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The Wahala Witches #1
Love, Witches, and Wahala
Not yet published
Expected 17 Nov 26Win a free print copy of this book!
3 days and 13:09:17
5 copies available
U.S. and Canada only
In 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
.
“Absolutely delightful and positively spellbinding.” – Elizabeth Stephens
“The perfect brew of magic, community, and enrapturing romance.” –Julian Winters
“A flirty and spirited romance that makes your soul hum with joyful magic.” –Celestine Martin
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.
“Absolutely delightful and positively spellbinding.” – Elizabeth Stephens
“The perfect brew of magic, community, and enrapturing romance.” –Julian Winters
“A flirty and spirited romance that makes your soul hum with joyful magic.” –Celestine Martin
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.
Audible Audio
Expected publication November 17, 2026
About the author
Christine Cowan
1 book36 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 - 30 of 50 reviews
October 29, 2026
This was a cute and cozy read and I really enjoyed it. I loved that it took place in Nigeria and had a paranormal aspect that felt authentic to the culture. I enjoyed the Igbo culture and language that was infused to the story and that the author did not shy away from it. The fmc has a bakery where she sells baked goods, she also has been searching for her soul mate and made a love potion. The issue is that the love potion is accidentally put into the batch of puff puff. The mmc takes so,e of the love potion but isn’t affected by it which interests the fmc, I liked seeing the MCs fall in love and navigate their culture, wanting to bring innovation to the village and reactions to magic. The romance is sweet and gentle with some steam and I’m excited to see what this author writes next. Thanks to the publisher for this arc.
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.
October 28, 2026
3.25⭐️
Thank you to Orbit Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Love, Witches, and Wahala was a very wholesome story of friendship, romance, and self-love. It was so rich with Nigerian culture, allowing the reader to immerse themselves seamlessly into the witchy community on Kamalu Lane.
This story follows Nneka and Dakoru. In an attempt to break her curse and save her community, 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. And while Nneka feels an undeniable connection with Dakoru, she knows falling for a human could doom them both. However, Dakoru is no ordinary man, and it's clear he is connected to magic in some way. As the story follows and 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.
I think their romance was the most compelling part for me, combined with the magic and food! It was very much a cozy read.
As someone who enjoys cozy fantasy romance, I went into this fully expecting to love it. And while I did not find it to be bad by any means, I struggled a lot with the drawn-out pacing to the point that it felt like the story was talking in circles.
Thank you to Orbit Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Love, Witches, and Wahala was a very wholesome story of friendship, romance, and self-love. It was so rich with Nigerian culture, allowing the reader to immerse themselves seamlessly into the witchy community on Kamalu Lane.
This story follows Nneka and Dakoru. In an attempt to break her curse and save her community, 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. And while Nneka feels an undeniable connection with Dakoru, she knows falling for a human could doom them both. However, Dakoru is no ordinary man, and it's clear he is connected to magic in some way. As the story follows and 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.
I think their romance was the most compelling part for me, combined with the magic and food! It was very much a cozy read.
As someone who enjoys cozy fantasy romance, I went into this fully expecting to love it. And while I did not find it to be bad by any means, I struggled a lot with the drawn-out pacing to the point that it felt like the story was talking in circles.
Review of advance copy
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ARC Review | Love, Witches, and Wahala by Christine Cowan
I received a physical ARC of Love, Witches, and Wahala through my membership with a local Black-owned bookstore, and y'all... I adored this book.
Nneka is a witch, a baker, and the last person who needs more problems in her life. Unfortunately, she's cursed, and if she can't break it before time runs out, she and her coven could lose their magic forever. As if that's not enough wahala, a developer is threatening to change everything she loves about her community and bakery. Enter Dakoru.
And let me tell you something: when Nneka and Dakoru meet, the sparks and the fog fly.
This is such a cozy, magical slow burn with witches, vampires, found family, friendship, and just enough romance to keep you smiling. The spice is light but it's there, and the chemistry between Nneka and Dakoru had me hooked from the start.
One of my favorite things about this book was the Nigerian representation woven throughout the story. You've got the mother determined to marry her son off and collect those grandchildren, the aunties who absolutely know what's best for everyone whether you asked or not, and friends like Chinwe and Embele who will support you through anything while still calling you out on your nonsense. Dakoru's friendship with Ovundah was another standout for me. The relationships in this book felt warm, messy, funny, and real.
The bakery setting was cozy, the magic was fun, the romance was sweet, and the wahala was happening left and right.
Also, there are recipes in this book. As soon as I saw puff puff on the list, I knew I was going to be in my kitchen immediately.
I flew through this in a day and honestly didn't want it to end. If you love cozy fantasy, slow-burn romance, witches, vampires, magical mishaps, and stories filled with heart, put this one on your preorder list.
The magic may be cursed, but the chemistry between Nneka and Dakoru is blessed. ✨
Pub Date: November 17, 2026
Preorder it now. 🧙🏾♀️💕🥐✨
I received a physical ARC of Love, Witches, and Wahala through my membership with a local Black-owned bookstore, and y'all... I adored this book.
Nneka is a witch, a baker, and the last person who needs more problems in her life. Unfortunately, she's cursed, and if she can't break it before time runs out, she and her coven could lose their magic forever. As if that's not enough wahala, a developer is threatening to change everything she loves about her community and bakery. Enter Dakoru.
And let me tell you something: when Nneka and Dakoru meet, the sparks and the fog fly.
This is such a cozy, magical slow burn with witches, vampires, found family, friendship, and just enough romance to keep you smiling. The spice is light but it's there, and the chemistry between Nneka and Dakoru had me hooked from the start.
One of my favorite things about this book was the Nigerian representation woven throughout the story. You've got the mother determined to marry her son off and collect those grandchildren, the aunties who absolutely know what's best for everyone whether you asked or not, and friends like Chinwe and Embele who will support you through anything while still calling you out on your nonsense. Dakoru's friendship with Ovundah was another standout for me. The relationships in this book felt warm, messy, funny, and real.
The bakery setting was cozy, the magic was fun, the romance was sweet, and the wahala was happening left and right.
Also, there are recipes in this book. As soon as I saw puff puff on the list, I knew I was going to be in my kitchen immediately.
I flew through this in a day and honestly didn't want it to end. If you love cozy fantasy, slow-burn romance, witches, vampires, magical mishaps, and stories filled with heart, put this one on your preorder list.
The magic may be cursed, but the chemistry between Nneka and Dakoru is blessed. ✨
Pub Date: November 17, 2026
Preorder it now. 🧙🏾♀️💕🥐✨
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Cozy fantasy—or paranormal—is kind of tough. There always seems to be this looming question: How high should the stakes really be? High enough to hurt people? Or are we talking about rival chefs kind of stakes?
Love, Witches, and Wahala falls somewhere in between, and that adds an extra to kick to what is ultimately a pretty light, sweet, and yes, cozy narrative. Don't let "sweet" mislead you, though. There is sex on the page. Not a ton, but it's hot. The g-spot is mentioned. Hooray for everyone!
The thing is that Nneka being on her last spin around the block, in search of her soulmate on pain of all the witches she knows in Kamalu Lane losing their powers, is kind of a high stakes issue. It adds a bit of tension to what is otherwise a warm, tender romance with Dakoru. They have immediate chemistry, and it's like, wouldn't it be great if he solved the soulmate issue? Sure. But he's human.. And the entire reason they're in this mess is Nneka's mother conceiving a child with a human. So.
You can bring to mind that sort of early 2000s/90s witchy era vibe, but this is entirely its own for many ways. That cozy-yet-serious magic is bound in Kamalu Lane, and the setting is so richly described. I appreciated this greatly—I've never been to Nigeria and can't confirm anything regarding authenticity, but I felt like I was where Christine Cowan wanted me to be. It's vibrant, beautiful, quirky without be a caricature. It made me really hungry, to be honest. Like, the food they talked about it in this book...
Nneka and Dakoru are easy to root for her. Nneka essentially suffering from success with all these smitten men was hilarious, and she's the sort of "well-intentioned but sorta freewheeling" heroine I love to see. Dakoru is a little more of the fantasy hero, but he's not without his own quirks and eccentricities. Their chemistry pops off the page, and while you have a bit of a slow burn—well, it's clear these two are MFEO from early on.
Could I have used a little more tension within the romance itself, outside the external conflict? Yes. But the atmosphere—and supporting characters—is so good, I was deeply entertained throughout. Would recommend!
Thanks to Orbit for giving me this book via NetGalley.
Love, Witches, and Wahala falls somewhere in between, and that adds an extra to kick to what is ultimately a pretty light, sweet, and yes, cozy narrative. Don't let "sweet" mislead you, though. There is sex on the page. Not a ton, but it's hot. The g-spot is mentioned. Hooray for everyone!
The thing is that Nneka being on her last spin around the block, in search of her soulmate on pain of all the witches she knows in Kamalu Lane losing their powers, is kind of a high stakes issue. It adds a bit of tension to what is otherwise a warm, tender romance with Dakoru. They have immediate chemistry, and it's like, wouldn't it be great if he solved the soulmate issue? Sure. But he's human.. And the entire reason they're in this mess is Nneka's mother conceiving a child with a human. So.
You can bring to mind that sort of early 2000s/90s witchy era vibe, but this is entirely its own for many ways. That cozy-yet-serious magic is bound in Kamalu Lane, and the setting is so richly described. I appreciated this greatly—I've never been to Nigeria and can't confirm anything regarding authenticity, but I felt like I was where Christine Cowan wanted me to be. It's vibrant, beautiful, quirky without be a caricature. It made me really hungry, to be honest. Like, the food they talked about it in this book...
Nneka and Dakoru are easy to root for her. Nneka essentially suffering from success with all these smitten men was hilarious, and she's the sort of "well-intentioned but sorta freewheeling" heroine I love to see. Dakoru is a little more of the fantasy hero, but he's not without his own quirks and eccentricities. Their chemistry pops off the page, and while you have a bit of a slow burn—well, it's clear these two are MFEO from early on.
Could I have used a little more tension within the romance itself, outside the external conflict? Yes. But the atmosphere—and supporting characters—is so good, I was deeply entertained throughout. Would recommend!
Thanks to Orbit for giving me this book via NetGalley.
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
The best way to describe Love, Witches & Wahala by Christine Cowen is right there in its name: there’s lots of love going on, plenty of witches, and, of course, a whole lot of wahala!
In this story, Nneka has found herself in such a precarious situation dealing with the aftermath of a love potion gone wrong in her quest to find a soulmate and break the curse to stop all witches from losing their powers within 3 months. Things really take a turn when Dakuro steps into the picture.
Despite the wahala, Nneka and Dakuro can't resist their magnetic pull toward one another. Their budding romance is such a beautiful reminder that transcendent love knows no bounds and is always worth the risk.
Along with the cultural elements and representation woven throughout the story, I especially love the emphasis on strong supportive friendships like the bond between Nneka, Ebele, and Chinwe.
When I tell yall Christine Cowen has a way with words! I was so easily captivated with her vivid, descriptive, and enchanting writing that swept me off my feet. The way Cowen brings Nneka and Dakuro's relationship to life, you can't help but to root for these two.
“Even in the world of magic, love has an undeniable power.”
If you enjoy cozy romantic fantasies, then Love, Witches, and Wahala is the book for you!
I am so ready to read whatever Cowen writes next.
In this story, Nneka has found herself in such a precarious situation dealing with the aftermath of a love potion gone wrong in her quest to find a soulmate and break the curse to stop all witches from losing their powers within 3 months. Things really take a turn when Dakuro steps into the picture.
Despite the wahala, Nneka and Dakuro can't resist their magnetic pull toward one another. Their budding romance is such a beautiful reminder that transcendent love knows no bounds and is always worth the risk.
Along with the cultural elements and representation woven throughout the story, I especially love the emphasis on strong supportive friendships like the bond between Nneka, Ebele, and Chinwe.
When I tell yall Christine Cowen has a way with words! I was so easily captivated with her vivid, descriptive, and enchanting writing that swept me off my feet. The way Cowen brings Nneka and Dakuro's relationship to life, you can't help but to root for these two.
“Even in the world of magic, love has an undeniable power.”
If you enjoy cozy romantic fantasies, then Love, Witches, and Wahala is the book for you!
I am so ready to read whatever Cowen writes next.
November 10, 2026
𝘏𝘶𝘨𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘖𝘳𝘣𝘪𝘵 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘙𝘊. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
I knew by the title and cover alone that this would be a good time but I 100% didn't realize how much fun I was about to have. This was truly the perfect blend of magic and romance.
I loved that this was set in Nigeria but also had the fantastical element of Kamalu Lane. The way witchcraft and magic were mixed into everyday life alongside the humans was such a fun time.
Everyone giving Nneka so much trouble for being stressed about her curse when I know damn well I would be rocking back and forth on the floor the entire time. I adored her and her friends, but I swear half her problems could have been solved if the elders and everyone else would have just been honest with her.
The romance was absolutely adorable. I loved how open Dakoru was to having his entire world turned upside down and how he embraced all the weird and wonderful things about Kamalu Lane.
This was such a cute and cozy read with the perfect amount of magical chaos. I went into it expecting a fun witchy romance and ended up falling in love with the entire community. The ending was PERFECTION and wrapped everything up so beautifully.
I knew by the title and cover alone that this would be a good time but I 100% didn't realize how much fun I was about to have. This was truly the perfect blend of magic and romance.
I loved that this was set in Nigeria but also had the fantastical element of Kamalu Lane. The way witchcraft and magic were mixed into everyday life alongside the humans was such a fun time.
Everyone giving Nneka so much trouble for being stressed about her curse when I know damn well I would be rocking back and forth on the floor the entire time. I adored her and her friends, but I swear half her problems could have been solved if the elders and everyone else would have just been honest with her.
The romance was absolutely adorable. I loved how open Dakoru was to having his entire world turned upside down and how he embraced all the weird and wonderful things about Kamalu Lane.
This was such a cute and cozy read with the perfect amount of magical chaos. I went into it expecting a fun witchy romance and ended up falling in love with the entire community. The ending was PERFECTION and wrapped everything up so beautifully.
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
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely adored this book. Having read little to no books set in Nigeria, I enjoyed how fresh it felt to read the vernacular and how well described the atmosphere was, from the smell of local food to the colors of the dress the characters wore. I felt like I could just walk among the characters. Kamalu Lane is still alive in my head.
Nneka was relatable and her friendship was heartwarming, while the heated chemistry between her and the MMC warmed completely different parts of me 👀 There were elements that I absolutely loved, the magic made sense, and although I would absolutely hate to be anywhere near the Council of Elders, it felt like I should hide my head between my shoulders, which means they had to be written well – no? The stakes were high, and by the end of the book I was biting my nails to see if it all pans out (again, apologies to my nail artist.)
And yes, it isn't something I would usually reach for (definitely less gothic!!!), but I enjoyed it so much it surprised me. Turns out I enjoy cozy romance, too! I sure hope the author is already working on a sequel (I will ask for my nails to be made thicker in advance). Here's to all the witches!
Nneka was relatable and her friendship was heartwarming, while the heated chemistry between her and the MMC warmed completely different parts of me 👀 There were elements that I absolutely loved, the magic made sense, and although I would absolutely hate to be anywhere near the Council of Elders, it felt like I should hide my head between my shoulders, which means they had to be written well – no? The stakes were high, and by the end of the book I was biting my nails to see if it all pans out (again, apologies to my nail artist.)
And yes, it isn't something I would usually reach for (definitely less gothic!!!), but I enjoyed it so much it surprised me. Turns out I enjoy cozy romance, too! I sure hope the author is already working on a sequel (I will ask for my nails to be made thicker in advance). Here's to all the witches!
November 11, 2026
What a cozy romance that you all need to read! I have never read a romance book set in Nigeria with this premise and it’s definitely worth the read! Do yourself a favour and get that audiobook!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
More thoughts to come!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Sometimes the only way is through wahala.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a cozy witchy romance. I loved the Nigerian setting even though I didn’t quite connect with the characters.
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 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.
Did Not Finish
October 7, 2026Thank you so much to Orbit and Christine Cowan for the eARC of this book via NetGalley.
After seeing all the teasers and hearing so much about this book from Christine's IG, I had high hopes for this debut. I adore cozy witchy romances, like those written by Sangu Mandanna and Emily Krempholtz and Sarah Beth Durst, so I was really excited for another witchy romance with a Nigerian twist on the story.
And while I absolutely do think this book has its readers out there, unfortunately, it just wasn't working for me and I was struggling with the read, and so I did DNF it at 54%.
I had a few main issues with this book overall:
- in the eARC I received, there were a lot of the typos and grammatical errors still within the book - and while I'm familiar with this being the case for ARCs, in this instance it was to the point where it was starting to impact my understanding of what was written
- the specifics surrounding Nneka's curse, and how it would impact the entire community but the council was both helping her but also hindering her throughout the first half of the book I did read.
- while I know that Christine had posted a lot of "lessons" and knowledge on her IG earlier this year as it relates to Nigerian culture and the regional dialect, I still felt like I was missing some key information to better understand some of the scenarios within this book, and so I struggled to understand at times what was going on or what was really meant by a specific character due to a lack of in-depth cultural understanding. It constantly felt like I was missing key pieces of understanding that were not included within the book itself because I am not so familiar with Nigerian culture.
There were also a few lesser issues, like how there's at least two councils - the town/city council and the witches council, but most of the time both of them separately are just referred to as "the council", which left me guessing as to which council was being referenced. And while I agree that this is definitely giving a fantasy romance vibe, I'm not sure it quite felt "cozy" to me - some situations felt insidious almost? And overall I felt like it was missing more humor and fun that I typically associate with a cozy read.
All that being said, there were a lot of scenes in this book that I very much enjoyed: the moments where Dakoru and Nneka find themselves pulled together, the strong and fiercely protective friendship Nneka has with Chinwe and Ebele, and the underlying theme of wanting to be seen and properly understood by those around you.
I think with a bit more editing and contextual information for those who lack the innate knowledge of Nigerian culture (like myself) , this could be an absolutely fabulous read, perfect for those readers who are looking for more global reads in the fantasy romance genre as well as readers in the BIPOC space who want more stories that they can directly relate to based on their own cultural background and experience.
After seeing all the teasers and hearing so much about this book from Christine's IG, I had high hopes for this debut. I adore cozy witchy romances, like those written by Sangu Mandanna and Emily Krempholtz and Sarah Beth Durst, so I was really excited for another witchy romance with a Nigerian twist on the story.
And while I absolutely do think this book has its readers out there, unfortunately, it just wasn't working for me and I was struggling with the read, and so I did DNF it at 54%.
I had a few main issues with this book overall:
- in the eARC I received, there were a lot of the typos and grammatical errors still within the book - and while I'm familiar with this being the case for ARCs, in this instance it was to the point where it was starting to impact my understanding of what was written
- the specifics surrounding Nneka's curse, and how it would impact the entire community but the council was both helping her but also hindering her throughout the first half of the book I did read.
- while I know that Christine had posted a lot of "lessons" and knowledge on her IG earlier this year as it relates to Nigerian culture and the regional dialect, I still felt like I was missing some key information to better understand some of the scenarios within this book, and so I struggled to understand at times what was going on or what was really meant by a specific character due to a lack of in-depth cultural understanding. It constantly felt like I was missing key pieces of understanding that were not included within the book itself because I am not so familiar with Nigerian culture.
There were also a few lesser issues, like how there's at least two councils - the town/city council and the witches council, but most of the time both of them separately are just referred to as "the council", which left me guessing as to which council was being referenced. And while I agree that this is definitely giving a fantasy romance vibe, I'm not sure it quite felt "cozy" to me - some situations felt insidious almost? And overall I felt like it was missing more humor and fun that I typically associate with a cozy read.
All that being said, there were a lot of scenes in this book that I very much enjoyed: the moments where Dakoru and Nneka find themselves pulled together, the strong and fiercely protective friendship Nneka has with Chinwe and Ebele, and the underlying theme of wanting to be seen and properly understood by those around you.
I think with a bit more editing and contextual information for those who lack the innate knowledge of Nigerian culture (like myself) , this could be an absolutely fabulous read, perfect for those readers who are looking for more global reads in the fantasy romance genre as well as readers in the BIPOC space who want more stories that they can directly relate to based on their own cultural background and experience.
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
An advance copy was provided to me for free by the publisher.
Filled with lighthearted angst and a swoony love connection that will force you to believe in soulmates, Love, Witches, and Wahala by Christine Cowan should be at the top of your fall reading list. Nneka is a witch who must find her soulmate to break an ancient family curse to preserve her community, Kamalu Lane, and she's running out of time. She meets Dakoru, who has his own plans for her community, and when a love potion getts into the wrong hands, their undeniable and forbidden connection might be exactly what they both need,
This book oozes warmth, and I was captivated by Cowan's storytelling right from the beginning. You are pulled into the vivid and magical world of Kamalu Lane and can almost smell all of the goodies prepared at Nneka's bakery. I loved the magical system and its connection to the land and people who resided there reflected ways we can honor and preserve our communities and leave space for new paths.
Nneka’s Nigerian heritage, strength, and vulnerability are showcased with care, and I was rooting for her happily ever after as she navigated the complexities of a curse beyond her control. Her connection with Dakoru was a joy to read, and I was smiling as their connection deepened. Dakoru’s passion and open-mindedness allow him to shift his beliefs and be there for Nneka in ways they didn't expect. Cowan use of language will have you feel the chemistry between these two and all the magic that surrounds their connection.
Another highlight of this book is the supporting characters. They were all a delight to read, even if a few were stressing out Nneka and Dakoru. I wanted to stay with them a bit longer, and I would love to see more stories in this world
✨ If you're looking for a story filled with lighthearted chaos and plenty of love, Love, Witches, and Wahala should be on your reading list!
Filled with lighthearted angst and a swoony love connection that will force you to believe in soulmates, Love, Witches, and Wahala by Christine Cowan should be at the top of your fall reading list. Nneka is a witch who must find her soulmate to break an ancient family curse to preserve her community, Kamalu Lane, and she's running out of time. She meets Dakoru, who has his own plans for her community, and when a love potion getts into the wrong hands, their undeniable and forbidden connection might be exactly what they both need,
This book oozes warmth, and I was captivated by Cowan's storytelling right from the beginning. You are pulled into the vivid and magical world of Kamalu Lane and can almost smell all of the goodies prepared at Nneka's bakery. I loved the magical system and its connection to the land and people who resided there reflected ways we can honor and preserve our communities and leave space for new paths.
Nneka’s Nigerian heritage, strength, and vulnerability are showcased with care, and I was rooting for her happily ever after as she navigated the complexities of a curse beyond her control. Her connection with Dakoru was a joy to read, and I was smiling as their connection deepened. Dakoru’s passion and open-mindedness allow him to shift his beliefs and be there for Nneka in ways they didn't expect. Cowan use of language will have you feel the chemistry between these two and all the magic that surrounds their connection.
Another highlight of this book is the supporting characters. They were all a delight to read, even if a few were stressing out Nneka and Dakoru. I wanted to stay with them a bit longer, and I would love to see more stories in this world
✨ If you're looking for a story filled with lighthearted chaos and plenty of love, Love, Witches, and Wahala should be on your reading list!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
📖 Title: Love, Witches, and Wahala-The Wahala Witches #1
✍🏾 Author: Christine Cowan-debut
📅 Publication date: 11/17/26 | Read: 11/7/26
📃 Format: e-Book 336 pgs.
Genre:
*Paranormal Romance
*Mystery
*Multicultural Interests
Tropes:
*witches/magic/vampires
*a curse
*love spell gone wrong
*the chosen one
*forbidden romance
👆🏾POV:1st person dual
⚠️TW: death of parent, grief, overbearing parent, discrimination
🌎 Setting: Choba, Nigeria-Kamalu Lane (KL)
Summary: Nneka brews a love potion hoping to find her soulmate and break her curse. She must fall in love within her ten lives/lunar cycles or die, and all witches in KL will lose their magic. She meets Daroku who returns to KL to finish his father's dream of reshaping it into the future.
👩🏾 Heroine: Nneka-a baker and witch who owns Ezenwanyi Pastries
👨🏾Hero: Darkoru Williams- an architect, touched by magic but doesn't know it. Believes magic and witches are fake
🎭 Other Characters
*Ebele-Nneka's BFF
*Chinwe-Nneka's BFF
*Mrs. Williams-Dakoru's mother & matchmaker, dislikes witches
*Pa-Dakoru's father, deceased
*Ovundah-Dakoru's right-hand man, a building contractor
*Ozioma-Daroku's aunt, a witch who sees visions
*The Council of Elders-govern their magical community
*Mr. Ohafia-a councilman
*Ezinne-the oldest and most respected witch in KL
🤔 My Thoughts/Likes:
*I hated Nneka having to shoulder the curse and future of all the witches in KL
*It took a while but Dakoru stood up to his mother and her dislike for witches
*Loved their 1st date-romantic
*I need an Ovundah story now!
*Loved the camaraderie between Nneka, Ebele, and Chinwe
*A great HEA for Nneka and Dakoru
Rating: 5/5 ✨
Spice level: 5/5🌶️ open door
🙏🏾 Thanks to Netgalley, Orbit Books, and Christine Cowan for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
✍🏾 Author: Christine Cowan-debut
📅 Publication date: 11/17/26 | Read: 11/7/26
📃 Format: e-Book 336 pgs.
Genre:
*Paranormal Romance
*Mystery
*Multicultural Interests
Tropes:
*witches/magic/vampires
*a curse
*love spell gone wrong
*the chosen one
*forbidden romance
👆🏾POV:1st person dual
⚠️TW: death of parent, grief, overbearing parent, discrimination
🌎 Setting: Choba, Nigeria-Kamalu Lane (KL)
Summary: Nneka brews a love potion hoping to find her soulmate and break her curse. She must fall in love within her ten lives/lunar cycles or die, and all witches in KL will lose their magic. She meets Daroku who returns to KL to finish his father's dream of reshaping it into the future.
👩🏾 Heroine: Nneka-a baker and witch who owns Ezenwanyi Pastries
👨🏾Hero: Darkoru Williams- an architect, touched by magic but doesn't know it. Believes magic and witches are fake
🎭 Other Characters
*Ebele-Nneka's BFF
*Chinwe-Nneka's BFF
*Mrs. Williams-Dakoru's mother & matchmaker, dislikes witches
*Pa-Dakoru's father, deceased
*Ovundah-Dakoru's right-hand man, a building contractor
*Ozioma-Daroku's aunt, a witch who sees visions
*The Council of Elders-govern their magical community
*Mr. Ohafia-a councilman
*Ezinne-the oldest and most respected witch in KL
🤔 My Thoughts/Likes:
*I hated Nneka having to shoulder the curse and future of all the witches in KL
*It took a while but Dakoru stood up to his mother and her dislike for witches
*Loved their 1st date-romantic
*I need an Ovundah story now!
*Loved the camaraderie between Nneka, Ebele, and Chinwe
*A great HEA for Nneka and Dakoru
Rating: 5/5 ✨
Spice level: 5/5🌶️ open door
🙏🏾 Thanks to Netgalley, Orbit Books, and Christine Cowan for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Orbit and NetGalley for the E-ARC!
This was such a cute and romantic paranormal fantasy with curses, love potions gone wrong, and magical connections through the land. I loved getting to know the characters and Kamalu Lane set in Nigeria. Each character had such bright energy and loveable personalities. The romance between Nneka and Dakoru was so sweet - it was refreshing to see an MMC not be on the broody side but instead filled with compassion, curiosity and respect. His intentions were always pure if not done correctly, but to truly understand the witches of Kamalu Lane and not wishing to disrespect their magic and ways, I loved that aspect. Nneka is such a joyful FMC that it's impossible to not root for everything she does. The trio with her, Ebele and Chinwa was too precious, I loved all their interactions together <3
I really enjoyed the world-building of the town, the elders and council for witches, Kamalu Lane, etc. I think this is the perfect book for anyone looking to read a cozy fantasy that's filled with magical chaos <3
This was such a cute and romantic paranormal fantasy with curses, love potions gone wrong, and magical connections through the land. I loved getting to know the characters and Kamalu Lane set in Nigeria. Each character had such bright energy and loveable personalities. The romance between Nneka and Dakoru was so sweet - it was refreshing to see an MMC not be on the broody side but instead filled with compassion, curiosity and respect. His intentions were always pure if not done correctly, but to truly understand the witches of Kamalu Lane and not wishing to disrespect their magic and ways, I loved that aspect. Nneka is such a joyful FMC that it's impossible to not root for everything she does. The trio with her, Ebele and Chinwa was too precious, I loved all their interactions together <3
I really enjoyed the world-building of the town, the elders and council for witches, Kamalu Lane, etc. I think this is the perfect book for anyone looking to read a cozy fantasy that's filled with magical chaos <3
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is a very cozy, mostly romance focused witchy fantasy book. Nneka runs a bakery in a witch-centered lane in the town that has not really changed in decades. Dakoru has just come back from living in the USA and is running a development project centered around this lane. They are at odds, but they need to work together and ignore the mysterious pull between them. Nneka also has a secret; she is cursed and Dakoru may be the answer. The story was cute. You get the sense of community on the lane and the love between Nneka and her friends. You get to see the difficulties that Dakoru has been facing at home as well. Their romance is cute.
Overall, if you enjoy cozy magical romances that a super sweet, this could be a good fit for you.
*Thank you to Orbit Books and NetGalley for the eARC. All thoughts are my own. Thank you to Ariel for buddy reading with me :) *
Overall, if you enjoy cozy magical romances that a super sweet, this could be a good fit for you.
*Thank you to Orbit Books and NetGalley for the eARC. All thoughts are my own. Thank you to Ariel for buddy reading with me :) *
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A Big thank you to Orbit for sending me an ARC!
Stuffy Elders who have a habit of excessive punishments are truly the "villians" of this story. Is change scary? Sure! Cursing an unborn child for a "crime" they had zero part of and then having that curse not only hold their future in its hands, but all of local witch-kind? Someone needs to reign in these elders!
At times I felt the book was repetitive and I felt like important moments were rushed. Due to this, I left feeling like I was needing more. I also wish the elders would have had to be held responsible for their actions that put Nneka in the position she was in.
I did love our supporting cast! The two besties and Aunty were my favorites. To me, they were the stars of the show.
All-in-all, I enjoyed my time with this book. Definitely glad to have experienced it.
Stuffy Elders who have a habit of excessive punishments are truly the "villians" of this story. Is change scary? Sure! Cursing an unborn child for a "crime" they had zero part of and then having that curse not only hold their future in its hands, but all of local witch-kind? Someone needs to reign in these elders!
At times I felt the book was repetitive and I felt like important moments were rushed. Due to this, I left feeling like I was needing more. I also wish the elders would have had to be held responsible for their actions that put Nneka in the position she was in.
I did love our supporting cast! The two besties and Aunty were my favorites. To me, they were the stars of the show.
All-in-all, I enjoyed my time with this book. Definitely glad to have experienced it.
Review of advance copy
There are many things I liked about this cozy fantasy romance, but ultimately the story was not for me.
Nneka is a witch with a bakery, and a family curse says she has to find her soulmate or her community loses their magic. I loved the setting and non-American POV, the cozy vibes, how supernatural creatures are interwoven with history and culture and the representation of elders and the influence they carry.
My main note is that I didn't feel a spark between the main characters, and the curse rules had too many moving parts that didn't add much to the story, and the stakes felt low even though they were losing their magic.
BUT if you love cozy fantasy romance, you might like this more than I did!
Nneka is a witch with a bakery, and a family curse says she has to find her soulmate or her community loses their magic. I loved the setting and non-American POV, the cozy vibes, how supernatural creatures are interwoven with history and culture and the representation of elders and the influence they carry.
My main note is that I didn't feel a spark between the main characters, and the curse rules had too many moving parts that didn't add much to the story, and the stakes felt low even though they were losing their magic.
BUT if you love cozy fantasy romance, you might like this more than I did!
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 NetGalley
Unfortunately, this book just didn’t fit my current reading mood. I made it 24% of the way through before deciding to set it aside, but I can certainly see its appeal.
I enjoyed the author’s writing style and pacing, and the premise is intriguing. A street full of witches, a developer, a curse, and plenty of magic make for an interesting setup.
While this wasn’t the right book for me at the moment, I wouldn’t rule out returning to it in the future when I’m in the mood for this type of story.
Thank you to NetGalley, Orbit Books, and Christine Cowan for the opportunity to read an early copy
I enjoyed the author’s writing style and pacing, and the premise is intriguing. A street full of witches, a developer, a curse, and plenty of magic make for an interesting setup.
While this wasn’t the right book for me at the moment, I wouldn’t rule out returning to it in the future when I’m in the mood for this type of story.
Thank you to NetGalley, Orbit Books, and Christine Cowan for the opportunity to read an early copy
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