What do you think?
Rate this book
Little Magic #1
A Little Bite of Magic
In a family full of powerful witches, Frankie Vallerand is the black sheep. He doesn’t care about honing his magic. All he wants is to open up a restaurant and spend his days serving up delicious food. But when he sees a customer crying and wishes for her to be happy, he inadvertently transforms his old wooden soup spoon into a wand, and realizes that maybe a little bit of kitchen magic is just what his customers need.
Addison Allbright is The Phantom Foodie, an anonymous food critic notorious for his scathing reviews. For most people, being paid to eat would be a dream job. Not for Addison. He doesn’t care for overpriced designer food. He’s a tea and toast kind of guy. Until both the food and the owner of L'Osteria Di Pomodoro sweep him off his feet and throw his neat, orderly life completely off-kilter.
Frankie isn’t sure how to tell Addison he’s a witch, or that he charmed Addison’s food the night they first met, without sounding totally crazy. But little does he know that Addison has secrets too. Not only did he snark Frankie’s restaurant in his last review column, he’s also engaged to be married…to a woman.
Addison Allbright is The Phantom Foodie, an anonymous food critic notorious for his scathing reviews. For most people, being paid to eat would be a dream job. Not for Addison. He doesn’t care for overpriced designer food. He’s a tea and toast kind of guy. Until both the food and the owner of L'Osteria Di Pomodoro sweep him off his feet and throw his neat, orderly life completely off-kilter.
Frankie isn’t sure how to tell Addison he’s a witch, or that he charmed Addison’s food the night they first met, without sounding totally crazy. But little does he know that Addison has secrets too. Not only did he snark Frankie’s restaurant in his last review column, he’s also engaged to be married…to a woman.
152 pages, Paperback
First published September 9, 2011
61 people are currently reading
317 people want to read
About the author
M.J. O'Shea
86 books948 followersMJ O’Shea has never met a music festival, paintbrush, or
flower crown she can stay away from. She loves rainstorms
and a perfect cup of tea, beach days, music, bright colors, and
more than anything a cozy evening with a really great book.
She is from the Pacific Northwest. While she still lives there
and loves it, MJ has the heart of a wanderer. So she puts all
her dreams of far off places and extraordinary people in her
books.
Except for every once in a while when she does what all
travelers have to do on occasion… come home.
flower crown she can stay away from. She loves rainstorms
and a perfect cup of tea, beach days, music, bright colors, and
more than anything a cozy evening with a really great book.
She is from the Pacific Northwest. While she still lives there
and loves it, MJ has the heart of a wanderer. So she puts all
her dreams of far off places and extraordinary people in her
books.
Except for every once in a while when she does what all
travelers have to do on occasion… come home.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
September 12, 2011
I loved/adored Frankie. He is so cute and just awesome. He made me laugh a lot and was just too cute for words…
Addison was kind of plain and I wanted to like him and I probably would have if it weren’t for Julia.
Addison was kind of plain and I wanted to like him and I probably would have if it weren’t for Julia.
January 9, 2021
This was......not good. Was A Touch of Magic a fluke?
September 12, 2011
This story has a lot of cuteness, that's for sure. I'm sure to those who love M.J. O'Shea's stories will be happy to add this to their collection.
But I have few personal issues with it.
First, I have never been a fan of a witch using charm spell (even if it's innocent charm) in the beginning of a relationship. Sure what Frankie did to Addison wasn't life-changing, that they both came around because of their own attraction, but it doesn't sit right for me. And how Addison just takes this all in a stride ... yeah, I guess I expect confrontation rather than quick acceptance.
Second, Addison is still engaged when he acts on his attraction to Frankie. He broke it up AFTER several kisses and he already on his way of thinking of Frankie as his boyfriend. THAT is also not a very favorite thing of mine. I guess since I am not warming up to Addison (I think he's a bit boring) so much, I cannot forgive this one that easily.
Third, I actually counted twenty "I love yous" in the last 21 pages, and that's just a bit too much sweetness for my personal liking. The whole cuisine making is delicious though, if M.J. gives up recipes in the back on this story in will be awesome *grin*
But I have few personal issues with it.
First, I have never been a fan of a witch using charm spell (even if it's innocent charm) in the beginning of a relationship. Sure what Frankie did to Addison wasn't life-changing, that they both came around because of their own attraction, but it doesn't sit right for me. And how Addison just takes this all in a stride ... yeah, I guess I expect confrontation rather than quick acceptance.
Second, Addison is still engaged when he acts on his attraction to Frankie. He broke it up AFTER several kisses and he already on his way of thinking of Frankie as his boyfriend. THAT is also not a very favorite thing of mine. I guess since I am not warming up to Addison (I think he's a bit boring) so much, I cannot forgive this one that easily.
Third, I actually counted twenty "I love yous" in the last 21 pages, and that's just a bit too much sweetness for my personal liking. The whole cuisine making is delicious though, if M.J. gives up recipes in the back on this story in will be awesome *grin*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2021
Absolutely delightful with just a touch of the paranormal
Oh, that wasn't what I was expecting at all but it was just a complete delight.
I loved Frankie and his determination to be a chef not a witch and Addison was such a sweetheart too.
For me, I was perfectly happy that he'd called things off with his fiancée as soon as he met Frankie, even if she basically ignored him doing so.
Frankie's mother wanted a good slap though 😁 and I was really happy that his brother decided to pull his head out of his behind later on too.
I'm off to read book two now!
Oh, that wasn't what I was expecting at all but it was just a complete delight.
I loved Frankie and his determination to be a chef not a witch and Addison was such a sweetheart too.
For me, I was perfectly happy that he'd called things off with his fiancée as soon as he met Frankie, even if she basically ignored him doing so.
Frankie's mother wanted a good slap though 😁 and I was really happy that his brother decided to pull his head out of his behind later on too.
I'm off to read book two now!
June 24, 2019
nice and sweet ... all in all ok
April 27, 2019
3 ⭐️
A cute read. I liked Frankie and felt sorry for him with the underhanded way his mother treated him.
In fact I had problems with most of the females in this one.
Julia wouldn’t listen to Addie when wanted to break up with her, Addie’s mum wouldn’t listen to him when he told him that they had broken up and then Frankie’s Mum tried to bond him for life to someone against his will, actually that one pissed me off the most.
When these women were not appearing the guys were good together and I loved the cooking aspect.
A cute read. I liked Frankie and felt sorry for him with the underhanded way his mother treated him.
In fact I had problems with most of the females in this one.
Julia wouldn’t listen to Addie when wanted to break up with her, Addie’s mum wouldn’t listen to him when he told him that they had broken up and then Frankie’s Mum tried to bond him for life to someone against his will, actually that one pissed me off the most.
When these women were not appearing the guys were good together and I loved the cooking aspect.
October 3, 2011
There are several things i don't like in my MM book.
1. The MC cheats. A kiss or two might be tolerable. Weeks of dating are not.
2. The MCs hide a secret that might doom their relationship. This means that things happen in the story are basically 'fillings' until the secret is revealed. Mentally, I was just waiting until the book reached that point.
3. The MCs are weak that can easily be pushed around by family members or friends.
4. The MC agrees to date other person the minute he breaks up.
This book hits all above. The secrets are revealed at around 65% into the book. The thing is, there are more than one secret. So, even after the night when they open up to each other and they reveal their secrets, the biggest one waits until the end. I was bored and skipped many pages.
I give two stars (instead of one) because after all, this is written by my favorite authors. Her nice writing style is there. Yet, this one doesn't do for me.
1. The MC cheats. A kiss or two might be tolerable. Weeks of dating are not.
2. The MCs hide a secret that might doom their relationship. This means that things happen in the story are basically 'fillings' until the secret is revealed. Mentally, I was just waiting until the book reached that point.
3. The MCs are weak that can easily be pushed around by family members or friends.
4. The MC agrees to date other person the minute he breaks up.
This book hits all above. The secrets are revealed at around 65% into the book. The thing is, there are more than one secret. So, even after the night when they open up to each other and they reveal their secrets, the biggest one waits until the end. I was bored and skipped many pages.
I give two stars (instead of one) because after all, this is written by my favorite authors. Her nice writing style is there. Yet, this one doesn't do for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2011
This was a charmingly sweet read. I really enjoyed the bumbling good-natured whimsy of Frankie and the open wonder of Addie at being in love for the first time. This is a feel good read all around with a few challenges to be overcome but not overwhelmed by angst. The perfect book for an afternoon cuddled on the couch while it rains outside. 5 stars.
May 2, 2018
“Be yourself because you never know when your true love will find you and love your true self.” ~ Colin Mitchell
Addison Allbright of 'A Little Bite of Magic' by M.J. O'Shea would do best to follow this advice. Addison is a good man with many redeeming qualities, but he has fallen into the habit of letting everyone in his life, i.e., his mother, his boss, and his girlfriend, decide what's best for him. It's the path of least resistance, but it's not one that makes him happy and almost leads to his downfall. When he meets Frankie Vallerand, he lies by omission, not telling Frankie that he has a fiancée, even if he has no feelings for her. Addie sees it as the easiest way to avoid a sticky situation. The problem with lying is that it always comes back to slap you in the face and this is no exception. His deceit causes Frankie a lot of unnecessary pain. The future of their relationship is dependent upon how forgiving Frankie is.
I absolutely adored Frankie. He's wonderful, caring, talented, and brave and he gained my admiration right away. Much to his family's horror, Frankie wanted to be a chef instead of taking his place of honor in their witch community. Even with all the pressure put on him, he choses to be true to himself and do what he loves. After much planning and extensive renovation, he opens a special restaurant featuring innovative epicurean delights, all of which made my mouth water. I swear I gained five pounds by just reading about his wonderful food creations and found myself wishing that L'Osteria Di Pomodoro were a real restaurant where Frankie could cook to his heart's delight. It didn't hurt that he infused the food with much needed positive emotions, his one concession for using his witchy magic.
It was difficult to like Addison at first. He seems so weak and wishy-washy. He can't, or won't contradict his mother and his fiancée who even go so far as to tell him where to be and what to wear, or his boss who refuses to let him write honest reviews when the outrageous ones sell better. To put it mildly, he has no balls. His life is one big out of his control mess and he's bored to death. It's the only way he's ever known so he sticks to it. After he meets Frankie and falls madly in love with him right from the start, he begins to realize what he's been missing and wants to make positive changes. They make beautiful, magical, sensual music together proving even more that they are meant for each other. Fearing that Frankie will reject him if he knows the truth, Addie leaves out important facts about his life, i.e., trashing his restaurant in a newspaper review and the fact that he's engaged, thinking that he can always tell him later. I have to give him credit for one thing though, when Frankie discovers his secrets and runs away, Addison does man up and goes after him determined to do whatever it takes to make it up to him. This bit of character growth is what redeems him in my eyes, because the old Addison wouldn't have had the courage to do that. He would have just let Frankie go.
This is a delightful love story with very endearing characters. It's a nice trip into a fantasy world of love, magic, and delicious food. It's also a lesson reminding us that honesty is the best policy—always! Any other way will end badly. I'd recommend it to anyone wanting an easy, feel-good story with sweet main characters, and a happy ending. Thanks, M.J., for the relaxing experience.
NOTE: This book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Addison Allbright of 'A Little Bite of Magic' by M.J. O'Shea would do best to follow this advice. Addison is a good man with many redeeming qualities, but he has fallen into the habit of letting everyone in his life, i.e., his mother, his boss, and his girlfriend, decide what's best for him. It's the path of least resistance, but it's not one that makes him happy and almost leads to his downfall. When he meets Frankie Vallerand, he lies by omission, not telling Frankie that he has a fiancée, even if he has no feelings for her. Addie sees it as the easiest way to avoid a sticky situation. The problem with lying is that it always comes back to slap you in the face and this is no exception. His deceit causes Frankie a lot of unnecessary pain. The future of their relationship is dependent upon how forgiving Frankie is.
I absolutely adored Frankie. He's wonderful, caring, talented, and brave and he gained my admiration right away. Much to his family's horror, Frankie wanted to be a chef instead of taking his place of honor in their witch community. Even with all the pressure put on him, he choses to be true to himself and do what he loves. After much planning and extensive renovation, he opens a special restaurant featuring innovative epicurean delights, all of which made my mouth water. I swear I gained five pounds by just reading about his wonderful food creations and found myself wishing that L'Osteria Di Pomodoro were a real restaurant where Frankie could cook to his heart's delight. It didn't hurt that he infused the food with much needed positive emotions, his one concession for using his witchy magic.
It was difficult to like Addison at first. He seems so weak and wishy-washy. He can't, or won't contradict his mother and his fiancée who even go so far as to tell him where to be and what to wear, or his boss who refuses to let him write honest reviews when the outrageous ones sell better. To put it mildly, he has no balls. His life is one big out of his control mess and he's bored to death. It's the only way he's ever known so he sticks to it. After he meets Frankie and falls madly in love with him right from the start, he begins to realize what he's been missing and wants to make positive changes. They make beautiful, magical, sensual music together proving even more that they are meant for each other. Fearing that Frankie will reject him if he knows the truth, Addie leaves out important facts about his life, i.e., trashing his restaurant in a newspaper review and the fact that he's engaged, thinking that he can always tell him later. I have to give him credit for one thing though, when Frankie discovers his secrets and runs away, Addison does man up and goes after him determined to do whatever it takes to make it up to him. This bit of character growth is what redeems him in my eyes, because the old Addison wouldn't have had the courage to do that. He would have just let Frankie go.
This is a delightful love story with very endearing characters. It's a nice trip into a fantasy world of love, magic, and delicious food. It's also a lesson reminding us that honesty is the best policy—always! Any other way will end badly. I'd recommend it to anyone wanting an easy, feel-good story with sweet main characters, and a happy ending. Thanks, M.J., for the relaxing experience.
NOTE: This book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
September 10, 2011
Cute, romantic, a little angst and with more than just a little magic.
A feel good book that goes well with a glass of wine in front of a fire, and the only thing one has to be wary of, are the mothers from hell.
Addison and Frankie make magic together, sometimes accidental, sometimes not.
M.J. O'Shea delivers yet another amazingly beautiful story where love triumphs over meddling families and their objections.
Fabulous work Ms O'Shea, can't wait for the second book in this series.
A feel good book that goes well with a glass of wine in front of a fire, and the only thing one has to be wary of, are the mothers from hell.
Addison and Frankie make magic together, sometimes accidental, sometimes not.
M.J. O'Shea delivers yet another amazingly beautiful story where love triumphs over meddling families and their objections.
Fabulous work Ms O'Shea, can't wait for the second book in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2011
Frankie and Addie, even their names are freaking adorable, just as this book is. Sweet romance interlaced with a little humour and angst - the perfect combination. I really liked that they didn't jump into having sex right away, mainly because I'm a big fan of kissing and because it just made their first time that much more special. I'd like to see them again - how about it?
May 31, 2015
3.5 STARS
I enjoyed this but I don't quite know what to make of it yet. I think it needed to be padded out a bit. It felt too rushed and if it were longer it would have rated higher. It's good but also bizarre, but in saying that it's quite original.
I enjoyed this but I don't quite know what to make of it yet. I think it needed to be padded out a bit. It felt too rushed and if it were longer it would have rated higher. It's good but also bizarre, but in saying that it's quite original.
September 14, 2011
4 stars. Very enjoyable read! I thought this book was just adorable. I loved the characters, the plot...the food! Frankie and his magic spoon was just awesome. Recommended!
September 25, 2011
Sweet paranormal m/m romance about a witch/chef who leaves his pretentious family behind in New Orleans to open a restaurant in San Francisco.
April 19, 2015
*** 3.5 Stars ***
So fluffy and sweet I may have a cavity.
So fluffy and sweet I may have a cavity.
April 10, 2023
I loved this story. My only complaint was that it was a little too short. I wanted to spend more time with Addison and Frankie.
May 3, 2023
cute, witchy little romance. all fluff, quick read
May 15, 2013
Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews
It’s funny that in a book full of secrets, including one where the MC is a witch, I found the issue with Julia much the worst! Maybe it is because Frankie is such a sweet character – all he wants to do is work in his restaurant and serve people decent food. Addison on the other hand admits it himself – he’s a puppet. He allows his mother, Julie, his boss, everyone to dictate what he will do and then he does it. The part with his boss especially – you hurt people because someone else tells you to. Basically, he’s a liar and I didn’t want Frankie to be with him. Sigh. It just made Addison seem unlikeable for me. Frankie has the same problem with bossy family (and his can do magic!) but he seemed more willing to do what he wanted, what was right.
When the secrets come to light you hope they can get past it (including Satan mom). Laurent actually sounds like he could be decent and I hope he gets someone who makes him happy. Frankie’s big brother, as well.
The food at L’Osteria di Pomodoro sounds delicious and I would so love to have Frankie cook something for me!
It’s funny that in a book full of secrets, including one where the MC is a witch, I found the issue with Julia much the worst! Maybe it is because Frankie is such a sweet character – all he wants to do is work in his restaurant and serve people decent food. Addison on the other hand admits it himself – he’s a puppet. He allows his mother, Julie, his boss, everyone to dictate what he will do and then he does it. The part with his boss especially – you hurt people because someone else tells you to. Basically, he’s a liar and I didn’t want Frankie to be with him. Sigh. It just made Addison seem unlikeable for me. Frankie has the same problem with bossy family (and his can do magic!) but he seemed more willing to do what he wanted, what was right.
When the secrets come to light you hope they can get past it (including Satan mom). Laurent actually sounds like he could be decent and I hope he gets someone who makes him happy. Frankie’s big brother, as well.
The food at L’Osteria di Pomodoro sounds delicious and I would so love to have Frankie cook something for me!
September 9, 2016
There was something so this ↓ about this book that I L-O-V-E-D!
But then there was just something so, I don't know what to call it, just something off about it that I didn't love.
I am not sure if it was the flow. I am not sure if the background of the story just didn't make sense. I don't know. I feel like it almost needed to be more. If the fiancée was supposed to be such a big part of the story it just fell flat. I expected something major from that storyline. It just fizzled. Both of their mothers were also something I expected something from. I mean, something happened but then that just fizzled as well. Don't get me started on the job! I feel like there were just a lot of loose ends that needed closure.
So, I enjoyed most of this and like I said at the beginning, the Simpy Irresistible vibe was totally welcome. Yum.
But then there was just something so, I don't know what to call it, just something off about it that I didn't love.
I am not sure if it was the flow. I am not sure if the background of the story just didn't make sense. I don't know. I feel like it almost needed to be more. If the fiancée was supposed to be such a big part of the story it just fell flat. I expected something major from that storyline. It just fizzled. Both of their mothers were also something I expected something from. I mean, something happened but then that just fizzled as well. Don't get me started on the job! I feel like there were just a lot of loose ends that needed closure.
So, I enjoyed most of this and like I said at the beginning, the Simpy Irresistible vibe was totally welcome. Yum.
September 16, 2020
I was hooked from the first page. Even following Frankie as he finds the one place where he feels he belongs and opens a restaurant which quickly becomes successful feels magical. But when he meets Addison, that's when the sparks start to fly. The difference between the two men's lives are significant. Addison is in a job he doesn't care about, eating food as a reviewer he dislikes, and in a relationship with a woman who likes to dictate everything from what he eats and wears, to who his friends should be. But meeting Frankie changes everything for Addison and he learns to stand up for himself and goes after what he wants, which is Frankie. Frankie is such an original character. While it took me several chapters to warm up to Addison, I was rooting for Frankie the entire time. A great read!!
January 29, 2014
I didn't know what to expect when I started reading this novella. I really liked the vibe right away. I like books that feature cooking. I felt like I was transported into Frankie's restaurant and enjoying his food along with the other restaurant guests. This was such a charming read.
The story is simple but I liked it. I liked the meddling mothers. Oh and the kissing! Kissing is an art and if done right, it's pretty magical. I loved that Frankie and Addison were so into kissing. The paranormal element gave the book a nice touch. I truly enjoyed this novella. It exceeded my expectations!!!
The story is simple but I liked it. I liked the meddling mothers. Oh and the kissing! Kissing is an art and if done right, it's pretty magical. I loved that Frankie and Addison were so into kissing. The paranormal element gave the book a nice touch. I truly enjoyed this novella. It exceeded my expectations!!!
December 18, 2014
Totally cute story and cute use of accidental magic. I loved Frankie and Addison as a couple. It seemed a little too good to be true for how quick these two worked out their issues but I have to admit it was extremely refreshing not to have pages and pages of ignoring each other before realizing they were being tools. I would have much preferred if Julia found them together one time as I think that could have been hysterical.
November 8, 2016
3.5 Stars
Frankie Vallerand and Addison Allbright. This one was about witches, magic, food, and .... I can't get past the food. The delectable descriptions had me drooling! I loved Frankie; Addison took some getting used to but he eventually came around. Julia and Addy's mom gave me rash.
Bottom line: a deliciously sweet and entertaining read!
Frankie Vallerand and Addison Allbright. This one was about witches, magic, food, and .... I can't get past the food. The delectable descriptions had me drooling! I loved Frankie; Addison took some getting used to but he eventually came around. Julia and Addy's mom gave me rash.
Bottom line: a deliciously sweet and entertaining read!
January 4, 2012
Needs a little more magic. There seems to be some agenda against mothers. The characters were very black and white, and the story development seemed a little rushed.
no-thanks
August 11, 2016I don't like cheating.
May 10, 2013
3.4 stars. A cute novella with quite a few promising aspects that needed substantially further development. The excessive sweetness could have been balanced by a more solid plot.
May 30, 2016
Super cute!
September 30, 2020
I absolutely LOVED this sweet, charming, witty, grab-you-by-the-feels, poignant, engaging, delightful, adorable, magical, simmering, and totally awesome story.
April 6, 2023
Cute magical novella.
A witch/chef meets a food critic and falls in love.
All the food made me hungry and Frankie's restaurant sounds lovely.
FYI: This isn't the cover of the book I read.
A witch/chef meets a food critic and falls in love.
All the food made me hungry and Frankie's restaurant sounds lovely.
FYI: This isn't the cover of the book I read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews