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A Witch’s Inconvenient Crush: An MM Spicy Paranormal Romance
Not yet published
Expected 3 Mar 26Elliot Croft has two secrets he guards with his life.
He’s a healing witch. But not a very good one. His magic never actually works when he needs it to.
He has a crush on his best friend, Damon Montré. But it’s just a teeny, tiny crush. It’s inconvenient, but it’s not like he’s in love with him or something.
You’d be surprised which one of those secrets caused him more trouble.
A Witch’s Inconvenient Crush is a short, spicy MM friends-to-lovers romance with a touch a paranormal magic of the “my powers only react this way with you” variety. Perfect for readers looking for the adorable obliviousness of a possessive jock going through his bi awakening and the aching tension of a nerd’s unrequited crush on his best friend.
This novella (30,000 words or ~110 pages) follows two high school seniors (both guys are eighteen years old).
He’s a healing witch. But not a very good one. His magic never actually works when he needs it to.
He has a crush on his best friend, Damon Montré. But it’s just a teeny, tiny crush. It’s inconvenient, but it’s not like he’s in love with him or something.
You’d be surprised which one of those secrets caused him more trouble.
A Witch’s Inconvenient Crush is a short, spicy MM friends-to-lovers romance with a touch a paranormal magic of the “my powers only react this way with you” variety. Perfect for readers looking for the adorable obliviousness of a possessive jock going through his bi awakening and the aching tension of a nerd’s unrequited crush on his best friend.
This novella (30,000 words or ~110 pages) follows two high school seniors (both guys are eighteen years old).
- GenresRomanceLGBTM M Romance
133 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 3, 2026
1 person is currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Alexandra Larson
7 books30 followersAlexandra Larson is a business woman by day, romance author by night. When she’s not writing or reading, she's trying to soak up the limited amount of sun the northern hemisphere provides.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a very cute and quick read! Elliot has had a childhood crush on his best friend Damon, and has healing magic, but the magic really only works when he has Damon by his side. Seeing Elliot's various sides of, nervous around his best friend, but also confident in bed, makes him a cute and relatable character. Very nerdy in the streets, flirty in the sheets. And Damon is definitely a best friend that anyone would love to have. Accepting and very defensive of his friend.
My critiques *SOME SPOILERS*:
The pacing was a bit too fast. We went from: introducing the characters in first grade in prologue -> awkward boner in chapter 1 -> best friend finding out from someone else that our Main MC is gay -> Bi panic -> acceptance -> first sex scene -> more Bi panic -> dating, all within a 2-3 hour read. I felt like there wasn't much space for the characters to truly shine and have growth.
I feel like the prologue could have included a section of them in middle school as established friends, and Elliot beginning to understand his feelings for Damon. Going straight from blushing first grader to 18 year old boner was a bit of an aggressive jump for me.
Also, there is a small section at the end with Damon running after Elliot and being stopped by the teachers. The teachers bring up how Elliot is a model student who wouldn't get in trouble, and the way they phrase it makes Damon think that it was a subtle racist comment. As a POC, this is definitely something that happens in schools, and the author missed a chance to really expand on that. Because while it is a valid concern, it came out of no where basically at the end of the book, and then went no where. Also, Damon was essentially cheating on his girlfriend (who seemed like she was trying to set him up with Elliot, but we don't really know that until the end), but that was basically ignored and glossed over. No feelings of remorse, just Bi panic. I'm all for bi-awakening and panic, but not at the expense of another character who seemed like a good person.
Overall, this is a good read for people within the age group of the characters (the spicy scenes definitely felt awkward to read as a 30 year old), and someone wanted a quick LGBTQA read. Would definitely read another book by this author.
My critiques *SOME SPOILERS*:
The pacing was a bit too fast. We went from: introducing the characters in first grade in prologue -> awkward boner in chapter 1 -> best friend finding out from someone else that our Main MC is gay -> Bi panic -> acceptance -> first sex scene -> more Bi panic -> dating, all within a 2-3 hour read. I felt like there wasn't much space for the characters to truly shine and have growth.
I feel like the prologue could have included a section of them in middle school as established friends, and Elliot beginning to understand his feelings for Damon. Going straight from blushing first grader to 18 year old boner was a bit of an aggressive jump for me.
Also, there is a small section at the end with Damon running after Elliot and being stopped by the teachers. The teachers bring up how Elliot is a model student who wouldn't get in trouble, and the way they phrase it makes Damon think that it was a subtle racist comment. As a POC, this is definitely something that happens in schools, and the author missed a chance to really expand on that. Because while it is a valid concern, it came out of no where basically at the end of the book, and then went no where. Also, Damon was essentially cheating on his girlfriend (who seemed like she was trying to set him up with Elliot, but we don't really know that until the end), but that was basically ignored and glossed over. No feelings of remorse, just Bi panic. I'm all for bi-awakening and panic, but not at the expense of another character who seemed like a good person.
Overall, this is a good read for people within the age group of the characters (the spicy scenes definitely felt awkward to read as a 30 year old), and someone wanted a quick LGBTQA read. Would definitely read another book by this author.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Elliot is a young healing witch, preparing to graduate but he is keeping his status as a witch and his crush on his best friend Damon a secret.
When Elliots asked his girlfriend’s friend to prom, Damon starts to wonder if his feelings for Elliot are just friendly or something more and Elliot struggles with his feelings when Damon confronts him about his sexuality.
This was a cute story of bi awakening and Eliot coming to terms with his magic being more profound when he is around his best friend.
I went into this wanting a short story but I also wanted more of Eliot and Damon. I would love it if we saw them more at college and someone starts flirting with Elliot and Damon gets all mad and possessive. I love a possessive Damon. Or if we get more Elliot learning and controlling his magic. He helps his Grandma at the clinic, maybe he takes that path or finds another occupation where he can use his healing magic without it being noticed.
I saw the author had other books and I will be adding them to my TBR.
When Elliots asked his girlfriend’s friend to prom, Damon starts to wonder if his feelings for Elliot are just friendly or something more and Elliot struggles with his feelings when Damon confronts him about his sexuality.
This was a cute story of bi awakening and Eliot coming to terms with his magic being more profound when he is around his best friend.
I went into this wanting a short story but I also wanted more of Eliot and Damon. I would love it if we saw them more at college and someone starts flirting with Elliot and Damon gets all mad and possessive. I love a possessive Damon. Or if we get more Elliot learning and controlling his magic. He helps his Grandma at the clinic, maybe he takes that path or finds another occupation where he can use his healing magic without it being noticed.
I saw the author had other books and I will be adding them to my TBR.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2026
A Witch’s Inconvenient Crush by Alexandra Larson is an MM paranormal romance novella that follows the developing relationship between Elliot and Damon. I really enjoyed the author’s writing style, especially how much character development she managed to pack into a shorter story.
The slow-burn romance was a highlight for me, and the witty, playful back-and-forth between the characters made the dialogue especially fun to read. Overall, this was a charming and engaging novella, and I’d wholeheartedly recommend it to fans of paranormal romance. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from this author.
The only downside is that I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Elliot and Damon! I would happily read a longer story or another book featuring these characters. I definitely wanted more.
Thank you to NetGalley, Alexandra Larson, and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The slow-burn romance was a highlight for me, and the witty, playful back-and-forth between the characters made the dialogue especially fun to read. Overall, this was a charming and engaging novella, and I’d wholeheartedly recommend it to fans of paranormal romance. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from this author.
The only downside is that I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Elliot and Damon! I would happily read a longer story or another book featuring these characters. I definitely wanted more.
Thank you to NetGalley, Alexandra Larson, and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 8, 2026
A Witch’s Inconvenient Crush is a novella follows Elliot a healing witch who can’t control his powers and who has a crush on his best friend.
Elliot and Damon were cute together, as childhood friends and Elliot has a crush on his friend. Their friendship was sweet and you did see that they care about each other. The healing witch aspect was also a unique take on magic.
To be honest this book wasn’t for me. I found the pacing off and sometimes difficult to tell how much time was passed. I also will say the writing style did not work for me but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t work for other people. The characters were also 18 year high school seniors, and you can definitely tell how young the characters are. As someone in my 30’s it was just a little too young for me.
Not a book for me but can work if you’re looking for a friends to lovers, paranormal romance novella.
Thank you to the author and Intentional Breath Publishing for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Elliot and Damon were cute together, as childhood friends and Elliot has a crush on his friend. Their friendship was sweet and you did see that they care about each other. The healing witch aspect was also a unique take on magic.
To be honest this book wasn’t for me. I found the pacing off and sometimes difficult to tell how much time was passed. I also will say the writing style did not work for me but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t work for other people. The characters were also 18 year high school seniors, and you can definitely tell how young the characters are. As someone in my 30’s it was just a little too young for me.
Not a book for me but can work if you’re looking for a friends to lovers, paranormal romance novella.
Thank you to the author and Intentional Breath Publishing for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed A Witch’s Inconvenient Crush! It was short, sweet, and surprisingly spicy for a novella. Elliot was such a lovable mess! His unreliable healing magic paired with his very inconvenient crush on his best friend made for some great tension and humor. I loved the friends to lovers dynamic, especially the oblivious, slightly possessive jock energy from Damon as he slowly figures things out. The paranormal element was a fun twist, and the “my powers only work like this with you” trope was chef’s kiss. Overall, this was a cute, quick read with just the right mix of magic, longing, and spice. Perfect if you’re in the mood for something cozy but still swoony. Highly recommend!💫💙
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a nice quick read, I think I finished it in 2hrs with a few breaks. It was an enjoyable sweet lil novella about a baby healing witch and his crush on his best friend. I absolutely adored the story and characters, the only thing I kind of struggled with was the best friend’s storyline. He went from straight, to bi had no issue processing that, okay some people don’t. But then within a day of accepting he was bi he decided he was in love with his best friend without anything to really lead to that conclusion. That realization felt a bit quick, but I think that’s the only thing I really had an issue with or made me pause. Such a cute and sweet lil novella.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was cute and fun. The characters of Elliot and Damon were enjoyable to read and they were fun to follow.
It was interesting to have the witchy aspect of Elliot be reasonably central to the plot but also get put on the back burner a bit. I think I'd have liked to see more of the full healing but what we got I liked. I also liked the gay panic of Damon which felt fairly believable although obviously on a slight speed run with the number of pages we had for the story.
Overall I liked it, I'd be happy to read more from the author and I'd also recommend it to others.
It was interesting to have the witchy aspect of Elliot be reasonably central to the plot but also get put on the back burner a bit. I think I'd have liked to see more of the full healing but what we got I liked. I also liked the gay panic of Damon which felt fairly believable although obviously on a slight speed run with the number of pages we had for the story.
Overall I liked it, I'd be happy to read more from the author and I'd also recommend it to others.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a sweetie, cutie pie, heartfelt good time 🥰
I loved watching Elliot and Damon fall in love! They’re both so cinnamon roll for each other and I rooted for them from page one!
I also really loved and appreciated how coming out and having bi-awakenings was handled, it felt very true to reality both internally and externally. I loved that they both had safe spaces and safe people surrounding them too 🥹🖤
I need more of Damon and Elliot stat!!
I loved watching Elliot and Damon fall in love! They’re both so cinnamon roll for each other and I rooted for them from page one!
I also really loved and appreciated how coming out and having bi-awakenings was handled, it felt very true to reality both internally and externally. I loved that they both had safe spaces and safe people surrounding them too 🥹🖤
I need more of Damon and Elliot stat!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5
This was so stinking cute and hot! I haven’t read anything by this author before but this was so good! the chemistry between the boys was amazing and I loved how Elliot’s magic reacted to Damon’s touch when they were close! OnlyOne thing wrong I wished it was longer! They were adorable together and I wish we got to see more!
This was so stinking cute and hot! I haven’t read anything by this author before but this was so good! the chemistry between the boys was amazing and I loved how Elliot’s magic reacted to Damon’s touch when they were close! OnlyOne thing wrong I wished it was longer! They were adorable together and I wish we got to see more!
February 15, 2026
This novella was a wonderfully cute story! It is pretty fast paced, but you’re going to love the boys (18 year-olds) in this one. Elliot is a fun character who struggles with some confidence and has a thing for his best friend, Damon. Elliot is also a healing witch, a secret he is trying to keep. Damon is learning new things about himself. The story covers the friendship between the boys from early childhood through their senior year in high school and beyond. For such a short story, there is a surprising amount of spice.
If you are looking for a short, cute and spicy story to read, this is a good choice!
If you are looking for a short, cute and spicy story to read, this is a good choice!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews