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Maggie and Arthur's Magic Moment
Not yet published
Expected 28 Jul 26A dangerous spell gone wrong forces the passionate professor of incantations to share tight quarters with her magical college’s leading—and most brooding—alchemist.
Despite the college’s budget cuts that slashed her syllabus, Linguistics and Incantation Translation professor Maggie Linden has almost made it to the end of the spring semester. To celebrate, Maggie attends a magical masquerade on Beltane. Maybe the end-of-year frenzy explains why she kissed a masked stranger at the festival, though her celebration may have come too soon….
An accident in the lab of famous (and famously broody) alchemist Arthur Taliesin sets loose a dangerous, haunting magic called a pall that renders the nicer parts of their academic building uninhabitable. Maggie is assigned to share her tiny basement office with none other than Taliesin himself. With his insufferable attitude and unfortunate good looks, Arthur makes it impossible for Maggie to concentrate on anything—her research, her students’ final exams, or tracking down her mysterious Beltane suitor.
She’ll do anything to get Arthur out of her office, including offering to help him reverse the magic that threatens the school. But Maggie is starting to realize her officemate may not be the conceited grump he pretends to be. In fact, much of what she thinks is true about Arthur is merely a mask….
Despite the college’s budget cuts that slashed her syllabus, Linguistics and Incantation Translation professor Maggie Linden has almost made it to the end of the spring semester. To celebrate, Maggie attends a magical masquerade on Beltane. Maybe the end-of-year frenzy explains why she kissed a masked stranger at the festival, though her celebration may have come too soon….
An accident in the lab of famous (and famously broody) alchemist Arthur Taliesin sets loose a dangerous, haunting magic called a pall that renders the nicer parts of their academic building uninhabitable. Maggie is assigned to share her tiny basement office with none other than Taliesin himself. With his insufferable attitude and unfortunate good looks, Arthur makes it impossible for Maggie to concentrate on anything—her research, her students’ final exams, or tracking down her mysterious Beltane suitor.
She’ll do anything to get Arthur out of her office, including offering to help him reverse the magic that threatens the school. But Maggie is starting to realize her officemate may not be the conceited grump he pretends to be. In fact, much of what she thinks is true about Arthur is merely a mask….
Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 28, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
✨🔮 Maggie and Arthur’s Magic Moment 🔮✨
📖 Bookish Thoughts
Everything about this book was ✨magical✨
The magic and worldbuilding were so well done, and I loved all of it, even the academic politics.
Maggie and Arthur together were so good. I loved them even when they were arguing 🤣 Arthur really played the long game and I was fully here for it.
The ending was perfect and so satisfying.
🪄 What to Expect
• Magical academia
• Broody alchemist MMC
• Professor FMC
• Forced proximity
• Shared office
• Masquerade kiss
• Hidden identity
_ _ _ _
⭐️ Final Rating: 4.75 Stars
📅 Pub Date: July 28, 2026
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group, Ace, and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
📖 Bookish Thoughts
Everything about this book was ✨magical✨
The magic and worldbuilding were so well done, and I loved all of it, even the academic politics.
Maggie and Arthur together were so good. I loved them even when they were arguing 🤣 Arthur really played the long game and I was fully here for it.
The ending was perfect and so satisfying.
🪄 What to Expect
• Magical academia
• Broody alchemist MMC
• Professor FMC
• Forced proximity
• Shared office
• Masquerade kiss
• Hidden identity
_ _ _ _
⭐️ Final Rating: 4.75 Stars
📅 Pub Date: July 28, 2026
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group, Ace, and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
February 26, 2026
4.5 for the vibes 😉
2/5 🌶️
An academic romance with broody alchemists and masked festivals was just the pick me up I needed to get through the last of February.
The dynamic between the main characters, Arthur and Maggie, was so fun to read. Maggie and Arthur's Magic Moment is an enemies (but not really) to lovers romance with roots to a university with magic woven throughout. A mystery kiss on the beach, tension, close quarters in a shared office, tension, tent camping with one sleeping bag (😋), more tension... did I mention that there's enough tension to have you kicking your feet the entire way through?! If you're looking for a fun and swoony read, look no further. Definitely recommend this one!
Thank you to the author, Berkley publishing, and NetGalley for the chance to read the advanced digital copy.
2/5 🌶️
An academic romance with broody alchemists and masked festivals was just the pick me up I needed to get through the last of February.
The dynamic between the main characters, Arthur and Maggie, was so fun to read. Maggie and Arthur's Magic Moment is an enemies (but not really) to lovers romance with roots to a university with magic woven throughout. A mystery kiss on the beach, tension, close quarters in a shared office, tension, tent camping with one sleeping bag (😋), more tension... did I mention that there's enough tension to have you kicking your feet the entire way through?! If you're looking for a fun and swoony read, look no further. Definitely recommend this one!
Thank you to the author, Berkley publishing, and NetGalley for the chance to read the advanced digital copy.
they-told-me-to-read-it
November 10, 2025
Did Not Finish
February 27, 2026This is the kind of book I’ll just forget about the moment I put it down.
The premise was interesting and had potential, but the romance is so uneventful. 30% in and it’s already obvious they’re super attracted to each other and all they really have to do is confess. That’s just so boring to me.
My biggest issue, though, is that the characters feel soulless. You have the standard sunshine fmc, the grumpy guy, and the supportive friend and brother who only seem to exist to drive the romance forward.
I was kind of done with it by 50%, then skimmed until 70% and just couldn’t force myself to continue.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc!
The premise was interesting and had potential, but the romance is so uneventful. 30% in and it’s already obvious they’re super attracted to each other and all they really have to do is confess. That’s just so boring to me.
My biggest issue, though, is that the characters feel soulless. You have the standard sunshine fmc, the grumpy guy, and the supportive friend and brother who only seem to exist to drive the romance forward.
I was kind of done with it by 50%, then skimmed until 70% and just couldn’t force myself to continue.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc!
March 1, 2026
A luminous and delightful debut, Maggie and Arthur’s Magic Moment is the perfect read for someone wanting a whimsical, slow burn romance set amongst a university. Leslie René builds cozy romantasy plot with high stakes!
The way this book is written scratched an itch in my brain. Each word is intentional and all the details are incredibly visual. It felt like a blend of both light and dark academia. I love a magical realism setting in the “modern world.” All the fantastical elements were thoughtfully and tastefully done, without necessitating keeping track of complex mystical details. The world buildling was just enough that the fictional world could almost be set in the past few decades. Computers and phones are the only technology mentioned. I myself imagined the story in the early 2000s, for whatever reason.
Maggie is a 33 year old woman who is plus sized and not actively trying to lose weight - something we do not always see with plus representation. It’s described for the purpose of how she looks, not as an issue to be resolved, which is refreshing. Arthur, 35, is a fellow university professor, and he is the perfect amount of academic grump. As we slowly get to see his layers peeled back, he is easy to warm up to and appreciate his endearing demeanor that is hidden under the grumpiness. Perhaps the arrogant professor is not actually as arrogant as he seems! The side characters truly sparkle too, specifically Dahlia, Rory, and Simon.
I really enjoyed watching the connection between Maggie & Arthur become not just single sided yearning on both their parts, but a truly powerful relationship and story! Their relationship was built on conversation and the warming of dislike to lovers. The spice was so well done.
Perfect for fans of Ali Hazelwood and Megan Bannen! Really looking forward to reading what René writes next!
Thank you to the author, Berkley & NetGalley for an ARC!
May 15, 2026
This was a really cute book! Thank you for the ARC! I really struggled at times to get into it but I enjoyed the world building immensely and the banter. I think on paper Arthur and Maggie should be perfect, but I did think something was missing from their relationship that made me feel a bit indifferent to it!
This book follows a kind of academics rival to lovers, there’s secret identities, a spell gone wrong, taking care of someone when sick, he clearly falls first. ITS ALL THERE.
Overall this was fun, I just wanted quite a bit more from it!
This book follows a kind of academics rival to lovers, there’s secret identities, a spell gone wrong, taking care of someone when sick, he clearly falls first. ITS ALL THERE.
Overall this was fun, I just wanted quite a bit more from it!
November 3, 2025
Got to read an early version of this and it absolutely delivered on everything promised. Set on a magical University campus with a surrounding area that reminds me of the Maryland/Virginia coast the atmosphere is perfect for coziness and spooky vibes. Arthur is a grump of a man with a brain too big for his humble spirit haplessly trying to wade through the politics of academia. And Maggie has every reason to be wary of men in the field (men in general let’s be honest because when aren’t they fucking up?!). When Leslie brings them together is everything you’d want in a fantasy-set romance where the magic is more than just the goblins and ghouls that could be in your local pub’s basement.
March 22, 2026
lots of fun & great worldbuilding!! (that i hope will be put to use in future books perhaps???) — more in depth review to come!
October 29, 2025
I was privileged to read a few excerpts from this "charming" novel. I look forward to taking a journey with Maggie and Aurthur and exploring the world that Leslie Rene has so skillfully created. I wish I had a magic spell to make the release date today!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley & Berkeley Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Genres, settings, categories, themes: romance (M/F), fantasy, cozy fantasy, magic, academia, magical college, Beltane (+ masquerade), linguistics, alchemy, the woods, Celtic folklore-inspired (+ Celtic-inspired setting), family, debut novel
💗 Tropes: 💗
> Forced Proximity (including sharing a tent while camping)
> Hate to Love (some, one-sided)
> Secret Identity
> Workplace Romance: Coworkers
all about tropes here
POV: 3rd person, first chunk follows h's perspective exclusively, then around 1/4 in, the H's perspective is added (it's a good way to introduce what he's really feeling / the other side of what she's seeing), alternating/dual
Series/Sequencing Style: standalone, no cliffhanger
Format: ebook (e-arc from NetGalley)
🔽🔽🔽
Overall ratings
Heat level: 🌶 3/5 spicy seduction 🌶
(from Ampersand’s guide to heat levels in romance novels – (0) sweet, (1) mild sizzle, (2) sensual steam, (3) spicy seduction, (4) red hot, (5) erotic)
~ Heroine (Maggie) ~ 3/5 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑
~ Hero (Arthur) ~ 5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
~ Other characters ~ 5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
~ Plot ~ 4.5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗
~ Pacing ~ 4/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑
~ Romance ~ 4/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑
~ World building ~ 5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
~ Writing ~ 5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
~ Reading enjoyability & fun ~ 4.5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗 -0.5 for Maggie's dumb reasoning around the breakup
~ Depth & tone (1 light & fun --> 5 more serious, addresses heavier topics?): 1
~ Diversity & representation: women in academia, fantasy MCs in their 30s
~ Angst level: 3/5
~ Sadness level: low to none
🔽🔽🔽
❗CW/Triggers:❗low/mild, not much - burn, death of parent (historic/off page), grief, male colleague stealing female colleague's work (not totally sure what to call this, but like...if you just went through this, it might be triggering?)
🔽🔽🔽
📝 Review/Notes 📝
Before: This desperately needs a better title (and probably cover, although it would look less cheesy with a better title), but I’m excited for the premise! I’m hoping it isn’t as cheesy as the cover makes it appear to be.
After:
Yay, it's a great book!
The detail written in about the layers of how the magic works, fields of study, and student lessons & assignments is lovely. It adds a depth of realism and world building.
Maggie’s insistence on not giving them a chance and being mad at Arthur for being respectful and trying to help her was really annoying. He I don't know, that really annoyed me...he didn’t deserve her being so stubborn about it all. It was just much more enjoyable before that.
Aside from some frustration with Maggie’s reluctance over the relationship, and the subsequent angst there, I found this book really delightful.
I’m impressed this is a debut novel, and would love to read more by this author. She did a fantastic job with the world building elements of a low stakes/cozy fantasy, which can often lack the detail of a higher stakes/epic fantasy world. The setting is clearly Irish (or Scottish) inspired; I’m low-key laughing inside at the reviewer who tried to say it was Virginia/Maryland? Come on, now. I get they don’t have Irish accents or anything, but the fantasy setting was clearly Celtic-inspired.
Following the page numbers on the digital ARC in NetGalley (which totaled at 306 pages for the story), the first ~200 or so were more engrossing for me, so I’d say the pacing started to drop a little in the last 1/3, but that was also related to the sort of standard-romance-trope of having that breakup moment and them overcoming it to be together or whatever. I was more interested in the romantic development for the first 1/2-2/3 of the book, so I lost a little of the *omg, this is so good* steam by the end. The last 1/3 definitely wasn't bad, it just dropped the pacing and romance down from 5/5 for me, that's all.
Due to the cozy/low stakes nature of the novel, even though they’re fighting this supposedly dangerous “pall” (effects from a spell gone wrong), no one is ever actually injured beyond nausea, fatigue, melancholy, and a handprint burn, so occasionally I found myself questioning if they were overreacting or wondering what they were so worried about. That’s probably just par for the course though, since not every book needs like…a grievous injury or death, it just is a different environment, and I sometimes struggle a little with fantasy that goes too far into the "cozy" realm for my personal tastes. Other readers might feel there is plenty to justify an air of "danger".
Even though this is cozy fantasy, I’d still probably brand it a little different in terms of the title and cover, which feel like they detract from the fact that it’s actually a solid book and not like…some cheesy romance short story.
🔽🔽🔽
🤠 Recommended for: anyone looking for a great cozy fantasy romance (def more for low stakes, fun magic, and a cute romance than someone looking for like…danger and high-stakes intrigue)
Genres, settings, categories, themes: romance (M/F), fantasy, cozy fantasy, magic, academia, magical college, Beltane (+ masquerade), linguistics, alchemy, the woods, Celtic folklore-inspired (+ Celtic-inspired setting), family, debut novel
💗 Tropes: 💗
> Forced Proximity (including sharing a tent while camping)
> Hate to Love (some, one-sided)
> Secret Identity
> Workplace Romance: Coworkers
all about tropes here
POV: 3rd person, first chunk follows h's perspective exclusively, then around 1/4 in, the H's perspective is added (it's a good way to introduce what he's really feeling / the other side of what she's seeing), alternating/dual
Series/Sequencing Style: standalone, no cliffhanger
Format: ebook (e-arc from NetGalley)
🔽🔽🔽
Overall ratings
Heat level: 🌶 3/5 spicy seduction 🌶
(from Ampersand’s guide to heat levels in romance novels – (0) sweet, (1) mild sizzle, (2) sensual steam, (3) spicy seduction, (4) red hot, (5) erotic)
~ Heroine (Maggie) ~ 3/5 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑
~ Hero (Arthur) ~ 5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
~ Other characters ~ 5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
~ Plot ~ 4.5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗
~ Pacing ~ 4/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑
~ Romance ~ 4/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑
~ World building ~ 5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
~ Writing ~ 5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
~ Reading enjoyability & fun ~ 4.5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗 -0.5 for Maggie's dumb reasoning around the breakup
~ Depth & tone (1 light & fun --> 5 more serious, addresses heavier topics?): 1
~ Diversity & representation: women in academia, fantasy MCs in their 30s
~ Angst level: 3/5
~ Sadness level: low to none
🔽🔽🔽
❗CW/Triggers:❗low/mild, not much - burn, death of parent (historic/off page), grief, male colleague stealing female colleague's work (not totally sure what to call this, but like...if you just went through this, it might be triggering?)
🔽🔽🔽
📝 Review/Notes 📝
Before: This desperately needs a better title (and probably cover, although it would look less cheesy with a better title), but I’m excited for the premise! I’m hoping it isn’t as cheesy as the cover makes it appear to be.
After:
Yay, it's a great book!
The detail written in about the layers of how the magic works, fields of study, and student lessons & assignments is lovely. It adds a depth of realism and world building.
Maggie’s insistence on not giving them a chance and being mad at Arthur for being respectful and trying to help her was really annoying. He I don't know, that really annoyed me...he didn’t deserve her being so stubborn about it all. It was just much more enjoyable before that.
Aside from some frustration with Maggie’s reluctance over the relationship, and the subsequent angst there, I found this book really delightful.
I’m impressed this is a debut novel, and would love to read more by this author. She did a fantastic job with the world building elements of a low stakes/cozy fantasy, which can often lack the detail of a higher stakes/epic fantasy world. The setting is clearly Irish (or Scottish) inspired; I’m low-key laughing inside at the reviewer who tried to say it was Virginia/Maryland? Come on, now. I get they don’t have Irish accents or anything, but the fantasy setting was clearly Celtic-inspired.
Following the page numbers on the digital ARC in NetGalley (which totaled at 306 pages for the story), the first ~200 or so were more engrossing for me, so I’d say the pacing started to drop a little in the last 1/3, but that was also related to the sort of standard-romance-trope of having that breakup moment and them overcoming it to be together or whatever. I was more interested in the romantic development for the first 1/2-2/3 of the book, so I lost a little of the *omg, this is so good* steam by the end. The last 1/3 definitely wasn't bad, it just dropped the pacing and romance down from 5/5 for me, that's all.
Due to the cozy/low stakes nature of the novel, even though they’re fighting this supposedly dangerous “pall” (effects from a spell gone wrong), no one is ever actually injured beyond nausea, fatigue, melancholy, and a handprint burn, so occasionally I found myself questioning if they were overreacting or wondering what they were so worried about. That’s probably just par for the course though, since not every book needs like…a grievous injury or death, it just is a different environment, and I sometimes struggle a little with fantasy that goes too far into the "cozy" realm for my personal tastes. Other readers might feel there is plenty to justify an air of "danger".
Even though this is cozy fantasy, I’d still probably brand it a little different in terms of the title and cover, which feel like they detract from the fact that it’s actually a solid book and not like…some cheesy romance short story.
🔽🔽🔽
🤠 Recommended for: anyone looking for a great cozy fantasy romance (def more for low stakes, fun magic, and a cute romance than someone looking for like…danger and high-stakes intrigue)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for an early reader digital copy; all opinions are my own.
What a fun, magical, cozy romance with some good stakes and tension to keep it going!
I had a really good time reading this one, as a lover of cozy fantasy, this one was like those but with the romance focus that most cozy fantasies have as a subplot! I was so invested in Maggie and Arthur's relationship - I loved how there was so much tension and the two POVs let us see just how much they wanted each other. Their initial encounter on the beach at the start of the story sets up the mystery and intrigue while leaning into a sort of insta-lust/love, but what I appreciated is that the two main characters actually get to know each other outside of that. It's a sort of forced proximity that is more so begrudgingly bargained/agreed upon, but through that they fall for each other as people, not just as a passion-filled memory of an otherworldly kiss on the beach.
Maggie got to know Arthur deeper than his reputation for being a haughty, know-it-all scholar (at least, as she sees him) who everyone bends over backwards for. Underneath it all, Arthur is funny, charming, compassionate and loving, and absolutely has genuine passion for what he is teaching/connecting with his students. He notices things, cares for people, and puts others above himself. Arthur is simply head over heels for Maggie's stubbornness, dedication, and intelligence. Her independence and personal strength, determination to not let others do what she knows she can, and ingenuity. I think they were absolutely perfect together, so the tension between them was frustrating in a good way! I was rooting for them the entire time.
I really enjoyed the mystery of them not totally remembering their passionate, if brief, former encounter. Throughout most of the story, we are left wondering whether or not they will figure it out, whether or not they will fess up to the other if they do figure it out, and what that could mean for their future. Even outside of the mystery and their past, they have clear chemistry, so there's still the question of whether or not they will get together just from that!
I thought that both Maggie and Arthur's characters were really well developed. Maggie's past as a woman in academia, getting taken advantage of, manipulated, and put down, was frustrating to read about because it's reality. It made me really feel for her as she battled her current frustrations and desires to stand up for herself out of fear of repercussions. It also gave a lot of context to her resistance of entering relationships. Getting to know about Arthur's family, his fluctuating feelings about his career, and his true loves/values in life made me love him even more. He's not a grump, he's just a little lost. Everyone knows him for his mother's achievements, his own triumphs/work, and his prestige, but nobody really knows the real him, and it has come at the cost of love, family, and genuine friendships/relationships.
They have a slight grumpy/sunshine dynamic - not totally, but I liked the contrast between Maggie's stubborn streak and Arthur's silliness/charm. They're both witty and balance each other out well while complementing one another in similarities. Even though I was a little frustrated with Maggie's character during the first part of the book, I came to like her more and more. I thought she was a tad presumptuous and obnoxious at first, but at the same time I could see why she was, given her past. I ended up really admiring how she stood up for herself most of the time; she was not about to let Arthur take all the credit for what she did! They both were admirable, as well, in how passionate they were about their work/studies in terms of magic (even if Arthur wasn't entirely satisfied with how his life and career panned out).
The side characters were absolute gems! From Arthur's family to Maggie's best friend, they all added humor and depth to the story and main characters. I really enjoyed the academic setting and forced proximity aspect of Maggie and Arthur sharing an office, as well as their bargain with each other. Following them fight the pall was interesting, though I will say I got a little confused at some parts (particularly about the pall itself and the rip in the worlds?); it was easy to follow for the most part, so I just went with the flow during those confusing parts and got the gist. I was really drawn in by the rune magic, incantations, and nature elements! The danger from the pall and the race to dissipate it added just enough stakes to keep the story moving while not being *too* dangerous (at least at first), which allowed the actual romance/relationship space to build. I thought the pacing was steady, and I liked how it picked up just a bit at the end!
The way Arthur and Maggie worked together and flowed with each other was perfect, and watching their romance ebb and flow with all of their doubts, fears, passions, and desires was everything I wanted! The integration of magic, academia, and a slightly mysterious and eerie atmosphere was all balanced so well, and I was able to invest myself in the romance, so I was always engaged. I'd definitely recommend this one, especially for cozy fantasy lovers who want a story where romance is a bigger focus!
I'd 1000% read more from the author, and I could even see a 'spin-off'/companion following certain other pairs of characters we got little indications of in here...
What a fun, magical, cozy romance with some good stakes and tension to keep it going!
I had a really good time reading this one, as a lover of cozy fantasy, this one was like those but with the romance focus that most cozy fantasies have as a subplot! I was so invested in Maggie and Arthur's relationship - I loved how there was so much tension and the two POVs let us see just how much they wanted each other. Their initial encounter on the beach at the start of the story sets up the mystery and intrigue while leaning into a sort of insta-lust/love, but what I appreciated is that the two main characters actually get to know each other outside of that. It's a sort of forced proximity that is more so begrudgingly bargained/agreed upon, but through that they fall for each other as people, not just as a passion-filled memory of an otherworldly kiss on the beach.
Maggie got to know Arthur deeper than his reputation for being a haughty, know-it-all scholar (at least, as she sees him) who everyone bends over backwards for. Underneath it all, Arthur is funny, charming, compassionate and loving, and absolutely has genuine passion for what he is teaching/connecting with his students. He notices things, cares for people, and puts others above himself. Arthur is simply head over heels for Maggie's stubbornness, dedication, and intelligence. Her independence and personal strength, determination to not let others do what she knows she can, and ingenuity. I think they were absolutely perfect together, so the tension between them was frustrating in a good way! I was rooting for them the entire time.
I really enjoyed the mystery of them not totally remembering their passionate, if brief, former encounter. Throughout most of the story, we are left wondering whether or not they will figure it out, whether or not they will fess up to the other if they do figure it out, and what that could mean for their future. Even outside of the mystery and their past, they have clear chemistry, so there's still the question of whether or not they will get together just from that!
I thought that both Maggie and Arthur's characters were really well developed. Maggie's past as a woman in academia, getting taken advantage of, manipulated, and put down, was frustrating to read about because it's reality. It made me really feel for her as she battled her current frustrations and desires to stand up for herself out of fear of repercussions. It also gave a lot of context to her resistance of entering relationships. Getting to know about Arthur's family, his fluctuating feelings about his career, and his true loves/values in life made me love him even more. He's not a grump, he's just a little lost. Everyone knows him for his mother's achievements, his own triumphs/work, and his prestige, but nobody really knows the real him, and it has come at the cost of love, family, and genuine friendships/relationships.
They have a slight grumpy/sunshine dynamic - not totally, but I liked the contrast between Maggie's stubborn streak and Arthur's silliness/charm. They're both witty and balance each other out well while complementing one another in similarities. Even though I was a little frustrated with Maggie's character during the first part of the book, I came to like her more and more. I thought she was a tad presumptuous and obnoxious at first, but at the same time I could see why she was, given her past. I ended up really admiring how she stood up for herself most of the time; she was not about to let Arthur take all the credit for what she did! They both were admirable, as well, in how passionate they were about their work/studies in terms of magic (even if Arthur wasn't entirely satisfied with how his life and career panned out).
The side characters were absolute gems! From Arthur's family to Maggie's best friend, they all added humor and depth to the story and main characters. I really enjoyed the academic setting and forced proximity aspect of Maggie and Arthur sharing an office, as well as their bargain with each other. Following them fight the pall was interesting, though I will say I got a little confused at some parts (particularly about the pall itself and the rip in the worlds?); it was easy to follow for the most part, so I just went with the flow during those confusing parts and got the gist. I was really drawn in by the rune magic, incantations, and nature elements! The danger from the pall and the race to dissipate it added just enough stakes to keep the story moving while not being *too* dangerous (at least at first), which allowed the actual romance/relationship space to build. I thought the pacing was steady, and I liked how it picked up just a bit at the end!
The way Arthur and Maggie worked together and flowed with each other was perfect, and watching their romance ebb and flow with all of their doubts, fears, passions, and desires was everything I wanted! The integration of magic, academia, and a slightly mysterious and eerie atmosphere was all balanced so well, and I was able to invest myself in the romance, so I was always engaged. I'd definitely recommend this one, especially for cozy fantasy lovers who want a story where romance is a bigger focus!
I'd 1000% read more from the author, and I could even see a 'spin-off'/companion following certain other pairs of characters we got little indications of in here...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is the PERFECT cozy fantasy, and here is my essay about why...
The meet-cute sets up the magic system - it's simple to understand, but complex to execute (I LOVE it when the author can explain it so well, and also that there are logical reasons that things go wrong in a magical world). The meet-cute is at a Beltane festival bonfire and our main characters are wearing masks with memory and vision spells so that they can't see or remember each other clearly - and they go off vibes and this insane mutual attraction to each other's ...brains (they're COLLEAGUES at the local university).
So they get back to the university after Beltane and there's a magical accident which causes them to have to share an office, and work together to solve the resulting magical problem, requiring both of their specialties (him - alchemy, and her - linguistics). Ultimately, he caused the problem and needs her help to solve it.
Neither one of them can forget the mysterious other person from Beltane, and the mask's magic begins to unravel in "moments" - special interactions they shared - smells, touch, sight - that reveal who they are to one another. As they remember, Maggie and Arthur have to decide if they're willing to risk their hearts and jobs to be with each other, and consider what they really want in life.
This speaks to my former-academic-life heart in so many ways! The imposter syndrome, the constant questioning of whether you want to be in this profession, without questioning how dedicated you are to your students, or how much you love your research topics. Neither of these characters are perfect people or academics - people make mistakes, and they carry their histories to sometimes disastrous effect, but you can also work on being better and doing better, and that doing and being is beautiful. The whole cast of characters feels robust and developed, and I loved it. 10/10, would read Leslie Rene again!!
I'd love a story with Rory and Dahlia! ::wink wink::
*Opinions are my own. Thanks to Berkley via NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
The meet-cute sets up the magic system - it's simple to understand, but complex to execute (I LOVE it when the author can explain it so well, and also that there are logical reasons that things go wrong in a magical world). The meet-cute is at a Beltane festival bonfire and our main characters are wearing masks with memory and vision spells so that they can't see or remember each other clearly - and they go off vibes and this insane mutual attraction to each other's ...brains (they're COLLEAGUES at the local university).
So they get back to the university after Beltane and there's a magical accident which causes them to have to share an office, and work together to solve the resulting magical problem, requiring both of their specialties (him - alchemy, and her - linguistics). Ultimately, he caused the problem and needs her help to solve it.
Neither one of them can forget the mysterious other person from Beltane, and the mask's magic begins to unravel in "moments" - special interactions they shared - smells, touch, sight - that reveal who they are to one another. As they remember, Maggie and Arthur have to decide if they're willing to risk their hearts and jobs to be with each other, and consider what they really want in life.
This speaks to my former-academic-life heart in so many ways! The imposter syndrome, the constant questioning of whether you want to be in this profession, without questioning how dedicated you are to your students, or how much you love your research topics. Neither of these characters are perfect people or academics - people make mistakes, and they carry their histories to sometimes disastrous effect, but you can also work on being better and doing better, and that doing and being is beautiful. The whole cast of characters feels robust and developed, and I loved it. 10/10, would read Leslie Rene again!!
I'd love a story with Rory and Dahlia! ::wink wink::
*Opinions are my own. Thanks to Berkley via NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was delightful! It kicks off with a masquerade and an explosive kiss between two strangers, except they are not strangers; they are rival colleagues. After a spell goes wrong, linguist Maggie's office becomes occupied with the grumpy yet well-renowned alchemist Arthur, who she blames for losing the budget for one of her seminars.
I really enjoyed the magic in this book. I typically steer clear of romantasy because they are often more fantasy-heavy than my normal preferences. This book did a great job of balancing the magic with the modern world. The world building was comprehensive without being overwhelming. As someone whose main living area has been designed to look like the Ardenweald zone of World of Warcraft (for non-WoW players, the area is described as an ethereal umbral forest that is twilight-tinged and home to the Night Fae covenant), the descriptions were dreamy. So much of it sounded like my aesthetic that I want to make it real and work it into my living space.
The romance was well-paced. I know some readers want insta-love and then sex for every other chapter except the third act conflict, but this was more of a slow burn that hit so well when things came to a head. I also appreciate that the romance didn't get in the way of the magic plot. I was highly invested both in Maggie and Arthur falling for each other AND Maggie and Arthur getting rid of the dangerous magic that took over an entire portion of the school and had bad effects rippling out into the town.
This is an excellent debut novel, and I'd love to get more stories from this school/universe (especially if we get Maggie and Arthur as cute background characters)!
This was delightful! It kicks off with a masquerade and an explosive kiss between two strangers, except they are not strangers; they are rival colleagues. After a spell goes wrong, linguist Maggie's office becomes occupied with the grumpy yet well-renowned alchemist Arthur, who she blames for losing the budget for one of her seminars.
I really enjoyed the magic in this book. I typically steer clear of romantasy because they are often more fantasy-heavy than my normal preferences. This book did a great job of balancing the magic with the modern world. The world building was comprehensive without being overwhelming. As someone whose main living area has been designed to look like the Ardenweald zone of World of Warcraft (for non-WoW players, the area is described as an ethereal umbral forest that is twilight-tinged and home to the Night Fae covenant), the descriptions were dreamy. So much of it sounded like my aesthetic that I want to make it real and work it into my living space.
The romance was well-paced. I know some readers want insta-love and then sex for every other chapter except the third act conflict, but this was more of a slow burn that hit so well when things came to a head. I also appreciate that the romance didn't get in the way of the magic plot. I was highly invested both in Maggie and Arthur falling for each other AND Maggie and Arthur getting rid of the dangerous magic that took over an entire portion of the school and had bad effects rippling out into the town.
This is an excellent debut novel, and I'd love to get more stories from this school/universe (especially if we get Maggie and Arthur as cute background characters)!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group for this gifted ARC!
This was seriously one of the cutest romantic fantasy books I've read in a while. It was so light and fun, the romance was great, the setting was really unique and interesting, I just loved everything about it.
Maggie is so cool, and I absolutely love that she's in her 30's, has a career, and is established on her own. She's a professor at a university in this magical world where she teaches linguistics to college students. She is so kind but also tough when she needs to be. Arthur is this grumpy seeming professor at first, but when you get further into the book you definitely see under his exterior a bit, When an accident in the college forces Maggie and Arthur into close quarters with each other, that's when things really start happening in the plot. They have to work together to fix the accident and keep the school and surrounding area safe, but it's not as easy as they had hoped. The plot around the accident was super interesting and unique and I absolutely enjoyed it. It really dives into the magic of the world and the different creatures that are in the surrounding areas that are a potential danger to people.
Their romance is just so incredibly cute too. I smiled a lot, I got upset with them both at different times, and I just loved how it all wrapped up. There are several intimate scenes, but I wouldn't really call it a "spicy" book. For someone who doesn't read a ton of spice, I thought it was perfect how much was sprinkled in.
I would absolutely recommend this book, it was so fun and I ran and preordered my copy so quickly after finishing it! This releases July 28th!
*This ARC was given by Berkley Publishing Group through NetGalley, all opinions are my own.*
This was seriously one of the cutest romantic fantasy books I've read in a while. It was so light and fun, the romance was great, the setting was really unique and interesting, I just loved everything about it.
Maggie is so cool, and I absolutely love that she's in her 30's, has a career, and is established on her own. She's a professor at a university in this magical world where she teaches linguistics to college students. She is so kind but also tough when she needs to be. Arthur is this grumpy seeming professor at first, but when you get further into the book you definitely see under his exterior a bit, When an accident in the college forces Maggie and Arthur into close quarters with each other, that's when things really start happening in the plot. They have to work together to fix the accident and keep the school and surrounding area safe, but it's not as easy as they had hoped. The plot around the accident was super interesting and unique and I absolutely enjoyed it. It really dives into the magic of the world and the different creatures that are in the surrounding areas that are a potential danger to people.
Their romance is just so incredibly cute too. I smiled a lot, I got upset with them both at different times, and I just loved how it all wrapped up. There are several intimate scenes, but I wouldn't really call it a "spicy" book. For someone who doesn't read a ton of spice, I thought it was perfect how much was sprinkled in.
I would absolutely recommend this book, it was so fun and I ran and preordered my copy so quickly after finishing it! This releases July 28th!
*This ARC was given by Berkley Publishing Group through NetGalley, all opinions are my own.*
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I need more magical STEM romance please. What a great concept and I think it was executed well too. This had a great balance of romance and magical elements/storyline to not just make it feel like the backdrop was changed.
I love their meet cute. Having the kiss of your life from a mysterious man you think you’ll never see again? I would chase that high for the rest of my life. The couple are a grumpy/sunshine, academic rivals to lovers pair. They work at the same university but in different magical specialties. Their romance is very sweet (the spicy scenes do be spicy though) and I really enjoyed that aspect.
I like that both of the characters specialities were included in the main storyline conflict (forcing them to have to team up of course). I think Maggie’s backstory was necessary and the growth she goes through is well executed (the ex is brought up quite a bit though in my opinion).
My big criticism is the extremely unnecessary and flimsy third act break up PMO sooooo much. It didn’t make much sense to me and seemed gratuitous to make more conflict that wasn’t really needed. I still recommend this, I just didn’t think it vibed with the sweet tone of the book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing/Leslie Rene for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I love their meet cute. Having the kiss of your life from a mysterious man you think you’ll never see again? I would chase that high for the rest of my life. The couple are a grumpy/sunshine, academic rivals to lovers pair. They work at the same university but in different magical specialties. Their romance is very sweet (the spicy scenes do be spicy though) and I really enjoyed that aspect.
I like that both of the characters specialities were included in the main storyline conflict (forcing them to have to team up of course). I think Maggie’s backstory was necessary and the growth she goes through is well executed (the ex is brought up quite a bit though in my opinion).
My big criticism is the extremely unnecessary and flimsy third act break up PMO sooooo much. It didn’t make much sense to me and seemed gratuitous to make more conflict that wasn’t really needed. I still recommend this, I just didn’t think it vibed with the sweet tone of the book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing/Leslie Rene for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is really really charming and magical. I loved Maggie and Arthur as characters. I loved the magical world. I loved the forced proximity plot, where Maggie and Arthur team up to fix Arthur's mistake. The pall and everything that it caused was eerie, imagining the banshee's and ghouls was vivid and disconcerting. I also loved the writing style. And how Arthur's pov was included. I enjoyed reading his point of view and how he had his brother to confide in. I also enjoyed the premise! The masked kiss trope is so romantic! My favourite parts were when they were taking care of each other after getting sickness from the pall.
Though at the same time, I thought a lot of the book dragged. There was a lot of info dump about the magic and the world and stuff that didn't matter to the plot, and I admit that's a personal preference but it just kills the pace to get through a lot of that for me. And while Maggie and Arthur's relationship had a ton of tension and yearning, I also felt like their feelings for each other felt like mostly lust and I didn't feel overly emotionally connected to their relationship. There was a lot of introspection that felt repetitive too, and kept going in circles without much happening on page.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
Though at the same time, I thought a lot of the book dragged. There was a lot of info dump about the magic and the world and stuff that didn't matter to the plot, and I admit that's a personal preference but it just kills the pace to get through a lot of that for me. And while Maggie and Arthur's relationship had a ton of tension and yearning, I also felt like their feelings for each other felt like mostly lust and I didn't feel overly emotionally connected to their relationship. There was a lot of introspection that felt repetitive too, and kept going in circles without much happening on page.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was cozy fantasy at basically its best for me - it was so cute, easy to follow, and also so easy to get invested in. I loved the premise to start the book, especially the idea that the magic behind the masks was the reason that they couldn't figure out who each other were for sure, which made the whole not knowing each other MUCH more believable to me.
Maggie's character specifically was so fun to read, and her backstory made me 100% understand her hesitations and fears. It is so common for women in higher education settings too to have similar things happen to them, and I loved getting to see come into her own and overcome the issues that her past made her feel. And Arthur was just such a cutie pie - behind the grumpy exterior is truly just a love bug and I loved reading that from his POV so much - I liked that there was less of his POV, so we had to guess about his intentions a bit, but when we got there, it was so clear how he was feeling and why he was hiding it.
I overall enjoyed this one a lot! Cute, fun, and immersive fantasy that was well-written and had great character and plot arcs. Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley, and the author for the chance to read this eARC!
Maggie's character specifically was so fun to read, and her backstory made me 100% understand her hesitations and fears. It is so common for women in higher education settings too to have similar things happen to them, and I loved getting to see come into her own and overcome the issues that her past made her feel. And Arthur was just such a cutie pie - behind the grumpy exterior is truly just a love bug and I loved reading that from his POV so much - I liked that there was less of his POV, so we had to guess about his intentions a bit, but when we got there, it was so clear how he was feeling and why he was hiding it.
I overall enjoyed this one a lot! Cute, fun, and immersive fantasy that was well-written and had great character and plot arcs. Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley, and the author for the chance to read this eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Maggie and Arthur’s Magic Moment starts off strong, with a whimsical night of Beltane celebrations when Maggie Linden shares an unforgettable kiss with a masked stranger. She is set on finding him, until a spell gone wrong at the college where she teaches forces her to shift her priorities. She must now share her office with the college’s star alchemist Arthur Taliesin, who is as broody as he is attractive, and work with him to reverse the dangerous magic that was accidentally unleashed.
I loved the setting, a magical college next to an almost impassable forest full of magical creatures. The monsters that were contained beyond the campus boundaries can now wreak havoc on the college and town, which adds some stakes to the story in an otherwise idyllic setting. The magical night of the Beltane festival immediately drew me into the cozy world.
There were many cute moments and swoony tension between the main characters. I loved Arthur, so unwaveringly devoted and sure of his feelings. I felt like Maggie was going around in circles though, and her stubbornness was frustrating at times.
Overall, it was a light read that fans of cozy vibes and sweet romance will likely enjoy.
I loved the setting, a magical college next to an almost impassable forest full of magical creatures. The monsters that were contained beyond the campus boundaries can now wreak havoc on the college and town, which adds some stakes to the story in an otherwise idyllic setting. The magical night of the Beltane festival immediately drew me into the cozy world.
There were many cute moments and swoony tension between the main characters. I loved Arthur, so unwaveringly devoted and sure of his feelings. I felt like Maggie was going around in circles though, and her stubbornness was frustrating at times.
Overall, it was a light read that fans of cozy vibes and sweet romance will likely enjoy.
April 10, 2026
Dr. Maggie Linden decides to celebrate the end of another semester teaching by attending the magical masquerade held once a year. Masks are distributed and magic circulates all around — which must be why she decided to kiss a complete stranger that she was flirting with. Back at the university, she must join forces with Arthur Taliesin to control a dangerous magic that Arthur has released. Only they constantly bicker — despite the clear physical attraction.
***30s FMC/MMC
***Academics with magic
***Only one sleeping bag
***🌶️🌶️
***Debut author
This was a solid debut novel! I loved all the world building and magical aspects. The forced proximity was on point throughout, and the tension was delicious! I adored our FMC Maggie - intelligent, stubborn, independent, and just fabulous all around. I thoroughly enjoyed waiting for our couple to figure out their passionate rendevous at the masquerade!
I will absolutely be looking forward to future novels by this author!
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review; all opinions are my own.
***30s FMC/MMC
***Academics with magic
***Only one sleeping bag
***🌶️🌶️
***Debut author
This was a solid debut novel! I loved all the world building and magical aspects. The forced proximity was on point throughout, and the tension was delicious! I adored our FMC Maggie - intelligent, stubborn, independent, and just fabulous all around. I thoroughly enjoyed waiting for our couple to figure out their passionate rendevous at the masquerade!
I will absolutely be looking forward to future novels by this author!
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review; all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5
Maggie es profesora de lenguas mágicas y lleva una vida bastante tranquila hasta que una noche de Beltane decide ir a una fogata con máscaras para soltase un poco. Ahí conoce a un hombre misterioso con el que conecta de inmediato, se besan, la química es intensa y aun así ella decide no quitarse la máscara y dejarlo ir. El problema es que no logra sacarlo de su cabeza. Días después ocurre un accidente mágico en la universidad y Maggie termina trabajando muy de cerca con Arthur Taliesin, un alquimista brillante, arrogante y desesperante. Lo que no esperaba es que ese hombre tan insoportable se sintiera peligrosamente familiar. Con magia fuera de control, oficinas compartidas y roces constantes, ella tiene que enfrentarse a lo que siente, a sus miedos y a una conexión que claramente no fue solo cosa de una noche.
__
Me desespero Maggie en la parte final, quería sacudirla por todas las tonterías que hacía y decía.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Maggie es profesora de lenguas mágicas y lleva una vida bastante tranquila hasta que una noche de Beltane decide ir a una fogata con máscaras para soltase un poco. Ahí conoce a un hombre misterioso con el que conecta de inmediato, se besan, la química es intensa y aun así ella decide no quitarse la máscara y dejarlo ir. El problema es que no logra sacarlo de su cabeza. Días después ocurre un accidente mágico en la universidad y Maggie termina trabajando muy de cerca con Arthur Taliesin, un alquimista brillante, arrogante y desesperante. Lo que no esperaba es que ese hombre tan insoportable se sintiera peligrosamente familiar. Con magia fuera de control, oficinas compartidas y roces constantes, ella tiene que enfrentarse a lo que siente, a sus miedos y a una conexión que claramente no fue solo cosa de una noche.
__
Me desespero Maggie en la parte final, quería sacudirla por todas las tonterías que hacía y decía.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A sweet, cozy urban paranormal romantasy with well crafted characters and a strong enemies to lovers trope!
Maggie Linden is a professor at Hawthorne University specializing in teaching the linguistics of the ancient language of magic, Diadhan. Having been betrayed by the fellow graduate student she was in love with has caused her to be wary of romantic entanglements, but at a Beltane celebration she meets another masked participant whose kisses she can’t seem to forget.
In the meantime Hawthorne U has hired Arthur Taliesin, a famous and eminent professor of alchemical transformation. Maggie is angered when the arrogant man personally approves cutting the entirety of funding for her graduate student seminar class and then infuriated when his spellcasting error forced them to share her office until the magical pall resulting from his mistake can be cleared from the upper floors of their building.
My thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Maggie Linden is a professor at Hawthorne University specializing in teaching the linguistics of the ancient language of magic, Diadhan. Having been betrayed by the fellow graduate student she was in love with has caused her to be wary of romantic entanglements, but at a Beltane celebration she meets another masked participant whose kisses she can’t seem to forget.
In the meantime Hawthorne U has hired Arthur Taliesin, a famous and eminent professor of alchemical transformation. Maggie is angered when the arrogant man personally approves cutting the entirety of funding for her graduate student seminar class and then infuriated when his spellcasting error forced them to share her office until the magical pall resulting from his mistake can be cleared from the upper floors of their building.
My thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"Maggie and Arthur’s Magic Moment" is a cozy romantasy set at a magical university. Maggie is a professor of magical linguistics and still dealing with an old heartbreak. She shares an unforgettable kiss with a stranger at a masked Beltane festival, then finds herself stuck sharing an office with the infuriating and broody new alchemy professor, Arthur, after one of his spells goes wrong. What follows is a story full tension, close quarters, reluctant teamwork and even a one-sleeping-bag moment👀.
The university setting and detailed magic system make the world feel immersive without losing its cozy vibe. Maggie’s stubborn resistance had me a bit frustrated toward the end, but Arthur’s steady, respectful energy really made up for it. Overall, this is a sweet, low-stakes romantasy with charm, chemistry and lots of swoony tension✨️💜
✨️ Cozy romantasy
💜 Sunshine × grumpy
✨️ Professor MCs
💜 3rd person dual POV
Thank you Leslie René, Berkley and NetGalley for a copy of "Maggie and Arthur's Magic Moment" in exchange for my honest review.
The university setting and detailed magic system make the world feel immersive without losing its cozy vibe. Maggie’s stubborn resistance had me a bit frustrated toward the end, but Arthur’s steady, respectful energy really made up for it. Overall, this is a sweet, low-stakes romantasy with charm, chemistry and lots of swoony tension✨️💜
✨️ Cozy romantasy
💜 Sunshine × grumpy
✨️ Professor MCs
💜 3rd person dual POV
Thank you Leslie René, Berkley and NetGalley for a copy of "Maggie and Arthur's Magic Moment" in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is like having the younger versions of Snape and McGonagall from the Harry Potter franchise as teachers in University in a completely magical realm. Getting to know the characters of Maggie and Arthur was interesting to watch unfold. There are so many facets to people and the one that the general public sees is only a fraction of those. Maggie fell into the age-old dilemma of assuming that what was inferred was all there was to Arthur's personal character. Until she had to work with him and got to know him did she see that what the world expected of Arthur wasn't something he had ever asked for. He carries a huge weight coming from a very famous mother. An episode that happened at a time early in Maggie's career, make her very untrusting of men. Lucky for her she has an amazing friend that gives it to her straight.
I enjoyed falling into the world of Hawthorn College and the magic and science of it all. The characters are relatable and the story flowed well.
I received an ARC of this e-book from the publisher through Net Galley.
I enjoyed falling into the world of Hawthorn College and the magic and science of it all. The characters are relatable and the story flowed well.
I received an ARC of this e-book from the publisher through Net Galley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4,5⭐️
I really enjoyed this romance ! It takes place in a magical college. During the Beltane festival, Maggie kisses a tall stranger who is wearing a mask. It’s the best kiss of her life so she wants to find him. Maggie is a professor at Hawthorn College. She hates Arthur Taliesin, another professor. But an event forces them to work together…
I really enjoyed the enemies to lovers vibe. The romance is a slow burn and takes place over many weeks, which I appreciated. I loved the world building and all the magical elements. The progression of Maggie’s and Arthur’s relationship was very nice and I liked how they were able to see their true selves.
Overall, this was a very nice romance with magical elements. The growth both characters had was enjoyable to read ! Id love to read another book in this world !
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an arc of this book, opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this romance ! It takes place in a magical college. During the Beltane festival, Maggie kisses a tall stranger who is wearing a mask. It’s the best kiss of her life so she wants to find him. Maggie is a professor at Hawthorn College. She hates Arthur Taliesin, another professor. But an event forces them to work together…
I really enjoyed the enemies to lovers vibe. The romance is a slow burn and takes place over many weeks, which I appreciated. I loved the world building and all the magical elements. The progression of Maggie’s and Arthur’s relationship was very nice and I liked how they were able to see their true selves.
Overall, this was a very nice romance with magical elements. The growth both characters had was enjoyable to read ! Id love to read another book in this world !
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an arc of this book, opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Maggie & Arthur’s Magic Moment was cozy and cute! I really liked the build up of the relationship, that the society was magic based and not like a “secret society”, and both characters had their own baggage to work through. It was a super cute read!
Maggie meets a masked stranger at the Beltane Festival and finds herself enchanted in a romantic beach scene. By the end of the festival, Maggie decides to keep her identity a mystery. Only to disover she regrets the choice once the thought of him leaves her in a spellbound trance.
After returning to school, a spell gone wrong by her colleague, Arthur, causes a pall that attracts banshees and all manners of supernatural activity. Arthur’s office is shut down temporarily leading him to a shared office space with Maggie. Only their partnership can banish this cloak of dark magic along with Maggie getting to find her masked stranger.
Disclaimer: Review of advanced copy received by NetGallley
Maggie meets a masked stranger at the Beltane Festival and finds herself enchanted in a romantic beach scene. By the end of the festival, Maggie decides to keep her identity a mystery. Only to disover she regrets the choice once the thought of him leaves her in a spellbound trance.
After returning to school, a spell gone wrong by her colleague, Arthur, causes a pall that attracts banshees and all manners of supernatural activity. Arthur’s office is shut down temporarily leading him to a shared office space with Maggie. Only their partnership can banish this cloak of dark magic along with Maggie getting to find her masked stranger.
Disclaimer: Review of advanced copy received by NetGallley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed this book because even though it’s written in third person, which isn’t always my favorite, it totally worked for me here. This story felt so fun and refreshing. It’s a magical academic romance with a broody alchemist, forced proximity, and a mysterious masquerade kiss that had me hooked from the start. The whole setup reminded me a little of a modern, magical spin on Cinderella, especially with the masked ball vibes, and even gave me some Bridgerton energy with the masquerade aspect.
Maggie and Arthur were great together. Their banter, the tension of being stuck sharing a tiny office, and slowly realizing there’s more to each other than their first impressions made this such an enjoyable read. It felt unique and different from a lot of books in the genre, which was really refreshing!
This was a fun, magical romance that kept me smiling, and I’m really glad I picked it up!
Thank you to NetGalley, Leslie Rene, and Berkley/Ace for the eARC of this book.
Maggie and Arthur were great together. Their banter, the tension of being stuck sharing a tiny office, and slowly realizing there’s more to each other than their first impressions made this such an enjoyable read. It felt unique and different from a lot of books in the genre, which was really refreshing!
This was a fun, magical romance that kept me smiling, and I’m really glad I picked it up!
Thank you to NetGalley, Leslie Rene, and Berkley/Ace for the eARC of this book.
April 5, 2026
ARC Review (with spoilers):
This book really shines when it comes to the romance. The push-and-pull dynamic between the two leads is incredibly engaging, creating just the right amount of tension to keep you invested from start to finish. Their chemistry feels natural, and the emotional build-up pays off in a satisfying way.
One of the most pleasant surprises was the dual POV. Getting insight into both characters’ thoughts and motivations added depth to their relationship and made the story feel more immersive overall. Especially loved Artie's :)
That said, the pacing does falter at times. There are sections where the story leans too heavily into explaining how the magic system works, which can feel a bit overdone and slows the momentum. Additionally, while the world introduces a variety of ghost species, many of them aren’t explored in meaningful detail, leaving some missed opportunities for richer world-building.
Overall, it’s an enjoyable read, especially for fans of character-driven romance, even if the world-building doesn’t fully live up to its potential.
This book really shines when it comes to the romance. The push-and-pull dynamic between the two leads is incredibly engaging, creating just the right amount of tension to keep you invested from start to finish. Their chemistry feels natural, and the emotional build-up pays off in a satisfying way.
One of the most pleasant surprises was the dual POV. Getting insight into both characters’ thoughts and motivations added depth to their relationship and made the story feel more immersive overall. Especially loved Artie's :)
That said, the pacing does falter at times. There are sections where the story leans too heavily into explaining how the magic system works, which can feel a bit overdone and slows the momentum. Additionally, while the world introduces a variety of ghost species, many of them aren’t explored in meaningful detail, leaving some missed opportunities for richer world-building.
Overall, it’s an enjoyable read, especially for fans of character-driven romance, even if the world-building doesn’t fully live up to its potential.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I don’t usually read romance but this was such a cute story with magical elements. That’s what made me want to give it a try because the magic aspect was really intriguing. I also liked the forced proximity caused by a magical disaster at the university.
I found myself quickly becoming attached to the characters. Maggie and Arthur complement each other very well. Arthur is such a green flag for me : he listens to Maggie and would do anything for her. Maggie is incredibly intelligent but she tends to doubt herself. That’s why they are perfect for each other, they were meant to be together.
I also want to mention Dahlia who is such a good friend to Maggie. I love seeing this kind of supportive character in a book.
If you enjoy academic romance between professors, with a bit of chaos and a slow-burn dynamic, I definitely recommend this book !
Thank you to Berkley, Leslie René, and NetGalley for providing this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
I found myself quickly becoming attached to the characters. Maggie and Arthur complement each other very well. Arthur is such a green flag for me : he listens to Maggie and would do anything for her. Maggie is incredibly intelligent but she tends to doubt herself. That’s why they are perfect for each other, they were meant to be together.
I also want to mention Dahlia who is such a good friend to Maggie. I love seeing this kind of supportive character in a book.
If you enjoy academic romance between professors, with a bit of chaos and a slow-burn dynamic, I definitely recommend this book !
Thank you to Berkley, Leslie René, and NetGalley for providing this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this early!
I think I’m only rating it 3 stars because it didn’t pull me in as much as I hoped it would, which might be a shortcoming on my part?
This was really cute, the magic system was explained well enough for ME to understand (a big deal) and their jobs were explained which I loved. I like knowing stuff like that, and needed the deep dive into their purpose. Them being forced to work together in a way also hit really nice, the arguing was fun, and watching them fall in love was what I was here for obviously.
I think where this fell short for me was the reveal. It was too soon and it kind of pulled me out of the story. I hoped it would’ve been drawn out longer.
I’d still say that cozy fantasy lovers might love this a lot! The ‘danger’ wasn’t so bad, just very curious about how others might picture it.
I think I’m only rating it 3 stars because it didn’t pull me in as much as I hoped it would, which might be a shortcoming on my part?
This was really cute, the magic system was explained well enough for ME to understand (a big deal) and their jobs were explained which I loved. I like knowing stuff like that, and needed the deep dive into their purpose. Them being forced to work together in a way also hit really nice, the arguing was fun, and watching them fall in love was what I was here for obviously.
I think where this fell short for me was the reveal. It was too soon and it kind of pulled me out of the story. I hoped it would’ve been drawn out longer.
I’d still say that cozy fantasy lovers might love this a lot! The ‘danger’ wasn’t so bad, just very curious about how others might picture it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you love Ali Hazelwood but wish her STEM romances had magic then you will LOVE this book! I was obsessed with the magically masked meet-cute and the tension building through forced proximity of office sharing. The academic setting was very strong, and definitely impacted their dynamic. I liked how layered the characters were, with their histories and traumas impacting how they approach going from enemies/rivals to coexisting to working together and ultimately to partners in a deep way. He definitely fell first and I loved that he said he knew when he saw her if there was anything between them he wouldn’t be able to help being serious about her, and he was always able to see her brilliance and strength! This was a delightful reluctant allies to lovers journey with a great plot and fun cast of characters that I think so many people would enjoy!
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