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The Problem with Wishes
A Beauty editor in NYC gets three wishes. A sexy genie comes with them. What could possibly go wrong?
Passed over for a career-defining promotion and stuck in a going-nowhere relationship, beauty editor Scarlett Monroe is tired of waiting for her life to begin.
Everything changes when a vintage perfume bottle lands on her desk, and Sahir emerges. He is devastatingly handsome, impossibly charming, and claims to be a real-life genie.
A no-nonsense NYC girl would never believe in magic … until one reckless wish later, the perfect life she’s spent years chasing suddenly comes within reach.
But what if the perfect life she’s been granted isn’t the one she truly desires?
With only three wishes and everything on the line, Scarlett must decide whether to hold on to the life she wished for… or let herself fall for the man she never saw coming.
Warm, witty, and irresistibly escapist, The Problem with Wishes is a sparkling romantic comedy about ambition, love, impossible choices, and one very sexy genie.
Passed over for a career-defining promotion and stuck in a going-nowhere relationship, beauty editor Scarlett Monroe is tired of waiting for her life to begin.
Everything changes when a vintage perfume bottle lands on her desk, and Sahir emerges. He is devastatingly handsome, impossibly charming, and claims to be a real-life genie.
A no-nonsense NYC girl would never believe in magic … until one reckless wish later, the perfect life she’s spent years chasing suddenly comes within reach.
But what if the perfect life she’s been granted isn’t the one she truly desires?
With only three wishes and everything on the line, Scarlett must decide whether to hold on to the life she wished for… or let herself fall for the man she never saw coming.
Warm, witty, and irresistibly escapist, The Problem with Wishes is a sparkling romantic comedy about ambition, love, impossible choices, and one very sexy genie.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2026
About the author
Hazel Calder
4 books40 followersHazel Calder writes sharp, fast-paced women’s fiction and romance about ambition, relationships, and the choices that shape our lives. Set in international, high-pressure worlds, her novels blend emotional depth with addictive storytelling.
Her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan Middle East, The National, Emirates Woman and other international publications.
She has spent much of her life living abroad.
Hazel Calder writes under a pen name.
Her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan Middle East, The National, Emirates Woman and other international publications.
She has spent much of her life living abroad.
Hazel Calder writes under a pen name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
August 13, 2026
3.5stars
This was a witty, fun and light read. A book that did not not take itself seriously but still has some powerful message about girl bossing and "be careful what you wish for"
Overall, a charming and feel good romcom that takes the edge off.
Thanks to Hazel Calder and Netgalley for the ARC!
This was a witty, fun and light read. A book that did not not take itself seriously but still has some powerful message about girl bossing and "be careful what you wish for"
Overall, a charming and feel good romcom that takes the edge off.
Thanks to Hazel Calder and Netgalley for the ARC!
August 11, 2026
The Problem with Wishes by Hazel Calder
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Platform: Goodreads
wow wow wow, first i want to say a huge thank you to NetGalley and the author for letting me read this book in advance in exchange for an honest review, alright let's get started.
This book definitely caught me OFF guard and it was the best kind—a little surprising but very nice. I usually don't read that genre, but after a few pages, it really did suck me in, and I have loved it and the writing style (i mean a genie in a perfume bottle?!? obsessed!!! ) . Chapters are a tee bit long, but you won't realize it until you have finished the book.
Part of me didn't even want to finish it because it was very good, and another part of me wanted to finish it just to see if Scarlet would get her happy ending. I won't be saying any spoilers, but if you're a fan of romance and workplace-related books, then you'll immediately love this one.
The first few chapters were a little slow, but other than that, very creative writing, and I can't wait to read more of Hazel's books!
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Platform: Goodreads
wow wow wow, first i want to say a huge thank you to NetGalley and the author for letting me read this book in advance in exchange for an honest review, alright let's get started.
This book definitely caught me OFF guard and it was the best kind—a little surprising but very nice. I usually don't read that genre, but after a few pages, it really did suck me in, and I have loved it and the writing style (i mean a genie in a perfume bottle?!? obsessed!!! ) . Chapters are a tee bit long, but you won't realize it until you have finished the book.
Part of me didn't even want to finish it because it was very good, and another part of me wanted to finish it just to see if Scarlet would get her happy ending. I won't be saying any spoilers, but if you're a fan of romance and workplace-related books, then you'll immediately love this one.
The first few chapters were a little slow, but other than that, very creative writing, and I can't wait to read more of Hazel's books!
August 25, 2026
Such a unique sloooooow romantic tale between a woman facing life and love quandaries, and the genie in a perfume bottle she falls in love with who grants her three life-changing wishes. Great fun!
August 8, 2026
3.5 stars
The Problem with Wishes presents an intriguing concept that initially promised a refreshing take on the modern romantic comedy. The setup—a frustrated professional discovering a genie who turns her career trajectory upside down overnight—is genuinely clever, and you’ll likely find yourself charmed by the light, witty narrative style. It feels like the perfect escapist romp, crackling with potential.
However, as the story progressed, my enthusiasm waned somewhat due to some pacing issues. The narrative frequently slows, spending too many pages fixated on a single professional challenge. And the protagonist’s internal struggle regarding this obstacle is repeated, often in the exact same manner, which makes the middle section of the book less progressive than it should be.
Another gripe for me was the thematic execution. Given such a fantastic, magical premise, I’d hoped the story would investigate more profound topics, such as the weight of life choices, the necessity of personal change, and the importance of self-love. It sort of does; but without the depth that would raise this from 3.5 to 4 stars. The narrative leans heavily into a cycle of complaining about an unfulfilling job and a lackluster boyfriend. While these are certainly relatable grievances, the story lacks, I think, the anticipated substance in its treatment of either, leaving both the professional and romantic arcs feeling that both could be more.
But The Problem with Wishes is an enjoyable read overall that sparkles in its prose—and there’s a lot to be said for that if your expectations are tempered a little. This is a solid sophomore effort by Hazel Calder, which, though it left me wishing for a bit more substance behind the magic, does enough to encourage me to check out her next story.
Thank you to the author and publisher and to NetGalley for the chance to uncork the bottle in this ARC.
The Problem with Wishes presents an intriguing concept that initially promised a refreshing take on the modern romantic comedy. The setup—a frustrated professional discovering a genie who turns her career trajectory upside down overnight—is genuinely clever, and you’ll likely find yourself charmed by the light, witty narrative style. It feels like the perfect escapist romp, crackling with potential.
However, as the story progressed, my enthusiasm waned somewhat due to some pacing issues. The narrative frequently slows, spending too many pages fixated on a single professional challenge. And the protagonist’s internal struggle regarding this obstacle is repeated, often in the exact same manner, which makes the middle section of the book less progressive than it should be.
Another gripe for me was the thematic execution. Given such a fantastic, magical premise, I’d hoped the story would investigate more profound topics, such as the weight of life choices, the necessity of personal change, and the importance of self-love. It sort of does; but without the depth that would raise this from 3.5 to 4 stars. The narrative leans heavily into a cycle of complaining about an unfulfilling job and a lackluster boyfriend. While these are certainly relatable grievances, the story lacks, I think, the anticipated substance in its treatment of either, leaving both the professional and romantic arcs feeling that both could be more.
But The Problem with Wishes is an enjoyable read overall that sparkles in its prose—and there’s a lot to be said for that if your expectations are tempered a little. This is a solid sophomore effort by Hazel Calder, which, though it left me wishing for a bit more substance behind the magic, does enough to encourage me to check out her next story.
Thank you to the author and publisher and to NetGalley for the chance to uncork the bottle in this ARC.
August 4, 2026
Rating: 3,5⭐
My first time reading this author, and it went surprisingly well!
What would you do if, at the end of an objectively terrible day (when exhaustion, anger, and injustice are all weighing you down) a genie suddenly appeared out of nowhere and offered you the chance to completely change your life?
Yes, it’s quite a lot for Scarlet to process, but the moment that will change her life has finally arrived..just not quite in the way she imagined😬
This was a short, fast paced, and easy to read story. It’s a lovely reminder that if we believe in ourselves and our abilities, and face our fears and insecurities, we can accomplish more than we think. And sometimes, we don’t necessarily need magic. We just need someone to believe in us and give us that little boost we need🥰
The dialogue was humorous, and the chemistry between the couple came across effortlessly. I found myself rooting for them from the very beginning.
The one thing I missed was Sahir’s POV. I understand why the author chose to tell the story from a single POV, but when it comes to romance books, I will always miss getting the other character’s perspective too. It’s simply the way I connect with both protagonists.
If you’re looking for a sweet story about love, with a dreamy hero who is ready to make her every wish his command🤭, you’ve found it!
My first time reading this author, and it went surprisingly well!
What would you do if, at the end of an objectively terrible day (when exhaustion, anger, and injustice are all weighing you down) a genie suddenly appeared out of nowhere and offered you the chance to completely change your life?
Yes, it’s quite a lot for Scarlet to process, but the moment that will change her life has finally arrived..just not quite in the way she imagined😬
This was a short, fast paced, and easy to read story. It’s a lovely reminder that if we believe in ourselves and our abilities, and face our fears and insecurities, we can accomplish more than we think. And sometimes, we don’t necessarily need magic. We just need someone to believe in us and give us that little boost we need🥰
The dialogue was humorous, and the chemistry between the couple came across effortlessly. I found myself rooting for them from the very beginning.
The one thing I missed was Sahir’s POV. I understand why the author chose to tell the story from a single POV, but when it comes to romance books, I will always miss getting the other character’s perspective too. It’s simply the way I connect with both protagonists.
If you’re looking for a sweet story about love, with a dreamy hero who is ready to make her every wish his command🤭, you’ve found it!
August 19, 2026
4.1 ⭐️
Whimsy, and magic realism. This was a very fun light read while I'm going through a super busy time. Wishes and a genie, let's have fun with it! The book was very bingeable and it's a quick read. The FMC is a very unlikeable character it got very entertaining for me. She has no concept of life other than her marketing job which she thinks is as important as an ER surgeon that she cannot conceive the notion of having another purpose to wake up to, and takes great offence when her boyfriend tries to suggest she needs more work life balance lolll. It made me see how superficial some people can be where looks and brands is what matters. The book felt like a whimsical cross between The Devil Wears Prada and Obsession.
"Everything feels like a clock as a woman. Work is a clock, love is a clock, beauty, fertility, marriage. I don't know how to not rush life in response to fear."
One thing that hit home was some pondering on how everything is on the clock and a race for women, that is super relatable.
Whimsy, and magic realism. This was a very fun light read while I'm going through a super busy time. Wishes and a genie, let's have fun with it! The book was very bingeable and it's a quick read. The FMC is a very unlikeable character it got very entertaining for me. She has no concept of life other than her marketing job which she thinks is as important as an ER surgeon that she cannot conceive the notion of having another purpose to wake up to, and takes great offence when her boyfriend tries to suggest she needs more work life balance lolll. It made me see how superficial some people can be where looks and brands is what matters. The book felt like a whimsical cross between The Devil Wears Prada and Obsession.
"Everything feels like a clock as a woman. Work is a clock, love is a clock, beauty, fertility, marriage. I don't know how to not rush life in response to fear."
One thing that hit home was some pondering on how everything is on the clock and a race for women, that is super relatable.
August 15, 2026
3.5
I had fun reading this one, but I needed more to be memorable. I liked Scarlet's personal story, how she became the woman for the job, but her relationships were a bit shallow, except with Sahir. I liked that Alice supported her, but the only thing I know about her is that she has a fiance. And I could see how Scarlet and Sahir fell in love, but I wanted to know more about his past. Maybe if the author had written a few flashback scenes about how Sahir became a genie, and connected this to the present, it would improve his character. Regarding the social commentary, the author did nail the corporative anxiety and false impostor syndrome plot. I saw myself in Scarlet's issues with her job.I also liked the setting. Writing a story in New York never tires me, it's like going back to a friend's house.
I had fun reading this one, but I needed more to be memorable. I liked Scarlet's personal story, how she became the woman for the job, but her relationships were a bit shallow, except with Sahir. I liked that Alice supported her, but the only thing I know about her is that she has a fiance. And I could see how Scarlet and Sahir fell in love, but I wanted to know more about his past. Maybe if the author had written a few flashback scenes about how Sahir became a genie, and connected this to the present, it would improve his character. Regarding the social commentary, the author did nail the corporative anxiety and false impostor syndrome plot. I saw myself in Scarlet's issues with her job.I also liked the setting. Writing a story in New York never tires me, it's like going back to a friend's house.
August 31, 2026
3.5
This book had a really strong start and there were definitely parts that felt relatable to me, which immediately drew me in. I also really liked the main character and thought the overall premise was such an interesting one!
I did find that the pace slowed down a little for me around the middle and I found myself taking slightly longer to get through those parts. However, it picked up again and I was still intrigued to see how everything would come together.
This isn’t my usual genre, so it was definitely something a little different for me, but I thought it was really well written and I’m glad I stepped outside of my usual reads to give it a go.
Although it may not have been completely my usual cup of tea, I can definitely see this being a lovely read for fans of the genre and would recommend giving it a try!
This book had a really strong start and there were definitely parts that felt relatable to me, which immediately drew me in. I also really liked the main character and thought the overall premise was such an interesting one!
I did find that the pace slowed down a little for me around the middle and I found myself taking slightly longer to get through those parts. However, it picked up again and I was still intrigued to see how everything would come together.
This isn’t my usual genre, so it was definitely something a little different for me, but I thought it was really well written and I’m glad I stepped outside of my usual reads to give it a go.
Although it may not have been completely my usual cup of tea, I can definitely see this being a lovely read for fans of the genre and would recommend giving it a try!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
➹⁀ ➷ 3.25/5
✧ little details
┊ date started: july 12, 2026
┊ date finished: july 24, 2026
┊ release date: august 29, 2026
✧ thoughts
this book was actually pretty good. scarlett was very relatable, especially as being an american in the job system. i also thought that her mindset was very much in sync with her age and maturity, likewise her reasoning. sahir was caring with a side of fact and of fun, he was never too boring and never played the wise one in the book, he was just in the middle and i enjoyed that balance.
✧ overall
the book was light, cozy, and easy to connect with the main characters. the reason i gave this book 3 stars was mostly because it didn't really get me inside the story at first. the first few chapters were slow, so i was popping in and out of this book, hence why it took me 12 days to finish this.
✯ thank you so much to the publisher and netgalley for this arc! ✯
✧ little details
┊ date started: july 12, 2026
┊ date finished: july 24, 2026
┊ release date: august 29, 2026
✧ thoughts
this book was actually pretty good. scarlett was very relatable, especially as being an american in the job system. i also thought that her mindset was very much in sync with her age and maturity, likewise her reasoning. sahir was caring with a side of fact and of fun, he was never too boring and never played the wise one in the book, he was just in the middle and i enjoyed that balance.
✧ overall
the book was light, cozy, and easy to connect with the main characters. the reason i gave this book 3 stars was mostly because it didn't really get me inside the story at first. the first few chapters were slow, so i was popping in and out of this book, hence why it took me 12 days to finish this.
✯ thank you so much to the publisher and netgalley for this arc! ✯
August 14, 2026
My Review No Spoilers
I'm going to start this one with my usual disclaimer whenever I venture outside my comfort zone...
This is absolutely NOT my usual genre.
Where's the murder? Who's gone missing? Which seemingly lovely neighbour is secretly hiding something in their basement?
You know me. Give me a murder mystery and a cast of suspicious people and I'm happy.
But every now and again, apparently I need to give my brain a little holiday from investigating fictional crimes.
And The Problem With Wishes was exactly that.
This is a light, easy to follow rom-com with a little bit of magic thrown in. Without giving anything away, the story has a whimsical feel to it and almost immediately I found myself thinking, "Ooh... this feels like a Disney fairytale."
You'll understand exactly what I mean when you read it.
It isn't complicated. There aren't a million characters to remember. You don't need to keep going back three chapters thinking, "Hang on... who were they again?" And you certainly don't need to start building your own imaginary evidence board to figure out who the murderer is.
It was just... nice.
And actually, this week, nice was exactly what I needed.
Work has been ridiculously busy, which meant most evenings my brain was completely done by the time I picked up my Kindle. This was the perfect book for that because I could read a few chapters, put it down and come back to it without having to remember seventeen different plot twists.
The story was sweet, funny and really easy to get lost in. There's romance without it becoming unbearably mushy, and the magical element gives it something a little different from a straightforward love story.
Would I give it five stars?
Probably not, simply because this isn't the genre that gets me ridiculously excited about reading. I'm always going to choose a shocking psychological thriller over a rom-com if you put the two in front of me.
But it absolutely deserves four stars.
I enjoyed it for exactly what it was, and I think someone who regularly reads this genre could very easily rate it even higher.
Final verdict
A charming, light-hearted and wonderfully easy read that arrived at exactly the right time for me.
If life is busy, your brain is tired and you want something you can simply enjoy without analysing every character's motive, this is definitely worth picking up.
Sometimes you don't need murder, secrets and a jaw-dropping twist.
Sometimes you just need a little romance, a little magic and a book that lets your brain clock off for the evening.
I'm going to start this one with my usual disclaimer whenever I venture outside my comfort zone...
This is absolutely NOT my usual genre.
Where's the murder? Who's gone missing? Which seemingly lovely neighbour is secretly hiding something in their basement?
You know me. Give me a murder mystery and a cast of suspicious people and I'm happy.
But every now and again, apparently I need to give my brain a little holiday from investigating fictional crimes.
And The Problem With Wishes was exactly that.
This is a light, easy to follow rom-com with a little bit of magic thrown in. Without giving anything away, the story has a whimsical feel to it and almost immediately I found myself thinking, "Ooh... this feels like a Disney fairytale."
You'll understand exactly what I mean when you read it.
It isn't complicated. There aren't a million characters to remember. You don't need to keep going back three chapters thinking, "Hang on... who were they again?" And you certainly don't need to start building your own imaginary evidence board to figure out who the murderer is.
It was just... nice.
And actually, this week, nice was exactly what I needed.
Work has been ridiculously busy, which meant most evenings my brain was completely done by the time I picked up my Kindle. This was the perfect book for that because I could read a few chapters, put it down and come back to it without having to remember seventeen different plot twists.
The story was sweet, funny and really easy to get lost in. There's romance without it becoming unbearably mushy, and the magical element gives it something a little different from a straightforward love story.
Would I give it five stars?
Probably not, simply because this isn't the genre that gets me ridiculously excited about reading. I'm always going to choose a shocking psychological thriller over a rom-com if you put the two in front of me.
But it absolutely deserves four stars.
I enjoyed it for exactly what it was, and I think someone who regularly reads this genre could very easily rate it even higher.
Final verdict
A charming, light-hearted and wonderfully easy read that arrived at exactly the right time for me.
If life is busy, your brain is tired and you want something you can simply enjoy without analysing every character's motive, this is definitely worth picking up.
Sometimes you don't need murder, secrets and a jaw-dropping twist.
Sometimes you just need a little romance, a little magic and a book that lets your brain clock off for the evening.
September 2, 2026
ARC Review ❣️
5 hearts for me! 💞
I knew this book was going to be special because it had me hooked from page one. There wasn't a single moment where I felt bored, I genuinely looked forward to picking it up every time. The blend of workplace romance with a magical twist was so refreshing, and somehow a genie in a perfume bottle felt completely believable in this world. It was charming, funny, emotional, and impossible to put down.
What made this story so personal for me was Scarlet. Her before the promotion and her journey after getting promoted, the overthinking, the pressure to prove herself, the fear of making mistakes, and the constant confusion about whether she's good enough felt incredibly real. I've experienced those same emotions in my own workplace, so I found myself relating to her thoughts more than I expected. It wasn't just reading her story; it felt like understanding parts of my own.
And can we appreciate the characters? Every single one had their place, and no one felt like they existed just to fill space. They all brought something meaningful to the story, making the friendships, romance, and workplace dynamics feel complete. By the time I reached the final page, I was smiling because this wasn't just an easy five-star read, it earned a permanent spot on my reread shelf, and I already know I'll be coming back to it.
5 hearts for me! 💞
I knew this book was going to be special because it had me hooked from page one. There wasn't a single moment where I felt bored, I genuinely looked forward to picking it up every time. The blend of workplace romance with a magical twist was so refreshing, and somehow a genie in a perfume bottle felt completely believable in this world. It was charming, funny, emotional, and impossible to put down.
What made this story so personal for me was Scarlet. Her before the promotion and her journey after getting promoted, the overthinking, the pressure to prove herself, the fear of making mistakes, and the constant confusion about whether she's good enough felt incredibly real. I've experienced those same emotions in my own workplace, so I found myself relating to her thoughts more than I expected. It wasn't just reading her story; it felt like understanding parts of my own.
And can we appreciate the characters? Every single one had their place, and no one felt like they existed just to fill space. They all brought something meaningful to the story, making the friendships, romance, and workplace dynamics feel complete. By the time I reached the final page, I was smiling because this wasn't just an easy five-star read, it earned a permanent spot on my reread shelf, and I already know I'll be coming back to it.
August 22, 2026
I absolutely LOOOVED The Problem with Wishes. What looks at first like a fun, whimsical story about a genie and three wishes turns into something much more meaningful—about how easy it is to spend your life chasing the things you think you’re supposed to want instead of recognizing what will actually make you happy.
Scarlet was such a relatable character, especially watching her navigate her career, relationships, and her own confidence. And I loved Sahir. Their relationship develops in such a sweet, natural way, and the magical element gives the story just enough escapism without overpowering the heart of it.
This was funny, romantic, thoughtful and incredibly easy to get lost in. I especially loved the message that sometimes getting what you wish for isn’t nearly as important as learning to trust yourself enough to choose the life you really want.
Such a clever, feel-good read with a lot more heart than I expected. Hazel Calder has created something really special here. This is my second read of hers and I can’t wait to see what she has next up her sleeve! Shes a great writer! Highly recommend. ❤️
Scarlet was such a relatable character, especially watching her navigate her career, relationships, and her own confidence. And I loved Sahir. Their relationship develops in such a sweet, natural way, and the magical element gives the story just enough escapism without overpowering the heart of it.
This was funny, romantic, thoughtful and incredibly easy to get lost in. I especially loved the message that sometimes getting what you wish for isn’t nearly as important as learning to trust yourself enough to choose the life you really want.
Such a clever, feel-good read with a lot more heart than I expected. Hazel Calder has created something really special here. This is my second read of hers and I can’t wait to see what she has next up her sleeve! Shes a great writer! Highly recommend. ❤️
August 31, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and author Hazel Calder for the advanced digital copy of this book.
Now available on KU! Scarlet Monroe accidentally releases a genie named Sahir and wishes her boss away, only to discover running a magazine is harder than expected. 🧞♂️✨
This was a fast paced, NYC atmospheric read with a literal genie. Like The Devil Wears Prada but with wishes! As an Aladdin fan, I was so intrigued with the “be careful what you wish for” trope. I loved the forced proximity trope too! There was a lot of workplace drama/corporate rivalry with fun characters. I enjoyed the FMC Scarlett and how she was able to differentiate Ethan and Sahir. The magical realism was light and the story mostly revolved around Scarlett’s growth and romance. I think the length of this one was perfect and didn’t give too much time to draw out issues. It was all fun and no stress; I highly recommend for anyone needing to mix up genres or get out of a slump!
Now available on KU! Scarlet Monroe accidentally releases a genie named Sahir and wishes her boss away, only to discover running a magazine is harder than expected. 🧞♂️✨
This was a fast paced, NYC atmospheric read with a literal genie. Like The Devil Wears Prada but with wishes! As an Aladdin fan, I was so intrigued with the “be careful what you wish for” trope. I loved the forced proximity trope too! There was a lot of workplace drama/corporate rivalry with fun characters. I enjoyed the FMC Scarlett and how she was able to differentiate Ethan and Sahir. The magical realism was light and the story mostly revolved around Scarlett’s growth and romance. I think the length of this one was perfect and didn’t give too much time to draw out issues. It was all fun and no stress; I highly recommend for anyone needing to mix up genres or get out of a slump!
August 7, 2026
If you are looking for a witty, comforting romcom, THIS IS YOUR SIGN. It's fast-paced and funny and overall a really fun read! Thank you NetGalley, and everyone involved, for allowing me to read this ARC.
The female main character (FMC) is so relatable and such a strong woman. There were moments when I worried she would succumb to societal pressures around gender norms, but this Queen stood her ground and ultimately did what was best for her. That said, she isn't perfect and definitely made some decisions that made you want to scream, BUT I loved her character development and overall growth.
I could feel myself falling into a bit of a reading slump, and this book PULLED me out so fast. Hazel Calder will be an autobuy author for me.
The female main character (FMC) is so relatable and such a strong woman. There were moments when I worried she would succumb to societal pressures around gender norms, but this Queen stood her ground and ultimately did what was best for her. That said, she isn't perfect and definitely made some decisions that made you want to scream, BUT I loved her character development and overall growth.
I could feel myself falling into a bit of a reading slump, and this book PULLED me out so fast. Hazel Calder will be an autobuy author for me.
September 2, 2026
A genie in a perfume bottle was just too cool of a premise to pass up. It turned out to be a light, fast-paced, and entertaining read under 200 pages that caught me completely off guard. Scarlet was such a relatable protagonist, and watching her try to balance her career, self-confidence, and relationships felt very grounded even when the wishes started causing total chaos.
Her bond with Sahir developed so naturally, and I loved how the magical elements provided a nice dose of escapism without ever overpowering the heart of the story or her personal growth. Packed with witty moments, it was a lovely, easy-to-read reminder that we often do not need magic to achieve our goals—sometimes we just need to face our insecurities and have someone believe in us.
Her bond with Sahir developed so naturally, and I loved how the magical elements provided a nice dose of escapism without ever overpowering the heart of the story or her personal growth. Packed with witty moments, it was a lovely, easy-to-read reminder that we often do not need magic to achieve our goals—sometimes we just need to face our insecurities and have someone believe in us.
August 23, 2026
3.5🌟 rounded up to 4
What an orginal read! If you're ever looking for whimsical with a touch of corporate anxiety, this is your book!
This is a light read about Scarlet, who thought she was up for a promotion but it ends up going to someone else. She then comes accross a genie, Sahir, in a perfume bottle and who will grant her 3 wishes.
Of course, this is a romance story and Scarlet develops feelings for Sahir, and their relationship is fairly well developped. Scarlet is a really compelling character and the issues she faces in her work and in her relationship, both before and after the wishes, made sense and were really intersting!
I feel like I would've enjoyed going deeper in Sahir's story and character though.
I guess what bothered me the most was the lack of consequences. Scarlet wishes for things and her consequences are anxiety and imposter syndrome but what happens to the people involved in these wishes? Her boss and the almost fiance? She never faces any. And that kind of bothered me.
A cute, cozy but solid read!
What an orginal read! If you're ever looking for whimsical with a touch of corporate anxiety, this is your book!
This is a light read about Scarlet, who thought she was up for a promotion but it ends up going to someone else. She then comes accross a genie, Sahir, in a perfume bottle and who will grant her 3 wishes.
Of course, this is a romance story and Scarlet develops feelings for Sahir, and their relationship is fairly well developped. Scarlet is a really compelling character and the issues she faces in her work and in her relationship, both before and after the wishes, made sense and were really intersting!
I feel like I would've enjoyed going deeper in Sahir's story and character though.
I guess what bothered me the most was the lack of consequences. Scarlet wishes for things and her consequences are anxiety and imposter syndrome but what happens to the people involved in these wishes? Her boss and the almost fiance? She never faces any. And that kind of bothered me.
A cute, cozy but solid read!
October 30, 2026
I found this bpok on netgalley after it was published amd it sounded like a cute plot. I found it on KU and it was a cute romcom. Dont expect a lot of depth to the romance but if you want an interesting story involving a genie in a bottle granting a woman frustrated eoth her going nowhere job and being passed over for position at work. The genie is her key to solving these issues but it doesnt hurt that hes sweeet and hot.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When Scarlet loses out on a promotion she is discouraged about work and life in general. Going through PR from work she uncovers a mysterious bottle that opens her world to things she would have never expected.
The Problem With Wishes was such a fun, light hearted read. I could not put it down once I started. Sahir helped Scarlet see that she was so much more than she ever imagined and built her confidence in ways she never expected. It was such a sweet story of romance building through genuine friendship and companionship.
The Problem With Wishes was such a fun, light hearted read. I could not put it down once I started. Sahir helped Scarlet see that she was so much more than she ever imagined and built her confidence in ways she never expected. It was such a sweet story of romance building through genuine friendship and companionship.
August 27, 2026
What a fun read!
So light and funny, I really enjoyed everything about it. It was like a reminder to not take life too seriously sometimes. We've all grown up with "genie in a bottle" fairytales, and this book brings it to the real world.
Highly recommend, perfect for a poolside read.
So light and funny, I really enjoyed everything about it. It was like a reminder to not take life too seriously sometimes. We've all grown up with "genie in a bottle" fairytales, and this book brings it to the real world.
Highly recommend, perfect for a poolside read.
August 23, 2026
Hazel Calder’s *The Problem with Wishes* is the ideal romcom for a sunny afternoon. It’s a charming slow-burn romance with a fresh plot. The story follows a genie assisting a woman facing career challenges. Scarlet and Sahir’s chemistry was palpable and the slow burn was *chef’s kiss*. I appreciated Scarlet’s moments of selfishness and decision-making as they made her feel more realistic.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hazel Calder for an eARC of this book, all thoughts are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hazel Calder for an eARC of this book, all thoughts are my own.
August 18, 2026
Thank you, NetGallery and Publisher, for this ARC.
I really had fun reading this book, and I love how the story unfolds without forcing the relationship between Scarlet & Sahir. A slow-burn. I would love to give this 5 stars, but there is one issue for me. There were moments when I felt I was lost because I didn't understand whether Sahir was seen by other people or if he was just a voice in Scarlet's head while they were together.
Overall, I simply adore this. :)
I really had fun reading this book, and I love how the story unfolds without forcing the relationship between Scarlet & Sahir. A slow-burn. I would love to give this 5 stars, but there is one issue for me. There were moments when I felt I was lost because I didn't understand whether Sahir was seen by other people or if he was just a voice in Scarlet's head while they were together.
Overall, I simply adore this. :)
July 16, 2026
Let me start by saying that this was my very first NetGalley book! I picked it because I fell in love with the cover, opened it, read the description, and I was SOLD. ✨
This book is everything you want a rom-com to be. It’s fun, romantic, heartwarming, has a beautiful message, and of course… a happy ending. But more than anything, it feels magical.
Scarlett is our FMC, and she’s such a relatable character. She struggles with insecurities, anxiety, flaws, and still has so much to learn about life; and about herself.
And Sahir… he’s exactly the man for the job. HE chose to help her become the best version of herself, and that, for me, is what makes a top-tier MMC.
The connection between them is absolutely beautiful, and watching their relationship grow was pure perfection. 💖
You have no idea how much I enjoyed this book. The writing is beautiful, easy to read, and the kind of story you’ll finish in one sitting because you simply won’t want to put it down.
Definitely a new favorite for me! 🥹🖤
This book is everything you want a rom-com to be. It’s fun, romantic, heartwarming, has a beautiful message, and of course… a happy ending. But more than anything, it feels magical.
Scarlett is our FMC, and she’s such a relatable character. She struggles with insecurities, anxiety, flaws, and still has so much to learn about life; and about herself.
And Sahir… he’s exactly the man for the job. HE chose to help her become the best version of herself, and that, for me, is what makes a top-tier MMC.
The connection between them is absolutely beautiful, and watching their relationship grow was pure perfection. 💖
You have no idea how much I enjoyed this book. The writing is beautiful, easy to read, and the kind of story you’ll finish in one sitting because you simply won’t want to put it down.
Definitely a new favorite for me! 🥹🖤
August 3, 2026
I’d like to thank NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis.
Scarlett works for a fashion magazine and has been stuck in the same job for 10 years. When she’s finally offered a promotion, things don’t go as she’d hoped. Her love life isn’t what she’d like it to be either, as her seemingly perfect boyfriend doesn’t prioritise her as much as she’d like. But everything changes when Sahir, the handsome genius, grants her three wishes.
Characters.
Scarlett is an insecure, clumsy and pathetic girl. All her actions border more on the ridiculous than the amusing. The moment she meets Sahir is so implausible – I mean, there’s a stranger in her house and she’s thinking about how handsome he is. The little self-confidence she has isn’t funny, but rather disappointing. Has she really been waiting so long for that job and then she’s not even capable of taking it on? I understand that someone might doubt themselves, but hers is just over the top.
As for Sahir, the author tries to make him seem like a deeply insightful genius who knows Scarlett better than she knows herself, but his lines couldn’t be more basic. “But is that what you want?” Please, her friend Alice could say the same thing to her – if she hasn’t already told her time and time again.
The only character I find acceptable is Eric, and not because I like him, but because I think he’s well-developed (compared to the others). Although at first it seems as though there’s no problem and that Scarlett is just overreacting, his true intentions are gradually revealed at the same time as the protagonist starts seeing the problem.
Pace.
To be honest, it was often difficult to follow the plot because of the constant interruptions from Scarlett’s inner monologue. Half the time, they added nothing; it was just her repeating the same thing over and over again.
Plot.
I understand the book was meant to be a ‘friends-to-lovers’ story, but I didn’t see either the ‘friends’ or the ‘lovers’ part. Scarlett spends the whole time indignant that Sahir asks her questions that make her reflect on her decisions, and as the bar isn’t set very high (with Eric as her boyfriend), that seems enough to her. What’s more, she’s supposed to have only three wishes, yet he keeps giving in to her demands ‘for free’. In short, it’s very contrived.
Personal opinion.
Personally, I didn’t like it at all. I found the whole thing so implausible, contrived and pathetic that I struggled to finish it. There’s hardly any plot; half the book is spent preparing a presentation that we don’t know anything about, to the extent that it seems as though the author doesn’t know how that world works. I wouldn’t recommend it.
Synopsis.
Scarlett works for a fashion magazine and has been stuck in the same job for 10 years. When she’s finally offered a promotion, things don’t go as she’d hoped. Her love life isn’t what she’d like it to be either, as her seemingly perfect boyfriend doesn’t prioritise her as much as she’d like. But everything changes when Sahir, the handsome genius, grants her three wishes.
Characters.
Scarlett is an insecure, clumsy and pathetic girl. All her actions border more on the ridiculous than the amusing. The moment she meets Sahir is so implausible – I mean, there’s a stranger in her house and she’s thinking about how handsome he is. The little self-confidence she has isn’t funny, but rather disappointing. Has she really been waiting so long for that job and then she’s not even capable of taking it on? I understand that someone might doubt themselves, but hers is just over the top.
As for Sahir, the author tries to make him seem like a deeply insightful genius who knows Scarlett better than she knows herself, but his lines couldn’t be more basic. “But is that what you want?” Please, her friend Alice could say the same thing to her – if she hasn’t already told her time and time again.
The only character I find acceptable is Eric, and not because I like him, but because I think he’s well-developed (compared to the others). Although at first it seems as though there’s no problem and that Scarlett is just overreacting, his true intentions are gradually revealed at the same time as the protagonist starts seeing the problem.
Pace.
To be honest, it was often difficult to follow the plot because of the constant interruptions from Scarlett’s inner monologue. Half the time, they added nothing; it was just her repeating the same thing over and over again.
Plot.
I understand the book was meant to be a ‘friends-to-lovers’ story, but I didn’t see either the ‘friends’ or the ‘lovers’ part. Scarlett spends the whole time indignant that Sahir asks her questions that make her reflect on her decisions, and as the bar isn’t set very high (with Eric as her boyfriend), that seems enough to her. What’s more, she’s supposed to have only three wishes, yet he keeps giving in to her demands ‘for free’. In short, it’s very contrived.
Personal opinion.
Personally, I didn’t like it at all. I found the whole thing so implausible, contrived and pathetic that I struggled to finish it. There’s hardly any plot; half the book is spent preparing a presentation that we don’t know anything about, to the extent that it seems as though the author doesn’t know how that world works. I wouldn’t recommend it.
September 11, 2026
This was such a cozy, magical realism romance! While it is a slower-paced book, I found it surprisingly easy to get through and really enjoyed the overall atmosphere.
Scarlett works at Velvet in New York and is passed over for a promotion in favor of someone who has been there significantly less time than her—and is younger than her. Her boss gives her a perfume assignment, essentially trying to give her a project to focus on after she doesn't get the promotion. Cue the super-hot genie in the perfume bottle!
Sahir is a genie who appears from the perfume bottle and grants Scarlett three wishes.
SPOILERS BELOW:
Her first wish is more of a joke because she can't believe what is happening. She wishes that her boss would disappear and that she could have the job herself. Well... overnight, that's exactly what happens! Suddenly, Scarlett is in the position she always wanted, and she has to figure out how to navigate her new role.
Scarlett was such an interesting character, and I think a lot of people will be able to see themselves in her. She struggles with confidence and doesn't always recognize how smart and capable she really is. A big part of the story focuses on her learning to believe in herself, especially as she takes on her new position and deals with all the challenges that come with it.
Then there's Ethan.
In my opinion, Ethan wasn't really much of a catch. He gave Scarlett basically zero attention, and I honestly didn't understand why she was so determined to make their relationship work. Her second wish is for Ethan to try harder in their relationship, which I thought was a HUGE waste of a wish.
I understand why Scarlett wanted things to work with Ethan because, on paper, he sounds great. But in reality, they didn't seem to have much of a relationship at all. He barely gave her attention, and then he rushed to propose before she had even met his family! I kept thinking that Scarlett should have realized sooner that this relationship wasn't right for her.
Meanwhile, Sahir is always there. Obviously, he has to be there because he's the genie who is supposed to grant her three wishes, but he also ends up showing Scarlett what a healthy relationship could look like and, more importantly, how she deserves to be treated.
While this is technically a romance, I actually think the main focus of the story is Scarlett learning to have confidence in herself and her choices. Her character development was probably my favorite part of the book, and I really liked that it was given the spotlight. The romance with Sahir takes more of a backseat, but I actually think that worked really well for this story.
My biggest complaint was that I wanted MORE of Sahir! I would have loved to learn more about him and what exactly it meant for him to be "freed." There were so many questions I had by the end. How was he able to travel everywhere? Did he have a normal job? Was he human now? Did he still have magical abilities? There was just a lot left unanswered about him, and I definitely would have liked more details.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story! It was super cozy, cute, and magical, and I loved watching Scarlett grow into someone who was more confident in herself and what she wanted. ✨
Thank you to NetGalley and Hazel Calder for the eARC!
Scarlett works at Velvet in New York and is passed over for a promotion in favor of someone who has been there significantly less time than her—and is younger than her. Her boss gives her a perfume assignment, essentially trying to give her a project to focus on after she doesn't get the promotion. Cue the super-hot genie in the perfume bottle!
Sahir is a genie who appears from the perfume bottle and grants Scarlett three wishes.
SPOILERS BELOW:
Her first wish is more of a joke because she can't believe what is happening. She wishes that her boss would disappear and that she could have the job herself. Well... overnight, that's exactly what happens! Suddenly, Scarlett is in the position she always wanted, and she has to figure out how to navigate her new role.
Scarlett was such an interesting character, and I think a lot of people will be able to see themselves in her. She struggles with confidence and doesn't always recognize how smart and capable she really is. A big part of the story focuses on her learning to believe in herself, especially as she takes on her new position and deals with all the challenges that come with it.
Then there's Ethan.
In my opinion, Ethan wasn't really much of a catch. He gave Scarlett basically zero attention, and I honestly didn't understand why she was so determined to make their relationship work. Her second wish is for Ethan to try harder in their relationship, which I thought was a HUGE waste of a wish.
I understand why Scarlett wanted things to work with Ethan because, on paper, he sounds great. But in reality, they didn't seem to have much of a relationship at all. He barely gave her attention, and then he rushed to propose before she had even met his family! I kept thinking that Scarlett should have realized sooner that this relationship wasn't right for her.
Meanwhile, Sahir is always there. Obviously, he has to be there because he's the genie who is supposed to grant her three wishes, but he also ends up showing Scarlett what a healthy relationship could look like and, more importantly, how she deserves to be treated.
While this is technically a romance, I actually think the main focus of the story is Scarlett learning to have confidence in herself and her choices. Her character development was probably my favorite part of the book, and I really liked that it was given the spotlight. The romance with Sahir takes more of a backseat, but I actually think that worked really well for this story.
My biggest complaint was that I wanted MORE of Sahir! I would have loved to learn more about him and what exactly it meant for him to be "freed." There were so many questions I had by the end. How was he able to travel everywhere? Did he have a normal job? Was he human now? Did he still have magical abilities? There was just a lot left unanswered about him, and I definitely would have liked more details.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story! It was super cozy, cute, and magical, and I loved watching Scarlett grow into someone who was more confident in herself and what she wanted. ✨
Thank you to NetGalley and Hazel Calder for the eARC!
September 23, 2026
This is 3.5 for me but half stars are not allowed
The Problem with Wishes by Hazel Calder follows Scarlett Monroe, a beauty editor who has worked hard for years only to be passed over for a promotion. Things take an unexpected turn when she encounters Sahir, a modern-day genie who grants her three wishes.
The premise of this story was something I could really relate to. I found myself connecting with Scarlett's struggles, particularly when it came to her career and the feeling of working hard only to wonder if you're actually getting anywhere. Her frustrations with the corporate world felt familiar because they reflect struggles that many people experience in their everyday lives. I also liked how the story explored the idea of getting what you think you want, only to realize that it may not necessarily be what you actually need.
That said, I did have a few issues with the execution of the story. While I thought the premise was interesting and had a lot of potential, I felt that the execution could have been stronger. The pacing felt a little uneven at times, and there were moments when the narration became repetitive. There were also parts of Scarlett's story that felt like they were going in circles, which made it harder for me to stay fully engaged.
I also had a difficult time connecting with the romance between the main leads. I could see what the story was trying to build between them, but unfortunately, their love story didn't completely land for me. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had felt a stronger emotional connection to their relationship.
Despite those issues, there were definitely things I appreciated about the book. As I mentioned earlier, Scarlett's struggles felt very relatable to me. I also really liked Sahir as a character. What I particularly appreciated was that, despite being a genie who could simply solve Scarlett's problems with a snap of his fingers, he didn't always take the easy route. Instead, he tried to teach her valuable lessons that would stay with her even after all three of her wishes were gone.I think that was one of my favorite aspects of the story. His presence helped reinforce the idea that sometimes, getting what we wish for isn't necessarily the same as getting what is best for us.
Overall, The Problem with Wishes was one of those books that I found difficult to rate because, for me, it was simply an "okay" read. It wasn't the best book I've read, but it certainly wasn't horrible either. There were things I enjoyed, things that resonated with me, and moments that I thought were genuinely charming. It just didn't completely come together for me.
Would I recommend it? I still would. Just because a story doesn't fully land for me doesn't mean another reader won't absolutely love it. We all have different preferences when it comes to the books we read, and I can definitely see this one working for readers who enjoy cozy romance, magical realism, workplace struggles, and stories about figuring out what you really want from life.
Many thanks to Hazel Calder and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in advance, despite this very late review!
The Problem with Wishes by Hazel Calder follows Scarlett Monroe, a beauty editor who has worked hard for years only to be passed over for a promotion. Things take an unexpected turn when she encounters Sahir, a modern-day genie who grants her three wishes.
The premise of this story was something I could really relate to. I found myself connecting with Scarlett's struggles, particularly when it came to her career and the feeling of working hard only to wonder if you're actually getting anywhere. Her frustrations with the corporate world felt familiar because they reflect struggles that many people experience in their everyday lives. I also liked how the story explored the idea of getting what you think you want, only to realize that it may not necessarily be what you actually need.
That said, I did have a few issues with the execution of the story. While I thought the premise was interesting and had a lot of potential, I felt that the execution could have been stronger. The pacing felt a little uneven at times, and there were moments when the narration became repetitive. There were also parts of Scarlett's story that felt like they were going in circles, which made it harder for me to stay fully engaged.
I also had a difficult time connecting with the romance between the main leads. I could see what the story was trying to build between them, but unfortunately, their love story didn't completely land for me. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had felt a stronger emotional connection to their relationship.
Despite those issues, there were definitely things I appreciated about the book. As I mentioned earlier, Scarlett's struggles felt very relatable to me. I also really liked Sahir as a character. What I particularly appreciated was that, despite being a genie who could simply solve Scarlett's problems with a snap of his fingers, he didn't always take the easy route. Instead, he tried to teach her valuable lessons that would stay with her even after all three of her wishes were gone.I think that was one of my favorite aspects of the story. His presence helped reinforce the idea that sometimes, getting what we wish for isn't necessarily the same as getting what is best for us.
Overall, The Problem with Wishes was one of those books that I found difficult to rate because, for me, it was simply an "okay" read. It wasn't the best book I've read, but it certainly wasn't horrible either. There were things I enjoyed, things that resonated with me, and moments that I thought were genuinely charming. It just didn't completely come together for me.
Would I recommend it? I still would. Just because a story doesn't fully land for me doesn't mean another reader won't absolutely love it. We all have different preferences when it comes to the books we read, and I can definitely see this one working for readers who enjoy cozy romance, magical realism, workplace struggles, and stories about figuring out what you really want from life.
Many thanks to Hazel Calder and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in advance, despite this very late review!
August 27, 2026
ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 𝕠𝕗 𝕒𝕕𝕧𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖 𝕔𝕠𝕡𝕪 𝕣𝕖𝕔𝕖𝕚𝕧𝕖𝕕 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 ℕ𝕖𝕥𝔾𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕖𝕪 🫶🏻
I absolutely loved this book! 🧞💘✨
The whole concept of a genie appearing from a perfume bottle and giving Scarlet three wishes was already enough to get me interested, but what really made the book for me was the characters.
I really liked Scarlet. I could understand her struggles and the feeling of being at a point in life where you have certain expectations for yourself, but things aren't turning out exactly the way you imagined. I loved seeing her figure out what she actually wanted instead of simply wishing for the things she thought were supposed to make her happy. And I liked that she wasn't overly self-confident and that she faced difficulties, which made her seem more real.
And then there's Sahir. 🧞♂️
He absolutely won me over. His relationship with Scarlet felt very natural to me. He was constantly there for her, supporting her, listening to her and becoming such a big part of her everyday life. Honestly, he was around her way more than Ethan, so I could definitely see where those feelings were coming from. Their relationship developed slowly through all those little moments, and I really enjoyed watching it happen. From strangers to friends to lovers. I loved the way their relationship gradually changed from something magical and unusual into something much more personal.
Sahir was probably my favorite part of the book. He was sweet, patient and supportive (probably because he is a genie?!), but he also had his own personality and wasn't just there to grant wishes. Few times I felt like he had to agree with Scarlet even though he would have been more than happy to give his honest opinion (especially about Ethan). One thing I really wish we had gotten more of was Sahir's past. We only get small pieces of information about his life before Scarlet, and I found myself wanting so much, like SO MUCH more.
My only real complaint (not really) is something that kept popping into my head whenever Sahir was around other people: how exactly does the invisibility work?! 😂
If Scarlet and Sahir are sitting somewhere drinking coffee, eating or having champagne together, what do other people actually see? If Sahir is invisible but the things he touches aren't, does his coffee cup just float in the air? Does a champagne glass magically move around by itself? And when he creates something and hands it to Scarlet, is it just... floating until she takes it? I know this is such a small thing, but I kept thinking about it! 😂 I just wish there had been a clearer rule about what happens to objects around him.
Other than that, I LOVED this book. It was magical, funny, romantic and surprisingly heartfelt. I loved the message about wishes and happiness, and I especially loved seeing Scarlet realize that getting exactly what you think you want isn't always the same as getting what you actually need.
𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘤! ⋆‧°𓏲ּ𝄢
I absolutely loved this book! 🧞💘✨
The whole concept of a genie appearing from a perfume bottle and giving Scarlet three wishes was already enough to get me interested, but what really made the book for me was the characters.
I really liked Scarlet. I could understand her struggles and the feeling of being at a point in life where you have certain expectations for yourself, but things aren't turning out exactly the way you imagined. I loved seeing her figure out what she actually wanted instead of simply wishing for the things she thought were supposed to make her happy. And I liked that she wasn't overly self-confident and that she faced difficulties, which made her seem more real.
And then there's Sahir. 🧞♂️
He absolutely won me over. His relationship with Scarlet felt very natural to me. He was constantly there for her, supporting her, listening to her and becoming such a big part of her everyday life. Honestly, he was around her way more than Ethan, so I could definitely see where those feelings were coming from. Their relationship developed slowly through all those little moments, and I really enjoyed watching it happen. From strangers to friends to lovers. I loved the way their relationship gradually changed from something magical and unusual into something much more personal.
Sahir was probably my favorite part of the book. He was sweet, patient and supportive (probably because he is a genie?!), but he also had his own personality and wasn't just there to grant wishes. Few times I felt like he had to agree with Scarlet even though he would have been more than happy to give his honest opinion (especially about Ethan). One thing I really wish we had gotten more of was Sahir's past. We only get small pieces of information about his life before Scarlet, and I found myself wanting so much, like SO MUCH more.
My only real complaint (not really) is something that kept popping into my head whenever Sahir was around other people: how exactly does the invisibility work?! 😂
If Scarlet and Sahir are sitting somewhere drinking coffee, eating or having champagne together, what do other people actually see? If Sahir is invisible but the things he touches aren't, does his coffee cup just float in the air? Does a champagne glass magically move around by itself? And when he creates something and hands it to Scarlet, is it just... floating until she takes it? I know this is such a small thing, but I kept thinking about it! 😂 I just wish there had been a clearer rule about what happens to objects around him.
Other than that, I LOVED this book. It was magical, funny, romantic and surprisingly heartfelt. I loved the message about wishes and happiness, and I especially loved seeing Scarlet realize that getting exactly what you think you want isn't always the same as getting what you actually need.
𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘤! ⋆‧°𓏲ּ𝄢
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC!
We have Scarlet Monroe, our fmc who works for Velvet, a beauty and lifestyle publication company. For years, she had worked really hard only to see her promised promotion be handed over to someone else before a more niche project regarding perfumes from a luxury Dubai fragrance house was assigned to her. Moreover, her boyfriend Ethan acts as though she was nothing more than a weekly schedule in his calendar instead of treating her like a girlfriend. Scarlet is frustrated. and rightfully so.
Imagine her surprise when a genie appears from one of the perfume bottles sent over for the new project assigned to her. Enter Sahir - calm, incredibly attractive, blunt at times, and somehow knowing what she needs every single time. Scarlet does not believe in magic but when disaster after disaster starts happening, she had no choice but to start believing that the wishes granted to her were real.
Scarlet was a very relatable character. Her frustrations were things that I think many of us would have thought of at some point regardless of our age. Her mindset was also realistic for her age and her current status in life. Her work anxiety and her wish for some semblance of stability in her very busy schedule were things that I could relate to very easily as well. What I loved about Scarlet the most was that she was reasonable. There were plenty of moments when Sahir would be blunt with the advice he gives her and she acknowledges that he was correct, even if she hated that what he said was right. It was wonderful seeing her maturity shine in those moments.
I loved Sahir. I would say that he is one of the more well balanced mmc that I have read about in a while. He's very mature and often gives Scarlet several good advice. I actually liked that he was blunt with his words at times because it helped to cut through Scarlet's anxiety and grounds her. He's also very supportive of her and really helped in building up her confidence. I loved that he sees Scarlet for who she is and how patient he is with her. He's the kind of friend everyone wishes to have in their life and he made for an even better partner. It was exactly the kind of person that our fmc needed in her life.
Something about this book healed me a little. It felt good to read a story where we can have emotionally mature characters who still struggle with their life because it tells us that sometimes what we think we want are not what we actually need. It also teaches us that what we actually need may have been with us the entire time.
The book was well written and was the perfect cosy, light-hearted read. I decided to read this book during my long flight and I was not disappointed!
We have Scarlet Monroe, our fmc who works for Velvet, a beauty and lifestyle publication company. For years, she had worked really hard only to see her promised promotion be handed over to someone else before a more niche project regarding perfumes from a luxury Dubai fragrance house was assigned to her. Moreover, her boyfriend Ethan acts as though she was nothing more than a weekly schedule in his calendar instead of treating her like a girlfriend. Scarlet is frustrated. and rightfully so.
Imagine her surprise when a genie appears from one of the perfume bottles sent over for the new project assigned to her. Enter Sahir - calm, incredibly attractive, blunt at times, and somehow knowing what she needs every single time. Scarlet does not believe in magic but when disaster after disaster starts happening, she had no choice but to start believing that the wishes granted to her were real.
Scarlet was a very relatable character. Her frustrations were things that I think many of us would have thought of at some point regardless of our age. Her mindset was also realistic for her age and her current status in life. Her work anxiety and her wish for some semblance of stability in her very busy schedule were things that I could relate to very easily as well. What I loved about Scarlet the most was that she was reasonable. There were plenty of moments when Sahir would be blunt with the advice he gives her and she acknowledges that he was correct, even if she hated that what he said was right. It was wonderful seeing her maturity shine in those moments.
I loved Sahir. I would say that he is one of the more well balanced mmc that I have read about in a while. He's very mature and often gives Scarlet several good advice. I actually liked that he was blunt with his words at times because it helped to cut through Scarlet's anxiety and grounds her. He's also very supportive of her and really helped in building up her confidence. I loved that he sees Scarlet for who she is and how patient he is with her. He's the kind of friend everyone wishes to have in their life and he made for an even better partner. It was exactly the kind of person that our fmc needed in her life.
Something about this book healed me a little. It felt good to read a story where we can have emotionally mature characters who still struggle with their life because it tells us that sometimes what we think we want are not what we actually need. It also teaches us that what we actually need may have been with us the entire time.
The book was well written and was the perfect cosy, light-hearted read. I decided to read this book during my long flight and I was not disappointed!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
DNF
Unfortunately, I had to DNF The Problem with Wishes. I really wanted to enjoy this one, but I struggled too much with the writing style to stay immersed in the story.
My biggest issue was how repetitive the writing felt. The same information, character traits, and emotional beats were often explained multiple times, sometimes close together. Rather than trusting the reader to understand what was happening or how a character was feeling, the narration frequently reiterated it. After a while, I found myself noticing the repetition more than the story itself.
I also struggled with some of the word choices. There were moments when the vocabulary felt more elaborate than the scene called for, and the words didn’t quite match the emotion or situation being conveyed. Instead of strengthening the prose, it occasionally made the writing feel unnatural and pulled me out of the scene.
More broadly, I felt that the story relied heavily on telling rather than showing. I was often being told what the characters were feeling, thinking, or experiencing instead of seeing those things develop naturally through their actions, dialogue, and interactions. Because of that, I had a difficult time connecting emotionally with the characters or becoming invested in the story.
Scarlett was also a challenging FMC for me. She seemed to complain about nearly everything, and I didn’t find enough humor, self-awareness, vulnerability, or other characterization to balance that out. Rather than finding her relatable, I increasingly found her frustrating to spend time with.
Finally, this is a relatively minor issue compared with the writing itself, but the formatting significantly affected my reading experience. The text uses full justification, which resulted in noticeably inconsistent spacing between words on some lines. Occasionally there were very large gaps between words while surrounding lines appeared normal. Because unusual spacing is something my eye naturally interprets as emphasis, I found it surprisingly distracting and disruptive to the flow of the story. Better typesetting or hyphenation may have helped avoid some of those large gaps.
There are elements of the premise that initially interested me, and I can see this working better for readers who enjoy a very direct, explanatory narrative style. Unfortunately, the combination of repetitive narration, heavy telling, mismatched word choices, my difficulty connecting with Scarlett, and the distracting formatting ultimately made this one not work for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, I had to DNF The Problem with Wishes. I really wanted to enjoy this one, but I struggled too much with the writing style to stay immersed in the story.
My biggest issue was how repetitive the writing felt. The same information, character traits, and emotional beats were often explained multiple times, sometimes close together. Rather than trusting the reader to understand what was happening or how a character was feeling, the narration frequently reiterated it. After a while, I found myself noticing the repetition more than the story itself.
I also struggled with some of the word choices. There were moments when the vocabulary felt more elaborate than the scene called for, and the words didn’t quite match the emotion or situation being conveyed. Instead of strengthening the prose, it occasionally made the writing feel unnatural and pulled me out of the scene.
More broadly, I felt that the story relied heavily on telling rather than showing. I was often being told what the characters were feeling, thinking, or experiencing instead of seeing those things develop naturally through their actions, dialogue, and interactions. Because of that, I had a difficult time connecting emotionally with the characters or becoming invested in the story.
Scarlett was also a challenging FMC for me. She seemed to complain about nearly everything, and I didn’t find enough humor, self-awareness, vulnerability, or other characterization to balance that out. Rather than finding her relatable, I increasingly found her frustrating to spend time with.
Finally, this is a relatively minor issue compared with the writing itself, but the formatting significantly affected my reading experience. The text uses full justification, which resulted in noticeably inconsistent spacing between words on some lines. Occasionally there were very large gaps between words while surrounding lines appeared normal. Because unusual spacing is something my eye naturally interprets as emphasis, I found it surprisingly distracting and disruptive to the flow of the story. Better typesetting or hyphenation may have helped avoid some of those large gaps.
There are elements of the premise that initially interested me, and I can see this working better for readers who enjoy a very direct, explanatory narrative style. Unfortunately, the combination of repetitive narration, heavy telling, mismatched word choices, my difficulty connecting with Scarlett, and the distracting formatting ultimately made this one not work for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 3, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The idea of a stressed-out woman accidentally making a wish and finding herself promoted overnight was what initially drew me to The Problem with Wishes, but I particularly liked that the magic didn’t instantly solve everything for Scarlet.
Scarlet felt believable from the beginning. Her career has stalled, her boyfriend treats their relationship like another appointment in his calendar, and just about every part of her life appears to be going wrong at once. Even before the genie storyline properly begins, her frustration is very easy to understand. Ethan also felt like a realistic portrayal of the kind of boyfriend who is technically present but not especially supportive or communicative. I became suspicious of him when he suddenly seemed much more enthusiastic about Scarlet once her career improved.
Sahir was easily one of the highlights for me. Although Scarlet’s first wish is granted somewhat accidentally on her part, he doesn’t simply hand her a perfect new life. She gets the position she believes she deserves, but she must then prove that she is capable of doing it. I enjoyed watching Scarlet work for the opportunity rather than having magic make her instantly successful. It made the career storyline feel less predictable and turned her wish into a test of whether she genuinely wanted and was ready for the life she had imagined.
The romance between Scarlet and Sahir develops as a slow burn, and their chemistry felt natural within the unusual circumstances. There are plenty of funny moments too, including some knowingly ironic scenes where the characters watch a film whose plot resembles what is happening in their own lives. Alice, Scarlet’s quirky work best friend, was another enjoyable addition.
The latter part did become a little repetitive, as I could generally predict where certain parts of the story were heading. I also would have liked the New York setting to feel slightly more vivid, although the workplace stresses and Scarlet’s evenings spent unwinding with trash television were very relatable.
I initially expected the ending to become clichéd, but it actually unfolded in a surprisingly natural way. Scarlet’s eventual understanding of what she truly wanted and how much she had already managed to achieve felt earned rather than magically manufactured. Overall, this was a fun, witty and escapist read that still had something worthwhile to say about ambition, confidence and the difference between being given an opportunity and proving to yourself that you deserve it.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
The idea of a stressed-out woman accidentally making a wish and finding herself promoted overnight was what initially drew me to The Problem with Wishes, but I particularly liked that the magic didn’t instantly solve everything for Scarlet.
Scarlet felt believable from the beginning. Her career has stalled, her boyfriend treats their relationship like another appointment in his calendar, and just about every part of her life appears to be going wrong at once. Even before the genie storyline properly begins, her frustration is very easy to understand. Ethan also felt like a realistic portrayal of the kind of boyfriend who is technically present but not especially supportive or communicative. I became suspicious of him when he suddenly seemed much more enthusiastic about Scarlet once her career improved.
Sahir was easily one of the highlights for me. Although Scarlet’s first wish is granted somewhat accidentally on her part, he doesn’t simply hand her a perfect new life. She gets the position she believes she deserves, but she must then prove that she is capable of doing it. I enjoyed watching Scarlet work for the opportunity rather than having magic make her instantly successful. It made the career storyline feel less predictable and turned her wish into a test of whether she genuinely wanted and was ready for the life she had imagined.
The romance between Scarlet and Sahir develops as a slow burn, and their chemistry felt natural within the unusual circumstances. There are plenty of funny moments too, including some knowingly ironic scenes where the characters watch a film whose plot resembles what is happening in their own lives. Alice, Scarlet’s quirky work best friend, was another enjoyable addition.
The latter part did become a little repetitive, as I could generally predict where certain parts of the story were heading. I also would have liked the New York setting to feel slightly more vivid, although the workplace stresses and Scarlet’s evenings spent unwinding with trash television were very relatable.
I initially expected the ending to become clichéd, but it actually unfolded in a surprisingly natural way. Scarlet’s eventual understanding of what she truly wanted and how much she had already managed to achieve felt earned rather than magically manufactured. Overall, this was a fun, witty and escapist read that still had something worthwhile to say about ambition, confidence and the difference between being given an opportunity and proving to yourself that you deserve it.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2026
The Problem with Wishes by Hazel Calder (2026)
246-page Kindle Ebook
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Magical Realism, Women's Fiction
Movie Rating Equivalent: PG-13
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️👩🏼💼🗽🧞♂️👜✨️
Featuring: Senior Beauty Editor, New York City, New York; Tricenarian, Magazine, Genie, Workplace Setting, Relationship Woes, Self-Actualization, Sex - Off-Camera, Manhattan, New York; Hamptons, New York; Career Goals, Biological Clock
I was drawn to The Problem with Wishes because of the awesome cover. I went in blind, not knowing what the story was about, but quickly discovered it was a genie story. There were definitely some hiccups. Scarlett is very immature for 35. If this were a television sitcom, I would totally award it five stars, but as a book, there are a lot of plot holes.
For example, Sahir gives Scarlett detailed rules and even warns her against making careless wishes. What does she do? Of course, she makes a stupid, careless wish. Then, even though he specifically says she only gets three wishes, there are somehow several freebies, like fixing a coffee stain or an email.
The point where I knew this wasn't going to be higher than a three-star read was when Sahir opened by telling her his previous client was a '60s actress (you have to read to find out who!). Yet, a few chapters later, he is debating how television is entertaining and acting like he's not familiar with acting and film—even though that was his previous client's job. Really? That's the point where I decided to just pretend I was watching TV, and honestly, the book got better from there.
Overall, the main character is a doormat. Her boyfriend sucks, her boss sucks, her life is meh, and she has a hot genie in a perfume bottle. That's pretty much the gist of the story for me.
Recommend to others: Maybe. If you like lighthearted, sitcom-like, fun stories that don't know if they want to be romance or women's fiction, this is a great pick. But if you are looking for a solid contemporary romance, you might be dissatisfied with this story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hazel Calder via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Books and Authors Mentioned: I Dream of Jeannie by Sidney Sheldon, Aladdin by Ron Clements, John Musker, Ted Elliott, and Terry Rossio [based on] "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp" from One Thousand and One Nights; The Matrix by The Wachowskis, Below Deck by Mark Cronin, Doug Henning and Rebecca Taylor Henning, The Real Housewives by Scott Dunlop
246-page Kindle Ebook
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Magical Realism, Women's Fiction
Movie Rating Equivalent: PG-13
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️👩🏼💼🗽🧞♂️👜✨️
Featuring: Senior Beauty Editor, New York City, New York; Tricenarian, Magazine, Genie, Workplace Setting, Relationship Woes, Self-Actualization, Sex - Off-Camera, Manhattan, New York; Hamptons, New York; Career Goals, Biological Clock
I was drawn to The Problem with Wishes because of the awesome cover. I went in blind, not knowing what the story was about, but quickly discovered it was a genie story. There were definitely some hiccups. Scarlett is very immature for 35. If this were a television sitcom, I would totally award it five stars, but as a book, there are a lot of plot holes.
For example, Sahir gives Scarlett detailed rules and even warns her against making careless wishes. What does she do? Of course, she makes a stupid, careless wish. Then, even though he specifically says she only gets three wishes, there are somehow several freebies, like fixing a coffee stain or an email.
The point where I knew this wasn't going to be higher than a three-star read was when Sahir opened by telling her his previous client was a '60s actress (you have to read to find out who!). Yet, a few chapters later, he is debating how television is entertaining and acting like he's not familiar with acting and film—even though that was his previous client's job. Really? That's the point where I decided to just pretend I was watching TV, and honestly, the book got better from there.
Overall, the main character is a doormat. Her boyfriend sucks, her boss sucks, her life is meh, and she has a hot genie in a perfume bottle. That's pretty much the gist of the story for me.
Recommend to others: Maybe. If you like lighthearted, sitcom-like, fun stories that don't know if they want to be romance or women's fiction, this is a great pick. But if you are looking for a solid contemporary romance, you might be dissatisfied with this story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hazel Calder via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Books and Authors Mentioned: I Dream of Jeannie by Sidney Sheldon, Aladdin by Ron Clements, John Musker, Ted Elliott, and Terry Rossio [based on] "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp" from One Thousand and One Nights; The Matrix by The Wachowskis, Below Deck by Mark Cronin, Doug Henning and Rebecca Taylor Henning, The Real Housewives by Scott Dunlop
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