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Jest to the World
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Expected 4 Dec 26Cora Leah Layton has a great to free Ian, her childhood love, from the generational curse he’s under. The answer lies in the library of a prestigious Witchcraft Institute, but to attend this school, Cora Leah must steal an object that will ruin someone’s life.
Ian Hartford is an optimistic innkeeper used to being confined to the Frozen Firefly inn. When the object that protects him and his brother from their curse disappears, Ian is forced to make a deal with a Wizard to save his brother’s life.
After graduating from the Institute, Cora Leah returns to Pine Heights under a curse of her own. Bound by the deal he made five years ago, Ian is the one who needs to help her escape it.
Magic and deals twist the long-standing love between Cora Leah and Ian.
Will they triumph over their curses and find a way back to each other?
Ian Hartford is an optimistic innkeeper used to being confined to the Frozen Firefly inn. When the object that protects him and his brother from their curse disappears, Ian is forced to make a deal with a Wizard to save his brother’s life.
After graduating from the Institute, Cora Leah returns to Pine Heights under a curse of her own. Bound by the deal he made five years ago, Ian is the one who needs to help her escape it.
Magic and deals twist the long-standing love between Cora Leah and Ian.
Will they triumph over their curses and find a way back to each other?
Kindle Edition
Expected publication December 4, 2026
About the author
Arianne Nicks
5 books93 followersHi there! I'm Arianne Nicks, a coffee-fueled self-published author who loves writing romance woven with magic ✨
My debut work is a paranormal romance trilogy, the "Soul Erosion" series, completed in 2024.
My latest release, "Sweets and Sycamores," is a cozy witchy slow burn romance with a baby dragon side kick!
If you want to become part of my lovely community, you can subscribe to my newsletter here:
https://ariannenicks.substack.com/
You can always find me on one of my Social Media accounts below:
Instagram - @authorariannenicks
Threads - @authorariannenicks
TikTok - @author.ariannenicks
My debut work is a paranormal romance trilogy, the "Soul Erosion" series, completed in 2024.
My latest release, "Sweets and Sycamores," is a cozy witchy slow burn romance with a baby dragon side kick!
If you want to become part of my lovely community, you can subscribe to my newsletter here:
https://ariannenicks.substack.com/
You can always find me on one of my Social Media accounts below:
Instagram - @authorariannenicks
Threads - @authorariannenicks
TikTok - @author.ariannenicks
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 3, 2026
✨️ ARC REVIEW ✨️
Jest to the World by Arianne Nicks
Publication date: 14th December 2026
Thoughts
This was such a cute cosy witchy novella, with just under 200 pages I didn't think I'd be that invested but the story had me intrigued from the first page. I loved the characters and the vibes, it was one of those reads where you'll find yourself rooting for the MCs. I loved how this read had a mix of both witchy and Christmas, the small winter town, the curses -- I loved reading how things would unfold for the characters and how they'd solve the curse. The romance was so cute, I would've liked more depth regarding their relationship but given the fact it's a novella it's understandable.
What to expect
▪︎ Witchy cosy romance - fade to black
▪︎ Friends to lovers
▪︎ Childhood crush
▪︎ Small town
▪︎ Forced proximity
Plot Summary
Cora Leah is determined to free her childhood love, Ian from a generational curse, but finding a cure means stealing something precious. Meanwhile, Ian makes a dangerous deal to save his brother, only to find himself bound by its consequences. When Cora Leah returns years later with a curse of her own, the pair must face their past and untangle the magic and bargains standing between them and a chance at love.
Many thanks to the author for the ARC
My Bookstagram
Jest to the World by Arianne Nicks
Publication date: 14th December 2026
Thoughts
This was such a cute cosy witchy novella, with just under 200 pages I didn't think I'd be that invested but the story had me intrigued from the first page. I loved the characters and the vibes, it was one of those reads where you'll find yourself rooting for the MCs. I loved how this read had a mix of both witchy and Christmas, the small winter town, the curses -- I loved reading how things would unfold for the characters and how they'd solve the curse. The romance was so cute, I would've liked more depth regarding their relationship but given the fact it's a novella it's understandable.
What to expect
▪︎ Witchy cosy romance - fade to black
▪︎ Friends to lovers
▪︎ Childhood crush
▪︎ Small town
▪︎ Forced proximity
Plot Summary
Cora Leah is determined to free her childhood love, Ian from a generational curse, but finding a cure means stealing something precious. Meanwhile, Ian makes a dangerous deal to save his brother, only to find himself bound by its consequences. When Cora Leah returns years later with a curse of her own, the pair must face their past and untangle the magic and bargains standing between them and a chance at love.
Many thanks to the author for the ARC
My Bookstagram
November 8, 2026
If you are looking for a quick, cozy paranormal read for the holidays, this novella may hit the spot for you. Second chance romance, closed door. I thought the author was able to fit quite a bit of magic system development into such a short book! That’s one obvious plus side to a closed door romance in a novella: there are more pages to talk about other aspects of the book. Do I prefer open door reading? Yes. Was this one enjoyable? Also yes. Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review in advance.
November 9, 2026
Jest to the World is a wonderful, fast-paced, cosy Christmas novella filled with magic and festive cheer.
Set in the snowy town of Pine Heights, Cora Leah returns after five years away at school. Ian is still there, but he’s no longer waiting for her. She betrayed him in the worst way. Can he forgive her to break the curses they’re both under?
A heart-warming and delightful, Christmassy read that I would recommend to anyone looking for a cosy, magical romance.
Thank you to the author for an ARC.
November 2, 2026
This was such a fast-paced and adorable little Christmas story! Arianne Nicks writes the most charming witch stories, and they are impossible not to love.
Jest to the World is the perfect novella to kick off the festive season. Pine Heights is a little town that immediately draws you in with its loveable residents and infectious Christmas spirit.
Cora Leah and Ian's story is filled with curses, betrayals, magical debts and a love that refuses to be denied. Their romance keeps you intrigued from the very first chapter right through to the last.
The pacing is lovely, the side characters are lovable and funny, and the imagery of this little town, with all its magical Christmas charm, pulls you right into the story. It's the kind of festive read that leaves you with a little extra Christmas joy.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an early copy!
Jest to the World is the perfect novella to kick off the festive season. Pine Heights is a little town that immediately draws you in with its loveable residents and infectious Christmas spirit.
Cora Leah and Ian's story is filled with curses, betrayals, magical debts and a love that refuses to be denied. Their romance keeps you intrigued from the very first chapter right through to the last.
The pacing is lovely, the side characters are lovable and funny, and the imagery of this little town, with all its magical Christmas charm, pulls you right into the story. It's the kind of festive read that leaves you with a little extra Christmas joy.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an early copy!
November 10, 2026
Much like Sweets & Sycamores, Jest to the World was sweet, cozy, and a little magical. This book is smalltown, hallmark vibes all day long. I am 100% a Christmas fanatic and adore watching the snow fall from the sky under a warm blanket. This makes me extra excited for the chilly months ahead.
Now onto the story. Cora Leah's curse is unique, and I don't think I've seen that used anywhere else so far. Mix that with Ian's family curse and Theodore coming to town, it all really came full circle. I think this story definitely leaned more to the romance side with a fantasy subplot. I wish there was more magic involved, but that's just a personal preference. I would say I adored 98% of this story with a small caveat for the age gap, it personally felt like too much when I thought about it. When Cora Leah goes off to school, she is 18 and Ian is 25. I can't think of what they have in common at that point, but I see this from my own personal POV so maybe it works for others. That aside, I really loved this read. I absolutely couldn't put it down today and honestly wish it was a little longer with more parts of the store fleshed out because it was adorable. I wanted to spend a little more time at the Frozen Firefly Inn.
Now onto the story. Cora Leah's curse is unique, and I don't think I've seen that used anywhere else so far. Mix that with Ian's family curse and Theodore coming to town, it all really came full circle. I think this story definitely leaned more to the romance side with a fantasy subplot. I wish there was more magic involved, but that's just a personal preference. I would say I adored 98% of this story with a small caveat for the age gap, it personally felt like too much when I thought about it. When Cora Leah goes off to school, she is 18 and Ian is 25. I can't think of what they have in common at that point, but I see this from my own personal POV so maybe it works for others. That aside, I really loved this read. I absolutely couldn't put it down today and honestly wish it was a little longer with more parts of the store fleshed out because it was adorable. I wanted to spend a little more time at the Frozen Firefly Inn.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2026
A delightful little Christmas read that had me hooked from the very beginning! Arianne Nicks has such a talent for creating enchanting witchy worlds, and this story was no exception.
Jest to the World is a wonderful way to ease into the festive season. The charming town of Pine Heights, filled with quirky, lovable characters and plenty of Christmas magic, is somewhere you can't help but fall in love with.
Cora Leah and Ian's journey brings together just the right mix of magic, curses, betrayal, unexpected twists and a romance that is impossible to resist. Their story had me turning the pages, eager to see how everything would unfold.
It's wonderfully paced, packed with humour and memorable side characters, and filled with the cosy, magical atmosphere that makes Christmas stories so special. A short, sweet and utterly charming festive escape that leaves you feeling all warm and Christmassy!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an early copy!
Jest to the World is a wonderful way to ease into the festive season. The charming town of Pine Heights, filled with quirky, lovable characters and plenty of Christmas magic, is somewhere you can't help but fall in love with.
Cora Leah and Ian's journey brings together just the right mix of magic, curses, betrayal, unexpected twists and a romance that is impossible to resist. Their story had me turning the pages, eager to see how everything would unfold.
It's wonderfully paced, packed with humour and memorable side characters, and filled with the cosy, magical atmosphere that makes Christmas stories so special. A short, sweet and utterly charming festive escape that leaves you feeling all warm and Christmassy!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an early copy!
November 6, 2026
-Arc Reader- I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
If you’re looking for something light, fun, and full of holiday magic, this book is exactly what you need!!
Between work and decorating for Christmas I was able to start and finish this book in only a couple of days! All of the characters were super sweet and very lovable, even in just the short time that we get to know them. My favorite part about this book though is that it captures the Christmas feel so effortlessly!! From the holiday romance, to the Christmas cookies, to the decorating of Christmas trees, I was Immediately thrown into a deeper Christmas mood once I finished.
This book comes out December 4th, so right on time for all your holiday reading!
Huge thank you to Arianne Nicks for this early Christmas gift!!
If you’re looking for something light, fun, and full of holiday magic, this book is exactly what you need!!
Between work and decorating for Christmas I was able to start and finish this book in only a couple of days! All of the characters were super sweet and very lovable, even in just the short time that we get to know them. My favorite part about this book though is that it captures the Christmas feel so effortlessly!! From the holiday romance, to the Christmas cookies, to the decorating of Christmas trees, I was Immediately thrown into a deeper Christmas mood once I finished.
This book comes out December 4th, so right on time for all your holiday reading!
Huge thank you to Arianne Nicks for this early Christmas gift!!
November 9, 2026
Thank you so much to Arianne Nicks for allowing me to read this as an ARC! I absolutely loved Sweets and Sycamores, so I knew that I would love basically anything else she writes. As soon as she started promoting this one and posted ARC signups, I jumped right onto the opportunity to sign up!
This story was full of heart, warmth, and overall cozy magical vibes. It's heartwarming, emotional, and also feels like a warm and gentle hug. I absolutely loved Ian; he was a major green flag, and even though he had every reason to be negative and loathsome about certain situations (without going into spoilers), he really wasn't, and it was so refreshing to see his emotional growth and inner thoughts as he worked through difficult things! Also, the "little seal" nickname was just *chef's kiss.*
It's the perfect read for this holiday season if you're looking for a sweet, holiday-infused paranormal/fantasy romance.
This story was full of heart, warmth, and overall cozy magical vibes. It's heartwarming, emotional, and also feels like a warm and gentle hug. I absolutely loved Ian; he was a major green flag, and even though he had every reason to be negative and loathsome about certain situations (without going into spoilers), he really wasn't, and it was so refreshing to see his emotional growth and inner thoughts as he worked through difficult things! Also, the "little seal" nickname was just *chef's kiss.*
It's the perfect read for this holiday season if you're looking for a sweet, holiday-infused paranormal/fantasy romance.
November 11, 2026
Want a cozy holiday read with deep character growth and a love so sweet? Something binge-worthy you will find yourself reading in a single sitting? This is that book! I read it in one sitting, unable to put it down. It was so fantastic that I couldn't stop. Seriously, anything by this author is five stars. Her talent for writing a cozy love story is unmatched. I fell in love with the characters right off the bat and found myself rooting for them early on. It is rare for me to connect with characters so fast, but it was perfect. It was the perfect length for the plot, too. I found it paced really well. I highly recommend this book! Thanks for the ARC! <3
November 13, 2026
I was sent an ARC of Jest to the World by the author.
This is a cozy romantasy that I pulled from my TBR jar and somehow finished in one sitting. It's very sugary sweet and reminded me of Hallmark movies, but with a dash of magic.
This is a second chance romance between childhood friends that also reminded me of The Gift of the Magi.
Ian was very sweet, but I found it hard to relate to or root for Cora Leah because of her curse. Like a Hallmark movie, everything works out in the end. I wish we could've gotten more backstory on Cora Leah's parents because they seemed like they had a story to tell.
This was perfect for what it was advertised as - short and sweet Christmas romance.
This is a cozy romantasy that I pulled from my TBR jar and somehow finished in one sitting. It's very sugary sweet and reminded me of Hallmark movies, but with a dash of magic.
This is a second chance romance between childhood friends that also reminded me of The Gift of the Magi.
Ian was very sweet, but I found it hard to relate to or root for Cora Leah because of her curse. Like a Hallmark movie, everything works out in the end. I wish we could've gotten more backstory on Cora Leah's parents because they seemed like they had a story to tell.
This was perfect for what it was advertised as - short and sweet Christmas romance.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a perfect story to help get into the winter/Christmas mood.
The writing was beautiful. It set the pace perfectly, and creates such a vivid and enchanting ambience for Pine Heights.
I loved seeing the progress Ian and Cora Leah made with their relationship. They are so so cute together. I'm not a huge fan of the age gap but it isn't brought up too much so I could mostly ignore it.
This will be perfect if you love:
-friends to lovers
-elemental magic
-childhood crush
-no 3rd act breakup
-small town during winter
-a patient green flag inn owner
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
The writing was beautiful. It set the pace perfectly, and creates such a vivid and enchanting ambience for Pine Heights.
I loved seeing the progress Ian and Cora Leah made with their relationship. They are so so cute together. I'm not a huge fan of the age gap but it isn't brought up too much so I could mostly ignore it.
This will be perfect if you love:
-friends to lovers
-elemental magic
-childhood crush
-no 3rd act breakup
-small town during winter
-a patient green flag inn owner
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
November 7, 2026
Thank you to Arianne Nicks for choosing me as an ARC reader for this holiday novella.
Jest to the World is a perfect witchy, cozy holiday romance set in the town of Pine Heights!
Cora Leah heads off to go to the Witch Institute hoping to find a way to break Ian Hartford’s curse. While trying to make that happen, she accidentally gets cursed herself and now Ian is the only one who can break the curse.
This added in such a fun layer in this story and had me wondering if the curses would be broken by Christmas Day.
If you love witchy vibes, curses, holiday magic, and romance, add this one to your TBR. It’ll be out before you know it, on December 4th!!
Jest to the World is a perfect witchy, cozy holiday romance set in the town of Pine Heights!
Cora Leah heads off to go to the Witch Institute hoping to find a way to break Ian Hartford’s curse. While trying to make that happen, she accidentally gets cursed herself and now Ian is the only one who can break the curse.
This added in such a fun layer in this story and had me wondering if the curses would be broken by Christmas Day.
If you love witchy vibes, curses, holiday magic, and romance, add this one to your TBR. It’ll be out before you know it, on December 4th!!
November 12, 2026
I loved this quick little book about forgiveness and second chances. Pine Hollow sounds like a Christmas wonderland and I want to go visit the Frozen Firefly inn myself (also hey Firefly Inn very Gilmore Girl). I read this book in 2 days it was really fast and cozy, I love Arianne's books because you feel completely immersed in the story and you want to be there, and you can devour it in a short time. The little town and all of the characters sound exactly like people I want to meet and this would 100% be a Hallmark Christmas movie I would watch on repeat :)
November 2, 2026
I received this ARC from the author.
This is a short Christmas Novella, I read in one sitting as couldn’t put it down! It is a beautiful story of hope, forgiveness, family, love and Christmas joy. I quickly fell for these characters and their mission to break their curses in time for Christmas. Give me magic, a small town and friends to lovers romance and I know I’m going to love it. This is the second book I’ve read by Arianne Nicks and I can’t wait for more.
This is a short Christmas Novella, I read in one sitting as couldn’t put it down! It is a beautiful story of hope, forgiveness, family, love and Christmas joy. I quickly fell for these characters and their mission to break their curses in time for Christmas. Give me magic, a small town and friends to lovers romance and I know I’m going to love it. This is the second book I’ve read by Arianne Nicks and I can’t wait for more.
November 2, 2026
ARC received from the author in exchange for an honest review!
Receiving this arc does not alter my opinions or overall rating of this novella.
This was such a cute short read to start the holiday season! Theres Magic and Christmas, how could you go wrong?
Super cutesy, easy to read, and gets you in the holiday spirit! If you're a fan of short stories, Christmas, and a form of magic in novels I recommend!
Receiving this arc does not alter my opinions or overall rating of this novella.
This was such a cute short read to start the holiday season! Theres Magic and Christmas, how could you go wrong?
Super cutesy, easy to read, and gets you in the holiday spirit! If you're a fan of short stories, Christmas, and a form of magic in novels I recommend!
November 11, 2026
ARC review
Jest to the world if a fast pace witchy Christmas Romace that gives you the feel good holiday vibes. This is a close door romance that just makes you want to smile even though Cora Leah can’t. This book kinda gave me grinch vibes mixed with second chance lovers. Definitely a cute holiday read to add to your list
Jest to the world if a fast pace witchy Christmas Romace that gives you the feel good holiday vibes. This is a close door romance that just makes you want to smile even though Cora Leah can’t. This book kinda gave me grinch vibes mixed with second chance lovers. Definitely a cute holiday read to add to your list
November 13, 2026
This is a fun, short, cozy Christmas story. I truly enjoyed the tropes. It gave just enough Christmas vibes while truly capturing the characters story beautifully. This story can easily be finished in a day or in one sitting. Truly enjoyed this book & would definitely recommend.
Tropes:
Forced proximity
Magic
Small town
Friends to lovers
Thank you to the author for this ARC
Tropes:
Forced proximity
Magic
Small town
Friends to lovers
Thank you to the author for this ARC
November 10, 2026
Oh this was super cute & super refreshing.
It was so different than your typical Christmas story.
There’s a magical spin & I loved it so much.
It was so different than your typical Christmas story.
There’s a magical spin & I loved it so much.
November 13, 2026
Rtc! Loved
November 14, 2026
Such a cute festive and cozy Christmas fantasy read to get into the holiday mood!
This book is a friends to lovers, witchy romance that will have you swooning!!
This book is a friends to lovers, witchy romance that will have you swooning!!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews