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Witch City - Salem In Love: An Enemies-To-Lovers Rom-Com of Witches, Skeptics, and Second Chances

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She came to escape her past. She didn’t expect to fall in love with the one person who challenges everything she believes.

When Freya Whitney, a sharp-witted New Yorker with a healthy distrust of anything spiritual, leaves behind her high-pressure family and a relationship in flames, she hopes Salem, Massachusetts will be a quiet place to start over. What she finds instead is a town full of crystals, psychics, and one infuriating local witch.

Liam Doyle was born in Salem, raised in its traditions, and is deeply proud of his faith in Wicca and the city’s misunderstood history. When Freya stumbles into his world—literally—he makes it his mission to prove there’s more to his hometown than Freya’s jaded first impressions.

What begins as a battle of wills soon unravels into cafe conversations, teasing banter, and a friendship that teeters dangerously close to something more. As secrets come to light and Freya is drawn deeper into the town’s history—and Liam’s orbit—she’s forced to confront the walls she’s built and the belief that love, like magic, might just be real.

Witch City is a laugh-out-loud, slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy steeped in Salem’s spellbinding charm. With a cast of unforgettable friends, nods to the Salem Witch Trials and real Pagan traditions, and heartfelt themes of found family, belonging, and self-acceptance, this feel-good romance proves that sometimes the greatest transformations happen when you stop running—and start believing.

Perfect for fans
-
Witchy small-town vibes
- Found family dynamics
- Enemies-to-lovers tension
- Romance with history, heart, and humor

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 17, 2025

6 people want to read

About the author

Julia E. Christian

1 book3 followers
Julia grew up on the North Shore of Massachusetts with a love for storytelling, romance, and all things a little spooky. Now living in Vermont, she writes heartfelt, character-driven novels that blend supernatural charm with slow-burn love stories—always with a guaranteed happily ever after.

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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Laura.
925 reviews39 followers
November 4, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I LOVED this entire story from beginning to end. I only wish we could've gotten Liam's POV too, I am dying to know what was going through his mind at some points throughout the book. Even though we didn't have his side of things, I absolutely loved their journey. It felt genuine throughout the entire time.

Even though it was a fictional read, I learned a ton about Wicca and what it means to put it into practice. I now want to learn even more (thank you Julia E. Christian for giving me a new subject to dive into and research). I loved learning about Liam's background and his ancestry. As he explained things to Freya and led her further into his life I felt like I was the one walking beside him as he taught her. It was amazing.

I did connect to Freya in more ways than one. Every time I find myself connecting to a character in a book I still find it slightly bewildering, and yet with her I felt like I could feel her every emotion, her thoughts have been mine at one point or another throughout my own life. My heart broke for her, then there was lots of fury and then as she healed I smiled along with her. I found myself cheering her on as if I was looking at myself in the mirror psyching myself up after a bad day. I loved her strength and her determination to find her way again after all the pain and heartache. I walked with her as she battled her own demons and survived. It felt so darn good to not only see her get her happy ending but to see her mending fences with her family. It was heartwarming.

Liam's family was pure magic (or maybe it's magick?) either way they were it. I loved them for being so open to her, for supporting him and for being who they were so authentically. The found family aspect between the Salem crew and Freya was a breath of fresh air and I ate up every bit of it that I could.

There was absolutely nothing to dislike about this novel. It was sweet, emotional, heartfelt and different from a lot of other books in a similar genre. It didn't follow an exact mold, it did what it felt like doing in the best way. It left its mark.

Profile Image for Lauren.
84 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2025
ARC Review: Witch City: Salem In Love
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(Thank you to BookSirens for the ARC!)

If it’s a book with magic and set in Salem, I’m absolutely going to read it—and Witch City: Salem In Love was right up my wand!

The premise drew me in right away: enemies-to-lovers with a magical twist in a witchy town I adore? Yes, please. I’ll admit, I struggled a bit at the start connecting with the main female character. Her attitude sometimes felt one-sided—like she could dish it out but didn’t quite let the MMC do the same.

Their friend group brought a sweet and grounding vibe to the story, and I loved watching her open up and take genuine interest in the MMC’s Wiccan practice. That dynamic was such a refreshing shift—so often it’s the woman practicing magic, and seeing a thoughtful, grounded Wiccan male lead was a total win for me.

As the story progressed, I appreciated how the couple worked through their issues, communicated, and truly grew together. If you love magical settings, moody Salem vibes, and romance that blooms from friction and mutual respect, this one’s for you.
Profile Image for Maxine (The Bookish Brew).
153 reviews3 followers
August 5, 2025
ARC Review
Genres: Contemporary Romance, Small-Town Fiction, Enemies to Lovers

I picked up this book expecting a witchy fantasy based on the blurb (that I didn't fully read) Instead of the spells and cauldrons I was expecting, I found myself transported to present-day Salem, Massachusetts, immersed in a history lesson I didn’t know I needed... and I loved every minute of it.

Freya Whitney moves to Salem for a fresh start and soon meets the broody Wiccan, Liam Doyle. Their initial clash, sparked by Freya’s sarcasm and disbelief in all things witchy, creates a simmering enemies-to-lovers dynamic that slowly softens into one of the most touching friendships I’ve read in a while.

This story offers so much:
💫 Tension-filled banter
💫 Deep emotional beats
💫 Found-family warmth
💫 Historical insight into the Salem Witch Trials

Julia E. Christian’s debut is swoon-worthy, informative, and incredibly gripping. I’m so glad I stepped outside my usual genre for this one and I’ll absolutely be keeping an eye out for her future books.

📖 ARC received via BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Gillian.
18 reviews
July 22, 2025
Julia E. Christian has written a story that understands what it means to feel out of place in the world—and then to find home not just in someone else, but in yourself. This isn’t just a romance. It’s a healing spell in novel form.

And I mean this sincerely: Hallmark, option this book immediately. I need cozy fall visuals, slow-burn chemistry, emotionally intelligent dialogue, and a montage of Liam showing Freya the quiet magic of Salem. We deserve this.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Twinkle.butt.reads.
287 reviews17 followers
August 5, 2025
Witch City is a spellbinding, gritty urban fantasy that blends witchcraft, mystery, and a dash of noir into one unforgettable ride. Set in a city where magic simmers just beneath the surface—and the wrong spell can get you killed—Julia E. Christian gives us a heroine with fire in her veins and a past she can’t outrun. There’s a slow-building romance woven in with tension and baggage, but it never overshadows the plot—it enhances it. And the twists? Let’s just say: Trust no one, not even your coven.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for c_reads_books_.
180 reviews10 followers
July 30, 2025
This is straight up feel good romantic gold right here. I absolutely adored it and if you’re looking for an easy, cozy read with really relatable MCs and a hint of magic, then you will love it too.

Thank you to Julia E Christian and booksirens for the opportunity to read & honestly review Witch City.
Profile Image for Georgiana Harn.
40 reviews4 followers
September 4, 2025
​From the moment I picked up Julia E. Christian's debut novel, Witch City - Salem In Love: An Enemies-To-Lovers Rom-Com of Witches, Skeptics, and Second Chances, I was completely and utterly captivated. This book is so much more than a typical romance; it's a deeply heartfelt and informative journey that seamlessly blends a swoon-worthy love story with a rich historical backdrop. Instead of the typical witchy fantasy I expected, I was immediately transported to modern-day Salem, Massachusetts, where every page offered a fascinating glimpse into the city’s complex history, particularly the Salem Witch Trials.

​The central enemies-to-lovers dynamic between the cynical New Yorker Freya Whitney and the practicing Wiccan, Liam Doyle, is brilliantly executed. Their initial clash, sparked by Freya's sarcasm and disbelief, sets the stage for some truly tension-filled banter that had me grinning from ear to ear. But as their story unfolds, that witty friction gives way to a found-family warmth and deep emotional beats that are incredibly touching. It was refreshing to see the practicing Wiccan portrayed as a man, challenging stereotypes and adding a unique layer to their relationship.

​This novel is a true gem—a rare combination of a cozy, feel-good romance and a story that genuinely inspires with its truth and beauty concerning the Wiccan religion. It’s an easy read with relatable characters and just the right amount of magic to keep you enchanted. I absolutely adored it and highly recommend it to all romance readers. I am so glad I stepped outside my usual genre for this one, and I will be eagerly awaiting Julia E. Christian's next book.
Profile Image for Delilah Snyder .
356 reviews18 followers
September 18, 2025
This book was soo good it is a contemporary romance with elements of witches, secrets, and an enemies-to-lovers dynamic that I absolutely loved , the plot was amazing and so were the characters the writing style was perfect
4 reviews
July 18, 2025
A cute story of understanding, growth, and love, sprinkled with a healthy dose of culture and history.
Profile Image for Sara.
64 reviews2 followers
September 8, 2025
I received this ARC from BookSirens and am leaving this voluntary review.

I really enjoyed this book! I moved to Massachusetts a few years ago, so I relate to Freyja and I've been on a few tours - not a Salem guided tour, though - and saw the Witch Museum. I love the banter between Liam and Freyja; that's something I need in a book! I love Lindsey and their friend group; they sound amazing!!
2 reviews
August 28, 2025
This is a great first book by a local Marblehead author. It shares the history of our neighbor city, Salem, with interesting facts that had me saying, ‘I didn’t know that!’ A fun and informative read.
Profile Image for E.A. Brady.
Author 8 books11 followers
August 21, 2025
This was such a cute book. Despite starting out on the wrong foot with, Freya and Liam eventually realize they’re perfect for one another. It was fun following along as they went from enemies to friends to lovers.

This story had fun big-friend-group dynamics, a slow-burn love story, and was just really enjoyable to read. If you like the ‘found family’ trope, plus actual, real-life magick, this is a great book to pick up!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Berta Greenleaf Richardson.
1,296 reviews4 followers
August 19, 2025
Wow was it nice to finally read a romance book set in Salem, MA and dealing with Wicca. I loved the fact that the practicing Wiccan was a man instead of the ever present woman in the story. Having Freya be a cynical New Yorker who decides to learn more about this beautiful religion was awesome. I truly loved reading a book that inspires so much truth and beauty concerning this religion. Thank you for this wonderful book. I highly recommend this book to all romance readers.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Atlanta Ehnert.
81 reviews5 followers
August 19, 2025
This book was magical. It took you on a small rollercoaster of emotions. I liked how it showed the characters growth. Freya learning to step out of her tiny box and accept something once learning about it. Liam learning to let go of guilt.
Profile Image for GenXBookBestie.
128 reviews3 followers
August 11, 2025
Small town, rom-com, cozy yet emotional.
This was my first rom-com romance, and I loved it! If all rom-com's are like this, then I'm definitely down for more!

The witty, tension filled banter, the found family, the yearning! All written in such a vivid, heartwarming way.
I love how the romance went from contempt to friendship to more! And how they helped each other work through past hurts.
The history of Salem woven throughout the story was an added bonus that I really appreciated.
I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to read this!
Also, may we all have a friend like Lindsey in our lives!!

(Thank you to Book Sirens for the arc!!)
Profile Image for Jess Bohanick.
330 reviews7 followers
August 11, 2025
Received this book as an ARC from BookSirens.

A very sweet romance, I enjoyed seeing Freya and Liam navigate being enemies to friends to more. Both had an incredibly challenging year and growth to navigate, which they did with some mishaps!

A good, cozy feel good story!
1 review
August 17, 2025
A wonderful book from this exciting new author. Terrific characters and story within the charm and well-researched history of the great city of Salem, MA. Well done and highly recommended.
Profile Image for Rutuja.
140 reviews1 follower
November 30, 2025
This was such a comforting, witchy, fall-soft read that made me feel warm inside. The found family vibes were absolutely on point, and Freya’s journey was one of my favourite parts. Right from the moment she wondered,
“How do you announce to your parents that you’re abandoning everything they’ve ever wanted for you… for a place you’ve never even visited?" I knew her story would hit deep. And it did.

Her decision to start over, to choose herself, felt so powerful, “I’m ready for a change. I’m ready to live in a place that feels a little more me." I loved this attitude. Soft, brave, and honest.

The book surprised me with how emotional it was. When Freya said, “Because magic isn’t real. If it were, I’d have my fairy godmother, my happily ever after, and someone who loved me enough to choose me over his assistant," it broke my heart on a deeply personal level. And her question “What if we can never escape who we were raised to be?"
felt like something every one of us asks at some point.

Liam was an absolute heartthrob. Soft, steady, and so full of quiet strength. His moment, “Don’t ever think you’re worth less because of some jackass’s mistakes", was the exact point I knew he was the one. His arc and the tenderness in how he treated everyone around him made his character stand out beautifully. And when he said, “If this is where you feel like you belong, you don’t owe anyone an explanation," it felt like advice I didn’t know I needed.

Lindsey was the perfect best friend any girl could ever have. A hype woman, a soft place to fall, and pure sunshine. Her energy brightened the whole book especially with lines like, “Love finds you. Don’t let something good walk away. Chase your destiny!", She truly carried the best friend magic.

The side characters were just as lovely. Paula was warm, gentle, and full of quiet wisdom. Her words, “At the end of the day, you have to do what’s right for you. But it would be a real shame if you didn’t try something beautiful just because you’re both afraid of demons in your pasts", and, “You can’t help who you fall in love with. It’s all written in the stars. We just have to go along with what the universe has in store for us", felt like a warm hug from a mom who just gets it.

The book also taught me so much about the Salem witch trials and made me feel unexpectedly connected to that history. It added depth to the story and made the setting feel alive.

Overall, this is a cozy, witchy romance with soft magic, beautiful friendships, and some genuinely healing moments. Perfect for anyone who loves fall vibes, and found family.
Profile Image for Maura.
2,185 reviews6 followers
September 21, 2025
I was surprised to find out that this is the author's debut novel and guessed they must be a local because of the way Salem is described so perfectly. There is absolutely more to town than a random October visit.

I think it was well written, the characters were completely developed and the way the story flowed kept me entertained from beginning to end.

The fact that the FMC was able to escape to her BFF's place and gel so well with her friend group was such a refreshing change from the standard "the friends all hate the newbie" trope. The banter between the two main characters was fun and had me chuckling. The education that we get about Wicca was cool. There were times the FMC made me cringe with her comments about MMC's parents, but she redeemed herself in the end.

Overall this i an enjoyable read that I would recommend to all.

Thank you to BookSirens for the ARC.
64 reviews20 followers
August 26, 2025
I preface this by saying I was first drawn to this book because I saw the title and thought it a paranormal romance. Then I read the blurb!

This is a contemporary slow burn romance with a Wicca twist. It has a light easy read style but packs an emotional punch, that is both thoughtful and uplifting.

Finding love after heartbreak, finding your place in the world and learning to love your true self. All whilst working towards a life that is open to happiness.

First book I have read by this author, but it won't be the last.

I received an ARC copy of this book for free and leave this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Ash.
106 reviews2 followers
September 2, 2025
Thank you, BookSirens, for the free eARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily. It was a bit scary how fast I devoured this small-town romcom set in Salem. I thought it was so rude of Freya to drag Liam just for being Wiccan and insult his way of life, but I'm glad that she became more emotionally intelligent as the story progresses. I highly recommend adding this book to your fall reads list, as it truly captures the magic of being in a small town that comes alive for the holidays.
2,015 reviews6 followers
December 26, 2025
Witch City: Salem In Love by Julia E. Christian is a really good debut book. I was captivated from the first page and devoured it in one go! I enjoyed the slow burn romance and witty banter between the main characters. Well done, looking forward to reading more from this author.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Jessica Hager.
18 reviews
September 22, 2025
Witch City: Salem in Love was such a good read! Set in modern Salem, Massachusetts, where kitschy witch tourism is the perceived norm, Freya Whitney is rebuilding her life after a crushing break up in New York City. She is jaded and surly, especially when she meets Liam Doyle, the Salem-born Wiccan in her new group of friends. Throughout the novel, Freya’s world is narrowed, but also broadened while she learns more about herself and her new surroundings. I really enjoyed the banter, bickering, and ultimate understanding that grows between the characters. I loved that there was great thought and care put into the presentation of Wicca. I definitely recommend this book!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews

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