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Heartwood Hollow #1
Meet Cute Magic: Your new witchy obsession, for fans of cosy and spicy romance!
Meet Cute Magic
is this autumn's spellbinding and spicy MUST-READ witchy rom-com, combining the small town cosiness of Gilmore Girls with the vibes of Practical Magic, with all the fun, romance, and banter you could ask for!
Witch Rosie Mayfield has only ever wanted two to run a bookshop, and to fall in love. The first, she achieved when she opened Meet Cute Magic. The second isn't so easy, thanks to a heartbreaking curse.
Determined to break the curse, Rosie must summon the ghost of the warlock who cast it. And convince Jack Haggerty, his infuriatingly handsome grandson - and owner of the gaming shop across the street - to help.
Jack thinks Rosie is a disaster. But he'll do anything for his grandfather, even if it means working with the most infuriating witch in town.
As Jack is drawn into a magical world he never knew existed, he finds himself falling for Rosie - hard. With heartbreak on the horizon, can a grumpy gamer and a chaotic sunshine witch break the curse before it's too late?
TROPES
Grumpy x Sunshine
Enemies-to-lovers
Forced Proximity
A fake bond
A meddling cat
SPICE!
Practical Magic x Halloweentown x Pumpkin Spice Café vibes
She's being haunted by his grandfather
READERS ARE FALLING FOR MEET CUTE MAGIC!
*WINNER OF ROMANCE OF THE YEAR - HANDS DOWN!!!*
I desperately need this to be made into the next small town / witchy / feel good movie please!!
Morgan Elizabeth has done it AGAIN. Meet Cute Magic was so unbelievably cute, fun, romantic and just everything I wanted it to be.
Jack is the embodiment of a boyfriend I want.
Enemies to lovers but throw in a bit of magic and a bit of spice and you get, Meet Cute Magic. This book taps on well-known tropes but brings in the paranormal with a bit of pizzazz and lore that you've never heard before.
Meet Cute Magic was pure cosy paranormal romance perfection and another fantastic read from Morgan Elizabeth - one of my absolute favourite authors!!
All the Gilmore Girls vibes but with magic! AND she runs a bookshop
A cute magical romance. Jack and Rosie make a lovely couple but Jack's grandad is an even better character as the ghost! Light and charming.
This was a really sweet and whimsical read that had the perfect amount of humour and romance. I absolutely adored Jack & Rosie, they were a dreamy couple to follow and the small town was so cosy.
Witch Rosie Mayfield has only ever wanted two to run a bookshop, and to fall in love. The first, she achieved when she opened Meet Cute Magic. The second isn't so easy, thanks to a heartbreaking curse.
Determined to break the curse, Rosie must summon the ghost of the warlock who cast it. And convince Jack Haggerty, his infuriatingly handsome grandson - and owner of the gaming shop across the street - to help.
Jack thinks Rosie is a disaster. But he'll do anything for his grandfather, even if it means working with the most infuriating witch in town.
As Jack is drawn into a magical world he never knew existed, he finds himself falling for Rosie - hard. With heartbreak on the horizon, can a grumpy gamer and a chaotic sunshine witch break the curse before it's too late?
TROPES
Grumpy x Sunshine
Enemies-to-lovers
Forced Proximity
A fake bond
A meddling cat
SPICE!
Practical Magic x Halloweentown x Pumpkin Spice Café vibes
She's being haunted by his grandfather
READERS ARE FALLING FOR MEET CUTE MAGIC!
*WINNER OF ROMANCE OF THE YEAR - HANDS DOWN!!!*
I desperately need this to be made into the next small town / witchy / feel good movie please!!
Morgan Elizabeth has done it AGAIN. Meet Cute Magic was so unbelievably cute, fun, romantic and just everything I wanted it to be.
Jack is the embodiment of a boyfriend I want.
Enemies to lovers but throw in a bit of magic and a bit of spice and you get, Meet Cute Magic. This book taps on well-known tropes but brings in the paranormal with a bit of pizzazz and lore that you've never heard before.
Meet Cute Magic was pure cosy paranormal romance perfection and another fantastic read from Morgan Elizabeth - one of my absolute favourite authors!!
All the Gilmore Girls vibes but with magic! AND she runs a bookshop
A cute magical romance. Jack and Rosie make a lovely couple but Jack's grandad is an even better character as the ghost! Light and charming.
This was a really sweet and whimsical read that had the perfect amount of humour and romance. I absolutely adored Jack & Rosie, they were a dreamy couple to follow and the small town was so cosy.
Audible Audio
First published September 8, 2026
About the author
Morgan Elizabeth
28 books7,085 followersMorgan is a born and raised Jersey girl, living there with her two boys, toddler daughter, and mechanic husband. She’s addicted to iced espresso, barbecue chips, and Starburst jellybeans. She usually has headphones on, listening to some spicy audiobook or Taylor Swift. There is rarely an in between.
Writing has been her calling for as long as she can remember. There’s a framed ‘page one’ of a book she wrote at seven hanging in her childhood home to prove the point. Her entire life she’s crafted stories in her mind, begging to be released but it wasn’t until recently she finally gave them the reigns.
I’m so grateful you’ve agreed to take this journey with me.
Writing has been her calling for as long as she can remember. There’s a framed ‘page one’ of a book she wrote at seven hanging in her childhood home to prove the point. Her entire life she’s crafted stories in her mind, begging to be released but it wasn’t until recently she finally gave them the reigns.
I’m so grateful you’ve agreed to take this journey with me.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,040 reviews
October 27, 2026
sweet, spicy, cozy, and autumnal.
∘₊✧──what to expect──✧₊∘
⋆ a witch tries to break a family curse preventing her from finding her true love
⋆ sunshiney, witchy FMC that owns a romance bookstore
⋆ slightly grumpy, introverted, nerdy MMC that owns a gaming store
⋆ dual POV
⋆ small town
⋆ lots of autumnal vibes (this takes place from 50 days before halloween through halloween night)
⋆ some cutesy magic and lots of spells
∘₊✧──my thoughts──✧₊∘
this story wasn’t necessarily anything monumental, but it was a really solid seasonal read and that’s exactly what i wanted and expected. if you’re looking for something sweet, spicy, and pretty lighthearted with a large dash of autumnal vibes, this is the book for you.
this book was overall very cutesy, pretty predictable (not in a bad way, honestly), and fun. for what it was, i had a good time even if i don't have a lot to say. the stakes are pretty low and we don't delve very deeply into any grief, plot, etc. it stays pretty surface level but that's okay.
i’ve found that many contemporary romances these days feel just a tad too long and this story suffers from that same problem. it could’ve been a bit shorter, resolved a little quicker, and a little less repetitive. that being said, it was still very cute and easy to read. i feel like this one could be really bingeable for a lot of people.
sometimes i’m looking for a book that doesn’t require much energy but serves all the seasonal energy i’m craving. this book is perfect palate cleanser or quick, spicy read for fall.
∘₊✧──what to expect──✧₊∘
⋆ a witch tries to break a family curse preventing her from finding her true love
⋆ sunshiney, witchy FMC that owns a romance bookstore
⋆ slightly grumpy, introverted, nerdy MMC that owns a gaming store
⋆ dual POV
⋆ small town
⋆ lots of autumnal vibes (this takes place from 50 days before halloween through halloween night)
⋆ some cutesy magic and lots of spells
∘₊✧──my thoughts──✧₊∘
this story wasn’t necessarily anything monumental, but it was a really solid seasonal read and that’s exactly what i wanted and expected. if you’re looking for something sweet, spicy, and pretty lighthearted with a large dash of autumnal vibes, this is the book for you.
this book was overall very cutesy, pretty predictable (not in a bad way, honestly), and fun. for what it was, i had a good time even if i don't have a lot to say. the stakes are pretty low and we don't delve very deeply into any grief, plot, etc. it stays pretty surface level but that's okay.
i’ve found that many contemporary romances these days feel just a tad too long and this story suffers from that same problem. it could’ve been a bit shorter, resolved a little quicker, and a little less repetitive. that being said, it was still very cute and easy to read. i feel like this one could be really bingeable for a lot of people.
sometimes i’m looking for a book that doesn’t require much energy but serves all the seasonal energy i’m craving. this book is perfect palate cleanser or quick, spicy read for fall.
August 31, 2026
✨"Sometimes the most magical things are the most ordinary ones."✨
What to expect -
🪄 Cozy witchy romance
🪄 Small town
🪄 Witch FMC x Gamer MMC
🪄 Grumpy x sunshine
🪄 Curses, potions and spells
🪄 Meddling ghost
🪄 Forced proximity
🪄 Opposites attract
🪄 Eldest daughter
The Mayfield witches have been cursed by a warlock to never find love in their lives, and things don't end well whenever one of them gets close to a guy they like. They're bound to lead lonely lives. Rosie Mayfield is desperate to break this curse and find her one true love, so she summons the ghost of the warlock and asks him for a way to break it. The spell calls for a potion to be made, for which she needs the help of Jack Haggerty, the ghost's grandson and Rosie's grumpy neighbour.
This was such a cozy and wholesome witchy romance, and I absolutely loved the whimsical vibes of it. Learning that each of the Mayfield witches has unique powers that they use to keep the town peaceful and happy was so lovely to know. Like, Rosie runs a romance bookstore and helps people find their one true love (ironic that she's never found her own soulmate cuz of the curse), while her sister Violet runs a bakery where she imbues magic into her treats that just brightens the days of anyone eating them. Not all of the pastries have magic, but most of them do, and each one offers a different kind of feeling to the person eating it. Her younger sister, Poppy, runs a flower shop, and her magic is passed through the bouquets she makes. I found all of this to be so whimsical, and I really cannot wait to read the stories of her sisters.
The plot was pretty simple and straightforward, but such a fun one cuz our main characters are forced to work together to collect all the ingredients needed to make that potion. Some of those ingredients are easy to obtain, while some are not, like vampire's tears, and it was quite entertaining to see them go through all the troubles and fun times to gather them🤭😍 And obviously, along the way, our main characters realise that they like each other a lot and that they're not really tolerating each other's presence anymore but are actually welcoming it!
It was wholesome to see Jack go from being an introverted, socially anxious person who never left his place to someone who found people he cares about and with whom he'd be happy to talk for hours. Rosie made this happen and made him feel like he's also a part of this town and that he belongs here. And Jack made her see that she doesn't have to do things all by herself just cuz she's used to doing that, and that it's okay to ask for help when needed and to share the burden with the people she cares for.
Overall, this was a cozy, fun read, and my only complaints are that the characters read too young at times, which bothered me a bit. I also liked them more as friends working together toward a single goal than as lovers cuz I didn't buy the chemistry between them😬.
I'd definitely recommend it if you're looking for a silly, fun time with cozy witchy vibes and nothing too serious.
Huge thanks to Netgalley and Union Square & Co. for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
✨Pre-read:
Yayy, I got the ARC😍 It really sounds like a cozy, fun, witchy time and the perfect way to start September🍂✨
What to expect -
🪄 Cozy witchy romance
🪄 Small town
🪄 Witch FMC x Gamer MMC
🪄 Grumpy x sunshine
🪄 Curses, potions and spells
🪄 Meddling ghost
🪄 Forced proximity
🪄 Opposites attract
🪄 Eldest daughter
The Mayfield witches have been cursed by a warlock to never find love in their lives, and things don't end well whenever one of them gets close to a guy they like. They're bound to lead lonely lives. Rosie Mayfield is desperate to break this curse and find her one true love, so she summons the ghost of the warlock and asks him for a way to break it. The spell calls for a potion to be made, for which she needs the help of Jack Haggerty, the ghost's grandson and Rosie's grumpy neighbour.
This was such a cozy and wholesome witchy romance, and I absolutely loved the whimsical vibes of it. Learning that each of the Mayfield witches has unique powers that they use to keep the town peaceful and happy was so lovely to know. Like, Rosie runs a romance bookstore and helps people find their one true love (ironic that she's never found her own soulmate cuz of the curse), while her sister Violet runs a bakery where she imbues magic into her treats that just brightens the days of anyone eating them. Not all of the pastries have magic, but most of them do, and each one offers a different kind of feeling to the person eating it. Her younger sister, Poppy, runs a flower shop, and her magic is passed through the bouquets she makes. I found all of this to be so whimsical, and I really cannot wait to read the stories of her sisters.
The plot was pretty simple and straightforward, but such a fun one cuz our main characters are forced to work together to collect all the ingredients needed to make that potion. Some of those ingredients are easy to obtain, while some are not, like vampire's tears, and it was quite entertaining to see them go through all the troubles and fun times to gather them🤭😍 And obviously, along the way, our main characters realise that they like each other a lot and that they're not really tolerating each other's presence anymore but are actually welcoming it!
It was wholesome to see Jack go from being an introverted, socially anxious person who never left his place to someone who found people he cares about and with whom he'd be happy to talk for hours. Rosie made this happen and made him feel like he's also a part of this town and that he belongs here. And Jack made her see that she doesn't have to do things all by herself just cuz she's used to doing that, and that it's okay to ask for help when needed and to share the burden with the people she cares for.
Overall, this was a cozy, fun read, and my only complaints are that the characters read too young at times, which bothered me a bit. I also liked them more as friends working together toward a single goal than as lovers cuz I didn't buy the chemistry between them😬.
I'd definitely recommend it if you're looking for a silly, fun time with cozy witchy vibes and nothing too serious.
Huge thanks to Netgalley and Union Square & Co. for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
✨Pre-read:
Yayy, I got the ARC😍 It really sounds like a cozy, fun, witchy time and the perfect way to start September🍂✨
March 26, 2026
𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ ── 4.85 stars
OH MY GOSH!!!!! insane this was so phenomenal
cannot wait for the rest of this series!!!!!!
𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ ── pre-read
i adore all things morgan elizabeth, i know this will be the perfect fall read!! the cover is sooo cute and a cozy small town romance with a witch and the grandson of the man who cursed her family?!! YES!! + they have their stores across the street from each other and she's the bane of his existence & he's a grump! <3
YAYYYYY morgan trad debut!!! soso proud of her and cannot wait to get my hands on this!
edit: I GOT THE ARC.
OH MY GOSH!!!!! insane this was so phenomenal
cannot wait for the rest of this series!!!!!!
𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ ── pre-read
i adore all things morgan elizabeth, i know this will be the perfect fall read!! the cover is sooo cute and a cozy small town romance with a witch and the grandson of the man who cursed her family?!! YES!! + they have their stores across the street from each other and she's the bane of his existence & he's a grump! <3
YAYYYYY morgan trad debut!!! soso proud of her and cannot wait to get my hands on this!
edit: I GOT THE ARC.
October 17, 2026
Another book that started off strong for me but then just went ehhhhhh!
We have a cute small town with a witchy bookstore owner, a grumpy game store owner, a generational curse, and a ghost. All the things that mixed together should give me a cute fall rom-com read. In the beginning, I found myself giggling at the bickering and banter between the two main characters and the humor the ghost brought to the story. My biggest issue was that the story felt more focused on delivering cute, entertaining moments then giving me any kind of depth. Important parts of the book felt rushed while other moments felt dragged out. Overall, this was just average to me but I can see where some might really love this during the season.
Thank you to my bestie Noi for buddy reading with me
We have a cute small town with a witchy bookstore owner, a grumpy game store owner, a generational curse, and a ghost. All the things that mixed together should give me a cute fall rom-com read. In the beginning, I found myself giggling at the bickering and banter between the two main characters and the humor the ghost brought to the story. My biggest issue was that the story felt more focused on delivering cute, entertaining moments then giving me any kind of depth. Important parts of the book felt rushed while other moments felt dragged out. Overall, this was just average to me but I can see where some might really love this during the season.
Thank you to my bestie Noi for buddy reading with me
Did Not Finish
October 17, 2026Linz is a tropper but I just can't do it anymore 40% dnf
-----
Buddy reading with Linz <3
-----
Buddy reading with Linz <3
October 23, 2026
I lost time listening to the first 25%, I was so engrossed. After the 40% mark, it was so spicy and lacked the character depth and humour that I initially adored. It became repetitive and a slog.
Rosie is a secret witch and a bookstore owner who wants to find true love. However, an ancient family curse means her heart always gets broken.
The cure requires a search for rare magical ingredients which requires the help of Jack who runs a gaming shop across the street from her. The only person Rosie has never been able to charm.
Rosie is a cliché rom-com movie heroine. She is beloved by everyone (but the love interest at first), she is cute but clumsy, she will feel fulfilled by finding love.
It’s a cheesy set up for a sweet cosy romance. The writing was funny, the characters were witty, and their run-ins started off fun.
However, this is way too long. It also goes from enemies and disbelief to allies-with-benefits with zero hang-ups way too quickly. Yes, it’s obvious that secretly they’ve been pining for each other, but still.
The third act… if a man dismissed a woman’s feelings, readers would riot. Rosie dismissing Jack and then blaming it on miscommunication annoyed me.
I also wish there was more small-town shenanigans, autumn vibes, and more interactions with Rosie’s sisters considering how much her life has revolved around protecting and caring for them.
A promising start, but a poor execution.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
Rosie is a secret witch and a bookstore owner who wants to find true love. However, an ancient family curse means her heart always gets broken.
The cure requires a search for rare magical ingredients which requires the help of Jack who runs a gaming shop across the street from her. The only person Rosie has never been able to charm.
Rosie is a cliché rom-com movie heroine. She is beloved by everyone (but the love interest at first), she is cute but clumsy, she will feel fulfilled by finding love.
It’s a cheesy set up for a sweet cosy romance. The writing was funny, the characters were witty, and their run-ins started off fun.
However, this is way too long. It also goes from enemies and disbelief to allies-with-benefits with zero hang-ups way too quickly. Yes, it’s obvious that secretly they’ve been pining for each other, but still.
The third act… if a man dismissed a woman’s feelings, readers would riot. Rosie dismissing Jack and then blaming it on miscommunication annoyed me.
I also wish there was more small-town shenanigans, autumn vibes, and more interactions with Rosie’s sisters considering how much her life has revolved around protecting and caring for them.
A promising start, but a poor execution.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
September 12, 2026
Meet Cute Magic is a sweet and cozy romance following Rosie, a witch cursed to never find love, and Jack, the grumpy business owner across from her bookshop. Determined to break her family's curse, Rosie summons the man responsible, only to be met with the ghost of Jack's grandpa. After revealing the truth to Jack and bringing him into the world of all things magic, the two embark on a mission to free her from a life without love. This fun and charming romance is the perfect read for fall! All the magical happenings and swoony moments between Jack and Rosie made for such a fun time. I absolutely adored how their relationship evolved, with the two taking the time to understand one another before slowly falling for each other. Their banter and chemistry developed so naturally as they spent more time together, and I just loved how sweet they were with each other. Aside from the romance, I enjoyed all the magical and small town moments that brought Jack and Rosie closer and made this such a charming read. This enchanting and warm story couldn't be more suited for fall!
~Many thanks to Union Square & Co for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
~Many thanks to Union Square & Co for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
July 12, 2026
✨ARC Book Review✨
This book is the perfect fall read! It seriously gave all the fun witchy vibes of Sabrina the Teenage Witch with the perfect amount of spice!
Rosie is convinced every relationship she has is doomed because her family is cursed. Determined to break the curse, she summons Phillip, the spirit she believes cursed her grandmother in order to ask him to remove the curse. In the process of attempting to gather the ingredients to break the curse, she ends up working with Jack, the business owner next door and just so happens to be Phillip’s grandson.
Rosie was the best! She was so carefree, wild, easy to love. It was so fun watching her take Jack along on her magical quest. The scenarios they kept finding themselves in were so hilarious because Jack was literally clueless.
When they had to perform the kissing bond to verify their connection, I literally was dying! It was totally the push they needed. I loved it so much!
Jack! Omg, Jack… Okay, first off, he’s so grumpy and cute. I love a nerdy man. But oh my gosh, once he flipped the switch to flirty and sexy, he was all man. The things he did to Rosie was chef’s kiss.
I adored them! I loved the ending. I was so torn and felt compassion for all involved! The ending had my jaw on the ground. It totally got me!
Thank you, NetGalley and Union Square & Co. Publishing, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book is the perfect fall read! It seriously gave all the fun witchy vibes of Sabrina the Teenage Witch with the perfect amount of spice!
Rosie is convinced every relationship she has is doomed because her family is cursed. Determined to break the curse, she summons Phillip, the spirit she believes cursed her grandmother in order to ask him to remove the curse. In the process of attempting to gather the ingredients to break the curse, she ends up working with Jack, the business owner next door and just so happens to be Phillip’s grandson.
Rosie was the best! She was so carefree, wild, easy to love. It was so fun watching her take Jack along on her magical quest. The scenarios they kept finding themselves in were so hilarious because Jack was literally clueless.
When they had to perform the kissing bond to verify their connection, I literally was dying! It was totally the push they needed. I loved it so much!
Jack! Omg, Jack… Okay, first off, he’s so grumpy and cute. I love a nerdy man. But oh my gosh, once he flipped the switch to flirty and sexy, he was all man. The things he did to Rosie was chef’s kiss.
I adored them! I loved the ending. I was so torn and felt compassion for all involved! The ending had my jaw on the ground. It totally got me!
Thank you, NetGalley and Union Square & Co. Publishing, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 9, 2026
Grab a warm mug of your favorite drink and a cozy oversized blanket, because we need to talk about Meet Cute Magic by Morgan Elizabeth. 🧡 I loved this book!
If you’ve been on the hunt for an autumn read that feels like a mashup of all things spooky season, from Gilmore Girls and Practical Magic, to Sabrina the Teenage Witch, this is it. It delivers all the nostalgic, witchy magical energy you could want: small-town romance, scenes that are literally counting down to Halloween, fresh apple cider donuts, busybody neighbors, and cozy vibes with elements of witchcraft.
At the heart of the story is the way Morgan Elizabeth hones in on the most beloved aspects of the romance genre, and how and why we continue to fall in love with it (again and again). Right from the beginning, I loved the chaos of it all, especially the grumpy sunshine dynamic in every scene between Rosie and Jack. Rosie is our sweet bookish FMC, and if she wasn't endearing enough, she's also a witch with magical powers. She owns the town bookstore, takes care of everyone around her before herself, and is desperately trying to break a generational family curse that dooms her love life after dumping an absolutely toxic cheating ex. Right next door is Jack, who runs the local gaming shop and always manages to clash with Rosie in an unhinged hurricane of chaotic interactions.
When Rosie summons a ghost (who happens to be Jack’s snarky meddling grandfather), the two are thrown together in an adventure to brew a potion and help him pass on. The collision of the bookish rom-com world and the gamer world creates top-tier tension, playful banter, and mutual pining. And Percy, Rosie’s delightfully devilish and adorable cat, adds an extra layer of mischief to every interaction.
I love books with these specific tropes, and Morgan Elizabeth had me hooked with the charming grumpy sunshine vibes and opposites attract, hilarious banter and utter chaos, to fated mates and “it's always been you” energy. I already can't wait for Vi's story and more from Heartwood Hollow!
Beneath the cozy seasonal magic and laugh-out-loud banter and collisions, there is a genuinely sweet message about self-discovery, learning to ask for help, and finally choosing love for yourself. It’s warm, bingeable, and the ultimate fall comfort read.
Perfect if you love:
🍂Gilmore Girls
✨️ Practical Magic
🐈⬛️ Sabrina the Teenage Witch
🧹 Hocus Pocus
❤️ Cozy fall romances with spice
🔮 Witchy magical vibes
✨️ Small-town romance
🥰 A meddling grandfather
🧡 Nosy neighbors and townsfolk
🎃 Everything about autumn
👻 Spooky season
📚 Bookish FMC
🎲 Gamer MMC
☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine dynamic
😂 Funny Banter
👀 All the Tension
✨️ Forced Proximity
😍 Fated Mates
❤️ “It's always been you” energy
Books like:
🪄🩷🧹 Rewitched and Uncharmed by Lucy Jane Wood (everyday witchy magic and personal growth)
🎲💜 Roll for Romance by Lenora Woods (heartwarming romcom with nerdy D&D vibes)
🎮💙 Next Level Love by Shameez Patel
(Two gamers fall in love online, and they're actually coworkers! Witty banter and opposites-attract chemistry)
Thank you to The Nerd Fam and Union Square and Co. for an advanced reader copy of this book for review consideration. I am choosing to write this review voluntarily, and these are my honest opinions.
If you’ve been on the hunt for an autumn read that feels like a mashup of all things spooky season, from Gilmore Girls and Practical Magic, to Sabrina the Teenage Witch, this is it. It delivers all the nostalgic, witchy magical energy you could want: small-town romance, scenes that are literally counting down to Halloween, fresh apple cider donuts, busybody neighbors, and cozy vibes with elements of witchcraft.
At the heart of the story is the way Morgan Elizabeth hones in on the most beloved aspects of the romance genre, and how and why we continue to fall in love with it (again and again). Right from the beginning, I loved the chaos of it all, especially the grumpy sunshine dynamic in every scene between Rosie and Jack. Rosie is our sweet bookish FMC, and if she wasn't endearing enough, she's also a witch with magical powers. She owns the town bookstore, takes care of everyone around her before herself, and is desperately trying to break a generational family curse that dooms her love life after dumping an absolutely toxic cheating ex. Right next door is Jack, who runs the local gaming shop and always manages to clash with Rosie in an unhinged hurricane of chaotic interactions.
When Rosie summons a ghost (who happens to be Jack’s snarky meddling grandfather), the two are thrown together in an adventure to brew a potion and help him pass on. The collision of the bookish rom-com world and the gamer world creates top-tier tension, playful banter, and mutual pining. And Percy, Rosie’s delightfully devilish and adorable cat, adds an extra layer of mischief to every interaction.
I love books with these specific tropes, and Morgan Elizabeth had me hooked with the charming grumpy sunshine vibes and opposites attract, hilarious banter and utter chaos, to fated mates and “it's always been you” energy. I already can't wait for Vi's story and more from Heartwood Hollow!
Beneath the cozy seasonal magic and laugh-out-loud banter and collisions, there is a genuinely sweet message about self-discovery, learning to ask for help, and finally choosing love for yourself. It’s warm, bingeable, and the ultimate fall comfort read.
Perfect if you love:
🍂Gilmore Girls
✨️ Practical Magic
🐈⬛️ Sabrina the Teenage Witch
🧹 Hocus Pocus
❤️ Cozy fall romances with spice
🔮 Witchy magical vibes
✨️ Small-town romance
🥰 A meddling grandfather
🧡 Nosy neighbors and townsfolk
🎃 Everything about autumn
👻 Spooky season
📚 Bookish FMC
🎲 Gamer MMC
☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine dynamic
😂 Funny Banter
👀 All the Tension
✨️ Forced Proximity
😍 Fated Mates
❤️ “It's always been you” energy
Books like:
🪄🩷🧹 Rewitched and Uncharmed by Lucy Jane Wood (everyday witchy magic and personal growth)
🎲💜 Roll for Romance by Lenora Woods (heartwarming romcom with nerdy D&D vibes)
🎮💙 Next Level Love by Shameez Patel
(Two gamers fall in love online, and they're actually coworkers! Witty banter and opposites-attract chemistry)
Thank you to The Nerd Fam and Union Square and Co. for an advanced reader copy of this book for review consideration. I am choosing to write this review voluntarily, and these are my honest opinions.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love Morgan's books, especially her Christmas ones, so I was really excited to read her upcoming fall romance as someone who LOVES all things cozy and fall. Unfortunately, this one fell a bit flat from me from the beginning. These characters read very young, so this definitely felt more upper YA with spice, which is not my favorite in my romances. They bickered but it just didn't come across as endearing to me. And when it came to the world building, it seemed like we were told so much about how the magic and curse worked, and we weren't really shown that, so I wasn't really pulled into this story or connected to their journey of breaking this curse. Sometimes things were brought up for the sake of the plot like, oh yeah, there's also this magic thing! So I would have liked a bit more time spent exploring the magic system organically throughout the beginning. And the romance was just okay for me, so I'm sad to say I just didn't love this one.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Huge thanks to NetGalley & Union Square & Co for a chance to review this arc!
3.5✨
This was a sweet & cute cozy Romantasy. It follows Rosie, a cursed witch who sells romance books & helps people find their true love through recs ; and an introverted gamer who owns a gaming shop.
The banter between the characters was fun to read. I will admit I wasn’t the biggest fan of the exes used as plot points & her not always explaining things to him. It became a bit redondant after the second time. I wish the sisters would’ve been more present in the first half as well, considering their importance to the fmc’s life.
It read easily & quickly, makes for a good palate cleanser. It has a lot of sex scenes so just be warned if you don’t like those in your cozy reads.
3.5✨
This was a sweet & cute cozy Romantasy. It follows Rosie, a cursed witch who sells romance books & helps people find their true love through recs ; and an introverted gamer who owns a gaming shop.
The banter between the characters was fun to read. I will admit I wasn’t the biggest fan of the exes used as plot points & her not always explaining things to him. It became a bit redondant after the second time. I wish the sisters would’ve been more present in the first half as well, considering their importance to the fmc’s life.
It read easily & quickly, makes for a good palate cleanser. It has a lot of sex scenes so just be warned if you don’t like those in your cozy reads.
July 29, 2026
Thank to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange of an honest review.
As always, Morgan Elizabeth can do no wrong! And as always, she has perfected this small town grumpy x sunshine novel.
This is such a fun read! You get the witchness elements mixed with romance, and I honestly couldn't put this book down. I loved reading their adventure and getting to watch them slowly fall in love.
With Halloween season nearing, I absolutely recommend this book! ♡
As always, Morgan Elizabeth can do no wrong! And as always, she has perfected this small town grumpy x sunshine novel.
This is such a fun read! You get the witchness elements mixed with romance, and I honestly couldn't put this book down. I loved reading their adventure and getting to watch them slowly fall in love.
With Halloween season nearing, I absolutely recommend this book! ♡
Did Not Finish
June 15, 2026Netgalley ARC
DNF 14%
So this one was really going great, but I was afraid to read more without looking for some safety details about him, and I’m not interested anymore I guess.
He had a friends with benefits situation with a woman in their town. And while she had lots of boyfriends (thank God!!!!!), I hate his past history so fucking much. Seriously I hate when mmcs’ past hookups are from the same town, and then they appear in the story. NO!
“I have… an in. I can make an appointment and scan over the datebook when I do.” Phillip lets out an amused sound, but I ignore it, turning fully to Jack.
“An in?”
That all too familiar blush burns across his cheeks before he nods and explains. “I used to date Jeanette.”
My body stills, a mix of confusion and another emotion I won’t look at too closely taking over.
“The receptionist?”
He nods.
“Jeanette Smith?” I clarify further.
He smiles and nods. I don’t… I don’t know how to handle that. Jeanette is an absolute bombshell, all tits and ass and a fuck ton of hair anyone would be jealous of, and she knows how to work all of it. The idea that Jack dated someone, someone as gorgeous and sexy and outgoing as Jeanette, just… doesn’t fit.
“When?” He reaches behind his head and scratches the back of his neck before shrugging, but answers all the same.
“I don’t know. We stopped seeing each other maybe… six months ago?”
“How long were you together?”
“Is that jealousy I’m sensing, Rosemary?” Phillip asks, and I fight the sudden urge for my jaw to go tight, instead giving the ghost the middle finger.
“No. I just…” I want to know because about eight months ago, Jeanette came into my store looking for a book. She told me she was really into some new guy she was dating and wanted to keep the happy feeling going. There was no reason not to, but for some reason, I didn’t think she was ready for a love pick. So I pointed her in the right direction of the rom-coms and let her shop on her own, not giving her a love match. It’s haunted me since, especially when Violet told me that a month later, Jeanette came into her shop upset and looking for a pick-me-up.
She’d been dumped. By Jack, it seems. And I can’t help but think part of that was my fault, that if I’d given her a love book, she would have found her magical happily ever after. Despite the guilt eating at me even now, I can’t help but feel that tiny spark of satisfaction burning in my chest. The idea that Jack is single might have something to do with me. Not that it matters. I’m cursed. I can’t fall in love. We’re just fuck buddies, as he put it. And once this curse is broken, I’ll go off on my merry way and find the true love of my life once and for all.
“I’m not jealous. I’m just… surprised. I hear all the Heartwood Hollow gossip. And you don’t… people.”
“I’ve been with women, Rosie,” Jack says with a smug smile. It takes everything in my being not to react to those words, to the idea of him having been with other women. “I just don’t date them, not really. I don’t go to dinner with them or spend nights playing video games or going on adventures with them.”
His words are pointed, his face assessing, and my stomach starts to turn in on itself. His words are so intentional, but I don’t have the guts to actually ask him, so I don’t.
Instead, I smile and widen my eyes, raising my eyebrows repeatedly. He rolls his eyes and continues on. “Anyway, I think she thought it was more than it was, so I broke it off before things got too… complicated.”
I wonder if that happens a lot, Jack making people feel special and different, only for it to be a miscommunication. A sense of relief washes through me that we won’t have that problem, not with everything coming to an end when the full moon hits, of course. I wouldn’t want a miscommunication to ruin the friendship I’m learning to value.
I give him a tight smile before turning back to the task at hand. “I’m surprised because… well, you know,” I say without meaning it.
“I don’t,” he says with a teasing smile that tells me he very much does know.
“I think you should tell me explicitly what you were surprised about.” Phillip chuckles, entertained by the back-and-forth, and I roll my eyes, trying to ignore the burning blush that is creeping down to my chest now.
“That you dated someone in town? That you’re suave enough to land a hottie like Jeanette?”
“I landed you, didn’t I?”
My pulse rockets again, and in that moment, I think he’s spending way too much time with me because he’s getting way too good at the comebacks. Who is this man across from me, and what has he done with my shy, grumpy neighbor? I clear my throat, but I’m unable to clear my mind as well.
Still, I take a deep breath and grin. “Point made.”
“We weren’t dating, per se. Well, I didn’t think we were. It was just a… benefits, thing,” Jack explains.
“Friends with benefits?”
He shrugs. “I guess you could call it that.”
It settles heavy and uncomfortable in my stomach, a foreign feeling taking root. Jealousy? Hurt? I’m not sure, but the fact that this isn’t Jack’s first foray into friends with benefits settles over me. Is this not… special to him?
“Less friends, though,” he clarifies, as if he can see the thoughts running through my mind and wants to mollify me. It doesn’t matter, though, I remind myself. This is fun. This is just friends. Friends don’t care about friends’ sexual or dating history, not really.
“So… are you sure you want to go there? Maybe I should, if there’s bad blood between you both,” I ask, trying to change the subject. “I could go and try to butter her up.”
He shakes his head. “That would be a bad idea.”
“What? Why?”
“She, uh… I don’t think she likes you.” He cringes at me, and I blink back at him.
“I’m sorry?”
He shrugs. “She doesn’t like you.”
“But I’m… I’m… I’m delightful.”
A small smile tips on Jack’s lips. “Well, she disagrees.” “Well, she’s an idiot,” I say.
Jack’s smile turns entertained, and he lets out a small laugh like he can’t fight it back before wrapping an arm around my waist and tugging me into him.
“Yeah, she is. But she’s also…” He pauses, contemplating how to say his next words before proceeding. “She came in a few days ago. Asking if I wanted to get coffee with her. See if we could… work things out. Try again.”
I lift an eyebrow taking him in skeptically, my stomach in knots at the thought of Jeanette, gorgeous Jeanette with her lustrous long hair that I could only manage with a tonic if I remembered to put it on every single night (unlikely), with her curves and her somehow flat-as-a-board stomach that I couldn’t have if I even wanted to because I will never stop eating sweet treats on the regular, and her sex kitten voice that even I think is hot, striding into the Gaming Den with reconciliation on her mind.
“And?” I ask.
“And,” he says, using a hand to smooth some of my hair back. He does that a lot, pushing hair behind my ear or my shoulder, like he’s worried it’s in my face, worried it’s bothering me. I used to wear it back when I was working to avoid just that, but I’ve found lately I’m letting it go more and more. “Before she got an answer, a small redheaded witch rushed through the doors and attacked me because she guessed the ending of her book correctly.”
I blink, trying to remember the day. I remember the book because I’d been telling him about it a few days earlier. It was the mystery and suspense romance I’d been reading after his event. When I finished the book on a slow day at the shop, I realized I’d been right and instantly needed to tell Jack about it. I flipped my sign to closed and nearly sprinted across the way to tell him.
When I work through the memory a bit, I do remember him talking to… someone, but I was so excited that I couldn’t focus on anything other than telling him. And then his arm was around my waist, and he was tugging me into his side and pressing a kiss to my hair, giving me a soft, good job, babe, so I was a bit distracted. But apparently, he was standing there with Jeanette. And she was asking him about their friends’ benefits situation, only for me to flaunt my own in her face. Oh, god, that was so uncool of me. But also, a small, very petty part of me giggles and steeples her fingers maniacally. I push her aside and put on my logical thinking hat.
“So what, you’re going to go in and flirt with her and sneak a peek at her appointment book?”
“Pretty much.” He shrugs like it’s no big deal, but I’m skeptical. This is Jack we’re dealing with, after all.
“Wanna go now?” I stare at him for another beat before shrugging reluctantly.
“Sure.” He stares at me again, then smiles wide before pulling my face into his, kissing me.
That’s about 60-66% in, he then proceeds to flirt with Jeanette (to get info but anyway). That also makes the fmc jealous. Yeah nope, I’m out. Glad my gut saved me again.
Most probably it wouldn’t be bothering me that much if:
1) fmc and mmc didn’t know each other at that time (but they did, for 3 years, and yes, I’m hypocritical since fmc had boyfriends, I don’t care)
2) that ow weren’t from their town
3) that ow never appeared in the book. But oh well.
On the plus side, like I mentioned, fmc dated lots of guys, it never worked out because of the curse.
DNF 14%
So this one was really going great, but I was afraid to read more without looking for some safety details about him, and I’m not interested anymore I guess.
He had a friends with benefits situation with a woman in their town. And while she had lots of boyfriends (thank God!!!!!), I hate his past history so fucking much. Seriously I hate when mmcs’ past hookups are from the same town, and then they appear in the story. NO!
“I have… an in. I can make an appointment and scan over the datebook when I do.” Phillip lets out an amused sound, but I ignore it, turning fully to Jack.
“An in?”
That all too familiar blush burns across his cheeks before he nods and explains. “I used to date Jeanette.”
My body stills, a mix of confusion and another emotion I won’t look at too closely taking over.
“The receptionist?”
He nods.
“Jeanette Smith?” I clarify further.
He smiles and nods. I don’t… I don’t know how to handle that. Jeanette is an absolute bombshell, all tits and ass and a fuck ton of hair anyone would be jealous of, and she knows how to work all of it. The idea that Jack dated someone, someone as gorgeous and sexy and outgoing as Jeanette, just… doesn’t fit.
“When?” He reaches behind his head and scratches the back of his neck before shrugging, but answers all the same.
“I don’t know. We stopped seeing each other maybe… six months ago?”
“How long were you together?”
“Is that jealousy I’m sensing, Rosemary?” Phillip asks, and I fight the sudden urge for my jaw to go tight, instead giving the ghost the middle finger.
“No. I just…” I want to know because about eight months ago, Jeanette came into my store looking for a book. She told me she was really into some new guy she was dating and wanted to keep the happy feeling going. There was no reason not to, but for some reason, I didn’t think she was ready for a love pick. So I pointed her in the right direction of the rom-coms and let her shop on her own, not giving her a love match. It’s haunted me since, especially when Violet told me that a month later, Jeanette came into her shop upset and looking for a pick-me-up.
She’d been dumped. By Jack, it seems. And I can’t help but think part of that was my fault, that if I’d given her a love book, she would have found her magical happily ever after. Despite the guilt eating at me even now, I can’t help but feel that tiny spark of satisfaction burning in my chest. The idea that Jack is single might have something to do with me. Not that it matters. I’m cursed. I can’t fall in love. We’re just fuck buddies, as he put it. And once this curse is broken, I’ll go off on my merry way and find the true love of my life once and for all.
“I’m not jealous. I’m just… surprised. I hear all the Heartwood Hollow gossip. And you don’t… people.”
“I’ve been with women, Rosie,” Jack says with a smug smile. It takes everything in my being not to react to those words, to the idea of him having been with other women. “I just don’t date them, not really. I don’t go to dinner with them or spend nights playing video games or going on adventures with them.”
His words are pointed, his face assessing, and my stomach starts to turn in on itself. His words are so intentional, but I don’t have the guts to actually ask him, so I don’t.
Instead, I smile and widen my eyes, raising my eyebrows repeatedly. He rolls his eyes and continues on. “Anyway, I think she thought it was more than it was, so I broke it off before things got too… complicated.”
I wonder if that happens a lot, Jack making people feel special and different, only for it to be a miscommunication. A sense of relief washes through me that we won’t have that problem, not with everything coming to an end when the full moon hits, of course. I wouldn’t want a miscommunication to ruin the friendship I’m learning to value.
I give him a tight smile before turning back to the task at hand. “I’m surprised because… well, you know,” I say without meaning it.
“I don’t,” he says with a teasing smile that tells me he very much does know.
“I think you should tell me explicitly what you were surprised about.” Phillip chuckles, entertained by the back-and-forth, and I roll my eyes, trying to ignore the burning blush that is creeping down to my chest now.
“That you dated someone in town? That you’re suave enough to land a hottie like Jeanette?”
“I landed you, didn’t I?”
My pulse rockets again, and in that moment, I think he’s spending way too much time with me because he’s getting way too good at the comebacks. Who is this man across from me, and what has he done with my shy, grumpy neighbor? I clear my throat, but I’m unable to clear my mind as well.
Still, I take a deep breath and grin. “Point made.”
“We weren’t dating, per se. Well, I didn’t think we were. It was just a… benefits, thing,” Jack explains.
“Friends with benefits?”
He shrugs. “I guess you could call it that.”
It settles heavy and uncomfortable in my stomach, a foreign feeling taking root. Jealousy? Hurt? I’m not sure, but the fact that this isn’t Jack’s first foray into friends with benefits settles over me. Is this not… special to him?
“Less friends, though,” he clarifies, as if he can see the thoughts running through my mind and wants to mollify me. It doesn’t matter, though, I remind myself. This is fun. This is just friends. Friends don’t care about friends’ sexual or dating history, not really.
“So… are you sure you want to go there? Maybe I should, if there’s bad blood between you both,” I ask, trying to change the subject. “I could go and try to butter her up.”
He shakes his head. “That would be a bad idea.”
“What? Why?”
“She, uh… I don’t think she likes you.” He cringes at me, and I blink back at him.
“I’m sorry?”
He shrugs. “She doesn’t like you.”
“But I’m… I’m… I’m delightful.”
A small smile tips on Jack’s lips. “Well, she disagrees.” “Well, she’s an idiot,” I say.
Jack’s smile turns entertained, and he lets out a small laugh like he can’t fight it back before wrapping an arm around my waist and tugging me into him.
“Yeah, she is. But she’s also…” He pauses, contemplating how to say his next words before proceeding. “She came in a few days ago. Asking if I wanted to get coffee with her. See if we could… work things out. Try again.”
I lift an eyebrow taking him in skeptically, my stomach in knots at the thought of Jeanette, gorgeous Jeanette with her lustrous long hair that I could only manage with a tonic if I remembered to put it on every single night (unlikely), with her curves and her somehow flat-as-a-board stomach that I couldn’t have if I even wanted to because I will never stop eating sweet treats on the regular, and her sex kitten voice that even I think is hot, striding into the Gaming Den with reconciliation on her mind.
“And?” I ask.
“And,” he says, using a hand to smooth some of my hair back. He does that a lot, pushing hair behind my ear or my shoulder, like he’s worried it’s in my face, worried it’s bothering me. I used to wear it back when I was working to avoid just that, but I’ve found lately I’m letting it go more and more. “Before she got an answer, a small redheaded witch rushed through the doors and attacked me because she guessed the ending of her book correctly.”
I blink, trying to remember the day. I remember the book because I’d been telling him about it a few days earlier. It was the mystery and suspense romance I’d been reading after his event. When I finished the book on a slow day at the shop, I realized I’d been right and instantly needed to tell Jack about it. I flipped my sign to closed and nearly sprinted across the way to tell him.
When I work through the memory a bit, I do remember him talking to… someone, but I was so excited that I couldn’t focus on anything other than telling him. And then his arm was around my waist, and he was tugging me into his side and pressing a kiss to my hair, giving me a soft, good job, babe, so I was a bit distracted. But apparently, he was standing there with Jeanette. And she was asking him about their friends’ benefits situation, only for me to flaunt my own in her face. Oh, god, that was so uncool of me. But also, a small, very petty part of me giggles and steeples her fingers maniacally. I push her aside and put on my logical thinking hat.
“So what, you’re going to go in and flirt with her and sneak a peek at her appointment book?”
“Pretty much.” He shrugs like it’s no big deal, but I’m skeptical. This is Jack we’re dealing with, after all.
“Wanna go now?” I stare at him for another beat before shrugging reluctantly.
“Sure.” He stares at me again, then smiles wide before pulling my face into his, kissing me.
That’s about 60-66% in, he then proceeds to flirt with Jeanette (to get info but anyway). That also makes the fmc jealous. Yeah nope, I’m out. Glad my gut saved me again.
Most probably it wouldn’t be bothering me that much if:
1) fmc and mmc didn’t know each other at that time (but they did, for 3 years, and yes, I’m hypocritical since fmc had boyfriends, I don’t care)
2) that ow weren’t from their town
3) that ow never appeared in the book. But oh well.
On the plus side, like I mentioned, fmc dated lots of guys, it never worked out because of the curse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2026
Oh how I loved the absolute shit out of this book!! Cozy small town romance during my favorite season! I am digging the main characters and their sexual tension! The spice was throb worthy! Definitely recommend!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
[arc review] I really wanted to enjoy this, but it just fell flat. I powered on through to the end hoping I’d like it more, but overall I don’t think I’m the audience for this book. don’t get me wrong, it’s a very cozy magical romance, but at times it felt very juvenile?
a lot of things just didn’t make sense to me, and it felt like the characters behaved like teenagers instead of the adults they’re supposed to be.
the curse had so much potential but wasn’t fleshed out like I would’ve hoped. it also didn’t make sense in hindsight.
rosie’s grandmother was cursed by a man she rejected, meaning they can’t truly be in love with someone as the relationship is doomed from the start. if this is the case, how did rosie’s parents stay together long enough to have not one, but three children? as rosie and her sisters are from a line of magical witches, surely the curse would’ve had an impact on their ancestry?
at times it felt like jack was rude for the sake of being the grumpy character, and while I do get it to an extent, it again felt very juvenile and hard for me to believe these characters are adults who run businesses in this small town. I mean, the sign on his business door?
I didn’t feel invested in the characters to care for them, which did have an effect on me reading it, because I just didn’t care.
it’s a shame, because I had really high hopes. I know a lot of people will enjoy this, and my opinion on it is 100% not a reflection on the book.
thank you union square & co. for the advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
a lot of things just didn’t make sense to me, and it felt like the characters behaved like teenagers instead of the adults they’re supposed to be.
the curse had so much potential but wasn’t fleshed out like I would’ve hoped. it also didn’t make sense in hindsight.
rosie’s grandmother was cursed by a man she rejected, meaning they can’t truly be in love with someone as the relationship is doomed from the start. if this is the case, how did rosie’s parents stay together long enough to have not one, but three children? as rosie and her sisters are from a line of magical witches, surely the curse would’ve had an impact on their ancestry?
at times it felt like jack was rude for the sake of being the grumpy character, and while I do get it to an extent, it again felt very juvenile and hard for me to believe these characters are adults who run businesses in this small town. I mean, the sign on his business door?
I didn’t feel invested in the characters to care for them, which did have an effect on me reading it, because I just didn’t care.
it’s a shame, because I had really high hopes. I know a lot of people will enjoy this, and my opinion on it is 100% not a reflection on the book.
thank you union square & co. for the advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
September 20, 2026
This was absolutely cute as shit. It’s about a witch whose family is cursed to always have their love end in heartbreak. So she decides to summon the ghost of the man who cursed her family line. In exchange for her helping him by brewing a potion that will allow him to pass on to the afterlife, he’ll end the curse for her.
But turns out, the ghost is also the grand father of her neighbor who seems to despise her.
Her neighbor decides to participate in the ingredient collecting and potion making to help his grand father and to learn about magic.
There’s a small town vibe, lots of spoken word spells, and unique types of magic for the witchy main character and her two witch sisters.
The main characters were also really fun to me. The FMC is so bubbly and likable, and she owns a bookstore. The MMC is a hot, introverted, nerdy gamer who owns the game store across from her.
I also particularly loved the kiss bond element of the story and how that magic worked. I haven’t seen that done before in a witchy book.
At times I thought that it was aggressively bookish for the booktok and booktube girls, but even that grew on me and I ended up loving that aspect of the story too.
It was adorable and comforting and it met and exceeded my expectations.
Also, congratulations to Morgan Elizabeth for her first traditionally published book!! I’m so freaking happy for her.
But turns out, the ghost is also the grand father of her neighbor who seems to despise her.
Her neighbor decides to participate in the ingredient collecting and potion making to help his grand father and to learn about magic.
There’s a small town vibe, lots of spoken word spells, and unique types of magic for the witchy main character and her two witch sisters.
The main characters were also really fun to me. The FMC is so bubbly and likable, and she owns a bookstore. The MMC is a hot, introverted, nerdy gamer who owns the game store across from her.
I also particularly loved the kiss bond element of the story and how that magic worked. I haven’t seen that done before in a witchy book.
At times I thought that it was aggressively bookish for the booktok and booktube girls, but even that grew on me and I ended up loving that aspect of the story too.
It was adorable and comforting and it met and exceeded my expectations.
Also, congratulations to Morgan Elizabeth for her first traditionally published book!! I’m so freaking happy for her.
July 7, 2026
A fall, witchy, Halloween read in July. 🐈⬛
Why not?
This isn’t my normal book vibes I read.
But for Morgan Elizabeth I dove in.
And it was remarkably fun and cute!
Practical magic x Gilmore Girls vibes?
Yes.
We’ve got sister witches and supernatural being.
But the town is pure Gilmore Girl.
Rosie & Jack
Neighboring store owners
A gamer with a gaming store
-(also not my type of MMC but I adored him)
A witch with a romance book store
Grumpy x sunshine
And dun dun dun. A family love curse.
Cue a ghost. 👻
Cue banter.
Cue a magical potion ingredient quest.
“Sometimes the most magical things are the most ordinary ones.” 🪄
Netgalley arc review ✨
Why not?
This isn’t my normal book vibes I read.
But for Morgan Elizabeth I dove in.
And it was remarkably fun and cute!
Practical magic x Gilmore Girls vibes?
Yes.
We’ve got sister witches and supernatural being.
But the town is pure Gilmore Girl.
Rosie & Jack
Neighboring store owners
A gamer with a gaming store
-(also not my type of MMC but I adored him)
A witch with a romance book store
Grumpy x sunshine
And dun dun dun. A family love curse.
Cue a ghost. 👻
Cue banter.
Cue a magical potion ingredient quest.
“Sometimes the most magical things are the most ordinary ones.” 🪄
Netgalley arc review ✨
September 28, 2026
✩ 3.75 stars ✩
What to Expect:
➼ Grumpy x Sunshine
➼ Enemies-to-Lovers
➼ Magical Quest
➼ FMC Cursed to Never Find Love
➼ Reader x Gamer
➼ Small Town
➼ Duet Narration by Lilly Drake & Michael Gallagher
➼ Dual First Person POV
I love a good seasonal read, and this small-town witchy romance delivered exactly the autumn vibes I was looking for. I’m honestly a little more generous with my ratings when it comes to low stakes, romance reads like this one, but I’d definitely recommend this to anyone looking to add to their spooky season TBR! I’m a big fan of all of the included tropes and thought the storyline was very well plotted. I enjoyed Jack’s character slightly more than Rosie’s, but I thought they had good chemistry together and appreciated what they brought out in each other.
Rosie mainly used her powers to help others find love, which was ironic considering she was cursed to never find it herself. Now that the love curse is broken, I’m excited to continue this series with Rosie’s two sisters! With any luck, this author will give me something new to add to my October TBR for at least the next two years!
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: I got all my Halloween decor up, so now I feel like I can really dive into the Spooky Season reads. 🎃👻
≪ ◦ ❖ ◦ ≫
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What to Expect:
➼ Grumpy x Sunshine
➼ Enemies-to-Lovers
➼ Magical Quest
➼ FMC Cursed to Never Find Love
➼ Reader x Gamer
➼ Small Town
➼ Duet Narration by Lilly Drake & Michael Gallagher
➼ Dual First Person POV
I love a good seasonal read, and this small-town witchy romance delivered exactly the autumn vibes I was looking for. I’m honestly a little more generous with my ratings when it comes to low stakes, romance reads like this one, but I’d definitely recommend this to anyone looking to add to their spooky season TBR! I’m a big fan of all of the included tropes and thought the storyline was very well plotted. I enjoyed Jack’s character slightly more than Rosie’s, but I thought they had good chemistry together and appreciated what they brought out in each other.
Rosie mainly used her powers to help others find love, which was ironic considering she was cursed to never find it herself. Now that the love curse is broken, I’m excited to continue this series with Rosie’s two sisters! With any luck, this author will give me something new to add to my October TBR for at least the next two years!
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: I got all my Halloween decor up, so now I feel like I can really dive into the Spooky Season reads. 🎃👻
≪ ◦ ❖ ◦ ≫
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Did Not Finish
September 5, 2026DNF
I WISH IT DIDN’T HAVE TO COME TO THIS.
I really, really do.
Because I LOVE Morgan Elizabeth’s Revenge series. Like, genuinely love it. Which is why it pains me to say that her more recent releases have been… bust after bust for me. Lucky Girl Summer excluded because I haven’t read that one yet, but Holly Ridge series? Heartbreaker? Yeah. We have been STRUGGLING.
But I soldiered through those.
THIS ONE??? I admit defeat. I am waving every single white flag I can find. I surrender. Rosie won. She has successfully annoyed me into a DNF.
Because I absolutely CANNOT with this FMC.
Rosie is, naturally, soooo loved and adored by everyone in town. Everyone thinks she’s wonderful. Everyone likes her. Everyone except Jack.
And she simply cannot comprehend this.
Because EVERYONE LIKES HER!!! So why doesn’t HE??? 🥺
Girl, perhaps because you have been systematically DESTROYING THIS MAN’S STORE FOR THREE FUCKING YEARS???
Jack doesn’t dislike her for some silly little grumpy/sunshine reason. She broke his store window during a snowball fight. She has apparently ruined things inside his shop MULTIPLE TIMES because she’s just soooo clumsy and quirky 🤪 and then smiles and laughs about it like she didn’t just destroy something he spent hours—or MONTHS—working on.
And somehow HE’S the asshole when he throws her out???
BE SO FUCKING SERIOUS.
She claims she’s been trying to befriend him for THREE YEARS because she desperately wants him to like her, yet apparently doesn’t remember that basically every time she enters his store she destroys something???
The first proper scene between them genuinely had me questioning my sanity.
She walks into his store. He specifically tells her not to touch the stack of cards he’s constructing. What does she do?
KNOCKS THEM OVER.
And then LAUGHS about the fact that both she and her sister have now destroyed his work.
Cute!!!
Then, almost immediately afterward, we are informed that her ass is apparently just too “juicy” because her sister owns a bakery—and said ass knocks over an intricate cardboard display Jack made.
They try to catch it. She falls into his arms because of course she does.
AND THEN HER FUCKING CAT CROSSES THE STREET, ENTERS THE STORE, MAKES A BEELINE FOR THE DISPLAY AND KNOCKS IT OVER BECAUSE APPARENTLY THE CAT HEARD JACK YELLING AT HER AND IS PROTECTIVE OF HER???
I’m sorry.
WHAT.
The cardboard display that Jack spent FOUR MONTHS making ends up DECAPITATED in this ordeal, and Rosie’s reaction to watching this man’s four months of work get destroyed???
SHE LAUGHS.
AGAIN.
At that point I was ready to climb into the book and personally issue her a restraining order from every small business in town.
Being clumsy is one thing. Accidentally breaking something is one thing. But repeatedly destroying someone’s belongings/work, ignoring their boundaries, laughing about it, and then being genuinely offended that they DON’T LIKE YOU because “everyone else does” is not cute. It’s not quirky. It’s not adorable sunshine FMC behaviour.
It’s fucking obnoxious.
And Rosie came across as so self-centred, childish, and completely incapable of understanding why Jack might have a perfectly legitimate reason for not wanting her anywhere near him OR HIS POOR FUCKING STORE.
Also, destroying everything in your immediate vicinity because you’re a cute clumsy girl with a “juicy ass”—does not automatically make it charming.
I kept waiting for something to make me warm up to her, but instead every new interaction somehow made me dislike her MORE.
So, unfortunately, I’m tapping out.
I will absolutely still read Morgan Elizabeth’s other books because I KNOW she can write stories I adore—the Revenge series is proof of that—but Meet Cute Magic and I are simply not meant to be.
Rosie can have the entire town.
Jack can have my condolences.
And someone PLEASE get that man business insurance with the most comprehensive Rosie coverage available.
I WISH IT DIDN’T HAVE TO COME TO THIS.
I really, really do.
Because I LOVE Morgan Elizabeth’s Revenge series. Like, genuinely love it. Which is why it pains me to say that her more recent releases have been… bust after bust for me. Lucky Girl Summer excluded because I haven’t read that one yet, but Holly Ridge series? Heartbreaker? Yeah. We have been STRUGGLING.
But I soldiered through those.
THIS ONE??? I admit defeat. I am waving every single white flag I can find. I surrender. Rosie won. She has successfully annoyed me into a DNF.
Because I absolutely CANNOT with this FMC.
Rosie is, naturally, soooo loved and adored by everyone in town. Everyone thinks she’s wonderful. Everyone likes her. Everyone except Jack.
And she simply cannot comprehend this.
Because EVERYONE LIKES HER!!! So why doesn’t HE??? 🥺
Girl, perhaps because you have been systematically DESTROYING THIS MAN’S STORE FOR THREE FUCKING YEARS???
Jack doesn’t dislike her for some silly little grumpy/sunshine reason. She broke his store window during a snowball fight. She has apparently ruined things inside his shop MULTIPLE TIMES because she’s just soooo clumsy and quirky 🤪 and then smiles and laughs about it like she didn’t just destroy something he spent hours—or MONTHS—working on.
And somehow HE’S the asshole when he throws her out???
BE SO FUCKING SERIOUS.
She claims she’s been trying to befriend him for THREE YEARS because she desperately wants him to like her, yet apparently doesn’t remember that basically every time she enters his store she destroys something???
The first proper scene between them genuinely had me questioning my sanity.
She walks into his store. He specifically tells her not to touch the stack of cards he’s constructing. What does she do?
KNOCKS THEM OVER.
And then LAUGHS about the fact that both she and her sister have now destroyed his work.
Cute!!!
Then, almost immediately afterward, we are informed that her ass is apparently just too “juicy” because her sister owns a bakery—and said ass knocks over an intricate cardboard display Jack made.
They try to catch it. She falls into his arms because of course she does.
AND THEN HER FUCKING CAT CROSSES THE STREET, ENTERS THE STORE, MAKES A BEELINE FOR THE DISPLAY AND KNOCKS IT OVER BECAUSE APPARENTLY THE CAT HEARD JACK YELLING AT HER AND IS PROTECTIVE OF HER???
I’m sorry.
WHAT.
The cardboard display that Jack spent FOUR MONTHS making ends up DECAPITATED in this ordeal, and Rosie’s reaction to watching this man’s four months of work get destroyed???
SHE LAUGHS.
AGAIN.
At that point I was ready to climb into the book and personally issue her a restraining order from every small business in town.
Being clumsy is one thing. Accidentally breaking something is one thing. But repeatedly destroying someone’s belongings/work, ignoring their boundaries, laughing about it, and then being genuinely offended that they DON’T LIKE YOU because “everyone else does” is not cute. It’s not quirky. It’s not adorable sunshine FMC behaviour.
It’s fucking obnoxious.
And Rosie came across as so self-centred, childish, and completely incapable of understanding why Jack might have a perfectly legitimate reason for not wanting her anywhere near him OR HIS POOR FUCKING STORE.
Also, destroying everything in your immediate vicinity because you’re a cute clumsy girl with a “juicy ass”—does not automatically make it charming.
I kept waiting for something to make me warm up to her, but instead every new interaction somehow made me dislike her MORE.
So, unfortunately, I’m tapping out.
I will absolutely still read Morgan Elizabeth’s other books because I KNOW she can write stories I adore—the Revenge series is proof of that—but Meet Cute Magic and I are simply not meant to be.
Rosie can have the entire town.
Jack can have my condolences.
And someone PLEASE get that man business insurance with the most comprehensive Rosie coverage available.
September 4, 2026
The PERFECT Fall read!! It’s very cute and cozy paranormal romance that would just perfect for a cozy fall day!
Rosie’s trying to break the curse put on her grandmother that’s affected her family, for their relationship to end horribly once they say I love you. So she summons the ghost of the man who placed the curse on them. He tells her he can break the curse, but she needs to get the ingredients, one of them being in the game store across the street owned by his grumpy grandson.
I loved the banter between Rosie and Jack! I thought it was very cute and charming. I also loved how down bad Jack was for Rosie!! Ahh!!
The magic system is very cute too! I loved everything with the kiss bond and how every sister had their own type of magic! The town is also super cute and charming! Very Gilmore Girls!!
I definitely recommend picking this up!! So cute!!
Read if you like:
Paranormal romance
Grumpy x Sunshine
Kiss bond
Ghosts but silly
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Union Square for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!!
Rosie’s trying to break the curse put on her grandmother that’s affected her family, for their relationship to end horribly once they say I love you. So she summons the ghost of the man who placed the curse on them. He tells her he can break the curse, but she needs to get the ingredients, one of them being in the game store across the street owned by his grumpy grandson.
I loved the banter between Rosie and Jack! I thought it was very cute and charming. I also loved how down bad Jack was for Rosie!! Ahh!!
The magic system is very cute too! I loved everything with the kiss bond and how every sister had their own type of magic! The town is also super cute and charming! Very Gilmore Girls!!
I definitely recommend picking this up!! So cute!!
Read if you like:
Paranormal romance
Grumpy x Sunshine
Kiss bond
Ghosts but silly
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Union Square for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An absolute autumn must-read that delivers the ultimate cozy, small-town paranormal vibes. It’s hilarious, effortlessly witty, and packed with that perfect blend of sweet and spicy moments that keep you hooked.
The story centers on Rosie, a chaotic romance bookstore owner whose magic helps everyone else find their happily-ever-after while her own love life remains cursed. When she decides to finally break the family curse, she drags her grumpy, introverted gamer next-door neighbor Jack into a mad dash to gather potion ingredients before the full moon.
Rosie is an endearing, walking disaster who leaves a trail of pure chaos and accidental destruction everywhere she goes (poor Jack and his store). Jack is the definition of a grumpy hero completely down bad for the sunshine heroine while being aggressively in denial about it.
Their banter is top-tier, and watching them navigate the forced proximity of a magical scavenger hunt is endlessly entertaining.
If you love the grumpy/sunshine trope executed to perfection, this hits every single mark. It's funny, incredibly cute, and brings together a reader and a gamer in a pairing that genuinely feels made in heaven.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The story centers on Rosie, a chaotic romance bookstore owner whose magic helps everyone else find their happily-ever-after while her own love life remains cursed. When she decides to finally break the family curse, she drags her grumpy, introverted gamer next-door neighbor Jack into a mad dash to gather potion ingredients before the full moon.
Rosie is an endearing, walking disaster who leaves a trail of pure chaos and accidental destruction everywhere she goes (poor Jack and his store). Jack is the definition of a grumpy hero completely down bad for the sunshine heroine while being aggressively in denial about it.
Their banter is top-tier, and watching them navigate the forced proximity of a magical scavenger hunt is endlessly entertaining.
If you love the grumpy/sunshine trope executed to perfection, this hits every single mark. It's funny, incredibly cute, and brings together a reader and a gamer in a pairing that genuinely feels made in heaven.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
October 9, 2026
This book was cute but I couldn’t get into the love story between the MMC and the FMC. In my opinion there wasn’t much chemistry between them and couldn’t get into them as a couple. I would definitely recommend this one though because maybe it was a me problem.
June 16, 2026
the more I think about this book the more I love it so yes yes yes 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 five magical freakin’ stars!!!
and I just need to say… I have NEVER enjoyed magical realism… like EVER. but this 😍😍😍 is the exception 👏🏼🫶✨📖
out in september and ABSOLUTELY needed on your TBRs ❤️🔥
and I just need to say… I have NEVER enjoyed magical realism… like EVER. but this 😍😍😍 is the exception 👏🏼🫶✨📖
out in september and ABSOLUTELY needed on your TBRs ❤️🔥
September 24, 2026
This story features a magical bookstore owner, an extroverted and friendly witch who selflessly helps her customers with their love lives, and a magical quest involving the one grumpy neighbor she is convinced doesn't like her. I mostly really enjoyed the magical properties of Rosie and how her magic was interpreted in mundane, contemporary living. I didn't really enjoy the conclusion to the quest, but I understand that it was supposed to be on the cozy side of the story. As for the romance, I especially liked the introverted and anxiety representation in Jack's character. I would recommend this to small-town romance lovers and fans of cozy Halloween stories!!
My first arc!! Many thanks to NetGalley and Sterling Publishing :)
super excited for this magical realism-fall themed read!!
꧁✮..🍁🔮🧡☽..✮꧂
My first arc!! Many thanks to NetGalley and Sterling Publishing :)
super excited for this magical realism-fall themed read!!
September 29, 2026
I thought this was really cute and very atmospheric for the fall season, but unfortunately at the end I kind of felt like it was all for nothing. But if you love a low-stakes, cozy fall romance then this is definitely your book. Witchy, silly, a dash of smut. It's definitely worth checking out this spooky season if that's your vibe!
October 5, 2026
YOU NEED TO ADD THIS BOOK TO YOUR FALL TBR IMMEDIATELY.
Meet Cute Magic by @authormorganelizabeth
It’s legit the perfect small town paranormal romance.
She’s a witch that owns a romance bookstore and he’s a human that owns the game shop across street (and she annoys the heck out of him). Rosie’s grandma was cursed (with their whole line) never to find love (once she says I love you the relationship falls apart). One day Rosie gets sick of it and summons the man who cursed them to get him to remove the curse (he’s a ghost). He just happens to be Jack’s grandfather. Out of necessity, she has to tell Jack what’s going on because she needs his grandpa’s flask for a potion. He has always been fascinated by fantasy worlds, but didn’t think they were real so he makes a deal with her that in order to use the flask he gets to help her with collecting the ingredients for the potion.
I loved the cozy small town, the unique magic building (come on, that kiss bond? Perfection!), Rosie’s relationship with her sisters (and their upcoming books!), and the way this book had magical Gilmore Girls vibes. This story exceeded any kind of expectations I had for it. This will definitely not be my last Morgan Elizabeth book!
(Thank you so much to @authormorganelizabeth and @unionsqandco for the eARC!)
Meet Cute Magic by @authormorganelizabeth
It’s legit the perfect small town paranormal romance.
She’s a witch that owns a romance bookstore and he’s a human that owns the game shop across street (and she annoys the heck out of him). Rosie’s grandma was cursed (with their whole line) never to find love (once she says I love you the relationship falls apart). One day Rosie gets sick of it and summons the man who cursed them to get him to remove the curse (he’s a ghost). He just happens to be Jack’s grandfather. Out of necessity, she has to tell Jack what’s going on because she needs his grandpa’s flask for a potion. He has always been fascinated by fantasy worlds, but didn’t think they were real so he makes a deal with her that in order to use the flask he gets to help her with collecting the ingredients for the potion.
I loved the cozy small town, the unique magic building (come on, that kiss bond? Perfection!), Rosie’s relationship with her sisters (and their upcoming books!), and the way this book had magical Gilmore Girls vibes. This story exceeded any kind of expectations I had for it. This will definitely not be my last Morgan Elizabeth book!
(Thank you so much to @authormorganelizabeth and @unionsqandco for the eARC!)
June 30, 2026
cuteeee & cozy paranormal romance
sunshiney witch with love magic & the grumpy shop owner across the way
it’s been a cold & rainy few days here so I was in the mood for something autumnal
Things to know:
- light paranormal romance
- grumpy sunshine
- working together to break a curse
- a ghost of the silly variety
- forced proximity
- kiss bonds
very very cute 4.5 ⭐️
sunshiney witch with love magic & the grumpy shop owner across the way
it’s been a cold & rainy few days here so I was in the mood for something autumnal
Things to know:
- light paranormal romance
- grumpy sunshine
- working together to break a curse
- a ghost of the silly variety
- forced proximity
- kiss bonds
very very cute 4.5 ⭐️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5⭐️
I saw this advertised as a mix of Practical Magic and Gilmore Girls and honestly that is pretty spot on. With the whole small-town charm of GG but the magical realism of Practical Magic? This was very cute.
This is a quick and fun read, and I enjoyed the banter between Rosie and Jack. Going along with them on the quest to break Rosie's family curse was a wild ride
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing team for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I saw this advertised as a mix of Practical Magic and Gilmore Girls and honestly that is pretty spot on. With the whole small-town charm of GG but the magical realism of Practical Magic? This was very cute.
This is a quick and fun read, and I enjoyed the banter between Rosie and Jack. Going along with them on the quest to break Rosie's family curse was a wild ride
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing team for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 27, 2026
I will preface this by saying that I tend to lean more towards angsty dark and emotional reads, but thought I would mix it up a little with a cozy-ish kind of story so even thought it’s not totally my jam, it was definitely a fun read.
This really has everything going for it to make that sugary sweet kind of Fall Cozy story: Cute small town, FMC that’s bubbly and sweet and the MMC that’s kind of a broody asshole. When the two are forced together, they really are Grumpy x Sunshine to the max, especially in the beginning.
Overall it’s a really cute and lighthearted read that I did enjoy, but there was a 3rd act issue that had me shaking my head. I’m one that’s for the drama, but this one felt a little unnecessary. I’d still say though, if you love those cozy fall bookstore vibes, definitely give this one a go. It’s one to make you chill with some coffee or tea and get a few giggles in, but make no mistake, it also brings in the heat with a dirty talking MMC and quite a bit of spice.
MF Paranormal
Human / Witch
Breaking A Curse
Grumpy x Sunshine
Super Bubbly FMC
Cozy & Spicy
Dirty Talking Nerd
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
This really has everything going for it to make that sugary sweet kind of Fall Cozy story: Cute small town, FMC that’s bubbly and sweet and the MMC that’s kind of a broody asshole. When the two are forced together, they really are Grumpy x Sunshine to the max, especially in the beginning.
Overall it’s a really cute and lighthearted read that I did enjoy, but there was a 3rd act issue that had me shaking my head. I’m one that’s for the drama, but this one felt a little unnecessary. I’d still say though, if you love those cozy fall bookstore vibes, definitely give this one a go. It’s one to make you chill with some coffee or tea and get a few giggles in, but make no mistake, it also brings in the heat with a dirty talking MMC and quite a bit of spice.
MF Paranormal
Human / Witch
Breaking A Curse
Grumpy x Sunshine
Super Bubbly FMC
Cozy & Spicy
Dirty Talking Nerd
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
November 7, 2026
A cozy small-town romance with a little bit of magic! This story follows a witch who owns a magical romance bookstore and her grumpy human neighbor who runs a gaming store. When the two team up on an unlikely quest to break a longtime family curse preventing her and her sisters from finding true love, sparks are bound to fly!
This was the perfect cozy fall read, complete with a countdown to Halloween, magical potions, and an enemies to friends with benefits to lovers romance!
I listened to the audiobook while also reading the ebook on Kindle+ and the dual narration was fantastic! The narrators really brought the characters’ emotions to life and helped set the scene. Such a fun mix of magic, small-town charm, and romance!
This was the perfect cozy fall read, complete with a countdown to Halloween, magical potions, and an enemies to friends with benefits to lovers romance!
I listened to the audiobook while also reading the ebook on Kindle+ and the dual narration was fantastic! The narrators really brought the characters’ emotions to life and helped set the scene. Such a fun mix of magic, small-town charm, and romance!
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