Rituals & Rivalry

Witches of Starbrook #6

by Elle Lavendelle

Aurora thought she would find peace in the small town of Starbrook. Instead, she gets a sentient cottage and a coven rivalry with the infuriating man she spent an incredible night with. And her home seems to like him more than her.

Aurora Seren hasn’t been able to use her magic in three years. She can’t lead a coven! But good luck convincing Starbrook’s head witch of that. Now, Aurora is a magic-less witch who’s supposed to be a leader, and she’s stuck in a wailing haunted house that pours magical rain on her when she’s trying to sleep.

But the coven leadership position was already promised to someone else.

Sterling Poole. Her cottage may like him, but that doesn’t mean he likes Aurora. When the head witch makes them plan Starbrook’s harvest festival, their differences—the very thing that attracted them in the past—make their rivalry heat up in and out of the bedroom… until Sterling realizes she needs his help getting her magic back.

But being close to Sterling has never ended well for anyone.

WHAT YOU'LL FIND INSIDE

A cozy paranormal romantic comedy with a cute small town setting.
A sentient cottage.
A nerdy, grumpy MMC with glasses and magical secrets.
A coven rivalry.
A grumpy plus-size main character.
Banter, spice, and cozy vibes.

Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Enemies To Lovers

398 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 1, 2026

About the author

i write romance books. :)

Reviews

[Lisa Ann D.]

🍁✨“What am I supposed to ask? Surely you don’t want me to propose in this dirty bathroom. I don’t even have a ring.” I narrow my eyes. “Don’t make me change my mind⁠—”✨🍁

Rituals & Rivalry by Elle Lavendelle
@lavendellebooks
𝚎𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆
396 pages
𝚁𝚎𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚍𝚊𝚝𝚎: October 1, 2026
✨🍁✨

🧡This dedication:
This one goes out to slutty glasses and fat asses🧡


𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝗼𝐧𝐞 𝗼𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝗼𝐬𝐞 𝐛𝗼𝗼𝐤𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈'𝐝 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝗼- 𝐬𝐢𝗺𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝗼𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐬...𝙱𝚄𝚃 𝙸 𝙳𝙾𝙽'𝚃 𝙷𝙰𝚅𝙴 𝚃𝙾 𝙸𝙽 𝚃𝙷𝙸𝚂 𝙲𝙰𝚂𝙴- 𝗕𝗘𝗖𝗔𝗨𝗦𝗘 𝗜𝗧 𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗦 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗙𝗜𝗩𝗘!

As always spoilers free—- but damn I wish I could go into detail. This is such a great read. Both of our main characters are so guarded and battling their own demons and yet they allow themselves to open at certain points and times. This is certainly all kinds of cozy vibes- but, it’s also an incredibly human story. There’s grief and challenges. There’s fantastic kink spice that’s done so effin well here. Highly recommend this one!
✨🍁✨

• Cozy Witch Vibes
•Paranormal RomCom
• Coven Rivals
•Forced to work Together
• Former One-Night Stand
•C𝟶ck warMing
•Bratty sub & just the one to dom
•Grief & Regret
• Cozy & Kinky
• Magical Secrets
• Sentient Cottage
• Slutty Glasses—- leave them on
• Plus-Size FMC
✨🍁✨

BREAKDOWN:
PLOT 5
MAIN CHARACTERS 4
WRITING STYLE 5
ENJOYMENT4
SETTING 5
MISCELLANEOUS 4
SECONDARY CHARACTERS 5
OTHER 4
ENGAGEMENT 4
EASE OF READING 5
BONUS FOR REP 4
• OVERALL TOTAL:
★★★★★ 𝗙𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗦
✨🧡✨


(I also really enjoyed seeing characters from the other books- even the smaller glimpses felt like visiting old friends.)


𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗞 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗦𝗢 𝗠𝗨𝗖𝗛 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪! 𝗜 𝗖𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗪𝗔𝗜𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗔𝗚𝗔𝗜𝗡!!!!
✨🍁🧡✨



I like her because of her fat body, not despite it—
🧡


𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗕𝗲 𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝘄𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗲𝘀.
❤︎ ❤︎ ❤︎
𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗤𝗨𝗘𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥
𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗙𝗔𝗧 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥
𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗗𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗘 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥
✨🌈✨

[Madison]

3.5 ⭐️

Sometimes all you need is a cute paranormal romance, and this was exactly that. Aurora and Sterling’s story was such a cosy, enjoyable read that had me hooked from the start.

The chemistry between them was fantastic, with plenty of spicy, tension-filled moments that kept me turning the pages. Sterling being a soft Dom was definitely one of my favourite aspects of the book, and I loved the dynamic between them.

That said, I do wish we’d been given more time with Aurora and Sterling as an established couple. After everything they went through, I would have loved to see more of their relationship once they finally got together. The epilogues felt a little too short for me, and I was left wanting just a bit more.

There were also a few moments where the pacing felt rushed, with certain plot points resolving more quickly than I expected. Even so, it didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the story overall.

If you’re looking for a cosy paranormal romance with great chemistry, plenty of tension, and a lovable couple, this is definitely worth picking up.

Thank you to Elle for the ARC.

[Genevieve Hickey]

I was given the honor of ARC reading Rituals and Rivalry and I couldn’t be more thankful.

Aurora and Sterlings story pulled me in from page one.
When a one night stand turns into reconnecting 3 years later, you know it will be interesting.
Aurora was lost and the last person she thought she’d see in a tiny town is her one night stand Sterling. She was a star witch who thought she lost her magic when her father passed away. She later finds out that she didn’t lose it, it changed.
When Aurora and her family moved to a new town and she ran into her one night stand, let’s just say she was all of us and very awkward. But throughout the story, she learns, grows, and becomes a stronger version of herself. Her magic changed and maybe it changed for the better.
Sterling is that awkward guy most of us know. He has seen so much in his life that he doesn’t want anything to do with Aurora at first. But as he also grows and learns, he learns he doesn’t want to be without her. His secret, being a death witch, almost tore Aurora from him. But after opening up, he learned not everyone will run away.

If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I absolutely would! It had the perfect balance of love, drama, spice, and making me cry at 3am.

[Mariasha DiBenedetto]

When I first stumbled upon the Witches of Starbrook series a few months ago, I could never have imagined how deeply ingrained these characters and place would become in my heart. I thought I had found a cute little witchy series that would tide me over until spooky season and nothing more, but what I really found was deeply emotional, entirely unexpected love, and a setting and characters that feel like home every time I open the pages.

Rituals and Rivalry is honestly a masterpiece. I’m struggling to find words for how much I truly loved this story and these characters. Aurora and Sterling were everything. We see them at the beginning, just two lost souls searching for anything to keep them anchored to this plane. Seriously, one of my notes from PAGE ONE was “Woooooowwww gonna just sucker punch me in the feels right up front huh?”. From there, what starts as a quick and filthy one night stand eventually turns into an absolutely delightful office rivalry brimming with tension, banter, and deliciously witchy vibes.

If there’s one thing Lavendelle does amazingly well (and she does a LOT amazingly well) it’s ✨yearning✨. Seriously, the way both Sterling and Aurora yearned was a masterclass in the trope. The slow burn build up was everything you could want from a rivalry-to-lovers arc, amplified by the fact that they so desperately wanted each other but couldn’t, or wouldn’t, give in.

And look. I know I just said it was slow burn, and it was a slowwwww burn, but once that spark caught?? Holy. Hell. I should know by now that these books have knock your socks off spice but Sterling freaking Poole takes the cake. This man and his slutty little glasses and stupid sexy forearms and mouth that could tame any brat is immediately moving to the top of my book boyfriends list because SIR, you can’t just say things like that and expect us to be anything but a happy little puddle.

Beneath all the banter and spice and cozy autumn vibes though, this book is really about navigating the twists and turns of grief, loss, and identity. Themes of mental health were beautifully handled throughout the story. As someone with generalized anxiety disorder, I genuinely thought that the portrayal of panic and anxiety was thoughtfully handled and accurately depicted. I love how Lavendelle always presents mental health issues as something that shouldn’t be hidden out of shame, but rather as something we all struggle with and work through in our own ways. Aurora and Sterling both showcase that life and growth and healing aren’t linear or easy, and that we as people are capable of becoming better even when everything feels broken.

As always, my heart aches that I’m leaving Starbrook now that the final page has been turned. I’m so going to miss Aurora and Sterling, but I have a feeling this isn’t the last we’ll see of them and I love that for us.

If you love cozy small towns, immaculate sweater weather vibes, witchy goodness with a hint of paranormal chaos, and characters that will stay with you long after you turn that last page, this is absolutely the book for you 🧡

I am so incredibly grateful to Elle Lavendelle for the opportunity to read and review this ARC, all words and opinions are my own 💕

[Heather Palmer]

4/5 ⭐
3/5 🌶

**Read the TW's. There's nothing very dark or triggering in this book; just some things may be triggering for some.**

TW's are as follows (per the book): sexual content (including light kinks such as cock warming, bondage, handcuffs, & dirty talk), mental health themes (anxiety, depression, panic disorder), alcohol, mentions of cannabis use, creepy guy at a bar, mentions of death, mourning, & grief (death of a parent & loved one).

First off......I love me some Sterling 🤤🫠. He's a nerd in the streets & a dom in the sheets!! I loved it. The only thing I really didn't like about this book is the lack of communication. Like come on!! At their big ages they should be able to communicate, I understand that some crazy shit has happened, but ya'll are too damn old to be skirtin around the edges of conversations. Ridiculous. Everything else though......LOVED!

Aurora (FMC) the thick, slightly gothic, witchy baddie that she is had rocked Sterling's world years prior. She had just lost her dad & was going through it &, in my opinion, made a great decision to take Sterling as a one night stand from the bar; he apparently rocked her world as well. Her & her family move to the town her dad is from........& would you guess that that is the same town Sterling lives in & could possibly lead the coven one day?

Sterling (MMC) the nerd with glasses, always in control, & has a thing for thick goth females. He is very sweet & respectful in public, but when he is behind closed doors, he turns into a dom who rewards his 'good girl' with all of the orgasms she can handle. He falls first btw (he's so freaking adorable).

There's secrets that he is keeping from Aurora (he eventually tells her, but for the most part it's the lack of communication problem) & he's terrified she is going to leave him when she finds out. Aurora is used to running away from her feelings and problems, but she doesn't want to run from Sterling, she is falling & falling hard. He grounds her in the best ways possible, he's thoughtful & sweet, & she loves his family dynamic.

I loved everything about how the relationship progressed from the beginning. It was so sweet & cozy, especially with the small town it's set in (love small towns). There's growth & self healing, there's closure, & there's family finding their love again. Some parts had me giggling & wanting to kick my feet because they were so cute & ooey gooey. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series!!

Thank you to the author for my ARC. This is my honest review & I'm leaving it voluntarily.

[Czarina Diaz]

Thank you to Elle Lavendelle for providing me with an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.

What if I told you there was a book that blended the cozy charm of Gilmore Girls with the spice of Fifty Shades of Grey, complete with witches, magical rivalries, and a laugh-out-loud sassy haunted house pining for the male main character?

Rituals and Rivalry is a cozy fantasy romance told through dual POVs, following rivals-turned-lovers Aurora and Sterling as they navigate grief, self-discovery, and their evolving magical identities.

This was an easy, lighthearted read that delivered exactly the cozy atmosphere it promised. I found myself settling comfortably into the story, enjoying the warmth of its magical small-town setting and the interactions between the characters.

One of my favorite aspects was the premise itself. A close-knit community of magical beings living together is such a fun concept, and I especially loved the idea that each witch possessed a unique magical specialty. Aurora's connection to the cosmos was particularly fascinating and left me wanting to learn even more about the world's magic system.

While I enjoyed the premise, I found myself wishing for more time with the characters beyond the central romance. I never quite formed a strong emotional connection with Aurora or Sterling because I felt I didn't get to know them deeply enough outside of their relationship.

I would have loved to see more scenes of them interacting with the coven and the wider Starbrook community. Since they're both preparing to become future coven leaders, seeing how they cared for, supported, and earned the respect of their community would have added another layer to their characters and made that journey feel even more meaningful.

Similarly, the witches' specialized magic was such an intriguing idea that I found myself wanting to see it play a larger role in the story. Their unique abilities felt like a wonderful opportunity to reveal personality, relationships, and character growth rather than simply existing as interesting background details.

I also wanted to spend more time exploring Starbrook itself. While reading, I imagined it as something like Stars Hollow except magical. I pictured enchanted bakeries selling spell-infused pastries, cafés magically preparing customers' favorite drinks before they even ordered, and little everyday moments that would bring the town to life. The setting already had so much charm that I simply wanted more of it.

I'm not sure whether this sense of wanting more stems from the book's shorter length or from the expectation that readers will continue with the other stand-alone books in the series. Either way, I finished the story feeling that both the world and its characters still had so much left to tell.

Without question, my favorite character was the haunted house.

I found myself looking forward to every scene involving the cottage and Leo. The house's dramatic personality and unapologetic sass stole every scene it appeared in, and I found it ridiculously funny how everyone simply accepted that the best way to deal was to wait patiently until its latest tantrum passed. It was delightfully absurd and genuinely made me laugh out loud.

Another standout moment was Sterling and Ryan rescuing the injured bird. It was such a quiet, tender scene that revealed Sterling's kindness without needing grand declarations. I would have loved more moments like this, where the characters' personalities shine through their magical abilities and everyday actions.

I'd recommend this to readers who enjoy:
Cozy fantasy romance
Rivals-to-lovers
Small magical communities
Witty banter
Plenty of spice
Stories that balance cozy charm with darker themes (be sure to check the content warnings)

If the idea of Gilmore Girls (too much reference to this but this will forever be the epitome of cozy for me 🙂) with witches, magical rivalries, and an unapologetically spicy romance sounds appealing, this will likely be a book you would want to pick up.

Rating — 3/5 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
I genuinely enjoyed reading Rituals and Rivalry. While I found myself wanting deeper character development and a richer exploration of Starbrook and its magical community, the cozy atmosphere, imaginative premise, and unforgettable haunted house made for a fun and enjoyable reading experience.

[Alessandra King]

Rituals & Rivalry is book six in Elle Lavendelle’s Witches of Starbrook series, and somehow this series just keeps getting better.

I know I’ve probably said this about several books in the series already, but I genuinely think this might be one of my favorites so far. And considering how much I’ve loved the previous books, that really says something.

This time, we follow Aurora and Sterling, two people who are both competing to take over the coven. They’re rivals, but their history makes things considerably more complicated. They already know each other from a one night stand years ago, and the tension between them is honestly incredible.
The rivalry, the chemistry and especially the yearning were all so well done.
But what I love most about this series is that the romance is never the only thing happening. There are always deeper emotional layers to the characters, and Aurora’s story was particularly meaningful to me.
Without getting into spoilers, Aurora’s past and the things she has lost continue to affect the way she sees herself and her present. Her journey of finding herself again and learning how to reconnect with parts of her past really resonated with me.
Seeing something so close to my experience reflected in Aurora’s story affected me much more deeply than I expected. There was something incredibly comforting about watching her slowly work through those feelings and realize that moving forward doesn’t necessarily mean leaving everything behind.
And, perhaps a little cheesy, but this book genuinely healed a small part of me that I thought I had already accepted as simply being broken.
That’s why this book means so much to me. It’s not just another wonderful addition to a series I already love. It came into my life at exactly the right time and left a much bigger impression on me than I expected.
Rituals & Rivalry is without a doubt one of my highlights of the year, and it has earned a very special place in my heart. 💚

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (6 stars)

Thank you so much to Elle Lavendelle for trusting me with an ARC of Rituals & Rivalry. I’m incredibly grateful I got the chance to read this story early. As always, these are entirely my own thoughts and opinions.

[Diosa Reads]

I received this as an ARC. Thanks to the author Elle Lavendelle for the opportunity to read this.

Okay, so first of all, as always, check the trigger warnings.

I must say, the beginning was a bit confusing.. likeee when I was already on chapter 4 and I still don't seem to understand what is happening and I don't have any idea whatsoever what to expect, except that it's funny and interesting, aaaaand that I looove how sassy Aurora is and how grumpy and indenial Sterling is (couldn't blame him tho' imagine meeting the girl you have one night stand with, again, after 3 years, right when you already make peace with the fact that she might be just your 'the one that got away' lol aaand it doesn't help his case that she keeps annoying and teasing him, hilarious 😭🤣) But yeah, it's funny like that so I keep reading...

Confusing at first, yes, but definitely not boring, I love the fact that there's a lot happening around them, there's magic, there's family stuff, there's the friendship, there's the coven stuff and the unresolved issues, so it's not just romance, maybe that's the reason why I didn't get bored even when the first chapters were a bit confusing to me. Then you'll reach the part where things starts clicking up. It's like a reward when everything starts making sense ifykwim. I love the banters and the internal monologues of BOTH Aurora and Sterling (especially Sterling as he try to get a hold of himself, while Aurora's daily life goal is to get to his skin lol) So yeah, it's a cozy read, oh, and it's a bit kinky, yep, kinky adorable witches.

Also, aside from the romance and the banters, the witchy part is good, I also love the spooky part (the house and the ghost. it's not actually scary, but the kinda cute, interesting and mild type of spooky)
This also deals heavy with death, loss, grief, guilt, acceptance and letting go... So, yeah, again, check the trigger warnings. The resolution felt a bit short for me, not that it ruins the story for me, no, it's satisfying but it (the resolution) feels a little bit dragged. Just that, but yeah, the story is good as it is. All in all, this one's a fun read, the whole ride was definitely cozy, cute and fun. I definitely enjoyed reading it.

[Kristal]

Thank you to Elle and her team for the ARC! 🌟

This book is my first introduction to Elle and her writing. I absolutely loved it! It felt very fall, bookish vibes with some magic and romance. Even though some of the subjects were a little heavy and emotional, the overall energy was cozy small town/cottage energy. The spice was SPICING so if you're into that, you'll like following Sterling and Aurora throughout this book. 😉

I did like how Elle wrote anxiety and grief as it felt really true to how it actually manifests and feels. There wasn't a quick, clean resolution of them either, which resonates so much more as mental illness isn't cured, just managed and anyone dealing with these themes could relate to the characters. I love how the magic system felt grounded and rooted into the story without feeling out of place or confusing to understand. I know this is the 6th book of the series but, as someone who didn't read the other books beforehand, you don't need to have read it to understand what's happening in this book.

Sterling is very a sexy bookish boyfriend with his nerdy glasses but has the strength (physically and emotionally 😉) that makes him so dreamy! I love Aurora's confidence and candor, as well as her deep love for her family. She felt very well-rounded, not always dependent on Sterling, but complimenting that makes the romance one to root for as you can see the both of them and their personality apart as well as together. It's very sweet and even though sometimes they clash when they're both in their overthinking zones, you keep going with them because you'll want to see them get their happy ending! I loved them as a couple so much! 💕

But I will say, this book definitely has me ready to read the others in the series! I'll be back tracking to them as well and can't wait to get into Starbrook again with other characters! 5 stars from me as this would definitely be in my list of re-reads in the future! 💕

[Lottie Pickering]

Thank you to Elle Lavendelle for providing this ARC of Rituals and Rivalry in exchange for my review.

⭐⭐ 3.75/5 stars ⭐⭐

Okay, so first things first... I need you all to send me back to Starbrook IMMEDIATELY because apparently I've been living my life having only read book 6 of a 5-book series, and I refuse to continue like this. It's Stand-alone friendly, for sure, but now I need the other five, and I need them yesterday.

This is such a deliciously autumnal read. The kind of book that makes you want a pumpkin spice drink, a blanket, and a well-timed golden leaf falling artistically past the window (reader, my actual autumn involved zero blankets and several arguments with a wheelie bin, but hey, a girl can dream).

Aurora is fun and snarky in exactly the way I want my heroines to be when their cottage has apparently decided to hate them. And honestly...Because on top of the house drama we've got grief, a cross-country move, coven leadership expectations, and Aurora just quietly not mentioning to a single soul that her powers have packed up and left. Babe. BABE. That's not a secret, that's a ticking time bomb with a cardigan on.

Enter Sterling, who takes one look at Aurora and decides she is Competition, capital C, and treats her accordingly. Mysterious, closed off, the human equivalent of a locked door, and naturally the only person the cottage actually likes. Watching him slowly, and I do mean SLOWLY, unclench and let someone in was genuinely lovely, even when I wanted to shake him by the shoulders a bit.

At its heart, this is a book about trust and vulnerability and letting people in even when every instinct says don't. Teamwork does make the dream work, yes, I said it, I'm not sorry. My only real gripe is I wanted a bit more epilogue, a bit more "and here's what happened after", but if that's saved for the next book, then fine, I'll allow it.

[Shell]

🌻ARC READ📚🌻


I will be honest and say that I had to read this twice before writing a review. I'm not sure if the first time I was just in a book slump or what, but it did not click for me. The second time around was much, much better. This was my first book by Elle and I think I'll be reading the rest of the series at some point.

This was a cute little cozy, witchy read with a touch of the paranormal. I felt it was a little bit of a slow burn, which normally isn't my favorite, but the banter between the two made it enjoyable. I also am a sucker for a soft dom. The chemistry these two had is what made this story fun. I liked how Aurora was a little bit awkward at times. And poor Sterling was just trying his best after everything 🤣

We don't get a whole lot, but the BDSM in this book was spot on. THIS is how it is done. And Sterling is yummy while he does it. 🤭
My only complaint is that we don't get much of their actual relationship. I wish we could have seen more of after they are actually together.

I had one ick throughout the whole book and that was him calling her fat. Now, let me be clear. He DOES NOT say it to her face nor does he mean it in a mean way. It was just wording. And I'm not quite sure why it irked me the way it did. But it did. I'll let you read for yourself and decide.

Honestly though this is the ✨️ perfect ✨️ book for autumn 🍂  and I hope if you do pick it up, you enjoy it as much as I did.

Thank you to Elle Lavendelle for the chance to read this ARC. ❤️

Happy reading 🌻

[Mandy Britt]

Aurora and Sterling's story pulls you in from page one, setting the stage for a compelling rivals-to-lovers arc when a one-night stand unexpectedly turns into a small-town reunion three years later.

Aurora and Sterling are fierce rivals competing to take over the coven, and their pre-existing history only amplifies an incredible, slow-burn tension driven by sharp banter, palpable chemistry, and intense yearning.
​
Beneath the romantic tension lies a deeply emotional foundation, as both characters struggle to navigate the heavy realities of grief and loss—Aurora believing she lost her star magic when her father died, and Sterling hiding his identity as a death witch to protect himself.

Their individual and shared journeys of self-acceptance are beautifully rendered, emphasizing that moving forward does not require erasing the past.

The world-building surrounding their opposing magic systems is fascinating, effortlessly blending cozy, witchy paranormal elements with heavy, resonant themes of family, identity, and personal reinvention.
​
Despite leaning into a slow-burn structure, the book keeps you hooked with snappy banter and expert pacing, perfectly complemented by well-written spice and a fantastic soft-dom dynamic that elevates their intimacy.

While I only wished for a bit more time spent witnessing them happily together after the climax, the journey itself is wholly rewarding.
​
Content Warning: This book contains depictions of grief, loss, death, and bereavement, along with explicit sexual content.

[Ashley Bunce]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶

ARC Review 📖

The perfect fall vibes and witchy times. ✨️

​Oh boy, this duo is the perfect blend of banter, spice, and magic. A one-night stand stumbles into something more for two witches in a cozy, small town.

​Aurora, the MFC, is new to Starbrook with her family, and she is chaos in a handbasket. She is bright, enthusiastic, and still mourning a great loss. With her magic on the fritz, Aurora is doubting herself, her abilities, and how to handle her newly found rival.

​Sterling may be aiming to lead his coven as head witch, but he has another thing coming as Aurora derails his solo, eldest-sibling vibes. The MMC is grumpy, a nerd, and a delightful soft dom. What's not to love? Well, maybe not the secrets that keep everyone at arm's length—though, of course, Aurora breaks down those walls so we can get a glimpse of who these two really are.

​The spell-filled world they live in was amazing to experience, especially the wailing house. However, I did feel like there was a bit too much time spent on "I cannot fall for him/her" while they gave each other (and us) mixed signals. Still, I truly enjoyed their chemistry together as well as their family dynamics. I just wish the ending hadn't felt so rushed—there were so many revelations and crazy turns packed into so few pages!

​I would love to read the rest of this series from Elle Lavendelle. The representation and haunted cottage totally drew me in, and the spicy times certainly didn't hurt either.

Special thanks to the author and publisher for the gifted copy! All opinions are 100% my own.

[Blair]

A small town witchy romance with lots of emotion, soul searching, healing, and finding oneself. If you love a spicy, sassy, and magic as part of every day life book, then Rituals and Rivalry is for you.

We get a grumpy and nerdy MMC, a sassy and lost FMC who moves to town, and a meet cute three years later after a one-night stand. Oh and let's add in a sentient cottage that is... incredibly temperamental. Elle Lavendelle brings these characters and the cottage to life in the best way, diving deep into their past trauma and heartbreak. This book doesn't pull punches on what people go through when they lose a loved one or make choices as teenagers that they aren't ready to face until they are older.

Sterling, our nerdy and dominant and down right FREAK of a MMC, is such a swoon worthy character. It was also nice to see Generalized Anxiety Disorder represented in a book the way Sterling's was shown. Fellow GAD here, baby! And Aurora being a curvy baddie made me love her even more, especially when she said "I'm just the good time girl, that's all I've ever been". My heart broke and I wanted to hug her.

I will say, for me personally, there was a lot of repetition for Aurora and some incredibly frustrating moments with Sterling. Both felt unnecessary to me and left me wanting more in the story to develop the characters and their relationship. That's the only reason it isn't a five star read for me. I definitely want to read the other books set in Starbrook and I NEED to know what in the chicken is going on with Leo.

All thoughts and opinions are my own about this book.

[Lexie]

I had the absolute pleasure of receiving an ARC of this book from the author!

This is going to sound dramatic, but I mean it: don’t walk, RUN to obtain your copy of this damn book, people!

I started reading this book one evening and could only read a few pages before sleep took me. The next day I found myself thinking about the book, I was legitimately so excited to find time to keep reading!

The chemistry between Sterling and Aurora is electric and so realistic. They like each other but their own shit gets in the way. She’s a little shit and he’s anxious (that’s a compliment btw).

We are introduced to many characters quickly and it never once felt overwhelming. It feels like coming home to a cast of friends. Each character felt well flushed out and believable and the family dynamics were so cute and real.

I was giggling and kicking my feet at the first text Aurora sent Sterling. She is SUCH a brat, and I love it. And it’s not just something he says during sex for shock value, she truly is such a menace, but she’s so likable? It’s a very fine line to toe and the author did it so well.

In the end this book is about so many beautiful themes: family, loss, heartache, burdens that are real and heavy AND burdens that we put on ourselves never realizing or dreaming that someone else could hold that weight WITH us.

This love story is well earned and I will definitely be reading the rest of this author’s work.

[Kelsie ✨]

Thank you to Elle Lavendelle for letting me read and review this book early. All thoughts are my own!!

This is my first Elle Lavendelle book, and it will absolutely not be my last!! I devoured this book in less than 24 hours, and I’m extremely excited to go back and read the other books in this universe.

The setting of this book was so cozy and magical and lovely, and I really enjoyed exploring it as the characters did. I was so intrigued by so many of the side characters as well, and I know many of them are getting their own books eventually. I’m very much looking forward to that!!

Grief is a major theme in this book. Aurora is grieving her dad and her magic, and Sterling is grieving his first love and fearing his magic. Together, they make quite the pair of witches. They slowly open up to each other and lean on each other, and it’s really sweet to watch.

Their romance was so cute and tender and fun!! I really enjoyed the dynamic that their one night stand brought to their present day interactions. I loooooved watching their relationship evolve from rivals to friends to lovers, and I really, really adored how down bad Sterling was, even when he wouldn’t admit it. This book is Bi4Bi!! They’re both so hot, and I ADORE THEM OKAY??

I’m so glad there are MORE BOOKS TO BE READ in this series!! I neeeeeeed them, and I will be reading them so soon!! Can’t wait for the next book!!

[Caitlin]

I absolutely devoured this book and this series.

I wasn’t sure if I’d love this one as much as the rest of the series because it didn’t focus on the Hawthorne sisters, but it ended up being one of my favorites.

It has heavy themes, specifically death. Both Aurora and Sterling are dealing with death (or avoiding dealing with it), which weaves a really beautiful story in the end. I honestly could read another whole book on their powers because they’re fascinating, and takes some things that some people might originally see as negative but shows how good can come from them.

The additional themes of family (biological and found), finding your place, and, of course, love are just as strong in this book as in the previous books, but it doesn’t feel like you’re just reading the same book over and over. Each couple differs in how they complement each other and bring out the best in each other.

A few other things I loved about this book and this series:
- Strong female characters. They’re magic and they’re awesome.
- Mental health rep. A lot of the characters in the series struggle with different aspects of mental health, but Sterling and Aurora really face it head on.
- Plus-sized characters
- Queer rep all over the series
- No real 3rd act break ups (they *gasp* communicate)
- The spice, obviously.

Thank you to the author for the ARC!

[Sophia Martini]

Rituals & Rivalry By Elle Lavendelle
⭐️ 4.5/5
🌶3/5

Arc read. I was in a bit of a slump with romance books and I was lucky enough to have received an arc of this. This was what I needed so much. I hadn't read anything by Elle Lavendelle before reading Rituals & Rivalry but I will reading more by her. Elle Lavendelle didn't shy away from such a heavy topic in this book which is grief, she handle it with such care.
Aurora and Sterling chemistry was amazing, there was plenty of spicy scenes and tension filled scenes. Sterling being a soft dom was one of my favourite parts of this book and Aurora being a brat to him.
I loved Sterling family his dad's were so funny.

“Anyway, how do you feel about friendly cuddling?”
“I’m quite partial to it, actually.”
I’ve never cuddled a friend in my life, but something tells me that’s about to change.


Tropes
- Paranormal Romance
- Coven Rivals
-Forced to work Together
- Former One-Night Stand
-C𝟶ck warMing
-Bratty sub & just the one to dom
-Grief & Regret
- Cozy & Kinky
-Sentient Cottage
-Slutty Glasses
- Plus-Size FMC

[Shannon]

4.75 stars rounded up✨

Thank you to Elle Lavendelle for an ARC of Rituals and Rivalry, all opinions are honest and my own ✨

I had an absolute blast reading this, I’m not usually a paranormal romance fan but this just ticked all the boxes for me 🙌🏻

Our two MC’s were well thought out individuals with their own quirks and I found myself rooting for them despite the hurdles they were facing. Sterling Poole is one hell of a man - who knew glasses could be so sexy? 😮

Even the supporting cast of side characters were well written and thought out and definitely made me want to return to the series for future instalments ✨

One thing that lost points for me was how the miscommunication almost seemed to drag out a little - both of our MC’s had secrets but it took a bit longer to talk things out than I’d usually like 🤷🏻‍♀️

Tropes:
🧙 Coven rivals to lovers
🧙 Soft dom X bratty sub
🧙 Curvy FMC
🧙 Small town
🧙 Former one night stand
🧙 Cosy and kinky
🧙 Mental health rep

[Tewzdai]

4.5⭐️
I love me a good sentient house!!! I ate this book up. Almost read it in one sitting but I had stupid responsibilities. Aurora and Sterling are perfectly imperfect. As someone who struggles with their own grief, I appreciate books that include representations of the different ways grief can show up for different people. Both Aurora and Sterling have their own issues with grieving and it was so comforting to experience with them. There were times I found myself annoyed with some of the characters, but I realize that MANY of the characters are grieving not just the MCs.
Of course, Elle is very body positive and it was so refreshing to see an author using fat positive language through the book! Something in me healed seeing the word “fat” being used with a positive and desirable connotation repeatedly. 🖤
Such a heartwarming romcom with fun and interesting characters. I enjoyed my time in this world 🥹
Thank you to Elle Lavendelle for the ARC. This review is my own honest opinion!

[Anacostia Miller]

*I received this book as an ARC in exchange for a review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
This book is my favorite in the Witches of Starbrook series!! I fell in love with Aurora and Sterling immediately. The tension between them was so well done and I devoured this book in two days.
Not to mention, I love a soft dom/brat dynamic and this book absolutely delivers on that in a healthy way.
On a softer note, I really connected to the characters journey through grief and how it changed them. Not for the better or worse, just different. I enjoyed what happened between the words on the page and how both characters processed their experience differently. That made it even more satisfying when they connected with each other. It was sweet. And this is absolutely going to become a comfort read for me.

[Bri]

5/5 🌟
3.5/5 🌶

ARC Read!!
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Rituals & Rivalry is the very first Elle Lavendelle book I have read and when I say that I plan to devour the rest of the books in this series once I have the chance, trust that I mean it.

I am honestly so completely obsessed and in love with this book. It plucked me and dragged me out of my two month long reading slump. I could NOT put it down and finished it in four hours. (Sorry to my husband who had to deal with me being annoyed that he was getting up for work because I had to take a break from reading lol)

As someone who lost my father almost three years ago, this hit me pretty hard.

I love the relationship and chemistry between Aurora and Sterling and was rooting for them the entire time. The spicy scenes were amazing!

I highly, highly recommend this book!

[Maggie]

4.25 ⭐⭐⭐⭐. 💫✨
The grief written in the book was really well written I've read 2 books recently that had a parent pass away and while both are shaped in different forms of depression and grief both truly were written so beautifully and fully understand the heartbreak .
The romance between Aurora and Sterling was great they were able to see something in each other that honestly even other people in there own life's couldn't they not only helped and supported each other but they learned to love each other in such a healthy way
The senient cottage was amazing 😂I was here for it and I wanted a little especially in the resolution but this was a great read
Very excited for farrahs book I got a little peek in the small interaction in the book and now I want the book
Thank you for letting me arc read this book

[Curvy Girls Read Romance]

Aurora Seren has just moved to Starbrook with her family in an attempt to reset after losing their patriarch. That's not the only big change in her life though...on top of losing her magical powers, and living in a haunted (possibly harmful) cottage, she just ran into her one night stand from three years ago. Sterling Poole, the only man who has ever made her...you know. Needless to say, life is a bit complicated at the moment.

This was an emotional read focusing on grief, regrets, and moving on that kept me guessing and enthralled. Sterling was a textbook tortured hero in the best way! Add in some soft dom direction and I was sold! A+ chemistry and just enough 'will they, won't they' between MCs to make that slow burn hit just right!

I love the world of Starbrook that Elle Lavendelle has created. I wish I lived in this paranormal small town with all of these characters. 🩵

[Leilani R]

Absolutely obsessed! Aurora is still dealing with her grief after the loss of her father, and she wants the connection with her family they used to have, so they move to the small town her dad used to live; moving right into a haunted house. Aurora is struggling with her grief, her magic, her relationship with her family and to top it all off, now she has the rivalry with Sterling.
Sterling has been working to become the leader of the coven, but Aurora puts a kink into that. Forced to work together, the tension rises, and feelings grow, but Aurora has a lot on her plate, and Sterling has a lot he wants to forget.

I genuinely didn't want to put this book down! Such a cute, slightly spicy paranormal romance!

[ReedRyder]

Powerful examination of trauma, loss, and mourning.
Starbrook is no stranger to angst, loss, mourning, and enemies to lovers.
This story involves two witches who learned to run, but never learned to stop.
Sterling made a mistake that literally haunts him, making him push away his magic Specialty and everyone else.
Aurora lost her father, the entire family broken by the tragedy. The two witches met for a one night stand, and then the years later meet in starbrook.

Through family, communication issues, and a meddling sentient house, barriers are broken down, relationships are built and strengthened, and revelations unfold.

Character focussed, intimate, and new kinds of magic revealed in this heart breaking and heart string pulling or to dedicated families and partners

[Ashley H]

I received this book as an ARC but my review is honest and completely my own!

LOVE this book, I do thoroughly enjoy cozy romance with no spice but this…the spice in this is 🌶️🌶️🌶️😏🫦🫦🫦 SO GOOD!! The struggles and issues each character go through just brings you in and keep you there, the spice helps you not want to set the book down!

It (the spice) isn’t over the top though. There’s no intense deep dives into describing…things… and there’s no need. Elle delivers a great bridge between cozy romance and spice while delivering a heartfelt and compelling story.

I’m not a fan of leaving reviews giving a TLDR of books because that’s what the description is for, but you won’t be disappointed with this and I’m looking forward to reading more from Elle!

[Alexandria (Ink Stained Sorceress)]

3.5 Stars Rounded Up!

Thank you so much to Elle Lavendelle for allowing me to read this as an ARC!

I really loved the characters and the setting of this book, especially the fall/autumn vibes. Sterling and Aurora were both fighting their feelings for each other so hard and yet also head over heels for each other.

It was a cozy, paranormal read and I really loved the aspect of their different magics and how they came to be. There were just a few confusing moments for me, when it came to how certain side characters were acting or how it felt like it jumped from scene to scene without explanation.

Overall, it was a fun read, the spice was definitely spicing and I’d definitely read more of her stories!

[Danielle]

4⭐️ 3.5🌶️

If you’re looking for a cozy, small town witchy romance with Gilmore Girl vibes, this definitely delivered. This book sucked me right in and I fell in love with Starbrook.

I did find that the plot dragged a little in the middle and I was waiting for something to finally happen, but overall I really enjoyed the story. Aurora and Sterling both have ghosts from their pasts that they are battling in their own ways, but I loved watching each of them grown and mature as individuals and together.

This was spicier than I expected but it was great spice. Sterling is a hot nerd with a dom side and Aurora loves to be a little brat 😈

Thank you to the author for the eARC! All opinions are my own.

[Cheryl]

I love this book so much. If Starbrook was a real place, I would want to visit. The people all seem very nice and welcoming. If you are a witch, there is a big strong coven.

What Sterling and Aurora thought would be a one-night stand, has just become "complicated". I love enemies to lovers, so this book was great. Yet, I will say that the level of hate that these two had for each other was on the mild side. In fact, Sterling is giving my golden retriever vibes.

There is something about Sterling giving his brother or anyone else the death stare if they look at Aurora but then on the other hand stares at Aurora while pushing up his eyeglasses that I find adorable. Love the hints of spice.