Scotland’s most magical small town is back as another MacGregor witch takes the spotlight in this follow-up to the “heartwarming, delightful, and enchanting” (Sarah Beth Durst, New York Times bestselling author) national bestseller Love’s a Witch.
She’s hexed. He’s her ex. And if they can’t bake in harmony, Briarhaven’s big cooking competition might just go up in smoke.
Lyra MacGregor’s magic is as unpredictable as her love life—especially when her spellwork starts misfiring during the filming of Briarhaven’s favorite reality TV Bewitching Bake-Off. Even worse? She’s paired with Rabbie Campbell, her high school sweetheart turned heartbreak.
He’s never baked a thing in his life. She turns spoons into hedgehogs when he’s nearby. But with the cameras rolling, the curse deepening, and old sparks reigniting, they’ll have to cook up more than just a winning cake to survive. Because in Briarhaven, baking is spellwork, and love is the trickiest recipe of all.
As an award winning NY Times, USA Today, and WSJ bestselling author, Tricia O’Malley’s infectious joy in writing romance with an added dash of the magical has touched hearts around the world. With over three million books read, O’Malley’s stories have been translated into several languages and enjoy a devoted following. Tricia O’Malley is a native of Wisconsin, and departed the wintry tundra for warmer locales five years ago. She now lives in the Caribbean with her handsome Scotsman.
An avid scuba diver, Tricia spends much of her time underwater dreaming up new stories while photographing the beautiful sea life. Tricia loves fun vacation reads, believes in mermaids, and has a serious travel addiction. She discovers her inspiration on the go – and you’ll find her books set in beautiful settings with characters who deserve a happily-ever-after.
To see some of her underwater or island life photos visit her on Facebook, Instagram, or join her mailing list at www.triciaomalley.com
📖 Bookish Thoughts I’ll be sharing my full review closer to publication date.
💖 What to Expect • Witchy romance • Baking competition • Reality show • Misfiring magic • Forced proximity • Second chance romance • Small town _ _ _ _ 📅 Pub Date: August 25, 2026 📝 Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
I’m not usually a fan of the second chance trope, but this was so well done. I really enjoyed seeing Rab and Lyra come back to one another while competing in the baking show. Ruth is a perfect familiar and I loved her spunk!
Thank you so much to Gallery Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eARC of A Taste of Magic by Tricia O'Malley. This book is basically Holiday Baking Championship with magic, a curse, relationship drama, and the same magical mayhem that was so fun in Love's a Witch. It was so fun to go back to Briarhaven and meet up with all of the characters from Love's A Witch again. This time Lyra, the second MacGregor sister, has come into her magic and it is out of control. When a magical baking competition comes to town chaos ensues as the Charms work to stop the curse and protect the town.
A Taste of Magic was so cute and cozy! Hands down my favorite part of this book was the hedgehogs. I am pretty sure I am going to giggle every time I see a hedgehog from now on! I really enjoyed the whimsical setting and characters in the book. I already love anything set in Scotland and when you add magic and a cute love story it can't get much better.
The second chance romance was so cute. Lyra and Rab partnering for the baking competition and learning that they have each changed since they were teenagers was so fun to read. I really enjoyed their story and how they fell back in love with each other as the story continued. I also really enjoyed seeing Sloane and Knox happy. One of my favorite things about interconnected standalones is getting to check in with previous characters. The ending seemed to wrap up a little quickly but I can't wait to see how they solve the curse in the next book.
Overall, A Taste of Magic was such a cute and cozy book. It is the perfect book to curl up with on a rainy day and I can't wait to see what's next for the MacGregor sisters!
A Taste Of Magic is a romantic, witty, cozy, and charming read! This book releases on 08/25/26 and it is a follow-up to Love's A Witch but can be read as a standalone. I have not read many romantasies and never a witch romance so it was exciting to try something new. This book had all the hallmarks of a good romance with many tropes I love; second chances, grumpy versus sunshine, and competition. The magical elements in this book made the rivalry between the two main characters incredibly fun and unique. I enjoyed the fantasy aspects of this book much more than I anticipated. Not to mention the sister bond which I love to see! This was a different read for me but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I highly recommend reading this book whether you already love romantasy or are looking to branch out.
A Taste of Magic was such a fun second chance romance and I loved returning to Briarhaven. Lyra is the second MacGregor sister and once again trying to break her part of the curse that was placed on their family years ago. She signs up to be on a baking reality show and is partnered with her high school ex, Rab. Rab and Lyra have difficulty in the show, because she does not have control of her magic. Things also keep happening in the town. Will Lyra, the Charms and Rab be able to get the town out of the darkness and will Lyra and Rab be able to mend what happened between them years ago?
I love this series! I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to see who we get to see next from the Charms!
Thank you Gallery Books and NetGalley for the ARC! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“ She’s hexed. He’s her ex. And if they can’t bake in harmony, Briarhaven’s big cooking competition might just go up in smoke.”
Wow! I loved this second book in the Scottish Charms series! It was a quick and easy read that I couldn’t put down. I love how the characters are becoming more with each book. I want to visit Briarhaven so bad, it sounds like a wonderful place. I would highly recommend this book and the first one as well. I can’t wait to see what happens next. Out August 25th
I liked A Taste of Magic but I think I preferred the first book more. I love GBBO and loved the baking show aspect of it. I found Lyra to be charming and lovely! I love this setting so much and will definitely read the next book in the series. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc ebook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
4.5 - Tricia O'Malley is my comfort author. I love her whimsical writing. You feel connected to the characters and story. I enjoyed Lyra's and Rab's story of second chances and also in believing in yourself.
Thanks to Netgalley for the chance to read an ARC copy.
Baking and misfiring magic, sign me up! This book is so fun! Second chances, hot Scots, and a stabby little purple Fluttermouse! I love the sibling dynamics and all of the fun, magical animal characters that are in this series. Grab this book and a snack!