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Witches and Wine: A Small Town Monster Romance
The first book in a cozy romantasy small town monster romance series with mythology, fairy tales, and folk lore.
Chelsea
It’s been months since I learned mythology was real when my sister and best friend became goddesses, mated to their hunky Greek gods. I’m happy for them, but lonely and aimless since they left. It’s time to grab life by the horns, stop pitying myself, and seek a fresh start.
Arcane Cove drew me in like a siren’s lullaby, and who was I to resist its pull? Only, I didn’t expect to run into him—Dionysus, the wine god I met months ago and fell into a spiral of tantalizing, flirtatious texts with. I’ve since been avoiding him because he was everything I shouldn’t want—possessive, dominant, charming. And yet, my body kept calling for him. Him and his beast.
Maybe the universe was giving us another chance. But while the Cove brought me back to Dion, it also led me on a path to my true self—a part of me that could be using an unexplained force to manipulate his mind. Was any of this real? Or was he, too, tricking me and luring me into his seductive world?
Dion
As the Greek god of wine, frenzy, and pleasure, I’ve worked the same gig for eons and have loved every moment of it. The parties. The orgies. The endless supplies of ambrosia wine. Eternal life has been peachy.
Until the day I met a fiery-haired mortal who was the polar opposite of me. We were horrible for each other. So why haven’t I been able to get her off my mind? We haven’t spoken for months and suddenly there she was, in Arcane Cove, even though humans shouldn’t be able to make it past the wards. And if this really was some kind of second chance for us, would she take me seriously, given my track record? Most importantly, could I control my inner beast around her? Did I want to?
Chelsea
It’s been months since I learned mythology was real when my sister and best friend became goddesses, mated to their hunky Greek gods. I’m happy for them, but lonely and aimless since they left. It’s time to grab life by the horns, stop pitying myself, and seek a fresh start.
Arcane Cove drew me in like a siren’s lullaby, and who was I to resist its pull? Only, I didn’t expect to run into him—Dionysus, the wine god I met months ago and fell into a spiral of tantalizing, flirtatious texts with. I’ve since been avoiding him because he was everything I shouldn’t want—possessive, dominant, charming. And yet, my body kept calling for him. Him and his beast.
Maybe the universe was giving us another chance. But while the Cove brought me back to Dion, it also led me on a path to my true self—a part of me that could be using an unexplained force to manipulate his mind. Was any of this real? Or was he, too, tricking me and luring me into his seductive world?
Dion
As the Greek god of wine, frenzy, and pleasure, I’ve worked the same gig for eons and have loved every moment of it. The parties. The orgies. The endless supplies of ambrosia wine. Eternal life has been peachy.
Until the day I met a fiery-haired mortal who was the polar opposite of me. We were horrible for each other. So why haven’t I been able to get her off my mind? We haven’t spoken for months and suddenly there she was, in Arcane Cove, even though humans shouldn’t be able to make it past the wards. And if this really was some kind of second chance for us, would she take me seriously, given my track record? Most importantly, could I control my inner beast around her? Did I want to?
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2025
16 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Carly Spade
31 books833 followersAn adult romance writer who has been writing since she could pick up a pencil. After the insanity of obtaining a bachelor’s and master’s degree in cybersecurity, creating worlds to escape to still ate at her very soul. She started writing FanFiction (which can still be found if you scour the internet 😉 ), and soon felt the need to get her original ideas on paper. And so the adventure began.
She lives in Colorado with her husband and two fur babies, and revels in an enemies to lovers trope with a slow burn.
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She lives in Colorado with her husband and two fur babies, and revels in an enemies to lovers trope with a slow burn.
To keep tabs on all my new works and get sneak peeks, you can sign up for my newsletter here: https://carlyspade.com/newsletter/
Join my readers group:
http://www.facebook.com/groups/Acesof...
Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carlyspadeau...
Follow me on BookBub:
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/carly...
Follow me on Instagram:
@carlyspade
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 18, 2025
Sometimes you just want to turn your brain off and read something that will make you laugh and think, “What could possibly happen next?” That is exactly what Witches and Wine was for me. Thanks to BookSirens for the complimentary early copy.
Chelsea is a PR consultant who needs to start over after her best friend/top client and her sister married Greek gods, leaving her on her own in Colorado. While scouting towns in New England, she stumbles across Arcane Cove and feels called to move herself, her business, and her pet ferret, Riley, to the small town. What she doesn’t know is that Arcane Cove is a safe haven for those with magic—in fact, only those with magic can enter the town limits. It also happens to be home to Dionysus—Dion, the Greek god of wine and frenzy—who just happens to be Chelsea’s texting situationship. Dion is thrilled she’s there. He hasn’t been able to get her out of his head since they met, and he makes it his mission to convince her they belong together. But first, they need to figure out what kind of magic Chelsea has and how she can use it.
While Witches and Wine is the first book in a new series, it heavily overlaps with two of Carly Spade’s earlier books. I haven’t read those, so I was a bit confused at the beginning about how much Chelsea already knew about magic and the gods, but that was quickly filled in.
This book was a romp. We bounced from mythical creatures to Greek gods to fairytale characters with no real rhyme or reason as to why they were there. I kept asking myself who could possibly crop up next—and then an even wilder character would appear. It was a lot of fun. But if you’re looking for depth or an intricately woven plot and magic system, this is not the book for you. It’s exactly as lighthearted and chaotic as the cover and premise suggest. Just turn your brain off and enjoy the ride.
I’m giving this one three stars. It delivered what it promised, and I enjoyed myself despite the fact that the story was all over the place.
Chelsea is a PR consultant who needs to start over after her best friend/top client and her sister married Greek gods, leaving her on her own in Colorado. While scouting towns in New England, she stumbles across Arcane Cove and feels called to move herself, her business, and her pet ferret, Riley, to the small town. What she doesn’t know is that Arcane Cove is a safe haven for those with magic—in fact, only those with magic can enter the town limits. It also happens to be home to Dionysus—Dion, the Greek god of wine and frenzy—who just happens to be Chelsea’s texting situationship. Dion is thrilled she’s there. He hasn’t been able to get her out of his head since they met, and he makes it his mission to convince her they belong together. But first, they need to figure out what kind of magic Chelsea has and how she can use it.
While Witches and Wine is the first book in a new series, it heavily overlaps with two of Carly Spade’s earlier books. I haven’t read those, so I was a bit confused at the beginning about how much Chelsea already knew about magic and the gods, but that was quickly filled in.
This book was a romp. We bounced from mythical creatures to Greek gods to fairytale characters with no real rhyme or reason as to why they were there. I kept asking myself who could possibly crop up next—and then an even wilder character would appear. It was a lot of fun. But if you’re looking for depth or an intricately woven plot and magic system, this is not the book for you. It’s exactly as lighthearted and chaotic as the cover and premise suggest. Just turn your brain off and enjoy the ride.
I’m giving this one three stars. It delivered what it promised, and I enjoyed myself despite the fact that the story was all over the place.
September 13, 2025
4 ★
3 ♥
“𝙁𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙖 𝙢𝙮𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙫𝙞𝙭𝙚𝙣, 𝙞𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙨𝙝𝙚?”
This was so cute! This combined Greek mythology with your common fairytale characters to bring you a whole plethora of magical beings. This is decently spicy which added a nice aspect to plot for me because I do enjoy my fair amount of spice! This was really easy and fun to read. I love fated mates and Dionysus is 🥵 a Greek god who knows how to have a good time, how to please AND is good at communication? Sign me up immediately. This was absolutely perfect for this season and I’m really excited to read the rest of the series and meet more monsters/Greek gods/mythical beings!
3 ♥
“𝙁𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙖 𝙢𝙮𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙫𝙞𝙭𝙚𝙣, 𝙞𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙨𝙝𝙚?”
This was so cute! This combined Greek mythology with your common fairytale characters to bring you a whole plethora of magical beings. This is decently spicy which added a nice aspect to plot for me because I do enjoy my fair amount of spice! This was really easy and fun to read. I love fated mates and Dionysus is 🥵 a Greek god who knows how to have a good time, how to please AND is good at communication? Sign me up immediately. This was absolutely perfect for this season and I’m really excited to read the rest of the series and meet more monsters/Greek gods/mythical beings!
September 2, 2025
The start of a new series called Mythical Mates of Arcane Cove. Chelsea and Dionysus, the wine god's story with a good storyline and great characters. I enjoyed seeing them get their happy ending. I will be watching for more in this series. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 25, 2025
Loved it
This has mythos retelling has a little bit of everything, spicey chemistry, all the feels, just enough intrigue and drama to pull at your heartstrings, humor, a funtastic cast, and a fantastic love story.
I loved Dion and Chelsea, another wonderfully smoking hot mystical, magically perfect love story. I love all of Carly's books and Witches and Wine, the beginning of her new series is another amazing new place with fantastic new characters for us to become obsessed with.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This has mythos retelling has a little bit of everything, spicey chemistry, all the feels, just enough intrigue and drama to pull at your heartstrings, humor, a funtastic cast, and a fantastic love story.
I loved Dion and Chelsea, another wonderfully smoking hot mystical, magically perfect love story. I love all of Carly's books and Witches and Wine, the beginning of her new series is another amazing new place with fantastic new characters for us to become obsessed with.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 29, 2025
This novel gave me whiplash. To start with, the writing was so clunky and I found it difficult to read. The story starts off and it seems like there is already some history between the two main characters, Chelsea and Dionysus. Looking into other reviews of Carly Spade, both these characters met in one of her previous novels. There are forwards mentioning the previous book or any real catch up on how they know each other besides a mention that they had texted briefly for a month then ghosted each other.
The characters seemed to contradict their feelings within sentences. Chelsea will be nervous or anxious, biting her fingernails but then immediately clenching her thighs when she sees Dionysus. I think this is where the clunky writing hurts the character development, time isn’t taken to flesh out the possible “fated mates” situation. Moments between Chelsea and Dionysus seemed rushed but strung out excruciatingly slow. Conversations seem to be a line or two and then they need to leave each other to yearn separately. Dion has a couple of friends that we meet, Hermes being the only one I remember the name of and some drunk maybe centaur guy. Their convos are so brief and empty of content going back and forth between “I think I love her” and “why is she avoiding me?” Then he gets into some weird alpha fight with a werewolf?
The first 70% of the book is this back and forth “is she my mate?” “What do you mean I’m a witch and maybe my magic is controlling him?” when suddenly it turns into a murder mystery? As soon as they realize they are mates, they find out the witch that is supposed to help Chelsea is Rumplestilskin? Then suddenly she’s able to wield her witch powers and a coven comes to claim her. They just lost a member of their coven and it happens to be the pixie that was murdered. And then continue to not solve the mystery.
Overall, the pacing seemed off and the story was unclear, minus Chelsey and Dion getting together. I think it’s an interesting idea to have gods/goddesses living in their own magic town with other paranormal characters but the execution left much to be desired. I also found it off putting that Dion essentially invited Chelsey to group sex without having a conversation about it or discussing what the mating ceremony entailed (aka a mating bite). I wish the author best it luck on the second book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters seemed to contradict their feelings within sentences. Chelsea will be nervous or anxious, biting her fingernails but then immediately clenching her thighs when she sees Dionysus. I think this is where the clunky writing hurts the character development, time isn’t taken to flesh out the possible “fated mates” situation. Moments between Chelsea and Dionysus seemed rushed but strung out excruciatingly slow. Conversations seem to be a line or two and then they need to leave each other to yearn separately. Dion has a couple of friends that we meet, Hermes being the only one I remember the name of and some drunk maybe centaur guy. Their convos are so brief and empty of content going back and forth between “I think I love her” and “why is she avoiding me?” Then he gets into some weird alpha fight with a werewolf?
The first 70% of the book is this back and forth “is she my mate?” “What do you mean I’m a witch and maybe my magic is controlling him?” when suddenly it turns into a murder mystery? As soon as they realize they are mates, they find out the witch that is supposed to help Chelsea is Rumplestilskin? Then suddenly she’s able to wield her witch powers and a coven comes to claim her. They just lost a member of their coven and it happens to be the pixie that was murdered. And then continue to not solve the mystery.
Overall, the pacing seemed off and the story was unclear, minus Chelsey and Dion getting together. I think it’s an interesting idea to have gods/goddesses living in their own magic town with other paranormal characters but the execution left much to be desired. I also found it off putting that Dion essentially invited Chelsey to group sex without having a conversation about it or discussing what the mating ceremony entailed (aka a mating bite). I wish the author best it luck on the second book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 2, 2025
Chelsea has learned that the Greek gods and goddesses are real. After all, her sister and best friend both became goddesses. When she relocates to Arcane Cove, strange things start to happen. While she believes she is mortal, being in the cove has awakened her magic. Learning that she's a witch is a bit of a mind-freak for her. In her job promoting artists, she always strives to be professional and presents a very controlled, buttoned-up persona. She doesn't really know how to let go. With her new powers as well as a developing relationship with Dionysus, the god of wine and frenzy, a wildness that is deeply hidden comes to the fore. She learns how to lose control and enjoy her life while not losing herself.
Dionysus (Dion) can't get Chelsea out of his head since meeting her months before this story. They have texted back and forth a bit, but haven't seen each other in person for quite some time. When Chelsea arrives in town, he's immediately drawn to her.
While Dion is normally frenzied and wild, Chelsea brings some balance to him. He becomes devoted to his red-haired witch. In turn, Dion helps Chelsea to learn to let go. Overall, this is a story of self-discovery, as both main characters learn to let other aspects of their personalities influence their actions and decisions.
The story moves at a good pace, has a lot of romance and physicality to it as well as a dash of mystery. This is a nice supernaturnal romance read with quite a bit of spice between our two main characters.
Four stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dionysus (Dion) can't get Chelsea out of his head since meeting her months before this story. They have texted back and forth a bit, but haven't seen each other in person for quite some time. When Chelsea arrives in town, he's immediately drawn to her.
While Dion is normally frenzied and wild, Chelsea brings some balance to him. He becomes devoted to his red-haired witch. In turn, Dion helps Chelsea to learn to let go. Overall, this is a story of self-discovery, as both main characters learn to let other aspects of their personalities influence their actions and decisions.
The story moves at a good pace, has a lot of romance and physicality to it as well as a dash of mystery. This is a nice supernaturnal romance read with quite a bit of spice between our two main characters.
Four stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 19, 2025
Thank you MTMC for Witches and Wine by Carly Spade, all thoughts an opinions are my own. This was a fun read. In this short story, there were many different and interesting elements. There are Gods, monsters, mythological creatures of all sorts, and they live in a magically protected area called Arcane Cove. The book doesn’t talk much about the history of Arcane Cove, and the world-building sets up the book like the reader should already know a ton of information about the MMC, Dionysus, and the FMC, Chelsea. Like, whole stories happened before this book that might’ve added necessary context. There was history about outside characters and their relationships, and even mentions of those characters having a connection with the Dion, but none of that was shown in the book. It made it confusing because this book is supposed to be a standalone, but at times it felt connected to a larger world that wasn’t given to the reader.
Dion is hilarious with how he interacts with his godly family and all the other interesting monsters and mythological creatures in Arcane Cove. The way Dion and Chelsea absolutely want each other is so cute but also wild and spicy. The two share a unique connection, and the spice elevates that connection. A mystery is tacked on at the end of this book, which is meant to lead to a larger plot for book two, but it felt quickly placed at the end. But overall, this read was spicy, fun, and quite funny.
So if you enjoy mythological beings, gods, monsters, second-chance romance, lots of spice, and several mysteries, this story is for you!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5⭐️
Dion is hilarious with how he interacts with his godly family and all the other interesting monsters and mythological creatures in Arcane Cove. The way Dion and Chelsea absolutely want each other is so cute but also wild and spicy. The two share a unique connection, and the spice elevates that connection. A mystery is tacked on at the end of this book, which is meant to lead to a larger plot for book two, but it felt quickly placed at the end. But overall, this read was spicy, fun, and quite funny.
So if you enjoy mythological beings, gods, monsters, second-chance romance, lots of spice, and several mysteries, this story is for you!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5⭐️
August 13, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Witches and Wine (ARC)
This book has an imaginative premise—mythology, small-town charm, and a touch of monster romance—and there’s clear potential in the series concept. The blend of cozy romantasy with mythological elements is appealing, and the setting offers a lot of atmosphere for future installments.
That said, the pacing and flow could benefit from more refinement. Scene transitions can feel abrupt, which sometimes pulls the reader out of the moment. Character development also moves quickly in places; emotional or skill-based changes happen almost instantly without much build-up, which makes it harder to connect with the characters or believe in their growth.
The romance and fantasy elements are intriguing, but adding more depth to the world-building and spending more time on relationship dynamics could help them shine even brighter. This would give readers more time to settle into the magic system, understand character motivations, and invest in the emotional stakes.
Overall, I think readers who enjoy lighter, cozy romantasy will find this a fun, imaginative read. With more focus on smoother pacing, richer detail, and gradual character progression, future books in the series could become truly captivating.
BookBound and Blushed
Sonya
This book has an imaginative premise—mythology, small-town charm, and a touch of monster romance—and there’s clear potential in the series concept. The blend of cozy romantasy with mythological elements is appealing, and the setting offers a lot of atmosphere for future installments.
That said, the pacing and flow could benefit from more refinement. Scene transitions can feel abrupt, which sometimes pulls the reader out of the moment. Character development also moves quickly in places; emotional or skill-based changes happen almost instantly without much build-up, which makes it harder to connect with the characters or believe in their growth.
The romance and fantasy elements are intriguing, but adding more depth to the world-building and spending more time on relationship dynamics could help them shine even brighter. This would give readers more time to settle into the magic system, understand character motivations, and invest in the emotional stakes.
Overall, I think readers who enjoy lighter, cozy romantasy will find this a fun, imaginative read. With more focus on smoother pacing, richer detail, and gradual character progression, future books in the series could become truly captivating.
BookBound and Blushed
Sonya
August 10, 2025
I’ve been excited for Chelsea and Dino’s story since sparks first flew between them in Ares. Spade explores a world of magic, with mythical beings from all different mythologies, and the reader is immersed in the world as Chelsea learns about it while Dion tries his hardest to teach her about it while trying not to smother her with his protection and intense desire for her. The only issue I had was the pacing was quite fast for their relationship, not giving them much time to explore the wide range of feelings they develop for each other and work through them. Also, if you haven’t already read the Contemporary Mythos series where Chelsea and Dion are introduced, the progression of their romance may seem too rushed. Otherwise, this book was very interesting, and I can’t wait to read what’s next for the town of Arcane Cove. 8/10, would recommend.
January 7, 2026
I came across this series when I was offered an arc for the second book. I am choosing to leave a review. First not happy with FF stuff. it was only one scene and I was able to skip thru it. Just about of a heads up would have been great. Could have been worse mercifully wasn't. I enjoyed the book and I felt the story was a good foundation for the series. I will say I am confused on whether it's interconnected with other series. There's quite a few references to other Gods and mates. It didn't really affect much of the story for me. I'm not big into mythology romance and wouldn't have read them anyways. Overall definitely recommend you give this a try. it's spicy with plot and story. it's not everyday you find out your a witch.
August 21, 2025
This was so much fun to read, especially if you've read the "Contemporary Mythos" series beforehand (it is not a must, though). Being back in that world and having old characters as well as lots of new ones turn up was wonderful. Chelsea is amazing and badass and Dionysus is, well, good old Dion :D A rake who loves partying and debauchery but has a wonderfully soft side when it comes to Chelsea. Don't get me started on his Beast form XD If you're looking for a fun as well as light-hearted read and love monster romances coupled with greek mythology then make sure to grab a copy of this beauty when it is out on August 25th!
November 29, 2025
This book gives cozy, witchy romantasy vibes, with a fun monster romance angle, and emotionally satisfying second-chance love story. It has the warm, small-town feel and the playful, spicy chemistry between the leads. I can't wait to read other stories set in Arcane Cove. Please keep up the great level of banter because it was the perfect level of chemistry in this book!
February 2, 2026
This is my first ever Carly Spade book and I could definitely see reading more! I think you’d have to read her other series first to get a better grasp on these particular characters but I followed along easily enough and it was a fun and cozy palate cleanser read! ☺️🍷🍇🧙♀️
August 25, 2025
I really like it just like I love the other books
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews