A Witch in Notting Hill

by Alexandra Paige

Perfect for fans of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, this cozy and whimsical romance follows an accident-prone witch and a hot grumpy occult bookstore owner who doesn’t believe in magic as they travel across London to undo a spell gone awry. 

When rising Hollywood actress and secret witch Willow James accidentally turns her manager into a cat while trying to escape her contract, she’s sure she’s hit her magical low point. Determined to fix her mistake, she journeys to London in search of a rare spell hidden within the famed occult bookstore, Coven & Codex. The last thing she expects? The shop’s brooding, handsome owner, Oliver Hadley, who’d rather avoid magic altogether.

Together—with a ragtag group of friends (both human and feline)—Willow and Oliver must scour every corner of the city, from museums to festivals to bustling street markets, to find the missing pieces of the spell. Along the way, Willow’s unpredictable magic and Oliver’s skeptical heart will face the one thing they can't escape… love.

Filled with enchanting adventures, sparkling romance, and a dash of mischief, A Witch in Notting Hill is a sweet and spirited tale of discovering magic where you least expect it.

Genres: Romance, Witches, Fantasy, Cozy, Magic, Cozy Fantasy, Halloween

352 pages, Paperback

Expected publication August 11, 2026

About the author

ALEXANDRA PAIGE is a writer and educator. She is enthusiastic about all things romance, and her work often serves as a love letter to European travel and the chaos of being twenty-something. She currently writes in an apartment she shares with her boyfriend above a pizzeria downtown, though her stories are always taking her elsewhere. She has an MFA from Lindenwood University and lives in New Jersey. Weekends with You is her first novel.

Reviews

[Mai H.]

Valentine's Day TBR

📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Avon a

[Hannah Stob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow this was such a surprise! I went into this with low expectations, it sounded like a cute premise and it definitely delivered!

I enjoyed the characters, both Oliver and Willow were pleasant and not annoying (which is hard to do in romances these days) and actually communicated for the most part! A couple of moments they could have done better but I’ll take it!

And the side characters were fun - I loved that Min and Lola were supportive of Oliver and therefore supportive of Willow. And Vera was a cute little addition too!

I didn’t love the spice, I think it could have been better being fade to black but it is what it is.

Overall a cutie little romance that would be a perfect fall read!

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC!

[Katie Shaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“I’ve known magic is real since the first time I saw you.” ✨📚

Think Sabrina the Teenage Witch meets Notting Hill. 🤝 * but add a little spice 🌶️

When Willow, a famous actress and decidedly mediocre witch accidentally turns her manager into a cat, she flees Los Angeles for England in search of a reversal spell. Her grandmother has always said that when you’re in a bind, bookshops are ALWAYS answer, and that advice leads Willow to an occult bookshop in Notting Hill.

There, she meets Oliver, the charming but highly skeptical shop owner. With the help of Oliver and his two star-struck friends, Willow sets out to find the spell she needs to turn her manager back into a human. As she works to gain control over her magic, she also finds herself falling for Oliver, despite his disbelief in everything she represents.

This was such a fun, whimsical, and cozy read with great banter and a magical setting. Perfect for readers who enjoy light fantasy blended with romance. 🪄

Thank you to Alexandra Paige and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Katie May · Rating 3 out of 5]

There wasnt inherently anything g wrong with this book, it was short and sweet but ended up being just fine. Me in my 20s would’ve ate this up for the nostalgia but as an adult rom com this was kind of boring.

This follows pretty much the same beats from the movie it’s based on but with a witchy twist. I was disappointed that not much of anything was actually British? And I didn’t feel as much chemistry between the couple. Couple of side characters but they were also kind of just fine and only there to serve the romance. Pretty quick read and overall enjoyable, just didn’t do anything mind blowing for me.

This would make a really cute audiobook.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author/publisher for an early copy of this book in exhange for an honest review.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Avon & Harper Voyager for providing me with a gifted ebook copy of A Witch In Notting Hill through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

A Witch In Notting Hill is the cutest paranormal romance. Notting Hill is one of my favorite movies and Paige did it justice by adding a fun, witchy spin. Willow and Oliver made the perfect opposites attract couple and I loved their slow burn romance.

The quest around London to reverse an accidental spell of as so fun, and brought great character growth for Willow and Oliver. I also really enjoyed Lola and Minho as side characters.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
* Witch & Bookstore Owner
* Wonky Magic
* Spell Quest
* Slow Burn

𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥: 🌶️.5

I definitely recommend adding this one to your TBR if you are a fan of cute, cozy, and spicy paranormal romance.

[Sophie O'Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Avon for my advanced reader copy!

A Witch in Notting Hill was a perfect reprieve from the world’s events lately. This was so cute and so silly. I wasn’t sure what I was anticipating more: Oliver and Willow’s inevitable romance or Vera turning back into a human! I loved the depiction of London through the seasons through Willow’s eyes, especially as someone traveling there soon. The quest element made it fun and suspenseful in more ways than just the romantic suspense! Overall this was so cozy and a perfect February read.

[Kristin Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witch in Notting Hill completely charmed me. The personalities and banter between the main characters are so funny — I found myself smiling the entire time I was reading. It’s one of those books where the dialogue alone makes you want to linger a little longer.

I’m loving this modern-day treasure hunt setup, especially with all the little side quests woven in. And the fact that the fans are hunting too? Obsessed. #wiwj

I was rooting for Willow the whole way through — like fully chanting with fists in the air “Wil-low! Wil-low! Wil-low!” You just want her to get it right.

And once again, the humor absolutely delivers. Light, clever, and genuinely laugh-out-loud in places. This is EASILY going on my favorites list. Cozy magic + sharp wit = my happy place.

[Cristiana Marques · Rating 3 out of 5]

"A Witch in Notting Hill": ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5 stars)

"Oliver Hadley unchecked was its own kind of magic."

Title: A Witch In Notting Hill
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Alexandra Paige
Pages: 343

Thoughts:

This is my first ever Alexandra Paige book. I'm not disappointed in the least bit. For the fans of Notting Hill with Julia Roberts, this book is perfect. Hollywood actress comes to London, falls in love with a guy who owns a bookstore and decides to stay? SLAY 💅🏻

Now add in a little bit of magic ✨ and you get this book.

We have Willow and Oliver as our main characters, Vera is Willow's manager and she's turned into a CAT 😺 by accident (spoilers) and the whole plot of the book is Willow following a quest her grandmother left her to solve this problem. You know who shinned here? MINHO AND LOLA! BOOM! Such good friends and supporters.

I loved the romance, I loved the setting and I loved the happy ending. It's slow-burn romance, a bit of instant attraction, push & pull kind of situation and two chapters with open door spice ❤️‍🔥

This book is a MUST for any seasonal readers, such as myself. Thank you for the e-arc to the publisher, Net galley and, of course, the author.

[Kerris · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5/5*

This was… interesting. A sweet little romance with a touch of the supernatural, plenty of humor, and a “mysterious” twist.

The heroine is a clumsy witch and a movie star who accidentally turns her agent into a cat. That sets off her mission to undo the spell – with the reluctant help of a grumpy bookstore owner who doesn’t believe in magic. Cue a string of funny moments, talking-cat banter (only she can hear it, of course), and an overall cozy, chaotic vibe.

The male lead is your classic skeptic-turned-believer type, and their chemistry builds slowly.

The whole thing gave me “adult Sabrina the Teenage Witch” vibes — charming, silly, and lighthearted. It was an easy, pleasant read, even if it didn’t completely blow me away.

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Staring of February with a witchy spin on one of my favourite romance movies, Nottinghill. It's a cosy sweet romance, with the main character Willow being a famous movie star, and the male lead being the grumpy bookstore owner.

I gave this book 3 stars, it was an enjoyable, easy read. I would give it 4 stars but I couldn't get past the very stereotypical "English-ness" of the book. The English characters felt very American, yet used English words. It just felt very odd to me. I'm not sure if maybe the author is from the United Kingdom, or just visits.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.

[Lexi Fiolka · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great read for the Fall! Plus Grumpy x Sunshine trope!

I really liked Willow, the FMC. She was fun to follow and easy to like.

I found it a little harder to like Oliver, the FMC. His pov chapters were not always my favorite. And found the story to be a bit slow at times. But also felt like the ending wrapped up super fast.

Not my absolute favorite, but a fun, cute, and easy read!

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon a, and Alexandra Paige for the eARC in exchange for an honest review

[♡~Demi P. Sewell~♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is pure, cozy perfection! When secret witch (and Hollywood star) Willow accidentally turns her manager into a cat, she bolts to London to undo the spell—only to find herself teaming up with Oliver, a brooding, skeptical bookstore owner who wants nothing to do with magic.

​Why I loved it:

✨️​The Banter & Slow-Burn: Willow’s chaotic sunshine energy vs. Oliver’s grumpy, guarded heart made for the best back-and-forth. Their forced-proximity setup delivered so much witty banter, but it was those soft, vulnerable moments that really made the romance land. 💕

✨️​London Vibes & Scavenger Hunt: The Notting Hill setting felt so vivid and charming. Plus, the scavenger hunt across the city gave the plot great momentum while serving up some super fun magical lore. 🇬🇧

✨️​The Cat as a Side Hustle: Instead of just being there for cute points or taking over the scene, keeping track of the manager-turned-cat felt like a full-on, high-stakes side gig. 🐈‍⬛

​Light, funny, and total cozy comfort reading—this story completely swept me away!

​Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Ty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Witch in Notting Hill is such a charming story. It follows a witch who’s also an actress, someone who struggles with confidence in her magic, often leading to accidental mishaps, especially when her nerves take over. Also particularly true when it comes to anything involving romance.

After accidentally turning her manager into a cat, she’s forced to set out on a journey to fix her mistake. What starts as a simple mission quickly becomes something much bigger. As she travels to London in search of a spell to reverse the magic, her world is turned upside down. Along the way, she’s pushed to confront her fears, face her emotions, and reevaluate what she truly wants out of life. Through unexpected adventures, she begins to build confidence, form genuine friendships, and maybe even open her heart to a romance she never thought she’d be ready for.

This story is full of heartfelt moments and meaningful lessons about self-discovery, embracing who you are, and learning to believe in yourself.

Overall, it’s an adorable and uplifting read! 4.5 stars.

[Emmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I received this from NetGalley and saw that it was a witchy read involving a cat I was sold. 🤣 This was a slow cozy read.
*Fav quotes:
~“Are all Englishmen this perceptive? Or just the bookish kind?”
~“Just the bookish kind.”—“We’re a rare breed.”
~“It was this kind of variety, this kind of bottomless well of knowledge, that made me want to work in a bookshop in the first place. The very idea that I could spend my days in a place people came to learn, to be entertained, to escape, to discover themselves. Bookshops saved me more times than I could count over the past thirty-two years of my life, and I’d always thought it would be a privilege to own one that could save someone else. That could bring someone back to themselves—or far away from themselves—or that could bring someone comfort or answers or questions or a sense of belonging.”
~“The full moon festival waits for no one.”

[DJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.


A Witch in Notting Hill is the perfect cozy book to kick off autumn! Willow is an actress and a not so great witch. However, no one knows she's a witch until one day a spell goes wrong and she turns her manager into a cat. Willow tries everything but doesn't know how to fix it, so she goes to London to search for a spell. She meets Oliver the over of magic bookstore, who doesn't believe in actually magic. He reluctantly agrees to help Willow find the missing pieces of the spell. However, the true magic they can't escape is the feelings they have for each other. A Witch in Notting Hill was a perfect rainy day cozy read! I really enjoyed it!

[Nena Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is was such a fun, cozy sweet romance book. I didnt know if I would like a British style book, but I really liked it. I guess its true from tv to books that all the little old British men really are grumpy lol
I also lived how quirky Mo, Lola, and Oliver are. They all fit together with Willow perfect lol

[Mande · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC! 3.5 rounded up. It took me a bit to find the rhythm for this book. There are alternating POV chapters which was enjoyable but always jarring to me (it’s a spicy brain thing for me). The atmospheric setting could have been a bit MORE, but the supporting characters were great fun!

[Heather Houghtaling · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the perfect light hearted cozy witchy romance read, I wanted. Willow & Oliver were the sweetest. I adored all the side characters, especially Lola. The slow burn between willow & Oliver was so fun and flirty and perfect. I hope we get more books in the Notting Hall universe :)

Thank you Avon & author for this ARC!

[Whitney Branham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now I want to be a witch and I want it to be fall lmao🎃

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a blast this one was! I picked it up after being offered an ARC for an honest review based on some of my previous reviews from the publisher, and I’m SO glad I did because I genuinely had such a fun time with it. Also… I haven’t read many witchy books before and now I’m sitting here wondering if I’ve seriously been missing out.

Actress Willow James is doing everything she can to keep her head down, her magic under control, and herself far away from romance. Unfortunately for her, romance tends to make her magic completely malfunction. And after an argument with her manager accidentally turns said manager into a cat… yeah, things spiral quickly.

Following advice from her grandmother, Willow heads to London and finds herself at Coven & Codex, an occult bookstore that may hold the answers she needs to turn her manager human again. What she wasn’t expecting was Oliver, handsome, broody, pessimistic Oliver, who immediately has her magic acting up in all the worst (best) ways.

Together, along with a lovable group of new friends, they go on a hunt for the missing pieces of the spell while slowly opening their hearts to each other along the way. The banter between Willow and Oliver was SO good and their chemistry felt effortless. I honestly couldn’t put this down and loved how smoothly the story flowed from start to finish.

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher!

[niko · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an arc I had received from netgalley.

Sadly dnfing at 41%. The overall idea of the book was definitely interesting, but sadly this book is just too slow for me. I did have high hopes for this one, but I just don’t think this book was for me, and that’s ok. I would definitely try this book again in the future.

[sierra ʚɞ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first time reading an Alexandra Paige book. I enjoyed her writing style and verbiage as well as the font and spacing on the pages. I hate when a book wastes paper with a lot of room in the margins where text could've easily filled up more of the page. I know this is an ARC, but I did want to point out that I noticed a few places where it looks like a space was missed such as on page 270 at the beginning of chapter 30 where it says "ofWillow" and it appears to be missing a space between of and Willow. I'm sure that will get fixed before it gets published, but if not hopefully pointing it out helps get it noticed!

Right off the bat, I struggled to read this novel and actually enjoy it solely because one of the main characters is named Oliver. I've been extremely depressed ever since Oliver Tree's tragic death last month and struggling to come to terms with his passing. I was a fan of his music and was very pained by the horrific accident that led to his death at such a young age, so having to see his name over and over again was making it hard for me to immerse myself in this book. Obviously that is not the author's fault and Oliver is a common popular name, but for me personally it made me struggle to read this novel without thinking of him. I can't fault the author for that at all. I also started to realize after his passing that I have a bit of a crush on Oliver Tree, so thinking of him while reading a romance novel was not doing me any favors. I do think once I am past my grieving and in a more comfortable place, I see this book being an enjoyable cozy read for autumn (even though we don't get a true autumn here in Florida LOL). I'm thinking I will re-read it around Halloween this year and maybe I will enjoy it more when the setting is right for this type of novel.

To me, this book was mostly romance and kind of lacked the witchy magic elements the cover, title, and synopsis eluded to. I was a bit disappointed in that aspect, as I love a novel that bends reality and plays with the super natural. I'm also not a huge romance novel lover, I will read them, but I find that there can be so much more to a story than the romance and I feel this story could've been told in a way where more happened and the romance was just an added benefit to the story. I always get a bit sad when I see stories start to become more smutty rather than a true story and sadly the sex scenes in this book were just a bit too raunchy and smutty for me to really enjoy. I prefer a story to elude to the sex rather than describe everything in gruesome detail. Plus, I think there's better words we could be using to sound romantic instead of "my cock inside her", it sounds like a horny teenage boy wrote that line.

I know this is a retelling of Notting Hill, a rom-com starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, and I will admit that I have not seen it, so I have no clue how much of the story matches up to Notting Hill, but based on other reviews this seems to be a great read for fans of Notting Hill. If you love romance books that border on smut then this is for you, but if you came here looking for a true witchy book then I would go elsewhere! Not sure if I will be reading anything else from Alexandra Paige, this book felt too much like It Ends With Us/It Starts With Us, and I'm really trying to stay away from raunchy romances like those books. I think this one just wasn't meant for me!

Thank you Avon Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, for my gifted ARC!

(ARC received for free via a HarperCollins and William Morrow giveaway on Goodreads)

[Violetdazey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Notting Hill is one of my favorite rom-coms, starring Hollywood legends Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, so A Witch in Notting Hill immediately caught my attention with its gorgeous London-inspired cover and the promise of witchy fall vibes. I stayed, however, for the chemistry-filled romance between a pessimistic bookstore owner and a movie star raised in a family of witches. I absolutely loved the first half of the novel because I felt completely grounded in both characters’ perspectives, their relationships, the weight of familial expectations, and the outside pressures shaping their lives, and the chemistry between them is palpable from their very first meeting. There’s a special kind of person who can turn a pessimist into a believer, and Willow—magic or not—is exactly that kind of person. Beyond the romance, the supporting characters truly made the story shine: Oliver isn’t the typical brooding cynic but rather a normal guy with loyal, supportive friends who are always ready for an adventure if it means protecting the people they love. Lo and Min brought a refreshing sense of humor and much-needed comedic relief, and seeing Willow open herself up to these new friendships, even knowing her time in London might be brief, was genuinely heartwarming. Honestly, who even needs the classic one-bed trope when you have one room and two sleeping roommates? Willow, who has always felt like an outsider in her impressive family of witches, finally finds people who feel like home, and I loved how Oliver becomes the one who calms her and believes in her, even though he struggles to accept the magic system that ironically shapes his entire career. That said, I do wish Willow’s family had been a more prominent part of the narrative—even a brief visit from her sister during the third-act breakup would have added depth. While the relationship between Willow and Aunt Annie was full of warmth and emotional tenderness, I still wanted to see more of Willow’s witchy roots explored, and Vera was a criminally underused character—we were absolutely robbed of the possibility of her becoming Oliver’s part-time bookstore cat while Willow browsed the shop. Overall, this book was a delightful, feel-good rom-com packed with adventure, chaotic hijinks, and classic rom-com moments gone wrong, all wrapped in a cozy magical atmosphere set against the lively backdrop of London. The magical elements are light and whimsical rather than dark or heavy, which perfectly suits the playful tone of the story, and watching Willow navigate her abilities while balancing everyday life created plenty of fun and heartfelt moments. I especially appreciated that the story focuses on personal growth alongside the magical elements, giving the character’s journey emotional depth and warmth. By the end, I truly felt like I had spent time in a charming little magical corner of London, and it left me smiling while also making me desperately want to visit the city myself. 🍂✨

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was cute! The small-town vibes in a little town near London definitely set the mood, and the magic/witchiness was perfect! There is a lot of humor from start to end, which I had a good time with, and the side characters absolutely add to that.

I was definitely pulled in by the manager-turned-cat fiasco and how much Willow has to do to fix it. Following a 'list' of things is always something I like in stories, and joining that with a magic element made it even more compelling. It also made for great side quests where Willow and Oliver got to interact more, but also where Lo and Min (the side characters) truly got to shine (they may have been my favorite characters, to be honest!).

There's also a little bit of an enigmatic air to Willow's magic, which I thought was really interesting as the story goes on; it's almost like some sort of "curse" she has to be a "bad" witch and have rogue magic, which the story seems to build up as an idea throughout the chapters. That followed through and tied into the ending and the characters' arcs and relationship[s], which really redeemed the story for me! The ending was heartwarming, and the 'answers' we get about the magic Willow has was something I thought added quite a cozy message to the overall romance and story! I also really enjoyed some of the connections that are made between past and present (as well as between Oliver and Willow, in turn!).

Overall, I really enjoyed the magic element of the story, the witch vibes complemented by small town cozy atmospheres/scenes, and the side characters of the story! Willow and Oliver also grow as individual characters, and I felt for Willow's sense of having to always play the part as an actress but just wanting to be 'normal.' I also was quite frustrated with Oliver being so stubborn and ornery, but he did truly change at the end, which I appreciated! Once again, I can't shout out the side characters enough, because they were fabulous!

I did struggle with a couple elements. I wanted a little more depth to each of our main characters; I would have loved to get to know about their histories, families, and just general characters more. Just wanted some more complexity to them. I also didn't feel like they had a spark in terms of the romance; this book is heavy on the insta-love/insta-attraction trope, which is just something I'm not personally a fan of. I felt it could have been a story with them as friends and delivered the same for me. Finally, it did struggle to keep my interest at times, and I thought some points were slow-going.

As a whole, it was a cute story with lots of humor that absolutely gives cozy vibes! I'd recommend it if you like insta-attraction and want a quick read for the fall, but I'm not sure I'd go out of my way to read it again myself because I was hoping for a bit more depth all around.

Thanks to Avon and NetGalley for the eARC; all opinions are my own.

[Karolina Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was pure witchy fun and honestly, my inner child who grew up loving magical movies was very happy. Willow James was such a lovable mess and I mean that in the best way possible. She’s a famous actress, but behind all the fame and sparkle, she’s still trying to figure herself out and convince herself that she’s actually good enough. Watching her stumble, grow and start owning her magic was honestly such a fun journey. She’s chaotic, relatable and the kind of character you want to grab by the shoulders and say... “Girl, please believe in yourself because I'm rooting for you.”

And then there’s Oliver… oh, Oliver. The king of “magic isn’t real” while literally standing in the middle of magical chaos. Sir, please explain yourself. 🤭 He was the perfect grumpy skeptic to Willow’s sunshine energy. Their dynamic had me entertained because they were constantly challenging each other and watching their walls slowly come down was so satisfying. The banter? The tension? The “I absolutely don’t believe in this but somehow I’m helping you anyway” energy? Loved it.

Also, can we talk about Lola and Minho? Because every main character deserves friends like them. They brought the humor, the support and the “I love you, but I’m also going to call you out because you’re being ridiculous” energy that every friend group needs. They added so much personality to the story and honestly made me wish I could join their little chaotic crew.

The magical side of this story was exactly what I wanted. It wasn’t overwhelming or overly complicated, it was fun, whimsical and gave me those nostalgic witchy movie vibes. The occult bookstore, the spells, the London setting… I was ready to pack my bags and move into a magical bookshop immediately. Like, sorry bills, sorry responsibilities, I have a witchy bookstore to run now. 😂📚

My only little complaint is that I wanted more. More family background, more moments with certain side characters and honestly just more time in this world because I was having such a good time. Some stories make you want the pages to end, but this one made me want extra chapters.

This book was definitely a cute, cozy, magical escape that made me smile. It’s the kind of book you pick up when you need something sweet, comforting and guaranteed to make you believe that maybe a little magic exists somewhere.

Basically: give me a rainy day, a hot drink, a blanket and a tiny magical bookstore… because I’m ready.

Perfect for readers who love:
✨ Witchy romance
✨ Cozy magical chaos
✨ Grumpy x sunshine
✨ Slow burn chemistry
✨ Cozy autumnal vibes

Thank you to Avon & Harper Voyager and NetGalley for giving me early access to this book. A Witch in Notting Hill releases on August 11, 2026, so add this adorable witchy romance to your TBR because your cozy reading era is calling. 🧙‍♀️📚

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Witch in Notting Hill is the perfect cozy addition to your TBR this fall, or whenever you long for fall vibes! The "witch in the real world" premise is very Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and the adventure Willow and Oliver set out on to reverse Willow's accidental spell reminded me of the tasks Marnie and her siblings must accomplish to successfully cast their big spell in the first Halloweentown movie. So basically, a very fun, lighthearted, witchy plot! Perfect for a quick and casual seasonal read.

I liked both Willow and Oliver as MCs and appreciated the dual POV. I desperately wanted Willow to succeed and feel confident in her witchy-ness, and I was dying for Oliver to finally accept that magic was real! I also really enjoyed Oliver's friends, Minho and Lola; I felt that they added a lot of character and humor to the story, and I honestly wish there was more of them! It would have been great to see more of them interacting with Willow and fostering a friendship with her, but I still appreciate all the page-time they got. Their banter with Oliver was excellent, and I feel like the author was very successful in making them feel like a longtime friend group with a lot of history and love between them.

I also would have liked to see more of Willow's family life and relationships explored; it's made clear that she feels inadequate when it comes to her magical abilities compared to the other women in her family, but I feel like the book could have dived a little deeper into that. We only see one conversation between her and her older sister and only the briefest mention of her mom, and while she clearly loved and looked up to her grandmother, we didn't get as much of their relationship as I would have liked to see, either. I also think we could've gotten a little more from Vera as a character; she had the potential to be a wise-cracking Salem-like cat-person, but we really didn't get much of her even though the plot revolved around fixing her.

Overall, though, very enjoyable read! Sweet and cozy, and very much scratches the itch I always have for books about witches!

Read If You Like:
- Magical Hijinks
- Cozy Autumn Vibes
- Witchy Romance
- Slow Burn
- Forced Proximity

Thank you to Avon, the Epic Tastemakers program and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexandra Paige’s A Witch in Notting Hill somehow convinced me that sitting on the patio for “just twenty minutes” was a great idea. Two hours later my coffee was cold, my Kindle battery had dropped way too far, and I still wasn’t ready to leave Willow behind. Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager for the gifted book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This one simply made me smile.

Willow is a Hollywood actress whose magic has a habit of showing up at exactly the wrong moment, and after one spectacular mistake sends her racing to London, everything becomes a little chaotic. Then there’s Oliver, the bookstore owner who insists magic isn’t real while literally spending his days surrounded by books about it. I laughed every time he dug his heels in.

I listened to a few chapters on my drive to work, picked it back up that evening, and somewhere along the way this story became my comfort read for the week. Faith decided my lap was the perfect place to nap, so reading slowed down considerably, but I wasn’t in a hurry anyway. This feels like the kind of book you’re supposed to enjoy a little at a time.

The relationship between Willow and Oliver won me over because neither of them had life figured out. They both carried doubts, just in different ways. Watching those walls come down felt natural, and I liked that the romance wasn’t the only thing happening. Lola and Minho added so much life to every scene, and honestly, I could have spent another hundred pages hanging out with that whole group.

The magical hunt around London was just plain fun, and Vera being stuck as a cat never stopped making me grin. I did catch myself muttering, “Just tell him already,” once or twice when Willow kept holding back, but that’s half the fun of getting invested.

By the time I finished, I realized I wasn’t thinking about spells or magic anymore. I was thinking about finding people who make you feel safe enough to be yourself. Those are always the stories that stick with me.

This is staying on my recommendation shelf for fall because sometimes you just want a cozy escape with a little romance, a little magic, a wonderful bookstore, and one unforgettable cat.

What’s one fictional place you’d happily disappear into for an entire weekend?

#AWitchInNottingHill #AlexandraPaige #AvonBooks #HarperVoyager

[Em Sutton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a freaking cute fally witchy romance! I felt that Willow was super fun to follow along as she rediscovered a love of magic while also falling in love. Oliver really put grumpy into grump x sunshine because wow did he have a chip on his shoulders. Both characters seemed so opposite in every way initially, but it ended up falling into place beautifully. I thought Vera's character was WAY too kind about the whole "being turned into a cat for half of the year" thing, but her character turned out to be a good support for Willow as she navigated her magic. Willow and Oliver were a little back-and-forth with their attraction which I liked because the insta love trope drives me absolutely bananas. I started to love seeing Oliver's POV especially when he was just following Willow around the UK even though he didn't believe in magic. I loved Oliver's friends Lola and Minho so much because of their support and optimism toward Willow as well as their AUTHENTICITY toward Oliver! Only the best of friends will call you out on your BS while also supporting you while you figure out what to do in times of stress. I liked that the magical elements were not overpowering but were enjoyable within the story. I could easily picture myself cozying up to read this with a blanket and a nice hot bev in the fall! The main reason that this book was not a five star for me was really just because of the "Britishness/Englishness" of the story. I am not sure if the author has been to the UK frequently or knows someone from the UK... there were a lot of specific words that kind of threw me for a loop. Sometimes it felt like the characters would say random English slang one time within an entire event, which felt a little strange. Still, I loved these characters and this was such an enjoyable read that I had so much fun reading. I will definitely be looking forward to more of Alexandra Paige's work! Thank you to NetGalley, Alexandra Paige, and Avon and Harper for the early read. A Witch in Notting Hill is out on August 11th this year!

[be moore romantic · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up!

Notting Hill is one of my favorite rom-coms starring Hollywood legends Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts. A Witch in Notting Hill drew me in with a gorgeous London inspired cover, promising witchy fall vibes, but I stayed for the chemistry-filled romance between a pessimistic bookstore owner and a movie star raised in a family of witches. I love love loved the first half of the novel, I felt grounded inside both character’s perspectives, their relationships, familial expectations, and external pressures. The chemistry is palpable from their very first meeting. There’s a special kind of person that can turned a pessimist into a believer and Willow, with or without her magic is that special person. Outside the love story, the supporting characters made this novel worthwhile. Oliver isn’t your typical brooding cynic, but he’s a regular guy with supportive friends, who are always down for an adventure if it means protecting the people they loves. Lo and Min were a breath of fresh air and a much needed comedic relief, and seeing Willow open herself up to these new connections, regardless of how brief her time in London was, warmed my heart. P.S. Who needs one-bed trope when you have one-room and two sleeping roommates?

Willow, who’d always felt like an outsider in her family of impressive witches, finally found the people she can call home. I really enjoyed Oliver being the one to calm Willow down and believe in her despite his disbelief in the magic system that his entire career is built around. I do wish that Willows family was a more prominent part of the narrative, even if it’s a brief visit from her sister during the third-act breakup. Alongside the heartwarming, emotional tenderness of her relationship between Willow and Aunt Annie, I wanted to see more of Willow’s witchy roots. Also Vera is a grossly under-utilized character and we were robbed of her being Olivers part-time bookstore cat while Willow browses the shop!

Overall, this book was a feel-good rom-com with plenty of adventure, hijinks, and rom-com moments gone wrong! Perfect fall read and made me desperately want to visit London!

[📖 Amanda 📚 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for my Advanced Readers Copy!

Next time you’re annoyed with your boss, just remember: you could have accidentally turned them into a cat and fled the country like Willow did. 🤫✈️ Read my review of this chaotic witchy rom-com!

⭐️ 4.5 /5 ⭐️

Because nothing says "I have my life together" quite like accidentally turning your boss into a house pet.
Meet Willow James. She is an actress, a secret witch, and a walking health hazard. When her magical powers inevitably glitch, she does the most logical thing possible: she turns her manager into a cat and realizes she has absolutely no idea how Ctrl+Z works in the witchcraft world. Naturally, instead of looking up a tutorial online, she boards an international flight to find a specific bookstore. Because flights are cheap and traveling with a manager who is currently a feline is definitely not a TSA nightmare.
Enter Oliver. Oliver just inherited his uncle’s bookstore, which happens to specialize in the occult. The twist? Oliver doesn’t believe in magic. Yes, you read that right. He runs a magical shop but thinks magic is a fairy tale. Truly a marketing genius.
But don't worry, his fierce skepticism immediately evaporates the moment a gorgeous celebrity walks through the door. Suddenly, Oliver is more than happy to play detective and hunt down a mythical spellbook. I’m sure his sudden urge to help is fueled entirely by his deep passion for customer service, and definitely not because he’s hoping to score a date.
If you like your romance with a heavy dose of workplace negligence, oblivious male leads, and a boss who now licks their own fur, this one is for you.


The Good:
- Intrigued from the get go
- Super cute and funny
Not so Good:
- Romance “height” was super cheesy
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A Witch in Notting Hill by Alexandra Paige
Kindle Edition 📱 by NetGalley
Available on August 11, 2026
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Read my reviews on:
https://linktr.ee/DeutscheMausi
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