From author Fleur DeVillainy, author of Spellbound Scones and Sky of Thorns comes a new summer romance that will leave you laughing, swooning and flushed.
Welcome to Crescent Cove—where the sun shines, secrets linger, and every tide brings a little magic.
Catherine Prescott doesn’t believe in magic. Not anymore. Once a prodigy witch, now a burnt-out marketing exec, she’s traded spells for spreadsheets—until a sudden layoff leaves her with nothing but severance pay and an invitation to housesit her aunt’s beach cottage in Crescent Cove.
Her summer plans? Sunscreen, solitude, and maybe a little self-discovery. Reality? A mischievous dog, a house full of enchanted junk, and a maddeningly handsome marine biologist who insists she’s “disrupting leyline energy.”
Elliot Fitzgerald is sunshine in human form—tanned, barefoot, and entirely too charming. He’s also a sea lion shifter sworn to protect the cove’s magic. When Cat accidentally stirs dormant power beneath the waves, he offers to teach her how to control it… if she agrees to stay close.
Now they’re fake-dating to throw off nosy locals, knee-deep in magical chaos, and discovering that the ocean isn’t the only thing with dangerous pull.
Witty, witchy, and warm as a summer sunset—Sunscreen and Spellbooks is a beachy paranormal rom-com about rediscovering your magic, finding where you belong, and falling in love under the tide.
Fleur DeVillainy is an American fantasy author. In the realm of imagination, where love and enchantment intertwine, she crafts tales of extraordinary adventure interwoven with romance, internal growth and found family. By day, she brings healing to little hearts as a pediatric nurse practitioner. By night, she lets her pen dance across pages, weaving magical worlds and captivating characters. When not weaving tales, she finds solace in baking, sewing, and gardening. Join her on the many whimsical journeys through words and discover the wonders that lie within. Check out her series The Vandeleur Trilogy, her comic series Wolf and I, and her co-written Calpa series today!
If you want to know when Fleur’s next book will come out, please visit her social media and website.
This book would be perfect for a fun read by the beach or pool!
It has all the cute water and summer vibes, paired with magical water witches and sea lion shifters.
This story is a cute summer romance between Charlotte and Elliot. She’s only supposed to stay for the summer, but they’re both catching feelings!
I have never read a book about a sea lion shifter before… I want to see it happen 😂 It was such a unique concept and fit the setting perfectly. I loved Elliot’s character! He had it bad for Charlotte but never pressured her to stay. He was supportive of her learning her magic and whatever she chose for her future.
The author’s note mentioned that there will be multiple stories like this released throughout the summer, and I’m so excited to see what else she comes up with!
This was a lovely story about personal growth, following an FMC who learns to recognize her own limits, discover who she is beyond her career, and find her place in a completely new environment.
I really enjoyed the overall storyline, but I did find myself wishing that certain aspects had been explored in more depth. Some of the challenges Catherine faces throughout the story felt like they had a lot of potential, and I would have loved to see them developed further. In particular, I wanted to spend more time watching her grow, overcome obstacles, and discover what she was truly capable of with her magic.
I also would have enjoyed seeing more of some of the supporting relationships. While they all served a purpose in the story, a few of them felt underdeveloped, and I think they could have added even more emotional depth to Catherine's journey.
The pacing was another aspect that didn't completely work for me. Everything unfolded fairly quickly, and I would have appreciated more time spent on the character development, the romance, and the relationships within the community. Slowing things down just a little would have made those connections feel even more meaningful! As for Catherine herself, I sometimes found her a little naïve and wished she had been more confident and independent. Maybe it's the feminist in me, but I would have loved to see her take charge a bit more often. That said, I really enjoyed watching her grow throughout the story and become more certain of herself as the book progressed!
Overall, this was a sweet, cozy, and easy read, perfect for a warm summer day by the pool, at the beach, or anywhere outdoors. If you're looking for a lighthearted story with charming characters, a touch of magic, and a focus on self-discovery, this is definitely worth picking up!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
What To Expect: - beach read/summer romance - magical small town - meet cute - "you missed a spot" - paranormal romance - sea lion shifter x witch - fated mates - found family
4.5⭐️
omg this is such a cute book!! and that cover? omg i am obsessed 🤩😍 the cover just screams summer!
i am a big lover of marine animals so this book is right up my alley with a sea lion shifter. i mean how does it get better than that?
also sunscreen and spellbooks is the perfect summer read. there is even a volleyball competition and who doesnt love beach volleyball in the summer?
catherine, the fmc was so relatable and just felt so real. it was very easy to connect with her character and i loved that. she is full of sass which always made me smile. and then there is elliott, the mmc, and omg he is the definition of a golden retriever. it is very hard to not fall in love with him
how does one move to crescent cove? i need to get a physical trophy copy after finishing this one because it is just too good not to. also i need that beautiful cover displayed on my shelf 😍
thank you so much fleur devillainy for goving me the opportunity to read and review this book!
fyi this is part of an interconnected standalone series from different authors that will all take place in this beautiful town, crescent cove. there are 8 in total and all throughout summer they will be releasing!!
It was such a great novella! So cute and sweet and for it being a novella soo much was crammed in!
We had to learn about the shifter world for this book and the magic and it was done so we understood it all but didn’t get dragged out it was really good.
Catherine was full of sass and the struggles of living in the real world, I really loved her character and how relatable she felt.
Elliott was soo fun! My first sea lion shifter! We didn’t get a lot of his sea lion but I loved that his job was taking care of sea life and he was just fun and persistent 😂
It was a fun novella and I highly recommend it for a cute summer beach read 🥰
A cutie novella with an unexpected shifter (hello sea lion). Since it was so short things move quick, and there's a lot that could be developed, but a great read for a quicky.
This novella was such a sweet and magical read. I was blown away by how much story, world building, and romance was packed into such a short book. Fleur once again reminded me why she is one of my favorite authors.
Catherine was sassy, relatable, and easy to root for as she returned to Crescent Cove after being laid off from the job she had devoted years of her life to. Elliott was exactly what I picture a golden retriever man being like. He was sweet, persistent, and completely lovable, and I adored watching their relationship develop.
I also loved how the shifter world and magic were introduced in a way that was easy to understand without slowing down the story. Such a real world feel in such a magical town.
This was a charming, heartwarming romance filled with humor, magic, and lovable characters. While it can definitely be read as a standalone, it also made me want to spend even more time in this wonderful interconnected world!
Thank you to Fleur for the opportunity to read this ARC. I will forever cherish being a member of your team.
Witty romance perfect to cozy up on a warm summer day! Fleur has done it again and I yet again never get enough of her cozy paranormal romances! Thank you so much to her and Luna Literary Management for the eARC 🫶🏼
This books is a part of a multi author collaboration in the Crescent Cove universe. Can’t wait to read more of them now!
"Catherine Prescott had crashed into my life like one of Crescent Cove’s summer storms, wild and beautiful and impossible to ignore."
🦭 Sea lion shifter daddy x water witch 🐚 Reverse grumpy x sunshine 🌊 Ocean rescue meet-cute 🏖️ Small beach town 🧴 ”You missed a spot” 💕 Fake dating
"The woman could be wearing a potato sack and still ruin a man."
Firstly, I know Fleur writes beautifully, but I did not expect this to be as witty. I loved that the FMC is a reader and all the small inclusions of famous lines from other fandoms or lyrics. Like "Now your getting greedy" and "You put a spell on me" or this scene:
"Where is your fishy boyfriend at?" "Probably off doing fishy boyfriend ocean rescue things.” (Or scary boyfriend things🤭)
Her characters are really flushed out and relatable, especially for it to be a short novel, and this was no different. The banter is incredible, sweet, but steamy, and I loved their grumpy x sunshine dynamic. Been loving all her novels lately that focuses on different shifters. I never knew I loved paranormal shifter romances so much before her books and this sea lion and witch book surprised me yet again! He’s is so protective, LOVE! It’s the ultimate low-stakes, comforting and satisfying beach read that perfectly balances whimsical everyday magic with a swoon-worthy golden retriever hero who unexpectedly grows teeth when his girl is threatened.
“I’d love if a hunky sea daddy stepped out of the ocean and rescued me.” (…) “I keep telling her she shouldn’t be looking out for fictional men,” he adds lightly, handing me the glass, “when I’m right here.”
Just finished my ARC copy of sunscreen and spellbooks, another amazing read by Fleur.
Book out 23rd June.
As ever with Fleur, you have great characters with depth, fun animal side-kicks and magic.
Everything in her life took a 360 suddenly, going back home hadn't been part of the plan but maybe a holiday break away will allow her time to reset and find a new job. What wasnt part of the plan was Elliott, but hes there, funny and kind.
With bit of fake Dating thrown in...
When the time comes will she stay or will she go?
Book quote: “Yes, but sea lions are weird.” “Weird?” I place a hand dramatically against my chest. “We are majestic aquatic predators.” “You bark at fish.” “We communicate powerfully.” “You nap on rocks.” “We embrace self-care.”
This book had me cracking up 😂😂 I had a blast. I honestly think I loved it so much because the vibes were on point. Literally the perfect read for summer and it was so cute!
I love that it felt like I read a full novel with the feels, relationships and character development!
Can’t recommend enough if you want something wholesome, short, and with a touch of spice. Plus who doesn’t love a shifter and witch small town romance pairing!
I absolutely loved, loved, loved Sunscreen and Spellbooks by Fleur DeVillainy. This book felt like wrapping yourself in a warm beach blanket, sipping something fruity by the ocean, and falling headfirst into a magical romance you never want to end. Crescent Cove continues to be one of my favorite fictional places to visit, and this novella reminded me exactly why. It is cozy, enchanting, romantic, and overflowing with heart.
Catherine was such a relatable FMC. At the start of the story, her life is completely upended when she's laid off from her job via email. Instead of immediately figuring out her next move, she returns to Crescent Cove to dog sit for her aunt while she goes on vacation. I loved that Catherine wasn't portrayed as someone who had everything figured out. She's hardworking, driven, and successful on paper, but beneath that confidence is someone questioning her future and wondering where she truly belongs.
What made her journey so compelling was watching her reconnect with the magic she had slowly lost faith in. As a witch, Catherine once believed wholeheartedly in magic, but life's disappointments have left her feeling disconnected from that part of herself. Returning to a town filled with magical creatures, familiar faces, and childhood memories forces her to confront parts of herself she thought she had left behind.
And then there's Elliot.
Friends, let me tell you right now.
Elliot is top-tier book boyfriend material.
A marine biologist. A sea lion shifter. Sweet, supportive, protective, funny, and completely devoted to Catherine.
I honestly cannot talk about this man enough.
Every scene with Elliot made me smile. He doesn't try to fix Catherine or change her. Instead, he supports her, encourages her, and reminds her of the magic she already possesses. The chemistry between them feels effortless from the start, and watching their relationship develop through the fake dating to real love trope was absolutely adorable. Every interaction felt genuine, every moment of tension felt earned, and every romantic scene had me grinning like an idiot.
What I especially loved is that Catherine isn't one of those heroines who requires an emotional demolition crew to break through walls twenty feet thick. She's guarded because she's hurting, but she's also open to growth, connection, and possibility. That allowed the romance to develop naturally and made their relationship feel incredibly satisfying.
The magic of Crescent Cove shines throughout the entire story. Fleur has such a gift for making a setting feel alive. The town itself feels magical in every sense of the word, filled with quirky residents, supernatural charm, and enough whimsy to make you want to move there immediately.
And then there are the side characters.
I swear Fleur somehow manages to make every character memorable.
The familiars, the witches, the townsfolk... they all add so much life and personality to the story. And let's talk about Mango for a second because that little menace absolutely stole every scene. I adored him. Every time he appeared, I knew I was about to be entertained.
What I love most about Fleur DeVillainy's writing is her ability to make you fall in love with everyone. Not just the main characters, but the entire world surrounding them. The romance is wonderful, but it's the sense of community, belonging, and magic woven through every page that makes her stories feel special.
By the time I reached the end, I was smiling, emotional, and wishing I could stay in Crescent Cove just a little bit longer. This is exactly the kind of romance I want during the summer, though honestly, I'd read it any time of year.
Overall, Sunscreen and Spellbooks is a charming, magical, heartwarming romance filled with lovable characters, a swoon-worthy hero, delightful magical shenanigans, and all the cozy Crescent Cove vibes readers could ask for. If you're looking for a feel-good paranormal romance that leaves you with a full heart and a huge smile, this one is absolutely a must-read. Coming June 23rd!
And for the record, I love Elliot and will gladly fight anyone who disagrees.
Thank you to Fleur DeVillainy and Luna Literary for access to the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
There is something magical about a book that feels like sunshine on your skin, salty ocean air, and a warm breeze carrying a little bit of enchantment.
Crescent Cove completely stole my heart. From the charming beach-town atmosphere to the hidden magic woven throughout every page, this story felt like the perfect summer escape.
Cat’s journey of rediscovering herself after burnout was relatable and heartfelt, and I loved watching her slowly reconnect with the magic she thought she’d left behind. And Elliot? A barefoot marine biologist sea lion shifter with endless golden retriever energy? Say less.
The fake dating moments were adorable, the chemistry was effortless, and the magical chaos kept me smiling from beginning to end. Add in a mischievous dog, an enchanted cottage, and a town full of lovable characters, and I was completely enchanted.
This book feels like: 🌊 Ocean waves at sunset ✨ Seashells filled with magic 📚 Reading on a beach blanket ☀️ Golden hour in a coastal town 💙 Finding your way back to yourself
A cozy, witchy romance full of heart, healing, and summer magic. The perfect book to toss in your beach bag and lose yourself in for an afternoon.
Now excuse me while I try to manifest a summer in Crescent Cove.
Such a cute and fun summer read! If you're looking for a quick book to read poolside, at the beach, or just relaxing in the air conditioning this book is perfect!
Fleur Devillainy takes us to the magical beach town of Crescent Cove where Catherine, a water witch, returns home and finds herself in the arms of Elliot Fitzgerald who just so happens to be a sea lion shifter. The banter between these two is funny and witty and the chemistry between them is hot! I loved that this book gives us shifters that aren't typically read about. It was definitely an interesting twist and gives it an extra kick of summer fun!
I want to live in Crescent Cove!! I instantly fell in love with the vibes of this place! The FMC is over worked, tired, lonely and lost. Who hasn’t felt like that at some point in their lives. She is easy to immediately identify with. The MMC shows up just in time to show her she’s worth more than her career. She deserves to relax, to be loved and cared for. The MMC is swoon worthy and lovable. I can’t wait to read more of Crescent Cove!
Thank you for the eARC!
✨ Shifter x Witch Romance 🏖️ Summer Beach Romance 💗 Small Town Romance ✨ Fake Dating 💗 Fated Mates
When I say I want banter and yearning, this is what I want! I loved Cat and Elliot’s back and forth. It was so natural and honestly had me laughing out loud so many times. Elliot’s support throughout the whole book had me swooning! I actually wish the book was a little longer so we could get more of Cat’s magic and Elliot in sea lion form. With it being a short novella, I felt these got skipped over at the end. Overall this was such a fun beachy rom-com!!
Thank you Fleur and Luna Literacy Management for an eARC!
This book takes place in a small, coastal, magical island town of Crescent Cove. Catherine is a newly unemployed witch, who comes home to place she left as a last resort, to pet sit for the summer while her aunt goes on vacation.
She meets her fated mate, a sea lion shifter named Elliott. They have the best chemistry and I loved their banter.
If you’re looking for a quick, fun, summer novella this will hit the spot!
Such a cute, magical beach read! I’m really loving the Crescent Cove world so far, even though each book is written by a different author. Fantasy isn’t usually my go-to genre, but this series has completely won me over. The fake dating romance, charming small magical town, and all the summer vibes made this such a fun escape. Plus, him calling her “little witch”? Absolutely adorable!
An adorable summer romance between a sea lion shifter and the sea witch he knows to be his fated mate.
Catherine Prescott swore off her sea witch powers when her mother died. For the last decade, she has been consumed by her corporate day job and has thought little of her magical summers growing up in Crescent Cove. When she is suddenly laid off, she reluctantly agrees to come watch her aunt's dog for the summer. Elliot Fitzgerald is a sea lion shifter that dedicates most of his time to rescuing marine animals. When Elliot saves Catherine's life from drowning and realizes that her magic is out of control, Elliot declares that he is helping Catherine with her issues whether she likes it or not. The two somehow find themselves fake dating and catching real feelings. But Catherine is only back in Crescent Cove for the summer, right?
I can't tell you how much I am obsessed with the summery vibes of these swoony romances staring marine shifters and mythical water critters! This is only my third read from the series and I am already hooked! Thank you Fleur DeVillainy for the gifted ARC of this one!
For some reason, fated mates with sea lions and seals just really hits different for me. Yes, Elliot is still very possessive and will fight for his girl, but I just didn't find it as toxic as with werewolves. Maybe this has something to do with the fact that sea lions don't have the toxic dominance issues and pack structure that werewolves do? I also love how Elliot's sea lion has its own personality and would constantly demand things of Elliot; I really love how this book took things that are iconically associated with werewolves and made it their own!
The corporate burnout that Catherine experiences is so real. I think many people can relate to wanting to give up on their day jobs and spend their days chilling on the beach instead. I definitely understand not wanting to be restrained by society's expectations and enjoying life to the fullest. The fake dating element is honestly such a minor part of this book, but it sets the stage for what Elliot and Catherine's relationship can evolve into. Elliot is such a charming gentleman that he is more than willing to help Catherine out of all the less-than-ideal situations she finds herself in. Speaking of, they literally meet each other when Catherine is drowning in the ocean and Elliot saves her, so their meeting is quite spectacular, honestly.
Elliot and Catherine are so cute together! I was honestly surprised how long it takes them to get physical (especially for a fated mates book), but I was totally here for it! Elliot cooks her dinner and teaches her how to swim, and in turn Elliot gets to hang out with Catherine's awesome pets. Catherine has a pet bearded dragon named Mango, and I love him! He's quirky in the best ways. She is also watching after her aunt's golden doodle, but I was really just here for the lizard. To be real though, Elliot and Catherine help each other out in equal measure, especially in the department of helping the other realize what they truly want in life.
There are two steamy scenes towards the very end of this book, but they were well done. I personally liked the context of the first one more myself. The love between Elliot and Catherine is super obvious, even if they don't want to admit it to themselves. This entire series is sweet and spicy in the best way!
The banter between these two is also golden! The number of times I found myself cackling aloud at this one has to be over two dozen. The way these two insult and compliment each other in the same breath is truly beautiful and I hope that everyone can find themselves a partner that brings them the same amount of joy that these two bring each other.
The conflict at the end of this one is super mild, even for this series. There is a tiny little fight that happens, and then an itty-bitty communication issue and that's it. It's sweet and cozy all the way through.
Overall, "Sunscreen and Spellbooks" is a sweet and spicy summer romance between a sea lion shifter and a sea witch rediscovering her magic. The romance is wholesome, but the steamy scenes are as scorching as a beach on a sunny day! Elliot and Catherine are both great characters with relatable issues. Seeing them both gradually become happier in each other's presence made my mood soar. Their banter was also top tier; the way these two can insult and praise each other in the same breath is unparallel. I am still absolutely obsessed with Crescent Cove, and you can bet that I'll be returning again soon!
Thank you BookSirens for the advance review copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was such a cute story with great beachy romance vibes. Both characters were interesting and they had great banter. The romance moved fast but not too fast, especially for a shifter romance.
Catherine was a very relatable character for me. It took a while for me to understand balancing my enjoyment of life with my ambition as well. And her facing her grief about her mother’s passing 7 years ago was a great scene although I wish the story would have mentioned it again more after that emotional scene. I was also intrigued by her magic issue and would have liked more of a conclusive resolution or fix to her powers going haywire. While these characters weren’t lacking banter, from the description of this book, I expected this to be more of a mystery they worked on together on page, instead of mostly off page but, as this is a romance centered book, I didn’t mind this too much. I also loved the eventual conclusion to her job search plot arc.
Elliot was a very lighthearted counterpart to the FMC which I think worked well. They balanced eachother out and his quips to her snarky responses were what made this book thoroughly enjoyable. I liked the insight into his marine rescue job in the beginning and his discussions with his sea lion self, but most of his past and character seemed shallower than Catherine’s level of development as a character. I also was longing for more scenes with him as a sea lion. Or at least one where Catherine gets to see him as a full sea lion. But I still enjoyed getting to read my first sea lion shifter romance and his mating instincts didn’t disappoint.
The smut in this book was great. Passionate and sweet but very hot. And just the right amount for this length of book I think.
Overall this book had a fair amount of minor complaints. Mostly, just that I didn’t have enough. More of the characters backgrounds to make the background characters pop too. More of Catherine dealing with her grief and her magic. But the romance itself was perfectly enjoyable and sweet and hot. It was a great little summer shifter romance book. I probably wouldn’t reread it but I would recommend it to my romance-loving reader friends.
On a side note, the plot point that Catherine didn’t know how to swim… while being raised in a beach house… strains credulity. There is absolutely no way anyone in my life was allowed to not know the basics of water safety and I live 3 hours from the beach. If I was a WATER witch who lived on the beach with my WATER witch aunt and mom all my life? You best bet someone taught me how to swim well enough that I wouldn’t be in danger if I went into the ocean. Just seems irresponsible from this loving family of hers to have not taught her at least a bit of swimming. Or that she would be afraid of the water when she was a kid.. who had all these water powers. This is a minor plot point but it bugs me a lot. Especially because she didn’t even mention it during the first chapters when her magic is acting up when she’s in the ocean and only mentions it when it became a convenient excuse for her to hold onto Elliot in the water.
This book started off well, aside from one little ick. In chapter two, our MMC remarks about a coworker: She's pretty, as far as women go, but not my type. . What do you mean, as far as women go? Chapter two is pretty early for a tentative red flag.
In terms of plot, the book's pretty cozy. Corporate is no one's lover so going back to your coastal hometown to re-discover who you are as a person sounded right up my alley. The book was pitched to me as a Beach Town romance, shifter x witch, opposites attract.
I'd assumed, from how the story started, we're going more Christmas movie. Big City Boss Babe meets laid-back small town hero with kind eyes and kinder hands. Instead, Catherine's personality shifts rapidly over the course of the book, going from Boss Babe to an ovulating mess. Her POVs are reduced to how her skin feels whenever he's nearby and how she's struggling to form thoughts whenever he smiles. I really disliked how her identity just got erased.
Our love interest, Elliot, was horrible. He keeps "teasing" her which goes so far that the banter feels like bullying and every interaction is just him bothering her. . He's mean, he's meddlesome, and he's insensitive. He does not take her seriously and thinks he knows better than her. Doesn't knowledge any of her trauma around her magic, just forces her to practice so his town isn't disrupted anymore by her presence. .
The book then decides the one pretend-to-be-dating scene is a wonderful idea, and continues in the second half with a half-assed fake-dating plot that neither of them are on board with. So we're getting a lot of internal monologue from Catherine that it's only fake, they're just fake-dating (she keeps repeating this term), and everything will end at the end of the summer. He's confident because she's his fated mate. Which he basically never bothers to tell her until like 98% of the book. In the final 10 pages, the book is rushed to a happy ending. I'd feel cheated if I wasn't already waiting for it to be over. Sad, because the premise was pretty good.
These opinions are my own and in no way influenced by the author or Luna Literary.
“Do not disrupt my leyline energy” is my new life motto.
Sunscreen and Spellbooks by Fleur DeVillainy is the exact kind of witchy, beachy, unhinged rom-com my soul needed. I went in for a cute summer read and came out emotionally attached to a fictional coastal town and a sea lion shifter. As one does.
Plot: Catherine Prescott was once a prodigy witch. Now she’s a burnt-out marketing exec who just got laid off. She retreats to her aunt’s cottage in Crescent Cove for sunscreen, solitude, and a breakdown. Instead she gets: a mischievous dog, a house full of enchanted junk, and Elliot Fitzgerald — a golden retriever marine biologist who informs her she’s “disrupting leyline energy.” He’s also a sea lion shifter sworn to protect the cove’s magic. When Cat accidentally wakes something under the waves, they fake date to keep the nosy locals off their backs. Chaos, banter, and feelings ensue.
What I loved:
Characters: Catherine is the burnt-out heroine of my dreams. Her snark is sharp, her exhaustion is relatable, and watching her reclaim her magic was so satisfying. Elliot is peak cinnamon roll shifter — protective, sunshine-y, barefoot, and lectures about magical ecosystems like it’s foreplay. The chemistry is bananas. Grumpy/sunshine done perfectly.
Setting: Crescent Cove is a whole character. If Stars Hollow had tides and hexes, it would be this town. Cozy, magical, gossipy, and full of secrets. I want to move there immediately and never leave.
Writing: Fleur DeVillainy’s voice is warm, witty, and effortlessly funny. The banter made me cackle out loud. The emotional beats hit hard. It balances light paranormal chaos with real themes of burnout, self-worth, and finding where you belong.
Tropes: Fake dating, found family, small town, magical realism, ocean magic. Every single one delivered. The magical system with leylines and the cove felt fresh and immersive without info-dumping.
Spice: 2.5/5 🌶️ - Closed door/just kisses, but the tension could power Crescent Cove’s electrical grid. You’ve been warned.
Minor quibbles: I needed 300 more pages. The ending was perfect but I’m greedy and want to live in this world forever. More mischievous dog POV pls.
Read if you like: The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling, Payback’s a Witch by Lana Harper, grumpy/sunshine, fake dating, shifter romance, cozy fantasy, heroines in their comeback era.
Content notes: Burnout, job loss, mild peril, magical accidents. Closes the door on-page.
Final verdict: Witty, witchy, and warm as a summer sunset. This book healed my inner tired witch and made me believe in magic again. Fleur DeVillainy, I’m officially a Crescent Cove resident. Please write faster.
If you’ve ever wanted your fantasy reads to feel like a chaotic holiday spell gone slightly (but lovingly) wrong, Sunscreen and Spell books delivers exactly that.
Fleur DeVillainy brings a refreshing, playful energy to the fantasy romance space with a story that blends magic, humor, and heart in equal measure. From enchanted mishaps to spell work gone sideways, this book leans fully into its whimsical premise while still offering genuine emotional depth beneath the chaos.
The setting feels vibrant and sun-soaked, like stepping into a world where magic exists just beneath the surface of everyday life. I loved how effortlessly the story balances lighthearted moments with more heartfelt beats—one moment you're laughing at magical disasters, and the next you're quietly invested in the emotional growth of the characters.
The characters are a highlight, especially in how naturally their chemistry develops. Their dynamic is full of teasing, tension, and soft vulnerability that builds into something genuinely sweet and satisfying. It’s the kind of romance that feels fun without losing sincerity, which makes every interaction easy to root for.
What stood out most was the tone—this book doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s exactly what makes it work. It embraces its charm, its humor, and its magical chaos in a way that feels intentional and comforting. Even when things get a little messy (as spell books often do), the story always stays grounded in its heart.
By the final pages, I was left with that warm, satisfied feeling only a truly fun fantasy romance can give—like the literary equivalent of sun-warmed skin, sandy pages, and a love spell that actually works out.
"Some spells are meant to be cast carefully. Others are meant to be survived with sunscreen and a sense of humor."
If you’re looking for a cozy, funny, slightly chaotic fantasy romance with magic, banter, and a sun-drenched vibe, Sunscreen and Spell books is an absolute delight.
✨ Tropes & Themes 🌞 Sunlit Fantasy Setting 📖 Spell book Shenanigans ✨ Lighthearted Magic 💕 Banter to Romance 😂 Humor & Chaos 🧙♀️ Magic Gone Wrong ❤️ Slow-Burn Chemistry 🌴 Escapist Fantasy Vibes 🤝 Found Connection 📚 Cozy Fantasy Romance
If you’re looking for a dose of sunshine and magic, Sunscreen and Spellbooks is the ultimate summer read that perfectly blends heart and humor. Crescent Cove will be one of my favorite fictional places to visit—it is cozy, enchanting, romantic, and overflowing with heart.
I was blown away by how much world-building and character depth Fleur managed to pack into such a short story. The magical elements were introduced seamlessly; the world felt lived-in and real, even with all the supernatural charm, without ever slowing the pace of the narrative.
The story succeeds by balancing high-concept paranormal elements with very human, relatable stakes, ensuring that the magic feels like a natural part of the setting rather than an over-explanation. Catherine is such a relatable heroine. After being abruptly laid off, she returns to Crescent Cove to dog-sit for her aunt. I loved that she wasn't portrayed as someone who had it all figured out.
She’s hardworking and driven, but beneath the surface, she’s navigating the universal struggle of questioning her future and finding where she truly belongs. It was deeply satisfying to watch her reconnect with the magic she had slowly lost faith in. And then there is Elliot. As a marine biologist and a sea lion shifter, he is sweet, supportive, protective, and delightfully persistent. Because Catherine wasn't a heroine with "walls twenty feet thick," their romance developed naturally, making their connection feel incredibly grounded and satisfying. This is a witty, charming, and genuinely funny escape that feels like the perfect treat for a warm day. The town itself feels alive, filled with quirky residents and enough whimsy to make you want to move there immediately.
I also have to give a special shoutout to Mango, the little menace who absolutely stole every scene he was in. If you are looking for a feel-good paranormal romance that leaves you with a full heart and a huge smile, this is an absolute must-read.
Overall, it is a charming, well-executed, and heartwarming read that I highly recommend.
This was such a cute, summer paranormal romance! Catherine went back to Crescent Cove after losing the job she poured years of her life into, and was planning to spend the summer dog-sitting for her aunt and figuring out what comes next. Instead, her long-buried water magic decided to make a dramatic comeback, and she kept running into the sea lion shifter next door who seemed determined to insert himself into every part of her life.
Crescent Cove beach-town was so much fun, and I loved the world-building and all the magic. Every time Catherine's water magic acted up, I was laughing at her plumbing issues, the random disasters, and the way she kept trying to convince herself everything was completely normal when it very obviously wasn't great. Elliot saw Catherine struggling and immediately decided she wasn't going to be doing everything alone anymore. He was patient, supportive, funny, and so gone for her. I loved that he never made her feel broken for the parts of herself she was trying to hide. He just kept showing up, encouraging her, and becoming a safe place for her to land while she figured things out.
I also really connected with Catherine. Underneath all the humor and romance, this was a story about someone who had spent years in survival mode, chasing success, and disconnecting from parts of herself in the process. She slowly reconnected with her magic and the things that actually made her happy and it was lovely. I also have to mention Mango and Gin because they were absolute scene stealers. Half the time they were causing problems, and the other half they were making me laugh. They each deserve their own novellas!
If you're looking for a fun paranormal romance with beach vibes, magical mishaps, a devoted MMC, and a FMC who is learning how to come back to herself, this one is a quick and great read. Elliot and Catherine were really sweet together, the town was charming, and the whole story just felt like summer! I can't wait to read the next book in the Crescent Cove series!
Catherine left her small town when her mother passed giving up her magic and getting a normal job to live a normal life. However, after seven years, she’s laid off. With no job, Cat temporarily moves in with her aunt back home to watch her aunt’s dog while she’s out of town and will take the time to find a new job, until she meets Elliot who makes Cat question what she really wants.
This was a very sweet and romantic read with mentions of grief.
Cat lost her mom, and despite how long ago it was, the memories seem to be triggered when she goes back home and you can tell she just wants to leave even if she didn’t truly love the life she had when she had left. It’s sad, especially when she explains more about why she left, but really helps you understand why she may be a bit snippy while home.
Elliot is just this sweet cinnamon roll with some possessive energy about him being a shifter. I just adored him and loved how supportive and encouraging he was to Cat. He understood her and knew how to help her with her magic.
The romance is cute and entertaining. Cat is so sassy and snippy with Elliot due to not wanting anything to derail her plans no matter how handsome he is. But instead, her attitude seems to just draw Elliot in more and made for entertaining moments between the two of them.
There were some slips in the story where at the start Elliot introduces himself, and the next chapter, Cat says to herself how could she have forgotten to ask for his name, or later in the book, Elliot mentions he plays volleyball and they have a conversation about it, but chapters later he mentions it again, and Cat asks “you play volleyball?”. Those are a couple of examples, it happened more than that, and not a huge deal, but for such a short book, it really stuck out for me.
Other than that, it’s a very cute read with a hint of steam and emotional turbulence.
Thank you to the author for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you Fleur DeVillainy for sending me this advance review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a nice little read. Very low stakes, and sugary sweet. Even though it's so sweet, it does deal with hard topics like different kinds of grief, and what that does to you.
I always enjoy seeing people find happiness after deep grief. In this case Catherine is grieving the loss of her mother, and also pushing away her magic because it couldn't fix what she needed it too. That is so soul crushing, especially with using your work to fill the empty hours so you stop thinking about what is missing in your life.
Elliot is the cutest cinnamon roll, and of the two he is my favorite. I don't think I've seen a sea lion shifter before. I really love how he does his best to try to make things better for Cat. He is so deeply supportive, while trying to rein in his shifter side wanting him to constantly mark and claim her. It's a struggle for him. He stays even though she is constantly trying to push him away.
The banter was a bit mean at times, but mostly it was fun. There were a few other oddities here and there, like the sudden name change which didn't make sense. I couldn't figure out where Wren came from, it's not a common nickname for Catherine. It felt so random. There were some parts that were heavy on the repetition. Her kitchen has to have some heavy water damage by now with how many times it got soaked too. Also why did a powerful water witch that grew up on beach front property not know how to swim? I made zero sense!
I think this is the perfect kind of reading for a hot summer weekend. Something not terribly deep that you have to focus on a ton to enjoy, but still very funny, and entertaining. I also really loved Mango the bearded dragon and Gin the dog. They were great for breaking up tension and a little comedy here and there too.
Overall this is a cute cozy book, and I enjoyed it a lot even with the flaws.
Sunscreen and Spellbooks is exactly the kind of novella that makes you want to pack a bag, run away to a magical seaside town, and never look at a 9–5 again. Fleur DeVillainy serves pure beach‑read bliss here — witty banter, swoony tension, magical mayhem, and a heroine who desperately needs someone (or something) to shake her out of her carefully built shell.
Catherine is down on her luck, housesitting for her aunt after being laid off from her job and trying to pretend that a “sensible” life is enough for her. But you can feel the grief she’s carrying — the way losing her mother made her shut every magical door inside herself. She’s isolated, prickly, convinced that stability equals safety… and honestly? Girl, give me a water affinity and I’d be sprinting into the waves like a Disney princess. Screw spreadsheets. Take me to the beach.
Enter Elliott — who literally swims into the story like the sunshine‑soaked chaos agent Catherine didn’t know she needed. He teases her, challenges her, praises her, and gently nudges her back toward the magic she’s been denying for years. He’s an absolute darling, the kind of man who wants her to chase her dreams even if it means she might swim far beyond his reach. Their banter? Top tier. Their flirting? Had me laughing out loud. Their chemistry? Warm, fizzy, and irresistible.
And then… the animal companions. Gin the golden lab and Mango the bearded dragon absolutely steal the show. They’re adorable, chaotic, and responsible for at least 50% of the novella’s mischief. Every scene with them had me grinning like an idiot.
Because it’s a novella, I definitely wanted more — more of Catherine’s magic, more of her backstory, more time to soak in this enchanting seaside town. But even with its brevity, this story is a fun, sparkly, sun‑kissed escape that feels perfect for summer reading.
A seal shifter. A beach town. A magic system that smells like salt water and possibility. This one had everything going for it.
Sunscreen and Spellbooks is quick and cute, and cute paranormal romance books are rare enough that the scarcity alone pulled me to this ARC. The setup is charming: fated mates, coastal setting, a shifter who is not a wolf or a bear. The banter lands exactly once. When the heroine insists she was not drowning and the hero tells her she was just "getting aggressively acquainted with the undertow," I laughed out loud. Unfortunately, though, that was peak.
It never gets there again, and there is so much banter that by the midpoint, it is doing most of the heavy lifting. The magic system, which should have been one of the most interesting things about this book, barely shows up. The heroine's abilities are stifled for most of the story, and when she finally starts working with them, it amounts to reading some books and practicing with water in bowls. The shifting gets similar treatment. The romance moves quickly, and the stakes stay low, which works for the vibe but left me wishing the conflict had a little more shape to it.
One small stylistic note: the word "quietly" appears so often it starts to pull you out of the reading experience. If repetitive word use bothers you, you will notice it here.
This one is for readers who want something light, beachy, and low stakes. If you read paranormal romance for the world-building and the magic, you will probably finish this one wanting more than it gives.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book.
I’m actually pretty obsessed with this fun and flirty Crescent Cove series and couldn’t help but start another! Some of the artwork for Sunscreen and Spellbooks by Fleur DeVillainy caught my eye and I loved the premise, so here we are not even 24 hours later because I LOCKED IN.
Our story is centered around Catherine, a water witch who no longer uses magic, and Elliot, a seal shifter who is a marine animal rescuer/biologist! Catherine is overworked, under-appreciated, and just got laid off from work. In an attempt to pick up the pieces she agrees to dog-sit for her aunt back in her home town despite the painful memories it holds. Her arrival sets in motion a chain of events due to her magic reawakening and going haywire. If there’s a faucet that can malfunction, Catherine’s powers will find it and will make it explode lmao. Hence the meme I chose. All I could think of was this very specific scene from the Cells At Work anime any time things went haywire lmaoooo.
It’s a good thing we have our green flag MMC, Elliot around to help though! Not only does he rescue Cat several times, but he also recognizes that they are fated mates! Queue the banter, the yearning, flirting, abs, and swim lessons! Elliot is down bad for Catherine but also doesn’t want to scare her away. I can’t stress enough how much of a green flag he is. Catherine notices pretty fast and can’t deny how right they feel together though and they get their cute HEA.
I had such a great time reading this book that I immediately started another from this series so if you are looking for a cute novella summer read, check out Sunscreen And Spellbooks and the whole Crescent Cove series!
This was such a cute novella I had the pleasure of being an ARC reader for, thank you @fleurdevillainy and @lunaliterary.management for allowing me to be an ARC reader in exchange for my review. I stepped out of my normal reading genre for this book and I AM SO GLAD I DID!
Catherine is our sassy, witchy FMC, who has returned to town for the summer to take care of her aunt’s dog. She thought she left anything magical behind YEARS ago, little does she know what will happen when she return back home.
Elliot is our sea lion shifter MMC who is a marine biologist and volunteer to keep the ocean clean in his spare time. Also is Catherine’s next door neighbor. Elliot is everything a book boyfriend is suppose to be- supportive, protective, hysterical, and completely devoted to Catherine. And not to mention helping Catherine become the one she deserves to be.
This witch/shifter book was everything, the magical small town where there are more books in the same town written by different authors coming 🤩 think I found a new series I will have to completely read and add to my TBR 🤩😍
Quotes:
“Well, mi casa es su casa. Literally, niece. Your grandmother didn’t just leave the house to me, but to both of us. You’re always welcome to come home. Even if it’s just for a change of scenery until life leads you to your next destination.”
Tropes: ✨Meet Cute ✨magical Small Town ✨Beach Town Romance ✨Shifter x Witch ✨Opposites Attract ✨ fated mates ✨paranormal romance ✨found family ✨fake dating