Discover a BRAND NEW spicy historical romance from Darcy McGuire, author of the Queen's Deadly Damsels series. Practical Magic meets Bridgerton with a dash of Agatha Christie. Perfect for fans of India Holton, Alison Goodman and Julia Golding In a world where secrets are as dangerous as spells, love might be the most powerful magic of all…
Clio Blair is a fire witch—gifted, defiant, and hiding more than just her magic. With the power to speak to the dead and glimpse their final memories, she’s called in by her uncle at Scotland Yard to help solve the murder of Viscount Beachley. His ghost lingers, his wife is missing, and the trail leads straight into the glittering world of the ton… where Clio has no place.
Enter Lieutenant General Thomas brooding, scandal-shadowed, and bound by honour to assist the investigation. He never expects to be paired with a sharp-tongued witch who walks with ravens and burns like fire beneath her skin. As they’re forced into close quarters and dangerous secrets begin to surface, so does a desire neither of them can resist.
But Clio knows a witch’s heart is a dangerous thing to give away—especially to a man who swore never to love again. And Thomas knows desire alone won’t protect her from the dead who would use her, or the living who would destroy her.
Solving the murder may save them both—but surrendering to passion could consume them completely.
Practical Magic meets Bridgerton with a dash of Agatha Christie in this new series from Darcy McGuire.
Praise for Darcy
'I couldn’t get enough of the deliciously steamy way this story developed' Emma Orchard
'A wonderfully entertaining romp!' Eliza Austin
'A fantastic blend of historical romance and spy thriller!' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
'A Lady's Lesson in Scandal is bar far the best historical romance we’ve seen this year and an absolute must-read for fans of the genre, especially those who are also partial to a crime thriller plotline that keeps you on your toes throughout. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review
It’s simply an amazing read you won’t want to miss. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review
This is an exciting new chapter in McGuire’s Deadly Damsels series, blending romance and mystery in equal measure. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review
'A fantastic blend of historical romance and spy thriller!' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
'Masterfully blends intrigue, romance, and historical richness in a story that kept me glued to the pages late into the night.' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
'What a fantastic blend of historical romance and spy thriller!' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
I wonderful start to a series! I think I understand Darcy McGuire's formula for series: a group of young women with secrets each get a book and then their older mentor gets the finale. I hope that's how this new series will go.
We have three young women with forbidden magical abilities being raised by an uncle who works for Scotland Yard and a taciturn aunt, also with magical powers. The uncle asks the oldest of his wards, Clio, for help with an investigation, the murder of a Viscount and the disappearance of his wife. Clio can interact with the dead and the hope is that the Viscount will tell all once Clio earns his trust.
Lieutenant General Thomas is a friend of the uncle's and will help Clio access society circles so she can investigate. She reluctantly collaborates with him while trying to conceal her magical abilities. Of course that doesn't work and we get to see Thomas evolve from starchy to more open minded as he witnesses her abilities and the physical abuse she's experienced at the hands of angry ghosts.
While there is a tiny bit of violence, it serves to bring our main characters together and we get to see Thomas' protective instincts. The scenes with the other witches makes me eager to see them each get their own books!
📖 Bookish Thoughts I’ll be sharing my full review closer to publication date.
🪄What to Expect • Witchy historical romance • Practical Magic meets Bridgerton • Witchy FMC • Brooding MMC • Murder mystery _ _ _ 📅 Pub Date: March 1, 2026 📝 Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
Darcy really excels at a few things immediately highlighted in this book: laying the groundwork for an epic series and creating MCs who ride the line between hating each other and hating how attracted to each other they are. It’s hot, delicious, and leads to immediate tension between the pair. Clio Blair is a fire witch and can speak to the dead. The latter of which she uses to help her Uncle Lachlan with his investigations for Scotland Yard. When a viscount is mysteriously murdered, and his wife goes missing, leaving behind their daughter, Clio is called in to help. Paired with Lachlan’s best friend and old war buddy, Thomas Grey, the sparks start sparking instantly! A reluctant pair of investigators, the two must learn to work together while keeping their own personal secrets. Between hiding her magic and attraction to the brooding lord, Clio also needs to figure out why her magic becomes unhinged when he’s around. Could it be the elusive spirit match that destroyed both her mother and aunt?
As always, this author delivers on creating a compelling world and premise I’m eager to dive more into. I enjoyed the push-pull between Clio and Grey, and particularly loved how their HEA played out. That said, I quickly grew bored of the bedroom power dynamics between Clio and Grey - “good girl” and D/s dynamics can be really hot, but the market is oversaturated and this didn’t bring me anything original in that space. While it did make sense for the characters and their dynamic, I just wasn’t as invested in this part of their love story. The mystery element delivered, and although I had a suspicion of where this was going to go based on the foreshadowing in the beginning, I was still entertained and gasping at the reveal. While the witchcraft elements of this immediately pulled me into the story, the sparky chemistry between our MCs and the murder mystery had me so invested. Another series starter that sucked me in from Darcy!
4/5 I’m also going to need an HEA for Rowan and Lachlan, two characters who had me immediately gripped in their clutches- what is their history and where can I get more of it?!
The writing was engaging from the beginning right through to the end. I looked forward to picking it back up at each reading session.
The chapters were fairly long and sometimes split. This meant that you were able to get immersed in the story and read a good chunk of it before moving on.
There was a good flow between the chapters and I quite happily sat and read it for long periods of time.
There was an interesting pace to the book. Whilst there was a mystery to be solved, that very quickly became sidelined with the romance starting to become the main focus and beginning to take over. This kept us in suspense as to who the murderer was. With regards to the murder, there was a nice twist which I enjoyed.
The characters were interesting. The two main characters' romance was the main focus, and we got to learn quite a lot about each of them as the story went on. I liked seeing all the different sides to the characters.
I loved reading about how strong the main female character was in a time when females were overlooked and forced to play a background part.
Lastly the settings. Whilst it was a character focused story, there were enough details to ground the story well and to ensure that we were fully immersed in the tale.
Overall an interesting read with a wonderful mix of genres.
I thoroughly enjoyed this part-mystery, part-romance blended with the supernatural. There was intrigue, building sexual tension, witty and sardonic banter, a hilarious talking raven, vengeful ghosts, and fiery witchy powers all against the backdrop of the Victorian era. Societal expectations clash with the paranormal in the form of a highly independent and confident FMC and an emotionally scarred and taciturn FMC. The romance is a slow burn and does culminate in some medium spices scenes. They are well written and my only wish was there was more of them. The mystery unfolds in tandem with the romance and is interwoven skillfully. The side characters are all excellent and I’m hoping a few make it into subsequent books in the series which I’m assuming will follow the sister and cousin of Miss Blair. I loved this multi-genre tale and feel that it will appeal to varied audiences.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this Advanced Readers Copy. My opinions are my own and are honest and heartfelt.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing this ARC.
I adore Darcy’s The Queen’s Deadly Damsels series, so I was beyond excited to receive this ARC. I already love the Regency setting, but adding a bold FMC, magic, and a murder mystery makes for an absolute trifecta.
Clio Blair is a fantastic FMC, and I especially adored her family coven—it added so much charm and depth to the story. Lieutenant General Thomas is a complex and compelling character, and I loved getting to know him better as the story unfolded.
A big yes to more stories set in this world and many more murder mysteries!
I loved this, a mix of a paranormal mystery, historical romance, and it is a great start to a new series. The writing is sharp, the chemistry and banter between Clio and Thomas crackles, and the progression of their relationship from loathing to love was fun to read. I can’t wait for Ellie and Helena’s books, and hope we get more of Aunt Rowan’s story too.
Finding a book that perfectly balances the etiquette of the Regency era with the elements of the paranormal is no easy task. However, Darcy McGuire achieves exactly that in her latest release, The Bewitching Miss Blair.
The Bewitching Miss Blair follows Clio Blair, a young woman who is far from your typical young lady. While other ladies are concerned with the cut of their silk gowns or the eligibility of a suitor’s bank account, Clio is navigating a much more complex reality: she possesses genuine magical abilities along with the other women in her family (Helena, Ellie, and her Aunt Rowan) and because of that, she tends to live and act outside the typical norms of other women her age.
With the power to speak to the dead, the plot kicks into gear when Clio's "uncle" asks her to investigate the death of a viscount and his missing wife. And because of the man's status, he also brings in an old friend, Lieutenant General Thomas Grey, who will help her gain access to places she could never access as a member of the aristocracy. This is when the sparks (literal and figurative) start to fly. What follows is a delightful mystery filled with mystical mishaps, romantic tension, and the ongoing question of what really happened to the Viscount and his wife.
The heart of the novel lies in the evolution of its protagonists. Clio's arc is particularly compelling. At the start of the book, she is determined to work alone and never give her heart to anyone but as she comes to realize that doing so doesn't require her to give up her magic or change who she truly is (like her mother did), she finds that she can truly open herself up to Thomas and share things with him that she would never have thought possible.
The hero (as in all great historical romances) provides the perfect foil for our "bewitching" lead. His arc is one of opening his mind. Initially rooted in logic and duty, his encounter with Clio shatters his preconceived notions of the world. Watching a stoic, traditional gentleman grapple with the undeniable reality of the paranormal—and his growing attraction to the woman at the center of it—provides some of the book’s best moments of humor (hello Sir Robin) and heart. Their chemistry is electric, built on a foundation of mutual intrigue that slowly transforms into a deep connection and as Thomas overcomes his own feelings of inadequacy due to the circumstances surrounding his first marriage, Clio helps him realize there is more to him than what he can "provide".
What truly sets Darcy McGuire apart in this novel is her ability to weave paranormal elements into a historical setting without it ever feeling forced or "modern." Often, paranormal historicals can lean too far into the fantasy, losing the charm of the era, or they stay too close to history and make the magic feel like an afterthought. McGuire has done a great job in finding the perfect balance and uses magic to enhance the Regency atmosphere rather than distract from it.
One of the best things about The Bewitching Miss Blair is its pacing. It is a wonderfully quick read that doesn't sacrifice depth for speed. McGuire’s writing style is fluid and engaging, making it easy to devour several chapters in a single sitting and I found The Bewitching Miss Blair to be a total delight. It is a fresh, imaginative take on the historical romance genre that will appeal to fans of historical romance who want a little more "spark" in their stories.
If you love stories about fiercely independent women, heroes who learn to see the world in a new light, and a dash of genuine magic, you should definitely add this to your TBR list. Darcy McGuire has proven that she can navigate two very different worlds with ease, and I, for one, can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Bewitching Miss Blair introduces us to Clio Blair—a witch of hidden talents who is assisting her Uncle Lachlan with a murder case. Unfortunately, this requires working alongside Lieutenant General Thomas Grey, making it increasingly difficult to keep those talents concealed.
The story keeps its focus firmly on Clio and Thomas, with Uncle Lachlan, Aunt Rowan, Ellie, and Cousin Helena serving as supporting characters. On one hand, this tight focus works well for pacing; on the other, I would have enjoyed getting to know some of those secondary characters better—particularly Lachlan and Rowan. Those two are a mystery unto themselves.
The character development for Clio and Thomas is thorough. Their histories are well established, and their motivations are easy to understand. That said, Clio’s prejudice against men becomes a bit repetitive over time. Her raven, Sir Robin Goodfellow, almost makes up for it, though; he is a delight—both informative and charming. Thomas’s reasons for not defending himself in the past feel less solid on their own, though when considered alongside Lissa’s actions, they form a more convincing foundation. I would have liked him to have made greater progress toward recovery before meeting Clio.
Where the story truly shines is in its use of magic. As a narrative device, it is priceless—establishing mood, conveying emotion, and heightening tension. The image of rain turning to steam is especially evocative. I loved how Clio’s magic manifests and how those around her—Lady Langley in particular—respond to it.
The historical time period adds a distinct flavor to the novel, enhancing its sharp, theatrical tone. Clio’s fashion sense is bold and expressive; however, by that era, women’s fashion had already incorporated many traditionally masculine elements, making her choices less singular than they might initially appear.
The Bewitching Miss Blair wasn’t what I expected, but it is an engaging, fast-heating battle of the sexes. It will appeal to readers looking for spice, magic, a historical setting, and a haunted mystery.
Thank you to Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read The Bewitching Miss Blair. I received a complimentary copy through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Bewitching Miss Blair perfectly blends the enchanting vibes of Practical Magic with the elegance and social intrigue of Bridgerton. From the very first chapter, I was completely swept into Clio Blair’s world—a fire witch with a sharp tongue, a softer heart than she lets on, and a gift that’s as beautiful as it is haunting.
Clio is such a wonderful heroine: bold, clever, and quietly vulnerable beneath her flame. Her ability to speak to the dead and read their final memories is both fascinating and deeply emotional, and it adds a gorgeous layer of gothic tension to the mystery she’s asked to help solve. The murder investigation of Viscount Beachley is twisty, atmospheric, and full of delicious Regency‑era glamour crossed with shadowy magic.
And then there’s Lieutenant General Thomas Grey—brooding, principled, scarred by scandal, and the perfect foil to Clio’s fire. Their chemistry is instant but beautifully built, full of slow‑burn glances, reluctant partnership, and that irresistible “we shouldn’t, but oh no we really should” energy. Their banter sparkles, their connection feels genuine, and their emotional walls crumble in the most satisfying ways.
The romance is warm and swoony without overshadowing the mystery, and the magic is woven seamlessly into the historical setting. McGuire creates a world that feels lush, alive, and just the right amount of witchy—not too heavy, but present enough to make everything feel deliciously enchanted.
Danger, desire, murder, magic, and two guarded hearts learning to trust—this story has all the ingredients of a wonderfully comforting fantasy romance, while still offering tension, humour, and a mystery that keeps you turning the pages.
With thanks to Darcy McGuire, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The Bewitching Miss Blair by Darcy McGuire is a delightful, atmospheric blend of historical romance, witchy magic, and murder mystery that completely swept me away. If Practical Magic and Bridgerton had a spellbound love child, this would be it.
From the first chapter, I was captivated by Clio Blair—a sharp-tongued fire witch with a guarded heart and a haunting gift. Her ability to speak to the dead and witness their final memories adds real emotional weight and gothic tension to the story, elevating the murder investigation of Viscount Beachley into something richly layered and compelling. The mystery is twisty and atmospheric, perfectly suited to the shadowy corners of Regency London.
Lieutenant General Thomas Grey is a wonderful match for Clio: brooding, honorable, and burdened by scandal. Their chemistry crackles from the start, unfolding through sharp banter, reluctant teamwork, and an irresistibly slow burn. The romance is swoony without overwhelming the plot, and watching two guarded souls slowly learn to trust each other is incredibly satisfying.
The magic is seamlessly woven into the historical setting—present, powerful, and beautifully restrained. McGuire’s world feels lush and alive, filled with danger, desire, humor, and just the right amount of witchy charm. Add in a raven familiar with impeccable (and often terrible) timing, and the atmosphere becomes utterly enchanting.
This story delivers everything I want in a fantasy romance: tension, heart, mystery, and warmth. I closed the book already eager for the next installment and more time in this spellbound world.
✨ With thanks to Darcy McGuire, the publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Dearest reader, this book is an ode to Bridgerton flushed with swathes of Practical Magic! The amazing Darcy McGuire delivers again - if you aren't acquainted with her Queen's Deadly Damsels, then wow! are you in for a glorious exercise in witchiness with fire sparking and familiars, rife with broody, dark heroes with tragic pasts who are drawn together like moths to flame. What I absolutely adore about Darcy is the heat she builds with her character interactions which leaves you breathless, hot and bothered. The electricity is palpable between the two protagonists who try to hide their inner turmoil, instead wielding their wit, to injure their ruthless, and yet, gorgeous adversary! The scathing contests between the straight laced lieutenant general Thomas Grey and the free spirited, yet peerless (see what i did there) Clio Blair are the stuff legends are made of.. With homage to the covens based on magical powers, and cousins with familiars residing and managing an apothecary aptly named All Things bright and beautiful, the story delves into the murder of Viscount Bletchley and his missing wife Violet... Each character has a unique quality and brings more to the tale than just a random placement. In true Darcy McGuire fashion, there is a heady twist at the end! Delve into the streets of London and make your way through the mystery and imbibe in the magic and social experience that colors regency! A tale best enjoyed with crumpets and tea! My sincere gratitude to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for furnishing the ARC. I breezed through the tale in a day! #TheBewitchingMissBlair #Netgalley
The Bewitching Miss Blair is an intriguing start to Darcy McGuire’s new series, and I enjoyed how it blended witchy magic with a Regency setting. It’s like Bridgerton meets Practical Magic, and I was totally here for it.
Clio is such a strong and compelling FMC. She’s a bit prickly, independent, and absolutely unwilling to shrink herself to make anyone comfortable. Her raven is fantastic too, and it’s so great to see Clio walk into glittering ballrooms and other more austere places with a raven on her shoulder. She definitely goes against the status quo, unlike Thomas, who usually does things by the book, especially since a scandal that shattered him. Thomas is broody and duty-bound with a tortured past, and he went through a lot emotionally over the course of the story. I didn’t always love him, but he has a tragic backstory and a compelling arc.
The chemistry between Thomas and Clio was great, and I liked that Clio never had to dim her fire (literally or figuratively) for him even though she is magical and he is not. They are very different and come from extremely different paths, but somehow, they work. That said, I did get a little tired of how often Thomas referenced the number of women he’d been with during his estrangement. I understand what the author was doing there, but after a while, it felt repetitive and smarmy. There was also one line that felt a little too close to a very popular romantasy I love. With similar phrasing and a similar vibe, it distracted me more than I wanted it to. It’s always tricky when something echoes a well-known moment from another series. Instead of swooning, I just found myself comparing.
I did like the murder mystery and found it intriguing with a few unexpected twists and turns. I had my suspicions, but I was still invested in how everything unraveled. It was an entertaining read, and I’m eager to see how the series progresses. Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
The Bewitching Miss Blair was an interesting work that combined paranormal elements with historical romance and murder mystery. I thought the premise of the piece was excellent; however, not everything worked for me in the execution. The two things I felt let the book down just a tad was the insta-lust romance, which went from hate to passion with little development of the relationship and feelings in between, and the fact the murder mystery part of the story felt very secondary to the spice. I would say the balance was 70% spice to 30% plot, but I would have appreciated a more even 50/50 at least. The plot did conclude, but it felt a little lacking in depth. The world building of the fantasy elements was generally good enough, and the characters' backstories (especially that if Thomas Grey) were well handled. I considered a bit on the rating for this one, but in the end I am giving it four stars. Despite a few flaws, it was still an entertaining read. Just bear in mind it is heavier on the spicy romance and the plot is a little more in the background when deciding whether or not this one is for you. P.S. The raven rather stole the show!
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoy seeing how books are marketed, and since this one was described as Practical Magic meets Bridgerton, I knew it was going to be right up my alley.
Miss Clio Blair is a witch who can talk to the dead. She often helps her Uncle with cases for Scotland Yard. However, this case is a little different. She ends up with a partner. Neither of them want to work with each other.
Lieutenant General Thomas Grey has a past that has scarred him and turned him away from the idea of ever falling in love again. Sparks are flying between the two as they strive to solve this case. But with the stakes getting more dangerous, will they be able to work together to solve this case, and admit their feelings for each other?
Historical romances are a guilty pleasure for me, and when you add in magic, it just makes it a little more fun. I enjoyed the way Clio's magic worked, and how Thomas and Clio interacted.
Thanks to netgalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this book.
The Bewitching Miss Blair is such a fun suspenseful historical romance with a witchy twist! Clio Blair is a witch and lives with her aunt, sister and cousin who are also witches. Her uncle who is at Scotland Yard asks for her help solving a murder alongside Lt. General Grey. He is arrogant and brash and despite herself Clio is enraged and at the same time attracted to him. Strange things start happening between Clio and General Grey as well as in their investigation. Clio and General Grey have to decide whether they can overcome their past views on love and be happy with one another.
This book was a blast! I love a historical romance, but the magic thrown in as well as mention of the witch trials was a different twist. I loved Clio and Grey both as characters. It is unique to read a FMC with grit, strength and yet compassion and that combination made Clio's character! I cannot wait to read Helena's book and I hope that we see more of Clio and Grey in that book as well! I highly recommend this book!
Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
This is a book that you love bc of the “vibes.” Obviously for other reasons too. But I swear it was like I was reading it with one candle in the dark and (friendly) spirits humming in the background. It made me feel cozy, curious, and very witchy, very much in that Practical Magic space. The witchcraft felt grounded in grief, responsibility, and restraint, when needed, rather than superficial sparkle and dazzle, which made me so much more invested.
I loved how the magic and historical context illustrated the gender politics, without being heavy-handed, . The romance had real yearning and mutual respect, even if both characters resisted their feelings longer than necessary (it got a little repetitive).
But it’s okay, the mystery provided enough pacing to keep the story moving. 4 stars because the emotional revelations outweighed the pacing issues.
Definitely a book to read during October witchy season to get in the spooky mood! Can’t wait to get to the books of the other girls in the coven!
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
This novel blends an impressive number of elements—romance, murder, a Bridgerton esque London setting, and a heroine who happens to be a witch—and I initially wondered whether it might be too much. Instead, it delivered a wonderfully cohesive and engaging story that exceeded my expectations. The writing is sharp and immersive, and the mystery is crafted so well that I never came close to guessing the murderer, even without being delightfully swept up in Clio and Thomas’s increasingly passionate romance.
It’s a genuine page turner; the further I read, the more invested I became. Clio is a standout protagonist—strong, stylish, and vividly drawn. The descriptions of her fashion alone made me want to step into her shoes.
A fresh, entertaining blend of romance and murder mystery, told from a perspective that feels both unique and thoroughly enjoyable.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.
I really liked this book, inhaling it in 24 hours! The story focuses on Clio, a witch, who uses her powers to help her uncle, a detective at Scotland Yard, solve crimes.Her uncle brings her a murder case and asks for her help in solving it, but she will need to work with a friend of his, Lieutenant General Grey. They are both hesitant to work with each other and both have things they are hiding from each other. The story was well written, has a good storyline, interesting characters and a spicy romance. I really enjoyed this story and will definitely be picking up book two when it is released this summer! Happy reading!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in return for my honest opinion.
Darcy McGuire has brought her style to a new adult historical romance. Book 1 in a new series.
We have Clio Blair, a witch who doesn’t need someone to look after her, but romance might be nice. Though not uppermost in her mind. But definitely not with Lieutenant General Thomas.
Okay as I said the author has a style and form that works. Fun, a strong female character, an unattached Nobleman, enemies to lovers, with spice. It works. It’s very readable and a very enjoyable read with it!
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
I enjoyed this book so much. It was just the right mixture of mystery, magic and romance. I can’t imagine being a witch that had no control over when her visions might take place. I love stories where people who thought themselves unlovable find the right partner for them. I also got a kick out of her familiar and his less than stellar timing. Looking forward to the future books in this series!