Magic & Mochas

Tales of Love & Lore #1

by Vanna Woods

A cozy romantasy full of charm, coffee, and unexpected sparks.

Fake dating a grumpy shadowmancer wasn’t part of the business plan…and neither was falling in love.

Three days after hexing her ex’s underwear drawer, Clove Morelli returns to the magical town of Willowmere with nothing but her grimoire, her sassy feline familiar, and a dream she’s finally ready to opening her very own enchanted coffee shop.

The only problem? The charming old café she buys comes with a surprise tenant in the upstairs apartment—Thorne, a handsome and mysterious shadowmancer with scars, secrets, and no intention of moving out. But when her ex suddenly shows up in town, Clove blurts out a desperate she’s already moved on...with Thorne. Much to her shock, the reclusive mage agrees to play along—on one he gets to stay in the apartment, rent-free.

Thorne goes above and beyond; working in her shop, taking her on a date to the pumpkin patch, and helping her develop new drinks for the upcoming Halloween Masquerade Ball. But as sparks fly between them over pumpkin-spiced lattes and shadow-drenched secrets, Clove begins to wonder if their fake romance might just be becoming all too real.

Perfect for fans of small-town magic, grumpy-sunshine couples, and cozy vibes , Magic & Mochas is a heartwarming standalone novella full of charm, wit, and witchy wonder.

Genres: Romance, Fantasy

191 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2025

Reviews

[sashenka 🖤 · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐

Bleh. I don't do cozy stuff and you can tell because I was sooooo bored. It's cute, overall, but that's all. It's not that bad but it wasn't for me I guess. First, I found the book so unoriginal. The 'evil' mother in law's name is Bellatrix, the FMC has a familiar sassy black cat, the MMC comes from Solo Leveling with his shadow soldiers and his raids/dungeons... The cheating ex was just annoying and dumb, all the characters felt very one dimensional. At least it was a fast read.

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute novella. What a good Halloween / fall vibes!

Reminds me of Halloweentown with all the werewolves, witches, vampires, shadowmancers and lots more

I loved her sassy black cat and her best friend!

[Delaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Possible spoilers below

Disclaimer: I was sent a copy of this book as a sort of ARC/ early reviewer.

*Star rating out of 5:
3/5;

*Would I recommend the book:
if you're seeking a cozy autumn novella

*My favorite character/why:
Silas

*My favorite part was:

The feel of the town, Willowmere was almost it's own character. I loved how cozy and inviting it was. Much like Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls. it reminds me of the Halloween favorites, Hocus Pocus, Halloweentown,

*Do i think the book is well written? Why is or isn't it? Was engaging, delightful, or inspiring? Was it staid, boring, or contrived?

The characters were a bit one dimensional and nothing about the book stood out as original. Sassy black familiar was a fun trope but it's overused, MMC raided dungeons for years and had a forced "bad guy" persona. I'd describe the book as a bit boring and staid but if you want cozy to the point of predictable this is for you. I still liked it even though it wasn't very original.


*Was it what you expected it to be?

I had slightly higher expectations

*How I discovered the book:

I was seeking ARCs and the author personally sent me a copy

*Format I read it in:

Physical copy

Possible spoilers above

[Phoenix Fyreheart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to Willowmere, a small, cozy town whose residents are anything but human! Clove Morelli, a witch recovering from a bad relationship, has returned to create her dream life, buying a cafe and opening her very own magical coffee shop. There's one small problem though: the upstairs apartment has a very handsome surprise. His name? Thorne.

Thorne is a shadowmancer with a past and a reputation, hiding out in Willowmere and just laying low. Until bursts through the bathroom door and into his life.

When Clove's ex shows up unexpectedly, she panics and a fake relationship with Thorne is born. But the longer they fake it, the less fake it becomes, and Clove learns there's more to Thorne that meets the eye. Under his grumpy shadowmancer exterior is a man longing to be loved. They can't help falling for each other, and in this fake-to-real romance, there are no refunds.

I loved this story so much. It's like Hallmark meets magic and the coffee shop setting is brilliant for this pumpkin spice latte lovin' girlie! I'm thrilled to give it five pumpkin spiced stars!

Ravenheart Rating: 10/10
Spice Factor: Level 3

[Maci-Bookishlyeverafter · Rating 5 out of 5]

First fall book of the season and YAAAASS it delivered. Magic & Mochas was like stepping into a warm mug of your favorite drink on a crisp autumn morning- full of heat, fluff, and magic.

I live for romance + fantasy mixed with all kinds of magical species, like witches, warlocks, demons… shadow daddies 👀…and this one hits so many of those tropes in the best way. The heroine is coming home after a cheating-idiot heartbreak, trying to pick up all the broken pieces of herself, learning what boundaries mean (yes please), and then BAM - we have the best unexpected encounter.
Sunshine × grumpy? Locked in. Enemies-to-lovers (more like “annoying to lovers”): I was here for it. Fake dating? Got ya. Touch her and die? It’s here. And the little touches: the drink mixtures? So clever and adorable. The sidekick bestie, the grumpy cute cat, all of it adds layers of cozy and personality.

Honestly there’s nothing I can complain about here- it’s sweet, it’s charming, it makes me want hot drinks, scarves, candles, and all the autumn vibes. If you want a book that’s cute and soft but still has magic and those steamy moments? Magic & Mochas is your girl.

[notkayla.lostinpages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic & Mochas - Vanna Woods

5 perfectly cozy stars

This is a book that feels like home! This book is the embodiment of a warm embrace, your favorite latte & the sense of peace you get watching the autumn leaves dance in the breeze. The atmosphere and imagery is just perfection. This is most certainly the best Fall book I’ve read! It’s always fun picking up seasonal reads but sometimes they can be a bit corny - this one is seasonal & also so well done - you won’t be disappointed if you pick up this sweet cozy fall read! 🍁🍂🥰

✅ witch x shadowmancer
✅ cozy read
✅ small town romance
✅ fall / autumn atmosphere
✅ coffee shop setting
✅ fake dating
✅ cat familiar

Give it a go! 😍🎃☕️🐈‍⬛🧙🏻‍♀️

[K. Q. Kimler · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I backed this book on Kickstarter, thus getting me an early copy of it and boy was this worth the read! The perfect cozy autumn read for the brrr months! I imbibed this book like a coffee I so would have loved to try of Clove’s! I loved everything about this book, especially the chemistry between Clove and Thorne! The author did an amazing job with the story and her writing just feels fresh and unique! Nothing felt forced for sure! Also, Clove’s familiar was so sassy, I loved him, lol! Highly recommend this book all the way! Please do check it out!

[Mackenzie Gaventa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that could quickly become a favorite you come back to over and over again. It is so well written and cozy. There is no spice so people of all ages can read this book. I loved the small town atmosphere and sense of community. The town being paranormal makes it even better! You can never go wrong with a grumpy x sunshine trope either. Definitely would recommend this to anyone that love paranormal romance. I was given an advanced read copy and I have written this review voluntarily.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella length story is advertised as being full of charm and coziness, and I feel it definitely lives up to that description! There is really no angst to be found in these pages, so be forewarned if you are looking for angst in a story. This is also a clean romance if that's your style. Although I usually like my romance very spicy, I still enjoyed the story despite there being no heat beyond kissing. I very much want to visit the town of Willowmere after reading about its fantastical surroundings and will be excited to read the next books in the series.

[Amanda✨️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic & Mochas was like curling up with your favorite fall drink. Warm, sweet, and full of feel-good vibes. I adored the small-town magic of Willowmere, and the grumpy-sunshine dynamic between Clove and Thorne was super fun to watch unfold.

Fake dating a broody shadowmancer? Yes, please. Add in a sassy cat, magical coffee, and Halloween vibes, and this novella hit all the cozy romantasy notes I love.

Quick, cute, and perfect for a weekend read!

[Drina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book. It’s just a classic feel-good. The main characters were so easy to love. I wanted to drink coffee the entire time I read this! It doesn’t follow the oh so common tropes of the last decade — the story beautifully sidesteps any of the conflict-you-can-see-coming-a-mile-away road bumps. It’s a refreshing, CUTE, zero-spice (which was appreciated), hard-to-put-down read! I can’t wait to read the next in the Love & Lore novel!

[Erin Houghton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book in 2 hours. It’s soooo cute!!! The perfect cozy, fall, witch x shadowmancer romance. It’s not spicy (just kissing). Soo stinking cute and I want my own Thorn! He’s so protective and only has eyes for Clove. I will definitely be reading this book again!

[M. Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic & Mochas is a delightful mix of witchy charm, small-town magic, and slow-burn romance. The fake dating trope is done in such a fun way, and I loved all the cozy details: the coffee shop, the fall atmosphere, even the mischievous cat. Perfect light and cozy read.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the story and autumn witchy vibes of this book. Great low stakes cozy romantasy. I wish there were more world building, and character back story, but overall this was great and I can't wait to read the next book.

[Cassidy Kruckeberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this hidden gem on Kickstarter and devoured it in an evening. Very cute and cozy as one would expect from a romantasy. I did get the spicy version, I just wish it was slightly spicier, but overall, truly great book 😊

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super adorable! I absolutely loved it. Sweet, heartfelt, and magical..

[Kirstin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorably sweet, it's the perfect book to gobble up with a cup of coffee and a cozy blanket. A clean and cute magical romance that gives all the warm fuzziness.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fake dating, grumpy sunshine vibes and set around Halloween times! Such a cute clean cozy read

[Dani Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s giving.. Halloweentown meets The Pumpkin Spice Cafe 😍

[Deanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute and cozy magical read. Absolutely loved all the sassy banter. Clove and Thorne I just couldn’t get enough of. A must read!

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so happy I backed this on kickstarter!
I loved this book, it was so cute and magical. I’d love to try all her coffee concoctions.

[Mary Caite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute and cozy fall fantasy novella! The perfect seasonal read that would pair perfectly with a mocha (or pumpkin spice latte)! Love!!

[Welle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. It's light, cozy and warm. Captivating to read and enjoy with great characters and romance.

[Ari Talks Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comfy & cozy. Not much more I can say. Read this in front of fireplace with a mocha in your hand and I think this will push it to a four star. True rating is 3.5 but for Goodreads purposes I'll give it a four.