What do you think?
Rate this book
Love Spells: And Other Non-Refundable Magic
When Merryweather Hawthorne drunkenly purchases a love spell from an online witch, she's not expecting much. Maybe a little luck. Maybe a little hope. Certainly not her nepobaby CEO suddenly asking her out.
Convinced the spell has worked too well, Merryweather returns to The Third Fairy begging for her money back. But the shop has a strict no-refunds policy. Instead, the shop owner offers her something else: a series of rituals, challenges, and small acts of courage designed to help undo the spell. Desperate to set things right, Merryweather reluctantly agrees to follow them.
Flora Ramos never intended for her silly online shop to become more than a side hustle, because she doesn't believe in soulmates, destiny, or happily-ever-afters delivered by magic. But when one earnest customer keeps showing up in her inbox, Flora finds herself looking forward to every message more than she should.
As the weeks pass, the correspondence between them grows from spell instructions to something far more personal. And while Merryweather finds herself drawn to the woman behind The Third Fairy's messages, she can't stop thinking about the barista at her neighborhood coffee shop—the one with the guarded smile and uncanny ability to make her feel seen.
As fall settles over the city and the line between coincidence and destiny begins to blur, both women start to wonder if there might be a little magic in the world after all.
A little magic. A lot of heart. And two women falling in love twice.
Convinced the spell has worked too well, Merryweather returns to The Third Fairy begging for her money back. But the shop has a strict no-refunds policy. Instead, the shop owner offers her something else: a series of rituals, challenges, and small acts of courage designed to help undo the spell. Desperate to set things right, Merryweather reluctantly agrees to follow them.
Flora Ramos never intended for her silly online shop to become more than a side hustle, because she doesn't believe in soulmates, destiny, or happily-ever-afters delivered by magic. But when one earnest customer keeps showing up in her inbox, Flora finds herself looking forward to every message more than she should.
As the weeks pass, the correspondence between them grows from spell instructions to something far more personal. And while Merryweather finds herself drawn to the woman behind The Third Fairy's messages, she can't stop thinking about the barista at her neighborhood coffee shop—the one with the guarded smile and uncanny ability to make her feel seen.
As fall settles over the city and the line between coincidence and destiny begins to blur, both women start to wonder if there might be a little magic in the world after all.
A little magic. A lot of heart. And two women falling in love twice.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Advance Reader Review
I've been in a romance reading slump for quite some time, so I was hesitant going into this ARC. Well… I worried for no reason!
Rigou struck an excellent balance. It was witty (I laughed out loud so many times), cute (I was gushing and giggling right along with the MCs), and emotional in just the right way (the happy-tears kind, not the sad kind, and those who know me know I'm a sap). And of course… the spice (boy oh boy, those scenes… perfection).
The Sleeping Beauty / You've Got Mail retelling was done so well. I felt the nostalgia while it still felt relevant to today's world. And obviously, I'm always here for sapphic and Latinx rep.
This is the book to pick up this fall. You won't regret it.
Thank you, Maria Rigou, for the advance reader's copy. I had a hoot 😉 reading this one.
I've been in a romance reading slump for quite some time, so I was hesitant going into this ARC. Well… I worried for no reason!
Rigou struck an excellent balance. It was witty (I laughed out loud so many times), cute (I was gushing and giggling right along with the MCs), and emotional in just the right way (the happy-tears kind, not the sad kind, and those who know me know I'm a sap). And of course… the spice (boy oh boy, those scenes… perfection).
The Sleeping Beauty / You've Got Mail retelling was done so well. I felt the nostalgia while it still felt relevant to today's world. And obviously, I'm always here for sapphic and Latinx rep.
This is the book to pick up this fall. You won't regret it.
Thank you, Maria Rigou, for the advance reader's copy. I had a hoot 😉 reading this one.
October 2, 2026
"i love the way she says my name when she's trying not to smile."
flora and merryweather will forever have a special place in my heart. i lost my mind over this book, and i would happily do it all over again.
their dynamic, the banter, the flirting, the meet-cute? stunning. beautiful. zero notes whatsoever. the way they both talked about one another in their respective chapters had me swooning. truly, this book was like a breath of fresh air that i didn't know i needed. the way flora and merry complemented each other had my head spinning, because they were seriously meant to be. although the initial way they met was a little unconventional, it worked perfectly for them. the secret identity trope in this book was insanely perfect for their story, and i can't stop thinking about the japanese garden scene-- i was so giddy and smiley over it. i devoured every ounce of this book, especially flora, she was my favourite, and the way she didn't believe in certain things but merry did had me giggling and kicking my feet. i cannot stress how perfect this book was and how perfect flora and merry were for each other.
thank you so much to the author for the e-arc! ✦
⋆˙⟡ info ⋆˙⟡
ᰔ pages: 358
ᰔ pov: first person + dual
ᰔ position in series: standalone -- book 1
ᰔ release date: october 15th
⋆˙⟡ tropes ⋆˙⟡
ᰔ sapphic
ᰔ online witch
ᰔ secret identity
ᰔ strangers to lovers
ᰔ you've got mail x sleeping beauty
flora and merryweather will forever have a special place in my heart. i lost my mind over this book, and i would happily do it all over again.
their dynamic, the banter, the flirting, the meet-cute? stunning. beautiful. zero notes whatsoever. the way they both talked about one another in their respective chapters had me swooning. truly, this book was like a breath of fresh air that i didn't know i needed. the way flora and merry complemented each other had my head spinning, because they were seriously meant to be. although the initial way they met was a little unconventional, it worked perfectly for them. the secret identity trope in this book was insanely perfect for their story, and i can't stop thinking about the japanese garden scene-- i was so giddy and smiley over it. i devoured every ounce of this book, especially flora, she was my favourite, and the way she didn't believe in certain things but merry did had me giggling and kicking my feet. i cannot stress how perfect this book was and how perfect flora and merry were for each other.
thank you so much to the author for the e-arc! ✦
⋆˙⟡ info ⋆˙⟡
ᰔ pages: 358
ᰔ pov: first person + dual
ᰔ position in series: standalone -- book 1
ᰔ release date: october 15th
⋆˙⟡ tropes ⋆˙⟡
ᰔ sapphic
ᰔ online witch
ᰔ secret identity
ᰔ strangers to lovers
ᰔ you've got mail x sleeping beauty
October 15, 2026
I don’t know what kind of magic (😉) Maria Rigou puts in her books that makes them so good. I started swooning maybe halfway through and never stopped.
I loved that the dynamic between Flora and Merryweather was cute and sometimes really hot but also messy and awkward. I immediately fell for both characters, usually there is one character that I like or relate to more but they both captured my heart instantly. They had an easy banter to their interactions, they noticed little details about each other like the way Flora scrunches her nose when she smiles and how Merryweather snorted when she laughed. Then you just about ended me when Merry proposed through a custom spell request, the same way they first talked to each other. I’m a hopeless romantic, what can I say?
I do have a bone to pick with the author. How dare you have Merryweather ask Flora to sit on her face during their first hookup and then fade it to black and leave it to my imagination? I almost felt betrayed. You may have healed my wounds a little with the bench scene.
My favorite quotes came from the same scene:
- “There has to be a little bit of magic in finding someone you weren’t looking for and somehow making room for them without even realizing you’re doing it.”
- “I knew when you were just you.”
Don’t mind me, I’ll just be looking through the orange logo marketplace for the love of my life.
Thank you to Maria Rigou for providing me with an eARC.
I loved that the dynamic between Flora and Merryweather was cute and sometimes really hot but also messy and awkward. I immediately fell for both characters, usually there is one character that I like or relate to more but they both captured my heart instantly. They had an easy banter to their interactions, they noticed little details about each other like the way Flora scrunches her nose when she smiles and how Merryweather snorted when she laughed. Then you just about ended me when Merry proposed through a custom spell request, the same way they first talked to each other. I’m a hopeless romantic, what can I say?
I do have a bone to pick with the author. How dare you have Merryweather ask Flora to sit on her face during their first hookup and then fade it to black and leave it to my imagination? I almost felt betrayed. You may have healed my wounds a little with the bench scene.
My favorite quotes came from the same scene:
- “There has to be a little bit of magic in finding someone you weren’t looking for and somehow making room for them without even realizing you’re doing it.”
- “I knew when you were just you.”
Don’t mind me, I’ll just be looking through the orange logo marketplace for the love of my life.
Thank you to Maria Rigou for providing me with an eARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
I was a little afraid of how this plot would play out but that fear was quickly proven to be a non-issue. I liked the characters from the start, the MCs and the side characters. There was something about them that made them so relatable and lovable so quickly.
This was such a cute, funny and low stakes romance. This was about so much more than romance. I loved that the MCs were in their mid thirties. I loved that they were still trying to figure life out. It really resonated with me and where I’m at in life. There were so many amazing quotes and “aha” moments I had throughout the story.
I think the only thing I have to critique and I feel like it was a me thing more than anything, but I was expecting the MCs to find out about each other (the whole Etsy witch and customer of it all) before the end. I don’t know why but I thought it would be revealed about halfway and then the rest of the story would be them overcoming that. So I do think part of me was waiting for that through out and it took me out of the story a little.But again, this was on me. Nothing the author did indicated the timeline would be that way. Plus, the way the author laid out the timeline was even better than what I was expecting.
This is easily 4.5 stars! I could see this becoming a comfort read for sure! I would recommend anyone who likes sapphic romance, especially one that has relatable humor, to check out this book!
I was a little afraid of how this plot would play out but that fear was quickly proven to be a non-issue. I liked the characters from the start, the MCs and the side characters. There was something about them that made them so relatable and lovable so quickly.
This was such a cute, funny and low stakes romance. This was about so much more than romance. I loved that the MCs were in their mid thirties. I loved that they were still trying to figure life out. It really resonated with me and where I’m at in life. There were so many amazing quotes and “aha” moments I had throughout the story.
I think the only thing I have to critique and I feel like it was a me thing more than anything, but I was expecting the MCs to find out about each other (the whole Etsy witch and customer of it all) before the end. I don’t know why but I thought it would be revealed about halfway and then the rest of the story would be them overcoming that. So I do think part of me was waiting for that through out and it took me out of the story a little.But again, this was on me. Nothing the author did indicated the timeline would be that way. Plus, the way the author laid out the timeline was even better than what I was expecting.
This is easily 4.5 stars! I could see this becoming a comfort read for sure! I would recommend anyone who likes sapphic romance, especially one that has relatable humor, to check out this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
iconicometer: 💅🏼💅🏼💅🏼
spiceometer: 🥵🥵
✨ such a cute and cozy fall read
✨ sometimes manifestation truly is more about noticing than it is about magic
✨ if you love love and are in the mood for some cute romance that feels like watching an early 2000s rom-com, this book is for you
✨ LOOOOVELY (and witty) BANTER!!!
spiceometer: 🥵🥵
✨ such a cute and cozy fall read
✨ sometimes manifestation truly is more about noticing than it is about magic
✨ if you love love and are in the mood for some cute romance that feels like watching an early 2000s rom-com, this book is for you
✨ LOOOOVELY (and witty) BANTER!!!
October 14, 2026
What happens when you mix Sleeping Beauty with a dash of You’ve Got Mail and a pinch of sapphic magic? You get a delightful and often humorously chaotic romance that is equal parts charming, funny, and heartfelt.
Love Spells: And Other Non Refundable Magic takes the whimsy of a classic fairy tale, combines it with the anonymous connections and romance of a classic ‘90’s rom-com movie and creates something that feels both wonderfully nostalgic AND refreshingly original.
After drunkenly buying a love spell online Merryweather Hawthorne is convinced that its worked a little too well. Enter Flora Ramos, aka The Third Fairy, whose no-refunds policy leads to a series of increasingly and thought provoking interactions. The result of this set up is a charming sapphic romance that has unexpected connections, vulnerability, and the possibility that love doesn’t need a supernatural explanation to feel magical.
The characters, both main and secondary, are incredibly well developed; they are complex able believably written. I honestly wouldn’t hate more books that focus on the other characters introduced in Love Spells…but I digress. Returning to the main characters, Merryweather is an endearing mess who is also kind, accidentally funny, smart, and dedicated. Her willingness to believe in magic plays wonderfully against Flora. Flora, an ironic skeptic of magic, is reserved but not closed off, she is insightful, kindly sarcastic, and compassionate. The two personalities created plenty of humor, banter, and genuine tenderness-and eventually incredible spice.
I truly appreciate the romantic growth between Flora and Merryweather, it feels natural and realistic. The use of conversations and small moments of connection make the development feel genuine. There’s something about seeing two people gradually become important to each other before they recognize what’s happening.
The secret identity element adds an entertaining layer to the romance, providing the reader with insight into each characters inner thoughts in a way that isn’t a stuffy inner monologue. But under the whimsical premise is a relatable ideal-falling in love requires a willingness to be vulnerable. No spell, refundable or not, can eliminate the uncertainty of putting yourself out there.
Ultimately Love Spells is a cozy (and spicy) no third act break up sapphic romance that celebrates the magic of ordinary human connection. It is truly a reminder that sometimes the most extraordinary thing isn’t finding someone through fate or destiny but discovering that someone is choosing you entirely of their own free will. Sometimes the best kind of magic has absolutely nothing to do with spells.
Love Spells: And Other Non Refundable Magic takes the whimsy of a classic fairy tale, combines it with the anonymous connections and romance of a classic ‘90’s rom-com movie and creates something that feels both wonderfully nostalgic AND refreshingly original.
After drunkenly buying a love spell online Merryweather Hawthorne is convinced that its worked a little too well. Enter Flora Ramos, aka The Third Fairy, whose no-refunds policy leads to a series of increasingly and thought provoking interactions. The result of this set up is a charming sapphic romance that has unexpected connections, vulnerability, and the possibility that love doesn’t need a supernatural explanation to feel magical.
The characters, both main and secondary, are incredibly well developed; they are complex able believably written. I honestly wouldn’t hate more books that focus on the other characters introduced in Love Spells…but I digress. Returning to the main characters, Merryweather is an endearing mess who is also kind, accidentally funny, smart, and dedicated. Her willingness to believe in magic plays wonderfully against Flora. Flora, an ironic skeptic of magic, is reserved but not closed off, she is insightful, kindly sarcastic, and compassionate. The two personalities created plenty of humor, banter, and genuine tenderness-and eventually incredible spice.
I truly appreciate the romantic growth between Flora and Merryweather, it feels natural and realistic. The use of conversations and small moments of connection make the development feel genuine. There’s something about seeing two people gradually become important to each other before they recognize what’s happening.
The secret identity element adds an entertaining layer to the romance, providing the reader with insight into each characters inner thoughts in a way that isn’t a stuffy inner monologue. But under the whimsical premise is a relatable ideal-falling in love requires a willingness to be vulnerable. No spell, refundable or not, can eliminate the uncertainty of putting yourself out there.
Ultimately Love Spells is a cozy (and spicy) no third act break up sapphic romance that celebrates the magic of ordinary human connection. It is truly a reminder that sometimes the most extraordinary thing isn’t finding someone through fate or destiny but discovering that someone is choosing you entirely of their own free will. Sometimes the best kind of magic has absolutely nothing to do with spells.
Review of advance copy
I received an ARC copy for my honest review.
I absolutely adored this book. I've been in a bit of a romance reading slump (or slump in general no matter the genre) and this was a breath of fresh air.
It's lighthearted, funny, sweet, and thoughtful.
I really appreciated all of the call outs to certain Disney themes and the easy going banter between all of the characters (side ones included).
I love how much of a mess Merryweather is. She's unapologetically herself and it's so refreshing to see. She's kind, funny, smart and dedicated.
Although Flora is a bit more "reserved" with her past, she's no less likable. She's also kind and funny and the growth we see in her back story is really nice. I found myself relating to a lot of what she experienced with her ex and I felt closer to her for that. I also love that she doesn't fight her attraction and growing feelings for Merry and vise versa.
It's SO nice to see that happen naturally in romance-two MCs going after who they want early on bc it feels right- instead of some sort of mishap or other avoidance tactic. It was really nice to be along for the ride with their relationship.
I also love that there's no third act breakup and the two women discuss things in a healthy manner and how to move on and figure out what each of them needs.
There was only one minor "mess up" that I found which was like..
Anyway. This book made me smile a lot and I really liked the simplicity of it. I'm thankful I got an ARC copy.
I absolutely adored this book. I've been in a bit of a romance reading slump (or slump in general no matter the genre) and this was a breath of fresh air.
It's lighthearted, funny, sweet, and thoughtful.
I really appreciated all of the call outs to certain Disney themes and the easy going banter between all of the characters (side ones included).
I love how much of a mess Merryweather is. She's unapologetically herself and it's so refreshing to see. She's kind, funny, smart and dedicated.
Although Flora is a bit more "reserved" with her past, she's no less likable. She's also kind and funny and the growth we see in her back story is really nice. I found myself relating to a lot of what she experienced with her ex and I felt closer to her for that. I also love that she doesn't fight her attraction and growing feelings for Merry and vise versa.
It's SO nice to see that happen naturally in romance-two MCs going after who they want early on bc it feels right- instead of some sort of mishap or other avoidance tactic. It was really nice to be along for the ride with their relationship.
I also love that there's no third act breakup and the two women discuss things in a healthy manner and how to move on and figure out what each of them needs.
There was only one minor "mess up" that I found which was like..
Anyway. This book made me smile a lot and I really liked the simplicity of it. I'm thankful I got an ARC copy.
October 18, 2026
“Some things are between a woman, her Etsy witch, and the Universe.”
This book may not have real magic, but it definitely has magical chemistry between Merryweather and Flora!
I absolutely adored this sapphic romance by Maria Rigou! Merry was easily my favorite part. She’s funny and relatable, with an inner (and outer) monologue that could make anyone laugh. “Personally, if any of my exes crawled anywhere near me during a full moon, I’d call animal control.” LIKE MERRY PLEASE 😭
Beyond the humor, I appreciated Merry’s journey of self-discovery. Figuring out what you want and giving yourself permission to actually pursue it is the core of this story.
“Before you can choose what you want, you have to notice what you’re already drawn to… Just make people stop long enough to look at it. To notice what was already there, what they wanted, what they kept reaching for. Because I think sometimes we know those things long before we’re willing to admit that we know them.”
Sometimes we already know what we want, but it takes a little push (or apparently a spell purchased on Etsy) to finally admit it. And sometimes you just have to do something because you WANT to, reasoning be damned!
Their romance felt effortless and struck the perfect balance between playful and passionate. Plus, the 🌶️ scenes were intimate and 🥵! Flora and Merry complemented each other so well, and I especially loved that Flora was someone Merry had already noticed in her everyday life.
Btw, Merry saying “Oh, fuck you” when Flora beat her to saying I love you first is unfortunately something I would do…
This was a witty, whimsical, and charming read, perfect for witch season (or as some people insist on calling it, “fall”).
Thank you to the author Maria Rigou for the eARC!
This book may not have real magic, but it definitely has magical chemistry between Merryweather and Flora!
I absolutely adored this sapphic romance by Maria Rigou! Merry was easily my favorite part. She’s funny and relatable, with an inner (and outer) monologue that could make anyone laugh. “Personally, if any of my exes crawled anywhere near me during a full moon, I’d call animal control.” LIKE MERRY PLEASE 😭
Beyond the humor, I appreciated Merry’s journey of self-discovery. Figuring out what you want and giving yourself permission to actually pursue it is the core of this story.
“Before you can choose what you want, you have to notice what you’re already drawn to… Just make people stop long enough to look at it. To notice what was already there, what they wanted, what they kept reaching for. Because I think sometimes we know those things long before we’re willing to admit that we know them.”
Sometimes we already know what we want, but it takes a little push (or apparently a spell purchased on Etsy) to finally admit it. And sometimes you just have to do something because you WANT to, reasoning be damned!
Their romance felt effortless and struck the perfect balance between playful and passionate. Plus, the 🌶️ scenes were intimate and 🥵! Flora and Merry complemented each other so well, and I especially loved that Flora was someone Merry had already noticed in her everyday life.
Btw, Merry saying “Oh, fuck you” when Flora beat her to saying I love you first is unfortunately something I would do…
This was a witty, whimsical, and charming read, perfect for witch season (or as some people insist on calling it, “fall”).
Thank you to the author Maria Rigou for the eARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2026
The magic of sapphic love lives on!
Shout out to Maria Rigou for sending me the e-arc of this sapphic witchy read!
Love Spells And Other Non-Refundable Magic was exactly up my alley. Readers who are familiar with Ashley Herring Blakes work or Milena Mckay will have a fabulous time reading this, this romance is a mixture of You've Got Mail alongside Sleeping Beauty!
Merryweather Hawthorne's drunk purchases won her a unforgettable romance with the online witch that cast her love spell.
Merryweather doesn't know but love is actually closer to her than she thinks, stopping by for coffee one afternoon she meets a stunning barista named Flora, the universe seems to have lots in store for them!
I enjoyed the meetcute between Merry and Flora, I thought it was such a fun twist to add the secret identity portion. I will always be happy to read a sapphic romance, the spin on this made it such a unique story with some meaningful sidequests along the way.
This story also takes place in Seattle aka MY CITYYYYYYY, I loved seeing so many of my fav places be mentioned throughout the novel. Now when am I gonna find a witchy girlfriend in the streets of Seattle? I guess only time will tell!
Tis the season for Sapphic Cozy Fall Romances! You don't want to miss out on this one!!!
Shout out to Maria Rigou for sending me the e-arc of this sapphic witchy read!
Love Spells And Other Non-Refundable Magic was exactly up my alley. Readers who are familiar with Ashley Herring Blakes work or Milena Mckay will have a fabulous time reading this, this romance is a mixture of You've Got Mail alongside Sleeping Beauty!
Merryweather Hawthorne's drunk purchases won her a unforgettable romance with the online witch that cast her love spell.
Merryweather doesn't know but love is actually closer to her than she thinks, stopping by for coffee one afternoon she meets a stunning barista named Flora, the universe seems to have lots in store for them!
I enjoyed the meetcute between Merry and Flora, I thought it was such a fun twist to add the secret identity portion. I will always be happy to read a sapphic romance, the spin on this made it such a unique story with some meaningful sidequests along the way.
This story also takes place in Seattle aka MY CITYYYYYYY, I loved seeing so many of my fav places be mentioned throughout the novel. Now when am I gonna find a witchy girlfriend in the streets of Seattle? I guess only time will tell!
Tis the season for Sapphic Cozy Fall Romances! You don't want to miss out on this one!!!
October 14, 2026
I was so thrilled to receive an ARC of this one! Love Spells has been a highly anticipated read for me, and it did not disappoint!!
This entire book was exactly what I wanted from witchy lesbians. I am the target audience for this book.
I loved Flora and Merry!! Flora is 100% the calm to the hurricane of Merry, and together they balance each other out. I loved their dynamic, and I loved all of their interactions. They had me giggling and kicking my feet the entire time.
Also I love Aurora. She was pivotal to the plot, and might be my favourite character.
Okay back to Flora and Merry! The sapphic yearning in this was PERFECT and their relationship felt perfect. I loved how they were constantly collecting little pieces of information about each other. They were just! Adorable.
I loved how the spells in this book were all about focus and intention and attention. I loved how witchcraft was handled in this book, it was absolutely beautiful.
Honestly I just want to go back and read it again from the start! I didn’t want this book to end!
If you want an absolutely delightful book about lesbian witches, you NEED to read this one, okay? It’s perfect.
This entire book was exactly what I wanted from witchy lesbians. I am the target audience for this book.
I loved Flora and Merry!! Flora is 100% the calm to the hurricane of Merry, and together they balance each other out. I loved their dynamic, and I loved all of their interactions. They had me giggling and kicking my feet the entire time.
Also I love Aurora. She was pivotal to the plot, and might be my favourite character.
Okay back to Flora and Merry! The sapphic yearning in this was PERFECT and their relationship felt perfect. I loved how they were constantly collecting little pieces of information about each other. They were just! Adorable.
I loved how the spells in this book were all about focus and intention and attention. I loved how witchcraft was handled in this book, it was absolutely beautiful.
Honestly I just want to go back and read it again from the start! I didn’t want this book to end!
If you want an absolutely delightful book about lesbian witches, you NEED to read this one, okay? It’s perfect.
October 16, 2026
Thank you Maria Rigou for the arc of this book!
I enjoy sapphic romances and this one was very well written.
I loved Ice Princesses so I was excited to read this book and I was NOT disappointed in the slightest. I enjoyed the modern take of online witch magic in this book it was really fun.
This book is a perfect mix of swoony and spicy romance. I especially loved the growth both characters went through.
I laughed, smiled and cried in this book and i enjoyed every bit of it. I would have finished it the same day if it didn't start it at 10pm haha. I could not put it down.
If you enjoy cozy fantasy romances then you will love this book!
I enjoy sapphic romances and this one was very well written.
I loved Ice Princesses so I was excited to read this book and I was NOT disappointed in the slightest. I enjoyed the modern take of online witch magic in this book it was really fun.
This book is a perfect mix of swoony and spicy romance. I especially loved the growth both characters went through.
I laughed, smiled and cried in this book and i enjoyed every bit of it. I would have finished it the same day if it didn't start it at 10pm haha. I could not put it down.
If you enjoy cozy fantasy romances then you will love this book!
October 17, 2026
K, these two were sooooo cute. The banter, the vulnerabilities! I loved them! I've been telling people about this one since I picked it up bevause rhey are truly just so cute! Kinda, slow burn and I'm not mad about it. I want more in this world now please!
Review of advance copy received from Author
First of all, thank you SO much to the author for trusting me with an ARC of this book and giving me the opportunity to read it early. As I’ve mentioned on ig, I have a small following, so I never take opportunities like this for granted. I didn’t expect to be accepted, and I’m incredibly grateful that the author trusted me with her book. I read a lot of ARCs, but there’s something so special about receiving a book directly from its author. I know how important it is for indie authors to get the recognition they deserve, and I can only imagine how much it means to put your work out into the world and trust readers with it. So, again, thank you again for this opportunity.
Now, about the book itself. This book was absolutely FLAWLESS, and I mean that literally. I cannot think of a single thing I disliked, a single complaint, or anything I would have wanted to change. NOTHING. I can’t remember the last time I read a book that felt this perfect to me, and that’s saying something because I read a lot.
First of all, the writing. Oh my, Maria is incredibly talented. Every single character feels like an actual person with their own personality, their own way of speaking, their own little characteristics that make them unique. None of them felt stereotypical or like they were simply there to fulfil a role in the story. They felt real!! They were funny, complex and believable, and I felt like I was getting to know actual people rather than reading about fictional characters. That’s an incredibly difficult thing to achieve, it’s perfectly normal for fictional characters to sometimes feel a little stereotypical or less developed, because writing people who feel genuinely alive isn’t easy. But Maria absolutely SMASHED it. (Yes I use the caps lock option very often I’m sorry.) I know it’s not my place to say it, but I really hope she keeps writing because she is SO good at it. This is clearly something she has a talent for.
I also loved the chemistry between the two main characters. Their dynamic was wonderful, and the dialogue was one of my favourite parts of the entire book. Their conversations felt so natural, funny and genuine. Nothing seemed forced, and I was completely invested in every interaction. And speaking of being invested, I read this book SO quickly. As a neurodivergent person, I often struggle to maintain my focus on a book for extended periods of time, even when I’m enjoying it. But I finished this one in just three sittings, which is so rare for me. I was so immersed in the story that I didn’t want to stop reading. But the best thing of this book was the character development. The growth throughout the story was beautifully written, and there were so many moments and lines that resonated with me (I ended up highlighting so many passages because I wanted to remember them.) And that’s another reason why I loved this book so much, there’s so much more to it than just the romance. Of course the romance is wonderful, but there’s also personal growth, family, friendship, and so many different emotions woven throughout the story. It’s funny, it’s emotional, and it manages to balance all these different elements beautifully. One moment you’re laughing at something a character says, and the next you’re crying in the best way possible.
I really loved everything about this book.
Thank you again to the author, not only for the ARC, but for trusting me with her work. I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to read this beautiful book early, and I cannot recommend it enough!!
Now, about the book itself. This book was absolutely FLAWLESS, and I mean that literally. I cannot think of a single thing I disliked, a single complaint, or anything I would have wanted to change. NOTHING. I can’t remember the last time I read a book that felt this perfect to me, and that’s saying something because I read a lot.
First of all, the writing. Oh my, Maria is incredibly talented. Every single character feels like an actual person with their own personality, their own way of speaking, their own little characteristics that make them unique. None of them felt stereotypical or like they were simply there to fulfil a role in the story. They felt real!! They were funny, complex and believable, and I felt like I was getting to know actual people rather than reading about fictional characters. That’s an incredibly difficult thing to achieve, it’s perfectly normal for fictional characters to sometimes feel a little stereotypical or less developed, because writing people who feel genuinely alive isn’t easy. But Maria absolutely SMASHED it. (Yes I use the caps lock option very often I’m sorry.) I know it’s not my place to say it, but I really hope she keeps writing because she is SO good at it. This is clearly something she has a talent for.
I also loved the chemistry between the two main characters. Their dynamic was wonderful, and the dialogue was one of my favourite parts of the entire book. Their conversations felt so natural, funny and genuine. Nothing seemed forced, and I was completely invested in every interaction. And speaking of being invested, I read this book SO quickly. As a neurodivergent person, I often struggle to maintain my focus on a book for extended periods of time, even when I’m enjoying it. But I finished this one in just three sittings, which is so rare for me. I was so immersed in the story that I didn’t want to stop reading. But the best thing of this book was the character development. The growth throughout the story was beautifully written, and there were so many moments and lines that resonated with me (I ended up highlighting so many passages because I wanted to remember them.) And that’s another reason why I loved this book so much, there’s so much more to it than just the romance. Of course the romance is wonderful, but there’s also personal growth, family, friendship, and so many different emotions woven throughout the story. It’s funny, it’s emotional, and it manages to balance all these different elements beautifully. One moment you’re laughing at something a character says, and the next you’re crying in the best way possible.
I really loved everything about this book.
Thank you again to the author, not only for the ARC, but for trusting me with her work. I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to read this beautiful book early, and I cannot recommend it enough!!
October 7, 2026
Oh how I love thirty something You’ve Got Mail witches!!
This was a delight and honestly I loved that they were older and still messed up because news flashhh 30 year olds don’t have life figured out either!
The romance. Merry thinks she’s romantically cursed (as one does) and decides to take matters into her own hands and basically hires an Etsy witch to break the curse and help her find love. Of course this doesn’t go to plan when a few hours later Merry’s very MALE boss and ceo comes onto her, it just so happens that Merry is very gay so it’s not like she was gonna reciprocate anyways 😬 obviously the only thing to do is look for a refund. Flora —a side hustle barista x witch— is kinda bummed that her new customer wants a refund and unfortunately she can’t really give it to her for Romance Plot Reasons so instead she gets her to go on a treasure hunt? And make some lists? Idk but it’s fun and it also gets them to unknowingly meet each other irl so who am I to judge?🤷♀️
These two were great. I loved how they both had a lot of baggage and were super attracted to each other from the start but unwilling to open up. Obviously they have no idea that they’re both talking to each other online which adds an extra layer of frustration for me but great reasons to establish chemistry for them. My only issue is that I actually thought they had more chemistry over text than they did face to face at times. Flora is a hard character to crack and at moments it felt like she was just teetering on the edge of fleeing from Merry. It felt like she was more comfortable talking to Merry’s online persona. While Merry was somewhat the same it did feel she was a little bit more open with Flora face to face.
The sex. Hot. Great. Loved it. I think Maria writes fantastic spice that doesn’t bog the story down or feel like the plot is in limbo. The sex scenes really add to their relationship and I enjoyed them!
The writing. Really really great. I was engaged throughout it and couldn’t put it down. I also really want to touch on the different friendship dynamics these two have with their friends. It is so so hard to find romances where side characters feel real and have a life of their own. Their friends aren’t just there for a shoulder to cry on for our main characters or to ask about their love life and I can truly say they’re well fleshed out here. They actually feel like FRIENDS!
My extremely small issues is that I wish they met up a little sooner. Even just a chapter or two earlier but that’s personal preference and I just wanted them to have more build up irl that they had online.
Overall a fabulous read and I cannot wait to see what Maria has in store for us next.
Thank you to the author for sending me the arc. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Maria for allowing me to be part of her ARC team!!!
Came into this for the witchy sapphic vibes and coffee shop meet cutes, left with life lessons imprinted on my heart and a smile on my face.
This is a sneaky story, one that creeps up on you and then wraps you in a cozy hug. I loved (ABSOLUTELY LOVED) the humor in the writing, in Merryweather’s adorable personality, and in her chaotic banter with all the people in her life. I also really loved the paradox Merry herself contained: she was chaotic and messy and flustered, and also data-driven, smart, and very empathetic. It shouldn’t work, yet Maria managed to wrap that in a totally believable, multi-layered package. Merry felt very real to me because of that - because she wasn’t just one thing, she was a complex character who could easily be a real person.
I also loved Flora’s sneaky calmness on the outside, while inside, she was furiously trying to keep herself afloat after losing her entire personality in a previous relationship. She spent so much time cautiously trying to avoid drowning again that it ended up consuming her. I also loved Flora’s family dynamics with her mom and her brother, her heritage, and their entire vibe. It added something so fundamental to the story that I really enjoyed.
The chemistry between Merry and Flora was off the charts, I loved their cute banter and the flirting, I loved the halloween party and their dates. Merry taking charge and finally asking for what she wanted was incredible to see WHILE AT THE SAME TIME, the reader knows she’s taking advice from the very person she’s dating. I loved the way the “You’ve got mail” half of this evolved: totally believable and genius to use an Etsy shop as a stand-in for anonymity, I never once felt it was a “stretch”. Those conversations felt so organic in the way communicating online with a stranger sometimes turns into a deep connection because it’s easier to tell someone you can’t see some of your biggest fears. And I liked the message behind Flora’s notes: love is paying attention, consciously choosing, and sometimes, sitting in silence. And for Flora, I loved this line: “That might be another thing I’m learning: Not everything I love has to receive all of me at once.”
Somehow this adorable sapphic romance packed a huge emotional punch and I loved every second. Lastly, I’ll say, I love how the “reveal” was handled. It didn’t cause a massive cosmic disturbance. The characters took their time to figure out what happened, but there wasn’t unnecessary drama. And the last chapter/epilogue - a PERFECT ending!!
Came into this for the witchy sapphic vibes and coffee shop meet cutes, left with life lessons imprinted on my heart and a smile on my face.
This is a sneaky story, one that creeps up on you and then wraps you in a cozy hug. I loved (ABSOLUTELY LOVED) the humor in the writing, in Merryweather’s adorable personality, and in her chaotic banter with all the people in her life. I also really loved the paradox Merry herself contained: she was chaotic and messy and flustered, and also data-driven, smart, and very empathetic. It shouldn’t work, yet Maria managed to wrap that in a totally believable, multi-layered package. Merry felt very real to me because of that - because she wasn’t just one thing, she was a complex character who could easily be a real person.
I also loved Flora’s sneaky calmness on the outside, while inside, she was furiously trying to keep herself afloat after losing her entire personality in a previous relationship. She spent so much time cautiously trying to avoid drowning again that it ended up consuming her. I also loved Flora’s family dynamics with her mom and her brother, her heritage, and their entire vibe. It added something so fundamental to the story that I really enjoyed.
The chemistry between Merry and Flora was off the charts, I loved their cute banter and the flirting, I loved the halloween party and their dates. Merry taking charge and finally asking for what she wanted was incredible to see WHILE AT THE SAME TIME, the reader knows she’s taking advice from the very person she’s dating. I loved the way the “You’ve got mail” half of this evolved: totally believable and genius to use an Etsy shop as a stand-in for anonymity, I never once felt it was a “stretch”. Those conversations felt so organic in the way communicating online with a stranger sometimes turns into a deep connection because it’s easier to tell someone you can’t see some of your biggest fears. And I liked the message behind Flora’s notes: love is paying attention, consciously choosing, and sometimes, sitting in silence. And for Flora, I loved this line: “That might be another thing I’m learning: Not everything I love has to receive all of me at once.”
Somehow this adorable sapphic romance packed a huge emotional punch and I loved every second. Lastly, I’ll say, I love how the “reveal” was handled. It didn’t cause a massive cosmic disturbance. The characters took their time to figure out what happened, but there wasn’t unnecessary drama. And the last chapter/epilogue - a PERFECT ending!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a great read, the book surprised me in the best of ways. Looking at the title, I was sure it would be all about witchery, something I am not always a big fan of, but the book gave me so much more. I was so invested in Merryweather and Flora that I adored, and I loved every minute I got to spend with them. This was easily a book you want to finish in one sitting.
Merryweather, that name is just hilarious, thinks she is romantically cursed since none of the persons she likes sticks. Of course awkward and messy Merry thinks it’s a great idea to pay almost $500 to an online witch to break this supposed spell. The online witch, The Third Fairy, starts chatting with Merryweather and is handling requests like this in her own special way. She is giving special advice to making strangers believe they deserve love, if a spell is involved or not is another question.
The fact that The Third Fairy is also the barista Flora that Merry has such a crush on is so fun. They have no clue who the other person is during this love spell debacle is ongoing. Not only did Merry ask for this spell but wants a refund when she thought the CEO is the one under a spell and she is not into men at all. The Third Fairy is not interested in giving a refund but continues to guide Merry via the chat with various assignments.
When Merry and Flora meet the attraction is so strong, I would say unavoidable. They feel something for each other they have never felt for someone else before, but they don’t make that stop the rest of their lives with family, friend and jobs, if anything they grow as persons together. Is this the spell or that they just are right for each other and what happens when they realize that they also know each other via the love spell.
I received a free ARC from the author and leave an honest review voluntarily.
Merryweather, that name is just hilarious, thinks she is romantically cursed since none of the persons she likes sticks. Of course awkward and messy Merry thinks it’s a great idea to pay almost $500 to an online witch to break this supposed spell. The online witch, The Third Fairy, starts chatting with Merryweather and is handling requests like this in her own special way. She is giving special advice to making strangers believe they deserve love, if a spell is involved or not is another question.
The fact that The Third Fairy is also the barista Flora that Merry has such a crush on is so fun. They have no clue who the other person is during this love spell debacle is ongoing. Not only did Merry ask for this spell but wants a refund when she thought the CEO is the one under a spell and she is not into men at all. The Third Fairy is not interested in giving a refund but continues to guide Merry via the chat with various assignments.
When Merry and Flora meet the attraction is so strong, I would say unavoidable. They feel something for each other they have never felt for someone else before, but they don’t make that stop the rest of their lives with family, friend and jobs, if anything they grow as persons together. Is this the spell or that they just are right for each other and what happens when they realize that they also know each other via the love spell.
I received a free ARC from the author and leave an honest review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am officially sitting here giggling and smiling like an absolute idiot after finishing this. Love Spells was suuuch a cute read, and honestly, I loved every single second of it!!!!!!
When Merry drunkenly buys a love spell online from The Third Fairy, she’s just looking for a little luck, not her nepobaby CEO to suddenly ask her out lol, desperate to undo it, she reaches out to Flora, the woman behind the online shop. What starts as a series of rituals to break the spell quickly turns into late night messages, deep conversations, and two people falling for each other
The way Maria Rigou wrote Flora and Merry falling in love, both in person and through their screens, without fully realizing they were each other was just perfect. Flora watching Merry chaos walk past her coffee shop every morning with so much compassion melted my heart. When Flora admitted, “I think she has become the best part of my mornings because she’s open,” I had to take a full breather. They are just so cute together omggggg!
Beyond the main romance, the side relationships were so well done. Merry and Rose’s bond felt so real, especially when Rose acknowledged all the hard work Merry put in growing up as the older sister. And Flora’s relationship with her mom was portrayed so perfectly from moment one that Latina mother daughter dynamic was hit right on the head, and Flora's and her brothers relationship and back and forth was very funny
Plus, Merry’s internal monologue had me cracking up. Lines like “Reasonable people do yoga. Touch grass. Go to therapy. I buy spells on the internet” made her so relatable and fun to follow
If you’re looking for a cozy, charming romance filled with fall vibes, sweet moments, and two women falling in love twice over, you need to add this to your TBR immediately. Huge thank you to Maria Rigou for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!!
When Merry drunkenly buys a love spell online from The Third Fairy, she’s just looking for a little luck, not her nepobaby CEO to suddenly ask her out lol, desperate to undo it, she reaches out to Flora, the woman behind the online shop. What starts as a series of rituals to break the spell quickly turns into late night messages, deep conversations, and two people falling for each other
The way Maria Rigou wrote Flora and Merry falling in love, both in person and through their screens, without fully realizing they were each other was just perfect. Flora watching Merry chaos walk past her coffee shop every morning with so much compassion melted my heart. When Flora admitted, “I think she has become the best part of my mornings because she’s open,” I had to take a full breather. They are just so cute together omggggg!
Beyond the main romance, the side relationships were so well done. Merry and Rose’s bond felt so real, especially when Rose acknowledged all the hard work Merry put in growing up as the older sister. And Flora’s relationship with her mom was portrayed so perfectly from moment one that Latina mother daughter dynamic was hit right on the head, and Flora's and her brothers relationship and back and forth was very funny
Plus, Merry’s internal monologue had me cracking up. Lines like “Reasonable people do yoga. Touch grass. Go to therapy. I buy spells on the internet” made her so relatable and fun to follow
If you’re looking for a cozy, charming romance filled with fall vibes, sweet moments, and two women falling in love twice over, you need to add this to your TBR immediately. Huge thank you to Maria Rigou for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Brief Summary: Merryweather believes she is cursed in love and enlists the help of the Third Fairy (online witch), to create a spell to break the curse. However, Merry's CEO seems to want to ask her out on a date but Merry is very much not interested in men. Merry enlists the help of the Third Fairy again to reverse the spell and in comes Flora, the cute barista who may change her life upside down for the better while also getting close to the Third Fairy.
Review: Overall. I ended up really enjoying this book. I really connected to Merryweather and Flora and they gave me those butterflies in your stomach kind of feeling when crushing hard on someone. They were so awkward and cute together. I really loved The Third Fairy helping Merry to speak up for herself and go for what she wants instead of letting the universe try to make decision for her. Merry is always one step ahead and considers every possibility to get the best results without realizing the crutch it has made in her work and personal life. I loved that she was able to come into her own and trust her own feelings and judgments. Flora is very observant and good at giving advice, however has a hard time following it for herself due to a past relationship. Merry and Flora really bring out the best in each other and they had some top notch hot makeout sessions. I will say that I wish this had more higher stakes, however it was super well done. I also like how the setting was conveyed in the story, I felt like I could be in Seattle right now and it was a great fall read. If you like epistolary elements, sleeping beauty references, and scorching kisses with cozy vibes, check this one out
I received this as an eARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Review: Overall. I ended up really enjoying this book. I really connected to Merryweather and Flora and they gave me those butterflies in your stomach kind of feeling when crushing hard on someone. They were so awkward and cute together. I really loved The Third Fairy helping Merry to speak up for herself and go for what she wants instead of letting the universe try to make decision for her. Merry is always one step ahead and considers every possibility to get the best results without realizing the crutch it has made in her work and personal life. I loved that she was able to come into her own and trust her own feelings and judgments. Flora is very observant and good at giving advice, however has a hard time following it for herself due to a past relationship. Merry and Flora really bring out the best in each other and they had some top notch hot makeout sessions. I will say that I wish this had more higher stakes, however it was super well done. I also like how the setting was conveyed in the story, I felt like I could be in Seattle right now and it was a great fall read. If you like epistolary elements, sleeping beauty references, and scorching kisses with cozy vibes, check this one out
I received this as an eARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
October 11, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was truly one of my favorite reads of the whole year!!
From start to finish this book had me giggling and kicking my feet! Merry and Flora have become some of my favorite and relatable characters I've ever read. They felt so authentic to the point they felt like real people I wanted to be friends with.
This book was such a fun, cute and enjoyable read from the very beginning. I was seriously hooked and couldn't wait to keep reading. I loved that our main characters were in their mid 30s and still figuring out life. The side characters were also really well done and added to the story. I never felt like the story dragged or I really loved how the characters grew for not just each other but themselves.
I absolutely loved the "You've Got Mail" undertone of the plot, I kept waiting for the big reveal and I loved the ode to the movie at the end. I also loved all the Sleeping Beauty references (Phillip took me WAY toooo long to figure out lol) and I'm sure there's still some I missed.
Overall, if you love romance with heart, good humor, relatable and unique characters then this 100% is the book for you! Again, thank you so much to the author, Maria Rigou, for the ARC copy! Absolutely loved this reading book and I can't wait for the next one! 💖
This was truly one of my favorite reads of the whole year!!
From start to finish this book had me giggling and kicking my feet! Merry and Flora have become some of my favorite and relatable characters I've ever read. They felt so authentic to the point they felt like real people I wanted to be friends with.
This book was such a fun, cute and enjoyable read from the very beginning. I was seriously hooked and couldn't wait to keep reading. I loved that our main characters were in their mid 30s and still figuring out life. The side characters were also really well done and added to the story. I never felt like the story dragged or I really loved how the characters grew for not just each other but themselves.
I absolutely loved the "You've Got Mail" undertone of the plot, I kept waiting for the big reveal and I loved the ode to the movie at the end. I also loved all the Sleeping Beauty references (Phillip took me WAY toooo long to figure out lol) and I'm sure there's still some I missed.
Overall, if you love romance with heart, good humor, relatable and unique characters then this 100% is the book for you! Again, thank you so much to the author, Maria Rigou, for the ARC copy! Absolutely loved this reading book and I can't wait for the next one! 💖
October 16, 2026
A drunkenly purchased love spell, a no-refunds policy, and an unexpected sapphic romance? Oh, I was absolutely here for this!
I really enjoyed Merryweather and Flora’s story. There’s something so endearing about two women with completely different relationships with love finding themselves drawn to each other in the most unconventional way. The correspondence between them was especially sweet, and I loved how their connection gradually became something neither of them was necessarily looking for.
What I appreciated most was that beneath the whimsical premise, there’s a lovely exploration of vulnerability, taking chances, and allowing yourself to believe that good things can happen without needing to control every outcome. The little rituals and challenges added such a charming touch, especially as they became less about undoing a spell and more about personal growth.
I would’ve loved a little more time with certain emotional developments, but overall, this was such a cozy, heartfelt read. A little magic, some romantic chaos, and two women discovering that sometimes love finds you when you’re busy looking for it somewhere else.
Also, purchasing a love spell online and then trying to request a refund because it worked TOO well? Please. I love it.
I really enjoyed Merryweather and Flora’s story. There’s something so endearing about two women with completely different relationships with love finding themselves drawn to each other in the most unconventional way. The correspondence between them was especially sweet, and I loved how their connection gradually became something neither of them was necessarily looking for.
What I appreciated most was that beneath the whimsical premise, there’s a lovely exploration of vulnerability, taking chances, and allowing yourself to believe that good things can happen without needing to control every outcome. The little rituals and challenges added such a charming touch, especially as they became less about undoing a spell and more about personal growth.
I would’ve loved a little more time with certain emotional developments, but overall, this was such a cozy, heartfelt read. A little magic, some romantic chaos, and two women discovering that sometimes love finds you when you’re busy looking for it somewhere else.
Also, purchasing a love spell online and then trying to request a refund because it worked TOO well? Please. I love it.
October 13, 2026
Love Spells: And Other Non-Refundable Magic was such a joy to read and spend time with Flora and Merryweather, who were chaotic, delightful, perfectly imperfect, and incredibly relatable characters, especially on their journeys of learning to ask for what they wanted in life AND embrace that they didn’t OWE anyone a list explaining said wants - a relationship, professional goal, or even a new lamp or pair of earrings. You don’t owe anyone an explanation or apology for wanting more or when you want to take a different direction in life, and it was so damn refreshing to read about Merry and Flora living this very thing.
Rigou delivers a fantastic romance, but what I was ABSOLUTELY THRILLED by was the way in which she wrote female friendship… like kickass, always in your corner and ready to throw down for you female friends. We get incredible time on page with both Merry and Flora’s friends who don’t just ask about the love interest, but actually DELVE INTO EACH OTHERS’ LIVES 🙌 Rigou really highlights the importance of building friendships because those platonic soulmates are the ones who always have your back… and what a gift it is to know and be known by a dear friend.
This book was cozy and magical and such the perfect fall read!
Rigou delivers a fantastic romance, but what I was ABSOLUTELY THRILLED by was the way in which she wrote female friendship… like kickass, always in your corner and ready to throw down for you female friends. We get incredible time on page with both Merry and Flora’s friends who don’t just ask about the love interest, but actually DELVE INTO EACH OTHERS’ LIVES 🙌 Rigou really highlights the importance of building friendships because those platonic soulmates are the ones who always have your back… and what a gift it is to know and be known by a dear friend.
This book was cozy and magical and such the perfect fall read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Love Spells and Other Non-refundable Magic by Maria Rigou (ARC Review)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I adored this read so much. From the beginning of Flora seeing a hurricane of a woman running to catch the bus, to the epilogue, I was hooked! I loved the banter not only between Merryweather and Flora but also between The Third Fairy and Primavera. I was so refreshing to kind of get two sides of a love story this way and to get to know each characters friends/family as well. I ate it up!
The spice was just spicy enough to fulfill my smutty needs, but it was the perfect amount of spice for the way the story was written and the way it moves. I love Flora and Merryweather together so much!
I do wish maybe the conversations between Third Fairy and Primavera were in an email format instead of text bubbles since there is a lot of back and forth between the two and multiple pages of text bubbles kind of took me out of the story a tad but I still loved their messages and the way they spoke about the people they had in their lives.
This was the perfect cozy story I needed right now, now that the weather is getting colder. I’m obsessed!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I adored this read so much. From the beginning of Flora seeing a hurricane of a woman running to catch the bus, to the epilogue, I was hooked! I loved the banter not only between Merryweather and Flora but also between The Third Fairy and Primavera. I was so refreshing to kind of get two sides of a love story this way and to get to know each characters friends/family as well. I ate it up!
The spice was just spicy enough to fulfill my smutty needs, but it was the perfect amount of spice for the way the story was written and the way it moves. I love Flora and Merryweather together so much!
I do wish maybe the conversations between Third Fairy and Primavera were in an email format instead of text bubbles since there is a lot of back and forth between the two and multiple pages of text bubbles kind of took me out of the story a tad but I still loved their messages and the way they spoke about the people they had in their lives.
This was the perfect cozy story I needed right now, now that the weather is getting colder. I’m obsessed!
October 15, 2026
Say hello to your next perfect read for spooky season!
Love Spells and Other Non-Refundable Magic is a sapphic, secret identity, You’ve Got Mail x Sleeping Beauty inspired romance between Merriweather and Flora.
I loved Merriweather. I really related to how she’s always bracing herself for the worst and how hard it is for her to put herself out there. It’s so sweet watching her have that safe place to be fully herself with Flora, and how she was able to find the courage to go after the life she wants.
Flora is perfect for Merriweather. She has such a warm and loving personality, always up for whatever life throws at her and finding a way to overcome obstacles. She’s the girl who’s always there for her loved ones, and would do anything for them. I really loved these two together.
Thank you so much to @mariarigouauthor for having me on your ARC team! I absolutely loved the world you created with these characters, and I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us next🧡
Love Spells and Other Non-Refundable Magic is available TOMORROW, October 15th in KU🖤
Love Spells and Other Non-Refundable Magic is a sapphic, secret identity, You’ve Got Mail x Sleeping Beauty inspired romance between Merriweather and Flora.
I loved Merriweather. I really related to how she’s always bracing herself for the worst and how hard it is for her to put herself out there. It’s so sweet watching her have that safe place to be fully herself with Flora, and how she was able to find the courage to go after the life she wants.
Flora is perfect for Merriweather. She has such a warm and loving personality, always up for whatever life throws at her and finding a way to overcome obstacles. She’s the girl who’s always there for her loved ones, and would do anything for them. I really loved these two together.
Thank you so much to @mariarigouauthor for having me on your ARC team! I absolutely loved the world you created with these characters, and I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us next🧡
Love Spells and Other Non-Refundable Magic is available TOMORROW, October 15th in KU🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
Merryweather (aka Primavera) feels down on her luck after buying a love spell via an online witch. She asks for a refund and is denied by The Third Fairy shop. Flora, the shop owner challenges Merryweather to experience life and figure out what she wants from it. Little do they know, they actually have been flirting with each other in real life for a while now. Between their unbeknownst online relationship and their real life flirtations, magic is bound to happen.
Love Spells: And Other Non-Refundable Magic was a fun read for me. Merryweather gives me ADHD vibes, making her relatable to me. I felt like I could easily put myself in her shoes as I read the book. The story is cute and there is some sapphic spice as the FMCs find that they can’t stay away from each other. I’m in my sapphic romance era, and Love Spells certainly fits me right now. If you are into cozy, witchy sapphic vibes, this book is for you!
Thank you to Maria Rigou for the ARC!
Love Spells: And Other Non-Refundable Magic was a fun read for me. Merryweather gives me ADHD vibes, making her relatable to me. I felt like I could easily put myself in her shoes as I read the book. The story is cute and there is some sapphic spice as the FMCs find that they can’t stay away from each other. I’m in my sapphic romance era, and Love Spells certainly fits me right now. If you are into cozy, witchy sapphic vibes, this book is for you!
Thank you to Maria Rigou for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
PSA: Etsy witch love spells can, apparently, result in finding the love of your life. Or at least make you more receptive to her when she shows up.
Oh. My. God.
The cutest, sweetest, most heartwarming little contemporary piece—and contemporary isn't my favorite genre or anything either.
The witch is flirting, the barista is flirting, Merryweather is totally off balance, and then there's that $500 love spell thing.
I loved the way these two idiots just kept showing up in the same places for seemingly no reason.
I loved seeing them flirt in two different identities at once.
I loved how each of them learned what they really needed after years of doing what they thoughts best.
Sweet and fluffy and low-stakes but still gripping.
Honestly, exactly what I needed right now.
Thank you to the author for the ARC copy, these thoughts are my own, etc. etc. I absolutely will be rereading this when I want a little comfort-read, I think.
Oh. My. God.
The cutest, sweetest, most heartwarming little contemporary piece—and contemporary isn't my favorite genre or anything either.
The witch is flirting, the barista is flirting, Merryweather is totally off balance, and then there's that $500 love spell thing.
I loved the way these two idiots just kept showing up in the same places for seemingly no reason.
I loved seeing them flirt in two different identities at once.
I loved how each of them learned what they really needed after years of doing what they thoughts best.
Sweet and fluffy and low-stakes but still gripping.
Honestly, exactly what I needed right now.
Thank you to the author for the ARC copy, these thoughts are my own, etc. etc. I absolutely will be rereading this when I want a little comfort-read, I think.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for an Advanced Reader Copy!
Love Spells: and Other Nonrefundable Magic is a delightful story about two women who have been placed in each other's paths by magic, the universe, fate, call it what you will! Unbeknownst to them, they've met before as an Etsy witch and her customer. You've Got Mail meets a dash of nondescript movie magic and you've got a book you'll fly through!
I really loved how fully fleshed out both of our FMCs were and I'm always a fan of queer women being confident in their identities from the start of the story. I personally would have loved some more thorough descriptions throughout (maybe that's just my reading) and for more drama surrounding the reveal towards the end. But I enjoyed the time I spent with this book and I think most readers will too.
Love Spells: and Other Nonrefundable Magic is a delightful story about two women who have been placed in each other's paths by magic, the universe, fate, call it what you will! Unbeknownst to them, they've met before as an Etsy witch and her customer. You've Got Mail meets a dash of nondescript movie magic and you've got a book you'll fly through!
I really loved how fully fleshed out both of our FMCs were and I'm always a fan of queer women being confident in their identities from the start of the story. I personally would have loved some more thorough descriptions throughout (maybe that's just my reading) and for more drama surrounding the reveal towards the end. But I enjoyed the time I spent with this book and I think most readers will too.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Maria Rigou for the eARC of Love Spells: And Other Non-Refundable Magic - all opinions are honest and my own.
This was such a cute sapphic romance, I was giggling and kicking my feet right from the start. It’s definitely giving “You’ve Got Mail” vibes which I loved, the whole secret identity/etsy witch plot was well written and had me wishing to shake both of them until they realised who the other was 😂
I love having FMC’s in their 30’s, who are still figuring their life out and want they want, it was such a refreshing change from your typical FMC. Also yay Latinx rep! So glad I read this during Hispanic Heritage month 🙌🏻
I’ll happily recommend this to any sapphic romance lover, everything from plot to character was well written and had me absorbed in the story and wishing for more when I turned the last page ✨
This was such a cute sapphic romance, I was giggling and kicking my feet right from the start. It’s definitely giving “You’ve Got Mail” vibes which I loved, the whole secret identity/etsy witch plot was well written and had me wishing to shake both of them until they realised who the other was 😂
I love having FMC’s in their 30’s, who are still figuring their life out and want they want, it was such a refreshing change from your typical FMC. Also yay Latinx rep! So glad I read this during Hispanic Heritage month 🙌🏻
I’ll happily recommend this to any sapphic romance lover, everything from plot to character was well written and had me absorbed in the story and wishing for more when I turned the last page ✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
To receive this book as an ARC was such an honour, I could not wait to start reading it. And with every page I got more sucked into the story and how they both kind of started falling in love both with the person as well as with their Wisp personas.
The vulnerability and growth that both Flora and Merryweather have feels so natural and it was beautiful to see how this makes them realise things about themselves and change it, that it benefits them as well as the other.
The romantic gesture in the end, which Flora uses melted my heart. And though I dont believe that every book epilogue needs to end with a marriage proposal. This marriage proposal really tied the book off in the best way possible and it made so much sense for the characters.
I really loved reading this book !!!
The vulnerability and growth that both Flora and Merryweather have feels so natural and it was beautiful to see how this makes them realise things about themselves and change it, that it benefits them as well as the other.
The romantic gesture in the end, which Flora uses melted my heart. And though I dont believe that every book epilogue needs to end with a marriage proposal. This marriage proposal really tied the book off in the best way possible and it made so much sense for the characters.
I really loved reading this book !!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2026
*** ARC review ***
If your favorite tropes are Sapphic romance, second chance at love, secret identity, strangers to lovers, characters in their 30’s, Latinx representation, giggling while reading then add this to your list!
I lost count on how many times I giggled while reading this book! I connected with Flora and understood what it is like when a previous relationship falls apart and you realize all the changes you’ve done in your life without realizing it. I was rooting for both of them throughout the story. If you want a smutty book, this one isn’t because it is about giving ourselves a second chance in finding our person without feeling the need to change aspects of our lives to be happy.
If your favorite tropes are Sapphic romance, second chance at love, secret identity, strangers to lovers, characters in their 30’s, Latinx representation, giggling while reading then add this to your list!
I lost count on how many times I giggled while reading this book! I connected with Flora and understood what it is like when a previous relationship falls apart and you realize all the changes you’ve done in your life without realizing it. I was rooting for both of them throughout the story. If you want a smutty book, this one isn’t because it is about giving ourselves a second chance in finding our person without feeling the need to change aspects of our lives to be happy.
October 17, 2026
Thank you to Maria Rigou for an earc in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Love Spells; And Other Non Refundable Magic was a sweet and charming witchy romance! I loved that it was set in Seattle. Reading this during October in the Pacific Northwest was so fun because it perfectly captures the atmosphere.
I also enjoyed Merry’s growth in her self confidence. In trying to reverse her love spell gone wrong- or so she thinks- The Third Fairy guides her through taking control of her life and deciding what she wants from it. Her professional development was an extremely satisfying subplot.
For my full review, check out my blog post here.
Love Spells; And Other Non Refundable Magic was a sweet and charming witchy romance! I loved that it was set in Seattle. Reading this during October in the Pacific Northwest was so fun because it perfectly captures the atmosphere.
I also enjoyed Merry’s growth in her self confidence. In trying to reverse her love spell gone wrong- or so she thinks- The Third Fairy guides her through taking control of her life and deciding what she wants from it. Her professional development was an extremely satisfying subplot.
For my full review, check out my blog post here.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews