I read The Accidental Text first and really wanted to see about Chase's beginning with the texts start. So yeah, you might want to read this one first.
Like I said sweet romance, but still has conflict. Which is a good thing. Also, it's a clean romance if you are interested. I enjoyed the characters, the romance and the growth of the main character, Ally. Recommended to romance readers who may want a shorter read occasionally.
This is a sweet romance about how sometimes love is right in front of you if only you look for it. I am not sure which came first, this book or The Accidental Text, but it doesn't really matter which one you read first. I read The Accidental Text first and really wanted to see about Chase's beginning with the texts start. So yeah, you might want to read this one first.
Like I said sweet romance, but still has conflict. Which is a good thing. Also, it's a clean romance if you are interested. I enjoyed the characters, the romance and the growth of the main character, Ally. Recommended to romance readers who may want a shorter read occasionally.
March 14, 2023
DNF
There were already a bunch of things that annoyed me within the first two and a half chapters but this major dum-dum vibe and talking kinda mean about her supposed to be best friends... I just don't have the nerve for it.
I was really ready to give it another chance in chapter 3 but this just sent me over the edge:
"I quickly log out of my computer. We’re not allowed to leave an unattended computer screen open at SurveyWave—it’s a big no-no here. I feel like it’s a little over the top. We are on the same team, after all. We all work for the same place."
There were already a bunch of things that annoyed me within the first two and a half chapters but this major dum-dum vibe and talking kinda mean about her supposed to be best friends... I just don't have the nerve for it.
I was really ready to give it another chance in chapter 3 but this just sent me over the edge:
"I quickly log out of my computer. We’re not allowed to leave an unattended computer screen open at SurveyWave—it’s a big no-no here. I feel like it’s a little over the top. We are on the same team, after all. We all work for the same place."
February 27, 2022
Quick read, but so entertaining. So sweet and cute. A little cheesy, but I love that.
I can’t wait to continue on with Chase in The Accidental Text.
I can’t wait to continue on with Chase in The Accidental Text.
July 30, 2023
4 star = I liked it
This was a cute and light. I liked it just as well as Chase's book (I didn't realize this was the same author when I picked this up)
This was a cute and light. I liked it just as well as Chase's book (I didn't realize this was the same author when I picked this up)
September 16, 2023
3.5 out of 5 stars
March 4, 2025
Just a cute short read.
June 20, 2021
3.5 stars
It was a fun and quick read. Quite cliché and predictable but it was entertaining nonetheless.
I enjoyed reading about Ally's friendship with Hazel. I adored Josh! There wasn't a lot of depth in the characters, but it's understandable since it's just a novella.
This will be a perfect read for people who are looking for something quick and easy to read that will definitely pull you out of a reading slump.
I'm excited to read The Accidental Text, which is the full novel that follows one of the characters from here.
It was a fun and quick read. Quite cliché and predictable but it was entertaining nonetheless.
I enjoyed reading about Ally's friendship with Hazel. I adored Josh! There wasn't a lot of depth in the characters, but it's understandable since it's just a novella.
This will be a perfect read for people who are looking for something quick and easy to read that will definitely pull you out of a reading slump.
I'm excited to read The Accidental Text, which is the full novel that follows one of the characters from here.
January 27, 2024
cute novella
This is a short and sweet read that lets you meet a few characters. I loved seeing more of Chase even if it was minimal.
This is a short and sweet read that lets you meet a few characters. I loved seeing more of Chase even if it was minimal.
June 4, 2021
She Can Attract... Readers
From master romantic comedy author Becky Monson comes a bonus story of an almost desperate corporate drone whose major complaint is that she's never has a valentine. Either the to king isn't right or there's nobody to love her own February 14th. She goes to a fair an be buys a "love potion" from an old gypsy. Reluctant to believe in its power, she has she has nothing to lose and applies it lavishly a few days before The Day itself. Her workplace bff, Josh, take her she smells it a gas station bathroom, so she washes most of it off. The book was billed was an explanation of how Chase came to own Maggie's mother's cell phone and number (a key part of the premise of The Accidental Text), and it does explain it, but that's a short part of a book that's mostly about Ally tying to find a valentine with a dubiously effective love potion. It seems to work perfectly when handsome Dylan arrives and so the her off her feet. Ally loves it, Josh isn't convinced Dylan is all she thinks he is, and Dylan just keeps getting more and more charming.
As Valentine's Day there closer, Ally steps up her love potion usage and Josh steps up his snide commentary until Ally is nearly crazy with irritation at his comments about her dream man. But as Valentine's Day gets closer, Dylan becomes less and less charming. He repeats the jokes and even the song he sang from "Hamilton", driving Ally nearly crazy as well.
Who is Ally's real valentine, and will she discover it in time to avoid another year without a valentine? So much drama, and so much Ally needs to learn. For the reader's sake, everything is resolved by the end. We figure it out just before she does, and it's satisfying to see her with the right guy after so many red herrings and dead ends. A real treat!
From master romantic comedy author Becky Monson comes a bonus story of an almost desperate corporate drone whose major complaint is that she's never has a valentine. Either the to king isn't right or there's nobody to love her own February 14th. She goes to a fair an be buys a "love potion" from an old gypsy. Reluctant to believe in its power, she has she has nothing to lose and applies it lavishly a few days before The Day itself. Her workplace bff, Josh, take her she smells it a gas station bathroom, so she washes most of it off. The book was billed was an explanation of how Chase came to own Maggie's mother's cell phone and number (a key part of the premise of The Accidental Text), and it does explain it, but that's a short part of a book that's mostly about Ally tying to find a valentine with a dubiously effective love potion. It seems to work perfectly when handsome Dylan arrives and so the her off her feet. Ally loves it, Josh isn't convinced Dylan is all she thinks he is, and Dylan just keeps getting more and more charming.
As Valentine's Day there closer, Ally steps up her love potion usage and Josh steps up his snide commentary until Ally is nearly crazy with irritation at his comments about her dream man. But as Valentine's Day gets closer, Dylan becomes less and less charming. He repeats the jokes and even the song he sang from "Hamilton", driving Ally nearly crazy as well.
Who is Ally's real valentine, and will she discover it in time to avoid another year without a valentine? So much drama, and so much Ally needs to learn. For the reader's sake, everything is resolved by the end. We figure it out just before she does, and it's satisfying to see her with the right guy after so many red herrings and dead ends. A real treat!
January 23, 2025
The Love Potion
by: Becky Monson
@bmonsonauthor
-I give 4.5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
“You just say the word, and I’m yours. You don’t need to buy a potion to get me.”
-The Love Potion, is a short but such a delightful story that mostly takes places in the workspace. It’s a dear story about realizing and coming to see what is right in front of you, that matters most! With endearing and relatable characters, delightful humor and banter, cake fighting dilemmas, the importance of being true to oneself, and swoony moments, this cute story is one that is worth the read!🙌🏻📚🩷
“We all could use a little more nice in this world.“
#thelovepotion
#beckymonson
#worththeread
#gogetyourselfthisamazingdeal
#allaboutthebestreads
“I see you,” I say. “And I want…you.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
by: Becky Monson
@bmonsonauthor
-I give 4.5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
“You just say the word, and I’m yours. You don’t need to buy a potion to get me.”
-The Love Potion, is a short but such a delightful story that mostly takes places in the workspace. It’s a dear story about realizing and coming to see what is right in front of you, that matters most! With endearing and relatable characters, delightful humor and banter, cake fighting dilemmas, the importance of being true to oneself, and swoony moments, this cute story is one that is worth the read!🙌🏻📚🩷
“We all could use a little more nice in this world.“
#thelovepotion
#beckymonson
#worththeread
#gogetyourselfthisamazingdeal
#allaboutthebestreads
“I see you,” I say. “And I want…you.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
March 26, 2022
𝐌𝐲 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 : 🌟🌟🌟🌟
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 :
⚗️ novelette
⚗️ workplace romance
⚗️ best friends to lovers
𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬 : suitable for young readers; available on Kindle Unlimited!
——————————
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐏𝐨���𝐢𝐨𝐧 is a short and sweet romance read, that has a finding oneself theme sprinkled in! following sunshine girl 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐇𝐚𝐰𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐬, this book serves sort of as a prequel to 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐱𝐭, a full novel belonging to a series☺️
this was a super enjoyable read, and I actually love that the page count was minimal; there's not a lot you need to add to a story that was already so well wrapped up after all🤍
the story, told from the female protagonist's point of view was to the point, but I love how it still allowed for her to do a little bit of growing up along the way. such a cute read, I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for more from this author🥰
——————————
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 :
⚗️ novelette
⚗️ workplace romance
⚗️ best friends to lovers
𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬 : suitable for young readers; available on Kindle Unlimited!
——————————
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐏𝐨���𝐢𝐨𝐧 is a short and sweet romance read, that has a finding oneself theme sprinkled in! following sunshine girl 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐇𝐚𝐰𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐬, this book serves sort of as a prequel to 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐱𝐭, a full novel belonging to a series☺️
this was a super enjoyable read, and I actually love that the page count was minimal; there's not a lot you need to add to a story that was already so well wrapped up after all🤍
the story, told from the female protagonist's point of view was to the point, but I love how it still allowed for her to do a little bit of growing up along the way. such a cute read, I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for more from this author🥰
——————————
July 17, 2022
It’s fine.
I like Becky Monson. Her characters are almost always nice people worth rooting for. This story is really no different. But, I don’t want to say the female lead is dumb, but she doesn’t behave in the smartest of ways. And I’m not even talking about the love potion. Weirder things have happened in romcoms. She misses clues about pretty much everything happening around her that a blind person in the other room would have caught. Her best friend, her co-worker, her love interest, her parents. All of them give her big, obvious clues about what’s happening and she just wanders around oblivious to all of it. It was short though, and I did like seeing Chase from The Accidental Text, so there’s that.
I like Becky Monson. Her characters are almost always nice people worth rooting for. This story is really no different. But, I don’t want to say the female lead is dumb, but she doesn’t behave in the smartest of ways. And I’m not even talking about the love potion. Weirder things have happened in romcoms. She misses clues about pretty much everything happening around her that a blind person in the other room would have caught. Her best friend, her co-worker, her love interest, her parents. All of them give her big, obvious clues about what’s happening and she just wanders around oblivious to all of it. It was short though, and I did like seeing Chase from The Accidental Text, so there’s that.
April 28, 2021
Cute Office Romance.
If you are looking for something to fill in an afternoon or a night of reading, and you want to walk away feeling happy, grab this one. It’s an office romance, with a girl that’s full of positivity (loved seeing that) and was loyal to everyone. It’s only 95 pages but it felt complete by the end, I didn’t feel it skipped steps due to being a novella. Could I have read more about this couple, yeah! Loved them. Maybe they might be weaved into a full length novel at some point as I’d like to know more about them and how Hazel faired. Definitely worth the read.
If you are looking for something to fill in an afternoon or a night of reading, and you want to walk away feeling happy, grab this one. It’s an office romance, with a girl that’s full of positivity (loved seeing that) and was loyal to everyone. It’s only 95 pages but it felt complete by the end, I didn’t feel it skipped steps due to being a novella. Could I have read more about this couple, yeah! Loved them. Maybe they might be weaved into a full length novel at some point as I’d like to know more about them and how Hazel faired. Definitely worth the read.
November 27, 2025
This gave off major The Hating Game vibes. Only the heroine here had a crush on someone else and it was friends to lovers. My biggest complaint here is how long it took the heroine to see om for what he was. All the signs pointed to him being a jerk and she ignored them all. It took her way too long to see the hero and, at one point, it really seemed like she was gonna lose her friendship with the hero for om. I really wish she chose the hero sooner.
And I loved the hero. He was so in love with her and it was so obvious to everyone around them, except her. I love a pining hero.
And I loved the hero. He was so in love with her and it was so obvious to everyone around them, except her. I love a pining hero.
January 13, 2026
This is a good, clean cute pre-Valentine’s Day story that I’m pretty sure is in the novella category. I enjoyed listening to it on Audible. I didn’t like the “love potion” perfume aspect of it or the mention of getting it from a “fortune teller” at a carnival. Josh is among the best male MCs that I can think of in recent fictional reads. He’s honest, kind, and funny without trying. I’ve become a fan of Becky Monson‘a books- she has a talent for creating protagonists who are enthusiastic and who seem real.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2021
What a fun novella! Author Becky Monson immediately gets you into the story, and invested in the authentic characters in only 79 pages! I am amazed! I got a kick out of Ally and her best friend Hazel, and Ally's co-worker and 2nd best friend Josh. And the craziness that ensues when she wears a 'love potion' to work. Written with her signature humor, and meaningful storytelling, Becky Monson pens another very enjoyable story!
March 22, 2022
I didn’t realize this was a novella when I decided I wanted to read it; that’s my bad! It was a short, sweet little thing. The writing was kind of weird to me though? I don’t know, it just didn’t sit right with me. It might’ve been the first person, I’m not sure. The story line was kind of cheesy and predictable too. I also wish we would’ve got to see the Valentine’s day date. Overall though it was a cute little Valentine’s Day novella!
September 26, 2023
Ally & her team
Ally & her bestie Hazel gets a love potion as Ally has had a crush on a co-worker Dylan for a while. She's also got a thing for Valentine's day probably because she's never had 1 before.
The love potion may or may not do it's job but it certainly does work some magic in the end 😍
Great little short story. Only found it because I read Chases story first. Accidental text
Ally & her bestie Hazel gets a love potion as Ally has had a crush on a co-worker Dylan for a while. She's also got a thing for Valentine's day probably because she's never had 1 before.
The love potion may or may not do it's job but it certainly does work some magic in the end 😍
Great little short story. Only found it because I read Chases story first. Accidental text
March 19, 2025
Does the love potion really work or is she just seeing things from rose-colored glasses? A cute office romance centered around Ally who absolutely wants a Valentine this year. Even if she has to rely on a mysterious fragrance in hopes it'll attract her major crush at work. Ally is very optimistic and desperate for her one true love: not knowing that they're closer than she thinks. I definitely recommend reading around Valentine's Day!!
May 16, 2021
Fun, quick and enjoyable read
What a fun novella! Though a shorter story it still felt like a satisfying read. We get a little teaser about Chase's story. (Definitely recommend that too!!) While the story developed faster than a full length the book wasn't choppy or feel like scenes were thrown in to move things along. I liked the characters and dialogue and flow.
What a fun novella! Though a shorter story it still felt like a satisfying read. We get a little teaser about Chase's story. (Definitely recommend that too!!) While the story developed faster than a full length the book wasn't choppy or feel like scenes were thrown in to move things along. I liked the characters and dialogue and flow.
September 15, 2021
Fun , quick read
A quick fun read. I read Accidental Text first and was curious to get a backstory on Chase. Was surprised that the book was actually Ally’s story, who is referenced in Accidental text, but learned more about Chase in the process.
The story progresses well and the characters are likable.
Would recommend as a quick read.
A quick fun read. I read Accidental Text first and was curious to get a backstory on Chase. Was surprised that the book was actually Ally’s story, who is referenced in Accidental text, but learned more about Chase in the process.
The story progresses well and the characters are likable.
Would recommend as a quick read.
November 3, 2021
What a beautiful short read! I adore Ally and Josh together. She was so oblivious it drove me mad but tbh I feel like that’s probably almost resembling me too 😅 Dylan was a jerk, and I’m glad everyone knew it but sad he didn’t get anything else coming to him. This was my first Becky monson book and definitely not my last! 😍
December 16, 2021
Quirky little love story
Aww, I love these books, and josh and Ally are unique loveable characters that I could read about forever. You won't be disappointed only that it's not long enough I really could have read more on these two. I can't wait to read another by this fantastic author.
Aww, I love these books, and josh and Ally are unique loveable characters that I could read about forever. You won't be disappointed only that it's not long enough I really could have read more on these two. I can't wait to read another by this fantastic author.
May 20, 2025
Clever, fun, cute story
Loved this cute story!! I loved Josh from the beginning!! I love a guy who is patient and makes ppl laugh and makes them happy! This was a cute story and the first part of the book made me laugh with the love potion! Loved the ending of this book as well! Clean with kissing scenes only!
Loved this cute story!! I loved Josh from the beginning!! I love a guy who is patient and makes ppl laugh and makes them happy! This was a cute story and the first part of the book made me laugh with the love potion! Loved the ending of this book as well! Clean with kissing scenes only!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews