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The Wahala Witches #1
Love, Witches, and Wahala
Not yet published
Expected 17 Nov 26In this romantic, cozy fantasy debut a Nigerian witch must grapple with an ancient curse that will erase her family's magic and doom her beloved bakery forever unless she finds her soulmate. Perfect for readers of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches.
Wahala (noun, Nigerian): Trouble; inconvenience; problem, bother
In Kamalu Lane, Nneka is a witch grappling with an ancient family find her soulmate or risk all the witches of Kamalu Lane losing their powers forever.
In a desperate attempt to force fate's hand, Nneka brews a love potion, but chaos erupts when the potion is accidentally added to Nneka's famous puff puffs, causing every man who eats them to fall in love with her, except Dakoru, the handsome architect determined to reshape Kamalu Lane.
Though Nneka feels an undeniable connection with Dakoru, she knows falling for a human could doom them both. But Dakoru is no ordinary man and it's clear he is connected to magic in some way.
As their connection grows, Nneka needs to figure out if Dakoru is the key to breaking her curse and restoring balance to Kamalu Lane before its future is lost forever.
Wahala (noun, Nigerian): Trouble; inconvenience; problem, bother
In Kamalu Lane, Nneka is a witch grappling with an ancient family find her soulmate or risk all the witches of Kamalu Lane losing their powers forever.
In a desperate attempt to force fate's hand, Nneka brews a love potion, but chaos erupts when the potion is accidentally added to Nneka's famous puff puffs, causing every man who eats them to fall in love with her, except Dakoru, the handsome architect determined to reshape Kamalu Lane.
Though Nneka feels an undeniable connection with Dakoru, she knows falling for a human could doom them both. But Dakoru is no ordinary man and it's clear he is connected to magic in some way.
As their connection grows, Nneka needs to figure out if Dakoru is the key to breaking her curse and restoring balance to Kamalu Lane before its future is lost forever.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 17, 2026
About the author
Christine Cowan
1 book32 followersChristine Cowan is a Nigerian romance author originally based in Virginia and now settling in Georgia. With a flair for blending humor and depth, her work invites readers to escape into stories that feel both relatable and unforgettable. When she’s not writing, you can find her spending time with family.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A cozy magical read that was not for me. It was way too slow and drawn out. It took forever for anything to happen and when it did it was barely a blip. It was repetitive.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I feel richer for having read this.
I welcome fall by stepping directly into witchy romances and this was a joyous welcome to the season. LWW has a unique magic system, a down bad MMC, and an FMC in crisis but also finding enough time to take care of others, bake amazing pastries, and fight off the affections of every man in town.
Nneka and Dakoru feel inevitable long before they realize it. I love seeing Dakoru battle with the reality of magic existing while Nneka is trying to save all the witches. The magic system in this book is so rich. This is one of three witch books I’ve read in the last week and they all stand out in different ways which is the beauty of a witchy romance to me. This story doesn’t over explain what magic is in their world. We get to learn facts about their magic system by them experiencing it, instead of them telling us. When they learn things (like all the twisty bits towards the end) we get to experience the anxiety they experience right alongside them.
I was riveted and can’t wait to experience it again on audio in the future!
This might be my first Nigerian romance but it won’t be my last. I need every, everything in Christine Cowan’s brain on a page in front of me!
Thank you to Orbit for this gifted copy.
I welcome fall by stepping directly into witchy romances and this was a joyous welcome to the season. LWW has a unique magic system, a down bad MMC, and an FMC in crisis but also finding enough time to take care of others, bake amazing pastries, and fight off the affections of every man in town.
Nneka and Dakoru feel inevitable long before they realize it. I love seeing Dakoru battle with the reality of magic existing while Nneka is trying to save all the witches. The magic system in this book is so rich. This is one of three witch books I’ve read in the last week and they all stand out in different ways which is the beauty of a witchy romance to me. This story doesn’t over explain what magic is in their world. We get to learn facts about their magic system by them experiencing it, instead of them telling us. When they learn things (like all the twisty bits towards the end) we get to experience the anxiety they experience right alongside them.
I was riveted and can’t wait to experience it again on audio in the future!
This might be my first Nigerian romance but it won’t be my last. I need every, everything in Christine Cowan’s brain on a page in front of me!
Thank you to Orbit for this gifted copy.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A cursed witch + a love potion gone wrong? Literally the makings of a perfect cozy witchy read.
First of all, can we take a moment for the cover? It’s so pretty. I really enjoyed this Nigerian witchy romance. The romance felt tender and patient. I loved how Dakoru and Nneka both immediately felt their soulmate connection but kept being in denial about it….until they weren’t. It was sweet. But the real winner of this story is the magic. Nneka’s curse was fascinating, the love potion was funny and the magic really elevates the atmosphere.
Conan’s debut writing is immersive and beautiful and I cannot wait to see what she comes up with in the future!
This is for you if you love a cozy fall read with romance, fated mates and a touch of humor. Out this November!
What You’ll Find:
💕Soulmates
🚫Forbidden romance
🔮Witchy FMC
✍️Architect MMC
🧪Curses + Love Potion
🍞 Bakery owner
☝️ Debut author
First of all, can we take a moment for the cover? It’s so pretty. I really enjoyed this Nigerian witchy romance. The romance felt tender and patient. I loved how Dakoru and Nneka both immediately felt their soulmate connection but kept being in denial about it….until they weren’t. It was sweet. But the real winner of this story is the magic. Nneka’s curse was fascinating, the love potion was funny and the magic really elevates the atmosphere.
Conan’s debut writing is immersive and beautiful and I cannot wait to see what she comes up with in the future!
This is for you if you love a cozy fall read with romance, fated mates and a touch of humor. Out this November!
What You’ll Find:
💕Soulmates
🚫Forbidden romance
🔮Witchy FMC
✍️Architect MMC
🧪Curses + Love Potion
🍞 Bakery owner
☝️ Debut author
September 1, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit for the Advanced Readers copy. I really appreciate.
When I saw it was a Nigerian cozy romance book set in Nigeria? I had to read it.
It’s a beautiful love story between Nneka and Dakoru. Slow burn but worth it in a lot of ways.
I like how slow and atmospheric the book is and I also appreciate how fleshed out the characters too are. The descriptions and the character development was nice and I also enjoyed how much calm and nice the plot was. Very low stakes with a good message.
The descriptions of the buildings and surroundings impressed me.
I recommend to anybody looking to read a book set in Nigeria about a witch and a ceo who is human, beating all odds and falling in love.
It was a nice book. I think something that did not really sit well with me was how it felt unreal a lot of times and the over emphasis of words and phrases in Nigeria especially when that does not happen. It did not feel natural. Regardless, it’s a lovely sweet book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5 ★★★★★
~This is a spoiler-free ARC review.~
What a fun, cozy, witchy read!
The FMC Nneka has high stakes in figuring out her love life, but of course, if there’s one thing in this world that isn’t easy, it’s finding your soulmate. Even though this book is set in a magical neighborhood called Kamalu Lane, Nneka and the MMC Dakoru feel like two very real people navigating life the best they can. (While also maybe fighting the inevitable.) It’s raw and relatable without losing the whimsy – perfectly balancing real life themes like grief and familial expectations with magical mishaps.
Cowan’s writing is so immersive and well crafted as well. For me, I know a book is really hitting hard when the “movie” starts playing seamlessly in my head, and I can visualize the scenes effortlessly. This fits right into that category.
This is the perfect witchy dual-POV rom-com to read while curled up with a blanket, a hot drink, and a little sweet treat. (Maybe even some puff puffs!)
(Also, this is a must-read if you’re a fan of the vibes of the original Sabrina the Teenage Witch or Practical Magic.)
I was gifted this ARC at a convention.
Thank you to Orbit for the opportunity to read this early!
All thoughts are my own.
Love, Witches, and Wahala officially releases on November 17, 2026
~This is a spoiler-free ARC review.~
What a fun, cozy, witchy read!
The FMC Nneka has high stakes in figuring out her love life, but of course, if there’s one thing in this world that isn’t easy, it’s finding your soulmate. Even though this book is set in a magical neighborhood called Kamalu Lane, Nneka and the MMC Dakoru feel like two very real people navigating life the best they can. (While also maybe fighting the inevitable.) It’s raw and relatable without losing the whimsy – perfectly balancing real life themes like grief and familial expectations with magical mishaps.
Cowan’s writing is so immersive and well crafted as well. For me, I know a book is really hitting hard when the “movie” starts playing seamlessly in my head, and I can visualize the scenes effortlessly. This fits right into that category.
This is the perfect witchy dual-POV rom-com to read while curled up with a blanket, a hot drink, and a little sweet treat. (Maybe even some puff puffs!)
(Also, this is a must-read if you’re a fan of the vibes of the original Sabrina the Teenage Witch or Practical Magic.)
I was gifted this ARC at a convention.
Thank you to Orbit for the opportunity to read this early!
All thoughts are my own.
Love, Witches, and Wahala officially releases on November 17, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I start this review with a warning. Do not read this book without snacks. This book will make you hungry. It will also probably have you hunting down a Nigerian restaurant/bakery or recipes to make the goodies found in this story.
Which should immediately tell you two things. One, the descriptive prowess of this author is incredible. And two, the book takes a yummy dive into the food culture of Nigeria, and I found it to be delicious!
Love, Witches, and Wahala captured my imagination within the first few chapters. The world built by Christine Cowan is dramatic, colorful, and full of Wahala! Reading filled me with a warm sensation of found friendship, family woes, and community styled inquisitions. You know where everybody all over the neighborhood is in your business? This book has that type of vibe, but with some all-or-nothing stakes for our FMC, Nneka, and her entire community. These stakes get bigger and bigger as the plot unfolds, creating a tension that only puffs puffs could ease lol!
Nneka is an introspective main character. She tries her best to think through the consequences of her actions with little outside help. This, of course, never goes how she plans, and it was intriguing to see a character like this try to work out next steps, with and without help.
Her help eventually came in the form of a very adorable found family. They balanced her and added so many giggles to the story. I think they were one of the most appealing aspects for me as I read.
Now, the reason this is a strong 4 stars for me, and not higher, is because of the MMC. To be very fair to him, I absolutely enjoyed his version of the world-building. His family backstory, his friend and their secrets were fantastic elements to the story. But he himself? I thought he was a bit meh. In the end, he redeemed himself, but I tend to like my MMCs with a bit more fire in them. His character made sense in the overall plot and story, but he just did not show up with the energy I personally prefer.
Other than that, this was a solid, cozy read, in a world I really want to visit again and again. Next time, though, I will be armed with snacks to combat the munchies this author stirs up with her writing.
Love, Witches, and Wahala is a yes for witchy TBRs, as well as a perfect read for months ending in ‘Ber.
Which should immediately tell you two things. One, the descriptive prowess of this author is incredible. And two, the book takes a yummy dive into the food culture of Nigeria, and I found it to be delicious!
Love, Witches, and Wahala captured my imagination within the first few chapters. The world built by Christine Cowan is dramatic, colorful, and full of Wahala! Reading filled me with a warm sensation of found friendship, family woes, and community styled inquisitions. You know where everybody all over the neighborhood is in your business? This book has that type of vibe, but with some all-or-nothing stakes for our FMC, Nneka, and her entire community. These stakes get bigger and bigger as the plot unfolds, creating a tension that only puffs puffs could ease lol!
Nneka is an introspective main character. She tries her best to think through the consequences of her actions with little outside help. This, of course, never goes how she plans, and it was intriguing to see a character like this try to work out next steps, with and without help.
Her help eventually came in the form of a very adorable found family. They balanced her and added so many giggles to the story. I think they were one of the most appealing aspects for me as I read.
Now, the reason this is a strong 4 stars for me, and not higher, is because of the MMC. To be very fair to him, I absolutely enjoyed his version of the world-building. His family backstory, his friend and their secrets were fantastic elements to the story. But he himself? I thought he was a bit meh. In the end, he redeemed himself, but I tend to like my MMCs with a bit more fire in them. His character made sense in the overall plot and story, but he just did not show up with the energy I personally prefer.
Other than that, this was a solid, cozy read, in a world I really want to visit again and again. Next time, though, I will be armed with snacks to combat the munchies this author stirs up with her writing.
Love, Witches, and Wahala is a yes for witchy TBRs, as well as a perfect read for months ending in ‘Ber.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received the ARC e-book from the publisher via Netgalley.
I think this was a wonderful soulmate romance between these two people - Nneka and Dakoru - who go through all kinds of twists and turns in finding each other. The curse on the witch Nneka due to her mother falling in love with a human is reaching its culmination, and she has a deadline to find her soulmate... or die and take all the magic of Kamalu Lane with her. Dakoru just wants to honor his father with his plans to renovate Kamalu Lane, but comes to discover there's more to himself and his history than he knows.
First, I'm really going to need some of these recipes that Cowan keeps talking about, because they sound amazing! They weren't in the ARC copy, but I'd love to see them included as an appendix or even shared on Cowan's website?
Second, I think this is a wonderful debut novel by Cowen. You could feel Nneka's frantic emotions as she's trying to break this curse, and Dakoru's uncertainty as he's doing his best to honor his father's memory (and keep his mother happy). The author does a great job of capturing the emotions. Also, I really loved the descriptive nature of the writing. Cowan was so good at setting the scenes and making the reader feel a part of it.
The elders of the witch council did drive me crazy. They could have been helping Nneka instead of hindering her! I would have loved to know more about the witches, vampires, and all the magical system - but I guess you can only do so much in one book! It was also a little more spicy than I was expecting from the description, only two scenes though and easy to skim past if you're not into spicy scenes.
Overall, really enjoyed this debut and I hope Christine Cowan keeps writing!
I think this was a wonderful soulmate romance between these two people - Nneka and Dakoru - who go through all kinds of twists and turns in finding each other. The curse on the witch Nneka due to her mother falling in love with a human is reaching its culmination, and she has a deadline to find her soulmate... or die and take all the magic of Kamalu Lane with her. Dakoru just wants to honor his father with his plans to renovate Kamalu Lane, but comes to discover there's more to himself and his history than he knows.
First, I'm really going to need some of these recipes that Cowan keeps talking about, because they sound amazing! They weren't in the ARC copy, but I'd love to see them included as an appendix or even shared on Cowan's website?
Second, I think this is a wonderful debut novel by Cowen. You could feel Nneka's frantic emotions as she's trying to break this curse, and Dakoru's uncertainty as he's doing his best to honor his father's memory (and keep his mother happy). The author does a great job of capturing the emotions. Also, I really loved the descriptive nature of the writing. Cowan was so good at setting the scenes and making the reader feel a part of it.
The elders of the witch council did drive me crazy. They could have been helping Nneka instead of hindering her! I would have loved to know more about the witches, vampires, and all the magical system - but I guess you can only do so much in one book! It was also a little more spicy than I was expecting from the description, only two scenes though and easy to skim past if you're not into spicy scenes.
Overall, really enjoyed this debut and I hope Christine Cowan keeps writing!
July 14, 2026
A beautiful glimpse into the enchanted life of a Nigerian witch. Filled with magical banter and the high stakes countdown to the end of a witches last life. Love, Witches and Wahala is a poignant story of love and loss, duty versus desire, found family, and the weight of a generational curse. It’s a love letter to everyone who’s still finding themselves, no matter how many lives they’ve lived.
Balanced with unforgettable Nigerian humor and a setting that completely pulls you in, It’s romance in its most unforgiving form, where love treads into dangerous territory and captures what it truly means to love and be loved.
Five stars from me. Christine did such a wonderful job introducing us to the world of Kamalu Lane, and I absolutely can’t wait to spend more time with the delightfully devious witchy trio of Ezeanwayi Pastries!!
Balanced with unforgettable Nigerian humor and a setting that completely pulls you in, It’s romance in its most unforgiving form, where love treads into dangerous territory and captures what it truly means to love and be loved.
Five stars from me. Christine did such a wonderful job introducing us to the world of Kamalu Lane, and I absolutely can’t wait to spend more time with the delightfully devious witchy trio of Ezeanwayi Pastries!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Immediately on the list of my favorite reads!
I was hooked from the first chapter
This is such a beautiful story of magic and legacy and breaking down old walls that are no longer needed.
It has love and friendship and magic and silly and serious and everything in between!
Love, Witches and Wahala takes you from the edge of your seat to smiling and kicking your feet and back!
Nneka is on her 10th and final life and her days to break a curse put on her at birth are minimal, she her friends and her memories and her magic but is that enough?!
Dakoru grew up hearing stories of magic and witches but never believed them to be true. After learning that not only are those stories true but the pastry shop owner who he’s drawn to like no one he’s ever met is a witch he has no choice but to open up the idea that magic is real and not something to ignore.
I was hooked from the first chapter
This is such a beautiful story of magic and legacy and breaking down old walls that are no longer needed.
It has love and friendship and magic and silly and serious and everything in between!
Love, Witches and Wahala takes you from the edge of your seat to smiling and kicking your feet and back!
Nneka is on her 10th and final life and her days to break a curse put on her at birth are minimal, she her friends and her memories and her magic but is that enough?!
Dakoru grew up hearing stories of magic and witches but never believed them to be true. After learning that not only are those stories true but the pastry shop owner who he’s drawn to like no one he’s ever met is a witch he has no choice but to open up the idea that magic is real and not something to ignore.
August 30, 2026
This story was so engaging and so sweet at the same time. I loved how strongly all of the characters were in this book, and their interactions with each other balanced perfectly.
The setting and world in this was great and added so much to the story. I loved the “small town fighting redevelopment” but make it filled with witches vibe.
I also loved the amount of witchcraft we saw in this book. I feel like so many witch books have sense of magic, but we see so many potions and spells and incantations in this book that really drive the story.
This was a great read. And I definitely want to try Nneka’s puff puff recipe now.
The setting and world in this was great and added so much to the story. I loved the “small town fighting redevelopment” but make it filled with witches vibe.
I also loved the amount of witchcraft we saw in this book. I feel like so many witch books have sense of magic, but we see so many potions and spells and incantations in this book that really drive the story.
This was a great read. And I definitely want to try Nneka’s puff puff recipe now.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A cozy, witchy romance that is just perfect for the winter. Cursed witch, check, bakery, check, love interest, check check check. I mean, who wouldn't want to root for Nneka, who has to find true love or the magic on her street (and Nneka herself) dies and a forbidden connection to human Dakoru, to get their HEA? Add the misguided plan to gentrify the street, a super botched love spell and an appearance of a vampire. Intrigued? I know I was.
I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Hi, Author here 🧡
If you enjoy:
🔮 Generational curse-breaking romance
🔮 A witch who has absolutely had enough
🔮 Best friends who mean well and cause chaos anyway
🔮 Love potions in Nigerian street food
🔮 Found family that would commit crimes for you
🔮 Cozy romantasy
🔮 A man who breaks curses just by existing 😭
Then Love, Witches, and Wahala is for you.
Nneka has been waiting 10 lifetimes for this story to be told. I hope it finds you right when you need it. 🧡
If you enjoy:
🔮 Generational curse-breaking romance
🔮 A witch who has absolutely had enough
🔮 Best friends who mean well and cause chaos anyway
🔮 Love potions in Nigerian street food
🔮 Found family that would commit crimes for you
🔮 Cozy romantasy
🔮 A man who breaks curses just by existing 😭
Then Love, Witches, and Wahala is for you.
Nneka has been waiting 10 lifetimes for this story to be told. I hope it finds you right when you need it. 🧡
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hi, Author here 🧡
If you enjoy:
🔮 Generational curse-breaking romance
🔮 A witch who has absolutely had enough
🔮 Best friends who mean well and cause chaos anyway
🔮 Love potions in Nigerian street food
🔮 Found family that would commit crimes for you
🔮 Cozy romantasy
🔮 A man who breaks curses just by existing 😭
Then Love, Witches, and Wahala is for you.
Nneka has been waiting 10 lifetimes for this story to be told. I hope it finds you right when you need it. 🧡
If you enjoy:
🔮 Generational curse-breaking romance
🔮 A witch who has absolutely had enough
🔮 Best friends who mean well and cause chaos anyway
🔮 Love potions in Nigerian street food
🔮 Found family that would commit crimes for you
🔮 Cozy romantasy
🔮 A man who breaks curses just by existing 😭
Then Love, Witches, and Wahala is for you.
Nneka has been waiting 10 lifetimes for this story to be told. I hope it finds you right when you need it. 🧡
Did Not Finish
August 17, 2026DNF @ 20%.
I really wanted to love this book, but unfortunately the writing and logistics weren't for me. For one, Nneka and Dakoru's connection read a touch forced, especially from Dakoru's POV. There were also elements of the curse that didn't sit right with me despite the scope of it being explained. I think there are people out there who will find this story really fun and cute, but that's simply not me.
I really wanted to love this book, but unfortunately the writing and logistics weren't for me. For one, Nneka and Dakoru's connection read a touch forced, especially from Dakoru's POV. There were also elements of the curse that didn't sit right with me despite the scope of it being explained. I think there are people out there who will find this story really fun and cute, but that's simply not me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a fun cozy witch story. The romance was sweet and the Nigerian culture was fascinating. I would love to read more from this author. You couldn’t help but love the characters and feel warm inside.
August 5, 2026
A cozy witchy romance ❤️ I loved the description of Nigerian food and culture. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Did Not Finish
August 26, 2026Received an advance copy through a book club.
DNF. Could not get past the weak dialogue and the never-ending amount of “not just this, but this” sentences.
DNF. Could not get past the weak dialogue and the never-ending amount of “not just this, but this” sentences.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
It was interesting! The end felt a little over-the-top regarding the resolutions, but it was a fun read. :) Keep up the good work!
June 30, 2026
3.5 rounded up, a fun debut that could’ve had more wahala ;)
Did Not Finish
July 18, 2026DNF. Um, no.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews