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.
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.
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!
“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.
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.
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
A cute, cozy, magical read set in London, yes please! 🪄✨
This book had laugh out loud moments, and loved the FMC’s banter. Had me hooked from the beginning with a friends to lovers (grumpy to sunshine) trope with a little spice 🌶️, adventure and a side quest. A quick and easy read was perfection.
Thank you Alexandra Oaife, Harper Voyager and NetGalley for this advanced read.
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.
"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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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. 🍂✨
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!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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!
Minor Spoilers - Willow, our FML, is a witch whose magic goes haywire every time she has a romantic encounter. The only way to keep from getting outed as a witch is to avoid romance completely, which is becoming more and more difficult. An A list actress, Willow’s agent pressures her one too many times to play a romantic role and Willow somehow turns her into a cat. Without knowing how she cast the spell in the first place, Willow leaves sunny California for London England, and a magic bookshop her grandmother recommended for solving tough problems. Unfortunately, the owner passed away recently and his sceptical (and hot!) grandnephew is now running the place. Willow has to find a spell to reverse the first one, and then try to cast it with the help of the hot (and sceptical) grandnephew.
Alexandra focuses heavily on the romantic aspects of this book; folks who are looking for slowburn with multiple open doors scenes near the end and a touch of magic will be very happy. As far as the magic goes, Alexandra covers multiple types/theories around magic, which made the in-world magic system a little contradictory. That said, this is supposed to be a light rom-com, so you don’t need to think too hard about it! The story pacing was great, the supporting characters were wonderful & fully fleshed out, and the open door scenes were hot hot hot!
Thanks to Avon and Harper Voyager for the Advanced Reader’s Copy! A Witch in Notting Hill is currently available in ebook, and will be available in print 8/11/2026.
This book is cozy, soft, and whimsical in that warm, witchy way. The whole vibe is very autumn-core. It lowkey reminded me of Sabrina the Teenage Witch with that comfy, slightly mischievous witchy atmosphere. And I liked that.
However, I do wish the witchy elements were stronger. The magic sometimes felt more like a decorative cherry on top rather than something deeply woven into the story.
The conflict itself also wasn’t very deep. The stakes never felt particularly intense, which made parts of the story feel a bit… low-pressure. But I also get the sense that the author was intentionally going for a fluffy, easy, cozy read rather than something dramatic and heavy. And if that was the goal, then honestly she did a pretty good job!
Willow and Oliver are cute and sweet. But that’s kind of where it stops for me. Their interactions were pleasant, but I never felt that spark. I wanted a bit more chemistry. More tension.
Unfortunately, I also struggled to connect with the characters overall. They felt a little flat and underdeveloped, which made it harder for me to feel emotionally invested in their journeys.
The pacing didn’t fully help either. It leans on the slower side, and there were moments where I caught myself drifting a bit.
That said, this isn’t a bad book at all. It’s light, cozy, and easy to read. The kind of story you pick up when you want something gentle and low-stakes with a sprinkle of magic.
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Thank you to Avon, Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for the ARC!
I am a sucker for a witchy romcom. So as soon as this popped up on NetGalley I knew I had to go for it and thankfully Avon approved me. So first, big thanks to NetGalley & Avon for providing me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book was pitched to me as the movie Notting Hill with a witchy twist. And it was indeed that. The book is cozy, and whimsical, but sadly also predictable and at times a little boring.
My two biggest complaints were:
1. The magic, this is supposed to be a witchy book following a witch with her powers on the fritz. It definitely has its moments but there wasn’t as much magic and spells as I would’ve liked. Because the magic aspect was put a little on the back burner. The stakes to get the actual magical situation resolved never felt intense. It was all very low pressure. Which for some that’s a positive. But for me I just wanted more.
2. Oliver, our MMC. Man when we first met him he was really hard to like. He gives off stick in the mud vibes. And it took me nearly 50% of the book to finally start enjoying his character.
Now just because I struggled with Oliver doesn’t mean I didn’t like him with Willow. I actually enjoyed their relationship. I found them to be a super cute and sweet couple. Lastly, I also really loved the side characters. They brought such a fun and comic relief to the wacky adventures.
Overall, this wasn’t my favorite book but I’d still recommend it. It’s a cute, quick romcom that I think any romance reader would enjoy.
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon, and Simon & Harper Voyager for the free, pre-publication copy (ARC or Digital Review Copy) of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. After a few heavy hitting books, this was just the light bit of air I needed to read right now with a lovely and quirky cast of characters that got you tangled up in their particular web of magic right away. The nods to one of my favorite rom-coms Notting Hill were so charming, welcome, and not over done...it made me smile in much the same way the film always does. While we dove right into Willow’s (our FMC) problems right away...I wish we would have spent just a little more time setting up the problem that sends her from L.A. all the way to London. That initial part kept having me question what is even happening here. But after we set foot in London everything was fleshed out in a very nice way, including the build up with our MMC Oliver. He is who I would dream of meeting while abroad I’m quite sure, a broody yet charming bookstore owner in Notting Hill. The build up of the two of them was very well done, as was the angst! Our side characters were all quite fun and enjoyable and added just the right amount of storyline to get our leads out of their collective ruts and into the joy of life they both longed for. This was a very charming and easy book to read, enjoyable and not to rough on the brain...which is needed, most definitely, from time to time.
Thank you to Alexandra Paige and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review🪄 3.5 stars for this cute, little book straight from the 90's romcom movie screen. ~~~~~~~ Oliver was the sweetest MC, and I respected him for assisting Willow with her quest and general witchy behavior especially considering he didn't believe in any of it. A man who doesn't believe you have magic but lets you drag him around London stealing books and polar plunging in the Heath just for your own mental sanity is goals. ~~~~~ My qualms are small, but once I noticed them I couldn't stop fixating. First, you can't live in the UK without a visa for more than 6 months. Willow just continued living there, per the epilogue. Maybe there are different rules for celebrities? Would have loved if that was mentioned even as a throw-away line for the reader to 'suspend their beliefs'. And I KNOW this is fiction. A witchy romance with fictional characters and actions, but why wasn't the talking cat consistent with who she could speak to? Why was it mentioned that she could only be heard and talk to Willow, and yet she was somehow the one who leaked the rumor with Kit? How? Who did she speak to? ~~~~~ It's a bummer about the above mentioned items because I really like the author's writing style! I'm still definitely going to read her next works. And the cover is adorable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
A Witch in Notting Hill by Alexandra Paige is such a charming, easy read. I’m really enjoying this cozy, witchy retelling inspired by Notting Hill. The main character is a witch who struggles to control her magic — especially when she can’t control her emotions. Whenever she gets flustered by a boy (or even just the thought of one), magical accidents happen. The story kicks off with her accidentally turning her manager into a cat, which immediately sets the tone for the kind of lighthearted chaos you can expect. To fix her mistake, she travels to Notting Hill in London to find a mysterious bookstore her grandmother once told her about. There, she meets a handsome bookseller and his lovable group of friends. Together, they embark on a quest to perform the spell that will turn her manager back into a human. Along the way, the story really leans into that cozy, found-family feeling — something I absolutely adore. The romance is mild and sweet rather than dramatic, which fits perfectly with the overall tone. If you love found family, gentle love stories, and cozy witchy vibes, this one really hits the mark. For me, this is a solid 4-star read — comforting, magical, and just plain enjoyable. Many thanks to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Alexander Paige for the ARC. I’m grateful for the early read — and, as always, my review reflects my genuine and uninfluenced opinions.
I absolutely loved this magical book. I was completely enchanted me from the very first page. This book is pure cozy magic wrapped in romance, charm, and just the right amount of emotional depth.
The Notting Hill setting feels like a character in itself. It is whimsical, vibrant, and brimming with hidden magic. Paige writes atmosphere so beautifully that I felt like I was wandering through colorful streets, tucked-away shops, and secret spellwork right alongside the heroine.
The romance? Absolute perfection. It’s tender, swoony, and layered with just enough tension to keep you turning pages late into the night. The chemistry builds naturally, and the emotional payoff is so satisfying. I loved how the magical elements never overshadowed the love story; they enhanced it.
What really stood out to me was the heart of this book. It’s about belonging, identity, and choosing your own kind of magic (both literal and metaphorical). It felt cozy and whimsical while still delivering emotional weight.
If you love romance with magical realism, charming London vibes, and characters you wish were your real life friends, this one is a must read. Alexandrea Paige has officially cast a spell on me, and I cannot wait to read whatever she writes next. ✨📚 Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for this ARC.
A Witch in Notting Hill by Alexandra Paige is a charming and cozy romance. Think Sabrina The Teenage Witch but spicy adult meets Notting Hill.
The main character, Willow, is a witch who struggles with controlling her magic — especially when struggling with controlling her emotions. Whenever she gets flustered by a boy - magical accidents happen.
Surprisingly our story begins with her accidentally turning her manager into a cat - which sets the tone for the rest of the book-lighthearted and chaotic.
To fix her mistake, she travels to Notting Hill in London in the search of a mysterious bookstore her grandmother once told her about. There, she meets a handsome bookseller and his friends. Together, they embark on a journey to perform the spell that will turn her manager back into a human.
The romance is mild and sweet - perfectly capturing that cozy romance vibe and comforting and magical overall tone.
If you love found family, gentle love stories, and cozy witchy vibes, this may be for you.
I have read other Alexandria Paige books before. I love them and her writing style although they are on the darker side of romance. I definitely suggest you check her out.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Alexander Paige for the ARC in exhange for an honest review.
This one is pure cozy magic with a chaotic twist 🐈✨
When Willow accidentally turns her manager into a cat (yes… a CAT 😭), she heads to London to fix the spell and lands in an occult bookstore owned by a grumpy man who doesn’t even believe in magic. What follows is a whimsical, city hopping adventure filled with mishaps, found family vibes, and a romance that slowly sneaks up on you.
What makes this one special is the balance of cozy and chaotic. The magical mishaps are genuinely fun, but the heart of the story is watching Willow and Oliver clash, challenge each other, and slowly soften. My favorite part was the London adventure vibes… it felt like wandering through markets, bookstores, and hidden corners of the city with them.
✨ Tropes & Vibes
🐈 accidental magic gone wrong 📚 grumpy x sunshine 🔮 witch FMC chaos energy 🏙️ cozy London setting 🖤 reluctant magical MMC ✨ found family vibes 🗺️ city wide magical scavenger hunt 💫 soft whimsical romance
📚 Read this if you like…
✨ cozy witchy romances 🏙️ London based stories with charm 🖤 grumpy men who secretly care 🐈 magical mishaps and humor 💫 low stakes feel good fantasy
Vera is a cat. Our main character, Willow, is why.
Willow is a struggling witch and when she gets emotional, things happen, which is how she turns her assistant/friend into a cat. She remembers her grandmother telling her to go to a book show in Notting Hill when things get rough because that's where she'll find answers, so she packs up her life and heads that way. There she finds that she has to perform a months long ritual to reverse the spell and she enlists the help of the hot bookshop owner and his friends to complete the tasks.
This was cute, cozy, and enjoyable enough that I found myself speeding through it waiting to find out what our characters were going to get themselves into with each task. I enjoyed the romance between Willow and Oliver, but felt that it could've had better build up. We spent a lot of time flashing forward in time and missing a lot of moments that could've been perfect opportunities for our main characters to interact with each other. I also wish that we had more magic. For a story that centers on a witch discovering how to control magic and fix mistakes, there just wasn't enough magical elements.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to people that want a cute little rom-com with a magical twist.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me early access to this title. All thoughts are my own ❤️
Imagine a whimsical book set in a cozy, autumnal London, brimming with romance, self-discovery, and a sprinkle of magic.
Meet Willow James, the beloved A-list actress everyone adores. But here’s a little secret: she hails from a family of witches, and let’s just say her powers can be a bit unpredictable. In a hilarious twist, she accidentally transforms her manager into a cat! To fix this magical mishap, she journeys to London, hoping a charming bookstore can provide the help she needs. There, she crosses paths with Oliver Hadley, a dashing Englishman who seems to embody everything a woman could desire. Did I mention he owns a bookstore? Need I say more.
What starts as a simple quest quickly evolves into something much deeper. I absolutely adored the characters and their witty exchanges! They felt so relatable, almost like real friends. Oliver’s pals, Minoh and Lo, truly brought the story to life. The slow build-up to the steamy moments was so worth it, and this book tugged at all my emotions. If you’re on the hunt for a story that lets you escape into a world of love, hope, courage, and enchanting witchy vibes, then this is the perfect read for you!
Thank you Avon, Harper Voyager, Netgalley and Alexandra Paige for this ARC.
3.5/5* This book gives the vibes of drinking a warm cup of apple cider on a beautiful fall day. From the beginning I can say I was intrigued. I absolutely love cute, whimsy, funny witchy stories and from the first chapter I could tell thats exactly what this would deliver. We have our main character Willow who is absolutely adorable. She is a popular actress who is also a clumsy witch, she gets into a bit of a tricky situation involving her magic where she accidentally turns her manger into a cat. Remembering advice from her grandmother, she must go to Notting Hill to find the answer. We then meet Oliver, the bookstore owner and they are sent on a quest to find the answers Willow needs to reverse the spell.
The town of Notting Hill is one I would love to live in. It is very charming, magical and has a beautiful bookshop and a cute little pub? Yes please! The side characters were fun and I enjoyed the group dynamic throughout the journey. I thought the romance was sweet, love a good slow-burn. Even though it was a bit cliche dragged a bit at times I enjoyed this cozy book. I recommend it to anyone looking for a fun quick read.
Thank you netgalley and the publishers for providing me with this e-arc for my honest review.
Where do I even begin? This book was an absolute delight. It took me a little while to finish, but in the best possible way. Some stories are a whirlwind, others are meant to be savored slowly, and this one felt like a long, sunlit stroll you don’t want to rush.
Willow completely stole my heart. Her quirks, her spirit, the way she moves through the world, it all felt vibrant and genuine. Oliver is everything you hope for in a romantic lead, layered and swoony without losing depth. And Lola and Min add so much warmth and richness to the story. The supporting cast truly makes Knotting Hill feel alive.
Without giving anything away, if you’re looking for a lighthearted read with a touch of whimsy and just the right hint of magic, this is it. It’s mystical and heartwarming, but never tips into overly sweet territory. The balance between humor and emotion is handled beautifully. The grumpy sunshine dynamic is done so well, and the plot keeps you engaged from start to finish.
Knotting Hill is a place you’ll want to visit and stay awhile.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.